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 'infections'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:48:55 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118649&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fantibiotic-resistant-glue-ear-and-a-potential-new-treatment%2F2011.08.10 Glue ear is the layman’s term for thick mucoid effusion of the middle ear, usually due to chronic ear infections. The fluid itself is like maple syrup and usually treated with ear tube placement followed by suctioning as much of the fluid out as possible. However, given there is always some residual present, antibiotic ear drops with steroids is often prescribed. Unfortunately, these patients are at higher risk of requiring repeated sets of tubes after the body spits them out. Why? (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Fauquier ENT Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118649 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0100 5118649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050562&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fhospital-acquired-infections-common-and-deadly-in-trauma-patients.html In this study, researchers found that trauma patients who develop serious bloodstream infections are six times more likely to die during their stay than those without an infection. And people who develop other infections, such as pneumonia or MRSA, are 1.5 to 1.9 times more likely to die. Patients with infections also had hospital stays roughly twice as long and hospital costs roughly twice as high as those who didn’t have infections. In an editorial accompanying the article, H.Scott Bjerke, M.D., at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., says: Infections make trauma patients sicker and sicker patients do worse; they die more, they consume more resources, and they stay longer. Or as my teenage son would say, ‘Duh, Dad, everyone knows that.’ So why do we need... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050562 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:01:00 +0100 5050562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028187&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fcdc-releases-new-guide-on-preventing-infections-in-outpatient-clinics.html More than three-quarters of all operations in the U.S. are now done in outpatient clinics, not hospitals. But many of those clinics don’t adhere to standard infection-prevention practices. To help correct that problem, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today released new guidelines meant to prevent infections in in “ambulatory” surgery centers, primary-care offices, endoscopy clinics, and pain-management clinics. The new guide is based on existing CDC guidelines now used mostly in hospitals. The guide includes a checklist meant to prevent infections from injections, poor hygiene, and other causes. Among other recommendations, it suggests that all outpatient practices have at least one individual with specific training in infection control on staff or regular... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028187 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:51:06 +0100 5028187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952849&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcdc-reports-that-salmonella-is-still-a-major-problem%2F2011.06.20 Salmonella food infections continue despite success reducing disease caused by other pathogens, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Salmonella should be targeted because while infection rates have not declined significantly in more than a decade, they are one of the most common, the CDC reports in its latest Vital Signs. Contaminated food causes approximately 1,000 reported disease outbreaks and an estimated 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Salmonella causes 1 million foodborne infections annually, incurring an estimated $365 million in direct medical costs. Salmonella infections in 2010 increased 10% from 2006-2008. The same prevention measures that reduced Escherichia coli infections to less than 1 case per 100,000 ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952849 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0100 4952849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921409&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fhospitals-that-make-their-data-hard-to-find.html One of the most important things to know about a hospital is how many of its patients develop infections. But hospitals often don’t release that data. To help motivate them, we put together a list of teaching hospitals that haven't made their information on infections easily accessible to the public. “The best hospitals know that sunlight is the best disinfectant, so they are willing to publicly report even if their performance is not yet optimal,” said Leah Binder, chief executive officer of The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving health care in hospitals, in part by encouraging them to report information on infections and other measures. For this analysis, we focused on hospitals that are members of the Council of Teaching Hospitals, ex... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921409 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:56:00 +0100 4921409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921411&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fboston-beats-new-york-in-cr-hospital-ratings.html The Boston vs. New York rivalry isn’t just the Red Sox vs. the Yankees. It’s which city, each known for its prestigious hospitals, has better medical care. Well, when it comes to preventing hospital-acquired infections at least, Boston wins, according to our updated hospital Ratings. For this comparison, we looked at hospitals that are members of the Council of Teaching Hospitals (excluding Veteran Administration hospitals) that are in either the Boston hospital-referral region (Boston, Cambridge, and a few neighboring towns); or in the three New York City hospital-referral regions (the five boroughs plus certain neighboring suburbs). We looked at the two most serious kinds of infections: bloodstream infections in intensive-care units that are linked to central-line catheters... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921411 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4921411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911471&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fwhere-to-find-a-safe-hospital.html In which hospitals are you least likely to pick up an infection? Our updated hospital Ratings include eight elite ones that reported zero surgical-site infections and zero bloodstream infections. We also identified 36 hospitals with the enviable record of having no bloodstream infections in both our 2010 and 2011 Ratings. This year we were able to include Ratings on central-line bloodstream infections for 1,119 hospitals in the District of Columbia and every state except Arkansas, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Of those hospitals, 142 (almost 13 percent) reported zero infections, compared with 11 percent last year. Particularly impressive are the 36 hospitals that had zero bloodstream infections in two consecutive reports. For surgical-site infections,... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911471 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:50:00 +0100 4911471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911473&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fteaching-hospitals-not-always-best-for-patient-safety.html When you’re really sick you’re best off in a large teaching hospital in a big city, right? Not necessarily, at least when it comes to patient safety, according to our new hospital Ratings. What they found: While many well-established teaching hospitals do well at preventing potentially deadly hospital-acquired infections, others don’t. We looked at bloodstream infections that patients developed in intensive-care units while on central-line catheters, or tubes used to deliver fluids, medication, and nutrition to patients. The data came either from one of the 18 states that publicly report hospital-infection rates, or from The Leapfrog Group a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., that focuses on improving health care in hospitals. We focused on hospitals that are... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911473 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:00:00 +0100 4911473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893434&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fpatients-cell-phones-may-carry-dangerous-bacteria.html Hospital-acquired infections often stem from poor hand washing or a mishandled catheter, but there’s another culprit right at your fingertips—your cell phone, suggests a study published in the June issue of the American Journal of Infection Control. It found that cell phones used by patients and their visitors were twice as likely to be contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria as those carried by people who worked in the hospital. Researchers looked at 200 cell phones from patients, visitors, and health-care workers at a hospital in Turkey, and took swabs of the phones’ keypad, mouth piece, and ear piece. Roughly 40 percent of the patient’s phones and close to 21 percent of health-care workers’ phones tested positive for pathogens. Seven of the patie... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893434 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:20:00 +0100 4893434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820839&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fbedbugs-may-carry-msra-heres-why-you-shouldnt-panic-yet.html Bedbugs are back. And more than just creepy-crawly pests, scientists now worry that the parasites might be connected with a much more serious bug: A particularly nasty bacterium called MRSA. Researchers in Canada recently conducted a study in an area of Vancouver that has both a large bedbug infestation and numerous reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. And in small sample of bedbugs collected from patients at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, they found three bedbug carrying the MSRA bacteria. Two other bugs were contaminated with a less dangerous superbug called vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Dr. Marc Romney, a medical microbiologist at St. Paul's Hospital/Providence Health Care told Reute... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820839 Thu, 12 May 2011 18:25:00 +0100 4820839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813279&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fsome-hospital-infections-can-be-eliminated.html Hospitals that institute a simple checklist and other safety measures can eliminate infections in their intensive-care units for a year or more, according to a study published this week in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The study focused on bloodstream infections in 57 hospitals, mostly in Michigan, caused by central lines, catheters that deliver fluid, nutrition, and medication to patients. Most of the hospitals that participated in the study eliminated the infections for at least a year, and a quarter did so for two years. Overall, the program led to a statewide decline in the number of bloodstream infections that has lasted 36 months. Forty-four other states are now instituting a similar program. The authors of the study wrote that while the results are encouraging, similar effo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813279 Tue, 10 May 2011 19:55:00 +0100 4813279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794515&cid=t_99345_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FLIHiM_lCaHk%2F Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Cliff Mintz, Michael Schmidt, and Elio Schaecter On episode #6 of the podcast This Week in Microbiology, Vincent, Cliff, Michael and Elio review the use of bacteriophages to manage infections, and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteriophages from urban sewage and river water. Click the arrow above to play, or right click to download TWiM #6 (57 MB .mp3, 82 minutes). Subscribe to TWiM (free) on iTunes,  Zune Marketplace, via RSS feed, by email or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: Potential bacteriophage applications (Microbe) Revived interest in bacteriophages (Current Biology) Pulmonary bacteriophage therapy for Pseudomonas infections (PLoS One) Bacteriophage therapy for chronic otitis (Clin Otola... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794515 Fri, 06 May 2011 15:08:52 +0100 4794515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780303&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fnew-york-senators-to-doctors-lose-germ-infested-neckties.html A group of New York senators are pushing to make doctors ditch neckties and other accessories, including white coats, in an effort to curb the spread of bacteria. "What your doctor wears around his or her neck can literally make you sick," Democratic Senator Jeffrey Klein told the New York Post. The New York legislation would appoint a commission to come up with a dress code, and discourage doctors and health-care workers from wearing accessories that could harbor diseases. This is not a new issue for the medical community at large. In 2006, a British Medical Journal article warned doctors to ditch disease-ridden neckties during their hospital rounds because, according to the British Medical Association, the dangling neckties can spread disease. At that time, the MBA issued guideline... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780303 Tue, 03 May 2011 18:16:00 +0100 4780303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709199&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fwill-new-push-for-patient-safety-leave-consumers-in-the-dark.html Today the federal government, with much fanfare, unveiled a new plan to make health care safer that could save 60,000 lives and as much as $35 billion over the next three years. One important issue conspicuously missing from the rollout: any mention of letting patients know how things are going. Already, 500 hospitals have signed on to the effort, called Partnership for Patients, and the government is getting ready to hand out $1 billion in grants to health-care organizations to help them figure out the best ways to reduce mistakes like hospital infections, medication errors, or sloppy “discharge planning” that sends patients boomeranging back to the hospital soon after they go home. We talked to Lisa McGiffert, director of Consumer Reports’ Safe Patient Project, about... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709199 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:40:50 +0100 4709199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704646&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fwill-new-push-for-patient-safety-leave-consumers-in-the-dark.html Today the federal government, with much fanfare, unveiled a new “Partnership for Patients” that aims to save 60,000 lives and as much as $35 billion over the next three years by making health care safer. Already, 500 hospitals have signed on to the effort, and the government is getting ready to hand out $1 billion in grants to health-care organizations to help them figure out the best ways to reduce mistakes like hospital infections, medication errors, or sloppy “discharge planning” that sends patients boomeranging back to the hospital soon after they go home. One aspect conspicuously missing from the rollout event: any mention of letting patients know how things are going. We talked to Lisa McGiffert, director of Consumer Reports’ Safe Patient Project, about... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704646 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:40:50 +0100 4704646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704648&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fwhat-hospitals-can-learn-about-safety-from-southwest-airlines.html When Southwest Airlines recently learned that some of its planes had small cracks that could lead to gaping holes in mid-flight, it grounded the planes and ordered an independent safety review. Not perfect, maybe, but at least fast and transparent. In fact, over the past few decades the airline industry has developed a pretty good reputation for safety. I wish the same could be said for our hospitals. Unfortunately, a recent report in the journal Health Affairs suggests that there are lots of cracks even in good hospitals that can lead to gaping and potentially deadly holes in patient care. And unlike the airline industry, the study suggests that safeguards to detect and correct the cracks are inadequate. The study, by a team of researchers who have spent their careers trying to improv... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704648 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4704648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696954&cid=t_99345_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F3Eb37NoKR6k%2F Hello, everyone, and nice to see you again. We hope the weekend was refreshing and enjoyable. Now, though, the routine of meetings and deadlines has returned. To cope, yes, we are brewing that mandatory cup of stimulation. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits to get you going. Let us know if you hear anything interesting and have a great, productive day… Endo Pharma Buying American Medical For $2.6 Billion (Associated Press) Intercell Suspends Trial For MRSA Vaccine (Bloomberg News) Actress Sues Lilly For Using Her Face In Prozac Ad (New York Post) Novartis Stops Tasigna Trial In Patients With GIST (Reuters) Inspiration Pharma Eyes Plant In Ireland And 500 Jobs (Irish Post) Merck KGgA Considers Job Cuts At Serono Unit (Reuters) Merck And Sun Pharma Near Generics Deal (LiveMint) British M... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696954 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:51:13 +0100 4696954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653324&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fproper-cleaning-helps-prevent-hospital-infections.html A simple cleaning protocol can sharply curtail the spread of deadly antibiotic-resistant infections in the hospital, according to a study out this week in the Archives of Internal Medicine. That adds to some other simple measures previously proven to prevent hospital infections, including a checklist that emphasizes, among other things, that folks in the hospital regularly wash their hands. In the current study, researchers trained hospital staff in “enhanced” cleaning methods that involved immersing cleaning cloths in disinfectant rather than simply pouring the disinfectant over the cloths, and then shining a black-light over the area to see how effective the cleaning was. They focused on rooms where a patient had previously been infected with either methicillin-resistant ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653324 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:13:31 +0100 4653324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626834&cid=t_99345_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FLxSL0ZllMzU%2F A review looking at a diagnosis and treatment approach to the patient presenting to the emergency department with a sore throat. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626834 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:19 +0100 4626834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4565904&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpreventing-hospital-acquired-infections-patients-must-be-safety-partners%2F2011.03.09 This is a guest post by Dr. Julia Hallisy. Serious infections are becoming more prevalent and more virulent both in our hospitals and in our communities. The numbers are staggering: 1.7 million people will suffer from a hospital-acquired infections each year and almost 100,000 will die as a result. When our late daughter, Kate, was diagnosed with an aggressive eye cancer in 1989 at five months of age, our life became consumed by doctor visits, MRI scans, radiation treatments, chemotherapy — and fear. My husband and I assumed that our fight was against the ravages of cancer, but almost eight years later we faced another life-threatening challenge we never counted on — a hospital-acquired infection. In 1997, Kate was infected with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRS... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4565904 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:00:43 +0100 4565904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544970&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcdc-campaign-hasnt-slowed-inappropriate-antibiotic-use%2F2011.03.03 High rates of inappropriate antibiotic use continued despite a 15-year campaign by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at Michigan physicians and consumers on the dangers of antibiotic overuse. The Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) released an issue brief detailing overall antibiotic prescribing for adult Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) members. (The project is a non-profit partnership between the University of Michigan and BCBSM.) While antibiotic prescribing in adults decreased 9.3 percent from 2007 to 2009, it increased 4.5 percent for children during the same time period. The studies found significant differences in prescribing patterns between rural southeast Michigan and the rest of the state, particularly for children. Chi... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544970 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4544970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4536059&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fhospital-infections-declining-cr-analysis-and-cdc-report-suggest-preventing-hospital-infections.html Our updated analysis of hospital-acquired infections suggest that while things might not have improved much from a year ago, the trends are at least heading in the right direction. And a report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mirrors that finding, showing a steady decline in some hospital infections over the past eight years. We looked at central-line infections, a particularly deadly form of infection, reported in 1,043 hospitals in 44 states plus the District of Columbia. It found that the percentage of facilities reporting no central-line infections in their intensive-care units increased slightly, from 11 percent in our March 2010 analysis to 13 percent in our current one. And among hospitals that reported in both years, the overall rate of infections... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4536059 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:01:00 +0100 4536059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507282&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fkids-upper-respiratory-viruses-and-ear-infections%2F2011.02.22 According to a new study published this month, more than 20 percent of young children with colds or other upper respiratory viruses will develop middle ear infections. This finding isn’t that surprising. Eear symptoms along with a viral upper respiratory infection (URI) are common, including ear fullness and difficulty popping the ear. Although adults tend to be able to keep their ears clear by swallowing, chewing gum, yawning, or ear popping, most kids don’t know what to do when their ears feel full. Whether in adults or kids, when the ears don’t ventilate or clear properly it can lead to ear problems including fluid buildup and middel ear infection. Why does this occur? With a viral URI the lining of the nose swells, leading to symptoms of runny nose, nasal congest... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507282 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4507282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477762&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffugus-an-unwanted-yoga-partner%2F2011.02.14 Yoga is good for your mind and body, including your skin. Yoga mats, on the other hand, might not be. Using someone else’s yoga mat for an hour could lead to an infection. Fungal infections are common and appear as athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and ringworm. Unfortunately, the fungus can survive on surfaces like mats long after the infected person has left. Although most people blame the gym locker room when they develop athlete’s foot, you can catch the fungus from a variety of places anytime you walk barefoot. Fortunately, even if the fungus comes into contact with your skin, it doesn’t always lead to infection. Dry, cracked skin, or soft, wet skin disrupt your primary defense against the fungus — the densely packed barrier of skin cells, oils and proteins on your healthy... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477762 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:00:35 +0100 4477762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450291&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fear-infections-to-treat-or-not-to-treat%2F2011.02.08 Ear infections used to be a devastating problem. In 1932, acute otitis media (AOM) and its suppurative complications accounted for 27 percent of all pediatric admissions to Bellevue Hospital. Since the introduction of antibiotics, it has become a much less serious problem. For decades it was taken for granted that all children with AOM should be given antibiotics, not only to treat the disease itself but to prevent complications like mastoiditis and meningitis. In the 1980s, that consensus began to change. We realized that as many as 80 percent of uncomplicated ear infections resolve without treatment in three days. Many infections are caused by viruses that don’t respond to antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics leads to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria. Antibiotics cause ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450291 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:00:44 +0100 4450291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433243&cid=t_99345_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fc4OszkG_zUg%2F Three years ago, I was five months into life with my first kid, starting a new part-time gig, and smack in the midst of perfecting a book proposal. I was overworked, overtired, and completely overwhelmed. And then I got sick. Not stuffy nose and sore throat kind of sick, but lie-down-on-the-floor-because-the-room-spinning-and-I-forgot-my-name sick. That’s when I realized that I didn’t have a doctor. Well, at least not one I could call at a moment’s notice. Desperate and miserable, I remembered a friend telling me about the CVS Minute Clinic (available in 24 states and D.C.) and, fever rising, I drove directly to the nearest location and promptly passed out in the pharmacy (true). After I regained consciousness, downed a Coke, and stretched out on the exam room’s foldout table, I wa... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433243 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:33:19 +0100 4433243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424230&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F02%2Fhospital-infections-preventing-bloodstream-infections-simple-hospital-checklist-may-save-lives.html A program that includes a simple 5-step safety checklist for preventing bloodstream infections caused by large central-line catheters in hospital intensive-care units in Michigan appears to reduce patient deaths by 10 percent, according to a report published online this week in the British Medical Journal. The research team, led by Johns Hopkins professor and patient-safety crusader Peter Pronovost, M.D., Ph.D., compared Medicare data from 95 Michigan hospitals that used the checklist program, with those from 364 hospitals in the Midwest from October 2001 to December 2006. They found that patients in Michigan hospitals were 10 percent more likely to survive their hospital stay after the implementation of Pronovost’s checklist program compared with the patients in the 11 surroundin... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4424230 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:53:26 +0100 4424230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355842&cid=t_99345_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FY6JgPL60xWE%2F Rest. Drink lots of fluids. This is pretty much standard get-well advice from doctors and mothers around the world when it comes to the common cold. Getting lots of rest may very well help you feel better sooner, but according to The New York Times, a recent study by a team of Australian scientists argues that drinking extra fluids during a cold may not do much good at all in terms of healing. While they admit that keeping hydrated while sick is important, they believe the “drink more fluids” line needs to be studied more closely to determine its validity. It appears that our well-meaning docs (and moms) may have been dispensing bad medical advice to us all along. So what methods to you use to try to beat the common cold? Take our poll: Post from: BlissTree Drinking More Fluid... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355842 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 22:14:09 +0100 4355842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343190&cid=t_99345_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F9g42C0vUOy8%2Fprophylactic-antibiotics-in-aesthetic.html There is a very nice review of this topic in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (full reference below). While we want to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs), we don’t want to over utilize antibiotics.   Consequences of which include:   Clostridium difficile infections [CDI] and development of resistant organisms. The authors note that currently no national guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis in aesthetic surgery although they do for cardiac, colorectal, neurosurgical, and orthopedic procedures.  “In fact, studies examining the impact of prophylactic antibiotics have produced contradictory results.” So what should we do: Until randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in aesthetic surgery are... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343190 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:15:00 +0100 4343190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322501&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F01%2Fhospital-infections-in-children-new-studies-find-concerns-for-surgery-patients-and-children.html Two studies out recently suggest that one infection is on the rise in hospitalized children, and several are increasing among patients who have to wait in the hospital for elective surgery. Gastrointestinal infections in hospitalized childrenResearchers who examined nearly 10.5 million medical records found that a particularly dangerous infection with a bacterium called clostridium difficile is on the rise in hospitalized children. The infection can inflame and damage the lining of the colon, leading to severe diarrhea. In the current study, published online in the journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, the infection increased the risk of repeat hospitalization, surgery to remove all or part of the colon, and death. Previous research has found the infection is also becoming... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322501 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4322501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287409&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Favandia-hospital-infections-gifts-to-doctors-dr-santas-12-tips-for-a-healthy-holiday-2.html Yes, my name really is Dr. Santa. (It’s Hungarian.) I like doctoring around the holidays—my name makes it fun, and a lot of important health issues come up then, too. I hope this series helps you navigate the season TIP 11 Lumps of coal for bad health ideas from 2010 It’s great the holidays end with a new year—we all get to start fresh. Not that 2010 was all bad. Most notably, the federal government finally dealt with one of the most glaring inequities in our society—the millions of us without health insurance coverage. Now more work needs to be done on getting some of the details right. Still, the past year had its share of bad ideas. Here are my health-care lumps of coal for 2010: • Brand-name drug marketing. For the last decade the diabetes drug Avandia (rosiglitazone) wa... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287409 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0100 4287409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245300&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fprogress-against-deadly-infections-in-the-hospital.html Two separate research teams—one using a simple 5-step check list and the other sophisticated DNA tests (in mice)—reported progress this week against deadly bloodstream infections caused by large intravenous catheters used in hospital intensive care units. The checklist, developed by Johns Hopkins physician and patient-safety crusader Peter Pronovost, M.D., Ph.D., (see photo, at right), slashed the number of the infections in 23 Rhode Island ICUs by 74 percent, according to a study in the journal Quality and Safety in Health Care. It found that over a 2.5-year period, the list of common-sense steps that doctors should follow when using the catheters saved 10 lives, reduced ICU stays by 608 days, and saved about $2 million. Our report on hospital inspections found that the checklist, co... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245300 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:54:14 +0100 4245300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230215&cid=t_99345_118_f&fid=34702&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fmspblog%2F%7E3%2FDdSoE8TgoJI%2F CMS plans to add new patient safety measures in the areas of hospital acquired conditions and healthcare associated infections, to the Hospital Compare Web site in 2011. CMS also intends to begin utilizing displays of composite measures summarizing both process and outcome measures. This information collection request covers consumer research on displays, labels, and explanatory language to insure that the Web site is understood by viewers in a manner consistent with CMS’s intended communication message. Federal Register, November 19, 2010 (Source: MSSPNexus Blog) MSSPNexus Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230215 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:08:13 +0100 4230215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225236&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fanother-strike-against-antibacterial-soap-and-bpa.html A study published online in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives provides more reasons to be wary of triclosan, found in many antibacterial soaps, and bisphenol A (BPA), used in some polycarbonate plastics and canned foods.  The study looked at 3,728 people nationwide and found that children and adolescents with higher levels of triclosan were more likely to be diagnosed with allergies or hay fever, both of which are caused by a malfunctioning immune system. The researchers suggest that the hygiene hypothesis—which posits that some exposure to bacteria helps train the immune system—might help explain the finding. Our previous report on triclosan-containing products, including cleaning supplies, deodorants, and wipes, concluded that they're not very effectiv... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225236 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:11:48 +0100 4225236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214105&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fgerms-kids-and-school%2F2010.11.30 Everyone knows that when it comes to germs and kids, it can sometimes be difficult to limit the spread of infection — especially in a school or daycare setting. In this video, I talked with local TV news last week about germs and kids, and about preventing infections in college students during finals week:   If you find this video helpful, I invite you to check out my other videos at MikeSevilla.TV. Enjoy! *This blog post was originally published at Doctor Anonymous* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214105 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4214105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197067&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Finner-ear-infections-still-no-need-for-antibiotics%2F2010.11.23 Kids get inner ear infections and then they get antibiotics, despite a long-standing knowledge that it’s not always best. Any physician knows this, but who hasn’t faced an irate or anxious parent in the exam room insisting on a prescription, whether the evidence warrants it or not? Reuters reports that the tally for all those antibiotics is $2.8 billion dollars, or $350 per child annually. And there’s only a slight benefit to them. While hardly comforting to the parents, physicians can add more heft to their argument that antibiotics are only modestly more effective than nothing, and they can avoid the rashes and diarrhea that antibiotics incur. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at ACP Internist* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197067 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4197067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4186906&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Finfection-control-and-the-doctor-patient-relationship%2F2010.11.20 Hospitals have recently been stepping up their infection control procedures, in the wake of news about iatrogenic infections afflicting patients when they are admitted. Doctors are increasingly wearing a variety of protective garb — gowns, gloves, and masks — while seeing patients. In an interesting New York Times column, Pauline Chen wonders how this affects the doctor-patient relationship. She cites a study from the Annals of Family Medicine, which concluded that, fear of contagion among physicians, studies have shown, can compromise the quality of care delivered. When compared with patients not in isolation, those individuals on contact precautions have fewer interactions with clinicians, more delays in care, decreased satisfaction and greater incidences of depression and anxiety. T... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4186906 Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:00:09 +0100 4186906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172052&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fhospital-infection-rates-hospital-errors-still-common-preventing-hospital-infections.html Each month, one in seven Medicare patients whoare hospitalized suffer at least one “adverse event”. Despite a decade of media and public attention, medical errors in hospitals—including those that lead to serious harm and even death—continue an alarming rate, according to a major federal government study out this week. The study, by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, found that one in seven Medicare beneficiaries who are hospitalized each month suffer at least one “adverse event.” That comes to 134,000 people a month or 1.6 million a year. Of those, 15,000 people a month (180,000 a year) died as a direct result of the error or the error contributed to their death. The errors included surgical and catheter infections, drug-dosing... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172052 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:08:48 +0100 4172052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119027&cid=t_99345_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FILHR3W61RBc%2Ffiorinas-infection-highlights.html The news report of California Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Carly Fiorina’s recent hospitalization due to an infection related to her breast reconstruction is an opportunity to talk about the risks of complication associated with breast reconstruction surgery. Fiorina was diagnosed with breast cancer diagnosis in February 2009.  She was treated with chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy.  I found several articles that note she had her reconstructive surgery at Stanford University Medical Center, the San Jose (Calif.) in July 2010, but none mention the reconstruction technique used. My guess would be implant based reconstruction considering how quickly she returned to campaigning.  Recovery time for a TRAM flap (free or pedicle) or any other flap based reconstr... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119027 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:15:00 +0100 4119027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118763&cid=t_99345_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fwiskott-aldrich-syndrome-classic-clinical-triad%2F eczema, recurrent infections, thrombocytopenia (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118763 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 06:25:37 +0100 4118763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074063&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-to-prevent-an-infection-from-your-pet%2F2010.10.15 Can your dog give you MRSA? Sharing with your dog is wonderful — unless you’re sharing bacteria. Pets can harbor harmful germs to pass on to you. Staphylococcus bacteria is a common cause for skin infections in people and animals. A virulent strain of staph, called MRSA, has made headlines for school outbreaks and fatal infections. MRSA infections are usually blamed on dirty locker rooms and contaminated gym clothes, but the source for an infection might be in your lap right now. Here are five ways to avoid catching an infection from your pet: 1. Your pet’s mouth is not clean. It’s teeming with bacteria. Don’t let your pet lick your wounds. A dialysis patient once contracted a life-threatening pasturella bacteria infection from his beautiful golden retriever this way. 2... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074063 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:00:19 +0100 4074063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013179&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fnew-infection-data-from-4-new-states-40-new-hospitals.html How well does your hospital prevent infections? You might be able to find out using our Hospital Ratings. We’ve just added publicly reported data from four states, and updated hundreds of hospitals nationwide. We now have infection data on 959 hospitals in 44 states, to go along with Ratings of hospitals in other categories, such as patient Ratings of doctor and nurse communication, cleanliness, attentiveness, pain control. Our infection Ratings focus specifically on central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)—a type of hospital-acquired infection caused by the mishandling of a type of catheter often used on patients in intensive-care units (ICU)—and compare each hospital’s infection rate to national rates for that hospital’s type of ICUs. Our hospital Ratings pull t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013179 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:43:47 +0100 4013179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987051&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fmethicillin-resistant-staphylococcus-aureus-mrsa-progress-against-hospital-infections.html Our work on preventing hospital infections hit home recently during a visit with a family member undergoing heart bypass surgery. A nasal swab taken on admission tested positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a leading cause of deadly hospital-acquired infections. Early detection and aggressive measures helped prevent him from getting sick, and hopefully stopped the germ from spreading. As we reported in our article on hospital infections, the recently passed legislation on health-care reform requires hospitals to publicly report infection rates starting in 2011. And we just published ratings of surgical groups that do heart bypass surgery based on, among other things, their infection rates. Still, as my family’s experience shows, battling antibiotic-resistant g... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987051 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:00:00 +0100 3987051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3959927&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdeveloping-new-antibiotics-thinking-beyond-bacteria-resistance%2F2010.09.11 Bacteria may be having a renaissance. Back in the days of the discovery of penicillin, doctors gleefully handed out antibiotics like they were candy and patients were more than happy to munch them down. They were quite effective too, but bacteria rapidly became resistant. Doctors and scientists worry that we are approaching a time where if we don’t come up with novel antibiotic mechanisms, we will face an epidemic of untreatable bacterial infections. MRSA, methicillin-resistant staphylcoccal auerus, is probably one of the biggest fears. John Rennie wrote about this issue in the PLoS blog The Gleaming Retort. He describes two strategies scientists are using to try to come up with new weapons in the great antibacterial war. So, naturally one of the first things they turned to was cockr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3959927 Sat, 11 Sep 2010 18:00:08 +0100 3959927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920775&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F31%2Finternational-journal-of-epidemiology-2010-vol-39-no-4%2F Contents Fade Fave: HIV transmission risk through anal intercourse: systematic review, meta-analysis and implications for HIV prevention. Fade Skinny: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infectiousness of anal intercourse (AI) has not been systematically reviewed, despite its role driving HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM) and its potential contribution to heterosexual spread. We assessed the per-act and per-partner HIV transmission risk from AI exposure for heterosexuals and MSM and its implications for HIV prevention. Full text access is available by clicking on the above article title. Filed under: Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Anal Intercourse, HIV, Risk, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Systematic Reviews (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920775 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:27:14 +0100 3920775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907595&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fask-president-obama-what-does-health-reform-mean-for-me.html Exciting news! We’ve just received an invitation from the White House to sit down next week for an in-person conversation with the President about the new law. But the invitation, we’re quite sure, is really meant for you, the American consumer. So here’s your chance to give us the questions you’d like President Obama to answer about the new law. Is there something you still don’t understand? Wondering when or whether your own health coverage might be affected? We’re interested in any and all suggestions. Obviously the President is a busy guy and our time with him is limited, so we probably won’t be able to make it through the whole list.  But we’ll do our best to get follow-up answers from the White House about questions that we don’t get to ask in the interview.... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907595 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:49:18 +0100 3907595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854516&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Favoiding-hospital-infections-wash-up-doc-tips-for-preventing-hospital-infections.html This article first appeared in the August 2010 issue of Consumer Reports On Health. Learn more about hospital infection rates in your state, and see our suggestions for asking your doctor or nurse to wash up! Are you following us on Facebook? (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854516 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:51:48 +0100 3854516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3812967&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fhospital-infections-reporting-new-rules-to-help-you-choose-a-safer-hospital.html Soon it will be easier for you to find out how well your hospital prevents certain infections. As part of the new health care reform law, the Department of Health and Human Services will require hospitals to publicly disclose several types of dangerous hospital infections. To ensure full cooperation, the government will boost Medicare payments to hospitals that go along with the new requirements. "Patients shouldn't have to worry about getting sicker with an infection they catch in the hospital, but every year nearly two million Americans do," said Lisa McGiffert, Director of Consumers Union's Safe Patient Project. "Making infection rates public is a powerful motivator for hospitals to improve care and keep patients safe."Starting in January of 2011, hospitals... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3812967 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:39:57 +0100 3812967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733078&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Fyou-can-help-prevent-hospital-infections.html Can’t find infection Ratings for your hospital? Ask them why. If you’ve used our hospital Ratings (subscribers), you know we rate hospitals based on many criteria, including patient satisfaction, its approach to chronic care, whether it follows the best infection prevention measures, and its rate of central-line infections. But sometimes we can’t rate central-line infections because a hospital refuses to make that data available. Central-line infections are an important measure. They’re dangerous, causing about 30 percent of the 99,000 estimated deaths each year related to hospital-acquired infections. And they’re almost completely preventable—but many hospitals fail to put measures in place to stop them. We have infection Ratings for 926 hospitals in 43 states, but many hospi... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733078 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:19:10 +0100 3733078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733112&cid=t_99345_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FiZvQT5uMB30%2Fadherence-to-surgical-care-improvement.html An article in the June 23/30 issue of JAMA features an analysis of the reported adherence to Surgical Care Improvement Project measures (SCIPs) and the reduction of postoperative infections. There are 9 publicly reported SCIP measures, 6 of which focus on postoperative infection prevention. INF-1: patients who received prophylactic antibiotics within 1 hour prior to surgical incision (2 hours if receiving vancomycin). INF-2: patients who received prophylactic antibiotics recommended for their specific surgical procedure. INF-3: patients whose prophylactic antibiotics were discontinued within 24 hours after surgery end time (48 hours for coronary artery bypass graft surgery or other cardiac surgery). INF-4: cardiac surgery patients with controlled 6 AM postoperative blood... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733112 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:31:00 +0100 3733112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706667&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F06%2Fhospital-infections-las-vegas-dont-gamble-with-your-health-in-vegas.html A two-year investigation has found that the odds of getting safe medical care in Las Vegas hospitals aren’t as good as they should be. Reporters for the Las Vegas Sun collected a decade’s worth of billing records, as well as a government database detailing 425,000 inpatient visits. This information, they wrote, “tells a story of preventable harm, deadly infections and apparent neglect at a rate of at least one injury per day,” including 21 cases in which patients had objects left inside their bodies, 79 cases of advanced bed sores (pressure ulcers), and 475 central-line infections during 2008 and 2009.“These are events that no one can be proud of," said our own John Santa, M.D., M.P.H, director of Consumer Reports’ Health Ratings Center, in the report. "They aren’t ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706667 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:05:49 +0100 3706667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706610&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F28%2Fsexually-transmitted-infections-2010-vol-86-no-3%2F content page Fade Fave: The implementation of chlamydia screening: a cross-sectional study in the South East of England Fade Skinny: Testing of males focused on institutional settings where there is a low yield of positives, and limited capacity for expansion. By contrast, the testing of females, especially in urban environments, was mainly through established healthcare services. Future strategies should prioritise increasing male testing in healthcare settings. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Chlamydia, Chlamydia Infections, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Screening (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706610 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:07:47 +0100 3706610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706611&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F28%2Fsexually-transmitted-infections-2010-vol-86-no-2%2F content page Fade Fave: Utilising the internet to test for sexually transmitted infections: results of a survey and accuracy testing Fade Skinny: The internet STI testing sites were difficult to contact and demonstrated unwillingness to answer consumer-specific questions. Test accuracy varied, with home tests having poor accuracy and mail-in specimens demonstrating high accuracy. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Internet, Sexual Health, Sexually Transmitted Infections (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706611 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:01:15 +0100 3706611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706713&cid=t_99345_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F294XYX2fwoA%2Fpre-hospital-surgical-prep.html The June 2010 issue of the Surgical Products magazine has an article by Amanda McGowan focusing on the prep in preventing surgical site infections – Preventing SSI: It Starts in the Prep.   What really caught my attention was the pre-hospital prep described for one hospital.  Currently, (as most of my patients exhibit good hygiene) I haven’t begun anything more than taking a shower (with basic soap), washing their hair, and brushing their teeth pre-op.  My SSI rate is less than 0.5% over 20 years.  The bold is my emphasis. As Beth Beck, director of infection prevention and control/employee health at Springhill Medical Center in Mobile, AL, explains, her facility follows specific steps in the prep process to help reduce infection risk. “We ask the surgeons to ha... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706713 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:01:00 +0100 3706713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3666246&cid=t_99345_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F166%2Feczema-treatment-with-hydrocortisone-or-natural-shea-butter%2F Hydrocortisone is sometimes recommended as an eczema treatment.  It is a weak steroid that can be purchased over the counter.  Although steroids do not cure the condition, they do reduce the inflammation pretty quickly. The only problem is that our body’s build up a tolerance to steroids over time.  So they can stop working just as quickly.  If they do continue to work and are used for extended periods of time, they can cause the skin to become thin and fragile. If used over large areas of the body, steroids can cause health problems within the body.  We must remember that anything we put on the outside of our bodies can pass through the skin and into the inside of our bodies.  If it is something like a steroid hormone, it can cause a variety of health problems. Steroids repress th... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3666246 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:52:19 +0100 3666246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644713&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F09%2Farchives-of-surgery-2010-vol-145-no-5%2F contents page Fade Fave: Diagnosis of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections by Computed Tomography Fade Skinny: Hypothesizes that computed tomography (CT) scanning is sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs). Finds that a negative CT result reliably excludes the diagnosis of NSTI. A positive CT result correctly identifies the disease with a high likelihood. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Computed Tomography, Current Awareness, Diagnosis, E-Journals, Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644713 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:38:42 +0100 3644713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644715&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F09%2Farchives-of-surgery-2010-vol-145-no-3%2F contents page Fade Fave: Effect of Chlorhexidine Whole-Body Bathing on Hospital-Acquired Infections Among Trauma Patients Fade Skinny: Aims to demonstrate whether daily bathing with cloths impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate will decrease colonization of resistant bacteria and reduce the rates of health care–associated infections in critically injured patients. Finds daily bathing of trauma patients with cloths impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate is associated with a decreased rate of colonization by MRSA and Acinetobacter and lower rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection and MRSA VAP. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Hospital ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644715 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:27:55 +0100 3644715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614712&cid=t_99345_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2010%2F05%2Fmore-on-granulomatous-lung-disease-pneumocystis-jiroveci.html Speaking of granulomatous lung disease (previous post), Hartel et al. have written a clinicopathologic review of the largest published series (20) of cases of pulmonary granulomatous inflammation associated with Pneumocystits jiroveci (formerly known as Prince).I recall first seeing a case of Pneumocystis pulmonary granulomatous inflammation in an Illinois Registry of Anatomic Pathology case probably about 17-18 years ago--apparently, it made quite an impression!  Of course, I've only seen one similar case since them "in real life."Several important findings from the paper: The granulomas were well-formed in 80% of cases, necrotizing in 80% of cases, and multiple in 90% of cases. Radiographic appearance is atypical for Pneumocystis pneumonia: Nodular infiltrates were p... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614712 Mon, 31 May 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3614712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3612076&cid=t_99345_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F137%2Fhow-to-choose-the-best-dermatologist-for-you%2F Finding the best dermatologist starts with your schedule.  Doctors that do not offer weekend or evening hours are becoming a thing of the past. Most of us work crazy schedules.  Taking time off to see a “skin doctor” might be frowned upon.  So first you want to find someone with hours that fit into your schedule. Location is another important consideration.  If you have plenty of money, you might consider flying to Michigan to see Nicholas Perricone or flying to New York to see Dennis Gross.  But, you had better call the office first.  Those famous guys might not be taking any new patients. For most of us, taking a flight to have someone evaluate our skin problems is just not realistic.  Ideally, you would choose a location within an hour’s drive of your home.  Some procedure... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3612076 Sun, 30 May 2010 12:32:03 +0100 3612076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607447&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F28%2Finternational-journal-of-std-aids-2010-vol-21-no-5%2F Title: Risk of Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy: effectiveness of guidelines-based screening in identifying cases Skinny: Defines the risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection among pregnant women. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online. Filed under: E-Journals, Pregnancy, Sexual Health Tagged: Chlamydia, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Sexually Transmitted Infections (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607447 Fri, 28 May 2010 15:56:14 +0100 3607447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3617799&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F10-things-you-should-know-about-your-vagina-little-known-gynecological-facts%2F photo: Thinkstock We women think we know everything about “down there” – who has more experience in that area than us, right? But even we were surprised by some of the expert tips from WebMD – here are 10 things you should definitely know about your vagina: 1. The Pill can decrease your sex drive. Sad, but true. If you notice a decrease in sexual desire after a switch to the Pill, try switching brands, or even birth control methods. 2. To avoid side effects of birth control pills, insert the pills vaginally. In a study, women who inserted the pill vaginally had fewer headaches, cases of upset stomach, cases of breast tenderness and other side effects. It’s also good to know if you’re nauseous and worried you won’t be able to keep the pill down. 3. If you&#... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3617799 Wed, 26 May 2010 21:41:44 +0100 3617799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599513&cid=t_99345_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FydhgdxaStUA%2F           A couple of months ago I wrote about hospital-acquired infections – who is susceptible, what causes them, how they are spread, the most common types and steps to prevent the infections.  Today, HAI (Hospital-Acquired Infection or Healthcare-Associated Infection) continues to soar in hospitals all over the world!  This is a global crisis affecting patients, their visitors and healthcare personnel.  I had an email from Barbara Dunn the other day and she has been instrumental in setting up a wonderful website, through Kimberly-Clark Healthcare, entitled “Not on My Watch” at http://www.haiwatch.com/   This site is joining in an effort to educate patients, healthcare professionals and the general public on the dangers of these preventable infections and to protect... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599513 Tue, 25 May 2010 16:47:49 +0100 3599513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581601&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F05%2Fimplantable-contacts-are-safer-than-laser-eye-surgery.html About six months ago, after a routine eye test, the optician told me I needed glasses. I have to wear them to drive, but at times when I’d rather go without, I can manage reasonably well. My friends accuse me of wearing them mainly in an attempt to look more intelligent. If I were more severely short-sighted and wanted to avoid glasses or contacts, one option would have been laser eye surgery. Many people get fantastic results from laser surgery, but it’s not risk free. Some people end up with worse sight, and problems with night vision can make driving in the dark much more difficult. The FDA has a useful checklist for people considering this procedure, describing the possible downsides. For a few years now, there’s been another option. A surgical procedure can place an artificial... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581601 Thu, 20 May 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3581601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573650&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Finside-story-10-more-things-we-stick-up-our-vaginas%2F In a follow-up to our recent girly post Vagina Monologue: 10 Things We Shove All Up In There, we present 10 more foreign objects that often become intimate with our lady parts – and things are getting pretty crowded downstairs. 1.    NuvaRing® Once-a-Month Birth Control – Wait, did Esther Williams wear one? We don’t get it. And funny how a contraceptive device with a giant hole in it can stop us from getting preggers. 2.    Lady Care Vaginal Weights – We don’t care what they are or what they do. We just like having an excuse to say: “Lady Care Vaginal Weights.” ($62.95 from Medgo) Lady Care Vaginal Weights 3. The Pelvic Locator (a.k.a. Pelvic Educator) – Um, no. We’ll find our pelvis without teaching tools, thanks. But if you can’t, ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573650 Tue, 18 May 2010 15:00:01 +0100 3573650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524111&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2F4-super-healthy-foods%2F2010.05.02 Raise your hand if you want to eat healthy. Healthy eating isn’t just good for cinching your waistline — it’s great for overall health. From glowing skin, to heart health, to maintaining healthy teeth and bones; eating foods packed with certain nutrients can also protect your immune system and fight infections.  It can boost your libido and decrease that lousy (LDL) cholesterol and boost your good (HDL) cholesterol. Healthy eating shouldn’t be a struggle. It’s easy to get sucked into the marketing trap when you’re food shopping and you encounter all those in-store specials. Sometimes, those specials are just bad for your health. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Health in 30* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524111 Sun, 02 May 2010 12:00:50 +0100 3524111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515302&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fdaily-health-quiz-do-you-know-whats-in-your-yeast-infection%2F How much do you really know about health? You might think you know all the ins and outs of staying healthy, but our daily Health Smarts Quiz will tell you how good your knowledge really is. Answer our question, below, and check back tomorrow for the correct answer and your next pop quiz. Most women experience vaginal yeast infections, but do you know what really causes them? Today’s Question: Itchy, smelly, and uncomfortable down there? It’s probably a yeast infection. They’re caused by an overabundance of naturally occurring fungus, that’s normally found in the mouth, skin, digestive system, and reproductive organs. Most women experience at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime, and some experience them regularly. Do you know what the yeast is call... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515302 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:39:23 +0100 3515302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471781&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Ffeds-report-rise-in-most-hospital-infections.html Know anyone who went to the hospital for a routine surgery and picked up an infection that made them much sicker than their original problem? Yesterday, the federal government finally expressed some alarm at how many preventable infections are acquired by patients in U.S. hospitals. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s annual National Healthcare Quality Report, released yesterday, showed that health care-acquired infections increased from 2008 to 2009—an 8% rise in postoperative sepsis, 4% more urinary tract infections connected with catheter use for adult surgical patients, and no improvement in the rate of bloodstream infections associated with central lines. Only the rate of postoperative pneumonia appears to be dropping—by 12%. The report outlines many other flaws in ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471781 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:15:00 +0100 3471781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3435046&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fhospital-safety-6-steps-forward-8-steps-back-medical-errors-patient-safety-mrsa-hospital-infections.html Your hospital may not be as safe as you think it is. A newly released analysis of medical errors among Medicare beneficiaries has found mixed results. Overall, U.S. hospitals have made strides on cutting down six types of medical errors, but have slid backwards on eight measures. The report released this week by HealthGrades, looked at 15 types of medical mistakes affecting Medicare patients between 2006 and 2008. It found nearly one million errors affecting 908,401 Medicare patients over that span. Of the nearly 100,000 of those patients who died, the report estimates that 96,402 of those deaths "could be directly attributable to a patient safety event." That means that Medicare patients who experience such errors have a one-in-ten chance of dying, the report says. These findin... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3435046 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:13:17 +0100 3435046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335292&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fwould-medical-malpractice-reform-fix-our-healthcare-system.html A lot of people seem to believe that malpractice lawsuits are the main culprit behind soaring health-care costs. They argue that the direct cost of medical malpractice lawsuits, and, even more, doctors’ fear of being sued, leads to "defensive medicine,"—unnecessary tests and procedures to protect doctors from lawsuits. But would reforming our tort system, by for example, capping the amount plaintiffs can receive for pain and suffering and other jury awards, actually save enough money to control overall health care costs?Perhaps surprisingly, the evidence is that it wouldn’t. The direct cost of malpractice insurance premiums and court verdicts, plus the cost of defensive medicine, together account for less than 2 percent of overall health-care spending, according to a 2009 s... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335292 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:13:37 +0100 3335292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3326946&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fsperminator-teaches-sex-ed%2F Move over gym teacher. Move over lifestyles teacher. And morals teacher can move over too. Because…. SPERMINATOR is in town and he’ll teach sex education as you’ve never seen it taught. Middlesex-London Health Unit A new initiative in Ontario, Canada, aims to teach sex ed to teens in an interactive and fun manner. The comic book-like game,  Adventures in Sex City, tests the teens on how much they know about sexual health. The landing page begins with a cartoonish image and the following text: In the dark of night, Sex City is in a panic because of the terrible SPERMINATOR whose sole mission is to infect all citizens with a variety of sexually transmitted infections. Who do you call? The SEX SQUAD! An elite team of superheroes dedicated to keeping the citizens of Sex City... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3326946 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:40:19 +0100 3326946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3290807&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fnow-its-getting-interestingis-more-health-care-always-better.html We welcome the controversy sparked by this week’s New England Journal of Medicine article and reported by the New York Times regarding the hospital intensity data published by the Dartmouth Atlas and used in Consumer Reports hospital ratings. It is our hope that this encourages U.S. hospitals and doctors to make better information available on the quality, costs, and results of various types of medical treatments so that consumers can make better choices. For decades the independent studies conducted by the Dartmouth Atlas have been raising concerns that hospitals in some regions of the country used two or three times the medical and financial resources than those in other regions on treating Medicare patients with chronic diseases, with no noticeable increase in life span or qual... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3290807 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:32:00 +0100 3290807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266902&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fcongressmans-death-is-a-grim-reminder-of-medical-errors.html We learned earlier this week that Pennsylvania U.S. Congressman John Murtha died as a result of complications from recent gallbladder removal surgery. A few days later, it was reported that the deadly “complications” were followed by a surgical cut to his intestines that caused an infection and further complications, leading to the Congressman’s death at age 77. Our colleagues at Consumers Union’s Safe Patient Project highlight the dirty truth behind many errors and infections: Many are preventable by implementing a few basic practices, such as the simple checklist advocated by surgeon Atul Gawande, M.D.  Better planning and communication when patients are discharged is another way to keep patients safer and reduce high readmission rates. It might feel like few of us ha... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266902 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:41:28 +0100 3266902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266875&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fstd-test-the-perfect-valentines-gift%2F Flowers? Done that. Chocolate? Diet. Dinner out? Restaurant is crowded. STD test? Hmmm… maybe Stumped as to what to get for your sweetie this year for Valentine’s day? Here’s an idea for you. YouNeverReallyKnow.com is a new website dedicated to promoting sexual health and advice for people in relationships. They encourage regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and they have a special promotion in time for Valentine’s Day. They’re offering a discount for couples looking to Test2Gether. Test2Gether encourages couples, whether newly dating or not, to get tested for STDs together at a discounted rate. In today’s society, people tend to think of sexually transmitted infections in terms of HIV and AIDS or hepatitis, but the “old” infe... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266875 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:50:52 +0100 3266875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259309&cid=t_99345_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F09%2Fcranberry-found-effective-for-urinary-tract-infections-in-girls%2F Urinary tract infections are common in women, and for some women can be recurrent and require repeated doses of antibiotics or even prophylactic antibiotics. Organisms (usually E. coli) that cause UTIs generally gain access to the bladder via the urethra (the pipe connecting the bladder with the outside). Some of the strategies that may help [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259309 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:36:26 +0100 3259309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254757&cid=t_99345_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F09%2Fcranberry-found-effective-for-urinary-tract-infections-in-girls%2F Urinary tract infections are common in women, and for some women can be recurrent and require repeated doses of antibiotics or even prophylactic antibiotics. Organisms (usually E. coli) that cause UTIs generally gain access to the bladder via the urethra (the pipe connecting the bladder with the outside). Some of the strategies that may help [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254757 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:34:50 +0100 3254757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251402&cid=t_99345_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdental-infections-in-recovery%2F This article from the American Academy of Family Physicians may help identify problems. What is dental caries? Dental caries (CARE-eez) is an infection caused by certain bacteria (germs) in your mouth. It destroys the enamel (the hard outer layer) and dentin (the bone-like tissue under the enamel) of your teeth. More common names for dental caries are cavities and tooth decay. How can I prevent dental caries? Taking care of your mouth is important. You and your family should visit a dentist each year, starting at one year of age. You should brush and floss twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride (FLOOR-ide). You can start teaching children to brush with a small amount of low-fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. After six years of age, children can use regular fluorid... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251402 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:54:44 +0100 3251402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239561&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fthe-cdc-thinks-you-should-know-if-your-hospital-is-giving-people-infections-hospital-safey.html When you go to the hospital you expect to be treated for the condition you already have. The last thing you want is to get even sicker. Unfortunately, patients acquire about 1.7 million infections every year in U.S. hospitals, most of them preventable. The latest issue of Consumer Reports investigates a serious and common problem that is responsible for at least 30 percent of the nation’s 99,000 deaths from hospital-acquired infections. The problem is bloodstream infections introduced through central lines. A central line is a long flexible catheter threaded through a vein leading to a blood vessel near the heart and used to deliver medications, fluids and nutrition to critically ill patients. Studies have shown the risk of these serious, sometimes deadly infections can be nearly elimina... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239561 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:17:33 +0100 3239561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231475&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F02%2Fhospital-infections-to-find-the-best-hospitals-data-needs-to-be-publicly-available-how-to-be-a-safe-.html My mother used to say you don’t know what worry means until you have a child. One dreary day in 1999 my husband and I learned how right Mom was when we had to hospitalize our infant for "minor" surgery, and the anxiety was unlike anything we’d ever suffered. Of course we worried about the big hazards, like a surgery mishap. But we also worried about the smaller mistakes like a nurse forgetting to wash his hands or the anesthesiologist miscalculating the dose. Unfortunately, we weren’t just paranoid new parents. Not only are mistakes like these commonplace, they’re much more likely in some hospitals than others. And if you choose a hospital that performs poorly, you put yourself at much higher risk. We had no way of knowing whether we picked a hospital prone to such mista... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231475 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:53:23 +0100 3231475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212401&cid=t_99345_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FF_lmnSKc8Do%2F Although teaching an infant how to swim may not prevent drownings, it is an enjoyable activity for both parent and child. For that reason, doctors are not saying “don’t swim with your baby,” but they are issuing a warning so parents can be aware of certain issues. According to a study published recently in the European Respiratory Journal, children who are exposed to large amounts of chlorine early in life may have a higher risk of developing asthma or respiratory problems – particularly if they have a family history of such problems. The issue isn’t the swimming, but rather the air quality in indoor pools and the chlorine in all pools. Researchers looked at over 400 children and their health history and swimming habits. What the researchers found was that 36%... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212401 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:42:53 +0100 3212401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212325&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F01%2Fcus-president-on-the-state-of-the-union.html This week, President Obama will give his State of the Union address.  If you tune in Wednesday night, you'll see the familiar scene of the nation’s leader speaking to a joint session of Congress.  Up in the gallery, looking down at the House chamber below, will be people from many walks of life: reporters, schoolchildren, service men and women, business executives, individuals representing causes that run all across the political spectrum.   I've been fortunate, as the President of Consumers Union, to be invited to be one of those people in the gallery to listen to the President report on the condition of our country and lay out an agenda for the future.  Consumers Union is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.  We answer to cons... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212325 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:00:41 +0100 3212325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167170&cid=t_99345_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F04etTmhDcyY%2Fpreoperative-skin-cleanser.html Looks like it’s time for me to rethink my preference for preoperative skin cleanser. This past week there were two new prospective studies published in the Jan. 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, along with an accompanying editorial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in American hospitals alone, there are 1.7 million healthcare-associated infections each year. Of these infections, 22% are surgical site infections (SSIs). So if simply changing the preop skin cleanser will reduce my patient’s SSI risk, then I will do so. Rabih Darouiche, MD and colleagues found using chlorhexidine as the preoperative skin cleanser reduced infections by 41% compared with povidone-iodine. Their study involve randomly assigning 897 adults undergoing clean-contaminat... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167170 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:01:00 +0100 3167170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3157483&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fduh-study-longer-surgeries-mean-more-risk%2F Time to open the Duh Study file: Longer Surgeries Mean More Infections, Longer Hospital Stays. To me, this is pretty obvious. Longer surgeries tend to be more complicated than shorter surgeries. If the surgery is takes long, the body is exposed more. If the surgery is longer and more complicated, it makes sense that it may take longer to recuperate, resulting in a longer hospital stay. Right? In a study published in the January issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, researchers reported on their study of almost 300,000 surgeries and the patient outcomes. The researchers looked at 299,359 surgeries performed at 173 hospitals and found that the number of infections in patients increased up to 2.5% for every half hour longer the surgery was. Surgeries that 2.1 to 2.5 hours ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3157483 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:56:11 +0100 3157483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3146210&cid=t_99345_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FbsaOZgGu3as%2F Feeding antibiotics to livestock is a double-edged sword - animals grow faster, but develop drug-resistant infections passed on to people. And the ongoing overuse has led to infections that killed more than 65,000 people in the US last year, the Associated Press reports. And 70 percent of the 35 million pounds of antibiotics used last year went to pigs, chickens and cows. Worldwide, it’s 50 percent. “This is a living breathing problem, it’s the big bad wolf and it’s knocking at our door,” Vance Fowler, an infectious disease specialist at Duke University, tells the AP. “It’s here. It’s arrived.” America’s farmers give livestock about 8 percent more antibiotics each year, usually to heal lung, skin or blood infections. But 13 percen... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3146210 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:36:45 +0100 3146210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3146049&cid=t_99345_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F-2oJVKOkygs%2F I didn’t put this in the Duh Study category, but it is rather obvious, I would think: “Queen’s University study concludes private rooms are safer.” Back in “the old days,” many hospitals didn’t have private rooms and patients were mostly in wards – a large room with bed after bed, lining the walls. They had male wards and female wards. Then, wards became smaller and four-bedded rooms were more the norm, along with semi-private (two-bedded rooms) and private rooms. Hospitals now are often built to limit shared rooms as much as possible, for patient privacy and to limit the spread of disease. A study, just published in the on-line version of the American Journal of Infection Control, reports that having a roommate or roommates increases your ri... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3146049 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:07:07 +0100 3146049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3139104&cid=t_99345_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FMSG6yuSNQ2o%2F Sometimes short headlines can’t say what you really want them to say. Sinus surgery can improve your quality of life, but only if you have a condition that needs it, right? If you live with chronic sinus infections or inflammation, sinusitis, you’ve likely tried many treatments or therapies to get relief. Sometimes, the only option is surgery though and this is proving to be quite a boon for many people who need it. In fact, according to a new study, over 3/4 of patients who needed endoscopic sinus surgery had good results. Endoscopic surgery involves using very small instruments that reach into the sinuses, allowing surgeons to operate without having to make incisions. These types of surgeries are called minimally invasive surgeries. Chronic sinusitis or rhinosinusitis (CRS) i... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3139104 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 22:16:20 +0100 3139104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126575&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Ftis-the-season-to-be-safe%2F Partying and enjoying time with old friends, new friends, and people you’ve yet to meet is a big part of the holiday season. New Year’s Eve is a party night extraordinaire for many. But it’s also a time when women can be subjected to unwanted attention from others or carelessness on their part – resulting in unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, even assaults. So, how do women stay safe? Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Women’s Health Educator Shelby Knox. She is an expert in sex ed and women’s issues, and recognizes that “mistakes can happen.” But, she offers up ways to prevent serious setbacks. She’s got some tips that can help keep you from becoming statistics. Last year, Knox wrote Abstinence is the New Feminism (And Other... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126575 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:46:00 +0100 3126575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096785&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F17%2Farchives-of-pediatrics-and-adolescent-medicine-2009-vol-163-no-12%2F content page Fade Fave: Time From First Intercourse to First Sexually Transmitted Infection Diagnosis Among Adolescent Women Fade Skinny: Screening adolescent women for selected sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—by sexual history to identify risk and by laboratory testing to verify infection—is endorsed by clinical practice guidelines and implemented in at least some proportion of health visits for adolescents. Sexually transmitted infection screening is justified by disproportionate STI morbidity among young women, including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, tubal infertility, preterm birth, and increased susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus infection (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Jo... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096785 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:29:14 +0100 3096785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092658&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Frepeat-sti-rate-in-urban-girls-almost-100%2F I know, we don’t want to think of our daughters, especially in their teens, as having sex. I also know that many of them do have sex. So, whether you’re ready to deal with it or not, here are a few numbers you should be aware of: Half of urban teenage girls may acquire at least one of three common sexually transmitted infections (STI) within two years of becoming sexually active. Ok, some might say. STIs can be treated. The rebuttal to that is: yes and no. Sure, some STIs can be successfully treated. But, there’s a big “but.” The STI has to be identified. The girl has to be willing to have it treated. The girl has to seek treatment. The girl has to be sure that she completes the treatment properly. The girl has to be sure that it has worked. Oh, and one more... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092658 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:00:16 +0100 3092658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3029772&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F26%2Finternational-journal-of-std-aids-2009-vol-20-no-11%2F Journal of STD & AIDS 2009 (Vol.20 No.11) Title: Emotional intimacy predicts condom use: findings in a group at high sexually transmitted disease risk Skinny: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between condom use and emotional intimacy. The study was a gonorrhoea case-comparison study with the samples being drawn from public health clinics and select bars/nightclubs. Condom use with the last sexual partner was analysed along with intimacy with that partner assessed on a 3-point scale. Higher intimacy was related to greater condom use which was significant in men but not in women. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online. Posted in E-Journals, Public Health, Sexual Health Tagged: Condom use, Contraception, International Journal of STD &... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3029772 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:58:06 +0100 3029772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003758&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F11%2Fpreventable-hospital-infections-to-err-is-human-but-to-delay-is-deadly-safe-patient-project-webcast.html Ten years ago, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released To Err is Human, reporting that as many as 98,000 Americans die every year from preventable medical errors. Today, on the report’s 10-year-anniversary, Consumer’s Union Safe Patient Project is hosting a forum in Washington, DC to call attention to the fact that today, we’re no safer that we were 10 years ago and to draw attention to their report To Err is Human – To Delay is Deadly which estimates that preventable medical harm still accounts for over 100,000 deaths each year. The event will be attended by prominent patient safety leaders to discuss what needs to happen to keep patients safe, including former U.S. Treasury Secretary, Paul O’Neill, who wrote a recent op-ed in the New York Times on medical harm; Arthur Levin,... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003758 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:49:48 +0100 3003758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2966803&cid=t_99345_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F11%2Flatent-epstein-barr-virus-infections.html In primary infection, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) replicates in oro-pharyngeal epithelial cells and establishes Latency III, II, and I infections in B-lymphocytes. EBV latent infection of B-lymphocytes is necessary for virus persistence, subsequent replication in epithelial cells, and release of infectious virus into saliva. EBV Latency III and II infections of B-lymphocytes, Latency II infection of oral epithelial cells, and Latency II infection of NK- or T-cell can result in malignancies, marked by uniform EBV genome presence and gene expression. Because of the marked CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell response to EBV nuclear proteins in Latency III infected B-lymphocytes, EBV associated lymphoid malignancies are most common in immune compromised people, whereas EBV associated Latency II infected anaplas... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2966803 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:16:00 +0100 2966803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954213&cid=t_99345_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F11%2Fpathobiology-of-lyme-disease-borrelia.html Lyme disease Borrelia are host-dependent, tick-transmitted, invasive, nontoxigenic, persistent pathogens that cause disease in humans and other mammals primarily through the induction of inflammatory reactions. During transmission from the infected tick, the bacteria undergo dramatic changes in gene expression, resulting in adaptation to the mammalian environment. (Samuels and Radolf, 2010)Expression of outer surface protein C (OspC) is essential during these early stages of colonization, although the mechanism by which OspC promotes spirochetal infectivity is unknown. Organisms multiply and spread locally and induce an inflammatory response that in humans results in an erythema migrans, the hallmark lesion of localized infection. The spirochetes enter the bloodstream during the primary in... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954213 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:07:00 +0100 2954213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939240&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F29%2Fjournal-of-health-economics-2009-vol-28-no-5%2F content page Fade Fave: Coughs and sneezes spread diseases: An empirical study of absenteeism and infectious illness Fade Skinny: This paper incorporates some theoretical ideas from the study of the epidemiology of infectious illness into a model of worker absence. The paper then seeks to quantify such infection effects by examining a personnel dataset which allows us to track daily absence decisions of a group of industrial workers employed in the same factory. We find significant effects of our measure of sickness in the (rest of the) workforce on the absence probabilities of individual workers, and offer a suggestion on how this might be used by managers to gauge the extent of illness transmission within the workplace. (FADE holds a print copy) Posted in Current Awareness, Journal... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939240 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:39 +0100 2939240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2930913&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F27%2Fsexually-transmitted-infections-2009-vol-85-no-6%2F content page Fade Fave: Measuring patient satisfaction in sexually transmitted infection clinics: a systematic review Fade Skinny: This review has identified the need for a validated and standardised approach to assess patient satisfaction in sexually transmitted infection clinics. Comparing studies which have measured satisfaction, clear themes for the provision of a high quality service, from a patient perspective, have emerged. These themes should be incorporated into assessment tools, such as questionnaires, when reviewing service delivery (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Patient Satisfaction, Sexually Transmitted Infections (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2930913 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:00:17 +0100 2930913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2901609&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fsexbolt-saturday-condom-negotiation%2F When it comes to dirty jokes and crude movies, we don’t seem to have much problems talking about sex in today’s world. But what about when it becomes between just you and him? Just the two of you and your new relationship. How easy is it to talk about sex then? Easy enough to talk about condoms? It’s surprising how often the answer is “no.” Both men and women know how important condoms are. Being on the Pill will prevent pregnancy, but it won’t prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or HIV. The only thing that will prevent that – other than abstention – is a condom. So, what do you do if he doesn’t want to discuss it or is arguing against it? Then it’s time for a Condom Negotiation. Personally,... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2901609 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:32:27 +0100 2901609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876275&cid=t_99345_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fflashback-friday-pitching-yeast.html Mixing it up a little from my Wayback Wednesday series today… It was four whole years ago that I wrote this tongue-in-cheek post about diabetes and yeast infections. The guys aren’t brewing at our place so much anymore, but I’m finding that ladies with diabetes are still struggling for answers. Why don’t doctors proactively tell us this [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876275 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:49:38 +0100 2876275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871588&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F10%2Fcatch-flu-influenza-mask-contamination-sneeze-cough-h1n1.html Hate it when somebody coughs right into your face and eyes? You're not just germ-phobic, that may be the most likely way to transmit influenza, according to a newly published study. Researchers from UC-Berkley’s School of Public Health and the University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Public Health concluded that close contact spraying of respiratory droplets with the influenza virus carried the greatest risk of infection, followed by hand contact with contaminated surfaces, and inhaling particles carrying the virus. The study was published in Risk Analysis: An International Journal published by the nonprofit Society for Risk Analysis, and used mathematical modeling to examine the theoretical risk of catching an influenza A virus—a type of influenza virus that includes the n... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871588 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:39:41 +0100 2871588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2827947&cid=t_99345_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F09%2Fbiofilms-update.html Introduction to BiofilmsGonococcal BiofilmsDental PlaqueOral Microbial CommunitiesGram-positive Biofilm InfectionsBiofilms in PasteurellaceaeBiofilm Formation by Vibrio choleraeread more at: BiofilmsFull range of books on microbiology at Microbiology Books (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2827947 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:53:00 +0100 2827947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820159&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F22%2Fmoving-forward-progress-and-priorities-working-together-for-high-quality-sexual-health-government-response-to-the-independent-advisory-groups-review-of-the-sexual-health-and-hiv-strategy-2009%2F Title: Moving forward: progress and priorities – working together for high quality sexual health: Government response to the Independent Advisory Group’s review of the Sexual Health and HIV Strategy Skinny: Government response to the Independent Advisory Group’s 2008 review of progress in implementing the 2001 sexual health and HIV strategy. The IAG’s comprehensive review entitled Progress and priorities – working together for high quality sexual health was published in July 2008. This response outlines the progress made in improving sexual health since 2001 and highlights how the Government will implement the IAG’s national level recommendations – including prioritising sexual health as a key public health issue – over the next two years. Publisher: DH Siz... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820159 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:33:39 +0100 2820159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796518&cid=t_99345_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fv8t1S7uqjcE%2F If you’ve had a child who had ear infections, you know just how bad they can be. And, as a parent, it’s difficult to watch your child suffering from the ear pain. Ear infections are surprisingly common. In Canada, 75% of children will have at least one ear infection before they reach their first birthday. Usually, a suspected ear infection meant a trip to the doctor’s and a prescription for an antibiotic. This may not be so automatic now as the Canadian Pediatric Society is recommending a watch-and-wait approach in healthy children who are older than 6 months. There are a few reasons for this new approach. 1 – When first examining a child and discovering the ear infection, it’s not immediately obvious if the infection is caused by a bacteria or a virus. Theref... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796518 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:53:20 +0100 2796518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2716192&cid=t_99345_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F19%2Fnccn-updates-infection-guidelines-to-include-information-about-h1n1-virus-swine-flu%2F NCCN [National Comprehensive Cancer Network] recently updated the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer-Related Infections to include information about the H1N1 virus, also known as “swine flu”. The NCCN Guidelines provide specific recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the major common and opportunistic infections that afflict [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2716192 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:08:06 +0100 2716192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2691437&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F08%2Fyou-never-know-whats-coming-for-ya.html I finally saw the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button this weekend and woke to a bright morning thinking the movie’s refrain “You never know what’s coming for ya.” So I was primed for the unexpected as I read the troubling content on Dead By Mistake, a site that features the results of a Hearst investigative report on medical errors. The site’s most compelling feature is the set of 30 profiles and heart wrenching photos of lives lost unexpectedly under circumstances that certainly seemed preventable. This new content echoes the report we released in May as part of our Safe Patient Project.  Our report, To Err is Human—To Delay is Deadly, looks at specific infection-preventing practices state by state and the status of legislation to make hospital ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2691437 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:21:19 +0100 2691437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667413&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fslow-down-and-nurse-or-else%2F Recently my body sent me a little warning that I needed to slow down. My husband was out of town last week and that left me on my own (with the three kids) for five days. I shuttled the girls to daily swim lessons, weekly library story time, the children’s museum and a playdate. On top of that I made a concerted effort to keep up with the laundry and other housekeeping chores. By the end of the week, the kids were happy, the house was tidy, but I was wiped out and my body told me so! On Saturday I started to notice a sore spot in my right breast. I had a plugged duct, which is my body’s way of kicking itself when I am run down. The symbolic red flag that says: Slow down or else! (Photo by Jay Simmons)It’s the red flag that says, “Hey there Mama, slow it down and foc... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667413 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:55:43 +0100 2667413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2625582&cid=t_99345_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F07%2Fanaerobic-parasitic-protozoa.html Anaerobic parasitic protozoa cause medically and economically important diseases such as dysentery, sexually transmitted infections, and gastroenteritis that affect millions of people worldwide annually. Recently the genomes of the three key anaerobic protozoa, Trichomonas, Giardia and Entamoeba, have been determined. The availability of these genomic data and the use of post-genomic analyses have provided fascinating new insights into the biology of these important parasites. They will be important for the design of novel anti-protozoan drugs and the development of effective vaccines.A new book on Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa critically reviews the most important aspects of research on anaerobic parasitic protozoa, providing the first coherent picture of their genomics and molecular biolo... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2625582 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:26:00 +0100 2625582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576506&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F07%2Fpostgraduate-medical-journal-2009-vol-85-no-1005%2F content page Title: Prescribing antibiotics for sore throat: adherence to guidelines in patients admitted to hospital The Skinny: Finds that adherence to guidelines for prescribing antibiotics in patients with features of group A β-haemolytic streptococcal sore throat is poor. Recommends that information support may help to improve prescribing. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Current Awareness Tagged: Antibiotics, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Guidelines, Prescriptions, Streptococcal Infections (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576506 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:19:36 +0100 2576506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2404959&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F13%2Fchlamydia-%25e2%2580%2593-uncomplicated-genital-%25e2%2580%2593-management%2F Title: Chlamydia – uncomplicated genital – Management Source: Clinical Knowledge Summaries The Skinny:  Covers when and how to test people with signs and symptoms suggestive of chlamydia, and when to screen asymptomatic people for chlamydia infection in primary care.  Also the management of people with signs and symptoms strongly suggestive of chlamydia, or with a positive test result for chlamydia, including notification of sexual partners. Date of publication: May 2009 Publication type: Clinical Knowledge Summary Acknowledgement: http://cks.library.nhs.uk Posted in Clinical Knowledge Summary Tagged: Chlamydia Infections, Diagnosis, Primary Care, Screening, Sexual Health, Sexually Transmitted Infections (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2404959 Wed, 13 May 2009 08:43:21 +0100 2404959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2389973&cid=t_99345_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F02BCGsDJ9h0%2F If you know you have a vaginal yeast infection, you may be trying to find something that will help you find some relief from the itching and burning. If you suspect you have a vaginal yeast infection, you should have it checked by your doctor first. It may not be yeast but something else that’s causing the problem. Here are some tips to help relieve the discomfort while you’re waiting for treatment or are being treated for it: Apply a cool washcloth to the vulva Apply an ice pack (covered with a towel or other fabric) Aim a fan towards your vulva to cool it off and keep it dry Use a sitz bath with Espom salts While sitting on the toilet, use a squirt bottle to help clean the vulva area Do you have any tips? ~~~ Image: Stock.xchng Share and Enjoy: Po... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2389973 Tue, 05 May 2009 15:56:00 +0100 2389973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2346894&cid=t_99345_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F04%2Fleishmaniasis-review.html "This book represents a most thorough and comprehensive review of current research into the genetics, biology, host-parasite interactions and developments in the treatment of Leishmaniasis. The chapters are contributed by many eminent researchers in the field, and thus it contains the most recent research and developments relating to this organism. ... This book represents a most valuable reference for any scientist who wishes to expand their knowledge and understanding of current research into this important parasitic infection, I feel that it is a must for the library of any individual undertaking research into this disease." ... read morefrom Richard Bradbury (Microbiology Department, Royal Hobart Hospital) writing in Aus. J. Med. Sci. 2009 30(1): 25-26Further reading: Leishmania: After... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2346894 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:31:00 +0100 2346894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2272384&cid=t_99345_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fzg9wb8dEl38%2F When I was a teen (in the dark ages), the most women had to worry about if they were sexually active was getting pregnant or catching a treatable sexually transmitted disease (STD). Because of the pregnancy concern, the Pill was a major breakthrough for women, changing their lives. Unfortunately, the world has changed significantly since the 70s. Now, sex without a barrier method of protection is like playing Russian Roulette. I don’t think we should even call barrier protection birth control. That’s a misnomer, in my mind. Those barriers are life-savers. They prevent the transmission of illnesses like HIV, which may develop into AIDS. Of course, there’s also the age-old problem of some men not wanting to wear a condom. They don’t like it makes them feel, they say i... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2272384 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:00:42 +0100 2272384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258800&cid=t_99345_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fvitamin-d-deficiency-and-you%2F This is important, so listen up! It seems that every day there’s more news about the health risks associated with vitamin D deficiency, which might not be a problem if there weren’t also news nearly every day that few of us are getting enough vitamin D each day. We’re not getting enough either from our diets or from sun exposure, which are the two main sources not counting supplements (which are probably what you should be taking, by the way). Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various bone problems as well as to diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disorders, a variety of cancers as well as to infections, including recently to the development of the common cold. The list of illnesses associated with vitamin D deficienc... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258800 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:40:21 +0100 2258800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2156736&cid=t_99345_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aheartylife.com%2F2009%2F02%2F02%2Fanorexia-affects-the-heart%2F   Anorexia affects the whole body, when the body is deprived of the nutrients that it requires it will start using muscles for energy. Due to the fact that the heart is a muscle, it will over time lose its ability to do normal functions. When a person becomes anorexic their heart starts to beat at a slower rate causing a multitude of problems. As a result of the problems they can go into shock and low blood pressure will also occur.   When depriving the body of the food that it needs, iron deficiency develops. The lack of iron will lead to anemia, which will make delivering oxygen throughout the body more difficult. The result of the anemia will be exhaustion, shortness of breath as well as heart infections and palpitations. A poorly-functioning cardiovascular system also m... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2156736 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:33:18 +0100 2156736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2151030&cid=t_99345_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fmore-healthy-breakfast-info-for-teens.html When your teens are in school, they are not under your watchful eye...what are they eating? Are they getting enough of the nutrients they need?Here's another great article with some studies, read and enjoy!---------------------------------------------------Recent research from the Harvard School of Public Health shows that teenagers who get enough of the nutrients commonly found in fruits and fish are more prone to healthy lungs and to have less risk of asthma, coughing and wheezing. The study results were published Monday July 9th, 2007 in the July issue of Chest. Burns and her team of researchers found that teens with the lowest intake of fruit and especially vitamin C had weaker lungs compared to the others. Teens that ate less vitamin E, found in vegetable oil and nuts, were more lik... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2151030 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:27:00 +0100 2151030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090931&cid=t_99345_160_f&fid=38218&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwaronwarts.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fa-urologists-wart-schpeel-to-patients%2F My wart schpeel I see a fair number patient consults for “rule-out HPV” or “rule-out warts.”  The typical scenario is the following: A woman goes to her gynecologist for a routine Pap smear and is told that the results came back positive for HPV.  She is then told by her doctor to have her male partner “checked-out.” What does all that mean and what really happened at that patient’s doctor visit? In a nutshell, the American College of Ob-Gyn recommends that women get periodic Par smears since Pap smears can detect cervical cancer early, and this saves lives.  Pap smears can also detect other disorders such as yeast infections and HPV infections.  HPV is the virus that causes genital warts.  On a Pap smear, the HPV virus produces cells with a characteristic look that mos... War On Warts blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090931 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:32:09 +0100 2090931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1976541&cid=t_99345_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fhealthy-environment-important-as.html Anyone who spends any amount of time reading about matters related to health realizes by now that, even though the kinds of foods that we eat are tremendously important, so is our environment. I am talking about obvious, but sometimes taken for granted things, like the air we breath, the water we drink, and what we put on our skin.For this post, lets focus on a couple of things that can cause poor air quality in the home. Our home is a lake-front home, and we have a very high water table. It may sound odd to you, but it is not unusual around here to have a basement with some water running through it from one side of the house, with a drain taking it out the other side. It is because the cabins here are former summer homes that have been converted to year-round homes. Some take the time to ... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1976541 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:09:00 +0100 1976541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939859&cid=t_99345_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fa-friendly-chat-about-life-with-chronic-pain%2F Today I would like to just chat, as friends do, about what’s going on in my life. Last weekend was quite wonderful, having our son and grandson visit from Texas. I’m still recovering from all the sitting in restaurants and riding in the car but time will take care of it, I’m certain. Was it worth it? It certainly was. As far as I’m concerned, joy out trumps pain every time. I did have one episode which was a bit strange. The room started spinning and I had to sit on the floor until it passed. I assumed it was just fatigue and ignored it. After the guys left I was just very tired and sore everywhere. Then, on Monday morning I had another incident of vertigo. After I got out of the shower the room started spinning so I lay down, waiting for it to pass. It didn’t... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939859 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:37:54 +0100 1939859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1901276&cid=t_99345_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalit.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Finformation-overload.html SAN FRANCISCO—Talk about irony: I've got tons and tons of great information to report, and very little time in which to do so. I'm currently at the Health 2.0 conference in San Francisco, fresh off the Medical Group Management Association annual meeting down the coast in San Diego. I'll be at the Collaborative Communications Summit in Los Angeles early next week. Aside from all the frequent-flier miles, I've collected much news from vendors, organizations, and others in health IT. At some point, I'll actually get around to reporting the news. In the meantime, you can check out the story I wrote this week in Digital HealthCare & Productivity about MGMA's desire for health plans to develop a standardized, machine-readable insurance card for all patients.I also wanted to draw your attention... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1901276 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:45:00 +0100 1901276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826919&cid=t_99345_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fchicken-soup-upper-respiratory-system.html A while back, I was browsing WebMD and they did have quite a good article about how Chicken Soup is a great remedy for a cold or other upper respiratory system complaints. With cold season upon us, I thought it would be fun to read, as this is written with a touch of humor & sarcasm.Included is a wonderful recipe for that well-known home remedy that seems to cure almost everything, Chicken Soup. It contains some herbs that are good for the upper respiratory system as well, even though he doesn't mention that as he lists the ingredients.Following is the recipe, you can find the full article by clicking "It's Back to Chicken Soup" With the cold winter months coming to our part of the country, this sounds like a delicious remedy for children and grown-ups alike!Moser's WebMD Decongestant ... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826919 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:11:00 +0100 1826919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1768855&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F09%2F04%2Fa-little-marijuana-for-your-mrsa%2F Ready for yet another possible medicinal use for marijuana? How about fighting MRSA, the staph infection resistant to most antibiotics. Indeed, researchers in Italy and the UK tested five of marijuana’s major chemicals (called cannabinoids) on different strains of MRSA, and all five proved to be germ destroyers in lab tests. In addition, some synthetic cannabinoids showed that same capability. Interesting. So why does marijuana work when traditional antibiotics don’t? Because the cannabinoids kill bacteria in a different way, and they are possibly able to bypass that bacterial resistance. And what about marijuana’s trademark “high”? So far it’s been found that at least two of the cannabinoids don’t possess mood-altering effects. A drawback for some... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1768855 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:20:23 +0100 1768855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1543003&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F25%2F710%2F House of Commons Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee (2008) Biosecurity in UK research laboratories: Sixth Report of Session 2007–08: Volume I Report, together with formal minutes concludes that there is a striking lack of co-ordination between organisations who sponsor and run high containment laboratories. No one organisation or Minister has the remit to maintain a strategic overview of capacity and to co-ordinate these laboratories. It identifies significant potential for collaboration at a more formal level to assess what facilities are available and make best use of them, identifying any gaps. More co-ordination and standardisation of the vetting and training of staff working in this area is possible. Shortcomings in the funding of high containment facilities, par... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1543003 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:07:48 +0100 1543003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1516413&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F13%2Fan-evaulation-of-brook-sexual-health-outreach-in-schools%2F (Executive Summary)  from the University of the West of England aimed to reduce the impact of teenage pregnancy and sexual ill-health amongst young people within the Neighbourhood Renewal Areas in Bristol. The service was delivered in sixteen secondary school settings including three pupil referral units. All schools were in areas of high social deprivation based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation. The evaluation sought to assess the implementation of the Brook Outreach School Drop-in Service and the consequences for young people living in areas of high deprivation. Key objectives were to identify the patterns, reasons and outcomes of young people’s attendance and to explore young people’s views of the service including any perceived barriers to access. Views of professionals worki... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1516413 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:22:14 +0100 1516413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1475456&cid=t_99345_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F299815383%2F A new study in the UK revealed that gum disease may increase the risk of cancer. Though the link is still unclear, people with gum infections have increased amount of inflammatory markers in the blood — inflammation has previously been linked to cancer. According to lead researcher Dominique Michaud, a cancer epidemiologist at Imperial College London (UK): “Men with history of periodontal disease had a 14 percent higher risk of cancer than those who did not have periodontal disease, and the increase persisted among never smokers. This new finding needs to be examined in other populations and among women, but it at least suggests that oral health may have some impact on cancer risk. If other data can support this association, then it will have implications for prevention and may... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1475456 Wed, 28 May 2008 12:38:10 +0100 1475456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1445893&cid=t_99345_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdentists-save-lives%2F Recently, local and national media seem to cover dentistry more. Maybe it’s the influence of the Extreme Makeover craze; maybe it’s all the new findings that link oral health to overall health. Whatever the cause, awareness seems to be increasing. From the local newspaper to World News and Weekly Report to Reader’s Digest, dentistry is a hot topic. Here are just a few of the startling facts that you already know: Oral cancer kills 7500 people annually, and early detection offers an 80% cure rate. Periodontal disease affects one in two Americans, and it is linked to a long list of oral health problems, including stroke, heart disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, respiratory problems, diabetes complications, and low birth weight. People without teeth, which includ... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445893 Thu, 15 May 2008 12:48:12 +0100 1445893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1455483&cid=t_99345_118_f&fid=36984&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthManagementRx%2F%7E3%2F283243854%2Fhais-free-lunches-in-healthcare.html Something I received in the mail yesterday revived a bit of hope that the US hospital industry may be - FINALLY - 'getting it.'Hiding amidst all the grocery sales circulars was a flyer from Cardinal Health about the Chasing Zero Summit (Washington DC, Sept. 8-10, 2008).Those of you who are following me on Twitter.com know I've been jetting around to quite a few conferences this spring. As I try to calculate ROI for these trips more effectively, I'm being increasingly selective about the shows I think will be productive.At first I was excited about Chasing Zero - it's in my old hometown of DC, so I can see friends, family and colleagues while I'm in the area.According to the invite: "The Chasing Zero Summit is designed to stimulate discussion between the industry's key stakeholders - hospit... Health Management Rx blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1455483 Sun, 04 May 2008 09:57:00 +0100 1455483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1369703&cid=t_99345_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F269635683%2F Here's a fungal infection you don't hear much about. One of the fungi we work on, a model for mushroom development as it can be fruited in the lab is Coprinopsis cinerea (previously named Coprinus cinereus). C. cinerea is a saprobric coprophillic fungus so it is usually found on dung.  Although rare in human infections there are a few reports in immunocopromised patients.  Below is an abstract describing isolation of C. cinerea from an implanted heart valve from a pig. This definitely not its typical habitat and Coprinus growing in yeast form I'm sure I've really heard of either.  Would be great to see if the clinical strains are still sexually competent and/or are significantly different in other ways (growth rate, resistance to drugs and oxidative stress) from the wild or laborat... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1369703 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:45:47 +0100 1369703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1356216&cid=t_99345_10_f&fid=35345&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gideononline.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F04%2F07%2Fnew-respiratory-virus-infections-in-canada%2F Appeared in ProMED: The following background information on “newer” viral respiratory infections in Canada was abstracted from GIDEON: Prevalence surveys Human matapneumovirus (HMPV) is found in 4.1 per cent of adults with community-acquired pneumonia (2005 publication). HMPV is found in 9.5 per cent of respiratory specimens from the community and 25 per cent of outbreaks; median age was 24 months (Calgary, 2007 publication). HMPV is found in 14.8 per cent of patients with acute respiratory tract infection (4 provinces, 2001 to 2002 influenza season). HMPV is found in 8 per cent of acute lower respiratory tract infections (Montreal, 2001). HMPV is found in 3.9 per cent of pediatric inpatients and outpatients (Alberta, 2002 to 2003). HMPV is found in 6 per cent of children... GIDEON blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1356216 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:19:37 +0100 1356216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1331370&cid=t_99345_127_f&fid=34828&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrclouthier.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fear-infections-in-children.html I decided I have to post on this because of what I see as an ever increasing trend in my office. This is the trend of placing children on repeated antibiotic use over the course of the first 3-5 years of life. This pattern appears to start early in life with medical/pharmaceutical intervention and continues on a path of health decline over the next few years. Below I will describe the first five years of life that I see these young children experiencing. You might see your child or a friend or family members child in this same situation. My goal in practice is to reverse this trend so that children can live a happy drug free life that is full of activity and happiness. Below is the first five years pattern in the child that is pharmaceutically or medically treated. This doesn't hold for al... Dr. Steve Clouthier blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1331370 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:22:00 +0100 1331370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1909218&cid=t_99345_177_f&fid=38133&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FTubalReversalBlog%2F%7E3%2F286469509%2Finfection-risks-tubal-reversal.html In a recent email inquiry, someone asked if it would be safer to have tubal reversal surgery in a hospital. My response - “It is much safer to have tubal reversal surgery performed at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center than in a hospital.” Infection and Medication Error Risks in Hospitals Roughly 100,000 people wind up with a [...] (Source: Tubal Reversal Blog) Tubal Reversal Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1909218 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 23:20:38 +0100 1909218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1131294&cid=t_99345_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fcold-and-flu-viruses-dont-take-over.html The American Lung Association reminds us that antibiotics treat bacterial infections, but there are no antiviral medications invented yet to treat viruses. Additionally, the American Lung Association says "certain people such as those with thyroid disease or high blood pressure should not take decongestants -- check with your doctor. There are many over the counter remedies that contain these ingredients."Seniors who have a viral cold or flu can be at risk, especially if they already have multiple chronic health conditions. Check with a doctor before taking any over the counter medications if there is a risk that they are not recommended with a health condition or with other medications someone takes.Many people mistakenly believe that when you get a cold you go to the doctor for antibioti... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1131294 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:56:00 +0100 1131294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1060088&cid=t_99345_93_f&fid=36200&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.jammedph.com%2Fcapillariasis-outbreak-in-a-zambo-village%2F There is already an alarming case of capillariasis in a village in Zamboanga, called Moyo, where everyone is afflicted with the intestinal parasite infestation. Seventy villagers have already died and blamed for their own death. These people have been warned about eating freshwater fish and shrimps as they may harbor this parasite. Facts about Capillariasis: Mode of Transmission: The disease can be acquired through consumption of infected raw or improperly cooked small freshwater fish. Incubation Period: After eating infected fish, it takes at least about 2 weeks for the eggs to mature. Signs and Symptoms: * Abdominal pain * Chronic diarrhea for more than 2 weeks * Loss of appetite * Weight lost * Vomiting * Swelling of the body * Muscle wasting Treatment: • Mebendazole 400 mg/day given... Jammed: Full into Capacity blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1060088 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:24:26 +0100 1060088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1060004&cid=t_99345_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F11%2F29%2Fmaternal-flu-linked-to-schizophrenia%2F You may have missed this if you don’t regularly read The Washington Post, but staff writer Shankar Vedantam wrote an excellent article describing how recent research into schizophrenia is increasingly pointing to maternal infections during the first and second trimester of pregnancy — especially flu infections: That’s because the newest studies suggest the culprit may not be infections such as the flu per se, but pregnant mothers’ immune reactions to such infections. Current guidelines recommend that pregnant women get a flu shot — and the point of the flu vaccine is to set off an immune reaction. If the risk for schizophrenia is increased as a result of maternal antibodies, might protecting mom and baby from the flu raise the risk the child could get schizo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1060004 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:32:37 +0100 1060004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1047922&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F24%2Ftesting-times-hiv-and-other-sexually-transmitted-infections-in-the-united-kingdom-2007%2F The sexual health of young UK adults worsened in 2006 despite a concerted public health effort to turn it around, figures show. In 2006, a total of 376,508 new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were diagnosed - up 2.2% on 2005, the Health Protection Agency found in Testing Times - HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United Kingdom: 2007 Young people aged 16-24 made up the bulk of cases of some of the most common STIs, including chlamydia. The report also warns of a continuing HIV and STI epidemic in gay men. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1047922 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 09:23:57 +0100 1047922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1044138&cid=t_99345_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F188429924%2F … he has identified how two different kinds of Chlamydia can cause both coronary artery disease and miscarriages. Solving one mystery gave him clues that he needed to figure out the other. By focusing on the immune system mechanisms in Chlamydia infections, Azenabor has identified an important link in seemingly unrelated health problems. The result could be new treatments and prevention strategies for both heart disease and infertility. Chlamydia pneumoniae is a microbe that normally causes pneumonia and bronchitis, but it has long been associated with atherosclerosis, a cardiovascular disease also called “hardening of the arteries.” Huh? Chlamydia? Yes, when the macrophages’ cell walls are infected with the C. pneumoniae their usually tight cholesterol, which they ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1044138 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:20:52 +0100 1044138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=964792&cid=t_99345_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Flast-words-on-those-miserable-utis%2F This is the conclusion to my previous blogs on urinary tract infections. 1. If you are prone to chronic bladder infections, watch those sweets. Unfortunately, bacteria like sugar as much as we do and thrive on it, getting fat and sassy. Boy, does that sound familiar? When your blood sugar is high, bacteria love to move in and frolic. It’s best if you don’t offer a friendly welcoming atmosphere for bacteria. Your figure will also thank you. 2. Say goodbye to tight-fitting clothes, especially if you do a lot of sitting. This is particularly true for us females as a snug fit can irritate the urethra. Also, eliminate the man-made fibers, such as nylon for underwear. Many manufacturers have caught on to this trend and now sew a cotton crotch into their undies and that’s okay. Cotton and t... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=964792 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:03:43 +0100 964792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=961635&cid=t_99345_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fdoribax_doripenem_injection_fdaapproved_for_complicated_urinary_tract_and_intraabdominal_infections.php Currently, the prescribed medication for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections is levofloxacin while meropenem for complicated intra-abdominal infections. Found to have a cure rate comparable to levofloxacin and meropenem and have been shown to be active against several strains of bacteria - Doribax (doripenem injection, 500 mg intravenous infusion) - has recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections and intra-abdominal infections. Doribax is a product of Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC. Find more details from FDA News and J&J Press Release. See article. (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=961635 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:55:23 +0100 961635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=959067&cid=t_99345_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthose-miserable-urinary-tract-infections-part-two%2F Here we go, again and again and again. If you know where the toilets are located in every store you frequent, then welcome to the club. Today, “class,” we are going to talk about the first four measures you can take to make your urinary life easier and healthier. Next blog, we will talk about six more measures which will also help. Sometimes I wonder if I ever talk about anything that is not embarrassing. I talk about my bottom. I talk about bowels. Now I’m talking about urinating. My general attitude is, “Well, after all, we all do it.” Sometimes, I think it’s a wonder that my family actually feels free to take me out in polite society. The good news is I’m a lot of fun. These subjects always remind me of an occurrence in nursing school when a very shy instructor walked in f... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=959067 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:08:44 +0100 959067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=944772&cid=t_99345_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthose-miserable-urinary-tract-infections%2F Part One: For those of us with autoimmune disease, bladder infections (cystitis) as well as kidney infections (pyelonephritis) can be frequent problems. They can be uncomfortable to totally miserable as well as inconvenient and life disrupting. Occasionally either one of these distressing conditions may be accompanied by pain and infection in the urethra, the exit point for urine. Anatomically, women are more prone to these infections than men. It’s all in the design. I battled urinary tract infections (UTIs) for many years. Long before I knew I had Relapsing Polychondritis, I had a tubal pregnancy which “blew up” one ovary and fallopian tube, causing trauma to the bladder. When I left the hospital I wore a foley catheter home and had it for ten days. I wasn’t a nurse in those days... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=944772 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:52:18 +0100 944772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=948826&cid=t_99345_111_f&fid=36538&url=http%3A%2F%2Fernursey.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Ffilth.html I've posted on this subject before, but Mousie got me thinking with his post on an encounter with a prune-faced bean counter named 'Olive.'I have the bright-eyed, idealistic thought that hospitals should be clean. I know, I know, how naive right? I mean we are taught from day one during our training how important cleanliness is, how to put on sterile gloves and apply sterile dressings lest some stray microbe contaminate our patients surgical wound. Don't shake the linens as you will rustle microbes up into the air, brush your ventilated patients teeth every shift to prevent ventilator acquired pneumonia, wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.so with all the emphasis on cleanliness is next to Godliness, why is it that there is so little concern about the fact that our hospitals ... ERnursey - An emergency room nurse blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=948826 Thu, 27 Sep 2007 03:37:00 +0100 948826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=794194&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F12%2Fpopcorn-can-save-your-life-not%2F Filed under: Type 2, Diet, Opinion, MagazinesDumb headline spotted in today's USA Weekend magazine: "Popcorn can help save your life." Oh, wow. I mean, we all enjoy a clever eye-catching headline, but this is ridiculous! Despite that misleading title, no, the salty snack preferred by movie-goers does not have super-human, life-saving powers. In fact, it's about the nutritional benefits of whole grains. And popcorn is actually a good source of whole grains: three cups popped equals one serving of whole grains. The article mentions an Iowa Women's Health Study finding that women fifty-five and over who eat lots of whole grains are less likely to die from inflammatory diseases like asthma or infections. Whole grain consumption is also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes a... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=794194 Sun, 12 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 794194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=741434&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F18%2Fdiabetic-trauma-patients-face-hazards%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Research, Care, ComplicationsYou may have heard that diabetics face a greater risk of complications during hospital stays. Well, now there's evidence that diabetics with trauma injuries are particularly at risk. That info comes courtesy of a large Pennsylvania study that looked at records for around 25,000 trauma patients, half with diabetes, the other half without. The study tracked the patients' progress over the course of almost twenty years. Impressive.What did they find? Twenty-three percent of the diabetic trauma patients experienced complications. That compares with only fourteen percent of non-diabetics. The diabetics also spent slightly more time in intensive care and were more likely to need ventilator support. The overall risk of infections was highe... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=741434 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 741434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=682725&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F20%2Fknow-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-myeloma%2F Filed under: Blood Cancer, Bone CancerThe American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 16,600 new cases of myeloma are diagnosed each year in the United States. Bone pain is the most common early symptom of myeloma. Most patients feel pain in their back or ribs, but it can occur in any bone. The pain is usually made worse by movement.Patients fatigue more easily and often feel weak. They may also have a pale complexion from anemia which is a common medical problem for patients with myeloma and may contribute to the fatigue. If the disease progresses, the concentration of normal cells in the blood may also decrease. Headaches, bruising, nose bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and tingling or numbness in extremities are all symptoms of myeloma. Patients may have repeated infections... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=682725 Wed, 20 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 682725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=644747&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=34894&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctodoc.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fhere-we-go-again.html From Nine MSN:Advanced Medical Optics Inc says it is recalling its Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solutions and has called on consumers to stop using them after data showed a higher risk of eye infections.The announcement follows AMO's recall of the same product last year due to a bacterial contamination, and a recall by rival Bausch & Lomb Inc after its contact lens solution was linked to infections.The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) interviewed 46 patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but serious cornea infection, and found that of the 39 who wore soft contact lenses, 21 used Complete MoisturePlus.I would think that after last year's debacle, that we wouldn't be having so similar problem this year.Medicine TagHealth Tag Save This Page (Source: Doc To Doc) Doc To Doc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=644747 Tue, 29 May 2007 03:16:00 +0100 644747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486641&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=35049&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nakedmedicine.com%2F%3Fp%3D39 This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed 2 of 3 approved indications for the semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic telithromycin (Ketek, manufactured by sanofi-aventis). Ketek loses its indication for (1) acute bacterial sinusitis and (2) acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, often abbreviated as “ABECB”. Ketek remains approved for community acquired pneumonia of mild to moderate severity that is acquired outside of hospitals or long-term care facilities. (more…) (Source: NAKEDMEDICINE.COM) NAKEDMEDICINE.COM blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486641 Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:09:00 +0100 486641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486769&cid=t_99345_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fhnblog.pl%3Fhnblog%3D205071 A story published in Wired says injured U.S. soldiers are facing dangerous infections from multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in addition to their battle wounds. The article says 700 troops have been infected since the Iraq War began in 2003. Since OPERATION Iraqi Freedom began in 2003, more than 700 US soldiers have been infected or colonized with Acinetobacter baumannii. A significant number of additional cases have been found in the Canadian and British armed forces, and among wounded Iraqi civilians. The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology has recorded seven deaths caused by the bacteria in US hospitals along the evacuation chain. Four were unlucky civilians who picked up the bug at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, while undergoing treatment for other life-t... HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486769 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 23:00:00 +0100 486769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=397033&cid=t_99345_86_f&fid=34466&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalevidence.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F01%2Fanother-variety-post-scienceblogs-round.html Committed to cleaning out my aggregator today - here are some interesting things from the ScienceBlogs family:- Pharyngula explains "What is a gene?" (complete with great illustrations)- A Blog Around the Clock gives a great introductory overview of how genotype affects phenotype- Mike the Mad Biologist discusses a new state initiative in Massachusetts to monitor and evaluate compliance with processes to reduce hospital-acquired infections- Martin of Aardvarchaeology brings thesis work by Isto Huvila melding information science and archaeology to our attention - the thesis is titled "The Ecology of Information Work."-Cognitive Daily talks about reasons why doctors report that they don't enroll their patients in clinical trials- Terra Sigillata notes that legislation that will provide for h... Clinical Evidence, Searching Tidbits, and Other Minutiae blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=397033 Sat, 20 Jan 2007 20:44:00 +0100 397033