Running May Reduce Inflammation and Protect Healthy Knees

by

But it seems these negative opinions may be undeserved. New findings suggest that running actually changes the biochemical environment within the knee to prevent inflammation and benefit the overall joint.

Researchers from Brigham Young University conducted a study on 15 male and 15 female runners with no prior history of knee injury or arthritis. Each participant submitted a blood sample from the arm and a small amount of synovial fluid from the right knee at the beginning of the study. The participants were then transported by wheelchair to the university’s biomechanics lab where they were asked to either sit for 30 minutes or run on a treadmill for 30 minutes. Afterwards, the patients were transported back to a clinic for an additional sample of blood and synovial fluid. Each participant completed one sitting session and one running session on different days.

In examining the samples of blood and synovial fluid, researchers specifically looked for GM-CSF and IL-15, which are molecules associated with inflammation, and a substance known as cartilage oligomeric matric protein (COMP). COMP is a marker of disease activity and is about five times more prevalent in the synovial fluid of arthritis patients compared with healthy individuals.

Due to difficulties with safely extracting full samples of synovial fluid, researchers were only able to complete numbers on six participants. However, their findings were consistent among all testable samples. In nearly every case, researchers noted substantially lower levels of GM-CSF and IL-15 compared to baseline readings. Interestingly, COMP levels increased in the blood and decreased in the synovial fluid, suggesting that running may push these molecules out of the knee joint and into the blood.

Sitting appeared to have the opposite effect. Individuals who sat for 30 minutes showed increased COMP levels in the knee and had high concentrations of one of the inflammatory molecules.

While these findings are encouraging, the researchers acknowledge that the study is quite small. Further research involving more participants and larger samples of synovial fluid is needed to produce more conclusive results. In the meantime, lead study author Robert Hyldahl concludes that moderate running is “not likely to harm healthy knees” and likely offers protection against joint damage (Source: The New York Times).

Stress and Digestion: How to Break the Cycle during Stress Awareness Month

by

Stress and digestion – the two may seem virtually unrelated, but they are actually quite intricately connected. Stress is known to cause a host of digestive issues including constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and heartburn. In return, digestive symptoms can often trigger stress, creating an endless cycle of discomfort and frustration.

April is Stress Awareness Month which provides the perfect opportunity to evaluate ways that stress may be affecting your digestion. It is estimated that as many as 80 percent of individuals dealing with irritable bowel syndrome or other gastrointestinal problems never even discuss their symptoms with their doctors. The means they are missing out on valuable information and treatments that could put a stop to their discomfort.

To understand how stress contributes to digestive issues, you must first understand the brain-gut connection. This lies in the enteric nervous system, a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system that directly controls the digestive system. Often referred to as a second brain, the enteric nervous system contains more than 100 million nerve cells lining the gastrointestinal tract. When we experience stress, the nervous system activates its instinctual “fight or flight” response. This decreases blood flow to the digestive system, inhibits contractions of digestive muscles and decreases digestive secretions, essentially shutting down the digestive process (Source: Everyday Health).

If you’re dealing with stress-induced digestive symptoms, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Begin by examining stressors in your life and finding ways to limit them. You may also benefit from therapies that can help you learn to relax and better cope with stress. These include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Hypnosis
  • Progressive relaxation
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Meditation

Talk to your doctor if you are not able to bring your stress to a manageable level or if your digestive issues continue. Together you can devise a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your symptoms and provides complete relief.

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Dry Eye and Glaucoma Care

by

Glaucoma specialists are becoming well-versed in dry eye treatment because dry eye often accompanies glaucoma. Glaucoma is a family of diseases that is characterized by increased eye pressure. When eye pressure reaches a dangerous level, it can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss. Dry eye does not always precede glaucoma diagnosis. In fact, many glaucoma patients develop dry eye as a reaction to medicated eye drops that are prescribed to lower their eye pressure.

Treating dry eye in glaucoma patients is important because dry eye can affect specific eye tests that are routine for glaucoma patients. These tests include visual field tests, optical coherence tomography (eye mapping) and topographical measurements for cataract surgery.

This new information about dry eye and glaucoma care is causing glaucoma specialists to consider other glaucoma treatment methods that may not increase risk for dry eye. Procedures like microinvasive glaucoma surgery and selective laser trabeculoplasty are two newer glaucoma treatment options that are not known to cause dry eye. There is also a new therapy that uses intracameral drug delivery systems that offers exciting options. Glaucoma specialists are optimistic about using these new treatments because this means that patients will have an array of choices without the unwanted side effects.

If you or someone you love has glaucoma, it is essential to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to prevent vision loss. Discuss treatment options with your doctor and consider all choices before making a final decision. By staying current with your eye exams, you can preserve your vision and have clear eyesight for years to come (Source: Ophthalmology Times).

Antidepressants Increase Risk of Hip Fractures in Alzheimer’s Patients

by

Hip fractures are often associated with reduced bone mineral density and an increased risk of falls. Antidepressants appear to influence both of these factors.

Researchers analyzed study data from the register-based MEDALZ cohort. This database included all community-dwelling patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in Finland between 2005 and 2011. For each patient with Alzheimer’s, the study included two age and sex-matched controls without the disease. The mean age of study participants was 80 years old.

The study showed that antidepressant use was associated with two times the risk of hip fracture among controls. However, more fractures were seen among Alzheimer’s patients overall. This risk was still present even after researchers adjusted results to account for osteoporosis, socioeconomic status, history of psychiatric illness, medications that increase the risk of falls, and chronic diseases that increase the risk of falls or fractures.

This increased risk was seen among all major antidepressant groups, including serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), mirtazapine and selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications are often used to treat the psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia, which include anxiety, agitation, depression, and insomnia. Researchers believe that the increased risk of falls and fractures may be linked to antidepressant side effects, which include confusion, sedation, low blood sodium levels, decreased blood pressure after standing, and arrhythmia.

Researchers recommend that community-dwelling patients who use antidepressants be regularly monitored to determine medication necessity. In addition, caretakers should be increasingly aware of factors which may contribute to falls and subsequent fractures (Source: Medical News Today).

5 Sleep Problems That May Be Caused by Your Diet

by

If you are one of the 40 million Americans suffering from chronic long-term sleep problems, you’ve probably tried at least one remedy or gimmick to help you get a good night’s rest. From supplements and sleep aids to noise machines and essential oils, there’s no shortage of therapies out there to help you catch some Z’s. But there’s one area that often gets overlooked in the search for a perfect night’s sleep – dietary habits.

Many common sleep problems can be linked to the kinds of foods we eat or when we eat them. The good news is that these issues are easy to treat with simple changes to our daily diets. Here are some common sleep issues that you may be able to alleviate by modifying your eating habits:

  • Snoring – Approximately 90 million Americans snore during sleep. While this issue is often caused by enlarged tissues in the nose, mouth or throat, it can also be a result of dehydration. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and keep a glass of water on your nightstand so you can start hydrating first thing in the morning.
  • Nightmares – Spikes and crashes in your blood sugar can disrupt your mood and cause nightmares. Counteract this by following a well-balanced diet with proteins, fat and carbs. This will help to stabilize your blood sugar and prevent sleep disturbances.
  • Acid Reflux – Nighttime reflux often occurs when food has not had adequate time to digest before you lie down. Try to finish meals at least two to three hours before bedtime, and avoid late-night snacking. If you do indulge in a midnight snack, try to keep it low-fat and low in acid so it will digest quickly and not aggravate your digestive system.
  • Wakefulness – Foods like turkey, soybeans and milk are high in tryptophan, a vital component of serotonin. Eating these foods mixed with starchy carbs can trigger the sleep-inducing effects of tryptophan to help you fall asleep faster.
  • Poor Sleep Quality – That traditional nightcap or hot toddy might make you feel relaxed before bedtime, but it could be contributing to a poor night’s sleep overall. Alcohol acts as a muscle relaxant, which could contribute to snoring or sleep apnea. It also disrupts your deeper levels of sleep, leaving you feeling lethargic and unrested the next morning

Dietary habits can have a significant impact on sleep quality, but there are several other factors that could be contributing to your sleep issues. If your symptoms persist despite making changes to your diet, schedule an appointment with your doctor. There are several tests and treatments to get to the root of the problem and help you get a good night’s rest (The Huffington Post).

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Glaucoma and Genetics

by

Glaucoma affects over 3 million Americans, and the numbers are increasing each year. According to the National Eye institute, this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030. Most people are unaware that undiagnosed glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss. In fact, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, but a family history of the disease can put you at significantly higher risk for developing glaucoma.

Glaucoma is characterized by elevated inner eye pressure that damages the optic nerve and causes blind spots in the visual field. Not every person with increased eye pressure will develop glaucoma. Some people can tolerate higher levels of eye pressure better than others. This is where genetics plays an important role. Whether you develop glaucoma depends on the level of intraocular pressure that your optic nerve can sustain without being stressed, and your inherited genes significantly factor into the outcome (Source: NEI).
If glaucoma runs in your family, there are many decisions that you can make to preserve your vision as well as prevent vision loss in your family. Here are some easy steps you can take:

  • At holidays and family gatherings, make sure that your family understands the facts about glaucoma and how it can affect long-term eye health.
  • Schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam that includes testing for glaucoma (tonometry).
  • Encourage your family members to schedule comprehensive eye exams.
  • Check the calendar at local hospitals and wellness centers for discussions and forums on glaucoma and eye health issues. Encourage your family to attend.

Population-based studies prove time and again that family history plays a key role in glaucoma development. But glaucoma does not have to be synonymous with vision loss. A strong partnership with a qualified eye care specialist can preserve your vision, and your family’s vision, for years to come (Source: Glaucoma Research Foundation).

A Little Exercise Can Do a Lot for Arthritis Pain

by

Exercise is crucial for individuals suffering from arthritis pain, but patients may find it difficult to stay physically active when joints feel stiff or sore. The current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults age 65 and over engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. However, only 10 percent of American adults with knee osteoarthritis meet these guidelines.

A new study published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research found that arthritis patients can experience significant relief from their symptoms even if they are not able to exercise for long periods of time. Dorothy Dunlop, professor of rheumatology and preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and colleagues examined data from 1,629 adults with pain, aching or stiffness in the hips, knees or feet. All subjects were age 49 and older and were part of the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a nationwide research study that aims to prevent and treat knee osteoarthritis.

The researchers assessed the physical function of each study participant at baseline and again after two years through self-reported outcomes. Approximately one third of participants managed to improve or maintain physical function at the two year follow-up.

Subjects who exercised regularly had the best outcomes, even if they did not meet the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week. Surprisingly, researchers found that study subjects who exercised as little as 45 minutes per week were 80 percent more likely to improve their physical function than subjects who exercised less than 45 minutes per week.

While subjects who exercised more than 45 minutes per week saw greater results, Dunlop hopes these findings will encourage arthritis patients to make any amount of physical activity a priority, even if it’s only for a few minutes each day.

“We found the most effective type of activity to maintain or improve your function 2 years later was moderate activity, and it did not need to be done in sessions lasting 10 minutes or more, as recommended by federal guidelines,” Dunlop explained. “Even a little activity is better than none. For those older people suffering from arthritis who are minimally active, a 45-minute minimum might feel more realistic,” (Source: Medical News Today).

Over-the-Counter Medication May Prevent Polyp Regrowth

by

When examining the projected number of people who will develop colon cancer in 2017, that equals over 203,000 individuals. These men and women are husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, and beloved friends. Scientists are constantly seeking new treatments to stop colon cancer, and researchers have found promise in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota has partnered with a team of scientists from across the country to analyze the effects of NSAIDs, aspirin and several other supplements in their role in preventing the recurrence of advanced neoplasia (precancerous polyps) after polyps have already been removed. The majority of colon cancer mortality arises from advanced neoplasia, so this research has enormous implications.

M. Hassan Murad, M.D., a clinical epidemiologist and preventive medicine physician at Mayo Clinic, and the study’s senior author, said, “Approximately 85 percent of all colorectal cancers are thought to result from untreated adenomatous polyps. If we can find a way to stop their growth, we could prevent a majority of these cases.”

The research time found that nonaspirin NSAIDs like ibuprofen were more effective than aspirin or other nutritional supplements to prevent the growth of advanced adenomas. Because most colon cancers develop from precancerous polyps that gradually become malignant, preventing polyp growth means preventing colon cancer.

Using data from 15 randomized control trials, the team analyzed information from 12,234 individuals. The studies included low-dose and high-dose aspirin therapy, calcium, vitamin D, and folic acid. The team compared each medication or supplement individually or in various combinations. Dr. Murad and the team knew the protective effects of aspirin and other NSAIDS in preventing colon cancer, but they were not aware of how these therapies measured up to each other in effectiveness.

Among all the therapies, nonaspirin NSAIDS are the most effective in preventing the regrowth of adenomatous polyps within 3 to 5 years of initial polyp removal. This is good news because nonaspirin NSAIDs are economical and easy to obtain. There are some significant health concerns about the long-term use of NSAIDs, and they have many known side-effects such as hypertension, fluid retention, kidney problems, heart problems, ulcers, stomach upset, gastro bleeding, and rashes.

Most people assume that over-the-counter medication is safer than similar medication that must be obtained by a prescription, but this is not always true. Because of the health risks of nonaspirin NSAIDs, they are not the best choice for all patients who are trying to prevent the recurrence of polyps. Aspirin was nearly as effective and had significantly lower risk, which might make it a more favorable option for many patients.

If you have a personal history of polyps, talk to your doctor about the medication or therapy that will work best for you. All medications have benefits and risks, especially when you are currently taking other medication. You can trust your doctor to prescribe the right treatment for you and to schedule regular checkups to monitor your progress.

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Consumer Reports Shares Advantages of Ambulatory Surgery Centers for Patients

by

Consumer Reports recently shared an article on how patients can get the best care at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). The article highlighted the recent trend of more procedures, such as cataract surgery and total joint replacement, being performed in ASCs.

The article also pointed out the advantages of having procedures done at an ASC rather than a hospital:

  • Shorter stay at a medical facility
  • Less expensive than inpatient surgery
  • Lower rates of urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and blood clots, and blood transfusions

Click here to read the full story.

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

African Americans are at Higher Risk for Glaucoma

by

This is because African Americans are five times more likely to develop glaucoma and six times more likely to have glaucoma-related blindness.

African Americans tend to develop glaucoma about 10 years earlier in life, and the disease often progresses faster than in individuals of other ethnicities. This means that there is an increased risk for vision loss, so early diagnosis is essential.

African Americans in any of the following groups are at an even greater risk for glaucoma:

  • Over the age of 40
  • Extreme nearsightedness
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Prolonged steroid use

Another factor that increases glaucoma risk is having a sibling that is diagnosed with glaucoma. Research shows that siblings of an individual with glaucoma have almost a 10-fold increased risk of developing glaucoma compared to siblings of an individual who does not have glaucoma.

Glaucoma often has no symptoms in the early stages, so most cases of glaucoma are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. The best way to preserve your vision is to schedule routine preventative screenings. If you are at increased risk for glaucoma, you can be assured that your eye care specialist will perform all necessary tests to measure your eye pressure and evaluate the health of your optic nerve. Talk to your eye care professional to assess your personal risk for glaucoma so you can schedule comprehensive eye exams at appropriate intervals (Source: Glaucoma Research Foundation).