Paralyzed patients test mind-controlled robotic hand

Researchers created a mind-controlled robotic hand that gives people with certain types of spinal injuries the ability to perform everyday tasks

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mind-controlled-robotic-hand-paralyzed-people-quadriplegia/

Cigarettes Aren't Cool, California Teens Say

But kids still don't see nicotine as addictive and may opt for e-cigarettes instead

From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20161206/cigarettes-arent-cool-california-teens-say?src=RSS_PUBLIC

C-sections may give rise to evolutionary changes

Could the uptick in cesarean sections in recent decades lead to more problems in future generations?

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/c-sections-may-give-rise-to-evolutionary-changes/

Rare Infant Seizure Disorder Often Missed

Parents, doctors may not recognize infantile spasms early enough to prevent brain damage, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20161206/rare-infant-seizure-disorder-often-missed?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Pot Derivative May Curb Tough-to-Treat Epilepsy

Cannabidiol lowered frequency, severity of seizures in trials, but without a 'high'

From: http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/news/20161206/marijuana-derivative-may-curb-tough-to-treat-epilepsy?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Is that research trustworthy? Conference looks at using clinical trials outcomes in practice

There are safeguards in place to ensure that research published in most peer-reviewed journals today is scientifically sound and unbiased, experts said at a conference Nov. 17 at ADA Headquarters.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/december/is-that-research-trustworthy-conference-looks-at-using-clinical-trials-outcomes-in-practice

Normal blood pressure test may be misleading

Young, lean patients can have high blood pressure that's not caught during regular exams, a new study finds

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/normal-blood-pressure-in-clinic-may-mask-hypertension/

U.S. doctors still overprescribing drugs

Despite evidence that certain drugs aren't always necessary, many doctors are still giving patients these treatments, a new survey finds

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctors-still-overprescribing-drugs-antibiotics/

Patient Safety May Drop During Doc Rotations

Study suggests patient care info might not be relayed to new team, boosting risk of in-hospital death

From: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20161206/patient-safety-may-drop-during-doc-rotations?src=RSS_PUBLIC

House passes National Defense Authorization Act

The U.S. House passed the National Defense Authorization Act Dec. 1, which calls for a 10 percent reduction in the number of general officers and could potentially affect the number of chief dental officers.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/december/house-passes-national-defense-authorization-act

Bikini waxing linked to higher STD rates

Brazilian bikini waxing and other forms of personal grooming are becoming much more popular, and researchers see a surprising connection

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bikini-waxing-higher-std-sexually-transmitted-disease-infection-rates/

Health apps often miss real medical emergencies

“The state of health apps is even worse than we thought," American Medical Association chief executive says

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/health-apps-smartphone-miss-medical-emergencies/

The 3 biggest feeding mistakes you can make with your preschooler

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

As parents, we sometimes forget that habits learned early can stick with us for a lifetime. We cut corners and just figure that we’ll fix things later. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always work out. This is particularly true with preschoolers, both because they are at a point when they are learning all sorts of habits — and because they can be opinionated and very stubborn. This can be particularly true when it comes to eating!

That’s why you need to be patient and persistent — and just as stubborn — when it comes to feeding your preschooler. Here are the three biggest mistakes to avoid:

1. Choosing foods based on what they want, rather than what’s healthy. It’s totally understandable why parents do this; after all, nobody wants their child to go hungry. So they fill the plate with chicken fingers and French fries and skip the vegetables. They serve white bread and not whole grain, they let them eat chips instead of apple slices for snacks. The kid is happy and eats up, so the parents are happy. The problem is that not only is the child not eating a healthy diet, the child isn’t learning to like the foods that can keep him healthy for a lifetime.It can take a bunch of tries before a child figures out that kale, strawberries, or brown rice taste great.

Don’t be a short-order cook. Prepare healthy food for everyone (which is key — you’re going to have to eat healthy too for this to work) and insist that your child at least try everything. You can have a back-up food (something super simple and healthy, like yogurt or leftover food you can quickly microwave), but your child needs to eat some of what is served before he gets it. Sure, he might be a little hungry when he finishes. But knowing that you aren’t going to give in, and that he’ll be hungry if he doesn’t eat, may make him more likely to eat next time.

2. Letting them fill up on liquids. It’s amazing how even just a little bit of milk or juice can cut a child’s appetite. So many children carry sippy cups around — which not only is bad for the teeth and increases the risk of obesity, but can make kids less interested in eating meals. Parents often don’t think twice about giving their child milk or juice, as they think of thirst as separate from hunger, but it’s important to think twice. Give children water in between meals instead — and at mealtime, have them eat first and then drink.

3. Overdoing the snacking. Here’s another thing parents don’t think twice about: letting their child have something to eat when they are hungry. But just as with drinking milk or juice, having a snack can make children less hungry for a meal. Children can eat between meals, and when there is a long time between meals, they should eat. But there should just be one snack between meals (like a mid-morning and a mid-afternoon snack, instead of constant access to food), it should be a small amount (not a whole sandwich or big bowl of cereal, for example), and it should be healthy, like some fruit with nut butter or a yogurt or some cheese.

If you start these habits early, they will stick and become what your child is used to. It may be a struggle at the beginning, especially if you have been making these mistakes, but it’s worth the effort. They can help your child be healthy not just now, but for the rest of his life.

The post The 3 biggest feeding mistakes you can make with your preschooler appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-3-biggest-feeding-mistakes-you-can-make-with-your-preschooler-2016120610804

USDA Invests $33 Million to Improve Water Quality in High-Priority Watersheds

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced an investment of more than $33 million in 197 high-priority watersheds across the country to help landowners improve water quality through the Natural Resource Conservation Service's (NRCS) National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI).

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/12/0256.xml&contentidonly=true

USDA Expands Farm Loans for Native Americans Farming and Ranching on Tribal Land

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 6, 2016 - Agriculture Under Secretary Michael T. Scuse today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved and obligated the first loan under the Highly Fractionated Indian Land Loan program (HFIL).

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/12/0255.xml&contentidonly=true

Missing just a couple of hours of sleep doubles car crash risk

A new report from AAA sheds light on just how dangerous sleep deprivation​ can be

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sleep-deprivation-doubles-car-crash-risk-aaa/

WABIP/WCBE Presidents Invite Providers to 2018 Meeting

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbvacOEktxo

Mayo Clinic Minute: Crawling to better health

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrd5ZzfXzqQ

Mayo Clinic uses stem cell therapy to treat arthritis in knee

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZrOOxLT2mY

Missing 1 Hour of Sleep May Double Car Crash Risk

Too little shut-eye can equal alcohol in terms of impairment behind the wheel, traffic safety group warns

From: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20161206/missing-just-1-hour-of-sleep-may-double-drivers-crash-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Marketing your practice with PBHS

Most dental offices do not have a marketing program that consistently gets them on the first page of Google search results. Of course most dentists do not have an admittedly nerdy son with a degree in accounting and finance who loves dentistry. Dr. Donald Keith, of Mission, Kansas, is an ADA member and a lucky man who has both.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/december/marketing-your-practice-with-pbhs

Canada-United States Chapter of the Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future hands out three grants

The Canada-United States Chapter of the Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future awarded an interprofessional grant to a Kansas City program that aims to improve the process of dental referrals for high-risk children.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/december/canada-united-states-chapter-of-the-alliance-for-a-cavity-free-future-hands-out-three-grants

Pubic Grooming Tied to Higher STD Rates

Study finds unexpected risk comes from baring all

From: http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/news/20161205/pubic-grooming-tied-to-higher-std-rates?src=RSS_PUBLIC

U.S. Doctors Still Over-Prescribing Drugs: Survey

More than 1 in 4 say antibiotics are given when the drugs will likely do no good

From: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20161205/us-doctors-still-over-prescribing-drugs-survey?src=RSS_PUBLIC

C-Sections May Be Causing Evolutionary Changes

Surgical delivery might be widening gap between baby's size and mother's pelvis, researchers say

From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20161205/c-sections-may-be-causing-evolutionary-changes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Some Football Players Have Worrisome Heart Effects

It suggests college linemen have higher blood pressure, thickening of heart wall

From: http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20161205/study-finds-worrisome-heart-effects-among-some-football-players?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Men More Likely to Use Marijuana Than Women

Researchers suggest 2007 recession may have spurred rise in pot use among men with low incomes

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20161205/men-more-likely-to-use-marijuana-than-women-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Few hours less sleep could increase driver's crash risk

New research shows how deadly it can be to drive when you're tired. A AAA study finds drivers who miss two to three hours of sleep a day more than quadruple their risk of getting in a crash. Errol Barnett reports on why federal regulators say the accident risk from drowsy driving is comparable to driving drunk.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/few-hours-less-sleep-could-increase-drivers-crash-risk/

C-reactive protein test

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-reactive-protein/basics/definition/prc-20014480

Thalidomide: Research advances in cancer and other conditions

Thalidomide is infamous for the birth defects it caused. So why are doctors still prescribing it?

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/thalidomide/art-20046534

Colon cancer screening: Is there an easier, effective way?

Are you, or is someone you know, postponing their colonoscopy? Maybe it’s the idea of that prep. At best, it requires being home and near a toilet for a day. Worse, it can make people feel awfully ill. Or maybe it’s the invasiveness of the test. At best, it’s unpleasant. At worst, there can be serious complications, including an instrument puncturing the bowel, bleeding, and organ damage. It’s also time-consuming, requiring time off work for you and whoever will be driving you home.

Why is a colonoscopy worth the hassle?

Cancers of the colon and rectum are common, and lives can be saved with early detection. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death. There are well over a million people living with the diagnosis, and 134,000 new cases are expected this year. About 4% of all adults will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime; having a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, a personal history of polyps, advancing age, obesity, alcohol use, smoking, and African-American race all increase the risk substantially.^{(1, 2, 3)}

The five-year survival rate for these cancers is about 90% when the cancer is caught before it spreads at all, but only 68% when it has started to spread, and 10% when it is widely spread (metastatic).^{(3, 4)} For this reason, experts agree that it makes sense to screen people at average risk starting at age 50 and up to age 75, with the decision to continue screening after that on a case-by-case basis.^{(3, 4)}

According to the 2016 guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), there are six acceptable ways to screen for colorectal cancers and precancerous polyps: procedures like sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy; special imaging techniques (CT colonography); basic stool tests for blood (because bleeding in the intestine can be a sign of cancer); the FIT test, which is a fancier, more sensitive stool test for blood; and the combined stool DNA test that looks for molecules, gene mutations, and blood. Which test to use depends on the patient’s situation and preferences, and the USPSTF has called for more research in order to be able to make more precise recommendations.⁽⁵⁾

Cologuard: The new kid on the colon cancer screening block

Recently my patients have been asking about Exact Sciences’ Cologuard combined stool DNA test, which was approved by the FDA in 2014. You may have seen it advertised on TV, featuring a cute little talking box. Medicare and Medicaid will cover the entire cost of this test (about $500) once every three years for average-risk people who have no gastrointestinal symptoms.

The test is easy-peasy. One of us goes to the website and prints out the order form, the patient fills in the insurance information, and I sign the paper, which gets mailed to the company. They in turn mail the patient a little box with the stool collection kit. The patient goes about their usual routine, without any change to diet or prep whatsoever, poops into the cleverly designed toilet cover/collection jar, and mails it back to the company within two days. The company runs the tests, and the numerical results from each test component are run through a special equation, with a cutoff score for a positive or negative result.⁽⁷⁾ They send the results to me, and then I report to the patient. A positive test means that further evaluation is necessary, and that involves a colonoscopy looking for a polyp or cancer.

Just how good is Cologuard?

Based on the one major study cited,⁽⁶⁾ it is pretty darned good: Cologuard detected 92% of colorectal cancers and 42% of advanced polyps. As a comparison, the FIT test detected 74% of cancers and 24% of advanced polyps. So it’s better than the only other real non-invasive option, and without the painful prep, potential discomfort, and potentially serious risks of a colonoscopy or CT colonography. (It is important to know that both of these stool tests are more likely to have a false positive result. That means that the stool test can suggest cancer when there isn’t any, and to know for sure, a patient will need a colonoscopy or CT colonography after all.) Right now, the test is covered by insurance every three years, but more research is needed to know if that is an appropriate interval; eventually, the test may be recommended more or less often than that.

Cologuard sounds so wonderful. And it may actually be, but patients should know that the one major study that provided the data upon which most of the recommendations are based was 100% funded by Exact Sciences, the company that makes the test. Even the one other smaller study showing similar, supporting results was authored by co-inventors of the Cologuard technology and scientific advisors to Exact Sciences.⁽⁸⁾ It’s really important to know that, and to take this amazing little talking box with a big grain of salt. I can understand why the USPSTF is calling for more research, and why doctors aren’t abandoning the good old, dependable, but pain-in-the-rear-end colonoscopy as a basic screening test. Yet.

Am I recommending the Cologuard for my own patients? You bet. I have many patients whom I’ve been encouraging to have their colonoscopies for years, and for one reason or another, they have delayed. Or, there are some patients with medical issues for whom a colonoscopy may be logistically difficult or too risky. In their cases, the stool tests are very viable options, definitely better than no screening, and maybe better than traditional screening. We just don’t know for sure yet.

Notes:

1. NIH National Cancer Institute: Common Types of Cancer.
2. NIH National Cancer Institute SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) data.
3. Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital Primary Care Office Insight, chapter on Colorectal Cancer Screening, by Blair Fosburgh, MD; Wynne Armand, MD; Primary Care Operations Improvement Specialist Reviewers: Daniel Chung, MD.
4. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Strategies for Patients at Average Risk. Up-to-Date (Wolters Kluwer). Chyke Doubeni, MD, FRCS, MPH. Section Editors: J Thomas Lamont, MD; Joann G Elmore, MD, MPH; H Nancy Sokol, MD.
5. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Lin JS, Piper MA, Perdue LA, Rutter CM, Webber EM, O’Connor E, Smith N, Whitlock EP.
6. Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, Levin TR, Lavin P, Lidgard GP, Ahlquist DA, Berger BM. New England Journal of Medicine.
7. Supplement to: Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal cancer screening.
8. Stool DNA testing for screening detection of colorectal neoplasia in Alaska Native people. Redwood DG, Asay ED, Blake ID, et al. Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

The post Colon cancer screening: Is there an easier, effective way? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Monique Tello, MD, MPH http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/colon-cancer-screening-is-there-an-easier-effective-way-2016120510751