Only overwork dying young

A study concluded that those who work more than 55 hours per week had a risk of suffering a heart attack by 13% and 33% more likely to suffer a stroke compared to those who have worked 35-40 hours a week.

Nutrition shortcuts when living alone

When the meal is a social experience that greatly affect a person's personality, eating alone cause discomfort inside

10 tips for mindful eating - Just in time for the holidays

10 tips for more diet conscious. Not all of these tips may feel good for you, it does not hurt to try and see how they work

Update on the trial of SPRINT: preliminary results pan out

Stringent blood pressure targets that can reduce the likelihood of death. In medicine, it is great news that greatly benefits us all

A check to check: Do you really need an annual physical?

The annual physical control is part of the structure of the health care system is good, but it does not have to keep on doing at least that's done most of the citizens of the United States.

Showing posts with label Allergies and Asthma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Allergies and Asthma. Show all posts

12/24/2015

Can withstand dela actually worsen the pain of arthritis?

Can withstand dela actually worsen the pain of arthritis?Can withstand dela actually worsen the pain of arthritis? - If you have arthritis, you may have noticed that the weather affects your symptoms. What I hear from my patients all the time. 

While the weather can aggravate arthritis pain, how it works? Is there scientific evidence to explain? People have asked these questions for many years without finding good answers. But that keep researchers are trying to understand it better.

What (we) know 

Previous studies that examined the effects of rain, moisture and other factors related to weather conditions in arthritis symptoms were conclusive and in some cases contradictory. Some suggest that the key variable increases barometric pressure.  

Other studies have found the opposite - that the pressure drop can cause pain or stiffness. There have even been attempts to artificially vary the environmental conditions to simulate climate change, such as placement with arthritis in barometric pressure chambers and varying from top to bottom. 

Despite this, I still do not know if this is a particular feature of the weather or a combination of features that count. There are many potential factors - humidity, temperature, precipitation and barometric pressure between them.  

Even if we could identify precisely what is happening with the weather affects pain and stiffness of arthritis, which is always why - biologically speaking - time should have no impact on joint symptoms.

Having received the studies, I'm not sure how to respond to my patients who ask me why their symptoms worsen reliable when the weather is wet or rain comes, or when another weather event happens. Usually I say, first, I think there is a link between time and joint symptoms, and on the other hand, researchers have not been able to find exactly what you're looking for weather and symptoms or arthritis it must be a connection.
 
The most recent studies

 
Only in the last year, two new studies have intervened in the question of whether the climate has an impact on the symptoms of arthritis. And both found that yes, indeed, climate issues!
 


In the first study, researchers enrolled 222 Dutch people with the hip - the most common type, the "wear and tear" arthritis - and its symptoms reported with a variety of weather variables are compared.  

They found that over a period of two years, the pain and stiffness were slightly worse with increase in barometric pressure and humidity, although the overall impact was small. The second study involved more than 800 adults living in one of the six European countries and had osteoarthritis of the hip, knee or hands.  

While changes in the weather does not seem to affect symptoms, higher humidity was associated with increased pain and stiffness, especially in cold weather. So while these studies varied in the details, we now have a little more evidence linking long joint symptoms.

So what? 

It is a good question. After all, even if we were able to demonstrate a clear and powerful impact of time on the symptoms of arthritis, how is it useful to know? It's not like doctors tend to suggest that a patient's movement to a friendly climate of arthritis.  

It is even less likely that patients follow this recommendation. So we can not control the weather or precisely our internal environments, these new studies will probably have little impact on the individual victim of arthritis. 

However, identifying a relationship between a particular type of weather and joint symptoms may help to understand the causes and mechanisms of arthritis symptoms. And that could lead to better treatments and even prevention strategies.  

Also, find out why some people seem to feel worse in some circumstances, while others see no change (or even feel better) in these environments could help us understand the subtle differences between types of arthritis or of ways in which people respond.

"Everyone keeps talking about the weather ...

... But nobody does anything about it. "That's an old line, but of course there is no truth. But even if the weather affects the symptoms of arthritis and there's nothing you can do about the weather, it not mean that there is nothing!. to about arthritis, there are more treatment options than ever before, with and without the use of medication If you have a large and persistent pain , stiffness or swelling, see your doctor - rain or shine.

By: Robert Shmerling,MD

 

12/02/2015

Incredible and true: the placebo effect

Incredible and true: the placebo effect
Incredible and true: the placebo effect - The placebo effect is a mysterious thing. I have always been fascinated by the idea that something so inert and harmless as a sugar pill can ease the pain of a person or speed recovery with only the hope that it would.

Studies using placebo - an inactive treatment such as a sugar pill - in an attempt to understand the true impact of the active substance.


Comparing what happens to a group of patients taking the active drug with the results of those taking a placebo may help researchers understand how good is the active drug.

The word "placebo" comes from Latin and means "I will please." And "please" did. In study after study, many people taking a placebo improved program in your symptoms or condition.


The placebo effect is real

Recent research on the placebo effect only confirms how powerful it can be. - And the benefits of treatment with placebo are not just "in your head" measurable physiological changes can be observed in those who received placebo, similar to those seen in people who take drugs effective. in particular, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood test results were shown to improve subsets of research subjects who responded to placebo.


Of course, not everyone has a therapeutic response to a placebo. If that were the case, we would not need medication at all. Instead, we just could exercise the power of suggestion. Understanding why some people improve with placebo treatment and others are not the "holy grail" of research placebo.Nocebo: Placebo evil twinThe power of suggestion is a double edged sword. If you plan a treatment to help you, they are more likely to do so. And if you expect to prejudicial treatment, it is more likely to feel the negative effects. This is called "nocebo effect" (Latin for "I will harm").  

For example, if you tell someone that a headache is a common side effect of a particular drug, that person is more likely to report headaches, even if they are actually taking a placebo. The power of expectation is great and probably plays an important role in the benefits and side effects of commonly prescribed drugs.

It is the power of the placebo effect increases?

A new fascinating study examined the impact of the placebo effect in 84 trials for treatment of nerve pain that occurred over the last 23 years. The researchers found that the placebo effect has become much stronger, but this observation was seen in US studies.  


What for? One theory is that the flow of direct to consumer advertising of drugs in the United States (which is banned in most other countries) raises expectations of a drug to help patients. Stronger and expectations of a drug can lead to a greater placebo effect efficiency.

Another theory links the increased effectiveness of placebos to test their own research: the largest, most expensive and most elaborate judgment, plus expectations of study participants. Analyses of this type tend to be more common in the US than elsewhere.

Whatever the reason, there is a downside to this trend. A powerful placebo effect makes it more difficult for the researchers show that a new drug works. The stronger the placebo effect, it becomes more difficult to show a significant difference between the placebo and active drug - even if the active drug is quite good. Consequently, some effective drugs can "fail" in clinical trials. And that could lead researchers to spend their education outside of the US


What future?

Research on the pros cons of the placebo effect has changed the number of people think about this phenomenon. We used to think that the placebo effect is limited to those influenced disease-free "real"; Now we know better. But there is much that remains a mystery. We do not know how to predict who will respond to a placebo or how to reliably operate their power.  


And it is important to note that while "feeling better" is important, they do not always come with genuine health benefits. For example, some study subjects who took a placebo for asthma reported improvement of their symptoms but their lung function measures are not really better.

Yet the day will come when a better understanding of the placebo effect and, in appropriate circumstances, which are used effectively in clinical practice. Like many people either do not respond to standard medications or have unpleasant side effects, that day can not come soon enough.

By: Robert Shmerling, M.D.


11/16/2015

The problem with prescription painkillers

The problem with prescription painkillers
The problem with prescription painkillers - Pain. It is an almost inevitable part of human experience. Whether as a result of an injury or accident, surgery, or a health problem, such as a headache or infection, arthritis or fibromyalgia, pain can interfere with your ability to sleep , work and enjoy life.

There are many ways to treat pain. Opioids are a. Examples include hydrocodone (Vicodin used), oxycodone (Percocet used), methadone, codeine and morphine. These prescription drugs reduce pain recognition brain by binding to certain receptors in the body. In many situations, opioids are a reasonable choice for pain control - for example, severe pain caused by cancer.


Part of the problem is that a person can develop a tolerance to these drugs. Finally, increasing doses may be required to achieve the same level of pain relief. Overdose may prevent a person from breathing and cause death. In addition, the body can become physically dependent on these drugs, so that withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped.  


These factors are a recipe for dependence, which is the loss of control over the use of a drug, even if it harms the person. Furthermore, opioids may also cause a "high" pleasant and are often used for recreational purposes and not for its intended medical purpose, which further increases the risk of addiction. Opioid dependence is the greatest risk factor for addiction to heroin.

What is the opiate epidemic? 
The epidemic of opioid is the crisis currently facing our countries in terms of widespread abuse of opioid analgesics. Much of the problem comes from the increased availability of these drugs. Four times as many prescription painkillers are offered each year, compared to 1990 At the same time, we are seeing an increase in deaths from overdose of opiates.  

Thank you for the efforts to fight against this problem, the number of prescriptions for opioids and opioid-related deaths 44 people appears to have stabilized since 2012. However, on average, in the US a day die from overdose 'prescription opioid pain relievers. Double the number of deaths from heroin overdose.

What is being done about the epidemic of opiate?

Health authorities are working to educate health professionals on the safe prescribing and educate the public about the risks of opioid analgesics, especially when used for chronic noncancer pain. For example, state monitoring programs to track the number of prescriptions for these drugs are filled, to try to prevent drug abuse. They also make efforts to increase the availability of drug treatment, including detoxification (or "Detox") programs.

Specially licensed physician Treatment programs can provide methadone maintenance for people who have difficulty leaving opioids. These programs provide controlled dose of methadone given under careful monitoring, which reduces withdrawal symptoms, drug cravings, and the risk of overdose.


Trained doctors can prescribe other treatments such as buprenorphine / naloxone (Suboxone), which reduces withdrawal symptoms by partially mimicking the effects of opioid receptors in the body less than a "high" risk and fewer overdose.


Expanding access to naloxone (Narcan) - a drug "rescue" that blocks the effects of opioids on the body - can help prevent some overdose deaths. Naloxone Rescue Kits come in nasal spray and forms of self-injection, and are available without prescription in some states. However, as the application of naloxone has increased, therefore the cost of such kits.

How do people who use prescription painkillers can reduce the risk of abuse and overdose? 


People taking opioid analgesics should follow these steps:

 * 
Store medicines safely and never share with anyone.
 * 
Take the medication exactly as directed.
 * 
Ask your doctor if a lower dose may be an option.
 * 
Ask your doctor about other ways to manage pain - many non-pharmacological options can help.
 * 
If the drug is not working properly, talk to your doctor.
 * 
Do not take overlapping requirements of several suppliers.
 * 
Do not take these drugs with other substances, such as alcohol or prescription sedatives for anxiety.
 * 
Naloxone have a first aid kit available and train friends and family members how to use.
 * 
If you think you may be developing an addiction, seek help as soon as possible.

By: Wynne Armand, MD



 

10/24/2015

Children and vaccines against flu: two common myths

Children and vaccines against flu: two common myths
As a pediatrician, I'm really passionate about the vaccine against the flu. The flu can be a nasty disease; Each year, thousands of people are hospitalized from influenza and its complications, and some of these people die. The vaccine against influenza can protect my patients and their families, and I enthusiastically recommend to each of them.

Yet many of them refuse, despite my best efforts. What is particularly frustrating is that many of them refuse because of misconceptions about the vaccine against the flu. There are all kinds of misinformation out there, but here are the two most common myths:


1. The vaccine against influenza can make you sick.  

That's what I hear more than anything. Now, like any medical treatment, it is true that the vaccine against influenza can have side effects. Very often, people will have some pain for a few days in those receiving the vaccine, and some people may feel a little sick for a few days, and some may have mild fever. These side effects are not serious and disappear on their own; More serious side effects are extremely rare.

The vaccine against influenza, however, will not give you the flu. The vaccine itself is made of the influenza components; Here's how it works by helping the body to produce antibodies that can fight against the flu if you are exposed. But these components are dead (in the case of the vaccine) or very low (in the case of the nasal spray version) and can not give you the flu. 


To be safe, we recommend the shot instead of the nasal spray for people with very low defenses and their caregivers. But it is really only those with very weakened defenses, such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, who are affected by this recommendation - and is more conservative than anything else.

It is important that we remember the vaccine against influenza during the flu season - and that can take a couple of weeks to take effect. Therefore, it is possible to get vaccinated against the flu, but to take the vaccine against the flu before you have a chance to work. The vaccine against influenza does not give a 100% protection, and there are many other viruses that cause illness similar to the flu, so it is always possible to get sick, even if you get the vaccine against flu. But it is not the vaccine against the flu makes you sick!

2. Healthy people do not need the vaccine against the flu.  

I heard many times, too. "My son got sick." "We are a healthy family, we do not need that." "I'm not worried about the flu, we will be well." Well, besides the fact that luck does not last very long time, people in good health can be very sick with the flu, too, there is one other important point: it is not only you.  

You and your family can fine Weather flu, but you could easily spend other people around you - as a newborn by his friend, his grandmother, the boy at school to chemotherapy - that the flu is extremely dangerous. Vaccination not only protects you; protects all around you. By getting vaccinated against the flu, you can literally save lives.

If you have questions about the vaccine against influenza or the flu, talk to your doctor or rendez-www.flu.gov. Make your decision based on the facts - not myths.

By: Claire McCarthy,MD

10/02/2015

Drugs that kill bacteria and cleaning of influenza virus

Drugs that kill bacteria and cleaning of influenza virus
Every year that is flooded with ads about how to disinfect and sterilize and use antibacterial soap to fight against the flu. It is said to worry surfaces such as door handles, door handles, telephone terminals, keyboards and other key contacts found throughout their daily lives.

Maintain colds and the flu virus at bay is quite difficult at home. If you manage a workplace, you can cope with the additional burden of determining the best way to protect your employees from getting sick. If you go to the CDC website, the list of all certified to kill viruses and bacteria, but what is safe and effective?


How long does the virus live on surfaces? 
Before spraying everything with disinfectant, one thing you should know. Some experts say that you should not bother.

I recently read an article in which the author asked the assistant professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center by germs and bacteria on surfaces. The professor said the influenza virus outside the body is a very loose virus.


There are many discussions about hand washing is the most critical step to stop the spread of viruses and microbes, closely followed by covering coughs and sneezes. There is much less information on the duration of these germs and bacteria on the surfaces once they are outside the body.


School of Medicine Director of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt says that transmission of influenza is minimal surfaces. In fact, it is said that "maybe some of transmission" of the virus from surfaces. This news is no panic and the widespread perception that advertisers seek.


Each year we receive the onslaught of coverage of influenza epidemics and are sometimes ill insurance. But the direct transmission of surfaces may not be as bad as you might think on the basis of all the media attention in each and every year the theme.


If the probability of transmission is low to minimal surfaces, look how long the latest viruses on surfaces. Studies have shown that the virus last from a few minutes to 24 hours. 24 hours is not very long and that is why the transmission of the surfaces is insignificant outside the hospital environment, and an emphasis on prevention should remain human transmission (hand washing, coughing and sneezing the management, etc.)


Bacteria and Virus Killers safe and effective 
For those who still do not want to take any chances, here is how to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces. The remedy is easier to bleach; ½ cup of bleach in one gallon of water is a good disinfectant. Then you can fill a spray bottle couple and space in the kitchen or coffee corners in your office or at home.

You should spray and wipe with a clean dry cloth. Leaving the spray solution on the surface for a period of time (3-5 minutes) will help to ensure complete disinfection work. It is essential to use a cloth or paper and clean towels that can be thrown away after use.


Using a bleach solution, you must be sure you do not use in an area that may be affected by the bleach. If you use bleach near the mat, for example, consider what can go wrong will go wrong and pour bleach on the carpet is not a "good thing".


These are some disinfectants listed on the CDC website that are effective as well.
 
       *  Lysol disinfecting SA own RTU (ready to use)
       *  Claire disinfectant spray
       *  Lysol wipes
       *  RTU fresh spray Zep
       *  Comet bathroom clean disinfect
       *  Mr. Clean Multi-Surface Cleaner

For a complete list of disinfectants dozens more, visit the CDC.

By: Jonas

Preventing influenza outbreaks in office environments

Preventing influenza outbreaks in office environmentsPreventing influenza outbreaks is the main concern for most office managers and people who must work in office environments.  

The recent outbreak of measles from Disneyland emphasizes how having a large number of people in an environment where someone is sick can have far-reaching effects when it comes to the spread of the disease.

Certainly, the most critical point of preventing the disease is to wash hands properly. We have repeatedly advised, and we do not stop us!


Wash hands and disease
How many times must wash their hands?

       *  Before preparing food and after food preparation
       *  After eating
       *  Before and after using the bathroom
       *  After touching animals or animal waste
       *  After coughing or sneezing
       *  Whenever your hands are dirty
       *  More often if you are around someone who is sick


What is the hand washing technique?

Hands should be wet before applying soap. Wet hands will do better and foam soap gives better coverage on their hands when washing. Wash for 10-20 seconds.

The use of an alcohol-based disinfectant in the absence of water and soap is acceptable, however, is not as effective as the use of soap and water.
 


Seven of the capacity for preventing the spread of the disease in the office 
1) Ensure that all reusable towels are washed or changed daily. In an office environment, paper towels are better to limit the spread of infection.

2) Have disinfecting wipes on hand for employees to use in their jobs. If an employee has a sneezing or coughing, they can try to clean the affected area with quick wipe. This will wipe out their own work environment and help prevent the spread of the disease, if someone comes by action or workstation.


3) The next most critical to prevent the epidemic in its desktop form is to ensure that people do not come to work when ill. This seems like common sense, but can not be overstated. Cough or sneeze cause germs in the air, and led to the beginnings of a flu epidemic spreads.
 


4) Inform your employees how to contain a sneeze or cough. The simplest method being of course a tissue. However, it is not always possible to make a quick enough so make sure everyone knows how to catch a cough or sneeze into your sleeve. This is certainly not ideal, but still a better alternative than sending germs into the air for all to catch.

5) Supply and use as many distributors as possible without contact in the bathroom and the dining room. Using soap dispensers and towel dispensers touch can go a long way to stop the spread of infection by having one point of contact less where germs can get out and spread among the users of your desktop.


6) Be sure to also encourage employees to take a vaccine against influenza. If you have enough employees even organize a vaccine against clinical influenza in place is a great option to help keep your healthier office during the flu season. Even a vaccine against the mobile site or a location near the flu is a good choice.


Many people make excuses for not getting vaccinated against the flu. Often the reasons are personal and non-medical. While the vaccine against the flu is a great preventive technique to prevent the spread of flu in the office of the flu season.

By: Jonas