02/06/18

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

This Is Us' 'Widow Maker' Had Hearts Pounding

The popular NBC show featured a main character's death after suffering a "widow maker" heart attack.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20180206/this-is-us-widow-maker-had-hearts-pounding?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Crash Diets Might Derail Your Heart Health

However, the study researchers are concerned that the fat migration could pose a problem for people who already have heart issues.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20180206/crash-diets-might-derail-your-heart-health?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Asthma attacks on the decline in U.S. kids

Fewer children are having to deal with asthma attacks in recent years, but more work is still needed, federal health officials say

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/asthma-attacks-children-decline-in-us/

Fetal Alcohol Cases More Common Than Thought

The study of four U.S. communities found that at least 1 percent to 5 percent of first-graders had a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD.

From: https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20180206/fetal-alcohol-cases-more-common-than-thought?src=RSS_PUBLIC

'Hole in Heart' Defect May Raise Stroke Risk

This common type of birth defect -- known as patent foramen ovale (PFO) -- is a hole between the upper chambers of the heart that does not close after birth.

From: https://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20180206/hole-in-heart-defect-may-raise-stroke-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Disorders of the Thymus Gland

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z_JKKT8mK8

Fetal alcohol cases "not uncommon," study finds

More children in the U.S. may be living with brain damage from prenatal drinking than experts thought, a new study suggests

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fetal-alcohol-syndrome-more-common-than-previously-thought-study/

Newborn Syphilis Cases Up As More Screening Urged

In 2016, 628 cases of congenital syphilis were reported -- the highest rate since 1998.

From: https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20180206/-newborn-syphilis-cases-up-as-more-screening-urged?src=RSS_PUBLIC

A Hidden Source of 'Superbugs' in Hospitals?

U.S. National Institutes of Health researchers collected samples from pipes beneath a hospital's intensive care unit and from manholes covering sewers draining hospital wastewater.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20180206/a-hidden-source-of-superbugs-in-hospitals?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Roll Kids' Sleeves Up, Again, for Mumps Protection

During a mumps outbreak, doctors can provide an optional third dose of mumps vaccine, according to the 2018 recommended immunization schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

From: https://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/news/20180206/roll-kids-sleeves-up-again-for-mumps-protection?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Flu blamed for 2 child deaths in New York City

So far, the CDC has reported 53 pediatric flu deaths this season -- and more are expected to come

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-blamed-for-2-child-deaths-in-new-york-city/

Hot Tea Linked to Esophageal Cancer Risk

Tea lovers who take their daily cup scalding hot are raising their chance of having esophageal cancer if they also drink alcohol every day or if they smoke, say researchers.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20180206/hot-tea-linked-to-esophageal-cancer-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

International College of Dentists USA elects new president

The International College of Dentists USA Section announced Feb. 2 it elected Dr. Joseph R. Kenneally as its 84th president during the ICD USA annual meting in Atlanta

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/february/international-college-of-dentists-usa-elects-new-president

Promising dental informatics standard researchers sought for award

ADA members who have completed original standards-related research and who have a dental degree earned after 2013 or are pursuing an additional degree or specialty are encouraged to apply for the Robert H. Ahlstrom New Investigator Award.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/february/promising-dental-informatics-standard-researchers-sought-for-award

Mayo Clinic Minute: Benefits of stretching

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

4 things all parents should do to help prevent sexual abuse

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

The trial of Larry Nasser, the physician who sexually abused female gymnasts, has been deeply disturbing. It’s hard to fathom how he managed to abuse hundreds of girls for so many years. Sadly, this can happen with sexual abuse. Very often, the perpetrator is someone known to the family, someone they may even trust. Very often, victims don’t understand that what is happening to them is abuse — and very often, talking about it is hard because of shame and fear.

As a society, we need to do a better job of protecting our children. But there are also lessons that parents can teach their children that can help keep them safe. Here are some suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

1. Teach children the names of their body parts. It can feel awkward, as we sometimes think of words like “penis” or “vagina” as words that shouldn’t be used in regular conversation — and words we don’t want our preschoolers saying to other children at the playground. But by teaching them the actual names of all of their body parts, including their genitals, we do two important things: we give them the proper words to use to tell us should something happen, and we let children know that you are allowed to talk about all of your body parts, including your genitals.

2. Make sure children know that not only are genitals “private,” but that nobody should touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Another way of thinking of this is as “good touches” and “bad touches.” Any touch anywhere that is unwelcome, or feels inappropriate for the situation, is something that children should tell their parents about. This is important because often sexual abuse can begin in insidious ways, with perpetrators showing affection that isn’t sexual — extra hugs, touching an arm or a leg, a kiss.

This does not mean that every touch on the arm from a grownup is bad. The vast majority are perfectly fine. But it’s important to help children listen to their instincts and to teach them to let parents know about any touches. Parents, too, need to listen when a child tells them about a touch that made them uncomfortable. Never brush it off. Always take it seriously, ask questions, and understand what it was that made it uncomfortable.

3. Teach children that it’s not okay for a grownup to ask them to keep a secret. Okay, maybe they shouldn’t tell Mommy what Daddy has planned for her birthday. But in general, it’s not a good idea, and as with touches, secrets can start as small and seemingly innocent.

4. Create an environment where it’s okay to talk about sex. Sometimes what keeps a child from saying anything is that it feels awkward and shameful. Teaching the appropriate names for body parts is a start, but as children grow, keep up the conversation. Talk about body changes, body image, sexuality, and healthy relationships. When there are sexual images or messages in the media, instead of ignoring them, use them as conversation starters. And when there are events in the news such as the Nasser case, use them as an opportunity to reiterate messages around good/bad touches and secrets. Let children know that these are topics that you are happy to discuss.

In general, talking about sex is hard for parents. We want our children to stay innocent. But by allowing and encouraging conversations, not only do we set our children on a path toward healthier relationships, but we also help keep them safe.

The post 4 things all parents should do to help prevent sexual abuse appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/4-things-all-parents-should-do-to-help-prevent-sexual-abuse-2018020613277

Menopause May Worsen Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

While rheumatoid arthritis rates in women are three times higher than in men, and women with RA have more severe physical decline and disability, sex-based differences in RA are poorly understood, the researchers said.

From: https://www.webmd.com/menopause/news/20180205/menopause-may-worsen-rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Should flu vaccines be mandatory?

The severity of this year's flu season is adding urgency to scientific efforts to fight the virus. More than 14,000 people have been hospitalized with the flu this season, the highest number in nearly a decade. While the flu vaccine is on average 40 to 60 percent effective, this season's effectiveness may be closer to 17 percent. Dr. David Agus joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss this season's "particularly virulent" strain, why it's imperative for the sick to stay home, and why the U.S. should consider mandating flu vaccines.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/should-flu-vaccines-be-mandatory/

Hospitals overwhelmed by patients with flu-like symptoms

A 12-year-old Alabama boy is among the latest victims of the deadly flu epidemic. Aaron Masterson died Sunday from flu complications. The CDC recently reported 17 pediatric flu deaths in one week alone. DeMarco Morgan reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/hospitals-overwhelmed-by-patients-with-flu-like-symptoms/

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