Your Daily Aspirin May Help Prevent Cancer as Well as Protect Your Heart
This, and a second study published in the Lancet, indicate that patients may see up to a 25% reduction in cancer risk, and as much as a 37% lower death rate from cancers over five years than patients not on an aspirin regimen. It is worth a thought, though it is wise to research a bit before hopping on the aspirin train. First, otherwise healthy people may not see the benefits and in that case the side effects possible may not be worth risking. Second, make sure that your doctor has you on the right aspirin dosage for preventative efficacy. Just like many other meds, aspirin dose for heart and cancer benefits needs to be calculated based on body weight, so an 80 or 85mg child's aspirin may not provide the benefit you are looking for. For many people, 160-170mg. of aspirin per day are required to get the therapeutic benefits associated with low-dose aspirin.
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(11)61720-0/abstract
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Friday, February 25, 2011
Mortality in ankylosing spondylitis. - PubMed.gov
I hesitate to put info like this out there because it can be demoralizing and cause fear. But, after thinking about it a fair bit, I believe that the tip-off that this study and many others reflecting similar information can help those of us with inflammatory illnesses such as AS understand the impact of the disease on more than just the skeletal, connective tissue systems. There is clear evidence that AS causes a reduction in life span without regard to treatment received. This is mainly due to the increased risk factors for heart disease, as well as the abnormal treatment of lipids in the body and many other common sense risks which can shorten our lives.
Knowing that AS brings with it an increased heart risk due to inflammatory changes, as well as many common effects of AS work to cause or accelerate heart disease (these include microvascualr changes, endocrine changes such as low testosterone and increased cholesterol as well as poor sleep habits and less exercise overall). Knowing that AS is an over-arching risk factor for heart-related mortality is a form of empowerment for those of us who have this disease - but only if we do as much as possible to treat and address all of the risks that AS ADDS to our personal cardiac risks. Below is the abstract from a study showing the many increased risk factors to increased mortality due to AS.
Mortality in ankylosing spondylitis.
Research Institute, Hobart, Australia.
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease which causes pain along with loss of physical function and quality of life over many years. It has also been shown to increase mortality compared to the general population, independent of treatment modalities. Cardiovascular deaths are increased, and recent studies suggest both an abnormality of lipid regulation and microvascualr changes. Increased rates of suicide, accidental death, and alcohol-related deaths have also been reported. This review examines rates and causes of increased mortality in AS and highlights a need to focus on cardiovascular risk factors and psychological health in addition to physical disability in patients with AS.
Increased Mortality Rates in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients. PubMed
Friday, February 18, 2011
Low Testosterone - Serious Health and Mortality Risk
As we learn more about the health effects that are associated with low testosterone (defined as less than 300 nanograms per deciliter of blood), it is apparent that the impacts upon the health of most men range from being asymptomatic, to serious health conditions such as congestive heart failure, or cumulative and serious vision impairments.
It is not clear yet, whether the low levels of testosterone in the blood are causing these issues, or whether they are effects of other health problems. I tend to agree with the hypothesis that low and ultra-low testosterone are causative , and left untreated, can cause serious disease processes.
In men of a certain age such as I (over 40), to an elderly man, low testosterone can result in fatigue, moodiness, depression, inefficient use of nutrients along with other issues. It is important to use a blood test to check on testosterone levels in any cases where a man has developed symptoms. Important enough that it can carry the weight of a life or death decision. Men with ultra low testosterone are just over 40% more likely to have a heart attack than men who have levels at, or well above the normal level.
The discovery of a blood testosterone level that is far below normal can also be a tipoff that the endocrine system is generally having problems. In my own case, the onset of Ankylosing Spondylitis (I wouldn't know that I had AS until nearly eight years later), both because it is the result of my immune system attacking healthy joints and connective tissue, and because it causes inflammation throughout the body, occurred at the same time, I began feeling a deep fatigue. This fatigue was not only feeling "tired". but was an indicator that something in my body was failing. I am fortunate to have a primary care physician named Warren Fein, a man who is not only very good at his job, but is an excellent listener. When he heard my description of the fatigue, he immediately checked for blood thyroid levels, and when they were low (well below the minimum threshold), he prescribed a synthetic thyroid replacement, then followed up to see if my fatigue had abated. It had not, and this caused us to set out on a mission to find the rest of the problems, if any, with my endocrine system.
In my case, not only had my thyroid been affected, but I also had low vitamin D levels, low testosterone, elevated cortisol, low human growth hormone, etc. In other words, we learned that there were so many areas of the endocrine system that were out of whack, both Dr. Fein and I believed that something was causing the pituitary system to fail. Even after beginning testosterone replacement therapy following an evaluation with Dr. Davies ( a top-notch endocrinologist), my blood levels continued to decline - at one point I had only 70 nanograms per deciliter of blood. finally, with larger doses every other week, we were able to get the testosterone level up to just over 300.
I encourage men over 40 to read up on the issue and if you are experiencing some symptoms which could be related to low T, discuss it with your doctor. You might just be saving your own life.
Low Testosterone Symptoms, Health Effects, and Testosterone Replacement
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Striking prevalence of Axial Spondyloarthritis in primary care patients with chronic low back pain; a cross-sectional study
Among the most common causes of chronic pain is low back pain. Recent study data indicates a "strikingly high" correlation between chronic low back pain and Ankylosing Spondylitis. In my case, I had unusual wear on the low back due to a severe knee injury which caused a limp for a number of years - a limp where the low back and hip took on the load bearing for the injured knee, as well as a shearing motion in doing so. This strain could have been a contributor to chronic low back pain. Then there was the osteoarthritis which was more advanced in me than typical in young people as a result of the injury and surgeries such as bone-grafting and other highly invasive interventions. Then there were episodes of lumbar disc herniation requiring surgery. All of these alone or as a group, as well as a chronic pain syndrome wherein the overstimulation of certain neural pathways causes perceived pain in the low back, could be responsible for chronic low back pain in my case (and at least some of these perhaps in your case). Since it on average requires 7-10 years to diagnose AS, and since AS is most successfully treated early in its' development, there is a new push to give primary care physicians better information so that that long period where AS is seldom diagnosed can be brought down to a shorter interval - and hopefully therefore, allow more effective treatment.
Not only does AS turn out to be present in over twenty percent of patients experiencing chronic low back pain, but that number may be significantly under-reported. This abstract, and the full article are worth reading if you, or someone you care about is experiencing chronic low back pain.
Remember this: Just because there is something that MIGHT be causing chronic low back pain (injury, prior surgery, wear and tear arthritis, etc.), don't rely on the fact that your chronic pain COULD be due to one of these other causes, get to an experienced rheumatologist who will carefully look at your status and make a diagnosis of AS if appropriate. In my own case, the first rheumatologist I saw, about four years into the progression of symptoms, noted that I had injury and osteoarthritis and made the assumption that these were the cause. My own outcome from treatment of AS would likely have been far more successful at early days in the development of the disease, than it has been since I saw an excellent rheumatologist about eight years into the situation. If you are referred to a rheumatologist, or have endocrine issues accompanying your chronic lower back pain, see the rheumatologist and by all means get a second opinion. Four or five years lost in fighting AS is a damn shame.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Medical News: House Passes One-Month SGR Patch - Avoids Cutting Medicare Physician Payment Rates by 23% for One Month.
For anyone who is on Medicare and reading this post, this article is a good summary of an issue that should be of great concern. If the measure, just postponed for 31 days by the current and Lame Duck Congress, is allowed to take effect next month, a 23% cut will be made to fees Medicare will allow for both physician and facilities. The AMA - not without a horse in this race - has said that such a huge cut will cause a Medicare "meltdown". Less directly impacted people may not have concerns, but perhaps they should, as they will want to be on Medicare when they are older or if they become disabled. One issue is that many analysts believe that a significant number of physicians will stop taking Medicare. So, if you like your doctor, or your clinic for out-patient services, you may have to find another.
Personally, I worry about it because I have a complicated group of issues, and a fifteen year chronology - or history, if you prefer - and I could never replace the diagnostic history, the knowledge of the progression of the several issues I have, and the inputs from various specialists that my physician of fifteen years knows well. I also worry about keeping my rheumatologist - the second rheumatologist I've seen - who finally gave me a diagnosis for my health problems. The average time to diagnosis for people like me with Ankylosing Spondylitis is between 7-10 years, and it wasn't until I got real top-flight specialists that I was diagnosed and given treatment that helped with pain, inflammation, etc. Because I have had numerous injuries (which could cause some of my symptoms), and I have osteoarthritis (which could have caused some of the problems and pain in my joints), and I have developed a number of endocrine issues (low thyroid, ultra low testosterone, high cholesterol, low vitamin D, low HGH...), it has been a long, tough slog through tests and treatments and talking and doctor visits, blood work, PT, etc. Now that I know I have an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, I have a treatment plan. That's great, but I would dread trying to get a new Primary Physician, Specialist, etc., up to speed on what has happened over fifteen years. In fact, I doubt I could -even if they have my giant medical record, how would they have time to read it through and discuss it with me?
No, I don't want to have to get new docs now that I am at long last being treated for the root cause of the many problems I've experienced over the past fifteen years). I do understand that somehow we as a nation must reduce the cost of medical care, and that may mean some sacrifices for all of us. But on a personal level this possibility causes a fair bit of anxiety in me. And after reading this article, it may give everyone pause for thought.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sightline: Seattleites can expect to live a long time - Seattle Metro, WA Local News - Fwix
This is a wonderful article to read if you're a Seattle resident. The amazing longevity numbers of Seattle would rank us #2 in the WORLD, just a month behind Japan, were Seattle a country.
Sightline: Seattleites can expect to live a long time - Seattle Metro, WA Local News - Fwix
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Virus Linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
If you have CFS, or suspect it, this article is an excellent one discussing a very possible cause (not Epstein-Barr) for your condition.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
New Bandages Latest in Healthcare Technology - High Tech Bandages and Band-Aids - Popular Mechanics
This is fascinating. Here’s to the scientific advances in trauma treatment technology! And to the gecko…(you’ll see why)
New Bandages Latest in Healthcare Technology - High Tech Bandages and Band-Aids - Popular Mechanics
Chitosan gauze made from crab and shrimp exoskeletons.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Spondyloarthritis: Abstract and Introduction
This is a good source of information on how MRI technique can be very useful to SA sufferers – in fact, the study claims that MRI and TNF are the two greatest technological improvements in the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Spondyloarthritis: Abstract and Introduction
Friday, June 18, 2010
Spondylitis – From Denial to Support
This article is from this month’s Spondylitis Association of America publication, and I identified with the author in a number of his observations. As he says in the article, the stories of people with AS are as unique and complex as the disease itself. Many people have been suffering and searching for answers for years. Many people alienate the people closest to them. The impact of pain, limitations and fatigue often cause irritability, frustration, social withdrawal and the gradual (or not so gradual) loss of ability to do normal or enjoyable activities can leave one feeling depressed, grief-stricken, even eroding self-confidence, reasoning ability and memory.
The author hits upon an outstanding concept when he recognizes with the diagnosis he became part of a group. A group he wants nothing to do with, and a group of one – the author himself. At least initially. It is true that most people have no idea what SA is, or what it can do to a person, and that alone tends to isolate an AS patient from most of the people in his or her life.
Again, if AS affects you, or anyone in your life, this article is worth reading.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Cobra Venom Erases Arthritis Symptoms : Discovery News
This is an interesting article that hints at not only relief from pain for arthritis sufferers, but also at reducing future damage. Worth a read:
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Development of new fiber type may revolutionize bandages and treatment of burn victims
With any trauma, and especially with burns, one of the most difficult and potentially deadly issue that commonly occurs is infection. Researchers have recently developed a new type of fiber which may take a huge step forward in reducing the risks of wounds developing infections.
According to Tel Aviv University Professor Meital Zilberman, he has developed a new fiber which can be used to make bandages which will both biodegrade over time while simultaneously releasing antibiotics into the wound as it heals. In this way, not only does the dressing not need to be replaced, but it actually fights infection in place. Not only do the bandages improve patient outcomes, he says, but they also will reduce costs (as bandages do not need replacement and medical personnel do not need to spend time changing them), reduce waste (forget discarding even one bandage, let alone several or more daily) and even allow environmentally friendly reductions in manufacturing by-products and energy usage.
The only drawback I can think of at the outset is that if all wounds are treated with antibiotics, would the process increase the pace at which bacteria are becoming anti-biotic resistance? I suppose the bandages would only be used in situations where a doctor would otherwise treat the patient with antibiotics, so perhaps that isn’t a significant concern. I’ve never before realized how complicated research into new bandages could be.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Mapping Knee Pain Helpful in Diagnosing and Treating Osteoarthritis
From National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Spotlight on Research, September 2009
Although it is well understood that osteoarthritis causes progressive damage and pain to the knee joint, currently doctors do not have good data concerning which types of damage or location leads to various experiences of pain by patients. According to C. Kent Kwoh, MD, "Right now we don't have a good idea of what causes knee pain, and different people have various types of knee pain. The Knee Pain Map gives us a better way of describing different groups of people in terms of their knee pain and then getting a better understanding of what's causing it and ultimately how to cure it or help people manage it better."
Dr. Kwoh recently conducted a study to evaluate the impact a standardized process using a diagram of the knee allowing the interviewer to map the locations a patient indicates to be the focus of pain. The study included nearly 800 patients, and allowed interviewers to determine if pain in the knee was localized to any of seven areas in the knee, or regionalized to any of four larger (hand sized) areas of the knee, or if the patient was either unable to locate the pain in an area the size of their hand, or if the patient was unable to locate the knee pain it is termed to be diffuse.
The researchers found that participants with knee pain could identify pain locations and patterns and that trained examiners could reliably record the location of knee pain using the Knee Pain Map. "To our knowledge, this is the first study that allowed patients to either point to an area or cover a region that hurt, giving the patient the responsibility of identifying their pain as being in a specific location versus a more general region," Dr. Kwoh and his colleagues wrote in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.
“It is likely that there are several different causes and sources of pain, says Dr. Kwoh. While there are no nerve endings in the cartilage itself, the surrounding structures - including bone, joint lining, ligaments, etc. - do have nerve endings that may be sources of painful sensation, he says. Mapping the location of pain may eventually help doctors better understand the causes or sources of pain and how to treat them.
The next step will be to compare findings from patients' reports on the Knee Pain Map with x-ray and MRI findings collected as part of the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), a public-private partnership between the NIH and private industry that seeks to improve diagnosis and monitoring of the progression of OA and foster development of new treatments. Nearly 5,000 people who have OA or are at risk of OA are participating in the OAI at four centers in the United States. In addition to x-ray and MRI scans, participants provide biological specimens (blood, urine, and DNA) and clinical data such as dietary intake, medication use and pain, function, and general health assessments.”
Mapping Knee Pain Is a Reliable Way to Identify Pain Location and Pattern
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Sunshine on Discovery Bay
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