Trying to keep Super Bowl fans healthy during a deadly flu season

Thousands of football fans are in Minneapolis ahead of the upcoming Super Bowl, increasing the chances of the flu spreading. Once those fans go home, they could be taking germs with them. CBS News correspondent Jamie Yuccas reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/trying-to-keep-super-bowl-fans-healthy-during-a-deadly-flu-season/

Mayo Clinic – Cardiac Sarcoidosis

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7v_ZBg0A28

Super Bowl fans could be tackled by the flu

With one million people expected to attend events in Minneapolis before the big game even starts, there's concern the deadly flu virus will spread

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/super-bowl-minneapolis-patriots-eagles-fans-could-be-tackled-by-the-flu/

From Diagnosis to Camp: The Mihelich Family’s Story

March 18, 1990 was a night that Randy Mihelich would never forget. That night, he was brought to Elmhurst Hospital by his parents, and subsequently learned that his blood glucose was 1,029, far exceeding the average range. Randy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes that evening, changing the course of his life forever. He knew that diabetes wasn’t a disease he’d ever be able to “turn off,” but he courageously chugged forward, eventually learning how to better accept and manage the physical and emotional trappings of type 1 diabetes through Association camp programs.

Randy met his wife, Katie, in college. She’s been fully supportive of his diabetes since they met, carrying extra glucose tabs, holding onto his insulin and shots and describing their dating experience as “nothing out of the ordinary.” However, her perspective on diabetes care completely changed when their eldest daughter, Ava, was diagnosed in 2013 at age four. Both Randy and Katie’s hearts sank when they heard the news, but Ava—the spirited, bundle of energy she is—remained optimistic. She had her father as a diabetes role model, and her mother as an exemplary foundation of care.

Randy’s immediate plan upon Ava’s diagnosis was to send her to one of our camp programs. For him, camp was an enlightening experience that welcomed an entirely new network of kids into his life—kids who were “just like him,” dealing with the everyday challenges of managing diabetes, who would become lifelong friends. He wanted the same for Ava.

At only four years old, Ava followed her father’s footsteps and attended her first camp, where she learned to check her blood glucose, count carbohydrates, independently administer insulin and develop a better understanding of her disease. Most importantly, Ava fostered friendships that will last a lifetime. Molly, Ava’s younger sister, acted as a supportive sidekick, attending camp alongside her and playing a large caregiver role in the family’s everyday diabetes management.

Shortly after Ava’s first camp experience, the Mihelich family began riding in the Chicagoland Tour de Cure, one of our fundraising cycling events. This event raises critical funds for diabetes research, advocacy and programs such as camp. “Team Ava’s Peeps” invites friends, family and fellow campers to ride 10 miles through the beautiful, suburban trails of Chicagoland, all in support of Randy, Ava and the entire diabetes community. In addition to rallying the Mihelich network behind this important cause, Ava also used her story to leverage fundraising on corporate teams. In 2014, she spoke to a room full of Walgreens executives, urging them to support Association programs like camp through events like Tour de Cure.

From multiple generations of camps to Tour de Cure, our programs have bonded the Mihelich Family for more than 25 years, providing hope, tradition and a lifetime of treasured memories. In June 2017, we were proud to honor Randy, Katie, Ava and Molly at the Chicago Father of the Year Awards as the Association’s Chicago Mission Family after they raised over $30,000 during the event’s Fund-A-Mission program. Randy and Ava haven’t been able to “turn off” their diabetes, but they choose to embrace its everyday challenges, in hopes to someday realize our vision: a life free of diabetes and all its burdens.

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As a long-time National Sponsor of the American Diabetes Association, Walgreens promotes the importance of physical activity with corporate teams that participate in Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes® and Tour de Cure® events across the country, and through our summer camps where youth learn independence and valuable skills needed to live a full and healthy life.

From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2018/01/31/from-diagnosis-to-camp-the-mihelich-familys-story/

Hyperbaric healing for Skyler

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

"IV lounges" a trendy health fad, but are they safe?

"Rent-a-drip" IV lounges are popping up across the country, but experts say the fad is at best a waste of money and at worst potentially dangerous

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/iv-lounges-health-fad-are-they-safe/

Chinese Scientists Make New Ears for Children

The first-of-its-kind study included children with a defect in one ear called microtia.

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20180131/chinese-scientists-make-new-ears-forchildren?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Flu After 65: Your Doctor May Miss It

Although older adults always get hit hard with flu, doctors are less likely to order a flu test for people 65 and older and may miss diagnosing the flu, new research finds.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20180131/flu-after-65-your-doctor-may-miss-it?src=RSS_PUBLIC

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/february

Smoking habit tough to break for certain Americans

While the overall smoking rate has dropped in the United States, some groups still struggle with the habit

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/smoking-habits-tougher-to-break-for-certain-americans/

VA System Failing on Mental Health Care: Report

The congressionally mandated report cites two primary reasons for this gap: The VA does not have sufficient resources, or veterans don't know how to access VA mental health care.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20180131/va-system-failing-on-mental-health-care-report?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Pharmacist sentenced for deadly meningitis outbreak

The deadly outbreak killed 76 people and sickened hundreds

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/meningitis-outbreak-deaths-pharmacist-glenn-chinn-convicted-sentenced-8-years-in-prison/

FDA cracks down on abuse of anti-diarrhea medication

Some addicts take huge doses of loperamide – sold under the brand name Imodium A-D – to try to ease withdrawal or maintain a high

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-cracks-down-on-abuse-of-anti-diarrhea-medication/

Infectious Diseases: How the flu makes us so sick

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

Mission Impact: Letters from the Presidents

This year, we’re proud to welcome Felicia Hill-Briggs, PhD, ABPP and Jane E. B. Reusch, MD to ADA. As President, Health Care & Education and President, Medicine & Science, respectively, they’ll continue to further our mission and support all people living with and affected by diabetes. Learn how they plan to do this, in their own words:

Felicia Hill-Briggs, PhD, ABPP

Letter from the President, Health Care & Education
Felicia Hill-Briggs, PhD, ABPP

I am tremendously honored to serve as the 2018 President of Health Care & Education. This is an era both of great challenge and great opportunity. As a health care professional and a researcher, I, like many of you, have witnessed the astounding evolution of diabetes treatments, devices, educational standards, and models of care delivery on one hand, and the realities of suboptimal access, reach, quality, and affordability on the other. Over my four decades of living with type 1 diabetes, I have also personally observed the inequities in care among population subgroups and the variability in diabetes quality of care among geographic regions and practices. More than ever, ADA is needed to help ensure the health of the population with and at risk for diabetes, its comorbidities, and complications.

A population health perspective provides a unifying lens through which to view the scope of challenge and opportunity for the ADA. Population health improvement strategies expand quality services and education beyond the health care setting through multisector and community partnerships. Population health maps pathways to measurable gains in the next decade and beyond through proactive, coordinated strategies for diabetes management, prevention, and equity.

During my year of presidency, I am leading two primary initiatives focused on ADA’s essential role in advancing health equity in diabetes. In February, we are launching an expert technical review committee on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). While the importance of SDOH has come into awareness, remedying actions and their impact on diabetes population outcomes are less clear. This scientific review committee will examine the state of the evidence on SDOH interventions and their effect on diabetes outcomes, to inform recommendations for clinical and community care. A second initiative will examine closely the role, capacity, and opportunity for ADA to serve as a national resource for the dissemination of evidence-based, nationally recognized, community-delivered diabetes services. Through partnerships with academic institutions, health care practices, and our professional health care and education members who have contributed the science for these community programs, ADA can lead in ensuring reach of high-quality, community-based educational and supportive services to populations most in need across the nation.

In addition to the new initiatives, I continue to champion recent steps we have taken toward diabetes population health improvement. Here are a few highlights:

In 2017 a joint ADA and Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) consensus statement entitled, “The Use of Language in Diabetes Care and Education,” was published in Diabetes Care. This important statement addresses the impact of language on the lived experience of people with diabetes, their health care, and outcomes. As outlined in the paper, person-first, strengths-based, empowering language is provided to guide communication and improve quality.

The 2016 Diabetes Care publication of Psychosocial Care for People with Diabetes is the first ADA position statement focused on psychosocial and mental health integration into routine care. Dissemination and education channels for this position statement include an available webcast for providers, and it will be featured during the February 2018 65th Advanced Postgraduate Course. In partnership with the American Psychological Association, ADA continues its training workshops in the care of people with diabetes for psychologists. This formal, continuing education training program is increasing the professional mental/behavioral health workforce available to care for people with diabetes. The AADE is currently developing a mental health practice paper for diabetes educators in partnership with ADA.

With Diabetes INSIDE, ADA brings population-focused consulting services to health care systems and clinical practices. Population health analytics allow these organizations to take a population view of their diabetes patients, the quality of care they receive, and their outcomes. ADA provides the know-how for direct alignment of care and health care professional training with the Standards of Care.

ADA is at the forefront of primary diabetes prevention. As a dissemination partner for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) through a grant of more than $7M over the next five years from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ADA will be able to provide the NDPP to underserved populations in the states of California, Texas and Arizona.

Payers have also aligned with population health priorities described above. For example, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an Equity Plan for Improving Quality in Medicare. This plan outlines priorities and goals for advancing equitable care and outcomes for minority and other underserved Medicare beneficiaries through improved quality of care.

Medicare reimbursement for the NDPP rolls out in 2018. Particularly groundbreaking is the ability for the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) to be delivered in communities, reaching persons most at-risk where they reside. Community organizations demonstrating CDC requirements and lay persons who are trained and certified as MDPP Lifestyle Coaches will be able to register as MDPP suppliers and receive reimbursement directly, rather than requiring interface with a health care system.

Finally, we will watch for further information regarding CMS’ planned reimbursement for the Collaborative Care Model, which embeds behavioral health care management and psychiatric consultation in primary care.

This year promises to be one of significant ADA advancement in diabetes population health. Our progress, as always, depends on you, our members, who bring the front-line expertise, health care delivery, patient and provider education and training, and dissemination nationally and internationally. Stay tuned!

Sincerely,
Felicia

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Letter from the President, Medicine & Science
Jane E. B. Reusch, MD

It is my great pleasure and honor to serve as the 2018 American Diabetes Association President of Medicine & Science. The ADA’s mission, “To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes,” aligns with my personal and professional mission. As an ADA member, I am confident that the mission speaks to you as well. In this introductory communication, I am going to ask you to consider why you are a member of the ADA and to tell you a bit about why and how I am involved in the ADA. I will highlight some of the current mission activities of the ADA and invite you to reach out to me.

Jane E. B. Reusch, MD

Why are you a member of the ADA? Each of you has a different type of engagement with the diabetes landscape that may involve education, practice, research, or industry relations. As a member of the ADA you are invited (and encouraged) to join interest groups that are aligned with your own professional goals. For the ADA to achieve its mission, it is crucial that each of us join in the fight against diabetes. It is a goal of the ADA to increase your impact day to day to advocate and educate toward the goal of curing this devastating disease.

What is the background that I bring to my role as President of Medicine & Science? I was attracted to the field of diabetes based on the combination of intriguing pathophysiology and as the daughter of a father with diabetes. My father’s diabetes illustrated to me the demands diabetes places on individuals and their families every day and the consequences. For my father, the consequence was a stroke with right-sided paralysis, threatened loss of his functional left leg, and an untimely death. To me, as you can appreciate, diabetes is incredibly personal.

In my work life, I am a physician scientist (AKA “the world’s best job”). As a physician scientist, I have the opportunity to care for people with diabetes, to do research to address the biological consequences of diabetes, and to educate the next generation of scientists and clinicians to address the ADA’s mission. Sincerely, my job is a privilege. Early in my career, I became aware of the challenges facing the physician scientist and the dire need for mentorship to bolster the careers of MD scientists. I have held leadership positions at my own institution and nationally to make resources available for formal career development training, career development funding, and mentoring. I am dedicated to recruiting, training, and retaining outstanding young scientists to the field of diabetes research with a special focus on the physician scientist. In addition to mentoring, effective translational research also requires teamwork, as the skill sets needed to effectively address complex biological questions rarely reside in a single lab or individual.

Similarly, as a leader within the ADA, I believe we will need to employ a model of teamwork and collaboration to change the diabetes landscape. Recently, I had the opportunity to assist in the development of a specific new membership benefit to increase Diabetes Professional Self-Efficacy (DPSE). We recently launched the Women’s Interprofessional Network of the ADA (WIN ADA) as a new ADA membership benefit. This initiative’s goals are simple, yet profound: to strengthen the voice and presence of women in diabetes research and clinical practice; to recognize the significant contributions of women to improving the lives of people affected by diabetes; and to provide development and networking opportunities to women of all career stages and interests to help them achieve their full potential. This is one example of the ADA responding to the needs of our membership.

The ADA is the leading authority for diabetes. We host the ADA Scientific Sessions, the largest diabetes meeting in the world. We publish Diabetes Care and Diabetes, two of the top journals in the world specifically focused on diabetes care and research. We fund innovative research in diabetes, and we provide the most widely disseminated Standards of Care. We support accredited clinical diabetes programs, we advocate for the rights of people with diabetes through programs like Safe at School, and we support research funding commensurate with the burden of diabetes. Plus, perhaps the ADA’s most life-changing activity, we sponsor diabetes camps for more than 6,000 children a year. Camp provides children with the skills and empowerment to take on a lifetime of diabetes. We are a powerful force for our mission.

Still, the challenges that remain to accomplishing the goals of the ADA are many. Currently, more than 30 million Americans and 422 million people worldwide suffer with diabetes, and hundreds of millions more are at risk for developing diabetes. The estimated financial burden of diabetes worldwide is greater than a trillion dollars. Predictions suggest the number of individuals with diabetes will increase to more than 600 million by the year 2040. We need to change this predicted trajectory. We need to decrease not only the number of people with diabetes, but also the burden of diabetes in their lives. In my opinion, the only way to change this unacceptable trajectory is through partnerships and teamwork.

So I ask again, why are you a member of the ADA? I will reframe that question to ask, are you willing and interested in using your skills to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people with diabetes? How can the ADA make it possible for you to engage in its programs and to have a real impact? How can the ADA reach out to individuals with diabetes, institutions or organizations dedicated to diabetes, decision-makers for research funding and global economies to get the message out that this is an urgent and deadly disease? If you have ideas, connections, or resources to help fuel this battle, then we need you engaged…we need you to be a partner with the ADA! Please get connected with us.

I am dedicated to addressing the mission of the ADA. I hope to hear from you on how we can improve your DPSE.

With humility and passion,
Jane

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From: American Diabetes Association http://diabetesstopshere.org/2018/01/31/mission-impact-letters-from-the-presidents/

'IV Lounges' Are Suddenly Hip, But Are They Safe?

But experts say these lounges are at best a waste of money and at worst potentially dangerous.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20180131/iv-lounges-are-suddenly-hip-but-are-they-safe?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Agency finalizes rule on patient records

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced Jan. 4 that it has finalized a rule governing the confidentiality of patient records associated with substance use disorders.

From: By Jennifer Garvin
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/agency-finalizes-rule-on-patient-records

Low-Carb Diets Boost Risk of Serious Birth Defects

Researchers have found a link between lack of carbs and serious risk of birth defects.

From: https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20180130/low-carb-diets-boost-risk-of-serious-birth-defects?src=RSS_PUBLIC

WHO: Syrian Arab Republic - Supporting Health in Camps

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVOt2kAzfcg

OMS: Poliovirus dérivés d’une souche vaccinale

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

WHO: فيروس شلل الأطفال المستمد من اللقاح

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=posR3gKCjlA

OMS: Respuesta ante un brote de poliomielitis

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKgxcDr4Ht8

WHO: Vaccine-derived polioviruses (subtitled)

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KBggvFhKh8

OMS: O Sistema de Vigilância da Poliomielite

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw1MsYZYG88

OMS: El sistema de vigilancia de la poliomielitis

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

CDC director resigns after report about tobacco stock trading

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Brenda Fitzgerald resigns due to investment issues, government says

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/brenda-fitzgerald-cdc-director-resigns-report-tobacco-stock-trading/

WHO: Vaccine-derived polioviruses

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZxqz4bX048

OMS: Alcançando a todos em qualquer lugar

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=014piVTpp9U

OMS: Polio - Llegar a todos los niños

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU96xX2fZS8

Mayo Clinic Minute: The problem with parents over-pressuring kids to win

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

OMS: Respondendo a um surto de poliomielite

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY5i3jeqeo4

Newer drugs are improving survival for men with metastatic prostate cancer

Treatments for advanced prostate cancer that’s metastasizing, or spreading in the body, are getting better, and men with the disease are living longer because of them, new research has found.

For years, the only available treatments for these aggressive tumors were androgen-deprivation therapies (ADT) that block testosterone, the male sex hormone that makes prostate cancer cells grow faster. Giving ADT slows cancer progression, but tumors typically develop resistance against it within three years and start growing again.

But then newer treatments for metastatic prostate cancer started showing up. A drug called docetaxel was approved by the FDA in 2004, followed by cabazitaxel in 2010, sipuleucel-T in 2011, abiraterone in 2011, and enzalutamide in 2012. Each of these drugs targets metastatic prostate cancer in different ways, and men who took any one of them in clinical trials lived longer than men who took ADT by itself.

For the current study, researchers set out to answer a unique question. They wanted to know if the combined market availability of these drugs was making a survival difference for men being treated for metastatic prostate cancer in the general population.

To find out, they divided men tracked by a national cancer registry into two groups. One group of 4,298 men had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer between 2004 and 2008, and another equally sized group was diagnosed with the disease between 2009 and 2014. All the men in both groups were matched in terms of age, race, cancer stage at diagnosis, treatment, and other factors.

Results showed that the duration of survival before men died specifically from prostate cancer lasted approximately 32 months among those diagnosed during the earlier time frame, and 36 months among those diagnosed during the later one. Similarly, the duration of survival before men died from any cause after a metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis was 26 months between 2004 and 2008, and 29 months during the 2009–2014 time frame.

The authors acknowledge that the survival improvements are modest, but add they may not fully account for longer survival improvements from abiraterone and enzalutamide, which only came into widespread use at the end of the study period. Furthermore, men who respond extraordinarily well to the new treatments may live far longer than those who don’t. In general, the evidence provides “valid evidence in support of [newer] novel treatments,” the authors wrote.

Dr. Mark Garnick, the Gorman Brothers Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and editor in chief of HarvardProstateKnowledge.org, says, “This study provides important information that men with advanced forms of prostate cancer are now living longer than they once did, sometimes years longer. Those of us who have been treating prostate cancer for decades appreciate this study’s fundamental finding that the improved longevity from newer cancer drugs is considerable.”

The post Newer drugs are improving survival for men with metastatic prostate cancer appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Charlie Schmidt https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/newer-drugs-metastatic-prostate-cancer-2018013113196

ADA Foundation announces three Give Kids A Smile grant recipients

The ADA Foundation said Jan. 25 that three organizations will receive funding as part of its 2018 Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) Continuity of Care Grants.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-foundation-announces-three-give-kids-a-smile-grant-recipients

Study: Dental benefits can help employers improve workforce, their bottom line

Employers whose employees regularly use their dental benefits will see fewer claims for major treatment — resulting in lower premiums for employers and reduced out-of-pocket costs for employees— according to a new study conducted by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.

From: By David Burger
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/study-dental-benefits-can-help-employers-improve-workforce-their-bottom-line

Working too long can be unhealthy -- and fatal

On-the-job fatalities climb the older workers get, especially those whose jobs are physically demanding

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/working-too-long-can-unhealthy-and-fatal/

WHO: Saving lives through RAcE in Nigeria

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvXbZjafu_0

Opioid Crisis Leads FDA To Restrict Imodium

Because opioid abusers are using the drug in greater numbers, the FDA is requesting that makers "change the way they label and package these drugs, to stem abuse and misuse," Gottlieb said.

From: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20180130/opioid-crisis-leads-fda-to-restrict-imodium?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Working too long can be unhealthy -- and fatal

On-the-job fatalities climb the older workers get, especially those whose jobs are physically demanding

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/working-too-long-can-unhealthy-and-fatal/

WHO: Saving lives through RAcE in Nigeria

From: World Health Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvXbZjafu_0

Brain "pacemaker" tested in Alzheimer's patients

Small study looked for improvements in "executive function" in Alzheimer's patients with device implanted in their brains

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/brain-pacemaker-alzheimers-patients/

Couple gets parasitic hookworms in feet on beach trip

What started as itchy feet during a beach vacation quickly turned into a traveling nightmare for one young couple from Canada

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/couple-gets-parasitic-hookworms-in-feet-beach-vacation-dominican-republic/

Concussions Drive Dementia Risk Decades Later

A traumatic injury to the brain -- such as a concussion from a sports collision or a motor vehicle accident -- is already  associated with short-term risk of dementia.

From: https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20180130/concussions-drive-dementia-risk-decades-later?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Resolutions to Cut Drinking May Be Tough to Keep

The survey, of nearly 3,000 "higher-risk" drinkers, found that roughly 20 percent wanted to cut back in the near future. But six months later, there were no signs that their motivations had turned into action.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20180130/resolutions-to-cut-drinking-may-be-tough-to-keep?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Can Brain Scans Reveal Who Your Friends Are?

Brain scans revealed that friends had the most similar brain-pattern responses to videos. And friends of friends had more similar brain activity than friends of friends-of-friends.

From: https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20180130/can-brain-scans-reveal-who-your-friends-are?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FDA recommends single-dose packaging to reduce opioids abuse

Silver Spring, Md. — In an effort to curb the prescription opioid abuse epidemic, the Food and Drug Administration on Jan. 30 announced it is looking to change how manufacturers package their products so that health care providers can have better options for prescribing opioids.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/fda-recommends-single-dose-packaging-to-reduce-opioids-addiction

March 1 deadline for reporting HIPAA breaches involving fewer than 500 people

The deadline for reporting Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act breaches involving fewer than 500 individuals to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Office for Civil Rights is March 1.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/march-1-deadline-for-reporting-hipaa-breaches-involving-fewer-than-500-people

Registration commences Feb. 14 for Hawaiian annual meeting

ADA 2018 – America's Dental Meeting will be held Oct. 18-22 in the capital city of Honolulu, at the Hawaii Convention Center. The New Dentist Conference will run concurrent to the annual meeting from Oct. 18-20.

From: By David Burger
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/registration-commences-feb-14-for-hawaiian-annual-meeting

Mayo Clinic Minute: Take the guilt out of Super Bowl party favorites

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUwc3-rVlsI

7-year-old boy from Virginia dies from flu, family says

As flu activity is reaching its highest level in nearly a decade, more people -- including children -- are dying from the flu

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kevin-baynes-7-year-old-from-virginia-dies-from-flu-family-says/

Why isn't there a universal flu vaccine?

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, explains

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-outbreak-why-isnt-there-a-universal-vaccine/

Man dies in MRI accident: How does this happen?

MRI imaging is safe for human tissue, but introducing metal near the powerful machines can be deadly

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-dies-in-mri-accident-how-does-this-happen/

Why teenagers eat Tide pods

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

It’s been on the news recently: teens are eating Tide detergent pods — despite the fact that eating them can be lethal. They film themselves doing it; it’s the “Tide Pod Challenge.”

It’s not like they don’t know it can be dangerous. Besides the fact that it’s common knowledge that detergent isn’t food, there has been a lot of media coverage about the dangers of toddlers getting into them, about how Tide pods are not just poisonous but possibly lethal.

The media coverage, actually, is part of the problem. But the real problem is the adolescent brain.

Adolescence is a crucial moment in life, the transition between childhood and adulthood. The brains of adolescents reflect that transition. They have the ability to take in a lot of information, to learn quickly, that children have — and their brains are beginning to build the connections that adults have, the connections that make different parts of the brain work together more quickly and effectively. The last part of the brain to build those connections is the frontal lobe. This is important, because the frontal lobe is the part of the brain that controls insight and judgment, the part that controls risk-taking behaviors.

Basically, teens are quick learners without a whole lot of insight or judgment, and risk-takers. As frustrating as this may be for parents, teachers, and others who have to deal with teens on a daily basis, it makes evolutionary sense.

Teens have to learn so much as they get ready to become adults. They have to learn not only academic subjects, but how to navigate life: how to hold down a job, drive, pay bills, and everything else an adult needs to do to survive. It’s a staggering amount of information, really.

They also have to take risks. Just think about it: leaving home, getting a job, falling in love… it’s a lot of scary firsts. Those risks are hard to take when you fully understand how things can go wrong, and how we are all flawed and mortal. They are much easier to take when you think you are invincible.

Unfortunately, teens don’t limit their risk-taking to leaving home or falling in love. They take dumb risks, the same kind we took as teenagers. We took them because we thought we were invincible, and because our friends were watching and egging us on. That’s another part of teen reality: what their peers think matters a lot.

That’s where the media coverage comes in — more specifically, social media. Back when I was a teen, the group of friends watching and egging me on was relatively small, and most of them were people I’d chosen to be friends with, at least some of whom had some interest in my well-being. They were also there in person, and we could talk about risks before taking them.

With social media, today’s teens have potentially millions of people watching and egging them on, mostly people they didn’t choose, who are not there in person — and who have zero interest in their well-being. It’s “I dare you” in proportions we can’t measure or imagine, played out in the latest “challenge” (there have been plenty of them) and broadcast via their ever-present phones.

That’s why the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported 86 intentional exposures to laundry detergent packets in the first three weeks of 2018. And those are just the ones that got reported.

YouTube has said it will take down any reported videos, which is good, but there will undoubtedly be another challenge. We can’t make social media go away, any more than we can change the adolescent brain.

We must realize that social media has changed the world adolescents are growing up in; while it has upsides like connectedness, it also can put them at risk. We need to find ways to use the power of social media for good, like the video the New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski has made telling teens not to eat Tide pods. We also need to spend more time with teens, both talking and listening. We need to help them navigate this new socially connected world; we need to help them understand where and how to draw the line, so that they stay safe.

The post Why teenagers eat Tide pods appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-teenagers-eat-tide-pods-2018013013241

Weight-Loss Surgery Alone Won't Keep Pounds Off

Doctors usually recommend patients try different types of diet and exercise for at least five years before considering weight-loss surgery.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20180130/weight-loss-surgery-alone-wont-keep--pounds-off?src=RSS_PUBLIC

A Diet to Boost a Woman's Fertility?

Greek researchers report that younger women who followed this heart-healthy eating plan in the six months before trying IVF had better odds of a successful pregnancy than women who didn't.

From: https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20180130/a-diet-to-boost-a-womans-fertility?src=RSS_PUBLIC

From private practice to academia

Gainsville, Fla. — Dr. Bonita Wynkoop had been in private practice for more than 20 years when she found an opening to pursue something she always wanted to do: teach.

From:

By Kimber Solana

https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/from-private-practice-to-academia

Kidney Donors Could Face Long-Term Health Risks

More than 19,000 kidney donations were performed in the United States in 2016, the latest figures available, according to U.S. Government Information on Organ Donation and Transplantation. About 1 in 5 donations of all organs is from a living donor.

From: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20180129/kidney-donors-could-face-long-term-health-risks?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Infectious disease expert explains why this year's flu virus is so deadly

Health workers are facing a huge challenge in trying to contain this season's flu outbreak. It's the most widespread in recent years, with at least 37 child deaths reported so far. The biggest clusters are in the South and West. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, joins "CBS This Morning" from the NIH headquarters to discuss the importance of getting vaccinated and why it's so difficult to create a universal vaccine.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/infectious-disease-expert-explains-why-this-years-flu-virus-is-so-deadly/

Groups Ask Facebook to Scrap Messenger Kids App

Facebook should scrap its Messenger Kids app because it could pose health and development risks, 19 groups say in a letter to be sent Tuesday to Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg.

From: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20180130/groups-ask-facebook-to-scrap-messenger-kids-app?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Memory Loss Hitting Some Fentanyl Abusers

Imaging scans of patients revealed lesions on the hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with memory, Haut explained.

From: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20180129/memory-loss-hitting-some-fentanyl-abusers?src=RSS_PUBLIC

7-year-old among latest victims of deadly flu epidemic

Kevin Baynes, a 7-year-old boy from Virginia, died Sunday, a day after his flu diagnosis. The CDC projects roughly 700,000 flu-related hospitalizations this season. Manuel Bojorquez reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/7-year-old-among-latest-victims-of-deadly-flu-epidemic/

Schools in 12 states close to fight flu outbreak

"This year is really unprecedented. I probably saw about 30 kids here on Monday and sent 10 home before noon," one nurse says

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/schools-in-at-least-12-states-close-to-fight-against-the-flu/

Schools join the fight against the flu

As the deadly flu season slams communities across the country, some schools have been forced to close in order to keep students safe. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/schools-join-the-fight-against-the-flu/

How do people die from the flu?

While flu is most dangerous for adults over the age of 65 and children under the age of 5, it can turn deadly for anyone

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-do-people-die-from-the-flu/

Complications from flu claim mom's unborn baby

A family in San Jose, California, is grieving after a woman, seven months pregnant, caught the flu and ended up losing her baby. Maria Paniagua got so sick that doctors could not do a cesarean section when her unborn baby's heartbeat weakened. Dr. Tara Narula reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/complications-from-flu-claim-moms-unborn-baby/

Dental community remembers Navy dentist as 'a shining star'

The untimely Jan. 3 death in this Chicago suburb of a Navy dentist with a passion for public health dentistry and serving others has sparked an outpouring of condolences from many in the dental community.

From: By Michelle Manchir
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/dental-community-remembers-navy-dentist-as-a-shining-star

Laurel Road 2018 rates may offer more student loan refinancing savings

ADA members refinancing their student loans through Laurel Road, the student loan refinancing program endorsed by the ADA, may save more money with new rates that went into effect in the New Year.

From: By Kimber Solana
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/laurel-road-2018-rates-may-offer-more-student-loan-refinancing-savings

New infographic chronicles dental opioid prescription rates

Dentists accounted for 6.4 percent of all U.S. opioids prescriptions in 2012, according to information presented in a new infographic from the ADA Health Policy Institute.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/new-infographic-chronicles-dental-opioid-prescription-rates

ODC comments on proposed changes to Medicare Parts C, D

The Organized Dentistry Coalition has filed comments on the proposed changes to the enrollment requirements for Medicare Part C and Part D following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Nov. 16 announcement that it planned to rescind certain Medicare Part D and C requirements for providers.

From: By Jennifer Garvin
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/odc-comments-on-proposed-changes-to-medicare-parts-c-d

Teen with cancer marries high school sweetheart

Florida teens Dustin Snyder and Sierra Siverio tied the knot Sunday in an emotional ceremony after Dustin was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. WTSP's Shannon Valladolid has the story.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/teen-with-cancer-marries-high-school-sweetheart/

Excess Salt May Hurt Your Brain, Too

High-salt diets were linked in studies to several health problems, including memory loss.

From: https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20180129/excess-salt-may-hurt-your-brain-too?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Teen battling rare cancer weds high school sweetheart

The couple, who dated but lost touch after middle school, reunited as high school seniors and married on Sunday

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-teen-battling-rare-cancer-weds-high-school-sweetheart/

Fainting Rarely Tied to Blood Clot, Study Finds

A study of more than 1.6 million adults treated in the emergency department after fainting -- medically known as a "syncope" -- found less than 1 percent had a blockage in an artery leading to the lungs, or pulmonary embolism.

From: https://www.webmd.com/dvt/news/20180129/fainting-rarely-tied-to-blood-clot-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

A New Way to Thwart Disease-Spreading Mosquitoes

Found in swamps and bogs along the east coast of North America, they are commonly called pitcher plant mosquitoes, because they live in the water of pitcher plants until adulthood.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20180129/a-new-way-to-thwart-disease-spreading-mosquitoes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Who Really Needs to Go Gluten-Free

Consumer Reports also found that some gluten-free foods have more fat, sugar and/or salt than their regular counterparts, and are short on nutrients like iron and folic acid -- found in foods with enriched-wheat flour.

From: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20180129/who-really-needs-to-go-gluten-free?src=RSS_PUBLIC

1000 Smiles readies for another year of Caribbean service

Dr. Sherwin R. Shinn is leading the call for much-needed volunteers to continue the mission of Great Shape!'s 1000 Smiles project.

From: By David Burger
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/1000-smiles-readies-for-another-year-of-caribbean-service

ADA resources can help dentists with scaling, root planing claims

This is the sixth in a series featuring answers and solutions for dentists when it comes to the world of dental benefits and plans. The series is intended to help untangle many of the issues that can potentially befuddle dentists and their teams so that they can focus on patient care.

From: By David Burger
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-resources-can-help-dentists-with-scaling-and-root-planing-claims

Photos of raw meat delivery prompt investigation

A woman posted photos on social media showing unwrapped pork brought into a grocery store in shopping carts

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/photos-of-raw-meat-delivery-prompt-investigation/

Phase 2 Clinical Trial Update 2

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqsd25a-H8Q

Complications from flu claim mom's unborn baby

A family in San Jose, California, is grieving after a woman, seven months pregnant, caught the flu and ended up losing her baby. Maria Paniagua got so sick that doctors could not do a cesarean section when her unborn baby's heartbeat weakened. Dr. Tara Narula reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/complications-from-flu-claim-moms-unborn-baby/

Scientists Zero in on Better Saliva-Based HIV Test

The new test may be able to detect early evidence of HIV antibodies in saliva as reliably as a blood test, according to the scientists who developed it.

From: https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20180129/scientists-zero-in-on-better-saliva-based-hiv-test?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Report: E-cigarette use among teens may raise risk of smoking

Young people who use e-cigarettes are at an increased risk of using conventional cigarettes, and nicotine intake from e-cigarettes is comparable to conventional cigarettes, according to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released Jan. 23.

From: By Michelle Manchir
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ecigarette-use-among-teens-may-raise-risk-of-smoking

Mayo Clinic Minute: Why wrists are a common casualty of winter

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9mxjAFpstM

One Goal - Paige's Story

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcqb-2UBwQc

A neurologist talks about kids and headaches

It’s not uncommon for a child to complain of a headache. But what should a parent do? When should you worry? What are features that are cause for concern and should prompt a call to the pediatrician, or even a trip to the emergency room? For kids with headaches, do they necessarily need to take medication, or are there other nondrug treatments that may be just as effective?

When to call your pediatrician

The cardinal rule for thinking about headaches is “first or worst.” In practical terms, if your child has never had a headache before, you need to evaluate carefully.

• Did he have any recent head trauma, such as a fall or a sports injury?
• Was she sick with a bad virus?
• Is he vomiting or or have a fever?
• Is she unable to walk, talk, and eat normally?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” it’s time to call the pediatrician. A concussion, a severe infection, or even a rare but more ominous cause for a headache could be the trigger. Many people worry about a brain tumor, but this is very unlikely. You should never be alone with worry about your child’s headache, and your pediatrician can help to steer you toward the best treatment.

Kids can experience migraine headaches

Children can and do get migraine headaches. The rate is estimated at 5.5%, but underdiagnosis may falsely lower the number. Think about migraine in particular if a parent has migraines, as there is a strong genetic link. Kids’ migraines are different than adults’: the pain can be on both sides of the head and not last as long. But just like in grownups, kids can be totally incapacitated with a migraine, needing to lie in a dark room with profuse nausea and vomiting. It’s not possible to make a diagnosis after just one headache, though. Kids need to have at least two episodes to be diagnosed with migraine. Ibuprofen can be a very effective treatment once a headache hits, but don’t forget about ice, which can also relieve pain and decrease inflammation. A bag of frozen peas is lightweight, and the child can position it comfortably over his or her head.

There is a migraine-specific class of drugs called triptans that is used to stop migraines when they start. One formulation called zolmitriptan is approved for use in children. It comes in a nasal spray so it can be used for kids who can’t swallow pills. For children with frequent migraines, it may be necessary to try to prevent them. Certain medications are used for both children and adults, such as amitriptyline and topiramate. A recent study found that combining amitriptyline with a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of mind-body work that helps to change a person’s response to pain and anxiety) can be more effective than the drug alone. And some children will respond to cognitive behavioral therapies alone as preventives. Health insurance often covers these treatments, so be sure to ask about options.

The more typical kid headache

Tension-type headaches are more common. The old name for these was “hat band headache” and that’s often what the pain is like. Kids describe pressure around their forehead or entire head, not the throbbing of a migraine. Often they can function, eat, go to school, and even play sports although they don’t feel well. Ibuprofen may help, and relaxation and fluids may be adequate to treat a tension-type headache.

Lots of parents are concerned about screen time triggering headache, and it’s a valid concern. Bright lights and screens definitely can trigger migraines in susceptible children and adults, but staring at a computer, phone, or iPad can trigger a headache for anyone if used for too long. Encourage limits on screen time, taking breaks, and getting up to stretch when working or playing games.

It’s important to ask about stress and anxiety when evaluating your child’s headache. School-avoidance headaches can be tough to diagnose. Careful questions and discussion with teachers and guidance counselors may help a parent figure out if a headache is actually a way for a child to avoid bullying or a difficult situation at school. This hopefully leads to intervention and resolution of the triggers.

The bottom line

If your child tells you she has a headache, take her seriously. Ask questions about type of pain, other symptoms, and recent events. Enlist your pediatrician to help make the right diagnosis. It may be useful to see a pediatric neurologist. And if the child has a fever, can’t stop vomiting, or tells you he has double vision or trouble moving his arms or legs, go directly to the emergency room. Chances of this are very rare. Most headaches are very treatable.

References

Pediatric migraine. Medscape Neurology Clinics, 2009.

Trajectory of Improvement in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Migraine: Results From the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Amitriptyline Trial. Journal of Pain, June 2017.

The post A neurologist talks about kids and headaches appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Carolyn A. Bernstein, MD, FAHS https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/a-neurologist-talks-about-kids-and-headaches-2018012913191

Video Q&A about Palliative Care

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqc_9WBLQWE

Panera Bread recalls cream cheese over listeria fears

Panera Bread Co. is voluntarily recalling some cream cheese sold in its U.S. stores because of possible bacterial contamination

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/panera-bread-cream-cheese-recall-listeria/

CDC: Flu-related pediatric deaths could reach record high

Number of people reporting flu-like illness is highest since swine flu pandemic nearly 10 years ago

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-flu-related-pediatric-deaths-could-reach-record-high/

Complications from flu claim mom's unborn baby

A family in San Jose, California, is grieving after a woman, seven months pregnant, caught the flu and ended up losing her baby. Maria Paniagua got so sick that doctors could not do a cesarean section when her unborn baby's heartbeat weakened. Dr. Tara Narula reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/complications-from-flu-claim-moms-unborn-baby/

High levels of antibiotic resistance found worldwide, new data shows

WHO’s first release of surveillance data on antibiotic resistance reveals high levels of resistance to a number of serious bacterial infections in both high- and low-income countries.

From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2018/antibiotic-resistance-found/en/index.html

Benefits of Light Activity: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTk8UXZffA8

Immunology to fight cancer: Mayo Clinic Radio

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvLEWI3oZrE

Dr. Eric Moore, Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon

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

10 things you can do for your pet when it’s cold outside

Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling

Venturing out in frigid conditions with our golden retriever, I was wishing I had worn another layer or two. And that got me thinking. Sparky’s got a thick coat of fur, but is that enough? Is there more I should be doing for him during cold snaps? On our last walk, I’m pretty sure he would have said yes.

In fact, there are a number of things we can do to make sure our pets are safe during the worst of winter. Here are 10 things experts recommend:

1.  When returning from a walk, clean off your pet’s paws and check them for redness or cracks.

2.  Apply petroleum jelly (or other paw protection product) to your dog’s paw pads. Or, have your pet wear booties.

3.  Use only pet-friendly ice melt.

4.  Get a coat or sweater for your short-haired dog.

5.  If your pet usually sleeps on the floor or near a window or door, get them a pet bed and move it away from the coldest parts of the house.

6.  Don’t leave your pet in a car. Although we hear often about the risks of pets overheating in cars in the warmer weather, cars cool down quickly in winter and pose a risk for pets left inside.

7.  Don’t leave your pet outside. Even for dogs or cats that spend most of their time outdoors, bring them inside during cold weather.

8.  Trim their nails. Long nails can’t grip the ice, which makes walking more slippery.

9.  Look out for cats near your car. They may take refuge in the garage or huddled next to a warm car and get injured when the car moves.

10.  Recognize signs of hypothermia (including confusion, slowed movement, anxiousness) or frostbite (such as blisters or discoloration of the skin). If you suspect either, bring your pet inside right away and contact your veterinarian.

But wait, there’s more

Some other recommendations are probably self-evident but worth emphasizing. Take shorter walks to avoid cold exposure. Avoid partially frozen rivers, lakes, or ponds that might not support the weight of your pet. And winter is no time for the short haircut or close-cropped look — save that for warmer weather.

Pets may burn more calories maintaining their body temperature when it’s cold, so some experts recommend that for active pets that spend time outdoors in cold weather, food portions should be a bit larger than usual.

This, too, shall pass

Eventually the harsh winter weather will turn warmer. Until it does, keep in mind that your pet may not like the cold any more than you do. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to make it easier on him or her.

Talk to your veterinarian about any specific health concerns you have about your pet. And, for more information, check out these tips from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

The post 10 things you can do for your pet when it’s cold outside appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/pets-safety-cold-weather-2018012613137

WHO: Bangladesh - diphtheria outbreak - urgent need for treatment and vaccination

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

FTC hosting free online events to mark Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

The Federal Trade Commission is honoring Tax Identify Theft Awareness Week, Jan. 29-Feb. 2, by featuring a series of free events to help consumers and businesses reduce their chances of being victimized.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ftc-hosting-free-online-events-to-mark-tax-identity-theft-awareness-week

Intense flu season has required some of medicine's most difficult choices

Diana Barron Gonzales says her best friend, Maria Paniagua, caught the flu while seven months pregnant

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/intense-flu-season-has-required-some-of-medicines-most-difficult-choices/

Flu epidemic to blame for 37 children's deaths so far

For the third straight week, federal health officials say the flu is widespread in every state except Hawaii. Thirty-seven children have died from the flu since the season started in October. Tony Dokoupil reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/flu-epidemic-to-blame-for-37-childrens-deaths-so-far/

How sports venues are striving to serve the needs of autistic children

Stadiums and arenas are increasingly addressing the needs of people with sensory issues -- in large part because of the experience of one family

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sports-venues-striving-to-serve-needs-of-autistic-fans/

Boy, 8, dies from flesh eating bacteria during a bike accident

Liam Flanagan, 8, from Pilot Rock, Oregon died two weeks after a bicycle accident. Doctors believe flesh eating bacteria got into his wound and began to consume the boy's soft tissues. His community has setup a GoFundMe page to help the family pay for medical and funeral expenses.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/boy-8-dies-from-flesh-eating-bacteria-during-a-bike-accident/

Flu season hitting baby boomers unusually hard

Dr. Tara Narula joins the "CBS Evening News" to discuss why the flu is taking such a heavy toll on baby boomers, and some things parents might think about doing to keep their kids safe.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/flu-season-hitting-baby-boomers-unusually-hard/

37 children dead from worst flu season in nearly a decade

The flu is putting Americans in the hospital at the highest rate in nearly a decade. The CDC is still recommending that everyone six months of age and older get a flu vaccine. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/37-children-dead-from-worst-flu-season-in-nearly-a-decade/

Why the flu is taking a heavy toll on baby boomers

The flu is putting Americans in the hospital at the highest rate in nearly a decade

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-season-baby-boomers-heavy-toll/

Worst Flu Season Since 2009 Hitting Boomers Hard

Flu activity has been higher in the U.S. for 9 weeks. Flu seasons typically last 16 to 20 weeks, putting the nation at the halfway point of its feverish and aching misery.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20180126/worst-flu-season-since-2009-hitting-boomers-hard?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Could Smoggy Air Affect a Girl's Periods?

U.S. researchers said that exposure to smoggy air could raise teen girls' risk for irregular periods.

From: https://www.webmd.com/women/news/20180126/could-smoggy-air-affect-a-girls-periods?src=RSS_PUBLIC

EMT Crews Often Unprepared for Diabetic Crises

Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) generally occur in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications. Researchers said more than 100,000 serious hypoglycemia episodes occur each year.

From: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20180126/emt-crews-often-unprepared-for-diabetic-crises?src=RSS_PUBLIC

FTC hosting free online events to mark Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

The Federal Trade Commission is honoring Tax Identify Theft Awareness Week, Jan. 29-Feb. 2, by featuring a series of free events to help consumers and businesses reduce their chances of being victimized.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ftc-hosting-free-online-events-to-mark-tax-identity-theft-awareness-week

Flu season

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/feature/flu-season/

Dr. Eric Moore, Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon

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

Parents should think twice before giving teens alcohol, researchers say

A new study finds parents are mistaken if they think giving their teens alcohol removes drinking-related risks

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/parents-think-twice-before-giving-teens-alcohol-researchers-say/

Oregon boy, 8, dies from flesh-eating bacteria

Two weeks ago, Liam Flanagan wrecked his bike and went to the emergency room to get stitches. Several days later, he found himself fighting for his life

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/oregon-boy-8-dies-from-flesh-eating-bacteria/

Recall: Travel Mobiles and Infant Rattles

The company says no injuries have been reported involving either product.

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20180126/recall-travel-mobiles-and-infant-rattles?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Flu season hitting one group particularly hard, CDC says

As flu season continues to ravage the county, officials say it's not too late to get the flu shot

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-season-hitting-baby-boomers-particularly-hard-cdc-says/

A Sleepy Child Is More Likely to Pile on Pounds

Kids who don't get enough sleep are more likely to be obese later on, researchers report.  And that might even boost their odds for cancer decades later.

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20180126/a-sleepy-child-is-more-likely-to-pile-on-pounds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Parents: Giving Kids Alcohol Not Cool

In many countries, parents provide alcohol to their underage kids as a way to introduce them to drinking carefully, and believe it will protect them from the harms of heavy drinking.

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20180125/parents-giving-kids-alcohol-not-cool?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Florida hospital at full capacity due to flu patients

Two young mothers from Oregon and Indiana are among the latest victims of the season's deadly flu outbreak. Their families said they were healthy adults. The CDC says the number of states with high levels of flu activity jumped from nine on Dec. 16 to 32 on Jan. 13. Manuel Bojorquez reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/florida-hospital-at-full-capacity-due-to-flu-patients/

Cities and residents struggle to filter water contaminants

A glass of water may seem harmless enough, but communities around the country are increasingly faced with a concerning reality: carcinogenic contaminants like radium are turning up in their drinking water -- and getting them out may be a lot harder than you think. Anna Werner reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/cities-and-residents-struggle-to-filter-water-contaminants/

Drug companies turn to lobbying amid state opioid lawsuits

More than 30 state attorneys general are investigating and negotiating with the pharmaceutical industry to reach a settlement over the opioid crisis, but a number of attorneys general have lost patience and have left the group to sue opioid manufacturers directly. Julianna Goldman reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/drug-companies-turn-to-lobbying-amid-state-opioid-lawsuits/

Two young moms among latest flu victims as hospitals feel strain

One Florida hospital is so overwhelmed beds are being set up in conference rooms to accommodate new patients

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-victims-young-mothers-hospitals-struggle-with-patient-influx/

Treating contaminated household water costly for cities – and consumers

Communities around the country are increasingly faced with a concerning reality: Carcinogenic contaminants are turning up in their drinking water​

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/radium-water-contamination-how-to-treat-at-home/

10 things you can do for your pet when it’s cold outside

Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling

Venturing out in frigid conditions with our golden retriever, I was wishing I had worn another layer or two. And that got me thinking. Sparky’s got a thick coat of fur, but is that enough? Is there more I should be doing for him during cold snaps? On our last walk, I’m pretty sure he would have said yes.

In fact, there are a number of things we can do to make sure our pets are safe during the worst of winter. Here are 10 things experts recommend:

1.  When returning from a walk, clean off your pet’s paws and check them for redness or cracks.

2.  Apply petroleum jelly (or other paw protection product) to your dog’s paw pads. Or, have your pet wear booties.

3.  Use only pet-friendly ice melt.

4.  Get a coat or sweater for your short-haired dog.

5.  If your pet usually sleeps on the floor or near a window or door, get them a pet bed and move it away from the coldest parts of the house.

6.  Don’t leave your pet in a car. Although we hear often about the risks of pets overheating in cars in the warmer weather, cars cool down quickly in winter and pose a risk for pets left inside.

7.  Don’t leave your pet outside. Even for dogs or cats that spend most of their time outdoors, bring them inside during cold weather.

8.  Trim their nails. Long nails can’t grip the ice, which makes walking more slippery.

9.  Look out for cats near your car. They may take refuge in the garage or huddled next to a warm car and get injured when the car moves.

10.  Recognize signs of hypothermia (including confusion, slowed movement, anxiousness) or frostbite (such as blisters or discoloration of the skin). If you suspect either, bring your pet inside right away and contact your veterinarian.

But wait, there’s more

Some other recommendations are probably self-evident but worth emphasizing. Take shorter walks to avoid cold exposure. Avoid partially frozen rivers, lakes, or ponds that might not support the weight of your pet. And winter is no time for the short haircut or close-cropped look — save that for warmer weather.

Pets may burn more calories maintaining their body temperature when it’s cold, so some experts recommend that for active pets that spend time outdoors in cold weather, food portions should be a bit larger than usual.

This, too, shall pass

Eventually the harsh winter weather will turn warmer. Until it does, keep in mind that your pet may not like the cold any more than you do. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to make it easier on him or her.

Talk to your veterinarian about any specific health concerns you have about your pet. And, for more information, check out these tips from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

The post 10 things you can do for your pet when it’s cold outside appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/pets-safety-cold-weather-2018012613137

WHO: Bangladesh - diphtheria outbreak - urgent need for treatment and vaccination

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

Death of 12-year-old boy shows severity of flu epidemic

The family of a 12-year-old boy say he came down with symptoms on a Monday, and by Tuesday, he had died. This comes as the number of flu deaths is up nationwide. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/death-of-12-year-old-boy-shows-severity-of-flu-epidemic/

Drug companies flex lobbying muscle in fight against state opioid lawsuits

There's a high-stakes, behind-the-scenes campaign to pressure state attorneys general to settle opioid lawsuits

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-companies-flex-lobbying-muscle-in-fight-against-state-opioid-lawsuits/

More birth defects in U.S. areas where Zika spread

New government report finds a spike in potential Zika-linked birth defects in the last half of 2016 compared with births in the first half of that year

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-birth-defects-in-u-s-areas-with-local-zika-spread/

Woman shot in head in Vegas massacre makes miraculous recovery

Jovanna Calzadillas will leave Barrow Neurological Institute Thursday and go home with her husband and two children

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/miraculous-woman-shot-in-head-in-las-vegas-massacre-to-leave-hospital/

Lawmaker pushes to shift opioid fight from border wall to mailbox

For nearly a year, Sen. Rob Portman and a team of investigators have tracked the deadly, door-to-door delivery of fentanyl

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-epidemic-international-mail-china-screening-challenges-rob-portman/

Patients seeking "death with dignity" face drug price-gouging

Since the "right-to-die" law was implemented a year ago, doctors have written hundreds of lethal prescriptions, but they say many patients can't afford the medicine

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/patients-seeking-death-with-dignity-face-drug-price-gouging/

One cigarette a day can kill you, study finds

New research warns lighting up just once a day is linked to a much higher risk of heart disease​ and stroke than might be expected

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/even-one-cigarette-a-day-can-still-kill-you-study/

Flu can spike heart attack risk in elderly, study finds

The disheartening findings come in the midst of a particularly brutal flu season

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-tied-to-heart-attack-risk-in-elderly/

Giving free rides, and a fighting chance, to cancer patients

ChemoCars, a service in metro Charlotte, offers free rides to cancer patients so they don't miss treatments

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chemocars-service-gives-free-rides-and-a-fighting-chance-to-cancer-patients/

"Completely unreal": Family shocked after healthy 12-year-old dies of flu

Dylan stayed home from school on Tuesday and when his father returned home later that day, Dylan was dead

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/healthy-12-year-old-boy-dylan-winnick-dies-influenza/

North Carolina man gives cancer patients a much-needed lift

Our continuing series, A More Perfect Union, aims to show that what unites us as Americans is far greater than what divides us. In this installment, we share the story of a man inspired by his own mother's health struggle. Zach Bolster is giving cancer patients a better shot at fighting the disease simply by giving them a ride. Mark Strassmann reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/north-carolina-man-gives-cancer-patients-a-much-needed-lift/

Parents in disbelief over 12-year-old's flu death

Dylan Winnick, 12, is among the latest victims of the widespread flu epidemic. The flu has killed more than 30 children nationwide since October. Dr. Tara Narula reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/parents-in-disbelief-over-12-year-olds-flu-death/

Researchers clone 2 healthy monkeys -- are humans next?

Female baby monkeys, about 7 and 8 weeks old, are named Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/researchers-use-cloning-method-to-create-two-healthy-monkeys/

Study finds troubling trend among moms-to-be

A rare type of stroke​ is on the rise among pregnant women in the United States, new research finds

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-finds-troubling-stroke-trend-among-pregnant-women-in-u-s/

More birth defects in U.S. areas where Zika spread

A new government report finds a spike in potential Zika-linked birth defects in the last half of 2016 compared with births in the first half of that year

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-birth-defects-in-u-s-areas-with-local-zika-spread/

Zika Tied to Rise in U.S. Birth Defects: CDC

For the study, researchers analyzed data from 15 states and territories in 2016, and found that about three of every 1,000 newborns had a birth defect possibly caused by Zika infection in the mother during pregnancy.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20180125/zika-tied-to-rise-in-us-birth-defects-cdc?src=RSS_PUBLIC

USDA Secretary Perdue in Pennsylvania

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

Take Care of Fido: Dog Flu On The Rise

Canine flu has not been reported in many states yet, although hot spots include northern Kentucky, southern Ohio, and central California. One case has been reported in Michigan.

From: https://pets.webmd.com/news/20180125/take-care-of-fido-dog-flu-on-the-rise?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Patients seeking "death with dignity" face drug price-gouging

Since the "right-to-die" law was implemented a year ago, doctors have written hundreds of lethal prescriptions, but they say many patients can't afford the medicine

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/patients-seeking-death-with-dignity-face-drug-price-gouging/

New Treatments Tackling Tough Lung Cancer

Lung cancer kills about 1.6 million people worldwide each year. The type known as non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 85 percent of lung cancer cases.

From: https://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/news/20180125/new-treatments-tackling-tough-lung-cancer?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Smoke 1 Cigarette a Day? It Can Still Kill You

British researchers say lighting up just once a day was linked to a much higher risk of heart disease and stroke than might be expected.

From: https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20180125/smoke-1-cigarette-a-day-it-can-still-kill-you?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Association's endorsement program changes name to ADA Member Advantage

ADA Business Resources, the Association's managed endorsement program, is now called ADA Member Advantage.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/associations-endorsement-program-changes-name-to-ada-member-advantage

Many Stroke Survivors Don't Improve Health Habits

Fewer than 1 in 100 stroke survivors met all seven heart-health goals identified by the American Heart Association. And just 1 in 5 met four of those goals.

From: https://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20180124/many-stroke-survivors-dont-improve-health-habits?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: How to know when to seek medical treatment for influenza

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

Another Alzheimer's Drug Fails; Scientists Stymied

In recent weeks, a pair of high-profile disappointments have been reported, including one just announced on a trial of the Eli Lily drug solanezumab.

From: https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20180125/another-alzheimers-drug-fails-scientists-stymied?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Clot-Removal Device Could Boost Stroke Outcomes

In the emergency procedure, called thrombectomy, doctors snake a catheter device through blood vessels to grab and remove the blockage.

From: https://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20180125/clot-removal-device-could-boost-stroke-outcomes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

One cigarette a day can kill you, study finds

New research warns lighting up just once a day is linked to a much higher risk of heart disease​ and stroke than might be expected

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/even-one-cigarette-a-day-can-still-kill-you-study/

NYU gets NIH grant to study oral cancer pain

New York University researchers will use a $3.7 million, five-year grant to study proteases and neuronal signaling responsible for oral cancer pain, the university said in a Jan. 23 news release.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/nyu-gets-nih-grant-to-study-oral-cancer-pain

Flu can spike heart attack risk in elderly, study finds

The disheartening findings come in the midst of a particularly brutal flu season

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-tied-to-heart-attack-risk-in-elderly/

Giving free rides, and a fighting chance, to cancer patients

ChemoCars, a service in metro Charlotte, offers free rides to cancer patients so they don't miss treatments

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chemocars-service-gives-free-rides-and-a-fighting-chance-to-cancer-patients/

Acupuncture for headache

It is easy to ridicule a 2000-year-old treatment that can seem closer to magic than to science. Indeed, from the 1970s to around 2005, the skeptic’s point of view was understandable, because the scientific evidence to show that acupuncture worked, and why, was weak, and clinical trials were small and of poor quality.

But things have changed since then. A lot.

Thanks to the development of valid placebo controls (for example, a retractable “sham” device that looks like an acupuncture needle but does not penetrate the skin), and the publication of several large and well-designed clinical trials in the last decade, we have the start of a solid foundation for truly understanding the effectiveness of acupuncture.

How do we know if acupuncture really works for pain?

Individual large-scale clinical studies have consistently demonstrated that acupuncture provided better pain relief compared with usual care. However, most studies also showed little difference between real and sham (fake) acupuncture. In order to address this concern, a 2012 meta-analysis combined data from roughly 18,000 individual patients in 23 high-quality randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for common pain conditions. This analysis conclusively demonstrated that acupuncture is superior to sham for low back pain, headache, and osteoarthritis, and improvements seen were similar to that of other widely used non-opiate pain relievers.

And the safety profile of acupuncture is excellent, with very few adverse events when performed by a trained practitioner. Meanwhile, basic science studies of acupuncture involving animals and humans have shown other potential benefits, from lowering blood pressure to long-lasting improvements in brain function. More broadly, acupuncture research has resulted in a number of insights and advances in biomedicine, with applications beyond the field of acupuncture itself.

Is acupuncture really that good?

We understand why there may be continued skepticism about acupuncture. There has been ambiguity in the language acupuncture researchers employ to describe acupuncture treatments, and confusion surrounding the ancient concept of acupuncture points and meridians, which is central to the practice of acupuncture. Indeed, the question of whether acupuncture points actually “exist” has been largely avoided by the acupuncture research community, even though acupuncture point terminology continues to be used in research studies. So, it is fair to say that acupuncture researchers have contributed to doubts about acupuncture, and a concerted effort is needed to resolve this issue. Nevertheless, the practice of acupuncture has emerged as an important nondrug option that can help chronic pain patients avoid the use of potentially harmful medications, especially opiates with their serious risk of substance use disorder.

Finding a balanced view

A post on acupuncture last year dismissed acupuncture as a costly, ineffective, and dangerous treatment for headache. This prompted us to point out the need for a measured and balanced view of the existing evidence, particularly in comparison to other treatments. Although the responses that followed the article overwhelmingly supported acupuncture, it nevertheless remains a concern that this practice attracts this kind of attack. Acupuncture practitioners and researchers must take responsibility for addressing deficiencies in acupuncture’s knowledge base and clarifying its terminology.

That said, we need to recognize that acupuncture can be part of the solution to the immense problem of chronic pain and opiate addiction that is gripping our society. That this solution comes from an ancient practice with a theoretical foundation incompletely understood by modern science should make it even more interesting and worthy of our attention. Clinicians owe it to their patients to learn about alternative, nondrug treatments and to answer patients’ questions and concerns knowledgeably and respectfully.

Sources

Acupuncture in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomised trial. Lancet, July 2005.

Acupuncture in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Internal Medicine, February 2006.

Acupuncture in patients with tension-type headache: randomised controlled trial. BMJ, August 2005.

Acupuncture for Patients With Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA, May 2005.

Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, October 2012.

Survey of Adverse Events Following Acupuncture (SAFA): a prospective study of 32,000 consultations. Acupuncture in Medicine, December 2001.

Safety of Acupuncture: Results of a Prospective Observational Study with 229,230 Patients and Introduction of a Medical Information and Consent Form. Complementary Medicine Research, April 2009.

The safety of acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review. Acupuncture in Medicine, June 2014.

Cost-effectiveness of adjunct non-pharmacological interventions for osteoarthritis of the knee. PLOS One, March 2017.

Paradoxes in Acupuncture Research: Strategies for Moving Forward. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medcine, 2011.

The Long-term Effect of Acupuncture for Migraine Prophylaxis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Internal Medicine, April 2017.

The post Acupuncture for headache appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Helene Langevin, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/acupuncture-for-headache-2018012513146

"Completely unreal": Family shocked after healthy 12-year-old dies of flu

Dylan stayed home from school on Tuesday and when his father returned home later that day, Dylan was dead

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/healthy-12-year-old-boy-dylan-winnick-dies-influenza/

North Carolina man gives cancer patients a much-needed lift

Our continuing series, A More Perfect Union, aims to show that what unites us as Americans is far greater than what divides us. In this installment, we share the story of a man inspired by his own mother's health struggle. Zach Bolster is giving cancer patients a better shot at fighting the disease simply by giving them a ride. Mark Strassmann reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/north-carolina-man-gives-cancer-patients-a-much-needed-lift/

Parents in disbelief over 12-year-old's flu death

Dylan Winnick, 12, is among the latest victims of the widespread flu epidemic. The flu has killed more than 30 children nationwide since October. Dr. Tara Narula reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/parents-in-disbelief-over-12-year-olds-flu-death/

Lawmaker pushes to shift opioid fight from border wall to mailbox

For nearly a year, Sen. Rob Portman and a team of investigators have tracked the deadly, door-to-door delivery of fentanyl

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioid-epidemic-international-mail-china-screening-challenges-rob-portman/

Preparing for College Survey Methodology

A description of the survey methodology for the WebMD/Medscape survey "Preparing for College: The Mental Health Gap."

From: https://www.webmd.com/special-reports/prep-teens-college/20180125/teen-parents-survey-methodology?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Practitioner/general dentist sought for recognition committee

The Council on Dental Education and Licensure is seeking nominations to fill the vacancy of the practitioner/general dentist position on its Committee on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Interest Areas in General Dentistry.

From: By Kimber Solana
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/practitioner-general-dentist-sought-for-recognition-committee

Researchers clone 2 healthy monkeys -- are humans next?

Female baby monkeys, about 7 and 8 weeks old, are named Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/researchers-use-cloning-method-to-create-two-healthy-monkeys/

Woman shot in head in Vegas massacre makes miraculous recovery

Jovanna Calzadillas will leave Barrow Neurological Institute Thursday and go home with her husband and two children

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/miraculous-woman-shot-in-head-in-las-vegas-massacre-to-leave-hospital/

More Bad Flu News: It's Tied to Heart Attack Risk

Among 332 heart attack patients, the complication was six times more likely to strike following a bout of the flu, researchers reported.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20180124/more-bad-flu-news-its-tied-to-heart-attack-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Are Stroke Patients Skipping Rehab?

For the study, researchers contacted 369 North Carolina stroke patients who were referred to rehabilitation either when they left the hospital or at a follow-up visit within 14 days.

From: https://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20180124/are-stroke-patients-skipping-rehab?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Study finds troubling trend among moms-to-be

A rare type of stroke​ is on the rise among pregnant women in the United States, new research finds

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-finds-troubling-stroke-trend-among-pregnant-women-in-u-s/

Doctors try to save girl's vision with new cancer treatment

The 3-year-old has a tumor in her eye that would normally cost her vision, but doctors are trying a new technique hoping to save her sight

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctors-try-to-save-girls-vision-with-new-cancer-treatment/

Progress on 'Universal' Flu Vaccine

Trials in mice found that the new shot triggered lasting immunity against influenza A virus strains, which are responsible for up to 90 percent of cases this year.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20180124/progress-on-universal-flu-vaccine?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Troubling Stroke Trend Among U.S. Moms-to-Be

This type of stroke is called spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. It's potentially life-threatening and occurs when blood vessels on the surface of the brain rupture.

From: https://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20180124/troubling-stroke-trend-among-us-moms-to-be?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Monkeys Cloned From 'Dolly' the Sheep Process

But both the scientists and other experts say it's highly unlikely this advance will result in human clones in the foreseeable future.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20180124/monkeys-cloned-from-dolly-the-sheep-process?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Philadelphia backs safe injection sites to curb opioid overdoses

Philadelphia has the highest opioid death rate of any large U.S. city: More than 1,200 people fatally overdosed in Philadelphia in 2017

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/safe-injection-sites-philadelphia-elected-officials-back-curb-overdose-deaths/

Why mixing herbal supplements and Rx drugs could be risky

More than half of Americans say they take dietary and herbal supplements

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/herbal-supplements-prescription-drugs-mixing-risk/

Watch: Doctor Flips Pregnant Mom’s Baby Bump

When you’re a mom-to-be, you’re almost guaranteed to feel your growing baby kick or move around some. Then there’s Vanessa Fisher. She felt her unborn son do a complete 180 with a big assist from her doctor.

From: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/pregnancy-breech-baby-turn?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Involuntary treatment for substance use disorder: A misguided response to the opioid crisis

Recently, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker introduced “An Act Relative to Combatting Addiction, Accessing Treatment, Reducing Prescriptions, and Enhancing Prevention” (CARE Act) as part of a larger legislative package to tackle the state’s opioid crisis. The proposal would expand on the state’s existing involuntary commitment law, building on an already deeply-troubled system. Baker’s proposal is part of a misguided national trend to use involuntary commitment or other coercive treatment mechanisms to address the country’s opioid crisis.

The CARE Act and involuntary hold

Right now, Section 35 of Massachusetts General Law chapter 123 authorizes the state to involuntarily commit someone with an alcohol or substance use disorder for up to 90 days. The legal standards and procedures for commitment are broad; a police officer, physician, or family member of an individual whose substance use presents the “likelihood of serious harm” can petition the court.

Upon reviewing a petition, the court can issue a warrant for the arrest of the person with substance use disorder. The individual — who is not charged with a crime — is held pending an examination by a court-appointed clinician. The statute mandates that the determination proceed at a rapid pace, making it difficult to mount a meaningful defense.

The CARE Act proposes to further accelerate this process. The proposal would allow clinical professionals — including physicians, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, and social workers (or police officers when clinicians are not available) — to transport a person to a substance use treatment facility when the patient presents a likelihood of serious harm due to addiction and the patient will not agree to “voluntary treatment.” Upon determination by a physician that the failure to treat the person would create “a likelihood of serious harm,” the treatment facility has 72 hours to get the person to agree to voluntary treatment. If the person refuses, but the facility superintendent determines that discontinuing treatment would again cause “a likelihood of serious harm,” the facility must petition the court for involuntary treatment under the process outlined in Section 35.

The expanded use of these laws

Laws that allow the state to commit people for substance use disorder are not new. The number of states with such laws went from 18 in 1991 to 38 jurisdictions, and counting. Existing laws vary significantly in the specific criteria for commitment, length, and type of treatment, if any is provided. The use of this mechanism has rapidly expanded as the opioid crisis has worsened; Massachusetts, with a population of under 7 million, committed a shockingly high number — more than 6,500 individuals — in 2016. Ironically, this expansion has occurred in conjunction with calls to move away from a criminal justice and toward a public health approach to the crisis, including a more concerted emphasis on treatment for people with addiction. But this well-intentioned shift carries little meaning when coercion and institutionalization are involved. In fact, 70% of the beds for men in Massachusetts are at a prison facility, where patients wear prison uniforms and answer to correctional officers. In recent months, these facilities have been rocked by a series of high-profile scandals, including escapes, suicides, and alleged sexual assault.

Do these laws help or hurt?

Existing data on both the short- and long-term outcomes following involuntary commitment for substance use is “surprisingly limited, outdated, and conflicting.” Recent research suggests that coerced and involuntary treatment is actually less effective in terms of long-term substance use outcomes, and more dangerous in terms of overdose risk. The prospects for positive outcomes from the CARE Act are especially bleak, given the standard of care currently available to Massachusetts residents committed under Section 35. The facilities housing Section 35 patients commonly offer counseling sessions and classes to “learn more about addiction;” shockingly few offer appropriate medication. In fact, the treatment provided is often not rooted in science at all. The state’s own mandated evaluation of overdose data has found that people who were involuntarily committed were more than twice as likely to experience a fatal overdose as those who completed voluntary treatment.

Though further research is needed to confirm these findings, there are several possible reasons for this. One is that recovery is much more likely when it is driven by internal motivation, not by coercion or force (i.e., the person must “want to change”). Second, the state may actually route individuals to less evidence-driven programs on average (e.g., “detox”) than the kind of treatment accessed voluntarily (i.e., outpatient methadone or buprenorphine treatment). Finally, those receiving care in outpatient settings may be more likely to receive services that help address underlying physical or mental health needs, which are often at the root of problematic substance use.

Involuntary commitment for people with substance use disorder deprives them of liberty, fails to offer evidence-based treatment, and may leave patients worse off by making them vulnerable to overdose risk. But for the families or medical providers of individuals with substance use disorder, court-ordered involuntary commitment for their loved ones or patients may seem like an attractive option, or indeed the only viable one, to get them into treatment. Understanding the procedures, ramifications, and consequences of involuntary commitment is vital before initiating a process that deprives a person of liberty just as much as prison would.

What is the alternative?

There is far too little on offer in Massachusetts — or elsewhere — that would trigger the timely assistance and intensive case management necessary to support people in crisis. In the absence of such supports, involuntary commitment promises to help families that are desperate to find treatment for their loved ones. Unfortunately, the promise offered by involuntary treatment is a false one. Instead, we need to develop new approaches to support families and patients in non-coercive, evidence-driven ways.

The post Involuntary treatment for substance use disorder: A misguided response to the opioid crisis appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Leo Beletsky, JD, MPH https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/involuntary-treatment-sud-misguided-response-2018012413180