Drug news, 30 October
October 30, 2010 by Raquel
Filed under HEALTHCARE
New drugs, old drugs, tainted drugs, approved and disapprove drugs. Check out drug news round up this weekend.
FDA approves combination contraceptive containing a folate
A new contraceptive has been approved by the FDA in the American market. Beyaz, in tablet form, is a combi contraceptive containing estrogen/progestin that also contains a folate (levomefolate calcium 0.451 mg). Beyaz is indicated for:
- Prevention of pregnancy
- Treatment of symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women who choose to use an oral contraceptive for contraception and
- Treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women at least 14 years of age, only if the patient desires an oral contraceptive for birth control
Obesity drug lorcaserin rejected by FDA
On the other hand, the anti-obesity drug lorcaserin has been turned down by the US drug regulatory body. The FDA is demanding more data on the drug’s efficacy and safety. One preclinical study in rats also cause concern as it showed an increase in breast tumors. How this observation compares to the drug’s effects in humans needs to be clarified before the drug can be approved.
Aspirin paradox investigated in TIMI database
Does aspiring prevent or increase the risk for cardiac events? The role of aspirin in the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was further investigated in order the clarify the so-called “aspirin paradox” which “despite the proven benefits of aspirin in the primary prevention, secondary prevention, and treatment of ACS, some studies have suggested that those already on aspirin before suffering an ACS have worse outcomes than those not having taken aspirin before the event.”
Data from the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) trials were used with results showing that bad outcomes may present in 5% of cases, probably due to aspiring resistance.
GlaxoSmithKline settles bad drug case for $750M
Some more bad news for the British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. It recently agreed to settle at a price of $750 million allegations related to the manufacture and marketing of contaminated drugs produce in their plant in Puerto Rico. The said plant violated good manufacturing practices, resulting in adulterated drugs, including Bactroban, Kytril and Paxil. Part of the settlement will go to a whistle blower, the company’s former global quality assurance manager who reported the violations to the US FDA. The manager repeated warned GSK of the violations but was fired instead.
Heart(y) news: clinical trial updates, Oct 29
October 29, 2010 by Raquel
Filed under HEART AND STROKE
No firm conclusions about HDL cholesterol can be drawn from JUPITER sub-analysis
The JUPITER trial (Justification for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) investigated the efficacy of the anti-cholesterol drug rosuvastatin in preventing cardiovascular disease. Based on the JUPITER results, a paper has been published that claims that “a normal, healthy individual has level of low density lipoprotein (LDL), known as “bad cholesterol”, substantially lowered with a potent statin, then the level of HDL “good cholesterol” in that person no longer bears any relation to the remaining cardiovascular risk.”
However, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has expressed concerns about the paper’s claims and interpretations that might be easily misinterpreted as raising HDL levels having no beneficial cardiovascular effects.
RENEW: Intense diet/exercise improves weight, CV risk factors, in severely obese
More and more clinical trials on lifestyle-based interventions are being conducted. One such trial is the Re-Energize with Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Loss (RENEW) which studied the effect of intensive lifestyle interventions in the extremely obese. The results were very encouraging and will be discussed in detail in another post.
NIH blood pressure trial expands to include more older adults
The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) trial is enrolling more elderly adults, e.g. an additional 1,750 study participants aged above 75. The trial is investigating how blood pressure range in is related to cardiovascular and kidney diseases, age-related cognitive decline, and dementia. According to Dr. Susan B. Shurin:
FDA stopped enrolment in TIDE trial
The enrolment for Thiazolidinedione Intervention with Vitamin D Evaluation (TIDE) trial which compared the cardiovascular effects of long-term treatment with rosiglitazone vs. pioglitazone was stopped in July by the US FDA in connection with safety issues regarding rosiglitazone (Avandia). After postmarketing data review, European drug authorities suspended rosiglitazone from the EU market. In the US, Avandia remains but increased warnings.
Liraglutide in nondiabetics: Weight and BP improve at two years in extension trial
Finally, a drug-based trial with encouraging results. The diabetes drug liraglutide (Victoza) seems to be also effective as a weight loss drug in non-diabetic patients. Furthermore, it is helps in blood pressure control. However, liraglutide still has to overcome the hurdle of strict regulations on cardiovascular safety so that it doesn’t go the way of sibutramine.
How to have a happy and healthy Halloween
October 28, 2010 by Raquel
Filed under HEALTHCARE
Halloween is just around the corner. That is why I’ve brought you today a round-up of what I feel are useful tips for a healthy and safe Halloween.
Halloween candy: Facts and myths
There are fears that Halloween treats poisoned but this is highly unlikely, according to experts. Instead, what we should be scared off are the calories, the sugars and the transfats. Health and nutrition experts at the University of North Carolina explain the facts and myths about Halloween candies, covering the following claims:
- Dark chocolate is a health food, so you may indulge guilt-free.
- Fat-free candy is healthier than chocolate.
- If you don’t hand out candy, trick-or-treaters will toilet-paper your house.
Check it out so you will know “how to tell truth from fiction as you stay safe and well on Halloween.â€
Trick-or-treaters’ Halloween candy often picked off by parents
How’s these for Halloween statistics:
- About 5% of all candy consumed for the year occurs on Halloween and the week afterward.
- Many fun-sized candy bars pack 60 to 80 calories each, so having several a day can add up to weight gain or derail weight loss.
- Parents eat one candy bar of every two the child brings home… and adults are most likely to take the chocolate.
With these figures in mind, health experts are hoping the everyone – adults and children alike – will be practicing moderation this coming Sunday.
For healthy pumpkin, squash the urge to turn it into pie
Last week, I baked a pumpkin pie for the first time for my family and they didn’t like it. Pumpkin pie as Americans know it – sweet and full of calories – is not something to be easily found in Europe. Because pumpkins are seldom eaten here sweet. We do eat lots of pumpkin soup as well as pureed pumpkin. But never tried nor heard of pumpkin pudding or pumpkin doughnuts before. This article in USA Today gives a couple of alternative, low-fat, low-calorie recipes for pumpkins.
Tips to Green Your Halloween
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gives us some tips on how to celebrate Halloween safely and toxic-free.
In particular, EWG warns consumers about the potentially harmful products in face paints, hairsprays and costumes. It gives recommendation on more natural alternatives in terms of make ups, treats, decorations and food.
Halloween the Healthy Way
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also sharing with us special Halloween tips with the following take home message: “Don’t be tricked this Halloween. Make better lifestyle choices to keep you and your family safe and healthy.†For this purpose, CDC has Halloween health e-cards for you to use and share – in English and in Spanish. Check them out!
“Look Now: Facing Breast Cancer”: a photographic tribute to breast cancer survivors
What better way to end Pink October than to pay tribute to breast cancer survivors? Sycaruse University launched exactly such an event on
Wednesday, Oct 27. “Look Now: Facing Breast Cancer” is a photographic project that will feature a series of portraits of women who have faced, fought, and triumphed over the monster that is breast cancer. It aims “to bring awareness of the emotional and physical aspects of breast cancer.”
In our society, looks are very important. For women with breast cancer, the loss of breasts and hair, physical attributes which make women attractive, is a big blow. This is what the artist will focus on.
Most projects on breast cancer survivorship focus on celebrities. The portraits that artist Angelika Rinnhofer created and is planning to create would not be of the rich and famous but ordinary women like you and me. This week’s launch started with portraits of 3 central New Yorkers. The project will last for a year as the artist continues to create more portraits of more survivors of different ages, ethnicity and levels of surgery. The target is to have 20 to 25 double portraits, one with the survivor clothed, the other with the survivor nude in the upper torso.
One of the survivors already photographed is Goenka who stated:
Each portrait will tell a different story, yet with a common theme. Despite the uniqueness of each case, the portraits will depict the survivors “as vibrant and empowered” and despite undergoing surgery that might have led to loss of 1 or both breasts, are “still whole.”
Says the artist:
What the project aims to do:
- [Resist] our culture’s tendency to abstract, obscure or allegorize illness, “Look Now” bears witness to the breast cancer that exists all around us here in our own region.
- “Women’s breasts have always been objectified by society and the media [making their loss] even more traumatizing.” [The project tries] “to heal and restore a sense of wholeness through the power of the individual portrait.”
- “Ultimately, the purpose of the show is multi-fold: to spread awareness, to serve as an artistic testament to living well after the disease and, above all, to empower the women who participate.”
The project will culminate in an exhibition in Pink October 2011. A documentary film about the project is also being planned.
Expat Life and Alcohol
Being an expat and a trailing spouse is tough. I am one. That is why I fully understood what this woman has gone/is going through. And I admire
her bravery for sharing her story…Thanks, B!
To all Recovering Moms in Switzerland, this is for you.
I love red wine. The way it looks, smells, and tastes. I love the way it brings people together with smiles, toasts, and pleasant wishes. Alcohol….a source of celebration and happiness for many. Not for me. Alcohol brings me physical pain (in the form of hangovers or unforced self-injuries), guilt (from drinking again after vowing to stop), and shame (from having done or said something I regretted while drunk). I also feel shame because I want to stop but can’t.
I have chosen to remain anonymous because I am not yet ready to tell the world about my horrible and dangerous disease and we all know how small Switzerland is. I have only recently shared this with my immediate family and the only reason I did was because I had reached the point of either getting help or dying. My daughters are still young so dying is not an option. They deserve better than this. I did not bring them into this world to leave them motherless in a few years because of alcohol abuse. I wanted to speak up because I know there are many of you out there who are in the same boat as I and are afraid to reach out and get help. If you think you have a problem you need to know that you are not alone. There are many of “us” out there. I didn’t have a problem back in college or graduate school. I partied like everyone else did, I didn’t drink everyday (nor alone), and I excelled academically. Drinking was a social thing for me. My problems came later on when life got more serious and settled (when I married and became a mother).
I love being a mom. My kids are my reason for living. I would do anything for them! Unfortunately I started to drown in my home life. Laundry, cooking, cleaning, diaper changing, driving….there was no escape from my housekeeping duties. Life wasn’t perfect with my husband either at times and that didn’t help. Being a SAHM (stay at home mom) or dad can be very isolating and lonely. My drinking problem started a few years ago when I would have a drink or two on some evenings (usually red wine). I especially loved doing this while I prepared dinner. Nothing wrong with that right? I deserved it! A small token after doing so much during the day and being stressed out with the kids and all of the activities I had to deal with. As time progressed so did my drinking. I went from one to two glasses a couple of nights during the week to several nights per week. My alcohol intake advanced as well. One/two glasses were not enough anymore. I reached the point (this year) where I’d end up guzzling a whole bottle and hiding the evidence from my husband deep down in the garbage bag. My social drinking also changed: I’d continue drinking at home alone (behind my husband’s back) after we would return from a restaurant or party. Something else I started doing? I’d chug a glass of wine while no one was watching and drink a new glass pretending to be one of them. Yes…I would pretend to be a responsible and controlled drinker.
A couple of years ago I started to wonder if I had a drinking problem. Naah! If I had a problem somebody would have pointed it out already right? I thought: “I’m responsible. I take care of my kids and pay our bills. I make playdates and medical appointments on time. I’m doing my job! I also don’t look like an alcoholic. My face isn’t red and puffy and I’m not living out of a box under a bridge, dressed up in rags. I don’t have the “shakes” or need a drink first thing in the morning. How can I be an alcoholic?” Oh! How I fooled myself into thinking I was normal through all of these thoughts and rationalizations! The truth came loud and clear a few weeks ago when I got very drunk at a birthday party. I don’t remember much about the night (just little bits and pieces). Apparently I lost it and went crazy when we arrived home. I made my girls cry that night because I had threatened to leave Switzerland (I said I would go away and never come back). My husband had to get away from me so he left the house. My daughters started to call daddy on the phone because they thought he was going to leave them too. After a couple of hours I ended up passing out on the couch and waking up at 2am. I knew I had done something very bad. I didn’t remember anything specific but I had the flashback of my girls crying big fat tears and my heart sank. I was not able to go back to sleep and was extremely anxious the rest of the early morning. That is when I said “enough is enough”. I knew I didn’t want to keep doing this anymore. I knew I was slowly killing myself and needed help. So I made the decision to tell my husband about my secret drinking life and problem. I had no choice. I had wanted to do this before but I was afraid because to say the words “I am an alcoholic” is a very scary thing. I was terrified but it was “do” or “die”. I decided to choose life and get better for me and my family.
I am very lucky to be where I am right now. Alcoholism is a progressive disease and it can turn bad and ugly very quickly. The lucky ones get help before they lose their job, spouse, family or cause a major tragedy (like Diane Schuler, the mother who killed eight people including herself and four children on a NY parkway in July). I am very blessed to still have my life and the people I love in it.
I have been sober for a few weeks now and am seeing things more clearly than ever. I urge any parent (mom or dad) who is struggling with alcohol abuse to talk to someone and reach out for help. You are not alone! If you would like to meet other moms going through the same struggles with alcohol abuse (or if you think you might have a problem and would like to explore it further) please join our “Recovering Moms in Switzerland” online group: health.groups.yahoo.com/group/recovering_moms_Switzerland/ (you can join anonymously if you wish)
When Giants Walked the Earth; A Biography of Led Zeppelin
October 27, 2010 by BFH Admin
Filed under HEALTHCARE
Veteran rock journalist Mick Wall unflinchingly tells the story of the band that pushed the envelope on both creativity and excess, even by rock ‘n’ roll standards. Led Zeppelin was the last great band of the 1960s and the first great band of the 1970s-and When Giants Walked the Earth is the full, enthralling story of Zep from the inside, written by a former associate of both Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Rich and revealing, it bores into not only the disaster, addiction and death that haunted the band but also into the real relationship between Page and Plant, including how it was influenced by Page’s interest in the occult. Comprehensive and yet intimately detailed, When Giants Walked the Earth literally gets into the principals’ heads to bring to life both an unforgettable band and an unrepeatable slice of rock history.
Canada’s Heart & Stroke Foundation sends wake up call to the badly sleeping youth
October 27, 2010 by Raquel
Filed under HEART AND STROKE
Canada’s foremost heart organization Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF) has issued a warning to the nation’s adolescents – your lifestyle threatens you with
premature heart disease and stroke. HSF researcher Dr. Brian McCrindle cites poor sleep hygiene as the main risk factor.
According Dr. McCrindle, disordered sleep in terms of duration, quality, and pattern is associated with increased body mass index (BMI), with subsequent increased risk for obesity and cholesterol levels. These findings are based on a survey of more than 1600 Canadian 9th graders aged 14 to 16. 22% of the young respondents admitted to having bad sleep patterns. 14% admitted they had problems staying awake at daytime 1 to 2 times a week and 5% even admits to having the similar episodes more than 3 times a week. The problems seem to be serious enough to induce 17% of these children to take sleep medications which may be prescription or over-the-counter.
Aside from the survey, the study participants also underwent evaluations for blood pressure, total blood cholesterol, and waist circumference measurement. Data analysis showed that poor sleeping habits are associated higher levels of blood pressure, BMI and other poor health conditions.
So what causes sleep disorders in these children? Studies have showed a link between poor sleep hygiene and physical inactivity and poor eating habits. Dr. McCrindle explains:
Health experts are constantly warning adults about the perils of an unhealthy lifestyle. However, findings of recent studies that lifestyle change interventions should already start at childhood. HSF believes that by educating children on health and health risks, these problems may be prevented in adulthood. HSF spokesperson Dr. Beth Abramson appeals to parents and schools to help. Here’s how:
- School: “One of the best ways to ensure kids get their 90 minutes of daily physical activity is a school environment which supports and promotes physical activity.”
- Parents: Parents should serve as role models. Their lifestyle reflects on their children’s lifestyle.
Unfortunately, this problem is not unique to Canadian youths but is widespread in most developed countries. Thus, the warning should not only be to young Canadians but to all of us!
Breast Cancer Action Group launches Think Before You Pink blog
Pink October is coming to an end but the struggle against breast cancer goes on. The Breast Cancer Action (BCA) Group is one of the strongest group the cause 
and it recently launched the Think Before You Pink blog.
BCA is the first group to crack down on pinkwashing defined as:
Can you imagine that BCA even took on the joint campaign “Buckets for the Cure” of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) the breast cancer giant Susan Komen for the Cure. After all, KFC is not exactly the healthiest fare we should go for if we want to stop breast cancer. According to BCA:
BCA was also able to help convince Yoplait to go rBGH-free. rBGH is a growth hormone used in cows to enhance milk production. It is also suspected to cause cancer and other health conditions. Its latest campaign is to try to convince rBGH manufacturer Eli Lilly
The Think Before You Pink blog is specifically designed to inform consumers about companies who use the pink color and breast cancer to attract attention and market their products. I mean, some even contribute part of their sales to breast cancer research. However, BCA thinks it is not right to accept financial support from corporate sponsors whose products and services actually promote rather than fight breast cancer.
Here are some other examples of pink washing companies and campaigns:
- Simple Green, whose cleaning products that carry the pink ribbon logo may actually contain carcinogens.
- Lay’s, Frito’s, Cheeto’s, and chips etc. says “Together we can help beat breast cancer.” Definitely not by eating these products, right?
- Cosmetic giant Estee Lauder is a big player in the breast cancer campaign but its products are not necessarily pink and may contain potentially carcinogenic ingredients.
With the new blog, BCA aims to reach more people about pinkwashing. Battling Cancer is fully supporting BCA and its efforts in fighting pinkwashing.
So next time you think pink, remember these BCA mantras:
- Action speaks louder than pink.
- Think before you buy pink.
Hospitalizations for drug abuse is increasing among the elderly
Grandpa sniffing coke? Grandma gulping down cough syrup? Sounds ridiculous but it cna be true.
Drug abuse is not restricted only to the young. While young people are getting more and more into prescription drug abuse (see previous post on National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month), many of the older generation are still hooked on illicit drugs and trying out OTC drug abuse at the same time. In fact, a recent report by the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) shows that rate of hospitalization for drug-related conditions among Americans aged 45 years old and older is increasing. The report cited three main types of drug-related conditions that led to hospitalizations in this age group:
- drug-induced delirium
- “poisoning” or overdose by codeine, meperidine and other opiate-based pain medicines
- withdrawal from narcotic or non-narcotic drugs
But it is not only the middle-aged who are abusing substances. Even senior citizens above 65– our grandpas and grandmas- are also involved
The study revealed the following statistics:
- Admissions for all medication and drug-related conditions grew by 117 percent—from 30,100 to 65,400—for 45- to 64-year-olds between 1997 and 2008.
- The rate of admissions for people ages 65 to 84 closely followed, growing by 96 percent.
- For people ages 85 and older, the rate grew by 87 percent.
- By comparison, the number of hospital admissions for these conditions among adults ages 18 to 44 declined slightly by 11 percent
The trend found by the AHRQ study was disturbing because it is assumed that adolescents who abuse drugs mature and outgrow the need to try to new and exciting things. And as they grow, they also become wiser and more sensible. Yet, the age distribution of drug abusers seems to be changing, with a tendency to increase with increasing age. The reasons for this are not fully understood and need to be addressed by more studies.
It is, however, important to inform people that drug abuse is dangerous and can kill. AHRQ describes the most common drug-related conditions:
- Drug-induced delirium or dementia can be caused by sleeping pills as well as drugs for urinary incontinence, nausea and other problems common in the elderly, but doctors sometimes cannot identify the cause.
- Poisoning by pain medicines or other drugs containing codeine, meperidine or other opiates can be caused by accidental overdosing or the failure to recognize the drug’s active ingredient.
Has your baby been screened for hearing impairment?
Hearing impairment is something that is not easily discernible in adults, much more in babies and little children. Studies have shown that even the slightest hearing impairment can translate to behavioural and learning
difficulties in children. Those who suffer from more serious hearing problems can face a lifetime of speech and language deficits, poor academic performance and social and psychological problems. This is because even though the child can hear, he or she is missing some details of what is going on the environment, but cannot understand what is going on. It is thus important that children be screened early in life for hearing problems.
Hearing impairments may be congenital or acquired. Thus, screening for hearing loss should start early, in fact, right after the delivery of the baby. This means that a baby is screened before it leaves the hospital or the maternity clinic.
The two most commonly used hearing screening procedures for babies are (source: American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASLHA):
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are inaudible sounds from the cochlea when audible sound stimulates the cochlea. The outer hair cells of the cochlea vibrate, and the vibration produces an inaudible sound that echoes back into the middle ear. This sound can be measured with a small probe inserted into the ear canal. Persons with normal hearing produce emissions. Those with hearing loss greater than 25-30 dB do not. OAEs can detect blockage in the outer ear canal, middle ear fluid, and damage to the outer hair cells in the cochlea.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is an auditory evoked potential that originates from the auditory nerve. It is often used with babies. Electrodes are placed on the head, and brain wave activity in response to sound is recorded. ABR can detect damage to the cochlea, the auditory nerve and the auditory pathways in the stem of the brain.
The initial result of the screening is “pass” or “fail”. Those who pass are considered free from hearing impairment till the next screening. Those who fail require an intensive evaluation by an expert such as an audiologist or an ear specialist. They will be closely monitored for progression of the impairment plus other auditory-related effects.
In the clinical report of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) entitle “Hearing Assessment in Infants and Children: Recommendations Beyond Neonatal Screening”:
The why’s and must have’s of mountain hiking
October 25, 2010 by Raquel
Filed under HEART AND STROKE
We like to go hiking as family – two adults and two 7-year old boys – but we are not unique. On our walks and hikes, we often meet other families, sometimes
with kids younger than ours. In our last walk, for example, we encountered a couple with 4 kids all under the age of 6. The two eldest had to walk while the parents had to carry 1 kid each, the daddy carrying a toddler on a back carrier, the mommy a baby in a front kangaroo carrier. Periodically, the dad had to carry another child on his shoulders. Tough, but they seem to have it all under control and actually enjoying it. This scene of large families going walking or hiking is quite common in Switzerland. I must admit that the set-up is quite conducive to families.
WHY HIKE?
So why do Swiss people like to go hiking, even with their families?
It’s cheap. Hiking is the cheapest way to spend a day with the family. You can pack some sandwiches and have a picnic somewhere. Or you can carry you sausages and barbecue along the way. In many hiking trails are designated barbecue facilities complete with toilets and running water!
Many starting points are accessible by public transport. We usually go to the mountains with the train where all kids under 12 traveling with parents are practically free (except for an annual ticket of $20 per child, cheaper from the 3rd child on). Add to that a special train compartment for families complete with mini-jungle gym, slide and drawing corner. Now, who would prefer to squeeze into an automobile and drive somewhere?
It’s healthy. In a previous post, I expounded on the health benefits of walking and hiking. In short, these physical activities are good for the heart, the bones and muscles and the brain. Now, add to that the fresh air up there. We’ve been to several Swiss villages which are car-free, e.g. all cars should be parked down the valley, while the village itself is only accessible by cable cars or cogwheel trains. The only mode of transport up there is electric cars and buses. What an exhilarating and liberating experience to stay in a place which is almost traffic-free.
It’s beautiful. There is nothing more majestic than a landscape surrounded by mountain peaks. In one of our hikes earlier this month, we stood on point where we could see the mountains of 6 different countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Lichtenstein, and Italy. In another place, we saw the very spring in the watershed that feeds all three major European river systems: the Rhine, the Danube, and the Rhone. These are unbeatable experiences.
But walking or hiking needs some preparations and precautions and over the years, I have learned a lot of things by experience which I’d like to share with you.
WHAT TO WEAR
Proper footwear. Footwear which is sturdy yet comfortable is a must for everybody including the kids. They need not be expensive but they should fit the season and the weather conditions.
Clothes. Clothes should be customized to the time of the year and the altitude. Not too warm or not too cold. One should not overestimate the temperatures in higher altitudes. It may be sunny up there but it is not necessarily that warm because of the winds. Take into account the wind chill factor. A windbreaker or rain jacket should always be on stand-by in case needed. Weather conditions can change drastically in the mountains.
WHAT TO BRING
Water. Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is dangerous!
Finger foods. Little tidbits are needed to boost your energy and those of your little ones. My favorites are granola or fruity snack bars, dried fruits such as bananas or apples or raisins, and nuts. These are small and light enough to fit in the pockets – and they are also healthy.
Band aids. Blisters can appear out of nowhere. Once, one of my boys got blisters from a well-worn shoes that were probably getting too small. Luckily I had band aids ready that got him through the hike. A small first aid kit can be very useful. I have a very compact one which I filled, in addition to band aids, a small tube of sunscreen, a small phial of hand disinfectant, a small pack of tissues, and my son’s inhaler.
Sun protection. The sun up there is bright and strong up there. Sunglasses, sun caps, and sunscreens are needed to protect you from the strong UV solar rays.
Phone. In cases of emergency, a phone is invaluable.
Plus: don’t forget to bring a smile and lots of enthusiasm – in case the going gets tough.
Understanding Arthritis Chart
October 24, 2010 by BFH Admin
Filed under HEALTHCARE
Understanding Arthritis Chart
Heart(y) News, October 22: drugs for and against the heart
October 23, 2010 by Raquel
Filed under HEART AND STROKE
A new drug that is good for the heart…
FDA approves dabigatran for stroke prevention, embolism, in AF patients
Good news for the German pharma Boehringer Ingelheim. The US FDA has recently approved its antithrombin dabigatran, marketed as Pradaxa for the US market. Pradaxa is indicated for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The approval comes with a guide that details the risk of serious bleeding as side effect. Other side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, dyspepsia, stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, and bloating.
Existing drugs that might be bad for the heart…
Abbott Laboratories agrees to withdraw its obesity drug Meridia
Abbott Laboratories is voluntarily withdrawing its obesity drug Meridia (sibutramine) from the U.S. market due to safety issues. This is following a request from the US FDA following a review of data from a clinical trial data that indicated an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
According to Dr. John Jenkins, director of the Office of New Drugs in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER):
Invirase (saquinavir): Label Change – Risk of Abnormal Heart Rhythm
Safety warning on the antiviral drug Invirase (saquinavir): risk for arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms) due to changes in the electrical activity of the heart when used with Norvir (ritonavir), another antiviral medication. Both drugs are used to treat HIV infection. The warning has been added to the label of Invirase.
FDA: Include warnings on risk for class of prostate cancer drugs
Safety issues are also facing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, a class of drugs primarily used to treat men with prostate cancer. Warnings are added to the labels concerning potential risk of heart disease and diabetes for those taking these medications. GnRH agonists are marketed in the US under the following brand names: Eligard, Lupron, Synarel, Trelstar, Vantas, Viadur, and Zoladex but are also available in generic form.
Breast Cancer In Pets
While everyone is sporting pink ribbons this month in honor of breast cancer awareness, many people don’t realize that important member of our families can also suffer from the disease. Our pets. Mammary gland tumors are common in dogs and cats, especially those that aren’t spayed or were spayed late in age.
Owners can reduce the chance of breast cancer in their pets to nearly zero by simply having them spayed before the first heat.
Mammary exams and early detection are key for them just as they are for humans.
The fact sheet below details how mammary cancer effects dogs and cats in different ways, compliments of PurinaCare Insurance Services Inc.
BREAST CANCER IN PETS FACT SHEET
Many people don’t realize that pets can also suffer from breast cancer. Mammary gland tumors are common in dogs and cats, especially those that aren’t spayed or were spayed late in age.
Mammary exams for pets are important and early detection is key. Once your dog or cat is five years old, perform a mammary exam monthly. Gently feel the tissue under and around each nipple, “rolling” the tissue between your fingers. If you feel even a tiny lump, bring your pet to the veterinarian.
Dogs:
• 25% (1 in 4) of un-spayed female dogs will get mammary cancer
• Most common in older female dogs
• Less than 50 percent of canine mammary tumors are malignant
• Spaying a dog before their first heat will reduce the chance of breast cancer to almost zero.
• Most “at-risk” breeds: poodle, Brittany spaniel, English setter, pointer, fox terrier, cocker spaniel, Boston terrier
• Diagnosis: affected area will be red, swollen, feverish, and painful to the touch
• Early detection/prompt treatment can successfully treat even serious tumors. Look for small, firm pea-sized lumps in the breast tissue.
• Surgical removal is the first treatment method and chemo is sometimes a secondary treatment, depending on the severity of the tumor
Cats:
• Less common in cats than dogs, 1/4000 will have mammary cancer
• Early spaying is the best prevention and also if a cat has had kittens they’re less likely to get it
• Around 90 percent of feline mammary tumors are malignant
• Siamese cats and cats over the age of 10 are the most prone to mammary cancer
• Diagnosis: affected area will be painful to the touch, swollen, infected, and the cat may have a fever
• Surgical removal of the tumor and aggressive chemo is the recommended treatment, however mammary cancer is usually fatal in cats
THE MOST IMPORTANT PREVENTION MEASURE A PET OWNER CAN TAKE:
Spaying before the first heat can reduce the chance of breast cancer to nearly zero. That simple decision can save a pet’s life.
About PurinaCare Insurance Services Inc.
PurinaCare Insurance Services Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, is dedicated to providing pet owners with a Lifetime of Care® for their dogs and cats. PurinaCare® pet health insurance is offered to dog and cat owners in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. PurinaCare is committed to promoting responsible pet care, providing humane education, supporting community pet involvement, and fostering the positive bond between people and their pets. PurinaCare pet health insurance is underwritten by Central States Indemnity Co. of Omaha, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. PurinaCare pet health insurance is also offered as a direct benefit to select employees and associations nationwide and its high-deductible policies have earned the AAHA Seal of Acceptance. For more information about PurinaCare pet health insurance, call 877-8-PURINA or visit www.purinacare.com
Medical innovations, October 22
October 22, 2010 by Raquel
Filed under HEALTHCARE, HEART AND STROKE
Bionic legs, long-lasting artificial hearts, and gene X-rays. These are just some of the latest medical innovations we are bringing you this week.
Italian Man Surpasses 1,000 Days of Support with an Artificial Heart
A 54-year-old man was the first in Italy to receive SynCardia’s Total Artificial Heart while waiting for a matching donor. He was also the first to surpass 1000 days on the device while enjoying a normal life at home. He walks 10 km and works out at home for 30 minutes each day. The artificial heart is powered by a The Freedom™ portable driver approved for commercial use in Europe and but is still undergoing an FDA-approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study in the U.S.
Bionic Legs Allow Paraplegics to Get Up and Walk
Initially based on military technology, eLEGS is now geared for consumers. The bionic legs were developed by Berkeley Bionics and can help paraplegic get rid of their wheel chairs and walk.
An X-ray for your genes
Researchers at the Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine is taking a big step towards personalized medicine. Using a deep sequencer, a machine that reads the human genome and its expression, doctors can more or less predict how a patient reacts to medications. Somewhat like an “X-ray for our genes”, the method enables researchers to look “at how the genetic expression of small regulatory genes, called microRNAs, affects the way a patient reacts to medication. This could mean fewer deaths from adverse drug effects and novel and safe uses for existing medications. “
Long-lasting mechanical heart implanted for the first time in Canada in heart-failure patient
A 61-year old woman was the first in Canada to receive the ventricular assist device (LVAD) for advanced heart failure. The device is called DuraHeart and “is designed for long-term cardiac support and reduces the risk of complications including strokes, infection and device failure – all of which can happen in mechanical heart devices. The device’s central pump is powered by magnetic levitation technology, which means its moving parts are held in place with magnets instead of bearings, eliminating wear and tear on the device. This technology enables blood to flow through the pump smoothly, which extends the life of the device and the life of the patient.”
Water and Vegetable Diet in Consumption, Scrofula, Cancer, Asthma, and Other Chronic Diseases
October 21, 2010 by BFH Admin
Filed under HEALTHCARE
Water and Vegetable Diet in Consumption, Scrofula, Cancer, Asthma, and Other Chronic Diseases
Healthcare Payment Systems: An Introduction
October 21, 2010 by BFH Admin
Filed under HEALTHCARE
Healthcare Payment Systems: An Introduction
Male breast cancer: risks and perceptions of family members
In another tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we tackle a type of breast cancer that is rare but equally dangerous – male breast cancer.
Men do get breast cancer, too. Male breast cancer may be rare but having a male relative diagnosed with breast cancer may present similaror even higher chances of developing the disease than having a female relative with breast cancer. Yet, perceptions and behavior of family member of cancer patients based on the gender of the diagnosed family member vary a lot. This is a according to a study by researchers at Multidisciplinary Breast Care Program at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center.
Typically, people with male relatives with breast cancer perceive their risk to be higher than those whose familial history of breast cancer is restricted to females. This is in most cases right. Yet, despite this perception, these people are less likely to take action to find out more about their genetic predisposition such as seek genetic counseling or undergo genetic testing.
The actual figures found by the study comparing the 2 groups (male relative vs. female relative) are as follows:
- Perception of risk of developing breast cancer: more than 60% vs. 46%
- Awareness of genetic testing for breast cancer gene mutations: 38.4% vs. more than 50%
- Discussion about genetic risk with health care provider: none vs. 13%
This discrepancy between risk perception and actual action may be due to many factors, such as:
- Breast cancer in males is rather rare, accounting for only about 1% of all cases of breast cancer.
- People are not well-informed about breast cancer genetic testing.
- Doctors may fail to ask the right questions that would make patients reveal significant information.
The study authors wrote:
“Our findings speak to a real communication issue in health care. Patients need to be made aware of the risk posed by having one or more first-degree relatives who have had breast cancer, and physicians need to be meticulous in taking family histories and discussing risk with the patients they see.”
“Patients need to be educated about their risks and what to look for, and on the flip side, doctors need to be sure they are taking complete family histories and referring patients for genetic evaluation if any red flags are raised.”
October is Dental Hygiene Month in the US
October 21, 2010 by Raquel
Filed under HEALTHCARE, HEART AND STROKE
I am not one of those who are scared of dentists. In fact, I was more scared of the cost. You see, unlike in many European countries, dental care, even the most basic, is not covered by health insurance in Switzerland where I 
now live.
Thus, since we moved to Switzerland 4 years ago, I had my dental services done in Asia when every time I visit my family there. Asia, in fact, is very popular among “medical tourists” in terms of dental care.
Then a couple of weeks ago, I had pain in my teeth and gums that barely allowed me to eat. I hoped that the pain will go away but after 2 weeks on pain and discomfort, I finally decided to visit the dentist.
Now, let me tell you, dental care in Switzerland is the most expensive in the world. But it is also arguably the best in the world.
So I went to the dentist and I was told that the problem is not my teeth – no holes or caries anywhere – but my gums. Specifically the tartar or calculus that accumulated under my gums caused the problem.
MedicineNet defines tartar as:
So what I had was gingivitis, inflammation or infection of the gums. And I am not careful, it can progress to periodontitis when the infection spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth.
So I did a bit of research into the topic, well-timed since it is Dental Hygiene Month in the US.
And here are some reasons why we should take dental hygiene seriously:
- Periodontitis can cause tooth loss, especially among adults.
- Periodontitis increase the risk for heart disease and other serious health problems.
According to Mayo Clinic experts:
Tartar may accumulate on the tooth crown (supra-gingival) and on the root of the tooth under the gums (sub-gingival calculus). Mine were most the latter, which is the most difficult to remove.
So how is tartar removed?
Treatment options are:
- Scaling: The instrumentation of the crown and root surfaces of the teeth to remove plaque, calculus, and stains from these surfaces.
- Root Planing: A treatment procedure designed to remove cementum or surface dentin that is rough, impregnated with calculus or contaminated with toxins or microorganisms.
- Periodontal Debridement: This includes the removal of plaque, and calculus both above and below the gingiva.
- Prophy / Prophylaxis: A preventive procedure to remove local irritants to the gingiva, including debridements of calculus and removal of plaque.
- Scaling and root planing can be done utilizing a non-surgical (closed) approach or a surgical (open) approach.
A non surgical approach is when access to the root surfaces is via the sulci or periodontal pockets.
I am scheduled next week for a periodontal debridement.
And I have learned my lesson: don’t go for cheap dental hygiene options.
Is there such a thing as the ideal diabetic diet?
Scientific evidence is piling up showing that lifestyle interventions, especially dietary interventions, may be more effective than drugs when it comes to the
management of certain chronic diseases. This is especially true in the case of diabetes. The only problem is, which diet?
Unfortunately, experts cannot agree as to which diet is best for those with diabetes. This is the day and age of food customized to individual dietary requirements. Let us take a look at what is out there:
The Atkins diet
So what is the Atkins diet i? It is basically a low-carbohydrate diet which supposedly makes you lose weight without making you hungry. WebMD describes how it works:
Although originally thought out for weight loss, Dr Eric C Westman of Duke University in Durham, NC advocates the Atkins diet for the management of diabetes based on his talk at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference last month. After all, “years before medications were available to treat diabetes, a low-carbohydrate diet was used as the primary treatment of diabetes mellitus.”
Westman is a co-author of the latest book on Atkins diet “New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great.”and is a consultant at Atkins Nutritionals.
Some of the experts’ comments on the Atkins diet are:
According to Dr Robert Eckel of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, also a spokesperson on nutritional issues for the American Heart Association (AHA):
Other experts, however, believe that the Atkins diet may be “too restrictive for people to stay on long term and potentially unsafe” for diabetics.
The South Beach diet
The South Beach diet is very similar to Atkins but is less restrictive because it allows “good carbs.” South Beach, too, doesn’t let you go hungry.
Again, we rely on WebMD experts to give us an overview on the South Beach diet.
“Fats. The South Beach Diet bans unhealthy fats but strongly promotes healthy ones.
Of course there are other diets out there but these two are currently in the limelight in connection with diabetes.
The American Diabetes Assocition (ADA) currently does not recommend the Atkins-type diet for diabetics. In fact, ADA spokesperson Stephanie A Dunbar, director of nutrition and medical affairs for the AD thinks it is at this point difficult to make dietary recommendations for people with diabetes because “there are no long-term data comparing the different diets in diabetes management… I don’t think there is one particular diet that is going to work for every person. Our real recommendation for people with diabetes is that they need to have an individualized approach to meal planning, whether they need to go to 35%, 40%, or 45% of calories from carbohydrates, that needs to be individualized.”
This is the day and age of food customized to individual dietary requirements. So when do we get the ideal diabetic diet?
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