02/13/17

Monday, February 13, 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

Hundreds of drivers complain Ford Explorer exhaust making them sick

Hundreds of drivers have been complaining about car exhaust leaking into the cabin of Ford Explorers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has investigated, but says there haven't been any serious injuries. Kris Van Cleave reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/hundreds-of-drivers-complain-ford-explorer-exhaust-making-them-sick/

First response to back pain not medication, study says

A new study found that some of the most effective treatments for back pain, like yoga, massage and exercise, are often found outside the traditional healthcare system. Dr. Jon LaPook has the details.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/first-response-to-back-pain-not-medication-study-says/

New guidelines outline how to handle back pain

American College of Physicians says the first line of therapy should be non-drug treatments

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-guidelines-how-to-handle-back-pain/

Could this common weed help fight deadly superbugs?

The Brazilian peppertree, a weed commonly found in Florida, contains an extract that can disarm deadly drug-resistant bacteria, scientists say

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/common-weed-may-help-in-fight-against-antibiotic-resistance-superbugs/

Safe Weight Loss for Overweight Kids

Dieting isn’t the answer when it comes to weight loss for kids. Learn to avoid crash diets and unhealthy habits when your doctor suggests safe weight loss.

From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/raising-fit-kids/weight/safe-weight-loss?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mediterranean Diet Plus Olive Oil Good for Heart?

It enhances protective effects of 'good' HDL cholesterol, study suggests

From: http://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20170213/mediterranean-diet-plus-olive-oil-a-boost-to-heart-health?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D and Calcium?

Vitamin D and calcium are essential for bone health. How to know if you're getting enough.

From: http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d-calcium?src=RSS_PUBLIC

MOTS Trial Treatment Strategy

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAvB47JVpX8

Kids share heartbreaking last photo of ill parents

Thousands of strangers rally around 3 siblings after their parents die within 5 days of each other

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/children-share-heartbreaking-last-photo-of-terminally-ill-parents-together/

Dad's warning after baby nearly loses toe to "hair tourniquet"

Photo of baby's swollen toe sends message to parents about a common problem

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dads-warning-after-baby-nearly-loses-toe-over-hair-tourniquet/

Sara Lee, Sargento Cheese Recalls: Listeria Fears

Two companies are recalling a variety of cheeses over possible listeria contamination.

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/news/20170213/cheese-recall-listeria?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Eczema May Leave Some Flu Shots Less Effective

Vaccine should be given into the muscle, not the skin, research suggests

From: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/news/20170213/eczema-may-leave-some-flu-shots-less-effective-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FDA Warning About Balloon Obesity Treatments

Some devices are over-inflating, and some have been linked to pancreas inflammation, agency says

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20170213/fda-issues-warning-about-balloon-obesity-treatments?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Tiny Babies May Face Mental Health Problems Later

Review found greater likelihood of ADHD, anxiety and depression

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20170213/tiny-babies-may-face-mental-health-problems-later?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Plan Ahead for Kids' Severe Allergic Reactions

First line of defense is an epinephrine auto-injector, pediatricians say

From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20170213/needed-an-action-plan-for-kids-prone-to-severe-allergic-reactions?src=RSS_PUBLIC

In interview, Sen. John Glenn reveals he almost pursued dentistry

Sen. John Glenn, who in 1962 became the first American to orbit the Earth, came close to becoming a dentist.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/in-interview-sen-john-glenn-reveals-he-almost-pursued-dentistry

Work begins on assessment tool that can alert dentist to increased caries risk

Dental professionals with practical and specific knowledge about caries risk assessment are encouraged to join a working group with ADA Standards Committee volunteers who are developing a standardized predictive caries risk assessment tool.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/work-begins-on-assessment-tool-that-can-alert-dentist-to-increased-caries-risk

Dad's warning after baby nearly loses toe to "hair tourniquet"

Photo of baby's swollen toe sends message to parents about a common problem

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dads-warning-after-baby-nearly-loses-toe-over-hair-tourniquet/

Kids share heartbreaking last photo of ill parents

Eczema May Leave Some Flu Shots Less Effective

Vaccine should be given into the muscle, not the skin, research suggests

From: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/news/20170213/eczema-may-leave-some-flu-shots-less-effective-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FDA Warning About Balloon Obesity Treatments

Some devices are over-inflating, and some have been linked to pancreas inflammation, agency says

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20170213/fda-issues-warning-about-balloon-obesity-treatments?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Tiny Babies May Face Mental Health Problems Later

Review found greater likelihood of ADHD, anxiety and depression

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20170213/tiny-babies-may-face-mental-health-problems-later?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Plan Ahead for Kids' Severe Allergic Reactions

First line of defense is an epinephrine auto-injector, pediatricians say

From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20170213/needed-an-action-plan-for-kids-prone-to-severe-allergic-reactions?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What to do when your child has an allergy emergency

A report from a pediatricians' group offers a new "universal" action plan for doctors to give parents

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-to-do-when-your-child-has-an-allergy-emergency/

Residents say first atom bomb test caused cancer

An advocacy group documented generations of southern New Mexico families suffering from cancer and economic hardship

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-mexico-first-atom-bomb-test-cancer-cases/

CDC reports 14,000 new cases of flu per week

The number of flu cases is surging across the country. The latest figures from the CDC show the virus is "widespread" in 43 states. There are 14,000 new cases a week, and at least 20 children have reportedly died from the virus since late 2016. Dr. Tara Narula joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the threat.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cdc-reports-14000-new-cases-of-flu-per-week/

Could Fermented Foods Boost Your Health?

Some research says bacteria in fermented foods may promote gut health and help prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Should you eat these foods?

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20170213/could-fermented-foods-boost-your-health?src=RSS_PUBLIC

GKAS event at Washington office serves 15

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/gkas-event-at-washington-office-serves-15

Pop! Goes That Balloon, and Maybe Your Hearing

Study found noise can exceed safe levels and perhaps damage inner ear

From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20170210/pop-goes-that-balloon-and-maybe-your-hearing?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Low Back Pain? Relax, Breathe and Try Yoga

Review of 12 studies found small improvements in pain levels, function after 3 to 6 months

From: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20170210/low-back-pain-relax-breathe-and-try-yoga?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Concussion May Affect Driving After Symptoms Fade

Erratic swerving showed up in tests taken after young patients thought they had recovered

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20170210/driving-skills-may-suffer-even-after-concussion-symptoms-subside?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Grand Rounds: Closing the Gap Between Clinical Trials & Practice - NOACS for Atrial Fibrillation

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PicOHbGo3I

Dr. Vandana Bhide: Vaccines prevent diseases (1:35)

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

Mayo Clinic Minute Facts on chocolate wine and your heart

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4poTRZ1uE0

Snored to death: The symptoms and dangers of untreated sleep apnea

Sleep is a critically important component of human existence. On average, humans spend about 25%-35% of their lives sleeping. Sleep allows both the body and brain to rest and recover from the stress of daily life. As such, trouble sleeping can cause a range of health problems, and if left untreated dire consequences.

Longing for more sleep

There is a common misconception that there is an exact amount of sleep that the body requires. The necessary hours of sleep can vary, as some people can require as little as five hours or as much as nine hours to function optimally. In addition, too little or too much sleep can cause problems. The classic example is someone who sleeps in on the weekends. Although one may think getting more sleep than usual would leave a person feeling well rested, sleeping an extra 2-3 hours can actually cause the person to feel groggy and less rested. For my migraine patients, both under and over sleeping can serve as triggers for more migraines. Naps can also be detrimental to sleep hygiene, as they often lead to poor sleep that evening.

Quality, not just quantity

Even if sleep duration is good, sleep quality can be quite poor. Sleep interruptions can fragment sleep. When a person goes back to sleep after an interruption, it can take one hour to reach the restful part of the sleep cycle. Another interruption before reaching deep sleep will cause yet another delay in the cycle. People who wake up many times during the night can have some nights with zero hours of deep, restful sleep. Poor sleep quantity and/or quality can cause excessive daytime drowsiness (falling asleep while reading, or even driving), chronic fatigue, headaches, mood issues, irritiabilty, poor memory, and cognitive dysfunction.

Urine trouble

When discussing sleep interuptions, many patients will claim that they have to get up to use the bathroom, which is common, particularly for elderly patients. In reality, the bladder is rarely waking up a majority of these patients, and they instead are experiecing a spontaneous arrousal. After they wake up, they realize, “Ohh, there is some urine in my bladder…that must be the reason I woke up.” When there is disbelief, I suggest that the patient reduce fluid intake, and yet they still wake up with the same number of interruptions.

Raining cats and dogs

I fondly recall one patient who came to see me due to worsening headaches. She told me about how miserable she was from not only her daily headaches, but also from her constant fatigue and worsening memory. While we were talking, I could not help but notice the fur all over her black fleece and black pants. After making this observation, I asked, “Do you have a dog?” and she said, “Yes, I have two dogs and three cats.” I then asked, “Where do your pets sleep?” She replied, “On my bed with me and my husband.” Given the PETential for sleep interruptions, I recommended that she stop sharing the bed with her pets, and keep them two closed doors away from the bedroom. Keeping them just outside the bedroom door would surely lead to clawing on the door and other noises that would interrupt her sleep. After following just this simple advice, she experienced a significant improvement of her headaches, fatigue, and memory. I, on the other hand, experienced a significant improvement of the amount of animal fur on the furniture and floor of my office.

Snore in trouble

Sleep apnea is literally when a person stops breathing during sleep. As a result, the brain undergoes repeated moments of suffocating. In popular culture, snoring is viewed as funny, and people often laugh when a snoring person lets out a sudden explosive snort. The reality is this loud snort is often the person gasping for air as the brain is not getting enough oxygen. Sleep apnea interrupts sleep for both the person and their bed partner. In the case of a female patient who’s husband refuses to get evaluated depite showing signs of sleep apnea, I often urge the patient to bring their husband with them to their next appointment with me. Whether it’s the patient or the spouse, I often hear the line “I have always slept this way.” When that happens, I explain that poor sleep is like alcohol. In our 20s drinking a six pack of beer would lead to a rough morning after, but the same six pack of beer in our 50s can require a week to fully recover. Likewise, recovering after an all nighter without sleep in our 20s tends to be much easier than trying to pull an all nighter in our 50s. That being said, younger brains tend to be more resiliant with toxic situations, like alcohol consumption and sleep dysfunction, than the same brains later in life.

If improvement of headaches, mood, energy, wakefulness, memory, and cognition are not movitvation enough, I also advise that untreated sleep apnea leads to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and dementia (brain damage). That usually gets people’s attention, and reduces the need for me to perform unnecessary surgeries like a husbandectomy to allow the wife with insomnia to get a good night’s sleep, and subseqently less headaches.

The post Snored to death: The symptoms and dangers of untreated sleep apnea appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Paul G. Mathew, MD, FAAN, FAHS http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/snored-to-death-the-symptoms-and-dangers-of-untreated-sleep-apnea-2017021311159