Category Archives: Cancer

New SARS-like virus can probably pass person-to-person, WHO says

World Health Organization (WHO) officials said on Sunday it seemed likely a new coronavirus that has killed at least 18 people in the Middle East and Europe could be passed between humans, but only after prolonged contact. A virus from the same family triggered the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that swept the world after emerging in Asia and killed 775 people in 2003. On Sunday French authorities announced that a second man had been diagnosed with the disease after sharing a hospital room with France's only other sufferer. WHO Assistant Director-General Keiji Fukuda told reporters in Saudi Arabia, the site of the largest cluster of infections, there was no evidence so far the virus was able to sustain “generalized transmission in communities” - a scenario that would raise the specter of a pandemic. But he added: “Of most concern ... is the fact that the different clusters seen in multiple countries ... increasingly support the hypothesis that when there is close contact, this novel coronavirus can transmit from person to person. “There is a need for countries to ... increase levels of awareness,” he said. A public health expert who declined to be identified, said “close contact” meant being in the same small, enclosed space with an infected person for a prolonged period. The virus first emerged in the Gulf last year, but cases have also been recorded in Britain and France among people who had recently been in the Middle East. A total of 34 cases worldwide have been confirmed by blood tests so far. NEW DEATHS Saudi Deputy Health Minister for Public Health Ziad Memish told reporters that, of 15 confirmed cases in the most recent outbreak, in al-Ahsa district of Eastern Province, nine had died, two more than previously reported. Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry said in a statement the country had had 24 confirmed cases since last summer, of whom 15 had died. Fukuda said he was not sure if the two newly reported Saudi deaths were included in the numbers confirmed by the WHO. Memish added that three suspected cases in Saudi Arabia were still under investigation, including previous negative results that were being re-examined. The first French patient was confirmed as suffering from the disease on Wednesday after travelling in the Gulf. The second patient was transferred to intensive care on Sunday after the two men shared a room in a hospital in Lille. Professor Benoit Guery, head of the Lille hospital's infectious diseases unit, said the first patient had not been immediately isolated because he presented “quite atypical” symptoms. He added in comments broadcast by BFMTV channel the case suggested that airborne transmission of the virus was possible, though still unusual, and that the public “should not be concerned” as there had been only 34 cases globally in a year. Fukuda, part of a WHO team visiting Saudi Arabia to investigate the spread of the disease, said although no specific vaccine or medication was yet available for novel coronavirus, patients were responding to treatment. “The care that is taken in the hospitals, in terms of using respirators well, in terms of treating pneumonia, in terms of treating complications, in terms of providing support, these steps can get patients through this very severe illness,” he said. Fukuda said that as far as he knew all cases in the latest outbreak in al-Ahsa district were directly or indirectly linked to one hospital. He added that Saudi Arabian authorities had taken novel coronavirus very seriously and had initiated necessary health measures such as increased surveillance systems.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/13/new-sars-like-virus-can-probably-pass-person-to-person-who-says/

Four new genetic risk factors for testicular cancer identified

The discovery of these genetic variations — chromosomal "typos," so to speak — could ultimately help researchers better understand which men are at high risk and allow for early detection or prevention of the disease. "As we continue to cast a wider net, we identify additional genetic risk factors, which point to new mechanisms for disease," said Katherine L. Nathanson, MD, associate professor in the division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics within the department of Medicine. …

France confirms 2nd case of SARS-related virus

PARIS – & The French Health Ministry says a second case of a deadly new respiratory virus related to SARS has been confirmed. A ministry statement issued Sunday said a hospital roommate of the 65-year-old man who initially contracted the virus has tested positive. The two shared a room for a few days in late April at Valenciennes hospital in northern France, and hence were in “prolonged and close contact.” Both are now hospitalized in nearby Lille. Four suspected cases, all people who had contact with the initial patient, were false alarms. The novel coronavirus has killed 18 people since being identified last year in the Middle East, out of 30 confirmed cases reported to the World Health Organization since September 2012. The first France patient had just returned from vacationing in Dubai.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/12/france-confirms-2nd-case-sars-related-virus/

How to treat painful sex

Dyspareunia is the technical term for pain during sexual intercourse, which can be related to mental or physical causes. It is not uncommon for women to experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives.   If you are experiencing pain during intercourse, work with your physician to determine the root cause and devise an effective treatment plan. For some of the most common reasons for painful sex, there are simple solutions that can get your sex life back on track. 1. Vaginal dryness Poor vaginal lubrication is classically linked to insufficient levels of estrogen, which tend to decline following pregnancy, during menopause and with treatments for breast cancer. This condition, however, is something women should be discussing with their doctors. Vaginal dryness can be a result of more serious conditions, such as the autoimmune disease, Sjogren’s syndrome.  It may also be caused by medications, such as oral birth control, beta-blockers and antidepressants. Regardless of the cause, intercourse is often very painful and many women may lose the desire to have sex or may be inclined to endure unhealthy pain in the attempt to appease their partner. There are several treatment options for vaginal dryness: • Hormone therapy, such as restoring estrogen and progesterone levels to normal levels can bring back the natural mechanism that supports vaginal lubrication. • Adequate amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats in your diet (10 to 20 percent of daily calories). • Stay hydrated to keep the body’s mucous membranes moist and functioning. • Avoid products that can steal vaginal moisture, like feminine sprays, douches and antibacterial and deodorant soaps • Use an all-natural, water-based lubricants. 2. Lichen sclerosis Lichen sclerosis is a fairly common issue among women that affects the vulva and can cause intercourse to be painful.  The issue can cause progressive changes to the vulvar skin. Generally, small white spots appear on the skin with a shiny or smooth texture. These can grow into larger patches and the skin will become thin and crinkled and may bruise or tear easily. Other symptoms include itching, pain, bleeding and blisters. Women experiencing these symptoms should seek the advice of the physician, as lichen sclerosis has been associated with an increased risk for vulvar cancer. The condition is treatable, usually with topical steroids, but once diagnosed the condition generally affects the individual for a lifetime. 3. Birth control pills Painful intercourse may also be associated with use of birth control pills. It is not uncommon for oral birth control to cause hormonal issues that can lead to discomforts during sex.  Birth control pills cause elevated levels of sex hormone binding globulin, which can bind free testosterone and cause vaginal atrophy in young women. This problem may persist even after discontinuation of the Pill. Hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment option to return hormone levels to a balanced, natural state and improve pain with intercourse. 4. Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is a pain syndrome of the vulva that is characterized by point hypersensitivity to touch usually in the introitus (entrance to the vagina.)  This can be the result of having frequent vaginal infections, particularly yeast infections. Women that are susceptible to frequent yeast infections should avoid potential irritants, like douches, dyes and perfumes. It is important to the vulva clean and dry and use lubrication with intercourse. If yeast infections continue or pain occurs with intercourse, you should seek treatment you’re your doctor. A healthy diet, as well as oral and vaginal probiotics, are effective treatments options to minimize the occurrence of yeast infections and prevent the development of disease.  Some physicians may prescribe chronic use of steroids to treat vulvodynia; however, this is not the best solution. Chronic steroids, especially potent doses, thin the vaginal skin over time, which can increase pain.  Topical numbing medications, or even injections of interferon, are better alternatives for managing the condition. 5. Vaginismus In some cases, the issue of painful sex is involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles, which is known as vaginismus. This can be diagnosed with an examination by your physician. Pelvic floor physical therapy is the best course of treatment, followed by graduated use of vaginal dilators.   6. Deep pain Deep pain during intercourse can be caused by a number of factors, including certain types of cancer, endometriosis, fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Getting treatment early can prevent the dangerous progression of these conditions, which may threaten not only your sex life, but your fertility and health. Do not hesitate to discuss the occurrence with your physician. 7. Seek a physician’s care If you experience internal pain with sex, you should discuss this with your doctor. If the pain is only occasional, it may be related to your cycle, or perhaps the particular position may not be comfortable for you. However, if the pain reoccurs consistently or becomes worse, this could indicate inflammation — which means it's time to see a doctor.   Dr. Jennifer Landa is Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD, the nation's largest franchise of physicians specializing in bioidentical hormone therapy. Dr. Jen spent 10 years as a traditional OB-GYN, and then became board-certified in regenerative medicine, with an emphasis on bio-identical hormones, preventative medicine and nutrition. She is the author of “The Sex Drive Solution for Women.” & Learn more about her programs at www.jenlandamd.com.& source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/12/how-to-treat-painful-sex/

Is popcorn giving you heart disease?

Oh, great. Just when you were starting to get a handle on your BPA exposure, scientists uncover a new one you should worry about.  It’s called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)—a chemical found in things like nonstick cookware, food wrappers, furniture, and even raincoats—and it’s been linked to cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.  The kicker? A full 98 percent of us have PFOA in our bloodstreams. (Protect your body’s most important muscle with these tips to Strengthen Your Heart in 30 Days.) Researchers from West Virginia University (WVU) School of Public Health, Morgantown, looked at the health data of 1,200 Americans and compared their PFOA serum levels with the incidence of heart disease. The results: The greater the amounts of PFOA in the bloodstream, the greater the risk of cardiovascular disease—regardless of factors like age, race, smoking, BMI, diabetes, and even hypertension. While previous research has linked PFOA to cardiovascular disease in animals, this is the first to look at PFOA’s heart effect on humans. Scary? You bet. But more research needs to be done to determine the specific relationship between PFOA and cardiovascular disease.  “We can’t yet be certain that PFOA causes heart disease,” says lead study author Dr. Anoop Shankar, chair of the department of epidemiology in the WVU School of Public Health. “The two could be related in another way, like people with cardiovascular disease tending to retain more PFOA in their blood.” (Minimize your exposure to harsh chemicals with these 19 Bizarre Home Remedies That Really Work.) Still, PFOA’s track record isn’t exactly reassuring. Health watchdogs like the Environmental Working Group—which annually puts out the Dirty Dozen Foods You Should Eat Organic—cite research that suggests PFOA may be a human carcinogen, and previous research has linked the chemical to chronic kidney disease and high cholesterol in children and adolescents. It’s also a significant source of global chemical emissions—so much so that the EPA partnered with major manufacturers like DuPont and 3M to form the 2010/2015 PFOA Stewardship Program, which plans to eliminate PFOAs from the manufacturers’ products by 2015.   Until then, you can minimize your exposure to the chemical by steering clear of two of the biggest sources: nonstick cookware and packaged foods like microwave popcorn. According to the FDA, many popcorn bags contain especially high levels of PFOAs. (Popcorn addict

8 healthy ways to cope with your emotions

Some days you’re so sleep deprived, stressed out and overwhelmed that you feel like you might just lose your cool. But instead of having your own meltdown, read on for eight simple and effective ways you can deal with your feelings and find your inner Zen. 1. Realize that emotions are natural. As a child, you probably learned that expressing emotions wasn’t acceptable behavior with messages like “big girls don’t cry,” or “I’ll give you something to cry about.”  Yet “emotions are just pure physiology in the body,” said Jude Bijou, a licensed marriage and family therapist, educator, and author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life.  And all feelings are rooted in just three emotions: anger, sadness and fear. Expressing them is perfectly normal, even healthy, Bijou said. 2. Have a Plan B. Tantrums, meltdowns and sibling fights are inevitable, but if you anticipate and plan ahead, you’ll be more equipped to handle tough situations, according to Nicole Knepper, a licensed clinical professional counselor and author of Moms Who Drink and Swear: True Tales of Loving My Kids While Losing My Mind. Some ideas: throw your tantruming tot into the bath and let him or her play while you take your own time out or take a trip to the park during the witching hour. 3. Adjust your expectations. If you’re trying to be the perfect mom and follow every piece of advice you hear, you’ll only set yourself up for frustration and disappointment. Instead, reevaluate and do what’s realistic for your family.  “Don’t think about how it should be; look at how it is,” Knepper said. 4. Check out. Stuck at home with the kids on a rainy day? Set the kids up with any activity and take a 20 minute break to read a magazine, take a bath or call a friend. “Any way that you find brings you comfort and support, take it,” Knepper said.   5. Laugh it off. According to a recent Oxford University study, a good belly laugh releases mood-boosting endorphins and can even help relieve pain. “It’s OK to see the fun in the dysfunction,” Knepper said, “because if you don’t, you will set yourself up for an absolute crack up.” 6. Release the energy. Counting to 10 or taking deep breaths are surprisingly ineffective ways to deal with emotions, but moving the energy out of the body in a physical way—much like a child does—is. “It breaks that grip that the emotions have on you,” Bijou said. So if you’re angry, push your hand against the door jam, stomp your feet on the floor, pound your fist into the mattress or just say, “Ughh!” If you’re feeling blue, have a good cry. For fear, instead of tightening up your body, shake and shiver it out. Are the kids around?  Go into another room or explain that you’re upset and that it will pass in a minute. 7. Learn acceptance. It’s hard to discipline your child when your emotions are running high, but if you accept his or her behavior in the moment, it will be much easier to communicate the way you want him or her to act.  “Rather [than saying] ‘She should be different,’ say, ‘That’s the way she is.’ Re-orient your thinking into acceptance rather than expectation,” Bijou said.   8. Get help. Twenty-eight percent of stay at home moms and 17 percent of working moms say they’re depressed, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. If you feel like you just can’t get a handle on your emotions, reach out to family or friends for support or seek professional help.Julie Revelant is a freelance writer specializing in parenting, health, food and women's issues and a mom. Learn more about Julie at revelantwriting.com.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/12/8-healthy-ways-to-cope-with-your-emotions/

Dad aims to change views of Down syndrome in new book

For George Estreich, the decision to write a book about his daughter, Laura, and her diagnosis of Down syndrome came naturally. A college writing professor and former poet, Estreich started documenting his life with Laura in 2001, when she was 3 ½ months old, shortly after she had undergone heart surgery.  This month, he released his book “The Shape of the Eye,” in which he aims to change the negative connotations associated with Down syndrome. When Estreich looks at Laura’s face, he doesn’t see her disability, he sees his lovely daughter – and wants others to see the same thing. Laura wasn’t diagnosed with Down syndrome until she was 2-weeks-old. At the time of her birth, doctors noticed that she had almond-shaped eyes, which are often a characteristic of Down syndrome. But Estreich brushed off their concerns, attributing the feature to his  Japanese ancestry. Still, doctors wanted “peace of mind.” “For those first two weeks, we just didn’t know,” Estreich, 48, told FoxNews.com. “We were just waiting for the results.” Estreich, and his wife Theresa, had an older daughter, Ellie, who is now 17 – and at the time, life seemed pretty good. Estreich had stopped teaching to focus on raising Ellie, while Theresa worked full-time as a scientist. But upon Laura’s diagnosis, their lives changed. “Things were difficult at first,” Estreich admitted.  Unknown territory  Laura had a congenital heart defect, which was ultimately fixed during surgery, and a feeding disorder that required her to be fed through a tube in her nose about six months, which was difficult for Theresa, who had wanted to continue breastfeeding. Once they got through those challenges, Estreich and his wife had to figure out how to cope with Laura’s developmental issues. With Ellie, Estreich and his wife knew what to expect – they had an idea of when she would crawl or walk or say her first words. With Laura, it was all unknown territory. Estreich set out to research and learn everything he could about Down syndrome, which was named after Dr. John Langdon Down, who first recognized the genetic condition in the 19th century. Individuals with Down syndrome develop a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21 at conception, which causes subtle changes in development, according to Estreich. Physical traits of Down syndrome may include low muscle tone, small stature, a slant to the eyes and a single deep crease across the center of the palm; however, each individual is different and may have varying degrees of these characteristics, according to the National Down Syndrome Society. The Society estimates one in every 691 babies born in the U.S. have Down syndrome, or approximately 400,000 Americans. Though the risk of giving birth to a baby with Down syndrome increases with a mother’s age, doctors don’t know exactly what causes Down syndrome. With recent advancements in medical technology, the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome has gone up tremendously: As many as 80 percent of adults with the condition reach the age of 60 or older, according to the National Down Syndrome Society. This is largely due to corrective heart surgeries, like the one Laura had in her first year of life. The Estreichs, who now live in Corvallis, Ore., opted not to do any prenatal screening during Theresa’s pregnancy; they figured it was pointless since false-positive rates are so high, and they didn’t want to have an amniocentesis, which can increase the chance of a miscarriage. Theresa insisted no matter what a test discovered, she wouldn’t have terminated the pregnancy anyway. Still, the diagnosis was a shock to the couple. By 21 months old, Laura was able to walk, crawl and eat. As she grew older, she continued to thrive, even if it was at a slower pace. Now, at the age of 12, Estreich said she’s pretty much like any other girl on the verge of being a teenager. She enjoys playing video games, especially Minecraft, Halo and Just Dance. She loves going out to eat – especially if it involves pizza, and she participates in a national program called Girls on the Run. Laura has completed three 5K runs in the past few years, improving her time with each race. And, much to Estreich’s delight, she enjoys assisting him in house renovations, something he talks about throughout the book. “I don’t know what it is for boys; it’s therapeutic to break things,” Estreich said of his obsession with home-renovations. 'There are no special needs' At school, Laura is included in mainstream classes about 60 percent of the time, Estreich said, adding that she has a wide variety of friends – including those with disabilities and those without. Asked whether Laura knows she has Down syndrome, Estreich said he isn’t sure. “As far as she’s concerned, it’s Tuesday, she’s going to school, and she’s putting on a tutu and a tiara. I’m not even sure how she gets away with that.” Estreich said he doesn’t think she really identifies with the condition – but doesn’t think it matters too much. “The term special needs – well, someone made a point – there are no special needs,” Estreich said. “For my older and younger daughter, the needs are the same: to thrive and belong, and the way they go about that will be different. We’re trying to help her the best we can, (to) be what she can be. If we have to address Down syndrome to do that, we do. Otherwise, it’s ‘do your homework.’” As for the future, Estreich hopes Laura can hold down a job, have friends and live with as much independence as possible. Estreich said he believes that Laura will even be able to live on her own someday. And when people read his book, Estreich wants them to take away this message: They should see a person first - as opposed to the disability. Laura isn’t defined by the shape of her eyes, but rather her cheerful personality. “I’d like people to think about who belongs in our society, and the obstacles to belonging,” Estreich said.  “And (the book is) not just about (Laura) developing and getting through her medical troubles – but about my development as a parent.”source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/11/dad-aims-to-change-views-down-syndrome-in-new-book/

The surprising reason you snack at night — and how to stop it

Over the years, many of my clients on quests to eat healthier and lose weight have told me, “I do great all day, but at night, everything just seems to fall apart.” Sometimes this happens because evening hours are less busy and structured, or because we create patterns that once formed are difficult to break, like nibbling while cooking, or always eating a sweet treat after dinner. But now, new research shows that our bodies may be physiologically programmed to crave cookies after dark. A study in the journal Obesity concludes that our internal clock, the circadian system, prompts us to reach for sweet, starchy, and salty foods in the evenings, especially around 8:00 p.m. Throughout history, this built-in need to feed may have helped our ancestors store fat to survive when food was scarce, but today, it can take a hefty toll on your health and your waistline. So, how do you fight it? Here are six tips to prevent going overboard in the evening. Connect the dots For many people, eating in general, regardless of what time, tends to be mindless. But when you start thinking about food as fuel for activity, it can help bring the importance of quality and balance into focus. In a nutshell, the fate of a meal or snack depends on what's going in your body during your post-noshing hours. Eating the bulk of your food in the evening, when your activity level is low, results in winding up with far more fuel than you body needs, and the surplus gets sent straight to your fat cells. Your body also does the bulk of its maintenance, healing, and repair work while you sleep, so the quality of the food you eat close to bedtime is key. Processed junk won't provide the building blocks that go to work to build muscle tissue, maintain a healthy immune system, and keep your skin looking radiant. Health.com: Best Superfoods for Weight Loss Break associations If your nightly routine involves eating more than you'd like, consciously break the pattern. Just changing the order of your evening activities can help. For example, if you tend to munch while going through your mail, as you stand in the kitchen, sort it in the bedroom instead. If you tend to grab snacks during TV commercials, use those breaks to get small tasks done—fold laundry, iron, pick out your clothes for work the next day, load or unload the dishwasher, or groom your pet. Simply breaking the connections between certain activities and eating can help your brain let go of the notion that it doesn't feel “right” not to follow through. Setting up new routines may seem forced or awkward at first, but before long, the healthier pattern will become your new normal. Health.com: 16 Ways to Lose Weight Fast Pre-plan meals If you're worn out after a long day, thinking about what to make for dinner can feel like a burden, or at the very least a chore. Without healthy options in place, it's so easy to order take out, make a meal out of less than optimal snacks, or reach for comfort foods. But putting healthy options in place doesn't have to be a time suck. If you don't feel like being creative, keep the ingredients for a few quick go-to meals on hand, so you can whip them up in a jiffy. One of my favorite quickies is a simple lentil salad. I always keep my fridge stocked with organic greens, and steamed vacuum-sealed lentils (you can find these in the produce section). I simply toss the greens with balsamic vinegar, add a scoop of lentils, sprinkle with sliced almonds, and pair with a serving of 100 percent whole grain crackers (or crush them on top). While not as fancy as my usual fare, within minutes, dinner is done, and far more nourishing and satisfying than a frozen entrée or bowl of cereal. Health.com: 30 Quick-and-Easy Fat-Burning Recipes Keep a journal I know, I know, you've heard this a million times, but it's one of those tried and true tools that just works. One recent study found that women who kept food diaries lost about six more pounds than those who did not. Another discovered that keeping a food diary doubled weight loss results. If you've been overestimating your body's needs, underestimating how much you eat, and engaging in a lot of mindless eating (three common missteps), journaling will keep you aware and honest, and can allow you to identify unhealthy patterns, which is the first step to changing them. Set yourself up for sleep Staying up late, during the hours you should be sleeping, increases the odds of overeating at night. And numerous studies over the past few years have connected a lack of adequate sleep to weight gain. Prior to the invention of the light bulb (not to mention TVs, smart phones, and laptops), we slept about 10 hours a night. Today, Americans average 6.9 hours of sleep on weeknights and 7.5 hours on weekends. Health.com: 7 Tips for the Best Sleep Ever Believe you can If you believe you can change your habits and routines, you will. It sounds oversimplified, but that's the conclusion of a recent study that analyzed data on the diet, exercise, and personality types of over 7,000 people. Those who believed they have the ability to change their lives through their own actions tended to eat healthier, exercise more, smoke less, and avoid binge drinking. When I have clients say things like, “I'll never be able to change” I ask them to name something else they changed or achieved that they felt doubtful about, but ultimately accomplished. Reminding yourself of your past successes can help you feel more confident about your ability to transform your lifestyle. If you need support, reach out for it. Friends, family members, co-workers, or even an online community to connect to can help immensely, especially during those moments when you just want to fall back into your old (unhealthy) comfortable routines! This article originally appeared on Health.com.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/11/surprising-reason-snack-at-night-and-how-to-stop-it/

Potential treatment for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia discovered

A drug currently being used to treat leukemia has been found to help halt the production of toxic proteins in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and various forms of dementia. Researchers from Georgetown University successfully used small doses of the drug nilotinib, used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), to eliminate abnormal protein build-up in the brains of mice. The scientists targeted the alpha-Synuclein and tau proteins, which have been previously implicated in the development of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease, Lewy body dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. …