A conscious worker is a happy worker

When giving a conference in a few months on Google use care to help relieve anxiety, depression and other common forms of psychological disorders there, I am impressed by the company's commitment to caring of its employees.  

From the first organic fruit juice measures in all buildings in gyms and yoga and meditation centers scattered around campus, it was clear they think a healthy employee is a productive employee (to say nothing of an employee who needs the least expensive) medical services. In fact, they had a whole team dedicated solely to the teaching of meditation mindfulness, and offered regular training sessions that workers can attend in person or on-line throughout the day.

But mindfulness practice can really help the mental health of employees? Is this something that more companies should invest in, or just another fad for former hippies in Silicon Valley? The results of the best-designed study to date that addresses this issue are fair, and the answer is impressive: mindfulness can really help workers, even those who are far from California.

What the study found 
The new study comes from Taiwan where researchers surveyed 3,270 workers at the plant in order to identify those with high levels of psychological distress. He then invited these particularly unhappy workers to participate in the study. The 144 workers who finally agreed to participate were awarded to a group of active intervention, who finished a training mindfulness consists of eight weeks of classes for two hours a week at work and 45 minutes of meditation daily task or a control group, which regularly reported on their psychological well-being, but received no training in mind.

What did they find? Compared with the control group, workers who took the full class consciousness reported feeling much better. They had less prolonged fatigue - feeling tired wrong, even after having a chance to rest. Also feel less stressed, they reported reduced anxiety and depression, and had fewer sleep disorder, pain and difficulty getting with others.

So what exactly is this formation of the spirit that helped them? Mindfulness is to put our attention on the present moment and accept what is happening here and now. This sounds very simple, but when we started to really try to practice mindfulness - the choice of a sensory experience, like breathing, bringing our attention and work to accept whatever arises in our consciousness - The Most of us are not only our minds wander quickly extinguished in all kinds of thoughts about the past and the future, but also to generate all kinds of negative judgments about what is happening.

The good news is that, like any skill, care can be learned. It just takes a little education, and set aside some time to practice. Many studies have shown that through the practice of mindfulness, we can actually change the structure and functioning of our brain in ways that are consistent with the happier and more engaged in our lives feel. These changes will also help us to be easier to cope with the physical and emotional pain.

How you can reap the benefits of attention 
So how can you start if you wanted to become more aware? One way that requires no additional time is simply choose other activities, such as walking the dog, a shower or a meal in itself, and decide to make the practices of mindfulness. This means that instead of reviewing our smartphone, review our list of things to do, or music, we try to bring our attention to the sights, sounds and sensations that occur during activity physics. The practice of mindfulness is dose-related, the more we try to do this all day, we become more aware.

Although these informal practices that actually help you develop some attention, to develop, it is useful to set aside time to practice meditation, as they do on Google. Most studies documenting the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation regularly involve people. It is easier to start a regular practice of meditation, following the recorded instructions. While there are many sources of these, like to listen to some that I recorded in www.mindfulness-solution.com. You have a lot of conscious moments! 
By: Ronald Siegeld, PsyD

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Low nicotine cigarettes may help smokers cut determined

It is clear that smoking night the heart, lungs, and virtually all other body systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention of diseases, smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

So why do people do it?

It is nicotine. This stimulant, found on all tobacco products, snuff, smoking makes them feel calm and relaxed - and can quickly lead to dependence. The more you smoke, the greater the need to smoke to feel good. It is the power of nicotine makes it so difficult to stop.

But what if you could reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes available to start? Would it help people quit - or might cause them to smoke more to compensate?

Recently, a team of researchers set out to answer this question, following more than 800 adults who smoked at least five cigarettes a day. The volunteers in the study had no desire to quit. They were asked to continue smoking regardless of their regular brand of cigarette smoke or one of six types of cigarettes research had different amounts of nicotine, ranging from 15.8 milligrams (mg) of nicotine per gram snuff (the amount in most trademark) all the way down to 0.4 mg per gram. The smokers were followed for six weeks. The results of the study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

These results were unexpected. People who receive low nicotine cigarettes smoked 23% to 30% fewer cigarettes per day than those who smoked cigarettes with 15.8 mg of nicotine per gram. Perhaps even more surprisingly, smokers with low nicotine cigarettes were also reduced nicotine addiction - and fewer cravings for cigarettes when they did not smoke.

The study lasted only six weeks, we need more trials to really help us understand if the low-nicotine cigarettes are optional "safe" for people who are determined to smoke (as many as one in five Americans is gift) smoker. However, these results suggest that if nicotine content in cigarettes could be reduced commercial, users smoke less and less likely to be "addicted" that could mitigate the health risks associated with smoking.

For those who want to cut nicotine, there are good options that can help meet the challenge. They come in many shapes, nicotine patches and gum, pills and nasal sprays - not to mention electronic cigarettes, which work by vaporizing nicotine. E-cigarettes have become popular, but to date we do not know for sure that they are safer than regular cigarettes, and that can really help people quit.

Prescription medications such as bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix) can also help smokers quit. All these methods work particularly well when combined with behavioral support, such as talk therapy. Of course, it often takes several attempts to quit before they succeed - but you can do.

Anything that reduces the dangers of smoking is a step in the right direction. But as we know him for years, the stage is really the best to stop smoking completely.
By: Mallika Marshall, MD,

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Overweight children are at risk of heart disease in adulthood

Being an overweight child is not easy - it can be difficult to keep up with their friends in the yard, you can not use some of the same styles of clothing other children, Jokes can be ruthless. New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that the damage exceeds the social and emotional, too.

This study, entitled "cardiometabolic risk and severity of obesity in children and young adults", recorded nearly 9,000 children and adolescents aged 3-19 who were overweight or obese (very overweight). These young doctors tested for high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and other major risk factors for heart disease. 

On average, children and the most severely obese adolescents had high blood pressure, cholesterol profiles is worse, and sugar levels higher than those in blood overweight. This association was true even taking into account of race, ethnicity, gender and age.This was a cross sectional study, meaning they do not follow patients forward in time to see what happened to them. Instead, each patient was examined "in the moment" and identified the factors that doctors believe affect the risk of future heart disease.  

Thus, based on the information from this study, we can not say which of these young people finally went to developing heart disease. However, we know that, for adults, control of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose is essential for the prevention of heart disease. It is reasonable to infer that this would also be true for children.

Most volunteers in the study were 12-19 years old. Therefore, it also seems reasonable to conclude that the most severely obese adolescent, the more likely he or she will develop heart disease. The study also found that boys and young men tend to be more compared to test results, a growing concern that childhood obesity could be especially dangerous for them.

This study is important because it confirms that pediatricians were concerned for many years, since we became aware of the increase in rates of obesity among our young patients: if we find ways to help our children reach and maintain a healthy weight, we'll see become adults who suffer from heart disease at higher rates and younger than ever.

Helping children achieve a healthy weight 
The good news is that we can do something about it! Weight loss interventions do work for young patients, and are increasingly available. More importantly, we must realize that even a small weight loss can go a long way to live a healthy life, and this is important at all ages.

If your child is overweight, I hope to learn more about this study encourage you to talk to your pediatrician regarding the caregiver (or yourself!) Lose weight. The ideal is to make a plan as a family. Make it a goal for mom, dad, and all the children to have plenty of exercise and eat a healthy balanced diet.

Before you place your child on a diet, or that he or she join a weight loss program, talk to your pediatrician. Do not be ashamed! I can guarantee you that your doctor has seen many children struggle with weight and has some experience in the field. Together we can create an action plan that is right for your family and your child.
By: Nandini Mani, MD.

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To what extent calcium intake really protect your bones?

Ask someone how to prevent bone fractures and are likely to respond, "Get more calcium." Medical experts have tended to agree. For example, the Institute of Medicine recommends a calcium intake of 1 000 to 1 200 milligrams (mg) per day for most adults.  

But in the last five years we have also learned that calcium - at least in the form of supplements - is not without risk. An intake of 1000 mg of supplements was associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Now an analysis of reams of research concludes that calcium intake at this level to reduce fractures in people over 50 years and a related analysis indicates that increasing calcium intake has only a modest effect on bone density people of this age. Both were published online this week in the medical journal BMJ.

These results may seem surprising, but they are not a surprise to Dr. David Slovik, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School professor and author of our health Osteoporosis Special Report: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment. "I do not think we ever thought that calcium reduced fractures in itself, it is part of a bigger picture," he said. You can not really say "enough calcium and you'll be fine."

What the analysis revealed 
The analyzes were performed by a team of researchers led by Mark Bolland Zealanders, who first identified the cardiovascular risk associated with calcium supplements. For the first analysis, which evaluated more than 70 studies on the effects of calcium supplements and dietary calcium in preventing fractures. 

In his view, the two randomized clinical trials and observational studies and studies vary considerably in terms of number of participants, the consumption of calcium, vitamin D, and how fractures were reported. The researchers found that, in particular calcium or calcium dietary supplements have been associated with fracture reduction.

In the second analysis, the researchers examined 59 randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating calcium intake and bone density. Fifteen of these studies included dietary calcium and calcium supplements 44 looked. Especially, to obtain at least 800 mg of calcium daily diet or take at least 1000 mg of calcium increase in bone density of an additional day. But bone density increased by only 0.6% to 1.8% - a too low to affect the risk of fracture.

Importantly, these studies included very few men. (Many people think that osteoporosis only affects women, but men can also develop osteoporosis.)

The study that started it all? 
Bolland and colleagues noted that a study they think may be responsible for calcium recommendations today. This study was a randomized controlled trial in 3800 French elderly women (average age 84) in assisted living. The women initially had low calcium intake (500 mg daily), low levels of vitamin D, and low bone density.  

Those who received 1200 mg of calcium and 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day for three years had a risk 23% lower hip fracture, and risk 17% lower fractures in particular those taking placebos . Women who took calcium builds bones also, while the placebo continued to lose. These findings - published in 1992 and 1994 - are often cited by the experts in the development of calcium recommendations for the general population. But Bolland argued that in healthy people, assets that have calcium deficiency and vitamin D are not subject to the same protection by taking lots of calcium.

What to do?
"The key is that you should not take calcium with the idea that this will prevent bone fractures," says Dr. Slovik. However, he noted that sufficient vitamin D and calcium is essential for bone health. A deficiency of either may increase the risk of diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia.

It is impossible to determine the amount of calcium each of us must do individually. Try to get as much calcium as possible food. If your doctor told you to get between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of calcium daily, you can add safely a daily calcium supplement of 500 mg or 600 without increasing the risk of heart attack or kidney stones. And do not forget vitamin D. No one disputes the recommendation for vitamin D - 600-800 IU per day, or from foods or supplements.
By: Beverly Merz

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Why some parents do not follow the recommendations "of safe sleep" for babies

There is almost nothing more frightening for newborns sudden death syndrome syndrome or SIDS parents of the infant: the idea that you can make a perfectly healthy baby to sleep, only to discover that he or she died one hour later, it is indescribable terrible.

I lost two patients for SIDS, and in fact was horrible beyond description.

There are some simple rules that can help parents keep their children safe - and yet many parents do not follow. In a recent study, more than half of parents surveyed were not following three recommendations. How is this possible?

The first part of the problem, I think, is that SIDS is confusing - not only for parents but also doctors. Not all babies die in their sleep die for the same reason; Several factors and different causes. That's why we use it a term that is less known: sudden unexplained death of an infant or SUID. Some of these babies die because they stopped breathing (in some cases because their brains do not respond to normal signals to change position or breathe), and some of these babies die of suffocation or strangulation bedding - or because someone shot at them during sleep. We do not always see the difference once the child died. Because there are many causes, we have several different recommendations - and confusing for parents.

The other part of the problem is that some of the recommendations seem to go against one of the requirements or common dream customs above - and some of them may be difficult for some families and some babies. Since SUID is rare - it happens only about 100 of the 100,000 babies born in the US - Some families feel it is OK to do what Grandma says or what is easier, rather than follow the doctor's instructions.

These are the main recommendations - and why some families do not follow.

Always place your baby on his back to sleep
The recommendation "Back to Sleep", established in 1994, has had a major impact on the incidence of SUID / SIDS. Sleeping on your back helps in two ways. First, it becomes less likely that the baby will suffocate on bedding. Second, we know that for some babies, the problem is that their brains do not realize that when they begin to choke, should turn his head or body and breathing. Not that they can not turn the head or turn around; it is that they do not.

This recommendation seems simple, but I have talked with many families struggling with him because their babies startle awake when they are in the back. In the womb, which curl up and sleep. The best advice I can give to these families is: keep trying. Over time (which may include some sleepless nights), most babies can learn to sleep on their backs.

I also met with families who take care of the child can spit at night and drown in if they are in the back. This is actually the reason why the position of the belly has been recommended for many years. But it turns out this is very rare. Some babies have medical conditions that require sleeping on the stomach, but parents should do if the doctor advises.

Do not put your baby to bed with you 
The safest place for a baby to sleep in the parents' room - so they can be aware of the needs of the baby - but in their own dream space, like a cradle (with a firm mattress - soft can lead suffocation). Many co-sleeping families are not only reassuring, but practice, since so many babies love to be with a parent who sleep better that way. Again, my advice is to keep trying. Safety is always more important than comfort.

Keep the bed naked
This means no crib bumpers without pillows or stuffed animals, and - which is more difficult for parents - no blankets (which means without layers, as it involves a blanket). To reduce the baby choking hazard should be the only thing in the cradle. If it's cold, sleep coverage may do the trick. As beautiful soft blankets can feel children and older adults, not worth the risk to infants. And warming could increase the risk of SIDS, too.

Consider using a pacifier 
We do not know exactly why, but pacifier use lowers the risk of SIDS. You can keep them in another, safer level of sleep. Some parents worry about the use of pacifiers; They believe that it can interfere with breastfeeding or later lead to dental problems. But most babies who use pacifiers are not breastfeeding problems (especially lollipops do not produce milk), and there is plenty of time to get rid of the pacifier before it causes problems with teeth.

No smoking 
The cigarette smoke exposure before and after birth increases the risk of SIDS. Not good for the smoker, either. But for some parents, quitting can be very difficult. For assistance, call 1-800-QUIT NOW or visit www.women.smokefree.gov.

Parents should talk to their doctor if they have questions or if you experience problems with the recommendations. We're here to help. Like you, we want to keep your baby safe - and alive.
By: Claire McCarthy, MD 
  

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"Not yet!" - When the UTIs will not be closed in middle age

This week, the patient has unveiled two terrible urinary infections that have taken this summer during the holidays. She is in her 50s, after menopause and healthy. Having sex with your partner, she woke up with burning and painful urination. She was treated for a urinary tract infection with antibiotics and felt better within a few days.  

She did very well for two weeks, until they have sex again, when the same symptoms again. Although antibiotics have worked yet, and rapidly, at this point, it was consumed by the whole thing. He was unable to enjoy their holiday, and she was afraid to have sex. It took weeks before she feels normal "there".

If this sounds familiar, then maybe you suffer from recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Recurrent UTI was defined as one of three episodes of infection in the previous 12 months or two episodes in the last 6 months.

Recurrent urinary tract infections are common in young healthy men and middle-aged women in good health. Here's why. There are many types of bacteria that normally live in the vagina and happily coexist. And they hold each other in check, like a mini-ecosystem. The hormone estrogen helps "good" bacteria called Lactobacillus flourish. These bacteria produce acid, which lowers the pH in the vagina, which helps keep the "bad" bacteria in check.

For young women, the frequent sex is one of the greatest risk factors for a urinary tract infection. Sex can cause bacteria in the vagina and the rectum to enter the urinary tract because they are neighbors. But in middle age, the main culprits of recurrent urinary tract infections are physical changes, including thinning of the vaginal mucosa, pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence and problems with bladder emptying. Lower levels of estrogen after menopause are also a factor.

There are effective prevention strategies for healthy women in their forties who are struggling with recurrent urinary tract infections. A good place to start is with urination habits. When sitting on the toilet, make you as comfortable as possible in a relaxed sitting position (not squat). Start urine flow by relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, instead of difficulty urinating. Allow enough time to completely empty the bladder time. Also empty the bladder after intercourse.  

This can help eliminate bacteria that may have been introduced into the urinary tract during sex. Some studies suggest that blueberry extract can help prevent urinary tract infections by reducing the "stickiness" of bacteria. I prefer supplements cranberry juice cranberry, which tends to be very high in sugar and calories.

Estrogen creams or vaginal rings can help restore the normal bacterial balance of the vagina. Ask your doctor before taking preventive antibiotics or after sex, or regularly at a low dose. Your doctor may also check to see if you have pelvic organ prolapse, which may be associated with an inability to empty the bladder completely.

Support your bladder health, and not let recurrent urinary tract infections in the way of your active life. If you are struggling with recurrent urinary tract infection, see your doctor for a thorough examination - and I know that this condition is entirely preventable and easily treatable once.

By: Hope Ricciotti, MD.

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