Tuesday, November 14, 2017

FDA approves "digital pill"

In a first, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a so-called "digital pill." It contains a sensor that lets the doctor know when it's been taken. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/fda-approves-digital-pill/

Giant panda treated like national treasure when it comes to health care

Tian Tian means "more and more" -- a good name for him because he's the father of all 3 surviving giant pandas born at the National Zoo

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tian-tian-panda-treated-like-national-treasure-health-care/

A double cancer diagnosis leads Arizona couple to Mayo Clinic for care



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKkkeWUU3Ag

Mayo Clinic Minute: Does giving peanuts to babies reduce allergy risk?



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBE16smDLsw

'Shark Tank' Entrepreneur Daymond John Urges Men to Get Serious About Their Health

daymond john

"Shark Tank" entrepreneur Daymond John urges men to get serious about their health.



From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/daymond-john-10-questions?src=RSS_PUBLIC

HIV/AIDS Awareness Advocate Sharon Stone Is Back on the Big Screen

sharon stone

Sharon Stone, a fierce advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and a firm believer in clean living, is back on the big screen.



From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/sharon-stone-back-on-the-big-screen?src=RSS_PUBLIC

#DearDiabetes: William T. Cefalu

Dear Diabetes,

Thankfully, you and I have yet to meet in person. But, unfortunately, you have made yourself well known to many of my friends, colleagues and countless patients of mine whose lives you have changed. I have spent more than 35 years of my life trying to understand you and what makes you tick. I have tried to fully comprehend your motives, to anticipate your next move and I’ve attempted to prevent you from touching any other person. Despite what we are learning about you, you continue to be evasive, relentless and have no limits, but I will not give up! Your desire now to make yourself known to many more children and adolescents angers me, as I know what really lies ahead for this younger generation if you have your way!

While we haven’t personally met, I’m doing everything I can to ensure we don’t. I run four times a week and exercise daily, eat as healthy as possible and have regular check-ups. I have many devoted friends and together we have dedicated our lives to this fight against you! We are doing everything we can to limit your impact. Please know that we are keeping a very close on eye on you, and we are committed to this fight. Beware!

William T. Cefalu, MD
Chief Scientific, Medical & Mission Officer, American Diabetes Association



From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2017/11/14/deardiabetes-william-t-cefalu/

Chicken Recalled For Metal Risk

empire kosher chicken recall

The affected chicken was sold at Trader Joe's, Wegmans and Costco.



From: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20171114/chicken-recalled-for-metal-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FDA warns of injuries, deaths from herbal supplement

Kratom has gained popularity as a treatment for pain​ and drug dependence, but the FDA says it carries similar risks to opioids

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kratom-herbal-supplement-fda-warns-of-injury-death/

World AIDS Day: Hope to end stigma, transmission and isolation



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUT_Z_RW31Y

What every adult should know about stroke



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52TybzbHmbw

Do you know the signs of a stroke?



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tYLDPW-QCY

When a child you love has epilepsy



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_9Tb7i_xpE

The top risk factors for brain aneurysm



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnbV5YUFJmo

How to protect yourself from colorectal cancer



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kpo5y4pJH0

8 keys to reducing your overall cancer risk



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SloJLe0_Cpo

7 ways to create a new habit



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXG57SGiPoU

5 fast ways to eat more real food



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvp1IVPtwx4

Why exercise is a great prescription



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bage7AkBzpM

Why dogs are great for your health



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

Why kids are the best excuse to get fit



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

7 reasons to try interval training



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

9 ways you can fit exercise into your day



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy_6CevqNmI

11 simple ways to avoid golfing injuries



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLFV3nIuhz0

FDA OKs First 'Digital Pill' That Lets Doctors Know It's Been Taken

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the nod to Abilify MyCite, for use in patients with schizophrenia, an add-on treatment for depression, and to help control episodes of either manic or "mixed" episodes for people with bipolar disorder.



From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171114/digital-pill-lets-doctors-know-its-been-taken?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Blood Pressure Swings Can Pose Long-Term Dangers

New research suggests that up-and-down shifts in blood pressure may be equally hazardous to your health.



From: https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20171114/blood-pressure-swings-can-pose-long-term-dangers?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ADA to offer BIG IDEA conference at American Academy of Dental Group Practice meeting in January

Dentists wanting to learn more about group practice, or expand or enhance an existing group practice, should consider attending BIG IDEA 2018: Discovering Group Practice.

From: By David Burger http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/ada-to-offer-big-idea-conference-at-american-academy-of-dental-group-practice-meeting-in-january

New blood pressure guidelines

High blood pressure is called the silent killer, and under new guidelines from the American Heart Association, nearly half of Americans have it -- up from a third. Dr. Jon LaPook reports on the leading cause of heart disease.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/new-blood-pressure-guidelines/

Most dangerous toys for the holidays identified

Fidget spinners, a Wonder Woman sword, a Spider-Man drone and other holiday offerings that could poke an eye out

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/worst-toys-list-unveiled-by-consumer-safety-group/

8 habits of slim people



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m6yu6nYgII

5 reasons carbs don't deserve their bad rap



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcmyL3WFURg

True or false: Stretching is always good for you



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7meQCn0vA1Y

Reasons to consider being a living kidney donor



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H-nALvGSMQ

How to save a life donating your blood stem cells



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm5CMZGWwT8

8 habits of resilient leaders



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33IbPmuiJLs

8 reasons successful people make time to be social



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvy54YGmfQc

7 ways you can become a cyclist (yes you)



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

Is social media linked to a rise in teen suicides?

An increase in suicide rates among U.S. teens occurred at the same time social media use surged, and new research suggests there may be a connection

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rise-in-suicide-and-social-media-is-there-a-link/

8 reasons healthy sleep should be non-negotiable



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4dv2P7lhaM

What you might not know about being an organ donor



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psOi9FbiKPc

Your 9 best exercise excuses: Busted



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXuUc-yGtRk

How aging really affects your sleep



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2Y0u5uskWo

7 ways to get past nicotine cravings



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

9 non-prescription ways to manage pain



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hblI61aD-4

5 problem-solving skills to manage workplace stress



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87saYEfz8IU

New app helps parents track and encourage their child’s development

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

Most parents, at some time or another, wonder whether their child is doing everything they are supposed to do. Are they ahead of other children? Are they behind? Is their development normal?

Now there is a really good app for that.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a new free app called the Milestone Tracker. It has five components:

  • A detailed “Milestone Checklist.” For children ages 2 months through 5 years, it goes through all the different milestones for that age (when I tried it out for a 12-month-old, there were 27 milestones) so parents can see if their child has reached them. To make it easier for parents to understand and decide, there are photos and videos that explain the milestones.
  • “When to Act Early.” For each age, the app lists warning signs that warrant a call to the doctor. For example, for a 12-month-old some warning signs include not crawling, not standing when supported, not pointing — and losing milestones the child previously had. While these warning signs don’t necessarily mean there is a serious problem, they should be checked out.
  • My favorite, “Tips and Activities.” It gives parents concrete, practical, and fun suggestions for encouraging their child’s development. Children learn best through interaction and play. The suggestions are geared for what children need and enjoy at each age.
  • The “Milestone Quick View.” This lists the milestones for the different ages, breaking them up into social, language, movement, and cognitive. Unlike the milestone checklist, where you have to go through each milestone to get to the next, the quick view lets you see them all at once.
  • “My Child’s Summary.” This feature puts all the data parents enter about their child in one place, and into a format that you can either show or email to your doctor.

The app allows you to enter multiple children, and will send reminders and prompts about milestones and recommendations, as well as any appointments parents enter. The instructions and explanations are clear and user-friendly, and the milestones are all very reasonable ones that allow for the normal variations we see among children.

Why is all of this important?

Well, as the CDC says, milestones matter. They are signs of normal and healthy development, and when children don’t achieve them in the way we expect, it may be a sign of a problem. It could be a problem with hearing or sight, it could be an early sign of a learning disability, or it could be a sign of autism or some other neurological problem. Sometimes it’s nothing serious at all, just a sign that a baby needs more tummy time or a toddler needs to be talked to (and read to and sung to) more. As I said above, children need activities and interactions in order to develop normally.

At well-child visits, doctors check on the development of babies and children, looking for any signs of problems. You could make the argument that if parents bring their child regularly to the doctor, they shouldn’t need the app. But the reality is that doctors have to cover a lot in a short visit, and can’t always do the kind of detailed assessment the app allows parents to do. Also, doctors rely in part on parents raising concerns — and many parents, especially first-time parents, may not know when they should be worried.

When we catch a problem early, we can start helping early, and starting early can make all the difference for the life, and future, of a child.

The post New app helps parents track and encourage their child’s development appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.



From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/app-helps-track-developmental-milestones-2017111412718

Cosmetic surgeon disciplined after 2 patients die

Dr. Robert Alan Yoho won't be able to practice medicine for 30 days and will then be on five years of probation

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/robert-yoho-cosmetic-surgeons-license-suspended-patient-deaths/

Vegetarian Diet Could Lower Risk of Heart Failure

Researchers evaluated five dietary patterns. They found that people who ate a plant-based diet most of the time had a 42 percent lower risk of developing heart failure over four years than those who ate fewer plant-based foods.



From: https://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20171114/vegetarian-diet-could-lower-risk-of-heart-failure?src=RSS_PUBLIC

America's Love Affair With Sugary Sodas Is Fading

Overall, the number of adults who said they drank a sugary beverage on a daily basis dropped by 12 percentage points between 2003 and 2014, Harvard researchers said, and by 19 percentage points among kids.



From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20171114/americas-love-affair-with-sugary-sodas-is-fading?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Time Online Tied To Jump in Girls' Suicide Risk

A spike in the amount of time teenage girls in the United States  spend online is a likely culprit behind the surge in rates of depression, suicide and contemplation of suicide, new research suggests.



From: https://teens.webmd.com/girls/news/20171114/time-online-tied-to-jump-in-girls-suicide-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Dentists can play key role in helping patients quit smoking

Dr. Williams hopes to encourage other dentists to talk with their patients about tobacco cessation. He leads an online ADA continuing education course, Tobacco Policy, Pharmacotherapy, and Dentistry, that includes information about training opportunities for dental health professionals who want to learn more about tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/dentists-can-play-key-role-in-helping-patients-quit-smoking

Donate, volunteer to help Special Olympics athletes protect their smiles

Dental professionals can support children with special needs who often have difficulty accessing dental care through a program spearheaded by America's ToothFairy: National Children's Oral Health Foundation and the Academy for Sports Dentistry.

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/november/donate-volunteer-to-help-special-olympics-athletes-protect-their-smiles

Definition of High Blood Pressure Drops

Nearly half of all adult Americans will be considered to have high blood pressure under new guidelines issued Monday by the nation's top heart health organizations.



From: https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20171113/definition-of-high-blood-pressure-drops?src=RSS_PUBLIC

New blood pressure guidelines for "silent, deadly health crisis"

The first new blood pressure guidelines in 14 years will likely bring a major change in treatment. Eleven medical groups including the American Heart Association are redefining the danger zone: the bar for systolic blood pressure is lowered from 140 points to 130. This means an estimated 31 million more people could be diagnosed with high blood pressure. Cardiologist Dr. Tara Narula joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the impact of the new guidelines.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/new-blood-pressure-guidelines-for-silent-deadly-health-crisis/

First drug that can track whether it's been swallowed OK'd by FDA

It's meant to help patients and caregivers track its use, but approval raises privacy concerns

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/first-drug-that-can-track-whether-its-been-swallowed-okd-by-fda/