16-year-old develops better Ebola test

A 16-year-old Connecticut girl is hoping her new invention will help doctors identify and treat Ebola better

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/16-year-old-develops-better-ebola-test/

Adults over 30 may be losing the "happiness advantage"

A new study looks at why younger people are happier these days - while other groups see the opposite trend

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/adults-over-30-may-be-losing-the-happiness-advantage/

Google Science Fair winner: Conn. teen invents new Ebola test

A 16-year-old and her science teacher designed an Ebola test that doesn't need refrigeration

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/16-year-old-invents-new-ebola-test/

Cowboys great Tony Dorsett trying controversial stem-cell treatment

Running back diagnosed in 2013 with degenerative brain disease linked to dementia and suicide in NFL players

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/report-controversial-stem-cell-treatment-for-brain-disease-benefits-tony-dorsett/

Nearly half of pregnant women gain too much weight

Too many extra pounds during pregnancy can be bad for both mom and baby, a new report warns

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nearly-half-of-pregnant-women-gain-too-much-weight/

Experimental weight-loss device you swallow like a pill

Company tests gastric balloon that expands in the stomach to stop patients from eating too much

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/experimental-weight-loss-device-you-swallow-like-a-pill/

Regenerative Medicine in the Nervous System

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EaKJIctT2c

March of Dimes rates U.S., cities, states on preterm births

Four cities get top grades for keeping preterm births down, but U.S. has lots of room for improvement

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/march-of-dimes-preterm-birth-report-card/

Mayo Clinic Medical Animation - Lewy Body Dementia

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS5wNGro3VA

Early Warning Sign for Kidney Disease Identified

Researchers say blood test can predict risk up to five years before damage begins

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20151105/early-warning-sign-for-kidney-disease-identified-in-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Poor Sleep Might Harm Kidneys, Study Suggests

Five hours or less a night linked to reduced organ function in women

From: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20151105/poor-sleep-might-harm-kidneys-study-suggests?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Induction of Cesar Chavez, Dr. Mary-Dell Chilton to U.S. Department of Agriculture Hall of Heroes

WASHINGTON, November 5, 2015 –Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced two new inductees, Cesar Chavez and Dr. Mary-Dell Chilton, into the U.S. Department of Agriculture Hall of Heroes. Established in September 2000, the Hall of Heroes recognizes those who have had a lasting impact on agriculture and America’s rural communities.

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/11/0307.xml&contentidonly=true

Is junk food to blame for the obesity epidemic?

Researchers suggest it's time to stop targeting fast food and focus on improving overall eating habits

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/junk-food-obesity-epidemic/

Osteoporosis Isn't Just for Women

Guys, here's how you can protect your bone health now. WebMD Magazine explains.

From: http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/osteoporosis-men-bones?src=RSS_PUBLIC

3 Ways to Cook Cranberries

WebMD Magazine serves up delicious ideas for this holiday favorite.

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/cook-cranberries-recipes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Think You're Allergic to Penicillin? Maybe Not

Small study finds drug might be safe for patients who had previous reaction to the antibiotic

From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20151105/think-youre-allergic-to-penicillin-maybe-not-researchers-say?src=RSS_PUBLIC

'Balloon-in-a-Pill' May Be New Weight-Loss Weapon

Early results from overseas trial suggest an approach that's easy to swallow

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/20151105/balloon-in-a-pill-may-be-new--weight-loss-weapon?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Women finding post-mastectomy comfort

Specialty post-mastectomy bras are helping women who have endured the breast removal surgery

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/women-finding-post-mastectomy-comfort/

Shop for breast cancer patients helps customers heal

Comfort and style secrets from a store that sells undergarments specially designed for breast cancer survivors

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/shop-for-breast-cancer-patients-helps-customers-heal/

Foolproof Guide to Makeup Removal

Dermatologists share their tips for taking off even stubborn cosmetics. WebMD Magazine has the details.

From: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/treatments/makeup-removal-guide?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Study Shows Food Restriction Prevents and Reverses Polycystic Kidney Disease in Mice

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR6klhuVeyw

At-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments

If your smile has lost its luster but you can’t afford a professional treatment, you can do it yourself at home. WebMD looks at the options so you can choose what’s right for you.

From: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/whiten-your-teeth-at-home?src=RSS_PUBLIC

How to Save on a Gym Membership

Get fit without spending a ton on a gym membership. WebMD Magazine explains how.

From: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/save-money-gym-membership?src=RSS_PUBLIC

New COPD Treatments on the Horizon

Researchers are looking for new ways to treat and prevent COPD. WebMD explains what’s on the horizon.

From: http://www.webmd.com/lung/features/new-copd-treatments?src=RSS_PUBLIC

The cosmetic surgery with the most complications

Researchers say this popular type of procedure has a higher risk of major complications than other cosmetic surgeries

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cosmetic-surgery-tummy-tuck-most-complications/

Drug addiction becomes major issue in 2016 campaign

Drug addiction has become a key issue in the 2016 presidential campaign with several candidates sharing personal stories

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/drug-addiction-becomes-major-issue-in-2016-campaign/

Xylitol Sweetener Can Kill Dogs

Xylitol Sweetener Can Kill Dogs

From: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/news/20151105/xylitol-dogs?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Junk Food Not to Blame for Obesity Epidemic?

People just eat too much, researchers suggest

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/20151105/junk-food-not-to-blame-for-americas-obesity-epidemic-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Breastfeeding May Not Help Prevent Kids' Allergies

But at least one pediatrician is skeptical of the finding, and urges mothers to breast-feed

From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20151105/breast-feeding-may-not-help-prevent-allergies-in-kids-study-claims?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Tummy Tucks: Most Cosmetic Surgery Complications

Combining the surgery with another cosmetic procedure boosts the risk by 50 percent, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/tummy-tuck/20151104/complications-from-tummy-tucks-exceed-other-cosmetic-surgeries?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Hepatitis C Drug Rarely Tied to Slowed Heart Rate

But experts say these types of medications have good safety profile

From: http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/news/20151104/in-rare-cases-hepatitis-c-drug-tied-to-slowed-heart-rate-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Californians to vote on requiring condoms in porn films

Trade association fears measure would harm the industry and promote lawsuits against actors, producers and distributors

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/californians-to-vote-on-requiring-condoms-in-porn-films/

Tapeworm may have spread cancer cells in man

Health officials say this is the first known case of a parasite involved in cancer

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tapeworm-may-have-spread-cancer-cells-in-man/

The biggest drug threats in America today

The head of the DEA talks about the latest trends in America's addiction crisis

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dea-heroin-prescription-painkillers-the-biggest-drug-threats-today/

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Release of Text for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2015 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released the following statement regarding the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/11/0306.xml&contentidonly=true

Americans pay more for drugs, but don't live longer

Average life expectancy in the U.S. lags that of other developed nations, despite spending the most on pharmaceuticals

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/americans-pay-more-for-drugs-but-dont-live-longer/

Gov. Christie shares emotional story of friend's addiction, death

Prescription drugs and heroin are now America's biggest drug threats, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/gov-christie-shares-emotional-story-of-friends-addiction-death/

Healing through music

The last time I had a mammogram, I got a big surprise — and it was a good one. A string quartet was playing just outside the doors of the breast imaging center, and my thoughts immediately shifted from “What are they going to find on the mammogram?” to “Is that Schubert, or Beethoven?” By the time my name was called, I had almost forgotten why I was there.

The unexpected concert was the work of Holly Chartrand and Lorrie Kubicek, music therapists and co-coordinators of the Environmental Music Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. But bringing music to hospital corridors is just a sideline for music therapists. The majority of their time is spent using music to help patients accomplish specific goals, like recovering their speech after a stroke or reducing the stress of chemotherapy.

Chartrand is a vocalist and graduate of Berklee College of Music. She decided to become a music therapist when she realized that she could use music to support others just as it had supported her throughout her life. “The favorite part of my job is seeing how big an impact music can have on someone who isn’t feeling well,” she says.

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a burgeoning field. Those who become certified music therapists are accomplished musicians who have deep knowledge of how music can evoke emotional responses to relax or stimulate people, or help them heal. They combine this knowledge with their familiarity with a wide variety of musical styles to find the specific kind that can get you through a challenging physical rehab session or guide you into meditation. And they can find that music in your favorite genre, be it electropop or grand opera.

Music therapists know few boundaries. They may play music for you or with you, or even teach you how to play an instrument. On a given day, Chartrand may be toting a tank drum, a ukulele, or an iPad and speakers into a patient’s room. “Technology gives us so much access to all kinds of music that I can find and play almost any kind of music you like,” she says.

The evidence for music therapy

A growing body of research attests that that music therapy is more than a nice perk. It can improve medical outcomes and quality of life in a variety of ways. Here’s a sampling:

Improves invasive procedures. In controlled clinical trials of people having colonoscopies, cardiac angiography, and knee surgery, those who listened to music before their procedure had reduced anxiety and a reduced need for sedatives. Those who listened to music in the operating room reported less discomfort during their procedure. Hearing music in the recovery room lowered the use of opioid painkillers.

Restores lost speech. Music therapy can help people who are recovering from a stroke or traumatic brain injury that has damaged the left-brain region responsible for speech. Because singing ability originates in the right side of the brain, people can work around the injury to the left side of their brain by first singing their thoughts and then gradually dropping the melody. Former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords used this technique to enable her to testify before a Congressional committee two years after a gunshot wound to her brain destroyed her ability to speak.

Reduces side effects of cancer therapy. Listening to music reduces anxiety associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It can also quell nausea and vomiting for patients receiving chemotherapy.

Aids pain relief. Music therapy has been tested in patients ranging from those with intense acute pain to those with chronic pain from arthritis. Overall, music therapy decreases pain perception, reduces the amount of pain medication needed, helps relieve depression, and gives people a sense of better control over their pain.

Improves quality of life for dementia patients. Because the ability to engage with music remains intact late into the disease process, music therapy can help to recall memories, reduce agitation, assist communication, and improve physical coordination.

How to find a music therapist

If you’re facing a procedure or illness, or just want relief from the stresses of daily life or help sticking to an exercise program, a music therapist may be able to help you. You can find one on the website of the American Music Therapy Association.

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The post Healing through music appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Beverly Merz http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healing-through-music-201511058556

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From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/yoga/art-20044733

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From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816