Scientists have developed methods to modify individual genes through specific enzymes. In monkeys they have been able to disrupt a potentially harmful gene in an embryo so the result is an unaffected baby. As well, in preliminary experiments they have managed to modify a defective or mutant gene.
This is very early in the modification of genes, but the concerns are of designer genes and modifications once this technique gets perfected. On the other hand it could become a boon to parents with genetic defects concerned about passing them on to their children.
There have been many studies showing the benefit of the Mediterranean diet on preventing heart disease. Now a new report shows that supplementing this diet with EVOO results in a 40% decrease in the incidence of an irregular heart beat called Atrial Fibrillation (AF). AF can lead to strokes, and causes a 30% decrease in your heart's capacity.So pour it on!
There has been a lot of publicity today about the new recommendation of the American College of Physicians that pelvic exams are probably unnecessary in healthy females.Does that mean you don't need to get a PAP smear?
NO! The study actually stated that the INTERNAL EXAM was probably unnecessary; BUT THE PAP SMEAR YEARLY WAS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER!
Most people I spoke to did not separate these two procedures. Sexually active females should get examined yearly for cervical cancer, and generally for sexually transmitted diseases. There is a lot of controversy generated about internal bimanual exams, but NOT the PAP smear!
Twenty or more years ago, heroin addicts were typically living on the streets and involved in crime and prostitution. After the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman it has become clear that this drug has migrated to the more affluent.
However the introduction of Oxycontin and other similar narcotics has led to a dramatic increase in addiction to pain medications. Unfortunately this has become a lucrative source of revenue for many unscrupulous physicians, resulting in more addictions.
With the street cost of oxycontin going as high as $70, many addicts are migrating to the even more dangerous heroin; where the equivalent high can cost $10.
In a recent study researchers looked at almost 3,000 heroin addicts and compared their demographics with previous statistics from the 60's and 70's.
Of the participants who began using heroin in the 1960s, most were men (<80%) who began heroin use at around age 16; about half were white. Starting in 2010, narcotic use typically began with a prescription opioid at age 23; about half of these addicted individuals were women, and 90% were white. Most of these began with narcotic pain pills and switched for practical reasons.
We need to police the pain clinics better. The recent approval by the FDA of another pain medication containing hydrocodone which can easily be injected was, in my opinion, unnecessary and a step in the wrong direction.
I have frequently mentioned the abuse of vitamins and supplements, but now a new study looking at breakfast cereals puts it into even better perspective.According to a report from the Environmental Working Group children who eat fortified cereals and snack bars are at risk for consuming potentially dangerous levels of niacin, vitamin A, and zinc.
They found many children's cereals fortified with 30-50% more than the adult recommended daily requirements of these vitamins! Such products include General Mills Total Raisin Bran, Kellogg's Cocoa Krispies, and Balance Bars.
Among potential side effects are skin reactions, immune suppression and liver damage. Please read their report:
http://static.ewg.org/reports/2014/children_at_risk/pdf/too_much_of_a_good_thing.pdf
In a second study, researchers found that over the counter ACNE products were associated with frequent adverse effects.
The FDA is warning that "rare but serious and potentially life-threatening" allergic reactions may occur with some over-the-counter topical acne products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Symptoms — including dyspnea and swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue — may appear within minutes to longer than a day after application.
The products in question include those marketed as Proactiv, Neutrogena, MaxClarity, Oxy, Ambi, Aveeno, Clean & Clear, and store brands.
Although rare, you and your adolescent children should be aware of these potential reactions.
It seems that Marijuana (weed, pot, etc) is becoming more and more accepted and legal. It is also becoming much more potent (through selective botany) than the weed of my (and Bill Clinton's) generation - estimated to have 3-4 times the concentration of THC, the active ingredient.
Although is is a relatively safe drug (and probably less toxic than alcohol) it is still a drug, and we should be aware of the side effects and dangers.
1. Addiction. Although the risk is low, it is real, and about 9% of regular users become addicted to it.
2. Memory, Co-ordination and Judgement. Like alcohol and other drugs, using pot will result in impaired driving with increased risk of accidents, poor judgement and memory lapses. When someone is "high" they should be treated as if they were drunk when it comes to responsible action.
3. Neurological Changes. Heavy use in adolescents has been shown to adversely and permanently affect brain development. Use should be strongly discouraged in teens.
4. Gateway to More Potent Drugs. Like Alcohol and Pills, marijuana creates a pleasant experience which often leads to use of more potent drugs. It is not worse than any other drug or alcohol.
5. Psychosis. High dose Marijuana can lead to acute psychotic or paranoid reactions.
6. Cancer. Smoking marijuana is less toxic than tobacco, but chronic use may lead to increase risk of cancer. It definitely is associated, in heavy use, with chronic bronchitis.
As usual, using common sense can make this drug safe to use. Since that usually develops well after adolescence, and combined with permanent neurological changes its use must be avoided in teens. Use in adults appropriately (similar to alcohol recommendations) is probably safe.
Autism, or Autistic Spectrum Disorder seems to be on the increase. There is some controversy as to whether this is due to better diagnosis or a real increase.
There have been many studies that point to ASD being a combined genetic and environmental disorder that shows its sign even before a baby is born. Now people are looking at exposures to see what could be leading to the disease.
Researchers studied 970 children (aged 2 to 5 years) in California with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, or typical development. Data on the use of commercial pesticides (in places such as farms, golf courses, parks) were linked to the mothers' addresses during pregnancy.
Compared to controls, children with autism were 60% more likely to have been exposed to organophosphate insecticides. Furthermore, children with developmental delay were almost 150% more likely to have had carbamate pesticides (most industrial but some, like Sevin, available to homeowners) applied near their homes.
Looking at stored samples of amniotic fluid of autistic children Danish researchers found significantly higher levels of several hormones. Possible reasons for this include exposure to environmental endocrine disrupters, which are highly prevalent in food, cosmetics, and other materials. For example, phthalates, known endocrine disrupters, are associated with ASD, and are found in hundreds of plastic products (http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=24). Also see http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/.
