Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Job burnout: How to spot it and take action
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
Carbohydrate-loading diet
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/carbohydrate-loading/art-20048518
Solving Your Diaper Dilemma
WebMD provides insights into common diaper problems, including the debate over disposable and cloth diapers. Learn how to be environmentally friendly while keeping the convenience of disposable diapers, and find out what the safety concerns with disposable diapers are.
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/diapering-a-baby-13/diaper-choices?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Jon Stewart lobbies Congress to extend 9/11 healthcare program
Comedian Jon Stewart traveled to Capitol Hill to lobby Congress for an extension on healthcare benefits for 70,000 emergency workers involved in the 9/11 cleanup
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/jon-stewart-lobbies-congress-to-extend-911-healthcare-program/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/jon-stewart-lobbies-congress-to-extend-911-healthcare-program/
Synthetic marijuana ring busted in NYC
Cheap but toxic synthetic drugs blamed for 2,300 emergency room visits in the last two months in New York City alone
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/synthetic-marijuana-ring-busted-in-nyc/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/synthetic-marijuana-ring-busted-in-nyc/
Popular antidepressant found unsafe for teens
Scientists reevaluated a study funded by the maker of Paxil, and found troubling contradictions
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/paxil-antidepressant-ineffective-unsafe-for-teens-study-finds/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/paxil-antidepressant-ineffective-unsafe-for-teens-study-finds/
'Organic Pollutants' Linked to Gestational Diabetes
High PCBs levels in early pregnancy associated with greater risk, study shows
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20150916/organic-pollutants-linked-to-gestational-diabetes?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Excess Weight Linked to Brain Cancer Risk in Study
And physical activity associated with lower odds of meningioma, though these tumors are considered rare
From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/20150916/excess-weight-linked-to-brain-cancer-risk-in-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
What drinking coffee at night does to your body clock
A cup of coffee late in the day provides more than just a temporary jolt, researchers say
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-drinking-coffee-at-night-does-to-your-body-clock/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-drinking-coffee-at-night-does-to-your-body-clock/
Salmonella outbreak in cucumbers spreads
More than 400 people, half of them children, have gotten sick from salmonella in cucumbers imported from Mexico
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/salmonella-outbreak-in-cucumbers-spreads/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/salmonella-outbreak-in-cucumbers-spreads/
Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Overview
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TizW0E5uuII
Caffeine at Night May Disrupt the Body's Internal Clock
And that could make you want to sleep later, say researchers, who see possible treatment for jet lag
From: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20150916/caffeine-at-night-may-disrupt-the-bodys-internal-clock?src=RSS_PUBLIC
More people sickened by salmonella in cucumbers
Deadly outbreak has been traced to contaminated produce from Mexico
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-people-sickened-salmonella-cucumbers/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-people-sickened-salmonella-cucumbers/
Cancer Still the Leading Cause of Death for U.S. Hispanics: Report
Lack of insurance is an obstacle to high-quality care, experts say
From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20150916/cancer-still-the-leading-cause-of-death-for-us-hispanics-report?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Food Retailers, Agriculture Industry, and Charitable Organizations Support First National Goal to Reduce Food Waste by 50 Percent by 2030
NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2015 — Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy announced the United States’ first-ever national food waste reduction goal, calling for a 50-percent reduction by 2030. As part of the effort, the federal government will lead a new partnership with charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, the private sector and local, state and tribal governments to reduce food loss and waste in order to improve overall food security and conserve our nation’s natural resources.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0258.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0258.xml&contentidonly=true
Millions dying around the world due to air pollution
Premature deaths caused by air pollution could double by 2050, in part from some surprising factors
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/millions-dying-around-the-world-due-to-air-pollution/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/millions-dying-around-the-world-due-to-air-pollution/
USDA and EPA Join with Private Sector, Charitable Organizations to Set Nation’s First Food Waste Reduction Goals
NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2015 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Stan Meiburg announced the United States’ first-ever national food waste reduction goal, calling for a 50-percent reduction by 2030. As part of the effort, the federal government will lead a new partnership with charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, the private sector and local, state and tribal governments to reduce food loss and waste in order to improve overall food security and conserve our nation’s natural resources. The announcement occurs just one week before world leaders gather at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to address sustainable development practices, including sustainable production and consumption. As the global population continues to grow, so does the need for food waste reduction.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0257.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0257.xml&contentidonly=true
The SPRINT trial: A major advance in treating high blood pressure
There are few advances in medicine that truly warrant an immediate change in practice, but the SPRINT trial appears to be one such study. In a recent press release, the SPRINT researchers announced that their study results showed aiming for a systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 120 mm Hg was superior to a target of 140 mm Hg. This one change reduced the risk of death by almost 25% and reduced the rate of overall cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, by almost a third — welcome news to every doctor and patient.
The SPRINT trial was a randomized clinical trial that followed over 9,000 Americans for several years. All participants in the trial were ages 50 and older, had high blood pressure, and also either were at increased risk for heart disease or had kidney disease. Half the participants were given a blood pressure target of 120 mm Hg and the other half were given a target of 140 mm Hg. On average, the 120 mm Hg group needed 3 blood pressure medications to achieve this goal, and the 140 mm Hg group needed 2.
This study was sponsored primarily by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health. This trial is a wonderful example of the kind of long-term, large-scale clinical trials that are necessary to advance patient care meaningfully. The study results also illustrate the importance of randomized clinical trials — that is, studies in which patients are randomly assigned to one of two treatment arms. Lastly, credit must be given to the participants who consented to be enrolled in the study. They have generously and selflessly contributed to advancing medical science and improving the care of patients worldwide. Ultimately, they also helped improve their own care.
While the results are very exciting, it will be important to see the details in the full text of the study, which has yet to be published. Sometimes a published paper provides more subtle interpretations of the findings than an initial press release. Those usual caveats notwithstanding, these results appear to be an important discovery with instant applicability.
It usually takes years before the effects of high blood pressure (at least, in the range being studied in this trial) cause serious cardiovascular problems. So, for people with reasonably well-controlled blood pressure, there is no need to rush to see your doctor right away.
However, even if your blood pressure is considered well-controlled under current standards, it would be worthwhile to discuss with your primary care physician whether a lower target blood pressure would be in order. Of course, you and your physician would need to balance the benefits noted in the SPRINT trial against the potential risks of taking additional blood pressure medications and their possible side effects. The risk of side effects might be higher in certain groups of patients, such as older people taking several different types of drugs. Still, the availability of multiple generic blood pressure medicines should allow these results to be applied in the vast majority of people with high blood pressure.
Related Posts:
The post The SPRINT trial: A major advance in treating high blood pressure appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Deepak Bhatt, MD, MPH http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-sprint-trial-a-major-advance-in-treating-high-blood-pressure-201509168287
Simple ways to tackle weight loss and anxiety using video games
In this week’s edition of “Questions Answered in the Toyota Green Room,” game designer Jane McGonigal shares tips on the power video games and viral videos have on the mind and body
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/simple-ways-to-tackle-weight-loss-and-anxiety-using-video-games/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/simple-ways-to-tackle-weight-loss-and-anxiety-using-video-games/
Proposed law would cut benefits if kids aren't vaccinated
Lawmakers in Australia plan to withhold tax breaks and other benefits to families who opt out of immunizations
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/australia-proposed-law-cut-benefits-if-kids-arent-vaccinated/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/australia-proposed-law-cut-benefits-if-kids-arent-vaccinated/
Jimmy Carter gives update on his cancer treatment
The former president spoke about his second round of treatment and shared thoughts on global crises
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jimmy-carter-gives-update-on-his-cancer-treatment/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jimmy-carter-gives-update-on-his-cancer-treatment/
Pesticide Exposure Tied to Diabetes Risk
Review finds these chemicals may boost odds of blood sugar disease by about 60 percent
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20150916/pesticide-exposure-tied-to-diabetes-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Why Target is giving its workers Fitbits
More than 300,000 employees will get a basic $60 version of the activity tracker
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-target-is-giving-its-workers-fitbits/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-target-is-giving-its-workers-fitbits/
Treating Sleep Apnea May Reverse Brain Changes
Treating Sleep Apnea May Reverse Brain Changes
From: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/news/20150916/sleep-apnea-brain-changes?src=RSS_PUBLIC
The "SuperBetter" method to living a happier, more resilient life
Game developer and researcher Jane McGonigal is among 155 million Americans who play video games, but it's more than a hobby
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-superbetter-method-to-living-a-happier-more-resilient-life/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-superbetter-method-to-living-a-happier-more-resilient-life/
Pregnancy Stretch Marks: Types of Treatment, Prevention, and More
Along with a new baby, there are the many physical changes you’ll see. Chief among them is stretch marks. For many women, stretch marks are as much a part of having a baby as diapers and feedings.
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/stretch-marks?src=RSS_PUBLIC
What is the magic sleep number?
Bill Clinton (ex-President). Tracy Morgan (comedian). Cindy Lynn Baldwin (motor vehicle driver). What do these seemingly unrelated individuals have in common? The answer is that each either suffered from sleep deprivation or was victimized by someone who was sleep-deprived.
There is no doubt that all of us have gotten too little sleep at some point in our lives. For some of us, it is an isolated occurrence precipitated by a specific event, such as a death in the family or an upcoming stressful meeting. However, there is increasing evidence that America is becoming a country of chronically sleep-deficient citizens.
According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of adults sleeping fewer than 6 hours per night has increased by 31% since 1985. There are likely a number of explanations for this. They include the increasing demands of a 24-hour society, the increased use of artificial lighting, changing lifestyles that encourage late-night activities, and the widespread use of electronic devices such as tablets, laptop computers, and smartphones. The latter are particularly bad for sleep health because they emit blue wavelength light, which negatively impacts your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and interferes with the onset of sleep.
Negative Health Effects of Sleep Deficiency
There are important consequences of insufficient sleep. On an individual level, sleep deficiency makes one more irritable and depressed, slows reaction times, and negatively affects mental and physical performance. In fact, 18 hours of continuous wakefulness has the same adverse effect on reaction time as being legally drunk! (The driver of the truck that hit Tracy Morgan’s vehicle had been awake for 28 hours straight.)
In addition, adequate sleep is necessary for optimal learning and memory. Experiments have shown that staying awake all night impairs the learning of new information. Therefore, the proverbial “all-nighter” that some of us practiced when we were in school probably worsened our test performance rather than helped it.
Chronic sleep deprivation exacts a toll as well. One and a half weeks of 6 hours’ sleep per night can have the same impact as staying awake for 24 hours straight. And just as important as the behavioral consequences of inadequate sleep are its negative effects on health. It is now becoming increasingly evident that sleep deficiency is a risk factor for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and — not surprisingly — earlier death. In addition, inadequate sleep changes the levels of the hormones that control appetite, and this leads to increased hunger and a greater tendency for weight gain. Thus, sleep deficiency is a risk factor for obesity!
At Least 7 Hours of ZZZs Nightly
Because both acute and chronic insufficient sleep are bad for health, the CDC’s Healthy People 2020 campaign includes a goal to reduce sleep deficiency. However, the goal doesn’t specify exactly how much sleep is needed. To remedy this omission, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, the two leading professional organizations in the fields of sleep medicine and research, released a joint consensus statement.
Based on current evidence, adults should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep a night for optimal health, and that getting fewer than 6 hours of sleep is associated with worse health outcomes. At the same time, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether getting between 6 and 7 hours of sleep a night is bad for health. A similar document from the National Sleep Foundation largely came to the same conclusions.
So, is 7 hours the magic sleep number? Perhaps. Future research may lead to some refinements, but for now, it should be the goal.
Can you make up for being short of sleep for a few days? The answer is not straightforward. Many individuals get inadequate sleep on workdays and then attempt to recover their lost sleep on weekends. In such cases, there is generally an improvement in mood, as well as mental and physical performance, after “recovery” sleep. However, being able to reverse the effects of inadequate sleep on physical health is less certain. Recent observations indicate that lack of sleep may cause persistent negative effects on heart rate and the secretion of various inflammatory molecules. These may be risk factors for heart disease.
The Remedy is Simple
What can be done about sleep deficiency? The solution is simple: Get more sleep. On a personal level, this means making better lifestyle choices — for example, choosing to go to bed earlier in the evening instead of staying up to watch late-night television. For institutions and employers, this means creating a work environment that values the beneficial results of having employees who are not sleep-deprived: namely, fewer employee sick days, better productivity, and less use of health insurance benefits.
Although the prescription for more sleep appears to be inexpensive with no costly medications required, the personal and logistical hurdles can be formidable. Nevertheless, a target of at least 7 hours of sleep per night can be achieved. If sufficient numbers of individuals, businesses, and institutions make sleep a priority with status equal to good nutrition and fitness, then our society will be healthier and more productive — goals we all value.
Related Posts:
The post What is the magic sleep number? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Stuart Quan, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-the-magic-sleep-number-201509168280
USDA Helps Reduce High Energy Costs in Remote Rural Areas
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today awarded nine grants to help reduce energy costs for residents in remote rural areas where the cost of producing electricity is extremely high.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0256.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0256.xml&contentidonly=true
Americans Want Stricter Smog Standards
We asked voters across the country if they support stricter limits on the smog pollution they breathe. Their answer was an overwhelming YES! A staggering majority – 73 percent - of voters support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placing stricter limits on the amount of ozone pollution (also called smog) that power plants, oil refineries and other industrial facilities can release. Those are the results of data released September 9 from a nationwide survey conducted for the American Lung Association.
From: http://www.lung.org/about-us/our-impact/top-stories/americans-want-stricter-smog-standards-HW-Blog.html
From: http://www.lung.org/about-us/our-impact/top-stories/americans-want-stricter-smog-standards-HW-Blog.html
More Than 400 Illnesses Reported in Latest Salmonella Outbreak
Tainted cucumbers now linked to 418 cases in 31 states, CDC officials report
From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/20150915/more-than-400-illnesses-reported-in-latest-salmonella-outbreak?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Brain Scans May Take Guesswork Out of Schizophrenia Treatment
Goal is to help physicians make better drug choices for psychotic patients
From: http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/news/20150915/brain-scans-may-take-guesswork-out-of-schizophrenia-treatment?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Parents Talking Type 1: Kelvis & Kelvis Jr.
We recently asked our Facebook and Twitter communities to send us their stories—specifically, what it’s like to be the parent of a child living with type 1 diabetes. Having received a lot of wonderful stories, we’re excited to present these favorites on the blog every week.
We hope you’re as inspired by these personal stories as we are, and that you’re willing to keep the conversation going. Tell us more in the comments!
Name: Kelvis & Kelvis Jr. (@iEvents_Kelvis)
Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
My six-year-old son Kelvis has been diagnosed for four years now. No other family members have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Our motivation is to keep our son alive and as healthy as possible at all times. We teach and encourage self-management to ensure he understands the seriousness of his health issue. And also to make sure we feel comfortable when we can’t be there to help him, such as when he’s over his friend’s house; with diabetes it’s important to always be ready.
We haven’t had any challenges with managing diabetes in the school setting because he is home-schooled. However, we still deal with lows during playtime. When Kelvis attended preschool his diabetes was handled with the utmost care; we appreciated all their support. All teachers and staff were ordered to take a two-day class on diabetes management.
My advice to parents who are new to diabetes is to not get discouraged with all the constant highs and lows. Keep your head up and try to encourage your child every day. It’s a hard road, but remember you are not alone in this fight. Nights and days will start to run together, and although you may get discouraged, don’t let your child see you that way…it will discourage them. Stay positive.
Parents of children with diabetes are overlooked so many times. Our faith and friends are what gets us through at 2 a.m. when we check on our kids and find their sugars at 40. Your average type 1 parent does not know what a peaceful night sleep is; we are constantly listening and waking up to check on our kids and make sure they are okay. Others just don’t understand the struggles we go through, and sometimes they can say the meanest things. These distractions don’t bring us down, however; we have a wonderful support system and will keep it that way.
The American Diabetes Association’s Safe at School campaign is dedicated to making sure that all children with diabetes are medically safe at school and have the same educational opportunities as their peers. To learn more, visit http://diabetes.org/sas.
From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2015/09/16/ptt1-kelvis-and-kelvis-jr/
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