Of mice, men and coffee...

I am returning to blogging after a few days vacation followed by the hospitalization of my mother...Will the reactions of little mice with induced Alzheimer's disease ring true for humans, too? A recent study fed the equivalent of 500 milligrams of caffeine to mice who had the same memory changes as those seen in Alzheimer's disease, according to a CBS News report and the San Francisco Chronicle. The researchers said the caffeine, roughly equivalent to five cups of coffee in humans, had a positive effect on memory and thinking actions over a two-month period. The brains of the mice receiving caffeine also showed a 50% reduction in the protein that contributes to dementia. This could mean that caffeine can reverse Alzheimer's progress, although more research is needed to obtain definitive results. The studies appeared in the July 5 online edition of the Journal of Alzheimer's Association.

Diet high in fat may increase risk of pancreatic cancer

New research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that a fatty diet can increase a person's risk of pancreatic cancer. The researchers reviewed surveys from more than 500,000 people and found that those eating a diet rich in saturated fats were 36 times more likely to get pancreatic cancer, according to a Xinhua wire story. For those who consumed the highest amounts of total fats, the rate of cancer was 53 percent higher for men and 23 percent higher for women, compared to participants with the lowest fat diets, ABC News said. The researchers also linked saturated fat to insulin resistance.

Women offered new breast biopsy technique

A Canadian research team has developed a new breast biopsy technique that could reduce procedure times and lessen patient discomfort and morbidity. In a study performed at Roberts Research Institute, the University of Western Ontario and London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada, the new technique used a mechanical arm to guide the needle for the biopsy and has a braking system that allows doctors to accurately place the needle and helps avoid needle motion. The study reports that biopsy success rates were greater when using our new guidance system,” said Aaron Fenster, MD, lead author of the study. “We also showed that experienced and inexperienced radiologists performed a biopsy significantly faster when using our needle guidance system,” said Dr. Fenster. The study was published in the June issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology This is good news for women facing a breast biopsy but the new guidance system still requires more testing in a clinical setting later this year before being approved for widespread use.

Drug companies are wearing white hats again after latest deal with Obama

Over the weekend, pharmaceutical companies struck a deal with the Obama administration promising to spend $80 billion over the next decade to defray the cost of drugs for senior citizens, particularly those caught in the so-called "donut hole," and paying part of the costs of Obama's health legislation. President Obama said on Monday that the agreement was "a significant breakthrough on the road to health care reform, one that will make a difference in the lives of many older Americans." The deal is contingent upon Congress passing a comprehensive health care bill, which is currently encountering strong opposition from Republicans, according to an Associated Press report. The AP said the drug industry has traditionally been aligned with Republicans in Congress, so the industry's decision to strike a deal with the White House and Democrats in Congress could have been a calculated move in to head off more costly demands as the legislation heads to draft form.

Father's Day Reminders: Check your health

Happy Father's Day to all our fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and men who care for children. And while we're thanking them for taking care of us, perhaps we can remind them to take care of themselves by checking their blood pressure and blood glucose levels, controlling their diets and alcohol consumption, eliminating smoking, and checking for colon and prostate cancer as scheduled. Statistics show that men are more likely to put off routine checkups and ignore symptoms of a health problem than women, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They are more likely to smoke, drink and engage in risky or dangerous behaviors that can threaten health. Men are also less likely to have a regular doctor, HHS said. However, the women in their lives can help them reach better health outcomes through education and awareness. Women obtain health information from doctors, the television, the Internet, and printed materials and pass it on to the men in their lives. It's a good practice to discuss health matters with our significant others so that we prevent illnesses or control them in the earliest stages.

FDA warns against adverse effect of Zicam products

I took a few days off this week but the consumer health news kept on flowing...This time the focus is on a common over-the-counter medicine used to fight congestion from colds. On June 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to consumers to stop using three zinc-based nasal spray products marketed by Matrixx as homeopathic cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of the sense of smell (anosmia). This adverse effect can be be long-lasting or permanent, according to the FDA alert, and affects quality of life and the ability to detect dangerous odors, such as gases and smoke. The FDA says it has received more than 130 reports of the loss of the sense of smell reportedly associated with the use of three products: Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and a now discontinued product called Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size. News reports indicate that the company settled hundreds of lawsuits over the same ill effect in 2006. The agency advises any consumers who have experienced problems with their senses of smell after using Zicam products to contact their doctors immediately. As "homeopathic" remedies that came onto the market before 1999, the products did not need FDA approval. In addition to the FDA action this week, the Federal Trade Commission is also investigating the company regarding deceptive advertising and the Better Business Bureau had urged that Zicam advertisements be toned down, according to an Associated Press report. Other nasal spray products and homeopathic remedies will likely face increased scrutiny from both the FDA and consumers in the coming months and we've not heard the end of this story...My father lost his sense of smell years ago after using a nasal spray for only a few days...so the anecdotal evidence has been out there for years...It's unfortunate that it sometimes takes our government an entire decade to react with action that protects our health from future threats.

Red rice yeast instead of statin can reduce cholesterol, report says

As the baby boomer population ages, more people are being diagnosed with high cholesterol levels. Many doctors prescribe statins to reduce choesterol, but some patients have complained of muscle weakness and other effects from statins. Those looking for an alternative may find success with the supplement red rice yeast, used for years in Asia, according to ABC News. A new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports that after 12 weeks, study participants who took 1,800 mg of red rice yeast supplements saw LDL, the "bad cholesterol," drop by 27 percent. Those who did not take the red yeast rice supplements saw their LDL drop by only 6 percent. All participants were counseled on nutrition and exercise during the study. One doctor who co-authored the study said he was pleasantly surprised at the lowering effect and the fact that there were fewer side effects than expected. For those who have had problems with statins or who will not take prescription drugs, this might be an interesting alternative. The only problem is the supplement is not regulated by the FDA and, as with many other supplements, it's hard to know which brand has the most appropriate active ingredient amount, without contamination, but some Internet sites are cropping up that evaluate supplements and objectively list those that are top of the line. Beware of the sites that are just trying to hawk their own versions of the product, based on your keyword search.

Sleep more to improve your health

So many people are sleep-deprived these days due to work and family responsibilities that we can identify walking zombies in almost any setting in the U.S. Yet, research is telling us that the less we sleep the more prone we will be to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes and that lack of proper rest can also exacerbate other diseases such as muscular sclerosis, arthritis and heart-related ailments. Apparently, a good night's sleep better regulates blood glucose levels, keeps blood pressure in check and also helps us lose more weight when we are dieting. A study in the June 8 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that participants in the study with less sleep saw their blood pressure rise more than those who slept 7 or 8 hours. Just this week researchers presenting at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies said people with insomnia or those who had less than five hours had the greatest increased risk of developing diabetes, according to Science Daily. Those who slept between five and six hours a night also increased their risk of developing diabetes. It's another correctable risk, but easier said than done for many people whose life challenges just don't allow eight hours of sleep per night.

Want to lose weight? New study suggests boosting Vitamin D levels

Vitamins are in the spotlight lately, from Vitamin-enriched water and juice drinks to supplements to boost the immune system or metabolism. Now a new study suggests that Vitamin D might help us lose more weight when we are on calorie-restricted diets. Researchers at the University of Minnesota report that Vitamin D levels in the body at the start of a low-calorie diet predict weight loss success.
The researchers followed participants who had a calorie-restricted diet to see whether baseline vitamin D levels before calorie restriction had an effect on subsequent weight loss. The higher the Vitamin D level the more weight the person lost. Also, participants with higher baseline vitamin D levels lost more abdominal fat. While the researchers suggest that adding Vitamin D to a reduced-calorie diet might increase weight loss, they caution that more research is need via clinical research. The results of their study were presented at The Endocrine Society's 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C...Perhaps, those of us who work in cubes or windowless offices should try to get out in the daylight sun for at least 15 minutes a day and eat more foods rich in Vitamin D, including fish, low-fat or skim milk, fortified cereal and orange juice, and mushrooms.

World Health Organization says swine flu has reached pandemic status

The World Health Organization held an emergency meeting and has declared the current swine flu outbreak a pandemic, meaning it is intensifying in at least two global regions, with an incresing number of cases being found in Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and Chile, according to a BBC report. The swine flu has now spread to 74 countries. It's the first time in 40 years that the WHO has declared a global flu pandemic. The last one was in the late 1960s, when the Hong Kong flu killed more than 1 million people. Experts are reassuring that this outbreak currently appears to be more moderate than the last outbreak with many people reporting milder symptoms. They'll be monitoring the virus to see if it mutates in the autumn and winter to produce more serious effects. The pandemic status issued by WHO today will likely speed the production of flu vaccine and efforts to get people vaccinated before the fourth quarter of 2009. So wash your hands, get your flu shot and stay tuned. I think the preventive actions taken in various countries - closing schools and limiting gatherings where there are outbreaks -- has helped to curb the spread in some regions. At Rutgers University's graduation ceremonies, the deans dispensed with the traditional handshakes when graduates received their certificates to avoid spreading germs. Small measures add up!

Health clinics flourish as Americans rush for treatment

Everyone's busy these days, so if you could do your shopping and get your health checkup at the same place, you might think about using one of the health clinics that has appeared recently in your local retail department store, mall or pharmacy chain. Long waits in doctors' offices or emergency rooms have left some patients frustrated and looking for another option. Kalorama Information, a market research firm, says these clinics numbered about 1,200 in 2008 with annual revenue of $545 million, But by 2013, it estimates the number of clinics will double, with revenue of about $2 billion. Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS and Rite-Aid are some of the retailers currently operating in-store health clinics, according to CNN.com. If the clinic trend continues in stores, it could redefine the market for primary care. The current attraction of these in-store health clinics is that they boast shorter wait times -- 15 minutes --and lower costs compared with the typical doctor's office. A passing fad or a new trend?...only time will tell.

Try a cup of happiness... It's good for your health

There's so much negativity in the developed world in general that people are literally making themselves sick...worrying about whether they'll inherit the family disease (cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes), sick over their credit card loans, watching their blood pressure rise as their fortunes sink in the recent stock market demise...Are we slowly killing ourselves with stress? Maybe, we all need to take a "happiness" break for a few minutes each day. Recent studies have shown that people with positive attitudes and a good circle of friends live longer and survive serious illnesses longer...people who embrace spirituality appear to survive longer...And a recent study reported that happiness was contagious, spreading through social networks. I think it's true that when you are near upbeat, positive people you feel better and perform better, although I've met a few people who refuse to embrace joy in any shape or form. We can theorize that the technological revolution has isolated us as much as it has globally connected us. We make less direct eye-to-eye contact than any other generations before us because we are staring longer at a computer or cell phone screen. Perhaps in the future, schools and businesses will be forced to offer courses that teach students and workers how to be happy and how to think in a positive, constructive way. The secret will be to find the rightinstructors to teach the courses.

Accidental discovery may revolutionize cancer treatment

Some of the more interesting discoveries in medicine, including penicillin, Viagra and Propecia, resulted unexpectedly from research focused on other objectives. Now in this week's issue of the journal Nature, researchers at McGill University and the University of Pennsylvania report unanticipated findings that a commonly prescribed diabetes treatment, metformin, increased the efficiency of the immune system's T-cells, cells that help make cancer and virus-fighting vaccines more effective. This could be great news for those fighting cancer.

The study's findings suggest a new link between the metabolic pathways deregulated in cancer and diabetes and their role in immune cell function, according to a release from McGill University. The researchers said the results suggest that common diabetic therapies that can alter cellular metabolism may enhance T-cell memory, which in turn would boost the immune system. This could lead to novel strategies for vaccine and anti-cancer therapies. The study is the first to suggest that targeting of the same metabolic pathways that play a role in diabetes can alter how well the human immune system functions.

Check out other accidental discoveries at Listverse and at PBS-TV's Nova Online

Knock Yourself Out --Deep Sedation provides better results in colonoscopy, study says

If you are going for your required colonoscopy exam, you might want to ask to be deeply sedated, instead of taking a local anesthetic or "moderate conscious sedation," as the medical community describes it. A new study summarized on Medscape.com reports that deep sedation allowed doctors to better visualize the colon and better inspect for polyps during the procedure. The researchers from the Department of Gastroenterology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland said they were able to find significantly more polyps with deep sedation than with moderate conscious sedation(MCS), the method currently recommended in American Cancer Society Guidelines. Patients were also more satisfied with deep sedation... preferring to be out of the loop during the probing. The authors suggested during MCS doctors might be concentrating more on keeping the patient comfortable and adeuately sedated, rather than on the procedure.

Do cell phones pose distraction, adversely affect memory recall?

Ring-a-dingy-ding...We've all been distracted by the varied melodic rings of another person's cell phone - often when they should be turned off-- in a seminar, during a live performance, in a classroom, during the church sermon. (What's that? Just a minute, yes that's actually my ringtone...Sorry, what were you asking me?) Now a study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests our reaction may go beyond amusement or irritation...it may be a big enough distraction to adversely affect our memory recall.

"In any setting where people are trying to acquire knowledge and trying to retain that information in some way, a distraction that may just seem like a common annoyance to people may have a really disruptive effect on their later retention of that information," said Jill Shelton, a postdoctoral psychology fellow in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis and lead author of the study. The study appears in the Journal of Environmental Psychology

FDA review warns of liver damage risk from acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is back in the news again. A Working Group from the U.S. FDA reviewed scientific literature on the OTC drug and its effects on the liver, preparing a report for an FDA Advisory Committee meeting in late June that will examine the issue. The group's report recommends that specific action steps be implemented by FDA to reduce the occurrence of acetaminophen liver toxicity. One thing would help: teaching consumers how to read the patient package insert and to follow the directions for appropriate use...I have often heard people say that they "downed four or five Tylenol" because they had a bad headache or that they take two tablets every two hours, instead of every four hours. Others combine the pills with other acetaminophen-based products, such as a liquid Tylenol. This misuse/abuse
contributes to some of the side effects we hear reported in these reviews of reported cases of liver toxicity.

NIH study suggests late perimenopause stage may cause learning problems

As if some older women don't have enough health issues to worry about, a new study from the National Institutes of Health suggests that those just approaching menopause might have more trouble learning than women in other phases of life. The researchers studied more than 2300 women between the ages of 42 and 52 for four years and tested them for verbal memory, working memory and their speed for processing information. Study results indicated that processing speed improved with repeated testing during premenopause, early perimenopause and postmenopause. However, scores for women who were in the late perimenopause stage did not show the same degree of improvement. Improvements in processing speed during late perimenopause were only 28 percent as large as improvements observed in premenopause. The study appears in the May 26 print edition of the journal Neurology.

Plastic bottles may pose threat to humans, Harvard study says

Do plastic bottles leach enough chemicals to harm us? Some studies have raised concerns about the health effects of one component, bisphenol A, suggesting it is an endocrine disrupter, which means it can interfere with reproductive growth and development. And another study, this one from Harvard, appears to confirm that bisphenol A definitely accumulates in the human body. Participants in a Harvard study who drank from polycarbonate plastic bottles for a week had an increase of Bisphenol A in their urines that was two-thirds higher than the "washout" period during which they drank liquids only from stainless steel bottles. If you are thinking you can switch to aluminum cans for your soft drinks, you should know that most of them are lined with bisphenol A, and the chemical is also present in dental sealants, dental composites and other consumer goods, such as baby bottles and toys. One of the Harvard researchers notes that if you heat the polycarbonate bottles, as in the case of those for baby's milk, even higher bisphenol A readings would be expected.

Canada has already banned bisphenol A in its soft drink containers, and some manufacturers have voluntarily removed it from their bottles. In the U.S. it may end up being regulated on a state-by-state basis. Some states are already considering a ban on bisphenol A in toddler and children's plastic glasses and "tippy cups." The Harvard study is available for free on the website of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Compare drugs to improve on efficacy and reduce costs, new study says

A new study from the University of Illinois at Chicago reports that patients can get significant savings and better outcomes from their prescription drugs when doctors/health care professionals use comparative effectiveness research, that is, evaluating different options for treating a medical condition among a particular group of patients.

"Despite having the highest per capita health care expenditures in the world, the United States does not always perform well on measures of health compared with other countries," said Glen Schumock, associate professor and director of the UIC Center for Pharmacoeconomic Research. Schumock also said the medical community needs to know more about how drugs compare to one another in terms of effectiveness, safety and value. It makes sense, then, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, approved by President Obama, has set aside more than $1 billion for comparative effectiveness research.

The report appears in the online version (Volume 66, 2009) of American Journal of Health-Systems Pharmacy.

Is Change in the Air for Healthcare? Obama says yes.

President Barach Obama again displayed his audacity of hope (and boosted ours) as he announced in his weekly radio address that interest groups, such as insurance companies, drug companies, doctors and labor unions, have promised to shave trillions of dollars in savings from the health care system.

Their collaborative efforts could save families up to $2,500 in the coming years, Obama said, noting that this new approach signals that change is coming to Washington.

" I have always believed that it is better to talk than not to talk; that it is far more productive to reach over a divide than to shake your fist across it. This has been an alien notion in Washington for far too long, but we are seeing that the ways of Washington are beginning to change," Obama said.

Meanwhile, the Republican response was guarded, agreeing with President Obama that the healthcare system needs an overhaul that will provide affordable health insurance and include preventive measures, but warning against any option for government-run health insurance or replacing employer-based insurance. However, the Republican message warned about government intervention.

"A government takeover of health care will put bureaucrats in charge of health care decisions that should be made by families and doctors," Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA) said in the Republican radio and Internet address. Boustany said it would also limit healthcare options and could lead to increased taxes to pay for the system.

We have to start somewhere and the new efforts to trim costs suggests a commitment from the interest groups that offers consumers the hope that a change for the better is coming. Even a compromise suggests that the consumer gets something out of the deal!