purple medical blog

HAVE GASTRIC BYPASS WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY LOSE YOUR TYPE 2 DIABETES COULD IT BE THAT SIMPLE

2009-10-26T07:58:00.028-05:00

HAVE GASTRIC BYPASS WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY LOSE YOUR TYPE 2 DIABETES COULD IT BE THAT SIMPLE

Have gastric bypass surgery. Lose your diabetes? Could it be that simple? There is some evidence that gastric bypass surgery can help people with type 2 diabetes. The benefit of gastric bypass surgery for some people with diabetes may derive from more than just the simple weight loss.

According to an article in the LA Times, "As many as 86% of obese people with Type 2 diabetes find their diabetes is gone or much easier to control within days of having weight-loss surgery, according to a meta-analysis of 19 studies published earlier this year in the American Journal of Medicine (78% of patients with a remission of diabetes and 86.6% with remission or improvement). But experts still aren't sure why obesity surgery helps resolve Type 2 diabetes or how long the effect might last. And they disagree on how big a role surgery should take in treating the illness."

Purple Medical Blog had written previously about another study called Adjustable Gastric Banding and Conventional Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes. Researchers divided obese people with Type 2 diabetes into two groups. One group of obese diabetics got weight loss surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and the other group of diabetics got conventional diabetes therapy with a focus on weight loss by lifestyle change. The researchers found that "participants randomized to surgical therapy were more likely to achieve remission of type 2 diabetes through greater weight loss. These results need to be confirmed in a larger, more diverse population and have long-term efficacy assessed".

Video Says Gastric Bypass Might Improve Diabetes

Look at Incredible Video Before and After Gastric Bypass

"The study, of 60 patients, showed that 73 percent of those who had the gastric banding surgery had complete remissions of diabetes, meaning all signs of the disease went away. By contrast, the remission rate was only 13 percent in those given conventional treatment, which included intensive counseling on diet and exercise for weight loss, and, when needed, diabetes medicines like insulin, metformin and other drugs". Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of diabetes. Doctors have known for some time that weight loss tends to improve Type 2 diabetes. It tends to appear in older people and can be due to a lack of sensitivity of the insulin receptors in the body. Type 2 diabetes is more likely to be treated with pills than insulin shots.

Click Purple Medical Study Suggest Less Cancer With Gastric Bypass

Click Here for Risks Rewards Gastric Bypass Weight Surgery

The LA article writes "There is strong evidence that surgery -- especially gastric bypass surgery, which makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine -- causes chemical changes in the intestine, says Dr. Jonathan Q. Purnell, director of the Bionutrition Unit at Oregon Health & Science University. The small intestine has been thought of simply as the place where digestion occurs".

"But researchers now suspect it has other functions related to metabolism. (Gastric Bypass) Surgery somehow alters the secretion of hormones in the gut that play a role in appetite and help process sugar normally".

Adjustable Gastric Banding and Conventional Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes

Gastric bypass: Is it a diabetes fix?

Diabetes Study Favors Surgery to Treat Obese

What Happens to People After Gastric Bypass Who Needs and is Eligible for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

2009-10-21T20:40:00.086-05:00

What Happens to People After Gastric Bypass Complications and Who Needs and is Eligible for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

WHAT KIND OF CONDITIONS IN OBESE PEOPLE SUGGEST THEY COULD BENEFIT FROM WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?

How do they determine who is eligible, who needs and who should have a gastric bypass and what happens to people who had a gastric bypass or other bariatric weight loss surgery? Guidelines recommend optional bariatric surgery for those who have BMIs (what is BMI see below) greater than 40 kg per m2 and obesity-related comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea) but who could not lose weight with dietary drugs, diet, or exercise. There are four types of weight loss operations that are commonly offered in the United States. People are wise to analyze the risks and benefits when they think about having weight loss surgery (bariatric) such as gastric bypass surgery.

WHAT ARE SOME GUIDELINES FOR WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?

According to a medical report in 2006 "American College of Physicians (ACP) guidelines recommend optional bariatric surgery for those who have BMIs greater than 40 kg per m2 and obesity-related comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea) but who could not lose weight with dietary drugs, diet, or exercise".

Video Says Gastric Bypass Might Improve Diabetes

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides an indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories. Comorbidity means the presence of other medical problems in addition to one a particular medical problem. So for example, a person has diabetes but also high blood pressure.

HOW MANY TYPES OF BARIATRIC SURGERY ARE COMMON IN THE UNITED STATES?

There are four types of weight loss operations that are commonly offered in the United States:

Adjustable gastric band
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass,
Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

"Published studies may help the physician decide whether or not the procedure would be in the patient's best interest. A national study of bariatric surgeries showed several trends:

What is Difference Between Overweight and Morbid Obesity Two Videos and A Blog Discuss Gastric Bypass Surgery the Complications and Benefits

More patients are undergoing bariatric surgery

The average age of patients undergoing bariatric surgery has increased from 39 to 41 years

In-hospital complication rates have remained stable.

However, the increase in bariatric surgeries was seen mostly in patients 50 to 64 years of age. The number of patients 65 years and older undergoing bariatric surgery remained stable, accounting for 0.6 to 1.3 percent of procedures from 1998 to 2002".

Here are two videos and a web site where you can read, watch and hear thoughtful advice about weight loss and gastric bypass surgery. Obesity especially what's called "morbid obesity" can increase the risk of health problems. For example, many very obese people can have high blood pressure which is itself an increased risk for stroke and heart attack. On the other hand, weight loss surgery or any surgery also has risks such as reaction to anesthesia and complications from surgery.

"Some common short-term complications of bariatric surgery are wound infections, stomal stenosis, marginal ulceration, and constipation. Wound infections are more common in open than in laparoscopic procedures and may occur in up to 20 percent of patients...In addition to the above-mentioned complications, which also can occur in the long term, special attention should be given to symptomatic gallstones in the gallbladder, dumping syndrome, persistent vomiting, and nutritional deficiencies. Cholelithiasis aka gallstones, is a common consequence of rapid weight loss in the postoperative period".

Who Is Eligible for Gastric Bypass Surgery

How Do People Do After Weight Loss Surgery a Study

The National Institutes of Health has brought together the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery researchers with expertise in bariatric surgery, obesity research, internal medicine, endocrinology, behavioral science, outcomes research, epidemiology, and other relevant fields to collaboratively plan and conduct studies that will ultimately lead to better understanding of bariatric surgery

Caring for Patients After Bariatric Surgery

What is Difference Between Overweight and Morbid Obesity Two Videos and A Blog Discuss Gastric Bypass Surgery the Complications and Benefits

2009-10-17T12:24:00.059-05:00

What is Difference Between Overweight and Morbid Obesity Two Videos and A Blog Discuss Gastric Bypass Surgery the Complications and Benefits

Could it kill me? There are four types of weight loss operations that are commonly offered in the United States. People are perfectly justified in weighing the risks and benefits when they think about the feasibility of having weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass surgery. Here are two videos and a web site where you can read, watch and hear thoughtful advice about weight loss and gastric bypass surgery. Obesity especially what's called "morbid obesity" can increase the risk of health problems. For example, many very obese people can have high blood pressure which is itself an increased risk for stroke and heart attack. On the other hand, weight loss surgery or any surgery also has risks such as reaction to anesthesia and complications from surgery.

There are four types of weight loss operations that are commonly offered in the United States:
Adjustable gastric band
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass,
Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

Adjustable Gastric Band works primarily by decreasing food intake. Food intake is limited by placing a small bracelet-like band around the top of the stomach to produce a small pouch about the size of a thumb. The outlet size is controlled by a circular balloon inside the band that can be inflated or deflated with saline solution to meet the needs of the patient.

What Happens to People After Gastric Bypass Complications and Who Needs and is Eligible for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric Bypass Might Improve Diabetes

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass works by restricting food intake and by decreasing the absorption of food. Food intake is limited by a small pouch that is similar in size to the adjustable gastric band. In addition, absorption of food in the digestive tract is reduced by excluding most of the stomach, duodenum, and upper intestine from contact with food by routing food directly from the pouch into the small intestine. Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch, usually referred to as a “duodenal switch,” is a complex bariatric operation that principally includes 1) removing a large portion of the stomach to promote smaller meal sizes, 2) re-routing of food away from much of the small intestine to partially prevent absorption of food, and 3) re-routing of bile and other digestive juices which impair digestion.

In removing a large portion of the stomach, a more tubular “gastric sleeve” also known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is created.The smaller stomach sleeve remains connected to a very short segment of the duodenum, which is then directly connected to a lower part of the small intestine. This operation leaves a small portion of the duodenum available for food and the absorption of some vitamins and minerals.

However, food that is eaten by the patient bypasses the majority of the duodenum. The distance between the stomach and colon is made much shorter after this operation, thus promoting malabsorption. Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch produces significant weight loss. However, there is greater risk of long-term complications because of decreased absorption of food, vitamins, and minerals. VSG historically had been performed only as the first stage of biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch in patients who may be at high risk for complications from more extensive types of surgery. These patients’ high risk levels are due to body weight or medical conditions.

Take a look at this blog about weight loss

Chris Oliver Blog - Obesity to Triathlons

More recent information indicates that some patients who undergo a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy can actually lose significant weight with VSG alone and avoid a second procedure. It is not yet known how many patients who undergo VSG alone will need a second stage procedure. A Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy operation restricts food intake and does not lead to decreased absorption of food. However, most of the stomach is removed, which may decrease production of a hormone called ghrelin. A decreased amount of ghrelin may reduce hunger more than other purely restrictive operations, such as gastric band.

Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity

Videos Where Daniel Kish Explains How Blind People Can See With Sound You Too Can Learn Echo Location

2009-10-15T14:27:00.014-05:00

Videos Where Daniel Kish Explains How Blind People Can See With Sound You Too Can Learn Echo Location

Previously Purple Medical told the story with videos and stories about how blind kids can see with sound. Known as echo location. Daniel Kish is a pioneer in the field of blind people using sound to navigate, play and lead a fun life. In this video Mr. Kish elucidates the idea behind using echo location for people.

Mr. Kish taught Lucas Murray who was born unable to see. But thanks to a technique using a form of sonar the seven-year-old can now visualize his surroundings for the very first time. By clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth the youngster can discover where and how big objects are by deciphering the echoes that bounce back

Click the arrow to start

Stories and Videos about Blind People Who See with Sound

Echolocation The Boys and Girls Who See With Sound Blind Children Who See with Sound and Have Fun Too

2009-10-13T13:55:00.044-05:00

Echolocation The Boys and Girls Who See With Sound Blind Children Who See with Sound and Have Fun Too

I read these stories about kids who are blind and watch these videos of how they navigate with sound waves and all I can say is Wow! They are stories that start like this, "Ever since he was born Lucas Murray has been unable to see. But thanks to a technique using a form of sonar the seven-year-old can now visualize his surroundings for the very first time. By clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth the youngster can discover where and how big objects are by deciphering the echoes that bounce back"
.

Daniel Kish Explains How Blind People See With Sound

Click the arrow

These kids can't see but can run with ease,play,and even skateboard! These wonderful remarkable stories of little kids and teens who are blind who skateboard and do other athletic activities with aplomb.

The blind seven-year-old 'Bat Boy' who sees the world by clicking his tongue and listening for the echoes

Then there was Jennifer Tissot who took up skateboarding because she wanted to do something more challenging. Now look at the story of Ben Underwood, another blind teen in California with similar ability.It is hard to even imagine how he does it and yet this remarkable teen can skate, play video games and more. You can watch the video of Ben Underwood skating and playing games. He has apparently refined echolocation to an art form.

Wacth the video. Click on the arrow to begin

The Boy Who Sees With Sound

Jennifer Tissot: Blind Speed Daredog, Blinded as a Child, Picks Up Skateboarding at Age 20

People with Amazing Senses

Comparing a Laptop to a Netbook Review of the Advantages of The Toshiba Nb205 What is a Good Netbook with a Long Battery Life

2009-10-12T00:19:00.017-05:00

Comparing a Laptop to a Netbook Review of the Advantages of The Toshiba Nb205 What is a Good Netbook with a Long Battery Life

Netbook with Wi-fi and Extra Long Battery Life Helps the Sun Shine on Cloud Computing

I was a true believer in "cloud computing". But it was only after I got a netbook, a netbook with a really long battery life running Windows XP that I felt I had a truly portable computer. When I bought a laptop a few months ago I thought I had a ticket to computer coolness and the world of portable wi-fi. But what good is having a "portable" laptop if it is
a. heavy
b. has a short battery life
c. it gets so hot you can fry an egg on it?

I got tired of fighting with people for an electrical outlet as my laptop always lost battery power after maybe one and half hours(not the advertised three).

My netbook is a Toshiba Nb205. The battery life is said to be 9 hours. I don't know if that is so but I do know that it lasts much much longer than my more expensive (and heavy) laptop loaded with Vista. The Nb205 is also lightweight, around 3 pounds!

Let me say here and now I bought my netbook at the local big box store. I have no connection with Toshiba. In fact, I didn't know you could get a netbook with a nine hour battery life since most of the netbooks I had seen were rated at 3 hours or maybe 4.

On the other hand the one glaring weakness of the Nb205 is the sound speaker. I don't know what they were thinking when they designed a great netbook with awesome battery life, lightweight and stylish and yet put this tinny sounding speaker thing in. Ah well, at least it sounds ok with headphones. The Nb205 uses an Intel Atom processor which is a processor found on many netbooks. It is engineered to use much less power than some of the "full size" Intel processors, so lasts longer and generates less heat. But it 's not as powerful either.

Netbooks are designed to be primarily used for Internet surfing but they can run regular computer programs too. They usually don't have a dvd drive in them but you can attach a lightweight external drive via a usb port when you want to load new software or play a movie.

Advantages of Netbook over Laptop

Longer Battery life (sometimes but many still only run for 3 hours)

Not as Heavy as Laptop (the Nb205 is something around 3 pounds)

Usually not as hot since uses processor designed for netbooks to use less power

Advantages of Laptop over Netbook

Usually more powerful processor

Better faster running programs (don't even try to do video processing on a netbook)

Usually has built in dvd player /burner

Probably better speakers (the speaker ,yes speaker! on my netbook is not only weak but is face down so when you put the netbook down it muffles the sound)

Research Says Playing Games May Help Brain

Playing Games to Improve Working Memory

Using the Brain to Control Computers

National Institute of Health Sponsored Study Green Tea Extract in Preventing Cervical Cancer in Patients With Human Papillomavirus and Low-Grade Cervi

2009-10-10T12:16:00.045-05:00

National Institute of Health Sponsored Study Green Tea Extract in Preventing Cervical Cancer in Patients With Human Papillomavirus and Low-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

What does Green Tea do?

The possibility of health benefits for green tea has been tossed around the halls of research like a medical football. Some studies says yes some say no and at least one claims that it may even interfere with a cancer drug! A clinical trial has been going on at the University of Arizona to determine what if any value green tea extract may have against cancer. Clinical Trial NIH number NCT00303823 is a randomized phase II trial studying green tea extract to see how well it works (if at all) compared to a placebo in preventing cervical cancer in patients with human papillomavirus and low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus (the womb) where it joins with the top end of the vagina.

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms.

Arm I: Patients receive oral green tea extract (Polyphenon E^®) once daily for 16 weeks in the absence of unacceptable toxicity.

Arm II: Patients receive oral placebo once daily for 16 weeks in the absence of unacceptable toxicity.

They want to:

Assess the effect of green tea extract (Polyphenon E^®) in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) expression and low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 1) in a pre- and post-treatment setting. (Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), also known as cervical dysplasia, is the potentially premalignant transformation and abnormal growth (dysplasia) of cells on the surface of the cervix. Most cases of CIN remain stable, or are eliminated by the host's immune system without intervention. However a small percentage of cases progress to become cervical cancer, if left untreated. The major cause of CIN is chronic infection of the cervix with the sexually transmitted HPV)

Compare the toxicity of green tea extract vs placebo among patients with CIN 1.

Evaluate the utility of karyometry (studying the nucleus of a cell) as an intermediate endpoint biomarker for cervical chemoprevention studies.
A total of 176 patients will be accrued for this study.

Green Tea Extract in Preventing Cervical Cancer in Patients With Human Papillomavirus and Low-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Green tea polyphenols block the anticancer effects of bortezomib and other boronic acid–based proteasome inhibitors

"The anticancer potency of green tea and its individual components is being intensely investigated, and some cancer patients already self-medicate with this "miracle herb" in hopes of augmenting the anticancer outcome of their chemotherapy. Bortezomib (BZM) is a proteasome inhibitor in clinical use for multiple myeloma".

Hamburgers In Orbit The Good The Bad and The Ugly as NYT Shoots Down Copacetic Image of Hamburgers

2009-10-06T11:44:00.099-05:00

Hamburgers In Orbit The Good The Bad and The Ugly as NYT Shoots Down Copacetic Image of Hamburgers

Where Does the Meat in Hamburgers Come From?

If you took all the hamburgers that Americans eat and put them in a line they would circle the Earth 32 times.What about the pickles? That statistic is from a recent article on the history of hamburger (Can you get a PhD in that?). But a fascinating NY Times article reveals that all is not copacetic in the high steaks(!) world of hamburger manufacture. Especially where it involves the arch nemesis E. coli. BTW E.coli is a problem for other food not just hamburger.

Amazingly the NYT says "Ground beef is usually not simply a chunk of meat run through a grinder. Instead, records and interviews show, a single portion of hamburger meat is often an amalgam of various grades of meat from different parts of cows and even from different slaughterhouses. These cuts of meat are particularly vulnerable to E. coli contamination, food experts and officials say. Despite this, there is no federal requirement for grinders to test their ingredients for the pathogen".

You should know though that E.coli is one of the most ubiquitous of all bacteria when it comes to the human gut and the gut of animals. It is only certain varieties of E.coli that make trouble for the consumer and it happens in other foods besides hamburger. E. coli O157:H7 can colonize in the intestines of animals, which could contaminate muscle meat at slaughter. O157:H7 is a strain of E. coli that produces large quantities of a potent toxin that forms in the intestine and causes severe damage to the lining of the intestine. The disease produced by the bacteria is called Hemorrhagic colitis.

E. coli O157:H7 survive refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Once they get in food, they can multiply very slowly at temperatures as low as 44 °F. The actual infectious dose is unknown, but most scientists believe it takes only a small number of this strain of E. coli to cause serious illness and even death, especially in children. E.coli is killed by thorough cooking. Ground beef should be cooked to 160 °F. Illnesses caused by E. coli O157:H7 have been linked with the consumption of undercooked ground beef. Raw milk, apple cider, dry cured sausage, and undercooked roast beef have also been implicated.

Obviously most hamburger is safe considering how much hamburger is consumed every year in the United States. (14 to 15 Billion Hamburgers). Per the NYT, "Meat companies and grocers have been barred from selling ground beef tainted by the virulent strain of E. coli known as O157:H7 since 1994, after an outbreak at Jack in the Box restaurants left four children dead. Yet tens of thousands of people are still sickened annually by this pathogen, federal health officials estimate, with hamburger being the biggest culprit".

Do you think preparing ground beef is a no brainer? Here is what they say at the FSIS site about how to safely prepare ground beef: Consumers preparing ground beef products should heed the following advice.

Consumers should only eat ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe temperature of 160 ºF. When a ground beef patty is cooked to 160 ºF throughout, it can be safe and juicy, regardless of color.

The only way to be sure a ground beef patty is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use an accurate digital instant-read thermometer.

Color is not a reliable indicator that ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria.

Eating a pink or red ground beef patty without first verifying that the safe temperature of 160 ºF has been reached is a significant risk factor for food borne illness.

Thermometer use to ensure proper cooking temperature is especially important for those who cook or serve ground beef patties to people most at risk for food borne illness because certain pathogens can lead to serious illness or even death. Those most at risk include young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

E. Coli Path Shows Flaws in Beef Inspection "To prevent E. coli O157:H7 infection, you should
1. Cook all ground beef and hamburger thoroughly. Because ground beef can turn brown before disease-causing bacteria are destroyed, use a digital instant-read meat thermometer to ensure thorough cooking. Ground beef should be cooked until a thermometer inserted into several parts of the patty, including the thickest part, reads at least 160 °F.
2. If you are served an undercooked hamburger or other ground beef product in a restaurant, send it back for further cooking. You may want to ask for a new bun and a clean plate, too. 3. Avoid spreading harmful bacteria in your kitchen. Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods. Wash hands, counters, and utensils with hot soapy water after they touch raw meat.
4. Never place cooked hamburgers or ground beef on the unwashed plate that held raw patties. Wash meat thermometers in between tests of patties that require further cooking.
5. Drink only pasteurized milk, juice, or cider.
6. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially those that will not be cooked.
7. Children under 5 years of age, immunocompromised persons, and the elderly should avoid eating alfalfa sprouts until their safety can be assured. Methods to decontaminate alfalfa seeds and sprouts are being investigated.

Where do you get reliable information about food safety? Good places to start are:

United States Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service

www.FoodSafety.gov

Safe Handling of Take Out Foods and Bacteria in Foodborne Illness

Safe Handling of Takeout Foods

Foodborne Illness: What Consumers Need to Know

The credit munch: The history of the hamburger

FOOTBALL LEAGUE STUDY ABOUT BRAIN INJURY IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS COULD BE A GAME CHANGER

2009-09-30T07:31:00.033-05:00

FOOTBALL LEAGUE STUDY ABOUT BRAIN INJURY IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS COULD BE A GAME CHANGER

What Does Ditka Think?

I've written about this before. Here's yet another report about football and possible brain damage. "A study commissioned by the National Football League reports that Alzheimer’s disease or similar memory-related diseases appear to have been diagnosed in the league’s former players vastly more often than in the national population — including a rate of 19 times the normal rate for men ages 30 through 49". "A detailed summary of the N.F.L. study, which was conducted by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, was distributed to league officials this month..“This is a game-changer — the whole debate, the ball’s now in the N.F.L.’s court,” said Dr. Julian Bailes, the chairman of the department of neurosurgery at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, and a former team physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers whose research found similar links four years ago".

"Ditka, long a passionate advocate for the welfare of former NFL players suffering from injuries sustained on the field decades ago, recently read the news of a study commissioned by the NFL".

NFL dementia study worries Ditka

Vince Lombardi told the Green Bay Packers "Dancing is a contact sport, Football is a hitting sport"... In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt threatened to outlaw football after 19 college football players were killed or paralyzed from brain or spinal cord injuries. (Statistic from Maroon et al., Neurosurgery, 47:659-672, 2000.)"

Dementia Risk Seen in Players in N.F.L.

VINCE LOMBARDI Was Right FOOTBALL is a Hitting Sport

Dramatic Videos of Using the Brain and Brain Signals to Type on Computers Control Machinery and Surf the Internet

2009-09-26T20:44:00.045-05:00

Dramatic Videos of Using the Brain and Brain Signals to Type on Computers Control Machinery and Surf the Internet

Biofeedback is a way to monitor the working of the brain and possibly see the results on a computer screen or use that information to control a computer or machine or perform some activity.People are learning to use their brain waves recorded from the scalp to select letters or icons on a computer screen or to move a cursor. Unlike some of the other brain interfaces the Wadsworth Wolpaw device does NOT require surgery. It has been adopted for home use and is in use by people at this moment. These videos are a startling demonstration of the power of the Wadsworth Brain Computer Interface as seen here with Dr. Jonathan Wolpaw.

Click the arrow to start the video
(It has a commercial in front since it's from the news show 60 minutes)

Click the following link to hear and see Dr. Jonathan Wolpaw demonstrate the amazing Wadsworth Brain Computer Interface.

A Video Explanation of the Wadsworth Brain Computer Interface

"People learn to use their brain waves recorded from the scalp to select letters or icons on a computer screen or to move a cursor. We have begun to take our BCI system out of the lab and into the homes of people with severe disabilities. We are testing its capacity to restore communication and control to them in their daily lives".

Playing Games to Improve Working Memory See also
# Wolpaw, J.R. Brain-computer interfaces as new brain output pathways. Journal of Physiology, 579:613-619, 2007. # Wolpaw, J.R. and Chen, X.Y. Operant conditioning of spinal cord reflexes. In: New Encyclopedia of Neuroscience. (L. Squire, T. Albright, F. Bloom, F. Gage, N. Spitzer (Eds)., in press. # Wolpaw, J. R. and Chen, X.Y. The cerebellum in maintenance of a motor skill: A hierarchy of brain and spinal cord plasticity underlies H-reflex conditioning. Learning & Memory 13:208-215, 2006. # Chen, Y., Chen, X.Y., Jakeman L,B., Chen, L., Stokes B.T. and Wolpaw, J.R. Operant conditioning of H-reflex can correct a locomotor abnormality after spinal cord injury in rats. Journal of Neuroscience 26:12537-12543, 2006. # Wolpaw, J.R.and McFarland, D.J. Control of a two-dimensional movement signal by a noninvasive brain-computer interface in humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 101:17849-17854, 2004.

Exploring Space Earth as Seen from a Beer Cooler

2009-09-22T23:00:00.018-05:00

Exploring Space Earth as Seen from a Beer Cooler

OK..this is really smart..and amazing! Students send a weather balloon along with a camera strapped to a beer cooler and a Motorola mobile phone with GPS and get pictures from space.. You can see the Earth's curvature. This is just plain brilliant.

"Displaying stunning ingenuity reminiscent of MacGyver, the MIT students filled a weather balloon with helium and strapped it to a styrofoam beer cooler containing a cheap Canon A470 camera that was programmed to take photos every five seconds".

1337 Arts Photographs from Near Space

GLOWING IN THE DARK HOW MUCH ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION DOES MY CELL PHONE GIVE OUT

2009-09-22T00:22:00.018-05:00

GLOWING IN THE DARK HOW MUCH ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION DOES MY CELL PHONE GIVE OUT

Ever wonder how much radiation your cellphone is radiating? If you turn off the room light and you glow in the dark your phone is probably giving off too much radiation! The next best thing may be this list of cell phone electromagnetic radiation levels. You can look up specific radiation measurements at the following web site.

The authors have created a list of cell phones and posted the electromagnetic radiation that they measured from these cell phones which are listed by model number and which cell phone carrier has them.

List of Cell Phone Electromagnetic Radiation Measurements

According to Wikipedia, "The World Health Organization, based upon the consensus view of the scientific and medical communities, states that cancer is unlikely to be caused by cellular phones or their base stations and that reviews have found no convincing evidence for other health effects. The WHO expects to make recommendations about mobile phones in October 2009. Some national radiation advisory authorities have recommended measures to minimize exposure to their citizens".

TREATMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR SPIDER VEINS AND WHAT ABOUT CREAMS FOR SPIDER VEINS

2009-09-16T00:51:00.045-05:00

TREATMENTS PROCEDURES AND EVEN CREAMS FOR SPIDER VEINS FACT OR FICTION

Public Enemy Number 1 (or at least 3 or 4) in the never ending battle of things that interfere with the perception of beauty (at least if you are a model or model wannabe) are the so called spider veins. In an ideal world you wouldn't be judged for how you look but for your inner beauty. Sorry Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore. It looks like we have a ways to go to that ideal since many people can't seem to get to the inner beauty because they can't quite push themselves beyond the outer beauty or lack thereof. Spider veins are a kissing cousin of varicose veins.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face.

Cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists apparently are determined to develop an endless stream of cures for spider veins and varicose veins. The NY Times had an excellent article about methods and treatments for spider veins. They talk with a model who had the laser assisted sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins.

There is some debate about how important a medical problem spider veins are but in a previous post I wrote about how a doctor said that not treating spider vein's cousin,varicose veins, was a bad idea. The Times article discusses the pluses and minuses of creams and salves for spider veins as well as the medical procedures for spider veins.

Removing the Web of Spider Veins

Videos that Explain Sclerotherapy The Times discusses needle sclerotherapy as well as laser sclerotherapy. It also discusses the value( and whether there is any) of Ginko Bilboa, Marigold, Parsley and Horse Chestnut for the treatment of spider veins.

A CLEVER COOL COMPUTER SIMULATION WHICH WOULD BE GREAT IN BIOLOGY OR MEDICINE

2009-09-05T22:48:00.016-05:00

A CLEVER COOL COMPUTER SIMULATION WHICH WOULD BE GREAT IN BIOLOGY OR MEDICINE

Here is a clever, cool, (you fill in the adjective) computer simulation from engineering where you draw on a blackboard (whiteboard) and the drawing "comes to life". Seems like something similar would be great in biology and medicine.

A Computer Simulation Which Would Be Great for Medicine
Click the arrow

Using the Brain to Control Computers

WHEN IT COMES TO H1N1 BEING OLD LOOKS LIKE A GOOD THING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SWINE FLU INFLUENZA A VACCINATION

2009-08-25T21:14:00.017-05:00

WHEN IT COMES TO H1N1 BEING OLD LOOKS LIKE A GOOD THING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SWINE FLU INFLUENZA A VACCINATION

Winston Churchill , when asked how it feels to be old was said to remark that considering the alternative it's not bad. Generally though, it seems that when it comes to disease and health the elderly take a disproportionate hit but perhaps not in the case of the swine influenza A flu H1N1. I was surprised when I read the CDC recommendations about the priority of who should be vaccinated for swine flu H1N1.

"The committee does not expect that there will be a shortage of novel H1N1 vaccine, but availability and demand can be unpredictable. There is some possibility that initially the vaccine will be available in limited quantities. In this setting, the committee recommended that the following groups receive the vaccine before others:

pregnant women,

people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,

health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact,

children 6 months through 4 years of age, and

children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.

The committee recognized the need to assess supply and demand issues at the local level. The committee further recommended that once the demand for vaccine for these prioritized groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25 through 64 years. Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65".

CDC Advisors Make Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against Novel H1N1

How the Flu Virus Can Change: "Drift" and "Shift" Influenza viruses can change in two different ways.
One is called "antigenic drift." These are small changes in the virus that happen continually over time. Antigenic drift produces new virus strains that may not be recognized by the body's immune system. This process works as follows: a person infected with a particular flu virus strain develops antibody against that virus. As newer virus strains appear, the antibodies against the older strains no longer recognize the "newer" virus, and reinfection can occur. This is one of the main reasons why people can get the flu more than one time. In most years, one or two of the three virus strains in the influenza vaccine are updated to keep up with the changes in the circulating flu viruses. So, people who want to be protected from flu need to get a flu shot every year.

The other type of change is called "antigenic shift." Antigenic shift is an abrupt, major change in the influenza A viruses, resulting in new hemagglutinin and/or new hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins in influenza viruses that infect humans. Shift results in a new influenza A subtype. When shift happens, most people have little or no protection against the new virus. While influenza viruses are changing by antigenic drift all the time, antigenic shift happens only occasionally. Type A viruses undergo both kinds of changes; influenza type B viruses change only by the more gradual process of antigenic drift.

All About Flu

MAKING LEMONS INTO LEMONADE A COMPUTER GLITCH GIVES BIG TIME SCIENTIST IDEA THAT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS MIGHT TREAT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

2009-08-19T13:45:00.046-05:00

MAKING LEMONS INTO LEMONADE A COMPUTER GLITCH GIVES BIG TIME SCIENTIST IDEA THAT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS MIGHT TREAT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

What does using a blood pressure drug to treat multiple sclerosis have to do with Louis Pasteur? Pasteur's assistant was about to throw into the garbage samples of bacteria they were using in an experiment. The bacteria usually killed chickens but these didn't harm a feather. Pasteur derailed the garbage plan realizing he was on to something, which turned out to be vaccine. This kind of stuff happens in biology, science and medicine a lot more than you might think. I thought of that when I read the amazing story of how a researcher at Stanford got the idea that blood pressure drugs might have some connection with multiple sclerosis.

PNAS (Proceedings National Academy of Science) is carrying a paper about the possibility that a blood pressure drug might have the power to treat multiple sclerosis symptoms. The paper showed an effect in mice with MS like disease. "Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have found a link, in mice and in human brain tissue, between high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis. Their findings suggest that a safe,(when used properly) inexpensive drug already in wide use for high blood pressure may have therapeutic value in multiple sclerosis, as well".

Lisinopril and the class it belongs to, ACE inhibitors, is one of the favorite heart and blood pressure drugs of cardiologists and family practioners. Angiotension Converting enzyme (see why they call them ACE?) inhibitors seem to have added beneficial side effects like heart remodeling.

"The genesis for the paper can be traced to about seven years ago, when Steinman learned he had high blood pressure. His doctor put him on lisinopril, which is used by millions of people all over the world and has an excellent safety profile. Chagrined, Steinman went home and, researcher that he is, immediately did a Google search on the drug. (Steinman is a renowned multiple sclerosis investigator whose earlier work on the inflammatory features of the disease spurred development of a blockbuster class of anti-inflammatory multiple-sclerosis therapeutics. The drug natalizumab, marketed under the trade name Tysabri, is one).

"Long ago, a glitch crept into Steinman’s home computer: No matter what keywords he types into the search field, the computer automatically inserts the additional term, “multiple sclerosis.” Thus, to his surprise, a list of medical literature popped up offering tantalizing, if vague, hints of a possible connection between multiple sclerosis and a fast-acting hormone, angiotensin, whose receptors abound on blood-vessel walls throughout the body."

Inexpensive hypertension drug could be multiple sclerosis treatment, study shows

Blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme induces potent regulatory T cells and modulates TH1- and TH17-mediated autoimmunity

Steinman Lab page

BESIDES LOWERING HEART ATTACK RISK ASPIRIN IS ONCE AGAIN SAID TO LESSEN CANCER RISK THIS WEEK ITS COLORECTAL CANCER LIKE COLON CANCER

2009-08-12T22:38:00.021-05:00

BESIDES LOWERING HEART ATTACK RISK ASPIRIN IS ONCE AGAIN SAID TO LESSEN CANCER RISK THIS WEEK ITS COLORECTAL CANCER LIKE COLON CANCER

I have written before about the numerous reports of aspirin's myriad benefits (but remember there are also risks such as stomach ulcers and asthma exacerbation). Aspirin benefits like possibly reducing the chance of a heart attack or a thrombotic stroke (probably increases chance of brain hemorrhage). The latest in the litany of benefits is the Harvard Med School/Mass General report in the Journal of the American Medical Association saying that "Regular aspirin use after the diagnosis of colorectal cancer is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer–specific and overall mortality, especially among individuals with tumors that overexpress COX-2". As you can see in the NY Times article, the reason that cancer is lessened is believed to be linked to the expression of an enzyme that is blocked by aspirin, namely cyclooxygenase 2. You'll remember that pharmaceutical companies created a whole class of COX 2 inhibitors that weren't supposed to have aspirin's bleeding side effects but turned out to have their own problems.

Aspirin Seen Lowering Colorectal Cancer Risk

Aspirin Use and Survival After Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer "Conclusion: Regular aspirin use after the diagnosis of colorectal cancer is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer–specific and overall mortality, especially among individuals with tumors that overexpress COX-2". Also check out a previous Purple Medical Blog post, namely

ASPIRIN IS GOOD FOR THE HEART BUT HARVARD OXFORD STUDIES SAY ASPIRIN PROTECTS AGAINST COLON AND RECTAL CANCER

EAT LESS LIVE MORE YET MORE STUDIES AND REPORTS ABOUT LOW CALORIE DIETS AND LIVING LONGER AS WELL AS MORE DRUGS THAT MAY WORK LIKE RESVERATROL

2009-07-14T21:04:00.018-05:00

EAT LESS LIVE MORE YET MORE STUDIES AND REPORTS ABOUT LOW CALORIE DIETS AND LIVING LONGER AS WELL AS MORE DRUGS THAT MAY WORK LIKE RESVERATROL

I have written before about the observation that some animals that are on a low calorie diet seem to live longer. Two more reports about ways to live longer were released recently. One report asked do monkeys who eat less live longer? The second report talked about the drug rapamycin, which seemed to prolong life in mice, described as an antibiotic and immunosuppresant I am more familiar with it as a coating for stents that are placed in clogged heart arteries. Could rapamycin be acting in an analogous fashion to resveratrol?

Dieting Monkeys Offer Hope of Living Longer

Rapamycin extends life in mice, raising hopes of life-prolonging drug for humans

Hamburgers in Orbit NYT Shoots Down Copacetic Image of Hamburger

Can Eating Less Food and Consuming Fewer Calories Help People Live Longer?..Research Suggests Inverse Correlation Between Number of Calories and Length of Life..

Should Ponce De Leon Just Have Gone on A Diet? Key to Longevity: Not Fountain of Youth But Fork of Youth? The Calerie Study Searches for The Key

An expanding volume of scientific research seems to imply that eating fewer calories and eating less is associated with living longer. It has been reported for many years that chronic calorie restriction without nutritional defiencies increases the length of life. Calorie restriction seems to help prevent some age-related chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in a variety of animals.Is this true in humans?

Science Friday:Audio of Dr. Eric Ravussin on Benefits of Calorie Restriction

Effect of 6-Month Calorie Restriction on Biomarkers of Longevity, Metabolic Adaptation, and Oxidative Stress in Overweight Individuals

Calorie Restriction Extends Life Span— But Which Calories?

Three Physiological Measures Linked To Longevity in Men and

Eat Less, Live Longer? The Quest to Learn Why Slashing Calories Extends Life and

Aging: A Biological Perspective

CALERIE Eat Less Live More

CALERIE Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy is an ongoing study with human volunteers that hopes to discover whether people who eat less live longer.

Calorie Restriction for Long Life Paradigm Known for 6o Years

To quote from an article Caloric Restriction in Primates "Dietary caloric restriction (CR) is the only intervention conclusively and reproducibly shown to slow aging and maintain health and vitality in mammals. Although this paradigm has been known for over 60 years, its precise biological mechanisms and applicability to humans remain unknown. We began addressing the latter question in 1987 with the first controlled study of CR in primates (rhesus and squirrel monkeys, which are evolutionarily much closer to humans than the rodents most frequently employed in CR studies). To date, our results strongly suggest that the same beneficial "antiaging" and/or "antidisease" effects observed in CR rodents also occur in primates. These include lower plasma insulin levels and greater sensitivity; lower body temperatures; reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness; elevated HDL; and slower age-related decline in circulating levels of DHEAS. Collectively, these biomarkers suggest that CR primates will be less likely to incur diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and other age-related diseases and may in fact be aging more slowly than fully fed counterparts. Despite these very encouraging results, it is unlikely that most humans would be willing to maintain a 30% reduced diet for the bulk of their adult life span, even if it meant more healthy years. "

What is it about Eating Fewer Calories That Increases Longevity also the New England Centenarian Study

So scientists have been trying to determine what if anything is happening in caloric restriction that would prolong life. See

Molecules Discovered that Extend Life in Yeast, Human Cells and

Eating Less and Living Longer: Can’t We Find an Easier Way?

plus Gene That Extends Lifespan In Yeast Points To Paradigm Shift In Longevity Research May Explain Life Extension Via Calorie Restriction

Look at

Study: Lean Diet May Mean Long Life and also

Eat Less Live Longer as well as

Meal Skipping Helps Rodents Resist Diabetes, Brain Damage and also see Fasting Forestalls Huntington’s Disease in Mice and also

Protein Structure Provides Clue to Long Life

New England Centenarian Study

On a related note examine the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University School of Medicine that tries to figure out factors that help people to live longer.

HONEY WE SHRUNK THE WOUND AND OR BURN USING MEDICAL HONEY FOR HEALING IM NOT KIDDING

2009-06-10T11:02:00.000-05:00

HONEY WE SHRUNK THE BURN AND OR WOUND HEALING BURNS AND WOUNDS WITH HONEY IM NOT KIDDING

Is this guy a doctor or a witch doctor? I had to admit I was taken aback when I saw a wound care doctor apply a tube of a wound care cream called MediHoney to a family member's bed sore. I have been roaming the halls of medicine for years but I never heard of using honey to heal burns and wounds. I guess I should read more because it seems that honey containing medicine is being applied to burns and wounds with success and that the roots of this practice trace back to the Egyptians.

In talking with two wound care nurses they told me that they had seen some excellent results of treatment with honey "For centuries now honey has been used as an effective remedy for wounds, burns and ulcers. In recent years there has been renewed interest in the medicinal properties of honey. Much of this research is being carried out by a team of people working at the Waikato Honey Research Unit, New Zealand".

New Zealand Dermatology Society How does honey work to treat infections?

Wound and Burn Dressing MediHoney

There is a medical honey available for wounds and burns. Honey is different from the medical honey that is available through doctors and wound care specialists. Honey may also help disinfect the wound due to a chemical interaction between a specific enzyme in honey and damaged skin tissue that produces a form of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, honey has been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling. In March 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved a honey-impregnated wound-dressing product for wound and burn care.

"It's important to note that the specialized honey used in wound products and in research studies is different from honey available to consumers. Also, the honey used in research studies has been treated to remove contaminants. It's not clear at this time whether ordinary supermarket honey has the same wound-healing effect".

Is it true that applying honey to a wound may speed healing?

VIDEO ABOUT NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE STUDY AS REPORT Of DANGER EATING RED MEAT HOGS HEADLINES AND MOO AND OINK TAKE ANOTHER HIT IN THE BATTLE OF FOO

2009-03-25T11:20:00.064-05:00

VIDEO ABOUT NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE STUDY AS REPORT OF DANGER EATING RED MEAT HOGS HEADLINES AND MOO AND OINK TAKE ANOTHER HIT IN THE BATTLE OF FOOD HEART DISEASE AND CANCER

Food that comes from animals that moo or oink took another hit latterly as a study about the putative dangers of red meat, beef and pork "hogged" the headlines. Most of us eat meat and will continue to do so but the report in the Annals of Internal Medicine was indeed food for thought.

"Cutting back on steak, sausages and salami could help prolong your life, according to the most comprehensive study done on meat and mortality. Researchers tracked half a million Americans over a decade and found those who ate more red and processed meats appear to have a "modestly increased" risk of dying from all causes, and specifically from cancer or heart disease".

In contrast,those who ate more white meat have a decreased risk of dying, and in particular of dying from cancer. Diet is thought to influence the incidence of several cancers but it's hard to unravel which aspects of diet are important.A previous study in PLOS Medicine, for example, tried to shed light on cancer and what we eat. It indicated that a high red meat intake is associated with an increased risk of esophageal and liver cancer, and that one in ten colorectal and one in ten lung cancers could be avoided if people reduced their red and processed meat intake. "The results of the study complement the recommendations by the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund to reduce red and processed meat intake to decrease cancer incidence," said Rashmi Sinha, a specialist in nutritional epidemiology at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md. The lead author of the study added that she is personally not a vegetarian". "There are various mechanisms by which meat may be related to mortality. In relation to cancer, meat is a source of several multisite carcinogens, including heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,16-21 which are both formed during high-temperature cooking of meat, as well as N-nitroso compound".

Red meat Increases Risk of

Meat Intake and Mortality A Prospective Study of Over Half a Million People

A STUDY OF RED AND PROCESSED MEAT INTAKE IN RELATION TO CANCER RISK AMPLIFIES CONCERNS ABOUT CANCER AND EATING TOO MUCH RED MEAT AND PROCESSED MEAT

Too Much of A Good Thing A Thumbs Down to Too Much Processed Meats Bacon, Pastrami and Salami, as well as Hot Dogs and Sausages

Let's face it, hot dogs,sausages,hamburger,steak,cold cuts all taste good. It would be an "unappetizing" notion to stop eating these tasty foods. However moderation certainly seems to be something to think about.

The evidence that the intake of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and of processed meat (for example, bacon, ham, and sausages) is linked to cancer risk has been suspected and reported previously.The study released by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) said that excess body fat as well as consumption of alcohol, red meat and processed meats like bacon, hot dogs and so on increase your risk of developing cancer.

The previous study which appeared in PLOS Medicine reported on a study of a link between processed and red meats and cancer. "Nearly half a million US men and women aged 50–71 years old joined the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. The participants none of whom had had cancer previously, completed a questionnaire about their dietary habits over the previous year and provided other personal information such as their age, weight, and smoking history". The study used these data and information from state cancer registries to look for associations between the intake of red and processed meat and the incidence of various cancers".

The prospective study( i.e a study in which people are identified and then followed forward in time) provided "strong evidence that people who eat a lot of red and processed meats have greater risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer than do people who eat small quantities".

"Red meat intake was calculated from the frequency of consumption and portion size information of all types of beef, pork, and lamb; this included bacon, beef, cold cuts, ham, hamburger, hot dogs, liver, pork, sausage, and steak. The processed meat variable included bacon, red meat sausage, poultry sausage, luncheon meats (red and white meat), cold cuts (red and white meat), ham,regular hot dogs,and low fat hot dogs made from poultry.

"Although the researchers allowed for factors such as smoking history that might have affected cancer incidences, some of the effects they ascribe to meat intake might be caused by other lifestyle factors. Furthermore, because the study's definitions of red meat and processed meat overlapped—bacon and ham, for example, were included in both categories—exactly which type of meat is related to cancer remains unclear".

Purple Medical Blog Ten Recommendations to Prevent Cancer

"Most of the study participants were non-Hispanic white, so these findings may not apply to people with different genetic backgrounds. Nevertheless, they add to the evidence that suggests that decreased consumption of red and processed meats could reduce the incidence of several types of cancer".

A Prospective Study of Red and Processed Meat Intake in Relation to Cancer Risk

PDF of Prospective Study of Red and Processed Meat Intake in Relation to cancer Risk This seems to go along with the previous report by the American Institute of Cancer Research which recommended:

Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.(they say to stay away from things like hot dogs and bacon) "To reduce your cancer risk, eat no more than 18 oz. (cooked weight) per week of red meats, like beef, pork and lamb and avoid processed meat such as ham, bacon, salami, hot dogs and sausages." "Red meat refers to beef, pork and lamb, - foods like hamburgers, steak, pork chops and roast lamb. The term processed meat refers to meats preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by the addition of preservatives. Examples include ham, bacon, pastrami and salami, as well as hot dogs and sausages.

"The evidence from the Expert Report that red meat is a cause of colorectal cancer is convincing. This evidence is much stronger now than it was in the mid-1990s. Red meat contains substances that are linked to colon cancer. For example, heme iron, the compound that gives red meat its color, has been shown to damage the lining of the colon.Studies also show that people who eat a lot of red meat tend to eat less plant-based foods, so they benefit less from their cancer-protective properties".

There is also convincing evidence that choosing processed meat increases the chances of colorectal cancer. The expert panel advises limiting red meat and avoiding processed meat. Studies show we can eat up to 18 ounces a week of red meat without raising cancer risk. Research on processed meat shows cancer risk starts to increase with any portion.

"When meat is preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by the addition of preservatives, cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) can be formed. These substances can damage cells in the body, leading to the development of cancer".

Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.

Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.

Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods (particularly processed foods high in added sugar, or low in fiber, or high in fat).

Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans.

If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.

Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium). (You will be shocked when you look at a food label of some processed foods and see how much sodium they contain)."Consuming too much salt can be harmful to our health, increasing our risk of stomach cancer as well as high blood pressure".

Our daily intake of salt should be less than 2,400 milligrams. We actually need much less than this. Most people in the Untied States currently consume more than 2,400 mg, but there are simple ways to cut down on our intake.

"The Expert Panel found that salt and salt-preserved foods probably increase the chance of developing stomach cancer. Studies have shown that high salt intakes can damage the lining of the stomach. This is one way in which it might increase the risk of stomach cancer".

"Most of the salt in our diets comes from processed foods. We are not always aware that these foods are high in salt because they may not taste ‘salty,’ so make sure to read the sodium content on the Nutrition Facts label. Watch out for breakfast cereals, bread, frozen meals, pizza and chips. Also, check the amount of sodium in canned products, such as soups and sauces, and avoid processed meats. Even sweet foods like cookies can contain high levels of salt".

Don't use supplements to protect against cancer. Special Population Recommendations

It is best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods.

After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.

And always remember – do not smoke or chew tobacco.

Put down the Bacon! Report Emphasizes Cancer-fat Links

Food Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer The Full Report Online

Recommendations for Cancer Prevention

A PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGIST CHILDRENS CANCER DOCTOR OPINION ABOUT OBAMA STEM CELL PLAN

2009-03-20T12:07:00.015-05:00

A PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGIST CHILDRENS CANCER DOCTOR OPINION ABOUT OBAMA STEM CELL PLAN

In his blog the pediatric oncologist, Dr. David, discusses why he thinks President Obama's decision to liberate some stem cell research is a good idea. "As I discussed in a prior post, a stem cell is a primitive cell that is capable of generating more “daughter” cells with more specific function as well as making more copies of themselves. Every organ and tissue in your body contains stem cells.

Watch this Incredible Video About Stem Cells Click the Arrow

As the most mature cells die, they are replaced by cells derived from these “organ stem cells,” which also continuously replenish themselves.

Stem cells such as these are often referred to as “adult stem cells” because they are found in adult humans. There are also “umbilical cord stem cells” which are found in the blood in the umbilical cords of newborn babies and many oncologists believe that there are “cancer stem cells” that drive the growth and spread (“metastasis”) of tumors".

Bright Day for Stem Cells

What is a Stem Cell

REMEMBER HOW EVERYBODY WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A FLYING CAR IN THE FUTURE..ITS HERE THE FLYING CAR COMES TO EARTH

2009-03-18T22:53:00.015-05:00

REMEMBER HOW EVERYBODY WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A FLYING CAR IN THE FUTURE..ITS HERE THE FLYING CAR COMES TO EARTH

Remember how in the future everybody was supposed to be traveling in flying cars? Well, the future is here and where are the flying cars? Here is a video of a company testing their version of the flying car. "Every pilot faces uncertain weather, rising costs, and ground transportation hassles on each end of the flight. The Transition® ( flying car) combines the unique convenience of being able to fold its wings with the ability to drive on any surface road in a modern personal airplane platform. Stowing the wings for road use and deploying them for flight at the airport is activated from inside the cockpit. This unique functionality addresses head-on the issues faced by today’s Private and Sport Pilots.

Terrafugia Flying Car Site

AN UPDATED REPORT 2009 ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH THE MEDTRONIC SPRINT FIDELIS IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR AND A VIDEO UPDATE WHAT IS IT

2009-03-13T20:52:00.020-05:00

AN UPDATED REPORT 2009 ABOUTPROBLEMS WITH THE MEDTRONIC SPRINT FIDELIS IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR AND A VIDEO UPDATE WHAT IS IT

Watch a Video About Medtronic Implantable Defibrillator

Here is an update and elaboration (in 2009) to a story about problems with the Medtronic Implantable Heart Defibrillator which were originally announced in 2007. "Medtronic said Friday that at least 13 people might have died in connection with a heart device that it recalled in 2007 but was still in widespread use, including four patients whose deaths were related to efforts by doctors to surgically remove the product". The defibrillators are tiny impanted devices that can monitor the heart rhythm. When they detect a dangerous heart rhythm that could cause cardiac arrest the defibrillator delivers a jolt of electricty to correct the problem.

The scientific marvel, implantable defibrillators are helping many ( former Vice President Cheney has one). But like many things in life, problems can arise. It's been a while since Medtronic's recall of their 7-French Model 6949 Sprint Fidelis defibrillator lead in October 2007. Medtronic had announced that "We have found that there is a small chance of fractures in particular locations on the Sprint Fidelis lead" of the Medtronic defibrillator. What is the lead? "The wire that connects the heart to a defibrillator, a device that shocks faltering hearts back into normal rhythm. The company urged all of the estimated 235,000 patients with the Fidelis, to see their doctors to make sure it has not developed a fracture that can make the device to misread heart-rhythm data.

"Along with fatalities, the F.D.A. has received about 2,200 reports of serious injuries related to the leads. Medtronic officials said they believed that reflected the number of people who had undergone surgery to have a failed lead replaced with a new one. Dr. David Steinhaus, Medtronic’s medical director, said the updated figures, which the company distributed Friday to doctors, was based on a review of available data by company officials and a panel of five outside physicians".

Medtronic Links Device For Heart To 13 Deaths Video from the FDA About Sprint Fidelis Recall Click the Arrow to Start

According to the blog of a prominent cardiologist "The first update of the Sprint Fidelis lead performance arrived in my office this week, dated 7 May 2008 . With this letter came the first trending data of the failure rates as determined by evaluation of Medtronic's Carelink follow-up database and Returned Product Analysis reports as well".

"While the number of lead failures remains relatively small and current follow-up recommendations have not changed, the failure trends, albeit early, remain concerning. It appears that a continued number of failures throughout the life of the lead can be expected. By Medtronic's analysis of a typical 1,000-patient ICD clinic, over the next 12 months, nine (9) patients can be expected to have an anode or cathode failure and half of those patient's will have little warning of an impending fracture".

Medtronic Defibrillator Sprint Fidelis Lead Update

What Should I Do About the Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Defibrillator

STUDY SUGGESTS THAT DOCTORS MAY BE CLOSER TO GOAL LINE IN OVARIAN CANCER EARLY DETECTION CHALLENGE AND A VIDEO ABOUT OVARIAN CA

2009-03-11T16:19:00.000-05:00

STUDY SUGGESTS THAT DOCTORS MAY BE CLOSER TO GOAL LINE IN OVARIAN CANCER EARLY DETECTION CHALLENGE AND A VIDEO ABOUT OVARIAN CA

Some cancer is easier to detect than others. Ovarian cancer has a reputation for being opaque to early detection. But perhaps now, that is changing with the release of an optimistic interim report on earlier detection of ovarian cancer, "We have now demonstrated we can pick up the vast majority of women with ovarian cancer earlier than they would have otherwise been detected and before they have symptoms,” said Dr. Ian Jacobs, director of the Institute for Women’s Health at University College London."

As I have written in Purple Medical Blog previously, "A problem with ovarian cancer is that it may not be detected until an advanced stage. In general, the earlier a cancer is detected the easier it is to treat. Early detection is especially important for ovarian cancer. Although many people have heard of CA 125 as a test for ovarian cancer detection, it has not been enough to detect ovarian cancer early. CA 125 is more often used as a test to follow the progress of treatment. So the search has been on for ways to detect ovarian cancer at an early stage".

Watch Video About Ovarian Cancer Click the Arrow

Talking about a study result noted in Lancet Oncology "We have now demonstrated we can pick up the vast majority of women with ovarian cancer earlier than they would have otherwise been detected and before they have symptoms,” said Dr. Ian Jacobs, director of the Institute for Women’s Health at University College London, and director of the trial, “and that a good proportion of those women have earlier stage disease than we would normally expect them to have."

As the study's web site points out ,"Large studies performed by our research team and other international teams during the last decade have developed and refined two methods of screening. One method uses ultrasound scanning, similar to the scanning used in pregnancy, to check for any enlargement or abnormality of the ovaries. Ultrasound is currently widely used for diagnosing ovarian cancer in women with symptoms. It has been shown that the ultrasound test can be abnormal in the early stage of many ovarian cancers. This trial will use a method of ultrasound scanning called "transvaginal scan" whereby a probe is inserted into the vagina to see the ovaries. This method of scanning gives a much clearer picture of the ovaries than a transabdominal scan, where the probe is placed on the abdomen. The second method involves a blood test to measure a substance called CA 125. Most women who develop ovarian cancer have high levels of the protein called CA125 in their blood. The CA125 test is therefore currently used to diagnose ovarian cancer in women with symptoms and to monitor women after treatment. It has been shown that the CA125 test can be elevated in the early stage of many ovarian cancers. In addition, the research team believes that it may be possible to identify those women with early ovarian cancer where the CA125 blood test is not elevated by looking for changes i.e. increases in a woman's blood results over time".

"Using these tests it seems likely that over 80% of women with ovarian cancer can be identified before they have symptoms. This current very large trial will answer the question whether early detection of ovarian cancer, using these tests can save the lives of women who have ovarian cancer".

Screening Can Detect Early Ovarian Cancer

DEVELOPING A NEW DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR OVARIAN CANCER TO DETECT OVARIAN CANCER AT AN EARLIER MORE CURABLE STAGE Blood and urine tests may be used to search for ovarian cancer as well other tests, depending on the woman's symptoms and results of her physical exam. Procedures that might be done in the search for ovarian cancer include: abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound--helps distinguish fluid-filled cysts from a solid tumor CT scan--produces x-ray images of cross-sections of body tissues lower GI series (barium enema)--visualizes the bowel on x-ray to detect abnormal areas that may be caused by ovarian cancer intravenous pyelogram (IVP)--produces x-ray pictures of the kidneys, bladder and ureters (tubes carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Often, ovarian cysts or tumors can cause pressure on these organs, which may show up on an IVP.

UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening

Sensitivity and specificity of multimodal and ultrasound screening for ovarian cancer, .. results of the prevalence screen of the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening

purple medical blog

HAVE GASTRIC BYPASS WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY LOSE YOUR TYPE 2 DIABETES COULD IT BE THAT SIMPLE

HAVE GASTRIC BYPASS WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY LOSE YOUR TYPE 2 DIABETES COULD IT BE THAT SIMPLE

What Happens to People After Gastric Bypass Who Needs and is Eligible for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

What Happens to People After Gastric Bypass Complications and Who Needs and is Eligible for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

WHAT KIND OF CONDITIONS IN OBESE PEOPLE SUGGEST THEY COULD BENEFIT FROM WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?

WHAT ARE SOME GUIDELINES FOR WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?

HOW MANY TYPES OF BARIATRIC SURGERY ARE COMMON IN THE UNITED STATES?

What is Difference Between Overweight and Morbid Obesity Two Videos and A Blog Discuss Gastric Bypass Surgery the Complications and Benefits

What is Difference Between Overweight and Morbid Obesity Two Videos and A Blog Discuss Gastric Bypass Surgery the Complications and Benefits

Videos Where Daniel Kish Explains How Blind People Can See With Sound You Too Can Learn Echo Location

Videos Where Daniel Kish Explains How Blind People Can See With Sound You Too Can Learn Echo Location

Echolocation The Boys and Girls Who See With Sound Blind Children Who See with Sound and Have Fun Too

Echolocation The Boys and Girls Who See With Sound Blind Children Who See with Sound and Have Fun Too

Comparing a Laptop to a Netbook Review of the Advantages of The Toshiba Nb205 What is a Good Netbook with a Long Battery Life

Comparing a Laptop to a Netbook Review of the Advantages of The Toshiba Nb205 What is a Good Netbook with a Long Battery Life

Netbook with Wi-fi and Extra Long Battery Life Helps the Sun Shine on Cloud Computing

National Institute of Health Sponsored Study Green Tea Extract in Preventing Cervical Cancer in Patients With Human Papillomavirus and Low-Grade Cervi

National Institute of Health Sponsored Study Green Tea Extract in Preventing Cervical Cancer in Patients With Human Papillomavirus and Low-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

What does Green Tea do?

Hamburgers In Orbit The Good The Bad and The Ugly as NYT Shoots Down Copacetic Image of Hamburgers

Hamburgers In Orbit The Good The Bad and The Ugly as NYT Shoots Down Copacetic Image of Hamburgers

Where Does the Meat in Hamburgers Come From?

Safe Handling of Take Out Foods and Bacteria in Foodborne Illness

FOOTBALL LEAGUE STUDY ABOUT BRAIN INJURY IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS COULD BE A GAME CHANGER

FOOTBALL LEAGUE STUDY ABOUT BRAIN INJURY IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS COULD BE A GAME CHANGER

What Does Ditka Think?

Dramatic Videos of Using the Brain and Brain Signals to Type on Computers Control Machinery and Surf the Internet

Dramatic Videos of Using the Brain and Brain Signals to Type on Computers Control Machinery and Surf the Internet

Exploring Space Earth as Seen from a Beer Cooler

Exploring Space Earth as Seen from a Beer Cooler

GLOWING IN THE DARK HOW MUCH ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION DOES MY CELL PHONE GIVE OUT

GLOWING IN THE DARK HOW MUCH ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION DOES MY CELL PHONE GIVE OUT

TREATMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR SPIDER VEINS AND WHAT ABOUT CREAMS FOR SPIDER VEINS

TREATMENTS PROCEDURES AND EVEN CREAMS FOR SPIDER VEINS FACT OR FICTION

A CLEVER COOL COMPUTER SIMULATION WHICH WOULD BE GREAT IN BIOLOGY OR MEDICINE

A CLEVER COOL COMPUTER SIMULATION WHICH WOULD BE GREAT IN BIOLOGY OR MEDICINE

WHEN IT COMES TO H1N1 BEING OLD LOOKS LIKE A GOOD THING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SWINE FLU INFLUENZA A VACCINATION

WHEN IT COMES TO H1N1 BEING OLD LOOKS LIKE A GOOD THING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SWINE FLU INFLUENZA A VACCINATION

MAKING LEMONS INTO LEMONADE A COMPUTER GLITCH GIVES BIG TIME SCIENTIST IDEA THAT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS MIGHT TREAT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

MAKING LEMONS INTO LEMONADE A COMPUTER GLITCH GIVES BIG TIME SCIENTIST IDEA THAT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS MIGHT TREAT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

BESIDES LOWERING HEART ATTACK RISK ASPIRIN IS ONCE AGAIN SAID TO LESSEN CANCER RISK THIS WEEK ITS COLORECTAL CANCER LIKE COLON CANCER

BESIDES LOWERING HEART ATTACK RISK ASPIRIN IS ONCE AGAIN SAID TO LESSEN CANCER RISK THIS WEEK ITS COLORECTAL CANCER LIKE COLON CANCER

EAT LESS LIVE MORE YET MORE STUDIES AND REPORTS ABOUT LOW CALORIE DIETS AND LIVING LONGER AS WELL AS MORE DRUGS THAT MAY WORK LIKE RESVERATROL

EAT LESS LIVE MORE YET MORE STUDIES AND REPORTS ABOUT LOW CALORIE DIETS AND LIVING LONGER AS WELL AS MORE DRUGS THAT MAY WORK LIKE RESVERATROL

Can Eating Less Food and Consuming Fewer Calories Help People Live Longer?..Research Suggests Inverse Correlation Between Number of Calories and Length of Life..

Should Ponce De Leon Just Have Gone on A Diet? Key to Longevity: Not Fountain of Youth But Fork of Youth? The Calerie Study Searches for The Key

CALERIE Eat Less Live More

Calorie Restriction for Long Life Paradigm Known for 6o Years

What is it about Eating Fewer Calories That Increases Longevity also the New England Centenarian Study

New England Centenarian Study

HONEY WE SHRUNK THE WOUND AND OR BURN USING MEDICAL HONEY FOR HEALING IM NOT KIDDING

HONEY WE SHRUNK THE BURN AND OR WOUND HEALING BURNS AND WOUNDS WITH HONEY IM NOT KIDDING

VIDEO ABOUT NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE STUDY AS REPORT Of DANGER EATING RED MEAT HOGS HEADLINES AND MOO AND OINK TAKE ANOTHER HIT IN THE BATTLE OF FOO

VIDEO ABOUT NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE STUDY AS REPORT OF DANGER EATING RED MEAT HOGS HEADLINES AND MOO AND OINK TAKE ANOTHER HIT IN THE BATTLE OF FOOD HEART DISEASE AND CANCER

A STUDY OF RED AND PROCESSED MEAT INTAKE IN RELATION TO CANCER RISK AMPLIFIES CONCERNS ABOUT CANCER AND EATING TOO MUCH RED MEAT AND PROCESSED MEAT

Too Much of A Good Thing A Thumbs Down to Too Much Processed Meats Bacon, Pastrami and Salami, as well as Hot Dogs and Sausages

MORE VIDEO EXPLAINING CANON SONY DSC HX1 DIGITAL CAMERA WITH HIGH SPEED CONTINUOUS PHOTO SHOOTING

MORE VIDEO EXPLAINING CANON SONY DSC HX1 DIGITAL CAMERA WITH HIGH SPEED CONTINUOUS PHOTO SHOOTING

A PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGIST CHILDRENS CANCER DOCTOR OPINION ABOUT OBAMA STEM CELL PLAN

A PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGIST CHILDRENS CANCER DOCTOR OPINION ABOUT OBAMA STEM CELL PLAN

REMEMBER HOW EVERYBODY WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A FLYING CAR IN THE FUTURE..ITS HERE THE FLYING CAR COMES TO EARTH

REMEMBER HOW EVERYBODY WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A FLYING CAR IN THE FUTURE..ITS HERE THE FLYING CAR COMES TO EARTH

AN UPDATED REPORT 2009 ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH THE MEDTRONIC SPRINT FIDELIS IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR AND A VIDEO UPDATE WHAT IS IT

AN UPDATED REPORT 2009 ABOUTPROBLEMS WITH THE MEDTRONIC SPRINT FIDELIS IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR AND A VIDEO UPDATE WHAT IS IT

Watch a Video About Medtronic Implantable Defibrillator

STUDY SUGGESTS THAT DOCTORS MAY BE CLOSER TO GOAL LINE IN OVARIAN CANCER EARLY DETECTION CHALLENGE AND A VIDEO ABOUT OVARIAN CA

STUDY SUGGESTS THAT DOCTORS MAY BE CLOSER TO GOAL LINE IN OVARIAN CANCER EARLY DETECTION CHALLENGE AND A VIDEO ABOUT OVARIAN CA