Reporting drug side effects - One click away!
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Drugs, Allie Beatty, Support, Personalities
A recent study found that 87% of patients who experienced an adverse symptom from a prescribed drug spoke to their doctor. However less than half of the doctors went through with filing the adverse event paperwork to notify the drug manufacturer. Why is this?
The research was published in the latest issue of Drug Safety. Doctors dismissed patients' complaints, and told them their symptoms were not connected to use of the drug. One doctor commented that the time it takes to complete the adverse event drug paperwork is time-consuming, and often not worth it unless it is life threatening. Would Hippocrates have accepted that answer? Please review your Hippocratic Oath, doc.
Your doctor is too busy to file the necessary paperwork to notify the FDA a drug is potentially harmful. What is a patient to do? Good question and here's an answer! If you experienced any adverse side effects from the use of a prescription drug, please let the FDA know. Click BEGIN and bring this monkey business to an end!
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | CommentsNutrition - Millions Of People Worldwide Suffer From Alzheimer’s - Number Of Cases Feared To Double In Coming Years
Millions Of People Worldwide Suffer From Alzheimer’s - Number Of Cases Feared To Double In Coming Years
A hundred years ago, the psychiatrist and brain researcher described the first patient with a severe dementia accompanied by the massive loss of nerve cells (neurons). At that time, the disease later named after him was still rare. Alzheimer saw only two cases in his research career, as Dr. [click link for full article]
Doctor And Advocacy Groups Work To Deliver Cervical Cancer Vaccinations
Today, leading organizations from across the healthcare spectrum joined together to ensure that the United States is prepared to deliver on a major women’s health breakthrough - the elimination of most forms of cervical cancer through access to new vaccines and screening. The Partnership to End Cervical Cancer’s goal is to ensure the immediate inclusion of cervical cancer vaccines as part of routine preventive healthcare for American women. [click link for full article]
Can Information Help Beat Cancer?
Cancerbackup, the cancer information and support charity, has launched what it hopes will be the biggest ever survey of people affected by cancer. The aim is to increase understanding of how the provision of the right information, to the right people, at the right time helps them make the right choices about their treatment and care.”Information for people affected by cancer has long been recognised as vital”, says Derryn Borley, Head of Cancer Services, Cancerbackup. [click link for full article]
Vegetable And Fruit Juice Consumption Lower Alzheimer’s Risk
If you drink fruit and/or vegetable juice at least three times a week you could be reducing your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by 76%, say scientists in a new study. Even if you have a fruit and/or vegetable juice just twice a week your risk goes down 16%.You can read about this study in the September issue of the American Journal of Medicine. [click link for full article]
Memory Clinics Are Diverting NHS Resources From High Quality Care
Specialist memory clinics for patients with dementia are taking NHS resources away from long term integrated care, warn senior doctors in this week’s BMJ. Since 2001, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended that cholinesterase inhibitors should be available to people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, writes consultant psychiatrist, Anthony Pelosi and colleagues. [click link for full article]
Presidential candidates say fighting diabetes vital
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Opinion, Care, Personalities
The Democratic presidential candidates all know this: whoever gets the nomination has an excellent shot at making it to the White House. First, though, is the long, hard, down and dirty campaign slog in which each candidate has to do the impossible - try and be all things to all people.One thing we can except is that they all devote a little time to addressing diabetes. Specifically, finding a cure for type 1 diabetes and strategies for containing the unprecedented spread of type 2 diabetes. The type 2 "epidemic" (as it is sometimes called) is all the more serious because of the strain it is adding to the US healthcare system, a system already failing to meet the needs of many Americans.
During Monday night's CNN/YouTube debate, the candidates were asked about their plans for the healthcare system. Click here to read what they had to say about health issues. Two of the candidates, Senator Chris Dodd (CT) and Governor Bill Richardson (NM), both mentioned diabetes and their desire to cope with the problem, but they didn't get a chance to go into detail in the context of a televised debate. Such is the world we live in, folks! Visit CNN to read a transcript of the debate.
Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has joined with other New York lawmakers to push for Congressional funding to fight the spread of type 2 in that state. The requested sum? $120 million. Click here to check out Allie's take on that issue.
"Why You Should Use A Treadmill... Or Run Outside"
"Can't find what you are looking for? Try Google Search" Calorie Feature Article "Why You Should Use A Treadmill... Or Run Outside"Author: Paul Johnson There's a distinct difference between running outside andon treadmill, and they both have their positives andnegatives. The top notch benefit of using a treadmill isthat you will never have to contend with the elements ofbeing outside, which depending on where you are in worldcan get bitterly cold or sizzling hot. There's a cushioned surface on the treadmill that willlessen the impact of running, which can reduce the numberof shin splints that occur from outside running. There aremotivational factors that make a treadmill a very appealingform of exercising where you have the power to manuallyadjust your terrain with different speeds, all controlledby you and your fingertips. Depending on where you are, it may be extremely difficultto find such terrain differences to ensure that you have adiverse running path, something that a treadmill can offerat all times.The downside to the treadmill if there is one is that itconfines you the size of the treadmill, which in turn willlimit the amount of capable movement you can perform. Running, jogging, or walking outside can maximize theamount your muscles are impacted through the movement inyour body caused by the terrain and this has been known tocause more calories to be burned as a result. So theability to limit your body's natural running movement isthe only drawback to using a treadmill. If you do use a treadmill, it is highly advised not to useit more than 30-45 minutes per session as your body will bemaxed out at that point. If you do not feel that your body is getting enough out ofit, then you are encouraged to begin some type of intervaltraining on the machine, which will vary your length andterrain as you see fit. It is also recommended that youshould use some form of weight training with cardioexercises to reap total benefit.If you are looking to burn some calories a treadmill, orany cardio machine for that matter, will give you themaximize desired benefits. It is not about how long youuse this machine but the variance of your workout that willdetermine the effectiveness of what you are doing that willshow you how great the treadmill is.===========================================================Find out why treadmills can burn fat more efficiently thanalmost any other exercise. See reviews and usefulinformation. Click==> http://www.treadmills-easy.com/ About the Author Paul Johnson works tech support for New York basedInternet Publishing company, DigiLectual Inc. He's lost alot of weight with a fitness regime that includesTreadmills. He shares his knowledge and research ontreadmills in a series of articles.... Low Calorie Food RecipeFood Calorie CountCalorie Counter Guide
Don't avoid the flavonoid
Filed under: Diet, Prevention, Nutrition
It turns out that there's some truth to the old adage that An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away. According to a 
study published in a recent issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who eat apples regularly have a decreased risk of dying from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.
What if you don't like apples? Try pears -- or even red wine. This same study revealed that consuming either of these will have the same preventative effects as eating apples. The researchers attribute these heart-healthy benefits to compounds known as flavonoids, which help reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol (Note: Flavanoids are not to be confused with the Noid -- who in the 80s was known to ruin the occasional pizza).
Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant activity, meaning that they protect against free radical damage. For a more comprehensive look at how flavonoids, found in such foods as apples and pears, can better your health, click HERE. As for how they measure up against this guy on the right, however, I think there is still much research to be done.
Slow down, eat smaller bites for a healthier diet
Filed under: Diet, Prevention, Obesity, Nutrition
The above sounds like something I say to my children every night at the dinner table. However, it is an approach that if taken literally could help Americans with our ongoing obesity struggles. The French long ago adopted the eat slowly and carefully approach and their portion control, coupled with a leisurely dining pace, has helped to keep their population of obese adults to a mere 11%, compared to the American national average of 37% adult obesity. In a society where we are so often on the go, it is hard to justify sitting down and slowly eating a meal when we could just as easily pack it in to plastic containers and munch away in the car while we run errands, pick up kids and multi task. And if we forget to bring a drink? No worries, we can stop at a drive thru and get a huge one for under two dollars. Or if we have been working all day, it is far easier to pile the kids in the car and have dinner at an all you can eat buffet. A buffet offers something for everybody and the plates are unlimited.
There is a lesson to be learned from the French. Smaller portions, spending a few extra minutes at the table and chewing our bites a few more times can help to give the feeling of fullness while still enjoying a meal. Being realistic about portions is another key to eating in moderation. The changes are small but key to reducing obesity and creating a healthy lifestyle. Click here to read more.
A few heart healthy tips
Filed under: Diet, Prevention, Mind Body medicine
I usually tune in to CNN to find out what's going on in the world, not to find out what's going in inside my body. But, there are always exceptions. For example, I find the BBC news to sometimes be a more accurate/less filtered account of world events. By the same token, CNN does have some valuable health info. to offer up every once in a while. Case in point, a list of "9 Secrets to a Healthier Heart" published on the news giant's website.
Simple, easy-to-follow and just plain good, sound advice. That's what I like most about this list. Rather than reiterate all of the 9 secrets, I have instead decided to paraphrase a few I found to be most helpful:
#4) Try to consume more pomegranate juice. In addition to aiding in preventing hardening of the arteries, lowering bad cholesterol, pomegranate juice may also reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Try to find a 100% version of the juice, such s the very popular Pom -- which can be found in most supermarkets.
#6) Pointing to a research study conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, the article sites the importance of laughter. Its healing power, if you will. Apparently, people who watched comedy films such as "There's Something About Mary" had better blood flow than those who watched dramas like "Saving Private Ryan."
#8) Relaxed, control breathing can help lower your blood pressure. The article suggests trying to take 10 breaths per minute rather than the average 16 to 19. By doing so, you can slow your body's excretion of salt, which, in turn, will help keep your blood pressure down.
As I said, these are simple and effective strategies to help keep your heart healthy. To read all 9, click HERE.
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San Antonio registry to track diabetes impact
Filed under: Type 2, Daily News, Services, Care
Texas is turning to number-crunching in an effort to contain soaring Type 2 diabetes rates. San Antonio will be the first city there to operate a diabetes registry designed to improve both the cost and quality of diabetes care in the state. The Texas state legislature approved the initiative this past spring. The project, which will be administered by the local health department, has been given the extremely imaginative title of Diabetes Registry. (Hey, makes it easy to find in the phone book.) The registry will gather its statistics from labs that perform diabetes blood tests.The idea behind the project is not new: a similar scheme is already underway in New York City. Makes sense: before you decide how to cope with widespread Type 2 diabetes, you first need to assess exactly what the problems are. Who is missing out on care? Who are most likely to go undiagnosed? What could healthcare providers, teachers, or parents be doing differently?
Officials say that if the registry is successful in San Antonio, the registry may be extended throughout the entire state of Texas. Click here to read more on the community news site My San Antonio.
Gene flaws may increase kids' risk for type 1 diabetes
Filed under: Type 1, Childhood, Research, Daily News
A new study, a report of which has been published in Nature, has identified gene flaws that increase the risk for type 1 diabetes in children. By examining the genetic codes of thousands of children, some with and some without diabetes, as well as those of parents of diabetics, the researchers identified three changes on one specific gene present in those with diabetes. They then looked at 1600 additional diabetes patients' genetic codes and again found the very same marks, sometimes called "flavors" or "flaws." Two of these variations increase a person's odds of developing diabetes by fifty percent, say the researchers. However, the third seems to decrease risk for the disease.Type 1, says lead author Hakon Hakonarson, is a complex genetic disorder "involving mutations in several genes acting in concert to predispose someone to the condition." Important? Very. Best case scenario: understanding how these genes operate is the kind of knowledge that could lead to a cure. At the very least, such knowledge could help medical caregivers identify at-risk children - a step that could eventually precede the standard diagnosis procedure as we know it today.
Click here for more details about this study.
UK diabetes care basic, at best
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Daily News, Support, Care
British watchdog group The Healthcare Commission just gave diabetes care in the UK a lukewarm review. Its study of the facilities in which British diabetics receive care concludes that care levels overall are basic, at best. Most of the places (73%) surveyed in the study were rated "fair," meaning patients know what medications they are supposed to be on and when they should be taking them. They also know they should be getting annual checkups. Only five percent of facilities were rated "excellent by the Commission.The system is lacking, however, when it comes to anything beyond those most basic of services. Just like here in the US, most British people with diabetes are not receiving help with diabetes management. Studies suggest that regular consultations with a health "coach" on an individual basis could really improve patient outcomes. One reason they are helpful is because they get patients to come up with a care plan tailored for each person, making it more likely he/she will be able to stick with it.
Diabetes UK head of healthcare policy, Bridget Turner, agrees with the Commission's conclusions: "The NHS [National Health Service] has to focus more on...self-care. For people with diabetes, 95% of diabetes management is self-care."
To read more, click here or visit the Healthcare Commission's own web summary of the report.