mesothelioma

2007-05-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Avoid Urinary Tract InfectionsHealth Tip: Avoid Urinary Tract Infections

(HealthDay News) -- Urinary tract infections are very uncomfortable, and can lead to serious health problems if not treated promptly with antibiotics.

The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse says here's how you can help prevent urinary tract infections:

Drink plenty of water each day.
Don't let your bladder get too full or wait too long urinate.
Take showers instead of baths.
Wash genitals before and after intercourse.
Women should not use douches or feminine sprays that could irritate the urethra.
When women use the toilet, wipe from front to back to prevent spreading bacteria from the rectum.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-05-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Symptoms of Down SyndromeHealth Tip: Symptoms of Down Syndrome

(HealthDay News) -- Down syndrome is a genetic birth defect that's usually caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.

It's the single most common cause of human birth defects, affecting about one in 660 births, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.

The NLM lists these common signs of Down syndrome:

Lack of muscle tone present at birth.
A separation of joints between the bones of the skull, or an abnormally shaped skull.
Eyes that slant upward.
Small mouth with a protruding tongue.
Wide, short hands.
Only a single crease in the palm of the hand.
Abnormal physical development, mental retardation.
An abnormality in the iris of the eye.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-05-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Preparing for a CT ScanHealth Tip: Preparing for a CT Scan

(HealthDay News) -- A CT scan provides X-ray-like images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels. The scans are used to help diagnose conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, internal injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.

Here are suggestions on what to do before a CT scan, courtesy of the Radiological Society of North America:

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing -- although you may be required to change into a gown.
Do not wear any jewelry or metal accessories, including hairpins or non-essential eyeglasses.
Follow your doctor's instructions on whether you can consume food or water in the hours before the procedure.
Tell your doctor about any health conditions, medications, or allergies -- such as past reactions to the contrast materials sometimes used in CT scans. Also let the doctor know if there's a possibility that you are pregnant.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-05-11T02:01:00.000-07:00

Computer Users: Learn to Baby Your EyesComputer Users: Learn to Baby Your EyesBy Dennis Thompson
HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, May 9 (HealthDay News) -- There are few professions left that don't use computers in some way, just as there are few households that don't consider the family computer an essential appliance.

But all those hours online can take a toll on your eyes, experts warn.

"An increasing number of people are on the computer huge numbers of hours during the day," said Dr. Kerry Beebe, an optometrist in Brainerd, Minn., and spokesman for the American Optometric Association (AOA). "It does seem that particular visual demand can be tough to handle if there's anything less than perfect going on with your visual system."

Studies have shown that eyestrain and other vision problems can occur in as many as nine out of 10 people using video display terminals at work, according to the AOA.

The most common symptoms are eyestrain, blurred vision, double vision, excessive tears, dry eyes and excessive blinking or squinting. Visual problems also can result in physical problems such as headaches and neck or shoulder pain.

"Some people will have all of those and some just a few," Beebe said. "But anytime anyone comes in with those symptoms, we automatically ask, 'What are you doing much of the day?' They often spend many hours on a computer."

The radiation put out by a computer screen has nothing to do with these symptoms, although that's a common myth, said Dr. Jeffrey Weaver, director of the AOA's clinical care group.

"People are often asking about ultraviolet radiation, but any UV radiation from a computer screen is minimal," Weaver said. "If no one's getting a tan from using their computer, then it's not a matter for concern."

But if you're having eye trouble during or after computer use, you should have your eyes examined, Beebe said.

"Many times people will have a focusing problem or a refractive error where simply wearing glasses while using the computer will take away those symptoms," he said.

You should also take frequent short breaks, every half hour or so, Beebe and Weaver said. During those breaks, which can last just a minute or two, you should fix your eyes on a distant object to help refresh your vision.

"Just looking across the room or out a window can help a lot in keeping your focus relaxed," Beebe said.

The brightness of the monitor should be adjusted to an intensity comfortable to the eyes, according to the AOA. That means not too bright or too dim.

Next, you should adjust the contrast between the characters on the monitor and the background so the letters are easily read.

Finally, minimize reflected glare on the monitor by using window shades or curtains and dimmer switches on lights. Bright light sources also should be removed from the peripheral vision.

"Most offices tend to be way too bright for computer use," Weaver said.

To further reduce glare, position the monitor perpendicular to windows or other bright sources of light. You can also buy an anti-glare screen for the monitor, or wear tinted glasses, according to the AOA.

Dry eyes are another common complaint, for two reasons. Offices tend to be dry environments, and when people are reading a computer screen they tend to blink less. To combat dry eyes, take frequent breaks and keep artificial tears -- lubricant eye drops -- handy at your desk, Weaver said.

You can also prevent eyestrain by positioning the monitor in an ergonomically correct position, according to the AOA. The monitor should be located 16 inches to 30 inches from your eyes, depending on how large the screen is and how good your vision is. Most people find it most comfortable to watch a screen 20 inches to 26 inches away.

The top of the monitor should be slightly below your eye level, the AOA said. The center of the monitor should be 10 degrees to 20 degrees below your eyes, or about 4 inches to 9 inches below your eyes at a distance of 24 inches.

And don't forget to rearrange things when it's your child's turn to use the computer. In many situations, the computer monitor will be too high, the chair too low and the desk too high. Your office should have an adjustable chair that can be raised for the child's comfort.

Weaver said technology is evolving to help prevent eyestrain and vision problems.

Monitors have improved their contrast and resolution, and LCD screens, in particular, are proving easier on the eyes. Monitors also are including glare-reduction filters to keep reflections from causing eyestrain, he said.

"They seem to be easier on the eyes, although there's not a lot of objective evidence to say that they are," Weaver said.

SOURCES: Jeffrey Weaver, O.D., director of the American Optometric Association's clinical care group; Kerry Beebe, O.D., optometrist in Brainerd, Minn., and spokesman for the American Optometric Association; the American Optometric Association, Alexandria, Va.

2007-05-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Taking Care of Dry SkinHealth Tip: Taking Care of Dry Skin

(HealthDay News) -- Dry skin commonly occurs on the legs, arms, thighs and sides of the abdomen. It's most common in winter, although it can occur when humidity is low at any time of year.

Here are suggestions on how to treat dry skin, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

Use thick, greasy moisturizers -- especially after a bath or shower.
Don't use skin-care products that contain alcohol.
Use a humidifier when the air is dry.
Drink lots of water throughout the day.
Avoid long, hot showers and baths that can dry skin even more.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-05-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Causes of Dry MouthHealth Tip: Causes of Dry Mouth

(HealthDay News) -- Dry mouth -- when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva -- can lead to tooth decay, trouble chewing and swallowing, and infections of the mouth.

According to the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the condition can develop for a number of reasons:

Use of certain medications, including some drugs for high blood pressure and depression.
Development of certain diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or Parkinson's.
Use of radiation therapy or chemotherapy for treatment of cancer.
Development of nerve damage in the head or neck.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-05-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Treating Ear Infections in ChildrenHealth Tip: Treating Ear Infections in Children

(HealthDay News) -- Middle ear infections are a common childhood ailment, affecting three of four youngsters in the United States by age 3.

Many times, in otherwise healthy children, doctors will not prescribe antibiotics and will wait for the infection to clear up on its own, the Nemours Foundation says. But all cases should be evaluated by a physician.

In children with recurring ear infections, ear tubes may be surgically inserted to help reduce the buildup of fluid in the ear.

Children may also be prescribed an antibiotic for bacterial ear infections -- although an antibiotic will not remedy the condition when it's caused by a virus.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-30T02:18:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Precautions While Mowing the LawnHealth Tip: Precautions While Mowing the Lawn

(HealthDay News) -- Playing near lawn mowers is dangerous for children and adolescents, and adults can get hurt, too, if they don't take the proper precautions. To prevent lawn mower-related injuries, follow these safety suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Use a mower the comes with safety features, like a control that prevents the mower from moving forward if the handles are released.
Never let children younger than 16 use a riding mower, and children younger than 12 use a push mower.
Never allow children to ride on mowers, even with an adult.
Always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes while mowing, never sandals or flip flops that leave portions of the feet exposed.
Clean the yard of things like rocks, sticks, and toys before mowing to prevent injuries from flying objects.
Don't allow children to be in the yard while mowing.
Always turn the mower off and let the blades stop completely before reaching around the blades.
Avoid mowing in reverse.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

Electronic Medical Records Proved Their Worth in Katrina's WakeElectronic Medical Records Proved Their Worth in Katrina's WakeBy Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- As the skies darkened over New Orleans the day before Hurricane Katrina unleashed her fury in August 2005, Scharmaine Lawson, a nurse practitioner, grabbed a T-shirt, some underwear, a toothbrush and her Palm Pilot, and headed out of town.

Unbeknownst to Lawson at the time, that small hand-held device, grabbed almost as an afterthought, would end up spelling the difference between life and death for some victims of this country's most devastating natural disaster.

In it, Lawson had stored basic medical records for all of her 100 homebound, elderly patients, most of them also indigent and disabled and living in New Orleans and surrounding parishes.

Electronic medical records refer to a patient's medical records when they're stored on a computer and accessible from different locations. Health practitioners and medical institutions around the United States are starting to adopt them, but they're still far from commonplace.

An estimated 25 percent of office-based doctors in the United States reported using fully or partially electronic medical record systems in 2005, the most recent statistics available. That represented a 31 percent increase from the 18.2 percent reported in a 2001 survey, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

But electronic records certainly weren't the norm in New Orleans prior to Katrina.

Lawson's physical office in New Orleans was destroyed under 5 feet of water. "We lost everything. Papers were stuck together and full of mud. Nothing could be retrieved," she said.

Lawson at least had her Palm Pilot. Others weren't so lucky. Doctors' offices and hospitals around the city experienced the same waterlogged nightmare, losing patient records permanently.

As Dr. Jay Brooks, chief of hematology/oncology at Ochsner Health System in Baton Rouge, La., pointed out, paper medical records are heavy, and most are stored in a basement or ground floor of a building. "All the records were easily sitting in foul-smelling water for three weeks," he said. "They're all lost."

Brooks remembers seeing refugees from New Orleans who did not know what type of cancer they had or what kind of treatment they had received.

Ochsner started developing an electronic records system 15 years ago and, as a result, information for all 300,000 of its patients was accessible after the storm.

When one Ochsner patient from New Orleans came into Brooks' office after Katrina, he was able to pull up all her records. "She'd had a heart transplant five years earlier and had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She sat in my office. I pulled up all of her records, and when the electronic record came up, it had her home address," Brooks recalled. "She broke down and cried, because her home had been washed away."

Lawson realized quickly that with her Palm Pilot she was "sitting on a gold mine, when a lot of my colleagues had no back-up."

For three months right after Katrina, Lawson operated from a temporary base in San Antonio, Texas, using her handheld to provide vital medical information to doctors and other health-care providers around the nation who were caring for her scattered clientele.

"I was able to communicate with other providers from all over the U.S. I had people calling me from Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, saying we have one of your patients here," Lawson said. "I was able to get the documents from my Palm Pilot, download them, print the entire H&P (history and physical), all of their lab work, anything they wanted."

She also served as a missing persons locator.

"One family called me for three weeks straight, desperately looking for a relative, a hospice patient," Lawson recounted. "During the fourth week, a hospice agency in Indiana called to say they had the patient and did I have any of his recent records."

Lawson did. She downloaded the records and faxed them, then called the family.

"They thought he was dead until the hospice agency called," Lawson said.

Since then, Lawson has adopted a formal electronic medical records system, MediNotes, and her practice has quadrupled to more than 400 patients.

Instead of the trusty Palm Pilot, on home visits she takes a tablet with detachable keyboard with her to download patients' information and to provide reminders about flu shots and other needed services.

"She brings the computer thing in here and puts all the information on it," said Brenda Carter, 65, a client who was trapped for two days on her roof in the lower Ninth Ward during Katrina. "I think that's better than paper."

SOURCES: Scharmaine Lawson, nurse practitioner, and CEO, Advanced Clinical Consultants, New Orleans; Jay Brooks, M.D., chairman of hematology/oncology, Ochsner Health Service, Baton Rouge, La.; Brenda D. Carter, Harvey, La.

2007-04-27T01:55:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Using Car SeatsHealth Tip: Using Car Seats

(HealthDay News) -- Car seats can protect children in the event of an accident, but only if they are used properly.

Here are some tips on how to make sure you are using your child's car seat correctly, courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Always put your child in a car seat, starting with the baby's first ride home from the hospital.
Install the car seat in the automobile's back seat, never in the front where there's an airbag.
Always read the seat's instructions, including how to install it, and how to attach and detach the seat and base.
Keep the instructions and owner's manual as long as you have the seat, in case you need them.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-26T01:28:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: How to Travel SafelyHealth Tip: How to Travel Safely

(HealthDay News) -- When traveling, especially to another country, it's important to take a few precautions to ensure good health during your trip.

Remember to maintain good health practices, and remember that not all countries have stringent health and sanitation standards.

Follow these suggestions from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stay healthy during your travels:

Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water, or antibacterial hand gel.
Stick to drinking only bottled or boiled water, never tap water or ice cubes.
Make sure all food has been fully cooked, and vegetables have been properly washed and peeled.
Get any vaccines or medications that may be required before you leave.
Don't handle any animals, especially dogs, cats and monkeys.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

Sopranos Star Tackles Health RoleSopranos Star Tackles Health RoleBy Alan Mozes
HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, April 23 (HealthDay News) -- This spring's finale of The Sopranos will mark the end of Aida Turturro's star turn as big, bad sister of America's most famous TV mobster.

But the actress who garnered national acclaim for her riveting portrayal of the conniving "Janice Soprano" is taking center stage to play a perhaps more important role: diabetes spokeswoman.

In 2001, just one year after receiving an Emmy nomination for her work on the acclaimed television series, Turturro was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Now, just one week after wrapping up her final shoot on the much-lauded HBO series, she has embarked on a nationwide tour of diabetes centers and hospital support groups to promote a proactive approach to living well with an illness that now strikes almost 21 million American children and adults.

"It's scary at first," said Turturro, recalling her initial diagnosis. "And it's really a very, very hard disease, because it never ends. So, it can feel overwhelming. But it's not, once you get started dealing with it. And I just want people to know that it's your life, and dealing with it has got to be your priority."

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the vast majority of diabetics have the same form of the disease as Turturro. Sometimes called insulin resistance, this version of the disease is triggered by the body's inability to properly use the naturally occurring hormone insulin to convert sugar and starch into usable energy.

Between 5 percent and 10 percent of diabetics have a type 1 form of diabetes, which results from the body's failure to produce enough insulin in the first place.

Another 54 million Americans are deemed "pre-diabetic," because their blood glucose levels register above normal but below diabetic levels.

Many factors -- rather than a single smoking gun -- have been associated with a higher risk for ultimately developing full-blown diabetes, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle and a family history of the disease.

"It's actually pretty rampant in my family," Turturro pointed out in a recent interview. "I have a history of it on both sides -- my mother, my aunt, my grandfather on one side and my grandmother on the other side, and some of my distant relatives, too. But I didn't come from a family who sat me down and explained it, so I had no idea about the risk."

Bringing such information to light and demystifying diabetes by example is the goal of Turturro's current tour, which is being sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi Aventis. The company makes Lantus, a once-daily, injectable insulin that Turturro began taking about four years ago.

Turturro first spoke out about diabetes three years ago and has already brought her take-charge message to diabetes patients and caregivers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta and Detroit, with plans to head to Miami this month.

In fact, her work on diabetes is not Turturro's first foray into public health advocacy. In 2002, she served as spokeswoman for an arthritis awareness campaign that was sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation and Centocor, the maker of a popular arthritis medication. She has battled rheumatoid arthritis -- a painful autoimmune disease involving inflammation of the joints-- since the age of 12.

But Turturro insisted that she hasn't always been such a paragon of empowerment.

Despite six seasons brazenly weaving and bobbing her way through a televised fantasy world of bullets, bats and cement shoes, she freely admitted that when it came to facing her own real life illness she wasn't always so brave.

"I'm not the perfect person, I'm the regular person who most people are," said the native-born New Yorker. "So, when I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I was in denial. I started to take an oral medication, but I didn't really take care of myself. It was a stressful time in my life, when my mother and father were both ill and eventually passed."

"But about four years ago, I had a little wake-up call, and I went to my doctor, and she sat me down, and she said to me: 'You're putting yourself at risk. And eventually you're going to develop complications, serious complications, like heart disease and possibly death. But', she explained, 'diabetes can be controlled.' "

Beyond heart disease and stroke, the ADA says that a diabetes diagnosis also significantly boosts the risk for blindness, kidney disease, nervous system damage, loss of limbs due to amputation, dental disease and sexual dysfunction.

Managing diabetes and its associated risks typically involves maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and carefully planning meals to prevent the onset of either high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) or low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).

Regulation of blood sugar levels is also achieved through the use of portable monitoring devices, insulin injections and pumps, and glucose tablets. For type 2 patients, five classes of glucose-lowering diabetes pills are another option for keeping the disease in check.

For Turturro, disease control, by whatever means necessary, is the name of the game.

"You're not going to make it by living with high blood sugar," she warned. "It will create havoc. So, it's important to go to your doctor, your endocrinologist, and see what you need to do to get it under control. Everybody's individual. Diabetes can be controlled sometimes by just diet, sometimes by diet and oral medicines, sometimes by insulin."

Turturro said that now that her involvement with the The Sopranos has come to an end, she's weighing her long-range options, including a possible TV project with her cousin, the actor John Turturro.

Meanwhile, she hopes her story can inspire people coping with diabetes to get the care they need.

"I like speaking about it," said Turturro, "because it keeps me in line. It keeps me thinking. And balancing my blood sugar has changed my life. I didn't realize how ill I could feel. How tired, snappy, cranky and sick. But now," she added, "I'm back."

SOURCES: Aida Turturro, actor

2007-04-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Dining While on the RoadHealth Tip: Dining While on the Road

(HealthDay News) -- Do you pass the time on long road trips by pigging out on unhealthy snacks?

If so, it may be time to reconsider what you pack. With proper preparation and imagination, you can take a healthy lifestyle on the road.

Here are some tips, courtesy of Canada's Heart and Stroke Foundation:

Know how long your trip will take so you can stock up on supplies.
Bring a cooler, and restock it each day.

When preparing sandwiches to take along:

Use whole wheat bread.
Use mustard or horseradish instead of butter or margarine.
Use lean meat fillings, such as ham, roast beef, chicken or turkey.
Bring cut up vegetables for munching and fresh fruit for dessert and snacking.
Bring plenty of water.

-- Felicity Stone

2007-04-20T01:20:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Not Everyone Eligible to Donate BloodHealth Tip: Not Everyone Eligible to Donate Blood

(HealthDay News) -- People who have blood diseases, infections, or other serious medical problems are poor candidates to donate blood, but are healthy donors always welcome?

Not necessarily, the Community Blood Services of Illinois says. Here are common reasons for being turned down as a prospective blood donor:

Recent dental work or surgery.
Recent travel outside of the United States, or recent vaccination.
Recent illness.
Recent tattoo, electrolysis or piercing.
Low blood iron levels.
Weighing less than 110 pounds, or generally being underweight.
Breast feeding currently.
Transient high blood pressure or irregularities in your pulse rate.

2007-04-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Pets Can Harbor GermsHealth Tip: Pets Can Harbor Germs

(HealthDay News) -- Pets may be beloved family members, but they can also harbor germs.

Here are a few health suggestions for pet owners, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:

Always wash your hands thoroughly after petting your animals.
Wear gloves when cleaning cages or litter boxes.
Disinfect sinks, bathtubs and other areas where you bathe or brush your pet.
Don't give your pets food meant for people -- especially raw meat, which can harbor bacteria.
Never let pets drink from the toilet.
Never take in a wild animal as a pet.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-17T00:39:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Bladder CancerHealth Tip: Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer

(HealthDay News) -- While the exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, certain habits and traits can raise a person's risk of contracting it.

Here are common risk factors for bladder cancer, courtesy of the American Cancer Society:

Smokers get bladder cancer about twice as often as those who don't light up.
People who work with certain chemicals -- including those used to produce dyes, printing inks, and paints -- may be at higher risk.
Whites are twice as likely to contract bladder cancer as blacks or Hispanics. The risk of bladder cancer also rises with age.
Chronic bladder illnesses, including kidney stones and bladder infections.
Personal or family history of bladder cancer.
Birth defects of the bladder.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Treating PsoriasisHealth Tip: Treating Psoriasis

(HealthDay News) -- Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes red, scaly, itchy patches on the skin.

While there is no cure, psoriasis can be controlled with these common treatments, listed by the National Psoriasis Foundation:

Topical ointments and creams, including salicylic acid and topical steroids.
Lotions, bath solutions and other nonprescription topical preparations to help soothe symptoms and reduce scaliness.
Light therapy, including UVB and lasers.
Prescription systemic medications, a term used to describe drugs that affect the entire body. These drugs are usually reserved for people with moderate-to-severe cases.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-13T01:20:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Understanding Male Pattern BaldnessHealth Tip: Understanding Male Pattern Baldness

(HealthDay News) -- Pattern baldness in men is the most common type of hair loss, and usually involves a receding hairline and baldness on the crown of the head. The condition is usually caused by hormonal and genetic factors.

Hair loss occurs when the hair follicle, a cavity in the skin, shrinks over time, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The individual hair in this follicle then becomes thinner and shorter, until eventually no hair is left in the follicle.

While there are no direct medical complications of pattern baldness, men who are uncomfortable with their physical appearance may opt for prescription medications that may stimulate the regrowth of hair and help reduce additional hair loss.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-11T01:28:00.000-07:00

TV Diners Miss the Big Health PictureTV Diners Miss the Big Health PictureBy Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, April 9 (HealthDay News) -- By all means, eat dinner with your family. Just don't watch the tube at the same time.

That's the take-home message of a new study that found that, in low-income families with preschool children, the positive effect of eating dinner as a family tends to be negated by watching television at the same time.

"When you have the television on, people are essentially eating alone," said Arlene Spark, associate professor of nutrition at Hunter College in New York City. "Eating meals together and having family interactions has been associated with better food at meals. We would like to say turn the television off and speak to one another, but I don't know if that means carrots are going to fly onto the plate. But it's a good practice to be able to interact with children and family."

Bonnie Taub-Dix, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association and a nutrition consultant in New York City, added: "You really need to be selective about the TV and, in this day and age, it's so rare that families even get together to have a meal that that needs to be precious time."

Neither Spark nor Taub-Dix was involved with the study, which appears in the April issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

The findings essentially corroborate previous research that has found, among other things, that preschoolers who spend more time glued to the television have worse diets and that families dining together tend to have better eating habits.

"Lots of studies have found that when families eat together and presumably talk, kids eat healthier and do better, they're less likely to drink and use drugs. It's pro-social behavior," said Dr. Barbara A. Dennison, senior author of the study and director of the Bureau of Health Risk Reduction, Division of Chronic Disease Prevention and Adult Health at the New York State Department of Health.

And when diners are focusing on the TV set, they're not paying attention to what they eat. "It's not just having interactions but also not appreciating the food that you're eating simultaneously," Taub-Dix said. "In terms of the childhood obesity epidemic in this country, part of what contributes is not just how TV takes away from physical activity, but it's distracting, and you don't know how much you're eating. It's a double whammy."

For this study, more than 1,300 parents or guardians of children participating in New York's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children were surveyed on how many days a week the family ate dinner together, the number of days each week the TV was turned on during dinner, and how often fruits and vegetables were served.

More fruits and vegetables were served on the nights families ate dinner as a unit. Servings of fruits and vegetables decreased each night the TV was turned on during the meal. Neither eating together nor having the television on seemed to have any relationship with servings of milk.

Fruits and vegetables are important components of any healthful diet and have been associated with decreased cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

The study also found that:

Hispanic and black parents reported having the television on during dinner more often than white parents.
Hispanic and white families tended to eat together more often than black families.
The television was turned on more often in families in which the parent had less than a high school education.

"There are lots of reasons for families to try to eat together," Dennison said. "I don't think people should have TVs in rooms that you eat in. There are things to do to change the home environment so it's not easy to have the TV on while eating dinner."

SOURCES: Barbara A. Dennison, M.D., director, Bureau of Health Risk Reduction, Division of Chronic Disease Prevention and Adult Health, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D., national spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association, and nutrition consultant, New York City; Arlene Spark, Ed.D., R.D., associate professor of nutrition, Hunter College, New York City; April 2007, Journal of the American Dietetic Association

2007-04-10T00:49:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Dealing With DepressionHealth Tip: Dealing With Depression

(HealthDay News) -- Depression can make a person feel unusually sad, worthless, uninterested in activities that used to be fun, restless or even suicidal for several weeks or longer.

Depression is a serious illness that requires professional treatment, often with a combination of medication and psychological therapy.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions for dealing with depression:

Set a realistic schedule for yourself. While you're getting better, don't expect that you can maintain a full schedule at a regular pace.
Try not to believe the negative thoughts, like feelings of failure or blame, that depression causes -- such thoughts should ease as depression subsides.
Participate in activities that make you feel good about yourself and that you enjoy.
While you're depressed, try to avoid making any major life decisions. If you have to, ask a trusted friend or family member for help.
Don't drink alcohol or take unprescribed drugs, as either can cause serious interactions with antidepressant medication, and can exacerbate depression.
Get as much exercise as possible -- at least 30 minutes four to six times a week.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-08T23:38:00.000-07:00

Heart Attacks a 'Wake-Up' Call for Hispanics: SurveyHeart Attacks a 'Wake-Up' Call for Hispanics: Survey

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Many Hispanic heart attack survivors consider their heart attack a "wake-up call" and fear having another heart attack more than dying, a new survey finds.

The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) poll of 501 heart attack survivors also found that nearly a third of them have had more than one heart attack.

Even though many Hispanic heart attack survivors fear having another heart attack, too few are taking the steps -- exercise, healthy eating, taking appropriate medications -- that are needed to prevent another heart attack or heart disease.

"Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in our community, which is why we are so dedicated to raising awareness about this illness," Dr. Elena Rios, president and CEO of NHMA, said in a prepared statement. "Our survey indicates that many Hispanics are worried about experiencing another heart attack. By sharing these survey findings with the broader community, we hope to remind Hispanic heart attack survivors that they are not alone, and there are many ways they can find information and support to live a healthy life."

The survey also found that:

Many Hispanic heart attack survivors feel they know how to manage their health after their heart attack, but 59 percent said they wanted additional information about risk factors for another heart attack, and 55 percent wanted advice about medications.
To get that kind of information, 70 percent go to their doctors, and 62 percent use the Internet. The survey also found that 90 percent of Hispanic heart attack survivors felt they would benefit from the advice of others who'd had a heart attack.
Along with the fear of having another heart attack, Hispanic heart attack survivors were also concerned about other diseases they've been diagnosed with, including high blood pressure (64 percent) and high cholesterol (51 percent).

A network of family, doctors, and other heart attack survivors can help Hispanic heart attack survivors get the information they need to live a healthy life, the NHMA said.

-- Robert Preidt

SOURCE: National Hispanic Medical Association, news release, March 26, 2007

2007-04-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

Mediterranean Diet Protects Kids From Allergies: StudyMediterranean Diet Protects Kids From Allergies: Study

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- A Mediterranean-style diet loaded with fruits, vegetables and nuts may help prevent allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms in youngsters, a British study suggests.

Researchers at the National Heart and Lung Institute, London, looked at almost 700 children, ages 7 to 18, on the Greek island of Crete. Their parents filled out questionnaires on their children's eating habits and on their allergy and asthma symptoms.

Eight out of 10 children in the study ate fresh fruit and more than two-thirds of them ate fresh vegetables, at least twice a day. Diet appeared to have the strongest protective effect against allergic rhinitis but also helped protect children against asthma and skin allergies, the study found.

Children who ate nuts at least three times a week were also less likely to wheeze. The researchers noted that nuts are rich in vitamin E, which protects against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Nuts also contain high levels of magnesium, which may protect against asthma and improve lung power.

The study also found that a daily diet of oranges, apples, and tomatoes protected children against wheezing and allergic rhinitis. Grapes appeared to be especially effective in preventing wheezing and allergic rhinitis. Red grape skins contain high levels of antioxidants and a potent polyphenol called resveratrol, which is known to reduce inflammatory activity, the researchers said.

They also found that eating lots of margarine doubled the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

The study was published in the journal Thorax.

-- Robert Preidt

SOURCE: BMJ Specialist Journals, news release, April 5, 2007

2007-04-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Choking Hazards for KidsHealth Tip: Choking Hazards for Kids

(HealthDay News) -- Choking in young children is frequently caused by food that is not appropriate for a young child, or that has not been properly cut and served.

Foods that are hard and round are most dangerous for youngsters, and should either be carefully cut, or not served to them at all.

Here is a list of foods that are prominent choking hazards for young children, courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Hot dogs, or large chunks of other meats.
Nuts or seeds.
Cubes or chunks of cheese.
Whole grapes and raw vegetables.
Popcorn.
Candy that is hard, sticky or chewy, and chewing gum.
Peanut butter.

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

Health Tip: Choosing a Day Care ProviderHealth Tip: Choosing a Day Care Provider

(HealthDay News) -- If you send your child to day care, it's important to find a program and people that you trust.

The Nemours Foundation recommends asking these questions of prospective day care centers:

Can parents visit at any time during the day?
What are the center's policies about caring for sick children?
How are children supervised when they're on the playground? Is equipment regularly inspected?
What are the alternatives if the program closes?
How are children grouped for activities, etc.? By age or other criteria?
How are special-needs children cared for?
What is the educational background of your staff, and how are staff screened before they are hired?

-- Diana Kohnle

2007-04-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

Internet Use Can Boost Breast Cancer Patients' Faith in DocsInternet Use Can Boost Breast Cancer Patients' Faith in Docs

FRIDAY, March 30 (HealthDay News) -- Checking out high-quality breast cancer information online not only keeps patients informed about their disease, it may also boost their opinion about their doctor, new research shows.

Previous studies have found that many breast cancer patients go online to learn more about their disease. This is the first study to look at how patients' opinions about their doctors affect how they seek online information and support, and how the Web affects how patients regard their doctors, the study authors said.

In the study, a team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center of Excellence in Cancer Communications Research tracked the opinions of 231 recently diagnosed breast cancer patients who were given a free computer and Internet access. The women were also trained to use an online health education and support system called Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS) "Living With Breast Cancer" program.

The researchers found that frequent use of the online information services was associated with both a poor doctor-patient relationship to begin with and with patients becoming more satisfied with their doctors later on.

"It makes sense that cancer patients who are less confident in their health-care providers might be more likely to turn to the Internet as a source of education and support," study author Bret Shaw, an associate scientist with the CHESS program, said in a prepared statement.

"However, this study also suggests that providing patients with access to high-quality health information about breast cancer and its related concerns may validate some of what they hear from their health-care team and improve how they feel about their doctors. In other words, referring patients to high quality information about their illness on the Internet may improve the doctor-patient relationship as well," Shaw said.

The study, funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, is in the April issue of the International Journal of Medical Informatics.

-- Robert Preidt

SOURCE: University of Wisconsin-Madison, news release, March 20, 2007

Acid Reflux Mechanics

2007-03-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

by: Amanda Baker

Everytime you turn on the television these days, there is a downpour of over-the-counter and prescription medications for the relief and prevention of acid reflux. As with medications for any ailment, there are theories regarding the disease and how well the medications work.

From a medical point of view, acid reflux is a condition caused by acidic contents from the stomach moving upward into the esophagus, which results in a burning sensation. When the valve found at the lower end of the esophagus is dysfunctional, it allows the acidic content of the stomach to be regurgitated, where it would block this behavior when functional.

Another belief is that acid reflux is caused by an individual's eating habits. As the civilized world eats more and more junk and processed foods, the majority of the food ends up in the stomach undigested. This undigested material turns into acidic waste, which causes stomach spasms. These spasms create stomach gas which pops open the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing the acidic content to return to the esophagus.

Others believe that acid reflux is related to aging. As we age, the activity of the stomach is reduced. This also reduces the ability to produce hydrochloric acid. The result is the stomach turning into a breeding ground for infection which can cause stomach pain and acid waste irritation.

Whatever the cause behind acid reflux, it is often a chronic disease. Therefore, most medications for the disease merely relieve the burning and other symptoms and cannot actually cure the condition. As medications relieve the symptoms caused by acid reflux, they can cause several undesirable side effects due to the fact that they cut down the acid production in the stomach, leading to a reduction in ability to digest food. These medications can make you more susceptible to diseases and microbes transmitted through food. This may increase your risk for food poisoning and a host of other problems.

Before you choose a medication or a natural method to rid yourself of the burning that accompanies acid reflux, you should first make a thorough assessment of the food you eat and your lifestyle. Studies show that foods such as citrus, chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy, fried and fatty foods all contribute to and can aggravate acid reflux. Limiting your intake or avoiding such foods as much as possible is a good first line of defense against future acid reflux bouts.

Lifestyle modification, such as losing weight, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, sleeping with your head raised six to eight inches, and waiting three hours after eating before going to bed can assist in reducing the number of acid reflux episodes you may have.

Though you should discuss your options with your physician, something as simple as lifestyle improvements and dietary changes can help to keep you from adding an acid blocker or acid reflux medication to your daily diet.

About The Author

Amanda Baker writes for To Be Informed - a website for health, fitness and wellness

Sources of Vitamins When D Is What the Doctor Ordered

2007-03-16T00:13:00.000-07:00

by: Bob Benson

Getting enough Vitamin D is much typically not a huge issue for most people today, but it was just a few years ago that a lack of this vitamin was a serious health issue. As recently as the early 1900s, many children suffered from rickets, a severe malformation of legs caused by a lack of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is vital to the formation of strong bones. When both children and adults don’t get enough Vitamin D, they may have a tendency toward skeletal problems, such as osteomalacia, rickets and weak bones. This is also one of the vitamins that can help regulate growth, making it very important for children in their formative years.

You may think that milk is a natural source of Vitamin D, but milk is actually fortified with several vitamins, including Vitamin D. The practice began in direct response to the high number of rickets cases that hit the United States in the early 1900s. While milk is a good source of Vitamin D because it’s fortified with this vitamin, it’s not a natural source.

Some fish are high in Vitamin D and make excellent sources of this vitamin during a typically daily intake. Two of the more common are tuna and salmon. That means that a tuna sandwich for lunch each day can provide a significant start on the amount of Vitamin D needed to maintain healthy bones. Mackerel, sardines and cod are also sources of Vitamin D – which means those doses of cod liver oil had some serious health benefits for the pioneers who had access to few real medicines.

Eggs are another natural source of Vitamin D. You can use eggs in many ways to increase the amount of Vitamin D in your daily diet. Egg salad sandwiches are a quick “on the go” option, but boiled eggs also make a good “fast food” for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack.

Many people don’t like liver, but beef liver is a good source of Vitamin D. There are other benefits of liver, including the fact that this is an excellent natural source of iron – important if you’re trying to boost your iron or battle anemia. Unfortunately, it takes quite a large serving of beef liver to significantly increase the amount of Vitamin D in your diet.

One thing to remember is that many dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D, but are not natural sources. That means that milk, cheese and other dairy products won’t help you get the Vitamin D you need unless those products have been fortified with this important vitamin. Be sure to check the label before you assume that you’re getting the Vitamin D you need from your daily dairy consumption.

About The Author

Bob Benson is the founder of Vitamins online. You can check out our website at http://www.nutritional-vitamin-supplements.info

contact@loan-source.co.uk

2007-01-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

<br/><i/> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <p>2007-01-04T19:37:00.000-08:00</p> <div xmlns="http://purl.org/atom/ns#"> <title/><br/><i/> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <p>2006-07-30T18:59:00.000-07:00</p> <p><b class="titler">Creating Trust</b><br /> </p><p>We have grown to rely and trust the Internet. We have friends. We shop, we bank, we do business.We order take out, we even fall in love. We have found ways to do almost all of our daily tasks out here in cyber space. We hear daily of all of the people signing on for the first time. </p><p>So how could it be so hard to sell our wares? </p><p>Well, it's the trust factor. Jupiter Communications, one of the leading providers of research on Internet commerce, recently revealed studies that showed 64 percent of online consumers are unlikely to trust a website. </p><p>Our customers don't have the advantage of seeing our trustworthy faces. Getting to know us. Developing a relationship with us. </p><p>Then how do we go about alleviating the fears of our potential customers? Here are a few suggestions bound to set you on the right path. </p><ul><p> </p><li>BE HONEST.<br />Don't make promises that you can't keep, or claims that you can't back up. </li><li>MAKE THEIR INFORMATION ACCESSIBLE AND UPDATABLE.<br />Make sure that your customers know what information you gather at your website and what you do with it. If you store profiles at your site, make them accessible to your customers or give them away to update it or make changes. </li><li>HONOR YOUR CUSTOMERS' PRIVACY.<br />If you sell directly from your site, it is important that you know, and adhere, to consumer privacy practices. Make sure that your customers understand your secure sales process and that they know what you do with their information (particularly credit card information) after the sale. </li><li>COMMUNICATE!<br />Publish an ezine or newsletter to help customers get to know you better. Host chats and/ or discussion boards and promptly and accurately answer your Email. (This means that you should actually READ your Email before replying!) </li><li>EDUCATE YOUR CUSTOMER AND OFFER IMPECABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE.<br />Make sure that they know how to use your product. Offer quick and responsive support and guidance. If a customer has a problem, don't try to sweep it under the rug! Take care of it as quickly and as graciously as possible. It is a fact that 98 percent of people will continue to use a business even AFTER they have had a problem, if their problem was resolved in a prompt and courteous manner. </li><li>GUARD YOUR REPUTATION!<br />Stress the benefits of your product over another without insulting the other product. Stay clear of the dirty politics tactics. It doesn't do much for your reputation. </li><li>OFFER MONEY BACK GUARANTEES,<br />whenever possible, then honor them quickly. </li><li>MAKE TESTIMONIALS AVAILABLE,<br />and encourage visitors to check with other customers before they purchase products or services from you. </li><li>BE CLEAR AND COMPLETE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION.<br />Include your business name, address, and phone number. Adding names and pictures of yourself or your employees can help visitors feel more confident and comfortable. </li></ul> <p>How can we alleviate the fears of our potential customers? Trust is something that takes time to earn. But the more you concentrate on your customer service, and the more responsible you act with their information and concerns, the quicker you will build a loyal customer base. </p><p><br /> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <p>2006-07-30T18:54:00.000-07:00</p> <b class="titler">Seniors on Muscle Beach? You're Never Too Old to Get Fit</b><br /><br />Seven years ago, Beatrice Maullin read about the Crown Valley Senior Olympics competition in her hometown of Pasadena, Calif. She had been working out at a local gym doing aerobics, machine weights and free weights. Thinking that there was no sport in which she could compete, she called to volunteer for the Senior Olympics. But when she saw that one of the events was powerlifting, an exercise in which she had become interested, she decided to enter the competition, despite having only two weeks to practice the proper form.<br /><br />In April 2005, Beatrice won her first powerlifting gold medal. By the way, at the time she was 74.<br /><br />Today, at 80, Beatrice has won 25 gold medals, holds the powerlifting world record for her age group (82.5 pounds), and is the oldest woman in the United States to compete in the bench press. She has won the "best overall" title in weight lifting for the past six years and has been featured locally and nationally in newspapers, magazines and television, advocating weight training for women of all ages.<br /><br />Beatrice was not a fitness enthusiast all her life. "I took dance as a young girl, raised two boys, and ran my own businesses, but it's not the same as working out," she said. "I don't know why I waited this long to finally do something just for myself. There must have been some magic plan waiting for me to take that first step. I can't believe all this excitement and fuss started when I was in my 70s," she says. "I've never had so much fun."<br /><br />Studies consistently show that weight training for seniors is beneficial in many ways. Increased strength can help improve balance, reduce blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. A separate study also shows that women who take up weight training increase their metabolism for a longer period of time -- and therefore burn more calories -- by training with weights, as compared to jogging or other aerobic exercise.<br /><br />And increasingly, fitness clubs are catering to seniors, who often are their most committed members and are by far the fastest growing segment of the health club market. For example, Gold's Gym offers discounts to seniors, including 25 to 50 percent off enrollment fees, and many instructors take special training to accommodate the needs of the older fitness club members, says Derek Barton, vice president of Public Relations and Communications for Gold's Gym International.<br /><br /><br />Beatrice says that although the recognition and gold medals are nice, those aren't what keep her coming back to the weight room.<br /><br />"I feel healthier, more exuberant, happier about the time I spend in the gym," she says. "I love meeting people of all ages at the gym, because they understand the dedication it takes to stay in good health. Of course, going to the gym to work out, you must allow extra time to exercise your jaw muscles, too!"<br /><br />Beatrice has no plans to retire any time soon. In fact, she tries to get out and speak to women's groups as much as possible to spread the word about the benefits of weight training, even though she realizes it may create some competition in her age bracket.<div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <p>2006-05-10T23:31:00.000-07:00</p> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Does a 'Super Mouse' Hold Key to Beating Cancer?</span><br /><br />Researchers say they were able to cure advanced cancers in ordinary mice by transplanting white blood cells from a line of tumor-resistant mice.<br /><br />"Even highly aggressive forms of malignancy with extremely large tumors were eradicated," researcher Dr. Zheng Cui, an associate professor of pathology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., said in a prepared statement.<br /><br />Not only did the transplanted white blood cells destroy existing cancers, they also protected the normal mice from what normally would be lethal doses of highly aggressive new cancers, the researchers reported in this week's online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.<br /><br />"This is the very first time that this exceptionally aggressive type of cancer was treated successfully. Never before has this been done with any other therapy," Cui said.<br /><br />The cancer-resistant mice stem from a single mouse discovered in 1999.<br /><br />"The cancer resistance trait so far has been passed to more than 2,000 descendents in 14 generations," and has also been bred into three other mouse strains, Cui said.<br /><br />A single injection of the white blood cells from a cancer-resistant mouse was enough to provide lifetime cancer protection for a normal mouse.<br /><br />"The potency and selectivity for cancer cells are so high that, if we learned the mechanism, it would give us hope that this would work in humans," Cui said. "This would suggest that cancer cells send out a signal, but normal white blood cells can't find them."<div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <p>2006-04-25T03:02:00.000-07:00</p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cancer prevention research gets millions in new funding<br /></span>Billions of dollars and research hours have been spent on diagnosing and treating cancer, but little of the same money or time has been spent on the prevention of cancer. In an effort to get at the root causes of cancer in the hopes of preventing cancer before it develops, the province of British Columbia will be providing $4 million dollars to the Canadian Cancer Society for<a href="http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2006OTP0076-000469.htm"> research exclusively focused on cancer prevention</a>. The research will be done at the <a href="http://www.ubc.ca/">University of British Columbia</a> after an international search for an expert to lead the research can be found. Ultimately, the research will lead to a national cancer prevention strategy in relationship to diet, exercise, body weight, stress, and environmental carcinogens.<br /><br />"To the best of our knowledge this is the first in primary cancer prevention, which is a very specific focus on not treating the disease better or detecting it earlier but actually understanding how we avoid ever getting there," stated Dr. Gavin Stuart, dean of medicine at the University of British Columbia. This is <em>potentially</em> exciting news, as prevention is my first choice in confronting and eliminating the epidemic levels of cancer we face today. It will be interesting to hear what the research finds in this new cancer prevention program.<div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <p>2005-11-18T22:01:00.000-08:00</p> <div class="mxb"><div class="sh">Blood test spots 'asbestos cancer'<br /></div></div> <span style="font-size:85%;">   <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody><tr><td> <div> <div class="cap">Asbestos dust remains a major health hazard</div> </div> </td></tr> </tbody></table>  <b> A simple blood test could detect early signs of deadly 'asbestos cancer', scientists have claimed. </b> </span> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Patients with mesothelioma - often caused by exposure to asbestos - often die within a few years of diagnosis. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">But in a study published in The Lancet, researchers say checking levels of a key protein can identify over 80% of cases at an early stage. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Earlier detection would mean doctors could treat the patient using chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">  <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody><tr> <td width="5"></td> <td class="sibtbg"> <div> <div class="mva"> <b> The test can detect the cancer several years before it presents </b> <br /> </div> </div> <div class="mva"> <div> Dr Bruce Robinson, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>  Mesothelioma affects the mesothelial tissue surrounding the lungs. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The aggressive cancer develops decades after asbestos exposure. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">But not all those who worked with asbestos go on to develop the cancer, and Australian scientists were looking for a way of identifying who was at risk. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Asbestos exposure</b> </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Researchers from the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia, developed a test to assess blood concentrations of soluble mesothelian related (SMR) protein, which has been shown to be an indicator of other cancers. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The scientists believed high levels of SMR might also be seen in asbestos cancer patients.<br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3267181.stm">more ...........</a><br /></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <p>2005-11-09T02:09:00.000-08:00</p> <div class="mxb"> <div class="sh"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> Asbestos cancer victims 'ignored'</span><br /><br /> </div> </div> <span style="font-size:85%;">   <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody><tr><td> <div> <div class="cap">Victims often die within a few years of diagnosis</div> </div> </td></tr> </tbody></table>  <b>People suffering from a cancer caused by asbestos exposure are being neglected, campaigners say.</b> </span> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Mesothelioma kills 1,800 people a year - more than cervical cancer - but there is no cure and treatment only relieves the symptoms. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">A British Lung Foundation conference is due to demand that ministers invest more money into research and improve access to compensation. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The Department of Health said it was reviewing current treatment practices. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">People with mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer which is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, often die within a year or so of diagnosis. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The disease can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">  <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="208"> <tbody><tr> <td width="5"></td> <td class="sibtbg"> <div> <div class="mva"> <b>The government needs to take a two-pronged approach towards mesothelioma - improve the current treatments available and offer proper compensation</b> <br /> </div> </div> <div class="mva"> <div>Liz Darlison, of Mesothelioma UK</div> </div> <div class="o"> <br /> </div> <div class="miiib">  <div class="arr"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4329319.stm" class=""><b>My husband died in months</b></a></div>  </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>  </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The number of annual deaths from mesothelioma has been steadily increasing since the early 1960s when a couple of hundred a year died. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">The death rate is expected to keep rising until 2015. By 2050 90,000 people are expected to have died from the cancer. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">Victims who were exposed to asbestos at their workplace are entitled to compensation from government, while those who were exposed by other means can get money under common law. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">British Lung Foundation chief executive Dame Helena Shovelton said she wanted the conference to "put mesothelioma on the map". </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"Mesothelioma is a particularly cruel disease because sufferers simply contract it through their choice of job, where they live, who they live with or in some way they could never have known about. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>'Not good enough'</b> </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"The government needs to make it more of a priority, it was hardly mentioned in the 2000 Cancer Plan and victims are basically told there is nothing that can be done for them. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"This is distressing for those diagnosed with the cancer and simply is not good enough. It would not happen with any other cancer. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"It also needs to be easier for people to access compensation. When you are diagnosed it is not easy or a first priority to go about getting compensation." </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">And Liz Darlison, of support group Mesothelioma UK, said one of the problems was that not many health professionals were fully aware of the disease. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"The government needs to take a two-pronged approach towards mesothelioma - improve the current treatments available and offer proper compensation." </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">A Department of Health spokeswoman said ministers had set up a lung cancer advisory group to help improve the delivery of services. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;">She added: "A subgroup has been set up specially to look at this type of cancer. </span></p> <span style="font-size:85%;">"it will recommend what action should be taken to tackle this particular cancer including service organisation, treatment and awareness raising, and will be making an initial report to the wider advisory group in April."<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">from <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/"><span style="font-style: italic;">BBC NEWS</span></a> </span></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family: arial;" class="ds">9 March, 2005</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <p>2005-11-09T02:06:00.000-08:00</p> <h3><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:+0;">Causes of Mesothelioma</span></h3> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> Mesothelioma is nearly always related to Asbestos exposure. Asbestos is an extremely dangerous material and low exposure levels can trigger Mesothelioma. This means that even family members of asbestos workers are at risk because of the asbestos fibers brought into the home on their clothing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">Scientists have known about asbestos's carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties since the 1930's, but asbestos was a cheap insulator and fire-proofing material. Corporations continued to put workers and their families at risk for decades after its lethality was discovered.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">If you or a family member has worked at the following jobs or with the following materials before the 1980's, then you are at risk. Most victims are involved with asbestos product plants, insulation and shipbuilding. Below is a list of industrial sites, occupations, and products related to asbestos. In addition to workers, family members may be at risk and should be tested.</span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">Industrial Sites</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"><br /> Oil Refineries<br /> Power Plant<br /> Railroad<br /> Residents of towns with former asbestos manufacturing plants<br /> Shipyards<br /> Steel Mills</span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">Workers in Old Buildings<br /> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">Contractors working on an old building can often stir up asbestos fibers that can poison the workers in the building.</span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">Maritime occupations<br /> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">Longshoremen<br /> Merchant Marines<br /> U.S. Navy Veterans</span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">Construction Trades & Other Occupations<br /> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">Automotive Mechanics<br /> Boilermakers<br /> Bricklayers<br /> Carpenters<br /> Electricians<br /> Insulators<br /> Iron Workers<br /> Laborers<br /> Maintenance Workers<br /> Millwrights<br /> Plasterers<br /> Plumbers<br /> Sheet metal Workers<br /> Steam Fitters<br /> Tile Setters<br /> Welders</span></p> <b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">Partial List of Dangerous Products<br /> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">acoustical panels/plaster<br /> brake linings<br /> fireproof aprons<br /> fire brick<br /> floor tiles<br /> gasket material<br /> glassblower mitts<br /> pipe covering<br /> insulation </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> <article> <p>2005-11-09T02:04:00.000-08:00</p> <b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;color:#990000;">Mesothelioma</span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;color:#000000;"> strikes over 3,000 people each year. The disease is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. </span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">Asbestos is a known toxin that irresponsible companies continued to market for decades in the face of scientific evidence proving its danger. </span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;color:#000000;">In such terrible circumstances, Mesothelioma victims should seek legal help to make sure they are compensated.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"></div> </article> </main></body></html>