Sexually Transmitted Diseases

An informative look at recent Holistic Fitness News

DR KAPLAN'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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This week's medical news wasn't exactly inspiring. Early in the week it was reported that the incidence of STD's (sexually transmitted diseases) in the UK was soaring at an all-time high. Aids included of course, but it seems that syphilis, the scourge of the 19th century is making a big come back.

Syphilis used to be one of the most feared diseases of all time. Only tuberculosis could compete with it as a plague until, in the 1930s, a Scot by the name of Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. Soon the men in white coats found that syphilis could be cured with one dose of intramuscular penicillin. This is one of medical science's greatest victories. A devastating disease, put to the sword by a treatment that can be given in 10 seconds and doesn't have to be repeated!

However, to treat it, it first has to be diagnosed. And that is why it is so important to be checked by a doctor if you have any doubt about having an STD. Most STD's can be treated successfully so it's ridiculous to be scared or embarrassed to consult a doctor if you have any doubt.

Homeopathy Awareness Week

This coming week 14-21 June is Homeopathy Awareness Week so I thought I'd give you some interesting facts about homeopathy, its history in the UK and useful links on the internet.

• Homeopathy is 193 years old having been discovered in 1810 by a German physician called Samuel Hahnemann
• The basic principle of homeopathy is 'treating like with like' Substances that can cause symptoms can also be used (in very small doses) to treat patients who present with those symptoms.
• Homeopathy has always been controversial because of the tiny doses used. Orthodox doctors say it cannot work because the doses are ridiculously small. Homeopaths say they cannot explain how it works, but that does not mean that it doesn't work. Trials of homeopathy have had mixed results but the overall assessment (meta analysis) is generally on the positive side.
• Homeopathy was brought to England by an aristocratic Victorian physician, called Frederick Foster Harvey Quin. He mixed in high circles and soon befriended the Prince of Wales. Thus, the Royal Family became homeopathic patients right at the start. The Queen and Prince Charles are firm believers in homeopathy and the late Queen was a patron of the British Homeopathic Association. (For a biography of this amazing man, you might want to read the article I wrote about him on http://www.drkaplan.co.uk/spec_fea/quin.htm)
• Ever since Quin there has always been a Royal Homeopathic Doctor and the post is currently held by Dr Peter Fisher.
• The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital is unique in having several homeopathic hospitals staffed by medical doctors specializing in homeopathy. London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol and Tunbridge Wells all have NHS homeopathic hospitals.
• There are three main categories of homeopaths.
  1. Medical doctors trained in homeopathy
  2. Non-medically qualified practitioners (NMQPs) who prefer to be called 'Professional Homeopaths' which is fair enough as it distinguishes them from people using homeopathy without any training at all.
  3. People without any training, using homeopathy. This is possible because homeopathic remedies are largely available over the counter (OTC).

USEFUL HOMEOPATHIC LINKS

http://www.homeopathyawareness.com
website dedicated to homeopathy awareness week June 14-21

http://www.trusthomeopathy.org
An excellent medical homeopathy site loaded with information on homeopathy and how to locate a homeopathic doctor.

http://www.hptg.co.uk
A site for doctors, vets and nurses wanting to study homeopathy.

Dr Kaplan's personal website is: www.drkaplan.co.uk and his practice website is www.140harleystreet.co.uk and he can be contacted on (020) 7487 3416