What is a rare disorder. A rare or orphan disease affects fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. There are more than 6,000 rare disorders that together affect approximately 25 million Americans. Fortunately, the people with these conditions-who, with such small numbers, might slip through the cracks of standard research and funding-have someone on their side: the National Organization for Rare Disorders NORD . This organization: 8226; Provides understandable information about rare diseases; 8226; Helps connect patients and their families with support groups; 8226; Offers grants and fellowships to encourage research on rare diseases; and 8226; Helps low-income patients get the medication they need to survive. In 2005, NORD administered the distribution of approximately 130 million worth of medications and 9.8 million worth of co-pay assistance for needy patients through various patient assistance programs. The organization also awarded 14 grants and one fellowship in 2005 with a total value of 486,380 to further advance knowledge and treatment of rare diseases and how to fight them. NORD s Rare Disease Database RDB contains...

There s good news for people at risk for limb amputation due to complications from diabetes: A new laser procedure has been shown to be highly successful in salvaging limbs, thus providing a new alternative in the fight against amputation. More than 1 million people in the U.S. suffer from critical limb ischemia CLI , the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease PAD -a common condition in people with diabetes. CLI is the progressive accumulation of plaque and thrombus in the arteries of the leg, resulting in obstruction of blood flow. Left untreated, the condition can lead to pain, foot ulcers and limb loss. each year, directly stemming from CLI-and many of them are preventable. CLiRpath Cool Laser Revascularization for Peripheral Artery Therapy uses a cool excimer laser to treat arterial blockages common in CLI. The laser catheter is fed down patients leg arteries to the blockage that is causing their wounds and pain. CLiRpath vaporizes the blockage, allowing blood flow to resume, which may increase the chances that wounds can heal, limbs can be saved and patients psychological and physical well-being can be...

A surgical procedure can be a frightening experience for any parent and their child, specially for a child with autism syndrome. If your child needs a surgical procedure with anesthesia, you must know that anesthesia can be broken down into three basic types: general anesthesia, regional anesthesia and sedation anesthesia. There are some suggestions and information for parents that have children with autism syndrome. First of all you must schedule a preoperative visit with your child s anesthesiologist or call him. You may speak with the anesthesiologist that will take care of your child or ask that child s anesthesiologist could call you before the date of surgery. To reduce stress and anxiety you must discuss about your child s particular needs, fears, communication level and ability to understand what is happening so that your child with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia can be prepared for the event. If your child with autism syndrome is on medication, the anesthesiologist will have some directions for your child. It is important for a child with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia not to have food before surgery...

Winter is hard on the feet. Not only are your feet confined to woolly socks and heavy boots, they also are more prone to infection. Two of the most common ailments are fungal nails and ingrown toenails. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, approximately 2.5 million people are treated each year for fungal infections of the toenails, and there may be millions of cases that go unreported. A fungal infection takes hold underneath the surface of the nail, and is more prevalent during colder weather because heavy socks promote moisture. If moisture gets trapped under the nail, it can become stagnant and unhealthy - an ideal place for fungi to thrive. The first sign of infection is a change in the nail s color; it may have white markings or become a darker hue. While some fungal infections can be treated with oral and topical medications, other cases may require a doctor s attention. Ingrown toenails are those that have typically been trimmed improperly and whose corners or sides dig into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often leading to irritation, redness and swelling. It is important to remember to cut all...