Happy New Year! Celebrations around the globe

Welcome 2018! See photos from around the world to ring in the new year

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/happy-new-year-celebrations-around-the-globe/

Shelley Mook: Tennessee mom missing since 2011

The 24-year-old mother and teacher was last seen on Feb. 28, 2011

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/shelley-mook-missing-since-2011/

Andrew Cunanan’s trail of terror

From beginning to end, the senseless murders carried out by Cunanan left five people dead and many more questions in its wake

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/andrew-cunanan-gianni-versace-killers-reign-of-terror/

Versace's Miami mansion

A look inside Casa Casuarina, the opulent estate where Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace lived and was murdered

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/versaces-vision/

WHO, WFP and UNICEF: Yemen’s families cannot withstand another day of war, let alone another 1,000

“We have passed the grim milestone of 1,000 days of war in Yemen. As violence has escalated in recent days, children and families are yet again being killed in attacks and bombardments.

“More than 1,000 days of families driven from their homes by brutal violence. 1,000 days without enough food to eat and safe water to drink. 1,000 days of bombed hospitals and damaged schools. 1,000 days of children recruited to fight. 1,000 days of disease and death … of unimaginable human suffering.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2017/yemen-1000-days-of-war/en/index.html

Claire’s Recalls Makeup Kits For Asbestos Concerns

Jewelry and accessory retailer Claire’s has recalled a series of makeup kits after news reports said they tested positive for asbestos.

From: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/news/20171229/claires-recalls-makeup-kits-for-asbestos-concerns?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Asthma Worse for Overweight Preschoolers: Study

Compared to those with a healthy weight, heavy kids with untreated asthma had 37 more days with symptoms a year, according to a new report.

From: https://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20171228/asthma-worse-for-overweight-preschoolers-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

8 Small Changes for a Slimmer You in 2018

Small steps can make a big difference in your body and health.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20171228/8-small-changes-for-a-slimmer-you-in-2018?src=RSS_PUBLIC

CDC to Docs: As Flu Spikes, Ready The Antivirals

The CDC is recommending, besides the flu vaccine for prevention, more use of antiviral medicines for treatment.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20171229/cdc-to-docs-as-flu-spikes-ready-the-antivirals?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Epidemic of Opioid Abuse Is Top Health News of 2017

The scourge is now so widespread that, just last week, research suggested that deaths from opioid overdoses may be the biggest factor driving a decline in overall U.S. life expectancy.

From: https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/news/20171228/top-health-story-of-2017-opioid-abuse-epidemic?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Legends Aside, Moon’s Health Impact More of A Myth

While it’s true the moon impacts tides, most stories about the moon are mostly that: stories not rooted in fact.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171228/legends-aside-moons-health-impact-more-of-a-myth?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Whites More Likely Than Others to Seek Help for Psoriasis

An analysis of federal government health survey data from 2001 to 2013 found that black, Asian and other minorities are less likely than white people in the United States to see a doctor for treatment of the chronic inflammatory disease.

From: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/news/20171228/whites-more-likely-to-seek-help-for-psoriasis?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Air Pollution May Kill Hundreds Of Seniors A Year

Even levels of air pollution deemed "safe" by U.S. government standards may shorten the life spans of seniors, new research suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20171228/air-pollution-may-kill-hundreds-of-seniors-a-year?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Returning to an old exercise routine? Here’s what you need to know

My ancient workout clothes are folded neatly (and squished) beneath a pile of sweaters on a shelf in my closet. They were cute — from the ‘90s — when I cared very much about how I looked at the gym. Decades later, I skip the gym and instead walk most days and do body weight exercises, all while clad in a sweatshirt and yoga pants. But whenever I see my old gym outfit (blue leotard “overalls” with a cropped tee shirt built in), I wonder if maybe I’d get more from a gym workout. It wouldn’t be hard to jump back in, would it?

Just a second

It turns out, it’s smarter to ease back into a gym workout when we’re older, even if we’ve been active. And if you’ve been sedentary for a long time, it’s even more important. Why? Because our bodies change as we age. “We lose muscle mass and strength as we get older, and the muscles become less flexible and less hydrated,” says Dr. Clare Safran-Norton, clinical supervisor of rehabilitation services at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

There can be are other changes, too: arthritis that weakens joints, and vision changes, neurological disease, joint pain, or inner ear problems that can throw off balance. There may also be underlying conditions we aren’t aware of, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, that can increase the risk for severe health consequences if we try to exercise today with the vigor of our youth.

The downside of jumping right back in

If you’ve been sedentary for a long time, jumping back into a workout sets you up for injury. “Lifting weights that are too heavy or taking an exercise class that’s too strenuous often causes trouble, and it’s usually a muscle tear or a strain,” says Dr. Safran-Norton.

Other risks include

• rotator cuff tears, from arthritic shoulders with bone spurs that can rub on a tendon
• falls that result from poor balance, and broken bones from the falls
• heart attack or stroke from an intense workout, particularly if you have undiagnosed high blood pressure or heart problems.

You might also fail to recognize symptoms of heart disease if you are taking medications that mask them, such as beta blockers. If you are taking beta blockers and start exercising again, you should stop if you experience any symptoms that could indicate heart disease.

A new routine

Before beginning any kind of exercise program after being sedentary, get the all-clear from your doctor, especially if you have heart disease, risk factors for heart disease, or lung problems. Ask if you need to monitor your heart rate during exercise.

Once you have the green light, think about what type of exercise routine appeals to you, such as taking a tai chi or yoga class, doing a gym or home workout, or going for a brisk daily walk. Make it something you’ll want to do, so you’ll stick with the program.

Think of your current abilities as you consider your options. “If it’s a yoga, cycling, or tai chi class, you’ll need adequate strength and flexibility. You need to be able to do the basics, like raise your arms over your head and lift your legs easily,” Dr. Safran-Norton says.

Then, ease into exercise. “Start with a low-intensity workout for 20 or 30 minutes. Increase the intensity and length over time,” suggests Dr. Safran-Norton. “It’s the same for working with weights. Try a slight resistance at first, and then moderate.”

The wiser workout

To avoid injury, warm up your muscles before exercising, particularly if you are out of shape. Dr. Safran-Norton recommends five minutes of brisk walking or time on an elliptical machine to get blood flowing to the muscles to make them pliable. You’ll need to stretch afterward and repeat the whole process two or three times a week.

Don’t feel self-conscious if you’re not the fittest person in the room, if you need to modify a particular exercise, or if you need to take breaks. And don’t feel funny about your gym attire. We’re all older and wiser about health. And we know now that it’s more important to feel good than to look good.

The post Returning to an old exercise routine? Here’s what you need to know appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Heidi Godman https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/returning-old-exercise-routine-not-fast-2017122812952

#AsktheMayoMom about Safety and Prevention of Injuries in Children

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrQ1KBvI8v8

Video Q&A: Why is it so difficult to lose weight?

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gImI_3M76k

Women's Heart Health: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ax-qbOSWQk

Altruistic Kidney Donation: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA_4BPOw0oE

Flu Season and Vaccine Hot Topics: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY7MArZ9aHI

Viola Davis Works to End Childhood Hunger

The Oscar-winning actor knows personally the stigma and stress that go with not having enough to eat.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/viola-davis-childhood-hunger?src=RSS_PUBLIC

10 Questions for Shaun White

Snowboarder and Olympic gold medalist Shaun White shares how growing up with a heart condition influences his advocacy for children’s health.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/10-questions-shaun-white?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Top Health Story of 2017: Opioid Abuse Epidemic

The scourge is now so widespread that, just last week, research suggested that deaths from opioid overdoses may be the biggest factor driving a decline in overall U.S. life expectancy.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171228/top-health-story-of-2017-opioid-abuse-epidemic?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Experts: Getting Active Could Help Boost Memory

A new recommendation from the American Academy of Neurology suggests that exercise is indeed helpful for people with mild cognitive impairment.

From: https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20171228/experts-getting-active-could-help-boost-memory?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Epilepsy Drug Could Raise Birth Defect Risks

Researchers found that pregnant women with epilepsy who take the drug topiramate during their first trimester  may boost the risk that their child will be born with a cleft lip or cleft palate.

From: https://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/news/20171227/epilepsy-drug-could-raise-birth-defect-risks?src=RSS_PUBLIC

MRIs Safe With Older Pacemakers, Study Finds

Powerful magnetic fields created during an MRI scan were thought to play havoc with some pacemakers, but a new study says these scans are safe for people with the heart devices.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20171227/mris-safe-with-older-pacemakers-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: Make a New Year’s resolution to move more in 2018

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_h__R1ttJE

Women's Wellness: Looking forward to a healthier new year

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVK4wb5C3GU

New guideline: Try exercise to improve memory, thinking

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhHxu5dacPI

Solange reveals autonomic disorder diagnosis

Solange wrote a note to her fans explaining why she is canceling her performance at Afropunk Johannesburg

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/solange-reveals-autonomic-disorder-diagnosis-cancels-afropunk-performance/

Human Cold Virus Killed Chimpanzees

Five healthy chimpanzees in Uganda that died following a mysterious respiratory disease outbreak in 2013 were actually killed by a common human cold virus, scientists now say.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20171227/human-cold-virus-killed-chimpanzees?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Great Outdoor Workouts for People With Diabetes

3 simple fresh-air workouts to help you have fun while you get fit.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/outdoor-workouts-diabetes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

A Daily Walk: Smart Move for Seniors' Brain Health

A team of investigators from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that adults over the age of 60 who are already struggling with memory issues are better able to focus and process information if they walk more than 4,000 steps a day (roughly 2 miles).

From: https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20171227/a-daily-walk-smart-move-for-seniors-brain-health?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Excessive Video Gaming To Be Labeled A Disorder

In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) will officially add "gaming disorder" to its list of psychological illnesses.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20171227/excessive-video-gaming-to-be-labeled-a-disorder?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: 2017’s top Mayo Clinic web searches

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQKnghOB4Ro

Research collaboration gives hope for future of babies with rare heart defect - Extended version

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjI00uUgKyk

Rihanna mourns slain cousin, condemns gun violence

Rihanna shared tragic news with her fans on Instagram, revealing that her cousin was killed just one day after Christmas

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rihanna-mourns-slain-cousin-condemns-gun-violence/

More Pregnant Women Are Using Pot

An analysis of urine samples from roughly  300,000 California women finds that more than 7 percent used marijuana while pregnant.

From: https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20171227/more-pregnant-women-are-using-pot?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Could Your Salon Visit Make You Sick?

In a recent small survey of nail and hair salon clients, more than two-thirds said they'd had one or more health issues after visiting a salon.

From: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20171227/could-your-salon-visit-make-you-sick?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Switch: Kidney Disease Can Lead to Diabetes

Medical experts already knew that the reverse is true -- that diabetes increases the risk for  kidney disease

From: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20171226/switch-kidney-disease-can-lead-to-diabetes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Pet Dogs May Speed Human Brain Cancer Trials

A new five-year research project at the University of Minnesota will include pet dogs with glioblastoma

From: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/news/20171226/pet-dogs-may-speed-human-brain-cancer-trials?src=RSS_PUBLIC

It's early in the flu season, but it's shaping up to be a nasty one

Doctors are looking to Australia, which had its most severe flu season in five years, since conditions can be the same in the U.S.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bracing-for-a-tough-flu-season/

Rapper T.I. helps single moms buy Christmas presents

Rapper T.I. surprised single moms at an Atlanta-area Target when he announced that he would take care of their Christmas shopping lists

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rapper-t-i-helps-single-moms-buy-christmas-presents/

Celebrities share holiday photos

Celebrities shared special moments from their holiday weekend on social media

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/celebrities-share-holiday-photos-on-social-media/

How to Fight Dry, Itchy Eyes This Winter

Add dry eyes to the health woes of winter.

From: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20171226/how-to-fight-dry-itchy-eyes-this-winter?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Seniors Don't Need Calcium, Vitamin D Supplements

It turns out there's little evidence supplements protect against hip fractures and other broken bones in older folks.

From: https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/news/20171226/seniors-dont-need-calcium-vitamin-d-supplements?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Doctors to Remove 10-pound Tumor From Boy's Nose

Doctors to Remove 10-pound Tumor From Boy's Nose

From: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20171226/doctors-to-remove-10-pound-tumor-from-boys-nose?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Amber-Tinted Glasses Might Get You More Sleep

The glasses block the blue-wavelength light emitted from many hi-tech devices. That light suppresses the brain's production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles.

From: https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20171226/amber-tinted-glasses-might-get-you-more-sleep?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Should you ever not listen to your doctor?

Since I got married seven years ago and had two kids, I’ve had to shed parts of my life, like the hockey package, going to the movies, and slow-pitch softball. None were hard sacrifices, but the casualty that hurt the most was giving up my doctor of over 20 years. I met him soon after I got out of college and he was early in his career, and while I never needed him for much, I knew he was on top of everything.

Even after my wife and I moved north of Boston, I wanted to believe that I could keep him, that an hour-long drive into town without traffic was possible, because how often did I ever have an emergency? Well, in 2014, one month into our first year of preschool, my son got hand, foot, and mouth disease, and then I got it. After a walk-in clinic visit, the breakup process began.

I got a recommendation and met a new guy. He was nice, competent, and gave ample time on the first appointment. He also wanted to prescribe a low-level statin for some elevated cholesterol. I was 47 years old, active, in good shape, had never had high cholesterol, and had no interest in being on regular medication. He said I could retest. I did several months later and my numbers went back down. I was happy, but also wary. If I had complied, I’d probably still be on the drug. When I asked for his rationale at our second appointment a year later, I wasn’t satisfied. I felt I got lumped into a large group of “what people usually do.” I now had doubt.

And there was another thing that added to it: he wasn’t in the best shape. It was a complete nonissue at first. I wasn’t looking to a doctor for fitness advice, but after the statin conversation, I wondered if I could take long-term health advice from someone who didn’t look so healthy. So, I asked Charles Morris, M.D., associate chief medical officer at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, if I had cause.

Based on the doctor’s apparent shape, no. And I knew that. There’s no correlation between belt size and skill. On being depersonalized, yes, there was a valid concern. “You want to feel like the doctor’s advice was tailored to you and not just people like you,” Morris says.

But this brought up some bigger questions. Medical care feels more restricted, more expensive, and time feels increasingly rushed, so, in this dynamic, what’s reasonable to expect? What should you find out, and what should be in place from the start to let an otherwise healthy person know that this is the right doctor for the long term? Morris has some ideas:

• Family history. It’s routine with the initial exam, but it’s more than checking off boxes. It should involve the doctor asking whether your parents are alive; if not, how old they were when they died; and what conditions your parents and siblings have been treated for on a regular basis. All this information hints at what you’re at higher risk for, and depending on the answers it can set an earlier and more focused timeline for screenings.
• Ask what the doctor’s team looks like. Everyone wants to be able to reach their PCP directly on all occasions, but that’s not happening — there just isn’t time. It is realistic to ask who you should follow up with, and who will be getting back to you and when. Offices have a triage system, and in general, non-urgent matters should get a return call within 24 hours.
• You should be asked something like, “If you had free time, how would you spend it?” The doctor wants to see what, if any, outlets you have and whether you’d rather hit a bar or go skiing. If there’s concern, a doctor should be trying to guide your habits when life is less complicated, so you’re not digging out of a hole in your 40s. And related to that, there’s the issue of…
• Mental health. The free time question touches on how happy or full your life is. Another tool that doctors use is the first two questions from the Patient Health Questionnaire. Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by: 1. having little interest in doing things? 2. feeling down, depressed, or hopeless? It’s not all-encompassing, but it gets at how prevalent depression might be.
• At the beginning of every appointment, there should be an exchange that goes something like, “I have things I want to cover. So do you. Let me hear your list and we’ll prioritize the top eight.” You’re a team. The agenda should be mutual, and ensures you get time to be heard.
• You can push back on anything. If something doesn’t feel right, ask, “How am I different from other people in that category? Is there anything I can do to change that recommendation?” Again, it goes back to getting tailored advice and ultimately feeling like the doctor gets you. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions, you’re in the wrong office.

The post Should you ever not listen to your doctor? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Steve Calechman https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/should-you-ever-not-listen-to-your-doctor-2017122612959

Mayo Clinic Minute: Quitting smoking can add years, quality of life

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

Early Puberty in Girls May Take Mental Health Toll

A girl who gets her first menstrual period early in life -- possibly as young as 7 -- has a greater risk for developing depression and antisocial behaviors that last at least into her 20s, a new study suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20171226/early-puberty-in-girls-may-take-mental-health-toll?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Reading Aloud Can Be a Memory Booster

Canadian researchers asked 95 people to remember written information in four different ways: reading the information silently; hearing someone else read it; listening to a recording of themselves reading it, and reading it aloud.

From: https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20171225/reading-aloud-can-be-a-memory-booster?src=RSS_PUBLIC

An encore for an opera singer who survived two double lung transplants

This fall, the opera singer celebrated her donor by performing at the Cleveland Clinic with her friend Esperanza Tufani, the donor's daughter

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/charity-tillemann-dick-opera-singer-gets-life-saving-lung-transplant/

Maroon 5 manager dies unexpectedly at 40

Feldstein called 911 after experiencing shortness of breath and went into cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jordan-feldstein-jonah-hill-brother-maroon-5-manager-dies-unexpectedly/

The Director-General of the World Health Organization welcomes the appointment of Henrietta H Fore as Executive Director of UNICEF.

“UNICEF is a critical partner in our effort to improve the world’s health, particularly in the drive to protect its most vulnerable women and children,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2017/unicef-executive-director/en/index.html

Arthritis Drugs Show How U.S. Drug Prices Defy Economics

Drugs that treat rheumatoid arthritis started out costing about $10,000 a year. Ten years later, they list for more than $40,000.

From: https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/news/20171222/arthritis-drugs-show-how-us-drug-prices-defy-economics?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Here's the Tesla Elon Musk will launch into orbit around Mars

SpaceX will send the cherry red ride into space next month

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/elon-musk-tesla-will-launch-roadster-to-orbit-mars/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Importance of flu vaccine

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlRS5zJzceQ

Arthritis Drugs Show How Drug Prices Defy Economics

Drugs that treat rheumatoid arthritis started out costing about $10,000 a year. Ten years later, they list for more than $40,000.

From: https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/news/20171222/arthritis-drugs-show-how-us-drug-prices-defy-economics?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FDA to Remove Boxed Warning From Some Asthma Meds

The FDA will remove a Boxed Warning from certain inhaled medications used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

From: https://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20171221/health-highlights-dec-21-2017?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Preventing overdose deaths is not one-size-fits-all

By now, we all know that the number of opioid-related deaths in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. Despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declaring an epidemic in 2011, the death rate has continued to increase every year, with more than 30,000 deaths per year now attributed to opioids. Graphs from the CDC show the geographic distribution of the epidemic and demonstrate that nearly the entire United States is involved. This tragic death toll has culminated in many local, state, and federal government initiatives to fix the problem, including President Trump’s recent declaration that the opioid crisis is a nationwide public health emergency.

However, it is important to remember two key facts. The first is that drug overdoses are not all from opioids. It is true that while roughly two-thirds of these deaths are from opioids, the other third are caused by other drugs. For example, in 2015 there were about 52,000 overdose deaths overall, and 33,000 involved an opioid; 19,000 were caused by other substances. The second fact to consider is that despite efforts to reduce gender and racial inequalities in our country, there is still a considerable difference in the life experience between men and women and between different racial and ethnic groups.

With an eye toward these factors — that opioids are not the only cause of overdose death and that inequalities exist in our country — if we want to solve the opioid epidemic we, as a society, must realize that the opioid problem is not the same for everybody.

This point was highlighted in a recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. In this research, the authors looked at death certificates of people who died from drug overdose between 2000 and 2015 to determine the exact cause of death. The authors broke up the data into four-year blocks of time (e.g. 2000­–2003, 2004–­2007, etc.) to look at trends. This type of analysis is not new. However, what is new is that they broke up the data based on gender and race, separating non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white people into different groups. (For simplicity in this post, I’ll refer to the first group as “black,” the second as “Hispanic,” and the third as “white,” even though Hispanic is an ethnicity and not a race.)

The results are enlightening. Although there were increases in the death rate among all groups, they were most pronounced for older black men (age 50 and older) and black women (age 45 and older). Also, opioids contributed to the most deaths for white people, but cocaine was the largest contributor to death for black people. In fact, from 2012 to 2015, deaths related to cocaine were almost as common in black men as deaths from natural and semisynthetic opioids were in white men. For Hispanic people, the rates remained lower overall than for white and black people, but there was a large spike in heroin-related deaths in both sexes when comparing the 2012­–2015 period with previous time periods. Finally, the death rate for white males appears to be shifting toward an earlier age, while it is higher for older white women.

We must acknowledge that the authors did separate deaths from the opioids into different categories, such as from heroin, synthetic opioids, methadone, and natural/semisynthetic opioids. If you add all of those categories together, they are still collectively the top cause of death among all ages and sexes.

However, even considering this, evaluating these trends can help us better target interventions. For example, cocaine remains an important cause of death in the black community. With so much attention given to opioids, neglecting the important problem of cocaine can further exacerbate inequality in rates of overdose deaths. Likewise, when developing public service campaigns or increasing resources in a targeted fashion, how the message and care are delivered often depends on the age of the individual. Finally, although rates of overdose death are lower overall among the Hispanic community, they are still significant and too high, which makes the case for culturally appropriate and Spanish-language interventions.

Recent analyses have demonstrated how the response to the opioid epidemic has changed since it has become more of a “white problem.” Whereas in the past drug addiction was commonly handled with criminalization and stigmatization, now there is a call (appropriately) for a gentler war on drugs that recognizes addiction as a medical condition that is treated like any other chronic disease. Recognizing that the epidemic affects different communities in different ways will help us avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach as we work together to solve the problem.

The post Preventing overdose deaths is not one-size-fits-all appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Scott Weiner, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/preventing-overdose-deaths-is-not-one-size-fits-all-2017122212996

McCarthy: Publicize members' sexual harassment settlements

On "The Takeout" this week, McCarthy says he thinks taxpayer-funded sexual harassment settlements should be made public

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-majority-leader-mccarthy-publicize-members-sexual-harassment-settlements/

A hot planet revs up socially responsible investing

And it has moved from a feel-good strategy to one that produces smart returns while building a sustainable economy

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-hot-planet-revs-up-socially-responsible-investing/

Listen to the "CBS This Morning" podcast

There’s another way to hear our broadcast every day

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-this-morning-podcast-download-how-to-listen/

Making Mayo's Recipes Shepherd's pie

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_A2noFLkAE

Can Eating Fish Make Kids Smarter?

Kids who ate fish at least once a week had intelligence quotients, or IQs, that were nearly 5 points higher than the IQs for kids who ate less fish or none at all, a study found.

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20171221/can-eating-fish-make-kids-smarter?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Guest Post: Chef Devin Alexander’s Christmas Healthy Holiday Secrets!

Chef Devin Alexander – before and after.

I’m all about making sure, “You Can Have It!” During the holidays, that’s particularly important.  As someone who lost 70 pounds and reversed all my health concerns, I recommend the following:

Eat First: So often, people eat lunch and then don’t eat again until they arrive at an evening party…absolutely starved! Research has shown that when you do this, you consume even more calories. Be sure to eat a nutritious 200 to 300 calorie snack or meal, or a diabetes-friendly frozen, nutritional meal, before going to holiday parties! Though this sounds counter-intuitive, it will help you avoid grabbing the first fatty (or sugary) thing you see simply because you’re starved. Three to five of those tiny party faves can contain the same number of calories as an entire meal, and let’s face it—we all want eight to 10, or more!

Go Greek: Swap fat-free Greek yogurt in place of sour cream when making holiday dips! Unlike fat-free sour cream, it’s thick and rich, and tends to be preservative- and chemical-free. Greek yogurt provides protein and calcium while tasting just as good as sour cream. Plus, you’ll save 22 calories, three grams of fat and two grams of saturated fat per tablespoon!

Crust-Dos: Use mini fillo crusts instead of butter and graham crackers for making pie crusts. Not only do most brands contain little to no sugar, they help you manage your portions!

Pork It Up: When making your holiday stuffing, consider adding plenty of extra lean sausage (try chicken sausage!) to cut back on all the empty carbohydrates that tend to abound during the holidays.

Better Bling: Instead of adding red or green sugar or sprinkles to your holiday desserts that are already over-sugared, hunt down some edible glitter. You’ll get all the bling and color with virtually no fat, calories or added sugars, since they tend to be made from gelatin.

Get Fruit-Full: Add frozen grapes, blueberries or other fruit to your drinks to take the place of some of the liquid in the glass, helping you to drink less, and it looks pretty! You will “fill up” (best to stick to an ounce) without so much alcohol and so many empty calories. I love filling champagne flutes with frozen grapes, then pouring in the champagne. You’ll still look and feel social, but you won’t overload on the empty calories.

Beef Up: Make a filet mignon roast the centerpiece of your holiday dinner instead of prime rib for that special occasion. You’ll save 25 calories and 11.5 grams of fat per 4-ounce serving.

Super Scoping: When you arrive at a party, scope out ALL the food BEFORE you start eating. Choose items like chicken skewers, shrimp cocktail and veggies (easy on the dip!), and then leave room for a small portion of your favorite indulgence.

Dish It Out: When attending parties that aren’t professionally catered, consider taking a healthy, decadent dish, like Grilled Harissa Chicken Skewers, Shrimp Guac Apps or Salmon Cucumber Party Bites! It’ll be your backup if you show up to a “deep-fried” or super carb-heavy party. Plus, you’ll increase your chances of being invited back next year—hosts love when guests arrive with presents and offerings!

Cocoa-Loco!: If you’re a chocoholic like me, embrace it with cocoa powder this holiday season! Cocoa powder has only 10 calories per tablespoon and gives you two grams of fiber. Add it to a protein smoothie or some yogurt, or use it as the base of your hot chocolate. You’ll satisfy the chocolate craving before you find yourself dunking your head in the chocolate fountain or over-lurking around the fudge!

 

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2017/12/21/guest-post-chef-devin-alexanders-christmas-healthy-holiday-secrets/

To exercise more, get your game on

Does exercise sometimes feel like an annoying chore? Adding a little friendly competition and other “gamification” strategies just might help, according to a new study.

The six-month-long study included 94 families who tracked their daily step counts with a wearable device or a smartphone. Just over half of the participants were women, and their average age was 55. Half were randomly chosen for the gamification arm of the study, which was designed to encourage collaboration, accountability, and team spirit. These families received small prizes tied to achieving daily and weekly step goals. They boosted their daily walking distance by almost a mile — more than twice the gains achieved by people who weren’t part of the competition.

“Gamification helps motivate people by making the hard stuff in life more fun,” says Dr. Ichiro Kawachi, chair of the department of social and behavioral sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Exercise sometimes feels like a duty, especially when your doctor lectures you about it. Psychologically, that’s not very inspiring, he says.

Harnessing team spirit

When you “gamify” health advice, the idea is to introduce elements of games into people’s daily routines. In this study, participants earned points by meeting daily physical activity goals, progressing through higher levels by keeping up that behavior, and ultimately winning prizes. But games are not just for single players. “Being on a team encourages cooperation, and people egg each other on. And when different teams compete against one another, that adds another layer of incentive. It’s like the difference between playing solitaire versus bridge,” Dr. Kawachi explains.

The study, published online Oct. 2, 2017, by JAMA Internal Medicine, relied on practices inspired by behavioral economics. People dislike losing even more than they like gaining, so the families were awarded 70 points every Monday, which they stood to lose if they did not meet their exercise goals. Every day, the family would keep or lose 10 points based on whether the group met their daily step goal. The added hitch: the step goal was based only on one randomly chosen family member, which helped to encourage everyone to try hard, notes Dr. Kawachi, who wrote an invited commentary published alongside the study.

Measurable gains

The gaming period of the study lasted three months, during which the gaming families boosted their activity levels by about 1,700 steps — more than twice the gains achieved by the nongaming control families. Over the next three months, everyone kept tracking his or her steps. The gamers lost some of their initial gains but still continued to outperform the nongamers.

Although these initial results are promising, experts are still in the early stages of understanding how to apply gamification effectively. Right now, there’s a gap: game app developers aren’t really focused on health, and health promotion experts aren’t thinking about games, says Dr. Kawachi. “I’d like to see health insurance plans collaborate with app developers to offer these types of things through their health promotion initiatives,” he says.

In the meantime, you can use the same principles to make your walking or exercise regimen more like a game. Invite your family, friends, or colleagues to play along, and make up your own goals and rewards.

---

Learn more about Harvard Health Publishing’s online course Starting to Exercise. This interactive program will help you create a safe, well-rounded exercise plan—one that fits your life and that you will be likely to stick with.

The post To exercise more, get your game on appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Julie Corliss https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/exercise-get-game-2017122112903

The Takeout: A CBS News original political podcast

“The Takeout” is a weekly podcast about politics, policy and pop culture hosted by CBS News Chief White House correspondent Major Garrett and CBS News Political Director Steve Chaggaris

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/political-podcast-the-takeout/

USDA-NASS Census On-Line Response

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

Mayo Clinic Minute: Innovative research to fight kidney disease

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx3zi93NEWU

Answer these 5 questions to help make your New Year’s resolutions stick

It’s that time of the year again when we start thinking about the (in)famous New Year’s resolutions. Change can be a frustrating experience for many. So, I decided to investigate what may increase your chances of success. I would like to propose a framework that combines the science of behavior change with the idea that we are able to rewire our brains to improve our health, well-being, and overall quality of life, called neuroplasticity. So, grab a piece of paper to write down the answers to the questions below.

1.  Why do you want to make the change?

Make sure you find your true motivation. Try to look beyond the need to change. Look at the real life benefits of the change. What makes you want to change? Do you want to be well so you can really enjoy that trip in the summer? Do you want to be able to keep up with your grandchildren? Or just because you want to look better? Try to go deep into your soul and emotions. Try to imagine how your life would be after you’ve made the change.

2.  Is your goal concrete and measurable?

A goal should be specific, achievable, and measurable. For a lot of people, the goal is a number on the scale. However, you could consider running a 5k race as your goal, for example. It is important not to be too ambitious. A lot of people aim for a goal that may be too hard to achieve. Most long-term change happens slowly, so identify small changes that you can make successfully. Change is a process, not an event.

3.  What is your plan?

The old saying holds true: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Be realistic about what you can do. Keep it simple and be precise. How much and how often would you like to practice your new habit? For example: I will replace ice cream with a piece of fruit after dinner three nights a week. I will listen to my Learn Spanish lessons twice a week for 30 minutes. I will practice deep breathing for one minute after I put the children to bed. Write these down on a calendar and put it on a wall at home or in your office. Another great idea is to download apps that help you track your progress.

4.  Who can support you as you work toward change?

Write down with whom you intend to share your plan. Ask for their support. People who truly love you will help you on this journey. Post your goals on social media. This will show your commitment to change. Change is usually a team effort. Find a partner you can go to the grocery store with, cook with, or go for a walk with. This can be a spouse, friend, or neighbor. You can also take advantage of the virtual world — there are plenty of apps and online support groups available for free and through social media. Use the power of the community to learn about other people’s progress and share what is working for you.

5.  How will you celebrate your victories?

Every time you take a step toward your goals, make sure you reflect on the experience for 10 to 20 seconds. Make it big and rich. Incorporate the feeling of accomplishment and be mindful of how rewarding it is and how great it feels to achieve your goal that day. Bring emotion and feelings to what you just did. For example: I feel healthy and nourished after eating more fruits and vegetables. I feel relaxed and calm after exercising. It will help you later in the day to recall how positive and important this experience was for you. Stay present with this good, positive feeling for 10 to 20 seconds a few times a day. Let it sink in and try to truly feel how gratifying it is.

This last item is sometimes forgotten, and sometimes it’s what you need to make the new activity really stick. Practice is fundamental, but practice alone does not equal learning. Walking for 15 minutes three times a week is important, but savoring the exercise as something that makes you feel stronger and healthier with less pain is the reason why you will continue to walk.

You are teaching your brain how to learn and get better at learning. You will start to shift from simple plans and goals to a habit, something that will be part of you for the long term.

This is a journey

Do not get angry with yourself if you fail. Setbacks are to be expected and are part of the learning process. Forgive yourself and reflect on what happened. Think through the barriers to achieving your goal and try again. January first is just a day in the calendar. You can reset your calendar every day for a fresh start. Go back to the beginning and revisit that first question to remind yourself of the rewards of making the change. Perhaps you need to rewrite your plan. Be patient. You have already planted the seed for success; it is all about changing your mindset now. For me, I am hoping to increase my physical flexibility and decrease my risk of injuries. Stretches will be part of my workout routine in 2018. Wish me luck.

I wish you happiness and success in 2018!

The post Answer these 5 questions to help make your New Year’s resolutions stick appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Marcelo Campos, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/answer-these-5-questions-to-help-make-your-new-years-resolutions-stick-2017122012940

Comments sought on report outlining risk analysis plan for electronic protected health information

Dental professionals can review and comment on an ADA-developed proposed tech-nical report that aims to assist covered dental practices in fulfilling their legally mandat-ed obligation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act to conduct a security risk analysis of electronic protected information.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/december/comments-sought-on-report-outlining-risk-analysis-plan-for-electronic-protected-health-information

America's biggest megachurches, ranked

Approximately 50 churches in the U.S. have a weekly attendance ranging from 10,000 to 47,000 people.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/30-biggest-american-megachurches-ranked/

Restaurant owner apologizes for Trump Jr. Instagram

Donald Trump Jr.'s Instagram photo of him cringing with a Barack Obama frosted cookie cake went viral

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-restaurant-owner-apologizes-for-trump-jr-s-instagram-post/

Mayo Clinic Minute: 3 tips for a healthy heart in the new year

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

Racial and ethnic minority communities hit hard by type 2 diabetes: Here’s what we can do

To read in Spanish

As you probably know, type 2 diabetes has become a major health problem in the US and around the world. People with type 2 diabetes cannot effectively use glucose (sugar) from the food they eat to fuel the body. As a result, blood sugar levels are consistently higher than normal. Over time this can lead to serious, even deadly, complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. The slow and insidious nature of persistently high blood sugar can also cause problems that interfere with quality of life, including vision changes, nerve pain and infections that are slow to heal.

It is estimated that 415 million adults around the globe have diabetes, and by the year 2040 this number will increase to 642 million! It’s a tremendous problem, in both the number of people affected and the health consequences of untreated diabetes. Of the 30.3 million adults in the US with diabetes, 23.1 million were diagnosed and 7.2 million were undiagnosed! An even greater cause for concern is the many people who have higher than normal blood sugar (prediabetes) and are on the verge of developing type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that in 2015, 84.1 million Americans age 18 and older had prediabetes.

Some populations are especially vulnerable to diabetes and its complications

As daunting as all that sounds, the situation is even worse for some racial and ethnic minorities in the US. Latinos/Hispanics, African Americans, American Indians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Arab Americans, and Asian Americans have a higher risk for diabetes and its deadly complications.

Why? There are genetic factors that affect the ability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin and/or the ability of the body to respond to insulin. In addition, some of these populations have a genetic tendency to accumulate fat in the belly (abdominal obesity). This can have metabolic consequences that increase the risk for diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. In addition, lifestyle factors such as inappropriate nutrition and lack of physical activity lead to increasing rates of obesity, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. And there are other non-medical issues that contribute to this problem. Disparities in income, education, health literacy, and access to health care may result in otherwise preventable (or treatable) cases of diabetes. And for some, cultural factors are barriers to preventing diabetes and controlling the disease appropriately.

So what to do?

If we stopped this story right here, you might get the impression that these populations are fully responsible for the health problems they are facing, and that there is nothing we can really do about it. But that is simply not the entire story. We can, and should, look at the clear inequalities in health care delivery that may influence the development and progression of some chronic diseases such as diabetes. In 1999, Congress asked the Institute of Medicine to assess these disparities. The goal was to explore factors that may contribute to inequities in care and devise strategies to mitigate these disparities.

The report from that study, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, found that medical care varied greatly by race, even when insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions are comparable. This research indicates that US racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to receive even routine medical procedures. They are also more likely to experience a lower quality of health services around diabetes and other conditions.

One of the first steps in addressing these issues is to make the general public, health care providers, insurance companies, and policy makers aware of these disparities and the public health consequences of them. It is especially important for health care providers across the nation to be aware of the multiple biological, social, psychological, financial, and cultural factors that influence diabetes and other diseases, and to routinely take these into consideration when developing prevention and treatment programs for all groups.

We’ve come a long way in the fight against diabetes. However, as we continue with our collective work to improve the lives of people with diabetes and those at risk for the disease, we should not forget there are some people who need an extra hand. That is simply the right thing to do.

Dr. Caballero was recently recognized by the City of Boston for his unwavering commitment and continuous work to improving the health of Latinos in the community.

The post Racial and ethnic minority communities hit hard by type 2 diabetes: Here’s what we can do appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: A. Enrique Caballero, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/racial-and-ethnic-minority-communities-hit-hard-by-type-2-diabetes-heres-what-we-can-do-2017121912969

Minorías raciales/étnicas seriamente afectadas por diabetes tipo 2: Esto es lo que podemos hacer

Para leer en inglés

Probablemente usted sabe que la diabetes tipo 2 se ha convertido en un problema enorme en el área de salud en los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica (EUA) y en el resto del mundo.

Las personas con diabetes tipo 2 no pueden utilizar la glucosa (azúcar) que se obtiene de los alimentos como fuente de energía de forma eficiente. En consecuencia, los niveles de azúcar en la sangre están por encima de lo normal. Con el tiempo, esto puede causar complicaciones serias e incluso fatales como enfermedad cardiovascular, enfermedad de los riñones y enfermedad vascular cerebral. La elevación persistente del azúcar puede causar también problemas que interfieren con la calidad de vida, incluyendo cambios en la visión, dolor en las piernas por afección de los nervios (neuropatía) así como infecciones que no se curan tan rápidamente.

¡Se estima que 415 millones de adultos en el mundo sufren de diabetes, y que para el año 2040 esta cifra aumentará a 642 millones! Es un problema enorme tanto por el número de personas afectadas, así como por las consecuencias de la enfermedad si no es controlada adecuadamente. De los 30.3 millones de adultos con diabetes en los EUA, ¡23.1 millones de ellos sabían que tenían la enfermedad y 7.2 millones no lo sabían! Es aún más preocupante la gran cantidad de personas que tienen prediabetes, etapa en la que los niveles de azúcar están altos y muy cercanos a los considerados para las personas con diabetes. Se estima que en año 2015, 84.1 millones de personas en EUA mayores de 18 años tenían prediabetes.

Algunas poblaciones son especialmente vulnerables ante la diabetes y sus complicaciones

Si todas estas cifras son desalentadoras, la situación es aún peor para las minorías étnicas y raciales en EUA. Los Latinos/Hispanos, Afro-americanos, Indios Americanos, Nativos de Hawái o Islas del Pacífico, los Arabes-americanos, y los Asiático-americanos tienen un riesgo muy alto de desarrollar diabetes y sus complicaciones.

¿Porqué? Existen factores genéticos que afectan tanto la capacidad del páncreas para producir insulina suficiente, así como para responder a ella. Además, algunos de estos grupos tienen cierta tendencia a acumular grasa en el vientre (obesidad abdominal). Esto puede conllevar a alteraciones metabólicas que aumentan el riesgo de diabetes, enfermedad del corazón y otras alteraciones. En estos grupos, la alimentación inadecuada y la actividad física insuficiente son factores comunes que causan sobrepeso u obesidad, que a su vez aumentan el riesgo de desarrollar diabetes tipo 2. Existen otros factores no médicos que también influyen en el desarrollo y/o falta de detección oportuna de la enfermedad como son el nivel socioeconómico bajo, el nivel de educación y comprensión en salud bajos, algunos aspectos culturales y el acceso limitado a servicios de salud en muchos de los integrantes de estas poblaciones.

¿Qué podemos hacer?

Si nos detenemos aquí en esta historia, usted podría quedarse con la impresión de que estos grupos son completamente responsables de la magnitud de sus problemas de salud y que no hay mucho que podamos hacer al respecto. Pero eso no es así. Podemos y debemos reconocer las disparidades en los tipos y la calidad de servicios de salud que se ofrecen a estos grupos que pueden influir en el desarrollo y curso de enfermedades como la diabetes.

En 1999, el congreso de los EUA asignó al Instituto de Medicina que evaluara disparidades posibles en los servicios de salud entre los distintos grupos raciales y étnicos. El objetivo fue identificar factores que contribuyesen a tales disparidades y así poder desarrollar estrategias para mitigarlos.

El reporte de ese estudio, Tratamiento desigual: Enfrentando las disparidades en salud en varios grupos étnicos/raciales, encontró que la calidad de atención en servicios de salud fue menor en los grupos étnicos/raciales minoritarios, aún después de eliminar la influencia en el análisis de factores como el acceso a los servicios de salud, el ingreso económico, la edad y la severidad de varias condiciones médicas. Este estudio demostró que estos grupos minoritarios tienen incluso una menor posibilidad de recibir procedimientos médicos de rutina. Habitualmente reciben también una calidad de atención mas baja en el área de diabetes y otras enfermedades relacionadas.

Uno de los primeros pasos para resolver estos problemas de salud es crear conciencia de los mismos en el público en general, proveedores y sistema de salud, compañías de seguros médicos y legisladores. Es de importancia particular el que los proveedores de salud identifiquen los factores biológicos, sociales, psicológicos, económicos y culturales que influyen en el desarrollo y curso de la diabetes y otras enfermedades y que rutinariamente los consideren al desarrollar programas de prevención y tratamiento para estos grupos.

Hemos logrado mucho en la lucha contra la diabetes. Sin embargo, al seguir adelante con nuestro esfuerzo colectivo para mejorar la vida de las personas con diabetes y de las que están en riesgo de desarrollarla, no debemos olvidar que hay algunos grupos a los que debemos extender la mano de manera particular. Es simplemente, hacer lo correcto.

El Dr. Caballero recibió recientemente un reconocimiento especial por la Alcaldía de Boston por su compromiso inquebrantable y trabajo continuo para mejorar la salud de la población Latina/Hispana.

The post Minorías raciales/étnicas seriamente afectadas por diabetes tipo 2: Esto es lo que podemos hacer appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: A. Enrique Caballero, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/minorias-raciales-etnicas-seriamente-afectadas-por-diabetes-tipo-2-esto-es-lo-que-podemos-hacer-2017121912977

Two Foods Could Help Ex-Smokers' Lungs Heal

Diets high in tomatoes and fruits, particularly apples, could speed the healing of smoke-damaged lungs.

From: https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20171221/two-foods-could-help-ex-smokers-lungs-heal?src=RSS_PUBLIC

High Costs Keep Many Cancer Patients From Needed Drugs

Cancer drugs have become so pricey that U.S. patients often can't afford them, a new study finds.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20171221/high-costs-keep-many-cancer-patients-from-needed-drugs?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Chronic Heartburn Tied to Higher Odds for Head, Neck Cancers

New research suggests people with chronic acid reflux might have higher odds for even more dangerous foes -- head and neck cancers

From: https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/news/20171221/chronic-heartburn-tied-to-higher-odds-for-head-neck-cancers?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Are Women's Hearts More Vulnerable to Stress?

Mental stress can take a toll on blood vessels -- and women with heart disease may be especially vulnerable, a new study suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/women/news/20171221/are-womens-hearts-more-vulnerable-to-stress?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Pets on Planes: Emotional Support or Sham?

You may find yourself sitting near a four-legged passenger as airlines report more people taking pets on planes by calling them emotional support animals.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20171221/pets-on-planes-emotional-support-or-sham?src=RSS_PUBLIC

U.S. Life Expectancy Drops as Opioid Deaths Surge

Life expectancy declined in the United States for the second year in a row in 2016, driven downward by fatal drug overdoses in young and middle-aged adults, according to a new report from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20171221/us-life-expectancy-drops-as-opioid-deaths-surge?src=RSS_PUBLIC

To exercise more, get your game on

Does exercise sometimes feel like an annoying chore? Adding a little friendly competition and other “gamification” strategies just might help, according to a new study.

The six-month-long study included 94 families who tracked their daily step counts with a wearable device or a smartphone. Just over half of the participants were women, and their average age was 55. Half were randomly chosen for the gamification arm of the study, which was designed to encourage collaboration, accountability, and team spirit. These families received small prizes tied to achieving daily and weekly step goals. They boosted their daily walking distance by almost a mile — more than twice the gains achieved by people who weren’t part of the competition.

“Gamification helps motivate people by making the hard stuff in life more fun,” says Dr. Ichiro Kawachi, chair of the department of social and behavioral sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Exercise sometimes feels like a duty, especially when your doctor lectures you about it. Psychologically, that’s not very inspiring, he says.

Harnessing team spirit

When you “gamify” health advice, the idea is to introduce elements of games into people’s daily routines. In this study, participants earned points by meeting daily physical activity goals, progressing through higher levels by keeping up that behavior, and ultimately winning prizes. But games are not just for single players. “Being on a team encourages cooperation, and people egg each other on. And when different teams compete against one another, that adds another layer of incentive. It’s like the difference between playing solitaire versus bridge,” Dr. Kawachi explains.

The study, published online Oct. 2, 2017, by JAMA Internal Medicine, relied on practices inspired by behavioral economics. People dislike losing even more than they like gaining, so the families were awarded 70 points every Monday, which they stood to lose if they did not meet their exercise goals. Every day, the family would keep or lose 10 points based on whether the group met their daily step goal. The added hitch: the step goal was based only on one randomly chosen family member, which helped to encourage everyone to try hard, notes Dr. Kawachi, who wrote an invited commentary published alongside the study.

Measurable gains

The gaming period of the study lasted three months, during which the gaming families boosted their activity levels by about 1,700 steps — more than twice the gains achieved by the nongaming control families. Over the next three months, everyone kept tracking his or her steps. The gamers lost some of their initial gains but still continued to outperform the nongamers.

Although these initial results are promising, experts are still in the early stages of understanding how to apply gamification effectively. Right now, there’s a gap: game app developers aren’t really focused on health, and health promotion experts aren’t thinking about games, says Dr. Kawachi. “I’d like to see health insurance plans collaborate with app developers to offer these types of things through their health promotion initiatives,” he says.

In the meantime, you can use the same principles to make your walking or exercise regimen more like a game. Invite your family, friends, or colleagues to play along, and make up your own goals and rewards.

---

Learn more about Harvard Health Publishing’s online course Starting to Exercise. This interactive program will help you create a safe, well-rounded exercise plan—one that fits your life and that you will be likely to stick with.

The post To exercise more, get your game on appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Julie Corliss https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/exercise-get-game-2017122112903

Holiday Chocolates No Treat for Dogs

British researchers discovered that dogs were over four times more likely to eat chocolate at Christmas and nearly twice as likely to do so at Easter than the rest of the year.

From: https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/news/20171220/holiday-chocolates-no-treat-for-dogs?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Eating Greens May Boost an Aging Brain

People who eat leafy green vegetables every day may maintain a sharper mind as they age, a new study suggests.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20171220/eat-your-greens-----and-maybe-boost-an-aging-brain?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FDA OKs Lap-Band Surgery for More Patients

Allergan, Inc. has announced that the FDA has approved the Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Banding (LBAGB) System for obese adults with at least one obesity-related medical condition.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20110217/fda-oks-lap-band-surgery-for-more-patients?src=RSS_PUBLIC

USDA-NASS Census On-Line Response

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

Mild Low Thyroid Levels May Affect a Woman's Fertility

Having even a slightly underactive thyroid may interfere with a woman's ability to get pregnant, a new Harvard Medical School study has found

From: https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20171220/mild-low-thyroid-levels-may-affect-a-womans-fertility?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Comments sought on report outlining risk analysis plan for electronic protected health information

Dental professionals can review and comment on an ADA-developed proposed tech-nical report that aims to assist covered dental practices in fulfilling their legally mandat-ed obligation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act to conduct a security risk analysis of electronic protected information.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/december/comments-sought-on-report-outlining-risk-analysis-plan-for-electronic-protected-health-information

New on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon

Shows and movies you'll want to stream soon

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/whats-coming-to-netflix-this-month/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Innovative research to fight kidney disease

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx3zi93NEWU

Overweight Kids Don't Have to Be Overweight Adults

A new study suggests there are "critical windows" where a path to weight gain can be changed to keep overweight children from becoming overweight adults.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20171220/overweight-kids-dont-have-to-be-overweight-adults?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Answer these 5 questions to help make your New Year’s resolutions stick

It’s that time of the year again when we start thinking about the (in)famous New Year’s resolutions. Change can be a frustrating experience for many. So, I decided to investigate what may increase your chances of success. I would like to propose a framework that combines the science of behavior change with the idea that we are able to rewire our brains to improve our health, well-being, and overall quality of life, called neuroplasticity. So, grab a piece of paper to write down the answers to the questions below.

1.  Why do you want to make the change?

Make sure you find your true motivation. Try to look beyond the need to change. Look at the real life benefits of the change. What makes you want to change? Do you want to be well so you can really enjoy that trip in the summer? Do you want to be able to keep up with your grandchildren? Or just because you want to look better? Try to go deep into your soul and emotions. Try to imagine how your life would be after you’ve made the change.

2.  Is your goal concrete and measurable?

A goal should be specific, achievable, and measurable. For a lot of people, the goal is a number on the scale. However, you could consider running a 5k race as your goal, for example. It is important not to be too ambitious. A lot of people aim for a goal that may be too hard to achieve. Most long-term change happens slowly, so identify small changes that you can make successfully. Change is a process, not an event.

3.  What is your plan?

The old saying holds true: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Be realistic about what you can do. Keep it simple and be precise. How much and how often would you like to practice your new habit? For example: I will replace ice cream with a piece of fruit after dinner three nights a week. I will listen to my Learn Spanish lessons twice a week for 30 minutes. I will practice deep breathing for one minute after I put the children to bed. Write these down on a calendar and put it on a wall at home or in your office. Another great idea is to download apps that help you track your progress.

4.  Who can support you as you work toward change?

Write down with whom you intend to share your plan. Ask for their support. People who truly love you will help you on this journey. Post your goals on social media. This will show your commitment to change. Change is usually a team effort. Find a partner you can go to the grocery store with, cook with, or go for a walk with. This can be a spouse, friend, or neighbor. You can also take advantage of the virtual world — there are plenty of apps and online support groups available for free and through social media. Use the power of the community to learn about other people’s progress and share what is working for you.

5.  How will you celebrate your victories?

Every time you take a step toward your goals, make sure you reflect on the experience for 10 to 20 seconds. Make it big and rich. Incorporate the feeling of accomplishment and be mindful of how rewarding it is and how great it feels to achieve your goal that day. Bring emotion and feelings to what you just did. For example: I feel healthy and nourished after eating more fruits and vegetables. I feel relaxed and calm after exercising. It will help you later in the day to recall how positive and important this experience was for you. Stay present with this good, positive feeling for 10 to 20 seconds a few times a day. Let it sink in and try to truly feel how gratifying it is.

This last item is sometimes forgotten, and sometimes it’s what you need to make the new activity really stick. Practice is fundamental, but practice alone does not equal learning. Walking for 15 minutes three times a week is important, but savoring the exercise as something that makes you feel stronger and healthier with less pain is the reason why you will continue to walk.

You are teaching your brain how to learn and get better at learning. You will start to shift from simple plans and goals to a habit, something that will be part of you for the long term.

This is a journey

Do not get angry with yourself if you fail. Setbacks are to be expected and are part of the learning process. Forgive yourself and reflect on what happened. Think through the barriers to achieving your goal and try again. January first is just a day in the calendar. You can reset your calendar every day for a fresh start. Go back to the beginning and revisit that first question to remind yourself of the rewards of making the change. Perhaps you need to rewrite your plan. Be patient. You have already planted the seed for success; it is all about changing your mindset now. For me, I am hoping to increase my physical flexibility and decrease my risk of injuries. Stretches will be part of my workout routine in 2018. Wish me luck.

I wish you happiness and success in 2018!

The post Answer these 5 questions to help make your New Year’s resolutions stick appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Marcelo Campos, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/answer-these-5-questions-to-help-make-your-new-years-resolutions-stick-2017122012940

Cancer Survivors May Face Premature Aging

Treatments that help people beat cancer also can cause them to age prematurely and die sooner.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20171219/cancer-survivors-often-face-another-hurdle-faster-aging?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Embryo Frozen for 25 Years Results in Birth

A healthy baby girl born last month in Tennessee was a frozen embryo for 25 years, making her the longest known frozen human embryo to result in a successful birth.

From: https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20171219/health-highlights-dec-19-2017?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Friendships May Be Your Defense Against Diabetes

New research suggests your friends might help you prevent one very big health problem -- type 2 diabetes.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20171219/friendships-may-be-your-defense-against-diabetes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FDA OKs Gene Therapy for Rare Form of Blindness

It's the first gene therapy approved in the United States for a disease caused by mutations in a specific gene, and only the third gene therapy ever approved.

From: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20171219/fda-oks-gene-therapy-for-rare-form-of-blindness?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Cervical Device May Help Lower Preemie Birth Risk

Women with a relatively short cervix are at higher risk of preterm delivery, but new research shows that a cervical device may cut that risk substantially.

From: https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20171219/cervical-device-may-help-lower-preemie-birth-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC