Why global hunger is on the rise again

"This has set off alarm bells we cannot afford to ignore," says U.N report, citing role of war and climate change

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/global-hunger-rising-after-decade-decline-who-report/

Chương Trình Viễn Liên Về Trẻ Sơ Sinh của Mayo Clinic

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6qs7E2Apek

Mayo Clinic Minute: Cryopreservation giving kids with cancer a brighter future

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APqA-o6sreM

Infectious Diseases A-Z: Mosquitoes after the hurricanes

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISdewnJx690

ADA, AAPD urge Senate to prioritize oral health care in ACA reform

The ADA and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry are urging U.S. Senate members to protect access to oral health coverage for all Americans as the legislators examine ways to reform the nation's health care delivery and financing systems.

From: By Jennifer Garvin http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/ada-aapd-urge-senate-to-prioritize-oral-health-care-in-aca-reform

Drones help elevate Rwanda's health care

Infamous for its genocide, Rwanda is using every means it can to make itself Africa's health care leader

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rwandas-health-care-drones-cnet/

What to know before your teen gets a tattoo

Body modifications like tattoos​ and piercings have become more widely accepted, but pediatricians say young people need to carefully weigh potential consequences

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/does-your-teen-want-a-tattoo-what-pediatricians-say/

Diet has big impact on healthy aging

Healthy eating is an essential step towards living a long and active life. Dr. Jeffrey Morrison, a physician and nutritionist at the Morrison Center in New York City, spoke to CBSN about the importance of a balanced diet as you age.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/diet-has-big-impact-on-healthy-aging/

Suicide among veterans higher in certain states

Suicide among military veterans​ is especially high in certain areas of the country, according to new government research

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/suicide-among-veterans-higher-states/

What teens need to know about tattoos

Tattoos have never been more popular, but before teens opt for ink, the American Academy of Pediatrics says there are health and safety issues they and their parents should consider. CBS News' Chris Martinez reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/what-teens-need-to-know-about-tattoos/

The House That Racism Built: Consequences & Opportunities for Health Equity

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNP5bgIpn64

WHO: Universal health coverage - the best investment for a safer, fairer and healthier world

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy1Og_RzPlU

Video Q&A about Preparing to Run a Marathon

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWTBdxzv2bo

WHO launches new NCDs Progress Monitor

Governments must step up efforts to control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) to meet globally agreed targets, including preventing the premature deaths of millions of people from these conditions, according to a new WHO report released today.

Limited national progress has been made in the fight against NCDs – primarily cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, cancers and diabetes – which are the world’s biggest killers, and claim the lives of 15 million people aged 30 to 70 years annually.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/ncds-progress-report/en/index.html

New Tests Could Offer Early Alzheimer's Warning

Doctors see promise in use vision, smell, and other tests to determine likelihood of a patient getting Alzheimer's later.

From: http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20170915/new-tests-could-offer-early-alzheimers-warning?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Dr. Kathy MacLaughlin discusses Pap/HPV testing

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApqDjI3pDSw

Mayo Clinic Minute: Childhood cancer by the numbers

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72kLS0aqTOM

Annual meeting events include film, block party

By the time dentists are reading this, ADA 2017 – America's Dental Meeting is a month away. It's not too late, however, to register for the annual meeting as many events and activities await.

From: By David Burger http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/annual-meeting-events-include-film-block-party

Tom Brady reveals the health secrets to his career longevity

New England Patriots quarterback credits softer, less dense muscles with helping him avoid injuries

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tom-brady-promotes-muscle-pliability-for-better-health/

Will the Senate hold another Obamacare repeal vote?

Senate Republicans are considering returning to a bill proposed by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina and Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/will-the-senate-hold-another-obamacare-repeal-vote/

Why does hair turn gray?

Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling

If you look at photos of President Obama taken before he ran for president and since he left office, you’ll notice a distinct difference: where there used to be only dark brown hair, there is now far more gray than brown. It seems that the stress of running a country would turn any person’s hair gray. But is stress really to blame? And why does hair turn gray, even for those of us who don’t have jobs quite as stressful as President of the United States?

Stress doesn’t actually turn hair gray. In fact, hair doesn’t actually “turn” gray. Once a hair follicle produces hair, the color is set. If a single strand of hair starts out brown (or red or black or blond), it is never going to turn gray. Your hair follicles produce less color as they age, so when hair goes through its natural cycle of dying and being regenerated, it’s more likely to grow in as gray beginning after age 35. Genetics can play a role in when this starts.

While being under stress can’t turn your hair gray, stress can trigger a common condition called telogen effluvium, which causes hair to shed at about three times faster than normal. The hair grows back, so the condition doesn’t cause balding. But if you’re middle-aged and your hair is falling out and regenerating more quickly because of stress, it’s possible that the hair that grows in will be gray instead of its original color.

Illnesses that cause gray hair

The vast majority of people with gray hair have age-related graying. However, sometimes graying hair indicates an illness, especially if it occurs at a particularly young age. Health problems that may be heralded by gray hair include:

• vitamin B₁₂ deficiency
• neurofibromatosis (also called Von Recklinghausen’s disease): this group of inherited diseases causes tumors to grow along nerves and abnormal development of the bones and skin.
• tuberous sclerosis: an uncommon, inherited condition that causes benign tumors in multiple organs (including the brain, heart, kidneys, eyes, lungs, and skin).
• thyroid disease
• vitiligo: this condition causes melanocytes (the cells at the base of hair follicles that produce color) to be lost or destroyed — perhaps because the immune system “misfires” and attacks the scalp rather than an infection.
• alopecia areata: a disorder in which patches of hair may be suddenly lost, especially the colored (non-gray) hairs. This may lead to “overnight” graying because previously present gray or white hairs suddenly become more obvious. When hair growth resumes, it may be white or gray, but colored hair may eventually return.

Some research also links premature graying to heart disease and low bone mass (called osteopenia, a precursor of osteoporosis). How these conditions relate to hair graying is unclear. Cigarette smoking can also cause premature graying.

The bottom line

When and how thoroughly your hair turns gray is influenced mostly by the genes you inherit from your parents. Though stress may play a role in the process, it would be more helpful to look to past generations rather than your current stress levels to help you predict when or if you’ll go gray. That’s true whether you’re the President of the United States, or someone with a less stressful job.

The post Why does hair turn gray? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/hair-turn-gray-2017091812226

Mayo Clinic in Rochester's Internal Medicine Residency Overview

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNDSHzGO5A4

2018 budget proposal includes special assessment

Find-a-Dentist digital campaign to enter its second year on strong note

From: By Judy Jakush http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/2018-budget-proposal-includes-special-assessment

ADA Foundation’s premier philanthropic effort recognized

The ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile Program was recognized in August with a 2017 “Power of A” Silver Award from the American Society of Association Executives.

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/ada-foundations-premier-philanthropic-effort-recognized

Albensi Dental Laboratory named a top workplace in Pittsburgh

For the fifth straight year, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette named Albensi Dental Laboratory a top workplace in Pittsburgh.

From: Compiled by Matt Carey http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/albensi-dental-laboratory-named-a-top-workplace-in-pittsburgh

Benco Dental chosen as top company for executive women

The National Association for Female Executives earlier this year named Benco Dental one of the top 60 companies for executive women.

From: Compiled by Matt Carey http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/benco-dental-chosen-as-top-company-for-executive-women

Chicago Dental Society to sponsor nine students for ADA-ASDA 2018 Lobby Day

In an effort to help and encourage more dental students to meet with policymakers and advocate for the dental profession, the Chicago Dental Society in August created a sponsorship program to send nine Illinois dental students to the 2018 ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.

From: By Kimber Solana http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/chicago-dental-society-to-sponsor-nine-students-for-ada-asda-2018-lobby-day

Do your patients understand you? October spotlights oral health literacy

October is Health Literacy Month and an apt time for dental professionals to consider the clarity and effectiveness of their communication with patients.

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/do-your-patients-understand-you-october-spotlights-oral-health-literacy

Facebook calls to action

Are you using honey or vinegar?

From: By Rita Zamora http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/facebook-calls-to-action

Find-a-Dentist ad campaign showing success in early numbers

Based on initial numbers, the national digital advertising campaign launched July 10 to help connect prospective patients with ADA member dentists, has been nothing short of a success, said Dr. Craig Herre, chair of the ADA Council on Communications.

From: By Kimber Solana http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/find-a-dentist-ad-campaign-showing-success-in-early-numbers

Grant program enhances success of ADA Find-a-Dentist campaign

To amplify the reach of the Find-a-Dentist ad campaign, 12 state and local dental societies applied and received funds through a matching fund program this year.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/grant-program-enhances-success-of-ada-find-a-dentist-campaign

It's electric: Oral-B powered toothbrushes earn ADA Seal

Consumers and dental professionals have powerful new ADA Seal-accepted electric toothbrushes to use and recommend.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/its-electric-oral-b-powered-toothbrushes-earn-ada-seal

'It's never been this bad'

When 25 inches of rain slammed her house in just a few hours, Dr. LeeAnn McQuade called a number she saw circulating on Facebook to have a boat pick up her family from their soon-to-be flooded home just west of Beaumont, Texas.

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/its-never-been-this-bad

Just the Facts — September 18, 2017

Dental school applications

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/just-the-facts-september-18-2017

Planmeca Group hires senior adviser

Planmeca Group announced the hiring of Henrik Roos as a senior adviser.

From: Compiled by Matt Carey http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/planmeca-group-hires-senior-adviser

SmartPractice receives the Valley’s Healthiest Employer Award for sixth straight year

SmartPractice announced May 11 it received the award from the Phoenix Business Journal

From: Compiled by Matt Carey http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/smartpractice-receives-the-valleys-healthiest-employer-award

Snapshots of American Dentistry — September 18, 2017

Dental practice affiliation

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/snapshots-of-american-dentistry-september-18-2017

Stay informed on all things new dentist

Should you refinance your student loans? Five inexpensive, effective ways to market your dental practice. Finding a job.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/stay-informed-on-all-things-new-dentist

The Straumann Group announced a series of acquisitions and investments in dental and orthodontic companies.

From: Compiled by Matt Carey http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/straumann-expands-holdings

Disability backlog tops 1M; thousands die on waitlist

Last year there were 7,400 people on waitlists who were dead, according to a report by Social Security's inspector general

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/social-security-disability-backlog-tops-1-million-thousands-die-on-waitlist/

Houston braces for mosquito explosion

Three weeks ago, Hurricane Harvey made landfall and the resulting floods caused more than 70 deaths. It damaged or destroyed more than a quarter of a million homes. Now, as Houston and its surrounding areas begin to recover, people are taking steps to head off a potential health threat. Omar Villafranca reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/houston-braces-for-mosquito-explosion/

Suicidal Thoughts Common for Transgender Youth

Higher rates of depression and victimization may be why, researchers say

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170915/suicidal-thoughts-common-for-transgender-youth?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Hospital cited after staffers take photos of patient’s genital injury

Hospital employees used their personal phones to take photos and videos while the patient was under anesthesia

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hospital-cited-after-staffers-take-photos-of-patients-genital-injury/

Golf Carts' Use Is Spreading, As Is Danger to Kids

Study of more than 100 kids treated at trauma centers reveals serious injuries

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170915/golf-carts-use-is-spreading-as-is-danger-to-kids?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Joining Your Kid on Playground Slides? Think Again

It seems like fun but can be a quick trip to a broken limb, study authors warn

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170915/joining-your-kid-on-playground-slides-think-again?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Bernie Sanders' Medicare for All: How would it work?

His "single-payer" health care plan aims to redirect -- and reduce -- trillions of U.S. health care spending

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sanders-medicare-for-all-bill-how-would-it-work/

Young Kids With Cellphones Face Cyberbullying

Study finds elementary school children with phones are more likely to be cyberbullied

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170915/young-kids-with-cellphones-face-cyberbullying?src=RSS_PUBLIC

How smart are you about car seats?

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

If you’re a parent — or anyone else who has driven a child somewhere — you likely know quite a bit about car seats.

Or do you?

As both a pediatrician and a parent, I know that lots of people don’t know everything they should about car seats and booster seats. It’s understandable, as the information can be confusing, and while resources are available, many parents don’t know about them. But it’s a problem, because making a mistake when it comes to car seats can literally be life-threatening. Of the children 12 years and younger who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2015, more than a third weren’t buckled up.

Let’s test your smarts. Can you answer these questions?

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See all the answers here:

When should parents change from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing one?

a)  12 months
b)  24 months
c)  When they outgrow the rear-facing seat (assuming they are at least 24 months old)

Answer: C. Turning children around too early is one of the most common car seat mistakes people make. In part, that’s because the recommendation used to be to turn children forward-facing at a year (that was the recommendation when my eldest children were babies), and some grandparents and others don’t realize it has changed. It’s also tempting to turn children around early because it’s easier to see them from the front seat.

But here’s the thing: children are safer if they are rear-facing. It’s just the physics of crashes and little bodies. So if a child turns two and is within the weight and height recommendations of the seat, leave them facing backward.

Remember, never put a car seat in a seat with an airbag — and the safest place in the car for the car seat is the middle of the back seat.

What is the youngest age you can move a child from a car seat to a booster seat?

a)  2
b)  3
c)  5

Answer: C. This is another common mistake. Just because your child has started preschool doesn’t mean they can get out of their car seat. And just because they are in kindergarten or first grade doesn’t mean they still don’t need to be in one. It is recommended that children be in a car seat, not a booster seat, until they are 5 years old, but they can, and should, stay in it if they are still within the weight and height recommendations of the seat.

How long does a child need to be in a booster seat?

a)  Until the car seat belt fits properly
b)  Until they are 57 inches tall
c)  Until they are 8 years old

Answer: The real answer is A. It’s kind of the point of booster seats. Children should be in a booster seat until the lap portion of the seat belt goes across the upper thigh, not the belly, and the shoulder portion goes across the chest, not the neck. That’s generally at a height of 57 inches (4 feet 9 inches).

Every state is a little different when it comes to the laws about children and car restraints. Here in Massachusetts, the law says that a child must be in a car seat or booster until they are 8 years old or 57 inches tall. Other states say seatbelts alone are okay at 6 or 7 — and others use weight guidelines. You should know the laws in your state. But even if the law says it’s okay to ditch the booster seat for your child, don’t do it if he or she is shorter than 57 inches or the seat belt doesn’t fit right for some other reason. Booster seats can cut the risk of serious injury by half.

Remember, too, that with booster seats, car seats, and seat belts, no ride is too short to buckle up!

At what age can a child ride in the front seat?

a)  8
b)  10
c)  12
d)  13

Answer: D. Yup, 13. Children 12 and under should be in the back seat. They are safer there. Part of it has to do with the airbag, and the size a person should be to be safe with one. I know that this sounds arbitrary — there are lots of 11 and 12 year-olds who are adult size — but it’s the recommendation. We’d all be safer in the back seat, honestly. So even if it makes your sixth or seventh grader mad, just say no to the front seat. Better your kid be mad at you than be seriously injured — or dead.

What percentage of car and booster seats are installed or used incorrectly?

a)  11%
b)  24%
c)  46%
d)  75%

Answer: C. Almost half (thank goodness it’s not D!). There are lots of ways people mess up, including:

• turning it around too soon
• not installing it tightly enough, or at the wrong angle
• using both the seatbelt and the LATCH system
• leaving the straps too loose
• putting clips in the wrong place.

Having installed car seats myself, I know how tough it can be. Luckily, there’s help available. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has all sorts of information and resources to help parents keep their children safe in the car, including buying and installation help for car seats and booster seats and information on how to get your seat inspected. Safe Kids has information on how to find technicians who can help you with installation problems and questions.

There are also lots of great resources on healthychildren.org, the parent education website of the American Academy of Pediatrics — check out their car seat information for families.

The post How smart are you about car seats? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-smart-are-you-about-car-seats-2017091212389

National Health Checkup: Obstacles, opportunities in cancer care

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=562nLKSK-Uk