West Nile Virus Expected For Summer 2008

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expecting summer 2008 to bring the same epidemic of West Nile Virus (WNV) as the previous four years. WNV is caused by an organism called a flavivirus. Humans contract the disease after getting bitten by mosquitoes that get the disease from feeding on infected birds. Signs of infection can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe muscle aches, meningitis, confusion, and even death. Since there is no effective treatment or vaccine for WNV at the moment, the best way to stop the disease is through prevention. Repellent sprays containing DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus, among others, are recommended. As well, eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed can help to control disease spread. Full CDC guidelines.

High Fructose Corn Syrup Plans Resurgence

Since its introduction high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been used as sweeteners in a multitude of processed foods. HFCS refers to corn syrups which have undergone enzymatic processing in order to increase their fructose content. In recent years HFCS has been blamed, in part, for America's rising rate of obesity. However, beginning this week, the Corn Refiners Association, a HFCS advocacy group, is launching a new ad and public-relations campaign to convince consumers of the safety of HFCS. Full story.

AMA Says Clinics And Tobacco Don't Mix

The American Medical Association has adopted its position on retail health clinics this week at their annual policy meeting in Chicago. While the AMA is not against retail clinics per say, they believe that clinics should not be located inside retail establishments which sell tobacco. This makes philosophical sense from a health perspective, but some wonder whether this is an attempt at slowing the rapid growth in number of such clinics. In a statement today, the Convenient Care Association, the retail clinic industry advocate group, says, "We do not understand how forcing retailers to choose between having an in-store clinic and selling tobacco products serves the broader goal of providing consumers with easier access to high-quality, affordable healthcare.” Full story.

The Big Breakfast Diet

In dieting, fads are a dime a dozen. However, a new study is showing that the "big breakfast diet" - eating a hearty breakfast followed by meals lower in calories and carbohydrates - keeps the pounds off better than strict low-carb diets. Researchers say the big breakfast diet was more effective at helping women lose weight over the study period because it controlled appetite and cravings for carbohydrate foods, which are rich in sugar and starch. As well, dieters who adhered to the big-breakfast diet consumed more fruit and therefore got more fiber and vitamins. "Only 5 per cent of low carbohydrate diets are successful after two years, and most of them do not address addictive eating impulses," said lead researcher Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz, who has been using the diet successfully with patients for over 15 years. Full story.

Rare Tuberculosis Strain Returning

Tuberculosis (TB) experts in Southern California have been keeping track of a rare strain of bacteria, Mycobacterium bovis, which causes TB when ingested. Mycobacterium bovis was largely eradicated in the US in the 1900s, but it's making a resurgence due to improperly prepared dairy products. “I wouldn’t want to characterize it as increasing in epidemic proportions. But it’s clearly being seen, and being seen in places where people drink unpasteurized milk and eat unpasteurized dairy products,” said Dr. Kathleen Moser, director of tuberculosis control programs for San Diego County. The problem stems from infected cattle in Mexico where M. bovis infects an estimated 17% of the herds. Cheeses made from infected milk can also spread the disease. Because this type of strain is spread largely by ingestion of the bacteria, human-to-human contact should be less of a concern than making sure that the dairy products you consume come from a reputable source. Full story.

Choosing Where To Live Based On Insurance Costs

There are many factors that dictate where we choose to live. But, have you considered the cost of health care when picking a future home? Medical insurance and health care costs differ tremendously from region to region. For example, the average annual premium for one type of Medicare supplement policy in 2007 ranged from $3,700 in New York to as little as $1,200 in Phoenix. Differences in costs are see among all aspects of health care - from home care workers to drug prices. Where to find more information? See insurance company websites or consumer sites such as ConsumerReports.org/health. Full story.

Cigarette Sales Drop May Not Mean Less Tobacco Use

Cigarette sales have dropped in recent years due to increased taxation and anti-smoking campaigns. However, recent data shows that sales of other types of tobacco such as snuff, roll-your-own tobacco, and small cigars have increased. The concern is that any public health gains made from smoking reduction may actually be offset by the increased use of these other tobacco types, which have not been the focus of public health efforts. Full story.

Diabetic Ulcer Gel Increases Cancer Mortality Risk

Diabetics who use becaplermin gel (marketed as Regranex) have a new warning to be aware of. The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a black box warning for this product due to safety concerns. A recent study found that those who have used more than 3 tubes of the gel have a 5-fold increase in the risk of dying from cancer, comopared to those who have never used the gel. Regranex is used to treat certain types of diabetic ulcers. Physicians are urged to report Regranex-related events to the FDA. As well, this message should be passed on to any diabetics you know. Full story.

Marijuana Potency Highest In 30 Years

According to the University of Mississippi's Potency Monitoring Project the average amount of THC, the psychoactive agent in marijuana, has increased to 9.6 percent - the highest since tracking started in 1975. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy attributed the increases in marijuana potency to sophisticated growing techniques that drug traffickers are using in the United States and Canada. Chronic marijuana use has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. Full story.

Silver Teeth Fillings Toxic To Fetuses and Children?

That is what the FDA is attempting to find out. Depending on the results of a study due to be completed in 2009, the FDA may warn against the use of silver fillings in women who plan to become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children. The reason is that silver amalgam fillings contain half mercury and half a combination of other metals. Mercury has been shown to effect brain growth and result in cognitive and motor-skill development problems. However, the American Dental Association still feels the amalgam fillings, which have been used for over a hundred years, remain safe for patients based on many studies and scientific reviews conducted by both government and independent agencies. Full story.

St. John's Wort No Better Than Placebo For ADHD

The first placebo-controlled trial of St. John's wort in children and adolescents suggests that the herb has no additional benefit beyond that of a placebo in treating the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Up to 30% of children with ADHD either do not respond to medication, or suffer from side effects of ADHD medication. This is why many parents turn to alternative treatments like St. John's Wort. The study was published in the most recent Journal of the American Medical Association.
Full story.

Incentives Increase For Healthy Employees Amid Rising Health Care Costs

A survey of 225 major US employers revealed that more are offering formal health and wellness programs than ever. And incentives for employees to join and complete these programs have increased as well. The values for incentives averaged between $100 to $300 and were paid out in cash bonuses, gift cards, or a reduction in health care premiums. More than three-quarters of big U.S. employers offer formal health and wellness programs, which aim to prevent disease, while more than half have disease management programs. All this has been attributed, in part, to rising health care costs. Full story.