Foreign-Trained Docs Have Slightly Better Outcomes

Study showed they have lower death rates for people covered by Medicare

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20170203/us-doctors-trained-overseas-have-slightly-better-patient-outcomes?src=RSS_PUBLIC

30 Former NFL Players Pledge Brains for Research

Donations will be used to study CTE, other conditions linked to repetitive head trauma

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20170203/30-former-nfl-players-pledge-their-brains-for-research?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Pregnancy, Birth Complications and Autism Risk

Study suggests link, but one expert stressed that most complicated pregnancies result in babies without autism

From: http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20170203/obstetric-complications-tied-to-slightly-upped-risk-for-autism?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Survey: Patients want to visit their dentist more often

If Americans could choose one practitioner to see more often, the dentist comes out on top, according to a survey released in January from Delta Dental.


From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/survey-patients-want-to-visit-their-dentist-more-often

Industry Watch — Patterson Foundation contributes $158,350 in grants

The Patterson Foundation, a grant-making organization funded primarily by current and former employees of Patterson Companies, Inc., announced in September 2016 the funding of eight grants totaling $158,350 for nonprofits focused on spreading access to dental care.
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From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/industry-watch-patterson-foundation-contributes-158350-in-grants

Not just for women: Kegel exercises good for men too

Most exercises are considered gender neutral. Except for kegels — those exercises that strengthen pelvic floor muscles. They have long been tagged as “just for women,” but older men may be wise to reconsider as they can help with some common unpleasantries that can come with age. “Men can also have issues with these muscles, which can cause urinary leakage, bowel issues, and even erection problems,” says physical therapist Celia Brunette with Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Center.

What is the pelvic floor?

Your pelvic floor area is made up of thin layers of muscle and tissues that stretch like a sling from your tailbone to your pubic bone. It does a lot every day. The muscles’ primary job is to support the abdomen, bladder, and colon, and help with urine and bowel movements. In men, these muscles also are activated during erections, orgasms, and ejaculations. Problems can arise when pelvic floor muscles become too weak or too tight.

Weakness can happen because of age, as with other muscles, but other causes include bladder, bowel, or prostate surgery, constipation, and chronic coughing from conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or smoking. Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to stress incontinence where urine leaks when you cough, sneeze, or are participating in an activity like lifting something heavy or even hitting a golf or tennis ball.

On the other end, tight pelvic floor muscles can result from prolonged sitting, general muscle tension and stress, and even musculoskeletal problems with your back and hips. A tense pelvic floor is like trying to open your fist after keeping it clenched all day. “It would be very hard to relax your grip, and you would lose function of your hand,” says Brunette.

These tight muscles often can trigger pelvic pain, urgent and frequent needs to urinate, leakage, incomplete emptying, or straining during bowel movements. You also may suffer from sudden pain in your low back, hips, or genital area, or have pain during and after intercourse.

How kegels work

“Pelvic floor muscles are treated like with other muscles,” says Brunette. “If you strain your back, you massage and stretch the muscles to get them healthy. The same approach applies here.” Kegels can be performed while lying down, sitting, or standing, and unlike other exercises, the movements and sensations are subtle. Imagine how you would stop the flow or urine, or to hold back gas. The goal with kegels is to contract and hold only those muscles and not rely on other muscles like the abdomen or buttocks.

Don’t go it alone

Brunette says you should not try kegels on your own at first because if not performed correctly, the exercises could make muscles worse, or not help at all.

Talk with your doctor to make sure there are no medical issues related to your symptoms, such as prostate problems or a urinary tract infection. If your doctor recommends kegels, he or she can direct you to a physical therapist who can evaluate your needs and design an individual program. A typical routine consists of a set amount of “hold” time, followed by adequate rest between reps.  “The therapist teaches you how to perform the kegels and draws up a schedule to follow in terms of number of repetitions and sets, so you can then do them at home,” says Brunette.

The post Not just for women: Kegel exercises good for men too appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Matthew Solan http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/kegels-to-strengthen-pelvic-floor-muscles-not-for-women-only-and-men-should-too-2017020611018

Industry Watch — NuSmile purchases Avalon Biomed

NuSmile announced Nov. 4, 2016, it acquired Avalon Biomed, a designer and manufacturer of advanced mineral trioxide aggregate products.


From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/industry-watch-nusmile-purchases-avalon-biomed

Industry Watch — DentalEZ donates dental equipment to chimpanzee rescue organization

DentalEZ announced Jan. 10 that it is donating dental products along with operatory and utility room equipment to Project Chimps, an organization focused on providing sanctuary care to captive chimpanzees.


From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/industry-watch-dentalez-donates-dental-equipment-to-chimpanzee-rescue-organization

Industry Watch — Hu-Friedy acquires J. Palmero Sales Company

Hu-Friedy announced Jan. 13 that it purchased J. Palmero Sales Co., a dental products company located in Stratford, Connecticut. Palmero specializes in infection prevention and safety products.


From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/industry-watch-hu-friedy-acquires-j-palmero-sales-company

Biomaterials scientist, CAD/CAM researcher earns ADA 'new investigator' award

A Boston University prosthodontist and researcher whose research aims ultimately to integrate porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations to the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing system has been named the 2016 honoree of the John W. Stanford New Investigator Award.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/biomaterials-scientis-cadcam-researcher-earns-ada-new-investigator-award

Connecting potential patients with ADA members

Utilization initiative launches first phase, updates Find A Dentist tool

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/copy-of-copy-of-connecting-potential-patients-with-ada-members

$2.2 million to settle possible HIPAA breach

A life insurance company in Puerto Rico will pay the federal government $2.2 million for possibly violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act after a USB data storage device containing electronic protected health information was stolen.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/2-2-million-to-settle-possible-hipaa-breach

Popular practice resolutions

The New Year is traditionally a time for new beginnings, fresh starts and resolutions that might be too broad or too vague to define — like lose weight, exercise more, be a better person. That is likely why only a small percentage of people are still actively working on or keeping their resolutions by June 1.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/popular-practice-resolutions

ADA: Use 2012 version of dental claim form

Every dentist should be using the 2012 version of the ADA Dental Claim Form to avoid delayed payment and claims processing problems, according to the Association.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-use-2012-version-of-dental-claim-form

Walking shoes: Features and fit that keep you moving

Walking shoes have a few features other shoes don't. Find out what to look for and how to get the best fit.

From: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20043897