Do Patients Get Better Care When They Look Like Their Doctors?

By Dena Rifkin, MD
Getty Images
I saw a young man from Portugal, a new immigrant to the United States who didn’t speak English, a couple weeks ago in the hospital. He really needed a long-term physician. Like many such patients, he didn’t have access to health insurance here, and he hadn’t seen a doctor for more than three years. He had lots of issues that weren’t going to be resolved during the hospital stay.
So I set about looking for a physician for him. And from the 15 or so available choices in the clinic, I picked a doctor who was a young Latino man, the most similar to him. Read More

Does Your VItamin Company Follow These Safe Practices?

Make sure your supplement comes from a company with the highest quality standards!

Health Tip: Managing Your Child's Migraines

(HealthDay News) -- If your child gets migraine headaches, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help prevent them:

• Make sure your child eats meals on a regular schedule, and never skips a meal.


• Keep your child on a regular sleep schedule.


• Make sure your child gets daily exercise, but don't overdo it.


• Figure out what triggers migraines in your child, and try to avoid those factors. Common triggers include stress, too much intense exercise, or changes in weather or altitude.


• Avoid foods that are known to trigger your child's migraines. Popular culinary causes include: cheese, processed meats, chocolate, caffeine, nuts, pickles and foods high in the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Exercise Lowers Risk of Colon Cancer

(HealthDay News) -- Physical activity can reduce the risk of colon cancer, but few American adults are aware of this, a new study shows.

A sedentary lifestyle accounts for as many as 14 percent of all colon cancer cases in the United States. People who get lots of exercise have a 30 percent to 40 percent lower risk of developing colon cancer, according to study co-author Elliott Coups, of the Division of Population Science at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Cheltenham, Pa., and colleagues.

But their analysis of survey data from 1,932 adults who answered questions about colon cancer risk found that only 15 percent said they used physical activity as a way of reducing their colon cancer risk. The findings were published in the August issue of Patient Education and Counseling.

Several factors may contribute to this lack of knowledge about the link between exercise and colon cancer risk.

"Patients may not be learning this information from their health-care providers and information regarding colon cancer prevention is not as well publicized as it could be," Coups said in a new release from the Center for the Advancement of Health.

Doctors may find it easier to tell patients about the general health benefits of exercise, rather than specifically referring to colon cancer, even if a patient has a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors for the disease.

"In the context of busy clinic visits, it is, in some ways, efficient for patients to be reminded that physical activity is good for their health in general. Going through each specific health benefit of physical activity would take considerable time," said Coups.

Sedentary people can greatly benefit from starting a modest exercise program, such as gardening or walking two to three hours a week, according to Dr. Edward Giovannucci, a professor at the Harvard School of Public Health.

"Sedentary people should first set such moderate, achievable goals. More benefits could accrue from higher levels and more intense exercise, exercise, such as jogging, running or tennis. To some extent, more may be better, but it is important to note that a little is much better than nothing," Giovannucci said in the news release.

More information
The American Cancer Society has more about colorectal cancer.

Health Tip: Keep Baby From Heat Rash

(HealthDay News) -- Heat rash is a common problem among infants, appearing as small red bumps or blisters on the skin caused by sweating.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to protect your baby from heat rash:

• The goal is to keep baby cool and dry. During hot or humid weather, dress baby in lightweight, cool and absorbent cotton clothing.


• Keep baby in air-conditioned areas, or use a light fan. But position it far enough away that only a light breeze can be felt.


• Avoid using powders, creams and ointments on baby's skin. These products won't prevent heat rash and may actually block the pores.

Study: Less talk, more pills from psychiatrists

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- Cartoons about the psychiatrist's couch were recently the subject of a museum exhibition. Now, the couch itself may be headed for a museum.

Psychiatrists who used talk therapy with all their patients prescribed fewer pills, a study found.

A new study finds a significant decline in psychotherapy practiced by U.S. psychiatrists.
The expanded use of pills and insurance policies that favor short office visits are among the reasons, said lead author Dr. Ramin Mojtabai of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

"The 'couch,' or, more generally, long-term psychoanalytic psychotherapy, was for so long a hallmark of the practice of psychiatry. It no longer is," Mojtabai said.

Today's psychiatrists get reimbursed by insurance companies at a lower rate for a 45-minute psychotherapy visit than for three 15-minute medication visits, he explained.

His study found that the percentage of patients' visits to psychiatrists for psychotherapy, or talk therapy, fell from 44 percent in 1996-97 to 29 percent in 2004-05. The percentage of psychiatrists using psychotherapy with all their patients also dropped, from about 19 percent to 11 percent.

A new study finds a significant decline in psychotherapy practiced by U.S. psychiatrists.

The expanded use of pills and insurance policies that favor short office visits are among the reasons, said lead author Dr. Ramin Mojtabai of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

"The 'couch,' or, more generally, long-term psychoanalytic psychotherapy, was for so long a hallmark of the practice of psychiatry. It no longer is," Mojtabai said.

Today's psychiatrists get reimbursed by insurance companies at a lower rate for a 45-minute psychotherapy visit than for three 15-minute medication visits, he explained.

His study found that the percentage of patients' visits to psychiatrists for psychotherapy, or talk therapy, fell from 44 percent in 1996-97 to 29 percent in 2004-05. The percentage of psychiatrists using psychotherapy with all their patients also dropped, from about 19 percent to 11 percent. Continue Reading >>

YouTube Health Weirdness, Part 2: the Colonoscopy Sessions

By Scott Mowbray


Women are used to icky and invasive medical exams. Men aren’t and freak out about them like big babies, or turn them into war stories and angina monologues. For a lot of guys the freak-out happens at age 50, when the colonoscopy usually kicks in as a routine screening exam for colon cancer.
Of course, a colonoscopy is advised for women of that vintage too. But if you check out the YouTube colonoscopy-video hit parade—yes, there is one, and I’m excluding the genuine medical-education stuff here—you find it dominated by male comedians and would-be comedians making laxative jokes; old men droning on for no reason about their colonoscopy experiences; and even original musical numbers and dramatic shorts in a colonoscopy context—starring mostly men. Most of it is foul and horribly dumb. Read More

Health Tip: Get Rid of Allergens

(HealthDay News) -- Allergy symptoms can be caused by many things, commonly pet dander, dust, mold, grasses and trees, and certain foods.

To keep symptoms from airborne allergens at bay, try these suggestions from the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Reduce exposure to pollen by showering, washing your hair, and changing your clothes before going to bed.


• Keep doors and windows shut -- especially on dry, windy days -- and run the air conditioner in your home and car when possible.


• Clean areas prone to mold in your home -- such as shower curtains and bathroom windows -- with bleach. Avoid having plants in the house.


• Keep pet dander at a minimum by bathing your pet frequently, and using an air filter and allergen-resistant bedding.


• Reduce dust by frequently washing bedding, drapes and stuffed animals. Install wood floors instead of carpeting.

Number of New U.S. HIV Infections Gets Revised Upwards

(HealthDay News) -- The number of Americans newly infected with HIV each year is, and has long been, higher than what was previously assumed, U.S.health officials have announced at an international conference.

That's because the latest calculations have been arrived at via a new and improved method, they added.

Using the new method, researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that about 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the United States in 2006 -- a figure 40 percent higher than the former estimate of 40,000 infections annually.

"This is the clearest picture we've ever had of new HIV infections occurring in the United States," said Dr. Richard Wolitski, acting director of the division of HIV/AIDS Prevention at CDC, which conducted the study.

"This is a wake-up call," he added. "We have to do more as individuals, communities and a nation to make sure we're doing everything we can to stop the further spread of HIV."

The new numbers don't mean that the epidemic is worse than previously thought, simply that the level of new HIV infections has remained stable but at a rate higher than was previously believed.

The findings were to be presented at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City over the weekend. They will also appear in the Aug. 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

The CDC used new technology, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2005, that can distinguish recent from older HIV infections.

Although the number of new infections is higher than once thought, the populations bearing most of the burden remain the same, namely gay and bisexual men (of all races and ethnicities) and black men and women.

"The magnitude of new infections is larger than previously thought, but we have the same picture of who's at risk," Wolitski noted.

"These new CDC numbers lend credence to what public health officials have long been saying, that HIV is alive and well and thriving in certain communities in the U.S.," added Rowena Johnston, vice president of research for the Foundation for AIDS Research in New York City. "Using these advanced methods to paint a more accurate picture of the numbers of new HIV infections is important for working out where our prevention messages have worked, and where there is a need for improvement. It's time to take a precision strike approach towards HIV prevention in this country."

More information
There's much more on HIV/AIDS at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health Tip: Pain Reliever Side Effects

(HealthDay News) -- Before you take a pain reliever for conditions such as headache, sinusitis, muscle or joint pain, make sure you know about the potential side effects.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says you should talk to your doctor about these potential risks of pain medications:

• Liver damage can occur in people who take large quantities of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), or in those who already have liver problems.


• Gastrointestinal problems -- such as ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding or upset stomach -- can occur in people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for long periods. NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen.


• Kidney damage, if NSAIDs are used frequently for long periods.


• NSAIDs may interact with medicines that people take to combat high blood pressure.


• NSAIDs can also elevate blood pressure on their own.


• In rare cases, people can be allergic to pain medications.

Health Tip: Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You're Pregnant

(HealthDay News) -- When you head to the doctor for your first prenatal visit after learning that you're pregnant, you should prepare a list of questions.

The American Pregnancy Association offers this list of topics for discussion:

• Is there a phone number or nurse line that I can call when I have questions?
  Who should I call if I start bleeding or cramping?


• What should I consider an emergency?


• Now that I'm pregnant, do I need to make changes to my nutrition, exercise routine and sexual activity?


• How often will I have prenatal visits?

Can Caffeine Cause a Miscarriage?

By Ross Weale
Health magazine contributor Roshini Raj, MD, discusses the connection between caffeine and miscarriage on the Today show on Jan. 21.




DR. ROSHINI RAJ
Roshini Raj, MD, a Health magazine contributor and part of the magazine’s Health Expert Network, is board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine with degrees from the New York University School of Medicine and Harvard University. Currently Dr. Raj is an attending physician at NYU Medical Center’s Tisch Hospital in New York City. She also serves as an assistant professor at the NYU School of Medicine, and she has a special interest in women’s health and cancer screening. She has also published several research articles on colon-cancer screening.

Dr. Raj has discussed health topics on numerous television outlets including NBC’s Today show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, FOX News, and Discovery Health. She has been quoted in publications such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, and Fitness on the state of health care and other health news of the day. Dr. Raj is often called upon to explain and demystify complicated health topics.

Health Tip: Prevent Back Injury

(HealthDay News) -- Lifting or carrying objects -- even light ones -- can cause injury and pain if you don't follow the proper techniques.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions to help prevent back injuries:

• Take the time to stretch your legs and back before doing a lot of carring or lifting.
• Wear safety protection on your hands and feet.
• Use a stool or sturdy ladder to reach objects that are seated above your shoulders.
• Keep your feet solid. Lift with your legs, not your back. Carry the object close to you.
• Always get help carrying very heavy objects.
• Keep your stomach pulled in and use those muscles to support your back.

Health Tip: Be a Smart Patient

(HealthDay News) -- Although your doctor and other health-care professionals do their best to help you stay safe, there are things you can do to prevent problems.


The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions on how to be a smart patient:

• If you have a question or concern about your health or treatment, talk to your doctor about it. Bring a friend or family member if you need help understanding what you must do.


• Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of every medication you take, including those sold over-the-counter. Ask about any side effects or sets of drugs that shouldn't be taken together.


• Always get your test results. Ask your doctor at the time of the test when results will be available, and when you can discuss them together.


• If you are able to choose a hospital, discuss the choices with your doctor.


• If you need surgery, ask your physician what will happen, what to expect, and what you need to do.

Health Tip: Controlling Gas

(HealthDay News) -- Gas can cause abdominal discomfort, belching, flatulence, and other symptoms.

Here's a list of gas-causing foods and activities, courtesy of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse:

• Eating too many carbohydrate-rich foods, high in starches, sugar and fiber. These include beans, dairy products, soft drinks and fruit drinks.
• Drinking very quickly.
• Activities that cause your stomach to fill with air, including chewing gum, smoking, and wearing dentures that are too loose.

Most Astonishing Health Disaster of the 20th Century

For over 100 years conventional medicine has seized control of the US health care system and as a result we have over 800,000 people who are killed by interacting with this system. It is likely that over 50 million Americans have died prematurely from this abuse.

Watch: Blind Faith in Medicine...
So get always at least a second opinion and asking questions...

Health Tip: Prevent Dehydration

(HealthDay News) -- It's easy to get dehydrated if you're not careful. A stomach bug, sweating outside in the hot weather, and just not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, a serious condition.

Stay well-hydrated with these suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Drink plenty of fluids -- especially water -- each day.


• When exercising or sweating, and during hot weather, be sure to drink more water.


• Elderly people, children and people who are sick need to be carefully monitored to prevent dehydration.


• Drink plenty of fluids if you are vomiting, have a fever, or have diarrhea.


• If you think you may be starting to get dehydrated, contact your doctor at once -- before you start to have symptoms.


• Warning signs of dehydration may include: not producing tears, sunken eyes, little or no urine output for eight hours or more, rapid heartbeat, listlessness, and dry skin, mouth or eyes.

Health Tip: Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

(HealthDay News) -- Chronic fatigue syndrome is an illness of unknown cause that can make a person feel excessively tired for prolonged periods.

While there is no cure, medication and lifestyle changes can help keep symptoms under control. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions:

• Keep a log of activities that trigger extreme fatigue, and try to avoid those things.
• Try to get some light exercise. But always talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever for the aches, muscle and joint pain, and headaches that can accompany the syndrome.
• Try a non-drowsy antihistamine to help with allergy-like symptoms.
• Talk to your doctor about whether an antidepressant can help you feel and sleep better.
• Join a support group.
  

Health Tip: Reduce Pesticide Exposure

(HealthDay News) -- Pesticides can help keep your home free of insects, rodents and other unwanted visitors, but exposure to these products can pose serious health risks.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions when working with pesticides:

• Only use pesticides that have been legally purchased, and are approved by the U.S.


• Environmental Protection Agency or similar government agency.


• Carefully read directions on the pesticide label, and follow them exactly.


• When you can, use non-chemical pesticides.


• Keep the work area well-ventilated.


• Make sure you safely dispose of any excess product.

More informations here:

• Live_blood Analysis
• Live_Blood_Analysis Darkfield Microscopy Courses
• dark field microscopy
• pleomorphism
• Günther Enderlein

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Which Kind of Headache Do You Have?

By Ross Weale

Everyone suffers from headaches now and then, but it’s important to figure out what kind of head pain you’re experiencing so you can get the right treatment. Dr. Roshini Raj, a member of Health magazine’s Health Expert Network, spoke with NBC’s Amy Robach on the Today show about how to know what headache you have, and how to find relief.


Read More