SCAD: The Heart Attack That Strikes Young Women

Although SCAD causes a small percentage of heart attacks overall, it’s responsible for 40% of heart attacks in women under the age of 50.

From: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20180319/scad-heart-attack-strikes-young-women?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Self-Driving Uber Car Kills Arizona Pedestrian

The incident occurred overnight, but police did not say whether it was late Sunday or early Monday and did not release any details about the woman.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20180319/self-driving-uber-car-kills-arizona-pedestrian?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Stem Cell Transplant for MS Shows Promise

The treatment involves using cancer drugs to decimate a patient's immune system and then restarting it with a stem cell transplant, BBC News reported.

From: https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20180319/stem-cell-transplant-for-ms-shows-promise?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Kids with severe head injuries may develop ADHD

Young children who sustain a severe head injury​ may struggle with attention problems as they grow older, new research finds

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kids-with-severe-brain-injuries-may-develop-adhd-later-on-study-finds/

Kids With Severe Brain Injuries May Develop ADHD

Prior research has shown that kids with severe head injuries are more likely to have attention problems following their injury. In fact, ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder among children with a history of serious brain injury.

From: https://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20180319/kids-with-severe-brain-injuries-may-develop-adhd?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Male Birth Control Pill Shows Early Promise

In a four-week trial of men under 50, an experimental hormone-based birth control pill was found to be "well-tolerated."

From: https://www.webmd.com/men/news/20180319/male-birth-control-pill-shows-early-promise?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Climate change is making allergy seasons worse

Experts say rising temperatures are causing many pollen-producing plants to bloom earlier and last longer

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/climate-change-is-leading-to-longer-more-intense-allergy-seasons/

1 in 3 Young Adults Ride With Impaired Drivers

Riding with a marijuana-impaired driver was more common than riding with an alcohol-impaired driver, researchers found.

From: https://teens.webmd.com/news/20180319/1-in-3-young-adults-ride-with-impaired-drivers?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Dr. Mark Hyman answers the question: "Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?"

Director of Cleveland Clinic's Center for Functional Medicine says the government's Food Pyramid of dietary recommendations should be called a "Food Tombstone"

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dr-mark-hyman-food-what-the-heck-should-i-eat/

Recall: Johnsonville Smoked Pork Sausages

The problem was discovered when the Sheboygan Falls, WI, company received three complaints that sausages were found to have pieces of hard, green plastic.

From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20180319/recall-johnsonville-smoked-pork-sausages?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Firefighter who evacuated hundreds on 9/11 dies of cancer

Thomas Phelan helped evacuate hundreds of people from Manhattan after the terror attacks

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/thomas-phelan-firefighter-who-evacuated-hundreds-on-911-dies-of-cancer/

Insurance Hurdles Burden Doctors, Harm Patients

A survey of 1,000 practicing physicians by the American Medical Association (AMA) found that doctors believe these prior authorizations affect clinical outcomes for 9 of 10 patients.

From: https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20180319/insurance-hurdles-burden-doctors-harm-patients?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Wounded Vets Face Risk of High Blood Pressure

More than 14 percent of the veterans developed high blood pressure at least 90 days after being wounded.

From: https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20180319/wounded-vets-face-risk-of-high-blood-pressure?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Low Sperm Count May Signal Serious Health Risks

A study of nearly 5,200 Italian men found that those with low sperm counts were 1.2 times more likely to have more body fat, higher blood pressure, higher bad cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower levels of good cholesterol.

From: https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20180319/low-sperm-count-may-signal-serious-health-risks?src=RSS_PUBLIC

'Cutting,' Self-Harm Raise Suicide Risk for Teens

Among teenagers and young adults diagnosed with a "self-harm" injury, the risk of suicide in the next year was nearly 27 times higher than the U.S. norm, researchers found.

From: https://teens.webmd.com/news/20180319/cutting-self-harm-raise-suicide-risk-for-teens?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Diverse Clinical Trials Lead to Better Cancer Drugs

Diverse clinical trials help will help researchers create treatments that benefit all Americans.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/cancer-clinical-trials-sharpless?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Clinical Trials: The Fast Track to New Cancer Drugs

Clinical trials help doctors create new and better cancer treatments.

From: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/cancer-clinical-trials-martin-green?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Infectious Diseases A-Z: Avoid illness during spring break at the beach

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di4RgGJUUM8

Mayo Clinic Minute What’s rheumatoid arthritis?

From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNlu2rW9PkY

When dying is a rebirth

Follow me on Twitter @1111linno

My life is extraordinary. Such a hyperbolic-sounding statement and yet, in so many ways, so very true.

Extraordinary because a decade ago I was told I had three to five months left to live. Diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) three years earlier, the removal of most of my left lung followed by chemotherapy had done little to slow down the cancer. Too diffuse for radiation, we had run out of options.

And so, I did what the dying do. Grieving as preparations began. I bid adieu to friends and family, held my children even closer, and sought the help of a thoracic social worker. The day I walked through her door, my first words were, “I need you to help me learn how to die.”

Life can be so strange, so surprising. I never thought I’d be diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 45 and that I’d be facing death at 48. But the biggest surprise was yet to come.

Obviously, I didn’t die. Just in the nick of time, medical science intervened as I was found to have a newly identified driver in lung cancer, an ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) mutation. On October 1, 2008 I became the fourth person in the world with NSCLC to enroll in a first in-human trial targeting ALK. And, to all of our surprise, I had an amazing response.

In the years hence, I have returned to chemotherapy, but also enrolled in two more phase I clinical trials. And life has gone on. My youngest child was only seven when I was diagnosed; two years ago I had the immense privilege of seeing him graduate cum laude from Phillips Exeter Academy. He is now in his second year at MIT and my other two adult children are thriving in both their relationships and careers.

Four years ago, my own marriage ended, in no small part because of the differences in the way we approached my cancer, which, though still considered terminal, had also become a chronic illness.

Living alone has had its challenges, but I can truly say that I have never been happier. For the first time since my early 20s, I am focusing on my own goals. Upon leaving our marriage, I moved to a converted mill housing a community of creatives. I call it the art dorm, and my loft — the art fort. I recently had my first solo art show, and it was a big success. It is safe to say I’m on a creative roll. I am also working on a book (or two), a DIY MFA (that’s another blog), and I devote more time than ever to patient advocacy, with a focus on clinical trial participation and medical research.

Last year a little white Shiba Inu came into my life — a rescue that I actually helped rescue — and we walk several miles every day. Five months ago I also started online dating and, contrary to the experience of many, I’m having a blast. I attribute that to my extraordinary (yes) self-confidence and my willingness to go all in, without regard to being hurt. These are qualities that I did not possess prior to my diagnosis with cancer.

It’s such an odd and unexpected paradigm — living with a terminal illness. The downsides are obvious and yet, I have learned so very much. Forced to face my greatest fears, I have become far more courageous; in fact, there is little I fear now. This means my anxiety has gone way, way down and my ability to enjoy life, way, way up. Because I have learned to sit with uncertainty, I am no longer married to outcomes. It’s all good. I liken this to loving/living life unconditionally; I simply cannot be disappointed. Each new morning is opened like a present — a gift I simply did not expect to receive.

Perhaps it is this awareness that has sharpened both my perception and my appreciation; I refuse to waste a moment. And although I would prefer to not have an illness that is terminal, I would wager that I am infinitely more alive than many who do not.

The post When dying is a rebirth appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Linnea Olson https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/when-dying-is-a-rebirth-2018031913413

Comments sought on nonsurgical caries management

ADA members are invited to share their expertise and insight on the use of nonsurgical treatments for caries management.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/comments-sought-on-nonsurgical-caries-management

FDA: Don't use compounded drugs from Cantrell Drug Company

Health care professionals should not use drug products produced by Cantrell Drug Company of Little Rock, Arkansas, including opioids and antibiotics, because of "serious deficiencies" in the company's compounding operations, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a March news release.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/fda-dont-use-compounded-drugs-from-cantrell-drug-co20180319t071208

Get on track with head and neck cancer in series at ADA 2018

A head and neck cancer track at ADA 2018 – America's Dental Meeting offers dental professionals ways to learn about their role in cancer screening, biopsy and management.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/get-on-track-with-head-and-neck-cancer-in-series-at-ada-2018

Medical Music Group looking for new members

Medical Music Group, a symphony orchestra and chorale, is searching for health care professionals who can play musical instruments or sing.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/medical-music-group-looking-for-new-members

Mouthguard among ADA Seal-accepted products

In 2015, CustMbite Athletic Mouthguard (MVP & PRO) earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance and became the first athletic mouthguard to receive the Seal.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/mouthguard-among-ada-seal-accepted-products

Nassau County GKAS highlights dental care access challenges for kids with special needs

Patients with physical, medical, developmental or cognitive conditions require special consideration when receiving dental treatment, said Dr. Joseph Brofsky, pediatric dentistry section head at Cohen Children's Medical Center.

From: By Kimber Solana
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/nassau-county-gkas-highlights-dental-care-access-challenges-for-kids-with-special-needs

New grant program spurs international volunteerism

The ADA Foundation is launching a new grant program for international dental volunteer projects, designed to support established U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are working to improve access to oral health care in underserved communities outside the U.S.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/new-grant-program-spurs-international-volunteerism20180319t070957

Oral cancers highlighted for April awareness

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and a good time for dental professionals to consider their role in screening head and neck cancers and making referrals when appropriate.

From: By Michelle Manchir
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/oral-cancers-highlighted-for-april-awareness

6 tips for boomers preparing for retirement

Many dentists who are actively planning for retirement in the next 5 to 10 years are members of the baby-boomer generation.

From: By Santo LoPorto
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/6-tips-for-boomers-preparing-for-retirement

ACE Panel Report offers insight into dental techniques, products

A report from the revamped ADA Clinical Evaluators Panel was released in March and features insight for dental professionals on the topic of posterior composite restorations.


From: By Michelle Manchir
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/ace-panel-report-offers-insight-into-dental-techniques-products

Industry Watch: Air Techniques appoints digital product manager

Air Techniques stated Jan. 2 that Robert Meehan accepted the role of digital products manager. Mr. Meehan will be in charge of the ProVecta X-Ray line and the CamX Camera line.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/air-techniques-appoints-digital-product-manager

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts expands national network of providers

In the wake of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' February announcement that it has expanded its national network — making it one of the largest dental networks in the country — the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs is reminding dentists of the many resources the ADA has when it comes to signing network contracts.

From: By David Burger
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-massachusetts-expands-national-network-of-providers

Consequences for HIPAA violations remain even when business closes

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights announced Feb. 13 that a receiver appointed to liquidate the assets of a medical records company agreed to pay $100,000 out of the receivership estate to settle potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/consequences-for-hipaa-violations-remain-even-when-business-closes

Industry Watch: Dental Health Products donates $2,500 to Every Smile Counts Day campaign

Dental Health Products announced Feb. 20 that it donated $2,500 to the Every Smile Counts Day campaign, an event set up by the Dental Lifeline Network that provides volunteer dentists and labs with supplies and funding.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/dental-health-products-donates-2500-to-every-smile-counts-day-campaign

Industry Watch: Dentsply Sirona acquires Cleverdent

Dentsply Sirona announced Jan. 18 that it purchased Cleverdent. Based in Münster, Germany, Cleverdent is known for developing the ClasenUNO, a dental mirror and high volume evacuation tip.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/dentsply-sirona-acquires-cleverdent

Drive research at ADA Foundation Volpe Research Center

The ADA Foundation Volpe Research Center is seeking input and ideas from ADA members in generating and developing materials and technologies that enable ADA dentists provide state-of-the-art, precision care.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/drive-research-at-ada-foundation-volpe-research-center

Dummies make learning easier

In November 2017, the ADA News launched Becoming a Dentist, a series of stories that follow three dental students at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry — Dan Yang, LaShonda Shepherd and Ben Horn — during their journey of becoming dentists. The first story, which introduced the students, ran in the Nov. 6 ADA News.

From: By Jennifer Garvin
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/dummies-make-learning-easier

First timers

Students and children celebrate during the Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College and the Ninth District Dental Association's Feb. 16 Give Kids A Smile event.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/first-timers

Government affairs

Federal dental service leaders meet with the ADA Council on Government Affairs in Washington to discuss legislative and regulatory issues during the council's March 1-3 meeting.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/government-affairs

Henry Schein donates health care supplies to nine dental schools

Henry Schein announced March 6 it is donating $265,000 in health care products to nine dental schools in support of the schools' oral health outreach missions to underserved communities in the U.S. and globally.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/henry-schein-donates-health-care-supplies-to-nine-dental-schools20180319t074138

Infection control courses abound at ADA 2018

Five continuing education courses at ADA 2018 – America's Dental Meeting will attempt to answer these infection control questions in an age when microbes and viruses are a part of everyday life and found in our air, soil, water and in and on our bodies — and especially prevalent in the dental care environment.

From: By David Burger
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/infection-control-courses-abound-at-ada-2018

Just the Facts — March 19, 2018

Average first-year tuition

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/just-the-facts-march-19-2018

Keep up-to-date on HIPAA with ADA kit

Dentists can find it daunting to understand which Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations apply to practices and then how to implement HIPAA programs that are right-sized for the practice.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/keep-up-to-date-on-hipaa-with-ada-kit

Nominations for clinical research award sought

The ADA is accepting nominations for the 2018 Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/nominations-for-clinical-research-award-sought

Periodontitis may lead to increased cancer risk

Severe periodontitis may lead to an increased risk of cancer, according to a study published Jan. 27 by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/periodontitis-may-lead-to-increased-cancer-risk

Phishing attacks teem in tax season

The threat of a cyberattack through phishing is omnipresent, but phishing attacks may take advantage of the season. For example, according to a February cybersecurity newsletter from the U.S. Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, phishing attacks regarding tax refunds are common during tax season.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/phishing-attacks-teem-in-tax-season

Protecting athletes' teeth during Facial Protection Month

April is National Facial Protection Month and an apt time to remind dental professionals about their role in helping protect patients from facial injuries while participating in sports.

From: By Michelle Manchir
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/protecting-athletes-teeth-during-facial-protection-month

Snapshots of American Dentistry — March 19, 2018

Affiliation with dental service organizations by dentist age

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/snapshots-of-american-dentistry-march-19-2018

Industry Watch: Sterngold hires director of technical, education department

Sterngold announced Jan. 5 the hiring of Robert Vasile to be director of the technical and educational department.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/sterngold-hires-director-of-technical-education-department

Take advantage of ADA group insurance plans

ADA members have exclusive access to group insurance plans at competitive rates underwritten by Great-West Financial.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/take-advantage-of-ada-group-insurance-plans