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 'cholesterol,'. Tue, 04 May 2010 18:18:54 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524111&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2F4-super-healthy-foods%2F2010.05.02 Raise your hand if you want to eat healthy. Healthy eating isn’t just good for cinching your waistline — it’s great for overall health. From glowing skin, to heart health, to maintaining healthy teeth and bones; eating foods packed with certain nutrients can also protect your immune system and fight infections.  It can boost your libido and decrease that lousy (LDL) cholesterol and boost your good (HDL) cholesterol. Healthy eating shouldn’t be a struggle. It’s easy to get sucked into the marketing trap when you’re food shopping and you encounter all those in-store specials. Sometimes, those specials are just bad for your health. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Health in 30* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524111 Sun, 02 May 2010 12:00:50 +0100 3524111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524113&cid=t_324539_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=3378508&cid=t_324539_99_f&fid=35344&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzackarysholemberger.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fstatins-heart-disease-and-risk.html What gives? How can someone with high blood cholesterol levels for 30+ years end up with clean arteries, if indeed there is any causation between blood cholesterol levels and plaque accumulation. ... Perhaps actual blood cholesterol levels have no cause of heart disease on their own a-priori. And, if any of these crazy hypotheses are true, then how can a health system prescribe drugs like statins so casually and routinely to anyone with cholesterol over 230? This is particularly true, when the long term side effects of such drugs must still be unknown.Lots of questions -- some scientific, some health-plan political... But mainly I am looking for just straight talk on this whole cholesterol/heart disease issue.You ask a lot of good questions. Let me paraphrase them for ease of presentation.... Zackary Sholem Berger blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378508 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:34:00 +0100 3378508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359216&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FzEiv7-Y0wkk%2F There are gray skies hovering over the Pharmalot corporate campus this morning, but our spirits are sunny. And why not? If nothing else, the weekend is just around the corner. Yes, there are deadlines and meetings between now and then, but still, we look ahead to spending time with the short people and catching up on our to-do list. What will you do? While you ponder, here are a few items to help you along. Whatever your choice, have a nice weekend… Birth Control Pills May Help Women Live Longer (Bloomberg News) Nigerian Start-Up Fights Counterfeit Drugs (The Wall Street Journal) Arena Will Launch Diet Drug With Or Without A Partner (Reuters) Roche’s Avastin Fails Prostate Cancer Study Goal (Bloomberg News) Merck’s Vytorin Effectiveness Study To Continue (Associated Press... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359216 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:35:59 +0100 3359216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354581&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fpr1PbhfpZvI%2F Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. Another day beckons and we will begin ours by attempting to hustle one of the short people off to the schoolhouse. Wish us luck. To prepare, we are brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation. Grab one yourself, or a healthy bottle of water if you prefer, and get ready for the day. Here are a few items to help you along. Stay in touch… AstraZeneca To Sell Generics Made By India’s Torrent (Bloomberg News) J&J Seeks Rehearing In Europe On Skin Drug (MarketWatch) Doctors Fail To Cut Cholesterol Enough: Study (Reuters) Merck Drug Beats Head Lice In Study (Bloomberg News) Beijing To Build Asia’s Biggest Pharma Base (Alibaba.com) Massachusetts Joins J&J Antipsychotic Lawsuit (Boston Globe) Chief Justice Recuses In Wyeth Vaccine Cas... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354581 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:17:55 +0100 3354581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3280193&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FKINRaaS55OE%2F Top of the morning to you and nice to see you again. The sun is shining here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the short people are fast asleep, enjoying a week-long respite from the demands of the local schoolhouse. We, however, are fully immersed in our usual routine and, so, have rummaged around to find a few interesting items to help you motor through the day. Have a good one… Cholesterol Drugs Raise Diabetes Risk By 9% (Bloomberg News) Novartis VC Arms Backs Universal Flu Firm (Reuters) Arkansas To Get $18.5M In Lilly Zyprexa Settlement (Associated Press) Teva & Actavis May Be Final Ratiopharm Bidders (Bloomberg News) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3280193 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:51:37 +0100 3280193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262890&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Foo9fTuPnPwk%2F A former Pfizer exec has filed a whistleblower lawsuit that accuses the drugmaker of illegally scheming to boost Lipitor sales by misrepresenting product labeling and federal cholesterol guidelines; using misleading educational programs for doctors, and unlawful sampling kickback schemes, among other things, that resulted in off-label marketing that allegedly defrauded Medicaid and Medicare (this is the lawsuit). Jesse Polansky, who was director of outcomes management from April 2001 until July 2003, claims “thousands of physicians have prescribed Lipitor to millions of patients for whom drug therapy is not recommended, and for whom the medication could be dangerous. Millions of those improper prescriptions were ultimately paid for by various government healthcare plans,” accor... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262890 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:02:38 +0100 3262890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267202&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Foo9fTuPnPwk%2F A former Pfizer exec has filed a whistleblower lawsuit that accuses the drugmaker of illegally scheming to boost Lipitor sales by misrepresenting product labeling and federal cholesterol guidelines; using misleading educational programs for doctors, and unlawful sampling kickback schemes, among other things, that resulted in off-label marketing that allegedly defrauded Medicaid and Medicare (this is the lawsuit). Jesse Polansky, who was director of outcomes management from April 2001 until July 2003, claims “thousands of physicians have prescribed Lipitor to millions of patients for whom drug therapy is not recommended, and for whom the medication could be dangerous. Millions of those improper prescriptions were ultimately paid for by various government healthcare plans,” accor... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267202 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:40:01 +0100 3267202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262696&cid=t_324539_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=3212636&cid=t_324539_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F01%2F27%2Farticle-reminds-us-of-the-importance-of-focusing-on-drug-effects-on-health-not-cholesterol%2F In this study, combining a stating with ezetimibe (which reduces cholesterol absorption from the gut) produced less favourable outcomes than a statin coupled with niacin (vitamin B3) in terms of arterial health. [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212636 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:09:51 +0100 3212636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200664&cid=t_324539_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FPkQG6ItLcls%2F Romantic sex is the healthiest Lose weight. Reduce stress. Lower your cholesterol level. Improve your circulation. Live longer. Stay younger. Sounds like an ad for a new wonder drug right? In fact it’s a partial list of the benefits of humanity’s oldest and most pleasurable pastime – sex. Most of us are aware of the feel-good benefits of sex while we’re engaged in it, but do you also know that there are benefits which carry on after the sweaty bodies have dried and the sweet talk has reverted to sports? For instance: Maintaining Ideal Body Weight Sexual intercourse burns approximately 150 calories per half hour. Here’s how that stacks up against some other activities that may be part of your fitness regime: yoga 114 calories per half hour, dancing – 129,... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200664 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:47:46 +0100 3200664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3176153&cid=t_324539_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F01%2F15%2Ftwo-major-studies-conclude-that-saturated-fat-does-not-cause-heart-disease%2F One of things I try and do on this blog is right what I see as nutritional wrongs. So, if there’s a common perception that artificial sweeteners are better than sugar for weight loss, but there’s really no evidence for that, then I’m inclined to write about it. If the evidence suggests that margarine is [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3176153 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:35:10 +0100 3176153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120456&cid=t_324539_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F25%2Fvideo-the-12-bipolar-days-of-christmas%2F DISCLAIMER: I am no Barbara Streisand. I’ve never taken a singing lesson in my life. Not one. (Ed. - Really??) The inspiration for this song came two weeks before Thanksgiving when I received a call from my doctor: we had better get together a plan for lowering my cholesterol. Yeah. Sure. Getting to it… right after I fix my pituitary tumor, abnormal aortic valve, bipolar brain, and facial fungus. My high cholesterol is not a new issue. Somewhere around the time David was conceived I found out that my cholesterol scores were higher than my verbal SATs. But for the last six years I didn’t do anything about it because (honest confession coming up here) many of those days I was so depressed that I really wanted to be with God in his mansion upstairs. Dropping dead of a heart... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120456 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:36:19 +0100 3120456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3082465&cid=t_324539_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F12%2F11%2Fhigh-cholesterol-folks-6x-more-likely-to-be-insulin-resistant%2F OK, this is a seriously scary load of fat and sugar. (Photo: VirtualErn)               . It was sundae night at my house. My parents would set out bowls, ice cream, and an obscene number of toppings, from whipped cream and chocolate sauce to marshmallows and sprinkles. We all chowed down, then lolled about in a vague stupor. It didn’t happen that often, but it’s not something I ever want to repeat. My parents are both on medication for high cholesterol, and I just found out from my 23andMe genetic scan that I have an elevated risk of getting diabetes. So I exercise and watch what I eat every day. But I was surprised by today’s CureTogether research finding. I didn’t expect to learn that high cholesterol and insulin resistance (the first step on the way diab... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3082465 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:13:28 +0100 3082465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067116&cid=t_324539_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F08%2F9-holiday-depression-busters%2F My “9 Holiday Depression Busters” are featured in a Beliefnet gallery. You can get to it by clicking here. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year–but not if negative emotions take hold of your holidays. So let’s be honest. The holidays are packed with stress, and therefore provoke tons of depression and anxiety. But there is hope. Whether I’m fretting about something as trite as stocking stuffers or as complicated as managing difficult family relationships, I apply a few rules that I’ve learned over the years. These 9 rules help me put the joy back into the festivities–or at least keep me from hurling a mistletoe at Santa and landing myself on the “naughty” list. 1. Expect the Worst Now that’s a cheery thou... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067116 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:33:46 +0100 3067116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2996050&cid=t_324539_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F11%2F16%2Fmore-bad-news-for-the-makers-and-takers-of-cholesterol-reducing-drug-ezetimibe-zetia%2F Previously, I have written about the drug combination of simvastatin and ezetimibe (sold as Vytorin in the US). Both of these drugs reduce cholesterol, but through different mechanisms. Taken together, these drugs do do a good job of reducing cholesterol levels And we all know that the lower we get the cholesterol levels down the [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2996050 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:18:21 +0100 2996050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977568&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FBKf6UvLaxzA%2F The big drugmaker may encounter its third negative study result within two years for Vytorin and Zetia which, along with Zocor, is a component in the expensive cholesterol pill. The latest trial is scheduled to be presented this coming Monday at the American Heart Association meeting, and pits Merck’s drugs against Abbott Labs’ Niaspan, Bloomberg News notes. The results are likely to show that Niaspan unclogged arteries better than Vytorin, according to Leerink Swann analyst Seamus Fernandez and Wells Fargo Advisors analyst Larry Biegelsen, Bloomberg writes. If so, Vytorin and Zetia revenue may be reduced by $800 million yearly, or 20 percent, Fernandez forecasts. Since January, sales have declined $480 million, or 14 percent, to about $3 billion. A win by Niaspan may discourage ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977568 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:42:12 +0100 2977568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954766&cid=t_324539_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FMt8j8Grc20M%2Fworried-about-alzheimers-five-ways-to.html It's really critical that we find ways to prevent, or at least delay the onset of, cognitive decline. --Neil Buckholtz, U.S. National Institute on Aging's Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)..... Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Editor Physical Activity -- Exercise Consider exercises that pump oxygen and blood to the brain. These include running, walking, bicycling. There are at least 18 research studies showing that exercise can improve memory in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Better yet, start exercising now to improve cognitive function. To read Worried About Alzheimer's? Tip #1 Exercise go here. Control your Weight The heavier a person is, the more likely they are to develop Alzheimer's. Scientist found that the brains of older individuals who wer... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954766 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:46:25 +0100 2954766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944095&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fp3XeceGN3s0%2F That’s what some researchers are suggesting. “Statins may have a role in reducing mortality from influenza, but our findings do not justify broader use of statins without confirming these findings in the setting of randomized controlled trials,” study author Dr. Ann Thomas, from the Emerging Infections Program at the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division in Portland. “Statins may have a benefit, in conjunction with vaccine and antivirals, in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with influenza, likely due to their effect of reducing the body’s inflammatory response to influenza infection,” she tells HealthDay News in advance of her presentation today at the Infectious Diseases Society of America annual meeting in Philadelphia. Her team examined ou... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944095 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:22:18 +0100 2944095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912187&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.talkaboutrx.org%2Fdocuments%2Fenhancing_prescription_medicine_adherence.pdf As Robin illustrated in her post, poor medication adherence results in poor health outcomes for millions of Americans, and costs billions of dollars in increased medical costs.  When three-quarters of Americans concede they don’t take their prescription medications as directed, we are faced with a public health problem that demands a broad, multi-faceted response. As the nation’s oldest consumer organization, the National Consumers League has long worked to improve medication safety, patient education, and consumer education in the health community.  With planning funds from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), NCL is spearheading a first-of-its-kind national education campaign to raise consumer awareness of the importance of good medication adherence.  As called f... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912187 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:18:55 +0100 2912187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857461&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FliwUHmPfIZ0%2F A three-year study of 170,024 patients has found that two low-cost medications – one for lowering cholesterol and one for lowering blood pressure – taken for two years reduced their risk of having a heart attack or stroke by more than 60% for the following year. The patients were divided into three groups at the start of the study. The high-exposure group was composed of 21,292 patients. They took both medications  (40 milligrams of lovastatin and 20 milligrams of lisinopril) more than half the time throughout the two years. The amount of time they took the medications was determined by a review of pharmacy records. The low-exposure group of 47,268 people took the two medications less than half the time, while 101,464 people did not take the medications and were considered to ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857461 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:59:24 +0100 2857461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2852079&cid=t_324539_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F10%2F01%2Fscientist-claims-margarine-manufacturers-are-misleading-us-on-omega-3-claims-and-thats-not-all%2F BBC Radio 4 this morning had a brief item about margarine. The item focused on the fact that margarine manufacturers can trumpet the presence of ‘heart-healthy’ omega-3 fats on the label. Professor Jack Winkler, Professor of Nutrition Policy at London Metropolitan University made the claim that such labelling is misleading. It seems that margarine manufacturers [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2852079 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:49:36 +0100 2852079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832115&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7911 For those who take red yeast rice to lower cholesterol or are thinking of doing so, you might want to read this article in Science-Based Medicine While red yeast rice reduces LDL cholesterol levels and reduces the rate of major coronary events. The Medical Letter consultants concluded that it works, but they don’t recommend it. Why? Read on… from the Malaysian Medical Resources Red Yeast Rice and cholesterol (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832115 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2832115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786214&cid=t_324539_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F2V6bqFDotXo%2F I know this sounds like hype, but forget Slim-Fast, Alli and all the other weight-loss strategies you’ve tried before. Just remember one name from now on – FATOSTATIN. I can almost see how a novel discovery can lead into the first weight-loss drug that not only makes you lose weight, but actually stops your body from making fat! Scientists have recently discovered that fatostatin can block the activity of a transcription factor known as SREBP, which regulates what genes are expressed in the pathways to making fat. Blocking SREBP means that there is no synthesis of fat and cholesterol genes at all. Fatostatin was found to lower the activity of 63 genes, including 34 directly associated with fatty acid or cholesterol synthesis. In other words, fatostatin can block the machines in our b... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786214 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:30:00 +0100 2786214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751947&cid=t_324539_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Falchemist-checks-oxy-cholesterol-levels.html The Alchemist this week learns how fluorine chemistry is blooming, how to melt proteins, and how cholesterol is all about the good, the bad, and the oxy. Also this week, a technique borrowed from organic LED fabrication could lead to a new way to manufacture tiny inorganic LEDs for next generation displays, while a conductive flip has been observed with clusters of atoms close to absolute zero. Finally, the American Chemical Society announces this years previously unsung chemical heroes from across the industry. Previously on ChemWeb, we heard rumors of silicon neurons and the coming cyborg age, he discovers that a compound that leads to ovine Cyclops has now been synthesized for cancer drug research, and how chicken poop down on the shooting range could help solve the problem of lead in t... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751947 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:00:43 +0100 2751947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751978&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FxgmapjZC0Zw%2F According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, high blood cholesterol affects over 65 million Americans. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease and one that is often preventable, or at least manageable. Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the blood and the body’s cells. The body needs cholesterol as it’s a building block, but not all cholesterol is good and not all cholesterol is bad. Which is which? The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered the “bad” cholesterol and what doctors are looking for when they’re sending you for cholesterol tests. The best way to remember is L is for lower and you want the LDL to be low. The “good” cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein (HDL). You want this one to be h... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751978 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:20:26 +0100 2751978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712331&cid=t_324539_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FDCwP7lo4PZY%2Fhigh-cholesterol-levels-in-your-40s.html I wrote about this issue for the first during April, 2008 --High cholesterol levels in your 40s may raise the chance of developing Alzheimer's disease. Last week, this study of more than 9,000 Californians came back into the news with a newer updated version in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive DisordersIn the study, People underwent detailed health evaluations between 1964 and 1973 when they were ages 40 to 45, including blood cholesterol measurements. The researchers then looked at the cholesterol measurements of the 504 people in the study who developed Alzheimer's disease decades later.The researchers found that people with moderately elevated cholesterol in their 40s have twice the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in their 60s, 70s and 80s. These findings should serve... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712331 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:30:26 +0100 2712331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699862&cid=t_324539_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2Fv0FQaffE454%2Fwhat-is-mediterranean-style-diet.html More American's--especially the baby boom generation--are learning the importance of eating healthy. Research studies indicate that eating Mediterranean-style seems to reduces the risk of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's.There are numerous studies that indicate this style of eating helps reduce cardiovascular risk factors like high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. All of the above are linked to Alzheimer's. I have wrote about about all these topics previously on this blog.Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via EmailThe Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan combining elements of Mediterranean-style cooking. Here are some good examples of foods on a Mediterranean-style diet?Whole-grain breadsPastaWhole fruits: baby carrots, apples and bananasVeg... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699862 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:20:45 +0100 2699862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2683984&cid=t_324539_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FXYuGpdqAe5w%2Fcinnamon-increases-cognitive-activity.html Our reader Ray suggested that I list vitamins, supplements, and the dosages that I give my mother each day. I will do that soon. Here is one spice that we take every day--Cinnamon.Let me preface my article by saying this, all of the things I do are designed to benefit my mother, but just as important--keep my body and brain healthy. Since I know that I am genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's, I decided I should do as many things as I can do, right now, to protect my brain and increase cognitive activity.Cinnamon is good source of manganese, fibre, iron and calcium. Several studies indicate that cinnamon may help prevent type II diabetes, lower blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, and lower blood sugar. Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant. I should say, cinnamon is very high in antioxida... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2683984 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:50:05 +0100 2683984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2682115&cid=t_324539_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FXYuGpdqAe5w%2Fcinnamon-increases-cognitive-activity.html Our reader Ray suggested that I list vitamins, supplements, and the dosages that I give my mother each day. I will do that soon. Here is one spice that we take every day--Cinnamon.Let me preface my article by saying this, all of the things I do are designed to benefit my mother, but just as important--keep my body and brain healthy. Since I know that I am genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's, I decided I should do as many things as I can do, right now, to protect my brain and increase cognitive activity.Cinnamon is good source of manganese, fibre, iron and calcium. Several studies indicate that cinnamon may help prevent type II diabetes, lower blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, and lower blood sugar. Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant. I should say, cinnamon is very high in antioxida... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2682115 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:15:20 +0100 2682115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2594606&cid=t_324539_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FCFYfvqHLgKc%2Fomega-3-for-alzheimers-gets-thumbs-down.html An 18 month Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study showed no evidence that Alzheimer's sufferers benefit from taking DHA supplements (omega 3 fatty acid).Previous animal and observational studies suggested that DHA improves memory. While this might be true in healthy individuals, those suffering from Alzheimer's showed no cognitive benefits.I give my mother 2000 mg of Omega 3 fatty acid each day. We take it to reduce cholesterol and tryglicerides. It seems to work for us as we have both lowered our cholesterol and triglyceride levels according to our blood tests.USA Today has a good article up on this topic, go here to continue reading.To read Omega-3 no match for Alzheimer's go here.Or here to read more about the study and results on the Alzheimer's Reading Room.Subscribe to The Alzheimer'... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2594606 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:08:15 +0100 2594606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2591587&cid=t_324539_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2009%2F07%2F10%2Fcoffee-tea-reduce-risk-of-stoke-and-tia%2F In conclusion, it is clear from the available data published in several medical journals, such as Stroke and Circulation, that there is a significant reduction in rate and prevalence of TIA, stroke and stroke symptoms with daily consumption of tea and/or coffee. Higher coffee consumption appears to be associated with a greater reduction in stroke prevalence. This in combination with a healthy diet, exercise of any kind and optimized medical therapy will provide individuals with the greatest protection against having a stroke and stroke prevention. (Source: Sarasota Neurology) Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2591587 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:37:54 +0100 2591587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2752039&cid=t_324539_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2009%2F07%2F10%2Fcoffee-tea-reduce-risk-of-stroke-and-tia%2F In conclusion, it is clear from the available data published in several medical journals, such as Stroke and Circulation, that there is a significant reduction in rate and prevalence of TIA, stroke and stroke symptoms with daily consumption of tea and/or coffee. Higher coffee consumption appears to be associated with a greater reduction in stroke prevalence. This in combination with a healthy diet, exercise of any kind and optimized medical therapy will provide individuals with the greatest protection against having a stroke and stroke prevention. (Source: Sarasota Neurology) Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2752039 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:33:53 +0100 2752039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570525&cid=t_324539_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2FhvQo4Rg9aKA%2F Statins are probably the best medications to reduce cholesterol level and also have associated anti-inflammatory activities. Both these properties lead to a marked decrease in atherosclerosis and related diseases. Muscle pain is quite common in people (up to 10%) who take one of the several statins for lowering their cholesterol levels. However, there is no strict consensus on how to define, diagnose and manage such muscle pains. The Annals of Internal Medicine recently published an excellent review on “Statin related myopathy.” Here is a brief summary of the article. Definition: There is no consensus definition. Each group (ACC/AHA, FDA etc) have their own definitions. For most clinical purposes the following definitions should be adequate: Myopathy: Muscle disease with creati... Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570525 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:13:42 +0100 2570525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2748160&cid=t_324539_167_f&fid=37833&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition.edublogs.org%2F2009%2F06%2F15%2Fcheerios-a-cholesterol-drug%2F In May the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) sent a warning letter to General Mills, the manufacturers of Cheerios indicating that they had found “serious violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act” in that they believe based on the packaging that Cheerios was “is promoted for conditions that cause it to be a drug because the product is intended for use in the prevention, mitigation, and treatment of disease.” According to the Warning Letter sent by the FDA to Cheerios they were accusing General Mills of marketing an “Unproved New Drug” Based on claims made on your product’s label, we have determined that your Cheerios® Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal is promoted for conditions that cause it to be a drug because the product is intended... Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2748160 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:14:59 +0100 2748160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447734&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F3i7Ck-8Rbv4%2F Anyone who has had a gallbladder “attack” knows how uncomfortable it is. They would also like to know how to prevent having another gallstone, avoiding the pain and discomfort. A new study, just presented at the Digestive Disease Week annual meeting, has found that moderate alcohol intake reduces the cholesterol in bile and may decrease the chances of developing gallstones by as much as one third. Gallstones are small stones that develop in the gallbladder, which is a small pear-shaped organ in what is called your right upper abdomen. Bile, which is made in the liver, helps your body digest fats, but the liver makes too much to use all at once. Leftover bile is stored in your gallbladder. When your body needs more bile, the gallbladder releases it into the intestine where the ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447734 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:57:00 +0100 2447734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441535&cid=t_324539_107_f&fid=36698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fminingdrugs.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fdrug-popularity-via-google-queries-yet.html Here some drug popularity trends based on automatic Google queries. The drug names were taken from DrugBank.The top ten areCholesterolAspirinEthanolIbuprofenInsulinAcetaminophenTestosteroneCocaineOxycodoneVardenafilReferencesI used a Python script for the Google data fetching. Let me know, if you need more details.The Long Tail @WikipediaDrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets. Wishart DS, Knox C, Guo AC, Cheng D, Shrivastava S, Tzur D, Gautam B, Hassanali M.Nucleic Acids Res. 2008, 36, (Database issue):D901-6.PMID: 18048412DrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.Wishart DS, Knox C, Guo AC, Shrivastava S, Hassanali M, Stothard P, Chang Z, Woolsey J.Nucleic Acids Res. 2006, 34, (Database issue):D668-72. PMID: 16381955 (So... Mining Drug Space blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441535 Fri, 29 May 2009 22:09:00 +0100 2441535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376220&cid=t_324539_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F27%2Fchocolate-and-mood-disorders%2F Isn’t it great that we can have something that is not only good for us, but fun to use? I’m talking about chocolate! Yes sir, dark gold, pure happiness! You’ve probably heard the buzz about dark chocolate, and how it’s good for your blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, prevents cancer and can fix nearly anything that is wrong with you, except that expanding waistline. (And for the record — white chocolate is not really chocolate at all. It’s milk solids and fat. No cocoa. Nada.) The basic ingredients of dark chocolate include cacao beans, sugar, soy lecithin (an emulsifier to preserve texture), and flavorings. This yummy treat, which contains fewer milk solids than its more popular cousin, milk chocolate, often is rated by the percentage of cocoa solids in the bar. The ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376220 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:33:37 +0100 2376220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382867&cid=t_324539_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2F07%2Fstudy-suggests-vitamin-d-deficiency-can-be-the-cause-of-muscle-pain-in-statin-treated-individuals%2F Statin drugs are the most commonly-used medications for reducing cholesterol levels. They do seem to help prevent cardiovascular disease, though whether they do this through their cholesterol reducing effects is a moot point. And despite them being billed as the wonder-drugs of the age, I think it’s worth bearing in mind that these drugs are [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382867 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:20:17 +0100 2382867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2302706&cid=t_324539_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2009%2F04%2Finflammation-causing-foods-and.html This article is part of a blog tour for book "The Great Cholesterol Lie".Yesterday the blog tour stopped with Christy Goldfeder who writes a book review of The Great Cholesterol Lie. Tomorrow it will continue with Carrie Huggings who displays a guest post about Myth of Cholesterol.Site Feed (Source: Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets) Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2302706 Sat, 04 Apr 2009 03:02:00 +0100 2302706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382868&cid=t_324539_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nutrition.org%2Fmedia%2Fpublications%2Fpodcasts%2FpodcastLaymanfinal.mp3 While I don’t believe that what represents an ideal diet is the same for everyone, I do favour diets that are generally rich in protein and relatively low in carbohydrate/ And one reason for this concerns that fact that such diets do tend to outperform high-carb, low-fat diets when it comes to fat loss and [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382868 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:08:29 +0100 2382868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260356&cid=t_324539_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fstatin-ed.html Funny how issues can swirl right past you, until they become personal. Then suddenly you awake to find yourself at the center of the storm!  What I’m getting at here is that a few weeks ago, my endo decided I should start taking a statin drug.  And all of a sudden, all the hullaballoo over [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260356 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:30:42 +0100 2260356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879645&cid=t_324539_123_f&fid=39040&url=http%3A%2F%2Fparentingsense.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fdo-you-need-to-worry-about-your-childs.html As weight problems in children increase in this country, so do earlier cases of diabetes and heart disease. High cholesterol levels can contribute to premature heart disease in some kids. Children who are overweight or obese are at higher risk, as are those with a family history of certain heart problems. For more information, check out this video and accompanying article, and ask your pediatrician if your child should be tested. (Source: Dr. Shu Says) Dr. Shu Says blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879645 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:47:00 +0100 2879645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2233219&cid=t_324539_140_f&fid=35457&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fbattlingforhealthcom%2F%7E3%2FQ40IFi24p08%2F There are two big “C’s” - cardiovascular disease and cancer - that we are fighting today. A study published in the American Journal of Pathology reveals that high cholesterol levels not only cause atherosclerosis and heart disease but can also contribute to prostate cancer development and progression. The link between cholesterol and cancer has been observed in laboratory mice fed with high fat, high cholesterol diet and treated with the cholesterol uptake-blocking drug ezetimibe. The researchers observed that the fatty cholesterol rich diets promoted tumor growth whereas ezetimibe prevented the tumor growth while lowering cholesterol levels at the same time. Ezetimibe works by blocking the absorption of cholesterol by the intestine. Thus, the study results suggest &#8220... Battling-Schizophrenia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2233219 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:06:34 +0100 2233219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2222590&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D6217 VIDEO: Smoking Risks Transcend Social Class and Gender, Few Adolescents Benefit from Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs, Parkinson’s Linked to Melanoma strWebsiteID = window.document.location.toString();strSplitWeb = strWebsiteID.split("/")strWebsiteID = strSplitWeb[2];document.write(”“); from the Malaysian Medical Resources VIDEO: Smoking Risks Transcend Social Class and Gender, Few Adolescents Benefit from Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs, Parkinson’s Linked to Melanoma (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2222590 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2222590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2200770&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F_JiMg5J_2tk%2F   Cherries have powerful antioxidants, known as anthocyanins that are thought to help fight inflammation and risk of heart disease. A study conducted by Dr. Steven F. Bolling at the University of Michigan, shows that eating cherries may lower body fat, weight, cholesterol and inflammation. Our bodies use inflammation to fight off infection and injury. A chronic state of inflammation can raise your risk of heart disease.  With 2 out of 3 people overweight or obese in the United States, especially around their middle, this problem is more prevalent. In the study rats were feed a (Western Diet) which was high in fat and moderate carbohydrates.  The study added tart cherry powder to some of the rat’s diet, which caused them to maintain lean muscle mass as well as a decrease in... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2200770 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2200770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2173241&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FnvIwd6ht9pA%2F While searching for a topic for the day, I came upon a marvelous story. Kim Bensen was like most of us fighting a weight problem, losing 10 pounds only to gain 15 later. A visit to her health care provider was the awakening moment. Kim was to learn that her cholesterol was at a dangerous level. This could eventually mean heart disease, her weight had become her deadly enemy. Being a young mother she knew that she had to make some life style changes. Kim joined Weight Watchers and within two years had lost 212 pounds. Kim is the author of Finally Thin and is editor for Better TV and Parents TV. Week after week I stuck with it. There were challenges and plateaus. There was hope and victory. My journey was long, but it didn’t matter anymore. I loved what I was doing! I could live with t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2173241 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2173241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2160582&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FLMyeiuz9ypg%2F In today’s fast pace, fast food world even our children have high cholesterol. It is more important than ever to know your cholesterol levels. Good cholesterol HDL levels for men should be higher than 40 and 50 for women. When the levels are over 60 it lowers your risk factors for heart disease. The HDL removes cholesterol from the arteries, taking it back to the liver where it passes from your body. Bad cholesterol or LDL builds up in the walls of the arteries. The walls of your blood vessels will narrow over time, due to the build-up of the fatty deposits. The fatty build-up will slow the blood flow, eventually causing heart failure. It is wise to have a complete physical once a year, this will aid in preventing problems such as high cholesterol. To learn more about choleste... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2160582 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2160582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2141492&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FB_W0fdA4QKw%2F CRP or an inflammatory marker is a protein that is made when there is inflammation present in the body. CRP inflammation can be caused by high blood pressure, high blood sugar or smoking, it is also the way your body reacts to injury or infection. CRP(C-reactive protein) inflammation encourages plaque to form in the blood vessels. This plaque will eventually cause the blood vessels to rupture causing a heart attack or stroke. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is often shortened to CPR. When your health care provider is explaining your disorder they will usually use the term CRP.  You will see CRP in written articles also. If you are experiencing any health problems related to your heart make an appointment with your health care provider immediately. Be sure to tell them at t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2141492 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2141492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074610&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FM1V-Bz3d6H4%2F Researchers have found a gene known only to the Amish population so far. This information may prove to be extremity important in heart research, leading to new methods of preventing heart problems. The researchers found that the older Amish people were the best test subjects. Older Amish are genetically homogenous, that can trace their families back 14 generations all the way to Europe in the 1700 hundreds.  Amish people live a slower pace of life and eat homegrown foods that do not contain preservatives. They get more exercise and have higher levels of good HDL-cholesterol, lower levels of LDL or bad cholesterol. “People who have the mutation all have low triglycerides,” said Toni Pollin of the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, who led the study r... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074610 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:10:35 +0100 2074610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2065451&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FvRStkhMKr7E%2F Having a glass of wine over the holiday’s will actually be good for your heart. A glass or two of wine per day will increase the Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. A research study led by Dr. Romina Di Giuseppe of the Catholic University in Campobasso, Italy, found that the link is stronger among wine drinkers. The link was not as strong in those who drink beer and other alcoholic drinks in moderation. Fish such as salmon and mackerel also lower your triglycerides. Which in turn reduces risk of heart failure due to reducing inflammation and preventing disturbances in the rhythm of the heart. Wine also reduces the chances of blood clots by boosting the blood levels of your good HDL cholesterol. The study will be published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrit... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2065451 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:42:38 +0100 2065451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2061270&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FhJYigwLC49Q%2F From 1999 to 2006 the death rate of heart attacks and strokes fell about 30%. A cardiologist from UCLA said this is one of the outstanding achievements of modern history. Even with this amazing news, the death count for Americans in 2006 from heart attacks and strokes was still at 829,072. On an average one American dies from heart disease every 37 seconds. A study on cholesterol levels in men men over 40 and women over 60 showed a 2% improvement. The same study showed no improvement in younger people. We also have a rise in children with high cholesterol, due to their eating habits and little or no exercise. Obesity is a major factor in children with high cholesterol, 4% of the children from 1971-74 were considered obese. The same study showed from 2003-06 a remarkable rise to 17%, of ch... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2061270 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:01:34 +0100 2061270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2053201&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F489050514%2F New patient therapy starts in the cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure markets - three of the biggies - will be relatively flat in 2009 compared to previous years, with growth expected to be lower than 5 percent in each, according to SDI, a market research firm. “The indication that many patients are going without healthcare coverage, and sometimes their medications, does not bode well for how many new patients will begin prescription therapy in 2009,” says John Ross, SDI’s chief operating officer, in a statement. New patient therapy starts, for those who are unaware, refers to patients who have never before taken a particular med. For the cholesterol market, for instance, SDI projects growth of just 3 percent in new patient therapy starts next year. The diabet... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2053201 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:35:24 +0100 2053201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2039981&cid=t_324539_123_f&fid=34778&url=http%3A%2F%2Fparentingsolved.typepad.com%2Fparenting_solved%2F2008%2F12%2Fdo-babies-need-dha-in-their-baby-food.html It’s always been in breast milk, then it appeared in infant formula and now you can find it in baby food.  It’s DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).  So what is DHA and do you need to be feeding your baby DHA-supplemented baby food? What is DHA? DHA is a special fatty acid critical to brain and eye development in babies and young children.  Babies get a bunch of it during the last trimester of gestation and then become dependent upon getting DHA in their diets.  DHA is found in breast milk (as it turns out, levels in breast milk depend upon your diet) and it first was added to infant formula here in the U.S. in 2002. What does it do?  Studies have shown that DHA, when added to a baby’s diet at certain levels, can improve brain development and vision.&#0... Parenting Solved blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2039981 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:04:43 +0100 2039981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1984846&cid=t_324539_135_f&fid=35262&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsurvivinghiv.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fhow-can-i-lower-cholesterol-without.html (Source: Nelson Vergel's HIV Blog) Nelson Vergel's HIV Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1984846 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:07:00 +0100 1984846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1964117&cid=t_324539_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2F454166829%2F Cholesterol is a normal constituent of the human body. However excess cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia or sometimes called dyslipidemia) is one of the most important risk factors for developing heart attack and stroke. Here are a couple of videos on cholesterol explaining why is cholesterol important to the body, how it causes disease and what lifestyle changes are required to decrease excess cholesterol. What does high cholesterol do? (Time 4:11 min) Lifestyle changes for high cholesterol (Time 7:40 min) addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmedicineandman.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F11%2F15%2Fcholesterol-education-videos%2F'; addthis_title = 'Cholesterol+education+videos'; addthis_pub = ''; (Source: Medicine and Man) Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1964117 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:36:24 +0100 1964117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1955502&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F449644613%2F And what is the drugmaker’s ceo cautious about? The eye-popping assumptions that Crestor sales will skyrocket, pun intended, now that the widely hyped Jupiter study found that cholesterol pill reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and heart attacks by 44 percent in people with low LDL cholesterol levels compared with patients on a placebo. “We’ve seen a flurry of estimates from analysts about the commercial impact of Jupiter, some of them pretty bullish, reflecting a view that there will be a near term, dramatic shift in medical practice,” he told journalists on a conference call. “I would urge caution when forecasting the speed of such changes in medical practice.” Why so sobering? Well, the Jupiter study measured a protein called CRP, which is used ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1955502 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:39:15 +0100 1955502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1947491&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F447441711%2F The results of AstraZeneca’s hotly anticipated Jupiter study - which measured levels of a protein called CRP that can indicate arteries are inflamed and point toward heart disease - were just released at the American Heart Association meeting and they are likely to stir as much debate as promised. The cholesterol pill reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and heart attacks by 44 percent compared with patients on a placebo. The 17,802 participants were men over 50 years old and women over 60 years old - ripe ages for heart attacks, but who were healthy. They did not display signs of heart disease and had cholesterol levels not requiring meds under current guidelines. The study is available in The New England Journal of Medicine. Other findings: the combined risk of heart attack, st... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1947491 Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:47:57 +0100 1947491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1962905&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fis-lowering-cholesterol-always.html IS LOWERING CHOLESTROL ALWAYS  BENEFICIAL? Controlling cholesterol is gospel in heart medicine.  It guides treatment, and sell billions of dollars in drugs.  We all are told bad cholesterol, LDL causes heart attacks and good cholesterol HDL, is protective.  But why do people with great cholesterol levels still suffer heart attacks?  Twenty-one years ago, the FDA approved the first statin drugs to lower LDL.   18-year-old kids killed in the Korean War already had plaque build up.   The disease really starts as kids.  But is there a missing link called inflammation that may be a high risk factor. Cholesterol builds cell membranes, and forms hormones.  It doesn’t dissolve in the blood but is carried by lipoproteins as LDL from the liver to other tissues and by HDL from tissues to... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1962905 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:24:00 +0100 1962905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924709&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F437306919%2F A forthcoming AstraZeneca study could dramatically increase the market for cholesterol-lowering drugs, otherwise known as statins, which are already pharma’s biggest success story, Forbes writes. Known as Jupiter, the study tested the theory that Crestor combats lower artery inflammation, which can cause cholesterol plaque to burst into heart-attack-causing clots. Some 18,000 people were tested with low levels of LDL, but high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), which could indicate that the arteries are inflamed, the mag writes. In March, the study was stopped early because of “unequivocal” benefit, and now, some scientists hope for blowout results when the full data are presented on November 9 at the American Heart Association meeting, Forbes says. And by the way, sinc... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924709 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:31:21 +0100 1924709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1889073&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FquoNcej4iOQ%2F … he has identified how two different kinds of Chlamydia can cause both coronary artery disease and miscarriages. Solving one mystery gave him clues that he needed to figure out the other. By focusing on the immune system mechanisms in Chlamydia infections, Azenabor has identified an important link in seemingly unrelated health problems. The result could be new treatments and prevention strategies for both heart disease and infertility. Chlamydia pneumoniae is a microbe that normally causes pneumonia and bronchitis, but it has long been associated with atherosclerosis, a cardiovascular disease also called “hardening of the arteries.” Huh? Chlamydia? Yes, when the macrophages’ cell walls are infected with the C. pneumoniae their usually tight cholesterol, which they regularly store,... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1889073 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:24:26 +0100 1889073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1862822&cid=t_324539_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2F415363072%2F A new campaign “Read ‘em before you eat ‘em” led by NYC’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, hopes to make a dent in the preventable health problems and early deaths caused by obesity each year. This campaign comprises a series of ads being but up in New York Subway cars and is designed to help New Yorkers see how quickly fast-food calories add up. Here are the initial set of ads: addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmedicineandman.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F10%2F08%2Fnyc-anti-obesity-ads%2F'; addthis_title = 'NYC+anti-obesity+ads'; addthis_pub = ''; (Source: Medicine and Man) Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1862822 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:40:00 +0100 1862822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844792&cid=t_324539_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2F407735128%2F Michael Pollen’s new book, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto argues for simplification of dietary habits in this world of complicated food products. This is what he has to say in a nutshell: What to Eat? Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food (non-dairy creamer?) Avoid food products with ingredients that are unfamiliar, unpronounceable, more than 5 in number, or that contain high-fructose corn syrup (none of these is necessarily bad in itself, but they raise red flags). Avoid food products that make health claims. Broccoli and tomatoes are silent. If a product needs to crow about being healthy, chances are it isn’t. Shop the periphery of the supermarket where the fresh food resides Get out of the supermarket and shop at a farmers’ m... Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844792 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:03:49 +0100 1844792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1833261&cid=t_324539_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2F403067482%2F This Medco analysis implies that the perceived therapeutic benefit of generics over brand name in the minds of patients may not be that significant as earlier thought. The analysis also reveals that reaching the Coverage Gap dramatically stimulates the use of generics among all Medicare recipients. During the initial phase of the benefit, when the plan provides drug coverage, one-third of the medications used daily by beneficiaries were generics and two-thirds were brand-name drugs. Once beneficiaries reached the Gap and were responsible for the full cost of the drug, those numbers flip - generic usage rises to 71 percent and brand-name use falls to 29 percent. What other factors could be playing a role and how do we counteract it? Reference: Medco, ACP Internist addthis_url = 'http%3... Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1833261 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:30:36 +0100 1833261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825814&cid=t_324539_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2F402246119%2F Promote junk food, raise cholesterol levels and then prescribe cholesterol lowering drugs. This is capitalism at its best. Can we fight it? So if everybody hates the idea of giving statins to kids…..why don’t we restrict marketing junk food to children, improve the quality of nutrition at school, promote physical activity at school and increase funding for obesity prevention and treatment? Your Child’s Lunch Box What’s next? Hamburger with a topping of statins! Cheese fortified with statins! Statin Water!………….. Video: Reinventing the school lunch Speaking at the 2007 EG conference, “renegade lunch lady” Ann Cooper talks about the coming revolution in the way kids eat at school — local, sustainable, seasonal and even educatio... Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825814 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:07:16 +0100 1825814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1794380&cid=t_324539_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F09%2F15%2Fnewer-antipsychotics-no-better-than-older-ones%2F In case you needed more proof that the new drugs being marketed today are no better than the cheaper, older drugs, well a new study was recently published just for you: The six-year, multisite Treatment of Early Onset Schizophrenia Study (TEOSS) included 116 youth between 8 and 19 years old, diagnosed with early onset schizophrenia spectrum disorder (EOSS). The TEOSS team randomly assigned the children to eight weeks of either olanzapine (Zyprexa) or risperidone (Risperdal)—both new generation atypical antipsychotics—or to the older conventional antipsychotic molindone (Moban) plus benztropine, a medication often used to reduce side effects like uncontrolled shaking or tremor that can be associated with molindone. […] Response rates after eight weeks of treatment were compara... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1794380 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:32:22 +0100 1794380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1769440&cid=t_324539_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHEALTH%2F%7E3%2F383877706%2F Conclusion My thanks to everyone that contributed articles — it’s been great hosting the Cancer Research Blog Carnival for a second time this year. Be sure to take a moment and let your fellow bloggers know this issue is available so that everyone’s hard work can be appreciated and enjoyed by all. The Cancer Research Blog Carnival is looking for future hosts. You can find both the hosting schedule and past editions at the Cancer Research Blog Carnival website. For more information on the U.S. investment in cancer research, you can read the NCI’s plan and budget proposal for fiscal year 2009. References Niederhuber JE. A look inside the National Cancer Institute budget process: implications for 2007 and beyond. Cancer Res. 2007 Feb 1;67(3):856-62. View abstract The ... Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1769440 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:49:31 +0100 1769440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1754769&cid=t_324539_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2F381836034%2F In a new article released online (ahead of print) in the New England Journal of Medicine (SEAS Trial), Schering-Plough’s “would be” blockbuster drug ezitimibe (Zetia) has again not only fallen short of it’s expectations, but now may also be linked with increased cancer risk. In patients taking Vytorin (simvastatin + ezitimibe) there was an increased number of cancers (no particular type) when it was given to try to prevent aortic stenosis (thickening of a valve located in the blood outflow tract in the heart). Aortic stenosis in elderly is related to atherosclerosis and has many of the same risk factors as for heart attacks. This trial was therefore designed to see if Vytorin could prevent/delay development of aortic stenosis. Unfortunately, Vytorin fell short in th... Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1754769 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:04:02 +0100 1754769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1726328&cid=t_324539_127_f&fid=34828&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrclouthier.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fvytorin-cancer-link.html Another reason not to use pharmaceuticals to lower cholesterol. Over the past few years more and more of these dire warnings are coming out. Please consider using natural means to lower cholesterol. If you don't know where to start email me at drclouthier@gmail.com and I will help. (Source: Dr. Steve Clouthier) Dr. Steve Clouthier blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1726328 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:33:00 +0100 1726328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1723650&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F371250311%2F One month after the curious finding that a few dozen cancer and cancer-related deaths were found in a Vytorin trial called SEAS, the agency has decided the results warrant its own investigation. Earlier today, the House Energy & Commerce Committee stepped up its own probe of the controversial cholesterol pill by demanding Merck and Schering-Plough, which jointly market Vytorin, turn over documents relating to the trial and its analysis. The FDA expects to receive a “final” report from the drugmakers in three months. In announcing its investigation, the FDA notes that “interim data from two large ongoing cardiovascular trials of Vytorin – the Study of Heart and Renal Protection (SHARP) and the Improved Reduction in High-Risk Subjects Presenting with Acute Coronary S... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1723650 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:32:18 +0100 1723650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1720550&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F370855536%2F Those wildly popular statins, which are taken by millions of Americans, don’t raise the risk of cancer, after all, according to a new report in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Last year, the same authors from Tufts University School of Medicine published a paper that found cancer rates rose in tandem with lower cholesterol levels in patients taking statins. The new report, however, shows nearly an identical relationship of more malignancies in people with lower cholesterol, even when they weren’t taking the meds. The findings appear to clear statins from responsibility for the cancers, Richard Karas, director of preventive cardiology at Tufts Medical Center and the senior author of the paper, tells Bloomberg News. “We found that there is indeed an asso... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1720550 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:34:50 +0100 1720550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1717574&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F368975375%2F Is it possible? Have Vytorin prescriptions finally hit bottom? Maybe. Back in January, when preliminary results for the Enhance trial were released, scrips were about 1.8 million, but then sunk to 1.33 million in June. Last month, though, scrips rose about 90,000, according to a filing by Schering-Plough with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This happened despite the confusion over the recently released Seas trial, which failed a primary endpoint and, moreover, yielded a puzzling number of cancer cases. However, there is another way to slice the data (isn’t there always?) Although scrips were up for Vytorin and Zetia, both of which Schering-Plough and Merck co-market in a rather strained joint venture, scrips for the entire cholesterol market also rose to their highest levels ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1717574 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:01:38 +0100 1717574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1693620&cid=t_324539_127_f&fid=34828&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrclouthier.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fit-is-time-to-question-any-intervention.html I will say it once again: Taking ANY cholesterol lowering medication is a risky scheme. How many times is it now that we have seen serious questions arise regarding the effects of cholesterol lowering medications ? This does not include the number of times that these medications have been removed from the pharmaceutical shelves. Then, these same damaging medications that were removed due to public danger, are replaced with a new medication that continues to cause physical damage and potential damage to human beings. I suggest looking at other factors with a very determined eye first:1. Thyroid balance2. Liver detoxification3. Liver and gallbladder dysfunction4. Diet and Exercise5. Emotional balance related to anger and resentmentI would start with these things first and progress. I have ha... Dr. Steve Clouthier blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1693620 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:30:00 +0100 1693620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1696359&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F66O2sHN1RNc%2F Persons with heart disease need to worry with controlling their overall cholesterol levels and not just “bad” cholesterol levels.  So important that this is re-examined. High cholesterol and heart disease do not mix! Researchers found that 37 percent of Americans with diseases that affect the heart and vascular system had reached recommended levels of LDL-C (bad cholesterol), but only 17 percent were at recommended levels for all lipids – LDL-C, HDL-C (“good” cholesterol) and triglycerides. In contrast, 85 percent of those without cardiovascular diseases were at recommended LDL-C levels, while 67 percent were at recommended levels for all lipids.  What do we need to do to decrease our risk levels? Control your weight, blood pressure and blood lipid levels through good l... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1696359 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:53:19 +0100 1696359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1689049&cid=t_324539_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2008%2F08%2F07%2Fhealth-benefits-from-omega-3-fish-oil%2F There are many studies that have shown excellent health benefits from taking omega 3 type fish oil. Omega 3 oils are found in fish oils, flax seed and several vegetable oils including canola, soybean and olive oils. There are different components to these oils that provide health benefits. The DHA and EPA oils in fish oil have been linked to reducing hardening of the arteries and lowering triglycerides. They also have the benefit of lowering blood pressure and heart rate to a mild degree. This all results in an overall reduction in risk for coronary artery disease, heart attack, sudden death, irregular heart beat and stroke. Fish oil can also have a blood thinning effect to reduce abnormal blood clotting, similar to that of aspirin. This latter effect is a two edge sword because too much f... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1689049 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:19:26 +0100 1689049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1658226&cid=t_324539_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-best-part-of-wine%2F The Abstinent Approach to Healthy Wine Consumption In the Sober Kitchen by Recovering Chef Liz Scott No doubt since you put down that last drink, you have noticed that researchers are continually discovering good and healthy things about drinking, particularly red wine. Most recently, a compound called resveratrol, which is present in grape skins and seeds, has been pinpointed as the potentially key component in red wine that can contribute to good health. In addition to preventing damage to blood vessels, reducing bad cholesterol, and preventing blood clots, resveratrol may also help protect from obesity and diabetes. “…some studies have even shown that drinking red or purple grape juice provides the same heart-healthy benefits of red wine…” For sober folks an... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1658226 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:54:36 +0100 1658226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1634881&cid=t_324539_123_f&fid=34778&url=http%3A%2F%2Fparentingsolved.typepad.com%2Fparenting_solved%2F2008%2F07%2Fi-just-read-tar.html I just read Tara Parker Pope’s New York Times piece (Sunday July 13, 2008) on the American Academy of Pediatrics cholesterol position and I’m disappointed. Without so much as a shred of evidence, Ms. Pope suggests a link between the AAP’s recommendations and inappropriate influence by the pharmaceutical industry. As a major manufacturer of vaccines, Merck, for example, has a longstanding history of support for medical education. To imply that such support would in any way influence AAP policy on child health is irresponsible. Beyond implicating the Academy, Ms. Pope creates more innuendo when she details the history of funding support for individual members of the AAP’s Committee on Nutrition. But the piece is unable to make any connection between support for a visiting professors... Parenting Solved blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1634881 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:49:29 +0100 1634881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1618127&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F334607906%2F Leading US doctors are saying that children as young as 8 should receive statins as a course of treatment for high cholesterol. Currently in many places such as the UK kids with a rare gene fault are being prescribed statins but US pediatricians are taking it one step further. The American Academy of Pediatrics, however, believes that the drugs, which are used by millions of adults worldwide, could benefit thousands more children who are already obese, or showing signs of high blood pressure or type II diabetes. Many UK docs do not agree with this decision and state that this is being used in place of a good diet and exercise. What do you think- would you place your child on a statin or is your child already taking a cholesterol lowering medication? via BBC  Tags: children, diet exercise,... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1618127 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:32:56 +0100 1618127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1616318&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F333159938%2F Thanks to Ruth at Eating Fabulous, I have this great bit of cholesterol information to share with you… In  study sponsored by Lichtwer Pharma, a German manufacturer of herbal supplements, UK researchers found that a preparation of artichoke leaf extract helped decrease cholesterol levels in healthy adults with raised cholesterol levels. Yes artichoke leaf extract! When studied the supplement made a 6.1% difference among the test and study group.  The supplements used were Lichtwer Pharma-branded Cynara. Has anyone heard of this previous or does anyone already take artichoke supplements to help with cholesterol? Who would have thought… hat tip Ruth  Tags: , artichoke leaf supplement, cholesterol, cynara, heart-disease, lower cholesterolShare This (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1616318 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:02:48 +0100 1616318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1594007&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F328839452%2F The nation’s pediatricians are recommending wider cholesterol screening for children and more aggressive use of cholesterol meds starting as early as the age of 8 in hopes of preventing adult heart problems, The New York Times reports, adding that new guidelines are expected to be issued today by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Why do this? The Times writes that proponents say there is growing evidence the first signs of heart disease show up in childhood. And with 30 percent of the nation’s children overweight or obese, many docs fear a rash of early heart attacks and diabetes is on the horizon as these children grow up. Previously, the academy had said cholesterol drugs should be considered in children older than 10 if they fail to lose weight after a 6-to 12-month effort. The a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1594007 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:31:02 +0100 1594007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1543927&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F319928034%2F Most likely, you will not find this surprising. In any event, the use of cholesterol-lowering pills - otherwise known as statins - rose by 156 percent between 2000 and 2005, according to the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The number of people obtaining a prescription for a statin nearly doubled, from 15.8 milllion to 29.7 million. Looked at another way, the number of outpatient scrips rose to nearly 174 million from about 90 million. Along with the usage, the register rang innumerable times - spending jumped during that period to $19.7 billion from $7.7 billion. Each individual spent $484 a year, on average, to lower their cholesterol in 2000, and that rose to $661 by 2005. Although the AHRQ report doesn’t look at the past three years, the individual spending may hav... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1543927 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:13:13 +0100 1543927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1538241&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F317736344%2F I saw a commercial for a new combination medicine. Caduet. It is a mix of Norvasc and Lipitor and I wrote about it last year when it first came on the scene. It lowers your blood pressure while lowering your cholesterol. I still have yet to really see this medication prescribed. Here are its benefits… CADUET can be taken anytime, day or night, with or without food. CADUET offers every dose combination of Norvasc and Lipitor for flexible dosing options (excluding 1 combination: CADUET 2.5 mg/80 mg). CADUET is available on many managed care plans nationwide. It is like killing 2 birds with 1 stone- with only one co-pay.  Have you tried it? Or do you know someone that has? How did they make out? I would love some feedback. via Caduet Official Site Tags: cadu... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1538241 Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:54:08 +0100 1538241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1492077&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fbad-news-about-good-cholesterol-adds-to.html "'Good' cholesterol that scientists have thought helped unclog arteries had no effect on heart disease in a study, casting doubt on a theory drugmakers have spent more than $1 billion pursuing," says an article on Bloomberg.com (see "Why Pfizer Flopped: Good Cholesterol, not so good, says study").Add this to results from the Vytorin/Zetia study that failed to prove that lowering 'bad' cholesterol does not seem to lessen buildup of plaque on arteries and you seem to have a "perfect storm" that may eventually sink the whole anti-cholesterol drug market!Maybe I am not a good focus group of one, but in response to all this bad news about the failings of statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs, I have done the following:Stopped taking my cholesterol drugs (Pravachol and Zetia) and focused ... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1492077 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:10:00 +0100 1492077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1492321&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F304078718%2F The good cholesterol that scientists have thought helped unclog arteries had no effect on heart disease in a study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association, casting doubt on a theory drugmakers have spent more than $1 billion pursuing, Bloomberg News writes. Researchers studied people who have a genetic condition that causes them to produce very low levels of HDL cholesterol, expecting they’d be about twice as likely to have heart disease. Instead, they had no greater risk, throwing into question the notion that raising HDL helps reduce plaque in arteries, a theory Pfizer, Merck and Roche have all pursued at various times, the wire notes. “There is really no evidence that this method is going to work,” Anne Tybjaerg-Hansen, a study and clinical... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1492321 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:08:25 +0100 1492321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1475416&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F299995965%2F And can ring a few registers, too. In the UK, more than a million people will be put on statins to lower their cholesterol level and prevent heart attacks, under new guidelines published today. Docs are urged to trawl the records of patients aged 40 and over to find people with a one in five chance of having a heart attack or stroke and call them in for advice and drugs, The Telegraph reports. Four million people already take statins, mostly after heart attacks. But the UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence wants healthy people deemed at high risk of an attack or a stroke within 10 years to have preventive drugs as well, the paper writes. That would put 1.5 million more on meds and should prevent an extra 15,000 heart attacks, strokes and new cases of angina eac... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1475416 Wed, 28 May 2008 17:55:00 +0100 1475416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1472423&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fstatin-police.html What is the evidence?You are just finishing lunch when the phone rings. “Hello, may I speak to Mr (pause, a rustle of paper) Jones?”“Speaking”“Hello, Mr Jones, may I take a minute of your time to discuss health issues?”“What are you selling?”“I am not selling anything, Mr Jones. Mr Jones we just happen to be in your area, and we notice that you are now 48 years old, Mr Jones, and that your father died aged 69 of a heart attack.”“How do you know this?”“Have you considered, Mr Jones, that if you were to take just one tablet a day of ‘Plugastatin’ you, Mr Jones, could reduce your risk of heart disease?”“I don’t want to buy anything. I am going to hang up now”.“But Mr Jones, your last blood pressure reading was 148/88 and you were 10 lbs above your ideal... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1472423 Wed, 28 May 2008 08:18:00 +0100 1472423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1404197&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F279384627%2F Last Friday, Genzyme and Isis Pharmaceuticals disclosed that the FDA wants them to gather more data in order to win approval for a novel cholesterol drug. Specifically, the agency indicated that lowering cholesterol is an “acceptable surrogate endpoint” for using their mipomersen in patients with a rare, inherited form of high cholesterol. But an outcomes trial will be needed to win approval for other patients with high cholesterol. Such a trial can prove valuable if the outcome is achieved, but it’s also expensive and time-consuming because many more patients are needed to enroll. Interestingly, Zetia was approved six years ago on its ability to lower cholesterol, but actual outcomes data for Vytorin still isn’t available. We mention both drugs in the same breath... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1404197 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:20:34 +0100 1404197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1400714&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F277925469%2F Here are some Friday links for you… Novel Way to Prevent Cardiac Fibrosis Identified- In a study that points to a new strategy for preventing or possibly reversing fibrosis — the scarring that can lead to organ and tissue damage — researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have determined that a molecule called Epac (Exchange protein activated by cAMP1), plays a key role in integrating the body’s pro- and anti-fibrotic response. Chocolate Bar Shown To Lower Cholesterol- “Eating two CocoaVia dark chocolate bars a day not only lowered cholesterol, it had the unexpected effect of also lowering systolic blood pressure,” said John Erdman, a U. of I. professor of food science and human nutrition. Heart Derived Stem Cells Develop ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1400714 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:15:28 +0100 1400714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375200&cid=t_324539_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F271000486%2F Administration of the popular anti-inflammatory drug Celebrex (celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) in combination with Lipitor (atorvastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug or statin) halts the transition of early prostate cancer to its more aggressive and potentially deadly stage. “Anti-androgen therapy slows the prostate cancer but eventually the cancer becomes androgen-independent, the therapy becomes ineffective and the cancer cells become more aggressive,” said Xi Zheng, assistant research professor at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, who conducted the study. “Treatments available for the later stage cancers are not very good,” said Allan Conney, director of Rutgers’ Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, another resea... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375200 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:02:12 +0100 1375200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1369143&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F269457342%2F Here is some good news, especially for me who looovvvees any type of nut. Macadamia nuts are now being given the thumbs up and should be included among other nuts that have qualified health claims. Included in a heart healthy diet, macadamia nuts did reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels. Up to this point, macadamia nuts as well as Brazil nuts and cashews were not included in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s list of nuts with qualified health claims due to their saturated fat level of 6g per 50 grams of nuts and the cut off being 4 g per 50 grams of nuts. Now go eat some nuts! Tags: cholesterol, heart-health, Hearty Diet, lipids, macadamia nuts, nutritionShare This (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1369143 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 14:12:02 +0100 1369143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1363930&cid=t_324539_137_f&fid=36083&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FIAmAnAlzheimersCaregiver%2F%7E3%2F267867561%2Fstatins-that-stave-off-alzheimers-zocor.html "The strength of reduction of incidence of dementia with simvastatin (Zocor) is striking". When I read this article in July, 2007, I asked the doctor to switch my mother from Lovastatin to Zocor. At that time, Zocor was more expensive but now it is also a generic. In the previous article on this blog I mentioned this decision. You can read... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver) I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1363930 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:50:44 +0100 1363930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1363931&cid=t_324539_137_f&fid=36083&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FIAmAnAlzheimersCaregiver%2F%7E3%2F267851557%2Flovastatin-shown-to-slow-progression-of.html This is a classic example of the Alzheimer's CareGiver conundrum. I switched my mother from Lovastatin to Zocor after reading a similar article pointing out the benefits of statins. I'll put the article up on Zocor soon. Zocor did improve her cholesterol numbers. clipped from www.medicalnewstoday.comHigh cholesterol levels are considered to be... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver) I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1363931 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:27:12 +0100 1363931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1349496&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F04%2F03%2Feasy-health-tip-cut-bad-cholesterol-with-this-little-wonder%2F picApp_publisherId = 473;picApp_imageId = 11954;picApp_imageWidth = 271;picApp_imageHeight = 408;picApp_configUrl = "http://pis.picapp.com/IamProd/FlashSite/GetConfig.aspx";picApp_Picview="http://pis.picapp.com/IamProd/FlashSite/en/picviewerv1_1.swf";picapp_numberOfLine=1;ImageServe(); That’s right! According to a recent article in Woman’s World magazine (April 7th edition), red grapefruit can help lower your “bad” (aka LDL) cholesterol levels by as much as 20%. This seems to be the case whether or not your high cholesterol is responsive to statin drugs or whether you make any diet or lifestyle changes. So what’s behind this little Wonder Fruit? Experts claim the antioxidants in red grapefruit have the power to inhibit the liver’s tendency to overproduce... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1349496 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:37:33 +0100 1349496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1347673&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ftrans-fats-a-scambuster-report%2F Most people know that foods containing trans fats are bad, which is good. But not everyone realizes that foods containing no trans fats are not necessarily good, which is bad. You can hardly walk through the supermarket without being bombarded with product messages announcing “No Trans Fats,” as if that fact automatically rendered them healthful. In fact, a product could contain no trans fats and actually be 100 percent pure fat! That’s because there are two main types of fats; namely, saturated and unsaturated fats. And while avoiding trans fats is a good idea, equally, if not more important, is monitoring and limiting saturated fat intake because saturated fat (along with trans fat and cholesterol) raise the bad LDL form of cholesterol and lower the good HDL form. The way this work... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1347673 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:46:51 +0100 1347673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1347319&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2008%2F4%2F3%2Fpot-bellies-of-the-worldbeware.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.D So you don’t exercise. And you like your six pack. And you have a bit of a pot belly. But you are not overweight. In fact, your BMI is in the normal range. Do you feel pretty smug? Read on, and I think you’ll get shaken up a bit, as you should. Central Obesity The correlation between obesity and diabetes and heart disease is well known. In fact, we now know that people should be concerned not only about body fat, but importantly: where this fat is located. Waistline fat is a major risk factor of diabetes and heart disease, deceptively cute names like “love handles” not withstanding. But did you know that being a Michelin Man may end up in dementia? The Kaiser study I certainly did not suspect it. And I dare say,I don’t know anybod... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1347319 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:57:44 +0100 1347319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1338215&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F261223750%2F Some Japanese are questioning standards for cholesterol care after learning that university docs involved in drawing up guidelines received donations from some of the same drugmakers that make and sell meds for metabolic syndrome and high cholesterol, The Daily Yomiuri reports. In fact, the docs received far more cash than other docs. The issue is raising questions about whether researchers who have received corporate donations can remain impartial. Meanwhile, the paper adds that some experts are skeptical about the guidelines due to their low thresholds, which are capable of categorizing healthy people as being sick and in need of medication. The standard for determining whether a person has high cholesterol is set in line with Japan Atherosclerosis Society guidelines, which defines a tot... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1338215 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:07:09 +0100 1338215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1243622&cid=t_324539_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHEALTH%2F%7E3%2F237977491%2F This article was published on Highlight HEALTH. Related articlesLiving Healthy Isn’t Cost Saving, It’s Cost EffectiveOverweight Kids and TV: An Advertising EpidemicHealthy Fast Food Not So HealthyChiropractic Adjustments and Artery Dissection: Is Your Neck in Safe Hands?Lack of Health Insurance Increases Risk of Cancer Death (Source: Highlight HEALTH) Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1243622 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:10:51 +0100 1243622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1188603&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fcaucuses-coffee-shop-focus-groups-and.html Discussion of CholesterolBack to politics, where everything is tested in focus groups, even if just gabbing with a few people in a coffee shop.Not only is politics the topic of discussion in coffee shops around America these days, but so is high cholesterol and drugs that treat it. If a cholesterol drug were running in the Rx drug primaries, it would be the Giuliani of candidates! Vytorin and Zetia have dropped out of the race (see "Vytorin and Zetia Are Dead in the Water") and Crestor has re-emerged, phoenix-like, as a contender (see "Crestor Print Ad Touts Plaque Buildup Advantage").In this month's Pharma Marketing News, I published the following article by Jim Avery, professor of advertising at the University of Oklahoma. He recounts his conversation with college-educated friends at a l... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1188603 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:51:00 +0100 1188603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1161229&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F219064415%2F That’s the question pondered in a BusinessWeek piece, and the answer offered - very few. To illustrate the point, the fine print in a Lipitor ad is cited - in a large clinical study lasting more than three years, 3 percent of patients taking a placebo had a heart attack, compared with 2 percent on the Pfizer pill. This means for every 100 people, three people on placebos and two people on Lipitor had heart attacks. The difference credited to the drug? One fewer heart attack per 100 people. So to spare one person a heart attack, 100 people had to take Lipitor for more than three years. The other 99 got no measurable benefit. In other words, the number needed to treat (or NNT) for one person to benefit is 100. And the mag notes there are reasons to believe the overall benefit for many ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1161229 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:00:26 +0100 1161229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1161152&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F219027354%2F You say po-tae-to I say po-ta-to. Calcium supplements are now under fire. For years it has been thought that prescribing calcium to post menopausal women helped maintain bone health as well as possibly reducing the risk of high cholesterol. Apparently that news is ’so yesterday’. Researchers at the University of Auckland examined the effects of calcium supplementation on heart attacks stroke and sudden death. 1,471 healthy post-menopausal women aged 55 years or over took part in the study. And just what did they find? Dietary calcium intake was assessed and women were seen every six months over five years. Adverse events were recorded at each visit. Heart attacks were more commonly reported in the calcium group. The occurrence of any three vascular events (heart attack, stroke ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1161152 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:34:28 +0100 1161152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1159559&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F218562680%2F How are your genes looking? No it is not a typo and I do not mean the ones on your backside, I mean the ones your Mama and Papa gave you! Cholesterol be warned… they are on a rampage and their coming for you. An international study of over 20,000, yes 20,000, people allowed researchers to identify 7 new genes that influence blood cholesterol levels and confirmed 11 other genes that were previously thought to influence high lipids. Of the seven new variants, two influenced HDL, one influenced LDL, and three influenced triglycerides, which are found in fat and in the bloodstream and like LDL, are associated with increased risk of heart disease. One variant influenced triglycerides and LDL. Will this bring us that much closer to new medications and treatments for high cholesterol? Will... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1159559 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 01:28:14 +0100 1159559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1155900&cid=t_324539_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F217706774%2Fdisappointing_results_from_vyt.html Long-awaited results from a study of Vytorin have been met with disappointment and accusations by the medical community.Vitorin, a best-selling cholesterol drug which combines Zetia with the statin drug simvastatin, was found to have made no difference in reducing plaque buildup in the carotid arteries than simvastatin alone. Results showed that patients taking Vytorin actually had slightly more plaque buildup that those taking simvastatin alone.Cardiologist Steven E. Nissen, MD, called the results "a stunning reversal for Zetia and Vytorin." Nissen is chairman of the department of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, and is a past president of the American College of Cardiology. "Zetia works only by blocking the absorption of cholesterol, but it has not been sho... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1155900 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:00:00 +0100 1155900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1142789&cid=t_324539_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F214472762%2F According to Wildon Farwell, M.D., of the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System and colleagues, patients that are on cholesterol-lowering drugs – statins – may be at a lower risk for developing cancer — especially lung and colorectal cancers. Statin users had a reduced risk of all cancer types compared with non-statin users. The incidence of cancer was 9.4 percent among statin users and 13.2 percent among non-statin users. “Our findings support the hypothesis that statins may reduce the risk of cancer, in particular lung and colorectal cancers. This relationship may be affected by the [statin dose],” the authors write. While it is not known if statins can directly prevent cancer, they may inhibit growth of cancer cells – at least according to lab studies. Find m... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1142789 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:01:08 +0100 1142789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1141006&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F214134403%2F You know the saying “you don’t know what you have till it’s gone”? Those words came to mind when I read the latest scientific find studying oatmeal’s benefits in regard to cholesterol. I love oatmeal!!! Being diabetic, I really don’t eat much of it and it has to be the low sugar, low carb stuff, which quite frankly… just isn’t the same. But being that the benefits of cholesterol reduction are proven to be even stronger than when the FDA first approved the correlation back in the 80’s, I am gonna start enjoying my oats again! The new findings suggest that there is many more healthful benefits that go along with the whole grains then what was first thought including… Reduce the risk for elevated blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, an... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1141006 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:23:48 +0100 1141006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1140032&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F213770352%2F Statins may cut the risk of developing cancer by as much as 25 percent, according to research reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Veterans taking statin drugs had a 9.4 percent cancer incidence, compared to 13.2 percent for non-statin users. “Our findings support the hypothesis that statins may reduce the risk of cancer, in particular lung and colorectal cancers,” Wildon Farwell of the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, who led the study, tells Reuters. “The risk reduction appeared to be around 25 percent.” For their study, Farwell and colleagues looked at the health records of nearly 63,000 veterans in the Veteran Affairs New England Healthcare System between January 1997 and December 2005. The veterans were divided into groups that h... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1140032 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:00:23 +0100 1140032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1131182&cid=t_324539_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F211280769%2F Let’s see… 30 minutes. That is all it takes to lower your risk for heart disease, help combat type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, increase energy, lower cholesterol and help to beat cancer. You don’t need to spend hours at the Gym and spend thousands of dollars on equipment, just get yourself out there for a brisk after dinner walk and use some cheap sand dumbbells or soup cans. Heck, I even use my kids as a barbell sometimes and do sit ups with them on my legs. Studies have shown that simply walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes or more on most days can lead to significant health improvements. Add simple strengthening exercises two or three times a week and the benefits are even greater. My big thing is that the exercise not only lowers my blood sugar but gives me th... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1131182 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:49:49 +0100 1131182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1123404&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F209001423%2F Our last poll of 2007! Have a happy and safe new year! Which type of research are you most excited about for the upcoming new year? Stem cells with their cardiac indications New lipid lowering medicines that are on the horizon New and Improved warnings on existing hypertensives Add your answer here y'all! :) Add an Answer View Results Share This (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1123404 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 15:59:02 +0100 1123404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1122564&cid=t_324539_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F208743723%2F Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! We might just have a new type of oral diabetes treatment. It is derived from yeast and yes, that did make me giggle since yeast is in bread and bread is carbs and carbs turns to sugar and… you get my point. It is called glucose tolerance factor, GTF, and is essential in understanding how your body builds a resistance to insulin and can use it an ineffective way at different parts of the day or in differing situations. The results indicate that GTF acts similarly to insulin in the rats, lowering the level of glucose, and of LDL-cholesterol, (the “bad” cholesterol), and raising the level of HDL-cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). GTF inhibited oxidation processes that can cause atherosclerosis and result in further complications of the ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1122564 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:28:34 +0100 1122564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1068756&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F194701422%2F The first heart transplant was 40 years ago and the patient lasted a little over 2 weeks. That may not have been lengthy but it sure was ground breaking. Now 4 decades later we are performing less and less heart transplants. Why? Could it be the ability to keep very sick hearts alive and working effectively for longer amounts of time then previous? Quite possibly! Could it be that even though there are more registered organ donors, our organs aren’t exactly what they used to be? High cholesterol, smoking, alcohol abuse and older donors… a different type of death. What do you suppose is the solution? Well I do have 2 words for you… stem cells. I know how controversial and heated the debate is but just think what the implications could be if we were able to regenerate healt... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1068756 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 02:25:19 +0100 1068756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1044138&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F188429924%2F … he has identified how two different kinds of Chlamydia can cause both coronary artery disease and miscarriages. Solving one mystery gave him clues that he needed to figure out the other. By focusing on the immune system mechanisms in Chlamydia infections, Azenabor has identified an important link in seemingly unrelated health problems. The result could be new treatments and prevention strategies for both heart disease and infertility. Chlamydia pneumoniae is a microbe that normally causes pneumonia and bronchitis, but it has long been associated with atherosclerosis, a cardiovascular disease also called “hardening of the arteries.” Huh? Chlamydia? Yes, when the macrophages’ cell walls are infected with the C. pneumoniae their usually tight cholesterol, which they ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1044138 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:20:52 +0100 1044138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1025487&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F184640687%2F As we gaze out the window, the large number of falling leaves is matched only by the volume of events to track. We hope to make it easy for you by sifting through the piles. Here are a few that we found…. Roche And Ventana Finally Start Talking (Bloomberg News) Schering-Plough’s Hassan Is Cautious About HDL Drugs (Yahoo/Reuters) Sanofi Says EU Backs Diabetes Testing On Acomplia Label (Forbes/AFX/Thomson) Share / E-mail (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1025487 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:56:31 +0100 1025487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1015073&cid=t_324539_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcanadianmedicine.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Ffor-vascular-health-south-beach-trumps.html (Source: Canadian Medicine) Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015073 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 19:35:00 +0100 1015073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1005359&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F180077912%2F We are quickly approaching the one-year anniversary when Pfizer withdrew its much-hyped cholesterol pill during a Phase III trial. Known as torcetrapib, the drug was supposed to be nearly revolutionary because it would raise HDL, the good cholesterol. But instead of preventing heart attacks and deaths, torcetrapib caused them, raising questions about this type of med, known as a CETP-inhibitor, HDL and whether similar pills being developed by Merck and Roche would cause the same problems. Since then, the study has been picked over and this morning the results were finally disclosed at the annual American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Florida (you can also read them in The New England Journal of Medicine). The upshot: in part, HDL increases weren’t the problem. But torcetrapib... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1005359 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:07:03 +0100 1005359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1003704&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F180061230%2F More bad news for the drugmaker. The latest development is from a study that found its Crestor cholesterol pill didn’t reduce deaths in older people with heart failure, which means AstraZeneca will have a hard time generating new scrips for such patients. The research, reported today at the American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Florida, found that 11.4 percent of those on Crestor died, or had a heart attack or stroke, compared with 12.3 percent given a placebo. A successful result could have added $1 billion to U.S. revenues alone, according to industry analysts, although Reuters reports many had thought proving the drug’s benefits would be tough. Crestor sold $2 billion worldwide in the first nine months of 2007. “Our findings suggest the major cause of death in... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1003704 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:38:55 +0100 1003704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=989952&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F177146833%2F We’re talking about cholesterol and high blood pressure meds used by people between the ages of 20 and 44 years old. For cholesterol meds, the rate rose from 2.5 percent in 2001 to slightly more than 4 percent in 2006, which translated into a 68 percent jump. And for blood pressure drugs, the rate rose to 8 percent, a 21 percent increase, according to a new analysis by Medco Health Solutions, the big pharmacy benefits manager. And the usage appears to be growing at a faster pace than among older Americans. Why? Well, experts point to higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol problems among young people, the Associated Press reports. Also, docs are getting more aggressive with preventive treatments. “This is good news, that more people in this age range a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=989952 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:07:05 +0100 989952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=979236&cid=t_324539_134_f&fid=35137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdiabetesupdate.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Ftaubes-good-calories-bad-calories-lost.html I recently got a copy of the new Gary Taubes book, Good Calories Bad Calories, which a lot of us have been waiting for with high hopes.Alas, this was not the book I had hoped it would be. Taubes has done a heroic job of studying and analyzing the history of 75 years worth of dietary research. No one with a shred of intellect can read this book without coming away convinced that the Politics of Personality caused nutritional research to go where the data never led it and to spend 40 years wandering in that high carb/low fat desert. But the Taubes book is 600 pages of some of the densest writing I've encountered in a long life of reading popular science. How dense? Well, I managed to sprain a finger reading it, that was how heavy it was. And the prose is just as dense as the paper. Long conv... Diabetes Update blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=979236 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:31:00 +0100 979236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=968377&cid=t_324539_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2007%2F10%2F22%2Fstroke-prevention-a-better-way-of-stroke-treatment%2F The objective is to have a total cholesterol less than 180, good cholesterol (HDL) of greater than 50 and bad cholesterol (LDL) less than 100. A recent study published in the journal Stroke reported that discontinuing statin therapy in the year after a stroke is associated with a significant increase in the risk for death, even in the absence of heart disease. Medications are not the only treatment for stroke prevention. Smoking is associated with a 2-3 times greater risk of stroke and bleeding in the brain. Smoking also contributes to the accelerated development of heart disease, emphysema and peripheral artery disease. Chantix is a new medication that received FDA approval to help stop smoking. Exercise is important in maintaining overall body conditioning and weight control. This in tur... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=968377 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:15:34 +0100 968377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=956050&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F10%2F16%2Ffood-porn-hardees-and-the-920-calorie-burrito.html by Pat Salber Perhaps the folks over at Hardee's fast food haven't heard the country is in the midst of an obesity epidemic.  They have just unveiled a new breakfast offering, the Country Breakfast burrito.  It consists of a two egg omelet filled with bacon, sausage, diced ham, cheddar cheese, hash browns and sausage gravy.  Surrounding this protein load is a flour tortilla.  The burrito weighs in at 920 calories.  That's right, 920 calories, about half of what you should ingest in a day.  This little baby also has 60 grams of fat.  All those calories and all that fat will only set you back $2.69.According to a story by the Associated Press, Brad Haley, Hardees' marketing chief, says that the burrito offers the sort of big breakfast item normally found in sit-down restaurants with... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=956050 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:16:54 +0100 956050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=944604&cid=t_324539_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F168476924%2Flipitor_-_high_cholesteral_statin.html Lipitor™ (atorvastatin calcium) is the #1 selling medication used to lower high cholesterol. Drug Topic lists it as being the top selling brand name drug in 2006 with retail sales of almost $6.6 billion. Lipitor blocks a cholesterol producing enzyme in the liver forcing the liver to use up its reserves and thus lowers over all cholesterol level. It is prescribed to patients with multiple risk factors for heart disease like age, family history, high blood pressure, low HDL or smoking to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. There has been some legal action against Pfizer regarding Lipitor and claims that there has been a cover-up of the seriousness of its side effects. The claims include accusations of previously undisclosed side-effects such as "lasting,... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=944604 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:00:22 +0100 944604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=944605&cid=t_324539_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F168453761%2Fcholesterol_statin_drugs_help_lower_heart_attack_risk.html A long term study of the world's top selling medication found that cholesterol-lowering statin drug help prevent heart attacks for up to 10 years after patients stop taking them.The original study showed that men taking Pravachol for five years lowered their risk of heart attack and death from heart disease. The same men were followed for another 10 years after most had stopped taking the medication and compared to the men that had taken a placebo for the original 5 year period. There was a reported 25% decrease in heart attack and heart disease among those that had taken the statin."Dr. Michael J. Domanski of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute said the study's biggest weakness is the fact that after the study ended, more of the original statin patients took the dru... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=944605 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:00:15 +0100 944605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=941984&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F168121542%2F That’s the conclusion of a new study that says the cholesterol-lowering meds help prevent heart attacks for at least a decade after people stop taking them. And this is the first long-term study of the world’s top-selling type of medication, by the way, the Associated Press reports. The research is a follow-up to a study in Scotland showing that men taking Pravachol for five years substantially lowered their risk of heart attack and death from heart disease. They were followed for another 10 years after most stopped taking the drug. That group was compared with a group of men who were given dummy pills during the five-year study, the AP writes. There was a 25 percent lower risk of heart attack or death from heart disease among those in the statin group, when compared with the p... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=941984 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:24:23 +0100 941984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=928090&cid=t_324539_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F165392401%2F So far, at least. The drugmaker is reporting that its experimental cholesterol med, which is in the same class as Pfizer’s fabulous flop, had dramatic results in a small clinical trial, and didn’t exhibit the sort of safety problems that killed torcetrapib. Merck’s CETP inhibotor raised HDL by 139 percent and cut LDL levels by 40 percent during an 8-week trial, in 589 patients, according to data presented at the Drugs Affecting Lipid Metabolism meeting in New York. By contrast, the current best-selling drugs to boost HDL - whose active ingredient is niacin - typically raise good cholesterol by only 20 to 30 percent, Reuters reminds us. Just as significant, the Merck drug - code-named MK-859 - didn’t cause a rise in blood pressure, which was a big issue with Pfizer&#... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=928090 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:08:03 +0100 928090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=923688&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F10%2F3%2Fis-the-new-age-of-enlightenment-finally-dawning.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DHere are three headlines from today’s paper:Front page: “GOP Losing Grip On Core Business Vote”. For obvious reasons.Opinion page: “Immigration Losers” by Richard Nadler, President of Americas Majority Foundation, a Midwest public policy think tank (and I might add, a Republican organization in the mold of the Taft dynasty): “ …Republicans need to repudiate… the immoral, uneconomical goal of mass deportation”.Opinion page: “The Future of Bioenergy”, by Juan Enriquez, managing director of Excel Medical Ventures, cofounder of Synthetic Genomics, and founding director of Harvard Business School Life science Project.The first article Chronicles the takeover of the Republican party by the social conserva... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=923688 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 06:30:11 +0100 923688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=922133&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fkevin-trudeau-consumer-advocate-or-master-con-artist%2F Many writers to scambuster@healthtalk.com want to know about Kevin Trudeau, whose books, infomercials and websites claim vast conspiracies designed to keep important medical information about various miracle cures from the general public. Information that Mr. Trudeau says is being suppressed by the FDA, the AMA and the pharmaceutical industry. Information that Mr. Trudeau offers to supply, but only if you buy his books. And since Kevin Trudeau has no medical training or expertise and is a convicted felon, an ex-convict, and regular target of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulatory enforcement actions, you should, at a minimum, be very careful about taking his advice. Of course, some will doubtless argue that even the worst criminals can reform and that only someone outside the medical/in... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=922133 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:17:07 +0100 922133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=908819&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fsalt-sodium-plus-chloride-equals-trouble%2F I recently wrote about high blood pressure and its associated health problems. Today, I’d like to focus on salt because it is a major contributor to high blood pressure and because many people either don’t understand it or are misinformed about it. Around the world, and in the U.S., excess salt intake and increasing rates of high blood pressure go hand in hand. High blood pressure in turn leads to cardiovascular disease and to premature death from heart attack and stroke. The evidence linking salt intake with high blood pressure is overwhelming and definitive. Americans consume too much salt and the amount they consume is increasing. Between 1970 and 2000, the amount of salt we consume went up 55 percent and the prevalence of high blood pressure went up 50 percent. On average, we each ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=908819 Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:36:57 +0100 908819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=896451&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F160730982%2F Get your child’s cholesterol checked! That is what they are suggesting now. Researchers are urging parents to have their children’s cholesterol checked as early as 15 months. Researchers at Barts and the London Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry found that screening was most effective if done between the ages of 1 and 9. They said the screening at this age detected 88 percent of affected individuals. Once an “affected” child is identified, the parents would then be screened. This could ultimately help in the medical prevention and treatment of the child and the adult. Killing 2 birds with 1 stone! I am all for it. There is blood work done routinely in children of this age anyway, might as well add a cholesterol panel to the blood work as well! Doesn... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=896451 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:16:10 +0100 896451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=878182&cid=t_324539_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fi-want-my-genome-what-about-your.html According to this study "More than half of the women 18-44 surveyed were concerned about cholesterol, but the vast majority weren’t aware of their personal cholesterol level and one-quarter did not even know how cholesterol is tested" Why? Because we don't have Quest lab reps stopping by your PMDs office telling you that you MUST test women's cholesterol. That means asking your physician to check your cholesterol is up to you! (Source: Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You) Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=878182 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0100 878182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=868395&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Feating-a-low-fat-diet%2F In the first installment of this two part series on dietary fat, I reviewed the differences between good fats and bad fats, where they come from and how to tell them apart. Today I’ll talk about fat in the diet, what to eat, how much is ok and how to make positive changes regarding the food you eat. According to the USDA Dietary Guidelines, the recommended total fat intake for adults is between 20 and 35 percent of calories, with less than ten percent of calories coming from saturated fat, and cholesterol less than 300 mg/day. Got that? I didn’t think so. And even if you could remember these guidelines you’d still have to count your calories every day and, in addition, track fats as a percentage of those calories. That’s a tall order. Here’s a better way. Eat as little fat as pos... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=868395 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:03:57 +0100 868395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=864419&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fgood-vs-bad-fats-how-to-tell-them-apart%2F Everyone knows that eating too much fat is bad for your health, but just as many people know that fats are just plain confusing. There are good fats and bad fats and different types of each. Fats come from both animals and plants - and then there’s cholesterol. No wonder some people just throw up their hands and give up. But it’s not impossible to get a basic understanding of fat. Just keep reading and you’ll be well on your way. One thing that all fats have in common is the number of calories they produce inside your body; namely, nine per gram of fat eaten. To put that into context, a gram of protein equates to four calories and a gram of carbohydrate is also four. That is the sum total of everything you need to know about calories: fats = 9, protein = 4 and carbohydrate = 4 (calo... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=864419 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:14:57 +0100 864419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=863732&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F09%2F11%2Fprevention-zeroes-in-on-families-of-heart-disease-sufferers%2F Filed under: Family history, PreventionEarlier this year, my great-aunt passed away suddenly from an unknown heart condition. Her doctor recommended that all of her siblings, children, and nieces and nephews be screened for heart problems as well, flagging them at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Thankfully, no problems were uncovered, but they are now aware of the higher risk associated with having heart disease in our family.Scottish researchers believe that if family members of those with known heart disease were singled out as high-risk and their risk factors gotten under control, up to 40% of early deaths from cardiac events could be prevented. Even so, this type of flagging system is rarely used, even though it is common procedure among families with genetic cance... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=863732 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 863732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=863730&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F09%2F11%2Fdont-avoid-the-flavonoid%2F Filed under: Diet, Prevention, NutritionIt turns out that there's some truth to the old adage that An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away. According to a study published in a recent issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who eat apples regularly have a decreased risk of dying from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. What if you don't like apples? Try pears -- or even red wine. This same study revealed that consuming either of these will have the same preventative effects as eating apples. The researchers attribute these heart-healthy benefits to compounds known as flavonoids, which help reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol (Note: Flavanoids are not to be confused with the Noid -- who in the 80s was known to ruin the occasional pizza). Flavonoids are also known for th... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=863730 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 863730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=856782&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F09%2F10%2Feven-a-little-bad-fat-can-be-too-much%2F Filed under: Diet, American Heart AssociationEven one fatty feast can cause your body to stop protecting itself from cardiovascular disease, a recent study showed, at least temporarily. When study participants were given a high-fat meal -- the equivalent of a double cheeseburger, large fry, and a chocolate shake -- their HDL (or good) cholesterol lost the ability to protect their arteries from inflammation. But when participants ate the same meal, this time prepared with polyunsaturated fat, the ability of HDL to prevent inflammation actually improved.Researchers say this study points out the importance of avoiding saturated fats as much as possible. In fact, they say that a maximum of 10% of your calories should come from saturated fats, and the AHA takes that one step further and recomme... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=856782 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 856782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510403&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F09%2F10%2Ffree-cholesterol-screenings-in-september%2F Filed under: Prevention, ServicesUnfortunately it seems that even though heart disease is one of the biggest health threats we face today too many people are completely unaware of what their cholesterol levels are and what they should be doing about it. So in an effort to help educate people, and in honor of National Cholesterol Education Month, Polymer Technology Systems (PTS) will be offering free cholesterol screenings nationwide throughout the month of September. Find out your cholesterol numbers and get great info on steps you can start taking today at Kroger Pharmacy locations all throughout this month and at Sam's Club stores on September 15th. They'll be using the handy hand-held CardioChek gadget and giving information on where you can get one of your own if you want to keep track... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510403 Sun, 09 Sep 2007 23:00:00 +0100 2510403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=832560&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F30%2Fred-yeast-rice-a-scam%2F Filed under: Alternative therapies, Daily newsYou may have heard of red yeast rice as a simple way to lower your cholesterol. After all, that's what some manufacturers want to believe. But don't fall for it -- it's a scam. What's more, many red yeast rice manufacturers have been spiking their product with statins to make them seem more effective. If you're interested in lowering your cholesterol, there are better ways to do it than wasting your money -- exercising and eating well will do more for your health than any so-called miracle cure will.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cardio Blog) The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=832560 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 832560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=827970&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F8%2F28%2Fconfessions-of-a-walking-fool.html Brian Klepper How do you live a long life? Take a two-mile walk every morning before breakfast.Harry Truman33rd US President, who lived to 88DAWN, n. The time when men of reason go to bed. Certain old men prefer to rise at about that time, taking a cold bath and a long walk with an empty stomach, and otherwise mortifying the flesh. They then point with pride to these practices as the cause of their sturdy health and ripe years, the truth being that they are hearty and old, not because of their habits, but in spite of them. The reason we find only robust persons doing this thing is that it has killed all the others who have tried it.Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary  I started taking long walks with my close friend Bob thirty-five years ago when we were students in Holla... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=827970 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:28:12 +0100 827970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828091&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F28%2Fnational-cholesterol-education-month%2F Filed under: PreventionSeptember is National Cholesterol Education Month, and everybody should really take advantage of the opportunity to get educated. For 2007 the theme is "Know your cholesterol numbers-Know your risk-Give yourself some TLC," which is very appropriate considering many Americans (women especially) don't know their own cholesterol counts. Finding out your numbers is step #1, and making a commitment to learn some new healthier habits is step #2. Click here for an online booklet from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Association.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cardio Blog) The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828091 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 828091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=824673&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F27%2Ffiber%2F Filed under: Diet, NutritionLet's face it, fiber isn't exactly the most interesting part of your diet. Rarely do we talk about it, and even more rarely do we take it into account when planning our meals. Generally speaking, the only people who tend to pay attention to fiber are the people who are in greater need of a diet rich in it. And, again, those people don't exactly like to talk about that, either. As a result, fiber sort of remains the unspoken and oft misunderstood part of our diet. But, make no mistake, it is an extremely important part. Here's why. More or less, fiber is the mostly carbohydrate constituent of plants that the human body can't digest. There are two primary types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. The latter passes from one end of the digestive tract to the other virt... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=824673 Mon, 27 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 824673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=822305&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F25%2Fwhy-dont-women-prioritize-cholesterol%2F Filed under: Women Heart HealthHere are some scary statistics for you, especially considering that heart disease is the #1 killer of women: Only 1/3 of women know their current cholesterol levels Twice as many women know what they weighed in high school than know their current cholesterol levels 9 out of 10 women are aware that high cholesterol can cause build-up of plaque in the arteries, so what's the deal? Why don't women seem to care or take their cholesterol seriously? Do you know what you weighed in high school? Do you know what your cholesterol is? For me I admit it's yes and no. And yeah, there's something wrong with this picture.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cardio Blog) The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=822305 Sat, 25 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 822305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=819526&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F23%2Fcholesterol-101%2F Filed under: Women Heart Health, Men Heart Health, Aging Heart HealthThe list of health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids seemingly grows every day. Among the more well-known positive effects this fatty acid has on the body is that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack by 36 percent when it is consumed at least once or twice a week. Foods that are high in Omega-3s -- such as salmon, brown rice, and olive oil -- can also help to lower your LDL ("bad") cholesterol. But, inasmuch as many of us know this by now, what we don't know is how this actually takes place. What is cholesterol? And how does it effect our bodies? Now I'm not a doctor, and I'm definitely not a scientist, but I am curious -- so I looked it up. Cholesterol is made by the liver. Just about every animal that is eate... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=819526 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 819526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=825597&cid=t_324539_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F146512548%2F Sub-standard housing more than doubles diabetes risk, a team of U.S. researchers found, but they are not exactly sure why. Are you kidding me? Does anyone else think that the results of this study are self explanatory? Sub-standard housing usually means government assisted or “section 8″ housing, right? Well, the persons that qualify for this assistance have economical challenges that others do not have. Understand this, in no way am I passing judgment or “putting” anyone down. Heck, my kids public school is Title One, but why would scientists be puzzled at the findings of something so obvious. Low income areas are also linked to higher blood pressure, higher cholesterol, more heart attacks and obesity. Healthy food is expensive and pre-packaged or less nutritious c... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=825597 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:57:45 +0100 825597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=814178&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F21%2Fdentists-raising-the-bar-for-diabetes-prevention%2F Filed under: Type 2, Services, CareThe Chicago-Sun Times just ran a piece about area dentists who are doing their bit for type 2 diabetes prevention. These docs are screening all patients with gum disease for high blood sugar. They hope this will help with early detection, since gum disease is a risk factor for diabetes. (In fact, gum disease is a risk factor for tons of health issues, running the gamut from minor to life-threatening.)The paper profiles, among others, dentist Dr. Ronald Schefdore. Whenever Schefdore gets patients coming in with gum disease, he automatically gives them blood tests that measure cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as inflammation. Schefdore describes a success story involving one patient who, thanks to the tests, got an early diagnosis of pre-diabetic... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=814178 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 814178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=808627&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F19%2Frecipe-health-living-black-bean-chili%2F Filed under: Diets, Nutrition, Recipe Healthy LivingHigh in protein and low in fat and cholesterol, this healthy recipe is one worth trying. It's easy too. I love easy.Black Bean Chili8 ounces lean ground turkey1 small onion, chopped2 teaspoons chili powder2 cans black beans1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies1 cup waterIn a large nonstick saucepan, cook lean meat and onion until meat is browned and onion is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cook one minute. Stir in cans of beans, tomatoes, and water. Heat to boiling over high heat. Then reduce to low heat and let simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Makes five cups.Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cancer Blog) The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=808627 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 808627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828373&cid=t_324539_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F145497023%2F Do you take medication to help raise your “good” cholesterol, better known as HDL? New research warns that this could actually be harmful to you. The Cleveland Clinic has concluded that raising HDL is actually not a matter of quantity but quality. The authors concluded that while efforts to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad cholesterol”) “have consistently reduced cardiovascular disease risk, HDL-based approaches are much more complex and sometimes disappointing.” As a result, “the primary focus should be on LDL,” said review co-author Mehdi Shishehbor, D.O., of the Cleveland Clinic. Yes, it is true that HDL aids in moving fat molecules out of the arteries and towards the liver, but when HDL is large in nature, that helpful choleste... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828373 Sat, 18 Aug 2007 13:20:09 +0100 828373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=795105&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F13%2Fsterols-and-stanols-heart-health-super-duo%2F Filed under: Diet, Prevention, NutritionTwo grams per day of sterols and/or stanols can promote heart health, reducing cholesterol levels by around ten percent in as little as two weeks. They are most beneficial for people whose cholesterol levels are already elevated. According to one study, sterols and stanols together are more effective than a double-dose of cholesterol-lowering medications! Not bad for a bunch of little-known plant compounds, huh?The catch with sterols and stanols is working out how to get enough. Two grams daily. Doesn't sound like much. And, true, sterols and stanols are found in a great many foods - avocados, corn oil, apples, oranges, beans and peanut butter, to name a few. But they occur in minute amounts, making it hard to get as much as two grams daily. Example?... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=795105 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 795105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=794173&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2Fstatin-treatment-for-cholesterol-the-big-picture.html Bill BestermannWhenever a commercial runs on television and the topic is a statin drug, there is a long rendition of potential side effects.  There are warnings that you should report muscle pain or weakness and that you should have tests to check your liver.  Certainly, reasonable caution is prudent with any medication but one of the main reasons you see a doctor is to have a knowledgeable, wise person help you consider the risks and benefits of a potential treatment.  When it comes to risks and benefits, there is no happier story in all of medicine than the statin drugs in lowering cholesterol.These medications are very powerful.  In South Carolina, where I practiced for 30 years, roughly half of the population dies of vascular events.  In the early part of my ca... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=794173 Sun, 12 Aug 2007 13:06:14 +0100 794173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=782963&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F06%2Favocado-a-natural-cure-for-your-heart%2F Filed under: DietAvocados are a pretty trendy vegetable (or is it a fruit?) these days. Not only that, but it's really good for you. While avocados are fairly high in fat for a produce item (there's about 15% of your recommended daily intake in 1,) it's a trade-off because they have lots of vitamins, including Vitamins B, E and K, and they also have important nutrients like potassium and folate.For the heart conscious, avocados can help regulate your cholesterol and blood pressure, according to this article. Furthermore, the folate in avocados can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. So if you like avocados, eat up! I personally can't stand them on their own, so I'll be enjoying some home-made guacamole or trying to hide some in a salad or sandwich.Read | Perm... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=782963 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 782963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=780641&cid=t_324539_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F8%2F5%2Fthe-cardiometabolic-syndrome-a-complex-metabolic-web-that-re.html by Bill Besterman The underpinning for much of the death and disability from arterial vascular disease in this country is the metabolic syndrome. One of the real authorities on the metabolic syndrome is a Dr. Ralph DeFronzo.  I particularly like his description of of this collection of disorders as a “complex metabolic web.”  The patients who have this diagnosis are burdened with multiple chronic conditions: hypertension, high bad or LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, low HDL or good cholesterol, and high blood sugar ultimately resulting in type 2 diabetes. These patients routinely have vascular systems where the vessels are inflamed and the blood more likely to clot. Early in the condition the arteries are thicker and less distensible than in people witho... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=780641 Sun, 05 Aug 2007 20:24:06 +0100 780641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=764995&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F29%2Ffor-heart-health-type-1-kids-must-move%2F Filed under: Type 1, Childhood, Lifestyle, Research, Exercise, ComplicationsA new report says physical activity is critical for kids with type 1 diabetes because it helps prevent heart trouble later in life. The German and Austrian researchers behind the study reached this conclusion after crunching the numbers for more than 23,000 kids between ages three and eighteen, comparing their health with activity levels. As you would expect, the most active kids had the healthiest hearts and lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. By comparison, thirty-six percent of children who were active only once or twice a week had high cholesterol and triglycerides. For type 1 kids, activity levels relate to HbA1c levels: fit children had lower HbA1c levels. High HbA1c levels in childhood practically... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=764995 Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 764995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=764737&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F29%2Fsunday-seven-seven-check-ups-every-woman-needs%2F Filed under: Prevention, Sunday SevenOK, women of the world. Grab some paper and a pen and jot down this list of seven check-ups every woman needs. Don't just write them down, though. Make sure you take action on each and every one. They might just save your life.1. Start with your weight, height, and BMI (body mass index). The scores you get on these simple tests are important because many conditions and diseases are associated with being overweight or underweight.2. Check your blood pressure, and find out where you stand because hypertension is a disease with no symptoms. High blood pressure puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease -- but there are very effective treatments for this condition.3. Get a pap smear every year, starting at the onset of sexual activity or around age 20. Thi... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=764737 Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 764737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=757953&cid=t_324539_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F25%2Fblood-thinner-statin-combination-may-be-safe-after-all%2F Filed under: Research, DrugsWhen it comes to prescribing medicine to someone with more than one medical condition, I'm certain that physicians must be very careful to prescribe right combination of medicines and to be sure that those medicines don't interact with each other. Until recently, it was thought that when heart patients took the anti-clotting drug clopidogrel with a statin to lower their cholesterol, they increased their risk of a dangerous interaction. But recent studies have been leading researchers and heart doctors to believe that the danger isn't significant after all. This is a relief to patients and those who treat them, because many who need anti-clotting drugs also should be taking statins.To hear more about the study's specifics, read this article from HealthDay.Read&nb... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=757953 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 757953