Cancer leading cause of death in 22 states

As heart disease fatalities decline, cancer has become the leading cause of death in 22 states

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cancer-leading-cause-of-death-in-22-states/

Mayo Clinic Minute: New Dietary Guidelines

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

How does your diet stack up to new USDA guidelines?

The USDA released new guidelines on how many calories people should consume and where they should get those calories from

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/how-does-your-diet-stack-up-to-new-usda-guidelines/

Lawsuit targets drug suppliers in West Virginia's painkiller problem

West Virginia's prescription pain pill epidemic has the state suing pharmacies and drug distributors for handing out painkillers to virtually anyone who asked

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/lawsuit-targets-drug-suppliers-in-west-virginias-painkiller-problem/

Calif. declares state of emergency over gas leak

After 75 days of a massive methane gas leak, Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency in California

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/calif-declares-state-of-emergency-over-gas-leak/

Texas woman gives birth to own granddaughter in surrogacy

"This is such a blessing that I can do this for my daughter"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-woman-gives-birth-to-own-granddaughter-in-surrogacy/

Drug distributors under fire in West Virginia painkiller epidemic

In an unprecedented lawsuit, drug distributors and pharmacies are being sued for negligence in West Virginia's growing painkiller addiction problem

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-distributors-under-fire-in-west-virginia-painkiller-epidemic/

Make sure migraines don't derail your sex life

Migraines can take a toll on your sex life. WebMD shows you how to reignite the passion.

From: http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/migraines-and-sex?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Americans Still Consume Too Much Salt: CDC

Most of it comes from processed or restaurant food, not salt shaker, experts say

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/20160107/americans-still-consume-too-much-salt-cdc?src=RSS_PUBLIC

New imaging technique "lights up" cancer cells

The technique may one day help surgeons remove all of a cancer the first time, according to preliminary research

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-imaging-technique-lights-up-cancer-cells-in-early-trial/

Zika Virus: What You Should Know

The mosquito-borne Zika virus has caused panic in Brazil since it first appeared there in May. Officials believe it’s likely to spread to the U.S. WebMD reports.

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20160107/zika-virus-what-you-should-know?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Dietary Guidelines Draw Praise, Criticism

Watch your sugar, use caution with the salt shaker, and limit those saturated fats. That’s the advice from the updated U.S. nutritional guidelines, released Thursday. WebMD has the details.

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/20160107/dietary-guidelines-sugar-meat?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Gradual Drop in Sodas' Sugar May Help Curb Obesity

Researchers predict significant decrease in type 2 diabetes as well

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/20160107/gradual-decline-in-sodas-sugar-content-might-help-curb-obesity?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Pump It Up With Calorie-Burning Cardio

WebMD explains how to get your heart pumping – no treadmill required.

From: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/calorie-burning-cardio?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Texans rave about "The Taco Cleanse" diet book

The new diet lets you eat tacos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner... but there's a catch

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/texans-rave-about-the-taco-cleanse-diet-book/

Q&A With Howard Stern's Wife Beth Stern

In February, television personality and animal activist Beth Stern will host the third annual Hallmark Channel Kitten Bowl, during which, she says, "macho men will cheer on ridiculously cute kittens." WebMD has the details.

From: http://pets.webmd.com/cats/features/beth-stern-howard-stern-cats?src=RSS_PUBLIC

How Mindfulness Can Help Your Health

If you want to jump-start your health in the New Year, then just be. Mindfulness, the art of being fully present in the moment, may give your mind and your body a boost. WebMD explains.

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/mindfulness-stress-depression-anxiety?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Off the Menu: Jeff Tunks

Chef Jeff Tunks has always been a big guy, but he used to be a lot bigger. Several years ago, he weighed in at 375 pounds. WebMD shares his story.

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/chef-jeff-tunks?src=RSS_PUBLIC

How I Quit Smoking

A reader tells WebMD Magazine how he kicked the habit for good.

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

10 Questions With Harry Connick Jr.

The singer and actor opens up to WebMD Magazine about his new album, his long-lasting marriage, and his health habits.

From: http://www.webmd.com/men/features/harry-connick-jr-american-idol?src=RSS_PUBLIC

3 Ways to Cook With Citrus Fruits

These juicy and nutritious recipes feature grapefruit, lemons, and oranges.

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

Munn's the Word

Olivia Munn speaks out about dealing with anxiety and panic attacks.

From: http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/features/olivia-munn-anxiety-weight?src=RSS_PUBLIC

How to Fight Dark Spots on Your Skin

WebMD explains what hyperpigmentation is and what you can do about it.

From: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/face/dark-spots-skin-hyperpigmentation?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Tips to Manage Hypothyroidism

WebMD explains ways to control the most common thyroid disorder.

From: http://www.webmd.com/women/features/manage-hypothyroidism?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Pump It Up With Calorie-Burning Cardio

WebMD explains how to get your heart pumping – no treadmill required.

From: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/calorie-burning-cardio?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What Are the Best and Worst Supplements and Herbs for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Some supplements are good for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some are dangerous. WebMD explains which supplements and herbs may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and which ones you should never take.

From: http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/rheumatoid-arthritis-best-worst-supplements-herbs?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Children With Eczema: How to Stop the Scratching

Children with eczema who scratch the itchy skin can actually make the condition worse. Try these tips from WebMD to help your child stop scratching.

From: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/child-eczema-14/child-scratching?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Center for Regenerative Medicine Biomaterials and Biomolecules Facility

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv-uz1iD_rs

Expert Advice on How to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

An expert tells WebMD how to manage and treat rheumatoid arthritis.

From: http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/dr-answers-ra?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Feds Crack Down on False Brain-Training Claims

Lumos Labs, the company behind the popular brain-training web site Lumosity, has agreed to refund subscribers $2 million after making deceptive and “unfounded” claims about its products, the Federal Trade Commission has announced. WebMD has the details.

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20160107/lumosity-brain-training-claims?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever? The Truth Behind Mom's Cold and Flu Advice

Mom has a lot of advice when it comes to cold and flu. WebMD lets you know what she's right about.

From: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/the-truth-behind-moms-cold-and-flu-advice?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Cancer Death Rates Down 23 Percent Since 1991

That translates to an additional 1.7 million survivors, expert says

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20160107/cancer-death-rates-down-23-percent-since-1991-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What new federal dietary guidelines mean for you

New recommendations emphasize limiting added sugar, and there are some other significant changes

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-new-federal-dietary-guidelines-mean-for-you/

What new federal dietary guidelines mean for you

New recommendations emphasize limiting added sugar, and there are some other significant changes

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-new-federal-dietary-guidelines-mean-for-you/

What Are the Best Tips for Natural Beauty?

To look your best, the natural way, you’ll want to make sure you do these six things. From sleep to sunscreen to sweating it out, it’s simple to be gorgeous. WebMD explains.

From: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/skin/natural-beauty-tips?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Thinning Hair: Can Medications Help?

Don't give in to thinning hair. Medications are available that can help restore women's hair, too.

From: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/hair-loss-women-14/thinning-hair-medications?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Technique 'Lights Up' Cancer Cells in Early Trial

Technology may help surgeons identify and remove more malignant cells

From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20160107/new-imaging-technique-lights-up-cancer-cells-in-early-trial?src=RSS_PUBLIC

This May Boost Leukemia Stem Cell Transplant

Study showed many were able to avoid graft-versus-host disease

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/lymphoma/news/20160106/antibody-may-lower-rejection-rates-after-stem-cell-transplant-in-leukemia-patients?src=RSS_PUBLIC

More than 1.7 million cancer deaths averted since 1990s

Americans can cut cancer risk even more if they follow these recommendations

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-than-1-million-cancer-deaths-averted-over-past-two-decades/

Smart ways to save on your gym membership

Health club memberships in America are at an all-time high at more than 54 million in 2014

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/smart-ways-to-save-on-your-gym-membership/

Long ride back from CO poisoning

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq8btUiST_w

New cures for hepatitis C — but are they affordable?

The public health burden of hepatitis C is enormous. This serious viral infection of the liver causes cirrhosis, liver cancer, and end-stage liver failure, often requiring liver transplantation. Over 3 million people in the United States, and 150 million worldwide, are infected with hepatitis C virus, resulting in 700,000 deaths per year.

People who are infected with hepatitis C virus often have no symptoms. The virus persists in the liver, slowly damaging liver tissue over a long period of time. For this reason, it is critical that progression of liver damage be stopped before advanced liver disease or liver cancer occurs.

But there’s some very good news: in the last few years, we have witnessed extraordinary progress in developing new drug treatments for hepatitis C.  Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) and sofosbuvir combined with ledipasvir (Harvoni) are two well-known examples of these new drug therapies. Another new combination drug, sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, which was recently described in a report in The New England Journal of Medicine, is extremely effective against most forms of hepatitis C virus and will become the standard therapy when this combination is approved by the FDA.

But even though the new drugs can cure hepatitis C in many cases, they are not accessible to all people who need them. The new hepatitis C drugs cost between $80,000 and $150,000 per year. People with excellent insurance coverage may see low out-of-pocket costs for these drugs. But because of the expense, many insurance companies have implemented cost-shifting schemes that require high co-payments from people with less robust plans, which puts these drugs beyond reach for many people.

In the United States, hepatitis C drugs are but one example of “specialty drugs.” These are newer drugs for many chronic conditions — such as cancer and arthritis — that have been priced at levels that are unaffordable for many people who need them.

Until drugs for hepatitis C, and other specialty drugs, are priced at affordable levels, some people without sufficient financial means will be left out and unable to benefit from modern advances in drug therapy. As a society, we must find ways to make these drugs accessible to all who need them while also compensating the drug companies for their high research and development costs. This is a difficult balance, but in a society based on fairness and equity, it is one we must achieve. Because no one with hepatitis C should go without treatment.

Related Posts:

• Let National Hepatitis Testing Day nudge you to getting a…
• New drugs offer easier, more effective hepatitis C treatment
• The very high cost of very low cholesterol
• Why many generic drugs are becoming so expensive
• Better use of medicines could save billions

The post New cures for hepatitis C — but are they affordable? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Gregory Curfman, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-cures-for-hepatitis-c-but-are-they-affordable-201601078949

Could exercise help speed concussion recovery in teens?

Concussions often go undiagnosed and unreported, but the National Institutes of Health estimates there are nearly 300,000 sports-related traumatic brain injuries in the U.S. every year

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/could-exercise-help-speed-concussion-recovery-in-teens/

Federal government issues new dietary guidelines

The new dietary guidelines include advice on how much sugar and coffee you should have in your diet

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/federal-government-issues-new-dietary-guidelines/

Chipotle faces criminal probe over norovirus outbreak

The restaurant chain is promising to cooperate with a federal investigation into food safety

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/chipotle-faces-criminal-probe-over-norovirus-outbreak/

Could exercise help teens recover from concussions?

Researchers at the University at Buffalo are looking at whether prescribing exercise might just be the magic pill for treating concussions

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teenagers-concussions-study-recovery-treatment-exercise-dr-john-leddy/

Living with Diabetes in College: Charles

For young adults living with diabetes, preparing for college can be a difficult time. Managing diabetes while trying to make sense of a new world, social network and expectations can be especially challenging. You’re not alone! There are many resources in place to help support this transition.

The following are stories shared by College Diabetes Network (CDN) Students, involved in CDN’s Student Advisory Committee (SAC), about their experiences heading off to college, and navigating life on campus, with diabetes.

The College Diabetes Network provides programs for young adults with diabetes to help make their college experience safer and more successful. The American Diabetes Association is working with CDN to help further this goal.

---

 

 

Name and Age: Charles, 21

School: Ohio University, Athens Campus, Class of 2017

When I was diagnosed at 14 years old, my world turned upside down. At the time, I thought I was going to enlist in the Marine Corps directly out of high school. Type 1 diabetes had other plans for me.

After I had accepted I would be attending college after high school, I had a good idea of where I wanted to go. Ohio University was only a 20-minute commute from home, had the only osteopathic medical school in the state, and it even had a Diabetes Institute where research scientists, clinicians, educators and students met to improve the quality of life for those affected by diabetes. It was truly the perfect school for me.

Because the campus was so perfectly suited to me, I didn’t look too deeply into their medical accommodations or health services for students. My doctor’s office is less than a three-minute drive from campus, which is a huge advantage. Everything I needed for college, for life with type 1 in general, was close at hand. This made my transition into college relatively simple—dare I say easy. I know others aren’t as lucky. But the real transition for me was how I interacted with my diabetes.

Type 1 can be straining on a person, and some may even feel ashamed by it. But please trust me when I say that telling someone about your condition is one of the best things you can do. This may not be the easiest thing for everyone to do. Talking about it is a relief in its own right. Once you can “own” your diabetes, then there is nothing it can throw at you that you can’t overcome—but that first requires you to embrace it and understand how it can affect your life. Inform the people around you so they can help you own it.

I make every effort to coexist with my disease rather than to fight it, and that requires the people closest to me to have a deep understanding of my diabetes and what to do in the event of a crisis. You never have to go it alone!

In my hometown of Glouster, I know of three other people with type 1 diabetes. Two of them went to the same high school as I did. You could say that outside of diabetes camp, which I attended in the summer, my interactions with other people with type 1 were nearly non-existent. This changed in my sophomore year of college, when my doctor and some of the nutrition faculty approached me about starting a club for people with diabetes.

The club would go on to become the Ohio University chapter of the College Diabetes Network. Helping to co-found this group has had a profound impact on me. I’ve connected with leaders in the diabetes sector, which has really made me reevaluate how I want to continue into my career. I want to work toward better treatment methods and the ever-elusive cure, but I also want to work outside the traditional realm of medicine. I want to support my peers to find the best course of treatment rather than dictating what that means. I want to treat the people and not just the disease. I know what it’s like to be on the patient side of health care; it’s important to make it more personal.

Ever since joining CDN, I’ve become the “diabetes guy” on campus. In helping to found our chapter, I made contacts in our Diabetes Institute, our medical school and our local diabetes programs. I was never afraid of talking about my diabetes before entering college, but in working with CDN along with other organizations, I became a self-proclaimed expert in telling people about it. My friends and coworkers could probably tell you more about type 1 diabetes than your typical person, based on the amount of information I pass on to them.

If you’re heading off to college with diabetes, do not be afraid to get involved! You never know who is “touched by diabetes,” and you might be surprised by who is interested in working with you or even just sitting down and having a conversation about diabetes.

Take it from someone who went it alone all four years of high school. You can tackle your diabetes all by yourself, it will never beat you unless you let it. But having people close to you who can help you when you really need it—that can make beating diabetes all the easier.

---

 

The College Diabetes Network (CDN) is a 501c3 non-profit organization, whose mission is to use the power of peers, access to resources, and grassroots leadership to fill the gaps experienced by young adults with diabetes and make their college experience safer and more successful. CDN’s vision is to empower young adults with diabetes to thrive in all of their personal, healthcare, and scholastic endeavors. CDN has over 80 campuses with 60+ affiliated chapters. Sign-up for more information here.

Diabetes Forecast magazine and the College Diabetes Network recently published a “Thrive Guide for Young Adults” with tips for doing college with diabetes. Visit diabetesforecast.org and diabetes.org for more information.

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2016/01/07/diabetes-in-college-charles/

WHO: Anticipating & controlling future epidemics - innovative ideas from the Informal Consultation

From: World Health Organization http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIs9Lgo35Pw

Why some women get broken-heart syndrome

While pain is common after the loss of love, a broken heart is an actual medical diagnosis

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/broken-heart-syndrome-stress-cardiomyopathy/