The full episode of the CBS Evening news from March 15, 2016 edition
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/315-kasich-takes-home-state-of-ohio-his-first-primary-win-china-residents-give-their-take-on-donald-trump/
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
CDC cracking down on opioid prescriptions
The CDC released new guidelines Tuesday for prescribing opioids for pain
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cdc-cracking-down-on-opioid-prescriptions/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cdc-cracking-down-on-opioid-prescriptions/
Want to Keep an Aging Brain Sharp? Try the Stairs
Fitness is key, researchers say, and education can also help
From: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/20160315/want-to-keep-an-aging-brain-sharp-try-the-stairs?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Can mindfulness meditation offer drug-free pain relief?
"You don't have to be a monk to meditate," says scientist who put the technique to the test
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-drug-free-pain-relief/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-drug-free-pain-relief/
New guidelines aim to reduce painkiller abuse
Doctors prescribe enough opioid painkillers each year for every adult in the U.S. to have a bottle; experts say that has to change
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-painkiller-guidelines/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-painkiller-guidelines/
Many cancer survivors face financial hardships
Money troubles often come along with a cancer diagnosis, and can have lasting effects on patients' health, new research shows
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/many-cancer-survivors-face-financial-hardships/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/many-cancer-survivors-face-financial-hardships/
Repeat C-Sections May Not Harm Baby's Health
Scottish study finds no significant differences in learning disabilities, risk for various conditions
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20160315/repeat-c-section-may-have-no-long-term-health-risk-for-baby?src=RSS_PUBLIC
CDC Issues Tough Guidelines on Painkiller Use
To curb abuse, doctors should try non-narcotic options for most chronic pain not involving cancer, terminal illness
From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20160315/cdc-issues-tough-new-guidelines-on-use-of-prescription-painkillers?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Vaccine Refusal Drives Measles Outbreaks: Study
As trend continues, researcher fears more outbreaks of whooping cough, too
From: http://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/news/20160315/vaccine-refusal-a-driving-force-behind-measles-outbreaks-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Anxiety, Depression May Reduce Women's IVF Success
Researchers link these mental health problems to lower rates of pregnancy and live births
From: http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20160315/anxiety-depression-may-reduce-womens-success-with-ivf-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
NFL: Link Between Football, Brain Disease
NFL: Link Between Football, Brain Disease
From: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/20160315/nfl-football-brain-disease?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on National Agriculture Day
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2016-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released the following statement:
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/03/0067.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/03/0067.xml&contentidonly=true
Eleven new codes added to CDT 2017
The Code Maintenance Committee approved 11 new codes at its March meeting. Code numbers will be assigned in CDT 2017.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/eleven-new-codes-added-to-cdt-2017
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/eleven-new-codes-added-to-cdt-2017
Code Maintenance Committee approves new scaling code
The Code Maintenance Committee approved a new scaling code that fills a gap in the continuum of care for patients with gingival disease and no attachment loss.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/code-maintenance-committee-approves-new-scaling-code
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/code-maintenance-committee-approves-new-scaling-code
Do obesity "report cards" help kids slim down?
More schools are sending home reports on students' weight; a new study looks at whether it makes a difference
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/do-obesity-report-cards-help-kids-slim-down/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/do-obesity-report-cards-help-kids-slim-down/
MicroRNA-155 deletion promotes tumorigenesis in the azoxymethane-dextran sulfate sodium model of colon cancer
Clinical studies have linked microRNA-155 (miR-155) expression in the tumor microenvironment to poor prognosis. However, whether miR-155 upregulation is predictive of a pro- or antitumorigenic response is unclear, as the limited preclinical data available remain controversial. We examined miR-155 expression in tumor tissue from colon cancer patients. Furthermore, we investigated the role of this microRNA in proliferation and apoptosis, inflammatory processes, immune cell populations, and transforming growth factor-β/SMAD signaling in a chemically induced (azoxymethane-dextran sulfate sodium) mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer. We found a higher expression of miR-155 in the tumor region than in nontumor colon tissue of patients with colon cancer. Deletion of miR-155 in mice resulted in a greater number of polyps/adenomas, an increased symptom severity score, a higher grade of epithelial dysplasia, and a decrease in survival. Surprisingly, these findings were associated with an increase in apoptosis in the normal mucosa, but there was no change in proliferation. The protumorigenic effects of miR-155 deletion do not appear to be driven solely by dysregulation of inflammation, as both genotypes had relatively similar levels of inflammatory mediators. The enhanced tumorigenic response in miR-155–/– mice was associated with alterations in macrophages and neutrophils, as markers for these populations were decreased and increased, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated a greater activation of the transforming growth factor-β/SMAD pathway in miR-155–/– mice, which was correlated with the increased tumorigenesis. Given the multiple targets of miR-155, careful evaluation of its role in tumorigenesis is necessary prior to any consideration of its potential as a biomarker and/or therapeutic target in colon cancer.
From: Velazquez, K. T., Enos, R. T., McClellan, J. L., Cranford, T. L., Chatzistamou, I., Singh, U. P., Nagarkatti, M., Nagarkatti, P. S., Fan, D., Murphy, E. A. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G347?rss=1
Interdependency between mechanical parameters and afferent nerve discharge in hypertrophic intestine of rats
Partial intestinal obstruction causes smooth muscle hypertrophy, enteric neuronal plasticity, motility disorders, and biomechanical remodeling. In this study we characterized the stimulus-response function of afferent fibers innervating the partially obstructed jejunum. A key question is whether changes in afferent firing arise from remodeled mechanical tissue properties or from adaptive afferent processes. Partial obstruction was created by placing a polyethylene ring for 2 wk in jejunum of seven rats. Sham obstruction was made in six rats and seven rats served as normal controls. Firing from mesenteric afferent nerve bundles was recorded during mechanical ramp, relaxation, and creep tests. Stress-strain, spike rate increase ratio (SRIR), and firing rate in single units were assessed for evaluation of interdependency of the mechanical stimulations, histomorphometry data, and afferent nerve discharge. Partial intestinal obstruction resulted in hypertrophy and jejunal stiffening proximal to the obstruction site. Low SRIR at low strains during fast distension and at high stresses during slow distension was found in the obstructed rats. Single unit analysis showed increased proportion of mechanosensitive units but absent high-threshold (HT) units during slow stimulation, decreased number of HT units during fast stimulation, and shift from HT sensitivity towards low threshold sensitivity in the obstructed jejunum. Biomechanical remodeling and altered afferent response to mechanical stimulations were found in the obstructed jejunum. Afferents from obstructed jejunum preserved their function in encoding ongoing mechanical stimulation but showed changes in their responsiveness. The findings support that mechanical factors rather than adaption are important for afferent remodeling.
From: Yang, J., Zhao, J., Chen, P., Nakaguchi, T., Grundy, D., Gregersen, H. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G376?rss=1
Molecular characterization of the intestinal microbiota in patients with and without abdominal bloating
Recent studies have demonstrated differences in the intestinal microbiota between patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy controls (HC), suggesting a role for the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of IBS. Alterations in the microbiota have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of abdominal bloating, a commonly reported symptom in IBS. We investigated the relationship between the intestinal microbiota, abdominal bloating, and altered bowel patterns in a cohort of patients with IBS and HC. The 16S rRNA gene from fresh fecal samples was amplified and pyrosequenced by using Roche-454 Titanium chemistry. A Core Measurable Microbiome (CMM) was generated for Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) detected in >75% of all samples and compositional features of CMM were compared between groups by Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). IBS differentiated from HC by LDA using continuous variation in the species/OTUs or the CMM genera. When subcategorized based on bloating symptoms and bowel characteristics, the same subjects were also well differentiated from one another and from HC. ANOVA analysis showed quantitative species/OTU differences between the subgroups including IBS with and without bloating, and subtypes based on bowel characteristics. The clear LDA differentiation and the significant microbial taxa differences between the groups imply a significant association of the microbiota with bloating symptoms and bowel characteristics in IBS. These changes in the microbiota may serve as a biomarker for IBS and its clinical subtypes and suggest a role for the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of the main symptoms of the disorder.
From: Ringel-Kulka, T., Benson, A. K., Carroll, I. M., Kim, J., Legge, R. M., Ringel, Y. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G417?rss=1
Involvement of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate phosphorylation and translocation in cholecystokinin-induced amylase release in rat pancreatic acini
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a gastrointestinal hormone that induces exocytotic amylase release in pancreatic acinar cells. The activation of protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the CCK-induced pancreatic amylase release. Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) is a ubiquitously expressed substrate of PKC. MARCKS has been implicated in membrane trafficking in several cell types. The phosphorylation of MARCKS by PKC results in the translocation of MARCKS from the membrane to the cytosol. Here, we studied the involvement of MARCKS in the CCK-induced amylase release in rat pancreatic acini. Employing Western blotting, we detected MARCKS protein in the rat pancreatic acini. CCK induced MARCKS phosphorylation. A PKC- inhibitor, rottlerin, inhibited the CCK-induced MARCKS phosphorylation and amylase release. In the translocation assay, we also observed CCK-induced PKC- activation. An immunohistochemistry study showed that CCK induced MARCKS translocation from the membrane to the cytosol. When acini were lysed by a detergent, Triton X-100, CCK partially induced displacement of the MARCKS from the GM1a-rich detergent-resistant membrane fractions (DRMs) in which Syntaxin2 is distributed. A MARCKS-related peptide inhibited the CCK-induced amylase release. These findings suggest that MARCKS phosphorylation by PKC- and then MARCKS translocation from the GM1a-rich DRMs to the cytosol are involved in the CCK-induced amylase release in pancreatic acinar cells.
From: Satoh, K., Narita, T., Katsumata-Kato, O., Sugiya, H., Seo, Y. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G399?rss=1
Interferon-{gamma} is increased in the gut of patients with irritable bowel syndrome and modulates serotonin metabolism
Mucosal immune activation and altered serotonin metabolism participate in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the reciprocal interplay between these two systems remains unknown. We evaluated the expression and release of interferon (IFN)- from the colonic mucosa of patients with IBS and its impact on serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) gene expression in Caco-2 cells. qPCR was used to evaluate IFN- gene expression in colonic mucosal biopsies, whereas IFN- protein amount was assessed by ELISA. Colonic T box expressed in T cells (T-bet) and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 protein amount were evaluated by Western blot. The impact of colonic mucosal mediators on SERT gene expression was evaluated in Caco-2 cells using qPCR. IFN- receptor was silenced in Caco-2 cells to determine the effect of IFN- released by mucosal biopsies. Compared with asymptomatic controls (ACs), the expression of IFN- gene and its transcription factor T-bet were markedly increased in the colonic mucosa of patients with IBS. Compared with ACs, IFN- protein tissue levels and its release by mucosal biopsies were significantly increased in IBS. The exposure of Caco-2 cells to IBS supernatants induced a significant decrease in SERT gene expression, independently of IBS subtypes, compared with AC mucosal supernatants. In Caco-2 cells, IFN- receptor silencing reversed the reduction of SERT expression evoked by IBS supernatants vs. nonsilenced cell lines. IFN- gene, its transcription factor T-bet, IFN- protein expression, and its release are increased in the colonic mucosa of patients with IBS and downregulate SERT gene expression in vitro. These results suggest that IFN- downregulates SERT expression, hence likely playing a role in altered serotonin metabolism of patients with IBS.
From: Barbaro, M. R., Di Sabatino, A., Cremon, C., Giuffrida, P., Fiorentino, M., Altimari, A., Bellacosa, L., Stanghellini, V., Barbara, G. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G439?rss=1
Predicting the activation states of the muscles governing upper esophageal sphincter relaxation and opening
The swallowing muscles that influence upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening are centrally controlled and modulated by sensory information. Activation and deactivation of neural inputs to these muscles, including the intrinsic cricopharyngeus (CP) and extrinsic submental (SM) muscles, results in their mechanical activation or deactivation, which changes the diameter of the lumen, alters the intraluminal pressure, and ultimately reduces or promotes flow of content. By measuring the changes in diameter, using intraluminal impedance, and the concurrent changes in intraluminal pressure, it is possible to determine when the muscles are passively or actively relaxing or contracting. From these "mechanical states" of the muscle, the neural inputs driving the specific motor behaviors of the UES can be inferred. In this study we compared predictions of UES mechanical states directly with the activity measured by electromyography (EMG). In eight subjects, pharyngeal pressure and impedance were recorded in parallel with CP- and SM-EMG activity. UES pressure and impedance swallow profiles correlated with the CP-EMG and SM-EMG recordings, respectively. Eight UES muscle states were determined by using the gradient of pressure and impedance with respect to time. Guided by the level and gradient change of EMG activity, mechanical states successfully predicted the activity of the CP muscle and SM muscle independently. Mechanical state predictions revealed patterns consistent with the known neural inputs activating the different muscles during swallowing. Derivation of "activation state" maps may allow better physiological and pathophysiological interpretations of UES function.
From: Omari, T. I., Jones, C. A., Hammer, M. J., Cock, C., Dinning, P., Wiklendt, L., Costa, M., McCulloch, T. M. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G359?rss=1
Fluorescence-based gene reporter plasmid to track canonical Wnt signaling in ENS inflammation
In several gut inflammatory or cancer diseases, cell-cell interactions are compromised, and an increased cytoplasmic expression of β-catenin is observed. Over the last decade, numerous studies provided compelling experimental evidence that the loss of cadherin-mediated cell adhesion can promote β-catenin release and signaling without any specific activation of the canonical Wnt pathway. In the present work, we took advantage of the ability of lipofectamine-like reagent to cause a synchronous dissociation of adherent junctions in cells isolated from the rat enteric nervous system (ENS) for obtaining an in vitro model of deregulated β-catenin signaling. Under these experimental conditions, a green fluorescent protein Wnt reporter plasmid called Top_EGFP3a was successfully tested to screen β-catenin stabilization at resting and primed conditions with exogenous Wnt3a or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Top_EGFP3a provided a reliable and strong fluorescent signal that was easily measurable and at the same time highly sensitive to modulations of Wnt signaling following Wnt3a and LPS stimulation. The reporter gene was useful to demonstrate that Wnt3a exerts a protective activity in the ENS from overstimulated Wnt signaling by promoting a downregulation of the total β-catenin level. Based on this evidence, the use of Top_EGFP3a reporter plasmid could represent a more reliable tool for the investigation of Wnt and cross-talking pathways in ENS inflammation.
From: Di Liddo, R., Bertalot, T., Schuster, A., Schrenk, S., Müller, O., Apfel, J., Reischmann, P., Rajendran, S., Sfriso, R., Gasparella, M., Parnigotto, P. P., Conconi, M. T., Schäfer, K. H. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G337?rss=1
Low esophageal mucosal blood flow in patients with nutcracker esophagus
Nutcracker esophagus (NE) is characterized by high-amplitude peristaltic esophageal contractions, and these patients often present with symptoms of "angina-like" or noncardiac chest pain. Tissue ischemia is a known cause of visceral pain, and the goal of our present study was to determine whether esophageal wall blood perfusion (EWBP) is reduced in patients with NE. Fourteen normal subjects (mean age 51 yr, 11 men) and 12 patients (mean age 53 yr, 9 men) with NE and noncardiac chest pain were investigated. The EWBP was measured continuously using a custom-designed laser Doppler probe tethered to a Bravo capsule, which anchored it to the esophageal wall. The baseline EWBP in normal subjects was 651 ± 27 perfusion units. In patients with NE, the baseline EWBP was significantly lower than in the normal subjects (451 ± 32 perfusion units). The EWBP decreased after injection of edrophonium (which increases muscle contractions) and increased following sublingual nitroglycerin administration (which relaxes muscle) in normal subjects, as well as in NE patients. Spontaneous pain events during the recording period were often associated with drops in the EWBP. We propose that low EWBP leads to hypoxia of the esophageal tissue, which may be a mechanism of esophageal pain in patients with NE.
From: Jiang, Y., Mittal, R. K. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G410?rss=1
The human milk oligosaccharide 2'-fucosyllactose augments the adaptive response to extensive intestinal
Intestinal resection resulting in short bowel syndrome (SBS) carries a heavy burden of long-term morbidity, mortality, and cost of care, which can be attenuated with strategies that improve intestinal adaptation. SBS infants fed human milk, compared with formula, have more rapid intestinal adaptation. We tested the hypothesis that the major noncaloric human milk oligosaccharide 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) contributes to the adaptive response after intestinal resection. Using a previously described murine model of intestinal adaptation, we demonstrated increased weight gain from 21 to 56 days (P < 0.001) and crypt depth at 56 days (P < 0.0095) with 2'-FL supplementation after ileocecal resection. Furthermore, 2'-FL increased small bowel luminal content microbial alpha diversity following resection (P < 0.005) and stimulated a bloom in organisms of the genus Parabacteroides (log2-fold = 4.1, P = 0.035). Finally, transcriptional analysis of the intestine revealed enriched ontologies and pathways related to antimicrobial peptides, metabolism, and energy processing. We conclude that 2'-FL supplementation following ileocecal resection increases weight gain, energy availability through microbial community modulation, and histological changes consistent with improved adaptation.
From: Mezoff, E. A., Hawkins, J. A., Ollberding, N. J., Karns, R., Morrow, A. L., Helmrath, M. A. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G427?rss=1
Urocortins and CRF receptor type 2 variants in the male rat colon: gene expression and regulation by endotoxin and anti-inflammatory effect
Urocortins (Ucns) 1, 2, and 3 and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF2) mRNA are prominently expressed in various layers of the upper gut. We tested whether Ucns and CRF2 variants are also expressed in the different layers of the rat colon, regulated by LPS (100 μg/kg ip) and play a modulatory role in the colonic immune response to LPS. Transcripts of Ucns and CRF2b, the most common isoform in the periphery, were detected in all laser microdissected layers, including myenteric neurons. LPS increased the mRNA level of Ucn 1, Ucn 2, and Ucn 3 and decreased that of CRF2b in both the colonic mucosa and submucosa + muscle (S+M) layers at 2, 6, and 9 h after injection with a return to basal at 24 h. In addition, CRF2a, another variant more prominent in the brain, and a novel truncated splice variant CRF2a-3 mRNA were detected in all segments of the large intestine. LPS reciprocally regulated the colonic expression of these CRF2 variants by decreasing both CRF2a and CRF2b, while increasing CRF2a-3 in the mucosa and S+M. The CRF2 antagonist astressin2-B further enhanced LPS-induced increase of mRNA level of interleukin (IL)-1β, TNF-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in S+M layers and IL-1β in the mucosa and evoked TNF-α expression in the mucosa. These data indicate that Ucns/CRF2 variants are widely expressed in all colonic layers and reciprocally regulated by LPS. CRF2 signaling dampens the CD14/TLR4-mediated acute inflammatory response to Gram-negative bacteria in the colon.
From: Yuan, P.-Q., Wu, S. V., Pothoulakis, C., Tache, Y. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G387?rss=1
Protective effect of agaro-oligosaccharides on gut dysbiosis and colon tumorigenesis in high-fat diet-fed mice
High-fat diet (HFD)-induced alteration in the gut microbial composition, known as dysbiosis, is increasingly recognized as a major risk factor for various diseases, including colon cancer. This report describes a comprehensive investigation of the effect of agaro-oligosaccharides (AGO) on HFD-induced gut dysbiosis, including alterations in short-chain fatty acid contents and bile acid metabolism in mice. C57BL/6N mice were fed a control diet or HFD, with or without AGO. Terminal restriction fragment-length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis produced their fecal microbiota profiles. Profiles of cecal organic acids and serum bile acids were determined, respectively, using HPLC and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry systems. T-RFLP analyses showed that an HFD changed the gut microbiota significantly. Changes in the microbiota composition induced by an HFD were characterized by a decrease in the order Lactobacillales and by an increase in the Clostridium subcluster XIVa. These changes of the microbiota community generated by HFD treatment were suppressed by AGO supplementation. As supported by the data of the proportion of Lactobacillales order, the concentration of lactic acid increased in the HFD + AGO group. Data from the serum bile acid profile showed that the level of deoxycholic acid, a carcinogenic secondary bile acid produced by gut bacteria, was increased in HFD-receiving mice. The upregulation tended to be suppressed by AGO supplementation. Finally, results show that AGO supplementation suppressed the azoxymethane-induced generation of aberrant crypt foci in the colon derived from HFD-treated mice. Our results suggest that oral intake of AGO prevents HFD-induced gut dysbiosis, thereby inhibiting colon carcinogenesis.
From: Higashimura, Y., Naito, Y., Takagi, T., Uchiyama, K., Mizushima, K., Ushiroda, C., Ohnogi, H., Kudo, Y., Yasui, M., Inui, S., Hisada, T., Honda, A., Matsuzaki, Y., Yoshikawa, T. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/310/6/G367?rss=1
Agaro-oligosaccharides: a new frontier in the fight against colon cancer?
From: Bhattarai, Y., Kashyap, P. C. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/310/6/G335?rss=1
Mayo Clinic Minute: Flavorful Ways to Reduce Salt in Your Diet
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r6khsWSmpU
Excess Cellphone Use May Mean Anxiety, Depression
Some college students use their mobile device as a 'security blanket,' study says
From: http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20160315/could-too-much-cellphone-time-signal-anxiety-depression?src=RSS_PUBLIC
3 reasons the 2016 campaign can be good for kids (parents, it’s up to you!)
Follow me at @drClaire
This year’s presidential campaign has been remarkable — and not for good reasons. It has been full of rancor, which is common in campaigns, but this time, the rancor has been more vehement and more personal, and it has involved different ethnic and religious groups in ways that are unusual for campaigns. As a parent, one’s first instinct is to shield children from it — change the channel, recycle the newspaper, talk about anything else.
But doing the opposite could be really good for children. Here are three reasons children and families could end up with not only a new president, but also some new, important perspectives.
- The campaign is full of negative examples. From the way candidates treat and talk about each other generally, to the way they have talked about groups such as Mexicans or Muslims, this campaign has made a lot of people wince. But rather than just wincing, we can point these things out to our children and talk about them. Ask your children, “How would you feel if someone said that to you — or about you?” Talk about how words can hurt; use what has been said as examples. Talk about the importance of listening, of kindness, of not making broad judgments about people. These are lessons we all want our children to learn; use the 2016 campaign to help you give a crash course in tolerance.
- The campaign can help children learn about the electoral process. Let’s face it, some years it’s kind of boring. This year, it’s definitely not boring. Talk about the Electoral College and the delegates (if you don’t know about it, the National Archives and Record Administration has useful information, as does Congress for Kids). Talk about polls, and how they influence people. Talk about the party system, about primaries and party conventions. Help children understand what the candidates are trying to do.There are also sites that have news geared for students, such as Time for Kids, CNN Student News, Scholastic News, and KidsPost. The New York Times has a site that shows where candidates stand on the major issues as well as one on the candidates and what they would need to do to win. This year, there’s enough entertainment factor to make learning interesting.
- The campaign offers opportunities for families to talk about beliefs and values. As much as we want our children to share our beliefs and values, it’s not always easy to find natural opportunities to talk about them. This campaign in particular has been full of opportunities. Whether it’s explaining why you identify with a particular party or candidate, or what you think about a particular issue, or how you feel about an event or an interaction, the campaign can be a jumping-off point to have some really important conversations that could have a real impact on your child — and maybe even bring you closer as a family.
Ultimately, the 2016 presidential campaign is one big teachable moment. If we use it the right way, there is so much good that can come of it — despite its rancor.
Related Post:
The post 3 reasons the 2016 campaign can be good for kids (parents, it’s up to you!) appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/3-reasons-the-2016-presidential-campaign-can-be-good-for-kids-parents-its-up-to-you-201603159389
3 Obamacare Changes to Expect Next Year
The Department of Health and Human Services issues new rules designed to simplify health coverage consumers buy through Healthcare.gov.
From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20160315/three-changes-consumers-can-expect-in-next-years-obamacare-coverage?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Abstracts due for PAHO international conference on health systems research
The Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization is reminding health system policy makers, scholars and researchers in its member countries to submit abstracts for this year's fourth Global Symposium on Health Systems Research.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/abstracts-due-for-paho-international-conference-on-health-systems-research
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/abstracts-due-for-paho-international-conference-on-health-systems-research
NIDCR awards $2 million in e-cigarette research grants
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research announced March 10 it has awarded more than $2 million in first-year funding to seven research grants centered on studying the effects of electronic cigarettes on oral and craniofacial tissues.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/nidcr-awards-$2-million-in-e-cigarette-research-grants
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/nidcr-awards-$2-million-in-e-cigarette-research-grants
'Cold Turkey' May Work Best for Quitting Smoking
Stopping over time is less effective, British researchers say
From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20160314/cold-turkey-may-work-best-for-quitting-smoking?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Excess Cellphone Use May Mean Anxiety, Depression
Some college students use their mobile device as a 'security blanket,' study says
From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20160315/could-too-much-cellphone-time-signal-anxiety-depression?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Σπλαχνικό λίπος και κίνδυνοι υγείας
Όταν το σπλαχνικό λίπος είναι αυξημένο, επειδή βρίσκεται κοντά στην κύρια φλέβα που μεταφέρει το αίμα στο ήπαρ απελευθερώνει μεταβολικά προϊόντα απευθείας στην κυκλοφορία του αίματος, τα οποία στην συνέχεια συσσωρεύονται στο συκώτι. Ουσίες που εκκρίνονται από τα λιποκύτταρα, μπορούν να εισχωρήσουν στο ήπαρ και στη συνέχεια να επηρεάσουν τα επίπεδα της χοληστερόλης στο αίμα. Αυτό έχει σαν αποτέλεσμα την αύξηση της κακής χοληστερόλης αλλά και τη μείωση της καλής.
Το σπλαχνικό λίπος επίσης μπορεί να προκαλέσει αρκετά προβλήματα, καθώς διεγείρει την έκκριση ορμονών οι οποίες σχετίζονται με την αυξημένη αρτηριακή πίεση, το αυξημένο σπλαχνικό λίπος, το αυξημένο σάκχαρο στο αίμα και την εμφάνιση καρδιαγγειακών νοσημάτων. Οι ορμόνες αυτές δυσκολεύουν το σώμα να παράγει ινσουλίνη, μία ορμόνη η οποία ρυθμίζει τα επίπεδα του σακχάρου στο αίμα. Αυτό έχει σαν αποτέλεσμα τα άτομα με αυξημένο σπλαχνικό λίπος να έχουν περισσότερες πιθανότητες εμφάνισης διαβήτη τύπου 2.
Τέλος έρευνες έχουν δείξει ότι το σπλαχνικό λίπος μπορεί να επηρεάζει και τη λειτουργία του εγκεφάλου. Μερικές από τις ορμόνες που εκκρίνονται από το λίπος μπορούν να επηρεάσουν τη λειτουργία του εγκεφάλου και να αυξήσουν τον κίνδυνο άνοιας ή και κατάθλιψης.
Για ποιο λόγο όμως το λίπος συσσωρεύεται στην περιοχή της κοιλίας; Συνήθως το σπλαχνικό λίπος δημιουργείται περισσότερο στους άνδρες. Η συσσώρευση του δημιουργείται από την καθιστική ζωή, την ανθυγιεινή διατροφή, την κληρονομικότητα, και από το έντονο στρες. Επίσης οι γυναίκες που βρίσκονται στην εμμηνόπαυση έχουν την τάση να συσσωρεύουν πιο πολύ λίπος στην περιοχή της κοιλιάς λόγο ορμονικών παραγόντων.
Ο πιο εύκολος τρόπος για να δούμε εάν βρισκόμαστε σε κίνδυνο είναι να μετρήσουμε την περιφέρεια της κοιλιακής χώρας και να τη διαιρέσουμε με την περιφέρεια των γλουτών. Εάν το αποτέλεσμα είναι πάνω από 0,85 για τις γυναίκες και 0,95 για τους άνδρες τότε το σπλαχνικό λίπος είναι επικίνδυνο, και υπάρχουν αυξημένες πιθανότητες για καρδιαγγειακά και άλλα νοσήματα, ακόμα και εάν ο ΔΜΣ (Δείκτης Μάζας Σώματος) θεωρείται φυσιολογικός. Άλλη μέτρηση η οποία μπορεί να καθορίσει το ποσό του σπλαχνικού λίπους και τον κίνδυνο υγείας είναι η λιπομέτρηση.
Πώς μπορεί να μειωθεί το σπλαχνικό λίπος;
Για να μειωθεί το σπλαχνικό λίπος ακολουθείται η ίδια διαδικασία που αφορά στη μείωση του συνολικού λίπους στο σώμα, δηλαδή ισορροπημένη διατροφή, μείωση της ποσότητας κορεσμένων λιπαρών, αυξημένη κατανάλωση φυτικών ινών και καθημερινή φυσική δραστηριότητα. Ιδιαίτερα η συστηματική άσκηση έχει φανεί ότι μπορεί να μειώσει το σπλαχνικό λίπος περισσότερο, σε σχέση με το υποδόριο λίπος. Επίσης οι ανεπαρκείς ώρες ύπνου συνδέονται άμεσα με την πρόσληψη βάρους και λίπους λόγο της έκκρισης κορτιζόλης από τον οργανισμό.
Συμπερασματικά τα προβλήματα που δημιουργούνται από το σπλαχνικό λίπος είναι πολύ περισσότερα από αυτά του υποδόριου, αλλά μπορούν να είναι αναστρέψιμα αρκεί να υπάρχει μία έγκαιρη αντιμετώπιση.
Βιβλιογραφία:
- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090428124358.htm
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (2012). Losing weight, especially in the belly, improves sleep quality. American Heart Association Scientific Sessions (November 6, 2012)
- Kyrou I, Tsigos C. 2008. Chronic stress, visceral obesity and gonadal dysfunction. Hormones (Athens), Oct-Dec;7(4):287-93. Review. PubMed PMID: 19121989.
- Speaker KJ, Fleshner M. 2012 Interleukin-1 beta: a potential link between stress and the development of visceral obesity. BMC Physiol, Jun 27;12:8. doi: 10.1186/1472-6793-12-8. Review.
- Dallman MF, la Fleur SE, Pecoraro NC, Gomez F, Houshyar H, Akana SF. 2004. Minireview: glucocorticoids–food intake, abdominal obesity, and wealthy nations in 2004.Endocrinology, Jun;145(6):2633-8. Epub 2004 Mar 24. Review. PubMed PMID: 15044359.
- http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/Abdominal-fat-and-what-to-do-about-it.shtml
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2012-rst/7052.html
Το άρθρο Σπλαχνικό λίπος και κίνδυνοι υγείας εμφανίστηκε για πρώτη φορά στο Άρθρα και συμβουλές για υγιεινή διατροφή • Nutripedia και το έγραψε ο/η Μαρία Ρίτσου.
From: Μαρία Ρίτσου http://www.nutripedia.gr/splaxniko-lipos-kindynoi-ygeias/
An estimated 12.6 million deaths each year are attributable to unhealthy environments
WHO is calling on governments to rate movies that portray tobacco use in a bid to prevent children and adolescents from starting to smoke cigarettes and use other forms of tobacco.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/deaths-attributable-to-unhealthy-environments/en/index.html
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/deaths-attributable-to-unhealthy-environments/en/index.html
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