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 'high'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:01 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181803&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fphysician-organizes-a-price-list-of-56-common-medical-tests%2F2011.08.31 I am smacking myself on the forehead and saying, “Why didn’t I think of this?”  Dr. Richard Parker, Medical Director at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,  has sent out a list to his physician colleagues of 56 common medical tests and procedures.  What is revolutionary is that there are prices next to each item.  You non-physicians may be surprised to know that we doctors have no idea what the tests or drugs we order actually cost.  Unless we get billed as a patient, we are as clueless as you are. As I wrote before, the ostrich excuse just won’t fly any more.  We all need to be aware of the cost of care and have skin in the game.  Some will argue that price can’t be the only driver.  I’ve heard physicians say you can’t compare one price ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181803 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5181803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5179534&cid=t_102243_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fnot-enough-deep-sleep-could-raise-blood.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5179534 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:22:00 +0100 5179534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130753&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-york-times-reports-on-very-atypical-case-of-schizophrenia%2F2011.08.14 Benedict Carey is a New York Times mental health reporter.  In last Sunday’s Times, he wrote about Joe Holt, a man with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.  Mr. Holt was dealt a particularly tough deck of cards: in addition to a diagnosis of schizophrenia, he had a horrible and traumatic childhood with much loss, placement in a facility where he was physically abused, and periods of homelessness as a teenager.  He now has a stable marriage, has adopted children and keeps numerous foster children, and holds two jobs, one as a computer consultant and another as a therapist (if I read that correctly).  He struggles with his emotional life, but my take on this was that this is one extremely resilient man who has waged a successful battle against many demons and his story is inspirational. ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130753 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0100 5130753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118640&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrlindagalloway.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fbreastfeeding.jpg Could breastfeeding kill a newborn?  That is the question a California district attorney will ask a jury at the trial of a breastfeeding mother. Most women do not intend to harm their children but substance abuse and addiction comes with a heavy price. Such was the case of Maggie Jean Wortman, who has been charged with second degree murder after medical tests revealed that her newborn son died from methamphetamine intoxication obtained through her breast milk. Wortman’s 19-month-old daughter also tested positive for methamphetamine and was placed in protective custody. How could this happen? The transfer of drugs from the mother’s blood to human milk depends on the chemical composition of the drug. Antibiotics such as penicillin will remain in the mother’s blood for long periods of ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118640 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5118640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103337&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhelp-my-diet-is-so-gross-do-i-have-to-do-it-this-way-insights-welcome%2F2011.08.06 I’m feeling rather nauseated today. This is my fifth day of a high-protein, low-fat, low-carb diet, and I have already developed a deep-seated hatred of egg whites. My regimen includes uncomfortable quantities of grilled chicken breast, fat-free cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and egg protein, occasionally garnished with a lettuce leaf or perhaps a blueberry. Just yesterday I had to drink a plastic test tube of liquid protein to meet my goals (see offending product image to the left). It looked like a blood-tinged albumin sample, and tasted like orange flavor crystals with a splash of soy sauce. I know that the scientific literature (if we distill it and perhaps oversimplify it a bit) seems to suggest that there may be a short-term advantage to high-protein diets in terms of weight los... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103337 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:36:59 +0100 5103337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103344&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstrokes-are-quite-common-in-pregnant-women-how-can-they-be-prevented%2F2011.08.05 According to CDC, there has been a 54 percent increase in the number of pregnant women who’ve had strokes in 1995 to 1996 and in 2005 to 2006. While this may surprise some researchers, it certainly would not surprise clinicians who take care of pregnant women who have risk factors such as obesity, chronic hypertension or a lack of prenatal care. Ten percent of strokes occur in the first trimester, 40 percent during the second trimester and more than fifty percent occur during the post partum period and after the patient has been discharged home. Hypertension was the cause of one-third of stroke victims during pregnancy and fifty percent in the post partum period. Hypertension accounted for one-third of stroke cases during pregnancy and fifty percent in the post partum period. Many stroke... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103344 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:00:21 +0100 5103344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096201&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwilderness-medical-society-publishes-prevention-and-treatment-tips-for-altitude-sickness%2F2011.08.05 Led by Andrew Luks MD and his colleagues, the Wilderness Medical Society has published Consensus Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Altitude Illness (Wild Environ Med 2010:21;146-155). These guidelines are intended to provide clinicians about best evidence-based practices, and were derived from the deliberations of an expert panel, of which I was a member. The disorders considered were acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). The guidelines present the main prophylactic and therapeutic modalities for each disorder and provide recommendations for their roles in disorder management. The guidelines also provide suggested approaches to prevention and management of each disorder that incorporate the recommend... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096201 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0100 5096201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096894&cid=t_102243_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2Fkzuh4KI7a7I%2F Image via Wikipedia Digging through high school memories: the more I dig, the more there is to find. I am finding memories of when Patty Hearst was kidnapped during our senior year. I have no idea why I am remembering that so strongly along with all of the other memories from then. And a protest from my mind: 1974 is not that far in the past! No! It can’t be! Filed under: Ephemera Tagged: high school, Patty Hearst (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096894 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:54:19 +0100 5096894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086168&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrlindagalloway.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fgreys-nursery.jpg No one likes pain, least of all pregnant women. Although obstetricians do a great job providing prenatal care and childbirth deliveries, there is always room for improvement regarding patient education. The management of labor pain is usually delegated to the Anesthesia Department within a hospital or an ambulatory center. The goal of anesthesia is to eliminate physical pain and any suffering that might be a result of pain. However pain and suffering may not always be about cause and effect. To quote the literature, “Although pain and suffering often occur together, one may suffer without pain or have pain without suffering.” Some women want to eliminate pain and others view it as a normal process. However, to the well initiated, it is well known that women who are in pain and “suffe... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086168 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:00:35 +0100 5086168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086150&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FiVFFkpWpcg0%2F By Randal O'TooleHalf truths, innuendo, and pseudo-science form the basis of a response to my recent Cato paper, Intercity Buses: The Forgotten Mode. The response is produced by America 2050, a project of the Regional Plan Association, a New York City–area regional planning organization. The response’s basic thesis of the response is that intercity buses have a role to play in a “balanced transportation system,” but they are “no replacement for high-speed rail.” Of course, my report never argued that buses were a replacement for true high-speed rail. But it did show that existing bus schedules in many corridors are faster, more frequent, and charge far lower fares than Amtrak in the same corridors. Of course, there is a “replacement” for high-spe... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086150 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:36:51 +0100 5086150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077686&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcardiovascular-problems-stay-out-of-the-heat%2F2011.07.29 The brutal heat wave gripping much of the country this week is unpleasant for healthy folks. For people with cardiovascular trouble, hazy, hot, humid days can be downright dangerous. Your body shouldn’t get too hot (or too cold). If your temperature rises too far, the proteins that build your body and run virtually all of its chemical processes can stop working. The human body sheds extra heat in two ways, both of which stress the heart: Radiation. Like water flowing downhill, heat naturally moves from warm areas to cooler ones. As long as the air around you is cooler than your body, you radiate heat to the air. But this transfer stops when the air temperature approaches body temperature. Radiation requires rerouting blood flow so more of it goes to the skin. This makes the heart beat fa... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077686 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:00:46 +0100 5077686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069475&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhat-is-the-most-costly-healthcare-expenditure%2F2011.07.27 The National Institute for Healthcare Management Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on healthcare. The foundation just published an excellent report on the distribution of  healthcare costs in the population. The results indicate that reducing healthcare cost is all about reducing and managing chronic diseases. U.S. healthcare spending has sharply increased between 2005 and 2009 by 23 percent from $2 trillion to $2.5 trillion per year. This is a result of a combination of factors. Chief among them is the increasing incidence of obesity. Who spends the money? (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Repairing the Healthcare System* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069475 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:00:54 +0100 5069475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077817&cid=t_102243_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2011%2F07%2F26%2Fnew-ehr-company-ready-to-launch-carecloud%2F Aaron Blackledge M.D., founder of Care Practice clinic in San Francisco, sent me a link to a post he did back in April about a new EMR company called Carecloud. The irony of this is that Carecloud had just reached out to me for information about advertising their EMR on my sites since they are getting ready to launch their product. Their impending launch was why Aaron decided to share his post with me. I think Dr. Blackledge’s post about Carecloud is summarized in his final paragraph: My recommendation is if you are about to give up and lay down some hard earned cash on an EMR that is just good enough I would urge you to wait a few more months and compare CareCloud’s first iteration with other emerging platforms now gaining a foothold in the marketplace. Since Carecloud is about to... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077817 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:11:03 +0100 5077817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062290&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F25%2Fneed-mental-health-treatment-in-2-weeks-fat-chance%2F This study demonstrates quite the opposite. Read the full article: Medical News: Barriers High in Mental Health Care (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062290 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:15:01 +0100 5062290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062421&cid=t_102243_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FIPustJogcOA%2F Can heels cause headaches? Last week, presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann was roundly laughed at for claiming high heels triggered her migraines, but I’m not sure why everyone think it’s so ridiculous. Wearing heels can be bad for us in a number of ways. There are the obvious ones: Blisters, sore feet, ankle pain. But studies have also found women who frequently wore high heels had shorter calf muscles and stiffer, thicker Achilles tendons that women who didn’t (setting them up for serious pain), and that wearing heels can contribute to knee arthritis and nerve damage. It can also drive your spine out of alignment and put muscular tension on your back—both of which can contribute to tension and perhaps other kinds of headaches. Time quoted the executive chairman of the National ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062421 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:40:18 +0100 5062421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062248&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdo-you-know-what-metabolic-syndrome-is%2F2011.07.24 People with metabolic syndrome are twice as likely to develop heart disease, and five times as likely to develop diabetes, as those who don’t have metabolic syndrome. But many people are not yet familiar with this relatively new term. Do you know what metabolic syndrome is? OECD Country Populations with a BMI > 30 (1996-2003) Metabolic syndrome is the combination of several medical problems associated with morbid obesity. In addition to obesity, these conditions include: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Columbia University Department of Surgery Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062248 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 12:00:10 +0100 5062248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008305&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F08%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-8-2011%2F The stories you tell yourself about yourself are probably not only untrue, but could be hazardous to your health. This is particularly the case where those “stories” are negative and unconscious. I’ll share a personal story to explain what I mean. When I was about 8 or 9 years old, my dad got laid-off from his job. In order to collect unemployment, he needed to show he was actively searching for a job. One week he applied for a job as a courtesy clerk for a local supermarket. He didn’t think he would actually get it nor did he really want it. He assumed being in his thirties and working in management positions prior made him overqualified. But surprise, surprise, he got the job anyway. He remembers it as one of the most embarrassing days of his life and was a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008305 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:17:44 +0100 5008305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5007315&cid=t_102243_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FVeftFrgvmiY%2F This article was written for extra credit by a student in my recently concluded virology course. by Adriana Lopez The expression “Happy as a Clam” comes with new meaning as hepatitis A virus has been detected in clams, mussels, and oysters in markets for human consumption. As bivalve shellfish are excellent bio-accumulators of contaminants and chemicals, it is no surprise that they also harbor waterborne viruses such as hepatitis A in areas with poor sanitation. Since hepatitis A virus is spread via the fecal-oral route, food-borne outbreaks due to ingestion of shellfish harvested from polluted waters have not been uncommon. Despite development of an effective vaccine against hepatitis A virus, it continues to be a serious disease worldwide. In developing countries, access to healthc... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5007315 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:00:53 +0100 5007315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008701&cid=t_102243_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautyramp.com%2F Dipika Sharma: Good Food? Bad Food?Are these foods really that bad for you? The moment you decide to go on a diet to lose weight you are bombarded with a list of food items that are banned to be eaten. This certainly demotivates you to delay your dieting plan. But here is the good news, despite these food being considered to play havoc with your weight, you can consume a few of the banned foods in appropriate proportions. The reason is that they are rich source of essential minerals and vitamins which our body needs to stay energetic and fit. You can now indulge in the once forbidden foods like pastas,eggs,breads,nuts, potatoes and chocolates. All you have to control is the intake amount to maintain a slender body and remain fit. Here goes the list of the once forbidden foods which you ... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008701 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 06:47:03 +0100 5008701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968487&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-only-some-people-experience-high-altitude-sickness%2F2011.06.26 Hi! Greetings from Breckenridge, Colorado. At 10,000 feet, I am told it is the highest resort town in North America. The Rocky Mountain scenery is breathtaking. But there’s a problem for about one in four of us who visit here, especially people like me who live at sea level. We can get hit with high altitude sickness and a few days ago, I was one of the unlucky ones. What happens is your body isn’t used to the thin air and your blood has difficulty getting enough oxygen to your body. It usually happens at altitudes over 8,500 feet. You get an ongoing headache, you feel tired, you have insomnia (I was sleepless for two nights!), you could have nausea and certainly fatigue. Drinking lots of water and passing up alcohol can help, but even then some people have problems. When I finally sa... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968487 Sun, 26 Jun 2011 14:00:35 +0100 4968487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968823&cid=t_102243_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F23%2Fcan-a-diet-low-in-carbs-high-on-protein-help-in-the-fight-against-cancer%2F Eating a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may reduce the risk of cancer and slow the growth of tumors already present, according to a study published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Eating a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may reduce the risk of cancer and slow the growth of tumors already present, [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968823 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:21:02 +0100 4968823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960121&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F22%2Fcultivating-self-compassion%2F When something has gone wrong, when there’s been a mistake made, no matter how small, many people are all too quick to point the finger — at themselves. They flog themselves for any failure, letting their self-esteem bend and bow at the face of disappointments and triumphs. For many, self-esteem is shaky at best. But there’s something you can build that’s more substantial than self-esteem. Something that doesn’t waver and can actually boost your well-being — and your performance isn’t a factor. According to psychologist Kristin Neff, Ph.D, in her book Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind, that something is self-compassion. Being self-compassionate means that whether you win or lose, surpass your sky-high expectations or fall short, you sti... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960121 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:12:04 +0100 4960121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953394&cid=t_102243_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Hairstyles for summer (men)Short and ‘cool’ hairstyles for men this summer There could be no appropriate style statement that will get you immediately noticed than getting your hair style changed.Changingyour hairstyle can bring a lot of difference to your appearance and completely transform the way you look. Selecting a hairstyle for men is a bit tricky to as they have very less option to opt from but let explore all the possible hair style that can suit summer well and can help you cool and stylish on other hand. Short hairstyles are appropriate for summer as they help you deal with hot weather well. They definitely look classy and give a neat well groomed look to your personality. High and Tight HairstyleHairstyle that can make you look attractive and ga... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953394 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:49:52 +0100 4953394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4945315&cid=t_102243_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FvOrIjDpw9eo%2F You’ve probably heard that certain foods can help your memory improve, and will allow you to think with better clarity. “But what foods are actually considered brain foods?” you may ask. Believe it or not, there are a copious amount of foods that protect your brain, improving how good it’ll work, and can even generate new brain cells. Yes, you read it right… new brain cells! You can still generate new brain cells–even when you’re an adult. A common myth recently espoused that brain cells quit occurring once you’ve reached adulthood, but reputable and prolific new research has debunked this myth. Regardless of how old you are, you can make new brain cells. Keep in mind that all cells need nutrients to continue their growth. This means your brain needs foo... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4945315 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 05:42:20 +0100 4945315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921423&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhigh-deductible-health-insurance-plans-incentivize-patients-to-skip-screening-tests%2F2011.06.10 Almost half of health plans in the US have deductibles of at least $1,000 according to a new study.  It’s called “cost shifting” and it’s a big part of the future of American health care. There are two major reasons why employers are doing this. First, higher deductible plans are cheaper, since there is less risk to insure.  Think of your car insurance – why would you make a claim for a ding on your door when it’s cheaper for you to just pay to have it fixed (or fix it yourself)?  The higher the deductible, the lower the premium, even if it means more out-of-pocket cost for you for the small stuff. Along these same lines is the second reason.  If employees spend more of their own money on health care, maybe they’ll be smarter about how they spend it. It sounds good – bu... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921423 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:00:50 +0100 4921423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902416&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrlindagalloway.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fbookjpg.jpg Of the 4 million babies born in the U.S. each year, approximately 12.3 percent of them will be premature and 3.56 percent will occur before 34 weeks. Premature birth is one of the leading causes of severe handicaps and has an annual cost of approximately $26 billion dollars. Although risk factors for preterm labor have been identified, there is still no cure. As stated in a previous blog post, when the cervix becomes weak (a condition called cervical insufficiency), the patient is at risk for second trimester miscarriages and preterm labor. Also, if a patient has a previous history of premature birth then she needs her cervix measured in a future pregnancy.  If her cervix is short and measures between 16 mm and 25 mm before 23 weeks, she is at risk for premature labor and delivery. The re... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902416 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:00:23 +0100 4902416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893917&cid=t_102243_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FaIPonxw6_os%2F One year after an analysis of five studies involving some 60,000 patients found links between angiotensin receptor blockers and an increased risk of cancer, the FDA has now decided that these meds - which are used to control high blood pressure, do not pose such a risk. The study, which was published in The Lancet Oncology and prompted the FDA review, found that 7.2 percent of patients on an ARB were diagnosed with cancer compared with 6 percent on a placebo, which was deemed statistically significant. Put another way: one extra cancer case would occur for every 105 people taking the meds for about four years (back story). Most of the patients were taking Boehringer Ingelheim’s Micardis, a $1.5 billion seller, prompting an angry rebuttal from the drugmaker. Other ARBs that were studied i... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893917 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:21:10 +0100 4893917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841483&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrlindagalloway.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F1031747_hospital.jpg At one time, a hospital would be called a 24-hour institution but now it’s a business. Within this business are shift workers that include nurses, technicians, clerical staff and even hospital employed doctors who are now called hospitalists.  In a teaching hospital resident physicians also work in shifts so the responsibility of patient care is always being transferred from one group of healthcare providers to another. Do they always communicate effectively? Regrettably, “no.” Sign-outs, handoffs, shift changes, nurses’ report. These are the multiple names for the process where a departing  provider is responsible for letting the arriving provider know what’s going on with the patient.  According to statistics, 80% of medical mistakes occur during shift changes and 50 to 60% ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841483 Wed, 18 May 2011 16:00:13 +0100 4841483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841439&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FqRIAhs4x1uk%2F By Tad DeHavenLast week I discussed the Obama administration’s decision to redistribute federal high-speed rail money rejected by Florida Gov. Rick Scott. I noted that “Florida taxpayers were spared their state’s share of maintaining the line, but they’re still going to be forced to help foot the bill for passenger-rail projects in other states.” My underlying point was that the states should be allowed to make their own transportation decisions with their own money. Two Michigan state policymakers — both Republican — want to send the same message to Washington. State representatives Paul Opsommer and Tom McMillin have introduced resolutions that call on the federal government to allow the states to keep the federal gasoline taxes that they send to Washington. (Opsomm... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841439 Wed, 18 May 2011 12:56:44 +0100 4841439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813297&cid=t_102243_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FwwfhM2wbtq0%2F A review on the emergency department assessment and management of high-pressure injection injuries. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813297 Thu, 12 May 2011 01:42:09 +0100 4813297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813242&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FN1KhQQSxd_Q%2F By Tad DeHavenFlorida Governor Rick Scott deserves a big round of applause for dealing a major setback to the Obama administration’s costly plan for a national system of high-speed rail. As Randal O’Toole explains, the administration needed Florida to keep the $2.4 billion it was awarded to build a high-speed Orlando-to-Tampa line in order to build “momentum” for its plan. Instead, Scott put the interests of his taxpayers first and told the administration “no thanks.” That’s the good news. The bad news is that the administration is going to dole the money back out to 22 passenger-rail projects in other states. Florida taxpayers were spared their state’s share of maintaining the line, but they’re still going to be forced to help foot the bill for passenger-rail projects in... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813242 Wed, 11 May 2011 20:21:43 +0100 4813242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813287&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcould-a-low-salt-diet-be-bad-for-your-heart%2F2011.05.11 In this study of 3,681 men and women from Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, Romania and Russia whose health was followed for eight years, participants with the lowest sodium excretion (which is a good measure of sodium intake) were 56% more likely to have died from cardiovascular disease than those with the highest sodium excretion. Among the nearly 2,100 participants with normal blood pressure at the study’s start, sodium excretion (sodium intake) had no effect on the development of high blood pressure. These are startling findings. If true, they would undercut major programs by the U.S. government to reduce Americans’ intake of salt—the main source of sodium—from prepared and processed foods and at home. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Harvard ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813287 Wed, 11 May 2011 16:00:07 +0100 4813287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813290&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrlindagalloway.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F350by403.jpg If a pregnant woman finds herself scratching and itching during the third trimester, these symptoms should not be ignored. Each year, approximately 0.1 to 15% of pregnant women are affected by a liver disorder called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy or (ICP). ICP patients tend to develop symptoms of itchiness of their hands and feet that becomes progressively worse and then spreads all over their body. The itchiness usually worsens at night and if untreated can cause jaundice and several life-threatening complications to the unborn fetus. When a pregnant woman complaints of itchiness (pruritus) all over her body, the first order of business is to determine whether a rash is present. If a rash is absent, ICP should be suspected. The liver is the largest gland in the body and in additio... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813290 Tue, 10 May 2011 21:00:28 +0100 4813290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813263&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fv8cVoY_dGYM%2F By Randal O'TooleTo sell his high-speed rail program, President Obama desperately needed a success story—a high-speed train operating during his administration that would awe the public and lead to a national demand for more such lines. That success story was going to be Florida’s Orlando-to-Tampa line, the only true high-speed route (as opposed to speeding up existing trains by 3 to 5 mph) that could have been completed during Obama’s term in office (assuming he is re-elected). Anticipating that success, the administration drafted a proposal to use federal gasoline taxes and a “new energy tax” to fund $53 billion for more high-speed rail lines over the next six years. (The proposal also included $250 billion for highways, $120 billion for urban transit, $27 billi... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813263 Tue, 10 May 2011 17:10:46 +0100 4813263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789335&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F04%2Fdo-we-become-what-we-hope-well-become%2F “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” ~Buddha Facebook and other social networking platforms have allowed for reconnections with people who would have been lost to us had we lived in another time.  High school friends I haven’t seen for decades are immediately accessible with a few clicks on my laptop. No other generation in the history of evolution has been able to reach back with such ease into previous sociometric circles to sample how friends have fared throughout their lives.  Other generations have not had the technology to do this, and a new awareness about how early indications during adolescence may affect future life circumstances has become part of our culture.  We can readily see how our teenage buds have managed their lives, and they can see us. Thi... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789335 Wed, 04 May 2011 12:33:11 +0100 4789335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762798&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F28%2Fmotivation-iq-tests-more-than-intelligence%2F One of the common misconceptions about psychological testing is that even the so-called objective psychological tests (usually done on a computer or paper-and-pencil tests) tap into a single “truth” about the person. And that there is very little subjectivity in such tests. In fact, one’s approach to taking a psychological test has a big impact on the test’s results — and the interpretations of those results by a trained psychologist. The problem is that psychologists — and worse, the legal system — uses these tests as not only an indicator of where a person is in their life right now, but as a predictor of their future potential. If something as simple as one’s motivation can have a significant impact on one of these scores, what does that m... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762798 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:24:30 +0100 4762798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762754&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FCw8l22yj3j8%2F By Randal O'ToolePresident Obama’s dream of connecting 80 percent of Americans to a high-speed rail line appears to be dead. Congress appropriated $8 billion for high-speed rail in the 2009 stimulus bill and $2 billion more in the 2010 appropriations bill. But, after newly elected governors of Florida, Ohio, and Wisconsin rejected high-speed rail projects in those states, Congress declined to include any more funds in 2011 and it is unlikely to spend any more on this boondoggle as long as Republicans have a hold on the House. What will Americans get for the $10 billion or so already committed? California appears ready to spend $5.5 billion building a 220-mph rail line from Corcoran–a town south of Fresno mainly known for the prison housing Charles Manson–to Borden–... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762754 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:30:02 +0100 4762754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758754&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-husbands-gain-weight-and-physicians-wimp-out%2F2011.04.27 A friend of mine is in great physical shape but her husband (we’ll call him “Mr. B”)  has gained 40 pounds since they were married five years ago. He also has familial hypercholesterolemia, and several of his relatives have had heart attacks at young ages. Mrs. B is distraught – she is worried about her husband’s health, and has tried to gently nudge him towards healthier eating habits and regular exercise (as well as taking a statin for his cholesterol). Unfortunately, the nudges were received as nagging, and a wedge has formed between them in their relationship. Last week my friend planned a trip to a primary care physician in the hopes that he would educate Mr. B about the dangers of being overweight and not treating his high cholesterol. “Surely Mr.... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758754 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:00:19 +0100 4758754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742181&cid=t_102243_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fearly-school-start-times-endanger-teen.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742181 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:04:00 +0100 4742181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723805&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Folympian-impregnated-with-the-wrong-embryo%2F2011.04.17 Olympic winner and motivational speaker, Jim Stovall once said “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” In September 2009, I wrote about a blog about Carolyn Savage, a 40 year old woman with a poor obstetrical history. Savage married her college sweetheart and had an uncomplicated first pregnancy. However, her second child was born prematurely. She had 4 subsequent miscarriages and ten years later she became pregnant through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Because the Savages wanted a large family, they tried IVF again. Unfortunately, Savage was impregnated with the wrong embryo. To their credit, everyone rose to the highest level of integrity. The infertility clinic informed the Savage family as soon as the mistake was discovered and then gave them the option o... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723805 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:00:26 +0100 4723805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709205&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fkudos-to-acog-a-moral-victory-for-pregnant-women%2F2011.04.13 This post is written as a follow-up to The Hijacking of Pregnant Women. It is said that sometimes you have to rock the boat in order to shift the course of progress. Well today pregnant women have reason to celebrate. The winds of change are apparent. Bowing under pressure, K-V Pharmaceutical Company reduced the price of Makena from $1500 to $690. Makena is the trade name for hydroxyprogesterone caproate or 17OHP. It is a drug recently approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce premature deliveries before 37 weeks if it is given before 21 weeks gestation.  It has been used for years as an off-label drug and costs approximately $10 to $20 to make by compound pharmacists. When the FDA gave K-V an exclusive right to manufacture the drug, their integrity flew out the window.... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709205 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:00:38 +0100 4709205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704716&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F11%2Fbe-the-unpopular-kid%2F Growing up, I wasn’t popular (except with the girls in elementary school, heh). Like most kids, and then teens, somehow we get it into our heads that the more popular you are, the better life is. It’s a dream magnified and reinforced by Hollywood and Hallmark movies, and it’s an urge as a teen that’s very difficult to resist. Now, consciously, I never imagined or cared about the trappings of popularity as a teen. I didn’t fantasize about being the high school football star, or being named prom king or some such nonsense. What I did imagine and want was simple — a high enough level of popularity where I didn’t have to worry about my ass being kicked while walking down an empty hallway. (For the record, I never had my ass kicked in high school; it wa... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704716 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:35:00 +0100 4704716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670091&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FTpfGnYThmvk%2F By Richard L. GordonWhen Barack Obama emerged as a serious contender for the presidency, he offered a core menu of curing everything by increased federal intervention in health care, education, and energy. Whenever new problems arose that lessened the urgency of earlier concerns, Obama has crafted assertions that his original prescriptions will also resolve the new difficulties. In energy, this has involved extending his program to new, even more dubious projects. He also has a habit of incessantly repeating the same tired arguments in the vain hope that his skill at persuasion will win the day. His March 30, 2011 energy speech and accompanying Blueprint are typical. About the only differences between these and his June 15, 2010 speech on energy were more bad ideas. He added to the panic... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670091 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:24:37 +0100 4670091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642596&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcms-never-events-incentivize-physicians-to-avoid-caring-for-high-risk-patients%2F2011.03.27 In 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it would no longer pay for the treatment of “never events,” i.e., certain medical conditions in hospitalized patients which the Feds deem to be universally avoidable under all circumstances. These conditions included: * Decubitus ulcers * Two kinds of catheter-associated infections * Air embolism * Mediastinitis after coronary bypass surgery * Transfusing patients with the wrong blood type * Leaving objects inside surgery patients * In-hospital falls Then, having been delighted with the results of its original list (or dismayed that healthcare costs continued to skyrocket despite its original list) CMS subsequently proposed declaring several new conditions as “never events,” including: (more…) *... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642596 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:00:46 +0100 4642596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636481&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F25%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-25-2011%2F It happened to me the other day. I was admiring a fellow writer’s accomplishment while someone else was admiring my own. The funny thing is that we were both shocked by the compliment. I guess I could dish it, but was surprised that I couldn’t take it. Why is it that we have such an easy time seeing the beauty, hard work and achievement in another, but neglect to see those same things in ourselves? The impact over time of finding the silver lining in our partner’s, friend’s, co-worker’s lives, but focusing on only the shadows of our own lives can make us jealous, bitter, resentful and depressed. It can reinforce negative thoughts and beliefs about what is possible for us instead of motivating us to take risks, play big instead of small and follow our dreams. O... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636481 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:49:38 +0100 4636481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626926&cid=t_102243_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fadhd-in-the-classroom%2Fadhd-in-high-school-tips-for-teachers-and-parents.php   The cases of ADHD in elementary and kindergarten received great attention because educators recognize the importance of making early interventions. The prognosis for ADHD children is better when help is given at younger ages. Many cases of young children with ADHD eventually overcome this mental disorder. Thus, medications, assistive technologies, and teacher strategies are targeted towards the improvement of preschool and elementary students. The result is that there is very little literature that can be accessed by parents and teachers who are tasked to help high school students who have ADHD. The case of ADHD in a high school student is complicated because the teen has to contend with the normal developmental issues while struggling to cope with ADHD symptoms. Fortunately, a few high... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626926 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4626926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4622437&cid=t_102243_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FxiPvT5ML7zw%2F 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... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4622437 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:02:37 +0100 4622437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4610895&cid=t_102243_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FWmRE0YNJTlA%2F Conferences have long been a staple of the professional calendar. Now, after a recession that has slashed travel expenditure, the landscape for events is changing. Sophisticated digital platforms are enabling virtual environments that simulate the benefits of real events, and attendees are beginning to shift to accessing subject matter experts and industry networking online. But can the digital environment really displace brick and mortar events, where eye to eye meetings and chance connections can justify the often costly registration fees and travel costs? In organizations where hundreds of executives and professionals attend several conferences a year at $1,000 or more each in total cost, a virtual conference at $500 can be attractive. Making virtual connections at an online conference ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4610895 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:49:41 +0100 4610895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592397&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftalk-is-cheap-unless-its-talk-therapy%2F2011.03.14 Gardiner Harris had a [recent] article in the New York Times called “Talk Doesn’t Pay So Psychiatrists Turn to Drug Therapy.” The article is a twist on an old Shrink Rap topic, “Why your Shrink Doesn’t Take Your Insurance.” Only in this article the shrink does take your insurance, he just doesn’t talk to you. With his life and second marriage falling apart, a man said he needed help. But the psychiatrist, Dr. Donald Levin, stopped him and said: “Hold it. I’m not your therapist. I could adjust your medications, but I don’t think that’s appropriate.” Dr. Levin sees 40 patients a day. And he’ss 68 years old. This guy is amazing. There’s no way I could see 40 patients a day for even one day. He’s worried about his retireme... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592397 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:00:00 +0100 4592397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566306&cid=t_102243_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2011%2F03%2F08%2Fopen-letter-to-my-high-school-class-especially-paula%2F   Donna Trussell, then and now. My new post on AOL / Politics Daily. Open Letter to My High School Class. Especially Paula. In my four decades since graduating, I have avoided high school reunions. But this year we’re coming up on the 40th anniversary, and you know how everyone likes round numbers. And, unlike ten years ago, we now have facebook. Just a month ago, my maiden name was nowhere to be found on the Internet. I didn’t want to be found by people who knew me during that painful time in my life. My father was an engineer, and he made an excellent living. Despite that, we lived in a run-down Dallas neighborhood. But the district lines of Bryan Adams High School were so expansive — graduating class of 1,116 — that I was in the same school as kids from affl... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566306 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:33:30 +0100 4566306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544969&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpostpartum-hemorrhage-what-every-pregnant-woman-should-know%2F2011.03.03 Having a baby can be a beautiful thing until something goes wrong. The tragedy is that many high-risk conditions can be managed appropriately if the patient is cooperative and the healthcare provider is competent and well trained. Unfortunately, almost 600 pregnant women die in the U.S. each year from complications and the most common complication is significant blood loss after birth or postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).  PPH occurs when there is a blood loss of 500 cc or greater for a vaginal delivery and 1,000 cc after a cesarean section (C-section). Or, if you were admitted with a hemoglobin of 12 and it drops by ten points to 11, there should be a high index of suspicion for PPH as well. Therefore, if you feel lightheaded or dizzy, have palpitations or an increased heart rate after deliver... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544969 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:00:52 +0100 4544969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4540720&cid=t_102243_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FaPZc0DpEyqg%2Fthe-war-on-carbohydrates.php Are Carbs the Enemy?This is the provactive title of the cover story in March's Diabetes Forecast magazine. The author interviews proponents of low-carb, moderate-carb, and vegan/high-carb diets for people with diabetes. The bottom line? The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that you personalize your diet to meet your needs. They recognize that no one follows a prescribed diet for very long.Wait... doesn't the ADA recommend a high-carb diet?! That's what we thought, too. In a section called The "ADA Diet" Myth, they point out that there has been no official diet for the last 15 years. The ADA reviews treatment recommendations and assigns grades based on how supported the idea is by evidence. For low-carb diets for people with type 1 diabetes, there are few long-term studi... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4540720 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:21:31 +0100 4540720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507286&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fabout-white-coat-hypertension%2F2011.02.21 “But doc, my blood pressure is always normal at home.” I wish I had a dollar for every time I have heard that line and I know it is true. When some patients come to see me, their blood pressure is abnormally high (above 130/90). This is known as “white-coat hypertension.” Although it has been thought to be from anxiety about seeing the doctor, even long-established patients who have no conscious anxiety can exhibit elevated blood pressure in the office. Because blood pressure naturally fluctuates and the office visit is not a “normal” setting, it is important for patients who have high blood pressure (hypertension) to have their own blood pressure cuff at home. Now that devices are automated and easy to use, everyone with hypertension should be mo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507286 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4507286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464484&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FuPOcm9wBjNc%2F By Tad DeHavenIn his customary salesman style, Vice President Joe Biden recently made a pitch to a Philadelphia crowd for a plan to spend $53 billion over the next six years on a national system of high-speed rail. Biden’s performance brings to mind the classic Simpsons episode "Marge vs. the Monorail" in which con-man Lyle Lanley convinces the town’s residents to waste money on an exciting-sounding high-speed train that turns out to be a boondoggle. The full episode can be viewed here, but here’s the scene in which Lanley whips the crowd into frenzied support of his plan: There are some uncanny parallels between the two pitches. Biden says that “If we don’t get a grip, folks, they’ll not only be teaching us, they’re gonna own our kids.” The VP is referring to other cou... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464484 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:26:43 +0100 4464484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450525&cid=t_102243_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-high-functioning-alcoholic%2F Understanding the High Functioning Alcoholic: Professional Views and Personal InsightsWho is the typical alcoholic among the 12.5 million living in the United States now? Many, if not most of us when asked that question, would envision a skid row bum or someone at least out of work or with little education locked into a low-skill, low-paying job. But that is not accurate, according to the results of a national study released in June, 2007 by the National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.The NIAAA determined that alcoholics in the United States really fall into five subtypes, including nearly 20 percent who are "highly functional alcoholics, well-educated with good incomes." They include corporate presidents, powerful politicians, police, lawyers, doctors, scientists, an... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450525 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:48:51 +0100 4450525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4445800&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsex-during-pregnancy-is-safe%2F2011.02.07 The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has published a new primer designed to help physicians when they counsel pregnant women. They note that sex during pregnancy is normal and is generally considered safe. The authors point out that there are very few proven contraindications and risks regarding intercourse in normal pregnancy. Pregnant women and their partners are often afraid to have sex. Men may think they are “invading” the home of the fetus and could actually harm the baby. In fact, the fetus is quite safe, ensconced in the uterus (womb) and the cervix (opening of the uterus) is closed in normal pregnancy. The penis has no contact with the fetus or the uterus during normal intercourse, no matter what the position. When is intercourse considered risky? Only f... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4445800 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 02:00:00 +0100 4445800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4441975&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwill-your-hospitals-maternity-ward-close%2F2011.02.06 When our country starts closing obstetrical units in hospitals because they “cost too much” money to operate, pregnant women need to pay attention because their babies are in serious trouble. Such was the case of the most recent casualty, South Seminole Hospital, a 200-bed hospital, that’s located within 30 minutes of my neighborhood. More than 20,000 babies were born in South Seminole Hospital during the past 18 years, and many of the babies were delivered by a local obstetrician who died approximately three years ago. I recall sitting in the emergency room of the hospital with a fractured ankle and listening to a chime that used to ring every time a baby was born. It was a soothing and humbling sound knowing that a new life was making its grand entrance each time that chime rang.... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4441975 Sun, 06 Feb 2011 14:00:12 +0100 4441975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429017&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwere-overdosing-on-sodium-whose-responsibility-is-it%2F2011.02.02 I confess to loving Campbell’s tomato bisque soup. I mix it with 1 percent-fat milk and it’s hot and delicious and comforting, but one of the worst food choices I could make because one cup contains more sodium than I should have in a day. Knowing this, I have already relegated it to an occasional treat. But by the end of this blog post I will do more. We are overdosing on sodium and it is killing us. We need to cut the sodium we eat daily by more than half. The guidelines keep coming. The U.S. government has handed out dietary guidelines telling Americans who are over 50, all African Americans, people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease to have no more than 1,500 milligrams (mg) — or two thirds of a teaspoon — of sodium daily. That’s the majorit... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429017 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4429017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424235&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcardiovascular-care-costs-could-triple-by-2030%2F2011.02.01 Real total direct medical costs of cardiovascular disease (CVD) could triple, from $273 billion to $818 billion (in 2008 dollars) by 2030. Real indirect costs, such as lost productivity among the employed and unpaid household work, could increase 61 percent, from $172 billion in 2010 to $276 billion. Results appeared in a policy statement of the American Heart Association. CVD is the leading cause of mortality and accounts for 17 percent of national health expenditures, according to the statement. How much so? U.S. medical expenditures rose from 10 percent of the Gross Domestic Product in 1985 to 15 percent in 2008. In the past decade, the medical costs of CVD have grown at an average annual rate of 6 percent and have accounted for about 15 percent of the increase in medical spending... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4424235 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:00:00 +0100 4424235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419280&cid=t_102243_122_f&fid=35055&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sarasotaneurology.com%2Fmedia%2FSarasota-Neurology-Podcast-Stroke-Prevention-201102 In this episode of the Sarasota Neurology Podcast, Dr. Kassicieh, a recognized expert in stroke prevention, provides an overview of  current techniques for preventing and managing risk of stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. This combined with heart attacks and heart disease result in over 2 million deaths a year. The common underlying cause is vascular disease or hardening of the arteries. Heart attack and stroke can be prevented with simple life style changes and medications. Treatment of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, aspirin and stop smoking will significantly lower risk of suffering from these devastating conditions. Listen to this report to find out how you can reduce your risk of suffering from a stroke, heart attack or other cardiovascu... Sarasota Neurology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419280 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:53:40 +0100 4419280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414519&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdeep-brain-stimulation-a-new-treatment-for-hard-to-control-high-blood-pressure%2F2011.01.29 An unexpected discovery out of Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, UK showed that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can lower blood pressure, even in cases in which drugs are unsuccessful. The discovery reportedly occurred when a 55-year-old patient received a deep brain stimulator to treat his pain from central pain syndrome that developed after a stroke. At the time of the stroke, the patient was diagnosed with high blood pressure, which could not be controlled despite taking four different drugs. The deep brain stimulator was largely unsuccessful at controlling the patient’s pain, but amazingly it decreased his blood pressure enough that he could stop taking all four medications. Researchers confirmed the effects of the deep brain stimulator by turning it on and off over a three-year period,... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414519 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 23:00:01 +0100 4414519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399522&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fexercise-now-weigh-less-later%2F2011.01.26 People know it’s important to avoid excessive weight gain as they get older, and that exercise is a key to success in this regard. But until recently, scientists had published surprisingly few studies purporting to quantify the impact of habitual exercise on weight gain over the long haul. Dr. Arlene Hankinson and her colleagues at Northwestern University set out to do just that. Using data from a prospective follow-up study, Hankinson’s group showed that men who were able to maintain high activity levels over an extended period gained six fewer pounds, and five fewer centimeters of waist circumference than those in the lowest activity group. Women in the highest activity group gained 13 fewer pounds and nearly seven centimeters less around their waists. To reach these conclusions... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399522 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:00:20 +0100 4399522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399499&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FzlNVVkOT6N0%2F By Roger PilonToday POLITICO Arena asks: Although President Obama proposed a five-year, $40 billion per year freeze in non-security, discretionary spending, and Republicans want to cut spending by at least $100 billion a year, is either side serious about real spending cuts? My response: With uncontrolled deficits well into the future and a debt exceeding $14 trillion, for Obama to propose saving only $40 billion per year in discretionary spending over the next five years, while “investing” in pie-in-the-sky things like high-speed rail, wind farms, environmentally destructive ethanol, and the like, is worse than unserious — it’s an insult to our intelligence. Like Obama, many Republicans too treat military spending, among other things, as sacrosanct, but at leas... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399499 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:22:25 +0100 4399499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337940&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fconsider-medical-conditions-before-jumping-on-the-new-years-resolution-diet-and-exercise-bandwagon%2F2011.01.11 The first week of January was full of news reports of giving advice on your new diet and exercise program to help you lose the weight you’ve always wanted to. In a previous post and video I talk about some do’s and don’ts when planning for your weight loss New Year’s resolution. In the video below, I talk about some medical issues to keep in mind before starting your program. For example, do you have a family history of medical problems like high blood pressure or diabetes? If so, you may want to schedule an appointment with your personal physician before jumping on the diet and exercise bandwagon. If you find this video helpful, I invite you to check out other TV interviews at MikeSevilla.TV. Enjoy! *This blog post was originally published at Doctor Ano... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337940 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4337940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309668&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F04%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-4-2011%2F Well here it is. Here we are. It’s 2011 and we made it through another holiday season and a whole other year. How do you feel? Was it everything you expected and hoped for? Did it exceed your expectations or underwhelm you? Oftentimes high hopes and unrealistic expectations set us up for disappointment. We place our bets on the new year, putting our dreams and wishes to be thinner, happier, more successful all on the chance that something will change just because we want it to. If we’re lucky, sometimes it does. But more often than not, a day is just another day whether it’s 2010 or 2011. With that being said, ordinary days provide extraordinary opportunities. We can choose to walk a different path, changing our usual responses and reactions to the same triggers. In the e... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309668 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:44:46 +0100 4309668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265859&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F15%2Fwhen-sorry-is-not-enough%2F Barely a week goes by without one or other public figure apologizing for a disaster of monumental proportions. There’s an endless parade of politicians, business leaders, celebrities and others appearing on TV and in print, to own up and say sorry for what they’ve done wrong. We’ve come to expect this: just as night follows day, so public apology follows misdemeanor. Sometimes these apologies seem genuine and heartfelt, other times they’re perfunctory and insincere. But does any type of apology really help the healing process? The penitent hope their red-faced admissions of guilt will bring absolution, but can saying sorry really be enough to restore their credibility? High Expectations for the Power of ‘Sorry’ In private life we also have very high exp... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265859 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:39:41 +0100 4265859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233162&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FYqpydtfq8zc%2F By Randal O'TooleTea party victories in November likely signal the beginning of the end for President Obama’s ambitious and expensive high-speed rail plans. Republican governors-elect of both Ohio and Wisconsin have vowed to return federal high-speed rail funds that had been granted to those states. The governor-elect of Florida is also a rail skeptic, and more and more obstacles are being thrown in front of California’s rail plans. Obama Replaces Costly High-Speed Rail Plan With High-Speed Bus Plan The prospects for high-speed rail are so dire that the Onion recently suggested that President Obama would shift his support to high-speed buses instead. Even the Washington Post has sounded caution about spending much more money on this obsolete form of travel. The California High ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233162 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:03:19 +0100 4233162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4205931&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FKXEBDLulgiI%2F By Tad DeHavenIn October, I speculated that the upcoming elections could be the nail in the coffin for the Obama administration’s plan for a nationwide system of high-speed rail. Indeed, some notable gubernatorial candidates who ran, in part, on opposition to federal subsidies for HSR in their states proceeded to win. However, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made it clear in a recent speech to HSR supporters that the administration intends to push ahead. LaHood’s message was targeted specifically to incoming governors John Kasich in Ohio and Scott Walker in Wisconsin, who argued that HSR doesn’t make any economic or practical sense for their states. LaHood said that states rejecting federal HSR subsidies won’t be able to reroute the money to other uses, such as roads. Instead, ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4205931 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:56:45 +0100 4205931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183294&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-twinkie-diet%2F2010.11.19 “Hey…where did those cupcakes go?” Like a never-ending western North Carolina climb where each switchback reveals another uphill, and the finish is shielded by tall pines, the struggle to lose weight and to stay lean is incessant. In wrestling weight gain, competitive cyclists share the same mat as “regular” Americans. Like jockeys, all competitive bike racers strive for maximal leanness. It’s physics: Weigh less and the same number of watts push you farther and faster, especially when going uphill or accelerating from a slow speed. Remember those velocity problems in Physics 101? But is it conceivable that losing weight — even if accompanied by lower cholesterol levels — could be detrimental to long-term wellness? Obviously, the question answers itself... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183294 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4183294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164487&cid=t_102243_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fhigh-stress-jobs-increase-heart-attack-risk-women%2F A new report just out is suggesting that women who have high stress jobs suffer from an increased rate of heart attacks and coronary artery disease. The lead researcher is cardiologist Dr. Michelle Albert of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164487 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 21:48:20 +0100 4164487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164555&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F14%2Fare-you-feeling-trapped-by-facebook%2F Facebook is the currently-popular social networking website that boasts over 550 million users. It is the epitome of what “Web 2.0″ is supposedly about — personalized, user-created social content that connects people to one another. And it does that pretty darned well, too. I’ve re-connected with old friends from high school — friends I hadn’t seen or talked to in over 20 years — and even my first girlfriend from middle school. Are these connections “deep”? No, of course not. But they are very real and they exist. Before Facebook came along, these connections were non-existent. These people in my life had faded not only from my life, but from my memory as well. Facebook changed all of that and brought them back into my life, no matter h... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164555 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:39:41 +0100 4164555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139219&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D811 If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, or if you are having difficulties getting pregnant, this website is an amazing resource.  From pre conception to ‘normal’ pregnancy to high risk pregnancies, there are blog posts, resources and wonderful success stories to answer your unique questions.  You can find women and men who are going through very similar experiences; get their thoughts and ideas on many different issues and perhaps give some advice to others. There are resources on infertility, moms to be, pharmacy guides and cord blood banking.  Make your way over there, it will be worth the trip!! http://tinyurl.com/28kxqgd (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139219 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:42:44 +0100 4139219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139213&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fs13HczgvsS4%2F By Tad DeHavenOver at Downsizing the Federal Government, we focused on the following issues this week: Unfortunately, the party favored by tea party supporters at the moment has no interest in shuttering the Department of Education. Columnist Robert Samuelson is right: the Obama administration’s high-speed rail dreams “represent shortsighted, thoughtless government at its worst.” Attention GOP: the electorate wants spending cuts, and they will support the policymakers who take the lead on cuts if they are pursued in a forthright and serious-minded manner. New Republican members of Congress will be looking for ways to cut the budget deficit and also to increase economic growth. One way to do both is to privatize government assets. Will the House Republican leadership embrace spending... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139213 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:03:58 +0100 4139213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133995&cid=t_102243_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FgzrsphtRgQo%2F (Editor’s Note: What follows is an excerpt from Dr. Robert Sylwester’s new book, A Child’s Brain. The Need for Nurture (2010) Corwin. In this excerpt, Robert Sylwester synthesizes the first 20 years of development and shows how it can be viewed as a “rhythmic four-six-four-six-year developmental sequence”) . Chapter 4: Development and Growth. The First 20 years. To simplify a complex phenomenon, we can divide our 20-year developmental trajectory into two periods of approximately 10 years each. The developmental period from birth to about age 10 focuses on learning how to be a human being – learning to move, to communicate, and to master basic social skills. The developmental period from about 11 to 20 focuses on learning how to be a productive reproductive human being – plan... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133995 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:27:16 +0100 4133995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133872&cid=t_102243_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FQFKgd-UntvU%2F photo: Flickr user Sleeping Cat Beads We’re very opinionated when it comes to cats vs. dogs. Sorry canine-lovers, but a new study claims that cats make their owners happier and healthier than dogs. Theoretically, dog owners should be fairly healthy from all the hours they spend frolicking with their pups in the dog run, but apparently cleaning up messes on the living room floor and throwing away chewed-up shoes render all that exercise moot. And studies show that cats lower their owners’ blood pressure by reducing stress. So all those old ladies who live with their two dozen cats? Not sad and lonely at all. In fact, they could be healthier and happier than you are. Now, dog lovers: We’re ready for your protestations. Let us know why your perfect poochie makes you happier ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133872 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:27:25 +0100 4133872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118895&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FE8tqzwdmNwM%2F By Tad DeHavenVice President Joe Biden is an affable fellow, which sometimes makes his tendency to exaggerate the truth somewhat amusing. However, Biden’s latest tall tale is as unamusing as it is wrong. From the New York Daily News: “Every single great idea that has marked the 21st century, the 20th century and the 19th century has required government vision and government incentive,” he said. “In the middle of the Civil War you had a guy named Lincoln paying people $16,000 for every 40 miles of track they laid across the continental United States. … No private enterprise would have done that for another 35 years.” I’ll go straight to the 19th century railroads issue by referencing the work of two Cato scholars who probably know a little bit more about the topic than Joe Bid... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118895 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:53:20 +0100 4118895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4106076&cid=t_102243_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FNNDNVs2Z6fM%2F Chapter 2:  My Story Nature vs. nurture I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, the son of a defense attorney and a teacher. I was the second of four children. I will not get into a drawn out psychodynamic exploration of my upbringing at this time except to note that I firmly believe that the way I ultimately turned out is a result of a combination of genetic, developmental, environmental, and personality factors. There were probably elements of my early life and also genetic factors that predisposed me to become an addict, but I believe that each person can point to similar predispositions. I am the one responsible for how I used the gifts and liabilities that shaped my life. The nerd I was a very cheerful young child, but at some point I began to struggle with social interactions. By th... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4106076 Sun, 24 Oct 2010 19:48:53 +0100 4106076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077214&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fwould-you-ditch-all-of-your-cute-shoes-to-prevent-foot-problems%2F photo: Thinkstock Aches and pains are just another depressing sign that your body is eventually going to break down. But if you could change the way you live now to spare yourself a few of those aching bones later, would you? Even if it meant toning down your scandalous footwear? A study done by the National Institutes of Health revealed that chronic foot pain is exacerbated by shoes that don’t fit right, or that stress a particular part of your foot (four-inch heels, anyone?). Podiatrists suggest ditching wild shoes in favor of more sensible options. But guess what?  Comfortable shoes are generally not cute. You can buy inserts and orthotics to help with foot pain, but those can be expensive. Would you be willing to wear only sensible shoes for the rest of your life to keep foot pr... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077214 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:47:23 +0100 4077214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077472&cid=t_102243_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F17%2Fview-from-roof-top-near-high-park-toronto%2F (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077472 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 20:53:00 +0100 4077472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055698&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FUOY8BYYyXwM%2F By Tad DeHavenThe President is continuing his push for the federal government to go deeper into debt in order to fund infrastructure projects. While nobody disputes that the country has infrastructure needs, the precarious nature of federal and state finances indicate that policymakers need to starting thinking outside the box. Specifically, policymakers should be looking to make it easier for the private sector to fund and operate infrastructure projects. As my colleagues Chris Edwards and Peter Van Doren have explained, the main problem with government infrastructure spending is the lack of efficiency: More roads and transit capacity may or may not make sense depending on whether the benefits exceed the costs. One sure way to find out is to have private provision and user charges. If use... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055698 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:43:58 +0100 4055698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040651&cid=t_102243_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D54 Can it be? Controlling internal bleeding without surgery or stitches?  Didn’t I see that on Star Trek?  Yes, but autonomous acoustic hemostasis is already here.  It’s an exciting technology based on high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) used to induce targeted blood coagulation within the body. Uncontrolled bleeding is a life-threatening concern with trauma, surgery, and stroke patients. When I asked Dr. Timothy Fabian, MD, Wilson alumni professor of surgery and chairman of the department of surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, about the numbers, he confirmed, “Traumatic injuries kill more than 170,000 people each year.” Blood loss is one of the first priorities in treating trauma and hemorrhagic stroke.  In fact, according to the National Trauma Institute... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040651 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:49:34 +0100 4040651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4022439&cid=t_102243_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Firregular-sleep-in-early-pregnancy.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4022439 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:46:00 +0100 4022439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4001687&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmy-patient-the-health-nut%2F2010.09.25 A version of the following post, by Kimberly Manning, FACP, appeared on the blog “Life at Grady.” “My blood pressure is still borderline? Man!” “Yeah…and from looking through the chart, it was 150/96 on your admission. It’s pretty much been that since you’ve been here, give or take a few points. That’s a little more than borderline, actually.” I paused for a moment, realizing that I sounded a bit discouraging. “I don’t think this would be hard to get under control at all, sir. I mean…you’re such a motivated patient, you know?” I studied my patient carefully. He was in his late thirties, although he could totally pass for a twenty-something all day, every day. His skin looked like someone had grabbed ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4001687 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 17:00:00 +0100 4001687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976489&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FVjjlsGiLkwQ%2F By Tad DeHavenWisconsin has become a battleground over the Obama administration’s plan to create a national system of high-speed rail. Of the $8 billion in HSR grants awarded to the states in the stimulus bill, $810 million of it went toward a high-speed route between Milwaukee and Madison. Ironically, this Wisconsin “high-speed” route would only achieve speeds of 79 mph initially and 110 mph by 2016. As a Cato essay on high-speed rail points out, HSR aficionados don’t even consider 110 mph to be true high-speed. In fact, passenger trains were being run at speeds of 110 mph or more back in the 1930s. And those “high-speed” trains didn’t prevent the decline of passenger trains after World War II. The Cato essay also notes that the 85-mile line between Milwaukee and Madison “... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976489 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:58:12 +0100 3976489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946417&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsunny-d-goes-zero-waste-still-unhealthy-but-does-it-matter%2F photo via IDSGN.org Today, Inhabitat reported that all of Sunny Delight’s U.S. and Spanish companies have gone zero-waste to landfill. While this could be a positive change for the company, Inhabitat thinks that the corporation’s star product (Sunny D), which contains a lot of high-fructose corn syrup, cancels out the zero-waste achievement. Yes, high-fructose corn syrup is bad for us. But so is sending exorbitant amounts of waste to landfills. And sure, it’d be great to live in a world where Sunny D wasn’t made with HFCS (right?), but that just isn’t happening now. And Inhabitat’s claim that Sunny D’s move to zero-waste is an act of “self-interest” is irrelevant — less waste being shipped to landfills is a good move for the earth and... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946417 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:07:22 +0100 3946417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920900&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2F31%2Fintroducing-an-epidemic-of-addiction%2F I’m pleased today to introduce our newest blog, Epidemic of Addiction, with Dr. Jeffrey Junig. Addictions to substances — like alcohol, cocaine, opioids, prescription drugs and other kinds of drugs — remain a serious problem in modern society. It’s a telling sign that society pays little attention to drug addicts, believing that theirs is a self-made bed in which to lie upon. But like any mental illness, addiction is not something a person ever asks for. Addiction often creeps up on a person as they’re living their everyday lives, starting out not so much as a problem at first. It can quickly snowball, though, and become a problem before a person ever realizes it. As Dr. Junig says in his introduction, “This blog will explore the psychology of addictive... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920900 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:27:03 +0100 3920900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913293&cid=t_102243_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F29%2Fpepsis-new-designer-salt-healthy-or-health-hazard%2F You may have heard in the news recently that PepsiCo created a salt for its Lay’s potato chips (and other Frito products) that will reduce salt content. At first glance, it seems like a gimmick. You might even think they are trying to make people think that their snack products are healthier. But, there’s actually more to it than that. I talked with the Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Aurora Gonzalez, about the new salt and got some interesting health-related information. Frito-Lay cares about making a good product. They were the first company to remove trans fats in favor of sunflower oil. They are thinking about sodium in terms of “if there is something we can do, we should do it.” They know people are concerned about salt intake. They also know that people like seas... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913293 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 06:35:39 +0100 3913293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913120&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdiabetes-and-precision-carb-guessing%2F2010.08.28 I keep measuring cups in my purse so that I can measure out my dinners out to be exact. I keep a small food scale in the glove compartment of my car so I am never guessing how many ounces a certain item might be. And I have the Calorie King booklet in my pocket at all times, so that I’m never left guessing. I even sewed pockets into all my clothes, just to bring the booklet around. (The previous paragraph is filled with lies. Big, fat ones.) I wish I was a precision carb counter. I wish I had the patience for it, always either eating pre-packaged and factory-analyzed foods or spending my time carefully measuring and weighing any home cooked adventures. But I am not a precision carb counter. I’m a precision carb guesser. (more…) *This blog post was originally... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913120 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3913120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890458&cid=t_102243_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F08%2Ftwelve-high-school-football-players-suffer-rhabdomyolysis-require-fasciotomy%2F In a baffling development, twelve Oregon high school football players from McMinnville High School at immersion summer training camp suffered rhabdomyolysis andthree required fasciotomy for compartment syndrome (swollen muscles). (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890458 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:32:29 +0100 3890458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876783&cid=t_102243_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F_cuafsF-UhU%2F Courtesy of the University of California, Davis, Center for Neuroscience What should everyone learn about the brain?  At the national level, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) describes what adults should know in its seminal work Science for All Americans.[1] AAAS also recommends learning goals for K-12 students in its Benchmarks for Science Literacy[2,3], and Atlas of Science Literacy[4,5], and the National Research Council (NRC) offers a similar set of goals in its National Science Education Standards.[6] States and school districts use the AAAS and NRC recommendations as a basis for the design of their own standards, which then inform the development of curriculum and assessment materials (those commercially developed as well as those developed with grant fu... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876783 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:48:06 +0100 3876783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854472&cid=t_102243_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fhypokalemia%2F Pathophysiology 1) decreased potassium levels < 3.5 mmol/L due to increased potassium losses, decreased potassium intake, shift of potassium intracellularly  Specific causes – 2) K+ wasting diuretics (furosemide, thiazides) 3) prolonged diarrhea or vomiting 4) metabolic alkalosis 5) excessive sweating 6) hyperaldosteronism Signs and Symptoms 1) symptoms occur if plasma K+ is < 3.0 2) weak and tired legs 3) fatigue 4) myalgias 5) hypoventilation due to respiratory muscle weakness 6) paralysis 7) nocturia, polyuria, polydipsia Characteristic Test Findings EKG – 1) flattening of T waves 2) presence of “u” waves Associated Conditions increased incidence with – 1) amphotericin B 2) steroids 3) laxative abuse 4) theophylline 5) tetracycline 6) renal cell carc... Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854472 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:00:03 +0100 3854472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831304&cid=t_102243_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fdr-vishal-michael-shah-reports-nfl-players-return-acl-injury-related-high-draft-status%2F Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vishal Michael Shah of the Richmond Bone and Joint Clinic in Richmond, Texas has compiled statistics that show that less than two thirds of NFL players who sustain tears of the anterior cruciate ligament ever return to play – and that those that do are usually high draft picks. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831304 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 03:58:23 +0100 3831304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3807306&cid=t_102243_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fmultiple-factors-hurt-teen-sleep.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3807306 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3807306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784261&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcardiologist-job-security%2F2010.07.23 All it takes to assure you’ll keep your local cardiologist employed is 19 strips of bacon and an egg and you’ve got yourself one heck of a solid bacon burger: Having read about the difficulties people making such burgers have had keeping them together, I decided to add one large egg to the food processor along with the 19 slices of bacon. I ground the bacon and the egg together, then, using my hands, pulled the mixture out and used a hamburger press to make a burger. It is possible that my hands have been greasier at some point in my life, but if so I have (fortunately) forgotten it. I was not quite prepared for the raw burger to look like pure fat, and I must admit that it didn’t look very appealing. But it was for science, so I soldiered on! I put the burger on the rack-Pyr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784261 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3784261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780586&cid=t_102243_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F23%2Fdash-your-way-to-a-healthier-heart%2F This article is part of a series on simple things everyone can do to keep their heart healthy and strong. (Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog) Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780586 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:10:57 +0100 3780586 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3794943&cid=t_102243_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator-2%2Fsamsung-and-innoden-introduce-the-future-for-dental-chair%25e2%2580%2599s-and-delivery-units%2F Sky Dental “M” is Finally Here and Set to Change the View of Dental! Samsung and InnoDen have partnered to bring Dentist nationwide the latest in Dental Unit technology and design. Sky Dental “M” has combined all the design and technology features you could ask for with the best quality materials available. All components create a unit that is aesthetically appealing, functional and above all built to last. Together they are changing the way you view dental equipment today. Seattle, WA (FPRC) June, 1 2010 – Samsung and InnoDen are set to bring the latest in technology and design to the Dental Equipment Industry nationwide. “Sky Dental’s “M” Chair Unit incorporates American design and functionality that is seen from your leaders in the industry today” said Justin Taylor... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3794943 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:05:49 +0100 3794943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746708&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fflawless-to-a-fault-are-you-a-perfectionist%2F photo: Thinkstock We’ve all known since high school that perfectionism is a double-edged sword. While we might envy a golden girl’s body or brain, we certainly aren’t jealous of her bad temper or control-freak tendencies. Now there’s evidence that the stress of being a perfectionist has even higher stakes than we previously thought: Poor health. Researchers say that perfectionism is liked to bad health and death. In a study following 450 adults over 65 for 6.5 years, those who had high perfectionism scores had a 51% increased risk of death compared to those with low scores. We’ll be taking this new research as an excuse to act a little less than perfect today (which will be difficult for us). Like maybe we’ll pick off half our nail polish so we have weir... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746708 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:09:59 +0100 3746708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3747007&cid=t_102243_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F217%2Fdiscover-a-natural-skin-care-product-with-functional-keratin%2F I thought you might be interested in a natural skin care product with anti-aging activity.  One of the most recent discoveries is that a protein complex called Functional Keratin will provide many anti-aging benefits. In some circles, it is being hailed as something of an anti-aging miracle.  Here’s what it can do. First of all, it is the same as the protein that makes up the majority of the cells in the skin’s outer layers.  Inactive or dysfunctional keratin has been included in moisturizers for many years. The benefits were minimal, because the skin’s cells could not pick it up and use it.  The harsh chemicals and high heat used to soften it made it unusable. The same is true of the collagen and elastin proteins found in anti-aging products.  The skin’s cells cannot use them... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3747007 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:27:45 +0100 3747007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3743671&cid=t_102243_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fc9d0q4gnKuA%2F I am good at predicting what meals make my bg's high. I ran high ALL day, yesterday for no apparent reason; it sucked. I don't complain about being high because it's usually a self inflected high (missed bolus, not bolusing correctly) but when I don't do anything wrong it kinda ticks me off! I thought I was having issues with my Pod, everything was fine. I injected a few units of apidra, still couldn't get under 220. I stayed calmed, ate chicken, hung out with my mom, went to bed. I woke up this morning my fasting bg 135! Could it be because of the increase dosage of my thyroid med's? Yes. I was wrong...2 hours later I was 71. *sigh* I have good diabetes days for the most part but every once in a while a terrible bg day sneaks in, it drives me nuts. Be Blessed Cherise iPad blog (Sour... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3743671 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:29:45 +0100 3743671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742310&cid=t_102243_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FbjGJW_4b92Y%2F           Diverticulosis is a condition which affects your large intestine, more commonly referred to as the colon.  Nutrition is digested and food is absorbed in the 20 feet of your small intestine – the long, thin portion of the bowel that begins at the stomach and ends in the right, lower abdomen.  Following digestion, the liquid waste enters the 5 feet of the large intestine (colon) which ends in the rectum.  Just above the rectum, there is an s-shaped portion of the colon called the sigmoid colon, and this is where diverticulosis usually occurs.  A colon affected by diverticulosis has weak spots in the walls and these weak spots allow the development of outpouches.  These hollow pouches on the colon are about the size of a large pea and are referred to as diverticula.�... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742310 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 21:05:27 +0100 3742310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737080&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F08%2Fdating-some-self-esteem-savers%2F I have been in the single arena, and it is an arena, for nearly a year. In this time frame I have learned, lost, cried and felt elation, all at varying levels. How does a woman know when the guy actually likes her? How does a woman know what to say or do and not seem crazy? The answers are there are no answers. Sometimes one person may feel a connection when the other does not. Sometimes we come across potential partners who are super-sexy, successful and have that “catch me if you can” attitude. They’re not worth running after if they won’t run right after you too. Dating is hard. But I think the key to positive dating is to attempt to remain objective as possible. I know this is nearly impossible for some and I am guilty of it. Many of us have hopes and ideas of t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737080 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:30:29 +0100 3737080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733125&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F07%2Fa-not-so-random-act-of-kindness%2F “Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” – Anne Herbert Penn Station, New York City, noon, the beginning of summer. Eighty degrees: A perfect day. Everyone who can be outside is outside. But I have to go in to catch the train back to Jersey. I am not at full sprint, but I am moving, hungry. No breakfast, no lunch. A morning consult brings me in once a month to YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities. I’ve done it hundreds of times. Winters, summers, I know my way around Penn Station. I have it down to a science. I get a sandwich – make the train. There is a deli near the Seventh Avenue exit that has the best grilled vegetable panini sandwich I’ve ever had. I swear I would do the consult just to buy this sandwich. The staff at YAI/NIPD... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733125 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:30:50 +0100 3733125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3729703&cid=t_102243_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fstudents-see-improvements-with-later.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3729703 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:53:00 +0100 3729703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3729877&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcan-sugar-raise-your-blood-pressure%2F2010.07.06 Most of us know that salt raises blood pressure in many people. When I learned that in medical school almost 40 years ago, I have not touched a salt shaker since. I enjoy having a low normal blood pressure. A new study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (July 2010) suggests that sugar, especially the fructose that comes from corn syrup, may also raise blood pressure. A study team from the University of Colorado in Denver looked at sugar intake among thousands of Americans in a major national nutrition survey between 2003 and 2006. Those who consumed more added sugars, such as the fructose in soft drinks, had significantly higher blood pressures than those who did not and ate more natural foods such as fresh fruit. Fructose from corn syrup is a major cause of the... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3729877 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3729877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714146&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fis-having-kids-a-waste-of-your-degree-study-shows-that-highly-educated-women-are-opting-for-motherhood-more%2F A recent report on childlessness and women from the Pew Center shows a trend that seems obvious: On the whole, more women are opting out of motherhood today than in the past. But under the surface is an interesting twist – among the most highly educated women, rates of childlessness have actually gone down. The Pew Center’s report looks at the percent of women ages 40-44 who’ve never borne any children during the periods 1990-1992 and 2006-2008. Overall, and across racial demographics, the number of women who chose not to become mothers rose. But when the data were compared by level of education (high school diploma, college degree, master’s degree, etc.), the most highly educated women are having children more often than in the past. The New York Times guesses that wo... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714146 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:46:22 +0100 3714146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3701677&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fis-sunburn-more-likely-on-the-beach-or-in-the-mountains%2F2010.06.26 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) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3701677 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:00:47 +0100 3701677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695566&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fxxxtreme-calories-dishes-what-not-to-eat%2F2010.06.24 It’s no secret that the U.S. has a weight problem and with chain restaurants serving up meals with thousands of calories in a single dish, it’s easy to understand why. Watch “CBS Doc Dot Com” to see which meals you should try to avoid — or at least share. Watch CBS News Videos Online (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695566 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 04:18:12 +0100 3695566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683559&cid=t_102243_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fpremed-high-school-starts-medical-studying-eighth-grade%2F In the first move toward a more European model of medical training, Darnell Cookman Charter School in Florida is graduating its first class of pre-med students – from high school. Pupil Tony Hansberry gives his take on deciding so young to become a physician. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683559 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:44:49 +0100 3683559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662643&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F183067%2F Blood Pressure Drugs Connected to Cancer: Patients taking blood pressure drugs were 1.2% more likely to develop cancer than patients were are not. (via U.S. News and World Report) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662643 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:00:03 +0100 3662643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648266&cid=t_102243_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fteen-auto-accident-rates-higher-when.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648266 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:22:00 +0100 3648266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633445&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fprescription-drugs-and-high-school-students%2F2010.06.06 A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one in five U.S. high school students have taken a prescription drug that they didn’t get from their doctor. According to the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) that was released today from the CDC, the survey asked more than 16,000 high school students if they’ve ever taken a prescription drug such as Oxycontin, Percoset, Vicodin, Adderall, Ritalin and Xanax. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Health in 30* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633445 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 12:00:16 +0100 3633445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3621608&cid=t_102243_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fenvironmental-working-group-lists-organic-fruits-vegetables-highest-pesticide-levels%2F Amy Rosenthal of the Environmental Working Group discusses the “dirty dozen” non-organic fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3621608 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:48 +0100 3621608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614695&cid=t_102243_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FvxX1jYJGlZY%2F Sobriety High The writer Anais Nin said that “adolescence is like a cactus.” The teenage years are indeed prickly ones, filled with uncomfortable emotions and uncharted terrain as teens enter high school and move self-consciously into young adulthood. High school presents even more challenges for teens recovering from addiction who struggle to remain clean and sober after treatment. Drugs and alcohol are easy to come by in most schools, and the pressure to use them is often great. According to the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the number of students age 12-17 who received treatment for substance abuse rose 20 percent from 1994-1999, with well over 100,000 young people entering treatment each year. Studies show that approximately ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614695 Sun, 30 May 2010 15:00:01 +0100 3614695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3611908&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffor-high-school-graduates-education-first-career-second%2F2010.05.29 It’s here again: High school graduation season — that annual rite of passage for high schoolers coast to coast to embark upon that much-anticipated journey from home to that first true independent step outside the safety net of their childhood communities. What always amazes me is the pressure high school kids feel as they embark upon this journey and how often I hear these kids express anxiety over not knowing what they want to be “when they grow up.” And, let’s not forget that we are still talking about kids — these are still teenagers, still developing and maturing. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr. Gwenn Is In* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3611908 Sat, 29 May 2010 18:00:04 +0100 3611908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585575&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fnutrition-the-raw-milk-controversy%2F photo: Thinkstock Raw milk (that is, milk that’s unprocessed and non-homogenized) is thought of among some people as a natural treatment for allergies, asthma, and some stomach problems. According to The Los Angeles Times, the FDA thinks it’s dangerous to consume because of the risk of E coli and other dangerous bacteria. In fact, last March, 13 people fell ill in Michigan because of tainted raw milk. The FDA has prohibited sale of raw milk across state lines, but raw milk currently can be sold in 27 states. Proponents of raw milk, who are largely health-conscious moms, believe that they should have the right to choose what kind of milk they and their families drink. In some states, you can buy the milk in stores; in others, you have to go straight to the source – family far... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585575 Thu, 20 May 2010 20:56:06 +0100 3585575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683885&cid=t_102243_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2Fms1h_PKIXto%2F A question and answer session with someone who is considering stopping buprenorphine.  His message first, with identifying information removed: Hi, I just sent a donation through PayPal. I used Norco 10/325 since 1999, about 20-40 per day for the past five years.  A month ago I went on 2 mg Subutex but don’t like the feeling of being drugged.  The next day I went down to 1 mg/day, and have been at that dose since.   I liked the Norco because I could still function, and could “feel”, including joy.  Now I have no feelings of joy at all, just feel drugged all the time.  I meditate and exercise 30 min/day, have done that for years, so maybe that kept me grounded. Q:  What is the quickest and most comfortable way for me to taper?  Should I use Ativan to help with rest... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683885 Tue, 18 May 2010 21:33:37 +0100 3683885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3569805&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fim-your-doctor-and-im-worth-it%2F2010.05.16 I saw the note on the patient’s chart before I opened the door: “Patient is upset that he had to come in.” I opened the door and was greeted by a gentleman with his arms crossed tightly across his chest and a stern expression. I barely recognized him, having only seen him a handful of times over the past few years. Scrawled on the patient history sheet in the space for the reason for his visit were the words, “Because I was forced to come in.” My stomach churned. I opened his chart and looked at his problem list, which included high blood pressure and high cholesterol –- both treated with medications. He was last in my office in November — of 2008. I blinked, looked up at his scowling face, and frowned back. ”You haven’t been in the office for over 18 months. It was r... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3569805 Sun, 16 May 2010 22:00:46 +0100 3569805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567891&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-to-lower-your-cholesterol%2F2010.05.15 Your doctor has just informed you that you have “hyperlipidemia” – or high cholesterol. She’s mentioning lipid-lowering drugs (statins), but you said you want to try some things on your own first. She agrees and will recheck your blood levels in three months. What are you going to do? The advice is all over the map and your Google searches come up with various supplements and diets that are confusing and overwhelming. Here are some specific recommendations, based on evidence, that can help you lower your cholesterol. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at EverythingHealth* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567891 Sat, 15 May 2010 18:00:00 +0100 3567891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567894&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-your-family-has-a-technology-gap%2F2010.05.15 Do you have a technology participation gap in your family? We do. In fact, most families do somewhere. For us, we have a few older relatives who firmly believe that technology is for “the younger generation.” What’s interesting is that some of these people are not that old — at least not “old” as I define it. One relative, for example, was a working woman in her younger days. Retired now, she never bought into any technology past the 1970s! Beyond the automobile, refrigerator, TV, radio, dishwasher, washer and drier, she has seen no need for anything else. Although  she has grudgingly begun to use email and the Web, she has deemed herself  ”old” and refused to use a cell phone or any other “high-tech device.” (more…) *This blog post was originall... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567894 Sat, 15 May 2010 12:00:10 +0100 3567894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542906&cid=t_102243_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F05%2F07%2Fhigher-protein-diet-with-resistance-exercise-best-for-fat-loss%2F There are a myriad of ways to lose weight, but I lean generally towards diets relatively low in carbohydrate and rich in fat. This is on the basis that such diets consistently out-perform diets explicitly low in fat in terms of weight loss. Also, such diets tend to, generally speaking, bring about desirable changes in [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542906 Fri, 07 May 2010 16:12:50 +0100 3542906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3534113&cid=t_102243_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fd0u1Yissuus%2F Guilt, Resentment, Fear, Inadequacy, Loneliness: The five areas that seem to cause the most serious problems for people in recovery from alcoholism. Several years ago, Clancy I., was explaining to me that guilt, resentment, fear, feelings of personal inadequacy and loneliness were the five areas that seem to cause the most serious problems for people in recovery. He shared with me seven questions that he uses to help a person start writing and he emphasised that the questions and the writing are not intended to replace A.A.’s Step 4, they just help the person get started. Most of the people who approach Clancy or are referred to him, are very hardcore cases who have tried numerous times and approaches to solve their problems. I have been using these “Seven Questions” with the peo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3534113 Tue, 04 May 2010 16:01:00 +0100 3534113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508166&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FyxatCOmKNtg%2F By Mark A. CalabriaMismanaged municipal and state governments around the country are finding a new target to blame for their own self-inflicted wounds:  the growing market for credit defaults swaps (CDS) on municipal debt. A municipal credit default swap would be a derivative that pays off in the event of default by a specific state or a default on one of said state’s debt instruments. As reported in today’s Wall Street Journal, a handful of state treasurers are demanding information from Wall Street firms on who exactly is “betting against” these states. It should come as no surprise, except to state officials, that the major buyers of these CDS are the very bondholders investing in their state.  In fact the availability of municipal CDS will likely increase th... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508166 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:11:41 +0100 3508166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504954&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F26%2Ftop-25-psychiatric-drugs-in-2009%2F A few years back, we published the Top 20 Psychiatric Prescriptions for 2005. Four years later and we thought it’s about high time we updated that list with the help of the healthcare intelligence firm IMS Health, which tracks prescription data in the U.S. We published the new list this morning, Top 25 Psychiatric Prescriptions for 2009. There’s a few interesting observations we can make based upon this data and the intervening four year span between the two lists. First, anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, Valium and Ativan remain some of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. And it’s no wonder — they are fast-acting and have a short half-life, meaning their effects typically wear off in a few hours. Xanax remains the most commonly prescribed psych... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504954 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:35:14 +0100 3504954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499060&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FxARgsuAF3WM%2F By Chris MoodyToday is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a time to highlight and discuss ways to work toward a cleaner planet. Cato’s energy and environment research promotes policies that would help protect the environment without sacrificing economic liberty, goals that are mutually supporting, not mutually exclusive. Why we should thank capitalism for environmental gains: “It is businessmen — not bureaucrats or environmental activists — who deserve most of the credit for the environmental gains over the past century and who represent the best hope for a Greener tomorrow.” Finding the right balance: “Today, America’s environment is cleaner—and Earth Day has indeed helped ensure that. …We should renew our promise to keep the environment clean�... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499060 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:44:45 +0100 3499060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3483131&cid=t_102243_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FRw-QkOLg8FM%2F Several weeks ago an article with a provocative title was posted at Suboxone Forum.  I don’t remember the exact title, but it was something like ‘Toxicity from High Dose Buprenorphine (HDB).  Before everyone gets too excited, there was nothing all that new in the article, which consisted of three case reports about deaths of people taking buprenorphine.  One case consisted of a suicide from very large doses of buprenorphine, one was a death from combining buprenorphine with other respiratory depressants, and the third death was in a person with liver failure who took buprenorphine with other psychotropic medications.  There are a couple issues brought up in the article that are worth mentioning. First, I appreciate their use of the term ‘high dose buprenorphine,&#8217... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3483131 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 20:56:42 +0100 3483131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467712&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fwant-to-get-happy-first-get-angry%2F photo: Thinkstock Last week, a college friend and I reunited via text. She’d read my recent post on Blisstree, and wanted to talk about her new-ish blog. She said her blog was a great idea because it finally put her “foul mouth to good use.” The more I thought about it, I remembered this woman, Heaven Beiene-Carthon, during college. She never seemed to get stressed. As far as I could recall, she’d never been sick – not even with a cold. Now, to top it all off, she was living a fabulous life as the wife of an NFL scout and mom of two beautiful girls. After my jealousy simmered down to a manageable level, I came up with a list of what it means to be her. That’s when it hit me: She makes her own rules. She is loud and aggressive; she gets angry and lets you know it; and she’... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467712 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:05:48 +0100 3467712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3454116&cid=t_102243_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fsneak-preview-extreme-diabetes-makeover-underway-at-tcoyd-now.html If you enjoy “The Biggest Loser” or other reality shows in that vein, and you have diabetes, you’re gonna love this!! Several years in the making, the TCOYD “Extreme Diabetes Makeover” program is underway now; episodes will start airing in May on TCOYD.org and its own TV channel, on YouTube, and at RealAge.com, the popular consumer [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3454116 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:00:01 +0100 3454116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443933&cid=t_102243_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fthe-jurys-still-out-on-victoza.html Novo Nordisk is well-known in the diabetes community for its insulins, Novolog and Levemir, used to treat mainly type 1 diabetes. But in the last year, Novo launched a new kind of injectable, a “first line of defense for people with type 2 diabetes” called Victoza (generic: liraglutide). It’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug designed [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443933 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:00:37 +0100 3443933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3433170&cid=t_102243_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-signs-of-a-spiritual-awakening%2F The 12-Step program focuses on more than just stopping controlism, drugging or drinking. The program also builds basic human spiritual values and practices. These in turn give a natural emotional high to any life situation. No matter what the initial problem; adult child of alcoholism, codependency, emotions, gambling, alcoholism or addiction; after working the program most experience these effects. An increased tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen. Frequent attacks of smiling. Feelings of being connected with others and nature. Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experience. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment. A loss of ability to worry. A loss of interest in conflic... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3433170 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:35:00 +0100 3433170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429134&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2010%2F04%2F01%2Fjaime-escalante-dies-of-bladder-cancer%2F Filed under: Bladder Cancer, Daily newsJaime Escalante, the East Los Angeles math teacher whose story inspired the movie Stand and Deliver, died from bladder cancer at his son's home on Tuesday. The 79-year-old teacher was best known for transforming Garfield High School's math curriculum. Although Garfield High School once had struggling students, Escalante's persistence helped them master advanced math and science courses. During Escalante's time at the school, it had the fifth-highest number of advanced placement calculus students in the country, including the students that made him the most famous teacher in the country. In 1982, 14 of Escalante's students who passed the Advanced Placement calculus exam were accused of cheating. However, their innocence helped raise the working-cla... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429134 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3429134 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3425152&cid=t_102243_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F31%2Fcould-advising-people-to-eat-less-and-exercise-more-increase-their-risk-of-getting-fatter%2F Some time ago one of my blogs focused on the thoughts of Dr Andrew Wadge - Chief Scientist at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK. The blog specifically focused on his broadside at ‘detox’ regimes. I can understand that someone may be a bit sceptical of such regimes. However, if Dr Wadge [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3425152 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:02:22 +0100 3425152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420560&cid=t_102243_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FYq5utR-pBsc%2F          My oldest son had roseola when he was about 18 months old.  The fever was extremely high and he was actually hospitalized, had several tests, and finally he broke out in a rash.  I felt kind of dumb as a nurse (I had never heard of the disease) but when the doctors were also puzzled, I didn’t feel so stupid and I was glad they took full precautionary measures.  Also referred to as the sixth disease, or roseola infantum, the disease is usually a harmless illness caused by a virus.  It occurs almost only in children age 3 months to 3 years, most often between 9-12 months.  It is probably the most common cause of fever in this age group.  This virus generally causes 3 days of high fever (often over 103).  The fever then subsides, and the child breaks out in a flat or... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420560 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:07:42 +0100 3420560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399229&cid=t_102243_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F24%2Fstudy-suggests-high-fructose-corn-syrup-is-uniquely-fattening-a-that-a-calorie-is-not-a-calorie-after-all%2F Variously on this site I’ve discussed the notion that ‘a calorie is a calorie’. Simply put, this concept, widely populated by doctors, dieticians and other health professionals, is that when it comes to their effects of weight, all forms of calorie are the same. In terms of its impact on body weight, a kilogram of [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399229 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:27:02 +0100 3399229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359049&cid=t_102243_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F12%2Fmaintain-your-memory-as-you-age%2F You can’t stop it — the natural aging process that ages not only our bodies, but our brains too. Normal aging doesn’t significantly impact our thinking, however. Most people do not suffer from significant memory problems, deficits in problem-solving, or issues with thinking through activities that require analysis and reasoning. Still, things that may have come to us quickly when we were younger may take a little bit more time as we get older. And these slow-downs come not only in memory, but in something that psychologists call executive function, too. According to information provided by The Harvard Health Letter, “Executive function is an umbrella term for the complex thinking required to make choices, plan, initiate action, and inhibit impulses. Executive funct... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359049 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:55:15 +0100 3359049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331273&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FPRv9cOR422k%2F By Michael F. CannonPresident Obama evidently thinks that if he promises not to kill health savings accounts (HSAs), opponents will swoon for his government takeover of health care.  If that doesn’t do the trick, he should make clear that his health plan would not eliminate other things too, like the Defense Department and puppies. Of course, that hollow gesture didn’t win the president any Republican support.  But it may have cost him some Democratic support — or at least frayed the nerves of a few House Democrats.  According to CongressDaily: Liberals, meanwhile, are fuming over an addition Obama made to his proposal to make the effort appear bipartisan and possibly switch the votes of moderate Democrats who opposed the House bill last year. The Congressional Progres... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331273 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:42:23 +0100 3331273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416361&cid=t_102243_155_f&fid=38410&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FOncopathology%2F%7E3%2FhG0tYN6UHSU%2Fhigh-grade-prostatic-intraepithelial.html : Common questions asked about HGPIN are : -How do we as pathologists make these diagnoses? -What do they mean for the patient in terms of cancer risk? -What is/are the optimal strategies for follow-up so that if cancer does eventually develop it is caught at an early, curable stage? Pathology criteria for diagnosis of HGPIN: -Architecturally benign acini/ducts lined by atypical cells. -These cells show large nuclei and prominent nucleoli (cytologic features of carcinoma). -Generally at least 10% of the luminal cells should show these features to make the diagnosis. Diagnosis of HGPIN has been shown to be reproducible. Low grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia has poor reproducibility (even among experts), ill defined diagnostic criteria, and no true clinical relevance. It is for ... Oncopathology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416361 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:39:00 +0100 3416361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318374&cid=t_102243_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F3YYXAMKhxZc%2F By Chris Moody Countdown: A quick rundown of some of the best (and worst) ideas for health care reform. The case for high-deductible health insurance:  “Of every dollar spent on health care in this country, just 13 cents is paid for by the person actually consuming the goods or services….As long as someone else is paying, consumers have every reason to consume as much health care as is available….This all but guarantees that health care costs and spending will continue their unsustainable path. And that is a path leading to more debt, higher taxes, fewer jobs and a reduced standard of living for all Americans.” McDonald v. Chicago: A new Supreme Court battle over the right to bear arms. Reality: The real housing crisis was the bubble, not the bust. “Was... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318374 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:58:01 +0100 3318374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287453&cid=t_102243_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fsleepy-teens-need-to-see-light.html A new study reports that teen sleep patterns may be disrupted by a lack of exposure to morning sunlight.The study took place at a middle school in Chapel Hill, N.C., that has good daylight design. South-facing skylights allow plenty of natural light to enter nearly all spaces of the building.Eleven eighth-grade students wore orange goggles for a five-day school week. The goggles prevented short-wavelength, “blue” light from reaching their eyes.This light plays an important role in helping to set the body’s circadian clock. This timing system helps regulate sleep and wakefulness.In the evenings the researchers measured the children’s “dim light melatonin onset.” This is the time when the body produces more melatonin.This hormone is a “darkness signal” for the body. Sleep ten... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287453 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:08:00 +0100 3287453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276115&cid=t_102243_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F16%2Fhigher-protein-diet-plus-resistance-exercise-aids-weight-and-fat-loss-in-type-2-diabetics%2F Where weight and fat loss is concerned, I favour a relatively low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet on the basis that such diets generally outperform low-fat, carb-rich diets traditionally advocated for weight loss. A lower-carb diet I think may have particular advantages for diabetics because, well, they have difficulty handling carbohydrate as a result of impaired insulin function [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276115 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:12:51 +0100 3276115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267121&cid=t_102243_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fremove-aspergers-dsm-disagnois-high-functioning-autism%2F Removing the Aspergers Diagnosis from the DSM is a controversial and hot topic in the Autism advocacy community.  Many people are angered by merging Aspergers with Hugh Functioning Autism. I was talking to a father of a high functioning autistic and he disagrees with the merging of the two diagnoses, his main reason being the verbal [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267121 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:47:29 +0100 3267121