Seniors, those aged 65  years or older, often undergo surgery for various ailments that have either been neglected over time or have developed over the years. And, as the population ages, more surgeries will be done in that age group. According to a study just published in the Archives of Surgery, every year, approximately two million seniors have abdominal surgery.

Abdominal surgeries, any type of surgery that involves the abdomen, are particularly risky for seniors, say researcher from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Washington. The researchers were looking at complication and death rates of 101,318 seniors who underwent common abdominal procedures such as cholecystectomies (gall bladder removal), hysterectomies (removal of the uterus) and colectomies (removal of part of the colon).

Seniors often have multiple medical problems, which could add to surgery risk, and the researchers point out that the seniors may also have a lower ability to tolerate the stress of surgery and any complications that may result. For this reason, the researchers found a complication rate and death rate of:

• 14.6% and 2.5% for patients from 65 to 69 years
• 16.1% and 3.8% for patients from 70 to 74 years
• 18.8% and 6% for patients from 75 to 79 years
• 19.9% and 8.1% for patients from 80 to 84 years
• 22.6%  and 12.6% for patients from 85 to 89 years
• 22.7% and 16.7% for patients who were 90 years or older

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Image: PhotoXpress.com

Post from: Blisstree

Abdominal Surgery Higher Risk for Seniors

A minimum of four cups of tea a day will contribute to your daily fluid intake, the antioxidants tea contains can be beneficial for heart health, and the small amount of caffeine tea contains can help increase concentration, according to the latest research – all news that should have commuters heading straight for the kettle when they arrive in the office.

Aside from promoting heart health, tea has also been demonstrated to help cope with stress, cut death risks (due to chronic disease), and reduce the risks of developing gall stones and contracting gall bladder cancer.

That tea is a healthy drink is not a surprise. That Londoners need convincing is what makes me confused. Isn’t tea the ultimate panacea for the Brits? “Boyfriend left you for another? Another man? Here, have a cup of tea. It’ll do you good…”

Anyway, should you feel like reading scientific bases for tea’s health benefits, see the UK Tea Council’s Tea4Health, which compiles the latest research on tea and health.

Post from: Blisstree

Four Cups of Tea a Day For Your Health

According to a population-based study from China, drinking at least one cup of tea a day cuts the risk of cancer in the gallbladder and bile ducts by about 40 percent.

Don’t ask me how; they‘re not sure either. They believe its due to the anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols found in tea called epigallocatechin gallate.

I hope I’m one of those with a very low risk of contracting this type of cancer. Or that there is some other food item, some other option, with the same medicinal benefit.

I can’t stand the taste of green tea. Ugh. (I’m a coffee-junkie)

[Photo: Vince Chan]

Post from: Blisstree

Green Tea Cuts Risks of Bile Stones and Gall Bladder Cancer