Craniocervical Junction Anomalies in Children

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWVEAlrqXw0

Are outside agitators stirring up town halls as Trump administration claims?

GOP senators and congressmen have recently run into some testy exchanges with voters. The Trump administration claims the protesters are professional agitators, but that's not what Nancy Cordes found.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/are-outside-agitators-stirring-up-town-halls-as-trump-administration-claims/

"Life isn't pretty": Mom shares photos of son to show harsh reality of cancer

Thousands rally around 10-year-old boy battling leukemia for the second time after mom's post goes viral

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/life-isnt-pretty-mom-shares-photo-of-son-to-show-harsh-reality-of-cancer/

Is needing more sleep a sign of pending dementia?

New study examines the amount of sleep older adults get each night and their risk of dementia down the road

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-the-need-for-more-sleep-a-sign-of-pending-dementia/

Why this grocery store opened a slow checkout lane

The checkout line here is always long and slow-moving — and that’s the way customers like it

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-heartwarming-reason-this-grocery-store-opened-a-slow-checkout-lane/

Addiction treatment vulnerable as Obamacare repeal looms in horizon

Around 1.8 million people, who have acquired mental health and addiction treatment, now fear losing coverage

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/addiction-treatment-vulnerable-with-likely-obamacare-repeal/

Scientists mix friendly bacteria into lotions to ward off bad germs

In one early test, customized creams helped protect five patients with a kind of itchy eczema​ against risky bacteria, researchers reported

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientists-mix-friendly-bacteria-into-lotions-to-ward-off-bad-germs/

Does Zika Harm Male Fertility?

The CDC is working with a fertility clinic in Puerto Rico to determine if men infected by Zika have lower sperm counts or lower sperm function after infection

From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20170222/zika-mice-male-fertility?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Is Need for More Sleep a Sign of Pending Dementia?

Study finds an association but doesn't prove cause and effect

From: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20170222/is-need-for-more-sleep-a-sign-of-pending-dementia?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Race May Play Role in Recurrent Stroke

Study found black seniors at higher risk for subsequent attack compared to whites

From: http://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20170222/race-may-play-role-in-recurrent-stroke?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What Everyone Needs to Know About Cyberbullying

Online harassment can take a toll on your health. Find out how to end it, for good.

From: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/what-everyone-needs-to-know-about-cyberbullying?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Insights on Tumor Growth Lead to New Treatments

Find out how the latest research on how tumors grow is giving doctors new tools to treat cancer, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/insights-on-tumor-growth-lead-to-new-treatments?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Off-Label Antidepressants Common; Evidence Lacking

One-third are prescribed for conditions like pain or migraine with little scientific backup, study says

From: http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20170222/off-label-antidepressants-common-but-wheres-the-evidence?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ACL Tears on the Rise Among Kids, Especially Girls

Sports that involve cutting or pivoting are the riskiest, doctors say

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170222/acl-tears-on-the-rise-among-kids-especially-girls?src=RSS_PUBLIC

After Stroke, 'Blue' Light May Help Beat the Blues

Akin to sunlight, it could ward off depression during rehab, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20170222/after-stroke-blue-light-may-help-beat-the-blues?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ADA, others ask Congress to avoid cuts to nondefense discretionary programs

The Association and more than 660 organizations are urging Congress to avoid making cuts to nondefense discretionary programs.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-ask-congress-to-avoid-cuts-to-nondefense-discretionary-programs

ACL tears on the rise among kids, especially girls

Doctors say certain sports are riskier than others

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/acl-tears-on-the-rise-among-kids-especially-girls/

No, your cat isn't a threat to your mental health

A new study should allay fears that kitty poop parasites raise odds for schizophrenia and other disorders, researchers say

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-your-cat-isnt-a-threat-to-your-mental-health/

Bernie Sanders on "skyrocketing" price of insulin

Between 2002 and 2013, the price of insulin more than tripled, to more than $700 per patient. A federal lawsuit accuses three insulin manufacturers -- Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi -- of conspiring to raise their prices. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is calling for a federal investigation, alleging collusion among the companies. The drug makers deny the allegations.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/bernie-sanders-on-skyrocketing-price-of-insulin/

Testosterone therapy poses risks, studies find

A series of new studies on testosterone therapy for older men finds some serious risks and few benefits. The latest research in trials looked at the impact of hormone replacement on the heart, bone density, brain function and anemia. Dr. David Agus joins "CBS This Morning" from Los Angeles to discuss the findings.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/testosterone-therapy-poses-risks-studies-find/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Ideas for a heart healthy diet

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMYhl28dBfk

Mayo Clinic - Session 1: Make Change Possible: Karen Watson

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIdFS9kuSxk

Unlocking the lock jaw: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most heavily utilized and underappreciated joints in the human body. Mechanically, the TMJ is what allows you to open and close your mouth, and to a lesser extent, extend and move your jaw from side to side. Functionally, it facilitates eating, talking, and facial expressions. Without a TMJ, McGruff the crime dog would not be able to “Take a bite out of crime,” and Jaws would have never become a savage predatory superstar of the deep blue sea.  Just kidding. We all know from “Shark Week” that sharks do not actually have a TMJ, but you get the idea.

Structurally, the TMJ is a complex joint that involves multiple muscles working in concert with uniquely shaped cartilage to allow for the powerful actions of chewing, as well as the fine movements involved with speech. Like so many parts of the human body, the TMJ usually only receives attention when something goes wrong.

The grind of grinding

Grinding of the teeth, also known as bruxism, is a very common problem. For many people this occurs at night during sleep (nocturnal bruxism).  Since it occurs during sleep, many people are unaware that they’re even doing it, but the noise generated can be unbearable for a sleep partner. People with nocturnal bruxism often wake up the next morning with tightness and soreness of the jaw muscles.  Bruxism over time can cause destruction of tooth enamel, the formation of gaps between teeth as teeth start to shift, and damage to the TMJ joint. Some people who suffer from bruxism are first diagnosed during routine dental visits when enamel destruction is noted.

Snap, crackle, pop

A number of studies have shown that TMJ dysfunction can exacerbate headache disorders, and that successful treatment of TMJ dysfunction can improve the headache disorder. As a headache specialist, I routinely evaluate the TMJ. During the examination, I palpate the joint, while the patient makes different jaw movements. I can often feel, and at times hear, the dysfunction in the joint. These problems are usually due to the misalignment or damage that has occurred to the tendons, ligaments, and/or cartilage involved with jaw movements. When severe, the TMJ can painfully “lock,” and the person is unable to move their jaw until the joint is realigned, which can at times require surgery. These issues can occur in association with bruxism, excessive jaw clenching, jaw trauma, and at times without any clear cause.

My night…guard in shining armor

A very common treatment for TMJ dysfunction is the use of a nightguard, which is a plastic mouthpiece that covers the teeth, and prevents enamel on enamel contact. A nightguard is usually fitted to the upper (maxillary) teeth. In general, a dentist fabricates custom nightguards.  Although usually more expensive, custom nightguards are a better choice than over-the-counter versions for a number of reasons. Custom night guards tend to be thinner and more comfortable. In addition, custom night guards are molded specifically to a person’s teeth and bite. If a nightguard doesn’t fit well, it can actually cause shifting of teeth and worsen TMJ symptoms. Although bruxism has never been a significant problem for me, I wear a nightguard to prevent enamel wear and shifting of teeth. After using a nightguard for a number of years, I tell patients that not wearing my nightguard is like not putting on my seatbelt after I get in the car. It is a disruption in my routine, which can at times leave me feeling restless.

Injecting conversation

Other treatments for TMJ dysfunction include injections directly into the joint and jaw surgery. One of the less invasive and less painful treatments is the use of botulinum toxin (Botox). Cosmetically, Botox works by relaxing the muscles that, when overactive, can cause wrinkles. Similarly, when injected into jaw muscles, they relieve tightness, pain, and wear on the TMJ. Two of my patients had very large jaw muscles from constant clenching over the years, and with Botox injections the contour of their faces changed. One of these patients said, “I hated having these big jowls. My jaw line is much smoother now, and my pain is essentially gone.” Regarding side effects, another one of my patients asked, “Dr. Mathew, does injecting Botox in the jaw muscles cause any side effects?” I advised her, “Injecting too much Botox can cause jaw weakness when chewing something tough like steak, which can be a good thing.” She responded, “How can jaw weakness be a good thing?” I replied, “If you are experiencing jaw weakness, it will be difficult for you to complain about me.”

The post Unlocking the lock jaw: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Paul G. Mathew, MD, FAAN, FAHS http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/unlocking-the-lock-jaw-temporomandibular-joint-tmj-dysfunction-2017022211146

U.S. Life Expectancy May Rise to Over 80 by 2030

But other developed countries expected to have even bigger longevity gains, study says

From: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20170221/us-life-expectancy-may-rise-to-over-80-by-2030?src=RSS_PUBLIC

No, Your Cat Isn't a Threat to Your Mental Health

Study designed to allay fears that kitty poop parasites raise odds for schizophrenia, other disorders

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20170221/no-your-cat-isnt-a-threat-to-your-mental-health?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Many Younger Cancer Survivors Can't Afford Meds

Skipping doses or drugs altogether can be dangerous, U.S. researchers warn

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20170221/many-younger-cancer-survivors-cant-afford-their-meds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Breast Cancer Survivors' Powerful Ally: Exercise

Those who worked out were about 40 percent less likely to die from disease, review suggests

From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20170221/exercise-a-powerful-ally-for-breast-cancer-survivors?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Brain Chip Helps Paralyzed 'Type' With Their Mind

Researchers report patients showed fastest speeds seen yet in such experiments

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20170221/brain-chip-helps-paralyzed-type-with-their-mind?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Drug makers accused of insulin price hike collusion

Some diabetes patients are begging doctors for free samples of life-saving insulin because of costs. Between 2002 and 2013, the price of insulin more than tripled, to more than $700 per patient. A federal lawsuit accuses three insulin manufacturers - Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi - of conspiring to raise their prices. Anna Werner reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/drug-makers-accused-of-insulin-price-hike-collusion/

Drug makers accused of conspiring to hike insulin prices

Between 2002 and 2013, the price of insulin more than tripled, and one doctor says "patients are begging for samples"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/insulin-price-hike-lawsuit-accuses-drug-makers-of-conspiring/

Judge blocks Texas efforts to cut off Planned Parenthood from Medicaid

Although this ruling is a victory for Planned Parenthood, the bigger question remains over whether President Donald Trump will federally defund the organization

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-blocks-texas-efforts-to-cut-off-planned-parenthood-from-medicaid/