Source: National Institutes of Health – 
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Prenatal Testing
Author: admin
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Amniocentesis
-
Junk Food in Hospitals
Why is hospital food so unhealthy?
“Put in stark terms, CVD [cardiovascular disease] claims 1 American life every 39 seconds and is responsible for more deaths annually than cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, and accidents combined.” For most heart attack deaths, you just keel over. Sudden cardiac death “is the first manifestation of CHD [coronary heart disease] for the majority of individuals, particularly among women.” So, “for many of these sudden death victims, their demise was the first indication of the presence of coronary heart disease.” They didn’t even know they had heart disease. That’s why an ounce of prevention is worth way more than a pound of cure—because there is no cure for death.
That’s also why the prevention of sudden cardiac death “remains a major public health challenge” because most people don’t even know they’re at risk. However, we’ve known for more than half a century, when we first started autopsying young servicemen who died during the Korean War, that coronary artery disease begins in our youth, even among young children. So, “business as usual…simply is not going to yield the improvements necessary to radically improve the CV [cardiovascular] health of the United States” and around the world.
There is good news, though. A “low-risk lifestyle (not smoking, exercising regularly, having a prudent diet, and maintaining a healthy weight)” may be able to eliminate the vast majority of the risk for sudden cardiac death. “The time is now long overdue to start aggressive preventive cardiovascular disease programs in our schools, our homes, and our worksites.” How about starting in our hospitals?
As I discuss in my video Hospitals Profit on Junk Food, a significant percentage of hospitals surveyed had fast-food restaurants inside them, with Krispy Kreme topping the list. Brilliant marketing, given that “families surveyed at the hospital with McDonald’s were…twice as likely to think McDonald’s was healthy, as compared to families at the hospitals without McDonald’s.” After all, McDonald’s was in the hospital.
What about food served in hospital cafeterias? Any better? Researchers analyzed 384 entrees from 14 children’s hospitals in California, and only 7 percent “were classified as healthy.” And, just in case someone chose the rare healthy option, 81 percent of eating venues in children’s hospitals had junky “high-calorie impulse items, such as ice cream freezers, cookies, and candy, at or near the checkout register” and 38 percent “had signs encouraging unhealthy eating.” Why would they do that?
If you ask hospital cafeteria managers, “less than a quarter (4 of 17) of respondents reported that the hospital followed nutrition standards for food offered in the cafeteria.” “Nutrition is not a top priority.” It’s the same reason unhealthy food is sold anywhere else: “pressure on food service departments for cafeterias to generate profit.”
“Increased emphasis…[is] placed on running a hospital foodservice department as a profit center”—a bigger and “bigger profit center,” that is. It’s such a metaphor for our sickness-care system in general, where healthy, treat-the-cause approaches are eclipsed by the pills and procedures that bring in the most money.
What do you expect from the private sector? Public hospitals don’t seem to be much better. A 2019 analysis of veterans’ hospitals found that “all VA Hospitals contain vending machines providing a majority of soda, candy, and junk foods that directly conflict with healthy food choice recommendations from US governing health bodies,” such that, ironically, “hospital visits could theoretically promote worse health….An important question that should be posed is why are any soda or candy machines available at our VA hospitals? Are we trading the health of our veterans for profits?”
Maybe it’s time to ban junk food on hospital premises. “On daily rounds, it is appalling to see patients…gorging on crisps [potato chips], confectionery [candy], sports drinks, and cola—the very food items that may have contributed to their admission in the first place…It is obscene that many hospitals continue to have…fast food franchises on site, as well as corridors littered with vending machines selling junk food. Such practice legitimizes the acceptability and consumption of such foods in the daily diet…The obesity epidemic represents a public health crisis, but it is a public health scandal that by legitimizing junk food hospitals have themselves become a risk factor for diet-related disease by perpetuating the revolving door of healthcare…It’s time to stop selling sickness on the hospital grounds.”
What message do residents receive when they are fed pizza and soda at grand rounds? We need a healthcare system with “more Hippocrates, less hypocrisy.”
For more on how the profit motive is degrading our health, see related posts below.
-
Vaping Affects Circulation With Immediate Effects, Study Finds
Vaping is often promoted as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. But is using e-cigarettes truly risk-free? Researchers have discovered that vaping impacts circulation, with noticeable effects occurring immediately.
In the latest study that will be presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) next week, researchers explored the impact of both cigarette smoking and vaping on vascular function. The study found that while vaping exposes users to fewer toxic chemicals than cigarettes, it still affects circulation and overall health. Interestingly, the effect was observed even in e-cigarettes without nicotine.
“E-cigarettes have long been marketed as a safer alternative to regular tobacco smoking. Some believe that e-cigarettes don’t contain any of the harmful products, such as free radicals, found in regular tobacco cigarettes, because no combustion is involved,” said Dr. Marianne Nabbout, the study lead author in a news release.
To assess the impact on brain circulation, researchers evaluated 31 healthy participants—both smokers and vapers—using MRI scans before and after exposure to tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarette aerosol with nicotine, and e-cigarette aerosol without nicotine. The participants, aged 21 to 49, were compared to baseline scans from 10 non-smokers and non-vapers, aged 21 to 33.
The study also measured blood flow speed in the femoral artery by placing a cuff on the upper thigh to restrict circulation. Also, the venous oxygen saturation of the participants, which shows the amount of oxygen in the blood returning to the heart after supplying oxygen to the body’s tissues was tested.
After inhaling each type of vaping or smoking, blood flow in the superficial femoral artery significantly decreased. The greatest decrease in vascular function occurred after vaping e-cigarettes with nicotine, followed by those without nicotine. Vapers also showed lower venous oxygen saturation, indicating an immediate reduction in oxygen uptake by the lungs, regardless of nicotine content.
“This study serves to highlight the acute effects smoking and vaping can have on a multitude of vascular beds in the human body. If the acute consumption of an e-cigarette can have an effect that is immediately manifested at the level of the vessels, it is conceivable that the chronic use can cause vascular disease,” Dr. Nabbout said.
-
Miscarrying Texas Mother Becomes Latest Woman to Die As Doctors Risk 99-Year Prison Sentence for Administering Life-Saving Drug
A Texas mother became the third woman to die as a result of the state’s abortion ban when legislation prevented a doctor from administering life-saving care.
In June of 2023, 35-year-old Porsha Ngumezi suffered a miscarriage at just 11 weeks pregnant, causing her to lose an immense amount of blood. Ngumezi, who already had young children, had been “passing large clots the size of grapefruit,” according to nurse’s notes obtained by ProPublica.
“You need a D&C,” Hope Ngumezi, Porsha’s husband, was told by his mother who was a former physician. A dilation and curettage, also referred to as a D&C, is a common procedure by which a doctor removes the remaining tissue from a uterus in order to allow the uterus to close up and stop bleeding. The procedure addresses first-trimester miscarriages and abortions.
However, the obstetrician on duty, Dr. Andrew Ryan Davis, gave Porsha misoprostol, a drug intended to help her body pass the tissue independently instead of administering life-saving care due to hospital policy.
The drugs were not enough to stop the bleeding, and Porsha eventually passed away.
Porsha’s death could have been easily prevented by a simple medical procedure that has become intertwined in state abortion laws because it is sometimes used to enact first-trimester abortions. Texas state law demands a prison sentence of up to 99 years for any doctor who violates legislation.
Porsha’s death is the fifth preventable death caused by a lack of access to a D&C in the first trimester or a dilation and evacuation in the second. Three of these deaths occurred in Texas, according to ProPublica.
Instead of administering D&Cs, doctors are giving patients misoprostol instead as the drug is often used to induce labor and treat postpartum hemorrhage, making it less directly related to abortion. However, the drug is not recommended to treat unstable patients.
“Stigma and fear are there for D&Cs in a way that they are not for misoprostol,” said Dr. Alison Goulding, an OB-GYN in Houston. “Doctors assume that a D&C is not standard in Texas anymore, even in cases where it should be recommended. People are afraid: They see D&C as abortion and abortion as illegal.”
“All Houston Methodist hospitals follow all state laws,” said a spokesperson for Houston Methodist, “including the abortion law in place in Texas.”
Originally published by Latin Times.
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Cholesterol, LDL
Source: National Institutes of Health –
Related MedlinePlus Pages: LDL: The “Bad” Cholesterol -
10 Mindfulness Lessons for Hard Times
10 things you learn from having a mindfulness practice that help foster resilience in the face of whatever life brings.
Here’s what I know from my practice. I know that:
1. Things change. Emotions change, thoughts change, the breath changes. Nothing is static. And ideologies change; political movements come and go. And if I try to hold on to the way I think things are supposed to be, I will surely suffer.
2. That doesn’t mean I can’t have opinions. It is not UN-mindful to deeply want the world to be a certain way.
3. It’s normal to feel any emotion right now: despair, betrayal, outrage, loss… Someone else is feeling elation, joy, and righteousness. Or maybe you’re feeling nothing—shock or numbness. Mindfulness tells us to be open to any emotion as it is part of the human condition. But the more important question is, how can I practice with it?
4. Practicing with my emotions means—feeling them in my body in vivo. Can I feel my stomach clenched? Can I feel my heart racing? What is happening right in this moment, in my body? When I can feel it, without trying to change it, I can allow the emotion to be. I can make space for it, without getting overwhelmed.
5. The same with thoughts: When I’m entangled in my worries for my child, or my worst-case scenarios, I can remember to return to the present moment. What do I feel right here, right now? My toes on the floor. My breath in my belly. That’s all there is right now. I can prevent thoughts from snowballing out of control just by returning to the present moment.
6. Equanimity—balance and even-mindedness are the fruit of mindfulness practice. The more I sit with my inner experience without reactivity, the more I foster resilience in the face of whatever life brings.
The more I sit with my inner experience without reactivity, the more I foster resilience in the face of whatever life brings.
7. This does not mean I don’t act. That is a misunderstanding. It means that I do act, but act with awareness. When I act out of anger or fear, I’m not usually happy with the results. I know this. Acting from equanimity leads to wiser and more skillful actions. But I need to take my time with this. Appropriate action may not be evident immediately.
8. Peace begins with me. The peace activist A. J. Muste said, “There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” The only way to promote peace is to be it. Now. Through my practice.
9. Having my meditation practice is the single healthiest thing I can do right now. Having a place to cultivate more capacity to accept change, work with my emotions and thoughts, and cultivate equanimity is what is going to get me through.
10. Kindness is what matters. In our deeply divisive world, so many of us are at odds with each other. It’s time for us to practice regular acts of kindness—to listen deeply to ourselves and to others. Our meditation practice teaches us not to turn people into enemies, that we are all connected. Can we dig deep within us to find a way to kindness, even in polarized times? I know we can.
Read More
Let Your Practice Guide You Beyond Crisis Mode
While many of us lean on mindfulness to help us through times of inner and outer chaos, we can cultivate the greatest resilience through consistency in our practice, even when it doesn’t feel urgent.
-
10 Simple Swaps for a More Sustainable Home
10 Simple Swaps for a More Sustainable Home
Why Sustainability Matters
As we go about our daily lives, we typically don’t think about the impact our choices have on the environment. However, every day, we have the power to make sustainable choices that can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. One of the best ways to do this is by making simple swaps around the home. By swapping out non-sustainable options for eco-friendly alternatives, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more responsibly.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 simple swaps you can make in your home today to start living more sustainably.
Swap 1: LED Lighting for Incandescent Bulbs
One of the simplest and most effective ways to start reducing your energy consumption is to swap out traditional incandescent bulbs for LED lighting. LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than old-school bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. Plus, they’re free of toxic chemicals like mercury and lead.
Swap 2: Reusable Beeswax Wraps for Plastic Wrap
When it comes to food prep, plastic wrap is often the go-to choice. But did you know that beeswax wraps are a game-changer? Not only are they reusable, but they’re also biodegradable and compostable. You can use them to wrap snacks, cover leftovers, and even pack lunches for work or school.
Swap 3: Cloth Towels for Paper Towels
Paper towels are a convenient option, but they’re also a major contributor to waste and deforestation. Opt for reusable cloth towels instead. Not only will you reduce your waste, but you’ll also be using a reusable product that can be washed and reused multiple times.
Swap 4: Glass Bottles for Plastic Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is essential, but single-use plastic water bottles are a major contributor to waste. Switch to glass bottles instead. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they’re also non-toxic and can be used again and again.
Swap 5: Bamboo Toothbrushes for Plastic Brushes
Toothbrushes are a necessity, but the plastic waste they produce is anything but necessary. Swap to bamboo toothbrushes instead. They’re biodegradable, compostable, and gentle on teeth and gums.
Swap 6: Reusable Coffee Filters for Paper Filters
From coffee shop to home, paper filters are often used and tossed without a thought. But did you know that reusable coffee filters exist? Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll also save money and enjoy a stronger, more flavorful brew.
Swap 7: Charcoal Cartridges for Traditional Air Fresheners
Traditional air fresheners are filled with toxic chemicals that can harm our bodies and the environment. Opt for charcoal cartridges instead. They’re a natural, odor-absorbing alternative that won’t harm the air or your home.
Swap 8: Castile Soap for Harsh Chemical Cleaners
When it comes to cleaning, harsh chemicals are often the go-to choice. But did you know that castile soap can get the job done just as well? With its natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, castile soap is a gentle, non-toxic alternative that’s better for you and the environment.
Swap 9: Reusable Storage Containers for Single-Use Pouches
From food to toys, single-use pouches are everywhere. But did you know that reusable storage containers are a better option? Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll also have a convenient, reusable container for snacks, lunches, and more.
Swap 10: Bamboo Straws for Plastic Straws
With the straws ban in full swing, it’s never been more important to opt for eco-friendly alternatives. Bamboo straws are a game-changer. They’re biodegradable, compostable, and can be used again and again.
Conclusion
Making the switch to eco-friendly alternatives may seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. By incorporating these simple swaps into your daily routine, you’ll be reducing waste, conserving resources, and living more responsibly. Remember, every small change counts, and with these swaps, you’ll be on your way to a more sustainable home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most effective way to reduce my carbon footprint?
A: Start by reducing energy consumption, conserving water, and reducing waste.Q: What are some easy ways to reduce plastic use?
A: Start by switching to reusable products like bamboo straws, refillable water bottles, and cloth towels.Q: What are some natural alternatives to harsh chemicals?
A: Opt for castile soap, essential oils, and natural cleaning products.Q: How can I further reduce my waste?
A: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Choose reusable products, repurpose items, and recycle whenever possible.Q: Why is sustainability important?
A: Sustainability is crucial for the health of our planet and future generations. By making responsible choices, we can conserve resources, reduce waste, and preserve the environment.By incorporating these simple swaps into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to a more sustainable home. Remember, every small change counts, and with these swaps, you’ll be making a difference today.
-
New Chemical Identified In U.S. Tap Water, Scientists Urge Investigation Into Its Toxicity
Scientists have identified a new chemical byproduct in tap water consumed by millions of Americans, solving a decades-long mystery. This compound, formed during water purification with chloramine, raises health concerns for roughly 113 million people and warrants further investigation into its potential toxicity.
Chloramine is a disinfectant created by combining chlorine with ammonia. It is preferred over chlorine in many water treatment systems due to its greater stability, which results in lower levels of disinfectant byproducts compared to chlorine.
Although researchers first noted the unidentified chemical byproduct in tap water treated with chloramine nearly 40 years ago, its exact details were not known. In a recent study published in Science, scientists used advanced analytical methods to uncover its structure, which is now officially named chloronitramide anion.
The researchers detected chloronitramide anion in all 40 samples taken from 10 drinking water systems located in seven states. It was not seen in ultrapure water, or drinking water treated without chlorine-based disinfectants.
“It’s well recognized that when we disinfect drinking water, there is some toxicity that’s created. Chronic toxicity, really. A certain number of people may get cancer from drinking water over several decades. But we haven’t identified what chemicals are driving that toxicity. A major goal of our work is to identify these chemicals and the reaction pathways through which they form,” Julian Fairey, first co-author on the paper said in a news release.
The study represents a significant breakthrough, as it successfully identified chloronitramide anion and determined its structure.
“It’s a very stable chemical with a low molecular weight. It’s a very difficult chemical to find. The hardest part was identifying it and proving it was the structure we were saying it was,” Fairey noted.
Although the toxicity of chloronitramide anion remains uncertain, researchers have raised concerns due to its widespread presence and structural similarities to other toxic compounds. They stress the need for further investigation by academics and regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Even if it is not toxic, finding it can help us understand the pathways for how other compounds are formed, including toxins. If we know how something is formed, we can potentially control it,” Fairey added.
-
Stretch Your Way to Better Health: Top 10 Effective Ways to Improve Flexibility
Maintaining a healthy level of flexibility is crucial for overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced society. With the rise of technology and sedentary lifestyles, many people find themselves lacking in flexibility, leading to a host of related problems such as chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The good news is that increasing flexibility is a manageable task that can be achieved with regular practice and a combination of effective exercises.
Top 10 Effective Ways to Improve Flexibility
Warm-Up and Cool-Down: The Foundation of Flexibility Exercises
Before delving into specific flexibility exercises, it is essential to understand the importance of a proper warm-up and cool-down routine. Warming up the muscles increases blood flow, reduces muscle resistance, and prepares the joints for physical activity. Cooling down after exercise helps to reduce muscle soreness, prevent injury, and improve flexibility.
- Static Stretching: Hold, Don’t Bounce
Static stretching is the most common form of stretching, involving the application of a gentle and consistent pull on a specific muscle group. It is crucial to hold the stretch for at least 15-20 seconds, avoiding bouncy or jerky movements, which can cause muscle strains and reduced flexibility. Common static stretches include the touch toes stretch, quadriceps stretch, and hamstrings stretch.
- Dynamic Stretching: The Active Stretch
Dynamic stretching, also known as active stretching, involves movement while stretching. This approach enhances flexibility by improving circulation and increasing muscle activation. Examples of dynamic stretches include arm circles, leg swings, and hip openers.
- Ballistic Stretching: Explosive Movement for Increased Range of Motion
Ballistic stretching, or rapid stretch movements, can increase range of motion by introducing speed and force to the stretch. However, it is essential to be cautious, as ballistic stretching can also cause injuries if performed recklessly.
- Self-Myofascial Release: Taming Tension
Self-myofascial release, often referred to as "foam rolling," is an effective method for reducing muscle tension and increasing flexibility. Using a foam roller, tennis ball, or your own body weight, release tension in the muscles by applying pressure to the areas of the body.
- Plyometrics: Explosive Exercises for Increased Flexibility
Plyometric exercises, or jump training, combine elements of strength training with the principles of stretching. Plyometric exercises increase power and flexibility by exploding and relaxing the muscles quickly and efficiently.
- Pilates: Control, Precision, and Core Engagement
Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that emphasizes controlled movements, precise placement of the body, and core engagement. By targeting specific muscle groups, Pilates can improve flexibility and enhance overall physical fitness.
- Yoga: Breath, Posture, and Flow
Yoga is a centuries-old practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to achieve improved flexibility, balance, and inner peace. With numerous styles and variations to suit every level of expertise, yoga is an accessible and versatile approach to flexibility enhancement.
- Caterpillar Stretching: Spinal Flexibility
The caterpillar stretch is an excellent way to increase flexibility in the spine. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat, then bring your chin to your chest, slowest moving your body towards the floor. Release your hands and slowly lower yourself further, allowing the body to naturally extend and contract.
- Sword Stretches: Total Body Flexibility
Sword stretches are designed to improve flexibility and coordination, engaging multiple muscle groups and joints. Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat, and hold a broom or strap with both hands, simulating a sword motion. Slowly raise your sword, keeping the muscles controlled, and release the hold.
- Regular Practice: Consistency is Key
In conclusion, improving flexibility requires patience, consistency, and the implementation of effective stretching techniques. By incorporating a variety of exercises, incorporating stretching into daily routines, and allowing the body time to adapt, individuals can reap the numerous benefits of enhanced flexibility, including improved joint health, reduced pain and stiffness, and enhanced overall physical fitness.
Conclusion: Unlock the Benefits of Flexibility
By integrating the top 10 effective ways to improve flexibility outlined in this article, individuals can unlock a host of benefits, from improved posture and reduced injury risk to enhanced athletic performance and improved overall well-being. Regular stretching exercises can help individuals regain control over their body’s range of motion, achieve improved balance, and feel more energetic and focused. By embracing a culture of flexibility, individuals can develop a more robust physical fitness foundation, enhancing overall quality of life and physical ability.
FAQs
Q: Can anyone start a stretching routine?
A: Yes, with modifications and careful attention to limitations, anyone can initiate a stretching routine. It is essential to listen to your body and respect your current level of flexibility and limitations.Q: What are some common stretching mistakes to avoid?
A: Avoid bouncing, jerking, or holding breath while stretching. Instead, focus on controlled movements, steady breath, and slow and gradual stretching.Q: Is it possible to stretch too much?
A: While stretching is beneficial for improving flexibility, it is crucial to maintain balance and not overstretch. Start slowly, and gradually increase frequency and duration of stretches to avoid fatigue and overextension.Q: Are there any contraindications for stretching?
A: Certain conditions, such as osteoporosis, glaucoma, and deep vein thrombosis, may contraindicate specific stretches or stretching in general. Consult a healthcare professional or fitness expert for personalized guidance.stretch-your-way-to-better-health-top-10-effective-ways-to-improve-flexibility
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Menopause
Source: National Institutes of Health –
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Menopause