Maine confirms its first case of measles in 20 years

Officials say the case is related to travel and they are working with clinicians to identify potentially exposed individuals

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/maine-confirms-first-case-measles-20-years/

Complaints about side effects from cosmetics on the rise

Complaints about side effects from cosmetics more than doubled in 2016. Most of the products that were the target of complaints are still on store shelves. Dr. Tara Narula weighs in on how consumers can protect themselves.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/complaints-about-side-effects-from-cosmetics-on-the-rise/

Senate leaders delay vote on health care bill

Republicans couldn't come up with enough votes from their own party to pass their alternative to Obamacare. Moderates felt the bill is too harsh, while conservatives say it doesn't go far enough. Nancy Cordes reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/senate-leaders-delay-vote-on-health-care-bill/

Innovations in Neuroscience – 2017 Mayo Clinic Community Leadership Forum

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeWBjkB3S5M

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Genetics

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC2s24gVnTw

Trump tells GOP senators if health care bill fails, he won't like it, "and that's OK"

The president invited all Republican senators to a meeting at the White House to discuss health care

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-tells-gop-senators-if-they-dont-pass-health-care-he-wont-like-it-and-thats-ok/

Judge orders egg executives in salmonella case to start serving jail sentences

Austin "Jack" DeCoster and his son, Peter DeCoster, have been sentenced to serve three months in prison

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/austin-jack-peter-decoster-executives-salmonella-case-must-report-to-prison/

Senate GOP Leaders Delay Vote on Health Reform Bill

Proposal to replace Obamacare would leave 22 million more uninsured by 2026: CBO

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/news/20170627/senate-gop-leaders-delay-vote-on-health-reform-bill?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Boy's hospital bill goes viral amid health care debate

"It seems fitting that, with the #TrumpCare debate raging, I got this bill in the mail today," mom of sick child said on Twitter

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/boston-mom-hospital-bill-tweet-trends-amid-health-care-debate/

Mayo Clinic Minute: Why coconut oil is bad for your heart

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaVRVE6LmSU

E-Cigarettes Lead to 'Real' Thing for Teens: Study

But one public health expert questions whether the reported association is valid

From: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20170627/e-cigarettes-lead-to-real-thing-for-teens-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Some GOP Senators Balk at Health Reform Bill

Proposal to replace Obamacare would leave 22 million more uninsured by 2026: CBO

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/news/20170627/some-gop-senators-balk-at-health-reform-bill?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Dental Office Design Competition deadline Aug. 21

The young patients at Small to Tall Pediatric Dentistry in Olympia, Washington, are treated to a treehouse in the waiting room. It is one of the unique design elements of the practice, and because of those characteristics owners Drs. Benjamin Ruder and Scott Rowley were one of the winners of the 2016 Dental Office Design Competition sponsored by the ADA, ADA Business Resources and Wells Fargo Practice Finance.

From: By David Burger http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/june/dental-office-design-competition-deadline-aug-21

Women in dentistry an expanding focus of ADA 2017

The rising prevalence of women in the dental profession is not lost on the ADA Committee on Annual Meetings, which has scheduled a number of leading female speakers at ADA 2017 – America's Dental Meeting.

From: By David Burger http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/june/women-in-dentistry-an-expanding-focus-of-ada-2017

Weed killer chemical to be listed as potentially cancerous

California lawmakers took a major step in light of concerns about the popular weed killer Roundup, but Monsanto insists it is safe

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/monsanto-roundup-weed-killer-glyphosate-potential-cancer-chemical/

"He's a toddler at 3 days old": Mom gives birth to 14.4-pound baby

Nurses in the delivery room marveled at the newborn, who's about the size of a typical 4- to 5-month-old

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hes-a-toddler-at-3-days-old-mom-gives-birth-to-14-pound-baby/

Recall: Chicken Bites Sold at Target

Overhill Farms Inc. of Vernon, CA, is recalling about 54,630 pounds of frozen chicken bites from its Yummy Spoonfuls and Overhill Farms brands.

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170627/chicken-bites-recall-target?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Medical Grand Rounds - The Hereditary Hemochromatosis Clinic at Mayo Clinic

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg33GknIqK0

Joint United Nations statement on ending discrimination in health care settings

The joint UN statement on ending discrimination in health care settings calls for health workers to fulfil their responsibilities, but also to have their rights protected.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/statements/2017/discrimination-in-health-care/en/index.html

Few Upsets in U.S. News Top Kids' Hospitals List

U.S. News & World Report's 11th annual ranking of the best pediatric hospitals has few surprises, with Boston Children's Hospital in first place for the third straight year.

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170627/us-news-top-kids-hospitals-list?src=RSS_PUBLIC

​What Medicaid cuts may mean to breast cancer patients

Could Tennessee's 2005 Medicaid cuts forecast what might happen if the proposed replacement for Obamacare becomes law?

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/medicaid-cuts-linked-to-delayed-breast-cancer-diagnosis-senate-gop-health-care/

Increasing reports of side effects from cosmetics

New report sheds light on the ugly side of the beauty industry

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/increasing-number-of-side-effects-from-cosmetics-study/

Ryan says he "would not bet against" McConnell on health care bill

The House speaker said that they're waiting to see what the Senate can produce before assessing where House Republicans stand

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/paul-ryan-says-i-would-not-bet-against-mitch-mcconnell-on-health-care-bill/

New Dentist Conference offers customized CE — and Zen

This October's New Dentist Conference has a wealth of continuing education courses tailor-made for new dentists, with topics including everything from restorations to Zen.

From: By David Burger http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/june/new-dentist-conference-offers-customized-ce-and-zen

Reports of adverse reactions to cosmetics have doubled, study finds

A lack of government oversight creates problems in tracking the growing number of potentially dangerous reactions to cosmetics. A new study says reports of adverse reactions to cosmetics and personal care products more than doubled to nearly 1,600 complaints between 2015 and 2016. Dr. Tara Narula joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss how to avoid potentially harmful products and how to report an adverse incident.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/reports-of-adverse-reactions-to-cosmetics-have-doubled-study-finds/

Could colleagues save you if your heart stops at work?

New findings reveal how many employees know what to do for someone suffering cardiac arrest

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cardiac-arrest-at-work-are-colleagues-ready-to-save-you-cpr-aed/

4 ways to avoid mistakes with liquid medicines

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

Measuring liquid medication should be easy, right? You just pour out the amount you need.

It turns out, though, that it’s not so easy — and that lots of parents and caregivers do it wrong. In a study just published in the journal Pediatrics in which parents were asked to measure out some liquid doses, 84% made at least one measuring error, and 29% made a large error, measuring at least twice the prescribed dose.

So the next time you measure out some acetaminophen or amoxicillin, here are four must-dos to be sure you do it right:

1. Don’t use a spoon. Even if it says “1 teaspoon,” don’t reach for your silverware drawer. Spoons can be different sizes. Measuring spoons, the kind used for cooking and baking, are better — but unless there is an exact fill line on them, it’s easy to measure too much or too little. What you should use is a medication syringe that is widely available in pharmacies (often for free with your medication, if you ask).

2. Know your units. This is crucial, and where many people mess up. Is the dose in mL (milliliters), cc (cubic centimeters, which is the same as mL), teaspoons, tablespoons, or ounces? Unfortunately, doctors use all of these. Experts are pushing for all dosing to be in mL so that it’s standard, but for the time being it’s important to double-check and make sure you know what you are dealing with.

As most medication syringes are in mL, it’s also a good idea to be familiar with the mL in teaspoons, tablespoons, and ounces:

• 1 teaspoon = 5 mL
• 1 tablespoon = 15 mL
• 1 ounce = 30 mL

3. Check your math. The researchers also found that errors happened when people had to do some math to figure out a measurement, such as when a dose was 7 mL but they only had a 5 mL syringe. They found it worked out better if the parent had a 10 mL syringe… but if you do have to divide up the dose into two portions, double-check that you are doing it right. There’s nothing like the sleep deprivation involved in having an ill child to mess up your ability to add correctly.

Another thing to watch for: placement of decimal points. For example, if a parent gives 5 mL when the dose is .5 mL, that’s giving 10 times the dose. Doctors are encouraged to write 0.5 mL rather than .5 mL to draw attention to that decimal point, but not all of them do, and not all parents realize it’s there.

4. Get in the habit of clarifying the dose when you get or pick up the prescription. Just take that extra moment and ask, “So exactly how much do I give?” Ask for a syringe. (You can even ask to have someone mark the dose on the syringe.) Make sure there isn’t a hidden decimal point there somewhere, too. It takes less than a minute to do. If you make it a habit to ask every time, it could make all the difference — and help keep your child healthy and safe.

The post 4 ways to avoid mistakes with liquid medicines appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/4-ways-avoid-mistakes-liquid-medicines-2017062711971

Could Shift Work Damage Your DNA?

Small study raises questions about daytime sleep and cell damage

From: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20170627/could-shift-work-damage-your-dna?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Stress May Hasten Death in Heart Patients

Doctors should assess mental health at routine cardiac visits, study authors say

From: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20170626/persistent-stress-may-hasten-death-in-heart-patients?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Study: Health insurance saves lives

As the debate continues about repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, new research shows having health insurance saves lives. CBS News' Nikki Battiste has more about the study.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/study-health-insurance-saves-lives/

Poor FDA regulation causes adverse health effects for consumers

Adverse effects from cosmetic products have doubled in recent years. Dr. Arielle Nagler joins CBSN to discuss what's behind the recent spike.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/poor-fda-regulation-causes-adverse-health-effects-for-consumers/

Senate GOP health care bill: Whip count so far

The bill is in jeopardy - at least 3 senators suggested they may vote no on a procedural motion this week

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-gop-health-care-bill-vote/

Drinking water in North Carolina being tested for toxic substance

At a plant 80 miles upstream from Wilmington, North Carolina, a substance called GenX is manufactured by DuPont and Chemours. Company officials recently revealed that the chemical has been released into the river for nearly four decades.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/drinking-water-in-north-carolina-being-tested-for-toxic-substance/

CBO projects Senate health bill would drive up number of uninsured

Sen. John McCain said he's staying on the fence after congressional number crunchers determined that the Senate GOP health care bill would result in 22 million more Americans going without coverage by 2026. According to the CBO, the biggest drop in coverage would come in 2018, when 15 million more people would be uninsured. Nancy Cordes reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cbo-projects-senate-health-bill-would-drive-up-number-of-uninsured/

Pharmacy co-owner gets 9 years for role in deadly outbreak

Hundreds of cases of fungal meningitis were traced to unsanitary conditions in preparing doses of steroids at New England Compounding Center. In March, Barry Cadden was convicted on conspiracy and fraud charges, but not on acts of second degree murder related to racketeering. Jim Axelrod has more.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/pharmacy-co-owner-gets-9-years-for-role-in-deadly-outbreak/

Does health insurance coverage really save lives?

22M people could lose insurance under Senate Republican bill; what does that mean for Americans' health and well-being?

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/health-insurance-saves-lives-study-says/

CBO: 22 million more would be without health insurance over next decade under Senate bill

Senate GOP leaders are aiming for a floor vote later this week despite the fact that they don't have enough support

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbo-score-senate-gop-health-care-bill/

Health insurance saves lives, study finds

New research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine finds that people are more likely to die if they don't have health insurance. Nikki Battiste reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/health-insurance-saves-lives-study-finds/

On her third heart

At age 24 Amy Silverstein developed a life-threatening condition and received a heart transplant. She survived with that heart, and wrote an acclaimed book, "Sick Girl," but 25 years later it, too, began to fail. She is now on her third heart, and has written a moving new book, "My Glory Was I Had Such Friends," about how her family and friends' support kept her alive. Lee Cowan reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/on-her-third-heart/

What are the odds of surviving a 25-foot fall?

After teen's fall from an amusement park ride this weekend, questions arise about the chances of surviving the drop

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/six-flags-amusement-park-ride-fall-what-are-the-odds-of-surviving/

Infectious Diseases A-Z: Sexually transmitted infections on the rise

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs4xNRXbdBU

Mayo Clinic Minute: A hand surgeon's advice on knuckle cracking

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx7dEFjKM0s

Doctor charged in opioid deaths of patients

Regan Nichols has been charged with five second-degree murder counts in connection to the overdose deaths of at least five patients

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/regan-nichols-oklahoma-doctor-charged-in-opioid-deaths-of-patients/

Congress this week: Health care, Russian meddling, immigration

Besides health care vote, the Senate holds hearing on Russian meddling in European elections and House takes up immigration bills

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/congress-this-week-health-care-russian-meddling-immigration/

Cholera outbreak is claiming lives - Dr Nipunie Rajapakse

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEWcZG5hDp4

Verdict form raises questions about case of pharma exec tied to deadly outbreak

Cadden's New England Compounding Center​ produced tainted steroids that killed 64 people and made hundreds more sick

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/barry-cadden-sentencing-new-england-compounding-center-possible-judge-mistake/

Dr. Waldemar E. Wysokinski – Vascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic

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

Paying too much for Rx drugs? Here's unlikely culprit

Pharmacy benefit managers are under new scrutiny for their role in Rx price hikes -- here’s what you need to know.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-prices-rising-pharmacy-benefit-managers-middle-man/

N.C. drinking water tainted with chemical byproduct for decades?

Company has been releasing a potentially cancer-causing substance into Cape Fear River for 37 years - and a loophole in law suggests it's perfectly legal

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/wilmington-nc-cape-fear-river-water-tainted-genx-dupont-chemours/

Shopping for sunscreen: Are all brands equal?

Last week in the playground another mom remarked that she had just ordered all her sunscreen from Europe: “They have much better ingredients. I ordered one with Tinosorb.” This conversation ironically occurred on the same day that I was asked to write this post and I realized that my sunscreen knowledge was a bit passé. As I started to research sunscreen ingredients — in both medical journals and blogs — I discovered why Americans are compelled to go to international markets to find the “best” products.

What is indisputable is the need to protect skin from both UVA and UVB — the type of cancer-causing rays that reach the Earth’s surface. But to ensure you are using a sunscreen that protects from both forms of UV rays, it is important to understand sunscreen labeling in the US. The SPF number is primarily a measure of protection against UVB, whereas the “broad spectrum” label designates UVA coverage. When purchasing a sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends selecting one with an SPF of at least 30, with broad-spectrum coverage, and that is water resistant. Although it seems straightforward, just under half of the products marketed on Amazon fall short.

How do you choose?

So now the hard part: selecting a good sunscreen. There are two types of products, organic filters (or chemical blockers) and inorganic filters (or physical blockers). The physical blockers are fairly straightforward as there are two common ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. You may associate these products with a white appearance, common in the 1980s, but newer formulations are more cosmetically acceptable. One drawback to the newer formulations is that the titanium-based products offer less UVA protection. That’s not true of the newer zinc-based products. So, bottom line, zinc-based sunscreens offer excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and there are a number of nice products available on the US market.

Chemical blockers are much harder to navigate given the number of filters available, and chemical sunscreens are often marketed as combination products. One of the more common filters is oxybenzone, which protects against both UVA and UVB, and is common in the US market. This ingredient is controversial for two reasons. Of all the chemical filters, it’s the one most likely to cause an allergic reaction. That said, the rate of reaction is actually very low given the number of individuals who use products containing it.

Oxybenzone also has an estrogen effect (meaning it can act like an estrogen cream). The estrogen controversy stems from animal studies, but humans would have to apply large quantities in order to achieve the same effects. The product has been used in this country since the 1970s without any reports of harmful side effects in humans. Other chemical products include salicylates (e.g. octisalate, homosalate, and trolamine salicylate), which are weak UVB absorbers so they need to be combined with other filters; cinnamates, which are potent UVB absorbers; and avobenzone, which is a UVA absorber but can become ineffective in the presence of certain other ingredients.

Sunscreen envy: New ingredients not yet available in the US

There are new ingredients in the pipeline awaiting FDA approval, and yes, these are the ones available in Europe. You may wonder why these effective filters are not available here. The reason is how sunscreens are regulated. In the US, sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter drugs, whereas in Europe they are classified as cosmetics and not held to the same regulatory standards. There is one newer filter available in the US called Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX), which is a UVA absorber and is available from Amazon as a combination product. Tinosorb is one of the filters awaiting approval and protects against both UVA and UVB.

So, who needs sunscreen?

The easy answer is everyone, but light-skinned individuals are more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV rays. Certain individuals with underlying conditions, such as compromised immune systems, are even more prone to cancer formation. Keep in mind that you can use a great sunscreen, but if you don’t apply it correctly then you are not getting adequate protection, and most people only apply 25% of the recommended amount. It is recommended to apply the following amounts to different areas of the body: 1 teaspoon to the face, head, and neck; 1 teaspoon to each arm and forearm; 2 teaspoons to the front and back of the trunk; and 2 teaspoons to each thigh and leg. And don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours or after getting wet.

One last important point: make sure to check expiration dates and if a bottle doesn’t have one, mark the date of purchase and discard after three years.

The post Shopping for sunscreen: Are all brands equal? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Emily S. Ruiz, MD, MPH http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/shopping-for-sunscreen-are-all-brands-equal-2017062611947

Dr. Randall R. DeMartino - Vascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYx9bJtAAak

ADA offers input during HHS meeting with Sec. Tom Price

The ADA was one of several health organizations with a seat at the table during a June 22 stakeholder meeting with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

From: By Jennifer Garvin http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/june/ada-offers-input-during-hhs-meeting-with-sec-tom-price

Appellate court upholds ruling that Texas code violated First Amendment

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed June 19 an opinion by a federal district court in Texas, saying certain dental advertising restrictions enforced by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners violated dentists' First Amendment rights to engage in commercial speech.

From: By Jennifer Garvin http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/june/appellate-court-upholds-ruling-that-texas-code-violated-free-speech-in-dental-advertising

Dentists can help fight against tickborne diseases

Tickborne diseases are on the rise and prevention should be on everyone's minds during the summer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From: By David Burger http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/june/dentists-can-help-fight-against-tickborne-diseases

New FTC resource assists dentists in COPPA compliance

The Federal Trade Commission has a new online resource available to assist businesses that operate websites and online services in complying with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/june/new-ftc-resource-assists-dentists-in-coppa-compliance

Recall: Hummus With Pine Nuts

House of Thaller recalls hummus with pine nut topping over listeria concerns.

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20170621/recall-hummus-with-pine-nuts?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Is an HIV Cure Possible?

Babies who got antiretroviral drug therapy within hours of birth and stayed HIV-negative for months or years may offer a clue to treating newly diagnosed adults.

From: http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/features/hiv-cure-in-reach?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Could You Raise a 'No-Diaper' Baby?

Physician couple found it's possible, but daycare workers and babysitters may not want to give it a go

From: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20170621/could-you-raise-a-no-diaper-baby?src=RSS_PUBLIC