Tougher warning labels will be added to drugs blamed for an epidemic of abuse and overdoses
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-adds-strongest-warning-to-popular-painkillers/
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Don't eat these: Toxic mushrooms sprout in El Nino's wake
Death cap mushrooms are just one poisonous variety popping up in Northern California
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/toxic-death-cap-mushrooms-sprout-in-northern-california/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/toxic-death-cap-mushrooms-sprout-in-northern-california/
WHO: Zika May Cause 'Severe Public Health Crisis'
As the Zika virus spreads, “the world will face a severe public health crisis,” the head of the World Health Organization warned Tuesday.
From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20160322/zika-severe-crisis?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Richard White, M.D. - Research to address obesity in African-American youth
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrLXKNb4nWE
Contact Lenses May Disrupt Eyes' Natural Bacteria
Whether this increases risk for infection isn't clear
From: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20160322/contact-lenses-may-disrupt-eyes-natural-bacteria-study-suggests?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Antipsychotics and Parkinson's Early Death Risk
But it's unclear whether the medications or the disease are the key factor; study only showed an association
From: http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/news/20160322/antipsychotic-drugs-tied-to-risk-of-early-death-in-parkinsons-patients?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Meditation May Help Ease Chronic Low Back Pain
Study found it bested cognitive behavioral therapy and usual care
From: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20160322/meditation-may-help-ease-chronic-low-back-pain?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Less Than 3% of Americans Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Factors studied included not smoking, eating right, exercising and keeping a low percentage of body fat
From: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/20160322/less-than-3-percent-of-americans-live-a-healthy-lifestyle?src=RSS_PUBLIC
WHO Director-General briefs the media on the Zika situation
Ladies and gentlemen,
I welcome this opportunity to update you on developments in science and the Zika evidence base that have built up since 1 February.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/zika-update-3-16/en/index.html
I welcome this opportunity to update you on developments in science and the Zika evidence base that have built up since 1 February.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/zika-update-3-16/en/index.html
FDA to require boxed warnings on opioid medications
As part of the government's commitment to ending the U.S. opioid epidemic, the Food and Drug Administration announced March 22 major label changes for all prescription opioid products, including new boxed warnings about the serious risks of misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose and death.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/fda-to-require-boxed-warnings-on-opioid-medications
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/fda-to-require-boxed-warnings-on-opioid-medications
Skin patch shows promise for pain-free diabetes testing
"Trying to do something like this noninvasively really is the holy grail of diabetes"
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/skin-patch-shows-promise-for-pain-free-diabetes-testing/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/skin-patch-shows-promise-for-pain-free-diabetes-testing/
More veterans using marijuana for PTSD
Many states are weighing whether to legalize marijuana to treat the disorder, but for some veterans the debate is over
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-veterans-using-marijuana-for-ptsd/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-veterans-using-marijuana-for-ptsd/
Most families cherish a child with Down syndrome
Researchers say the information could help expectant parents who learn their child has the genetic condition
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/most-families-cherish-a-child-with-down-syndrome/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/most-families-cherish-a-child-with-down-syndrome/
Study: Fecal Transplants May Help Colitis
After 8 weeks of fecal transplants, some people with tough-to-treat ulcerative colitis had no rectal bleeding or diarrhea, according to a new study. WebMD has the details.
From: http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/ulcerative-colitis/news/20160322/fecal-transplants-ulcerative-colitis?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Nurse Practitioner Career at Mayo Clinic
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJXfdLduQs4
Physician Assistant Career at Mayo Clinic
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CImL5zsuwks
How Obamacare could expand transgender rights
Feds are mulling a requirement that employer health plans should cover medical expenses for gender transition
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-obamacare-could-expand-transgender-rights/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-obamacare-could-expand-transgender-rights/
Mayo Clinic Minute: Is Your Refrigerator-Freezer Healthy?
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DbLaamr-8o
“Music and Medicine: Beethoven” featuring Dr. Richard Kogan
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpyKyP1CNPc
Moderate Drinking May Not Lengthen Your Life
But other experts note that numerous studies have shown benefits of alcohol consumption
From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20160322/moderate-drinking-may-not-lengthen-life-study-suggests?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Mayo Clinic Expert Shares 5 Things to Know About Colorectal Cancer
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqipZsKAHSg
The inconvenient truth of vaccine refusal
Follow me at @drClaire
When I talk to parents who are hesitant about vaccines, what they most want to talk to me about are possible side effects of the vaccine. They worry about everything from fevers and soreness to additives to possible links to autism. They rarely worry about the diseases that vaccines prevent—and that’s what worries me most of all.
It is the inconvenient truth of vaccine refusal: when you don’t get vaccinated against an illness, you are more likely to catch it.
A study just released in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) makes this very clear. Researchers looked at information about recent measles and pertussis outbreaks. They found that unvaccinated people made up the majority of those who caught measles and a large proportion of those who caught pertussis (waning immunity from the pertussis vaccine plays a role in those outbreaks). Some weren’t old enough to be vaccinated—but of those who were old enough, most came from families who had chosen not to vaccinate.
We developed vaccines for a reason: to stop children from getting sick and dying. This was not a money-making stunt by drug companies, as some claim. Here in the United States, vaccines have done such a great job that we have literally forgotten about the ravages of measles, polio, pertussis, diphtheria, and the many other illnesses that we can now prevent.
They truly were ravages. Who even remembers diphtheria? Between 1936 and 1945, there were about 21,000 cases and 1,800 deaths a year of diphtheria. In those same years, paralytic polio affected 16,000 and killed 1,900 each year. And for measles and pertussis, the numbers are even higher. Every year 530,000 people caught measles and 440 people died from it; 200,000 caught pertussis and 4,000 died from it.
Four thousand died every year from pertussis. In 2014, that number was 13. We simply cannot ignore that vaccines are incredibly effective, and save thousands and thousands of lives.
It’s the scarcity of the illnesses that has made some parents comfortable with the decision not to vaccinate. If you are unlikely to run into anyone with measles or chickenpox, why take any chances with side effects?
There are two problems with that argument. First, as more people have chosen not to vaccinate, there have been more outbreaks. And when those who choose not to vaccinate live in the same communities, as a study out of Kaiser Permanente showed was the case in California, it can create the perfect environment for a vaccine-preventable germ to spread.
Second, we live in a global community. Travel is relatively easy, and lots of people do it. And while we may have done a great job eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases here in the U.S., they certainly haven’t been eradicated from the world. Diphtheria is still alive and well, affecting 50,000 people a year and killing half of them. There are 344,000 cases of measles—and 145,000 deaths from it. For pertussis, the numbers are even higher: 30-50 million cases, and 300,000 deaths.
People are often contagious before they even know they are sick. Someone could bring measles to a community without knowing it—and 90% of the unvaccinated people who are exposed to the measles virus will get sick (the virus can even hang out in a room for two hours after the person with measles leaves). Half of the babies who catch pertussis end up hospitalized—and of those who are hospitalized, three out of five have trouble breathing, and one in 100 die despite the best possible care.
We just can’t say that it’s safe to be unvaccinated. It’s not safe for the child whose parents choose not to vaccinate—and it’s really not safe for the infants or people with immune problems who cannot be vaccinated, who need vaccinated people around them to keep them well.
Vaccines are a medical treatment, and like any medical treatment, they can have risks and side effects. So much has been done, and is still being done, to make vaccines as safe as possible. It’s always important to ask questions and be careful in making decisions.
But when making those decisions, it’s crucial to think not just about the vaccine—but about the disease it can protect you from.
Related Post:
The post The inconvenient truth of vaccine refusal appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-inconvenient-truth-of-vaccine-refusal-201603229426
FDA proposes ban on powdered gloves, invites public comment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration March 21 announced a proposal to ban most powdered gloves in the U.S.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/fda-proposes-ban-on-powdered-gloves-invites-public-comment
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/fda-proposes-ban-on-powdered-gloves-invites-public-comment
Massachusetts law sets limit on opioid prescriptions
On March 14, Massachusetts became the first state to establish a seven-day limit on first-time opioid prescriptions.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/massachusetts-law-sets-limit-on-opioid-prescriptions
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/march/massachusetts-law-sets-limit-on-opioid-prescriptions
USDA Seeks Applications for Loans and Grants to Help Grow Rural Businesses and Spur Economic Development
WASHINGTON, March 22, 2016 – Rural Business Cooperative-Service Administrator Sam Rikkers today announced that USDA is seeking applications for loans and grants to help support the start-up or expansion of rural businesses.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/03/0071.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/03/0071.xml&contentidonly=true
USDA Awards $8.5 Million to Improve Communities' Water Sources
WASHINGTON, March 22, 2016 – In celebration of World Water Day, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today awarded more than $8.5 million in grants that 10 universities will use to help communities improve water resource quality and quantity.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/03/0070.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/03/0070.xml&contentidonly=true
Food and Agriculture Groups Express Support, Optimism for New Opportunities in Cuba
WASHINGTON, March 22, 2016 – Leaders from across the U.S. agriculture and food sectors are expressing support and optimism in new opportunities for collaboration with their Cuban counterparts, announced during President Obama's historic visit to the island. The two neighboring countries share common climate and agriculture related concerns, and the measures announced today in Havana will mutually benefit the Cuban people and U.S. farmers and ranchers.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/03/0072.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/03/0072.xml&contentidonly=true
WHO calls on countries and partners to "Unite to End Tuberculosis"
For World TB Day, WHO is calling on countries and partners to unite to end tuberculosis.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/tb-day/en/index.html
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/tb-day/en/index.html
The New Birth Trend That’s All About Bacteria - IBD in the News
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCHi8w3rQjA
Heart disease deaths decline, but some areas hit harder
Over the past four decades, certain areas of the U.S. have seen less progress than others in fighting off heart disease
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heart-disease-death-rates-decline-geographic-shift/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heart-disease-death-rates-decline-geographic-shift/
Is moderate drinking not so good for you after all?
Researchers analyzed 87 studies to find out if moderate drinking really offers any longterm health benefits
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-moderate-drinking-not-so-good-for-health-after-all/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-moderate-drinking-not-so-good-for-health-after-all/
Wearable Patch May Help Manage Diabetes Painlessly
Experimental technology senses blood sugar and delivers medicine with microneedles
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20160321/a-wearable-patch-might-help-manage-diabetes-painlessly?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Stress-Control Training and Cardiac Rehab Patients
When added to recovery regimen, fewer patients had heart attacks, strokes or died, study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20160321/stress-management-training-may-help-cardiac-rehab-patients?src=RSS_PUBLIC
U.S. Heart Disease Deaths Shifting South
Cardiac health has improved in North and West, but declined in Southern states, CDC study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20160321/us-heart-disease-deaths-shifting-south?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Florida sees spike in Spice synthetic marijuana overdoses
"To me it's like walkers from 'The Walking Dead,'" said one man who witnessed users "dropping like flies"
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/spice-synthetic-marijuana-overdoses-spike-in-florida/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/spice-synthetic-marijuana-overdoses-spike-in-florida/
FDA Proposes Ban on Powdered Medical Gloves
Side effects include airway and wound inflammation, agency says
From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20160321/fda-proposes-ban-on-powdered-medical-gloves?src=RSS_PUBLIC
60,000 Kids a Year Accidentally Poisoned by Meds
Toddlers account for 7 out of 10 cases, report says
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20160321/60000-us-kids-treated-for-accidental-medicine-poisoning-a-year?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Many seniors using dangerous drug combinations
Researchers say the problem appears to have doubled over a five-year period
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/many-seniors-using-dangerous-drug-combinations/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/many-seniors-using-dangerous-drug-combinations/
High crash risk in truckers who don't treat this condition
Common sleep disorder can pose danger on the road
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sleep-apnea-crash-risk-in-truck-drivers/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sleep-apnea-crash-risk-in-truck-drivers/
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Surgical Treatment Options - Mayo Clinic
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfYUZYNUCY4
Rosacea Might Boost Parkinson's Risk: Study
Research found an association, but did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between the two conditions
From: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20160321/rosacea-might-boost-parkinsons-risk-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Men, Avoid Impotence Drugs Before Surgery
Let an anesthesia professional know if you take these medications, expert cautions
From: http://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/news/20160321/men-avoid-impotence-drugs-before-surgery?src=RSS_PUBLIC
1 in 6 Seniors Combines Meds, Supplements
Researchers say patients should tell doctors every treatment they're taking
From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20160321/1-in-6-seniors-takes-dangerous-combos-of-meds-supplements-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Social trend in China promotes skeleton-thin looks
A recent social media craze in China encourages young women to take selfies comparing their waist size to printer paper
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/a4waist-challenge-social-trend-in-china-promotes-skeleton-thin-looks/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/a4waist-challenge-social-trend-in-china-promotes-skeleton-thin-looks/
Post Graduate Medical Education: Coupling Technology with Learning Theory in Curriculum Development
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKib8nIM16g
Mayo Clinic Minute: Postpartum Depression - Not Just the Baby Blues
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEV0goopX1I
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Historic Agreements for U.S.-Cuba Agriculture Sectors
HAVANA, March 21, 2016 - As part of President Obama's historic trip to Cuba to further normalization of relations, advance commercial and people-to-people ties, and express our support for human rights for all Cubans, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced several measures that will foster further collaboration between the U.S. and Cuban agriculture sectors.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/03/0069.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/03/0069.xml&contentidonly=true
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