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 'disease:'. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:51:35 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2881215&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FEOP7PdgOQE4%2F People who live with celiac disease (Celiac Disease Awareness Month: October) may have yet something else to be concerned about: bone loss. People with digestive disorders are prone to malnutrition because their bowels may not absorb the nutrients they need to be fully nourished. But there are other issues with celiac disease, researchers have found, issues such as antibodies forming that attack a protein responsible for bone health. A study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has found that 20% of a study group of patients with celiac disease had this antibody. Researchers are looking at using medications that prevent bone loss in patients who may be identified as being at risk by checking for this hormone. You can read more about the study in the link listed above. For mor... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2881215 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:53:01 +0100 2881215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879692&cid=t_255434_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fpress-release-periopal-periodontal-software-announces-a-one-server-unlimited-licensing-policy%2F CHOICE IS GOOD. PerioPal now offers a one-time, unlimited licensing option to an unlimited number of computers. Beaumont, Texas, PerioPal LLC., a leading software solution for periodontal exams unveiled its new one server, unlimited licensing model. Now, a One-Time Unlimited Licensing option offers similar download and software features as the Pay-Per-Use policy to an unlimited number of workstations. Pay-Per-Use clients can convert to Unlimited Licensing at any time. “We believe choice is good. Although our Pay-Per-Use model has gained momentum over the last three years, a significant number of practice owners prefer a one time purchase,” says Kimberly Goodson, president of PerioPal. “In order to increase our market share and maintain our dedication to the needs of the practice own... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879692 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:37:10 +0100 2879692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876005&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FuwTsFnbbpvw%2F For a few years now, researchers have been looking at what role a virus called XMRV plays in prostate cancer. A study published today in Science suggests the virus may also be linked to chronic fatigue syndrome. But the picture is still cloudy, and it’s not clear whether the virus actually causes prostate cancer or CFS. Here’s the story from the WSJ. A series of studies in recent years have suggested XMRV may be linked to at least some cases of prostate cancer. One recent study found signs of XMRV in 23% of prostate-cancer samples, compared with 6% of tissue samples from men with benign prostate tissue. Both CFS and XMRV-linked prostate cancer are associated with changes in a particular enzyme, which made scientists wonder if there was a connection between the virus and CFS. So... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876005 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:02:03 +0100 2876005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876075&cid=t_255434_105_f&fid=39005&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allkidney.com%2F2009%2F10%2Finflammation-and-kidney-disease.html Inflammation is defined by medicine.net as a basic way in which the body reacts to infection, irritation or other injury, the key feature being redness, warmth, swelling and pain. Inflammation is now recognized as a type of nonspecific immune response. This is a definition that everyone who has ever had a cut or bruise can understand easily. When one speaks of inflammation in kidney disease however the above definition will not adequately describe what is happening in a meaningful way. In fact the definition speaks primarily towards the outward manifestations of inflammation in the skin that have been known for centuries, redness warmth and pain. However the other manifestations of inflammation within the organs of the body do not quite follow the same pattern as seen on the skin. Inflamm... All Kidney News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876075 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:34:39 +0100 2876075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865750&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FK6zjAIJRMAw%2F People with Parkinson’s disease usually feel quite healthy in the early stages of their disease. Other than the tremor that leads to the diagnosis, there may not be any other symptoms or difficulties at first. So, they continue to lead their lives as well as they can for as long as they can. This included continuing to drive. Of course, most people who feel physically unable to drive will stop, but sometimes the loss of the ability isn’t as obvious, even to the most careful of people. Actor Michael J. Fox, arguably the most famous person in North America with Parkinson’s has done a lot to raise its profile among the general public. The tremors are the most well known part of Parkinson’s, but the disease affects other parts of the body as well. Other effects may be: ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865750 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:16:17 +0100 2865750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865736&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdoes_depression_cause_inflammation_or_is_it_caused_by_it.htm Cindy Fox Aisen - Indiana University School of Medicine Which comes first, depression or inflammation? To help solve this long standing chicken and egg conundrum, researchers led by Jesse Stewart, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis asked two critical questions. Does depression lead to elevated inflammatory proteins in the human body? Or does an increase in these proteins lead to depression? They found that the answer to the first question appears to be "yes," and the answer to the second question may be "no" among healthy adults. The researchers report that depressive symptoms are associated with increases over time in interleukin-6, an inflammatory protein that predicts cardiovascular events. In contrast, levels of interleukin-6 wer... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865736 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:23:00 +0100 2865736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865897&cid=t_255434_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FBtlxZ2sm7OQ%2Frandom-acts-of-kindness During my first cancer treatment I was scared and in pain. I wanted hope and an escape, reassurance and strength. It came in the mail. I received a hand written letter full of empathy and understanding from a guy named Brian. He had suffered from Crohn’s disease and knew what it was like to feel young and beaten down. He told me to remember often the time in my life when I felt the most proud of myself, to remember the details of that moment and how it made me feel. It would get me through the worst of times, he said. And he was right. I remembered a dance performance I created two years before my diagnosis. I worked so hard and fiercely designing the movement, costumes, the sound score, and an intricate backdrop. I worked with an opera singer, live musicians, and dancers. I wove togethe... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865897 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:22:20 +0100 2865897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865698&cid=t_255434_105_f&fid=39005&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allkidney.com%2F2009%2F10%2Ffat-and-renal-failure.html Obesity and renal failure The relationship between kidney disease and obesity is explored by a systematic review of the available evidence by Sankar et al. The key take home points from the article are as follows. Obesity is important because nearly 2/3 of american adults are overweight and 50% of this number are obese. Thus giving rise to a very large prevalence. Any health conditions tied to obesity are therefore going to be equally prevalent. Obesity increases the incidence of known risk factors for kidney disease such as hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Obesity is a unique independent risk factor for kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is increasing. Currently 20 million americans have CKD. The number of patients requiring dialysis will increase exponentially o... All Kidney News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865698 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:05:25 +0100 2865698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865633&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fl1uC8WOL41g%2F If you’re 20 or older and don’t have diabetes or heart disease, you can plug a handful of simple variables — things like age, cholesterol level and blood pressure — into a Framingham risk calculator and find out your chances of having serious heart trouble (a heart attack or coronary death) in the next 10 years. Still, some 300,000 Americans die every year of sudden cardiac death outside the hospital, and many of those people don’t have classic risk factors for heart disease. Non-fatal heart attacks, too, remain difficult to predict for many patients.So there’s an understandable urge on the part of researchers to find new measures that will better predict who is at risk. In particular, it would be nice to have a clearer picture of the 23 million U.S. adu... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865633 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:25:45 +0100 2865633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862087&cid=t_255434_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F10%2Fendogenous-retroviruses.html are genetic elements representing the result of retrovirus infections and integration of the proviruses into the germline of vertebrates including humans. Retroviruses use the enzyme reverse transcriptase (RT) to transcribe their RNA genome into cDNA and incorporate it into the cellular genome. Infections of germ cells result in the presence of these viruses in the genome all cells of the organism and transmission of these sequneces to the offspring. Only some endogenous retroviruses are replication competent and produce infectious particles; most are defective. Although the role of endogenous retroviruses during tumour development and autoimmune diseases is still unclear, sufficient evidence has accumulated indicating that retroviruses play an important role in physiological processes. E... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862087 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:54:00 +0100 2862087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862627&cid=t_255434_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2009%2F10%2F04%2Fcaffeine-natures-own-wonder-drug%2F Much has been said and written about caffeine over the past half century. There have been over 20,000 studies conducted looking at the various effects and benefits of caffeine over this period of time. Numerous studies have demonstrated the tremendous health benefits that can be derived from regular daily consumption of caffeine, most commonly delivered through the consumption of coffee or energy drinks such as Red Bull or similar beveragage. All of these have a high caffeine content.  In almost any way that caffeine is consumed, there are certain health benefits that it delivers. Despite all the negative press that has been attributed to caffeine, there has never been a study that has shown that caffeine has long term negative health effects, quite the contrary. The vast majority ... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862627 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:36:58 +0100 2862627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855729&cid=t_255434_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdeter-risk-for-periodontal-disease-reduce-risk-of-heart-attack-with-diet-and-exercise%2F Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the US. However, the heart-health link to periodontal disease has become an even hotter topic , and rightfully so. We now know that gum disease can increase a person’s risk for a long list of overall health conditions, some of which are serious – heart attack, stroke, diabetes complications, low-weight birth, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and respiratory diseases. “The Gingivitis Diet,” at www.HealthyFellow.com reviews these interesting developments and research on this topic. One study showed that of 1200 older men, those who consumed increased caortenoids (a type of antioxidants found in bright fruits and veggies) had reduced proclivity for periodontitis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology Another stu... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855729 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:14:15 +0100 2855729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855668&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FK50n90LAyvg%2F Celiac disease, or celiac sprue disease, is becoming more known over the past few years. Whether it’s because it’s becoming more common or it’s being diagnosed more frequently, we don’t know, but we do know that it is more present in Western society today. What is celiac disease? Celiac is a genetic disease that makes it impossible for people to digest gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye. There is some debate as to whether it is in oats too. Celiac disease affects about 1 out of every 133 people in North America, but many – as many as 97% – have not been diagnosed. The disease doesn’t allow you to digest the gluten, which leads to malnutrition and considerably raises your risk of developing stomach cancer. When someone with celiac dise... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855668 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:20:54 +0100 2855668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851760&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FBCTsPxTgNHA%2F October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and to celebrate, our Man of the Month is Paul Berger. Paul is the award-winning author of “How to Conquer the World With One Hand… And an Attitude,” chronicling his adventures in returning to work and to a meaningful life after suffering a severely disabling stroke at the young age of 36. On Wednesday, Paul spent the day with about 100 other dedicated stroke and heart disease advocates visiting members of Congress to urge enactment of legislation to make health insurance more accessible, affordable, and adequate. Paul’s stroke is one of those “pre-existing conditions” that can make insurance inaccessible and unaffordable. And many policies have inadequate benefits to cover the rehabilitation services needed after strok... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851760 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:28:30 +0100 2851760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851801&cid=t_255434_105_f&fid=39005&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allkidney.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fchronic-use-of-aspirinparacetamol-containing-drugs-and-chronic-kidney-disease.html photo credit: Wallula Junction Chronic use of over the counter pain killers have previously been cited as something to avoid if you have kidney disease. There is well established evidence that mixed analgesics have negative effects on kidney function. So much so that a specific disorder chronic analgesic nephropathy has been described. It has been defined as the renal damage that occurs when two analgesics and caffeine or another drug is taken routinely over years. You may ask yourself who would take such medication on a chronic basis? However many people with chronic disease particularly painful conditions for which there is no definitive therapy such as chronic osteoarthritis or nerve damage take these drugs for relief of chronic pain. Problems occur with dependence induced because of ... All Kidney News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851801 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:12:18 +0100 2851801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851932&cid=t_255434_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fprednisone-sleepless-nights-and-wistful-thoughts%2F I have sleeping problems as I am sure that many of you have, especially those of you who are on prednisone.  I have been taking sleeping pills for years but I am trying to get off them.  So far it is going pretty slowly because I work full time and need sleep to function and to keep healthy.  I listen to this CD called sound healing to help me relax and have this whole unwinding routine that I try to do in order to get my mind and body relaxed enough to go to sleep. I was very anxious last night so I checked my blood pressure and it was 133/90 which I guess is not that bad but not perfect.  So, I was laying in our bedroom listening to my CD and thinking about the melody and how my interpretation of it changes each time that I listen to it.  Tonight I close my eyes and drift away in th... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851932 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:25:32 +0100 2851932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846330&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006583.html A protein implicated in as a cause of Alzheimer's Disease increases in mice while they are away and declines while they are asleep. The implication here is that people who... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846330 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2846330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842545&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2Fo8-h4a-VQLc%2Fpurell_cocktails_and_other_com.php Hand gel sanitizers are making an appearance all over our medical center. There's one right next to the elevator on the ground floor of the building where my office is and don't have to touch a thing. Just put your hand under it and it dispenses a cool alcohol-based gel that sanitizers my hands and dries very quickly. Alcohol does that. And other things: Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Effect Measure) Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842545 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:02:29 +0100 2842545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842469&cid=t_255434_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2Fnew-england-journal-of-medicine-2009-vol-361-no-13%2F This article looks at a double-blind trial examining the possibility that rasagiline has disease-modifying effects in Parkinson’s disease. A number of patients were given rasagiline against a placebo in order to determine any positive results. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Journals Tagged: Clinical Trials, Parkinsons Disease (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842469 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:21:24 +0100 2842469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842794&cid=t_255434_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrieftsf.com%2Fcannabis-psychotic-risk%2F Cannabis use and risk of psychotic or affective mental health outcomes Background; Whether cannabis can cause psychotic or affective symptoms that persist beyond transient intoxication is unclear. We systematically reviewed the evidence pertaining to cannabis use and occurrence of psychotic or affective mental health outcomes. Methods; We searched databases from their inception to September, 2006, searched reference lists of studies selected for inclusion, and contacted experts. Studies were included if longitudinal and population based. 35 studies from 4804 references were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were done independently and in duplicate. "we conclude that there is now sufficient evidence to warn young people that using cannabis could increase their risk of d... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842794 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:52:08 +0100 2842794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842824&cid=t_255434_155_f&fid=38409&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropathologyblog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fcase-of-cerebral-baylisascariasis.html A loyal reader sent in this wonderful photomicrograph from a recent case of cerebral Baylisascariasis (click on the picture to see it up close). A cause of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis, infection with Baylisascaris procyonis is typically characterized by necrosis and eosinophilic inflammation. Larvae are often encapsulated within fibrous tissue (reference 1). Although not particularly neurotropic, the larvae may reach the central nervous system and cause major tissue damage. Baylisascaris procyonis is an intestinal roundworm endemic to the US raccoon population. Humans are infected by ingestion of worm eggs in raccoon feces. The median age for human infection is just over one year old, consistent with the propensity of young children to explore their environment orally (surprising tha... neuropathology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842824 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:27:00 +0100 2842824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2838946&cid=t_255434_105_f&fid=39005&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allkidney.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fphosphate-pth-and-kidney-disease.html What is Phosphate? image courtesy of wikipedia. Phosphate is an inorganic ion which is present in many foods and preservatives of food. Here is a list of foods that are high in phosphate. What are the Disorders of Phosphate Metabolism. 1. Hyperphosphatemia 2. Hypophosphatemia. 1. Hyperphosphatemia. Elevated levels of phosphate are common in patients with kidney disease due to the disturbance of the bodies natural method of controlling phosphate levels, the kidney. The kidney is responsible for eliminating phosphate from the body based on the concentration of phosphate in the blood and the concentration of a hormone known as parathyroid hormone. When the kidney is unable to get rid of the phosphate within the body the levels of phosphate begin to rise and this stimulates the parathyroi... All Kidney News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2838946 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:35:57 +0100 2838946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834387&cid=t_255434_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fi_yQInvwMsY%2F This latest FDA approval would bring relief to more than 7.5 million Americans who suffer from a chronic skin disorder called PSORIASIS, which look like red, thick, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriatic patches, which are usually itchy and painful, are inflamed areas where excessive layers of cells had built up on the skin. And now, after extensive and extended testing, the FDA has approved ustekinumab (Stelara) for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. (See amazing before-and-after photos!) Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease, which means a faulty immune system mistakenly attacks the skin and joints, treating the body like an invader and releasing chemicals that otherwise fight infections and foreign substances. As bad as it already looks, psoriasis affects more than the skin. The dis... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834387 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 03:56:00 +0100 2834387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832296&cid=t_255434_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-why-me%2F I am not, as the title of this blog posting may lead you to believe, wallowing in the fact that I have MS today.  Not feeling sorry for myself, not throwing a pity party, not even bemoaning, just wondering…seriously, why me?! Research seems to be coming out at an increasing pace of late.  Research that is telling us more and more about multiple sclerosis, the disease itself, the aggravating events and anecdotal evidence of some causative factors.  Still I find myself asking “why me?”! I’m a man with a disease which is diagnosed three times more frequently in women. I never had a bout of mononucleosis in my youth (and don’t show evidence in blood work that I was ever exposed/infected without knowing) I’ve never had a major trauma to the head or neck. I’ve never smoked cigar... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832296 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:31:17 +0100 2832296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2831884&cid=t_255434_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fsleep-loss-alzheimers-disease.html A new study provides some of the first indications that chronic sleep loss could play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.The researchers analyzed the levels of “amyloid beta” in the brains of mice. Amyloid beta is a protein fragment.The study reports that the accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease; the mice in the study were genetically engineered to develop the disease.Results show that brain amyloid beta levels correlated with wakefulness. Levels increased at night when the mice were mostly awake; they decreased during the day when the mice were mostly asleep.The study also found that brain amyloid beta levels increased during chronic sleep deprivation; mice that stayed awake longer had levels that were 25 percent higher.“We m... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2831884 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:21:00 +0100 2831884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2838951&cid=t_255434_105_f&fid=39005&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allkidney.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fnew-and-upcoming-treatments-for-polycystic-kidney-disease.html photo credit: euthman Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common genetic disease of the kidney. For many years the treatment of this condition has been at a relative standstill when compared to the advances in therapy in other kidney diseases. However exciting new developments are currently in the research pipeline. These may finally allow specific therapies aimed at reducing the progression of the underlying problem, which has always been the unrestricted almost exponential growth of cysts within the kidney leading to kidney failure. The main approach to the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease has been good control of blood pressure. This has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of the disease to end stage. Patients with ADPKD hav... All Kidney News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2838951 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:31:09 +0100 2838951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832234&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FkW7hNAqEJf0%2F For the last several months, health officials have told us that frequent hand washing might be one way we can help prevent the H1N1 virus. While everyone from office workers to school children has been told to wash their hands several times a day, new reports have surfaced that showed that some schools with diligent hand washing rules still had massive outbreaks of H1N1. Health officials agree that hand washing can help with many diseases like the common cold. But for the flu? Especially the H1N1 virus? Not so much. However, health officials still say hand washing is important, as it can help with “transmission of other respiratory diseases.” Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Hand Washing May Not Prevent H1N1 (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832234 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:10:41 +0100 2832234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828473&cid=t_255434_155_f&fid=38410&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FOncopathology%2F%7E3%2FPDALySpX-go%2Fdysplasia-in-inflammatory-bowel-disease.html As we all know, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents a risk for dysplasia and subsequent malignancy in patients with long standing disease.The risk for adenocarcinoma increases with a number of factors including the linear extent of disease within the bowel, early age at onset of disease, severity of disease and duration of disease.The pathologic reporting of endoscopic biopsy specimens with inflammatory bowel disease must convey the information the clinician needs in a clear and consistent manner in order to properly manage the patient's disease. Every biopsy report should, of course, give an assessment of the disease activity and distribution. In addition, the pathologist must render an opinion on the presence or absence of dysplasia. The "second line" diagnosis must reflect... Oncopathology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828473 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:39:00 +0100 2828473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2838952&cid=t_255434_105_f&fid=39005&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allkidney.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fanemia-in-kidney-disease.html This study revealed that adults learned more efficiently the arbitrary association between visual and auditory novel … (show more) This study revealed that adults learned more efficiently the arbitrary association between visual and auditory novel stimuli when the visual stimuli were explored with both vision and touch. The results are discussed from the perspective of how they relate to the functional differences of the manual haptic modality and the hypothesis of a “haptic bond” between visual and auditory stimuli. Association and Haplotype Analyses of Positional Candidate Genes in Five Genomic Regions Linked to Scrotal Hernia in Commercial Pig Lines: Scrotal hernia in pigs is a complex trait likely affected by genetic and environmental factors. A large-scale associatio... All Kidney News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2838952 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:49:56 +0100 2838952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828174&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F4buJhfGPKw0%2F We know that directions for some medications can be confusing, but a letter from two doctors and other two health-care professionals to the New England Journal of Medicine warns that the instructions for giving children the flu medication Tamiflu could result in serious dosing errors. One of the letter writers is the parent of a 6-year-old for whom Tamiflu, made by Roche Holding, was prescribed. The parents — the other is a primary-care physician — said they had “great difficulty” determining the correct dose to give their child despite their training. That’s because a syringe in the Tamiflu package comes with markings in milligrams, while the measurement dictated by the physician in this case used milliliters. The parents eventually figured out the correct dose by way of a ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828174 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:55:31 +0100 2828174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824376&cid=t_255434_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwayback-wednesday-greetings-diabetic-celiacs.html It’s been three years since I posted anything detailed about living with gluten intolerance. Yes, it still plagues me. It makes everything complicated. I hate it. I know plenty of others out there feel the same. In case you missed this three years ago, please read: Greetings, Diabetic Celiacs Somehow the word has spread accross the [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824376 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:00:51 +0100 2824376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820188&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fg98wP0WcpBM%2F Two stories in this morning’s WSJ remind us of a fact that’s always useful to keep in mind: The body is astonishingly good at taking care of itself. Don’t monkey with it — by, say, filling it with unneeded drugs or second-hand smoke — and it will generally plug away just fine. As Melinda Beck notes in her column today, Americans spend billions of dollars a year to treat things that would go away on their own. Sometimes, the treatments do provide relief from symptoms. Other times the treatment is useless and can even cause problems — like taking antibiotics for a cold, which does nothing to treat the disease and contributes to antibiotic resistance. Of course, sick patients don’t want to hear that there’s nothing the doctor can do. “Some... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820188 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:32:34 +0100 2820188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820393&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FNuBN9AZtaQ8%2F Researchers from the University of Alabama have found that a person who was able to handle money earlier in life and who begins making poor money decisions and has become unable to handle transactions may be heading towards Alzheimer’s disease. Their study wasn’t a large one (only 163 people) but it could be a good indicator of what other things to look for as well if further studies back up these findings. Of the 163 people, 87 had mild cognitive impairment (mild memory loss or ability to do calculations or mental tasks) and 76 people who showed no signs of memory problems. The researchers looked to see who the participants used a bank statement, balanced a checkbook, paid bills, and counted money. According to the findings, which were published in the Sept. 22 edition of the ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820393 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:54:46 +0100 2820393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820395&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FQvoY62SMicA%2F More countries are beginning to ban smoking within certain types of buildings. There was a lot of resistance to smoking bans, particularly from bar and pub owners who felt they would be losing business if their patrons wouldn’t be allowed to smoke. While it may be true that some businesses suffered, others did well because non-smokers now could come in and be comfortable. But do the bans affect health? Are people healthier because their access to smoking may be less than it was before. According to researchers, yes. In a study, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, North American and European communities that had such bans had a 17% drop in heart attacks within the first year of the ban and a 36% drop after three years. An interesting finding from this ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820395 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:31:05 +0100 2820395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814561&cid=t_255434_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FqsGYQ0uSV5g%2F In the midst of much healthcare reform talk, not enough attention seems focused on ensuring healthcare systems' preparedness to deal with cognitive health issues -with Alzheimer's Disease as the most dramatic example- which are predicted to grow given aging population trends. Today is World Alzheimer's Day, and the USA Today comments on a new report that makes stark predictions: Global Alzheimer's cases expected to rise sharply (USA Today) - "The 2009 World Alzheimer's Report, released today, estimates 35 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The figure is a 10% increase over 2005 numbers." - "The number of people affected by Alzheimer's is growing at a rapid rate, and the increasing personal costs will have significant impact on t... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814561 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:48:39 +0100 2814561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814557&cid=t_255434_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsarasotaneurology.com%2F2009%2F09%2F20%2Fcymbalta-savella-new-hope-for-fibromyalgia-patients%2F The FDA has approved two additional medications specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. The first drug to ever be approved for fibromyalgia treatment was Lyrica. Lyrica was developed as an anti-seizure medication and has FDA approval for this and treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. Since its initial release, the FDA approved its use for symptomatic treatment of fibromyalgia. Cymbalta was the second drug to be FDA approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. This has been a tremendous addition to treatment of this disabling condition. The most recent medication approved for FM treatment is Savella. Prior to the FDA approval of these three medications, there were no proven effective treatments for fibromyalgia. What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of di... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814557 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:55:25 +0100 2814557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814435&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F09%2Fa-sugar-tax.html In this week’s NEJM a team of prominent doctors, scientists and policy makers says ”it could be a powerful weapon in efforts to reduce obesity, in the same way that cigarette taxes have helped curb smoking." Authors of the report include "the New York City health commissioner, Thomas Farley, and Joseph W. Thompson, Arkansas surgeon general."  Comment: There is too much of a rush by public health behaviorists to rush into punitive measures to change population behavior.  There seems to be no sense that this leads toward Huxley’s Brave New World. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814435 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:21:29 +0100 2814435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812460&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F5TGcdTrdQmw%2F Losing weight is a good idea for any of us. But a new study says that if you have kidney disease, it’s even more important to get rid of excess baggage. An article in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology said “dieting and exercising cut down on proteinuria — the increased output of protein in the urine — while also preventing kidney function from worsening.” Surgery that brings about weight loss is also a benefit to kidney patients as it reduced high filtration rates. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Kidney Disease Patients Should Lose Weight (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812460 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:50:33 +0100 2812460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809729&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F5smsR4ZZCig%2F A disappointing new study says that more Americans are at risk for heart disease than in the last few years. After making progress with health, it seems that we’ve slid back to some very bad patterns. The study tracks people who have a low risk of heart disease factors, such as “not smoking, having low blood cholesterol, normal blood pressure, normal weight and no sign of diabetes.” They found that only 7.5 percent of people have a low risk, as opposed to 10.5 percent in 1994. (This is a study in which you want the number to be higher, with a great percentage of people have no risk of heart disease.) The only positive item found in this survey was that more people are not smoking. So at least we’re getting some things right. The push to stop people from smoking is ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809729 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:06:16 +0100 2809729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809776&cid=t_255434_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fa-reluctant-voice-for-multiple-sclerosis%2F I began a posting over three years ago by stating that I was not “the guy that gets phone calls like this on a regular basis”.  That phone call requested my voice at a press conference on the topic of stem cell research alongside two US Senators.  This morning,  I opened an international pharmaceutical company’s newest research facility (specializing in inflammatory diseases) here in Seattle. It is not easy for me to admit to you but, I guess that I have become “that guy”… None of us could have expected this lot in life: multiple sclerosis.  Not a single one of us knew what to do in the moments, days and weeks after diagnosis.  I doubt I’m alone in the sentiment I expressed in our interview blog that I would trade every lesson I’ve learned for health. Still, it’s not... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809776 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:51:26 +0100 2809776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807614&cid=t_255434_101_f&fid=38969&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheemtspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2F17%2Fwhat-is-muscular-dystrophy-anyway%2F Since we’ve been talking about the fill the boot campaign the annual MDA telethon, why not use our “what is” series to take a closer look at the group of diseases we commonly refer to as muscular dystrophy. While most EMS caregivers have a general idea of what to expect in a muscular dystrophy presentation, few of us are as knowledgeable as we should be about what muscular dystrophy is and what it does to the body. Let’s take a closer look. While we tead to refer to muscular dystrophy as a single defined disease process, it is actually a group of disease that share some common characteristics. Add to that the fact that all of these diseases are degenerative in nature and you can imagine how remarkably different these patients can be. The nine primary diseases in... The EMT Spot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807614 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:17:02 +0100 2807614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803869&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F6TTcS7Sd-WA%2F Public-health officials are breathing a small sigh of relief that the H1N1 swine flu virus hasn’t mutated to become more deadly since emerging last spring. But what are the chances it will? To find out, scientists at the CDC recently launched experiments in the agency’s labs in which they infected ferrets with both the new H1N1 virus and the highly lethal H5N1 avian flu virus to see if they might “reassort” to create a new hybrid. The scientists want to know whether a combination of the H1N1 virus -– highly transmissible, but not terribly deadly -– and the H5N1 flu virus could create an easily transmissible, deadly scourge. The H5N1 virus has only sickened 440 people world-wide since 2003 and generally isn’t transmitted from one person to another. But it has killed 262, or about 60%... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803869 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:31:17 +0100 2803869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803993&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_increased_risk_of_acute_myocardial_infarction_for__.htm Conclusion: Panic disorder was identified as an independent risk factor for subsequent acute myocardial infarction. Comprehensive multidisciplinary approaches are needed to optimize primary and secondary prevention of acute myocardial infarction among patients with panic disorder. Source... © 2009 American Psychosomatic Society (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803993 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:46:00 +0100 2803993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804107&cid=t_255434_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Ffinding-the-right-doctor-for-your-crohns-is-worth-it%2F Since so many of you responded to my blog about all the problems I was having with my rheumatologist and insurance company I thought that I would take the opportunity to say thank you and give you an update. A few weeks ago, I went to see my general doctor to get a referral for a new rheumatologist.  He seemed skeptical about how I would like her because he told me that she has a strange bedside manner.  I figured different sounded good to me at this moment and was willing to try her out.  I went to see her a few weeks back and I was really impressed.  Yes, she is a bit different, but I like her style and I like her so far.  Right away, she sent me for X-rays of my hips and bloodwork on my Vitamin D levels and a bunch of other stuff that my old doctor never did.  Plus, their office i... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804107 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:30:01 +0100 2804107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804093&cid=t_255434_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F16%2Fseptember-21-is-world-alzheimers-day%2F Every year on September 21, Alzheimer’s Disease associations across the globe recognize World Alzheimer’s Day.  This year’s theme for World Alzheimer’s Day is ‘Diagnosing Dementia: See It Sooner’. Across the globe scientists are aiming to establish a link between oral health and Alzheimers.  For example, the British Dental Health Foundation received a grant to study [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804093 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:27:44 +0100 2804093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803934&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F09%2Fcomparisons-mortality-and-deprivation-from-the-1900s-and-2001.html In this week’s BMJ we find that despite all the medical, public health, social, economic, and political changes over the 20th century, patterns of poverty and mortality and the relations between them remain firmly entrenched. There is a strong relation between the mortality levels of a century ago and those of today. This goes beyond what would have been expected from the continuing relation between deprivation and mortality and holds true for most major modern causes of death. Comment. Most of these deaths are related to chronic diseases and individual behaviors, which have always had an adverse impact on low income groups that have had poorer education (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803934 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:00:57 +0100 2803934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800306&cid=t_255434_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F16%2Farchives-of-neurology-2009-vol-66-no-9%2F This study aims to establish whether the rates of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia differed according to recruitment source and, if so, to investigate factors that might explain this discrepancy. It suggests that the degree of functional impairment at baseline is an important predictor of conversion to dementia and may help explain differences in findings between epidemiological and clinic-based studies. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Access from Home, Access from Work, Access in the Library, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Alzheimers Disease, Athens Password, Current Awareness, Dementia, E-Journals, Neurology (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800306 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:20 +0100 2800306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800497&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FfESabF9lRA4%2F Some good news for people suffering from retinal vein occlusion of the eye. New research has indicated that steroid injections have been shown effective in treatment. This is a disease that affects many diabetics, and is often difficult to treat. In retinal vein occlusion, the “blood vessels in the retina become blocked” and cause a the patient to gradually lose vision. Currently there is no treatment for the main cause of this disease, which is the “central vein that provides blood to the eye.” The disease is usually treated by using lasers to unblock the tiny blood vessels of the eye. However, a new study done with steroids was shown effective. Patients of the study received a steroid injection every four months into the eye. After a year, “27 percent of t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800497 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:34:40 +0100 2800497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796693&cid=t_255434_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fanother-diagnosis-in-the-family-lyme-disease.html Up until now it’s been all about me and my #$%@ chronic illness. That wasn’t so bad, for me. Far tougher is the realization that someone you love — someone who’s been the rock of your existence — may not be so invincible after all. Although nothing truly catastrophic has happened, a little [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796693 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:52:33 +0100 2796693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796382&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FBwpj-_aJGOM%2F Some parents are reluctant to get their children vaccinated for various illnesses. The concern often centers on the feared link to autism, a connection that scientific evidence doesn’t support (read more here, here and here). The Los Angeles Times raises a different point about parents who are considering whether or not to vaccinate their young children from the H1N1 swine flu virus this year: Americans who grew up in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s — many of whom now have kids — haven’t themselves seen or suffered from many common childhood diseases, and thus may not appreciate the importance of vaccinating young kids. In the case of H1N1, which has so far proved fairly mild, many parents are telling their physicians they want their kids to get immunized natur... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796382 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:44:03 +0100 2796382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796521&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FTqmSf4lp9ho%2F Depression and heart problems are two totally different diseases, but perhaps medical personnel should treat them together. New research suggests that patients who have depression are more likely to have a cardiac episode, and “15% to 20% of those who have had heart attacks get depressed.” Depressed patients also fail to bounce back as quickly from cardiac problems as those without depression. In the past, doctors have treated these two situations separately, but experts now believe the two are linked somehow. While one is considered physical and one emotional, the effect of these two conditions together can be deadly. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Treating Depression Along With Heart Disease (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796521 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:16:37 +0100 2796521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796539&cid=t_255434_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2Fp5se2G_011g%2F Updated 6:10 pm, September 14, 2009 One bad deal can ruin your day. Today, LifeMasters filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  According to its press release: “The Chapter 11 filing is the most efficient path for the company to restructure liabilities that are a result of Demonstration Projects previously performed under contracts with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), ” said George D. Pillari, President of LifeMasters. Mr. Pillari, named President of LifeMasters today, is a Managing Director of Alvarez & Marsal Healthcare Industry Group, LLC and had been working with the company and its board as a restructuring advisor prior to the filing. During the last four years, LifeMasters participated in three CMS Demonstration Projects aimed at testing ce... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796539 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:43:51 +0100 2796539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796365&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=34470&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehealthcareblog.com%2Fthe_health_care_blog%2F2009%2F09%2Fcommentology-improving-cost-containment.html Stephen J. Motew writes: Surgical specialists practice under a slightly more regimented reimbursement model predominantly due to the global period payment for surgical procedures. The total care of the surgical patient for any procedure, including pre-op evaluation, the procedure itself,... (Source: The Health Care Blog) The Health Care Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796365 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2796365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796385&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FbLmK41AGeek%2F Implantable cardioverter defibrillators — expensive devices that monitor the heart for irregular beating and shocks it back to its normal rhythm — don’t appear effective in women, a newly published analysis of pooled data shows. Though 30% of ICDs are implanted in women, there isn’t much evidence that these devices help prevent death in women with heart failure, according to the authors of the study, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The meta-analysis examined data from 934 women and 3,810 men across five clinical trials. The results indicated there wasn’t a statistically significant benefit of implanting an ICD in women. Men who received the device, however, were less likely to die in the followup period after the procedure compared wi... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796385 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:33:19 +0100 2796385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2793107&cid=t_255434_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F14%2Fannals-of-rheumatic-diseases-2009-vol-68-no-10%2F contents page Fade Fave: Management of Behçet disease: a systematic literature review for the European League Against Rheumatism evidence-based recommendations for the management of Behçet disease Fade Skinny: Finds good evidence supporting the use of azathioprine and ciclosporin A in eye involvement and interferon (IFN) in mucocutaneous involvement. There were no RCTs with IFN or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists in eye involvement. Similarly controlled data for the management of vascular, gastrointestinal and neurological involvement is lacking. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Access from Home, Access from Work, Access in the Library, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Behçet Disease, Current Awareness, E-Jo... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2793107 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:54:29 +0100 2793107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800562&cid=t_255434_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-events-theyre-good-for-what-ails-you%2F This past weekend was my local chapter of the National MS Society’s Bike MS event.  Nearly 2000 cyclists, aged from single digits to octogenarians, got on their bicycles and road a beautiful course, ranging from 25 to 100 miles, for two days. It was a beautiful late summer weekend.  The riders had wicked fun.  A large amount of money (looks like we’ll hit the $1.6millon goal) was raised for multiple sclerosis.  But there was more… Every time I attend one of these “MS Events,” be it a walk, a luncheon, gala dinner, an educational program, or what have you, I feel better! Not that my MS symptoms feel better, in fact sometimes the symptoms get worse for a short time owing to the extra “stuff” I do. I walk more than I normally do, I stand to chat for longer periods, I’m emo... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800562 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:07:52 +0100 2800562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796796&cid=t_255434_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FfLDCAgMM_bI%2F Addictive drinking, but not minor slips, is associated with increased mortality. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796796 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:28:02 +0100 2796796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2793231&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2009%2F09%2F14%2Fnew-innovations-in-deep-brain-stimulation-surgery%2F A great step forward, patients don’t have to be awake during the procedure. This video shows a clear description of the old and new procedure for deep brain stimulation (DBS). In the old procedure a frame has to applied after which a brain mapping procedure has to follow, up to 6-8 hours while the patient has to be awake. At the end the patient has to undergo a MRI to see whether the electrodes are in the right place. All very tedious and time consuming. The new procedure takes place in the MRI with anesthesia and takes less time (50%). Have a look at this new procedure in the video. Is there new hope for Parkinson’s patients? Imaging scientist, Alastair Martin, and neurosurgeon, Dr. Paul Larson, have teamed up to develop a way to perform Deep Brain Stimulation surgery that&#82... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2793231 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:49:52 +0100 2793231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796797&cid=t_255434_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FDVIf9_Fx5_o%2F A pilot study of the role of AA sponsors An AA sponsor is a close 1-on-1 collaboration between an older sober member and a relative newcomer to sobriety. Its a two way helping relationship – the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796797 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:38:00 +0100 2796797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2790411&cid=t_255434_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fthe-role-of-aa-sponsors%2F CONCLUSIONS: The roles identified broadly corresponded with the AA literature delineating the duties of a sponsor. This non-random sample of sponsors was highly engaged in AA activity but only had a past history of moderate alcohol dependence. Research; The role of AA sponsors: a pilot study. Whelan PJ, Marshall EJ, Ball DM, Humphreys K. Alcohol Alcohol. 2009 Jul-Aug;44(4):416-22. Epub 2009 Mar 18. See also; 12 Step Sponsor Twelve-Step Programs as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology Brief-TSF can assist patients cease alcohol consumption. ALCOHOLISM MYTHS Screening for Alcohol Problems The Twelve-Step Facilitation Handbook: A Systematic Approach to Early Recovery from Alcoholism and Addiction by Joseph Nowinski The Twelve Steps Of Alcoholics Anonymous: ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2790411 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:38:00 +0100 2790411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796800&cid=t_255434_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F2bQfVPmbKqU%2F Early detection, including screening and brief interventions (for nondependent problem drinkers) Comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plan Care management Individually delivered,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796800 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:59:53 +0100 2796800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786176&cid=t_255434_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Farthritis-is-so-much-more-than-daily-pain%2F There are over a hundred different types of arthritis. You can have one type or a combination of them, such as mixed connective tissue disease. Today I’d like to share with you a few of my personal impressions of what it is to live with arthritis. Most days it’s like riding a wet horse, bareback in the rain. You try to hang on but you fear you could fall off at any time and fear the consequences. You often feel like you’re coming down with the flu but you know you couldn’t have the flu that often and struggle to live with that yucky feeling while fulfilling what life demands, one day at a time. Since you’re immune deficient due to one or more of your medications, you must avoid others who are coughing, sneezing, dripping or hacking. You know if you become chilled it will take hou... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786176 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:12:21 +0100 2786176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782172&cid=t_255434_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fchronic-wasting-disease.html Study Spells Out Spread of Brain Illness in AnimalsBy SANDRA BLAKESLEEThe New York TimesPublished: September 10, 2009The infectious agent that leads to chronic wasting disease is spread in the feces of infected animals long before they become ill, new research indicates.Read the full article (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782172 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:59:00 +0100 2782172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782101&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FsTpZcGJjmd8%2F Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when your blood circulation is compromised, because your arteries are narrowing, making it more difficult for the blood to flow through. Your arteries are the blood vessels that carry refreshed and oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Having PAD raises your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. People at highest risk of PAD are those who smoke or have diabetes, but also people who are African American and seniors have a higher risk than most others. PAD isn’t rare. It’s estimated that about 10 million American live with PAD. Since PAD doesn’t have any symptoms* until it has been present for a while and is causing problems, finding out if you’re at risk may help you seek help and be diagnosed before it becomes an issue... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782101 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:51:04 +0100 2782101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778655&cid=t_255434_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-wall-of-honor-post-your-thoughts-and-memorials-here%2F Beneath every breast cancer diagnosis is a beating courageous heart. Breast cancer has proven it does not discriminate based on race, class, intelligence, beauty or even gender. It strikes at our home, our community and doesn’t spare our loved ones. Whether ourselves, a friend, a colleague or family member, we feel the heartache and pain that comes with the disease. As often as breast cancer wields its hideous reality in someone’s life, just as often that person rises to the challenge and inspires us beyond the heartache. There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in America. Women who have fought the good fight and have won. There are precious souls too who have fought the battle and have lost but they are no less special in the memories of those who loved them. In tru... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778655 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:08:21 +0100 2778655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778529&cid=t_255434_113_f&fid=38130&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tempdev.net%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D916 Last year, TempDev released our Free Flu Shot Clinic package. To help practices prepare for the coming flu season, the package has been updated to include the codes for the H1N1 vaccine. The new package still requires only two clicks to document the vaccine, but these two clicks can now be configured to document both the seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1. The package is also still free for all practices using NextGen! To schedule your free installation, simply fill out this online form. Related Posts November 7, 2008 — Announcing NextGen Flu Clinic (Source: Implementing EMRs) Implementing EMRs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778529 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:43:07 +0100 2778529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796802&cid=t_255434_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FdNjdSWO5b_M%2F While the war on drugs continues to attract world attention, it is often overlooked that alcoholism remains a major worldwide health concern. No matter what your expertise, the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796802 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:09:47 +0100 2796802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778668&cid=t_255434_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FSvrw5fO0SxM%2Fscientists-identify-two-gene-variants.html In the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) reported to date involving Alzheimer's disease, scientists have identified two new possible genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer's, the most common form of the disease. The study, which pooled DNA samples from a number of European and U.S. groups, not only associated variations in the sequence of the CLU and PICALM genes with increased risk, but also found another 13 gene variants that merit further investigation, according to findings presented in the September 6, 2009, online issue of Nature Genetics. Involving more than 16,000 DNA samples, one feature of this research was its use of publicly shared DNA samples and databases, including several supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and other components of the Natio... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778668 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:31:25 +0100 2778668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774602&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F2-Rsqy9bwzg%2F About 1 in 5 patients become depressed after a heart attack, but doctors don’t always pick up on the symptoms because they can be difficult to distinguish from the physical effects of heart disease, such as fatigue and sedentary behavior. (Read more about heart disease and depression in the WSJ.) Moreover, cardiologists are taught to focus on the heart and may not be attuned to other symptoms, according to Roy Ziegelstein, vice chairman of the department of medicine at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and head of the depression and cardiovascular research group. It’s one of the hazards of the specialization of medicine, he told us. He shares his own experience with recognizing the importance of depression in treating patients with heart disease: About 15 years ago, during h... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774602 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:33:04 +0100 2774602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774673&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fpost_coronary_depression_severity_duration_associated_with_.htm JAMA Among patients with both major depression and acute coronary syndrome, those with more severe depression within a few weeks of hospitalization for a cardiac event and those whose depression does not improve within six months appear to have more than double the risk of dying over a seven-year period, according to a report in the September issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. About one-fifth of individuals experience major depression in the first few weeks following a heart attack, according to background information in the article. Depression is associated with an increased risk of death after acute coronary syndrome, a term for cardiac events such as heart attack or unstable angina (chest pain). Alexander H. Glassman, MD, of Columbia University M... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774673 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:10:00 +0100 2774673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778375&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006522.html More evidence that inflammation contributes to the development of Alzheimer's. The study found that people who had respiratory, gastrointestinal or other infections or even bumps and bruises from a fall... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778375 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2778375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2772733&cid=t_255434_167_f&fid=36994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition-news.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fresearch-broccoli-heart-disease.html Research reveals a broccoli boost for arteriesNew British Heart Foundation (BHF) research from Imperial College London may have revealed why vegetables are good for the heart. The findings suggest that a chemical found in vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, can boost a natural defence mechanism to protect arteries from disease.Dr Paul Evans, from the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London, who led the research team, said: “We found that the innermost layer of cells at branches and bends of arteries lack the active form of Nrf2, which may explain why they are prone to inflammation and disease. Treatment with the natural compound sulforaphane reduced inflammation at the high-risk areas by 'switching on' Nrf2.“Sulforaphane is found naturally in broc... Healthy Eating & Nutrition News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2772733 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:55:00 +0100 2772733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2770066&cid=t_255434_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV048.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit On episode 48 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent, Dick, Alan and Rich revisit a vaccinia virus lab accident and viral vaccines produced in plants, then talk about an iPhone app to track infectious diseases, flying foxes, and an inhaled measles vaccine. Download TWiV #48 (58 MB .mp3, 79 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Laboratory acquired vaccinia infection Medicago (investor presentation, pdf) and Fraunhofer produce vaccines in plants iPhone app Outbreaks near me No culling of flying foxes in Australia Inhaled powdered measles virus vaccine Herpesvirus latency confers symbiotic protection from bacterial infection (thanks Juliet... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2770066 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:05:00 +0100 2770066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2770144&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fp-xdj-UJeVk%2F Many of us associate Labor Day with the Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy. But this many people are wondering if Lewis will also take the time to speak about his own disease, pulmonary fibrosis (PF). PF is a fatal lung disease, and what’s even scarier is that little is known about the disease. Other celebs like Robert Goulet and Marlon Brando had (and died) of the disease as well. PF scars the lungs and is untreatable and fatal. Most patients did within three to five years of diagnosis. Lewis has been relatively quiet about his disease. If I had to guess I would say he probably won’t speak about his own disease – but rather – focus on Muscular Dystrophy instead. Image: Zuma Press Post from: Blisstree Jerry Lewis’ Pulmonar... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2770144 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:12:28 +0100 2770144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2768676&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FqTGhkAI7k3U%2F Here’s an eerie medical phenomenon that seems like it should only occur in movies. A 15-year old boy from Tennessee is crying blood. Literally. Calvino Inman noticed his reflected after a shower a few months ago and saw that he had blood coming from his eyes. His condition, called “haemolacria” is sometimes seen in people who “have experienced extreme trauma or who have recently had a serious head injury.” The problem? Inman didn’t have these types of things happen to him. Doctors are running him through the usual battery of tests, but thus far nothing out of the ordinary has been found. The teen has several medical experts now working on his case. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Teen Who Cries Blood (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2768676 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:11:45 +0100 2768676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2768678&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FLcgu7NhPPcU%2F If you want to track the latest outbreaks of the H1N1 virus, there’s an iPhone application just for you. The new app is called “Outbreaks Near Me” and allows you to see who else in your area is getting sick with an infectious disease. The application “combines the GPS system of the iPhone with outbreak tracking information from HealthMap.org” in order to track and provide the information. Makers feel that if people know when an outbreak is heading their way, they can take the proper precautions like extra hand washing and wearing masks. Image: Morguefile Post from: Blisstree iPhone App for Swine Flu Outbreaks (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2768678 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 11:42:24 +0100 2768678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2768619&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Flocate-diseases-with-outbreaks-near-me%2F Interested in finding out where the latest salmonella or H1N1 Flu outbreak is? Want to know what diseases are bugging your hometown or favorite vacation spot before you get there? Now you can do so not only in the internet with the user friendly HealthMap website but also with the recently released Outbreaks Near Me iPhone App. The iPhone app is hooked into the HealthMap site and every time you search of information, the HealthMap database is searched and the info is downloaded to your phone in map form. While the H1N1 flu takes center stage, in all, there are nearly 100 diseases listed on the database and all you need to do is select the disease you are interested in finding out about. It’s as easy as the push of a button, either via computer or via iPhone. The Outbreaks Near Me App wil... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2768619 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 04:38:54 +0100 2768619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2768681&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F_uwBWoX1z2c%2F Research with Alzheimer’s and diabetes both seem to get more exciting every day. Don’t you think? Here’s some more exciting news: N60. The name “N60″ is something you’ll hear more and more because it is a specific section of “RanBP9, a protein that has proven key in Alzheimer’s research. According to Science Daily, RanBP9 “increases the production of the amyloid beta protein,” which is important because patients with Alzheimer’s have an extreme amount of this protein. More so than those without the disease. In short, the hope is that discovering what makes this “amyloid beta protein” go gangbusters in patients will lead to stopping the progression. And therefore, the disease. Image: sxc.hu. ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2768681 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:08:09 +0100 2768681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761882&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F09%2Fresearch-suggests-certain-lifestyle-changes-may-cut-breast-cancer-risk-by-nearly-half.html The New York Times (9/2, Rabin) reported in Vital Signs, "Women can cut their risk of breast cancer by almost half if they watch their weight, exercise daily, breast-feed their babies and limit alcoholic beverages, according to a new report by the American Institute for Cancer Research." For the study, researchers updated "a 2007 review of more than 800 studies, adding information from 81 new studies." The researchers "estimated that nearly 40 percent of new breast cancer cases in the United States...could be prevented if every woman followed the recommendations."  Comment: This sounds fine but how often have we been able to change behavior? (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761882 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:49:31 +0100 2761882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757722&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FEyn90rCbTOQ%2F Boston Scientific showed that its $30,000 devices that slow heart deterioration, called cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators, produced clinical benefit in a 1,820-patient clinical trial, according to results published in today’s New England Journal of Medicine. The company announced in June that the study, known as MADIT-CRT, demonstrated that the resynchronizers reduced hospitalizations, but these complete results showed the devices were even more effective than earlier reported, according to the WSJ. But an accompanying editorial in today’s NEJM asks whether expanded CRT use in patients with heart failure is cost effective. Mariell Jessup of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, points out that despite evidence that patients with certain types of hear... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757722 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:21:42 +0100 2757722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751966&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fhope_plays_role_in_stroke_risk.htm By Todd Neale, Staff Writer, MedPage Today A feeling of hopelessness about the future appears to be associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in apparently healthy, middle-age women, a cross-sectional study showed. More... © 2004-2009 MedPage Today, LLC. All Rights Reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751966 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:26:00 +0100 2751966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757710&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7814 I have seen local community forums where lay persons are advising others to take aspirin like “multivitamins” to prevent strokes and heart attacks. We do not have sound evidence for doing so in the healthy population. In fact indiscriminately popping low dose aspirin would probably result in seeing more bleeding complications. Recent research from Britain shows that Aspirin does more harm than good in healthy people At a conference for leading doctors, British scientists said they have found that for healthy people taking aspirin does not significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack. At the same time they found it almost doubles the risk of being admitted to hospital due to internal bleeding. The findings show that for otherwise healthy people the risks of taking aspirin ou... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757710 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2757710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2748028&cid=t_255434_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FaqOIzrK2JUE%2F (Editor's Note: given the growing media attention to three apparently separate worlds -cognitive enhancement via drugs, brain fitness training software, computerized neurocognitive assessments-, I found it refreshing to see our co-founder Elkhonon Goldberg introduce the topic of cognotropic drugs with an integrative perspective in the much updated new edition of his classic book, now titled The New Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes In A Complex World. Below goes an excerpt). For many neuropsychologists, like myself, science is a labor of love, but seeing patients is bread and butter. Traditionally, the clinical contribution of neuropsychology has been mostly diagnostic, with precious little to offer patients by way of treatment. Neuropsychology is not the only clinical discipline for years c... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2748028 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:11:08 +0100 2748028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2745595&cid=t_255434_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F-tKKRxn5gTI%2F Imagine having been born from a biological dad, and two biological moms. Wait. Don’t imagine. It’s already happened. For now in monkeys, but who knows someday in humans too. And based on your belief, it’s a “no way!” or a “way to go!”. How did a three-parent experiment happen? Scientists from the Oregon National Primate Research successfully transferred the nuclear DNA from one macaque into another cell which had it’s mitochondrial DNA removed (termed mitochondia gene replacement). The hybrid egg cell was fertilized by a sperm and implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother. Out of the fifteen hybrid embryos, four baby macaques have survived through full term and seem to be thriving. And why is this experiment in monkeys so important for humans? This experiment open... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2745595 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:37:48 +0100 2745595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744123&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FCGcBbfVRYY4%2F People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may find it difficult to get a lot done on some days. Their difficulty breathing can make moving and getting out a challenge. There’s not a lot that can be done about this although researchers are looking at ways to improve medications and portable oxygen tanks also make it possible for some people to get out and about. A new trial has found, though, that simple upper body exercises may be one way of helping people with COPD breathe more easily by strengthening the muscles in the chest. Twenty-five patients with COPD participated in a trial that either had them doing regular exercise or using dumbbells that helped them strengthen their the pectoralis (the thick muscle, in the upper front of your chest), deltoids (the thick musc... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744123 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 08:47:23 +0100 2744123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744057&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FJ1NhXpbO7Yg%2F The annual European Society of Cardiology meeting begins this weekend in Barcelona, and here are three key late-stage trials on different anti-clotting agents from big drug makers that are headlining the session: 1) RE-LY: This large study examined the safety and efficacy of Boehringer Ingelheim’s investigational anti-clotting therapy, Prodaxa, against the current gold standard, warfarin, for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that affects 2.2 million Americans. Some 18,000 patients with non-valvular AF and at least one other risk factor for stroke, such as a previous stroke, heart failure or high blood pressure were followed for at least one year in this long-term study. 2) PLATO: AstraZeneca will reveal the complete data from this head-to-head comparison be... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744057 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:42:52 +0100 2744057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741362&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FwsvrxbPAPew%2F One of the unusual things about the swine flu is that it often strikes young, healthy people, while skipping over the elderly. The most recent evidence comes today from the Chicago Department of Public health, which reports that kids between 5 and 14 were 14 times more likely than the those over 60 to come down with with the H1N1 pandemic flu. The overall rate of kids with confirmed cases was quite low — 147 per 100,000 — but officials say that is likely an underestimate, because many people who got the flu were never tested and not included in confirmed case counts. The report, published today in the MMWR, summarized laboratory-confirmed cases of infection between April 24 — when it first began “enhanced surveillance” for the virus — and July 25, and pr... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741362 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:23:06 +0100 2741362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737799&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fev-dzIDanz0%2F Do we need yet another reason to lose weight? A new study reveals that obesity is linked to GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. The appearance of GERD has increased steadily over the last few years, just like obesity. Now, almost “1 in 5 people have the disease.” This research makes sense when you consider that the same types of eating contribute to obesity and GERD both. Here’s the kicker, however. Even if you lose weight, it won’t help GERD unless you’re in the earliest stages of the disease. The only true prevention is to not become obese in the first place. However, there are plenty of ways to treat GERD once you have it. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Obesity Linked to Reflux Disease (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737799 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:51:03 +0100 2737799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737945&cid=t_255434_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fhow-is-your-crohn%25e2%2580%2599s-today%2F We haven’t had a “How is your Crohn’s today” blog in a while and I think we are past due. I want to know how you are doing and how you are handling your disease. Since I am writing the post that means that I get to go first:) I have been doing pretty well lately.  I had my colonoscopy a few weeks ago with very good results.  He said that I had no active Crohn’s in my colon and that was the best news that I have heard in about 10 years - or more.   Since I had such good results, I decided to try lowering my prednisone (the Doctor concurred), and so I have gone from 8mg everyday to 8mg, 8mg, 7mg, 8mg, 8mg 7mg, ect… After I am sure that my body can adjust to this level I will go to 8mg, 7mg, 8mg, 7mg, etc… Doing my tapering this way keeps my body confused as ... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737945 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:32:31 +0100 2737945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737753&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F08%2Fone-more-knock-against-obesity.html In a study published in the current online edition of the journal Human Brain Mapping, senior author Paul Thompson, a UCLA professor of neurology, lead author Cyrus A. Raji, a medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and their colleagues compared the brains of elderly people who were obese, overweight and of normal weight to see if they had differences in brain structure — that is, if their brains looked equally healthy. They found that obese individuals had, on average, 8 percent less brain tissue than people of normal weight, while overweight people had 4 percent less tissue. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737753 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:19:18 +0100 2737753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2734088&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_are_ssris_cardiac_teratogens_echocardiographic_sc.htm CONCLUSIONS: Newborns exposed in utero to SSRIs, have a twofold higher risk of mild nonsyndromic heart defects than unexposed infants. The data suggest that women who require SSRI treatment during pregnancy can be reassured that the fetal risk is low and possible cardiac malformations will probably be mild. Late-targeted ultrasound and fetal echocardiography at 22 to 23 weeks' gestation are recommended in this patient group. Source... Copyright © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc., A Wiley CompanyCaution:  Do not stop any depression medication unless directed to do so by your provider. When some depression medications are discontinued, abruptly worsening depression, anxiety and flu-like symptoms may occur. While not life-threatening these may be very uncomfortable. Ask the prescribing doctor ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2734088 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:20:00 +0100 2734088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2734109&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F26ypni2-1cc%2F We hear and read of them: miracle cures ranging from tumors that have disappeared to the sickest of babies pulling through without any after effects of their illness or complications. Many of these miracles are due to the power of prayer, say the devout. Can this really happen? A woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) says that it can and has happened to her. Fifty-year-old Italian Antonia Raco was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease and has been wheelchair bound for the past four years. Earlier this month, she visited the a shrine in Lourdes, France, a popular site for Roman Catholic pilgrims. Many who are ill or disabled visit the site to pray for miracles. Records over the past many decades offer several examples of miracles performed at Lourdes. Accordi... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2734109 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:46:21 +0100 2734109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730216&cid=t_255434_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FWHlTXhmYm30%2F In a recently published scientific study (see Hall C, et al “Cognitive activities delay onset of memory decline in persons who develop dementia” Neurology 2009; 73: 356-361), Hall and colleagues examined how education and stimulating activities may interact to contribute to cognitive reserve. The study involved 488 initially healthy people, average age 79, who enrolled in the Bronx Aging Study between 1980 and 1983. These individuals were followed for 5 years with assessments every 12 to 18 months (starting in 1980). At the start of the study, all participants were asked how many cognitive activities (reading, writing, crossword puzzles, board or card games, group discussions, or playing music) they participated in and for how many days a week. Researchers were able to evaluate the imp... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730216 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:57:49 +0100 2730216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730063&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fva-computer-error-causes-health-scare%2F There was a  health care SNAFU at the Veterans Administration early this month. A computer coding error by the Veterans Administration led to more than 1,800 Gulf War veterans being sent letters informing them that they had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neurological disease more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Can you imagine opening up your mail and being told that as a veteran with ALS, they were entitled to disability compensation of up to $2,700 a month with additional money for their children and spouses. Most would have been left scratching their head and wondering how in the world they suddenly had Lou Gehrig’s disease and why the heck no one had told them before. According to a VA spokesperson, the letter no way inferred a medical diagnosis of ALS. The VA has... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730063 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:04:07 +0100 2730063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2726965&cid=t_255434_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV046.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Dick Despommier In episode #46 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent and Dick continue virology 101 with a discussion of virus entry into cells, then answer reader email on colony collapse disorder and viruses that confer a benefit to their host. Download TWiV #46 (35 MB .mp3, 50 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Illustrations of virus entry into cells Nice reference for biological items (thanks Jim!) Colony collapse disorder: PBS program,  descriptive study, metagenomic study, genetic analysis (thanks Swiss compass!) Potato virus Y and Alzheimer’s disease (thanks Jennifer!) A virus in a fungus in a plant (thanks Jennifer!) Weekly Science Picks Vincent PLoS Pearls ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2726965 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:12:34 +0100 2726965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2724819&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F8kBr824zTb8%2F Parasitic infections and other diseases more familiar to the developing world are increasingly afflicting poor and minority populations in the U.S., the WSJ reports this morning. Public-health experts say they still don’t have a handle on how best to respond. But the United States has a track record of successfully facing down public-health threats linked to poverty. In the early 20th century, when rural residents tended to use bushes as privies, hookworm infestations bedeviled many communities, especially in the South, where some counties reported infection rates of 75%. The larvae are shed in feces, thrive in moist soil and burrow into passing hosts through their bare feet. The parasites were known as “the germ of laziness” because they caused anemia and a profound lac... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2724819 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:01:40 +0100 2724819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2724928&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FHAbBie6dkKU%2F West Virginia wins the titled of most medicated state in the U.S., according to one recent report. The state fills “17.7 prescriptions per capita compared to a national average of 11.5.” Why so much medicine? Experts believe it’s because of many chronic conditions and lack of exercise. The south in general has higher medication rates. “Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky and Missouri also have prescription drug-use rates well above the national average.” My first question when I heard this, was what type of medicine are they taking? The answer is lisinopril, a high-blood pressure drug. West Virginians, not surprisingly, have higher rates of heart disease the rest of the country as well. The majority of the population, some seve... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2724928 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:59:04 +0100 2724928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2724475&cid=t_255434_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fosa-cpap-alzheimers-disease.html A small study in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine involved 10 older adults with both obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s disease.They had an average age of 76 years and a moderate level of dementia. For six weeks they had used CPAP therapy to treat their OSA. Then five of the people continued using CPAP therapy for a year; the other five stopped using CPAP.Results show that sustained CPAP use produced long-term benefits. People who continued using CPAP remained stable or showed improvement on almost all measures; those who stopped using CPAP continued to deteriorate.Subjective sleep quality improved significantly in the CPAP group. Their depressive symptoms and daytime sleepiness also stabilized.The CPAP group also showed less cognitive decline. They showed... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2724475 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:05:00 +0100 2724475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2724862&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F08%2Fmaine-lead-poisonings-due-to-lead-tracked-into-cars.html The AP reports that six cases of childhood lead poisoning "in Maine last year came from an unusual source -- lead dust tracked into the family car." Officials from the CDC and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services said that the cases were "the first ever attributed to lead dust on childhood safety seats. The car seats themselves weren't the source; the inside of family cars were contaminated through a parent's workplace." The CDC explained that children's parents, who worked in paint removal or metals recycling, did not change and shower before going home, and so tracked lead dust into their cars and onto children's car seats. Then, "Kids chew on the sides of those seats ... Or they put a cookie down" on the seat and then eat it, Mary Jean Brown, chief of the CDC's Lead Poisoni... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2724862 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:51:24 +0100 2724862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2725285&cid=t_255434_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Ftwelve-step-facilitation-tsf-works%2F This article discusses the rationale for interventions that facilitate alcohol-dependent patients’ affiliations with AA and related mutual-help organizations (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous [NA]). The article also reviews recent research comparing those interventions with other treatment methods. Research; Professional Interventions That Facilitate 12-Step Self-Help Group Involvement. Journal article by Keith Humphreys; Alcohol Research & Health, Vol. 23, 1999 The Twelve-Step Facilitation Handbook: A Systematic Approach to Early Recovery from Alcoholism and Addiction by Joseph Nowinski See also; Twelve Step Facilitation is designed to support people returning to their community Twelve-Step Programs as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology Brief-TSF ca... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725285 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:50:05 +0100 2725285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719708&cid=t_255434_90_f&fid=34474&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCasesBlog%2F%7E3%2FpzALjC4Eolc%2Fis-it-time-to-abandon-lab-coat-in-fight.html From the NY Times:The Lab Coat Is on the Hook in the Fight Against Germs http://bit.ly/CP99r48% of neckties worn by a sampling of New York City doctors carried at least one species of infectious microbe. The British NHS has adopted a “bare below the elbow” hospital dress policy: no long fingernails, ties, jewelry, lab coat.A comment from Twitter:rebel85 No matter what we wear, it will have germs, including skin. Granted we need to be cautious. Has anyone studied stethoscopes??? about 2 hours ago from web in reply to DrVesActually, yes. There are around 30-50 studies indexed by PubMed.One of the more recent ones focused on ICU patients. All 32 non-medical staff were supposed to clean their stethoscopes at least every day; however only three out of the 12 medical staff cleaned this ofte... Clinical Cases and Images - Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719708 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:10:00 +0100 2719708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719896&cid=t_255434_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fwhere-from-here.html This is the question I am asked so often.1. We have the steady progress towards cheap genomes. 2. We have the biggest supporter of personalized medicine running the NIH 3. We have "some" clinical awareness of personalized medicine 4. We have the government aware of the shenanigans of some unscrupulous DTC advertising, etc 5. We have several milemarkers under our belts with genome science..... We are moving in the "right" direction, but where do we go from here There are several areas we need to investigate. I would like to sum a few of them, both basic science and clinical. Basic Science first. 1. We need to understand precisely how gene regulation occurs in the face of certain common environmental exposures. Trans Fat, Tobacco Smoke, Alcohol, Stress. Is it RNA? Is it Methylation? What pr... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719896 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:26:00 +0100 2719896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2725004&cid=t_255434_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D648 Have you heard of the Flat Belly Diet or the Quik Trim Diet?   This sexy belly was not made with the Flat Belly or the Quik Trim Diets I can assure you! “A MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acid) at Every Meal” is the pitch from the proponents of this latest fad “diet” plan.  I can’t believe how popular some diet plans become, and now I am convinced that facts don’t matter, it’s all about the marketing.  This one has Yale and Prevention Magazing behind it, which is even more shocking.  I guess if Yale was in Florida it would be a D school, and we would stop sending them free lunch money.  Here’s what they’re saying, and I guess they’re doing it with a straight face.  MUFA’s  and weight loss? MUFA (MOO-fah)  is a term ... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725004 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:15:06 +0100 2725004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2716010&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_the_impact_of_differing_anxiety_disorders_on_outco.htm Conclusions: Any impact of anxiety on post-ACS outcome appears to be influenced by the clinical sub-type. The seemingly paradoxical finding that GAD might improve outcome may reflect apprehensive worrying being constructive, by improving self-management of the individual's cardiac problems. (Text has been reformatted for online visual clarity; ed.) Source... © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2716010 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:32:00 +0100 2716010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2716033&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FD6BYhuhwrLU%2F Avandia (rosiglitazone), a medication for people with type 2 diabetes, has been the subject of studies evaluating its safety and the results aren’t what Glaxo (the manufacturer) had hoped for. According to researchers in Toronto, Canada, elderly people who take Avandia may have an increased risk of heart failure and death. The researchers didn’t, however, find the same results that American researchers found two years earlier, which suggested that Avandia also increased the risk of heart attacks. The Canadian researchers found no difference between patients who took Avandia and another type of medication, Actos (pioglitazone), and the rate of heart attacks among them The researchers studied 40,000 patients over the age of 65 who took Avandia or Actos. For every 93 patients, the... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2716033 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:54:58 +0100 2716033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712293&cid=t_255434_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FTKuPFIt7yqo%2F I read about Jessa Perrin’s story and was struck with how her world was turned upside down by a rare disease. Jessa Perrin was backpacking in Israel when she suddenly became ill. Her skin turned yellow and her liver, kidneys and lungs failed within a day of being admitted to the hospital. She wasn’t even diagnosed with anything yet, but she needed liver transplant fast, or else she was not going to last a week. The doctors finally diagnosed Jessa with Wilson’s Disease, a rare, recessive genetic disorder that shuts down the body’s ability to get rid of copper. Jessa inherited two abnormal copies of the ATP7B gene, one from each of her parents (who were carriers). Because it’s a recessive trait the carrying parents do not have any symptoms and have no known family history of the... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712293 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:05:07 +0100 2712293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712135&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F08%2Fpublic-overestimates-benefits-of-cancer-screening-survey-finds.html In this morning’s Richmond Times Charles Krauthammer rails against the use of preventive interventions based on cost effectiveness in reducing chronic diseases.  His argument is based on a CBO study but he lacks knowledge of epidemiology and appropriate interventions.  At the same time we hear about a new report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2009, August 18) that the public overestimates the value of screening. The authors found that the majority of participants have a dramatic overestimation of the benefits of such tests, and that doctors and other sources of information appear to have little impact on improving knowledge of the level of benefit. Ninety-two percent of women overestimated the benefit of mammography screening by at least one order of magni... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712135 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:39:03 +0100 2712135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712136&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F08%2Fno-evidence-of-unhealthful-relation-between-animal-foods-and-breast-cancer.html The September 2009 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports the results of 3 human studies designed to better delineate the relation between animal foods and breast cancer risk. "These studies highlight two very important points," said American Society for Nutrition Spokesperson Shelley McGuire, PhD. "First we all need to remember that there are really no such things as 'bad' foods. Second, observational studies that show associations between diet and health need to be considered with a proverbial grain of salt. These studies clearly provide additional and strong evidence that consumption of meat and dairy products by women does not, by itself, increase breast cancer risk. Further, moderate and mindful consumption of these foods can be very important in attaining optimal... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712136 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:37:07 +0100 2712136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712332&cid=t_255434_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2F7JhLArdtJKg%2Fcan-drinking-juice-delay-onset-of.html The answer appears to be, Yes.Researchers at the Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle, Washington following nearly 2,000 adults for 10 years found drinking fruit or vegetable juice cuts the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.Study participants who drank juice three times per week reduced their Alzheimer's risk by 76 percent. Study participants who drank juice once or twice a week reduced their Alzheimer's risk by 16 percent."The theory is that the brain accumulates damage due to oxidation as we age, and if you can protect the brain from that damage you can protect the person from Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia," said Eric Larson, MD.According to Dr. Larson, juice is made using parts of the fruit with the highest concentration of natural antioxidants.Advic... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712332 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:35:17 +0100 2712332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709098&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FHwbwZv4liLk%2F Those who have spent their careers in the trenches of healthcare and are now reading the uncertain headlines in the news each day and fearing for the future of healthcare, fear not! There are fresh crops of enthusiastic students, eager to make a difference and keep the ball rolling in the quest to improve healthcare, sprouting up in graduate programs starting across the nation this summer. Having started the Johns Hopkins Masters of Public Health (JHSPH) program in July, it has been a thrilling month and will no doubt be a fast year with many choices to make for classes, volunteer opportunities, and research projects. The plethora of options was described by one former student as “going to the grocery store when you’re hungry.” Not to mention, each student shopping in the... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709098 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:44:23 +0100 2709098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709078&cid=t_255434_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F18%2Fgut-2009-volume-58-number-9%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Functional heartburn has more in common with functional dyspepsia than with non-erosive reflux disease Fade Skinny:Identifies the increased prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms in patients with functional heartburn reinforces the concept that functional gastrointestinal disorders extend beyond the boundaries suggested by the anatomical location of symptoms. This should be regarded as a further argument to test patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in order to separate patients with functional heartburn from patients with non-erosive reflux disease in whom symptoms are associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Access from Home, Access from Work, Access in the Library, Athens Passwor... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709078 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:04:12 +0100 2709078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709089&cid=t_255434_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F18%2Farchives-of-surgery-2009-vol-144-no-8%2F This article finds Type D personality predicts an increased risk of all-cause mortality in PAD, above and beyond traditional risk factors. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Access from Home, Access from Work, Access in the Library, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Heart Diseases, Mortality, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Psychology (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709089 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:48:15 +0100 2709089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709091&cid=t_255434_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F18%2Farchives-of-neurology-2009-vol-66-no-8%2F contents page Fade Fave: Seizures in Alzheimer Disease: Who, When, and How Common? Fade Skinny: Transient symptoms in Alzheimer disease (AD) are frequent and include seizures, syncope, and episodes of inattention or confusion. The incidence of seizures in AD and predictors of which patients with AD might be more predisposed to them is based primarily on retrospective studies and is not well established. Article identifies that younger age is a risk factor for seizures in AD. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Access from Home, Access from Work, Access in the Library, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Alzheimers Disease, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Neurology, Seizures (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709091 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:36:45 +0100 2709091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709163&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F08%2Ftaking-aspirin-following-colorectal-cancer-diagnosis-may-reduce-mortality-risk-research-suggests.html Harvard scientists, alongside researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, "analyzed data from two large ongoing studies, the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study." In total, they looked at data on "nearly 1,300 people with colorectal cancer who'd been followed for an average of 12 years. All the patients in the study had surgery for colon cancer and many also had chemotherapy." The editor-in-chief of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Daniel G. Haller, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, says that "they (the data) are not persuasive because, as observational studies, they do not rise to the level needed to change guidelines," Comment: This will lead to the newest fad in use of aspirin which has many side e... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709163 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:49:11 +0100 2709163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709164&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F08%2Ffour-lifestyle-choices-may-help-reduce-risk-of-chronic-disease.html The Los Angeles Times reports, "If people would just do four things -- engage in regular physical activity, eat a healthy diet, not smoke, and avoid becoming obese -- they could slash their risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke or cancer by 80 percent," CDC researchers found. "But less than 10 percent of the 23,153 people in the multiyear study -- published in Monday's Archives of Internal Medicine -- actually lived their lives this way." Further participants "who followed all four lifestyle factors had a 78 percent lower risk of developing a chronic disease than those with no healthy factors.”  Comment:  Ts is not much different to the Alameda Study on lifestyles published 35 years ago by Anne Somers et al, where they pinpointed nine behaviors, that if followed ensured 11... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709164 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:45:32 +0100 2709164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2705109&cid=t_255434_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F17%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2009-vol-302-no-6%2F Journal of the American Medical Association 2009 (Vol. 302 No. 6) Contents Fade Fave: Physical Activity, diet and risk of Alzheimer’s disease Fade Skinny: Adhering to a Mediterranean-type diet and more physical activity have independently been associated with lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease but their combined association has not been investigated. The article investigates whether a combination of Mediterranean-type diet and increased physical exercise reduces the risk of developing AD. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Alzheimers Disease, Diet, Diet Nutrition, Exercise, Prevalence, Risk (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2705109 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:43:45 +0100 2705109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2705171&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_paroxetine_paxilreginduced_increase_in_ldl_ch.htm J Psychopharmacol 2009 Sep;23(7):826-830 Paroxetine-induced increase in LDL cholesterol levels Le Melledo JM, Mailo K, Lara N, Abadia MC, Gil L, Van Ameringen M, Baker G, Perez-Parada J. Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Anxiety Disorders Clinic, McMaster University Medical Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurociences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Paroxetine is widely prescribed because it has the indication for multiple psychiatric disorders. Our objective was to assess the effect of short-term administration of paroxetine on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in both healthy controls (HCs) and in patients with panic disorder... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2705171 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:11:00 +0100 2705171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2705107&cid=t_255434_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F17%2Finvisible-chronic-illness-addisons-disease%2F This week the Grand Round will be hosted by Invisible Illness Week, a blog dedicated to the National Invisible  Ilness Week, which runs September 14 -20, 2009. The purpose: National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week  (..) is a worldwide effort to bring together people who live with invisible chronic illness and those who love them. Organizations [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2705107 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:06:58 +0100 2705107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2705190&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F8hexCbS8pB0%2F While this isn’t a guaranteed cure and it’s certainly not for all types of headaches, researchers have found that if you have headaches caused by neck problems, disc replacements in the neck or disc replacements may rid you of your headaches. A study of 1004 patients with cervical spine disease, published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) found that 86.4% of the patients complained of headaches, with over half saying the headaches were severe. Two years after surgery, 803 patients responded to questionnaires from the researchers. Of these 803 patients, 65.1% said they still had headaches. Broken down, 46.7% said their headaches were mild, 18.4% said they were severe. What is cervical disc disease? Cervical disc disease is the result of the cervical bones in the ne... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2705190 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:30:58 +0100 2705190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2725009&cid=t_255434_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D400 Smoking – Glamorous?  Don’t think so.  Doctors have long since known that smoking was bad, leading to heart disease, and cancer.  But what is shocking is that women appear to be more vulnerable than men to the cancer-causing effects of smoking tobacco.  Low tar, low nicotine, or filtered products makes no difference either.   Swiss scientists found women tended to be younger when they developed the cancer, despite having smoked on average significantly less than men.  Of course, we know that pregnant women deliver smaller, more sickly babies when they smoke during gestation, but it goes much farther than that. Models who smoke to keep thin, won’t have to worry that much as they won’t be modeling long. “Our findings suggest that women may have an incr... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725009 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:30:07 +0100 2725009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2725010&cid=t_255434_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D357   Algae makes you feel good inside and on the outside too!  But, it can be really stinky! A new carotenoid has received much attention lately – astaxanthin.   It would be what’s known as a vitamin light-  chemically, astaxanthin is classified as a non-provitamin A.  It is a fat-soluble nutrient and excellent antioxidant.  The richest source of astaxanthin by far is the algae Haemococcus pluvialis.  In skin treatment salons, algae is not only an exfoliant that cleans pores and scrubs off dead skin, but acts as a prime source of dermal nutrients.  This dietary supplement is a therapeutic tool for a variety of conditions and diseases, including heart disease, immune problems, inflammation states,  and neuro-degenerative issues – such as dementia.   When compar... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725010 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:00:55 +0100 2725010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2695541&cid=t_255434_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fa-firsthand-account-of-a-colonoscopy-prep%2F Conclusion to Colonoscopy Prep: Moral to the story: Don’t NOT follow the instructions.  I usually follow them to the ‘T’ but this time decided to see if I could not stay up all night.  Next time, I will just have to take the two pills earlier so that I can start the drinking process earlier so I can go to bed earlier.  This time, I didn’t have a choice on starting earlier since I was coming back from a business trip from Florida and arrived just in time to start the prep (lucky me). Good luck with your next prep! Kelly (Source: Life with Crohn's) Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2695541 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:01:43 +0100 2695541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2691564&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FLmpGi1vsvDg%2F How many times have we heard about omega-3 fatty acids? All the time, right? It gets so that when you hear about how great they are, you kind of ignore the information. But several research studies not only talk about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for prevention of heart disease, they also talk about how beneficial they are in treating it. That’s huge. One study says that omegas “help in therapy for a number of conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, atherosclerosis and heart failure.” When you think about the damage done to your body during heart disease, this news is truly fabulous. It means that it’s never too late to be better heart healthy. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Cardiac Trea... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2691564 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:21:13 +0100 2691564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2691565&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FLn5uFt0-6EA%2F This study shows that drinking daily can damage some folks, to the point of a high risk of cancer. Sometimes excesses like drinking are done out of habit. Change your habit, change your risk. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Drinkers Have Higher Risk of Cancer (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2691565 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:02:51 +0100 2691565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2688634&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fbx4SBb9Cibo%2F We’ve written a lot about various treatments for heart disease, from the latest medicines to treat high cholesterol and blood pressure to advancements in stents, the tiny metal scaffolds that prop open arteries. But those treatments are designed with adults in mind, which can be a big problem for kids born with heart defects, says the WSJ. The number of kids born with these problem is too small and the risks too high for most companies to focus on developing therapies just for them. What that means is that cardiac surgeons must adapt adult devices for use in kids, by, for example, implanting into the heart of a child a stent designed for the adult liver. But if a device doesn’t fit properly, it can move out of place and require additional surgery to fish out. Even drugs may hav... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2688634 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:10:16 +0100 2688634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2688721&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fptsd_symptoms_common_after_heart_attack.htm BPS Many people experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress following a heart attack, and anxiety, depression and social withdrawal are also commonplace. These are the findings of a study by Susan Ayers of the University of Sussex and colleagues Claire Copland and Emma Dunmore, published in the British Journal of Health Psychology. Seventy four people who had experienced a heart attack in the previous 12 weeks and who were attending cardiac rehabilitation programs took part in the study. The sample was predominantly male (76 per cent) with an average age of 62 years. Participants completed questionnaires assessing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as well as perceptions of the severity of their heart attack and the extent to which they believed their lives were in danger. Ph... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2688721 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:38:00 +0100 2688721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2685236&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fyoung_vets_with_ptsd_more_prone_to_heart_risk_factors.htm By Kathleen DohenyHealthDay Reporter TUESDAY, Aug. 4 (HealthDay News) — Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts who have mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also at higher risk for having cardiovascular disease risk factors, a new study suggests. While previous studies have found that those with PTSD, a common mental health problem among veterans who have seen combat, are at increased risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease, risk factors for heart attack and stroke have not been evaluated in this group, said Dr Beth E. Cohen, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco and staff physician at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. More... Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights rese... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2685236 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:58:00 +0100 2685236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2685238&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_effects_of_antidepressants_on_plasma_metabolites_o.htm This study included 40 in- or outpatients in our university hospital who met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for major depressive disorder (M/F: 15/25, age: 47 ± 19 yr) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (M/F: 10/20, age: 45 ± 15 yr), and also examined the effects of the antidepressants on the plasma NOx levels in depressed patients. The baseline plasma NOx levels were significantly lower in the whole depressed group than in the control group (p < 0.01). Treatment with milnacipran [Ixel®, Savella®], but not paroxetine [Paxil®], significantly increased the plasma NOx levels by 4 and 8 weeks. These results suggest that decreased plasma NOx levels might be partially associated with the pathophysiology of depression, and that treatment with milnacipran, a serotoni... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2685238 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:44:00 +0100 2685238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2685204&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F08%2Fblood-lead-screening-of-medicaid-eligible-children-aged-1-5-years-an-updated-approach-august-7-2009.html Studies from this recent HANES survey shows unexpectedly high blood lead levels among Medicaid eligible children . Comment: I wonder why anyone should be surprised. Most children eligible for Medicaid live in old housing, often with multiple layers of lead paint in the home.  The current approach of using children as canaries and deleading homes only after children are poisoned has continued for more than forty years despite evidence that rental housing laws ( Portsmouth, VA and Ypsilanti, Michigan) can ensure that no children ae allowed to live in such dangerous homes.  It is high time that communities enforce safe housing for children rather than treating them after brain damage has occurred which will stunt their future development!  Perhaps realtors should not be allowed... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2685204 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:48:20 +0100 2685204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2681965&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F_zQLpRIMlI8%2F When we hear of illness outbreaks, we often also hear of school closings. This is done with the hope of containing contagious illnesses and minimizing the spread and impact. However, with a new school year dawning in the United States, this may not be the case with regards to the H1N1 virus, the so-called swine flu. There are a lot of issues to take into account when schools are closed en masse. Parents must scramble for child care, stay home and lose income, or leave their children unattended if they’re desperate enough. This can have a domino effect for the families, employees, and ultimately the community. After watching how the influenza is making its way across the other side of the world, the experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - with the information they have now ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2681965 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:00:37 +0100 2681965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2681880&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FYxrubxHtkbw%2F Here’s a wrap-up of the latest on the flu pandemic: The CDC issued new guidelines this morning discouraging schools from closing unless the majority of their students have an active, underlying medical condition that makes them particularly vulnerable to swine (H1N1) flu. The CDC also said people who are sick shouldn’t return to school or work until 24 hours after their fever has subsided, instead of the previous guidance of seven days. Because the virus does not typically cause life-threatening illness, “there are relatively rare times when it makes time to close a school just because the virus is present,” CDC director Thomas Frieden said in a news conference. Instead, schools should weigh the “definite harm” of lost learning, lost wages if a parent h... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2681880 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:07:11 +0100 2681880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2678608&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FyLVb9KYjQQE%2F Even if a rapid test says you don’t have swine flu, you might have swine flu. The CDC used the tests on 65 swabs from patients who had confirmed cases of H1N1 swine flu. About half the time (between 40% and 69%, depending on the test), the results came up negative, CDC researchers report in today’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. “These findings indicate that, although a positive [rapid detection test] result can be used in making treatment decisions, a negative result does not rule out infection with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus,” the authors wrote. The tests appear to be better at picking up seasonal strains of the flu compared to the new H1N1 pandemic flu virus. Other published studies have found even lower rates — between 10% and 40% — amon... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2678608 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:05:32 +0100 2678608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674239&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fn5r6DHHVwgw%2F More data this week suggesting that common risk factors for heart disease may also raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s: A study of nearly 10,000 people found that having high cholesterol during midlife increased the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in old age. The finding was based on cholesterol measurements taken in the 1960s and early 70s, when the patients were in their early 40s, and on Alzheimer’s Disease diagnoses that came decades later. Among those whose cholesterol was “desirable” during middle age (below 200 mg/dl), 4% developed Alzheimer’s in old age; among those with high cholesterol (240 mg/dl or above), 5.6% developed Alzheimer’s. After adjusting for other variables, the researchers found that people with high cholesterol ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674239 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:37:40 +0100 2674239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670842&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FDmjLeCDhl8o%2Fthe_hand_washingface_mask_pape.php I have a reflexive skepticism about some conventional flu wisdom. There's so much about flu we don't know and even more we think we know that we find out we're wrong about. But skepticism is an occupational hazard of epidemiologists. Our training and practice focusses on detecting subtle biases that can produce misleading interpretations of data. When it comes to the commonly recommended personal protective measures for pandemic flu, our skepticism is all the greater since there is so little data to be skeptical about. The lack of data isn't an accident. If you think hard about it, you can see that studying whether hand hygiene or wearing face masks "really works" is not very easy. But evidence or not, at least for hand hygiene, the recommendation seems commonsensical enough and potentiall... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670842 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:34:07 +0100 2670842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670880&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fsocial_stress_linked_to_increased_abdominal_fat.htm Jessica Guenzel A new study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine researchers shows that social stress could be an important precursor to heart disease by causing the body to deposit more fat in the abdominal cavity, speeding the harmful buildup of plaque in blood vessels, a stepping stone to the number one cause of death in the world. The findings could be an important consideration in the way the United States and other Western countries try to stem the rapid rise of obesity, said Carol A. Shively, PhD, a professor of pathology and the study's principal investigator. The study appears as the cover story of the current issue of Obesity, the peer-reviewed journal of the Obesity Society. "We are in the midst of an obesity epidemic," Shively said. "Much of the excess fat in many peopl... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670880 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:53:00 +0100 2670880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670910&cid=t_255434_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2FWgmP776-3Xk%2F by Al Lewis, Disease Management Purchasing Consortium International, Inc. Medical homes probably do save money in very controlled settings, where the entire team is literally or at least figuratively under one roof, such as Kaiser.  However, the belief that one can overlay a traditional medical home model across an entire state and save money in the process turns out to be total fiction. The poster child for that fiction, North Carolina’s Community Care program, turns out to cost state taxpayers probably $400 million a year, rather than save them $300 million, as the state’s self-serving and blatantly incorrect analysis claimed.    A more extensive analysis is available for review, and any state is welcome to the backup data as well. Here’s a press release with more detai... e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670910 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:40:03 +0100 2670910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670780&cid=t_255434_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FqeAONdI1tdY%2F Who knew there would be another statin added to the crowded U.S. cholesterol-drug market? The FDA approved a new one yesterday. The medicine, known generically as pitavastatin, will be sold under the brand name Livalo by a company called Kowa Pharmaceuticals America. Novartis gave up on pitavastatin in 2005 (and took a $266 million charge when it did so). “The discontinuation of NKS104 was widely anticipated due to the emergence of liver enzyme elevations and the lack of a major clinical differentiation over AstraZeneca’s superstatin Crestor,” Bob Pooler, analyst in Zurich at private bank Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch, told Dow Jones Newswires at the time. A Novartis spokeswoman tells the Health Blog that the market was a factor in the company’s decision, but it was... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670780 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:34:19 +0100 2670780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667473&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_and_heart_disease_association_moderate_but_comple.htm Sathya Achia Abraham - JAMA Major depression and coronary artery disease are only modestly related throughout an individual's lifetime, but studying how the two interact over time and in twin pairs paints a more complex picture of the associations between the conditions, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. For example, the association between coronary artery disease onset and major depression risk is much stronger over time than vice versa. "While an association between major depression and coronary artery disease has long been noted and recently confirmed, the direction and cause of this association remain unclear," the researchers write as background information in the article. High cortisol levels, inflammation and changes in blood platelet funct... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667473 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:38:00 +0100 2667473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667560&cid=t_255434_125_f&fid=38161&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalheroes.com%2Fperiodontal-disease-atherosclec-coronary-heart-disease%2F Periodontal disease and risk of atherosclerotic coronary heart diseaseIncreasing evidence supports the notion that periodontitis is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis… (Source: Dental Heroes) Dental Heroes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667560 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:28:26 +0100 2667560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667497&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FGoSIzllXZY8%2F Malaria is a disease that infects 500 million people worldwide, and kills one to three million. Yet we still do not have a vaccine for it. However, one researcher hopes that will change very soon. Nathan Wolfe is heading up research that seems to confirm that chimpanzees were the first creatures affected with malaria. His team found DNA evidence that showed chimpanzees hundreds of years ago with the disease. Moreover, the DNA was older than human DNA. This research seems to confirm that chimpanzees originally had the disease and that it “jumped” over to humans, probably from a mosquito. Other diseases, such as HIV, have also jumped from humans to people. When a disease does this, it typically changes and becomes more aggressive. In doing so, it also becomes harder to treat. Wo... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667497 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:32:56 +0100 2667497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667499&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FoxCPpiVZz_g%2F Doctors and researchers have been noticing a decline in vitamin D levels in children for a while now but the problem is getting worse. With the increasingly sedentary and inside-the-home lifestyle of many American children, and the high use of sun block for those who do go outside, many just aren’t getting sufficient levels of vitamin D from the best source, the sun. Although we know it’s important to protect our skin from the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer, as with everything, moderation and common sense needs to take hold. Unless their skin is very fragile, five to 10 minutes in the sun without sunscreen shouldn’t do any harm to their skin, but will be very beneficial for vitamin exposure. By removing the sun from a child’s life altogether, they are at high... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667499 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:09:36 +0100 2667499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2660789&cid=t_255434_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F82K8UGxYpQQ%2F Fans of the fabulous writer E. Lynn Harris were saddened to learn that he had passed away last week. Now, a coroner’s report confirms that he died of heart disease combined with high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. He was only 54. At first the official report was that he died of natural causes. But natural causes at 54? I’m glad they did an autopsy and found the real reason. Harris, for those of you that don’t know, was a pioneer in writing. He had ten New York Times best sellers, and over four million books in print. Amazing. We will miss him. Image: Zuma Press Share and Enjoy: Post from: Blisstree E. Lynn Harris Died of Heart Disease (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2660789 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:00:20 +0100 2660789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2660831&cid=t_255434_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fa-mouthful-of-goodness-probiotics-for-oral-health%2F Probiotics S. salivarius and B. coagulens promote good bacteria that fight bad bacteria in the mouth. A new lozenge called Advanced Oral Hygiene, by Life Extension, used twice daily after brushing, improves oral and digestive health. These particular probiotics may also improve the immune system’s response, as well. B. coagulens helps white blood cells detect bad bacteria and gives “natural killer cells” an energy boost. S. salivarius deters inflammatory cytokines in the body. Another benefit, and a result of the digestive benefits, Advanced Oral Hygiene lozenges promote fresh breath. Studies show that 85% of participating halitosis patients experienced improvement. (Source: dental blog for dentists about dentistry) dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2660831 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:56:00 +0100 2660831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657716&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F31%2Fdepression-increases-the-risk-of-major-diseases-and-illnesses%2F It’s fairly known that depression can occur after a heart attack and can increase the likelihood of a second heart attack. But did you know that the flip side is also true? That depression itself can increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease. A recent Johns Hopkins Health Alert reports: Prospective studies show that people who had no CHD [coronary heart disease] but were depressed when the studies began were more likely to develop or die of heart disease. Depression also aggravates chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, back problems, and asthma, leading to more work absences, disability, and doctor visits. Now results from a large Norwegian study suggests that depression increases the risk of death from most other major diseases, including stroke, respiratory... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657716 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:04:17 +0100 2657716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657631&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F07%2Ftexting-drivers-23-times-more-likely-to-crash-study-suggests.html ABC World News (7/27, story 5, 2:05, Gibson) reported, "There's a new study out today that shows that texting while driving is by far the most dangerous driving distraction. The 18-month study was conducted with long-haul truckers but researchers said the high risk associated with texting applies to all drivers." Researchers found that while texting, drivers "are 23-times more likely to crash." The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, which compiled the research and plans to release its findings on Tuesday, also measured the time drivers took their eyes from the road to send or receive texts. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657631 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:44:01 +0100 2657631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657632&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F07%2Fobesity-costs-us-health-system-147-billion-study.html CDC - Obesity-related diseases account for nearly 10 percent of all medical spending in the United States or an estimated $147 billion a year, U.S. researchers said Monday. They said obese people spend 40 percent more -- or $1,429 more per year -- in healthcare costs than people of normal weight. For the study, Eric Finkelstein of the non-profit RTI International and researchers at the CDC and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality analyzed medical cost data from 1998 and 2006. They found U.S. obesity rates rose 37 percent between 1998 and 2006, driving an 89 percent increase in spending on treatments for obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657632 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:41:47 +0100 2657632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657633&cid=t_255434_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F07%2Fstudy-suggests-smokeless-tobacco-safer-than-smoking.html Smokeless tobacco products, as used in Europe and North America, do not appear to increase cancer risk. A large meta-analysis has shown that snuff as used in Scandinavia has no discernible effect on the risk of various cancers. Products used in the past in the US may have increased the risk, but any effect that exists now seems likely to be quite small. [BioMed Central (2009, July 29]. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657633 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:33:01 +0100 2657633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653809&cid=t_255434_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fheart_disease_enzyme_triggers_depression_stymies_antidepres.htm This study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests depression worsens heart disease; in fact, it is shown to be even more of a risk factor for mortality than traditional cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure. The prevalence of depression in patients with coronary artery disease is shown to be much higher than that of the general population, contributing to a poorer quality of life and increased mortality. "It is important to identify biological pathways that might be involved since the excessive mortality associated with depressive symptoms remains largely unexplained," says Swardfager. In the study, the enzyme's activity was specifically related to "the blues", depressed mood, feelings of failure, loneliness, crying, sadness, and an inability to "get going". Swardfager... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653809 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:15:00 +0100 2653809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653931&cid=t_255434_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fcrohn%25e2%2580%2599s-and-problems-with-doctor%25e2%2580%2599s-offices-and-insurance-companies%2F I have been having issues with my insurance company lately and I thought that I would share my dilemma.   Maybe someone out there has had a similar problem and could give me some advice. I go to a rheumatologist for my Crohn’s disease and for my bones.  I get inflammation in my joints which is linked to my Crohn’s and occasionally they will swell up so bad that I cannot walk. They say that it is like rheumatoid arthritis but is only my Crohn’s pretending to be RA (I don’t really have RA but the Crohn’s will mimic the RA symptoms).   I have osteoporosis from all of the prednisone that I have taken and have been taking Boniva to help build my bones back up. I have Aetna insurance and have up until recently, really liked them.  The co-payments are great (10$ for each visit) an... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653931 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:03:10 +0100 2653931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2649005&cid=t_255434_90_f&fid=34474&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCasesBlog%2F%7E5%2FGU5Z1FTTn2c%2FjfheO9H8CD4%26amp%3Bhl%3Den%26amp%3Bfs%3D1%26amp%3B From Wikipedia:Ben Goldacre is a British medical doctor and journalist, and the author of the The Guardian newspaper's weekly Bad Science column. (Source: Clinical Cases and Images - Blog) Clinical Cases and Images - Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2649005 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:30:00 +0100 2649005