The Health News Blog

Happy Valentine's Day - Chocolate May Lower Your Risk of Stroke

2010-02-14T09:20:00.001-08:00

A study conducted at St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto has uncovered that eating chocolate may lower your risk of having a stroke. In addition, another study found that eating chocolate may also lower the risk of death after suffering a stroke.

Despite what people may think, chocolate is actually good for our health. It is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. These antioxidants in question may have a protective effect against stroke.

“The first study found that 44,489 people who ate one serving of chocolate per week were 22 percent less likely to have a stroke than people who ate no chocolate. The second study found that 1,169 people who ate 50 grams of chocolate once a week were 46 percent less likely to die following a stroke than people who did not eat chocolate.”

Although this research sounds promising for those of us with a sweet tooth, they have only managed to uncover one other study that supports their own research. Fortunately, that one study did not find a link between eating chocolate and increased risk of stroke or death.

Studies have already linked the consumption of small amounts of chocolate with certain health benefits prior to this study. Cocoa or dark chocolate has been said to benefit the circulatory system as cocoa possesses a significant antioxidant action that protects against LDL oxidation. Some studies have even observed a modest reduction in blood pressure and flow-mediated dilation after consuming dark chocolate daily.

“A study performed at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and appearing the Journal of Internal Medicine (September 2009), found that survivors of heart attacks who ate chocolate at least two or three times a week reduced their risk of death by a factor of up to three times compared to survivors who did not eat chocolate.”

Other known beneficial effects include: anticancer, brain stimulator, cough preventor and antidiarrhoeal effects. Research has discovered that theobromine, a chemical compound found in the cacao plant, is almost one third more effective than codeine. In addition, chocolate milk consumption assists in repairing muscle tissue following a workout. Moreover, other studies suggest that a specially formulated type of cocoa may delay brain function decline as people age.

On the other hand, milk chocolate or white chocolate, or drinking fat-containing milk with dark chocolate, appears to negate these health benefits, therefore not any and all amounts or kinds of chocolate suggest positive health benefits. Furthermore, the so-called aphrodisiac effect is still unproven. If anything, this news makes it possible to enjoy some chocolate this Valentine’s Day, without guilt as improved health may be a byproduct.

Can Chocolate Lower Your Risk of Stroke?
Chocolate

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Licorice Could Protect From Infection

2010-01-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

“In a new research report published in the January 2010 issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, a team of scientists from the University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners Hospitals for Children shows how a compound from licorice root (glycyrrhizin from Glycyrrhiza glabra) might be an effective tool in battling life-threatening, antibiotic-resistant infections resulting from severe burns.”

Glycyrrhizin is the main sweet tasting compound from liquorice root. It is 30–50 times as sweet as sucrose (table sugar).

The study observed the effect of glycyrrhizin on mice that suffered burns. The glycyrrhizin assisted in the creation of proteins called antimicrobial peptides. These proteins puncture the cell membranes of bacteria helping to ward off infections. This discovery could help improve the recovery of burn victims by avoiding complications with infection, thereby reducing associated rates of death.

Three groups of mice were studied: a normal sample, a burned and untreated sample, and a third group that was burned and treated with glycyrrhizin. Careful observation revealed that burned mice left untreated lacked any detectable antimicrobial peptides. Their skin also revealed immature myeloid cells. These cells indicate that the skin is not able to produce the much needed peptides to protect against infection. The skin of the mice in the normal sample did contain the antimicrobial peptides. The third group of mice treated with glycyrrhizin more closely resembled the normal mice with antimicrobial peptides and no immature myeloid cells.

Fujio Suzuki,Ph.D., a member of the research team, insists that “more research is necessary to determine if this finding would have any implications for people with cystic fibrosis, who can develop Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in their lungs.”

Pseudomonas is a genus of gamma proteobacteria, belonging to the larger family of pseudomonads. Pseudomonad literally means 'false unit', being derived from the Greek pseudo (false) and monas (a single unit). The term "monad" was used in the early history of microbiology to denote single-celled organisms.

For the biology experts, the characteristics of the pseudomonas genus are:

Rod shaped (A literal description of the shape of the bacteria)
Gram-negative (Bacteria that do not retain crystal violet dye in the Gram staining protocol. The test itself is used to classify two distinct types of bacteria based on the structural differences of their cell walls.)
One or more polar flagella (A tail-like projection that protrudes from the cell body of certain prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and functions in locomotion), providing motility (an ability to move spontaneously and actively, consuming energy in the process)
Aerobic (An ability to survive and grow in an oxygenated environment.)
Non–spore forming (A spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions)
Positive catalase test (A common enzyme found in nearly all living organisms which are exposed to oxygen, where it functions to catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. Pathogens that are catalase-positive make catalase in order to deactivate the peroxide radicals, thus allowing them to survive unharmed within the host.)

Most Pseudomonas are naturally resistant to penicillin and the majority of related antibiotics. The ability to thrive in harsh conditions is a result of their hardy cell wall that contains porins. Their resistance to most antibiotics is attributed to efflux pumps which pump out some antibiotics before they are able to act.

Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, John Wherry, Ph.D., hopes that this research will serve as an important step toward developing medications that will help to prevent and/or treat Pseudomonas.

Licorice Root: Trip to the Candy Store Might Help Ward Off Rare, but Deadly Infections
Pseudomonas

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Vitamin C May Cure Werner's Syndrome

2010-01-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

A team of Canadian researchers have discovered that vitamin C stops and reverses the aging effects of Werner’s syndrome in mice. Their results can be found in the January 2010 print issue of the FASEB Journal. This fascinating news may some day be used to treat this disease in humans and may even be applicable to other progeroid syndromes.

Werner Syndrome, also known as "Adult progeria" is a very rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the appearance of premature aging. It is sometimes referred to as progeroid syndrome as it more closely resembles accelerated aging than any other segmental progeria.

The defect of Werner Syndrome is located on the short arm of the 8th chromosome. The disorder is directly caused by shorter-than-normal length telomere maintenance. This lack of protection from deterioration at the end of the chromosome results in impaired DNA replication.

Individuals with this syndrome typically develop normally until they reach puberty. Following puberty they age rapidly, so that by age 40 they often appear several decades older. The age of onset of Werner syndrome is variable, but an early sign is the lack of a teenage growth spurt, which results in short stature. Other signs and symptoms appear when affected individuals are in their twenties or thirties and include loss and graying of hair, hoarseness of the voice, thickening of the skin, and cloudy lenses in both eyes. Overall, people affected by Werner syndrome have thin arms and legs and a thick torso.

Affected individuals typically have a characteristic facial appearance described as “bird-like” by the time they reach their thirties. Patients with Werner syndrome also exhibit genomic instability, hypogonadism, and various age-associated disorders, such as cancer, heart disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and cataracts. However, not all characteristics of old-age are present in Werner patients; for instance, senility is not seen in individuals with Werner syndrome. People affected by Werner syndrome usually do not live past their late forties or early fifties, often dying from the results of cancer or heart disease.

In this study, “scientists treated both normal mice and mice with a mutation in the gene responsible for Werner's syndrome (WRN gene) with vitamin C in drinking water. Before treatment, the mice with a mutated WRN gene were fat, diabetic, and developing heart disease and cancer. After treatment, the mutant mice were as healthy as the normal mice and lived a normal lifespan. Vitamin C also improved how the mice stored and burned fat, decreased tissue inflammation and decreased oxidative stress in the WRN mice. The healthy mice did not appear to benefit from vitamin C.”

Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient for humans, in which it functions as a vitamin.

Some recommend the following daily dose of vitamin C:

75 mg/day: the United Kingdom's Food Standards Agency
45 mg/day: the World Health Organization
60 mg/day: Health Canada 2007
60–95 mg/day: United States' National Academy of Sciences

Vitamin C has proven over time to be a valid treatment and necessary nutrient in the prevention of scurvy. Scurvy is commonly associated with other diseases of malnutrition. Most diets in industrialized nations are vitamin C rich enough to prevent such diseases.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Individuals should ensure adequate intake for health reasons, but supplements are probably not necessary in most cases.

Some studies have discovered that high doses of vitamin C may have protective effects on lead-induced nerve and muscle abnormalities, especially in smokers.
In addition, there exists a vast amount of research on Vitamin C's effect on the common cold.

However, too much vitamin C has been linked to the following:

indigestion
diarrhea
vomiting
flushing of the face
headache
fatigue
disturbed sleep
skin rashes in infants
iron poisoning in people with rare iron overload disorders
kidney stones
suppression of progesterone production from the corpus luteum which could lead to miscarriage
decreases in mitochondria production

The research suggests that vitamin C appears to be quite beneficial for some, but not others. It seems that those with a mutation in the WRN gene or any gene affected by the WRN protein, which results in accelerated aging, may benefit from a little extra vitamin C.

Sources:
Vitamin C 'Cures' Mice With Accelerated Aging Disease
Werner Syndrome
Vitamin C

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Professional Tips For Fighting The Holiday Hangover

2009-12-31T09:58:00.000-08:00

Some simple, yet informative, hangover cures seem to be just what the doctor ordered in light of the holiday season. If you happen to overindulge during the celebrations, Dietitian, Tristaca Caldwell, explains that there are two main reasons that we are doomed by hangovers: dehydration and a build-up of acetaldehyde. How does she suggest we beat the dreaded hangover?

First, she suggests that ingesting plenty of water and other fluids, such as fruit juices, are fundamental when fighting a hangover. Second, the elimination of alcohol from the body forces the loss of electrolytes and potassium, which means that these need to be restored. Eating antioxidant-rich fruits like strawberries, blueberries and bananas will aid in this process. “I always recommend freshly grated or puréed ginger [...] it detoxifies the liver and helps repair the organ that has been working in overdrive all night long [...] it also decreases nausea”. Third, simple exercise that speeds up the metabolism and causes you to sweat will clear out the remaining alcohol from your system.

One of her recipes:

Ginger Fruit Smoothie

1 tbsp pureed ginger
1/2 cup each of blueberries and strawberries
1 banana
1 cup of milk
2 tbsp flax seeds
1 cup ice

Blend together. Add a touch of honey for sweetness if you prefer.

Will make 2 big smoothies. Serve with a side of scrambled eggs for the ultimate hangover fighter (smoothie is high in antioxidants, potassium,omega-3's, and ginger which is a liver detoxifier and nausea fighter).

In addition, Pharmacist, Craig Whistance-Smith concurs that rehydrating with water and mineral-replenishing sports drinks are crucial. This may be hard to swallow, but he suggests avoiding the “oh so good morning after coffee” as its diuretic effects lead to increased urination causing further dehydration, thus prolonging your hangover. “Ibuprofen can be helpful when it comes to dulling the pain, but it should be taken with food because it has a tendency to irritate the stomach when taken alone and may increase the nausea that you’re experiencing.” You should be sure to avoid any medication that contains acetaminophen as it may be toxic to your alcohol soaked liver. He suggests gravol for nausea, but cautions that it may cause further drowsiness.

Furthermore, Naturopath, Dr. John Dempster states that “when you’re dealing with a hangover, you’re trying to stimulate your liver and replenish the water and nutrients that have been stripped from the body”. He also suggests rehydrating with plenty of water and real fruit juices. Additionally, he believes that liver-detoxifying supplements, such as milk thistle pills, glutathione and dandelion extract mixed with water will help to recover from the ill effects of over consumption of alcohol. Of course, if you’ve got a serious hangover and probably a few damaged brain cells you could have him administer an IV drip composed of magnesium, calcium, zinc, B-vitamins, vitamin C and amino acids to cure your hangover for the small fee of $95 to $120!! Personally, I suggest duking it out with water first.

Happy New Year!

How to fight a hangover

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Medication That Treated Gonorrhea Could Help Fight Cancer

2009-11-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is placing many older medications under the microscope to see if they may have other functions than that in which they had once been marketed. One of these medications, acriflavine, was used in the 1930s for the treatment of gonorrhea.

Results suggest it may help in the fight against cancer. “The drug, acriflavine, used in the 1930s for treating gonorrhea, has turned out to have the previously unknown ability to halt the growth of new blood vessels. Preliminary tests showed that mice engineered to develop cancer had no tumor growth if treated with daily injections of acriflavine.”

Dr. Greg Semenza, Professor C. Michael Armstrong and the director of vascular program at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Cell Engineering explain that because cancer cells divide so quickly they require plenty of oxygen to fuel the growth of a tumor. The supply of oxygen demands many new blood vessels to carry the oxygen to the cancer cells so that the tumor may continue to grow.

“Acriflavine stops blood vessel growth by inhibiting the function of the protein hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1”. If a cell is low on oxygen, HIF-1 will ensure genes are put to work to create new blood vessels to increase the flow of oxygen. Scientists in the study used a cell model to illustrate that when subunits of the HIF-1 would bind together it would cause the cell to light up. Next, over 3,000 drugs were tested until they found one, acriflavine, which turned the cell light out.

Professor Jun Liu hopes that some day this drug could be added to existing cancer treatments to prevent tumor growth so that more people win their battles with cancer.

“Hopkins is seeking even more new uses for old drugs. So far, drugs in the library have been screened for use against malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and the Ebola virus. In the future, Liu expects even more researchers to take advantage of the library, which is continuing to grow as more drugs are added to the collection.”

1930s Drug Slows Tumor Growth: Gonorrhea Medication Might Help Fight Cancer

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The Debate Continues For The H1N1 Vaccine

2009-11-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

With the rising numbers of confirmed cases, rise the numbers of paranoid individuals lining up for their shot of reassurance in hopes of protecting themselves from the deadly H1N1 virus.

Fifty million doses of the vaccine are currently being doled out across Canada; however supplies are quickly becoming scarce. Experts say the vaccine “will afford powerful protection against the generally mild, though occasionally lethal, pandemic bug.” However, despite the vast amounts of people rushing to get vaccinated, many fear the vaccine itself to be more deadly than the bug.

“I don't believe in the flu shot," said a typical posting on a Canadian news website this week, which went on to suggest the vaccine could have the same effects on pregnant women as Thalidomide. "I refuse to be a guinea pig."

Many seem torn between thoughts that the government took too long to begin vaccinations or that they reacted too quickly without rigorous testing on the vaccine. Many Canadians fear that the adjuvant (oil, water and vitamin E mixture) might create dangerous auto-immune reactions. This very real fear likely stems from the ongoing controversy about the possibility that the adjuvant-based anthrax vaccine may have played a part in the various auto-immune reactions of those suffering from Gulf War Syndrome. At least pregnant women and children will be offered a non-adjuvant version due to lack of testing on those groups.

Statistics show that the more knowledge we have, the more likely we will not get vaccinated. Currently 49% are not planning to get vaccinated compared to only 38% who had not planned to back in July of this year.

“According to the Ipsos-Reid survey, 34 per cent of Canadians aren't certain it is safe and 29 per cent believe they could get sick from the vaccine itself. Similarly, the Harvard survey found that 30 per cent of those opposed to the vaccine fear side effects, while 28 per cent believe H1N1 isn't sufficiently serious to warrant vaccination.”

Should society feel morally obligated to get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus and avoid possible deaths? It seems that a large percentage of the population feel the answer is no. For one, the anti-vaccination movement thrives on individual tragedies to build and maintain their following. For many, news reports can repeatedly affirm “that H1N1 has been responsible for at least 88 deaths, 1,500 hospitalizations and 300 critical care admissions in Canada this year -- but that pales in comparison to the story of one child ostensibly devastated by a vaccine.”

Are our benefits really outweighed by any risks of this vaccine?

Some interesting facts to consider when making your decision…

399,232 - Number of confirmed H1N1 influenza cases, as of Oct. 11. (WHO)

4,735 - Number of reported deaths associated with H1N1 influenza, as of Oct. 11. (WHO)

774 - Number of people who died in the United States from SARS in 2002-2003.

700 - Minimum estimate of deaths worldwide each day related to the seasonal flu.

403 - Cost of vaccine, in millions of Canadian dollars, shared 60-40 by the federal and provincial governments.

300 - Number of pigs, in thousands, slaughtered in Egypt in April 2009, as a precaution against swine flu, even though no cases had been reported there at the time.

250 - Number of people, in thousands, (ranging up to 500,000) worldwide who die each year from seasonal influenza, according to the World Health Organization.

200 - Number of body bags ordered by the nurse-in-charge on Manitoba's Wasagamack First Nation reserve, in preparation for a potential second wave of the swine flu.

98 - Percentage of intensive-care unit H1N1 cases in Canada that had a co-morbid condition such as high blood pressure, smoking and substance abuse.

50 - Number of doses, in millions, of H1N1 vaccine purchased in advance by the Canadian federal government.

50 - Percentage increase in sales of hand-sanitizer in August 2009 over August 2008 in the United States.

32 - Average age of intensive care unit H1N1 cases in Canada.

11 - Percentage drop in the global pork trade as of August 2009.

0 - Number of studies that show adverse side effects from adding adjuvant to flu vaccine.

Let the paranoia begin…

POST-GAME HANDSHAKES
In the first week of October, the B.C. Soccer Association issued an email edict directing teams to stop shaking hands after a match.

DELAY OF PREGNANCY
On July 19, Britain's Department of Health issued a statement recommending that "it may be sensible for those trying for children to consider delaying conception whilst the pandemic is going on."

PARISIAN PECKS
In September, French schools, companies and a Health Ministry hotline began telling students and employees to avoid the cheek-to-cheek ritual as a precaution against cross-contamination.

TRAVEL TO MEXICO
According to Mexico's National Chamber of Passenger and Tourism Transport, the month of May saw a 30% decline in international visitors to Mexico, leaving the country's top 15 resorts with occupancy rates as low as 20%. On May 1, the government of China suspended all direct flights from Mexico to Shanghai.

STATE OF EMERGENCY
On April 28, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, pictured, declared a state of emergency over the H1N1 outbreak. Maine Gov. John Baldacci and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland followed suit on Sept. 2 and Oct. 7 respectively.

COMMUNAL CANDY JARS
On Oct. 14, California's Novato Fire Protection District posted a statement to its Facebook page advising people to "limit the handling of food items from 'community' containers such as cookie and candy jars."

A HOLY PROBLEM
On Sept. 29, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops said a number of archdioceses had issued flu guidelines to 5,000 parishes. The guidelines included emptying holy water fonts, and avoiding sprinkling holy water on the faithful.

FASHION CRIME?
On Oct. 22, an unidentified male sporting a surgical mask robbed a Bank of Montreal in Leduc, Alta. He slipped a note to the teller demanding an undisclosed amount, then fled on foot.

Some important questions anwered: H1N1 Vaccine Q & A

Sources:
A vexing vaccine
A 'medical narrative' may help persuade Canadians to take the H1N1 vaccine
Gulf War syndrome

© www.thehealthnewsblog.com

Another Step Closer to Repairing Damaged Heart Tissue

2009-10-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Dr. Kelly R. Stevens, Dr. Charles "Chuck" Murry and fellow researchers of the University of Washington have successfully overcome several glitches standing in the way of the development of human tissue patches that can repair damaged hearts.

These patches range from less than a millimeter to a half-inch in diameter. Previously fabricated heart tissues failed during transplantation because nutrients and oxygen could not reach the center of the patch. In addition, the scaffolding materials that were used to position the cells proved to be harmful at times.

Since previous attempts had failed because the patches composed of only heart muscle cells would not survive long enough after transplantation, the researchers observed the possibility of adding supply lines for oxygen and nutrients.

The researchers added cells similar to those that line our blood vessels and cells that provide muscular support for blood vessels. These cells were derived from embryonic stem cells or cells from more mature sources like the umbilical cord.

Researchers believe that the tissue’s ability to form blood vessels made the difference in the survival of the patches. Blood could flow to the patch in the rat’s circulatory system because of the pre-formed vessels within the patch. Also, the supporting cells helped to strengthen the patch to more closely resemble human heart muscle. Furthermore, the patches grew to be 10 times larger than patches from other research trials.

“Equally as exciting, the scientists observed that the patches of engineered tissue actively contracted. Moreover, these contractions could be electronically paced, up to what would translate to 120 beats per minute. Beyond that point, the tissue patch didn't relax fully and the contractions weakened. However, the average resting adult heart pulses about 70 beats per minute. This suggests that the engineered tissue could, within limits, theoretically keep pace with typical adult heart muscle, according to the study authors.”

The results show much promise for treating tissue damage due to heart attack. In addition, the study sheds new light on designing and transplanting tissue for other
types of regenerative therapies unrelated to heart disease.

A major obstacle remains the likelihood that our immune systems will accept and not reject the transplant without having to take medications for the rest of our lives. Murry hopes that further research will uncover ways to create tissues from a person’s own cells so that the body will recognize the patches as ‘self’ tissue.

Researchers seem to be on the right track, however much more testing is needed to determine whether the implants actually improve physical functioning. Hopefully this new treatment could be put into practice some day soon and significantly improve the lives of those who have suffered heart attacks, thereby altering the currently staggering prognosis for many.

Major Improvements Made In Engineering Heart Repair Patches From Stem Cells

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Separate Beds May Be Healthier For Couples

2009-09-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

Experts reveal that sleeping separately may be more beneficial to a couple’s individual health than sleeping together. Dr Neil Stanley maintains that sharing a bed can create many problems between couples, while sleeping in one’s own bed can ensure a quality night’s sleep.

He also makes it clear that bed sharing is really a very modern concept and it is mainly a result of overcrowding in small living spaces when people had no choice but to begin sharing beds. “Before the Victorian era it was not uncommon for married couples to sleep apart. In ancient Rome, the marital bed was a place for sexual congress but not for sleeping. “

Sharing a bed can create all sorts of difficulties between couples that can negatively impact health and well-being. Quarrels about snoring or bed hogging seem to suggest that sharing a bed can do more harm than good.

Dr. Stanley found that in one study couples who share beds have 50% more sleep disturbances than those who sleep separately. Besides, poor sleep is linked to a variety of health problems, such as depression, heart disease, stroke, and lung disorders. In addition, sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of traffic and industrial accidents as well as divorce.

Couples may think they get better sleep with their partner near, however much of the evidence supports the exact opposite says Dr Robert Meadows, a sociologist at the University of Surrey. “Based on 40 couples, he found that when couples share a bed and one of them moves in his or her sleep, there is a 50% chance that their slumbering partner will be disturbed as a result.” Despite, the facts, research suggests that only 8% of couples in their 40s and 50s sleep separately.

It would be interesting to examine more research and statistics regarding divorce rates among couples who sleep together versus separately. Personally, it seems some closeness gained from spending your nights together will be lost, which could have an impact on the relationship. On the other hand, if sleep is greatly disturbed by a partner, one may be happier and less likely to fight during waking hours if they maintain healthy sleep patterns in separate rooms, which would likely lead to a better and longer lasting relationship.

"It's about what makes you happy. If you've been sleeping together and you both sleep perfectly well, then don't change, but don't be afraid to do something different”, says Dr. Stanley.

A few things to consider…

A large, new study, provides the latest in a flurry of evidence suggesting that the nation's obesity epidemic is being driven, at least in part, by a corresponding decrease in the average number of hours that Americans are sleeping, possibly by disrupting hormones that regulate appetite.

Several reports from the Harvard-run Nurses' Health Study link insufficient or irregular sleep to increased risk for colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Physiologic studies suggest that a sleep deficit may put the body into a state of high alert, increasing the production of stress hormones and driving up blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

Moreover, people who are sleep-deprived have elevated levels of substances in the blood that indicate a heightened state of inflammation in the body, which has also recently emerged as a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.

Other studies have found that sleep influences the functioning of the lining inside blood vessels, which could explain why people are most prone to heart attacks and strokes during early morning hours.

Other researchers have found that even mild sleep deprivation quickly disrupts normal levels of the recently discovered hormones ghrelin and leptin, which regulate appetite.

In addition, studies show sleep-deprived people tend to develop problems regulating their blood sugar, which may put them at increased risk for diabetes.

Scientists Finding Out What Losing Sleep Does to a Body
Bed sharing 'bad for your health

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New Portable Kidneys May Benefit Dialysis Patients

2009-08-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

What do the kidneys do?

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines. Every day, a person’s kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood to sift out about 2 quarts of waste products and extra water. The wastes and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder stores urine until releasing it through urination.

What happens if the kidneys fail completely?

Total or nearly total and permanent kidney failure is called ESRD. If a person’s kidneys stop working completely, the body fills with extra water and waste products. This condition is called uremia. Hands or feet may swell. A person will feel tired and weak because the body needs clean blood to function properly.

Untreated uremia may lead to seizures or coma and will ultimately result in death. A person whose kidneys stop working completely will need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Dialysis patients may soon benefit from a Wearable Artificial Kidney according to the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN). The idea behind this new development is that the 10 lb artificial kidney, worn like a belt, will allow patients to continue to live a normal life without having to endure several hours of intense treatment each week. The miniature dialysis machine, which runs on 2 nine volt batteries, will function more like a regular kidney where dialysis is performed at a continuous rate, 24 hours a day; 7 days a week, says Victor Gura, MD of David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Despite obvious benefits, it appears, on the surface, that this new device will free up space in our health care system, reduce health care costs, and decrease mortality rates among patients awaiting organ donors. However, it also seems that dialysis patients may be less closely monitored by physicians with their new found freedom. What will happen if there is a technical malfunction? Will paramedics pick up the slack from the alleviated hospitals? Perhaps this new device may not be a godsend, but it’s definitely an improvement worth exploring.

Some interesting facts…

Kidney disease can strike anyone at any age.

An estimated 2 million Canadians have kidney disease, or are at risk.

Each day, an average of 14 Canadians learns that their kidneys have failed.

If kidney failure is not treated, people die within days or weeks.

In 2005, there were 32,375 Canadians on renal replacement therapy and this number is expected to double over the next 10 years.

Over half of all new patients in 2005 were 65 years or older.

The three leading causes of kidney failure in new patients are:

Diabetes - 35%

Renal Vascular Disease (including high blood pressure) - 19.5%

Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidney which clean the blood) - 11.5%

Among the 32,375 patients on renal replacement therapy on December 31, 2005:

12,654 or 39% had a functioning transplant

19,721 or 61% were on dialysis

Among the 19,721 patients on dialysis at year-end 2005:

16,047 or 81% were on hemodialysis

3,674 or 19% were on peritoneal dialysis

The sale and purchase of organs for transplant is illegal in Canada.

Of the 4,240 Canadians on the waiting list for a transplant (as of December 2006), 3,075 were awaiting a kidney transplant.

Of the 1,202 kidney transplants performed in 2006, 40% were from living donors.

Natrional Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC)
Hello Wearable Kidney, Goodbye Dialysis Machine
The Kidney Foundation of Canada – Ontario

© www.thehealthnewsblog.com

GUEST POST: Coping With Losing Someone to Mesothelioma

2009-07-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Losing a loved one to cancer (or any other illness) is very hard for anyone. You sometimes wonder, “why them? Why did this have to happen to that person?” It’s even more difficult when there’s evidence to suggest the death could have been avoided.

A rare cancer known as mesothelioma presents a situation like this. One of the only known causes for this kind of cancer is exposure to a naturally occurring mineral called asbestos. Asbestos was valued because of its durability and resistance to fire and it was used widely for the better part of the 20th century in many military and industrial applications. The most common uses were insulation, flooring, piping and brake lining.

Occupational asbestos exposure is the cause for the majority of diagnosed cases. In spite of the fact that many of the companies that produced asbestos products were conscious of the health risks related with the substance, they proceeded to mass produce it to maximize their profits. Many people who were exposed were not made aware of the situation and were never told the proper ways to prevent exposure.

Additional causative factors to the difficult process of mourning the loss of someone to mesothelioma are the suddenness of the onset of noticeable symptoms, diagnosis and the typically poor prognosis. Mesothelioma symptoms on average take 25 to 50 years after initial exposure to begin showing. By this time the cancer is in its advanced stages and treatment options are restricted. The typical life expectancy after diagnosis is about one year.

Obviously when you combine all the issues and circumstances surrounding mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases, it causes quite a number of different emotions for both the victim and the ones close to them. They may feel anger at the people who allowed asbestos to be used so widely with no warning of its adverse health effects. They may feel frustration at a typically futile situation or shock because of the suddenness and quickness that the disease takes its toll.

Those left behind may deal with these emotions in a number of different ways. The anger people feel sometimes leads them to take legal action against whoever was ultimately responsible for their loved one’s death. The sadness or grief they feel may motivate them to do all they can to raise awareness about this disease to prevent further exposure and saves the lives of others. Either one of these actions could be seen by the bereaved as a way of “righting the wrong” so to speak.

Generally, everyone deals with the same emotions when they lose a loved one, no matter what the circumstances. But diseases like mesothelioma that can be traced back to an omission of information for the purpose of making money tend to emphasize some of those emotions a little bit more. Always remember that anyone who lets these emotions interfere with their daily lives may need assistance seeking help from a professional.

By line:
The article is written by Richard at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center. Having lost a family member to mesothelioma nine years ago, he is very aware of and has experienced first-hand the emotions a family goes through when losing someone to an illness that could have been easily prevented.

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Popular Bypass Surgery Methods Under Scrutiny

2009-07-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Scientists at Duke Clinical Research Institute have concluded, in a recent study, that endoscopic vein extraction is more dangerous than traditional open harvesting of veins.

In minimally invasive, or endoscopic, harvesting, a clinician pulls a vein through a leg incision, using instruments to bore a tunnel and see inside it. The leg vein is then used to craft a bypass around a blocked coronary artery. Driven by faster recovery times and fewer wound complications, the endoscopic technique largely displaced open-leg harvesting, in which doctors cut the leg from ankle to groin to remove the vein.

Endoscopic harvesting has become the more common approach because it is less invasive. This technique is used in at least 70% of cases and about 300,000 times a year among U.S. patients.

Researchers studied data gathered from another study where 1,753 patients underwent endoscopic vein extraction versus 1,247 patients that underwent open vein extraction. The study concluded that 7.4% of patients who underwent the endoscopic vein extraction method died within 3 years of the surgery, whereas 5.8% died within 3 years of the traditional method. The causes of death were not known, however the researchers speculate that there is some link to the bypass surgery.

Random assignment is obviously not possible therefore the research design is flawed. Despite this lack of credibility, the research suggests that this method may be less invasive to the patient, but more damaging to the vein.

The researchers suggested that the adverse effects of endoscopic harvesting may stem from a greater damage inflicted on the vein as it’s pulled out. The pressurized surgical tunnel may cause blood to clot, damaging the vein. Endoscopic devices also generate heat, which may burn parts of the vein.

Although there is much skepticism surrounding the research methods of this study it has certainly caused enough concern to make surgeons consider various precautions when performing this type of bypass surgery. For instance, Dr. Michael Mack prescribes the blood thinner Heparin to protect veins from clotting during the procedure. Also, Dr. Robert Poston uses infrared imaging to watch closely for tears in the veins during extraction.

Of course, large companies producing endoscopic devices are quite skeptical of the results, especially when sale revenues reached $165 million last year. Not surprisingly, but thankfully, Patrick Walsh of Maquet Cardiovascular states that their company is continually seeking to improve their product.

After all, that should be the aim of such studies; to promote change that will improve efficacy of current products and methods resulting in fewer deaths and improved health.

Study Questions Popular Practice in Bypass Surgery

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GUEST POST: Study Finds that Antioxidants Might Make Breast Cancer Treatments Less Effective

2009-06-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

A recent study has found that antioxidants – which have been credited as beneficial to preventing cancer – may interfere with breast cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.

CNN.com reports that some patients actually take an increased number of antioxidants and vitamins like beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and selenium to supplement their treatments, but the health journal Cancer is now revealing that those high-powered antioxidants may make their traditional treatments less effective. The study found that of 60.5 percent of women who took antioxidants with their cancer treatment, 69.3 percent were taking extra high doses.

Antioxidants are traditionally perceived to be a natural way to lower your risk of cancer because they protect cells from free radicals. But chemotherapy and radiation actually produce free radicals to fight the cancer cells. Thus, the study finds, these antioxidants may actually be protecting the cancer cells. The American Cancer Society, as well as many other health and medical resources, have publicized the apparent benefits of antioxidants in terms of preventing cancer, especially stomach cancer. It is unclear whether or not other cancers respond as well to antioxidant supplements.

CNN.com also reports that the study is being viewed as inconclusive, and patients don’t need to give up all of their antioxidants just yet. Before making any sudden changes in treatment, they should consult with their doctors.

Antioxidants that occur naturally are found in berries like strawberries, blueberries and cranberries; tomatoes; broccoli; red grapes; kale; spinach; carrots; soy; and beans like red kidney beans, black beans and pinto beans. Researchers still believe that a diet rich in antioxidants is still helpful in reducing your risk of cancer, though it is unclear how many and which types of antioxidants are best.

This post was contributed by Meredith Walker, who writes about the masters of healthcare degrees. She welcomes your feedback at MeredithWalker1983 at gmail.com

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New Contraceptive For Women May Prevent HIV

2009-05-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered a new contraception that may prevent HIV transmission, in addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy. “The new device is a vaginal ring that releases multiple types of non-hormonal agents and microbicides, which would prevent conception as well as sexually transmitted HIV infection.”

This ring also contains several antiviral drugs, such as Boc-lysinated betulonic acid, TMC120 (dapivirine), PMPA, and 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT or zidovudine), which prevent HIV and are released over a 28 day period. This combination of medication has been proven to block cells that become exposed to the HIV virus.

“Traditionally, similar devices have used hormonal compounds that have been linked to increased risk of breast and cervical cancers, or spermicidal compounds that kill sperm, but may lead to irritation and inflammation.” There has not been sufficient testing for this new device to provide conclusive evidence that these agents will not be harmful, however, unlike oral contraceptives, this method prevents prolonged use of hormones, which has also been linked to increased risk of certain forms of cancer.

If proven to be safe and efficient, this new device could help women avoid unwanted pregnancy and protect themselves from STIs more effectively than current available methods.

New Contraceptive Device Is Designed To Prevent Sexual Transmission Of HIV

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Swine Flu, Now A Public Health Emergency

2009-04-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

The Secretary of the Department Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, has declared a public health emergency in the United States as new human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection are identified in the United States and internationally. As of today, the United States has confirmed 40 cases of the virus, Mexico has confirmed 26, Canada 6 and Spain 1 case, however no deaths have occurred. More information can be shared and brought forward with this response and challenges resulting from the virus can be more easily overcome, which will lead to lowered rates of transmission and illness severity.

The swine flu or swine influenza A (H1N1) “is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending common-sense everyday actions to stay healthy, such as covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, washing yours hands, avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and avoiding close contact with sick people.

“In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak.” Oseltamivir and zanamivir are currently being recommended for treatment of the swine influenza.

Stay tuned…

Swine Flu: Public Health Emergency Declared, Investigation Continues

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First Convicted HIV Killer in Canada

2009-04-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

Johnson Aziga, a 52-year-old Ugandan Immigrant and employee of the Ministry of Attorney General in Hamilton, Ontario has been convicted of first degree murder as 2 of his victims have died of AIDS-related illnesses. Since the trial began in October 2008, Aziga has also been found guilty of 10 counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of attempted aggravated sexual assault. "It's certainly precedent-setting here in Canada because we now have a conviction for first-degree murder involving HIV transmission," prosecutor Karen Shea told the Ottawa Citizen. The actual sentencing is scheduled for May 7, 2009.

“Aziga had been aware he was carrying HIV since 1996 and public health officials had ordered him to disclose his illness to any potential sexual partners.” Despite this obligation, Johnson Aziga had unprotected sex with female co-workers and women he had met in bars following his diagnosis. In total, seven women were infected with HIV because of this man. The two women who died from AIDS-related illnesses met Aziga while he was working for the Ontario Government.

The defense attempted to argue that a brain disorder and personal problems prevented Aziga from purposely causing harm. However, a jury of 3 women and 9 men issued their verdict after three days of deliberation concluding that the illnesses and deaths were directly caused by Johnson Aziga.

Dr. Mark Wainberg, of McGill University, believes that this trial is doing more harm than good. He considers that the precedence this case is setting might deter people from HIV testing as conviction cannot occur when a person is unaware that they carry the disease. Consequently, lower rates of HIV testing would likely lead to more rapid spread of the disease. In addition, “delaying testing also means that many HIV-infected persons may not be diagnosed for several years after infection, thus giving the virus additional time to replicate and cause significant, often irreversible, damage to the immune system”. He has also alluded to the fact that the outcome of this trial absolves a victim of all personal responsibility.

Although, Dr. Wainberg’s warnings may be accurate, it seems hard to defend Aziga’s case when he shares the same subtype of HIV, ‘clade A’, with his victims. This subtype infects fewer than 2% of HIV carriers in Canada, but is endemic in Uganda.

In spite of this debate, the effects could be disastrous if there are no repercussions for willfully transmitting HIV, but as Dr. Wainberg points out, equally terrible results could be had from this conviction.

Crown closes case in Aziga HIV trial

Aziga found guilty of first-degree murder

The Johnson Aziga Case: HIV transmission should not be a crime

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The Affects of Cancer and Treatment Hinder Academic Success for Childhood Survivors

2009-04-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

A study funded by the Canadian Cancer Society reviewed the British Columbia Cancer Registry for 800 childhood cancer survivors that survived more than 5 years post-diagnosis and attended school between 1995 and 2004. Researchers’ uncovered findings that suggest child cancer survivors often have learning difficulties and barriers to learning.

Their results indicate that these children are more likely to access special education services. Also, some survivors who have been diagnosed with central nervous system tumours seem to have poor performance in school subjects such as math and reading. In addition, girls who have recently received radiation treatment for brain cancer have an even greater risk for poor academic achievement.

Barbara Kaminsky, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, explains that some survivors have overcome great odds and survived, however they may have sacrificed their quality of life in order to do so.

Consequently, there may be various after affects experienced by these survivors, which can be related to the disease itself or its associated rigorous treatments. For example,

“Brandon Radnai is a cancer survivor who is still living with the effects, nine years after he was treated for Stage 4 medulloblastoma, a brain tumour that had spread down his spine.

He underwent surgery, aggressive chemotherapy and 41 radiation treatments. Despite his poor initial outlook, Brandon survived. But he lives with ongoing health challenges.

Brandon recently had surgery on his back to help with pain and improve mobility. He has trouble keeping weight on and needs food supplements and growth hormones. And while he wears hearing aids because of the damage to his hearing, he is increasingly becoming deaf.”

The results of this population-based study are the first of its kind and could have a significant impact on the academic success of cancer survivors if put to good use. The study could help improve educational programming by pointing out problematic learning areas and deficits. That being said, it could be that learning problems only exist because we are not able to properly accommodate the needs of child cancer survivors.

Cancer survivors often struggle in school: study

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Hot Tea Increases Risk of Oesophageal Cancer

2009-03-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

“Cancers of the oesophagus kill more than 500,000 people worldwide each year and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the commonest type.” Alcohol and tobacco consumption are common causes, but drinking hot beverages is also a known risk factor for throat cancer.

A study of Golestan Province in northern Iran maintains that it has one of the highest incidences of oesophageal cancer. Although, this location shows very low rates of alcohol and tobacco consumption, they have very high rates of tea consumption. “They studied tea drinking habits among 300 people diagnosed with OSCC and a matched group of 571 healthy controls from the same area. Nearly all participants drank black tea regularly, with an average volume consumed of over one litre a day.”

In this study, people who drink tea at a temperature of 65-69°C were twice as likely to be diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, while those drinking tea at 70°C or more were eight times more likely to have oesophageal cancer. Furthermore, oesophageal cancer is five times more likely to inflict those who drink tea less than two minutes after it is poured as opposed to those who allow tea to cool for four or more minutes.

Interestingly enough there was no association with the quantity of tea consumed. Therefore, the consensus seems to suggest that tea drinking remains safe as long as it is cooled for at least four minutes prior to consumption.

We have all heard of the long list of health benefits of green tea and although this study researched the effects of black tea, maybe we need to pay more attention to the serving temperature of all tea in order to maintain good health.

Drinking Very Hot Tea Can Increase The Risk Of Throat Cancer

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Tattoos: More Than Just Body Art to Diabetics

2009-02-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

Imagine a tattoo that could change colour according to your glucose levels! Well, the invention may not be too far off. Draper Laboratories in Massachusetts is currently in the process of developing the idea whereby the tattoo ink could change colour depending on the body’s glucose levels.

Much like many other brilliant discoveries, scientist Heather Clark stumbled upon the notion while researching “sodium-sensitive ink to monitor heart health, advancing basic knowledge of electrolytes in the body, or to ensure athletes are properly hydrated”.

Of course, it won’t be necessary to permanently damage your body with some unsightly skull and bones tattooed in a sleeve on your arm. The tattoo itself can be quite small and inconspicuous. The creation will certainly relieve diabetics from the pain and hassle of testing blood sugar levels, not to mention that monitoring would be continuous and consistent.

So, how exactly does it work? The tattoo is composed of ink particles which are composed of three separate molecules; a glucose detecting molecule, a colour-changing dye, and a molecule that mimics glucose. Every few milliseconds the glucose detecting molecule either attaches itself to a glucose molecule, turning yellow and suggesting a high blood glucose level, or attaches itself to a mimicked molecule, creating a purple hue and suggesting a low blood sugar reading. Basically, at quick glance one could determine what the body needs. This could be really useful for emergency staff.

However, there is surely much testing to be completed and this could begin by the end of February with mice and as early as two years in human subjects.

What next?! A ring that reveals mood?

Coming soon, tattoos to control diabetes

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The World's First Accessible Concert for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

2009-02-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Toronto’s Clinton Tavern is set to host the first ever concert for the deaf on March 5th, 2009. The concert is being organized by Ryerson University's Centre for Learning Technology and the Science of Music, Auditory Research and Technology lab, which created the “emoti-chair”. This chair is a device that allows the deaf and hard of hearing to experience music through physical sensations.

“The deaf will get a chance to rock thanks to a series of "emoti-chairs" designed to analyze sound frequencies and translate them into vibrations, motions and blasts of air.” At least four emoti-chairs will be accessible to allow people to distinguish between musical notes and rock out. Two large screens will be available for visual stimulation and to follow along with the lyrics in real time.

A warning has been expressed for those who are able to hear as the concert will be exceptionally loud so that those hard of hearing can hear. Some of the performers include Fox Jaws, Hollywood Swank, ill.gates, the Dufraines and more.

The concert should help to popularize the emoti-chair and help to advance research even further. The day may not be too far off where these chairs become mandatory seating at all concert venues.

It seems that Mr. Holland’s Opus was on to something back in the mid-nineties.

Concert will give deaf chance to rock

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Introduction

2009-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

This blog is devoted to the discussion of new developments and research within the field of health and medicine.

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