Satjana Medical Blog

FDA Basics: Office of Orphan Products Development

2012-12-10T15:25:00.001-08:00

Counterfeit Medicines - A Cancerous Global Scourge

2012-11-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Prescription medicines are protected by the regulatory personnel of FDA, other international agencies and the medical professionals to be administered to patients when they decide that the treatments would provide a cure. In other words, patients are safeguarded against the over dosage of a drug which could do more harm than helping the patient get better.

Every drug has multiple ingredients with specific dosage amounts. The adverse reactions due to the drug can also reflect from the active or other ingredients of the tablet. In spite of having such a fortified layout in the pharmaceutical industry, aided by the regulatory agencies with laws to shield the authenticity of medicines, counterfeit medicines have belligerently entrenched into the vulnerable patients' realm.

Spurious/falsely-labeled/falsified/counterfeit (SFFC) medicines

Counterfeit Version of Avastin

Rapid Dye Test to identify fake artesunate

The fake medicines have become a global entrapment needless to say about the route it is taking to make its way to our medicine cabinets. It is rather agonizing to know that these drugs are duplicated in unfavorable conditions, unhygienic rooms, and without proper proportions. The fundamental motive of a drug is compromised as the people involved are not seekers of cure but just profiteers. The counterfeit drugs are so skillfully manufactured that it is difficult for even the physicians or pharmacists to point out that these drugs are fake. Many detecting approaches such as rapid dye test, Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking system, paper analytical device (PAD), and mass spectrometry technique are used to investigate the suspicious drugs and the numbers of this population is multiplying rapidly.

What is the Occurrence of Counterfeit drugs in the U.S.?

Counterfeit version of Teva's Adderall

The strict regulatory framework that governs the production of drug products and the distribution chain, and enforcement against violators, has paved resistance to drug counterfeiting in U.S. when compared to other countries plagued by the ravage on safe medicines. The jackpot question is “Are we there yet?” The answer would be underscoring the staggering packages of fake medicines that are unwrapped every day.

Counterfeit Phentermine

The U.S. has recently experienced three highly publicized examples of counterfeit drugs within the U.S. distribution system: (1) Lipitor tablets, a cholesterol-lowering medication, (2) Procrit, an injectable drug used to stimulate red blood cell growth, and (3) Alli, an over-the-counter weight-loss drug. FDA continues to believe, and works to ensure, that the overall quality of drug products that consumers purchase from U.S. pharmacies remains high. The American public can be confident that these medicines are safe and effective.

Mammoth Effort into Effect – International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce - IMPACT

Counterfeit medicine may be contaminated or contain the wrong or no active ingredient. They could have the right active ingredient but at the wrong dose. Counterfeit drugs are illegal. So, FDA takes all reports of suspect counterfeits seriously and is working with other agencies and the private sector to help protect the nation’s drug supply from the threat of counterfeits.

Buying Medicines over the Internet

There are many websites that operate legally and offer convenience, privacy, and safeguards for purchasing medicines. But, there are also many “rogue websites” that offer to sell potentially dangerous drugs that have not been checked for safety or effectiveness. Though a rogue site may look professional and legitimate, it could actually be an illegal operation.

A Win-Win Situation – Identifying a Trustworthy Website

ü It’s located in the United States.

Fraudulent Tamiflu

ü It’s licensed by the state board of pharmacy where the website is operating. A list of these boards is available at the website of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

ü It has a licensed pharmacist available to answer your questions.

ü It requires a prescription for prescription medicines from your doctor or another health care professional who is licensed to prescribe medicines.

ü It provides contact information and allows you to talk to a person if you have problems or questions.

Another way to check on a website is to look for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s (NABP) Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites™ Seal, also known as the VIPPS® Seal.

This seal means that the internet pharmacy is safe to use because it has met state licensure requirements, as well as other NABP criteria.

Source: FDA.gov

The VIPPS accreditation program (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites)

International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce — IMPACT

Partnership for Safe Medicines

Fake medicine poses growing threat to consumers

Who Is The Criminal Mastermind Behind The Counterfeit Cancer Drug Scare?

Counterfeit Drugs: a Deadly Problem

2,000 Arrested in China in Counterfeit Drug Crackdown

India should favor more international cooperation against fake drugs

China’s Opportunity to Address Counterfeit Medicines

Letters to Doctors about Risks of Purchasing Medications from Foreign or Unlicensed Suppliers

FDA e-Pedigree

Counterfeit drugs ongoing Global Problem

2012-11-02T12:01:00.001-07:00

Global Counterfeit Drug Threat; How Fake Medicines Threaten Consumers

2012-11-02T11:45:00.001-07:00

What is FDA's role in the development, testing, and monitoring of new drugs?

2012-11-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Fight against Counterfeit Drugs - Making their Way to your Medicine Cabinet

2012-10-31T13:42:00.001-07:00

Satjana Medical Facebook Page

2012-10-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Satjana Medical Facebook Page.
Join me in unwrapping good health and well-being yielding to our changing life style.

Join me in beating the epidemics by inculcating preventive care in our daily schedule.

Join me in creating a safe haven to protect our loved ones from decimating drugs harmful with loaded side effects.

And, join me in taking the facts of innovative medicines and treatments with proofs of research to the footsteps of every reader looking for answers of cure.

Our ultimate goal would be to seed more birthdays…

What do you get when you mix H3N2, H1N1, and influenza B virus? 2012-2013 seasonal flu vaccine

2012-10-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

Take time to get a flu vaccine.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as the current season’s vaccines are available.

What’s in the 2012-2013 seasonal flu vaccine and why?

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common. The 2012-2013 seasonal influenza vaccine protects against three influenza viruses – one influenza A (H3N2) virus, one influenza A (H1N1) virus, and one influenza B virus. The H1N1 virus in the flu vaccine is the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus because scientists expect to continue to see this virus circulate in the United States.

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

What are everyday preventive actions?

Keeping your nose and mouth covered with a tissue when you cough or sneeze would block the spread of droplets from your mouth or nose that could contain germs. Washing your hands with soap and water is also a way to keep the germs away. If you or your child gets sick with a respiratory illness, like flu, avoid contact with others as much as possible. Stay home (or keep your child home) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to seek medical care. Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

Are the 2012-2013 seasonal flu vaccines safe?

This season’s flu vaccine is expected to have a similar safety profile as past seasonal flu vaccines. Over the years, hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received seasonal flu vaccines. The most common side effects are soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling where the flu shot was given and nasal congestion after the flu vaccine nasal spray.

A new high-dose seasonal flu vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose) was introduced during 2010-2011 for adults 65 and older to stimulate a stronger immune response (more antibodies) in the person getting the vaccine. Another new vaccine, Fluzone Intradermal, was also licensed for use in the United States in 2011-2012. The vaccine is injected into the skin instead of the muscle and requires a smaller dose than the regular flu shot. It is recommended for adults 18-64 years of age. Both the high dose and intradermal vaccines are available for the 2012-2013.

How is the safety of seasonal flu vaccines monitored?

CDC and FDA closely monitor the safety of seasonal influenza vaccine and other vaccines licensed for use in the United States. The purpose of vaccine safety monitoring is to rapidly identify clinically significant adverse events following immunization. Adverse events, including apparent side effects, following immunization may be coincidental to (meaning occurring around the same time but not related to vaccination) or caused by vaccination. CDC and its partners use multiple systems to monitor the safety of this season’s flu vaccines. Two of the primary systems that are being used to monitor the safety of these vaccines are: the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which is jointly operated with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD).

Is it safe for pregnant women to get seasonal flu vaccine?

Yes, the seasonal flu shot has been given safely to millions of pregnant women over many years. Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies. The studies have concluded that no unusual patterns of pregnancy complications or fetal outcomes were observed in the VAERS reports of pregnant women after the administration of TIV (trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine) or LAIV (live attenuated influenza vaccine) 1990 - 2009.

What research shows that seasonal flu vaccine is safe for unborn babies?

Studies of several thousand pregnant women in scientific literature have assessed the safety of using the flu vaccine during pregnancy. These studies have shown no evidence of harm to pregnant women, to the unborn child (or fetus) or to newborns of vaccinated women. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and CDC’s routine monitoring of adverse events has not raised safety concerns.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.

Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

What antiviral drugs are recommended this flu season?

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu in your body. Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter. There are two FDA-approved antiviral drugs recommended by CDC this season. The brand names for these are Tamiflu (generic name oseltamivir) and Relenza (generic name zanamivir). Tamiflu is available as a pill or liquid and Relenza is a powder that is inhaled. Relenza is not for people with breathing problems like asthma or COPD, for example.)

Is flu vaccine safe for children with egg allergy?

A Canadian study offers more reassurance that children with egg allergies can be safely vaccinated against the virus. The researchers whose findings appeared in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology published on Oct 01, 2012 followed 367 egg-allergic people, mostly children, who got the flu shot over five years. Almost one-third of them had a history of anaphylaxis after eating eggs. None of the patients, however, had a serious reaction to the flu vaccine, and only 13 of the 367 had mild “allergy-like” symptoms, such as itchy skin or hives, within a day of being vaccinated.

Des Roches, of Hospital Sainte-Justine in Montreal, and her colleagues also reviewed 26 past studies that involved close to 4,000 egg-allergic people who got the flu shot. None of those patients developed a serious allergic reaction. “I think parents of children with egg allergy should be reassured about the safety of the influenza vaccine for their child, and understand that the benefits are likely to outweigh any risks,” said Lynda Schneider, director of the allergy program at Boston Children’s Hospital.

CDC recommends that people who have had a severe (life-threatening) allergy or reaction to a previous flu vaccine should not be vaccinated. People who have an allergy to eating eggs should discuss flu vaccination with their doctor. Many egg-allergic individuals can safely receive influenza vaccine.

Source:

Centers for Disease, Control, and Prevention

Reference:

Egg-allergic patients can be safely vaccinated against influenza

Adverse events in pregnant women following administration of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine and live attenuated influenza vaccine in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, 1990-2009.

Swine influenza A H1N1 Virus Pandemic

FDA Approved Drugs for Influenza

Home Remedies for Fast Flu Relief

Videos

How to Know if You Have the Flu: Flu Symptoms

Flu Vaccine Information for Pregnant Women and Children

How Safe is the Flu Vaccine?

How to Know if You Have the Flu: Flu Symptoms

2012-09-24T19:02:00.001-07:00

Flu Vaccine Information for Pregnant Women and Children

2012-09-24T18:56:00.001-07:00

How Safe is the Flu Vaccine?

2012-09-24T17:38:00.001-07:00

Superheroes to the Rescue

2012-09-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

In this age of lean research funding with recession taken its toll, what preventive measures are aiding you to nip this disease in the bud?

Every cancer survivor is a superhero who has been battling against this disease. Scientists bring hope through research developments in discovering links to find answers. Superheroes also include the ones who are globalizing their efforts to help fight against this common villain – cancer. Awareness programs and preventive measures are making strides to step up the survival rates.
The Global Fight Against Breast Cancer

Following are some of the top American Cancer Society scientists who are committed to finding answers that will help women stay well and get well.

• Mary-Claire King, PhD, at the University of Washington, has ongoing work investigating BRCA1, BRCA2, and other breast cancer genes. This work continues to promote understanding of the underlying biology of the disease, in turn driving advances that can be translated to the clinic. King and others are harnessing knowledge of breast cancer genetics to develop a number of breast cancer screens, tests, and therapeutic procedures.

http://www.loorg.org

• Ryan Jensen, PhD, and Stephen Kowalczykowski, PhD, at the University of California-Davis, successfully purified the BRCA2 protein – an accomplishment that eluded other investigators for more than 15 years. This triumph will allow scientists to better understand how the BRCA2 protein functions, laying the groundwork for new breast cancer therapies.

• American Cancer Society Health Services Researcher Stacey Fedewa, MPH, has conducted research suggesting that African American and Hispanic patients are at significantly greater risk for delays in breast cancer treatment, which may be a contributing factor in persistent racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes.

• Vanessa Sheppard, PhD, at Georgetown University, developed the Sisters Informing Sisters intervention for African American women who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer in an effort to reduce treatment disparities in this population.

• Using data from the Society’s Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS-II), American Cancer Society Senior Epidemiologist Lauren Teras, PhD, found that weight loss during a 10-year period did not appear to influence the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. However, her research did reveal that weight loss of 10 or more pounds that was maintained over at least 5 years might reduce breast cancer risk amongpostmenopausal women.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/6514651/Superhero-farewell-for-young-champion

• Breast Cancer Statistics, 2011, a report from the American Cancer Society Surveillance Research department, found that breast cancer mortality rates continue to decline steadily, and that the drop in mortality since 1990 has been larger among women under 50 (3.2% per year) than among women over 50 (2.0% per year). The report also finds that a slower and later decline in breast cancer death rates among women in poor areas has resulted in a shift in the highest breast cancer death rates from women residing in affluent areas to those in poor areas.

Putting Answers into Action

For more than 60 years, the American Cancer Society research program has been finding the answers that help us understand how to prevent, detect, and treat all cancer types, including breast cancer. With support from American Cancer Society funding during their careers, these pioneers in breast cancer research laid the foundation for breast cancer treatments that are saving lives today:

1950s – Stanley Cohen, PhD, discovered the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is linked to cell growth and multiple cancer types. Studies are currently under way to see if anti-EGFR drugs that are already used to treat other types of cancers, such as cetuximab (Erbitux®) and erlotinib (Tarceva®), might also work against breast cancer. Cohen was later awarded a Nobel Prize for his work.

1974 – V. Craig Jordan, PhD, showed that tamoxifen could prevent breast cancer in rats by binding to the estrogen receptor. Tamoxifen was approved by the FDA for treating estrogen receptor positive breast cancer in 1978.

1978 – Bernard Fisher, MD, Richard Love, MD, and V. Craig Jordan, PhD, developed and carried out the first trial of tamoxifen to prevent recurrence in breast cancer survivors.

1979 – Arnold Levine, MD, discovered the p53 protein, later shown to be a tumor suppressor gene mutated in more than half of all cancers, including breast cancer.

1988 – Dennis Slamon, MD, discovered that the her2/neu growth factor receptor is overexpressed in 15-30% of breast cancers, and is an unfavorable prognostic feature. Slamon went on to develop Herceptin (trastuzumab), which is used today to treat thousands of women with breast cancer.

1998 – Bernard Fisher, MD, reported that tamoxifen reduces the incidence of breast cancer by 49% in high-risk women.

2001 – Walt Disney-American Cancer Society Research Professor for Breast Cancer Mary Claire King, PhD, along with former Society grantee Bernard Fischer, MD, reported that tamoxifen prevents recurrence of breast cancer in BRCA2 but not BRCA1 patients.

Source: American Cancer Society

Related Links:

U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics

Managing Breast Cancer Fears

Breast cancer study: Lack of sleep is linked to aggressive breast cancers– Aug, 2012

Breast Cancer Drug May Harm the Heart More Than Thought

Drugs Approved for Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Treatment With Chemotherapy

Yoga May Help Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast Cancer Survivors Benefit From Meditation

How can I lower my risk of breast cancer?

Studies Confirm Natural Remedies for Fighting Breast Cancer

Can Tumeric Reduce the Spread of Breast Cancer? | New Research

Did Mother's Day Check Mark your Mammogram Screening?

What is Relay?

Cancer Prevention Study – 3

Could Vitamin D Supplementation be the New Replacement for Avastin?

Halaven shows a clear survival benefit and is an important new option for women with late-stage breast cancer.

Cancer Clinical Trials - Unlocking the puzzle for Cancer Survivors

Videos

Yoga for Breast Cancer - Chapter 2, Ujjayi Breath

Yoga for Breast Cancer - Chapter 3, Seated Side Bend

Your Top 5 Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

Understanding Cancer (Cancer #1)

FDA Pulls Approval of Avastin for Breast Cancer

Vitamin D: Breast Cancer Prevention & Treatment

ACS Grantee Talks About the Challenges of Getting Funded

2012-09-01T20:45:00.001-07:00

Vitamin D: Breast Cancer Prevention & Treatment

2012-09-01T20:07:00.001-07:00

FDA Pulls Approval of Avastin for Breast Cancer

2012-09-01T20:02:00.001-07:00

Understanding Cancer (Cancer #1)

2012-09-01T19:34:00.001-07:00

Your Top 5 Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

2012-09-01T19:30:00.001-07:00

Yoga for Breast Cancer - Chapter 3, Seated Side Bend

2012-09-01T19:16:00.001-07:00

Yoga for Breast Cancer - Chapter 2, Ujjayi Breath

2012-09-01T19:12:00.001-07:00

How to Administer Oxygen Therapy at Home

2012-08-02T19:50:00.001-07:00

How to Sync Energizing Yoga with Epidemic Diabetes?

2012-07-20T19:39:00.004-07:00

There is not a day when you don't hear the word "Diabetes" or find a person struggling with the debilitating disease. While ailing sufferers are combating with the condition every day, the research organizations are sweating it out for newer approaches to find cures. With their herculean efforts unveiling effective strategies, the revolutionary day celebrating a permanent cure for Type 1 diabetes is not far away. Additionally, the medical network is constantly panning for salient solutions to alleviate the burden of Diabetes. The condition not only continues to capture adults but also the young generation who have become vulnerable to the disease either genetically or by environmental factors.

By 2020, Type 2 diabetes is projected to cost the US $500 billion a year, and at that point over half of all Americans will have diabetes or pre-diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, data from the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet tallied a total of 25.8 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes, diagnosed and undiagnosed. Rather alarming was the count of 79 million people who are in prediabetic condition. Compared with non-Hispanic white adults, the risk of diagnosed diabetes was 18 percent higher among Asian Americans, 66 percent higher among Hispanics/Latinos, and 77 percent higher among non-Hispanic blacks. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that diabetes is a major issue in the general South Asian and Asian Indian community in the U.S.

Although medications and medical treatments are aiding the diabetic population, the search for alternative and complimentary remedies is strengthened by the motive itself. The practice of yoga is gaining momentum not only as a preventive measure but also as an aid to treat Type 2 diabetes, where the causes are influenced by life style and stress. The International Association of Yoga Therapists strongly believe that yoga stimulates the organs and improves metabolic activities. However, proper training is essential before individual practice. On the whole, studies indicate that yoga may benefit diabetes patients by trimming body fat, aiding in blood sugar control, fighting insulin resistance, and improving nerve function. The yoga poses included for the studies that proved beneficial for diabetes are Surya Namaskar, Trikonasana, Tadasana, Sukhasana, Padmasana, Bhastrika Pranayama, Pashimottanasana, Ardhmatsyendrasana, Pawanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, Dhanurasana and Shavasana.

The following are some basic Asanas or Yoga poses for obesity and diabetes:

1. Easy Pose (Sukhasana)

This is one of the classic meditative poses. It promotes inner calm and straightens the spine, opens the hips, and relieves tiredness. First, you start by sitting on the floor or a yoga mat. Cross your legs, placing your feet below your knees. Place your hands around your knees. It is important that you keep your head and body straight. This pose is effective if you breathe slowly for as long as it is comfortable watching the rhythm of the breath.

2. Pashimottanasana (The Forward Bend)

Sit up with your legs stretched out in front of you. Extend your arms above your head and give yourself a good long stretch. Begin moving forward by extending your arms forward, bending from the hips and keeping your legs straight. Alternately, bring your arms down, gradually bending forward. Soften, breathe, and relax. If you have strained movement, go as far as you can with straight legs, then bend your knees and allow your upper body to rest on your thighs. The objective of this pose is to decrease excess weight around the belly and to enhance more oxygenated blood due to the extra stretch given to the pelvic region.

3. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

First of all, stand straight such that your feet are in contact with each other. Now inhale and raise your heels up and stretching both hands together straight up over your head as much as possible such that palms facing to each other.

4. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

Begin, as in all of the standing postures, from a relaxed sama sthiti asana [stand with the legs slightly apart, just far enough that they are not in contact with each other. The feet will be a few inches apart - nearly together, but not touching. Likewise, stand with the spine erect, the neck and head in-line with the spine and the gaze directly forward. Let the arms relax without effort along side of the body with the palms open and facing forward]. Jump or step your feet wide apart and raise your arms to the level of the shoulders with the palms facing down. Depending on your height, the feet should be between 2.5 to 3.5 feet apart. Inhale and simultaneously turn your head to the right (with your gaze directed over your right hand) and turn your right foot outward to 90 degrees. Exhale and slowly bend sideways, dropping your right hand down toward the right ankle while at the same time stretching your left arm and hand straight upwards. Take long and slow breaths and try to stay in this position for 15 to 20 seconds. Gently, come out of the posture in the reverse manner, exhaling and slowly turning your neck and head to look down at the right hand again. Inhale and slowly come back up, bringing the arms back into a position parallel to the ground at the level of the shoulders. Turn the neck and head, along with the right foot again to face forward. Repeat the entire sequence on the left side.

5. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation Pose)

It is a flowing series of 12 poses which help improve strength and flexibility of the muscles and spinal column. First, start with the yoga mountain pose. Bring your palms together in prayer position. Exhale. As you inhale, raise your arms overhead, keeping your palms together. Exhale and then bend forward until your hands touch your feet. As you inhale, step the right leg back, arch back and lift your chin. Exhaling, step the left leg back into plank position. Keep your spine and legs in a straight line and support your weight on hands and feet. Retaining the breath, lower your knees, your chest and then your forehead, keeping your hips up and toes curled under. Inhaling, stretch forward and bend back. Keep your arms straight. Exhaling, curl your toes under, press down into your heels, and lift your hips. As you inhale, bring your right leg forward, with the top of the foot stretched out flat on the floor, and lift your chin. Exhale and then bend forward until your hands touch your feet. Inhaling, stretch your arms forward and over your head. Slowly bend backward from the waist. Exhaling, gently come back to Tadasana.

Reference:

Yoga Journal

Journal Reference:

Aljasir B, Bryson M, Al-Shehri B. "Yoga Practice for the Management of Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Adults: A systematic review." Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008 May 7.

Kosuri M, Sridhar GR. "Yoga practice in diabetes improves physical and psychological outcomes." Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2009 Dec;7(6):515-7.

Malhotra V, Singh S, Tandon OP, Sharma SB. "The beneficial effect of yoga in diabetes." Nepal Med Coll J. 2005 Dec;7(2):145-7.

Malhotra V, Singh S, Tandon OP, Madhu SV, Prasad A, Sharma SB. "Effect of Yoga asanas on nerve conduction in type 2 diabetes." Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2002 Jul;46(3):298-306.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. "National Diabetes Statistics, 2011". NIH Publication No. 11–3892. February 2011.

Sahay BK. "Role of yoga in diabetes." J Assoc Physicians India. 2007 Feb;55:121-6.

Pictures:

bienetrecolorado.wordpress.com/

www.yogajournal.com/

yogatraining4u.com/

deserthorseyoga.com/

yourspj.wordpress.com/

Did Mother's Day Check Mark your Mammogram Screening?

2012-05-13T06:34:00.000-07:00

Mammography Unit

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers! By the way, did your Mother’s Day check mark your mammogram screening? Every Mother’s Day is special for a mother and especially if it is a cancer-free day, it is a proud feeling to have conquered the battle against cancer.

Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.

X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special digital image recording plate.

Different parts of the body absorb the x-rays in varying degrees. Dense bone absorbs much of the radiation while soft tissue, such as muscle, fat and organs, allow more of the x-rays to pass through them. As a result, bones appear white on the x-ray, soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black.

Until recently, x-ray images were maintained as hard film copy (much like a photographic negative). Today, most images are digital files that are stored electronically. These stored images are easily accessible and are frequently compared to current x-ray images for diagnosis and disease management.

What the doctor looks for on your mammogram

The doctor reading your mammogram will look for several types of changes:

Calcifications are tiny mineral deposits within the breast tissue that appear as small white spots on the films. They may or may not be caused by cancer. There are 2 types of calcifications:

Macrocalcifications are coarse (larger) calcium deposits that most likely represent degenerative changes in the breasts, such as aging of the breast arteries, old injuries, or inflammation. These deposits are associated with benign (non-cancerous) conditions and do not require a biopsy. Macrocalcifications are found in about half the women over the age of 50, and in about 1 in 10 women younger than 50.
Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium in the breast. They may appear alone or in clusters. Microcalcifications seen on a mammogram are of more concern, but do not always mean that cancer is present. The shape and layout of microcalcifications help the radiologist judge how likely it is that cancer is present. In most instances, the presence of microcalcifications does not mean a biopsy is needed. If the microcalcifications look suspicious for cancer, a biopsy will be done.

Breast Lumps

A mass, which may occur with or without calcifications, is another important change seen on a mammogram. Masses are areas that look abnormal and they can be many things, including cysts (non-cancerous, fluid-filled sacs) and non-cancerous solid tumors (such as fibroadenomas).

Cysts can be simple fluid-filled sacs (known as simple cysts) or can be partially solid (known as complex cysts). Simple cysts are benign and don’t need to be biopsied. Any other type of mass (such as a complex cyst or a solid tumor) might need to be biopsied to be sure it isn’t cancer.

A cyst and a tumor can feel alike on a physical exam. They can also look the same on a mammogram. To confirm that a mass is really a cyst, a breast ultrasound is often done. Another option is to remove (aspirate) the fluid from the cyst with a thin, hollow needle.
If a mass is not a simple cyst (that is, if it is at least partly solid), then you may need to have more imaging tests. Some masses can be watched with periodic mammograms, while others may need a biopsy. The size, shape, and margins (edges) of the mass help the radiologist to determine if cancer may be present.

Having your previous mammograms available for the radiologist is very important. They can be helpful to show that a mass or calcification has not changed for many years. This would mean that it is probably a benign condition and a biopsy is not needed.

What are the benefits vs. risks?

Benefits

Imaging of the breast improves a physician's ability to detect small tumors. When cancers are small, the woman has more treatment options and a cure is more likely.
The use of screening mammography increases the detection of small abnormal tissue growths confined to the milk ducts in the breast, called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). These early tumors cannot harm patients if they are removed at this stage and mammography is the only proven method to reliably detect these tumors. It is also useful for detecting all types of breast cancer, including invasive ductal and invasive lobular cancer.
No radiation remains in a patient's body after an x-ray examination.
X-rays usually have no side effects in the diagnostic range.

Risks

There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.
The effective radiation dose for this procedure varies.
False Positive Mammograms. Five percent to 15 percent of screening mammograms require more testing such as additional mammograms or ultrasound. Most of these tests turn out to be normal. If there is an abnormal finding, a follow-up or biopsy may have to be performed. Most of the biopsies confirm that no cancer was present. It is estimated that a woman who has yearly mammograms between ages 40 and 49 has about a 30 percent chance of having a false-positive mammogram at some point in that decade and about a 7 percent to 8 percent chance of having a breast biopsy within the 10-year period.
Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

Source: Radiologyinfo.org/

What is Relay?

2012-04-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loves ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

At Relay events, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relay events are up to 24 hours long.

Each year, more than 3.5 million people in more than 5,100 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 19 other counties, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. Thanks to Relay participants, we are creating a world with more birthdays - a world where cancer never steals another year of anyone’s life.

Celebrating Survivors

A survivor is anyone who has ever heard the words “You have cancer.” We invite all cancer survivors in the community to attend Relay For Life because they are the reason we relay.

Our goal is to create a world where more people survive cancer – so they can celebrate another birthday. This year, nearly 12 million people will be able to do that thanks to the support of millions of dedicated Relay participants.

Survivors are the guests of honor at Relay events. There may be special T-shirts or sashes or a special reception for survivors and caregivers. Most Relay events open with the Survivors Lap, where survivors lead the way around the track while participants honor and applaud them. Being a part of the Survivors Lap allows survivors to celebrate what they’ve overcome while inspiring and motivating their community to fight. Survivors are proof that cancer can be defeated.

A Chance to Remember

One important aspect of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the opportunity for people to come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those who have won their battle. One of the most moving parts of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony.

As the sun sets over campsites and darkness falls, the night is brightened by the glow of illuminated bags called luminaria, each bearing the name of someone who has battled cancer. Some celebrate cancer survivors, while others help us honor and remember those gone too soon. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor.

Why Relay?

Everyone’s reason to relay is as unique as their own personal story. At Relay events, you can find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one to the disease. You have a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. You can thank all the people who have done so much to support you through your personal cancer experience. And you can gather together with friends, family, and colleagues to laugh, cry, and create lasting memories.

No matter why you take part in a Relay event, one thing is clear: with every step you take, you help the American Cancer Society save lives. With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Each person who shares the Relay experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or steal another year of anyone’s life.

For more information:

Visit RelayForLife.org

http://www.gwinnettrelayforlife.org/

Source:

American Cancer Society – cancer.org

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2012-04-23T18:16:00.001-07:00

Increase NIH funding to $33 billion! The proposed flat $30.7 billion dollars will hurt the economy and medical research!

2012-04-16T15:40:00.001-07:00

Funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports a massive, vital engine driving our economy, improving our nation's health, generating1,000,000 jobs, generating small businesses, advancing research, promoting medical education, and buttressing employment in all 50 states as well as non-state territories. It has been funded at decreasing, flat or sub-inflationary rates since 2003.

Thousands of promising careers, research projects, and laboratories have been aborted or closed down because of this funding crisis. Please tell our President that the proposed flat $30.7 billion budget will bring this crisis to a boiling point. Tell him to instead propose a $33 billion NIH budget for fiscal year 2013!

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