Side Effects

There's a new commercial touting the benefits of a drug called LYRICA and how it helps those suffering from Fibromyalgia.
I'm sure it does.
I've tried the drug.

For years, my 65 pound Shepard -mix dog, Sammy and I used to run together. For the first mile ( our usual route took us 3-4 miles but he was good for 8) I'd have a heck of a time keeping up. No matter what 'control' device I used with Sam he paid no heed - he was out of the house and rarin' to go. Too many years of me hanging on wreaked havoc with my back.

Now, I wouldn't have traded any of those runs on country roads or through the woods, but I do have to pay the pain piper.

So, after a summer of physical therapy appointments for hip pain I finally saw a neurologist. The root of the trouble, the L4/L5 disc in my back. It's a very common trouble spot. As the doctor explained, since the hip is a large joint, the brain thinks that's where the pain is originating.

Be that as it may, I needed relief. By now I was having tingling down my leg. So the doctor prescribed Lyrica. It works by blocking the nerve impulse to the brain - if the pain message can't get through you say, AHHH.

Did it work? Like a charm. But it had a side effect or two. At the dose prescribed I was a bit fuzzy - and some unwanted pounds started creeping on.

Now, I'd read the fine print on the enclosed packaging paper. But to get the skinny on it I went to the blogs. Yes, there are blogs or message boards for just about every treatment. Lo and behold, I had plenty of company.

Luckily I was able to stop taking the medication and remain mostly pain free.

The 'moral' of the story. Know the side effects a new medication can cause. Tell your doctor if you develop any of those side effects so you can work out a plan. And yes, those boards can be of help, but remember, they are personal experience and may not apply to your life.

As for the dog - well, he's 14 and his own aches and pains keep him from running with me. But there are days when he still tears down the driveway and sprints to the next house. Now that's an attitude I hope I always have!

And what about you? Have you ever been prescribed a medication that had an unwanted side effect? What did you do? Was your doctor responsive? Please, share your experiences.

Random acts of Kindness

I don't know if MARION will read this blog . . or any of her friends .. but it's a story worth sharing.

Every year I take the bus to NYC with a dear friend. For many years we took her church bus - lately we've been traveling Yankee Trails - timing, dates are better.

Last year, on the bus filled with shoppers and folks heading to a show, I met a delightful woman named Marion. At days end as everyone piled into the bus Marion came by to hand me a small, white paper bag. Inside, she explained, was a cupcake.

Cupcakes are all the rage in NYC. There are a couple of specialty bakeshops - people will line up to get the sweet treats right from the oven. It was a chocolate cupcake with the most perfect frosting you can imagine.

As Marion explained - she spent the day with her daughter and when they purchased the cakes she bought one extra, for me, 'just because'.

How often do we do something like that - 'just because' ..

I was so touched by her kindness ..

Well, here we are again .. spending the day in the city, climbing back aboard the bus for the trip home and there's Marion. Didn't see her earlier in the day - and don't you know, she's got a little white, paper bag again; this time, as she happily tells me, it's a vanilla cupcake. (she'd remembered that last year's was chocolate)

Look, I'm not much of a cake eater but I've got to tell you - it's the best tasting treat - not because it's from a 'fru fru' place - but because it came from someone so caring and considerate.

So, if you'll allow me a moment of preaching .. take time this holiday season to practice a random act of kindness. It doesn't cost much, doesn't take much time but the payoff is huge.

Marion - again, thanks for making my holiday season merry and bright ..

Sun Spots

I was trolling my usual places on the internet today, looking for details on another story when I came across this. It caught my eye because at a recent Women's Health Expo sponsored by B95.5 I moderated a panel on skin care. Dealing with age spots caused by the sun was a topic of conversation .. so when I came across this on TOPICAL TREATMENTS FOR AGE SPOTS from the 12/3/07 issue of the Harvard Women's Health Watch I figured I'd share.


Hydroquinone
Many dermatologists consider this cream the best choice for treating age spots. You can expect to see results in four to six weeks, with the greatest improvement after four to six months. The most common side effect is irritation or reddening. The FDA recently proposed a ban on over-the-counter preparations containing hydroquinone because studies found that the drug may cause cancer when fed to rats and mice. So far, there are no studies showing any increased risk to humans using the drug topically. The FDA is still responding to challenges from critics who oppose the ban.

Tretinoin
Topical tretinoin was first approved for treating acne, but trials have demonstrated that it also improves photoaged skin. It can take several months to lighten age spots, and side effects include redness, scaling, and itchiness, although these generally subside after a few weeks. Brand names include Retin-A, Renova, and Avita.

Adapalene gel
This prescription drug is approved only for treating acne, but sometimes it is used off-label to improve photoaged skin.

These topicals work mainly by interrupting the formation of melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning. To get the best results, you should also use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

The spots can also be removed by surgery, microdermabrasion or chemical peel.

Hip Fractures and Calcium

Well this story sure caught my eye .. it says calcium intake may NOT prevent hip fractures and may actually increase the risk of fracture after a fall. You can check out the study at: http://www.medpagetoday.com/Surgery/Orthopedics/dh/7618

What it indicates is - calcium supplements need vitamin D supplements to do their job. One nutrient is not enough. Worth a conversation with your doc if you're on supplementation.

The rest of the Avastin story and The Myth of Vitamin E

Avastin .. as noted here yesterday- got the thumbs down from an FDA advisory panel . .and usually the full FDA follows that lead.

The panel said, bottom line, whatever little good came of Avastin for treating metastatic breast cancer was outweighed by the toxicities associated with it .. and there was no apparent increase in overall survival.

btw - avastin is approved for treating colon and lung cancer.

Onto Vitamin E ..

seems articles still touting the benefits of vitamin E ( cardiovascular benefits) are quoting old and out of date findings .. findings that have in fact been disproved. That's the take home from research done at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
A major study called the HOPE study done in 2000 refuted earlier claims of any benefit.
the new report says " This trend wastes time, effort, and money and can "also perpetuate a literature of false impressions that can affect future scientific efforts by providing a misleading starting base," said Dr. Ioannidis and colleagues. They did not cite the offending journals by name. '

AVASTIN FOR BREAST CANCER - THUMBS DOWN

ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 5 -- By a one vote margin FDA advisors have recommended that bevacizumab (Avastin) not be approved for treatment of breast cancer.This is a developing story.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/

Holiday Headaches // Bedwetting Drug Warning

Holidays are here and that means the alcoholic beverages will be flowing ..
Besides the blanket warning about not drinking and driving . .the National Headache Foundation has a host of info about drinking and headaches and how to stay healthy.
check it out at http://www.headaches.org/

And parents - make note of this warning about a drug used to treat bed wetting in kids. It can be a killer.

The INTRANASAL formulations of DEMOPRESSIN ACETATE should NOT be used for primary nocturnal enuresis according to an FDA warning issued on 12/5/07.

The FDA says there were 61 cases of seizures caused by a the drug and 2 deaths.

The problem the drug causes is called HYPONATREMIA .. and that causes the seizures and death. Hyponatremia occurs because the drug is an anti-diuretic, meaning it helps a person keep their 'water' . . the drug prevents excessive water loss in urine. Combine that with excessive fluid consumption and the body has too much fluid and an imbalance of sodium. It's the same problem that can affect distance runners who run slowly and take in too much fluid.

If your child is taking this drug .. talk with their pediatrician.

Fibromyalgia

Had breakfast with an old friend the other day. She mentioned her fibromyalgia was better controlled. She's been dealing with the disease for more than 15 years and it's taken it's toll: the deep muscle pain, the lack of sleep. She's on a new medication that's helping.
With that in mind I came across a listing of clinical trials for new drugs aimed at alleviating the disabling symptoms of Fibromyalgia. So if you're interested, you might want to check this out. I have no idea the specifics, I make no recommendations . . just sharing some info.


Trial Information
Summary: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Safety and Efficacy Study of Xyrem (sodium oxybate) in Subjects with Fibromyalgia
For more information,
Contact:Suzanne Alterman, RN, BSN, CCRCUpstate Clinical Research, LLC3 Atrium Drive, Suite 205Albany, NY 12205Telephone: 518-533-1546Email:
salterman@upstateneurology.com
Profile Page: Upstate Clinical Research, LLC, Albany, NY

Heart of the Matter

Couple of items crossed my desk I thought you'd find interesting and both deal with your heart.

First . .the so called Merry Christmas Coronary and Happy New Year Heart Attack.

Studies indicate the risk goes up this time of year - for a couple of reasons. People who may be experiencing problems ignore them for fear the trouble could disrupt family festivities. That could be a deadly mistake.

Another reason for trouble - people on heart meds and following exercise and diet programs figure they can cheat a little - again, big mistake.

And then there's alcohol consumption. Increasing alcohol consumption can contribute to something called Holiday Heart Syndrome - alcohol has a toxic effect on the heart muscle and can lead to atrial fibrillation - an abnormal heart rhythm .. the same problem that recently affected v.p. Dick Cheney.

Doctors at Vanderbilt University are sending out a warning to stick to your heart health plan .. and if you're suffering any heart symptoms, get treatment.

The other interesting story I came across today comes from the Harvard Heart Letter. It details some questions you need to ask your doctor IF you're a heart patient in need of surgery for another problem.

The Harvard Heart Letter's questions include these:
• How urgent is the operation?
In an emergency, there's no time to second-guess cardiac risk. If the surgery can be delayed, cardiac considerations become more important.
•What’s your functional status? Can you climb stairs without needing to stop because of chest pain or breathlessness? The more you’re able to do, the less you need a presurgical cardiac evaluation.
•Do you have cardiac risk factors? Angina, diabetes, kidney disease, controlled heart failure, or a prior stroke increase the chances of heart trouble during surgery. If you don't have any of these risk factors, you probably don't need special precautions before surgery.

Box away the blues

Howdy
Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one and that the holiday shopping season hasn't run you ragged.

If you're looking for a way to stay in shape this holiday season and be a 'do gooder' consider this event tomorrow:


WHAT: Fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's Hospital (Child Cancer
Patients)
WHERE: Sweeney's Boxing & Fitness
160 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
WHEN: 6:00 p.m. - 8:30
November 28, 2007
Anyone interested can come, get in a workout with professional fighters, and donate money to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

if you've never boxed - give it a try. It's a great workout and a wonderful way to release stress.

MEDICARE PART D update // ZYRTEC

It's open enrollment for MEDICARE PART D .. it runs through Jan first.

If you're enrolled now, you have to re-enroll... Plans have changed .. some have seen huge price increases.

As for the so called donut hole - webmd points out .. " For most plans, Medicare stops paying when your out-of-pocket costs reach $2,510, not including monthly premiums. It doesn't kick in again until you've spent $4,050. Now that people know their plan can drop out, they have to be aware of enhanced plans that charge higher premiums in exchange for more coverage in the doughnut hole."

I've got a host of sites you can check for help when signing up for the best plan for your needs:

http://www.medicare.gov/
http://www.medicarerights.org/
http://www.ssa.gov/ ( if you're lower income - this might be a good starting source)

you can also call
1-800- MEDICARE

or the social security #

1-800-772-1213

and talk with your doctor - he/she can help you determine which plan is best for you.

OH .. on an unrelated note :

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the allergy treatment ZYRTEC® to be used without a prescription for adults and children. This allergy medicine relieves symptoms due to perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as indoor and outdoor upper respiratory allergies.

(hot off the press release)

Alzheimer's - the latest

Was at the 11th annual Conference for Caregivers sponsored by the Alzheimer's Assn.

Always a great event for those providing the care - professionals and loved ones.

5 million Americans currently are diagnosed with Alzheimer's . .. that number's expected to jump 350% to 14.3 million by 2050.

One of the speakers, William Thies, PhD - VP, Medical and Scientific Relations for the Alzheimer's Assn spoke about What's Next in Alzheimer's care -

After the conference we spoke a little about what's in the pipeline re: treatment and how we can protect ourselves against this disease. I'll have that clip posted in a little while.

Aging Gracefully // Healthcare Forum

It was my great fortune to M.C. the 3rd Age Awards, last night. It's an annual event sponsored by the Senior Centers of Albany. Those honored are in what's termed their third age .. over 60. All are volunteers. The depth and scope of their work is awesome. But what really strikes me is the vitality they all have - and many are well past 70 .. It comes back to .. use it or lose it.

If you're interested in the direction of healthcare - something bound to be a hot topic on the presidential campaign trail, plan to attend a forum on Sunday. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Capital District Alliance for Universal Healthcare .. the forum will include lawmakers, doctors and policy analysts. It's set for 2-4:30 at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany - 405 Washington Avenue .. Albany.

Alzheimers Conference / AIDS COUNCIL Fundraiser

My best friends mom (who's like my aunt) was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

Her mom knows there's something wrong - she's fierce and proud and is struggling to hang on.

There are 4 daughters in the family, spread out across the country. Coming to treatment consensus can be challenging. Being a care giver is challenging. That's why the Alzheimer's Assn. sponsors a caregivers conference every year. It's set for Monday from 8-4 at the Desmond Hotel. It's a chock full day - great speakers, tremendous amount of information but perhaps best of all, caregivers can come together and swap strategies or just look around the room and know they are not alone.

If you're interested in attending call 518-438-2217 ext 210 .. if you need help in a pinch the hotline is 1-800-3900 .. it's 'hot' 24/7.


on a side note: The AIDS COUNCIL OF NENY is hosting it's annual BEAUJOAIS NOUVEAU wine tasting .. you get to taste the just released Beaujolais Nouveau for this year. The event is Thursday from 6-9 at the Franklin Plaza in Troy. if you're interested call 518-434-4686 ext. 2499 or email at http://www.aidscouncil.org/ ..

Talkin' Tula

Part one of Benita’s report on Tula, Albany’s sister city in Russia, airs tonight on NewsChannel 13 Live at 6.

In light of that, we thought it might be a good idea to take a look back at the blog entries Benita posted during her trip. So please check out the links below for photos and more details on the trip…

5/31 To Russia with Love
6/4 And we’re off
6/4 As we head out…
6/4 Moscow
6/6 Arriving in Tula
6/7 Our first day in Tula
6/8 Flowers, svimvear and officials
6/9 An Encounter in Russia
6/10 Sunday in the park with Tula
6/11 Spa - Tula Style
6/12 He ain't heavy, he's my Tulan
6/13 Aiport, Russian Style
6/16 Back in America

Good to Be Here

.. that's the title of a book just published by a local author, who's also a dear friend.

Judith Barnes, PhD is an educator and entrepreneur .. she's penned a book of beautiful essays about living life. It's inspiring and can brighten your day.

Judy lost her mom to breast cancer a year ago. She was so moved by the strength and dignity of the battle against the disease by Kelly Mulholland, wife of WNYT reporter Mark that she decided to donate the proceeds from the first 500 books to Wave Riders- that's a program sponsored by Hospice to support children who lose a parent. Kelly and Mark have 2 children,, aged 5 and 7.

So give the book a read - feeling good is good for your health - and consider meeting Judy at one of two book signings:

Saturday, Nov 17th, 11am - 2pm
Market Block Books
290 River Street
Troy, NY
518-328-0045
www.marketblockbooks.com

or
Saturday, Nov 24th, 11am - 2pm
The Book House
Stuyvesant Plaza
Albany, NY
518-489-4761
www.bhny.com

am I shilling for a friend - yeah, but it's much bigger than that .. you'll feel great after reading the essays and the Wave Riders program touches the lives of dozens of local children.

Trouble with sports drinks

As a distance runner I've occasionally used energy drinks to pick me up as the miles drag on. Energy drinks are not to be confused with sports drinks like Propel or Gatorade.

Too often, casual exercisers suck down these beverages with no attention to the caloric content and kids like them because of the 'jolt' they produce. But those are just part of the reason we need to be attentive to using these beverages and the amount we consume.

A new report finds energy drinks can boosts blood pressure, even in young, healthy people. If you're hypertensive, they can charge you up in a way you didn't bargain for.

The report found 2 drinks a day increased systolic blood pressure 10 mmHg and heart rate by 5-7 beats a minute. The findings were reported at a recent meeting of the American Heart Association.

These energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and the amino acid, taurine. These compounds have been found to affect cardiac function in earlier studies.

As always, moderation is key.

Flu shots and expectant moms

It's flu shot day here at the big 1-3. The station provides flu shots for those who want them .. free of charge. It's a nice perk.

Yes, I'll be rolling up my sleeve - after all - I spend my days working on stories in hospitals and doctors offices.

But getting a flu shot is a good bit of preventive medicine for many of us - including pregnant women.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG) is out with reminder today for all women who are pregnant to get a flu shot. ACOG says it's an essential part of prenatal care providing protection, not only to mom, but the baby - that's because flu fighting antibodies can be developed by the fetus - and since babies younger than 6 months can't be vaccinated against flu, this confers protection on them.

ACOG also says, pregnant women and those breastfeeding can safely take the shot . but NOT flu mist .. the inhaled vaccine.

And a reminder: the CDC says all teens and adults be vaccinated against flu .. especially folks older than 50, younger than 5, anyone with a chronic illness, their caregivers and all health care workers.

Flu season is already underway and it lasts through May. It takes about 2 weeks after the shot to be protected. And despite thoughts to the contrary - you can't get flu from the shot as it is not a live virus.

carry on ..

Heart Attacks - what you don't do that can kill you

I realize taking medicine can be a bother . . but a new study has me wondering about people's thinking.

The report from the Mayo Clinic finds about half of those who suffer a heart attack stop taking their medications within 3 years of the attack - meds that could help keep them healthy and alive.

Those most likely to stop taking their prescribed drugs - smokers
Those most likely to stick with the plan - people who take part in cardiac rehab

The aim is to better educate the smokers and effort to get more people into cardiac rehab.

While there are a host of reasons why people stop their drugs among them: the cost ..
so that also has to be addressed if we're serious about trying to help heart attack victims stay healthy.


The study results were presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2007 in Orlando, Fla.

Kids Colds - What's a Parent To Do

In this season of sneezin' and snifflin' .. parents may be confused over how to treat their little ones since the FDA recommended all infant cold and cough meds be cleared from store shelves.

In fact, one of our producers, a new mom, fretted today about her infant son who just seems out of sorts as he battles a cold.

The bottom line to all this - those meds NEVER CURED a cold .. they may relieve symptoms, but they didn't cure or shorten the duration of the misery.

A couple of doctors at Baylor Regional Medical Center are quoted in a web report today recommending some good, old fashioned treatments to make your little ones feel better.

Use nasal saline drops
Elevate the head of the crib
Use a humidifier or vaporizer

If the child still appears uncomfortable or fussy you can give them a non-aspirin pain reliever says Dr. Arthur Benzick a pediatrician at Baylor.

Most colds get better on their own in 5 to 10 days .. BUT .. if your child runs a fever of 100.4 or more or their cough lingers more than a few days, call your pediatrician. In fact, if you've got any questions or if your baby just doesn't seem right - make the call.

Lung Cancer

New month .. new cause ..
and it's one we still need awareness of. .. Lung Cancer.

There's an active organization in the capital region aimed at improving our knowledge of this killer and increasing our awareness about prevention.

Got this in an email from one of the women involved and she really wants everyone to get the message from the Lung Cancer Alliance in Washington, DC

LUNG CANCER IS THE #1 CAUSE OF CANCER DEATHS:
Lung Cancer kills more people than Breast, Prostate, Colon, Liver, Kidney and Melanoma cancers COMBINED.


60% of LUNG CANCERS ARE DIAGNOSED IN PEOPLE WHO DON'T SMOKE:
Never smoked : 10-15% of new cases
Former smokers : 50% of new cases
Current smokers : 35-40% of new cases

WOMEN ARE AT GREAT RISK
2/3 of non-smokers diagnosed with LUNG CANCER are women.
Women who have EVER smoked are 2x as likely as men to have LUNG CANCER.

THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE LUNG CANCER SURVIVAL RATE SINCE NIXON's 1971 WAR ON CANCER.

Effect of funding on survival rates:
LUNG CANCER ....... spending $ per death : $1,829.......5 year survival rate : 15%
COLON CANCER spending $ per death: $5,216 ......5 year survival rate : 63%
PROSTATE CANCER spending $ per death $14, 369 ...5 year survival rate : 99%
BREAST CANCER ...... spending $ per death $23,474....5 year survival rate : 88%


WHAT CAN WE DO TO SAVE LIVES ????????
Become a spokesperson for increased funding for research and early detection.
Contact Federal and State Legislators
Contact your local media
Visit lungcanceralliance.org for tips and to sign a petition

the viewer who sent this info was hoping I'd share the info .. consider it shared ..

When Pink Ribbons aren't Enough

Today marks, not just the end of October and Halloween, but the end of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

By now many if not most of you know about the loss suffered by our reporter, Mark Mulholland. His wife Kelly lost her 3 year long battle with breast cancer earlier this month. She had just turned 37 and left behind 2 young children.

In a case like this it would seem all the pink ribbons and walks aren't enough. But that would be missing the importance of the work that's been done and continues.
A few weeks before Kelly passed there was a little gathering she was able to attend. After saying hi the next thing she said to me was "I'm still here".
That she could say that so far into her battle was a victory in itself. 10 years ago the disease would have claimed her life much earlier. That's little comfort for those who love her .. but it gives heart to all those working for a cure.

There's a new study out from a researcher with the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology. Although it hasn't been reviewed yet it's worth attention. It finds African American women are at higher risk for recurrence after localized treatment ie: lumpectomy. What this means is, these women need to stay in close contact with their physician and their physician needs to be extra attentive to their patients.

The passing of Kelly struck us all hard here at WNYT. She was a woman of grace and resiliency, compassion and faith, kind and fun.
I know we'll continue to help those battling breast cancer - I hope you consider doing the same.

Do as I say ...

... clearly, not as I do ..
Silly me. I was hit hard with a cold this week. Did I stay home in a timely fashion? No.
Like so many of us I pressed through the sneezing, sniffling and coughing. FOR WHAT?
Yes, we were shorthanded - I felt it was my duty. But you know, I really should have bowed out on Wednesday afternoon. By Thursday it was clear I should keep my germs to myself. And that's the point. If you're blowing through tissues at record clip - time to stay home, nurse that cold and prevent others from catching what you've got. Moreover, you'll get better, faster.
We all need to be reminded of that - even health reporters.

That all said .. there are a couple of health tidbits I want to share:

SLEEP APNEA : those diagnosed with this disorder run a higher risk of elevated blood pressure and heart disease.
Surgical treatment called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty can effectively treat the apnea in a third of patients. For the rest, the procedure can reduce the pressure needed in those C-Pap machines, often prescribed to keep the air flowing to patients during sleep. The findings were reported at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians - it still has to be reviewed in medical journals. But it's interesting and worth discussing with your doctor if you suffer abstructive sleep apnea.

CONTINUING CANCER RISK/CERVICAL DYSPLASIA;
A report out of Sweden finds women remain at risk for cervical or vaginal cancer for some 25 years or more after treatment for precancerous lesions. The take home is: women treated for high-grade dysplasia need to be screened beyond age 60.
Some 2.5 million women were studied. The full report is reported online in BMJ.

One for the guys and one for the gals

Guys. If you're looking to lower your risk of heart failure be sure to eat whole grain breakfast cereal. As reported in the current issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine - 7 servings a week reduced the risk of heart failure by 29%.
Whole grain cereals getting the thumbs up include: shredded wheat, bran or oatmeal that include the entire kernel. Basically, any cereal with at least 25% of whole grain or bran by weight were classified as whole grain.

Gals:(really the whole family)
There's a big health festival on Saturday at the Chester Town Hall.

From 11 to 3 there will be an array of activities including free mammograms for women. There are still a few appointments open so give them a call at 1-800-822-0121.

MRSA

We had a note to our comments site .. viewer asking if 'green' cleaning products are to blame for MRSA. The short answer is no.

The reason we have the MRSA problem is because we've used too many antibiotics - for stuff we really didn't need antibiotics .. and we didn't take them as prescribed. How many times have you or someone you known stopped taking their meds before the prescription had been used up? If you stop taking the drug when you feel good, you may not have killed the bug . .so when it comes back it's stronger - in that the bugs that survived the round of treatment were stronger to begin with. Wwhen only the tough bugs survive we begin creating a new generation of only tough bugs.

While that sounds simple, that's the basic science behind this problem. Why it happened to explode so fast in the community the research brains are puzzling that out.

MRSA has been in hospital settings for more than 5 years. It would hit he elderly or others whose immune system was diminished. When it gets into the bloodstream, it's tenacious and the potential to be deadly is great. While less likely to get into the bloodstream if you've got skin infected with MRSA (which is what most of the kids have presented with) it can happen.


A bleach solution left to air dry is a great way to kill germs on surfaces - and it's also a green solution... no complicated chemicals here.

As the infection control manager at St. Peter's Hospital told me: we've had a free ride for years - we had drugs that treated infections that in past eras would have been deadly - so we came to take it for granted that whatever came our we we could beat.

Well, it's back to the laboratory to find more of those drugs. In the meantime we have to be vigilant: wash those hands, cover cuts, protect abraded skin, don't share personal items and when it doubt - check with your doctor.

There are a couple of good websites loaded with MRSA info - we've got them posted on our homepage.

Bell's Palsy - the latest treatment

There's a new approach to treating Bell's Palsy - a face palsy that most of the time comes out of no where.
The latest research shows prednisolone significantly improves the odds of a full recovery. This was in comparison with acyclovir ( Zovirax) which, turns out, is no better than a placebo.
Most patients will recover without treatment but when treatment's called for .. prednisolone can "increase the probability of complete recovery at 9 months."
The article appears in the New England Journal of Medicine.

MRSA/COLDS/FLU - Staying Healthy

You've probably heard the reports - we aired one last night at 5 profiling a local family - about MRSA ..the super strain of STAPH that responds only to a handful of antibiotics. Part of the problem stems from the over prescribing of antibiotics and our not taking them as prescribed .. but that's only part of the problem and scientists are scrambling to figure out why we've seen such a rapid increase in cases - and why MRSA made the jump from hospitals to the general community.

What is clear - hand washing can spare you from diseases like this . .including, colds, flu and stomach bugs.

First off .. we've got to wash our hands - not just wave them under the faucet.
Rinse, lather and scrub 15-20 seconds - or the time it takes to sing 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' twice.

If you're using those antiseptic gels, don't be stingy .. use a half a teaspoon on the palm of your hand and then rub your hands together, covering all surfaces until they're dry.
For some good hand washing directions check out http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407

yeah, I know, you're laughing .. but honestly, it's no laughing matter.

City health

Just back from a neat conference on URBAN HEALTH. Didn't realize, but for the first time in history ( they tell me) more people live in cities than any other area ie: suburbs/rural.
This poses interesting health challenges.
How do you care for people in the event of pandemic flu when they're living so near each other ..
what about the aging population - how to keep communities safe and appearing safe as perception plays as big a role, the researchers find, as reality.

I'll be sharing stories on this in the coming weeks.

This 'n that ..

For starters, the flu season is underway .. the kickoff, if you will, is when the NYS health commissioner rolls up his sleeve to get his shot .. and today was the day. The push this year is to get the 'young'uns' protected . .kids between 6 months and 5 years. The DOH points out 9 kids died from complications of flu last year. And don't worry about getting shut out .. the CDC promises ample supply. BTW . .there's a nasal mist for kids so they don't have to deal with the pain of a shot . .. it's called FLU MIST and is appropriate for people up to age 49.

With that in mind - consider this : the Consumer Healthcare Products Association is voluntarily recalling all the cold and cough - over the counter medications- for infants.
This is the reason: Potential misuse of these infant medicines, not product safety, is driving the voluntary withdrawal," the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), a trade group representing the makers and distributors of over-the-counter medicines, states in a news release.
The withdrawal only applies to cough and cold medicines that refer to "infants," not to children who are at least 2 years old.

Had in interesting and bit of a heartbreaking conversation with a guy this afternoon. He's 52 and a heart transplant patient. Real tough finding a job .. no one wants to hire a guy with a replacement ticker - and the job he's got, puts him in a position to be harassed - come on folks, just because someone is doing a job you think is menial doesn't mean it should be open season on them. We all know that happens - I'm not pointing fingers, but if we hear it going on, we can always try to stop it.
His story raises a bigger issue though - as medicine saves more people - what happens afterwards? Many cancer survivors find the same dilemma - employers afraid to take a chance on them and the potential for big health care bills.

And the next time someone tells you to stop and smell the flowers, do it. The latest research shows psychological stress can lead to depression, cardiovascular disease and perhaps upper respiratory tract infections, asthma and wound healing.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, isn't definitive, but it sure looks like a causal relationship.

I'll be at a conference on Urban health tomorrow . . if I don't get a chance to post from there - have a great weekend and remember to sign up for MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER .. it's set for OCTOBER 21 at Washington Park in Albany. Check out our website for details.

FREE DEPRESSION SCREENINGS

Pretty much every one's had a case of the blues. But depression is something much more overwhelming. It's a disease that can lead to death. Yet it's still tough for families to talk about it.

Thursday, October 11th is National Depression Screening Day and in conjunction with that sites, nationwide will offer anonymous, free, in-person and online mental health screenings. They'll address: depression
bipolar disorder
generalized anxiety disorder
post traumatic disorder

if you'd like to find a site near your home check out:
http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/locator/NDSDMap.aspx.


BTW: a study from Harvard Medical School finds identifying and treating workplace depression leads to better job retention, decreased absenteeism and increased productivity .. which leads me to share this quote .. and dang, I can't remember where I got it from ..
"When work is organized in a way that there is some stress but not too much and that people remain healthy, that is also beneficial for the company."

Help for walkers and runners AND Alerts on your prescriptions

Okay . .it's time for the sneakers to hit the pavement. Tomorrow's the RACE FOR THE CURE and the Family Fun Walk.

If you're a newbie you may not be familiar with how to stop side stitches in their track.
It's not fully clear why we get that nasty pain .. although many experts think it's because of tension on the ligaments that attach the diaphragm to the organs below, particularly the liver.I want to share an article from ACTIVE.COM .. written by Frank Claps, M.Ed., C.S.C.S.
.." When you exhale, the chest cavity contracts and pulls the diaphragm upward. This pull coupled with the jarring of the organs strains the ligaments and causes the pain.
To relieve a side stitch, slow down to an easy walk and gently press your hand upward on the right side of your abdomen just below the rib cage to lift the liver. If the stitch is really bad, lie on your back with your hips and knees elevated to relieve pressure on the diaphragm. To prevent the pain, take longer, deeper breaths. Short, shallow breathing places more tension on ligaments. A full stomach also stresses ligaments during exercise, so avoid eating or drinking too much a couple of hours before running."

Hope that helps .. ( I find the pressure coupled with some strong breaths out, works well)

Have a great time this weekend at the race and if you get a chance, post a response after the event to let me know how it went.
See you all at the finish line with big smiles!


THE SECOND STORY:

This looks neat. Got a heads up from a firm today about something called IGUARD .. basically, you sign on and enter the names of any prescribed medications you're taking. If there's an alert or update, you get the skinny delivered to your inbox. Not bad. You might want to check it out at www.iguard.org

Relaxation: it's not an indulgence

Okay, do you chew on events of the day?

Not a good thing.

A new study on stress finds mulling over issues that occurred earlier only increases stress and can lead to taking it out - the anger- on others.
The key, move thoughts in another direction- it can allow irritation to fade away.
Just a couple of pointers in a study looking at the importance of relaxation.
The report in the Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource finds relaxation is a vital process that decreases wear and tear on the mind and body.

It's important to make relaxation a regular part of your day whether it's through meditation, taking a walk, journaling or massage.

Regular relaxation helps reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, increase blood flow to major muscles, reduce muscle tension, reduce headache and back pain, improve concentration and reduce emotional responses such as anger and frustration.

So go smell the flowers - the hippies were right.

Sleep: finding the happy medium

If the kids, pets or spouse get you out of bed earlier than you'd like, thank them.
A large study finds 7-8 hours is the optimal amount of sleep. Much more or less can increase your risk of death ( before your time) .
The Finnish study looked at a host of other studies to reach this conclusion. They particularly focused on men.
Interestingly, snoring had no bearing on these results and while the effect of sleep on mortality varied by age, the strongest effects were seen in young men.
So, make hay while the sun shines applies even nowadays.

btw, the study is in the latest issue of SLEEP

Mammography and Ultrasound

Today marks the start of breast cancer awareness week and with that in mind there's a new study out looking at the effectiveness of mammography along with ultrasound. The short answer is YES, it does find more cancers BUT it also yields more False positives meaning you may have a few days of worry or extra testing.
If you want to check out the entire study check out:
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/533827/?sc=dwtr

Komen takes a new approach

I'm sure you've seen the ads with Nancy Brinker. She's the sister of Susan Komen who died in her 30's of breast cancer. The Komen foundation was founded in her memory and they're one of the largest funding sources for breast cancer research.

You probably also know that every year Albany hosts the KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE. This year the race is October 6th at the Empire State Plaza.

Komen is doing things a little differently this year. They've launched a campaign called YOU ARE THE CURE. They'll be giving out little gift packs with info to help all women be more informed about breast cancer. Early detection is your best chance at cure.

Locks of Love

The big day has finally arrived. This morning, Benita and several other women -- including NewsChannel 13 producers Alicia Banker and Kathy Barrans -- got their hair cut for Locks of Love at Rumors in Latham.

Benita is putting together a story on the experience for NewsChannel 13 Live at Five tonight. In the meantime, here are some before, during and after shots...

Statins: the antibiotic effect

The millions of people prescribed STATINS to lower their cholesterol are getting an added benefit. It appears this class of drugs battles bacteria and fungi.

The anti-bacterial / anti- microbial effect has only been seen in the lab, and a modest effect at that, but an English researcher says that's probably why,in part, some observational studies have found that statin users are less susceptible to infections.( the researcher is Jon Cohen, MBBS, of Brighton and Sussex Medical School in Brighton, England)

The real payoff here could be a new way of looking at drugs -it may point the way to new antibiotics derived from the statins.

Just and interesting tidbit as we kick off the work week.

( the work was presented at the recent Interscience Conference on Anti-microbial Agents and Chemotherapy)

The weekend, already?

Where do the days go? Well, as the weekend's upon us I've got events to share.

First up .. WALK TO BEAT PANCREATIC CANCER. It's Sunday- SEPT 23 at the ELM AVE PARK in DELMAR. It steps off at 9 am ..

Second .. this doesn't happen until Monday but we all need time to plan..
Saratoga Central Catholic High is sponsoring a blood drive from 8 to 1:15 .. stop by or call 1-800- GIVE LIFE to make your appointment.

Third .. SUICIDE PREVENTION:
there's plenty of concern about the rising numbers of suicides. If you're interested in SUICIDE PREVENTION you may want to sign up for a special conference ..
registration is due by SEPTEMBER 24TH . call 434-0439 ext 219.
The comprehensive conference is OCTOBER 3 at the Albany Marriott - it runs from 8-4:30
**********
And don't forget to register for the KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE (all the details are on our website under links).. it's Sunday October 6th but time's ticking to get ready and to register. There is also a family fun walk ..

Friday morning I met with 85 elementary school students at the Green Meadow Elementary school in East Greenbush. They're training to run to 'find a cure for breast cancer' as they'll tell you unison. It's the 9th year the kids are running. It's a project a former Physical Education teacher started when his wife was battling the disease. Unfortunately she lost her fight but the kids are still hoping their steps will lead to a cure. I'll have their story on Wednesday in our 5pm news.

Have a great weekend!
Benita

New thoughts on treating Colitis- And "Pearl Jam" fans, you can help the CCFA.

Interesting findings reported at a conference during Digest Disease Week.

Japanese researchers have been looking at antibiotic treatment to treat patients with ulcerative colitis. What they found was bacteria may play a role in this disease. They treated 210 patients in a double blind study with either a combo of three antibiotics or a placebo. Bingo, the antibiotic group were more likely to go into and remain in remission. The researchers think the offending microbe is FUSOBACTERIAUM VARIUM. For more info check out:
http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/DDWMeeting/

Now, this study was presented orally and still has to be reviewed by other researchers ..but it's a really interesting start toward new treatment.


On a related note .. a very nice fellow gave us a call about a fundraiser he is planning for next Tuesday Night at Northern Lights. He won a contest to present the new movie about "Pearl Jam". The lead guitarist with the band suffers from Crohn's.The event will raise money for the CROHN'S AND COLITIS FOUNDATION.

Mitochondiral Disease - A mother's story

Got a call today from a lovely woman. She's not computer savvy and doesn't do public speaking. But she felt she had to speak out. You see her 15 year old daughter is failing. Born prematurely they knew they had a battle on their hands to make sure she survived and was healthy. What they didn't know was she had a genetic defect that would stymie them along the way. It wasn't until 2 years ago, the mom tells me, they finally got a diagnosis for their second child's woes .. she had mitochondrial disease.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of most of our cells. When they fail, so does the body.That's a very simple explanation for a complex disease. For the most part it's genetic - but most cases are sporadic meaning no immediate family member is affected. One thousand to 4 thousand kids are born with this condition every year. There is no known cause.

This is MITOCHONDRIAL AWARENESS WEEK. The mom who called me just wants the public to know about this heartbreaking illness. Perhaps you can donate to research organizations or programs in our community, like Wildwood school, that help those affected.
For more information check out http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/1600/1678.asp?index=6957 or
http://www.umdf.org/

Got an email from a mom of a little boy who's also diagnosed with mitochondrial disease and she suggests the following websites .. many thanks for her time!!


www.mitoaction.org

http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=38b134ff69357fe1ff9457&skin_id=601&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

http://speech-language-pathology-audiology.advanceweb.com/common/EditorialSearch/AViewer.aspx?AN=SP_07jun25_spp10.html&AD=06-25-2007

www.heartbeatsformito.org

Fish for Health

Was cruising my favorite websites today and came upon this study on Salmon and other fish that have high concentrations of OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS.

This study, involving 90-thousand women - finds eating one serving a week of these fish can help prevent kidney cancer. It's already known omega 3's are heart healthy.

That one serving a week reduced the risk of renal cancer by 74 per cent compared with those who never ate fatty fish. The group who ate fresh fish ( like cod )at least once a week but for whom follow-up information were unavailable, saw a 40 per cent reduction.

Pulling right from the study " One significant difference between oily and non-fatty fish lies in how much omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D they contain - substances that, according to earlier cell studies, seem to protect against cancer. Fatty fish contains more omega-3 fatty acids than non-oily fish, and 3 to 5 times as much vitamin D. As fatty fish, the study included salmon, raw herring, sardines and mackerel; as non-fatty, cod and tuna.

This study comes from the Swedish Karolinska Institutet.
If you can read the language the entire study can be found at http://www.ki.se

Way to go

Just a quick update .. FABULOUS turnout at the Teal Ribbon Run for Ovarian Cancer .. more than 800 people and they raised just over 100,000 dollars . .the biggest and best yet!

If anyone was at the event for PKD .. please let me know and I'll post that, too .. great group of people - the organizers, supporters and participants in all these events .. making our community better - ideally, helping to improve and save lives!

Lace up your sneaks for a couple of good causes

That's right . .the weekend's here and we all need a little more exercise..

On Sunday you can walk to help raise money to fight PKD .. polycystic kidney disease.. one of the most common, life threatening genetic diseases. some 600,000 people are affected - cysts grow on their kidneys - over time leading to kidney failure. there is no cure.

so consider walking to help ..
Sunday 9/16
11 am
Elm Avenue Park, Delmar

for details go to www.pkdcure.org or call 1-800-pkdcure

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A RUN AND WALK ..

consider the TEAL RIBBON RUN/ WALK

Date: Sunday, September 16, 2007
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Washington Park in Albany, New York
Rain

It's to benefit research into Ovarian Cancer.
for more info on the event and Ovarian Cancer, the so called Silent Disease
go to www.caringtogetherny.org ..

see you out there!! have a great weekend!

Benita

Aspartame Update .. and a Race for the Runners out there

There's been a ton of controversy over Aspartame .. the low calorie sweetener.
The latest report says, don't worry. A large panel looked at more than 500 reports including toxicological, clinical and epidemiological studies dating from 1970’s
and says it can find no evidence Aspartame causes cancer, neurological damage or other health problems in humans. To read the whole report and check out the long list of experts who've signed off on this .. The abstract may be accessed at http://informaworld.com/crtox. The report’s executive summary and conclusions are available at http://www.aboutaspartame.com
Will this end the controversy? Only time will tell.

And for those of you who like to run AND raise money for a good cause, you might want to sign up for the Hudson River Credit Union 5K Run/Walk.
Sponsored by Saratoga Hospital the event benefits the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center. Race day: Sunday, September 30th at the Saratoga Flat Track. Race time is 11 - registration ($15- before Sept 22 .. $20 race day) begins at 9:00 am.
The kids run is earlier .. at 10:15 and that's free.
The first 150 to register will receive a tote bag and T-shirt. Registration forms are available on the hospital’s website, www.saratogahospital.org, in physician offices and other locations throughout Saratoga.
For more information contact the hospital at 583-8447.

Take your Tamoxifan

A big conference on Breast Cancer research and treatment just wrapped up. One of the big findings .. Women who are prescribed tamoxifan after surgery need to be diligent about taking the medication. Research from Scotland finds"
"About one in 10 women filled fewer than 70% of their tamoxifen prescriptions, Dr. Thompson said. These women had a 16% greater risk of all-cause mortality than those who filled all their prescriptions"
While tamoxifan is a once a day pill, which should be easy to comply with, there can be side effects like hot flashes and that may prompt women to drop out of therapy.
But the study goes on to say, not following through could be even more detrimental to a woman's health if she's taking a newer class of drugs, the aromatase inhibitors - as their shorter half life, that is, they get out of the body faster, could put a woman at greater risk of cancer recurrence faster - if she doesn't stay with the therapy.

please note:
This study was published as an abstract and presented orally at a conference. These data and conclusions should be considered to be preliminary as they have not yet been reviewed and published in a peer-reviewed publication

Monday morning blues .. much more

How about this headline I read this morning:

No individual chronic disease- not angina, arthritis, asthma or diabetes, is more disabling than depression .. that from the World Health Organization.

The WHO surveyed 245,404 patients in 60 countries, over age 18. They also found, if you combine depression with another chronic disease, respondents had the worse scores on a health survey.

The take away on this .. depression needs more attention, more treatment and needs to be better managed in patients with other chronic ailments. Depression is not just a bad day - it's a disease that's both disabling and can be deadly.

to read more about this study check out the current issue of LANCET.

Friday this 'n that ..

There have been new guidelines for CPR and it seems another change could be coming down the pike ..

Researchers at Purdue University say compression should be done on the abdomen rather than the rib cage .. it would prevent cracked ribs and also improve blood flow to the heart. The study's reported in the September issue of the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE. We'll keep our eyes and ears on this one.

And then there's this one from the 'everything that's old is new again' ..
When I first started reporting way back when - for Cablevision - I covered as hearing on additives. Parents of hyperactive children were arguing the additives affecte their kids negatively. They were supporters of something called the FEINGOLD diet - which was free of all those additives and dyes.

Today I find this report from England .. investigators have found some of those artificial food colorings and preservatives commonly found in snack foods may 'wind up' some kids.

Three year olds fed one of two drinks with common food dyes and the preservative 'sodium benzoate' had significant increases in hyperactivilty scores compared with their behaviours on a placebo drink.

It was a randomized, double blind study - meaning, no one knew who was getting the 'clean' drinks or those with the additives.

Does there need to be more research to satisfy all - sure - are there still some questions about this - yes - but clearly it's 'food for thought' .. and less may very well be much more when it comes to helping some children.

the study is in the LANCET Online

Teal for a cure

.. September 7th is national WEAR TEAL DAY - sponsored by Ovations for the cure. It's in honor or Ovarian Cancer awareness, research and fundraising.

There is no test for this insidious disease which means it's diagnosed late in 75% of cases.

Symptoms are said to whisper and they include: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating for feeling full quickly, frequent or urgent urination. If you experience any of these symptoms daily, for 2-3 weeks, SEE YOUR DOCTOR.

And on SEPTEMBER 16 -CARING TOGETHER will host the annual TEAL RIBBON 5k RUN ND 1 mile walk in Albany's Washington Park.

For more information on Ovations check out www.ovationsforthecure.org

For more info on CARING TOGETHER and the upcoming race/walk check out:
http://www.caringtogetherny.org/ or call 518-783-7600.

Emergency Planning

Who knew .. September is National Emergency Preparedness month. Good idea .. we're still in hurricane season and the blizzard season is soon to arrive. And after all, an ounce of prevention's worth a pound of cure.
So I came across a website that's got a wide array of health and preparedness info .. from pointers for school kids .. to seniors .. give it a look.
http://www.emergencyinfoonline.org/

Aging and Exercise

Sarcopenia.

It's a big word for an insidious condition: the loss of muscle, strength and quality of tissue often seen in older adults.

Studies indicate muscle mass declines 4% every decade from age 25 to 50. Along with that, our flexibility and balance diminish. But we can slow all this and in the process live healthier lives. Just by improving balance we can reduce the risk of a hip fracture. Flexibility exercises can ease the discomfort of creaky joints. And muscle mass can be built at any age.

The National Institute on Aging says "when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn’t happen just because they have aged. More likely it is because they have become inactive." So talk with your doctor about an exercise program.

For more information check out:http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/exercise.asp

Flaxseed and Hot Flashes

Okay, we'll go for a food trifecta this week ..

A new,small study finds women taking 40 g daily of crushed flaxseed had an appreciable drop in the number of hot flashes they normally endure. These were women who didn't want to take any estrogen treatment - and the flashes diminished by about half.

The study ran for 6 weeks. It's believed the weak estrogenic properties of flaxseed are responsible for the results. The study was done at the Mayo Clinic and is reported in the summer 2007 issue of the Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology.

HOWEVER . .this is only a phase 2 clinical study which means it still needs to be reviewed and repeated with a much larger population. But it's interesting. Keep in mind though, some of the 23 women in the study had abdominal side effects. And as always, if you give it a try remember to tell your doctor you're using flaxseed when they ask what if any meds you're taking.

Eating to prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Yesterday's story encouraged you to add almonds to your daily diet. Today's update looks at whole grains and their relationship to preventing diabetes.

The researchers looked at 4 studies of different groups of people and their health as it related to whole grain consumption. While the study authors can't say definitively that by eating more whole grains you'll prevent type 2 diabetes, they have strong evidence showing it can help.

The study authors point out people who eat more whole grains tend to live a healthier lifestyle, but they say, that didn't really come into play . .that it was the whole grain consumption on it's own.

What to eat? Well, bran appeared to be the most important constituent of whole grain for reducing diabetes risk with associations similar to those for total whole grain and the Department of Agriculture defines a serving of whole grain as 16 g of whole grain ingredients, the equivalent of a slice of 100% whole wheat bread.
So - hey, what do you have to lose??


The study was funded by the NIH .. it appears in the August issue of the journal PLoS Medicine.

Nuts for your health

Nuts - specifically almonds - have gotten a lot of good press over the past few years as being good for our health. This latest report from the British Journal of Nutrition really caught my eye. Researchers found women who ate 344 calories worth of almonds (slightly more than 2 ounces) every day for 10-week straight weeks did not gain weight during that period. there are two schools of thought, here - 1 - that almonds don't contain as many calories as first thought and 2 - the fiber in almonds appears to block some of the fat they contain and that eating almonds often curbed the hunger of study participants and reduced their total number of calories consumed.
So, if you like nuts and are not allergic to them .. a handful a day may help keep the doctor away.

Another reason to kick the habit:Ladies, listen up...

...before you light up.

The latest research shows women are more vulnerable to head and neck cancers than men, even though the numbers are higher among men .. and the reason for an increase in cases - SMOKING.

When you weed through all the numbers for a 5 year study the results show: ever-smoking accounted for 45% of head and neck cancers in men and 75% in women.

While the researchers ( supported by the NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE ) say there might be other factors at play, the bottom line they say: "our results suggest that smoking is a strong risk factor for head and neck cancer in both sexes, and public health interventions should continue to focus on reducing smoking use by all," Dr. Abnet and his colleagues concluded.

If you want to read more check out the online Oct. 1 issue of 'Cancer'.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jissue/104532863

Relief for Back Pain

Back pain is like the common cold. At some point most of us will suffer from it.
For those who have chronic pain, it can sap the joy out of life.
What they want is relief at the source of the pain.
Peripheral nerve field stimulation PNFS is the newest weapon in that battle.

PNFS works by having electrical leads placed under the skin at the pain source.. then the area is stimulated by electricity generated by an implanted power pack. Patients say it feels like a slight tingle.
It works by acting like a gate to stop the pain signal to the nerves and subsequently to the brain.

Researchers and patients say it's very effective with no complications. It's an update of an earlier treatment.
The battery pack reportedly lasts 5-7 years.

PNFS is being touted for people who've had back surgery that didn't do the job of relieving pain.. for those who are not surgical candidates or when the cause of pain can't be pinpointed.
The findings are reported by Dr. Eugene Lipov, director of research at the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network Pain Program.

Sex and our Seniors

If 50 is the new 30 then we have to be more careful when treating our seniors.
From antidepressants to hypertension drugs - these medications can interfere with sexual performance.
A new study, in fact, the first comprehensive national survey of sexual attitudes, behaviors and problems among adults 57-85 was just released.
It finds folks in that group say sexuality is an important part of their lives and that frequency , for those who are active, only declines slightly from the 50's to the early 70's.
This has great impact on how people in this age group are treated. It also means doctors need to have a conversation with their patients - as the survey finds this group is not necessarily comfortable discussing performance problems with their physician.
The bottom line says one of the researchers Linda Waite, PhD "sexuality is an important part of a healthy and engaged life at older ages for both women and men".
It's a fascinating study and if you want to read it check out: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/532575/?sc=dwhp

Kids and High Blood Pressure

It's a sign of the times we have to monitor our kids waistlines .. but now there's new evidence we should be keeping a closer eye on their blood pressure, too.

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital along with colleagues at Harvard say, the problem is grossly under reported because few pediatricians are screening for it.
Their study found only a quarter of kids with elevated blood pressure had the condition noted in their files . .simply put, their doctors didn't check for it.

The researchers say, as with adults, treating early can stave off problems. For kids that generally means lifestyle changes.

So when you take the kids for the back to school check up, add a conversation about blood pressure to your list of things to discuss.

For more info on blood pressure check out the current issue of JAMA or check out
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/may2004/nhlbi-04.htm

Mean people redux

Okay .. I'm on a bit of a rant about this .. mean people that is .. And I've found
more research showing you've got to get over yourself .. It's a new study, albeit a small one that hasn't been reviewed .. but it ties into other research ..
bottom line here .. the meanies - the angry ones ... they have lower HDL cholestorol . that's the good stuff .. and not enough HDL is a risk for heart disease.
This is what the researchers found:

Hostility rose with stress.
Hostility rose with self-blame.
Higher hostility scores were linked to lower HDL.
Stress was linked to higher self-isolation.
Stress was linked to higher self-blame.
Stress was linked a feeling of less efficacy in dealing with problems.

So .. go smell the roses ..

Once a year Osteoporosis Treatment

For postmenopausal women the first once a year treatment, by injection, for osteoporosis has been greenlighted by the FDA.
Called RECLAST the approval follows a 3 year study showing the drug reduced the frquency of fractures by 70 percent overall and hip fractures by 41 percent.

Reclast is administered once a year through an infusion that takes 15 minutes.

Osteoporosis is responsible for 1.5 million fractures a year - and 20 percent of the women suffering those fractures will die within a year.

for more info check out www.reclast.com

Mean People

Who doesn't know a mean person?

Sadly they're all around us and often making our lives miserable.

Stop - don't give them power-
Moreover, you might want to pity them.

There's an abundance of research showing these folks are killing themselves. They're at increased risk for heart disease and cancer.

But if they're a family member, you might want to help steer them in a more positive direction. The research finds the nasty people have a greater impact or at least as great an impact on family dynamics as caring, supportive family ..

So .. try a little tenderness ..

Plain old Soap

If you've been spending extra to buy antibacterial soap .. faggedabout it ..

Once again, the plain old stuff is not only just as good, in this case it appears to be better.

Research done at the University of Pennsylvania school of medicine finds the plain old stuff not only cleans as well it may be better BECAUSE ( this is the TAH DAH moment) .. the antibiotic used may be ineffective at inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria - and in the end, makes those bacteria stronger. They 'learn' to beat the antibiotic and that's what makes them more resistant.

So, get out the old bar of IVORY and just scrub .. the rule of thumb is.. wash for as long as it takes to sing 'happy birthday' twice ..

If you want to read the entire study, check out the Sept. 1 issue of CLNICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

Mom's diet and baby's weight

An interesting little study with the potential for big impact.

Researchers in London looked at pregnant rats who were allowed to eat regular food and junk food during pregnancy and then during lactation.

Seems the momma rats who ate junk food both during pregnancy AND while feeding their babies produced offspring who 1- where bigger and fatter and 2- had a bigger taste for junk food.

The take-away .. junk food during pregnancy may not be great, but combined post pregnancy when a mom is breastfeeding ( they extrapolated ) could be a contributor to obese kids.

Now, I know, these were rats .. but previous research has found that what mom eats impacts offspring's appetite in humans as well.

So moms, if you tame your sweet tooth, you might be helping your kids stay healthy and trim. .. Just a little food for thought.

Sex and the Single Girl

That was the title of a best seller a few decades back - when the pill was just emerging on the market and women were shedding their girdles.
Now it's got a new meaning .. particularly when it comes to infection prevention.
As kids are heading off to or back to college, many parents will be discussing the HPV vaccine with their daughters. It's the vaccine that can prevent infection with the human papilloma virus - linked to cervical cancer.
It's recommended for girls ages 11 and 12 - presumably before they become sexually active and exposed to HPV.
But there are many older girls / teens - who haven't been sexually active for whom the protection is appropriate.
But the vaccine WILL NOT work against current infection .. this is not a treatment .. it's a preventative.
So moms - and other women in responsible roles - it's time to discuss this with your daughter's physician.

Breast Cancer and African American Women

As we begin to close in on October - sorry, I don't mean to rush through the seasons - we'll be hearing stories about breast cancer treatment as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. But already a story caught my eye and it's troubling.

Once again a study finds "After adjusting for tumor size and lymph node status as well age and other factors, the mortality rate for African-American women with breast cancer was as much as 56% higher than that for whites, Alfred I. Neugut, M.D., Ph.D., of Columbia University, and colleagues reported in the Sept. 15 issue of Cancer.

Not only do black women have higher breast cancer mortality rates they are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease and have worse stage-for-stage survival than white women, the researchers said.

But once again, researchers are stumped .. "Whether these disparities are caused by a difference between races in tumor biology or to nonclinical socioeconomic factors that affect access to care has been unclear," Dr. Neugut said.

The take away .. we need to reduce barriers to screening and treatment - and we need to remind our sisters and the women we love - to be screened and to follow their doctor's advice when it comes to treatment.

Helping kids with Cancer

The Catie Hoch foundation is named in memory of Catie from Clifton Park, who lost her battle with cancer a couple of years ago.
Before she died she asked her folks to help other kids like her - so they could enjoy great times and make memories, even if their days were short.
So her mom Gina, with the help of friends and family founded the organization in Catie' name. They've raised thousands of dollars and are in the process of endowing a research chair in hopes of finding a cure.
If you're looking for something 'Saratoga' to do that won't cost a fortune but has an invaluable payoff .. consider this event:
(yeah, I copied block but ... why reinvent the wheel .. )

The event is MONDAY - AUGUST 13 - Enjoy!


New York State Police vs. Jockeys of Saratoga
in the 5th Annual Softball Event to Benefit the Catie Hoch Foundation



The New York State Police will again take on the jockeys of Saratoga in the fifth annual softball event to be held at East Side Recreation Field on Lake Avenue in the heart of Saratoga on Monday, August 13, 2007. The gates will open at 6pm and the game will start at 7pm.



Everyone is welcome to this family event. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for those under 12. There will be refreshments available for purchase, prizes and the first 250 through the gates will receive a free give-away. Please bring your cameras as this is a great opportunity to have your photo taken with your favorite jockey after the game at the meet and greet.



The Catie Hoch Foundation is an all-volunteer organization where every dollar delivers fun for kids and funds for a cure. We help kids take a break from cancer. For more information about the foundation, please visit :
www.catiehochfoundation.org or call Gina Peca at 877-7539.

Aids and Middle Aged Women

Ladies, just because you're over age 50 doesn't mean you're NOT at risk for HIV.
AIDS educators, stop ignoring women over age 50.

That's the dual message from a new study. It found that most women over age 50 weren't interested in HIV testing when it was offered.. EVEN WHEN THEY HAD RISK FACTORS.
Mind you, risk factors INCLUDE having 2-5 sexual partners since 1978.

It's also important to note one of the fastest growing groups to be diagnosed with HIV infection are older women.

Bottom line, it's important for everyone who has ever been sexually active to know their HIV status.

If you'd like to read the entire study go to:
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/jwh.2006.0028?cookieSet=1

New help for neck pain

There's a new disc replacement available for damaged cervical ( neck ) discs. In the old days surgeons would remove the damaged disc and fuse the remaining parts, together. Now they can put in a new part. It's called the Prestige Cervical Disc -the first artificial disc to be sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat degenerative disc disease of the neck. And yes, there are local doctors doing this procedure so check with your physician.
For more information on cervical discs check out:http://www.neurosurgerytoday.org/what/patient_e/cervical

Hep B - Carrots and assorted other things

Couple of quick hits this morning ..
first .. kids are all vaccinated against Hepatitis B they get the shots at birth, two months, and six months..
Well, now it seems the protection may not last a lifetime.
Two adolescents in five who received a first dose of hepatitis B vaccine as newborns had evidence of waning immunity by age 14. The findings were published in the August issue of Pediatrics.
So .. what to do? As always the researchers urge more study and at this time there are no recommendations for booster doses.
But it's an 'ah ha' and kids who might be at risk, parents should be aware ..and yes, stay tuned .. I'll keep you updated.

Then there's this 'nugget' .. if you can't get your kids to eat veggies ..serve them from a McDonald's Bag .. hey, parents have been doing bait and switch for decades to get kids to do stuff they turn their noses up at .. A new study finds that among the three- to five-year-old crowd the happiest -- and tastiest -- meals are likely to be those that come in a McDonald's wrapper. It's all about the packaging.
Seems the McDonald brand leaves such a potent impression with young children 63 preschoolers consistently said they preferred the taste of foods and drinks in McDonald's packaging over McDonald's food and drinks served in unbranded packaging
The study was done to look at the power of advertising and the folks involved are pushing for tighter standards about how we target kids .. definitly food for thought ..

and Finally .. get out of your rut. Whatever it is. We're told to learn something new, trying something different that it's good for our minds and our souls .. well I'm doing just that . .singing in my first solo cabaret .. yeah, I've done plenty of stage work but this is really flying without a net. It's exhilarating - not only am I meeting new people but the sheer joy/terror of trying something new the whole point of this. So, like the NIKE ads say .. just do it.

When to toss makeup

This is an ongoing dilemma for women .. you spend good money on a product and then it sits for a while ... but you don't want to toss it because of your investment.
Well, a new report froom Baylor Regional Medical Center in Texas says .. give it over.
Mascara and liquid eye shadows/liner should get the boot after 3 months of being opened .. same with liquid foundation - powder and powder foundation should get the heave ho after a year. The problem- bacteria can get into these products and make for skin troubles or pink eye.
And you know those applicators that get daily use - toss them every week .. they're cheap enough to buy a good supply. Your brushes should be washed with mild soap and water.
And NEVER share makeup .. too much opportunity for infection sharing .. even is someone doesn't have an outbreak of herpes simplex- cold sores - they can still transmit the virus.
When in doubt - throw it out . .if the texture has changed or it smells funny - time to get rid of it.
For more info check out :http://www.baylorhealth.com/

CPR- less is more .. well, at least equal

If you're pressed for time and that's the reason you've forgone a class in CPR .. no more excuses.
A new study finds folks who took a 30 minute, video based c-p-r course were just as successful at the technique as those who took the traditional 3-4 hour class.
The study was done at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
The American Heart Association rolled out the video program a couple of months ago in response to our busy lifestyles.


For more info on CPR: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/293/3/388

Hot weather deaths and kids

The very hot weather we're having is a good time to remind everyone who deals with student athletes to be very careful to protect them. With practice for fall sports about 2 weeks away a report's out on deaths from heat stroke .. 5 student athletes died last year from a completely preventable cause of death. It's the largest number since 1972.
This is what happens in the heat: Physical activity raises players’ temperatures higher than normal. When body temperatures rise to 103 or 104, the brain’s hypothalamus loses its ability to regulate the heat. The heart beats faster to increase blood flow to the skin to aid in evaporation, leaving less blood in the heart and other muscles. Brain death begins around 106 degrees, but death from heat stroke can be gradual, taking three or four days while organs begin to fail.
Not pretty .. and again . preventable. Never ignore a kids complaint that they're too hot or too parched . .give them water and a break .. and let me steal from another report more reminders:
Require each athlete to have a physical and know if an athlete has a history of heat-related illness; these kids are more susceptible to heat stroke. Overweight players are also at higher risk.
· Acclimatize players to the heat slowly; North Carolina mandates that the first three days of practice be done without uniforms.
· Alter practice schedules to avoid long workouts in high-humidity.
· Provide cold water before, during and after practice in unlimited quantities.
· Provide shaded rest areas with circulating air; remove helmets and loosen or remove jerseys; some schools have plastic outdoor pools filled with ice for cool-downs after practice.
· Know the symptoms of heat illness: nausea, incoherence, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, muscle cramps, weak rapid pulse, visual disturbance. Contrary to popular belief, heat stroke victims may sweat profusely.
· Have an emergency plan in place; parents should inquire about emergency plans for their kids’ teams.

this comes from Fred Mueller, professor of exercise and sports science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - he compiles the death list every year ..a little common sense and attention will keep your loved one OFF his list ..

Sleeping aids and Kids

One of our producers is a new mom. When her adorable baby hit 3 months he stopped sleeping .. well, in her mind that's what happened. His sleep habits just weren't jiving with her work life. To say she was frustrated is an understatement. But she knows it's part of his development.
Now jump to parents of older children. Seems sleep troubles are a big problem in American homes.
A new study published in the latest issue of "SLEEP" finds some 60 percent of American boys and girls under age 11 experience some kind of sleep troubles a few nights a week. And the treatment - doctors are prescribing sleeping aids - even though they're not approved by the FDA for kids.
But that's not what has some experts really troubled. They say the issue isn't about giving kids pills to sleep . .it's about finding the underlying cause of their trouble getting shut eye.
Dr. Gregg Jacobs, an insomnia specialist with the Sleep Disorders Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Mass., said prescribing drugs often sidesteps the underlying causes of sleep trouble.
"Children are in the golden years of sleep," he observed. "It's not normal for them to have sleep problems. So, if they do, then you know something's wrong. And medicating the child doesn't get to the heart of the problem. It's more important to figure out what's going on. Is it stress, caffeine, a problem in the home environment?"
It's something to think about when you're having trouble drifting off.

Pot and Cancer

There's a type of cancer linked to HIV infection and transplant patients -those with weakened immune systems. It's called Kaposi's Sarcoma. New research finds the active ingredient in pot .. THC .. appears to enhance the ability of the virus causing Kaposi's to infect cells and multiply.

The research, published in the August 1 issue of Cancer Research serves as a warning to those patients who use medical marijuana or the drug, recreationally.

It will be interesting to see how this info may be used by those opposed to medical marijuana.

The study was done by the National Institutes of Health.

Saving Face

Had a talk this morning with Dr. Mark Pinsky - from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He was talking - one on one - with reporters, nationwide about the latest in cosmetic surgery and all those creams touted as preventing wrinkles and turning back the hands of time.
Interestingly, he's not a proponent of cosmetic surgery - but he is a big supporter of botox and fillers, particularly hyaluronic acid. He also votes for starting early.
But number one on is list .. WEAR SUNSCREEN. Then, the daily use of a good moisturizer. As for the over the counter products he's fond of those containing antioxidents, the glycolic acid products and creams with peptides. While Retin A is still the gold standard, he cautions, it should only be used with a doctor's supervision - moreover, before starting any facial care routine, he suggests, talking with a dermatologist.

Diabetes drug warning

breaker breaker .. if you take either of the popular diabetes drugs ACTOS or AVANDIA you need to get on the horn with your doctor come Monday morning.

The latest study shows those drugs bring a marked increase in the risk of heart failure... and not just with elderly patients .. This is the paragraph from the study that caught my attention:
...for every 50 patients with type 2 diabetes taking these drugs, one patient will develop heart failure within 26 months ... and the risk with Avandia is higher than with Actos, raising the question, will Avandia be allowed to stay on the market. You'll find the whole study in the August issue of Diabetes Care.

One thing .. don't just stop either of the meds on your own . .you must consult with your doctor about your risk and what choices for treatment are best for you.

So why are we having these potentially dangerous drugs available like the cox 2 inhibitors that were pulled for causing heart problems and now this?
Listen, we want drugs that look promising rushed to market .. for too many years consumers groused that it took too long to get a new treatment out ... but in the process, the feds are going to kiss a couple of frogs that really aren't princes.

Locks of Love - A DATE

And for those of you looking to take part ..
we've got a cutting date . .

SEPTEMBER 25th ..
RUMORS SALON
Loudonville

786-1777

if you let me know .. you can cut with me at 10am that day .. there are 6 slots left open .. if you still want to cut .. the salon will take appointments through 12:30 on the 18th .. IT'S FREE .. so give them a call ..

Women and Lung Disease

It's well documented that women develop alcoholism and related disorders more quickly than men .. now a study shows women smokers develop CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE and EMPHYSEMA more quickly than men.

The study is the first to compare men and women and lung disease. It was done
at the University of Michigan and reported in the August 1, 2007 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society.

The study shows women had shorter smoking histories and lower body mass index than men and experienced more breathlessness, lower lung function and decreased exercise capacity compared to men. They also reported more depression, a lower quality of well-being and scored more poorly on a test for overall mental health.

What makes this so important is that in 2000, the number of women with COPD surpassed the number of men.

If you need help in kicking the habit .. contact the American Cancer Society or talk with your physician about local programs.

Diesel fuel and your heart

I'm waiting for the headline that reads: Ban diesel fuel.
That's because of a new study linking diesel fuel emmissions with an increase in LDL - the bad cholestoral. According to a new study: "An interaction between the fine particles found in diesel exhaust and the fatty acids in LDL ("bad") cholesterol activates genes that then cause inflammation in blood vessels." That's the finding of a team from the University of California, Los Angeles. The researcher say, the diesel fuel particles speeds up atherosclerosis - hardening of the arteries.
It's really a fascinating connection.

For more info on pollution check out:www.environmentaldefense.org/page.cfm?tagid=97

A Case of the Blues - really

In our quest to find a product that will help stave off the common cold, some folks turn to colloidal silver. It's been marketed as a cold medicine, decongestant, all-around germ fighter and a kind of cure-all.

But a study in the August issue of the Harvard Health Letter says, not only does it NOT live up to those claims, it can cause serious and strange side effects.

In short, too much can turn your skin blue, permanently. While the Health letter says the odds of that are small, they document a case of a man who took colloidal silver whenever he felt a cold coming on and sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, his skin took on a blue tinge. It happens because granules of silver accumulate in the body and there's no way to get them out.

This product, the article says, can also cause kidney damage, stomach distress, and headaches.

Just thought you'd like to know ..

R and R

Okay
back in town
Didn't want to be one of those statistics: people who leave vacation time on the table.

Listen, if you have vacation time .. take it .. your body needs a break, so does your mind .. and I could be flip and say, so do your co workers .. but seriously - we all need a chance to recharge ..

so . .tomorrow . .back with serious stuff ..
and yes, I wore sunscreen .. lots of it .. for those planning a getaway .. spf 30 . and don't be cheap .. slather it on .. research shows most of us are too stingy with it .. or, you might want to try the new spray on stuff .. the cvs brand is very good - less greasy than banana boat ..
see .. I'm serious, already ..

Flap over treating Lyme Disease

Some 20,000 people will be diagnosed this year with Lyme disease, most in the northeast, mid-atlantic states and Wisconsin,Minnesota and northern California.

For the first time since 2001 the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) updated it's guidelines regarding treatment of Lyme .. and they're controverisal .. saying "95 percent of cases of Lyme disease are cured with 10 to 28 days of oral antibiotics."
The update came out in November but is getting an airing now.
The arguement against the update: that many people need prolonged treatment .. the IDSA says, not so - that it can only lead to drug resistance and other medical problems.

I share this because, if you're being treated for Lyme and your doctor wants to change direction, you'll know why . .and if you're recently diagnosed, you'll know the current thinking.
Mind you, just because the IDSA makes a recommendation doesn't mean doctors HAVE to follow it .. but the currrent thinking is, insurance companies will begin to push - as a shorter course of treatment can mean a smaller price tag.
Anyway .. if you want to learn more .. follow this link.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/

You say tomato...

The hype over tomatoes, specifically the chemical lycopene in the ruby red fruit, is not something a supplement maker can cash in on. So rules the FDA.

Lycopenes, which are in abudance when tomatoes are cooked, has been shown in lab studies to stop the proliferation of several types of cancer cells with especially encouraging results for prostate cancer. But does that rise to the level of something you could or should be taking in a pill?

The FDA says no... and rejected the petition by a supplement maker to tout lycopene as a cancer preventer.

As the American Institute for Cancer Research says - despite our desire to find a super food, there really isn't one ... it's about eating a diet rich in fruits and veggies- as all the chemicals in these foods work together to work their magic - that pulling one out does not make for better health.