Diabetes patients who have support from people around them could improve their health outlook as a result of that connection, according to a new study. An international team of researchers, including experts from Penn State College of Medicine, came to that conclusion as part of the Second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2). The study… Continue reading Social Support Can Help Diabetics’ Health
Tag: depressive symptoms
New Guideline for Sickle Cell Disease
An expert panel has created a new evidence-based guideline for managing sickle cell disease (SCD), with a strong recommendation for the use of the drug hydroxyurea and transfusion therapy for many individuals with SCD, according to an article in the September 10th 2014 issue of JAMA. The researchers say that this is advisable even though… Continue reading New Guideline for Sickle Cell Disease
Staying Safe in Hurricane Season
We’re right in the middle of hurricane season, and even though the weather service might not be issuing a warning for your area today, it’s a good idea to prepare in case that does happen in the coming weeks. Hurricanes often strike without much warning, and preparing can make a big difference in how well… Continue reading Staying Safe in Hurricane Season
Sleep Problems and Aging
From the National Institute on Aging: Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as young adults—seven to nine hours each night. But they may not get it very often Insomnia is the most common problem in seniors 60 or older. Why? Seniors tend to go to sleep earlier and get up earlier than… Continue reading Sleep Problems and Aging
Dementia Patients Getting Iffy Meds
More than half of nursing home residents with advanced dementia, a terminal illness marked by severe cognitive impairment and functional dependence, continue to receive medications of questionable benefit at substantial financial cost. The drugs include medications to treat dementia and lower cholesterol, according to research done byJennifer Tjia, M.D., M.S.C.E., of the University of Massachusetts… Continue reading Dementia Patients Getting Iffy Meds
The 4 Signs of A Controlling Spouse
Marriage – in fact, any love relationship – is a two-way street. Partners need to be equal if it’s to work; one partner can’t be under the control of the other. If there are control issues, though, a marriage is probably in big trouble. “In marriage, our goal is to kindle, not douse, love. Trying… Continue reading The 4 Signs of A Controlling Spouse
A Warning About Dental Restorations
Poorly-made dental restorations (veneers, crowns, inlays) can cause patients discomfort and even some health problems, but, according to dental-industry experts, most patients aren’t aware of where their dental restorations are coming from, what materials are used in the process and whether they are getting the restorations from a reliable source. Some patients believe their restorations… Continue reading A Warning About Dental Restorations
A Sweet Solution to Dangerous Infections
Raw honey may spell victory in the battle against antibiotic-resistant infections. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden have identified a group of 13 lactic-acid bacteria that are found in fresh honey. The bacteria produce many antimicrobial compounds. They were tested successfully on some severe bugs including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus… Continue reading A Sweet Solution to Dangerous Infections
Many Older People Not Getting Help They Need
Eighteen million people – nearly half of all older adults in the U.S. – have difficulty with daily activities or get help with them, new research shows. Investigators from the University of Michigan and the Urban Institute looked at statistics from a national sample of 8,245 older adults enrolled in Medicare. The subjects took part… Continue reading Many Older People Not Getting Help They Need
Genetic Mutations and Skin Cancer
Researchers have found that millions of skin cancers may be caused by a combination of a genetic mutation and ultraviolet light. A study by investigators from the Stanford University School of Medicine found that the mutation occurs in a gene called KNSTRN, which helps cells divide their DNA during cell division. KNSTRN is an oncogene… Continue reading Genetic Mutations and Skin Cancer
The Healthy-Vision Plan
Although we don’t worry as much about eye health as we do about, say, heart disease, it’s still crucial to look after our vision, especially as we grow older. The SeniorHealth division of the National Institutes of Health suggests doing the following to help your sight stay as sharp as possible: Eat a Healthy Diet… Continue reading The Healthy-Vision Plan
The Newest Treatments for Psoriasis
People who suffer from psoriasis know how aggravating it can be, but treatments for the persistent skin condition are improving. “As we better understand the disease, researchers know more about what specific factors to target in order to develop effective treatments,” Melinda L. McCord, M.D., a dermatologist at the Food and Drug Administration, told the… Continue reading The Newest Treatments for Psoriasis
Take Off Your Mask of Depression
The tragic death of Robin Williams has stirred up so much conversation about depression, a difficult topic but one that is underappreciated for its seriousness and its effects on so many people. I have heard several interviews with his friends, and they all said at least one thing in common: Robin was always “on,” trying… Continue reading Take Off Your Mask of Depression
Understanding How Ebola Works
A new study has expanded our understanding of Ebola, by discovering one way the deadly virus dodges the body’s defenses. The discovery, by researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine, provides an insight that could lead to new treatments for the terrifying virus. In their work, the investigators detailed how an Ebola protein, VP24,… Continue reading Understanding How Ebola Works
When Swelling Isn’t So Swell: Curbing Chronic Inflammation
By Dr. Mickey Barber Of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States, chronic, low-level inflammation contributes to at least seven, including heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and kidney failure (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). It is now widely believed that chronic inflammation that goes… Continue reading When Swelling Isn’t So Swell: Curbing Chronic Inflammation
A New Tool to Detect Atrial Fibrillation
Thanks to a new technology, a web camera can distinguish whether someone is suffering atrial fibrillation, a potentially serious heart condition.
A project by researchers from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, showed that subtle changes in skin color can be used to detect the kind of uneven blood flow caused by atrial fibrillation. The technology was developed in a partnership between the university and Xerox.
The findings were published in the journal Heart Rhythm.
What Your Skin Says About Your Health
According to the National Institutes of Health, our skin is the body’s largest organ. While it protects the body, it also does things such as hold fluids in, keep microbes out, regulate body temperature, and more. While most people think of skin only in terms of beauty, but there’s a lot more to it.
“The way our skin looks says a lot about how healthy we are, believe it or not,” explains Dr. Sanjiv Saini of MD Dermatology, in Edgewater and Lexington Park, Maryland.
Volunteering is Healthy for Body as Well as Mind
Older people who volunteer are getting not only an emotional boost – it’s also benefiting their health.
A study led by researchers from the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health services analyzed data from 73 studies over the past 45 years. The studies involved adults over 50 who were involved in formal volunteering roles.