For regular readers of this blog, I have disappointing news. The Cancer Blog is now retired. That means that, while it will still be available for reading and searching, new posts will not be added. Our Cardio and Diabetes blogs are also being retired, which I mention here because some readers bookmarked more than one of the Life Sciences group.
The choice to stop publishing these three blogs is a business decision, and has nothing whatsoever to do with their quality. I am, and everyone here is, deeply grateful to the bloggers whose dedication to these sites gave so much information and inspiration to thousands of people. These three blogs are among the longest-running properties in our network, and it is sad to let them go.
Thank you to our many readers for visiting us, and sharing in the community here.
It's interesting when a drug is re-purposed into something aimed at fighting cancer, but that is what has happened to Evista, a prescription drug made by Eli Lilly which was originally for osteoporosis patients.
The FDA has officially approved Evista for use in breast cancer patients as of late this week, although the drug will now come with a box warning advising patients of a heightened risk for stroke by taking the drug.
I'm not sure -- are some drugs worth the possible benefits when certain side effects can be just as bad as what is trying to be treated? Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Experience Project is launching a new online cancer support network , The Cancer Support Project, on October 1st, 2007.
Experience Project is built around dynamic groups of users who come onto the platform, share narratives and personal stories about their life experiences, and then connect with others who are going through the same experiences. Experience Project will never ask for your name; you can keep your identity completely private while meeting new friends who can understand you.
The central goal of The Cancer Support Project is to provide a hub for emotional and psychological support for all experiences involving cancer, including experiences as a survivor or a caregiver, something that is not currently widely addressed as many sites focus on sharing information regarding therapies. The Experience Project will also be launching a Facebook application within The Cancer Support Project to enable people to show their support and raise cancer awareness via Facebook, MySpace, blogs and web pages.
The Cancer Support Projectwill be launching on October 1st, but you can check it out now. I know I will be checking it out for sure!The Cancer Support Project is located here.
Luciano Pavarotti, possibly the most famous classical singer on earth, received a final sendoff this past weekend in his hometown of Modena, Italy. Pavarotti died last week of pancreatic cancer. More than 100,000 people filed through the cathedral and plaza, more than 700 guests attended the funeral mass and millions watched the live broadcast on television.
Pavarotti underwent surgery for a malignant pancreatic mass in July 2006. A month later, after his surgery, Pavarotti told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, "I was a fortunate and happy man. After that, this blow arrived. And now I am paying the penalty for this fortune and happiness."
One could not be surprised that Pavarotti felt this way. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, with a five-year survival rate here in the U.S. of less than 5%, although surgery can improve survival greatly. Pancreatic cancer is also one of the most underfunded research areas in cancer. For more information about what you can do to increase funding for pancreatic cancer research and raise awareness of this deadly disease, please see PanCAN's action page.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
In the last decade, we've seen studies that try to link mobile phone use to all kinds of cancer, the most common type being brain cancer. The thinking is that the radiation output from these devices affects the brain when those phones are held close to the head for extended periods.
Well, here's one to shoot this theory down, I guess. In Australia, authorities there have said that mobile phone use does not cause cancer, and talking on a phone in the car is no more dangerous than having a passenger aboard. Wow-- those are heavy hitters.
For many of us, those ultra low-power Bluetooth headsets are the solution for not holding that cellphone near your head for along periods of time. You?
Millions of people around the world die in severe pain due to bans of morphine, reportsThe New York Times. While poverty plays a role, doctors also fear law enforcement of morphine bans.
The World Health Organization estimates that 4.8 million people around the world suffer with moderate to severe cancer pain in addition to millions who suffer needless from late-state AIDS pain. At pain conferences, doctors from Africa describe patients whose pain is so bad that they throw themselves in front of trucks.
I'm a big fan of Fat Bastard wine, which I picked up a bottle of a few years back simply because of the odd name. If you enjoy their wine too be sure to pick some up during the months of September and October because the makers will be donating $0.25 from every bottle sold to breast cancer charities.
It might seem to be a bit of a contradiction to sell alcohol in support of cancer, but actually wine (in moderation) can help reduce to your risk of several types of cancer, not to mention heart disease. Just make sure you stick to one glass a night and enjoy the benefits of a good vintage.
It's never a good thing when a drugmaker sends letters to doctors saying that a drug they are prescribing has resulted in confirmed deaths.
But that is what Cephalon did this week, as it admitted its cancer drug -- Fentora - has been linked to some patient deaths. Fentora, used to treat acute cancer pain, are sometimes prescribed for other pain-related ailments.
Cephalon took issue with the apparent claim that it markets Fentora for uses other than cancer pain, even though some doctors use it "off label" in normal practice.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
There might be some bad news out there for men with above or below normal birth weights -- new studies are showing that they might be at a high risk for testicular cancer than those who were born a more normal size. To be more precise, men with low birth weights were 18% more likely to develop testicular cancer than their normal-sized counterparts, and high birth weight men were 12% more likely to be diagnosed with the disease. It should be noted, however, that the findings are only try to seminoma testicular cancer, which is the most prevalent type.
Researchers are not indicating whether they believe there might be a reason to these findings. I wonder if some unhealthy habits of mothers that may have lead to low or high birth weights could be playing a role in the health of their sons later in life? What do you think?Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Popular celebrities like Kate Moss and Scarlett Johansson have lent their signature style to the fight against cancer by designing charms that reflect their own character, which will be sold with the profits going to a prominent UK cancer charity. The charms are appearing on a necklace that is being sold at Wallis for about $51USD each. Moss' charm is a petite swallow, while Johansson's is a vibrant yellow and orange lilly. Other contributors include designer Christian Louboutin and comedian Catherin Tate.
I think it's great to see celebrities and designers offering their time and their good taste towards a good cause. Don't you agree?Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
According to an article in CANCER, mental illness and emotional distress in patients with advanced cancer is often overlooked by oncologists, but proper management can improve a patient's quality of life.
The review article was written by Dr. Michael Miovic and Dr. Susan Block from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
Miovic and Block found that 50 percent or more of patients with advanced or terminal cancer suffer from at least one of three major disorders: adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders and depressive disorders. Medical management of cancer has improved in the last decade, but management of mental health issues has lagged, according to the authors. Studies show that depressive symptoms can even impact patients' lives even more than pain.
In Canada, health officials are wanting more men in the high-risk group (most likely, middle aged) to get screened for prostate cancer. Why? Well, only two in every five men in that country from within that group apparently have tested for prostate cancer in the past year. That's just too low.
An astounding 39 percent (only) of men over the age of 45 have taken blood tests to measure the prostate specific antigen levels, with only 33 percent having undergone a digital rectal exam.
In other words, there could be a lot more undiagnosed prostate problems under development with such a low amount of high-risk men being tested.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
According to researchers at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, congestive heart failure rarely occurs among leukemia patients who take Gleevec (imatinib).
The study was led by Dr. Jorge Cortes who said that there is no need for routine cardio-specific monitoring of all patients taking imatinib, although those with cardiac history should be close monitored. In a separate paper lasat year, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania reported that imatinib may be cardio-toxic in humans.
Imatinib targets two members of the tyrosine kinase class of enzymes and a hybrid tyrosine kinase known to cause chronic myologenous leukemia (CML) and Ph-postive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Before imatinib, only about half of CML patients survived five years. Now the five year survival rate is 95 percent.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Lung cancer screening by using CT scans may not be the best thing to do, according to a recent report by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP).
That group stated that, outside of research studies, studying lung cancer using CT technology is not worth the risk since it rarely (if at all) leads to reduced lung cancer deaths.
The reason? Sounds to easy, but with CT tests only looking at lung cancer detection, actual survival rates were not looked at in many cases (and weren't affected anyway).Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Postmenopausal women who consume two or more alcoholic drinks a day may double their risk of endometrial cancer, according to a new study published by Veronica Wendy Setiawan and colleagues at the University of Southern California.
Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system and accounts for six percent of all cancers in women, according to the NCI.
According to Setiawan, previous studies have shown that alcohol consumption has been associated with higher estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which could be the mechanism that increases the risk of endometrial cancer.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
A new study from researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine shows that yoga can benefit ethnic minority breast cancer survivors, particularly African-Americans and Hispanics, as well as those from under-served communities.
During the 12 week study, researchers compared quality of life measures between two groups of women with early stage breast cancer; one group took a weekly yoga class and the other group didn't. More women in the non-yoga group experienced a worsening of social well-being compared to the yoga group. The yoga classes seemed to offer social support, which may have helped counteract loneliness and isolation, which is common after a cancer diagnosis.
The women in the yoga group participated in a gentle, seated form of yoga based on Integral Hatha Yoga, and classes were provided in both English and Spanish.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
It's something that many women would cheer about -- the use of oral contraceptives actually lowers overall cancer risk as a side effect.
A 12 percent decrease in cancer risk was the conclusion of a very large study that looked at the correlation between oral contraceptives and cancer, as over 46,000 women were tracked over four decades since oral contraceptives began to be widely used in the late 1960s.
However, an increase in cervical cancer risk was found in women who had taken birth control pills for eight years or longer.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
It what seems like an obvious result, a recent U.S. study found that breast cancer survivors who received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy were the most apt to have severe fatigue. In addition, that fatigue lasted for prolonged periods of time.
Over 221 women in the early stages of breast cancer were looked at in this study, with the expectation of the greatest amount of fatigue just after initial treatment.
But, when chemo was combined with radiotherapy, fatigue was pronounced for longer periods of time. No wonder depression is often a side effect of traditional cancer treatment.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
A mutation in the BRAF oncogene, BRAF V600E, has been linked to the most common type of tyroid cancer, conventional papillary thyroid cancer or PTC. A new study shows that this mutation is also significantly associated with cancer recurrence after treatment, according to Dr. Electron Kebebew at UCSF.
Most patients diagnosed wtih PTC have small, localized PTC, but may receive aggressive treatments becasue their risk of recurrence cannot be predicted before surgery.
According to the researchers, this result shows that this particular mutation is a reliable indicator for recurrence likelihood and testing for the mutation may be useful for selecting the initial therapy.Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. Advocates and researchers at the University of Michigan hope that increased awareness about ovarian cancer can save lives.
1. Symptoms do exist. Bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, feeling full quickly, and frequent or urgent urinating are have been shown to be related to a possible case of ovarian cancer and if they persist you should see your doctor. 2. There is no early detection screening test currently. 3. All women should get yearly pelvic exams. 4. Ovarian cancer is difficult to treat because it's often resistant to current treatments. 5. Survival rates are better at the early stage. 6. Most common in older white women. 7. A small number of ovarian cancers are hereditary, linked to the same genes that are linked to breast cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2. 8. The best person to treat ovarian cancer is a gynecologic oncologist.
When it comes to weight loss, there are a lot of gimmicks out there. But That's Fit readers know this: Gimmicks never work, and sometimes they can leave you with more weight to lose than when you started. The other day, however, a friend told me about an idea that sounds gimmick-y, but is actually just a new way of looking at solid, time-tested advice.
It's called the 5 and 30 plan. The idea is easy -- eat a minimum of five fruits and vegetables a day and get 30 minutes of moderate exercise. Essentially, the plan reduces calories, increases fiber, improves nutrition and ensures daily physical activity. But at the same time, it sounds pretty simple.
It's not a diet, it's a way of life. And this week, I'm going to try it on for size.
That's Fit: Can you explain why "inefficiency" in exercising may help you achieve a leaner body?
Cassandra Forsythe-Pribanic: Think about it in the way gasoline fuels your car: If your car is really efficient, you can go farther on less gas (which is what most of us want for our cars), but if it's inefficient, you burn more fuel faster. In the case of your body, when it's "inefficient," when you start running out of fuel (i.e., food energy), your body will need to tap into other resources to help it perform. This sometimes will be your fat stores because they are the most energy-dense fuel in your body. However, you have to eat fat to help your body burn fat, otherwise it will use other sources in your body such as glycogen (stored carbohydrate) or muscle protein (not desirable when that's what you're trying to maintain or increase). So, try to avoid eating a fat-free, or ultra-low fat diet or your body won't be able to burn the fat within you that you're trying to get rid of.
By now, you know I'm a travel hound who will do anything to travel. Even if that means tackling a marathon. Granted, I could do a marathon close to home and spend no time on the road. But half the fun of doing a marathon is escaping to a cool destination. Which is why I decided to tackle the Portland, Ore. marathon two years ago.
Not only is this marathon consistently ranked in the top 10 in the country, Portland is also one of my favorite cities with its tax-free shopping and awesome restaurants. But there's another reason: Portland is the only U.S. marathon to sanction a division in Nordic walking, an activity I'm addicted to. As crazy as it sounds, it's also the Nordic Walking World Championship.
Even those of us with the healthiest habits can get thrown off course on a holiday weekend. Too much eating and drinking paired with a lot of sitting and chatting can totally derail your diet. However, with the slightest amount of planning, you can mitigate the damage (at least a little bit).
Take bocce, for example. The D.C. Bocce League (whose motto is "Our balls are harder") allows people of all ages (yes, young folks play bocce, too) to get together and be, well, somewhat active. Definitely more active than, say sitting in a lawn chair. Or a bar stool. Or the couch.
The game, for those of you who are unfortunate enough to be unfamiliar, is an ancestor of bowling that initially became popular when soldiers in ancient Rome tossed stones to stave off boredom between battles. It now consists of tossing a two-pound ball toward a small white ball across a lawn. No, you're not going to work up a sweat, but it'll burn more calories than the 12-ounce curls you'd planned on.
The arrival of a screaming baby does not mean triathlon training is over. Parents with infants or young children who continue to stay in shape make cross-training concessions. The best part? Adapting your fitness habits to consistently include your kids will someday deliver a teenage workout partner capable of smoking you in a 5K.
Here are ideas for your next Fit Family Summer Assignment:
Consider This Book. "Fit Family: The Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Years" is a recent 2008 release to inspire family fitness during your kids' most formative, needy years, which just happen to be when your fitness habits are most at risk.
Now Plan It.Organize family bike rides, hikes and swim adventures. Find family-friendly routes -- the track or a car-free trail are terrific for new bike riders or a jog stroller. A quality baby backpack is a great investment.
Invite Them. Whether you're embarking on a walk, jog, hour of yoga, at-home weightlifting session or popping in a fitness DVD, regularly invite your kids to join you. They learn fast, and they want to be with you. Consider family time or one-on-one special time with your kids as a chance to schedule fitness together.
Buy the Treadmill. Parents need at-home cardio to fold in fitness. Hauling kids to the gym can be impossible some days, especially during cold/flu season. Besides, they'll actually witness you working out instead of sitting in a sterile room packed with runny noses.
The Subtle Invitation. Whether you're jumping on the treadmill, the resistance bench or the yoga mat, have kid-friendly fitness gear scattered around (hula hoop, light weights, ab roller, resistance bands, a second yoga mat).
Rely On Friends. Sneak in fitness while friends step up to supervise. Go to the pool with a friend and slice away 30 laps while she watches your kids. Switch.
Bird or Owl Training. On the days you must have solo sweat time, work out early with the birds or pump iron late with the owls. Hopefully your kids are typical, diurnal sleepers and you have small windows of time to yourself. Remember, putting your kids on a strict sleep schedule is about your fitness sanity, too.
Getting into a bikini requires a certain amount of confidence -- and a fit body doesn't hurt, either. CafeMom shares five bikini body tips from Declan Condron, the co-creator and exercise physiologist of PumpOne FitnessBuilder. Work in exercise every day. You don't have to be sweating away for hours upon hours -- just make a commitment to be physically active every day. No excuses!
Forget about spot reduction. Targeting one area of your body for weight loss is a myth. Strength training can target the muscle groups in certain areas, but that has nothing to do with weight loss. A healthy diet and consistent exercise will help your body lose weight (from all over) at a steady pace.
Set milestones. It's great to have a long-term goal such as losing 25 pounds, but if that's all you focus on, it can be demotivating. In addition to your long-term goal, set smaller, achievable milestones.
Stick to water. Frozen margaritas and tasty blended drinks may tempt you when the mercury rises. But those summer treats really pack on the calories. Stick to ice water and avoid all of those liquid calories.
Mix up your workout. Don't get stuck in an exercise rut. Have a well-rounded workout routine that includes cardio, strength training, and flexibility moves.
Obesity and fertility are closely linked. Not only can obesity cause ovulation problems, it also seems to impair fertility in obese women who ovulate normally. But recent research gives new hope to obese or overweight women who are hoping to get pregnant. Research shows that a small amount of weight loss can increase fertility.
Women in the study had a BMI of nearly 40. They were given medication (orlistat or metformin) to help them shed pounds. After 12 weeks, researchers discovered that even a modest 5 percent drop in weight increased blood flow to the womb, which reduced testosterone levels and triggered the ovaries to function properly.
When you have lots of weight to lose, it can be daunting to look at your long-term weight goal. Particularly so when you have an important goal -- like getting pregnant -- in mind. That's why it's important to set milestones along the way. If you're overweight and trying to to get pregnant, start with the goal of losing just 5 percent of your weight. Then aim for 10 percent. Short-term goals are more attainable and can help keep you motivated.
Most of the women in the study had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which can make weight loss more difficult. If you have PCOS and have had difficulty losing weight in the past, ask your doctor for advice. But healthy eating and exercise are necessary for everyone who's trying to lose weight, and they're particularly important for women on the verge of getting pregnant. Check out AOL Health for weight loss tips that work.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
As an avid runner for many years, I've suffered through the gamut of injuries associated with this high-impact sport -- stress fracture, plantar fasciitis, IT band injuries, knee pain and bursitis. The countless specialists I've seen all seem to agree that this is the price you pay to participate in a dangerous sport.
Danny Dreyer, author of "ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running" paints a different picture. He rejects the idea that running itself causes injuries. Instead, he says, the primary cause of running pain is bad form and poor biomechanics. Dreyer, who has spent years studying the physics of running, argues that by making a shift in your posture and foot-strike, you'll enjoy easier, more efficient and injury-free runs.
Lured in by the promise of pain-free runs, I attended one of Dreyer's Chi Running workshops along with about 30 others in New York City (he holds them around the country), hoping for a total running makeover. Dreyer opened the workshop with this whopper -- "Everything you know about running is wrong," he said.
Welcome to Twitter Fit Tips. Keep track of the latest diet and fitness Twitter trends and opinions with this weekly post. Each week AOL Health's Twitter alias Healthpop and That's Fit will post fitness-related questions and the best tweet responses will get posted here. Start following Healthpop and That's Fit today.
This past week we asked, "Which do you like better -- exercising in hot, humid weather, or icy, windy?"
Here's what our fellow getting-fit Twitterers had to say:
boschae@HealthPop I have my treadmill on the deck in the shade for summer. Can't stand really hot weather but like the view! lol
LouLou197533@HealthPop Somewhere in between is probably ideal but if I had to pick one it'd be icy cold. Bring on the brr, brr, brr.
Before you hit the 4th of July picnics and get tempted by all things patriotic and delicious (think coleslaw, potato salad, pie, burgers and more), do your body a favor and get your metabolism in gear. Turbocharging your body's personal calorie-burning system can not only help you lose pounds but can also be as simple as catching a little shut-eye or sipping a cold drink. For 15 ways to speed up your metabolism, click here.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Celebrity dietitian and motivational life coach Tanya Zuckerbrot, author of www.ffactordiet.com and founder of www.skinnyandthecity.com, has helped thousands of people lose weight and keep it off with her program. Her philosophy? Tanya believes you should never sacrifice taste, even when you're eating healthy foods. Send us an email to reciperehab [AT] thatsfit [DOT] com to submit a recipe for a makeover!
Recipe may vary from photograph. Photo: Mark Thomas, jupiterimage
One of my favorite desserts is fruit crisps, especially during the summer months. I love going to the farmers market, where the freshest seasonal fruits are at their peak. Fruit crisps usually contain a variety of fruits blending sweet and tart flavors. Unfortunately most crisps usually contain close to 400 calories and well over 10 grams of fat, so although it's my favorite dessert, it's an infrequent indulgence.
I was determined to create a healthy alternative. It tastes decadent, but is surprisingly low in calories and fat. Plus, it packs a nutrition punch: Blueberries contain the highest amounts of antioxidants of any food, which has been shown to help fight cancer and cardiovascular diseases. They also contain high amounts of vitamin E and C. In a study published in the American Journal of Nutrition, vitamin C was associated with fewer wrinkles, which are frequently caused by soaking up too much summer sun. This recipe can be used with both fresh or frozen fruits,making this summer time favorite a year-long one!
Super-skinny models and celebrities have long taken some of the blame for eating disorders. When inundated with image after image of rail-thin waifs, it's human nature to compare your own body to those you see in magazines or on the screen. But does the flip side of that coin hold true? Do overweight celebrities give us the green light to be overweight too?
Obesity expert Michael McMahon thinks so. "The increasing profile of larger celebrities means that being overweight is now perceived as being 'normal' in the eyes of the public," McMahon told the Daily Mail. "We talk about the dangers of skinny media images, but the problem actually swings both ways."
We're drawn to celebrities, particularly when there's something about them that we find relatable. But what we see on glossy magazine pages isn't always the full truth. Super-thin celebrities are often airbrushed to portray a level of perfection even they can't achieve. What's more, like Natasha Henstridge recently admitted, the measures that celebrities take to stay skinny are often damaging to their health. And overweight celebrities have their fair share of issues, too. Nia Vardalos had blood sugar issues and Kevin Smith had a wake-up call when his doctor told him he was morbidly obese.
Our interest in celebrities should be just that -- an interest, but certainly not a lifestyle guide. When it comes to your weight, decisions should be made solely for the sake of your health. We each have to be responsible for our own health -- seeking advice from real medical experts, and not someone from Seattle Grace. Do images of celebrities inspire you to lose/gain weight?Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Are you gearing up for a 4th of July celebration this weekend? The holiday is a perfect opportunity to gather family and friends together for a barbecue. Hopefully, after your holiday feast, you'll be able to catch an awesome fireworks display, too.
But you don't want your 4th of July food to blow up your healthy eating goals, do you? One of the more popular items on the menu for the weekend is probably BBQ chicken. But how many calories does that sweet, tangy, falling-off-the-bone barbecue favorite pack?
Morning workouts are pretty ideal for most people -- you've got plenty of energy first thing, you get to check something of your to-do list right away and what a great way to start the day. But what if you just can't fit fitness in right after you wake up, or at lunch, or right after work? Sometimes, the only free hours you have for exercise are late at night. And that's OK (unless you have trouble sleeping, and then exercising at night might not be a wise move). FitSugar shares tips for moving your body long after your work day ends, and in the privacy of your own home. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Whether this weekend has you heading out or hosting your own celebration, you'll want to ring in the 4th of July with foods fit for good health and a stable scale. Here are some diet-safe and tasty dishes you might want to try.
Need a super side? Our own Tanya Zuckerbrot offers this non-fattening Asian Slaw recipe, and one serving comes with only 51 calories and 1 gram of fat. Goes great with Tanya's Ahi Tuna Burgers, I bet.
For a main meal, mix some lean meat with some antioxidant-rich fruit, whole wheat pasta, olive oil and a little lime zest, and you've got yourself a Chicken and Blueberry Pasta Salad. Stick with just one serving, and you'll use up just 315 calories.
Every party needs a grand finale, and what's better than a red, white and blue dessert? Add a handful of blueberries and raspberries to a small bowl of low-fat, low-sugar vanilla frozen yogurt and watch the sparks fly. Or try this dessert thatJonny recommends: Eat blueberries right out of the freezer (mixed with frozen cherries), add some FAGE 2 percent yogurt, sprinkle with slivered almonds, flaked unsweetened coconut and some probiotic powder.
Apparently July is Cankle Awareness Month. Or, at least it is at Gold's Gym (it's also National Ice Cream Month, by the way). Hoping that everyone is more interested in the former rather than the latter, Gold's Gym has launched a very tongue-in-cheek campaign to encourage people to hit the gym for a 'cankle-busting workout.'
It's all pretty ridiculous, mostly because as Gold's Gym celebrity trainer Ramona Braganza acknowledged, "Cankles are just like anything else -- you can't spot reduce."
Since spot reduction is a myth, pray tell, what are you meant to do if your calves blend right into your ankles? Plenty of people were cursed with unshapely legs from their gene pool, so there isn't much that can be changed through exercise. But just like muffin tops, cankles are often due to extra weight. Lose the extra pounds, and you're going to lose fat everywhere, including your ankles.
And who, exactly, is clamoring for cankle-reduction? Braganza also admits she has never had a client specifically asked to get rid of cankles, but she swears it's a common concern.
If America could choose a diet, what do you think it would be? Low-carb? Low GI? High protein? Or maybe just fast food and soda. Americans might not have a traditional diet to fall back on, but other cultures rely on time-tested foods and patterns of eating that not only keep their weight in check, but appear to prevent disease as well. Forbes as a few examples:
Okinawa, Japan: In Okinawa, people don't stuff themselves. Instead, they practice portion control and load up on seasonal vegetables, tofu, fish and green tea. Breast and prostate cancer levels are significantly lower in Okinawa.
Cameroon, West Africa: Eating a mostly vegetarian diet that's rich in fiber and includes fermented foods -- like pickles and yogurt -- means Cameroon has a lower colon cancer rate.
Iceland: Icelanders, naturally, dine on plenty of fish, but also grass-fed lamb and wild game. These types of meat are rich in omega-3s, which might be why Icelanders -- despite their long winters -- are protected from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression.
Crete, Greece: Here's the classic Mediterranean diet -- legumes, nuts, olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. They make for a heart-healthy diet, which is probably why heart disease is so low in Crete.
While Americans might find it easy to adopt some of these eating practices, researchers say that we're unlikely to see the benefits unless we understand the diet and stick to it. For that reason, most diet experts recommend the Mediterranean diet, which is most familiar to Westerners.
Even if you don't eat like an Okinawan, you can still practice their portion control strategy of only eating until you're 80 percent full!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
It's summertime, and you're active. And you know what that means -- makeup melt. You covered up that blemish and added a perfect amount of blush to the apples of your cheeks, but the moment you stepped out into the sweltering heat, you felt like all your hard work was just running down your face. Now, you're just hoping that your sweaty cheeks didn't cause your mascara to run all over.
While I can't guarantee you can keep a perfectly made-up face through a big workout, there are products available to help you look fresh and put together when the heat is on.
Face. Start with a foundation primer. For starters, it will give your skin a nice, smooth finish so your foundation will go on flawlessly. More important right now, though, it gives your foundation a bit of "stick" -- it's designed to outlast heat and a bit of sweat with ease. I've had good luck with Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel, $35, but for acne-prone skin, your best bet is probably Clear Prep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment, $39, which is designed to give you that smooth finish while treating blemishes.
Liz Neporent is a diet and fitness expert and author of 12 fitness bestsellers. She regularly appears on national TV programs and is the president of Wellness 360, a New-York based wellness provider.You can also follow her on Twitter @LizNeporent.
Limiting sugar and carbs will help me drop belly fat - Fit or Fiction?
In his new diet book, "The Belly Fat Cure," Jorge Cruise reveals the No. 1 one secret to getting healthy - fast! "It all comes down to knowing how to eat the correct amount of sugar and carbs -- what I call the S/C Value. Without this ratio, you will fail to produce the hormone leptin, and you will store belly fat," Cruise tells readers. A client of his who went on the diet lost an unprecedented 13 pounds in one week as a result of eating chocolate, Dortitos and ice cream.
So, have you done your grocery shopping for the big cookout this weekend? Before you do, think about how comfortable you really are with blowing several days' worth of calories in one big, fatty meal. Since you're here, chances are good you'd rather keep the damage to a minimum. And no, lightening up your Fourth of July spread of food doesn't make you any less patriotic.
Want to cut some calories without sacrificing flavor? The video below has some great tips. We want to hear from you, too. Share your top tips for a slimmed-down barbecue in the comments!
CANCUN (AFP) - The World Health Organization (WHO) and developing nations called Friday during a swine flu summit here for measures to ensure poorer countries have access to a future A(H1N1) vaccine.
GENEVA (AFP) - The World Health Organisation still expects the swine flu pandemic to subside in the northern hemisphere over the summer, despite its persistence in the likes of the United States and Britain.
HONG KONG (AFP) - Hong Kong on Friday detected a strain of swine flu that was resistant to Tamiflu, the main anti-viral flu drug, the health department reported on its website.
LONDON (AFP) - Britain warned it could face more than 100,000 daily cases of swine flu and the United States called a meeting of top officials as governments grappled on Friday with a resurgent swine flu pandemic.
SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea's health ministry announced it would spend 193 billion won (152 million dollars) to secure vaccines against swine flu for 13 million people -- more than a quarter of the population.
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan has confirmed its first case of a genetic mutation of the new H1N1 flu virus that shows resistance to Tamiflu, the main antiviral flu drug, a health ministry official said on Thursday.
PARIS (AFP) - People who live alone in middle age face nearly double the risk of developing cognitive problems in later life compared with married or cohabiting counterparts, according to a study published Friday.
CANCUN, Mexico (AFP) - The World Health Organization on Thursday vowed poor countries in the Americas would receive enough antivirals to combat the swine flu outbreak, amid fresh concern over the pandemic's spread.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Since its opening last week, camp counselors at New Jersey's Liberty Lake Day Camp disinfect door knobs, take the temperatures of children as they arrive and remind the campers not to share canned sodas.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Moderate drinkers are wealthier, more educated and less likely to be disabled than teetotalers, which explains some, but not all, of the association between moderate alcohol consumption and longer life, according to a new study.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Childhood asthma is less common in neighborhoods with high economic potential and strong community vitality, new research shows.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - PSA blood tests are often used to screen men for prostate cancer, but there is still no good evidence that they cut death rates from the disease, a new review finds.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - An Indian court ruling to decriminalize gay sex will boost the fight against AIDS, but a powerful stigma against homosexuality and uneven quality of healthcare will still hamper efforts, a top AIDS worker said.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Many parents don't have enough self-confidence to implement and enforce changes in their child's behavior that will reduce the child's risk of obesity, researchers from Harvard Medical School in Boston have found.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The combination of two drugs -- Femara (letrozole) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) -- could be of benefit in infertile women of advanced reproductive age undergoing intrauterine insemination, results of a study indicate.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study shows that the annual cost of medical care in the US for people who suffer from sickle cell disease exceeds $1.1 billion.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Results of a small study suggest that the drug pregabalin (sold as Lyrica) can reduce stabbing facial pain and other symptoms stemming from a condition called trigeminal neuralgia.
Source: Health Protection Agency Area:News
According to a report by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the Government has announced that the UK is moving to a treatment phase to manage the current pandemic flu outbreak.
The practical implications of the shift to treatment phase are: . GPs will be able to diagnose swine flu on the basis of patients' symptoms rather than waiting for laboratory testing. . The routine tracing of people who have come into contact with confirmed cases of swine flu will end. . Schools and other institutions will close only if local circumstances warrant it, for example if a significant number of pupils or teachers are ill.
Additionally, the way in which the antivirals oseltamivir and zanamavir are used and distributed will also change: . The medicines will continue to be offered to all those who show symptoms of swine flu at their doctor's discretion. . They will no longer be given to completely healthy people simply to slow the spread of ...
Source: SIGN Area:News
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) in association with the British Thoracic Society (BTS) have updated the British guideline on the management of asthma.
The updated version includes revisions to the sections on pharmacological management, acute asthma and the management of asthma in pregnancy. A systematic literature search was also conducted on inhaler devices but no new evidence was identified to alter the current recommendations.
According to SIGN, the key messages in the new guideline are (taken directly from source): . oxygen levels in patients with acute asthma should be maintained at SpO2 94-98% . oxygen saturation should be measured by pulse oximeters in adults and children. Pulse oximeters should therefore be available for use by all health professionals assessing acute asthma in both primary and secondary care settings . the importance of action plans in controlling asthma and reducing future hospitalisation ...
Source: Central Alerting Systems Area:News
The Chief Medical Officer has issued a "Dear Colleague" letter discussing the new H1NIv influenza vaccine.
The letter states that "A vaccine to protect against Influenza A (H1N1) is being developed but it is not available yet. The first batches of vaccine are expected to arrive in late August, and 30million double doses are expected to be available by the end of the year. The government has ordered enough vaccine for the whole population and, when it becomes available, will focus on those at the greatest risk first."
The letter gives doctors: . a synopsis of the epidemiology of the new H1N1v (Swine 'flu) virus so far . some pointers as to what might happen next . the rationale for the public health and clinical response so far . information and guidance on steps that now need to be taken . an outline of further planning and policy decisions
Please see link below for details.
Source: Arch Opthalmol Area:News
According to research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology although more than 90% of patients using ocular hypotensive medication felt confident about aspects of their eyedrop instillation technique, less than a third actually demonstrated adequate skills.
Researchers sought to evaluate the performance of patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma, at instillation of topical ocular hypotensive medications.
The prospective, open-label study involved 139 patients who used one or more eye-drops for at least 6 months, and who instilled their own medication. Patients were questioned regarding their use of topical ocular hypotensive medications, and a video recording to evaluate patient performance of eyedrop instillation with 2 bottle designs was used.
The following results were reported: . One hundred twenty-nine of 139 patients (92.8%) reported no problem putting in their eyedrops, and 86 of 139 (61.9%) believed that they never ...
Source: MHRA Area:News
The MHRA has issued a statement clarifying that the recent Class 2 drug alerts recalling various batches of amlodipine only relate to the medicines and the licence holders that are specified in the published drug alerts. The same medicines which are marketed by other companies are not affected by these alerts, and at present there is no specific evidence to suggest that the medicines are not safe for patient use.
Source: PharmaTimes Area:News
According to a report by PharmaTimes, the European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for liraglutide (Victoza) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in combination with metformin and/or a sulphonylurea, or in combination with metformin and a thiazolidinedione, in patients who achieve insufficient glycaemic control with specified prior therapies.
The product will be launched in the UK, Germany and Denmark during the summer.
The PharmaTimes report also noted that in April, the US Food and Drug Administration had expressed concerns regarding the increased thyroid tumours seen in studies in rodents.
Source: PharmaLive Area:News
According to a report by PharmaLive, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved dronaderone 400mg tablets (Multaq) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular hospitalisation in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL), with a recent episode of AF/AFL and associated cardiovascular risk factors, who are in sinus rhythm or who will be cardioverted.
According to the report, the approval was based on the ATHENA and ANDROMEDA trials, and a recent "Perspective" article in the NEJM had featured a discussion of these trials (please see link below for NEJM extract).
The dose of dronaderone is 400mg twice daily with the morning and evening meals. The most common adverse reactions are diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, asthenia (weakness) and cutaneous rash.
Source: PharmaTimes Area:News
According to a report by PharmaTimes, Roche's Genentech unit has announced that following positive results from the phase III BRAVO study which showed that ranibizumab (Lucentis) improved vision at six months in patients with macular oedema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (RVO), they are to seek extended European approval for this indication.
The results of this study have not been published yet.
Source: PharmaLive Area:News
According to a report by PharmaLive, Alcon has discontinued the development of anecortave acetate for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with glaucoma.
This follows a review of phase II clinical trial data, in which the manufacturer found that the amount of IOP reduction and the responder rate provided by even the highest dose were not sufficient to support this new drug as a viable way to address the problem of patient compliance with eye drop therapy. The mean reduction in IOP was not statistically significant versus control.
Source: NPA Area:News
Following a consultation with their members, the National Pharmacy Association has responded to the recent supply changes with various manufacturers.
According to the NPA, the consultation response has revealed that supply problems are affecting patients' abilities to obtain their medication promptly, and the increase in administrative burden of dealing with extra wholesalers (in order to access stock under new supply chain arrangements).
Please see link below for details.
Source: Health Protection Agency Area:News
Following the International Commission on Radiological Protection's (ICRP) publication of updated recommendations on protection against ionising radiation in 2007, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has now published its advice on applying those recommendations.
Please see link below for details.
Source: BMJ Area:News
The British Medical Journal has featured a review on Addison's disease. The review begins with a case scenario and discusses the following: . What is Addison's disease? . Why is it missed? . Why does this matter? . How is it diagnosed? . How is it managed?
Addison's disease (also known as primary adrenal insufficiency) is a chronic disorder of the adrenal cortex resulting in inadequate secretion of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid. The commonest cause of Addison's disease in developed countries is autoimmune disorder and in developing countries is tuberculosis.
The journal also features a patients' perspective of the condition.
Source: PLoS Medicine Area:News
According to research published on PLoS Medicine, pralidoxime for organophosphorus (OP) insecticide poisoning does not improve survival or reduce need for intubation.
Researchers sought to determine whether the addition of pralidoxime chloride to atropine and supportive care offers benefit in patients with OP insecticide poisoning.
The double-blind placebo-controlled trial involved 235 patients randomised to receive either pralidoxime chloride (2 g loading dose over 20 min, followed by a constant infusion of 0.5 g/h for up to 7 days n=121) versus saline (n=114) in patients with OP insecticide self-poisoning. Mortality was the primary outcome. According to the researchers, mortality was non-significantly higher in patients receiving pralidoxime - 30/121 (24.8%) receiving pralidoxime died, compared with 18/114 (15.8%) receiving placebo (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-3.26, p = 0.12). Additionally, the need for intubation was ...
Source: BBC Health News Area:News
BBC News reports that the government has announced that increasing numbers of swine flu cases now means that trying to contain the virus is no longer an option. According to BBC News, ministers said the emergency response would now move to a new "treatment" phase across the UK as there may soon be 100,000 new cases a day. The announcement comes into effect immediately. Anti-viral drugs will no longer be given to the close contacts of those infected and lab testing will not be carried out to confirm cases. The BBC reports that some specialists believe the anti-virals should only be considered for the most vulnerable as the virus is quite mild and overuse of the drugs can lead to resistance. Ministers rejected this option, but added that doctors may want to limit use in certain situations where they may be inundated with calls.
Further information is available in the news story linked below.
Source: FDA Area:News
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified healthcare professionals and patients in the United States that it has required the manufacturers of the smoking cessation drugs varenicline (Chantix®, known as Champix® in the UK) and bupropion (Zyban® and generics) to add new Boxed Warnings and develop patient Medication Guides highlighting the risk of serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients using these products. The same changes to the prescribing information and Medication Guide for patients will also be required for bupropion products (Wellbutrin® and generics) that are indicated for the treatment of depression and seasonal affective disorder (bupropion is not licensed for these indications in the UK).
The symptoms include changes in behaviour, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts and behaviour, and attempted suicide. The added warnings are based on the continued review by the FDA of post-marketing adverse event reports for the two drugs. ...
Source: NEJM Area:News
Early renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade in patients with type 1 diabetes slows the progression of retinopathy, but does not affect nephropathy according to a long-term controlled trial.
Diabetic nephropathy is responsible for a significant proportion of cases of end-stage renal disease, and there is evidence that once it is clinically detectable by the presence of albuminuria, drugs that block the RAS are effective in slowing its progression. Despite the lack of trial evidence for value in patients without overt nephropathy, it has therefore been accepted that RAS blockade at all stages will be beneficial in reducing diabetic nephropathy. This trial aimed to test that concept over the longer term using a hard clinical outcome measure: it was partly-industry sponsored, but designed, carried out, analysed, and written-up without industry input.
Participants were patients with type 1 diabetes, normotensive, and with normal albuminuria. Exclusion ...
Source: NHS Information Centre Area:News
Results of the fifth national diabetes audit have been published by the NHS Information Centre. The audit was carried out by the NHS Information Centre in 2007/08 and funded and commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP). One of the key findings of the audit was that 60 per cent of the 1.42 million people with diabetes in England included in the audit do not receive all the care recommended for their condition. The audit also found that people with diabetes are more likely to have complications if they live in certain parts of the country or have a more socially deprived background. The audit also found in England (direct from source):
. People with Type 1 diabetes or Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) were also found to be less likely than those with Type 2 diabetes to receive any of the nine care processes recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
. Just over 90 per cent of people ...
Source: Br J Cancer, NHS Choices Area:News
The 'Behind the Headlines' service from NHS Choices has produced a quality assessment of recent press reports that found that vegetarians are less likely to develop stomach cancer, bladder cancer, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
The assessment summarises pooled results of two large studies which followed 61,566 British men and women from 1980 to 1984. They included meat-eaters (n= 32 403), pescatarians (fish but no meat; n= 8562) and vegetarians (no meat or fish; 20 601).
The significant findings of the studies were (taken directly from the website):
. Being vegetarian decreased the risk of stomach cancer compared to being a meat eater (relative risk [RR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16 to 0.78). There was no significant difference in risk between fish eaters and meat eaters. . Being a fish eater decreased the risk of ovarian cancer compared to being a meat eater (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.77). There was no significant difference in risk ...
Source: Br J Cancer Area:News
In a paper that has received media attention and will be reviewed in the NHS Choices 'Behind the Headlines' series, a case-series report from two UK centres suggest that in men with localised prostate cancer, HIFU gives good short-term outcomes with acceptable adverse effects.
HIFU is an ablative therapy using focussed ultrasound to destroy tissue in a closely defined area. In prostate cancer, it has the potential for better freedom from progression than monitoring with fewer adverse effects than prostatectomy. It has been approved for UK use by NICE with the proviso that audit of longer-term outcomes is carried out. This paper reports outcomes in 172 men treated in two UK centres between February 2005 and May 2007. Mean follow-up was 346 days (range 135-759 days), and at this point there was no evidence of disease in 92.4% (159/172) of patients. Eight patients were re-treated with HIFU, one had salvage external beam radiotherapy and four chose active surveillance for ...
Source: King's Fund Area:News
A poll of GPs and other primary care professionals carried out by the King's Fund and NHS Alliance has found that levels of commitment to making practice based commissioning (PBC) work remain high, with just under four-fifths (78 per cent) saying they were firmly committed to the policy. The main findings from the report included (direct from source):
. Just under three quarters polled (72 per cent) said they felt PBC had the potential to improve patient care in the next two years.
. This poll suggests that respondents believe PBC is becoming more formalised. More than half (60 per cent) of respondents said there was an agreed governance framework between their cluster or practice and their PCT, while 40 per cent said there was an agreement in place in their PCT to manage conflicts of interest.
But despite their ongoing support for the reform, primary care professionals identified several key barriers:
. Over half (52 per cent) said they did not feel very ...
Source: NICE Area:Health In Focus
NICE Bites is a monthly bulletin which summarises key prescribing points from NICE guidance. This edition includes two topics; Diarrhoea and vomiting in children and Glaucoma.
Source: Wessex Drug and Medicines Information Centre Area:Health In Focus
THINKING AHEAD is a resource document for specific health events and seasonal conditions that may have a public health impact. This edition is for Diabetes Week 14th - 20th June 2009
Source: Wessex Drug and Medicines Information Centre Area:Health In Focus
THINKING AHEAD is a resource document for specific health events and seasonal conditions that may have a public health impact. This edition is for Bug Busting Day 15th June 2009
Source: NICE Area:Health In Focus
NICE Bites is a monthly bulletin which summarises key prescribing points from NICE guidance. This edition includes two topics; Schizophrenia and Chronic kidney disease.
Source: Wessex Drug and Medicines Information Centre Area:Health In Focus
THINKING AHEAD is a resource document for specific health events and seasonal conditions that may have a public health impact. This edition is for the Hay Fever Season May to August 2009
A trio of genome-wide studies collectively the largest to date has pinpointed a vast array of genetic variation that cumulatively may account for at least one third of the genetic risk for schizophrenia. One of the studies traced schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, in part, to the same chromosomal neighborhoods.
FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that it has required the manufacturers of the smoking cessation aids varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban and generics) to add new Boxed Warnings and develop patient Medication Guides highlighting the risk of serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients using these products.
FDA notified healthcare professionals that it is providing its perspective on study data published in the American Journal of Psychiatry on the potential risks of stimulant medications used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.
Treating depression should incorporate strategies to detect and prevent the impact of the disease on patients' children, according to a June 10 report by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine.
The calcium channel subunit gene, CACNA1G, may be a novel candidate gene for autism spectrum disorder, according to a study published online May 19 in Molecular Psychiatry.
Major and minor depression are relatively common in pregnant women, each with different risk factors, according to research published in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Adults who were exposed to parental violence during childhood are more likely to have mental health problems and become violent spouses and parents themselves, according to a study published online on May 28 in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
In patients with depression and chronic pain, an optimized three-step intervention may lead to significant improvements in both conditions, according to a study published in the May 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Victims of childhood bullying may face a higher risk of displaying psychotic symptoms in early adolescence, according to research published in the May Archives of General Psychiatry.
Source: FDA Area:Evidence > Patient Safety
The latest drug safety newsletter from the FDA includes a post-marketing safety review of arginine hydrochloride injection (R-Gene 10), a diagnostic drug used to evaluate pituitary function, which identified several reports of medication errors and other adverse events associated with this drug. These reports from the Agency's Adverse Events Reporting System (AERS) included four cases of fatal overdose in paediatric patients, instances of serious injection site and hypersensitivity reactions (labelled events), and several cases of haematuria (unlabelled events). Healthcare professionals are advised to always recheck their dosing calculations prior to administering this preparation and should also be aware that several unlabelled adverse events may be associated with the use of this drug.
Source: FDA Area:Evidence > Patient Safety
The current issue of the FDA Drug Safety Newsletter features a post-marketing safety review of quinine sulphate, which appears to be used extensively for off-label uses in the US, mainly nocturnal leg cramps. The report notes that there are no reliable data supporting the efficacy and safety of quinine for this indication, and that 'using quinine to treat leg cramps may expose patients to substantial and unnecessary risk'.
The Agency has taken several regulatory actions to minimise the use of quinine for unapproved indications, including actions on unapproved quinine products, consumer education, and introduction of risk mitigation strategies. Despite this, 38 cases of serious adverse events associated with use of quinine were reported the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) from April 2005 to October 1 2008, the majority in association with off-label use. These were predominantly haematological events and resulted in hospitalisation of ...
Source: FDA Area:Evidence > Patient Safety
The current issue of the FDA Drug Safety Newsletter features a post-marketing safety review of once-yearly zoledronic acid infusion (Reclast® in the US and Aclasta® in the UK), focusing on reports of renal impairment and renal failure in association with its use in the US.
From April 2007 until February 2009, the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) received 24 post-marketing cases of renal impairment and acute renal failure associated with the use of Reclast. Although over half the patients (14/24) had underlying medical conditions and/or concomitant medications that may have contributed to their risk of renal impairment or acute renal failure, there were cases in which it was possible to establish a reasonable association between Reclast and the event.
Fifty-four percent of the cases (13/24) had documented transient increases in serum creatinine following drug infusion (median increase in serum creatinine was 4 mg/dL). The median ...
Source: DARE Area:Evidence > Patient Safety
CRD Summary: This review aimed to determine the risk of hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) in patients taking single agent sorafenib. The authors concluded that sorafenib was associated with a significant risk of developing HFSR in patients being treated for advanced solid tumours, particularly renal cell carcinoma. The review suffered from some limitations, but the overall conclusion was likely to be reliable.
CRD Commentary: This review addressed a clear question supported by appropriate inclusion criteria. The authors searched electronic databases and manually searched conference abstracts, reducing the potential for publication bias. The authors did not state whether any language restrictions were applied and so the potential for language bias could not be assessed. The authors stated neither how studies were selected for the review nor how data extraction was performed, so the potential for reviewer bias and error could not be assessed.
The authors did not appear to have ...
Source: DARE Area:Evidence > Patient Safety
CRD Summary: This review found that inhaled anticholinergics are associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The review was generally well conducted and the authors' conclusions appear justified.
[Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any inhaled anticholinergic (ipratropium bromide or tiotropium bromide) with more than 30 days of follow-up to a control, either placebo or active control, were eligible for inclusion.]
CRD Commentary: The review addressed a clear question in terms of inclusion criteria, study design and outcomes of interest. A number of relevant electronic databases and other sources were searched, the search terms were reported and efforts were made to retrieve unpublished data. However, the search was restricted to English language publications and important data might have been missed. Steps were taken ...
Savants have phenomenal talents in music, art and mathematics, but their brains are not fundamentally different from the rest of society – can we all develop similar abilities?
From David Beckham to Rafael Nadal, many athletes feel obliged to perform irrational habitual actions before competing – here we look at some of our favourite examples
Both disorders involve extreme attention to detail and overly rigid thought – now researchers are trying to help anorexics with "brain training" treatments developed for autistic people
A new "brain training" approach might restore sufferers' cognitive abilities to health – but better public understanding of the condition is needed too
Healthy people can't easily tell the front from the rear of a mask, but people with schizophrenia find it easy – a finding that may provide a new test for the condition
Simon Wessely's research on conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome have led to hate mail, yet he has spent his career developing treatments for them, he tells Clare Wilson
Simon Wessely's research on conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome have led to hate mail, yet he has spent his career developing treatments for them, he tells Clare Wilson
Descriptions of key diagnostic concepts of anxiety require a certain level of IQ and linguistic skills, particularly in relation to more complex subjective cognitive phenomena. Therefore, in people with severe and profound mental retardation the clinician must rely on the observed behaviors and the observations made by primary caregivers. Awareness of the following behavioral correlates of anxiety symptoms may be of help in detecting anxiety symptoms in this population:
Anxiety symptom: behavioral correlate
Dry mouth: increased drinking
Sensations of shortness of breath: hyperventilation
Sensations of anxiety: signs of increased arousal (shortness of breath; increased pulse rate), irritability, anger, sweating, self-injurious behavior, avoidance behavior
Panic: tremulousness with excessive motor activity, agitation and or aggression
Ref: - Starvakaki, C. (2002) The DSM-IV and how it applies to persons with developmental disabilities. In: Griffiths, D., Starvakaki, C. & Summers, J. (Eds), Dual Diagnosis: An Introduction to the Mental Health Needs of persons with Developmental Disabilities. Ontario: Habilitative Mental Health Resource Network.
The following advice may be used in dietary treatment of obesity (Rossner, 2001):
Plan cooking so that there are no leftovers
Serve meals on small size plates
Never eat out of kitchen utensils
Always eat at the same place
Concentrate on food, avoid external distractions
Chew each bite at least 20 times
Put down knife and fork between each bite
Let each meal last at least 20 minutes
Remove leftovers out of sight immediately after meal
Cover food with invisible plastic cover or aluminium foil to avoid eating cues
Never shop on empty stomach
Always make a shopping list
Shop with others, to control spontaneous purchases of unintended items
Ref: - Rossner, S. (2001) Treatments: Diet. In: Bjorntorp, P. (Ed.), International textbook of obesity. Chichester: John Wiley.
Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and underdiagnosed condition. In a review article, Wender (1998) summarizes the important past history, family history and presenting symptoms with which adults suffering from ADHD can present.
Past history:
A poor academic history, having been placed in special education in childhood, difficulties in learning to read or spell, persistent problems in reading and spelling, grades poorer than expected on the basis of intelligence, flunking out or quitting college
Poor job performance, frequent changes, failure to be promoted
Difficulty running and administering a household
Difficulty in sustaining relationships
Presence of the above features in the history should suggest direct enquiry about ADHD symptoms such as
Hot temper
Fidgetiness in office
Chronic “reactive” depression
History of alcohol or drug abuse, heavy use of caffeine, or smoking
Specific family histories include
Alcohol and drug use
Heavy use of nicotine often associated with cigarette-produced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Antisocial characteristics
ADHD problems such as quick temper and impulsivity
Familial and occupational maladjustment
Ref: - Wender, P.H. (1998) Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 21, 4, 761 - 774.
Naidoo et al. (2003) identified the following potential risk factors for development of osteoporosis in schizophrenia patients:
Factors due to schizophrenia itself
Poor diet
Limited weight-bearing exercise
Smoking
Polydipsia
Factors due to antipsychotic treatment
Hyperprolactinemia
Secondary lowered oestrogen
Secondary lowered testosterone
Other factors influencing risk of fracture
Sedation
Orthostatic hypotension
Dizziness
Postmenopausal status
Anticonvulsants
Corticosteroids
Ref: - Naidoo, U., Goff, D.C. & Klibanski, A. (2003) Hyperprolactinemia and bone mineral density: the potential impact of antipsychotic agents. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 28 (suppl 2), 97-108.
Patients suffering from epilepsy have a high suicide rate, about nine to ten times higher than that of the general population. Risk factors for suicide in this population include a history of self-injurious behavior, a family history of suicide, events which cause emotional stress, comorbid psychiatric disorders such as depression or psychosis, and alcoholism (Robertson et al., 1987; Labert & Robertson, 1999). Clinicians should assess their epilepsy patients for presence of these risk factors, and initiate necessary preventive interventions in patients who are at high risk for suicide.
Ref: -
Labert, M.V. & Robertson, M.M. (1999) Depression in epilepsy: etiology, phenomenology, and treatment. Epilepsia, 40 (suppl 10), s21 - 47.
Robertson, M.M., Trimble, M.R. & Townsend, H.R. (1987) Phenomenology of depression in epilepsy. Epilepsia, 28, 364 - 372.
Clever e-mail scam: Someone bought this in your name
An e-mail message purporting to be from PayPal warns the recipient that their PayPal account has automatically sent money to any unfamiliar person. But if the person clicks on "Cancel Transaction," that's when the real problems begin. (Click on the image above to see the complete "phishing" e-mail.) [ Photo: J. Fox ]
I've been getting e-mail phishing scams for several years and thought I'd seen it all. But this week I received an e-mail that wasn't the usual "We're doing a security check and need your password" scam.
The e-mail appears to come from PayPal, a popular institution often imitated by scammers. What's unusual is that it seems to be a confirmation of a purchase, for more than $400, paid from my PayPal account. There's even a realistic-looking transaction, including the name and address of the person whom you're supposed to assume made the purchase.
I picked this up as a scam fairly quickly because I've trained myself to recognize such cons. But I suspect that a consumer fearful that their PayPal account had been incorrectly charged would hastily follow the scam's instructions to click on the “CANCEL TRANSACTION” link to sign into their account.
If that link were still active (it wasn't when I tried it), doing that would give the criminals the information they need to immediately access the account and drain its funds. (Based on our most recent State of the Net Survey, we estimate that, over the past two years, about 7 million American consumers gave such phishers personal information and that, nationally, phishers stole nearly half a billion dollars from online consumers.)
Here's how to avoid becoming a cybervictim:
Never click on links in any e-mail, from any institution, that offers to take you directly to your savings, checking, or other financial account.
Remember that most reputable financial institutions never send e-mails asking you to access your account. No matter how genuine such an e-mail may look, it's probably bogus.
Last week, Pentax introduced a new underwater camera. This week yet another camera maker, AgfaPhoto, did the same. If you add those to the waterproof cameras in our Ratings and ones we're currently testing, that makes at least eight waterproof point-and-shoots to choose from.
Here's a brief rundown on each (models below with links can be found in our Ratings, available to subscribers):
12-megapixel Olympus Stylus Tough-8000, $370, (3.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 6 1/2-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.
10-megapixel Olympus Stylus Tough-6000, $270, (3.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 5-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.
10-megapixel Olympus Stylus 550WP, $200, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.
12-megapixel Canon PowerShot D10, $330, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 4-foot fall). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.
10-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP, $200, (3x optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.
12-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1, $400, (4.6x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 10 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 5-foot fall). Includes a 2.7-inch LCD.
12-megapixel Pentax Optio W80, $300, (5x optical zoom, wide angle). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 16 feet) and shockproof (can withstand a 3-foot fall). Includes a 2.5-inch LCD.
6-megapixel AgfaPhoto DC-600uw, $200, (no optical zoom). Manufacturer claims: Waterproof (to a depth of 33 feet). Includes a 2.4-inch LCD. Should be available sometime this month.
Some models listed above are claimed to be freezeproof, dustproof, or have the ability to capture high-definition resolution video. And some, like the Olympus Tough models, include special features like tap technology, which let you operate certain camera functions by tapping the camera body. —Terry Sullivan
All are very good overall, but vary in response speed and other aspects, which we don't cover here. To see how they fared in our tests, check our point-and-shoot Ratings (information is available to Consumer Reports.org subscribers only):
Canon PowerShot SX10 IS This superzoom has plenty of features; two that one feature that stands out for travelers are is its long, 20x optical zoom with wide-angle capability and ability to shoot high-def video. [UPDATE: As some of our readers have pointed out, the SX10S does not have the ability to shoot high-def video. However, the more expensive Canon Powershot SX1 IS does have the ability to shoot HD video. –Ed.]
Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR This subcompact has a very flexible sensor that can automatically adapt to ambient lighting or a particular scene. So, if you're in the Uffizi gallery in Florence, it might switch to a low-light setting. But if you're strolling across the Ponte Vecchio on a sunny day, it might use a dynamic range setting.
Nikon Coolpix P6000 This compact can keep track of where you've shot photos. Its built-in geo-tagging feature records the latitude and longitude where each shot was taken and embeds them in the picture's file.
Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 Consider this subcompact if you're a surfer, hiking nut or maybe you drop your camera a bit too often. Besides being waterproof (rated to a depth of more than 30 feet), it's shockproof (up to a 6 1/2 foot drop).
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 Though pricey at $500, this subcompact can wirelessly upload photos and video to websites like YouTube and Shutterfly. It's also very sleek, with a large, touch-sensitive LCD.
Of course, for the best quality shots, you'll want an SLR. Here are two suggested models listed in our SLR Ratings (available to subscribers only):
Nikon D90 With this, you no longer need to lug around a camcorder with you to shoot video. It's got hi-def video built in. It won't replace your camcorder, but you can hold your cold drink in one hand, while snapping photos or capturing video with the other.
Canon Rebel XSi This reasonably priced model has excellent image quality and includes a live-view LCD for composing, as you can with a point-and-shoot.
This message appears when an iPhone 3G or 3GS becomes too hot. [ Photo courtesy of Apple ]
PC World, Wired, and other media outlets have reported that the new iPhone 3G S models have been running a little hot—hot enough to turn their white plastic cases brown, according to Wired . . Apple Support has acknowledged an overheating problem with both the 3G S and 3G phones, when they "run certain applications in hot conditions or direct sunlight for long periods of time, such as GPS tracking in a car on a sunny day or listening to music while in direct sunlight."
This problem may be limited to specific lots of phones, as such problems have not turned up during our tests, which are still ongoing.
Besides feeling hot, symptoms of an iPhone suffering from heat exhaustion may include a dimming display and a weak cellular signal. The most-obvious sign is an on-screen message "iPhone needs to cool before you can use it" (see image at right).
We'll keep you posted as the story unfolds. In the meantime, please let us know if you've experienced an overheating problem with your phone. —Mike Gikas
The latest version of Mozilla's Firefox browser debuted yesterday.
Just released yesterday, Mozilla’s latest version of its Firefox browser for Mac and Windows is full of new features, from enhanced privacy to new video standards. We haven’t formally reviewed Firefox 3.5, but here are a few features that we think are interesting:
Private browsing mode. Enabling this feature is supposed to remove any trace of the Web sites you visit while in this mode. No cookies, history, or any other trace of your visit is saved. Other browsers, such as Internet Explorer 8 and Google Chrome, also have this option.
Location-aware browsing. This one seems like the opposite of private browsing. It tells Firefox where you are so it can provide more-targeted information. Fortunately, you can turn it off at will.
Open video and audio. No more plug-ins necessary for viewing video and listening to audio online.
Speed. Mozilla says Firefox 3.5 is twice as fast as Firefox 3, and 10 times faster than Firefox 2.
You can download the new browser here. —Donna Tapellini
The latest batch of Blu-ray players are in our labs now. Check back in a few weeks for updated Ratings.
Things are once again cooking in CR’s DVD test labs, where we’re putting 11 new high-def Blu-ray players through their paces. All the new players we’re testing are BD-Live models that can access extra online content from the movie-studio’s servers, or download firmware updates from the manufacturer when new features are available.
Some of the models also offer access to additional Web-based content, such as movies from Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand, videos from YouTube, or streaming music from services such as Pandora.
These models will be part of the latest Blu-ray player Ratings (available to subscribers), which should be posted in a few weeks.
Here are some comments on the models currently being tested:
JVC XV-BP1: JVC’s first Blu-ray player can play back high-def AVCHD video files shot with a camcorder, and can internally decode DolbyTrueHD and DTS-HD Master lossless audio formats.
LG BD390: The only model we’ve tested with built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n, draft version), so it can wirelessly connect to the Internet via a home network. It includes LG’s NetCast online access for streaming movies and videos from CinemaNow, Netflix, and YouTube.
Oppo BDP-83: Oppo’s first-ever Blu-ray player is a true “universal” player that can play all types of discs, including high-resolution multichannel SACD and DVD-Audio titles.
Panasonic DMP-DB80: This feature-laden player includes Panasonic’s VieraCast online service, with access to videos from YouTube, digital photos from Picasa, and other Web-based content. It can internally decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD lossless audio, and has 7.1-channel analog outputs. It includes an SD card slot, and can play back high-def AVCHD video files shot with an HD camcorder.
Philips BDP5010: This is a “BD-Live-ready” Blu-ray player, meaning it requires an optional 1GB of memory to use the feature. It has a unique look, with silver trim accents encircling the face of the player.
Pioneer BDP-320: Pioneer’s step-up Blu-ray player has a few extra features, including 13 separate video picture-control adjustments, internal decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD lossless audio, and 7.1-channel audio outputs.
Samsung BD-P4600: A striking-looking player with a unique, flat design that allows it to be wall-mounted. It has a red translucent finish that matches the Touch of Color cosmetics of many Samsung TVs. The player comes with a Wi-Fi adapter (a USB wireless dongle) for connecting to a home network, and can access Netflix instant videos and Pandora Internet radio streams.
Samsung BD-P3600: This more conventional-looking player is functionally the same as the BD-P4600, but costs $100 less. It also has more connectivity options, including a component-video connection, which the P4600 lacks.
Sharp BD-HP22U: A step-up player that comes with 2GB of memory, which is 1GB more than most. It has a quick-start feature said to greatly speed up load times.
Sharp BD-HP16U: An entry-level BD-Live-ready Blu-ray player from Sharp that requires an optional 1GB of memory to use BD-Live. Like its sibling, it has a quick-start feature to speed up load times.
Sony BDP-S360: An entry-level Blu-ray player that can internally decode of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master audio formats. Like other BD-Live-ready players, it requires an optional 1GB of memory to use BD-Live.
As we mentioned, the new Blu-ray Ratings should be posted in a few weeks. We'll let you know when they're ready, so check back with our blog soon. —James K. Willcox
Dell and HP offer free Windows 7 upgrades—if you’re careful
HP and Dell both plan to give free Windows 7 upgrades to qualifying customers who purchase systems before the official release on October 22.
If you buy a new computer from Dell or HP in the next few months (or bought one since June 26), there’s a good chance you’re eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it becomes available in October. If you’re still shopping for a PC, be careful which version of Vista or XP you buy with it, because your choice will impact the Windows 7 version you’re eligible for; in some cases, you won’t even be able to upgrade free.
To get a free upgrade from Dell, you must buy an eligible system between June 26 and December 31, 2009. Get the system with Vista Home Premium 32-bit and you’ll be able to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit when it’s available.
But if you buy a PC with Windows XP (because you want to skip Vista altogether), make sure you get the version that Dell calls Windows Vista Business Bonus –Windows XP Professional Downgrade. That will get you a free Windows 7 Professional later. If you get XP without that official downgrade, you’ll have to pay for any upgrade to Windows 7 later. Also avoid Vista Home Basic and Vista Starter Edition; neither of those qualify for the free upgrade.
HP’s program is similar to Dell’s. You must buy an eligible system until January 31, 2010; it needs Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate (or the official XP Downgrade).
Other manufacturers are offering similar programs. —Donna Tapellini
iPhone 3G S tops new smart phone Ratings, edging out Palm Pre
The iPhone 3G S tops our new smart-phone Ratings (available to subscribers), with strong performance in everything but voice quality, an area in which few phones score well. It's not a runaway winner, though. A number of other phones ranked close to the iPhone, including the Palm Pre, which turned in a fine performance, as we expected from our head-to-head review of these two highly publicized rivals.
The phones vary significantly in how they achieve their high scores. The iPhone 3G S edged out high-scoring competitors such as the Palm Pre and BlackBerry Storm thanks to a superior display, reinforced by top-notch multimedia, navigation, Web browsing, and battery life. However, the Pre, the Storm, and other BlackBerry models bested the iPhone in messaging, and the Pre, with its new deck-of-cards handling of multiple applications, is a superior multitasker.
To better display those differences, we recently added more attributes to our Ratings and put more emphasis on the display, ease of navigation, and multimedia and messaging prowess. In turn, we've somewhat reduced the contribution of talk time (as reflected in our battery life results) and voice quality, in part to reflect the growing importance of non-voice use of smart phones.
The iPhone 3G and some other older phones have moved up due to these changes, while others, including the Samsung Blackjack II and BlackBerry Pearl Flip, have dropped in their ranking.
One of the few changes to our test protocol involves phone sensitivity, as one reader already noticed and commented on. During our Ratings revamp, we concluded that our existing tests of this attribute no longer adequately replicated real-life reception experience. Creating reliable reception tests has become steadily more challenging as smart phones add more tasks and use a growing range of reception technologies.
We've removed sensitivity scores from our Ratings while we develop tests to more accurately evaluate this attribute. Until then, we suggest anyone concerned about this (like the reader who commented on our blog) inquire about return provisions for phones, and take advantage of them as needed.
In addition, we're wrestling with ways to further evaluate phones' speed and versatility—growing concerns as the devices acquire more sophisticated operating systems and a host of third-party applications.
Such challenges are not unique to smart phones; they crop up periodically for all products, as they, and consumer expectations for them, change. Smart phones are among the most complex products we test, and perhaps the most subject to personal preference. Their Ratings have prompted debate and sometimes disagreement in the past. We welcome your comments and questions on the changes we've made this time around. —Paul Reynolds
LCD TVs: Lower prices, new features help fuel sales despite a slow economy
While the on-going recession has taken its toll on sales of any number of consumer products, LCD TVs have so far bucked the trend by continuing to sell well. In fact, according to Austin-based market research firm DisplaySearch, for the first three months of the year LCD TV shipments in North America were 26 percent higher percent higher than they were a year ago. (Note: DisplaySearch upped its shipment numbers from 23 million to 26 million units since the release, above, was released.)
Why are LCD TVs continuing to sell so well? Certainly the transition to all-digital TV broadcasts has helped, as many consumers have opted to replace older analog sets with newer models with built-in digital tuners. Others may have decided to forgo an expensive vacation in favor of a new big-screen TV and more time with the family at home. But lower prices, better performance, and compelling new features are all certainly playing a role in LCD TV sales continuing to rise despite the economic downturn.
As we report in the August issue of Consumer Reports, LCD TVs aren’t just cheaper—they’re also getting incrementally better, so much so that 21 of the 25 sets in our Select Ratings in the issue are recommended. They’re also adding new features, such as access to Internet content, that go beyond the traditional TV viewing experience. Sets are also sporting slimmer and more stylish designs.
One reason that LCD TVs have been doing better in our Ratings (available to subscribers) is that manufacturers have been addressing traditional weaknesses. One example is the tendency for images to blur during fast-motion scenes. Many new LCD TVs can refresh the screen image 120 times a second (120Hz) rather than the usual 60 times (60Hz), which helps reduce motion blur. (However, this feature can make motion in film-based content look uncharacteristically smooth; some sets let you turn it off.)
A few manufacturers now sell 240Hz sets, which quadruple the TV’s frame rate. Others attempt to achieve a 240Hz-like effect by combining 120Hz technology with a flashing, or “scanning,” backlight. We’ll be testing some of those sets to see whether they improve on 120Hz technology.
Faster refresh rates are only one way that LCD TVs are helping to improve performance—and we’ll be addressing other technologies, well as new features and designs, in upcoming blogs. For the complete report on the latest LCD TVs, including Select Ratings, see the August issue of Consumer Reports magazine, now available on newsstands.–Will Dilella
Vizio VF551XVT 1080p LCD TV Click to enlarge. [ Photo courtesy of Vizio. ]
Vizio, a company whose low prices have helped make it a top-selling brand of LCD TVs, is coming out with a new series of 1080p HDTVs offering step-up features, such as 240Hz technology and LED backlights, at prices well below those of more established brands.
In July, we’ll see the first Vizio sets (“240Hz SPS”) that combine 120Hz refresh rates with a scanning (flashing) backlight to produce a 240Hz effect—the same process used by models from LG and Toshiba.This fall, Vizio will offer its first TVs with LED backlights: 47- and 55-inch XVT-series "TruLED" models.
The company is also introducing its first VIA (Vizio Internet Apps) Internet-enabled models, which use Yahoo's widget platform to access online content from various providers, including movie services from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and Vudu. Also in the pipeline are two new slim-line models—in 32- and 37-inch screen sizes—that are just 2.5 inches deep.
Vizio's new TVs use full-array LED backlights with local dimming, bucking the recent trend toward edge-lit LEDs from companies such as Samsung. Vizio executives told us that for larger-sized screens, full-array LEDs offer better brightness uniformity and viewing angle. The company also said its LED backlights can be completely turned off, which could improve black-level performance. In our tests, we’ve found that models with full-array backlights offered better black-level performance than edge-lit sets, although a halo effect may be visible at times. The company said it will likely use edge-lit LEDs in smaller screens later this year.
A unique feature in some XVT sets is that they contain enough built-in memory to buffer up to 15 minutes of video—allowing you to pause, rewind, and fast-forward. The sets also have a USB port that will accept an external hard drive. While the purpose is to be able to play content downloaded from a PC, theoretically it could store TV shows, though the TV currently lacks the ability to schedule DVR-like recordings.
"Vizio Internet Apps" (VIA) are based on Yahoo's Internet widgets, which we've seen in sets from companies such as Samsung and Sony. Two interesting features are the inclusion of built-in dual-band wireless (802.11n) and a unique remote control with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard that can be used to enter passwords, type keywords for favorite shows or movies, or even chat. The remote operates via Bluetooth, so it doesn't have to be pointed directly at a TV's IR sensor to work.
Here is the planned XVT LCD line-up of 1080p models:
SV320XVT ($750, September): 32-inch 120Hz thin-line model
SV370XVT ($850, September): 37-inch 120Hz thin-line model
SV421XVT ($1,200, July): 42-inch 240Hz set
SV422XVT ($1,200, November): 42-inch 240Hz set with VIA Internet
SV471XVT ($1,500, July): 47-inch 240Hz set
SV472XVT ($1,700, October): 47-inch 240Hz LED set with VIA Internet
SV550XVT ($2,000, currently available): 55-inch 120Hz model
SV551XVT ($2,200, September): 55-inch 240Hz LED set
SV552XVT ($2,200, December): 55-inch 240Hz LED set with VIA Internet
We now have two new Vizio models in our labs, and expect to have full TV Ratings (available to subscribers) posted in the next few weeks. And we'll likely test some of these new XVT-series sets once they become available. —James K. Willcox
Online retailers have begun selling the retail upgrade version of Windows 7 at prices far lower than Microsoft’s announced prices. At Amazon, BestBuy, and CompUSA, you can pre-order the Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49.99, while the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade runs $99.99.
Those prices are far below Microsoft’s published estimated prices for these upgrades: $119.99 and $199.99 respectively.
BestBuy says these lowball prices are available from now through July 11, while supplies last, and limits quantities to three per customer. Amazon also limits quantities to three per customer. CompUSA’s site says “Hurry, quantities are limited.”
Current owners of Windows XP and Windows Vista both qualify for the low prices. But the sites contain some warnings and conditions. For example, Amazon recommends that you install the Windows 7 upgrade on a new computer, but warns current XP users who install the Home Premium upgrade on their existing PC first back up the entire contents of their computer, then perform a “clean” installation of Windows 7 that will overwrite their entire hard drive, and then reinstall all their programs, files, and settings.
According to these sites, current Windows Vista users should have little problem running Windows 7. Still, if you’ve any doubt, they suggest checking with Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Computer makers have also begun listing for buyers of new PCs their Windows 7 upgrade offers on their sites. I’ll report on those soon. –Jeff Fox
Garmin expands its handheld hiking device range with the Dakota 10 and Dakota 20.
A month after Garmin introduced its range-topping Oregon 550 with a built-in digital camera,
it expands its handheld hiking device range at the entry-level with the all-new Dakota 10 ($300) and Dakota 20 ($350).
The Dakota is a shrunk-down version of the touchscreen Oregon units, with a 2.6-inch screen, compared to 3 inch. It weighs about the same, promises longer battery life, and has more internal memory. The overall size is smaller than the older, pocket-friendly eTrex models.
Dakota can store up to 1,000 waypoints and 50 routes. It comes preloaded with a worldwide basemap and is compatible with Garmin City Navigator NT for turn-by-turn directions on city streets. Other maps can be added, as well, including Blue Chart g2 for marine charting, and TOPO U.S. 24K and 100K map software.
Designed to be geocache friendly (GPS-based “treasure” hunting), the Dakota synchs easily with
Geocaching.com and can store all information needed to find caches, with a premium membership.
The Dakota 20 adds a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, a microSD card slot for increased mapping and memory storage, and wireless unit-to-unit connectivity for sharing your waypoints with compatible Garmin devices.
The Dakota should appeal most to those adventurous types interested in a modern handheld, though put off the price premium for a Colorado or Oregon.
66% didn’t regularly clean the camera’s lens.
Clean the lens before each use, which minimizes the risk of focusing problems and blurry areas on pictures.
28% cleaned the lens with a shirtsleeve, household tissue, or canned air.
Clean your lens gently with a microfiber lens cloth and lens-cleaning fluid so that you don’t scratch or otherwise damage the surface. (You should clean your flat-panel TV the same way.)
45% left photos in the camera for at least a month.
Photo files should be copied to a backup device, such as a hard drive, soon after they are captured. That reduces the risk of theft or deletion. (It may be possible to retrieve accidentally deleted images, but don’t count on it.)
39% didn’t know whether the camera had scene modes, image stabilization, face detection, or burst mode.
Check the manual for features you might be unaware of that make shooting easier and can improve your photos. If you find some new features, play around with them.
13% disposed of a camera in the trash (of those who got rid of a camera).
If possible, sell your camera or give it away. For recycling options, contact the manufacturer or check for a program near you at www.eiae.org. Also visit Consumer Reports GreenerChoices.org for a host of information on recycling electronics. —Nick Mandle
Microsoft announces Windows 7 upgrade program and pricing
Microsoft has unveiled some details on the upgrade and retail pricing of Windows 7, the new version of Windows that’s due for release this October.
If you’re planning to buy a computer with Vista soon, there’s a good chance the upgrade program will cover you: it’s in effect from June 26, 2009 through January 31, 2010. But pricing and options depend on when you order a new PC (or a retail copy of Windows 7) and, in the case of a new computer, the brand and model.
Bottom line: If you’re buying a new computer with Vista, check directly with the manufacturer to find out if they support the upgrade program and what the upgrade to Windows 7 will cost you.
Microsoft has posted Windows 7 retail pricing on their Windows Blog.
The site estimates these retail prices:
Upgrade:
Windows 7 Home Premium: $119.99
Windows 7 Professional: $199.99
Windows 7 Ultimate: $219.99
Full version:
Windows 7 Home Premium: $199.99
Windows 7 Professional: $299.99
Windows 7 Ultimate: $319.99
As details become clearer we’ll post them on this blog. —Jeff Fox
Evidently the DTV transition on June 12 didn’t disrupt life as we know it, judging by most reports we’ve seen. But two weeks into it, we’re still hearing from consumers who are having problems getting some of the digital channels available in their market.
Here’s some advice from the FCC, which has been tracking problems presented to their experts at support centers or via the toll-free help line (1-888-CALL-FCC), which is still in operation.
Many stations changed their frequency on June 12, but the old frequency might still be stored in the memory of your digital converter box or digital TV—even if you rescanned after the transition. To clear the memory, you need to run a “double rescan,” in effect, rebooting the system to wipe the slate clean.
The problem could also lie with your antenna. You might need to relocate or adjust the one you have or get a different type. As the FCC points out, one of the most popular spots for indoor antennas–on top of the TV– may not be the best spot. A location higher up or near a window, and away from electronic equipment, may provide better reception. You’ll find many useful pointers in the FCC’s factsheets on antennas and reception. —Eileen McCooey
Pentax's Optio W80: An underwater camera with HD video and long zoom
Pentax claims its Optio W80 point-and-shoot digital camera is waterproof to depths of 16-feet and survives falls from a height of 3-feet. The camera will be available in July. Click to enlarge. [ Photo courtesy of Pentax. ]
The new Pentax will include a 5x zoom, more than most other waterproof models. Like the TS1 and a couple of other waterproof cameras, the W80 also has wide-angle capability, letting you fit more fish, or mermaids, in your shot.
Pentax claims the W80 will be shockproof, able to withstand a 3-foot fall, and operable at a depth of 16 feet. Both exceed the specs for a number of waterproof cameras, although the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 (available to subscribers) is supposed to be able to withstand a drop of 6 feet and operate at a depth of 33 feet. (For more information, see: Abuse this camera? We test the Olympus Stylus Tough 6000, available to subscribers, from the July 2009 issue.)
The Optio W80 will be available in July, in red, blue and gray. —Terry Sullivan
I have long resisted using my car’s built-in GPS navigation system since, as a proverbial proud male, I like to think I know where I’m going. However, last weekend, a trip to Boston, the labyrinthine-road capital of the U.S., convinced me to swallow my pride and give the GPS a try.
I waited until I reached Beantown before enabling the system’s route guidance, after which it quickly lulled me into a blissful state of mindless dependence on its calm female voice. Cambridge to Jamaica Plain? No sweat. Brookline to Faneuil Hall? A breeze.
Handy as the device was for much of the trip, I later found times I would have been better off disregarding or even disabling it. For example, consider two drives I made from my hotel’s Cambridge neighborhood to Jamaica Plain: The first time, the GPS led me there in no time flat. But the next day, departing from nearly the same spot, it sent me on a wicked long route. The difference? Before the second trip, I was parked on the opposite side of the street, facing the opposite direction. Apparently, the GPS’s routing ruled out having me make a minor U-turn, which would have made the shorter route possible. By the time I realized I was on a longer route, it was too late to turn back.
Later that day, heading for a deli in Brookline, I found the town’s main street closed for a local event. As I struggled to find an alternate route, the GPS kept trying to steer me back to the street that was closed. As our Ratings of GPS systems (available to subscribers) show, some models can alert you to changing traffic conditions or let you sidestep certain streets. I don’t know if my new car’s built-in navigation system has those features, but I wasn’t going to hunt for them when I was just minutes from my lunch spot.
At the end of my visit, I let the GPS help me quickly wend my way out of town. Once on familiar roads, perhaps savoring the system’s novelty, I left the GPS on. Hours later, the system vainly tried to direct me to an Interstate I had years ago learned to avoid. Not satisfied at my ignoring its instructions, and even though I was well past its suggested exit, the calm voice urged me to take a subsequent exit and make a u-turn (now it suggests a u-turn!) to return to the Interstate I had “missed.”
I ignored it. Miles later, after I felt the GPS had finally come to accept my decision, it made a last desperate attempt to change my mind, directing me to take a small county road which, I soon figured out, would meet up with—you guessed it!—the Interstate I had twice rejected.
That was when I finally did what I should have done hours earlier upon first reaching familiar roads: I pressed the button to silence that calm voice. The lesson here is to use a navigation system as an aid, not a strict replacement for local knowledge and a little common sense, and to become familiar with the features before embarking on a long-distance trip.
How’s your relationship with your GPS unit? Share your experiences with us below. You might also want to check out the GPS forum maintained by our colleagues in Cars. —Jeff Fox
They're the two hottest smartphones of the year. The iPhone 3G S and the Palm Pre emphasize multimedia capabilities and are centered on versatile touchscreens that are among the best we've ever tested. Both even cost the same: $199 with a two-year contract (though there's a more capacious iPhone that costs $299.)
Both are also fine performers that we expect to formally recommend next week, once we've fully completed our tests and added them to our smart phone Ratings. (Both Consumer Reports Ratings and Recommendations are available to subscribers.)
Meantime, here's a Western-themed video shootout, in which phone-slingers Mike Gikas (at the iPhone end of the saloon) and Paul Eng (representing the Palm Gang) settle their differences.
Mike fires with the iPhone's new Voice Control feature, which allows you to dial numbers and even search for music by speaking to the phone. He also singles out the camera on the 3G S, which offers features lacking from past iPhones, like auto-focus and the ability to shoot videos, and adds nice video-editing and tap-to-focus capabilities.
Had the shooting continued for longer, Mike would have also mentioned the varied, larger capacity of the iPhone. Where the Palm comes in only an 8GB version, the iPhone has 16GB of capacity in the $199 version and 32GB in its $299 version.
Paul blasts back with the Palm's impressive multitasking capability. Unlike the iPhone, it allows you to have multiple applications open on the desktop, which you can shuffle around like cards. The closing shot: The phone's service plans, which offer more for the money than those for the iPhone—as Palm touted in print ads that ran this week.
For his part, Paul was silenced before he could say that the Palm is one of the smallest smart phones in our labs, and that you can replace the battery yourself—a convenience not offered for iPhones.
The final verdict will come next week, when we add the phones to the Ratings, which will be available to subscribers. We'll let you know when that happens. —Paul Reynolds
Do you need a regular inkjet or an all-in-one? A multifunction laser or a regular model that does nothing but print, and does it quickly? Or perhaps all you require is a portable snapshot printer. Whatever your needs, we’ve got recommended models for you: Four regular inkjets or lasers, four all-in-ones, and a couple of great snapshot printers.
All the lasers print excellent text; some are quite a bit faster than others. With many of the inkjets, you can print very good to excellent photos for 35 cents apiece, or less. Check out our Ratings to find the model that best suits your needs and budget. —Donna Tapellini
You’ve likely heard of the “payola” schemes of early broadcast radio, where local radio stations would receive money from record labels for giving certain artists’ songs preferential air time. Now you may hear a lot more about so-called “blogola,” which some say is the Internet-era equivalent.
The term describes the acceptance by some blogs of free products or services, or other gifts and remunerations, from companies looking for a positive review of their offerings. It’s controversial enough to have now attracted the attention of the Federal Trade Commission.
The AP reports that the federal agency is looking to implement a set of guidelines to combat blogola and enhance transparency in the blogosphere. Unlike journalists who work for news organizations that have a set of ethical standards, many bloggers, who are often self-employed, have no official obligation, and many do not disclose gifts and perks they receive.
Some of the highest-profile cases of blogola have involved technology blogs. In 2006, Microsoft, AMD, and PR firm Edelman were criticized when it was revealed they had sent Acer laptops pre-loaded with Vista to prominent bloggers, hoping for a review of the then-new operating system.
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know how Consumer Reports operates: No blogola or payola here. For the record, our policy is to accept no gifts—including free products or trips—from any manufacturer. (We will sometimes make exceptions for modest items provided to all media, such as food at news conferences or thumb drives that contain product information.) Neither do we run ads, as you may have noticed on ConsumerReports.org or in our magazine.
What do you think of the FTC’s initiative? Is it a necessary move, or, as Caroline McCarthy at CNet has questioned, will the attempt to regulate the diverse and crowded blogosphere be like “herding cats?” —Nick K. Mandle
Update: For another take on the FTC's plan for bloggers, check out Jeff Blyskal's post on the Consumer Reports Money Blog.
To determine the extent to which post-hypoglycaemic patients with diabetes, who are prescribed oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) are at risk of repeat hypoglycaemic events (RHE) after being treated in the prehospital environment and whether they should be transported to hospital regardless of their post-treatment response, a systematic literature review was carried out using an overlapping retrieval strategy that included both published and unpublished literature. Retrieved papers were reviewed by each author for inclusion. Disagreements regarding inclusion were resolved through discussion. Ninety-eight papers and other relevant material were retrieved using the developed search strategy. Twenty-three papers and other relevant material were included in the final review. A narrative synthesis of the findings is presented. Although several case reports demonstrate the risks associated with repeat or prolonged hypoglycaemia, the review was unable to locate any specific high quality research in this area. Consequently, caution is required in interpreting the findings of the studies. Post-hypoglycaemic patients treated in the prehospital environment have a 2–7% risk of experiencing a RHE within 48 h. The literature retrieved in this study recognises the potential for OHA to cause RHE. However, the extent to which this occurs in practice remains unknown. This lack of evidence has led to the recommendation that conservative management, through admission to hospital, is appropriate. The review concludes with recommendations for both practice and research.
Pathways to guide clinical care are well accepted and used in many emergency departments. We wanted to introduce a number ("bundle") over a short space of time and involve the whole patient stay in the pathway. It was hypothesised that a more efficient process would result with an overall reduction in length of stay (LoS).
Methods:
A "bundle" of 14 evidence-based pathways of care was introduced into a medium-sized district general hospital (DGH) in late 2006/early 2007. These pathways covered emergency department care and acute medical care for a period of up to 48 h. A total of 8184 acute emergency admission episodes were audited, 3852 in the 8 months before introduction of the new pathways and 4332 in the 8 months after their introduction.
Results:
The overall effect of introducting the pathway bundle had a trend towards reduction in LoS by 0.2 days (95% CI –0.2 to 0.5), but this was not statistically significant (p>0.1). However, in those patients with <=2 diagnoses, the introduction of the pathway bundle had an independent effect in reducing LoS by 0.4 days (95% CI 0.04 to 0.7, p<0.01). In patients with <=2 diagnoses (63.0% of all pre-pathway cases and 63.4% of all post-pathway cases), the reduction in LoS equates to a saving of 2154 (CI 215 to 3769) bed days per annum or 5.9 (CI 0.6 to 10.3) beds saved each day. This reduced LoS represents an improvement of 2.5% (CI 0.25% to 4.38%) in medical bed usage. As this benefit occurs in the uncomplicated group of patients without multiple co-morbidities, such pathways would have the most effect in the type of patients who may be looked after by an emergency or acute physician. They are much less likely to be effective in those who require specialist intervention due to a more complicated presentation and possibly those with multiple co-morbidities.
Conclusion:
The introduction of a bundle of evidence-based care pathways can modestly reduce LoS for certain types of acute medical patients in a DGH setting.
The Australasian Triage Scale is a simple five-point system of triage that forms the basis of triage in most emergency departments in Australia. The Manchester Triage System (MTS) is an algorithmic aid to the process of triage. It utilises a series of flow charts that lead the triage nurse to a logical choice of triage category also using a five-point scale.
Objective:
To evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the MTS in an Australian emergency department.
Methods:
50 triage scenarios were derived from the notes of 50 consecutive patients who had presented to the emergency department. All available nurses who had been trained to use the MTS were invited to participate in the study. The nurses were asked to assign a triage category to each scenario using the MTS. Weighted kappas were calculated for all pairs of raters.
Results:
20 nurses participated in the study. The range of kappas was 0.4007 to 0.8018, with a median of 0.6304.
Conclusion:
The MTS is a reliable system of triage in the emergency department.
Topical anaesthetics reduce the pain of venous cannulation. The emergency department at the Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland uses EMLA (an eutectic mixture of 25 mg/g lidocaine and 25 mg/g prilocaine) for topical anaesthesia. Amethocaine has recently been shown to be a more effective topical anaesthetic. It is suggested that, because amethocaine does not vasoconstrict veins, it may increase the success of cannulation.
Aim:
The primary aim was to determine if amethocaine improves the success of cannulation compared with EMLA. The secondary aim was to determine if amethocaine is a more effective topical anaesthetic in a children’s emergency department.
Methods:
A parallel, randomised, double-blind controlled study was performed in children aged 3 months to 15 years who were offered topical anaesthesia for venous cannulation. Caregivers gave verbal consent at triage, followed by written consent. Children were randomised into amethocaine or EMLA groups. Those who went on to have an intravenous cannula were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The primary outcome was a successful first attempt at cannulation. A convenience cohort was also observed for distress using a visual analogue scale and the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability Score.
Results:
From November 2006 to June 2007, 2837 children were enrolled and 809 were known to have had intravenous cannulation. 679 complete data and consent forms were returned. There was no significant difference between the first attempt success rates (75.8% amethocaine vs 73.9% EMLA) or between pain scores for the 65 observed cannulations.
Conclusion:
Amethocaine is not more successful than EMLA for first attempt intravenous cannulation in a children’s emergency department.
Trial registration number:
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12606000409572.
Biphasic waveform defibrillation results in higher rates of termination of fibrillation than monophasic waveform defibrillation but has not been shown to improve survival outcomes.
Objective:
To compare the effectiveness of a biphasic automated external defibrillator (AED) with a monophasic AED for witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to ventricular fibrillation (VF).
Methods:
In a prospective population-based cohort study, adults with witnessed VF OHCA were treated with either monophasic or biphasic waveform AED shocks. The primary outcome measure was neurologically favourable 1-month survival, defined as a Cerebral Performance Categories score of 1 or 2.
Results:
Of 366 adults with witnessed OHCA of presumed cardiac aetiology, 74 (20%) had VF. Termination of VF with the first shock tended to occur more frequently after biphasic AED shocks (36/44 (82%) vs 20/30 (67%), p = 0.14). Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) occurred more frequently after biphasic AED shocks (29/44 (66%) vs 8/30 (27%), p = 0.001). Neurologically favourable 1-month survival was also more frequent in the biphasic group (10/44 (23%) vs 1/30 (3%), p = 0.04). The median time interval from the first shock to the second shock was 67 s in the monophasic group and 24 s in the biphasic group (p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
Treatment with biphasic AED shocks improved the likelihood of ROSC and neurologically favourable 1-month survival after witnessed VF compared with monophasic AED shocks. In addition to waveform differences, a shorter time interval from the first shock to the second shock could account for the better outcomes with biphasic AED.
Pandemic influenza remains a potential major threat to global public health. It is essential for emergency departments to be involved in planning for the management of such a major event. It is also important for emergency departments to be clear on their internal arrangements for staff and for patient care. This paper outlines 10 suggestions for UK emergency departments based on the recent experience of emergency departments in Hong Kong and elsewhere.
Advanced life support of patients contaminated with chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) substances requires adequate respiratory protection for medical first responders. Conventional and powered air-purifying respirators may exert a different impact during resuscitation and therefore require evaluation. This will help to improve major incident planning and measures for protecting medical staff.
Methods:
A randomised crossover study was undertaken to investigate the influence of conventional negative pressure and powered air-purifying respirators on the simulated resuscitation of casualties contaminated with hazardous substances. Fourteen UK paramedics carried out a standardised resuscitation algorithm inside an ambulance vehicle, either unprotected or wearing a conventional or a powered respirator. Treatment times, wearer mobility, ease of communication and ease of breathing were determined and compared.
Results:
In the questionnaire, volunteers stated that communication and mobility were similar in both respirator groups while breathing resistance was significantly lower in the powered respirator group. There was no difference in mean (SD) treatment times between the groups wearing respiratory protection and the controls (245 (19) s for controls, 247 (17) s for conventional respirators and 250 (12) s for powered respirators).
Conclusions:
Powered air-purifying respirators improve the ease of breathing and do not appear to reduce mobility or delay treatment during a simulated resuscitation scenario inside an ambulance vehicle with a single CBRN casualty.
To compare the degree to which the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) and the Manchester Triage System (MTS) predict admission and mortality.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study of four emergency department (ED) databases was conducted. Patients who presented to the ED between 1 January and 18 July 2006 and were triaged with the ESI or MTS were included in the study.
Results:
37 974 patients triaged with the ESI and 34 258 patients triaged with the MTS were included. The likelihood of admission decreased significantly with urgency categories in both populations, and was greater for patients triaged with the ESI than with the MTS. Mortality rates were low in both populations. Most patients who died were triaged in the most urgent triage categories of both systems.
Conclusion:
Both the ESI and MTS predicted admission well. The ESI was a better predictor of admission than the MTS. Mortality is associated with urgency categories of both triage systems.
In patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with significant poisoning and reduced Glasgow coma score (GCS), the decision to proceed with rapid sequence intubation can be a difficult one. Traditionally, patients with a GCS of 8 or less are thought to require airway protection. It has been found that a number of these patients can be managed safely without advanced airway support in a well-monitored ward environment. The objective of this study was to define the key physiological indicators of intubation requirement in this complex group of patients.
Method:
Prospective parallel group comparison. The study was conducted in the ED of a Scottish teaching hospital over a 12-month period. Group 1 included all poisoned patients admitted to the ED with a GCS of 8 or less who were not intubated and managed conservatively in the short-stay ward. Group 2 included all poisoned patients with a reduced GCS who were intubated. Demographics and physiological parameters were analysed in both groups (intubated vs non-intubated).
Results:
12 patients were identified in the intubated group and 14 in the non-intubated group. Demographics were similar in both groups. Analyses of means and medians of physiological parameters indicated minimal predominance of oxygenation/ventilatory failure in the group requiring intubation. This correlated with the physician’s perception of inadequate airway protection or ventilatory failure.
Conclusion:
Clinical assessment by experienced medical staff rather than physiological variables are the key to determining intubation requirements in the poisoned patient with reduced GCS. GCS alone is not a good predictor of intubation.
Head injury outcome is influenced by the initial insult and the various pathophysiological changes that take place in the posttraumatic phase, some of which may be amenable to intervention. Appropriate measures taken during initial emergency department management and subsequently in the intensive therapy unit can significantly improve outcome. The primary goal is to limit secondary brain injury. Early imaging, rather than admission and observation for neurological deterioration, reduces the time to the detection of life-threatening complications. This paper discusses the current management of severe head injury, some prognostic indicators and methods used to rule out an associated spinal injury.
It's interesting when a drug is re-purposed into something aimed at fighting cancer, but that is what has happened to Evista, a prescription drug made by Eli Lilly which was originally for osteoporosis patients.
Experience Project is launching a new online cancer support network , The Cancer Support Project, on October 1st, 2007.
Luciano Pavarotti, possibly the most famous classical singer on earth, received a final sendoff this past weekend in his hometown of Modena, Italy. Pavarotti died last week of pancreatic cancer. More than 100,000 people filed through the cathedral and plaza, more than 700 guests attended the funeral mass and millions watched the live broadcast on television.
In the last decade, we've seen studies that try to link mobile phone use to all kinds of cancer, the most common type being brain cancer. The thinking is that the radiation output from these devices affects the brain when those phones are held close to the head for extended periods.
Millions of people around the world die in severe pain due to bans of morphine, reports The New York Times. While poverty plays a role, doctors also fear law enforcement of morphine bans. 
I'm a big fan of Fat Bastard wine, which I picked up a bottle of a few years back simply because of the odd name. If you enjoy their wine too be sure to pick some up during the months of September and October because the makers will be donating $0.25 from every bottle sold to breast cancer charities. 
It's never a good thing when a drugmaker sends letters to doctors saying that a drug they are prescribing has resulted in confirmed deaths.
There might be some bad news out there for men with above or below normal birth weights -- new studies are showing that they might be at a high risk for testicular cancer than those who were born a more normal size. To be more precise, men with low birth weights were 18% more likely to develop testicular cancer than their normal-sized counterparts, and high birth weight men were 12% more likely to be diagnosed with the disease. It should be noted, however, that the findings are only try to seminoma testicular cancer, which is the most prevalent type. 
Popular celebrities like Kate Moss and Scarlett Johansson have lent their signature style to the fight against cancer by designing charms that reflect their own character, which will be sold with the profits going to a prominent UK cancer charity. The charms are appearing on a necklace that is being sold at Wallis for about $51USD each. Moss' charm is a petite swallow, while Johansson's is a vibrant yellow and orange lilly. Other contributors include designer Christian Louboutin and comedian Catherin Tate. 
According to an article in CANCER, mental illness and emotional distress in patients with advanced cancer is often overlooked by oncologists, but proper management can improve a patient's quality of life. 
In Canada, health officials are wanting more men in the high-risk group (most likely, middle aged) to get screened for prostate cancer. Why? Well, only two in every five men in that country from within that group apparently have tested for prostate cancer in the past year. That's just too low.
According to researchers at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, congestive heart failure rarely occurs among leukemia patients who take Gleevec (imatinib). 
Lung cancer screening by using CT scans may not be the best thing to do, according to a recent report by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP).
Postmenopausal women who consume two or more alcoholic drinks a day may double their risk of endometrial cancer, according to a new study published by Veronica Wendy Setiawan and colleagues at the University of Southern California. 
A new study from researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine shows that yoga can benefit ethnic minority breast cancer survivors, particularly African-Americans and Hispanics, as well as those from under-served communities. 
It's something that many women would cheer about -- the use of oral contraceptives actually lowers overall cancer risk as a side effect.
It what seems like an obvious result, a recent U.S. study found that breast cancer survivors who received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy were the most apt to have severe fatigue. In addition, that fatigue lasted for prolonged periods of time.
A mutation in the BRAF oncogene, BRAF V600E, has been linked to the most common type of tyroid cancer, conventional papillary thyroid cancer or PTC. A new study shows that this mutation is also significantly associated with cancer recurrence after treatment, according to Dr. Electron Kebebew at UCSF. 
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. Advocates and researchers at the University of Michigan hope that increased awareness about ovarian cancer can save lives.
As an avid runner for many years, I've suffered through the gamut of injuries associated with this high-impact sport -- stress fracture, plantar fasciitis, IT band injuries, knee pain and bursitis. The countless specialists I've seen all seem to agree that this is the price you pay to participate in a dangerous sport. 
