Researchers say the cases clustered in one state are likely related to opioid use
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mysterious-amnesia-cases-may-be-linked-to-opioids/
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Swimmer, 75, inspires others with her drive and passion
DeEtte Sauer has won dozens of medals in senior competitions -- but it took her years to realize her passion
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/living-stronger-75-year-old-swimmer-inspiring-others-with-her-drive-and-passion/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/living-stronger-75-year-old-swimmer-inspiring-others-with-her-drive-and-passion/
Brain Scans Let ALS Patients Communicate
Correct responses were provided to more than 70 percent of yes-or-no questions, researchers say
From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20170131/brain-scans-let-locked-in-als-patients-communicate?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Trump decries "astronomical" U.S. drug prices
President Trump vows to cut drug costs, urges pharmaceutical industry leaders to bring jobs back to the U.S.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-drug-prices-pharmaceutical-industry/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-drug-prices-pharmaceutical-industry/
Fat Near Heart a Hazard for Postmenopausal Women
Study ties 'paracardial' fat to raised risk of hardening of the arteries
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20170131/fat-near-the-heart-a-hazard-for-postmenopausal-women?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Trump: I'll Cut Drug Company Taxes, Regulations
Trump says the cuts will lower drug prices and create jobs
From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20170131/trump-drug-company-taxes-prices?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Fat shaming can lead to a host of health problems
Trying to shame an overweight or obese person into losing weight may do much more harm than good, new research suggests
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fat-shaming-can-lead-to-host-of-health-problems/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fat-shaming-can-lead-to-host-of-health-problems/
Timing of Your Meals Might Reduce Heart Risks
American Heart Association report suggests eating more earlier in the day may be healthier
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20170131/timing-of-your-meals-might-reduce-heart-risks?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Brain Scans May Shed Light on Bipolar Suicide Risk
Almost half of those with the disorder attempt suicide and up to 20 percent succeed
From: http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/news/20170131/brain-scans-may-shed-light-on-bipolar-disorder-suicide-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Diabetes Risk May Be Higher for Adults With HIV
Longer survival with the virus might make people more vulnerable to chronic conditions, researchers suggest
From: http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20170131/diabetes-risk-may-be-higher-for-hiv-positive-adults?src=RSS_PUBLIC
5 Things You Didn't Know About Male Masturbation
WebMD explores some little known things about male masturbation and answers questions such as: is masturbation safe, normal, or unhealthy?
From: http://www.webmd.com/men/guide/male-masturbation-5-things-you-didnt-know?src=RSS_PUBLIC
What parents need to know about baby monitoring apps
Follow me on Twitter @drClaire
If you want to know how your baby is doing, checking your smartphone app may not be your best bet.
That’s the bottom line of an opinion piece in the Journal of the American Medical Association about the new apps that monitor the heart rate, oxygen level, and other vital signs of babies, using sensors that go in clothing or bedding, and sound alarms if something seems awry.
I’ve been a new mom a few times, and I totally understand the appeal of these apps. I have gone in repeatedly to check my baby’s breathing, getting my face down to hear them, putting a hand on their back to feel its rise and fall. I’ve worried and fretted over little noises, and wondered if they were pale. Being able to do all that from my smartphone sounds like a dream come true.
But here’s the problem — there is no evidence that these actually work
These apps are not marketed as medical devices, and so aren’t subject to any testing or regulation. The developers can simply make any claim they want to make. Not that the developers are trying to fool people. I think that they genuinely do want to help parents monitor their babies, and keep babies safe. But we simply have no data to show that they keep babies safe at all — in fact, they may keep babies less safe.
One way they could make babies less safe is by subjecting them to medical visits and tests for no good reason. The thing is, it’s not uncommon for a heart rate or breathing rate of a baby to go up or down briefly, or for their oxygen level to drop and then come back up. There are all sorts of reasons it happens — and the vast majority of the time it’s nothing to worry about. The vast majority of the time, actually, we don’t even realize it happened because the baby looks and acts completely fine (because the baby is completely fine).
But with these devices, parents will see these blips (alarms could go off) and could easily panic and end up at the doctor’s office or emergency room. Many doctors will end up feeling obligated to do tests that truly aren’t needed based on information from the app.
These devices could very easily make parents crazy, because after all, imagine if you missed something? Anxious new parents could end up glued to their devices, worrying about every little number and bit of information, which could make it hard for them to drive, work, do chores, exercise, read, talk to their friends and family — oh, yeah, and parent.
The apps could also, on the flip side, give a false sense of security. Why go check on the baby if the sensor and app have it covered? If the device hasn’t alarmed, all must be fine, right? Except that sensors fall off, apps malfunction, phones get silenced, and batteries die. Not to mention the fact that we have no data (remember?) as to whether the information gathered by the app has any predictive value whatsoever. We don’t know if the apps can truly prevent SIDS or let you know when your baby is getting sick. We have no idea.
What parents can and should do — no app needed
What worries me the most, though, is that these apps may undermine something that parents need to do: paying attention to and getting to know their babies. When parents go and check on babies IRL (In Real Life), they learn their sounds and movements. They learn the difference between normal breathing and fast or forced breathing. They learn the difference between a cranky baby and a sick one, the difference between a hungry cry and a cry of pain. They learn their baby’s normal color, and how to tell when they are more limp or stiff than usual. They become attuned to the small hints and cues that let them know if their baby is fine — or if there is a problem. This is crucial knowledge. When a parent calls and says that something is wrong with the way their child is acting, I get worried — because they are usually right.
Technology can make our lives safer and better, there is no question. But we have to be really thoughtful and careful in how we choose and use technology when it comes to the health and safety of our children.
If you really want to know how your baby is doing, don’t look at your phone. Look at your baby.
The post What parents need to know about baby monitoring apps appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/parents-need-know-baby-monitoring-apps-2017013111140
Former ADA President Burton Press dies
Dr. Burton Press, former ADA president and speaker of the house, died Jan. 28. He was 88 years old.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/former-ada-president-burton-press-dies
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/former-ada-president-burton-press-dies
FDA says inconsistent amounts of toxic substance found in teething tablets
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it found “inconsistent amounts of belladonna, a toxic substance, in certain homeopathic teething tablets” and urged consumers not to use them.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/fda-says-inconsistent-amounts-of-toxic-substance
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/fda-says-inconsistent-amounts-of-toxic-substance
Beat Foodborne Illness this Super Bowl
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2017 — As excitement for this year’s Super Bowl grows, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages consumers to use safe food handling practices at a championship level and avoid becoming one of the estimated 48 million Americans who gets sick from foodborne illnesses each year.
From: /wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2017/01/0011.xml&contentidonly=true
From: /wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2017/01/0011.xml&contentidonly=true
'Father of implant dentistry' dies at age of 90
Dr. Leonard I. Linkow, once signed to a contract by the New York Giants to play for their minor league team, went on to become what many considered the "Father of Implant Dentistry."
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/father-of-implant-dentistry-dies-at-age-of-90
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/father-of-implant-dentistry-dies-at-age-of-90
7 simple steps to boosting energy
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/7-simple-steps-to-boosting-energy/art-20305553
Snowstorms may lead to blizzard of heart troubles
A new study looks at the impact of snow on hospital admissions
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/snowstorms-may-lead-to-blizzard-of-heart-troubles/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/snowstorms-may-lead-to-blizzard-of-heart-troubles/
Mayo Clinic Minute: The many benefits of petroleum jelly
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubpsosv7mHM
JADA commentary addresses antibiotic use for dental patients with joint implants
Only in very few situations are prophylactic antibiotics recommended to prevent joint infection for patients with prosthetic joint implants prior to dental procedures, according to commentary published in the February 2017 issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/jada-commentary-addresses-antibiotic-use-for-dental-patients-with-joint-implants
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/jada-commentary-addresses-antibiotic-use-for-dental-patients-with-joint-implants
ADA member’s generous tip goes viral
ADA member Dr. Jason White learned how it feels to be a viral sensation last week when news broke that he left a $450 tip for a waitress he met during his trip to Washington for the inauguration.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-members-generous-tip-goes-viral
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-members-generous-tip-goes-viral
Bilingual People May Have Edge Against Alzheimer's
Study found they did better on memory tests that patients who only spoke one language
From: http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20170130/bilingual-people-may-have-an-edge-against-alzheimers?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Insulin Makers Conspired to Raise Prices: Lawsuit
Insulin Makers Conspired to Raise Prices: Lawsuit
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20170130/insulin-price-lawsuit?src=RSS_PUBLIC
How meal times impact your heart health
When you eat might be as important as what you eat. A new review from the American Heart Association finds eating at certain times of the day can help lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. Cardiologist Dr. Tara Narula joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the findings.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/how-meal-times-impact-your-heart-health/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/how-meal-times-impact-your-heart-health/
Microloans and Microgreens: USDA Program Helps D.C. City Farm
From: USDA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W39RaMkeek
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Monday, January 30, 2017
Eating breakfast may boost heart health
The American Heart Association says people who eat more of their calories earlier in the day have a lower risk of heart disease. Brook Silva-Braga reports.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/eating-breakfast-may-boost-heart-health/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/eating-breakfast-may-boost-heart-health/
For heart health, it's not just what you eat, but when
Eating more of your calories earlier in the day may help keep the heart healthy, according to the American Heart Association
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/breakfast-heart-health-diet-when-you-eat-matters/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/breakfast-heart-health-diet-when-you-eat-matters/
Study Suggests Newer Cholesterol Drugs Are Safe
Whether taking them results in fewer heart attacks and strokes isn't yet known, researcher says
From: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20170130/study-suggests-newer-cholesterol-drugs-are-safe?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Busy minds may be better at fighting dementia
Computer use, crafting, social activities and games all seem to boost brain health, a new study finds
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/busy-minds-may-be-better-at-fighting-dementia/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/busy-minds-may-be-better-at-fighting-dementia/
Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez - enfermedad del corazón
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcAoqxGHCZ4
Busy Minds May Be Better at Fighting Dementia
Computer use, crafting, social activities and games all seem to boost brain health, study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20170130/busy-minds-may-be-better-at-fighting-dementia?src=RSS_PUBLIC
CMS updates Open Payments data
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated the Open Payments system to reflect changes since the data was last published on June 30, 2016. The updated dataset is now available for viewing at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/cms-updates-open-payments-data
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/cms-updates-open-payments-data
Many U.S. children suffer from low back pain
The prevalence only increases the older children get, a new study finds; here's what parents need to know
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/many-u-s-children-suffer-from-low-back-pain/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/many-u-s-children-suffer-from-low-back-pain/
Low Back Pain Common Among Kids
Sports injuries are just one frequent cause, study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20170130/low-back-pain-common-among-kids?src=RSS_PUBLIC
SCAD: The Heart Attack That's Striking Young Women
SCAD: The Heart Attack That's Striking Young Women
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20170130/scad-heart-attacks?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Free refills from soda fountains no longer on tap in France
The ban on free refills is part of a sweeping public health law to help combat obesity
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/free-refills-from-soda-fountains-no-longer-on-tap-in-france/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/free-refills-from-soda-fountains-no-longer-on-tap-in-france/
Baby boxes: N.J. promotes cardboard cribs
With the U.S. way behind other countries in reducing infant morality, an unusual idea to keep babies safe is spreading
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/baby-boxes-nj-promotes-cardboard-cribs/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/baby-boxes-nj-promotes-cardboard-cribs/
Linda Hindle discusses AHPs into Action
From: BritishDietetic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VlA5PyRBKg
Infectious Diseases A-Z: HPV infection rates among men
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8DiTpLkifU
Mayo Clinic Minute: Cold, flu, superbug
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OvW7hkVvm8
Taking medications correctly requires clear communication
Follow me on Twitter @DavidAScales
Early in December, Ms. Silva (not her real name) came to the hospital for a bladder infection that just kept getting worse. She’d been having symptoms — pain when she urinated, feeling constantly like she had to go to the bathroom — for about a week. She did all the right things. She called her doctor, picked up her prescriptions at the pharmacy, saw her doctor for a follow up appointment soon after, and swore that she was taking her antibiotic. But the pain got worse and she started having fevers. She needed to be admitted to the hospital.
Ms. Silva was an elderly lady in her 60s from Brazil. Without much grey hair, she looked much younger than her 60 years, yet the infection had wiped her out. She looked exhausted. As she returned from the bathroom, she tried to contort her hospital gown in a futile attempt to get it to cover more of her body. “Why wasn’t the antibiotic working?” she asked, stating the question on everyone’s mind that night.
At first I was worried about drug-resistant bacteria. The bacteria causing her infection should have been killed by the antibiotic that she was given. If she had taken them as prescribed, then drug-resistant bacteria would be the only explanation for why she was getting worse.
So, we chatted about the antibiotic. She said she took every pill and was also taking something for the pain, that unrelenting, squeezing feeling of urgency. She took the pill bottles out of her purse, saying, “see, this was the bottle of the antibiotics,” showing me an empty bottle of pyridium (phenazopyridine). “And this bottle is the medication for the urinary pain,” she said, showing me a bottle still full of antibiotic pills.
This solved the mystery. She didn’t have resistant bacteria. Ms. Silva’s infection worsened because she had confused the antibiotic pills for the pills for pain, taking the latter with regularity while the infection continued to rage.
Doctors and patients are not always on the same page when it comes to which medications are important
Ms. Silva’s story reminded me of an article published this past fall in the Annals of Family Medicine that showed a large difference between patient and physician perceptions about which medications are important. The study found that up to 20% of medications considered important by doctors were not correctly taken by patients. Taking medications as prescribed is called medication adherence, as this is adhering to the doctor’s recommendations that are trying to maximize the drugs’ benefit while minimizing its side effects. About half the time, patients forgot, ran out of medication, or were careless about when they took the medication, a situation the study authors called unintentional non-adherence. The other half of the time, the patients deliberately chose not to take the medication correctly.
The study authors point out that this discrepancy between patients and doctors is a symptom of a larger problem in healthcare. It stems from challenging clinic environments that make it difficult for patients and doctors to partner together in shared decision making. They point out that good doctor-patient communication requires a good doctor-patient relationship, but some studies show that as a physician’s responsibilities increase through medical school, residency and on to practice, that their communication skills decline. So does their empathy.
Differences in gender, race, or socioeconomic class can also influence doctor-patient communication. Sometimes patients are bashful about telling their doctor they don’t understand or that they can’t read. Plus, it’s hard for anyone to think about and ask all the important questions when a rushed doctor has his or her hand on the doorknob.
Still, it’s hard to say exactly why the misunderstanding occurred in Ms. Silva’s case. While she speaks Portuguese, the nurse Ms. Silva spoke to on the phone documented that an interpreter was used. The doctor she saw in the office speaks Portuguese.
At the same time, Ms. Silva had never finished elementary school. It wasn’t clear that she could read, and even if she could, her pill bottle was labeled with neither the name of the medication, nor its purpose. Without knowing a lot about medications, she wouldn’t know which drug was the antibiotic. It also isn’t clear what she was told and what she understood at that critical moment when she picked up the medications at the pharmacy.
How to fix communication gaps
It would be ideal if we could solve all of the myriad factors leading to communication problems in one doctor visit. But that’s wishful thinking. So, the study authors suggest engaging with other health professionals, like pharmacists, nurses, and physician assistants, to help bridge these communication gaps by checking a patient’s understanding of their medications and filling in knowledge gaps when they arise.
Engaging other health professionals may have helped Ms. Silva. Her experience shows that between the doctor’s office and the pharmacy, there were a number of missed opportunities to make sure she understood which medication was the antibiotic. Working with family members may have helped as well. Ms. Silva’s daughter brought her to the hospital and may have been a useful partner to avoid misunderstandings.
Thankfully, after a short stay in the hospital (being sure she was taking the right medicine), Ms. Silva improved and went home. But her delay in getting well is an unfortunate example of just how much can go wrong between a doctor’s prescription and a patient getting better, especially when there are misunderstandings about medications.
The post Taking medications correctly requires clear communication appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: David Scales, MPhil, MD, PhD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/taking-medications-correctly-requires-clear-communication-2017013011043
Could the 'Mediterranean' Diet Help Prevent ADHD?
There's no solid proof, but encouraging healthy eating is a wise move, specialist says
From: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/news/20170130/could-the-mediterranean-diet-help-prevent-adhd?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Making Mayo's Recipes: Caramelized Onion Chicken Pizza
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqSVHxgTE-s
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Almanac: Seeing eye dogs
The Seeing Eye, a pioneering organization that trains guide dogs for the blind, was founded on January 29, 1929. Jane Pauley reports on its legacy.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/almanac-seeing-eye-dogs/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/almanac-seeing-eye-dogs/
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Morning Rounds: Cervical cancer awareness and smartphone baby monitors
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook and CBS News contributor Dr. Tara Narula join "CBS This Morning: Saturday" to discuss guidelines to protect against cervical cancer, and questions about the effectiveness of smartphone baby monitors.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/morning-rounds-cervical-cancer-awareness-and-smartphone-baby-monitors/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/morning-rounds-cervical-cancer-awareness-and-smartphone-baby-monitors/
Friday, January 27, 2017
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Judge says Roundup weed killer can be labeled with cancer warning
Roundup, the popular weed killer used by farmers and backyard gardeners, can be labeled with a cancer warning in California, a judge ruled Friday. Manufacturer Monsanto was fighting the label. Omar Villafranca has more.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/judge-says-roundup-weed-killer-can-be-labeled-with-cancer-warning/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/judge-says-roundup-weed-killer-can-be-labeled-with-cancer-warning/
How to sign up for Obamacare before the deadline
The deadline for enrolling for health care coverage -- Jan. 31 -- is fast approaching
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-sign-up-for-obamacare-before-the-deadline/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-sign-up-for-obamacare-before-the-deadline/
Flu Hospitalizations, Deaths Increasing: CDC
But health officials still characterize the season as average
From: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20170127/flu-hospitalizations-deaths-increasing-cdc?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Personalized activity intelligence: A better way to track exercise?
Perhaps the best-known problem with fitness trackers is that people often retire them to a junk drawer after a few months, once their novelty wears off. But that’s not the only issue with these devices, which are typically worn around the wrist or clipped to clothing. Sure, they’ll count your steps, display your heart rate, and even estimate how many calories you’ve burned, although you’ll probably need to sync it with an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer to see such data.
However, very few of the popular, free apps related to physical activity are based on published evidence. And they don’t necessarily follow well-established exercise guidelines. Even if you do meet recommended daily exercise goals — like 30 minutes of brisk walking or 10,000 steps — how do you know if you’re really working your heart enough to keep it healthy?
Easy as PAI?
Now, a new scientifically validated tool, dubbed Personalized Activity Intelligence, or PAI, may have the answer. Developed by an international team of researchers, PAI is a formula that converts your heart rate to a number of points, based on your age, gender, resting heart rate, and maximum heart rate. The idea is to get an average of 100 points over an entire week, which you could earn through short stints of intense exercise, longer bouts of more moderate activity, or a combination of the two. Think of PAI as an index of how hard and how often you challenge your heart.
“It’s a different way of quantifying cardiovascular fitness that captures something that step trackers don’t, which is physical activity other than walking,” says Dr. Lauren Elson, a physiatrist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. For example, if you’re biking or raking leaves, you won’t accrue very many steps, but your heart rate may rise more than it would during a leisurely stroll.
On the flip side, some people are on their feet and active during the day and may rack up 8,000 or more steps, but their heart rates don’t necessarily go up very high. “We know that that’s better than being sedentary, but it actually doesn’t count as cardiovascular exercise,” says Dr. Elson.
Tracking the evidence
PAI was created and validated in large Norwegian fitness study that included more than 39,000 people who were followed for an average of about 26 years. Researchers developed the formula based on a subset of about 4,600 of the participants and then tested it on data from the entire group.
People who reached the weekly goal of 100 points were about 20% less likely to die of heart disease compared to those who didn’t reach that goal. Having a PAI score under 100 was linked to a shorter life — nearly 4 years less for women and 6 years less for men when compared to people with a score of 100 or higher.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer to walk at a relatively low intensity for hours or exercise at a high intensity for shorter periods of time, as long as you earn 100 PAI points per week, says study lead author Ulrik Wisløff, head of the Cardiac Exercise Research Group at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. The Mio Slice will be the first wearable device to feature PAI, but Mio plans to license the use of the PAI algorithm to other companies, Wisløff notes.
The post Personalized activity intelligence: A better way to track exercise? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Julie Corliss http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/personalized-activity-intelligence-better-way-track-exercise-2017012711031
Good news for older women with early form of breast cancer
A new study offers some reassuring statistics about DCIS, a very early form of breast cancer
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/good-news-for-older-women-with-early-form-of-breast-cancer/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/good-news-for-older-women-with-early-form-of-breast-cancer/
Belladonna Found in Homeopathic Teething Products
Belladonna Found in Homeopathic Teething Products
From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170127/belladonna-homeopathic-teething-products?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Good News for Older Women With Early Breast Cancer
A diagnosis of DCIS doesn't lower life expectancy in patients over 50, study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20170127/good-news-for-older-women-with-early-form-of-breast-cancer?src=RSS_PUBLIC
ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership seeks applicants for 2017-18 program
The American Dental Association Institute for Diversity in Leadership is accepting applications through March 31 for its 2017-18 class.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-institute-for-diversity-in-leadership
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/ada-institute-for-diversity-in-leadership
U.S. heart failure rates on the rise
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but a new report has some good news, too
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heart-failure-rates-on-the-rise/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heart-failure-rates-on-the-rise/
Lack of exercise might invite dementia
Sitting in front of the TV may make you as likely to develop dementia as people genetically predisposed to the condition, a new study suggests
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lack-of-exercise-might-invite-dementia/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lack-of-exercise-might-invite-dementia/
GOP Still Searching For Health Law Consensus
At their party retreat, the officials are coalescing around a strategy that would have not a single replacement for the Affordable Care Act but instead include changes through a budget bill, administrative action and later a series of individual bills addressing smaller aspects of the health system.
From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20170126/at-party-retreat-gop-still-searching-for-health-law-consensus?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Americans fear losing Obamacare, but want it to change
A majority say they are concerned that people will lose health insurance if Affordable Care Act is repealed
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obamacare-trump-repeal-replace-affordable-care-act/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obamacare-trump-repeal-replace-affordable-care-act/
Trump administration pulls ads for healthcare.gov
The sudden change comes during the final days of open enrollment for this year
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-pulls-back-on-healthcare-gov-ads/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-pulls-back-on-healthcare-gov-ads/
My Life, My Healthcare (ICAN) Discussion Aid Visit
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stbqf9WA3wk
My Life, My Healthcare (ICAN) and Statin Choice used in single visit
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0H9RRGIFJg
Excess Pregnancy Weight Gain and Complication Risk
Study found no benefit, suggesting that obesity's effects on a pregnancy may begin before conception
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20170127/curbing-excess-weight-gain-in-pregnancy-may-not-lower-risk-for-complications?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Slim But Sedentary: Prediabetes Risk May Rise
4 out of 10 'skinny fat' people had higher blood sugar by middle age, study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20170127/slim-but-sedentary-risk-of-prediabetes-may-rise?src=RSS_PUBLIC
U.S. Heart Failure Rates on the Rise
And heart disease remains the nation's leading killer
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/news/20170126/us-heart-failure-rates-on-the-rise?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Cyber-cycling helps kids at school
Pedaling away on stationary bikes with virtual-reality video screens could help children with special needs at school. Dr. Mallika Marshall reports from Boston.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cyber-cycling-helps-kids-at-school/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cyber-cycling-helps-kids-at-school/
Your Kids Are Probably Drinking Too Much Sugar
New research shows children in the U.S. are over the limit on sugary beverages.
From: http://www.webmd.com/children/features/kids-are-drinking-too-much-sugar?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Mayo Clinic Minute: The benefits of a weekend warrior workout
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzRH7Of34ds
منظمة الصØØ© العالمية: الوصايا الخمس لطعام أكثر مأمونية
From: World Health Organization http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoQe17JuB-o
Personalized activity intelligence: A better way to track exercise?
Perhaps the best-known problem with fitness trackers is that people often retire them to a junk drawer after a few months, once their novelty wears off. But that’s not the only issue with these devices, which are typically worn around the wrist or clipped to clothing. Sure, they’ll count your steps, display your heart rate, and even estimate how many calories you’ve burned, although you’ll probably need to sync it with an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer to see such data.
However, very few of the popular, free apps related to physical activity are based on published evidence. And they don’t necessarily follow well-established exercise guidelines. Even if you do meet recommended daily exercise goals — like 30 minutes of brisk walking or 10,000 steps — how do you know if you’re really working your heart enough to keep it healthy?
Easy as PAI?
Now, a new scientifically validated tool, dubbed Personalized Activity Intelligence, or PAI, may have the answer. Developed by an international team of researchers, PAI is a formula that converts your heart rate to a number of points, based on your age, gender, resting heart rate, and maximum heart rate. The idea is to get an average of 100 points over an entire week, which you could earn through short stints of intense exercise, longer bouts of more moderate activity, or a combination of the two. Think of PAI as an index of how hard and how often you challenge your heart.
“It’s a different way of quantifying cardiovascular fitness that captures something that step trackers don’t, which is physical activity other than walking,” says Dr. Lauren Elson, a physiatrist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. For example, if you’re biking or raking leaves, you won’t accrue very many steps, but your heart rate may rise more than it would during a leisurely stroll.
On the flip side, some people are on their feet and active during the day and may rack up 8,000 or more steps, but their heart rates don’t necessarily go up very high. “We know that that’s better than being sedentary, but it actually doesn’t count as cardiovascular exercise,” says Dr. Elson.
Tracking the evidence
PAI was created and validated in large Norwegian fitness study that included more than 39,000 people who were followed for an average of about 26 years. Researchers developed the formula based on a subset of about 4,600 of the participants and then tested it on data from the entire group.
People who reached the weekly goal of 100 points were about 20% less likely to die of heart disease compared to those who didn’t reach that goal. Having a PAI score under 100 was linked to a shorter life — nearly 4 years less for women and 6 years less for men when compared to people with a score of 100 or higher.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer to walk at a relatively low intensity for hours or exercise at a high intensity for shorter periods of time, as long as you earn 100 PAI points per week, says study lead author Ulrik Wisløff, head of the Cardiac Exercise Research Group at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. The Mio Slice will be the first wearable device to feature PAI, but Mio plans to license the use of the PAI algorithm to other companies, Wisløff notes.
The post Personalized activity intelligence: A better way to track exercise? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Julie Corliss http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/personalized-activity-intelligence-better-way-track-exercise-2017012711031
Lack of Exercise Might Invite Dementia
Study found being sedentary may make you as vulnerable as those whose genes put them at risk for Alzheimer's
From: http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20170126/lack-of-exercise-might-invite-dementia?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Fecal Transplant Shows Promise Against Autism
Small, preliminary study found giving healthy gut bacteria to young patients led to reduction in symptoms
From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20170126/fecal-transplant-shows-early-promise-against-autism?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Mumps Outbreak in Washington State
Mumps Outbreak in Washington State
From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170126/health-highlights-jan-26-2017?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Mylan CEO says brand competition doesn't drive drug prices down
Heather Bresch, who was called before Congress last year to explain why EpiPen's price had soared by nearly 500 percent over seven years, tells Norah O'Donnell why a competing product on the market doesn't necessarily bring prices down.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/mylan-ceo-says-brand-competition-doesnt-drive-drug-prices-down/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/mylan-ceo-says-brand-competition-doesnt-drive-drug-prices-down/
The Takeout: Why Trump’s Obamacare repeal plan concerns the NFL players’ union
“The injury rate in the National Football League is 100 percent,” The head of the NFL players’ union points out on “The Takeout” this week
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-takeout-why-trumps-obamacare-repeal-plan-concerns-the-nfl-players-union/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-takeout-why-trumps-obamacare-repeal-plan-concerns-the-nfl-players-union/
Mylan CEO on EpiPen drug price controversy: "I get the outrage"
The life-saving allergy drug became the lightning rod for scrutiny, as its price increased by nearly 500 percent over seven years
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/epipen-price-hike-controversy-mylan-ceo-heather-bresch-speaks-out/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/epipen-price-hike-controversy-mylan-ceo-heather-bresch-speaks-out/
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Kids' sugary drinks habits start early
Despite health messages to limit sugary drinks, many children consume sweetened beverages daily, report says
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kids-sugary-drinks-habit-starts-early/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kids-sugary-drinks-habit-starts-early/
Washington state mumps outbreak nears 300 cases
Officials are urging people to get immunized and to take steps to prevent further spread
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/washington-state-mumps-outbreak-spokane-seattle/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/washington-state-mumps-outbreak-spokane-seattle/
Scientists take first steps to grow human organs in pigs
It's a very early step in research that could potentially help ease a shortage of human donors for transplants
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientists-take-first-steps-to-growing-human-organs-in-pigs/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientists-take-first-steps-to-growing-human-organs-in-pigs/
Living without lungs for six days saves woman’s life
“They pulled me back from the dead,” says patient who was first in the world to receive the radical treatment
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/living-without-lungs-for-six-days-saves-canadian-womans-life/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/living-without-lungs-for-six-days-saves-canadian-womans-life/
Scientists Create Part-Human, Part-Pig Embryo
One goal of this stem cell research is to create organs for transplant
From: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20170126/scientists-create-part-human-part-pig-embryo?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Kids With ADHD Make 6.1M Doctor Visits a Year: CDC
Mental health specialist says study raises more questions than it answers
From: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20170126/kids-with-adhd-make-61-million-doctor-visits-a-year-in-us-cdc?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Kids' Sugary Drink Habits Start Early
Two-thirds of U.S. children consume one or more sweetened beverages daily, report finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20170126/kids-sugary-drink-habits-start-early?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week is Jan. 30-Feb. 3
Washington — The Federal Trade Commission will host this year’s Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, Jan. 30 – Feb. 3, with webinars and other social media events designed to help people share information about tax identity theft.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/tax-identity-theft-awareness-week-is-jan-30-feb-3
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/tax-identity-theft-awareness-week-is-jan-30-feb-3
Mental Disabilities and Organ Transplant Lists
30 members of U.S. Congress request clear guidance on this ethically fraught issue
From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20170125/should-a-mental-disability-keep-patients-off-organ-transplant-lists?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Mary Tyler Moore’s legacy includes advocacy for diabetes
The actress and TV icon had an important role off-screen as a passionate, outspoken advocate for the disease
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mary-tyler-moores-legacy-includes-passionate-advocacy-for-diabetes/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mary-tyler-moores-legacy-includes-passionate-advocacy-for-diabetes/
A way to predict who'll become a drug addict
Armed with big data, Travelers Insurance developed a program that aims to spot those at risk for opioid dependency
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-way-to-predict-wholl-become-a-drug-addict/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-way-to-predict-wholl-become-a-drug-addict/
Mayo Clinic Minute: Protecting babies from eczema risk
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QVIvgsR6og
Mary Tyler Moore: Diabetes Patient and Advocate
Mary Tyler Moore, the 1970s television icon and Mary Tyler Moore Show star, is also fondly remembered for her efforts to advance diabetes research.
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20170126/mary-tyler-moore-diabetes-patient-and-advocate?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Mental Health May Affect Chances Against Cancer
Early research suggests anxiety, depression might raise risk of dying from certain malignancies
From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20170125/mental-health-may-affect-chances-against-cancer?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Pregnancy and Underactive Thyroid Treatment
New study finds the therapy may have potential risks, and specialists say more study is needed
From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20170125/should-pregnant-women-always-be-treated-for-underactive-thyroid?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Early Death Rates Up for Whites, Down for Blacks
Drug overdoses, liver disease, suicides fuel jump in numbers for whites, U.S. study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20170125/rates-of-early-deaths-rise-for-whites-drop-for-blacks?src=RSS_PUBLIC
1 in 4 U.S. Adults, 1 in 10 Teens Use Tobacco
About 40 percent of cigarette smokers also use e-cigarettes or other tobacco products, report finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20170125/1-in-4-us-adults-1-in-10-teens-use-tobacco?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Drug May Be New Weapon Against a 'Superbug'
Zinplava cuts risk of recurrent C. difficile infections by 40 percent
From: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20170125/drug-may-be-new-weapon-against-a-superbug?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Most Primary Care Docs Oppose ACA Repeal: Survey
Though many would support changes, only 15 percent want the controversial health care reform law dismantled
From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20170125/majority-of-primary-care-docs-oppose-repeal-of-obamacare-survey?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Does Celiac Disease Contribute to Other Autoimmune Diseases?
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=079KrH8k01Q
Does your doctor’s gender matter?
Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling
I’ve read medical research studies that surprised me. I’ve read medical news that inspired me to learn more. And, sure, there have been plenty of studies that went way over my head. But it’s rare that I’ve read a study that made me feel defensive. Until now.
Researchers publishing JAMA Internal Medicine reported that older adults admitted to the hospital fare better if under the care of a female physician rather than a male physician. More specifically, the patients in this study were less likely to end up back in the hospital, or die, in the 30 days after discharge if cared for by female physicians than similar patients cared for by male physicians.
How “good” was the study?
The study was large. Nearly 1.6 million hospital admissions among people covered by Medicare were analyzed for deaths within 30 days. Another 1.6 million admissions were analyzed for readmission within 30 days. When comparing care provided by male to female internists, the results clearly demonstrated small differences that consistently favored the female physicians:
- Deaths within 30 days of admission occurred in 11.07% of patients cared for by female physicians while 11.49% of patients cared for by male physicians died in that timeframe.
- Readmission to the hospital within 30 days of discharge occurred in 15.02% of patients with female physicians but in 15.57% of those cared for by male physicians.
- Even after accounting for several relevant factors, such as severity or type of patients’ illness, or type of medical training, age or experience of the physicians, the findings remained largely the same.
Although these differences may seem small, they could have a large impact on unnecessary suffering, premature death, and costs of care when considered over the millions of hospital admissions that occur each year.
Your reaction, please
When I surveyed the members of my household about these results, the reactions ranged from “Of course, everyone knows women are better at everything,” (my wife’s perspective) to, “There must be some other reason for these findings; the researchers must have missed something.” OK, that last one was from me. Did I mention I was feeling defensive?
But after reading the research report’s results carefully, it’s hard to come up with an alternative explanation for the study’s findings. And there is other research that suggests that female physicians outperform their male counterparts in certain aspects of medical care, such as communication skills.
So, what’s their secret?
And that brings us to this question. If female physicians are getting better results, how do they do it? Just what are the differences in the ways male and female physicians practice that lead to better outcomes for patients of women doctors?
The answer is important. Identifying the differences in how male and female physicians provide care could lead to improved care across the board, regardless of physician gender.
The study’s authors are appropriately cautious in their conclusions because a study of this type cannot determine why the results turned out as they did. But they did offer a few possibilities:
- Female physicians may follow clinical guidelines more often.
- Female physicians may communicate better, with less medical jargon.
- Male physicians may be less “deliberate” in addressing complicated patients’ problems (as suggested by past research).
I would add a couple of other possibilities:
- Perhaps female physicians listen more carefully.
- Female physicians may spend more time with their patients, and this could allow the doctor to get a better sense of the patient’s symptoms and help ensure that her recommendations are understood well by the patient.
There are more questions to answer
Beyond making us think about what female physicians are doing right, this study raises a number of other questions:
- Would the results be the same if other areas of medicine were similarly studied? This study excluded patients of care for by other types of doctors such as surgeons, obstetricians, and psychiatrists.
- Would physician gender matter if the patients were younger? The average age of patients in this Medicare-covered study population was nearly 81.
- How would the results be affected if outpatients were included?
How can we use this information to improve care of patients?
Undoubtedly, future research will try to tease out how female and male doctors practice differently. Then it will be important to figure out why these differences exist and which ones matter most. It’s probable that each gender has something to teach the other. One thing is certain: accepting the possibility that female physicians may outperform male physicians in certain aspects of medical care, and then trying to understand why, is much more constructive than being defensive about it.
The post Does your doctor’s gender matter? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-your-doctors-gender-matter-2017012611062
Infectious Diseases Subspecialties Update 2017: Surgical Site Infections
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN-F0e2XZHg
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Mylan CEO says EpiPen controversy was "a window into a broken system"
Heather Bresch, head of the pharma giant, is opening up about the firestorm created by the nearly-500 percent increase in the price of life-saving allergy medicine
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mylan-ceo-heather-bresch-speaks-out-epipen-controversy-preview/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mylan-ceo-heather-bresch-speaks-out-epipen-controversy-preview/
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
What is prediabetes and why does it matter?
When I’m seeing a new patient, I am especially alert to certain pieces of their history. Do they have a strong family history of diabetes? Are they of Latino, Asian, Native-American, or African-American ethnicity? Did they have diabetes in pregnancy? Are they overweight or obese? Do they have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Why do I care about these things? Because they may be clues that the patient is at risk for developing adult-onset (type 2) diabetes, and that can lead to multiple major medical problems.
Many people have heard of type 2 diabetes, a disease where the body loses its ability to manage sugar levels. Adult-onset diabetes most often affects people with known risk factors and can take years to fully develop, unlike juvenile (type 1) diabetes, which can develop randomly and quickly.
Here is why high blood sugar is a problem
Untreated or undertreated diabetes means persistently high blood sugars, which can cause horrible arterial blockages, resulting in strokes and heart attacks. High blood sugars also cause nerve damage, with burning leg pain that eventually gives way to numbness. This, combined with the arterial blockages, can result in deformities and dead tissue, which is why many people with diabetes end up with amputations. The tiny blood vessels to the retina are also affected, which can cause blindness. And don’t forget the kidneys, which are especially susceptible to the damage caused by high blood sugar. Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis and/or kidney transplant. But wait! There’s more. High blood sugar impairs the white blood cell function critical to a healthy immune system, and sugar is a great source of energy for invading bacteria and fungi. These factors put folks at risk of nasty infections of all kinds.
These facts scare me. Not just because I’m the doctor who gets to help manage these not-fun issues, but because I’m of Latina descent and diabetes runs in my own family. I’m at risk too.
So, what can we do? If we know who is at risk for diabetes, and it takes years to develop, we should be able to prevent it, right? Right!
Keeping prediabetes from becoming diabetes
A recent in-depth article by endocrine experts declares prediabetes a worldwide epidemic (which it is).1 Prediabetes is defined by fasting blood sugars between 100 and 125, or an abnormal result on an oral glucose tolerance test. What can we do to treat prediabetes? The authors reviewed multiple large, well-conducted studies, and all showed that prediabetes can be targeted and diabetes delayed or prevented.
One of the largest studies was conducted here in the U.S.2 Over 3,000 people from 27 centers who were overweight or obese and had prediabetes were randomly assigned to one of three groups:
- standard lifestyle recommendations plus the medication metformin (Glucophage);
- standard lifestyle recommendations plus a placebo pill;
- an intensive program of lifestyle modification.
The intensive program included individualized dietary counseling, as well as instruction to walk briskly or do other exercise for 120 minutes per week, with the goal of some modest weight loss.
Investigators followed the subjects over three years, and the results were consistent with those from many other studies: the people in the intensive lifestyle modification group (nutrition counseling and exercise guidance) were far less likely to develop diabetes in that time span than those in either of the other groups.3,4,5 Want numbers? The estimated cumulative incidence of diabetes at three years was 30% for placebo, 22% for metformin, and 14% for lifestyle modification. The incidence of diabetes was 39% lower in the lifestyle modification group than in the metformin group. As a matter of fact, they shut down the study early because it was deemed unethical to keep the subjects in the placebo and metformin-only groups from proper treatment.
The authors of the prediabetes review also looked at the multitude of other studies that more closely examined what kinds of diets are useful and concluded that “The consensus is that a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruit, monounsaturated fat, and low in animal fat, trans fats, and simple sugars is beneficial, along with maintenance of ideal body weight and an active lifestyle.”
It’s really just common sense. And that’s why my husband and I greatly limit our intake of sugar and carbs, get four-plus servings of plant-based foods daily, and exercise.
A word about medication
For my patients who for whatever reason cannot change their diet and lifestyle, I do recommend a medication. For patients who are on the cusp of diabetes and who have multiple risk factors or other diseases, medication really is indicated. There are also people who want to add a medication to diet and exercise in order to boost weight loss and further decrease their risk, and that’s fair as well.
I know that using medications for prediabetes is controversial. Other doctors have warned that the label “pre-diabetes” is over-inclusive and that it’s all a vast big-pharma marketing scam.6 It’s true that we have to be informed about what we’re prescribing and why. But based on what I’ve seen in my career, I definitely do NOT want to develop diabetes myself, and if you’re at risk, believe me, you don’t either. So, consider the pros and cons of everything, talk to your doctor, and decide for yourself what action you want to take. And then, take action.
Sources
- Edwards CM, Cusi K. Prediabetes: A Worldwide Epidemic. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, December 2016.
- Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. New England Journal of Medicine, February 7, 2002.
- Pan XR, Li GW, Hu YH, et al. Effects of diet and exercise in preventing NIDDM in people with impaired glucose tolerance. The Da Qing IGT and Diabetes Study. Diabetes Care, April 1997.
- Tuomilehto J, Lindstrom J, Eriksson JG, et al. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. New England Journal of Medicine, May 3, 2001.
- Lindstrom J, Peltonen M, Eriksson JG, et al. Improved lifestyle and decreased diabetes risk over 13 years: long-term follow-up of the randomised Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study (DPS). Diabetologia, February 2013.
- Prediabetes: can prevention come too soon? Blog post by Richard Lehman, Cochrane UK Senior Fellow in General Practice, November 11, 2016.
The post What is prediabetes and why does it matter? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Monique Tello, MD, MPH http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-prediabetes-and-why-does-it-matter-2017012511025
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Antibiotic Overuse Behind 'Superbug' Outbreak
Finding could have implications for U.S. hospitals, study authors say
From: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20170125/antibiotic-overuse-behind-superbug-outbreak-in-uk-hospitals?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Gene Therapy Helps 2 Babies Fight Type of Leukemia
Tweaking T-cells from healthy donor allowed infants to reach remission, researchers report
From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/lymphoma/news/20170125/gene-therapy-helps-2-babies-fight-type-of-leukemia?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Even one high-fat meal can harm your liver, study finds
Over time, the rapid effect of "fat loading" could contribute to disease, researchers say
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/even-one-high-fat-meal-can-harm-your-liver/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/even-one-high-fat-meal-can-harm-your-liver/
Electrical Brain Stimulation May Treat Bulimia
Though preliminary, it found symptoms of eating disorder lessened in first 24 hours after treatment
From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa/news/20170125/study-explores-electrical-brain-stimulation-to-treat-bulimia?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Diabetes Kills More Americans Than Thought
Condition is third-highest cause of death, study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20170125/diabetes-kills-more-americans-than-had-been-thought?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Newer Hepatitis C Drugs May Pose Health Risks
Newer Hepatitis C Drugs May Pose Health Risks
From: http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/news/20170125/hepatitis-c-drugs-side-effects?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Chemo Overused in Younger Colon Cancer Patients?
Study found the treatment often wasn't beneficial, but cancer expert says more research is needed
From: http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20170125/is-chemo-overused-in-younger-colon-cancer-patients?src=RSS_PUBLIC
WHO Executive Board announces the names of the 3 nominees for the post of WHO Director-General
WHO Executive Board announces the names of the 3 nominees for the post of WHO Director–General.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/notes/2017/director-general-nominees/en/index.html
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/notes/2017/director-general-nominees/en/index.html
CMS attestation worksheets due Feb. 28
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/cms-attestation-worksheets-due-feb-28
Does excess pregnancy weight lead to overweight kids?
New research questions the link between extra pregnancy pounds and baby's weight
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-counters-link-between-excess-pregnancy-weight-and-overweight-kids/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-counters-link-between-excess-pregnancy-weight-and-overweight-kids/
Ablation Procedure Helps 3 out of 4 AFib Patients
But results may not be lasting, and patients may still need to take medications
From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/news/20170125/ablation-procedure-helps-3-out-of-4-patients-with-irregular-heartbeat?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Everything You Need To Know About Block Grants
Republican plans to transform Medicaid could help set debate on the role of government and entitlements. Here's an explanation of how it could work.
From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20170124/everything-you-need-to-know-about-block-grants--the-heart-of-gops-medicaid-plans?src=RSS_PUBLIC
HPV Vaccine Doesn't Eliminate Need for Pap Test
Women who've been immunized still need the screen every 3 to 5 years, cancer specialists say
From: http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/news/20170124/hpv-vaccine-doesnt-eliminate-need-for-pap-test?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Conjoined twins separated in 21-hour operation
“I always dreamt that they would be separated and they would live a normal life,” the twins' mother said
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/conjoined-twins-ballenie-bellanie-camancho-separated-21-hour-operation/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/conjoined-twins-ballenie-bellanie-camancho-separated-21-hour-operation/
Could wearable baby monitors do more harm than good?
Experts warn devices may cause parents undue stress - even unnecessary hospital bills - but some parents disagree
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/experts-say-smartphone-baby-monitors-ineffective-potentially-harmful/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/experts-say-smartphone-baby-monitors-ineffective-potentially-harmful/
Mayo Clinic Minute: Women and midlife weight gain
From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxnanfg40R8
What is prediabetes and why does it matter?
When I’m seeing a new patient, I am especially alert to certain pieces of their history. Do they have a strong family history of diabetes? Are they of Latino, Asian, Native-American, or African-American ethnicity? Did they have diabetes in pregnancy? Are they overweight or obese? Do they have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Why do I care about these things? Because they may be clues that the patient is at risk for developing adult-onset (type 2) diabetes, and that can lead to multiple major medical problems.
Many people have heard of type 2 diabetes, a disease where the body loses its ability to manage sugar levels. Adult-onset diabetes most often affects people with known risk factors and can take years to fully develop, unlike juvenile (type 1) diabetes, which can develop randomly and quickly.
Here is why high blood sugar is a problem
Untreated or undertreated diabetes means persistently high blood sugars, which can cause horrible arterial blockages, resulting in strokes and heart attacks. High blood sugars also cause nerve damage, with burning leg pain that eventually gives way to numbness. This, combined with the arterial blockages, can result in deformities and dead tissue, which is why many people with diabetes end up with amputations. The tiny blood vessels to the retina are also affected, which can cause blindness. And don’t forget the kidneys, which are especially susceptible to the damage caused by high blood sugar. Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis and/or kidney transplant. But wait! There’s more. High blood sugar impairs the white blood cell function critical to a healthy immune system, and sugar is a great source of energy for invading bacteria and fungi. These factors put folks at risk of nasty infections of all kinds.
These facts scare me. Not just because I’m the doctor who gets to help manage these not-fun issues, but because I’m of Latina descent and diabetes runs in my own family. I’m at risk too.
So, what can we do? If we know who is at risk for diabetes, and it takes years to develop, we should be able to prevent it, right? Right!
Keeping prediabetes from becoming diabetes
A recent in-depth article by endocrine experts declares prediabetes a worldwide epidemic (which it is).1 Prediabetes is defined by fasting blood sugars between 95 and 137, or an abnormal result on an oral glucose tolerance test. What can we do to treat prediabetes? The authors reviewed multiple large, well-conducted studies, and all showed that prediabetes can be targeted and diabetes delayed or prevented.
One of the largest studies was conducted here in the U.S.2 Over 3,000 people from 27 centers who were overweight or obese and had prediabetes were randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard lifestyle recommendations plus the medication metformin (Glucophage); standard lifestyle recommendations plus a placebo pill; or an intensive program of lifestyle modification. The intensive program included individualized dietary counseling, as well as instruction to walk briskly or do other exercise for 120 minutes per week, with the goal of some modest weight loss.
Investigators followed the subjects over three years, and the results were consistent with those from many other studies: the people in the intensive lifestyle modification group (nutrition counseling and exercise guidance) were far less likely to develop diabetes in that time span than those in either of the other groups.3,4,5 Want numbers? The estimated cumulative incidence of diabetes at three years was 30% for placebo, 22% for metformin, and 14% for lifestyle modification. The incidence of diabetes was 39% lower in the lifestyle modification group than in the metformin group. As a matter of fact, they shut down the study early because it was deemed unethical to keep the subjects in the placebo and metformin-only groups from proper treatment.
The authors of the prediabetes review also looked at the multitude of other studies that more closely examined what kinds of diets are useful and concluded that “The consensus is that a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruit, monounsaturated fat, and low in animal fat, trans fats, and simple sugars is beneficial, along with maintenance of ideal body weight and an active lifestyle.”
It’s really just common sense. And that’s why my husband and I greatly limit our intake of sugar and carbs, get four-plus servings of plant-based foods daily, and exercise.
A word about medication
For my patients who for whatever reason cannot change their diet and lifestyle, I do recommend a medication. For patients who are on the cusp of diabetes and who have multiple risk factors or other diseases, medication really is indicated. There are also people who want to add a medication to diet and exercise in order to boost weight loss and further decrease their risk, and that’s fair as well.
I know that using medications for prediabetes is controversial. Other doctors have warned that the label “pre-diabetes” is over-inclusive and that it’s all a vast big-pharma marketing scam.6 It’s true that we have to be informed about what we’re prescribing and why. But based on what I’ve seen in my career, I definitely do NOT want to develop diabetes myself, and if you’re at risk, believe me, you don’t either. So, consider the pros and cons of everything, talk to your doctor, and decide for yourself what action you want to take. And then, take action.
Sources
- Edwards CM, Cusi K. Prediabetes: A Worldwide Epidemic. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, December 2016.
- Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. New England Journal of Medicine, February 7, 2002.
- Pan XR, Li GW, Hu YH, et al. Effects of diet and exercise in preventing NIDDM in people with impaired glucose tolerance. The Da Qing IGT and Diabetes Study. Diabetes Care, April 1997.
- Tuomilehto J, Lindstrom J, Eriksson JG, et al. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. New England Journal of Medicine, May 3, 2001.
- Lindstrom J, Peltonen M, Eriksson JG, et al. Improved lifestyle and decreased diabetes risk over 13 years: long-term follow-up of the randomised Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study (DPS). Diabetologia, February 2013.
- Prediabetes: can prevention come too soon? Blog post by Richard Lehman, Cochrane UK Senior Fellow in General Practice, November 11, 2016.
The post What is prediabetes and why does it matter? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Monique Tello, MD, MPH http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-prediabetes-and-why-does-it-matter-2017012511025
Two specialists sought for recognition committee
The Council on Dental Education and Licensure is seeking two dental specialists to serve on its Committee on Recognition of Specialties and Interest Areas in General Dentistry.
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/two-specialists-sought-for-recognition-committee
From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/two-specialists-sought-for-recognition-committee
Fitter Seniors May Have Healthier Brains
Study found link between strong cardiorespiratory system and better memory
From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20170124/fitter-seniors-may-have-healthier-brains?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Doctors: No to Wearable Smartphone Baby Monitors
Sensors in infant clothing that track 'vitals' can cause unnecessary alarm, report says
From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20170124/pediatricians-say-no-to-wearable-smartphone-baby-monitors?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314
Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294
Stretching: Focus on flexibility
Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.
From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Do burnt toast and potatoes pose a real cancer risk?
The U.K. released new guidelines warning people of the potential dangers, but some experts say the advice is misguided
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/do-burnt-toast-and-potatoes-pose-a-real-cancer-risk/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/do-burnt-toast-and-potatoes-pose-a-real-cancer-risk/
Your Rights, One Voice: Mason’s Story
Some background: 504 Plans outline medical care and other accommodations that students with disabilities might need in the school setting. These plans ensure that students covered receive appropriate accommodations while at school, as well as equal treatment and access to school-related programs, trips and extracurricular activities. Under federal law, diabetes meets the definition of a disability, so public school students who live with diabetes, like Mason, should have a 504 Plan in place.
Nicole and Michael Stevens of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, approached Donegal Primary School to request a 504 Plan for Mason, who uses an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor, when he was in kindergarten. Rather than providing a 504 Plan, the school developed an Individualized Health Plan (IHP), which didn’t outline parameters or arrange extra time for education support for Mason based on his medical disability.
“It appeared the school wasn’t educated on how diabetes impacts a student’s ability to focus and learn, or how quickly blood sugar levels can change in a five-year-old,” Nicole said. “When we asked for a 504 Plan, we were told the school did not recognize diabetes as a disability and he did not qualify.”
Mason’s parents had also secured a private duty nurse to monitor Mason while at school to make sure his blood glucose levels remained stable. Unfortunately, the school began to rely a bit too much on the nurse rather than providing the extra support he truly needed.
Having only an IHP kept Mason from educational success on multiple occasions. For example, at one point, high blood glucose levels prevented Mason from being able to concentrate during a math test—to the point that he couldn’t complete it. This resulted in his teacher marking each incomplete answer as wrong. If Mason had had a 504 Plan in place, he potentially could have waited to take the test until his blood glucose levels came down.
This negative impact was even noted by Mason’s teacher. Report cards showed progress, but the teacher said that Mason’s challenges were prohibiting him from reaching his full educational potential.
Nicole and Michael knew that Mason needed more than an IHP, but the school stated that Pennsylvania state law required him to undergo a psychological evaluation to qualify for a 504 Plan. Nicole had read that this wasn’t the case (per federal law), and she turned to our Legal Advocacy program for help.
“At first, we trusted the school to follow the federal and state laws. So initially, we accepted the original plan of the IHP. However, as Mason progressed in kindergarten and we asked for amendments, we started to see that the IHP was not enough to ensure his education and Mason’s physical health was not being managed appropriately,” Nicole noted.
Our Legal Advocacy department confirmed that Mason was eligible for a 504 Plan and connected Nicole and Michael with Philadelphia attorney Alan L. Yatvin, who serves on our national Board of Directors and has significant experience with legal issues involving students with diabetes. With support from our Legal Advocacy team, Yatvin worked with the Stevens family as they negotiated a 504 Plan, making sure the school recognized its necessity—not an easy process.
“The school did not ‘embrace’ the 504 Plan,” Nicole noted. “The initial planning was awkward and uncomfortable.”
Finally, at the end of Mason’s kindergarten year, a 504 Plan was signed and took effect. With the plan in place, the Stevens family continues to work with the school to make sure Mason’s needs are being met.
According to Nicole, “Mason is [now] in first grade and is doing well—he likes school and excels in academics. The 504 Plan was a huge step in the right direction for us.”
There is still work to be done, such as a need for additional training and resources—for example, the Stevens family still relies on the private duty nurse to assist during the school day. But Nicole believes progress is being made: “We see small improvements with new staff at the school, and his teacher has been a great support. As Mason grows and can manage more on his own, we feel his needs can be fully met by the school in a few years.”
Thanks to the work of our Legal Advocacy team and Alan Yatvin, Mason’s family now hopes that he will enjoy the full, equal education experience that he deserves.
“It wasn’t until we connected with the Association’s Legal Advocacy program that we felt confident [that we had the] additional resources and staff to help us push forward to obtain what Mason was entitled to. It assured he would receive a fair and appropriate education regardless of his medical condition,” Nicole said. “Alana [our Legal Advocate] was the spearhead we needed and valued to get what our son needed and deserved as a child with diabetes.”
The American Diabetes Association leads the effort to prevent and eliminate discrimination against people with diabetes at school, at work and in other parts of daily life. If you need help, call 1-800-DIABETES or visit diabetes.org/gethelp.
Through our nationwide Safe at School® program, the Association is dedicated to making sure that all children with diabetes are medically safe at school and have the same educational opportunities as their peers. Visit our Safe at School website for information and resources.
Give the gift of fairness—donate now to help people with diabetes facing discrimination, just like Mason.
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From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2017/01/24/your-rights-one-voice-masons-story/
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