Opioids Still Often Prescribed to Teens, Young Adults
https://wb.md/2wp7kfd TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Even amid an epidemic of abuse, opioid painkillers are still commonly prescribed to teenagers and young adults for conditions like tooth and back pain, a new study finds. Researchers found that between 2005 and 2015, opioids were prescribed to teens and college-age adults at nearly 57 million visits to doctors' offices and emergency departments in the United States. It was particularly common in the ER: 15% of those visits ended with an opioid prescription -- with only a small decline over the 10-year study period. The reasons for the prescriptions ranged from bone fractures and sprained ankles to dental problems and low back pain, the study authors said. It's not clear how often those prescriptions were appropriate or inappropriate, said Dr. Todd Callahan of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. "What we can say is that opioids are still commonly prescribed to adolescents and young adults," he said. "And this study gives us some clear signals about which diagnoses are most related to those prescriptions." Callahan wrote an editorial published with the study in the June issue of Pediatrics. Dr. Joel Hudgins, lead researcher on the study, agreed that it's not clear what the prescription rates "should be." "But for some of these conditions, the rates are too high," said Hudgins, who practices emergency medicine at Boston Children's Hospital. For problems like dental pain and aching backs, it's recommended that non-opioid pain relievers be tried first, Hudgins said. Yet, the study found, about 60% of emergency visits for "dental disorders" ended with an opioid prescription. And among young adults, the drugs were prescribed at 38% of emergency visits for low back pain. That's concerning because teens and young adults are at increased risk of abusing opioids after receiving a legitimate prescription, according to Hudgins. "This is a high-risk population," he said, "so we should be particularly thoughtful when making the decision to prescribe an opioid." More than 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose, according to the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Illegal opioids, like heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, have become the biggest concern in recent years. Still, prescription opioids -- like OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet -- were involved in 35% of opioid overdose deaths in 2017, government figures show. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ May 28, 2019 at 04:05PM
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Fertility Treatment, Pregnancy Heart Issue Linked?
https://wb.md/2EAB25h TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of a pregnancy-related type of heart failure is five times higher for women who undergo fertility treatment than those who conceive naturally, a new study says. The condition is called peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). It affects about 1 in 1,000 pregnant women worldwide and is life-threatening to the mother and baby. This study included 111 women with PPCM and was presented Saturday at a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology, in Athens. "It is very difficult to distinguish normal pregnancy discomfort from heart failure symptoms," study co-author Dr. Tobias Pfeffer said in a society news release. He's a cardiologist at Hannover Medical School in Germany. "Our study shows that the risk of PPCM is five times higher in women who have fertility treatment, so they should be aware that this discomfort may not be benign. PPCM is often diagnosed much too late, with direct consequences on prognosis," Pfeffer said. Shortness of breath, swollen legs and waking up in the night to urinate could be warning signs of PPCM. Women undergoing fertility treatment should immediately see their doctor if they have such symptoms, researchers advised. "In all women who have conceived artificially, gynecologists and fertility doctors should advise cardiac checks including echocardiography after delivery, or shortly before, to rule out PPCM," said study senior author Dr. Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner. She's the medical school's dean of research in molecular cardiology. She noted women may undergo multiple rounds of fertility treatment if they don't get pregnant or lose a pregnancy. "Lost pregnancies can also induce PPCM," Hilfiker-Kleiner said. "Women who have developed signs of cardiac stress or impaired function should know that another cycle may increase their risk of becoming severely ill." She pointed out that women who undergo fertility treatments are normally older and more likely to deliver by cesarean section -- two PPCM risk factors. Fertility treatments that result in multiple fetuses also increase the risk. Study co-author Manuel List, a medical student at Hannover, said researchers are investigating whether genetic alterations may predispose women to fertility issues and PPCM. "So far there is no clear evidence that hormonal treatment, which is usually part of fertility therapy, increases the risk of PPCM," List added. Research presented at meetings is typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ May 28, 2019 at 03:08PM
Vaping May Hurt the Lining of Your Blood Vessels
https://wb.md/2VRHoDf TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- In yet another sign that electronic cigarettes are far from harmless, a new lab study suggests that vaping damages the cells that line the inside walls of blood vessels and could hasten heart trouble. Lab-grown endothelial cells were more likely to die off or suffer from impaired function when exposed to e-cigarette vapor, the researchers reported. If this same effect occurs in the human body, then e-cigarette users potentially could be at increased long-term risk of heart disease and stroke, said senior researcher Dr. Joseph Wu. He is director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, in California. "If you're a chronic e-cigarette [user], you're probably going to be prone to more vascular disease in the future," Wu said. "It doesn't have the carcinogens associated with smoking, but don't use e-cigarettes with the assumption that if I switch to e-cigarettes it will be good for my cardiovascular health." Endothelial cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels play a critical role in heart health, the researchers explained. These cells need to be flexible to help manage blood pressure, and if damaged they could attract more cholesterol plaques that contribute to narrowing of the arteries, and stroke, Wu said. For the study, Wu and his colleagues grew endothelial cells from blood samples drawn from five smokers, five nonsmokers, two e-cigarette users and two people who use both e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes. These endothelial cells then were exposed to six types of vapor from different e-liquids purchased online by the researchers. Following exposure, the cells were more likely to die early and showed increased levels of DNA damage, the study authors said. The cells also were less able to help form new blood vessels or participate in wound healing, the findings showed. "The big picture is that, contrary to what people think, e-cigarettes are not perfectly safe," Wu said. Exposure to cinnamon and menthol e-liquids proved particularly damaging to cells, the researchers reported. Caramel and vanilla flavors also disrupted the cells, but not as severely. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ May 28, 2019 at 03:08PM
Recall: Baker’s Corner Flour Sold at Aldi
https://wb.md/2I3EB50 May 28, 2019 -- Check your pantry: Aldi is recalling its Baker’s Corner all-purpose flour, which may contain E. coli bacteria. The flour was sold in 5-pound bags. It was milled by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) at its production facility in Buffalo, NY. ADM calls itself “one of the largest producers of private label flour and corn products.” The FDA says consumers should not use or eat the flour. Throw it away or return it to the store for a refund. The flour was distributed in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia. The strain of E. coli found in the flour is closely related to a bug that has already sickened 17 people in eight states. People started getting sick Dec. 11, 2018. The latest illness in the outbreak was reported on April 18, 2019. The FDA is working with ADM to determine whether other lots of flour made at the same production facility may also be contaminated and need to be recalled. Until more is known, as a precaution, they’re reminding everybody -- no matter what kind of flour you have at home -- not to eat raw batter or dough that’s meant to be cooked or baked. Washing hands, utensils, and work surfaces after contact with flour and raw dough can also keep you from getting sick. Keep in mind that flour can easily contaminate your kitchen since it is powdery and spreads easily. People who get sick from E. coli an average of 3-4 days after eating it. People usually get diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, and vomiting. The diarrhea may be bloody. Most people recover within a week, but sometimes the infection can last longer and be more severe. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ May 28, 2019 at 12:18PM
Halle Berry Shared 4 Fat-Burning Cardio Exercises That Will Get You Into Shape ASAP
http://bit.ly/2VRrI2R No trainer, no problem. We've got Halle Berry. Every Friday, Halle shares what she's got cooking when it comes to fitness and health and wellness. Halle is the first to admit that she's not a trainer (we'd definitely hire her if she was) just a fitness fanatic sharing what works for her. She's shared everything from what she eats on the keto diet to a quick, ab-shredding workout. For her most recent Fitness Friday post, Halle told us her four key cardio exercises "to set your body (and fat) on FIRE," she said in her caption. "Regular cardio just ain't gonna cut it. Sometimes you gotta add weight to lose weight," she added. If you're ready to upgrade your cardio without ever stepping foot on a treadmill, check out her go-to moves ahead. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness http://bit.ly/2mWxwLI May 28, 2019 at 11:59AM
Can Your Arms Survive This Trainer's Nonstop 5-Minute Dumbbell Challenge?
http://bit.ly/30OWiho We've written about certified trainer Alexia Clark's workouts before simply because they bring fresh exercises to the table and promise to put your strength to the test. Check out this at-home ab routine or three-move full-body circuit for proof. She also has quite the fan base, with almost two million Instagram followers, and her most recent post is all about arms. Alexia's five-minute dumbbell challenge will target your biceps, triceps, and shoulders (there's some booty in there as well). Tack this on to the end of your gym sweat session or do it at home if you have two dumbbells available for a quick workout. See details ahead! Alexia Clark's Five-Minute Dumbbell ChallengeDo warm up first withsome of these arm moves. Holding your dumbbells the entire time, perform each of the following two exercises for 30 seconds to equal one round. Do five rounds total with no rest in between. If you need help timing this, you can use an interval-tracking app like this Tabata timer.
Watch Alexia demonstrate these exercises in the video above. If the first move is too challenging, just do one exercise per round and focus on the deadlift upright row for 30 seconds or squat, curl, and press. Also, see this article on how to choose the right weight if you aren't sure what's too heavy or too light for you. Ready, set, good luck! Health via POPSUGAR Fitness http://bit.ly/2mWxwLI May 28, 2019 at 11:59AM
Stock Up On Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Seasoning and Make These Tasty Foods
http://bit.ly/2WbhkrR If you've never tried Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend, your life is about to get exponentially tastier! Definitely pick up a bottle (or six!) and use these delicious ideas as inspiration. From eggs to avocado toast to pizza, you'll want to sprinkle this spice blend on everything!
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You've Heard About Trader Joe's New Broccoli Pizza Crust, but How Does It Taste? We Tried It
Health via POPSUGAR Fitness http://bit.ly/2mWxwLI May 28, 2019 at 11:39AM
WHO: Work Burnout, Gaming Addiction Are Diseases
https://wb.md/2wp4mYj Work burnout is now a legitimate medical diagnosis, and gaming addiction is a mental health disorder, the World Health Organization says. They will be included in the WHO's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which guides medical providers in diagnosing diseases. Burnout is now included in the handbooks' section on problems related to employment or unemployment, CNN reported. The handbook says doctors can diagnose someone with burnout if they have the following symptoms: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from their job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to their job; and reduced professional efficacy. But before diagnosing burnout, doctors should first rule out adjustment disorder and anxiety and mood disorders, according to the handbook. It also said the diagnosis is restricted to work, and not applicable to other areas of life, CNN reported. In terms of gaming addiction, the handbook says it's a disorder "characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences," Newsweek reported. The WHO noted that "studies suggest that gaming disorder affects only a small proportion of people who engage in digital- or video-gaming activities." The American Psychiatric Association has been reluctant to categorize gaming as an addiction. It says research is ongoing, including whether gaming is a sign of depression or anxiety, Newsweek reported. A number of experts also question WHO's decision to include gaming disorder in the updated ICD, which will not be adopted until 2022. More than 150 million Americans play video games, and 60% of Americans play every day, according to the Entertainment Software Association, Newsweek reported. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ May 28, 2019 at 11:07AM
This May Be the Single Most Effective (and Fun!) Way to Lose Weight This Summer
http://bit.ly/2JESSZ6 It really is as simple as you've heard. If you want to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you take in, but what's not discussed enough is the importance of finding a workout you actually enjoy - so you'll stick with it long after you've hit your goal weight. If running or cycling isn't your thing, you might try spending more time in the pool. "The rate of weight loss varies from person to person, but in general, if a woman swam for 45 minutes at least four times per week, with some fast intervals mixed into her workouts, she could potentially lose one to two pounds per week," Cindy Dallow, PhD, RD, a sports dietitian and triathlon coach, told POPSUGAR. (Here's an example of an interval workout.) "That's only if she kept her caloric intake the same or less," she added. In other words, you'll need to clean up your diet to lose weight, regardless of your workout. Just be sure you know how many calories your body needs, because as Dr. Dallow explained, eating too little while exercising more could cause you to lose muscle instead of fat. If you decide to add some laps to your workout routine, keep in mind that the more intense your workout, the more weight you'll lose. "Intensity makes a huge difference in whether someone will lose body fat or not," Dr. Dallow said. "Higher intensity swimming (going faster or harder) will burn more calories than easy swimming, which translates into more weight loss." And continuing to swim will help you keep the weight off. "Any aerobic exercise will help with weight loss, but it's even more important after weight loss occurs because regular exercise is the number one predictor of weight maintenance," she said. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness http://bit.ly/2mWxwLI May 28, 2019 at 11:00AM
I Leave Parties Early to Go Home and Wash This Sports Bra So I Can Wear It the Next Day
http://bit.ly/2MfbsJt Boobs are always in flux. And not just monthly. Over the course of my life, my breast size has waxed and waned with weight loss, activity level, pregnancy, and breast feeding. Currently, they are on a growth cycle. At times it's nice to be a bit more voluptuous, but I can attest that doing a round of burpees is not one of those moments. None of my sports bras, of which I have quite a collection, were providing the support I needed during plyo sessions or aggressive spin classes. So I went for a fitting at Title Nine (the popular online brand has brick and mortar stores, too). Yes, you can and should get fitted for sports bras - they have a distinct job to do and you want one that works. After trying on a dozen different styles, I found my match - the Booby Trap ($39, originally $58) by Brooks. And I love it - name and all. You might be surprised that Brooks, which has a cult following with long-distance runners, would make such a good bra. But the running brand acquired Moving Comfort, a well-known bra company, a while back. So you know this bra is built upon years of studying boobs in motion and perfecting bras to support them. The Booby Trap bra is both incredibly comfortable and incredibly supportive. It's honestly the first sports bra I've owned that I don't want to rip off the minute my workout is over. It has an adjustable back enclosure, with three hook and eyes, to provided stability. You can tighten and loosen the wide chest band as needed, which is important since the chest band helps create compression to tame the bounce. The internal structure of the bra has two cups, so each breast is supported rather than smooshed flat. Best of all, the bra has adjustable velcro straps so you can adjust the length on the fly. The adjustable straps really help truss my breasts, which hover right between being a C and D cup. I wear this bra for my high-impact workouts, including dance cardio. Since I like to add cardio bursts to my strength training sessions, the Booby Trap has become my go-to bra. I have left events early to get home and wash this bra, dirtied from a workout earlier in the day, so it will be ready for my sweat session the next day. Priorities! Health via POPSUGAR Fitness http://bit.ly/2mWxwLI May 28, 2019 at 07:42AM |
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