10 Misconceptions about Diabetes
1. Diabetes is not a killer disease. False!
In fact, diabetes is a global killer, rivaling HIV/AIDS in its deadly reach. The disease kills some 3.8 million people a year. Every 1 0 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes.
2. Diabetes only affects rich countries. False!
Diabetes hits all populations, regardless of income. It is becoming increasingly common. More than 240 million people worldwide now have diabetes. This will grow to more than 380 million by 2025. In many countries in Asia, the Middle East, Oceania and the Caribbean, diabetes affects 12 -20% of the population. In 2025, 80% of all cases of diabetes will be in low -and middle-income countries.
3. Diabetes is heavily funded globally. F alse!
Official Overseas Development Aid to the health sector in 2002 reached USD 2.9 billion, of which a mere 0.1% went to fund AL L non-communicable chronic diseases (N C Ds). Most of the U SD 2 .9 billion went to support HIV/AIDS. Despite diabetes having a deadly global impact comparable to HIV/AIDS, it had to share the tiny 0.1% of the total NCD funding. In addition, the World Bank gave USD 4 .2 billion in loans for health, population and nutrition between 1997 and 2002. Only 2.5% of the USD 4.2 billion went to chronic diseases.
4. Diabetes c are is not costly. False!
Diabetes care is costly and has the potential to cripple any healthcare system. The economic opportunities that the United Nations w ants to create for developing countries through the Millennium Development Goals will be greatly undermined by the economic impact of diabetes in low - and middle-income countries.
5. Diabetes only affects old people. False!
In reality, diabetes affects all age groups. Currently, an estimated 2 4 6 million people between the ages of 2 0 and 7 9 w ill have diabetes. In developing countries diabetes affects at least 80 million people between ages 40 -59.
6. Diabetes predominantly affects men. False!
In fact, diabetes is rising in both men and women, and affects slightly more women than men. It is also increasing dramatically among youth and threatening to decimate indigenous populations.
7. Diabetes is the result of unhealthy lifestyles. False!
The reality is that the poor and children have limited choices when it comes to living conditions, diet and education.
8. Diabetes cannot be prevented. False!
While it is true that type 1 diabetes is not preventable, up to 80% of type 2 diabetes is preventable by a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
9. Diabetes prevention is too ex pensive. False!
Many inexpensive and cost-effective interventions exist. Proven strategies for improving the living environment, changing diet and increasing physical activity can reverse the pandemic.
10. We all have to die of something. True but…
Death is of course inevitable but it does not need to be slow, painful or premature. Diabetes causes 3.8 million deaths globally. With awareness, prevention and appropriate care, many of these deaths can be prevented.
source:inspiredbydiabetesme.wordpress.com
Nov 30, 2008
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About Diabetes |
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Kids Health Care |
Most of the children lack the ability to convey their problem properly. The situation is further aggravated because of different kinds of headaches. They can be related to chronic illness, tension, sinus or fever. Only diagnosis can bring out the correct problem. If the rate of headache becomes more frequent, like more than twice a month, doctor’s appointment should be taken instantly. Younger kids find it more difficult to explain the problem. If they become cranky, restless, irritating, tired, is having sleeping disorders and is not eating properly, a problem surely exists. Most of the children complain of headaches during exams because of increased stress. Seventy five percent of the children experience headaches because of tension. If so, stress management education, along with counseling, should be given to the kid.
Headaches can be an indication of other problems, too. So, thorough diagnosis is highly recommended. The child’s previous medical history provides important clue. Prior to the doctor’s appointment, notes can be made after referring the medical history. Maintaining a log about the child’s headache frequencies, pain location, time of occurrence, symptoms, etc. also helps. If not due to illness, headaches can also be a result of head injury. Sometimes, headache can be hereditary, like in the case of migraines.
Headaches can be an indication of other problems, too. So, thorough diagnosis is highly recommended. The child’s previous medical history provides important clue. Prior to the doctor’s appointment, notes can be made after referring the medical history. Maintaining a log about the child’s headache frequencies, pain location, time of occurrence, symptoms, etc. also helps. If not due to illness, headaches can also be a result of head injury. Sometimes, headache can be hereditary, like in the case of migraines.
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Health Tip For Diabetes |
Health Tip: Diabetes and Dessert
Most diabetics can eat an occasional dessert, but moderation is key, the American Diabetes Association says.
It offers these suggestions to help diabetics enjoy desserts safely:
Try fresh fruits, especially those in season.
Adjust pie and cobbler recipes to include less sugar and fat.
Cut down on carbohydrates as much as possible.
Allow yourself only a very small portion of dessert.
Keep sweets only for special occasions.
Nov 29, 2008
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'Net, mobile phones bad for soul' |
Modern technology, such as mobile phones and the internet, today has made life easier
and quick.
But the Vatican has claimed that these gadgets are taking away people’s time for spiritual pursuits.
According to the Pope Benedict XVI’s spokesman Federico Lombardi, without a spiritual life, people are at the risk of losing their souls.
"In the age of the cell phone and the internet it is probably more difficult than before to protect silence and to nourish the interior dimension of life,” the Telegraph quoted Lombardi as telling Vatican TV show ‘Octavia Dies’.
"It is difficult but necessary. There is an interior and spiritual dimension of life that must be guarded and nourished. If it is not, it can become barren and dry up and, indeed, dying. Today, this is a very grave threat, and is the most irreparable misfortune,” he added.
and quick.
But the Vatican has claimed that these gadgets are taking away people’s time for spiritual pursuits.
According to the Pope Benedict XVI’s spokesman Federico Lombardi, without a spiritual life, people are at the risk of losing their souls.
"In the age of the cell phone and the internet it is probably more difficult than before to protect silence and to nourish the interior dimension of life,” the Telegraph quoted Lombardi as telling Vatican TV show ‘Octavia Dies’.
"It is difficult but necessary. There is an interior and spiritual dimension of life that must be guarded and nourished. If it is not, it can become barren and dry up and, indeed, dying. Today, this is a very grave threat, and is the most irreparable misfortune,” he added.
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WHO asks India to wake up to 'diabetic tsunami' |
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Friday said India has a long way to go towards controlling the incidence of diabetes in the country, which has assumed dimensions of a 'tsunami'.Noting India has close to 41 million diabetic patients and the number is growing at a steady pace, said Samlee Plianbangchang, director of WHO Southeast Asia, adding the country needs to wake up to the challenge of the disease which does not differentiate between the poor and the rich.
"The country needs to wake and fight the diabetic tsunami," he told IANS on the sidelines of an international conference on diabetes that began here.
Delegates from south and southeast Asian countries are in Chennai to participate in a conference to deliberate and devise a way to tackle diabetes that has over 56 million victims in the region.
Describing diabetes as a "tsunami", Pierre Lefebvre, chairman of the World Diabetes Foundation, which organised the conference, said: "No disease has so much of an economic impact as that of diabetes".
He said India spends only three US dollars per patient to create awareness about the disease but spends not less than $650 per person per year as medical expenditure.
Inaugurating the conference at the Taj Coromandel hotel here, Sri Lanka's Health Minister Nimal Sripala De-Silva said: "Between 30 percent to 80 percent of diabetics in the Southeast Asia region do not know that they have the disease."
Nov 28, 2008
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Officials Report outbreak of Bird flu in Northeast |
Authorities in Assam have ordered culling thousands of chicken and ducks after a fresh outbreak of bird flu in poultry was detected late on Thursday, a senior official said.
"We were informed that the samples sent to laboratories in Bhopal and Pune have been tested positive. So we have ordered for culling in the area, which will start today," R. C. Jain, a senior state government official said on Friday.
"It is H5N1 stain," he said in Guwahati, the region's biggest city.
More than 30,000 chickens and ducks would be slaughtered in next three days in 20 villages, after one of them was hit by bird flu, officials said.
Authorities started to worry about a new outbreak after hundreds of poultry died in Rajabazar village, just 35 km west of Guwahati.
India has not reported any human infections so far, though the first outbreak in poultry was reported in 2006 in the western state of Maharashtra.
Experts fear the H5N1 strain could mutate into a form easily transmitted from person to person, leading to a pandemic.
"We were informed that the samples sent to laboratories in Bhopal and Pune have been tested positive. So we have ordered for culling in the area, which will start today," R. C. Jain, a senior state government official said on Friday.
"It is H5N1 stain," he said in Guwahati, the region's biggest city.
More than 30,000 chickens and ducks would be slaughtered in next three days in 20 villages, after one of them was hit by bird flu, officials said.
Authorities started to worry about a new outbreak after hundreds of poultry died in Rajabazar village, just 35 km west of Guwahati.
India has not reported any human infections so far, though the first outbreak in poultry was reported in 2006 in the western state of Maharashtra.
Experts fear the H5N1 strain could mutate into a form easily transmitted from person to person, leading to a pandemic.
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FTC tosses guidance on tar, nicotine in cigarettes |
The cigarette industry for 42 years has made factual claims about tar and nicotine levels based on machine testing blessed by the Federal Trade Commission.Now the FTC has dropped the test, known as the Cambridge Filter Method, like a hot rock.
The commission has rescinded guidance it issued 42 years ago, saying the test method is flawed. It also said the resulting marketing touting tar and nicotine levels could cause consumers to believe that lighter cigarettes were safer.
As a result, future advertising that lists tar levels for cigarettes won't be able to use terms such as "by FTC method."
"Our action today ensures that tobacco companies may not wrap their misleading tar and nicotine ratings in a cloak of government sponsorship," said Commissioner Jon Leibowitz. "Simply put, the FTC will not be a smokescreen for tobacco companies' shameful marketing practices."
The commission rescinded the guidance by a 4-0 vote.
Under the current system, cigarettes with a tar rate above 15 milligrams per cigarette are commonly referred to by the industry as "full flavor." Cigarettes with a tar rating of less than 15 milligrams are referred to as "low" or "light." Cigarettes with a tar rate below 6 are described as "ultra low" or "ultra light."
The National Cancer Institute found that changes in cigarette design reduced the amount of tar and nicotine measured by smoking machines using the Cambridge Filter Method. However, there was no evidence those changes reduced disease for smokers. The machine doesn't take into account the way smokers adjust their behavior, such as taking more or deeper puffs to maintain nicotine levels.
"The most important aspect of this decision is that it says to consumers that tobacco industry claims relating to tar and nicotine are at best flawed and most likely misleading," said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
The commission said it originally believed in the 1960s that giving consumers uniform, standardized information about tar and nicotine yields of cigarettes would help them make informed decisions about cigarettes. At the time, most public health officials believed that reducing the amount of tar in a cigarette could reduce a smoker's risk of lung cancer. However, that premise is no longer valid.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., introduced legislation this year that would prohibit companies from making claims based on data derived from the FTC's testing method, but the bill did not make it to the full Senate for a vote.
"Tobacco companies can no longer rely on the government to back up a flawed testing method that tricks smokers into thinking these cigarettes deliver less tar and nicotine," Lautenberg said.
One FTC commissioner, Pamela Jones Harbor, urged Congress to approve the regulation of tobacco by the Food and Drug Administration. The bill would authorize government scientists to track, analyze and regulate the components of cigarettes.
Tobacco companies have stated clearly over the years that there is no such thing as a safe cigarette. In a statement, Philip Morris USA, the nation's largest tobacco company, said it remains committed to working with the FTC and other federal authorities to identify and adopt testing that improves on the Cambridge method.
The FTC noted that all four major domestic cigarette makers told commissioners the 1966 guidance should be retained until a replacement test method was approved.
Philip Morris warned commissioners that elimination of the guidance could lead to a new "tar derby" in which cigarette makers would use different methods of measuring the yields in their cigarettes, thereby leading to greater consumer confusion.
Nov 27, 2008
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Encouraging dip in rate of new cancers, deaths |
The rate of new cancer cases finally may be inching down — cautiously optimistic news but a gain that specialists worry could be derailed by economic turmoil. Death rates from cancer have been dropping slowly for years, thanks to earlier detection and better treatments. But preventing cancer is the ultimate goal, and Tuesday's annual "Report to the Nation" on cancer also shows a small but encouraging change: The rate of new diagnoses among men dropped 1.8 percent a year between 2001 and 2005.
For women, the dip was just over half a percent a year.
Also, the cancer death rate among men and women continued to drop, by an average of 1.8 percent a year through 2005, said the report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The improvements are due to gains against some leading cancers — prostate, colorectal, breast and, for men, lung cancer. But numerous other types still are on the rise, including melanoma and kidney cancer.
Also, Tuesday's report highlights a disappointing missed opportunity: Huge state-by-state variations in anti-smoking policies that translate into big differences in lung cancer. Men in Kentucky die from lung cancer at twice the rate of men in California, for example. California, through higher cigarette taxes and other steps, has logged a 2.8 percent a year decline in that death rate, compared with less than a percent a year for Kentucky.
Nor is it clear that the drop in new cases represents a true decrease in cancer, or if some may be due to people skipping screenings that would have caught brewing disease, cautioned American Cancer Society epidemiologist Ahmedin Jemal, who led the report along with government scientists.
But NCI Director Dr. John Niederhuber said the decline seems steady enough to be real, a feat considering that cancer risk jumps with age and the U.S. is rapidly graying.
"This really is quite significant," Niederhuber said. "Some of the things we're doing, we're doing right."
Still, experts questioned if the good trends can survive the bad economy. Consider: The report credits a drop in colorectal cancer to a big increase in colonoscopies between 2000 and 2005. That screening can detect precancerous growths in time to remove them and avoid cancer — if people have insurance that pays.
Already the NCI has had a below-inflation budget for several years, cutting investment in research to prevent and treat cancer.
"I've had to find about $175 million to take out of our budget, just take it out," said Niederhuber. "It's hard to keep momentum. ... We're chipping away at the bone."
More recent rises in unemployment and poverty add to the concern, warned Dr. Louis Weiner, director of Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
"We've had some hard-won gains," Weiner said. "To slow down progress when we're so close to a fundamental understanding of cancer biology that we need to really made advances is really tragic."
Among the report's other findings:
_New cases of lung cancer dropped about 1.8 percent a year among men but kept rising among women, about half a percent a year. That's because smoking rates fell for men before they did for women, so men reaped the benefits sooner. It remains the top cancer killer, but the death rate dropped 1.9 percent a year for men and 0.9 percent among women.
_The rate of new breast cancer dropped about 2.2 percent a year, due largely to millions of women abandoning hormone replacement therapy starting around 2002. The death rate dropped 1.8 percent a year.
_For colorectal cancer, the incidence rate dropped 2.8 percent a year among men and 2.2 percent among women, largely due to screening. Early detection and improved care also fueled a 4.3 percent a year drop in the death rate for both sexes.
_Prostate cancer turned a corner, with the incidence rate dropping 4.4 percent a year between 2001 and 2005 after rising in previous years. The change probably reflects a leveling of prostate screening that had surged in the late 1990s.
_Melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, jumped 7.7 percent a year among men and by nearly 3 percent a year among women.
_Kidney cancer incidence is rising about 2 percent a year for both sexes.
For women, the dip was just over half a percent a year.
Also, the cancer death rate among men and women continued to drop, by an average of 1.8 percent a year through 2005, said the report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The improvements are due to gains against some leading cancers — prostate, colorectal, breast and, for men, lung cancer. But numerous other types still are on the rise, including melanoma and kidney cancer.
Also, Tuesday's report highlights a disappointing missed opportunity: Huge state-by-state variations in anti-smoking policies that translate into big differences in lung cancer. Men in Kentucky die from lung cancer at twice the rate of men in California, for example. California, through higher cigarette taxes and other steps, has logged a 2.8 percent a year decline in that death rate, compared with less than a percent a year for Kentucky.
Nor is it clear that the drop in new cases represents a true decrease in cancer, or if some may be due to people skipping screenings that would have caught brewing disease, cautioned American Cancer Society epidemiologist Ahmedin Jemal, who led the report along with government scientists.
But NCI Director Dr. John Niederhuber said the decline seems steady enough to be real, a feat considering that cancer risk jumps with age and the U.S. is rapidly graying.
"This really is quite significant," Niederhuber said. "Some of the things we're doing, we're doing right."
Still, experts questioned if the good trends can survive the bad economy. Consider: The report credits a drop in colorectal cancer to a big increase in colonoscopies between 2000 and 2005. That screening can detect precancerous growths in time to remove them and avoid cancer — if people have insurance that pays.
Already the NCI has had a below-inflation budget for several years, cutting investment in research to prevent and treat cancer.
"I've had to find about $175 million to take out of our budget, just take it out," said Niederhuber. "It's hard to keep momentum. ... We're chipping away at the bone."
More recent rises in unemployment and poverty add to the concern, warned Dr. Louis Weiner, director of Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
"We've had some hard-won gains," Weiner said. "To slow down progress when we're so close to a fundamental understanding of cancer biology that we need to really made advances is really tragic."
Among the report's other findings:
_New cases of lung cancer dropped about 1.8 percent a year among men but kept rising among women, about half a percent a year. That's because smoking rates fell for men before they did for women, so men reaped the benefits sooner. It remains the top cancer killer, but the death rate dropped 1.9 percent a year for men and 0.9 percent among women.
_The rate of new breast cancer dropped about 2.2 percent a year, due largely to millions of women abandoning hormone replacement therapy starting around 2002. The death rate dropped 1.8 percent a year.
_For colorectal cancer, the incidence rate dropped 2.8 percent a year among men and 2.2 percent among women, largely due to screening. Early detection and improved care also fueled a 4.3 percent a year drop in the death rate for both sexes.
_Prostate cancer turned a corner, with the incidence rate dropping 4.4 percent a year between 2001 and 2005 after rising in previous years. The change probably reflects a leveling of prostate screening that had surged in the late 1990s.
_Melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, jumped 7.7 percent a year among men and by nearly 3 percent a year among women.
_Kidney cancer incidence is rising about 2 percent a year for both sexes.
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How mind can suppress hunger pangs |
You might not be keeping a check on the amount of calories you're consuming during a party, but your brain will, say Yale University researchers, who have identified a molecule that tells brain that the stomach is full - and signals it's time to say no to a second piece of samosa and push back from the dining table.In a study on rodents, the researchers have discovered that one type of lipid produced in the gut, called N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines or NAPEs, rises after eating fatty foods.
The NAPEs enter the bloodstream and go straight to the brain, where they concentrate in a brain region that controls food intake and energy expenditure.
Led by Gerald I. Shulman, Yale professor of medicine and cellular & molecular physiology and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, the researchers suggested that the molecule may help regulate how much animals and people eat.
NAPEs are synthesized and secreted into the blood by the small intestine after fatty foods are eaten. The researchers found that mice and rats injected regularly with NAPEs ate less food and lost weight. In addition, treatment with NAPEs appeared to reduce the activity of "hunger" neurons in the brain while stimulating activity in neurons that are believed to play a role in reducing appetite.
In the last two decades, scientists have made great inroads toward understanding how the body communicates with the brain to control food intake. Till date, hormones such as leptin that act as regulators of this complex system have proved disappointing when tested as potential weight-loss treatments in humans.
The researchers are now planning to investigate how the new findings apply to humans.The team will first study non-human primates to determine if NAPE on centrations increase in a similar fashion after fat ingestion.
Then, Shulman said: "If chronic NAPE treatment is well tolerated and can cause weight loss by a reduction of food intake, we would have strong impetus to move forward with human NAPE trials." The findings are published in the latest issue of the journal Cell.
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Couple Massage Programmes |
Husbands are turning masseurs to make married life more exciting
The home is where the heart is. For many a man, that heart is synonymous with his wife, which explains why he is going that extra mile to please her. Whether or not you believe it, some guys are actually practising massage to whip up a thrilling formula for a happy married life, and the trend is picking up slowly but steadily.
Nikhil Gupta, founder of a dedicated massage and spa academy, says, they handle a lot of enquiries from working men and women about massage courses. The academy usually runs full-time two week courses which does not suit working professionals often. “So, we have planned to introduce couple massage programmes that will be scheduled at a convenient time. Many couples have already registered for these courses. The personal satisfaction of having helped someone feel better is a reward in itself,” says he.
Maninder Kaur, a data analyst, freaks out at the idea of getting a massage from her husband. “That would be a dream come true. I see nothing better that can patch up differences between husband and wife.”
Massage is an excellent form of passive exercise and, at the same time, very stimulating and invigorating. But, treating massage as an ingredient to spice up married life is a relatively new phenomenon. Shweta Kekal, who runs a unisex salon, says, “It’s nice that men are going out of their way to please their wives. Some women do not enjoy massage because they are not comfortable baring their bodies before even female masseurs. With husbands turning masseurs, they will be able to make the most of it.”
Amit Ranjan Singh (name changed), working as a marketing executive with an automobile firm and an amateur massage therapist
, quips, “I am a natural masseur, and massage has been a part of foreplay all these years. If I can perfect the art, I think my wife will have a reason to love me all the more.”
With the women going gaga over the idea, what are you waiting for guys?
source:toi
Nov 26, 2008
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Court clarifies who can grow medicinal pot |
Medicinal marijuana caregivers may be prosecuted as drug dealers, according to a state Supreme Court ruling issued Monday.
The ruling upholds a Santa Cruz County Superior Court jury decision that found medicinal marijuana user Roger Mentch, 53, guilty of cultivating and possessing marijuana for sale.
Mentch, who was arrested by sheriff's deputies in 2003, claimed he was a caregiver for five medicinal marijuana patients. He also opened the Hemporium, a medicinal marijuana collective in Felton, where he sometimes sold the pot he grew.
"I was a caregiver with honest intent," Mentch said.
When jurors found him guilty and he was sentenced to three years of probation, Mentch appealed the decision on several points, including that jurors were not properly instructed about medicinal marijuana caregivers. The three-member 6th District Court of Appeals agreed with him and overturned the jury's ruling.
However, the seven justices on the state Supreme Court reached a different conclusion. The court ruled primary caregivers must have an established care-giving relationship with the patient before providing that patient with medicinal marijuana, according to the decision.
Also, primary caregivers can only provide pot to those patients, not sell the drug to other medicinal users or collectives.
Therefore, Mentch's sales to the Hemporium and another collective in the county amounted to dealing drugs on a street corner, according
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to the court ruling.
The court stated that those acts "do nothing to insulate from prosecution for his cultivation of and sale of marijuana for those for whom he did not provide shelter or nonmarijuana-based health care "... nor would it protect him from prosecution for cultivating marijuana and providing it to cannabis clubs."
Santa Cruz attorney Ben Rice, who is representing Mentch in the 2006 marijuana cultivation and sales case, said the court ruling is unfortunate because it makes it harder for medicinal marijuana patients who have a valid medical recommendation to obtain pot.
California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996, giving ill people the right to use marijuana legally as long as they have a prescription from a doctor. However, the law did not outline how medicinal marijuana could be distributed.
"There's no direction in the law, no explanation as to how people are supposed to get their medicine if they can't grow it themselves," Rice said. "It's an unworkable situation."
The Mentch decision narrowly defines the role of caregiver, but does not affect cooperatives, including the Hemporium and the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana in Santa Cruz, according to local medicinal marijuana advocates.
Valerie Corral, one of the co-founders of WAMM, supported the court decision.
"It further defines the role of caregivers and makes it clear. It's a great way for people to understand our roles as caregivers and how we have to assume something more," Corral said.
source:mercurynews.com
The ruling upholds a Santa Cruz County Superior Court jury decision that found medicinal marijuana user Roger Mentch, 53, guilty of cultivating and possessing marijuana for sale.
Mentch, who was arrested by sheriff's deputies in 2003, claimed he was a caregiver for five medicinal marijuana patients. He also opened the Hemporium, a medicinal marijuana collective in Felton, where he sometimes sold the pot he grew.
"I was a caregiver with honest intent," Mentch said.
When jurors found him guilty and he was sentenced to three years of probation, Mentch appealed the decision on several points, including that jurors were not properly instructed about medicinal marijuana caregivers. The three-member 6th District Court of Appeals agreed with him and overturned the jury's ruling.
However, the seven justices on the state Supreme Court reached a different conclusion. The court ruled primary caregivers must have an established care-giving relationship with the patient before providing that patient with medicinal marijuana, according to the decision.
Also, primary caregivers can only provide pot to those patients, not sell the drug to other medicinal users or collectives.
Therefore, Mentch's sales to the Hemporium and another collective in the county amounted to dealing drugs on a street corner, according
Advertisement
to the court ruling.
The court stated that those acts "do nothing to insulate from prosecution for his cultivation of and sale of marijuana for those for whom he did not provide shelter or nonmarijuana-based health care "... nor would it protect him from prosecution for cultivating marijuana and providing it to cannabis clubs."
Santa Cruz attorney Ben Rice, who is representing Mentch in the 2006 marijuana cultivation and sales case, said the court ruling is unfortunate because it makes it harder for medicinal marijuana patients who have a valid medical recommendation to obtain pot.
California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996, giving ill people the right to use marijuana legally as long as they have a prescription from a doctor. However, the law did not outline how medicinal marijuana could be distributed.
"There's no direction in the law, no explanation as to how people are supposed to get their medicine if they can't grow it themselves," Rice said. "It's an unworkable situation."
The Mentch decision narrowly defines the role of caregiver, but does not affect cooperatives, including the Hemporium and the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana in Santa Cruz, according to local medicinal marijuana advocates.
Valerie Corral, one of the co-founders of WAMM, supported the court decision.
"It further defines the role of caregivers and makes it clear. It's a great way for people to understand our roles as caregivers and how we have to assume something more," Corral said.
source:mercurynews.com
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Livers go to sickest, access for blacks improves |
Blacks waiting for a liver transplant used to be more likely to die compared to whites. Now they have the same chance of getting a life-saving organ under a nationwide system that puts the sickest patients first, a new study found.
Racial differences disappeared when the old system was scrapped in 2002, according to the federally funded study, the first assessment of how blacks fared after the change.
"By design, we tried to make it race blind. It looks like we did," said Dr. Richard Freeman, a transplant surgeon at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, who helped create the new system and was not involved in the study.
But the research, in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests the system may favor men over women. Dr. Cynthia Moylan, the study's lead author and a transplant fellow at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., called for more research on gender differences.
The nation faces a serious shortage of livers from deceased donors, with nearly 16,000 people now waiting. About 6,500 liver transplants were performed last year, but 1,602 people died waiting for a new one.
Under the old system, which relied heavily on how long a patient spent on an official waiting list, sicker patients were passed over in favor of those waiting longer.
The system favored whites because blacks join waiting lists when they are sicker. Why isn't clear, but blacks may get treatment later or have poor access to liver specialists.
Compared to whites, blacks on the waiting list had a 50 percent greater chance of dying or becoming too sick for transplant within three years, according to an analysis of five years of transplant records before the change. After the new system, called Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, or MELD, that difference disappeared.
The new system is based on three lab tests. Results are combined as a score that predicts a patient's risk of death within three months. Livers are allocated based on scores.
The change was made after the government ordered the United Network for Organ Sharing, which runs the transplant network, to make liver allocation less arbitrary.
Prior research has also found racial disparities in the allocation of kidneys. UNOS is currently evaluating its system for kidneys, which is now based on waiting time, blood type and tissue type.
North Carolina resident Sharon Dickens, 40, who is black, received a new liver in 2004 after five years on the waiting list. She suffered from a rare disease that blocks the bile ducts; transplant is the only cure.
Dickens wonders whether her transplant might have come sooner if the new system were in place in 1999 when she joined the waiting list. If so, she would have spent less time at home sick in bed.
"I lost a lot of weight. I couldn't eat. My eyes were yellow. I had pain in my abdomen," said Dickens of Scotland Neck, N.C. "Now I have a lot of energy. I can go to college and do something with my life."
The research compared adults on the waiting list during two periods: nearly 22,000 patients before the new system and nearly 24,000 patients after the scores were used. They took into account other risk factors for dying while on the waiting list.
Before the change, 810 blacks, or 49 percent of those on the waiting list, got transplants. Meanwhile, 10,202 whites, or 52 percent of those on the list, got transplants.
In the years after the change, 849 blacks, or 47 percent, got transplants compared to 8,492 whites, or 42 percent.
For women, MELD wasn't an improvement. The study found women had a 30 percent greater chance of dying or becoming too sick for transplant with the new scoring system. The gender difference wasn't significant before.
One of the lab tests in the score may underestimate the severity of illness in women because of their smaller average size, said Dr. David Axelrod of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., who was not involved in the study, but wrote an accompanying editorial.
"With a relatively minimal change we can deal with that," Axelrod said, suggesting a different weight-adjusted measurement.
Earlier research showed MELD improved waiting list death rates overall without hurting post-transplant survival. The average wait time for a liver in 2006 was 16 months, according to the organ network.
Regional differences in waiting list times are still a big problem, said Dr. J. Michael Millis, head of transplantation at University of Chicago Medical Center. Donated organs are generally offered to local patients first. Some states with greater demand for organs have longer wait times.
"In Wisconsin, waiting time is approximately half that in Chicago 90 miles away," Millis said. "There's no rational way to justify that."
Racial differences disappeared when the old system was scrapped in 2002, according to the federally funded study, the first assessment of how blacks fared after the change.
"By design, we tried to make it race blind. It looks like we did," said Dr. Richard Freeman, a transplant surgeon at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, who helped create the new system and was not involved in the study.
But the research, in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests the system may favor men over women. Dr. Cynthia Moylan, the study's lead author and a transplant fellow at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., called for more research on gender differences.
The nation faces a serious shortage of livers from deceased donors, with nearly 16,000 people now waiting. About 6,500 liver transplants were performed last year, but 1,602 people died waiting for a new one.
Under the old system, which relied heavily on how long a patient spent on an official waiting list, sicker patients were passed over in favor of those waiting longer.
The system favored whites because blacks join waiting lists when they are sicker. Why isn't clear, but blacks may get treatment later or have poor access to liver specialists.
Compared to whites, blacks on the waiting list had a 50 percent greater chance of dying or becoming too sick for transplant within three years, according to an analysis of five years of transplant records before the change. After the new system, called Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, or MELD, that difference disappeared.
The new system is based on three lab tests. Results are combined as a score that predicts a patient's risk of death within three months. Livers are allocated based on scores.
The change was made after the government ordered the United Network for Organ Sharing, which runs the transplant network, to make liver allocation less arbitrary.
Prior research has also found racial disparities in the allocation of kidneys. UNOS is currently evaluating its system for kidneys, which is now based on waiting time, blood type and tissue type.
North Carolina resident Sharon Dickens, 40, who is black, received a new liver in 2004 after five years on the waiting list. She suffered from a rare disease that blocks the bile ducts; transplant is the only cure.
Dickens wonders whether her transplant might have come sooner if the new system were in place in 1999 when she joined the waiting list. If so, she would have spent less time at home sick in bed.
"I lost a lot of weight. I couldn't eat. My eyes were yellow. I had pain in my abdomen," said Dickens of Scotland Neck, N.C. "Now I have a lot of energy. I can go to college and do something with my life."
The research compared adults on the waiting list during two periods: nearly 22,000 patients before the new system and nearly 24,000 patients after the scores were used. They took into account other risk factors for dying while on the waiting list.
Before the change, 810 blacks, or 49 percent of those on the waiting list, got transplants. Meanwhile, 10,202 whites, or 52 percent of those on the list, got transplants.
In the years after the change, 849 blacks, or 47 percent, got transplants compared to 8,492 whites, or 42 percent.
For women, MELD wasn't an improvement. The study found women had a 30 percent greater chance of dying or becoming too sick for transplant with the new scoring system. The gender difference wasn't significant before.
One of the lab tests in the score may underestimate the severity of illness in women because of their smaller average size, said Dr. David Axelrod of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., who was not involved in the study, but wrote an accompanying editorial.
"With a relatively minimal change we can deal with that," Axelrod said, suggesting a different weight-adjusted measurement.
Earlier research showed MELD improved waiting list death rates overall without hurting post-transplant survival. The average wait time for a liver in 2006 was 16 months, according to the organ network.
Regional differences in waiting list times are still a big problem, said Dr. J. Michael Millis, head of transplantation at University of Chicago Medical Center. Donated organs are generally offered to local patients first. Some states with greater demand for organs have longer wait times.
"In Wisconsin, waiting time is approximately half that in Chicago 90 miles away," Millis said. "There's no rational way to justify that."
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Separation planned for Oklahoma conjoined twins |
In this undated photo provided by the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, One-month-old conjoined
OKLAHOMA CITY – A set of 1-month-old girls believed to be the first known American Indian conjoined twins are doing well and will be separated, doctors say.
Preslee Faith and Kylee Hope Wells were born Oct. 25 and are joined at the liver and rib cage, said David Tuggle, a pediatric surgeon who will be involved in the separation.
"They are very cute and they hold each other," Tuggle said Tuesday of the twins.
The twins' parents are 21-year-old Kyle Wells and 20-year-old Stevie Stewart of Calumet. Both have a history of twins in their families.
Stewart, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, said the girls already are developing personalities. For example, Kylee "is laid back and sleeps through anything, even her sister crying," Stewart said.
"I can't wait to take them home."
Tuggle said the twins, who weighed a combined 8 pounds, 7 ounces at birth, appear to have separate hearts, but doctors want to learn if the girls share blood vessels around their hearts before performing the separation.
"The thing about conjoined twins is that there is always something you don't know exactly about them," Tuggle said.
Tuggle said conjoined twins are rare and occur in about 1 in 600,000 births in Oklahoma. He said the condition happens soon after conception because of an error in cell division and is random.
Doctors learned of the twins' tissue connection during a routine ultrasound exam done when Stewart was 20 weeks pregnant. The babies were born at 34 weeks via Caesarean section.
Since birth, they have remained in an intensive care unit at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, where they have been "on and off" breathing machines, said Kris Sekar, a neonatal doctor who has been overseeing their care.
"They have great days and off days, but we have done very well," Sekar said.
Stewart, who wept at times while speaking with reporters, said she is allowed to hold her babies whenever she wants and changes their diapers, but allows nurses to dress the twins.
Stewart's mother, Marla Longbrake, said her daughter has handled the stressful situation well.
"It was a shock, but she and the father didn't question it," Longbrake said of learning of the twins' condition. "They're just happy, beautiful little girls."
Tuggle said he has "no idea" how long the surgery might last or when it might take place, because the twins need to grow bigger and stronger first. He said it would be good for the surgery to occur before the twins are eight to nine months old, to help with their psychological development.
Tuggle participated in the last surgical separation of conjoined twins at OU Medical Center, which occurred in 1986. Those twins, Faith and Hope Cox, are healthy and now in their 20s.
Stewart said she has spoken with Natalie Cox, the mother of the Cox twins.
"It is nice to be able to talk to someone who's been through this," she said. "She said if I ever need anything to call her."
image source:AP
Preslee Faith and Kylee Hope Wells were born Oct. 25 and are joined at the liver and rib cage, said David Tuggle, a pediatric surgeon who will be involved in the separation.
"They are very cute and they hold each other," Tuggle said Tuesday of the twins.
The twins' parents are 21-year-old Kyle Wells and 20-year-old Stevie Stewart of Calumet. Both have a history of twins in their families.
Stewart, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, said the girls already are developing personalities. For example, Kylee "is laid back and sleeps through anything, even her sister crying," Stewart said.
"I can't wait to take them home."
Tuggle said the twins, who weighed a combined 8 pounds, 7 ounces at birth, appear to have separate hearts, but doctors want to learn if the girls share blood vessels around their hearts before performing the separation.
"The thing about conjoined twins is that there is always something you don't know exactly about them," Tuggle said.
Tuggle said conjoined twins are rare and occur in about 1 in 600,000 births in Oklahoma. He said the condition happens soon after conception because of an error in cell division and is random.
Doctors learned of the twins' tissue connection during a routine ultrasound exam done when Stewart was 20 weeks pregnant. The babies were born at 34 weeks via Caesarean section.
Since birth, they have remained in an intensive care unit at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, where they have been "on and off" breathing machines, said Kris Sekar, a neonatal doctor who has been overseeing their care.
"They have great days and off days, but we have done very well," Sekar said.
Stewart, who wept at times while speaking with reporters, said she is allowed to hold her babies whenever she wants and changes their diapers, but allows nurses to dress the twins.
Stewart's mother, Marla Longbrake, said her daughter has handled the stressful situation well.
"It was a shock, but she and the father didn't question it," Longbrake said of learning of the twins' condition. "They're just happy, beautiful little girls."
Tuggle said he has "no idea" how long the surgery might last or when it might take place, because the twins need to grow bigger and stronger first. He said it would be good for the surgery to occur before the twins are eight to nine months old, to help with their psychological development.
Tuggle participated in the last surgical separation of conjoined twins at OU Medical Center, which occurred in 1986. Those twins, Faith and Hope Cox, are healthy and now in their 20s.
Stewart said she has spoken with Natalie Cox, the mother of the Cox twins.
"It is nice to be able to talk to someone who's been through this," she said. "She said if I ever need anything to call her."
image source:AP
Nov 25, 2008
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Celebrity Blindness? Blame the Brain |
If you can't differentiate between Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, don't think that it's only due to the ignorance about pop
culture -- probably, your brain is to be blamed.
A new study has found that people who cannot recognise faces could be suffering from face blindness, a rare condition where the sufferers lack connections in a brain area which is responsible for identifying countenance.
In fact, according to researchers, face blindness or prosopagnosia takes two forms -- acquired and inherited.
"People who develop the condition later in life have usually suffered a stroke or an injury in a brain region important for facial recognition called the fusiform gyrus. The inherited form that may affect up to one out of 50 people is far more mysterious," lead researcher Cibu Thomas said.
Thomas of Harvard Medical School and colleagues at Carnegie Mellon University have based their findings after subjecting six face-blind subjects to diffusion tensor imaging which reveals the structural connections that allow distant parts of the brain to communicate.
They found that the brains of prosopagnosiacs housed fewer connections than controls in two tracts that run smack through the fusiform gyrus, while other parts of their brains showed no wiring differences, the 'New Scientist' reported.
"Slower or noisier neuron signals to and from the fusiform gyrus could explain some cases of face blindness," Thomas said.
On tests of celebrity face recognition, identifying a hairless Elvis Presley, for instance -- the brain connections predicted the scores of people with prosopagnosia, as well as controls. "This suggests that prosopagnosia is a matter of degree," he said.
The study has been published in the latest edition of the 'Nature Neuroscience' journal.
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Electric Pulses May Soon Replace Cancer Surgery |
Australian experts are testing a revolutionary new cancer treatment with the potential to provide an alternative to surgery or
radiotherapy in treating the deadly disease
.
Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) technique uses high-accuracy electric pulses to treat tumours instead of painful surgeries and radiotherapy, radiologists of a Melbourne-based hospital said.
The technique involves using a device called an IRE-Nanoknife to accurately place fine needle electrodes in or around the tumour, which is then targeted with short intense electric pulses, the Herald Sun reported on Monday.
“This is the ultimate in radiologically guided microsurgery and appears to have minimal risk or impact on the body,” Ken Thomson, professor of radiology, said.
The treatment — developed in the United States and already used to treat prostate cancer — creates microscopic holes in the wall of the tumour cells, causing the cells to die before they are removed by the body. “Traditionally there has been a variety of methods used to destroy tumours, most of which cause damage to nearby healthy tissue,” Thompson said. “This technique does not affect the surrounding supportive tissues or nearby nerves and blood vessels.”
Experts have said over 100 patients a year are likely to be eligible for IRE treatment at the hospital.”
radiotherapy in treating the deadly disease
.
Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) technique uses high-accuracy electric pulses to treat tumours instead of painful surgeries and radiotherapy, radiologists of a Melbourne-based hospital said.
The technique involves using a device called an IRE-Nanoknife to accurately place fine needle electrodes in or around the tumour, which is then targeted with short intense electric pulses, the Herald Sun reported on Monday.
“This is the ultimate in radiologically guided microsurgery and appears to have minimal risk or impact on the body,” Ken Thomson, professor of radiology, said.
The treatment — developed in the United States and already used to treat prostate cancer — creates microscopic holes in the wall of the tumour cells, causing the cells to die before they are removed by the body. “Traditionally there has been a variety of methods used to destroy tumours, most of which cause damage to nearby healthy tissue,” Thompson said. “This technique does not affect the surrounding supportive tissues or nearby nerves and blood vessels.”
Experts have said over 100 patients a year are likely to be eligible for IRE treatment at the hospital.”
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Drug to Defeat Feared Bioterror virus |
An experimental drug tested on lab animals has shown remarkable success in tackling two viruses, including a close cousin to a feared
bioterror pathogen, a study said.
The drug, bavituximab, takes a novel tack in confronting viruses, which are notorious for mutations that evade or resist conventional pharmaceutical molecules. Instead of confronting the intruder head-on, bavituximab waits until the virus has infected the cell.
At that point, a fatty molecule called phosphatidylserine, which is normally positioned on the cell wall’s internal surface, flips to the outside of the cell.
Bavituximab then latches onto the phosphatidylserine, sending a red flag to the body’s immune system to dispatch white blood cells to destroy the infected cell. In a study in Nature Medicine, bavituximab was put through its paces among guinea pigs infected with Pichinde virus — a close relative of the Lassa fever virus, considered a potential bioterror weapon by the Pentagon.
Animals that had not been inoculated with bavituximab were all killed; those who had received the injection had a 50% survival rate. By giving the bavituximab group an additional injection with a standard anti-virus drug called ribavirin, the survival rate rose to 63%. The drug also provided 100% protection amongst mice exposed to a virus called cytomegalovirus, whereas only 25% of untreated animals survived.
Co-author Philip Thorpe, a professor of pharmacology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Texas, said the findings were exciting, for they raised the prospect of a “completely new class” of anti-viral drugs that may also sidestep the problem of mutation. “By targeting a property of the host cell rather than the virus itself, anti-PS [phosphatidylserine] antibodies have the potential to treat a range of viral infections,” he said.
bioterror pathogen, a study said.
The drug, bavituximab, takes a novel tack in confronting viruses, which are notorious for mutations that evade or resist conventional pharmaceutical molecules. Instead of confronting the intruder head-on, bavituximab waits until the virus has infected the cell.
At that point, a fatty molecule called phosphatidylserine, which is normally positioned on the cell wall’s internal surface, flips to the outside of the cell.
Bavituximab then latches onto the phosphatidylserine, sending a red flag to the body’s immune system to dispatch white blood cells to destroy the infected cell. In a study in Nature Medicine, bavituximab was put through its paces among guinea pigs infected with Pichinde virus — a close relative of the Lassa fever virus, considered a potential bioterror weapon by the Pentagon.
Animals that had not been inoculated with bavituximab were all killed; those who had received the injection had a 50% survival rate. By giving the bavituximab group an additional injection with a standard anti-virus drug called ribavirin, the survival rate rose to 63%. The drug also provided 100% protection amongst mice exposed to a virus called cytomegalovirus, whereas only 25% of untreated animals survived.
Co-author Philip Thorpe, a professor of pharmacology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Texas, said the findings were exciting, for they raised the prospect of a “completely new class” of anti-viral drugs that may also sidestep the problem of mutation. “By targeting a property of the host cell rather than the virus itself, anti-PS [phosphatidylserine] antibodies have the potential to treat a range of viral infections,” he said.
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Now, moms can share bed with baby |
Researchers have found that sharing a bed with an infant doesn’t elevate the risk of cot death.
Across the UK parents have been put off sharing a bed with their new babies following official advice which states that it is safer for all children under the age of six months to be put in a cot in their parents' room.
The statement was based on research which appeared to establish a strong link between "co-sleeping" and sudden infant death syndrome – or cot death.
However, the new British study has found that sharing a bed with a baby was only more dangerous if other factors were also involved, which include – parents drinking alcohol.
Other risk factors include parents smoking or taking drugs, use of heavy bedding, adult pillows and soft mattresses, and when parents were "excessively tired" – defined as having had less than four hours sleep
the night before, reports the Telegraph .
The study has also shown that infants are at the greatest risk of all if they and their parents fell asleep on sofas.
However, it parents avoided all the other risk factors, sleeping in a bed with their baby proved no more risky than putting them in a cot in their parents' room.
Researcher Dr Peter Blair, from the University of Bristol, who will present the research to a conference of the charity Unicef, in Glasgow, this week, said: "This study shows that it is not co-sleeping that is unsafe, but the circumstances under which some parents co-sleep that create risks".
Across the UK parents have been put off sharing a bed with their new babies following official advice which states that it is safer for all children under the age of six months to be put in a cot in their parents' room.
The statement was based on research which appeared to establish a strong link between "co-sleeping" and sudden infant death syndrome – or cot death.
However, the new British study has found that sharing a bed with a baby was only more dangerous if other factors were also involved, which include – parents drinking alcohol.
Other risk factors include parents smoking or taking drugs, use of heavy bedding, adult pillows and soft mattresses, and when parents were "excessively tired" – defined as having had less than four hours sleep
the night before, reports the Telegraph .
The study has also shown that infants are at the greatest risk of all if they and their parents fell asleep on sofas.
However, it parents avoided all the other risk factors, sleeping in a bed with their baby proved no more risky than putting them in a cot in their parents' room.
Researcher Dr Peter Blair, from the University of Bristol, who will present the research to a conference of the charity Unicef, in Glasgow, this week, said: "This study shows that it is not co-sleeping that is unsafe, but the circumstances under which some parents co-sleep that create risks".
| [+/-] |
Horrifying for "Truman syndrome" Psychopathology patients. |
To some psychiatric patients, life seems like TVOne man showed up at a federal building, asking for release from the reality show he was sure was being made of his life. Another was convinced his every move was secretly being filmed for a TV contest. A third believed everything — the news, his psychiatrists, the drugs they prescribed — was part of a phony, stage-set world with him as the involuntary star, like the 1998 movie "The Truman Show."
Researchers have begun documenting what they dub the "Truman syndrome," a delusion afflicting people who are convinced that their lives are secretly playing out on a reality TV show. Scientists say the disorder underscores the influence pop culture can have on mental conditions.
"The question is really: Is this just a new twist on an old paranoid or grandiose delusion ... or is there sort of a perfect storm of the culture we're in, in which fame holds such high value?" said Dr. Joel Gold, a psychiatrist affiliated with New York's Bellevue Hospital.
Within a two-year period, Gold said he encountered five patients with delusions related to reality TV. Several of them specifically mentioned "The Truman Show."
Gold and his brother, a psychologist, started presenting their observations at medical schools in 2006. After word spread beyond medical circles this summer, they learned of about 50 more people with similar symptoms. The brothers are now working on a scholarly paper.
Meanwhile, researchers in London described a "Truman syndrome" patient in the British Journal of Psychiatry in August. The 26-year-old postman "had a sense the world was slightly unreal, as if he was the eponymous hero in the film," the researchers wrote.
The Oscar-nominated movie stars Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank. He leads a merrily uneventful life until he realizes his friends and family are actors, his seaside town is a TV soundstage and every moment of his life has been broadcast.
His struggle to sort out reality and illusion is heartwarming, but researchers say it's often horrifying for "Truman syndrome" patients.
A few take pride in their imagined celebrity, but many are deeply upset at what feels like an Orwellian invasion of privacy. The man profiled in the British journal was diagnosed with schizophrenia and is unable to work. One of Gold's patients planned to commit suicide if he couldn't leave his supposed reality show.
Delusions can be a symptom of various psychiatric illnesses, as well as neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Some drugs also can make people delusional.
It's not unusual for psychiatrists to see delusional patients who believe their relatives have been replaced by impostors or who think figures in their lives are taking on multiple disguises.
But "Truman" delusions are more sweeping, involving not just some associates but society at large, Gold said.
Delusions tend to be classified by broad categories, such as the belief that one is being persecuted, but research has shown culture and technology can also affect them. Several recent studies have chronicled delusions entwined with the Internet such as a patient in Austria who believed she had become a walking webcam.
Reality television may help such patients convince themselves their experiences are plausible, according to the Austrian woman's psychiatrists, writing in the journal Psychopathology in 2004.
Ian Gold, a philosophy and psychology professor at McGill University in Montreal who has researched the matter with his brother, suggests reality TV and the Web, with their ability to make strangers into intimates, may compound psychological pressure on people who have underlying problems dealing with others.
That's not to say reality shows make healthy people delusional, "but, at the very least, it seems possible to me that people who would become ill are becoming ill quicker or in a different way," Ian Gold said.
Other researchers aren't convinced, but still find the "Truman syndrome" an interesting example of the connection between culture and mental health.
Vaughan Bell, a psychologist who has researched Internet-related delusions, said one of his own former patients believed he was in the virtual-reality universe portrayed in the 1999 blockbuster "The Matrix."
"I don't think that popular culture causes delusions," said Bell, who is affiliated with King's College London and the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia. "But I do think that it is only possible to fully understand delusions and psychosis in light of our wider culture."
Nov 24, 2008
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Fit over 40: Fitness Secrets of Hot Celebrities |
Shedding weight and being roaring fit is not an easy task at any age, especially when you are 40!
Having said that, certain 40-over celebrities can put any 20-year-old to shame with their fitness levels, and not to mention their sexy bods.
Not only are they slim the healthy way, but they are fit despite all the physical changes their body is going through.
And what are these changes? Fitness Trainer and Wellness Coach Amit Sharma says, "After the age of 30 a woman's body undergoes certain changes, she faces a change in her body structure, hot flushes, mood swings, growing hair in her upper lip and starts feeling less attractive."
And yet, these beauties still manage to look so hot.
We let you in on the fitness mantras of celebrities over 40 years of age who are fit as a fiddle. Also, you get tips from experts on what you can do at home.
Having said that, certain 40-over celebrities can put any 20-year-old to shame with their fitness levels, and not to mention their sexy bods.
Not only are they slim the healthy way, but they are fit despite all the physical changes their body is going through.
And what are these changes? Fitness Trainer and Wellness Coach Amit Sharma says, "After the age of 30 a woman's body undergoes certain changes, she faces a change in her body structure, hot flushes, mood swings, growing hair in her upper lip and starts feeling less attractive."
And yet, these beauties still manage to look so hot.
We let you in on the fitness mantras of celebrities over 40 years of age who are fit as a fiddle. Also, you get tips from experts on what you can do at home.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Whatever she wore at the sets of the series of the hit sitcom 'Sex and the City' was a worldwide fashion rage.
She can carry off anything from a figure hugging outfit, a tube dress, skimpy attire to casuals with great aplomb all thanks to her well toned body. You only have to see the latest movie 'Sex and the City' to believe it.
Her fitness mantra
* Walks instead of taking a cab
* Eats small portions of food
* Eats a high protein low-carb diet
Expert Advice
* In case you do not have the time to exercise for 45 minutes a stretch due to your schedules, you can break it up into exercising 15 minutes thrice a day, advices Fitness Trainer and Wellness Coach Amit Sharma. Studies prove that this is just as effective as a continuous 45-minute workout.
* While a high protein, low carb diet always works for weight loss, do not follow any diet fad blindly. Nutritionist Shweta Shahaney says, "Everybody has a different body type, what may work for a celebrity might not necessarily work for you. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a dietician."
* Another thing you have to remember according to her is that at the age of 40 your body is preparing to fight menopause, so it is essential that you have all of your nutrients and micro nutrients.
Madonna
She rocked the 80s with her pop music. 20 years later she is still in the groove.
Check her out in her latest single, 4 minutes, with Justin Timberlake. Dancing with someone half her age, certainly deserves some accolades. And she is over 40!
Her fitness mantra
* To prevent bulking up of muscles, she changes her routine. She mixes up various types of cardio training along with various types of crunches and weight lifting with her dancing.
* Avoids diary food, processed food and spices.
Expert advice
* Fitness Trainer and Wellness Coach Amit Sharma says that weight training is essential for woman at this age. They are the only form of exercise that can prevent and reduce the risk osteoporosis. Calcium can be stored in the body, only till a particular age. After that the bones start becoming brittle.
* Nutritionist Shweta Shahaney elaborates that at this age you should not shy away from taking calcium supplements. Your daily calcium intake might not be able to meet the requirement. You can consult a doctor or nutritionist for the right dosage.
Halle Berry
She makes the list at 35 in FHM's 100 sexiest women in the world list. Even after the birth of her child, she is not far away from the sculpted body she had when she emerged out of the water wearing a skimpy bikini in the Bond movie Die Another Day.
Her post pregnancy fitness mantra
* She works out for 60 minutes, five days a week. Her fitness program includes cardio, strength training that focus on the abdomen and leg. Her cardio activity is divided in to three parts - on the elliptical, kickboxing and stairs or hill climb.
* Includes lots of veggies in her diet along with lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and a lot of water.
Expert advice
* Fitness Trainer and Wellness Coach Amit Sharma says that you should include cardiovascular exercises in your daily routine as it improves the heart and lungs functioning and also gets more oxygen into the blood. This is especially important at this age. According to reports from AP, as we age, the pumping capacity of the heart decreases, causing an increase in the resting heart rate. The body's ability to process oxygen efficiently decreases by one to two per cent each year after the age of 40.
* And here's another fact of the matter! Veggies and fruits are most important in your diet. Nutritionist Shweta Shahaney says that no matter what age, veggies and fruits are a sure shot way to lose weight and keep fit. Also keeping in mind that your body is preparing for menopause, you need to have veggies and fruits which will provide you with a lot of nutrients.
Cindy Crawford
One of the original supermodels, her beauty and well toned body has made her grace the cover of many magazines, get major ad campaigns and roles in movies and TV. She has managed to remain fit all these years even after having two kids!
Her fitness mantra
* Follows the Zone diet which involves eating small portions at regular intervals, and having a ratio of 40 per cent carbohydrates, 30 per cent proteins and 30 percent fat.
* Has a fitness regime of 20 minutes of cardiovascular and 40 minutes of free weights. Also incorporates yoga in her daily routine.
Expert advice
* According to Fitness Trainer and Wellness Coach Amit Sharma, as you age, your body loses twice the amount of muscle mass that it used to. This is one of the reasons for the decrease in the metabolic rate. Once again weight training comes to the rescue!
* A very simple and easy way to increase your metabolism is to have a cold glass of water, according to Amit. Try to have 500 ml to a liter of water once you get up in the morning. Drink at least 3 liters of water a day.
Brooke Shields
Being in front of the camera since infancy, the world has more or less watched her grow up. She has always remained fit and off late we have seen how her masculine appearance has toned down. What's her secret?
Her fitness mantra
* Whenever possible, she tries to do any physical activity for an hour everyday, it can be anything from spinning to hiking.
* She avoids weights for it can end up making her look bulky. She keeps her muscles toned with yoga.
Expert advice
So how can you manage to do all the forms of exercises without hurting your body? Fitness Trainer and Wellness Coach Amit Sharma gives you a schedule:
* Weight training 3 to 4 times a week.
* Cardiovascular exercises two times a week for 45 minutes.
* Stretching exercises 10 to 15 minutes before your weight training and cardiovascular exercise.
source:ibnlive.in.com
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What Diet Pattern Should Be Followed After a Bypass Surgery? |
Q. My 54 years old uncle weighs 60 kg and is 160 cm tall. He has undergone a bypass surgery a month back. Please suggest a diet chart for him. Could you let us know the do's and don'ts for him to lead a normal life?
A. Since your uncle has an ideal body weight according to his height, he is advised to have normal balanced diet. His diet should contain complex carbohydrates like oats, brown rice, barley, whole wheat, bajra and jawar. He is advised to have proteins in every meal for e.g. lean meat, egg whites, dairy products (made from low fat milk), fish, soya, whole grain and pulses.
Being diabetic, he should avoid simple sugar, desserts, puddings and fruit juices. Oil intake should not exceed 1 to 2 teaspoon full in a day. He should consume lots of salads and include more of fruits (exclude high carb fruits) and steamed vegetables in diet.
He should drink plenty of water (if he is not in heart failure – Please check with your cardiologist) and try to be physically active. His diet should be:
Early morning:
* Tea with 2 Marrie or cream cracker biscuits
Breakfast:
* Oats with milk (1 cup/muesli/wheat flakes)
* 1 egg white, 2 slice of brown or whole wheat bread
Mid morning:
* 2 permitted fruits (150 grams) / lemon water / tender coconut water
Lunch:
* 2 Chapattis with one small bowl boiled rice with a bowl of cooked seasonal vegetable, curd, salad
* or 3 Chapattis with 1 medium bowl boiled Dal/Chicken/Fish with a bowl of cooked seasonal vegetable, curd, salad
Evening tea: Tea + 2 biscuits
Dinner: Same as lunch
Post dinner: 1 cup fat free milk
For most of Do’s and Don’ts, one has to use basic common sense. He should do any and every activity that he is comfortable with and any activity that brings exhaustion, breathlessness or chest pain should be avoided, till such time the wounds are healed and sternum is totally united. For first 6-12 weeks after surgery, driving and lifting of heavy weights should be avoided. Thereafter all kinds of physical activities can be resumed. One should keep the weight under check and avoid potbelly or visceral obesity.
Transcendental meditation and Yoga plays a singular role in stress relief and should be engaged in. The diet should be taken care of and all the known risk factors like increased body weight, blood pressure, diabetes etc should be attended to. Smoking is a big ‘No’. One can take up to 30-60ml of alcohol per day but is not recommended as a preventive measure. It is just that in case, you are used to taking alcohol, then you can safely take up to that level.
source:ndtv.com
A. Since your uncle has an ideal body weight according to his height, he is advised to have normal balanced diet. His diet should contain complex carbohydrates like oats, brown rice, barley, whole wheat, bajra and jawar. He is advised to have proteins in every meal for e.g. lean meat, egg whites, dairy products (made from low fat milk), fish, soya, whole grain and pulses.
Being diabetic, he should avoid simple sugar, desserts, puddings and fruit juices. Oil intake should not exceed 1 to 2 teaspoon full in a day. He should consume lots of salads and include more of fruits (exclude high carb fruits) and steamed vegetables in diet.
He should drink plenty of water (if he is not in heart failure – Please check with your cardiologist) and try to be physically active. His diet should be:
Early morning:
* Tea with 2 Marrie or cream cracker biscuits
Breakfast:
* Oats with milk (1 cup/muesli/wheat flakes)
* 1 egg white, 2 slice of brown or whole wheat bread
Mid morning:
* 2 permitted fruits (150 grams) / lemon water / tender coconut water
Lunch:
* 2 Chapattis with one small bowl boiled rice with a bowl of cooked seasonal vegetable, curd, salad
* or 3 Chapattis with 1 medium bowl boiled Dal/Chicken/Fish with a bowl of cooked seasonal vegetable, curd, salad
Evening tea: Tea + 2 biscuits
Dinner: Same as lunch
Post dinner: 1 cup fat free milk
For most of Do’s and Don’ts, one has to use basic common sense. He should do any and every activity that he is comfortable with and any activity that brings exhaustion, breathlessness or chest pain should be avoided, till such time the wounds are healed and sternum is totally united. For first 6-12 weeks after surgery, driving and lifting of heavy weights should be avoided. Thereafter all kinds of physical activities can be resumed. One should keep the weight under check and avoid potbelly or visceral obesity.
Transcendental meditation and Yoga plays a singular role in stress relief and should be engaged in. The diet should be taken care of and all the known risk factors like increased body weight, blood pressure, diabetes etc should be attended to. Smoking is a big ‘No’. One can take up to 30-60ml of alcohol per day but is not recommended as a preventive measure. It is just that in case, you are used to taking alcohol, then you can safely take up to that level.
source:ndtv.com
| [+/-] |
Heart failure does not mean the Heart stops |
Heart failure
Heart failure does not mean the heart stops, it is simply not pumping blood as it should so the body does not get as much blood and oxygen as it needs.
It is caused by blocked arteries, past heart attack which has done some damage to the heart muscle or heart defects present since birth.
High blood pressure, heart valve or heart muscle disease and infection of the heart or valves are also causes.
Blood backs up in the veins, causing a build up which leads to swelling in the feet, ankles and legs, called edema. Too much fluid can also build up in the lungs causing pulmonary congestion.
The result is shortness of breath, especially when lying down, a feeling of being tired and run-down, swelling in the feet, ankles and legs, weight gain from fluid build up and confusion or an inability to think clearly.
Professor Henry Dargie, professor of cardiology at the University of Glasgow, said: "Heart failure is basically when the heart is failing to do its job properly.
"Though the heart can fail suddenly - a heart attack - that is, technically speaking, acute heart failure.
"What we mean by 'heart failure' is chronic heart failure where as a result of heart disease, the heart is not pumping enough blood around the body to meet its needs."
Swelling
The kidneys receive less blood than they should, leading them to consider there is insufficient blood in the bloodstream and store sodium and salt, leading to swelling in the ankles.
The main cause of heart failure is coronary disease damaging the heart muscle.
Narrowed arteries restrict blood flow, making the heart beat faster, or a heart attack may damage the heart, preventing it functioning properly.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, over a long period may also cause pressure overload which brings on heart failure.
A third cause of the condition is valve disease. But this is now uncommon following dramatic falls in cases of rheumatic fever, which is behind much valve disease.
The quality of life for sufferers is poor and decreases over time - from difficulty exercising at first to problems with simple tasks such as dressing later.
The long-term prognosis for people with heart failure is bad - similar to that of breast and lung cancer patients.
Preventing coronary heart disease by eating better, exercising and not smoking are the most effective ways to counter heart failure. Identifying and controlling high blood pressure is also effective.
| [+/-] |
Anti-doping agency may ban Viagra |
The World Anti-Doping Agency is looking at a new and unlikely suspect in the world of performance-enhancing drugs in sports -Viagra. The blue, diamond-shaped pill, associated with treating sexual dysfunction in men, is suspected of dilating blood vessels in athletes and unduly increasing oxygen-carrying capacity, giving them an unfair competitive advantage.
If the study being conducted at Marywood University proves Viagra's potential in the sporting arena, the anti-doping agency will consider banning the drug.
Viagra, or sildenafil citrate, was devised to treat pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in arteries of the lungs. The drug works by suppressing an enzyme that controls blood flow, allowing the vessels to relax and widen. The same mechanism facilitates blood flow into the penis of impotent men. In the case of athletes, increased cardiac output and more efficient transport of oxygenated fuel to the muscles can enhance endurance.
"Basically, it (Viagra) allows you to compete with a sea level, or near-sea level, aerobic capacity at altitude,'' Kenneth W Rundell, director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Marywood, said.
Some experts are more sceptical. Anthony Butch, director of the Olympic drug-testing lab at UCLA, said it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible to prove that Viagra provided a competitive edge, given that the differences in performance would be slight and that athletes would most probably take it in combination with other drugs.
If the study being conducted at Marywood University proves Viagra's potential in the sporting arena, the anti-doping agency will consider banning the drug.
Viagra, or sildenafil citrate, was devised to treat pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in arteries of the lungs. The drug works by suppressing an enzyme that controls blood flow, allowing the vessels to relax and widen. The same mechanism facilitates blood flow into the penis of impotent men. In the case of athletes, increased cardiac output and more efficient transport of oxygenated fuel to the muscles can enhance endurance.
"Basically, it (Viagra) allows you to compete with a sea level, or near-sea level, aerobic capacity at altitude,'' Kenneth W Rundell, director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Marywood, said.
Some experts are more sceptical. Anthony Butch, director of the Olympic drug-testing lab at UCLA, said it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible to prove that Viagra provided a competitive edge, given that the differences in performance would be slight and that athletes would most probably take it in combination with other drugs.
source:timesofindia.com
| [+/-] |
AP IMPACT: Govt pays millions for unapproved drugs |
Taxpayers have shelled out at least $200 million since 2004 for medications that have never been reviewed by the government for safety and effectiveness but are still covered under Medicaid, an Associated Press analysis of federal data has found. Millions of private patients are taking such drugs, as well.
The availability of unapproved prescription drugs to the public may create a dangerous false sense of security. Dozens of deaths have been linked to them.
The medications date back decades, before the Food and Drug Administration tightened its review of drugs in the early 1960s. The FDA says it is trying to squeeze them from the market, but conflicting federal laws allow the Medicaid health program for low-income people to pay for them.
The AP analysis found that Medicaid paid nearly $198 million from 2004 to 2007 for more than 100 unapproved drugs, mostly for common conditions such as colds and pain. Data for 2008 were not available but unapproved drugs still are being sold. The AP checked the medications against FDA databases, using agency guidelines to determine if they were unapproved. The FDA says there may be thousands of such drugs on the market.
Medicaid officials acknowledge the problem, but say they need help from Congress to fix it. The FDA and Medicaid are part of the Health and Human Services Department, but the FDA has yet to compile a master list of unapproved drugs, and Medicaid — which may be the biggest purchaser — keeps paying.
"I think this is something we ought to look at very hard, and we ought to fix it," said Medicaid chief Herb Kuhn. "It raises a whole set of questions, not only in terms of safety, but in the efficiency of the program — to make sure we are getting the right set of services for beneficiaries."
At a time when families, businesses and government are struggling with health care costs and 46 million people are uninsured, payments for questionable medications amount to an unplugged leak in the system.
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has asked the HHS inspector general to investigate.
That unapproved prescription drugs can be sold in the United States surprises even doctors and pharmacists. But the FDA estimates they account for 2 percent of all prescriptions filled by U.S. pharmacies, about 72 million scripts a year. Private insurance plans also cover them.
The roots of the problem go back in time, tangled in layers of legalese.
It wasn't until 1962 that Congress ordered the FDA to review all new medications for effectiveness. Thousands of drugs already on the market were also supposed to be evaluated. But some manufacturers claimed their medications were "grandfathered" under earlier laws, and even under the 1962 bill.
Then, in the early 1980s, a safety scandal erupted over one of those medications. E-Ferol, a high potency vitamin E injection, was linked to serious reactions in some 100 premature babies, 40 of whom died.
In response, the FDA started a program to weed out drugs it had never reviewed scientifically. Yet some medications continued to escape scrutiny.
Sometimes, the medications do not help patients. In other cases, the FDA says, they have made people sicker, maybe even killed them. This year, for example, the FDA banned injectable versions of a gout drug called colchicine after receiving reports of 23 deaths. Investigators found the unapproved drug had a very narrow margin of safety, and patients easily could receive a toxic dose leading to complications such as organ failure.
Critics say the FDA's case-by-case enforcement approach is not working.
"The FDA does not appear to have a systematic mechanism to report these drugs out," said Jon Glaudemans, senior vice president of Avalere Health, a health care industry information company, "and there doesn't seem to be a systematic process by which health insurance programs can validate their status. And everyone is pointing the finger at someone else as to why we can't get there."
In most cases, doctors, pharmacists and patients are not aware the drugs are unapproved.
"Over the years, they have become fully entrenched in the system," said Patti Manolakis, a Charlotte, N.C., pharmacist who has studied the issue. Only a few unapproved drugs are truly essential and should remain on the market, she added.
Tackling the problem is made harder by confusing — and sometimes conflicting — laws, regulations and responsibilities that pertain to different government agencies.
Medicaid officials said their program, which serves the poor and disabled, is allowed to pay for unapproved drugs until the FDA orders a specific medication off the market. But that can take years.
Compare that with Medicare, the health care program for older people.
Medicare's prescription program is not supposed to cover unapproved drugs. Medicare has purged hundreds of such medications from its coverage lists, but continues to find others.
It might be easier to sort things out if the FDA compiled a master list of unapproved drugs, but the agency hasn't. FDA officials say that would be difficult because many manufacturers do not list unapproved products with the agency. Yet, the AP found many that were listed — a possible starting point for a list.
Among the drugs the AP's research identified were Carbofed, for colds and flu; Hylira, a dry skin ointment; Andehist, a decongestant, and ICAR Prenatal, a vitamin tablet. Medicaid data show the program paid $7.3 million for Carbofed products from 2004 to 2007; $146,000 for Hylira; $4.8 million for Andehist products, and $900,000 for ICAR.
Grassley said the system is failing taxpayers and consumers.
"The problem I see is bureaucrats don't want to make a decision," Grassley said. "There is no reason why this should be such a house of mirrors when so much public money is being spent." Grassley is considering introducing legislation to ensure that consumers are told when a medication is unapproved.
FDA officials say they tell Medicaid and Medicare when the agency moves to ban an unapproved drug, so the programs can stop paying.
"The situation is complicated by the fact that Medicaid and Medicare have a different regulatory regime than FDA does," said FDA compliance lawyer Michael Levy. "There are products that we may consider to be illegally marketed that could be legally reimbursed under their law."
The FDA began its latest crackdown on unapproved drugs two years ago and has taken action against nine types of medications and dozens of companies. Typically, the agency orders manufacturers to stop making and shipping drugs, and it also has seized millions of dollars' worth of medications. But federal law does not provide fines for selling unapproved drugs, and criminal prosecutions are rare.
Some manufacturers of unapproved drugs say their products predate FDA regulation and are "grandfathered in."
"These are drugs that don't require an FDA approval," said Bill Peters, chief financial officer of Hi-Tech Pharmacal in Amityville, N.Y. "These are products with active ingredients that have been on the market for a long time." The company is moving away from older products, Peters said, and its new market offerings are FDA-approved.
Levy said the FDA is skeptical that any drugs now being sold are entitled to "grandfather" status. To qualify, they would have to be identical to medications sold decades ago in formulation and other important aspects.
The agency is targeting drugs linked to fraud, ones that do not work and, above all, those with safety risks. While the crackdown has helped, it does not appear to have solved the problem.
The gout drug banned by the FDA this February is not the only recent case involving safety problems.
Last year, the FDA banned unapproved cough medicines containing hydrocodone, a potent narcotic. Some had directions for medicating children as young as age 2, although no hydrocodone cough products have been shown to be safe and effective for children under 6.
In a 2006 case, the agency received 21 reports of children younger than 2 who died after taking unapproved cold and allergy medications containing carbinoxamine, an allergy drug that also acts as a powerful sedative. Regulators banned all products that contained carbinoxamine in combination with other cold medicines.
"We as Americans have a belief that all the prescription drugs that are available to us have been reviewed and approved by the FDA," said Manolakis, the pharmacist. "I think the presence of these drugs shows we have a false sense of security."
The availability of unapproved prescription drugs to the public may create a dangerous false sense of security. Dozens of deaths have been linked to them.
The medications date back decades, before the Food and Drug Administration tightened its review of drugs in the early 1960s. The FDA says it is trying to squeeze them from the market, but conflicting federal laws allow the Medicaid health program for low-income people to pay for them.
The AP analysis found that Medicaid paid nearly $198 million from 2004 to 2007 for more than 100 unapproved drugs, mostly for common conditions such as colds and pain. Data for 2008 were not available but unapproved drugs still are being sold. The AP checked the medications against FDA databases, using agency guidelines to determine if they were unapproved. The FDA says there may be thousands of such drugs on the market.
Medicaid officials acknowledge the problem, but say they need help from Congress to fix it. The FDA and Medicaid are part of the Health and Human Services Department, but the FDA has yet to compile a master list of unapproved drugs, and Medicaid — which may be the biggest purchaser — keeps paying.
"I think this is something we ought to look at very hard, and we ought to fix it," said Medicaid chief Herb Kuhn. "It raises a whole set of questions, not only in terms of safety, but in the efficiency of the program — to make sure we are getting the right set of services for beneficiaries."
At a time when families, businesses and government are struggling with health care costs and 46 million people are uninsured, payments for questionable medications amount to an unplugged leak in the system.
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has asked the HHS inspector general to investigate.
That unapproved prescription drugs can be sold in the United States surprises even doctors and pharmacists. But the FDA estimates they account for 2 percent of all prescriptions filled by U.S. pharmacies, about 72 million scripts a year. Private insurance plans also cover them.
The roots of the problem go back in time, tangled in layers of legalese.
It wasn't until 1962 that Congress ordered the FDA to review all new medications for effectiveness. Thousands of drugs already on the market were also supposed to be evaluated. But some manufacturers claimed their medications were "grandfathered" under earlier laws, and even under the 1962 bill.
Then, in the early 1980s, a safety scandal erupted over one of those medications. E-Ferol, a high potency vitamin E injection, was linked to serious reactions in some 100 premature babies, 40 of whom died.
In response, the FDA started a program to weed out drugs it had never reviewed scientifically. Yet some medications continued to escape scrutiny.
Sometimes, the medications do not help patients. In other cases, the FDA says, they have made people sicker, maybe even killed them. This year, for example, the FDA banned injectable versions of a gout drug called colchicine after receiving reports of 23 deaths. Investigators found the unapproved drug had a very narrow margin of safety, and patients easily could receive a toxic dose leading to complications such as organ failure.
Critics say the FDA's case-by-case enforcement approach is not working.
"The FDA does not appear to have a systematic mechanism to report these drugs out," said Jon Glaudemans, senior vice president of Avalere Health, a health care industry information company, "and there doesn't seem to be a systematic process by which health insurance programs can validate their status. And everyone is pointing the finger at someone else as to why we can't get there."
In most cases, doctors, pharmacists and patients are not aware the drugs are unapproved.
"Over the years, they have become fully entrenched in the system," said Patti Manolakis, a Charlotte, N.C., pharmacist who has studied the issue. Only a few unapproved drugs are truly essential and should remain on the market, she added.
Tackling the problem is made harder by confusing — and sometimes conflicting — laws, regulations and responsibilities that pertain to different government agencies.
Medicaid officials said their program, which serves the poor and disabled, is allowed to pay for unapproved drugs until the FDA orders a specific medication off the market. But that can take years.
Compare that with Medicare, the health care program for older people.
Medicare's prescription program is not supposed to cover unapproved drugs. Medicare has purged hundreds of such medications from its coverage lists, but continues to find others.
It might be easier to sort things out if the FDA compiled a master list of unapproved drugs, but the agency hasn't. FDA officials say that would be difficult because many manufacturers do not list unapproved products with the agency. Yet, the AP found many that were listed — a possible starting point for a list.
Among the drugs the AP's research identified were Carbofed, for colds and flu; Hylira, a dry skin ointment; Andehist, a decongestant, and ICAR Prenatal, a vitamin tablet. Medicaid data show the program paid $7.3 million for Carbofed products from 2004 to 2007; $146,000 for Hylira; $4.8 million for Andehist products, and $900,000 for ICAR.
Grassley said the system is failing taxpayers and consumers.
"The problem I see is bureaucrats don't want to make a decision," Grassley said. "There is no reason why this should be such a house of mirrors when so much public money is being spent." Grassley is considering introducing legislation to ensure that consumers are told when a medication is unapproved.
FDA officials say they tell Medicaid and Medicare when the agency moves to ban an unapproved drug, so the programs can stop paying.
"The situation is complicated by the fact that Medicaid and Medicare have a different regulatory regime than FDA does," said FDA compliance lawyer Michael Levy. "There are products that we may consider to be illegally marketed that could be legally reimbursed under their law."
The FDA began its latest crackdown on unapproved drugs two years ago and has taken action against nine types of medications and dozens of companies. Typically, the agency orders manufacturers to stop making and shipping drugs, and it also has seized millions of dollars' worth of medications. But federal law does not provide fines for selling unapproved drugs, and criminal prosecutions are rare.
Some manufacturers of unapproved drugs say their products predate FDA regulation and are "grandfathered in."
"These are drugs that don't require an FDA approval," said Bill Peters, chief financial officer of Hi-Tech Pharmacal in Amityville, N.Y. "These are products with active ingredients that have been on the market for a long time." The company is moving away from older products, Peters said, and its new market offerings are FDA-approved.
Levy said the FDA is skeptical that any drugs now being sold are entitled to "grandfather" status. To qualify, they would have to be identical to medications sold decades ago in formulation and other important aspects.
The agency is targeting drugs linked to fraud, ones that do not work and, above all, those with safety risks. While the crackdown has helped, it does not appear to have solved the problem.
The gout drug banned by the FDA this February is not the only recent case involving safety problems.
Last year, the FDA banned unapproved cough medicines containing hydrocodone, a potent narcotic. Some had directions for medicating children as young as age 2, although no hydrocodone cough products have been shown to be safe and effective for children under 6.
In a 2006 case, the agency received 21 reports of children younger than 2 who died after taking unapproved cold and allergy medications containing carbinoxamine, an allergy drug that also acts as a powerful sedative. Regulators banned all products that contained carbinoxamine in combination with other cold medicines.
"We as Americans have a belief that all the prescription drugs that are available to us have been reviewed and approved by the FDA," said Manolakis, the pharmacist. "I think the presence of these drugs shows we have a false sense of security."
Nov 23, 2008
| [+/-] |
How can Dengue Fever be Treated? |
Q. My four years seven months old daughter has been diagnosed with dengue fever. Today is her seventh day of fever. In the blood test, her SGPT (U.V. Kinetic) was found to be 210 IU/L. The normal range is 10-40 IU/L. In the last seven days, she has taken Crocin syrup, Meftal P, Novamox DT, Relent and Asthalin. I am worried. Please suggest the future course of action.
A. Dengue virus, spread by the bite of the Aedes mosquito, is responsible for dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. The common dengue fever is characterised by fever, severe headache, pains in muscles and joints (break-bone fever), often a rash and laboratory abnormalities like low blood cell counts and abnormal liver and kidney function tests.
The symptoms may last for about a week but convalescence may take several weeks as weakness and lack of appetite persist. A rare patient may progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (an emergency) in which the patient has symptoms of bleeding. Treatment is generally symptomatic with the patient being given plenty of fluids and acetaminophen (avoiding aspirin or steroid preparations). There is no role of antibiotics.
Please consult a pediatrician who can examine your daughter and investigate appropriately so that adequate treatment is given to her.
A. Dengue virus, spread by the bite of the Aedes mosquito, is responsible for dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. The common dengue fever is characterised by fever, severe headache, pains in muscles and joints (break-bone fever), often a rash and laboratory abnormalities like low blood cell counts and abnormal liver and kidney function tests.
The symptoms may last for about a week but convalescence may take several weeks as weakness and lack of appetite persist. A rare patient may progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (an emergency) in which the patient has symptoms of bleeding. Treatment is generally symptomatic with the patient being given plenty of fluids and acetaminophen (avoiding aspirin or steroid preparations). There is no role of antibiotics.
Please consult a pediatrician who can examine your daughter and investigate appropriately so that adequate treatment is given to her.
| [+/-] |
Short sleep duration raises breast Cancer risk |
A new study published in the Nov 4 2008 issue of British Journal of Cancer suggests that sleeping for less than six hours per night may increase risk of breast cancer in women.
Early studies show that night shift female workers are more likely than those who work daytime to acquire breast cancer due probably to the poor sleep quality.
The study led by Kakizaki M and colleagues from Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine in Senkai Japan found women who slept 6 or fewer hours per day were 62 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.
The researchers did not explain why because their study was not meant to explore the reason why there is an association between shorter sleep duration and higher breast cancer risk.
Kakizaki's study involved 23,995 Japanese women and was intended to examine the correlation between sleep duration and risk of breast cancer. During the follow-up, 143 women were diagnosed with the disease.
In the United States, breast cancer is diagnosed in 185,000 women and kills 45,000 each year. The disease is largely preventable and sufficient sleep is known to boost immunity against cancer. Physical activity or exercise is also known to reduce the risk.
Source:foodconsumer.org
Early studies show that night shift female workers are more likely than those who work daytime to acquire breast cancer due probably to the poor sleep quality.
The study led by Kakizaki M and colleagues from Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine in Senkai Japan found women who slept 6 or fewer hours per day were 62 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.
The researchers did not explain why because their study was not meant to explore the reason why there is an association between shorter sleep duration and higher breast cancer risk.
Kakizaki's study involved 23,995 Japanese women and was intended to examine the correlation between sleep duration and risk of breast cancer. During the follow-up, 143 women were diagnosed with the disease.
In the United States, breast cancer is diagnosed in 185,000 women and kills 45,000 each year. The disease is largely preventable and sufficient sleep is known to boost immunity against cancer. Physical activity or exercise is also known to reduce the risk.
Source:foodconsumer.org
Nov 22, 2008
| [+/-] |
Light-wave implant hope for deaf |
An implant which works by firing infrared light into the inner ear is being investigated by US researchers.
Nerves in the ear can be stimulated by light as well as sound and the team from Northwestern University, Illinois, is aiming to harness this.
Infrared light shone onto guinea pig nerve cells produced better results than standard cochlear implants, a report in New Scientist magazine said.
But UK charity RNID said a device for human use might take years to develop.
For some profoundly deaf patients, the development of cochlear implants in recent years has been an important change.
The system works by placing approximately 20 electrodes to directly stimulate the nerves in the inner ear, but it has its limitations, with users finding it hard to appreciate music or communicate in a noisy environment.
This is because there are as many as 3,000 "hair cells" in a healthy ear, contributing to a far more detailed interpretation of sound than the implant can provide.
Frequency maps
Dr Claus-Peter Richter from Northwestern believes that an effect discovered by chance could hold the key to a better implant.
Surgeons who used lasers to perform a surgical procedure in the ear discovered that they were able to stimulate the nerve cells there to send an electrical message back to the brain.
Exactly why this happens is unclear, although Dr Richter believes that the heat that accompanies the light may be responsible.
This could be a major breakthrough, but we have to remember that even if that true, the time between demonstrating this and developing a device will be quite significant
RNID spokesman
However, the narrow beam possible using light rather than an electrode offers the possibility of a far more precise targeting of these neurons.
He shone infrared light into the neurons of deaf guinea pigs, while measuring electrical activity in a nerve "relay" between the inner ear and the brain.
The frequency "maps" produced this way are a good indication of the quality of information reaching the brain.
Sharp sound
While the "maps" produced by cochlear implants were less detailed, those produced after infrared stimulation were as sharp as those produced by sound in hearing guinea pigs.
Dr Richter is now working on ways to produce fibre optic devices which could target light within the inner ear.
A spokesman for the UK charity RNID said that cochlear implants had "transformed the lives" of many people and, in theory, this research might offer a way to improve the technology.
"One of the things that is really interesting - if it does work - is that the specificity from a laser is really quite exciting. One of the big problems with cochlear implants is their lack of specificity.
"This could be a major breakthrough, but we have to remember that even if that true, the time between demonstrating this and developing a device will be quite significant, perhaps as much as 10 years."
source:bbc.co.uk
Nerves in the ear can be stimulated by light as well as sound and the team from Northwestern University, Illinois, is aiming to harness this.
Infrared light shone onto guinea pig nerve cells produced better results than standard cochlear implants, a report in New Scientist magazine said.
But UK charity RNID said a device for human use might take years to develop.
For some profoundly deaf patients, the development of cochlear implants in recent years has been an important change.
The system works by placing approximately 20 electrodes to directly stimulate the nerves in the inner ear, but it has its limitations, with users finding it hard to appreciate music or communicate in a noisy environment.
This is because there are as many as 3,000 "hair cells" in a healthy ear, contributing to a far more detailed interpretation of sound than the implant can provide.
Frequency maps
Dr Claus-Peter Richter from Northwestern believes that an effect discovered by chance could hold the key to a better implant.
Surgeons who used lasers to perform a surgical procedure in the ear discovered that they were able to stimulate the nerve cells there to send an electrical message back to the brain.
Exactly why this happens is unclear, although Dr Richter believes that the heat that accompanies the light may be responsible.
This could be a major breakthrough, but we have to remember that even if that true, the time between demonstrating this and developing a device will be quite significant
RNID spokesman
However, the narrow beam possible using light rather than an electrode offers the possibility of a far more precise targeting of these neurons.
He shone infrared light into the neurons of deaf guinea pigs, while measuring electrical activity in a nerve "relay" between the inner ear and the brain.
The frequency "maps" produced this way are a good indication of the quality of information reaching the brain.
Sharp sound
While the "maps" produced by cochlear implants were less detailed, those produced after infrared stimulation were as sharp as those produced by sound in hearing guinea pigs.
Dr Richter is now working on ways to produce fibre optic devices which could target light within the inner ear.
A spokesman for the UK charity RNID said that cochlear implants had "transformed the lives" of many people and, in theory, this research might offer a way to improve the technology.
"One of the things that is really interesting - if it does work - is that the specificity from a laser is really quite exciting. One of the big problems with cochlear implants is their lack of specificity.
"This could be a major breakthrough, but we have to remember that even if that true, the time between demonstrating this and developing a device will be quite significant, perhaps as much as 10 years."
source:bbc.co.uk
| [+/-] |
Autumn-born babies ‘more likely to get asthma’ |
Infants born in the autumn season are at a greater risk of developing childhood asthma, according to a new study.
The new research from Vanderbilt University has found that while having clinically significant bronchiolitis at any age during infancy was associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma, for autumn babies, that risk was the greatest.
"Infant age at the winter virus peak following birth independently predicts asthma development, with the highest risk being for infants born approximately four months prior to the peak, which is represented by birth in the fall months in the Northern hemisphere,” said Tina V Hartert, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of medicine and director of the center for Asthma Research at Vanderbilt University, and principal investigator of the study.
“Birth during this time conferred a nearly 30 percent increase in odds of developing asthma," she added.
The study analysed the birth and medical records of more than 95,000 children and their mothers in Tennessee to determine whether date of birth in relationship to the peak in winter respiratory viruses posed a higher risk for developing early childhood asthma.
The researchers suggest two non-mutually exclusive possible reasons for the link, one, that there is a genetic susceptibility common to both bronchiolitis and the development of asthma and the other that an environmental exposure such as winter viral infection causes asthma.
"The risk of progressing from bronchiolitis to asthma is almost certainly influenced by genetic factors," wrote Dr. Hartert.
"However, if this association were due only to genetic factors, there would be a seasonal effect on infection but not on asthma…Instead we have shown that there is variation in the risk of developing asthma by the timing of birth in relationship to the winter virus peak for each year studied.
“This supports a causal relationship of childhood asthma with the winter virus peak after birth,” she added.
The new research from Vanderbilt University has found that while having clinically significant bronchiolitis at any age during infancy was associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma, for autumn babies, that risk was the greatest.
"Infant age at the winter virus peak following birth independently predicts asthma development, with the highest risk being for infants born approximately four months prior to the peak, which is represented by birth in the fall months in the Northern hemisphere,” said Tina V Hartert, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of medicine and director of the center for Asthma Research at Vanderbilt University, and principal investigator of the study.
“Birth during this time conferred a nearly 30 percent increase in odds of developing asthma," she added.
The study analysed the birth and medical records of more than 95,000 children and their mothers in Tennessee to determine whether date of birth in relationship to the peak in winter respiratory viruses posed a higher risk for developing early childhood asthma.
The researchers suggest two non-mutually exclusive possible reasons for the link, one, that there is a genetic susceptibility common to both bronchiolitis and the development of asthma and the other that an environmental exposure such as winter viral infection causes asthma.
"The risk of progressing from bronchiolitis to asthma is almost certainly influenced by genetic factors," wrote Dr. Hartert.
"However, if this association were due only to genetic factors, there would be a seasonal effect on infection but not on asthma…Instead we have shown that there is variation in the risk of developing asthma by the timing of birth in relationship to the winter virus peak for each year studied.
“This supports a causal relationship of childhood asthma with the winter virus peak after birth,” she added.
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Eating an egg a day can up type two Diabetes risk by 60 percent |
Eating an egg every day can raise the risk of developing diabetes, a shocking new study has found.
What's more, intake of more than a couple of eggs a week can make the condition worse in those who already have diabetes.
Scientists in Australia have urged that type 2 diabetics and people at risk of developing the blood glucose condition should limit their egg intake after a US study found them to be detrimental to their health, reports News.com.au.
According to Harvard Medical School scientists, eating an egg every day may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 60 per cent.
Women were most susceptible, with females consuming seven eggs or more a week increasing their risk by 77 per cent, the study found.
Dr Michael Dr Gaziano wrote in the journal Diabetes Care that eating just one egg a week carried no increased risk.
The study reached the conclusions after tracking the egg-eating habits of almost 57,000 men and women over two decades.
What's more, intake of more than a couple of eggs a week can make the condition worse in those who already have diabetes.
Scientists in Australia have urged that type 2 diabetics and people at risk of developing the blood glucose condition should limit their egg intake after a US study found them to be detrimental to their health, reports News.com.au.
According to Harvard Medical School scientists, eating an egg every day may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 60 per cent.
Women were most susceptible, with females consuming seven eggs or more a week increasing their risk by 77 per cent, the study found.
Dr Michael Dr Gaziano wrote in the journal Diabetes Care that eating just one egg a week carried no increased risk.
The study reached the conclusions after tracking the egg-eating habits of almost 57,000 men and women over two decades.
Nov 21, 2008
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Maintain Your Weight |
Health+Diet TIPS
* "It is very important to follow a sensible food plan that suits your body constitution. Some people might be allergic to milk and milk products, others might take well to non-veg food. So you have to eat according to what your body needs.
* Exercise regularly, ideally in the morning. Go to sleep latest by 10 and wake up by at least seven the next morning."
* "To achieve anything, you must have a positive and strong state of mind. Work towards that first. Then comes time management. Eat your meals at the right time. Don't eat breakfast at 12 in the afternoon. Eat smaller, frequent meals in an adequate portion size.
* Have well-balanced meals that consist of carbs, proteins and multi-nutrients. Exercise at least 4-5 days a week. Keep yourself active… walk, swim, do yoga."
* "The body reacts in two ways… If you eat a lot, you put on weight and if you eat too less then again, you put on weight.
* To avoid this, eat smaller, more frequent meals probably every three to four hours. Don't fill yourself to the brim. Eat healthy and be physically active."
* Along with the food plan, you need to exercise regularly. It could be just a 40 minute walk in the evening."
* "The first and most important thing to do is to get into an absolute detox and cleansing program. Regulate your lifestyle… correct your eating, drinking, sleeping and exercise habits.
* Exercise regularly, ideally in the morning. Go to sleep latest by 10 and wake up by at least seven the next morning."
* "To achieve anything, you must have a positive and strong state of mind. Work towards that first. Then comes time management. Eat your meals at the right time. Don't eat breakfast at 12 in the afternoon. Eat smaller, frequent meals in an adequate portion size.
* Have well-balanced meals that consist of carbs, proteins and multi-nutrients. Exercise at least 4-5 days a week. Keep yourself active… walk, swim, do yoga."
* "The body reacts in two ways… If you eat a lot, you put on weight and if you eat too less then again, you put on weight.
* To avoid this, eat smaller, more frequent meals probably every three to four hours. Don't fill yourself to the brim. Eat healthy and be physically active."
* Along with the food plan, you need to exercise regularly. It could be just a 40 minute walk in the evening."
* "The first and most important thing to do is to get into an absolute detox and cleansing program. Regulate your lifestyle… correct your eating, drinking, sleeping and exercise habits.
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World's first Oral insulin therapy for diabetics launched |
Worlds' first oral insulin launched
Shreya Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., the Indian arm of the Moscow based Shreya Corporation, announced on Thursday the launch of world's first oral insulindefine spray, a recombinant DNA human insulin buccal spray, for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetesdefine.
The oral spray will be sold and marketed in India under the brand name "Oral Recosulin". The spray is based on the technology developed by the company’s American collaborator Generex Biotechnology Inc.
The Director Shreya Life Sciences, Mr Ram Shelat, said, "Oral Recosulin provides freedom from limitations of conventional insulindefine therapy/devices. The new technology delivers insulin through buccal mucosa directly to the vasculardefine system."
He said that the Oral-Recosulin is an alternative available for diabetics who have an acute injection phobia, which sometimes prevents them from taking insulin therapy although required.
Adding further he said, "Oral Recosulin is a simple solution for a worldwide problem, as diabetics would prefer buccal delivery of the drug to injections."
The launch of the oral spray coincided with the UN's World Diabetes Day, which is celebrated every year on Nov. 14. The Oral Recosulin is expected to be widely available for retail purchase in India before the end of November.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases which can affect almost every organ system in the body and it is estimated that by year 2025, nearly 300 million people would be affected with diabetes.
Mr Shelat gave an example of the study conducted by WHO, which found that in India only, it is estimated that presently 19.4 million individuals are affected by this deadly disease, which will go up to 57 million by the year 2025. And, the reasons for this escalation are lifestyles changes, ageing and low birth weight that could lead to diabetes during adulthood.
Individuals suffering with diabetes are more likely to develop blindness, kidney disease undergo amputation, myocardial infarctiondefine and twice as likely to suffer a stroke as non-diabetics.
The oral spray will be sold and marketed in India under the brand name "Oral Recosulin". The spray is based on the technology developed by the company’s American collaborator Generex Biotechnology Inc.
The Director Shreya Life Sciences, Mr Ram Shelat, said, "Oral Recosulin provides freedom from limitations of conventional insulindefine therapy/devices. The new technology delivers insulin through buccal mucosa directly to the vasculardefine system."
He said that the Oral-Recosulin is an alternative available for diabetics who have an acute injection phobia, which sometimes prevents them from taking insulin therapy although required.
Adding further he said, "Oral Recosulin is a simple solution for a worldwide problem, as diabetics would prefer buccal delivery of the drug to injections."
The launch of the oral spray coincided with the UN's World Diabetes Day, which is celebrated every year on Nov. 14. The Oral Recosulin is expected to be widely available for retail purchase in India before the end of November.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases which can affect almost every organ system in the body and it is estimated that by year 2025, nearly 300 million people would be affected with diabetes.
Mr Shelat gave an example of the study conducted by WHO, which found that in India only, it is estimated that presently 19.4 million individuals are affected by this deadly disease, which will go up to 57 million by the year 2025. And, the reasons for this escalation are lifestyles changes, ageing and low birth weight that could lead to diabetes during adulthood.
Individuals suffering with diabetes are more likely to develop blindness, kidney disease undergo amputation, myocardial infarctiondefine and twice as likely to suffer a stroke as non-diabetics.
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Children dying in Haiti, victims of food crisis |
>
Haiti – The 5-year-old teetered on broomstick legs — he weighed less than 20 pounds, even after days of drinking enriched milk. Nearby, a 4-year-old girl hung from a strap attached to a scale, her wide eyes lifeless, her emaciated arms dangling weakly.
In pockets of Haiti accessible only by donkey or foot, children are dying of malnutrition — their already meager food supply cut by a series of devastating storms that destroyed crops, wiped out livestock and sent food prices spiraling.
At least 26 severely malnourished children have died in the past four weeks in the remote region of Baie d'Orange in Haiti's southeast, aid workers said Thursday, and there are fears the toll will rise much higher if help does not come quickly to the impoverished Caribbean nation.
Another 65 severely malnourished children are being treated in makeshift tent clinics in the mountainous area, or at hospitals where they were evacuated in Port-au-Prince and elsewhere, said Max Cosci, who heads the Belgian contingent of Doctors Without Borders in Haiti.
One evacuee, a 7-year-old girl, died while being treated, Cosci said, adding: "The situation is extremely, extremely fragile and dangerous."
At a makeshift malnutrition ward at a Doctors Without Borders hospital in the capital, 10 emaciated children were under emergency care Thursday, their stomachs swollen and hair faded by pigmentation loss caused by malnutrition. Several had the puffy faces typical of kwashiorkor, a protein-deficiency disorder.
Five-year-old Mackenson Duclair, his ribs protruding and his legs little more than skin stretched over bones, weighed in at 19.8 pounds, even after days of drinking milk enriched with potassium and salt. Doctors said he needed to gain another five pounds before he could go home.
Dangling from a scale mounted from the ceiling, 4-year-old Venecia Lonis looked as limp as a rag doll as doctors weighed her, her huge brown eyes expressionless, her hair tied with bright yellow bows.
Mackenson's grandmother, who has raised him since his mother died, said she barely has a can of corn grits to feed herself, the boy and her 8-year-old granddaughter each day.
"These things did not happen when I was growing up," 72-year-old Ticouloute Fortune said.
Rural families already struggling with soaring food prices in Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's poorest country, lost their safety nets when fields were destroyed and livestock wiped out by the storms, which killed nearly 800 people and caused $1 billion worth of damage in August and September.
U.N. World Food Program country director Myrta Kaulard said she fears more deaths from malnutrition in other isolated parts of Haiti, and search and medical teams were fanning out in the northwest and along the southwestern peninsula to check.
The World Food Program has sent more than 30 tons of food aid — enough to feed 5,800 people for two weeks — into the remote southeastern region since September, and other groups funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development have sent food as well, she said.
But the steep, narrow paths and poor visibility make it difficult to deliver the food to the mountain communities where hunger is worsening. In one case, a WFP truck flipped over while struggling up a hill and slid into a ravine, killing an aid worker.
"There is always a bottleneck. The same situation that the people are facing is the same situation we're also facing," Kaulard told The Associated Press Thursday.
Haiti in general and the mountain villages in particular have long suffered from chronic hunger. Child malnutrition rates have been high for years — the WFP reported in 2007 that nearly a quarter of children were chronically malnourished.
Remote rural areas in particular grow only enough staples to feed themselves less than seven months out of the year, Kaulard said.
But throughout the year, aid workers and officials have been seeing hunger get more severe, and now people who live in the mountains and aid groups who are working there say the situation is worse than it has been in the past.
This year, for instance, Haiti's agriculture ministry estimates 60 percent of the harvest was lost in the storms nationwide. Land quality is already poor and farmers lost seeds for next year when the storms hit, Kaulard said.
Effects of the storms vary widely from village to village and even family to family. In some places, food supplies seem intact. In others, Doctors Without Borders has found rates of severe malnutrition as high as 5 percent.
Aid shortages may soon compound the problem. Donor countries have funded only a third of the U.N.'s $105 million aid appeal for Haiti following the storms, and resources could run out in January, Kaulard said.
At the hospital Thursday, Enock Augustin sat beside the bed where his 5-year-old daughter Bertha was sleeping. The fragile-looking child was evacuated by helicopter Nov. 8 with vomiting and diarrhea. When she arrived, nearly a quarter of her body weight was due to fluid retention, a sign of severe protein deficiency.
The swelling gradually receded as she was fed nutrient-enriched milk and treated with antibiotics and anti-worm medicine; she shrank to just 21 pounds.
She has since gained about two pounds but can't go home until she reaches 26 pounds, doctors said.
For months, the Augustin family had gotten by despite the soaring prices of corn grits and imported rice because they grew potatoes, which they could eat or barter for plantains, yams and breadfruit that did not fluctuate with the world market.
But then, in August, Tropical Storm Fay hit, followed by Hurricane Gustav, Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike.
"Every time a hurricane came through, it killed our animals and plants," said Augustin, a father of six. The road was washed out, markets became unreachable and "the price of everything went sky high."
The entire family subsisted on two cups of corn grits, and Bertha began shrinking — and then swelling — before his eyes.
"She was really bad. We put her in the helicopter and they brought her here," Augustin said. "I hope the government will hear about us and bring more support."
In pockets of Haiti accessible only by donkey or foot, children are dying of malnutrition — their already meager food supply cut by a series of devastating storms that destroyed crops, wiped out livestock and sent food prices spiraling.
At least 26 severely malnourished children have died in the past four weeks in the remote region of Baie d'Orange in Haiti's southeast, aid workers said Thursday, and there are fears the toll will rise much higher if help does not come quickly to the impoverished Caribbean nation.
Another 65 severely malnourished children are being treated in makeshift tent clinics in the mountainous area, or at hospitals where they were evacuated in Port-au-Prince and elsewhere, said Max Cosci, who heads the Belgian contingent of Doctors Without Borders in Haiti.
One evacuee, a 7-year-old girl, died while being treated, Cosci said, adding: "The situation is extremely, extremely fragile and dangerous."
At a makeshift malnutrition ward at a Doctors Without Borders hospital in the capital, 10 emaciated children were under emergency care Thursday, their stomachs swollen and hair faded by pigmentation loss caused by malnutrition. Several had the puffy faces typical of kwashiorkor, a protein-deficiency disorder.
Five-year-old Mackenson Duclair, his ribs protruding and his legs little more than skin stretched over bones, weighed in at 19.8 pounds, even after days of drinking milk enriched with potassium and salt. Doctors said he needed to gain another five pounds before he could go home.
Dangling from a scale mounted from the ceiling, 4-year-old Venecia Lonis looked as limp as a rag doll as doctors weighed her, her huge brown eyes expressionless, her hair tied with bright yellow bows.
Mackenson's grandmother, who has raised him since his mother died, said she barely has a can of corn grits to feed herself, the boy and her 8-year-old granddaughter each day.
"These things did not happen when I was growing up," 72-year-old Ticouloute Fortune said.
Rural families already struggling with soaring food prices in Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's poorest country, lost their safety nets when fields were destroyed and livestock wiped out by the storms, which killed nearly 800 people and caused $1 billion worth of damage in August and September.
U.N. World Food Program country director Myrta Kaulard said she fears more deaths from malnutrition in other isolated parts of Haiti, and search and medical teams were fanning out in the northwest and along the southwestern peninsula to check.
The World Food Program has sent more than 30 tons of food aid — enough to feed 5,800 people for two weeks — into the remote southeastern region since September, and other groups funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development have sent food as well, she said.
But the steep, narrow paths and poor visibility make it difficult to deliver the food to the mountain communities where hunger is worsening. In one case, a WFP truck flipped over while struggling up a hill and slid into a ravine, killing an aid worker.
"There is always a bottleneck. The same situation that the people are facing is the same situation we're also facing," Kaulard told The Associated Press Thursday.
Haiti in general and the mountain villages in particular have long suffered from chronic hunger. Child malnutrition rates have been high for years — the WFP reported in 2007 that nearly a quarter of children were chronically malnourished.
Remote rural areas in particular grow only enough staples to feed themselves less than seven months out of the year, Kaulard said.
But throughout the year, aid workers and officials have been seeing hunger get more severe, and now people who live in the mountains and aid groups who are working there say the situation is worse than it has been in the past.
This year, for instance, Haiti's agriculture ministry estimates 60 percent of the harvest was lost in the storms nationwide. Land quality is already poor and farmers lost seeds for next year when the storms hit, Kaulard said.
Effects of the storms vary widely from village to village and even family to family. In some places, food supplies seem intact. In others, Doctors Without Borders has found rates of severe malnutrition as high as 5 percent.
Aid shortages may soon compound the problem. Donor countries have funded only a third of the U.N.'s $105 million aid appeal for Haiti following the storms, and resources could run out in January, Kaulard said.
At the hospital Thursday, Enock Augustin sat beside the bed where his 5-year-old daughter Bertha was sleeping. The fragile-looking child was evacuated by helicopter Nov. 8 with vomiting and diarrhea. When she arrived, nearly a quarter of her body weight was due to fluid retention, a sign of severe protein deficiency.
The swelling gradually receded as she was fed nutrient-enriched milk and treated with antibiotics and anti-worm medicine; she shrank to just 21 pounds.
She has since gained about two pounds but can't go home until she reaches 26 pounds, doctors said.
For months, the Augustin family had gotten by despite the soaring prices of corn grits and imported rice because they grew potatoes, which they could eat or barter for plantains, yams and breadfruit that did not fluctuate with the world market.
But then, in August, Tropical Storm Fay hit, followed by Hurricane Gustav, Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike.
"Every time a hurricane came through, it killed our animals and plants," said Augustin, a father of six. The road was washed out, markets became unreachable and "the price of everything went sky high."
The entire family subsisted on two cups of corn grits, and Bertha began shrinking — and then swelling — before his eyes.
"She was really bad. We put her in the helicopter and they brought her here," Augustin said. "I hope the government will hear about us and bring more support."
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Eating Breakfast is an Important |
The importance of Breakfast
Do You Eat Breakfast?
It is not a myth. Eating breakfast is an important part of attaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The morning meal enables your body to refuel itself after enduring a nightlong fast or 10 hours or more. It assists in re-energizing your body’s metabolism and providing sufficient amounts of energy and nutrients for you to survive the earliest part of the day. Remember breakfast is the first opportunity for you to replenish your body’s exhausted energy reserves. Whatever you do don’t waste this opportunity. While breaking the nocturnal fast is important, eating appropriately is just as essential. Eating a good breakfast, low in fat, and rich in dietary fibre and micronutrients will mentally and physically set you up for anything the day may throw at you.
Why Breakfast is Important.
By choosing not to eat a well-balanced breakfast you may be putting your health in danger. Studies have shown that people who regularly skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight and have less energy than those who always eat breakfast.
The consumption of a healthy breakfast has been shown to improve short-term memory. People who regularly eat breakfast have less fatigue and lower cholesterol level than those who skip breakfast. Research has demonstrated that children who eat correctly at breakfast perform better in class and produce higher marks than those who do not. If you want to have an improved, healthy body then it is vital to eat a nourishing breakfast. Research has shown that skipping breakfast causes a lowered metabolic rate, which means fewer calories burned throughout the day. Over time this has the potential to lead to an unhealthy Body Mass Index.
What is a healthy breakfast?
Choose foods that are natural and unprocessed. Eat whole fruit rather than fruit juice. Whole fruits provide extra fibre. Vary the colour of the fruits you eat. Different coloured fruits and vegetables contain different nutrients.
Yogurt, wholegrain dark bread, high fibre cereal with soy or low fat milk, are excellent choices. Try making your own delicious museli, Three to six servings of protein a day is recommended. Protein sources include eggs, tofu, fish, lean meat and nuts. Mix and match from the above items or add your own healthy favorites.
Start The Day Right
Don’t fool yourself “Fuel” yourself. Build breakfast into your basic routein every morning. You will soon notice a great improvement in your energy and well-being. A great morning leads to a great day.
Nov 20, 2008
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Cancer: The facts |
One in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer during our life.The disease tends to affect older people - but can strike at any time.
Excluding certain skin cancers, there were more than 270,000 new cases of the disease in 2001 - and the rate is increasing by about 1% a year.
Some cancer, such as breast, are becoming more common, while new cases of lung cancer fall away due to the drop in the number of smokers.
However, while the overall number of new cancers is not falling, the good news is that successful treatment rates for many of the most common types are improving rapidly.
BBC News Online has produced, in conjunction with Cancer Research UK, a guide to some of the most common forms of cancer and the treatments used to tackle them.
To learn more about different types of cancer, and to read the experiences of patients, click on the links to the right.
source:news.bbc.co.uk
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Artificial Heart Without ' Lub Hubs' |
There appears to be a ray of hope for the heart patients, as the new artificial heart is all ready to replace the original one.Doctors at the Texas Heart Institute have joined forces with scientists from the University of Houston in a effort to completely replace the beating human heart with an artificial one that would not make any "lub dubs".
The researchers describe the pulse-less heart as constant flow pumps, which are based on ancient technology whereby Greek mathematician Archimedes first used an elongated screw encased in a tube to raise water from one level to another.
While total artificial replacement hearts like the pulsed Jarvik-7 or AbioCor artificial hearts already exist, they fail after one to two years because of mechanical failures related to the pumping actions. A constant flow pump is much smaller, about the size of a C cell battery, which means they could be placed in a much wider variety of people, even some children.
Ian Frazier, a doctor with the Texas Heart Institute, says that the artificial heart may not perfectly match a natural heart''s activity, but it would perform the same function."For years mankind tried to imitate the way birds fly. We still can''t fly like the birds, but we get around pretty well," Discovery News quoted Frazier, a doctor at the Texas Heart Institute who developed the original constant flow ventricular assist device, as saying.
A constant flow pump should also be more resistant to mechanical failures, meaning that it could last a couple of decades, instead of a couple years. Frazier has revealed that scientists at first will use two pumps working together to produce blood to the rest of the body, and, eventually, one screw-shaped pump could replace both valves.
Scientists aren''t sure what the long-term effects of constant blood pressure might be. A pulse-less patient will also require some changes to medicine, says Matthew Franchek, a biomechanical engineer at the University of Houston who is helping to design the device as a complete heart replacement. "We used to say that the patient is alive and has a pulse," said Franchek, "Now we''ll have to say that they are alive and have flow."
However, Timothy Baldwin, a doctor at the National Institutes of Health, has made it clear that years of studies are required before any constant flow pump replaces the human heart. "I see the potential for constant flow device as a total artificial heart replacement. The research going on right now is just the first step...but 50,000 to 100,000 people could benefit from good circulatory support if we had a device with no safety concerns," said Baldwin.
the pulse-less heart as constant flow pumps, which are based on ancient technology whereby Greek mathematician Archimedes first used an elongated screw encased in a tube to raise water from one level to another.
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Personalised Cancer Treatment on the Anvil |
Researchers from University of Chicago have discovered a genetic signature that may help predict whether a patient will respond to cancer therapies – a finding that may pave way for personalised cancer treatment.
The team led by Andy Minn at the University of Chicago have found that many cancers show abnormalities in 49 genes, collectively known as the IFN-related DNA damage resistance signature (IRDS).
After analysing 34 different cancer cell lines and several hundred primary human cancers, the researchers found that IRDS was linked to radiotherapy resistance.
However, in breast cancer patients, the genetic signature could correctly envisage which cancers would be resistant to chemotherapy.
"This moves us one step closer to personalising cancer treatment, and points towards ways to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy," New Scientists quoted a spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) as saying.
On the other hand, research team led by Jason Carroll at CRUK''s Cambridge Research Institute found how breast cancers become resistant to the drug tamoxifen.
The team suggests that the new discovery may help in developing new drug and ways of predicting which patients are unlikely to respond to tamoxifen.
The new study appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The team led by Andy Minn at the University of Chicago have found that many cancers show abnormalities in 49 genes, collectively known as the IFN-related DNA damage resistance signature (IRDS).
After analysing 34 different cancer cell lines and several hundred primary human cancers, the researchers found that IRDS was linked to radiotherapy resistance.
However, in breast cancer patients, the genetic signature could correctly envisage which cancers would be resistant to chemotherapy.
"This moves us one step closer to personalising cancer treatment, and points towards ways to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy," New Scientists quoted a spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) as saying.
On the other hand, research team led by Jason Carroll at CRUK''s Cambridge Research Institute found how breast cancers become resistant to the drug tamoxifen.
The team suggests that the new discovery may help in developing new drug and ways of predicting which patients are unlikely to respond to tamoxifen.
The new study appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Teen Lives 118 Days Without a Heart |
Miami girl was kept alive by a blood-pumping device until her transplant
D'Zhana Simmons says she felt like a "fake person" for 118 days when she had no heart beating in her chest.
"But I know that I really was here," the 14-year-old said, "and I did live without a heart."
As she was being released Wednesday from a Miami hospital, the shy teen seemed in awe of what she's endured. Since July, she's had two heart transplants and survived with artificial heart pumps — but no heart — for four months between the transplants.
Last spring D'Zhana and her parents learned she had an enlarged heart that was too weak to sufficiently pump blood. They traveled from their home in Clinton, S.C. to Holtz Children's Hospital in Miami for a heart transplant.
But her new heart didn't work properly and could have ruptured so surgeons removed it two days later.
And they did something unusual, especially for a young patient: They replaced the heart with a pair of artificial pumping devices that kept blood flowing through her body until she could have a second transplant.
Dr. Peter Wearden, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh who works with the kind of pumps used in this case, said what the Miami medical team managed to do "is a big deal."
"For (more than) 100 days, there was no heart in this girl's body? That is pretty amazing," Wearden said.
The pumps, ventricular assist devices, are typically used with a heart still in place to help the chambers circulate blood. With D'Zhana's heart removed, doctors at Holtz Children's Hospital crafted substitute heart chambers using a fabric and connected these to the two pumps.
Although artificial hearts have been approved for adults, none has been federally approved for use in children. In general, there are fewer options for pediatric patients. That's because it's rarer for them to have these life-threatening conditions, so companies don't invest as much into technology that could help them, said Dr. Marco Ricci, director of pediatric cardiac surgery at the University of Miami.
He said this case demonstrates that doctors now have one more option.
"In the past, this situation could have been lethal," Ricci said.
And it nearly was. During the almost four months between her two transplants, D'Zhana wasn't able to breathe on her own half the time. She also had kidney and liver failure and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Taking a short stroll — when she felt up for it — required the help of four people, at least one of whom would steer the photocopier-sized machine that was the external part of the pumping devices.
When D'Zhana was stable enough for another operation, doctors did the second transplant on Oct. 29.
"I truly believe it's a miracle," said her mother, Twolla Anderson.
D'Zhana said now she's grateful for small things: She'll see her five siblings soon, and she can spend time outdoors.
"I'm glad I can walk without the machine," she said, her turquoise princess top covering most of the scars on her chest. After thanking the surgeons for helping her, D'Zhana began weeping.
Doctors say she'll be able to do most things that teens do, like attending school and going out with friends. She will be on lifelong medication to keep her body from rejecting the donated heart, and there's a 50-50 chance she'll need another transplant before she turns 30.
For now, though, D'Zhana is looking forward to celebrating another milestone. On Saturday, she turns 15 and plans to spend the day riding in a boat off Miami's coast.
source:msnbc.msn.com
"But I know that I really was here," the 14-year-old said, "and I did live without a heart."
As she was being released Wednesday from a Miami hospital, the shy teen seemed in awe of what she's endured. Since July, she's had two heart transplants and survived with artificial heart pumps — but no heart — for four months between the transplants.
Last spring D'Zhana and her parents learned she had an enlarged heart that was too weak to sufficiently pump blood. They traveled from their home in Clinton, S.C. to Holtz Children's Hospital in Miami for a heart transplant.
But her new heart didn't work properly and could have ruptured so surgeons removed it two days later.
And they did something unusual, especially for a young patient: They replaced the heart with a pair of artificial pumping devices that kept blood flowing through her body until she could have a second transplant.
Dr. Peter Wearden, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh who works with the kind of pumps used in this case, said what the Miami medical team managed to do "is a big deal."
"For (more than) 100 days, there was no heart in this girl's body? That is pretty amazing," Wearden said.
The pumps, ventricular assist devices, are typically used with a heart still in place to help the chambers circulate blood. With D'Zhana's heart removed, doctors at Holtz Children's Hospital crafted substitute heart chambers using a fabric and connected these to the two pumps.
Although artificial hearts have been approved for adults, none has been federally approved for use in children. In general, there are fewer options for pediatric patients. That's because it's rarer for them to have these life-threatening conditions, so companies don't invest as much into technology that could help them, said Dr. Marco Ricci, director of pediatric cardiac surgery at the University of Miami.
He said this case demonstrates that doctors now have one more option.
"In the past, this situation could have been lethal," Ricci said.
And it nearly was. During the almost four months between her two transplants, D'Zhana wasn't able to breathe on her own half the time. She also had kidney and liver failure and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Taking a short stroll — when she felt up for it — required the help of four people, at least one of whom would steer the photocopier-sized machine that was the external part of the pumping devices.
When D'Zhana was stable enough for another operation, doctors did the second transplant on Oct. 29.
"I truly believe it's a miracle," said her mother, Twolla Anderson.
D'Zhana said now she's grateful for small things: She'll see her five siblings soon, and she can spend time outdoors.
"I'm glad I can walk without the machine," she said, her turquoise princess top covering most of the scars on her chest. After thanking the surgeons for helping her, D'Zhana began weeping.
Doctors say she'll be able to do most things that teens do, like attending school and going out with friends. She will be on lifelong medication to keep her body from rejecting the donated heart, and there's a 50-50 chance she'll need another transplant before she turns 30.
For now, though, D'Zhana is looking forward to celebrating another milestone. On Saturday, she turns 15 and plans to spend the day riding in a boat off Miami's coast.
source:msnbc.msn.com
| [+/-] |
Doctors say marrow transplant may have cured AIDS |
An American man who suffered from AIDS appears to have been cured of the disease 20 months after receiving a targeted bone marrow transplant normally used to fight leukemia, his doctors said.While researchers — and the doctors themselves — caution that the case might be no more than a fluke, others say it may inspire a greater interest in gene therapy to fight the disease that claims 2 million lives each year. The virus has infected 33 million people worldwide.
Dr. Gero Huetter said Wedneday his 42-year-old patient, an American living in Berlin who was not identified, had been infected with the AIDS virus for more than a decade. But 20 months after undergoing a transplant of genetically selected bone marrow, he no longer shows signs of carrying the virus.
"We waited every day for a bad reading," Huetter said.
It has not come. Researchers at Berlin's Charite hospital and medical school say tests on his bone marrow, blood and other organ tissues have all been clean.
However, Dr. Andrew Badley, director of the HIV and immunology research lab at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., said those tests have probably not been extensive enough.
"A lot more scrutiny from a lot of different biological samples would be required to say it's not present," Badley said.
This isn't the first time marrow transplants have been attempted for treating AIDS or HIV infection. In 1999, an article in the journal Medical Hypotheses reviewed the results of 32 attempts reported between 1982 and 1996. In two cases, HIV was apparently eradicated, the review reported.
Huetter's patient was under treatment at Charite for both AIDS and leukemia, which developed unrelated to HIV.
As Huetter — who is a hematologist, not an HIV specialist — prepared to treat the patient's leukemia with a bone marrow transplant, he recalled that some people carry a genetic mutation that seems to make them resistant to HIV infection. If the mutation, called Delta 32, is inherited from both parents, it prevents HIV from attaching itself to cells by blocking CCR5, a receptor that acts as a kind of gateway.
"I read it in 1996, coincidentally," Huetter told reporters at the medical school. "I remembered it and thought it might work."
Roughly one in 1,000 Europeans and Americans have inherited the mutation from both parents, and Huetter set out to find one such person among donors that matched the patient's marrow type. Out of a pool of 80 suitable donors, the 61st person tested carried the proper mutation.
Before the transplant, the patient endured powerful drugs and radiation to kill off his own infected bone marrow cells and disable his immune system — a treatment fatal to between 20 and 30 percent of recipients.
He was also taken off the potent drugs used to treat his AIDS. Huetter's team feared that the drugs might interfere with the new marrow cells' survival. They risked lowering his defenses in the hopes that the new, mutated cells would reject the virus on their own.
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases in the U.S., said the procedure was too costly and too dangerous to employ as a firstline cure. But he said it could inspire researchers to pursue gene therapy as a means to block or suppress HIV.
"It helps prove the concept that if somehow you can block the expression of CCR5, maybe by gene therapy, you might be able to inhibit the ability of the virus to replicate," Fauci said.
David Roth, a professor of epidemiology and international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said gene therapy as cheap and effective as current drug treatments is in very early stages of development.
"That's a long way down the line because there may be other negative things that go with that mutation that we don't know about."
Even for the patient in Berlin, the lack of a clear understanding of exactly why his AIDS has disappeared means his future is far from certain.
"The virus is wily," Huetter said. "There could always be a resurgence."
source:.guardian.co.uk
Nov 19, 2008
| [+/-] |
Exercise Throughout Pregnancy |
Exercise during pregnancy to stay healthy
Women who exercise throughout pregnancy tend to stay healthier for decades
Exercise plays an important role in promoting health and well being for pregnant women. Women who exercise during pregnancy have reduced weight gain, more rapid weight loss after pregnancy and improved sleep patterns. They also have faster labours and less need for induced labour. Regular exercise also leads to reduced need for painkillers to ease delivery and fewer operative births.
To investigate whether or not exercise during pregnancy has long-term effects on the cardiovascular and overall health of women, researchers from America identified 39 pregnant women. Prior to becoming pregnant, the participants reported indulging in exercises such as running, cross-country skiing, and aerobics several times a week. Of these, 20 women continued exercise throughout pregnancy and 19 women stopped or reduced their exercise volume by at least 75 percent before the 12th week of pregnancy.
It was found that compared to women who had decreased exercise during pregnancy, those who continued with it while pregnant gained less weight over time and tended to have a higher self-assessed body image.
Further, those who exercised through out pregnancy also had a lower resting heart rate and lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol. The researchers noted that continuing a vigorous weight-bearing exercise programme during pregnancy helps women lower the cardiovascular risk profile when they approach menopause.
source:ndtv.com
Exercise plays an important role in promoting health and well being for pregnant women. Women who exercise during pregnancy have reduced weight gain, more rapid weight loss after pregnancy and improved sleep patterns. They also have faster labours and less need for induced labour. Regular exercise also leads to reduced need for painkillers to ease delivery and fewer operative births.
To investigate whether or not exercise during pregnancy has long-term effects on the cardiovascular and overall health of women, researchers from America identified 39 pregnant women. Prior to becoming pregnant, the participants reported indulging in exercises such as running, cross-country skiing, and aerobics several times a week. Of these, 20 women continued exercise throughout pregnancy and 19 women stopped or reduced their exercise volume by at least 75 percent before the 12th week of pregnancy.
It was found that compared to women who had decreased exercise during pregnancy, those who continued with it while pregnant gained less weight over time and tended to have a higher self-assessed body image.
Further, those who exercised through out pregnancy also had a lower resting heart rate and lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol. The researchers noted that continuing a vigorous weight-bearing exercise programme during pregnancy helps women lower the cardiovascular risk profile when they approach menopause.
source:ndtv.com
| [+/-] |
Panel urges revised warning on facial filler risks |
Cosmetic surgery patients who think facial fillers are a magical antidote to aging must be better informed of possible risks, government health advisers said Tuesday.
A panel of independent advisers urged the Food and Drug Administration to revise information for consumers and doctors — called the product label — to include the risk of long lasting reactions such as bumps under the skin, blotches and scars.
"This is almost a no-brainer," said panel member Dr. Michael Bigby, a Harvard Medical School dermatologist. "The current label is not adequate." The panel of doctors other experts unanimously agreed on the need for more safety studies.
The gel-like fillers have become immensely popular with baby boomers. Injected into the face, they smooth away wrinkles. Most patients get a couple of touchups a year, at a cost that can easily exceed $1,000 each.
Manufacturers and plastic surgeons say fillers have an excellent safety record. But Tuesday's FDA hearing raised questions about unapproved uses, untrained technicians giving injections, and a lack of long-term safety data. It was a first step as the FDA considers whether to regulate fillers more closely.
Plastic surgeons pledged to help find a new consensus on how to track safety, improve training and provide clearer information to consumers. "We feel it's time for medicine to step up and take the lead," said Dr. Richard D'Amico of New Jersey, representing the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Women, and some men, are drawn to fillers by the promise of youthful good looks for less cost and trouble than a face lift. It's also a boost for deflated middle-age egos.
Different from Botox, which is derived from a toxin that acts on facial muscles, wrinkle fillers are like the biological equivalent of a bit of spackle, except they're injected. They include such products as Juvederm, made by Allergan, Inc., and Restylane, from Medicis Aesthetics Holdings.
FDA officials are concerned that fillers are being used for purposes they were never tested nor approved for, not just erasing wrinkles.These include plumping the lips, cheeks and breasts.
"The trouble is that once this material is in the hands of physicians, there's really not much control over how it's used and where it's placed," said Dr. Scott Spear, a Washington plastic surgeon. "That creates the potential for a certain amount of mischief.
"But the good news is that, by and large, these are very safe materials," Spear added. "They have a very healthy risk profile."
The FDA also has questions how darker-skinned patients fare with the beauty treatments. More black, Latino and Asian patients are trying plastic surgery, and some information suggests they may be susceptible to unsightly blotches and other complications.
Plastic surgeons performed some 1.5 million cosmetic surgery procedures with fillers last year alone.
The FDA presented data on 823 patients who suffered serious reactions after treatment with fillers between 2003 and this September. Nearly all were women, and the most common age group was 50- to 60-year-olds.
Although no deaths were reported, the complications were troublesome enough that 638 of the patients required follow-up medical treatment.
"Patients don't want to get rid of wrinkles and end up with large bumps on the face instead," said consumer activist Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Research Center for Women & Families.
Most cases reported to the FDA involved complications that could be foreseen, such as swelling and redness. But there were also "serious and unexpected" reactions, including facial, lip and eye paralysis, disfigurement, vision problems and some severe allergic reactions.
Nineteen patients went to the emergency room with life-threatening allergic reactions. Twelve developed infections that required hospitalization.
Some problems reported to the FDA may be due to unapproved or "off-label" use of fillers. For example, the FDA does not recommend them for plumping the lips, but some doctors see no problem with that.
Another challenge is the sheer variety of fillers. Most are eventually absorbed into the body, but one type contains tiny, round, smooth plastic particles that the body does not absorb. Some are made from natural substances and others are not. That means they may react differently in the body.
"Some of these products don't have a lot of adverse events and some do," said Zuckerman. "How are we going to help patients make decisions without more information?"
A panel of independent advisers urged the Food and Drug Administration to revise information for consumers and doctors — called the product label — to include the risk of long lasting reactions such as bumps under the skin, blotches and scars.
"This is almost a no-brainer," said panel member Dr. Michael Bigby, a Harvard Medical School dermatologist. "The current label is not adequate." The panel of doctors other experts unanimously agreed on the need for more safety studies.
The gel-like fillers have become immensely popular with baby boomers. Injected into the face, they smooth away wrinkles. Most patients get a couple of touchups a year, at a cost that can easily exceed $1,000 each.
Manufacturers and plastic surgeons say fillers have an excellent safety record. But Tuesday's FDA hearing raised questions about unapproved uses, untrained technicians giving injections, and a lack of long-term safety data. It was a first step as the FDA considers whether to regulate fillers more closely.
Plastic surgeons pledged to help find a new consensus on how to track safety, improve training and provide clearer information to consumers. "We feel it's time for medicine to step up and take the lead," said Dr. Richard D'Amico of New Jersey, representing the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Women, and some men, are drawn to fillers by the promise of youthful good looks for less cost and trouble than a face lift. It's also a boost for deflated middle-age egos.
Different from Botox, which is derived from a toxin that acts on facial muscles, wrinkle fillers are like the biological equivalent of a bit of spackle, except they're injected. They include such products as Juvederm, made by Allergan, Inc., and Restylane, from Medicis Aesthetics Holdings.
FDA officials are concerned that fillers are being used for purposes they were never tested nor approved for, not just erasing wrinkles.These include plumping the lips, cheeks and breasts.
"The trouble is that once this material is in the hands of physicians, there's really not much control over how it's used and where it's placed," said Dr. Scott Spear, a Washington plastic surgeon. "That creates the potential for a certain amount of mischief.
"But the good news is that, by and large, these are very safe materials," Spear added. "They have a very healthy risk profile."
The FDA also has questions how darker-skinned patients fare with the beauty treatments. More black, Latino and Asian patients are trying plastic surgery, and some information suggests they may be susceptible to unsightly blotches and other complications.
Plastic surgeons performed some 1.5 million cosmetic surgery procedures with fillers last year alone.
The FDA presented data on 823 patients who suffered serious reactions after treatment with fillers between 2003 and this September. Nearly all were women, and the most common age group was 50- to 60-year-olds.
Although no deaths were reported, the complications were troublesome enough that 638 of the patients required follow-up medical treatment.
"Patients don't want to get rid of wrinkles and end up with large bumps on the face instead," said consumer activist Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Research Center for Women & Families.
Most cases reported to the FDA involved complications that could be foreseen, such as swelling and redness. But there were also "serious and unexpected" reactions, including facial, lip and eye paralysis, disfigurement, vision problems and some severe allergic reactions.
Nineteen patients went to the emergency room with life-threatening allergic reactions. Twelve developed infections that required hospitalization.
Some problems reported to the FDA may be due to unapproved or "off-label" use of fillers. For example, the FDA does not recommend them for plumping the lips, but some doctors see no problem with that.
Another challenge is the sheer variety of fillers. Most are eventually absorbed into the body, but one type contains tiny, round, smooth plastic particles that the body does not absorb. Some are made from natural substances and others are not. That means they may react differently in the body.
"Some of these products don't have a lot of adverse events and some do," said Zuckerman. "How are we going to help patients make decisions without more information?"
| [+/-] |
Doctors transplant windpipe with stem cells |
Clinic of Barcelona on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, a patient's collapsed …
Doctors have given a woman a new windpipe with tissue grown from her own stem cells, eliminating the need for anti-rejection drugs. "This technique has great promise," said Dr. Eric Genden, who did a similar transplant in 2005 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. That operation used both donor and recipient tissue. Only a handful of windpipe, or trachea, transplants have ever been done.
If successful, the procedure could become a new standard of treatment, said Genden, who was not involved in the research.
The results were published online Wednesday in the medical journal, The Lancet.
The transplant was given to Claudia Castillo, a 30-year-old Colombian mother of two living in Barcelona, suffered from tuberculosis for years. After a severe collapse of her left lung in March, Castillo needed regular hospital visits to clear her airways and was unable to take care of her children.
Doctors initially thought the only solution was to remove the entire left lung. But Dr. Paolo Macchiarini, head of thoracic surgery at Barcelona's Hospital Clinic, proposed a windpipe transplant instead.
Once doctors had a donor windpipe, scientists at Italy's University of Padua stripped off all its cells, leaving only a tube of connective tissue.
Meanwhile, doctors at the University of Bristol took a sample of Castillo's bone marrow from her hip. They used the bone marrow's stem cells to create millions of cartilage and tissue cells to cover and line the windpipe.
Experts at the University of Milan then used a device to put the new cartilage and tissue onto the windpipe. The new windpipe was transplanted into Castillo in June.
"They have created a functional, biological structure that can't be rejected," said Dr. Allan Kirk of the American Society of Transplantation. "It's an important advance, but constructing an entire organ is still a long way off."
So far, Castillo has shown no signs of rejection and is not taking any immune-suppressing drugs, which can cause side effects like high blood pressure, kidney failure and cancer.
"I was scared at the beginning," Castillo said in a press statement. "I am now enjoying life and am very happy that my illness has been cured."
Her doctors say she is now able to take care of her children, and can walk reasonable distances without becoming out of breath. Castillo even reported dancing all night at a club in Barcelona recently.
Genden said that Castillo's progress needed to be closely monitored. "Time will tell if this lasts," he said. Genden added that it can take up to three years to know if the windpipe's cartilage structure is solid and won't fall apart.
People who might benefit include children born with defective airways, people with scars or tumours in their windpipes, and those with collapsed windpipes.
Martin Birchall, who grew Castillo's cells at the University of Bristol, said that the technique might even be adapted to other organs.
"Patients engineering their own tissues is the key way forward," said Dr. Patrick Warnke, a surgeon at the University of Kiel in Germany. Warnke is also growing patients' tissues from stem cells for transplants.
Warnke predicted that doctors might one day be able to produce organs in the laboratory from patients' own stem cells. "That is still years away, but we need pioneering approaches like this to solve the problem," he said.
If successful, the procedure could become a new standard of treatment, said Genden, who was not involved in the research.
The results were published online Wednesday in the medical journal, The Lancet.
The transplant was given to Claudia Castillo, a 30-year-old Colombian mother of two living in Barcelona, suffered from tuberculosis for years. After a severe collapse of her left lung in March, Castillo needed regular hospital visits to clear her airways and was unable to take care of her children.
Doctors initially thought the only solution was to remove the entire left lung. But Dr. Paolo Macchiarini, head of thoracic surgery at Barcelona's Hospital Clinic, proposed a windpipe transplant instead.
Once doctors had a donor windpipe, scientists at Italy's University of Padua stripped off all its cells, leaving only a tube of connective tissue.
Meanwhile, doctors at the University of Bristol took a sample of Castillo's bone marrow from her hip. They used the bone marrow's stem cells to create millions of cartilage and tissue cells to cover and line the windpipe.
Experts at the University of Milan then used a device to put the new cartilage and tissue onto the windpipe. The new windpipe was transplanted into Castillo in June.
"They have created a functional, biological structure that can't be rejected," said Dr. Allan Kirk of the American Society of Transplantation. "It's an important advance, but constructing an entire organ is still a long way off."
So far, Castillo has shown no signs of rejection and is not taking any immune-suppressing drugs, which can cause side effects like high blood pressure, kidney failure and cancer.
"I was scared at the beginning," Castillo said in a press statement. "I am now enjoying life and am very happy that my illness has been cured."
Her doctors say she is now able to take care of her children, and can walk reasonable distances without becoming out of breath. Castillo even reported dancing all night at a club in Barcelona recently.
Genden said that Castillo's progress needed to be closely monitored. "Time will tell if this lasts," he said. Genden added that it can take up to three years to know if the windpipe's cartilage structure is solid and won't fall apart.
People who might benefit include children born with defective airways, people with scars or tumours in their windpipes, and those with collapsed windpipes.
Martin Birchall, who grew Castillo's cells at the University of Bristol, said that the technique might even be adapted to other organs.
"Patients engineering their own tissues is the key way forward," said Dr. Patrick Warnke, a surgeon at the University of Kiel in Germany. Warnke is also growing patients' tissues from stem cells for transplants.
Warnke predicted that doctors might one day be able to produce organs in the laboratory from patients' own stem cells. "That is still years away, but we need pioneering approaches like this to solve the problem," he said.
Nov 18, 2008
| [+/-] |
No smoking in Goa after tourist season |
Smokers in Goa can puff away till the end of the year - despite the law against smoking in public places in the rest of the country - as the state's peak tourism season lies right ahead.
The state says it wants to create more awareness about the ban, which came into effect Oct 2, before enforcing it.
Shekhar Salkar, who is part of the state-run Tobacco Control Cell, Saturday said the state government would start penalising people from Jan 1 for smoking in public places.
Salkar was speaking to reporters at the end of an orientation session for police personnel vis-a-vis the new anti-smoking rule aimed at wiping out the perils of passive smoking.
Those caught violating the rule can be fined Rs 200.
"We don't want them to fine people right now, we need to educate them too initially," Superintendent of Police (North) Bosco George said.
"We have devised a reward and appraisal system where the policeman who creates maximum awareness about the anti-smoking act will stand to benefit."
Goa, which has a population of approximately 1.3 million, attracts nearly twice as many tourists each season. The tourist season starts in late October, peaks in December and tapers off by February.
The current tourism season seems to be slack thanks to the global economic slowdown, with a sharp decrease in the number of chartered planes flying down to Goa from Russia, Britain and Germany.
| [+/-] |
South Korea Condom sales balloon as economy wilts |
With money low, not many want expenses of child rearing or child birth
The downturn in South Korea's economy has led to an increase in condom sales, with more adults waiting until their finances are in better shape to have children, retailers said on Tuesday.
Major South Korean convenience store giant GS 25 said condom sales have increased by 19 percent since August from the same period a year ago, with the sale numbers going up just as the Seoul stock average and currency started to plunge in value.
"More couples are planning to delay childbirth in the face of the economic downturn," GS Retail, an operator of GS 25, said in a statement.
Sales stiffened further in November when the stock market and the won took some of their hardest hits in years, it said.
South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the developed world with experts saying one of the main reasons is the high cost of education in the highly competitive country.
"Condom sales are usually recession-free, and tend to peak around the end of the year with many Christmas or year-end parties," an official with retailer Condomania told Reuters.
| [+/-] |
Family History can Trump Breast Cancer gene test |
If breast cancer runs in the family, women can be at high risk even if they test free of the disease's most common gene mutations, sobering new research shows. The genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are linked with particularly aggressive hereditary breast cancer, and an increased risk of ovarian cancer, too.When a breast cancer patient is found to carry one of those gene mutations, her relatives tend to breathe a sigh of relief if they test gene-free.
But those headline-grabbing genes account for only about 15 percent of all breast cancer cases. Even in families riddled with breast cancer, a BRCA gene is the culprit only in roughly one family of every five that gets tested, said University of Toronto cancer specialist Dr. Steven Narod.
So clearly members of those families remain at risk from other yet-to-be-found genes, but how much risk?
Narod tracked nearly 1,500 women from 365 breast cancer-prone families, who tested negative for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
After five years, those women had a fourfold higher risk than average women of developing breast cancer, Narod reported Monday at a meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
This is crucial information for women considering gene testing, said Georgetown University genetics counselor Beth Peshkin, who wasn't part of the study.
"This is contrary to what I think the common perception is," Peshkin said. "Unless a mutation is identified in the family, a negative test result doesn't provide reassurance."
The good news: Narod's study showed these women didn't have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, like BRCA1- and BRCA2-carriers do.
While the $3,000 BRCA tests are well-accepted, newer tests for other genes linked to breast cancer are coming on the market.
But "the family history is a much stronger predictor," stressed Narod. He recommends that such women take the anti-cancer drug tamoxifen and undergo MRI cancer checkups instead of easier mammograms "regardless of what other gene tests showed."
| [+/-] |
Chinese 'living longer than ever' |
AUN report on China says the lives of its people have been vastly improved over the last three decades.
Poverty has fallen, adult literacy has climbed and Chinese people are now living longer than ever, it says.
But despite rapid economic progress, new problems have emerged, such as the gap between rich and poor.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which published the report, says these problems need urgent attention.
The report, entitled Basic Public Services for 1.3 Billion People, comes just weeks before China celebrates 30 years of economic reforms.
During this period, the Chinese government has largely ditched central planning in favour of the free market.
'Stunning achievements'
These reforms, started by the late, former leader Deng Xiaoping, have brought spectacular results, as the report makes clear.
"The speed, scope and magnitude of the improvements… rank among the most stunning achievements in the history of human development," says the UN's chief representative in China, Khalid Malik, in the report.
Between 1978 and 2007, rural poverty fell from 30.7% to just 1.6%, according to the UN.
But new problems have emerged, with not everyone benefiting equally from rapid economic expansion.
Rural areas lag behind urban areas, the east coast is richer that the western hinterland and there is a large wealth gap between different social groups.
Schoolchildren in the wealthy coastal city of Shanghai receive 10 times more funding than some rural pupils, the report says.
Rural registration
According to the UNDP, one problem is the Chinese system that requires all citizens to be registered in one particular place.
People usually receive welfare benefits in the area they are registered, which brings difficulties if they move.
This is a particular problem for the tens of millions of rural people who move to the cities to find work.
Chinese leaders have already acknowledged the existence of some of these problems, and have launched programmes to solve them.
The report makes it clear that the country now has the money to fix some of these problems.
source:bbc.co.uk
Poverty has fallen, adult literacy has climbed and Chinese people are now living longer than ever, it says.
But despite rapid economic progress, new problems have emerged, such as the gap between rich and poor.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which published the report, says these problems need urgent attention.
The report, entitled Basic Public Services for 1.3 Billion People, comes just weeks before China celebrates 30 years of economic reforms.
During this period, the Chinese government has largely ditched central planning in favour of the free market.
'Stunning achievements'
These reforms, started by the late, former leader Deng Xiaoping, have brought spectacular results, as the report makes clear.
"The speed, scope and magnitude of the improvements… rank among the most stunning achievements in the history of human development," says the UN's chief representative in China, Khalid Malik, in the report.
Between 1978 and 2007, rural poverty fell from 30.7% to just 1.6%, according to the UN.
But new problems have emerged, with not everyone benefiting equally from rapid economic expansion.
Rural areas lag behind urban areas, the east coast is richer that the western hinterland and there is a large wealth gap between different social groups.
Schoolchildren in the wealthy coastal city of Shanghai receive 10 times more funding than some rural pupils, the report says.
Rural registration
According to the UNDP, one problem is the Chinese system that requires all citizens to be registered in one particular place.
People usually receive welfare benefits in the area they are registered, which brings difficulties if they move.
This is a particular problem for the tens of millions of rural people who move to the cities to find work.
Chinese leaders have already acknowledged the existence of some of these problems, and have launched programmes to solve them.
The report makes it clear that the country now has the money to fix some of these problems.
source:bbc.co.uk
| [+/-] |
Motor Neurone Disease clue found |
Scientists have identified a molecule which could be key to understanding the cause of motor neurone disease (MND) and other neurodegenerative disorders.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study raise the hope of new treatments being developed.
The London-based team showed the molecule, Wnt3, plays a key role in establishing connections between nerve cells and the muscles they control.
These connections become progressively weaker in MND patients.
If we can build up a thorough picture to show how synapses are normally formed between nerves and muscles we can start to look for any elements that aren't working properly in people with MND
Professor Patricia Salinas
University College London
Without properly-formed connections - or synapes - the muscle cannot receive the nerve signal that tells it to contract.
This results in the muscle weakness that is typical of MND.
However, scientists have not been clear how synapses are formed in normal circumstances and this has made it very difficult to pin down what goes wrong in MND.
The researchers, from University College London and King's College London, identified Wnt3 as key to the process.
It assists a second molecule, called Agrin, which co-ordinates construction of the connection - or synapse.
Lead researcher Professor Patricia Salinas said: "The work we are publishing today puts an important piece of the puzzle in place and offers up a new possibility for developing drugs to treat MND and other neurodegenerative diseases.
"If we can build up a thorough picture to show how synapses are normally formed between nerves and muscles we can start to look for any elements that aren't working properly in people with MND.
"This might also lead to strategies for nerve repair after an injury."
Animal studies
The team of researchers looked at the function of Wnt signals in chickens, mice and in cells.
In all three cases, it was shown to enhance the effectiveness of Agrin.
Professor Salinas added: "Chickens that don't have the Wnt signal in their developing wings have all of the muscle tissue that we would expect to see, but they don't make strong connections between nerves and muscles.
"So we know that Wnt is definitely affecting synapse formation rather than anything else to do with muscles.
"Now that we understand the role Wnt plays we can begin to explore any role it plays in MND and whether it could be a good target for treating this type of neurodegenerative disease."
Dr Belinda Cupid, of the MND Association, said: "We know from recent research that signs of motor neurone damage, on a cellular level, in models of MND occur very much earlier than the symptoms appear, so any new knowledge of how healthy motor neurones and muscles interact will give us new clues about what might be going wrong in those people affected by this cruel disease."
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study raise the hope of new treatments being developed.
The London-based team showed the molecule, Wnt3, plays a key role in establishing connections between nerve cells and the muscles they control.
These connections become progressively weaker in MND patients.
If we can build up a thorough picture to show how synapses are normally formed between nerves and muscles we can start to look for any elements that aren't working properly in people with MND
Professor Patricia Salinas
University College London
Without properly-formed connections - or synapes - the muscle cannot receive the nerve signal that tells it to contract.
This results in the muscle weakness that is typical of MND.
However, scientists have not been clear how synapses are formed in normal circumstances and this has made it very difficult to pin down what goes wrong in MND.
The researchers, from University College London and King's College London, identified Wnt3 as key to the process.
It assists a second molecule, called Agrin, which co-ordinates construction of the connection - or synapse.
Lead researcher Professor Patricia Salinas said: "The work we are publishing today puts an important piece of the puzzle in place and offers up a new possibility for developing drugs to treat MND and other neurodegenerative diseases.
"If we can build up a thorough picture to show how synapses are normally formed between nerves and muscles we can start to look for any elements that aren't working properly in people with MND.
"This might also lead to strategies for nerve repair after an injury."
Animal studies
The team of researchers looked at the function of Wnt signals in chickens, mice and in cells.
In all three cases, it was shown to enhance the effectiveness of Agrin.
Professor Salinas added: "Chickens that don't have the Wnt signal in their developing wings have all of the muscle tissue that we would expect to see, but they don't make strong connections between nerves and muscles.
"So we know that Wnt is definitely affecting synapse formation rather than anything else to do with muscles.
"Now that we understand the role Wnt plays we can begin to explore any role it plays in MND and whether it could be a good target for treating this type of neurodegenerative disease."
Dr Belinda Cupid, of the MND Association, said: "We know from recent research that signs of motor neurone damage, on a cellular level, in models of MND occur very much earlier than the symptoms appear, so any new knowledge of how healthy motor neurones and muscles interact will give us new clues about what might be going wrong in those people affected by this cruel disease."
Nov 17, 2008
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Divorce better than an unhappy marriage |
Nearly three out of five British women think that fathers should take more responsibility for their children and two thirds of the ladies sayDivorced couple
66pc of Brit women think it's better to divorce than stay in unhappy marriage (Getty Images)
they would prefer divorcing their hubby than stay in an unhappy marriage for the sake of kids, a new survey has found.
According to the study for The Telegraph , women today in the UK see balancing their work and home lives as their biggest challenge.
Almost two out of five women now see themselves as feminists, research for Stella magazine has revealed.
Forty six percent of females think a couple should live together before they marry. This figure rises to 77 per cent among women aged 18 to 24, but falls to nearly one in four (27 per cent) among women aged 55 and over.
YouGov, the research agency, was commissioned by to interview more than 1,000 women of all ages and backgrounds on everything from family values to their eating habits, and from their views on plastic surgery to those on sex and shopping.
The study found that health and weight are clearly major issues for the modern woman. Eighty percent said losing their health is their greatest concern, followed by putting on weight (52 per cent) and losing their job (24 per cent), the research found.
Shockingly, the study also found, 23 per cent of the women are currently on a diet and nearly three women in five has dieted in the past. Still exercise seems low down on the priorities of many women: more than one in five women (21 per cent) take no exercise during a week and less than one woman in 20 (4 per cent) takes seven hours or more of exercise a week (an average of an hour a day or more).
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Father's kidney, pancreas save diabetic woman |
In a rare case of simultaneous transplantation from a live donor, Ramadoddi Kullayappa (63) donated his kidney and a residual portion of the pancreas to save his 27 year old daughter.
Neeraja of Bellary, a diabetic, suffered kidney failure. Because of her ailment, she was suggested simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation. The operation was performed at Narayana Hrudayalaya on October 16.
"She came to us for kidney
transplantation last November, but seeing her condition we suggested pancreas transplation too. Her mother is diabetic and the husband's blood group didn't match. Her father was found to be the ideal donor. He had deep vein thrombosis, for which he was treated before the transplantation. Within eight hours, first the kidney and then pancreas were transplanted," said nephrologist Dr Ishthiaque Ahmed.
Though Neeraja's father Kullayappa, a retired agriculture officer, is not diabetic, he was advised to take precautions because a part of his pancreas was removed.
Urologist Dr Hasit Mehta said such a simultaneous transplantation from a live donor is rare in the country. "By encouraging cadaver donors, the risk on live donors can be reduced. Pancreas transplantation is usually done only from cadaver donors. The simultaneous operation addressed both the complication as well as the cause." Though the operation cost around Rs 11 lakh, the patient was charged only Rs 4 lakh, added Dr Mehta.
The transplanation was performed by a team of eight specialists including transplant surgeon Dr Shanthanu Bhattacharya, and hospital director Dr Ashley D'Cruz.
Neeraja was discharged on Wednesday. She has been asked to visit the hospital thrice a week for the next two months. Doctors said the success of this transplantation is an encouraging development for diabetics suffering kidney failure.
Neeraja of Bellary, a diabetic, suffered kidney failure. Because of her ailment, she was suggested simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation. The operation was performed at Narayana Hrudayalaya on October 16.
"She came to us for kidney
transplantation last November, but seeing her condition we suggested pancreas transplation too. Her mother is diabetic and the husband's blood group didn't match. Her father was found to be the ideal donor. He had deep vein thrombosis, for which he was treated before the transplantation. Within eight hours, first the kidney and then pancreas were transplanted," said nephrologist Dr Ishthiaque Ahmed.
Though Neeraja's father Kullayappa, a retired agriculture officer, is not diabetic, he was advised to take precautions because a part of his pancreas was removed.
Urologist Dr Hasit Mehta said such a simultaneous transplantation from a live donor is rare in the country. "By encouraging cadaver donors, the risk on live donors can be reduced. Pancreas transplantation is usually done only from cadaver donors. The simultaneous operation addressed both the complication as well as the cause." Though the operation cost around Rs 11 lakh, the patient was charged only Rs 4 lakh, added Dr Mehta.
The transplanation was performed by a team of eight specialists including transplant surgeon Dr Shanthanu Bhattacharya, and hospital director Dr Ashley D'Cruz.
Neeraja was discharged on Wednesday. She has been asked to visit the hospital thrice a week for the next two months. Doctors said the success of this transplantation is an encouraging development for diabetics suffering kidney failure.
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Why does my daughter breathe heavily? |
Q. My 5 years old daughter has been breathing heavily for the last few months and snores occasionally too. Does she have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)? The doctors say that she has developed adenoids and the tonsils need to be removed. But this will not help in the breathing problem. They also say that children outgrow adenoids, which can be left unattended without any risk to their health. But I am still worried if this could cause any other problem? She doesn't cry but does wake up with a breathing problem occasionally. The breathing is much louder than that of an adult. She is not overweight (she weighs 20 kg) and is otherwise an active child. Please advise.A. There is a possibility that she might have obstructive sleep apnoea - only way to confirm and assess the severity is to get an overnight sleep study (polysomnogram). Depending upon the presence and severity, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may or may not be recommended. An additional factor to consider is that tonsillectomy has a relatively high rate of complications. Therefore, I suggest to proceed with caution. Most important first step would be to get the sleep study and get examined by a physician specialising in sleep.
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First Portable Toilet For Everest |
First Portable Toilet For Everest
A young Nepali climber is seeking to popularise a toilet fashioned from a plastic bucket with a lid to promote eco-friendly climbing on Mount Everest.
Hundreds of climbers flock to the world’s tallest peak at 8,850 metres every year, with many simply squatting in the open or hunching behind rocks as the Everest base camp has no proper toilet facilities.
Dawa Steven Sherpa, who led an eco-Everest expedition in May to collect trash dumped by previous climbers, said his team used a plastic bucket as well as a gas-impervious bag designed to safely contain and neutralise human waste and keep in odour.
“It is portable and very secure,” Sherpa, 25, said. “I want to promote anything that manages human waste on the mountain.”
Sherpa’s team, during its month-long expedition, picked up 965 kg of cans, gas canisters, kitchen waste, tents, parts of an Italian helicopter that crashed 35 years ago and remains of the body of a British climber who died in 1972.
In addition, his team also brought down 65 kg of human waste produced by its 18 members, which it handed over to a local environment group at the base camp for management.
Hundreds of climbers flock to the world’s tallest peak at 8,850 metres every year, with many simply squatting in the open or hunching behind rocks as the Everest base camp has no proper toilet facilities.
Dawa Steven Sherpa, who led an eco-Everest expedition in May to collect trash dumped by previous climbers, said his team used a plastic bucket as well as a gas-impervious bag designed to safely contain and neutralise human waste and keep in odour.
“It is portable and very secure,” Sherpa, 25, said. “I want to promote anything that manages human waste on the mountain.”
Sherpa’s team, during its month-long expedition, picked up 965 kg of cans, gas canisters, kitchen waste, tents, parts of an Italian helicopter that crashed 35 years ago and remains of the body of a British climber who died in 1972.
In addition, his team also brought down 65 kg of human waste produced by its 18 members, which it handed over to a local environment group at the base camp for management.
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Vitamin C or E pills Do Not Prevent Cancer |
Study: Vitamin C or E pills Do Not Prevent Cancer
Vitamin C or E pills do not help prevent cancer in men, concludes the same big study that last week found these supplements ineffective for warding off heart disease.
The public has been whipsawed by good and bad news about vitamins, much of it from test-tube or animal studies and hyped manufacturer claims. Even when researchers compare people's diets and find that a vitamin seems to help, the benefit may not translate when that nutrient is obtained a different way, such as a pill.
"Antioxidants, which include vitamin C and vitamin E, have been shown as a group to have potential benefit," but have not been tested individually for a long enough time to know, said Howard Sesso of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
The Physicians Health Study, which he helped lead, was designed to do that. It involved 14,641 male doctors, 50 or older, including 1,274 who had cancer when or before the study started in 1997. They were included so scientists could see whether the vitamins could prevent a second cancer.
Participants were put into four groups and given vitamin E, vitamin C, both, or dummy pills. The dose of E was 400 international units every other day; C was 500 milligrams daily.
After an average of eight years, there were 1,929 cases of cancer, including 1,013 cases of prostate cancer, which many had hoped vitamin E would prevent.
However, rates of prostate cancer and of total cancer were similar among all four groups.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and several vitamin makers. Results were being reported Sunday at an American Association for Cancer Research conference in Washington.
"Well-conducted clinical trials such as this are rapidly closing the door on the hope that common vitamin supplements may protect against cancer," said Marji McCullough, nutrition chief at the American Cancer Society. "It's still possible that some benefit exists for subgroups that couldn't be measured, but the overall results are certainly discouraging.
"The American Cancer Society recommends getting these and other nutrients by eating a mostly plant-based diet with a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. A bonus is that this type of diet helps to prevent obesity, which increases the risk of several cancers."
About 12 percent of Americans take supplements of C and E. The new study does not mean these vitamins have no value, just that they didn't prevent cancer in this group of doctors, who may be healthier than the general population, said Dr. Peter Shields, deputy director of Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The best bet, he said, is to do things that are known to prevent the disease — eat right, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise.
The public has been whipsawed by good and bad news about vitamins, much of it from test-tube or animal studies and hyped manufacturer claims. Even when researchers compare people's diets and find that a vitamin seems to help, the benefit may not translate when that nutrient is obtained a different way, such as a pill.
"Antioxidants, which include vitamin C and vitamin E, have been shown as a group to have potential benefit," but have not been tested individually for a long enough time to know, said Howard Sesso of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
The Physicians Health Study, which he helped lead, was designed to do that. It involved 14,641 male doctors, 50 or older, including 1,274 who had cancer when or before the study started in 1997. They were included so scientists could see whether the vitamins could prevent a second cancer.
Participants were put into four groups and given vitamin E, vitamin C, both, or dummy pills. The dose of E was 400 international units every other day; C was 500 milligrams daily.
After an average of eight years, there were 1,929 cases of cancer, including 1,013 cases of prostate cancer, which many had hoped vitamin E would prevent.
However, rates of prostate cancer and of total cancer were similar among all four groups.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and several vitamin makers. Results were being reported Sunday at an American Association for Cancer Research conference in Washington.
"Well-conducted clinical trials such as this are rapidly closing the door on the hope that common vitamin supplements may protect against cancer," said Marji McCullough, nutrition chief at the American Cancer Society. "It's still possible that some benefit exists for subgroups that couldn't be measured, but the overall results are certainly discouraging.
"The American Cancer Society recommends getting these and other nutrients by eating a mostly plant-based diet with a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. A bonus is that this type of diet helps to prevent obesity, which increases the risk of several cancers."
About 12 percent of Americans take supplements of C and E. The new study does not mean these vitamins have no value, just that they didn't prevent cancer in this group of doctors, who may be healthier than the general population, said Dr. Peter Shields, deputy director of Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The best bet, he said, is to do things that are known to prevent the disease — eat right, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise.
Nov 16, 2008
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yOU Want To Reduce Extra Fat Around yOUR Stomach |
All you need to do is get into a habbit of regular exercise in my opinion.20 mins of aerobics every day will help you maintain your weight and get in shape real quick. Cut down on fried stuff and anything oily ... Put a stop on junk food. Do exercise at least 20mins a day or for 1 hour three times a week. It can be anything you want, jogging, walking, aerobics, swimming.
Even yoga is very effective, there are certain yoga postures to help you lose weight from certain parts of the body and you will find there are lots which can help you reduce fat around your stomach. Crunches are also very good to reduce the fat around your stomach, lie flat on your back with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Now bring your head and shoulders towards your knees. Do this as many times as you can, say 50 in the morning and 50 at night this will help too!
Also as mentioned cut out the fried and high calorie food too! but if u r a female then do what few others suggest here... U might wanna try Juice Diet...
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High-Fat Diet While Pregnant May Produce Obese Kids |
Eating a high-fat diet during pregnancy causes permanent changes in the fetal brain that can result in overeating and obesity early in life, according to a study with rats.
The researchers from Rockefeller University in New York City said their finding is an important advance in understanding mechanisms of fetal programming. It also sheds light on the production of new brain cells, helping to explain the dramatic rise of childhood obesity in the United States over the past three decades.
"We've shown that short-term exposure to a high-fat diet in utero produces permanent neurons in the fetal brain that later increase the appetite for fat," study senior author Sarah F. Leibowitz, director of the Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology at Rockefeller, said in a university news release. "This work provides the first evidence for a fetal program that links high levels of fat circulating in the mother's blood during pregnancy to the overeating and increased weight gain of offspring after weaning."
For the study, pregnant rats were fed either a high-fat or a balanced diet for two weeks. Pups born to mothers that ate the high-fat diet ate more, weighed more throughout life, and began puberty earlier than pups born to mothers that ate a balanced diet. The pups born to the mothers that at the high-fat diet also had higher levels of triglycerides in the blood at birth and as adults, and also had greater production of brain peptides that stimulate eating and weight gain.
The study was published in the Nov. 12 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.
The creation of neurons that increase the appetite for fat may also occur in human babies born to mothers who eat a high-fat diet during pregnancy, Leibowitz said.
"We're programming our children to be fat," she believes. "I think it's very clear that there's vulnerability in the developing brain, and we've identified the site of this action where new neurons are being born. We now need to understand how the lipids affect these precursor cells that form these fat-sensitive neurons that live with us throughout life."
The researchers from Rockefeller University in New York City said their finding is an important advance in understanding mechanisms of fetal programming. It also sheds light on the production of new brain cells, helping to explain the dramatic rise of childhood obesity in the United States over the past three decades.
"We've shown that short-term exposure to a high-fat diet in utero produces permanent neurons in the fetal brain that later increase the appetite for fat," study senior author Sarah F. Leibowitz, director of the Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology at Rockefeller, said in a university news release. "This work provides the first evidence for a fetal program that links high levels of fat circulating in the mother's blood during pregnancy to the overeating and increased weight gain of offspring after weaning."
For the study, pregnant rats were fed either a high-fat or a balanced diet for two weeks. Pups born to mothers that ate the high-fat diet ate more, weighed more throughout life, and began puberty earlier than pups born to mothers that ate a balanced diet. The pups born to the mothers that at the high-fat diet also had higher levels of triglycerides in the blood at birth and as adults, and also had greater production of brain peptides that stimulate eating and weight gain.
The study was published in the Nov. 12 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.
The creation of neurons that increase the appetite for fat may also occur in human babies born to mothers who eat a high-fat diet during pregnancy, Leibowitz said.
"We're programming our children to be fat," she believes. "I think it's very clear that there's vulnerability in the developing brain, and we've identified the site of this action where new neurons are being born. We now need to understand how the lipids affect these precursor cells that form these fat-sensitive neurons that live with us throughout life."
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Food that fight over-40 fat |
Water with lemon
A California study of 240 women found that dieters who replaced their sweetened drinks with water lost an average of 3 pounds more a year than those who didn't. Subjects who sipped more than 4 cups of water a day lost 2 additional pounds, compared with those who drank less. Plus, the phosphoric acid in soda may contribute to bone loss — and osteoporosis — by changing the acid balance in your blood.
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Astronauts will drink recycled urine |
As NASA prepares to double the number of astronauts living aboard the International Space Station, nothing may do more for crew bonding than a machine being launched aboard the space shuttle Endeavour on Friday.It's a water-recycling device that will process the crew's urine for communal consumption.
"We did blind taste tests of the water," said NASA's Bob Bagdigian, the system's lead engineer.
"Nobody had any strong objections. Other than a faint taste of iodine, it is just as refreshing as any other kind of water."
"I've got some in my fridge. It tastes fine to me."
Delivery of the $250 million wastewater recycling gear is among the primary goals of NASA's 124th shuttle mission, which is due to launch at 7:55 pm EST on Friday from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.
Meteorologists predicted a 70 per cent chance the weather would be suitable for launch. If the shuttle lifts off on time, it would arrive at the space station on Sunday so astronauts could begin 11 to 12 days of home improvements.
In addition to the water recycler, Endeavour carries two small bedrooms, the station's first refrigerator, new exercise gear, and perhaps most important for a growing crew - a second toilet.
"With six people you really do need to have a two-bathroom house. It's a lot more convenient and a lot more efficient," said Endeavour astronaut Sandra Magnus, who will take over as a space station flight engineer from Greg Chamitoff.
Chamitoff has been aboard the outpost since the last shuttle flight in June.
NASA wants to make sure the water recycling system is working well before adding another three astronauts to the station's crew.
Nov 14, 2008
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Newborns at risk in Delhi hospital |
A day after NDTV reported that in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash hospital, one of Delhi's biggest government hospitals, three out of 10 babies born die, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has said that he is going to investigate the issue further.
The number of infant deaths in the hospital is 10 per cent higher than the national average. The worst is that most babies in the hospital die because of bacterial infection caused by poor hygiene.
The room where newborns are given a bath hasn't been cleaned in months. And the stench is unbearable. The chances of catching an infection for an infant here are alarmingly high. Here, a stray dog can be seen trespassing into the maternity ward.
Saroj and her two-day-old baby have been lying in the hospital corridor. Let alone proper medical facilities, the mother and her child haven't even got a proper bed to rest on.
Ramadoss orders inquiry into infants' death
Information collected through an RTI shows that LNJP has an infant mortality rate of 31 per cent, which means three out of every 10 babies admitted to the LNJP hospital don't come out alive.
In 2006, 928 children were admitted in this hospital of which 275 died. In 2007, of the 731 children admitted here, 216 died.
This year, of the 641 patients admitted so far, 193 have lost their lives. And the main reason for the babies' death is neo-natal sepsis, which is a bacterial infection.
Severely unhygienic conditions like these can greatly increase the risk of sepsis in newborns.
When confronted about the situation, the hospital authorities refused to comment.
In the maternity ward, there are just 30 beds, four nurses and two doctors on a shift making it impossible to give proper time to each patient.
In a country where one woman dies every five minutes during childbirth and nearly one in five newborns die soon after birth due to infections, the big question is -- is enough money being pumped into healthcare facilities to give our babies a chance?
source:ndtv.com
The number of infant deaths in the hospital is 10 per cent higher than the national average. The worst is that most babies in the hospital die because of bacterial infection caused by poor hygiene.
The room where newborns are given a bath hasn't been cleaned in months. And the stench is unbearable. The chances of catching an infection for an infant here are alarmingly high. Here, a stray dog can be seen trespassing into the maternity ward.
Saroj and her two-day-old baby have been lying in the hospital corridor. Let alone proper medical facilities, the mother and her child haven't even got a proper bed to rest on.
Ramadoss orders inquiry into infants' death
Information collected through an RTI shows that LNJP has an infant mortality rate of 31 per cent, which means three out of every 10 babies admitted to the LNJP hospital don't come out alive.
In 2006, 928 children were admitted in this hospital of which 275 died. In 2007, of the 731 children admitted here, 216 died.
This year, of the 641 patients admitted so far, 193 have lost their lives. And the main reason for the babies' death is neo-natal sepsis, which is a bacterial infection.
Severely unhygienic conditions like these can greatly increase the risk of sepsis in newborns.
When confronted about the situation, the hospital authorities refused to comment.
In the maternity ward, there are just 30 beds, four nurses and two doctors on a shift making it impossible to give proper time to each patient.
In a country where one woman dies every five minutes during childbirth and nearly one in five newborns die soon after birth due to infections, the big question is -- is enough money being pumped into healthcare facilities to give our babies a chance?
source:ndtv.com
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Youngsters need to know about the Diabetes |
Young? You can still get Diabetes
On the occasion of World Diabetes Day today, we bring you a feature that outlines everything youngsters need to know about the condition.
source:rediff.com
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Cholesterol comes from animal-based food like dairy products |
Cholesterol and General Health
Contrary to popular belief, the liver creates most cholesterol and only a small percent is obtained through food. However, the more saturated fats a person eats, the more cholesterol his or her body makes.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that forms a part of each cell in your body. A person's body needs cholesterol for daily functions, such as making hormones, producing healthy cell walls and making vitamin D. It also produces bile acids that help in the digestion of fat.
Although this waxy substance helps your body in many ways, excessive production of cholesterol can also be harmful to your body. When this happens, the extra cholesterol spills out and circulates into your bloodstream. Be aware that high levels of cholesterol in a person's blood can causes clogging of blood vessels, while increasing the risks of stroke and heart disease.
Cholesterol comes from animal-based food like dairy products, eggs and meat. The two types of cholesterol are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is the bad cholesterol that usually cause the clogging of blood vessels, while HDL is the good cholesterol that is responsible for clearing LDL out of your bloodstream, reducing the risks of heart disease.
Understanding Food Types and Blood Cholesterol
Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are three types of fats found in food. Each type of dietary fat affects a person's blood cholesterol in different ways. For instance, saturated fats are those found in lamb, pork, beef and other red meat products. Excessive saturated fats in the body can be dangerous to your health.
Monounsaturated fats are those found in pant oils, such as canola, peanut and olive. Polyunsaturated fats, such as omega-3 fat, can help in slowing down blood clots and fight heart disease. They are found in fishes and plant oils, such as soybean, corn, safflower and sunflower.
Since all kinds of fats are sources of calories, they can all contribute to weight gain. However, consuming too much saturated fat is harmful to your body because it is the main cause of high cholesterol levels in the blood. Be aware that the more saturated fats you eat, the more cholesterol your body produces, which eventually end up in your bloodstream.
In lowering blood cholesterol, substituting saturated fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help by getting rid of newly formed cholesterol in the body. For this reason, people with high levels of blood cholesterol need to change their eating habits to ensure that the right kind of fat enters their bodies.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that forms a part of each cell in your body. A person's body needs cholesterol for daily functions, such as making hormones, producing healthy cell walls and making vitamin D. It also produces bile acids that help in the digestion of fat.
Although this waxy substance helps your body in many ways, excessive production of cholesterol can also be harmful to your body. When this happens, the extra cholesterol spills out and circulates into your bloodstream. Be aware that high levels of cholesterol in a person's blood can causes clogging of blood vessels, while increasing the risks of stroke and heart disease.
Cholesterol comes from animal-based food like dairy products, eggs and meat. The two types of cholesterol are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is the bad cholesterol that usually cause the clogging of blood vessels, while HDL is the good cholesterol that is responsible for clearing LDL out of your bloodstream, reducing the risks of heart disease.
Understanding Food Types and Blood Cholesterol
Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are three types of fats found in food. Each type of dietary fat affects a person's blood cholesterol in different ways. For instance, saturated fats are those found in lamb, pork, beef and other red meat products. Excessive saturated fats in the body can be dangerous to your health.
Monounsaturated fats are those found in pant oils, such as canola, peanut and olive. Polyunsaturated fats, such as omega-3 fat, can help in slowing down blood clots and fight heart disease. They are found in fishes and plant oils, such as soybean, corn, safflower and sunflower.
Since all kinds of fats are sources of calories, they can all contribute to weight gain. However, consuming too much saturated fat is harmful to your body because it is the main cause of high cholesterol levels in the blood. Be aware that the more saturated fats you eat, the more cholesterol your body produces, which eventually end up in your bloodstream.
In lowering blood cholesterol, substituting saturated fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help by getting rid of newly formed cholesterol in the body. For this reason, people with high levels of blood cholesterol need to change their eating habits to ensure that the right kind of fat enters their bodies.
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Sex makes men happiest |
It's official: Sex makes men happiest
Aussie men get their endorphins racing when they are surfing the net or having sex, whereas women are the happiest while having meals with pals
Sex ranks as a top five activity to make men happy and petting their pooches, according to the 2008 Australian Happiness Index.
For both men and women rest, relaxation and entertainment toped the list in the index, with quality time with partner also making the top four for each sex. But that''s where the similarities end.
According to the index, sex ranks as a top five activity to make men happy and surfing the Internet tops even that at number three. Sex and the Internet were also top 10 choices for women to make them happy, but enjoying a family meal and playing with pets or children ranked much higher.
Eating comfort food scored in the top 10 for both sexes, but the more discerning men questioned said they preferred great food and wine or drinking with friends to reaching for the chocolate.
Despite the notion, shopping does not make all women happy - only 30 per cent were happiest when shopping for new clothes, shoes or accessories, the study found. One in two women said reading a good book made them happy whereas less than one in three men said the same, and 36 per cent of generous-natured women said buying gifts made them feel joyful, compared to a miserly 19 per cent of men.
The index was compiled by marketing consultants The Leading Edge who spoke to more than 8500 Australians aged between 18 and 64.
"Australians are made happy on a week-to-week basis, not by possessions and achievements, but by entertaining experiences and by meaningful interactions with others," News.com.au quoted The Leading Edge managing director Karen Phillips, as saying.
Sex ranks as a top five activity to make men happy and petting their pooches, according to the 2008 Australian Happiness Index.
For both men and women rest, relaxation and entertainment toped the list in the index, with quality time with partner also making the top four for each sex. But that''s where the similarities end.
According to the index, sex ranks as a top five activity to make men happy and surfing the Internet tops even that at number three. Sex and the Internet were also top 10 choices for women to make them happy, but enjoying a family meal and playing with pets or children ranked much higher.
Eating comfort food scored in the top 10 for both sexes, but the more discerning men questioned said they preferred great food and wine or drinking with friends to reaching for the chocolate.
Despite the notion, shopping does not make all women happy - only 30 per cent were happiest when shopping for new clothes, shoes or accessories, the study found. One in two women said reading a good book made them happy whereas less than one in three men said the same, and 36 per cent of generous-natured women said buying gifts made them feel joyful, compared to a miserly 19 per cent of men.
The index was compiled by marketing consultants The Leading Edge who spoke to more than 8500 Australians aged between 18 and 64.
"Australians are made happy on a week-to-week basis, not by possessions and achievements, but by entertaining experiences and by meaningful interactions with others," News.com.au quoted The Leading Edge managing director Karen Phillips, as saying.
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‘Pregnant man’ is pregnant again |
Thomas Beatie reportedly tells Barbara Walters he is in first trimester
Thomas Beatie, who was born a woman but lives as a man in Oregon after surgery and hormone treatment, is expecting a second child, Beatie has told Barbara Walters in an interview set to air on television on Friday.
Beatie, 34, who is legally a man, is in his first trimester of pregnancy, he told celebrity interviewer Walters for the ABC news program "20/20" that will air on Nov. 14. Walters highlighted the interview on her daytime chat show, "The View," on Thursday.
With his thin beard, Beatie made headlines around the world and was dubbed the "pregnant man" before giving birth to a baby girl on June 29. He told Walters that after giving birth he did not go back on the male hormone testosterone that he took after his sex change because he wanted to have another baby.
"I feel good," Beatie told Walters. "I had my checkups with my hormone level, as far as the hCG. And everything is right on track."
Beatie was referring to human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone which is produced in women during pregnancy.
Nov 13, 2008
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Indo-Canadian scientist awarded by American Heart Association |
The American Heart Association has awarded eminent Indo-Canadian scientist Salim Yusuf with its Clinical Research Prize for 2008 in recognition of his work in the field of cardiovascular disease.
A professor of medicine and director of the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Yusuf received the award from the American Heart Association president, Timothy J. Gardner, over the weekend during its annual convention in New Orleans.
"A cardiologist and epidemiologist, Dr. Yusuf has carried out a highly regarded international research programme utilising large scale clinical trials, meta-analyses and epidemiologic studies using innovative designs to definitively address, and provide reliable answers to, questions of great consequence to the health of populations around the world," Gardner said in his speech.
A graduate of Saint John's Medical College in Bangalore, Yusuf coordinated the first International Study of Infarct Survival, which demonstrated the benefits of beta-blocker drugs in treating acute heart attacks, Gardner said.
At the National Institutes of Health, Yusuf led the studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction and the Digitalis Investigations Group study.
"These seminal studies revolutionised the management of patients with heart failure and have set the approach for much clinical research in the field," Gardner said.
With a PhD from the Oxford University, Yusuf is known for establishing the world's first study examining the impact of societal changes on health behaviours, risk factors and disease in more than 400 communities in 18 countries.
A professor of medicine and director of the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Yusuf received the award from the American Heart Association president, Timothy J. Gardner, over the weekend during its annual convention in New Orleans.
"A cardiologist and epidemiologist, Dr. Yusuf has carried out a highly regarded international research programme utilising large scale clinical trials, meta-analyses and epidemiologic studies using innovative designs to definitively address, and provide reliable answers to, questions of great consequence to the health of populations around the world," Gardner said in his speech.
A graduate of Saint John's Medical College in Bangalore, Yusuf coordinated the first International Study of Infarct Survival, which demonstrated the benefits of beta-blocker drugs in treating acute heart attacks, Gardner said.
At the National Institutes of Health, Yusuf led the studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction and the Digitalis Investigations Group study.
"These seminal studies revolutionised the management of patients with heart failure and have set the approach for much clinical research in the field," Gardner said.
With a PhD from the Oxford University, Yusuf is known for establishing the world's first study examining the impact of societal changes on health behaviours, risk factors and disease in more than 400 communities in 18 countries.
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Nepal's Prime Minister Prachanda's daughter battles cancer in India |
Even as Nepal's Maoist Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda attends the second BIMSTEC Summit in New Delhi, few know that his eldest child is fighting cancer in India.Gyanu KC, the eldest of four siblings, is receiving treatment for breast cancer in Mumbai's Tata Memorial Hospital and Cancer Research Institute.
Married as a teen in 1993, three years before her father unleashed the People's War against the state, Gyanu accompanied her husband, Arjun KC, to Jalandhar in Punjab.
Teen marriages have been the norm rather than exception in Prachanda's family. He himself was married when only 15. "His mother was ill and we needed someone to cook and look after the family," Prachanda's father Muktiram Dahal told.
Later, however, Prachanda's wife Sita Poudel rose to become an advisor to the Maoist party.
Gyanu and her husband, who have two daughters, Shrishti and Drishti, live in India where both of them work full time for the Maoist party that laid down arms and joined mainstream politics two years ago.
Arjun KC is also a member of Nepali Janadhikar Suraksha Samiti, an NGO that works to protect the rights of Nepali migrants in India.
Around October, when Nepal celebrated its biggest festival Dashain, Gyanu had visited her parents in Kathmandu, her younger sister Renu, currently a lawmaker in Nepal's interim parliament, told.
"Her condition is better," Renu said.
While the 10-year communist insurgency is now well documented, little was known about the personal life of the man who led it and lived underground with a price on his head for almost two decades.
The first personal biography of Prachanda written by Indian journalist Anirban Roy and published this year, highlights the former revolutionary's close personal links to India.
One of Prachanda's sons-in-law is Indian.
Prachanda's third daughter Ganga, who now lives in Kathmandu and was recently described by a Nepali magazine as a member of her father's kitchen cabinet, is married to Narayan Vikram Pradhan, son of Badri Narayan Pradhan, veteran leader of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, CPM, and a former Rajya Sabha MP.
A year after the armed revolt started in Nepal, Prachanda, worrying for the safety of the three younger children who were living underground with their parents - daughters Renu and Ganga and son Prakash - decided to marry off the two teenaged daughters at the same time.
In February 1997, the two daughters were married at Hotel Lila in downtown Lucknow in India's Uttar Pradesh state in a simple ceremony.
After the marriage, Renu and her husband Arjun Pathak went to live in Jalandhar while Ganga and her groom went to Siliguri.
Now, however, only Gyanu and her family live in India.
Prachanda's family has a history of cancer. His mother Bhawani Pathak died of cancer.
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World's ugliest dog loses battle with cancer |
Aone-eyed, three-legged dog that won the title of world's ugliest pooch this summer has died. The St Petersburg Times in Florida reports that Gus, a Chinese crested dog, had cancer. He was 9.
Gus was rescued from a bad home and went on to win the annual World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in northern California.
Gus came from humble origins. According to the fair, his adopted family in Gulfport rescued him after learning he was being kept in a crate inside someone's garage.
He had one leg amputated because of a skin tumor and lost an eye in a cat fight.
Gus' owner had said the prize money from the contest would be put toward the dog's radiation treatment.
Gus was rescued from a bad home and went on to win the annual World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in northern California.
Gus came from humble origins. According to the fair, his adopted family in Gulfport rescued him after learning he was being kept in a crate inside someone's garage.
He had one leg amputated because of a skin tumor and lost an eye in a cat fight.
Gus' owner had said the prize money from the contest would be put toward the dog's radiation treatment.
Nov 12, 2008
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Childhood Allergies, Asthma Problems Requires More Attention |
A report released last month by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics has revealed that the number of kids with food allergies has soared over 18 percent over the last decade. Four in ten U.S. kids under age 18 now suffer food allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.According to reports presented and discussed at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s annual meeting in Seattle, there has been an increase in all allergies, including asthma, hay fever, eczema. One possible factor that contributes to this increase may be the so-called “hygiene hypothesis,” that states that a lack of early childhood exposure to infectious agents and parasites increases susceptibility to allergic diseases. The immune system doesn’t have to fight as many infections, so it can become hyperactive. Researchers observed that hay fever and eczema, both allergic diseases, were less common in children from larger families, which were presumably exposed to more infectious agents from their siblings. Studies have shown that various immunological and autoimmune diseases are much less common in the developing world than the industrialized world.
Other factors that contribute to the rise in allergies include eating more highly allergic foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. These types of food account for 90 percent of all food allergies.
The number of children with asthma has more than doubled since the 1980s. According to the CDC estimates, about 20 million Americans have asthma, including 9 million children. Asthma is a chronic disease involving the respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict, become inflamed, and are lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often as a response to one or more triggers, such as exposure to an environmental stimulant (e.g. an allergen, environmental tobacco smoke, cold or warm air, perfume, pet dander, moist air) or even emotional stress.
Asthma can be a life-threatening disease if not properly managed. Although there is no cure, medication can help control the disease and relieve pressure in the airways during an asthmatic episode.
A new research presented at the meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has shown that antireflux medications administered for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes have positive effects on asthma symptoms as well. Children with persistent asthma and GERD who took anti-reflux medication required less asthma medication and experienced an improvement in lung function.
Studies have shown that long-term use of corticosteroids, the most commonly prescribed medications for asthma, may be associated with a number of undesirable side-effects, such as cataracts, bone loss, and immune-system suppression.
Children with food allergies are two to four times more likely to have asthma or other allergies, compared to those without allergies. Also, smoking has been found to be a risk factor for asthma. Studies have shown that exposure to passive smoke at home reduces the benefits of inhaled corticosteroids and may delay recovery from an acute asthmatic attack.
source:efluxmedia.com
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British Teenager Wins Right To Refuse Heart Transplant |
Hannah Jones, a terminally ill 13-year old British schoolgirl who has a hole in her heart, has won the right to refuse treatment after Herefordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) dropped a High Court case to force her to have a heart transplant. Hannah, who lives with her parents in Marden near Hereford, said she had had enough of medical treatment and wanted to die at home, with dignity.
The PCT dropped the case after a child protection officer who interviewed Hannah said she was adamant about her decision to refuse surgery. Her parents Andrew, a 43-year old auditor, and Kirsty, a 42-year old intensive care nurse, said they supported Hannah's decision and were very upset by the PCT's decision in February to pursue a court case, said a report in the Daily Mail on Tuesday.
Hannah's hole in the heart was caused by the strong drugs she had to take from the age of five to treat a rare form of leukemia, said the newspaper report.
The teenager was fitted with a pacemaker last year when she spent seven months in hospital. She is also on a range of drugs.
Her father told the media that a child protection team from Hereford County Hospital had contacted the family last week threatening forcibly to remove Hannah if they did not take her to the hospital to have the operation. He told the BBC that:
"The threat that somebody could come and forcibly remove your daughter from you against her wishes, against our wishes, was quite upsetting really."
Hannah said she was willing to take the chance that she might or might not be OK. She said she "didn't want to go through any more operations" and understood that her decision may result in her death.
Her doctors had insisted she have the operation, even though there was risk that it might kill her. But Hannah said she would refuse to let them operate.
Jones said his daughter was offered a transplant in July 2007 but after talking to her consultants at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and Birmingham Children's Hospital, she said she did not want it: it might work or it might not, and if it did she would be on medication all the time. She had been in and out of hospital all her life and had had enough.
Hannah decided she would rather go back home and be with her mother and father, her 11-year old brother Oliver and her two sisters, Lucy, ten and Phoebe, four. She would be cared for by her mother.
Her father said she had made the decision on her own, like a grown up, although she was only 12 at the time, and she has stuck to it. He said he greatly admired his daughter and could not imagine what was going through her mind as she considered her decision. He said he and his wife fully supported their daughter's decision.
Hannah told the BBC that hospitals held bad memories for her and she didn't want any more treatment.
The family were given a holiday in Disneyland in the US by the by the charity Caudwell Children, but they had to cancel it because they couldn't get insurance.
Chris Bull, the Chief Executive of Herefordshire Primary Care Trust, wrote to the Jones family explaining that the Trust had decided not to pursue a court order because it was "not appropriate". He wrote that Hannah appeared to understand the seriousness of her condition and that she was aware she could die.
The chairman of the British Medical Association's ethics committee, Dr Tony Calland, told the BBC that children of Hannah's age were able to make informed decisions about whether to refuse treatment. A ruling in the House of Lords in the 1980s said that a child who understood the issues and consequences was considered legally competent.
Hannah's head teacher, Clive Lambert of St Mary's High School in Lugwardine, said Hannah was intelligent and capable of deciding for herself. She had many friends at school and her courage and dignity was an inspiration to everyone there, he said.
Sources: BBC News, Daily Mail.
The PCT dropped the case after a child protection officer who interviewed Hannah said she was adamant about her decision to refuse surgery. Her parents Andrew, a 43-year old auditor, and Kirsty, a 42-year old intensive care nurse, said they supported Hannah's decision and were very upset by the PCT's decision in February to pursue a court case, said a report in the Daily Mail on Tuesday.
Hannah's hole in the heart was caused by the strong drugs she had to take from the age of five to treat a rare form of leukemia, said the newspaper report.
The teenager was fitted with a pacemaker last year when she spent seven months in hospital. She is also on a range of drugs.
Her father told the media that a child protection team from Hereford County Hospital had contacted the family last week threatening forcibly to remove Hannah if they did not take her to the hospital to have the operation. He told the BBC that:
"The threat that somebody could come and forcibly remove your daughter from you against her wishes, against our wishes, was quite upsetting really."
Hannah said she was willing to take the chance that she might or might not be OK. She said she "didn't want to go through any more operations" and understood that her decision may result in her death.
Her doctors had insisted she have the operation, even though there was risk that it might kill her. But Hannah said she would refuse to let them operate.
Jones said his daughter was offered a transplant in July 2007 but after talking to her consultants at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and Birmingham Children's Hospital, she said she did not want it: it might work or it might not, and if it did she would be on medication all the time. She had been in and out of hospital all her life and had had enough.
Hannah decided she would rather go back home and be with her mother and father, her 11-year old brother Oliver and her two sisters, Lucy, ten and Phoebe, four. She would be cared for by her mother.
Her father said she had made the decision on her own, like a grown up, although she was only 12 at the time, and she has stuck to it. He said he greatly admired his daughter and could not imagine what was going through her mind as she considered her decision. He said he and his wife fully supported their daughter's decision.
Hannah told the BBC that hospitals held bad memories for her and she didn't want any more treatment.
The family were given a holiday in Disneyland in the US by the by the charity Caudwell Children, but they had to cancel it because they couldn't get insurance.
Chris Bull, the Chief Executive of Herefordshire Primary Care Trust, wrote to the Jones family explaining that the Trust had decided not to pursue a court order because it was "not appropriate". He wrote that Hannah appeared to understand the seriousness of her condition and that she was aware she could die.
The chairman of the British Medical Association's ethics committee, Dr Tony Calland, told the BBC that children of Hannah's age were able to make informed decisions about whether to refuse treatment. A ruling in the House of Lords in the 1980s said that a child who understood the issues and consequences was considered legally competent.
Hannah's head teacher, Clive Lambert of St Mary's High School in Lugwardine, said Hannah was intelligent and capable of deciding for herself. She had many friends at school and her courage and dignity was an inspiration to everyone there, he said.
Sources: BBC News, Daily Mail.
Nov 11, 2008
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Breast Cancer - Hereditary Factors |
Most cases of breast cancer occur 'by chance' - even where there is a family history of the disease. However, breast cancer does occur more often than usual in some families because of their genetic make-up. If you are concerned that your risk of developing breast cancer is higher than usual because of your family history, then see your doctor for assessment. An option if you have an increased risk is to have mammography at an earlier age than normal, and more often than usual.
Some facts about breast cancer
* In the UK about 1 in 9 women develop breast cancer before the age of 85.
* Most women (8 in 9 women) do not develop breast cancer before the age of 85.
* The biggest 'risk factor' for developing breast cancer is increasing age. About 4 in 5 cases first develop in women over the age of 50.
* Of women who do develop breast cancer, most do not have a family history of the disease. However, some women do come from families where breast cancer occurs more often than usual (see below).
* If breast cancer is detected in an early stage, there is a good chance of a cure. Mammography (x-ray of the breast) is a test that can detect breast cancer at an early stage.
Breast cancer, genes and family history
The cause of breast cancer is probably a combination of factors. These include lifestyle factors, environmental factors, hormone factors, and probably other unknown factors. Your genetic make-up is another factor which is known to be involved.
Several 'faulty' genes have been identified which are particularly associated breast cancer. These include the BRCA1 gene, the BRCA2 gene, and the TP53 gene. If you carry one or more of these genes you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer (and certain other cancers such as ovarian cancer). Also, the cancer tends to develop at an earlier age than usual. These faulty genes are just the main ones so far identified which are related to breast cancer. There are probably others which cause a smaller increased risk which have not yet been identified. Note: not all women with these faulty genes will develop breast cancer. It is just that the risk is increased.
About 1 in 20 women are likely to carry a faulty gene that gives them a higher risk than the general population of developing breast cancer. This may vary from a moderate increase in risk to a high risk. You inherit half of your genes from your mother and half of your genes from your father. So, if you carry a faulty gene there is a 50:50 chance that you will pass it on to each child that you have. Because of these faulty genes, breast cancer does occur more often than usual in some families. This is sometimes called 'familial breast cancer' or 'hereditary breast cancer'.
Assessing your risk
As breast cancer is common, many of us will have a relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This is not usually due to any of the 'faulty genes' mentioned above, but is more often 'by chance'. Most women with a family history of breast cancer do not have a greatly increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to the normal risk of the general population. However, some women are at greater risk than usual.
In general, your risk becomes greater:
* The more blood relatives you have who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
* The closer the blood relationship to you of the person with breast cancer.
* The younger your relatives were when they were first diagnosed with breast cancer. Especially if they were under the age of 50.
* If a relative had breast cancer which affected both breasts.
* If a male relative developed breast cancer.
* If both breast and ovarian cancer run in the family.
* If certain other uncommon cancers have developed in family members. For example: ovarian cancer, a sarcoma under the age of 45, a glioma, or childhood adrenal cancer.
* If you come from certain ethnic backgrounds. For example, the Ashkenazi jewish community have a higher incidence of genes which increase the risk of breast cancer.
What should I do if I am concerned?
If you are concerned about a history of breast cancer in your family you should see your GP. He or she will want to take a family history. Therefore, before seeing your GP, try to get as much detail about who in your family has been diagnosed with breast cancer (or other cancers), at what age they were diagnosed, and their exact blood relationship to you.
Your GP will wish to know any relevant details about first and second degree relatives (from your father's side as well as from your mother's side).
* First degree relatives are - mother, father, daughters, sons, sisters, or brothers.
* Second degree relatives are - grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, half-sisters and half-brothers.
On the basis of the family history, it is usually possible for your GP to assess your risk as either near normal, moderate, or high. If your risk is moderate or high then, if you wish, you may be referred to a specialist for further assessment and counselling. If you are under the age of 40, referral may not be appropriate until you are 40 if your increased risk is not very high.
For details of the factors used to assess the risk, see the website of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (details at the end of the leaflet). They have produced national guidelines which doctors can refer to when assessing the risk of breast cancer for individual women.
If your risk is assessed as normal or near normal
Most women have a normal or near normal risk of developing breast cancer. (That is about a 1 in 9 chance of developing breast cancer before the age of 85 - most commonly after the age of 50.) If your risk is normal or near normal you should still consider the 'usual' advice to women. That is:
* Be 'breast aware'. Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, and report any changes promptly to a doctor.
* Go for routine breast screening. All women in the UK aged between 50 and 70 are invited to have a routine mammography every three years. Mammography is an x-ray test that aims to detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most likely to be curative.
* Consider altering other factors which may affect your risk of breast cancer.
*If you are past the menopause and are overweight or obese, losing some weight will reduce your risk.
*Regular exercise reduces the risk.
*If you drink a lot of alcohol the risk is increased. Cutting back to sensible drinking is best if this applies to you.
*There is a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer if you use the combined oral contraceptive pill or HRT (hormone replacement therapy). If you use these you may wish to consider other options.
*If you have children, women who breast feed have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who bottle feed.
* See your GP if there is a change in your family history. For example, if a close family member develops cancer of the breast or ovary after your risk of breast cancer has previously been assessed. This may mean that your risk has changed.
If your risk is assessed as moderate or high
You will be offered a referral to see a specialist. He or she will make a detailed assessment of your risk on the basis of family history.
If your risk is confirmed as moderately high
You are likely to be offered mammography screening to commence at the age of 40 (rather than the usual age of 50). Also, mammography is likely to be every year rather than the usual three yearly.
If your risk is high
You are likely to be offered genetic testing and counselling. This may involve tests to see if you carry one or more of the faulty genes mentioned above. Depending on the outcome of the tests and assessment of the risk, some women are offered regular mammography screening from an early age.
For a very small number of women, whose risk is very high, surgery to remove the breasts and/or ovaries before cancer develops may be an option. This is not an option which is taken lightly and is only done after full risk assessment and counselling.
Further help and information
Breast Cancer Care
Kiln House, 210 New King Road, London, SW6 4NZ
Helpline: 0808 800 6000 Web: www.breastcancercare.org.uk
The leading provider of breast cancer information and support across the UK.
National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline
Tel: 01629 813000
Supplies information to women concerned about their risk of breast cancer because of family history.
CancerBACUP
3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3JR
Tel: 0808 800 1234 Web: www.cancerbacup.org.uk
Provides information and support to anyone affected by cancer.
Cancer Research UK
Their website www.cancerhelp.org.uk provides facts about cancer.
National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE)
Produce guidelines for doctors which include one called Familial breast cancer. This guidance is on assessing a woman’s risk of having a type of breast cancer that runs in families and on caring for women who are at risk of familial breast cancer.
source
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Milk scam 3 more children suffer kidney stones in China |
3more children suffer kidney stones in Macau
Macau authorities say three more children in the Chinese gambling enclave have developed kidney stones that may be linked to Chinese milk contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine.
A government statement says the three girls aged from 4 to 8 are in stable condition and do not require hospitalization.
The Monday statement says the children attend schools where authorities provide students with free milk produced by Yili Industrial Group Co.
Yili is one of several Chinese dairies implicated in a scandal on the mainland in which melamine-laced dairy products have killed four infants and sickened more than 50,000.
Melamine is used to make plastics and fertilizer
Macau authorities say three more children in the Chinese gambling enclave have developed kidney stones that may be linked to Chinese milk contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine.
A government statement says the three girls aged from 4 to 8 are in stable condition and do not require hospitalization.
The Monday statement says the children attend schools where authorities provide students with free milk produced by Yili Industrial Group Co.
Yili is one of several Chinese dairies implicated in a scandal on the mainland in which melamine-laced dairy products have killed four infants and sickened more than 50,000.
Melamine is used to make plastics and fertilizer
Nov 9, 2008
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Your's Kids Healthy Diet |
* Aim for 2 cups of fruits and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables each day. You can gradually build up to this amount. A good goal to try: eat fruit with each meal for a week.* Reduce fat. Opt for low-fat substitutes:
* Low-fat dairy - fat-free or low-fat milk (after age 2), cheese with 2 to 6 grams of fat per ounce
* Lean meats and poultry - 95% lean ground beef or turkey; remove visible fat from meat; remove skin from poultry
* Reduced-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise; light tub margarine
* Desserts - angel food cake, low-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt, animal crackers, vanilla wafers, gingersnaps, graham crackers
• Eat sugary foods in moderation. If your child eats a healthy diet, one sweet a day is fine.
• Drink water, fat-free or low-fat milk (after age 2) instead of high-calorie, sugary drinks
• Check ingredients on nutrition labels. Foods with sugar listed as one of the first three or four ingredients may be high in sugar and should be eaten in moderation
• Eat healthy snacks. Keep healthy foods on-hand for snacks. Good snack ideas include:
• Fresh fruit • Vegetable or noodle soup
• Raw vegetables with low-fat dip • Cereal with low-fat milk
• Graham crackers with low-fat hot chocolate • Small bagel spread lightly with peanut butter
• Serve appropriate portions. Over-sized portions often contribute to weight gain. To get an idea of the right portions to serve your child, it might help to visualize the appropriate serving size by comparing it to objects you're familiar with
Food Average Serving Size What it looks like
Meat 2-3 ounces Deck of cards
Pasta or rice 1/2 cup Tennis ball or ice cream scoop
Bread 1 slice Computer disk
Peanut butter 2 tablespoons Ping pong ball
Vegetables 1/2 cup Tennis ball or ice cream scoop
Cheese 1 ounce Four dice
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Global crisis leading to stress |
If you are fretting over the global meltdown and the subsequent turmoil in the stock market and the financial sector, then watch out for your sugar level and blood pressure.
According to leading doctors, the financial turmoil has resulted in increase in stress leading to hypertension, lower immunity and also gastro-intestinal problems among a number of people who were considered healthy six months ago.
"I have come across patients with hypertension as a result of the global meltdown. We have seen in the recent past that fair number of youngsters now suffer from different heart ailments basically because of the high stress life that they lead.
"The financial turmoil has increased stress levels, especially among the youngsters who seem to have been affected more by the current scenario," CEO, Artemis Health Institute, Dr Kushagra Katariya said.
According to leading doctors, the financial turmoil has resulted in increase in stress leading to hypertension, lower immunity and also gastro-intestinal problems among a number of people who were considered healthy six months ago.
"I have come across patients with hypertension as a result of the global meltdown. We have seen in the recent past that fair number of youngsters now suffer from different heart ailments basically because of the high stress life that they lead.
"The financial turmoil has increased stress levels, especially among the youngsters who seem to have been affected more by the current scenario," CEO, Artemis Health Institute, Dr Kushagra Katariya said.
Psychiatrist Dr Samir Parikh said, "One of my recent patients is a young MBA girl who had landed a job with finance firm. Just days before she was supposed to join, she was told by the company that the job offer was no longer there. She is now a clear case of depression constantly worrying about her career."
Parikh added that many who were accustomed to an opulent life-style had to make lot of compromises because of possible job-losses and increasing EMIs.
"Many of my close friends who were heavily into stock market now complain of high blood pressure and gastro-intestinal problems. Six months ago, they were hale and hearty," said Dr Rakesh Yadav, Cardiologist at AIIMS.
Parikh added that many who were accustomed to an opulent life-style had to make lot of compromises because of possible job-losses and increasing EMIs.
"Many of my close friends who were heavily into stock market now complain of high blood pressure and gastro-intestinal problems. Six months ago, they were hale and hearty," said Dr Rakesh Yadav, Cardiologist at AIIMS.
Nov 8, 2008
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Way to make Brain Cells heal self |
Scientists have found a way to get damaged nerve cells in the brains of mice to repair themselves, a finding that may lead to new treatments for spinal cord and brain injuries.
By turning off proteins that keep nerve cell growth in check, the researchers were able to stimulate regrowth in mice with damaged optic nerves, they reported on Thursday.
"This is the first time it has been possible to see such significant regeneration by manipulating single molecules," Zhigang He of Children's Hospital Boston said.
A separate team found that blocking a protein that discourages cell repairs allowed nerve cells in lab dishes to regenerate. Taken together, the findings offer leads on ways to coax damaged nerves in the brain and spinal cord to fix themselves.
He's team focused on a gene network called the mTOR pathway, which is active when young nerve cells are first growing but becomes less so once they mature.
Nerve injury appears to shut down this network completely. And two proteins — PTEN and TSC1 — appear to be responsible for silencing this pathway, the researchers discovered.
By turning off proteins that keep nerve cell growth in check, the researchers were able to stimulate regrowth in mice with damaged optic nerves, they reported on Thursday.
"This is the first time it has been possible to see such significant regeneration by manipulating single molecules," Zhigang He of Children's Hospital Boston said.
A separate team found that blocking a protein that discourages cell repairs allowed nerve cells in lab dishes to regenerate. Taken together, the findings offer leads on ways to coax damaged nerves in the brain and spinal cord to fix themselves.
He's team focused on a gene network called the mTOR pathway, which is active when young nerve cells are first growing but becomes less so once they mature.
Nerve injury appears to shut down this network completely. And two proteins — PTEN and TSC1 — appear to be responsible for silencing this pathway, the researchers discovered.
Nov 7, 2008
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Gestational diabetes during pregnancy doubles language delay risk in kids |
Children born to mothers with pregnancy-related diabetes are twice as likely to have language development problems, says a new study.
The research team from Universite Laval's School of Psychology suggests that gestational diabetes can adversely affect brain development of babies leading to language delay in children.
During the study the research team led by Professor Ginette Dionne analysed the vocabulary and grammar skills of 221 children whose mothers were diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
These tests were conducted at different intervals between ages 18 months and 7 years.
They found that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes achieve poorer scores on tests of spoken vocabulary and grammar than children of healthy mothers.
The differences between the two groups are probably due to the effects of gestational diabetes on the brain development of babies.
These effects persist even after the children start school.
However, researchers suggest that the impact of pregnancy-related diabetes on language development is not inevitable, as children of more educated mothers appear less affected.
"This protection may be the result of the more stimulating environment in which children of more highly educated mothers develop, but it could also be due to genes that could make some babies less vulnerable," said Dionne.
"For the moment, we cannot isolate the two factors, but ongoing studies should allow us to answer that question," she added.
The study appears in journal Pediatrics.
The research team from Universite Laval's School of Psychology suggests that gestational diabetes can adversely affect brain development of babies leading to language delay in children.
During the study the research team led by Professor Ginette Dionne analysed the vocabulary and grammar skills of 221 children whose mothers were diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
These tests were conducted at different intervals between ages 18 months and 7 years.
They found that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes achieve poorer scores on tests of spoken vocabulary and grammar than children of healthy mothers.
The differences between the two groups are probably due to the effects of gestational diabetes on the brain development of babies.
These effects persist even after the children start school.
However, researchers suggest that the impact of pregnancy-related diabetes on language development is not inevitable, as children of more educated mothers appear less affected.
"This protection may be the result of the more stimulating environment in which children of more highly educated mothers develop, but it could also be due to genes that could make some babies less vulnerable," said Dionne.
"For the moment, we cannot isolate the two factors, but ongoing studies should allow us to answer that question," she added.
The study appears in journal Pediatrics.
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Ruling on yoga ban for Malaysian Muslims postponed |
The announcement of a ban on practice of yoga by Malaysian Muslims was postponed Friday, but that has not stopped the debate on if, and how, yoga can affect the faith of those practising it.The ban was scheduled Friday. But it was put off because the National Fatwa Council chairman Abdul Shukor Husin was overseas on official business, Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) Director-General Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz said.
'A news conference will be held to make the announcement and the date will announced later,' he told Bernama, the official news agency.
A lecturer of University Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) faculty of Islamic studies, Zakaria Stapa, said recently that yoga, which is based on Hindu elements, could affect the faith of Muslims practising it.
Yoga can make Muslims deviate from Islam, he said and pointed out that yoga could be traced back to Hinduism. He urged Muslims to stop yoga practise.
However, joining the ongoing debate, many yoga instructors and practitioners say they regard this ancient form of exercise as nothing more than a healthy pursuit.
How can stretching and breathing be threatening to one's faith, they asked while talking to The Star newspaper.
The experts urge religious officials to attend classes and observe how it is taught first before coming up with an edict.
'If they do, they will see that it is purely physical,' claims yoga teacher Roslin Mohammed Daud, a Malay Muslim.
'It is not like the enthusiasts here are all running off to India, living in ashrams and surrendering themselves without question to a guru. Here, I believe Muslims will go where they are comfortable with to learn yoga.'
Guidelines on the practice of yoga among Muslims are welcome, but not an outright ban, experts said.
This issue is, however, not a new one, or unique to Malaysians.
Around the world, debates have simmered through the years about whether yoga, which has been described as 'incorrigibly religious' is in conflict with Christianity and other faiths.
Yoga enthusiasts in Malaysia are surprised that discussions over the issue have come this far, the newspaper said.
Yoga, they contend, is not dissimilar to other forms of exercise and those who practise it are only aiming to be fitter or slimmer.
Most yoga centres in Malaysia cater purely for those who want to enhance their fitness levels. Yoga is taught here in a way that strips away much of its Indian context, say the experts.
Classes just involve physical exercise - some are even combined with other exercise regimes like pilates to form what is called yogilates - and are advertised as a healthy means to lose weight, tone up, and de-stress.
'Doing yoga is basically like going to the spa but, of course, it is a little bit more active,' says Intan Suraya Hashim, who owns an all-women fitness studio offering yoga, jazzercise and body shaping. She practises yoga too and recommends it for its ability to enhance strength and flexibility.
Yoga teacher Roslin Daud is clearly disappointed with current developments: 'Too much emphasis is being placed on something we are not even doing.'
She admits, however, that even before the current debate, there have been many queries at her studio from Muslims, and even Christians, who wanted to know whether there was chanting and meditation. Some were worried that 'emptying their minds' during meditation may cause 'negative or evil elements' to settle into that blank space.
'I told them we were only into the fitness aspect of it.'
According to Malaysian Yoga Society president Manisekaran, Hatha yoga - which is what most people associate with the word 'yoga' - is free from all elements of religion and occultism.
'It is based on the sound principles of mind-body training to achieve balanced physical and mental health. There is no chanting, praying or worship involved.'
He stresses that the other main branches of yoga like Raja, Jnana, Karma and Bhakti are also free from religious concepts.
The society is planning a directory of yoga centres, organisations and instructors of all branches of yoga. Individuals could then investigate the organisations through the directory before joining them.
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Health Tips For Your Babies |
If your baby has dandruff
If your baby has dandruff particularly when it is caked on the scalp (cradle cap) - wash hair, brush and comb daily with shampoo and medicated lotion until it disappears. A medicated cream with Cetrimide also helps.
Be cautious with children
If you have children in the house keep all poisons out of their reach - lock away pesticides, floor cleaners, kerosene, detergents, insecticides and medicines.
Rice based cereals better for babies
The first cereal your baby should have by 5-6 months is a rice-and not wheat based one. This is digested more easily and less likely to cause allergies.
Nov 6, 2008
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Skin (ITCH) Treatments |
*Try pinching the skin near the itch between your thumb and forefinger through your clothing; this is less damaging than actual scratching.*Have lukewarm showers or baths, and add a little baking soda. Soak the scalp or feet in warm water with baking soda if they are itchy.
*Soaking in a bath in which two cups of rolled oats secured in a sock have been placed can relieve itching.
*Use a cold compress or apply calamine lotion.
*Avoid wearing any irritating clothes and wear cotton if possible.
*Keep away from hot, humid environments.
*Oral antihistamines can help control allergic reactions and itching, and can break the itch-scratch cycle.
*Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help on localised itchy areas.
*Rub-on corticosteroids can be prescribed by your general practitioner.
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Reliance HealthWise Plan |
Reliance HealthWise Plan
Introduction
Seeing your family in the pink of health ranks highest in priority for you. Yet, despite your best efforts, illnesses do occur. With the spiraling cost of health care, these unforeseen circumstances can take a toll on your savings. To ensure that you don’t need to spend your hard earned money on treatment of any such illness; we have a Policy that offers you all the financial support that you need.
Key Advantage
For the first time in India, Critical Illnesses are also covered as part of your Health Insurance Policy.
* A separate Double Sum Insured is automatically available as soon as any of the listed critical illnesses is diagnosed.
* 24 hours cashless facility at more than 3000 network hospitals.
* Income Tax benefits under Section 80 D.
* Options in duration of coverage – 1 year/2 year policies available.
* Family Floater benefit giving comprehensive protection to your family members under one single Policy.
* Discount on renewal premium for claim free policy.
* Coverage of pre-existing conditions after 2 years/4 years as per plan opted.
What does this Policy cover?
Depending on the Plan opted by you, your Reliance HealthWise Policy covers:
Hospitalisation Expenses - Expenses incurred towards-
* Hospital (room, boarding and operation theatre)
* Doctors & nurses
* Medical tests
* Medicines, blood, oxygen, appliances etc.
Day Care Treatment - Medical expenses towards specific technologically advanced day care treatments/surgeries where 24 hours of hospitalisation is not required.
Domiciliary Hospitalisation - All expenses related to a medical treatment, which is being administered at home, subject to specific conditions applicable.
Pre and Post Hospitalisation - Medical expenses related to your treatment before and after hospitalisation for a specified number of days.
Pre-Existing Diseases - Coverage of pre-existing diseases after two/four continuous renewals with us.
Critical Illness - Your Sum Insured is automatically doubled separately for treatment of Cancer, Coronary artery bypass surgery, First heart attack, Kidney failure, Multiple sclerosis, Major organ transplant, Stroke, Aorta graft surgery, Paralysis and Primary pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Donor Expenses - All hospitalisation expenses incurred by the Donor in case of major organ transplant are covered.
What are the value added benefits available?
Your Reliance HealthWise Policy offers a host of value added benefits, depending on the Plan opted by you. These include:
* Daily Hospitalisation Allowance for a maximum period of seven days.
* Nursing Allowance for a maximum period of five days, on recommendation of the treating Medical Practitioner.
* Reimbursement of charges towards Local Road Ambulance Services.
* Recovery Benefit of Rs. 10,000/- in case of hospitalisation for more than ten consecutive days.
* Expenses of an Accompanying Person at the Hospital/Nursing Home for a maximum of five days.
* Cost of Health Check up at the end of a block of four years, provided there were no claims reported.
What are the additional features of this Policy?
* Family Floater - Covers your family on a floater basis applicable to a maximum of four persons comprising of you, your spouse and two dependent children under the age of 21 years. Example- If Mr. Sharma and his family choose a regular health insurance plan with Rs. 1 lakh Sum Insured each; they would have to pay individual premiums for each member of the family. In addition, the cover for each Insured member would be only up to one lakh, even if the treatment costs beyond Rs. 1 lakh. But, if they take a Policy of Rs. 3 lakhs for the entire family under a floater Plan offered by Reliance HealthWise Policy, anyone from the family can claim up to Rs. 3 lakhs.
* Renewal Discounts - Equivalent to 5% of renewal premium, if there are no claims in the previous year.
* Income Tax Benefit - Premium eligible for deduction under Section 80 D of the Income Tax Act.
Who are covered under the Policy?
* Children above the age of three months and adults below the age of 65 years.
* Children between three months and five years can be covered only if one or both the parents are covered.
* Maximum age to enter the Plan is 65, 60 and 55 for Standard, Silver and Gold Plan respectively.
| Particulars | Standard | Silver | Gold |
| Basic Feature | Hospitalisation |
|
|
|
| Domiciliary Hospitalisation |
|
|
| |
| Pre Hospitalisation | 30 days | 60 days | 60 days | |
| Post Hospitalisation | 60 days | 90 days | 90 days | |
| Pre-Existing Diseases Coverage | after 4th year | after 2nd year | after 2nd year | |
| Critical Illness (with separate Double Sum Insured) | x | x |
| |
| Donor Expenses | x |
|
| |
| Day Care Treatment |
|
|
| |
| Value Added Feature | Daily Hospitalisation Allowance | x | x |
|
| Nursing Allowance (per day amount) | x | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 300/- | |
| Local Road Ambulance Service (maximum of) | Rs. 500/- | Rs. 750/- | Rs. 1000/- | |
| Recovery Benefit | x | x |
| |
| Expenses on accompanying person (per day amount) | Rs. 200/- | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 300/ | |
| Cost of Health Check up |
|
|
|
Policy Options
Choose your plan -You may choose any of the following plans
* Reliance HealthWise Policy - Standard
* Reliance HealthWise Policy - Silver
* Reliance HealthWise Policy - Gold
Two-Year Policy - Continuous coverage for two years without the hassles of annually renewing your Policy.
Wide range of Sum Insured
* Standard - 1 lakh to 5 lakhs
* Silver - 1 lakh to 5 lakhs
* Gold - 1 lakh to 5 lakhs
What does the Policy not cover?
At Reliance General Insurance, we would like our Policy to be as transparent as possible. To ensure that you do not face any unpleasant surprises when you make a claim, we would like you to know some of the major exclusions under the Policy.
* Certain ailments are not covered in the first year of the inception of the Policy. However, they are covered from the second year onwards. These are Cataract, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, Congenital Internal Diseases, Fistula in Anus, Piles, Hysterectomy for Menorrhagia or Fibromyoma, Hernia, Sinusitis and related disorders. This exclusion will not be applicable for roll over cases and renewals.
* Pre-existing illness will not be covered for the first two/four years, as per the Plan opted.
* Any disease contracted during the first 30 days of inception of Policy. This exclusion will not be applicable for roll over cases and renewals.
* Treatment of pregnancy & childbirth-related complications.
* Suicide, self inflicted injury or illness, mental disorder, anxiety, stress or depression, use of alcohol or drugs.
* Diseases such as HIV or AIDS.
* Cost of spectacles, contact lenses and hearing aids.
* Dental treatment or surgery of any kind unless requiring hospitalisation.
* Expenses on vitamins and tonics unless forming part of treatment for disease/injury.
* Naturopathy treatment or obesity related treatment.
* War, terrorism and nuclear weapons induced hospitalisation.
How can I get this Policy?
All you need to do is fill in the necessary details in the Proposal Form and hand it over along with your cheque to your Insurance Advisor. You will instantly get a Health Kit, containing among other things your Policy and Health Card.
How do I claim my insurance?
You can claim your insurance through the cashless and/or reimbursement facility.
To avail our cashless facility at more than 3000 of our network hospitals across the country, contact our Third Party Administrators (TPA) on the helpline numbers given on your health card. Once you submit the required documents, the TPA would arrange for cashless facility to be made available at the Hospital/Nursing Home, provided the disease/illness/injury, for which you are admitted in the hospital, is covered under your Policy. In case of an admission in a non-network hospital, inform the details to our TPA on the helpline numbers given on your health card. After you get discharged from the hospital, submit all your original bills to our TPA and claim for the reimbursement. To ensure that finances never interfere with your family’s healthcare, apply for the Reliance HealthWise Policy, today!
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Karnataka fares well in third National Family Health Survey |
The third National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of the state has revealed that 70% of children aged between 6 months and 5 years are
anaemic, while fertility level and HIV prevalence have declined.
On Tuesday, releasing the state report of NFHS, health secretary Madan Gopal said: "Convergence and integrated intervention among all departments, like health and education, improves the quality of implementation of several state-initiated programmes."
"Soon, 1000 Primary Health Centres (PHC) in the state will provide round-the-clock service and our main focus will be organising specialist camps across the state," he added.
NFHS field work survey in Karnataka was conducted by the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in 2005-2006.
The main objective of the survey has been to provide national and state estimates of fertility, family planning, infant and child mortality, reproductive and child health, nutrition of women and children, and the quality of health and family welfare services, for which around 6,008 women and 5,528 men in the state were interviewed.
Like all surveys whose results are released over a gap of two to three years after conducting the study,
NFHS also follows the same trend.
Though the report is delayed, it reveals several significant facts about the state.
According to the survey, women in Karnataka exhibit low fertility. Several factors like early marriage have contributed to the decline in fertility rate, like 42% of women and 15% of men are married before the legal minimum age.
Contraceptive methods have increased to 64% in the state, but unfortunately, female sterilization accounts for 90% of all contraceptive use. The full vaccination coverage in the state has dropped between NFHS-2 and NFHS-3 from 60% to 55%.
One-third of births still continue to be home deliveries, and only one-fifth of these are assisted by trained health personnel.
Though one in five married women reported to have experienced spousal violence, a survey also shows a sharp decline of violence among educated women, from 29% among women with no education to 6% among women with 10 or more years of education.
In fact, for the first time, the survey measured HIV prevalence at the national level. Karnataka ranks third among the five high HIV-prevalence states in the country — 0.69% of adults aged 15-49 are infected, including 0.54% in urban areas and 0.79% in rural areas. Women (0.54%) are less likely than men (0.85%) to be HIV-positive.
NFHS-3 was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Department For International Development (DFID), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the government of India.
The national survey was conducted by the ministry of health and family welfare, with International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, and technical support provided by Macro International, Calverton, Maryland, US.
anaemic, while fertility level and HIV prevalence have declined.
On Tuesday, releasing the state report of NFHS, health secretary Madan Gopal said: "Convergence and integrated intervention among all departments, like health and education, improves the quality of implementation of several state-initiated programmes."
"Soon, 1000 Primary Health Centres (PHC) in the state will provide round-the-clock service and our main focus will be organising specialist camps across the state," he added.
NFHS field work survey in Karnataka was conducted by the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in 2005-2006.
The main objective of the survey has been to provide national and state estimates of fertility, family planning, infant and child mortality, reproductive and child health, nutrition of women and children, and the quality of health and family welfare services, for which around 6,008 women and 5,528 men in the state were interviewed.
Like all surveys whose results are released over a gap of two to three years after conducting the study,
NFHS also follows the same trend.
Though the report is delayed, it reveals several significant facts about the state.
According to the survey, women in Karnataka exhibit low fertility. Several factors like early marriage have contributed to the decline in fertility rate, like 42% of women and 15% of men are married before the legal minimum age.
Contraceptive methods have increased to 64% in the state, but unfortunately, female sterilization accounts for 90% of all contraceptive use. The full vaccination coverage in the state has dropped between NFHS-2 and NFHS-3 from 60% to 55%.
One-third of births still continue to be home deliveries, and only one-fifth of these are assisted by trained health personnel.
Though one in five married women reported to have experienced spousal violence, a survey also shows a sharp decline of violence among educated women, from 29% among women with no education to 6% among women with 10 or more years of education.
In fact, for the first time, the survey measured HIV prevalence at the national level. Karnataka ranks third among the five high HIV-prevalence states in the country — 0.69% of adults aged 15-49 are infected, including 0.54% in urban areas and 0.79% in rural areas. Women (0.54%) are less likely than men (0.85%) to be HIV-positive.
NFHS-3 was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Department For International Development (DFID), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the government of India.
The national survey was conducted by the ministry of health and family welfare, with International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, and technical support provided by Macro International, Calverton, Maryland, US.
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Sex after 50! |
Growing old, by no way means the end of ones' sex life. Yet, the fact remains that the aging process causes certain irrevocable emotional and Couple psychical changes which can sometimes affect the ability to enjoy sex.
In most cases, women enjoy sex more as they grow old because post menopause or a hysterectomy, they no longer suffer from the fear of an unwanted pregnancy. "Our sex life has become better as our relationship has grown. Being with each other and knowing one another over the years have added to our chemistry," smiles 57-year-old social worker Mona.
She further adds, "Aging is a natural process, but that should not stop us from enjoying our sex lives. The love, trust and care we have developed over the years looking past our respective imperfections is what makes our sexual relationship all the more special". A study conducted by the University of California suggests that in the West, two-thirds of men and women above the age of 50 enjoy satisfying sexual relationships and 80 per cent of them were satisfied with their ability to enjoy sex. About half of the men and one-third of the women revealed that sex was an extremely important aspect of their lives. These studies bust the preconceived notion that a couple's sex drive goes down with age.
Psychologist Dr. Samir Parikh insists, "Feeling sexy has nothing to do with one's grey hair or wrinkles. It's all within oneself. Some women tend to think that grey hair or wrinkles make them less attractive to their sexual partner. However, if a woman believes being young or being able to give birth makes her more feminine, she may begin to worry about her desirable quotient. That might make sex less enjoyable for her". "There are a lot of people who feel that age is tightly correlated with sexual activity or interest," says Professor Edward Laumann, University of Chicago. It's important for couples to bear in mind that sex involves more than mere penetration. All kinds of touch are stimulating and pleasurable.
"Being sexually active doesn't always have to mean that you are both in the mood for physical intimacy. Sometimes, it could just mean taking some time from your mundane schedule to give your partner pleasure because that is what you want to do for them. Masturbation (self or mutual) is also a way to keep sexually active," suggests 55-year-old, retired army officer Karandeep Singh. Experts recommend taking the time to explore each other's bodies and find out what turns your better half on. Touch is a great alternative to intercourse. It can simply mean holding each other, cuddling with each other while watching a movie or a play or even indulging in a sensual massage to stimulate each other'.
Ways to pep up your sex life:
Communication is key: Often, couples over time stop talking to each other. But it's
Couple important to remember that communication helps build the sexual bond even stronger. Discuss frankly what changes your partner is going through psychically, which can help you understand each other better. "Coffee and conversation always works. Opening up the lines of communication, when both partners are willing to try something can be arousing in itself. Trust me it helps!" confides Romesh Sharma, a 58-year-old research analyst.
Divya Shah, a 56-year-old doctor whose intimate conversations led to the ignition of their dull sex lives says, "I had stopped having orgasms a long while ago, but I had stopped talking to my man about my needs. Then one day my husband directly confronted me saying, "Honey let's talk about us." I was so touched and I felt he still cared for my physical needs." Normal is boring: At times, incorporating a few small changes in your daily routine can work wonders. Like changing the time of the day when you have sex to the time when you have the most energy. If you always make love on weekends, try a few mid-week breaks. "With age my partner and I felt that we should experiment with life to make it more colourful. I started surprising my husband often and needless to say, each time we ended up feeling charged up," shares Mona.
Create romance: You need to explore ways to keep up the spark in your love life. Explore each other's bodies with an invigorating massage or just try saying "I love you" when least expected, as this will create a stronger bond of trust. "My husband is in itself a surprise bag; he comes up with all the out of the box ideas which actually acts as a catalyst in our relationship, right from going for a drive at midnight to going to terrace and shouting out my name," says Latika, a 52-year-old homemaker.
Have reasonable expectations: One's expectation when it comes to sex should be reasonable and one should know that with age our bodies respond differently. Karandeep talks on the lines of practicality and says, "At the age of 50 and above, I personally think one should know and respect the changes in one's body and thereafter keep their expectations realistic".
Take care of your self: A healthy diet, regular exercise and proper relaxation helps to keep your body and mind in good shape. Regular exercise can increase sexual frequency and improve performance. "I make it a point to go for a walk everyday for at least half and hour and engage in a lot of physical activities which keeps me active and helps live up to the expectations of my husband," confides Latika.
Benefits of being sexually active as you get older: Sex burns fat and boosts your immune system.
Sex causes the brain to release endorphins – the body's natural pain relievers. Sex relieves stress and makes you feel good. Sexually active people possess higher levels of naturally produced sex hormones. In other words: Use it or lose it! If you are sexually active throughout your life, the physical changes that come with aging may be less pronounced and sexuality is usually less affected.
Having sex takes up about as much energy as walking up two flights of stairs, so sex is rarely dangerous. If you have any health-related concerns, consult your physician.
Being sexually active contributes to physical and emotional health. But a word of caution - sexually transmitted infections knows no age boundary, so practice safe sex.
source:timesofindia
Nov 5, 2008
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Pregnancy disorder signals? Check for heart disease |
A pregnant woman who experiences high blood pressure could be getting the earliest signal about the risk of developing heart disease.
Called pre-eclampsia, this type of high blood pressure occurs in five to 10 percent of all pregnancies, says Graeme Smith, Queen's University professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
But because most practicing physicians are unaware of the link between pre-eclampsia and risk of cardiovascular problems, they fail to follow up with screening tests.
'This should be on every obstetrician's and family doctor's radar screen,' said Smith, an expert in high-risk obstetrics who is affiliated with Kingston General Hospital's Perinatal Research Unit.
'What's exciting for our research team is that we're mostly dealing with young, healthy women who now have the opportunity to protect themselves from developing a life-threatening condition years down the road.'
The study, which began five years ago, has followed the progress of 400 Ontario women, half of who developed pre-eclampsia during their pregnancy, according to a Queen's University release.
The findings were published on-line in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
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'Red wine' pills may help fight obesity and diabetes |
Scientists have developed a new drug that mimics the effects of an ingredient in red wine, which may be a powerful weapon in the fight against obesity and diabetes.
While testing the compound, called SRT1720, researchers found that it protected mice from weight-gain and insulin disorders - even when they ate a high-fat diet.
They also found that the drug appears to increase energy levels when exercising.
It targets a protein, which is also affected by resveratrol, a chemical in the skins of red grapes that's believed to combat ageing and help prevent heart disease and cancer.
After 10 weeks of treatment, a low dose of SRT1720 partially protected the mice from weight gain, and a high dose completely prevented weight gain, improved blood sugar tolerance and endowed the animal with greater athletic ability.
"SRT1720 made the animals run twice as long," the Sun quoted researcher Prof Johan Auwerx, working in Lausanne in Switzerland, as saying.
It seems to trick the body into thinking food is scarce. A similar response occurs with calorie restriction, which switches the metabolism to burning fat.
Researchers now hope to start human trials and the drug could be available within five years.
While testing the compound, called SRT1720, researchers found that it protected mice from weight-gain and insulin disorders - even when they ate a high-fat diet.
They also found that the drug appears to increase energy levels when exercising.
It targets a protein, which is also affected by resveratrol, a chemical in the skins of red grapes that's believed to combat ageing and help prevent heart disease and cancer.
After 10 weeks of treatment, a low dose of SRT1720 partially protected the mice from weight gain, and a high dose completely prevented weight gain, improved blood sugar tolerance and endowed the animal with greater athletic ability.
"SRT1720 made the animals run twice as long," the Sun quoted researcher Prof Johan Auwerx, working in Lausanne in Switzerland, as saying.
It seems to trick the body into thinking food is scarce. A similar response occurs with calorie restriction, which switches the metabolism to burning fat.
Researchers now hope to start human trials and the drug could be available within five years.
Nov 4, 2008
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Skin and Beauty Videos |
Cheryl Kramer Kaye of Redbook magazine reveals simple beauty solutions for different stages of your life.
| [+/-] |
How to Be in Good Health |
Many precaution should be taken concerning the younger generation. With the advanced of technology, scientist have surely find ways to be slim and not to feel different from others. Many chemical solutions have been produced and sold on the World Market but not one doubt of further circumstances. Physical exercises also help the proper functioning of our heart. We have swimming,running slowly,walking fast not in a vigorous way and many sports activity. Many people think that sport is good for health. It's true that sport is good but the problem is that if we do not know how to practice it in the convenient manner it can be fatal to our health. We should do things according to our capacity. Human body has a limited capacity and we should all respect it. Consuming drugs to enforced our capacity is not efficient for our health in the long run even death can occur at the wrong time.
Tips
* Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables containing lots of fibers.
* Have at least eight hour sleeping each day.
* At least fifteen minutes of exercise.
* A balanced diet is required.
* Breakfast plays a vital role in your health
* Use herbal product (vegetable) rather than product containing lots of chemical substances.
* Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks
* Drink one glass of water as you wake up every morning
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DNA clue to child brain tumours |
Scientists at Cambridge University have made a major breakthrough researching brain tumours in children.For the first time a sequence of DNA present in around two-thirds of the most common tumour has been pinpointed.
Pilocytic astrocytomas is diagnosed in 145 children from five to 19 every year, with nearly 40 cases untreatable.
As little is known about the causes and genetics of brain tumours, it is hoped the findings could lead to better treatment.
Professor Peter Collins, who led the research at Cambridge University, carried out genetic scans on 44 pilocytic astrocytoma and found a DNA sequence rearranged on a chromosome in the majority of the samples.
We think this important finding will be vital in guiding our future research
Dr Lesley Walker
The rearrangement creates a fusion gene, a hybrid created from two separate genes.
It is the first time fusion activity has been associated with a brain tumour.
Professor Collins said: "If we can diagnose exactly which type of brain tumour a child has as early as possible, the tumour is more likely to be treated successfully.
"We also hope the findings will mean it is possible to create therapies in the future that block the activity of the fusion gene and halt the growth of tumour cells."
Dr Lesley Walker from Cancer Research UK said: "Any discovery that adds to our understanding of the pathways that cause these tumours to form is quite exciting news.
"We think this important finding will be vital in guiding our future research."
Cancer Research UK and Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust funded the project.
Paul Carbury, chief executive of the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust, said a major breakthrough had been achieved with a "world class piece of research".
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Obama's grandmother dies after battle with cancer |
Sen. Barack Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died following a bout with cancer, Obama and his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, said Monday.
Barack Obama and his grandmother Madelyn Dunham are seen together in this photo from 1979. She was 86.
At a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, Monday night, the Illinois senator said "she has gone home and she died peacefully in her sleep with my sister at her side."
"I'm not going to talk about it long because it's hard to talk about," he added.
Obama remembered her as "one of those quiet heroes we have across America, who aren't famous ... but each and every day they work hard. They look after their families. They look after their children and their grandchildren."
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Obama and his sister said that Dunham was "the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility." Video Watch CNN contributors discuss Obama's grandmother »
"She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure."
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Obama and Soetoro-Ng asked that donations be made for the search for a cure for cancer in lieu of flowers. A small private ceremony will be held "at a later date."
Dunham passed away peacefully at her home shortly before midnight Sunday night (5 a.m. ET), campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki told CNN. She said Obama learned of her death around 8 a.m.
Obama's republican rival, Sen. John McCain, issued a statement Monday afternoon:
"We offer our deepest condolences to Barack Obama and his family as they grieve the loss of their beloved grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they remember and celebrate the life of someone who had such a profound impact in their lives."
The Democratic presidential candidate left the campaign trail on October 23 and flew to Honolulu, Hawaii, to spend the day with Dunham, whose health deteriorated after she suffered a broken hip.
His wife, Michelle Obama, filled in for him at events in Columbus and Akron, Ohio, on October 24.
Obama said in an interview taped for that day's "Good Morning America" that Dunham had been "inundated" with flowers and messages from strangers who read about her in Obama's 1995 book, "Dreams From My Father."
"Maybe she is getting a sense of long-deserved recognition toward the end of her life," he said. Video Watch Obama tell supporters that his grandmother was "one of those quiet heroes" »
The candidate resumed his campaign on October 25.
Obama has spoken often about his grandmother -- who helped raise him -- as an integral figure in his youth and how she struggled against the glass ceiling in her career. He and his family traveled to Hawaii in August to visit her.
"She's the one who put off buying a new car or a new dress for herself so that I could have a better life," he said in his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. "She poured everything she had into me. And although she can no longer travel, I know that she's watching tonight, and that tonight is her night as well."
"I'm not going to talk about it long because it's hard to talk about," he added.
Obama remembered her as "one of those quiet heroes we have across America, who aren't famous ... but each and every day they work hard. They look after their families. They look after their children and their grandchildren."
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Obama and his sister said that Dunham was "the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility." Video Watch CNN contributors discuss Obama's grandmother »
"She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure."
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Obama and Soetoro-Ng asked that donations be made for the search for a cure for cancer in lieu of flowers. A small private ceremony will be held "at a later date."
Dunham passed away peacefully at her home shortly before midnight Sunday night (5 a.m. ET), campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki told CNN. She said Obama learned of her death around 8 a.m.
Obama's republican rival, Sen. John McCain, issued a statement Monday afternoon:
"We offer our deepest condolences to Barack Obama and his family as they grieve the loss of their beloved grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they remember and celebrate the life of someone who had such a profound impact in their lives."
The Democratic presidential candidate left the campaign trail on October 23 and flew to Honolulu, Hawaii, to spend the day with Dunham, whose health deteriorated after she suffered a broken hip.
His wife, Michelle Obama, filled in for him at events in Columbus and Akron, Ohio, on October 24.
Obama said in an interview taped for that day's "Good Morning America" that Dunham had been "inundated" with flowers and messages from strangers who read about her in Obama's 1995 book, "Dreams From My Father."
"Maybe she is getting a sense of long-deserved recognition toward the end of her life," he said. Video Watch Obama tell supporters that his grandmother was "one of those quiet heroes" »
The candidate resumed his campaign on October 25.
Obama has spoken often about his grandmother -- who helped raise him -- as an integral figure in his youth and how she struggled against the glass ceiling in her career. He and his family traveled to Hawaii in August to visit her.
"She's the one who put off buying a new car or a new dress for herself so that I could have a better life," he said in his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. "She poured everything she had into me. And although she can no longer travel, I know that she's watching tonight, and that tonight is her night as well."
| [+/-] |
People are turning towards Ayurveda |
Dr Narinder Kumar Dhand recently took over as the District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer. In conversation with Sameer Kumar Sharma, he talks about the development plans for the ayurvedic department and the changing image of Ayurveda in the state
Q* With the government appointing regular district ayurvedic officers, we are witnessing a change in the image of the department. How far do you expect this to continue?
For most of my career as an Ayurvedic medical officer, there has never been proper supply of medicines, let alone proper building and infrastructure for the Ayurveda offices.
However, all this is gradually changing and the Health Minister Lakshmi Kanta Chawla has taken interest in the development of the Ayurvedic department in the state.
Q* There have been reports time and again that the Ayurvedic department staff members do not receive salaries on time. How is the situation now?
That is exactly what is going to change with the appointment of regular district ayurvedic officers in 14 districts.
Disburisng the salaries of staffers on time is our top priority.
We will ensure that all the employees receive their salaries on time.
Q* After the appointment of the AYUSH commissioner and the ayurvedic director, how does the department fare now?
It is true that states like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have done really well when it comes to developing Ayurveda.
With Rakesh Sharma having taken over as the director and K B S Sidhu as Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) commissioner, we have been on the right track of development.
People are turning towards Ayurveda and it is high time that we upgrade our facilities in the state. The department is shaping up well.
Q* What are the new developments taking place?
We are soon going to have an Ayurvedic Wing at the Civil Hospital as part of the under-one-roof scheme of the Centre, wherein treatments under Ayurveda and Homoeopathy will be provided.
While Rs 35 lakh has been sanctioned for the same, a special ayurvedic clinic is being set up in Khanna.
Q* What are the challenges that you are faced with at present?
I want all the nearly 50 ayurvedic pharmacies in the district to work towards achieving the standards of Goods Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in order that we have well-packaged good ayurvedic medicines available in the market.
The staffers working in dispensaries need to be regularised and I will ensure this happens soon.
Nov 3, 2008
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HPV virus aids cervical and head and neck cancer progression |
HPV virus aids cervical and head and neck cancer progressionA new study has found that the human papillomavirus (HPV) aids in the progression of cervical and head and neck cancer cells by activating a cell signalling pathway that helps the cancers survive, grow and spread.
The research led by University of California, Los Angeles has shown that HPV allows infected cervical and head and neck cancer cells to maintain internal molecular conditions that make the cancers resistant to therapy.
The researchers hope that the findings may lead to the development of new therapies that target the cell-signalling pathway, thereby interrupting ability of the cancer cells to thrive.
The study was conducted on cells in culture and animal models.
"There is potential for therapeutic intervention based on this finding," said Dr. Matthew Rettig, senior author of the study and a researcher at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
"The virus appears to be regulating the expression of genes that control all of the characteristics of hypoxic tumours, those that promote survival, drug resistance and the spread of the cancers.
"It's good for the tumour, bad for the patient," he added.
The HPV virus expresses a protein called E6, which targets a cell signalling pathway called NF-?B, heightening its activation.
The finding was further confirmed when cervical and head and neck cancers, not caused by HPV, did not have heightened activation of the pathway.
"The cells had to have the virus to have the activation," said Retti
The next step for Rettig and his team is to confirm the findings in additional animal models to gain broader understanding of the potential correlation of hypoxia and activation of the cell signalling pathway in humans.
The study has been published in journal Cancer Cell.
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Needle removed from boy’s lung |
Blunt end was facing lung tissue and had not caused injury
Senthilnathan, professor of paediatric surgery, displays the needle removed from three-year-old Shiva’s lung at the Institute of Child Health on Saturday. —
When three-year-old Shiva swallowed a sewing machine needle, an X-ray showed that it had entered the boy’s right lung. A medical team at the Institute of Child Health (ICH) in Egmore succeeded in removing it after a 90-minute surgery a week ago. The boy is safe and will be discharged soon.
Shiva had swallowed the needle when he was playing at his grandfather’s house at Kalakkad in Tirunelveli district. When he was taken to a private hospital, the doctors found that the needle had slipped to the lowest lobe of the right lung and removal would be difficult. The case was referred to a tertiary care centre and the family brought Shiva to the ICH. Luckily, the blunt end of the needle was facing the lung tissue and had not caused injury.
S.V. Senthilnathan, professor of paediatric surgery, said that the ICH was equipped with bronchoscopes and pulmonoscopes small enough to insert into the trachea of a three-year-old. “On two occasions, doctors tried to remove the needle using a bronchoscope as surgery could be avoided. But the needle had slipped very low down the lung,” he said.
Apart from cough, Shiva did not suffer from pain but the needle could cause infection and other complications if not removed at the earliest. Finally, the doctors decided on thorocotomy, a surgery to reach into the lung. The operation was done on October 25. The medical team that performed the surgery included Prof. Philip Chandran and Assistant Professors Muthukumaran and Mohan Kumar.
Dr. Shantha Parthiban and her team were in charge of anaesthesia, a tricky procedure as the surgery was on the lung.
As Shiva sleeps soundly on her lap, his mother Esakiammal shows the thick needle that he had swallowed. “I wonder how the doctors managed to remove it. I am very grateful,” she said.
Her husband Pechimuthu, a daily wage earner, has returned home after the surgery but will come to Chennai when his son is discharged. SAFE NOW:
Senthilnathan, professor of paediatric surgery, displays the needle removed from three-year-old Shiva’s lung at the Institute of Child Health on Saturday. —
When three-year-old Shiva swallowed a sewing machine needle, an X-ray showed that it had entered the boy’s right lung. A medical team at the Institute of Child Health (ICH) in Egmore succeeded in removing it after a 90-minute surgery a week ago. The boy is safe and will be discharged soon.
Shiva had swallowed the needle when he was playing at his grandfather’s house at Kalakkad in Tirunelveli district. When he was taken to a private hospital, the doctors found that the needle had slipped to the lowest lobe of the right lung and removal would be difficult. The case was referred to a tertiary care centre and the family brought Shiva to the ICH. Luckily, the blunt end of the needle was facing the lung tissue and had not caused injury.
S.V. Senthilnathan, professor of paediatric surgery, said that the ICH was equipped with bronchoscopes and pulmonoscopes small enough to insert into the trachea of a three-year-old. “On two occasions, doctors tried to remove the needle using a bronchoscope as surgery could be avoided. But the needle had slipped very low down the lung,” he said.
Apart from cough, Shiva did not suffer from pain but the needle could cause infection and other complications if not removed at the earliest. Finally, the doctors decided on thorocotomy, a surgery to reach into the lung. The operation was done on October 25. The medical team that performed the surgery included Prof. Philip Chandran and Assistant Professors Muthukumaran and Mohan Kumar.
Dr. Shantha Parthiban and her team were in charge of anaesthesia, a tricky procedure as the surgery was on the lung.
As Shiva sleeps soundly on her lap, his mother Esakiammal shows the thick needle that he had swallowed. “I wonder how the doctors managed to remove it. I am very grateful,” she said.
Her husband Pechimuthu, a daily wage earner, has returned home after the surgery but will come to Chennai when his son is discharged. SAFE NOW:
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Ayurveda to Cure Chemotherapy Effects |
India has patented an ayurveda medicine that promises to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy during cancer treatment and improve
the blood platelet count among patients.
The medicine, Medihope, made by a Pune-based manufacturer, was awarded the patent after it received favourable field results. It will be in the Indian market within a month.
"We have found favourable results after at least 10 years of laboratory tests and later by conducting trials on over 2,000 patients," said RD Katkar, chief executive of Hope Ayurvedic Medicine Private Ltd.
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is known to weaken the immune system, cause weight loss, decrease the hemoglobin percentage and blood platelet count.
"Let me clarify that the medicine is not a cure for cancer but is an effective medicine to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and various radiation therapies used in cancer treatment," Katkar said.
Katkar, who was in Delhi to participate in an ongoing annual traditional medicine fair in Delhi organised by the health ministry, said the intake of the medicine as a "supplement with cancer drugs expedites recovery".
He claimed that the composition produced from 12 medicinal plants helps increase the blood platelet count and hemoglobin percentage. It also reduces pain from chemotherapy.
Bhupinder Singh, a doctor working at the company's laboratory in Pune, said: "As a medical practitioner, I found the substance much helpful. Besides, there are other benefits like maintaining the white blood cell count and increase in the weight of patients."
Singh said the medicine available in powder form needs to be taken every morning by boiling it in water.
"A cancer patient needs to take the medicine for a year," he said, adding it would cost nearly Rs.60,000 for yearlong treatment.
Katkar said India has already patented the product and the company has registered itself in 108 other countries for getting patents as a special ayurvedic medicine.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The disease accounted for 7.9 million deaths in 2007. According to the WHO, cancer is one of the top 10 killers in India and it kills over 400,000 Indians every year.
According to the National Cancer Registry, the incidence of cancer in India stands at 36.21 per 100,000 males and 45.02 per 100,000 females.
the blood platelet count among patients.
The medicine, Medihope, made by a Pune-based manufacturer, was awarded the patent after it received favourable field results. It will be in the Indian market within a month.
"We have found favourable results after at least 10 years of laboratory tests and later by conducting trials on over 2,000 patients," said RD Katkar, chief executive of Hope Ayurvedic Medicine Private Ltd.
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is known to weaken the immune system, cause weight loss, decrease the hemoglobin percentage and blood platelet count.
"Let me clarify that the medicine is not a cure for cancer but is an effective medicine to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and various radiation therapies used in cancer treatment," Katkar said.
Katkar, who was in Delhi to participate in an ongoing annual traditional medicine fair in Delhi organised by the health ministry, said the intake of the medicine as a "supplement with cancer drugs expedites recovery".
He claimed that the composition produced from 12 medicinal plants helps increase the blood platelet count and hemoglobin percentage. It also reduces pain from chemotherapy.
Bhupinder Singh, a doctor working at the company's laboratory in Pune, said: "As a medical practitioner, I found the substance much helpful. Besides, there are other benefits like maintaining the white blood cell count and increase in the weight of patients."
Singh said the medicine available in powder form needs to be taken every morning by boiling it in water.
"A cancer patient needs to take the medicine for a year," he said, adding it would cost nearly Rs.60,000 for yearlong treatment.
Katkar said India has already patented the product and the company has registered itself in 108 other countries for getting patents as a special ayurvedic medicine.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The disease accounted for 7.9 million deaths in 2007. According to the WHO, cancer is one of the top 10 killers in India and it kills over 400,000 Indians every year.
According to the National Cancer Registry, the incidence of cancer in India stands at 36.21 per 100,000 males and 45.02 per 100,000 females.
| [+/-] |
Calif. surgeon faces trial in organ donation case |
Ruben Navarro loved horror movies. He watched the "Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Friday the 13th" series with his mother, Rosa, and liked to visit Knott's Berry Farm when it was transformed every October to "Knott's Scary Farm."
Since his death 2 1/2 years ago, Rosa Navarro says she has been living a real-life nightmare without her only child. Ruben Navarro, who had multiple medical problems, died in a San Luis Obispo hospital after a heart attack, then was taken off a ventilator and prepared for organ donation.
The circumstances surrounding that death will be center stage in opening statements scheduled to begin Monday in the trial of Dr. Hootan Roozrokh, a San Francisco transplant surgeon who is accused of hastening Navarro's death so his organs could be harvested.
"He was my world," Rosa Navarro told The Associated Press on Thursday. "It's been very, very hard for me. He didn't die with respect and integrity."
Roozrokh, 34, faces one count of felony dependent adult abuse. Two other felony counts were dismissed by San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Martin J. Tangeman in March.
If convicted, he could face four years in prison.
Defense lawyer M. Gerald Schwartzbach has argued that Roozrokh did nothing wrong, saying he did not endanger Navarro's health or life. Schwartzbach did not respond to an e-mail message seeking further comment.
The case against Roozrokh is believed to be the first such criminal action brought against a transplant doctor in the U.S.
Navarro, 25, died in February 2006 at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo. He had a debilitating neurological disease and was in a coma after the heart attack.
His kidneys and liver were never harvested because he didn't die within a time frame when those organs would have been considered viable.
The hospital has said it had Rosa Navarro's permission to remove her son from life support, but she disputes that.
Statements to police by nurses present in the operating room indicated Roozrokh improperly ordered excessive doses of morphine and a sedative for Navarro. State law says transplant surgeons must wait until a potential donor is dead before participating in procedures.
But Tangeman said in his ruling dismissing the other two charges that there was no evidence Roozrokh administered or ordered a combination of morphine and the sedative. The judge also noted that doctors and nurses present when Navarro died gave conflicting accounts of what happened.
Roozrokh, a surgeon at Kaiser Permanente's now-closed kidney transplant program, was working at the time on behalf of a group that procures and distributes organs.
The case is being watched closely by physicians and others in the medical field, said Arthur Caplan, a professor of medical ethics at the University of Pennsylvania who worries that a conviction could hurt prospects for expanding organ donation.
"It's a trust issue," Caplan said. "It's such a moral taboo to give the appearance of hastening a death through organ donation. Were he to be found guilty, it would be a thunderclap heard through the organ procurement field."
Navarro, who weighed about 80 pounds, was born with a neurological disorder known as adrenoleukodystrophy and also had cerebral palsy. He lived in a home for mentally and physically challenged adults in the year before his death.
The hospital and its parent company settled a lawsuit last year filed by Rosa Navarro for $250,000. Under terms of the settlement, the hospital acknowledged no wrongdoing.
Since his death 2 1/2 years ago, Rosa Navarro says she has been living a real-life nightmare without her only child. Ruben Navarro, who had multiple medical problems, died in a San Luis Obispo hospital after a heart attack, then was taken off a ventilator and prepared for organ donation.
The circumstances surrounding that death will be center stage in opening statements scheduled to begin Monday in the trial of Dr. Hootan Roozrokh, a San Francisco transplant surgeon who is accused of hastening Navarro's death so his organs could be harvested.
"He was my world," Rosa Navarro told The Associated Press on Thursday. "It's been very, very hard for me. He didn't die with respect and integrity."
Roozrokh, 34, faces one count of felony dependent adult abuse. Two other felony counts were dismissed by San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Martin J. Tangeman in March.
If convicted, he could face four years in prison.
Defense lawyer M. Gerald Schwartzbach has argued that Roozrokh did nothing wrong, saying he did not endanger Navarro's health or life. Schwartzbach did not respond to an e-mail message seeking further comment.
The case against Roozrokh is believed to be the first such criminal action brought against a transplant doctor in the U.S.
Navarro, 25, died in February 2006 at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo. He had a debilitating neurological disease and was in a coma after the heart attack.
His kidneys and liver were never harvested because he didn't die within a time frame when those organs would have been considered viable.
The hospital has said it had Rosa Navarro's permission to remove her son from life support, but she disputes that.
Statements to police by nurses present in the operating room indicated Roozrokh improperly ordered excessive doses of morphine and a sedative for Navarro. State law says transplant surgeons must wait until a potential donor is dead before participating in procedures.
But Tangeman said in his ruling dismissing the other two charges that there was no evidence Roozrokh administered or ordered a combination of morphine and the sedative. The judge also noted that doctors and nurses present when Navarro died gave conflicting accounts of what happened.
Roozrokh, a surgeon at Kaiser Permanente's now-closed kidney transplant program, was working at the time on behalf of a group that procures and distributes organs.
The case is being watched closely by physicians and others in the medical field, said Arthur Caplan, a professor of medical ethics at the University of Pennsylvania who worries that a conviction could hurt prospects for expanding organ donation.
"It's a trust issue," Caplan said. "It's such a moral taboo to give the appearance of hastening a death through organ donation. Were he to be found guilty, it would be a thunderclap heard through the organ procurement field."
Navarro, who weighed about 80 pounds, was born with a neurological disorder known as adrenoleukodystrophy and also had cerebral palsy. He lived in a home for mentally and physically challenged adults in the year before his death.
The hospital and its parent company settled a lawsuit last year filed by Rosa Navarro for $250,000. Under terms of the settlement, the hospital acknowledged no wrongdoing.
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How to Save Money on Your Health Insurance--5 Tips! |
Step1
1. Use an independent health insurance broker. An independent health insurance broker, like Matt Irons, is someone who is dedicated to the customer, not employed by a specific company, but represents a variety of insurance carriers. The advantage of using a broker is that they can shop the best deals around without sacrificing benefits. Health brokers are a lot like a mortgage brokers who shop the banks for the best interest rates, saving you money.
Step2
2. Review your usage of your current Arizona health insurance plan. In other words, see what benefits you are using and how often. For example, doctor’s office visits. How often are you going to the doctor each year? Most people only go to the doctor once or twice. A lot of times the plan they have include “unlimited” office visits with a co-pay. If you choose a plan that allows you to go with a “set” number of co-pay visits per year (like 4 or 5) you can save about 20% or more per month, saving you hundreds per year.
Step3
3. Increase your deductible. By increasing your deductible you are not changing the initial benefits of your Arizona health plan. You still get your doctor’s office co-pays, your prescription card, and ER co-pays. The only time you use the deductible is for large claim situations like, going to the hospital for surgery, having an outpatient procedure, or costly tests.
Step4
4. Don’t Smoke, if you do QUIT!!! By being a non-smoker you are saving money already. For those of you that are smokers, you are adding to your premium a least another $30 dollars or more a month.
Step5
5. Remove the bells and whistles. This kind of goes back to the second tip, but goes a little further. If you hardly ever go to the doctor why even pay for that benefit each and every month. Just pay for the visit out-of-pocket when it happens. If you are using a doctor within your PPO network you will experience a reprised amount anyway. For example, generally an Arizona primary care doctor visit is about $80, when it gets reprised because of the PPO you will only pay about $55, generally speaking. These types of plans are usually called Catastrophic Plans. Another type of plan that is gaining in popularity is called the HSA Plan. These types of plans are saving people a lot of money each and every month and providing another way to save on their income taxes each year. About Matt Irons and Irons Family Insurance: Matt Irons is dedicated to the well being of his clients, by providing peace of mind and helping them find quality Arizona health insurance at an affordable price.
source:By mirons
Nov 2, 2008
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Learn Languages for Mental Health |
Here's an advice for parents! Pester your child to learn at least two to three languages, for a new study says that it could bebeneficial for the toddler's mental health later in life.
An international team, led by researchers at Tel Aviv University
, has carried out the study and found that knowing multiple languages protects the children's brain against the effects of ageing in old age.
According to the researchers, a person who speaks more languages is likely to be more clear-minded at an older age — in effect, "exercising" his or her brain more than those who are monolingual.
And, this is because languages create new links in the brain, contributing to this strengthening effect.
Lead researcher Dr Gitit Kave said: "There is no sure-fire recipe for avoiding the pitfalls of mental ageing. But using a second or third language may help prolong the good years."
| [+/-] |
Employers in search of ways to help keep health insurance costs low |
It's time for employees to choose from the health insurance and benefits options their employers are offering for next year.
Businesses are scurrying to communicate and educate workers about medical coverage and benefits offerings during annual open enrollment season this month.
More South Florida companies are changing health plans in 2009 to focus on preventive care, while steering workers into high-deductible plans tied to tax-free health savings accounts. Employers say they're trying to keep premium increases down because they recognize workers already are stretched with higher costs of living.
"We look at the employee first: What is the impact going to be on their entire paycheck?" said John Heins, chief human resources officer for Spherion Corp., the national staffing company based in Fort Lauderdale.
In a survey of 34 South Florida companies by Fort Lauderdale's Seitlin Benefits, 41 percent said they would change benefit levels to keep increases in their medical plans to a minimum. Does that mean skimpier coverage? Some experts say it could, but employers say they're offering choices that turn workers into better health consumers.
Nationally, health premiums are rising by 5 percent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In South Florida, premiums are going up 7 percent to 8 percent next year, but well-managed health plans are expecting increases of only 2 percent to 3 percent, said Sheryl Grey, who heads the Florida healthcare practice for consulting firm Watson Wyatt in Miami.
Mahoney & Associates, a benefits management firm in Fort Lauderdale, is urging clients to offer employees one health plan that combines a high annual deductible with a health savings account workers contribute to through payroll deduction. Employees spend healthcare dollars more cautiously when they have a financial interest in the plan, said Bill Mahoney, the firm's founder.
Healthy employees can save money on such high-deductible plans because the monthly premium is cheaper than a traditional plan. But critics question whether lower income employees can afford to pay entire deductibles upfront before getting medical care. And those in poor health may have lower monthly premiums but be unable to afford the high deductible if they land in the hospital.
"It could really divide the risk pool and make lower deductible plans more costly," said Edwin Park, senior fellow for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C. "Cost sharing has a tendency to discourage both necessary and unnecessary health services."
Some local companies help workers meet their yearly deductible. For 2009, Mahoney & Associates will raise the firm's contribution to $1,000 of the $1,100 deductible. JM Family Enterprises is paying half the $1,250 deductible for employees in its new medical plan. The Deerfield Beach-based automobile business also offers a traditional plan with new co-pays of $30 for primary care doctor visits and $40 for specialists.
High-deductible plans "look scary but sometimes it's actually the better plan. The out-of-pocket maximum can be lower. The cost per pay period can be lower," said Watson Wyatt's Grey.
An employer's contribution to a health savings account is tax deductible and tax-free to workers, if used on medical costs. Unlike a flexible savings account, the money can rolls over from year to year. However, workers younger than 65 will get stuck with a 10 percent penalty, if money in a health savings account is used for non-medical purposes.
Many workers are just learning about their health insurance options for next year. Some companies are rewarding their employees for staying fit.
Gail Ferro, senior marketing manager for Spherion, said her employer is urging workers to go to an urgent care clinic instead of the more costly hospital emergency room when appropriate. With three children ages 9 to 17 who play sports, she has made a few trips to the emergency room, including one for herself when she recently fell off a ladder.
"It does make sense when someone cuts a knee. You could go to the urgent clinic and get a couple stitches," she said.
Nick Bossé, director of creative services for JM Family, added his wife to his health plan in June and now pays the family rate. For next year, "I'm tending to stick with the original because it suits all my needs," said Bossé, 30, in comparing the traditional with the high-deductible plans.
His favorite benefit at JM Family is the on-site wellness center, where he can see the doctor for free.
At the wellness center, employees come in for flu shots, vaccines for traveling and the occasional emergency such as heart attack symptoms, said Dr. Michael Neam, a wellness center doctor.
Next year, JM Family is extending health benefits to employees' domestic partners. And, in recognition of greater stress in the workplace due to the economy, the company is tripling its mental health benefit from 20 visits to 60, said Sandra Porceng, the company's vice president of total rewards.
The company's incentives to stay healthy are catching on, too.
"We do 'lunch and learn' on nutrition, preventive medicine, packing a healthy lunch for your kids," she said.
In the employee cafeteria, workers who choose from a low-salt, low-fat menu Monday through Thursday get their lunch on Friday for free.
"There are no french fries on that menu," Porceng said.
Marcia Heroux Pounds can be reached at mpounds@sunsentinel.com or 561-243-6650.
New medical insurance trends
These are the trends for 2009 health plans employers will offer:
Increased emphasis on improving personal health through financial incentives.
Greater access to on-site clinics and health coaches.
Health savings accounts linked to high-deductible insurance plans.
Full coverage or low co-payments for preventive screenings and tests.
Surcharges for spouses who have access to other employer plans, but opt to be covered by their partner's plan.
Source: Watson Wyatt
Businesses are scurrying to communicate and educate workers about medical coverage and benefits offerings during annual open enrollment season this month.
More South Florida companies are changing health plans in 2009 to focus on preventive care, while steering workers into high-deductible plans tied to tax-free health savings accounts. Employers say they're trying to keep premium increases down because they recognize workers already are stretched with higher costs of living.
"We look at the employee first: What is the impact going to be on their entire paycheck?" said John Heins, chief human resources officer for Spherion Corp., the national staffing company based in Fort Lauderdale.
In a survey of 34 South Florida companies by Fort Lauderdale's Seitlin Benefits, 41 percent said they would change benefit levels to keep increases in their medical plans to a minimum. Does that mean skimpier coverage? Some experts say it could, but employers say they're offering choices that turn workers into better health consumers.
Nationally, health premiums are rising by 5 percent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In South Florida, premiums are going up 7 percent to 8 percent next year, but well-managed health plans are expecting increases of only 2 percent to 3 percent, said Sheryl Grey, who heads the Florida healthcare practice for consulting firm Watson Wyatt in Miami.
Mahoney & Associates, a benefits management firm in Fort Lauderdale, is urging clients to offer employees one health plan that combines a high annual deductible with a health savings account workers contribute to through payroll deduction. Employees spend healthcare dollars more cautiously when they have a financial interest in the plan, said Bill Mahoney, the firm's founder.
Healthy employees can save money on such high-deductible plans because the monthly premium is cheaper than a traditional plan. But critics question whether lower income employees can afford to pay entire deductibles upfront before getting medical care. And those in poor health may have lower monthly premiums but be unable to afford the high deductible if they land in the hospital.
"It could really divide the risk pool and make lower deductible plans more costly," said Edwin Park, senior fellow for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C. "Cost sharing has a tendency to discourage both necessary and unnecessary health services."
Some local companies help workers meet their yearly deductible. For 2009, Mahoney & Associates will raise the firm's contribution to $1,000 of the $1,100 deductible. JM Family Enterprises is paying half the $1,250 deductible for employees in its new medical plan. The Deerfield Beach-based automobile business also offers a traditional plan with new co-pays of $30 for primary care doctor visits and $40 for specialists.
High-deductible plans "look scary but sometimes it's actually the better plan. The out-of-pocket maximum can be lower. The cost per pay period can be lower," said Watson Wyatt's Grey.
An employer's contribution to a health savings account is tax deductible and tax-free to workers, if used on medical costs. Unlike a flexible savings account, the money can rolls over from year to year. However, workers younger than 65 will get stuck with a 10 percent penalty, if money in a health savings account is used for non-medical purposes.
Many workers are just learning about their health insurance options for next year. Some companies are rewarding their employees for staying fit.
Gail Ferro, senior marketing manager for Spherion, said her employer is urging workers to go to an urgent care clinic instead of the more costly hospital emergency room when appropriate. With three children ages 9 to 17 who play sports, she has made a few trips to the emergency room, including one for herself when she recently fell off a ladder.
"It does make sense when someone cuts a knee. You could go to the urgent clinic and get a couple stitches," she said.
Nick Bossé, director of creative services for JM Family, added his wife to his health plan in June and now pays the family rate. For next year, "I'm tending to stick with the original because it suits all my needs," said Bossé, 30, in comparing the traditional with the high-deductible plans.
His favorite benefit at JM Family is the on-site wellness center, where he can see the doctor for free.
At the wellness center, employees come in for flu shots, vaccines for traveling and the occasional emergency such as heart attack symptoms, said Dr. Michael Neam, a wellness center doctor.
Next year, JM Family is extending health benefits to employees' domestic partners. And, in recognition of greater stress in the workplace due to the economy, the company is tripling its mental health benefit from 20 visits to 60, said Sandra Porceng, the company's vice president of total rewards.
The company's incentives to stay healthy are catching on, too.
"We do 'lunch and learn' on nutrition, preventive medicine, packing a healthy lunch for your kids," she said.
In the employee cafeteria, workers who choose from a low-salt, low-fat menu Monday through Thursday get their lunch on Friday for free.
"There are no french fries on that menu," Porceng said.
Marcia Heroux Pounds can be reached at mpounds@sunsentinel.com or 561-243-6650.
New medical insurance trends
These are the trends for 2009 health plans employers will offer:
Increased emphasis on improving personal health through financial incentives.
Greater access to on-site clinics and health coaches.
Health savings accounts linked to high-deductible insurance plans.
Full coverage or low co-payments for preventive screenings and tests.
Surcharges for spouses who have access to other employer plans, but opt to be covered by their partner's plan.
Source: Watson Wyatt
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Exercise can cut breast Cancer risk |
Vigorous exercise – from running, to chopping firewood or scrubbing floors – can reduce the risk of breast cancer by almost a third, a new study has found.
Vigorous exercise can cut breast cancer risk by a third
The study of more than thirty thousand postmenopausal American women, reported in BioMed Central's open access journal Breast Cancer Research, has revealed that a sedentary lifestyle can be a risk factor for the disease – even in women who are not overweight.
While an Investigator at the National Cancer Institute of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Michael F. Leitzmann led a team of researchers who followed the 32,269 women for eleven years and found that vigorous activity may protect against breast cancer, independent of body weight control.
Vigorous activity was judged to include things like heavy housework (scrubbing floors, washing windows, heavy yard-work, digging, chopping wood) and strenuous sports or exercise (running, fast jogging, competitive tennis; aerobics, bicycling on hills, and fast dancing).
Leitzmann said, "Notable strengths of our study include its large sample size, prospective design, high follow-up rate, and availability of relevant known or suspected breast cancer risk factors. These features enabled us to minimize any effects from other factors apart from exercise."
Interestingly, the authors found that non-vigorous activity, such as light housework (vacuuming, washing clothes, painting, general gardening) and light sports or exercise (walking, hiking, light jogging, recreational tennis, bowling) was not protective. Furthermore, vigorous activity was only protective in lean women and not those who were overweight or obese.
According to Leitzmann, "Possible mechanisms through which physical activity may protect against breast cancer that are independent of body mass include reduced exposure to growth factors, enhanced immune function, and decreased chronic inflammation, variables that are related both to greater physical activity and to lower breast cancer risk".
The authors added, "An alternative explanation for the stronger apparent effect of vigorous activity among lean over heavy women is that heavier women may misreport non-vigorous activities as vigorous ones".
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Woman gives birth to sextuplets, 2nd in New York |
AQueens couple spent seven years raising their only child, a son — until New York's second-ever sextuplets arrived.
The four boys and two girls were born earlier this month to 31-year-old Digna Carpio and her thirty-six-year-old husband Victor, a maintenance worker with the city's Housing Authority. But the Queens couple kept the news quiet to make sure the infants all lived.
Doctors at first gave one girl only a 25 percent chance because of a problem with a heart valve that has since been repaired surgically; she now has a 75 percent chance.
"I've watched each of my babies fight so hard to survive," their teary-eyed mother told the Daily News. "Life is beautiful, and we're so thankful."
The sextuplets were born at Manhattan's Mount Sinai Medical Center, weighing between 11/2 and 2 pounds each. Till their parents name them, they're known as babies A, B, C, D, E and F.
"The doctors couldn't believe how much they weighed," said Victor Carpio. The two girls — E and F — were the heaviest.
And all of them, observed the couple's son, 7-year-old Jhancarlos, are "so tiny and wrinkled."
Now, the family suddenly has to care for seven children.
City Council member Tony Avella started a collection for baby supplies from his Queens office.
New York's only other sextuplets, the Boniellos, were born in 1997 at Stony Brook University Hospital on Long Island.
The four boys and two girls were born earlier this month to 31-year-old Digna Carpio and her thirty-six-year-old husband Victor, a maintenance worker with the city's Housing Authority. But the Queens couple kept the news quiet to make sure the infants all lived.
Doctors at first gave one girl only a 25 percent chance because of a problem with a heart valve that has since been repaired surgically; she now has a 75 percent chance.
"I've watched each of my babies fight so hard to survive," their teary-eyed mother told the Daily News. "Life is beautiful, and we're so thankful."
The sextuplets were born at Manhattan's Mount Sinai Medical Center, weighing between 11/2 and 2 pounds each. Till their parents name them, they're known as babies A, B, C, D, E and F.
"The doctors couldn't believe how much they weighed," said Victor Carpio. The two girls — E and F — were the heaviest.
And all of them, observed the couple's son, 7-year-old Jhancarlos, are "so tiny and wrinkled."
Now, the family suddenly has to care for seven children.
City Council member Tony Avella started a collection for baby supplies from his Queens office.
New York's only other sextuplets, the Boniellos, were born in 1997 at Stony Brook University Hospital on Long Island.
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Get ready, get set, go — to sleep for another hour |
A graphic reminder to turn clocks back one hour from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2.
It's time to fall back. Standard time returns at 2 a.m. Sunday, so set your clocks back an hour before going to sleep Saturday night.
The change means most Americans will get an extra hour of rest, but those working overnight shifts might toil an hour longer. It also means some will forget to change their clocks, and show up early for church or other events on Sunday.
Daylight time returns in March.
The time change doesn't apply in Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana
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