FDA strengthens warning on birth control implant

"Black box" warning will be placed on the Essure implant, but some women say that doesn't go far enough

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-warning-essure-birth-control-implant/

Some jobs seem riskier when it comes to heart health

In sales? Management? A customer service job? A new study looks at what it may mean for your heart

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/some-jobs-seem-riskier-when-it-comes-to-heart-health/

Strongest evidence yet linking Zika to temporary paralysis

Scientists are piecing together the links between the mosquito-borne virus and Guillain-Barre syndrome

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/strongest-evidence-yet-linking-zika-to-temporary-paralysis/

Know Your Lectins – Celiac Disease in the News

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDix506F910

Sleeplessness and Nighttime 'Light Pollution'

Researchers suggest that streetlights, neon signs interfere with good rest

From: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20160301/sleepless-in-the-city-nighttime-light-pollution-may-be-to-blame?src=RSS_PUBLIC

A Daily Cup of Tea May Soothe Your Heart

Regular drinkers had fewer heart attacks, less calcium buildup in their arteries, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20160301/a-daily-cup-of-tea-may-soothe-your-heart?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What a year in space means for Scott Kelly's health

The astronaut returns to Earth after 340 days in orbit, and may feel the effects for a long time to come

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-a-year-in-space-means-for-scott-kellys-health/

​America's $3 billion cancer drug problem

When drugmakers sell large-dose vials, it leads to higher profits but waste for patients who pay for what they don't need

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/americas-3-billion-cancer-drug-problem/

High-Intensity Workouts: Burn Calories Better, Longer

WebMD explains a way to take your workout to the next level: High-intensity interval training burns mega-calories and delivers a long-lasting metabolic boost.

From: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/high-intensity-workouts-to-burn-calories?src=RSS_PUBLIC

#ScopeScope Live Colonoscopy from Mayo Clinic

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7WAvm6DQdg

Statement on the 8th IHR Emergency Committee meeting regarding the international spread of poliovirus

The eighth meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) regarding the international spread of poliovirus was convened via teleconference by the Director-General on 12 February 2016. As with the seventh meeting, the Emergency Committee reviewed the data on circulating wild poliovirus as well as circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV). The latter is particularly important as cVDPVs reflect serious gaps in immunity to poliovirus due to weaknesses in routine immunization coverage in otherwise polio-free countries. In addition, it is essential to stop type 2 cVDPVs in advance of the globally synchronized withdrawal of type 2 OPV in April 2016.

The following IHR States Parties submitted an update on the implementation of the Temporary Recommendations since the Committee last met on 10 November 2015: Afghanistan, Pakistan and Guinea.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/8th-IHR-emergency-committee-polio/en/index.html

5 Signs Your Workout Is Too Easy

Your exercise routine should challenge you. Is yours too easy? WebMD helps you find out.

From: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/is-your-workout-too-easy?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Healthier Arteries May Lower Dementia Risk in Old Age

Preventing calcium buildup might thwart mental decline in your 80s and beyond, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20160301/healthier-arteries-may-lower-dementia-risk-in-old-age?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Uniformed dental services meet with ADA

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/uniformed-dental-services-meet-with-ada

Safety concerns over female libido drug Addyi

The much-touted female libido pill may do more harm than good, according to a new review

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/safety-concerns-over-female-libido-drug-addyi/

Scientists Report Finding 'Gray Hair' Gene

They also identify a gene that influences curliness

From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20160301/scientists-report-finding-gray-hair-gene?src=RSS_PUBLIC

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march

Evidence from a Randomized Trial That Exposure to Supplemental Folic Acid at Recommended Levels during Pregnancy Does Not Lead to Increased Unmetabolized Folic Acid Concentrations in Maternal or Cord Blood [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Exposure to higher intakes of folic acid (FA) from fortified foods and supplements, although largely considered beneficial, is associated with unmetabolized FA in the circulation, which has raised some health concerns.

Objective: The effect of supplemental FA at a dose of 400 μg/d during pregnancy on unmetabolized FA concentrations in maternal plasma and newborn cord blood plasma was investigated.

Methods: A new analysis was performed of blood samples from participants in a randomized trial in pregnancy. Women aged 18–35 y, who had taken 400 μg FA/d as recommended in the first trimester, were recruited at the start of trimester 2 and randomly allocated to receive either 400 μg FA/d (n = 59) or a placebo (n = 67) throughout the second and third trimesters until delivery. Unmetabolized FA concentrations in maternal and cord blood samples were measured by LC–tandem MS analysis.

Results: In response to the intervention from gestational week 14 through delivery, a higher proportion of women in the FA compared with the placebo group had detectable FA (≥0.27 nmol/L) in plasma, but the difference in concentrations was not statistically significant (mean ± SD: 0.44 ± 0.80 compared with 0.13 ± 0.49 nmol/L, P = 0.38). FA treatment throughout pregnancy resulted in higher cord blood plasma total folate (50.6 ± 20.1 compared with 34.5 ± 14.4 nmol/L; P = 0.004) and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (50.4 ± 20.3 compared with 34.5 ± 14.4 nmol/L; P = 0.005) concentrations, but FA was detected only in 8 of 53 available cord blood samples, and the proportion of samples with detectable FA concentrations was similar in FA-treated and placebo groups.

Conclusions: Plasma concentrations of unmetabolized FA arising from supplemental FA at a dose of 400 μg/d, in addition to FA from fortified foods, were low or undetectable in mothers and newborns. The benefits for mothers and offspring of continuing FA supplementation beyond the first trimester of pregnancy can be achieved without posing any risk of increasing unmetabolized circulating FA, even in those already exposed to FA from fortified foods.

From: Pentieva, K., Selhub, J., Paul, L., Molloy, A. M., McNulty, B., Ward, M., Marshall, B., Dornan, J., Reilly, R., Parle-McDermott, A., Bradbury, I., Ozaki, M., Scott, J. M., McNulty, H. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/3/494?rss=1

L-Glutamine Enhances Tight Junction Integrity by Activating CaMK Kinase 2-AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Intestinal Porcine Epithelial Cells [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

When Psoriasis Meds Don’t Work: Your Treatment Options

Sometimes psoriasis treatments stop working. WebMD tells you why they fail and what you can do about it.

From: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/features/psoriasis-meds-dont-work?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Resolvin D1 protects against inflammation in experimental acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that may lead to multisystemic organ failure with considerable mortality. Recently, resolvin D1 (RvD1) as an endogenous anti-inflammatory lipid mediator has been confirmed to protect against many inflammatory diseases. This study was designed to investigate the effects of RvD1 in acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury. Acute pancreatitis varying from mild to severe was induced by cerulein or cerulein combined with LPS, respectively. Mice were pretreated with RvD1 at a dose of 300 ng/mouse 30 min before the first injection of cerulein. Severity of AP was assessed by biochemical markers and histology. Serum cytokines and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in pancreas and lung were determined for assessing the extent of inflammatory response. NF-B activation was determined by Western blotting. The injection of cerulein or cerulein combined with LPS resulted in local injury in the pancreas and corresponding systemic inflammatory changes with pronounced severity in the cerulein and LPS group. Pretreated RvD1 significantly reduced the degree of amylase, lipase, TNF-α, and IL-6 serum levels; the MPO activities in the pancreas and the lungs; the pancreatic NF-B activation; and the severity of pancreatic injury and associated lung injury, especially in the severe acute pancreatitis model. These results suggest that RvD1 is capable of improving injury of pancreas and lung and exerting anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of NF-B activation in experimental acute pancreatitis, with more notable protective effect in severe acute pancreatitis. These findings indicate that RvD1 may constitute a novel therapeutic strategy in the management of severe acute pancreatitis.

From: Liu, Y., Zhou, D., Long, F.-W., Chen, K.-L., Yang, H.-W., Lv, Z.-Y., Zhou, B., Peng, Z.-H., Sun, X.-F., Li, Y., Zhou, Z.-G. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/5/G303?rss=1

Mice with hepatocyte-specific FXR deficiency are resistant to spontaneous but susceptible to cholic acid-induced hepatocarcinogenesis

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily with its endogenous ligands bile acids. Mice with whole body FXR deficiency develop liver tumors spontaneously, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Moreover, it is unknown whether FXR deficiency in liver alone serves as a tumor initiator or promoter during liver carcinogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the effects of hepatocyte-specific FXR deficiency (FXR^hep–/–) in liver tumor formation. The results showed that FXR^hep–/– mice did not show spontaneous liver tumorigenesis with aging (up to 24 mo of age). Therefore FXR^hep–/– mice were fed a bile acid (cholic acid)-containing diet alone or along with a liver tumor initiator, diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Thirty weeks later, no tumors were found in wild-type or FXR^hep–/– mice without any treatment or with DEN only. However, with cholic acid, while only some wild-type mice developed tumors, all FXR^hep–/– mice presented with severe liver injury and tumors. Interestingly, FXR^hep–/– mouse livers increased basal expression of tumor suppressor p53 protein, apoptosis, and decreased basal cyclin D1 expression, which may prevent tumor development in FXR^hep–/– mice. However, cholic acid feeding reversed these effects in FXR^hep–/– mice, which is associated with an increased cyclin D1 and decreased cell cycle inhibitors. More in-depth analysis indicates that the increased in cell growth might result from disturbance of the MAPK and JAK/Stat3 signaling pathways. In conclusion, this study shows that hepatic FXR deficiency may only serve as a tumor initiator, and increased bile acids is required for tumor formation likely by promoting cell proliferation.

From: Kong, B., Zhu, Y., Li, G., Williams, J. A., Buckley, K., Tawfik, O., Luyendyk, J. P., Guo, G. L. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/5/G295?rss=1

Deficiency of intestinal mucin-2 protects mice from diet-induced fatty liver disease and obesity

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity are characterized by altered gut microbiota, inflammation, and gut barrier dysfunction. Here, we investigated the role of mucin-2 (Muc2) as the major component of the intestinal mucus layer in the development of fatty liver disease and obesity. We studied experimental fatty liver disease and obesity induced by feeding wild-type and Muc2-knockout mice a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 wk. Muc2 deficiency protected mice from HFD-induced fatty liver disease and obesity. Compared with wild-type mice, after a 16-wk HFD, Muc2-knockout mice exhibited better glucose homeostasis, reduced inflammation, and upregulated expression of genes involved in lipolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation in white adipose tissue. Compared with wild-type mice that were fed the HFD as well, Muc2-knockout mice also displayed higher intestinal and plasma levels of IL-22 and higher intestinal levels of the IL-22 target genes Reg3b and Reg3g. Our findings indicate that absence of the intestinal mucus layer activates the mucosal immune system. Higher IL-22 levels protect mice from diet-induced features of the metabolic syndrome.

From: Hartmann, P., Seebauer, C. T., Mazagova, M., Horvath, A., Wang, L., Llorente, C., Varki, N. M., Brandl, K., Ho, S. B., Schnabl, B. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/5/G310?rss=1

Enteral but not parenteral antibiotics enhance gut function and prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in formula-fed newborn preterm pigs

Preterm infants are susceptible to infection and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and are often treated with antibiotics. Simultaneous administration of enteral and parenteral antibiotics during the first days after preterm birth prevents formula-induced NEC lesions in pigs, but it is unknown which administration route is most effective. We hypothesized that only enteral antibiotics suppress gut bacterial colonization and NEC progression in formula-fed preterm pigs. Caesarean-delivered preterm pigs (90–92% of gestation) were fed increasing amounts of infant formula from birth to day 5 and given saline (CON) or antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin, and metronidazole) via the enteral (ENT) or parenteral (PAR) route (n = 16–17). NEC lesions, intestinal morphology, function, microbiology, and inflammatory mediators were evaluated. NEC lesions were completely prevented in ENT pigs, whereas there were high incidences of mild NEC lesions (59–63%) in CON and PAR pigs (P < 0.001). ENT pigs had elevated intestinal weight, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and goblet cell density and reduced gut permeability, mucosal adherence of bacteria, IL-8 levels, colonic lactic acid levels, and density of Gram-positive bacteria, relative to CON pigs (P < 0.05). Values in PAR pigs were intermediate with few affected parameters (reduced lactic acid levels and density and adherence of Gram-positive bacteria, relative to CON pigs, P < 0.05). There was no evidence of increased antimicrobial resistance following the treatments. We conclude that enteral, but not parenteral, administration of antibiotics reduces gut bacterial colonization, inflammation, and NEC lesions in newborn, formula-fed preterm pigs. Delayed colonization may support intestinal structure, function, and immunity in the immediate postnatal period of formula-fed preterm neonates.

From: Birck, M. M., Nguyen, D. N., Cilieborg, M. S., Kamal, S. S., Nielsen, D. S., Damborg, P., Olsen, J. E., Lauridsen, C., Sangild, P. T., Thymann, T. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/5/G323?rss=1

How to Pay for Physical or Occupational Therapy

WebMD explains how insurance companies and Medicare cover physical and occupational therapy.

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

New Trends in Physical Therapy

Bed rest is out, massage is in. WebMD explains what else is new in the world of physical therapy after surgery or injury.

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

How to Support Your Loved One's Rehab

WebMD explains how to set realistic goals if you're the caregiver for someone who is getting rehab after surgery, illness, or injury.

From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/rehab-caregiver-help?src=RSS_PUBLIC

10 ways to raise a healthy eater

Follow me at @drClaire

As a pediatrician, I talk about healthy eating a lot — and I talk to a lot of families whose children do not have the best eating habits. It’s not that the parents are bad parents. Many, many good parents have children who like potato chips more than Brussel sprouts — and it’s a natural instinct to want to give children food they like, and to feel worried when they don’t eat the food in front of them.

Eating habits are just that: habits. And habits can be not only taught, but changed.

Here are 10 ways to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy eating and all the health benefits that brings:

1. Start early. It is amazing how much the eating habits of babies and toddlers can end up lasting a lifetime — in both good and bad ways. A baby whose parents make him finish a bottle, for example, can lose his ability to listen to his own hunger cues (which is one of the reasons breastfeeding can help prevent obesity). A toddler who gets lots of fruits and vegetables on her plate comes to think of them as normal, yummy foods — as opposed to foods she is being forced to eat.
2. Serve healthy foods. This sounds obvious, but I talk to a whole lot of families who do not routinely serve fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods — or if they do, they leave them off their child’s plate (because the child “doesn’t like them”). It’s so important to serve them and keep them on the plate — and, I think, insist on at least a bite or two. It can take a bunch of tries before kids realize that broccoli isn’t so bad after all!
3. Don’t be a short-order cook. I talk to a lot of parents who serve one meal — and then make another one for their child (some make separate ones for separate children, or additional meals if the first one gets rejected). If you do that, there is simply no incentive to try anything new.
4. Set a schedule and stick to it. Once your child is eating meals (by the end of the first year), make a schedule of three healthy meals and two healthy snacks per day (one between breakfast and lunch, the other between lunch and dinner). If your child doesn’t eat what is served after about 20 minutes, take it away, and don’t feed them again until the next scheduled meal or snack. After a while, your child will figure out that if they don’t eat, they will be hungry. The important corollary to this is…
5. Limit snacking. Outside of the established “okay” snacks, your child should not be hunting through the cabinet or refrigerator. If they are, they won’t have any appetite for meals.
6. Watch the drinks. Even a single cup of juice can cut a child’s appetite. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
7. Think about what you buy. If there isn’t junk food in the house, it’s a lot harder to eat it. Same goes for soda and sweets. Stock the house with healthy stuff instead.
8. Set an example. Kids always pay way more attention to what we do than what we say. If you don’t eat healthy foods, why should they?
9. Have family dinners. Not only is it the best way to set an example and help be sure that what they eat is good for them, family dinners are good for family relationships and for child development, and can help keep teens out of trouble.
10. Shop and cook together. If you can, grow food together too! Make healthy eating a fun, shared experience.

Every child and every family is different. Be sure to talk to your doctor if your child has any health problems — or, if despite your best efforts, your child’s diet is mostly chicken nuggets and French fries. Sometimes more creative approaches are needed, and we are here to help.

Related Post:

• Looking for Autism
• Starting your baby on solids? Here are three new things I…
• Teaching gratitude this holiday season – and all year long
• Many babies and toddlers use mobile devices every day
• Is it ADHD—or Autism?

The post 10 ways to raise a healthy eater appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/10-ways-to-raise-a-healthy-eater-201603019296

E. coli scare closes National Zoo Kids' Farm exhibit

Hazardous bacteria is found in animals at children's petting zoo

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/e-coli-scare-closes-national-zoo-kids-farm-exhibit/

Syphilis sparks concern in popular vacation city

Spike in cases is tied to social media related hook-ups, less condom use and other factors

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/las-vegas-syphilis-outbreak/

Maine woman meets kidney donor for first time

A social media campaign to find a kidney donor could have life-saving results

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/maine-woman-meets-kidney-donor-for-first-time/

Stress, Anxiety, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Stress and anxiety can trigger symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Learn more from WebMD about the role emotions may play in IBS.

From: http://www.webmd.com/ibs/features/ibs-d-stress?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Review raises concerns about women's libido drug flibanserin

There are new concerns about the safety of the only female libido drug approved by the FDA

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/review-raises-concerns-about-womens-libido-drug-flibanserin/

Kidney recipient meets donor for first time: "She's giving me life"

In a desperate search to find a living donor, Linda Deming put her request for a kidney on buttons, road signs and social media

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kidney-donation-surgery-maine-linda-deming-amber-mcintyre/

Eat Well to Celebrate National Nutrition Month

Have you ever wondered, “What can I eat?”

You’re not alone! For many people, choosing foods is one of the most challenging aspects of managing diabetes. Let the American Diabetes Association® be your source of up-to-date information on nutrition. March is National Nutrition Month®— the perfect time to find delicious ways to eat well.

So, where should you start?

The most important step is finding a healthful meal plan that works for you. People often ask which diet is best for people with diabetes. But it is the position of the Association that there is no “one-size-fits-all” eating pattern. Many options can be helpful for managing diabetes, whether your choice is Mediterranean style, low fat, lower carbohydrate, vegetarian or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).

The next step?

Fill your grocery cart and your plate with “nutrient-dense” foods. Nutrient-dense foods are some of the best choices you can make: nonstarchy vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains and starchy vegetables, nonfat or low-fat dairy and healthy fats. These foods provide more vitamins, minerals and fiber for fewer calories.

Remember that it’s easy to choose nutrient-dense foods in the right portion sizes when you Create Your Plate. Fill half of it with nonstarchy vegetables, such as salad, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and tomatoes. The other half is for your protein and starches.

Also keep in mind that the federal government’s new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting added sugars and saturated fats and reducing sodium intake. This recommendation is based on scientific evidence and is important for all Americans, including people with diabetes.

Satisfy your flavor cravings with these tips:

Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages.

• Skip regular soda, fruit punch, sports drinks, sweet tea and other sugary drinks.
• Drink water, unsweetened coffee or tea, sparkling water or other zero-calorie drinks.

Limit saturated fats by replacing them with small amounts of healthy fats. (Healthy fats are monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids, which can decrease your risk for heart disease.)

• Cook with liquid vegetable oils instead of butter, shortening or lard.
• Choose avocado, nuts, seeds or olives instead of cheese.
• Use trans-fat-free spreads instead of butter.

Consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. (Your health care provider may recommend even less if you have high blood pressure.)

• Shop for lower-sodium versions if you buy canned foods, salad dressings, frozen dinners, deli meats and other processed foods. Drain and rinse canned vegetables and beans before adding them to your meals.
• Cook with less salt and more herbs and spices, such as chili powder, cilantro, parsley, basil, curry powder, ginger or thyme. Brighten up flavors with vinegar, garlic or fresh lemon or lime juice.

For more information on healthful eating, cooking tips and recipes, visit diabetes.org/recipes and sign up for Recipes for Healthy Living.

And don’t forget to join us on Wednesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. ET for our #AskTheRD Twitter chat!

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2016/03/01/eat-well-national-nutrition-month/

WHO outlines ways to prevent and mitigate childhood hearing loss

Nearly 32 million children across the world live with disabling hearing loss. A new WHO report, "Childhood hearing loss: act now, here’s how", suggests that 60% of this can be prevented. It also highlights that if hearing loss is detected early enough, and if children receive the care they need, they can reach their full potential.

“A child who struggles to hear may also struggle to learn to speak, underachieve at school and end up socially isolated,” says Dr Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention. “But this doesn’t have to happen. We have a range of tools to help prevent, detect and treat childhood hearing loss.”

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/notes/2016/childhood-hearing-loss/en/index.html

Prevention of Colorectal Cancer for Those Under 50

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSuY0cYHmW0

Screening Options for Colorectal Cancer

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKiROK8daOg