• 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...]

    Jul
    01
    2006

    Benefits Of Arthritis Drug Outweigh Cancer Risk

    By | Arthritis

    Any medication that is very effective in one area may also have side effects.
    An analysis of randomized trial has confirmed, that rheumatoid arthritis patients who are treated with anti- tumor necrosis (TNF) antibodies, are at an increased risk for cancer. A study from the Mayo Clinic and other studies from institutions in the U.K. showed that patients who are treated with the monoclonal antibodies infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira) are at a higher risk for serious infections.
    This may sound like a blow to any patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment with Monoclonal antibodies and anti-Tumor necrosis antibodies has revolutionized the care of these patients. The medications are highly effective and have made a difference for many affected with rheumatoid arthritis.
    Dr. Eric Matteson, a study co-author and professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic points out, that the concerns about infection and malignancy are not new. They are already mentioned in the drug labeling. The risk for cancer was statistically significant only in the high-dose groups. It was also impossible to draw any conclusions about whether any type of malignancy occurred more often than another. He also emphasized, that doctors and patients have to be alert to signs of infection, and age-appropriate cancer screening is of great importance for the patient who takes these particular medications.
    Dr. John Esdaile from the University of British Columbia mentions some additional points. These medications are not handed out freely to any patient with R.A. The treatment cost of about $18,000 per year does not make this a standard medication for anybody with R.A. Patients with severe disease who have failed to get relief from any conventional medications would be the ones who are considered for this treatment. Most patients would likely be receiving doses in the lower range of the spectrum, and patients usually know within 3 months, whether the medication is helping them. The medications do not work in everyone, but for 50% of the patients the effect is dramatically positive. The patient, whose joints were being destroyed by rheumatoid arthritis, can go from a state of terrible pain and disability to being able to return to a good quality of life.

    Benefits Of Arthritis Drug Outweigh Cancer Risk

    Benefits Of Arthritis Drug Outweigh Cancer Risk

    The key is close screening of patients regarding the suitability of the therapy. The possible increased risk for malignancies and infection must be discussed with candidates for anti-TNF therapy. Finally close monitoring for infection and cancer screening is necessary.

    More information about rheumatoid arthritis: http://nethealthbook.com/arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis/

    Reference: The Medical Post, June 2, 2006, page 1 and 7.

    Last edited Nov. 1, 2014

    Jul
    01
    2006

    Avian Flu Threat Exaggerated

    By | Health, Infectious Disease, Lung Disease, Prevention

    Disconcerting headlines about avian influenza has caused widespread concern. Warnings have been issued to brace for an onslaught of a pandemic that could paralyze and decimate entire nations. Countries that showed cases of avian flu were scrutinized closely. Travel stopped to areas where poultry was affected. Despite reassurance to the consumer, buyers felt unsure about choosing chicken for dinner. It has been stated before, that at this point the virus of the avian flu has not made a mutation, and it is not passed from human to human. It can be transmitted from diseased fowl to human who are in close contact with the diseased animal.
    The word pandemic seems to trigger a response of fear, but it has to be mentioned that a pandemic is not new. It is universally accepted that there have been 3 pandemics in the 20-th century. Pandemics are defined by an increased number of influenza deaths. One influenza wave hit in 1968, prior to this the year 1957 showed a similar picture. Pandemics are not all equal. The outbreak of influenza in 1918/19 was severe, and young and old were affected alike. Death was in many cases due to the primary viral infection.
    In the meantime flu preparedness is much more common than in previous years. Flu shots are available, antibiotics can help treat secondary infection, laboratories are working on vaccines for new influenza strains, and lately antiviral medications have come into the picture.
    While the work of scientists is invaluable, in some cases the statements are too simplistic. The avian flu virus H5N1 could mutate. Looking at the facts, the virus has been around since 1997, and it has not mutated. Reporters write stories about possible future pandemics, and there is worry in the population. They need to know the truth! The truth is that we should plan. The truth is also, that a pandemic is not more imminent today than it has been since 1918. In fact it is not more imminent than a multitude of other emergencies. The outbreak of SARS has shown that it is the front-line public health and hospital staff that handles the virus most of all. The production of vaccines and a strong vaccination program is being worked on. This does not leave the rest of the population with nothing what they can do.

    Avian Flu Threat Exaggerated

    Avian Flu Threat Exaggerated

    Good hygienic measures have to be followed. The most important one (and often neglected one) is hand washing. It does not stop a pandemic like the one in 1918/19, but it certainly makes a difference to annual influenza rates. The annual vaccination against influenza is a highly effective weapon against the influenza outbreak that happens every year, and improved vaccines will make a difference between wellness and the opposite!

    More information about:

    The flu: http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/respiratory-infections/flu/

    The swine flu: http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/respiratory-infections/swine-flu/

    Reference: The Medical Post, June 20, 2006, page 47

    Last edited Nov. 1, 2014

    Jul
    01
    2006

    Exercise Can Reverse Risk Of Heart Disease

    By | Fitness, Heart Disease, Prevention

    A growing health concern is cardiovascular illness. As a rule the risk increases with unhealthy life style choices. The most common neglect is the lack of physical activity, and a couch-potato existence is a sure recipe for poor health. Often juvenile “couch potatoes” lay the groundwork for health problems in their middle age years.
    Jennifer Robbins of Duke University in Durham, N.C. led a follow-up study on a group of participants. The objective was to examine, how much impact an exercise program would have on the overall condition of the participants. Fitness parameters included weight, waist circumference, visceral and subcutaneous fat, cholesterol levels and metabolic score.
    In a control group 61 subjects were instructed not to change their dietary habits or exercise habits for 6 months. Researchers expected that the general health condition of these people would stay the same. What was observed, however, was a deterioration of all the fitness parameters. The sedentary group actually got worse! At the end of the study, all the 61 were offered to participate in one of the exercise programs offered to the other groups. 53 participants decided to take part, and they were enrolled in a low- intensity, medium-intensity and high- intensity exercise program. The two lower groups managed to reverse the detrimental effects of inactivity on cardio-vascular risk in a half-year exercise program. The researchers noted also that the ones who had deteriorated the most during the sedentary period achieved the most improvement from the exercise program.

    Exercise Can Reverse Risk Of Heart Disease

    Exercise Can Reverse Risk Of Heart Disease

    Exercise Physiologist Jennifer Robbins and her team concluded, that the study result gives encouragement to those who don’t exercise and feel bad about it, as they will reap the most benefits. The results also give doctors more incentive to make physical exercise part of a prescription regimen. With a word of recommendation from the physician patients are more likely to enrol in an exercise program and stick with it.

    More info about:

    Heart disease: http://nethealthbook.com/cardiovascular-disease/heart-disease/

    Fitness and exercise: http://nethealthbook.com/health-nutrition-and-fitness/fitness/ 

    Reference: The Medical Post, June 20, 2006, page 47

    Last edited Nov. 1, 2014

    Jul
    01
    2006

    Coffee Protects Against Liver Cirrhosis

    By | Gastrointestinal Disease, Nutrition, Prevention

    Coffee has been used as a stimulant for centuries, and more recent research has shown that moderate use of coffee can be beneficial.
    The flavorful brew has been used as a wake-up drink, especially after a bad night’s sleep. Those suffering of a hangover after too much alcohol have also brewed it and felt better afterwards.
    A new study in the June 12 Archives of Internal Medicine found that there was more benefit than just headache relief for those who drank too much booze. Heavy alcohol drinkers who also drank coffee reduced their risk for liver cirrhosis. (Liver cirrhosis is one of the severe side effects of too much alcohol use.)
    Researchers examined the data of 125,580 subjects between the 1978 and 1985. Nearly 200 of these people developed alcoholic cirrhosis by 2001. The researchers found that for each coffee drink per day, there was a 22% drop in the risk of alcohol induced liver cirrhosis.

    Coffee Protects Against Liver Cirrhosis

    Coffee Protects Against Liver Cirrhosis

    Generally tea is considered a beneficial beverage due to the bioflavonoids content. This large study also examined whether tea consumption would decrease liver cirrhosis risk, but no similar benefits were found for tea drinkers.

    More information about liver cirrhosis: http://nethealthbook.com/digestive-system-and-gastrointestinal-disorders/liver-cirrhosis/

    Reference: National Review of Medicine June 30, 2006

    Last edited Nov. 1, 2014

    Jun
    01
    2006

    Screening Colonoscopy Highly Effective

    By | Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, Prevention

    The proverbial “ounce of prevention” can be very crucial when it comes to cancer screening methods. Cancer screening has been in the forefront for some time. Early disease detection is not only crucial for successful treatment; it can be a lifesaver!
    Effective screening methods are available for some forms of cancer. Mammography screening for breast cancer and rectal examination and PSA tests for prostate cancer are methods that have received attention in the media.
    Screening the large intestine for colon cancer by performing a colonoscopy has not made inroads, but new statistics point out the benefits. A colonoscopy will examine the colon for irregularities, namely the formation of polyps. Polyps are initially harmless and non-cancerous, however over time, some polyps have the potential to turn cancerous. In a colonoscopy examination, small polyps can be removed immediately, and this “weeding out” process is a highly effective preventative method against colon cancer. Research has shown, that one colonoscopy that is performed in a middle-aged patient (in his 50’s or 60’s) decreases the risk of developing colon cancer quite significantly. If no polyps are found in the initial screening, it is safe to assume that no colon cancer will present itself for 10 years.

    Dr. Harminder Singh and associates from Cancer Care Manitoba and the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg Manitoba/Canada, analyzed data of the Manitoba Health’s physicians’ database where 35,975 patients had undergone a colonoscopy, but were negative for colon cancer.These colonoscopies took place between April 1, 1989, and December 31, 2003 and follow-up was for 10 years. The end point was death or diagnosis of colon cancer.

    One Screening Colonoscopy Guarantees Low Colon Cancer Risk for 10 Years (modified JAMA. 2006; 295: p.2366-2373)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    This retrospective study showed the following results depicted in the modified graph bar. Patients who were negative in the beginning of the study had a reduction of colon cancer rates of 72% at the 10-year point when compared to those who had no colonoscopy. This is quite an astounding finding. Even at the 5-year point there was a reduction of colon cancer risk by 45% from a single colonoscopy. This would indicate that a person should have a colonoscopy at about the age of 50 to establish freedom of colon cancer. This could be repeated only every 10 years to ensure that no colon polyps and colon cancer develop in the meantime. This should be definitely done in patients who have a family history where colon cancer occurred in a first relative such as mother, father, brother or sister, where specialists say screening should be done every 3 years. In this familial form of colon cancer they should also have a colonoscopy done earlier (at age 40 or earlier). However, this data would indicate that in everybody such colonoscopy screening would be beneficial as it is one of the most common cancers in men and women and other tests are not reliable at this time.

    More information about colon cancer: http://nethealthbook.com/cancer-overview/colon-cancer/

    Reference: JAMA. 2006;295: page 2366-2373

    Last edited Nov. 1, 2014

    Jun
    01
    2006

    Uterine Artery Embolization Against Fibroids

    By | Health, obstetrics, Women’s Diseases

    Uterine fibroids are the most common uterine tumors that affect women in North America. At least 25% have the symptoms that point to a diagnosis of fibroids, and as many as 77% may have fibroids that are asymptomatic. Symptoms of fibroids can be a feeling of fullness in the pelvic area, heavy periods and bleeding between the periods resulting in anemia. Infertility and miscarriages can also be a consequence.
    About 60% of women with fibroids will undergo surgery, but the trend is moving towards nonsurgical treatment. 40% of fibroid patients will receive uterine artery embolization (UAE).

    The advantages are significant, reports Dr. Sanjoy Kundu, a radiologist at Scarborough General Hospital in Toronto. Compared to the less invasive UAE, fibroid surgery has a higher rate of major complications like infection and pulmonary embolism. None of the patients undergoing uterine artery embolization experienced any complications of infection or pulmonary embolism. UAE patients also have shorter hospital stays ranging from 1 to 4 days, whereas surgical patients had hospital stays ranging from 2 to 25 days.

    Uterine Artery Embolization Against Fibroids

    Uterine Artery Embolization Against Fibroids

    Due to these positive findings, 60% of treatments for uterine fibroids at Scarborough General Hospital are now done exclusively with the less invasive procedure, and researchers suggest that UAE for the removal of fibroids should become first-line therapy.

    More information about fibroids: http://nethealthbook.com/womens-health-gynecology-and-obstetrics/abnormal-vaginal-bleeding-common-menstrual-abnormalities-2/abnormal-uterine-bleeding/fibroids/

    Reference: The Medical Post, April18, 2006, page 16

    Last edited Nov. 1, 2014

    Jun
    01
    2006

    Ginger Kills Ovarian Cancer

    By | Cancer, Nutrition

    Active substances in ginger are killing cancer cells in lab experiments. This is the gist of laboratory studies led by Dr. J. Rebecca Liu at the University of Michigan Medical School. The findings on these studies were presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
    In the past it has been implied that the substances (6)-gingerol and (6)-paradol interfere with carcinogenic processes. Gingerol also has been linked with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
    The research group from Ann Arbor used whole ginger extract which was standardized to a contents of 5% (6)-gingerol to explore the death of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. They suggest that ginger can circumvent chemoresistance.

    Due to this quality ginger substances can be effective in cancer cells that have been resistant to chemotherapy.

    Ginger Kills Ovarian Cancer

    Ginger Kills Ovarian Cancer

    Other substances and their effect on cancer cells that are closer examined by the researchers are resveratol and curcumin.

    More information about ovarian cancer: http://nethealthbook.com/cancer-overview/ovarian-cancer/

    Reference: The Medical Post, May 9, 2006, page 15

    Last edited Nov. 1, 2014

    Jun
    01
    2006

    Antibacterial Hand Soaps Pose Hazard

    By | Infectious Disease, Prevention

    In the quest of killing hazardous bacteria, antibacterial hand soaps are claiming a slice of the market. Bacteria can be hazardous and it remains a fact, that hand washing is an effective way to eliminate harmful bugs. It is not the quick, five-second wash under the water tab that gets rid of the bugs. The old trick of telling kids to sing the “ABC Song” while washing their hands with soap and water still has some merit: you need 20 to 30 seconds of washing and rinsing to combat bacteria effectively.
    In the meantime Researchers at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report, that the antibacterial agent in hand soaps, triclocarban, is not without risk. Triclocarban, commercially known as TCC, is a pesticide and is used extensively in soaps and body washes. One commercial survey found it in 30% of bar soaps. If it sounds questionable to the consumer to wash hands or body with a product that contains a pesticide, it rings even more alarm bells with scientists that observe the impact of the product on the environment. After 19 days of treatment time in the sewage treatment plant, 76 % of the ingredient is still present in the treated sludge. Treated sludge is later used as a fertilizer! Triclocarban is toxic when ingested and is part of toxic waste. After reviewing all these facts, the consumer has to make the decision whether overkill with antibacterial hand soaps is such a good idea.

    Antibacterial Hand Soaps Pose Hazard

    Antibacterial Hand Soaps Pose Hazard

    Reading product labels and sticking to less toxic products may very well be the more sensible choice.

    More information about:

    1. Toxins in the bathroom: https://www.askdrray.com/toxins-in-the-bathroom/

    2. Detoxification: https://www.askdrray.com/get-rid-of-toxins-safely/

    Reference: The Medical Post, May 16, 2006, page 47

    Last edited Nov. 1, 2014

    Jun
    01
    2006

    Probiotics Help Gut Against Stress

    By | Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, Health, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Nutrition

    In times of stress our bodies react: the heart will beat faster, palms will feel sweaty, and a difficult situation may manifest itself in other reactions of the body. In every day’s terms we speak about something “being a pain in the neck”, or the fear of an exam showing up as “butterflies in the stomach”.
    Dr. Mary Perdue of the Intestinal Diseases Research Program at Mc Master University in Hamilton, Ontario went a step further. The fact that mental stress can bring physiologic changes in the lining of the intestine has been known for some time. As a result the epithelium (the lining) is more vulnerable to the attack of pathogenic bacteria. The researchers put a solution of lactobacillus to the test, to see whether these gut-friendly bacilli could offer some help. Stressed rats that received the treatment with lactobacillus showed a remarkable degree of protection. The stressed and treated animals were almost as resistant to intestinal pathogens as animals that had not been stressed at all. Contrary to that the non-stressed animals did not show much evidence of bacterial adhesion or penetration: they were more resistant to the attack of bacteria to their guts.
    Dr. Perdue explains that it may be difficult to extrapolate from the rat model to the human model. Yet it is clear that humans who are stressed can develop intestinal dysfunction over time, or gastrointestinal symptoms can be exacerbated by stress.
    In the meantime probiotics are recommended by many doctors and nutritionists to help restore the gut’s natural flora. New guidelines from Yale Medical School recommend them for diarrhea in children and adults and in diarrhea, which comes as a result of treatment with antibiotics.

    Probiotics Help Gut Against Stress

    Probiotics Help Gut Against Stress

    More research is needed, but existing data suggest that probiotics can help manage lactose intolerance, prevent infections, and reduce inflammation. It can lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure and may help with prevention of colon cancer.

    More information on:

    1. Stress management: http://nethealthbook.com/health-nutrition-and-fitness/fitness/stress-management-relaxation-techniques/

    2. Probiotics: https://www.askdrray.com/probiotics-important-for-your-health/

    Reference: National Review of Medicine, May 15, 2006, page 8

    Last edited Oct. 31, 2014

    May
    01
    2006

    Avian Flu Needs Preparedness Instead Of Panic

    By | Infectious Disease, Lung Disease, Prevention

    Nobody can predict when the next pandemic will hit and whether it will be from an avian flu, but Canada and other countries are not taking any chances. The feds have commissioned a mock vaccine that can be adapted to whatever strain comes along. The Canadian Public Health Agency is also calling for alertness to patients coming back from countries where avian flu has occurred, especially countries with human cases. Canada is erring on the side of caution when it comes to the national flu pandemic preparedness plan. There is preparation for up to 138,000 people in need for hospitalization and between 11,000 and 58,000 death could occur. The economic impact is estimated between $ 10 and 24 billion.
    It is true that public health agencies are worried, as three conditions for a possible pandemic are present: the viral strain is a new one, humans have no immunity to this new virus, and the strain is virulent.
    The fourth condition would be that the strain could be spread from person to person. However this condition has not developed at this point.
    A lot of hype has gone through the press, misinformation is rampant, and as a result people are mixing up influenza preparedness with an avian flu pandemic. Anxiety runs high in the population. Some health professionals are already suffering from pandemic burnout before the virus has even landed, which is not a surprise: in the last few years warnings were sounded due to the outbreak of SARS. West Nile, Ebola, and Lassa fever have been other diseases that caused concern and anxiety. Before jumping to frightening conclusions that the avian flu will jump from person to person, it is important to see the facts in perspective. H5N1 at this point is not spread from person to person. The virus is transmitted from affected birds (chicken ducks, and other fowl) to humans, who have to be in close contact with the animal. The virus is found deep in the lungs of the infected person, and as a result it is more difficult to transmit than a virus that is found in mouth, nose or throat.
    Human fatalities have occurred in Asia and the Middle East. Vietnam has had the highest number of deaths related to H5N1: 93 infections, 42 fatalities. Turkey has had 12 documented cases, four of them fatal.
    In the meantime the world is not defenseless. Vaccines are in preparation, and vaccination trials are have been introduced in Vietnam. Work with horse antibodies is ongoing and the results are encouraging. Researchers in China developed a passive immunization by using horse antibodies. The advantage is the fact, that larger amounts of vaccine can be produced faster than with the culturing of the virus on eggs.

    Avian Flu Needs Preparedness Instead Of Panic

    Avian Flu Needs Preparedness Instead Of Panic

    Public health agencies and health professionals are aware of the fact that pandemics have been around in the past. They are still a threat now. They agree that programs have to be in place to help mitigate the impact by doing the best they can. Disaster preparedness and alertness are definitely in order. Panic is not.

    More information about other flus:

    1. the Flu (influenza, H3N2): http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/respiratory-infections/flu/

    2. Swine flu (H1N1): http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/respiratory-infections/swine-flu/

    3. Bird Flu (H5N1): https://www.askdrray.com/worldwide-alert-for-avian-influenza-bird-flu/

    Reference: National Review Of Medicine, March 30, 2006, page 5.

    Last edited Oct. 31, 2014