Assaults go up when daylight saving time ends, study finds

Researchers found that number of assaults go up by nearly 3 percent right after the country sets their clocks back one hour

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/assaults-go-up-daylight-saving-time/

Mayo Clinic Minute: A warning to parents about sliding with kids

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S28sR2uNro8

Climate Change Could Threaten Human Health Worldwide

Climate Change Could Threaten Human Health Worldwide

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171031/health-highlights-oct-31-2017?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Brain Scans May Identify Potential For Suicide

Brain scans may be able to identify when people are having suicidal thoughts, researchers report.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20171031/brain-scans-may-identify-potential-for-suicide?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Report sees "momentum" against climate change

Researchers call Earth's prognosis "guarded," but hope the tide may be turning

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/climate-change-health-impact-lancet-report/

Nurse makes Halloween costumes for preemies

A NICU nurse puts her crocheting to good use and makes Halloween costumes for premature babies

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nurse-crochets-costumes-for-tiny-babies-in-nicu/

ADA policy on genetic testing aims to protect patients from limited dental coverage

Dental benefit providers are called to demonstrate that any genetic tests used to determine eligibility for benefit coverage of specific oral health services are scientifically valid in a resolution the ADA House of Delegates adopted in October.

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-policy-on-genetic-testing-aims-to-protect-patients-from-limited-dental-coverage

Don’t overdose on black licorice, FDA warns

The agency warns that the old-fashioned treat has been linked to heart troubles

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/black-licorice-overdose-fda-warning-halloween/

Mayo Clinic - Session 7: Closing the Gap: Halima Khan

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5MVAn0Ntes

Want to Avoid Salt? Turn Up the Spice

If your taste buds lean toward spicy, you might be doing your heart a favor, new research suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20171031/want-to-avoid-salt-turn-up-the-spice?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Even Partial Breast-Feeding Lowers SIDS Risk

New research confirms that breast-feeding for two to four months of a newborn's life can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

From: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20171031/even-partial-breast-feeding-lowers-sids-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

How Your Thyroid May Be Working Against Your Heart

The tiny thyroid gland could have a big impact on heart health, new research suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/women/news/20171031/how-your-thyroid-may-be-working-against-your-heart?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Association revises Constitution and Bylaws for first time since 1940s

The ADA House of Delegates approved the Association's first revisions to its Constitution and Bylaws since the 1940s.

From: By David Burger http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/association-revises-constitution-and-bylaws-first-time-since-1940s

Decoding Dental Benefits new series to demystify dental plans

Chances are, a fair amount of the time dentists spend at their practices every week has little to do with their clinical training — and everything to do with their patients' dental benefits plans.

From: By David Burger http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/decoding-dental-benefits-new-series-to-demystify-dental-plans

New dentist members on ADA councils get voting privileges

To ensure they have a more "meaningful representation," the House of Delegates voted Oct. 23 to give new dentist members voting privileges on councils.

From: By Kimber Solana http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/new-dentist-members-on-ada-councils-get-voting-privileges

Sleep-related breathing disorder treatment outlined in new policy

Dentists are the only health care provider with the knowledge and expertise to provide oral appliance therapy, according to Resolution 17H-2017 passed by the ADA House of Delegates at ADA 2017 – America's Dental Meeting.

From: By David Burger http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/sleep-related-breathing-disorder-treatment-outlined-in-new-policy

Belly Fat Ups Odds of Emergency Surgery Troubles

Excess belly fat dramatically increases the risk of complications and death after emergency surgery, a new study finds.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20171030/belly-fat-ups-odds-of-emergency-surgery-troubles?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Why parents should save their baby’s cord blood — and give it away

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

The blood left over in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born has special cells in it that can treat and even cure some serious diseases. The blood can be collected and stored — and that’s what many private cord blood banking companies encourage parents to do, in case their child (or someone else in the family) develops one of those diseases in the future.

The American Academy of Pediatrics wants parents to collect that cord blood. But instead of keeping it for themselves, they would like them to give it away to a public cord blood bank.

Cord blood contains cells called hematopoietic stem cells. These cells can turn into any kind of blood cell and can be used for transplants that can cure diseases such as blood disorders, immune deficiencies, metabolic diseases, and some kinds of cancers. Research is revealing more and more ways it can save lives. It is precious — almost magical — and absolutely worth keeping. Doing so is completely safe for the baby, and doesn’t affect labor or delivery.

The diseases that cord blood treats are not very common, so the chances of any given child developing them are low — but worldwide they affect millions of children. That’s why public blood banks are used 30 times more often than private ones. If a family has a known genetic problem that puts them at risk of developing an illness that could be treated with cord blood, then it makes sense to keep it for family use. But if that’s not the case, it makes more sense to donate it, because it’s much more likely to be needed by another family than by the baby’s family.

Giving to a public blood bank is free, but banking through a private bank costs money: $1,000 to $2,000 initially, and then a yearly fee of $100 to $200. That’s a lot of money, which means that most families who end up needing cord blood don’t have a personal supply banked for them. Private cord blood banks also don’t have to meet the same accreditation standards as public ones, which means that the cord blood may end up being less useful if it’s needed.

It is only recently that we realized how precious cord blood is; before then, we threw it out. We still throw it out heartbreakingly often. There is some advanced planning involved to collect it, which is why we need to get the word out to everyone who is or might be an expectant parent, or anyone who might know an expectant parent and can tell them about cord blood donation.

When you donate cord blood you donate something that you are unlikely to need and that could cure a disease and save a life. That’s pretty amazing.

The post Why parents should save their baby’s cord blood — and give it away appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/parents-save-babys-cord-blood-give-away-2017103112654

Close to 3 million people access hepatitis C cure

Close to 3 million people access hepatitis C cure

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/hepatitis-c-cure/en/index.html

FDA: Don't OD on Black Licorice This Halloween

For people 40 and older, eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could trigger an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and other troubles, the agency warned in advance of Halloween.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/news/20171030/fda-dont-od-on-black-licorice-this-halloween?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FDA: Don't OD on Black Licorice This Halloween

For people 40 and older, eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could trigger an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and other troubles, the agency warned in advance of Halloween.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20171030/fda-dont-od-on-black-licorice-this-halloween?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Tips to avoid binge eating on Halloween

Experts offer some advice to help you control the urge to binge when temptation lurks at every corner

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tips-to-avoid-binge-eating-halloween-candy/

Should colon cancer screening start younger?

Colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 50, but some researchers say risk may start rising years before

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/should-colon-cancer-screening-start-younger/

Acetaminophen during pregnancy tied to ADHD risk in kids

A new study adds to evidence linking extended use of the medication to an increased risk of behavioral issues in children

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/acetaminophen-pregnancy-adhd-risk-in-kids/

How opioids compare with past drug crises

The current opioid crisis is the most widespread and deadly drug epidemic in the nation's history, but there has been a long string of others

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-epidemic-shares-chilling-similarities-with-the-past/

Will examining Vegas shooter's brain yield clues?

Stephen Paddock's brain is being sent to Stanford University for a months-long examination to find any possible neurological problems

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/stephen-paddock-doctors-examine-brain-las-vegas-shooting/

Michael J. Fox's fight against Parkinson's

Actor Michael J. Fox is known to millions for the "Back to the Future" films and the TV series "Family Ties" and "Spin City." But for the past two decades it's been his battle with Parkinson's disease, and his search for a cure, that may have generated the most attention. Looking back, he tells anchor Jane Pauley that sharing his battle publicly and joining with others to raise money has been "one of the great gifts of my life." He is now launching an online study to help researchers develop new therapies for the disease.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/michael-j-foxs-fight-against-parkinsons/

Morning Rounds: Unpaid caregivers, forecasting flu strains

CBS News contributor Dr. Tara Narula joins "CBS This Morning: Saturday" to discuss a new poll of unpaid caregivers, a recent study about the most common types of irregular heartbeat, and a new forecasting model that might help predict which strains of the flu will threaten us.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/morning-rounds-unpaid-caregivers-forecasting-flu-strains/

This drug is driving rapid rise in overdose deaths

New report shows fentanyl is a major factor in the deadliest drug crisis in U.S. history

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fentanyl-opioid-overdose-deaths-rapid-increase/

The safest time of day to get heart surgery

Researchers compared how patients did after heart surgery in either the morning or the afternoon – and found a big difference

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heart-surgery-safer-time-of-day-afternoon/

In heartbreaking case, doctors can only save one twin

"I left the operating room and cried," the chief surgeon said. "I cry thinking about it now. It was not easy. But I don't regret it."

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctors-heartbreaking-decision-conjoined-twins/

Leaders in evidence-based dentistry honored

The ADA/AADR Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty & Practice Awards annually recognize dentists and researchers who make significant contributions to implement and advance evidence-based dentistry. The organizations presented the awards on Thursday during a joint reception. The awards are supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Colgate

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/leaders-in-evidence-based-dentistry-honored

New ADA president challenges dentists to "lead the change"

As he addressed the House of Delegates during his Oct. 23 installation, new ADA President Joseph P. Crowley invited ADA members to unleash their idealism and elevate dentistry to new heights.

From: By Jennifer Garvin http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/new-ada-president-challenges-dentists-to-lead-the-change

Be Wary of Excessive Salt in Some Restaurant Meals

Some restaurant meals can have twice the recommended daily sodium. Take proper steps to avoid overdoing the salt when eating out.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20171030/be-wary-of-excessive-salt-in-some-restaurant-meals?src=RSS_PUBLIC

When It Pays to Quit, More People Stop Smoking

Financial rewards and personalized support can improve a smoker's chances of quitting, a new study finds.

From: https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20171030/when-it-pays-to-quit-more-people-stop-smoking?src=RSS_PUBLIC

High-Pesticide Produce Not Helpful for Fertility

Couples who are trying to have children should probably be picky about their produce, a new study suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20171030/high-pesticide-produce-not-helpful-for-fertility?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Should colon cancer screening start younger?

Colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 50, but some researchers say risk may start rising years before

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/should-colon-cancer-screening-start-younger/

Acetaminophen during pregnancy tied to ADHD risk in kids

A new study adds to evidence linking extended use of the medication to an increased risk of behavioral issues in children

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/acetaminophen-pregnancy-adhd-risk-in-kids/

WHO report signals urgent need for greater political commitment to end tuberculosis

WHO report signals urgent need for greater political commitment to end TB

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/political-commitment-tb/en/index.html

Not 'Dead' Yet: Obamacare Sign-up Begins Nov. 1

The Trump administration's repeated efforts to topple Obamacare have not thwarted the program's annual enrollment for health insurance.

From: https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/news/20171030/not-dead-yet-obamacare-sign-up-begins-nov-1?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Should Colon Cancer Screening Start at 45, not 50?

Currently, people at average risk of colon cancer are told to start screening for the disease at age 50. But a new study raises the question of whether earlier screening could be better.

From: https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20171030/should-colon-cancer-screening-start-at-45-not-50?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Warming Oceans Could Bring Powerful Hurricanes

Larger, more intense storms will likely cost more to recover from, scientists predict

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171029/warming-oceans-could-bring-powerful-hurricanes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Spooky Halloween Contact Lenses Are No Treat

If you're tempted to buy Halloween-styled contact lenses without a prescription -- don't do it, eye experts warn.

From: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20171027/spooky-halloween-contact-lenses-are-no-treat?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Will examining Vegas shooter's brain yield clues?

Stephen Paddock's brain is being sent to Stanford University for a months-long examination to find any possible neurological problems

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/stephen-paddock-doctors-examine-brain-las-vegas-shooting/

"Wolves ahead of the pack": How opioid epidemic compares with past crises

The current opioid crisis is the most widespread and deadly drug epidemic in the nation's history, but there has been a long string of others

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-epidemic-shares-chilling-similarities-with-the-past/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Some sexually transmitted infections reach record highs

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIH4WsPGg_E

Acetaminophen in Pregnancy Tied to ADHD Risk

Acetaminophen is considered the go-to pain medication during pregnancy. But a new study adds to evidence linking the drug to an increased risk of behavioral issues in kids.

From: https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/news/20171030/acetaminophen-in-pregnancy-tied-to-adhd-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Fitting in fitness for busy people

Today I led a small group of medical students on inpatient rounds. We had a patient on the seventh floor of the hospital. As I always do, I headed for the stairs, but told the students they could take the elevators if they wanted. (I promised them that they wouldn’t lose any points on their academic performance!)

And as they usually do, they decided to join me in the stairwell. Yes, we huffed and puffed a bit, but we still chatted, discussing fitness the whole time.

I take the stairs for many reasons, not the least of which is a frightening malfunctioning elevator experience from several years ago (a long story involving a team of maintenance personnel and a crowbar).

But a bigger factor is my own vigorous, unapologetic self-care regimen. I know I need regular exercise to maintain my mood and my health, so I fit it in wherever I can. If I have a patient on the seventh floor — or even the 22nd floor — I look at it as a terrific opportunity for a mini-workout in the middle of my workday.

We know it’s good for us, so why don’t we do it more?

The proven benefits of exercise are endless. Most people already know that mountains of research show that regular physical activity improves every aspect of our health: it decreases cardiovascular risk, manages stress, improves mood, delays dementia, eases chronic pain, and on and on.

Some people are committed to fitness and get more than enough exercise. But, most are not. One of the biggest barriers to regular physical activity is that it can be difficult to figure out how to “make” exercise happen.

Modern life is just so darned busy. Our workdays are long, our commutes are longer, and home responsibilities can easily take up the rest of our time.

Exercise as self-care

Here’s where the self-care concept is key: yes, I know that I need regular exercise to maintain my own mood and health, and as a primary care doctor, I know that everyone needs regular exercise to maintain their mood and health.

So how do we make this work?

1.   Exercise doesn’t have to mean going for a run or to the gym. Any activity counts. The goal is to avoid sitting for prolonged periods. Let go of the idea that it needs to be an hour of aerobics class or spinning or a several-mile powerwalk or run. It doesn’t! There are great benefits from all activities for any amount of time: it all adds up.

2.  Exercise can fit into the busiest workday. If you have to go to another floor, take the stairs. Try walking across the office to chat with a colleague, instead of sending an email. Someone going for coffee? Go with them. Your next meeting? Make it a walking meeting, especially if it’s nice out. If all you can do is stand up from your desk every half-hour and stretch, maybe walk around your office, then do that.

3.  Keep track of what you do. If you have a wearable step-counter, this can be a fun way to keep track of your activity and your progress. If you realize you haven’t moved much one day, then try to get up and move around more. Invent a reason to go for a walk. It can be motivating to see how your stamina (in steps and flights) improves over time.

4.  Make it fun! My kids love it when we do things together, and if it can be something active, we all get exercise as well. Win-win. We’ll walk or hike in the town park or nearby nature reserve; dance around the living room to boppy kids’ faves; jump on the trampoline; or I’ll run with them while they practice bike riding. I don’t care if I look silly (especially when we’re on the trampoline) because I know that all activity is good for me and for them.

If you think about exercise this way, none of us is too busy. And we all need to keep moving.

Official U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults Our government has provided longstanding guidance on amount and type of physical activity, based on the evidence (and new guidelines will be coming out in 2018). All adults should avoid inactivity. Some physical activity is better than none, and adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits. For substantial health benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination. Aerobic activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, it should be spread throughout the week. For additional and more extensive health benefits, adults should increase their aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. Additional health benefits are gained by engaging in physical activity beyond this amount. Adults should also include muscle-strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups on two or more days a week.

 

The post Fitting in fitness for busy people appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Monique Tello, MD, MPH https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fitting-in-fitness-for-busy-people-2017103012633

5 things parents and teachers need to know about ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a childhood disorder that affects as many as one out of 10 children in the United States. Even though it’s fairly common, many misconceptions still persist. So here are five important things you should know if you are a parent or a teacher of a child with ADHD.

1. The hallmark symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Most kids are inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive at times. But for a diagnosis of ADHD, these symptoms must interfere significantly in multiple places, such as at school and at home. This is a childhood disorder, meaning the symptoms must be present before adolescence. The symptoms can start in preschool, but most kids aren’t diagnosed until later in childhood. The symptoms may change over time, with hyperactivity and impulsivity being more pronounced in young children, while high-schoolers and young adults often display more difficulty with attention. Many children (perhaps as many as half) will outgrow their symptoms but others do not, so ADHD can affect a person into adulthood.

2. There are different types of ADHD: predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation; predominantly inattentive presentation; combined presentation. Most children with ADHD have a combination of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity and would be diagnosed with ADHD-combined presentation. Other children who struggle most with hyperactivity and impulsivity would get the diagnosis of ADHD-hyperactive/impulsive presentation. A third group has predominantly problems with attention. While you often will hear these children described as ADD (attention deficit disorder), the correct term is ADHD-predominantly inattentive presentation. Girls tend to have inattentive symptoms more than boys.

3. ADHD is a brain-based disorder. Kids can’t overcome symptoms of ADHD by “trying to concentrate harder” or by willing themselves to “pay attention.” Brain imaging studies have shown that people with ADHD have structurally different brains than people without ADHD. It also runs in families. Children whose parents have ADHD have a 40% to 60% chance of also having ADHD. Sometimes a child’s diagnosis can be the first clue that a parent may have ADHD.

4. The symptoms of ADHD can make school, family, and social relationships difficult. School requires attention and organizational skills, things that can be difficult for kids with ADHD. They may lose homework, have difficulty organizing their thoughts, and have problems thinking ahead and planning. In addition, it’s common for children with ADHD to also have learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, that make schoolwork even more challenging. While kids with ADHD don’t generally have a specific problem with social skills, difficulty with emotion regulation and impulsivity can interfere with personal relationships, and so it can be hard for them to keep and maintain friendships. It can also be hard for them to follow social rules, control their emotions, or say the appropriate thing. Finally, problems with organization, planning, and focusing on what’s being said to them can make many aspects of home life quite difficult. Relationships with parents and siblings can take a lot more work.

5. There are great treatments available for children with ADHD. There are a variety of research-backed therapies that can help relieve symptoms of ADHD. Some of the most effective approaches combine several therapies, for example:

• Medication: Many parents are fearful of trying medication, but ADHD medications are some of the most well-studied across all areas of medicine. Stimulant medications (such as Ritalin, Adderall, or Concerta) are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs stimulate the parts of the brain that are understimulated. These parts of the brain are related to thinking and attention. The goals of these medications are to reduce hyperactivity/impulsivity and increase focus/attention.
• Behavior therapy: Behavior therapy teaches the child to be aware of, monitor, and eventually modify disruptive behaviors. The therapist will teach social skills, such as waiting your turn, reading facial expressions, sharing, asking for help, and reacting appropriately when teased. Cognitive behavioral therapy emphasizes mindfulness, and teaches a child to be aware of her thoughts and emotions as a way of improving attention and focus.
• Education and training: Knowing oneself, or one’s child, can help parents understand how ADHD and its symptoms affect the family unit. Parents and teachers can learn tools that can help the child learn new, pro-social, and positive behaviors. Adults can learn how to cope with inappropriate behaviors and encourage positive ones. This can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
• ADHD coaching: A coach can help students with ADHD work toward goals, see change as a positive thing, improve productivity and functioning, and keep a student accountable. This is particularly useful for older kids.

Getting informed about ADHD is the first step in finding help. For more information, see www.mghclaycenter.org and www.understood.org.

The post 5 things parents and teachers need to know about ADHD appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Ellen Braaten, PhD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-things-parents-and-teachers-need-to-know-about-adhd-2017102712643

Michael J. Fox's fight against Parkinson's

Actor Michael J. Fox is known to millions for the "Back to the Future" films and the TV series "Family Ties" and "Spin City." But for the past two decades it's been his battle with Parkinson's disease, and his search for a cure, that may have generated the most attention. Looking back, he tells anchor Jane Pauley that sharing his battle publicly and joining with others to raise money has been "one of the great gifts of my life." He is now launching an online study to help researchers develop new therapies for the disease.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/michael-j-foxs-fight-against-parkinsons/

Mayo Clinic National Health Checkup: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsEIn8tuoIM

Advances in Prenatal Screening: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jMb5H-t89I

Pediatric ENT Problems: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P8ZrJgX-rg

Morning Rounds: Unpaid caregivers, forecasting flu strains

CBS News contributor Dr. Tara Narula joins "CBS This Morning: Saturday" to discuss a new poll of unpaid caregivers, a recent study about the most common types of irregular heartbeat, and a new forecasting model that might help predict which strains of the flu will threaten us.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/morning-rounds-unpaid-caregivers-forecasting-flu-strains/

December webinar to help dentists collect what they produce

Dentists sometimes have patients concerned about financing treatment plans, even though many practices have policies, programs or systems in place to help the patient.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/december-webinar-to-help-dentists-collect-what-they-produce

This drug is driving rapid rise in opioid deaths

New report shows fentanyl is a major factor in the deadliest drug crisis in U.S. history

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fentanyl-opioid-overdose-deaths-rapid-increase/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Nipple-sparing mastectomy, pre-pectoral reconstruction

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsTiKUaJ-qY

$295 million settlement reached in Stericycle class action

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on Oct. 26 granted preliminary approval for the settlement.

From: By Kelly Soderlund http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/295-million-settlement-reached-in-stericycle-class-action

ADA commends White House for declaring public health emergency on opioids

The American Dental Association issued a statement Oct. 27 commending President Donald Trump for declaring a public health emergency on the opioid crisis.

From: By Jennifer Garvin http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-commends-white-house-for-declaring-public-health-emergency-on-opioids

Gene Therapy May Fight Brain Cancer's Return

A new form of gene therapy shows promise in battling recurrent brain cancer.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/news/20171027/gene-therapy-may-fight-brain-cancers-return?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Spiders, Snakes, and Clowns: Facing Your Phobias

Millions have fears of specific things, places or situations. Only a fraction, however, let it impact their lives.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20171027/spiders-snakes-and-clowns-facing-your-phobias?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Arizona: Hospital South Expansion Construction Project

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRhQQk12EsE

Meet the Investigator: Pashtoon M. Kasi, M.D.

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpXU6ooTeqE

The safest time of day to get heart surgery

Researchers compared how patients did after heart surgery in either the morning or the afternoon – and found a big difference

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heart-surgery-safer-time-of-day-afternoon/

Spine Talks – Spondylolisthesis, Episode 2

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BelvXOTRe-M

Pot Smokers May Have Better Sex Lives

The old image of the "pothead" who's too blissed out to make it in the bedroom may need revising.

From: https://www.webmd.com/sex/news/20171027/pot-smokers-may-have-better-sex-lives?src=RSS_PUBLIC

More Kids Have Food Allergies, Especially Peanuts

The number of U.S. children allergic to peanuts has increased by 21 percent since 2010, with nearly 2.5 percent of youngsters now having this type of allergy, a new study has found.

From: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20171027/more-kids-have-food-allergies-especially-peanuts?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Can Man's Best Friend Chase Away Eczema, Asthma?

Two new studies suggest man's furry best friend might actually provide some protection against allergic diseases.

From: https://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20171027/can-mans-best-friend-chase-away-eczema-asthma?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Drop Off Your Unused Meds Saturday on 'Take Back Day'

On Saturday, Oct. 28, you can safely dispose of unwanted medicines at sites across the country as part of the next "Take Back Day," sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state and local partners.

From: https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/news/20171027/drop-off-your-unused-meds-saturday-on-take-back-day?src=RSS_PUBLIC

With Severe Flu Season Lurking, Shots a Must

Early signs suggest that the United States will see a severe flu season, so it's especially important for Americans to get their shots, health experts say.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20171027/with-severe-flu-season-lurking-shots-a-must?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Newer Eczema Treatments Offer Relief

Children and adults with eczema shouldn't suffer in silence because new, improved treatments can do more to help ease the uncomfortable, itchy rash associated with the skin condition.

From: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/news/20171027/newer-eczema-treatments-offer-relief?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Organized Dentistry comments on HHS strategic plan

Washington — The Organized Dentistry Coalition has recommendations for how the U.S. Department of Health and Human can best serve the oral health and well-being of Americans.

From:

By Jennifer Garvin

http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/organized-dentistry-comments-on-hhs-strategic-plan

Trump: Opioid Epidemic a Public Health Emergency

In his first major speech Thursday on the opioid epidemic in the United States, President Donald Trump declared the crisis a public health emergency.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20171026/trump-opioid-epidemic-a-public-health-emergency?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Ohio to require people with HIV to tell sex partners

Court rules the state has a valid interest in curbing HIV transmission to sexual partners who may be unaware of the risk

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/court-rules-ohio-can-require-people-with-hiv-to-tell-sex-partners/

Insys Therapeutics founder accused of bribing doctors to prescribe opioids

The most prominent pharmaceutical executive to be criminally charged in the opioid epidemic is now free on bail. John Kapoor, founder of Insys Therapeutics, is accused of racketeering, conspiracy, fraud and other felonies. Prosecutors say Kapoor helped devise a plan to bribe doctors into prescribing the potent opiate to non-cancer patients. Jim Axelrod reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/insys-therapeutics-founder-accused-of-bribing-doctors-to-prescribe-opioids/

Severe Injury May Rapidly Change Gut Bacteria

After a severe traumatic injury, the composition of a patient's intestinal bacteria quickly changes -- a phenomenon that could affect the patient's prognosis, new research suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20171026/severe-injury-may-rapidly-change-gut-bacteria?src=RSS_PUBLIC

7-year-old with 3-D printed to make big play at World Series

The second grader, born with a rare condition known as Poland syndrome, is ready for the challenge

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/world-series-game-4-first-pitch-hailey-dawson-3d-printed-hand/

5 things parents and teachers need to know about ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a childhood disorder that affects as many as one out of 10 children in the United States. Even though it’s fairly common, many misconceptions still persist. So here are five important things you should know if you are a parent or a teacher of a child with ADHD.

1. The hallmark symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Most kids are inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive at times. But for a diagnosis of ADHD, these symptoms must interfere significantly in multiple places, such as at school and at home. This is a childhood disorder, meaning the symptoms must be present before adolescence. The symptoms can start in preschool, but most kids aren’t diagnosed until later in childhood. The symptoms may change over time, with hyperactivity and impulsivity being more pronounced in young children, while high-schoolers and young adults often display more difficulty with attention. Many children (perhaps as many as half) will outgrow their symptoms but others do not, so ADHD can affect a person into adulthood.

2. There are different types of ADHD: predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation; predominantly inattentive presentation; combined presentation. Most children with ADHD have a combination of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity and would be diagnosed with ADHD-combined presentation. Other children who struggle most with hyperactivity and impulsivity would get the diagnosis of ADHD-hyperactive-impulsive presentation. A third group has predominantly problems with attention. While you often will hear these children described as ADD (attention deficit disorder), the correct term is ADHD-predominantly inattentive presentation. Girls tend to have inattentive symptoms more than boys.

3. ADHD is a brain-based disorder. Kids can’t overcome symptoms of ADHD by “trying to concentrate harder” or by willing themselves to “pay attention.” Brain imaging studies have shown that people with ADHD have structurally different brains than people without ADHD. It also runs in families. Children whose parents have ADHD have a 40% to 60% chance of also having ADHD. Sometimes a child’s diagnosis can be the first clue that a parent may have ADHD.

4. The symptoms of ADHD can make school, family, and social relationships difficult. School requires attention and organizational skills, things that can be difficult for kids with ADHD. They may lose homework, have difficulty organizing their thoughts, and have problems thinking ahead and planning. In addition, it’s common for children with ADHD to also have learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, that make schoolwork even more challenging. While kids with ADHD don’t generally have a specific problem with social skills, difficulty with emotion regulation and impulsivity can interfere with personal relationships, and so it can be hard for them to keep and maintain friendships. It can also be hard for them to follow social rules, control their emotions, or say the appropriate thing. Finally, problems with organization, planning, and focusing on what’s being said to them can make many aspects of home life quite difficult. Relationships with parents and siblings can take a lot more work.

5. There are great treatments available for children with ADHD. There are a variety of research-backed therapies that can help relieve symptoms of ADHD. Some of the most effective approaches combine several therapies, for example:

• Medication: Many parents are fearful of trying medication, but ADHD medications are some of the most well-studied across all areas of medicine. Stimulant medications (such as Ritalin, Adderall, or Concerta) are the most commonly prescribed. These drugs stimulate the parts of the brain that are understimulated. These parts of the brain are related to thinking and attention. The goals of these medications are to reduce hyperactivity/impulsivity and increase focus/attention.
• Behavior therapy: Behavior therapy teaches the child to be aware of, monitor, and eventually modify disruptive behaviors. The therapist will teach social skills, such as waiting your turn, reading facial expressions, sharing, asking for help, and reacting appropriately when teased. Cognitive behavioral therapy emphasizes mindfulness, and teaches a child to be aware of her thoughts and emotions as a way of improving attention and focus.
• Education and training: Knowing oneself, or one’s child, can help parents understand how ADHD and its symptoms affects the family unit. Parents and teachers can learn tools that can help the child learn new, pro-social, and positive behaviors. Adults can learn how to cope with inappropriate behaviors and encourage positive ones. This can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
• ADHD coaching: A coach can help students with ADHD work toward goals, see change as a positive thing, improve productivity and functioning, and keep a student accountable. This is particularly useful for older kids.

Getting informed about ADHD is the first step in finding help. For more information, see www.mghclaycenter.org and www.understood.org.

The post 5 things parents and teachers need to know about ADHD appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Ellen Braaten, PhD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-things-parents-and-teachers-need-to-know-about-adhd-2017102712643

Infectious Diseases A-Z: What is an STI?

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uYx26DC0Zs

پولیو کی وبا کا سدِباب

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReYF6ZFRz7g

پولیو کی وبا کی نگرانی

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zb7fcOSwzE

ہر آخری بچے تک رسائی

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSjJUMs6a1E

د ګوزڼ د ناروغۍ د سرویلانس سیسټم -- سیستم سرویلانس پولیو

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-v3imtqypU

هروروستی ماشوم یا کوچنی ته رسيدل -- رسیدن به آخرین طفل

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLhNZAPp0cU

د ګورڼ د ناروغی د خپریدنی ځوابول --پاسخ به شیوع مرض پولیو

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6SwNFbwR6o

Trump declares opioid epidemic a public health emergency

President Trump declared a public health emergency Thursday to fight the opioid crisis in the U.S. But critics were quick to say it does not provide the money needed to get the job done. Major Garrett reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/trump-declares-opioid-epidemic-a-public-health-emergency/

Critics say Trump's opioid announcement didn't go far enough

"I unfortunately think it's largely rhetoric and very shallow," former drug czar Michael Botticelli said of Trump's Thursday declaration

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-opioid-epidemic-critics-national-emergency/

Walgreens stocking anti-opioid nasal spray Narcan

Walgreens said the move was "part of its comprehensive national plan to combat drug abuse" and help the communities it serves

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/narcan-available-at-all-walgreens-locations-nationwide/

In heartbreaking case, doctors can only save one twin

"I left the operating room and cried," the chief surgeon said. "I cry thinking about it now. It was not easy. But I don't regret it."

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctors-heartbreaking-decision-conjoined-twins/

Who should get the new shingles vaccine?

The FDA recently approved a new, more effective vaccine for the painful condition; do you need it?

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-shingles-vaccine-shingrix-who-should-get-it/

Trump declares opioid crisis a public health emergency

The move stopped short of what Mr. Trump declared he'd do in the summer

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/trump-to-declare-opioid-crisis-public-health-emergency-live-updates/

There's a New Shingles Vaccine -- Is It for You?

On the heels of approval of a better vaccine for the painful condition shingles, adults over 50 should plan to roll up their sleeves -- again.

From: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20171026/theres-a-new-shingles-vaccine----is-it-for-you?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Addicted Moms-to-Be Transmit Hepatitis C To Babies

More fallout from the U.S. opioid epidemic: Wisconsin has seen a near doubling of women on Medicaid who have the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in pregnancy.

From: https://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/news/20171026/addicted-moms-to-be-transmit-hepatitis-c-to-babies?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Blood Thinners May Protect A-Fib Patients' Brains

Blood thinners may pull double duty for people with the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation: New research suggests they help prevent dementia as well as stroke.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/news/20171026/blood-thinners-may-protect-afib-patients-brains?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Get rid of leftover pills on Drug Take Back Day

Saturday, October 28th is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-take-back-day-october-28-expired-opioids-painkillers-pills/

Video Q&A about Fetal Surgery and Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nlfmvekI1k

More Time or Quality of Life: End-of-Life Cancer Options

How to make treatment choices when you have advanced or incurable cancer. Lean about quality of life concerns, hospice, and other options for terminal illness.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/terminal-illness-treatment?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Substantial decline in global measles deaths, but disease still kills 90 000 per year

Substantial decline in global measles deaths, but disease still kills 90 000 per year

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/decline-measles-death/en/index.html

Hugh Hammond Bennett - The Story of America’s Private Lands Conservation Movement

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kyQIXAjnQI

Turning to Kratom For Opioid Withdrawal

Some people dependent on opioids are trying the herb kratom to help them get off the drugs.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20171026/kratom_opioid_withdrawal?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Minute Mayo Clinic Minute: Does your child have walking pneumonia?

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA1SEsB_OOI

DNA scans for infants raise privacy and discrimination concerns

Genetic counselors in Boston are offering parents a controversial peek at their baby's future health. It's part of a landmark study that could lead to gene scans for all infants at birth. A trial underway at Brigham and Women's Hospital uses genomic screening to screen for about 1,800 conditions. Tony Dokoupil reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/dna-scans-for-infants-raise-privacy-and-discrimination-concerns/

Ancient form of exercise could help heart attack patients

Every year, more than 700,000 Americans suffer a heart attack, and it can be a long road to recovery. But Dr. Jon LaPook found an ancient form of exercise can be "meditation in motion"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/ancient-form-of-exercise-could-help-heart-attack-patients/

Hurricane Maria disrupted production of medical supplies

Hurricane Maria disrupted production at Puerto Rican factories that make critical drugs and medical supplies. Dr. Jon LaPook found that hospitals on the U.S. mainland are already seeing shortages.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/hurricane-maria-disrupted-production-of-medical-supplies/

Genetic Testing’s Impact on Patient Care – Paige’s Story

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UHg0oEqdAg

Predictive Genetic Testing in Clinical Practice – Conner’s Story

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOJ9LpNRg3Q

Infectious Diseases A-Z: What is an STI?

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uYx26DC0Zs

IV bags in short supply after Hurricane Maria disrupted production

The American Hospital Association told CBS News the IV shortage "is quickly becoming a crisis and threat to public health"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/iv-bags-in-short-supply-after-hurricane-maria-disrupted-production/

Trump to declare opioid crisis a public health emergency

He'll call for all federal agencies to authorize emergency measures to reduce crisis, a step short of what he had promised to do in August – to declare a national emergency

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-to-declare-opioid-epidemic-a-public-health-emergency/

Formerly conjoined twins getting ready to go home

Doctors say the 15-month-old girls are recovering well after separation surgery

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/recently-separated-conjoined-twins-getting-ready-to-go-home/

"Hope dealers": West Virginia women offer help to opioid addicts

The women -- who are hand-holders and sometimes "butt-kickers" -- met at a support group for families harmed by addiction

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-perfect-union-west-virginia-women-deal-hope-for-opioid-addicts/

Many High-Risk Women Skip MRI Breast Cancer tests

Researchers studied more than 1,000 women in a U.S. military health system who had a 20 percent or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer due to genetics or personal or family history.

From: https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20171026/many-high-risk-women-skip-mri-breast-cancer-tests?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Survival Odds Improving for Lung Cancer Patients

Study of more than 65,000 people with stage 1 non-small-cell lung cancer found majority had surgery while 18% refused surgery or radiation.

From: https://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/news/20171026/survival-odds-improving-for-lung-cancer-patients?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Major Trump speech on opioid crisis may prove controversial

President will stop short of declaring the epidemic a national emergency, CBS News confirms

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/major-trump-speech-opioid-crisis-may-prove-controversial/

Woman who says she was misled into hysterectomy speaks out

She says two of her doctors and a nurse practitioner falsely told her she had cancer-causing genes and needed a double mastectomy and hysterectomy

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/woman-who-claims-she-had-unnecessary-hysterectomy-speaks-out/

December webinar to help dentists collect what they produce

A Dec. 7 one-hour webinar called GPS Managing Finances Webinar: How to Collect What You Produce has been designed to help dentists make sound business decisions when it comes to helping patients finance treatment.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/december-webinar-to-help-dentists-collect-what-they-produce

Jury reaches verdict for pharmacist in deadly meningitis outbreak

Glenn Chin would have faced up to life in prison had he been convicted of the murders of at least 76 people in the worst public health crisis in recent U.S. history

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/deadly-meningitis-outbreak-pharmacist-glenn-chin-new-england-compounding-center/

This Woman 'Sweats' Blood

You’ve probably sweat bullets before, though not literally. But did you know that in a few cases people have really “sweat” blood?

From: https://www.webmd.com/features/bleeding-face-palms?src=RSS_PUBLIC

11 Possible Heart Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

WebMD article on 11 possible symptoms of heart problems that you may not be aware of, such as dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/never-ignore-symptoms?src=RSS_PUBLIC

A Boy, Two Magnets -- and a Trip to the ER

He inserted one in each nostril, with disastrous results

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20171025/a-boy-two-magnets----and-a-trip-to-the-er?src=RSS_PUBLIC

پولیو کی وبا کا سدِباب

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReYF6ZFRz7g

پولیو کی وبا کی نگرانی

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zb7fcOSwzE

ہر آخری بچے تک رسائی

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSjJUMs6a1E

د ګوزڼ د ناروغۍ د سرویلانس سیسټم -- سیستم سرویلانس پولیو

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-v3imtqypU

هروروستی ماشوم یا کوچنی ته رسيدل -- رسیدن به آخرین طفل

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLhNZAPp0cU

د ګورڼ د ناروغی د خپریدنی ځوابول --پاسخ به شیوع مرض پولیو

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6SwNFbwR6o

Mayo Clinic Minute: Let the dogs sleep

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GbyCDMvMsU

Activity trackers: Can they really help you get fit?

Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling

Lately, I’ve been checking the number of steps I take each day. It’s not hard to do. My phone tracks it without me even asking it to. It also tracks the number of flights of stairs I’ve climbed and the number of miles I covered. And there are other options: I could track how often I stand up, how many calories I’ve burned by being active, and how many minutes I’ve engaged in brisk activity.

Even my employer has gotten into the act. As is common in many workplaces, one of our hospital’s wellness programs has organized “walking clubs” with teams comparing and competing with each other based on the number of steps team members take each week. Some companies offer prizes, financial incentives, or reductions in health insurance premiums if an employee participates in such a program.

Why all this monitoring?

Technology we carry around with us — our phones, watches, or other gadgets — allows enormous amounts of data to be collected about us every day. It’s important to keep in mind that there is a purpose to all of this. The point of activity trackers is to become more aware of how much (or how little) activity we’re doing so that we can make positive changes. Since the health benefits of physical activity — and the health risks of being sedentary — are well established, increasing activity is a health priority (or should be) for millions of people. Activity trackers are the first, um, step (sorry, couldn’t resist).

Do activity trackers really improve health?

My guess is that most people take for granted that activity trackers are helpful in promoting more physical activity, but that’s based mostly on assumption. That’s why researchers at Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School designed a study to compare full-time employees who used activity trackers with those who did not. Each of the 800 employees enrolled in the study paid the equivalent of $7 to enroll and then were randomly assigned to one of four groups for one year:

• use of a Fitbit Zip, a popular clip-on activity tracker (with payment of $3/week to continue in the study regardless of the number of steps taken)
• a Fitbit plus a cash incentive ($11 for taking 50,000 to 70,000 steps each week, or $22 for more than 70,000 steps/week)
• a Fitbit plus a payment to a charity (which was larger with increased activity)
• a control group that did not use an activity tracker; this group also received the $3/week for participation regardless of activity levels.

Researchers monitored more than just the number of steps taken. Study participants also had monitoring of more vigorous exercise and physical activity, weight, blood pressure, fitness levels, and they were asked about quality of life as well.

So, what did they find?

First, the good news

The group receiving the cash incentive increased their daily steps compared to the start of the study. This group was more active than the control group at six months, and 88% of them were still using their Fitbits (compared with about 60% of the Fitbit only and charity incentive groups).

Say it isn’t so!

When incentives stopped, only one in 10 study subjects continued to use the Fitbit. And after a year, with incentives stopped, activity levels fell in the groups receiving an incentive compared to when they started. This is disappointing indeed, especially considering that the participants in this study were probably more motivated than most to focus on their activity levels. They went to the effort and expense of enrolling in the study and agreed to put up with all the monitoring. In addition, most people in the real world probably have no direct financial incentives to maintain a certain level of activity each week.

This study follows another one from the University of Pittsburgh that found less weight loss among young adults who used fitness trackers compared to those who didn’t.

What’s next?

As technology evolves and research provides more information about what works (and what doesn’t), I think we’ll see a new generation of devices that are more customized to individual needs and medical conditions. For example, a person with diabetes might monitor physical activity to provide information about how to coordinate insulin injections and meals.

In addition, activity trackers can do more than simply spit out information about how active you’ve been. A good example comes from another recent study in which activity trackers were incorporated into a competitive game, complete with signed commitments to specific activity goals, an elaborate point system, and reliance on team cooperation and rewards. The study found that those using game-based activity trackers were more active and achieved activity goals more often than those using activity trackers without the game. The study lasted only 12 weeks and improvements waned somewhat after it ended, so the long-term impact of such a program is uncertain.

Physical activity trackers have quickly become a multimillion-dollar product category. I don’t see them going away any time soon. But, to actually get people moving and have a positive impact on health, we’ll probably need to use them in more innovative ways. And if they claim to improve your health, we’ll need high-quality research to back that up.

The post Activity trackers: Can they really help you get fit? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/activity-trackers-help-you-get-fit-2017102312594

Breast Cancer Awareness: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFcsnjVhWMU

Mayo Clinic Minute: Time to get vaccinated for flu season

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Klq3TOfvLyQ

Mayo Clinic Minute: A warning about costume contacts

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjUK0-t-FzI

Infertility: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hnJ0GajlR8

Mayo Clinic Minute: Opioids in the ED

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLEufey-V30

4 tips for teaching your child how to ride a bike “on the road”

I’ve been a parent for six years, and I still feel like I’ve always just missed some two-week window that would easily set up my oldest for the rest of his life. First it was swimming, then play dates, then soccer. The latest was riding a bike. In August, Milo was past 5 and a half years old and ripping his Big Wheel through the neighborhood. He loved it, but I feared that I had blown the chance to teach him to ride a two-wheeler before kindergarten started.

So, me being me, I scrambled and tried to undo time. I bought him a used BMX bike and removed the pedals. He went up and down our sidewalk; the cracks and roots made that two weeks of uselessness. He kept at it, but I didn’t see balance clicking in. However, on a Thursday afternoon while we were walking on our just-repaved road, Milo picked up his feet and started rolling. By Saturday, when he was pedaling without pedals, I realized it was time to reattach the real things. Before I could finish, “Just remember that you have to…,” he said, “I got this.” And he did and he hasn’t stopped.

I’d love to take credit. The most I can claim is that I went outside with him. But I knew one thing quickly: the playground basketball court wasn’t going to contain him for long. I also know that kids can’t ever be 100% prepped — that’s the point of learning — but streets are different than soccer and even kindergarten. They come with cars, distracted drivers, and more cars.

Pata Suyemoto is an instructor at the Bicycle Riding School in Somerville, Massachusetts. She says there’s no one method for teaching how to bike in traffic, but there are fundamentals to instill: visibility, predictability, and paying attention, not always the top three priorities for a kid. And she has some suggestions for parents on how to get your child there:

• Get on a bike yourself. It’s the best way to model anything, from using crosswalks to making turns to wearing a helmet. By riding, you’ll also experience what your child is contending with. You’ll see the limited sightlines, feel the rocky paths, and, if you have someone who loves to skid to a stop, you’ll know the loose dirt before an intersection. And with that information …
• Predict routes. You have to constantly scan and make notes about challenging areas, so you can give a heads-up to your child and chart the safest course. Don’t worry so much about explaining the whys — understanding comes with maturity. Just lay out a clear plan for what you want, such as, “At this intersection, stop on this corner, press the button and look both ways.”
• Practice passing. Riding in a straight line isn’t hard; the challenge is when a car passes. The narrowed space throws people of all ages. On a quiet street, bike path, or empty parking lot, take turns passing each other in a controlled way, and occasionally ride close alongside your child. He’ll see that he’s safe and can still maintain a line.
• Be prepared to repeat yourself. A new pattern is rarely set with one reminder, let alone two, 10, or possibly 100. Kids are constantly being distracted on a bike by everything from dogs to friends to Halloween decorations. You need to stay on message, and since you’re also on a bike, whenever your child isn’t focused, stop the ride and point out what was missed and what needs to be done. When there’s success, praise it, and make following directions into a game. At every cross street, have your child yell out, “I’m looking.” It gives her some control and you can see what she’s processing. It also reins in your voice, so you’re not constantly talking and running the risk of getting tuned out.

The post 4 tips for teaching your child how to ride a bike “on the road” appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Steve Calechman https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/4-tips-for-teaching-your-child-how-to-ride-a-bike-on-the-road-2017102612626

Woman who says she was misled into hysterectomy speaks out

She says two of her doctors and a nurse practitioner falsely told her she had cancer-causing genes and needed a double mastectomy and hysterectomy

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/woman-who-claims-she-had-unnecessary-hysterectomy-speaks-out/

Major Trump speech on opioid crisis may prove controversial

President reportedly will stop short of declaring the epidemic a national emergency

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/major-trump-speech-opioid-crisis-may-prove-controversial/

BDA Diabetes Specialist Group Study Day 2017

From: BritishDietetic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdKB5CibVko

Jury reaches verdict for pharmacist in deadly meningitis outbreak

Glenn Chin would have faced up to life in prison had he been convicted of the murders of at least 76 people in the worst public health crisis in recent U.S. history

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/deadly-meningitis-outbreak-pharmacist-glenn-chin-new-england-compounding-center/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating 'stomach flu'

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJK60nEWLwM

Drug Co. Gifts Might Change How Docs Prescribe

More expensive brand-name prescriptions come from doctors who received perks, study finds

From: https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/news/20171025/drug-co-gifts-might-change-how-docs-prescribe?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Dog’s Death Gave Her A ‘Broken Heart’

Joanie Simpson survived what she first thought was a heart attack.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20171025/dogs-death-gave-her-a-broken-heart?src=RSS_PUBLIC

USDA CRP PROGRAM PROVIDES “SAFE” SPACES FOR ENDANGERED BLUE BUTTERFLY

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOm3lvFfDk8

The problem with Harvey Weinstein's sex addiction claim

Sex addiction is not recognized as an official diagnosis for psychiatric treatment, and experts say there's little evidence rehab helps

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/harvey-weinstein-sex-addiction-claim/

U.S. Dementia Caregivers Cite Stresses, Rewards

New survey results illustrate the ups and downs of caring for aging family members

From: https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20171025/us-dementia-caregivers-cite-stresses-rewards?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ADHD Drug Misuse A Part of Teen Amphetamine Abuse

That could lead to an undercount of the extent of the problem, researchers say

From: https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20171025/adhd-drug-misuse-a-part-of-teen-amphetamine-abuse?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Docs Warn Against 'Vaginal Seeding' for Newborns

Doctors say potential risks -- including transfer of dangerous viruses -- outweigh the potential benefits.

From: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20171025/docs-warn-against-vaginal-seeding-for-newborns?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Controversial Chemical Can Linger on Toothbrushes

Triclosan is still allowed in toothpaste in U.S., but not soaps and wipes

From: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20171025/controversial-chemical-can-linger-on-toothbrushes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Fire Risk Leads to Fisher-Price Bounce Seat Recall

The company reports more than 30 incidents of the seats overheating and at least one case where the product caught fire.

From: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20171025/fire-risk-leads-to-fisher-price-bounce-seat-recall?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Texas A&M dental school dedicates site for new clinical facility in Dallas

Texas A&M College of Dentistry dedicates new clinic and education building in Dallas.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/texas-a-m-dental-school-dedicates-site-for-new-clinical-facility-in-dallas

الوصول إلى كل طفل دون استثناء

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlRTvoxuN6I

نظام ترصد شلل الأطفال

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vye2CB1Gxb8

الاستجابة لفاشية شلل الأطفال

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiPx4wDrZKA

Contrary to popular belief, epidurals don’t prolong labor. Phew.

It used to be common for doctors to turn down or stop the pain medication flowing in an epidural during labor if progress slowed down. This practice was particularly common if the pushing stage of labor was prolonged. Many doctors and nurses, myself included, believed that the pelvic muscles were not optimally working because of the numbing effect of the epidural anesthesia. We also thought that women could not focus on the right place to push without pain as a guide. We especially worried that epidural anesthesia in labor might increase the chance of a having a cesarean. So, many women tried to go without epidurals and endure the pain so they could lower this risk.

It seemed like common sense, and if it were true, then the tradeoff of pain in labor might be worth the gain of a shorter labor, and especially a lower cesarean risk.

Thanks to one of my colleagues who is a specialist in obstetrical anesthesia at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dr. Phil Hess, we now have strong evidence just published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology that epidurals do not prolong labor or increase cesarean rates. Common sense is not evidence, and we owe it to our patients to practice the best evidence-based medicine we can.

Dr. Hess and colleagues enrolled women who volunteered to be randomized into two groups. One group was given the usual self-administered epidural pump in the second stage of labor and the other received a sham medication. Women in both groups could ask for more pain medications. The investigators found that there was no difference in labor length or in cesarean rates, and both groups had equally healthy outcomes.

What is an epidural? Think of it as numbing medicine for the spinal cord, similar to Novocain, the medicine that is commonly used to numb the nerves in your mouth when you have a dental procedure. The difference is that for labor, the medication is injected near the lower spinal cord in order to numb the pain of a baby passing through the pelvis. The medication used in an epidural is a mix of a Novocain-like drug along with a narcotic medication. Unlike a shot or a pill, nearly no narcotic enters the woman’s bloodstream, so the baby’s exposure to narcotics via the bloodstream is virtually nil, which is a great benefit. From the level near the spinal cord that the drug is injected on downward, the body gets numb and a woman feels very little pain, leaving instead a vague sensation of pressure. For labor a dilute mixture is used, so women can typically feel their legs and feel pressure in the pelvic area, so they know where to focus on pushing the baby out.

This study confirms what many of us suspected. Women don’t need the incentive or focus of pain to push a baby out. They need verbal support and guidance! There’s no other place in medicine where we would subject a woman to pain and not offer pain relief. And now we can do so without women feeling guilt or fault if they have a cesarean (not that they should ever feel that way — except they do).

The post Contrary to popular belief, epidurals don’t prolong labor. Phew. appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Hope Ricciotti, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/epidurals-dont-prolong-labor-phew-2017102512612

Malignant Mesothelioma

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ASV07_G188

Trump expected to make major announcement this week on opioids

There's concern White House actions will be empty talk without a long-term commitment to paying for more addiction treatment

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-opioid-announcement-white-house-commitment/

Hurricane death toll increases in Puerto Rico

Two more people died from bacteria spread through contaminated water, bringing death toll from the storm to at least 51

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-maria-puerto-rico-death-toll-increases/

Trauma Takes a Toll on Half of U.S. Kids

Consequences can include long-term health issues, emotional problems and troubles at school

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20171024/trauma-takes-a-toll-on-half-of-us-kids?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Do Statins Raise Odds for Type 2 Diabetes?

Maybe, but heart benefits likely outweigh any potential risk from the drugs, experts say

From: https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20171024/do-statins-raise-odds-for-type-2-diabetes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Breast Milk May Arrive Late for Obese New Moms

Study finds delays beyond typical 3-day start to production in larger women

From: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20171024/breast-milk-may-arrive-late-for-obese-new-moms?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Does Time of Neurosurgery Matter?

After-hours operations tied to more complications, study says

From: https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20171024/does-time-of-neurosurgery-matter?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Can Gun Shows Trigger Gun Violence?

Study found unregulated ones in Nevada linked to spikes in shootings in California

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171024/can-gun-shows-trigger-gun-violence?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What parents should know — and do — about young children and mobile devices

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

Did you know that 42% of US children ages 0 to 8 have their own mobile device?

That’s one of the many interesting findings of the Common Sense Media Census: Media Use by Kids Zero to Eight. Researchers interviewed 1,454 parents of children 0 to 8, whose ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status were representative of the US as a whole.

Essentially all homes had a mobile device, up from half in 2011. Ninety-five percent of homes had a smartphone, 78% had a tablet, and, as I said before, 42% of children had their own mobile device. What’s interesting is that the 42% number was the same whether families were high- or low-income. Parents are buying mobile devices for their children, plain and simple.

The amount of time that young children spend in front of screens hasn’t changed much since 2011. On average, it’s about two hours a day (ranging from 42 minutes a day for the under-2 crowd to about three hours for the 5-to-8-year-olds). What has changed, though, is that kids 2 to 8 are spending about an hour a day on a mobile device.

In 2011, just six short years ago, kids under 8 spent about five minutes a day on mobile devices.

This explosion of mobile device use in children isn’t surprising, given the explosion of mobile device use overall. It’s also not necessarily bad. Two-thirds of parents in the survey thought that mobile device use helped their children learn, and they are right that there are lots of great ways mobile devices can do just that. Mobile devices can give children access to educational websites, apps, and videos — and things like Google Earth that can teach them about the world.

If that’s all kids did, this would all be good news. But that’s not all they do. Mostly, according to the report, they watch TV and play games on the devices. And 19% use them in restaurants, and 14% use them while eating meals, cutting into conversations they might have had with family and friends.

Also, they spend more time on mobile devices than reading, if they read at all. Only a little more than half of children 0 to 8 read or are read to — and only for an average of 30 minutes. While mobile devices can be used for reading, that’s not what kids are using them for.

That’s the thing: any device is only as good as what we use it for

When the use of any technology spreads and advances so quickly, it’s hard to be really thoughtful and careful about the implications. It’s perfectly natural to think of these devices as fun new toys — because they are. It’s perfectly natural, too, to think of them as full of potential — because they are. Our task as parents, caregivers, and educators is to be sure that the potential for our children is for good, not harm.

Here are some ways we can do just that:

• Make sure that the content children access with mobile devices is age-appropriate. Common Sense Media has both a website and an app that can help you find the best content for each age.
• Make the most of the time children spend on tablets and mobile devices. Look for educational games and videos, or applications that encourage creativity.
• Mobile devices will never be as good as interactions with other people, or hands-on experiences, when it comes to learning and development. Make sure children get plenty of those, too. And make sure that mobile devices don’t get in the way of exercise or getting outdoors, both of which are important for children.
• While it’s tempting to use mobile devices as babysitters or something to amuse your child while you multitask, keep that to a minimum. Instead, do things together with them. Play games together. Watch a video together. Learn a language together. Have the mobile device bring you together rather than splitting you apart. Speaking of which…
• Have device-free zones and times. Like the dinner table (check out these videos featuring Will Ferrell), or family time, or when friends are over (unless they are sharing a game together). The bedroom should be another one of those places. Make sure devices are off (and preferably charged elsewhere) at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light they emit can make it hard to fall asleep.
• Talk with your children about mobile device use, especially social media use. Help them learn to be good digital citizens.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has an interactive resource that can help you make a family media plan and help you be sure that mobile devices influence your child’s life in good ways, not bad ones.

The post What parents should know — and do — about young children and mobile devices appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-parents-should-know-and-do-about-young-children-and-mobile-devices-2017102412619

New York state bans vaping in workplaces

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that bans e-cigarettes​ from places where smoking tobacco is already prohibited

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-state-bans-vaping-in-workplaces/

Texas man dies of infection from Harvey cleanup

Health officials say the 31-year-old Galveston man contracted a flesh-eating bacterial infection​ while he was doing repair work

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-man-dies-flesh-eating-bacteria-infection-hurricane-harvey-repairs/

Formerly conjoined twins getting ready to go home

Doctors say the 15-month-old girls are recovering well after separation surgery

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/recently-separated-conjoined-twins-getting-ready-to-go-home/

Formerly conjoined twins doing well after separation

15-month-old Erin and Abby Delaney were born joined at the head, but doctors say they're doing well four months after undergoing complex surgery to separate them. CBS Philadelphia's Stephanie Stahl has the story.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/formerly-conjoined-twins-doing-well-after-separation/

Cleaner Safety: What’s In That Bottle?

New California law requires manufacturers to list certain ingredients on labels. Companies expected to extend program nationwide.

From: https://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20171023/cleaner-safety-whats-in-that-bottle?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Opioid Addiction a Risk After Weight-Loss Surgery

Patients were 46 percent more likely than after general surgery to take painkillers a year later

From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20171024/opioid-addiction-a-risk-after-weight-loss-surgery?src=RSS_PUBLIC