Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli has come under fire before for sharply raising the cost of a medication decades after it was created
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/martin-shkreli-meet-the-moneyman-behind-a-controversial-prescription-price-hike/
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Join us for a special webcast: “Rethinking Cholesterol”
If the latest information on health and wellness is important to you, you will not want to miss a special live-streamed webcast, “Rethinking Cholesterol,” which will be aired on Thursday, September 24, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm Eastern time. The webcast, which is free to all viewers, is co-sponsored by Reuters, Harvard Health Publications, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Harvard Medical School.
Recent science has brought new insights into the importance of controlling cholesterol for maintaining cardiovascular health. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is a potent risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease. New research suggests that when it comes to protecting your heart, the lower your LDL cholesterol, the better.
How you can lower your cholesterol
There is much you can do with your diet to lower LDL cholesterol. Mainly, it is critical to reduce your intake of saturated fat and trans fat. These two forms of fat drive up LDL levels. Saturated fat is found in butter, cheese, other dairy products, and red meat. Trans fat is found in partially hydrogenated oils. By law, trans fats are supposed to be removed from all commercially prepared foods within the next three years. But until then, you need to carefully read food labels to avoid trans fat.
It is best to replace saturated and trans fat with polyunsaturated fats (soybean, corn, and sunflower oils) and monounsaturated fats (olive oil), which lower LDL levels. But you might be surprised to learn that cutting back on cholesterol-rich foods is of little help. Most cholesterol in your bloodstream is produced by the body and does not come from your food. Getting plenty of fiber may also help to lower cholesterol levels. Regular exercise is also important because it helps you control body weight and can raise levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which helps sweep fat from the bloodstream.
When you need a little more help than lifestyle changes alone
If diet and exercise don’t bring your cholesterol down to a healthy level, there are medications that can help. Statins have been the mainstay of drug therapy to lower LDL cholesterol. Statins are sometimes given in combination with ezetimibe, a drug that reduces cholesterol absorption in the intestine.
Powerful new medications, called PCSK9 inhibitors, have just recently become available. These medications are antibodies that promote the removal of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream into the liver, where it can be processed. PCSK9 inhibitors can dramatically lower LDL cholesterol to levels not previously seen with other medications. But they must be given by injection under the skin, and currently, they are very expensive. Only time will tell if these low LDL levels translate into lower risk of heart and blood vessel disease, and if there may be unexpected side effects from driving LDL cholesterol levels so low.
Learn more about cholesterol and heart health from Harvard experts
If you want to understand more about cholesterol and cardiovascular disease — and the latest science and evidence-based recommendations to protect your heart — tune into this webcast on Thursday, September 24, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm Eastern time.
These issues will be discussed by four Harvard experts:
- Patrick O’Gara, Director, Clinical Cardiology and Executive Medical Director, Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Professor, Harvard Medical School.
- JoAnn Manson, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Chief, Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- Paul Ridker, Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Eugene Braunwald Professor of Medicine; Professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- Frank Sacks, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Professor of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Bill Berkrot of Reuters will moderate the conversation. You also might be interested our recent post about dietary fats and heart health by Dr. JoAnn Manson and her colleague Dr. Shari Bassuk.
You can view the live webcast at www.health.harvard.edu. We hope you will join us, but if you miss the live event, the webcast will also be recorded for later viewing.
Related Posts:
The post Join us for a special webcast: “Rethinking Cholesterol” appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Gregory Curfman, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/join-us-for-a-special-webcast-rethinking-cholesterol-201509228331
The hazards of self-diagnosis on the Internet
One woman's story demonstrates how hard it can be to sort out good information from frightening exaggeration
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-hazards-of-self-diagnosis-on-the-internet/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-hazards-of-self-diagnosis-on-the-internet/
FAQ: Pregnancy Complications and Your Heart
WebMD asked a researcher and a women's heart-health expert about a new study that links pregnancy complications to a later risk of dying from heart disease.
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20150922/pregnancy-complications-heart-disease?src=RSS_PUBLIC
The type of fat you eat matters!
By: JoAnn E. Manson, MD, DrPH, and Shari S. Bassuk, ScD
Contributing Editors, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
If you saw last month’s news headlines declaring that saturated fat is no longer deemed harmful to your heart, you may be (understandably!) confused. After all, for years, clinicians and scientists have recommended reducing saturated fat for heart health. Is it time to rethink this advice? Hardly. Here’s the deal.
The research that sparked the recent news splash was an analysis by Canadian researchers of up to a dozen long-term observational studies of diet that included a total of 90,000 to 339,000 participants from various countries. These study volunteers reported on the foods they typically ate. Researchers then tracked the health of these folks for years, sometimes decades. The analysis found no association between consumption of saturated fat — dairy foods (e.g., cheese, butter, and milk) and meats are two main sources — and future risk of coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke (strokes resulting from a blocked vessel), diabetes, or deaths from cardiovascular disease or all causes. Less surprisingly, the analysis also found that trans fats are harmful to health, with the highest intakes of trans fat linked to a 21% higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 33% higher mortality rate compared with the lowest intakes. The findings were published on August 12 in the medical journal The BMJ.
Unfortunately, the news coverage of this analysis often missed a key point. It’s not just the amount of saturated fat you eat, it’s also what you replace those calories with (the quality of your overall diet) that affects your health. Most people naturally tend to keep their calorie intake at a constant level over time (scientists call this “calorie preservation”). If they cut saturated fat calories out of their diet, the missing calories have to come from somewhere else (“calorie substitution”). People with lowered saturated fat intake may replace those calories with other unhealthy foods such as refined carbohydrates (e.g., white bread, white rice) or sugary beverages. So although they are eating less fat, their overall diet is no better — and may even be worse — than people who don’t try to limit saturated fat. .
Numerous studies show that substituting unsaturated fat — found in fish, nuts, and plant oils — for saturated fat improves health. For example, a careful analysis of observational findings from the Nurses’ Health Study, in which my colleagues and I (JEM) tracked 80,000 initially healthy female nurses for many years, suggested that replacing just 5% of calories from saturated fat with calories from unsaturated fat cuts risk of coronary heart disease by 42% and is more effective at preventing heart attacks than simply reducing overall fat intake. Short-term dietary trials also show heart benefits of lowering saturated fat intake while boosting unsaturated fat intake, including improvements in blood cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity.
The most harmful type of dietary fat is trans fat, also known as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. These fats are a double whammy: they boost the “bad” LDL cholesterol and lower the “good” HDL cholesterol. New government regulations are reducing the presence of artificial trans fats in the food supply, but such fats are still found in many products. What’s the take-home message? The type of fat does in fact matter, so choose foods with healthy unsaturated fat (fish, nuts, and most plant oils), limit foods high in saturated fat (butter, whole milk, cheese, coconut and palm oil, and red meats), and try to avoid foods with trans fat. Achieving the last goal can be tricky. In supermarkets, check package labels carefully. The best way to tell if trans fat is present is to read the ingredient list; if the phrase “partially hydrogenated oil” appears, then trans fats are indeed lurking.
Many experts and professional societies, including the American Heart Association, advise a dietary pattern that (1) emphasizes vegetables (richly colored vegetables, including dark leafy greens, are best, and white potatoes don’t count), fresh fruits, and whole grains (whole-grain cereals, breads, rice, and pasta); (2) includes fish, beans, nuts and seeds, poultry, low-fat dairy products, and non-tropical plant oils (such as canola or olive oil, but not coconut or palm oil); and (3) limits sweets, sugary drinks, and red meats. Well-known examples are the Mediterranean and DASH diets. People who eat such diets have consistently had much better health outcomes than those who do not.
Related Posts:
The post The type of fat you eat matters! appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Contributing Editors http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-type-of-fat-you-eat-matters-201509228333
Some Prostate Cancer Patients May Not Benefit From Hormone Therapy
Analysis found men with heart disease might live longer when treated with radiation alone
From: http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20150922/some-prostate-cancer-patients-may-not-benefit-from-hormone-therapy?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Drug May Calm Agitation in Alzheimer's Patients
It's a combination of cough suppressant and heart medication, and experts don't yet know why it may work
From: http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20150922/drug-may-calm-agitation-in-alzheimers-patients?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Solutions for Toddler Feeding Problems
WebMD asked three top feeding experts to help you solve the most exasperating toddler feeding problems.
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/solutions-for-toddler-eating-problems?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Huge price surge for another old drug called off
Tuberculosis drug developed in 1955 was set for a 2,000 percent price increase
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/huge-price-surge-for-another-old-drug-called-off/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/huge-price-surge-for-another-old-drug-called-off/
Serving with Honor: Mayo Clinic and the Military
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyY7cYamMAA
Diagnostic errors put millions of patients at risk
Institute of Medicine report says most people will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/diagnostic-errors-put-millions-of-patients-at-risk-institute-of-medicine-report/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/diagnostic-errors-put-millions-of-patients-at-risk-institute-of-medicine-report/
Relaxed Guidelines on PSA Testing Might Miss Aggressive Tumors: Study
Men who could be cured of more advanced prostate disease may be diagnosed late, some researchers say
From: http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20150922/relaxed-guidelines-on-psa-testing-might-miss-aggressive-tumors-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Most Americans Will Experience At Least 1 Diagnostic Error: Report
In some cases the consequences can be severe, expert panel notes
From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20150922/most-americans-will-experience-at-least-1-diagnostic-error-report?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Mayo Clinic Minute - Blood Pressure, Food Portions and Diet Drinks
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASqw2Mq36zU
Historic conservation campaign protects greater sage-grouse
DENVER, CO – An unprecedented, landscape-scale conservation effort across the western United States has significantly reduced threats to the greater sage-grouse across 90 percent of the species’ breeding habitat and enabled the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to conclude that the charismatic rangeland bird does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This collaborative, science-based greater sage-grouse strategy is the largest land conservation effort in U.S. history.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0265.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0265.xml&contentidonly=true
Txt msgs may be good for your health
Study tests the benefits of weekly text messages to encourage a heart-healthy lifestyle
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/txt-msgs-may-be-good-for-your-health/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/txt-msgs-may-be-good-for-your-health/
The Crazy Things That Toddlers Do
WebMD unlocks the mysteries of toddler behavior. Plus, tips for coping with your toddler's crazy antics.
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/the-crazy-things-that-toddlers-do?src=RSS_PUBLIC
The Truth About Baby Poop: Colored Stool and Diarrhea in Infants
Find out what color changes, diarrhea, and frequency of baby poop may say about your baby's health.
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/truth-about-baby-poop?src=RSS_PUBLIC
The Top 5 Mistakes Divorced Parents Make
WebMD spoke with family and divorce expert M. Gary Neuman, who gives exes pointers on how to split up without emotionally destroying their kids.
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/top-5-mistakes-divorced-parents-make?src=RSS_PUBLIC
You Carry Your 'Microbial Cloud' With You
Individuals release bacteria into their surroundings, sealed chamber study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20150922/you-carry-your-microbial-cloud-with-you?src=RSS_PUBLIC
USDA Commits $2.5 Million to Expand New Farmer Education
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 22, 2015 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that $2.5 million in grants is now available for projects to educate new and underserved farmers about more than 20 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency programs that can provide financial, disaster or technical assistance to the agricultural community.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0264.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0264.xml&contentidonly=true
Psychology vs. Psychiatry
Confused by the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? WebMD explains who does what and how that affects treatment.
From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/psychologist-or-psychiatrist-which-for-you?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Massive price hike in crucial infection treatment drug
The medical community is outraged by the 5,000-percent price increase in a drug used by AIDS and cancer patients
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/massive-price-hike-in-crucial-infection-treatment-drug/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/massive-price-hike-in-crucial-infection-treatment-drug/
People emit a unique "microbial cloud" of bacteria
Each of us walks around in a cloud of microbes as personalized as a fingerprint, study finds
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/people-emit-a-unique-microbial-cloud-of-bacteria-study-finds/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/people-emit-a-unique-microbial-cloud-of-bacteria-study-finds/
Beet Juice Boosts Muscle Power in Heart Patients
Researchers say dietary nitrate could help these patients climb stairs and get out of a chair
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20150921/beet-juice-boosts-muscle-power-in-heart-patients?src=RSS_PUBLIC
USDA Extends Dairy Margin Protection Program Deadline
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the deadline to enroll for the dairy Margin Protection Program for coverage in 2016 has been extended until Nov. 20, 2015. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0263.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/09/0263.xml&contentidonly=true
Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO defends Daraprim price hike
The increase drew protests in the medical community from those concerned that many patients will no longer be able to afford the drug
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/turing-pharmaceuticals-ceo-defends-daraprim-price-hike/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/turing-pharmaceuticals-ceo-defends-daraprim-price-hike/
Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO defends Daraprim price hike
The increase drew protests in the medical community from those concerned that many patients will no longer be able to afford the drug
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/turing-pharmaceuticals-ceo-defends-daraprim-price-hike/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/turing-pharmaceuticals-ceo-defends-daraprim-price-hike/
CEO: 5,000-percent drug price hike "not excessive at all"
Turing Pharmaceuticals got control of a crucial infection treatment drug called Daraprim in August, and immediately raised the price from $13.50 to $750
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/turing-pharmaceuticals-ceo-martin-shkreli-defends-5000-percent-price-hike-on-daraprim-drug/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/turing-pharmaceuticals-ceo-martin-shkreli-defends-5000-percent-price-hike-on-daraprim-drug/
WHO welcomes appointment of Chair-elect of Gavi Board Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
WHO welcomes the appointment of the Chair-elect of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She will take up the position of Chair from January 2016.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala is a renowned development economist and former Nigerian Finance Minister. She brings more than 33 years of development and financial expertise to the Gavi Board at a critical period for immunization in developing countries.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2015/gavi-okonjo-iweala/en/index.html
Dr Okonjo-Iweala is a renowned development economist and former Nigerian Finance Minister. She brings more than 33 years of development and financial expertise to the Gavi Board at a critical period for immunization in developing countries.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2015/gavi-okonjo-iweala/en/index.html
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