Tag Archives: cancer

Dr. Manny: Let the Gosnell verdict be a warning to others

The Philadelphia doctor accused of performing illegal, late-term abortions in his filthy clinic has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of three babies. Dr. Kermit Gosnell was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the overdose death of one of his patients, but acquitted in the charge of murder in the death of a fourth baby. While the defense had argued there were no live births at the clinic, prosecutors say 72-year-old Gosnell delivered the living babies before having their spines severed with scissors to kill them. They say the baby whose death he was cleared in let out a soft whimper before Gosnell cut its neck, according to the Associated Press. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. So let this verdict be a warning to others. I applaud the decision of the jury in their conviction of Gosnell of first-degree murder in at least three of these tragic deaths. As a practicing high-risk OB-GYN who delivers many premature babies, I feel that what went on in that clinic was truly horrific, and deserves the highest degree of punishment possible. Let this also be a warning to city and state officials who failed to do their jobs of checking up on this death clinic, knowing full well that they have a moral and ethical responsibility to respond when citizens file complaints. Gosnell’s clinic was hardly ever inspected, and those city and state officials should bear a degree of guilt in allowing this doctor to practice the way he did. In the aftermath of this despicable case, I hope that political pundits don’t spin this story into an issue purely of abortion, but take the opportunity to discuss how to improve women’s health services in this country.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/13/dr-manny-let-gosnell-verdict-be-warning-to-others/

Master regulator that drives majority of lymphoma discovered

The study, reported in Cancer Cell, found that the EZH2 protein the drug agents inhibited is a powerful regulatory molecule in B-cells, and a key driver of cancer in these immune cells. The study’s lead investigator, Weill Cornell Medical College’s Dr. Ari Melnick, suggests that combining an EZH2 inhibitor with another related targeted therapy may offer a much improved treatment for follicular lymphoma, a cancer that currently has no cure, as well as a non-toxic alternative to chemotherapy for at least a third of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Because these two lymphomas account for 70 percent of adult lymphomas, Dr. …

Small amounts of formula may promote breastfeeding in some babies

Feeding newborn babies small amounts of carefully regulated formula before a mother’s milk comes in does not disrupt the child’s ability to breastfeed – and may ultimately improve breastfeeding success in the future, the New York Times reported. In a new study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers examined 38 newborns who had lost 5 percent or more of their body weight in the first few days after birth.  Each infant was randomly assigned to either breastfeed alone or breastfeed along with a formula supplement – administered through a syringe to avoid so-called “nipple confusion” between the mother’s nipple and the bottle’s nipple. This concept is up for debate among mothers and pediatricians.  The supplement was given after a feeding, to boost the child’s hunger for the next breastfeeding. After the first week of observation, all of the babies were still breastfeeding, but nine of the 19 infants who began exclusively with breastfeeding were now using formula.  After three months, 79 percent of the babies who had been given an early formula supplement were breastfeeding exclusively, compared to 42 percent of those who had begun with just breastfeeding. Many mothers and doctors encourage women to exclusively breastfeed their children, but this new study suggests small amounts of formula may help struggling newborns get the nutrition they need in the early stages of life. “Most babies don’t need formula,” said the lead author, Dr. Valerie J. Flaherman, a pediatrician at the University of California, San Francisco, Benioff Children’s Hospital. “But some kids are at risk for weight loss, and this could be an option.” Click for more from the New York Times.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/13/small-amounts-formula-may-promote-breastfeeding-in-some-babies/

Dance fever, but no injuries

The celebrities on Dancing with the Stars have suffered a slew of injuries over the years  – from Jennifer Grey’s ruptured disc to Nancy O’Dell’s torn meniscus. So if you feel inspired to sign up for a dance class after watching an episode, take some precautions. Doctors warn that while the show's contestants may be more prone to injury due to their grueling schedules, beginning dancers can also hurt themselves if they aren’t careful.   Dr. Mike Salata, an orthopedic/sports medicine specialist at UH Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, shared his tips on how to make sure a night of swing dancing doesn’t land you in the emergency room.   1. Get in shape before beginning a new workout routine If it’s been awhile since you last worked out, log some hours at the gym before trying out a new dance class. “Start on the exercise bike or elliptical to increase your general physical fitness,” Salata said. This will strengthen your muscles and may even help you shed a few unwanted pounds – reducing the amount of impact on injury-prone joints like the knee. “Also, you will just generally increase your cardiovascular reserve so you can do more stuff without getting tired. A lot of times people get hurt when their muscles are fatigued,” Salata said. “So the better shape you are in, the less likely you will be to get injured.” Salata also recommends doing core-strengtheners like Pilates, planks or crunches. “Your balance will be better…and that will help you avoid lower back injuries, as well as (injuries in) the lower extremities,” Salata said. 2. Work with a seasoned instructor Find a class taught by an experienced teacher rather than relying on a DVD or online class. “Being involved with someone who does this for a  living, in terms of an instructor, would be helpful to minimize the risk of doing things the wrong way,” Salata said. Instructors can also help you address any pain you might feel during class, addressing potential trouble spots before they turn into full-blown problems. “Maybe they can modify the way you are doing something,” Salata recommended. 3. Don’t forget to warm up and cool down Stretch both your upper and lower body before and after every workout, Salata advised. “An appropriate warm up and cool down is important,” Salata said.  “Fifteen minutes before and after, you should really try to stretch things out and cool down appropriately. That minimizes risk of muscular injuries.” 4. Feel pain? Stop! If you feel pain beyond normal muscular soreness, ask your instructor if they have any advice as to how to modify your movements. If the pain persists, take a week off to rest. Salata advised treating your injury at home by icing the sore muscle or by taking anti-inflammatory over-the-counter drugs like Advil. “A week or two later, if it feels OK, then you’re probably safe. If your pain returns or is getting close to the level it was at (before), you need more time off,” Salata advised. If pain persists for more than three to four weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. “People get injured because they try to do stuff too fast. They’re not prepared for the activities and are doing it the wrong way; that’s the recipe for disaster,” Salata said.  “Starting gradually and under supervision – that’s really the best formula.”source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/13/dance-fever-but-no-injuries/

Natural ways to relieve arthritis pain

As a doctor, I receive questions every day varying from heart health to infertility. Today, I received a question from a man who wanted to know what alternative therapies were out there for arthritis. Dr. Manny, I suffer from arthritis, and my symptoms get worse during the winter.  What can I do to manage the stiffness besides taking medication? - Marvin Many arthritis sufferers use what is known as complementary and alternative practices to manage their symptoms. Patients turn to these alternatives for many reasons. It may be because conventional medical treatment isn’t giving them the relief they need. Also, they may be concerned about the side effects associated with drug therapy, or they may feel that alternative therapies are safer because they are “natural.” Whatever the reason, many patients are finding additional relief by incorporating these five practices into their arthritis management regimen: Regular exercise The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) recommends that arthritis sufferers use these three types of exercise: 1. Range-of-motion exercises such as dancing to help maintain normal joint movement, relieve stiffness, and increase flexibility. 2. Strengthening exercises such as weight training to help keep or increase muscle strength. 3. Aerobic or endurance exercises such as bicycle riding to improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function. Weight control is important because extra weight puts extra pressure on many joints. A healthy diet Since there are over 100 known types of arthritis, there is no single diet that will help everyone. However, the Arthritis Foundation has established the following guidelines to assist patients in maintaining a diet that will help manage their symptoms: 1. Eat a variety of foods, and avoid those that can interact with your medications. 2. Use fat and cholesterol in moderation. 3. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products. 4. Use sugar and salt in moderation. 5. Drink alcohol in moderation. 6. Take in the daily requirements of vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Dietary supplements The American College of Rheumatology has noted that there is some evidence that ginger and willow bark extract may relieve pain. These remedies, however, may contain chemicals that are similar to those found in naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil), which can cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines. They also may interfere with blood clotting and cause fluid retention, which may be problematic for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. 1.) Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine supplements are sold separately or in combination, and are recommended for pain relief when used in conjunction with other pain medication. Although their effectiveness is unproven, the college says they “appear to be relatively safe, and may be worth considering for people who have severe pain despite conventional treatments.” 2.) Fish oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to relieve pain and joint tenderness. It may take several months before a patient sees results. Side effects include gastrointestinal distress and breath odor. Manage stress Stress is a normal part of life; but for arthritis sufferers, there are additional stress factors like increased dependence on family members and changes in appearance due to joint deformities or the side effects of drugs. The Arthritis Foundation says that controlling stress is imperative for arthritis patients because “when you feel stressed, your body’s muscles become tense. This muscle tension can increase your pain and fatigue and may limit your abilities, which can make you feel helpless.” Stress can lead to depression, which can touch off a cycle of stress, pain, fatigue, and limited/lost abilities. Managing stress can break that cycle. Hot and cold applications The Mayo Clinic makes the following recommendations: “Heat will help ease your pain, relax tense, painful muscles and increase the regional flow of blood. One of the easiest and most effective ways to apply heat is to take a hot shower or bath for 15 minutes. Other options include using a hot pack, an electric heat pad set on its lowest setting or a radiant heat lamp with a 250-watt reflector heat bulb to warm specific muscles and joints. If your skin has poor sensation or if you have poor circulation, don't use heat treatment. Cold may dull the sensation of pain. Cold also has a numbing effect and decreases muscle spasms. Don't use cold treatments if you have poor circulation or numbness. Techniques may include using cold packs, soaking the affected joints in cold water and ice massage.” Patients should always exercise caution when considering any other alternative therapies. Before beginning any alternative or complementary therapy, talk with your doctor to see if it is right for your particular situation, and ask about possible side effects and harmful interactions, especially if are taking any additional medications for other conditions.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/10/10/alternative-therapies-for-arthritis/

Kid survives after being struck in chest by baseball

New Jersey mom Lisa McGreevey spent Sunday in the hospital, but it was still her best Mother’s Day ever. That’s because she was at the bedside of her 8-year-old son, who nearly died after being struck in the chest by a baseball the day before but was recovering nicely. “This is the best Mother’s Day gift ever,” said McGreevey, of Northvale, N.J., as she watched over Ian at Hackensack University Medical Center. “We’re so thankful he’s OK,” the beaming mom said. “The woman who saved Ian was an angel. I want to thank her so much.” Good Samaritan Maureen Renaghan, a mom from the other team, had told The Post after her amazing save that she was just “glad I could do anything to help that family and that child.” As Ian collapsed Saturday, Renaghan, 40, sprinted from the stands over to him. She has told how he had stopped breathing and lost his pulse, with his eyes rolling back in his head. She kneeled over the boy and started compressing his chest and blowing into his mouth until he was breathing on his own. Renaghan, of Harrington Park, learned CPR 20 years ago for a camp-counselor job. Her husband coaches their 10-year-old son Jack’s team — which is called the Angels. Ian was rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center’s Westwood campus. Doctors there sent him by airlift to the hospital’s main Hackensack facility for further treatment. The day after his brush with death at Highland Field in Harrington Park, Ian was watching cartoons and eating pancakes in his hospital bed, recalling his frightening ordeal. “I was on second base, and the catcher dropped the ball,” Ian said. “So I decided to steal third. As I slid in, the ball hit my chest and lungs. Right away, I felt dizzy. It was scary.” Meanwhile, Ian accepted an invitation to Citi Field to watch his favorite team — and player, David Wright — in action sometime soon. Click for more from The New York Post. source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/13/kid-survives-after-being-struck-in-chest-by-baseball/

Possible new acute leukemia marker, treatment target identified

The study was led by researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC — James). The researchers found that when microRNA-155 (miR-155) is present at abnormally high levels in CN-AML cells, patients are less likely to have a complete remission, and they experience a shorter disease-free period and shorter overall survival…

Paralyzed British men fight right-to-die case in court

Two paralyzed British men who want to die but cannot kill themselves went to court on Monday seeking protection from prosecution for those who could help them end their lives. The case is one of the most high-profile attempts to change the law on the right to die in Britain, where assisted suicide is illegal. “I'm constantly thinking, 'how on Earth can I do it without getting someone into trouble?'” said Paul Lamb, who was left paralyzed by a car accident in 1990. “I just want my wishes to be respected, that's all I want,” Lamb, 57, told reporters outside the courtroom. He is immobile except for limited movement in his right hand, requires 24-hour care and is constantly on morphine to relieve pain. Judge Igor Judge, speaking at the start of the hearing in the Court of Appeal, said he was aware of the men's “desperate situation” and he was sympathetic. “But they must surely know that we cannot decide this case as a matter of personal sympathy. We have to decide it as a point of law.” Lamb was in court in his wheelchair as the judge spoke. The other man, named only as Martin, is a 48-year-old who was left unable to speak or move after a stroke four years ago. He can communicate only through movements of the head and eyes. “It is their experience that their life has become unbearable,” said Paul Bowen, a lawyer representing Lamb. Law “inadequate” The details of the two men's cases are different, but in essence both are seeking help from the courts in ensuring that anyone who helps them to die will not be prosecuted. Bowen cited a report to parliament last year that concluded that British law in the area of assisted dying was “inadequate, incoherent and should not continue”. The issue of whether or not to decriminalize assisted suicide for people whose lives are unbearable to them is a matter of debate in many countries. Right-to-die advocates say people capable of making that decision should be allowed to die with dignity. Opponents say liberalizing the law could leave vulnerable people at risk. Switzerland and the U.S. states of Oregon, Washington and Montana are among places where some forms of euthanasia or assisted suicide are legal under certain circumstances. By coincidence, Monday's court hearing started two days before a bill is due to be presented to the British parliament that would legalize assisted suicide in certain circumstances. But Bowen said that even if that bill were to become law at some point, it would not be enough for Lamb. Lamb's case was originally brought by a man with locked-in syndrome, Tony Nicklinson. A court dismissed both Nicklinson's and Martin's cases last August on the grounds that it was for parliament and not for a court to change the law in this area. After being told the court's decision on August 14, Nicklinson refused food and medication and died on August 22. Lamb, who was not involved at that stage, has since been allowed to take up the legal battle where Nicklinson left off.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/13/paralyzed-british-men-fight-right-to-die-case-in-court/

Agent orange exposure linked to life-threatening prostate cancer

The herbicide Agent Orange was heavily used during the Vietnam War era and was often contaminated with dioxin, a dangerous toxin and potential carcinogen. Prior research suggests that exposure to Agent Orange may increase men’s risk of developing prostate cancer, but it is unclear whether it specifically increases their risk of developing lethal forms of the disease…

Breakthrough in the understanding of how pancreatic cancer cells ingest nutrients points to new drug target

Now new research reveals a possible chink in the armor of this recalcitrant disease. Many cancers, including pancreatic, lung, and colon cancer, feature a mutated protein known as Ras that plays a central role in a complex molecular chain of events that drives cancer cell growth and proliferation…