Sweet! Electrical trick may lead to less fat in chocolate

Some taste-testers of the "electrified" chocolate said it even tastes better than the higher-fat version

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fsweet-electrical-trick-may-lead-to-less-fat-in-chocolate%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

More American men diagnosed with Parkinson's

Experts say that a surprising health trend may be linked with rising rates of the disease

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fmore-american-men-diagnosed-with-parkinsons%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Aspirin Often Wrongly Prescribed for AFib

Blood thinners -- not aspirin -- dramatically cut the risk of stroke, researchers say

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fheart-disease%2Fatrial-fibrillation%2Fnews%2F20160620%2Faspirin-often-wrongly-prescribed-for-atrial-fibrillation%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Poor Sleep and Thinking Problems in MS Patients

Study found link between severity of sleep apnea and performance on attention, memory tests

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Fnews%2F20160620%2Fpoor-sleep-may-worsen-thinking-problems-in-ms-patients%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Drowning Myths: What to Know Before You Dive In

WebMD asks four experts to debunk the most common myths they hear about drowning.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fparenting%2Fnews%2F20160620%2Fdrowning-myths-swimming%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

What's New in Multiple Myeloma Treatment?

WebMD explains what new drugs and treatment techniques are in the pipeline for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fcancer%2Flymphoma%2Ffeatures%2Fwhats-new-multiple-myeloma-treatment%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Frozen Peas and Mixed Vegetables Recalled

Frozen Peas and Mixed Vegetables Recalled

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Ffood-recipes%2Ffood-poisoning%2F20160620%2Ffrozen-vegetables-recalled%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Opiates no solution to back pain

Over the last year, the general public has been inundated with a steady stream of reports about the dangers of opiates — pain medicines like codeine, Percocet, and OxyContin. The harm in terms of ruined lives and death from illicit drugs such as heroin is not news. But what is new, and concerning, are the risks of prescription pain medicines — those doctors prescribe for pain due to a range of causes, including musculoskeletal problems like low back pain.

The history of using opiates for chronic pain

Back pain isn’t a new problem either, but the history of how doctors have treated it is probably new to many. A “cliff notes” version of what changed goes something like this. Studies showed that doctors weren’t adequately treating the pain of people with advanced cancer. Research also showed that pain medicines such as opiates improved quality of life for these terminally ill patients. This realization led to recommendations that doctors monitor pain as they would any other vital sign (like temperature or blood pressure) for all their patients — and that all types of pain receive aggressive treatment, including long-term (chronic) pain, such as low back pain. At the same time, drug companies promoted new formulations of opioid medications with longer duration of activity that made it easier for patients to take on a regular basis.

The problem was that this fundamental change in practice was really devoid of any proof that it would help people better manage pain and minimize its effect on their lives. Prior reviews of the medical literature have documented that there is little evidence supporting the use of opiates for chronic low back pain. The modest benefits seen were with short-term use. The practice of using these medicines for long periods of time has not been carefully evaluated. Few risks were seen in these short-term studies, but tolerance to the effects of the medicine, side effects and dependence/addiction have become clearer with longer use.

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine adds to this knowledge. Dr. Abdel Shaheed and colleagues performed an updated literature review, and their conclusions reinforce that only short-term benefits have been proven and the amount of that benefit is modest. Moreover, they examined the doses of pain medicines used in these studies and found that the pain relief people actually experienced was not that great.

Opiates for chronic low back pain carry big risks with uncertain benefits

This and prior studies clearly show that the leap to widespread use of opiates for non-cancer pain was premature. We didn’t know the long-term benefits and risks. We still don’t know the benefits, but this dramatic increase in use of pain medicines hasn’t helped people return to their previous level of activity, and rates of disability haven’t gone down. What is becoming clear are the risks, specifically rates of addiction, overdoses, and the rise of deaths attributed to prescription opiates. And people who have become addicted to their prescribed pain medicines often switch to heroin, which is cheaper and more readily available.

Now this doesn’t mean that we should stop treating pain. For many, the pain is real, chronic, disabling, and they need help managing it. And it doesn’t mean that everyone prescribed opiates becomes addicted. Nor does it suggest that opiate medicines have no benefits at all. But what it should do is give all of us pause. The bottom line is that simply taking a pill (or a handful of pills) doesn’t fix low back pain — and can lead to a whole lot of trouble.

What you can do for back pain

Fortunately, there is growing evidence for treatments that can help with chronic low-back pain, but they aren’t simple fixes in the form of pills, shots or surgery. Instead, treatments should focus on getting back pain sufferers active again and learning to manage, not cure, the pain. A range of therapies including exercise, education about how to care for your back, yoga, and mind-body techniques have been shown to help control back pain.

So what do I tell my patients? For those with chronic back pain who aren’t on opiates, steer clear. For those who are already take them, you can’t go cold turkey. Your body has adjusted to these medicines and stopping them abruptly is a bad idea. With help, people on opiate pain relievers can try to wean themselves off these medicines gradually and replace them with other treatments. This isn’t easy, but for many people it starts a long process of regaining control over the pain that has taken over their lives and can help them avoid the terrible consequences of opiate addiction.

Related Post:

• The “right” goal when managing pain
• Is there a “best” pain reliever for osteoarthritis?
• Bad weather isn’t to blame for your aching back
• Early scans for back pain add cost but offer little benefit…
• Report highlights the dangers of opioid painkillers

The post Opiates no solution to back pain appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Steven J. Atlas, MD, MPH http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fopiates-no-solution-back-pain-201606209821&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

What Does It Take to Be a Health Hero?

What does it take to be a Health Hero? Learn what we look for at WebMD.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fhealthheroes%2Fwhat-is-hero%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Stericycle contracts: Read the fine print

A 250 percent increase in price over seven years would probably prompt any business owner to do some investigating.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Fstericycle-contracts-read-the-fine-print&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Industry Watch: "Best of Class" Technology Award gets new sponsor

Cellerant Consulting Group will sponsor the "Best of Class" Technology Award this year, transitioning from the Pride Institute.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Findustry-watch-best-of-class-technology-award-gets-new-sponsor&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Snapshots of American Dentistry - June 20

Enrollees and graduates of advanced dental education programs

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Fsnapshots-of-american-dentistry-june-20&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

CDC hosts June 22 opioids webinar; CE available

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is launching a webinar series that addresses the agency's new recommendations for prescribing opioid medications.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Fcdc-hosts-june-22-opioids-webinar-ce-available&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

South Carolina dental school names interim dean

The Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine, announced this month that Dr. Patricia L. Blanton will serve as interim dean beginning July 1, following the retirement of Dr. John Sanders.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Fsouth-carolina-dental-school-names-interim-dean&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

July JADA takes a look at opioids, dentists

To what extent should providers and patients examine their reliance on Vicodin to manage postoperative pain?

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Fjuly-jada-takes-a-look-at-opioids-dentists&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Just the Facts - June 20

Tooth loss with age

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Fjust-the-facts-june-20&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Industry Watch: Patterson commended for women in corporate leadership roles

Patterson Companies announced April 18 that it was placed on the Honor Roll for the 2015 Minnesota Census of Women in Corporate Leadership.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Findustry-watch-patterson-commended-for-women-in-corporate-leadership-roles&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Leadership, communication among skills dentist learned in dental practice management program

After being in practice for 30 years, Dr. Fred Oppel will be the first to tell you his leadership and business skills could use some refreshing.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Fleadership-communication-among-skills-dentist-learned-in-dental-practice-management-program&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Industry Watch: Henry Schein executive given lifetime leadership award

The New York State Dental Foundation announced June 4 that Steven W. Kess, vice president of global professional relations and president of the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, received the Lifetime Leadership Award.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Findustry-watch-henry-schein-executive-given-lifetime-leadership-award&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Industry Watch: Ivoclar Vivadent donates over 1,000 meals to New York food bank

For the second consecutive year, Ivoclar Vivadent collaborated with the Food Bank of Western NY in Buffalo for the Food Drive Challenge 2016.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjune%2Findustry-watch-ivoclar-vivadent-donates-over-1000-meals-to-new-york-food-bank&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Game over for sleep when video games are on the line

Research looks at how long gamers will delay sleep in favor of playing video games

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fgame-over-for-sleep-when-playing-video-games-study-finds%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Nearly 56,000 pounds of chicken recalled due to black sand, soil

Poultry distributor blames product tampering at processing plant for products contaminated with "extraneous foreign matter"

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fnearly-56000-pounds-of-chicken-recalled-due-to-black-sand-soil%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Health officials worry about Zika threat from neighbors

Debris in yards and vacant lots could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes, allowing Zika to proliferate in communities

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fzika-virus-health-officials-worry-about-the-neighbors%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Concussions in kids, teens underestimated for years

A new report estimates that more than half a million head injuries in youth under age 18 aren't seen by doctors or ERs

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fconcussions-in-kids-teens-underestimated%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

No Amount of Lead Is Safe for Kids

American Academy of Pediatrics calls for stronger regulations and new laws to protect children

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fchildren%2Fnews%2F20160620%2Fno-amount-of-lead-is-safe-for-kids%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Almost 2 Million U.S. Kids Get Concussions a Year

Estimate is still likely low, specialist says

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fchildren%2Fnews%2F20160620%2Falmost-2-million-us-kids-get-concussions-a-year-study%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Debating the science of legal medical marijuana

A new survey from Prevention magazine found that 75 percent of Americans think medical marijuana should be legal

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fvideos%2Fdebating-the-science-of-legal-medical-marijuana%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

​WHO/PAHO and partners set out Zika strategic response plan for the next 18 months

WHO/PAHO and partners have set out their strategic response to Zika which will place a greater focus on preventing and managing medical complications caused by Zika virus infection. To date, US$121.9 million are necessary to effectively implement the Zika Strategic Response Plan, July 2016 to December 2017.


“Much has been learned about Zika virus infection, how it spreads, the consequences of infection and priorities for its control since we developed the initial response framework,” said WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan. “The response now requires a unique and integrated strategy that places support for women and girls of child-bearing age at its core.”

The revised Zika Strategic Response Plan includes a greater focus on preventing and managing medical complications caused by Zika virus infection and expanding health systems’ capacities for that purpose. Risk communication targeting pregnant women, their partners, households and communities will be central to prevention efforts to ensure they have the information they need to protect themselves.

Other elements include integrated vector management, sexual and reproductive health counselling as well as health education and care within the social and legal contexts of each country where Zika virus is being transmitted.

The plan highlights several specific characteristics of the Zika outbreak that require a collaborative, global response and support. These include

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.who.int%2Fentity%2Fmediacentre%2Fnews%2Fnotes%2F2016%2Fzika-response%2Fen%2Findex.html&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8