Gut microbiota are linked to increased susceptibility to hepatic steatosis in low-aerobic-capacity rats fed an acute high-fat diet

Poor aerobic fitness is linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and increased all-cause mortality. We previously found that rats with a low capacity for running (LCR) that were fed an acute high-fat diet (HFD; 45% kcal from fat) for 3 days resulted in positive energy balance and increased hepatic steatosis compared with rats that were highly aerobically fit with a high capacity for running (HCR). Here, we tested the hypothesis that poor physiological outcomes in LCR rats following acute HFD feeding are associated with alterations in cecal microbiota. LCR rats exhibited greater body weight, feeding efficiency, 3 days of body weight change, and liver triglycerides after acute HFD feeding compared with HCR rats. Furthermore, compared with HCR rats, LCR rats exhibited reduced expression of intestinal tight junction proteins. Cecal bacterial 16S rDNA revealed that LCR rats had reduced cecal Proteobacteria compared with HCR rats. Microbiota of HCR rats consisted of greater relative abundance of Desulfovibrionaceae and unassigned genera within this family, suggesting increased reduction of endogenous mucins and proteins. Although feeding rats an acute HFD led to reduced Firmicutes in both strains, short-chain fatty acid-producing Phascolarctobacterium was reduced in LCR rats. In addition, Ruminococcae and Ruminococcus were negatively correlated with energy intake in the LCR/HFD rats. Predicted metagenomic function suggested that LCR rats had a greater capacity to metabolize carbohydrate and energy compared with HCR rats. Overall, these data suggest that the populations and metabolic capacity of the microbiota in low-aerobically fit LCR rats may contribute to their susceptibility to acute HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and poor physiologic outcomes.

From: Panasevich, M. R., Morris, E. M., Chintapalli, S. V., Wankhade, U. D., Shankar, K., Britton, S. L., Koch, L. G., Thyfault, J. P., Rector, R. S. http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fajpgi.physiology.org%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F311%2F1%2FG166%3Frss%3D1&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Corrigendum

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fajpgi.physiology.org%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Ffull%2F311%2F1%2FG202%3Frss%3D1&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Night workers with circadian misalignment are susceptible to alcohol-induced intestinal hyperpermeability with social drinking

Alcohol-induced intestinal hyperpermeability (AIHP) is a known risk factor for alcoholic liver disease (ALD), but only 20–30% of heavy alcoholics develop AIHP and ALD. The hypothesis of this study is that circadian misalignment would promote AIHP. We studied two groups of healthy subjects on a stable work schedule for 3 mo [day workers (DW) and night workers (NW)]. Subjects underwent two circadian phase assessments with sugar challenge to access intestinal permeability between which they drank 0.5 g/kg alcohol daily for 7 days. Sleep architecture by actigraphy did not differ at baseline or after alcohol between either group. After alcohol, the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) in the DW group did not change significantly, but in the NW group there was a significant 2-h phase delay. Both the NW and DW groups had no change in small bowel permeability with alcohol, but only in the NW group was there an increase in colonic and whole gut permeability. A lower area under the curve of melatonin inversely correlated with increased colonic permeability. Alcohol also altered peripheral clock gene amplitude of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in CLOCK, BMAL, PER1, CRY1, and CRY2 in both groups, and inflammatory markers lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, LPS, and IL-6 had an elevated mesor at baseline in NW vs. DW and became arrhythmic with alcohol consumption. Together, our data suggest that central circadian misalignment is a previously unappreciated risk factor for AIHP and that night workers may be at increased risk for developing liver injury with alcohol consumption.

From: Swanson, G. R., Gorenz, A., Shaikh, M., Desai, V., Kaminsky, T., Van Den Berg, J., Murphy, T., Raeisi, S., Fogg, L., Vitaterna, M. H., Forsyth, C., Turek, F., Burgess, H. J., Keshavarzian, A. http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fajpgi.physiology.org%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F311%2F1%2FG192%3Frss%3D1&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Autophagy induced by exogenous bile acids is therapeutic in a model of {alpha}-1-AT deficiency liver disease

The bile acid nor-ursodeoxycholic acid (norUDCA) has many biological actions, including antiapoptotic effects. Homozygous PIZZ α-1-antitrypsin (A1AT)-deficient humans are known to be at risk for liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer as a result of the accumulation of the toxic, A1AT mutant Z protein within hepatocytes. This accumulation triggers cell death in the hepatocytes with the largest mutant Z-protein burdens, followed by compensatory proliferation. Proteolysis pathways within the hepatocyte, including autophagy, act to reduce the intracellular burden of A1AT Z protein. We hypothesized that norUDCA would reduce liver cell death and injury in A1AT deficiency. We treated groups of PiZ transgenic mice and wild-type mice with norUDCA or vehicle, orally, and examined the effects on the liver. The PiZ mouse is the best model of A1AT liver injury and recapitulates many features of the human liver disease. Mice treated with norUDCA demonstrated reduced hepatocellular death by compensatory hepatocellular proliferation as determined by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation (3.8% control, 0.88% treated, P < 0.04). Ki-67 staining as a marker for hepatocellular senescence and death was also reduced (P < 0.02). Reduced apoptotic signaling was associated with norUDCA, including reduced cleavage of caspases-3, -7, and -8 (all P < 0.05). We determined that norUDCA was associated with a >70% reduction in intrahepatic mutant Z protein (P < 0.01). A 32% increase in hepatic autophagy associated with norUDCA was the likely mechanism. norUDCA administration is associated with increased autophagy, reduced A1AT protein accumulation, and reduced liver injury in a model of A1AT deficiency.

From: Tang, Y., Fickert, P., Trauner, M., Marcus, N., Blomenkamp, K., Teckman, J. http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fajpgi.physiology.org%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F311%2F1%2FG156%3Frss%3D1&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Identification of intestinal ion transport defects in microvillus inclusion disease

Loss of function mutations in the actin motor myosin Vb (Myo5b) lead to microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) and death in newborns and children. MVID results in secretory diarrhea, brush border (BB) defects, villus atrophy, and microvillus inclusions (MVIs) in enterocytes. How loss of Myo5b results in increased stool loss of chloride (Cl^–) and sodium (Na⁺) is unknown. The present study used Myo5b loss-of-function human MVID intestine, polarized intestinal cell models of secretory crypt (T84) and villus resembling (CaCo2BBe, C2BBe) enterocytes lacking Myo5b in conjunction with immunofluorescence confocal stimulated emission depletion (gSTED) imaging, immunohistochemical staining, transmission electron microscopy, shRNA silencing, immunoblots, and electrophysiological approaches to examine the distribution, expression, and function of the major BB ion transporters NHE3 (Na⁺), CFTR (Cl^–), and SLC26A3 (DRA) (Cl^–/HCO₃^–) that control intestinal fluid transport. We hypothesized that enterocyte maturation defects lead villus atrophy with immature secretory cryptlike enterocytes in the MVID epithelium. We investigated the role of Myo5b in enterocyte maturation. NHE3 and DRA localization and function were markedly reduced on the BB membrane of human MVID enterocytes and Myo5bKD C2BBe cells, while CFTR localization was preserved. Forskolin-stimulated CFTR ion transport in Myo5bKD T84 cells resembled that of control. Loss of Myo5b led to YAP1 nuclear retention, retarded enterocyte maturation, and a cryptlike phenotype. We conclude that preservation of functional CFTR in immature enterocytes, reduced functional expression of NHE3, and DRA contribute to Cl^– and Na⁺ stool loss in MVID diarrhea.

From: Kravtsov, D. V., Ahsan, M. K., Kumari, V., van Ijzendoorn, S. C. D., Reyes-Mugica, M., Kumar, A., Gujral, T., Dudeja, P. K., Ameen, N. A. http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fajpgi.physiology.org%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F311%2F1%2FG142%3Frss%3D1&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Effect of liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin resuscitation on proteostasis in small intestinal epithelium after hemorrhagic shock

Gut barrier dysfunction is the major trigger for multiorgan failure associated with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Although the molecular mediators responsible for this dysfunction are unclear, oxidative stress-induced disruption of proteostasis contributes to the gut pathology in HS. The objective of this study was to investigate whether resuscitation with nanoparticulate liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) is able to restore the gut proteostatic mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were recruited in four groups: control, HS, HS+LEH, and HS+saline. HS was induced by withdrawing 45% blood, and isovolemic LEH or saline was administered after 15 min of shock. The rats were euthanized at 6 h to collect plasma and ileum for measurement of the markers of oxidative stress, unfolded protein response (UPR), proteasome function, and autophagy. HS significantly increased the protein and lipid oxidation, trypsin-like proteasome activity, and plasma levels of IFN. These effects were prevented by LEH resuscitation. However, saline was not able to reduce protein oxidation and plasma IFN in hemorrhaged rats. Saline resuscitation also suppressed the markers of UPR and autophagy below the basal levels; the HS or LEH groups showed no effect on the UPR and autophagy. Histological analysis showed that LEH resuscitation significantly increased the villus height and thickness of the submucosal and muscularis layers compared with the HS and saline groups. Overall, the results showed that LEH resuscitation was effective in normalizing the indicators of proteostasis stress in ileal tissue. On the other hand, saline-resuscitated animals showed a decoupling of oxidative stress and cellular protective mechanisms.

From: Rao, G., Yadav, V. R., Awasthi, S., Roberts, P. R., Awasthi, V. http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fajpgi.physiology.org%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F311%2F1%2FG180%3Frss%3D1&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Early settlers: which E. coli strains do you not want at birth?

The intestinal microbiota exerts vital biological processes throughout the human lifetime, and imbalances in its composition have been implicated in both health and disease status. Upon birth, the neonatal gut moves from a barely sterile to a massively colonized environment. The development of the intestinal microbiota during the first year of life is characterized by rapid and important changes in microbial composition, diversity, and magnitude. The pioneer bacteria colonizing the postnatal intestinal tract profoundly contribute to the establishment of the host-microbe symbiosis, which is essential for health throughout life. Escherichia coli is one of the first colonizers of the gut after birth. E. coli is a versatile population including harmless commensal, probiotic strains as well as frequently deadly pathogens. The prevalence of the specific phylogenetic B2 group, which encompasses both commensal and extra- or intraintestinal pathogenic E. coli strains, is increasing among E. coli strains colonizing infants quickly after birth. Fifty percent of the B2 group strains carry in their genome the pks gene cluster encoding the synthesis of a nonribosomal peptide-polyketide hybrid genotoxin named colibactin. In this review, we summarize both clinical and experimental evidence associating the recently emerging neonatal B2 E. coli population with several pathology and discuss how the expression of colibactin by both normal inhabitants of intestinal microflora and virulent strains may darken the borderline between commensalism and pathogenicity.

From: Secher, T., Brehin, C., Oswald, E. http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fajpgi.physiology.org%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F311%2F1%2FG123%3Frss%3D1&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Type 3 muscarinic receptors contribute to intestinal mucosal homeostasis and clearance of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis through induction of TH2 cytokines

Despite increased appreciation for the role of nicotinic receptors in the modulation of and response to inflammation, the contribution of muscarinic receptors to mucosal homeostasis, clearance of enteric pathogens, and modulation of immune cell function remains relatively undefined. Uninfected and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis-infected wild-type and type 3 muscarinic receptor (M3R)-deficient (Chrm3^–/–) mice were studied to determine the contribution of M3R to mucosal homeostasis as well as host defense against the T_H2-eliciting enteric nematode N. brasiliensis. Intestinal permeability and expression of T_H1/T_H17 cytokines were increased in uninfected Chrm3^–/– small intestine. Notably, in Chrm3^–/– mice infected with N. brasiliensis, small intestinal upregulation of T_H2 cytokines was attenuated and nematode clearance was delayed. In Chrm3^–/– mice, T_H2-dependent changes in small intestinal function including smooth muscle hypercontractility, increased epithelial permeability, decreased epithelial secretion and absorption, and goblet cell expansion were absent despite N. brasiliensis infection. These findings identify an important role for M3R in host defense and clearance of N. brasiliensis, and support the expanding role of cholinergic muscarinic receptors in maintaining mucosal homeostasis.

From: McLean, L. P., Smith, A., Cheung, L., Urban, J. F., Sun, R., Grinchuk, V., Desai, N., Zhao, A., Raufman, J.-P., Shea-Donohue, T. http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fajpgi.physiology.org%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F311%2F1%2FG130%3Frss%3D1&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Sleep aids: Understand over-the-counter options

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.com%2Fhealthy-lifestyle%2Fadult-health%2Fin-depth%2Fsleep-aids%2Fart-20047860&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Congress passes compromise bill to curb drug abuse

White House says President Obama will sign the bill even though it "falls far short" in funding addiction programs

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fopioid-epidemic-senate-passes-compromise-bill-to-curb-drug-abuse%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Sleep aids: Understand over-the-counter options

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fhealthy-lifestyle%2Fadult-health%2Fin-depth%2Fsleep-aids%2Fart-20047860&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Synthetic marijuana overdose turn dozens into "zombies"

Emergency workers sent 33 people to hospitals Tuesday, saying they appeared to be under the influence of the drug known as K2 or spice

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fsynthetic-marijuana-overdose-turn-dozens-into-zombies-in-nyc%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Sleep aids: Understand over-the-counter options

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.com%2Fhealthy-lifestyle%2Fadult-health%2Fin-depth%2Fsleep-aids%2Fart-20047860&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

10 Questions With Chicago Cubs' Anthony Rizzo

The Major League Baseball player opens up about his recovery from cancer.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fcancer%2Ffeatures%2Fanthony-rizzo-cubs-cancer-recovery%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

What Michelangelo’s hands (can and can’t) tell us about arthritis

This just in: researchers have discovered that Michelangelo had osteoarthritis, not gout as previously thought. The findings are based on depictions of the hands of the painter and sculptor as rendered by other artists and are discussed in a recent issue of the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.

While this may not be the most exciting medical news you’ve ever heard (unless you’re particularly interested in arthritis, like me!), this study brings up a number of ideas about the two most common types of arthritis. Each of these seems right. But not all of them are.

Does activity cause arthritis or help limit its damage?

Even though Michelangelo reported that he had significant pain and restricted function in his hands, he continued to paint and sculpt until he was nearly 89. The authors argue that by keeping busy and active in his art, Michelangelo was able to produce masterworks despite his arthritis. Yet, the article also suggests that all that chiseling, hammering, and “overuse” actually contributed to the arthritis. Can the very thing believed to cause osteoarthritis (overuse) actually help you “beat” it?

The answer is: it depends. Injury to a joint – especially damage to the smooth cartilage that lines the joint – can eventually lead to osteoarthritis. But the idea that repeated use from the average person’s occupation or hobby can actually damage the joint enough to cause osteoarthritis is not well supported. For example, data from long-time runners demonstrate that they have no greater incidence of knee or hip osteoarthritis than non-runners. Similarly, the frequency or severity of osteoarthritis in dominant versus non-dominant hands is generally similar. If Michelangelo truly had osteoarthritis (and not gout), one would expect both hands to demonstrate equally severe arthritic changes; but only the left hand is evaluated in this report.

To be clear: if you already have arthritis, it’s better for your joints to keep moving – that’s why doctors routinely recommend exercise, physical therapy, and continued activity for most types of arthritis. Being active is considered good for the joints and not a common cause of arthritis.

Can you distinguish types of arthritis simply by looking?

With osteoarthritis, there is typically limited or no inflammation (that is, there is not much redness, warmth or swelling). The paintings described in this report appear to show joint deformities that are consistent with osteoarthritis: bony enlargement without inflammation. But according to letters written by the artist, Michelangelo suffered from a number of ailments, including joint disease affecting his hands and feet. At the time it was called gout, but that term was used generally for what we would now consider several different types of arthritis. He also had kidney stones, a condition that can accompany gout. Gout is caused by deposits of uric acid (a normal waste product removed from the body through urination) in the joints; when levels are too high (due to kidney disease, genetic tendency, alcohol use or other causes), attacks of joint pain and kidney stones may follow.

But, the authors suggest that the lack of tophi (lumps under the skin made up of a mass of uric acid crystals) and the lack of signs of inflammation noted in the paintings rule out the diagnosis of gout. But I’m not buying it! Gout does not always cause tophi. Or, tophi may develop in places that are not obvious, such as behind the elbows or along the Achilles tendons. Between arthritic attacks of gout, the joints typically have no inflammation. Also, it can be hard to see inflammation by just looking at images, be they paintings or photographs. In many cases, only a physical examination can detect the warm, “spongy” or “fluid-like” swelling of an inflamed joint.

If a picture is worth a thousand words. . .

…then an examination is worth 10,000. The fact is, it can be tough to distinguish different types of arthritis, such as gout and osteoarthritis, just from paintings. And of course, Michelangelo could have had both conditions. That would be my guess.

Believe it or not, news about a painter who lived hundreds of years ago can have remarkable relevance to today’s medical care: in an era of quick doctor visits and the rising popularity of “virtual consults” by videoconference, it’s worth remembering that sometimes there is no substitution for a detailed, hands-on examination to figure out what’s going on.

Related Post:

• Gout: Sleep apnea may raise your risk
• Can the weather really worsen arthritis pain?
• Tai chi may be as good as physical therapy for…
• Is it hard to decide about total knee replacement? Totally!
• Insoles no help for knee osteoarthritis

The post What Michelangelo’s hands (can and can’t) tell us about arthritis appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fmichelangelos-hands-can-cant-tell-us-arthritis-201607139960&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Oral health programs on track to receive federal funding in 2017

The House Appropriations Committee approved the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education bill July 13, allocating important funding for many of the Association's key advocacy issues affecting oral health.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjuly%2Foral-health-programs-on-track-to-receive-federal-funding-in-2017&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Proposed rule would provide tax relief for ACA pediatric dental plans

The ADA is applauding the July 8 proposed rule from the Internal Revenue Service that would expand tax credits for families purchasing pediatric dental plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fjuly%2Fproposed-rule-would-provide-tax-relief-for-aca-pediatric-dental-plans&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Accepts “Federal Agency of the Year Award” at League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National Convention

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today accepted the Federal Agency of the Year award from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and delivered remarks at the organization’s 87th Annual National Convention. This award recognizes USDA’s commitment to civil rights and equal opportunity under the Obama Administration.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fwps%2Fportal%2Fusda%2Fusdahome%3Fcontentid%3D2016%2F07%2F0166.xml%26contentidonly%3Dtrue&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Why it's harder to recover from jet lag when you fly east

Scientists have developed a model to explain why flying one direction is tougher than the other on jet-lag recovery

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fwhy-its-harder-to-recover-from-jet-lag-when-you-fly-east%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Are Cancer Drugs Working? 'Liquid Biopsy' May Tell

But research is still in early stages, experts note

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fcancer%2Fnews%2F20160713%2Fliquid-biopsy-may-show-whether-cancer-drugs-are-working%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

All in the Family: Jessi’s Diabetes Camp Story

The American Diabetes Association^® is proud to offer its camps as a way for children living with diabetes to just be kids and enjoy traditional summer camp activities—all while learning important self-management skills from trained medical professionals and gaining self-confidence by spending time with peers who also live with diabetes.

This story comes from Jessi Thaller-Moran, a 19-year veteran of our Diabetes Camp program. Read on—then find out how to become a Camp Champion.

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I attended Camp Carolina Trails (C.C.T.) for the first time in 1997, at the age of 9—three years after I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Like many of our campers, C.C.T. marked a milestone for me: It was my first week away from my family, and my first time in a community where it wasn’t “weird” that I had to take injections or eat snacks at certain times.

Cameron Thaller and Jessi Thaller-Moran at Camp Carolina Trails, circa 2003.

I don’t remember much about that week other than learning how to walk to the shower in flip flops, but by the following Saturday, I was hooked! I proudly introduced my parents to the camp’s motto (P.M.A., or “Positive Mental Attitude”), eloquently explaining that it was “a pretty big deal.”

It turned out that P.M.A., and the Diabetes Camp community, would play an even larger role in my life than I expected. My two younger siblings, Daniel and Cameron, also were diagnosed with type 1 at a young age. More recently, my cousin, Kyle, started attending C.C.T. after being diagnosed with type 1 last year. To top it all off, my wonderful mom, Julie, ended up losing her battle with a brain tumor in August 1998, just a year after my first trip to camp.

In the midst of those challenging life changes, though, the three of us kids always looked forward to camp. It was a constant in our rapidly changing lives, a week with our “diabetes family,” and probably the only time our dad slept. It gave us a week to just be kids.

That community remained an invaluable part of my life as I grew older. When I spent the summer in a Washington, D.C., “bedroom” made from a curtain strung across half of a living room, three camp friends drove all the way from North Carolina to visit me for one unforgettable trip. Two of my three bridesmaids had type 1. The surprise flash mob (!) at my wedding, which featured several camp friends, used choreography from a 1999 camp talent show act set to a Backstreet Boys song.

And perhaps the best proof of camp’s influence on my life: This June, I returned for my 19th year at C.C.T.! (These days, I’m a counselor.)

I take so much pride in the atmosphere that we foster for our campers—we show our campers the value of P.M.A. in life, in diabetes care and in personal relationships. We conquer the high ropes, summit mountains and play camp games. We share personal stories and aspirations, often in the same breath that we “talk shop” about our favorite way to adjust insulin before exercise, or the latest pump skins. Diabetes is an important part of our lives, but it does not define us.

Cameron Thaller, Kyle Thaller, Daniel Thaller and Jessi Thaller-Moran at Camp Carolina Trails, 2016.

As a now-veteran counselor, one of my favorite parts of camp is seeing the growth in campers from Sunday to Saturday, and then from year to year—campers who come with concerns about injections, but by the end of the week are interested in an insulin pump; campers who arrive homesick, but hide from their parents when it’s time to go home; campers who begin as strangers and go on to become college roommates.

Diabetes brings us together, but there is so much more to this community that makes it special.

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Want to get involved with Diabetes Camps? Become a Camp Champion! By donating to the Association’s Diabetes Camps, you’ll help Team Tackle—an initiative uniting current, former and upcoming players from all 32 professional football teams—provide life-changing experiences for children with diabetes. Learn more at diabetes.org/campchampion.

From: American Diabetes Association http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdiabetesstopshere.org%2F2016%2F07%2F13%2Fjessis-diabetes-camp-story%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Mayo Clinic Minute: Addiction and Overdose Fuel Opioid Crisis

From: Mayo Clinic http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D8L78ox3H9Sc&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

FDA Approves First of New Drugs for Dry Eye

FDA Approves First of New Drugs for Dry Eye

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Feye-health%2Fnews%2F20160713%2Ffda-new-drugs-dry-eye%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Do you know what you're really eating?

Award-winning journalist reveals the truth behind the food you're eating in "Real Food/Fake Food," an in-depth investigation of fraud in the food industry

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Flarry-olmsted-real-food-fake-food-new-book-investigates-fraud-labels%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Why redheads have a higher skin cancer risk

Researchers estimate that having the gene is roughly equivalent to the person spending an extra 21 years in the sun

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fwhy-redheads-have-higher-skin-cancer-risk%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Epilepsy May Triple ADHD Risk, Study Finds

It also found possible link between fever-related seizures and the behavioral disorder in kids

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fepilepsy%2Fnews%2F20160713%2Fepilepsy-may-triple-adhd-risk-danish-study-finds%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

USDA Awards More than $26 Million for Affordable Farmworker Housing

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today $26 million to help provide safe and sanitary housing for farmworkers in nine affordable rental communities in four states. The funding will support 439 rental units in California, Florida, Kansas and Texas. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will make the announcement later today during an address to the League of United Latin American Citizens' (LULAC) 87th annual national convention.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fwps%2Fportal%2Fusda%2Fusdahome%3Fcontentid%3D2016%2F07%2F0164.xml%26contentidonly%3Dtrue&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Red Hair, Pale Skin Genes Raise Melanoma Risk?

Rise in odds for the disease equivalent to 21 more years of sun, new research suggests

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fmelanoma-skin-cancer%2Fnews%2F20160712%2Fgenes-tied-to-red-hair-pale-skin-greatly-raise-melanoma-risk%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Pedal Away From Type 2 Diabetes

Study finds biking may help adults avoid the blood sugar disorder

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fdiabetes%2Fnews%2F20160712%2Fpedal-away-from-type-2-diabetes%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Zika Drives Heightened Mosquito Fears: Survey

The Zika virus hasn’t been found in mosquitoes in the mainland U.S. -- yet. But Americans are fearing the spread.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fnews%2F20160713%2Fzika-drives-heightened-fears-mosquitoes%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

WHO: Ending violence against children - A new Global Partnership

From: World Health Organization http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D4_-Fej2fl2E&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Sleep aids: Understand over-the-counter options

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fhealthy-lifestyle%2Fadult-health%2Fin-depth%2Fsleep-aids%2Fart-20047860&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8