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A diet high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fat lowers levels of problem enzyme
Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) researchers have found that a diet high in saturated fat raises levels of endothelial lipase (EL), an enzyme associated with the development of atherosclerosis, and, conversely, that a diet high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fat lowers levels of this enzyme. The findings establish a "new" link between diet and atherosclerosis and suggest a novel way to prevent cardiovascular heart disease. In addition, the research may help to explain why the type 2 diabetes drug rosiglitazone (Avandia) has been linked to heart problems.
The study, conducted in mice, was published in the October 4 online edition of Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Like other lipases, EL plays a role in the metabolism of blood lipoproteins, which are complexes of lipids (fats) and proteins. EL, which is secreted by macrophages (a type of white blood cell) and other cells in arteries, was discovered in 1999. Studies have shown that elevated EL is associated with atherosclerosis and inflammation. Until now, however, little was known about how dietary fats might affect this enzyme, said study leader Richard Deckelbaum, MD, the Robert R. Williams Professor of Nutrition professor of pediatrics and of epidemiology and director of the Institute of Human Nutrition at CUMC.
In the current study, a strain of mice susceptible to atherosclerosis was fed a normal diet enriched with either palmitic acid (a common saturated fat) or eicosapentaenoic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid, or polyunsaturated fat, found in fish oil, among other foods). After 12 weeks, the mice's aortas were examined for changes in the expression of EL and inflammatory factors. Aortas of mice fed the saturated fat diet showed a significant increase in EL and detrimental changes in inflammatory factors, while those of mice fed the polyunsaturated fat diet showed a significant decrease in EL and beneficial changes in inflammatory factors. Studies in cultured macrophages showed similar results.
"Our study identifies a new way in which the high-saturated-fat Western diet could lead to the development of atherosclerosis, though, of course, these results need to be confirmed in human studies," said Dr. Deckelbaum. "The findings might also explain some of the cardiovascular benefits that have been attributed to omega-3 fatty acids."
The researchers also found, in cell culture studies, that macrophages fed saturated fat showed increased expression of PPAR-gamma, a cell signaling molecule that plays a role in regulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. This increase was blocked when the cells were fed an omega-3 fatty acid.
"These findings are intriguing, because we know that the diabetes drug rosiglitazone (sold under the brand name Avandia) is a strong PPAR-gamma activator and that it has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease," said Dr. Deckelbaum. "So we hypothesized that if rosiglitazone activates ppar-gamma, it might also activate EL, which would explain its effects on the heart."
In fact, when the macrophages were given rosiglitazone, the expression of EL increased markedly. The addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the cells blocked this increase. "This would suggest that besides raising LDL cholesterol levels, rosiglitazone can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing EL," said Dr. Deckelbaum. "In addition to its potential role in increasing arterial inflammatory responses, EL increases the anchoring of LDL to cell surfaces, which could be associated with increased LDL accumulation in coronary arteries."
Use of Avandia was severely restricted in 2010, when the drug was linked to the development of heart disease.
13 Ekim 2012 Cumartesi
Caffeine may block inflammation linked to mild cognitive impairment
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Recent studies have linked caffeine consumption to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, and a new University of Illinois study may be able to explain how this happens.
"We have discovered a novel signal that activates the brain-based inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and caffeine appears to block its activity. This discovery may eventually lead to drugs that could reverse or inhibit mild cognitive impairment," said Gregory Freund, a professor in the U of I's College of Medicine and a member of the U of I's Division of Nutritional Sciences.
Freund's team examined the effects of caffeine on memory formation in two groups of mice—one group given caffeine, the other receiving none. The two groups were then exposed to hypoxia, simulating what happens in the brain during an interruption of breathing or blood flow, and then allowed to recover.
The caffeine-treated mice recovered their ability to form a new memory 33 percent faster than the non-caffeine-treated mice. In fact, caffeine had the same anti-inflammatory effect as blocking IL-1 signaling. IL-1 is a critical player in the inflammation associated with many neurodegenerative diseases, he said.
"It's not surprising that the insult to the brain that the mice experienced would cause learning memory to be impaired. But how does that occur?" he wondered.
The scientists noted that the hypoxic episode triggered the release of adenosine by brain cells.
"Your cells are little powerhouses, and they run on a fuel called ATP that's made up of molecules of adenosine. When there's damage to a cell, adenosine is released," he said.
Just as gasoline leaking out of a tank poses a danger to everything around it, adenosine leaking out of a cell poses a danger to its environment, he noted.
The extracellular adenosine activates the enzyme caspase-1, which triggers production of the cytokine IL-1β, a critical player in inflammation, he said.
"But caffeine blocks all the activity of adenosine and inhibits caspase-1 and the inflammation that comes with it, limiting damage to the brain and protecting it from further injury," he added.
Caffeine's ability to block adenosine receptors has been linked to cognitive improvement in certain neurodegenerative diseases and as a protectant against Alzheimer's disease, he said.
"We feel that our foot is in the door now, and this research may lead to a way to reverse early cognitive impairment in the brain. We already have drugs that target certain adenosine receptors. Our work now is to determine which receptor is the most important and use a specific antagonist to that receptor," he said.
Recent studies have linked caffeine consumption to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, and a new University of Illinois study may be able to explain how this happens.
"We have discovered a novel signal that activates the brain-based inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and caffeine appears to block its activity. This discovery may eventually lead to drugs that could reverse or inhibit mild cognitive impairment," said Gregory Freund, a professor in the U of I's College of Medicine and a member of the U of I's Division of Nutritional Sciences.
Freund's team examined the effects of caffeine on memory formation in two groups of mice—one group given caffeine, the other receiving none. The two groups were then exposed to hypoxia, simulating what happens in the brain during an interruption of breathing or blood flow, and then allowed to recover.
The caffeine-treated mice recovered their ability to form a new memory 33 percent faster than the non-caffeine-treated mice. In fact, caffeine had the same anti-inflammatory effect as blocking IL-1 signaling. IL-1 is a critical player in the inflammation associated with many neurodegenerative diseases, he said.
"It's not surprising that the insult to the brain that the mice experienced would cause learning memory to be impaired. But how does that occur?" he wondered.
The scientists noted that the hypoxic episode triggered the release of adenosine by brain cells.
"Your cells are little powerhouses, and they run on a fuel called ATP that's made up of molecules of adenosine. When there's damage to a cell, adenosine is released," he said.
Just as gasoline leaking out of a tank poses a danger to everything around it, adenosine leaking out of a cell poses a danger to its environment, he noted.
The extracellular adenosine activates the enzyme caspase-1, which triggers production of the cytokine IL-1β, a critical player in inflammation, he said.
"But caffeine blocks all the activity of adenosine and inhibits caspase-1 and the inflammation that comes with it, limiting damage to the brain and protecting it from further injury," he added.
Caffeine's ability to block adenosine receptors has been linked to cognitive improvement in certain neurodegenerative diseases and as a protectant against Alzheimer's disease, he said.
"We feel that our foot is in the door now, and this research may lead to a way to reverse early cognitive impairment in the brain. We already have drugs that target certain adenosine receptors. Our work now is to determine which receptor is the most important and use a specific antagonist to that receptor," he said.
Fast walking and jogging halve development of heart disease and stroke risk factors
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But an hour's walk every day makes no difference: Intensity rather than duration is what counts
The findings indicate that it is the intensity, rather than the duration, of exercise that counts in combating the impact of metabolic syndrome - a combination of factors, including midriff bulge, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, higher than normal levels of blood glucose and abnormal blood fat levels - say the authors.
Genes, diet, and lack of exercise are thought to be implicated in the development of the syndrome, which is conducive to inflammation and blood thickening.
The authors base their findings on more than 10,000 Danish adults, between the ages of 21 and 98, who were initially assessed in 1991-94 and then monitored for up to 10 years. All the participants were quizzed on the amount of physical activity they did, which was categorised according to intensity and duration.
At the initial assessment, around one in five (20.7%) women and just over one in four (27.3%) men had metabolic syndrome. Prevalence was closely linked to physical activity level.
Among the women, almost one in three of those who had a sedentary lifestyle had the syndrome whereas only one in 10 of those who were very physically active had it. Among men, the equivalent proportions were just under 37% and just under 14%
Of the remaining 6,088 participants without metabolic syndrome, just under two thirds (3,992) completed the fourth and final survey and assessment, by which point one in seven (15.4%; 585) had developed it.
Again, the prevalence was higher among those leading a sedentary lifestyle, with almost one in five (19.4%) affected compared with around one in nine (11.8%) of those who were very physically active.
It was not only the amount of exercise, but also the intensity which helped curb the likelihood of developing the syndrome.
After taking account of factors likely to influence the results, fast walking speed halved the risk, while jogging cut the risk by 40 per cent. But going for an hour's walk every day made no difference.
"Our results confirm the role of physical activity in reducing [metabolic syndrome] risk and suggest that intensity rather than volume of physical activity is important," conclude the authors.
But an hour's walk every day makes no difference: Intensity rather than duration is what counts
The findings indicate that it is the intensity, rather than the duration, of exercise that counts in combating the impact of metabolic syndrome - a combination of factors, including midriff bulge, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, higher than normal levels of blood glucose and abnormal blood fat levels - say the authors.
Genes, diet, and lack of exercise are thought to be implicated in the development of the syndrome, which is conducive to inflammation and blood thickening.
The authors base their findings on more than 10,000 Danish adults, between the ages of 21 and 98, who were initially assessed in 1991-94 and then monitored for up to 10 years. All the participants were quizzed on the amount of physical activity they did, which was categorised according to intensity and duration.
At the initial assessment, around one in five (20.7%) women and just over one in four (27.3%) men had metabolic syndrome. Prevalence was closely linked to physical activity level.
Among the women, almost one in three of those who had a sedentary lifestyle had the syndrome whereas only one in 10 of those who were very physically active had it. Among men, the equivalent proportions were just under 37% and just under 14%
Of the remaining 6,088 participants without metabolic syndrome, just under two thirds (3,992) completed the fourth and final survey and assessment, by which point one in seven (15.4%; 585) had developed it.
Again, the prevalence was higher among those leading a sedentary lifestyle, with almost one in five (19.4%) affected compared with around one in nine (11.8%) of those who were very physically active.
It was not only the amount of exercise, but also the intensity which helped curb the likelihood of developing the syndrome.
After taking account of factors likely to influence the results, fast walking speed halved the risk, while jogging cut the risk by 40 per cent. But going for an hour's walk every day made no difference.
"Our results confirm the role of physical activity in reducing [metabolic syndrome] risk and suggest that intensity rather than volume of physical activity is important," conclude the authors.
Exercise Could Fortify Immune System Against Future Cancers
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Researchers may soon be able to add yet another item to the list of exercise's well-documented health benefits: A preliminary study suggests that when cancer survivors exercise for several weeks after they finish chemotherapy, their immune systems remodel themselves to become more effective, potentially fending off future incidents of cancer. The finding may help explain why exercise can significantly reduce the chances of secondary cancers in survivors or reduce the chances of cancer altogether in people who have never had the disease.
Laura Bilek, Graham Sharp, and Geoffrey Thiele, all of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Daniel Shackelford, Colin Quinn, and Carole Schneider, all of Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, analyzed T cells in the blood of cancer survivors before and after a 12-week exercise program. They found that a significant portion of these immune cells converted from a senescent form, which isn't as effective at combating disease, to a naïve form, ready to fight cancer and infections.
Their poster presentation entitled, "Effect of Exercise on T Cells in Cancer Survivors," will be discussed at The Integrative Biology of Exercise VI meeting being held October 10-13 at the Westin Westminster Hotel in Westminster, CO. This popular meeting is a collaborative effort between the American Physiological Society, the American College of Sports Medicine and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. The conference is supported in part by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, an institute of the National Institutes of Health, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., Stealth Peptides, Inc., and Seahorse Biosciences.
Exercise and Immunity
Study leader Laura Bilek explains that previous research had turned up a variety of positive associations between exercise and cancer -- notably, that exercise can reduce the risk of getting initial incidence of several different types of cancers, can often improve prognosis in cancer patients, and can reduce the risk of recurrence and secondary cancers survivors of some types of cancers. However, the mechanism behind these phenomena has been unknown.
Since other research has suggested that exercise can remodel the immune system, making it more effective at fighting disease in general, Bilek and her colleagues decided to investigate how exercise affects the immune system of cancer patients. Working with a group of 16 cancer survivors, all but one of who recently finished chemotherapy cancer treatment, the researchers focused on T cells, a type of immune cell that attacks a variety of infectious agents as well as cancer cells. After chemotherapy, previous research had shown that the majority of T cells become senescent, with a decreased ability to fight infections and cancers. However, Bilek says, rebuilding the population of responsive (naïve) T cells is critical for regaining normal immune function and cancer-fighting ability.
The researchers first took blood samples from each of the volunteers to examine how many senescent and naïve T cells each had. Then, these study subjects were all enrolled into 12-week exercise programs at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute. All programs were individualized for the study participants, incorporating elements of cardiovascular exercise, strength and endurance training, and exercises for flexibility, posture, and balance, with extra emphasis in areas where participants were weak.
After the 12-week program, the researchers drew a second blood sample from each volunteer and ran the same T cell analysis.
Another Reason to Work Out Results showed that the ratio of senescent to naïve T cells changed favorably in the majority of participants, with most of the study subjects regaining greater numbers of the naïve variety.
"What we're suggesting is that with exercise, you might be getting rid of T cells that aren't helpful and making room for T cells that might be helpful," Bilek says.
She adds that this finding highlights the importance of exercise for all, including those with cancer and cancer survivors. These two populations might benefit especially from the heightened "cancer surveillance" -- the ability of the immune system to seek out and destroy budding cancers -- that this study suggests exercise brings, Bilek explains.
"There's a litany of positive benefits from exercise," Bilek says. "If exercise indeed strengthens the immune system and potentially improves cancer surveillance, it's one more thing we should educate patients about as a reason they should schedule regular activity throughout their day and make it a priority in their lives."
Researchers may soon be able to add yet another item to the list of exercise's well-documented health benefits: A preliminary study suggests that when cancer survivors exercise for several weeks after they finish chemotherapy, their immune systems remodel themselves to become more effective, potentially fending off future incidents of cancer. The finding may help explain why exercise can significantly reduce the chances of secondary cancers in survivors or reduce the chances of cancer altogether in people who have never had the disease.
Laura Bilek, Graham Sharp, and Geoffrey Thiele, all of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Daniel Shackelford, Colin Quinn, and Carole Schneider, all of Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, analyzed T cells in the blood of cancer survivors before and after a 12-week exercise program. They found that a significant portion of these immune cells converted from a senescent form, which isn't as effective at combating disease, to a naïve form, ready to fight cancer and infections.
Their poster presentation entitled, "Effect of Exercise on T Cells in Cancer Survivors," will be discussed at The Integrative Biology of Exercise VI meeting being held October 10-13 at the Westin Westminster Hotel in Westminster, CO. This popular meeting is a collaborative effort between the American Physiological Society, the American College of Sports Medicine and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. The conference is supported in part by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, an institute of the National Institutes of Health, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., Stealth Peptides, Inc., and Seahorse Biosciences.
Exercise and Immunity
Study leader Laura Bilek explains that previous research had turned up a variety of positive associations between exercise and cancer -- notably, that exercise can reduce the risk of getting initial incidence of several different types of cancers, can often improve prognosis in cancer patients, and can reduce the risk of recurrence and secondary cancers survivors of some types of cancers. However, the mechanism behind these phenomena has been unknown.
Since other research has suggested that exercise can remodel the immune system, making it more effective at fighting disease in general, Bilek and her colleagues decided to investigate how exercise affects the immune system of cancer patients. Working with a group of 16 cancer survivors, all but one of who recently finished chemotherapy cancer treatment, the researchers focused on T cells, a type of immune cell that attacks a variety of infectious agents as well as cancer cells. After chemotherapy, previous research had shown that the majority of T cells become senescent, with a decreased ability to fight infections and cancers. However, Bilek says, rebuilding the population of responsive (naïve) T cells is critical for regaining normal immune function and cancer-fighting ability.
The researchers first took blood samples from each of the volunteers to examine how many senescent and naïve T cells each had. Then, these study subjects were all enrolled into 12-week exercise programs at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute. All programs were individualized for the study participants, incorporating elements of cardiovascular exercise, strength and endurance training, and exercises for flexibility, posture, and balance, with extra emphasis in areas where participants were weak.
After the 12-week program, the researchers drew a second blood sample from each volunteer and ran the same T cell analysis.
Another Reason to Work Out Results showed that the ratio of senescent to naïve T cells changed favorably in the majority of participants, with most of the study subjects regaining greater numbers of the naïve variety.
"What we're suggesting is that with exercise, you might be getting rid of T cells that aren't helpful and making room for T cells that might be helpful," Bilek says.
She adds that this finding highlights the importance of exercise for all, including those with cancer and cancer survivors. These two populations might benefit especially from the heightened "cancer surveillance" -- the ability of the immune system to seek out and destroy budding cancers -- that this study suggests exercise brings, Bilek explains.
"There's a litany of positive benefits from exercise," Bilek says. "If exercise indeed strengthens the immune system and potentially improves cancer surveillance, it's one more thing we should educate patients about as a reason they should schedule regular activity throughout their day and make it a priority in their lives."
Healthy diets have long-lasting positive effects
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Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets have lasting, healthy effects, even with partial weight regain, according to a follow-up study by researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and Israel's Nuclear Research Center.
The results were published in a peer-reviewed letter in the current New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) as an update to the landmark study, the workplace-based Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial (DIRECT), a tightly controlled 24-month dietary intervention.
According to Dr. Dan Schwarzfuchs from the Nuclear Research Center Negev in Dimona, Israel, "Our follow-up subsequent data shows lasting, positive effects of Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets six years later." The results suggest that the lipid profile (lower cholesterol, triglycerides and arteriosclerosis) improved for the long term, regardless of partial regain. "Data from trials comparing the effectiveness of weight-loss diets are frequently limited to the intervention period," explains BGU Prof. Iris Shai.
Overall six-year weight loss was significantly lower from baseline for Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets, but not for the low-fat group. In the four-year post-intervention, participants regained nearly six pounds. Total weight change for the entire six-year period was approximately -7 lbs. for the Mediterranean diet and -3.7 lbs. for the low-carbohydrate diet.
After four years post-intervention, more than two-thirds (67 percent) of the DIRECT participants had continued with their original assigned diet, 11 percent switched to another diet and 22 percent were not dieting at all.
The researchers also found that after six years, the HDL/LDL ratio remained significantly lower only in the low-carbohydrate diet. Triglyceride levels remained significantly lower in the Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets. Overall, total cholesterol levels remained persistently and significantly lower in all diet groups as compared to baseline.
In the original study, 322 moderately obese subjects were randomly assigned to one of three diets: low-fat; restricted-calorie; Mediterranean; or low-carbohydrate, non-restricted-calorie, and were provided color-labeled food per diet daily in the workplace cafeteria. The two-year adherence rate was 85 percent. The results suggested beneficial metabolic effects to low-carb and Mediterranean diets. Moreover, the researchers found a significant diet-induced regression in the carotid vessel wall volume across all diet groups. This change was mainly dependent on diet-induced reduction of blood pressure.
"This breakthrough, even years later, continues to yield valuable information that can help every one of us make healthier diet choices," says Doron Krakow, executive vice president of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "It is another example of BGU and Israeli researchers, thanks to generous funding by the Atkins foundation, improving the quality of our lives."
Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets have lasting, healthy effects, even with partial weight regain, according to a follow-up study by researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and Israel's Nuclear Research Center.
The results were published in a peer-reviewed letter in the current New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) as an update to the landmark study, the workplace-based Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial (DIRECT), a tightly controlled 24-month dietary intervention.
According to Dr. Dan Schwarzfuchs from the Nuclear Research Center Negev in Dimona, Israel, "Our follow-up subsequent data shows lasting, positive effects of Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets six years later." The results suggest that the lipid profile (lower cholesterol, triglycerides and arteriosclerosis) improved for the long term, regardless of partial regain. "Data from trials comparing the effectiveness of weight-loss diets are frequently limited to the intervention period," explains BGU Prof. Iris Shai.
Overall six-year weight loss was significantly lower from baseline for Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets, but not for the low-fat group. In the four-year post-intervention, participants regained nearly six pounds. Total weight change for the entire six-year period was approximately -7 lbs. for the Mediterranean diet and -3.7 lbs. for the low-carbohydrate diet.
After four years post-intervention, more than two-thirds (67 percent) of the DIRECT participants had continued with their original assigned diet, 11 percent switched to another diet and 22 percent were not dieting at all.
The researchers also found that after six years, the HDL/LDL ratio remained significantly lower only in the low-carbohydrate diet. Triglyceride levels remained significantly lower in the Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets. Overall, total cholesterol levels remained persistently and significantly lower in all diet groups as compared to baseline.
In the original study, 322 moderately obese subjects were randomly assigned to one of three diets: low-fat; restricted-calorie; Mediterranean; or low-carbohydrate, non-restricted-calorie, and were provided color-labeled food per diet daily in the workplace cafeteria. The two-year adherence rate was 85 percent. The results suggested beneficial metabolic effects to low-carb and Mediterranean diets. Moreover, the researchers found a significant diet-induced regression in the carotid vessel wall volume across all diet groups. This change was mainly dependent on diet-induced reduction of blood pressure.
"This breakthrough, even years later, continues to yield valuable information that can help every one of us make healthier diet choices," says Doron Krakow, executive vice president of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "It is another example of BGU and Israeli researchers, thanks to generous funding by the Atkins foundation, improving the quality of our lives."
12 Ekim 2012 Cuma
Importance of Getting Vaccines: Case of the Super Mosquito
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The case of the super mosquito comes from the small countryof Guyana. After living in SouthAmerica for a year I couldn't miss the opportunity of visiting the oftenoverlooked countries of The Guiana's. I honestly didn't know what to expect or exactly what to see until I gotto the country. One of the mostunique things they have to offer besides unspoiled wildlife in the AmazonJungle was the Kaieteur Falls. In what seems like a completely remote location where noguard rails exist, the Kaieteur Falls are very reminiscent of the IguazuFalls in Argentina. The colorof the flow of water at Kaieteur is exactly like the like the water at theDevil's Throat at Iguazu. Beforevisiting they told us about the encounters we would have with wildlife as wellas the mosquitoes.On the same tour we had the privilege of visiting the OrinduikFalls where we would find the friendly mosquito on steroids called the KabouraFly. Not only does this insectlook like a mosquito that has been working out at a gym for most of its life,it also leaves a nasty welt that is roughly two or three times bigger than thesmall bump a mosquito leaves.
I was given exclusive footage of a welt that was earned weeksbefore we arrived to our gracious host at the hotel that I was staying at, theEl Dorado Inn. The Kaboura flyalso has a great habit of laying eggs inside of your skin which I'm sure we allwant to experience! Since I wasupdated before my trip to the Kaieteur Falls I made sure to put on plenty ofbug spray all over my skin before we arrived. Luckily, we landed at a time when it was sunny and thereweren't too many flies out at the falls. Speaking to the many mosquitoes that have bitten by uncle over the yearsthey advised me that he has some of the sweetest blood on the planet. That's one of the reasons that I lovetraveling with my uncle, mosquitoes tend to prefer his skin to mine.Since his blood is so sweet the Kaboura flies decided tobite my uncle through his t-shirt. Not once or twice, he was bitten three separate times by the Kabouraflies. If you ever thought therewas a time that you needed to have your vaccines imagine being bitten by thisrandom fly that happens to leave eggs inside of your skin. My uncle didn't feel well at all thatnight and he happened to get all of his vaccines just before we arrived in Guyana.After some research on the internet and speaking to localswe found out that the Kaboura flies don't carry any diseases. So in this case a vaccination or medication wouldn't help, but just imagine if they did carry disease and youdidn't have your vaccines/meds to prevent that disease? It's very important to take care of your health while you are traveling and learning how to protect yourself when medicine or vaccines can't is a must. Don't forget your bug repellent- the Kaboura flies will find you. Just ask my uncle!About the Author:
Marcello Arrambide is a day trader and travel blogger thatis currently traveling around the world. He spent over 3 weeks exploring The Guianas while traveling to everycountry in South America. You canfind out more about Marcello by visiting his travel blog: WanderingTrader.com. He is currently living in Nairobi,Kenya exploring all of Eastern Africa.
The case of the super mosquito comes from the small countryof Guyana. After living in SouthAmerica for a year I couldn't miss the opportunity of visiting the oftenoverlooked countries of The Guiana's. I honestly didn't know what to expect or exactly what to see until I gotto the country. One of the mostunique things they have to offer besides unspoiled wildlife in the AmazonJungle was the Kaieteur Falls. In what seems like a completely remote location where noguard rails exist, the Kaieteur Falls are very reminiscent of the IguazuFalls in Argentina. The colorof the flow of water at Kaieteur is exactly like the like the water at theDevil's Throat at Iguazu. Beforevisiting they told us about the encounters we would have with wildlife as wellas the mosquitoes.On the same tour we had the privilege of visiting the OrinduikFalls where we would find the friendly mosquito on steroids called the KabouraFly. Not only does this insectlook like a mosquito that has been working out at a gym for most of its life,it also leaves a nasty welt that is roughly two or three times bigger than thesmall bump a mosquito leaves.
I was given exclusive footage of a welt that was earned weeksbefore we arrived to our gracious host at the hotel that I was staying at, theEl Dorado Inn. The Kaboura flyalso has a great habit of laying eggs inside of your skin which I'm sure we allwant to experience! Since I wasupdated before my trip to the Kaieteur Falls I made sure to put on plenty ofbug spray all over my skin before we arrived. Luckily, we landed at a time when it was sunny and thereweren't too many flies out at the falls. Speaking to the many mosquitoes that have bitten by uncle over the yearsthey advised me that he has some of the sweetest blood on the planet. That's one of the reasons that I lovetraveling with my uncle, mosquitoes tend to prefer his skin to mine.Since his blood is so sweet the Kaboura flies decided tobite my uncle through his t-shirt. Not once or twice, he was bitten three separate times by the Kabouraflies. If you ever thought therewas a time that you needed to have your vaccines imagine being bitten by thisrandom fly that happens to leave eggs inside of your skin. My uncle didn't feel well at all thatnight and he happened to get all of his vaccines just before we arrived in Guyana.After some research on the internet and speaking to localswe found out that the Kaboura flies don't carry any diseases. So in this case a vaccination or medication wouldn't help, but just imagine if they did carry disease and youdidn't have your vaccines/meds to prevent that disease? It's very important to take care of your health while you are traveling and learning how to protect yourself when medicine or vaccines can't is a must. Don't forget your bug repellent- the Kaboura flies will find you. Just ask my uncle!About the Author:Marcello Arrambide is a day trader and travel blogger thatis currently traveling around the world. He spent over 3 weeks exploring The Guianas while traveling to everycountry in South America. You canfind out more about Marcello by visiting his travel blog: WanderingTrader.com. He is currently living in Nairobi,Kenya exploring all of Eastern Africa.
Death In Barbados due to Dengue Fever
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An adult male has been confirmed as the first recorded death as a result of Dengue Fever in Barbados. This was confirmed today by the Ministry of Health.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joy St. John expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and is urging Barbadians who are experiencing symptoms of Dengue Fever, including sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain; or symptoms of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever such as bleeding from nose, mouth and gums, frequent vomiting or difficulty breathing, to seek immediate medical attention.
Barbadians are also reminded to check their premises for possible mosquito breeding places and to cover water containers such as buckets, small plastic containers and drums or to dispose of these in a proper manner, in order to reduce mosquito breeding.
See full story here.
There is no vaccine available for Dengue Fever so the use of bug repellent and other protective measures is necessary. If you have further questions about Dengue Fever or would like to learn more about protective measures against mosquitoes you can contact a Travel Medicine Specialist at Passport Health.
Travel Safely!
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joy St. John expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and is urging Barbadians who are experiencing symptoms of Dengue Fever, including sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain; or symptoms of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever such as bleeding from nose, mouth and gums, frequent vomiting or difficulty breathing, to seek immediate medical attention.
Barbadians are also reminded to check their premises for possible mosquito breeding places and to cover water containers such as buckets, small plastic containers and drums or to dispose of these in a proper manner, in order to reduce mosquito breeding.
See full story here.
There is no vaccine available for Dengue Fever so the use of bug repellent and other protective measures is necessary. If you have further questions about Dengue Fever or would like to learn more about protective measures against mosquitoes you can contact a Travel Medicine Specialist at Passport Health.
Travel Safely!
Polio Outbreak in China
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Beijing (CNN) -- An outbreak of polio has been confirmed in China for the first time since 1999, leaving one person dead and hospitalizing another nine, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The disease, a contagious viral illness that in its most severe form causes paralysis, difficulty breathing and sometimes death, broke out in the prefectures of Hotan and Bazhou in the country's western Xinjiang province.
Among the ten cases confirmed, six are in children under three years old and four are young adults. See the rest of the story .
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a viral disease which is transmitted by fecal-oral or oral-oral contact. It invades the nervous system and often leads to permanent paralysis. It can be prevented by immunization.
Most people, Americans especially, think of Polio as a disease that was eradicated decades ago, but that is not the case. Though the number of reported cases have been greatly reduced, we have not achieved global eradication...yet.
In 1988, the World Health Organization, together with Rotary International, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention passed the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, with the goal of eradicating polio by the year 2000. The initiative continues today.
Polio vaccination remains a part of routine immunizations for children in the US, but a one-time Polio booster for adults is often recommended for those who will be traveling to endemic areas such as Africa, India, Indonesia and the Arabian Peninsula, or if their last Polio immunization was over 10 years ago.
Contact Passport Health if you are interested in obtaining the Polio vaccination. Our 200 nationwide locations are equipped with knowledgeable Travel Medicine Specialists to counsel you on the best ways to stay safe and healthy while you travel here and abroad.
The disease, a contagious viral illness that in its most severe form causes paralysis, difficulty breathing and sometimes death, broke out in the prefectures of Hotan and Bazhou in the country's western Xinjiang province.
Among the ten cases confirmed, six are in children under three years old and four are young adults. See the rest of the story .
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a viral disease which is transmitted by fecal-oral or oral-oral contact. It invades the nervous system and often leads to permanent paralysis. It can be prevented by immunization.Most people, Americans especially, think of Polio as a disease that was eradicated decades ago, but that is not the case. Though the number of reported cases have been greatly reduced, we have not achieved global eradication...yet.
In 1988, the World Health Organization, together with Rotary International, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention passed the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, with the goal of eradicating polio by the year 2000. The initiative continues today.
Polio vaccination remains a part of routine immunizations for children in the US, but a one-time Polio booster for adults is often recommended for those who will be traveling to endemic areas such as Africa, India, Indonesia and the Arabian Peninsula, or if their last Polio immunization was over 10 years ago.
Contact Passport Health if you are interested in obtaining the Polio vaccination. Our 200 nationwide locations are equipped with knowledgeable Travel Medicine Specialists to counsel you on the best ways to stay safe and healthy while you travel here and abroad.
Let's Go to Nepal
To contact us Click HERE
The Democratic Republic of Nepal is a landlocked state in South Asia that is known for its rich geography and holds 8 of the world's 10 tallest mountains- including Mount Everest, the highest place on earth.
If you are an adventure traveler then Nepal is your destination! Nepal is an extremely diverse country with a wide variety of activities to suit every traveler. Other than the majestic Himalayan mountain ranges, Nepal holds the Mid-Hills of rolling green terraced paddies and lush forests, and the jungles and plains of the hot and dusty Terai. Throughout all this, there are the white waters of Nepal's many rivers that race down from the Himalayas.
A few quick facts about Nepal:
-The Climate: Nepal's climate ranges from the steamy humid jungle to the freezing mountains and everywhere in between. FromOctober to February, woolen sweaters and jackets arenecessary. Short or long sleeved shirts are good from March through May. FromJune to September, light and loose garments are advisable.
-The Currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupee, denoted by the ISO code NPR. It is abbreviated as Rp. Check current exchange rates.
-The Language: Nepali is the official language of Nepal; it is derived from Sanskrit and was formerly known as Khaskura. Useful phrases in Nepali.
Though Nepal is a developing country it is rich in culture and relies on tourism to bring in wealth and awareness of the beauty that Nepal has to offer the world. Stay tuned for the rest of the month as we highlight some of the fantastic experiences that Nepal has to offer.
If you are an adventure traveler then Nepal is your destination! Nepal is an extremely diverse country with a wide variety of activities to suit every traveler. Other than the majestic Himalayan mountain ranges, Nepal holds the Mid-Hills of rolling green terraced paddies and lush forests, and the jungles and plains of the hot and dusty Terai. Throughout all this, there are the white waters of Nepal's many rivers that race down from the Himalayas.
A few quick facts about Nepal:
-The Climate: Nepal's climate ranges from the steamy humid jungle to the freezing mountains and everywhere in between. FromOctober to February, woolen sweaters and jackets arenecessary. Short or long sleeved shirts are good from March through May. FromJune to September, light and loose garments are advisable.
-The Currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupee, denoted by the ISO code NPR. It is abbreviated as Rp. Check current exchange rates.-The Language: Nepali is the official language of Nepal; it is derived from Sanskrit and was formerly known as Khaskura. Useful phrases in Nepali.
Though Nepal is a developing country it is rich in culture and relies on tourism to bring in wealth and awareness of the beauty that Nepal has to offer the world. Stay tuned for the rest of the month as we highlight some of the fantastic experiences that Nepal has to offer.
It's Not Too Late To Vaccinate Against Influenza
To contact us Click HERE
We are currently in the midst of National Influenza Week. It's not too late to vaccinate!
It is important to vaccinate against the flu now if you haven't already. Flu activity doesn’t usually peak until January or February in the United States and can last as late as May. Please call Passport Health at 1-888-499-PASS to make an appointment in one of our convenient locations.
It is important to vaccinate against the flu now if you haven't already. Flu activity doesn’t usually peak until January or February in the United States and can last as late as May. Please call Passport Health at 1-888-499-PASS to make an appointment in one of our convenient locations.
11 Ekim 2012 Perşembe
Snapshots: GO RUN for Women's Cancer
To contact us Click HERE
The 5th Annual GO RUN (5K and 1 Mile fun run/walk) for gynecologic cancer research at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute washeld Sept. 15, 2012, on USA's main campus.
The event generated funding for an endowment for research in women's cancer, including ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and cervical cancer.
To view all photos from the event, click here.
The 5th Annual GO RUN (5K and 1 Mile fun run/walk) for gynecologic cancer research at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute washeld Sept. 15, 2012, on USA's main campus.
The event generated funding for an endowment for research in women's cancer, including ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and cervical cancer.
To view all photos from the event, click here.
Free Flu Vaccine for USA Health & Dental Enrollees
To contact us Click HERE
USA Physicians Group is providing Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics exclusively for USA Employees next week at six convenient locations on September 26th, 27th and 28th. This will provide you with convenient, fast, and timely seasonal flu vaccines free of charge. USA retirees are not eligible.
Family members covered by the USA Health & Dental plan are also eligible for seasonal flu vaccines at these clinic sites free of charge. This applies to children four years old and older.
No appointments are necessary.
Specific times and locations are:
Main Campus - USA Mitchell Center
5950 Old Shell Rd.
West Concourse
(251) 461-1682
September 26 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Main Campus - Human Resources
Tech & Research Park III
Suite 2200
(251) 460-6133
September 27 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Main Campus - Urgent Care
Tech & Research Park III
Suite 1175
(251) 414-8101
September 27 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Springhill Avenue Campus - Family Medicine
1504 Springhill Ave
Suite 1800
(251) 434-3475
September 27 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
September 28 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
West Mobile - Knollwood Physicians Group
3301 Knollwood Dr
Med Park 4
(251) 660-5787
September 27 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
September 28 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
USA Medical Center - Our Neighborhood Healthcare Clinic
2451 Fillingim St.
Suite 300
(251) 471-7944
September 27 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
September 28 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
These walk in clinics are available Sept. 26-28, 2012. After these dates, flu vaccines should still be available, but an appointment will be necessary.
For more information visit http://www.usahealthsystem.com/fluvaccine. If you have any questions, call our appointment and information line at (251) 434-3711.
Family members covered by the USA Health & Dental plan are also eligible for seasonal flu vaccines at these clinic sites free of charge. This applies to children four years old and older.
No appointments are necessary.
Specific times and locations are:
Main Campus - USA Mitchell Center
5950 Old Shell Rd.
West Concourse
(251) 461-1682
September 26 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Main Campus - Human Resources
Tech & Research Park III
Suite 2200
(251) 460-6133
September 27 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Main Campus - Urgent Care
Tech & Research Park III
Suite 1175
(251) 414-8101
September 27 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Springhill Avenue Campus - Family Medicine
1504 Springhill Ave
Suite 1800
(251) 434-3475
September 27 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
September 28 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
West Mobile - Knollwood Physicians Group
3301 Knollwood Dr
Med Park 4
(251) 660-5787
September 27 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
September 28 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
USA Medical Center - Our Neighborhood Healthcare Clinic
2451 Fillingim St.
Suite 300
(251) 471-7944
September 27 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
September 28 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
These walk in clinics are available Sept. 26-28, 2012. After these dates, flu vaccines should still be available, but an appointment will be necessary.
For more information visit http://www.usahealthsystem.com/fluvaccine. If you have any questions, call our appointment and information line at (251) 434-3711.
Physicians Group Announces Healthy U-S-A Fair Prize Winners
To contact us Click HERE
The University of South Alabama Physicians Group recently announced the winners of the Healthy U-S-A Fair prize drawings.
Angelia Bendolph, associate director for web services in the USA Public Relations office, and Charlmaine Jackson, billing and insurance clerk at Knollwood Physicians Group, received USA outdoor folding chairs.
Lisa Nash in the psychology department and Konrad Kressley in the political science/criminal justice department both received USA football jerseys.
USA faculty and staff entered to win the prize drawings at the USA Health System’s Healthy U-S-A Fair on August 24, 2012, at the USA Faculty Club.
The event provided health screenings, and USA Physician Group providers were on hand to answer questions. More than 200 USA employees attended the event.
“The Healthy U-S-A Fair was such a success,” said Becky Tate, chief executive officer of the University of South Alabama Health Services Foundation. “We’ve received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from USA faculty and staff, and we are looking forward to scheduling additional health fairs in the future.”
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| Health fair prize winner Angelia Bendolph, associate director for web services |
Angelia Bendolph, associate director for web services in the USA Public Relations office, and Charlmaine Jackson, billing and insurance clerk at Knollwood Physicians Group, received USA outdoor folding chairs.
Lisa Nash in the psychology department and Konrad Kressley in the political science/criminal justice department both received USA football jerseys.
USA faculty and staff entered to win the prize drawings at the USA Health System’s Healthy U-S-A Fair on August 24, 2012, at the USA Faculty Club.
The event provided health screenings, and USA Physician Group providers were on hand to answer questions. More than 200 USA employees attended the event.
“The Healthy U-S-A Fair was such a success,” said Becky Tate, chief executive officer of the University of South Alabama Health Services Foundation. “We’ve received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from USA faculty and staff, and we are looking forward to scheduling additional health fairs in the future.”
Next Week's DSS - Dr. Roger Simon
To contact us Click HERE
The next Distinguished Scientist Seminar at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine will be presented by Dr. Roger Simon, director of translational programs in stroke and professor of medicine and neurobiology at Morehouse School of Medicine.
The lecture, titled “Epigenetic modulation of gene expression governs the brain’s response to injury,” will take place Oct. 4, 2012, at 4 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Building auditorium on USA's main campus.
Dr. Simon’s primary area of research interest is endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms in the brain. The overall goal of his research is the effective treatment of stroke.
Dr. Simon has a B.S. in Zoology and an M.S. in Entomology from Pennsylvania State University. He has an M.D. from Cornell University School of Medicine. He is a member of various associations including the American Academy of Neurology, The Society of Neuroscience, American Heart Association: Stroke Council, and American Epilepsy Society.
For more information on Dr. Simon’s research, click here.
The next Distinguished Scientist Seminar at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine will be presented by Dr. Roger Simon, director of translational programs in stroke and professor of medicine and neurobiology at Morehouse School of Medicine. The lecture, titled “Epigenetic modulation of gene expression governs the brain’s response to injury,” will take place Oct. 4, 2012, at 4 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Building auditorium on USA's main campus.
Dr. Simon’s primary area of research interest is endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms in the brain. The overall goal of his research is the effective treatment of stroke.
Dr. Simon has a B.S. in Zoology and an M.S. in Entomology from Pennsylvania State University. He has an M.D. from Cornell University School of Medicine. He is a member of various associations including the American Academy of Neurology, The Society of Neuroscience, American Heart Association: Stroke Council, and American Epilepsy Society.
For more information on Dr. Simon’s research, click here.
Next Week's DSS - Dr. Ravindranath
To contact us Click HERE
The next Distinguished Scientist Seminar at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine will feature Dr. Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath, professor and chair of the Centre for Neuroscience at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.
The lecture, titled "The Degenerating Brain: Mechanisms to Therapy," will take place Oct. 11, 2012, at 4 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Building auditorium on USA's main campus.
Dr. Ravindranath’s research focuses on understanding pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders with a goal to discover drug targets that can be used to develop disease-modifying therapies.
Dr. Ravindranath obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Mysore in 1981. In 1986, after completing her postdoctoral training at the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health in the United States, she joined the Department of Neurochemistry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, (NIMHANS) in Bangalore.
In 1999, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India asked her to help establish the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), an autonomous institution of DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology as a centre of excellence and to coordinate and network neuroscience research groups in the country. She continued as Director of NBRC until May 2009 and then accepted the position of professor and chair of the newly created Centre for Neuroscience at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.
During her tenure as Director of NBRC, she provided visionary leadership, and in a very short period attained a position of being an internationally acclaimed centre of excellence. In a short span of five years, Dr. Ravindranath established a state-of-the-art institute in a rather remote location and created a new paradigm for research by integrating mathematical and computational science into the understanding of complex biological systems.
NBRC was granted University status in May 2002 to help promote human resource development in an inter-disciplinary manner. Dr. Ravindranath networked 45 institutions around the country with NBRC with a goal to share resources and promote neuroscience.
Dr. Ravindranath is elected fellow for all three science academies in the country, namely Indian National Science Academy; Indian Academy of Sciences; and National Academy of Sciences, India. She is also a fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, India; Indian Academy of Neurosciences; and Third World Academy of Sciences. She is a recipient of the prestigious S.S. Bhatnagar award (1996), Omprakash Bhasin Award (2001), J.C. Bose National Fellowship (2006), and Padma Shri (2010).
For more information on Dr. Ravindranath, click here.
To learn more about the lecture series visit http://www.usahealthsystem.com/DSS
The next Distinguished Scientist Seminar at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine will feature Dr. Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath, professor and chair of the Centre for Neuroscience at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.The lecture, titled "The Degenerating Brain: Mechanisms to Therapy," will take place Oct. 11, 2012, at 4 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Building auditorium on USA's main campus.
Dr. Ravindranath’s research focuses on understanding pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders with a goal to discover drug targets that can be used to develop disease-modifying therapies.
Dr. Ravindranath obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Mysore in 1981. In 1986, after completing her postdoctoral training at the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health in the United States, she joined the Department of Neurochemistry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, (NIMHANS) in Bangalore.
In 1999, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India asked her to help establish the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), an autonomous institution of DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology as a centre of excellence and to coordinate and network neuroscience research groups in the country. She continued as Director of NBRC until May 2009 and then accepted the position of professor and chair of the newly created Centre for Neuroscience at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.
During her tenure as Director of NBRC, she provided visionary leadership, and in a very short period attained a position of being an internationally acclaimed centre of excellence. In a short span of five years, Dr. Ravindranath established a state-of-the-art institute in a rather remote location and created a new paradigm for research by integrating mathematical and computational science into the understanding of complex biological systems.
NBRC was granted University status in May 2002 to help promote human resource development in an inter-disciplinary manner. Dr. Ravindranath networked 45 institutions around the country with NBRC with a goal to share resources and promote neuroscience.
Dr. Ravindranath is elected fellow for all three science academies in the country, namely Indian National Science Academy; Indian Academy of Sciences; and National Academy of Sciences, India. She is also a fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, India; Indian Academy of Neurosciences; and Third World Academy of Sciences. She is a recipient of the prestigious S.S. Bhatnagar award (1996), Omprakash Bhasin Award (2001), J.C. Bose National Fellowship (2006), and Padma Shri (2010).
For more information on Dr. Ravindranath, click here.
To learn more about the lecture series visit http://www.usahealthsystem.com/DSS
10 Ekim 2012 Çarşamba
Another Bad Science Study - Type 2 Diabetes
To contact us Click HERE
When are researchers and doctors going to wake up and learn? Apparently never! Another study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) warns doctors about placing their Type 2 diabetes patients on intensive glucose lowering treatments. Again they say that most doctors do this believing the patient will have a reduced risk of heart complications.
This time the study was done in France. They did not name this study shamefully so that we had something to refer to like we did in previous studies. Plus no mention was given as to whether this meta study used much of the same data used in other studies - ACCORD and ADVANCE or even the study done by the German group IQWiG, the Foundation for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. For all we know they could have used the same information.
Again the researchers arrive at the same conclusion that there was no compelling reason to use intensive glucose-lowering treatment, also known as glycemic lowering therapies as are commonly prescribed in order to reduce the diabetes type 2 patient's risk of having cardiovascular complications, as well as renal and/or visual problems.
The researchers found the following benefits were identified with intensive glucose lowering treatments - the risk of non-fatal heart attacks dropped by 15% and the risk of microalbuminuria fell by 10% (an indication of heart disease and kidney problems). However, the treatment was associated with a 100% increase in the risk of dangerously low blood glucose levels (severe hypoglycemia).
The the authors felt it necessary to say - "Intensive glucose lowering treatment of type 2 diabetes should be considered with caution and therapeutic escalation should be limited."
It is not surprising that researchers and doctors repeatedly analyze data looking for information that is not there. Like others have said, bad results are obtained when the incorrect premise is used. In other words, bad science because they were looking for the wrong answers. Like Alan said in his blog (here) and I repeated in my previous blog (here), no consideration was done for changing lifestyle habits of diet and exercise.
If people will not change their lifestyles and are put on intensive glucose-lowering therapies, there is no reason to expect anything other than the results obtained. I say that they should stop spending money on worthless analysis of things that we already know, and concentrate on ways to get the results needed to reduce cardiovascular events and the other complications diabetes can cause. This means looking at what lifestyle changes will accomplish this and how best to work with patients to obtain these results.
This needs to be a lengthy study as it does take time for people to get into an exercise routine that they can sustain and enjoy. Changes in eating habits also take time as people have developed bad habits over time and will have to be shown how to sustain good eating habits and get past the hunger pangs and into good dietary habits. Other lifestyle changes will also be necessary such as regular eating times and carbohydrate counting will become necessary.
Then once these are in full operation and patients are seeing results, then glucose-lowering therapies can be gradually introduced if needed to assist patients in achieving their goals and possible reduce or prevent the related diabetes complications. It should be possible to patients to do lifestyle changes to manage diabetes and lower the risks for complications – if done properly.
The press release of this study may be read here.
This time the study was done in France. They did not name this study shamefully so that we had something to refer to like we did in previous studies. Plus no mention was given as to whether this meta study used much of the same data used in other studies - ACCORD and ADVANCE or even the study done by the German group IQWiG, the Foundation for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. For all we know they could have used the same information.
Again the researchers arrive at the same conclusion that there was no compelling reason to use intensive glucose-lowering treatment, also known as glycemic lowering therapies as are commonly prescribed in order to reduce the diabetes type 2 patient's risk of having cardiovascular complications, as well as renal and/or visual problems.
The researchers found the following benefits were identified with intensive glucose lowering treatments - the risk of non-fatal heart attacks dropped by 15% and the risk of microalbuminuria fell by 10% (an indication of heart disease and kidney problems). However, the treatment was associated with a 100% increase in the risk of dangerously low blood glucose levels (severe hypoglycemia).
The the authors felt it necessary to say - "Intensive glucose lowering treatment of type 2 diabetes should be considered with caution and therapeutic escalation should be limited."
It is not surprising that researchers and doctors repeatedly analyze data looking for information that is not there. Like others have said, bad results are obtained when the incorrect premise is used. In other words, bad science because they were looking for the wrong answers. Like Alan said in his blog (here) and I repeated in my previous blog (here), no consideration was done for changing lifestyle habits of diet and exercise.
If people will not change their lifestyles and are put on intensive glucose-lowering therapies, there is no reason to expect anything other than the results obtained. I say that they should stop spending money on worthless analysis of things that we already know, and concentrate on ways to get the results needed to reduce cardiovascular events and the other complications diabetes can cause. This means looking at what lifestyle changes will accomplish this and how best to work with patients to obtain these results.
This needs to be a lengthy study as it does take time for people to get into an exercise routine that they can sustain and enjoy. Changes in eating habits also take time as people have developed bad habits over time and will have to be shown how to sustain good eating habits and get past the hunger pangs and into good dietary habits. Other lifestyle changes will also be necessary such as regular eating times and carbohydrate counting will become necessary.
Then once these are in full operation and patients are seeing results, then glucose-lowering therapies can be gradually introduced if needed to assist patients in achieving their goals and possible reduce or prevent the related diabetes complications. It should be possible to patients to do lifestyle changes to manage diabetes and lower the risks for complications – if done properly.
The press release of this study may be read here.
New Horizons for New Doctors
To contact us Click HERE
This sounds exciting and for once the medical students are the guinea pigs. Will this mean more compassionate doctors? This will remain to be seen, but I like the analogies used in the article. What is discouraging is the length of time required to make this a national program and not just at two medical schools working together.
Stephen Klasko, MD, MBA, dean of the University of South Florida (USF) College of Medicine in Tampa, where the SELECT (Scholarly Excellence. Leadership Experiences. Collaborative Training) program is based stated, “we intend to change the DNA of healthcare, one future physician leader at a time. This medical school admissions program is set up to consider the individual's emotional intelligence in addition to the individual's ability to memorize organic chemistry formulas and score high on MCAT.
Dr Klasko said that he has observed medical care shifting from the model of the kindly Dr. Welby to the narcissistic, brusk, but brilliant Dr. House. The SELECT program is meant to produce physicians who will be as bright as Dr. House, but as compassionate as Dr. Welby.
SELECT was jointly created and operated by USF College of Medicine, where students will spend their first 2 years, and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where they will complete their clinical training within a healthcare network that shares this philosophy.
The four-year program will have new methods to teach the science and technical expertise that are needed for the practice of medicine while putting patients and their needs and expectations at the forefront.
I will let you read about the details in the article here. I find this promising for the future of medicine where doctors will not use fear and myths to frighten patients, but use their intelligence to enlighten patients and teach patients what needs to be accomplished for their better health. This will put the patient first and the medical problem as part of the patients desires and goals.
Stephen Klasko, MD, MBA, dean of the University of South Florida (USF) College of Medicine in Tampa, where the SELECT (Scholarly Excellence. Leadership Experiences. Collaborative Training) program is based stated, “we intend to change the DNA of healthcare, one future physician leader at a time. This medical school admissions program is set up to consider the individual's emotional intelligence in addition to the individual's ability to memorize organic chemistry formulas and score high on MCAT.
Dr Klasko said that he has observed medical care shifting from the model of the kindly Dr. Welby to the narcissistic, brusk, but brilliant Dr. House. The SELECT program is meant to produce physicians who will be as bright as Dr. House, but as compassionate as Dr. Welby.
SELECT was jointly created and operated by USF College of Medicine, where students will spend their first 2 years, and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where they will complete their clinical training within a healthcare network that shares this philosophy.
The four-year program will have new methods to teach the science and technical expertise that are needed for the practice of medicine while putting patients and their needs and expectations at the forefront.
I will let you read about the details in the article here. I find this promising for the future of medicine where doctors will not use fear and myths to frighten patients, but use their intelligence to enlighten patients and teach patients what needs to be accomplished for their better health. This will put the patient first and the medical problem as part of the patients desires and goals.
US Guidelines for Sugar May Be Too High
To contact us Click HERE
You Think!!!. Hopefully results from a new study will end the plate method of nutrition. The study shows that adults who consume 25 percent of their daily calories from fructose or high-fructose corn syrup beverages for two weeks experience increases in serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Yet, this percentage is within the current government guidelines. Another reason why we don't need government involvement in nutritional guidelines.
The authors of the latest study are hoping the results will spur the government to reevaluate the guidelines. Fat chance, I say for this to happen as this would have to affect government subsidies and turn certain agricultural interests against government.
While the official print is not set for publication until October 2011, the press release is interesting and thought provoking to say it mildly.
Senior author Kimber Stanhope, PhD, from the departments of nutrition and molecular biosciences, University of California, Davis, and colleagues say “the study was conducted to help sort out a discrepancy in 2 prominent sets of recommendations - the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, jointly published by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture, recommend that people consume a maximum of 25% of their daily calories as added sugars. In contrast, the American Heart Association recommends an upper limit of 5%.”
"While there is evidence that people who consume sugar are more likely to have heart disease or diabetes, it is controversial as to whether high sugar diets may actually promote these diseases, and dietary guidelines are conflicting," remarked Dr. Stanhope in a press release.
The study was done to highlight the effects of the higher government-recommended limits of sugar consumption. The study is too small (48 individuals) to be taken seriously and involved consuming beverages that contained fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, or glucose at the 25 percent upper limit for calorie intake for two weeks. The study did not include sucrose.
The researchers claim that survey (but no data from any survey is included) suggests that thirteen percent of the US population consumes 25 percent or more of their calories from added sugar. The researchers conclude, their findings indicate the need for the government to reconsider its recommendations that the maximum upper limit of 25 percent of total energy be received from added sugar.
For this study to be sufficient to make such bold recommendations seems a stretch and more like a plea (although not part of the release) for funding of a larger study.
The authors of the latest study are hoping the results will spur the government to reevaluate the guidelines. Fat chance, I say for this to happen as this would have to affect government subsidies and turn certain agricultural interests against government.
While the official print is not set for publication until October 2011, the press release is interesting and thought provoking to say it mildly.
Senior author Kimber Stanhope, PhD, from the departments of nutrition and molecular biosciences, University of California, Davis, and colleagues say “the study was conducted to help sort out a discrepancy in 2 prominent sets of recommendations - the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, jointly published by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture, recommend that people consume a maximum of 25% of their daily calories as added sugars. In contrast, the American Heart Association recommends an upper limit of 5%.”
"While there is evidence that people who consume sugar are more likely to have heart disease or diabetes, it is controversial as to whether high sugar diets may actually promote these diseases, and dietary guidelines are conflicting," remarked Dr. Stanhope in a press release.
The study was done to highlight the effects of the higher government-recommended limits of sugar consumption. The study is too small (48 individuals) to be taken seriously and involved consuming beverages that contained fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, or glucose at the 25 percent upper limit for calorie intake for two weeks. The study did not include sucrose.
The researchers claim that survey (but no data from any survey is included) suggests that thirteen percent of the US population consumes 25 percent or more of their calories from added sugar. The researchers conclude, their findings indicate the need for the government to reconsider its recommendations that the maximum upper limit of 25 percent of total energy be received from added sugar.
For this study to be sufficient to make such bold recommendations seems a stretch and more like a plea (although not part of the release) for funding of a larger study.
Intensive Versus Conventional BG Debate Rages On
To contact us Click HERE
Although this study is little different from the other European studies published recently it does add a few insights and hypothesize on some other ideas and for that I will give them credit. However, they leave a few things unstated that need definition. When they use the term conventional, they do nothing to enlighten readers about how the term is being used or meant to indicate.
From some other statements, we are left wondering what they consider normal blood glucose levels. We can all guess when they say normal levels of people without diabetes. So normal levels for people with diabetes is considered ??? (guessing about 7.0 on the US A1c scale).
One thing everyone seems very concerned about in all the articles published recently is hypoglycemia. I do agree that it is something to be concerned about, but unless you are hypoglycemically unaware or afraid to test, I find this argument less than appealing in proper management of diabetes. It is always a factor that needs careful attention and concern, but if a person is careful and understands their body, a blood glucose level of 5.5 to 6.4 A1c is attainable without intensive lowering therapy.
Then when you add exercise and nutritional restraint it is even more attainable and the blood glucose level of 5.0 is reasonable. I will admit that I would be concerned about getting to the level of 4.5 for an A1c and the possibility of hypoglycemia.
The authors state that while there was little difference between intensive and conventional blood glucose therapy, there is a definite advantage for lower blood glucose levels in reducing the small blood vessel damage leading to damage to the eyes and kidneys. They forget to mention the additional advantages of lower blood glucose levels in preventing blood vessel damage to the inner ear to prevent hearing loss and the prevention of diabetic neuropathy.
This study basically covers the same ground as the German and French studies, but it was done in Denmark. I have written about these studies also. The press release for this study can be read here.
From some other statements, we are left wondering what they consider normal blood glucose levels. We can all guess when they say normal levels of people without diabetes. So normal levels for people with diabetes is considered ??? (guessing about 7.0 on the US A1c scale).
One thing everyone seems very concerned about in all the articles published recently is hypoglycemia. I do agree that it is something to be concerned about, but unless you are hypoglycemically unaware or afraid to test, I find this argument less than appealing in proper management of diabetes. It is always a factor that needs careful attention and concern, but if a person is careful and understands their body, a blood glucose level of 5.5 to 6.4 A1c is attainable without intensive lowering therapy.
Then when you add exercise and nutritional restraint it is even more attainable and the blood glucose level of 5.0 is reasonable. I will admit that I would be concerned about getting to the level of 4.5 for an A1c and the possibility of hypoglycemia.
The authors state that while there was little difference between intensive and conventional blood glucose therapy, there is a definite advantage for lower blood glucose levels in reducing the small blood vessel damage leading to damage to the eyes and kidneys. They forget to mention the additional advantages of lower blood glucose levels in preventing blood vessel damage to the inner ear to prevent hearing loss and the prevention of diabetic neuropathy.
This study basically covers the same ground as the German and French studies, but it was done in Denmark. I have written about these studies also. The press release for this study can be read here.
New Rules Proposed for Studies and Researchers
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This is somewhat like rules to protect the rule breakers. Yes, a little extreme, but when it comes to the government writing rules, this includes everyone but those in the government. The largest abuser of human subjects is the Veterans Administration which seemingly gets to do what it wants to abuse veterans in trails and studies. But this is just my view of existing rules and the new rules being proposed.
The article in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) lays out the history of the current rules first. Then it discusses the process of revising the current rules and the place to view the proposed new rules. While the responsibility of enforcing the rules rests with about 14 different federal departments and the Food and Drug Administration has similar but not identical regulations.
Most of the identification and investigation still rests with institutional review boards (IRBs), but as directed by the different federal departments for oversight. These IRBs need to be freed of some burdens to be able to their duties more effectively.
Two important items for discussion and potential revision of the rules (very much needed) is the exempt category and enhancing protections for research participants. Many studies continue to have the risk of having private information and inappropriate information released to the public. The proposal of having these studies in the exempt category fall under the rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is one of the better proposed rule changes.
The enhancing protections for research participants topic has many good suggestions and all need consideration. Briefly they are closing the gap that some studies use to bypass federal oversight, consolidation of reporting requirements of adverse events, revising informed consent documents to eliminate lengthy legal boilerplating, and making them more readable for knowledgeable informed consent, and finally rules about biospecimens – their control and use.
The one area I have not found any concern about are for regarding human participants is the Veterans Administration. Since they are a government entity, they do not seem the have an IRB to review their activities or any agency to discipline them for their rule violations. Therefore this is an area that needs attention and the Secretary of Defense needs to be able to empower a board of review for the Veterans Administration's abuse of our veterans. Yes, the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) have some reporting requirements for adverse events, but there seems to be no oversight or requirements for failure to report.
The authors do state that some reforms are needed now with the growing body of human participants and new types of research. They appropriately warn that these reforms should not be delayed for another 20 years.
The article in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) lays out the history of the current rules first. Then it discusses the process of revising the current rules and the place to view the proposed new rules. While the responsibility of enforcing the rules rests with about 14 different federal departments and the Food and Drug Administration has similar but not identical regulations.
Most of the identification and investigation still rests with institutional review boards (IRBs), but as directed by the different federal departments for oversight. These IRBs need to be freed of some burdens to be able to their duties more effectively.
Two important items for discussion and potential revision of the rules (very much needed) is the exempt category and enhancing protections for research participants. Many studies continue to have the risk of having private information and inappropriate information released to the public. The proposal of having these studies in the exempt category fall under the rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is one of the better proposed rule changes.
The enhancing protections for research participants topic has many good suggestions and all need consideration. Briefly they are closing the gap that some studies use to bypass federal oversight, consolidation of reporting requirements of adverse events, revising informed consent documents to eliminate lengthy legal boilerplating, and making them more readable for knowledgeable informed consent, and finally rules about biospecimens – their control and use.
The one area I have not found any concern about are for regarding human participants is the Veterans Administration. Since they are a government entity, they do not seem the have an IRB to review their activities or any agency to discipline them for their rule violations. Therefore this is an area that needs attention and the Secretary of Defense needs to be able to empower a board of review for the Veterans Administration's abuse of our veterans. Yes, the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) have some reporting requirements for adverse events, but there seems to be no oversight or requirements for failure to report.
The authors do state that some reforms are needed now with the growing body of human participants and new types of research. They appropriately warn that these reforms should not be delayed for another 20 years.
9 Ekim 2012 Salı
Nutrition Labels May Be Wrong
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I eat a handful of almonds a day because they are "healthy fat" and the crunch and taste are so good. But I have always wondered about the caloric intake and how it might adversely effect my constant focus on weight loss. I am happy to report on a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that shows what we thought we knew about almonds and their effect on weight may be all wrong.
The objective of the study was to determine the energy value of almonds in the human diet and compare it with the value calculated from prior known measures known as "Atwater factors". The Atwater system has been used for over 100 years and nutritionists and government labeling of foods have depended upon it to predict fat digestibility, heat combustion and caloric content of foods. The Atwater measurements have influenced the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference and this reference is used to report on protein, fat and carbohydrates contained in a serving of almonds.
These researchers found that the directly measured digestibility of fat and carbohydrates in the diet were actually decreased when almonds were eaten daily with the food. These fell far below the Atwater predicted values, which had overestimated the energy content by 32%. This means, rather than adding calories, simply adding a handful of almonds to my diet could result in more than a pound of weight loss a month.
In summary, the way we have been measuring and reporting calories, carbohydrate and fat consumption may be wrong for other foods as well as nuts. The nutrient labels that guide us use the Atwater General factors but these researchers found, in the case of almonds, that those labels may be off as much as 26%. The new method used in this study to measure the energy value of a single food is a significant improvement over past methods and older inaccurate methods may need to be revised so we actually know that labels are correct.
I look forward to more studies on nutrition that single out my favorite foods and show they are not fattening.
I eat a handful of almonds a day because they are "healthy fat" and the crunch and taste are so good. But I have always wondered about the caloric intake and how it might adversely effect my constant focus on weight loss. I am happy to report on a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that shows what we thought we knew about almonds and their effect on weight may be all wrong.The objective of the study was to determine the energy value of almonds in the human diet and compare it with the value calculated from prior known measures known as "Atwater factors". The Atwater system has been used for over 100 years and nutritionists and government labeling of foods have depended upon it to predict fat digestibility, heat combustion and caloric content of foods. The Atwater measurements have influenced the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference and this reference is used to report on protein, fat and carbohydrates contained in a serving of almonds.
These researchers found that the directly measured digestibility of fat and carbohydrates in the diet were actually decreased when almonds were eaten daily with the food. These fell far below the Atwater predicted values, which had overestimated the energy content by 32%. This means, rather than adding calories, simply adding a handful of almonds to my diet could result in more than a pound of weight loss a month.
In summary, the way we have been measuring and reporting calories, carbohydrate and fat consumption may be wrong for other foods as well as nuts. The nutrient labels that guide us use the Atwater General factors but these researchers found, in the case of almonds, that those labels may be off as much as 26%. The new method used in this study to measure the energy value of a single food is a significant improvement over past methods and older inaccurate methods may need to be revised so we actually know that labels are correct.
I look forward to more studies on nutrition that single out my favorite foods and show they are not fattening. Drug Seeking Patients
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Chronic pain and how to treat it is a big topic in the medical world right now. In one study, 39% of patients coming to the Emergency Department with pain reported an underlying chronic pain syndrome. Prescription drug seekers can overlap with patients who have true acute pain and need relief. We want to provide pain relief, yet we know that many of these prescription drugs get diverted and used for non-medical conditions.
After marijuana, prescription drugs are the most commonly abused drugs of 12th graders. More than cocaine, meth or other drugs that we worry about, kids are getting into their parents medicine cabinet. These prescriptions are getting into the wrong hands.
Doctors and pain clinic owners in three states were charged today with distributing prescription drugs in Kentucky, an area that is rampant with abuse. One doctor prescribed more than 125,000 Oxycodone pills from September 2006 until July 2011. And in Florida, several doctors were arrested this week for running a "Pill Mill" and pocketing millions of dollars.
Those are the egregious cases and jail is the best place for these physicians.
Most physicians, however, are caught in the difficult role of providing adequate pain relief for acute and chronic conditions and balancing that with the addictive potential of narcotic medications.
Most Emergency Department Physicians (and nurses) and every Primary Care Physician who has a few years of practice under her belt can spot a drug seeking patient. The tall tales are absurd and follow certain patterns:
Chronic pain is truly debilitating and we doctors want to relieve pain and help patients get back to their normal lives. But we can be the problem as well as the solution. Each narcotic prescription we write has the potential to harm as well as help and we have to be conscious of our own prescriptions and how they are used. My wish would be for a strong pain reliever with no side effects that is not addictive. Problem solved!
Chronic pain and how to treat it is a big topic in the medical world right now. In one study, 39% of patients coming to the Emergency Department with pain reported an underlying chronic pain syndrome. Prescription drug seekers can overlap with patients who have true acute pain and need relief. We want to provide pain relief, yet we know that many of these prescription drugs get diverted and used for non-medical conditions. After marijuana, prescription drugs are the most commonly abused drugs of 12th graders. More than cocaine, meth or other drugs that we worry about, kids are getting into their parents medicine cabinet. These prescriptions are getting into the wrong hands.
Doctors and pain clinic owners in three states were charged today with distributing prescription drugs in Kentucky, an area that is rampant with abuse. One doctor prescribed more than 125,000 Oxycodone pills from September 2006 until July 2011. And in Florida, several doctors were arrested this week for running a "Pill Mill" and pocketing millions of dollars.
Those are the egregious cases and jail is the best place for these physicians.
Most physicians, however, are caught in the difficult role of providing adequate pain relief for acute and chronic conditions and balancing that with the addictive potential of narcotic medications.
Most Emergency Department Physicians (and nurses) and every Primary Care Physician who has a few years of practice under her belt can spot a drug seeking patient. The tall tales are absurd and follow certain patterns:
- "I lost my prescription". Variations on this theme are that the pills fell in the toilet, were eaten by the dog, hamster or (insert animal here).
- "The pills disintegrated". The pills got wet, got mixed with noxious substance, the container opened and they got dirty.
- "I'm allergic to other pain relievers". This one is usually the new patient who gives the history of trying everything you mention, but only Vicodin or Oxycontin or Demerol will work. Period.
- "My prescription was stolen". Common tale. Lots of theft, it would seem.
- "I have recurrent (insert condition here) and need the medication on hand. (kidney stones, bowel obstruction, migraine headache, back pain, menstrual pain, sickle cell anemia...)
- "My pain is a 10 out of 10" . All the time
Chronic pain is truly debilitating and we doctors want to relieve pain and help patients get back to their normal lives. But we can be the problem as well as the solution. Each narcotic prescription we write has the potential to harm as well as help and we have to be conscious of our own prescriptions and how they are used. My wish would be for a strong pain reliever with no side effects that is not addictive. Problem solved! Amazing Survival
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Do you think anyone could survive such an injury? This 24 year old construction worker in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil survived after a 6 foot metal; bar fell from above and pierced his scull right between the eyes. And yes, he was wearing a hard hat! He arrived at the hospital conscious and talking.
The doctors performed a 5 hour surgery and pulled the metal bar out from the front of the skull in the same direction it had entered the brain. So far, so good. The Brazilian doctors said he is lucid and showing no negative signs post op.
I would say he "dodged a bullet...or dodged a big bar" on this one.
Do you think anyone could survive such an injury? This 24 year old construction worker in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil survived after a 6 foot metal; bar fell from above and pierced his scull right between the eyes. And yes, he was wearing a hard hat! He arrived at the hospital conscious and talking.
The doctors performed a 5 hour surgery and pulled the metal bar out from the front of the skull in the same direction it had entered the brain. So far, so good. The Brazilian doctors said he is lucid and showing no negative signs post op.
I would say he "dodged a bullet...or dodged a big bar" on this one.
EverythingHealth Favorite Summer Things
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Ahhhh...Summer. There are some things that are just so good...EverythingHealth wants to share them. Now that Oprah is no longer around to share her favorite things, we will fill the void. You may have some to add. Here are our Favorite Things for Summer:
Vitamix - It is not just a blender. The Vitamix is one of the wisest investments you can make and it may just change your life. Make smoothies, low fat ice cream, juice, sauces and salsa. Unlike a juicer, there is no pulp to waste. All of that vegetable and fruit fiber stays with the drink and the combinations for green smoothies are amazing. The best prices (and a cool demo) is at Costco. After using it several times a day, our Vitamix failed the low speed. One phone call to the company was all it took. We had no receipt or warranty, but they said send it in. (and we really missed it that week) It was returned good as new, no charge. Now that is service!
Home Grown Vegetables - If you have sunshine and a deck or rooftop, you can grow your own vegetables. Home grown organic tomatoes and zucchini are fool-proof. Basil and lettuce are a cinch and not much space is needed. Here is what can be done in just one 4X4 area. It is so simple if you follow the steps in "All New Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew. No digging, no tilling, no fertilizer. All organic and healthy.
Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Spray - It's our new favorite. It works even on wet skin and is waterproof. Best of all, it is so cooling when you are exercising.
Vacation Time - It doesn't have to be exotic and even a "staycation" can be wonderful if you unplug and do something different. Americans do not take enough vacation time...period.
A Good Book- And what would a vacation be without a good summer read? "Gone Girl" is great escapism...a modern marriage with a suspenseful twist that keeps you reading for hours. Humans are so complex!
What are some of your favorite healthy things?
Vitamix - It is not just a blender. The Vitamix is one of the wisest investments you can make and it may just change your life. Make smoothies, low fat ice cream, juice, sauces and salsa. Unlike a juicer, there is no pulp to waste. All of that vegetable and fruit fiber stays with the drink and the combinations for green smoothies are amazing. The best prices (and a cool demo) is at Costco. After using it several times a day, our Vitamix failed the low speed. One phone call to the company was all it took. We had no receipt or warranty, but they said send it in. (and we really missed it that week) It was returned good as new, no charge. Now that is service!Home Grown Vegetables - If you have sunshine and a deck or rooftop, you can grow your own vegetables. Home grown organic tomatoes and zucchini are fool-proof. Basil and lettuce are a cinch and not much space is needed. Here is what can be done in just one 4X4 area. It is so simple if you follow the steps in "All New Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew. No digging, no tilling, no fertilizer. All organic and healthy.Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Spray - It's our new favorite. It works even on wet skin and is waterproof. Best of all, it is so cooling when you are exercising. Vacation Time - It doesn't have to be exotic and even a "staycation" can be wonderful if you unplug and do something different. Americans do not take enough vacation time...period.A Good Book- And what would a vacation be without a good summer read? "Gone Girl" is great escapism...a modern marriage with a suspenseful twist that keeps you reading for hours. Humans are so complex!
What are some of your favorite healthy things?
Prevention is Key for West Nile Virus
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The end of August is West Nile Virus season in the UnitedStates and this year has been a bad one with the most reported infections anddeaths from the disease. By August 30 there were a total of 1,590 cases nationally with 66 deaths, according tothe Center for Disease Control (CDC). That is a 40% rise in just one week!
For West Nile Virus, birds are the vector. Mosquitoes who biteinfected birds can pass the virus on to humans. The virus is amplified over the summer in bird populations and hotterthan normal temperatures this summer may be a factor in the increasedcases we are seeing this year. It is not spread by human-to-humancontact or from other animals to humans.
West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infectedNorthern House Mosquito (Culex pipiens).It was first discovered in 1999 and since that time over 30,000 people havebeen sickened by the disease. According to the CDC, 75% of this year’s serious cases have beenreported from 5 states (Texas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Oklahoma andMississippi) and almost half of all cases have been reported from Texas. So far this year 34 cases have beenfound in California.
Most people who are bit by West Nile Virus carryingmosquitoes will have no symptoms at all. For the ones who do become ill, the infection is usually mild. Flu-like symptoms can appear 3-14 daysafter a bite and include:
Four out of five people will never know they are infectedand will have immunity for life from West Nile Disease. But people over age 50 are at thehighest risk for developing severe West Nile Disease. Healthy, active older adults who spend time working andexercising outdoors can develop severe disease. Also people who are immune-suppressed or are fighting offother illnesses can get extremely ill with West Nile Virus and even die.
The severesymptoms include high fever, encephalitis, headache, neck stiffness, visionloss, convulsions and even paralysis.
To diagnose West Nile Virus, the doctor will do a blood testor a cerebrospinal tap to test for antibodies to the virus. A 2nd blood test is neededtwo to three weeks later to confirm the diagnosis.
There is no treatment for West Nile infection and there isno vaccine. All the care issupportive.
Here are some tips to protect against West Nile Virus:
Remember this: The chance of becoming ill from West Nile Virus is quite low. But if you are older and will beoutdoors in a mosquito-infested area, make sure you protect yourself withclothing and chemical repellants. There is no treatment so prevention is key.
The end of August is West Nile Virus season in the UnitedStates and this year has been a bad one with the most reported infections anddeaths from the disease. By August 30 there were a total of 1,590 cases nationally with 66 deaths, according tothe Center for Disease Control (CDC). That is a 40% rise in just one week!
For West Nile Virus, birds are the vector. Mosquitoes who biteinfected birds can pass the virus on to humans. The virus is amplified over the summer in bird populations and hotterthan normal temperatures this summer may be a factor in the increasedcases we are seeing this year. It is not spread by human-to-humancontact or from other animals to humans.
West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infectedNorthern House Mosquito (Culex pipiens).It was first discovered in 1999 and since that time over 30,000 people havebeen sickened by the disease. According to the CDC, 75% of this year’s serious cases have beenreported from 5 states (Texas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Oklahoma andMississippi) and almost half of all cases have been reported from Texas. So far this year 34 cases have beenfound in California.Most people who are bit by West Nile Virus carryingmosquitoes will have no symptoms at all. For the ones who do become ill, the infection is usually mild. Flu-like symptoms can appear 3-14 daysafter a bite and include:
- Fever
- Aching muscles and head ache
- Swollen lymph glands
- Skin rash
Four out of five people will never know they are infectedand will have immunity for life from West Nile Disease. But people over age 50 are at thehighest risk for developing severe West Nile Disease. Healthy, active older adults who spend time working andexercising outdoors can develop severe disease. Also people who are immune-suppressed or are fighting offother illnesses can get extremely ill with West Nile Virus and even die.
The severesymptoms include high fever, encephalitis, headache, neck stiffness, visionloss, convulsions and even paralysis.
To diagnose West Nile Virus, the doctor will do a blood testor a cerebrospinal tap to test for antibodies to the virus. A 2nd blood test is neededtwo to three weeks later to confirm the diagnosis.
There is no treatment for West Nile infection and there isno vaccine. All the care issupportive.
Here are some tips to protect against West Nile Virus:
- Eliminate standing water including flower pots, plastic containers, wading pools, and roof gutters. Fill birdbaths with fresh water at least once a week. Mosquitoes are aquatic and they must have standing water to develop from egg to adult.
- Wear light colored clothing, long sleeve shirts or long pants, especially in the evening when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and perfumes.
- Use mosquito repellent if outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn. Sprays and lotions containing DEET are the most effective but use products with 30% or less DEET and for children use 15% or less. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, a plant-based repellent is also effective. Repellents don’t kill mosquitoes; they just make you less attractive.
- Sonic repellants do not work but smoke pots and citronella candles can help.
Remember this: The chance of becoming ill from West Nile Virus is quite low. But if you are older and will beoutdoors in a mosquito-infested area, make sure you protect yourself withclothing and chemical repellants. There is no treatment so prevention is key.
8 Ekim 2012 Pazartesi
Southern Kentucky circuit judge was probably the first to die in Tenn. from fungal meningitis outbreak stemming from tainted steroids
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The first person to die in Tennessee from the nine-state meningitis outbreak liked to bad steroids was most likely Kentucky Circuit Judge Eddie C. Lovelace of Albany, 78, who died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Sept. 17. John Dreyzehner, Tennessee's commissioner of health, said Friday that the number of Tennesseans affected by the meningitis outbreak has now risen to 29. The number of deaths is unchanged at three.The search for more affected patients will continue "for some time," he said.Investigators haven't found evidence that the clinics or clinicians in Tennessee did anything to cause the outbreak, which has been reported in other states.
In July and August, Lovelace received three rounds of the pain-relieving steroid injections suspected of causing the outbreak of the rare disease, Joyce Lovelace, his wife of 55 years, told Adam Tamburin of The Tennessean.Representatives of the Saint Thomas Hospital Outpatient Neurosurgery Center, where he received the injections, are reported to have called Joyce Lovelace twice after his death to discuss his condition. They did not mention the outbreak, she said, nor have they confirmed that that was his cause of death.
Vanderbilt spokespeople have confirmed to the newspaper that "the first reported casualty of the outbreak was a 78-year-old man who died there on Sept. 17." Doctors told his family that his unexpected death was likely caused by a stroke, which is common among critically ill meningitis patients. His symptoms -- slurred speech, trouble walking and numbness -- are consistent with symptoms of fungal meningitis.
Lovelace had been a circuit court judge for two decades, and commonwealth's attorney and county attorney before that. “He always wanted to be known as a judge who knew the law, and he certainly was.” Joyce Lovelace said. “His career was not over. He had years yet to work.” (Read more) Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear may fill Lovelace's nonpartisan vacancy with state Sen. David Williams of Burkesville, who has been president of the Senate since Republicans took formal control of the chamber in 2000.
UPDATE, Oct. 6: The New York Times reports that nine states have reported meningitis cases connected to the steroids made by a Massachusetts company, which shipped the steroids to 14 other states. "Some doctors and clinics have turned away from major drug manufacturers and have taken their business to so-called compounding pharmacies, like New England Compounding, which mix up batches of drugs on their own, often for much lower prices than major manufacturers charge — and with little of the federal oversight of drug safety and quality that is routine for the big companies." (Read more) New England Compounding has recalled the steroids, The Tennessean reports.
 |
| Judge Eddie C. Lovelace |
In July and August, Lovelace received three rounds of the pain-relieving steroid injections suspected of causing the outbreak of the rare disease, Joyce Lovelace, his wife of 55 years, told Adam Tamburin of The Tennessean.Representatives of the Saint Thomas Hospital Outpatient Neurosurgery Center, where he received the injections, are reported to have called Joyce Lovelace twice after his death to discuss his condition. They did not mention the outbreak, she said, nor have they confirmed that that was his cause of death.
Vanderbilt spokespeople have confirmed to the newspaper that "the first reported casualty of the outbreak was a 78-year-old man who died there on Sept. 17." Doctors told his family that his unexpected death was likely caused by a stroke, which is common among critically ill meningitis patients. His symptoms -- slurred speech, trouble walking and numbness -- are consistent with symptoms of fungal meningitis.
Lovelace had been a circuit court judge for two decades, and commonwealth's attorney and county attorney before that. “He always wanted to be known as a judge who knew the law, and he certainly was.” Joyce Lovelace said. “His career was not over. He had years yet to work.” (Read more) Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear may fill Lovelace's nonpartisan vacancy with state Sen. David Williams of Burkesville, who has been president of the Senate since Republicans took formal control of the chamber in 2000.
UPDATE, Oct. 6: The New York Times reports that nine states have reported meningitis cases connected to the steroids made by a Massachusetts company, which shipped the steroids to 14 other states. "Some doctors and clinics have turned away from major drug manufacturers and have taken their business to so-called compounding pharmacies, like New England Compounding, which mix up batches of drugs on their own, often for much lower prices than major manufacturers charge — and with little of the federal oversight of drug safety and quality that is routine for the big companies." (Read more) New England Compounding has recalled the steroids, The Tennessean reports.
Annual report for Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky region shows employee health care costs there will go up about $400 next year
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In an continuing effort to move health costs off the shoulders of employers and onto employees, workers in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will likely pay an average $4,775 out of their own pockets for health care in 2013 -- about $400 more than this year. That's nearly $2,000 more than they paid in 2007. The payments include premiums through their employer, as well as office co-pays and deductibles, said Aon Hewitt, the consultant that produced its annual cost report.These payments are slightly less than the national average of $4,814.
The trend toward "more employee accountability" means that nearly all companies are adjusting the designs of their employee plans, adding wellness programs and moving more employees to high-deductible plans with health savings accounts, reports Cliff Peale of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Penalties are now common for workers who smoke or who don’t take required health screenings.
The report notes that companies continue to bear most of the cost of their employees’ health insurance. It also predicts that, counting the portion paid by both companies and workers, the cost of a health care policy will increase 6.4 percent next year to $11,566.That should return the region to numbers more aligned with the national average. About half of all Americans still get benefits through their employers, and there are nearly 50 million without health insurance at all.(Read more)
The trend toward "more employee accountability" means that nearly all companies are adjusting the designs of their employee plans, adding wellness programs and moving more employees to high-deductible plans with health savings accounts, reports Cliff Peale of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Penalties are now common for workers who smoke or who don’t take required health screenings.
The report notes that companies continue to bear most of the cost of their employees’ health insurance. It also predicts that, counting the portion paid by both companies and workers, the cost of a health care policy will increase 6.4 percent next year to $11,566.That should return the region to numbers more aligned with the national average. About half of all Americans still get benefits through their employers, and there are nearly 50 million without health insurance at all.(Read more)
First lady speaks out on behalf of domestic-violence victims; Ky. is one of four states without protection for date-violence victims
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First Lady Jane Beshear pointed out the accomplishments of the anti-domestic violence movement in Kentucky this week, and spoke the names of 26 women who had died at the hands of their abusers this year. With that, she then announced that October would again be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Kentucky.
“Nearly one-third of all American women report being abused at some point in their lives. Abuse affects more than just individuals -- families and communities suffer, too,” said Beshear. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is the opportunity for all Kentuckians to learn how to recognize the signs of domestic abuse and to show support for victims as they work to regain control of their lives.”
Kentucky is one of only four states that do not provide protection for victims of dating violence. “In celebrating the successes of the Violence Against Women Act, we must acknowledge the work still left to do,” said KDVA President Anne Perkins, who also serves as executive director of Safe Harbor, a regional domestic violence program in Ashland. She called on state legislators to pass a new dating violence bill during the next legislative session. Research shows that young women between the ages of 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of intimate partner violence.
First Lady Jane Beshear pointed out the accomplishments of the anti-domestic violence movement in Kentucky this week, and spoke the names of 26 women who had died at the hands of their abusers this year. With that, she then announced that October would again be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Kentucky.“Nearly one-third of all American women report being abused at some point in their lives. Abuse affects more than just individuals -- families and communities suffer, too,” said Beshear. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is the opportunity for all Kentuckians to learn how to recognize the signs of domestic abuse and to show support for victims as they work to regain control of their lives.”
Kentucky is one of only four states that do not provide protection for victims of dating violence. “In celebrating the successes of the Violence Against Women Act, we must acknowledge the work still left to do,” said KDVA President Anne Perkins, who also serves as executive director of Safe Harbor, a regional domestic violence program in Ashland. She called on state legislators to pass a new dating violence bill during the next legislative session. Research shows that young women between the ages of 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of intimate partner violence.
Covington police chief: New prescription drug law has unintended consequence of encouraging pain pill addicts to move on to heroin
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Kentucky's new prescription drug law may be having its desired effect of taking prescription painkillers off the streets but could be forcing those very same addicts into transitioning to heroin. That's the view of Covington Police Chief Spike Jones who took his case to the Kentucky Senate Judiciary Committee last week to complain about increased crime in his area and to ask for some money for help.
The drug law passed in April 2012 -- known in some circles as House Bill 1 -- was written such that Kentucky doctors are required to complete patients' medical histories, conduct physicals, check photo identifications and run names through the state's KASPER (Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting) database before prescribing a controlled substance for pain relief. It has required a vast network of oversight of doctors and patients by government and licensing entities. This has reportedly caused some doctors to stop writing those prescriptions completely.
Tiffany Wilson of Cincinnati's WKRC-TV reports that Chief Jones reports more prostitution, theft, car thefts and car break-ins in his northern Kentucky region. He asked the state legislature for money to research how deep the problem is and to discuss the need for more treatment facilities.
Jones pointed to the recent closure of the pain management clinic of Dr. Gary Shearer in Florence as adding to the problem. Shearer's license was suspended following the death of 15 patients from prescription drug overdoses. These patients, Jones told Wilson, are exactly the ones at risk for taking the next step and turning to heroin. He added that heroin dealers will often give potential customers the first hit for free, "and from that point, there's no returning to prescription pills." (Read more)
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| Black tar heroin |
The drug law passed in April 2012 -- known in some circles as House Bill 1 -- was written such that Kentucky doctors are required to complete patients' medical histories, conduct physicals, check photo identifications and run names through the state's KASPER (Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting) database before prescribing a controlled substance for pain relief. It has required a vast network of oversight of doctors and patients by government and licensing entities. This has reportedly caused some doctors to stop writing those prescriptions completely.
Tiffany Wilson of Cincinnati's WKRC-TV reports that Chief Jones reports more prostitution, theft, car thefts and car break-ins in his northern Kentucky region. He asked the state legislature for money to research how deep the problem is and to discuss the need for more treatment facilities.
Jones pointed to the recent closure of the pain management clinic of Dr. Gary Shearer in Florence as adding to the problem. Shearer's license was suspended following the death of 15 patients from prescription drug overdoses. These patients, Jones told Wilson, are exactly the ones at risk for taking the next step and turning to heroin. He added that heroin dealers will often give potential customers the first hit for free, "and from that point, there's no returning to prescription pills." (Read more)
State's hospitals see impressive growth spurt from nearly $1 billion in capital investment
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Kentucky’s major hospital systems are going big, making high-profile, technology-forward capital investments across the commonwealth. Josh Shepherd of The Lane Report writes that every sector of the state is part of the hospital boom. The state's cumulative total of investment since 2010 is roughly a billion dollars, notes Shepherd, and has meant hundreds of construction and, soon, medical and other hospital-related jobs. Here's the list of the most notable construction projects now under way:
Owensboro Medical Health System, $385 million, a new complex (pictured, above) that will allow expansion for the next 50 years, completion date: summer 2013. Norton Healthcare System, Louisville, converting Suburban Hospital into Norton Women's Hospital and Kosair Children's Hospital, $120 million, completion date: 2013. Pikeville Medical Center, new office building and parking facility, $130 million, completion soon. Baptist Health, Lexington, expansion of Central Baptist Hospital medical services complex with parking structure, $200 million. University of Kentucky Healthcare, Chandler Medical Center, $750 million, includes new plans for Shriners Hospital for Children. Frankfort Regional Hospital, $8 million expansion, emergency department. Trigg County Hospital, $7 million, surgery and rehabilitation unit. Lifepoint Hospitals-owned Clark Regional Medical Center, $60 million, 79-bed hospital. (Read more)
Kentucky’s major hospital systems are going big, making high-profile, technology-forward capital investments across the commonwealth. Josh Shepherd of The Lane Report writes that every sector of the state is part of the hospital boom. The state's cumulative total of investment since 2010 is roughly a billion dollars, notes Shepherd, and has meant hundreds of construction and, soon, medical and other hospital-related jobs. Here's the list of the most notable construction projects now under way:7 Ekim 2012 Pazar
Beware of Fake Viagra
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If you have a computer, you have certainly seen the many ads for on-line pharmacies where you can get just about any medication mailed to you. Beware of fake Viagra (sildenafil). According to researchers at the World Meeting on Sexual Medicine, they reported an analysis of tablets purchased from 22 different websites. They found 77% of the samples were counterfeit and contained only between 30%-50% of the levels of active ingredient. Some were adulterated with dangerous chemicals.
None of these phony websites required a prescription and 91% offered "generic Viagra" which the FDA has not yet authorized. The fastest growing drug class in the world is counterfeit medications and it isn't just Viagra.
Not all on-line pharmacies are crooks. Some Canadian and UK pharmacies deliver a quality product for a fraction of the price. They require authorized prescriptions from the doctor. But if you see something that is too good to be true...it is. Not true that is.
If you have a computer, you have certainly seen the many ads for on-line pharmacies where you can get just about any medication mailed to you. Beware of fake Viagra (sildenafil). According to researchers at the World Meeting on Sexual Medicine, they reported an analysis of tablets purchased from 22 different websites. They found 77% of the samples were counterfeit and contained only between 30%-50% of the levels of active ingredient. Some were adulterated with dangerous chemicals.None of these phony websites required a prescription and 91% offered "generic Viagra" which the FDA has not yet authorized. The fastest growing drug class in the world is counterfeit medications and it isn't just Viagra.
Not all on-line pharmacies are crooks. Some Canadian and UK pharmacies deliver a quality product for a fraction of the price. They require authorized prescriptions from the doctor. But if you see something that is too good to be true...it is. Not true that is.
Bedbug Bites
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The answer to yesterday's medical diagnostic challenge is #1 - Bedbug bites. Bedbugs frequently attack exposed areas of the skin and are attracted to humans' high body temperature. Cutaneous (skin) reactions to bedbug bites are characterized by erythematous (red) or "hive-like" papules. Lesions observed in a linear or cluster formation are typical.
This patient's bites responded to treatment with topical glucocorticoids.
The answer to yesterday's medical diagnostic challenge is #1 - Bedbug bites. Bedbugs frequently attack exposed areas of the skin and are attracted to humans' high body temperature. Cutaneous (skin) reactions to bedbug bites are characterized by erythematous (red) or "hive-like" papules. Lesions observed in a linear or cluster formation are typical. This patient's bites responded to treatment with topical glucocorticoids.
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