October 2016

Monday, October 31, 2016

When Soda Makers Fund Studies, Obesity Ties Weaken

Biased research muddies the health harms of sugary drinks, researchers contend

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20161031/when-soda-makers-fund-studies-links-to-obesity-weaken?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Can Facebook Friend Requests Predict Longevity?

Those most sought after as a connection on the social media site tended to live longer, study suggests

From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20161031/can-facebook-friend-requests-predict-longevity?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Smartphones, Tablets Keep Kids Buzzing at Bedtime

Children with access to these devices don't get enough sleep, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20161031/smartphones-tablets-keep-kids-buzzing-at-bedtime?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Does Good Cholesterol Affect Heart Disease Risk?

Lifestyle appears more important than the HDL number, study suggests

From: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20161031/does-good-cholesterol-matter-in-heart-disease-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

10-year-old tears up when he finally sees his mom's face

With the help of special glasses, legally blind Benny Francey was able to see clearly for the first time in his life

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-year-old-boy-benny-francey-breaks-down-in-tears-after-seeing-his-moms-face-for-the-first-time/

Study makes surprising discovery about Facebook users

New research looks at the impact online friendships may have on our well-being

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/facebook-users-live-longer-study-finds/

Paula’s story: A team approach to battling breast cancer

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDPqnBlf0dI

Testes shrink, sperm counts drop in Zika animal study

New research in Zika-infected male mice raises concerns about the possible impact on human fertility

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/testes-shrink-sperm-counts-fertility-drop-in-zika-mouse-study/

Delegates have 'important role in shaping' future

During his Oct. 24 installation as the 153rd president of the American Dental Association, Dr. Gary L. Roberts thanked the House of Delegates for "stepping up to guide the future of the profession" and urged his fellow dentists to be "willing to try new things."

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/october/delegates-have-important-role-in-shaping-future

Overdoses skyrocket as kids eat opioids "like candy"

A new study sees a spike in accidental poisonings among younger children, while more teens OD trying to get high

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-overdoses-have-nearly-tripled-among-kids-teenagers/

Opioid Overdoses Up Nearly 200% Among Kids, Teens

Younger children 'eating them like candy,' while teens overdose while trying to get high, researcher says

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20161031/opioid-overdoses-up-nearly-200-percent-among-kids-teens?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Pueblo, Colorado, May Push Back on Legal Pot

The marijuana industry says legalized recreational pot has been good for Colorado's economy, but in the town of Pueblo, some worry about how it affects teens and overall public health.

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20161031/why-one-colorado-town-may-push-back-on-legal-pot?src=RSS_PUBLIC

House approves policy opposing certain practices by third-party payers

The House of Delegates adopted new policy that opposes practices by third-party payers that permit disallowed claims and other practices the Association believes are inappropriate or intrusive.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/october/house-approves-policy-opposing-certain-practices-by-third-party-payers

Scary science: How your body responds to fear

A look at why Halloween spooks and creepy clowns send shivers down your spine

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/scary-science-how-your-body-responds-to-fear/

1st Zika Microcephaly Baby Born in Puerto Rico

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20161031/puerto-rico-zika-microcephaly?src=RSS_PUBLIC

7 Post-Workout Moves to Get Fit Faster

Want to optimize your recovery and propel your future workouts to the next level? Make these post-workout practices a regular part of your regimen.

From: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/7-post-workout-moves?src=RSS_PUBLIC

3 Recipes for Apple-Picking Season

Go from sweet to sensational with these apple recipes.

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/3-recipes-apple-picking-season?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Pet Cancer: Can You Spot the Signs?

Do you know the signs of cancer in your pets?

From: http://pets.webmd.com/features/pet-cancer-can-you-spot-signs?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Why Handwriting Matters for Kids

Pencils, paper, and penmanship may be good for growing brains.

From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/handwriting-matters-kids?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic in Florida completes 1,000th blood and marrow transplant

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws60K1TjNz4

ВОЗ: Breathelife – Дорога домой

From: World Health Organization http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jkNthPZjog

منظمة الصحة العالمية: تنفس الحياة (Breathelife) – العودة سيراً على الأقدام إلى المنزل

From: World Health Organization http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nRlY8LrpQc

世卫组织：“生命呼吸”—— 回家之路

From: World Health Organization http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZofgPo7-Hw

House of Delegates pass resolution to amend Code of Ethics

A new resolution passed by the ADA House of Delegates permits dentists to announce as specialists recognized in their jurisdictions even if it's not one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the Association.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/october/house-of-delegates-pass-resolution-to-amend-code-of-ethics

UCSF dental dean emeritus dies

The dean emeritus of the University of California, San Francisco, and a prolific researcher who helped educate Major League Baseball players on the dangers of smokeless tobacco, Dr. John C. Greene, died Oct. 13 at age 90.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/october/ucsf-dental-dean-emeritus-dies

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Peanut patch holds promise for treating allergies

A skin patch for people with peanut allergies "looks promising and has potential," leading allergy researcher says

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/peanut-patch-holds-promise-for-treating-allergies/

Obamacare 2017: A Peek Behind the Numbers

Predictions on price hikes and enrollment figures

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20161031/obamacare-2017-a-peek-behind-the-numbers?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Obamacare 2017: Higher Prices, Fewer Choices

Federal tax subsidies can ease the impact of premium increases, but consumers must shop wisely, analysts say

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20161031/obamacare-2017-higher-prices-fewer-choices?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Physicians, paperwork, and paying attention to patients

Follow me @drmoniquetello

Have you noticed that when you go to a doctor’s office, the providers are on a computer or flipping through papers for much of the visit? Maybe they’re looking through your records, typing your history, filling out forms, or checking boxes from a questionnaire. Whatever it is, isn’t it kind of weird and awkward that you’re sitting there in person for an illness or an examination, and you are not the primary focus of attention?

Just how much of your visit do we spend on “overhead”? A lot.

In fact, you’re not imagining things, and it is weird and awkward. A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine supports prior research in this area showing that a ridiculous amount of a doctor’s time is spent interfacing with a computer or on other administrative tasks, instead of with patients, even when the patient is right there in the room.

The researchers observed 57 physicians from four different specialties (family practice, internal medicine, cardiology, orthopedics) in four different states for a total of 430 hours. They were interested in learning precisely how doctors spend their time.

What they learned was that during office hours, half the time — a huge chunk — was allocated to desk work, like documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR), reviewing test results, handling medication requests, and filling out forms. What was remarkable was that even during office visits, doctors interacted with their patients for only half of the time; the rest was EMR and paperwork. As a matter of fact, for every hour of face-to-face patient time, another two hours were spent on desk work.

Notably, about 40% of the doctors observed in this study used documentation support, like voice recognition software or medical scribes, and they still got these results. Also notably, none of the primary care doctors had the luxury of documentation support. You can imagine that the family practice and internal medicine docs (like yours truly) spend even more time on desk work.

So, when you felt that your provider wasn’t paying attention to you for much of your recent visit, you were right. And you know what? We hate it, too.

What exactly are we doing when futzing with papers or computers?

It’s no revelation that physicians in all specialties are feeling increasingly bogged down with the desk work. But what does “desk work” mean? Well, let me tell you.

Let’s say you’re just in for a physical. During your 20 minutes, I have to catch up on anything that’s happened since your last visit, review and update your medications, listen to any current ailments that you’d like addressed, and answer your questions from the list you brought. I need to make sure I’m not missing anything you might be due for, like vaccinations, bone density, or cancer screening tests (Pap smears, mammograms, colonoscopies). We may need to discuss screening for sexually transmitted diseases, and birth control. I may also need to review your specialists’ notes and recommendations. I have to examine you, which can include paying special attention to your areas of complaints, like that rash, or a swollen knee. I need to note any previous abnormal test results, then discuss and order labs. For these and any other tests, I have to fuss with our high-tech electronic system to match an acceptable diagnosis with the order, or your insurance may not pay. Before you leave I need to make sure you understand any new prescriptions or treatment plans, and that you’re all set with your medication refills. Often, people also bring forms they need filled out, like those work health status checklists, family medical leave paperwork, or preoperative requirements.

And here’s what we do after you leave

After your visit, I need to follow up on your test results and report them to you. I know that if there is something abnormal you’d rather hear it from me, and personally, I’d rather be the one to call you. But I have to allocate things like high cholesterol and osteopenia (reduced bone density) to my nurse. I try to speak to patients directly about positive tests for sexually transmitted infections or other potentially unsettling results. Regardless, I type up the lab interpretation and plan and send it to you in writing.

If we referred you to a specialist and you’re having difficulty getting an appointment, I can sometimes intervene and try to speed up the process. I’ll write to the specialist and explain the issue, which involves reviewing your chart and summarizing the issue as concisely as possible. Or, more and more frequently, we’ll make it an “electronic consult,” where the specialist relies on my history, exam, and testing, reviews your case, and provides guidance on your issue to me directly, without seeing you. Then, I need to follow up on his or her recommendations and communicate everything to you.

Often insurance creates major tangles and snafus. For example, it can require an unbelievable amount of time and effort to have an MRI or a sleep study approved, never mind replace a broken CPAP machine (I have a good story on that!) And I haven’t even mentioned school physicals, letters of medical necessity, and disability forms. I could go on and on, and I have.

No, I’m not leaving primary care anytime soon. But I do want patients to understand that yes, we do spend an inordinate amount of time not paying direct attention to them, and yes, we hate it too.

The post Physicians, paperwork, and paying attention to patients appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Monique Tello, MD, MPH http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/physicians-paperwork-and-paying-attention-to-patients-2016103110558

Clean Home May Help Keep Kids' Asthma in Check

Controlling allergens, household pollutants can reduce need for medication, pediatricians' group says

From: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20161031/clean-home-may-help-keep-kids-asthma-in-check?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Nearly Two-Thirds of Smokers Also Use E-Cigs: CDC

Survey also found 40 percent of young people using the devices were never smokers

From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20161030/nearly-two-thirds-of-smokers-also-use-e-cigarettes-cdc?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Need motivation to exercise? Try a little healthy competition

Social media can be a powerful tool for influencing habits, but a new study shows it depends on how you use it

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/need-motivation-to-exercise-try-online-competition/

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

The secret life of dogs

The animated movie "The Secret Life of Pets," one of the summer's biggest blockbusters, explored what our animals are up to after we leave the house each day. Pets have a secret life, all right. But for dogs, it's mostly about how they experience the world: through their noses. Did you know they can actually tell time through their sense of smell? Martha Teichner reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-secret-life-of-dogs/

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

10/29: FBI investigation takes center stage in presidential campaign; Shelter dogs let loose for a run

Early voting is underway throughout most of the United States, but that has not stopped Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump from going full throttle on the campaign trail; Shelter dogs spend most of their time in cages, with little opportunity to move around freely.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/1029-fbi-investigation-takes-center-stage-in-presidential-campaign-shelter-dogs-let-loose-for-a-run/

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Morning Rounds: Preventing sudden infant death syndrome, and more

In this installment of "Morning Rounds," CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook and CBS News contributor Dr. Tara Narula join "CBS This Morning: Saturday: to discuss new recommendations for ensuring safe sleeping environments for infants, the push for legal recreational marijuana and more.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/morning-rounds-preventing-sudden-infant-death-syndrome-and-more/

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Functional fitness training: Is it right for you?

Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/functional-fitness/art-20047680

Friday, October 28, 2016

Bachelor party leads to adoption of 7 puppies

When Mitchel Craddock and his groomsmen set off to celebrate his upcoming marriage, they didn't expect to come home with a stray dog and her 7 puppies. All eight have now been adopted.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/bachelor-party-leads-to-adoption-of-7-puppies/

Impact of legalized marijuana

Voters in five states will vote on whether to legalize recreational marijuana. Colorado was one of the first states to do so. In a story airing Sunday on "60 Minutes," Dr. Jon LaPook reports on how the decision is impacting citizens there.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/impact-of-legalized-marijuana/

Big Food wants to make frozen meals cool again

Food companies hope healthier products will lure increasingly diet-conscious young adults back to the freezer aisle

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/big-food-wants-to-make-frozen-meals-cool-again/

These bikes are simply, well... electrifying

Electric bikes, called e-bikes, leave people smiling – here's why

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/e-bikes-electric-bicycles-are-simply-electrifying/

Feel like your job is killing you? This could be why

A certain combination of factors at work could take a toll on your health

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/job-stress-little-control-takes-toll-on-health/

Make Shots Less Painful for Your Baby

Tips to soothe your little one and ease your stress during vaccinations.

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/features/make-shots-less-painful-baby?src=RSS_PUBLIC

More Than Willpower: How I Live Well With ADHD

A WebMD reader shares how medication and a strong support system lead to her success.

From: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/features/more-than-willpwer-adhd?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Acne Gives Up Secret That Points to New Treatments

Bacteria on skin sometimes release fatty acids that trigger inflammation, researchers report

From: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/news/20161028/acne-yields-up-secret-that-points-to-new-treatments?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Nearly 3% of U.S. Adults Have Weakened Immunity

Advances in treating HIV and autoimmune diseases are keeping more patients alive

From: http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20161028/nearly-3-percent-of-us-adults-have-weakened-immunity-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Keep Your Lows From Keeping You Down

Because bipolar depression can resemble other conditions, see your doctor or mental health professional to get a correct diagnosis.

From: http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/features/bipolar-depression-keep-lows-keeping-you-down?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Woman Gets $70M in Baby Powder/Ovarian Cancer Suit

From: http://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/news/20161028/baby-powder-cancer-lawsuit?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Skin Patch May Help With Peanut Allergy

Delivering small amounts of peanut protein boosted tolerance for about half of young patients in study

From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20161028/skin-patch-may-help-with-peanut-allergy?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Measles Complication: More Common Than Thought?

One more reason to get your child vaccinated against the disease, infection experts say

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20161028/deadly-measles-complication-may-be-more-common-than-believed?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Experimental Drug Might Help Drug-Resistant HIV

'This is potentially a lifesaving therapy,' researcher says

From: http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20161028/experimental-medicine-might-rescue-people-with-drug-resistant-hiv?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on How Ag Export Surge Boosted GDP Growth

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement:

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/10/0234.xml&contentidonly=true

Doctors reach surprising conclusion in treating kids' migraines

Study author says the results “really challenge what is typical practice today by headache specialists"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctors-reach-surprising-conclusion-in-treating-kids-migraines/

Should your child take a cholesterol test?

A new study looks at what might happen if the timeline for heart disease prevention was moved up – way up

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/should-children-take-a-cholesterol-test/

How You Can Meditate

Author Dan Harris and meditation expert Joseph Goldberg discuss how even the busiest, most distracted person can find a calmer state of mind.

From: http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/meditation-essay?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Teal pumpkins make Halloween happy for kids with allergies

The Teal Pumpkin Project aims to make the candy-crazy holiday fun for kids with food allergies and other health issues

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teal-pumpkins-make-halloween-happy-for-kids-food-allergies/

How the Teal Pumpkin Project hopes to change Halloween

For millions of kids with food allergies, Halloween can be full of hazards. But the Teal Pumpkin Project hopes to change that. CBS News' Kenneth Craig explains how.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/how-the-teal-pumpkin-project-hopes-to-change-halloween/

Eating for Longevity

What makes some people live longer than others? Studies suggest that diet is one of the important contributors to longevity and a healthy life.

From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/eating-longevity?src=RSS_PUBLIC

WHO: Oral cholera vaccines arrive to Haiti

From: World Health Organization http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReGXyAb9zKY

Join the Teal Pumpkin Project on Halloween

Painted pumpkins let trick-or-treaters with food allergies know safe treats are available

From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20161028/join-the-teal-pumpkin-project-on-halloween?src=RSS_PUBLIC

More Americans Getting Health Care Under Obamacare

News comes as double-digit price hikes for health plans on the horizon

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20161028/report-more-americans-getting-health-care-under-obamacare?src=RSS_PUBLIC

USDA Invests $1.7 Billion to Protect Sensitive Agricultural Lands through Conservation Reserve Program

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will issue nearly $1.7 billion in payments to more than half of a million Americans who have contracts with the government to protect sensitive agricultural lands. The investment, part of the voluntary USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), will allow producers to protect almost 24 million acres of wetlands, grasslands and wildlife habitat in 2016.

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/10/0233.xml&contentidonly=true

JADA looks at how alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, drug abuse relate to sleep bruxism

Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine could facilitate or exacerbate sleep bruxism, according to a systematic review featured in the November issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/october/jada-looks-at-how-alcohol-caffeine-tobacco-drug-abuse-relate-to-sleep-bruxism

Stressful Job, Little Control: Shorter Life Spans?

Workers with more say in their jobs had better chance of living longer, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20161027/stressful-jobs-with-little-controlshorter-life-spans?src=RSS_PUBLIC

More Adults Think E-Cigs as Harmful as Cigarettes

But researchers note they can help smokers quit even if they're not risk-free

From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20161027/more-american-adults-think-e-cigs-as-harmful-as-cigarettes-survey?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Dental Cleanings May Help Keep Lungs Clean Too

Twice annual visits reduce bacteria that can cause pneumonia, researcher says

From: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20161027/dental-cleanings-may-help-keep-lungs-clean-too?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Talk to the animals: Animal-assisted therapy offers emotional support

My Shih Tzu, Latte, is like a therapist, personal trainer, and primary care physician all wrapped up into 10 pounds of white fluffiness. When you are bedridden with a cold, she never leaves your side until you are well. When you have a bad day, she is there with a comforting look that says, “Everything is going to be okay.” At 5 p.m., she reminds you that you’ve sat for too long and need to take her for a walk.

It turns out that Latte is doing what most animals naturally do with humans: provide comfort and support.

This type of therapeutic interaction even has a scientific name — animal-assisted therapy (AAT) — and research has shown it helps with a variety of emotional issues like depression, anxiety, and grief.

“The great thing about animals is they don’t have a preconceived notion of people,” says Dr. Henry Feldman, of the Division of General Internal Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “They provide unconditional love, which encourages interaction and helps people feel more confident.”

Animal-assisted therapy in action

Animal-assisted therapy involves interacting regularly with animals for a set time over weeks or months. The get-togethers usually involve dogs and cats in either individual or group settings, and consist of everything from petting to giving treats to just sitting together.

What happens when you interact with animals? Researchers speculate that levels of oxytocin, the “love hormone” that encourages bonding, often increase, as does the production of serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical.

Animal-assisted therapy is often used in retirement centers to help people with depression. A study in the June 2013 Anthrozoos found that patients with dementia living in residential care who received 11 weeks of dog-assisted therapy improved their depression scores compared with those who had human-only therapy.

Hospitals also use animal-assisted therapy for patients coping with stressful treatment and recovery. A study in the January 2015 Journal of Community and Supportive Oncology explored how AAT — in this case therapy dogs — affected the well-being of cancer patients who underwent radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The patients received daily 15- to 20-minute animal visits for six weeks, and afterward reported a noticeable increase in their emotional well-being.

AAT is especially helpful for people healing after traumatic events like an accident, the death of a loved one, or catastrophes like the recent Pulse club shootings in Orlando. In fact, Orlando’s Trinity Lutheran Church coordinated with Chicago-based Lutheran Church Charities’ K-9 Comfort Dogs program to bring in golden retrievers to help with grief counseling for survivors, first responders, and volunteers.

Find your animal therapy

Physicians usually “prescribe” animal-assisted therapy, but you may need to be proactive and inquire about AAT and how it may complement your treatment and needs. But you don’t need a prescription to tap into AAT’s feel-good effects. Pet ownership is one way, but if you are not ready for that responsibility, check with your local senior center about public animal therapy programs, or volunteer with community partners of animal therapy organizations like Pet Partners, Therapy Dogs International, and the Good Dog Foundation.

Another option: advertise your services as a local pet sitter or dog walker, or lend a hand to a pet-owning neighbor, friend, or family member. Or you could hang out with Latte for awhile. She would love it.

Learn more about the health benefits of canine companionship in the Harvard Medical School Special Health Report, Get Healthy, Get a Dog.

The post Talk to the animals: Animal-assisted therapy offers emotional support appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Matthew Solan http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/talk-to-the-animals-animal-assisted-therapy-offers-emotional-support-2016102810527

Mayo Clinic Minute: Breast cancer strikes men, too

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viz_SrrVc3U

How to choose a Medicare Advantage health plan

Now's the time to shop for your insurance coverage -- here's a step-by-step guide to finding the best plan for the best price

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-choose-a-medicare-advantage-health-care-plan/

$70M jury award to woman in suit over Johnson & Johnson baby powder

She said years of using J&J talcum powder caused her ovarian cancer, which company denies; it's third such award, but 2 other cases tossed

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/70m-jury-award-to-woman-in-suit-over-johnson-johnson-baby-powder/

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Are hormonal contraceptives on the way for men?

A trial tested hormone injections for men to reduce their sperm counts, but the side effects halted the study

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/will-men-soon-be-taking-hormone-contraceptives/

Research trial examines hormonal birth control for men

Male contraception is usually limited to condoms and vasectomies, but an experimental drug could change how men tackle birth control. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/research-trial-examines-hormonal-birth-control-for-men/

Nurses' scrubs can harbor nasty germs

Superbug MRSA and other dangerous bacteria were detected on uniforms of hospital staff

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nurses-scrubs-can-harbor-nasty-germs-superbugs/

Doctors Try Brain-Training for 'Phantom Limb Pain'

Robotic technology offers insight into the post-amputation phenomenon

From: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20161027/doctors-try-brain-training-to-curb-phantom-limb-pain?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Study Questions Migraine Meds in Kids, Teens

Researchers found sugar pill worked as well as commonly prescribed drugs

From: http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/news/20161027/study-questions-use-of-migraine-meds-in-kids-teens?src=RSS_PUBLIC

#AsktheMayoMom about Congetial Heart Disease

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6CqnUf_Bc8

Male Birth Control Shot Promising, But Work Needed

Injections as effective as other contraceptives, but side effects prompted early halt of trial

From: http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/news/20161027/male-birth-control-in-a-shot-promising-but-more-work-needed?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Cranberry Products May Not Prevent UTIs: Study

In female nursing home residents, cranberry capsules didn't affect infection rate

From: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20161027/cranberry-products-may-not-prevent-utis-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Artificial hand helps amputee feel softness

Technology that allows a person to sense softness and firmness is another step toward the development of prosthetics that can feel

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/artificial-hand-technology-helps-amputee-feel-softness-firmness/

AARP sues feds over employer wellness program rules

Workplace wellness programs help rein in soaring costs of insurance premiums, but the AARP claims the new rules would compromise people’s privacy or make them vulnerable to discrimination

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/aarp-sues-eeoc-employer-wellness-program-rules/

Colon Cancer's Location May Determine Survival

Study found 'right-sided' tumors had worse prognoses, with implications for screening and treatment

From: http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20161027/colon-cancers-location-may-determine-patient-survival?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Nurses' 'Scrubs' Pick Up Bad Hospital Germs

Superbug MRSA, other disease-causing bacteria detected on uniforms in ICU

From: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20161027/nurses-scrubs-pick-up-bad-hospital-germs?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Making Mayo's Recipes: Whole wheat pumpkin pancakes

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

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Awards $45 Million in Grants to Help Agricultural Producers and Small Rural Businesses Develop New Products

EAU CLAIRE Wis., Oct. 27, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is providing more than $45 million to help farmers, ranchers, small businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide develop new product lines. USDA is investing in 325 projects through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/10/0232.xml&contentidonly=true

Volunteers donate dental services to veterans

About 600 volunteers came together for the 2016 Homeless Veteran Stand Down for Monterey County.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/october/volunteers-donate-dental-services-to-veterans

Checkup on kids born through experimental fertility treatment

17 babies born using an unusual type of infertility treatment that gave them DNA from three people are now in their teens

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-are-kids-after-experimental-3-person-dna-infertility-treatments/

New High-Tech Tools to Help Control Diabetes

New high-tech devices may make it easier for many of the nation’s 21 million people with diabetes to control the disease.

From: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/condition-15/diabetes/gadgets?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: Doctors urge use of HPV vaccine

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf7iCN9Jh6M

Regular meditation more beneficial than vacation

As mindfulness meditation and yoga have become mainstream and more extensively studied, growing evidence suggests multiple psychological and physical benefits of these mindfulness exercises, as well as for similar practices like tai chi and qi gong.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses analyzing hundreds of research studies suggest that mindfulness-based interventions help decrease anxiety, depression, stress, and pain, and help improve general health, mental health, and quality of life. These practices also appear to reduce inflammation and increase immune response.

You say vacation, I say meditation…

As much as this intuitively makes sense, I’ve often wondered if simple rest and relaxation could be just as good for you. The few studies conducted suggest that vacation does result in real, albeit temporary, positive effects on health and well-being.

So when the editors at Harvard Health Publications suggested I take a look at a recent study comparing a mindfulness meditation and yoga retreat to regular vacation in terms of mental health as well as physical health outcomes, I agreed. This is interesting stuff.

The study was conducted at a resort in Southern California with 91 female volunteers who had no major health problems, were not pregnant, nor taking hormones or antidepressants. The mindfulness intervention was an established meditation and yoga retreat consisting of 12 hours of meditation, nine hours of yoga, and self-reflective exercises over a week. The participants were divided into three groups of about 30 each: experienced meditators, women who had never meditated, and a group who simply “went on vacation.” The 30 “vacation participants” listened to health lectures and then did fun outdoor things for a week.

At the end, all three groups (vacation, novice, and regular meditators) showed statistically significant improvements in scores of stress and depression, which were measured using well-established and commonly used questionnaires. If we stop there, it seems that vacation is just as good as mindfulness exercises for stress reduction and mood lifting.

But what’s really striking are the result from 10 months later: the regular meditators still showed significant improvements on these scores, the novice meditators even more so. However, the vacationers were back to baseline. The researchers had ensured that all three groups were equal in average age, education level, employment status, and body mass index. This finding is in keeping with prior research showing that vacation has beneficial but very temporary effects, and that mindfulness therapies have sustained beneficial effects.

What about long-term physical benefits of meditation?

These researchers also took blood samples just before and after the weeklong study period. All three groups showed significant positive changes in the markers of immune function. However, regular meditators also showed additional, more interesting changes. I got in touch with study author Eric Schadt, Ph.D., director of the Icahn Institute at Mount Sinai, who offered this interpretation of the data:

“Regular meditators showed both the same types of ‘improvements’ at the molecular level as the others, but on top of that exhibited changes that were also associated with some aging/disease processes that also correlated with biomarkers of aging in a favorable direction. I think there is some suggestion there of improved healthy aging, so hopefully that motivates further study in this direction.”

He went on to explain that other factors that often go hand in hand with meditation (for example, exercise, diet, even exposure to incense) could help explain these improvements. “So that as well remains to be more fully resolved in future studies.”

The vacation study was fairly small and included only women, and the authors point out that more research in this area is needed. But the evidence that mindfulness exercises can result in long-lasting positive psychological effects, especially for people new to these experiences, is compelling. In addition, meditation and yoga can boost immunity, and regular practice seems to promote more complex genetic effects related to healthier aging.

The post Regular meditation more beneficial than vacation appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Monique Tello, MD, MPH http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/relaxation-benefits-meditation-stronger-relaxation-benefits-taking-vacation-2016102710532

“The hardest part” of breast cancer under 40

One woman shares her story of the special challenges younger women can face with breast cancer

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-hardest-part-of-breast-cancer-under-40/

Parent-led autism therapy shows long-term benefits

Early intervention reduced severity of symptoms years down the road, researchers find

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/parent-led-autism-therapy-shows-benefits/

Screening Urged for Inherited Heart Condition

People with familial hypercholesterolemia have higher risk of heart attack before 40, researchers say

From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20161026/parent-child-screening-urged-for-inherited-heart-condition?src=RSS_PUBLIC

High Rate of Antidepressant Use After Cancer

Nearly 1 in 5 survivors taking medication for depression or anxiety years later

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20161026/high-rate-of-antidepressant-use-after-cancer?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Oxygen Therapy Little Help for Milder COPD

Study could change clinical practice, researchers say

From: http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/news/20161026/oxygen-therapy-little-help-for-those-with-milder-copd?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ADA Business Resources can help members affected by Hurricane Matthew

Hurricane Matthew left damage and residual issues with flooding and power outages across the southern Atlantic states.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/october/ada-business-resources-can-help-members-affected-by-hurricane-matthew

Study: Brain can learn to "see" again after blindness

New research looks at the human brain's ability to process visual information after years of blindness

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/brain-can-see-again-after-blindness-study-finds/

New Guidelines Urge Diabetics to Move More

They should do light physical activity every 30 minutes, not every 90 minutes

From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20161026/new-guidelines-urge-diabetics-to-move-more?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Over 1 million treated with highly effective hepatitis C medicines

The new medicines have a cure rate of over 95%, fewer side effects than previously available therapies, and can completely cure the disease within three months. But at an initial estimated price of some US$85 000 they were unaffordable even in high-income countries.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/hepatitis-c-medicines/en/index.html

‘Father of aesthetic dentistry’ dies at 92

Dr. Irwin Smigel, who has been referred to as the “Father of aesthetic dentistry,” died Oct. 17 at his Manhattan home. He was 92 years old.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/october/father-of-aesthetic-dentistry-dies-at-92

Some kidney transplants coming with big potential catch

Two studies underway of transplanting organs infected with hepatitis C so patients could get them more quickly

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/some-kidney-transplants-coming-with-big-potential-catch-hepatitis-c/

161027 Malgorzata

From: BritishDietetic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DfrxksE1Qw

Arthritis pain: Do's and don'ts

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20046440

HPV vaccine: Who needs it, how it works

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/in-depth/hpv-vaccine/art-20047292

Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971

Fertility preservation: Understand your options before cancer treatment

Wonder how cancer treatment could affect your fertility? Understand what you can do to preserve your fertility before starting treatment.

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/fertility-preservation/art-20047512

Breast cancer chemoprevention: Medicines that reduce breast cancer risk

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/in-depth/breast-cancer/art-20045353

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Study: “Patient Zero” wrongfully blamed for AIDS epidemic

Scientists say the man long identified as the source of the virus in the U.S. was just one of many infected with HIV at the beginning of the AIDS crisis

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hiv-patient-zero-gaetan-dugas-wrongfully-blamed-for-aids-epidemic-report-finds/

Study Discounts 'Patient Zero' Myth in AIDS Crisis

Genetic analysis of 40-year-old blood samples shows many North Americans already infected by late 1970s

From: http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20161026/study-discounts-myth-of-patient-zero-in-us-aids-crisis?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Is Teens' Heart Rate, BP Tied to Mental Ills?

Indicators of schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety might be spotted in physical at 18

From: http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20161026/can-teens-heart-rate-blood-pressure-show-ties-to-mental-ills?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: What is POTS?

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-tncitE0gs

Weight-Loss Surgery Can Help Severely Obese Teens

Boosts kids' health and self-esteem, and appears to be cost-effective over time, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20161026/weight-loss-surgery-pays-off-for-severely-obese-teens?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ADA Foundation and ADA 2016 audience raise $13,000 to repair Pakistan clinic; fundraising effort ongoing

The ADA Foundation announced that as of Oct. 25 it has raised more than $13,000 for its Shangla Clinic Project, which will repair a damaged medical and dental clinic in Shangla, Pakistan.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/october/ada-foundation-and-ada-2016-audience-raise-13000

USDA Provides $3.6 Billion for Electric Projects in 31 States

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $3.6 billion in loans to fund 82 electric projects in 31 states. These loans will finance infrastructure upgrades, create jobs and improve system operations for rural electric customers nationwide.

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/10/0231.xml&contentidonly=true

Monday, October 31, 2016

Just how much of your visit do we spend on “overhead”? A lot.

What exactly are we doing when futzing with papers or computers?

And here’s what we do after you leave

Related Post:

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Friday, October 28, 2016

Animal-assisted therapy in action

Find your animal therapy

Related Post:

Thursday, October 27, 2016

You say vacation, I say meditation…

What about long-term physical benefits of meditation?

Related Post:

Wednesday, October 26, 2016