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webmasterb@nationalvoicesite.com Belly bulge linked to health risks Chicago 2010-08-11 15:34:37 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com TiffNews10 – A new study suggests belly bulge can lead to serious health risks for older adults. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), researchers found excess abdominal fat may increase the risk of death for people over 50 even if their weight is deemed normal in accordance with BMI standards. Lead author Eric Jacobs of the American Cancer Society is quoted by the AP as stating of the findings, “Even if you haven’t had a noticeable weight gain, if you notice your waist size increasing that’s an important sign… It’s time to eat better and start exercising more.” Since the 1960s waistlines have reportedly on average expanded approximately one inch each decade. More information about the study may be available in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Gluten allergy triggers identified Hong Kong 2010-08-11 03:52:23 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com TiffNews10 – Researchers have identified three gluten components that may trigger an allergic reaction for sufferers of celiac disease. As reported by Reuters, experts found that only three of more than 16,000 components to gluten trigger the allergy, which is linked to chronic fatigue and other health issues. Researcher Robert Anderson of The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Victoria, Australia is quoted in the report as stating of the findings, “If you can (narrow down) the toxicity of an allergen to a few components, that enables you to make a highly targeted therapy in a way that you no longer need to target the whole immune system.” Anderson is further quoted as stating, “To our surprise, the majority of the immune response to gluten can fall back to just three components of gluten. It means the immune response is highly focused on maybe some particular forbidden fragments of the gluten.” More information about the findings may be available in the Science Translational Medicine journal. Sisters help ward off negative emotions U.S. 2010-08-11 15:35:11 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com TiffNews10 – A new study suggests having a sister may help teenagers better deal with their emotions. As reported by the U.S. News & World Report, researchers found that siblings may encourage kindness and generosity in teens, with sisters being more likely than their male counterparts to have this type of positive influence. Laura Padilla-Walker, a professor at Brigham Young University, is quoted in the report as stating of the effects of relationships between siblings, “As a parent, it’s really good to know that sibling affection is related quite strongly to helping, generosity, kindness… We often don’t see them [as] a protective factor.” Padilla-Walker is further quoted as stating, “Sisters seem to be uniquely powerful…It could be that sisters act as a sounding board at a time when adolescents don’t talk with their parents.” Information about the study may be available in the August publication of the Journal of Family Psychology. MIT creates new device to monitor blood glucose levels System allows for testing without finger pricks CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- People with type 1 diabetes must keep a careful eye on their blood glucose levels: Too much sugar can damage organs, while too little deprives the body of necessary fuel. Most patients must prick their fingers several times a day to draw blood for testing. To minimize that pain and inconvenience, researchers at MIT’s Spectroscopy Laboratory are working on a noninvasive way to measure blood glucose levels using light. First envisioned by Michael Feld, the late MIT professor of physics and former director of the Spectroscopy Laboratory, the technique uses Raman spectroscopy, a method that identifies chemical compounds based on the frequency of vibrations of the bonds holding the molecule together. The technique can reveal glucose levels by simply scanning a patient’s arm or finger with near-infrared light, eliminating the need to draw blood. Spectroscopy Lab graduate students Ishan Barman and Chae-Ryon Kong are developing a small Raman spectroscopy machine, about the size of a laptop computer, that could be used in a doctor’s office or a patient’s home. Such a device could one day help some of the nearly 1 million people in the United States, and millions more around the world, who suffer from type 1 diabetes. Researchers in the Spectroscopy Lab have been developing this technology for about 15 years. One of the major obstacles they have faced is that near-infrared light penetrates only about half a millimeter below the skin, so it measures the amount of glucose in the fluid that bathes skin cells (known as interstitial fluid), not the amount in the blood. To overcome this, the team came up with an algorithm that relates the two concentrations, allowing them to predict blood glucose levels from the glucose concentration in interstitial fluid. However, this calibration becomes more difficult immediately after the patient eats or drinks something sugary, because blood glucose soars rapidly, while it takes five to 10 minutes to see a corresponding surge in the interstitial fluid glucose levels. Therefore, interstitial fluid measurements do not give an accurate picture of what’s happening in the bloodstream. To address that lag time, Barman and Kong developed a new calibration method, called Dynamic Concentration Correction (DCC), which incorporates the rate at which glucose diffuses from the blood into the interstitial fluid. In a study of 10 healthy volunteers, the researchers used DCC-calibrated Raman spectroscopy to significantly boost the accuracy of blood glucose measurements — an average improvement of 15 percent, and up to 30 percent in some subjects. The researchers described the new calibration method and results in the July 15 issue of the journal Analytical Chemistry. In addition to Feld, Barman and Kong, authors include Ramachandra Rao Dasari, associate director of the Spectroscopy Lab, and former postdoctoral associate Gajendra Pratap Singh. Barman and Kong plan to launch a clinical study to test the DCC algorithm in healthy volunteers this fall. Walgreens Introduces Live Pharmacy Chat New service expands patient-pharmacist interaction, provide patients 24/7 access to information and advice DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With 20 percent of Walgreens 7,500-plus pharmacies open 24 hours daily, Walgreens patients nationwide rely on the round-the-clock convenience and accessibility of Walgreens pharmacy. Now, Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG) is making its trusted pharmacy staff even more accessible - available any time online - with Walgreens Pharmacy Chat. Pharmacy Chat is a live, one-on-one, online chat with a pharmacy staff member available 24/7 through the Walgreens website at www.walgreens.com/pharmacychat. “Pharmacists are among the most trusted health care professionals, and Pharmacy Chat gives our patients and customers another way to reach out to Walgreens pharmacy when it’s most convenient for them” “Pharmacists are among the most trusted health care professionals, and Pharmacy Chat gives our patients and customers another way to reach out to Walgreens pharmacy when it’s most convenient for them,” said Kermit R. Crawford, Walgreens executive vice president of pharmacy. “Our pharmacy staff is always here to help, and we continue to introduce innovative technologies that bring our pharmacy services to our patients wherever they are, whenever they need us.” Pharmacy Chat is available to registered users on Walgreens.com. Registration is free. The service makes Walgreens pharmacists and pharmacy technicians available 24 hours daily to answer questions regarding prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, pricing inquiries, prescription status and more. Pharmacy Chat provides another way for patients to readily get in touch with Walgreens pharmacy staff, which is available in stores, over the phone and now online. Pharmacy Chat is the latest extension of Walgreens online pharmacy, and one of many ways in which Walgreens is connecting the Web to its neighborhood stores and pharmacies throughout the U.S. Walgreens recently introduced prescription text alerts, which notify mobile phone users via text message when their prescriptions are ready, or if there are any status changes. In addition, Walgreens.com offers: Express Refills, which enable customers to enter a prescription number online for in-store pickup at their preferred Walgreens location, refill reminders, e-mail alerts, the ability to look up health records online and more. Many of Walgreens other pharmacy, photo and product services are also available through Walgreens mobile application for iPhone, Blackberry and Android users. About Walgreens Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2009 sales of $63 billion. The company operates 7,545 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility, long-term care and mail service, along with pharmacy benefit solutions and respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Walgreens Take Care Health Systems subsidiary is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country. Program helps disabled learn bike riding
Arlington, Texas 2010-07-29 22:42:22 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com – A North Texas program is helping children with disabilities who may face additional challenges with learning to ride a bicycle. As reported by CBS 11 News, the Lose the Training Wheels program, which sponsors daily training sessions at locations throughout the country, offers bike riding classes for children eight years and older and adults who may need assistance. The Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County recently sponsored classes at the University of Texas in Arlington. Sharon Colantonio with Lose the Training Wheels is quoted in the report as stating of what is taught in the classes, “They will ride on the trainer bikes and as they begin to learn how to ride the trainer bikes, they increase in difficulty with the roller in the back of the bike changing out and increasing in tippingness eventually allowing a rider to transition from the roller bike to the conventional bicycle.” Colantonio is further quoted as stating of the benefits for the children and adults who utilize the program, “They have a sense of belonging with their peers and they can go out and they have an opportunity to ride with their peers.” Overweight people may respond differently to food cues 2010-07-30 05:47:08 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com New York – A recent study suggests overweight individuals may desire more of a food presented before them, but not eat more in a single setting than normal weight people. As reported by Reuters, researchers found that overweight and lean people may respond differently to food cues, which may lead overweight people to eat more frequently as opposed to having more single setting servings than lean individuals. The study investigators are quoted by Reuters as writing of their findings, “This is potentially important, because this sensitivity may encourage snacking” and other bad eating habits that are “associated with increased energy intake, overweight and weight gain.” More information about the study may be available in the July publication of the International Journal of Obesity. More Hospital Acquired Infections are Causing Death A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that half of all deaths caused by infections such as sepsis and pneumonia resulted from hospital-acquired infections. July 29, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that half of all deaths caused by infections such as sepsis and pneumonia resulted from an infection acquired in a hospital. In 2006, sepsis and pneumonia were the causes of death of 48,000 people and added $8.1 billion to healthcare costs. The study was published on February 22, 2010, and was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in association with a project researching antibiotic resistance called Extending the Cure. The study concludes "Health care-associated sepsis and pneumonia impose substantial clinical and economic costs." The findings were based on 69 million hospital discharges in 40 states between 1998 and 2006. Only infections acquired within a hospital were included in the data. Length of stay in the hospital, hospital costs and in-hospital mortality were estimated from the discharge information. Sepsis is an infection of the bloodstream and pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Both infections are usually caused by bacteria or a virus. Pneumonia causes more deaths worldwide than any other infectious disease including AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The infections can be prevented by using proper precautions and sanitary hospital procedures. Medicare has announced that they will not pay hospitals for the total costs of care made necessary by "preventable complications" such as hospital acquired infections. This may cause some hospitals to provide misinformation regarding infections to avoid penalties from insurance companies like Medicare. Pneumonia can be prevented with various vaccines including the seasonal flu vaccine. Some hospitals claim they do not have the funds available to implement infection control programs and use the available vaccines for every patient. Proper funding for these programs could reduce the risk of infections spreading and reduce overall healthcare costs. If you are one of the many patients that have acquired an infection at a hospital, seek medical attention and contact a medical malpractice lawyer immediately. Article provided by Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, LLP Visit us at www.california-kaiser-lawyer.com Cooling Blankets Offer Hope for Babies Deprived of Oxygen at Birth When a baby is deprived of oxygen at birth the consequences may last a lifetime. Over the past few years, though, doctors have realized the benefits of a new technique known as brain cooling. July 28, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When a baby is deprived of oxygen at birth the consequences may last a lifetime. Oftentimes such deprivation leads to long-term developmental delays. An infant who does not have sufficient oxygen for any significant length of time may develop cerebral palsy, vision impairments, hearing problems or learning disabilities. Traditionally very little could be done after a baby had suffered asphyxia, another term for oxygen deprivation. Doctors would simply wait and hope for the best, as there was no known treatment. Over the past few years, though, doctors have realized the benefits of a new technique known as brain cooling. With brain cooling, doctors are able to reduce the likelihood and severity of long-term impairments. To perform this technique, a doctor uses a simple blanket that is chilled with tubes of cold water. This cold blanket reduces the baby's core temperature from 98 degrees to 91 degrees over a period of 72 hours. By lowering the body's temperature, the cooling blanket reduces the swelling around the brain and prevents the body from attempting reparative actions that might ultimately cause greater damage. According to Georgetown University Hospital, studies of this technique report a 16 to 27 percent drop in the number of deaths or severe disability as a result of brain cooling. Although the technique has been promising for oxygen-deprived newborns, there are still some limitations. First, the cooling must begin within six hours of delivery, offering newborns a very limited time frame for relief. Second, the procedure is not yet commonly available. For the most part, it is limited to academic medical centers. As a result, the treatment is only available to babies who are born in these hospitals or transferred these hospitals, meaning that many babies do not have timely access to what might be a life-saving procedure. Finally, the technique has only been used for a few years. Because of the limited testing period, doctors have not yet been able to assess the long-term prognosis of infants treated through brain cooling. However, early results are promising with regard to developmental milestones and decreased fatality rates, and this treatment is offering hope for parents who might otherwise have none. Article provided by McKeen & Associates Visit us at www.mckeenassociates.com Hospitals use apps to track patient info Dallas 2010-07-19 03:30:58 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com – Several hospitals in North Texas have begun utilizing applications on their cell phones to keep track of patient information. As reported by CBS 11 News, approximately 20 DFW area hospitals use the apps for the organization of patient information in real time. Dr. Joseph Carlos, an OB/GYN at Medical City in Dallas, is quoted in the report as stating of the technology, “I was obsessive compulsive before I had it, and I’m even more obsessive compulsive after I have it because it’s real time, and I’m on it.” Dr. Cameron Powell, who along with his team at Texas-based AirStrip Technologies, created an iPhone application for use by medical professionals, is further quoted as stating, “What we’re trying to do is actually close that communication gap by delivering this critical patient data anytime, anywhere with just a cell phone connection to the mobile devices.” STD rates growing for seniors who take Viagra
New York 2010-07-19 03:31:33 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com – Research shows that the rates of older men who take drugs for erectile dysfunction contracting sexually transmitted diseases is growing. As reported by Reuters, the numbers suggest that older men who take medications such as Viagra have a significantly higher rate of STDs than those who do not. Study leader Dr. Anupam B. Jena of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, is quoted in the report as stating of the research findings, “Younger adults have far more STDs than older adults, but the rates are growing at far higher rates in older adults.” Jena is further quoted as stating of the issue with safe sex practices for older adults, “We are typically unaccustomed to practice safe sex over the age of 50, because the risk of pregnancy is eliminated.” Doctors are encouraged to discuss safe sex practices with patients who are prescribed erectile dysfunction medications. from Webmaster B. javamanmonk: This story makes a lot of assumptions; assuming that older men have sex with women over 50; assuming the risk of pregnancy with older women nonexistent; might one also assume, some older men take Viagra to keep up with younger women, by reason that the higher rate of STDs of younger adults, are being transmitted to the older men. First Smallpox Vaccine for Special Populations Delivered Under Project BioShield WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Delivery to the Strategic National Stockpile of the first 1 million doses of the nation’s first smallpox vaccine for certain immune-compromised populations is now complete, the result of a Project BioShield contract. “It represents a concerted, coordinated effort among federal agencies and with the private sector throughout the R&D process. It’s a model for us going forward.” Under this contract the Danish company Bavarian Nordic is manufacturing and delivering 20 million doses of its next generation smallpox vaccine known as modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) or Imvamune. Delivery of the first million doses began in May and deliveries will continue through 2013. The contract is administered by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, BARDA, a part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In an emergency, such as the virus being obtained from a secure lab and used in an act of terrorism, the vaccine may be authorized for use to protect people who have weakened immune systems, specifically HIV persons who have not progressed to AIDS. Addressing the needs of such special populations is mandated under the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has large quantities of medicine and medical supplies to protect the American public if there is a public health emergency, such as a terrorist attack or flu outbreak, severe enough to cause local supplies to run out. Once federal and local authorities agreed that the SNS supplies were needed medicines could be delivered to any state in the U.S. within 12 hours. Each state has plans to receive and distribute SNS medicine and medical supplies to local communities as quickly as possible. Project BioShield gives BARDA the contracting authority to develop and procure medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological threat agents. In 2007, Bavarian Nordic was awarded a $505 million contract to develop and deliver the MVA smallpox vaccine to the SNS. This contract was the first to use advance and milestone payments under Project BioShield as modified by PAHPA. “This product began with a basic research and development program initiated by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease at the National Institutes of Health in 2003, and progressed to the point that Project BioShield could be used for further development and procurement,” said BARDA Director Dr. Robin Robinson. “It represents a concerted, coordinated effort among federal agencies and with the private sector throughout the R&D process. It’s a model for us going forward.” As a next step, BARDA is supporting Bavarian Nordic’s work to improve the product further by developing a freeze-dried version of Imvamune. The freeze-dried formulation may have an improved shelf-life, reduced storage costs, and simplified transportation logistics compared to the current vaccine formulation. U.S. government agencies including BARDA, CDC, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Defense have collaborated to develop requirements and policies, provide guidance, and work with manufacturers to develop and procure smallpox medications and vaccines – known as medical countermeasures – for the SNS. BARDA, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides a comprehensive integrated portfolio approach to the advanced research and development, stockpile acquisition, innovation, and manufacturing infrastructure building of the necessary vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostic tools, and non-pharmaceutical products for public health medical emergencies including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, and pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. For additional information, visit www.hhs.gov/aspr. Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at Newly Announced Rules Expand Access to Mammography and Other Early Detection Services at No Cost to Patients
Breast Cancer Advocates Applaud Inclusion of Women Age 40 to 49 WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Advocacy Alliance today applauded new federal rules that will expand access to potentially life-saving care for millions of Americans. “Today’s announcement is a critical step in ensuring the promise of health reform is delivered to all women” “Today’s announcement is a critical step in ensuring the promise of health reform is delivered to all women,” said Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “This new rule means money will no longer be an obstacle for women who want or need a mammogram. Ultimately, this will save lives.” The new interim regulations were issued today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of its implementation of the new health reform law (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). The regulations will require private health insurers to cover preventive and early detection services, including annual screening mammography for women age 40 and older, with no cost sharing or co-pays in health plans issued after September 23, 2010. The rules will also apply to all plans offered through state-based health insurance exchanges when they become operational in 2014. Plans established prior to September 23, 2010 are not subject to the new regulations. Extending this protection to women age 40 and older was particularly welcomed by the Komen Advocacy Alliance. “By requiring health insurers to offer no-cost access to mammography for women age 40 to 49, HHS has relieved concerns women have had since the United States Preventive Services Task Force issued its controversial guidelines last fall,” said Jennifer M. Luray, President of the Komen Advocacy Alliance. “We are grateful to Senators Barbara Mikulski (R-MD) and David Vitter (R-LA) for their roles in ensuring all women 40 and above have this access, in accordance with Komen’s long-held recommendations.” Komen notes that early detection is a key to surviving breast cancer. While more than 200,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and almost 40,000 will die, 98 percent of breast cancer patients will survive at least five years if the cancer is discovered before it has spread beyond the breast compared to only 23 percent when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. While applauding today’s announcement, the Komen Advocacy Alliance also cautioned that government must maintain the safety net screening services funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states and non-profits until all women have access to these new cancer screening benefits and we are assured women know how and when to access them. About Susan G. Komen for the Cure Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Komen for the Cure has invested more than $1.5 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. About Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy The Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Advocacy Alliance (KAA) is the nonpartisan voice for over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors and the people who love them. Our mission is to translate the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® promise to end breast cancer forever into action at all levels of government to discover and deliver the cures. The National Cancer Institute’s Commitment to Personalized Cancer Care 2010-07-14 23:24:29 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com - The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a sub-section of the government’s National Institutes of Health, and serves as one of the premier global sources for cancer research and funding. Among the organization’s many goals, is a commitment to making advances in personalized cancer treatment. Personalized cancer treatment involves looking for specific biomarkers within a patient’s cancer cells that indicate that a particular type of therapy may or may not be beneficial. While a number of personalized care procedures have already been approved for public use, the NCI is intent on expanding the scope of these potentially life-saving procedures. In accordance with this goal, the NCI has instituted a number of programs to enhance personalized medicine and help bring customizable therapy solutions to market. For example, the Cancer Genome Atlas is a program dedicated to identifying and cataloguing all genetic mutations associated with the growth of cancer cells. By identifying these mutations, it is hoped that targeted drugs can be manufactured to effectively switch driver mutations “off” to either kill cancer cells directly, or make them more susceptible to other forms of cancer treatment. Genetic mapping of cancer cells has the potential to improve cancer research in a number of ways. These include: Speeding up the screening process for identifying causative gene mutations Narrowing focus for new drug development Bringing effective drugs to market sooner Improving cancer survival rates Indirectly, NCI is also working towards improving cancer care through the linkage of electronic health records. An initiative to provide the same level of health care to all Americans, regardless of finances or location, is also intended to deliver the latest cancer care to a broader group of individuals. This patient-centric philosophy is viewed as an action-oriented viewpoint that spurs cancer research with the benefit of providing the most good for the largest pool of individuals possible. Therapy may be beneficial for peanut allergy sufferers
New York 2010-07-13 03:45:25 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com – A new study could help individuals who suffer with severe peanut allergy. As reported by Reuters, the experimental therapy could help make allergic reactions less fatal for sufferers, according to German and U.S. researchers from the University Hospital Charite in Berlin and Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. As noted in the report, study participants were given peanuts in small doses to assist them in developing a tolerance for the nut proteins. Dr. Wayne Shreffler, an investigator on the study, is quoted by Reuters as stating of the potential for the findings, “The glass is half full… There’s evidence there may have been a permanent shift, but we haven’t proven that yet. We’ve only taken the first step.” More information about the study may be available in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Mom’s favoritism may have long-term effects US 2010-07-03 23:12:09 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com – A recent study suggests children whose mothers favored or rejected one child may be impacted long-term. As reported by HealthDay News, researchers found damaging effects may continue into adulthood for children in this circumstance, with many suffering depression symptoms. Karl Pillemer, a Cornell University gerontologist who authored the study, is quoted in the report as stating of the research in a university news release, “We have a powerful norm in our society that parents should treat kids equally, so favoritism can be something of a taboo topic… If counselors can help older parents and adult children bring some of these issues into the open, it may help prevent family conflict from arising.” More information about the study may be available in the recent publication of the Journal of Marriage and Family. California to Drop Serpentine as State Rock 2010-07-02 13:05:21 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com - Every state has its state bird, state flower, and state flag. Only California has a state rock, serpentine, and lately the choice is coming under fire from such various sources as California’s State Geologist, John Parish, and State Senator Gloria Romero, a Democrat representing East Los Angeles. Activists agree the choice was a poor one, because one of the minerals in serpentine – a shiny, greenish rock that glitters like gold – is asbestos, and asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a form of slow-acting but ultimately deadly cancer that commonly attacks the lungs. When serpentine gets broken or crushed, whether by a pickaxe during gold mining or by a hydraulic excavator to create a new housing development, the result is asbestos fibers freed into the environment to drift on air currents and, eventually, get inhaled or ingested by humans (and other mammals). Once inside the body, the fibers, each about 100 times narrower than a human hair, lodge in mesothelial linings that surround and protect internal organs like the heart, lungs, stomach and large intestine. This leads to irritation, then lesions, and finally malignant tumors which lie dormant for decades before exploding into a form of cancer that is swift, lethal, painful and incurable. By the time most patients are diagnosed, the only prognosis doctors can legitimately offer is about a year to live. Of course, before asbestos acquired its bad rap as a carcinogen, and health officials became aware of its potential for causing incurable diseases like asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, the mineral was viewed as something of a miracle fiber. Not only is it a superb insulator, but it is highly resistant to chemical degradation. None of which really makes up for asbestos’ insidious potential as one of the “silent killer” diseases, and Romero has taken this danger to heart, introducing Senate Bill 624 (SB624), which would remove serpentine from the list of representative items (the golden poppy, the California Valley quail, the Grizzly bear and the golden trout) that identify and glorify the Golden State. SB624 has already won blanket approval the State Assembly’s Natural Resources Committee, and from Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization founder and CEO Linda Reinstein, whose advocacy is a tribute to her husband’s death, in 2003, from mesothelioma. Even though mesothelioma is a fairly rare disease, about 2,500 people die from it each year in the United States. Asbestos diseases in general, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and small- and large-cell lung and digestive system cancers, claim a full 10,000 lives every year, or about one out of every 31,000 individuals. Serpentine thus becomes less a public relations issue than a grievous reminder to individuals diagnosed with asbestos disease, and those who love them – a reminder that looms ever larger as California mining and health officials determine that much of the Sierra Nevada range, with its roughly 50,000 open pit mines abandoned during and after the 1848 Gold Rush, is a toxic asbestos legacy spread in the dust raised by thousands of RVs and ATVs as tourists travel around the state’s Sierra Nevada recreational sites and trails. Serpentine is also prevalent in the Pacific Coast Range of mountains, another popular tourist venue, and the danger rises exponentially as both areas experience record building booms only slightly deflated by the burst housing bubble and subsequent recession. Besides, according to SFGate, Reinstein noted, California doesn’t need serpentine rock to identify the state and promote tourism. It already has gold, and a new gold rush, inspired by the aforementioned recession, has resulted in an increase in placer mining claims, from October of 2007 to September of 2008, that nearly doubled the 1,986 claims filed in 2006. Obesity rates higher in 28 states U.S. 2010-06-30 15:46:40 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com – A recent report suggests obesity rates have risen throughout the country over the past year. As reported by HealthDay News, the report shows that the numbers have increased in 28 states, with Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and West Virginia being in the top ten for obesity rates. Jeff Levi, executive director of the Trust for America’s Health, is quoted in the report as stating in a news conference this week, “More than two-thirds of states now have adult obesity rates above 25 percent… Back in 1991, not that long ago, not a single state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. There’s been a dramatic change in a relatively short period.” Levi is further quoted as stating, “Obesity is one of the biggest public health crises in the country… Rising rates of obesity over past decades is one of the major factors behind skyrocketing health care costs in the U.S., one-quarter of which are related to obesity.” More information about the report may be found by visiting http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/. Americans overtreated near death? US 2010-06-30 04:39:37 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com – Many Americans with terminal or progressive illnesses are reportedly often overtreated near the end of their lives. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), many dying patients undergo treatments and incur massive medical expenses, seeking to exhaust all possible options, that often prolong their suffering as opposed to giving them a desired effect. As noted in the report, the numbers of people receiving hospice or palliative care is purportedly decreasing due to many beginning these alternatives too late. Hospitalizations for people in the last six months of their lives is also on the rise. Some health care policy groups are reportedly advocating for improved end of life counseling. Ellen Stovall, former president of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, is quoted by the AP as stating of the decisions for patients and their families to undergo certain treatments, “I’ve heard a lot of people over the years say what they would do if they had cancer until it is them. And then they will cling to even the smallest glimmer that something will help… Cancer that can’t be cured is often called daunting but not hopeless. So that’s what patients hear. Hope is the last thing to go. People don’t give that up easily.” Florida Grants SpringStar Emergency Permit to Fight Dengue Outbreak WOODINVILLE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While all eyes are on the Gulf oil spill, another natural disaster worsens as Key West Florida battles the first U.S. outbreak of dengue in 75 years. With over 30 confirmed cases (27 in 2009, 8 in 2010) and 5% of residents showing exposure to the mosquito-spread disease, Florida is seeking new tools to stop the emerging threat. Aiming to enhance their existing control program, the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) turned to SpringStar Inc in Woodinville, WA. The company has exclusive rights to a novel military invention proven in scientific tests to reduce mosquito populations that transmit dengue. “This collaboration advances our project a year, and we are immensely proud that our efforts will help resolve this critical public health situation.” The Trap-N-Kill® system was invented by military researchers Brian Zeichner and the late Dr. Michael Perich. It uses a simple cup system that turns traditional pesticide methods on their head: instead of spraying pesticide hoping to touch and kill mosquitoes, the trap brings mosquitoes to the pesticide, using their irresistible urge to lay eggs against them. The proven system uses 99% less pesticide and provides a more economical and ecologically-safe alternative to traditional methods, such as aerial spraying of residential areas. SpringStar’s research program is funded by the Armed Forces Pest Management Board to improve the technology and create a biodegradable version. With the dengue threat building, all company efforts turned to the Florida problem. The company produced 50,000 recyclable traps, prepared a toxicology review, generated a reviewed scientific protocol, and received an emergency use permit from Florida to deploy traps in early July. Traps will be placed around selected homes in the City of Key West for 3 months in an effort to break the mosquito life cycle and stop the dengue outbreak. The Florida deployment is aided by scientific input from the USDA - ARS, expertise and labor from the Navy Entomology Center of Excellence and the Army Public Health Command (Provisional) with input from the EPA Pesticide Registration Agency. SpringStar’s head of research Sam Hapke said, “This collaboration advances our project a year, and we are immensely proud that our efforts will help resolve this critical public health situation.” His team will coordinate government and military staff, working alongside the FKMCD staff, to deploy and monitor the traps in the Key West demonstration trial. The field scientific team will maintain a blog of the project on the company web site at www.mosquitoscience.net. The ultimate goal of the project is to stop dengue transmission and submit a data package to the EPA proving the system works in the U.S. Traps can then be sold in retail stores. One big-box buyer is prepared to place traps in its Key West store as soon as EPA grants an approval for sales. Study finds swingers have higher STI risks than prostitutes
London 2010-06-25 14:26:44 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com – A recent study shows that swingers, or straight couples who engage in sexual partner swapping or group sex activities on a regular basis, have a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than prostitutes. As reported by Reuters, researchers found the rates of STIs were higher among this group than prostitutes, and swingers were not as easy as other high-risk groups to be identified and targeted for healthcare service. Anne-Marie Niekamp, who worked on the study with colleagues from Maastricht University, is quoted by Reuters as writing of the findings, “Although exact estimates are unavailable, the swingers’ population is probably large.” Niekamp is further quoted as stating, “Because they are so hidden and in some ways also stigmatized, it is hard for them to come forward for STI testing and treatment.” More information about the Dutch study may be found in the British Medical Journal. Lawsuit fears contribute to extra hospital tests Chicago 2010-06-22 04:41:51 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com – ER doctors suggest overtesting is largely due to fears about lawsuits. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), some emergency room doctors state that pressures arise for many pertaining to the threat of malpractice lawsuits, which often leads to patients being overtreated, or the use of unnecessary testing. Dr. Jeffrey Kline, an emergency physician at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., is quoted in the report as stating of the issue, “It takes time to explain pros and cons. Doctors like to check a box that orders a CT scan and go on to the next patient.” Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, is further quoted as stating, “Our society puts more weight on technology than on physical exams…in other words, why would you believe a doctor who only examines you when you can get an X-ray that can tell something for sure?” Breast-feeding could save lives study says A new study suggests the practice could save lives and money if more women breast-fed. Chicago (WiredPRNews.com)2010-04-05 18:07:22 (GMT) – Hundreds of lives and billions in costs could reportedly be saved with breast-feeding according to a recent study. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), the cost-analysis suggests that breast-feeding for the initial six months of life by 90 percent of women in the U.S. could save the lives almost 900 babies annually by help to prevent numerous health conditions such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, asthma, and juvenile diabetes. Dr. Ruth Lawrence, head of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ breast-feeding section, is quoted by the AP as stating of the issue, “The health care system has got to be aware that breast-feeding makes a profound difference.” More information about the study may be available in Monday’s online publication of the Pediatrics journal. Optimism good for your health? U.S. (WiredPRNews.com) – A new study suggests optimism may be good for the health. As reported by LiveScience.com, researchers found that having an optimistic attitude may boost the immune system. As noted in the report, the research shows that an increase in optimism among a sample of first year law students was correlated with the exhibition of stronger cell-mediated immunity. University of Kentucky psychology professor Suzanne Segerstrom, who co-authored the study, is quoted in the report as stating, “To show that a single person - with the same personality and genes - has different immune function when he or she feels more or less optimistic provides a stronger link between the two.” The findings could reportedly lead to advancements in approaches for mental health professionals in counseling or treatment.Researchers find diabetes brain disorder link
U.S. 2010-06-17 04:47:04 (GMT) – A new study suggests there is a link between diabetes and brain disorders. As reported by LiveScience.com, researchers found issues with regulating insulin may also affect the susceptibility of people with diabetes to developing depression, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders. Aurelio Galli, a biophysicist at Vanderbilt, is quoted in the report as stating of the findings, “In the diabetic population, 25 percent are depressed - in the normal population, it’s only 10 percent.” For the study, the researchers conducted experiments on mice developed to have a defect in processing insulin, and found them to exhibit abnormalities in their behavior that mimic those seen in humans with schizophrenia. More information about the study may be available in the June 8 online publication of the PLoS Biology journal. Medical scans a high source of radiation exposure
US 2010-06-17 04:34:21 (GMT) – A new study suggests medical scans are a prominent source of radiation exposure for Americans. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), researchers found that Americans are more exposed to medical radiation than people in other countries, with the U.S. accounting for fifty percent of the most highly developed procedures that involve the use of radiation. Radiation exposure is linked to increased cancer risks. Sean Boyd, chief of the FDA’s diagnostic devices branch, is quoted by the AP as stating of the push for standard doses for imaging tests, “We are considering requirements and guidelines for record-keeping of dose and other technical parameters of the imaging exam.” The development of a measure to keep track of medical radiation doses throughout one’s lifetime is also reportedly being considered.
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