Summer Fruits and Vegetables

Summer fruits and vegetables are presented throughout the summer in markets local farmers, backyard gardens, and roadside fruit stands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet may have a reduced risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Fruits and vegetables help fight free radicals, support digestive health and reduce the chances of developing cataracts or macular degeneration. Vitamin C, for example, helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.

Experts suggest eating five to thirteen servings (2½ to 6½ cups) of fruits and vegetables per day, depending on their calorie intake. The specific amount you need may vary depending on your age, gender and activity level. Do not worry, you can do it!

At your next trip to the grocery enjoy delicious weeks of summer products. Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables raw or lightly cooked to get the most nutritional value. Stay healthy by completing what nature has provided for us.

Did you know?

• Find a farmers market near you.
• Search for what fruits and vegetables are in season.
• Eating fruits and local vegetables and season is not only good for your body, it is also good for the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.

Selection and preparation of summer fruit and vegetables

• peak summer fruits that are rich in vitamins C and A include cantaloupe, watermelon, and tomatoes. Cherries are a good source of potassium. also try the peaches, blueberries and honeydew melon.
• Eggplant, zucchini and green beans are good sources of food fiber.Summer squash is a good source of manganese and molybdenum. Other summer vegetables include peppers, snow peas, corn, onion and broccoli.
• Snack on raw vegetables or fruit instead of chips or pretzels. Mix your favorite nuts with dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a house to keep trail mix in your office.
• Visualize your plate. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains should take the greatest amount of space. They also add flavor and texture to your dish. Try stir-fried vegetables, vegetable fajitas, or pasta primavera.
• pick fruit and vegetables in a range of colors to ensure that you get a variety of minerals and vitamins.

Sources: Centers for United States Department of Agriculture Disease Control ,, Foundation Produce for Better Health, LifeWork EAP strategies and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

Three active players in the National Football League have agreed to donate their brain and the spinal cord tissue after their death at the Centre for the study of traumatic encephalopathy at Boston University (BU) School of Medicine. The center section in Science last month, is a collaboration between researchers at the UB and nonprofit Sports Legacy Institute, headed by Chris Nowinski, a former professional wrestler who cut his career short after a debilitating series concussions.

Nowinski convinced over 100 professional athletes to donate their brains to research the long-term effects of repetitive head injuries. Researchers at UB and elsewhere have found evidence of neurodegeneration, as well as mood and memory, in retired professional athletes in contact sports. Earlier this month, researchers in West Virginia announced an independent initiative to study brain injuries among professional athletes.

The three new additions are the first active NFL players to sign with the Boston group. They are: linebacker Lofa Tatupu of the Seattle Seahawks, Sean Morey receiver for the Arizona Cardinals and the Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk (photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithallison/, DC BY-SA 2.0)

September is suicide prevention month

Suicide is never an easy thing to talk, to prevent or to understand but recognize risk factors is an important step. Suicide is a major public health problem and September is Suicide Prevention Month. Several factors may put a person at risk of suicide. However, having these risk factors does not always mean that suicide occurs. Some of the risk factors identified by the research include, but are not limited to, the history of previous suicide attempts or family history of suicide, history of depression or other mental illness, alcohol or drug abuse, and stressful life event or loss.

a person could be at risk if they talk about being a burden to others, feeling trapped, and / or having no reason to live. Suicide risk of a person is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, especially if it is related to a painful event, loss or change. Some behaviors include the use of alcohol or drugs, acting recklessly, the withdrawal from activities, by visiting or calling people to say goodbye, and / or provide valuable goods increased.

connectivity is essential for people who may be vulnerable to suicide. Social isolation can increase the risk of suicide and, conversely, with strong human bonds may have a protective effect against
it. Reach out to those who have become disconnected from others and offering support and friendship can be an act of rescue. If you suspect someone is at risk of suicide, take it seriously.

Did you know?

• Suicide 10th leading cause of death for Americans.
• Suicide is the number one type of preventable death.
• the highest suicide rate among people aged 45-64 and the second highest suicide rate among 85+.
• For many years, the suicide rate was about 4 times higher in men than in women

How to help

If you or someone you know may be having suicidal thoughts :.

• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
  (8255) or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Call your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or other health care
  supplier
• for urgent matters call 911

sources: American Foundation for suicide prevention, LifeWork EAP strategies, Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

Have you lost your job, your house and your savings. But, hey, you still have your health, right? In fact, you probably - and it may even improve. The researchers found that, historically, the Americans were healthier during the Great Depression and other economic downturns than they were during periods of prosperity. And they say the trend can still be true today.

For many, the Great Depression conjures images of wan, men of rail-thin waiting in bread lines. At its peak, in 1932, unemployment reached 22.9% and the US gross domestic product (GDP), a standard measure of economic performance, decreased by 14%. Despite these difficulties, the US average was healthy during this period than during the economic booms that preceded and followed, according to social researcher José Tapia Granados and his co-author Ana Diez Roux, both from the University of Michigan , Ann Arbor.

The pair tested levels of life expectancy and mortality data as well as GDP growth and unemployment history. They focused on 1920 through 1940, a period that included the Great Depression (1930-1933), a couple of less severe recessions, and several years of strong economic growth. The top six causes of death at that time were the cardiovascular and renal disease, influenza and pneumonia, cancer, tuberculosis, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide.

team Tapia Granados found an inverse association between economic health and the health of the population: Life expectancy fell during economic recovery and increased during recessions. Mortality, meanwhile, tended to increase during economic recovery and fall during recessions. Deaths related to influenza and pneumonia, for example, fell by about 150 per 100 000 in 1929 to 100 per 100,000 people in 1930, the researchers report online today in the Proceedings of the national Academy of sciences . Suicide was the only cause of death that increased during periods of economic crisis. For life expectancy, the models were particularly evident among nonwhites: Between 1921 and 1926, a period of economic growth, life expectancy declined by 8.1 years among non-white men and 7.4 years among non-white women. During the Great Depression, on the other hand, life expectancy among nonwhites increased by 8 years.

But why? Researchers are not yet enough data to say. Previous studies have suggested plausible mechanisms. Economic booms are associated with more smoking and drinking, less sleep and more work-related stress - all factors that can affect health. In addition, deaths related to traffic and work accidents tend to increase during periods of economic growth. Another factor, Tapia Granados says, may involve social support. Recessions tend to bring people together, and people with stronger social support networks tend to be healthier.

One of the reasons why the results can seem so counterintuitive, says Christopher Ruhm, a health economist at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, is that it is easy to find examples of people who got sicker during recessions. "Someone loses their job, they take to the bottle, their health suffers," he said. But these dramatic stories say nothing about the overall effect of recessions on the entire population.

other studies have also suggested that health improves during economic downturn, said Stephen Bezruchka, a physician and public health expert at the University of Washington, Seattle, but this is by far the most encompassing study look at the Great depression. together, he said, all studies suggest that GDP is an erroneous measurement of well-being of society.

improve your oral health

Now that Halloween is over and you end up with more candy than you can handle, it is important to refresh smile - word game. Improving your oral hygiene can have positive effects on your health and wellbeing. Read on to learn more about improving your oral health!

One way to improve your oral health is to have a well balanced diet. Eating fruits like apples and pears can strengthen your teeth and gums while fighting against the bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath Stay away from refined sugary snacks and drinks that can lead to cavities and tooth decay. A diet rich in fruits and diet low in refined sugars also reduces the risk of obesity and other chronic health problems.

Scientists have also found a link between the mouth and the body. Good oral health can improve your self-esteem, reduce your risk of heart disease, prevent memory loss and reduce the risk of infection and inflammation in the body.

Did you know?

• bacteria as plaque can cause cavities and gingivitis
• the average person should brush 6 minutes per day - .. 2 minutes after each meal
• Flossing once a day removes plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can not reach

Trending Toothy Topics

Oil Pulling

• oil pulling is done by swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 20 to 30 minutes.
• The oil acts as a cleanser and removes bacteria and other debris that hide in your mouth.
• The benefits include whiter teeth, gums and fresher breath.
• oil pulling can also stimulate the lymphatic system and eliminate toxins to other organs.

Good ol 'mouthwash can also improve oral health and leave you with a brighter smile!

Sources: Harvard University, US Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health, LifeWork EAP strategies and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

Two medical problems caused by misfiring electrical signals, the epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmia, probably have a common molecular cause, scientists report. Research points to treatments that could reduce the chances of young people dying of crises.

Scientists at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, studied mice that had a mutation in the KCNQ gene, which builds ionic potassium channels that set up a potential action across a cell membrane. These channels help the heart beat after resetting the potential of heart muscle cells contract. The mutation - also found in humans - produces a defective protein that delays the restoration potential, what beats erratic and sometimes death

The ion channel was long thought to work only in heart muscle, but recent work. implies that it works in other tissues. Now Alica Goldman, a neurologist and co-author of the study, discovered the first definitive evidence that the channel has worked in mouse neurons. He was particularly active in brain regions susceptible to crises, the researchers report online this week in Science Translational Medicine . The team also monitored the mutant mice with EEG and ECG machines and determined that seizures often accompany an abnormal heart rhythm. "This is interesting because it provides the first molecular index" that ionic potassium channels underlie epilepsy and arrhythmia, said Jeffrey Noebels, neurologist and senior author of the paper.

Noebels said misfire by cells in the brain or heart could stimulate the release of stress hormones that cause other organs to fail. or aberrant electrical activity in an organ could spread to the other by nerves that connect them. but nailing the exact connections will probably be tricky. in mice, the relationship between seizures and arrhythmia was erratic. It often happened without the other

"the connection is always decoupled in a sense , "says Michael Ackerman, a pediatric cardiologist at the Mayo clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Ackerman studied epilepsy and severe ion channels, and said the paper is primarily a springboard." the real proof is to return from mice to humans, "he said. This means that the determination of the frequency of mutations in the KCNQ gene cause of epilepsy in humans

Nevertheless, Noebels said the work already points to possible treatments for cases the most severe epilepsy -. 10% of patients, most in their 20s and 30s, likely to die suddenly of convulsions. Previous studies in humans involved in many heart failure before death ( Science , July 4, 08, p. 31). Noebels hope that treatments for defective potassium channels in the heart muscle, such as beta blockers and pacemakers, may, if not prevent crises, at least prevent deaths due to crises. "This is the first time we can say, well, if you have epilepsy, we should examine your heart, too," he said. "And you do not have to wait years to bring to treatment."

Health Children: Play it Safe

During the holiday season, we are particularly aware to make gifts for all ages. Although receiving gifts is a joyous event, those who give should be aware of potential dangers. Some gifts can be dangerous for children who do not know better.

According to Child and Family Services, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently created a system to prevent injuries among young children following toys. There are laboratories worldwide that test toys for chemicals and hazardous parts before putting them on the shelves for sale.

Although national guidelines exist to protect your children, it is important as a parent or guardian decide what is safe for your children. Learn about current toy recalls and age requirements recommended for toys with small parts. Be an advocate for your child's safety!

Did you know?

• The CPSC has a variety of documents and safety guides lists available child-familyservices.org.
• High power magnets should be kept away from children.
• helmets must be worn at all times when riding on scooters, skateboards and bicycles.
• Balloons can be a choking hazard for children under eight.

Tips to choose the safest toys

1. Avoid toys with cords or heating elements.
2. Search crayons and markers that are labeled "non-toxic" and are labeled ASTM D-4236, which means it has been evaluated by the American Society for security.
3. does not give young children toys with small parts, which can be a danger choking -. If the toy can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is not suitable for a child under three years
4. Preventing lead poisoning in your child by educating yourself about the signs and the symptoms of lead poisoning, and the toys were recalled

Sources :. Children Service Centres US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Tradition, Mayo Clinic Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). LifeWork Strategies EAP and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

illicit drugs, science and politics can be a volatile mix, definitely. It is therefore not a complete surprise that David Nutt, a psychopharmacologist respected outpost of Bristol, Imperial College London, was canned today as the senior adviser of the drug U.K.. His fall was a document in which Nutt argued that ecstasy and other drugs have caused less damage than alcohol, although the researcher had faced before with the drug policies of the government.

Phil Willis, chairman of the House of Commons and scientific committees of technology, has already issued a statement stressing that it has asked the Interior Minister "clarification on why the eminent scientist Sir David Nutt has been removed as chairman of the Advisory Council on drug abuse (ACMD) at a time when independent scientific advice to the government is essential. It is disturbing if an independent scientist should be removed for reporting sound scientific advice. "

flu, influenza, Achoo!

flu this year ( "flu") vaccine consists of three or four different strains, according to the current vaccine. Unfortunately, 0% of influenza cases reported so far are an H3N2 virus, a strain of mainly "derivative" or changed from the strain that the vaccine is designed to protect against.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recognized that the vaccine against the flu this year does not prevent infection of the dominant H3N2 strain. With this in mind, experts still recommend that obtaining a vaccine against the flu is your best action for the protection and prevention of influenza. According to the CDC, "vaccination was found to provide some protection against the virus derived. Although small, this cross-protection could reduce the risk of serious complications such as hospitalization and death" In addition, other strains influenza circulate throughout the season, so that vaccination with protection against additional strains that may occur.

with an annual vaccine against the flu, it is recommended to use daily preventive measures such as washing hands and covering your cough or sneeze to help stop the spread of germs. Take antiviral drugs to treat the disease of influenza if prescribed by your doctor.

Did you know?

• The influenza virus causes more than 0,000 hospitalizations per year.
• Infected people may be able to infect others one day before and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.
• It is recommended to wash hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds, or long enough to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.

Avoid the spread of influenza

1. Avoid close contact. When you are sick, stay away from others to protect the spread of germs.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home, school, and errands when you are sick. You help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
4. Clean your hands. Wash hands often will help protect you against germs. If water and soap are not available, use a disinfectant alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his eyes, nose or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently touched at home, at work or at school, especially when someone is sick. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food

Source :. Http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect /habits.htm

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LifeWork EAP strategies and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

First the bad news: Revised estimates of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that the new H1N1 virus spread much further into the country and taken much cooler than previous analyzes have suggested.

Now here's some more bad news: CDC says manufacturers shipped less pandemic vaccine this week than expected

According to new estimates released today CDC, about 22 million Americans have been infected with the virus. , 98,000 were hospitalized, and 3,00 died. These data represent cases since the pandemic emerged in April and run until October 17. So far, the CDC reported that the H1N1 cases and deaths confirmed by laboratory tests. (As of October 31, the cumulative figures were 26.917 hospitalizations and 1265 deaths). But the confirmed cases are believed to be only a small part of the actual burden of influenza. Many people never seek medical attention, even if they do, they are not generally tested for novel H1N1. Some patients die in hospitals for complications from infection without the in statistics

Anne Schuchat, head of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said during a conference release today that the new estimates come from improved method that is not only based on laboratory-confirmed cases. "We do not think that things have changed since last week to this week," Schuchat said. "For the flu, it is virtually impossible to find every case with a lab test."

In the new methodology, CDC extrapolates from two sources: the Emerging Infections Program that tracks the laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic H1N1 influenza in 10 states and the aggregate hospitalization and the death of activity reports that Schuchat said has about 30 states reporting. "Estimation method we use now, we believe gives a bigger picture, probably a more accurate picture of the extent of the pandemic," she said.

regarding supply vaccines, CDC says the total available to the States today is 41.6 million doses. last Friday, the total was 38 million and the CDC should have 8 million more by the end this week. "we were not expecting to meet that estimate that manfacturers gave us," said Schuchat. When asked what accounted for the delays, Schuchat said the final stage of vaccine testing and transportation problems because of bad weather.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said today that antiviral treatment should begin as soon as possible in H1N1 patients at risk higher critical illness. Wait too long to administer Tamiflu or Relenza of pregnant women, children under 2 years, and people affected lung or heart conditions not only can be fatal, but also leads to more stress on overburdened healthcare systems, WHO doctor Nikki Shindo warned today at a press conference in Geneva. The recommendations are part of new guidelines on how to treat patients with H1N1.

"We have heard that doctors who treat very sick patients in intensive care units regretted that the patients arrived too late, and even the most sophisticated medical procedures could not save their lives," Shindo said. In patients at risk, doctors should not wait for laboratory confirmation that the patient has H1N1, and they should be treated even if symptoms are mild. "The window of opportunity is very narrow to reverse the progression of the disease. The drug should be administered before the virus destroys the lungs." Although Tamiflu is most effective when administered within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, physicians should not withhold the drug if this window has passed, she added, because it can still have benefits.

The WHO has a stockpile of 10 million Tamiflu treatments for use in developing countries, and Shindo said the agency is seeking donors to provide more. Recently, some of the stocks were distributed to Afghanistan, Mongolia, Belarus and Ukraine, which have been hard hit; Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan will soon follow.

When the frog legs are on the menu, it's not just bad news for their former owners. A new study suggests that international trade of this delicacy can spread a deadly fungus that has already resulted in a number of species of extinct frogs.

The fungus in question is called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis , or Bd. First described it ten years ago, Bd is spread through water or direct contact between frogs. It infects the skin and enters the central nervous system. The disease has already in some places, especially in Central America "broken ecosystems," says biologist Brian Gratwicke the National Zoo, Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC

To see how the frog's global trade may influence the spread of the disease, Gratwicke and colleagues compiled data from the statistical database on trade in the UN commodity. According to the database, approximately 10,000 tons of frog legs are shipped worldwide each year. The trade is worth about $ 40 million. Although the volume is insignificant compared to the $ 42 billion annual global trade in fish, it is risky because of the devastating nature of Bd, the team reported online 19 November in Frontiers in Ecology and the environment.

most exported frogs are skinned and frozen, Gratwicke said, eliminating the risk of transmission Bd. But his notes of the team, the products are poorly regulated. For example, frog legs prepared for export are not monitored for pathogens. Gratwicke said that although there have been no confirmed cases of the disease agent Bd to pass local frogs import leg of the frog, it is possible that the spores could enter the systems unskinned water, thighs of frogs thawed and from there to local frogs. Another concern is that people who handled infected frog skin could follow outside. "Although we have not been able to quantify these risks, given the size and scope of trade, we believe these risks should be managed," said Gratwicke.

biologist Ian Warkentin of Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada, the document says, it is "clearer than this massive trade undocumented and largely unregulated in amphibians," including the trade in live animals for pets is harmful. But Corey Bradshaw, Director of the Marine Biology Program at the University of Adelaide, Australia, calls the paper "speculative" and said the loss of habitat is still the overwhelming threat to the frogs in the world. "The disease takes a back seat in terms of drivers of extinction."

American Health Month heart of

February is the month American Heart Health. It is time not only to show your loved ones how much you care about them, but to show you the same love. Learn about the risk factors associated with heart disease is critical that the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women. Share the love! Educate yourself and your family on CVD prevention

It is important to be knowledgeable about the main risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. 49% of Americans have at least one of the risk factors mentioned below: High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking. These risk factors increase the likelihood of heart disease.

simple lifestyle changes can reduce the chances of a female getting CVD. Control of blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides decrease your chances of heart disease exponentially. The integration of healthy fats such omega 3 fatty acids, increasing the fiber and the whole grain consumption while decreasing alcohol, sodium, and sugar consumption decreases the chances of any heart disease contributing positively to its overall health and well-being.

Did you know?

• More than half of women believe breast cancer to be their greatest risk to health; However, heart disease is six times more fatal.
• Each year, 292.188 deaths in American women are caused by cardiovascular disease.
• 64% of women dying of cardiovascular disease have no previous symptoms.
• maintaining blood pressure, diet and exercise will reduce the chances of CVD.

Tips to improve cardiovascular health

1. Attend our free cardiovascular health screening and education Event
2. Visit www.goredforwomen.org and discover your heart score
3. Get six to eight hours of sleep each night
4. Check out these helpful tips for stress relief of the American Heart Association
5. Avoid high sodium foods and drink lots of water
6. Wear red this Friday, February 6 ^e to show your support for heart health!

Sources: The American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health, Heart Centers Woman Foundation LifeWork strategies EAP Disease Control and Prevention, and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

The largest ever study of a microbicide to prevent infection with HIV resulted in another case high hopes dashed on promising product. Earlier this year, a smaller study by the same vaginal gel gave a hint that he may offer modest protection, but the new results put the question to rest. "It will not work," says clinical epidemiologist Sheena McCormack, who led the study in four countries for the Unit Medical Research Council UK on clinical trials.

McCormack said data mark the end of the road not only for vaginal gel, but the whole class of microbicides that use non-specific compounds to prevent HIV infection. the placebo-controlled trial in approximately 9500 women tested a gel called PRO 00 a so-called polyanion that has prevented the AIDS virus from entering human cells in the laboratory and monkey studies. the four-year study of $ 44 million over six sites in sub-Saharan Africa has found no difference between the treatment and placebo groups of equal size of the study: There were 130 HIV infections in women who used PRO 00 and 123 in those who used a dummy gel

. researchers in the field of HIV prevention beleaguered often see glimmers of hope in even the discouraging results of clinical trials - witness the vaccine against AIDS study recently completed in Thailand. But this is not the case with these conclusions. "The first time I looked at the data as a statistician I said, 'You're not going to need more analysis, are you?" Said Mr. McCormack, who is based in London. " it is really clear. "

in February, a similar study of PRO 00, which only covered about a third that many women found 30% fewer HIV infections in the treated group, but with a value p 0.10. - a positive trend that did not reach statistical significance in this study $ 0 million, funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), surprised many in the area which, on the basis of other failures of nonspecific microbicides, predicted the product would not do anything. But McCormack noted that the new findings are actually consistent with test data earlier, which had a wide confidence interval and included the possibility that the product not working

McCormack said there is an increase of failure .: it informs future clinical trials. Because the results clearly show that positive test tube studies and the monkey PRO 00 are misleading, researchers now know how to use more stringent requirements for judging a product worthy of human trials.

The microbicide field has now been several effectiveness studies have failed with both polyanions and another class of non-specific compounds called surfactants. Trials are underway with several products that specifically target HIV. Sharon Hillier and Ian McGowan of the Microbicide Trials Network US, which ran the study funded by the NIH of PRO 00 in a statement released today that the new findings "raise little doubt that at this stage, the agents who specific action against HIV, including antiretroviral medicines, offer the most hope. "

Do not be Salty!

sodium, more commonly known as table salt name, is essential to our body. Regulated by the kidneys, this mineral helps to maintain fluid balance in our body and affects muscle function. The American Heart Association recommends about 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. Unfortunately, nine out of 10 Americans consume well above the recommended amount on a regular basis. In fact, about eighty percent of the sodium consumed by Americans comes from processed foods such as cereals and baked goods. The excess sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Adopt a healthy habit and avoid extra sodium. If you plan on eating canned vegetables, be sure there is no added salt. Go easy on the condiments, in particular pre-made salad dressings and soy sauce (just a teaspoon over 300mg)! In general, choose fresh foods. Your heart and kidneys will thank you later!

Did you know?

• Approximately 77% of the sodium comes from foods purchased in restaurants
• The average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day
• In the United States, hypertension is a major risk factor for death among women
• 77.9 million American adults have high blood pressure
• 97% are not aware of their consumption sodium

Tips to control sodium intake

1. Choose foods low in sodium and cook at home more often
2. Check the Nutrition Facts label for the amount of sodium per serving and number of servings per container
3. Look for the Heart-Check Mark to find products that can help you make smarter choices about the foods you eat
4. Read food labels carefully

Check out these infographics of the American Heart Association

Sources: American Heart Association, Greatist, LifeWork EAP strategies and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

The White House released a report highly anticipated on ways to enhance biosecurity in the United States. Produced by an intra-governmental working group that was set up by day President George W. Bush before he left office, the report calls for changes to the rules governing the handling, storage and management of 82 dangerous pathogens and toxins that make up select list of government officials.

Instead of applying the same standards of safety to all agents, researchers have complained for years, the report recommends a layered system that harden the security for the most dangerous agents and relax rules for more benign. The idea is contained in a bill that was introduced last fall Senate of the United States; the new report could boost the chances of the bill to be passed by Congress.

The working group also wants the government to tighten the screening and monitoring of researchers working with dangerous pathogens. And it calls for a set of minimum standards of physical security in the laboratories where these pathogens are stored and handled.

April Showers Bring Recycling Powers!

In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson called Earth Day April 22. That day has since signified call to action on the deterioration of our environment, as evidenced by the steps and rallies on mounting environmental issues. Celebrating Mother Nature while improving the environment and go green for Earth Day!

What does "going green" really mean? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it means "making healthy choices that are not only good for the environment but good for your health." Visit the market and purchase of products from a local farmer, supporting local farmers, getting your daily intake of fruits and vegetables, and reducing your carbon footprint. By practicing habits environmentally and ecologically responsible lifestyle, we can help you protect the environment and conserve natural resources.

The adoption of simple and sustainable lifestyle changes is a great way to start on the way to improving the environment. Try taking shorter showers, buying locally grown products, and recycling. Remember to make every day Earth Day to ensure our earth is at its most healthy for generations to come!

Did you know?

• 22 April 2015 will mark the 45th anniversary of Earth Day.
• for each pound of aluminum recovered, Americans save the resources to generate about 7.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity sufficient to power a city the size of Pittsburgh for six years energy!
[1945009légumes] Mashed locally grown like spinach and zucchini to add to muffins with other natural ingredients such as berries and other fruits.

Earth Day every day!

• Invest in reusable water bottles : It can take hundreds of years for a plastic bottle to decompose. Reduce your carbon footprint by investing in a durable BPA free bottle of water free and lead. You may find it more profitable in the long term
• Use Energy Star Appliances :. Energy Star certified homes offer families with an approximate 20% savings on annual utility bill and additional tax relief. homes Energy Star also prevent air pollution, while improving the performance of your home
• Reuse and Recycle :. Someone trash is the treasure of another person! Donation and reusing items has many potential advantages such as prevention of property used in landfills and help your community. The tax benefits may be available as

Sources :. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Star, Worldwatch Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Strategies LifeWork EAP and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

South Dakota banking tycoon Denny Sanford donated $ 50 million more to the Medical Research Institute Burnham in San Diego, California, to be renamed Sanford- Burnham Institute in honor of the gift.

in the last three years, Sanford has emerged as one of the top philanthropists in the nation for medical research. In addition to $ 20 million, he donated to Burnham in 07 and $ 30 million to finance the work on stem cells in a separate institute in San Diego in 08, Sanford gave $ 400 million to the Sioux Valley Hospital (now Sanford Health) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 07. with the money, Sanford Health Sanford finance the project, the objectives are, first, the cure type 1 diabetes in the life of Denny Sanford and in the long term, to build Sioux Falls into a national center clinical trials.

The Burnham Institute is basic research on diabetes, and officials in South Dakota Burnham hoped would funnel promising results in test animals and humans. The additional gift of $ 50 million could help cement ties between institutes and South Dakota California.

(The Sanford Project and Denny Sanford gifts to the Burnham Institute are subject of a profile in Friday's issue Science .)

How hot is too hot?

It's getting hot in here ... and beyond! With the approach of summer, be aware of the potential dangers of extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, "the heat is one of the main causes of death related to weather conditions in the United States, resulting in hundreds of deaths each year and even more heat-related illnesses. To avoid these life-threatening conditions, it is important to know our limits.

When the body is exposed to hot temperatures, sweating occurs to cool the body. When the body heats up faster than it can cool, heat exhaustion can occur. signs include heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold and pale, weak pulse, nausea and dizziness. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, if sleeping in a cool place, loosen clothing, apply cool compresses to the head and body, and drink cold liquids. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

Heat stroke, a medical emergency life threatening, is characterized by altered mental status, body temperature of 104ºF, fast and strong pulse, skin red, hot, and can unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms. Move the person to a cooler environment and spray or pour cold water on the victim. Cover with a wet sheet or fresh if possible, immerse the victim in cool water up to the neck.

Did you know?

• Excessive heat watch is issued by the National Weather Service when heat indices exceeding 105ºF during the day and 80 ° F at night.
• Sweat removes salt and minerals from the body, which are needed for basic functions.
• Very high body temperatures may damage the brain and other organs.
• With early recognition and cooling, the rate of heat stroke victims survival approximates 0% (AMCS).

Tips for preventing heat-related illnesses

1. unless restricted by your doctor, drink more fluids, especially water, whatever your level 'activity. Do not wait until thirsty to drink.
2. When possible, stay in an air conditioned environment. If your home does not have air conditioning, spend a few hours at the mall or public library
3. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing
4. Never let anyone - .. person or animal -. in a closed vehicle parked
5. Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening. . Exercise indoors when the outside temperature is too hot and the air quality is poor

Sources: Healthfinder, National Weather Service, US security and the Institute of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LifeWork EAP strategies and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

a theory linking chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) to Infectious mouse known as XMRV took a second big success. First proposed last October to Science , the connection CFS virus was quickly challenged by a British group. Now a second team of British virologists reports that, after the fabric 170 CFS examining patients, they failed to find evidence of XMRV

Patients with CFS often report that their state -. A mixture of symptoms, including unexplained pain and excessive fatigue - began after a viral infection otherwise normal. And scientists in the past have previously linked CFS to some viruses. However, these links have collapsed under surveillance and without a firm biological cause for CFS, victims continue to face skepticism that their state is a "real" disease.

National Institute Researchers from the UK for medical research was the last challenge to XMRV link, using PCR machines to drive the DNA of the mouse virus in human tissue . As they reported in February 15 Retrovirology , they found no trace of DNA in 299 samples taken from both CFS sufferers and patients healthy controls.

The team also looked at the blood serum of 565 people to see if they could identify the signs of an immune response to XMRV. In this approach, scientists have discovered antibodies that fight XMRV in 26 people. However, only one of these people CFS. The meaning is not clear, because the same antibodies can defend against other viruses related, and specific trigger in this case remains unknown. The main conclusion the authors draw is a company perhaps: "XMRV infection may occur in the general population, but with uncertain results now."

The work corroborates a study published in January by a team at University College London, the first to challenge the assumption of the mouse virus. The two teams met the work of a research group at the Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease in Reno, Nevada, who reported finding XMRV in two thirds of 100 CFS patients. In independent studies, other researchers have established a link XMRV - again controversial - an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

The authors of the new offering some advice paper with their data: "Following the results reported here," they write, "it appears next prudent step for subsequent studies to compare samples and protocols between different laboratories around the world. "

This is a good idea, because the differences between laboratories are common, says David Griffiths, a virologist at the Institute Moredun in Midlothian, UK, who has studied the claim . for retrovirus as the cause of chronic diseases also notes that it can not find serious flaws with no published studies ". All those involved are doing things exactly as they should be" for the moment, then, the XMRV results remain hopelessly ambiguous. As Griffiths says, "There must be an explanation why the disparate results are emerging, but it may not be an easy thing to turn up."

Firework Safety

Where will you celebrate the anniversary of the independence of our nation? Want to attend a fireworks or barbecue? Recognition of the Fourth of July began in 1776 when the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, establishing the 13 colonies free. Many people celebrate this national holiday by watching fireworks, or putting on a show themselves. Although these colorful displays can be fascinating, it is important to know the dangers associated with them.

According to the Consumer Product Commission (CPSC), 7,400 injuries (65 percent) that occurred in 2013 were supported in 30 days around July 4th. These fireworks accidents often occur when fireworks are illegal or hand. malfunction and misuse are the most common causes of injury. Fireworks may crowds of the oooh "and" aaah "but only if they are used safely and responsibly. Be careful and have fun if you plan to attend one of these fourth of July events in the Washington DC Metro!

Did you know?

• In 1776, the population in the 13 colonies was 2.5 million. This 4th of July, it will be 318,400,000.
• Sparklers cause 23% of fireworks injuries according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children 0 -4, followed by children aged 10-14 (NFPA).
• on the Fourth of July, more fires are reported than on any other day of the year and fireworks account for 40% of all fires (NFPA).

Firework Safety Tips:

If fireworks are legal where you live and that you plan to use fireworks at private parties, keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Use fireworks outdoors and just as expected.
2. light fireworks one at a time, and then quickly return. Stay away from people, bushes, leaves, houses and flammable substances.
3. Wear eye protection and have a bucket of water or hose nearby.
4. Do not hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting.
5. Never relight a "missed" fireworks. Some may even ignite at any time. Wait 20 minutes and then soak in water before throwing it in a trash

Sources :. National fire protection administration, the National Council on Firework Safety, Prevent Blindness America, Consumer Product Safety Commission in the US, LifeWork EAP strategies and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

There is a medical mystery. A man arrives in an emergency room of the hospital with a broken leg, and two days later he was burning with fever and her lungs are so inflamed that it needs a ventilator to breathe. It is as if he is fighting off a severe bacterial infection, yet it has no open wounds.

The doctors have seen this systemic inflammatory response syndrome of the situation called life threatening (SIRS) -PLAY dozens of times. Until recently, they believed that the shock of an injury such as a crushed leg or pelvic fracture, reduced blood flow to the intestine; which somehow gives the possibility of bacteria to migrate from the intestine into the blood through a main vein in the abdominal wall, known as the portal vein. Infected blood by bacteria from a condition known as sepsis can cause fever, inflammation and organ failure.

But in the early 190s, Frederick brothers and Ernest Moore, surgeons at the University of Colorado, Denver, placed the catheters in the veins doors trauma victims with SIRS and saw no bacteria. Experts now widely agree that these patients are not infected, leaving unexplained inflammation. "No one could find the source," says Carl Hauser, a trauma surgeon and immunologist surgeon at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

In a new study, Hauser and colleagues focused on plasma, colorless liquid in which blood cells are suspended. They took fluid samples from 15 severely injured patients who had just arrived in an urban emergency room. the samples contained a surprising amount of DNA. specifically, researchers have discovered-DNA the genetic material 1000 times mitochondrial belonging to power plants of the cell -. than that observed in normal plasma the data suggest, said Hauser, when many cells are damaged in a wound, they release a large amount of mitochondrial fragments in the blood. "it was a revelation for me."

the body responds to this mitochondrial DNA as if it is a bacterial invader. When the team exposed human neutrophil, the dominant type of white blood cell involved in the immune response of the body to bits mitochondria, immune cells launched the same chemical response they make when they spot foreign bacteria. In addition, when the researchers injected mitochondrial debris in the mouse abdominal wall, neutrophils swarmed the site. And rats, injection of mitochondrial debris in the bloodstream caused lung inflammation, reports the team in issue tomorrow Nature . Neutrophils were "treated mitochondria as an enemy," says Hauser.

The answer is logical. Neutrophils are programmed to recognize a group of molecules called formyl peptides, which are common in bacteria and other organisms celled. the problem is that mitochondria, which biologists think symbiotic bacteria were once also the awareness warning markers.

the findings could lead to better treatments for SIRS. inflammatory complications injury or illness account for about half of the patients in intensive care units, Hauser said, but antibiotics only work when the bacteria are to blame. He said that blocking the neutrophil response is already possible. but before doctors call off the attack of the body, he said, they need rapid tests, high accuracy for distinguishing inflammation induced mitochondria-the actual infection.

Frederick Moore, now at the Methodist Hospital Research Institute in Houston, Texas, agrees that the work provides a path to more effective treatment of systemic inflammation. "What clinicians face today is that they can only do one thing, which is to provide patients with broad-spectrum antibiotics," a strategy that is both costly and potentially dangerous, he said, because it grows resistant bacteria strains.

Summer Grilling

We will enjoy the warm weather while we have it! Most often, when we think of summer grilling, we think burgers and hot dogs, but have you ever tried grilling your side dishes or desserts? Grilling can be an interesting and heart healthy way to prepare food during the summer months. Some fruits and summer vegetables include apricots, avocados, beets, peppers, blackberries, blueberries, carrots, grapes, mangoes, melons, and much more!

There are an abundance of seasonal products loaded in nutrients and low in calories that taste wonderful on the grill. For your side dishes, grilled bell peppers, eggplant, sweet corn, summer squash, tomatoes or zucchini. Once you are done with your main dish, complete the meal with grilled peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, pears, pineapples or for dessert. Try adding mint with grilled apples, vanilla or grilled peaches for even more flavor!

These grilled fruits and vegetables not only taste delicious but are composed of natural ingredients that benefit your body. Take a look below for tips on cooking your next dessert!

Did you know?

• Diets high in plant foods are associated with a reduced risk of several cancers (American Institute for Cancer Research).
• Colorful fruits and vegetables peeling can be a source of phytochemicals, which protect our cells against oxidation.
• farmers markets offer a wide variety of seasonal produce and homemade goodies. Visit the farmers market near you!

Tips for grilling Fruit

1. Choose fresh fruit business is a little less than perfectly ripe.
2. Cut the fruit in half (you can keep the skin) and soak it in water so it stays moist on the grill.
3. squeeze a lemon in water to preserve the color of the fruit. Feel free to experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg.
4. Grill fruit over medium heat on a baking rack or clean aluminum. A higher temperature works best for certain fruits such as cantaloupe

Sources :. The American Institute for Cancer Research, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, LifeWork strategies, Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For more information, consult your doctor. feel Please free to copy and distribute this health resource.

Ask the dietitian: Single Back to School Breakfast

If you missed to the market FRESHFARM Farmer this month, here is a breakfast assortment of healthy recipes back to school and guidance of Executive chef Randall Smith and Meaghan Butler, dietitian to help you and your family preparing for a school year without stress!

Save the date and join us the next time we are in the market farmer FRESHFARM Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Ellsworth Drive in downtown Silver Spring. We'll be back with live demonstrations of cooking, nutritional advice and health examinations

Healthy Back-to-School Breakfast Tips :.

1. Pick 3
Aim to include at least three of the five following groups of foods :. Fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein

2. Plan ahead
Prepare breakfast in advance by cutting the fruit, boiled eggs in boiling point, or portioning ingredients smoothie the night before.

3. Eat mindfully
Taste your food, smelling your food, and learn to recognize when you feel full! Taking the time to live your breakfast will help you start the day right and also serve as a good example for your children or other household members.

4. Focus on nutrients - no calories
real food we provide calories and nutrients we need to nourish our bodies. Opt for fresh and whole foods over processed foods. Use caution when foods claim to have very few calories and extremely long lists of ingredients.

5. Wake up early
Feel like there is just not enough time in the morning? Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier than usual and make your morning meal a priority

Recipes :.

Peanut butter and fresh fruit Quesadillas
Serves 6

Ingredients:
• 6 10 "Flour Tortillas
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar
• 2 Tblsp. Cinnamon Sugar
• Chopped 1C fresh peaches, plums or apples
• 6 Tblsp. peanut butter
• Pan Spray as needed
• Preheat a large skillet over medium heat

Directions :.
Lay a tortilla on a flat surface and spread 2 Tbsp. peanut butter, 1/3 cup cheese, 1/3 cup chopped fruit, 2 tsp. cinnamon sugar across the entire surface. Top with second tortilla

. spray a generous side with pan spray and throw quesadilla in a hot pan. Grill until crispy and brown on one side. Spray upper side, flip quesadilla and brown the other side.

Remove from pan and cut into quarters. . Serve hot or cold

watermelon and sunflower seeds

Ingredients:
3 Cups Chopped Watermelon
¼ cup sunflower seeds
½ juice lime

directions:
Combine ingredients and mix well

breakfast Smoothie
Serves 1

.: ingredients
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup frozen mango
• ½ cup frozen pineapple
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 c. flaxseeds
• 1 c. almonds

Directions:
1. Stuck Pack 1 cup of leafy vegetables in a measuring cup and then toss into the blender with 1 cup water, 1 tbsp. almonds
2. Blend greens and water until the pieces of leaves were gone
3. Add the mango, pineapple and banana and mix again until smooth ( may need to add more water to the desired consistency)
4. Take with you! on-the-go or enjoy right away

Banana-Almond Night oats
Serves 1

Ingredients:
• ½ cup oats
• ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
• ½ tsp. vanilla
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 c. flax or chia seeds
• 1 c. tablespoon almond butter
• 1 small ripe banana, sliced ​​

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in the container or sealable Tupperware container
2. Shake / stir up 'a homogeneous mixture
3. Refrigerate and enter to go in the morning! (Can be refrigerated up to 3 days)

Avo-Toast
Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 Hard- boiled egg
2 slices whole wheat bread, toasted
½ avocado
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. boil the egg: Place egg in a small saucepan. Cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat; when the water reaches a boil, cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 12 minutes
** Note :. This can be done in advance
2. Toast bread
3. Slice the avocado and boiled egg and add to grill
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste

You have questions about nutrition? Contact our dietitians Nutrition Office and outpatient diabetes at Adventist Hospital in Washington at (301) 891-6105.

Three areas in Russia now have the highest rates of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR) ever recorded, according to a new report released today by the World Health Organization. Overall, however, the percentage of TB patients infected with multi-resistant strain has remained roughly the same at 3.6%. Much more money is needed to treat patients with MDR-TB and stopping its spread, said WHO; the long-term treatment can cost 50 to 0 times more than regular TB treatment.

Approximately 440,000 cases of MDR-TB occurred worldwide in 08, according to the report, half of them in India and China. Relatively speaking, however, the problem is more serious in Eastern Europe and countries of the former Soviet Union. Among new TB patients in the Russian oblasts (regions) of Murmansk, Pskov and Arkhangelsk, which are all in the north-Russia-28%, 27%, and 24% were MDR respectively. (The highest level recorded to date was 22% in Baku City, Azerbaijan, in 07.) Intense efforts against the problem led to lower rates in the Orel and Tomsk oblasts, however , as well as Estonia and Latvia.

To repeat this success globally, a huge increase in funding is needed. In the 27 countries with high burden of MDR-TB, some $ 400 million will be available in 2010; "The need for funding in 2015 will be 16 times higher," the report said.

Scientists were concerned about getting approval to study several popular stem cell lines can breathe easier. Tuesday WiCell, a non-profit University of Wisconsin, asked the National Institutes of Health to add four lines to the register of cell agency that can be investigated by federal funds. NIH will now consider the lines to make sure they comply with ethical rules set by the Obama administration. Some scientists who use those cells approved under the Bush-era stem cell policy were tired of waiting and thinking of scrapping projects that use the lines.

awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is upon us! NBCAM is an annual movement to raise awareness and help in early detection of breast cancer. In a healthy body, natural systems control the creation, growth and cell death. Cancer occurs when our cells do not die at the normal rate (Susan G Komen). Breast cancer develops when these damaged cells accumulate and form a lump or tumor in the breast. These cells can break away and spread to other tissues in the body through blood vessels and lymph vessels, causing the cancer to spread.

There are several steps one can take to avoid developing breast cancer, all of which improve your overall health. Like many other cancers, smoking can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. In addition to lead a life without tobacco, maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly (about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week) and eating a balanced diet (avoiding foods high in saturated fats), have been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

early detection saves thousands of lives each year. Breast cancer can be diagnosed early through screenings such as breast self-examination, clinical breast exams and mammograms. These methods help prevent the spread of the disease to parts of the body other than the breasts. To learn more about breast cancer from the American Cancer Society.

Did you know?

• There are over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States (ACS).
• Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the second cause of death among women exceeded only by lung cancer (ACS).
• Approximately 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women (ACS).
• Approximately 1 August (12%) of women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime (ACS).

Screening Guidelines

• women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year
• women in their 20s and 30s should have a review clinical breast (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years
• breast self-examination (BSE) is an option for women in their 20s. Women should be informed about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any changes in their health care professional immediately.
• Women who are at high risk for breast cancer based on certain factors should get an MRI and a mammogram every year.

Read more directives screening at the American Cancer Society

Sources :. US Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health, The American Cancer Society, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, jLifeWork EAP strategies, and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

A federal court in Tennessee heard arguments yesterday and today whether lie detection technology based on fMRI brain activity should be allowed in a criminal case involving a psychologist accused of defrauding Medicare. Magistrate Judge Tu Pham chaired the interim hearing and could issue his report anytime between now and June 1, when the trial begins.

The hearing provided the most formal legal test yet of whether fMRI lie detection meets the so-called Daubert standard to admit evidence in federal court, and as such, it could set an important precedent.

Last year, lawyers have applied to introduce fMRI evidence of the company lie-detection California-based No Lie MRI in cases of sexual violence in southern California (to demonstrate that the defendant told the truth). But they withdrew after prosecutors lined up expert witnesses to testify on the shortcomings of the method. And at a pre-trial hearing last week for a case of employer reprisals, a judge in New York has rejected an attempt to introduce fMRI lie detection evidence Cephos, the same company based in Massachusetts involved in Tennessee. New York The applicant's lawyers had hoped to use fMRI scans and expert testimony of Cephos to demonstrate that a witness told the truth, but the judge decided that the establishment of the credibility of a witness is the work the jury, not expert witnesses.

fMRI brain scans were introduced earlier in the sentencing phase of a murder trial (to indicate that the defendant had a brain disorder and should be spared the death penalty). But lawyers say that the requirements for the admission of evidence hardly are generally less stringent than those of a trial to determine the innocence or guilt.

Unlike previous cases involving fMRI lie detection, the court in Tennessee have heard evidence directly related to the scientific validity of the technology. The report Pham judge will take the form of a recommendation to the trial judge Jon Phipps McCalla. (Although the judge of the ordinary process would be the one to preside over a preliminary hearing, McCalla had a scheduling conflict and Pham took his place).

Stay tuned Science Insider for details as they emerge.

Crucial ulcer care for diabetics

Do you have diabetes or know someone one who does? Chances are you do. About 29 million people in the US living with the disease and almost 28 percent of them are undiagnosed.

Center for Advanced Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine at Shady Grove Medical Center

Diabetes has many challenges, including the risk of end lower ulcers poor circulation or nerve damage. We see questions like these often wound healing and Advanced Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Shady Grove Adventist HealthCare Medical Center, most often on the ball of the foot or the bottom of the big toe. About a quarter of patients with diabetes will develop foot ulcers, which, if not treated, can reduce mobility and may lead to amputation.

"We see tens of thousands of diabetics every year members of the United States to lose, and illustrates the need for patients and caregivers to recognize diabetic ulcers and treat them quickly," says Dr Cary Brown, medical director of the Advanced healing and hyperbaric Medicine Center wounds. The good news is that there are treatments for diabetics who struggle against foot ulcers and other chronic wounds.

Even if an ulcer does not cause pain, a doctor should examine it to make sure it is not prone to infection. "Often, diabetics have lost the ability to feel pain due to poor circulation, so we look for other signs such as redness, swelling or drainage," says Dr. Amir Assili, podiatrist and medical director healing wounds and Advanced hyperbaric Medicine Center. "All diabetic wounds should be evaluated by a specialist. Sometimes it's the smallest things that cause the biggest problems "

Other measures to prevent ulcers.

• Ask a doctor performs an annual foot check-up
• Inspect your feet regularly for foot injuries that you can not feel
• Limit the time you spend on your feet
• Clean your nails and treat corns and calluses, which can be broken down into ulcers
• Wear socks and shoes that do not rub or restrict your feet and cause injury support
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise for improve circulation

If you notice any problems or big small, wound advanced and hyperbaric wound Medicine Center in Shady Grove Medical Center can provide specialized treatment and care to get back on the road The healing. You can learn more online or make an appointment by calling 240-826-6106.

Two lawsuits against a cancer researcher and universities for scientific fraud have been settled for an undisclosed amount. The costumes participate in the work of Robert Getzenberg, who reported a new blood test to diagnose prostate cancer while at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and later at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Onconome Inc. Redmond, Washington, that put millions of dollars over 5 years in the search Getzenberg, last year filed suit against Getzenberg, Pitt, and Johns Hopkins alleging that the test biomarker was "essentially as reliable as flipping a coin."

last Friday, the company Getzenberg and Pitt filed a motion in federal court in Pittsburgh requesting that the case against Pitt rejected. Onconome lawyer Spencer Hosie of San Francisco said Science Insider that the federal trial and a circuit court in the city of Baltimore against Johns Hopkins have both been settled. the details are confidential, Hosie says .

spokeswoman Joann Rodgers said Johns Hopkins Science Insider email that Getzenberg "remains a faculty member", but declined to comment further. Back in September, Rodgers wrote that it "continues to be a faculty member in good standing and research continues."

Scrub A Dub Dub!

"Do not forget to wash your hands with soap ..." We've all heard it, most likely from our parents. As much as we may not want to admit, our parents were right! Hand washing is necessary for our health, especially during the winter months. It is the most important way (and easier) to prevent disease (USDA).

We touch everything, sometimes without even noticing. Hand washing, especially before and after the specific activities such as food preparation and using the toilet is like a vaccine "do-it-yourself" (CDC). Millions of invisible germs spread through hand to mouth contact or person. Germs can also contaminate food and drink. Under the right circumstances, germs can multiply, causing disease.

There are simple ways to help prevent the spread of germs, especially during the winter months. Avoid putting your hands on your face and in the mouth, nose and eyes. Wash your hands regularly, following the instructions below.

Did you know?

• Germs can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and make us sick.
• handwashing education in the community reduces respiratory diseases like the common cold in the general population by 16-21%.
• handwashing with soap can protect almost 1 in 5 young children with respiratory infections such as pneumonia.

handwashing for advice

1. Wet your hands with clean running water (hot or cold), close the tap and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them with soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between fingers and under fingernails.
3. rub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the song "Happy Birthday" from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse hands well under clean running water.
5. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry them.

Visit the CDC for more facts and tips for hand washing

Sources :. Centers for US Department of Health and Human Services Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ,. LifeWork Strategies EAP and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

In the latest twist in a controversial debate on a possible tie between a syndrome retrovirus and chronic fatigue (CFS), the review Retrovirology today published online a study led researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that refutes this link. The study, which took place in the publication because it conflicts with another pending study by US government scientists failed to find xenotropic virus-related murine leukemia virus (XMRV) in blood samples of 51 CFS patients and 56 healthy people.

This is the latest in a series of conflicting results. Last year, a team reported in Nevada Science an association between XMRV and CFS, a mysterious disease that has no known cause. Since then, three European studies have found no XMRV link, and now no CDC in American patients, either. But another team of US government: Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ( PNAS ) confirming the connection. Government officials and PNAS and, until today, Retrovirology have held off published two new papers because of the discordant findings between US agencies.

CDC virologist William Switzer, senior author of Retrovirology paper says that after taking "a scientific break" and conferring with their colleagues from the NIH and FDA, the team of CDC concluded that nothing in their paper should be revised and that "we would go ahead" with the publication. the paper examines the possible reasons for discrepant results, such as differences in the way patients were recruited. ( the paper Science found them by doctors, while CDC recruited chronic fatigue group by telephone surveys in Georgia and Wichita, Kansas.)

More answers may come from a study organized by the National Heart NIH, Lung and Blood Institute to have several laboratories test the same set of clinical samples blind for XMRV. Four US and two outside laboratories government laboratories involved, including researchers from 'Whittemore Peterson Institute in Reno, Nevada, who wrote Science Document of last year. The test should be completed by the end of the year, says Switzer.

PNAS declined to comment on a request when the FDA-NIH paper will be published.

July 2nd UPDATE: The authors of PNAS paper decided it needs more work. Corresponding author Harvey Alter at the NIH Clinical Center, which is in Berlin this week, made the statement on June 30: "Our record has not yet been accepted for publication I and my colleagues are conducting additional experiments to ensure that data is correct. and complete. Our goal is not speed, but scientific accuracy. " Spokesman NIH John Burklow told Insider that the document had were accepted, but Alter and his co-authors decided to "pull back" and revise in response to questions raised by reviewers

do donate blood, save lives

In the United States, approximately 39,000 units of blood are needed each day for patients in hospitals and emergency facilities. During the winter months, blood is in short supply because of vacation, travel, weather and disease. January was designated as National Blood Donor month in 1970 to encourage donors to continue to donate blood and platelets in the winter months. According to the American Red Cross, blood can be given safely every 56 days and platelets can be donated every 7 days, up to 24 times per year.

Donating blood is an easy and almost painless way to save lives. The whole process takes about an hour of your time. When we come to donate blood, the staff will ask you some basic questions to confirm your eligibility to donate blood. You will have a mini-physical to make sure you are in good health and ask you about your medical history and travel. The actual blood donation takes 8-10 minutes and you sit comfortably throughout the process. After the donation, refreshments are usually provided. It is recommended to stay on the site for 10-15 minutes before returning to your normal daily activities. Take time this January to celebrate the National Month of blood donors by visiting your local blood bank!

Did you know?

• Every 2 seconds someone in the US is in need of blood.
• More than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day.
• The average adult has 10 pints of blood in their body. About 1 pint is given during donation.
• A donation can help save the lives of 3 people.
• Not eligible to donate? There are other ways to help! Visit the American Red Cross to learn how

Tips for a successful donation

1. Maintaining a healthy level of iron in your diet
2. Hydrate -. . Drink. 16 additional ounces of fluids before and after your donation
3. Having a healthy meal before your donation -. avoid foods high in fat just before donation
4. If you are a platelet donor, remember that your system must be free of aspirin for two days prior to donation.
5. Bring the names of the drugs you take.
6. Invite a friend to donate too.
7. Please bring your ID

Source: American Red Cross

Sources: American Red Cross, the American Association of Blood Banks, LifeWork strategies and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

A large study to test the safety of the drug against the controversial Avandia diabetes has been partial hold by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA held a hearing on the safety of Avandia last week. Some scientists argue that persistent drug, if modestly, increasing the risk of heart attacks in patients with diabetes. But other scientists and the drug manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, dispute these results. The TIDE trial was designed to dispel lingering doubts about the drug, but it would take at least 6 years. And today, the FDA informed Glaxo that it was not allowed to enroll new patients in TIDE, although already enrolled patients may continue.

Science will report on the TIDE trial July 23 in number, which appears online tomorrow.

at least 8 million people around the world saw again with new corneas, thin clear layer of cells collagen and at the front of the eye that allows him to concentrate. But most never get transplants. There are a few years, researchers have developed biosynthetic corneas and now, two years after implantation into patients, they seem safe and have helped many people see more clearly.

Millions of people worldwide suffer corneal opacification caused by infection or trauma to the eye that allow blind and visually impaired very. There are not enough corneas of dead donors for everyone, however, and those available are expensive: They cost about $ 2,500 each (which does not include the cost of surgery), in part because they must undergo extensive testing to viruses and other contaminants before being set. "In the developing world, which is frighteningly high," said Claes Dohlman, an ophthalmologist at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. Artificial corneas, which are made of plastic, are not easy for surgeons to work with, and carry a risk of complications such as glaucoma or infection.

"We wanted something that behaves like a human tissue, so the surgeon would be able to transplant without any additional training," says May Griffith, a cell biologist applied to the University of Ottawa in Canada and the University of Linköping in Sweden.

For this, Griffith and his colleagues turned to collagen provided by FibroGen company in San Francisco, California. In the laboratory, cast Griffith team collagen in the curved shape right then enlisted surgeon Per Fagerholm of Linköping University to implant these lab corneas made in 10 patients who had keratoconus, a disease that causes cornea to deteriorate, or scarring of the cornea.

The first big test was security, and achieved good results implants. the immune system of patients do not reject the new cornea, or no patients develop infections. The team also found that over time, the implants have helped the nerves in the regenerated area, leaving volunteers with what looked like a healthy eye tissue. Six patients had slightly better with their new corneas, on the basis of astigmatism and visual acuity as that measured in an exam, Griffith and his colleagues report online today in Science Translational Medicine .

Griffith said it is too early to say what the implants will cost. And there is still work to do to make them more effective. The sutures used to attach the implant causes the surface to be a little bumpy, which makes it more difficult to restore vision. Contact lenses have contributed to this problem and improve the vision of patients with an average of 20/42, similar to standard cornea transplants. Griffith and his colleagues are planning a larger study with what they hope will be better implants that do not require sutures.

Corneas "will, I think, of considerable use," said Dohlman, who was not part of the research team. They could be mass produced and would almost certainly be much cheaper than cornea donors. "You can build a square meter, the test once [for contamination], then hit hundreds and hundreds" of holes to create a lot of new corneas, he said.