01/24/17

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314

Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289

Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294

Stretching: Focus on flexibility

Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931

Chronic pain can interfere with sexuality

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/chronic-pain/art-20044369

Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314

Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289

Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294

Stretching: Focus on flexibility

Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931

Chronic pain can interfere with sexuality

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/chronic-pain/art-20044369

Do burnt toast and potatoes pose a real cancer risk?

The U.K. released new guidelines warning people of the potential dangers, but some experts say the advice is misguided

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/do-burnt-toast-and-potatoes-pose-a-real-cancer-risk/

Your Rights, One Voice: Mason’s Story

As a parent, you want the best for your child, from health care to home life to education. Raising a child with type 1 diabetes can make the stakes higher—even when everything is going well. But how do you react when a necessary part of your child’s life keeps him from success? That’s the situation Mason Stevens’ parents found themselves in when Mason’s school refused to provide him with a 504 Plan.

Some background: 504 Plans outline medical care and other accommodations that students with disabilities might need in the school setting. These plans ensure that students covered receive appropriate accommodations while at school, as well as equal treatment and access to school-related programs, trips and extracurricular activities. Under federal law, diabetes meets the definition of a disability, so public school students who live with diabetes, like Mason, should have a 504 Plan in place.

Nicole and Michael Stevens of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, approached Donegal Primary School to request a 504 Plan for Mason, who uses an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor, when he was in kindergarten. Rather than providing a 504 Plan, the school developed an Individualized Health Plan (IHP), which didn’t outline parameters or arrange extra time for education support for Mason based on his medical disability.

“It appeared the school wasn’t educated on how diabetes impacts a student’s ability to focus and learn, or how quickly blood sugar levels can change in a five-year-old,” Nicole said. “When we asked for a 504 Plan, we were told the school did not recognize diabetes as a disability and he did not qualify.”

Mason’s parents had also secured a private duty nurse to monitor Mason while at school to make sure his blood glucose levels remained stable. Unfortunately, the school began to rely a bit too much on the nurse rather than providing the extra support he truly needed.

Having only an IHP kept Mason from educational success on multiple occasions. For example, at one point, high blood glucose levels prevented Mason from being able to concentrate during a math test—to the point that he couldn’t complete it. This resulted in his teacher marking each incomplete answer as wrong. If Mason had had a 504 Plan in place, he potentially could have waited to take the test until his blood glucose levels came down.

This negative impact was even noted by Mason’s teacher. Report cards showed progress, but the teacher said that Mason’s challenges were prohibiting him from reaching his full educational potential.

Nicole and Michael knew that Mason needed more than an IHP, but the school stated that Pennsylvania state law required him to undergo a psychological evaluation to qualify for a 504 Plan. Nicole had read that this wasn’t the case (per federal law), and she turned to our Legal Advocacy program for help.

“At first, we trusted the school to follow the federal and state laws. So initially, we accepted the original plan of the IHP. However, as Mason progressed in kindergarten and we asked for amendments, we started to see that the IHP was not enough to ensure his education and Mason’s physical health was not being managed appropriately,” Nicole noted.

Our Legal Advocacy department confirmed that Mason was eligible for a 504 Plan and connected Nicole and Michael with Philadelphia attorney Alan L. Yatvin, who serves on our national Board of Directors and has significant experience with legal issues involving students with diabetes. With support from our Legal Advocacy team, Yatvin worked with the Stevens family as they negotiated a 504 Plan, making sure the school recognized its necessity—not an easy process.

“The school did not ‘embrace’ the 504 Plan,” Nicole noted. “The initial planning was awkward and uncomfortable.”

Finally, at the end of Mason’s kindergarten year, a 504 Plan was signed and took effect. With the plan in place, the Stevens family continues to work with the school to make sure Mason’s needs are being met.

According to Nicole, “Mason is [now] in first grade and is doing well—he likes school and excels in academics. The 504 Plan was a huge step in the right direction for us.”

There is still work to be done, such as a need for additional training and resources—for example, the Stevens family still relies on the private duty nurse to assist during the school day. But Nicole believes progress is being made: “We see small improvements with new staff at the school, and his teacher has been a great support. As Mason grows and can manage more on his own, we feel his needs can be fully met by the school in a few years.”

Thanks to the work of our Legal Advocacy team and Alan Yatvin, Mason’s family now hopes that he will enjoy the full, equal education experience that he deserves.

“It wasn’t until we connected with the Association’s Legal Advocacy program that we felt confident [that we had the] additional resources and staff to help us push forward to obtain what Mason was entitled to. It assured he would receive a fair and appropriate education regardless of his medical condition,” Nicole said. “Alana [our Legal Advocate] was the spearhead we needed and valued to get what our son needed and deserved as a child with diabetes.”

The American Diabetes Association leads the effort to prevent and eliminate discrimination against people with diabetes at school, at work and in other parts of daily life. If you need help, call 1-800-DIABETES or visit diabetes.org/gethelp.

Through our nationwide Safe at School^® program, the Association is dedicated to making sure that all children with diabetes are medically safe at school and have the same educational opportunities as their peers. Visit our Safe at School website for information and resources.

Give the gift of fairness—donate now to help people with diabetes facing discrimination, just like Mason.

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From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2017/01/24/your-rights-one-voice-masons-story/

Fate of Lesser-Know Affordable Care Act Benefits Uncertain

As President Donald Trump takes the first steps toward repealing the Affordable Care Act, it’s not clear what benefits will remain, including these eight lesser-known ones.

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20170124/fate-of-lesser-known-obamacare-benefits-not-known?src=RSS_PUBLIC

High-Tech Monitors May Help With Type 1 Diabetes

Pair of studies found patients taking insulin injections had better levels with devices

From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20170124/high-tech-blood-sugar-monitors-may-help-people-with-type-1-diabetes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Irregular Heartbeat Therapy: Harmful to Brain?

Small study shows higher rate of brain lesions in people receiving ablation for ventricular arrhythmias

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20170124/could-a-therapy-for-irregular-heartbeat-harm-the-brain?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Excess Pregnancy Weight, Overweight Kids?

Connection is likely in the genes, researchers say

From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20170124/study-counters-link-between-excess-pregnancy-weight-and-overweight-kids?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314

Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289

Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294

Chronic pain can interfere with sexuality

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/chronic-pain/art-20044369

Stretching: Focus on flexibility

Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931

Screen All Adults for Sleep Apnea? Jury Still Out

Not enough data to advise for or against such screening, U.S. experts in prevention and medicine say

From: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/news/20170124/jury-still-out-on-whether-to-screen-all-adults-for-sleep-apnea?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Thyroid Cancer Survivors May Face Health Risks

Easing up on treatment for some may lower lifetime odds for osteoporosis, heart disease, researchers say

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20170124/young-thyroid-cancer-survivors-may-face-long-term-health-risks?src=RSS_PUBLIC

U.S. Cancer Deaths Decline Over Three Decades

But clusters of high death rates remain in some pockets of the country, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20170124/us-cancer-deaths-decline-over-three-decades?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Newly revised book leads dentists to create dream practice

When constructing or renovating brick-and-mortar practices, it can be easy to listen to consultants and design groups on what steps to take.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/newly-revised-book-leads-dentists-to-create-dream-practice

February JADA looks at assessment and treatment for deep carious lesions

Clinicians’ approaches for managing carious tissues during cavity preparations vary considerably, according to an article in The Journal of the American Dental Association.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/february-jada-looks-at-deep-carious-lesions

On Feb. 23, use your dollars to help donate care to those who need it

Dental professionals in the market for office supplies and equipment can help raise money to benefit people in need of dental care by making their purchases on Feb. 23.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/on-feb-23-use-your-dollars-to-help-donate-care-to-those-who-need-it

Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314

Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289

Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294

Chronic pain can interfere with sexuality

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/chronic-pain/art-20044369

Stretching: Focus on flexibility

Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931

Dying from cancer: Could your location determine your fate?

Americans in certain struggling regions of the country are dying from cancer at rising rates, despite the falling cancer death rate nationwide

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dying-from-cancer-could-your-location-determine-your-fate/

Early family deaths may create "grief gap" for blacks

Compared to whites, African-Americans are more likely to lose a loved one earlier in life, U.S. researcher says

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/early-family-deaths-may-create-grief-gap-for-blacks/

Even One High-Fat Meal Can Harm Your Liver

Over time, rapid effect of 'fat loading' could contribute to disease, researchers say

From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20170124/even-one-high-fat-meal-can-harm-your-liver-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314

Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289

Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/food-and-nutrition/art-20048294

Stretching: Focus on flexibility

Stretching may benefit your exercise routine. Here's how to do it safely.

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931

Chronic pain can interfere with sexuality

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/chronic-pain/art-20044369

"Red yeast rice" statin alternative maye not be harmless either

The supplements are linked to muscle pain and other adverse effects similar to statins, new research finds

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/red-yeast-rice-station-alternative-not-harmless-either/

Why medical experts say that teens should be allowed to make the abortion decision without telling their parents

I am the mother of three daughters, and if one of them were to get pregnant and be thinking about an abortion, I’d want to know. It’s heartbreaking to me to think about not knowing — and about them going through that alone.

But for their own safety and well-being, they should have the right not to tell me.

That’s the consensus of several medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the Society for Adolescent Health Medicine, the American Public Health Association and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. And I agree.

Here in the United States, minors have a right to an abortion without parental consent unless otherwise specified by state law, and many states do specify otherwise. The Supreme Court has said it’s okay for the states to do that, as long as there is a way for teens who think that telling their parents is a bad idea to get “judicial bypass,” that is, they can go to court and get permission. But many teens don’t know about judicial bypass, and it’s not always easy to do.

The thing is, making it mandatory to tell parents doesn’t improve family communication. What it does is delay appropriate medical care — and increase the number of teen births.

Teen births are generally on the decline, which is a good thing. Teen pregnancy makes it less likely that the teen will finish high school. It makes it more likely that the baby will be born early and small, and that the mother will end up a single mother. Boys born to teen mothers are more likely to end up incarcerated, and girls born to teen mothers are more likely to end up teen mothers themselves. One teen pregnancy can start a cycle that can go on for generations.

And when teens go through with pregnancies they don’t want (very few place babies for adoption), they are not only more likely to suffer psychological consequences for it, but it can have consequences for the child as well to have been “unwanted.”

The medical consequences of making teens tell their parents can be significant. Teens tend to realize later than adults that they are pregnant, so they are already off to a later start with decision-making — and if they don’t want to tell their parents, or if they have to go in front of a judge, they often delay (or the system delays them) and end up with a second-trimester abortion, which is much more dangerous medically and psychologically than a first trimester abortion (generally very safe). Teens may do things to try to induce an abortion, which can be very dangerous.

Parents may understandably worry that their teen isn’t capable of making such an important decision without their input — but studies show that teens are actually quite capable. And it turns out that the majority of teens do talk to their parents or a trusted adult, especially younger teens. The ones that don’t tend to have a good reason; one in three teens who don’t want to tell their parents has a history of family violence. Forcing teens to tell their parents doesn’t improve family communication, and some families can be punitive or coercive.

It’s not that these medical organizations don’t want teens to talk to their parents. They do; their consensus statement strongly encourages it, for all the same reasons I would want my daughters to talk to me.

Obviously, talking should start before a pregnancy, and can help prevent teen pregnancy in the first place. Make sure you talk to your daughters — and sons — about sex and pregnancy, about birth control, about healthy relationships and healthy choices. Make sure, too, that they have access to their doctor and the ability to ask confidential questions and get confidential care. Sometimes teens feel awkward discussing these topics with their parents.

But ultimately, as medical professionals what is most important to us is the health and safety of our patients — based on what the medical evidence tells us. And in this case, what it tells us is that teens should be allowed to make this choice without their parents. It’s the right thing to do.

The post Why medical experts say that teens should be allowed to make the abortion decision without telling their parents appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-medical-experts-say-that-teens-should-be-allowed-to-make-the-abortion-decision-without-telling-their-parents-2017012411079

Severe Side Effects From Breast Cancer Therapy

Digestive troubles, pain, skin irritation and arm swelling among possible problems

From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20170124/half-report-severe-side-effects-from-breast-cancer-therapy?src=RSS_PUBLIC

'Red Yeast Rice' Statin Alternative Not Harmless

The supplements linked to muscle pain, other adverse effects similar to statins

From: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20170124/red-yeast-rice-statin-alternative-not-harmless-either-study-says?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Obamacare Boosted Coverage for the Chronically Ill

4 million with conditions like heart disease, asthma gained health insurance

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20170123/obamacare-boosted-coverage-for-the-chronically-ill-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Exercise Often Declines After Cancer Diagnosis

But researchers say physical activity can improve recovery and survival chances

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20170123/exercise-rates-often-decline-after-cancer-diagnosis?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

Let the sun shine: Mind your mental health this winter

Although the winter season begins with a bit of holiday cheer, many people feel a little “off” as the cold weather drags on. I’ve already seen a few patients who are puzzled by how easily they become irritated. “Is there something wrong with me?” “Why am I so unhappy?” Often, their bodies are just responding to the darker and colder days.

We are governed by circadian rhythms, our body’s natural clock that helps regulate important functions including sleep/wake cycles and mood. These rhythms can be thrown off by the winter season.¹ The sky gets bright later in the morning, and dark earlier in the evening; yet, our hectic schedules require us to keep going as if nothing has changed. This shift, along with other factors – including genetics and body chemistry – may affect your mental health.

Maintaining wellness

Exercising, eating nutritious foods, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining social support systems are core components of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only is physical activity a fantastic outlet for stress, exercising 30 minutes daily may help your body release endorphins, your natural “happy hormones.” It may be challenging during the holidays to eat healthy, but try to fill up first on healthy fruits and vegetables to maintain a balanced diet then have the occasional indulgence.

Meditation has been shown to improve symptoms in people suffering from depression and anxiety, and may also help you to stay well. Meditation can be as short as a 10-minute session every other day when you take the time to be mindful and check in with your body. Some people, especially those who find it difficult to quiet their minds, may find guided meditation helpful. There are plenty of apps such as Headspace and podcasts available to help you. Other meditative practices such as yoga, taking a quiet stroll in a park, or even closing your eyes to focus on listening to your favorite song can also be helpful.

Keeping in touch with your family, friends, and other caring people in your life strengthens your sense of community, and provides you with a strong support system to call on when you feel down.

Light therapy

Some studies² have shown that light therapy may benefit those with depression, especially if it is related to the season. A review article³ showed that light boxes that produce light intensities of more than 2,500 lux are beneficial (to compare, a cloudy winter day provides around 4,000 lux whereas a sunny day provides 50,000– 100,000 lux!). We usually recommend that light therapy be used early morning when you wake up, using a fluorescent white light box of 10,000 lux without ultraviolet wavelengths⁴ (these are sold specifically for seasonal mood problems). You should position the light 12-18 inches from yourself for approximately 30 minutes, keep your eyes open but do not look directly into the light. Many people will place it nearby as they eat breakfast or begin their daytime chores. Although light therapy is generally well tolerated, you should consult your doctor before starting the therapy, especially if you have preexisting conditions such as eye disease. Possible side effects include headache, eye strain, nausea, and even agitation or sleep disturbance, although this is usually related to using the light later in the day.

When to seek medical attention

Depression can come on during any season, and although some people might think they feel just a little “off,” it is important to call your doctor when you have these concerning signs of depression:

depressed mood most of the day
decreased interest or pleasure in activities that you used to enjoy
difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
moving slower or feeling more hyperactive during the day
feeling tired and less energetic
feeling worthless or excessively guilty
difficulty concentrating more than usual
thoughts of death, suicide, or harming others

If you notice these symptoms almost every day during the week, or have thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek medical attention right away. It is also important to reach out to the supportive people in your life. If you notice these symptoms tend to occur in the winter months, you may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which could benefit from medical treatment.

References

Duffy JF, Czeisler CA. Effect of Light on Human Circadian Physiology. Sleep Med Clin., 2009.
Golden RN, Gaynes BN, Ekstrom RD, et al. The efficacy of light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders: a review and meta-analysis of the evidence. Am J Psychiatry, 2005.
Westrin A, Lam RW. Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Clinical Update. Annals of Clin Psychiatry, 2007.
Kurlansik SL, Ibay AD. Seasonal Affective Disorder. Am Fam Physician, Dec. 2012.

The post Let the sun shine: Mind your mental health this winter appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Dominic Wu, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/let-the-sun-shine-mind-your-mental-health-this-winter-2017012311058

Immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s Disease - Mayo Clinic

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

Mayo Clinic Minute: Gaining weight while using a fitness tracker

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U0UY50gOxw

Ten years of The DONNA: Running for a cure

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU5aN2xyjas

WHO Executive Board agrees on an initial short list of candidates to the post of WHO Director-General

WHO Executive Board agrees on an initial short list of candidates to the post of WHO Director-General

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/notes/2017/initial-list-candidates/en/index.html

Mahmoud Fikri appointed as Regional Director for the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region

WHO's Executive Board, currently holding its 140th session in Geneva, has appointed Dr Mahmoud Fikri, from United Arab Emirates (UAE) as WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO), following his nomination by the Regional Committee for EMRO in October last year.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/notes/2017/Fikri-director-emro/en/index.html

Funding opportunity available for fluoridation equipment

State dental organizations, oral health coalitions and other groups associated with public community water systems can apply for funding.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/january/funding-opportunity-available-for-fluoridation-equipment