Mayo Clinic Minute: What men need to know about planning a family

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH20aA5Qk_c

How technology can impact long-term health

Wired magazine editor-in-chief Nick Thompson looks at some of the ways technology can help hack the aging process

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/technology-healthy-retirement-gsk/

Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of North Korea, health care

Americans see North Korea as a threat, but they're also concerned U.S. would take military action too quickly

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/most-americans-disapprove-of-trumps-handling-of-north-korea-health-care/

Gun Violence in Movies a Trigger for Teens?

Parents need to keep weapons locked up, limit exposure to media violence, experts say

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20170925/gun-violence-in-movies-a-trigger-for-teens?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Diagnosis, Education and Planning: Karrie’s Type 2 Diabetes Story

When Karrie was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2004, she was not only afraid, but also unsure of how her life was going to be affected despite having a family history of diabetes. She committed to learning more about the disease, finding a doctor and working with him to come up with an individualized diabetes management plan that would work for her.

However, she quickly learned that sticking to a treatment plan can be very challenging, especially when life gets busy. Work, family and daily responsibilities made it difficult for Karrie to stay motivated to keep track of the different aspects of her treatment plan like diet, exercise and taking the medicine her doctor prescribed.

While it’s been a difficult journey, Karrie refuses to give up, and she’s taking the next step with America’s Diabetes Challenge by facing her challenges head on. She’s learned that small tips like being consistent and forming healthy habits can help make things a little easier, and being proactive about her health has helped her stick to her plan and reach her goals.

Karrie is not alone dealing with this challenge—type 2 diabetes management isn’t always easy, and many people are looking for helpful ways to stay on track. Check out this video and visit AmericasDiabetesChallenge.com for tips to help people living with and affected by type 2 diabetes tackle their challenges.

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2017/09/25/diagnosis-education-and-planning-karries-type-2-diabetes-story/

USDA Responds to Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by Storms

From: USDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm2RhpGM1iM

Breast Cancer Radiation 'Less Scary' Than Thought

Majority of patients report more tolerable experience than they expected

From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20170925/breast-cancer-radiation-less-scary-than-thought?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ADA develops guideline for evaluating potentially malignant disorders in the oral cavity

All adult dental patients should receive an intraoral and extraoral conventional visual and tactile examination when visiting their dentists, according to ADA-developed recommendations published in the October issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/ada-develops-guideline-for-evaluating-potentially-malignant-disorders-in-the-oral-cavity

Oct. 26 webinar will focus on exceeding patients' expectations

Some dentists find certain non-clinical aspects of dentistry less rewarding than delivering actual patient care. Given the choice, they might prefer performing even the most basic procedures instead of completing paperwork, booking appointments and collecting payments.

From: By David Burger http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/oct-26-webinar-will-focus-on-exceeding-patients-expectations

GOP Sweetens Health Care Bill to Woo Key Votes

Revisions would give states more decision-making authority on how to allocate health care dollars

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/news/20170925/gop-sweetens-health-care-bill-to-woo-key-votes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Treatment restores signs of awareness in brain-injured man

Researchers tested an experimental treatment in man who'd spent 15 years in a vegetative state

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nerve-stimulation-restores-signs-of-awareness-in-brain-injured-man/

Where Legal, 25% of Cancer Patients Use Marijuana

But patients in Washington state say doctors provide little information about the drug

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20170925/where_legal_25_of_cancer_patients_use_marijuana?src=RSS_PUBLIC

The latest scoop on the health benefits of coffee

Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling

What a difference a few years can make. Not long ago, I was learning about the dangers of coffee — how it could raise your blood pressure, make your heart race, impair sleep, and maybe even cause cancer.

Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) is taking coffee off the possible carcinogen list. And there’s increasing evidence that coffee might actually be good for you. So good that doctors might begin recommending it.

What’s changed? It’s all about the evidence.

Possible health benefits of coffee

Over the last several decades, coffee has been among the most heavily studied dietary components. And the news is mostly good. Moderate coffee consumption (three to four cups per day) has been linked with longer lifespan. In fact, a November 2015 study in Circulation found that coffee consumption was associated with an 8% to 15% reduction in the risk of death (with larger reductions among those with higher coffee consumption). Other studies have found that coffee drinkers may have a reduced risk of

• cardiovascular disease (including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke)
• type 2 diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• uterine and liver cancer
• cirrhosis
• gout.

The reason that coffee drinking might be beneficial is unknown. One factor, of course, could be the caffeine, but that can be hard to sort out from the research because many studies do not distinguish whether the coffee is caffeinated or decaffeinated.

Possible health risks of coffee

A number of studies have linked coffee consumption to health problems, including:

• Bladder and pancreatic cancer. Studies performed more than 30 years ago suggested a potential link between coffee consumption and cancers of the bladder, pancreas, and possibly others. Since then, better research has largely refuted these concerns. In fact, some of the older studies raising red flags about a cancer link have since been used as examples of “fishing expeditions” and weak research methodology.
• Esophageal cancer. In its recently released report, the WHO has raised concerns that drinking coffee (or other beverages) at temperatures higher than 149° F may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. However, this is not unique to coffee. And drinking coffee at such high temperatures is unusual among most coffee drinkers in the US.
• Cardiovascular disease. Studies linking coffee consumption to cardiovascular disease have mostly observed it with higher consumption (well above four cups per day), and some of these studies did not account for smoking, which often accompanies coffee consumption and is, of course, an important cardiovascular disease risk factor on its own. Other concerns include modest and temporary elevations in blood pressure, and fast or abnormal heart rhythms.
• Bothersome, but mostly minor, side effects. The caffeine in coffee can impair sleep, cause a “speedy” or jittery feeling, and even cause anxiety. Heartburn, frequent urination (because caffeine is a diuretic), and palpitations are problematic for some coffee drinkers.

A new move by the WHO… and others

In a June 2016 report, the WHO officially lifted coffee from the list of potentially carcinogenic foods. It went on to designate coffee as potentially protective against cancer of the uterus and liver.

And the WHO is not the only organization to include coffee in its list of foods that are probably harmless and possibly healthy. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (commissioned by the secretaries of the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture) thoroughly reviewed the evidence and declared that “moderate coffee consumption (three to five cups per day) can be incorporated into a healthy dietary pattern…” And the World Cancer Research Fund International concluded that coffee consumption was linked with a lower risk of several types of cancer.

Should you drink coffee?

Considering all of this good news about coffee consumption, you might feel tempted to increase your intake or to start drinking it if you don’t already.

Here’s my take:

• If you don’t like coffee, there is no current recommendation to drink it anyway. However, if we can figure out why coffee might have health benefits, it’s possible that a medication can be developed that provides those benefits without the side effects (or taste) of coffee or caffeine. Or, faced with a choice of a new medication or coffee, one might choose the latter.
• If you are already a coffee drinker, it should be reassuring that after decades of research, no strong link can be found between coffee intake and cancer and, to the contrary, a number of health benefits seem to accompany coffee consumption. But, I’m not sure the evidence is powerful enough to recommend an increase in your daily habit. One reason is that we don’t know for sure that coffee consumption actually caused the health benefits observed in these studies. Some other, unmeasured factor could be responsible. Another reason is that the overall effect was small. And, it’s worth noting that some people are quite sensitive to the side effects of coffee.
• Moderate your coffee intake. Although we don’t have proof that drinking six or more cups of coffee is dangerous, the risk of side effects is lower with moderation.
• Don’t drink beverages at very high temperatures (i.e., over 149° F). In addition to the potential risk of esophageal cancer, there is a risk of burning yourself.

In conclusion…

It’s unusual that a food on the “cancer risk list” comes off of it — and it’s even more unusual that such foods then become considered a healthy choice. But, as the millions of people drinking coffee every day will tell you, when it comes to coffee, there’s nothing like it.

The post The latest scoop on the health benefits of coffee appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-scoop-on-the-health-benefits-of-coffee-2017092512429

Mastectomy Study Confirms 'Angelina Jolie Effect'

Preventive breast cancer surgeries rose after the actress publicized her decision

From: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20170925/mastectomy-study-confirms-angelina-jolie-effect?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Greater Houston Dental Society creates diversity committee, shares lessons learned

Considering that Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the country, it caught Dr. Victor Rodriguez by surprise to learn that the Greater Houston Dental Society did not have its own diversity committee.

From: By Kimber Solana http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/greater-houston-dental-society-creates-diversity-committee-shares-lessons-learned

Republicans face resistance in last-ditch effort to repeal and replace Obamacare

A new CBS News poll finds most Americans do not support the latest GOP-led effort to overhaul Obamacare. This comes as more top Republicans are backing away from the Graham-Cassidy bill. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes takes us through the latest developments on Capitol Hill.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/republicans-face-resistance-in-last-ditch-effort-to-repeal-and-replace-obamacare/

Drugs & Genes: Pharmacogenomics for the Modern Health Care Team

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJysrUg3MdE

Team-Based Thoracic Surgery

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4icJcvkVd0

Mark Allen, M.D.: Thoracic Surgeon

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xfBbcXDLCo

New version of Graham-Cassidy health care bill amid GOP divide

A CBS News poll finds most Americans do not support the last-ditch Republican effort to repeal and replace Obamacare. Just 20 percent approve of the bill written by Sens. Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy, while 52 percent disapprove. Nancy Cordes reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/new-version-of-graham-cassidy-health-care-bill-amid-gop-divide/

New Graham-Cassidy health care bill has more funding for some states

CBS News' Nancy Cordes reports that the new version has more funding for Arizona, Alaska and Maine

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-graham-cassidy-health-care-bill-has-more-funding-for-some-states/

Poll reveals Americans' attitudes on GOP health care bill

Four in 10 say Republicans trying to push Obamacare replacement bill through Congress too fast, and fewer than one in 10 believe it would help them

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/poll-graham-cassidy-republican-health-care-bill-repeal-replace-obamacare-aca/

1 in 3 families have trouble affording diapers, survey finds

"Some months it would be between paying for the electric bill or paying for diapers"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/1-in-3-families-trouble-affording-diapers-survey/

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