The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C is 45 mg per day, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and 60 mg to 95 mg per day, according to the United States’ National Academy of Sciences. The researchers, who published their findings in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at 24,593 women aged 49 to 83 years old, for a little over eight years. The goal was to look at age-related cataracts and the researchers were looking at supplemental vitamin C use, not vitamin C that was taken in through diet.

Among the almost 25,000 women, there were 2,497 cases of cataracts:

• 878 cataracts were removed from the 9,973 women who did not take any supplements
• 252 cataracts were removed from the 2,259 women who took multivitamins only
• 143 cataracts were removed from the 1,225 women who took vitamin C only

The researchers also found that women who were older and taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as well as taking vitamin C had a higher risk of developing cataracts as well.

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Post from: Blisstree

High Vit. C May Up Cataract Risk in Women

On the Nay side:

A couple of generations ago, flowers were removed from the patients’ bedsides every night because it was believed that the oxygen used by the plants would deprive the patients of much needed oxygen. Other earlier studies (in the 70s) claimed that bacteria in the vase water could be harmful. And then, there are bans just because someone decided to ban flowers or plants. There were no official reasons given, just a blanket ban.

On the Yea side:

According to a study published in the October 2008 issue of HortTechnology, confirmed “the beneficial effects of plants and flowers for patients recovering from abdominal surgery.”

the majority of patients who had plants in their rooms reported that the plants were the most positive qualities of their rooms (93%), whereas patients without plants in their rooms said that watching television was the most favorable aspect of their rooms (91%).

For sure, too many flowers can be difficult to manage. Nurses and other healthcare staff who are allergic to flowers may find it difficult to care for patients who have flowers in their room. For those patients who share rooms, the flowers may cause a problem for their fellow patient. As well, there is such a thing as too many flowers. Some rooms are just overwhelmed with them, making it difficult to move around.

This week’s issue of BMJ.com addresses the issue: Wards of the roses. So what do you think? Do flowers and plants have a place in hospitals? Or should they be left for when the patients go home?

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Image:

Post from: Blisstree

Hospital Flowers – Yea or Nay?

Further down the AAOS page, they say that a separated shoulder “can range from a little change in configuration with mild pain, to quite deforming and very painful.” I can testify, whole-heartedly, about the “very painful” part. Without a doubt.

Fifteen years ago, I separated my left shoulder in a tumble, but it was quickly reset and, although I had quite a bit of pain while lying down, it wasn’t too bad. This past Friday, however, I learned what a very painful one feels like.

I slipped on some hard packed snow or ice  (not sure which) and I landed right on my left shoulder. The pain was excruciating. I keep telling people it was worse than childbirth – and I’ve done that three times. The pain was so bad, I couldn’t stand up because any slight movement of my arm would send spasms of pain and waves of nausea.

An ambulance had to be called and they were concerned that I may have hit my head because I couldn’t remember falling, but I’m sure I didn’t hit my head. I think the problem is I fell so fast that I didn’t realize I was falling until I had hit the ground.

Anyway, off to the hospital for x-rays, medications and a “knock-out” dose so they could put my shoulder back. Unfortunately, my shoulder didn’t want to cooperate with the resetting because I damaged the ligaments.

The most common cause for a separation of the AC joint is from a fall directly onto the shoulder. The fall injures the ligaments that surround and stabilize the AC joint.

If the force is severe enough, the ligaments attaching to the underside of the clavicle are torn. This causes the “separation” of the collarbone and wingbone. The wingbone actually moves downward from the weight of the arm. This creates a “bump” or bulge above the shoulder.

I do have to say though – what an odd feeling to be in agony before you go to sleep and then in tolerable pain when you wake up a while later.

I have to wear the special sling that keeps your arm supported and doesn’t allow you to move your arm away from your body. This is particularly frustrating because on Friday, when I fell, I was also in the midst of moving. Yup – moving from a four-bedroom house to a condo. Guess who can’t unpack and do any of the stuff she wanted to get done before Christmas?

According to the AAOS, my shoulder has a good chance of healing properly. I see an ortho surgeon on Thursday to see if all is ok. Surgery is not in my plans, so I’m thinking positively: no surgery, shoulder is healing well.

The thing that worries me though, is that the pain is changing in quality and location. It’s no longer at the back of the shoulder, a bit lower down, but now it’s in the upper arm itself and it’s an intense ache, rather than a sharp pain. Hopefully, that’s all part of the healing process.

So as it stands, regardless of what the surgeon says, there will be physiotherapy in my future. Thank goodness for physical therapists and their magic powers. They are the ones who make sure that successful treatments from doctors are carried through and stay successful.

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Images: iStock.com, PhotoXpress.com

Post from: Blisstree

Separated Shoulders – They Hurt!

Researchers looked at the records of 2,923 adults, none of whom had yet been diagnosed with diabetes. The researchers collected data that could indicate that the subjects could be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, such as age, weight, and other diabetes risk factors (family history, for example). They took this information and compared the subjects with those who had been diagnosed with periodontitis, gum disease.

What was found that 62.9% of subjects who did not have periodontitis and 93.4% of those with periodontitis met guidelines set by the American Diabetes Asssociation for needing diabetic screening.

Interestingly, only 33.9% of those who were at risk and who had periodontitis had seen a dentist within the previous six months, half within the past year, and 60.4% within the past two years.

The study findings, published in the most recent issue of Journal of Public Health Dentistry, gives the medical profession another tool to help find people who may otherwise not be diagnosed. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is predicted to possible reach epidemic proportions in countries like the United States. Yet, it’s one of the most preventable diseases in most cases. Teamwork could help reduce the effects of such a serious disease.

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Post from: Blisstree

Gum Disease and Diabetes Connection

As the population ages in the more developed countries, there is also an increase in illness, many of which could be prevented to a certain extent, like type 2 diabetes and some types of heart disease. While some risk factors have been identified and are being targeted, researchers are reaching as far back as they can to perhaps stop the diseases before the risk factors even begin, rather than stopping the risks once they have started.

To do this, researchers in the United Kingdom studied 1,037 people from New Zealand who were born during a one-year period between April 1972 and March 1973.

The researchers monitored the subjects for their first 10 years of life, specifically looking at three particular issues:

• poor socioeconomics
• maltreatment
• social isolation

The subjects were then assessed again when they turned 32 years old. At this time, the researchers were looking for:

• depression
• high inflammation levels in the blood (which could indicate heart disease, for example)
• high blood pressure
• abnormal cholesterol levels
• obesity

What the researchers found was that the subjects who had had more difficult childhoods also had higher levels of depression and high inflammation levels, as well as high cholesterol,  high blood pressure and obesity.

“The effects of adverse childhood experiences on age-related disease risks in adulthood were non-redundant, cumulative and independent of the influence of established developmental and concurrent risk factors,” such as family history, low birth weight or high childhood body mass index, the authors write.

Of course, parents don’t usually want their children to grow up disadvantaged and usually do what they can to raise their children’s standard of living. But this type of finding may help doctors and other healthcare professionals take these issues to heart and be more aware of the long-term impact. Other professionals may work on interventions that could help minimize the impact of a difficult childhood on adults.

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Post from: Blisstree

Hard Childhood May Lead to Adult Illness

With the holiday season quickly taking hold, I interviewed, Payam Hakimi, D.O., American Board of Family Physicians, Medical Director Body of Harmony Institute of Health & Healing, Teaching Faculty Center for Education & Development of Clinical Homeopathy. Dr. Hakimi suggests that everyone have a flu plan, allowing them to be prepared should they be hit with influenza, whatever type.

Dr. Hakimi:

The most important thing a person should know is what actions to take in case they have the signs and symptoms of the flu, which are outlined below.  It is important to know that most of these signs and symptoms are also shared by the common cold viruses; however, the high severity and the suddenness of the symptoms differentiates the flu which is caused by the influenza virus.

First, here are the signs and symptoms of the flu to watch for:

• Fever of 100 to 103 with chills
• Headache
• Flushed
• Sweaty or clammy skin
• Body aches and joint pains
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nasal Congestion
• Sneezing
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

What treatments should you undertake?

Dr. Hakimi: As soon as you feel the above symptoms start the following approach to boost your immunity.

• Start taking Multivitamins.  It is a good way of decreasing the stress on your organ systems.  Vitamin C and B have been shown to help with immunity as well and are included in your multivitamin.
• Taking Echinacea increases levels of chemicals that activate the part of immune system responsible for increasing defense mechanisms against virus and bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water; it helps to eliminate the toxins from your body.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep.  Your body heals and repairs itself during sleep and rest.
• Start taking Oscillococcinum – a homeopathic medication from Boiron proven to shorten the duration and the severity of the flu – used widely in Europe.  It will decrease the symptoms and the duration of the illness.
• Cold Calm Remedy, a homeopathic medication from Boiron, decreases the symptoms and their severity and duration.
• Antiviral drugs (oseltamiviror zanamavir) within 24 to 48 hours of onset – if prescribed by your doctor.
• Drink Green tea; studies have shown it has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
• Eat garlic raw or cooked or take garlic supplements.  It is nature’s most efficient antibiotic and will increase immunity.
• Ginger in the form of tea or soaked in hot water is another natural antiviral.
• Goldenseal is antiseptic and immune stimulating.
• Elderberry is a strong remedy for colds and flu.  It is a natural anti-viral agent.
• Gargle twice daily with warm salt water (may also use Listerine but it is drying).  Influenza virus replicates in the nasopharynx and washing the throat and nose with salt water decreases the viral load.
• Nasal saline rinses or cleaning nostrils with salt water twice daily.  Blowing the nose or using Q-tips soaked in warm salt water to clean nostrils.
• Use Chestal, a homeopathic medicine by Boiron for cough.
• Continue with the rest of the flu plan as mentioned below.

If your symptoms last more than 5 days and they are not improving or if you feel worsening of the symptoms you should seek the advice of your physicians. Sometimes the body gets weak as it is fighting a viral infection and a bacterial infection can start or co-exist with the viral illness.  If any signs or symptoms of bacterial infections start, which are usually yellow-green nasal discharge or cough with yellow green phlegm, you should visit your physician for prescription of antibiotics.  If you have severe diarrhea and vomiting which is not resolving and causing dehydration or if you have changes in skin colors or the white of your eyes you should seek the advice of your physician.  Urgent cares and emergency rooms are to be used in case your symptoms are worsening and getting very severe and you have no access to your physician in a timely manner.

What exactly do you mean by a “flu plan?”

Dr. Hakimi: A Flu Plan involves certain behavioral and dietary changes that will decrease you exposure to the flu and if infected will decrease the duration and severity of the symptoms.  It allows you to feel secure that you have taken all the measures necessary to be ready in the event that you or your family become ill.

Do flu plans vary from person to person?

Dr. Hakimi: There is a general flu plan to help the body to increase immunity and fight the infection.  However, it should be personalized for the following group of people who are at higher risk of complications with the flu.  The following group of people need to be seen and evaluated by their physicians.  Others can use the plan as described.  Make sure you seek the attention of your physician if your symptoms do not resolve or worsen.

Who is at risk?

Dr. Hakimi:

• Adults and elders with chronic health conditions such as COPD (emphysema), asthma, cancer, heart disease, cigarette smokers, kidney disease, diabetes, HIV, Hepatitis, etc.
• Pregnant women (women who are pregnant suppress their own immune system to harbor a “partial foreigner” – their baby’s father’s genes, therefore making them immuno-compromised throughout their pregnancy.
• Infants and their care givers
• All children age 6 months to 4 years
• Children with health problems aged 4 years to 19 years
• Health Care Workers, care givers, people who work around patients

What is in your personal flu plan?

Dr. Hakimi: Prevention

• Frequent hand washing for 20 seconds multiple times a day. To kill germs, infectious-disease experts recommend washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Dry your hands with a paper towel, then use the towel to shut off the faucet and open the restroom door.  If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Turn your head and cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or the inside of your elbow if no tissue is available. Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer immediately.
• Use a disinfectant to regularly sanitize commonly touched surfaces, such as telephones, door handles, light switches, computer equipment, etc. Try to apply the same practice at home by sanitizing door handles, light switches, toilet handles, and restroom and kitchen counters.
• Try not to use other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment.
• If meeting in a group setting, avoid close contact with others and ensure that the meeting room is properly ventilated.
• Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

• Resist all temptation to touch your face!
• Stay away from people who cough or sneeze.
• Prepare your own food.  Make it healthy!  Less sugary and more organic foods. Even small amounts of sugar can significantly impair your immune function, making you more susceptible to a flu infection.
• Make an appointment with your doctor and get prepared: do you have all your medicine refills?  Do you have any emergency medicine you will need?
• Have a flu plan: your entire family or workplace may have the flu at the same time.  Stock up on Oscillococcinum, Coldcalm, and other supplements mentioned.  Stuck up your refrigerator with herbs mentioned and ingredients for organic and freshly made soup or canned soups.
• Carry a hand sanitizer in the car, in the house and at work.
• Call your doctor if you feel like you have any flu symptoms.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids, i.e. water.
• Drink plenty of warm liquids, i.e. hot tea, green tea.
• Stay home!  Avoid work and school if you have the flu! Wear a mask if you go out.
• Get plenty of rest and restful sleep.
• Moderate exercise to increase heart rate, breathing rate and to sweat is recommended.  Do not make your body tired.
• Gargle twice daily with warm salt water (may also use Listerine but it is drying)
• Nasal saline rinses or cleaning nostrils with salt water twice daily.  Blowing the nose or using q-tips soaked in warm salt water to clean nostrils.
• Boost your natural immunity.
• Reduce Stress. Too much stress has a highly negative impact on your overall health and, over time, it will make you much more susceptible to a flu infection.

Thank you Dr. Hakimi. You’ve reinforced a lot of what we’ve heard, but you also introduced some new information to help our Blisstree.com readers.

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Post from: Blisstree

Influenza Q&A with Dr. Payam Hakimi

• 1 in 45 after hip or knee replacement
• 1 in 85 after cancer surgery
• 1 in 815 after day surgery

The results should be a wake-up call for surgeons. It used to be thought that the chances of developing a blood clot rose about 20% or so after surgery, but these findings show that it really is almost 70 times higher.The article was published yesterday in the on-line issue of BMJ.

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Post from: Blisstree

Surgery Blood Clot Risk Higher Than Thought

One Lot of Zaditen Tablets (for Asthma) Recalled Due to Potential Health Risks

OTTAWA – Health Canada is advising consumers that Montreal-based Paladin Labs Inc., the manufacturer of the prescription asthma drug Zaditen, is recalling lot #440494, which is packaged as blisters of 14 – 1mg tablets. Lot #440494 has been found to have less of its active pharmaceutical ingredient (ketotifen) than indicated on the label. An active pharmaceutical ingredient is a substance or mixture of substances in a drug that delivers the therapeutic benefit to a patient.

Use of product from lot #440494 could result in different adverse events due to decreased effectiveness. Individuals currently stabilized on Zaditen may notice a worsening of their asthma symptoms and could also experience side effects related to an unnecessary increase in the dose of their other asthma medications.

Canadians who are taking Zaditen tablets should check the lot number found on the blister packaging. If the tablets are from lot #440494, consumers are advised not to use them and to consult their pharmacist for replacement Zaditen tablets or their physician if they have new or worsening symptoms. Unused tablets from the affected lots should be returned to the pharmacist.

Zaditen is indicated as an add-on medication in the chronic treatment of mild atopic asthmatic children and comes in tablet or syrup form. Only tablets from lot # 440494 are affected by this recall.

To date, no adverse reactions from the use of this product have been reported in Canada.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada’s public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

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Image: Newscom.com

Post from: Blisstree

Health Canada Recalls Lot of Zaditen Tabs

SLIM-FAST READY-TO-DRINK MEAL REPLACEMENT SHAKE PRODUCTS MAY CONTAIN BACILLUS CEREUS BACTERIA

OTTAWA, December 3, 2009 – Unilever Canada Inc. has informed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that they are recalling certain Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products distributed in Canada.

Unilever Canada Inc. is warning the public not to consume Slim-Fast ready-to drink meal replacement shake products described below because these products may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus.

All lot codes and Best-By dates of the following Slim-Fast RTD (ready-to-drink) products are affected by this alert:

These products have been distributed nationally.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Food contaminated with Bacillus cereus may not look or smell spoiled. The symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning can include vomiting or diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and pain and may occur between 30 minutes and 15 hours after consuming the contaminated product. Infants, children and pregnant women are susceptible to dehydration resulting from diarrhoea.

Unilever Canada Inc. is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA will be conducting a food safety investigation and monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:

Unilever Consumer Services Center at 1-800-896-9479 (Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time);

CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For more information on all food recalls, visit the CFIA’s Food Recall Report at: http://active.inspection.gc.ca/eng/corp/recarapp_dbe.asp

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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Image: Slimfast.ca

Post from: Blisstree

Canadian Recall Slim-Fast Ready-to-Drink

Researchers in Denmark found that the incidence, the number of brain cancer cases diagnosed, was the same at the end of the study as it was at the beginning, went down, or increased before the large-spread availability of cell phones.

Cell phones have been blamed for brain cancer in previous research, but with a very small increase. The National Cancer Institute has a page on cell phones and brain cancer, where there are explanations about why the fear exists and what types of radiowaves are emitted by cell phones.

One thing to keep in mind is that this study, which was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, was done on adults and not children, so it makes no claim as to whether cell phones have an effect on the brain in children. As well, although the period was over 30 years, it could be that the time from when cell phones really became popular hasn’t been long enough to study the long-term effects.

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Post from: Blisstree

No Brain Tumors with Cell Phones: Study