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Easier Integration Between Labs Could Speed Up Medical Discoveries

Sep 10, 2015

2483

Even though people are�taking better care of themselves�these days, it seems like every day a new medical issue crops up. Scientists’ recent discovery of mutant proteins called prions that cause brain diseases is just one example. But for every new disease, there is a new discovery.

Rapid advances in medicine are giving people around the world hope that a cure for their disease or ailment may be right around the corner. This new wave of treatments and medications is possible because laboratories are sharing more information than ever before. This type of�mastermind thinking from diverse groups�is leading to better decision-making and improved results.

Companies and Tools That Make Medical Collaboration Possible

The sharing of medical information is considered so critical that requirements for an�electronic health records (EHR) system�were incorporated into the Affordable Care Act. But the information sharing goes well beyond physicians to labs and research centers that are testing new medical applications.

For research�facilities,�collaboration wasn’t always easy. The medical community is one that thrives on working together, but a number of issues made sharing�information�in the past either impossible or a security risk that researchers weren’t willing to take. Global initiatives and innovations in sometimes unexpected places have now made it possible for laboratories around the world to share information and consult with one another in real time.

Companies outside of the medical field are stepping in to make this important collaboration possible. Of course, chief among them are tech companies that provide advanced software and communication infrastructures. However, there are also companies such as highly specialized�lab movers�that securely transport biological material from one facility to another. The ability to move samples and materials between labs essentially brings the research to the facility where it can be best utilized instead of it sitting around going unused.

The government has also stepped in to encourage critical information sharing among researchers. One such step was the Supreme Court ruling in 2013 that genes couldn’t be patented. This eliminates a person or company’s ability to safeguard information for their own use. Governments around the world are also making investments in protecting against cyber attacks so that sensitive information sharing between technology companies and government entities is safeguarded.

People�within the information technology (IT) community have also given their time and energy to help solve more simplistic problems like translation as well as complex issues such as improving manageability of massive databases. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are now widely used so that information can be shared among all lab stakeholders, both inside and outside of the facility.

Anyone who doubts the importance of information sharing in medicine need only look at the recent debate surrounding Myriad Genetics. After losing the right to patent the BRCA1�and BRCA2�genes and provide the sole means of testing for them, Myriad Genetics was still left with a significant amount of patient data. Even though they now have the ability to share this data with other research facilities, the company decided not to do so. It immediately sparked a backlash within the medical community because that data could be used by other researchers to solve mysteries surrounding breast cancer.

Together researchers are much better equipped to tackle today’s most pressing medical problems. As information sharing becomes easier we can expect more life-changing discoveries to be made and more lives to be saved

Is Your Lifestyle Putting You at Risk for Pulmonary Embolism?

Sep 10, 2015

2698

Few medical conditions are as frightening as a pulmonary embolism (PE). This is a blood clot that travels through the body and into the lungs. Subsequently, the affected area of the lung dies, resulting in pain, shortness of breath and even death.�

Pulmonary Embolism Is Difficult to Diagnose

According to a 2008 study that was published in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 25 percent of PE cases go undiagnosed until the patient dies. Nobody expects to suffer from PE � especially if they have no family history of the condition. But should you be worried about developing an embolism?

Risk Factors for PE

Embolism risk factors include heart disease, cancer, surgery and prolonged bed rest. In cases such as these, a physician would administer or prescribe medication to cut the risk of clots developing. Unfortunately, there are certain aspects of everyday life that can also put you at risk for PE:

Prolonged Sitting: Traveling and desk jobs can both put a person in danger of developing a dangerous clot in the legs. When the knees bend for extended lengths of time, the blood pools in the lower extremities and does not circulate efficiently.

To combat this, get up and move around every hour while on long road trips. If driving, pull over and walk around the car; if on a plane, get up and move around the cabin. Perhaps the most effective preventative measure is wearing an anti embolism stocking on each leg.

These apply slight pressure to your lower legs, thus helping your blood circulate. Be sure to get up and stretch regularly. You may also perform leg exercises at your station. Try sitting with your feet flat on the floor, then tensing your calf muscles as you push your knees up with your toes.

Pregnancy: The pressure of a growing child puts stress on veins and arteries, restricting blood flow. Pregnant women should speak to their doctors if they feel pain or weakness in their legs, and if put on bed rest, ask what can be done to reduce the risk of PE.

Birth Control Pills and Hormone Replacement Therapy: If you introduce extra estrogen into the body, clots are more likely to form.

Excess Weight: Being overweight can cause a host of health problems. Extra pounds put a strain on every process of the body, including the circulatory system.

Take steps now to get within a healthy weight range to lower your risk of developing serious health problems later in life. If you suffer from weight-related disabilities now, talk to your doctor about your risk factors for embolisms.

Smoking: Although it is unclear why, tobacco use can make certain people highly susceptible to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and PE. Smoking also increases other risk factors. If you smoke, make an effort to quit now.

Medical emergencies often come on suddenly � and without warning. However, being proactive and taking charge of your health can help prevent many debilitating diseases, including sudden death from pulmonary embolism.

How technology is changing the UK health industry

Life Style

Sep 7, 2015

2746

Technology dominates every aspect of the UK health industry. From smartphone apps that can monitor blood pressure to Skype consultations with healthcare professionals, innovative technological discoveries are transforming the traditional patient/doctor experience.

New technologies for changing times

With a rising older population, staff shortages in the NHS and funding problems across the whole sector, the growth in the use of technology will enable healthcare professionals to concentrate on critical care. This means that those patients with ongoing conditions won’t have to see their GP as frequently as they will be able to monitor their symptoms themselves. Patients with diabetes or blood pressure problems can already obtain testing and monitoring kits from a wide range of companies, including Brosch Direct.

Experts advocate healthcare technology

Management consultants Deloiotte recently produced a report that advocated an increased use of technology in order to: ‘provide cost effective solutions at a time when demands on health and social care services continue to increase.’ The report highlights the increased use of smartphone and tablet apps to monitor patients’ conditions as well as the ability for doctors to issue e-prescriptions and perform
e-consultations.

The report states that ‘technology has the power to improve access to healthcare services, especially for people with mobility problems.’ However, the report recognises that greater investment and consultation has to be introduced between technology developers and healthcare providers.

The government is on board

In conjunction with the Health Department led by Secretary of State, Jeremy Hunt, the government’s National Information Board (NIB) was established to ‘put data and technology safely to work for patients, service users, citizens and professionals who serve them.’ In some parts of the UK patients have access to their online medical records at the click of a button, they can also write their own comments on these records. A report published by the NIB in 2015 stressed the need to provide all UK citizens with NHS approved health apps by 2020.

Technology and mental health

28% of all healthcare apps are used in the monitoring of mental health conditions. Patients can monitor and register their mood swings via a specialised app and this data is passed on to healthcare professionals. There’s even an online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), called Beat The Blues that allows patients to take control of some aspects of their treatment.

Empowering patients

Improved technology for healthcare isn’t just concerned about saving money and lengthy surgery waiting times. Many of the apps allow patients to feel empowered, through education, research and general monitoring of their conditions. According to Deloitte 75% of the UK population already goes online for information relating to illness and treatments.

The introduction of bio sensors and online monitoring means that patients will still be able to engage with healthcare professionals and obtain treatment for a condition before it reaches the critical stage.

Florence Nightingale might not recognise the technology used in contemporary patient treatment but she surely would approve of the continued partnership between nurses, doctors and patients in a bid to treat the sick and promote wellbeing.

Don’t Wait Till You Have Cancer to Get Healthy

Sep 2, 2015

2558

Cancer and other significant illnesses are often described as wakeup calls: crises in the lives of normal people which makes them reevaluate their priorities and start living right. It’s possible for many people who are diagnosed with cancer restructure their lives and beat the disease. The odds are getting better all the time, as these efforts get paired with better medical technology. Still, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. So what can you do to prevent cancer in the first place?

There is no one thing that causes cancer. Nor do the top medical minds in the world have a clear understanding of every factor which goes into cancer genesis. But it is generally understood that cancer is the result of an autoimmune failure. Basically, the body is meant to fight off foreign invaders, as well as its own body cells that start behaving badly. In the latter case, the body is pretty good at identifying cells that aren’t working right. These free radicals, ideally, are identified and neutralized by your body’s immune system. But if they are too many in number, or if you immune system is too weak, some of them can slip through and form aggressive cancers.

The best way to work against this is to prevent it in the first place. Diet and exercise are factors that probably exceed genetics when it comes to cancer risk. By keeping your body in strong shape, your immune system will be much more likely to be able to handle free radical cells, neutralizing them before they become cancer. The same goes with diet. A good diet, made up with large portions of fresh foods, can support an immune system, whereas a poor diet can depress it.

This goes especially for drinking and smoking, both which have been known to effect the immune system. By doing either to excess, one makes oneself a candidate for illnesses like cancer, insofar as a healthy immune system would have helped prevent them. Other issues, like hydration and adequate sleep, also play into your body’s ability to maintain proper cell metabolism.

These steps are very important for people who have family history of cancer (or other life-threatening illness). These efforts are good, but other practical concerns must be addressed. For instance, if you are a primary wage earner or you have dependents, it’s important to consider life insurance if you are at risk for certain types of cancer. That way, you can be sure that these people you love will not go wanting or be saddled with medical debt if cancer should come your way.

Cancer is a struggle for many people. Statistically, it is very likely for people as we age. But it is also possible to delay the onset of cancer through healthy habits. It is also possible to prepare for the financial realities of cancer, long before they become a reality. By using both of these methods, cancer doesn’t have to be an unrealistic worry since it may also be prevented up to 50% of the time, as well.

It’s never too late to make a healthier change: 5 steps to a healthier you

Sep 1, 2015

2369

Do you have any habits that have persisted for years or decades that you know are bad for your health? Most people have the baggage of at least some behaviours that might not take any effect on individual occasions but can cause damage incrementally.

Thankfully most of us live in a society where we have freedom of thought and choice. We can change our lives, for the better, and it’s often a fairly simple process. Here are five seemingly small choices we can make towards healthier times.

Cut out the sugar

According to research from Diabetes UK the number of people living with the disease has rocketed by 60% in the past decade, and the finger of blame can firmly be pointed at the sugar in our diets.

So what should you do to prevent joining the 3.3 million people with the disease? Read labels, moderate your diet, and try to wean yourself away from adding sugar to drinks. Also start educating children early, getting them interested in fruits rather than fruit drinks for example.

You won’t lose anything with kids? Wrong!

The phenomenon of the ‘Dad Bod’ has reached prominence in recent years; for those unfamiliar this cute rhyming couplet refers to the advancing gut of the middle age father, boasting a gut that heralds the waving goodbye of youth. And it’s real, according to Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, which found a weight gain of 2.6% over 20 years.

What to do? It’s probably impossible to banish the bulge altogether, but creating a healthy, active lifestyle that might even incorporate your children could not only benefit you, but also your offspring. Regular country walks, cycle rides, football, swimming and other sports could all work.

Be sociable

Humans by their nature like being around other humans. Therefore, make an effort to engage people in conversation; if there’s a relative or friend you haven’t seen in some time now is the time to reconnect. Do favours and nice things for others such as favours, or give them little gifts. Say hello to people in the park.

These may seem like trifling little things, but they will boost your wellbeing and self-esteem, and may also cheer up others as well.

Calm down

Meditation, yoga, and even just sitting quietly in a chair for half an hour are three ways of regulating the body into a state of wellbeing. The first two options in particular have been shown to enhance concentration and discipline, and lessen tension and anxiety. There’s evidence from Australia that yoga can be a gateway for stroke sufferers to boost their strength and health, as well as balance and co-ordination.

Drop the cigarettes

Research shows that giving up tobacco at any stage in life can be beneficial to your health, even partially reversing any previous detrimental effects to your lungs from the previous years of damage. Even if it doesn’t magically heal your lungs and heart, it will have positive effects on your clothing, your wallet, your fingernails, and probably your social life. Methods for dropping smoking include gum, patches and grabbing a Phoenix e-cigarette starter kit.

Why the early detection of hearing loss is critical to treatment

Aug 25, 2015

3834

Believe it or not, hearing loss is surprisingly common with one in six people in the UK thought to experience symptoms at some point in their lives. This means that if it’s not happening to you, there’s a good chance you know someone who is suffering. Unfortunately, the early signs of hearing loss can often go unnoticed, which is why it’s essential to book a test and have your ears checked by a qualified audiologist. The early detection of hearing loss is critical to effective treatment, after all, and here’s why:

Early detection can prevent further damage
The ear is a marvellous if not rather fragile organ that must be treated with care. It’s made up of many complex parts, which, if damaged, can result in permanent deafness. Take the cochlea, for instance � the tiny, snail-shaped structure of the inner ear that allows us to hear what’s going on around us. It’s lined with thousands of tiny nerves called ‘hair cells’ which are responsible for picking up different sounds and sending them to the brain where the sound is then heard and understood. If the cochlea is hurt � say by extended noise exposure, certain powerful antibiotics, meningitis and such like � the damage may be irreversible. More can be found about cochlear damage here.

The good news is, early detection can prevent someone from going completely deaf in one or both ears. If only a few of the ‘hair cells’ have been damaged, for example, the result may only be minimal hearing loss. In this case, the hair cells may still be there but may require more sound before they are able to do their job effectively � in which case, hearing aids may be sufficient to amplify sound or make it loud enough to be heard.

Furthermore, if many hair cells have been damaged but the person is still able to make out various sounds, more powerful hearing aids might be appropriate. Auxiliary aids for moderate hearing loss are widely available and will help improve someone’s quality of life greatly � even if sounds are distorted due to the severity of cochlear damage.

If hearing aids don’t do the trick, cochlear implants might also be appropriate as they replace the function of the hair cells by converting sound into electric pulses that are then relayed to the hearing nerve. This more advanced form of treatment should hopefully be a last resort, however, if hearing problems are reported and diagnosed promptly.

When hearing loss is detecting early, the audiologist can also offer lifestyle advice to the patient. If they work in a noisy environment, such as a building site or factory, suitable personal protective equipment might be recommended to help with noise exposure. Anything over 85 decibels can cause damage to the inner ear, so it’s important to take any advice seriously to prevent further problems down the line and reduce the need for more serious treatment.

As early detection of hearing loss is crucial to treatment, it’s important to keep a look out for your loved ones � especially as they might not realise their hearing is impaired during the early stages. Symptoms of hearing loss include having the TV on loud, struggling to hear/join in conversations, asking people to repeat themselves, difficulty hearing the phone or doorbell and regularly feeling tired or stressed, so be aware and have your ears checked regularly.

Can Alzheimer Disease Be Cured?

Jul 31, 2015

2613

Alzheimer disease is a mysterious phenomenon that scares a lot of people because of their ignorance. However, knowing crucial facts protects you and gives you a weapon to fight the disease.

Continue

Anabolic Cooking For Dummies

Jul 30, 2015

2359

Anabolic Cooking

Anabolic cooking, authored by Dave Ruel is a cooking guide that contains recipes that will help you create and prepare your carefully planned meals in the simplest way possible. This type of cooking experience offers you a great way to plan your own meals and still achieve the kind of body you've always wanted. Unlike metabolic cooking where in recipes are carefully designed to increase your metabolism, anabolic cooking concentrates more on recipes that will help you build muscles and make them lean. The good thing about anabolic cooking is that most of the ingredients you need are at the tip of your fingers, and most of them can be found inside your kitchen.

What can anabolic cooking offer you?

Anabolic cooking offers you a cookbook that contains� 200 recipes that are unbelievably delicious to be called a diet meal. These recipes are designed to help you cook and eat healthy meals that can improve your muscle build up as well as losing fat during the process. Though it is significantly designed for people who does body building, the anabolic cooking recipe guide can also be used by the whole family. What's great about it is that you can cook these meals in less than 30 minutes or less. You don't have to be a good cook to create these meals.

Another component of anabolic cooking is their complete nutrition and cooking guide. It doesn't take an expert to read through labels, the anabolic cooking guide will present you with different nutrition facts about the recipes and ingredients in the book. The cooking is not only keen on giving you the healthiest recipes of all, they will also introduce you to some tips on how to save on your shopping trips. If you're the type of person who's always on the run, anabolic cooking also teaches you on how to cook meals that will last for the whole week.

Most bodybuilders are encouraged to eat as much as they can. While this true, not all experts are able to give exactly what type of food they need to eat, when to them and how much is too much. Anabolic cooking is changing that ugly norm by giving you the exact type of food and recipe meals in order to build muscles. Also, the recipes are flexible that allows you to create your personalized meal plans. This shouldn't be hard as all the nutrition facts are indicated in the cookbook, which allows you to determine what type of ingredient to use.

Why you should be interested in anabolic cooking

Anabolic Cooking For Dummies

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The anabolic cooking guide also encourages you to take notes of your experience with the tutorials. From the cooking experience to the actual physical transformation. The importance of this logbook is for you to see the improvements during the experiment. It will also help you determine the areas that need improvement, whether it is about your cooking strategies or the way you follow your cooking schedule. Anabolic cooking is very keen on your diet meal plans as much as knowing how it works for you.

Anabolic cooking is primarily designed to provide delicious, healthy meals for bodybuilders. Nevertheless, it can also be used by anyone who is willing to make a change and improve their eating habits as well as their physical physique. Anabolic cooking will bring out the cook in you and with all the interesting recipes it has in store, you will never find cooking as time consuming as it was before. The best thing about it is that you only have to invest on a very minimal amount to start with the program and if you're not satisfied, you will never have to pay what it’s worth.

Try out anabolic cooking. Click Here! to start your unique cooking experience.

On Household Molds and the Hygiene Hypothesis

Life Style

Jul 29, 2015

2754

The Hygiene Hypothesis has been making the rounds for decades now and is recently gaining momentum, alongside the growing public interest on the human gut microbiome. Proponents of the hypothesis are convinced that the increasing incidence of allergies, particularly in developed countries, has to do with modern society's obsession with cleanliness — hello hand sanitizers!

The lack of exposure to fungi and bacteria early in life, according to the hypothesis, deprives the immune system of its right to build a memory of such microbial invaders and wage a war against them if they are present in large numbers. The end result is a somewhat unreliable immune system, manifested via autoimmune disorders and frequent occurrence of the common cold, flu, and asthma attacks.

While the Hygiene Hypothesis remains a hypothesis, it is also interesting to note that several studies have shown that children living in farms or whose mothers had farm exposure during pregnancy were less likely to have asthma and other allergic reactions later in life. Also known as the Farm Effect, this phenomenon has been extensively reviewed in scientific literature.

Not All Microbes Are Created Equal

As mentioned earlier, recent findings on the human gut microbiome have made it clear that microbes, may it be fungi, virus or bacteria, play a large complex role in helping us achieve optimum health. Although we are now aware that microbes are not merely foes but are actually beneficial, the Hygiene Hypothesis should not be an excuse for us to slack off in our fight against household molds.

Health Issues Resulting From Household Molds

Notably, several health conditions and issues are strongly linked to the occurrence of household molds.

Asthma

In 2014, researchers from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom conducted a comprehensive review of 17 clinical studies associating household molds and asthma.

Molds are abundant in our outdoor and indoor environments, with around 10 varieties living in a typical home. We’ve found the strongest evidence yet of their potentially harmful effects, with higher levels of some of these molds presenting a breathing hazard to people suffering from asthma, worsening their symptoms significantly,”� Richard Sharpe, head researcher of the study emphasized.

Depression

Meanwhile, a large-scale study headed by Brown University epidemiologist Edmond Shenassa was originally initiated to disprove the connection between depression and indoor molds which earlier studies suggest. However, Shenassa and his team were surprised when they found solid evidence linking indoor molds and mental health issues.

Here's an excerpt of the ScienceDaily post about the study:

Shenassa noted the study, an analysis of data from nearly 6,000 European adults, does not prove that moldy homes cause depression. The study wasn't designed to draw that direct conclusion. However, Shenassa's team did find a connection, one likely driven by two factors. One factor is a perceived lack of control over the housing environment. The other is mold-related health problems such as wheezing, fatigue and a cold or throat illness.

Aside from asthma and depression, other health issues associated with indoor molds include miscarriage, severe PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms, sinus infections, and multiple sclerosis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indoor mold infestation does not always present a health problem. However, certain mold species can potentially lead to serious health issues. Although mold sampling can help identify which fungal strains are present, the CDC recommends taking measures to prevent and remove molds instead of identifying the strains.

Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal,� the CDC recommends.

Upgrading air filters in your HVAC system and changing filter sizes is one good way to improve indoor air quality and reduce mold infestation at home. Additionally, improving AC filter sizes will not only reduce mold spores but they can also significantly lead to a decline of other potential allergens such as pollen and dust.

How To Care For Your Sick or Injured Spouse

Jul 29, 2015

2822

Taking care of a spouse can be an honor, but it is certainly not always easy. I know my spouse is the first person I want by my side when I need anything, but providing proper and constant care when your significant other is injured and in need can be a daunting task. Studies have shown that the status of your relationship with your partner can actually affect your overall physical health, which is why it is so important to provide what you can for them when s/he is injured or ill. Ensuring s/he is getting the accurate dosage of any medication, is well fed and nourished, and overall, comfortable are some of the responsibilities one will have while caring for another. If you are about to undertake this task, here are a few tips to help you keep your head straight during this trying, but hopefully rewarding, time.

Medication – This could be your single most important responsibility as a temporary caretaker. Whether your spouse is taking temporary pain medication or beginning a lifelong dosage of a particular drug, the correct dosage and timing is imperative. Because none of us can remember everything we need to, devices have been created to help us out. I don’t use any one in particular, but I’m sure “there’s an app for that.” But, really, you don’t need anything as fancy as an app. A simple reminder on your phone is sufficient. You can set it to go off as often as you need, and it will be specific about what you are being reminded to do. If your spouse’s medication schedule is regular (morning and evening doses) a pill box can be just as effective. In addition to being the person responsible for ensuring the proper medications are actually taken, you may also need to assume the responsibility of the questioner at any and all doctor appointments. Your under-the-weather better half is probably not up to the challenge of remembering all of the necessary details regarding medication from the doctor; being the one to ask questions about how much, when, and why all medication is being taken. When your spouse has these questions later, you can be armed with the answers.

Nutrition – Even when we are down with a cold, our appetites seem to fly out the window. Apply that feeling to being injured and cooped up in the house for days or weeks on end and the problem becomes amplified. When we are sick, it’s okay to miss a couple of days of eating per our normal habits, but when this cycle becomes prolonged, we run the risk of depleting our nutrients and lacking the calories we need to function at our peak. While your spouse is on pain medication and simply feeling down, it is your job to come up with creative ways to get him/her to eat. Make a favorite meal, order something special like chocolate covered strawberries from Shari’s Berries, or order take-out from one of your favorite date night spots. Any of these things are sure to change the mood of the injured party, and a happy person will be much more willing to eat.

Comfort – Be sure you consider the injury your spouse has as you attempt to make them comfortable. If it is a foot injury, it may be nice to buy a comfortable, soft pair of slippers; something that will keep the feet warm but not exasperate any pain being experienced. A nice pair of pajamas is also a good item to have on hand for those days of lounging around the house. Your spouse will probably not feel like putting on regular clothes just to sit on the couch all day. A comfortable, yet presentable pair of pajamas is a great option. There may even be some great workout clothes he or she has wanted, and this would be a great present to surprise them with. Consider also their mobility – you may want to keep blankets at hand so they won’t have to get up unnecessarily because it is cold. These are just a few things to keep in mind and get your creative juices flowing. You know and understand what your spouse will likely need. Prepare for those things and do the best you can to meet those needs during this difficult time.

This time may be tough on both of you, but you will be able to get through this together. And remember to keep open lines of communication. The more you talk about your needs with each other, the easier the road to recovery will be for both of you. While this may not be a comprehensive list for all types of injuries, it is a good place to start to ensure basic needs are met. Try to enjoy the time you have to spend together, and get well soon!

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