Master the blood sugar monitoring basics and know your numbers.
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/how-to-test-your-blood-sugar?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
How to Test Your Blood Sugar
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/how-to-test-your-blood-sugar?src=RSS_PUBLIC
First Zika-Linked Glaucoma Case Diagnosed in Baby
Brazilian baby developed vision-threatening condition after being exposed to virus in womb
From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20161130/first-case-of-zika-linked-glaucoma-diagnosed-in-infant?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Americans' Cholesterol Levels Keep Falling
Eliminating trans fats from the U.S. diet may be one factor in this healthy trend, CDC researchers say
From: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20161130/americans-cholesterol-levels-keep-falling?src=RSS_PUBLIC
The health advantages of marriage
Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling
“My wife and I were happy for 20 years. Then we met.”
That’s just one of many Rodney Dangerfield jokes that don’t exactly paint a rosy picture of marriage. But, according to a new study, being married might just save your life.
Okay, that might be an overstatement. But there is fascinating — and compelling — research suggesting that married people enjoy better health than single people. For example, as compared with those who are single, those who are married tend to
- live longer
- have fewer strokes and heart attacks
- have a lower chance of becoming depressed
- be less likely to have advanced cancer at the time of diagnosis and more likely to survive cancer for a longer period of time
- survive a major operation more often.
This doesn’t mean that just being married automatically provides these health benefits. People in stressful, unhappy marriages may be worse off than a single person who is surrounded by supportive and caring friends, family, and loved ones. Interestingly, many of these health benefits are more pronounced for married men than for married women.
A newly recognized “marriage benefit” for the heart?
A recent study of 25,000 people in England found that among people having a heart attack, those who were married were 14% more likely to survive and they were able to leave the hospital two days sooner than single people having a heart attack.
This study was presented at a medical conference, so the results should be considered preliminary. But it does raise some questions. For example, were the heart attacks of single people more severe than those in people who were married? And was the health of the single heart attack victims worse before the heart attack than that of the married group?
The headlines describing this study might have single people feeling even more pressured than before to find a marriage partner. I think that would be unfortunate, as a study of this type can only conclude there is an “association” or link between marriage and better health outcomes after a heart attack — but it cannot say with confidence that marriage is the reason for that benefit.
How does this work?
Given the growing body of evidence linking marriage with better health, it’s worth asking why such a connection might exist. A number of researchers have explored this question. Here are some of the more prominent theories.
- It’s all about immune function. Studies have found that people in happy relationships have stronger immune function than those who are not. And, cortisol tends to be released in lower amounts in married people as compared with those who are single. That may be important because cortisol levels tend to reflect levels of stress, and high cortisol levels can impair immune function.
- Your behavior improves with marriage. Married people may take fewer risks, eat better, and maintain healthier lifestyles, on average, compared with single people. There is also evidence that married people tend to keep regular doctors’ appointments and follow doctors’ recommendations more often than single people.
- Mental health is better when you’re married. Poor social supports (as might be more likely for those who are single) have been strongly linked with higher rates of depression, loneliness, and social isolation, which have in turn been associated with poorer health outcomes.
- Married people have better health before getting married. It’s reasonable to wonder whether people with medical problems (or who are prone to them due to unhealthy habits) are less likely to get married; that would leave healthier people getting married and that could account for the “marriage health benefit.” But, some studies have actually found that unhealthy men tend to marry at a younger age and divorce less often than healthy men.
None of the evidence in support of these theories proves (or refutes) a health benefit to marriage. So, if there is a health benefit to marriage, the precise reason is not known. But researchers continue to study the question.
What’s next?
I think that in the future we will have a better understanding of the health effects of social supports, including marriage. Then, our focus can turn to another important question: so what? If marriage is truly a predictor of better health, can this knowledge be used to improve health? For example, if a single person has a heart attack, is there some way that this “higher risk” individual can be treated differently to improve the outcome?
It seems likely that Mr. Dangerfield’s comments about marriage were mostly (or totally) for laughs — but even if his marriage made him miserable (as he so often suggested), it may still have been good for his health.
The post The health advantages of marriage appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-health-advantages-of-marriage-2016113010667
"Teetotaler gene" could lead to alcoholism treatments
"Teetotaler gene" dampens desire to drink alcohol, according to genetic research involving more than 100,000 drinkers
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teetotaler-gene-discovery-could-lead-to-alcohol-addiction-drinking-treatments/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teetotaler-gene-discovery-could-lead-to-alcohol-addiction-drinking-treatments/
Invasive strep outbreak kills 4
More than two dozen people have been sickened by the invasive bacteria in the state’s two largest cities, officials said
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/invasive-strep-outbreak-alaska/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/invasive-strep-outbreak-alaska/
Protect your heart against the stress that diabetes can bring
Diabetes can strain your heart. Here's how to protect it.
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/got-diabetes-get-heart-smart?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Dr. Jay Morris on 3-D Modeling Lab RSNA
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH7TjDnyZJQ
How Can I Get My Blood Pressure Down?
High blood pressure can worsen diabetes , but exercise, changes in your diet, and getting enough sleep can help fight the negative effects.
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/question-how-can-i-lower-my-blood-pressure?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Colorectal Cancers on the Rise in Younger Adults
A recent study says rates of colon and rectal cancer are rising among younger people, a group that’s rarely screened for such cancers.
From: http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20161130/colorectal-cancers-on-the-rise-in-younger-adults?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Farm Income Forecast for 2016
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement today on the Farm Income and Financial Forecasts for 2016, released by USDA's Economic Research Service.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/11/0251.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/11/0251.xml&contentidonly=true
Balance training: Boost your long-term health with these exercises
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/seo/art-20270119
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/definition/con-20037892
Getting healthy starts with changing your mindset
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/getting-healthy-starts-changing-mindset/art-20270830
Get unstuck: Move past obstacles to reach your goals
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/move-past-obstacles-reach-goals/art-20270116
Mastectomy
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mastectomy/basics/definition/prc-20012749
Behind the push to allow marijuana compound use in NFL
The NFL has suspended Buffalo Bills player Seantrel Henderson for using medical marijuana as treatment for his Crohn's disease. The 10-game punishment will stretch into next season. Despite a growing number of states legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, the substance is still banned in the NFL. Dana Jacobson spoke with Tennessee Titans' Derrick Morgan who's pushing for change.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/behind-the-push-to-allow-marijuana-compound-use-in-nfl/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/behind-the-push-to-allow-marijuana-compound-use-in-nfl/
Ninth case of polio-like illness confirmed in one state
Acute flaccid myelitis, which can cause polio-like symptoms, is mostly affecting children, say health officials
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/polio-like-acute-flaccid-myelitis-afm-illness-washington-state-confirmed-cdc/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/polio-like-acute-flaccid-myelitis-afm-illness-washington-state-confirmed-cdc/
Can marijuana compound CBD help NFL players with pain?
Despite a growing number of states legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes, it is still a banned substance in the NFL
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nfl-marijuana-policy-push-for-cbd-marijuana-compound-cannabidiol/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nfl-marijuana-policy-push-for-cbd-marijuana-compound-cannabidiol/
Dehumidifiers Recalled Due to Fire Risk
Dehumidifiers Recalled Due to Fire Risk
From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20161130/dehumidifier-recall?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Mayo Clinic Minute: Seeing Alzheimer's in a new way
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lDwwFFb7uU
FDA OKs Large Studies of Ecstasy to Treat PTSD
FDA OKs Large Studies of Ecstasy to Treat PTSD
From: http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20161130/fda-ecstasy-ptsd-treatment?src=RSS_PUBLIC
It's Never Too Late to Stop Smoking
Even quitting in your 60s can add years to your life, researchers find
From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20161130/its-never-too-late-to-stop-smoking?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Smoking Ups This Risk 8-Fold in People Under 50
At all ages, the habit boosted odds for heart trouble, but younger people fared the worst, study found
From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20161129/smoking-raises-heart-attack-risk-8-fold-in-people-under-50?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Tennis Anyone? It May Prolong Your Life
Racquet sports, swimming and aerobics tied to lower risk of early death in study
From: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20161129/tennis-anyone-it-may-prolong-your-life?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Having Trouble Hearing? Maybe It's Not Your Ears
Part of the problem for seniors might lie in the brain, research suggests
From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20161129/having-trouble-hearing-maybe-its-not-your-ears?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Get unstuck: Move past obstacles to reach your goals
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/move-past-obstacles-reach-goals/art-20270116
Mastectomy
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/tests-procedures/mastectomy/basics/definition/prc-20012749
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/definition/con-20037892
Balance training: Boost your long-term health with these exercises
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/seo/art-20270119
Getting healthy starts with changing your mindset
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/getting-healthy-starts-changing-mindset/art-20270830
The health advantages of marriage
Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling
“My wife and I were happy for 20 years. Then we met.”
That’s just one of many Rodney Dangerfield jokes that don’t exactly paint a rosy picture of marriage. But, according to a new study, being married might just save your life.
Okay, that might be an overstatement. But there is fascinating — and compelling — research suggesting that married people enjoy better health than single people. For example, as compared with those who are single, those who are married tend to
- live longer
- have fewer strokes and heart attacks
- have a lower chance of becoming depressed
- be less likely to have advanced cancer at the time of diagnosis and more likely to survive cancer for a longer period of time
- survive a major operation more often.
This doesn’t mean that just being married automatically provides these health benefits. People in stressful, unhappy marriages may be worse off than a single person who is surrounded by supportive and caring friends, family, and loved ones. Interestingly, many of these health benefits are more pronounced for married men than for married women.
A newly recognized “marriage benefit” for the heart?
A recent study of 25,000 people in England found that among people having a heart attack, those who were married were 14% more likely to survive and they were able to leave the hospital two days sooner than single people having a heart attack.
This study was presented at a medical conference, so the results should be considered preliminary. But it does raise some questions. For example, were the heart attacks of single people more severe than those in people who were married? And was the health of the single heart attack victims worse before the heart attack than that of the married group?
The headlines describing this study might have single people feeling even more pressured than before to find a marriage partner. I think that would be unfortunate, as a study of this type can only conclude there is an “association” or link between marriage and better health outcomes after a heart attack — but it cannot say with confidence that marriage is the reason for that benefit.
How does this work?
Given the growing body of evidence linking marriage with better health, it’s worth asking why such a connection might exist. A number of researchers have explored this question. Here are some of the more prominent theories.
- It’s all about immune function. Studies have found that people in happy relationships have stronger immune function than those who are not. And, cortisol tends to be released in lower amounts in married people as compared with those who are single. That may be important because cortisol levels tend to reflect levels of stress, and high cortisol levels can impair immune function.
- Your behavior improves with marriage. Married people may take fewer risks, eat better, and maintain healthier lifestyles, on average, compared with single people. There is also evidence that married people tend to keep regular doctors’ appointments and follow doctors’ recommendations more often than single people.
- Mental health is better when you’re married. Poor social supports (as might be more likely for those who are single) have been strongly linked with higher rates of depression, loneliness, and social isolation, which have in turn been associated with poorer health outcomes.
- Married people have better health before getting married. It’s reasonable to wonder whether people with medical problems (or who are prone to them due to unhealthy habits) are less likely to get married; that would leave healthier people getting married and that could account for the “marriage health benefit.” But, some studies have actually found that unhealthy men tend to marry at a younger age and divorce less often than healthy men.
None of the evidence in support of these theories proves (or refutes) a health benefit to marriage. So, if there is a health benefit to marriage, the precise reason is not known. But researchers continue to study the question.
What’s next?
I think that in the future we will have a better understanding of the health effects of social supports, including marriage. Then, our focus can turn to another important question: so what? If marriage is truly a predictor of better health, can this knowledge be used to improve health? For example, if a single person has a heart attack, is there some way that this “higher risk” individual can be treated differently to improve the outcome?
It seems likely that Mr. Dangerfield’s comments about marriage were mostly (or totally) for laughs — but even if his marriage made him miserable (as he so often suggested), it may still have been good for his health.
The post The health advantages of marriage appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-health-advantages-of-marriage-2016113010667
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
Mastectomy
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mastectomy/basics/definition/prc-20012749
Get unstuck: Move past obstacles to reach your goals
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/move-past-obstacles-reach-goals/art-20270116
Getting healthy starts with changing your mindset
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/getting-healthy-starts-changing-mindset/art-20270830
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/definition/con-20037892
Balance training: Boost your long-term health with these exercises
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/seo/art-20270119
Alzheimer's: 7 tips for medical visits
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20047326
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)