​Cleveland Clinic performs first U.S. uterus transplant

Experimental treatment might be an option for thousands of women unable to have children because they were born without a uterus or lost it to disease

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cleveland-clinic-performs-first-us-uterus-transplant/

The promise of precision medicine

Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, is leading efforts to gather a one-million-person database of health and genetic information which could lead to more targeted, personalized treatments

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-promise-of-precision-medicine/

New study examines hearts of NBA players

Heart problems account for three-quarters of sports-related deaths in young athletes

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/new-study-examines-hearts-of-nba-players/

New study of NBA player's hearts could save lives of athletes

Heart problems account for three-quarters of sports-related deaths in young athletes; but new study could change that

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-study-of-nba-players-hearts-could-save-lives-of-us-athletes/

Could too much exercise be toxic?

Exercising too hard for too long may cause structural changes to the heart, new research suggests

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/high-levels-of-intense-exercise-could-be-toxic-study/

Precision medicine aims to revolutionize health care

Ambitious plan for a one-million-person health database could help unravel secrets of cancer and other diseases

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/presidents-precision-medicine-initiative-is-propelling-forward/

1 in 3 Americans Drinks Sugary Soda or Juice Daily

These beverages linked to greater risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, researchers say

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/20160225/1-in-3-americans-drinks-sugary-soda-or-juice-daily-cdc?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Zika's Effect on Fetus May Be Worse Than Thought

But some scientists say link is still inconclusive

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20160225/report-suggests-zikas-effect-on-fetus-may-be-even-deadlier-than-thought?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Science & Stories – Depression and Bipolar Disorder 2016

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEtqlp3Y44I

The latest ways to relieve the burden of decision-making at life’s end

My dear friend Pam and her mother Nancy sat across from me at the restaurant table. “I’m so sorry about Glenn,” I said. Glenn was a generous and funny man who adored Nancy and their four daughters, and was incredibly kind to me when I was a constant fixture at their house during my middle and high school years. He died at 81, after a difficult health battle.

What made things slightly easier, explained Nancy, was that Glenn had already decided what he wanted at the very end. Glenn had signed a Durable Do Not Resuscitate Order (DDNR), a doctor’s order that allows you to refuse CPR in case your heart stops beating or your breathing stops. It’s usually for people who are near the end of their lives or have an illness that won’t improve, and it takes the burden of decision-making off family members.

And now a relatively new initiative takes DDNRs even further.

The POLST

Like the DDNR, the POLST form (Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) turns your health care preferences into a medical order that must be followed by doctors, hospital staffers, and paramedics. The POLST provides instructions for treatments beyond CPR, such as pain medicine, antibiotics, and nutrition, and it’s for use both inside and outside of the hospital setting. “There used to be no such thing as a medical order that follows you home. That’s where the POLST comes into play. It specifically tells medical providers what to do or not do,” says Dr. Justin Sanders, an attending physician in palliative care at Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The POLST is not a legal document; it’s a medical order signed by you, your physician, and a witness.

Considerations

Many states are just developing their POLST forms, and may call them by another name, such as a MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment), or a MOST (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment).

But the POLST isn’t perfect. An editorial published in JAMA on January 19 raises the question of whether POLSTs are effective, citing studies that suggest POLSTs may not always be interpreted accurately by medical personnel.

Another issue: POLSTs can dictate very specific treatment that’s based on a person’s needs when he or she signs the form with the doctor. But there’s nothing in place to revisit the POLST when a person’s physical status changes. Foreseeing future medical treatment needs may be difficult, and having a medical order that must be followed, even if it’s become irrelevant, may be a problem.

Advance directives

It may help to have other documents in place that spell out your wishes — not just medical orders, but legal documents that also fall under the umbrella term of an advance directive. These include:

• A living will, a legal document that formalizes your treatment preferences if you’re unable to make your own health care decisions. There’s no standard form; each living will is drafted by an attorney, and legal language for these wills varies from state to state. A living will may be simple, stating that you don’t wish to be on life support; or it may be very detailed, mentioning your wishes in different situations, such as if you need dialysis, antibiotics, or any life-sustaining treatments. The document must be signed by you, two witnesses, and a notary public. A living will is not a medical order that paramedics will likely follow in an emergency; there may not be time to read or interpret it.
• A health care proxy or surrogate, a legal document that names the person who’ll make your health care decisions if you lack the capacity to make them. This document is sometimes called a durable power of attorney for health care. It must be signed by you, two witnesses, and a notary public. Depending on the state, the proxy may be named in a living will. Whom should you appoint? “Make it someone who’ll have the strength to carry out your wishes. That can be a friend as well as a family member,” says Dr. Sanders.

Dr. Sanders feels that completing a health care proxy and speaking openly with that person about the care you want is the most important thing you can do to receive treatment consistent with your wishes.

Ultimately, this can make things easier on your loved ones when the time comes. I’ll bet Glenn and his family would agree.

Related Post:

• Straight talk needed to choose health care at the end of…
• Medical crises don’t take vacations
• Few plan for long-term care though most will need it
• The empowering potential of end-of-life care
• Ask questions to get the most out of a health care visit

The post The latest ways to relieve the burden of decision-making at life’s end appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Heidi Godman http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-ways-to-relieve-the-burden-of-decision-making-at-lifes-end-201602259196

Can two combs explain genomics? Watch JADA video to see how

How will genomics enhance patient care in the future? What initiatives should ADA consider supporting in the emerging discipline of genomics in dentistry?

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/february/can-two-combs-explain-genomics-watch-jada-video-to-see-how

San Francisco officials vote to give condoms to middle schoolers

Health official said in a letter that San Francisco has among the highest rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis of any city in the U.S.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/san-francisco-officials-vote-to-give-condoms-to-middle-schoolers/

Can talcum powder really cause cancer?

In the wake of big court verdict, a look at what scientific research says about the possible link between talc and ovarian cancer

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/johnson-johnson-verdict-can-talcum-powder-really-cause-cancer/

Hospital warns patients of possible HIV, hepatitis exposure

Warning from Shore Medical Center in N.J. comes after ex-employee was charged with drug tampering, theft and drug possession

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/shore-medical-center-in-new-jersey-warns-patients-of-possible-hiv-hepatitis-exposure/

The flu vaccine is 59% effective -- is that good enough?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this year's vaccine was 59% effective

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-flu-vaccine-is-59-effective-is-that-good-enough/

Is too much exercise bad for your heart?

Research finds that long, intense exercise can lead to heart abnormalities

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/is-too-much-exercise-bad-for-your-heart/

Study finds change in Colo. ER rates after pot legalization

Doctors review marijuana-related emergency-room visits from state's first year of recreational pot sales

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/colorado-marijuana-complaints-tourists-emergency-rooms-new-england-journal-of-medicine/

3 pregnant women diagnosed with Zika in Florida

The virus, which has been linked to birth defects, has now been confirmed in 32 people in the state

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/3-pregnant-women-diagnosed-with-zika-in-florida/

Mayo Clinic Minute: What Heart Sounds Tell Us

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG2uLZVlxtw

Heart Health Challenge: Mind Your Salt

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or2OBGxh_uI

Are Women the Key to Unlocking Alzheimer’s?

Not only are women more likely to get Alzheimer’s than men, but recent studies suggest the disease does its work more swiftly in women, causing them to decline faster -- and farther -- than men do, at least in the beginning. WebMD has the details.

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/breaking-news/confronting-alzheimers/20160225/alzheimers-women?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Alzheimer's Risk: Do You Want to Know?

If a test could tell whether you’ll get Alzheimer’s disease someday, would you want to know? And if so, what would you do with that knowledge? Learn more from WebMD.

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/breaking-news/confronting-alzheimers/20160225/alzheimers-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

New Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers are testing over 100 potential Alzheimer’s drugs in people. Experts tell WebMD which meds are showing promise.

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/breaking-news/confronting-alzheimers/20160225/alzheimers-treatments?src=RSS_PUBLIC

'Preemie' Babies May Face Long-Term Anesthesia Risks

Study tracked higher rate of complications up to age 22

From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20160225/preemie-babies-may-face-long-term-anesthesia-risks?src=RSS_PUBLIC

‘Complete dentist’ Dr. Peter E. Dawson recipient of ADA Distinguished Service Award

The ADA Board of Trustees announced that Dr. Peter E. Dawson will receive the ADA Distinguished Service Award at ADA 2016 – America’s Dental Meeting this October in Denver.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/february/complete-dentist-dr-peter-e-dawson-recipient-of-ada-distinguished-service-award

Flu Season Continues to Be Mild: CDC

But, infections expected to increase and peak some time in March

From: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20160224/flu-season-continues-to-be-mild-cdc?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Ebola May Leave Lasting Neurological Problems

Six months after active illness, headaches, memory loss, depression were still being reported

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20160224/ebola-may-leave-lasting-neurological-problems?src=RSS_PUBLIC

'Pot Tourists' Linked to Surge in Colorado ER Visits

Many out-of-state users overindulge with marijuana, particularly the edible version, researcher says

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20160224/pot-tourists-linked-to-surge-in-colorado-er-visits?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Video captures e-cigarette exploding in man's pocket

The Kentucky man is recovering from second-degree burns

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/video-captures-e-cigarette-exploding-in-mans-pocket/

Nurse accused of assisting surgery while drunk

Veterans hospital nurse acknowledged drinking as many as five beers before assisting in an emergency operation

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nurse-accused-of-assisting-surgery-while-drunk/

Mother fights to carry late daughter's frozen eggs

She hopes to give birth to a grandchild

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/mother-fights-to-carry-late-daughters-frozen-eggs/

Johnson & Johnson fights $72M cancer claim verdict

Lawyers say the award is the first of its type

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/johnson-johnson-fights-72m-cancer-claim-verdict/

Join our #AsktheRD Twitter Chat — March 9 at 7 p.m. ET!

Knowing what to eat can be confusing. Everywhere you turn, there is news about what is or isn’t good for you. But a few evidence-based tips have weathered the fad diets and withstood the test of time. This is why the American Diabetes Association® is committed to highlighting the best choices, so you’ll know what to focus on for meals and snacks.

And with March being National Nutrition Month®, it’s the perfect time to find delicious ways to eat well! The Association is excited to host an #AskTheRD Twitter chat on this very topic Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. ET—featuring a nutrition expert with experience in diabetes management.

Our Associate Director of Nutrition, Sloane Mendelsohn, MS, RD, LDN, will offer tips to eat right with diabetes. This is a chance to learn about the Association’s dietary recommendations and have your own questions answered live!

To participate, just log on to Twitter, follow @AmDiabetesAssn and follow #AskTheRD. Watch for updates throughout March 9—we’ll be answering questions that are tagged #AskTheRD.

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2016/02/25/twitter-chat-march-9/

Living with Diabetes in College: Deanelle

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: Deanelle, 17

School:  University of North Carolina (UNC, Chapel Hill), Class of 2018

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in November 2002 and I’ve been interested in diabetes education and advocacy ever since. I enjoy forming lasting friendships with other people affected by diabetes—and now I get to do so in college.

One of my first such experiences was at the American Diabetes Association’s Camp Carolina Trails in King, North Carolina. Attending camp was the first time I met a large group of people with diabetes. It was a special experience for me because I learned not only how to better manage my diabetes, but also how to have a positive mental attitude when facing the obstacles that happen in my life. Last year I actually returned as a counselor!

I’ve been blessed with opportunities like these and an exceptional transition into college. My parents and health care team helped me by being supportive of my health needs and by understanding how excited I was. My health care team helped by telling me about their own experiences in college and making sure that I understood what immunizations or other health information I needed to give to the university. My family was there every step of the way before I left for college and they occasionally call me to check up on me or to ask me how my day is going.

When looking into colleges and universities, I did not research UNC’s health services and accommodations because I knew the faculty advisor of Heels and Hearts, UNC’s CDN chapter. I felt comfortable coming to UNC because I knew this advisor would answer all my questions. These services were helpful because they allowed me to excuse myself during an exam if my blood glucose was low and to get special dietary accommodations.

I choose to tell my roommate and college professors about my diabetes because it will ultimately be safer this way. It’s safer because you do not know what will happen when managing your diabetes. At one moment you could be fine, and the next moment you could be experiencing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. But honestly, sometimes I get nervous about telling them simply because I do not want them to worry about me; I don’t want to add the stress.

When I did tell my professors, I was happy to find out they are well educated in type 1 diabetes. I also answer my roommates’ questions so I can debunk the misconceptions they might have about diabetes.

When talking to friends about diabetes, I usually tell them about my faulty pancreas. Then I talk about the significance of the pancreas and describe what happened to mine. I tell them about what I have to do to self-manage, including checking my blood glucose, counting carbohydrates, being aware of my body, checking my feet for cuts or bruises, visiting my endocrinologist and being prepared for the off days with diabetes when everything seems to be going wrong.

I would like to raise significant awareness about diabetes with my CDN chapter because it is a great way to reach other students living with diabetes. I also want to teach others about the disease. I am a strong advocate of education because it may save someone’s life. I am on the UNC Mock Trial team, and whenever we leave the state for a competition my friends ask me if I have my insulin. This simple reminder can help save my life.

Before heading off to college, I wish I knew better stress-management techniques because being stressed out effects self-management and your performance in class. It can also affect your interactions with friends, which in turn could also affect your diabetes. Exercise is important for me because it helps with stress and blood glucose control. But trying to fit it into my schedule is very difficult. In high school I played sports, so I was very active and kept to a strict schedule. College gets strenuous and stressful at times; the best way to clear my head is to get some exercise.

My advice to incoming freshman and high school seniors? Ask a lot of questions and do not be afraid to share that you have diabetes. Especially because diabetes is a large part of who you are. By telling others and being comfortable with it, you stress less and also put yourself in the best position to succeed in college.

It takes a team to effectively manage your diabetes—and  your life.

---

 

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/2016/02/25/diabetes-in-college-deanelle/

A brain cancer survivor uses music help him heal

Angel Reynoso woke up in a hospital room on his 30th birthday

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/a-brain-cancer-survivor-uses-music-help-him-heal/

Brain cancer survivor thrives on music as therapy

Angel Reynoso spent his 30th birthday in the hospital after brain surgery; today, he's in remission, and music is helping him heal

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/brain-cancer-survivor-singer-music-is-my-main-form-of-therapy/