Fewer women obtained long-acting birth control, births increased in poor families after state dropped Planned Parenthood from health program
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-birth-control-fell-after-planned-parenthood-cut-study-finds/
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Congress outraged over Hep C treatment VA can't afford
Dr. Raymond Schinazi played a leading role developing a drug that cures hepatitis C while working seven-eighths of his time for the VA
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/congress-outraged-over-hepatitis-c-treatment-va-cant-afford/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/congress-outraged-over-hepatitis-c-treatment-va-cant-afford/
Questions about clinical trial of popular heart drug
A top medical journal reveals that a faulty medical device was used in testing of Xarelto and warfarin
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/xarelto-warfarin-clinical-trial-bmj-report-raises-questions/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/xarelto-warfarin-clinical-trial-bmj-report-raises-questions/
Head Injuries Tied to Buildup of Alzheimer's Plaques, Small Study Finds
But it's too soon to suggest that people should avoid contact sports, researcher says
From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20160203/head-injuries-tied-to-buildup-of-alzheimers-plaques-small-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Questions abound as Zika virus cases grow in U.S.
CBS News' Dr. Jon LaPook on the mechanics of transmission of virus linked to birth defects and the likelihood of its spread in U.S.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/zika-virus-questions-abound-as-more-cases-in-us/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/zika-virus-questions-abound-as-more-cases-in-us/
Blame game as Flint water woes reach U.S. Congress
"Why didn't EPA tell the public they're poisoning their kids if they drink the water?" congressman asks state and federal officials
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flint-water-crisis-blame-game-as-congress-steps-in/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flint-water-crisis-blame-game-as-congress-steps-in/
Florida declares health emergency for Zika in four counties
"We know that we must be prepared for the worst even as we hope for the best," governor says
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-declares-public-health-emergency-for-zika-in-four-counties/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-declares-public-health-emergency-for-zika-in-four-counties/
No dairy is now no problem for Ben & Jerry's
The Vermont ice cream maker has created four flavors, including some classics, using a vegan almond milk base
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-dairy-is-now-no-problem-for-ben-jerrys/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-dairy-is-now-no-problem-for-ben-jerrys/
Mayo Clinic Minute: Cancer Education Center Joins World Cancer Day
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TZ1LDqzJ3I
Role of Preventive Surgery for Women at High Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Reviewed
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZawtXVTr96A
Ask the Expert: What Is Prediabetes?
WebMD has a diabetes expert answer your questions about prediabetes.
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/ask-expert-prediabetes?src=RSS_PUBLIC
How Diabetes Can Aggravate Common Skin Problems
To keep your skin calm, learn how diabetes can affect everyday skin issues.
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/aggravate-skin?src=RSS_PUBLIC
WebMD My Story: Living With High Cholesterol
A reader sheds light on a genetic condition that affects her and her family.
From: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/features/living-with-high-cholesterol?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Zoe Saldana's New Role: Galactic Goddess
Zoe Saldana plays an alien in her newest film, but she's no stranger to putting the "her" in superhero. Taking it easy, though, is foreign to the actor, who opens up about learning to listen to her body.
From: http://www.webmd.com/women/features/zoe-saldana?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Zika and Microcephaly: How Doctors Made the Link
WebMD shares the story the doctors who linked the Zika virus to microcephaly.
From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20160203/zika-microcephaly-link?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Recognizing Heart Attack and Angina
Angina is often a warning sign of a heart attack. Learn to tell the difference -- and why fast treatment is so important.
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/heart-attack-angina?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Many women get stretch marks during pregnancy. Learn how to reduce them.
Many women get stretch marks during pregnancy. Learn how to reduce them.
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/pregnancy-stretch-marks?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Being pregnant creates unique beauty in women. Learn what's really behind that pregnancy glow!
Being pregnant creates unique beauty in women. Learn what's really behind that pregnancy glow!
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/pregnancy-skin-changes?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Being pregnant is beautiful! Jazz up your look with these beauty tips.
Being pregnant is beautiful! Jazz up your look with these beauty tips.
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/pregnancy-makeup-tips?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Pregnant and want a new flair for that hair? Read more on what to do and not to do with your hair.
Pregnant and want a new flair for that hair? Read more on what to do and not to do with your hair.
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/pregnancy-hair-care?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Researchers Extend Lifespan by as Much as 35 Percent in Mice
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8UHzkXC4HQ
Indiana woman turns tragic accident into life-saving gift
When an Indiana woman's 18-year-old daughter died, she decided to give her friend of 35 years the ultimate gift
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-woman-turns-tragic-accident-into-life-saving-gift-for-friend/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-woman-turns-tragic-accident-into-life-saving-gift-for-friend/
4 Myths About Miscarriages
WebMD covers common myths about miscarriages and what you really need to know about them.
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/4-myths-about-miscarriages?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Expert Answers for Diaper Rash Questions
Do most of your questions about diaper rash come up after hours, when you're holding a crying baby? Help is on the way. Here, pediatricians offer their best advice to help ease your little one’s discomfort.
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/diaper-rash-treatment-13/diaper-rash-doc-qs?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Salmonella Prompts Garden of Life Raw Meal Recall
Consumers shouldn't eat certain Organic Shake & Meal Replacement foods
From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/20160203/multistate-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-garden-of-life-raw-meal-products-cdc?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Red Cross Moves to Keep Zika Out of Blood Supply
Agency asks potential donors who have traveled to areas where virus is active to wait 28 days
From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20160203/red-cross-takes-steps-to-keep-zika-virus-out-of-blood-supply?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Diapering Your Growing Baby
Your little one’s diapering needs change as they grow -- from newborn to toddler, here’s what you need to know.
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/diaper-rash-treatment-13/diapering-toddlers?src=RSS_PUBLIC
How U.S. gun deaths compare to other countries
New study of 23 high-income nations finds huge differences in gun-related homicides, suicides
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-u-s-gun-deaths-compare-to-other-countries/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-u-s-gun-deaths-compare-to-other-countries/
Five Tips for Baby Skin Care
How do baby skin care needs change as newborn becomes baby, and baby becomes toddler? Find out.
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/diaper-rash-treatment-13/baby-toddler-skin-care?src=RSS_PUBLIC
New Drug Shows Promise Against Severe Sinusitis
In early trial, dupilumab helped treat nasal polyps that contribute to the illness
From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20160203/new-drug-shows-promise-against-severe-sinusitis?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Red Cross takes steps to protect blood supply from Zika
American Red Cross asks travelers to hold off on blood donations as a precaution, but says risk of transmission is "extremely low"
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-red-cross-wait-to-donate-blood-after-visiting-zika-areas/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-red-cross-wait-to-donate-blood-after-visiting-zika-areas/
Can Local Honey Help My Allergies?
Some say a spoonful of honey makes the sneezing and sniffling symptoms of allergies go away. WebMD asked the experts.
From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/does-honey-help-prevent-allergies?src=RSS_PUBLIC
When Seniors Stop Driving, Worse Health May Result
Depression and mental, physical declines stood out in research review
From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20160203/when-seniors-stop-driving-poorer-health-may-be-a-passenger?src=RSS_PUBLIC
USDA Awards More Than $30 Million in Grants for Food Safety and Plant Health Improvements
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the award of $30.1 million in competitive grants to fund 80 research projects to improve food safety, reduce antibiotic resistance in food, and increase the resilience of plants in the face of climate change. The grants are made possible through USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), the nation’s premier competitive, peer-reviewed grants program for fundamental and applied agricultural sciences. Dr. John P. Holdren, President Obama’s Science and Technology Advisor and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, joined Secretary Vilsack to make the announcement.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/02/0030.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/02/0030.xml&contentidonly=true
FACT SHEET: President’s FY2017 Budget to Invest $700 Million In USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)
Each day, the work of USDA scientists and researchers touches the lives of all Americans, from the farm field to the kitchen table and from the air we breathe to the energy that powers our country. USDA science is on the cutting edge, helping to protect, secure, and improve our food, agricultural and natural resources systems. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in agricultural research now returns over $20 to our economy, making USDA resources an extraordinarily wise investment in our nation’s future.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/02/0031.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/02/0031.xml&contentidonly=true
Sitting for Hours May Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk
The risk remains even if you exercise, researchers contend
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20160202/sitting-for-hours-may-raise-your-type-2-diabetes-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Babies Born Late May Be at Risk for Complications
Researchers say finding confirms value of inducing labor after due date has passed
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20160202/babies-born-late-may-be-at-risk-for-complications-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Experimental HIV Shot Piggybacks on Cold Viruses
Vaccine was well-tolerated, elicited 'moderate' response in volunteers, researchers report
From: http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20160202/scientists-piggyback-experimental-hiv-vaccine-on-cold-viruses?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Study Casts Doubt on Effectiveness of COPD Drug
Research finds acetazolamide may not help patients breathe on their own, but one expert disagrees
From: http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/news/20160202/study-casts-doubt-on-effectiveness-of-copd-drug?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Former NFL MVP Ken Stabler had brain disease CTE
Doctor says former Raiders quarterback's brain had "severe" damage to the regions involving learning, memory and regulation of emotion
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ken-stabler-former-nfl-quarterback-had-brian-disease-cte/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ken-stabler-former-nfl-quarterback-had-brian-disease-cte/
What the rise of Zika (and other viruses) might tell us about our planet
Follow me at @JohnRossMD
Zika virus, a pathogen that was almost unknown a few months ago, is now rampant in Central and South America and the Caribbean. In Brazil, it has already infected about 1.5 million people and caused nearly 4,000 cases of microcephaly, a severe birth defect. It is almost certain to spread to every country in the Americas, except Canada and Chile, which lack the Aedes mosquitoes that spread Zika.
Zika is not the only virus that has come from the tropics to menace the United States. Dengue, an unpleasant and potentially fatal viral infection, has broken out in Texas, Florida and Hawaii in the past 10 years. Chikungunya, a virus that can cause prolonged joint pain and ruin your vacation, has caused recent outbreaks in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All three of these viruses are spread by Aedes mosquitoes.
Globalization for mosquitoes: Have Zika, will travel
Globalization, the explosion of international trade and travel, is one factor in the spread of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Viruses may travel the globe via infected humans, or via mosquitoes that are riding in freight containers. One mosquito species that transmits Zika and other viruses, Aedes albopictus (also known by the more formidable name of the Asian tiger mosquito), probably arrived in the U.S. in the 1980s in shipments of old tires from Asia. (Aedes aegypti, another virus-spreading mosquito, probably arrived in the United States from Africa in colonial times.)
Climate change helps Aedes mosquitoes reach new frontiers
Climate change might be another reason for the surge in strange and unfamiliar infections. According to Dr. Aaron Bernstein of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, there are currently not enough data to make a definite connection between climate change and the emergence of tropical viruses such as Zika. However, says Bernstein, “If I wanted to limit the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika, I’d choose a future more like the past, instead of the one that climate science tells us is coming.”
Dr. Richard Ostfeld of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York, acknowledges that the link between emerging pathogens and climate change is “still controversial.” But, Ostfeld adds, “There’s little doubt that climate warming is expanding the ranges of both Aedes species in North America and elsewhere, increasing the length of the biting season, and accelerating viral replication in the mosquitoes.” The northern limit of Aedes albopictus is currently Long Island, but if climate change continues, it is predicted to push as far north as Maine in the coming decades. In another climate change simulation, Aedes albopictus is predicted to expand throughout the entire eastern United States and into most of Europe.
The role of ecosystem change
Another possible factor in the spread of Zika is loss of biodiversity. Habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species are threatening to lead to mass extinctions. In complex ecosystems, mosquitoes may bite a greater variety of birds and animals. Some of these will be poor hosts that fail to support viral replication, thus breaking the cycle of transmission.
Ostfeld, whose research has shown that the rise of Lyme disease is related to a decline in biodiversity, says that “There’s not a clear cut extrapolation from the effects of biodiversity loss on Lyme disease to biodiversity effects on diseases like Zika, dengue, and chikungunya.” However, he adds, “Aedes albopictus, which is a major vector of dengue and chikungunya, and almost certainly of Zika virus, does bite wild birds and mammals, and so I’d expect that vertebrate diversity could indeed deflect mosquito blood meals away from people and towards these dead-end hosts.”
If Zika is indeed the product of rapid climate change, ecosystems in disarray, and environmental degradation, it might be a disease that points to a greater and more dangerous malady. As bad as Zika is, it might be only a warning of worse to come.
Related Post:
The post What the rise of Zika (and other viruses) might tell us about our planet appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: John Ross, MD, FIDSA http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-the-rise-of-zika-and-other-viruses-might-tell-us-about-our-planet-201602039122
Lawmaker: Costly hepatitis C drug "a slap in the face to veterans"
In wake of CBS News investigation, Congress launches hearing to see why costly cure for disease isn't making it to many needy veterans
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hepatitis-c-cure-veterans-affairs-congressional-hearing-cbs-news-investigation/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hepatitis-c-cure-veterans-affairs-congressional-hearing-cbs-news-investigation/
Weaning: Tips for breast-feeding mothers
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/weaning/art-20048440
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