PARADIGM BYTES
Newsletter for Paradigm97
November 15, 2006
MISSION STATEMENT
We believe that nurses need each other for support during the "lean and mean" days to help survive them. We offer research results and other ideas to enrich the nursing experience.
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We believe that nurses need each other for support during the "lean and mean" days to help survive them. We offer research results and other ideas to enrich the nursing experience.
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Please drop in ...the chatroom is "manned" by GingerMyst for 45 min on Tuesday evenings: 9 pm EST, 8 pm CST, 7 pm MST, 6 pm PST
(Please note that these times are per time zone..... e.g. same time in essence).
Now, the Paradigm97 chatroom is always there....door open, lights on, waiting for visitors to come in. Check your Buddy List.....and invite your friends in for a little chat Let me know if you want others involved.
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SNIPPETS
If I have given this one before, please forgive.
10 Diet Myths That Won't Go Away..........
(Please note that these times are per time zone..... e.g. same time in essence).
Now, the Paradigm97 chatroom is always there....door open, lights on, waiting for visitors to come in. Check your Buddy List.....and invite your friends in for a little chat Let me know if you want others involved.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
SNIPPETS
If I have given this one before, please forgive.
10 Diet Myths That Won't Go Away..........
1. Myth: Calories eaten after 8PM turn to fat.
Fact: This is an urban legend that is no more true than the notion that alligators are roaming the sewers of New York City, says Liz Neporent, trainer and author of 'The Fat-Free Truth.' The fact of the matter is if you eat more calories than your body burns in a day, the excess calories will be stored as fat. Whether you consume them during 'Good Morning America' or 'Letterman' doesn't matter; there is no intrinsic connection between calories and the clock.
Fact: This is an urban legend that is no more true than the notion that alligators are roaming the sewers of New York City, says Liz Neporent, trainer and author of 'The Fat-Free Truth.' The fact of the matter is if you eat more calories than your body burns in a day, the excess calories will be stored as fat. Whether you consume them during 'Good Morning America' or 'Letterman' doesn't matter; there is no intrinsic connection between calories and the clock.
2. Myth: To jump-start your diet, you should fast.
Fact: Not so fast! Skipping meals for extended periods of time is actually the best way to sabotage a diet. Though fasting may temporarily help you lose weight, it's predominantly water weight, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, of the Northwestern Memorial Wellness Institute. Fasting is not recommended because not eating for extended periods can cause fatigue and dizziness. Ultimately, fasting usually accomplishes two things, says Blatner. "It makes you hungry and leaves you feeling deprived." Once you become over-hungry, all common sense is lost, and you're bound to make high-calorie, high-fat choices in that state of mind. Furthermore, feeling deprived tends to lead to binging when you do eat again. So, in fact, the more you don't eat, the more likely you are to overeat in the end.
Fact: Not so fast! Skipping meals for extended periods of time is actually the best way to sabotage a diet. Though fasting may temporarily help you lose weight, it's predominantly water weight, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, of the Northwestern Memorial Wellness Institute. Fasting is not recommended because not eating for extended periods can cause fatigue and dizziness. Ultimately, fasting usually accomplishes two things, says Blatner. "It makes you hungry and leaves you feeling deprived." Once you become over-hungry, all common sense is lost, and you're bound to make high-calorie, high-fat choices in that state of mind. Furthermore, feeling deprived tends to lead to binging when you do eat again. So, in fact, the more you don't eat, the more likely you are to overeat in the end.
3. Myth: Low-carb (high protein) diets are the most effective route to weight loss....
Fact: Before you ban bread altogether, consider this: Although preliminary research suggests that obese people can lose more weight on a low-carb diet than on a conventional low-fat diet, the benefits appear to be small and may be short-lived, says Neporent. One yearlong study comparing low-carb dieters to low-fat dieters found that low-carbers began regaining the weight they lost after six months. By the end of the year, they were no better off than the low-fat group. What's more, the dropout rate among both groups was extremely high. It really is about the calories and striking a balance between what you consume and what you burn. To do that for the long haul, you have to choose a diet that is sustainable. And permanently cutting out entire food groups (especially ones that include tasty, crusty bread) doesn't qualify.
Fact: Before you ban bread altogether, consider this: Although preliminary research suggests that obese people can lose more weight on a low-carb diet than on a conventional low-fat diet, the benefits appear to be small and may be short-lived, says Neporent. One yearlong study comparing low-carb dieters to low-fat dieters found that low-carbers began regaining the weight they lost after six months. By the end of the year, they were no better off than the low-fat group. What's more, the dropout rate among both groups was extremely high. It really is about the calories and striking a balance between what you consume and what you burn. To do that for the long haul, you have to choose a diet that is sustainable. And permanently cutting out entire food groups (especially ones that include tasty, crusty bread) doesn't qualify.
4. Myth: Eating white foods is bad for you.
Fact: Don't judge a food by its color. Some of the best foods for you are actually white, says Cynthia Sass, RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. The color of a food has nothing to do with its nutritional value and it's not always an indication of how processed the food is either, she says. Think bananas, pears and garlic, all of which pack a nutritional punch and are also naturally white. Instead of focusing on the color of the food, you need to consider what else it delivers in deciding whether to eat it. Find out what nutrients and vitamins it has. And look at the list of ingredients to determine how highly processed it is. Even a processed food, such as cake mix, doesn't have to be a diet wrecker as long as you eat it in moderation.
Fact: Don't judge a food by its color. Some of the best foods for you are actually white, says Cynthia Sass, RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. The color of a food has nothing to do with its nutritional value and it's not always an indication of how processed the food is either, she says. Think bananas, pears and garlic, all of which pack a nutritional punch and are also naturally white. Instead of focusing on the color of the food, you need to consider what else it delivers in deciding whether to eat it. Find out what nutrients and vitamins it has. And look at the list of ingredients to determine how highly processed it is. Even a processed food, such as cake mix, doesn't have to be a diet wrecker as long as you eat it in moderation.
5. Myth: Drinking lots of water will help you lose weight.
Fact: If your daily drinking habits consist of sweetened teas, juice drinks and sodas, then replacing them with water can result in consuming fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss. But simply upping your water intake will not, unfortunately, help you shed pounds, says Sass. Though drinking water may make your belly temporarily feel fuller, you have to remember that hunger is not simply a function of your stomach -- your body is crying out for nutrients in food, so filling up on water won't satisfy you for long. Of course staying hydrated is important for maintaining your overall energy and body functioning, but contrary to popular belief, drinking it in excess won't boost your metabolism or flush away fat.
Fact: If your daily drinking habits consist of sweetened teas, juice drinks and sodas, then replacing them with water can result in consuming fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss. But simply upping your water intake will not, unfortunately, help you shed pounds, says Sass. Though drinking water may make your belly temporarily feel fuller, you have to remember that hunger is not simply a function of your stomach -- your body is crying out for nutrients in food, so filling up on water won't satisfy you for long. Of course staying hydrated is important for maintaining your overall energy and body functioning, but contrary to popular belief, drinking it in excess won't boost your metabolism or flush away fat.
6. Myth: When you're on a diet, drinking juice is a no-no.
Fact: Juice gets such a bad rap these days, but the truth is, juice isn't inherently bad for you, provided you're actually drinking juice -- not a juice drink. Juice drinks are loaded with added sugar and preservatives. So check the label to be sure you're only reaching for 100 percent juice. The caveat? Because juice is much more concentrated than fruit, you need much less of it. Limit yourself to 4-ounce servings of juice, Sass says. Of course, whenever possible, you should choose whole fruit over juice, because fruit contains fiber, which fills you up, and is left behind when you extract the juice.
Fact: Juice gets such a bad rap these days, but the truth is, juice isn't inherently bad for you, provided you're actually drinking juice -- not a juice drink. Juice drinks are loaded with added sugar and preservatives. So check the label to be sure you're only reaching for 100 percent juice. The caveat? Because juice is much more concentrated than fruit, you need much less of it. Limit yourself to 4-ounce servings of juice, Sass says. Of course, whenever possible, you should choose whole fruit over juice, because fruit contains fiber, which fills you up, and is left behind when you extract the juice.
7. Myth: All sugar is bad for you.
Fact: When it comes to the sweet stuff, not all sugar is created equal. Food labels don't distinguish between added sugar and sugar that was naturally in the food to begin with, says Sass. For example, most dieters wouldn't consider eating canned fruit because of the grams of sugar listed on the label. However, if it's packaged in its own juice, then you're just eating the sugar that was already in the fruit. Lots of good-for-you foods naturally have sugar in them, such as low-fat milk, says Sass. Instead of looking at the grams of sugar on the nutrition label, read the ingredient list. Foods containing items like high fructose corn syrup should be kept to a minimum.
Fact: When it comes to the sweet stuff, not all sugar is created equal. Food labels don't distinguish between added sugar and sugar that was naturally in the food to begin with, says Sass. For example, most dieters wouldn't consider eating canned fruit because of the grams of sugar listed on the label. However, if it's packaged in its own juice, then you're just eating the sugar that was already in the fruit. Lots of good-for-you foods naturally have sugar in them, such as low-fat milk, says Sass. Instead of looking at the grams of sugar on the nutrition label, read the ingredient list. Foods containing items like high fructose corn syrup should be kept to a minimum.
8. Myth: Exercising on an empty stomach burns more fat.
Fact: If only it were that easy. The real deal? When you do aerobic exercise, your body is burning fat as well as carbohydrate stores from food you've recently eaten, says Sass. So if you skip your pre-workout meal or snack, you won't have carb stores to burn. But that doesn't mean you'll burn all fat (a physiological impossibility). Instead, your body starts to burn its own muscle for fuel. And less muscle means lower metabolism -- not the goal of any dieter. Not to mention that exercising on empty means you'll probably be too tired to go all out, which translates into burning fewer calories during your workout than if you had properly fueled up beforehand. Ideally, you should have a meal three or four hours before a workout, or a snack one to two hours before exercising.
Fact: If only it were that easy. The real deal? When you do aerobic exercise, your body is burning fat as well as carbohydrate stores from food you've recently eaten, says Sass. So if you skip your pre-workout meal or snack, you won't have carb stores to burn. But that doesn't mean you'll burn all fat (a physiological impossibility). Instead, your body starts to burn its own muscle for fuel. And less muscle means lower metabolism -- not the goal of any dieter. Not to mention that exercising on empty means you'll probably be too tired to go all out, which translates into burning fewer calories during your workout than if you had properly fueled up beforehand. Ideally, you should have a meal three or four hours before a workout, or a snack one to two hours before exercising.
9. Myth: Drinking liquid meal replacements will help shrink your stomach.
Fact: No way ... Liquid diets are strictly for babies! Any shrinking that happens from a liquid diet is likely to be in your imagination -- not in your stomach, says Blatner. Why? "Your stomach is a muscular organ that will stretch temporarily when you eat, and then return back to its normal size." There is nothing you can do to shrink your stomach, she says. As you diet, over time you may get used to eating less, but that's not because your stomach has actually shrunk.
Fact: No way ... Liquid diets are strictly for babies! Any shrinking that happens from a liquid diet is likely to be in your imagination -- not in your stomach, says Blatner. Why? "Your stomach is a muscular organ that will stretch temporarily when you eat, and then return back to its normal size." There is nothing you can do to shrink your stomach, she says. As you diet, over time you may get used to eating less, but that's not because your stomach has actually shrunk.
10. Myth: Eating grapefruit will help you burn fat.
Fact: That eating grapefruits will help you lose weight is one of the most persistent among diet myths -- and just when you think it's gone, it resurfaces and becomes all the rage again every few years. "It's ridiculous," says Neporent. "There is no food that has intrinsic "fat-burning enzymes" that magically melt fat from your body. There was one study that demonstrated the effectiveness of this diet, notes Neporent. However, it was small, isolated, and there is some question as to whether the citrus industry sponsored the research. If you want to eat grapefruit as part of a well-rounded diet, go for it. They're rich in lycopene -- an antioxidant that protects against heart disease and breast cancer, says Keecha Harris, DrPH, RD, and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Incorporate it and other lycopene-rich foods such as tomatoes and watermelon into your diet each day, she says.
Get Expert Reviews of 30 Diets http://diets.aol.com/a-z :
100 Smartest Diet Tips Ever http://diets.aol.com/dietbasics/rodale/_a/100-smartest-diet-tips-ever/20051226205009990001
http://diets.aol.com/dietbasics/essentials/_a/10-diet-myths-that-wont-go-
away/20060713122809990001
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Fact: That eating grapefruits will help you lose weight is one of the most persistent among diet myths -- and just when you think it's gone, it resurfaces and becomes all the rage again every few years. "It's ridiculous," says Neporent. "There is no food that has intrinsic "fat-burning enzymes" that magically melt fat from your body. There was one study that demonstrated the effectiveness of this diet, notes Neporent. However, it was small, isolated, and there is some question as to whether the citrus industry sponsored the research. If you want to eat grapefruit as part of a well-rounded diet, go for it. They're rich in lycopene -- an antioxidant that protects against heart disease and breast cancer, says Keecha Harris, DrPH, RD, and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Incorporate it and other lycopene-rich foods such as tomatoes and watermelon into your diet each day, she says.
Get Expert Reviews of 30 Diets http://diets.aol.com/a-z :
100 Smartest Diet Tips Ever http://diets.aol.com/dietbasics/rodale/_a/100-smartest-diet-tips-ever/20051226205009990001
http://diets.aol.com/dietbasics/essentials/_a/10-diet-myths-that-wont-go-
away/20060713122809990001
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FORGOTTEN HISTORY
The Cold War and Atomic Waste During the 1940's and 1950's, the United States began producing huge quantities of atomic weapons. To do this, the US hired hundreds of private companies for the dangerous job of producing and handling atomic waste. According to recent de-classified files, this left a legacy of poisoned workers and contaminated communities. Thousands of workers were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation, often hundreds of times stronger than what was considered acceptable limits. This was all done in secrecy, with neither the government nor private industry explaining the risk to American workers. The United States, in its haste to build nuclear weapons, ignored the safety of its own citizens while American industries, in their quest for profits, turned their backs on their
own employees. The risks were known, however,companies such as the Simonds Saw and Steel Company in New York, unloaded railroad cars containing uranium and thorium to the factory. In 1948, workers at the Saw and Steel plant were told they would be rolling a new type of metal. The shipments arrived with armed guards who stayed until the job was completed. Most of the workers had no idea of the risked they were taking but were happy to have a job after enduring hardships throughout the "Great Depression." The workers were told that there would be no danger to their health. We now know that this was a lie. Workers were told in a 1947 memo that they may hear the word "radiation" while they worked on the job, but that the levels would be so small that instruments would be needed to show any exposure. This was not the case. In fact, when private companies violated minimum safety standards, the government ignored their violations.
In a 1947 memo, Bernard Wolf, medical director in the Commissions office stated, "Hazards to public health of ABC operations has been given inadequate consideration." The agency did nothing fearing exposure and dependent on the private companies. The Cold War was at a fever pitch at this time. Politicians such as Richard Nixon,
Joseph McCarthy and many others were busy making careers out of the cold war. Officials at the Atomic Energy Commission tried to reduce the risks but the White House, Congress and the boys at the Pentagon demanded that production be carried out with wartime urgency. What is so repugnant about these operations is that the government cared more about possible insurance claims that could be filed against private industry, than it did its own citizens. They said that disclosure would cause, "an increase in insurance claims, increased difficulty in labor relations and adverse public sentiment."
One could safely categorize their response as "class warfare.' What we have today is many people coming down with unusually high cancer rates and communities left with
the task of cleaning up the toxic mess. The public, as so often is the case, is left unaware of how much health or environmental damage may have been done to their communities and while the Clinton administration has pursued cleanups more forcefully than previously, federal laws right now say nothing about those contaminated in private industry. So their fate remains in question. It is a national disgrace and a reminder to all of us to question both corporations and government when it comes to our health. Sources: Records of the Atomic Energy Commission
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The Cold War and Atomic Waste During the 1940's and 1950's, the United States began producing huge quantities of atomic weapons. To do this, the US hired hundreds of private companies for the dangerous job of producing and handling atomic waste. According to recent de-classified files, this left a legacy of poisoned workers and contaminated communities. Thousands of workers were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation, often hundreds of times stronger than what was considered acceptable limits. This was all done in secrecy, with neither the government nor private industry explaining the risk to American workers. The United States, in its haste to build nuclear weapons, ignored the safety of its own citizens while American industries, in their quest for profits, turned their backs on their
own employees. The risks were known, however,companies such as the Simonds Saw and Steel Company in New York, unloaded railroad cars containing uranium and thorium to the factory. In 1948, workers at the Saw and Steel plant were told they would be rolling a new type of metal. The shipments arrived with armed guards who stayed until the job was completed. Most of the workers had no idea of the risked they were taking but were happy to have a job after enduring hardships throughout the "Great Depression." The workers were told that there would be no danger to their health. We now know that this was a lie. Workers were told in a 1947 memo that they may hear the word "radiation" while they worked on the job, but that the levels would be so small that instruments would be needed to show any exposure. This was not the case. In fact, when private companies violated minimum safety standards, the government ignored their violations.
In a 1947 memo, Bernard Wolf, medical director in the Commissions office stated, "Hazards to public health of ABC operations has been given inadequate consideration." The agency did nothing fearing exposure and dependent on the private companies. The Cold War was at a fever pitch at this time. Politicians such as Richard Nixon,
Joseph McCarthy and many others were busy making careers out of the cold war. Officials at the Atomic Energy Commission tried to reduce the risks but the White House, Congress and the boys at the Pentagon demanded that production be carried out with wartime urgency. What is so repugnant about these operations is that the government cared more about possible insurance claims that could be filed against private industry, than it did its own citizens. They said that disclosure would cause, "an increase in insurance claims, increased difficulty in labor relations and adverse public sentiment."
One could safely categorize their response as "class warfare.' What we have today is many people coming down with unusually high cancer rates and communities left with
the task of cleaning up the toxic mess. The public, as so often is the case, is left unaware of how much health or environmental damage may have been done to their communities and while the Clinton administration has pursued cleanups more forcefully than previously, federal laws right now say nothing about those contaminated in private industry. So their fate remains in question. It is a national disgrace and a reminder to all of us to question both corporations and government when it comes to our health. Sources: Records of the Atomic Energy Commission
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From a Member ---Medical News
For the text of HR 6182 "Nurse And Patient Safety and Protection Act of 2006" which was introduced by U.S. Representative John Conyers (D-MI) into the U.S. House of Representatives on September 26, 2006: http://thomas.loc.gov/home/bills_res.html and click "Search Bill Text." Then, under "Enter Search," select "Bill Number" and type "HR 6182" in the blank box. Anne Hudson, RN September 29, 2006
anne@wingusa.org
www.wingusa.org Work Injured Nurses' Group USA
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INTERESTING READING
For the text of HR 6182 "Nurse And Patient Safety and Protection Act of 2006" which was introduced by U.S. Representative John Conyers (D-MI) into the U.S. House of Representatives on September 26, 2006: http://thomas.loc.gov/home/bills_res.html and click "Search Bill Text." Then, under "Enter Search," select "Bill Number" and type "HR 6182" in the blank box. Anne Hudson, RN September 29, 2006
anne@wingusa.org
www.wingusa.org Work Injured Nurses' Group USA
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INTERESTING READING
Please remember that the REUTERS articles are good for 30 days only
For an extra 67 cents, you can get lots of fries, a bucketful of soda, a super-duper burger, and more at a fast food window. But it's no bargain. The effect on your weight and lifestyle of supersizing a meal -- that is, buying more calories than your body can use -- may run you more than $7 in the end. According to researchers, that's what each supersize meal costs, assuming the extra calories turn to fat, which in turn increases the amount of money you must spend on food, gas, and medical care to sustain an ever-heavier frame.
When researchers determined the real price of supersizing a meal -- assuming the added calories turn to fat -- they included the cost of more food needed to sustain a heavier person, more gas to transport a heavier body, and the extra medical expenses associated with weight gain. For people already overweight, 67 cents worth of supersizing resulted in $7.72 total cost; even for normal-weight people, the cost was more than $4. Still worse, carrying around extra pounds leaves you at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, some forms of cancer, and high blood pressure. Whether you're ordering fast food at the drive-through, dining in a restaurant, or eating in your own kitchen, pay attention to portion size so you don't take in more calories than you can use. Try to start your meal with healthy, low-fat foods -- fruit or veggies (even fast-food joints now offer salads) -- then move on to small portions of protein and carbs. You'll feel full with far fewer calories. Many restaurants serve plates piled high with enough food to serve a small family. Be proactive to prevent overeating. Before it's served, have half your meal boxed and take it home. Or split an entrée. Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets. In other words, do yourself a favor and downsize your meals. References: The financial reality of overeating. Close, R. N., Schoeller, D. A., Journal of American College of Nutrition 2006 Jun;25(3):203-209.
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Bad hip? Bad back? Instead of popping a pain pill, try spinning your favorite CD. Nagging, gnawing pain can grind anyone down. But now there's scientific evidence that the right kind of music can pick you up, easing discomfort and lifting your spirits. What's the "right" kind? Anything you like -- relaxing sounds, classic rock, edgier beats, whatever sounds good to your inner spirit is good for your body, too.
It's been known for a while that music is a great way to decrease pain and calm fears after surgery and during cancer treatments. The question was, could it also help people suffering from the ongoing pain of arthritis, migraines, back problems, and other health issues? The answer is yes. A daily dose of music can definitely increase comfort and lift depression, boosting listeners' outlook. Even better, music is a low-cost "medicine" with no side effects, unlike many pain relievers. So whatever it is you like to listen to -- Satchmo or Sade -- try turning it on if you're coping with pain problems. Treating yourself with more than one kind of medicine is good for the body as well as the soul.
References: Effect of music on power, pain, depression, and disability. Siedliecki, S. L., Good, M., Journal of Advanced Nursing 2006 Jun;54(5):553-562.
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Public Health & Education FDA Requests More Data on Avastin's Use To Treat Breast Cancer; Approval Could Be Delayed One Year, Company Says
[Sep 12, 2006] Pharmaceutical company Genentech on Monday said FDA has asked it to submit more data in its application to use the colorectal cancer medication Avastin as a treatment for breast cancer, the Wall Street Journal reports (Loftus, Wall Street Journal, 9/12). Genentech in May filed for FDA priority review of its Avastin application based on data from a late-stage clinical trial. The trial -- which involved 722 patients with previously untreated, locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer -- finds that Avastin reduced by 52% the risk of disease progression or death for patients who used the treatment with chemotherapy, compared with patients who only underwent chemotherapy. Avastin -- which costs about $50,000 annually as a treatment for colon cancer -- will cost as much as $100,000 to treat breast cancer because breast cancer patients would require a double dose of the drug (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 5/30). http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=39732
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Number of Endocrinologists Declines Nationwide as Population With Diabetes, Obesity, Osteoporosis Increases [Sep 14, 2006] The Philadelphia Inquirer on Wednesday examined how across the country the number of endocrinologists is declining just as incidence of the diseases they are trained to treat -- diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis -- is rising. Many people with diabetes seek treatment from general practitioners, but "[w]hen the delicate balance of hormone and sugar levels winds out of control," many require endocrinologists who are now in short supply, the Inquirer reports. Experts say the situation is related to retiring doctors and salaries for endocrinologists, which are lower than what other specialists typically receive. Across the country, there are 12% fewer endocrinologists than needed, the Inquirer reports. According to the American Diabetes Association, about one million people in the U.S. are found to have diabetes each year. In Philadelphia -- where 10.9% of the population has diabetes -- there are just 55 endocrinologists, and some of them only do research.
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=39802
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New Report Finds that Hispanics Face Greater Barriers to Health Care in "New Growth Communities"As America’s Hispanic population grows and moves beyond urban centers, a new report released today by the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured assesses the implications for access to health care. It finds that Hispanics in “new growth communities” face greater barriers to health care than those in cities considered “major Hispanic centers” (major centers). Many of these “new growth communities” are smaller urban and rural communities in areas of the country that previously had a very small Hispanic population and thus have less experience caring for a diverse population. The report, Health Coverage and Access to Care for Hispanics in “New Growth Communities” and “Major Hispanic Centers,” finds that the uninsured rate for Hispanics in new growth communities (31 percent) rose to a level to that of Hispanics in major centers (30 percent) by 2003. Uninsured individuals tend to rely more on safety net providers for their care. However, less than half (43 percent) of the Hispanic population in new growth communities lives within 5 miles of a community health center compared to 71 percent of the population in major centers. Additionally, only half (50 percent) of the new growth community Hispanics live within 10 miles of a safety-net hospital compared to 82 percent of Hispanics in major centers
The report also finds that Hispanics in new growth communities experienced more problems accessing health care than those in major centers, and that physicians in new growth communities experienced more language difficulties with their Hispanic patients compared to physicians in major centers. As Hispanics move to new areas of the country due to long-term immigration trends and the migration of Hispanics from major centers to new areas, more communities may need to look at strategies for delivering care to individuals who often have difficulty accessing care due to lower coverage rates and language and cultural barriers.
NEW REPORT: Health Coverage and Access to Care for Hispanics
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Viral Decay Dynamics in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Ritonavir-Boosted Saquinavir and Efavirenz With or Without Enfuvirtide: A Randomized, Controlled Trial (HIV-NAT 012)This 12-week study of patients receiving ritonavir-boosted saquinavir and efavirenz with or without enfuvirtide was conducted to determine whether antiretroviral therapy that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase and protease exerts potent antiviral effects that might not be augmented by the addition of an HIV fusion inhibitor... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17041859
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A "virtually untreatable" form of TB has emerged, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Extreme drug resistant TB (XDR TB) has been seen worldwide, including in the US, Eastern Europe and Africa, although Western Europe has had no cases. Dr Paul Nunn, from the WHO, said a failure to correctly implement treatment strategies was to blame. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5317624.stm
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Recent research has added support to the theory that harmful aspects of the physiological stress response might be mitigated with dietary interventions. In a study, daily consumption of a vegetable soup that was rich in vitamin C helped to lower people's blood levels of molecules associated with stress.
The stress response can be good and bad, depending on the type and duration of stress. Intermittent, short-term stress may help stimulate appropriate actions and help provide interest and challenge when it comes to work or other tasks. However, chronic stress may weaken the immune system by keeping the body in an over-stimulated state for a prolonged period of time. Aside from practicing stress reduction strategies, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest, another way to mediate the harmful effects of stress on the body may be through dietary interventions. Choose antioxidant-rich foods, such as soups made from vitamin C-rich vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli. The ingredients in gazpacho, a flavorful Spanish-style soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, olive oil, onions, and garlic, are high in antioxidants that promote health by neutralizing free radicals, compounds that damage cells and DNA. In a recent two-week study, participants who consumed approximately 2 cups of gazpacho per day experienced increases in blood levels of vitamin C and decreases in markers of stress-related inflammation, such as F2-isoprostane, prostaglandin E2, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1.
Consumption of high-pressurized vegetable soup increases plasma vitamin C and decreases oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy humans. Sánchez-Moreno, C., Cano, M. P., de Ancos, B., Plaza, L., Olmedilla, B., Granado, F., Martín, A., The Journal of Nutrition 2004 Nov;134(11):3021-3025.
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What is a BRATT diet?
A. BRATT stands for bananas, (white) rice, apples, tea, and toast - five ideal items for people with a stomach bug, particularly diarrhea. These foods are all carbohydrates that will supply the body with needed energy, are easily digested, and fat-free. Apples can be in the form of the fresh fruit, applesauce, or juice. While this eating plan was first recommended for children, I have used it myself and have recommended it to patients ofall ages. Just be careful about brown rice and whole-grain breads that contain fiber; you may want to wait a week after a bout of diarrhea before you put fiber back in your diet. Courtesy of : http://www.WhatNursesKnow.com
Leg crossing improves orthostatic tolerance in healthy subjects: Vasovagal syncope is the most common cause of transient loss of consciousness, and recurrent vasovagal fainting has a profound impact on quality of life. Physical countermaneuvers are applied as a means of tertiary prevention but have so far only proven useful at the onset of a faint. This placebo-controlled crossover study tested the hypothesis that leg crossing increases orthostatic tolerance. http://ajpheart.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/291/4/H1768
******************************************
CHICAGO, IL -- September 22, 2006 -- In the first large, single-institution series directly comparing weight-loss outsimes in the super-obese patients, researchers from the University of Chicago found that a newer operation, the duodenal switch, produced substantially better weight-loss outcomes than the standard operation, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.In the October issue of the Annals of Surgery, the researchers report that the duodenal switch (DS) produced greater weight loss than the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) by all measures in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 50. These patients typically carry at least 150 pounds more than their ideal weight.In this study, patients undergoing duodenal switch were significantly more likely to achieve and maintain successful weight loss -- defined as losing more than half of their excess weight -- at one year (DS 83.9% vs. RYGB 70.4%) and three years (DS 84.2% vs. RYGB 59.3%) after surgery. http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/852571020057CCF6852571F1005E8548?OpenDocument&id=D82277BEB625E4E185256E3700509F48&c=&count=10
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From omega-3 fatty acids to flavonoids, the ingredients in foods you eat every day may be potent weapons in the battle against disease. Once-forbidden foods like chocolate, nuts, and wine made headlines in 2004 for their potentially healthy benefits, and new research suggests that the key to avoiding heart disease or cancer may be found in the cupboard rather than the medicine cabinet.
But the secret may not lie in a single wonder food. Instead, researchers say that variety may really be the spice of (long) life. To get your plate in order, WebMD asked the experts for their top picks from this year's newsmakers. http://www.webmd.com/solutions/sc/womans-guide-healthy-heart/heartfelt-diet ***********************************
Nurses ID Benefits of Health IT With the promise of a nationwide electronic health record on the horizon, the ongoing implementation of computerized medical systems and the constant development of advanced health care devices, it has become clear that technology is the key to the future of health care. A new survey points out that nurses hold that key in the palm of their hands.
Nurses Talk Tech, a survey by CDW Healthcare, a provider of technology products and services, examined the responses of more than 550 nurses working in a range of health care facilities. The survey queried the importance of health information technology to a nurse’s job responsibilities and career choices, the amount of training nurses receive on the job and the nurses’ perceptions of the role information technology plays in quality of patient care. The results demonstrated the overall significance of IT to the nursing profession. http://w3.rn.com/news_features.asp?articleID=15584
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With new labeling, trans fats should be easier to spot, but are they truly? A New York City proposal to limit trans fats in restaurant food may lead to better health. If approved, cooks in the city's 20,000 restaurants won't be able to use ingredients that contain more than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.
Chicago officials are also mulling a plan to reduce trans fats in restaurant food. The proposals follow an FDA decision that requires food manufacturers to list trans fats on nutrition labels. http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/118/113024.htm
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Imagine forgetting where the bathroom is. Alzheimer's can do that. Fish may prevent it. In case you need reminding, fish is amazing stuff. Eating it once a week can cut your risk of Alzheimer's disease by 60 percent! Simply choose seafood rich in omega-3s, such as salmon, cod, haddock, and flounder. Although walnuts, canola oil, flaxseeds, and soybeans are other omega-3 options, finned food is the supreme source.
Not a fish eater but wish you were? Start with flounder or salmon -- and let a restaurant prepare it. Tastes and textures vary greatly, depending on whether fish is grilled, baked, or served sushi style, so you may find some preparations you like. If not, omega-3 fatty acids also come in capsule form, even though it's generally better to get any nutrient from food. If you do choose to take capsules, discuss it with your doctor first. A tip for those who frequently eat fish: Choosing the right kind can limit your intake of mercury, a harmful toxin that certain species of fish (long-lived tuna, for one) easily accumulate from the environment. Fortunately, some of the fish that are highest in omega-3s are lowest in mercury, including salmon, pollock, pickled herring, and cod -- and of this group, salmon has the most omega-3 fatty acids and the least mercury. Also good to know: Canned light tuna is generally lower in mercury than fresh tuna.
References Consumption of fish and n-3 fatty acids and risk of incident Alzheimer disease. Morris, M. C., Evans, D. A., Bienias, J. L., Tangney, C. C., Bennett, D. A., Wilson, R. S., Aggarwal, N., Schneider, J., Archives of Neurology 2003 Jul;60(7):940-946
****************************************
If you've ever strained your back, you know that on a scale of 1 to 10, the pain ranks at a 692. And you can think of nothing better than having someone deliver ice packs, ibuprofen, and the latest issue of your favorite magazine to your bed. But the people you live with shouldn't wait on you for days. It may feel like the right thing emotionally, but it's the wrong thing physically. Bed rest can weaken muscles, upping the risk of further injury and pain.
Statistically speaking, married people with back pain suffer two and a half times longer than single people -- perhaps because attentive spouses encourage a pattern of repetitive self-injury by playing nursemaid and pampering their patients. Staying in bed for longer than 48 hours is all it takes for back muscles to weaken -- which invites more trouble. In order to recover from strain, muscles need to grow stronger and stay active. The only way to do that is by moving them, even if it's only a little bit at first. The best method: Walk around the house. Don't push it, but don't give up. Step by step, the muscles will gradually strengthen, not stiffen.
References YOU: The Owner's Manual. Roizen, M. F., Oz, M. C., New York: HarperCollins, 2005.
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When researchers determined the real price of supersizing a meal -- assuming the added calories turn to fat -- they included the cost of more food needed to sustain a heavier person, more gas to transport a heavier body, and the extra medical expenses associated with weight gain. For people already overweight, 67 cents worth of supersizing resulted in $7.72 total cost; even for normal-weight people, the cost was more than $4. Still worse, carrying around extra pounds leaves you at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, some forms of cancer, and high blood pressure. Whether you're ordering fast food at the drive-through, dining in a restaurant, or eating in your own kitchen, pay attention to portion size so you don't take in more calories than you can use. Try to start your meal with healthy, low-fat foods -- fruit or veggies (even fast-food joints now offer salads) -- then move on to small portions of protein and carbs. You'll feel full with far fewer calories. Many restaurants serve plates piled high with enough food to serve a small family. Be proactive to prevent overeating. Before it's served, have half your meal boxed and take it home. Or split an entrée. Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets. In other words, do yourself a favor and downsize your meals. References: The financial reality of overeating. Close, R. N., Schoeller, D. A., Journal of American College of Nutrition 2006 Jun;25(3):203-209.
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Bad hip? Bad back? Instead of popping a pain pill, try spinning your favorite CD. Nagging, gnawing pain can grind anyone down. But now there's scientific evidence that the right kind of music can pick you up, easing discomfort and lifting your spirits. What's the "right" kind? Anything you like -- relaxing sounds, classic rock, edgier beats, whatever sounds good to your inner spirit is good for your body, too.
It's been known for a while that music is a great way to decrease pain and calm fears after surgery and during cancer treatments. The question was, could it also help people suffering from the ongoing pain of arthritis, migraines, back problems, and other health issues? The answer is yes. A daily dose of music can definitely increase comfort and lift depression, boosting listeners' outlook. Even better, music is a low-cost "medicine" with no side effects, unlike many pain relievers. So whatever it is you like to listen to -- Satchmo or Sade -- try turning it on if you're coping with pain problems. Treating yourself with more than one kind of medicine is good for the body as well as the soul.
References: Effect of music on power, pain, depression, and disability. Siedliecki, S. L., Good, M., Journal of Advanced Nursing 2006 Jun;54(5):553-562.
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Public Health & Education FDA Requests More Data on Avastin's Use To Treat Breast Cancer; Approval Could Be Delayed One Year, Company Says
[Sep 12, 2006] Pharmaceutical company Genentech on Monday said FDA has asked it to submit more data in its application to use the colorectal cancer medication Avastin as a treatment for breast cancer, the Wall Street Journal reports (Loftus, Wall Street Journal, 9/12). Genentech in May filed for FDA priority review of its Avastin application based on data from a late-stage clinical trial. The trial -- which involved 722 patients with previously untreated, locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer -- finds that Avastin reduced by 52% the risk of disease progression or death for patients who used the treatment with chemotherapy, compared with patients who only underwent chemotherapy. Avastin -- which costs about $50,000 annually as a treatment for colon cancer -- will cost as much as $100,000 to treat breast cancer because breast cancer patients would require a double dose of the drug (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 5/30). http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=39732
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Number of Endocrinologists Declines Nationwide as Population With Diabetes, Obesity, Osteoporosis Increases [Sep 14, 2006] The Philadelphia Inquirer on Wednesday examined how across the country the number of endocrinologists is declining just as incidence of the diseases they are trained to treat -- diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis -- is rising. Many people with diabetes seek treatment from general practitioners, but "[w]hen the delicate balance of hormone and sugar levels winds out of control," many require endocrinologists who are now in short supply, the Inquirer reports. Experts say the situation is related to retiring doctors and salaries for endocrinologists, which are lower than what other specialists typically receive. Across the country, there are 12% fewer endocrinologists than needed, the Inquirer reports. According to the American Diabetes Association, about one million people in the U.S. are found to have diabetes each year. In Philadelphia -- where 10.9% of the population has diabetes -- there are just 55 endocrinologists, and some of them only do research.
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=39802
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New Report Finds that Hispanics Face Greater Barriers to Health Care in "New Growth Communities"As America’s Hispanic population grows and moves beyond urban centers, a new report released today by the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured assesses the implications for access to health care. It finds that Hispanics in “new growth communities” face greater barriers to health care than those in cities considered “major Hispanic centers” (major centers). Many of these “new growth communities” are smaller urban and rural communities in areas of the country that previously had a very small Hispanic population and thus have less experience caring for a diverse population. The report, Health Coverage and Access to Care for Hispanics in “New Growth Communities” and “Major Hispanic Centers,” finds that the uninsured rate for Hispanics in new growth communities (31 percent) rose to a level to that of Hispanics in major centers (30 percent) by 2003. Uninsured individuals tend to rely more on safety net providers for their care. However, less than half (43 percent) of the Hispanic population in new growth communities lives within 5 miles of a community health center compared to 71 percent of the population in major centers. Additionally, only half (50 percent) of the new growth community Hispanics live within 10 miles of a safety-net hospital compared to 82 percent of Hispanics in major centers
The report also finds that Hispanics in new growth communities experienced more problems accessing health care than those in major centers, and that physicians in new growth communities experienced more language difficulties with their Hispanic patients compared to physicians in major centers. As Hispanics move to new areas of the country due to long-term immigration trends and the migration of Hispanics from major centers to new areas, more communities may need to look at strategies for delivering care to individuals who often have difficulty accessing care due to lower coverage rates and language and cultural barriers.
NEW REPORT: Health Coverage and Access to Care for Hispanics
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Viral Decay Dynamics in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Ritonavir-Boosted Saquinavir and Efavirenz With or Without Enfuvirtide: A Randomized, Controlled Trial (HIV-NAT 012)This 12-week study of patients receiving ritonavir-boosted saquinavir and efavirenz with or without enfuvirtide was conducted to determine whether antiretroviral therapy that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase and protease exerts potent antiviral effects that might not be augmented by the addition of an HIV fusion inhibitor... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17041859
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A "virtually untreatable" form of TB has emerged, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Extreme drug resistant TB (XDR TB) has been seen worldwide, including in the US, Eastern Europe and Africa, although Western Europe has had no cases. Dr Paul Nunn, from the WHO, said a failure to correctly implement treatment strategies was to blame. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5317624.stm
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Recent research has added support to the theory that harmful aspects of the physiological stress response might be mitigated with dietary interventions. In a study, daily consumption of a vegetable soup that was rich in vitamin C helped to lower people's blood levels of molecules associated with stress.
The stress response can be good and bad, depending on the type and duration of stress. Intermittent, short-term stress may help stimulate appropriate actions and help provide interest and challenge when it comes to work or other tasks. However, chronic stress may weaken the immune system by keeping the body in an over-stimulated state for a prolonged period of time. Aside from practicing stress reduction strategies, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest, another way to mediate the harmful effects of stress on the body may be through dietary interventions. Choose antioxidant-rich foods, such as soups made from vitamin C-rich vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli. The ingredients in gazpacho, a flavorful Spanish-style soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, olive oil, onions, and garlic, are high in antioxidants that promote health by neutralizing free radicals, compounds that damage cells and DNA. In a recent two-week study, participants who consumed approximately 2 cups of gazpacho per day experienced increases in blood levels of vitamin C and decreases in markers of stress-related inflammation, such as F2-isoprostane, prostaglandin E2, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1.
Consumption of high-pressurized vegetable soup increases plasma vitamin C and decreases oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy humans. Sánchez-Moreno, C., Cano, M. P., de Ancos, B., Plaza, L., Olmedilla, B., Granado, F., Martín, A., The Journal of Nutrition 2004 Nov;134(11):3021-3025.
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What is a BRATT diet?
A. BRATT stands for bananas, (white) rice, apples, tea, and toast - five ideal items for people with a stomach bug, particularly diarrhea. These foods are all carbohydrates that will supply the body with needed energy, are easily digested, and fat-free. Apples can be in the form of the fresh fruit, applesauce, or juice. While this eating plan was first recommended for children, I have used it myself and have recommended it to patients ofall ages. Just be careful about brown rice and whole-grain breads that contain fiber; you may want to wait a week after a bout of diarrhea before you put fiber back in your diet. Courtesy of : http://www.WhatNursesKnow.com
Leg crossing improves orthostatic tolerance in healthy subjects: Vasovagal syncope is the most common cause of transient loss of consciousness, and recurrent vasovagal fainting has a profound impact on quality of life. Physical countermaneuvers are applied as a means of tertiary prevention but have so far only proven useful at the onset of a faint. This placebo-controlled crossover study tested the hypothesis that leg crossing increases orthostatic tolerance. http://ajpheart.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/291/4/H1768
******************************************
CHICAGO, IL -- September 22, 2006 -- In the first large, single-institution series directly comparing weight-loss outsimes in the super-obese patients, researchers from the University of Chicago found that a newer operation, the duodenal switch, produced substantially better weight-loss outcomes than the standard operation, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.In the October issue of the Annals of Surgery, the researchers report that the duodenal switch (DS) produced greater weight loss than the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) by all measures in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 50. These patients typically carry at least 150 pounds more than their ideal weight.In this study, patients undergoing duodenal switch were significantly more likely to achieve and maintain successful weight loss -- defined as losing more than half of their excess weight -- at one year (DS 83.9% vs. RYGB 70.4%) and three years (DS 84.2% vs. RYGB 59.3%) after surgery. http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/852571020057CCF6852571F1005E8548?OpenDocument&id=D82277BEB625E4E185256E3700509F48&c=&count=10
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From omega-3 fatty acids to flavonoids, the ingredients in foods you eat every day may be potent weapons in the battle against disease. Once-forbidden foods like chocolate, nuts, and wine made headlines in 2004 for their potentially healthy benefits, and new research suggests that the key to avoiding heart disease or cancer may be found in the cupboard rather than the medicine cabinet.
But the secret may not lie in a single wonder food. Instead, researchers say that variety may really be the spice of (long) life. To get your plate in order, WebMD asked the experts for their top picks from this year's newsmakers. http://www.webmd.com/solutions/sc/womans-guide-healthy-heart/heartfelt-diet ***********************************
Nurses ID Benefits of Health IT With the promise of a nationwide electronic health record on the horizon, the ongoing implementation of computerized medical systems and the constant development of advanced health care devices, it has become clear that technology is the key to the future of health care. A new survey points out that nurses hold that key in the palm of their hands.
Nurses Talk Tech, a survey by CDW Healthcare, a provider of technology products and services, examined the responses of more than 550 nurses working in a range of health care facilities. The survey queried the importance of health information technology to a nurse’s job responsibilities and career choices, the amount of training nurses receive on the job and the nurses’ perceptions of the role information technology plays in quality of patient care. The results demonstrated the overall significance of IT to the nursing profession. http://w3.rn.com/news_features.asp?articleID=15584
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With new labeling, trans fats should be easier to spot, but are they truly? A New York City proposal to limit trans fats in restaurant food may lead to better health. If approved, cooks in the city's 20,000 restaurants won't be able to use ingredients that contain more than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.
Chicago officials are also mulling a plan to reduce trans fats in restaurant food. The proposals follow an FDA decision that requires food manufacturers to list trans fats on nutrition labels. http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/118/113024.htm
************************************
Imagine forgetting where the bathroom is. Alzheimer's can do that. Fish may prevent it. In case you need reminding, fish is amazing stuff. Eating it once a week can cut your risk of Alzheimer's disease by 60 percent! Simply choose seafood rich in omega-3s, such as salmon, cod, haddock, and flounder. Although walnuts, canola oil, flaxseeds, and soybeans are other omega-3 options, finned food is the supreme source.
Not a fish eater but wish you were? Start with flounder or salmon -- and let a restaurant prepare it. Tastes and textures vary greatly, depending on whether fish is grilled, baked, or served sushi style, so you may find some preparations you like. If not, omega-3 fatty acids also come in capsule form, even though it's generally better to get any nutrient from food. If you do choose to take capsules, discuss it with your doctor first. A tip for those who frequently eat fish: Choosing the right kind can limit your intake of mercury, a harmful toxin that certain species of fish (long-lived tuna, for one) easily accumulate from the environment. Fortunately, some of the fish that are highest in omega-3s are lowest in mercury, including salmon, pollock, pickled herring, and cod -- and of this group, salmon has the most omega-3 fatty acids and the least mercury. Also good to know: Canned light tuna is generally lower in mercury than fresh tuna.
References Consumption of fish and n-3 fatty acids and risk of incident Alzheimer disease. Morris, M. C., Evans, D. A., Bienias, J. L., Tangney, C. C., Bennett, D. A., Wilson, R. S., Aggarwal, N., Schneider, J., Archives of Neurology 2003 Jul;60(7):940-946
****************************************
If you've ever strained your back, you know that on a scale of 1 to 10, the pain ranks at a 692. And you can think of nothing better than having someone deliver ice packs, ibuprofen, and the latest issue of your favorite magazine to your bed. But the people you live with shouldn't wait on you for days. It may feel like the right thing emotionally, but it's the wrong thing physically. Bed rest can weaken muscles, upping the risk of further injury and pain.
Statistically speaking, married people with back pain suffer two and a half times longer than single people -- perhaps because attentive spouses encourage a pattern of repetitive self-injury by playing nursemaid and pampering their patients. Staying in bed for longer than 48 hours is all it takes for back muscles to weaken -- which invites more trouble. In order to recover from strain, muscles need to grow stronger and stay active. The only way to do that is by moving them, even if it's only a little bit at first. The best method: Walk around the house. Don't push it, but don't give up. Step by step, the muscles will gradually strengthen, not stiffen.
References YOU: The Owner's Manual. Roizen, M. F., Oz, M. C., New York: HarperCollins, 2005.
*************************************
Like red-light warnings on the dashboard, the human body sends out a flare when something's awry. Chest pain, shortness of breath,dizziness -- those are some familiar medical symptoms.
But other problems can creep up on you, too -- aches and pains, lumps and bumps. When are they important, when are they not?
In his book, Your Body's Red Light Warning Signals, Neil Shulman, MD, provides a head-to-toe owner's manual for the human body. His book lists hundreds of medical symptoms that could mean life or death, or serious disability.
Shulman, a professor of internal medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, has authored numerous medical books and scientific papers. http://www.webmd.com/content/article/66/79903.htm
But other problems can creep up on you, too -- aches and pains, lumps and bumps. When are they important, when are they not?
In his book, Your Body's Red Light Warning Signals, Neil Shulman, MD, provides a head-to-toe owner's manual for the human body. His book lists hundreds of medical symptoms that could mean life or death, or serious disability.
Shulman, a professor of internal medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, has authored numerous medical books and scientific papers. http://www.webmd.com/content/article/66/79903.htm
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Serving size is a Pitfall for label readers A common pitfall when checking nutrition labels is failing to factor in serving size, according to a small study by Vanderbilt University researchers. And even when people do, they often miscalculate how much they're eating. Americans' inability to understand portion control is one reason cited for the country's climbing obesity rates.
Vanderbilt's study was conducted between June 2004 and April 2005 when the low-carb craze was at its height, so many of the questions involving serving size focused on carbohydrate counts. Researchers found only about a third of the volunteers correctly estimated how many carbs were in a 20-ounce bottle of soda.
"Most people don't realize those have 2.5 servings," said Dr. Russell Rothman, lead author of the study. http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/09/27/portion.confusion.ap/index.html
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CHICAGO, Illinois (Reuters) September 27, 2006 -- Measuring the amount of AIDS virus circulating in the blood of HIV-positive patients is not a good indicator of the health of their immune systems, researchers said this week. Physicians often assess the amount of HIV particles in the blood -- known as the viral load -- along with the decline in CD4 cells that help the body fight infections to measure the disease's progress and decide when to prescribe drug therapy.
But a study of 2,800 untreated HIV-positive individuals found only about 5 percent of the variations in viral load corresponded to variations in immune system damage. http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/09/27/hiv.load.reut/index.html
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Defining pathways
The term `clinical pathway' is internationally accepted in all settings of healthcare management. The way in which clinical pathways have been developed in the United Kingdom differs from that in the USA. Besides the international differences in the purpose, many alternative names also can be found. These have led to confusion. There is no single, widely accepted definition of a clinical pathway. The aim of the study was to survey the definitions used in describing the concept and to derive key characteristics of clinical pathways. Journal of Nursing Management http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/jnm/2006/00000014
/00000007/art00008;jsessionid=71aeb83mq495m.henrietta
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Lipid-lowering drug use is associated with reduced prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Ibrahim R. Hanna MD, et al. - Conclusion:
Use of lipid-lowering drugs in patients with reduced LVEF is associated with a significant reduction in the prevalence of AF independent of the lipid profile and other known arrhythmia risk factors. This effect is larger than that of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers or ?-blockers
and may be the result of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of statins and fibrates... http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B7GW9-4JX9MR3-2&_user=10&_handle=V-WA-A-W-WE-MsSAYVA-UUA-U-AAZWAABWCD-AACEZEVUCD-AZBAAUDAD-WE-U&_fmt=summary&_coverDate=08%2F31%2F2006&_rdoc=3&_orig=browse&_srch=%23toc% 2320453%232006%23999969991%23628844!_cdi=20453&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=
10&md5=2b535f90a6dcfac67abb51d1a46b3b14
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Rejects NLRB Decision to Block Nurses’ Freedom to Unionize The American Nurses Association (ANA) denounced today’s (10/03/06) decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Oakwood Healthcare to broaden the definition of “supervisor,” saying it could effectively deprive hundreds of thousands of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses of their right to choose to impact their work environment through collective bargaining. www.nursingworld.org/PRESSREL/2006/PR100306.htm
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Consumer-Directed Plans Can Save Money; Quality Effects Still Uncertain Early returns suggest that "consumer-directed" health plans can restrain health care costs and utilization, but whether these high-deductible plans can accomplish this without deterring consumers from seeking needed care is still up for debate. So report economist Melinda Beeuwkes Buntin and colleagues at RAND in a lead paper of aseven-article Health Affairs Web-Exclusive package on consumer-directed health care, published today on the journal's Web site with the support of the California HealthCare Foundation.In a second paper, Jill Yegian focuses on how consumer-directed plans will affect one of the most vulnerable groups of patients: the chronically ill. Reporting the results of an October 2005 expert roundtable sponsored by the CHCF and Health Affairs, Yegian, the CHCF health insurance director, presents concrete steps that purchasers,health plans, and regulators could take to prevent the increased cost sharing in consumer-directed plans from harming the chronically ill. You can read these articles, and five Perspectives, http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/hlthaff.25.w516/DC2<http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/hlthaff.25.w516/DC2
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Vanderbilt's study was conducted between June 2004 and April 2005 when the low-carb craze was at its height, so many of the questions involving serving size focused on carbohydrate counts. Researchers found only about a third of the volunteers correctly estimated how many carbs were in a 20-ounce bottle of soda.
"Most people don't realize those have 2.5 servings," said Dr. Russell Rothman, lead author of the study. http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/09/27/portion.confusion.ap/index.html
******************************************
CHICAGO, Illinois (Reuters) September 27, 2006 -- Measuring the amount of AIDS virus circulating in the blood of HIV-positive patients is not a good indicator of the health of their immune systems, researchers said this week. Physicians often assess the amount of HIV particles in the blood -- known as the viral load -- along with the decline in CD4 cells that help the body fight infections to measure the disease's progress and decide when to prescribe drug therapy.
But a study of 2,800 untreated HIV-positive individuals found only about 5 percent of the variations in viral load corresponded to variations in immune system damage. http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/09/27/hiv.load.reut/index.html
*********************************************
Defining pathways
The term `clinical pathway' is internationally accepted in all settings of healthcare management. The way in which clinical pathways have been developed in the United Kingdom differs from that in the USA. Besides the international differences in the purpose, many alternative names also can be found. These have led to confusion. There is no single, widely accepted definition of a clinical pathway. The aim of the study was to survey the definitions used in describing the concept and to derive key characteristics of clinical pathways. Journal of Nursing Management http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/jnm/2006/00000014
/00000007/art00008;jsessionid=71aeb83mq495m.henrietta
**************************************************
Lipid-lowering drug use is associated with reduced prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Ibrahim R. Hanna MD, et al. - Conclusion:
Use of lipid-lowering drugs in patients with reduced LVEF is associated with a significant reduction in the prevalence of AF independent of the lipid profile and other known arrhythmia risk factors. This effect is larger than that of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers or ?-blockers
and may be the result of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of statins and fibrates... http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B7GW9-4JX9MR3-2&_user=10&_handle=V-WA-A-W-WE-MsSAYVA-UUA-U-AAZWAABWCD-AACEZEVUCD-AZBAAUDAD-WE-U&_fmt=summary&_coverDate=08%2F31%2F2006&_rdoc=3&_orig=browse&_srch=%23toc% 2320453%232006%23999969991%23628844!_cdi=20453&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=
10&md5=2b535f90a6dcfac67abb51d1a46b3b14
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Rejects NLRB Decision to Block Nurses’ Freedom to Unionize The American Nurses Association (ANA) denounced today’s (10/03/06) decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Oakwood Healthcare to broaden the definition of “supervisor,” saying it could effectively deprive hundreds of thousands of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses of their right to choose to impact their work environment through collective bargaining. www.nursingworld.org/PRESSREL/2006/PR100306.htm
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Consumer-Directed Plans Can Save Money; Quality Effects Still Uncertain Early returns suggest that "consumer-directed" health plans can restrain health care costs and utilization, but whether these high-deductible plans can accomplish this without deterring consumers from seeking needed care is still up for debate. So report economist Melinda Beeuwkes Buntin and colleagues at RAND in a lead paper of aseven-article Health Affairs Web-Exclusive package on consumer-directed health care, published today on the journal's Web site with the support of the California HealthCare Foundation.In a second paper, Jill Yegian focuses on how consumer-directed plans will affect one of the most vulnerable groups of patients: the chronically ill. Reporting the results of an October 2005 expert roundtable sponsored by the CHCF and Health Affairs, Yegian, the CHCF health insurance director, presents concrete steps that purchasers,health plans, and regulators could take to prevent the increased cost sharing in consumer-directed plans from harming the chronically ill. You can read these articles, and five Perspectives, http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/hlthaff.25.w516/DC2<http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/hlthaff.25.w516/DC2
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HUMOR SECTION
We were helping customers when the store optometrist walked by and flirted with a co-worker. Of course, we all had to stop what we were doing to tease her. But she quickly dis- missed the notion of a budding romance. "Can you imagine making out with an optometrist?" she asked. "It would always be, 'Better like this...or like this?'"
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CEU SITES---(CME and CNE)Those that are-----Free and Otherwise..........A website offering free CEU s: http://www.medscape.com/cmecenterdirectory/nurses
Pay Only $34.99 for a full year of CONTACT HOURS http://www.nursingspectrum.com/
Managing Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure” is the first CE article in the first issue of ANA’s new journal, American Nurse Today. This new independent study has what you need to know about the new practice guidelines for evaluation, care, and treatment of heart failure patients in the hospital. www.nursingworld.org/news/ananews.htm#JournalCE 2.1 hrs....$20/ non-members $15/ members
Nurses - 0.3 nursing contact hours FDA Safety Changes: Children's and Infant's Advil and Premarin August 16, 2006 — The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved safety labeling revisions to advise of the risk for allergic and gastrointestinal adverse events in pediatric patients receiving ibuprofen-containing nonprescription products, such as ibuprofen plus pseudoephedrine suspension, ibuprofen plus pseudoephedrine and chlorpheniramine suspension, ibuprofen chewable tablets, and concentrated ibuprofen drops; and the increased risk for endometrial cancer in women receiving estrogen therapy. Ibuprofen Component of Advil Pediatric Products May Cause Allergic Reactions and GI Events http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/542980?src=mp
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We were helping customers when the store optometrist walked by and flirted with a co-worker. Of course, we all had to stop what we were doing to tease her. But she quickly dis- missed the notion of a budding romance. "Can you imagine making out with an optometrist?" she asked. "It would always be, 'Better like this...or like this?'"
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CEU SITES---(CME and CNE)Those that are-----Free and Otherwise..........A website offering free CEU s: http://www.medscape.com/cmecenterdirectory/nurses
Pay Only $34.99 for a full year of CONTACT HOURS http://www.nursingspectrum.com/
Managing Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure” is the first CE article in the first issue of ANA’s new journal, American Nurse Today. This new independent study has what you need to know about the new practice guidelines for evaluation, care, and treatment of heart failure patients in the hospital. www.nursingworld.org/news/ananews.htm#JournalCE 2.1 hrs....$20/ non-members $15/ members
Nurses - 0.3 nursing contact hours FDA Safety Changes: Children's and Infant's Advil and Premarin August 16, 2006 — The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved safety labeling revisions to advise of the risk for allergic and gastrointestinal adverse events in pediatric patients receiving ibuprofen-containing nonprescription products, such as ibuprofen plus pseudoephedrine suspension, ibuprofen plus pseudoephedrine and chlorpheniramine suspension, ibuprofen chewable tablets, and concentrated ibuprofen drops; and the increased risk for endometrial cancer in women receiving estrogen therapy. Ibuprofen Component of Advil Pediatric Products May Cause Allergic Reactions and GI Events http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/542980?src=mp
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WEBSITES/ LINKS
Always on the lookout for interesting websites / links. Please send them to:
RNFrankie@bellsouth.net
This is an excellent site all on Vascular Disease ( I was especially interested in the carotid endarectomy article. My surgeon had patented a device to prevent CVA d/t "particles" escaping from the occlusion during the endarectomy) !!http://www.vasculardiseasemanagement.com/article/6173
A - Z Guide on Health Topics http://www.webmd.com/a_to_z_guide/health_topics.htm
(The Virginia Henderson Library) http://www.nursinglibrary.org/Portal/Main.aspx?PageID=4002
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RNFrankie@bellsouth.net
This is an excellent site all on Vascular Disease ( I was especially interested in the carotid endarectomy article. My surgeon had patented a device to prevent CVA d/t "particles" escaping from the occlusion during the endarectomy) !!http://www.vasculardiseasemanagement.com/article/6173
A - Z Guide on Health Topics http://www.webmd.com/a_to_z_guide/health_topics.htm
(The Virginia Henderson Library) http://www.nursinglibrary.org/Portal/Main.aspx?PageID=4002
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MEDICAL RECALLS
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FDA and the iPLEDGE program notified healthcare professionals and patients of an update to iPLEDGE, a risk management program to reduce the risk of fetal exposure to isotretinoin, that will eliminate oneelement of the program, the 23 day lock-out period for males and females of non-child bearing potential. This change does not affect female patients of child-bearing potential. http://internet-dev/medwatch/safety/2006/safety06.htm#Isotretinoin
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FDA and Bristol-Myers Squibb notified pharmacists and physicians ofrevisions to the labeling for Coumadin, to include a new patientMedication Guide as well as a reorganization and highlighting of thecurrent safety information to better inform providers and patients. The FDA regulation 21CFR 208 requires a Medication Guide to be provided with each prescription that is dispensed for products that FDA determines pose a serious and significant public health concern.Information about all currently approved Medication Guides is available at summary, including links to the new Medication Guide, revised prescribing information and supplemental supporting documents, at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2006/safety06.htm#Coumadin
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New Warnings for Infliximab Numerous serious adverse events have occurred with infliximab (Remicade), a monoclonal IfG1 antibody used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and ankylosing spondylitis. The FDA is now requiring the manufacturer to include additional safety labeling information and issue warnings to prescribing professionals. Nurses must be sure that patients who take infliximab, and their caregivers, are aware of signs of hepatic toxicity, including flulike symptoms, anorexia, low-grade fever, fatigue, darkening urine and right upper quandrant pain. The warnings concern severe hepatic reactions that include acute liver failure, jaundice, infectious and autoimmune hepatitis, and cholestasis. Some of the reactions were fatal or required liver transplantation.
Jaundice, while most commonly associated with hepatic dysfunction, is often a late sign. Reinforce that frequent monitoring of liver enzymes may be necessary, especially for patients who are chronic carriers of hepatitis B. Encourage patients to seek treatment early to promote the best outcomes. http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2004/103772_5077_lbl.pdf
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Public Safety Campaign for Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
(10/02/2006) The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) recently launched a public safety campaign to remind health care providers of the grave consequences associated
with the inadvertent use of neuromuscular blocking agents in patients without ventilator
support.
www.usp.org/patientSafety/resources/articles.html and www.usp.org/pdf/EN/patientSafety/pSafetySMUExpCommArticle.pdf.
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NURSING HINTS CORNER
MEDICAL RECALLS
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FDA and the iPLEDGE program notified healthcare professionals and patients of an update to iPLEDGE, a risk management program to reduce the risk of fetal exposure to isotretinoin, that will eliminate oneelement of the program, the 23 day lock-out period for males and females of non-child bearing potential. This change does not affect female patients of child-bearing potential. http://internet-dev/medwatch/safety/2006/safety06.htm#Isotretinoin
******************************
FDA and Bristol-Myers Squibb notified pharmacists and physicians ofrevisions to the labeling for Coumadin, to include a new patientMedication Guide as well as a reorganization and highlighting of thecurrent safety information to better inform providers and patients. The FDA regulation 21CFR 208 requires a Medication Guide to be provided with each prescription that is dispensed for products that FDA determines pose a serious and significant public health concern.Information about all currently approved Medication Guides is available at summary, including links to the new Medication Guide, revised prescribing information and supplemental supporting documents, at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2006/safety06.htm#Coumadin
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New Warnings for Infliximab Numerous serious adverse events have occurred with infliximab (Remicade), a monoclonal IfG1 antibody used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and ankylosing spondylitis. The FDA is now requiring the manufacturer to include additional safety labeling information and issue warnings to prescribing professionals. Nurses must be sure that patients who take infliximab, and their caregivers, are aware of signs of hepatic toxicity, including flulike symptoms, anorexia, low-grade fever, fatigue, darkening urine and right upper quandrant pain. The warnings concern severe hepatic reactions that include acute liver failure, jaundice, infectious and autoimmune hepatitis, and cholestasis. Some of the reactions were fatal or required liver transplantation.
Jaundice, while most commonly associated with hepatic dysfunction, is often a late sign. Reinforce that frequent monitoring of liver enzymes may be necessary, especially for patients who are chronic carriers of hepatitis B. Encourage patients to seek treatment early to promote the best outcomes. http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2004/103772_5077_lbl.pdf
****************************************
Public Safety Campaign for Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
(10/02/2006) The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) recently launched a public safety campaign to remind health care providers of the grave consequences associated
with the inadvertent use of neuromuscular blocking agents in patients without ventilator
support.
www.usp.org/patientSafety/resources/articles.html and www.usp.org/pdf/EN/patientSafety/pSafetySMUExpCommArticle.pdf.
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NURSING HINTS CORNER
Peri-care (fully) Some of the patients on our orthopedic unit are on complete bed rest for anywhere from several days to several weeks. I give the women perineal care this way: I place a towel under the patient's hips and slide a pedpan under her on top of the towel. Next I fill a clean container with warm soapy water, pour the water over the patient's perineum (wash), and then rinse with clear water. I then remove the pan. (Applying a bit of lotion to the rim of the bedpan beforehand makes it slide out easily, without pulling the patient's skin or causing the water in the pan to spill.) Finally, I dry the patient with the towel. Nurses and patients both like this procedure because it's easy to give--and to receive. Allyson J. Maes, RN
Used with permission from 1,001 Nursing Tips & Timesavers, Third Edition, 1997, p.214 Springhouse Corporation/www.springnetcom.
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ADVERTISEMENTS from the members
Used with permission from 1,001 Nursing Tips & Timesavers, Third Edition, 1997, p.214 Springhouse Corporation/www.springnetcom.
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ADVERTISEMENTS from the members
This ad is from Decubqueen@AOL.com (Gerry)..........
Accu-RulerAccurate wound measurement designed by nurses, for nurses.
Now carrying wound care and first-aid supplies at prices you can afford.
Visit us at http://www.accu-ruler.com/.
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This ad is from: GShort @AOL.com (Gwen) These are great little cakes !
http://www.delightfulgreetingcakes.com/worldsgreatest.php
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Accu-RulerAccurate wound measurement designed by nurses, for nurses.
Now carrying wound care and first-aid supplies at prices you can afford.
Visit us at http://www.accu-ruler.com/.
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This ad is from: GShort @AOL.com (Gwen) These are great little cakes !
http://www.delightfulgreetingcakes.com/worldsgreatest.php
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NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to :
Ask your friends to join.....
Please send the prospective members' screen names and first names to me: rnfankie@bellsouth.net
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Welcome to :
Ask your friends to join.....
Please send the prospective members' screen names and first names to me: rnfankie@bellsouth.net
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NOTICE: I attempt to send newsletters to your current email addresses on file and if the newsletters are rejected THREE consecutive times, I must then delete the email address until you contact me with an updated email address; I have no way to reach you without a correct email address....You could always send me your Home number.......lol So please send me your new name/address, ok? rnfrankie@bellsouth.net
Old Address: WIZEN @AOL.com (Laura)
New Address: ldelaneyrn@gmail.com (Laura)
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Editorial Staff: GingerMyst @AOL.com (Anne), GALLO RN @AOL.com (Sue), HSears9868 @AOL.com (Bonnie), Laregis @AOL.com (Laura), Mrwrn @AOL.com (Miriam), and Schulthe @AOL.com (Susan)Membership BIO Committee...(if you haven't sent in your BIO....Please send it to the appropriate section below) : Check by your screen name's first letter......... BCK131 @AOL.com (Chris) A thru B section,
Dick515 @AOL.com (Eileen) C thru D section,GALLO RN@AOL.com (Sue) E thru I section, rnfrankie @bellsouth.net (Frankie) J thru K section, Jntcln@AOL.com (Janet) L thru M section, GALLO RN @AOL.com (Sue) N thru Q section
Schulthe@AOL.com (Susan) R thru T sectionSandy1956@AOL.com (Sandy) U thru Z section.
Paradigm 97 Co-Founders: MarGerlach @AOL.com (Marlene) and rnfrankie @bellsouth.net (Frankie)
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DISCLAIMER:
The intent of this PARADIGM BYTES Newsletter is to provide communication and information for our members. Please research the hyperlinks and information provided by our members. The articles and web sites are not personally endorsed by the editors, nor do the articles necessarily reflect the staff's views.
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The intent of this PARADIGM BYTES Newsletter is to provide communication and information for our members. Please research the hyperlinks and information provided by our members. The articles and web sites are not personally endorsed by the editors, nor do the articles necessarily reflect the staff's views.
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The dissenter is every human being at those
moments of his life when he resigns momentarily from the
herd and thinks for himself.
--Archibald MacLeish, poet and librarian (1892-1982)
Hope to hear from you ..... Frankie
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