• Anti-Inflammatory Diets Improve Inflammation

    Anti-Inflammatory Diets Improve Inflammation

    December 28, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

    A CNN review article noted that anti-inflammatory diets improve inflammation. This is important for medical conditions that also have inflammation attached to it. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or chronic kidney disease all carry inflammation with them. But according to a 2019 study more than 50% of … [Read More...]

  • Ultraprocessed Food Leads to Premature Aging

    Ultraprocessed Food Leads to Premature Aging

    November 24, 2024 by · Comments Off on Ultraprocessed Food Leads to Premature Aging

    An article in the medical journal “Medical News Today” found that ultraprocessed food leads to premature aging. What are ultraprocessed foods? The NOVA Food Classification System explains what ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are and what other ones are not. Examples of ultraprocessed foods are: fatty, sweet, savory … [Read More...]

  • Vital Information about Cholesterol Drugs

    Vital Information about Cholesterol Drugs

    November 9, 2024 by · Comments Off on Vital Information about Cholesterol Drugs

    Most people know about statins to treat high cholesterol, but they do not have vital information about cholesterol drugs. Recently an article appeared in CNN, which was very informative. In the following I will review what is new about cholesterol lowering drugs. PCSK9 inhibitors, which are monoclonal … [Read More...]

  • Common Chemicals Affecting your Health

    Common Chemicals Affecting your Health

    October 26, 2024 by · Comments Off on Common Chemicals Affecting your Health

    There are common chemicals affecting your health that have been known since the 1950’s. They have the name PFAS, which stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. There was a review article recently in CNN describing the complexity of PFAS, the toxicity, and what you can do to improve your risk. People … [Read More...]

  • Cardiovascular Risk Markers Predict Heart Attacks and Strokes

    Cardiovascular Risk Markers Predict Heart Attacks and Strokes

    October 12, 2024 by · Comments Off on Cardiovascular Risk Markers Predict Heart Attacks and Strokes

    An article in The New England Journal of Medicine stated that cardiovascular risk markers predict heart attacks and strokes. A summary of this study was also published by NBC News. 30-year follow-up of the Women’s Health Study This is based on a 30-year follow-up study of the Women’s Health Study. In the beginning … [Read More...]

  • Red Meat and Processed Meat Can Become a Cause of Diabetes

    Red Meat and Processed Meat Can Become a Cause of Diabetes

    September 21, 2024 by · Comments Off on Red Meat and Processed Meat Can Become a Cause of Diabetes

    A clinical study at the end of 2023 showed that red meat and processed meat can become a cause of diabetes. The authors published the results of this study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on December 2023. Results of the study Notably, the study consisted of several pooled studies. To emphasize, … [Read More...]

    Jan
    01
    2007

    Acetaminophen Overdosing Hazards

    By | Arthritis, Infectious Disease, Pain, Prevention

    The FDA has expressed some concerns about the self-medicating with acetaminophen as this can led to an acetaminophen overdose. The over-the-counter medication is commonly used and especially in the winter season many sufferers of colds or influenzas will keep it handy. It is readily available, not only in pharmacies but also in supermarkets under the generic name or under brand names such as the commonly used Tylenol. It exists in dosages for adults and there are pediatric preparations like Children’s Tylenol. Acetaminophen is also a common ingredient in cold remedies. Every vial displays a clear warning that the content is enough to cause serious harm. Dosage instructions are also clearly spelled out.
    More than 200 million people take Tylenol each year and 400 people die of liver failure every year, as they have accidentally taken too much.
    Dr. Charles Cain from the New York Presbyterian Hospital has cautioned that overdoses can happen relatively easy. A patient is not to exceed 4 grams of acetaminophen per day. If the pain reliever is taken every 4 hours instead of the recommended interval of 6 hours, such as 2 extra-strength Tylenol at 500 mg each and some cold medication is added to that, patients may easily reach 4-6 grams of acetaminophen per day. If this practice continues for a few days, it can lead to liver damage, because the liver cannot keep up with the elimination of the drug. Other substances metabolized by the liver such as alcohol can become a serious hazard, if they are combined with acetaminophen. The effects of alcohol slow down the elimination of Tylenol by the liver.

    Acetaminophen Overdosing Hazards

    Acetaminophen Overdosing Hazards

    It is for this reason that it is important to observe closely how much of the medication is taken in total: if a patient is already taking Tylenol for headaches, more acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the form of an over-the-counter cold medication should not be added as  would be reached.
    These medications have to be used with an eye to overall daily use and the amount used over a period of time. Used with care acetaminophen remains very safe.

    Reference: December 20, 2006 online issue of Time

    Last edited December 5, 2012

    Jan
    01
    2007

    Prevent Type 2 Diabetes With Diet And Moderate Exercise

    By | Diabetes, Hormones, Nutrition, Prevention

    The almost epidemic proportions of Type 2 diabetes has raised grave concern, but healthcare providers agree that adult onset diabetes is not just a disease that strikes out of the blue. Patient education remains a basic concern, as there are factors that predispose people to the disease. There are known risks for those who are overweight and when inactivity is the main lifestyle. Family history plays a role and ethnic origin can make the patient more vulnerable to the development of diabetes. Population groups at risk are African-Americans, Native Indians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanic-Americans and Asian-Americans. There is a stage which is known as pre-diabetes. The blood glucose level is elevated, but it is not high enough that the condition is labeled as a full-blown diabetes. The good news is that with screening of the blood sugar the first signs of elevation can be detected with a blood sugar monitor at home. This way this condition can be picked up and the progression to diabetes can be avoided with proper diet and exercise.

    In a large study of the Diabetes Prevention Program people who lost 7 % of their body weight and exercised 150 minutes per week cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%. For patients in the age group over 60 the risk was reduced by 70%.

    Prevent Type 2 Diabetes With Diet And Moderate Exercise

    Diabetics need exercise and a proper diet

    It is important that all persons who are at risk are screened. The laboratory tests involve fasting overnight, after which the fasting glucose levels are checked. A glucose tolerance test is the second test. After overnight fasting the patient receives a glucose-rich drink and blood sugar levels are monitored afterwards to establish how well the glucose is metabolized. These tests are inexpensive and are usually covered by health insurance.

    More information about:

    1. Diabetes type 2: http://nethealthbook.com/hormones/diabetes/type-2-diabetes/

    2. Exercise (fitness): http://nethealthbook.com/health-nutrition-and-fitness/fitness/

    Reference: Dec. 25, 2006/January 1, 2007 issue of U.S. News & World Report, page 55

    Last edited November 2, 2014

    Jan
    01
    2007

    Less Invasive Surgery Through Body Orifices

    By | Gastrointestinal Disease, Men's Health, Orthopedics, Women’s Diseases

    Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has become increasingly popular during the last few years. This is not surprising, as a surgical procedure which does not need an incision is less threatening for the patient. Unsightly skin scars are not a concern and recovery is usually less complicated. Procedures have become more varied. Transvaginal procedures have been performed for a number of years, such as vaginal hysterectomies.
    In 2004 Anthony Kalloo, a gastroenterologist from John Hopkins University reported on the feasability and safety of gastrointestinal surgery and research has proceeded at a stunning rate. The idea behind NOTES is to use a body orifice (the oral cavity in the case of gastro-intestinal surgery) as an entry point to the surgical area. An incision into the abdominal wall is avoided.

    The concept of minimally invasive surgery is not new, as laparoscopic procedures for gallbladder surgery and hernia repair are currently in use. Joint surgery through arthroscopic surgery is common and surgery to the pineal gland in the brain has been performed by using the nostrils as an entry to the area.

    Experience in gastrointestinal surgery through natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery at this point is limited. Seven transgastric appendectomies have been performed by the surgeons Dr. N.Reddy and Dr.V.G Rao in Hyderabad, India.

    Less Invasive Surgery Through Body Orifices

    Removal of gallbladder through colorectal approach

    The research group from John Hopkins is aware that this new technique will revolutionize surgeries, but there is the sentiment that things should not be rushed. The procedures need to be thoroughly researched to ensure that they are safe and beneficial to surgical patients. To this effect the Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research (NOSCAR) has been formed in the US, which promotes research and monitors safety of these new approaches of less invasive surgeries.

    Reference: MD Consult news, January 3, 2007: “New procedure aims to avoid surgery”

    Last edited December 5, 2012

    Jan
    01
    2007

    Nanotechnology For Better Healing

    By | Eye Diseases, Skin Disorders

    Nanofibers for the healing of wounds can become a new technique to promote faster healing with less scarring. The application of these tiny fibres that consist of peptides can be manifold. The fibers can self-assemble into a mesh that can help heal areas affected by trauma. A mesh of the fibers applied to a bleeding wound can help the surgeon to stop the bleeding.The fibres can “knit” an injury,but they also can work in repairing areas of trauma in vital organs and restore tissue. Researchers have raised the possibility of application for the central nervous system too. So far the experience has come from animal experiments. Nanotechnology has been applied in animals, where the optic nerve had been severed and with the application of nanofibers the nerve could be “knitted” together and as a result the vision was restored.
    The research comes from the Institute of Technology from Cambridge, Massachusetts where Rutledge Ellis-Behnke,PhD reported that healing of the nerve could be observed already within 24 hours. An incidental finding was that bleeding could be stopped when nanofibers were applied.This technique is unlike any other like cauterization. It is fast and as a result blood loss during surgery can be minimized and time needed for surgical procedures can be decreased, which translates into a faster recovery time for the patient.

    Nanotechnology For Better Healing

    Nanotechnology For Better Healing

    Researchers are optimistic about the potential for clinical use, as the fibers are biodegradable and are excreted through the urine within 3-4 weeks or taken up by the tissue adjacent to the treatment site in the body.

    Reference: JAMA. 2007;297:31 (Jan.3, 2007)

    Last edited November 2, 2014

    Dec
    01
    2006

    Vaccine Can Protect Against Bird Flu

    By | Infectious Disease, Lung Disease, Prevention

    To take the flu shot or not to take it becomes an issue as the northern winter and with it the flu season is approaching.
    It has to be stressed that the influenza vaccine not only limits flu epidemics and saves lives. It is the only reliable protection available to protect all age groups. Of course it does not offer protection against the common cold, but it is a preventative weapon against many influenza strains that cause serious illness and death.

    Dr. Robert Webster, a virologist and internationally recognized influenza expert recently quoted data from his laboratory at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. He noted that the currently recommended seasonal influenza vaccines contain A/New Caledonia 20/99 that is an H1N1 virus. Its composition is very similar to the bird flu virus H5N1.

    In animal experiments this immunization was given, after which the test animals were exposed to the highly lethal Vietnam 1203/04 strain of H5N1. The treated animals had a survival rate of 50%. Controls without the vaccination prior to exposure had a death rate of 100 %. There is indeed a basic cross-protection and people who take the current influenza vaccine 2006/2007 will have this partial protection against the bird flu should it suddenly become an epidemic. The bird flu (H5N1) has not made its appearance in the Americas.

    Vaccine Can Protect Against Bird Flu

    Vaccine Can Protect Against Bird Flu

    Dr. Webster pointed out that the greatest concern is its entry through the illegal trade of animals. After drug smuggling, the smuggling of animals is probably the greatest illegal trade in the world and at the same time the most likely way in which the virus could come into the country and spread. The other concern is the entry of the virus through migratory birds.

    References: The Medical Post, November 3, 2006, page 19

    Last edited December 5, 2012

    Dec
    01
    2006

    Cold Virus Lurks In Hotel Rooms

    By | Infectious Disease, Lung Disease, Prevention

    It seems to be a bit overdone to wash your hands after touching a light switch or clicking the remote control, but researchers from the University of Virginia do not think that it is such a far-fetched idea during cold and flu season.
    They found that rhinovirus that was live and capable to infect, typically found in people who have a cold and a runny nose, could still be transferred to a fingertip 24 hours after a person with a cold stayed in the room. Dr. Owen Hendley and his colleagues recruited 15 adults who had just come down with a rhinovirus cold to stay overnight in a hotel room. They were not to have visitors, get all their meals from room service and do hand washing only after using the washroom. They spent five hours in the evening, the night and two hours in the morning in their room before checking out. After checkout they were asked to name the 10 to 12 objects they touched most frequently, when they were in the room. Those were door handles, the hotel pen, light switches, TV remote control and the phone. All of those were sampled for residual virus, and on average on 40% of them rhinovirus was found. In the second part of the study, a group returned to the hotel several months later, but only after researchers had placed a drop of the subjects’ own stored rhinovirus-containing mucus on the sites most frequently touched. The test persons were asked to touch the contaminated sites by flipping light switches or using the phone. After each contact they rubbed their fingertip in a collecting fluid, after which they washed their hands. If the site had been contaminated 30 minutes earlier, viral transfer to the fingertip occurred 60% of the time. If the contamination was done the night before viral transfer still occurred in 33%.

    Cold Virus Lurks In Hotel Rooms

    Cold Virus Lurks In Hotel Rooms

    It is still a step from picking up the virus on a fingertip to developing a cold: it requires self-inoculation. Dr. Hendley points out that it is as prosaic as keeping fingers away from eyes, nose or mouth and do frequent hand washing. While transmission of rhinovirus through dried nasal mucus is not efficient, it is still important to understand that the virus remains transferable at least one day.

    Reference: The Medical Post, November 3, 2006, page 19

    Last edited December 5, 2012

    Dec
    01
    2006

    Rotigotine Patch For Parkinson’s Also Helps Restless Leg Syndrome

    By | Parkinson’s disease

    One of the difficulties in curative medicine is compliance. There are various aspects: patients dislike the feeling of dependency on medications. In some cases there is a dislike for swallowing that pill, and if medications have to be taken several times per day, it can present even more of a challenge. People are busy with their daily routines, they may forget the one or the other dose, and it may very well compromise the effectiveness of a medication.

    Various medications can now be administered through a transdermal patch. For sufferers of Parkinson’s disease a new transdermal treatment with the dopamine agonist rotigotine (brand name Neupro®) has been tested. It can become the first line of defense and ease the symptoms. The transdermal patch was generally safe, and as it was well tolerated, patients did not discontinue the treatment. The treatment with rotigotine can help postpone the commonly used medication levodopa, which tends to lose effectiveness over the years.
    Another study with the rogitotine patch showed effectiveness for individuals suffering from restless leg syndrome. This disorder makes sleep difficult, and as a result the patient turns sleepy during wakeful hours. Dr. Karin Stiasny-Kolster, a neurologist at Phillips University in Marburg, Germany reported on favorable results with 340 patients suffering of restless leg syndrome.

    Rotigotine Patch For Parkinson's Also Helps Restless Leg Syndrome

    Rotigotine Patch For Parkinson’s Also Helps Restless Leg Syndrome

    In a controlled study, those patients who were wearing the rotigotine patch were showing improvement. Again, the transdermal system was well tolerated and safe and there was no problem with fluctuating dopamine levels. Placebo-treated patients did not respond. The product has been released in European countries and the FDA is investigating for release in the US soon.

    More information about restless leg syndrome: http://nethealthbook.com/neurology-neurological-disease/restless-leg-syndrome/

    Reference: The Medical Post, November 3, 2006, page 57-58

    Comment: The FDA approved the patch under the name “Neupro-P”. Here is a meta analysis. It shows that the drug improved symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. but it also was associated with more side effects.

    Last edited November 2, 2014

    Dec
    01
    2006

    Cinnamon And Multivitamins May Boost Fertility

    By | Health, Nutrition, obstetrics, Vitamins and supplements, Women’s Diseases

    Prenatal vitamin supplements are the norm, as folic acid has been known to play a role in the prevention of neural tube defect. Generally they are taken once pregnancy has been confirmed.
    Dr Jorge Chavarro from the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston pointed out, that multivitamin supplementation has its place earlier than just after the pregnancy test has become positive. In one of the largest studies involving 18,000 married pre-menopausal women, regular use of multivitamin supplements were associated with a decrease of infertility. The key is in the regular use. Women who took two multivitamin tablets per week had similar infertility rates as women who did not take supplements at all. Those who took 6 or more multivitamins had a 40% lower risk of anovultation, a condition where no eggs are released by the ovaries.
    Most of the women were Caucasian between the ages 24 and 42.
    The importance of nutrition is coming increasingly into the forefront in reproductive medicine. One condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often a reason for infertility. It is one of the red flags that point to the condition of insulin resistance, and it manifests itself in menstrual irregularity and higher levels of androgens, often showing as increased facial hair. As the metabolism is headed for trouble, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease would tend to develop.
    Researchers at Columbia University in New York conducted a pilot study to see if insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS could be improved. Cinnamon, a well-known spice, has been known to have a favorable effect on the insulin response of the body. Researchers found that eight weeks of treatment with cinnamon extract significantly decreased fasting glucose and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

    Cinnamon And Multivitamins May Boost Fertility

    Cinnamon And Multivitamins May Boost Fertility

    Dr. Jeff Wang who conducted the study reported that no side effects or adverse reactions were reported throughout the study period. If large-scale prospective studies confirm these findings, then recommending cinnamon as a dietary factor may be a simple, inexpensive lifestyle change that can be easily followed. Reducing insulin resistance is a key to improve the overall health status in patients with PCOS, and it ties in with reproductive health benefits as well.

    More information about infertility: http://nethealthbook.com/womens-health-gynecology-and-obstetrics/infertility-php/

    Reference: The Medical Post, November 14, 2006, page 32

    Last edited November 2, 2014

    Dec
    01
    2006

    Asthma Medication May Not Be Enough

    By | Allergies, Asthma, Prevention

    Doctors at an asthma clinic in New York were puzzled as to why their patients were not getting better even after continued medical care. Even though the patients were compliant with their medications, they needed oral steroids and presented with more severe asthma attacks at the emergency department. Looking into the living conditions of the patient group that continued having problems provided some insight: they lived in housing units that were dilapidated. In a program in which St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital and other clinics participated, with the help of legal services of an attorney law firm the hospital was getting help for patients, who lived in substandard housing. When a patient lived in a building with dust, mold, roaches or rodents, any amount of treatment for asthma was almost futile. Even though there were letters and phone calls from social workers to landlords, unacceptable conditions in these housing units were not corrected. One letter from the New York Legal Assistance Group finally did the job. In plain English the notice to the negligent landlord said: Clean the place up or see me in court.

    Dr. Luis Chug at St. Luke followed up on the patients one year later. Patients who needed 18 courses of oral steroids could reduce the treatment to just 2 the year after the cleanup. Patients who had made 14 trips to the emergency department because of asthma attacks the year before made only 2 after the conditions were corrected. The overall asthma of the patients also improved. Ten patients were afraid to go to a lawyer to seek help. A year later their living conditions predictably had remained the same. Their asthma had not improved either. The legal action was cost effective, reported Dr. Chug. Each emergency visit cost the hospital about $470 in services, and each course of prednisone cost about $345. The patients do not pay legal fees. Instead the service is funded by grants from participating hospitals. The study shows very clearly how practical public health measures can be used to correct health problems. The legal processes available in New York City are not unique in North America, as many local and regional governments have statutes requiring proper building maintenance.

    Asthma Medication May Not Be Enough

    Substandard housing bad for asthma

    The results are also relevant to asthma patients who are not struggling with substandard housing. Patients with asthma simply cannot get better, when they live among irritants and allergy causing substances. Dust, cigarette smoke, perfumes, home fragrances, vapors from household cleansers, animal dander from house pets or feathers from a seemingly cozy down comforter can be the culprits for patients with asthma that does not improve despite treatment.

    More information about:

    1. asthma: http://nethealthbook.com/lung-disease/asthma-introduction/

    2. mold allergies: https://www.askdrray.com/mold-allergies-often-overlooked/

    Reference: The Medical Post, November 14, 2006, page 23 and 25

    Last edited November 2, 2014

    Nov
    01
    2006

    Eat Your Salad Greens, But No Spinach

    By | Cancer, Heart Disease, Infectious Disease, Nutrition

    Spinach has traditionally been regarded as a healthy, green leafy vegetable and a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, in particular iron. The tedious chore of cleaning the tender greens and removing soil and sand traces has been taken care of by packinghouses. As a result, the consumer could purchase ready to eat spinach in plastic bags. These greens were a welcome ingredient for spinach salads or other dishes.
    Lately all spinach has been recalled from the world’s largest producer of organic produce. Natural Selection Food has recalled a total of 34 brands that were distributed nationwide, and some of which were available also in Canada. Consumers are still being warned not to eat fresh spinach from the U.S., even though there have been no reported cases of ill effects or diseases in Canada itself. Problems have surfaced in September in form of food borne illness in the U.S. The culprit seems to be contamination with E. coli 0157:H7. Food borne illness can be serious. So far there have been 109 cases of illness in the U.S. and possibly two deaths. The worst affected area so far is Wisconsin, where 29 illnesses were reported and one person died of the disease.
    As a result of this alert, salad mixes that contained a variety of greens including spinach leaves have also been pulled from the shelf. It should be mentioned that washing the spinach leaves does not make it safe to consume, as the E.coli bacteria stick to the leaves.
    While it seems good-bye to spinach leaves for now, it remains important to eat your greens. Researchers at University of California in Los Angeles and colleagues at Louisiana State University analyzed the salad consumption based on the intake of salad, raw vegetables and salad dressing on 9,406 women and 8,282 men. The researchers also found from their studies that daily consumption of salad and raw vegetables is not the norm in any population group and even less prevalent among African Americans.

    Eat Your Salad Greens, But No Spinach

    Eat Your Salad Greens, But No Spinach

    There were data from lab tests on serum nutrient levels, and it showed that consumption of salads was positively associated with above-median serum micronutrient levels of folic acid, vitamin C and E, lycopene, and alpha carotene and beta carotene. All of these nutrients are important for healthy daily functioning. They are weapons that help fight infection, heart disease and cancers. The consumption of salad and raw vegetables remains the most effective strategy for increasing the intake of important nutrients.

    Reference: The Medical Post, October 3, 2006, page 21

    Here is a follow-up on this story: Apparently the outbreak was caused by a wild boar and by a nearby cattle field:  http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2009/09/meaningful-outbreak-7-dole-spinach-e-coli-outbreak/#.VFaWXPTF-88

    More information about food safety: http://nethealthbook.com/health-nutrition-and-fitness/nutrition/food-safety/

    Last edited November 2, 2014