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Genetic Discrimination: Not Over Yet
There are currently between 30 & 40 million uninsured in the United States. In order to prevent that number from rising and to protect Americans from genetic discrimination, George Bush signed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act or GINA. But what is genetic discrimination? According to National Human Genome Research Center, “Genetic discrimination occurs if people are treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA that increase their chances of getting a certain disease. For example, a health insurer might refuse to give coverage to a woman who has a DNA difference that raises her odds of getting breast cancer. Employers also could use DNA information to decide whether to hire or fire workers.” We are all at risk for genetic discrimination, as no one’s DNA makeup is perfect. Federal employees already have protective measures in place which prevent government agencies from discriminating against workers or required genetic information in the hiring process. Ex-president, Bill Clinton passed Executive Order 13145, in 2000 implementing this measure. Preventative measures are imperative, but many warn not guaranteed. As one concerned reader of Modern Healthcare Online wrote “Insurers are already using information regarding the prescriptions taken by an individual to adjust the rates.” We need to be cautious and apply our own protective measures like ensuring that we are constantly insured, even if that requires taking out a private policy. Protect yourself, ignorance is not always bliss.
Works Cited
“Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.” Genome.Gov. National Human Genome Research Institute. 22 May 2008 <http://www.genome.gov/10002328>.
Vesely, R. “Breaking the Code.” Modern Healthcare. 12 Mar. 2008. 21 May 2008 <http://modernhealthcare.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/REG/213289363>.
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Coffee: the Good, the Bad, the Latest
As I down my second cup for the day, I wonder “just why am I so addicted to this substance and what it’s negative effects on my body? I have been downing 3+ cups a day since I started college, but why? What is in this stuff that has made me so addicted. There have been many studies on the effect coffee and caffeine have on the body. Most of which is controversial. Here is a breakdown of what my research has shown.
Caffeine-
The good:
“…The caffeine in coffee (and tea) acts as a cognitive stimulant and also helps reduce levels of beta amyloid protein in the brain. Accumulations of this protein underlie Alzheimer’s disease,” (http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2952/coffee-can-it-keep-your-brain-in-shape/).
“…Caffeine reduces the risk of dementia by blocking the damage cholesterol can inflict on the body,” (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,345531,00.html).
“…Caffeine has been shown to prevent skin cancer in laboratory studies… The caffeine was provided in the drinking fluid for the mice and the research found it inhibited ultraviolet light-induced tumors and cancers in this case…,” (http://news.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news-2/Rutgers-research-shows-caffeine-may-prevent-skin-cancer-7240-1/).
The ugly:
“Caffeine can actually make it more difficult for diabetics to keep blood sugar levels down,” (http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=7791244).
“Study results showed that high caffeine intake may double the risk of miscarriage,” (http://centegra.org/Newsletters.asp?PageID=P09143).
” Can increase the body’s levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone”, which can lead to other health consequences ranging from weight gain and moodiness to heart disease and diabetes,” (http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/caffeine.htm).
“Evidence suggests that high caffeine intake may accelerate bone loss,” (http://www.medicinenet.com/caffeine/page4.htm).
Caffeine’s relation to heart disease is undetermined. “Some evidence suggests an elevation in stress hormones from caffeine consumption that could pose a cardiovascular risk, but recent research has shown no relationship between caffeine ingestion and heart disease. In fact, studies have actually shown a protective effect against heart disease with habitual intake of caffeinated beverages in the elderly population. The reason for the discrepancy may be due to the kind of beverage being consumed,” (http://www.medicinenet.com/caffeine/page4.htm). Because of this controversy, I have not added it as a negative or positive, just something to know.
Coffee
The good:
“Coffee may counteract alcohol’s poisonous effects on the liver and help prevent cirrhosis, researchers say,” (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13281392/).
“Women who drank three or more cups of coffee daily were 30 percent less likely to have memory problems at age 65 than women who drank a single cup of coffee or less,” (http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2952/coffee-can-it-keep-your-brain-in-shape/).
“Promote(s) urine production and can help relax muscle tension,” (http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/effects-of-coffee-learn-about-them-394461.html).
“Java is also the number one source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet,” (http://www.physorg.com/news6067.html)
“Java for instance is effective as an anti-depressant,” (http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/effects-of-coffee-learn-about-them-394461.html).
The ugly:
“…Well-documented side effects: anxiety, insomnia, tremor and irregular heartbeat,” (http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2952/coffee-can-it-keep-your-brain-in-shape/)
.“…Can also irritate the digestive system, bladder and prostate. If you experience any of these effects, you’re better off avoiding coffee (and decaf, which still contains substances that may contribute to the symptoms),” (http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2952/coffee-can-it-keep-your-brain-in-shape/).
“…May form a habit. People who drink it regularly and all of a sudde stop may feel what is called a withdrawal effects that will go away after a day or two when they are able to once again drink a cup of coffee,” (http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2952/coffee-can-it-keep-your-brain-in-shape/).
“…coffee stains on teeth are under the surface. They soak into the tooth,” (http://www.mynewsmile.com/cosmetic/coffee_stain_teeth.htm). Ok
So in summary, I badly need a teeth whitening, am completely dependent on java, am often stressed out, will likely have related heart problems one day, and can now explain those last five pounds that I still cannot loose. But, looking at the bright side, it perfectly complements my current lifestyle, allowing me to go to the beach every weekend as I have, have a couple of drinks on Fridays, decreases my likelihood of pregnancy, keeps me happy, allows me to pass my classes and may one day fix my “big boned” problem. Should you drink coffee? I agree with the experts; I think it’s a matter of your lifestyle and body and just how much you are consuming. For me, 24 in Miami, 4 a day works fine. Otro cafecito!
Works Cited
“Caffeine, Stress and Your Health: is Caffeine Your Friend or Your Foe?” About.Com. 21 May 2008 <http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/caffeine.htm>. “Coffee Addiction Hard to Let Go.” NBCSanDiego.Com. 21 May 2008 <http://www.nbcsandiego.com/health/10405252/detail.html>. “Coffee is Number One Source of Antioxidants.” Physorg.Com. 21 May 2008 <http://www.physorg.com/news6067.html>. “Coffee Tooth Stains.” My New Smile.Com. 21 May 2008 <http://www.mynewsmile.com/cosmetic/coffee_stain_teeth.htm>. “Does Caffeine Cause Heart Disease?” MedicineNet.Com. 21 May 2008 <http://www.medicinenet.com/caffeine/page4.htm>. “Does Caffeine Cause Miscarriage?” Centegra Health Systems. 21 May 2008 <http://centegra.org/Newsletters.asp?PageID=P09143>. “Drinking Coffee Cuts Alcohol’s Harmful Effects.” MSNBC. 21 May 2008 <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13281392/>. “Effects of Coffee - Learn About Them.” Articles Database. 21 May 2008 <http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/effects-of-coffee-learn-about-them-394461.html>. “Rutgers Research Shows Caffeine May Prevent Skin Cancer.” BioMedicine. 21 May 2008 <http://news.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news-2/Rutgers-research-shows-caffeine-may-prevent-skin-cancer-7240-1/>. “Study: Coffee May Reduce Risk of Dementia.” Fox News. 21 May 2008 <http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,345531,00.html>. Weil, A. “Coffee: Can It Keep Your Brain in Shape?” Dr. Weil’s Healthy Living. 21 May 2008 <http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2952/coffee-can-it-keep-your-brain-in-shape/>.
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GOT STRESS?
It’s finals week. Naturally that means extreme amounts of stress and mental fatigue. That combined with the rest of my life: job, home, family, etc. has me borderline. So today I decided to write about stress. While researching age in relation to stress levels, I came across two very interesting findings. One is an article from Harris Interactive newsletter “Healthcare News” and the other is from today’s New York Times.
I found the NY Times’ article to be helpful in properly assessing stress levels and offering helpful tips on how to manage the effects of stress. The report in Harris Interactive reports that the findings of a recent research study shows that individuals 65 and over experience the least amount of stress. Obviously they haven’t met my grandmother. Check it out. It’s pretty interesting.
Adults over 65 Experience Far Less Stress Than Adults in All Other Age Groups, Harris Healthcare News:
http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/newsletters/healthnews/HI_HealthCareNews2008Vol8_Iss2.pdf
Stress and Anxiety, NY Times:
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DIET CHANGES TO IMPROVE SKIN
Suffering from regularly inflamed skin, I found this valuable information this morning at: www.carefair.com “You may already know that what you put into your body directly affects the way your skin looks on the outside, but what you may not realize is that you can help control skin conditions and common inflammation by paying attention to your diet. Generally, when controlling skin conditions through diet, the rule is what you don`t put in to your body is just as important as what you do put in. Follow these general guidelines when tailoring a skin healthy diet that`s right for you. Decrease or Eliminate Processed FoodsProcessed foods are full of harmful chemicals and added sugar that can lead to bad reactions from your skin. Eat all natural whole foods as often as possible. Consider opting for fresh raw fruit with granola in the morning instead of a commercial sugar sweetened cereal. Pack a healthy lunch for work instead of eating out, and eat a salad with dinner to ensure you get the raw greens you skin needs in your diet. Drink Plenty of Water The body needs at least 4 – 6 glasses of water a day, and as long as you are exercising and eating right your body can effectively process even more to help flush out toxins and hydrate the body. Pregnant women should drink about twice this amount of water to stay healthy during their pregnancy. Say no to Iodized Salt Cut iodized salt out of your diet completely if you suffer from acne. Iodine which is added to the salt makes acne worse. Avoid iodine rich foods like fish, kelp and onions to keep you iodine levels down. If you must salt your food, use mineral rich sea salt instead of iodized salt. Cut out Dairy for one Month to Determine a Skin Allergy Skin inflammation is commonly linked to an allergy to dairy products. To decide whether or not you think dairy is the culprit for your skin problems, go dairy-free for one month and see if your symptoms disappear. Add dairy products back into your diet one at a time and observe your skin for changes. Eat More Soured Products Naturally soured products like yogurt contain live cultures that are important in maintaining intestinal health. Healthy intestines and colon are critical in being able to flush toxins out of your system so they do not end up as pimples on your face. Avoid Star Anise if you Have a Skin DiseaseIn Chinese herbal medicine, it is noted that warm star anise should be avoided if you have a skin or eye condition. Avoid dessert dishes that include the spice as well as gourmet meat preparations. Eat at Least 5 Daily Servings of Different Colored Fruits and Vegetables Different colored foods contain different vitamins and minerals for the skin. Make sure to get a healthy balance by eating from each color each day. Eat red, orange, yellow, green and purple fruits and vegetables, as well as seeds. Increase the Fiber and Essential Fats in your Diet Fiber is important to maintain colon health to help your body flush out toxins. Sources of fiber include whole grains, beans, lentils and beans. To get the essential fats you need for strong moisturized skin, add a tablespoon of cold-pressed seed oils to your diet daily like flax seed or hemp seed oil in a salad or a smoothie. Eat fish several times a week for essential fats as well.( http://www.carefair.com/Nutrition/Reduce_Skin_Inflammation_1471.html) ”
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COUNTING DOWN AMERICA’S OBESITY RATE, ONE CITY AT A TIME
56.1 percent of New York City’s population is overweight. Because of that, all New York City restaurants are now required to post calorie information on their menus. The information must be legible in the same size and font as the rest of the menu. “The required disclosure of calorie information is reasonably related to the government’s interest in providing consumers with accurate nutritional information,” U.S. District Judge Richard Holwell said in his ruling in the court in lower Manhattan. Yet the United States has the highest percentage of obese and overweight population in the developing world, at 64.5%. So when exactly will the government impose this law on the rest of the nation. If the national rate is even higher than NY, it seems only right that the same valuable information be presented to the rest of us. I think it is a great way to make us all better aware of what we are actually putting into our bodies.
Works Cited
Loureiro, Maria. “Obesity: Economic Dimensions of a “Super Size” Problem.” Choices Magazine. 12 May 2008 .
Nichols, Michelle. “NYC Calorie-Count Rule Effective Immediately: Court.” Yahoo News. 12 May 2008 .
“NYC Calorie-Count Rule Effective Immediately: Court.” Revolutionhealth. 30 Apr. 2008. Reuters. 12 May 2008 .
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BEWARE: THE DANGERS OF CONTERFEIT MEDS
With today’s struggling economy, raising gas prices and a large portion of the US population uninsured, many Americans are looking for ways to cut expenses. When it comes to prescription drugs, however, this spells trouble. The FDA launched a campaign to warn consumers about the dangers of purchasing prescription drugs in 2007, after 24 related websites were suspected of being involved in a counterfeit drug sales ring. But that has not stopped counterfeits from making their way into American homes or hospitals. Early this year, there was an estimated 62 deaths and numerous complications due to allergic reactions, related to the use of toxic herapin imported from China. In many countries, contaminated drugs are an everyday threat, but the herapin scare came as a shock to many Americans. Although it is tragic that several families were struck by this tragedy, this just might be the wakeup call that many need to realize the serious risk of using unregulated import drugs. If you are buying prescription drugs from outside the country or on the internet, please be wary. The Who offers the warns that the most potentially problematic drugs are “any kind of product can be and has been counterfeited: expensive lifestyle and anti-cancer medicines, antibiotics, medicines for hypertension and cholesterol lowering drugs, hormones, steroids and inexpensive generic versions of simple pain killers and antihistamines. In developing countries the most disturbing issue is the common availability of counterfeited medicines for the treatment of life-threatening conditions such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs275/en/ ).”
The FDA has published both a guide to safely buying prescription drugs online and also a list of sites which have been linked to counterfeit sales in the past. You can find out more here:
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/in04_buyer/counterfit_perscription_drugs.html
Works CitedBogdanich, Walt. “Heparin is Now Suspected in 62 Fatalities Across U.S.” NY Times 10 Apr. 2008. 9 May 2008 <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/health/policy/10heparin.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin>.Buyer, Steve. United States. Cong. House. CRACKING DOWN ON COUNTERFEIT PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISTRIBUTION;. H.R. 5839. 22 Apr. 2008. 9 May 2008.Crosta, Peter. “The Problem with Counterfeit Drugs.” Medical News Today. 9 May 2008 <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/106958.php>.Dunavan, Claire P. “Drug Safety Crisis Hits Home.” Baltimore Sun 9 May 2008. 9 May 2008 <http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.heparin09may09,0,356719.story>.McDermott, Catherine. “FDA Warns Consumers About Counterfeit Drugs From Multiple Internet Sellers.” FDA News. FDA. 9 May 2008 <http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01623.html>.
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THOSE SEEKING STEM CELL TREATMENT HAVE OTHER OPTIONS
The stem cell debate here in the United States has caused much controversy. “Stem cells are “blank” cells that have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body — nerve cells, heart cells, kidney cells. Scientists are trying to harvest the cells before they have differentiated, then coax them into becoming certain types. If they could grow cardiac cells, for instance, scientists one day might be able to replace damaged heart tissue in someone who has had a heart attack. By growing nerve cells they might be able to repair brain cells damaged by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, or replace injured spinal cord cells in a paraplegic, (”Research Avenue Adds Fuel to Stem Cell Controversy.”).” However, because of the nature of their harvesting and extraction from embryos, there are moral considerations which must be considered. Scientists have found ways of extracting the cells from the spines of adult donors, but the cells are not as flexible and have been found less receptive to the treatments.To receive this often mandatory, life saving treatment, many people are looking to Medical Tourism, a new trend in healthcare, which many are unaware of. There are several companies and organizations which strive to inform and promote this option to uninsured, underinsured and in need American health seekers. One of which is Medical Tourism Magazine. They had a very interesting and helpful article in their March issue. You can check it out here: http://www.medicaltravelauthority.com/Medical-Tourism-Magazine-Issue-3.pdf .What are your thoughts? Should Americans be able to seek this type of treatment outside of the country to avoid the ethical decisions made here?References:Berger, Eleni. “Research Avenue Adds Fuel to Stem Cell Controversy.” CNN.Com News. 18 July 2001. 8 May 2008 <http://archives.cnn.com/2001/HEALTH/07/11/stem.cell.fact/>.”Bone Marrow Treatments Restore Nerves, Expert Says.” Topix. 8 May 2008 <http://www.topix.com/tech/stem-cell-research/2008/05/bone-marrow-treatments-restore-nerves-expert-says>.Brenes, Roberto. “The Mystique of Stem Cells.” Medical Tourism. 8 May 2008 <http://www.medicaltravelauthority.com/Medical-Tourism-Magazine-Issue-3.pdf>.
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OBESITY, THE RESULT OF INSUFFICIENT EXERCISE, EXCESSIVE FOOD INTAKE & OVERACTIVE MC4R?
Researchers have found that mutations in brain protein, MC4R, cause obesity and the tendency to overeat. Although not a new discovery, new findings related to the study have been found. The latest research on MC4R deviation suggests that as adipoctyes (fat cells) die and are replaced they seek fatty molecules for energy, which causes a plumper cell or more body weight. In addition, the turnaround rate for these cells also increases as people age. What does this mean? MC4R turnaround rates and expansion may make it difficult for those who have recently lost weight to keep it off. Scientists are trying to use these findings as a way to develop new weight loss aids. My question is, would the reduction of total fat cells in the body, through liposuction removal help not only in the short term but in the long run as well? OR would this just increase the likelihood of having a hyper MC4R turnaround? Your thoughts?Check out these sites for more:http://www.news-medical.net/?id=5688http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080505/hl_afp/healthobesitychildrengenes;_ylt=A0WTcVOXuiFI8VUAGhDVJRIFReference ”Brain Protein Called MC4R That Plays a Role in the Urge to Eat Has Now Been Found to Influence Appetite in a Second Way.” Medical News From News-Medical.Net. 19 Oct. 2004. 7 May 2008 <http://www.news-medical.net/?id=5688>. Ingham, Richard. “Obesity Studies Explain Genetic Risks; Lead to Potential Treatments.” Yahoo News. 5 Mar. 2008. 7 May 2008 <http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080505/hl_afp/healthobesitychildrengenes;_ylt=A0WTcVOXuiFI8VUAGhDVJRIF>.
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MEDICAID POLICIES EFFECT MORE THAN JUST WELFARE RECIPIENTS
In the news, more issues related to welfare cuts. Hospitals urge congress and the state to reconsider before making what they consider mandatory cuts in Medicaid funding. “Regulatory cuts to Medicaid slated to take effect May 26 could close trauma centers, curtail emergency services and seriously erode hospitals’ ability to respond to a disaster, hospital witnesses said today during a House Oversight & Government Reform Committee hearing, (AHA News Now ,5/6/08).” Looking to California and the results of reforms to their MediCal program, we can already see the strains placed on hospitals resulting from massive cuts and can expect similar results on a national scale should congress choose to take action. Medicaid cuts are an issue which affect us all, upper and lower classes, Democrat and Republican. By cutting medical funding we put public health at risk and cause already overcrowded hospitals to take on additional burden. Check out these articles for more: http://www.ahanews.com/ahanews_app/jsp/display.jsp?dcrpath=AHANEWS/AHANewsNowArticle/data/ann_080505_Medicaid&domain=AHANEWS http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/106381.phpWorks Cited:”Hospital Leaders Urge Congress to Halt Medicaid Rules.” AHA News Now 5 Mar. 2008. 5 May 2008 <http://www.ahanews.com/ahanews_app/jsp/display.jsp?dcrpath=AHANEWS/AHANewsNowArticle/data/ann_080505_Medicaid&domain=AHANEWS>. Paddock, Catharine. “California Health Care Providers Sue State over Cuts.” Medical News Today. 6 May 2008. 6 May 2008 <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/106381.php>.
