Ready to perform effective bystander CPR?

It’s CPR and AED Awareness Week (June 1 to 7) in the United States.

Why is CPR important?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) saves lives. Here are the reasons why we need to know CPR (source: American Heart Association):

• About 80% of cases of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) happen at home.
• Less than a third of SCA victims receive CPR from a bystander. Only 6.4% of the victims survive because there is nobody in their vicinity who can perform life-saving CPR.
• 12 to 20% of Americans feel confident in performing CPR should the need arises.
• 37 to 39% (about 4 in 10) are most likely to perform a CPR on somebody they know personally.

Are you ready to save those of your loved ones? Are you one of those bystanders who feel confident enough to save the life of others?

What can you do?

Here is what you can do/ how you can help:

• Get CPR training. The American Heart Association recommends everybody to get trained in CPR. Furthermore, training shouldn’t just be a one time thing. It should be constantly practiced and updated. Furthermore, you can even do training online!
• Keep a record of your training. When was your last training? Are you ready to act in case of emergency? Be a part of the 1 million CPR-trained people in the US!
• Share your time. As a CPR instructor or other types of volunteer work.
• Donate. Your donation goes into training programs that save lives all over the country! The goal is to train one million Americans. So far, 150,000 have been trained. A little help will go a long, long way.
• Spread the word. Help spread CPR Awareness through emails, word of mouth, your blogs (that’s what I’m doing now!), your social networks (it’s in Facebook, Twitter, Linked in!).
• Check out Mini Anne, an inflatable, portable mannequin that you can practice on. It only takes 22 minutes!

What about AED?

Another way of resuscitating cardiac arrest victims is by using an Automated External Defibrillator or AED. AEDs are now available in many public places which have been identified as high risk locations. The new devices have been designed to be simple and easy to use, even by those who do not have any medical training. Once activated, the person manning the AED gets visual and audio instructions how to operate the machine as well as perform a CPR.

Remember, for cardiac arrest patients, every second counts. Together, CPR and AED can save precious seconds and save lives.

               

Resource post for May: Stroke awareness revisited

May is American Stroke Month

It is the month when we should examine what we know about stroke, its symptoms, the risk factors, how it can be managed, and how it can be prevented. At the forefront of this month-long awareness campaign are the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA).

Stroke: facts and figures

According to the AHA:

Stroke is the third highest cause of mortality after heart disease and cancer.

• 143,579 died of stroke in the US in 2005. Females accounted for 60.6% of these.
• Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the US.
• About 6,500,000 stroke survivors are alive today; 2,600,000 are males and 3,900,000 are females.
• …about 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. About 600,000 of these are first attacks and 180,000 are recurrent attacks.
• From 1995 to 2005 the death rate from stroke declined 29.7 percent, and the actual number of stroke deaths declined 13.5 percent.
• The 2005 death rates per 100,000 population for stroke were 44.7 for white males and 70.5 for black males, and 44.0 for white females and 60.7 for black females. 
• On average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the US.
• Ischemic stroke (clots) accounts for 87% of all stroke cases, 10% are intracerebral hemorrhage, and 3% are subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Stroke: symptoms

Many people do not recognize the signs when they are having a stroke, according to research studies. This causes delay in treatment of a condition that is time-sensitive. The warning signs of stroke according to the AHA and ASA are (check also the video clip):

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Stroke: reducing your risks

The best strategy of preventing stroke is reducing the risks that can be reduced. But first we need to know the risk factors.

The risks that you cannot change are

• Age. The likelihood of having a stroke increases with age. Previous studies suggest that stroke risk doubles starting age at the age of 55. Finnish researchers report that stroke risk increases dramatically in men starting at age 44.
• Genetics. Family history and ethnicity predisposes a person to stroke. African American have higher predisposition to stroke than any other ethnic group in the US. The genetic disease sickle cell anemia which is very common among African-American and Hispanic children is a major risk factor for stroke.
• Gender. Men seem to be more susceptible to stroke than women but women suffer higher mortality rates from stroke.

But here are the risks that you can do something about:

• High blood pressure. Hypertension is the most important controllable risk factor for stroke. Many people believe the effective treatment of high blood pressure is a key reason for the accelerated decline in the death rates for stroke.
• Cigarette smoking. Although cigarette smoking is usually associated with lung cancer, it is actually an important risk factor for stroke. And the damage is not only restricted to the smoker. Second hand or passive smoking has also been linked to cardiovascular damage that can lead to stroke.
• Obesity/excess weight. Obesity is another major controllable factor for stroke.
• High cholesterol levels. People with high blood cholesterol have an increased risk for stroke. High levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol and low levels of HDL “good” cholesterol are risk factors.
• Birth control pills. The use of oral contraceptives by women has been linked to cardiovascular damage. When this factor is combined with smoking, the risk for having a stroke increases drastically.
• Diabetes. Diabetes is an independent risk factor for stroke. However, it is also associated with other risk factors such high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels and obesity.
• Poor nutrition. Diet is a major but easily controllable risk factor for stroke and other related cardiovascular disease. “Diets rich in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol levels. Diets high in sodium (salt) can contribute to increased blood pressure. Diets with excess calories can contribute to obesity.” On the other hand, a daily diet containing five or more servings of fruits and vegetables - the so-called DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet may reduce the risk of stroke.
• Physical inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle is not only a risk factor for stroke, it is a risk factor for other related problems, e.g. hypertension, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. The AHA and ASA recommend a minimum of least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. The more, the better.
• Other underlying conditions such as arterial diseases (e.g. carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease) and heart disorders (e.g. coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects) also increase the risks of having a stroke.
• Geographic location. States in the southeastern United States have higher incidences of stroke than the rest of the country, earning the title the “stroke belt.” However, this is a risk factor that is neither well-understood nor well-documented.
• Socioeconomic factors. Studies suggest that stroke incidence is higher among low-income people than among more affluent people.
• Alcohol consumption. Although alcohol is said to have some cardiovascular benefits, excessive alcohol consumption has been associated to health problems including stroke and hypertension. Women also especially more susceptible to the adverse effects of alcohol than men.
• Illegal drugs. Illegal drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and heroin, have been associated with an increased risk of stroke.

Stroke: treatment and management

Some of the treatment options for ischemic stroke are:

• Thrombolytic (clot-busting) drugs. The most commonly used drug in the emergency treatment of stroke is an intravenous injection of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). tPA, however, is a time-sensitive medication that needs to be administered within 3 hours of symptom onset.
• Anti-coagulants or blood thinners. These drugs are prescribed after a stroke to reduce the chances of new blood clots forming.
• Anti-platelet drugs. These drugs are also used to prevent blood clots and can be used in stroke prevention strategy.
• Surgery and stents. Several surgical interventions can be done to prevent and manage stroke. A blocked or narrowed carotid artery can be opened by surgery to remove plaques. Stents can be inserted into the blood vessels to keep them open.
• Experimental treatments. New stroke treatments are currently being tested, including stem cell therapy and experimental neuroprotective medications.

Stroke resources:

• Heart and Stroke Statistics 2009
• Stroke Connection Magazine
• Caregiver brochure
• Power to End Stroke

 Photo credit: stock xchng

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjPPm_M_nPg

               

Jade Goody’s legacy

The reality TV star Jade Goody may be gone but she left a very important legacy - increased awareness and changed attitudes toward cervical cancer. Health experts called it the “Jade Goody effect“.

There are some people who were a bit critical of Jade, complaining about publicity stunts and media exploitation. However, it is undeniable that Jade’s story also placed cancer, particularly cervical cancer in the limelight. In the process, many women opted for cervical cancer screening that may just have saved their lives.

According to The Guardian UK

Sad though the cause, the new interest in cervical cancer has been welcomed by cancer charities and those involved in the screening programme. The proportion of women taking up the invitation to go for a screening test has been steadily dropping for about a decade. The latest figures, from March last year, show 78.6% of eligible women had been tested, which meant that the take-up had dropped below 80% for the third year in a row.

Jade Goody’s case reportedly had a major impact on the UK’s National Health Services (NHS) cervical screening program. It led the re-examination of England’s policy of screening starting at the age of 25 while it is offered starting at 20 in other parts of the UK. More women requested for cervical cancer screening all over the country. In addition, interest for the anti-human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine has also increased. The vaccine, also known as “cervical cancer jab” and is recommended to girls as young as 11 years old, was initially met with scepticism. Recently, however, it seems that more and more mothers are asking that their daughters be given the vaccine which has been available in UK schools since last year.

Jade’s story made many people, especially young women think about their own mortality. The fact that she was only 27 years old, had a promising Reality TV career and left behind two young children made us realize that cancer and death are not only for the old and the feeble. Cancer can hit anybody.

According to Cervical Cancer UK,

Cervical cancer is a major health problem in the world today. In some developing countries it is the commonest female cancer. It is estimated that around 370,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the world each year. Cervical cancer, however, is one of the most preventable form of cancer and regular screening and early detection are the keys to prevention.

Jade died on March 22, 2009 and was buried on April 4, 2009. She may be gone but the Jade Goody effect lives on.

Photo credit: wikicommons

               

Playing safe: April is Sports Eye Safety Month

 

Resource post for April

Sports are the leading cause of eye injuries in children, especially team sports such as football, basketball, tennis, hockey to name a few. I have two 6-year old boys who are just into almost all sports. And their latest passion, now that spring time is here, is street hockey on roller blades. When we bought the blades for them last year, the set included protective gear such as knee, elbow and hand pads. Their bicycle helmets served for the blades as well. But what about eye protection? I never really thought they need it until I read about this sports-related eye safety campaign.

April has been designated as the Sports Eye Safety Month .The current statistics from Unite for Sight says that:

1. Over 100,000 cases of sports-related eye injuries occur every year in the North America alone, incurring more than $175 million in health care costs.
2. From 1988 to 2000, 31% of serious eye injuries were due to blunt trauma, the kind that is commonly observed in relation to sports. This is more than the 18% eye injuries caused by vehicular accidents.
3. Baseball and basketball cause the most common sports-related injuries. These are followed by racket sports (e.g. tennis, badminton) and water sports.
4. 90% of all eye injuries are preventable.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and eye doctors urge that athletes, professional or amateur, should wear protective eyewear when in engaging in sports. Sometimes it takes a single blow to damage an eye. But it is a damage that has long-lasting and devastating repercussions. It could mean disability and impairment. It would mean the end of a successful sports career, or nipping in the bud strong potential. It would mean a major life change and a lower quality of life. Unfortunately, most sporting leagues do not make the use of protective eye gear mandatory. This is sad because most cases of eye injuries could have been prevented with the appropriate eye protection.

What are the most common sports-related eye injuries?

The majority of injuries incurred during sports are caused by blunt trauma, e.g. impact with a blunt object, according to Dr. Carolyn Wu, ophthalmologist. The severity of the injury would depend on the object hitting the eye - its size, speed and hardness. Blunt trauma result to a simple black eye to more serious damage such as:

• Internal bleeding
• Orbital floor fractures
• Inflammation
• Eyeball rupture
• Retinal detachment
• Damage to the optic nerve

According this AAO press release

Children can end up with injuries ranging from abrasions of the cornea and bruises of the lids to internal eye injuries such as retinal detachments and internal bleeding. Unfortunately, some of these athletes end up with permanent vision loss and blindness.

Penetrating trauma, e.g. injuries through contact with sharp or penetrating objects are rare in sports but just as dangerous. The unfortunate thing is that these types of injuries are usually caused when inappropriate eye wear breaks. Most people wearing glasses think that normal, every day glasses are ample protection against sports-related injuries. In fact, these eyewear present hazards when they break.

How do we protect our children sports-related eye injuries?

According to Dr. Yu,

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed standards for protective eyewear to be worn in various sports. Each sport has a specific type of recommended protective eyewear, but all sports goggles should be made with polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate is a high-impact resistant plastic that offers ultraviolet protection and can be made in prescription or non-prescription lenses. These lenses are 10 times more impact resistant than other plastics. In comparison, regular eyeglasses have only 5 percent of the impact resistance of polycarbonate lenses. Your eye doctor can recommend the eyewear that is appropriate for your sport.

According to Unite for Sight, there are 4 basic types of eyewear but only 2 of these are appropriate for sports.

• Safety sports eyewear that conforms to the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F803 for selected sports (racket sports, baseball fielders, basketball, women’s lacrosse, and field hockey).
• Sports eyewear that is attached to a helmet or for sports in which ASTM standard F803 eyewear is inadequate. Those for which there are standard specifications include youth baseball batters and base runners (ASTM standard F910), paintball (ASTM standard 1776), skiing (ASTM standard 659), and ice hockey (ASTM standard F513). Other protectors with specific standards are available for football and men’s lacrosse.

Not appropriate as sports protective eyewear are eyeglasses, sunglasses, as well as occupational safety protective glasses.

Mind you, the Sports Safety Awareness campaign is not meant to scare off people from doing sports. Children need movement and exercise to keep them healthy. Doing sports in young years have long-term benefits. Yes, doing sports can also hurt - but that’s what protection gear is for. It is important that the campaign is supported from all sectors - school officials, sports teachers and coaches, as well as parents so that we can convince children and teenagers to wear the recommended protective eyewear.

The AAO goes on to praise professional athletes who serve as role models in promoting the use of eye protection in sports. Examples are NBA All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson.

In conclusion, the AAO wants to spread this take home message: “Play hard…play safe… Sports eye protection doesn’t hinder performance, it protects eyes and careers.”

 Photo credit: stock.xchng; Unite for Sight CD cover

               

April is National Cancer Control Awareness Month

April is the month to step up on cancer control awareness. So how can we help?

Several cancer research institutes in the US are actively campaigning during this month. And they give us some tips on how we can help.

Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ)

As one of the nation’s 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centres and the only one in New Jersey, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) delivers advanced comprehensive care to adults and children, and conducts cutting-edge cancer research. Their researchers and physicians transform discoveries into clinical practice and provide education and outreach regarding cancer prevention, detection and treatment.

CINJ is a Centre of Excellence of UMNDJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. This April, the institute is highlighting its clinical trial programs and the importance of patients having access to quality information about these cancer studies right at their fingertips. It is with this objective in mind that the CINJ-operated, web-based New Jersey Cancer Trial Connect (NJCTC) website was set up. With NJCTC, patients can conduct research and match diseases and drugs with cancer clinical trials

Michigan Cancer Consortium (MCC)

Do you know that there are over 100 types of cancer? That 1 out of every 4 deaths in the US is caused by cancer? These are just a few facts and figures from the Michigan Cancer Consortium (MCC) in observance of the National Cancer Control Awareness Month. MCC “is a dedicated group of public, private, and voluntary organizations committed to reducing the human and economic impact of cancer in Michigan. MCC members are collaborating to address cancer control priorities in Michigan.” To highlight cancer control awareness and help spread the word, here are a few ideas from MCC:

• You can get involved as an individual or as an organization.
• Have a prerecorded phone message about cancer screening. You can use this on your private phone or in your business phone. The message, can for example run in lieu of music while the client is put oh hold.
• Get involved in disseminating the MCC Cancer Early Detection Recommendations.
• Include MCC Early Detection Guidelines in your newsletters, journals, or blogs.
• Share or distribute cancer resource materials to family, friends and colleagues.

All guidelines, resources and recommendations are available from the MCC website.

 

Photo credit: stock.xchng

               

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is the month to step up on awareness of colorectal cancer, the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the US, according to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). Approximately 149,000 new cases of colorectal cancer have been predicted for 2008. About 50,000 Americans die this disease every year

The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable when detected at an early stage. And early detection is possible through screening.

The bad news is that, “even in the best economic environment, only half of the people who need colorectal cancer screening receive the life-saving test.” The low screening rate maybe due to a lot of causes. Screening is mainly done by colonoscopy, which involves gently inserting an intrument called colonoscope into the rectum and large intestine. The instrument enables the doctor examine the walls of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, many people find this screening method embarrassing and invasive. With the economic recession, it is expected that even more people will forego screening for colorectal cancer due to loss of health insurance and financial difficulties. In addition, there seem to be cultural and ethnic barriers that are also related to health insurance coverage. According to AGA, African Americans and Hispanics are less likely to be screened and are therefore more likely to die from colorectal cancer than other ethnic groups.

A study by the Lewin Group made public early this year predicts that there will be a shortage of actively practicing gastroenterologists in the US in the next ten years. This shortage will further lead to low screening rates.

Hopefully, legislation will help solve the issue. Texas Rep. Kay Granger reintroduced the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection, Prevention and Treatment Act in the US Congress in February, a bill whose aim is

“to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a national screening program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide States the option to provide medical assistance for men and women screened and found to have colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.”

The bill can hopefully establish a life-saving program similar to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for people between 50 and 64 years old but also those younger than 50 but have high risks profiles. The bill will also facilitate screening, follow-up, and treatment of those who do not have insurance coverage.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer (source: American Cancer Society) are:

• Age older than 50 years old
• Previous history of polyps and inflammatory bowel disease
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Other hereditary diseases (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and Lynch syndrome).
• Racial and ethnic background
• Lifestyle-related factors including smoking, diet, lack of exercise, obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, and type 2 diabetes.

Photo credit: stock.xchng

               

March is Save Your Vision Month

This March, we are observing the Save Your Vision Month. This event serves to increase awareness about the importance of regular comprehensive eye examination and is sponsored by the American Optometric Association (AOA).

March has also been designated as the Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month and is sponsored by Prevent Blindness America (PBA). The more vision problems employees have, the more medical care they would need, and the more health care costs they would incur. Not to mention the loss of productivity of the employees which translates to loss of money of the employers. Healthy employees make good business. In fact, “promoting eye health in the workplace can save businesses money in the long run. Employers are encouraged to contact Prevent Blindness America for information on the Healthy Eyes Vision Wellness Program, promoting vision in the workplace.”

PBA is organizing a call-in event on March 2-4, 2009 to support PBA’s “Eyes on Capitol Hill” referring to PBA’s delegates and representatives who will meet with members of the US Congress and Senate to discuss vision care issues, especially “to increase funding on vision research, prevention/public health programs, and access to treatment and rehabilitation.”

               

Preview into heart(y) events in February

Instead of our usual Friday heart(y) news roundup, let’s have a peek into our schedule for February.

Upcoming heart(y) awarenesss events for February

February is a special month because it has been designated as THE MONTH of many things, especially on heart(y) and healthy issues. Most important for us here at Battling Heart and Stroke, February is the American Heart Month and the National Women’s Healthy Heart Campaign. As part of the American Heart Month, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 has been designated as National Wear Red Day. Stay tuned for more details next week.

From February 7 to 14, we will be observing the Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. In the same week from February 8 to 14 is Heart Failure Awareness Week.

Don’t forget to be good to your heart on Valentine’s Day, February 14, which by the way, is also designated as National Organ Donor Day to honor those with hearts so big they even share their blood and organs.

Now, February also honors healthy lifestyle and nutritious food by being the

• National Grapefruit Month
• National Cherry Month
• National Wise Health Consumers Month
• National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (22 to 28 February)
• National Pistachio Day (February 26)
• National Sweet Potato Month

Of course, we shouldn’t forget that our dental health is closely related to our heart health. That’s why we shouldn’t forget that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Finally, let us all be friends and be nice to each other next month because February is the International Friendship Month.

Heart(y) Online Webchats with Cleveland Clinic Experts for February
Once again, the country’s number one heart clinic is organizing live webchats wherein the public can ask the top heart experts questions close to their hearts. Below is February’s schedule:

• Carotid Artery Disease Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 12 noon (EST), to be presented by Dr. Daniel Clair, Chairman, Department of Vascular Surgery.
• Cardiac Conditions & Concerns in the Student Athlete Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 12 noon (EST), will be presented by pediatric cardiologist Dr.Richard Sterba of Pediatric Institute & Children’s Hospital and Heart and Vascular Institute.
• Ask the Heart Doctor, Friday, February 20, 2009 - 12 noon (EST), to be presented by Dr. Michael Faulx, staff cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute.
• Treating and Preventing Adolescent Obesity, Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 12 noon (EST), to be presented by Dr. Ellen Rome of the Department of Adolescent Medicine Pediatric Institute and Children’s Hospital.

Photo credit: stock.xchng

               

January is US National Cervical Health Awareness Month

Ladies, when was the last time you visited your gynecologist? If it was more than three years ago, then it is time to set another appointment. In honor of the National Cervical Health Awareness Month, I beg you to take good care of yourself and your cervix.

Here are some of the few reasons why you should visit your gynecologist regularly:

• In the US, about 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year.
• Yearly, cervical cancer kills about 3,700 women in the USA.
• Globally, cervical cancer kills over 250,000 women each year.

However, nobody has to die from cervical cancer. It is a preventable and treatable disease.

The key to stopping cervical cancer on its tracks is early screening and detection. And the earlier, the better. Screening is checking for a disease even in the absence of symptoms. Early detection is catching a disease at the earliest stage possible.

The standard screening and detection test for abnormalities in the cervix is the Pap (Papanicolaou) test which can be performed during routine gynecological check ups. In the US, the routine use of Pap test has significantly decreased mortalities due to cervical cancer - by over 70% during the last 50 years. Unfortunately, this is not the case in less developed countries where cases account for 85% of all cervical cancer.

Now, if you believe that cervical cancer can only affect young, sexually active women, and therefore a Pap test is not for you, then think again.

According to the National Institutes of Health

Current general guidelines recommend that women have a Pap test at least once every 3 years, beginning about 3 years after they begin to have sexual intercourse, but no later than age 21. Experts recommend waiting about 3 years after the start of sexual activity to avoid overtreatment for common, temporary abnormal changes. It is safe to wait 3 years, because cervical cancer usually develops slowly. Cervical cancer is extremely rare in women under age 25.

Women ages 65 to 70 who have had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the last 10 years may decide, after talking with their clinician, to stop having Pap tests. Women who have had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus and cervix) do not need to have a Pap test, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for precancer or cancer.

Also, take note: Having shots against the human papilloma virus (HPV) does not mean that you are immune to cervical cancer. It does reduce your risks but the vaccine is not substitute for cervical cancer screenings.

January has been designated by the US Congress as the National Cervical Health Awareness Month. To step up on awareness, free screenings are being offered in some part of the US. According to the NCCC, the following county health departments offer free cervical cancer screenings:

• Fulton County Medical Center, PA
• Garrett County Health Department, MD
• Berkeley County Health Department, WV
• Jefferson County Health Department, WV
• Frederick County Health Department, MD
• Allegany County Health Department, MD
• Morgan County Health Department, WV
• Summit Health - Chambersburg and Waynesboro Hospitals, PA
• Washington County Health Department, MD

               

CVD News Watch October 31

Happy Halloween, everyone. Here is your heart news round up for this week. Plus a couple of reminders: Watch your sweets intake! And for the Americans, don’t forget to vote.

CVD heart treatment watch

Total artificial heart to be ready by 2011: research team

News of hope amidst the financial crisis. Three years from now, a fully implantable artificial heart should be ready, according to French heart transplant specialist Alain Carpentier. The prototype artificial heart has been tested successfully in animals. Although based in France, the project is actually a collaboration between several European scientists, researchers, and funding agencies. However, it’s not only the Europeans, but also Americans, Japanese and Korean scientists who are testing similar prototypes. The European prototype is “made from chemically treated animal tissues, these “biomaterials” are designed to avoid rejection by the patient’s immune system or blood clotting, a recurrent problem with existing artificial hearts.” This is really good news for those who are waiting for a heart donor.

CVD patient watch

Are you phonagnosic?

Phonagnosia is a condition wherein a person does not have the ability to recognize voices. Phonagnosia is very rare and has been reported after suffering a stroke or brain damage. “[It] has only been documented so far in people with brain lesions in the right hemisphere following a stroke or brain damage, and the mechanisms behind it are not well understood. Researchers at the University College London reports a first and only case of somebody born with phonagnosia in the journal Neuropsychologia.

CVD obesity watch

Scripps research scientists develop a new strategy to fight obesity

Is an immunotherapeutic approach the answer to the obesity epidemic? Antibodies to fight obesity? Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute tested an antibody in mice that works against the gastric hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin has been linked to weight gain and fat storage. The antibody catalyst GHR-11E11 increased the metabolic rate and suppressed feeding in treated laboratory mice.

CVD health care watch

Patients’ Perception of Hospital Care in the United States

This study evaluated the perception of Americans regarding healthcare in their country. The results show that most Americans are moderately satisfied with the care they received in clinics and hospitals.  The survey of patient perception is based on the following six components: communication with physicians, communication with nurses, communication about medications, quality of nursing services, adequacy of planning for discharge, and pain management. The best-rated hospital has 67.4% of a hospital’s of its patients declare that they definitely recommend the hospital.

               

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