5 ways every millennial can help stomp out HIV and AIDS

Why are so many teens and 20-somethings indifferent about HIV?

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/millennials-can-help-stomp-out-hiv-and-aids/

Human Brains Aren't Distinctly Male or Female, Study Says

Instead, researchers find 'mosaic' of masculine, feminine traits

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20151130/human-brains-arent-distinctly-male-or-female-study-says?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Some sugar-free sodas and candy can still damage teeth

If you switched to sugarless treats to avoid cavities, this study has some bad news

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/some-sugar-free-sodas-and-candy-can-still-damage-teeth/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Food Diaries

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBWtzV-__jU

Can Weight Loss Treatments Help Binge Eaters?

Many people who binge eat are overweight or obese. Can weight loss surgery or medications treat obesity in binge eaters? Here’s what some doctors say.

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder/features/weight-loss-treatments-binge-eaters?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Rural America at a Glance, 2015 Edition

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2015—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released the following statement on Rural America At A Glance, 2015 Edition, an annual report by USDA’s Economic Research Service:

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/11/0331.xml&contentidonly=true

Stem cell treatment appears to cure "bubble baby" disease

Baby Evangelina was born with a genetic condition that decimated her immune system, but is now thriving after an experimental treatment

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/stem-cell-treatment-appears-to-cure-bubble-baby-disease/

"Bubble baby" stem cell treatment looks like a cure

Little girl born with almost no immune system is now a healthy 3-year-old

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/experimental-bubble-baby-treatment-looks-like-a-cure/

Internal Medicine Board Review 2016

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-8J1hCxUZ0

After Concussion Symptoms Fade, Slowed Blood Flow in Brain May Persist

But preliminary study doesn't determine whether that is cause for concern, experts say

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20151130/after-concussion-symptoms-fade-slowed-blood-flow-in-brain-may-persist?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Statement from Secretary Tom Vilsack on Finalization of the Renewable Fuel Standard

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2015—Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s finalization of the Renewable Fuel Standard volume requirements:

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/11/0330.xml&contentidonly=true

Pope Francis dodges question of condoms in AIDS fight

Pontiff says there's more important issues to discuss than whether the Church's position on contraception has made AIDS crisis in Africa worse

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pope-francis-dodges-question-condoms-aids-hiv/

New York City salt warnings take effect this week

Will warning signs on restaurant menus change people's eating habits?

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-city-salt-warnings-take-effect-this-week/

Understanding Lewy Body Dementia

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QtxKzeLLss

Mayo Clinic Minute: Lewy Body Dementia 101

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRVX1R47L3c

Lewy Body Dementia: Most Common Disorder You’ve Never Heard Of

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMxK5Ll0IHw

Geneticist Jennifer Doudna on paving a path for women in science

Doudna, credited with developing the gene-editing CRISPR technology, opens up to “CBS This Morning” co-host Norah O’Donnell

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/geneticist-jennifer-doudna-on-paving-a-path-for-women-in-science/

Seriously ill baby gets the best gift of all

Mom has been waiting months to cradle her daughter

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/seriously-ill-baby-gets-the-best-gift-of-all/

Hannah's Hugs: Blankets for Chemotherapy Patients

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPoy7vnSRy0

Synthetic drug "Spice" sickens over a dozen in Calif.

At least 14 people in the San Diego area are suspected to have overdosed this weekend, officials say

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/synthetic-drug-spice-sickens-over-a-dozen-in-california/

Weight Loss May Spare Knee Cartilage, Study Finds

Losing more than 10 percent of body weight was linked to slower degeneration of cushioning in joints

From: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/news/20151130/weight-loss-may-spare-knee-cartilage-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Teens More Cautious About Sex When Parents Set Rules, Study Finds

Kids tend to delay sex if Mom and Dad keep an eye on what they're doing, who they're with

From: http://teens.webmd.com/news/20151130/teens-more-cautious-about-sex-when-parents-set-rules-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Dogs May Ease a Child's Fears

Kids with pets in the home were less likely to test positive for anxiety than those without, study found

From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20151129/dogs-may-ease-a-childs-fears?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Sweat to Help Reduce Your Risk for Prostate Cancer

Vigorous exercise, nutritious diet lower odds for deadly forms of the disease, research suggests

From: http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20151127/sweat-to-help-reduce-your-risk-for-prostate-cancer?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Too Much Sitting Hurts Heart Patients' Health

Exercise doesn't mitigate effects of sedentary lifestyle, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20151126/too-much-sitting-hurts-heart-patients-health?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Bono, Clooney, Kardashian entice fans to fight AIDS

Star-studded fundraising campaign offers "once-in-a-lifetime experiences" and sends message: AIDS is not over

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bono-clooney-kardashian-fans-fight-aids/

Promise and peril of gene-editing technology CRISPR

CRISPR could help rid of diseases like cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and even HIV and cancer

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/promise-and-peril-of-gene-editing-technology-crispr/

Do statins interfere with the flu vaccine?

Statins are powerful, unusual, and, like El Niño and Tom Cruise, not well understood. Statins have a huge upside. They improve survival after heart attacks and lower the risk of recurrent strokes. They are also the only cholesterol-lowering medications that have been clearly shown to reduce heart attacks and deaths in high-risk patients without heart disease. In addition to reducing cholesterol, statins also lower levels of inflammation in the body. Reducing inflammation probably helps statins to prevent heart attack and stroke. However, evidence is emerging that these statin effects may also have a downside, hindering the ability of the immune system to fight infections.

Teasing out the relationship between statins and immune response

Two recent studies examined the relationship between statins and the immune response to influenza vaccine. For the first study, researchers at Emory University looked at a large database of patients in a managed care organization to see if there was a connection between statin use, flu vaccination, and the frequency of doctor visits for flu-like illnesses. They found that patients who received the flu vaccine were more likely to seek treatment for a respiratory illness during flu season if they were also taking a statin, compared with patients who had received the flu vaccine but were not taking statins. This suggests that patients on statins may not have responded as well to the flu vaccine as those who didn’t take the cholesterol-lowering drug.

The other study provided concrete evidence of the weaker immune response to the flu vaccine in people taking statins. For this study, researchers looked at data from over 5,000 patients enrolled in a clinical trial of a new flu vaccine. They found that levels of antibodies directed against the influenza virus were lower in patients taking statins, compared with patients who were not taking statins.

Both of these studies had one major limitation. Patients taking statins were more likely to have serious underlying diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD, neurologic disorders, or kidney disease, compared with patients not taking statins. So the poor response to flu vaccine and the apparent greater risk of flu-like illness in patients on statins could have been the result of their high burden of chronic disease, and not their statin therapy. Of note, one randomized trial in healthy young volunteers showed no effect of statin therapy on antibody responses to the hepatitis A vaccine.

There is also a bewildering variety of other research about statins and their effects on the human immune response. At various points, statins have been associated with each of the following: a lower risk of dying from influenza; a lower risk of dying from influenza in some years, but not others; a slightly increased risk of shingles (herpes zoster); a lower risk of pneumonia; neutral effects on pneumonia risk; and a lower risk of dying from pneumonia.

But don’t quit your statin just yet…

Based on current evidence, I don’t think we need to change how we prescribe statins, which are tremendously beneficial drugs, but we do need more information about how statins influence the risk of infection. Patients taking statins may want to consider getting the high-dose influenza vaccine, which results in higher antibody levels and greater protection against the flu, compared to standard-dose vaccine.

Related Posts:

• Cholesterol and statins: it’s no longer just about the
• Combination of a cholesterol-lowering statin and ezetimibe…
• Studies support broader use of cholesterol-lowering statins
• Get the flu vaccine, reduce your risk of death
• This year’s flu vaccine “disappointing”…

The post Do statins interfere with the flu vaccine? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: John Ross, MD, FIDSA http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/do-statins-interfere-with-the-flu-vaccine-201511308695

Celery-Onion Blend Is Cause of E.Coli Outbreak Tied to Costco Chicken Salad: CDC

Agency says samples of the salad ingredient tested positive for the bacteria and product has been recalled

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/20151127/celery-onion-blend-is-cause-of-ecoli-outbreak-tied-to-costco-chicken-salad-cdc?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Could revolutionary gene-editing technology end cancer?

CRISPR could help get rid of diseases, but the woman credited with developing the technology is among the scientists calling for a moratorium on its use

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/crispr-jennifer-doudna-gene-editing-technology-diseases-dangers-ethics/

WHO: TDR - Climate change research to prevent sleeping sickness outbreaks in Tanzania

From: World Health Organization http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0Eiusy7WdU

Accelerate expansion of antiretroviral therapy to all people living with HIV: WHO

On World AIDS Day WHO emphasizes that expanding antiretroviral therapy to all people living with HIV is key to ending the AIDS epidemic within a generation.

“The Millennium Development Goal of reversing the HIV epidemic was reached ahead of the 2015 deadline - an incredible achievement that testifies to the power of national action and international solidarity," declared WHO Director General, Margaret Chan.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2015/antiretroviral-therapy-hiv/en/index.html

Architect losses sight, but not his "vision"

Successful architect Chris Downey lost his sight due to cancer, but he has not let it sideline his career

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/architect-losses-sight-but-not-his-vision/

Artificial irises let people see in a different light

Irises give eyes their color and regulate the amount of light that enters the eye

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/artificial-irises-let-people-see-in-a-different-light/

Prosthetic iris gives man new view of the world

A groundbreaking surgery at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia is allowing patients with missing or damaged irises the chance to see better

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/prosthetic-iris-gives-man-new-view-of-the-world/

Cleansing, diet fads may not be as healthy as they seem

Juicing, cleansing and fad diets continue to grow in popularity, but they may not be the best way to re-boot your body.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cleansing-diet-fads-may-not-be-as-healthy-as-they-seem/

Turing CEO will keep high Daraprim price for individuals

There is more controversy over prescription drug prices and Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli. Shkreli caused a public uproar when he drastically raised the price of a lifesaving drug for cancer and AIDS patients

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/turing-ceo-will-keep-high-daraprim-price-for-individuals/

Mosquito-born virus may cause brain swelling, death

Experts warn travelers should be aware of the potentially deadly chikungunya virus, for which there is no vaccine

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mosquito-born-virus-may-cause-brain-swelling-death/

Experimental brain cancer treatment offers family hope

Doctors are delivering chemotherapy drugs directly into the tumors of people with a highly aggressive form of brain cancer

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/experimental-brain-cancer-treatment-offers-family-hope/

E-Cigarettes: Health and Safety Issues

WebMD discusses pros and cons of e-cigarettes and whether they're truly safe or not.

From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/features/electronic-cigarettes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Wheelchair users more likely to die in car crashes

Experts say communities need to be better designed to allow people with disabilities to travel roads safely

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/wheelchair-users-more-likely-to-die-in-car-crashes/

Experimental drug treatment offers hope to man with brain cancer

A new clinical trial is giving hope to people with a highly aggressive type of brain cancer

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/experimental-drug-treatment-offers-hope-to-man-with-brain-cancer/

Obesity in youth may harm health later in life

Even if overweight young people slim down, obesity-linked heart damage may linger for years, new research suggests

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obesity-in-youth-may-harm-health-later-in-life-even-after-weight-loss/

Death row inmate fights for hip-replacement surgery

Robert Foley, convicted of killing six people, wants Kentucky to pay for $50,000 surgery

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/death-row-inmate-fights-for-hip-replacement-surgery/

Teaching gratitude this holiday season – and all year long

(Follow me at @drClaire)

For most children, the holidays are, well, about presents. It’s understandable; it was certainly my favorite part of the holidays when I was growing up. But sometimes expectations can get out of hand. And often parents find themselves wondering why their children aren’t a bit more grateful for what they have.

Gratitude is important — and not just because it’s a good social grace to have. It’s also essential for overall happiness. When we’re grateful, we understand that there are still good things in our lives even when things don’t work out the way we’d hoped (like when we don’t get that cool toy — or that cool job). If we don’t understand and practice gratitude, we will always feel like there is more we should have, no matter what we have already.

Gratitude has to be taught — and it takes practice. This holiday season, why don’t you make it part of your family’s routine and culture? Here are some suggestions to help:

• When buying gifts, buy some for a shelter or a toy drive. Let your child help pick them out and deliver them.
• Take your child holiday grocery shopping. Buy extra food. Bring your child with you when you take it to the food pantry.
• Before the holidays, go through old toys and clothes to “make room” for new things. Give away whatever you can to shelters and other charities. Involve your child in all of this, too.
• With your child, make a list of all the people who help him or her, or are special to him or her. Find ways to acknowledge them during the holidays. For example, bake cookies together to give away.
• Make sure that your child always says “please” and “thank you.” It’s a little thing, but it makes a difference.
• Always have your child write thank-you notes (or draw thank-you pictures, if they can’t write yet) for presents they get.
• Give children chores to do, starting when they are small. It helps them understand that families involve work — and helps them to be more grateful for the work that other people do for them around the house.
• Create a daily ritual of gratitude. If you are part of a faith tradition, consider having nightly prayers. And make sure that one part of those prayers involves listing some things you are grateful for. If you’re not part of a faith tradition, try something like what my friend Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson does with her children: Every day, each person in the family talks about their “BPOD,” or Best Part of Day. The very act of stopping to think of what your BPOD is helps to teach gratitude.
• Make sure you talk about what you are grateful for as well. As with all things, kids pay more attention to what we do than what we say.

You may just find that as you teach your child gratitude, you become more grateful yourself. This is a wonderful way to not only bring your child happiness in life, but also make your life happier, too.

Related Posts:

• Looking for Autism
• 10 tips for mindful eating — just in time for the holidays
• Is it ADHD—or Autism?
• Many babies and toddlers use mobile devices every day
• Protecting your children against Enterovirus D68

The post Teaching gratitude this holiday season – and all year long appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/teaching-gratitude-this-holiday-season-and-all-year-long-201511278690

Fitness: Tips for staying motivated

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/fitness/art-20047624

​Farm recalls produce in Costco chicken salad linked to E. coli

FDA says vegetable mix believed to be source of outbreak is also used in products sold at Costco, Target, Starbucks and many other outlets

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/costco-e-coli-outbreak-farm-recalls-produce-used-in-chicken-salad/

Consumers face surging costs for skin care drugs

With prices for common skin condition treatments soaring in recent years, many Americans are unable to afford prescriptions

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/consumers-face-surging-costs-for-skin-care-drugs/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Screen Time Solutions

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrk-yn5QcmY

Mayo Clinic Minute: Tryptophan Facts

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G5O4ehOP_k

Tests zero in on source of E. coli in Costco chicken salad

Investigators believe they know which ingredient sickened at least 19 people in 7 states

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tests-zero-in-on-source-of-e-coli-in-costco-chicken-salad/

Why an attitude of gratitude helps your health

Studies suggest it can help relieve stress, improve your mood and boost your health all year round

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/why-an-attitude-of-gratitude-helps-your-health/

After rare surgery, a special Thanksgiving

16-year-old Nicolette Wechsler has extra reasons to be thankful after years of suffering from a rare tumor that left her unable to eat or even smile

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/after-rare-surgery-a-special-thanksgiving/

Statement on the Seventh IHR Emergency Committee meeting regarding the international spread of poliovirus

The seventh meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) regarding the international spread of poliovirus was convened via teleconference by the Director-General on 10 November 2015. The Director General of WHO had noted the concerns expressed by the Emergency Committee in its August 2015 report with respect to circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV). In response, she convened this meeting of the Emergency Committee with broader terms than was previously the case to also look at outbreaks of cVDPV. During the current polio endgame cVDPVs reflect serious gaps in immunity to poliovirus due to weaknesses in routine immunization coverage in otherwise polio-free countries. Moreover, there is a particular urgency to stopping type 2 cVDPV in advance of the globally synchronized withdrawal of type 2 OPV in April 2016.

The following IHR States Parties submitted an update on the implementation of the Temporary Recommendations since the Committee last met on 4 August 2015: Afghanistan and Pakistan. The following IHR State Parties were invited to present their views to the committee and all except South Sudan submitted reports on measures and plans to stop circulating vaccine derived poliovirus: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Ukraine and Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2015/ihr-ec-poliovirus/en/index.html

Prednisone and other corticosteroids

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/steroids/art-20045692

This May Not Help Prevent Repeat Miscarriage

Findings likely to disappoint many couples, researcher says

From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20151125/progesterone-may-not-help-prevent-repeat-miscarriage-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Those in 50s Largest Group Battling Drug Addiction

Big jump also seen in those aged 60 and older needing treatment for painkiller, heroin abuse

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20151125/those-in-their-50s-now-largest-group-battling-addiction-to-narcotics-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Obesity in Youth May Harm the Heart Long-Term

Risk of sudden cardiac death was still higher, decades after women had lost the pounds, study found

From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20151125/obesity-in-youth-may-harm-the-heart-long-term-even-after-weight-loss?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Drug Helps Those With Tough-to-Treat Schizophrenia

Clozapine already approved for use after other antipsychotics don't work

From: http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/news/20151125/drug-helps-those-with-tough-to-treat-schizophrenia-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Prisons offer yoga to help rehabilitate inmates

Danny Plunkett is 26 years into a prison sentence for murder and robbery -- and three years into his yoga practice

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/prisons-implement-yoga-programs-to-help-rehabilitate-inmates/

HGTV's Tarek El Moussa meets fan who spotted cancer

​Tarek El Moussa has the best fan ever: Ryan, a "Flip or Flop" viewer, saved his life

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hgtvs-tarek-el-moussa-meets-fan-who-spotted-cancer/

Abortion rates in the U.S. continue to decline

Experts say drop in abortions could be because of factors such as the better use of birth control and the lingering effects of the economic recession

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-abortion-rate-continues-to-drop/

Yoga helping prisoners find peace

Inmates at California's San Quentin prison are working to find their zen place through yoga sessions

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/yoga-helping-prisoners-find-peace/

Family: NFL Hall of Famer Frank Gifford had CTE in his brain

Former Giants player one of highest profile players to be connected with concussion-related brain disease

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-giant-frank-gifford-had-cte-in-his-brain/

For parents on the fence, it's time to get that puppy

Pediatricians weigh in on the benefits to kids from having a dog

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/for-parents-on-the-fence-you-may-want-to-get-that-puppy-now/

Advice for aging boomers: Let your pet carry some of the load

Movement to improve care for older pets has been going on for some time; but idea of training pets to help out aging baby boomers is relatively new

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/as-you-get-older-let-your-pet-carry-some-of-the-load/

Ecstasy victim's plea to avoid party drug goes viral

Young Australian posts stuttering, body-shaking video as a warning for would-be users

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-pleads-on-facebook-avoid-ecstasy/

Could My Medications Cause Vision Problems?

A lot of medications could affect your eyes. WebMD tells you how and what you can do about it.

From: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/features/medications-cause-vision-problems?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What do your eyes say about your health?

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. But did you know they can also tell you a lot about your health? WebMD takes a look at some common eye conditions and what they say about your health.

From: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/features/what-your-eyes-say-about-your-health?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Post-Op Bacterial Infection Ups Complications Risk

Clostridium difficile can be devastating to patients recovering from surgery, experts say

From: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20151125/post-op-bacterial-infection-raises-odds-for-complications-death?src=RSS_PUBLIC

E. Coli Linked to Costco Chicken Salad Sickens 19

CDC still tracking down specific ingredient that may harbor the germ

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/20151125/e-coli-linked-to-costco-chicken-salad-sickens-19-in-seven-states?src=RSS_PUBLIC

WHO launches toolkit to help countries respond to sexual violence

On 25 November, WHO joins partners in calling for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls to ensure their health, well-being and human rights.

“WHO strongly condemns violence against women and girls and supports partners and countries’ efforts towards the de-normalization of this type of violence. Ensuring equality between women and men is a crucial part of these efforts,” said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/notes/2015/sexual-violence-elimination/en/index.html

Women starting to match men's drinking habits

The gender gap in alcohol consumption is closing, new research shows, putting women's health at greater risk

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/women-starting-to-match-mens-drinking-habits/

As HMOs Dominate, Alternatives Get Costlier

A KHN analysis finds a sharp difference in premium prices between plans that offer out-of-network care and those that do not.

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20151125/as-hmos-dominate-alternatives-become-more-expensive?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Your Memory Lives On; A Time of Remembrance

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_ecLBd7urE

Gluten in Makeup: Does it Matter?

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGxjFx5eQF4

USDA Week In Review November 27

From: USDA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWuySjtYGyw

Constant Traffic Noise May Boost Depression Risk

Vulnerability is higher among those with a low education and income, researchers report

From: http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20151125/constant-traffic-noise-may-boost-depression-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

The myth of the Hippocratic Oath

Soon after his shootout with police in 2013, one of the suspected Boston Marathon bombers was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. A reporter covering the story described how, despite the heinous crimes of which he’d been accused, doctors would work hard to save his life because they’d taken an oath to do so. I knew she was referring to the Hippocratic Oath. But I also knew she was wrong.

There was a good chance that these doctors had never taken the Hippocratic Oath, but even if they had, there’s nothing in the oath that specifically obligates them to provide care for suspected criminals.

Perhaps it should, but it doesn’t.

In fact, the modern-day Hippocratic Oath covers only a few issues relevant to the ethical practice of medicine. It does cover some important stuff. Some of that stuff is controversial, and has been liberally revised. But plenty is simply left out from the original.

What is the Hippocratic Oath?

The Hippocratic Oath is named after the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. He is widely considered to be its author, although its true origins are uncertain; it may have been written by one of his students or by more than one person. It represents a time-honored guideline for physicians and other healthcare professionals as they begin or end their training. By swearing to follow the principles spelled out in the oath, healthcare professionals promise to behave honestly and ethically.

Those taking the “original” Hippocratic Oath promise to:

• respect and support their teachers
• share medical knowledge with others who are interested
• use their knowledge of medicine and diet to help patients
• avoid harming patients, including providing no “deadly medicine” even if requested to do so
• not provide a “remedy” that causes an abortion
• seek help from other physicians (such as a surgeon) when necessary
• avoid “mischief,” “injustice,” and “sexual relations” during visits to patients’ homes
• keep patient information confidential.

More modern revisions have avoided any mention of abortion and, as in a popular 1964 revision (by Dr. Louis Lasagna, a physician at Johns Hopkins University), treated euthanasia with more nuance:

“…it may…be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.”

In addition, Dr. Lasagna encouraged a holistic and preventive approach to care:

“I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick. I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.”

What’s missing?

Today’s doctors face a number of important ethical issues that are not included in the Hippocratic Oath. For example, it makes no mention of:

• honoring patients’ preferences
• sharing medical information with patients
• avoiding conflicts of interest, such as profiting by ordering unnecessary tests or treatments
• protecting patients who enroll in research studies
• treating all patients equally, regardless of ability to pay, social class, education, race, or suspicion of criminality
• avoiding the practice of medicine while impaired (due to physical or psychological disease).

Who takes the oath?

According to a 1989 survey, barely half of U.S. medical schools used any form of the Hippocratic Oath and only 2% used the original. In a 2011 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, about 80% of practicing physicians reported participating in an oath ceremony, but only a quarter felt that the oath significantly affected how they practiced.

Beyond the Hippocratic Oath

In the United States, when newly matriculating medical students are draped in their freshly starched white coats, an oath of some kind is often read as part of the ceremony. But there is far more for these new trainees to learn and understand than a passage as brief or as ancient as the Hippocratic Oath could capture. Today, health professionals routinely encounter ethical challenges in modern clinical practice. Rather than rely on well-intentioned but outdated principles, they must call upon their experience and training, widely-accepted modern guidelines, the advice of mentors, and their personal sense of right and wrong to figure out what to do. Fortunately, there are many useful resources beyond the Hippocratic Oath to help guide them in the right direction.

Related Posts:

• First, do no harm
• A checkup for the checkup: Do you really need a yearly…
• Ask questions to get the most out of a health care visit
• When caring for a loved one, many caregivers go it alone
• Base shared decision making on good information, personal…

The post The myth of the Hippocratic Oath appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Robert Shmerling, M.D. http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-myth-of-the-hippocratic-oath-201511258447

Statement from Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden on the Passing of Dr. D.D. Hardee

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2015—Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today released the following statement on the passing of Dr. D.D. “Dick” Hardee, the research entomologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service who led the team that developed the boll weevil pheromone trap that helped eradicate the pest from the U.S. Cotton Belt:

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/11/0329.xml&contentidonly=true

Infant deaths from crib bumpers on the rise

Experts call for a ban of the popular bedding accessory for babies

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/infant-deaths-from-crib-bumpers-on-the-rise/

Weekend Childbirth Riskier, British Study Suggests

Infant deaths, maternal infections lower on weekdays, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20151124/weekend-childbirth-riskier-british-study-suggests?src=RSS_PUBLIC

E. coli in seven states linked to Costco chicken salad

Nineteen people across the country have become sick, with two developing kidney failure

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/e-coli-in-seven-states-linked-to-costco-chicken-salad/

Twitter halts office blood drives over ban on gay donors

Company says it won't participate as long as FDA policy bars gay and bisexual men

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/twitter-halts-office-blood-drives-until-gay-bisexual-employees-can-give-too/

E. Coli Cases Linked to Costco Chicken Salad

E. Coli Cases Linked to Costco Chicken Salad

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/20151124/ecoli-costco-chicken-salad?src=RSS_PUBLIC

E. coli outbreak linked to Costco chicken salad

At least 19 people in 7 states have been sickened in the latest E. coli outbreak

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/e-coli-linked-to-costco-chicken-salad/

Is giving birth on the weekend riskier?

The "weekend effect" needs more research, experts say, after latest study from the UK raises concerns

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-giving-birth-on-the-weekend-riskier/

Doctors recount treating casualties of Paris attacks

"We did not know how and when this nightmare would end," but doctors put their emergency plan into action

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctors-recount-treating-casualties-of-paris-terror-attacks/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nxMiDPfaGA

Time to toss your specs and go natural? It’s not that simple

There’s a big debate about the idea that you can correct your vision naturally, without glasses. Does it work? WebMD looks at both sides of the controversy.

From: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/features/natural-vision-correction-does-it-work?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Melatonin Might Help Sleepless Kids With Eczema

But treating skin condition is still best approach, expert says

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20151124/melatonin-might-help-sleepless-kids-with-eczema-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

More May Benefit from HIV Prevention Pill Truvada

Medication can prevent infection with the virus in people at high risk

From: http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20151124/more-could-benefit-from-hiv-prevention-pill-truvada?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Adults With This May Face Higher Stroke Risk

Researchers urge these patients to visit a cardiologist regularly

From: http://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20151124/adults-with-heart-defects-may-face-higher-risk-of-stroke-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Statement from Secretary Tom Vilsack on Updated 2015 U.S. Farm Income Forecast

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2015 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today made the following statement:

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/11/0328.xml&contentidonly=true

Can Loneliness Shorten Your Life?

Being lonely can trigger cellular changes in your body that increase your chances of getting ill and not living as long as you could have, according to a new study. WebMD has the details.

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20151124/loneliness-death?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Man seriously injured by e-cigarette explosion

Safety officials say e-cigarette explosions and fires are rare - but the impact can be devastating

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-seriously-injured-by-e-cigarette-explosion/

Preventing Hockey Injuries - Mayo Clinic

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU7C9t3PGHs

Ban Crib Bumpers Because of Rising Deaths: Study

Many of these fatalities were preventable, study reveals

From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20151124/ban-crib-bumpers-because-of-rising-deaths-researchers-say?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Breast-feeding may cut moms' risk of type 2 diabetes

For women who experienced gestational diabetes, breast-feeding may offer some protective benefits

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/breast-feeding-may-cut-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/

Alzheimer's-Linked Brain Plaques and Blood Flow

Amyloid beta clumps may constrict blood flow, adding to neurological woes, animal studies suggest

From: http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20151124/alzheimers-linked-brain-plaques-may-also-slow-blood-flow?src=RSS_PUBLIC

"Concussion" author talks football brain injuries, NFL response

Jeanne Marie Laskas' book will premiere as a movie starring Will Smith next month

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/concussion-author-talks-football-brain-injuries-nfl-response/

Is caffeine in pregnancy safe for baby's IQ?

How much coffee is OK when expecting? A new study weighs in

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/caffeine-coffee-pregnancy-safe-for-babys-iq/

8 Tips for Traveling With Psoriasis

Traveling with psoriasis? WebMD has the keys to help you -- and your skin have a smooth trip.

From: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/features/psoriasis-travel-tips?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Genetic Testing for Inherited Non Age-Related Macular Degeneration

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDytMAyW7ik

Is Obesity Wired Into Some Children's Brains?

Food smells elicit stronger reactions in heavier kids, small study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20151124/could-obesity-be-wired-into-some-childrens-brains?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Could PMS Raise Women's High Blood Pressure Risk?

Study found rise in odds for hypertension in those with moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome

From: http://www.webmd.com/women/news/20151124/could-pms-raise-womens-risk-for-high-blood-pressure?src=RSS_PUBLIC

10 tips for mindful eating — just in time for the holidays

Leftover Halloween candy. Marathon Thanksgiving meals. Up-for-grabs office chocolates. One holiday party followed by another…and another.

Whether you want to avoid overeating and gaining those extra pounds, you need to control your blood sugar (for example, if you have diabetes), or you simply wish to consume only what your body requires, the holiday season can make that goal challenging.

But mindful eating might help you reach it.

Mindfulness refers to the practice of being aware and in the moment. All too often, our thoughts wander somewhere other than where we are in the moment. Perhaps we are preoccupied with what happened an hour ago, worried about what might happen tomorrow, or stressed over what we need to do next week. Mindfulness encourages us to notice these preoccupations, and then to gently bring ourselves back to the now.

Mindfulness can help you fully enjoy a meal and the experience of eating — with moderation and restraint. Some studies suggest that mindfulness-based practices help improve eating habits. For those who binge-eat or eat for comfort or out of stress, mindful eating may even aid with weight loss.

Here are 10 tips for more mindful eating. Not all of these tips may feel right for you — try a few and see how they work.

1.  Reflect.

Before you begin eating, take a moment to reflect upon how you feel. Are you rushed? Stressed? Sad? Bored? Hungry? What are your wants, and what are your needs? Differentiate between the two. After you have taken this moment to reflect, then you can choose if you want to eat, what you want to eat, and how you want to eat.

2. Sit down.

Don’t eat on the go. Have a seat. You’re less likely to appreciate your food when you are multi-tasking. It’s also difficult to keep track of how much you are eating when you snack on the go.

3. Turn off the TV (and everything else with a screen).

Have you ever glanced down from your phone or tablet or computer, only to wonder where all the food went? These distractions make us less aware of what and how much we are eating.

4. Serve out your portions.

Resist eating straight from the bag or the box. Not only is it easier to overeat when you can’t see how much you’ve had, but it is also harder to fully appreciate your food when it is hidden from view.

5. Pick the smaller plate.

You might crave less if you see less. Smaller plates will help you with your portion control — an especially good strategy for those all-you-can-eat buffets.

6. Give gratitude.

Before you start to eat, pause and take a moment to acknowledge the labor that went into providing your meal — be it thanks to the farmers, the factory workers, the animals, mother Earth, the chefs, or even your companions at the table.

7. Chew 30 times.

Try to get 30 chews out of each bite. (30 is a rough guide, as it might be difficult to get even 10 chews out of a mouthful of oatmeal!) Take time to enjoy the flavors and textures in your mouth before you swallow. This may also help prevent overeating by giving your gut time to send messages to the brain to say you’re full.

8. Put down your utensil.

Often, we are already preparing the next morsel with our fork and knife while we are still on our previous bite. Try putting down your utensils after each bite, and don’t pick them back up until you have enjoyed and swallowed what you already have in your mouth.

9. Resign from the Clean Plate Club.

Many of us were brought up to finish everything on our plate and were not allowed to leave the table until we did. It’s okay to cancel your membership to the Clean Plate Club. Consider packing the leftovers to go, or just leaving the last few bites. Even though nobody likes to waste food, overstuffing yourself won’t help those in need. (This is also where Tip #5 comes in handy.)

10. Silence.

Try eating your meals in silence once in a while. When it’s quiet, it is natural for the mind to wander; acknowledge these thoughts, and then see if you can gently return to your experience of eating. Be conscious of the food’s consistency, flavor, tastes, and smells, and fully appreciate the moment. Of course, mealtime can be an important time for sharing the day when the whole household gathers, so having an entire meal in silence might be impractical or just feel awkward. But even spending the first five to 10 minutes in silence can be refreshing and set a grateful tone for the rest of the meal.

Mindfulness offers many benefits throughout the year, but can be especially helpful during the holidays, even beyond healthful eating. Purposefully focusing your attention on the present can help you embrace companionship, connectivity, and overall contentment and help make the season more meaningful for you.

 

Related Posts:

• Distracted eating may add to weight gain
• Making peace with holiday buffets
• A mindful worker is a happier worker
• Survival skills for all-you-can-eat buffets
• 12 tips for holiday eating

The post 10 tips for mindful eating — just in time for the holidays appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Wynne Armand, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-mindful-eating-just-in-time-for-the-holidays-201511248698

Chronic Fatigue Therapies Provide Some With Relief

Study shows benefits from certain treatments can last more than two years

From: http://www.webmd.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/news/20151123/chronic-fatigue-therapies-provide-some-with-long-term-relief?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Emails reveal Coke's role in anti-obesity group

Beverage giant admits it wasn't transparent in funding and helping direct non-profit group formed to fight obesity

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/emails-reveal-cokes-role-in-anti-obesity-group/

WHO: Reform of WHO's work in outbreaks and emergencies

From: World Health Organization http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc6U8HpOWbQ

Chains refuse to carry genetically-modified salmon

Despite FDA approval last week, the list includes Target, Trader Joe's and Costco

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/chains-refuse-to-carry-genetically-modified-salmon/

Doctor: "Clear signs of a concussion" after Rams QB hit

NFL to hold mandatory conference call with athletic trainers after quarterback Case Keenum remained in game despite suffering concussion

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/st-louis-rams-quarterback-case-keenum-expert-says-clear-signs-of-concussion/

Aging: What to expect

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art-20046070

Alzheimer's stages: How the disease progresses

Alzheimer's disease can last more than a decade. See what types of behaviors are common in each of the stages as the disease progresses.

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers-stages/art-20048448

N.Y. bills for costs of care after alleged cases of abuse

At least three times in recent years, N.Y. has pursued Medicaid reimbursement from those who allegedly suffered devastating mistreatment while in state care

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-bills-for-costs-of-care-after-alleged-cases-of-abuse/

Doctors' Group Urges Greater Use of Generic Drugs

Lower-cost options are usually just as safe and effective, experts say

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20151123/doctors-group-urges-greater-use-of-generic-drugs?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Breastfeeding May Lower This Risk for Some Women

Study looked at moms who had already diabetes in pregnancy

From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20151123/breast-feeding-may-cut-risk-of-type-2-diabetes-for-some-women?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: Antibiotics in Animals

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQSBtWKaUcc

Can loneliness make us sick?

Feeling lonely and isolated isn't just sad - it could actually be harmful to your health

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/can-loneliness-make-us-sick/

Mayo Clinic Children's Center NICU and NICU Follow Up Clinic

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gflh5-YsPS4

10 most dangerous toys of 2015

Toys to avoid this holiday shopping season

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/10-most-dangerous-toys-of-2015/

Health Highlights: Nov. 23, 2015

Chipotle-Linked E. Coli Outbreak Expands: CDC

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/20151123/chipotle-ecoli-outbreak?src=RSS_PUBLIC

High 'Resting' Heart Rate and Odds of Early Death

But more research is needed before this can used as a marker, expert says

From: http://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20151123/high-resting-heart-rate-tied-to-higher-odds-of-early-death?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Young Women Face Risk After Heart Attack, Stroke

Odds of another life-threatening event are much higher than normal, study says

From: http://www.webmd.com/women/news/20151123/danger-persists-for-young-women-after-heart-attack-stroke?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Diagnosed with bladder cancer at 42

All cancer fighters make tough choices

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/diagnosed-with-bladder-cancer-at-42/

ADHD meds may cause sleep problems in kids

Experts recommend pediatricians and parents closely monitor sleep problems in children with the condition

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/adhd-meds-may-cause-sleep-problems-in-kids/

WHO news on Ebola

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/ebola/archive/en/index.html

Sleepless nights for some kids with ADHD

Some children taking stimulant medications for ADHD struggle to get a good night's sleep, but new treatment options can help

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/sleepless-nights-for-some-kids-with-adhd/

CBSN business headlines for November 23, 2015

Drugmakers Pfizer and Allergan are close to a historic merger, Thanksgiving gas prices are at their lowest since 2008 and more

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cbsn-business-headlines-for-november-23-2015/

Conversation on Family History Day

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM1pkQ-nUC4

Dislocated Elobow: What You Need to Know

What happens when you dislocate your elbow? Is it an easy fix? Will you need surgery? Will it work the same as it used to? Web MD has the answers.

From: http://www.webmd.com/men/features/dislocated-elbow-recovery?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Trouble Sleeping? New Treatment Options May Help

WebMD walks you through advances in sleep medicine over the last year or so -- including research, technology, and a new breed of medication.

From: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20151123/trouble-sleeping-treamtents?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Craigslist posting could save woman's life

A New Jersey woman may get a second chance at life after her Craigslist plea for a kidney donor led to a perfect match

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/craigslist-posting-could-save-womans-life/

Woman finds kidney donor from misplaced Craigslist ad

New Jersey man answered a Craigslist ad and is now donating his kidney to save someone's life

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/woman-finds-kidney-donor-from-misplaced-craigslist-ad/

USDA Awards $2 Million for Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Research

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today awarded $2 million in grants to support research on nutrition education and obesity prevention for disadvantaged children and families at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Utah State University. The funding will help create two additional Regional Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Centers of Excellence (RNECE), established through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/11/0327.xml&contentidonly=true

Your Rights, One Voice: Vaughn’s Story

Vaughn of Jacksonville, Florida, loves summer camp. Vaughn, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the fall of 2014, is like millions of other children who attend camp each year. They love camp because it’s fun, helps build great relationships and offers learning experiences that are not available most anywhere else.

So, in the spring of 2015, when Vaughn’ mother Kira got a message from camp saying he could not attend that summer, she was naturally upset. She was told, “I’m sorry for the bad news. We are not equipped to handle a camper with diabetes.”

Kira has been a paralegal for years and, with her legal background, believed that Vaughn had rights that made this situation unfair. Kira could not bring herself to tell Vaughn he couldn’t go to camp — especially that it was because of his diabetes. She knew Vaughn would not handle the news very well.

Instead, she contacted the American Diabetes Association for help.

She wrote, “My son has been begging to go to camp this summer. Telling him he can’t go would severely affect his self-esteem. I want him to have a normal camp experience like other kids. Thank you for any legal advice you can provide to help my son.”

Kira spoke with a Legal Advocate at the Association and learned that Vaughn did have legal rights.

She was told that, under federal law, Vaughn should be allowed to attend camp and provide accommodations for his diabetes care. The Legal Advocate also shared resources to help Kira discuss this with the camp organizers, such as a sample letter, tips on how to speak with administrators and hints for negotiating on behalf of her son.

Supplied with this information, Kira was able to achieve success.

The camp reversed its policy, made changes to care for Vaughn’s diabetes and allowed him to attend. Kira never even told Vaughn what had happened. He just went to camp and had a great time. Things went very well and he had no medical problems at all.

His diabetes should never have been an issue in the first place.

“I am so thankful for the American Diabetes Association. I have volunteered to get involved and help others who may not know where to turn when their child is being unjustly discriminated against.” – Kira

---

The American Diabetes Association leads the effort to prevent and eliminate discrimination against people with diabetes at school, at work and in other parts of daily life. If you need help, call 1-800-DIABETES or visit http://diabetes.org/gethelp.

Through our nationwide Safe at School program, the Association is dedicated to making sure that all children with diabetes are medically safe at school and have the same educational opportunities as their peers. Visit our Safe at School website for information and resources.

Give the gift of fairness — donate now to help people with diabetes facing discrimination, just like Vaughn. 

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2015/11/23/your-rights-one-voice-vaughns-story/

Was My Gluten Challenge Too Short?

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byTYmgHUDEo

Caffeine in Pregnancy May Not Harm Baby's IQ

Study looked at moderate amounts -- about one to two cups of coffee

From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20151123/caffeine-in-pregnancy-may-not-harm-babys-iq-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Ah-Choo! Sneeze 'Cloud' Quickly Covers a Room

Videos of sneezers show droplets are of varying sizes, move at high velocity

From: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20151123/ah-choo-sneeze-cloud-quickly-covers-a-room-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

The Alexander Technique can help you (literally) unwind

(Follow me at @DrEvaSelhub)

In the 1890s, a Shakespearean actor named Frederick Matthias Alexander set out to discover why he often lost his voice when he performed. (Imagine yourself as a Shakespearean actor, completely dependent on your voice to pay your bills, finding yourself without a voice just when you needed to perform!) Needless to say, Alexander had to figure out why this was happening.

He began by observing himself in multiple mirrors while he prepared to perform. Indeed, he did discover that something changed prior to his speaking: He was contracting the muscles in his upper body, especially his neck, so strongly that his entire posture changed. He theorized that his voice loss could be a result of his disrupted posture.

Fortunately, his guess turned out to be correct. When he was able to release the tension in his muscles with a variety of movements, not only did his voice loss resolve, but he was able to change the habit he had developed of contracting his neck. As he continued to refine and improve his methods, Alexander realized they could help others improve their health and well-being. His discoveries, which have since been codified into the Alexander Technique (AT), are still in use today.

How is the Alexander Technique used today?

Today, AT is considered a mental discipline that teaches individuals how to let go of tension in the body and how to enable the body to move with ease and minimal effort. AT is used to treat a variety of conditions, from musculoskeletal pain and repetitive strain injuries to breathing problems, voice loss, and sleep disorders. Many artists, musicians, dancers, singers, and actors use AT to help enhance their performance. The purpose of AT, ultimately, is to enable individuals to methodically unlearn maladaptive (negative) habits — which can show up in the way we stand, sit, eat, walk, or talk — and instead learn how to return the body to a relaxed, balanced state of alignment and poise.

Is AT for you?

But you don’t have to be a musician or dancer to benefit from AT. Here’s just one example: You, like most of us living in today’s world, spend much of your time on a computer or checking your smartphone for emails and texts. This means you spend much of your time looking down, rather than straight ahead, the way your vertebrae were designed to support your head. Keeping your head bent down for long periods puts continual strain on the large neck muscles, which are meant to normally be lax. In contrast, the small neck muscles (which are meant to hold up your neck vertebrae) are not being used and are therefore lax. The result is that your vertebrae lose their support, so that you end up not only with neck stiffness or pain, but possibly some degeneration in your cervical spine, too.

AT can address this habitual contraction of the neck and teach you how hold your phone, how to position your head, and ultimately, how to re-establish better posture and ease in your body.

Is there science to support AT?

A recent randomized controlled study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that Alexander Technique lessons led to significant reductions in neck pain over 12 months, compared with usual care. (Interestingly, the study also found that acupuncture reduced pain as well, compared with usual care.)

Another interesting study published in the medical journal BMJ in 2008 tested a variety of treatments for back pain. A total of 579 patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain were randomly divided into four groups. The first group were given “normal care” (that is, they were the control group). The second group received massages. The third took six Alexander Technique lessons. The fourth group took 24 Alexander Technique lessons. Half of each group also received a prescription for exercise (primarily walking) from a doctor, plus behavioral counseling from a nurse. The results showed that the patients who had AT lessons along with an exercise plan improved the most. In addition, this combined intervention was also the most cost-effective (in particular, taking six lessons combined with an exercise plan).

What does this mean for you?

Proponents of the Alexander Technique would tell you to start paying attention. Pay attention to your posture — the way you walk, talk, sit, stand, or generally do anything, even lifting a forkful of food to your mouth. If you are like most people, your body is likely stuck in tense muscle patterns that may be causing you myriad problems, from back pain to headaches to possibly even anxiety. It may behoove you to unlearn these stuck patterns so you can move through your life with more ease — and much, much less pain.

If you’re interested in Alexander Technique lessons, the American Society for the Alexander Technique can help you find an instructor.

Related Posts:

• Complementary therapies for neck pain
• Physical therapy as good as surgery and less risky for one…
• Acupuncture is worth a try for chronic pain
• 94-year-old Master track star an inspiration to all
• Early scans for back pain add cost but offer little benefit…

The post The Alexander Technique can help you (literally) unwind appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Eva Selhub MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-alexander-technique-can-help-you-literally-unwind-201511238652

ADHD Medications Linked to Sleep Problems in Kids

Review of studies finds drugs like Ritalin, Adderall may create sleep woes for some

From: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/news/20151123/adhd-medications-linked-to-sleep-problems-in-kids?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Has Happiness' Home in the Brain Been Found?

Japanese team used MRI scans to spot region most active in contented people

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20151120/scientists-may-have-spotted-happiness-home-in-the-brain?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Boy born with rare condition speaks with new voice box

Creative surgery helps 4-year-old beat the odds

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/boy-receives-new-voice-box-speaks/

NFL's $1 Billion Concussion Case in Appeals Court

NFL's $1 Billion Concussion Case in Appeals Court

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20151120/nfl-concussion-court?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Chipotle's E. coli breaks out on the East coast

The growing E. coli outbreak linked to Chipotle restaurant has officials saying the bacterial has now infected restaurant goers in three more states: California, New York, and Ohio

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/chipotles-e-coli-breaks-out-on-the-east-coast/

Morning rounds: Is prostate cancer on decline or are we missing it?

New research finds prostate cancer screenings are falling after the release of new guidelines in 2012

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/morning-rounds-is-prostate-cancer-on-decline-or-are-we-missing-it/

​Sugar, corn industries settle sweetener spat

Sugar processors sued for $1.5 billion in a false-advertising claim after attempt to rebrand high fructose corn syrup as "corn sugar"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sugar-corn-industries-settle-sweetener-spat/

When to go to urgent care versus the ER

Expert advice on how to know where to seek treatment when you get injured or sick

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/when-to-go-to-urgent-care-versus-the-er/

Growth in U.S. Agricultural Exports to China

Secretary Vilsack arrives in China this weekend. Over the past decade, the United States' agricultural exports to China have risen sharply, propelling China into its position as the fastest-growing and highest-value export destination for U.S. farm and food products.

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/11/0325.xml&contentidonly=true

ER or urgent care? How to know where to go

Urgent care clinics make it easy to get treatment for an injury or illness, but with certain symptoms you should head straight to the hospital instead

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/er-or-urgent-care-how-to-know-where-to-go/

Scientists warn we're closer to a "post-antibiotic era"

In "extremely worrying" discovery, researchers in China find bacteria resistant to "last resort" antibiotics

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientists-discover-bacteria-resistant-to-last-line-antibiotics/

USDA Week In Review November 20

From: USDA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPd6LVl7PTQ

Chipotle E. coli outbreak spreads to 3 more states

New York and California join the list of states affected by an outbreak concentrated in the Pacific Northwest

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chipotle-e-coli-outbreak-spreads-to-3-more-states/

New 'Collar' Aims to Help Shield Brain From Concussion

Device boosts brain fluid to create a cushioning effect, developers say

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20151120/new-collar-aims-to-help-shield-brain-from-concussion?src=RSS_PUBLIC

"Most extensive" face transplant patient recovering well

Surgeon gives more details of groundbreaking operation - a "large leap forward" that could offer hope to many

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/most-extensive-face-transplant-patient-firefighter-patrick-hardison-recovering/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Cholesterol Vaccine

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrrnGa2zEqY

Jenny McCarthy slams Charlie Sheen for kissing and not telling

Actress, who has also spread misinformation about vaccines, raises furor with comments on HIV

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jenny-mccarthy-charlie-sheen-kissing-and-not-telling/

Genetically modified salmon coming to supermarkets

The FDA has approved the first genetically modified fish for human consumption, but some consumers are wary

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/genetically-modified-salmon-coming-to-supermarkets/

Teens who take ADHD meds are bullied more

Study finds that kids who sell their medications are even more at risk

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teens-on-adhd-meds-are-bullied-more/

Interval Colorectal Cancer Low with Surveillance Colonoscopy - IBD in the News

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZXzjFp0DOs

Kids Who Take ADHD Meds More Likely to Be Bullied, Study Finds

Odds rose even higher if child sold or gave away the drugs

From: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20151120/kids-who-take-adhd-meds-more-likely-to-be-bullied-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC