A 34-year-old man temporarily lost the ability to swallow after pinching his nose and clamping his mouth while sneezing, doctors report
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctors-warn-why-you-should-never-stifle-your-sneeze/
Monday, January 15, 2018
6-year-old boy dies of rabies after being scratched by infected bat
Ryker Roque's father says the boy died Sunday at an Orlando hospital
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ryker-roque-killed-by-rabid-bat-orlando-florida/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ryker-roque-killed-by-rabid-bat-orlando-florida/
Army vet suing after discovering scalpel left in body for years
Glenford Turner, of Bridgeport, had to undergo surgery to remove the instrument
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/glenford-turner-veterans-affairs-hospital-connecticut-scalpel-left-inside-body/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/glenford-turner-veterans-affairs-hospital-connecticut-scalpel-left-inside-body/
Recall of French baby milk products extended to 83 countries
The head of the company Lactalis says the recall linked to a salmonella scare has been extended to 83 countries from around 30
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/recall-of-french-baby-milk-products-extended-to-83-countries/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/recall-of-french-baby-milk-products-extended-to-83-countries/
CVS promotes truth-in-advertising for beauty products
New initiative will indicate whether imagery has been digitally-altered
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cvs-promotes-truth-in-advertising-for-beauty-products-beauty-mark/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cvs-promotes-truth-in-advertising-for-beauty-products-beauty-mark/
CVS exec on beauty ad transparency initiative, opioid crisis
First on "CBS This Morning," CVS Health is announcing a major change to how you shop for beauty products. The nation's leading drugstore chain will inform customers if certain advertisements for products were digitally altered. Helena Foulkes, executive vice president of CVS Health and president of CVS Pharmacy, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the changes among other customer initiatives.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cvs-exec-on-beauty-ad-transparency-initiative-opioid-crisis/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cvs-exec-on-beauty-ad-transparency-initiative-opioid-crisis/
Nancy Giles on exercise gizmos
It's that time of year when many of us resolve to get in better shape. "Sunday Morning" contributor Nancy Giles is one such hopeful, and she has a closet full of exercise and weight-loss gizmos hawked on TV to try to get her there. How helpful are they? Well, they're all packed in the closet ...
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/nancy-giles-on-exercise-gizmos/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/nancy-giles-on-exercise-gizmos/
Flu season reaches epidemic levels
The flu has officially reached epidemic levels in the U.S. It is widespread in 49 states, and 20 children have died so far this season. Tony Dokoupil has more.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/flu-season-reaches-epidemic-levels/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/flu-season-reaches-epidemic-levels/
Trump has first physical since taking office
President Trump, who is 71 years old, went to Walter Reed Friday and had his first physical since taking office. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook talks to "CBS Evening News" anchor Jeff Glor about this type of evaluation.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/trump-has-first-physical-since-taking-office/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/trump-has-first-physical-since-taking-office/
20 children dead as flu reaches epidemic proportions
The flu has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday the virus is now widespread across the entire continental United States. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook reports.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/20-children-dead-as-flu-reaches-epidemic-proportions/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/20-children-dead-as-flu-reaches-epidemic-proportions/
New warnings about laundry detergent pods
Internet fame is driving the latest teen fad: biting into detergent pods. But the so-called "Tide Pod Challenge" can kill, and the problem goes beyond attention-seeking teenagers. CBS News correspondent Anna Werner explains how young children and the elderly are vulnerable, too.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/new-warnings-about-laundry-detergent-pods/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/new-warnings-about-laundry-detergent-pods/
Hospital computer system held for ransom, bitcoin demanded
"Unfortunately this sort of behavior is widespread in the world today, and we had the misfortune to be next on the list"
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-hancock-regional-hospital-system-held-for-ransom-bitcoin-demanded/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-hancock-regional-hospital-system-held-for-ransom-bitcoin-demanded/
Birth control critic in charge of family planning programs leaves HHS
It wasn't clear why Teresa Manning left
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/critic-of-birth-control-and-abortion-in-charge-of-hhs-family-planning-programs-resigns/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/critic-of-birth-control-and-abortion-in-charge-of-hhs-family-planning-programs-resigns/
Why is this year's flu season so bad?
Flu season is here and its impact is being felt across the country. According to the most recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every single state, except Hawaii, is reporting widespread influenza activity, up significantly from the same time last year. Dr. David Agus joins "CBS This Morning: Saturday" to discuss why this season is particularly bad, some of the challenges hospitals face in dealing with the influx of patients and a recent open letter from some Apple stakeholders calling on the tech giant to address the negative outcomes of its products on children.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/why-is-this-years-flu-season-so-bad/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/why-is-this-years-flu-season-so-bad/
2018 flu season appears to hit deadly peak
Flu is now widespread in 49 states and it will take weeks before the epidemic begins to subside, health officials say
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/2018-flu-season-appears-to-hit-deadly-peak/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/2018-flu-season-appears-to-hit-deadly-peak/
White House reveals results of Trump's physical
Dr. Ronny Jackson's very brief statement released Friday night revealed little about the results of the physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctor-releases-initial-results-of-trumps-first-physical/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctor-releases-initial-results-of-trumps-first-physical/
Golf champ reveals heart irregularity in new interview
The 28-year-old revealed the medical issue ahead of his return to golf at the Abu Dhabi Championship next week
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rory-mcilroy-reveals-heart-irregularity-interview/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rory-mcilroy-reveals-heart-irregularity-interview/
FDA approves first drug for inherited breast cancer
AstraZeneca PLC's Lynparza is for patients with inherited BRCA gene mutations who have undergone chemotherapy
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-approves-first-drug-to-treat-inherited-breast-cancer/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-approves-first-drug-to-treat-inherited-breast-cancer/
Bad flu season could be reaching its peak
U.S. health officials say this year's flu outbreak is now widespread in every state except Hawaii. CBS News' Danielle Nottingham has the latest.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/bad-flu-season-could-be-reaching-its-peak/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/bad-flu-season-could-be-reaching-its-peak/
The flu is here — and so is a new advisory from the CDC
Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling
It seems like we hear the same thing every flu season — it’s going to be bad this year. In fact, different years bring different strains of flu, and the numbers of cases, complications, hospitalizations, and deaths related to the flu vary from year to year.
So, what’s the deal this year?
The CDC has just issued an advisory. Here are the highlights:
Flu season is heating up. The number of cases is rising and the predominant strain — A(H3N2) — is one that in past years has caused more hospital admissions and deaths than other strains, especially among older adults and young children.
The flu vaccine may not be very effective. Estimates are that it’s about 32% effective, while last year it was 39% effective and most years it’s 40% to 60% effective. Still, vaccination is highly recommended. Some protection is better than none, and the flu may be less severe in people who have been vaccinated.
Antiviral medications can shorten the course of the flu and reduce its severity. These medications include:
- oral oseltamivir (generic or as Tamiflu)
- inhaled zanamivir (Relenza)
- intravenous peramivir (Rapivab).
The antiviral medications work best when started within two days of the onset of symptoms; even after two days, these medications can be beneficial.
When flu is strongly suspected, treatment with antiviral medications should not be delayed while waiting for the results of flu tests. This is especially true for those most likely to suffer complications of the flu such as the elderly, chronically ill, and young children.
Antiviral medications — like antibiotics but different
If you have never heard of antiviral drugs, you aren’t alone. Antivirals are treatments for viral infections just as antibiotics (such as penicillin or erythromycin) are for bacterial infections. You may not be familiar with them because there aren’t nearly as many antiviral drugs as antibiotics, and most viral infections go away on their own. But for certain serious viral infections — HIV and hepatitis C are good examples — highly effective antiviral drugs have revolutionized care, prevented suffering, and saved countless lives. For influenza infections, antiviral medications can be a big help as well.
What’s the plan?
When it comes to the flu, there’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk (and the risk to those around you). Here are some measures to take now:
- Get vaccinated. The list of reasons to avoid vaccination is short (such as having a severe reaction to the vaccine in the past); and no, the standard injected flu vaccine cannot cause you to get the flu.
- Let your doctor know right away if you have symptoms suggestive of the flu during flu season. The sooner you’re tested and treated, the better. The most common symptoms are:
- fever and chills
- sore throat
- cough and runny nose or congestion
- fatigue and achiness all over
- headache
- Stay home. If you have flulike symptoms, avoid contact with others. If that means missing work, your boss should be grateful you aren’t exposing your coworkers.
- Wash your hands often and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. If you are taking care of someone who has the flu, remind them to take these precautions.
In conclusion…
Maybe this year’s flu season will be milder than expected. But I wouldn’t count on it. I’ve had the flu and it’s not pleasant. Do what you can to lessen your risk. It’s worth the effort.
The post The flu is here — and so is a new advisory from the CDC appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/flu-new-advisory-cdc-2018011013073
UN Environment and WHO agree to major collaboration on environmental health risks
UN Environment and WHO have agreed a new, wide-ranging collaboration to accelerate action to curb environmental health risks that cause an estimated 12.6 million deaths a year.
Today in Nairobi, Mr Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, signed an agreement to step up joint actions to combat air pollution, climate change and antimicrobial resistance, as well as improve coordination on waste and chemicals management, water quality, and food and nutrition issues. The collaboration also includes joint management of the BreatheLife advocacy campaign to reduce air pollution for multiple climate, environment and health benefits.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2018/environmental-health-collaboration/en/index.html
Today in Nairobi, Mr Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, signed an agreement to step up joint actions to combat air pollution, climate change and antimicrobial resistance, as well as improve coordination on waste and chemicals management, water quality, and food and nutrition issues. The collaboration also includes joint management of the BreatheLife advocacy campaign to reduce air pollution for multiple climate, environment and health benefits.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2018/environmental-health-collaboration/en/index.html
5 common problems that can mimic ADHD
Follow me on Twitter @drClaire
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is very common — according to the most recent statistics, one in 10 children between the ages of 4 and 17 has been diagnosed with this problem. So it’s not surprising that when parents notice that their child has trouble concentrating, is more active or impulsive than other children, and is having trouble in school, they think that their child might have ADHD.
But ADHD isn’t the only problem that can cause a child to have trouble with concentration, behavior, or school performance. There are actually lots of problems that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD, which is why it’s really important to do a careful evaluation before giving that diagnosis. Here are five common problems that parents and doctors should always think about:
1. Hearing problems. If you can’t hear well, it’s hard to pay attention — and easy to get distracted. Now that more newborns are being screened for hearing problems before leaving the hospital, we are able to catch more cases early, but some slip through the cracks, and children can also develop hearing problems from getting lots of ear infections. Any child with behavioral or learning problems should have a hearing test to be sure their hearing is normal.
2. Learning or cognitive disabilities. If children don’t understand what’s going on around them, it’s hard for them to focus and join in classwork. Children who have trouble understanding may also have difficulty with social interactions, which can be very quick, complex, and nuanced. Any child who is doing poorly in school should be evaluated and given the help they need. All public schools have a process for evaluating children and creating an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, for those who need help. Even if a child goes to an independent school, they can still get an evaluation through the public schools. Parents should talk to their child’s teacher and their pediatrician for guidance.
3. Sleep problems. Children who don’t get enough sleep, or whose sleep is of poor quality, can have trouble with learning and behavior. Any child who snores regularly (not just with a bad cold) should be evaluated by their doctor, especially if there are any pauses in breathing or choking noises during sleep. Parents of teens should be sure that their children are getting at least eight hours of sleep and aren’t staying up doing homework or on their phones. In general, any time a diagnosis of ADHD is being considered, it’s important to take a close look at a child’s sleep and make sure there aren’t any problems.
4. Depression or anxiety. It is hard to concentrate when you are sad or worried, and it’s not uncommon for a depressed or anxious child to act out and get in trouble. More than one in 10 adolescents has suffered from depression, and the numbers are higher for anxiety. Even more alarming, both depression and anxiety often go undiagnosed — and untreated — among children and adolescents. As part of any evaluation for ADHD, a child should also be evaluated for other mental health issues, not just because they can mimic ADHD, but because other mental health issues can occur with, or because of, ADHD.
5. Substance abuse. This is something that should always be considered in an adolescent, especially if the ADHD symptoms weren’t present earlier in childhood (by definition, you have to have the symptoms before age 12 to get the diagnosis). Nobody wants to think that their child could be using drugs or alcohol, but by 12th grade about half of youth have tried an illicit drug at least once, and for some, it can turn into a habit — or worse.
Bottom line
Lots of problems can cause difficulties with attention and behavior. Any child who is showing those difficulties deserves a thoughtful, thorough evaluation to be sure that they get the right diagnosis, and the best treatment.
The post 5 common problems that can mimic ADHD appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-common-problems-that-can-mimic-adhd-2018010913065
6-year-old boy dies of rabies after being scratched by infected bat
Ryker Roque's father says the boy died Sunday at an Orlando hospital
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ryker-roque-killed-by-rabid-bat-orlando-florida/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ryker-roque-killed-by-rabid-bat-orlando-florida/
Army vet suing after discovering scalpel left in body for years
Glenford Turner, of Bridgeport, had to undergo surgery to remove the instrument
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/glenford-turner-veterans-affairs-hospital-connecticut-scalpel-left-inside-body/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/glenford-turner-veterans-affairs-hospital-connecticut-scalpel-left-inside-body/
Recall of French baby milk products extended to 83 countries
The head of the company Lactalis says the recall linked to a salmonella scare has been extended to 83 countries from around 30
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/recall-of-french-baby-milk-products-extended-to-83-countries/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/recall-of-french-baby-milk-products-extended-to-83-countries/
CVS promotes truth-in-advertising for beauty products
New initiative will indicate whether imagery has been digitally-altered
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cvs-promotes-truth-in-advertising-for-beauty-products-beauty-mark/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cvs-promotes-truth-in-advertising-for-beauty-products-beauty-mark/
CVS exec on beauty ad transparency initiative, opioid crisis
First on "CBS This Morning," CVS Health is announcing a major change to how you shop for beauty products. The nation's leading drugstore chain will inform customers if certain advertisements for products were digitally altered. Helena Foulkes, executive vice president of CVS Health and president of CVS Pharmacy, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the changes among other customer initiatives.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cvs-exec-on-beauty-ad-transparency-initiative-opioid-crisis/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cvs-exec-on-beauty-ad-transparency-initiative-opioid-crisis/
Nancy Giles on exercise gizmos
It's that time of year when many of us resolve to get in better shape. "Sunday Morning" contributor Nancy Giles is one such hopeful, and she has a closet full of exercise and weight-loss gizmos hawked on TV to try to get her there. How helpful are they? Well, they're all packed in the closet ...
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/nancy-giles-on-exercise-gizmos/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/nancy-giles-on-exercise-gizmos/
Flu season reaches epidemic levels
The flu has officially reached epidemic levels in the U.S. It is widespread in 49 states, and 20 children have died so far this season. Tony Dokoupil has more.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/flu-season-reaches-epidemic-levels/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/flu-season-reaches-epidemic-levels/
Trump has first physical since taking office
President Trump, who is 71 years old, went to Walter Reed Friday and had his first physical since taking office. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook talks to "CBS Evening News" anchor Jeff Glor about this type of evaluation.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/trump-has-first-physical-since-taking-office/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/trump-has-first-physical-since-taking-office/
20 children dead as flu reaches epidemic proportions
The flu has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday the virus is now widespread across the entire continental United States. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook reports.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/20-children-dead-as-flu-reaches-epidemic-proportions/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/20-children-dead-as-flu-reaches-epidemic-proportions/
New warnings about laundry detergent pods
Internet fame is driving the latest teen fad: biting into detergent pods. But the so-called "Tide Pod Challenge" can kill, and the problem goes beyond attention-seeking teenagers. CBS News correspondent Anna Werner explains how young children and the elderly are vulnerable, too.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/new-warnings-about-laundry-detergent-pods/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/new-warnings-about-laundry-detergent-pods/
Hospital computer system held for ransom, bitcoin demanded
"Unfortunately this sort of behavior is widespread in the world today, and we had the misfortune to be next on the list"
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-hancock-regional-hospital-system-held-for-ransom-bitcoin-demanded/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-hancock-regional-hospital-system-held-for-ransom-bitcoin-demanded/
Birth control critic in charge of family planning programs leaves HHS
It wasn't clear why Teresa Manning left
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/critic-of-birth-control-and-abortion-in-charge-of-hhs-family-planning-programs-resigns/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/critic-of-birth-control-and-abortion-in-charge-of-hhs-family-planning-programs-resigns/
Why is this year's flu season so bad?
Flu season is here and its impact is being felt across the country. According to the most recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every single state, except Hawaii, is reporting widespread influenza activity, up significantly from the same time last year. Dr. David Agus joins "CBS This Morning: Saturday" to discuss why this season is particularly bad, some of the challenges hospitals face in dealing with the influx of patients and a recent open letter from some Apple stakeholders calling on the tech giant to address the negative outcomes of its products on children.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/why-is-this-years-flu-season-so-bad/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/why-is-this-years-flu-season-so-bad/
2018 flu season appears to hit deadly peak
Flu is now widespread in 49 states and it will take weeks before the epidemic begins to subside, health officials say
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/2018-flu-season-appears-to-hit-deadly-peak/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/2018-flu-season-appears-to-hit-deadly-peak/
White House reveals results of Trump's physical
Dr. Ronny Jackson's very brief statement released Friday night revealed little about the results of the physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctor-releases-initial-results-of-trumps-first-physical/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctor-releases-initial-results-of-trumps-first-physical/
Golf champ reveals heart irregularity in new interview
The 28-year-old revealed the medical issue ahead of his return to golf at the Abu Dhabi Championship next week
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rory-mcilroy-reveals-heart-irregularity-interview/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rory-mcilroy-reveals-heart-irregularity-interview/
FDA approves first drug for inherited breast cancer
AstraZeneca PLC's Lynparza is for patients with inherited BRCA gene mutations who have undergone chemotherapy
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-approves-first-drug-to-treat-inherited-breast-cancer/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-approves-first-drug-to-treat-inherited-breast-cancer/
Bad flu season could be reaching its peak
U.S. health officials say this year's flu outbreak is now widespread in every state except Hawaii. CBS News' Danielle Nottingham has the latest.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/bad-flu-season-could-be-reaching-its-peak/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/bad-flu-season-could-be-reaching-its-peak/
Infectious Diseases A-Z: New shingles vaccine should soon be available
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHoh-g_21q0
The flu is here — and so is a new advisory from the CDC
Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling
It seems like we hear the same thing every flu season — it’s going to be bad this year. In fact, different years bring different strains of flu, and the numbers of cases, complications, hospitalizations, and deaths related to the flu vary from year to year.
So, what’s the deal this year?
The CDC has just issued an advisory. Here are the highlights:
Flu season is heating up. The number of cases is rising and the predominant strain — A(H3N2) — is one that in past years has caused more hospital admissions and deaths than other strains, especially among older adults and young children.
The flu vaccine may not be very effective. Estimates are that it’s about 32% effective, while last year it was 39% effective and most years it’s 40% to 60% effective. Still, vaccination is highly recommended. Some protection is better than none, and the flu may be less severe in people who have been vaccinated.
Antiviral medications can shorten the course of the flu and reduce its severity. These medications include:
- oral oseltamivir (generic or as Tamiflu)
- inhaled zanamivir (Relenza)
- intravenous peramivir (Rapivab).
The antiviral medications work best when started within two days of the onset of symptoms; even after two days, these medications can be beneficial.
When flu is strongly suspected, treatment with antiviral medications should not be delayed while waiting for the results of flu tests. This is especially true for those most likely to suffer complications of the flu such as the elderly, chronically ill, and young children.
Antiviral medications — like antibiotics but different
If you have never heard of antiviral drugs, you aren’t alone. Antivirals are treatments for viral infections just as antibiotics (such as penicillin or erythromycin) are for bacterial infections. You may not be familiar with them because there aren’t nearly as many antiviral drugs as antibiotics, and most viral infections go away on their own. But for certain serious viral infections — HIV and hepatitis C are good examples — highly effective antiviral drugs have revolutionized care, prevented suffering, and saved countless lives. For influenza infections, antiviral medications can be a big help as well.
What’s the plan?
When it comes to the flu, there’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk (and the risk to those around you). Here are some measures to take now:
- Get vaccinated. The list of reasons to avoid vaccination is short (such as having a severe reaction to the vaccine in the past); and no, the standard injected flu vaccine cannot cause you to get the flu.
- Let your doctor know right away if you have symptoms suggestive of the flu during flu season. The sooner you’re tested and treated, the better. The most common symptoms are:
- fever and chills
- sore throat
- cough and runny nose or congestion
- fatigue and achiness all over
- headache
- Stay home. If you have flulike symptoms, avoid contact with others. If that means missing work, your boss should be grateful you aren’t exposing your coworkers.
- Wash your hands often and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. If you are taking care of someone who has the flu, remind them to take these precautions.
In conclusion…
Maybe this year’s flu season will be milder than expected. But I wouldn’t count on it. I’ve had the flu and it’s not pleasant. Do what you can to lessen your risk. It’s worth the effort.
The post The flu is here — and so is a new advisory from the CDC appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Robert H. Shmerling, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/flu-new-advisory-cdc-2018011013073
UN Environment and WHO agree to major collaboration on environmental health risks
UN Environment and WHO have agreed a new, wide-ranging collaboration to accelerate action to curb environmental health risks that cause an estimated 12.6 million deaths a year.
Today in Nairobi, Mr Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, signed an agreement to step up joint actions to combat air pollution, climate change and antimicrobial resistance, as well as improve coordination on waste and chemicals management, water quality, and food and nutrition issues. The collaboration also includes joint management of the BreatheLife advocacy campaign to reduce air pollution for multiple climate, environment and health benefits.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2018/environmental-health-collaboration/en/index.html
Today in Nairobi, Mr Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, signed an agreement to step up joint actions to combat air pollution, climate change and antimicrobial resistance, as well as improve coordination on waste and chemicals management, water quality, and food and nutrition issues. The collaboration also includes joint management of the BreatheLife advocacy campaign to reduce air pollution for multiple climate, environment and health benefits.
From: http://www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/news/releases/2018/environmental-health-collaboration/en/index.html
5 common problems that can mimic ADHD
Follow me on Twitter @drClaire
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is very common — according to the most recent statistics, one in 10 children between the ages of 4 and 17 has been diagnosed with this problem. So it’s not surprising that when parents notice that their child has trouble concentrating, is more active or impulsive than other children, and is having trouble in school, they think that their child might have ADHD.
But ADHD isn’t the only problem that can cause a child to have trouble with concentration, behavior, or school performance. There are actually lots of problems that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD, which is why it’s really important to do a careful evaluation before giving that diagnosis. Here are five common problems that parents and doctors should always think about:
1. Hearing problems. If you can’t hear well, it’s hard to pay attention — and easy to get distracted. Now that more newborns are being screened for hearing problems before leaving the hospital, we are able to catch more cases early, but some slip through the cracks, and children can also develop hearing problems from getting lots of ear infections. Any child with behavioral or learning problems should have a hearing test to be sure their hearing is normal.
2. Learning or cognitive disabilities. If children don’t understand what’s going on around them, it’s hard for them to focus and join in classwork. Children who have trouble understanding may also have difficulty with social interactions, which can be very quick, complex, and nuanced. Any child who is doing poorly in school should be evaluated and given the help they need. All public schools have a process for evaluating children and creating an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, for those who need help. Even if a child goes to an independent school, they can still get an evaluation through the public schools. Parents should talk to their child’s teacher and their pediatrician for guidance.
3. Sleep problems. Children who don’t get enough sleep, or whose sleep is of poor quality, can have trouble with learning and behavior. Any child who snores regularly (not just with a bad cold) should be evaluated by their doctor, especially if there are any pauses in breathing or choking noises during sleep. Parents of teens should be sure that their children are getting at least eight hours of sleep and aren’t staying up doing homework or on their phones. In general, any time a diagnosis of ADHD is being considered, it’s important to take a close look at a child’s sleep and make sure there aren’t any problems.
4. Depression or anxiety. It is hard to concentrate when you are sad or worried, and it’s not uncommon for a depressed or anxious child to act out and get in trouble. More than one in 10 adolescents has suffered from depression, and the numbers are higher for anxiety. Even more alarming, both depression and anxiety often go undiagnosed — and untreated — among children and adolescents. As part of any evaluation for ADHD, a child should also be evaluated for other mental health issues, not just because they can mimic ADHD, but because other mental health issues can occur with, or because of, ADHD.
5. Substance abuse. This is something that should always be considered in an adolescent, especially if the ADHD symptoms weren’t present earlier in childhood (by definition, you have to have the symptoms before age 12 to get the diagnosis). Nobody wants to think that their child could be using drugs or alcohol, but by 12th grade about half of youth have tried an illicit drug at least once, and for some, it can turn into a habit — or worse.
Bottom line
Lots of problems can cause difficulties with attention and behavior. Any child who is showing those difficulties deserves a thoughtful, thorough evaluation to be sure that they get the right diagnosis, and the best treatment.
The post 5 common problems that can mimic ADHD appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-common-problems-that-can-mimic-adhd-2018010913065
Recall of French baby milk products extended to 83 countries
The head of the company Lactalis says the recall linked to a salmonella scare has been extended to 83 countries from around 30
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/recall-of-french-baby-milk-products-extended-to-83-countries/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/recall-of-french-baby-milk-products-extended-to-83-countries/
CME Preview: Transforming Women's Health 2018 - Basics and Keynote
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q8cG6LTPFE
CME Preview: Transforming Women's Health 2018 - Dr. Virginia Miller
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHwE2NqrVBA
CME Preview: Transforming Women's Health 2018 - Day One
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiGWdCoPNvw
CME Preview: Transforming Women's Health 2018 - Day Three
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjfxuCXp-0U
CME Preview: Transforming Women's Health 2018 - Breakfast with Experts
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h2TdkYXEwc
CME Preview: Transforming Women's Health 2018 - Day Two
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jXK-PAg97A
CME Preview: Transforming Women's Health 2018 - Dr. Walter Rocca
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmV2VHFfRtU
Medical marijuana
There are few subjects that can stir up stronger emotions among doctors, scientists, researchers, policy makers, and the public than medical marijuana. Is it safe? Should it be legal? Decriminalized? Has its effectiveness been proven? What conditions is it useful for? Is it addictive? How do we keep it out of the hands of teenagers? Is it really the “wonder drug” that people claim it is? Is medical marijuana just a ploy to legalize marijuana in general?
These are just a few of the excellent questions around this subject, questions that I am going to studiously avoid so we can focus on two specific areas: why do patients find it useful, and how can they discuss it with their doctor?
Marijuana is currently legal, on the state level, in 29 states, and in Washington, DC. It is still illegal from the federal government’s perspective. The Obama administration did not make prosecuting medical marijuana even a minor priority. President Donald Trump promised not to interfere with people who use medical marijuana, though his administration is currently threatening to reverse this policy. About 85% of Americans support legalizing medical marijuana, and it is estimated that at least several million Americans currently use it.
Marijuana without the high
Least controversial is the extract from the hemp plant known as CBD (which stands for cannabidiol) because this component of marijuana has little, if any, intoxicating properties. Marijuana itself has more than 100 active components. THC (which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical that causes the “high” that goes along with marijuana consumption. CBD-dominant strains have little or no THC, so patients report very little if any alteration in consciousness.
Patients do, however, report many benefits of CBD, from relieving insomnia, anxiety, spasticity, and pain to treating potentially life-threatening conditions such as epilepsy. One particular form of childhood epilepsy called Dravet syndrome is almost impossible to control, but responds dramatically to a CBD-dominant strain of marijuana called Charlotte’s Web. The videos of this are dramatic.
Uses of medical marijuana
The most common use for medical marijuana in the United States is for pain control. While marijuana isn’t strong enough for severe pain (for example, post-surgical pain or a broken bone), it is quite effective for the chronic pain that plagues millions of Americans, especially as they age. Part of its allure is that it is clearly safer than opiates (it is impossible to overdose on and far less addictive) and it can take the place of NSAIDs such as Advil or Aleve, if people can’t take them due to problems with their kidneys or ulcers or GERD.
In particular, marijuana appears to ease the pain of multiple sclerosis, and nerve pain in general. This is an area where few other options exist, and those that do, such as Neurontin, Lyrica, or opiates are highly sedating. Patients claim that marijuana allows them to resume their previous activities without feeling completely out of it and disengaged.
Along these lines, marijuana is said to be a fantastic muscle relaxant, and people swear by its ability to lessen tremors in Parkinson’s disease. I have also heard of its use quite successfully for fibromyalgia, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and most other conditions where the final common pathway is chronic pain.
Marijuana is also used to manage nausea and weight loss, and can be used to treat glaucoma. A highly promising area of research is its use for PTSD in veterans who are returning from combat zones. Many veterans and their therapists report drastic improvement and clamor for more studies, and for a loosening of governmental restrictions on its study. Medical marijuana is also reported to help patients suffering from pain and wasting syndrome associated with HIV, as well as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.
This is not intended to be an inclusive list, but rather to give a brief survey of the types of conditions for which medical marijuana can provide relief. As with all remedies, claims of effectiveness should be critically evaluated and treated with caution.
Talking with your doctor
Many patients find themselves in the situation of wanting to learn more about medical marijuana, but feel embarrassed to bring this up with their doctor. This is in part because the medical community has been, as a whole, overly dismissive of this issue. Doctors are now playing catch-up, and trying to keep ahead of their patients’ knowledge on this issue. Other patients are already using medical marijuana, but don’t know how to tell their doctors about this for fear of being chided or criticized.
My advice for patients is to be entirely open and honest with your physicians and to have high expectations of them. Tell them that you consider this to be part of your care and that you expect them to be educated about it, and to be able to at least point you in the direction of the information you need.
My advice for doctors is that whether you are pro, neutral, or against medical marijuana, patients are embracing it, and although we don’t have rigorous studies and “gold standard” proof of the benefits and risks of medical marijuana, we need to learn about it, be open-minded, and above all, be non-judgmental. Otherwise, our patients will seek out other, less reliable sources of information; they will continue to use it, they just won’t tell us, and there will be that much less trust and strength in our doctor-patient relationship. I often hear complaints from other doctors that there isn’t adequate evidence to recommend medical marijuana, but there is even less scientific evidence for sticking our heads in the sand.
The post Medical marijuana appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Peter Grinspoon, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/medical-marijuana-2018011513085
CVS promotes truth-in-advertising for beauty products
New initiative will indicate whether imagery has been digitally-altered
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cvs-promotes-truth-in-advertising-for-beauty-products-beauty-mark/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cvs-promotes-truth-in-advertising-for-beauty-products-beauty-mark/
CVS exec on beauty ad transparency initiative, opioid crisis
First on "CBS This Morning," CVS Health is announcing a major change to how you shop for beauty products. The nation's leading drugstore chain will inform customers if certain advertisements for products were digitally altered. Helena Foulkes, executive vice president of CVS Health and president of CVS Pharmacy, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the changes among other customer initiatives.
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cvs-exec-on-beauty-ad-transparency-initiative-opioid-crisis/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/cvs-exec-on-beauty-ad-transparency-initiative-opioid-crisis/
Sleep Crisis in America: Mayo Clinic Radio
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50rlq-vYJrk
New Year's Resolution - get moving: Mayo Clinic Radio
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNjRdtFcl4Y
Mayo Clinic Minute: Are you adding too much sugar to your diet?
From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeX3D3UM2EI
The ghost in the basement
Follow me on Twitter @BillEduTheater
We are fortunate to have a country home in the Catskills where we can escape city life. An eight-year-old neighbor often crosses our meadow or bikes over to stop by for a visit. While I’d like to think I’m the featured attraction, his visits are not just to see me; of much greater interest is our basement with its shelves of toys and games. Particularly appealing to this lad is the sports equipment: hockey sticks, goalie pads, a goal to shoot on, baseball mitts, a batting helmet, a catcher’s mask, soccer balls, and more. Name the sport and it is most likely we have equipment for it, even in different sizes.
I’ve given my young friend a few items: retaping a hockey stick that’s the right size for him, a pair of batting gloves, a cracked bat from a Bat Day at Yankee Stadium. He knows these were things that belonged to my son. Visits have been frequent, offering a chance to go to the basement so we could play some more floor hockey, or perhaps do a review of our inventory again, maybe hoping to catch me in a generous frame of mind. Downstairs amongst the gloves and balls and pads, waiting to be discovered, was The Question. “Where is your son, where is William?”
Knowing that sooner or later The Question that would come up, I had a conversation with his parents. Who explains William’s permanent absence to the young fellow? What is age-appropriate detail? Is there a better time for the discussion?
The Answer is, sadly, that William died from an accidental heroin overdose. At the time my wife and I became aware that William was using heroin, he was 22. He was already seeing a psychotherapist. Over the next two years we added an addiction psychiatrist, outpatient treatment, treatment with Suboxone, inpatient detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, outpatient detox, treatment with Vivitrol, more outpatient treatment, another inpatient treatment, more outpatient treatment, a revolving door of well over a dozen trips to and from the emergency rooms of at least four different hospitals, an attempt to work with another addiction psychiatrist, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and a home life fraught with tension, despair, sometimes hope during intermittent periods of sobriety, and always filled with the apprehension of misfortune.
That apprehension became fact when William accidentally overdosed shortly before his 24th birthday. Just four days prior he had gone to a hospital to ask to be admitted to inpatient detox. His insurance company denied the request as “not medically necessary.” Six weeks of comatose and/or heavily medicated hospitalization followed before the ultimate realization that William was consigned to a persistent vegetative state.
When we decided to permanently remove him from a respirator we attempted organ donation. Organ donation in William’s condition required an expedient demise within a tight one-hour time frame once removed from the respirator. William continued on and survived for another 21 hours before breathing his last in our arms. Ultimately, we made an anatomical donation of his body to Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Once, William was young, curious, engaging, and adventuresome, much like our eight-year-old neighbor. I continue to question, puzzle, and agonize over the path that takes a boy from building with Legos, playing catch, bocce on our lawn, snow forts, an entertaining sense of humor, late night talks, fierce and courageous loyalty to friends, right-on-the-money analysis of people, situations, and numbers, a flash of the pads for a save, and the sweetness, strength, inspiration, and love that was William… to a death certificate that reads death due to “complications of acute heroin intoxication.”
One thing I do know. When my young neighbor asks about William, I have to answer him openly and honestly. There’s more of William to share than some old hockey sticks and baseball bats. William’s story, like that of so many others, has to come out of the basement so that it can be the cautionary tale every growing boy should hear.
The post The ghost in the basement appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Bill Williams https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ghost-basement-addiction-2018011213078
ADA Wellness Survey reveals dentists’ ergonomic issues
The ADA Council on Dental Practice’s Dental Wellness Advisory Committee conducted a 2015 survey to study the well-being of dentists.
From:
From:
By David Burger
http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-wellness-survey-reveals-dentists-ergonomic-issuesBenevis, Kool Smiles to pay $23.9 million in settlement with Department of Justice
Washington ¬— Dental management company Benevis and more than 130 of its affiliated Kool Smiles clinics will pay $23.9 million, plus interest, to resolve allegations from the U.S. Justice Department that they knowingly submitted false claims for payment to state Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary dental services performed on children insured by Medicaid, according to a DOJ news release.
From:
From:
By David Burger
http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/benevis-kool-smiles-to-pay-239-million-in-settlement-with-department-of-justice
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