12/12/17

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

The healthiest and least healthy states in the U.S.

See where your state ranks on the list of the healthiest – and least healthy – states in the nation

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-healthiest-and-least-healthy-states-in-the-u-s/

Regenerative Medicine and Surgery Course Highlights

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf_jvWjL2BI

Will 'AI' Be Part of Your Health-Care Team?

One new study suggests artificial intelligence (AI) might someday detect breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171212/will-ai-be-part-of-your-health-care-team?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: Recognizing 'holiday heart'

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFZmV76yTd0

Get Active, Beat Lymphoma?

That finding comes from a new study by Mayo Clinic researchers of nearly 4,100 people with lymphoma, a cancer that starts in the white blood cells that normally help fight infection.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20171212/get-active-beat-lymphoma?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Postmenopausal Women Should Still Avoid HRT

Yet again, the nation's leading authority on preventive medicine says postmenopausal women should avoid hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

From: https://www.webmd.com/menopause/news/20171212/postmenopausal-women-should-avoid-hrt?src=RSS_PUBLIC

What is "excited delirium" and how should police react?

Some police departments are addressing concerns about the agitated state that can ultimately be fatal

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-excited-delirium-and-how-should-police-react/

ADA Foundation to award $20,000 scholarships

The ADA Foundation will award up to seven $20,000 scholarships in 2018 to outstanding dental students.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/december/ada-foundation-to-award-20000-scholarships

HPI report shows dental spending increased again in 2016

For the second year in a row, dental spending increased after being flat for several years, according to a new report from the ADA Health Policy Institute.

From: By Jennifer Garvin
http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/december/hpi-report-shows-dental-spending-increased-again-in-2016

Diabetes Management Tips from Dr. Natalie Strand

Those living with diabetes may find it a challenge to stay healthy—everyone can have conflicts when searching for the right balance of healthy habits, such as exercise, eating well and keeping your teeth and gums clean. From stress to self-care, life can be up and down when living with diabetes.

Dr. Natalie Strand (winner of season 17 of “The Amazing Race”) knows this firsthand—she lives with type 1 diabetes. Check out her tips for staying healthy and leading a balanced life while managing diabetes:

Ask for help! When I was getting married, I asked each of my bridesmaids to remind me to check my blood sugar [blood glucose] throughout the day and to remind me to eat snacks. I knew I would be distracted, and having a team helped to keep me on track. Go ahead and ask your siblings, team mates and friends to help keep you on track!

Communicate with your care team. Make sure you connect with your diabetes educator, physician, dietitian and other health care professionals. Reach out to them with your questions, since they can often help to implement subtle changes to avoid completely overhauling your lifestyle and routine because of diabetes.

Get involved. Get a local group together to fundraise, vent or just understand each other. Groups such as your local American Diabetes Association field office, TuDiabetes and BeyondType1 offer ways to connect with others living with diabetes in person or on social media. Connecting with the diabetes community can be a powerful way to help ease the burden of living with this disease.

Keep doing what you love. Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up things you enjoy. Make efforts to continue sports, travel and other hobbies, even if there is a learning curve to adapting with diabetes at first.

Maintain good oral health. Not many people know this, but people living with diabetes are twice as likely to develop gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Brush twice daily to prevent gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.

Get into a routine. Find a routine that works and stick with it. This way, you don’t have to make new decisions each day. Anything that can ease the mental burden of diabetes can help. For example, pick a time each year for your annual visits: eye doctor, endocrinologist, prescription renewals, et cetera. Picking the same time every year can help ensure you don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Make self-care a priority. It can be hard to keep diabetes care in the forefront. Remind yourself that one of the best things you can do for yourself—and for your loved ones—is to stay healthy. Use your family as motivation to exercise daily, eat better-for-you foods, maintain a healthy weight and take medications and monitor blood glucose as directed.

Manage stress. Diabetes can be a big stressor alone. The addition of jobs, kids and relationships, can make diabetes management seem overwhelming. Find an easy and effective tool for stress relief, and do it often—even five to 10 minutes of daily, guided meditation can have a big impact on stress management. Other ways to de-stress? Deep breathing exercises and connecting with nature, such as a walk in the park, help your body to relax and refresh.

Since 2008, we’ve partnered with Colgate Total to spread awareness of the link between oral health (an important component of diabetes management) and diabetes. For more information and ways to lead a balanced life with diabetes, visit OralHealthandDiabetes.com.

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2017/12/12/diabetes-management-tips-from-dr-natalie-strand/

Keeping children safe this holiday season

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

Holidays are best when they are spent having fun with friends and family — not spent in an emergency room. Yet every year that’s where thousands of people end up, due to holiday-related injuries and illnesses. Here are some tips to help keep your children safe and well this holiday season, from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Holiday decorations

They make everything more festive, that’s true, but they can be dangerous.

If you buy a live tree, make sure it’s not dried out. Cut a few inches off the bottom, and keep the stand filled with water.
If you use an artificial tree, be sure it’s fire resistant.
Be careful about where you put a tree. Don’t put it near something hot, don’t put it somewhere it’s likely to get knocked over, or where it blocks people walking.
If there are small children in the house, don’t use decorations that children could choke on, or that could break easily and cause cuts. If you want to put them on a tree, keep them up high.
Avoid decorations that look like food. Children might try to eat them.
Check lights for loose or frayed wires before putting them up.
Before putting lights outside, be sure they are meant to go outside (water and electricity is a bad combination).
Remember that mistletoe berries, Jerusalem cherries, and holly berries can be poisonous if eaten.
If you light candles, make sure that they are somewhere safe, and don’t leave them unattended.

Toys

Make sure that they bring joy, not harm. This is most important for young children.

Pay attention to the age recommendations, and follow them. They are there for a reason.
If there aren’t age recommendations to guide you, don’t buy (or otherwise gift) anything with small pieces for a child less than 3 years old. This includes small pieces that are seemingly attached (like car wheels or buttons on clothes) but could come unattached.
Be cautious of anything involving button batteries or magnets if there are small children in the house. Swallowing either one can lead to serious problems.
Remove tags, strings, and ribbons from toys before giving to a young child to play with.
Be careful of toys that involve projectiles (and toy weapons). You can buy them, but have family ground rules before using them.
If there are children of various ages in the house, while you are out shopping, buy some containers with lids to hold the big kids’ toys (like all those Lego bricks), so you can keep them separate from the little kids’ toys.

Holiday food

Making holiday food can be a wonderful tradition, and can be safe with a few precautions.

Make sure meat and poultry is cooked thoroughly, and raw produce is washed well.
Thaw meat in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
Keep cooked and raw food separated in the refrigerator, so that the raw stuff doesn’t contaminate the cooked stuff with bacteria.
While sampling the uncooked food or sweet is half the fun, be sure that the uncooked food is safe to eat uncooked, and use a different utensil to sample than to stir.
Wash your hands — and your helpers’ hands — often.
If there are small children underfoot while you cook, keep hot liquids out of reach, use back burners instead of front whenever possible, and turn pot handles so that they are out of reach. Keep knives out of the reach of curious children trying to be helpful, too.
After a party, clear up food (especially food that could be choked on) and beverages (especially alcoholic ones) from anywhere within the reach of a child who may wake up before you in the morning.

Holiday visits

Spending time at other people’s houses is an important part of the holiday season.

If you have small children, do a quick assessment of risks like stairs, kitchens, bathrooms, medications, and access to the outside. Make a plan as to where your child should — and shouldn’t — be while you visit.
Bring a few safe toys for your child to play with.
It’s easy to get distracted at a holiday party. Make a plan to be sure your child is supervised at all times.
If you are planning to drink alcohol, either have a designated driver or make a plan for a different way to get home.
If you are planning more than just a day or evening trip, check out our post on safe travels with children.

The post Keeping children safe this holiday season appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/keeping-children-safe-this-holiday-season-2017121212911

Memo to Motorcyclists: Beware the Full Moon

Because a full moon can be a major distraction and occurs about 12 times a year, researchers decided to investigate whether full moons might be linked to more motorcyclists' deaths.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20171212/memo-to-motorcyclists-beware-the-full-moon?src=RSS_PUBLIC

New Hope for Kids With Multiple Food Allergies

Almost one-third of people with a food allergy have reactions to more than one type of food.

From: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20171212/new-hope-for-kids-with-multiple-food-allergies?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Is "man flu" real?

New research suggests respiratory illnesses may hit men harder than women

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-flu-study/

Are Men Just 'Babies' When They Get the Flu? Maybe Not

Still another investigation indicated that in the face of both the flu and other respiratory illnesses, men face a higher risk for developing complications than women.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20171211/does-flu-hit-men-harder-than-women-maybe-so?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Often, Opioid Abuse Becomes a Family Affair

If someone is taking prescription opioids for pain, such as OxyContin, it's more likely that others living in the home will also get an opioid prescription, the researchers found.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20171211/often-opioid-abuse-becomes-a-family-affair?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Managing Your Surgical Drainage - Dr. Chee-Chee Stucky

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

Mayo Clinic Minute: Why you should be optimistic and 3 ways to do it

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KDsX1ZirvY

Avoiding holiday excess (and what to do if you overdo it)

The holidays are famously a time of celebration, and where there is celebrating, there is usually too much alcohol, too many rich foods, and not enough sleep.

Here are some basic tips on not overdoing it — and how to manage when you have.

Common sense rules

You know the saying “Don’t go to the grocery store hungry”? The reason is pretty obvious. If you’re famished, you may not make the best food choices. Well, the same applies to holiday parties. If you are truly hungry, have something healthy and filling beforehand, like a beautiful salad. Pressed for time? Eat an apple.

Already there? Look at the appetizers. Is there anything reasonably healthy? Pick up a small plate and choose from the healthier options, like crudités (vegetable slices), shrimp cocktail, even fruit and cheese (no crackers). Avoid fried snacks and processed carbohydrates. Enjoy! Take the edge off your hunger, then walk away from the table.

Are you the host? Serve delicious hors d’oeuvres that also happen to be healthy. Some ideas: make or purchase fresh guacamole, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and serve as a dip with crisp sweet red pepper slices. Or try red pepper hummus sprinkled with crushed toasted pistachios, served with bright green cucumber rounds. Easy, and easy on the eyes as well!

Stay hydrated

Drink water, and a lot of it, to feel full as well as minimize alcohol intake and its effects. Are you the host? Serve a fancy festive mocktail: sparkling water with cranberries, orange slices, and a sprig of rosemary. Another idea: try lime-infused seltzer with mint (basically a virgin, sugar-free mojito). At a party with an open bar? Ask for a seltzer with a twist of lemon. Feeling bold? Ask for it in a martini glass with extra olives, drink with flourish, and be the envy of everyone, as you stay blissfully (and soberly) hydrated.

Prepare yourself, pace yourself

Know you’ve got a big function coming up? Live the days leading up to it as healthfully as possible. Get your steps in, work out, eat your veggies, shun the fried foods and carbs, and sleep like a baby. The event may be a late night laden with junk food and drinks, but if you walk in feeling fit and proud, you will be less likely to lose control. If you’re feeling good about yourself, you’re more likely to keep to your limits.

Is Aunt Ida bringing her world-famous pecan pie that’s only served once a year and you’re dying for a slice? Then have a slice! If you allow yourself a special indulgence, you’ll be less likely to waste your time (and calorie allotment) on cheap, mass-produced boxed baked goods.

Did you overdo it anyway?

Did you already pig out on pigs in a blanket? Feeling sick on chips and dip? Too many champagne toasts? All is not lost. Take a step back, get a glass of cold water, and go for a walk. Sometimes just removing yourself from the temptation is enough. Never underestimate the power of water. And fresh air is remarkably, well, refreshing.

Is it the next day? Feeling the aftereffects of too much rich food or alcohol, such as headache and nausea? Again, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Try to get up and out for a walk, or even a jog. Fresh air and increased blood flow brings oxygen to all the angry cells, and helps flush toxins out.

Stick to very light foods, like fresh fruit slices and yogurt. Try to avoid over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. These medications when combined with alcohol can cause irritation of the lining of the stomach, as well as liver or kidney damage. The real problem underlying your headache is dehydration, so focus on no-sugar-added beverages like water, coffee, or tea. Ginger tea especially works wonders. Use store-bought ginger tea bags, or make your own from slices of fresh ginger steeped in boiling water. Other soothing (and safe) herb teas include chamomile and mint. Need to be fully functional right away? If you absolutely have to, NSAIDs like ibuprofen will be more effective than acetaminophen. Just use with caution, and make sure you’ve had plenty of nonalcoholic beverages to drink as well as something to eat.

When to seek help

Severe stomach pain or persistent nausea and vomiting after too much alcohol can signal a medical emergency, such as a stomach ulcer or inflammation of the pancreas. If you’re worried, call your doctor.

Are you regularly overeating or drinking too much alcohol? If you have trouble staying in control, and especially if the overindulgence is having a negative impact on your relationships, work, finances, or health, then please talk to a doctor. These can be signs of a possible substance use disorder or eating disorder, which are medical problems that need to be specifically addressed.

And remember

No healthy diet and lifestyle plan is ever “ruined.” You can never overdo it enough to justify giving up on your body. It’s always a good time to start over. You do not need to wait for January first. You’ve only got one body, one life, and you always come first. Take care of yourself this holiday season.

Cheers!

The post Avoiding holiday excess (and what to do if you overdo it) appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Monique Tello, MD, MPH https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/avoiding-holiday-excess-and-what-to-do-if-you-overdo-it-2017121112867

Minimally Disruptive Medicine 2017 Workshop: Involving Patients in Decisions When Seconds Count

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs_cPnDKIp8

Artist callout: Clinician burnout, well-being focus of project

Calling all creative types: the National Academy of Medicine wants you to consider clinician well-being and resilience for a community art project.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/december/artist-callout-clinician-burnout-and-well-being-focus-of-art-project

Dental groups help students in Puerto Rico

The ADA Foundation, members of the ADA Board of Trustees, American Dental Education Association and the ADEAGies Foundation have each donated to the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine after Hurricane Maria.

From: By Kelly Soderlund
http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/december/dental-groups-help-students-in-puerto-rico

JADA debuts makeover in January issue

Readers of The Journal of the American Dental Association may notice some changes to the ADA's venerable peer-reviewed publication.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/december/jada-debuts-makeover-in-january-issue

Join the Tooth Team for National Children’s Dental Health Month

Everyone is invited to join the oral health-promoting squad in February for National Children’s Dental Health Month. The annual, month-long campaign invites dental and other health care professionals and educators to come together and promote the benefits of good oral health care to children and their caregivers.

From: By Michelle Manchir http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/december/join-the-tooth-team-for-national-childrens-dental-health-month