MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'blood,'. Tue, 04 May 2010 18:18:21 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3530057&cid=t_330129_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2F03%2Fhome-blood-pressure-monitoring-better-than-doctors-readings%2F Not uncommonly in practice I see individuals who have a diagnosis of possible ‘hypertension’ (high blood pressure) hanging over their heads. Usually what has happened here is that a doctor has noted a high or borderline high reading, which has been ‘confirmed’ again on another visit. Perhaps not surprisingly, individuals can be quite uptight about [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3530057 Mon, 03 May 2010 22:25:18 +0100 3530057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529775&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D463 For years, we’ve been told that a woman may experience dental problems during pregnancy.  But popular wisdom has held that any extensive dental care to resolve a problem during pregnancy should be put on hold till after the baby is born to avoid any unanticipated issues with the treatment. Now a study reports that it is imperative to resolve dental problems when they happen and not to wait till post-delivery.  Apparently, the bacteria that may form as a result of dental problems can be transmitted to newborns in a number of ways common to mothering (you know, kissing your baby, feeding your baby, etc).  Infants are not born with bacteria in their mouths and the transmission of such can create “rampant tooth decay” in the child as he or she grows. So don’t avoid t... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529775 Mon, 03 May 2010 16:09:24 +0100 3529775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526911&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FYJPemW9EVOM%2Fa-la-carte---food-and-blood-glucose-monitoring.php Shh, I have a secret!  The food wasn't that bad at the hospital during my recent post-surgical stay, even though I stuck to the lower carbohydrate options.Since the menu was a la carte, the variety of choices was pleasing and the ability to choose lower carb items was available.  So many combinations were possible with the items published under "soups and salads", "main dishes", "side dishes", "starches", "sweets", "beverages", and "condiments".  Knowing my own personal dietary needs as someone with type 2 diabetes, it was quite easy to select vegetable beef soup and a fruit cup for lunch or sausage links and a light yogurt for breakfast without going into carb overload.  The only "huh?" moment came with the juice boxes that were placed on every meal tray.  Those g... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526911 Mon, 03 May 2010 13:05:00 +0100 3526911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524113&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Famerican-obesity-and-sugar-sweetened-beverages%2F2010.05.01 We are a nation stricken with an epidemic of obesity, which contributes to the incidence of diabetes and heart disease. Each of these has been linked to consumption of sugar intake, and in particular, sugar-sweetened beverages. There’s nothing evil about sugar — it’s just that too much of it in certain forms is bad for you. For the purpose of definition, sugar-sweetened beverages contain added, naturally-derived caloric sweeteners such as sucrose (table sugar), high-fructose corn syrup, or fruit juice concentrates. (more…) This post, American Obesity And Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, was originally published on Healthine.com by Paul S Auerbach M.D., M.S.. (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524113 Sat, 01 May 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3524113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524115&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmcdonald%25e2%2580%2599s-vs-dash-two-days-two-diets%2F2010.05.01 This week I’ve been trying to eat according to the DASH guidelines for lowering blood pressure. It actually hasn’t been too difficult — partly because I’m not following their strictest guidelines, which call for just 1,300 milligrams of sodium and 16 grams of saturated fat a day. I’ve been shooting for 2,300 milligrams of sodium and 22 grams of saturated fat. In 2003, I tried a somewhat different “diet,” which in some ways was more difficult to follow, even though it only lasted one day. My son Jim (then age 11) and I ate every meal at McDonald’s for an entire day (yes, this was before Super Size Me). We recorded the experience on the Web. I thought it would be interesting to compare my day at McDonald’s to a typical day on DASH. (more…) *This blog p... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524115 Sat, 01 May 2010 16:00:38 +0100 3524115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519449&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D466 Sorry, I don’t want to give you something else to worry about.  Goodness knows, a trip to the doc, a step on the scale, the long ride home without a frappaccino….don’t we have enough on our minds? But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this, since it may be more motivating than how we look carrying around our little loved one. I’d be concerned that what I’m eating now may contribute to a child’s weight situation when she’s six! But here are the facts drilled down a bit:  mom’s weigh gain does not necessasarily correlate with the amount of body fat a child of six may have; but there is a correlation between mom’s pregnancy weight gain and the chances of her child actually being overweight. Here’s the article. Comment... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519449 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:18:30 +0100 3519449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515301&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F04%2F29%2Fspices-heal-diabetes%2F Filed under: ResearchPakistani and American researchers showed in 2003 that adding spices to your diet can help control cholesterol and blood sugar. In the study type 2 diabetics took powdered cinnamon to lower their blood sugar, LDL and triglycerides. One study, however, isn't proof. More recent studies showed that 3 grams of powdered cinnamon a day lowered blood sugar by 10 percent, but didn't affect LDL or triglycerides. Other studies showed that it might depend on the age and sex of the diabetic. If you want to give cinnamon a try, go ahead - but be advised that no one knows if megadoses have side effects or interact with other medications. And don't give up your traditional medications. Check out more diabetes information on AOL Health.Permalink | Email this | L... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515301 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3515301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511703&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fjessica-bernstein-rethinking-diabetes-from-the-ground-up.html Jessica Bernstein wants to take “control” out of the diabetes vocabulary. So read the headline when she was featured in the San Francisco Chronicle last week. Jessica is a San Francisco Bay Area psychologist who was diagnosed herself with type 1 diabetes when she was just a year old. She’s spent much of her [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511703 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:25 +0100 3511703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508178&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D474 MAZE Cord Blood Kit (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508178 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:34:36 +0100 3508178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504900&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D470 The list below shows hospitals that actively collect cord blood for public cord blood banks that are part of the National Marrow Donor Program Network of banks in New York State. Maimonides Medical Center Brooklyn, NY Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, Inc. (561) 982-2900 www.giftoflife.org North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health Systems Manhasset, NY New York Blood Center http://www.nationalcordbloodprogram.org/ Long Island Jewish Medical Center New Hyde Park, NY New York Blood Center http://www.nationalcordbloodprogram.org/ Brooklyn Hospital New York, NY New York Blood Center http://www.nationalcordbloodprogram.org/ Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine New York, NY New York Blood Center http://www.nationalcordbloodprogram.org/ Mt. Sinai Hospital New York, NY Ne... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504900 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:29:30 +0100 3504900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3505155&cid=t_330129_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F26%2Fmy-advice-for-those-looking-to-have-an-energised-and-productive-afternoon%2F Apparently, it’s 30 years ago that Marks and Spencer (a UK-based food, clothing and home goods retailer) started selling pre-prepared sandwiches. Other retail outlets followed suit, and the end result is that sandwiches now are the prime lunch fodder for workers up and down the land. But do they represent prime fuel for those with [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3505155 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:16:57 +0100 3505155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499141&cid=t_330129_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fdonor-eggs-and-donor-embryos-how-much.html We have a very active donor egg and donor embryo IVF program. Many couples want to know more information about our donors - their physical traits; educational background; special interests; religion , and so on.This is perfectly understandable - after all, this is an anonymous and confidential donation, and it's quite natural to be curious and learn as much as possible about the person who is making such an important contribution to your future family !Also, I think patients' expectations have been set by US clinics and donor agencies, which provide extensive and detailed online catalogs and lists of donors. However, I sometimes wonder what the value of all this is. In my opinion, these resemble a shopping list too much for my liking ( but given the consumer culture in the USA, where every... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499141 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:26:00 +0100 3499141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494299&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D478 It’s a delight to read about intelligent practitioners and other supporters of the possibilities that banking cord blood presents.  This is particularly true when these professionals are objective contributers to the conversation, not paid spokespeople. Dr. Linda Burke-Galloway, M.D was recently inspired by the story of Chloe Levine and her cord blood transplant at Duke University to address symptoms of  cerebral palsy. You can read what she has to say about cord blood banking in terms of its efficacy and uses.  Be advised, however, that Dr. Galloway has some of the pricing wrong (which is fine since that’s not her bailiwick).  A cord blood bank that charges $1100 for processing and storage will total close to $4000 at the end of 20 years because of those annual storage fee... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494299 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:21:18 +0100 3494299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494492&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FbFYKzRJ_fHw%2Fthere-is-no-worry-in-healing.php Worrying about diabetes control is not on my to-do list before surgery next Thursday.  I have plenty to worry about with the following: Pre-operative appointments with the surgeons and nurses Cleaning my house to make it cozy when I come home from the hospital Completing assignments for the day job as well as my freelance career I can only improve on what happened back in December - blood sugar on the low side throughout hospital recovery (thanks to nausea) and higher blood sugars upon returning home on powerful antibiotics and painkillers.  The instances of high blood sugars didn't last long enough to raise eyebrows, especially as they dropped quickly once I completed the full regimen of those powerful prescription drugs.  This time around, a nausea patch h... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494492 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:46:30 +0100 3494492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490812&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fhappy-birthday-to-me.html Glucose averages looking good. Got a clean mammogram result last week. Enjoying a beautiful — if not entirely sunny — day today with my partner (still the love of my life) and my three unbelievable girls. Thinking about how much fun we had over Spring Break a few weeks’ back: Life is good, even when you no [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490812 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:20:08 +0100 3490812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490706&cid=t_330129_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fpoor-ovarian-reserve-as-cause-of.html One of the most frustrating diagnosis for infertile couples is that of unexplained infertility. In once sense, this is a " non-diagnosis" - it's a confession of our ignorance, and means that we do not know why the couple is not getting pregnant.Infertile patients find it very hard to understand why doctors cannot pinpoint the problem. Their major fear is that if the doctor cannot even find the problem, how will he be able to solveit ? Even worse, every menstrual cycle is a mixture of hope and dread. Every missed period may represent a pregnancy - finally ! And every time the period starts, the hopes are dashed and the waiting begins all over again !The good news is that as our technology improves, and we learn more about about reproductive biology, we have developed better tools to diagnos... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490706 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:22:00 +0100 3490706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487393&cid=t_330129_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2010%2F04%2Fstudy-opens-discussion-on-use-of-plasma-from-female-donors---related-stories---aabb-smartbrief.html - Related Stories - AABB SmartBrief.Noted this from my daily AABB SmartBrief.  Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) has been a stubbornly enigmatic disease entity since being first described in detail about 25 years ago.  Since antibody-associated TRALI (the most common and severe form) has almost exclusively been associated with women donors with a history of pregnancy, many centers have followed a straight-forward policy of excluding all female donors for plasma-rich products (e.g., FFP and apheresis platelets).  The U.K. instituted this policy nationally in 2003.  While in that country saw a decline of 66% in the incidence of "probable" TRALI and associated deaths in the three years following adoption of this policy, the price is exclusion of ... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487393 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:50:01 +0100 3487393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482886&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D460 Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed into law HB 102 requireing the Ohio Department of Health to place printable information on umbilical cord blood banking and donation on its website. The Department of Health also will encourage health care professionals to provide the information to pregnant women. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482886 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:39:14 +0100 3482886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3483063&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fwhats-new-in-diabetes-goods-reader-tips.html Thankfully, many readers send me emails when they hear about something newsworthy/ different/ fun/ controversial/ or quirky in the world of diabetes. Thank you! And keep those tips coming, pahhhleeese, People. Today, from the mailbag, three items that I simply had to share: New OneTouch Delica Lancing Device This one’s so new it doesn’t even appear on the [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3483063 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:00:06 +0100 3483063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482892&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fv%2F9dNQ6HVbvk8%26amp%3Brel%3D1%26amp%3Bcolor1%3Dd6d6d6%26amp%3Bcolor2%3Df0f0f0%26amp%3Bborder%3D0%26amp%3Bfs%3D1%26amp%3Bhl%3Den%26amp%3Bautoplay%3D0%26amp%3Bshowinfo%3D0%26amp%3Biv_load_policy%3D3%26amp%3Bshowsearch%3D0 www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dNQ6HVbvk8 To learn more about the disease and get information about the JDRF Capitol Chapter’s 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes, visit www.jdrfcapitol.org. The Walks will be held in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, May 2 and in Leesburg, Virginia on Sunday, June 6. By Tamera Adams. “Can I do anything?” is the response 12-year-old Sara Jacob typically hears when she explains to new friends that she has diabetes and the device strapped to her waist is not a cell phone, but her “life support.” Those are the exact words Sara uses to describe the pump that automatically infuses insulin into her small body. It’s more critical than chemotherapy is to a cancer patient she explains. Unlike a type 2 diabetic whose body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin, Sara’s body p... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482892 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:57:45 +0100 3482892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3480943&cid=t_330129_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FJ_3mUNbT218%2F Remember back when I used to write those ANGRY posts, where I would take people to task for their silly comments about buprenorphine?  I remember them.  THOSE were the days!  I was always ready to go nuclear on anyone who tried to debate whether buprenorphine treatment was ‘good’ or ‘bad.’    C’mon punk– MAKE MY DAY.  I’ve become more circumspect since then (OK, so I had to look the word up–  at least I had HEARD of the word before!)  I got tired of going to bed with heartburn every night.  I also realized that people will do what people want to do.  I have no power over them, and don’t WANT power over them.  Addicts must find their own truth, and all I can do is provide information when people are ready to ask for it.  Liv... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3480943 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 04:48:14 +0100 3480943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475815&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D455 Investments in maternal health are reaping  powerful results.  It’s hard for those of us lucky enough to live in developed countries to imagine why anyone would die from complications in pregnancy or childbirth.  We know it happens and there are outlyer examples; but generally, this is not the expectation in our communities Well, globally, the number of women who die from pregnancy complications and childbirth has been hovering around 500,000 each year.  This year’s research yielded a 35% reduction in this number, down to 342,900 in 2008 (up from 529,300 in 1980!)  Bravo. The Huffington Post reports that about half the deaths each year come from countries in Asia and Africa; China and South America have seen improvement. Here’s sobering datapoint: the US, Canada and... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475815 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:21:30 +0100 3475815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3468042&cid=t_330129_155_f&fid=34629&url=http%3A%2F%2Flabsoftnews.typepad.com%2Flab_soft_news%2F2010%2F04%2Funnecessary-blood-transfusion-looksing-at-the-some-of-the-details.html I recently discussed unnecessary hospital blood transfusion and the relative merits of conducting such studies internally through the ever-present, but often ineffective, Blood Transfusion Committee, versus an external organization (Reducing Wastage of Blood and Blood Products in Hospitals). In the note, I cited Columbia Healthcare Analytics as a company that specializes in external review of transfusion practices in hospitals. Dr. David Jadwin, the founder and president of the company, has provided me with a PDF of a PowerPoint presentation in which he introduces the viewer to the basics of the review process managed by his company. I call you attention to slides number 65-67 in the stack that address the following topics: (1) algorithms for appropriate blood utilization; (2) critique pro... Lab Soft News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3468042 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:36:09 +0100 3468042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467712&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fwant-to-get-happy-first-get-angry%2F photo: Thinkstock Last week, a college friend and I reunited via text. She’d read my recent post on Blisstree, and wanted to talk about her new-ish blog. She said her blog was a great idea because it finally put her “foul mouth to good use.” The more I thought about it, I remembered this woman, Heaven Beiene-Carthon, during college. She never seemed to get stressed. As far as I could recall, she’d never been sick – not even with a cold. Now, to top it all off, she was living a fabulous life as the wife of an NFL scout and mom of two beautiful girls. After my jealousy simmered down to a manageable level, I came up with a list of what it means to be her. That’s when it hit me: She makes her own rules. She is loud and aggressive; she gets angry and lets you know it; and she’... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467712 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:05:48 +0100 3467712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463585&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D451 Here’s a peek at the conversation in Australia regarding the pros and cons of private and public cord blood banking. It’s so interesting how different parts of the world are in different places when it comes to this conversation. In the US, there’s legislation pending requiring OBGYNs to advise patients of the availablility of cord blood storage; in Australia, patients who are exploring it may feel ostracized. http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/australian-news/7052267/opinions-divided-over-umbilical-cord-blood-bank/ (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463585 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:10:00 +0100 3463585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463710&cid=t_330129_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Falzheimers-disease-targeting-blood.html This study may provide the experimental basis for new strategies that can be used to treat Alzheimer’s patients," said David S. Miller, Ph.D., chief of the Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology at NIEHS and an author on the paper that appears in the May issue of Molecular Pharmacology.[snip]"What we've shown in our mouse models is that we can reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the brain by targeting a certain receptor in the brain known as the pregnane X receptor, or PXR," said Miller.Read the full release (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463710 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:42:00 +0100 3463710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460236&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FrAU3dxmDo3A%2F           Your urinary tract is the system that makes urine and carries it out of your body.  It includes your bladder and kidneys and the tubes that connect them.  A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that begins in your urinary system.  Your urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.  Any part of your urinary system can become infected, but most infections involve the lower urinary tract – the urethra and the bladder.  In general, the farther the organ in the urinary tract from the place where the bacteria enter, the less likely the organ is to be infected.  Most urinary tract infections are bladder infections.  A bladder infection usually is not serious if it is treated right away.  If you do not take care of a bladder infe... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460236 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:29:06 +0100 3460236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3456740&cid=t_330129_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fone-number-all-women-who-are-planning.html Many women these days are postponing having a baby in order to pursue a career. The good news is that while usually fertility does not decline too much until the age of 32, for some women the decision to postpone childbearing can prove to be one they bitterly regret later on. Fertility does decline as a woman grows older, and the problem is that it is not possible to predict the rate of decline for an individual woman. Most women are lulled into a false sense of security if they have regular period, because they assume that if their periods are regular, this automatically means that their egg quality if enough for them to make babies !Unfortunately, this is not always true - and for some women, while their egg quality is enough for them to produce enough hormones to get regular periods, it... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3456740 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:09:00 +0100 3456740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443933&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fthe-jurys-still-out-on-victoza.html Novo Nordisk is well-known in the diabetes community for its insulins, Novolog and Levemir, used to treat mainly type 1 diabetes. But in the last year, Novo launched a new kind of injectable, a “first line of defense for people with type 2 diabetes” called Victoza (generic: liraglutide). It’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug designed [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443933 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:00:37 +0100 3443933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3440998&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fbeating-the-odds-with-richard-vaughn-over-half-a-century-of-diabetes.html Richard Vaughn is a bit of a legend in the diabetes online community. Known more widely as Richard157 on several diabetes forums, Richard began sharing his story of living with type 1 diabetes for over 60 years via forum posts in 2007 and has become an inspiration for many. Last week, Richard also became a [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3440998 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:00:24 +0100 3440998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3440882&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2F1jJoiJJwjsk%2F           One of the most interesting diseases I have come across in nursing is esophageal varices.  These are swollen veins in the lining of the lower esophagus near the stomach.  They are usually caused by liver failure, cirrhosis or other conditions that result in reduced blood flow through the liver.  This reduced blood flow causes blood to back-up into veins in the esophagus and stomach forming varices.  Swollen veins in the esophagus or stomach resemble the varicose veins that some people have in their legs.  The enlargement causes the walls of the veins to stretch and become fragile.  Because the veins in the esophagus are so close to the surface of the esophagus, swollen veins in this location can rupture and cause dangerous bleeding.            Esophageal ... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3440882 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:15:02 +0100 3440882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429380&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fnew-top-10-super-diabetes-links.html After at least 20 minutes of research, here they are, in Letterman-style countdown order: 10. High Fat Diets Make Us Lazy & Stupid (Really? Us? Or just the rats?) 9. dLife: People are Stupid (a little dated, but still relevant?) 8. Eureka! It’s the Soda’s Fault 7. Ultra Diabetes on Wikipedia (sort of – eat your heart out, [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429380 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:00:34 +0100 3429380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429381&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fnewsflash-new-sanofi-aventis-glucose-meters-brought-to-you-by-agamatrix.html Today, Sanofi-Aventis announced that it’s getting into the glucose meter manufacturing business, by partnering with a small company known for highly accurate meter technology, AgaMatrix (makers of WaveSense products, based on a patented electrochemistry formula). Reports say the new Sanofi-branded meters will be out later this year, and that this move is part of a larger [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429381 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:00:47 +0100 3429381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420555&cid=t_330129_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F03%2F30%2Fchocolate-as-antihypertensive-drug%2F From a systematic review of 10 randomized clinical trials: chocolate has blood pressure lowering capacity. Dark chocolate has a high content of flavanols. Flavonoids are the part of chocolate important for health benefits. They can also be found in high concentrations in certain fruits and vegetables. In the context of human nutrition, certain teas, grape juice, wine, various berries, and especially cocoa represent noteworthy sources. Dark chocolate has the highest content of flavonoids compared to the other sources. Besides lowering the blood pressure chocolate containing flavonols also has other cardioprotective properties. On average over all trials chocolate reduced blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure was reduced with 4.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure with 2.5 mmHg. Treatment d... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420555 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:22:18 +0100 3420555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416065&cid=t_330129_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FXEst8Eh5EbY%2Fdonating.html The earth quakes.  Haitians suffer.  The world tweets updates, texts donations, waits anxiously wanting to do more. The woman extends her arm willingly, squeezing a fist in gentle rhythm as the life giving blood flows.       *** Found in my blog drafts, decided to go ahead and publish it.  (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416065 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:54:25 +0100 3416065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411303&cid=t_330129_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2010%2F03%2Ffda-reports-fatalities-related-to-transfusion-and-blood-collection-for-2009.html The FDA has released the summary for 2009 of transfused-related fatalities.  Of 74 transfusion-recipient fatality reports, they determined that 44 of the fatalities were transfusion-related, 22 of the fatalities were cases in which transfusion could not be ruled out as the cause of the fatality, and 8 of the fatalities were unrelated to the transfusion.Interestingly, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) accounted for the highest numbers of reported fatalities, followed by non-ABO hemolytic transfusion reactions.  Another finding of note is that there were no reports of fatal microbial infections associated with RBCs, compared to 5 reports in FY2008, which were all due to Babesia infections.A pdf of the report c... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411303 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:48:34 +0100 3411303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408581&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fgive-your-kidneys-some-love.html March is National Kidney Month (yes, they have a month for that organ! and even a World Kidney Day on March 11).  I realize the month is nearly over this year, but it’s never too late to show your kidneys some love — especially if you have diabetes, which possibly puts them at risk. I must admit, [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408581 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:00:54 +0100 3408581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3403871&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D447 We came across this interesting website dedicated to the science around stem cells and bone marrow.  This is always a challenge since it’s not always clear whether these sites are above board, or just shills for cord blood companies.  www.Chxa.com reports that Duke University received $10 million from the Robertson Foundation, a family foundation started in 1996, to aid in the study of umbilical cord stem cells in the treatment of cerebral palsy. Many of us are familiar with the name of Dr. Joanne Kurtberg whose work with stem cells is renown in the race to treat cancers and other disorders, particularly those which plague children. Read about the donation and what the Robertson family believes Duke can accomplish with this support (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3403871 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:06:50 +0100 3403871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399117&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fraising-the-bar-on-glucose-meter-accuracy-the-industry-recommends.html More details on the recent FDA Hearings on the accuracy of blood glucose monitoring devices: I was surprised by the report from patient advocate Ellen Ullman on Monday, noting that patient interests seem to be grossly underrepresented, and lots of experts seem to believe that the status quo of +/- 20% error margin is all [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399117 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:00:35 +0100 3399117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395077&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F23%2Fdiabetes-and-exercise%2F Filed under: CareDaily activities like gardening or taking the stairs are good for your heart, lengthen your life and keep you mobile. Exercise can help prevent or control heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other illnesses. If you already have diabetes, exercise will still benefit your health. However, there are some precautions you should take before exercising. Before starting new workouts, consult with your doctor. He or she can warn you about potential problems. You should follow a regular routine of eating, exercising and taking your medications at the same time each day to help your body adjust. You must also be careful exercising when your medicine is reaching its peak effect. Depending on the time you exercise and your workout intensity, you may need to discuss possible c... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395077 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3395077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390934&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Ffda-hearings-on-blood-glucose-meters-an-advocates-perspective.html Many of you may know that the FDA held a two-day Public Hearing on the issue of Glucose Meter Accuracy late last week. Dozens of experts gathered at the Washington DC Hilton/Gaithersburg Hotel to lend testimony. The issue at hand, according to FDA statements, is that: “Glucose meters are increasingly being used to achieve tight glycemic [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390934 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:00:50 +0100 3390934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420567&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2Fs9HhSbVBGp0%2F           Leukemia is a rather complex form of cancer.  The term refers to cancers of the white blood cells, which are also called leukocytes or WBCs.  The disorder actually starts in the tissue that forms the blood.  To understand the cancer disease more thoroughly, it helps to know that normal blood cells develop from cells in the bone marrow called stem cells.  Bone marrow is the soft material located in the center of most bones.  Stem cells mature into different kinds of blood cells, and each one has a specific purpose.  White blood cells help fight infection in our bodies.  Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body.  Platelets help form blood clots that control bleeding.           Leukemia develops when the marrow produces far too many white... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420567 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:30:57 +0100 3420567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420569&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FLbkt_dOiLLo%2F           Septicemia is a serious, life-threatening infection that gets worse very quickly.  It is a systemic infection, usually caused by bacteria of various types contaminating a person’s blood. When septicemia is not treated with the appropriate antibiotics, the infected blood can then contaminate other organs or tissues of the body, creating life-threatening infections.  There are many things that can cause septicemia, most notably, cuts that have become infected.  You have probably heard of ‘blood poisoning’ or ‘bacteremia with sepsis’ or possibly ‘systemic inflammatory response syndrome’ – these are all alternative names for septicemia.  This disease is rare, but absolutely devastating.           Infections of the mouth or teeth, when untreated b... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420569 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:14:39 +0100 3420569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3382807&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D440 We often come across corroborating evidence that  matching bone marrow for African Americans and mixed race families continues to be an uphill battle.  The stories of young people who suffer through grueling treatments because a match cannot be found are heart-breaking.  If you are reading this, and you are African American, of mixed race origin, or even part of an ethnic community with a small population in the US, please think of registering in the bone marrow registry.  In the article referenced above a nurse retells how her colleagues nearly dragged her kicking and screaming to register. Ultimately, she was a match and was able to donate. It really makes a difference.  Please consider this if you haven’t already registered. And don’t take my word for it!  See our pre... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3382807 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:30:15 +0100 3382807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370403&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D437 As we know, finding a match for a bone marrow transplant is so difficult, and this is particularly heart-wrenching when the recipient in need is a child.  Here’s a story of an 11-year old boy suffering from a relapse in his leukemia, and who has just received a cord blood transplant when a match was found while he was waiting for a bone marrow match.  The family is watching his recovery and hoping the cord blood match will restore their son’s health. Read more. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370403 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:10:06 +0100 3370403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370358&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F16%2Fhow-to-make-the-most-of-your-doctors-appointment%2F Filed under: CarePatients and doctors don't always see eye-to-eye, but there are ways to make your next doctor's appointment easier. There are often many options for diagnosing or treating diabetes and choosing to work with your doctor -- instead of against him or her -- will help. Make sure that you choose a doctor who you feel comfortable with and can build a great relationship with. Choosing a doctor who understands your lifestyle, wants, needs and limitations is essential. Be an active participant at your appointment, by takinge your daily blood sugar (glucose) monitoring logbook to your appointment. Also, be prepared for any tests that you might need to take and think about the following questions that your doctor can use to help you manage your diabetes, especially if you're havi... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370358 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3370358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366381&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Ffrom-green-beer-to-guinness-stout-champagne-and-more-%25e2%2580%2593-tips-to-sip-it-safely.html Alcohol and diabetes. Never a more timely topic than this week. Please enjoy today’s guest post responsibly A Guest Post by Hope Warshaw, nutrition expert and CDE St Paddy’s Day 2010 is just days away. Thinking of gulps of green beer or Guinness Stout, or sips of Irish whiskey or Bailey’s? Alcohol, in its [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366381 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:00:08 +0100 3366381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358965&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D435 BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is an industrial chemical  used to manufacture a range of plastic products, including water bottles and the lining of food and beverage cans and, yes, sippy cups. The chemical is now also found in an overwhelming majority of Americans, and a recent study found traces of it in 90 percent of infant cord blood. BPA exposure has been linkedto disruptions in the endocrine system, an issue that can cause reproductive, neurological, and behavioral problems. But he federal government has yet to make a final decision on whether low level exposure to the chemical is a threat to public health. The government is plannig to spend $30 million to investigate the risks associated to exposure to BPA, but since the feds are taking so long to rule its safety, states such as Wisconsin an... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358965 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:54:21 +0100 3358965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359049&cid=t_330129_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F12%2Fmaintain-your-memory-as-you-age%2F You can’t stop it — the natural aging process that ages not only our bodies, but our brains too. Normal aging doesn’t significantly impact our thinking, however. Most people do not suffer from significant memory problems, deficits in problem-solving, or issues with thinking through activities that require analysis and reasoning. Still, things that may have come to us quickly when we were younger may take a little bit more time as we get older. And these slow-downs come not only in memory, but in something that psychologists call executive function, too. According to information provided by The Harvard Health Letter, “Executive function is an umbrella term for the complex thinking required to make choices, plan, initiate action, and inhibit impulses. Executive funct... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359049 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:55:15 +0100 3359049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354261&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F11%2Fandy-whitfield-diagnosed-with-non-hodgkins-lymphoma%2F Filed under: Celebrity cancer diagnosisAndy Whitfield, who plays the lead on the Starz drama "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has been diagnosed with a treatable form of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, according to PopEater. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), which is more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma, is cancer of the cells of the lymphatic system. When one has NHL, then cells in the lymphatic system grow without order or control or old cells do not die normally. NHL is a far-reaching disease and can occur in a single lymph node, a group of lymph nodes or an organ. It can also spread quickly to almost any part of the body. Whitfield, 35, doesn't seem distressed. "I'm receiving excellent care, and am feeling strong, positive and determined with an army of support behind me," the star told EW.com. Sympt... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354261 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3354261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350482&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fwinning-with-type-1-diabetes-bike-racing-with-a-bang.html Following my series of interviews with Kris Freeman, I got a note from competitive cyclist Phil Southerland, founder of Team Type 1.  He wanted to let me know how well his group of athletes with type 1 diabetes have been performing so far this year. Phil was concerned that the mainstream media coverage of Freeman’s challenges [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350482 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:00:51 +0100 3350482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350606&cid=t_330129_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2010%2F03%2Fdose-of-platelets-in-prophylactic-transfusions-for-severe-thrombocytopenia.html Slichter and colleagues published a multi-institutional randomized trial in the February 18 issue of New England Journal of Medicine (article abstract) that evaluates the effect of platelet dose on various transfusion and clinical outcomes in patients receiving prophylactic transfusions for severe hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia.The study included 1272 hospitalized patients who underwent allogeneic or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) or chemotherapy for hematologic or solid malignancies who were expected to have platelet counts of 10,000/mm3 or less for 5 or more days and received at least 1 plt transfusion--and excluded patients with active bleeding grade 2 or higher and those refractory to platelet transfusions (amongst other things).  Patients were randomly ... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350606 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:18:15 +0100 3350606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346449&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D432 You gotta see this.  It’s charming and compelling.  It’s great when celebs chime in to encourage us to do the right thing. We wrote about BeTheMatch.org a few weeks back.  It’s a drive to get people to register to donate their bone marrow if they are a match with an ill person.  There’s a big campaign going on in the New York area to drive donors. Shaq’s YouTube clip spreads the word! See it here: http://www.tonic.com/article/shaquille-oneal-be-the-match-bone-marrow-donor-campaign/ (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346449 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:45:42 +0100 3346449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346744&cid=t_330129_155_f&fid=34629&url=http%3A%2F%2Flabsoftnews.typepad.com%2Flab_soft_news%2F2010%2F03%2Fplatelets-can-reproducein-the-bllood-steam-despite-absense-of-nuclei.html Among the many ideas that were drummed into my head during my early training years was that platelets could not reproduce in the blood stream. This stands to reason in that they are anucleate, having budded off from the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes in the marrow. It now turns out that this idea may not be correct (see: Understanding Of Blood Cell Development Challenged By Discovery That Platelets Can Reproduce In Circulation). Below is an excerpt from an article from the web:University of Utah researchers led an international team of scientists that is the first to report on the previously undescribed ability of platelets to reproduce themselves in the circulation....Platelets develop from precursor cells found in the bone marrow, a process that is called thrombopoiesis. During the final st... Lab Soft News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346744 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:26:19 +0100 3346744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331261&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D8363 MKA writes in: Hello, I was wondering about the matter not so long time ago, about 1 year time. I just came back from a medical school in Ireland, currently continuing my last 2 years in northern Malaysia. I went to blood bank to donate blood, then I saw in the from, anyone who have been to UK, Eire and some other european countries around 1986 and after, are not allowed to donate blood. I was wondering about any update or revision done on the regulation. As we all known, yes there was some studies suggesting a long incubation period about the virus. But is there any ‘active’ revision or studies about the chance of spreading it when you consume/ingest meats over there 2-3 times 5-6 years ago, asymptomatic, came back, donate blood. Cant there be any screening done on the donate... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331261 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3331261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322348&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D426 I read a blog today – wow, what a mouthful!  It’s written by a popular blogger in Singapore but it has just about every argument known to mankind about banking cord blood.  I almost believed she worked for one of the banks but I couldnt find any link or advertising. Here’s the blog entry on cord blood banking. http://mathialee.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/cord-blood-banks-scam-science-or-matter-of-faith/#comment-2548 In it, there was reference to slick and sleazy cord blood banks and how “buyer beware” is the name of the game. She writes from Singapore so I don’t know what the regulations are in that market.  I posted this response about the US : “In the US, the cord blood banking processing and storage requirements are regulated, so any bank that�... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322348 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:20:15 +0100 3322348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3327306&cid=t_330129_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhepatitis-c-does-sexual-transmission-occur%2F Jaundice Although there is some uncertainty about hepatitis C (also called hep C) being transmitted sexually, it’s not classified as an STI (sexually transmissible infection). General scientific knowledge supports this position. Some people, unable to identify any other risk factors, believe they may have contracted hep C sexually. Additionally, some research suggests that a small percentage of people do contract hep C through sexual contact. Thus, transmission of hep C during sex is seen as possible but is believed to be rare. General transmission of HCV Hep C is most commonly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, ie. when the blood of someone with the virus enters the bloodstream of someone else. This can occur through: sharing needles or syringes or any other drug injecting equi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3327306 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:54:39 +0100 3327306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322325&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F02%2Finsulin-pump-or-injections%2F Filed under: Drugs, CareUsually used to treat type 1 diabetes, insulin pumps can be key to one's care. An insulin pump is an option for those who cannot adjust to insulin injections. The light-weight pump has several pieces including a pager-sized, insulin-containing device that is usually clipped to your belt or waist. It pumps insulin into a very thin, soft tube called a catheter that carries the insulin from the pump to a "connector" on the skin of your abdomen. This connector is made of an adhesive pad that sticks to the your skin like a bandage. A spring-loaded needle punctures your skin each time you attach the connector to your body. After the connector is attached, the needle is removed. For most pumps, the connector must be changed every three days, which is a simple, painless... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322325 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3322325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322440&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FkdspckZVYNg%2F Everyone who has walked into a doctor’s office or hospital has had their blood pressure taken at least once. The cuff that wraps around your arm is inflated to the point that it stops the superficial circulation to the arm, which then returns gradually as the cuff slowly deflates. These blood pressure cuffs (sphygnomanometers) have been used for other things as well. In an emergency, a cuff can be pumped up around a unit of blood to push it into the patient’s vein more quickly. A cuff can be used around an arm (or leg) if you’ve been bitten by a poisonous creature, slowing down the flow of blood back to the heart. And now, a blood pressure cuff may be another way to save your life, or at least limit the amount of damage that can occur, from a heart attack. A study publish... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322440 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:23:53 +0100 3322440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318612&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fyfd2Pw6L868%2Fgame-over.php I don't know what to be more surprised over - the A1c result I received yesterday or that my endocrinologist mailed the results in advance of my appointment in a couple weeks.  Last week, I decided to just go ahead and have my blood work done, no use delaying the inevitable news that some control had been lost.Only it hasn't.  5.8%, down from 6.0% in November.  I had to look at it several times, certain it was actually reading 6.8%.  It just goes to show how much is missed when I'm not testing my blood sugar, though.  I usually test anywhere from one to five times a day.  What is really happening in between those tests?  Perhaps things are going smoother than originally thought - or they could be rougher.  And what about the accuracy of test str... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318612 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:13:07 +0100 3318612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3314689&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FLVj4qPgkhOo%2F OneTouch SureStep Test Strips (LifeScan): Recall PRESS RELEASE [Posted 02/26/2010] LifeScan and FDA notified healthcare professionals of a voluntary recall of eight lots of OneTouch SureStep Test Strips, used by people with diabetes to measure their blood glucose levels at home. The test strips are being recalled because they may provide falsely low glucose results when the glucose level is higher than 400 mg/dL. If patients use the falsely low test results to determine their insulin dose, they may give themselves too little insulin, which could result in poor blood glucose control. High blood glucose must be recognized and treated promptly to avoid serious complications, such as coma and death. The eight lots of consumer OneTouch SureStep Test Strips being recalled are identified in the... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3314689 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:03:15 +0100 3314689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311662&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D423 As you know, it’s sometimes hard to separate real journalism from hype when it comes to the web. Today we came upon a blog posting on Newsweek.com by Mary Carmichael in an e-column called “The human condition.” The blogger tells of her decision not to bank her baby’s cord blood, and goes on to support her decision with input from highly regarded resources like the Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University in California. She also suggests criticism from important medical groups such as the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics.  The blog articulates the possible pressure experienced by parents-to-be through the marketing practices of private banks. I’m sure we’ve ... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311662 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:00:56 +0100 3311662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287725&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D410 Recently we saw a story, a heartbreaker, really, about a boy with Sickle Cell Anemia, a serious disease in which the body makes misshapen red blood cells who had a bone marrow transplant. To have the transplant, the child had to go through chemotherapy to kill his immune system – a standard protocol for the transplant. According to the article, the the source of the transplant was donated umbilical cord blood.  The sad result is that the transplant did not work. The family uncovered some research that has yet to be analyzed fully and released for public consumption, and the study shows that unmatched stem cells do not help a sickle cell patient. The poor parents only found this out by word of mouth (the article doesn’t cite the research so we can’t provide that to you) a... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287725 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:33:13 +0100 3287725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3275787&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D402 The State of Arizona has a nice brochure available as a pdf file that you can print or just read.  It also references our favorite not-for-profit organization in the study and discussion of cord blood banking, http://parentsguidecordblood.org/ Here’s the link to the brochure if you think it might help someone learn more about cord blood banking: http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/owch/pdf/cord/umbilical_crd_proof.pdf (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3275787 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:52:13 +0100 3275787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3272867&cid=t_330129_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F02%2Flung-cancer%2F Pathophysiology Squamous cell – 1) arises in central part of lung 2) derives from repeatedly injured bronchial lining 3) ulcerates into lung parenchyma 4) most common subtype that forms Pancoast tumor in apex of lung 5) metastases go to hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes, adrenals, and other sites Adenocarcinoma – 6) can arise anywhere but typically distal 7) most common tumor in nonsmokers Large cell – poorly differentiated and can occur anywhere in lung Small cell – 9) fast-growing with early metastases 10) presents usually as perihilar mass 11) most common subtype causing paraneoplastic syndromes Signs and Symptoms 1) dyspnea 2) cough 3) chest pain 4) hemoptysis 5) obstructive pneumonia 6) lobar collapse 7) pleural effusions weight loss Characteristic Test Find... Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3272867 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 23:57:57 +0100 3272867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262696&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FWJD99zQCRy4%2F There have been studies, off and on, about possible connections between migraines and strokes, but newest research is showing that there is also a connection between migraines and heart attacks. It’s important to understand that migraines are not simply very bad headaches. Migraines are a condition on their own and are not restricted to pain in the head. They can cause, among other things: Visual disturbances Sensitivity to light, sound, touch Nausea Vomiting Balance problems And now, researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University say that people with migraines have twice the risk of having a heart attack than people who don’t have migraines. They also found: that migraine sufferers also face increased risk for stroke and were more likely to have k... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262696 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:11:57 +0100 3262696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262597&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D397 We reported several days ago that the number of hospitals which will begin collecting umbilical cord blood donated by maternity patients to a public bank will increase.  We’re keeping track.  http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/82196397.html “The Texas Cord Blood Bank said it has started collecting umbilical cord blood from University Hospital in San Antonio.  University Hospital becomes the 13th hospital in Texas to join the cord-blood program. “Umbilical cord blood has the potential to save many lives and University Hospital is proud to be part of this program,” said George B. Hernández Jr., president and CEO of University Health System, in a statement. The Texas Cord Blood Bank, a division of the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, said umbilical cord blood is ... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262597 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:22:00 +0100 3262597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262577&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F02%2F11%2Feye-exams-early-warnings-of-undiagnosed-diabetes%2F Eye exams may warn doctors of undiagnosed diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes increases your risk for vision loss fourfold, and it's the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people ages 20-74. Retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina. However, because of delayed diagnosis, about 10 -20 percent of people with type 2 diabetes already have some degree of eye disease when their diabetes is diagnosed. If ophthalmologists notice that a patient is exhibiting symptoms of retinopathy, they should recommend additional testing. After 20 years nearly all people with type 1 diabetes and 60% of those with type 2 diabetes have developed retinopathy. To cut back on the chances of developing retinopathy, people with type 1 diabetes s... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262577 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3262577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251192&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D413 New Yorkers!  Rally behind Jennifer Jones Austin! The Brooklyn-based mother, lawyer and family advocate has been stricken with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and has become the face of a city-wide blood and bone marrow drive in conjunction with New York Blood Center (NYBC) and The City University of New York (CUNY). After feeling tired, believing it was just a virus, Jennifer was diagnosed.  Once she confirmed, unfortunately, that her siblings were not a match for a transplant, she turned to the “Be The Match” blood drive going on now at Borough of Manhattan Community College.  According to statistics, only 10% of the donors registered with the National Marrow Donor Program are African American, and the changes for a match improve greatly when race and ethnic synergies exist.  Th... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251192 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:35:26 +0100 3251192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243965&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fsubtle-accusations.html Sometimes it’s the incessant sense of failure with diabetes that gets me down.  It’s not so much about strangers making stupid comments, or even me beating myself up for not doing a perfect job of managing my BG levels every day…  it’s more about the subtle accusations of people closer to me, those who I [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3243965 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:08 +0100 3243965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243781&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D394 Researchers at the Duncan Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Tx http://www.bcm.edu/news/item.cfm?newsID=1674 received 12 individual grants totaling $11.5 million to be used for cancer prevention grants.  The grants went to a wide variety of research projects focused on various cancers, including the treatment of blood cancers in which there is currently aggressive, experimental use of cord blood stem cells. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3243781 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:14:38 +0100 3243781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239762&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FhNYETT7DRPc%2Fwhere-the-hell-is-my-insulin.php I hate when I take some insulin to bring down a high, and when I check two or three hours later I am exactly where I was when I started.  It's like "what happened to that insulin I took?"I know that I must have been rising, and the insulin curbed the rise (or I went higher and came back down again).  But at first glance it just seems like that insulin I took disappeared.  This type of thing is really scary when the amount of insulin taken is a LOT (relative to my daily dose).  Or (has this ever happened to you?) I bolus for a snack, then something happens and I don't eat, but never go low?  What the heck?  Does that mean I would have been super high if I would have eaten that snack? Makes me scratch my noggin sometimes. (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239762 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:39:40 +0100 3239762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220516&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D386 Here’s the real shame:  a family decides to donate the cord blood stem cells at the birth of their child, however, the hospital at which she will deliver cannot accommodate the mom’s desire to donate that which will be discarded as trash. Many hospitals are set up to collect cord blood, but many are not.  The hope is that this will change in the future, but today, in the case of Natalie Salama-Levy, her baby’s cord blood will be taken out with the garbage while a child awaits a match to fight disease. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8459919.stm If you’re thinking of donating, please investigate hospitals in your area before commiting to a particular institution. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220516 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:14:36 +0100 3220516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208316&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F01%2F26%2Fdiabetes-symptoms-type-1-diabetes%2F Filed under: CareRecognizing the symptoms of diabetes can often help you get a proper diagnosis and treatment. There are currently 5.7 million people who have undiagnosed diabetes in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually come on quickly within days or weeks. The following can be signs of type 1 diabetes: Your appetite has increased, and you're still losing weight. You're fatigued or irritable. Your vision is blurry. You're dehydrated. Once diagnosed, you will still experience high and low blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels develop slowly. Low blood sugar levels can develop in minutes. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, weakness and hunger. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208316 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3208316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208698&cid=t_330129_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-are-phobias%2F Fear of Caves is one phobia Phobia’s A specific phobia is a fear of a particular object or place which is so severe that it affects your way of life. It is possible to develop a phobia for almost anything, but some of the most common phobias are fear of heights, fear of spiders or mice, fear of enclosed spaces (known as claustrophobia) and fear of blood or injections. Many of us feel some anxiety about these things, perhaps realistically since if we did not fear heights, for example, we might have more accidents! But there is a difference between this ordinary reaction and a phobia, which results in a person going to extreme lengths to avoid the object or situation they fear. For example, if you have a phobia for injections rather than just a natural dislike of them, you might be unable ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208698 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:11:04 +0100 3208698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205124&cid=t_330129_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FNYoCK4JetCs%2F Fear of Caves is one phobia Phobia’s A specific phobia is a fear of a particular object or place which is so severe that it affects your way of life. It is possible to develop a phobia for almost anything, but some of the most common phobias are fear of heights, fear of spiders or mice, fear of enclosed spaces (known as claustrophobia) and fear of blood or injections. Many of us feel some anxiety about these things, perhaps realistically since if we did not fear heights, for example, we might have more accidents! But there is a difference between this ordinary reaction and a phobia, which results in a person going to extreme lengths to avoid the object or situation they fear. For example, if you have a phobia for injections rather than just a natural dislike of them, you might be unable ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3205124 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:11:04 +0100 3205124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3204845&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D389 Today, blood cancers such as leukemia are treated with blood and bone marrow transplants which, as we know, are often difficult to match. Some readers may have heard that umbilical cord blood is being tested against these diseases  because young stem cells often do not generate a reaction from the immune system.   Evenwhen not matched, therefore, they may be accepted by a patient’s system. However, umbilical cord blood is ”far less rich in the stem cells needed to cure the cancer and so takes longer to establish itself in the patient – leaving the patient open to infection and death.” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7010490/Blood-breakthrough-for-leukaemia-patients.html Now a team at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle have come up ... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3204845 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:32:09 +0100 3204845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200435&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D383 We are hearing more and more about the experimental uses of cord blood stem cells to treat kids who’ve suffered from neonatal stroke resulting in cerebral palsy.  In fact, our own Baby John met these circumstances at birth, and had a transfusion of his own cord blood through a program at Duke University.  We’re reading about more kids following this path (read about Max http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/health&id=7218964) with success. Now, there is news about the ongoing experiments that infuse cord blood stem cells to fight diseases like type-I diabetes.  According to a report on ABC, “…researchers believe stem cells in the blood slow the immune attack of diabetes so the pancreas destroys fewer insulin-producing cells. “  Any news is goo... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200435 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:10:36 +0100 3200435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197831&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fstupid-diabetes-winners-announced.html I asked for some input on what a new diabetes web site could offer, and I got it – Thank You! Ahem… ask a silly question, get a silly answer, right? I mean it should have been obvious that the No. 1 thing that fits under the heading “StupidDiabetes.com” is humor! The general consensus seems [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197831 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:00:58 +0100 3197831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193952&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2F10-d-things-to-do-this-year.html Over at HealthCentral Network, the theme for 2010 is “This Year, I Get My Condition Under Control.”  For January, the bloggers are focused on “Pairs of Tens for Your Condition,” as in 10 Things You Should Know, 10 Myths Busted, etc., etc. For my part, I’m taking on “10 Things I’ll Do This Year.”  To make [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193952 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:00:47 +0100 3193952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193959&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FDjoqOUzFcBY%2Fbehind-the-numbers.php The numbers on the meter and the results of our A1C tests should not define what kind of person with diabetes we are.  It is not a judgment of our control, it is not necessarily linked to our future destinies.  We can go into each day, each month, each year with the best of intentions, with all the effort we can muster, with the motivation to stave off complications.  Sometimes we win.  Sometimes we struggle, but we still win when we do the best we can.Sometimes the numbers go beyond diabetes, as I know quite well from my recent experience with a large abdominal abscess.  If you follow one train of thought on treating type 2 diabetes, you may look at my most recent A1C of 6.0% and think that I could do better, that I must not be treating myself well enough, that my... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193959 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:26:40 +0100 3193959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3178747&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fwhy-are-health-care-organizations.html In conclusion, I asked readers to think about whether their own health care organization had anything resembling such a policy.  I suspect few could identify such policies.  Health care professionals need to inquire why health care organizations, including drug, device, biotechnology and health care information technology companies,  health care insurers, to hospitals, academic medical centers, and medical schools, etc, almost never have real organizational ethics policies.  Of course, the suspicion is that lack of such policies makes it easier for insiders to direct the organization for their personal benefit.  At least if we could make such policies the norm, we could remind organizational leaders that they are supposed to be upholding the mission, not linin... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3178747 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:22:00 +0100 3178747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3176015&cid=t_330129_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2010%2F01%2F15%2Fjama-reports-prp-not-effective-a-poorly-designed-study%2F In conclusion, PRP is a highly effective medical treatment for ligament, tendon, muscle and other knee/shoulder injuries as well as lower back pain. Even patients with post-operative knee pain or shoulder pain can benefit from PRP therapy.  Outcomes are entirely dependent on the preparation and handling of the blood, equipment used and experience as well as skill of the treating physician. Additional information on PRP can be found at PRP Stops Pain. Excellent clinical study references can be found by clicking here. (Source: Sarasota Neurology) Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3176015 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:20:35 +0100 3176015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3176071&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fflashback-friday-true-confessions-of-a-good-diabetic.html Due to recent exciting news events, I’ve moved my trip down memory lane to Friday this week… Another wonderful fellow D-blogger, Lee Ann Thill, recently posed a question on Facebook: “who exactly is responsible when people with diabetes aren’t ‘good’ diabetics?”  Over 30 replies ensued, as this perennial question brings up all sorts of fundamental issues [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3176071 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:00:25 +0100 3176071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3172203&cid=t_330129_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F79WEYfGWBKA%2F Another day, another deadline. But this is a busy world, after all. And what better way to prepare than to keep up with events. So, as you gird for the challenges ahead, here are a few items to help you along. As for us, we will reach for our usual cup of stimulation. Have a good day, everyone… FDA Issues New Guidance To IRBs On Multi-Site Trials (OutsourcingPharma) US Pharmacopeia Recalls New Edition Of USP-NF (statement) Glaxo Forms Global Media Team (PR Week) Blood Pressure Drugs May Cut Dementia Risk (Bloomberg News) Glaxo Sees Little Generic Threat To Advair (Reuters) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3172203 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:01:24 +0100 3172203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3172176&cid=t_330129_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FeRIMicFz4UA%2Fpatients-for-a-moment-down-and-dirty Sifting through the emotional, administrative, and financial trauma of dealing with illness, being sick ultimately all comes back to the body.  So for this installment of Patients for A Moment, we asked that bloggers submit posts about the down and dirty physical world of their disease. Ever pulled a serious MacGyver providing your own home healthcare with saline solution and a turkey baster?  Duncan Cross has and writes about it in on the Duncan Cross post Duncan 1, Hospital 0. “I guess if I had a choice, I’d rather wake up next to some ugly guy that I don’t remember meeting – not that, that has ever happened to me before – because it’s really bad when the party you don’t want to wake up next to is yourself…”  Need I say more about Leslie Rott’s post The Ultimate Co... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3172176 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:33:42 +0100 3172176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159932&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fthe-diabetic-partner-follies-act-22-what-does-it-take-to-be-a-caregiver.html Welcome, partners and loved ones of diabetics. It’s been a while since we’ve visited this series by and for you all, where you can share your perspective on what it means to live with diabetes “from the other side.” First off, I’d like to announce that fabulous fellow D-blogger and author Wil Dubois is working on [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159932 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:00:10 +0100 3159932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156577&cid=t_330129_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fa-controversial-new-cure-for-multiple-sclerosis%2F By this time, you may be wondering if I’ve taken my finger off the pulse of MS research.  It’s been over two months since Canadian television broadcast a “breaking story” about Italian Dr. Paulo Zamboni and his vascular “cure” for multiple sclerosis.  Where have I been on the topic? This subject intrigues me greatly, I’ll admit.  It also frightens me more than minutely and I am still gathering information.  That said, I wanted to open up the lines of communication about the topic today. A brief history for those who may not have heard the news: In 2008, Dr. Zamboni and his research colleagues began publishing findings  referencing something called chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).   In other words, constriction of the blood vessels leaving the brain a... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156577 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:34:11 +0100 3156577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153649&cid=t_330129_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FiLoNIU_9hRs%2F Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). People usually become infected after coming in contact with blood from an infected person. Sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs is the most common way of spreading HCV. The disease also can be spread by sexual contact. About 4 million people in the [...] (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153649 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:20:57 +0100 3153649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115242&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwayback-wednesday-wheres-the-physical-activity.html Today, I’m revisiting a guest post from ‘legendary’ diabetes educator Gary Scheiner for two reasons: 1) this is the time of year when we most need this essential reminder about gettin’ our exercise, and 2) well, because I just love Gary (who’s also the author of the exceptional book Think Like a Pancreas, btw) and [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115242 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:00:33 +0100 3115242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115290&cid=t_330129_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F9A4CaEku_i4%2F Jaundice Although there is some uncertainty about hepatitis C (also called hep C) being transmitted sexually, it’s not classified as an STI (sexually transmissible infection). General scientific knowledge supports this position. Some people, unable to identify any other risk factors, believe they may have contracted hep C sexually. Additionally, some research suggests that a small percentage of people do contract hep C through sexual contact. Thus, transmission of hep C during sex is seen as possible but is believed to be rare. General transmission of HCV Hep C is most commonly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, ie. when the blood of someone with the virus enters the bloodstream of someone else. This can occur through: sharing needles or syringes or any other drug injecting equi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115290 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:46:24 +0100 3115290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111531&cid=t_330129_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2Fmedia%2FSarasota-Neurology-Podcast-PRP-20091221.mp3 In this episode of the Sarasota Neurology Podcast, Dr. Kassicieh discusses Platelet Rich Plasma  and Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative medicine is a new, exciting branch of medicine which deals with healing injured or damaged tissue with the body’s own natural healing mechanism. To do this, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is extracted from the patient’s own blood. Using blood from the patient eliminates the risk of transmission of blood born disease, viruses and other infectious agents. PRP is then injected into the area of the body that needs intensive healing and tissue regeneration. PRP therapy works especially well for injured tendons and ligaments, and is uniquely suited for those difficult knee and shoulder injuries. Even patients who have had knee or shoulder surgery but still ha... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111531 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:08:49 +0100 3111531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3108510&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fannouncing-the-2009-holiday-survival-story-winners.html Happy Mid-Holiday Season, Dear Readers.  We had a modest turnout for the DiabetesMine Holiday Survival Stories Contest this year, which wasn’t such a bad thing, as it turns out; we judges still had a hard time choosing winners. In the end, we tried to focus on situations that “typify” what we PWDs tend to go through [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3108510 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:00:18 +0100 3108510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3100852&cid=t_330129_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F18%2F7-ways-to-manage-your-diabetic-or-sugar-sensitive-waistline-during-the-holidays%2F This article isn’t just for diabetics. I found the tips by Frederic J.Vagnini, M.D., and Lawrence D. Chilnick, authors of “The Weight Loss Plan for Beating Diabetes” to be excellent guidelines for everyone who is sugar sensitive, and I’m putting most depressives into that camp (sorry about that). Here they are: During the holiday season many dedicated dieters or those who follow special diets for diabetes, heart disease or other conditions not only “fall off the wagon” but also leap into the deep end of the pool. Don’t feel guilty. This is a normal reaction to attending large family dinners where everyone makes food loaded with seductive carbohydrates. We also go to multiple parties — sometimes on the same day — where the hosts have hir... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3100852 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:24:43 +0100 3100852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3097009&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fdiabetes-part-of-loser-life-on-men-of-a-certain-age.html Well, Hollywood’s done it again, trying to incorporate a character with diabetes into their storyline. This time, the entertainment industry has bestowed diabetes on one of the main characters in TNT’s new hit TV show, Men of a Certain Age. While the show has been receiving rave media reviews from the San Francisco Chronicle to [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3097009 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:36 +0100 3097009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092872&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwayback-wednesday-diab-entity-crisis.html As a sort of addendum to this Monday’s post, I can’t believe I wrote the following testimonial four whole years ago. Ever more confirmation that the more things change, the more they stay the same: Diab-entity Crisis Sometime in the middle of last week, as I was gazing at my blog banner and mulling over my next [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092872 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:00:59 +0100 3092872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092880&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FIsJ3Xzrg_08%2Fwhats-that-thing-on-your-arm.php Yesterday I didn't get into the gym until around 8:30 PM.  I had been in the car all day.  As I was getting close to the gym I started really feeling excited about lifting weights (I know, weird, right?).  I felt strong, and I was probably just feeling pretty antsy from being cooped up in my car all day.  My blood sugar was in the low 200's, which is not where I wanted it.  I had some insulin working from a bit ago, and was a bit worried about dropping too much while exercising.  Well, sure enough, after warming up and doing about half of my workout, I was dropping fast.  I had my Navigator CGM with me and was watching the action on the screen.  Not too long after I hit 120 mg/dl with a straight down arrow, I knew I had to stop and get some glucose i... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092880 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:31:07 +0100 3092880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089552&cid=t_330129_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FNmFBEb5a29E%2F The irony of a failed blood pressure drug is that it can raise the blood pressure of the folks who pushed for its development. And so the Gilead Sciences team is likely to feel a spike after saying their darusentan med failed a Phase III study and development is now discontinued (see here). The once-daily pill didn’t lower blood pressure compared with placebo in patients with resistant hypertension. The decision is a sobering reminder that acquiring another company can be risky. Three years ago, Gilead paid $2.6 billion for Myogen (see here), which boasted two lead candidates for treating high blood pressure, including - you guessed it - darusentan. Wall Street had actually already discounted the drug, but that was due to side effects, not efficacy. “This may disappoint some in... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089552 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:15:40 +0100 3089552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089363&cid=t_330129_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fssris_linked_to_upper_gastrointestinal_bleeding.htm (HealthDay News)by — Eric Metcalf MONDAY, Dec. 14 (HealthDay News) — Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which warrants caution when prescribing these drugs in patients at elevated risk for this type of bleeding, according to research published in the December issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. More... Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089363 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:16:00 +0100 3089363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089275&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D373 New research has discovered that mesenchymal stem cells from cord blood might be beneficial for patients with severe eye and corneal disease.  The study transplanted the stem cells in an attempt to restore transparency to the cloudy corneas of laboratory mice. Corneal disease is currently treated through cornea transplants.  Unfortunately, there is only a limited supply, leaving many patients without options. The human stem cells were transplanted into the corneal stroma of the mouse eyes.  The cleared the cloudiness from the corneas of the mice.  In addition, these cells survived for more than 3 months without much sign of graft rejection.  With any type of transplantation, rejection is one of the biggest concerns.  The body tries to reject things that it finds foreign.  In fact, w... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089275 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:54:45 +0100 3089275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3075489&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D362 An organization called the Environmental Working Group (EWG) commissioned a study to examine toxic chemicals that are found in the umbilical cord blood of babies.  The study found up to 232 different chemicals, including Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to disruptions in the endocrine system which can cause reproductive, neurological, and behavioral problems. The EWG found BPA in 9 out of the 10 cord blood samples it tested from racial and ethnic minority groups.  It is the first time that BPA has been found in cord blood. While this will not impact cord blood collection and storage, it does demonstrate what children are being exposed to, even before they are born.  The EWG believes that any chemical that is found in cord blood should be given the highest pri... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3075489 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:59:11 +0100 3075489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3071418&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwayback-wednesday-oh-glorious-middle.html Special for “hump day”: I’m revisiting this post from 2007, which I’ve referred to often whenever I second-guess myself about how to talk to my kids about living with diabetes: Oh, Glorious Middle! I’ve shared this tidbit with some of you already: whenever my girls and I are having a bit of relaxed fun, laughing and taking [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3071418 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:00:05 +0100 3071418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067255&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fthe-non-invasive-glucose-monitor-no-one-wanted.html Larry Ishler is an electrical engineer living in Erie, PA, whose son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in college about ten years ago. A few years later, the father had an idea for a non-invasive glucose monitor that would take readings through the skin on your ear (similar to the GlucoTrack from Integrity Applications [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067255 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:23:29 +0100 3067255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3063249&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D366 The state of Oklahoma is looking at developing a public cord blood bank.  Unfortunately for residents of the state, there are not enough births in Oklahoma to justify a state public bank.  Right now, for Oklahoma and other smaller states, the only option for cord blood banking is going through a private bank.  While public banking is definitely a great option for some families, it isn’t widespread enough to make it a viable option for everyone.  This is another area where private banks come through for families. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3063249 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:56:24 +0100 3063249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3063299&cid=t_330129_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F06%2F10-reasons-i-quit-smoking%2F You’re almost there. You want to quit. In fact, 80 percent of your brain is sure you can. But 20 percent insists that you can’t. How do you make it over to the other side without falling SPLAT on your face? Do this. Make a list. Of ten reasons you should quit. Here’s mine. 1. Smoking Made Me Sick For real. Within a few minutes of inhaling a few cigarettes, my throat would start to tickle and my head would begin hurt. The day after a binge, I’d wake up with a nasty cold that kept me in bed when I had a million things to do. Smoking shrinks your blood vessels, clogs up your lungs, and wears down your immune system. Your body is less able to fight off bacteria and viruses, so, yes, you get sick. And there’s of course the lung cancer and increased chances of heart... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3063299 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:30:28 +0100 3063299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059777&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FQceSw22bV-c%2F Blood clots that form most often in the leg are a concern after surgery. This is one reason why nurses try to get patients up and about as soon as is possible after surgery. For those who can’t, they usually have their legs exercised for them and they may have to wear special compression stockings.The biggest danger from these types of clots, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is that they can break away from the vein wall and travel to the lungs, where they become pulmonary emboli. A pulmonary embolus can cause death if it’s not treated quickly.Researchers in the United Kingdom used records of 947,454 middle aged women from the Million Women Study to check for admissions for surgery, how many developed a DVT and/or a pulmonary embolus after surgery, and how many died as a resu... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059777 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:12:10 +0100 3059777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059755&cid=t_330129_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F04%2Fmood-swinger-magnet-special-offer-2009%2F Looking for a great holiday gift? Exclusively for the first 35 Psych Central members who want them, we’ve teamed up with Mood Swinger again this holiday season to offer a 50% discount for any Mood Swinger Magnet Set — OFFICE version, HOME version, EVERYDAY version, KIDS version, or ORIGINAL version. The 79-piece Original Mood Swinger Mood Magnet Set, for instance, is fun, functional, and gives you a creative way to express yourself in a humorous way. It’s a unique form of magnetic therapy that gives you the ability to display 72 different moods. I find them a great way to share my mood with others in the household, without having to say a word. Ironic? Perhaps, but it works! To get this special deal, visit the Mood Swinger website, add any set of magnets to your cart, and... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059755 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:45:55 +0100 3059755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3048296&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwayback-wednesday-hypo-school.html I was chatting with diabetes investor / expert / friend Robert Oringer the other day, who has two teenage sons with Type 1 diabetes. “I’m obsessed with finding ways to prevent severe hypoglycemia,” he pronounced. I guess I knew this about him, but it reminded me of just how complex and scary blood sugar lows [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3048296 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:00:58 +0100 3048296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039731&cid=t_330129_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F30%2Fa-plan-for-nhs-blood-and-transplant-and-hospitals-to-address-platelet-shortages%2F Title: A Plan for NHS Blood and Transplant and Hospitals to address Platelet Shortages, A Plan for NHS Blood and Transplant and Hospitals to address Red Cell Shortages Skinny: Updates the integrated plan for blood shortages released in 2004 and the NHSBT external document ESD/PCS/HL/001/012 released in January 2005.  This is contingency planning, and lists actions to be taken by both NHSBT, then the National Blood Service, and hospitals in the event of a potential or actual red cell shortage Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 9p,11p Published: 25/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, NHS Tagged: Blood Transfusion Services, Contingency Planning, Grey Literature, Strategic Planning (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039731 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:43:52 +0100 3039731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3036938&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D344 The scientific journal Cell Transplantation has 2 studies that have explored umbilical cord blood stem cell treatments for lung and heart disorders.  Both studies were conducted using animals so they are very preliminary, but they offer great potential for future treatments. In one study, researchers investigated the therapeutic benefits of transplanting human umbilical cord blood (UCB) mensenchymal stem cells (MSC) into newborn laboratory rats with oxygen-deprived lung injury.  They found that the cells have a protective effect against hyperoxia-induced lung injury, likely due to anti-inflammatory effects.  These results might eventually lead to the discovery of treatments for hypertoxic neonatal lung disease, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature human infants. Another research t... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3036938 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:57:18 +0100 3036938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3033643&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F_K_33PKyicQ%2F Herbal supplements seem like a safe bet to many people because they’re natural. While this may have some merit, many poisons are natural too – just think of what can happen if you eat the wrong type of mushroom. So, it’s important to know not only what herbal supplement you are taking, but what its effects are overall. You don’t want something that is supposed to help you end up causing more harm. To show you how this can be, a study out of Massachusetts, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, found that some herbal supplements can raise the level of lead in women’s blood, sometimes to unsafe levels. The researchers studied 12,807 men and women who were at least 20 years old. What they found was that there was an average 10% increase in blood l... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3033643 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:47:36 +0100 3033643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3026667&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D347 M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood Laboratories is on Facebook.  Stop by and visit our Facebook page and become a fan.  Our Facebook page is a great way to keep up with the latest about cord blood banking, what’s happening with M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood and what the scientific community is learning about cord blood stem cells. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3026667 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:19:36 +0100 3026667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023207&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fl2Fbzvhw8-4%2F If this wasn’t such a serious topic, I’d say “what’s new?” but it is serious. Seniors who take sleeping pills and/or antidepressants are at a higher risk of falling and sustaining a serious injury than those who don’t take those drugs. Other medications that can increase the fall risk include blood pressure pills (they can make blood pressure go too low sometimes), so-called water pills (these diuretics can make so the senior rushes to the bathroom before having an accident and then falls or they have to get up in the middle of the night, which is a dangerous time for falls), and narcotics/opioids for pain. These falls are huge worry because complications from falls, specifically hip fractures, are the fifth leading cause of death among seniors, say rese... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023207 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:38:09 +0100 3023207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3019192&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F11%2Fdiabetes_torture_devices.html Last week, on Twitter, Elizabeth Arnold posted a link to a photo that made my whole body cringe and I instinctively said, "Oh crap, THAT thing?" (I'm stealing and reposting this photo here, but the original photo credit belongs to Cardinal Health.)  Behold - The Guillotine:This photo made me shudder because I remember this lancing device clearly.  It was the first one I ever used, outside of having my finger pricked by the nurses with the lancet alone, and I remember the shunk sound it made as it came careening towards my fingertip.  It wasn't the standard shunk we know now - this sucker would have to be cocked back like a rifle, and once it clicked loudly into place, you had to hit that button on the back to release the spring-loaded lancet.  And it wasn't ju... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3019192 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:06:42 +0100 3019192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3019009&cid=t_330129_99_f&fid=35344&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzackarysholemberger.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fshocking-statement-in-medical.html "Treating patients to lower than standard BP targets, 140-160/90-100 mmHg, does not reduce mortality or morbidity." (So says this Cochrane Review.) (Source: Zackary Sholem Berger) Zackary Sholem Berger blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3019009 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:50:00 +0100 3019009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3017084&cid=t_330129_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2F22%2Ftalk-therapy-how-honest-are-you%2F I pay my therapist $120 every other week. I should, theoretically, feel like I can tell her anything. But I don’t. Because I want her to like me. It’s part of being a stage-four people-pleaser. I didn’t realize the extent to which I was holding back until, the other day, when I mentioned to my therapist something that I had told Dr. Smith–the psychiatrist that I see every four to six weeks–about positive thinking just not cutting it when you plummet to such a low depression. My therapist asked me to back up and tell her more about that. Because either I hadn’t said anything about that to her in the last month or so or else she had missed it. I stewed on that for a few days: Did I omit my frustration with self-help books and cognitive-behavioral techniq... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3017084 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:52:30 +0100 3017084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3017193&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FWZXVVB5q-Ok%2Fthe-last-hurrah-will-the-averages-lie-part-5.php So, here we go.  This coming Monday morning, I shall have my blood drawn for all sorts of diabetes, thyroid, and lipid panel goodness.  And the following Monday morning, I shall have the verdict as to whether the meter averages have lied to me.But unlike March, May, July, and September, the latest meter averages are disappointing.  111 before meals, 135 after meals, 123 overall.  At best, I could expect the same A1C result I received back in April when the streak of awesome averages was just beginning - 5.8%.  Still, it could be that the low battery signal I received this morning means that my meter has been off.I know better, though, because I don't feel my best.  I struggle to exercise enough each week.  Not only did I ignore my vow to keep carbohydrate... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3017193 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:11:40 +0100 3017193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012455&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FNkxtEUaQATk%2F Living with diabetes is more than taking insulin or medication. Those who have diabetes or know someone who does knows that living with diabetes is a lifestyle. Insulin or medications, like metformin or glucophage are not a cures for diabetes, although that is a common belief. Insulin and medications merely manage the disease, allowing the person with diabetes to continue living as normally as possible. Unfortunately, the disease still can cause significant damage to the body, as the sugar levels fluctuate. People with diabetes who manage to keep their blood glucose (sugar) under strict control have a better chance of avoiding complications. However, avoiding the development of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, is even better. Type 1, what used to be called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012455 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:33:39 +0100 3012455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3008331&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fglucose-measurement-in-your-ear-for-real.html A gentleman cornered me at the Diabetes Technology Society meeting earlier this month, and said he wanted to talk non-invasive glucose monitoring.  How could I resist? He said his name was Avner Gal, from Israel. He pulled out a chunky little MP3-looking device, and plugged in a cord with a small clamp on the end. Then [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3008331 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:23 +0100 3008331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003990&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fwayback-wednesday-what-makes-you-think-im-brave.html Courage and diabetes. This seemed an excellent topic to revisit on the second-to-last Wednesday of Diabetes Awareness Month. (Not to mention that I saw Wicked over the weekend with my oldest daughter ) Other than that I believe this post, from early 2007, needs no special intro: What Makes You Think I’m Brave? It’s happened many times [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003990 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:15 +0100 3003990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999525&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D341 A recent study conducted at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota discovered that transplantation of 2 units of cord blood significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence of leukemia. This finding may change treatment protocol for patients who are at high risk for recurrence of leukemia and other cancers of the blood and bone marrow. The study examined 177 patients who were treated with cord blood transplants.  The average patient age was 16.  Eighty-eight patients were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 89 were treated for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The analysis demonstrated that that patients in first or second remission from leukemia had a significantly lower likelihood of recurrence if they were transplanted with 2 units of umbilical cord blood than... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999525 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:00:32 +0100 2999525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995702&cid=t_330129_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F16%2Fbritish-journal-of-hospital-medicine-2009-vol-70-no-11%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease Fade Skinny: Progression of chronic kidney disease can be slowed by careful management of risk factors. The article highlights the most important interventions that slow progression of chronic kidney disease, many of which will also reduce cardiovascular risk. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Journals Tagged: Blood Pressure, Health Behaviour, Kidney Diseases, Lifestyle, Patient Education, Renal Treatment, Risk Factors (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995702 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:31:47 +0100 2995702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981066&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D339 Last year, we worked closely with a family that had banked their baby’s cord blood with M.A.Z.E.  The cord blood was needed for a transplant in a clinical trial to potentially treat cerebral palsy.  Read more about the family and the results of the transplant here. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981066 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:49:24 +0100 2981066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981217&cid=t_330129_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drneedles.comhttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fis-hini-virus-in-our-blood-supply.html Blood recipients and donors are asking if the HINI virus could be in our blood supply. This is causing a drop in our blood supply, and a government-funded study is testing samples of blood donors for viruses in the blood.As a medical physician for over 51 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects, and help your read betwwen the lines. You must come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary. This results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Visit drneedles is blogging" at the end of each blog for a compl... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981217 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:14:00 +0100 2981217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2958834&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D336 Choosing a cord blood bank is a difficult decision.  There are so many different cord blood banks and many of them make different claims.  How do you differentiate between those claims that are important for your cord blood processing and storage and those claims that sound good in marketing materials? While we, of course, believe that our claims are the valid ones, it would be helpful for expectant parents to have an unbiased source for this type of information.  I recently discovered a great chart that was put together by the Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood Foundation.  This chart is similar to our comparison chart, but even more comprehensive.  Check out the Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood Foundation to learn more about cord blood banking, your options and the different cord ... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2958834 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:27:00 +0100 2958834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954457&cid=t_330129_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F03%2Fnew-england-journal-of-medicine-2009-vol-361-no-17%2F This article looks at the long-term renoprotective effect of intensified blood-pressure control among children who were receiving a fixed high dose of an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Journals Tagged: Blood Pressure, Children, Renal Diseases (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954457 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:50:53 +0100 2954457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954586&cid=t_330129_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FRLEWwhpJMrI%2F Yes, there is thimerosol in the H1N1 injectable vaccine. Yes, you are being encouraged to have the H1N1 vaccine to prevent the spread of influenza. Yes, there is a very tiny amount of mercury in thimerosol. NO, this does not cause autism. Several years ago, some doctors made a claim that the vaccines given to children caused autism. As some parents of children with autism wanted to be able to identify a specific cause for their children’s disability, they latched on to the theory that there was a connection between the vaccines and autism. The problem is, the very doctor who made this claim first has come out to say that he was wrong. That his research was wrong. Sadly, this is still a strong belief in some sectors and many people avoid vaccines for fear of exposing their children an... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954586 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:05:57 +0100 2954586 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950938&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fcountdown-to-world-diabetes-day-get-ready-for-the-big-blue-test.html Hope you all had a fun Halloween weekend. Somehow the conclusion of that sugar-fest seems a great segue into National Diabetes Awareness Month, no? And the countdown begins to World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14, 2009. Where to begin describing all the activities planned around the web and around the world to “bring diabetes [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950938 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:22:23 +0100 2950938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950949&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FJJ8STU6mLWg%2Fpractical-concerns.php Yesterday, I talked about how I'm not getting the H1N1 vaccine.  I've thought it over and I'm not taking the news reports of severe illness or deaths lightly.  However, I don't want to jump through hoops in order to receive vaccines when I'm relatively healthy.  It's a practical matter.  It's almost like stealing a H1N1 vaccine from a baby...except actually, it is.  Chronic illness is not an indicator in the Denver area for receiving it.  I'm not faking pregnancy in order to get it, like I've been hearing on the news in other areas of the country and in Canada.  Hello, I'm being practical here.Last week, Kerri posted about control solutions for glucose meters and test strips and how we should do it once a week.  Sorry, but I'm not wasting a test... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950949 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:36:02 +0100 2950949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943738&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fdo-you-drink-too-much-alcohol%2F It seems like a simple question. Do you drink too much alcohol? But one person’s social drinking may be someone else’s too much. So how can you tell if you’re drinking too much and what exactly is drinking too much? First, we need to decide on what is a drink – what drinks are equivalent to each other. Generally, in North America, a standard drink is one that has about 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol. But how much that is in your drink depends on what it is you are drinking. Generally, standard drinks are: •   12 oz beer •    5 oz wine •    3-4 oz of fortified wine (such as port) •    2-3 oz liqueur or aperatif •    1.5 oz brandy or hard liquor Does any of that surprise you? If you drink mixed drinks and would like to figure out how much al... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943738 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:47:30 +0100 2943738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934767&cid=t_330129_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Ftop-ten-bipolar-blogs-2009%2F Every year the entrants for the Best of the Web awards multiply. In 2009, veterans stood tough as new kids dazzled. It was difficult to narrow the list to just ten (and some more faves we want to mention), but here are our picks for the top blogs written by people who have been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. 1. The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive Do’s and Don’ts for the Mentally Interesting was a BBC Radio play based on Seaneen’s blog produced last May and just nominated for a Mind Mental Health Media Award. Always a compelling and honest read, it was no fluke or sympathy vote that caused us to place this blog near the top of our list last year - it deserves many accolades. Well done. 2. The Trouble With Spikol Another great year for Liz Spikol, a stellar writer an... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934767 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:58:05 +0100 2934767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2930966&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D326 Banking your baby’s cord blood is a way to save it for your baby’s future.  Some people wonder if the cord blood will be available if it is needed.  If you bank it with a private bank, it will definitely be available.  A private cord blood bank stores the cord blood for you, and you pay for the right to own it and have it whenever and if ever you should need it. Since you don’t have the equipment, supplies, and expertise required to process and store your cord blood, a cord blood bank takes care of it, but it is always your cord blood. With a public bank, you are donating the cord blood so others can search for a match and, if yours matches, they will be able to use it.  While you no longer retain ownership of it, it is available if anyone needs it for treatment.  Wi... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2930966 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:51:10 +0100 2930966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927454&cid=t_330129_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2009%2F10%2F25%2Fregenerative-medicine-platelet-rich-plasma-provides-joint-pain-relief%2F As a neurologist who sees many patients with neck, back and various joint pains, I practice an area of medicine known as neuro-orthopedics. As such, I treat patients for their pain without surgical intervention. Many patients with neck, back and joint pain (knee pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, etc.) can be successfully treated without invasive surgery and the many risk that go along with this. With surgery there is also a prolonged recovery time and need for extensive rehabilitation. The area of medicine that applies to successfully treating patients without surgery or use of narcotic medications is known as regenerative medicine. In this field, platelet rich plasma is injected into the affected joint, tendon, ligament or soft tissue area that has pain and is failing to heal completely. T... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927454 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:00:24 +0100 2927454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923414&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FDDmztZX1X84%2Fits-amazing-really.php I had a low blood sugar.  I'm recovering and am starting to feel better.  I exercised incredible restraint in how I treated it, but still managed to eat at least two full meals worth of stuff.While vacuuming down all of this food, I kept saying "Hang tight Scott, you don't need much".  That kept me from going ape shit and eating everything I wanted to, but it was a LOT of work.  How can a person feel so... hungry?  But "hungry" isn't really the right word for it, is it?  Because it is not a hunger that comes from your stomach.  It is coming from somewhere else, and it is powerful.  As I sit here typing this, my stomach is all bloated, and I feel pretty miserable.  Not to mention wiped out from the low (thankfully sleep is right around the corner... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923414 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:31:12 +0100 2923414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920173&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D317 Researchers at Duke University are looking at the possibility of treating children. using cord blood, before they are born.  The scientists are exploring the treatment of metabolic diseases including Krabbe disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), Pelizaeus-Maerzbacher Disease (PMD), Tay-Sachs disease, or Sandoff disease. The babies will be treated, while in utero, using stem cells from banked cord blood that have been treated to accelerate and and improve the process of engraftment.  The transplant is relatively simple.  The stem cells will be injected directly into the baby’s abdomen at 12-14 weeks of pregnancy. The babies will be tested after birth to determine if donor cells are present and if they are working to repair the malfunctioning genes.  If not, the baby may be e... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920173 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:32:26 +0100 2920173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920504&cid=t_330129_160_f&fid=36193&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aloha-dermatology.com%2Faloha-dermatology-blog%2Fmaui-county-36th-annual-senior-citizens-health-fair-maui-economic-opportunity-inc%2F Maui War Memorial Gymnasium Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon Please join us at the Maui County 36th Annual Senior Citizens Health Fair on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Maui War Memorial Gymnasium from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Come, have fun, and visit the many booths that will have health-care related displays and other pertinent information. Blood pressure testing, blood sugar level checks and hearing aids will be available. Many agencies and businesses such as the Maui County Office of Aging, Aloha Dermatology and Laser Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, Social Security Office, State Department of Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaii SAGE Plus Program, Organ Donors of Hawaii, County of Maui Recycle Dept., A&B Sugar Museum, Alzheimer’s Associa... aloha-dermatology.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920504 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:17:44 +0100 2920504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916382&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FsRApjVlbUq4%2Fexperiments-wake-up-bolus-breakfast-and-exercise.php I was really fighting the blues through the tail end of last week and through the weekend.  Really bad.  What really kicked it off for me was some job stuff that I thought was going well, but wasn't.  So once again I am looking for work.  Freelance, contract, full-time, part-time, a combination of all of the above - anything will help.  Since Cozmo closed down, this transition has been trying.  Most of all, it has been hard keeping depression at arms length.  With my current contracting gig crumbling away a little bit, I got pretty dang close and comfortable with depression again, and it sucks.  But depression is a weird monster, because as sucky as it is, there is a strange comfort in it.  Comfort is a bad word for it, because it is anything bu... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916382 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:32:38 +0100 2916382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912404&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F_Th9KWCBbFs%2F186-mgdl.php The number screams at me.  I feel a chill wash over me, then a shudder.  That number threatens to give me nightmares.  186 mg/dl.  The highest post-prandial I have seen in months, the highest reading on the meter in months.  And when I say months, I do not mean merely mean two or three...more like seven or eight.  The post-prandial readings that rang out under 140 mg/dl (if not 120 mg/dl) were what prompted me and my endocrinologist to consider going off metformin back in early April.  (And yet, I know my type 1 husband would kill for consistent post-prandials at 186 mg/dl.)Is this where things change?  Is this where I start to progress?  Is this where I have to reconsider metformin in spite of all the nasty side effects?  All thoughts... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912404 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:46:50 +0100 2912404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912405&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2FDdWrs_Tj-dw%2F And they taste pretty good too! In an age of pharmaceuticals we tend to forget that there are things like herbal teas that can help improve our diabetes. Herbal teas are gaining popularity in the United States and this could be due to the infusion of Western and Eastern Medicine techniques being blended together more often. So what type of herbs are in herbal teas for diabetes control? There are a few but I’m going to give you the two most popularly utilized herbal teas for diabetes control. Bilberry Tea – Never heard of it? Well maybe you know the Bilberry by it’s more popular American name of the Huckleberry. Bilberry herbal tea is known as the most effective herbal tea in aiding diabetes for those who are not insulin dependent. So mainly we’re talking about thos... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912405 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:06:57 +0100 2912405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2908584&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D312 Breaking news last week of federal stimulus funding allocated to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center had meaningful and exciting implications for future research regarding the transfusion of cord blood stem cells to treat blood tumors such as leukemia. The institution will receive more than $40 million across 60 research grants under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the Stimulus package. One grant totaling $1.74 million will be allocated to Dr. Colleen Delaney, a member of the Clinical Research Division at the Center to explore an innovative approach to increasing the number of neutrophil cells generated from a single unit of cord blood.  These cells are capable of rapid recovery from infection following cord blood transfusions, and the hope is th... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2908584 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:04:34 +0100 2908584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2902927&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fx0jo78-Hi9g%2Fa-check-list-of-newbie-mistakes.php If so, I think I’ve managed to cover most of them. E-2 – not enough blood on the strip. E-3 – not waiting until the meter was ready to put the sample in place. Dropping strips in water. Putting a strip in backwards. Needing to stick myself half a dozen times to get a decent draw. Not washing my hands enough to get strawberry juice off (now that fasting blood sugar reading just about gave me a heart attack). Leaving loose the lid on the strip pack. Leaving the A1c test in the car (not supposed to be over 78 degrees oops) But I’ve got the routine now, even when I’m sleepy. Note, when you only have one eye open, it is really easy to miss your finger. Glide the strip and machine along the other fingers to aim more accurately at your itty bitty fuzzy wiggly target. Machines reall... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2902927 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100 2902927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2901851&cid=t_330129_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2009%2F10%2F15-facts-about-copper-and-food-sources.html Copper isn't one of the necessary minerals that you hear about the most, but it's a trace mineral that plays important roles in the body, which include:1. Aiding the body in the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in the blood2. Works with Vitamin C to aid in formation of collagen...the part of the cell membrane that supports muscles and tissues.3. It conducts electricity so aids the nervous system 4. Oysters and nuts contain copper5. It's in drinking water that comes through copper pipes6. The fact that zinc and copper compete with one another for absorption in the digestive system should be considered7. Our body stores about 100 mg of copper, mostly in our liver and brain, the muscles contain the rest8. There are some who are concerned that we are getting too much copp... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2901851 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:46:00 +0100 2901851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2899003&cid=t_330129_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F15%2Ftreating-depression-and-folate-deficiency-with-medical-foods%2F Midweek Mental Greening First and foremost, I should offer a disclaimer for this post: The scientific media briefing I watched this morning, “Feeding the Brain to Help Manage Depression: The Role of Medical Foods,” was presented by Rakesh Jain, M.D., M.P.H., the Director of Psychiatric Drug Research at R/D Clinical Research Center in Lake Jackson, TX and Teodoro Bottiglieri, Ph.D. of the Baylor Institute of Metabolic Disease, and sponsored by Pamlab, a pharmaceutical company specializing in prescription medical foods. Neither PsychCentral.com nor myself is affiliated with Pamlab or Deplin, the new medical food discussed during the briefing. Now that that’s out of the way, on to the more interesting stuff. “Can we feed the brain to regulate mood disorders?” If you had no exper... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2899003 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:25:21 +0100 2899003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2894496&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D306 I recently read an article discussing umbilical cord blood stem cell transplants used for the treatment of stroke.  Researchers at the Chi Mei Medical Center in Taiwan used mice to test the effectiveness of umbilical cord blood transplants in treating paralysis, a common, post-stroke problem.  The study discovered that the cord blood improved the animals’ condition. This is just one of hundreds of studies that are exploring alternative uses of cord blood stem cells.  The potential opportunities with cord blood are just amazing.  We will continue to educate our readers about the various studies that are taking place using cord blood.  With cord blood’s potential, there is no way to tell what it will be used to treat in 10, 20 or even 40 years. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2894496 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:31:59 +0100 2894496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886421&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D300 A colleague recently discovered an interesting blog. Natalie Curry was the first U.S. citizen to receive a cord blood stem cell transplant. Born in 1985, suffering from Fanconi Anemia, Natalie needed a stem cell transplant. Unable to fine an HLA match through bone marrow, her parents decided to conceive another child as a potential match. Natalie’s first sister was not a match, but her second sister was a perfect HLA match. Cord blood had not been approved yet in the US for treatment of Fanconi Anemia so Natalie’s family moved to France for a stem cell transplant. After 3 months, they returned to the U.S. with her stem cell tranplant a success. Check out Natalie’s blog to learn more about her journey. She also shares the latest news in the stem cell industry and some of h... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886421 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:02:52 +0100 2886421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886672&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FdzHCaHycbNk%2Fa-wake-up-bolus.php Is there something more than Dawn Phenomenon? The dawn phenomenon is typically described as the body releasing a handful of hormones overnight that cause some insulin resistance.  You see this as higher blood sugars in the morning, even though you went to bed with a great blood sugar.  I do experience the dawn phenomenon, and have been able to adjust my pump to deliver a bit more basal, or background, insulin during the early morning hours. But I've also got something else going on.  When I get up for the day, no matter what time it is, my blood sugar goes up.  If I wake up at 4:00 AM, it goes up.  If I wake up at noon, it goes up.  If I wake up anywhere in-between there, it goes up.  I've come to think that my body just hates waking up and squirts out so... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886672 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:17:58 +0100 2886672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879396&cid=t_330129_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D296 M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood Laboratories recently sponsored a giveaway for a $500 savings bond. We have a winner! The winner is Mia Fitzgerald of Orlando, FL. Mia is a student who entered the savings bond sweepstakes. We are thrilled that she will be able to use her savings bond when her own children need tuition for college. Congratulations, Mia! (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879396 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:51:27 +0100 2879396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876275&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fflashback-friday-pitching-yeast.html Mixing it up a little from my Wayback Wednesday series today… It was four whole years ago that I wrote this tongue-in-cheek post about diabetes and yeast infections. The guys aren’t brewing at our place so much anymore, but I’m finding that ladies with diabetes are still struggling for answers. Why don’t doctors proactively tell us this [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876275 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:49:38 +0100 2876275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876295&cid=t_330129_134_f&fid=36012&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBattleDiabetes%2F%7E3%2Fxs1a1rzLhyg%2F Whey protein is a natural product, produced as part of the cheese making process. It is probably most renowned for being a supplement used for bodybuilders and weight trainers as it is an excellent source of protein. Whey protein is not only of benefit to bodybuilders and weight trainers but also to sufferers of conditions such as cancer sufferers, people who are overweight and to Diabetic sufferers. How can it benefit Diabetic sufferers? As mentioned already, whey protein is the best natural source of protein. Protein can become an element lacking in some Diabetic’s diets, as a result of their dietary alterations. Whey protein also lowers levels of blood glucose and this is thought to happen because higher protein levels stimulate Insulin production from the Pancreas. This particular e... Battle Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876295 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:04:41 +0100 2876295