Medical blog » Latest research

FDA says Georgia plant is sole salmonella source

admin — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:30:25 +0000

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The sole source of the U.S. salmonella outbreak involving contaminated peanut butter appears to be the Peanut Corp of America’s Blakely, Georgia processing facility, federal officials said on Wednesday.
More than 125 products including cookies, crackers, ice cream and even some pet food have been recalled in connection with the outbreak, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.
Six deaths may be associated with the outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The CDC said at least 486 people from 43 states and one person in Canada have been reported ill from the outbreak of the Salmonella typhimurium strain, with 107 of them being hospitalized.
Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said Connecticut health authorities tested an unopened container of peanut butter from the PCA’s Blakely plant and discovered the strain linked to the outbreak of illness.
The fact that the unopened container had the strain indicates contamination did not occur after it was shipped from the facility, Sundlof said. Coupled with previous evidence, Sundlof said authorities believe the Blakely plant is the only source of the outbreak.
“That is our assumption at this point. We will continue to follow up on any leads that point us in a different direction,” Sundlof told reporters during a conference call.
The plant is not currently operating, he said.
Sundlof said he expects the number of recalled products to continue to increase.
Among the latest was by NutriSystem Inc, which announced on Wednesday a voluntary recall of its peanut butter granola bar. On Tuesday, PetSmart Inc, the largest U.S. pet-products and services retailer, recalled seven of its Grreat Choice Dog Biscuit products.
General Mills Inc, Kellogg Co and other companies also have recalled products.
Authorities say peanut butter sold on grocery store shelves does not appear to be involved.
PCA has recalled peanut butter and peanut paste products manufactured since July at the Blakely plant because of potential Salmonella contamination. Peanut paste is a concentrated product consisting of ground, roasted peanuts.
PCA manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste distributed to food manufacturers to be used as ingredients in commercially produced products. PCA peanut butter also is served in long-term care facilities and cafeterias.
Salmonella can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea and fever and it can kill the very young and very old.
“More cases are being reported every day. The outbreak appears to be ongoing,” Dr. Robert Tauxe of the CDC said.
Minnesota authorities previously tested an opened container from the plant, and found the Typhimurium strain.
Sundlof said a federal inspection of the Blakely plant turned up evidence of salmonella on the floor, but not the Typhimurium strain.
“It does indicate that there are problems within the plant because salmonella should not be found there,” he said.

DMX removed from Tent City, placed on lockdown and a diet

admin — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:46:05 +0000

Officials removed DMX, or Earl Simmons, from Tent City Jail in Phoenix on Sunday for allegedly threatening officers.
lockdown status for threatening to assault Sheriff’s Detention Officers.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio ordered that Simmons be placed on a special diet that is a form of bread and water, according to authorities.
Simmons allegedly refused to report for work when called upon by detention officers and became verbally abusive stating, “I already have a job and don’t need this (expletive).”
Later on Sunday, Simmons reportedly failed to report for his medication and then told detention officers that he might assault somebody to get some respect.
Officials said the when a detention officer supervisor spoke to Simmons, he continued to use vulgar language and stated that the officers should expect to be spoken to in that manner.
“DMX will be treated like any other prisoner in my jail and I will not tolerate him threatening my staff,” says Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Executive pledges $100M to hospital for AIDS research

admin — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:46:42 +0000

reports that Phillip Terrence Ragon will announce the gift to Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday.
The hospital will get $10 million a year for the next decade to bring together doctors, engineers and biologists from Massachusetts General as well as other research institutions, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The 59-year-old Ragon is the founder and sole owner of InterSystems Corp., a company that provides database software to hospitals and other industries.
Ragon decided to create the institute after witnessing the plight of AIDS patients while visiting South Africa.

FDA says Georgia plant is sole salmonella source

admin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:29:40 +0000

Stop smoking for Fido's sake

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:11:21 +0000

Quitting smoking is tough. But if smokers won’t do it for their own good, or the benefit of family members, some may do it for their pets, say the authors of a study published today in the journal
.
Secondhand smoke is as dangerous for pets as it is for the non-smoking people who live with smokers. Non-smokers who live with smokers have to worry about the risk of lung cancer and respiratory diseases. But even dogs and cats exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of lung cancer, allergies, eye and skin diseases and respiratory problems. Few smokers realize the health impact on their pets, however, said the authors of the study.
The researchers, from the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, conducted an online survey of 3,300 people, 1 in 5 of whom were smokers and 1 in 4 of whom lived with a smoker. More than one-quarter of the smokers said that knowing that smoking was bad for their pets would motivate them to give it up. Among nonsmokers who lived with smokers, 16% said such knowledge would prompt them to ask their partners to quit. Almost 20% of the smokers and 40% of the nonsmokers said they would not allow smoking inside the house if it imperiled their pets.
The study raises the possibility that smoking cessation campaigns may work better if they were targeted to pets’ health. As the researchers noted: “Pet owners in the U.S. are very devoted to their pets.”

National Spotlight Shines On Lesser-Known Durham Diet

admin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:42:35 +0000

DURHAM, N.C.
Celebrity dieters have long flocked to Durham, nicknamed the “Diet Capital of the World.” But while other diet programs have gotten national publicity, Structure House has been operating quietly for over 30 years. Until now.
In January, Structure House and its weight loss plan were named the nation’s healthiest diet by Health magazine. Despite the honor, founder Dr. Gerard Musante resists using the dreaded four-letter word.
“When you say diet, you think this is a quick fix,” he said. “When you hear diet, you think, well, diets come to an end and I can go back to what I was doing before. This really is a lifestyle, it’s a way of life.”
Musante developed his program in the mid-1970s, long before low-carb and fat-free were the norm. It is a residential program that emphasizes a structured approach to food, regulating not only how much people eat, but why and how they use food.
“What they do with us, eat three meals a day, and they’re appropriately sized meals,” said Musante. “They don’t eat between meals, they don’t eat after dinner. No snacks. They find out they can physically do that.”
Melissa Rosenberg says a four-week stay at Structure House changed not only her eating habits, but her life. She had struggled with her weight throughout her teens, finally reaching the breaking point in college.
“The more I went to classes, the more I realized I have a disorder, an addiction,” she said. “And they’re absolutely right. I’m not one of those people who can have a little chocolate here, a little ice cream there.”
Through classes and therapy sessions, Rosenberg says she developed tools to help her stick with the plan, losing and keeping off a total of 77 pounds.
Like Rosenberg, most of the patients – more than half – come from out of state. A four-week stay at Structure House is about $10,000. In 2007, The Structure House Weight Loss Plan was released to provide an at-home plan for weight loss. A quick check on Amazon.com shows the book is available for under $10 from some sellers.

Get Active: Cruise into the fitness lifestyle

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:46:34 +0000

February 15, 2009 03:47 am
It’s mid- February, and the beginning of spring-like weather is a wonderful time in South Georgia.
It’s mid- February and the beginning of spring-like weather is a wonderful time in South Georgia. The flowers, bushes and trees are beautiful and alive. The temperatures are wonderful for being active outdoors. Not too hot, not too cold, just right. The sun is shining a little more each day — more hours to get your workout done in the day light hours.
Some of us are ready to shed the winter insulation we have gained, in preparation for the summer season just around the corner. We may have had New Year’s Resolutions, but they have dwindled to the side as we have gotten farther away from January 1. What a perfect time to make the personal decision to begin for the first time, or start another exercise program. It is never too late to start a program to improve your physical fitness and quality of life. Spring offers a variety of reasons to decide on an activity that allows you to enjoy the outdoors, like walking, running, cycling and such.
There are plenty of events coming up in March and April that will boost your support system. You will be amazed at how many neighbors, co-workers and members of your congregation are active in these types of events week-in and week-out.
Most Thursday evenings, listen to Talk 92.1 FM for the radio program that will offer an interview with recognized experts concerning the benefits of an active lifestyle. In the meantime, start a program to be proactive and preventative – rather than reactive. Get active. Listen in and become involved on Talk 92.1 FM between 6-7 p.m. You will learn from this program.
The Valdosta Grand Prix circuit for 2009 started on Jan. 1 and continues throughout the year. There are five events throughout the year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. In each of these events, points can be earned towards overall and age group categories. Four of the five events will have an entry fee of $5 and a cap for a family of $20; however, no T-shirts will be offered. Awards will be given out to overall, masters and the top two in each of 16 age groups, both male and female. The way the points are awarded should keep everyone close in the standings. Be a part of the 2009 Valdosta Grand Prix. In conjunction with this Grand Prix is one designed for the younger folks who run the 1-mile events. Get the family involved in either the 5K or 1-mile events. You will feel the difference.
On Feb. 28, the annual Victory for Victoria run/walks will occur on the Valwood campus. Applications are out, and your family can get involved.
On March 14, the annual Azalea Festival 5K and 1-mile runs will be presented. Applications are available, so come by the Get Active running store to pick one up.
On March 21, the Knights of Columbus present a 5K and 1-mile fun run to raise money for the ACS Relay for Life. Be a part of a wonderful family event that helps raise money to rid of world of cancer.
Events and opportunities in April will be shared in the coming weeks.
If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an e-mail and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com to get connected. Become a member of the GetActiveSouthGeorgia yahoo group with over 119 other people. Listen to the Get Active radio program on Thursday evenings from 6-7 p.m. on Talk 92.1 FM to receive additional information or to ask questions.

Netas turn fitness freaks

admin — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:14:33 +0000

BELGAUM: Jogging, walking, meditation
and some gymming. All these fitness activities are part of our netas, who are
camping in Belgaum for the winter legislature session.
The sprawling
lung space on the premises of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, venue for the
session has provided a conducive ambience for the legislators to jog, walk and
gymming. And most of them are utilizing the facility provided by the organizers.
On the second day of their stay in Belgaum, most legislators had
started their fitness activity at 6.30 am. While a few preferred brisk-walking,
some tried working out at the gym and a few others opting to meditate. Former
Union minister and Congress MLC M V Rajashekaran was one of the first persons to
come out of the make shift Legislators Home (LH) and took to nearby lawns for a
walk.
M T Krishnappa (JDS), who is also a fitness freak said: “I
used to play shuttle badminton regularly. However, I could not continue the same
after being elected to the assembly. Since then I have been keeping myself fit
by taking regular walks for 3 to 4 km session.”
Conscious to look
better, most legislators wore good fitness attire comprising branded t-shirts,
track pants, jackets and sneakers. As the weather is chill here, many said, they
could not wear shorts.
N L Narendra Babu, Congress MLA, was found
doing various kinds of exercises.”To maintain a sound body, fitness is required.
This is only way whereday-to-day stress can be relieved,” he
added.
Legislators Belur Gopalakrishna, K M Krishnamurthy and Babu
also took up some gymming work. Chest press, dumbles and tread mill were some of
the exercises they took for the fitness. They were later joined by Belgaum MP
Suresh Angadi.
Prabhakar B Kore, KLE society chairman and the key
person behind organizing this session here said: “My JNMC educational campus
provides all the modern facilities pertaining to fitness. A yoga session every
day, shuttle badminton, ayurvedic massage facility and therapies among others
have been provided.”
C Sudhakar, a Congress MLA, who himself is a
dentist was also seen pumping up his energy through stretches. The legislators
also got the taste of Surya Namaskara and meditation at yoga hall in Neelambika
hall. A master trainer and few assistant trainers were seen lending their
expertise to the legislators.

More Americans Skipping Necessary Prescriptions, Survey Finds

admin — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:39:30 +0000

One in seven Americans under age 65 went without prescribed medicines in 2007 as drug costs spiraled upward in the United States, a nonprofit research group said on Thursday.
That figure is up substantially since 2003, when one in 10 people under 65 went without a prescription drug because they couldn’t afford it, according to the Center for Studying Health System Change in Washington, D.C.
The current figure may be even higher because of the recent economic downturn, said Laurie E. Felland, a senior health researcher at the center and lead author of the study.
“Our findings are particularly troublesome given the increased reliance on prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions,” she added. “People who go without their
experience worsening health and complications.”
The people who were least able to afford medicine were often those who needed it most, Ms. Felland said: uninsured, working-age adults suffering from at least one chronic medical condition. Almost two-thirds of them in the survey said they had gone without filling a prescription.
provided by their employers were affected: one in 10 working-age Americans with employer-sponsored coverage went without a prescription medication in 2007, up from 8.7 percent in 2003, the study found.
Among low-income Americans, three in 10 said they had been unable to fill a prescription because of cost, and nearly one in four adults on
or state insurance programs said they’d had difficulty affording drugs.
Ms. Felland said a number of factors contributed to the trend, including rising drug prices, the tendency of physicians to prescribe drugs more frequently, the introduction of expensive new specialty medications, and skimpier drug coverage that shifts a greater share of costs onto patients.
“Insurance coverage offers less financial protection against out-of-pocket costs than it did in the past,” she said.
The study was based on results from the 2007 Health Tracking Household Survey, a nationally representative telephone survey of 10,400 adults under age 65, many of whom also discussed affordability of medications for their 2,600 children. Participants were asked whether there was a time in the previous 12 months when “you needed prescription medicines but didn’t get them because you couldn’t afford it.”
Overall, 5 percent of children didn’t have prescriptions filled in 2007 because of cost, up from 3.1 percent in 2003, and 17.8 percent of working-age adults couldn’t afford drugs in 2007, up from 13.8 percent in 2003, the survey found. That translates into about 36.1 million Americans under 65 who were affected, according to the study.
Karen Davis, president of the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that researches health care issues, said the new study confirms previous Commonwealth studies. In 2007, nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults, or an estimated 116 million people, struggled to pay medical bills, went without needed care because of cost, were uninsured for a time or were underinsured, according to the foundation.
“It has become a middle class problem,” she added, noting that improving health coverage is an integral part of economic recovery.
“It’s not enough just to help people have jobs,” she said. “They need to have adequate coverage, so they can get care when they need it and pay the bills they incur when they do seek care.”

Hospital back to normal after cold cuts power

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:11:42 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS – Power has been restored at St. Francis
Hospital on Indianapolis’ far south side after a power outage
forced the hospital to stop accepting patients for several hours.
St. Francis spokesman Joe Stuteville said the hospital returned
to normal operations shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday after operating
on backup power.
Indianapolis Power & Light spokeswoman Crystal Livers-Powers
says a line failure cut electricity to customers on the city’s far
south side about 8:30 p.m. She said the outage was related to the
extremely cold weather.
was 12 below zero.