U.S. denies visa to Vietnamese donor who's perfect for leukemia patient

A California family is trying desperately to bring a relative to the United States from Vietnam for a life-saving transplant. But they're being tangled up in red tape. Carter Evans has more.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/u-s-denies-visa-to-vietnamese-donor-whos-perfect-for-leukemia-patient/

Results announced in largest study of benefits of exercise

What's said to be the largest study ever on the benefits of exercise was published this week. Researchers tracked the physical activity of 130,000 people in 17 countries. Dr. Jon LaPook has the results.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/results-announced-in-largest-study-of-benefits-of-exercise/

John McCain opposes health care bill

The latest Republican plan to replace Obamacare is in danger of flatlining. And once again, the fatal blow may be a "no" vote from Sen. John McCain. Nancy Cordes reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/john-mccain-opposes-health-care-bill/

Egg Freezing Gives You Options but Has Risks

Doctors say more women are interested in egg freezing, a procedure that may help preserve their fertility but comes with risks.

From: http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20170922/egg-freezing-gives-you-options-but-has-risks?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: Symptoms, solutions for carpal tunnel syndrome

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBAg5Jl4c5w

'Invaluable' symposium gives dentists a look at their role in cancer prevention

To help other dental professionals understand how they fit in with oncologists, head and neck surgeons and other health professionals when it comes to helping patients with oropharyngeal cancer, experts from the ADA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Chicago Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will speak at a symposium preceding ADA 2017 – America's Dental Meeting.

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/invaluable-symposium-gives-dentists-a-look-at-their-role-in-cancer-prevention

CVS to Limit Opioid Prescription Amounts

First national pharmacy chain to limit prescriptions to seven days.

From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20170922/cvs-to-limit-opioid-prescription-amounts?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Infectious Diseases A-Z: Hepatitis A outbreak

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk6pavaXwJQ

How to get more out of your workout in less time

When it comes to exercise, quality trumps quantity, new research suggests

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/get-the-most-out-of-your-workout-in-the-least-amount-of-time/

Treating more than the disease: Giving kids with cancer Brighter Tomorrows

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPXwMwEw8to

NYU dental research on cavity prevention, children’s quality of life receives $13.3M

New York University College of Dentistry announced Sept. 20 it received a $13.3 million funding award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to study caries prevention and its impact on students' quality of life and school performance.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/nyu-dental-research-receives-13-3m-to-study-cavity-prevention-childrens-quality-of-life

Babies try harder when they see you sweat

Research suggests there may be value in letting children know sometimes you have to struggle to succeed

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/research-shows-babies-try-harder-when-they-see-you-sweat/

Even a Little More Activity Could Save Millions

Think of walking to work or cleaning as low-cost preventive medicine

From: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20170922/even-a-little-more-activity-could-save-millions?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Coming Soon: Glaucoma Self-Care, From Home?

Study finds many patients can manage self-testing, but one doctor questions its value

From: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20170922/coming-soon-glaucoma-self-care-from-home?src=RSS_PUBLIC

#AsktheMayoMom about Common Infections in Children and When to Worry It Could Be Something More

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

Cancer patient's perfect donor repeatedly denied U.S. visa, family says

The family of a California grandmother says the government is standing in the way of her life-saving cancer treatment. Helen Huynh's doctors say she will die without a stem cell transplant. Her sister in Vietnam is a perfect match, but the U.S. Consulate has refused to give her a temporary visa so far. Carter Evans reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cancer-patients-perfect-donor-repeatedly-denied-us-visa-family-says/

W.H. pressures GOP senators to back Obamacare repeal bill

Senate set to vote on bill proposed by GOP Sens. Bill Cassidy, Lindsey Graham next week

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-house-pressures-gop-senators-obamacare-repeal-bill/

Lady Gaga's Fibromyalgia Puts Illness in the Spotlight

Daily struggle with chronic pain, disability defines patients' lives, experts say

From: http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/news/20170921/lady-gagas-puts-fibromyalgia-in-the-spotlight?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Fetal Deaths Up, Fertility Down In Flint Crisis

Fallout from Flint crisis continues.

From: http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20170921/fetal-deaths-up-fertility-down-in-flint-crisis?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Family: Leukemia patient's stem cell donor repeatedly denied visa

Doctors say Helen Huynh will die without a transplant and while her sister is a perfect match, she's in Vietnam and can't get a temporary visa

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/leukemia-patient-stem-cell-donor-denied-visa/

Leaky gut: What is it, and what does it mean for you?

Before the medical community had better understanding of the mechanisms that cause disease, doctors believed certain ailments could originate from imbalances in the stomach. This was called hypochondriasis. (In Ancient Greek, hypochondrium refers to the upper part of the abdomen, the region between the breastbone and the navel.) This concept was rejected as science evolved and, for example, we could look under a microscope and see bacteria, parasites, and viruses. The meaning of the term changed, and for many years doctors used the word “hypochondriac” to describe a person who has a persistent, often inexplicable fear of having a serious medical illness.

But what if this ancient concept of illnesses originating in the gut actually holds some truth? Could some of the chronic diseases our society faces today actually be associated with a dysfunctional gastrointestinal system?

The expression “leaky gut” is getting a lot of attention in medical blogs and social media lately, but don’t be surprised if your doctor does not recognize this term. Leaky gut, also called increased intestinal permeability, is somewhat new and most of the research occurs in basic sciences. However, there is growing interest to develop medications that may be used in patients to combat the effects of this problem.

What exactly is leaky gut?

Inside our bellies, we have an extensive intestinal lining covering more than 4,000 square feet of surface area. When working properly, it forms a tight barrier that controls what gets absorbed into the bloodstream. An unhealthy gut lining may have large cracks or holes, allowing partially digested food, toxins, and bugs to penetrate the tissues beneath it. This may trigger inflammation and changes in the gut flora (normal bacteria) that could lead to problems within the digestive tract and beyond. The research world is booming today with studies showing that modifications in the intestinal bacteria and inflammation may play a role in the development of several common chronic diseases.

Who gets a leaky gut (and why)?

We all have some degree of leaky gut, as this barrier is not completely impenetrable (and isn’t supposed to be!). Some of us may have a genetic predisposition and may be more sensitive to changes in the digestive system, but our DNA is not the only one to blame. Modern life may actually be the main driver of gut inflammation. There is emerging evidence that the standard American diet, which is low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated fats, may initiate this process. Heavy alcohol use and stress also seem to disrupt this balance.

We already know that increased intestinal permeability plays a role in certain gastrointestinal conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. The biggest question is whether or not a leaky gut may cause problems elsewhere in the body. Some studies show that leaky gut may be associated with other autoimmune diseases (lupus, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis), chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, allergies, asthma, acne, obesity, and even mental illness. However, we do not yet have clinical studies in humans showing such a cause and effect.

A path toward a healthier gut

Although it is unusual to hear the term “increased intestinal permeability” in most doctors’ offices, alternative and integrative medicine practitioners have worked on gut healing as an initial step to treat chronic diseases for decades. Other cultures around the world often recommend specific diets to make people feel better. Even in the United States, it is common to see people changing their diets after getting sick. A common initial step some practitioners take is to remove foods that can be inflammatory and could promote changes in the gut flora. Among the most common are alcohol, processed foods, certain medications, and any foods that may cause allergies or sensitivities. In my practice, I often see patients improve significantly when they start eating a healthier diet.

Controversy still exists on whether leaky gut causes the development of diseases outside the gastrointestinal tract in humans. However, it is always a good idea to eat a nutritious, unprocessed diet that includes foods that help quell inflammation (and avoids foods known to trigger inflammation), which may, at least in theory, help to rebuild the gut lining and bring more balance to the gut flora. This recipe could make you feel better, without any side effects. It is definitely worth a try.

Resources

Leaky Gut As a Danger Signal for Autoimmune Diseases. Frontiers in Immunology, May 2017.

The intestinal epithelial barrier: a therapeutic target? Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, November 2016.

The post Leaky gut: What is it, and what does it mean for you? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Marcelo Campos, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/leaky-gut-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-mean-for-you-2017092212451

How "Star Trek" predicted modern medicine

"Star Trek'"s tricorder? Now, there are CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/star-trek-predicted-future-of-medicine/

Study blames contaminated water in Flint for severe health problems

A new study out Thursday blames contaminated water in Flint, Michigan for lower fertility rates and an increase in infant mortality. Dean Reynolds reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/study-blames-contaminated-water-in-flint-for-severe-health-problems/

Flint water crisis blamed for lower fertility rates, increased fetal death rates

According to a new medical research study, fetal death rates increased by 58 percent in Flint after the city switched its water source in April 2014

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flint-water-crisis-lower-fertility-rates-increased-fetal-death-rates/