Irving Fields plays piano in NYC lounges, five nights a week; there is one thing he misses ...
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/100-year-old-piano-player-shares-secrets-to-a-long-life/
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Zika virus likely to spread in U.S., experts say
"It's not if, it's when," one expert says, as concerns grow about the mosquito-borne virus
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/zika-virus-likely-to-spread-to-southern-u-s-experts-say/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/zika-virus-likely-to-spread-to-southern-u-s-experts-say/
New campaign urges millions to check for prediabetes
TV "doctor" uses humor to grab attention, get people to answer screening questions
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-campaign-urges-millions-to-check-for-prediabetes/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-campaign-urges-millions-to-check-for-prediabetes/
Older People May Get Unneeded Cancer Screenings
Seniors shouldn't be checked if they have less than 10 years to live, but study found almost 16 percent do
From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20160121/many-older-americans-may-get-unneeded-breast-prostate-cancer-screenings?src=RSS_PUBLIC
FDA warns of danger from "male enhancement" gum
Product sold on websites including Amazon.com could pose serious health risk, officials say
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-warns-of-danger-from-male-enhancement-gum/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-warns-of-danger-from-male-enhancement-gum/
Serious birth defect is on the rise, says CDC
Young mothers, especially black women, are most at risk for delivering babies born with an increasingly common intestinal birth defect
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/serious-birth-defect-is-on-the-rise-says-cdc/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/serious-birth-defect-is-on-the-rise-says-cdc/
Algae bloom toxin linked to Alzheimer's, other diseases
Medical detective story turns up clues in monkeys similar to the brain plaques and tangles found in people with Alzheimer's
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/algae-bloom-toxin-linked-to-alzheimers-and-other-neurodegenerative-diseases/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/algae-bloom-toxin-linked-to-alzheimers-and-other-neurodegenerative-diseases/
Mayo Clinic Minute: National Health Check-Up
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUUxPQBTa60
Americans 100 and Older Living Even Longer
Death rates for the oldest old have been dropping since 2008, CDC report finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20160121/americans-100-and-older-are-living-even-longer-now?src=RSS_PUBLIC
ВОЗ: Пять ключевых принципов безопасного питания
From: World Health Organization http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYIkNG_NqeY
Statement from Agriculture Deputy Secretary Harden on Plans to Depart USDA
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2016 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today made the following statement on her plans to depart the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the end of February 2016:
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0022.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0022.xml&contentidonly=true
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Departure of Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2016 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced earlier today her plans to depart the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the end of February 2016. To ensure continuity of operations upon her departure, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that Michael Scuse, the current Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS), will serve as Acting Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Secretary Vilsack also directed Alexis Taylor, the current Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, to assume the duties of Under Secretary for FFAS.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0023.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0023.xml&contentidonly=true
Cough syrup recalled for morphine
The liquid cough syrup was sold at Chinese grocery stores in six states
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cough-syrup-recalled-for-morphine/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cough-syrup-recalled-for-morphine/
Living with Diabetes in College: Dorian
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: Dorian, 18
School: Howard University, Class of 2018
My name is Dorian, and I’m an 18-year-old sophomore at Howard University in Washington, D.C. I was diagnosed in October 2005 at the age of nine and am originally from Southfield, Michigan. Although I did not research health services and accommodations when looking into colleges and universities, I knew Howard would be a perfect fit. My doctor informed me that every school has some kind of accommodations in place for people with diabetes, due to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Before I headed off to college, my health care team gave me a packet full of helpful information, important phone numbers, documents to give to my school’s Disability Services Office and a letter to give to my roommate and Resident Assistant (RA), among others. The letter stated and explained my condition and included my symptoms of high/low blood sugar levels. This was important so my roommate would be able to recognize them.
I chose to tell my roommate, RA and college professors about my diabetes. Even though I never had any issues, my RA was glad I let her know ahead of time instead of waiting until it could have been too late. Howard University’s Disability Services Office issues letters to each of my professors every semester, obligating them to accommodate my diabetes. These are all helpful accommodations and a must for everyone college student living with diabetes.
When talking to friends about diabetes, I am very open and honest about my lifestyle. I make sure to explain diabetes in a simple way to make it easier for my friends to understand. I answer all their questions because I am flattered that they are interested in learning about diabetes.
I knew that my college schedule would be more unpredictable than high school. I also knew how important it is to always be prepared. My parents made sure I had a box of medical supplies to make it through the whole semester so I wouldn’t have to order any extra supplies. Trying to develop a consistent eating schedule around my classes, extracurricular activities and downtime was a bit of a struggle. It took quite a few weeks for my body to adjust to the new food, the extra walking I was doing and the added stress. However, I knew I was going to be okay thanks to all the support around me.
I still had to learn the hard way that it was up to me to make sure I had what I need with me at all times. I’ve experienced low blood glucose levels with no food nearby or little time to go and find food. I have also been stuck with a malfunctioning insulin pump and no extra supplies on hand, so my blood glucose escalated until I could get back to my dorm. These are very uncomfortable situations! Before heading out to college, I wish I had realized the importance of always being prepared. Sometimes I put myself in certain situations during exams without food or supplies, and that was very dangerous.
My endocrinologist informed me about CDN after my first year of college. I found that there was no existing chapter at Howard, so I decided to start my own and it’s been a learning experience since then! Because I am currently in the process of starting a CDN chapter, it will be a while until I can fully use all that CDN has to offer. However, I plan to make the experience an enjoyable, rewarding one for all members. My efforts for starting the chapter have included hanging flyers, meeting with the Student Health Center, spreading the word using social media and planning a meet-and-greet—all in hope of finding students who are interested in joining even if they aren’t living with diabetes.
If you have diabetes and are getting ready for college, I would offer this advice:
- Take responsibility for your health! College is already hard; don’t make it harder by not taking care of yourself.
- Always try your best to be prepared and equipped with what you need; every day can be filled with unexpected situations.
- There will be times where you will have to stop what you are doing to tend to your health (i.e., having to leave a party or a class because you desperately need some supplies from your dorm room). Do what you need to do.
- Even though you may be under stress, keep a positive attitude; your negativity will do NOTHING for you or your diabetes.
Living with diabetes can be frustrating and stressful sometimes. But once you adjust to college, living with diabetes as a student is really not that bad. With education and a support group, you can feel perfectly normal.
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/2016/01/21/diabetes-in-college-dorian/
States Simplify Medicaid Sign-Ups
Forty-nine states now take Medicaid applications by phone and 49 also accept online applications, reports the Kaiser Family Foundation.
From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20160121/states-simplify-medicaid-signups?src=RSS_PUBLIC
What's the Best Timing for Rectal Cancer Surgery?
Patients who had procedure 8 weeks after chemo and radiation therapy had best survival rates
From: http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20160121/study-pinpoints-best-timing-for-rectal-cancer-surgery?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Experts: Zika Likely to Spread to Southern U.S.
They say it's only matter of time before the mosquito-borne disease tied to birth defect is transmitted here
From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20160121/zika-virus-likely-to-spread-to-southern-united-states-experts-predict?src=RSS_PUBLIC
More Evidence Preterm Birth May Raise Autism Risk
But researchers detect lower rate than previously reported
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20160121/more-evidence-preterm-birth-could-raise-autism-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Progress Report: USDA Investments Make Big Impact for Rural America in 2015
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released a report detailing the tangible results across rural America that stemmed from investments by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development team in local businesses, community infrastructure, housing and more in 2015.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0021.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0021.xml&contentidonly=true
During Pregnancy, Skin Cancer May Be Deadlier
Pregnancy hormones may fuel melanoma, researchers say
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20160120/during-pregnancy-skin-cancer-may-be-deadlier-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Gene Mutations Tied to Rare Form of Infertility
Screening could spare these women unnecessary treatment, researchers say
From: http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20160120/gene-mutations-linked-to-rare-form-of-female-infertility?src=RSS_PUBLIC
This May Help Find Aggressive Colon Cancer Early
Small group with stage 2 tumors might benefit from new screening test, study says
From: http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20160120/identifying-colon-cancer-patients-who-may-need-more-than-surgery?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Mass. doctors get lesson in art to improve patient care
Hospital uses art as catalyst to strengthen interpersonal skills, softening the hard science of medicine with creative expression
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/boston-brigham-and-womens-hospital-museum-of-fine-arts-improve-medical-practice-patient-relationship/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/boston-brigham-and-womens-hospital-museum-of-fine-arts-improve-medical-practice-patient-relationship/
How is the Affordable Care Act doing?
By Michael Hochman, MD, MPH and Pieter Cohen, MD (follow us at @slowmedupdates or on the web.)
As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enters its third active year, we’re taking a look at an interesting summary of its benefits and barriers to health care so far that was recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
In this paper, Dr. Benjamin Sommers, assistant professor of health policy and economics at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, explains that the number of uninsured individuals in the United States has fallen from roughly 50 million in 2010 to between 30 and 34 million as of 2015.
This coverage expansion has resulted in modest improvements in access to primary care and medications, the affordability of care, and self-reported health. (See the graph in this recent original research paper from Dr. Sommers.)
Yet despite the successes so far, approximately 30 million Americans remain uninsured for a variety of reasons, including:
- 3 to 4 million Americans live in states that have opted not to expand Medicaid
- about 5 million Americans do not qualify for ACA coverage options because they are undocumented.
In addition, many people who would qualify for subsidies through the exchanges have not signed up for coverage despite the mandate to do so. Why? Mostly because they are not aware of the options, or because it is still cheaper to take the tax penalties than to buy insurance.
For those who have received coverage through the ACA, two main barriers limit access to primary care. The first is the burden of cost sharing. For instance, Deductibles often range from $3,000 to $5,000. And according to a recent NY Times and Kaiser Family Foundation poll, about 20% of individuals who have insurance still struggle to pay their medical bills. Second, provider networks are narrow. Reports suggest that some plans even exclude certain specialties, particularly endocrinology, rheumatology, and psychiatry according to one recent analysis.
Looking toward the future of the ACA
We are encouraged that increasing numbers of people now have health insurance, though it is a far cry from the 30 million newly insured Americans that many advocates had predicted. And while health care costs have been growing more slowly than before the ACA, it isn’t clear if that’s been the result of the ACA itself or the general economic downturn. Even though the improvements in patient-reported access and overall health have been modest thus far, the ACA deserves a few more years before we draw firm conclusions.
That said, we suspect that the ACA will prove little more than a temporary Band-Aid for our ailing health care system. We seem to be rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. In our opinion, the most systematic and equitable approach to expanding coverage and access would be a comprehensive, national health care program.
But perhaps more important: regardless of how we expand coverage, we must keep our sights on the ultimate goals. Beyond increasing coverage or even access to primary care, we need to provide high-quality, comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered care to everyone. And that will take a culture shift in how we provide care, not just insurance coverage.
Related Post:
The post How is the Affordable Care Act doing? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Updates in Slow Medicine http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-is-the-affordable-care-act-doing-201601219025
More people are living past their 100th birthdays
Older Americans are living longer than ever, but is quality of life keeping up?
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-americans-are-living-past-their-100th-birthdays/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-americans-are-living-past-their-100th-birthdays/
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