Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Alzheimer's: 7 tips for medical visits
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20047326
The Ice Bucket Challenge makes the Smithsonian
An icon of altruism was given a new home in the Smithsonian, reports Jan Crawford.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-ice-bucket-challenge-makes-the-smithsonian/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-ice-bucket-challenge-makes-the-smithsonian/
Alzheimer's: 7 tips for medical visits
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20047326
Do fast-food calorie labels really help?
New research looks at whether well-intended new regulations will actually steer customers to less-fattening foods
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fast-food-calorie-labels-not-working-study-finds/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fast-food-calorie-labels-not-working-study-finds/
Could My Kid Be Transgender?
What does it mean if your little boy wants to wear dresses? Or your little girl refuses to? Parents and experts weigh in to help you support your child.
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/could-my-child-be-transgender?src=RSS_PUBLIC
To improve your health, practice gratitude
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/improve-health-practice-gratitude/art-20270841
Underage drinking: Talking to your teen about alcohol
Want to talk to your teen about drinking? Here's help explaining the risks and preventing underage alcohol use.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-drinking/art-20047947
Why HIV infections in this group are no longer dropping
There's a risk that decades of progress against HIV could stall out or even be reversed
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hiv-infection-white-injection-drug-opioid-abusers/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hiv-infection-white-injection-drug-opioid-abusers/
Insulin prices skyrocket, putting many diabetics in a bind
The price of the life-saving medication has spiked by 700 percent in just two decades
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/insulin-prices-skyrocket-putting-many-diabetics-in-a-bind/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/insulin-prices-skyrocket-putting-many-diabetics-in-a-bind/
25 Legends: Eric Wicklund
This year marks the 25th anniversary of two American Diabetes Association® signature fundraising events—Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes® and Tour de Cure®.
Every dollar raised at these events supports people living with diabetes and funds our life-changing research and programs.
The “25 Legends” blog series highlights personal stories from some of the Association’s most dedicated walkers and riders who are affected by the disease.
Yes, diabetes is a chronic disease that impacts tens of millions of Americans—a disease that forces people to monitor their health 24 hours a day to prevent life-threatening complications. People with diabetes have no choice but to submit to daily blood glucose checks and medication their entire lives.
But on this one day, we can jump on a bike, grab a sign or slip on a diabetes t-shirt—and show the world how we fight. By exercising, celebrating and supporting those with diabetes, while raising money and awareness, we work toward the day we can ride for no reason at all.
I started riding in Tour de Cure–Southern Maine in the 1990s. I was young, single and just looking for something to do over the weekend when I saw the event brochure for the first time. So I participated, and during my initial ride, I got a flat tire and spent a lot of time repairing it and complaining. But soon after, I realized what a great experience it was and I joined the Tour de Cure planning committee, specializing in rider support.
A few months later, this event took on new meaning when my five-year-old son, Andrew, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The disease changed everything for my family. Daily tasks like meal planning, going to school and playing sports posed challenges. I remember coaching soccer, T-ball and Little League baseball just so I could be at Andrew’s side and ensure his safety.
Needless to say, my Tour de Cure team, Andrew’s Army, was born. I rallied up family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and Andrew’s classmates along with soccer and baseball teammates to show support. Our team consisted of more than 40 members, and our annual fundraising goals swelled to over $10,000.
We weren’t just a team—we were a force. We tie-dyed our own shirts, organized groups of volunteers and made noise wherever and whenever we could. And when I became a co-chairman of the Tour de Cure Planning Committee, I convinced a few friends to join it as well.
The photograph of Andrew’s Army is a reminder of what we were able to do as a community. I’m still on the planning committee, and I still ride—as do Andrew, my sister and her family. My wife runs a rest stop along the routes and my son Brendan takes photographs and shoots videos. Together, we help organize the American Diabetes Association’s Champions Dinner—for fellow riders who raise $1,000 or more each season. Although Andrew’s Army is no longer the biggest or loudest team, each year we raise enough money so that Andrew and I can be Champions.
I’ll always ride. Maybe someday I’ll be the last member of Andrew’s Army. I’ve ridden in Tour de Cure as long as I have because I truly enjoy it. It gives me the feeling of accomplishment in fighting this disease and overcoming the struggles it has put us through. That is what I can do as a dad.
Together, we CAN Stop Diabetes®.
The Association is so grateful for our 25 Legends! Their tireless efforts as walkers and riders are a tremendous support and inspiration to people with diabetes.
Sign up today! Learn more about these events and find out how to get involved at diabetes.org/stepout and diabetes.org/tourdecure.
From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2016/11/29/25-legends-eric-wicklund/
WHO issues new guidance on HIV self-testing ahead of World AIDS Day
In advance of World AIDS Day, WHO has released new guidelines on HIV self-testing to improve access to and uptake of HIV diagnosis.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/world-aids-day/en/index.html
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/world-aids-day/en/index.html
What Should I Do If My Bipolar Meds Don’t Work?
What to do if your bipolar medication doesn’t seem to work as well as it used to.
From: http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/features/bipolar-meds-not-working?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Even Low-Risk Should Get Heart Health Counseling
Even Low-Risk Should Get Heart Health Counseling
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20161129/uspstf-counsel-heart-health?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Hospital E-Prescribing: Trouble for Older Adults?
Hospital E-Prescribing: Trouble for Older Adults?
From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20161129/electronic-prescribing-hospital?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Mayo Clinic Minute: Molecular breast imaging finds breast cancer
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4JvWHdt1cE
Child Teething, Ear Pain Relief Products Recalled
Child Teething, Ear Pain Relief Products Recalled
From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20161129/homeopathic-product-recall?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Alzheimer's brain plaques may harm the heart, too
Plaques that gum up neurons in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients could also play a role in heart disease, researchers find
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/alzheimers-brain-plaques-may-harm-the-heart-too/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/alzheimers-brain-plaques-may-harm-the-heart-too/
Texas reports first Zika case from local mosquito bite
Texas would be the second U.S. state, after Florida, where mosquitoes have spread the virus
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-zika-virus-first-case-local-transmission-mosquito-bite/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-zika-virus-first-case-local-transmission-mosquito-bite/
Doctor with rare disease works to find cure
Dr. David Fajgenbaum is both a physician and patient with Castleman disease, and he's heading up a database to help increase understanding of the often deadly condition
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dr-david-fajgenbaum-castleman-disease-database/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dr-david-fajgenbaum-castleman-disease-database/
Trump Picks Obamacare Critic for Health Secretary
Trump Picks Obamacare Critic for Health Secretary
From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20161129/trump-tom-price-hhs?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Health Coverage Worries Cross Political Boundaries
The uncertainty over what could replace Obamacare has left many uneasy about what will happen with their medical care.
From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20161129/worries-about-health-insurance-cross-political-boundaries?src=RSS_PUBLIC
USDA Awards $6.7 Million for Research to Support Healthy Agroecosystems
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced 18 grants totaling more than $6.7 million for research to discover how components of the agroecosystem from soil, water and sun to plants, animals and people, interact with and affect food production.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/11/0250.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/11/0250.xml&contentidonly=true
6 tips for making the most of your child’s checkup
Follow me on Twitter @drClaire
The yearly check-up: it’s the time when your child gets a total look-over. As a pediatrician, I’m often struck by just how much I need to cover in that appointment. I need to find out about eating, sleeping, exercise, school, behavior, even about peeing and pooping. I need to ask about the dentist, about screen time, about changes in the family’s health or situation. I need to do a full physical examination and check on growth and development. I need to talk about and give immunizations — and make sure parents have the health information they need and want. And of course, I need to address any chronic health problems the child might have, and any concerns the parents have.
In our practice, the longest I have to do this is 30 minutes. Usually I have 15 minutes.
After 25 years of being a pediatrician and doing thousands of check-ups, I’ve learned about what can help parents get the most out of whatever time they have. Here are some tips:
- Think about what you want to talk about before the visit. This sounds really obvious, but too often parents don’t do it. They get caught up in scheduling and getting to the visit, or in the forms they need, and don’t take the time to think about what they want to ask the doctor. Keep a list somewhere (like on your phone, so you don’t leave it at home); jot things down. As you go along, prioritize the concerns: what is most important to cover at the visit? Which leads me to…
- Don’t leave it all for the visit. This happens all the time. Parents store up all their worries— and have a list that is so long and complicated I can’t possibly tackle it all and still do what I need to do medically. While sometimes we schedule a follow-up visit to finish up (more on that below), another alternative is to find ways to get some of your questions answered ahead of the visit.
- Most practices have nurses that can answer common health questions and otherwise help families. You may be able to leave a message for your doctor and have them call you back; this can be particularly helpful when there are concerns, such as behavioral problems or bullying, that might be best discussed without the child present.
- Use portals or other forms of communication. More and more, practices are devising ways for families and doctors to communicate. You can use these to get a question answered or get advice. I’ve also had parents send me written information about their child ahead of a checkup exactly to save time at the visit — and allow us to be more efficient and focused when we are together.
- Consider making an appointment before the checkup. This sounds odd, but it can be really helpful, especially when there is something complicated going on — like asthma acting up, school problems, worries about behavior, or a family crisis. That way, I can fully focus on the problem, instead of having to ask about sleep or poop or daily servings of vegetables. Plus, it gives us a chance to try something — and then at the checkup, see if it helped or not.
- Ask your doctor which health and parenting websites they recommend. There’s a lot of great information out there.
- Have any forms or papers ready — and have your child undressed before the doctor comes in. Little stuff, but it really helps things move smoothly. If you have to fill out something for the visit, get it done. Have the argument with your modest child about the gown before the visit starts. If you have forms you need for school or sports, let the nurse or clinical assistant know; sometimes they can help.
- Work with your doctor to set an agenda for the visit. Too often, we docs come in with our own agenda. Or, parents start in with their first concern — and then time runs out before they get to the second or third. As soon as the doctor comes in, say something along the lines of, “I have three things I want to be sure we talk about today, and I know you have things you need to ask. How can we best make this work?” Planning it out together can make all the difference.
- Be brief whenever you can. I’m not saying you shouldn’t say everything you need or want to say. But if all is going fine in a particular area, say it’s fine rather than giving lots of details. Or if all isn’t going fine, just say it’s not, rather than defending or giving excuses. Save the time for questions and conversations that can help you and your child.
- Let your doctor know if your needs aren’t met. Sometimes we just can’t pull it off in that one visit, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get all of your needs met. As I said before, sometimes a follow-up visit makes sense. Maybe there is a nurse who can spend some time helping you before you leave or a social worker who can give you a call. Maybe you can get a handout about a topic you are interested in or a recommendation for good online information. Never just leave saying, “Oh well, maybe next year.” That’s not how primary care works; it’s an ongoing relationship. We are here to support you, every step of the way.
The post 6 tips for making the most of your child’s checkup appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/6-tips-for-making-the-most-of-your-childs-checkup-2016112910767
Does Light Daily Drinking Really Help the Heart?
Study found no evidence that moderate intake keeps arteries clear
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20161129/does-a-little-daily-drinking-really-help-the-heart?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Spiritual Experiences and Brain's Reward System
Many study participants were tearful by the end of imaging scans
From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20161129/spiritual-experiences-seem-to-trigger-the-brains-reward-system?src=RSS_PUBLIC
OCR warns providers to be on the lookout for a fake email
The U.S. Office for Civil Rights issued an alert Nov. 28, warning health care providers of a phishing email disguised as an official OCR audit communication.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/november/ocr-warns-providers-to-be-on-the-lookout-for-a-fake-email
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/november/ocr-warns-providers-to-be-on-the-lookout-for-a-fake-email
To improve your health, practice gratitude
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/improve-health-practice-gratitude/art-20270841
3 ways to get closer to achieving your goals
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/ways-get-closer-achieving-goals/art-20267230
Iron deficiency in children: Prevention tips for parents
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/iron-deficiency/art-20045634
Alzheimer's: 7 tips for medical visits
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20047326
Cranberry orange muffins
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/recipes/cranberry-orange-muffins/rcp-20197700
Focus on progress, not perfection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/focus-on-progress-not-perfection/art-20267203
Underage drinking: Talking to your teen about alcohol
Want to talk to your teen about drinking? Here's help explaining the risks and preventing underage alcohol use.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-drinking/art-20047947
U.S. Should Reinforce Blood Supply: Report
New illnesses and financial pressures are potential threats, researchers say
From: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20161128/us-should-reinforce-blood-supply-report?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Opioids vs. Ibuprofen for Post-Car Crash Pain
But more patients prescribed powerful painkillers were still taking them 6 weeks later
From: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20161128/opioids-no-better-than-ibuprofen-for-pain-after-car-crash-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Underage drinking: Talking to your teen about alcohol
Want to talk to your teen about drinking? Here's help explaining the risks and preventing underage alcohol use.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-drinking/art-20047947
Iron deficiency in children: Prevention tips for parents
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/iron-deficiency/art-20045634
Alzheimer's: 7 tips for medical visits
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20047326
Cranberry orange muffins
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/recipes/cranberry-orange-muffins/rcp-20197700
Focus on progress, not perfection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/focus-on-progress-not-perfection/art-20267203
3 ways to get closer to achieving your goals
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/ways-get-closer-achieving-goals/art-20267230
To improve your health, practice gratitude
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/improve-health-practice-gratitude/art-20270841
Deadly heart tumor removed from baby still in womb
Doctors in Philadelphia saved child's life with the first surgery of its kind during mom's pregnancy
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heart-tumor-fetal-surgery-baby-inside-womb/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heart-tumor-fetal-surgery-baby-inside-womb/
Sexually transmitted infections on the rise
Recently I saw a young woman in my clinic for her annual exam. As usual, I asked her if she would like to be tested for sexually transmitted infections, and then we reviewed the “menu” of options: we could collect a swab of her cervix for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas, and a PAP smear for human papillomavirus. We could collect blood for HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis, and herpes. We discussed the pros and cons and details of testing — not everyone wants every test. But she cheerfully consented to all of it, and when the results came back positive for chlamydia, she was shocked.
“But I had no symptoms!” she exclaimed.
Like most primary care providers, I am a huge fan of screening for STIs and believe every patient should be asked at every annual exam if they would like to be tested, even if they feel fine. Why? Because most people don’t even know that they are infected.
How many people actually have a sexually transmitted infection?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published its summary of reportable sexually transmitted infections in the United States over the past year, and it is not good. Rates of every reportable STI, which includes chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, have all increased significantly; all told, we are seeing a 20-year record high in the number of these cases.* What’s extra concerning is that it is the third year in a row that these rates have increased.
Chlamydia is king, with over 1.5 million cases in 2015, a 6% increase from 2014. Gonorrhea follows with 400,000 cases, a 13% increase. These infections can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, which is a major cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. A pregnant woman with chlamydia can pass it to her baby; the baby can then develop serious eye and lung infections. The people at highest risk were young people between the ages of 15 and 24; they accounted for over two-thirds of the cases of chlamydia. This is why the CDC has been recommending that every sexually active woman under age 25 be screened.
There were 24,000 cases of syphilis, which may the most harmful of the three, and this was a whopping 19% increase. Gay and bisexual men remain at highest risk for syphilis and gonorrhea, though there were also significant increases in syphilis among women, as well as in congenital syphilis, which is spread from infected mothers to their newborns. Untreated syphilis can lead to blindness, paralysis, and dementia in adults, and seizures or stillbirth in babies. The CDC recommends that every pregnant woman be tested for syphilis, and sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested for syphilis annually.
Barriers to preventing the spread of STIs
If someone doesn’t know that they are infected, they can’t get treated. If they don’t get treated, they may have sex with many partners, or without a condom, and spread the infection. So, screening tests like the ones we offer at the annual exam are important for the prevention of new infections.
Many people can’t access clinics like mine. They may be young people worried about what their parents may think. They may be uninsured, under-insured, or undocumented. That’s where the “safety net” comes in. These are the free or lower-cost clinics that focus on STI diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. But since 2003, there has been a slow and steady decrease in funding for these safety-net clinics, and we are paying a serious price for that now.
CDC officials blame the surge in STIs on these budget cuts: they point out that over 40% of health departments have reduced their clinic hours and tracking of patients, and at least 20 STI clinics flat-out closed in the past few years due to lack of funds.
Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, points out that, “STI prevention resources across the nation are stretched thin, and we’re beginning to see people slip through the public health safety net.”
Combine this decrease in public health clinics with the rise in popularity of dating apps like Tinder and Grindr, and ongoing inconsistent condom use, and we have a huge problem.
Keys to preventing STIs
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be prevented with condoms, and cured with antibiotics. And all can present with minimal symptoms, or none at all.
Sexual education programs that include instruction about condom use have been shown to help youth to delay first sex and use condoms when they do have sex. But, only 35% of U.S. high school students are taught how to correctly use a condom in their health classes. So it’s not surprising that among teens, only about a third of males and nearly half of females reported that they or their partner did not use a condom the last time they had sex.
What can we do about this? Obviously, we need to better fund our public health clinics. Anyone who is or has been sexually active needs to go get tested. We need to push for comprehensive sexual education in schools. Parents should talk openly with their kids about sex and STIs, and ensure that they have access to confidential medical care. We need to promote safe, protected sex through consistent condom use for everyone. These interventions are all cheaper and better than ongoing rampant infection.
*What about other STIs, like herpes and trichomonas? These were not included in the report, as they are not reportable in the same way. However, the CDC estimates that there are 20 million new STI cases yearly, costing the U.S. health care system approximately $16 billion.
The post Sexually transmitted infections on the rise appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Monique Tello, MD, MPH http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sexually-transmitted-infections-on-the-rise-2016112810653
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