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Processed Meats May Raise Heart, Diabetes Risk

2010-05-23T00:57:00.003-04:00

By MEGAN JOHNSON, U.S. News & World Report

A newly published analysis suggests that processed meats including bacon, sausage, and deli ham may boost the risk of heart disease and diabetes, Reuters reports. Researchers reviewed almost 1,600 studies and found that eating the equivalent of one hot dog per day or 1.8 ounces of processed meats—which were smoked, cured, salted, or preserved using chemicals called nitrates—raised heart disease risk by 42 percent. Diabetes risk went up by 19 percent, the team found. Unprocessed meats, like beef or pork, however, seemed to have no effect on heart disease or diabetes risk. Both processed and unprocessed meats have nearly equal amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol, but processed meats have around four times the amount of sodium, which may explain the findings, Reuters reports. Results are published in the journal Circulation.

Studies have associated heavy consumption of red meat with a shorter life and with a higher risk of diabetes, colon cancer, and cardiovascular disease, U.S. News contributor Katherine Hobson wrote in August. That doesn't mean, however, that you have to erase red meat from your diet in pursuit of better health.

Pesticides: 5 Ways to Reduce Children's Exposure

There's no question many children are routinely exposed to trace amounts of pesticides. Typical exposures aren't enough to cause known problems such as poisoning or cancer, but a newfound link between pesticide exposure and ADHD does raise the troubling question of whether such exposure could be harming children's brain development, U.S. News contributor Nancy Shute reports.

The new Pediatrics study found that children who had higher levels in their bodies of chemicals from organophosphate pesticides were more likely to have ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and attention problems. That news doesn't necessarily mean that the pesticides cause ADHD—reaching that conclusion would require long-term studies that haven't been conducted—but it does warrant further examination, experts say.

ADHD is common in school age children, and organophosphate pesticides, which work by disabling a chemical that nerves use to transmit signals, are widely used in growing fruits and vegetables, for lawn care, and even for killing head lice, Shute writes.

To read more, visit: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/heart/articles/2010/05/18/health-buzz-processed-meats-may-raise-heart-diabetes-risk.html

10 super foods to fight diabetes

2010-05-16T10:27:00.002-04:00

by Peggy J. Noonan, USA Weekend

What are you eating? Choosing the right foods really does make a difference, especially if you are one of nearly 24 million Americans who have diabetes.

Research shows that “eating a healthy diet,” coupled with exercise and maintaining normal body weight, can “prevent type 2 diabetes in people who are predisposed” to develop the disease, says Christine Tobin, a certified diabetes educator and president of Healthcare and Education for the American Diabetes Association.

Tobin notes there are lots of lists of so-called super foods, but the American Diabetes Association chose its 10 best super foods for both type 1 and 2 diabetics because they contain nutrients that are especially important to people with diabetes, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, C and E. They are high in fiber, which helps you feel full longer and keeps your glycemic index low so they don't spike blood sugar (thus increasing hunger). And, Tobin says, they help maintain healthy levels of blood pressure and blood fats (like cholesterol), which are important for all of us but especially so for diabetics.

TOP 10 (DIABETES) SUPER FOODS

1. Beans. Though high in calories, kidney, pinto, navy, black and other types of beans are rich in nutrients and high in fiber. They help you feel full and stay full longer, Tobin says.

2. Dark, leafy green vegetables. Spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, kale and other dark, leafy green veggies are nutrient-dense, low in carbohydrates. And so low in calories that Tobin says you can “eat all you want.”

To read more, visit: http://www.usaweekend.com/article/20100514/HEALTH02/5160309/-1/health/10-super-foods-to-fight-diabetes

New Ways to treat Pain

2010-05-12T09:58:00.005-04:00

In yesterday’s Wall Street Journal, they detailed many of the solutions in an article entitled “New Ways to Treat Pain.”

“Some 76.5 million Americans, or about 26% of all adults, suffer from chronic pain, generally defined as any pain that lasts more than six months. Medical experts say the condition can be as debilitating as many severe diseases, leaving the patient exhausted and unable to carry on with many everyday activities.”

In this article, one of the recommended solutions was a TENS unit, which TOTAL eMEDICAL carries in our Pain Management category.

TOTAL eMEDICAL carries other products in our Pain Management category that may also serve as alternatives to surgery. You may wish to consult a physician before using them:

-Aqua Therapy

-Cold packs and heating pads

-Biofreeze Cryotherapy Pain Relief

You may also call one of our professional customer care representatives toll free at 1-800-500-4321 for more inforamtion and alternative solutions.

Bad night's sleep can hamper body's insulin use

2010-05-06T10:11:00.000-04:00

(Reuters) - Just one sleepless night can hamper the body's ability to use insulin to process sugar in the bloodstream, according to a study which scientists say might help explain why diabetes is on the rise.

Researchers said their findings suggest it may be no coincidence that while sleep duration has shortened in western societies in the past decade there has also been an increase in cases of "insulin resistance" and adult-onset diabetes.

"Our findings show a short night of sleep has more profound effects on metabolic regulation than previously appreciated," said Esther Donga, director of Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, who led the study published on Wednesday.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body's inability to adequately use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to control glucose sugar produced from food. Sugar levels rise and can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries.

To read more, visit: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6441S020100505

Aspirin therapy isn't for everyone

2010-05-05T09:48:00.001-04:00

By Tribune Media Services

New research published in March in the Journal of the American Medical Association casting doubt on the benefit of a daily aspirin in people with very early peripheral artery disease underscores the fact that aspirin therapy isn’t for everyone.

Here are the findings:

1. It may increase the risk of hearing loss.

In the March issue of The American Journal of Medicine, researchers reported that regular use of aspirin — at least twice weekly — upped the risk of suffering hearing loss by 12 percent in men. Those younger than 50 had a 33 percent increased risk of hearing loss. Use of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen also increased the risk of hearing loss.

2. It may cut pre-eclampsia risk during pregnancy.

A research review published in the Lancet in 2007 suggested that pregnant women who took aspirin or other antiplatelet drugs were 10 percent less likely to develop pre-eclampsia, which involves high blood pressure and potentially serious complications for mother and fetus. Aspirin therapy during pregnancy should definitely be discussed with an obstetrician.

3. It may reduce risk of developing colorectal cancers.

A 2009 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggested that aspirin use in certain patients who have had colorectal cancer (with tumors that express the COX-2 enzyme) may improve survival. And the journal Gastroenterology published a study in 2008 that found a significantly lowered risk of developing the cancers in men using aspirin (and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) regularly over the long term.

The benefits, however, were not evident until individuals had amassed a total of five years of regular use. Also, the dose with the biggest benefit — 325-mg pills more than 14 times each week — is greater than typically recommended.

To read more, visit: http://www.silive.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2010/04/aspirin_therapy_isnt_for_everyone.html

Older drivers: Stay safe on the road

2010-04-27T14:27:00.001-04:00

Driving helps older adults stay mobile and independent. But the risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash increases as you age. Learn about older drivers’ risks on the road and steps you can take to protect yourself or someone you care about.

What you should know

-Every day, an average of 500 older adults (those ages 65 and older) are injured in a crash.
-In 2008, 4,600 older adults were killed in motor vehicle crashes.
-Motor vehicle crash deaths among both men and women begin to increase markedly after age 70.
-Age-related declines in vision and cognitive functioning (ability to reason and remember), as well as physical changes, may affect some older adults’ driving abilities.

What you can do
If you are a driver age 65 or older, you can make your time behind the wheel safer by:

Asking your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines (both prescription and over-the counter) to reduce possible side effects and drug interactions.

To read more, view: http://www.geha.com/newsletters/health_ereport/detail.asp?id=656&title=driving.html&unique_id=2980547

Caring for Hips and Knees to Avoid Artificial Joints

2010-04-26T07:10:00.003-04:00

By LESLEY ALDERMAN, The New York Times

PROTECT your joints now, or pay later.

That’s the message of today’s column, which could be headlined Joint Economics.

If you are one of the more than 400,000 people a year who have already had one or more hips or knees replaced — or someone who already has no choice but to consider joining their ranks — we offer our sympathies or encouragement or even congratulations, depending on how you are faring. But this column is for people who are not yet destined to necessarily become part of those statistics.

Although the human body has an amazing capacity to repair itself, our joints are surprisingly fragile.

When the cartilage that cushions bones wears away, it does not grow back. Thinning cartilage contributes to osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, a painful and often debilitating condition.

TOTAL eMEDICAL carries a full line of Pain Management products on our website which may server as an alternative to surgery or to ease pain from a surgery.

To continue reading this article, visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/health/24patient.html

Dietary Added Sugars Pose Heart Attack, Stroke and Diabetes Risk

2010-04-21T09:10:00.003-04:00

By ANTHONY UNDERWOOD, ABC News

The average American consumes about 156 pounds of added sugar each year per capita, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

That's troubling, especially when those statistics are coupled with the results of a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association which says there's a significant correlation between dietary added sugars and an increased risk for diabetes, heart attack and stroke, "Good Morning America's" medical contributor Dr. Marie Savard said this morning on the show.

Published this week, this is the first major study to look at sugar and blood fats. It found that added sugar has adverse effects on the level of blood fats and therefore, on the heart.

Natural vs. Added Sugar
Sugars occur naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables and milk, but manufacturers add extra sugar during processing, to boost the flavor or aid with preservation. Consumers may also add sugar to foods on their own.

American adults eat about 104 grams of sugar per day, but the American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to 25 grams per day for women and to 37.5 grams a day for men, Savard said.

Savard pointed out that teens were getting more than six times their recommended sugar intake -- or 161 grams per day.

To read more, visit: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/added-sugars-pose-heart-diabetes-stroke-risk/story?id=10431132

Diet rich in fish, nuts, fruit slashes Alzheimer's risk

2010-04-13T12:24:00.001-04:00

by Smrity Sharma

A recent American study found that including diet rich in veggies, fruits, fish, and nuts slashes the chance of developing Alzheimer's, a most common form of dementia among older people.

The researchers from University Medical Center in New York, United States, also found a connection between decreased Alzheimer's risk and eating fewer amounts of high-fat dairy products, red meats, organ meats and butter.

They found that people who consumed food specifically selected for brain health had a 40 percent decreased risk of developing the Alzheimer's disease as compared to people eating otherwise.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Yian Gu, an Alzheimer's disease researcher at Columbia University in New York, United States, said, "Diet is probably the easiest way to modify disease risk."

Good combinations
For the study, Dr. Gu and team studied diet habits of 2,148 adults aged 65 years and above who did not have brain-wasting disease Alzheimer's. The scientists controlled demographic factors such as age, education and ethnicity; genetic factors; smoking, body mass index and other medical conditions of the participants.

The subjects were asked information about their diets for an average of four years and were checked for Alzheimer's disease every eighteen months.

Over the period of study, 253 of these participants developed the disease, which has no cure. When the team examined carefully the diets of all of the subjects involved in the study, a pattern emerged.

The medical researchers found that those least likely to develop the disease consumed more olive oil-based salad dressing, nuts, fish, tomatoes, poultry, fruits, and dark, leafy green vegetables, and less red meat, organ meat or high-fat dairy products.

To read more, visit: http://www.themoneytimes.com/featured/20100413/diet-rich-fish-nuts-fruit-slashes-alzheimer039s-risk-id-10107979.html

Planning Ahead

2010-04-06T17:37:00.000-04:00

Nobody wants to think about getting old. That's why it's easy to put off learning about aging services. But the truth is, an unexpected injury or illness can happen, and it's better to know what you want now before you're in a crunch.

The solution to this situation? Plan and save early. Understanding your options and resources now will help live better later. Here's a few tips you can use to jump start your planning process:

Put Finances First: To start, ask yourself: "How prepared am I for my later years?" If you don't know the answer, now's the perfect time to meet with a lawyer, financial advisor, or even better, a representative from a long-term care insurance company.

Look Around: Money matters, but so do your needs and preferences. Research a number of different services or facilities to develop a better sense of what you want and can afford.

To read more, visit: http://www.aahsa.org/planningahead.aspx

Control Diabetes With These Nutrients

2010-04-04T13:46:00.002-04:00

Newsmax Health

More than 23 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 20 percent of all people 60 years old or older have diabetes. An additional 57 million Americans are pre-diabetic.

Naturally, maintaining your diet is absolutely vital in order to control diabetes, but using your diet to keep your blood sugar levels normal means more than simply eliminating sweets from your diet. Add these nutrients to your arsenal to put you in control of your diabetes. For more details read my report "Use Prevention to Take Control of Your Heathcare."

• R-lipoic acid. This is the most potent form of lipoic acid. It is a natural antioxidant found throughout the body, and one of its major effects is to improve insulin function.

• Curcumin and quercetin. These two flavanoids dramatically reduce inflammation, which is how diabetes causes damage in the body.

• Multivitamin/mineral. I use Extend Core, which is a powder in a capsule form and maximizes absorption.

To read more, visit: http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/dr_blaylock/diabetes_keep_control/2010/04/02/314145.html?s=al&promo_code=9B02-1

March is National Nutrition Month

2010-03-23T13:00:00.002-04:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are promoting increased awareness of nutrition, healthful eating and the medical nutrition therapy (MNT) benefit covered by Medicare. More than 13.7 million Americans at least 60 years or older are diagnosed with diabetes or chronic kidney disease[1]. MNT provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional may result in improved diabetes and renal disease management and other health outcomes and may help delay disease progression.

Medicare Coverage
Medicare provides coverage of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for beneficiaries diagnosed with diabetes and/or renal disease (except for those receiving dialysis) and post renal transplant when provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional who meets the provider qualifications requirement. A referral by the beneficiary's treating physician indicating a diagnosis of diabetes or renal disease is required. Medicare provides coverage for 3 hours of MNT in the first year and 2 hours in subsequent years, and additional hours in certain situations.

NOTE: For the purpose of this benefit, renal disease means chronic renal insufficiency or the medical condition of a beneficiary who has been discharged from the hospital after a successful renal transplant for up to 36 months post transplant. Chronic renal insufficiency means a reduction in renal function not severe enough to require dialysis or transplantation [Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) 13-50 ml/min/1.73m 2].

What Can You Do?
As a trusted source of health care information, your patients rely on their physician's or other health care professional's recommendations. CMS requests your help to ensure that all eligible people with Medicare take full advantage of the medical nutrition therapy benefit. Talk with your eligible Medicare patients about the benefits of managing diabetes and renal disease through MNT and encourage them to make an appointment with a registered dietitian or nutrition professional qualified to provide MNT services covered by Medicare.

For More Information
CMS has developed several educational products related to Medicare-covered preventive services:

The Guide to Medicare Preventive Services for Physicians, Providers, Suppliers, and Other Health Care Professionals ~ this newly revised comprehensive resource provides coverage and coding information on the array of preventive services and screenings that Medicare covers, including medical nutrition therapy and other services for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes.

The MLN Preventive Services Educational Products Web Page ~ provides descriptions and ordering information for Medicare Learning Network (MLN) preventive services educational products and resources for health care professionals and their staff.

Quick Reference Information: Medicare Preventive Services ~ this double-sided chart provides coverage and coding information on Medicare-covered preventive services, including medical nutrition therapy.

Diabetes-Related Services Brochure ~ This tri-fold brochure provides health care professionals with an overview of Medicare's coverage of diabetes screening tests, diabetes self-management training, medical nutrition therapy, and supplies and other services for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes.

The CMS website provides additional information about the MNT benefit at www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicalNutritionTherapy
To order copies of Medicare Preventive Services products, select the link for "MLN Product Ordering Page" on the MLN Products page at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/01_Overview.asp
For information to share with your Medicare patients, visit www.medicare.gov

For more information about National Nutrition Month®, or to "Find a Registered Dietitian" consumers and health care professionals can visit the American Dietetic Association's website www.eatright.org to locate downloadable nutrition information for handouts and presentations.

For more information on diabetes, including additional publications to help educate your patients about diabetes prevention and treatment, please visit the National Diabetes Education Program website at: http://www.ndep.nih.gov

Healthier alternatives to sugar

2010-03-21T22:33:00.002-04:00

Jenny Rough, USA Weekend

You might put sugar in coffee, spoon it on cereal and sprinkle it on fruit. It's even hidden in many packaged foods, such as spaghetti sauce and soups. But for optimal health, it's best to limit your sugar intake, says nutritionist and cookbook author Robyn Webb. If you have a serious sweet tooth, consider these alternatives:

Raw honey contains vitamins and minerals. There are 300-plus varieties in this country, offering an array of flavors. Webb suggests using a little in oatmeal, marinades and salad dressings.

To read more, visit: http://www.usaweekend.com/article/20100319/HEALTH02/3210306/Healthier-alternatives-to-sugar

Diabetes Heart Treatments May Cause Harm

2010-03-15T08:15:00.001-04:00

By GINA KOLATA, The New York Times

Three aggressive treatment strategies doctors had expected would prevent heart attacks among people with Type 2 diabetes and some who are the verge of developing it have proved to be ineffective or even harmful, new studies show.

The results are surprising and disappointing, heart and diabetes experts say. An estimated 21 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes, the kind once known as adult-onset, and they are at enormous risk for heart disease. The only measures proved to reduce their chances — avoiding cigarettes and taking medication to lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure — still leave diabetics with a heart attack risk equivalent to that of a nondiabetic who has already had a heart attack.

So doctors began trying other strategies they hoped would help: getting blood pressure to a normal range; raising levels of good cholesterol and lowering levels of dangerous triglycerides; or modulating sharp upswings in blood sugar after a meal.

It is not known how many doctors have been encouraging patients to take these measures, but medical specialists say it seemed reasonable and tempting to do so.

“Doctors always want to improve the lives of their patients, and that often leads to pressure to treat more and more,” said Dr. Henry N. Ginsberg, director of the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Columbia University. The new studies, he says, could save a lot of people from taking drugs that will not help them.

The papers were presented at an American College of Cardiology meeting on Sunday and are being published online by The New England Journal of Medicine.

In Type 2 diabetes, the body is resistant to the hormone insulin, leading to abnormally high blood sugar levels that can cause eye, kidney and nerve disease. But heart disease is what kills most patients. A quarter to a third of heart attack patients have diabetes, even though diabetics constitute just 9 percent of the population. And 25 percent of heart attack patients are on the verge of diabetes, with abnormally high blood sugar levels.

High blood sugar levels themselves increase the risk of heart disease, but researchers found two years ago that rigorously controlling blood sugar did not prevent heart disease or deaths in people with Type 2 diabetes. Researchers said the failure was probably because most of those patients also had other problems that made their odds of heart disease soar, like high levels of LDL cholesterol, low levels of HDL cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides and high blood pressure. And most were older and overweight.

Type 2 diabetes “captures all these risk factors in one patient,” said Dr. David Nathan, director of the diabetes center at Massachusetts General Hospital.

It seemed logical to look at the other risk factors. One large federal study asked if getting high blood pressure down to a level considered normal, a systolic pressure of no more than 120, would help protect diabetics from heart disease and save lives.

This hypothesis was promising because studies that observed populations found that heart disease and stroke risk increase continuously as systolic blood pressure rises from 115 on up, said Dr. William C. Cushman, a study investigator and chief of the preventive medicine section at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis.

To put the idea of a normal blood pressure to the test, half of the study’s 4,773 participants took drugs to get their systolic blood pressure to 120 or below. The rest had a blood pressure goal of less than 140.

To read more, visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/15/health/research/15heart.html

Senior health: Getting older and better

2010-03-09T21:30:00.004-05:00

Peggy J. Noonan, USA WEEKEND

Getting older doesn't doom us to poor health. Today, scientists are working on better diagnostic tools and improved treatments to help us avoid or reduce age-related diseases. Researchers are discovering new ways to help us enjoy our golden years in good health.

Find out the latest with our senior health news tips:

Alzheimer's: Activity helps
Experts estimate that 35.6 million people live with Alzheimer's disease and dementia today, and that number is predicted to double every 20 years. Research shows lifestyle changes can help. Alzheimer's risk was lower in people who coupled physical activity with a Mediterranean-type diet high in fruits, vegetables and fish, and low in red meat and poultry. People who reported "some physical activity" dropped their dementia risk by a range of 29% to 41%; those reporting "much physical activity" had 37% to 50% lower risk.

Exercise for the brain helps, too. A study showed that doing at least one "cognitive activity" every day -- reading, writing, working crossword puzzles, playing board or card games, or participating in group discussions -- helped delay dementia and memory loss in 101 seniors in their 70s and 80s. Each additional daily cognitive activity delayed dementia by more than two months.

To read more, visit: http://www.usaweekend.com/article/20100122/HEALTH/100119003/-1/health/Senior-health--Getting-older-and-better

Get Active to Curb Your Diabetes Risk

2010-03-03T14:25:00.005-05:00

Dr. Tedd Mitchell

Guys: need motivation to get moving? A new study
says exercise can help you ward off type 2 diabetes.

Research published in December's "American Journal of Medicine" examined whether body mass index, or BMI, and physical activity affected a man's risk of developing diabetes. Over 20 years, 20,000 men who were healthy at the trial's outset annually
reported their height and weight (to determine BMI) and activity level. Scientists analyzed the data to see whether these parameters were associated with an
increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Over the course of the study, more than 1,800 of the men developed diabetes. The data showed that the physically active men who were of normal weight or
overweight were less likely to develop diabetes than the inactive men. The obese men were more than six times as likely to develop diabetes as the men at a
normal weight -- unless they were extremely active.

At a time when we're struggling to pay to treat chronic health conditions, it's important to know how we can lower our risk of developing such problems. Two of the most important ways: Stay active, and lose those excess pounds.

How do you ease joint pain without medication?

2010-02-24T14:25:00.004-05:00

Joint pain, like back pain, is an ever increasing ailment among baby boomers and seniors.

Suzy Cohen’s column “Ask the Pharmacist” published an article this weekend about easing joint pains through alternative means to prescription medications.

While many people think of medications like Celebrex, there are other remedies from thyme to Aqua Therapy, heating pads and even Tens units that may be more appropriate for easing joint pain.

According to Suzy Cohen:

Thyme is also chock full of flavonoids, such as apigenin, naringenin, luteolin and thymonin, which act as antioxidants, scooping up those nasty free radicals which can damage your cells. This pungent herb (lit as incense in ancient Greek temples) happens to be packed with minerals such as iron, manganese and bone-building calcium.
Thyme is an oral deodorizer and is frequently included in natural mouthwashes, so your sweetie may appreciate the thyme to kiss with confidence.

If joint pain is a serious problem, you should consult a physician to see if thyme, aqua therapy, heating pads or a tens unit will serve as an appropriate remedy to your joint pain. TOTAL eMEDICAL’s professional customer care representatives are available to help you by calling 1-800-500-4321.

Back Pain affects 8 out of 10 people

2010-02-17T15:39:00.002-05:00

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives as stated on Medlineplus. It is one of the most frequent reasons people go to the doctor or miss work. Back pain is a symptom. Common causes of back pain involve disease or injury to the muscles, bones, and/or nerves of the spine. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that leaves you incapacitated. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months. The pain you experience can come on suddenly possibly from an accident, a fall, or lifting something heavy or it can develop slowly, perhaps as the result of age-related changes to the spine.

Mayo Clinic states that some symptoms of back pain may include muscle ache, shooting or stabbing pain, pain that radiates down your leg, limited flexibility or range of motion of your back, or the inability to stand straight. Some of the reasons that back pain might occur are from strained muscles and ligaments, due to improper or heavy lifting, or after a sudden awkward movement. There are certain risk factors associated with back pain such as smoking, obesity, older age, being female, doing physically strenuous work, or having depression. There are some preventative measures that you can take to ward off back pain. Some options are to exercise, build muscle strength and flexibility, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy weight.

TOTAL eMEDICAL carries a full line of heating pads to help you cope with back pain. Call us today at 1-800-500-4321.

The Fight Arthritis Pain Campaign

2010-02-10T17:04:00.002-05:00

The Arthritis Foundation, the Ad Council and the American College of Rheumatology kicked off a three-year-long integrated ad campaign this month. The Fight Arthritis Pain campaign’s main goal is to prevent and decrease the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA), also called osteoarthroses or degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. OA is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint.

The campaign primarily targets Baby Boomers, consumers over 55 who have arthritis or are most at risk of getting arthritis. “The campaign is aimed at raising awareness and helping people realize that they can take small steps to combat the disease,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “Moving is the best medicine, and doing simple things can really help manage the pain.” Ad Council states that one in five adults in the U.S. has arthritis, and numbers are expected to rise due to inactivity, obesity, injury and the aging of Americans. To find out more, go to FightArthritisPain.org http://www.fightarthritispain.org/

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the disease is the nation’s most common cause of disability. Forty-six million adults in the US have arthritis, and 27 million of them have osteoarthritis. The group estimates that by 2030, 67 million will have arthritis of some kind.

TOTAL eMEDICAL carries a full line of supplies to help you cope with arthritis and manage your pain. You can view these items in the Pain Management section of the TOTAL eMEDICAL website or by calling us at 1-800-500-4321.

Is the US swine flu epidemic over? It looks that way, but feds aren't prepared to say so yet

2010-02-08T22:34:00.001-05:00

MIKE STOBBE
AP Medical Writer
5:56 p.m. EST, February 5, 2010

ATLANTA (AP) — If the U.S. swine flu epidemic isn't over, it certainly looks as if it's on its last legs.

While federal health officials are not ready to declare the threat has passed and the outbreak has run its course, they did report Friday that for the fourth week in a row, no states had widespread flu activity. U.S. cases have been declining since late October.

One U.S. expert said the epidemic has "one foot in the grave," and there are many reasons to believe there won't be another wave later in the year.

To lear more, visit: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/health/sns-ap-us-med-swine-flu,0,210603.story

February is American Heart Month

2010-02-02T16:45:00.000-05:00

According to the Mayo Clinic, cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's number one killer. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. To urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases, since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February "American Heart Month."

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that in 2009, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 will have a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one person every minute will die from one.

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the most important aspects in the fight against heart disease. It is important to make good food choices and also to exercise routinely. The Mayo Clinic recommends 7 steps to a healthy heart diet.
Since the month of February is heart month the American Heart Association urges you to help spread awareness by wearing the color red on Friday, February 5. Heart disease affects men and women. Many think of heart disease as a “man’s disease”, but women make up nearly half of heart disease deaths.

To continue reading visit: http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/

Uncovering the Genetic Link to Diabetes

2010-01-29T08:52:00.001-05:00

Researchers have discovered 10 new gene variants linked to blood sugar or insulin levels, five of which have been found to increase an individual’s risk for type 2 diabetes.

The study involved data from more than 122,000 people of European descent. Most of the variants linked to diabetes appear to work by affecting insulin secretion and not insulin resistance. Researchers say this may mean diet, lifestyle and obesity could impact insulin resistance more so than insulin secretion.

"The fact that not all genes involved with raising glucose levels increase diabetes risk tells us that it's not the mere fact of raising glucose that's important but rather how glucose is raised,” Jose Florez, M.D., Ph.D., of the Massachusetts General Hospitals Diabetes Unit and the Center for Human Genetic Research in Boston, Mass., and co-lead author of the study, was quoted as saying. “It's one thing to increase glucose slightly within the normal range and quite another to affect a pathway that eventually leads to progressive glucose elevation, beta-cell failure or insulin resistance -- in other words type 2 diabetes.”

Continue reading at http://www.wptv.com/content/health/story/Uncovering-the-Genetic-Link-to-Diabetes/wI0SEjlQ7U-c5g0a9y67FQ.cspx

Congressional Candidate Visits TOTAL eMEDICAL

2010-01-18T10:00:00.003-05:00

This past Friday, Congressional candidate Curt Price of Florida’s 19th District visited TOTAL eMEDICAL, a durable medical equipment provider located in Pompano Beach, Florida, where he learned how they serve diabetic and other medical supplies to customers nationally. Price was given a tour of the 18,000 square foot facility by Caroline Pang, TOTAL eMEDICAL’s Chief Financial Officer. Price met with some of the 150 staff members in the sales, insurance verification, ostomy, prescription procurement, billing and shipping departments.

During the tour, Mrs. Pang detailed the workflow efficiencies within their company as a means for sustaining customer satisfaction as well as reducing waste, fraud and abuse for Medicare and private insurance carriers. In 2009, TOTAL eMEDICAL received a score of 100%. for Exemplary Provider Accreditation from The Compliance Team, a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved healthcare accrediting body based in Spring House, PA. The company’s success during this evaluation demonstrated a continued commitment to Medicare standards detailed in the Medicare Modernization Act.

Simple steps to aging well

2010-01-12T15:11:00.004-05:00

By Dr. Tedd Mitchell, USA WEEKEND

Because our bodies' needs change as we get older, it's important to understand how the aging process affects different systems so that we can adjust our lives accordingly. Keep these tips in mind:

Fuel up wisely. Accentuate the positive when it comes to food. "Diet" implies a rigorous, self-sacrificial discipline that's doomed to fail. Instead, focus on achieving food goals of what you should eat each day rather than what you shouldn't eat. When you consume more fruits, vegetables, healthy fats (such as olive oil and nuts) and lean proteins, your hunger will be satisfied and you'll naturally want to make better choices.

Stay fit. As we age, our heart, lungs and other internal organs change. Our capacity to exert ourselves is reduced, and our tolerance to heat, cold and humidity changes. Our muscle strength and density diminish. Our joints wear down. Our bones lose density. But this doesn't mean we can't exercise. We just need to exercise smarter. Do low-impact workouts, such as walking, and strength-train to maintain muscle tone, metabolism and bone density. Include flexibility and balance exercises, via activities like yoga, to aid your ability to function fully as you age.

To read more, visit: http://www.usaweekend.com/10_issues/100110/100110healthsmart-aging-well.html

The Latest Front In the War on Arthritis

2010-01-05T08:37:00.003-05:00

By SHIRLEY S. WANG
The Wall Street Journal

Scientists looking for ways to repair damaged cartilage—a leading cause of osteoarthritis—are employing horses to test a new method of tissue regeneration that uses concentrated stem cells.

Constance Chu, an associate professor and director of the Cartilage Restoration Center at the University of Pittsburgh, and Lisa Fortier, an associate professor of large-animal surgery at Cornell University's veterinary school, are testing the new procedure on former racehorses and rodeo horses to determine if it is more effective than a commonly used cartilage repair treatment in the U.S. called "microfracture."

They are also looking for biological markers that could help doctors diagnose earlier patients with cartilage damage and indicate which ones may be most responsive to tissue regeneration.

To read more, visit: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704350304574638132988984884.html

30 Minutes to Better Health

2010-01-04T11:07:00.002-05:00

Newsmax Health

Thirty minutes of daily physical activity should top your list of New Year's resolutions for 2010, says Peter Brubaker, professor of health and exercise science at Wake Forest University. Regular daily exercise is the most important step toward a healthier lifestyle, Brubaker says.

“People don’t realize you can get tremendous benefit from regular physical activity even if you never lose a pound,” he said in a statement. The benefits of increased physical activity include reduced risks for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, bone and joint conditions, and sleep apnea.

Brubaker, who is the director of the healthy exercise and lifestyle programs (HELPS) at Wake Forest, offers several tips on ways to increase daily physical activity:

• Set a goal of 30 minutes a day of physical activity. It doesn’t need to be all at once. Five minutes here, 10 minutes there is fine. As long as it is done at moderate intensity, you will get sufficient health benefits.

To read more, visit: http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/health_stories/minutes_better_health/2009/12/29/303254.html?s=al&promo_code=948C-1

Gym Membership: A Healthy Resolution

2010-01-04T10:59:00.001-05:00

By Sylvia Booth Hubbard
Newsmax Health

Have a resolution to get fit in the New Year? Planning on investing in a gym? If you follow a few tips, you may be able to save big:

• Be honest with yourself. Will you really use the gym? There's no point in saving a bundle on a membership if it's something you won't really use.

• Pick a gym that's easy to get to. The gym across town that has every imaginable amenity might not be the best choice if it's too much trouble to get to.

• Research gyms you're interested in. Scout out gyms by buying passes that let you use the facilities before committing. Is the gym well-equipped with the types of equipment you want to use? Is some equipment limited during peak hours? Are the classes you're interested in for experts or beginners? Does the gym have a swimming pool, sauna, etc.? Is the environment comfortable?

• Talk to current members and the staff. Are the staff and trainers full-time? Is there a rapid turnover?

To read more, visit: http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/health_stories/gym_membership_healthy/2009/12/31/303846.html?s=al&promo_code=948C-1

Good News in the Daily Grind

2009-12-29T22:07:00.004-05:00

The Wall Street Journal
by Melinda Beck

Your Coffee May Have Some Health Perks, but Can Brew Trouble in People With Certain Conditions

To judge by recent headlines, coffee could be the latest health-food craze, right up there with broccoli and whole-wheat bread.

But don't think you'll be healthier graduating from a tall to a venti just yet. While there has been a splash of positive news about coffee lately, there may still be grounds for concern.

This month alone, an analysis in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who drink three to four cups of java a day are 25% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who drink fewer than two cups. And a study presented at an American Association for Cancer Research meeting found that men who drink at least six cups a day have a 60% lower risk of developing advanced prostate cancer than those who didn't drink any.

To continue reading, visit: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703278604574624032849271284.html

Diabetes & Obesity: Why Conventional Medicine Makes Things Worse

2009-12-23T10:34:00.002-05:00

Mark Hyman, M.D.
The Huffington Post

If you are diabetic, overweight, or suffer from insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or any of the other conditions conventional medicine associates with "elevated blood sugar," I want to share a startling new discovery with you: Lowering your blood sugar may increase your risk of death.

These are the findings from an extraordinary new study that was recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine, and in this blog, the second in my three-part series on diabesity, I am going to tell you all about that study and its profound implications for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and other related conditions.

In last week's blog you were introduced to the concept of diabesity, and learned that conventional treatments typically don't work to treat it. Today we'll see WHY those treatments don't work and look at the REAL way to treat the problem. Let's start with one of the most fascinating medical studies published in recent times ...

To read more, visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/the-diabesity-epidemic-pa_b_389423.html

Mobile Apps improve your health

2009-12-22T16:40:00.006-05:00

Today’s Wall Street Journal highlighted some significant apps for those of us concerned with health and fitness in an article entitled “Your iPhone Just Called: Your Blood-Sugar Is High.”

“Earlier this year, Mike Dionne signed up for Polka, a smart-phone application that lets him use his iPhone to keep tabs on the health of his elderly father, who lives 80 miles away. It tracks his dad's numerous doctors' appointments, his insulin and medication schedule and other health information.”

Applications for the iPhone, Blackberry and other smart phones, otherwise known as “apps” have become popular for gadget enthusiasts. While some think these apps are limited to finding bathrooms, restaurants and video games, they would be missing an entire category of helpful apps dedicated to health and fitness.

Health Vitals Tracker allows the user to track and monitor their vitals on their mobile.

Health & Fitness Mobile provides free video workouts from the top minds in fitness, Health & Fitness Mobile.

These apps are not strictly developed for Apple’s iphone, many are also developed for users of RIM’s Blackberry devices.

Thanks to technology, we can continue to monitor and improve our health without excuses.

Natural Proteins Fight Flu

2009-12-22T09:26:00.001-05:00

With the recent concern surrounding the H1N1 virus causing people to be alert to the warning signs, information surrounding preventative care is on the increase for both H1N1 and the seasonal flu.

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified antiviral proteins in cells that naturally fight off influenza infections, a finding that may lead to better ways to make vaccines and protect people against the flu. Currently, their findings are relevant to strains of influenza A now found in seasonal flu, the West Nile virus and dengue virus.

In the meantime, hand washing and other precautions are still necessary measures, which can be found at our entry entitled “Swine Flu Preparedness is a Serious Matter.”

You can also contact our professional customer care representatives to learn about our full line of H1N1 products by calling 1-800-500-4321.

Green Tea Helps Elderly Beat Blues

2009-12-21T13:15:00.003-05:00

Newsmax Health is reporting on a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on the benefits of Green tea.

"Elderly men and women who sip on several cups of green tea a day may be less likely to have the blues, hint findings of a study from Japan.

Dr. Kaijun Niu, at Tohoku University Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering in Sendai, and colleagues found men and women aged 70 and older who drank four or more, versus one or fewer, cups of green tea daily were 44 percent less likely to have symptoms of depression."

To read the article in its entirety: http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/health_stories/green_tea_beat_blues/2009/12/21/301090.html?s=al&promo_code=93E1-1

Enzyme May Help Offer New Approach to Hypertension Therapy

2009-12-18T12:50:00.006-05:00

From DNAIndia.com:

An enzyme called ACE2 may help offer an alternative therapy for treating some types of hypertension, a new study has found.

The research by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine will appear in the January issue of Hypertension in a paper by lead author Jan Wysocki, a post-doctoral fellow in nephrology at the Feinberg School.

The study was conducted on mice in the laboratory of Daniel Batlle, M.D., professor of medicine at the Feinberg School and staff nephrologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

According to Batlle, while current hypertension therapies such as ACE inhibitors work to block the formation of angiotensin II - a protein that causes blood vessels to constrict and drives blood pressure up - the approach with ACE2 is novel because it focuses on breaking down angiotensin II already in the system.

WebMD offers some insight into who is most likely to develop hypertension:

People with family members who have high blood pressure
People who smoke
African Americans
Women who are pregnant
Women who take birth control pills
People over the age 35
People who are overweight or obese
People who are not active
People who drink alcohol excessively
People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt

In reference to our previous post on heart disease, it appears the American Heart Association’s suggestions for a healthier lifestyle, including eating the right foods prepared in healthful ways, maintaining a healthy weight, and embarking on a personalized exercise plan, are also applicable to preventing and/or managing hypertension, whether genetic or the result of lifestyle choices.

Heart Disease to Cost U.S. $503 Billion in 2010

2009-12-18T08:44:00.009-05:00

A sobering report from KGMI-AM Radio:

Cardiovascular disease and stroke will cost the United States an estimated $503.2 billion in 2010, an increase of nearly 6 percent, and many cases could have been prevented, the American Heart Association said on Thursday.

The figure includes both health care costs and lost productivity due to death and disease, according to an update published online in the journal Circulation.

The heart association says obesity and other risk factors, like too little exercise and poor diet, are fueling the expected increase in health care costs associated with heart disease and stroke.

"Current statistical data show Americans to be on average overweight, physically inactive and eating a diet that is too high in calories, sodium, fat and sugar," said Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, head of the American Heart Association Statistics Committee.

Lloyd-Jones, a cardiologist at Northwestern University in Chicago, said too many people do not take cholesterol-lowering medicines that could lower their risk.

"One reason it will cost us more to treat tomorrow's patients is because there will be more of them if current trends continue," Lloyd-Jones said in a statement.

According to the heart association, 59 percent of adults who responded to a 2008 national survey described themselves as physically inactive.

The report also says fewer than half of people with heart disease symptoms are receiving cholesterol-lowering drugs, like statins.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States and in most industrialized countries. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes accounted for 32 percent of all deaths globally in 2005.

As the study suggests, better lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. As such, the American Heart Association recommends the following:

You are what you eat – choosing the right foods and preparing them in healthy ways
Managing your weight – understanding how to maintain a healthy weight, avoid fad diets and personalize an eating plan that’s right for you
Getting Active – discovering the best exercise regimen for you
Going Red for Women – getting the facts about heart disease in women and taking the proper steps to good heart health if you are a female

For more tips on embarking upon a healthy lifestyle incorporating proper diet and exercise, check out the American Heart Association’s Start! Program.

Effective Pain Relief All Year Long

2009-12-17T17:01:00.002-05:00

Did you know that in the United States, visits to the E.R. spike by about 13,000 between November and January? And while hanging out in the emergency room isn’t exactly a great way to celebrate the season, this statistic is hardly surprising.

Amid the constant frenzy of activity including cooking, decorating, driving back and forth to seemingly endless festivities, climbing ladders to string festive lights on the house, and carrying heavy packages out of the shopping mall – chances of sustaining some form of injury are much greater than usual. Add in a cup or two of eggnog, and it’s easy to see why so many more Americans will find themselves dealing with an unwelcome injury this Holiday Season.

Fortunately, there are plenty of sensible precautions you can take to help minimize the risk of injury, such as:

Avoiding drinking and decorating
Distributing the weight of heavy packages evenly between both arms
Purchasing smaller laptops and televisions which pose a lesser threat of serious injury if accidentally dropped
Keeping the Christmas tree well-hydrated to avoid a fire; and
Mixing up non-alcoholic eggnog and specialty drinks.

Of course, if you are already coping with chronic pain thanks to conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia, or to previous physical trauma, you already know that pain management is a year-round proposition.

That’s why we offer a full-line of Biofreeze – a fast-acting, deep-penetrating, long-lasting pain reliever that can effectively help relieve chronic pain from sore muscles; muscle sprains; back, shoulder and neck pain; arthritis; and painful ankle, knee, hip and shoulder joints.

Biofreeze Cryotherapy Pain Relieving Gel is designed to provide cool, soothing pain relief for therapy, exercise, athletic training and overall comfort with ILEX – an herbal extract from a South American holly shrub. Biofreeze Roll On affords a number of unique features that can enhance the effectiveness and convenience of the application process, allowing the health care professional or patient to apply the product without getting it on their hands. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to get to hard to reach places, or per doctor’s recommendation, must apply product throughout the day while in the workplace.

Biofreeze Spray, the newest no-touch method of application, is particularly beneficial for acute conditions involving severe muscle spasms of the lower back, or acute spasms of the upper back and neck. And Biofreeze Tube or Pump Bottles give doctors the opportunity to create a more thorough application by massaging the affected area during treatment. Through this type of massage, patients benefit through increased blood flow and warming of the region at the cellular level, for better absorption.

So no matter the cause of your pain, you can find relief not just during the Holidays but throughout the entire year.

Ultralow Dose Hormone Therapy a Welcome Relief for 40 Percent of Post-Menopausal Women

2009-12-17T10:18:00.007-05:00

Earlier, we noted the correlation between the use of antidepressants and the risk of stroke for post-menopausal women. For females experiencing menopause that had been nervous about using hormone therapy to combat hot flashes and other discomfiting symptoms, this new study featured in US News & World Report may be of interest:

Women…have been frightened away from hormone therapy ever since a large clinical trial called the Women's Health Initiative found seven years ago that the treatments raised the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and strokes. Prescriptions for estrogen and progesterone—the typical combination regimen that protects against uterine cancer, which can result from taking estrogen alone—quickly dropped (breast cancer rates did too, partly because of this).

Today, doctors no longer prescribe hormones as they once did to prevent osteoporosis, clogged arteries, and dementia. Many experts, however, contend that the pendulum has swung too far, leaving women without any effective remedy for severe menopausal symptoms. The WHI study, designed to test whether long-term use of hormone therapy could prevent age-related illnesses, "was never meant to test the effectiveness of hormones for symptoms," says Nanette Santoro, director of Montefiore Medical Center's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health. The average age of the participants was 63, more than a decade beyond the average age of menopause (and well past the worst of its annoyances).

So now, after trying unhappily to go without, many of the 40 percent of menopausal women who suffer from severe hot flashes and night sweats are turning to a new way of using hormones—an ultralow dose for as short a time as possible. "The initial drop in hormone prescriptions . . .is now tapering off," says Anne Nedrow, medical director of women's primary care at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland, who treated Kirchoff. "We are really filtering out the women that require it for quality-of-life symptom control."

Antidepressants Raise Stroke Risk for Post-Menopausal Women

2009-12-17T09:43:00.010-05:00

A new study finds a link between stroke and the use of antidepressants in post-menopausal women. From Newsmax Health:

Post-menopausal women who take antidepressants raise their risk of suffering a stroke. A study of more than 136,000 American women found that those who took antidepressants were 45 percent more likely to have a stroke. The results were similar for those women taking selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs, which include Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft) and women who took tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs, which include Elavil and Sinequan).

In addition, the overall death rate from any cause was 32 percent higher in women who took antidepressants than in non-users.

The study, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, examined data from 136,293 women aged 50 to 79. None were taking antidepressants at the beginning of the study, but 5,496 women were taking antidepressants at their first follow-up visit. The women were followed for six years and the researchers compared the incidence of fatal or nonfatal stroke, fatal or nonfatal heart attack, and death from all causes between the two groups.

'Tis the Season for Healthful Vigilance

2009-12-16T13:40:00.007-05:00

For many of us, the month of December is a blur of endless activity – a time for joyous celebrations, family reunions, marathon shopping sprees and fabulous food and drink. However, as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us, it’s also the perfect time to pay special attention to your well-being. The organization is urging Americans to give themselves and others the greatest gifts of all — good health and safety — following these proactive tips:

Wash your hands often
Stay warm
Manage stress
Travel safely
Be smoke-free
Get check-ups and vaccinations
Watch the kids
Prevent injuries
Handle and prepare food safely
Eat healthy and be active
Protect pets from rabies

Here’s to a Happy, Healthy New Year!

New Drug Shown to Shrink Tumors in Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer

2009-12-16T08:41:00.009-05:00

As we mentioned earlier, a new study suggests that high soy consumption appears to decrease the risk of tumor recurrence among breast cancer survivors. But what if you’re a woman coping with metastatic breast cancer that’s unresponsive to the usual course of medication?

According to WebMD, there is good news for these breast cancer patients:

A new targeted cancer drug has been shown to shrink tumors in women with metastatic breast cancer after an average of seven other drugs, including Herceptin, failed.

The new drug, called T-DM1, combines Herceptin with a potent chemotherapy drug. It's a Trojan horse approach, where Herceptin homes in on cancer cells and delivers the cancer-killing agent directly to its target.

Tumors shrank in one-third of women with metastatic breast cancer given T-DM1, says Ian Krop, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. In another 12%, tumors stopped growing for at least six months.

The women remained cancer-free for an average of seven months -- results unheard of in patients this sick, he says.

Soy Consumption Appears to Help Breast Cancer Survivors

2009-12-16T07:22:00.005-05:00

When planning your Holiday menu, you may want to consider adding soy to the table, especially if you’re a breast-cancer survivor.

From the Wall St. Journal:

High soy consumption, contrary to recent concerns, appears to decrease the risk of tumor recurrence among breast-cancer survivors, according to a study in JAMA. Soy foods contain isoflavones, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to reduce the initial risk of developing breast cancer. Recent studies, however, have raised concerns that isoflavones could promote the regrowth of breast cancers by stimulating cell proliferation. The present study followed more than 5,000 breast-cancer survivors in Shanghai, China—making it the largest study to examine the association between soy intake and breast-cancer survival. Subjects in the top quarter for soy consumption had an 8% chance of their cancer returning four years after diagnosis, compared with 11.2% for subjects in the bottom quarter of soy intake.

Physical Activity May Prolong Survival After Colon Cancer

2009-12-15T09:50:00.016-05:00

Although we noted recently that too much physical activity may lead to osteoarthritis in middle-aged men and women, a new study suggests exercise does have benefits for male survivors of colon cancer. From US News & World Report:

"Men who were physically active after diagnosis of non-metastatic colorectal cancer experienced a significantly decreased risk of colorectal cancer-specific death, as well as death from any cause," wrote Dr. Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and colleagues.

"Men who engaged in more than 27 MET (metabolic equivalent task) hours per week had more than 50 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer-specific mortality compared with inactive men. This association was consistently detected regardless of age, disease stage, body-mass index, diagnosis year, tumor location and prediagnosis physical activity," the study authors reported in the Dec. 14/28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

New Social Media Network Offers Support for Ostomy Patients

2009-12-15T09:07:00.003-05:00

MeetanOstoMate.com, a new social network for people with ostomies has started a global campaign for raising awareness about the life-saving surgery called Ostomy. From EarthTimes.org:

Ostomy is a type of surgery which creates an opening in the abdominal area, called a stoma, allowing for drainage of body wastes. The surgery is performed when a person has lost the normal function of digestive or urinary systems due to birth defects, Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colorectal Cancer, Ulcerative Colitis, injury or trauma. Ostomates are required to wear an ostomy bag over their stoma in which the discharge flows. Apart from that, ostomates look just like anyone else, they have jobs like anyone else, play sports, and participate in most of the ubiquitous activities a normal human being will do.

Julian Markov, the owner of MeetAnOstoMate.com says “Ostomy is sometimes referred to as 'the secret surgery' because the ostomy bag is usually hidden under person’s clothing. This very secretive character of the ostomy condition sometimes leads to social discomforts – dating issues, relationship breakdowns, problems at work, or unease among other people. The most common problem ostomates face is: 'How do I tell others about my ostomy?’ ”

For more information on living with ostomy and ostomy care, please visit our Ostomy Care Information Center.

Enjoy Happier, Healthier Holidays

2009-12-14T17:04:00.004-05:00

With the Holiday Season in full swing, it can be challenging for even the healthiest of eaters to maintain a good nutritional regimen in the whirlwind of social activities and office parties replete with rich, fattening foods, sugary treats and specialty drinks. For those with high blood pressure, however, it is absolutely essential to exercise discipline when confronted by the temptations of an overstuffed buffet table.

While most seniors are quite familiar with the urgency of controlling high blood pressure, and the means with which to do it, their children and grandchildren may not be so adept, according to cardiologist Dr. Salim Dahdah in an article for the Springfield News-Sun:

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is appropriately called the silent killer because it can cause irreparable harm to the heart and other organs before the individual is aware of a problem.

“When you’re young, your body can take a lot of abuse without being aware of it,” he said. “The first organ to be affected (by hypertension) is your heart — it starts to thicken. It could take several years for symptoms to appear.”

The doctor advises regular blood pressure checks – the only means of determining whether or not an individual has hypertension – along with the adaptation of a healthier lifestyle that includes moderate exercise and the avoidance of high-sodium foods such as pizza, French fries and canned soups.

The Mayo Clinic concurs, and elaborates on the importance of home monitoring:

Home blood pressure monitoring can help you keep closer tabs on your blood pressure, show if medication is working, and even alert you and your doctor to potential complications. If your blood pressure is under control, you may be able to make fewer visits to your doctor if you monitor your blood pressure at home.

Whatever your age, Total e-Medical offers two great choices in home monitoring from Advocate: the Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor and the Automatic Arm Blood Pressure Monitor. Each measures systolic, diastolic and pulse rates, offers an extra-large LCD display for easy viewing, and comes in a leather bag for easy transport. So while you partake of all of the joyous festivities of the Holiday Season, you can remain proactive about keeping your blood pressure under control to help ensure a healthier New Year.

Cyclist Lance Armstrong's New Passion

2009-12-14T16:37:00.011-05:00

Although neither he nor anyone else in his family has struggled with diabetes, Lance Armstrong is passionate about lending a hand to the 23.6 million children and adults – 7.8% of the US population – affected by it. Considering the fact that complications of type 2 diabetes can include blindness, kidney disease and nerve damage, the seven-time Tour de France winner’s involvement in the cause is welcome news:

We decided to play to our strengths," says Dan Brian, general manager of Livestrong.com, developed by Demand Media with Armstrong. He says the website's "Daily Plate" application — which is popular with people trying to lose weight — has been a success, so the company tailored a similar tool for people with diabetes.

The site is free and is the largest food and fitness database online, notes registered dietician Alyse Levine, a nutrition consultant for Livestrong.com who helped develop the program.

"Monitoring your diet by tracking food is the most important way to prevent spikes in glucose levels for a diabetic and prevent type 2 diabetes for anyone predisposed," she says.

Referred to as Daily Plate D, the Diabetes-Hypoglycemia Diet encourages patients to develop healthier eating habits for their condition. These include breaking down their daily amount of intake into six meals a day, and incorporating high-fiber, low-fat, complex carbohydrates and proteins into their diet. Emphasis is placed on whole grains, fresh fruits and green vegetables, while patients are advised to avoid caffeine-rich choices such as coffee, tea, chocolate and soda.

If you or anyone you know is affected by diabetes, click here for more information on products and services that make it simple and easy to manage the condition more effectively.

Exercise Reduces Risk of Death for Prostate Patients

2009-12-14T15:27:00.009-05:00

We’ve already noted the benefits of pomegranate juice in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, along with other illnesses. But did you also know that just 15 minutes of exercise a day can help keep prostate cancer away? According to a new study posted by writer Sandra Cooper on Dr. Cutler’s website:

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health assessed physical activity levels for 2,686 patients enrolled in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, both before and after diagnosis. They found that men who engaged in three or more hours of exercise like jogging, biking, swimming or playing tennis had a 35 percent lower risk of overall mortality compared to those who didn’t exercise.

They also found that the longer and more briskly the men walked each week affected their risk of dying from the disease. Men who walked four or more hours a week had a 23 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to men who walked less than 20 minutes per week. Men who walked 90 or more minutes at a normal to brisk pace had a 51 percent lower risk of death from any cause than men who walked less than 90 minutes at an easy walking pace.

In addition to exercise, the article also recommends a vegetable-rich diet and pomegranate juice, along with omega-3 fatty acids and nutritional supplements like vitamin C and E, selenium and lycopene.

Healthy Fruit May Help Avert Heart Disease and Certain Cancers

2009-12-14T11:46:00.004-05:00

In this colorful season of festivity and fun, pomegranates are highly recommended at the dinner table – and not just for their dazzling interior and tangy flavor. According to FitComHealth.com, the anti-oxidant rich fruit may also help remove damaging free radicals from the body, thus helping to reduce the incidences of high blood pressure, heart disease, and breast, prostate and colon cancer.

Back in 2007, researchers at UCLA conducted a study in which 50 men being treated for prostrate cancer were given eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily, resulting in a four-fold increase during which their PSA levels remained stable. The findings were impressive enough to launch a large, clinical trial testing pomegranate juice at UCLA and ten other centers around the country.

“This is not a cure, but we may be able to change the way prostate cancer grows,” said Allan Pantuck, M.D., UCLA urologist and lead author of the study. “If that turns out to be the case, pomegranate juice could be used as an adjunct treatment following surgery or radiation to delay prostate cancer complications and the need for additional treatments.”

While investigations continue, based on what is known so far, it might be a good idea to choose pomegranate juice over eggnog for better health this Holiday Season.

When did you decide you were a senior citizen?

2009-12-10T14:29:00.011-05:00

In a recently published article entitled Yes we are senior citizens, Janice Podsada explores the age threshold necessary for an American to claim that title. With the Baby Boomer population getting older, determining exactly what age qualifies someone as a senior citizen isn’t easy; while the threshold has varied, the age limit has been dropping in recent years. Many businesses – including a Connecticut candy store Podsada cites in her piece – are now offering discounts on low-volume sales days like Tuesday to consumers as young as 50.

However, larger retail chains such as Denny’s require patrons to celebrate their 55th birthday, prior to eligibility for the senior menu – and while the prices may be cheaper, the portions are also smaller.

So what exactly qualifies someone to be a senior citizen these days?

The answer is a bit complicated, as Podsada explains:

If you're trying to settle the debate about how to define a senior citizen, don't look to state or federal governments for an answer.

Social Security benefits don't kick in until age 62. And if you want anything more than a pittance, you're better off waiting until you're at least 65 to collect.

The National Park Service offers a $10 senior pass at age 62. It is good for 50 percent off most park-usage fees and free lifetime admission to national parks, monuments and other recreational areas.

Still, the question remains: Why do some discounts kick in at 50 rather than 55, 60 or 65?

"It's a lot about how different organizations define the word 'senior,' " said Terri Albert, marketing professor at the University of Hartford's Barney School of Business.”Sixty-two and 65 are the Social Security Administration categories."

On the other hand, "AARP has moved it around," Albert said. When the organization lowered its age requirement to 50 from 55, it added millions of potential new members. That has proved a boon for The Hartford, which offers insurance products to AARP members.

Whatever your age, you can be assured that Total e-Medical consistently offers the same high quality products at reasonable costs, discreetly delivered to your front door. If you happen to be 65 and on Medicare, please remember that we are also a Medicare-accredited company. And our customer care representatives reliably provide courteous, knowledgeable and dependable service to ensure your complete satisfaction – no matter how many candles you’re blowing out on your birthday cake.

Erectile Dysfunction Could Signal Other Problems

2009-12-10T10:14:00.007-05:00

According to the Mayo Clinic, prescription drugs are typically the first course of action prescribed by doctors to treat ED. And for most men, they work well with few side effects. But what if you are in the minority of men for whom prescription medication isn’t the solution?

It’s important to remember that in addition to negatively affecting intimate relationships, ED can also signal the existence of a more serious health issue. And for many men coping with this embarrassing problem, there are assorted, underlying causes. Web MD examines them in detail:

Oftentimes the breakdown or damage in the sequence affects the arteries, muscles, and surrounding tissues of the penis, and this breakdown is most commonly the result of a disease. Diseases that commonly cause ED include:

Diabetes – can cause nerve and artery damage that can make it difficult to achieve an erection. Between 35%-50% of men with diabetes experience E.D.
Kidney disease – can cause chemical changes in the body that affect hormones, circulation, nerve function and energy level. Oftentimes, these changes impact libido (sex drive) or sexual ability.
Neurological (nerve and brain) diseases – the nervous system plays a vital part in achieving and maintaining an erection. It is common for men who’ve suffered stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries to experience E.D. This is due to an interruption in the transmission of nerve impulses between the brain and penis.
Vascular disease – diseases that affect the blood vessels such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension and high cholesterol account for 70% of physically related causes of E.D. All restrict blood flow to the heart, the brain and in the case of E.D., the penis.

Senator Bob Dole caused a bit of a controversy back in 1999 when he appeared in a commercial in which he openly discussed his struggle with erectile dysfunction following a bout with prostrate cancer—an experience he shares with other political figures including France’s Francois Mitterand and Jordan’s King Hussein. Of course, the senator also raised a few eyebrows with his candor pertaining to his resulting erectile dysfunction in the wake of his cancer surgery, and his success in resolving the problem with the drug Viagra.

Fortunately for the senator, none of the health issues outlined above prevented him from taking prescription medication. For countless other men however, the existence of some or any of these conditions may also eliminate the use of prescription drugs, in the interest of the patient’s health and safety. Furthermore, since pills may no longer covered by insurance and can potentially cost up to $25 each, they can also do some serious damage to your savings.

That’s why at Total e-Medical, we offer a variety of safe, effective alternatives for our male clients and blog readers struggling with ED. So while you work alongside your doctor to address the potential causes of your problem, you can still enjoy a satisfying love life, using high-quality products to assist you in maintaining a healthy, loving and intimate relationship with your partner.

The ImpoAid OTC Battery Erection System is the #1 Doctor recommended over-the-counter vacuum therapy device, capable of restoring sexual function in up to 90% of men. The ImpoAid Manual Erection System is another over-the-counter vacuum therapy device option that provides an effective, non-invasive and low-cost alternative to chemical and surgical procedures. And in a revolution in vacuum therapy, Encore’s Revive Vacuum Therapy Pump offers the most advanced and effective treatment available. Designed for use with one hand, it is more durable than ever and guaranteed to deliver results, with a 95% success rate.

Additionally, we offer a wide range of E.D. accessories including SureEase, Sure Release and Ultra Tension Systems, as well as SomaTherapy E.D. Lubricant.

As always, our customer care representatives are standing by to assist you with private, courteous and knowledgeable service. And you can relax and enjoy the convenience of shipment directly to your front door, knowing your privacy will be protected with our discreet product packaging.

Labels: impoaid otc battery erection system, impoaid manual erection system, revive vacuum therapy pump, sure ease, sure release and ultra tension systems, somatherapy e.d. lubricant

Too Much Physical Activity May Lead to Arthritis

2009-12-10T09:28:00.008-05:00

Science Daily.com reports on an interesting study regarding the correlation between high levels of physical activity and the onset of osteoarthritis in middle-aged men and women.

Christoph Stehling, M.D. and University of California San Francisco (UCSF) research fellow presented the results of the study conducted by the UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, and the Department of Clinical Radiology at the University of Muenster, Germany:

"Our data suggest that people with higher physical activity levels may be at greater risk for developing knee abnormalities and, thus, at higher risk for developing osteoarthritis."

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 27 million adults.

Fibromyalgia Flow Care Plan incorporates restoration through therapy

2009-12-09T15:00:00.006-05:00

A new treatment protocol developed by Allegheny Medical, one of Pittsburgh’s premier health care facilities, may be of help for patients coping with fibromyalgia.

Designated the Fibromyalgia Flow Care Plan, it consists of three main components:

Discovery through lab tests, an examination and patient medical history;
Restoration through therapy; rehabilitation exercise and hormonal imbalance correction; and
Maintenance through exercise, nutrition and stress reduction.

Fibromyalgia affects 3.7 million Americans and is characterized by musculoskeletal aches and pains, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances. People who suffer from fibromyalgia also use the Dual Channel Tens Unit – a drug-free alternative for alleviating pain.

University of Pennsylvania study sheds light on the genetic origins of diabetes

2009-12-09T09:56:00.005-05:00

If you're currently living with diabetes, you may find this new information useful.

The University of Pennsylvania released a study on December 7, 2009, which has found a gene already implicated in the development of Type 2 Diabetes in adults. It also raises the risk of being overweight during childhood. The finding sheds light on the genetic origins of the disease and may present an avenue for developing drugs to counteract it.

National Hand Washing Awareness Week

2009-12-08T18:39:00.004-05:00

Did you know that December 6-12, 2009 has been designated National Hand Washing Awareness Week? And since washing our hands is the one of the easiest and most inexpensive preventive strategies, according to this St. Lawrence University report, it's something all of us should do often for better health.

But if you're constantly on the go, hand sanitizer is another great option to keep the germs away, especially if your schedule does not allow for the convenience of a nearby sink, soap and water. Total e-Medical offers Isagel's alcohol-based, No-rinse Instant Hand Sanitizing Gel in your choice of convenient 4 ounce containers and 12-ounce pumps, to help you stay healthy through flu season and beyond.

National Cotton Candy Day

2009-12-07T10:20:00.005-05:00

Did you know that today is National Cotton Candy Day? And while most of us love this all-American treat, which no doubt conjures up wonderful memories of summertime carnivals and balmy evenings on the boardwalk, its high sugar content can be detrimental to good health. This is particularly true if you are a diabetic.

Although it's a common misperception, sugar does not actually cause diabetes. However, continual, excessive caloric intake inevitably leads to obesity, which is the main risk factor for diabetes.

Of course, if you are currently dealing with diabetes, you already know the importance of avoiding sugary substances like cotton candy. For a healthier lifestyle, it is imperative for diabetics to control their sugar intake.

Visit the Total e-Medical website for more tips and information on managing your diabetes and living your best life possible.

From Inventors to Entrepreneurs, some of America's most famous citizens have dealt with diabetes

2009-12-05T10:15:00.011-05:00

If you’re like most people, the name Thomas Edison conjures up images of light bulbs, phonographs and motion picture cameras. The prolific inventor, known to many as “The Wizard of Menlo Park”, achieved the distinction of having 1, 093 patents to his name. In addition to these accomplishments, Edison also founded the journal Science in 1880, which became the journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1900.

One thing that isn’t so widely known about this distinguished American is that he also had Type 2 Diabetes.

Another accomplished individual, Dr. George Minot, was the first person with diabetes to win the Nobel Prize for Medicine. Minot dedicated his career to contributing to medical knowledge, particularly in the area of blood diseases. From Ray Kroc, founder of Mc Donald’s to talk show host Larry King, countless achievers have proven that diabetes does not have to get in the way of anyone’s aspirations.

According the American Diabetes Association, Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. And if you’re among the millions of Americans diagnosed with this particular type of diabetes, or among the many that are unaware they are at high risk, it may be useful to know that Type 2 Diabetes most often affects the following populations:

African-Americans
Latinos
Native Americans
Asian-Americans/Pacific Islanders
The Aged

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or are seeking confirmation of a suspected diabetic condition, one thing’s for certain: Edison would be proud of the advancements in modern medicine that make it easier than ever to manage diabetes and continue living with passion and enthusiasm—whatever your dreams may be. And Total e-MEDICAL makes it simple and convenient to order the products you need and have them shipped directly to your front door.

If you prefer Accu-Chek, we offer Accu-Chek Aviva Glucose Control Solution and the Accu-Chek Compact Plus Control Solution for use with the Accu-Chek Aviva Blood Glucose Meter , a small and easy device for diabetic patients who want a simple, no-hassle meter; and the Accu-Chek Compact Plus Blood Glucose Meter, the first fully integrated system that improves blood glucose monitoring with greater ease of use, optimized safety and the fastest total test time.

For use with the Accu-Chek Aviva Blood Glucose Meter, we also offer Accu-Chek Aviva Blood Glucose Test Strips for a fast, 5-second test using the finger, forearm and palm; and Accu-Chek Compact Comfort Curve Blood Glucose Test Strips that eliminate the aggravation of handling each individual diabetic testing strip before testing.

For patients with a preference for the Bayer Ascensia products, Total e-MEDICAL also carries the Ascensia Breeze 2 Control Solution and the Ascensia Contour Control Solution, for use with the Ascensia Breeze 2 Blood Glucose Meter and the Ascensia Contour Blood Glucose Meter. Designed for convenience, the Breeze 2 Blood Glucose Meter offers a simpler way to test for those with dexterity issues such as arthritis; the Contour Blood Glucose Meter let you personalize your meter for your own individual diabetic testing routine, using Bayer’s No Coding technology.

Don’t let diabetes interfere with your plans. Call our customer care representatives today for courteous, efficient and knowledgeable service. They will answer all of your questions and ensure that you receive the products you need in a timely fashion. Because with so many high-quality, convenient products to choose from, living with diabetes is easier than ever.

Short-Term or Long-Term, There is Life after a Colostomy

2009-11-25T06:56:00.013-05:00

What do former US President Dwight Eisenhower, professional golfer Al Geiberger, legendary entertainer Bob Hope, actress Barbara Barrie and the Queen Mum have in common? All have undergone a colostomy procedure, like many other famous people. And all have proven that no matter your profession, hobby or lifestyle, it is quite possible to live life to the fullest post-colostomy, whether it’s a short-term or long-term situation. In Hope’s case, he kept the laughs coming for 30 years in his performances on military bases worldwide, never allowing a colostomy bag to interfere with boosting the morale of the troops.

Since the show must go on whether you’re a stand-up comedian, actress, dancer, mom, dad, professional or retiree, we’re here to help. Because for the thousands of people who have serious digestive diseases, a colostomy can be the start of a new and healthier life, as noted by the American Cancer Society.

What determines the need for a short-term or long-term colostomy?

Certain lower bowel problems are treated by giving part of the bowel a rest, thus a short-term or temporary colostomy is created to promote healing (which may take weeks, months or even years)
When part of the colon or the rectum becomes diseased, a long-term or permanent colostomy must be made; the diseased part of the bowel is removed, and the colostomy becomes an exit for stool that is not expected to be closed in the future

Whichever type of colostomy is right for you, trust our quality products to keep the area clean, comfortable and infection-free. Concerned about your normal bathing routine? Try our Peri-Clean Antimicrobeal Perineal Cleanser, followed by the Peri-shield Barrier Ointment, or the Peri-shield Protective Ointment with A & D.

Busy schedule keeping you on the go? AllKare Protective Wipes and AllKare Remover Wipes provide protections wherever and whenever you need it. And our SUR-FIT Natura Two-Piece Durahesive Skin Barrier Flange with CONVEX-IT Technology offers a pectin-based, protective skin barrier and filler, so you can relax and get on with life.

Our customer care representatives are standing by to assist you with all of your colostomy needs - and you can take comfort in the fact that your order will be delivered to your front door discreetly, with the utmost respect for your privacy.

Helping You Stay in the Game after a Urostomy

2009-11-22T11:49:00.013-05:00

Let’s face it: if you’re among the thousands of Americans suffering with bladder disease every year, simply knowing that others are experiencing the same challenge may not be of much comfort—particularly if you and your doctor determine that urinary diversion surgery, also known as a urostomy, is the best course of treatment.

According to Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, the top four culprits affecting proper bladder function are:

Infection – a urinary tract infection in the bladder, also known as cystitis
Urinary Incontinence – loss of bladder control
Interstitial Cystitis – a chronic problem in which the bladder wall can become inflamed and irritated, leading to frequent, painful urination
Bladder Cancer – the sixth most common cause of cancer in the United States

Regardless of the cause of bladder malfunction, the good news is there’s no reason to sit on the sidelines and miss out on everything life has to offer. Unless you’re playing linebacker for the NFL, or participating in other high-intensity contact sports, you can successfully reclaim your life following a urostomy—even if it includes physical activity such as swimming, running and walking.

At Total e-MEDICAL, we know you’re not a spectator; that’s why we’re here to make your transition back to your busy routine as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

Are you concerned about ostomy care immediately following your discharge from the hospital? Let us put your mind at ease with the assurance that our products provide convenient, continued ostomy care at your disposal on a 24/7 basis.

The single-use, sterile Bard Urine Drainage Bag with Anti-Reflux Chamber contains natural latex rubber and allows for needle-free aspiration, making this new approach to personal care simple and painless.

Worried about sensitive skin? Our Stomahesive Paste offers optimum skin protection, while our Ostomy Appliance Belt adjusts up to 42 inches for maximum comfort.

From the waterproof Medipore Soft Cloth Surgical Tape to the SUR-FIT Natura Ostomy Pouch, you will find everything you need to discreetly adjust to life after urostomy without having to miss out on the things you enjoy most.

Dedicated to Dignity at every Stage of Life

2009-11-16T07:54:00.001-05:00

At Total e-MEDICAL, we’re crazy about babies—and the moms who labor to bring them into the world. And when it comes to making adults act silly and forget all about their problems, there’s nothing quite like the chubby cheeks, exuberant laughter and joyful expressions of a bouncing baby boy or girl.

We also understand that in addition to the blessings of children, the trauma of childbirth may also bring unwanted consequences into a mother’s life, particularly after a rough delivery. And if you’re like many women, fecal incontinence is one of them.

According to Family Doctor.org:

Muscle damage is involved in most cases of fecal incontinence. In women, this damage commonly occurs during childbirth. It's especially likely to happen in a difficult delivery that uses forceps or an episiotomy.

But it’s not just new mothers who are among the 5.5 million Americans coping with this embarrassing problem.

At the opposite side of life, the elderly, both male and female may also be affected, along with adults who’ve sustained muscle damage during rectal surgery to correct hemorrhoids. Inflammatory bowel disease and nerve damage associated with diabetes, spinal cord tumors, multiple sclerosis and other illnesses are also contributing factors.

And whether you're busy raising a family, enjoying a successful career or indulging in another round of golf as a happy retiree, nothing should get in the way of a full life—or threaten your self-esteem.

No matter your age or size, we want you to keep doing all of the wonderful things that complement an active lifestyle. That’s why we offer quality products like our Select Disposable Absorbent Underwear, available in sizes medium through extra large. If those sizes aren’t right for you, we also offer XL+ Bariatric Disposable Briefs, with a unique design that protects sensitive skin, controls odor and provides effective leakage/bowel containment.

TOTAL eMEDICAL carries a full range of discreet incontinence supplies, easy to pull up and down, with an absorbent core shaped for a better fit, and tear-away side-seams for easy removal.

Rest assured when you call us, you’ll talk with a professional customer care representative who will take the time to answer your questions and help you select the best products for your particular needs in a discreet and sensitive manner.

We’re dedicated to helping you maintain your dignity.

Supporting the Dreams of Fabulous Females (and Males)

2009-11-10T12:38:00.002-05:00

In her hit single, She’s Not Just A Pretty Face, country crooner Shania Twain extols the many accomplishments of the modern woman—from performing surgery and flying an airplane to coaching a football team and designing a fashion line. And while it’s true that today’s woman rightfully enjoys equal opportunity professionally, things are a bit different biologically, at least when it comes to the sensitive issue of incontinence.

Dr. Michael Guralnick, Medical College of Wisconsin Urologist reports that millions of Americans experience incontinence at some point in their lives, and of those, up to 80% are women. And although many women neglect to seek medical assistance, either due to embarrassment or the erroneous belief that incontinence is inevitable, this condition is actually quite treatable.

If you’re anything like Shania, chances are you’re not going to let an annoying medical condition like incontinence stop you from fully enjoying life—whether you’re riding the rodeo, playing bass in the band, raising kids, or writing romance novels. Maybe your life could be enhanced through the use of an incontinence bed pad, incontinence liners or a variety of incontinence aids.

But what exactly is female incontinence? Dr. Guralnick explains, the common types that generally affect women can be broken down into two categories.

•the loss of urine associated with anything that causes a woman to tense up her stomach muscles – coughing, sneezing, lifting, bending, exercise – things like that

• trauma of the pelvic floor muscle structure from injury, surgery, radiation, but most commonly, childbirth.

At Total e-MEDICAL, we know you’re not just another pretty face either. So whatever the cause of your incontinence, we can help you stay clean and comfortable with a variety of incontinence products designed for your unique needs.

Do you just need minimal protection?

Our easy-to-dispose TrimShield Mini Pad with moisture proof backing prevents leakage, reduces skin irritation and improves comfort. Got a busy travel schedule? Our super soft hypoallergenic Cleansing Wipes allow for quick clean-up on the go.

Is incontinence interfering with your beauty sleep?

Total e-MEDICAL’s Premium OverNIGHT Disposable Absorbent Underwear—the best-performing disposable absorbent underwear on the market—feature a Peach Mat that guarantees maximum protection, and holds over a quart of liquid. Thanks to advances in incontinence supplies, you can enjoy uninterrupted dreams and awaken refreshed, ready to take on the day.

And men, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered too.

Because although you’re dramatically less affected—comprising 20 to 25% of the 25 million Americans who have transient or chronic urinary incontinence, you’re not entirely exempt. While we wholeheartedly share Shania’s sentiments, we’ll take it a step further: when it comes to bladder protection, our quality products enable fabulous females and males everywhere to keep reaching for the stars with confidence.

In addition to the aforementioned , you’ll also find Select Underpads, Select Soft n’ Breathable Disposable Briefs and Adult Liners in our online store. Don’t feel embarrassed about calling us. Our professional customer care representatives are specially trained to assist you with our full line of incontinence supplies.

Pitching Powerhouses Stay Cool with Heat

2009-11-04T13:34:00.005-05:00

How do elite American League pitchers minimize the inevitable aches and pains that arise from repeatedly delivering a 90 mile-per-hour fast ball over the plate, and still maintain a cool façade?

With heat.

Although the New York Yankees are currently battling the Philadelphia Phillies for the title of World Series Champions, their star pitchers CC Sabathia and Mariano Rivera have been relying on heating pad therapy as far back as the beginning of the season—much to the surprise of some baseball observers. Now considering their team is on the brink of taking the World Series, thanks in large part to Sabathia and Rivera’s performances on the mound, it is safe to say they must be doing something right.

Back in April, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman addressed the concerns of the New York media and Yankee fans who were alarmed about Sabathia’s health after an uncharacteristically lackluster game:

“I can understand why people would ask the question,” Cashman said. “But he has a history of early oblique strains and it (the heating pad) is a preventative thing, nothing more than that. It’s a program they developed to combat that.

If heat therapy can help catapult Major League pitchers into the World Series, how much more effective can it be for us mere mortals? Sure, we deal with more mundane tasks in our daily lives than trying to strike out a homerun hitter like Chase Utley, but that doesn’t mean they are any less taxing to our bodies. And whether your job demands heavy lifting all day long, or your favorite hobby involves tough, regular workouts at the gym, heating pad therapy can help you achieve your best performance—even if you have to go into extra innings.

TOTAL e-MEDICAL’s King Size Moist/Dry Heating Pad was developed in response to the needs of our customers. Moist heat therapy can relieve the symptoms of a variety of chronic pain and medical conditions including arthritis, recurring back pain, muscle tension and TMJ. Our heating pad features a special tightly woven flannel cover that retains moisture from the air, and conveniently provides moist heat treatment when applied to multiple areas of the body.

The combination of high temperature and moisture has been proven highly effective in pain management programs, dilates the blood vessels, increases circulation and creates blood flow. It also removes waste and toxins that may have settled into the injured area, while transporting new healing blood cells to the tissue. Moist heat therapy is a temporary means for relieving chronic pain derived from arthritis, bursitis, back aches and muscle spasms, and you should consult your physician before relying solely on a heating pad to remedy your aches and pains.

7th Inning Stretch May Not Relieve Back Pain Alone

2009-11-03T05:04:00.003-05:00

What does the World Series have in common with chronic back pain? Aside from causing plenty of aches and pains for the players both mentally and physically, the battle for the title of World Champions of America’s favorite pastime typically draws 56 million— 20% of us—to our television screens and/or hometown stadiums each year (that is, if our team is lucky enough to make it to The Fall Classic).

And no doubt, like most Americans, you’ll passionately root for your chosen ball club, rail against bad officiating and take a much-needed 7th-Inning Stretch.

However, in addition to fun things like baseball, hot dogs and apple pie, it’s a safe bet that most Americans will also experience the decidedly unpleasant symptoms of an aching back during their lifetime, according to fitness expert and personal trainer Chris Christian. It’s amazing to consider that a full eighty percent of us are affected by back pain at one point or another—and the reasons are as varied as our choices in sports, lifestyle and culture.

Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on low back pain, the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. Back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States — only headaches are more common.

Chris Christian notes some of the contributing factors:
•Age contributes as bone strength, muscle elasticity and tone tend to decrease;
•Moving heavy objects the wrong way can lead to lower or upper back pain;
•Degenerative conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, sciatica, disc disease, osteoporosis or other bone diseases;
•Viral infections, irritation to joints and discs, or congenital abnormalities in the spine;
•Obesity, smoking, weight gain during pregnancy, stress and a poor sleeping position.

And while we might be understandably tempted to retreat under the covers or curl up on the couch when coping with this nuisance, Dr. Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD urges us get moving—at least once the acute phase is over. In an article for Spine Health.com, he makes the medical case for physical therapy and exercise:

The good doctor recommends a balanced approach to healing that includes a combination of stretching (looks like baseball had the right idea with its 7th Inning tradition), strengthening, and low-impact aerobics. In other words, this is no time to be a couch potato!
Obviously, if you are planning on a course of treatment that encompasses physical therapy and exercise, it is important to take precautions to avoid further injury. And that’s where Total e-MEDICAL can help.

We offer a comprehensive range of back-support products, uniquely designed to deliver the best possible results.

•Our Lumbar Support features a cut-out in the center of the back piece that reduces spinal pressure for the post-op patient, and patients receiving injections.
•Our Safe-T-Lift Occupational Back Support helps ensure proper back alignment and added support to the abdominal region with an extra wide support base made of high-grade, breathable spandex.
•Our manual and electronic seat lifts improve everyday activities including getting out of chairs and off the couch for those suffering from arthritis pain.

Whether you are a Medicare beneficiary or someone seeking to prevent injury in a work environment that involves lifting, or undergoing treatment for existing back problems, we have a product to meet every need. They can all be found in the back support section of our website.

Aqua Therapy is a Welcome Relief

2009-10-29T12:51:00.005-04:00

Most of us are familiar with October’s designation as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know it is also National Physical Therapy Month? Across the nation, gyms and rehabilitation facilities are marking the occasion by offering a variety of classes and programs aimed at relieving pain and helping patients achieve better mobility. For those who suffer from Arthritis and Fibromyalgia however, aquatic therapy remains one of the most effective ways to find relief.

According to Online Orthopaedics:

Water exercise improves flexibility and range of motion and strengthens and tones muscles without hurting vulnerable joints. It is particularly helpful in those who have arthritis because exercise in water cannot damage the joint further and the warm water itself is therapeutic. The Arthritis Foundation recommends that the temperature be between 83 and 86 F. Moist heat relieves joint pain. Heat raises the pain threshold and relaxes muscles.

Writing for About.com, Laura Inverarity, D.O. also extols the benefits of aquatic therapy:

While submerged in water, buoyancy assists in supporting the weight of the patient. This decreases the amount of weight bearing which reduces the force of stress placed on the joints. This aspect of aquatic therapy is especially useful for patients with arthritis, healing fractured bones, or who are overweight. By decreasing the amount of joint stress it is easier and less painful to perform exercises.

The viscosity of water provides an excellent source of resistance that can be easily incorporated into an aquatic therapy exercise program. This resistance allows for muscle strengthening without the need of weights. Using resistance coupled with the water’s buoyancy allows a person to strengthen muscle groups with decreased joint stress that can not be experienced on land.

This may sounds good to most people living in warm climates year-round, but what if you don’t have access to a pool or a rehabilitation facility? Then you should try Total eMEDICAL’S Aqua Relief System.

It can help ease your Arthritis symptoms, as it’s designed to deliver localized cold or hot water therapy to patients, either in the home or during a hospital visit. This unit uses a motorized pump to circulate cold or hot water to the desired body area in order to increase the elasticity of joint connective tissues, stimulate blood flow, and relax tight or spasmed muscles—so you can enjoy all the benefits of aqua therapy at your convenience, in the privacy of your own home.

If you or someone you know could benefit from an Aqua Relief System, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our trained and Professional Customer Care
Representatives.

We also welcome feedback from those who are already benefiting from this system and encourage you to post your comments on this blog.

Swine Flu Preparedness is a Serious Matter

2009-10-14T09:06:00.004-04:00

Every day in the media, we hear more about the swine flu, related victims, and the introduction of a vaccine throughout the country. Since the vaccine will not be available to all citizens initially, it’s important that we all take preventative measures to avoid it, whether or not you are in good health.

Most businesses with significant public interaction and high traffic areas have implemented programs to reduce the spread of swine flu.

According to The New York Times:

major hotel brands, among them Marriott, Hilton, Starwood and Intercontinental, are ramping up the cleaning of items most frequently touched by guests, like phones, hand rails, elevator buttons and fitness equipment. And they have added signs in the kitchens, administrative offices and other “back of the house” parts of hotels, reminding employees to wash their hands frequently and to cough or sneeze into a tissue rather than their hands.

Some hotels are placing tissues and dispensers of hand sanitizer in public areas. A spokesman for Marriott International, John Wolf, said the company’s hotels were stockpiling items like rubber gloves and making hand sanitizer available upon request to conference groups meeting at properties it managed.

Airports around the United States are also adopting alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Airports from Anchorage to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., are placing the dispensers in high-traffic areas, often near security checkpoints (where travelers must remove their shoes) and by entrances and exits. They are frequently accompanied by signs explaining proper hygiene practices.

Homes and businesses of all sizes should mimic these measures to help reduce the spread of swine flu. Aside from offering durable medical equipments, TOTAL eMEDICAL is offering a full line of swine flu prevention products:

•Hand Sanitizer
•Vinyl gloves
•Rubber gloves
•Face masks

In addition, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you take the following everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth . Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Update: Swine flu vaccine more readily available. Learn about preventative measures here.

Human Forebearers Lacked Proper Medical Supplies

2009-10-05T06:40:00.000-04:00

After more than 15 years, an international team of paleoanthropologists led by Professor Tim White from the University of California, Berkeley unveiled research they have been conducting on 36 pre-human fossils called Ardipithecus ramidus. They believe these fossils to be 4.4-million-year-old.

In their published report in the journal Science, the research team details many of their findings and how this species may have evolved from apes, and other human predecessors. They specifically indicate that this species had “hands designed for knuckle-walking” and “were still evolving the ability to walk upright.”

Since this species is a direct ancestor to humans, we can only assume that they would have survived longer and moved faster with the use of seat lifts, walkers and rollators, along with a basket to help them carry the food they were hunting and gathering as well as a padded seat to rest throughout the day.

As they lacked the ability to stand fully erect, it is possible that a back support may have provided the perfect solution for occupational or lumbar stabilization issues.

We can only imagine that while swinging through the trees of Ethiopia, many of them suffered from chronic pain, but lacked the proper pain management therapy that can be ascertained through simple treatments with the use of heating pads, ice packs, a TENS unit or aqua therapy.

If you find yourself feeling (and hopefully not looking) like the Ardipithecus ramidus, we encourage you to review the various walking aids, pain management and back support products being offered to the customers of TOTAL eMEDICAL.

Statement Regarding Changes to Medicare Accreditation

2009-09-30T22:12:00.003-04:00

Beginning October 1, 2009, some suppliers of durable medical equipment throughout our country will either discontinue their participation or have their Medicare accreditation revoked.

Unlike some providers, TOTAL eMEDICAL underwent “the DME industry’s most comprehensive and innovative accreditation program” earlier this year, and received a score of 100%. We received a certificate for Exemplary Provider Accreditation from The Compliance Team, a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved healthcare accrediting body based in Spring House, PA. The company’s success during this evaluation demonstrated a continued commitment to Medicare standards detailed in the Medicare Modernization Act.

TOTAL eMEDICAL will continue to remain an accredited and compliant Medicare participating provider, offering excellent care to current customers and welcomes all customers who will be seeking a new supplier of durable medical equipment or diabetic testing supplies during the month of October and beyond.

TOTAL eMEDICAL offers products from the top name brands throughout the medical industry:

• Accu-Chek
• Bayer
• Becton, Dickinson
• Convatec
• Coloplast
• Hollister
• One Touch
• UpLift
• Drive
• Invacare

A summary of products sold:

• Aqua Therapy Units
• Back supports
• Canes
• Diabetes Testing Supplies
• Erectile Dysfunction Pumps
• Glucose meters
• Heating pads
• Incontinence supplies (underpads)
• Ostomy supplies
• Rollators
• Syringes
• Uplift Seat cushions
• Wipes

What does Larry David have in common with TOTAL eMEDICAL?

2009-09-21T11:39:00.000-04:00

Last night, while America watched the season 7 opener of Curb Your Enthusiasm on HBO, we saw Larry David attempt to extricate himself from his relationship with his girlfriend, Loretta Black, played by Vivica A. Fox. The episode ends with the doctor informing Larry that Loretta, diagnosed with cancer moments earlier, will suffer from many ailments as part of her treatment and continued to reiterate “incontinence” as one of those many ailments.

TOTAL eMEDICAL understands how patients and their caregivers can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and side effects that stem from a long-term illness and its related treatments. More than 5.5 million Americans have fecal incontinence, and our trained staff is ready and to assist them in identifying products that can ease their tensions during these trying times, so they and their loved one don’t end up feeling like Larry David. If incontinence is one of those ailments you suffer from, please don’t hesitate to contact us and learn about our full line of incontinence supplies: liners, underpads, briefs, wipes and more.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug May Help Fight Swine Flu

2009-06-01T10:53:00.000-04:00

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease caused by the body's own cells attacking the joints. Drugs used to suppress the immune system's response to this disease are being tested for their possible ability to fight severe strains of the flu that become increasingly fatal by triggering hyper-immune responses.

This principle is being researched regarding its applications for the recent Swine Flu outbreak.

For more information, visit US News and World Report Online.

New Supreme Court Nominee Sotomayor Thrives With Diabetes

2009-05-26T11:50:00.000-04:00

The TOTAL eMEDICAL Blog staff was very interested and excited to discover that the newest Supreme Court Nominee Judge Sotomayor has in fact lived with type one diabetes for most of her life.

Diagnosed at age eight, Judge Sotomayor sets a wonderful example for living a full and accomplished life, regardless of her diabetic diagnoses.

For impressive and inspiring commentary on Judge Sotomayor and her nomination, visit dlife's blogabetes.

Doctors Across The US Return To Making Housecalls

2009-05-26T11:18:00.000-04:00

A new Medicare program is now providing home bound seniors access to doctors by easing restrictions on the billing process for house calls. The prevalence of house calls made by physicians drastically decreased after the 1930's, as insurance billing procedures and restrictions made it more difficult for doctors to profit from house calls.

The "Independence at Home" Bill will be reintroduced this month, and will allow Medicare-covered seniors more access to doctors within their home.

To read the complete report, visit CNN Health Online.

Wayne Allwine - Voice of Mickey Mouse Dies From Diabetes Complications

2009-05-20T15:38:00.000-04:00

As the writers of the TOTAL eMEDICAL Blog, we felt it was appropriate to honor the passing of Wayne Allwine from complications relating to diabetes. Best known for providing the voice of Mickey Mouse, Mr. Allwine's first appearance as Mickey for a theatrical release was in the 1983 featurette Mickey's Christmas Carol. He had provided the voice for Mickey Mouse ever since.

If you or a loved one are struggling to care for your diabetes, please contact us. TOTAL eMEDICAL staff are here 24 hours a day to assist you and if we can't, we'll find someone who can.

In Health,
The Staff of TOTAL eMEDICAL

Disney for Diabetics

2009-05-18T11:38:00.000-04:00

Any diabetic will tell you, traveling with diabetes takes a bit of extra planning, but is certainly no less enjoyable. Theme parks can present a very particular challenge for diabetics - an abundance of high carbohydrate foods, possible dehydration due to increased activity levels, and proper disposal of sharps among many other things.

Disney theme parks have made a reputation for being very diabetes-friendly, providing ample assistance with food selections, sharps disposal, and availability of medical assistance.

For more information on planning a trip to a Disney theme park and how to manage your diabetes while vacationing there, visit Allears.net.

Tai Chi Proves Beneficial for Arthritis Treatment

2009-05-18T10:08:00.000-04:00

Arthritis Today, the official publication of The Arthritis Foundation, has reported on recent findings that practicing Tai Chi can have many positive benefits for individuals suffering from Arthritis.

The slow and controlled movements involved in the practice of Tai Chi can specifically reduce the pain and physical impairment of people with severe knee osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis.

In addition to promoting the practice of Tai Chi, The Arthritis Foundation has developed it's own Tai Chi program which is taught around the country and is available on DVD.

Visit Arthritis Today Online to view the full article.

Tips From Joslin Diabetes Center - Caring For Your Supplies

2009-05-15T08:42:00.000-04:00

Joslin Diabetes Center has published a list of five simple things that diabetics can do to care for and extend the life of costly diabetic supplies. Diabetes meters, testing strips, control solution, and insulin syringes are vital to proper diabetic care and ensuring that they are properly cared for ensures accuracy in testing. Among these tips are:

Protecting your insulin pump from extreme temperatures - sunlight, direct heat, and other extreme temperatures can damage the efficacy of insulin and damage the pump.
Keep your insulin cool but not frozen - Keep insulin cool, and refrigerated when you can.

For the rest of the diabetes care tips, visit the Joslin Diabetes Center online.

The National Institutes of Health Now Provides Medicare Information for Caregivers

2009-05-13T11:45:00.000-04:00

www.NIHSeniorHealth.gov, the Web site for older adults from the National Institutes of Health is now providing Medicare information specifically for caregivers of adults on Medicare.

The National Institutes of Health has authored a booklet on Medicare entitled "Medicare Basics: A Guide for Families and Friends of People with Medicare" which outlines necessary guidelines, coverage options, and general information to help guide the health care decision making process.

www.NIHSeniorHealth.gov features short, easy to read segments of information and can be viewed in a variety of formats including large-print type sizes, open-captioned videos and an audio version.

To view the comprehensive government Medicare Web site, click here.

Medtronic Creates Diabetes Center - Creates 1,400 Jobs

2009-05-13T11:13:00.000-04:00

Minneapolis-based medical device company Medtronic announced Monday that it will create over 1,400 jobs to staff it's new diabetes education and therapy center in San Antonio.

The new diabetes center is part of the Medtronic unit that manufactures insulin pumps and diabetes monitoring devices. It is scheduled to open in late summer.

For the full story, visit Business Week online.

Shortage of Doctors Restricts Access to Specialists and Family Practice Doctors Alike

2009-04-27T13:46:00.000-04:00

Access to doctors in a variety of specialities has always been notoriously limited. For example, Endocrinologists (the doctors responsible for managing the care of patients dealing with diabetes, thyroid disease, and hormonal issues) have always been difficult to secure appointments with.

Recently, a new and more alarming shortage has surfaced: lack of primary care physicians in areas across the country. Texas, Mississippi, Utah and Idaho all have less than 70 primary care physicians for every 100,000 people in the state. Couple this with the fact that these states also have some of the highest rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease and a startling picture emerges.

For the rest of the story, visit The New York Times Online.

12 Week Walking Plan To Improve Arthritis: From Arthritis Today

2009-04-24T11:02:00.000-04:00

Walking regularly can not only improve weight loss efforts and general health, but it can also help improve joint mobility and improve arthritis pain and symptoms.

Even if you haven't been a regular exerciser, or if your movement is limited, beginning a regular routine of walking can provide some arthritis symptom relief.

To help get you started, follow Arthritis Today's simple walking plan, and in 12 short weeks you'll see increased strength and fitness!

Ostomy and Food Choices: From ConTact Magazine

2009-04-21T15:34:00.000-04:00

In the newest issue of ConTact Magazine, UK-based senior specialist dietitian Lucy Goddard shared a variety of food tips designed to help those living with an ostomy make smart food choices. Below are some of Lucy's tips.

Gradual changes are a must - move from low-fiber to high fiber foods slowly
Everyone reacts differently - if certain foods make your ostomy output too high, avoid them
Avoid stringy, fibrous foods - these can block your stoma

Most importantly, remember that living with ostomy doesn't mean a lifetime of bland food!

To subscribe to ConTact, visit ConvaTec Online.

Study Shows Link Between Psoriasis and Diabetes Risk

2009-04-21T13:54:00.000-04:00

Abrar Qureshi, MD, MPH, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School conducted a groundbreaking study of 78,061 women to determine if there was in fact any link between psoriasis development and the onset of diabetes.

All women involved in the Qureshi Study were free of diabetes at the start of the study in 1989. In 2005, 1,813 women involved in the study had been diagnosed with psoriasis, which effects up to three percent of the US population. This study determined that these women are 63% more likely to develop diabetes than women in the study without a diagnosis of psoriasis.

For the full report, visit WebMD online.

Can Blueberries Reduce Diabetes Risks?

2009-04-20T14:57:00.000-04:00

New research presented April 19th at the Experimental Biology convention in New Orleans described the possibilities of using phytochemicals – naturally occurring antioxidants found in blueberries - to fight diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other obesity related diseases.

For the full recap of the study, visit Science Daily Online.

CNN Debunks Arthritis Myths

2009-04-16T10:02:00.000-04:00

Everyone has heard the many myths surrounding arthritis and it's causes. Whether it's the old wives tale that "cracking your knuckles" causes arthritis, or that arthritis is strictly a disease of the older population, there are many accepted "facts" and mythologies medically accepted about arthritis.

News giant CNN has taken these "facts" into their own hands and debunked some of the most common myths surrounding arthritis.

Visit CNN Health to read the myth busting facts.

National Diabetes Education Program's Grocery Shopping Tips!

2009-04-16T09:13:00.000-04:00

Next month, The National Diabetes Education Program will release a series of articles about grocery shopping for diabetics. These short and easy to digest articles cover helpful hints and tips to remember while doing weekly grocery shopping.

Tips to remember when grocery shopping for diabetics include:

Focus on Fruits, Vary Vegetables - Buy a variety of frozen, canned, or in-season fresh fruits such as melons, berries, and oranges rather than fruit juice for most of your fruit choices. Buy in-season, leafy dark green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, and orange vegetables such as carrots or squash.
Don't Go Shopping Hungry! - You'll buy food you don't need.
Eat Whole Grains - They can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

For more helpful diabetic grocery shopping tips, visit the NDEP online.

Stem Cells and Type One Diabetes

2009-04-14T15:46:00.000-04:00

New research into the effectiveness of stem cells on the treatment of Type One Diabetes has emerged out of Brazil, giving hope to insulin-dependent diabetics everywhere.

This research shows that when injected with their bodies own stem cells in a particular type of transplantation, short-term freedom from insulin injections in 20 of 23 patients newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes was achieved. These patients also kept their blood sugar under control, which is key to preventing complications from diabetes.

To read the full report, visit Forbes Online.

Diabetics Cut Back On Health Spending During The Recession

2009-04-13T14:04:00.000-04:00

A recent Associated Press analysis and report shows that many American diabetics are drastically cutting back on their health care spending during these troubling economic times.

Items like diabetes testing strips, insulin syringes, and diabetes control solution are often expensive, and patients may find themselves testing and injecting less to make their diabetes supplies last longer.

The typical monthly bill to treat diabetes runs $350 to $900 for those without insurance or Medicare.

For more on the findings of this analysis, visit The New York Daily News Online.

Defeating Diabetes With Brown Fat

2009-04-10T11:44:00.000-04:00

Brown fat, a special type of calorie-burning fat stores found normally in babies and small animals has now been shown to be present and active in adult humans. Many biologists commonly accepted that this type of fat disappeared after infancy, but it's presence in adults suggests a new way to fight obesity and type two diabetes.

Brown fat burns calories and releases the energy in the form of heat, which is made possible by extreme concentrations of mitochondria in the brown fat cell and special enzymes in the mitochondria.

An end to obesity-related type two diabetes may be near if scientists can harness the power of brown fat cells in at-risk individuals.

For more on this diabetes-related discovery, visit the Washington Post Online.

Technology and Healthcare - Monitoring Chronic Illness Remotely

2009-04-08T15:17:00.001-04:00

Intel - best known for manufacturing computer processors - is branching into the health care sector, one home health monitoring device at a time. The company is developing plans to work with health care organizations like Aetna to conduct pilot studies to validate the benefits of its new home telehealth device, Intel Health Guide.

Intel Health Guide is an in-home patient device and an online interface that allows clinicians to monitor patients in their homes and manage care remotely. Moreover, if compelling and cost-effective data is gathered, Medicare may be forced to step up it's coverage guidelines to include such a device.

For more on the Intel Health Guide, visit HME News Online.

Losing Weight Can Improve Incontinence

2009-04-06T16:00:00.000-04:00

The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a study on weight and incontinence conducted by The Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet and Exercise (PRIDE).

This study involved recruiting 338 overweight and obese women (BMI 25-50 kg/m2) who reported at least 10 episodes of stress or urge incontinence weekly, and determining if weight loss can positively impact incontinence.

For study results, visit Renal and Urology News Online.

Can Traffic Exposure Lead To Rheumatoid Arthritis?

2009-04-03T11:54:00.000-04:00

A new research study out of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston suggests that exposure to the air pollutants found around major traffic centers can lead to an increased risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The pollutants found in car exhaust can lead to a variety of inflammatory conditions, including and not limited to arthritis.

"There are a lot of studies out in the literature that show air pollution, once you're exposed to it, leads to changes in the blood, which lead to general inflammation throughout your body. So we wanted to see if it was then related to rheumatoid arthritis," said Jaime Hart, a research fellow with Channing Laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

For more information on this arthritis study, please visit WCVB Boston online.

The Connection Between Premature Birth and Type Two Diabetes

2009-04-02T13:29:00.001-04:00

New findings in diabetes care have been uncovered by Swedish researchers who conducted a study to determine the link between type two diabetes and premature birth. Conducted by examining A total of 6425 subjects, this study suggests premature birth can lead to development of type two diabetes later in life.

Of these subjects, 2931 were born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy) and 2176 had a low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds), but were born at full term.

The authors found that subjects who were born very prematurely (before the 32nd week of pregnancy) were 67 percent more likely to develop type two diabetes than those born at term.

For more information on this diabetes research innovation, click here.

Scientists Use Tobacco Plants to Culture Diabetes Drug

2009-03-19T09:56:00.000-04:00

A healthy use for tobacco has been developed as scientists have figured out how to breed genetically modified versions of the plant that contain a drug that may help eliminate type one diabetes.

European researchers said on Thursday they had produced tobacco plants containing a potent anti-inflammatory protein called interleukin-10 that could help patients with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. Further down the line, researchers will test whether repeated small doses of this drug could help prevent diabetes in people, when given alongside another compound called glutamic acid decarboxylase which has also been produced in tobacco plants.

Does Diabetes Increase Alzheimer's risk?

2009-03-17T11:42:00.000-04:00

New government-funded research conducted by several high profile universities including Stern, Wake Forest, and Columbia are finding strong links between diabetes and the development of Alzheimer's Disease.

Findings include:

Changes in brain functioning occur as blood sugar rises, well before obvious memory problems arise.
drops in memory, the inability to multitask, and other drops in cognitive ability occur as a diabetes patient's AC1 score increases.

To read the rest of the study's findings, visit The Associated Press Online.

Caretaker Stress

2009-03-13T15:13:00.000-04:00

Caring for patients and loved ones is a true labor of love. Caretakers are faced with not only the challenge of meeting the needs of a disabled or ill individual, but also with caring for themselves and living a balanced life.

Unfortunately in too many cases caregivers expend all their energy on their charges, to the detriment of their own personal health and well being.

Mayo Clinic's Stress Blog features a post by Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D., who describes caretaker stress, and the detrimental effects on both caregiver and patient.

Mayo Clinic Hosts Diabetes Blog

2009-03-13T13:22:00.000-04:00

Nancy Klobassa, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N. are diabetes educators for The Mayo Clinic and the force behind the clinic's new diabetes blog "Living With Diabetes."

Created with the intent to educate diabetics and non-diabetics "Living With Diabetes" covers a variety of topics, most importantly managing diabetes in daily life.

To learn more, visit "Living With Diabetes" online.

Prolonged Lack of Sleep Can Raise Diabetes Risks

2009-03-13T10:10:00.000-04:00

This week at a national health conference in Florida scientists presented evidence that habitually going without sleep can raise one's risk of diabetes significantly.

The study's authors lectured attendees at the American Heart Association's Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention on Palm Harbor, describing how getting less than six hours of sleep per night can lead to type two diabetes.

For more information, visit All Headline News.

Newest Issue of ConTact Magazine Features Young People Living With Ostomy

2009-03-12T11:02:00.000-04:00

The latest issue of ConTact Magazine profiles The Young Ostomate and Diversion Alliance of America and describes their work helping young Americans face the challenges of living with ostomy. YODAA, as they preferred to be called, formed after the dissolution of the United Ostomy Association. Creator Kristen Knipp wanted to create a support system for young ostomates, and felt that she could fill the void with YODAA.

To read the latest issue of ConTact, including the full YODAA story, visit ConTact Online.

ConTact is published by ConvaTec, a major supply of ostomy products in the US and abroad.

Chronic Neck and Back Pain - Is Exercise The Answer?

2009-03-11T11:38:00.000-04:00

A new back pain study, funded by the National Institutes of Health has found that exercise as a treatment for chronic back and neck pain may be under utilized, according to a survey of individuals recently seen by their healthcare provider. The authors note that exercise is “one of the few moderately effective therapies for the highly disabling illness of chronic back and neck pain.”

The study, published in the February edition of Arthritis Care & Research, was led by Timothy S. Carey and Janet K. Freburger of the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

For more information on this study, visit Chiroeco.com.

FDA Reviews New Diabetes Drugs

2009-03-10T09:20:00.000-04:00

Next month the FDA's Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee will discuss and review Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.'s saxagliptin tablets on April 1 and Novo Nordisk Inc.'s liraglutide injection on April 2.

Both drugs are designed to lower blood sugar levels in people with type two diabetes and the panel will review the drugs to see if they increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients.

For more information on the FDA's review of saxagliptin and liraglutide visit CNN Money Online.

21st Annual American Diabetes Alert Day

2009-03-09T11:51:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendars, March 24th is the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert Day.

From The American Diabetes Association:

"The American Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day, “wake-up” call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association encourages people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they, or their loved ones, are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Observed on the fourth Tuesday of every March, the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert Day is Tuesday, March 24, 2009."

For more information on events in your area as part of this one day event, visit The American Diabetes Association online.

Merck Bids $41 Billion For Purchase Schering-Plough

2009-03-09T11:27:00.000-04:00

The second major merger in the pharmaceutical industry in less than two months is eminent with Merck & Co. bidding over $41 billion dollars for purchase of the Shering-Plough Corporation. The merger of these two pharmaceutical giants comes on the heels of Pfizer's purchase of Wyeth.

The merger of Merck & Co. with Shering-Plough will only likely be opposed by Johnson & Johnson, who are also expected to make a bid for purchase.

For more information, visit Bloomberg.com.

Google Health Offers User-Mangaged Healthcare Profiles

2009-03-06T10:33:00.000-05:00

If you haven't explored Google Health, you're missing out on what is certain to be an innovation in the way the health care community communicates with patients.

As one of the latest applications offered by Google, Google Health connects doctors, patients, caregivers, pharmacies... anyone and everyone that could possibly ever need to view your health records.

This secure site is free and part of a regular Google account. Sign up and you can track everything from blood sugar to blood pressure, and give your physician complete access to your progress via email.

Visit Google Health online to learn more.

US News and World Report: Stress May Raise Diabetes Risk for Obese African American Women

2009-03-05T13:11:00.001-05:00

US News and World Report published findings today from a groundbreaking study done by diabetes researchers at Duke University.

Obesity is often thought of as a primary cause of type two diabetes, however research among African American women shows that this may not always be the case and that stress may be larger factor in diabetes development among this group.

The study measured the levels of epinephrine, the hormone released by the body in reaction to stressful situations. Women with high epinephrine levels and more belly fat had larger increases in blood sugar levels during a stress test.

The message here? Add some relaxation to your diet and exercise routine to keep diabetes at bay.

To read the complete story, visit US News and World Report online.