Piling on the Roids

When a couple suffer from the same malady it makes you concerned that there's something in the food, water or environment that affects or has affected them both. When two (2) different colonoscopies on two (2) different weeks produces the same diagnosis we get concerned. Again the instinct is more reactionary than scientific but we had to investigate. We can't recall whether it was ever known if PearlieMae suffered from the "piles" as its sometimes called by the "ole folks." We only thought we'd do the investigation our selves.

"Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum. They are either inside the anus or under the skin around the anus. They often result from straining to have a bowel movement. Other factors include pregnancy, aging and chronic constipation or diarrhea. Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About half of all people have hemorrhoids by age 50. The most common symptom of hemorrhoids inside the anus is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Symptoms usually go away within a few days." - MedlinePlus (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

What we found out was that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH) suggestion for treatment was surgical and the alternative to surgery is the nature or homeopathic treatment called horse chestnut but only the prepared variety. It's not a do it yourself treatment, unless you buy the pills and take them. What concerns is is that surgery is an external solution to a largely external problem from the government. We thought made the "alternative" suggestion would be a cream like petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel to be applied directly to the inflammation.

"If you have rectal bleeding you should see a doctor. You need to make sure bleeding is not from a more serious condition such as colorectal or anal cancer. Treatment may include warm baths and a cream or other medicine. If you have large hemorrhoids, you may need surgery and other treatments." - MedlinePlus (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

We were looking for a cream applicable solution to the "roids" problem. When we found the horse chestnut under "Alternative Therapy" that's what we believed it to be. "Over-the-counter creams and suppositories may temporarily relieve the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. These treatments should only be used for a short time because long-term use can damage the skin." Which was the federal recommendation and again confuses us. Surgery can not only damage the skin but on such a sensitive area we would imagine would be really uncomfortable. Banding might not usually be painful. We just can't imagine how putting a rubber band around a painful infection would not be painful.

"If at-home treatments do not relieve symptoms, medical treatments may be needed. Outpatient treatments can be performed in a doctor’s office or a hospital. Outpatient treatments for internal hemorrhoids include the following:
* Rubber band ligation. The doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off circulation, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink. This procedure should be performed only by a doctor.
* Sclerotherapy. The doctor injects a chemical solution into the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
* Infrared coagulation. The doctor uses heat to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue.
Large external hemorrhoids or internal hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments can be surgically removed." - National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse (Medical Treatment)

Warm baths always feel good to us as they're warm baths. Unfortunately you usually have to sit on your roids to treat them in a bathtub. We admit we can't imagine everything that is possible in the world. Its just that if we treat ourselves with a warm bath won't the drying no matter how tend we are inflame the infections? Why not pure aloe vera gel as a cool treatment for an inflamed area? The problem we believe (again without scientific substance) is a cool natural compress that won't spread the infection or cause greater inflammation. That's our speculation based on nothing more than our own experiences.

"Pycnogenol relieves symptoms of acute hemorrhoids - A study published in a recent issue of Phytotherapy Research revealed Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract, from Natural Health Sciences, has important anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties that may be beneficial in patients with hemorrhoids, both for acute and chronic treatment, and in preventing new attacks. The randomized, controlled study conducted by G D'Annunzio University in Italy investigated 84 patients suffering from an acute episode of external hemorrhoids, lasting 24 to 48 hours prior to inclusion in the study. The most frequently observed signs and symptoms, including hemorrhoidal bleedings, severe perineal pain and intravascular intravascular thrombus, were evaluated during the study period of two weeks." - Nutraceuticals World (Mar 1, 2010)

You might remember how we championed the idea of French pine bark extract and how it should be differentiated from the Japanese variety that failed in test showing its effectiveness in other uses and treatment. We love the idea of combining cream and pills that the "study indicates that Pycnogenol, both in oral and in topical form, is effective for controlling this common, disabling health problem. The application of Pycnogenol eases the management of acute hemorrhoidal attacks and help avoid bleedings." We thought so and we told you we thought so. The Japanese might have found that pine bark extract might not be the "be all to end all" for every disease but it sure beats, in our opinion, surgery or banding. We admit that the results were from a study of less than one hundred (100) individuals but come on - how many results do you need when the alternative is surgery or a rubber band around your infections?

Cancer's End

Don't they know it's the end of the world.... Skeeter Davis sings in one of our favorite songs of loss and heartbreak. The End of the World can also be considered a song about end of life care. The headlines about the new report from Dartmouth University looks at the records of over two hundred and thirty thousand (235,821) patient records at their end of life. When its you or your loved ones. The end of the world is the end of life. It was her end of life care of PearlieMae that resulted in the creation of this site. What PearlieMae didn't want was to die in a nursing home or a hospital unfortunately that fear was realized to our great regret.

"Most patients with serious illness prefer to be at home at the end of life, in familiar settings and close to family. However, across the United States, about 29% of cancer patients who died during the period from 2003 to 2007 did so in a hospital." - The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care (Percent of Patients Dying in Hospital)

PearlieMae was like most patients. Unfortunately where she lived determined where she'd die. We knew this but she succumbed to her cancer before relocating to the region's least likely areas (Asheville, NC area). The Carolinas are also the areas most know for producing tobacco long considered responsible for cancer. The region's most likely areas (Columbia, SC area) to succumb to the disease in a hospital. The metropolitan area is often considered the "tri-state." However for the purposes of the Dartmouth data the District of Columbia is composed of a different "tri-state." For the purposes of this study, rather than as it's residents, DC's data is drawn from Annapolis to West Virginia but excludes Virginia.

"The use of health care resources in the United States is highly localized. Most Americans use the services of physicians whose practices are nearby. Physicians, in turn, are usually affiliated with hospitals that are near their practices. As a result, when patients are admitted to hospitals, the admission generally takes place within a relatively short distance of where the patient lives. This is true across the United States. Although the distances from homes to hospitals vary with geography – people who live in rural areas travel farther than those who live in cities – in general most patients are admitted to a hospital close to where they live that provides an appropriate level of care. Data for all Dartmouth Atlas regional data reflect the experience of Medicare patients living in the region, regardless of where the care was actually delivered." - The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care (Data By Region)

PearlieMae's older sister, Alice, did live and use the services of a physician nearby her in North Carolina. Alice was able with family and community support to receive care at her home where she was able to succumb to her non-cancerous illness. The concern with cancer is the use of sufficient pain relieving medications. In this time and in this current atmosphere of drug abuse the concern for receiving medications that can and often are abused is more of a concern than insuring that patients have enough to "succumb" comfortably in their home. That's more speculation than the results of the research from the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care.

Losing Snacking Weight

It was a story we could not ignore. We don't believe it and it's not so much research as it was a single person trial. Unfortunately its much todo about nothing because as wonderful as all the stories make it appear.

"PROFESSOR USING SNACK CAKE DIET TO COUNTER POPULAR HEALTH BELIEFS - His special four-week diet started Aug. 25. It includes products like peanut butter-chocolate bars, chocolate cake rolls, breakfast pizza, donuts and sugared cereal. Within the first four days of the diet, Mark Haub, associate professor of human nutrition, had lost seven pounds by eating foods high in saturated fats and sugar while maintaining his calorie goal of 1,800 kilocalories a day. "It's portion controlled. I'm eating foods that are deemed by many to be unhealthy; we will see if they are," he said." - Kansas State University (News Services)

You're hooked and ready to jump on the trial and be test subject number two (2) understand that it includes vegetables by the can, a fresh tomato and the dreaded exercise of over an hour to actually result in actual weight loss. Just when you thought you could eat your weight in snacks and actually lose weight. It is more like a commercial for eating snack food using the right portions. For how unreasonable that is read the back of your snack package and determine how many serving are actually in the pack.

"Many think increased weight gain leads to diabetes, heart disease, mortality and more. But associate professor Haub said research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found overweight people have lower mortality rates and health care costs. Haub said his diet also is easy on a budget. "It's very inexpensive and I get all of my calories for about five bucks a day," he said. "I am not promoting this or recommending it; it's just an exercise in nutrition." - Kansas State University (News Services)

The story was more a come on than an actual fact based account. Not that the associate professor is being dishonest or that the story isn't true - actually the headline from all the news services and Kansas State University is misleading. It's not so much the foods that you eat as it is in the calories you burn when you eat whatever you eat. Less calories and more burning of the whatever is left results in weight loss. Thankfully the YouTube video fills in all the gaps in the both the news stories and KSU website.

"Deakin in the news - a new snack food developed by Dr Keast who also happens to be a qualified chef. Consisting of a parmesan cheese cracker and organic mashed potato, the snack also contained natural additives – such as an antiinflammatory agent, oleocanthal, and omega 3 fatty acids – and a natural appetite suppressant. Dr Keast said it was the first time oleocanthal had been included in a manufactured food and research was continuing into its flavour and health promoting properties. ‘Overall, the snack is a vehicle for these health promoting compounds ... while it is not a natural food it is an innovative food,’ he said. A senior lecturer in the area of sensory science, Dr Keast’s research has also helped reduce bitter taste in pharmaceuticals with particular emphasis on paediatric formulations." -  Media buzz PDF (April 2, 2008)

The magical properties of oleocanthal was going to make snack food more tasty and better for us. The miracle ingredient was going to allow us to eat all the junk food we wanted as cheesy, greasy and tasty as we love and have been so far unable to resist. Oleo, the olive oil based ingredient (that makes us think of Oreo) would make our weaknesses palatable, pleasurable and make portion control possible. We could eat the whole container and our bodies would tell us that its time to stop.

"The SENECA (Survey in Europe on Nutrition and the Elderly: a Concerted Action) study, developed from 1988-89 to 1999, showed that the food pattern of southern European elders appeared to be the healthiest, since it was rich in grain, vegetables, fruit, lean meat and olive oil; however, a sufficient energy intake seemed to be necessary for an adequate micro nutrient intake. ...Nutritional status of free-living people in Palma de Mallorca is defined by a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and a low risk of undernutrition. This elderly population showed an imbalanced dietary intake, mainly characterized by low energy intake, too much energy derived from fats and proteins and poorly derived from carbohydrates, low dietary fibre intake, risk of atherogenic potential, and inadequate mineral and vitamin intake. An increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures may be expected, due to their high animal protein intake and low calcium and vitamin D intake. An increase of dietary complex carbohydrate and fibre, a decrease of fats, mainly SFA, and a balanced intake of animal/vegetable proteins and fats is recommended. Dietary supplementation, especially with calcium, vitamin C and E, and occasionally vitamin D, may be useful to improve nutritional and health status of freeliving elderly people in Palma de Mallorca." - University of Navarra (05 TUR e/c/7)

Why is this Spanish research important? We want you to live longer, stronger and better lives. We also think to be successful you should first see who is and emulate them which is the what the European Survey did. We'll admit that less than two hundred and fifty (250) people aren't a substantial population. We don't dismiss their findings. The "freeliving elderly people" from the now Palma, Spain are apparently "fat and happy." Since they have long life and health even they could have better lives with some supplementation. When science helps us to enjoy our lives of excess we're all for that kind of research.

Opportunity Is Here

If you have to be anywhere sometimes it just pays to be here. Maybe pays isn't the right word maybe its in your best interests or rather better for your health if you're in our region. Two stories made its way to our attention. One concerning health and health care for the older generation and one from a business / employment opportunities point of view. We ignored the story of the rich concerning not being able to buy better health and not getting their children vaccinated.

"While poorer people are more likely to die sooner than their more well-off counterparts, researchers say their finding supports the view that the primary pathway between health and wealth is that poor health leads to a depletion of household wealth, rather than being poor causes one's health to decline. Researchers found that the substantial changes in wealth that occurred in the years 1992 and 2002 in the United States through increases in stock prices and housing prices did not alter the probability of subsequent death." - Rand Corporation (News Release)

The issue isn't about wealth as it is about health, that's our concern. We don't understand why the researcher ignored the segment between ages 65 and 70. Since we don't have access to the full study we're not certain why there is that gap between the group. Neither the abstract nor the Rand Corporation press release mentions an explanation for the age gap.

“If you get sick at older ages, you will die sooner in England than in the United States,” James P. Smith (RAND co-author) said. “It appears that at least in terms of survival at older ages with chronic disease, the medical system in the United States may be better than the system in England. The study expands upon an earlier analysis by Banks and Smith that found that Americans aged 55 to 64 suffered from diseases such as diabetes at rates up to twice those seen among similarly aged people in England. The trend was observed across all socioeconomic groups. Researchers analyzed information from two comparable surveys of people age 50 and over in the United States and England — the Health and Retirement Survey and the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing — funded by the National Institute on Aging in the United States."- Rand Corporation (News Release)

The information published in this month's DEMOGRAPHY magazine reported "evidence using a long panel of American respondents that their subsequent mortality is not related to large changes in wealth experienced during the prior 10-year period." What years that covered also isn't part of the record. So if money doesn't matter BUSINESSWEEK pointed to our regions as the:

"Best Place to Start Over No. 1: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C.-Va.-Md.-W.V., MSA - D.C. offers diverse opportunities for people looking to start over. It may primarily be a spot for government, which has stabilized local employment, but other industries such as defense, IT, biotech, energy, and hospitalities also contribute significantly to the economy, according to the Greater Washington Initiative. The region ranks No. 1 globally for government research and development spending per capita, and its 50 federal labs and institutes are more than in any other region of the U.S., according to the organization." - Bloomberg BusinessWeek (No1)

In the second place position isn't a city but a region which if things were better in Richmond would stretch from North to South. Unfortunately it doesn't and doesn't include the newest addition to our view, South Carolina. Coming in second place if you had to start over is:

Best Place to Start Over No. 2: Raleigh-Cary, N.C., MSA - Businessweek.com previously ranked Raleigh among the country's strongest job markets. A large percentage of Raleigh's economy is devoted to government, education, and health care, according to Raleigh Economic Development. Using Research Triangle resources, the area hopes to expand its electric vehicles, photonics, IT, medical, and biotech industries. - Bloomberg BusinessWeek (No2)

It's good to be an American. At least for today and until the next study comes out contradicting this research. Just for today if you have to be somewhere this is the place to be. In the nation, at this time, in this region - for now. If you have to be somewhere here is where you should be. Now if we could just be happier, healthier and wiser.

Exercise It Well

There's a new OLD NAVY commercial featuring mannequins where the end line of the commercial is "Walk it off son!" That was going to be the headline for this story as a way to combat the flu among those who are healthy and want to stay healthy. The research has been fairly consistent and indeed many people believe that you can jump start your immune system when you're sick by "walking it off" with exercise. Or if you're a running by running it off though the research for that isn't supportive.

"Upper respiratory tract infection is reduced in physically fit and active adults - For more than 20 years, Dr. David Nieman and his colleagues at Appalachian State University have studied the effects of exercise, diet, weight, gender and education levels on one’s health. His work shows exercise has the most influence on a person’s health. “Exercise is probably the most powerful thing you can do to reduce your sick days this winter,” Nieman said. Nieman is a professor in the Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science in the College of Health Sciences at Appalachian State University. He also is director of the university’s Human Performance Laboratory located in the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis." - Appalachian State University (University News)

We're not big advocates of exertion of the sweaty kind. We know its value and don't ignore its usefulness but we're constantly in search of alternatives to exercise. We admit that we are carrying more weight than our frames should effectively and efficiently maintain. We admit that our health and wellbeing would only improve with such habits and that they are indeed good. We just think that its better to find another way and save the exercise for rehabilitation rather than recreation.The news is a review of the efforts of the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS) and from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health directed us to further and current research on a smaller group but its holds the hope and promise we're constantly searching for to validate our slothful intentions.

"UW study wonders: Can exercise or even meditation ward off the flu? - Scientists know meditation reduces stress and exercise can prevent chronic diseases. But they don't know if either activity makes the immune system better able to fight respiratory infections, said Dr. Bruce Barrett, a UW Health family physician heading up the research." - Wisconsin State Journal (October 30, 2009)

The study deals with the age group of us and their feelings, much like our, do not particularly enjoy exercising but when you add the very enjoyable meditation to the mix. Then we're interested in this type of research. The group is less than one hundred and fifty (150) men and women fifty (50) years of age and over. That meditation might also be or offer some protection against the flu is a wonderful, if proven true, benefit that we wholeheartedly support. If proven true. We're hopeful and remain so we also know that if the research is proven they'll be another study that would find the findings to be faulty or wrong. Until then we'll get our shots once they're available and take our vitamin D until they are.

Pneumonia Prevention

Stay warm, keep your head and feet covered, to stay healthy. That's the advice from our newest contributing writer. That's the way to stay healthy and avoid getting ill from pneumonia. Not that the research agrees with that assessment. However just as there are studies, three (3) on the issue of cold catching illnesses. Only the oldest Army study says that heat is released mostly through your head hands or feet. The biggest current stories on the disease are concerning Montana sheep, catching a virus from a monkey (in 2009) and Zyvox (Linezolid) from Pfizer to treat pneumonia.

"FWP will let Pneumonia Run its Course in Anaconda Bighorns - Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) reports that the pneumonia outbreak it confirmed in Anaconda area bighorn sheep on August 19th has spread beyond management control, and wildlife officials say they will let the disease run its course. FWP killed sick sheep this fall in an attempt to eradicate the infection before it spread to healthy sheep.  But, officials decided last week to cease further culling efforts after evidence mounted that the pneumonia was already widespread." - Montana's Office State Website (News Article)

That's not the only animal story concerning a virus. Though it isn't in our region and is on the other side the country. It's an old story in that the incident occurred in 2009 and there was only one person affected and only one animal involved and none other. The incident is interesting in that the impossible appears to have become possible. Illness have either passed from animals to humans. Though even those at the University of California at Davis doubt the finding. Who are we to argue.

"New virus caused 2009 outbreak at California National Primate Research Center - This would be the first time an adenovirus had been shown to jump species, (UC San Francisco virologist Charles) Chiu said. His findings have not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. An adenovirus is a type of virus that commonly causes respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. The employee had experienced a flulike illness around the same time that the monkeys fell ill. The employee recovered uneventfully without medical treatment. No other employees who worked with the Titi colony were found to have developed antibodies showing that they had been exposed to the virus. Nor did any monkeys outside the colony." - University of California, Davis (News and Information)

What are the federally sanctioned ways to preventing pneumonia? There are medications that can be taken but even that information is disputed by professionals in the field. That the research is disputed without the research to support their conclusions means to us that they have to be ignored. Our concerns to to keep people alive and well and if the suggestions or disputes do not advance that reality its not of much use. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) how do you prevent pneumonia?

"Pneumonia Can Be Prevented – Vaccines Can Help - Reduce Your Risk - Pneumonia can be prevented with vaccines. Following good hygiene practices can also help prevent respiratory infections. This includes washing your hands regularly, cleaning hard surfaces that are touched often (like doorknobs and countertops), and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve. You can also reduce your risk of getting pneumonia by limiting exposure to cigarette smoke and treating and preventing conditions like diabetes and HIV/AIDS." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Current Features) 

PearlieMae died from a respiratory failure as a result of complications to her cancer. She was in an institution before being revived to succumb within the nearby hospital. When you're in an institution its difficult too not follow good hygiene practices. It's certainly important for the institution's personnel to practice good hygiene. Indeed it is critical and a matter of life and death. For prevention within an institution we found this information from local John Hopkins University Hospital (JHUH) for the prevention of infection. What we didn't expect to find as a preventive measure against pneumonia was the suggestion of the simple act of coughing and breathing deeply. 

"Incentive Spirometry: You will be expected to do some very simple breathing exercises to help prevent respiratory infections by using an incentive spirometry device (these exercises will be explained to you during your hospital stay). Coughing and deep breathing is an important part of your recuperation and helps prevent pneumonia and other pulmonary complications. " - Johns Hopkins University (WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY)

We do remember the urban legend email that you'll see every now and then claiming that coughing can prevent a heart attack. Fortunately almost every debunking website has discredited the claim and though we haven't searched for the actual research or study to disprove the claim we do know that the information isn't "endorsed by Rochester General Hospital and Mended Hearts" as the message claims. 

"This coughing technique to maintain blood flow during brief arrhythmias has been useful in the hospital, particularly during cardiac catheterization. In such cases the patient's ECG is monitored continuously, and a physician is present." American Heart Association (Cough CPR)

John Hopkins is also our source for research on the issue of vaccination to prevent pneumonia. Which while presenting the information and research on the effectiveness of vaccination isn't the source that physicians tend to quote. While the myth is that the vaccines are more effective, often doubling the effectiveness percentages even among their own physicians. Even on their very own website. What's true today isn't necessarily true tomorrow. Taking that into consideration we'll allow that what was thought to be true then isn't statistically true today.

"PREVENTABLE PNEUMONIA - One vaccine, developed 20 years ago, is ninety per cent effective against these afflictions. Yet for some reason only about 30 per cent of people who ought to get the pneumococcal vaccine actually do. Johns Hopkins professor of International Health Dr. Mark Steinhoff says it could be because people assume antibiotics will clear up any health problems, especially pneumonia. But that's a mistake." - The Johns Hopkins University InteliHealth (Health Newsfeed # 941)

The most current research from a different wing of the largely same institution has found that the most recent studies are substantially different. Again we think that the sites differ only because the information that might have been considered true at the time the information was release was true at the time of publication. So while the information from the same institution differs in content and contradicts the earlier info we attribute it to time and more research.

"Pneumococcal Vaccine: Vaccinate! Revaccinate?? - It should be noted that vaccination does NOT reduce pneumonia.  A meta-analyses shows no decrease in pneumonia incidence as a result of vaccination, however it has been shown to be about 60-70% effective in preventing invasive disease (meningitis, bacteremia).  Only one study by Riley et al (Lancet. 1977 Jun 25;1(8026):1338-41) has demonstrated decreased mortality (by 44%).  Other studies to date have not been powered to do so or have not shown a statistically significant difference.  There are 40-50,000 cases of bacteremia plus 3-6,000 cases of meningitis.  Maybe half of these would be vaccine preventable." - Johns Hopkins Medicine (Pneumococcal Vaccination)

Internally we found that the John Hopkins staff was given this set of instructions which we also believe is probably outdated mostly replaced by mroe recent memos. If not one of the problems with a research institution is that the facts that always replace the procedures:

"Preventing Infections - To prevent pneumonia, carefully follow instructions about breathing treatments." - John Hopkins Medicine (National Patient Safety Foundation 2003)

While research sponsored by the Pfizer corporation found that the medication Crestor is more effective than previous thought. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the corporation a "new indication" based on the February research from the Justification for the Use of statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluation Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) trial. What the February research and FDA gave to one (1) drug a new study taketh away from another.

"Popular antibiotic may not be best for pneumonia - The study was recently published in the Critical Care Medicine Journal. Dr. Andre Kalil, an infectious disease specialist at UNMC, found that the antibiotic linezolid is not superior to two other common antibiotics used to treat patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia. Pfizer manufactures the drug. Dr. Mark Kunkel, an executive director in a unit for the company, said other recent international research shows that the drug is superior to its counterparts. People get hospital-acquired pneumonia, or nosocomial pneumonia, from prolonged hospitalization and more resistant germs, Kalil said." The North Platte Telegraph (State News)

So if you're in the hospital recovering you might want to keep warm wearing a hat, gloves, warm socks, cough and breath deeply to prevent pneumonia. Remember our newest contributor and suggestions from John Hopkins University. It's good to know what doesn't work and what does work. It helps to know that there are drug that we can take to give us more protection but not unfortunately full protection.

"Excess heat loss in the hatless - As temperatures drop, hats and caps flourish. Even the US Army Field manual for survival recommends covering your head in cold weather because “40 to 45 percent of body heat” is lost through the head. If this were true, humans would be just as cold if they went without trousers as if they went without a hat. But patently this is just not the case." British Medical Journal (December 2008)

Though the information was mostly published in the British Medical Journal the research and information is from American institutions. The facts are from the seasonal myth busters of science. Disproving other seasonal misstatements of science that are more like medical myths than actual facts. Even if there are researchers that challenge the study not on their techniques so much as their conclusions. We suggest a study to study the study. Until there is research to contradict their conclusions we'll take the Indiana University School of Medicine professors words just like we accepted the US Army Field manual information until now.

If you want and need a prescription to address your pneumonia concerns then Pfizer is here for you thanks to researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA). The study was first revealed in September 2008 concerning the effectiveness of the medication. While any medication, indeed any treatment can have side effects, the purpose of the drug is to prevent an infection that could lead to death. If we or our loved ones can survive the side effects, no matter how uncomfortable, it beats the alternative.

"Study Shows Higher Rates of Success for Zyvox Versus Vancomycin in MRSA Nosocomial Pneumonia - Investigators from 156 centers worldwide randomized 1,225 patients, of whom 448 patients had  proven MRSA nosocomial pneumonia (modified intent-to-treat group); 339 patients also met key protocol criteria at the end of study (per-protocol group) and were included in the primary analysis." Infection Control Today (Oct 26, 2010)

So you can take the drug or follow the dictates of our federal government. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers their prevention tips to survive the cold weather season. We support any and all ideas to help us survive until tomorrow. We're also willing to do anything other than exercise more and lose weight. Stop smoking, we don't smoke so sure we're all for it. So what does our FDA suggest we do to get ready:

"Get Set for Winter Illness Season - Certain people are more at risk for developing complications from flu; they should be immunized as soon as vaccine is available. These groups include:

• people 65 and older
• residents of nursing homes or other places that house people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease
• adults and children with heart or lung disorders, including asthma
• adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney dysfunction, a weakened immune system, or disorders caused by abnormalities of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen)" - FDA (Prevention Tips)

We're concerned that there is something about "certain people" who are "more at risk." Why and what is it about these people that makes them "more at risk?" We know that pneumonia is much like cancer not a single one of a kind infection. What causes it isn't. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH) the solution to prevention for the elderly and those "more at risk" is vaccines. According to the University of Virginia the best vaccine if you're hospitalized or in an institution is Pfizer's Zyvox.

"University of Virginia Study Reveals Promising Method for Reducing MRSA Infections in Hospital Intensive Care Units - In a study published in the September 3, 2008 issue of Surgical Infections, UVA researchers report that switching between two antibiotics, linezolid and vancomycin, every three (3) months in the surgical ICU decreased the MRSA infection rate from 1.9 to 1.4 patients per 100 admissions. In-hospital mortality from surgical ICU-acquired MRSA infections fell from 3.8 patients per year to none." - University of Virginia Health System (Medical News)

That's been true since 2008 and to date is the best hope for surviving pneumonia. It's certainly better than it to have been a sheep with pneumonia under the previous care of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) before they decided to "cease further culling efforts." Better to suffer and survive than to be "culled." However the infection is spread complete protection is still years away. This is a constantly changing world and researchers are constantly making and releasing new information each day and when they do we'll bring the information to you. Because staying alive and keeping you alive is our reason for every season.

Man Cancer - COMMENTARY

We've done cancer stories especially this month. We've done stories on how PearlieMae allowed her cancer to so advance that it spread to her bones and back. What we haven't done stories on is the unusual cancer conditions. We haven't because there isn't a real concern for their affect. That are many types of the disease and for PearlieMae the big "C" was considered the deadliest of the deadly. PearlieMae considered cancer the disease of death. Once you were so pronounced it was just a matter of time and nothing could dissuade her from that. While hospitalized it was discovered that her cancer was treatable, while she would not be healed her condition could have been arrested. For her mentally and emotionally it was too late. And it was.

Now comes this CBS story that isn't inconsistent with our speculation and suggestions that cancers are a result of several factors, in our opinion, most predominantly location and diet. A man whose wife succumbs to breast cancer develops breast cancer. If we believe that there are methods we all can and should use to prevent and retard the development and spread of the disease. Which we do believe. Then we also believe that cancer can spread in families more so than as PearlieMae believed that you'd get if you go for treatment. That doctors don't know how to cure you so that say you have cancer so they can get you to die.

Information should breed assurance and not fear, in our opinion. Man cancer is not something as men we should be afraid, not something that we should be very very afraid. We don't wish to down play either the disease or the condition. Indeed we believe that in the current condition with the lack of health care and the reluctance within the African-American community to seek immediate care the future looks bleak. Not because of the reluctance which with education and health care can be eroded or reverse. We think a more progressive and beneficial approach, though wholly optimistic, would be a change toward prevention than treatment. The future of treatment is overwhelming expensive.

We came to this story with the news that not all hospitals in our jurisdiction provided an expensive IV treatment for strokes. The research determined that while effective the treatment is only useful in a small (less than 10%) of the affected population. To even be effective with that subset individuals have to be treated quickly which for the African-American and Hispanic population is not their behavior. Rather than having hospital invest in more expensive treatment that is less likely to substantially reduce the number stroke deaths. That's our goal to reduce deaths and encourage treatment.

In our research for the success of expensive IV treatment we discovered how Vitamin D was more effective in the prevention in what the federal government would consider mega-doses. When we say more effective we mean that the population would be larger than without the side effects than in the subset of the more expensive treatment. We will list, in the future, which hospitals are prepared with the more expensive IV treatment for the smart and quick to receive treatment individually. We encourage everyone to become part of that population. PearlieMae was blessed enough to have friends who rushed her to the emergency room when she was not so inclined.

Even more frightening is the public service announcement (PSA) created, we assume, by the US government showing a family moving into a new home and the Realtor telling the father figure that he won't be around to enjoy the new home with the family. The PSA ends with the tag to go the website http://ahrg.gov to to find the test that men should have and the father didn't have. Talk about fear tactics - late at night it'll scare you to death - just in time for Halloween. See it with the lights on!

We did and went to the "Get Preventive Tests" page and other than a BMI, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and a full battery of cancer tests that you and your doctor should discuss there are no "secret" or special tests that you need as implied by the ad. So if you see it and couldn't find it we just thought we'd let you know!

Dying To Live Here

The numbered dead and dying. You would think that the largest states would have the most dead and while people die in any state in the United States we were surprised that there are some states where the dying isn't consistent with the population. Since 2007 to 2009 there hasn't been a census to change the total population numbers we've been using. The most populace state in our region from 2007-2009 is North Carolina, followed by Virginia then Maryland and South Carolina. Washington DC though not a state is larger in population than Wyoming. If DC were awarded statehood it would number fiftieth (50th) out of the fifty (50) states making Wyoming fifty-first (51st) state in size of population.

If location didn't matter then tenth most populated state North Carolina should be tenth in number of deaths. Instead if you reside NC you'll be in the state that ninth (9th) in deaths for the past three years. Twelfth (12th) place Virginia has fluctuated between thirteenth last year, eleventh the year before and where you'd predict the state to be were all things equal twelfth (12th) in 2007. Maryland though nineteenth (19th) in size has maintained twenty-first (21st) in deaths for the same three (3) year period. The twenty-fourth (24th) state of South Carolina was only so in 2007 and since has only been the twenty-fifth (25th) state in deaths. Only the District of Columbia has improved since 2007 and every year since to the fifty-first (51st) from forty-ninth (49th) in 2007.

Location Location Location isn't as important as staying alive but it's more like location, diet and stress or location, location, diet, exercise and or stress. We get the number of deaths from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We want to focus and have been like the government agency, on prevention. Let's stay alive and while they're cities and communities that are doing better than others it's all so true that we all are pretty much feeling the same thing. Or at least we have over the last three (3) years.

Good To Be The King!

"It's good to be the king!" When you're in charge you can make a decision and whatever you decide will be done or heads will roll. If you're ruled by the king its not so good. We say this because we read that "(l)eading public health and infectious disease experts have issued a framework for achieving elimination of (HAIs) healthcare-associated infections." Unfortunately for our region HAIs aren't even in the top ten (10) causes of death. When you're sick and or dying it doesn't matter if what you're suffering from isn't popular. What matters is that you get well and whatever your condition its the most important condition in the world.

"The framework is detailed in a white paper co-published today in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology and the American Journal of Infection Control. The white paper, titled “Moving toward Elimination of Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Call to Action,” was jointly authored by representatives from the leading public health and infectious diseases groups including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and Pediatric Infectious Disease Society. " - The Infectious Diseases Society of America (October 7, 2010)

Now if we could only get the king to be dead or dying from the top ten (10) illnesses maybe we could all have a chance to be king. We're not saying that progress is bad. Progress isn't bad we also agree that it's easier to do the easy job first before you tackle the really difficult tasks. We just think that by the time you get to the really tough tasks you might be a little tired and lighter in the E-wallet. While it is true if you don't have the resources to do the really hard or expensive job it neither gets finish or do you receive the satisfaction of completing a tasks. Which is true unless you're king.

“Progress towards the elimination of HAIs is real,” said Dr. Denise Cardo, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion and lead author of the white paper. “Now is the time to build on this momentum and investment made at the federal, state, and local levels." - The Infectious Diseases Society of America (October 7, 2010)

It's good to be the king! If its good to be the king then it must be bad to be the peasants. Bad to be ruled by the king. It's good to be healthy and not need medical coverage, insurance and treatment. Good but not realistic, likely, logical or even possible at a certain age. At our age medical treatment is a requirement for longer life if you live a peasants life. What would be great if it's good to be the king is to be the prince or princess. All of the benefits without any of responsibility are what makes it great to be children of the king. By accident of birth there can only be one king.

"IDSA Comments on HHS Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections - Based on the experience of healthcare systems such as Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC), BJC Healthcare, and the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), implementation of multifaceted mandatory influenza vaccination programs lead to rapid and sustained increases in influenza vaccination rates."New At IDSA (page 12)

We support the programs that make it better to be the peasants of the king. We support any and everything that makes us healthier, wealthier and give us all longer lives. That's more of the story than the results from this small study from one (1) hospital. Infections are especially important in secondary care facilities for the elderly. PearlieMae was often sent to recover there and while changes made in primary care facilities are important and an improvement we urge all facilities to elect to improve. Where ever there is a hole in the health care wall infections will seep through.

Green Tea Isn't Useless

The study said inconclusive and when compared to one (1) cup or ten (10) there did not appear to be a difference in the number of cases of breast cancer among Japanese women. Our question is that there are items in tea green or otherwise that has been shown in studies to be useful in the fight against cancer. Our question to the researchers is when has green tea been considered the only tool you'd need in the fight against breast cancer?

"Green tea drinking and subsequent risk of breast cancer in a population to based cohort of Japanese women - Although many in-vitro and animal studies have demonstrated a protective effect of green tea against breast cancer, findings from epidemiological studies have been inconsistent, and whether high green tea intake reduces the risk of breast cancer remains unclear. ...In this population-based prospective cohort study in Japan we found no association between green tea drinking and risk of breast cancer." Breast Cancer Research (October 28, 2010)

Essentially this study reflects the data found in the smaller 2009 study presented at the Experimental Biology 2008 conference in San Diego California. Since we don't have access to the full details of the research we're speculating based on the introduction and conclusion presented. What would make the information from the research more persuasive would be if attention was made and presented that disproved the results of the 2008 study.

"Effects of a Green Tea Intervention on Anthropometrics, Intake, and Glucose Levels in Breast Cancer Survivors ...results suggest that daily intake of 4 cups green tea did not significantly change anthropometrics or glucose in overweight breast cancer survivors, although these markers did move in a favorable direction. Future studies should include higher EGCG exposure and a larger sample size of breast cancer survivors who demonstrate insulin resistance at the time of study entry." Experimental Biology 2008 (April 2008)

While the 2008 researchers focused on a specific type of survivors (overweight). They also used half as much tea than the current study which ignored the leading indicators of the specific that might have impacted on those who might wish to survive breast cancer and focused on all women. The current research ignored the disease and focused specifically on all the women and not those impacted. We should be happy because our focus has been on ways to prevent cancer. Protecting PearlieMae from the ravages of the disease to which she succumbed.

The antioxidant found in green tea EGCG worked in female mice but not in female women has been found to be effective. Again we only have the abstract to go on then and now. At the same Experimental Biology conference evidence was presented to that conclusion.

"Oral Administration of EGCG, an Antioxidant Found in Green Tea, Inhibits Tumor Angiogenesis and Growth of Breast Cancer in Female Mice ...(mouse breast cancer) cells were injected in 4th mammary gland of the mice. Tumor size was monitored by measuring tumor cross section area (TCSA)." - Experimental Biology 2008 (April 2008)

This wasn't a case where mice were just observed and some were given EGCG and some were not. These mice were cancer infected and then treated with the EGCG and were compared to those not so lucky. Rather than focusing on the actual working part of the green tea the research focused on the tea itself. For us that's the flaw in the study. Not that we're always consistent in our support for the chemical over the naturals. Except in this case we have to go with the chemical.

"Green Tea and Its Catechins Inhibit Breast Cancer Xenografts - A major shortcoming of the vast majority of the antiangiogenic drugs is the fact that they require intravenous or subcutaneous administration. This is particularly problematic, since antiangiogenic drugs need to be given on a long-term basis to control cancer growth. Furthermore, many of these agents are complex peptides that are difficult and expensive to produce in the quantities and purities required for human use. Thus an antiangiogenic drug that can be administered orally and inexpensively, such as green tea, would be clinically very useful." - Nutrition and Cancer (November 2009)

The Nutrition and Cancer research conclusion is why we support tea in the prevention of cancer. We're not big supporters of green tea but EGCG and possibility of either treating or preventing cancer. The future is still not predetermined by the very large study results (53,793 women during 13.6 years) over such a large period. We believe in the possibility in spite of the results. We're hanging our hopes on this statement in their conclusion: "We also found no association of oolong tea, black tea, coffee and canned coffee intake with breast cancer risk."

It's weak we know - about like a cup of green tea. It's still something to hang our hopes upon. We found the full study results in the PDF. "Although we found no association, we cannot deny the possibility that changes in green tea intake during the follow-up period influenced the findings, particularly considering that the questionnaires used in the baseline and five-year follow-up surveys were different." See were not totally delusional. There are flaws in the study and we're going to exploit them.