MedWorm Tags: exposure

Reducing The Use Of CT Scans In Children

Better Health — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0100

Well, this is satisfying. Over the years, in our ER we have mirrored the nationwide trend and have significantly increased the utilization of CT scans across the board. The reasons are manifold. Some cite malpractice risks, and indeed in our large group we have had one lawsuit for a pediatric head injury and another for a missed appendicitis which probably did contribute. But, in my opinion, there have been many other drivers of the increased use. For one, CTs have gotten way, way better over the last 15 years, which quite simply has made them a better diagnostic tool. They’ve also gotten way faster. As the facilities have invested in CT scanners, they have increased their capacity and increased their staffing, so the barriers to their use have rapidly diminished. I am so old that I ...

Gardening in the Dark

Life with Chronic Pain — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:03:03 +0100

Oh yes, it’s true. I do garden in the dark. It does sound a bit dangerous, I’ll grant you that, but it’s not exactly brain surgery or nuclear fission. The only victims might be a live yellow daisy, “dead headed” in error. I do take pity on these victims and bring them indoors and stick them in a small vase, poor things. I do have the guidance of a porch light and a couple of solar powered “rock” lights. Twilight is actually the best time because I can still enjoy the view, there is usually a cool breeze whipping up from the Columbia River and there are no dangerous UVA/UVB rays to worry about. This strange behavior became necessary, for me, many years ago when I first began to have pain in my sitter, fatigue and skin rashes on any area where the sun struck me. I was completel...

Five Tips To Protect The Most Sensitive Skin

Better Health — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:00:24 +0100

Baby skin is sun-sensitive. Everyone wishes they had baby skin. It feels so soft and smooth; it’s perfectly adapted to induce us adults to want to clean their diaper, no matter how many times they dirty them. Like their big eyes and cute noses, baby skin is part of the whole package of being adorable. But like their eyes, their skin, however beautiful, is immature. Baby skin is thinner, has less natural moisturizers and has fewer pigment cells, making it more vulnerable to the environment than adult skin. This is important especially in summer. How often do you see babies running around on the beach with just a diaper on? Although they seem indestructable, they are more vulnerable than the adult holding the pail and shovel. Studies have shown that up to 83% of babies get sunburned their ...

Do not buy your groceries or supplements until you read this!

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:02:23 +0100

Even though government experts consider some low-level radiation exposure like x-rays, cat scans, mammograms, etc, as safe, new data suggests that it may not be true (1). This is especially important now, when we are all exposed to low dose radiation from Japan’s nuclear power plant disaster. But why is low-dose radiation is considered dangerous in the first place? Radiation, even at low doses, causes free radical formation, especially – OH free radical from water. It reacts with the part of DNA called guanine to form 8 — hydroxyguanin, which is the marker of carcinogenesis. You’d rather not have this process started at all in your body because carcinogenesis may lead to cancer. Because carcinogenesis is believed to be caused by free radicals, it can...

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

Inside Surgery — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:00:43 +0100

Pathophysiology group of disorders (at least nine different variants) in which a hematopoietic stem cell becomes neoplastic or alternately an individual lineage of stem cells (e.g., erythrocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, or megakaryocytes) becomes neoplastic Signs and Symptoms 1) usually presents with signs of anemia – pallor, fatigue, weakness 2) splenomegaly 3) hepatomegaly 4) hemorrhage in GI tract and CNS if platelets are < 20,000/dL 5) dyspnea owing to infiltration of lung by leukocytes 6) secondary infections 7) gingival hyperplasia Characteristic Test Findings Bone marrow – 1) by definition, > 30% of nucleated cells are blasts Laboratory – 2) anemia 3) thrombocytopenia 4) neutrophilia (but total leukocyte count may be increased or decreased) Histology/Gross Patholo...

False Positives And The Dangers Of Too Much CT Scanning

Better Health — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:00:46 +0100

On the US News & World report website, Dr. Kenny Lin writes as a physician and a concerned observer about “Dangers of Incidentaloma: Why To Think Twice Before Getting a CT Scan.” It’s an important issue. Give it a look. Lin’s blog, “The Common Sense Family Doctor,” is also worth visiting. Recently he cited one of my alltime favorite essays, “The Last Well Person,” by Dr. Clifton Meador, who wrote in 1994: “The demands of the public for definitive wellness are colliding with the public’s belief in a diagnostic system that can find only disease. A public in dogged pursuit of the unobtainable, combined with clinicians whose tools are powerful enough to find very small lesions, is a setup for diagnostic excess. And false positives...

CT Scans For Kids: Is The Radiation Exposure Dangerous?

Better Health — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:00:00 +0100

There was an interesting study published this week in the journal Radiology: Rising Use of CT in Child Visits to the Emergency Department in the United States, 1995–2008 (Abstract) The results are not surprising to anyone who has been working in medicine in the US over the last fifteen years. Basically, in 1995, a kid visiting the ER had a 1.2% likelihood of getting a CT scan, and by 2008, that number was 5.9%. I had written about this general phenomon not too long ago, in defense of the general increase of CT utilization in the ER, largely on the basis that CT is a better tool: it provides diagnoses in a rapid and timely manner, and excludes many potential life threats, saving lives and mitigating malpractice risk. That was largely relevant to the adult population, though, and kids are ...

Scary Psychological Effects of Japan's Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Disaster

Genetics and Health — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:02:37 +0100

photo: Thinkstock Last week we began to post about the physical effects of natural disasters like the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan — particularly when it comes to the very troubling by-product of nuclear radiation exposure from reactor explosions. (And we’ll continue to delve deeper into these physical after-effects, because none of us is immune to these types of natural disasters or subsequent manmade ones.) But today we’re focusing on the less visible but equally important psychological effects that this kind of catastrophic event has on a person’s mind, spirit, emotions, and soul. I don’t happen to live in Japan, but it seems to me that the biggest fear right now is about the unknown factors related to radiation exposure — that is, the emoti...

Pregnant Women And Exposure To Paint

Better Health — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 22:00:06 +0100

I came across an article the other day about paint and pregnancy. Yes, that paint — the kind that you put on a canvas or slap on your walls. Did you know that paint is made of pigment particles in a liquid base called a medium? Oil paints are thinned or cleaned with paint thinners. Latex paints are thinned or cleaned with water. Most paint that’s used in the home is latex. Can environmental forces affected pregnancy? The short answer is “yes,” according to the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), whose mission is to study malformations of the unborn. Regarding paint and pregnancy, the amount of exposure is important. A one-time household exposure causes fewer problems than ongoing exposure through a work setting. And there have been medical stu...

Artificial Sweeteners And Telling Pregnant Women “In Moderation”

Better Health — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:00:01 +0100

I can already tell that this pregnancy is different from my first. When I was pregnant with Little Isis, I drank no caffeine and took no over-the-counter medication. I remember having a few headaches and Mr. Isis fighting with me to take a headache pill. I would then proclaim dramatically, “But I can’t! What if it hurts the baby?!” This morning, now pregnant with my second, I washed down a Zyrtec and two Tylenol with a cup of coffee. The little bugger is going to have to grow up with Little Isis. He might as well start building up his tolerance to exogenous substances at some point. I figure, now that its got a closed neural tube and a beating heart, we might as well begin. Still, you can’t blame a pregnant woman for being a bit neurotic. The feeling that one is solely res...

Feeling SAD? Maybe It’s Seasonal Affective Disorder

Better Health — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:00:27 +0100

This picture shows the view from my office window in Boston: Dull, dreary, and depressing — at least on overcast days like today. Lack of light is one of the reasons that people feel mentally foggy. One of the bloggers I follow, Rachel Zimmerman of WBUR’s CommonHealth blog, recently wrote that she’s been drinking three times as much coffee as usual. In addition to imbibing more caffeine, I’ve been trying to boost my spirits and alertness with mid-day runs to the snack machine (not the best strategy, in case you’re wondering). At this time of year, many people aren’t just foggy and sad — they’ve got SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. About half a million Americans — women more often than men — are diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder each year. Ma...

Winterize Your Mind And Body

Better Health — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 17:00:17 +0100

This is a guest post from Dr. Jena Wider. ********** Winterize Your Mind And Body During the winter months, certain health issues may arise that women should have on their radar. From mental health issues like stress, depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), to physical concerns like skin care, the winter can certainly pack an extra punch. Depression peaks during the holiday season, affecting more than 17 million Americans, according to the National Mental Health Association. On average, women are more vulnerable to stress-related illnesses like depression and anxiety than men. One study, conducted by Pacific Health Laboratories, revealed that 44 percent of American women report feeling sad through the holidays compared to 34 percent of American men. “Depression of any kind ...

Fetal Radiation Exposure From Chest Radiograph

Inside Surgery — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:11:28 +0100

The approximate radiation dose to a fetus when a pregnant patient undergoes a standard two-view chest radiograph (i.e., X-ray) is 0.00002 – 0.00007 rads. Related Posts Fetal Radiation Exposure from Diagnostic Imaging in the Mother (Source: Inside Surgery)

Dental Fillings And Birth Defects: What Moms-To-Be Should Know

Better Health — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 20:00:00 +0100

Although the first trimester of pregnancy is sacred, there will be patients who will encounter problems at that time. During the first trimester, the brain and the central nervous system develops from 6 to 10 weeks, a time period commonly known as organogenesis. To minimize the risk of developing birth defects, medications and invasive procedures are usually postponed until the arrival of the second trimester. A recent article in the October 2010 issue of Ob.Gyn. News reported some disturbing findings: Dental fillings in the first trimester were linked to the development of a cleft palate. A cleft palate is a birth defect that has a slit in the roof of the mouth because it failed to close during the first trimester. The article by Susan London described a study in Norway where pregnant wo...

Health Consequences And Ecological Effects Of The Oil Spill

Better Health — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:00:43 +0100

The health consequences of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could be really serious and may include cancer, respiratory diseases, and hormonal disruptions. These health effects and the ecological issues are shown on a new infographic. Click on the image for the full version: *This blog post was originally published at ScienceRoll* (Source: Better Health)

No Long Term Studies On Exxon Valdez Cleanup Workers to Guide Care in BP Oil Spill

Inside Surgery — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:55:26 +0100

In the growing concern about the possible health effects of long term oil exposure for BP cleanup workers, scientists and physicians are looking at the Exxon Valdez cleanup for help. The only trouble is that there were no studies on the cleanup workers in Alaska. Anchorage, Alaska attorney Michael Schneider claims “We don’t know a damn thing.” (Source: Inside Surgery)

Is Sunburn More Likely On The Beach Or In The Mountains?

Better Health — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:00:47 +0100

While vacationing in Idaho and Montana last week (blissfully off the grid), I experienced something beautiful: altitude. At 6,260 feet Stanley, Idaho is a mile higher than my home in San Diego. The skies there were a brilliant blue. There was daylight well after 10PM. The mornings were a chilly 35 degrees. And I got sunburned. How can this be? Montana is over 1,000 miles north of San Diego. Shouldn’t the sun be stronger down here? (more…) *This blog post was originally published at The Dermatology Blog* (Source: Better Health)

Protect your child from the Sun's rays

Dr Nabong's Pediatric Blogs — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:43:00 +0100

The temperature has been heating up again here in Arizona. The scorching heat went up to 110 degrees F last weekend and we can not but re-emphasize to everyone the importance of sun protection. It has been tempting to go dip in the pool during the middle of the day but that sun's rays are at its peak at this timeAccording to the American Academy of Pediatrics the sun's invisible ultraviolet rays are what cause damage to your child's skin even on foggy or hazy days . Hats and umbrellas do not completely protect children because UV lights reflect off the sand, water and other surfaces.To protect against sun damage the AAP offers the following suggestions:Keep children away from the sun between 10am to 4pmuse sunscreen with a sun protection factor(SPF) of at least 15. Apply 30 minutes before ...

Hand Sanitizer Gels: 4 Things to Know Before You Squirt

Breastfeeding 1-2-3 — Fri, 28 May 2010 14:59:01 +0100

photo: Thinkstock Check out our roundup of three allegedly all-natural hand sanitizer gels. Sure, instant hand sanitizer gels have made it a little easier to stay clean on-the-go. They’re great for hospital waiting rooms and other places where germs run rampant, or after your ride on public transportation. But hand sanitizer gels won’t work unless you use them properly. Here’s how: 1. Buy hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol – anything less won’t kill viruses and bacteria as well. 2. Squirt a lot onto your hand – doctors recommend a blob the size of a silver dollar. There needs to be enough gel to wet the entire back and front of your hands, since a sanitizer only kills germs with which it has direct contact. Rub the gel into your hands for at least...

Could Your Faucet Kill You? Watch for Lead Exposure In Your Sink

Breastfeeding 1-2-3 — Wed, 26 May 2010 21:18:36 +0100

Lead exposure is widely recognized as a serious environmental health threat, and it turns out your kitchen faucet is one of the most likely places you’ll get it. Though most of us have learned to look for lead-free products, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that at least 20% of human lead exposure comes from plumbing, and often from our sink faucets. Part of the problem lies in old plumbing; prior to 1996, the lead content of faucets and plumbing wasn’t regulated. But even so-called “lead-free” faucets might be leaching lead into your water: Federal laws still allow “lead-free” labelled faucets to contain up to 4% lead. Lead exposure causes everything from aggressive behavior and criminal activity to heart disease and nervous system disord...

Can You Grow Dark Even With a Sunscreen?

Skin MD — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:22:50 +0100

Just a few things before I answer that question. There are basically two kinds of UV rays- UVB and UVA. UVB is what primarily causes sunburn (as well as skin cancers). UVA is what causes that early darkening of the skin just after sun exposure (as well as deeper tissue damage leading to wrinkles etc… and skin cancer). Both UV rays cause darkening. In the past, most sunscreens primarily blocked against UVB rays. You may not get burned with these products but you will get dark because UVA rays that penetrate might still cause your skin to turn darker. But now that more studies have come out showing the role that UVA plays in the development of photoaging and skin cancers dermatologists now recommend using a sunscreen that blocks BOTH UVB and UVA. So when you go out and pick a ...

Environmental Cancer: A Report From The President’s Panel

Better Health — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:27:53 +0100

While most of the news sources are reporting that cancers from the environment are ‘grossly underestimated’ in response to the recently released 240-page report from the President’s Cancer Panel, I want to focus on the steps individuals can take to lessen their personal exposure to environmental carcinogens. Collectively, these small actions can drastically reduce the number and levels of environmental contaminants. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Suture for a Living* (Source: Better Health)

Explaining and treating raynaud’s syndrome

Nursing Comments — Sat, 08 May 2010 16:51:42 +0100

Raynaud’s syndrome (RS), also called Raynaud’s phenomenon, is a disorder of small blood vessels that respond excessively to stimuli which causes poor blood flow, usually in the fingers. It can also occur in the toes, ears and nose. When this condition occurs by itself, it is called Raynaud’s syndrome or Raynaud’s disease, or primary Raynaud’s phenomenon. When it occurs along with other diseases, such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, Sjogren’s syndrome or mixed connective tissue disease, it is called secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. Although estimates vary, recent surveys show that Raynaud’s syndrome may affect 5 to 10 percent of the general population in the United States...

Good Sense In The Sun

Better Health — Sat, 01 May 2010 18:00:00 +0100

We’re past spring break and headed toward the end of the school year and summer vacations. I noticed this product in the April issue of Plastic Surgery Practice. UVSunSense is a wristband that monitors your exposure to sun. If you and your children have trouble remembering to reapply sunscreen or to just get out of the sun, then this might be just the ticket. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Suture for a Living* (Source: Better Health)

Daily Health Quiz: How Much Sun Exposure Do You Need To Get Enough Vitamin D?

Breastfeeding 1-2-3 — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:21:50 +0100

How much do you really know about health? You might think you know all the ins and outs of staying healthy, but our daily Health Smarts Quiz will tell you how good your knowledge really is. Answer our question, below, and check back tomorrow for the correct answer and your next pop quiz. How much sun exposure do you need to get the recommended dose of Vitamin D? Today’s Question: ‘Tis the season for sun hats, Coppertone, and sun umbrellas. But in limited doses, we actually need to get a little sun; it’s a primary source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, it aids bone growth, and it helps support the immune system. You can get it in certain foods and supplements, but most people get it naturally through sun exposure. Everyone loves an excuse...

How does it work? Pick your theory

HealthSkills Weblog — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:28:27 +0100

I’m working with a man who has neuropathic pain in his right (dominant) hand. He developed his pain some 8 years ago after he caught it in a woodworking machine and basically mashed it, damaging most of the carpal tunnel area. After numerous orthopaedic, and plastic surgical procedures, he’s now left with nasty scarring, and even nastier neuropathic pain with some central sensitisation elements. While he has almost full range of movement in his wrist and fingers, he rarely uses his hand and instead, cradles it or leaves it sitting half-curled, palm up. We’ve been working together for a month or so, along with physiotherapy and psychology, and my parts of this programme have been to help him develop a personalised model of the factors that contribute to his pain; hel...

Develop a Cancer Prevention Program

The Cancer Blog — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Non-toxic alternativesCancer has many different causes, however, there are some things that you can do to increase your ability to stay cancer free. Most hold true regardless of the type of cancer you're trying to avoid. Your doctor can help tailor a specific plan based around your medical and family history. If you can't get in to see your doctor immediately, don't sweat it. Here are seven basic steps to reduce your overall risk of cancer. Don't smoke. Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise for 45 minutes a day. Eat less red meat and more vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women, or two for men. Practice safe sex. Protect your skin from sun exposure. Thou...

Rah, Rah for the Sun!

Breastfeeding 1-2-3 — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:49:23 +0100

Michael Holick, author of The Vitamin D Solution, would like you to get some color. Without sunscreen! He explains his theories in last week’s New York Times, and suggests that people expose their arms and legs to the sun for at least a couple hours a day to absorb sufficient Vitamin D, which he claims can cure several common ailments. What do you think? Are you willing to risk your skin for some rays? #MicroPollDiv_241998 { width: 250px; margin: 0px auto; } Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3)

Teeth Show Evidence of Radiation Exposure

dental blog for dentists about dentistry — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:54:15 +0100

Researchers at Howard University in Washington College of Dentistry believe that tooth enamel stores important data about a person’s exposure to radiation. The team is developing Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) to determine the level of free radicals in substances, including tooth enamel. What will this information be used for? The hope is that EPR can assist medical workers in triaging patients or dividing victims of radiation exposure into classes by the amount of radiation received. The new technology is minimally-invasive and would provide data useful in treating people exposed to radiation in an accident or by a “dirty bomb,” which refers to a radiation dispersal device. A tiny bit of tooth can be removed without damaging the remaining tooth. This sample is then analyzed ...

Responding to Hypothermia

The EMT Spot — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:53:46 +0100

Part 2 of a 2 part series. (Part one is here.) In our last post we looked at some of the causes of hypothermia, both typical and atypical. Then we talked a bit about the recognition of the hypothermia progression and what patients might look, feel and act like as they progress through their hypothermic condition. Now let’s look at some of the guidelines for treating our hypothermia victims. On the surface, treating hypothermia might seem deceptively simple. The treatment of mild hypothermia often is simple. Bring them in, stop the cooling and rewarm them. But as we progress into moderate and severe hypothermia, things get more complicated. Here are 12 guidelines to consider when the patient is more than just a little chilled. Stay warm. As much as it pains me to make a statement t...

Safe Out in the Sun

Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:03:09 +0100

The debate about our exposure to sunlight and what it does in terms on skin cancer has gone back and forth. Recently, a Boston professor of dermatology has been asked to resign because he advocates moderate exposure to sunlight. Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD, wrote a book describing the importance of being exposed to Vitamin D from the sun. But dermatologists have been telling us for years to stay out of the sun. So, is this doctor crazy? See the full story here: http://chetday.com/skincancersun.htm Truth is, no one is really sure the exact correlation of exposure to the sun to melanoma. Because another study noted that people who have jobs outside, and who are in the sun all day, actually have a lowered chance of getting melanoma. And that study stated that “It is having fair skin, a ...

FDA Warns Against Nzu for Morning Sickness

A Hearty Life — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:45:24 +0100

Health warning re Nzu, Traditional Remedy for Morning Sickness Press Release [Posted 12/31/2009] The Texas Department of State Health Services and FDA notified healthcare professionals and consumers, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women, to avoid consuming a product called “Nzu”, taken as a traditional remedy for morning sickness,because of the potential health risks from high levels of lead and arsenic, noted on laboratory analysis by Texas DSHS. Exposure to lead can result in a number of harmful effects, and a developing child is particularly at risk of effects on the brain and nervous system. Arsenic is a carcinogen, and excessive long-term exposure to it has been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including cancers of the urinary bladder, lung and skin. Nzu,...

Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010 (Volume 67 Number 1)

Fade Library — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:42:25 +0100

Fade Fave: Lung function and indicators of exposure to indoor and outdoor particulate matter among asthma and COPD patients Fade Skinny: Finds no consistent associations between lung function and 24 h average particle number or particle mass concentrations were found in panels of patients with mild to moderate COPD or asthma. More detailed exposure assessment did not change the observed associations. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Asthma, Athens Password, COPD, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Exposure, Particulates (Source: Fade Library)

Twin Study offers Some Tips on Aging

Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:09:49 +0100

In this study, divorce and antidepressant use associated with a significantly older appearance. Interestingly in twins who were less than 40 years old, the heavier twin was perceived as being older, while in those groups over 40 years old, the heavier twin appeared younger. Watch the video clip (after the ad) from the LA Station about this new study, factors such as smoking, sun exposure, stress and dieting play a role in the aging process. Factors affecting Aging: Divorce Stress Sun Exposure Smoking Alcohol use Weight Gain – varies depending on the age You can watch another report from ABC news at their website. Resources Salamone G. October 2009. Study of identical twins reveals how habits like smoking and tanning can dramatically age skin. NY Daily News. Cloud J. February 2009....

Abstract: D-Cycloserine facilitation of fear extinction and exposure-based therapy might rely on lower-level, automatic mechanisms

Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:17:00 +0100

This report proposes that these observations can be accounted for by a dual-model theory of fear conditioning in humans that engages two complementary defensive systems: a reflexive lower-order system independent of conscious awareness and a higher-order cognitive system associated with conscious awareness of danger and expectation. The DCS studies in animals seem to have explored lower-order conditioning mechanisms, whereas human studies have explored higher-order cognitive processes. These observations suggest that DCS might act preferentially on lower- rather than higher-order learning. This report presents evidence suggesting that, in humans, DCS might similarly affect lower-order learning during exposure-based therapy and, consequently, might be less effective during cognitive therapy...

Tanning Beds Labeled as Top Carcinogen

Genetics and Health — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:15:00 +0100

And we all thought tanning beds were a safe substitute to sunbathing! But in recent years, doctors saw a dramatic rise in the number of young people with skin cancer as the use of tanning beds increased, so scientists combined the results of 20 studies and found a scary trend: The risk for skin cancer increases by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. And the risk for skin and eye cancer from using tanning beds is so high that it is now classified into the top cancer risk category, alongside tobacco, arsenic, and mustard gas. Wow. We know arsenic and mustard gas are lethal, but tanning beds?! Well, one British study found melanoma as the leading type of cancer diagnosed in women in their 20s. And young women are considered the highest risk-group because of their...

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Channel N — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:00:51 +0100

[Image by PTRA] Obsessed Television channel A&E’s new series on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is engrossing. I watched three episodes and was impressed by how close they got to people who normally hide their symptoms; both the sensitivity of the producers and bravery of the subjects. But while it does shine as the best of TV in some ways, it also carries its worst tendencies. Disorders that have tormented people for decades are reduced to sobbing/smiling dramas with happy endings in under an hour. But that’s TV. I like TV, so I don’t have a big problem with it, so long as people learn that there’s more to OCD treatment - it’s not traditional CBT, it’s behavioural therapy involving exposure and response prevention along with CBT (sometimes habi...

Abstract+: Treating children traumatized by war and Tsunami: A comparison between exposure therapy and meditation-relaxation

Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info — Fri, 22 May 2009 07:58:00 +0100

Conclusion: As recovery rates in the treatment groups exceeded the expected rates of natural recovery, the study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of NET as well as meditation-relaxation techniques when carried out by trained local counselors for the treatment of PTSD in children in the direct aftermath of mass disasters. Source + Full text... © 2009 Catani et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info)

Abstract: Prolonged exposure [therapy] for PTSD

Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:10:00 +0100

In conclusion, PE is effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD in veterans. (Text has been reformatted for visual clarity; ed.) Source... Copyright © 2009 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info)

Sad News

The Situationist — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:49:15 +0100

From Stanford Report, by Adam Gorlick (December 11, 2009): * * * Robert Zajonc, pioneer of social psychology, dies at 85 He witnessed and survived some of the worst of human behavior to become one of the world’s leading experts on how people behave. And during the 85 years between his birth in Poland and death Dec. 3 in Palo Alto—a span that led him through Nazi bombings and prisons before winding toward a life in academia—Robert Zajonc laid the foundation for the field of social psychology by exploring the connections between how people feel and how they think. As an emeritus professor of psychology at Stanford since 1994, Zajonc (his name rhymes with “science”), focused his research on genocide, racism and terrorism. He had already made a name for himself while teaching at t...

Is a Digital Lifestyle a Deadly One?

World of Psychology — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:38:53 +0100

New research suggest what many have long suspected — this digital lifestyle we’re leading may also be a more deadly one. Analyzing 173 studies conducted since 1980, researchers discovered that three quarters of them found that increased media viewing (mostly TV) was associated with more negative health outcomes: The studies offered strong evidence that children who get more media exposure are more likely to become obese, start smoking and begin earlier sexual activity than those who spend less time in front of a screen, the researchers said. Studies also indicated more media exposure also was linked to drug and alcohol use and poorer school performance, while the evidence was less clear about an association with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, they added. One ke...

Pain-related anxiety and avoidance: a practical application of theory and research to clinical practice

HealthSkills Weblog — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:55:51 +0100

In 1995 I started work at the Burwood Pain Management Centre. It wasn’t my first foray into pain management, but it was the first time I had worked in a fully integrated interdiscipinary team environment. It was also significant because of the use of the words ‘fear-avoidance’, ‘guarding’ and ‘anticipatory anxiety’. What the team had observed was that there were a specific group of patients who were not just worried about experiencing pain, but were also showing the signs of increased physiological arousal, avoidance of specific activities, and firm beliefs about harm, reinjury, or doing further damage. At the time we used an operant conditioning model (based on Fordyce, 1971 & 1976), along with graded reactivation using a physical conditio...

Is sun exposure good for me?

Achieving Optimal Health — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:56:48 +0100

Compelling evidence that adequate sun exposure is required for optimal health (Source: Achieving Optimal Health)

Helping children face their fears improves therapy outcomes

Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:09:00 +0100

Helping children face their fears may be more productive than focusing on other techniques to help them manage their anxieties, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Chicago. The research, which identified similarities between cognitive behavioral therapy administered in a clinical practice and protocols recommended in common treatment manuals, showed that as children were taught to face their fears, their ability to function increased. The study also showed that children were able to complete exercises exposing them to their fears much earlier than suggested in the treatment manuals. The more children focused on other techniques for managing their anxieties, however, the less improvement they showed in functioni...

Airport Xray Machines Designed to Expose Your Anxiety.

Healthbolt — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:32:44 +0100

Once upon a time, the Xray machines at airports simply looked into your luggage and the only thing you had to worry about was whether it would mess up the film in your camera. But with the new digital technology over the past couple of years, we no longer have to worry about putting exposed film into lead carry bags. Instead we have now have to worry about how much airport Xrays are exposing of us. Last year Backscatter Xray Screening was tested by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This technology allows the machine to pretty much ’strip search’ passengers, of course only in a virtual way, to look for any sigs of contraband or weapons. This year, Homeland Security Department unveiled an anxiety detecting Xray machine known as “Future AttributeScreening Tec...

Patient Reactions

Patient Times — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 19:58:58 +0100

Most people put off going to a psychiatrist for as long as possible. Yes, there are some people who enjoy seeing a psychiatrist who may even schedule appointments more often than necessary, but those people are in the distinct minority. Why is that the case? On the surface one would think that it would be pleasurable to be the center of attention, and to meet a person whose primary interest is in making you happier. But in reality it is just the opposite– going to a psychiatrist goes against all of one’s impulses, particularly when we are already feeling anxious or depressed. We dread the exposure. We worry that we will be judged. The whole thing seems to be such a hassle. And then there is the cost… which quickly becomes a good reason to just skip the who...

Success! Why measuring outcome is so rewarding

HealthSkills Weblog — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:10:08 +0100

Not a research post today, but a great experience that I hope will encourage anyone who is not already a fan of regular outcome measurement to get on with it! I saw a person yesterday who has had pain for about 3 years. Superficially she’d been managing quite well - still working, having a social life, managing all her household activities and in general, looking good. BUT - and you knew there would be a ‘but’ - once I started to look a little deeper, it was absolutely amazing to see how much she had adapted her life to avoid specific movements. I used the PHODA (photographs of daily activities) to assess the specific movements and activities she didn’t like to do. I’ve blogged about PHODA (Kugler et al, 1999) before - a set of photographs of everyday ac...

Affluent classes more vulnerable to skin cancer

Skin Care — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:28:04 +0100

If you are wealthy, this piece is for you. A recent study has revealed that wealthier people are more than twice vulnerable to the deadliest form of skin cancer, than those financially lesser lucky. The study conducted by Queen’s University Belfast and Royal Victoria Hospital on 23,000 cancer patients in Northern Ireland revealed that those lucky in terms of finances are unlucky when it comes to health. Those who live in affluent areas are two- and-a-half times more likely to develop malignant melanoma compared to the less well offs. The study places middle classes in the greater risk category next to the higher classes. Rate of the risk of basal cell carcinoma, a more common but easily treatable type of skin cancer, caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, was 41 per cent higher...

Wordless Special Exposure Wednesday

Whitterer on Autism — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:39:00 +0100

Or if that doesn't work for you try this link "here" for the last days of "summer." p.s. have your 'volume' on medium, wouldn't like to squirt your ear drums without a warning! Alternatively, I do have a few words over here on "alien" completely free of spittle, or some other words over on "Sandwiched Genes."If you like what you read, send it to someone in 'need.' (Source: Whitterer on Autism)

When Panic Attacks in the Lehigh Tunnel

World of Psychology — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:25:11 +0100

Mapquest said it was a three hour trip. But I knew better; it would take me nearly five hours to get home for my Christmas break from school. Was I a slow driver? No, not particularly. Was there a chance of snow? Not at all; blue skies all around. Was I planning on taking a two-hour break at one of the turnpike’s service plazas? No; a fast-food meal there would take twenty minutes, tops. Was I banking on getting lost? No, I’m one of those map nerds who enjoys aiding lost friends via telephone with the full-sized map of Pennsylvania that I (seriously!) have tacked to my bedroom wall. The three-hour trip from grad school in Newark, Delaware to my hometown of Kingston, Pennsylvania was going to take five hours because I couldn’t stand driving through the Lehigh Tunnel. It’s a long t...

Research confirms antibiotic increases effectiveness of psychotherapy for anxiety

Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:07:00 +0100

However, tolerance may become a limiting factor Anxiety is a normal human response to stress, but in some, it can develop into a disabling disorder of excessive and irrational fears, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Effective treatments are available and can involve either behavioral therapy or medications. Although "it makes intuitive sense that combining these two treatments would result in even better results," David Tolin, Ph.D. notes that has unfortunately not yet been the case and the majority of the evidence suggests that combined therapy is no more effective than behavior therapy alone, and in some cases can even be less effective. Dr Tolin is one of the three authors of a meta-analysis published in the journal Biological Psyc...

Exposure Therapy for Acute Stress Disorder

World of Psychology — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:34:27 +0100

Before someone is diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they are often diagnosed with a disorder called acute stress disorder. Why? Because PTSD is considered more of a longer-term, even chronic, disorder, while acute stress disorder occurs more immediately and generally doesn’t last as long, especially if it’s treated. Left untreated, acute stress disorder often turns into posttraumatic stress disorder. So what kinds of treatments are most helpful with acute stress disorder (ASD)? There are no medications approved for the treatment of ASD (although a medication may be prescribed for associated anxiety or depressive symptoms). So treatment usually is a type of psychotherapy. Two types of psychotherapy often prescribed for ASD are either exposure therapy or tra...

Abstract: D-Cycloserine and the facilitation of fear extinction and exposure therapy

Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:34:00 +0100

Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that DCS is a useful target for translational research on augmenting exposure-based treatment via compounds that impact neuroplasticity. D-cycloserine 's major contribution to exposure-based therapy might be to increase its speed or efficiency, because the effects of DCS seem to decrease over repeated sessions. This information might guide translational researchers in discovering more selective and/or effective agents that effectively enhance (or reduce) NMDA receptor function. Source... (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info)

Exposure therapy may prevent PTSD onset after trauma

Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:18:00 +0100

Exposure-based therapy, in which recent trauma survivors are instructed to relive the troubling event, may be effective in preventing the progression from acute stress disorder to post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a report in the June issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. Individuals who develop acute stress disorder during or soon after a traumatic event are likely to subsequently develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to background information in the article. PTSD is associated with other mental and physical illnesses, a reduced quality of life and increased health care costs. Both exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring, which focuses on changing maladaptive thoughts and responses to a traumatic event, have been used as early interventions to prevent...

Firefighters and Bladder Cancer Risk

Cancer Commentary — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:21:14 +0100

The well known major risk factors for developing bladder cancer are prolonged exposure to certain environmental pollutants and chemicals. As the body absorbs carcinogenic chemicals, such as cigarette smoke, the chemicals are transferred to the blood, filtered out by the kidneys and expelled from the body through the urine. Greater concentrations of chemicals in the urine can damage the endothelial lining of the bladder and increase a patient’s odds of developing transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). One group of people that are regularly exposed to smoke and chemical fumes are firefighters – more than any other group. Now, University of California –San Francisco reported at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA), research findings suggesting that...

Exposure to Pesticides and Herbicides, Linked to Brain Cancer in Women

Cancer Commentary — Sat, 03 May 2008 10:03:31 +0100

Women that are exposure to chemical weed killers - pesticides and herbicides - may have a higher-than-normal risk of developing a particular form of brain cancer called meningioma as compared to women who weren’t exposed. Meningiomas are slow-growing tumors that arise in the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. They are one of the most common forms of brain tumor, and occur most frequently in middle-aged women. Such were what a U.S. study result suggests as published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Researchers found that among more than 1,400 U.S. adults with and without brain cancer, there was no overall link between the disease and on-the-job exposure to pesticides or herbicides — chemicals used to kill plants, usually weeds. However, a closer look at the data ...

Vitamin D: The New Aspirin Against Cancer?

Cancer Commentary — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:17:14 +0100

Vitamin D has the potential to become the “new aspirin“, the little inexpensive pill that may be able to block the development of some cancers, strengthen bones, prevent multiple sclerosis and alleviate winter depression. Such were the findings of a new Canadian study: But it’s not science fiction. The “new aspirin” could be Vitamin D. Just as we discovered that aspirin can guard against heart disease, Vitamin D could become a useful weapon in the fight against MS, osteoporosis, mild depression and one of the most devastating diseases of our time – cancer. “As time has gone by, Vitamin D has raised its head as a sort of ambrosia for cancers,” says Dr. Louise Parker, an epidemiologist and a world expert in the environmental exposures that can lead to cancer. Or, in t...

Report Identifies Research to Bolster Knowledge of Any Potential Health Effects of Wireless Communication Devices

Wireless Doc — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:07:57 +0100

The National Academies will be releasing a report, Identification of Research Needs Relating to Potential Biological or Adverse Health Effects of Wireless Communication, based on its study sponsored by the FDA detailing the needs involved with investigating the health effects of RF exposure. The National Academies comprise the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council. You can download the prepublication PDF at the link above. (Source: Wireless Doc)

Abstract: A randomized controlled trial of D-Cycloserine enhancement of exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder

Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 04:12:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study shows that the administration of DCS before ET enhances treatment outcomes for SAD. Results also provide the first preliminary evidence to suggest that DCS moderates the relationship between a reduction in negative appraisals about one's speech performance and improvement in overall SAD symptoms. Source... (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info)

Abstract: Amygdala hyperfunction in phobic fear normalizes after exposure

Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 07:38:00 +0100

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the effect of exposure on the amygdala in specific phobia. Our findings suggest that exposure therapy can have an effect on subcortical structures. (Text has been reformatted for clarity; ed.) Source... (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info)

Abstract+: Prolonged exposure therapy for chronic combat-related PTSD

Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 06:55:00 +0100

CNS Spectr. 2007;12(9):690-695 Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Chronic Combat-Related PTSD: A Case Report of Five Veterans Nacasch N, Foa EB, Fostick L, Polliack M, Dinstein Y, Tzur D, Levy P, Zohar J. Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy has been found efficient in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms mostly among rape victims, but has not been explored in combat-related PTSD. Five patients with severe chronic PTSD, unresponsive to previous treatment (medication and supportive therapy) are described. Patients were evaluated with the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview, and Beck Depression Inventory, before and after 10-15 sessions of PE therapy. All five patients showed marked improvement with PE, with a mean decrease of 48% in PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview score and 69% in Beck Depre...

Antioxidants + sun = skin cancer risk

The Cancer Blog — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Skin Cancer, Research, Daily newsMixing antioxidants and sun exposure can be dangerous to your health. A new study, published in the September issue of The Journal of Nutrition, details a French study revealing that antioxidant supplements won't protect women against skin cancer -- and they may actually increase the risk of developing the disease.A team of French researchers assigned almost 7,900 women and more than 5,100 men to take either an oral daily capsule of antioxidant or a placebo that looked the same. The antioxidants included low levels of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc. What they found: the incidence of all skin cancers was higher in the group of women who took the antioxidant.While there is one limitation to this study -- it did not take into ...

Vitamin D and blood pressure

The Cardio Blog — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Diet, Prevention, SmokingThe big buzz this summer is about vitamin D -- mainly, our lack of it. You can get vitamin D through food or by spending just a few minutes (sans sunscreen) in the sun each day. It's been linked to cancer prevention and most recently to multiple sclerosis, and over at That's Fit, I recently read that not it's also being linked to blood pressure.According to a recent report out the NHANES III, a study that followed over 12,000 adults over six years found that those with the lowest amounts of vitamin D in their body had blood pressure readings that were slightly higher than those who had more vitamin D upon testing. Larger studies need to be done to confirm that the link exists.If you do choose to go out in the sun to get your vitamin D, keep in mind tha...

Sun exposure in childhood may lead to skin cancer later in life

Skin Care — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 05:10:47 +0100

Scorpio_teddy: All of us are aware of deadly skin cancer. But, a new study has urged parents to shade their kids from harmful UV rays. The warning comes as a result of a study that has found strong evidence that overall sun exposure in childhood results in deadly skin cancer. The news comes as the Food and Drug Administration department is finishing long-awaited rules to improve sunscreens. The department wants sunscreens to be rated for the protection they give against deeper-penetrating ultraviolet-A rays that are linked to cancer and wrinkles. The department has warned parents to be aware of the weather forecast for the day’s UV index in their town, to learn when to stay indoors or in the shade. In doing this, parents can better shield their children against harmful UV rays ...

Affluent classes more vulnerable to skin cancer

Skin Care — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:01:07 +0100

Scorpio_teddy: If you are wealthy, this piece is for you. A recent study has revealed that wealthier people are more than twice vulnerable to the deadliest form of skin cancer, than those financially lesser lucky. The study conducted by Queen’s University Belfast and Royal Victoria Hospital on 23,000 cancer patients in Northern Ireland revealed that those lucky in terms of finances are unlucky when it comes to health. Those who live in affluent areas are two- and-a-half times more likely to develop malignant melanoma compared to the less well offs. The study places middle classes in the greater risk category next to the higher classes. Rate of the risk of basal cell carcinoma, a more common but easily treatable type of skin cancer, caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, was ...

Actinic Keratoses warn of skin cancer

The Cancer Blog — Thu, 31 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Skin Cancer, PreventionI wrote on May 29 about my worry regarding a dry, flaky patch of skin on my nose. Unsure of the status of this unusual spot, I immediately called my dermatologist and made an appointment -- which did not end up being all that immediate. The earliest slot available for addressing my personal crisis was June 12 at 11 AM. I took it. And then the stars aligned and I got a call on this very same day."We have a cancellation tomorrow. Do you want to come in then?" said the voice on the other end of the phone. Yes, yes, yes, I wanted it. And so I took this slot instead.Yesterday I met with my dermatologist. The good news is: what I found on the bridge of my nose is not cancer. The bad news is: it was trying really hard to become cancer.What I had belongs to a fa...

Chemicals to blame for majority of breast cancer cases

The Cancer Blog — Fri, 18 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Breast Cancer, Research, Environment, Products, Daily newsA bundle of scientific reports indicate more than 200 chemicals, found in the air and in consumer products, cause breast cancer in animal tests. Researchers report in an American Cancer Society publication that reducing exposure to such compounds could prevent many women from developing the disease. Family history and genetic make-up are responsible for only a small percentage of breast cancer cases. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, are most likely involved in the majority of cases, say experts.These finding are too incomplete to make widespread conclusions, but still, they are considered "the most comprehensive compilation to date of chemicals identified as mammary carcinogens" and are so convincing t...

Cancer by the Numbers: Melanoma

The Cancer Blog — Wed, 16 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Skin Cancer, Cancer by the NumbersWe're still basking in the hot sun, bronzing our bodies in tanning beds, and playing outdoors without slathering on the sunscreen. What will it take, I wonder, for our society to catch on, to take real steps toward preventing skin cancer?It seems education isn't enough. Most of us know by now all it takes is one bad sunburn to increase our risk of skin cancer, yet we continue to collect burn after burn after burn. Perhaps like all habit-forming behaviors -- think smoking -- it takes something tragic in our lives to inspire change. When someone we know gets lung cancer after a lifetime of smoking or someone we know develops melanoma after years of sunbathing, maybe we get the hint. MaybeNow, I know you don't personally know this young woman -- ...

Thought for the Day: Bracelets tell when to seek shade

The Cancer Blog — Sun, 13 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Skin Cancer, Prevention, Products, Thought for the DayAlong the pike comes a new product designed to send us an alert when we've had too much sun.Think about this:There are some fun and fancy bracelets on the market that change color when it's time to seek shade. UV Sol Beads, made with UV-detective pony beads and a removable fashion bead, feature off-white beads that remain off-white whenever there is an absence of UV light. When exposed to UV light, the intensity of the beads' color increases as the amount of exposure increases.Created by a science teacher who used the beads as a teaching tool for her students and then found herself wanting to reach out to others after a friend's battle with skin cancer, UV Sol Beads -- they cost $4.95 -- can cycle back and forth more than 5...

Thought for the Day: May skin cancer awareness soar

The Cancer Blog — Sun, 06 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Skin Cancer, Prevention, Thought for the DayIt's May. Summer is upon us. So is the hot sun. What a perfect time for an awareness month.May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. So now is the time to learn a thing or two about a disease that is largely preventable, extremely deadly, and almost 100 percent curable when caught early.Think about this:Someone dies of melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer -- every 65 minutes. Women ages 20-29 are most at risk, with melanoma ranking as the second most common cancer in this age group. But anyone, regardless of skin color or age, can develop skin cancer. More than one million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year -- shocking considering the cause of the disease is no secret: skin cancer is caused mostly by too much s...

Anti-HIV drug use in pregnancy increases cancer risk

The Cancer Blog — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: All Cancers, Research, Daily newsAntiretroviral drugs, used to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child, are now believed to cause genetic damage in infants. This damage, leading to an increased risk of developing cancer, makes it highly plausible these children may be diagnosed with the disease in mid and late adulthood.Two new studies indicate there are cancer-causing effects of transplacental exposure to AZT, an antiretroviral drug. These effects -- like increased incidence of tumors and tumors with genetic changes -- have been demonstrated in mice and rats and seem to be cause for concern in humans too."The cumulative mutagenesis data suggest that infants exposed transplacentally to AZT may be at increased risk for cancer as they age," said one researcher, whose findi...

Non-melanoma skin cancer risk higher for men

The Cancer Blog — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Skin Cancer, Research, Daily newsA new study shows men are three times more likely to develop certain types of skin cancer than women. But it doesn't have as much to do with sun exposure as we might think.According to researchers at Ohio State University, gender differences put men at greater risk for non-melanoma skin cancers than their female counterparts.Researchers tested the effects of UVB rays on mice and found male mice developed tumors earlier. The tumors were also larger and more aggressive than those found in female mice.The study, published in the April 1 issue of Cancer Research, indicates it could be the higher levels of antioxidants females have in their skin that allow them to fight off tumors better.Read | Permalink | Email this | ...

April is Cancer Control Month, says President Bush

The Cancer Blog — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Prevention, All Cancers, Politics, Daily newsPresident Bush, in a recent press release, declared April Cancer Control Month. It's a month for educating Americans about cancer, for raising awareness about treatments, for renewing the commitment to fighting this deadly disease.Bush makes no mention in his release of the millions he just cut from the National Cancer Institute budget and how this might hinder this month's initiative, but he does offer a few relatively inexpensive ideas for individuals who wish to minimize their risk of developing the disease that remains the country's second leading cause of death."Individuals can reduce their risk of developing cancer by practicing healthy eating habits, exercising, limiting sun exposure, avoiding tobacco, knowing their family hi...

Electromagnetic fields not culprit in Australia cancer cluster

The Cancer Blog — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Breast Cancer, Research, Environment, Daily newsAn independent report revealed recently that women employed at the Toowong site of ABC's former Brisbane studios in Australia were six times more likely to develop breast cancer than other women.The site has been vacated. And the hunt is on -- for the cause of this unusually high rate of the disease.No luck yet -- but new findings, while not definitive on what has caused this cluster, do indicate exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is not a factor -- because the low frequency fields at the site were typical of other workplaces and residences, without any such cancer cluster.Further testing will take place in an attempt to solve this on-going mystery, chronicled in the posts that follow.ABC journalists walk out over cancer cl...

Vitamin D, infants and teenagers: Your basic rock and hard place

Healthy Children — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 04:00:00 +0100

Lately there have been a bunch of good news / bad news studies about vitamin D.The good news: its benefits and preventive properties. The bad news: low levels of vitamin D in teenage girls and breast fed infants.What should a pediatrician or a parent make of this new information? That's a tough question because it's not yet clear what it all means nor what (if anything) we should do about it.Even tougher (at least for me): one of the conclusions I've come to from the new information contradicts some of my previous advice! That doesn't bother me: the beauty of science is that you must always be open to being wrong; you always need to re-evaluate in the face of new evidence.******************************************Advice-giving and sausageSome advice-givers feel their advice should be like ...