Health-Life-Fitness

Brain Benefits of Exercise

2012-03-14T19:14:00.000+05:00

A recent study conducted at the Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College in Dublin asked a group of male college students who described themselves as "sedentary" to take part in a memory test followed by vigorous exercise. After exercising, they were asked to take the test again.

The study found that volunteers who exercised prior to the memory test performed better the second time around. Those who did not exercise did not show improvement.

What's more, blood samples taken during the test show that immediately after working out, the volunteers had higher levels of a protein known as BDNF, which is known to promote the health of nerve cells.

While scientists are still trying to figure out which parts of the brain are positively affected by exercise, this study conducted by the University of Dublin suggests that higher levels of BDNF brought about by exercise may improve memory and perhaps, overall brain function.

Other Brain Benefits

The cognitive upsides to regular exercise don't stop at memory. In fact, research has found that physical activity can have a variety of brain benefits:

1. Prevents cognitive decline such as dementia or Alzhemier's disease.

2. Improves symptoms associated with depression and bipolar disorder.

3. Combats stress and anxiety.

4. Enhances abilities associated with "planning, scheduling, inhibition, task coordination," according to a study conducted at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam.

Get Started Today

Going for a brisk walk three days a week, getting to the gym often, and running or riding your bike regularly can benefit you physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Research has supported this.

However, what if balancing work (maybe even two jobs), a family, and a personal life leaves you with little-to-no extra time or energy? What do you do then? A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that remaining active, even if it means cleaning, gardening, or walking to the store regularly can "[protect] against cognitive impairment."

So whether you're running five miles a day or cleaning five rooms a day, remaining active and keeping yourself moving can, and will, benefit your brain.

Sources:

Activity Energy Expenditure and Incident Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/171/14/1251

Exercise Appears To Improve Brain Function Among Younger People
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061219122200.htm

Growing Stronger - Strength Training for Older Adults
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/why/index.html

Aerobic exercise improves hippocampal function and increases BDNF in the serum of young adult males.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21722657

How to Make Exercise Fun

2012-03-11T09:30:00.000+05:00

People have a million excuses why they slack off on exercise like, "I don't have time," "it's too much work," "it's boring," or "I'd rather be with my friends." But what if exercise was fun? What if you enjoyed it so much that you made the time, looked forward to putting in the effort, found it exciting, and could do it with your friends and family?

These tips will make exercise fun again:

Make it a game. Soccer, tennis, golf, dodge ball, track meets, bowling, racquetball, and basketball are part of an endless list of sporting events that turn plain-old-exercise into game time with friends. These sporting events provide excellent opportunities to bump up your heart rate and stretch those muscles while you go out to play.

You can burn about 280 calories with a half-hour pick-up game of basketball and about 240 playing racquetball. Don't worry if none of your friends are game to join you. Exercise provides plenty of opportunities to meet new people.

Call your local golf course and ask to be added to a foursome. Show up at the park with your ball or sign up for your gym's handball tournament. Once you've found your buddies, schedule regular workouts to keep your game on.

Make it a party. When you exercise with other people, doing something you enjoy, suddenly, is no longer tedious. Try out the Zumba® class at your local community center or sign up for Tango lessons. Dance, kickboxing, spinning, and other group fitness activities pack all the exercise you need into super-social, fun events. Gather a group of friends and host a Wii^TM fitness party in your living room or take turns in each other's homes doing a new workout DVD every week. Nobody says you can't follow your fitness with a glass of something sparkly if that's what it takes to keep the party going.

Make it creative. If you've been doing the same old fitness routine for too long, it's time to mix it up. Get off the treadmill and try something new. Challenge yourself to try things you've never done before like kayaking, Pilates, ballroom dancing, power-yoga, swimming, skiing, and even wrestling. The point is to make your fitness routine challenging, motivating, and rewarding. If you try something and discover it's not for you, cross it off your list and move on to something else. Before you know it, you'll be toned, fit, and inspired.

Barre and Ballet Workouts: Get a Leg Up on Fitness

2012-03-10T09:58:00.000+05:00

Using a combination of ballet moves, weight training, stretching, and isometric body-weight exercises, barre/ballet workouts kick you into ballerina shape. It's not just for dancers, though. This workout may be the toughest one you've ever done in a leotard.

Three popular barre exercise methods are being taught in studios and on DVD all over the world. They all stem from The Lotte Berk Method total body workout. Developed by the late dancer Lotte Berk, this combination of strength-training, dance, back exercises, and Hatha yoga (choreographed to fast-paced, pulse-pumping music) provides an intense, hour-long (or longer) mind-body workout.

Newer methods like The Bar Method, Physique 57, and barre 3 all offer varying intensities on Berk's basics by adding hand weights and/or exercise balls.

Don't worry if you don't have a barre studio nearby or a barre in your own home. A sturdy chair in your living room, some hand weights, (three or eight-pounds, depending on which method you choose) and an exercise ball are all you need.

Each workout includes upper body/arm exercises using hand weights interspersed with stretching exercises.

The Bar Method uses three-pound hand weights while Physique 57 uses eight-pounders. Next, they focus on lower body/leg exercises that mimic those performed by dancers.

This is no lightweight workout. Be prepared to feel your leg, hip, and seat (that's ballet-speak for butt) muscles work harder than they've ever worked before. Then, you'll focus on abdominal exercises.

Physique 57 and barre 3 use an exercise ball for their six-pack workout. You'll finish with a cool-down and leave class feeling long, tall, tired, and toned.

The Bar Method studios have been around since 2000 with franchised studios all over the world. Classes last as long as 85 minutes and provide a solid workout using three-pound weights, push-ups, planks, tricep dips, and more. By focusing on safety and alignment and offering seven different fitness levels, the Bar Method is a good choice for dance or exercise beginners.

Physique 57 (Classic 57-minute workout) uses a wider variety of movements and eight-pound weights. The DVD shows several dancers at various fitness levels, which makes this workout do-able for beginners and non-dancers. Expect to feel the burn at the end of this one-hour workout, but also expect to see sculpted muscles and tight abs with diligent practice. Physique 57 is said to be Kelly Ripa's workout of choice.

Barre 3 is popular with celebrities like Madonna because the challenging workout also focuses on posture and elongation. This 40-minute workout could provide a nice supplement to your cardio workout.

Will Beetroot Juice Improve Your Running?

2012-03-09T09:28:00.000+05:00

Beetroot is the bulbous, reddish-purple part of a beet plant. The other part of the plant is the beet top (or beet greens), which are also highly nutritious. Beetroot juice is obtained by putting beets through a juicer and extracting its liquid.

This liquid is high in nutrients including folate, potassium, and vitamin C. It also has a high nitrate content, which is being credited for boosting runner's performances. Scientists aren't certain, but they think having more nitric oxide (a byproduct created by metabolizing nitrate) in your body helps athletes exercise with less oxygen.

Beetroot's impact on athletic ability was tested in two small studies performed at Exeter University. In these studies, athletes drank a half liter of beetroot juice several hours before taking part in cycling. Tests performed on the athletes determined they were able to exercise using less oxygen than normal and for twenty percent longer than control subjects who drank a placebo of black current juice.

The scientists concluded that the beetroot juice allowed them to reduce the amount of energy their muscles required, which increased their stamina.

Casual runners shouldn't expect that drinking beetroot juice will turn them into marathoners, but scientists think it can improve performance for serious runners. It might also help athletes bump past stubborn performance plateaus.

Beetroot juice provides benefits for athletes and non-athletes alike. Studies show that drinking beetroot juice lowers blood pressure and keeps it low for up to 24 hours.

It may also help fight inflammation, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

What's the downside of drinking beetroot juice? It takes a lot of juice to receive all the athletic and health benefits that have been attributed to beet juice and it has a strong, distinct flavor that not everyone loves.

You can mix it with other juices to improve its flavor, but watch out that you're not adding too many extra calories to your diet by drinking all that juice.

Can you get the same benefits by eating beets? Beets are high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins and are a healthy ingredient for any diet, but it appears it's the juice (consumed in high quantities) that's responsible for increased athletic performance.

Sources:

A toast to health and performance! Beetroot juice lowers blood pressure and the O₂cost of exercise
Journal of Applied Physiology, December 2010
Leonardo F. Ferreira and Bradley Jon Behnke

Have Diabetes-Related Complications? Exercises to Avoid

2012-03-08T09:18:00.000+05:00

Chances are, you've heard about the benefits of exercise so often, you could list them in your sleep: it can lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol, help you lose weight, reduce body fat, reduce your stress level, and give you more energy. But if you're dealing with any diabetes-related complications, the rules are a little different.

"The benefits of exercise are enormous," says Kellie Rodriguez, RN, CDE, CPT, director of patient education at the Diabetes Research Institute. "But you need to be super-careful about doing exercise that is high impact, or that involves lifting weights and straining, when you have certain complications from diabetes."

Here are a few of the complications that should be a yellow light for you. Depending upon your doctor's recommendation, you'll be able to switch to a different form of fitness. There is an exercise program out there for nearly everyone; it's just a matter of finding one that's right for you.

● Peripheral neuropathy. When this complication occurs, an individual may not have good sensation in the feet, Rodriguez explains. And if you have no sensation, you could injure yourself while running, jogging, or skiing-or even just walking-and not even realize it. "This can be incredibly dangerous," Rodriguez says. "If you have peripheral neuropathy, after exercise you need to look at the bottoms of your feet for scratches, cuts, and blisters." Also be sure to wear cotton socks and well-fitting, comfortable shoes for exercise. One good activity for those who aren't supposed to be jogging, Rodriguez suggests, is swimming.

● Eye disease (diabetic retinopathy). If you develop this condition, you'll want to stay away from weight lifting. "It can raise the blood pressure, which can lead to bleeding in the back of the eye," Rodriguez says. Be sure to check with your eye specialist to find out what types of exercise are safe for you to do.

● Autonomic neuropathy. This condition affects the nerves that control such organs as the bladder, genitals, and intestinal tract. When an individual has autonomic neuropathy, he may no longer feel the symptoms of low blood sugar or he may even have a silent heart attack, Rodriguez explains. Be sure to get medical clearance before doing exercise, and plan a fitness program carefully.

Most individuals will be able to safely do a variety of exercises, says Hope Warshaw, RD, CDE, MMSc, co-author of the "Real-Life Guide to Diabetes." "Your doctor may want you to see an exercise physiologist or physical therapist to help you figure out what exercise is right for you," she says. "For people with type 2 diabetes, exercise has myriad benefits. It's all about finding the right program."

When you do choose an exercise program, be safe by following some simple rules. Wear your medical identification bracelet or necklace, carry your ID in your pocket, and always travel with food or glucose tablets to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly if you exercise for over an hour: you may need a snack before you finish.

Sources:

"What I need to know about physical activity and diabetes." National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/physical_ez/index.aspx

Colberg, Sheri R., Sigal, Ronald J., Fernall, Bo, Regensteiner, Judith G., Blissmer, Bryan J., Rubin, Richard R., Chasan-Taber, Lisa, Albright, Ann L., Braun, Barry. "Exercise and Type 2 diabetes." Diabetes Care. Volume 33, Number 12, December 2010.
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/33/12/e147.abstract

What's Really Causing Your Foot Pain?

2012-03-07T09:15:00.000+05:00

Your feet bear the weight of your entire body and when they're not properly supported or they're expected to bear more than they're designed to carry, they react with pain. The delicate network of bones that make up the feet and allow us to walk and balance can get pushed out of alignment, which can irritate the joints, skin, nerves and connective tissue.

Weight loss, proper hygiene, and the right shoes are among of the most common recommendations doctors make when their patients come in with painful feet and ankles. They might also look for medical conditions associated with foot pain like diabetes and heart disease, (which can cause nerve damage and circulatory problems in the lower extremities) or broken bones. But while those conditions do cause feet to become painful, the most common causes of foot pain are:

Fallen arches, flat feet, or high arches that don't get enough arch support in a shoe
Bunions, calluses and corns, often caused by poorly fitting shoes
Hammer toes that curl down into a claw-like shape
Arthritis, inflammation of the joints in the foot
Plantar warts, which form on the sole of the foot and become painful when stepped on
Bursitis or tendonitis of the ligaments, tendons and surrounding areas
Morton's Neuroma, a bundle of thick nerve tissue between the toes
Gout, a disease process caused by buildup of uric acid in the toe
Sprains, especially in the ankle
Plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the connective tissue in the bottom of the foot
Stress fractures, caused by pressure, impact, or trauma
Fungal infections like athletes foot

Foot Pain Prevention

How do you avoid becoming a foot-pain victim? Try these methods:

1. Wear good shoes with low to medium heels and good arch support. Make sure they're appropriate for the activities you engage in. Don't substitute tennis shoes for running shoes or wear your old Keds to play basketball. Instead, consult a sport shoe expert and invest in the right shoe for your sport. Wear high heel shoes and flip-flops as rarely as possible.

2. Practice good foot hygiene. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day, wear clean socks, and contact your doctor if you see any rashes, cuts, sores, or abrasions. Always wear non-skid shoes on wet, slippery surfaces and locker room floors.

3. Exercise regularly and cross train to keep all the muscles in your ankles, legs, and back strong and to prevent overuse injuries in your ankles and feet.

Have your feet checked as part of your regular physical examinations. If you have diabetes or heart disease, have your doctor examine your feet every time you see him/her and as soon as you notice any alterations.

How to Get an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading

2012-03-06T09:14:00.000+05:00

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. The top number (systolic) indicates the maximum pressure the heart exerts while beating. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure in the arteries between beats. Physicians consider a difference of more than 40 mm Hg between the two abnormal (this is called pulse pressure).

Factors That Affect Blood Pressure Readings

Stress and anxiety. A stressful situation can cause a dramatic, temporary spike in your blood pressure. A single incident is not cause for alarm; however, if this happens frequently, it can damage your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys. Stress can also cause you to engage in behavior that may further damage your heart, such as smoking or drinking.

The season. Blood pressure tends to be higher in the winter because low temperatures cause your blood vessels to narrow so you need more force to push the blood through your body.

Alcohol. Drinking three or more drinks at once may cause a temporary uptick in blood pressure. Over time, excessive drinking may cause a long-term increase.

Daily patterns. Your blood pressure is usually lower while you sleep and shortly after waking, then rises throughout the day, peaking in mid-afternoon.

Caffeine. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages can also cause a short but dramatic increase in your blood pressure.

Measurement errors. Your blood pressure measuring device may not be working properly, or you (or your healthcare provider) may not take your blood pressure correctly, which can cause a false high reading. Even something as innocuous as a tight belt can affect your reading.

If you experience a high blood pressure reading, try again later. Take a walk or practice slow, deep breathing so you're calm before you try again. Drinking water and avoiding certain foods, such as dark chocolate, garlic, and bananas beforehand may help ensure an accurate reading. If you continue to get high readings and you've ruled out outside factors as possible culprits, then see your physician. You can make simple lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure, or if appropriate, seek medical care.

Sources:

Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D. "High blood pressure." Mayo Clinic. Web. 26 August 2011.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/white-coat-hypertension/AN02014

Mayo Clinic. "High blood pressure." Web. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blood-pressure/AN01786

Ray, Claiborne. "Pressure Problems." New York Times. Web. 13 December 2010.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/14/science/14qna.html

10 Ways to Eat Well When Life Is Stressful

2012-02-23T10:03:00.000+05:00

If you eat in response to stress, you are not responding to real hunger but instead to a coping mechanism—comfort food.

A study reported in Physiology Behavior found that 73 percent of participants reported eating more sweets and fewer meal-type foods, such as meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, during periods of stress.

Whether you overeat or eat poorly during times of stress, it helps to do a little "self-monitoring," and pay attention to your eating habits and the types of foods you eat.

Stress management tactics such as exercise or meditation usually require a long-term plan. But you can start with these tips to help you take control of emotional eating:

Maintain a normal eating schedule. Start with a healthy breakfast and eat a meal or a healthy snack every three to four hours. Eat enough to feel satisfied but not stuffed.
Don't skip meals. When you skip or delay meals, you become overly hungry and are more likely to overeat and less likely to make healthy food choices.
Keep healthy snacks on hand and ready to eat. If you start to randomly eat during stressful times, stock up on nutritious snacks such as cut-up raw vegetables, vegetable juice, fresh and dried fruit, whole-grain cereals, reduced-fat cheese sticks, and yogurt.
Plan your snacks. Schedule "mini meals" once or twice during the day so that you won't get too hungry. Rather than grabbing a handful of chips or cookies from the store, sit down to a healthier combination of foods such as a dozen grapes and a small container of yogurt sprinkled with cereal.
Pay attention to hunger. If it's not your normal meal or snack time but you are reaching for food, ask yourself if it's real hunger or emotional hunger. There are ways to tell: Real hunger comes on gradually, while emotional hunger is usually sudden and intense. Emotional eating involves cravings for specific types of foods as opposed to the combination of foods normally eaten at a meal.
Eat slowly and mindfully. Use mealtimes and snack times as rest periods. That way, you'll slow down and focus on your food rather than on the events that are causing you stress.
Pay attention to feelings of fullness. If you're eating while stressed, you are more likely to eat when you're not really hungry, and to keep eating even when you're full.
Enjoy your favorite foods in moderation. There's no point in denying yourself simple pleasures when you're under stress. Enjoy your favorite comfort foods in reasonable portions and in the context of an otherwise healthy diet.
Drink plenty of water. When you go to grab food, grab a cup or bottle of water instead. Use the time while you're drinking water to figure out if you're really hungry or just desire food for comfort.
Avoid consuming excess caffeine or energy drinks when you are already feeling over-stimulated.

Sources:

Oliver, G and Wardle, J; "Perceived Effects of Stress on Food Choice" Physiology & Behavior 1999 66(3)511-515 Web 25 Nov 2011
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938498003229

Purdue University Student Wellness Office: Cut it! Keep it Small; don't eat it all.
http://www.purdue.edu/swo/nutrition/KnowItAll/HealthyEatingWeightManagement/CutIt.pdf

Temple University: Emotional Eating: Hunger vs. Stress Web 25 Nov 2011
http://www.temple.edu/hr/EmotionalEatingHungervs.Stress.htm

Apple Cider Vinegar: Is It a Super Tonic?

2012-02-22T10:00:00.000+05:00

Used as a salad dressing, apple cider vinegar could also be used as a natural remedy to help ease a sore throat, relieve sinus congestion, calm intestinal troubles, and rid your scalp of dandruff. Also, if you have diabetes, apple cider vinegar could even help keep your blood sugar balanced.

Although cider vinegar has not been subjected to a great deal of scientific investigation, many documented personal anecdotes and clinical reports seem to confirm what advocates of natural folk medicine have been saying for centuries about its curative powers.

If you want to test the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for any of the following conditions, use these formulas as guides:

Sore throat. Gargle with a small amount of slightly diluted apple cider vinegar sprinkled with a pinch of hot (cayenne) pepper.

Cold and cough. According to Penny C. Royal, author of Herbally Yours, homemade cough syrup made with apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices can help soothe a persistent cough. Combine 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger and cayenne pepper, two tablespoons of water, one tablespoon of honey, and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Cover and refrigerate the mixture until ready to use, then take one teaspoon at a time.

Dandruff. After shampooing, rinse your hair with a combination of one part cider vinegar to three parts water, or two tablespoons of vinegar diluted in six tablespoons (or 1/3 cup plus one teaspoon) of water.

Diarrhea. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and stir in a tablespoon of honey.

Food Poisoning. Apple cider vinegar's antimicrobial properties may help offset gastrointestinal symptoms associated with food poisoning, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They recommend adding two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to one cup of water, and drinking this combination several times a day.

Other Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Besides treating minor medical disorders, diluted apple cider vinegar will clean hard surfaces around your house such as kitchen counters and appliances.

Try dabbing a little under your arms for natural odor protection. Vinegar alters the pH of your skin, which discourages the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

As a home remedy, apple cider vinegar may help soothe the symptoms of many common ailments, but it is never a substitute for professional medical care. If your symptoms persist, or if you have a fever or a serious medical condition, speak to your doctor.

Also, too much apple cider vinegar over time can lower your blood potassium levels and increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. If you regularly swallow straight cider vinegar for any reason, Harvard University's Dr. Richard Lee recommends that you rinse your mouth with plain water to preserve the enamel on your teeth.

Sources:

The Campus Barber/Duke University: Dandruff
http://www.duke.edu/~papabell/cbarber/faqs_dandruff.htm

Hlebowicz, J, et al.; "Efect of Apple Cider Vnegar on Delayed Gastric Emptying in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study." Gastroenterology 2007; 7:46. Web. 7 Nov 11.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2245945/?tool=pubmed

Lee, R. "Is Vinegar Good for the Arteries?" Harvard Health Publications. Web. 7 Nov 11.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/lower-back-pain-yoga-therapy-can-help

McMillen, B. "Home Remedy for a Cough." University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Bradfor, PA (Royal, Penny C. "Herbally Yours" 1982; Sound Nutrition) Web. 7 Nov 11.
http://www.pitt.edu/~cjm6/sp99cough.html

University of Maryland Medical Center
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/food-poisoning-000064.htm

Considering a Cardiac Implant? What You Should Know

2012-02-21T09:49:00.000+05:00

For some patients with serious heart conditions, a defibrillator (a device that helps the heart do its job) can be lifesaving. As with all medical interventions, however, there are benefits and risks. You may have heard about recent studies that report increased rates of infections in patients who've had one of these devices surgically implanted.

There are two main types of implanted defibrillators: ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) and CRT-Ds (cardiac resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator). A defibrillator monitors the electrical activity of the heart. If it detects a potentially dangerous change in the heart's rhythm, it will send small pulses of electricity to shock the heart back into its normal rhythm. Defibrillators are nicknamed "emergency rooms in the chest" because they can intervene when a patient's heart fails, potentially saving the patient's life.

The use of defibrillators doubled between 1993 and 2008. During the same time, the number of implanted device-related infections tripled. While most surgical wounds are likely to become contaminated from bacteria on the skin or in organs, some may progress and become clinical infections. Cardiologists estimate the risk of surgical site infections at five to 20 percent. Infections can prolong patients' hospital stays and may even lead to death. Patients who undergo surgery are also at risk for respiratory, urinary tract, and other bacterial infections.

Defibrillators can fail, especially CRT-Ds. In one study of 3,253 patients who received a CRT-D, 416 had a device-related event by 18 months, and of those, 390 needed surgical intervention. By four years, 50 percent needed surgery to replace the batteries. During the same time, only 10 percent of patients with an ICD needed an intervention (13 percent for dual-chambered ICDs). Furthermore, the rate of infection in patients with a CRT-D was higher. The researchers emphasized, however, that these events were not associated with worse clinical outcomes and did not change the risk of death.

Some heart specialists are also concerned that many patients who receive defibrillators don't actually need them. In one study, researchers found that nine out of 10 patients received no medical benefits from the device.

The FDA collects information about defibrillators, but it's not easy to analyze the data and not all device problems are reported. Furthermore, it's hard to calculate the costs and benefits of cardiac implants and to determine who is actually going to benefit most. If your cardiologist recommends an implanted cardiac device, have a frank discussion with him about all the potential benefits and risks.

Sources:

Bakalar, Nicholas. "Risks: Infections Follow Rise in Cardiac Implants." New York Times. Web. 29 August 2011. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/health/30risks.html?_r=2

HealthGrades. "Defibrillator Implant." Web.
http://www.healthgrades.com/procedures/profile/Defibrillator_Implant

Feder, Barnaby J. "Defibrillators Are Lifesaver, but Risks Give Pause."New York Times. Web. 12 September 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/13/business/13defib.html

Douglas, David. "Complex Cardioverter Defibrillators More Problem Prone." Medscape Medical News. Web. 7 June 2011. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/744136

Grens, Kerry. "Reports of Defibrillator Failures Incomplete." Medscape Medical News.Web.13 September 2011. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/749585

Gifford, C.,BA (Oxon) BMBCh, Christelis, N., MBBCH FRCA FFPMRCA FANZCA, and Cheng, A., MBBS FRACP MPH PhD. "Preventing Postoperative Infection." Continuing Education Anaesthia, Critical Care & Pain 11(5) (2011): 151-156. Medscape Medical News. Web. 27 September 2011. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/750224

Diabetes and Driving: Questions Answered

2012-02-08T10:00:00.000+05:00

Deciding if a person with diabetes is at risk while driving should be done on an individual basis, according to a new position statement from the American Diabetes Association. The statement, which appears in the magazine Diabetes Care and was reported by msnbc.com, says assessing a driver's ability to drive safely should be "tied to concrete evidence of risk, rather than on a diagnosis of diabetes alone."

The annual update of the ADA's Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes contains a section on driving and diabetes that calls for "individual assessment by a health care professional knowledgeable in diabetes" when considering restrictions for licensure.

"This country needs a far more consistent, fair, and equitable means of determining driving risk when it comes to people with diabetes," said Daniel Lorber, MD, FACP, CDE, according to msnbc.com.

Added Lorber, who's director of endocrinology at New York Hospital of Queens in Flushing, New York: "The vast majority of people with diabetes have no problems driving safely whatsoever, and should not be held to restrictions that may interfere with their ability to work or live an otherwise normal life."

However, individuals with diabetes should always take certain precautions before they get behind the wheel-and while driving. Before you even get into the car to drive, test your blood sugar, says Alison Massey, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, registered dietitian and diabetes educator at the Center for Endocrinology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

Ideally, your blood sugar should be above 70 mg., she says. If it's lower, eat a snack before you drive. And take your diabetes supplies with you in the car so you'll be able to check your blood sugar periodically during long drives, Massey says.

Take along some sweets as well. "I recommend that you have snacks in the car," says Mary Ellen Roberts, DNP, of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. "Keep hard candy or even a tube of gel icing that you can squirt under your tongue if feel yourself developing hypoglycemia."

If you suddenly feel hypoglycemic, pull your car over to a safe location immediately, says Massey. Test your blood sugar and if it's low, treat it with 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate (4 glucose tablets or 4 ounces of juice or regular soda, for instance.) Wait 15 minutes and then retest your blood sugar to make sure it's gone up to the target range before starting to drive again.

Watch out for high blood sugar, too, if you're planning to drive. Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms like blurry vision, Massey says. "It could potentially impact your visual acuity, which is important for safe driving," she explains.

And, says Spyros Mezitis, MD, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, high blood sugar also can cause weakness and lethargy - two reasons to not get behind the wheel. "If your blood sugar is over 300, you should not be driving," he says. If you have diabetic complications like retinopathy or neuropathy, these could impact your driving ability, too. "A diminished sensation in the hands and feet can certainly impact one's ability to drive safely in regards to operating the steering wheel and pushing the pedals," Massey says. "And diabetic retinopathy can impact vision in different ways."

To determine if your eye disease is advanced to the point where you should not be driving, get regular eye exams from your ophthalmologist and discuss any changes you've noticed in your vision, Massey advises.

Source:

"Driving and diabetes: one size does not fit all." 20 December 2011. Marketwire. Msnbc.com. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45741348\

Are Stylists Your Best Line of Defense Against Skin Cancer?

2012-02-01T11:30:00.000+05:00

There's no question that the best way to beat skin cancer is to spot it early. Unfortunately, it's hard for you to see what may be growing on your own scalp or on the back of your neck. However, there is someone who already looks at that area carefully—your hairdresser.

According to a study that received completed surveys from 203 Texas hair stylists, 37 percent reported that they routinely looked at their clients' scalps and 29 percent said that they examined their clients' necks for lesions. More than half of the stylists said they'd be extremely interested in formal training to help them screen their clients for skin cancer. Several stylists said they have pointed out abnormalities to their clients and encouraged them to follow up with their doctor.

Hair stylists are perfectly positioned for screening skin cancer. First of all, the way they partition hair for cutting or coloring allows them to look at different areas of the scalp. They have a unique view of the back of your neck and ears, and because they see the same clients on a regular basis, they have the ability to notice a change in part of your skin—one of the biggest indications that cancer could be present.

Organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology are developing plans to partner with salons and schools to help educate stylists. While this kind of screening is no substitute for an annual dermatologist checkup, it is another way to ensure any lesions are caught as early as possible.

Skin cancers like basil cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are nearly 100 percent treatable if they're detected early. While you can self-check most parts of your body, use a tool like a Body Mole Map to track changes in moles or take note of skin abnormalities in areas that are hard to detect. Additionally, since these areas are frequently exposed to the sun, the chances of developing skin cancer on your neck, scalp, and face are higher.

Talk to your hair stylist about studying these hard-to-see areas for you. If they're not sure what to look for, ask them to look for any flesh-colored or clear lumps, red or bloody sores, scaly patches, or moles that look discolored, have irregular borders or colors, or have grown larger from the last time they saw them. If your stylist does see something suspicious, have it checked out by a dermatologist right away.

Sources:

Aad.org: "Skin Cancer Signs and Symptoms," American Academy of Dermatology. Web. 2011.
http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/skin-cancer/signs-symptoms

Melanomamonday.org: "Body Mole Map," American Academy of Dermatology. Web. November, 2009.
http://www.melanomamonday.org/documents/Body_Mole_Map_11-09.pdf

Elizabeth E. Bailey, MD; Ashfaq A. Marghoob, MD; Ida F. Orengo, MD; Marcia A. Testa, MPH, PhD; Victoria R. White;Alan C. Geller, MPH, RN "Skin Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors in the Salon." Archives of Dermatology. Web. January, 2011.
http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/147/10/1159

Make This Summer the Summer of Love

2011-06-17T20:47:00.000+05:00

The weather's not all that heats up in the summer. This can also be the season of love, whether you're single and looking for a relationship or in a committed partnership.
"Summer's a great time to develop a new relationship or to spice up the one that you already have," says Terri Orbuch, Ph.D., author of 5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great. "Summer brings with it such a sense of optimism."
Here's how to make this the steamiest summer ever in terms of romance.

1. Make the weather work to your advantage. Open your doors and windows to the warm breezes, put flowers everywhere, and inhale deeply. "Summer has such wonderful smells," Orbuch says. "And positive smells can increase the attraction between two people."

2. Shed those winter blues and resolve to be optimistic. "Just waking up to sunshine can have a positive effect on mood," Orbuch says. "And that optimism rubs off on other people as well." It's natural to want to be close to someone who's got a sunny, positive outlook on life, so strive for an upbeat attitude.

3. Summer's the perfect opportunity to show a little more skin, so make every inch count. Wear strapless tops in flattering colors, flirty sundresses, strappy sandals, and, of course, bathing suits. And there's nothing wrong with adding a fun, floppy hat to your outfit.

4. If you can afford it, take a weekend share in a summer rental with a group of singles. "A summer house is a great way to meet people," says Brooke Wise, MBA, founder of Wise Matchmaking. "You're all in a house together by the beach, and weekend relationships can turn into serious relationships when the fall comes."

5. Use your creative juices to add an element of surprise into activities that can increase passion and romance. Plan a couples massage night, go to a wine tasting together, or stay up late watching erotic videos together.

6. If you're going out on a first date with someone, schedule something that takes advantage of the gorgeous weather. "Plan a picnic outside, or go to an arboretum," Orbuch says. "It's a little out of the ordinary and chances are it will help you reach your goal, which is a second date."

7. If you're single, take advantage of outdoor activities, like rooftop bars, movies in the park, and hiking clubs.

8. If you're a couple, take advantage of slower work schedules to do something together that you've been putting off due to lack of time. "Plan a getaway to a bed and breakfast," Wise says. "Or take a picnic to the park, just the two of you."

9. If you're a couple and you're feeling as if things are getting ho-hum and stale, plan something exciting together. Take a road trip, go up in a hot air balloon, or take a plane ride that lasts for at least two hours before you reach your destination, Wise says. That way, you'll feel far enough away from the kids to really relax together. (There's no time like the summer, when the kids are out of school, to leave them with grandparents for a few days.)

10. If you're single, save up and go on a singles trip, Wise suggests. "A trip to a faraway land, where you're traveling with others who are single, is a great way to meet someone," she says.

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Alarm Clocks for a Gentler Wake-Up

2011-06-16T03:09:00.000+05:00

If you're tired of being jolted from your sleep by the sudden sound of a jarring alarm clock, there's a more pleasant way. Try beginning your day with a simulated sunrise, emanating from a natural light clock or enticing aromas to soothe you into the world of the awake.

How it Works
Usually starting 30 minutes before your set wake-up time, the light from a natural light alarm clock starts to mimic sunrise, gradually getting brighter. On some models, you can set a timer that allows you to wake up gradually over a period of time as short as 10 minutes or as long as an hour and a half. At the same time, natural sounds such as those of a jungle, rainforest or ocean, wind chimes, or songs from a selected radio station, start out at low volume and gradually reach a pre-set higher volume. So with a 30-minute wake-up, if you need to be out of bed by 6:30 a.m., the light and music start at 6:00.

Plug In
Natural light alarm clocks have built in radios with speakers. Some also come with docks for iPods, iPhones, and USBs. There are even brands that contain aromatherapy beads that wake you to the soothing scent of lavender or familiar smell of freshly brewed coffee. In some models, you can add your own essential aromatherapy oils.

Pick a Style
A variety of designs from robotic to light box to lamp-like. Some are spherical, presumably to resemble the sun. Others have a more clinical appearance, and when they are not lit, could be mistaken for a personal humidifier or vaporizer with a built-in clock.

Choose Well
If you have a hard time getting up no matter how well an alarm works, look for a natural light clocks that also comes with a snooze button or even a beeper that goes off when all else fails. The bottom line is: do some research to find a wake-up light that works best for you. Be sure to try out the sound effects before you buy. Not everyone likes to fall asleep or wake up to simulated sounds of birds chirping or rain falling, or to the smell of perfume and flowers. On the other hand, if you don't get good radio reception where you sleep, you may need those nature sounds or that iPod dock.

Sleep Tight
Just as natural alarm clocks help you wake up to gentle sounds and gradually increasing light, some can also be set to provide gradually decreasing light and sounds to help you fall asleep at night. Some models include white noise and low-intensity night light options.

Sources:

Shattell, Mona M. "Peaceful Awakenings: Taking the "Alarm" out of the Alarm Clock" Issues in mental Health Nursing, 2007 28:1271-1272. Web 11 May 2011

http://uncg.academia.edu/MonaShattell/Papers/304141/Peaceful_Awakenings_Taking_the_Alarm_out_of_the_Alarm_Clock

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TMJ: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

2011-06-16T00:04:00.000+05:00

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a jaw disorder that at its most basic may cause minor pain and at its most involved may include myriad overlapping conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Because pain in the jaw can result from so many things, it's critical to have a thorough physical exam to figure out the root cause before a diagnosis is made. Yet doctors admit that much of the time, TMJ has them stumped. Here's what to know about this mysterious malady:

TMJ is fairly common. About 35 million people in this country suffer from some form of TMJ problem. And while it can affect anyone, most TMJ sufferers are women of childbearing age.

TMJ can have a multitude of symptoms. A person with TMJ typically experiences jaw pain upon chewing or opening the mouth. This pain can radiate to other areas, including the ears, neck and shoulders. The person may also experience a popping, clicking or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth, jaw stiffness or an inability to open the mouth all the way, a bite that doesn't feel aligned, and difficulty speaking and swallowing. But jaw trouble isn't always present-there are other signs of TMJ that may at first glance have little to do with the jaw. These include headaches, difficulty hearing, dizziness, and vision troubles.

Doctors aren't always sure what causes TMJ. A common cause of TMJ is arthritis, which may simultaneously affect other areas of the body. TMJ also may result from injury. Or it could be a result of genes, your own particular hormonal mix, infection, and even certain dental treatments.

Hypersensitivity to pain is typical in TMJ sufferers. Doctors believe this characteristic of TMJ patients is linked to the fact that they frequently suffer from other chronic pain conditions.

TMJ's progress varies from person to person. Many TMJ sufferers have mild or moderate symptoms. These often resolve on their own or after the patient practices self care such as eating soft foods, avoiding opening the mouth wide, and applying heat or ice. Unfortunately, some TMJ sufferers experience a progressive worsening of the condition and long-term pain. In such cases, jaw surgery may be recommended.

Sources:

The TMJ Association, www.tmj.org
Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com

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What You Need to Know About Barrett�s Esophagus

2011-06-15T16:38:00.000+05:00

Barrett's esophagus is a rare disorder-affecting about one percent of adults in the U.S.-in which the lining of the esophagus (the tube, also called the food pipe, which carries food from the throat to the stomach) is damaged by stomach acid. Although the condition itself doesn't cause symptoms, the acid reflux that causes Barrett's esophagus frequently leads to heartburn and is commonly found in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In rare instances, Barrett's esophagus may develop into esophageal cancer.

When you eat, the food you put in your mouth passes down your throat to the stomach through the esophagus. Once the food is in your stomach, a ring of muscles keeps it from leaking backward into the esophagus. If the muscles don't close tightly, stomach acid can leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. When this reflux damages the lining of the esophagus, it's referred to as Barrett's esophagus. The condition occurs more commonly in men than women, and is more likely to be found in people who have had GERD for a long time. In fact, treatment for GERD may prevent Barrett's esophagus from developing.

Because Barrett's esophagus itself doesn't cause symptoms, many doctors recommend that adults over 40 who have had GERD for many years undergo an endoscopy, a test in which a thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted through your mouth and passes into your esophagus and stomach. While the test is being performed, your doctor may take tissue biopsies from different parts of the esophagus to make a positive diagnosis of Barrett's and to look for changes that could lead to cancer.

If a tissue biopsy shows cell changes in the esophagus, called high-grade dysplasia-which may lead to cancer-your doctor may recommend surgery or other procedures to remove the damaged tissue where the cancer is most likely to develop. Treatment may include:

Surgery to remove most of the esophagus if you have severe dysplasia or cancer. A portion of the stomach is then pulled up into the chest and attached to the remaining portion of the esophagus.Photodynamic therapy, which involves the use of a laser device called an esophageal balloon along with a drug called Photofrin®.Other procedures using different types of high energy to destroy the precancerous tissue.

See your doctor if your heartburn symptoms last longer than a few days, if you have pain or difficulty swallowing, if your GERD symptoms get worse, or new symptoms such as weight loss or problems swallowing develop.

Sources:

http://www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/barretts/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002128/

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Cuts forcing patients to wait for treatment, NHS admits

2011-04-12T19:11:00.000+05:00

In some cases hospitals are being told to delay treatment in order to save money, while in others GPs are telling patients they cannot be operated upon until their conditions worsen.

The Primary Care Trust Network, an umbrella group that represents health service managers who buy treatment, admits the moves are “undesirable” and will be “unpopular” with the public.

But managers insist they are only acting “reluctantly” as a result of “financial constraint”, and deny allegations by private providers that they are biased against them.

It comes as the NHS struggles to make an unprecedented £20billion of savings over the next three years, at the same time as the Government imposes a radical reorganisation of commissioning and management structures.

Already, NHS patients can be treated for non-emergency operations such as hip and knee replacements in private hospitals in order to speed up treatment.

But it is claimed that Primary Care Trusts, which currently commission care, are finding ways to delay referrals and reduce demand for services in order to save money.

An official tribunal called the Co-operation and Competition Panel is looking into allegations that NHS managers are trying to reduce the amount of business private providers receive.

In a submission to the panel, the PCT Network denied it was discriminating against the private sector – but it did admit that managers are rationing treatment to save money.

This includes increasing waiting times between referral and treatment, to slow down the number of patients being treated and thus the amount of money being spent in the health service, and increasing the threshold of pain or illness that patients are in before they qualify for treatment, so that fewer have to be seen.

Its letter, written by David Stout, Director of the PCT Network, says: “From the information we have received from PCTs, it is the case that in a context of financial constraint, a number have reluctantly decided to temporarily reduce activity levels this year to help contain costs, by asking providers to extend (or not further reduce) their waiting times (while keeping them within the constitutionally required 18-weeks) or imposing in-year caps on (in effect deferring) activity.

“PCTs, working with their practice-based commissioners, are also rightly reviewing referral thresholds and guidelines, and adopting a variety of different referral management processes to help maintain adherence to these, to ensure that patients who need and will benefit most from secondary interventions are prioritised for treatment.”

But he added: “Where choice of provider is appropriate, patients are still being offered this once a decision to refer has been taken, albeit with a longer waiting time or higher treatment threshold.

“For this reason, while the PCTs acknowledge that these actions are undesirable and may be unpopular with patients and providers, they do not believe they are breaching the rules which require commissioners to be transparent and non-discriminatory and to promote choice of provider where appropriate.”

David Worskett of the NHS Partners Network, which represents private firms that treat NHS patients, told the BBC: “It is absolutely the case that in this period of transition that independent sectors are facing significant difficulties. The practices seem to be bias against the independent sector.”

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