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Dermatologists are warning consumers that the harmless-looking, henna tattoos that are being sold everywhere from summer carnivals and open-air malls to cruise ships and vacation hot spots could contain a harmful chemical known as para-phenylenediamine, or PPD, used to create longer-lasting black henna tattoos. Notably, PPD has been associated with a rash of major skin problems.

At the American Academy of Dermatology’s Summer Academy Meeting 2008 in Chicago, dermatologist Sharon E. Jacob, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics and medicine (dermatology) at the University of California, San Diego, discussed the dangers of black henna tattoos and how dermatologists are treating an increasing number of patients, including very young children, with skin problems from allergic reactions to PPD.

Black Henna Tattoos

Natural henna used for temporary tattoos is made from leaves of the lawsonia inermis plant, which provides a vegetable coloring that comes in shades of brown, green or red. Temporary coloring (dyeing) of the skin with natural henna is considered harmless and only lasts for a few days. To increase the intensity of the tattoo beyond which can be attained with natural henna color and to prolong the longevity of the temporary tattoo from days to weeks, some henna tattoo artists are adding PPD (commonly also used for black hair dye) into the henna mix. This turns the tattoo black.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits the direct application of PPD to the skin because of its known health risks. However, since the tattoo industry is not regulated, people are still getting black henna tattoos and exposing themselves to serious medical problems.

“Perhaps the most alarming issue we are seeing with black henna tattoos is the increase in the number of children — even children as young as four — who are getting them and experiencing skin reactions,” said Dr. Jacob. “Kids make up a significant portion of the population that receives temporary tattoos, because parents mistakenly think they are safe since they are not permanent and are available at so many popular venues catering to families. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.”

Dr. Jacob noted that to date, there have been hundreds of case reports of allergic contact dermatitis from black henna tattoos, with reactions ranging from mild eczema to blistering and even permanent scarring. The first sign of a reaction is typically redness and itching, followed by bumps, swelling and then blisters. Topical steroids can be used to stop the reaction, but Dr. Jacob explained that whether or not any scarring occurs depends on the depth and severity of the inflammation.

In addition, some people may become sensitized to PPD from just one exposure — meaning that the immune system becomes prepared to remember the chemical to which it has been exposed or a chemical with a similar structure. When this happens, a person can develop a lifelong sensitivity to PPD and an allergy can cause a cross reaction to other compounds, including certain medications. For example, use of some heart, hypertension and diabetes medications, and even some anesthetics used in topical hemorrhoid preparations or oral gels, can lead to allergic reactions in people previously sensitized to PPD.

“Each exposure to PPD re-challenges the immune system, so each time you get a black henna tattoo or use a hair dye that contains PPD, there is an increased risk of having a reaction,” said Dr. Jacob. “Many people are sensitized to PPD, but don’t have a reaction to it. However, each time you are exposed to black henna, you increase your risk of developing a lifelong allergy to it.”

Dr. Jacob advised if one does choose to obtain a henna tattoo, only do so if you can be certain that only vegetable henna is used, not PPD-adulterated henna. “Unless the artist can tell you exactly what’s in the tattoo, don’t get one,” said Dr. Jacob.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) endorses a ban on the practice of applying PPD-adulterated henna tattoos, and some state dermatology societies have started posting warnings on their Web sites about black henna tattoos.

For any skin reactions that develop from a temporary tattoo, Dr. Jacob recommended that people see their dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. If a serious reaction occurs, such as severe blistering or swelling, she said seek immediate medical attention.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org/.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology



National Medical Association Installs 109th President at Atlanta Convention

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Jul 31,2008

New NMA President to Address Cancer and Mental Health Disparities

Delivering her inaugural address as the 109th president of the National Medical Association (NMA), Carolyn Barley Britton, M.D., M.S., shared her plans to focus on cancer and mental health disparities during her administration. The NMA is the nation’s premier organization for African American physicians.

Dr. Britton, a recognized expert in neurovirology and infectious/inflammatory diseases of the nervous system, is currently associate professor of Clinical Neurology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and associate attending physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York, NY.

A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Britton is a graduate of Oberlin College and New York University Medical School, where she received her M.S. in Microbiology (Virology) and her M.D.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Britton has worked to support funding for AIDS clinical trials. Her work at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) influenced federal clinical research guidelines to require inclusion of women and minorities, and to expand clinical trials in the African American community. Among the first to describe the neurologic complications of AIDS, Britton is an authority on a rare viral complication, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Dr. Britton’s work in the National Medical Association includes leadership positions from the local to the national level. She has served as President of the Manhattan Medical Society; Chair, Neurology/Neurosurgery Section of the NMA and Chair of Board of Trustees.

“This year, as we build on the outstanding work of our immediate past presidents in the areas of obesity, diabetes and HIV/AIDS, we will also bring disparities in cancer and mental health to the forefront of our agenda.” said Dr. Britton. In partnership with American Cancer Society, the NMA plans to launch national efforts to reduce cancer disparities. “We will also continue to build bridges to universal health care,” declared Dr. Britton.

“Dr. Britton has built an enviable record of impact in every leadership position at the NMA,” said Dr. Nedra H. Joyner. “We look forward to her service and guidance as President; it’s an exciting time for our organization.”

More than 3,000 physicians representing 25 specialties attended the weeklong convention that featured presentations by numerous medical experts, policy makers and industry leaders. Convention participants and luminaries included former Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.; Democratic Committee Chair, Howard Dean, M.D.; Acclaimed Actress, Phylicia Rashad; Former Health and Human Services Secretary, Louis Sullivan, M.D; Mayor Shirley Franklin; and football superstar, Jerome Bettis.

Source: National Medical Association



Survey Paints Bleak Picture of Funding for Continence Care Services

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Jul 29,2008

A recent AHPMA survey among continence care professionals has painted a bleak picture on the current state of many continence services in the UK, largely due to lack of Government funding. The survey finds that continence care staff are striving for quality care within extremely limited resources.

The survey received 148 responses, which show an unacceptably low level of funding in many Primary Care Trusts; morale being lower than five years ago in over half of Trusts; increased workloads and vacancies not being filled. It demonstrates a wide variance in Continence Services and shows little evidence that the ‘Good practice in continence services’ document published by the Department of Health in 2000 has been considered by Trusts.

Two fifths of respondents say that waiting times for assessment and provision of products are increasing, several months not being unusual, and one Trust actually reporting waiting times of over 12 months.

Responses indicated that around half of Trusts exclude certain patients groups from receiving products, for example one group listed is those with ‘light urinary incontinence’ but without defining what volume of urinary loss is considered ‘light’ as opposed to ‘medium’ or ‘heavy.’ Patient choice is also found to be restricted.

Quality continence services and products are essential for patients and carers alike. Regular assessment and correct products are vital for quality of life, independence and health. Given the prevalence of this condition across all age groups but predominantly among the older population and other vulnerable groups, AHPMA would encourage a radical review of Continence Services at Government level, with strategic planning for increased demands on the services due to an ageing population, and mandatory targets for trusts.

AHPMA is the trade association which represents key UK manufacturers of absorbent disposable continence care products. To review the full survey visit HTTP://www.ahpma.co.uk or contact AHPMA on +44-(0)1483-418312 to receive a copy.

Incontinence is more prevalent than asthma, epilepsy and dementia. Currently 4-6 million people will suffer from some form of incontinence in the UK which affects men, women and children, for a wide variety of reasons. It is also a ‘taboo’ subject preventing many people from seeking help to a problem that can often be improved and in many cases cured which would save the NHS money in the long term.

Facts:

  • 4-6 million people in the UK will suffer from some form of incontinence - 6% of the population
  • Incontinence can mean anything from an occasional light involuntary leakage of urine, to moderate or heavy leakage and/or loss of bowel control. This condition may be temporary or long term depending on its cause and treatment.
  • Incontinence is more prevalent than asthma, epilepsy and dementia
  • Around only one in four people who suffer urinary incontinence seek help - 85% could possibly be cured* (*Royal College of Physicians 2005)
  • Incontinence is often the main reason why people move into residential care homes
  • The average increase of incontinent clients per NHS Trust is 8% per annum, many with increasing dependency costs
  • 3,680,000 people self fund purchasing of absorbent continence products at home.
  • The Government had a mandatory target to deliver integrated incontinence services by April 2004. In December 2006, the Royal College of Physicians survey indicated that integrated services are “still a dream rather than a reality”
  • Integrated Continence Services was a recommendation from the DoH in 2000, but have been developed in only in only 53 out of 138 Primary Care Sites.
  • AHPMA members are: Abena UK Ltd, Arquest Ltd, Attends Ltd, Johnson & Johnson GmbH, Kimberly-Clark Ltd, Lille Healthcare Ltd, Lil-lets (UK) Ltd, Multibrands International Ltd, Ontex Retail UK Ltd, Playtex Products Inc, Procter & Gamble UK, SCA Hygiene Products Ltd, Paul Hartmann Ltd, Toiletry Sales Ltd.

Source: AHPMA



Riverside Partners Teams with Management to Acquire HealthDrive

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Jul 29,2008

Riverside Partners, based in Boston, MA, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with management to acquire HealthDrive (”HealthDrive” or the “Company”).

HealthDrive is the leading provider of multi-specialty, on-site healthcare services to residents of extended care facilities. HealthDrive’s multi modality business model brings top quality dentistry, optometry, podiatry and audiology services directly to residents in over 900 facilities in nine states. In addition to clinical services across multiple specialties, HealthDrive provides geriatric-specific products to its patients, including eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures and podiatry products. HealthDrive is headquartered in Newton, MA.

“Riverside is a big believer in bringing high-quality healthcare services to patients in the convenient setting of their own facility. HealthDrive’s differentiated business model provides a wide range of highly valuable services to patients and to its extended care facility partners. The management team has positioned the Company for significant future growth and we are excited to be partnering with them,” said David Belluck, General Partner at Riverside.

“We were looking for a partner who could bring more than capital to the company. Riverside’s operating and investment experience in the healthcare industry combined with the firm’s proven track record of growing middle market companies made them a perfect partner for us,” said Steven Charlap, M.D., CEO of HealthDrive.

About HealthDrive

Founded in 1989, HealthDrive provides mobile health and dental services to geriatric patients in extended care facilities. Headquartered in Newton, MA, HealthDrive not only provides dentistry, optometry, podiatry and audiology services but also offers geriatric-specific products to its patients.

About Riverside Partners

Founded in 1989, Riverside Partners is a middle market private equity firm currently investing Riverside Fund III, L.P. The fund focuses on growth- oriented companies in the healthcare and technology industries. Riverside is particularly experienced at partnering with founders, owners and management teams and it brings substantial domain expertise and operating experience to its portfolio companies. The partners at Riverside have managed more than $500 million in investments in over 50 companies. We are currently focused on companies with revenues between $20 - $200 million and with $5 - $25 million of EBITDA.

Source: Riverside Partners



MRI and advanced computer analysis bring us closer to early identification of Alzheimer’s

For the first time, scientists have captured images of brain lesions similar to those found in Alzheimer’s disease using clinical-grade MRI in an animal model of the disease, according to research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2008 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2008), in Chicago.

These lesions, known as amyloid plaques, have been “imaged” previously using very high power MRI scanners that are only used on animals, and also with PET scans combined with specialized marker chemicals. This is the first time images of plaques were captured with conventional, clinical strength MRI.

Two other studies reported at ICAD 2008 use MRI and advanced computer analysis to bring us closer to early identification of Alzheimer’s, perhaps even before symptoms are evident.

MRI technology is more widely distributed and relatively less expensive than other imaging technologies. In addition, it doesn’t expose people to radiation, as do the “high energy” imaging approaches.

“As we get closer to the development of therapies that can slow or even stop the progression of Alzheimer’s, earlier detection of the disease becomes crucial for early intervention,” said William Thies, PhD, vice president of Medical and Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Early evaluation and diagnosis is also important because some Alzheimer’s-like symptoms can be reversed if they are caused by treatable conditions, such as depression, drug interaction, or thyroid problems. If it is Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis gives the person and their family an opportunity to build the right medical team, get access to existing medications, find helpful programs and services, and plan for the future. Plus, there is the opportunity to participate in studies of experimental drugs or other disease modifying treatments.”

“As we search for ways to identify Alzheimer’s early, these MRI studies show that researchers are moving closer to accurate early detection of the disease, and that we may soon be able to use this technology to determine who is at greater risk,” Thies added.

cells

MRI Scans Show Images of Amyloid Plaques in Rabbit Model

Definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s currently happens at autopsy by demonstrating the presence of characteristic brain lesions, including amyloid plaques. The ability to non-invasively show amyloid plaque levels in living people could markedly improve the diagnosis and treatment of people with Alzheimer’s.

John Ronald, a Ph.D. candidate in Medical Biophysics, along with Brian Rutt, PhD, and colleagues at the Robarts Research Institute and University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, used clinical strength MRI scanners to take brain images from rabbits that had been fed a high cholesterol diet for more than two years. These animals form amyloid plaques in their brains.

According to the researchers, the MRI scans revealed distinct signal voids - black spots - in several brain areas including the hippocampus, which is very important for memory. Autopsy examination revealed that the void areas reflected the presence of small clusters of amyloid plaques. Each cluster had high levels of iron, which the researchers say caused the MRI signal voids; these signal voids were not found in animals fed a normal diet.

“Although some of the technology used to generate these images was designed specifically for rabbits, this preliminary discovery hints at the promise of using clinical MRI scanners to visualize plaques in people with Alzheimer’s,” Ronald said. “Extension of these technologies to living animals is practical, and should allow us to study the course of Alzheimer’s in animals over time.”

“We have customized this MRI scanner in very important ways for microimaging. Particularly, we have added special hardware that allows the scanner to clearly detect structures smaller than 50 microns (0.05 mm) and to more sensitively detect iron-containing structures than has been possible using clinical MRI in the past,” Ronald added.

Computer Analysis of MRI Scans Gives Alzheimer’s Disease Severity “Score”

In addition to amyloid plaques, there is another brain lesion that is characteristic of Alzheimer’s - neurofibrillary tangles. The “gold standard” for post mortem measurement of Alzheimer’s tangle severity is known as Braak staging.

Prashanthi Vemuri, PhD, Clifford R. Jack, MD, and colleagues at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, sought to validate the ability of a new MRI analysis algorithm - known as the STructural Abnormality iNDex (STAND) score - to capture Alzheimer’s-related tangle severity. This was done by comparing the person’s STAND-score derived from an MRI scan taken before death with the person’s Braak stage calculated after death.

The researchers developed an algorithm that extracts atrophy information from an individual patient’s three-dimensional MRI scan. A STAND-score is assigned based on comparing the degree of atrophy in the person’s brain to atrophy patterns extracted from a large library of 160 Alzheimer’s and 160 cognitively normal subjects’ MRI scans. The STAND score is positive if the brain looks more Alzheimer’s-like and negative if the scan looks normal, and can be adjusted for demographics. According to the researchers, STAND-scores have 90 percent accuracy in distinguishing the MRI scans of people with Alzheimer’s from normal MRI scans.

In order to verify the adjusted STAND scores against Braak staging, the researchers identified 101 patients who had an MRI scan within four years of the time of death as well as postmortem Braak staging. They compared the two and, on a scale of 0 to 1, found the strength of association between the STAND-score and Braak stage to be 0.63 (p<0.0001).

“This study shows that information extracted from MRI scans can accurately capture the severity of Alzheimer’s tangle pathology,” said Vemuri. “While this work needs to be replicated and confirmed, because there is evidence indicating that structural changes in the brain precede cognitive symptoms, STAND scores may also prove to be useful for early identification of Alzheimer’s.”

MRI Used to Measure Alzheimer-like Patterns of Brain Atrophy in Normal Elderly

In previously reported research, Christos Davatzikos, PhD, of the Department of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Susan Resnick, PhD, of the National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD; and colleagues used a new computer-based image analysis technique (advanced high-dimensional pattern classification) to analyze MRI scans from participants in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and to derive an index of Alzheimer-like brain abnormality.

In a new study reported at ICAD 2008, they examined the presence and progression of such patterns in elderly individuals who are cognitively normal, and a small group with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA).

One hundred nine (109) healthy elderly participants from the BLSA were analyzed over periods of up to nine years. The researchers found that Alzheimer’s-like patterns of brain atrophy were increasingly present in participants over age 80. The rate of progression of the index of Alzheimer- like patterns over time also was higher in the older participants. Memory performance of healthy elderly and those with MCI who displayed Alzheimer-like brain atrophy patterns, as measured using standard neuropsychological batteries, was lower compared to people that didn’t display these patterns and had lower Alzheimer-like index values.

“Although the clinical significance of these Alzheimer’s-like patterns of brain atrophy must be further evaluated, we are very hopeful that these pattern analysis tools will provide early indicators of brain changes that resemble those seen in people with Alzheimer’s, years before memory problems are recognized clinically,” said Davatzikos.

* John Ronald - “Direct visualization of Beta-amyloid plaques in hypercholesterolemic rabbits using clinical field-strength MRI.” (Funders: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Institutes for Health Research, National Institutes of Health (NHLBI))

* Prashanthi Vemuri - “Antemortem MRI based structural abnormality index (STAND)-scores correlate with postmortem Alzheimer disease Braak stages.” (Funders: National Institute on Aging, Robert H. and Clarice Smith and Abigail Van Buren Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program, Alexander Family Professorship of the Mayo Foundation)

* Christos Davatzikos, Susan Resnick - “Longitudinal progression of Alzheimer’ disease-like patterns of brain atrophy in normal elderly MCI diagnosis.” (Funders: National Institute on Aging, Institute for the Study of Aging)

Source: Alzheimer’s Association



Nexavar Approved for Liver Cancer in China

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Jul 28,2008

First and only drug therapy to address major Chinese health concern

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of China has approved Nexavar(R) (sorafenib) tablets for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer. Nexavar is the first and only oral targeted therapy to significantly improve overall survival in patients with the disease.

The approval was based on two international Phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that evaluated more than 800 patients who received no prior systemic therapy.

“China has the highest number of liver cancer patients worldwide with more than 340,000 new cases diagnosed each year and the incidence is continuing to rise,” said Gunnar Riemann, PhD, member of the Executive Committee of Bayer HealthCare. “We are proud to be at the forefront of liver cancer treatment with Nexavar and are hopeful that patients in China can potentially have their lives extended by treatment with Nexavar.”

“This is another significant milestone in a region where patients are in dire need of a therapy that improves survival,” said N. Anthony Coles, MD, president and chief executive officer, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “The approval in liver cancer in China comes less than two years after the approval in advanced kidney cancer and proves that Nexavar is and will continue to be an important foundational therapy in multiple patient populations.”

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer and is responsible for about 90 percent of the primary malignant liver tumors in adults. Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. More than 600,000 cases of liver cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year (more than 400,000 in China, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, 54,000 in the European Union, and 15,000 in the United States) and the incidence is increasing. In 2002, approximately 600,000 people died of liver cancer including approximately 370,000 in China, South Korea and Japan, 57,000 in the European Union, and 13,000 in the United States.(1)(2)

In the Asia-Pacific region, more than eight percent of the general population is infected with chronic hepatitis B and between two and four percent is infected with chronic hepatitis C.(3)(4) Both infections are the leading causes of primary liver cancer worldwide.

Nexavar’s Differentiated Mechanism

Nexavar targets both the tumor cell and tumor vasculature. In preclinical studies, Nexavar has been shown to target members of two classes of kinases known to be involved in both cell proliferation (growth) and angiogenesis (blood supply) — two important processes that enable cancer growth. These kinases included Raf kinase, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-B, KIT, FLT-3 and RET. Preclinical models have also demonstrated that Raf/MEK/ERK has a role in HCC; therefore blocking signaling through Raf-1 may offer therapeutic benefits in HCC.

Nexavar is currently approved in more than 40 countries for liver cancer and in more than 70 countries for the treatment of patients with advanced kidney cancer. Nexavar is also being evaluated by the companies, international study groups, government agencies and individual investigators as a single agent or combination treatment in a wide range of cancers, including metastatic melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer and as an adjuvant therapy for kidney cancer.

Important Safety Considerations For Patients Taking Nexavar

Based on the currently approved U.S. package insert for the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, hypertension may occur early in the course of therapy and blood pressure should be monitored weekly during the first six weeks of therapy and treated as needed. Bleeding with a fatal outcome from any site was reported in 2.4% for Nexavar and 4% in placebo. The incidence of treatment-emergent cardiac ischemia/infarction was 2.7% for Nexavar vs. 1.3% for placebo. Most common adverse events reported with Nexavar in patients with unresectable HCC were diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, anorexia, nausea and hand-foot skin reaction. Grade 3/4 adverse events were 45% for Nexavar vs. 32% for placebo. Women of child-bearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant and advised against breast-feeding. In cases of any severe or persistent side effects, temporary treatment interruption, dose modification or permanent discontinuation should be considered.

For information about Nexavar including U.S. Nexavar prescribing information, visit http://www.nexavar.com/ or call 1.866.NEXAVAR (1.866.639.2827).

(1) Ferlay J, et al., GLOBOCAN 2002. Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide. IARC CancerBase No.5, Version 2.0. IARCPress, Lyon, 2004. Available at: http://www-dep.iarc.fr/. Accessed May 2008.

(2) 2005 Cancer Register System (CRS) annual report, http://crs.cph.ntu.edu.tw/crs_c/annual.html. Accessed May 12, 2008.

(3) World Health Organization, Fact Sheet N 164, October 2000. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs164/en/. Accessed May 2008.

(4) Stanford University School of Medicine, Asian Liver Center, “FAQ About Hepatitis B,” February 2008. http://liver.stanford.edu/Education/faq.html. Accessed May 2008.

Source: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals; Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.



Controlling Blood Pressure Helps Keep Hearts Healthy

Philadelphia-High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly one in three adults in the United States. Dubbed the “silent killer” because of its lack of outward symptoms, high blood pressure can begin during childhood and lead to serious complications later in life, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. But with regular doctor visits and important lifestyle changes, blood pressure can be kept under control and serious complications can be avoided.

Blood pressure is an essential part of the circulatory system, helping blood to move through the body, bringing oxygen and nutrients to vital organs. High blood pressure can put stress on the system and cause major health problems.

Blood pressure is broken down into two readings. The first reading is the pressure when the heart is beating. This is called the systolic pressure. The second reading is the pressure between beats, when the heart is at rest. This is called the diastolic pressure. A healthy blood pressure reading for an adult should be less than 120 mm systolic pressure and less than 80 mm diastolic pressure (120/80 mm) or as doctors will say, “120 over 80.”

High blood pressure does not have to lead to serious complications. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor can recommend healthy habits to keep your condition under control.

blood-presure

blood-presure

Tips for keeping blood pressure down:
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
• Have a low-salt, low-fat diet
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol use
• Reduce stress through meditation
• Limit caffeine
• Take BP medication daily if prescribed by your doctor

About Health Partners:
Founded in 1985, Health Partners is the result of a unique collaboration among seven area hospitals to create a not-for-profit health plan for residents of Philadelphia. Over more than 20 years, Health Partners has garnered national attention for innovations in managed care, and now serves 140,000 members throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.



Healthation, a healthcare technology company, announced that it has signed a 10-year Software as a Service agreement with Health Partners, a not-for-profit health plan serving more than 140,000 members in southeastern Pennsylvania. Health Partners will implement AboveHealth(R), the industry leading, e-business healthcare portal to deliver interactive, real-time communication and administration capabilities to its provider community.

With the AboveHealth portal, Health Partners will empower physicians and their staff with increased efficiency while reducing costs. Important to Health Partners is the 24-hour a day interaction healthcare professionals will have with their health plan. Hal Augustine, CIO of Health Partners said, “We are truly excited about our new relationship and look forward to working together to meet our goals for further enhancing our providers’ experience with significantly advanced self-service capabilities.”

“Health Partners shares our vision for a transformed retail healthcare marketplace,” said Scott Kornhauser, CEO of Healthation. “We look forward to playing a role in their innovative market advancement.”

Healthation’s AboveHealth Self Service Web Portal is an integrated Web portal solution supporting a payer’s Web self-service and automated e-business strategies. Clients can use the AboveHealth rules-driven interface to configure everything from branding and forms management to workflow…all down to the group or line of business.

About Health Partners

Founded in 1985, Health Partners is the result of a unique collaboration among seven area hospitals to create a not-for-profit health plan for residents of Philadelphia. Over more than 20 years, Health Partners has garnered national attention for innovations in managed care, and now serves more than 140,000 members throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Please visit us at www.healthpart.com.

About Healthation

Darien, IL- based Healthation is a healthcare technology company helping payers and administrators improve business performance with user-driven rules-based benefits management and transaction processing solutions. Healthation’s goal is to accelerate a retail transformation in healthcare with a real-time, open exchange platform. The company’s AcceleHealth(R) solution is the industry’s only web-based payer system built to administer benefits in real-time across all lines of business under one master member record including medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, life and AD&D.

Source: Health Partners



Patient Safety Authority Supports National Patient Safety Day

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Jul 27,2008

The Authority offers patients consumers tips and encourages them to ‘Speak Up’(TM) for improved patient safety

The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority today supports “National Patient Safety Day” which is a national effort to encourage patients and their families to participate fully in their healthcare by asking questions and learning everything they can about their surgery or illness.

“We understand the important role the patient has in preventing medical errors by participating in their own healthcare,” Mike Doering, executive director of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority said. “We’ve received reports of harm being prevented because a patient or family member spoke up and asked a question or provided additional information.”

The Authority encourages patients to participate in their own healthcare by following guidance in “Consumer Tip” sheets. The tip sheets provide information on how patients can help reduce the risk of medical mistakes occurring to them while they are being treated in the healthcare arena. The consumer tips are based upon real life medical errors that have either occurred or were prevented in Pennsylvania healthcare facilities and published in Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisories.

patient

Topics of the consumer tips include how to prevent: infections, wrong-site surgery, falls and medication errors. The tips also give patients information on the importance of knowing their medical history, knowing what to expect when taking antibiotics and the real risks associated with pregnancy and x-rays.

Patients and their loved ones are also encouraged to participate in their healthcare by “speaking up” or asking questions and providing any additional information that may be helpful in treating them. The Authority re-published “Speak Up”(TM): Help Prevent Errors in Your Care,” brochure originally published by The Joint Commission that gives consumers useful information on how they can assure quality care for themselves and their loved ones. Some tips include:

  • Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don’t understand ask again. It’s your body and you have a right to know.
  • Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything.
  • Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.
  • Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
  • Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes.
  • Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established, state-of-the-art quality and safety standards.
  • Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.

The Authority also provides several links on its consumer web page at www.psa.state.pa.us with more information and resources patients and family members can use to prevent medical errors.

“We should have confidence in our doctors and nurses treating us, but it’s perfectly acceptable to ask questions to help ensure your safety,” Doering said. “The Authority will continue to provide guidance to Pennsylvania’s healthcare facilities to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety; however consumers of the healthcare system can help by getting more involved in their healthcare.”

The July 25, 2008, National Patient Safety Day is a grassroots collaboration of community-based patient safety advocates throughout the country. The Authority collaborated with the Pulse of PA, the Pennsylvania patient safety advocacy organization to raise awareness of the effort to get patients more involved in their healthcare. For more information on Pulse of PA go to www.pulseofpa.org. For more information on the Patient Safety Authority and consumer tips information go to www.psa.state.pa.us.

Source: Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority



Over 300 of China’s top stem cell biologists and researchers from around the globe shared their latest results and held China’s first ever symposium on advanced induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell research during the just concluded first annual 2008 China Stem Cell Technology Forum at the China Medical City complex in Taizhou, China. At the Forum, which was chaired by Dr. Sean Hu, Chairman of Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd.,  some of the world’s most respected researchers presented their latest laboratory findings and clinical trial results in using stem cells to treat common ailments like heart disease and nervous system diseases such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, and optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH). Biologists attending the Mandarin Chinese language Forum came from leading research centers in nearly all of China’s major cities, and as far away as the United States, Canada, India, Australia, and Malaysia.

A special symposium entitled Advanced iPS Cell Technology, convened as part of the Forum, brought together for the first time over a dozen scientists involved in cutting edge stem cell research at some of America and China’s most respected science universities and research labs. A potential substitute for embryonic stem cells, genetically programmable iPS cells are widely believed to be at the very forefront of the field’s most exciting research frontier as iPS cells theoretically could deliver the greatest therapeutic benefit. Since iPS cells can be produced from the building blocks in any individual’s own body, they bring the potential that people may someday be able to heal a range of sicknesses from tissue cells they have banked themselves. At the symposium, renowned stem cell scientists like Dr. Hu Jifan of the Palo Alto VA Health Care System under the Stanford University Medical School, Dr. Xiang Peng of Sun Yat Sen University, Dr. Zhang Yaou of Tsing Hua University, Dr. Kong Hsiang-Fu of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Dr. Zhou Xiangjun of Shanghai Jiaotong University, and Dr. Yong-Jian Geng of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Texas Heart Institute, discussed their own latest advancements since recent breakthroughs at the University of Wisconsin and Kyoto University in Japan. The scientists also discussed mutual cooperation and research oversight opportunities, creation of ethical research guidelines in China, and future iPS cell research directions. At the symposium, a special subgroup of China’s leading cardiovascular scientists like Dr. Chen Haozhu of Fudan University, Dr. Wang Shiwen of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, and Dr. Zhang Fumin of Nanjing Medical University conferred on the use of stem cells in heart disease treatment, as well as new research methods and ethical responsibilities in that field.

Dr. Yong-Jian Geng, M.D., Ph.D, Director of the Heart Failure and Stem Cell Research Lab at the Texas Heart Institute and Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, said, “Scientists and clinicians have been doing incredible research on stem cells, and generating many exciting results. I feel confident more breakthroughs will be coming soon. I was very pleased and honored to be invited to participate in this discussion, and I am willing to help Chinese investigators establish guidelines that will, in my opinion, help develop a global standard for the stem cell therapies.”

Dr. Hu Jifan, noted senior research scientist at the Palo Alto VA Health Care System under the Stanford University Medical School said, “Leading scientists in China are constantly finding ways to create more effective iPS cells. Through this forum we agreed to help verify each other’s work, share experiences, and ensure safe, high-standard research takes place so that we may someday create the conditions for effective clinical treatments and industrial scale production of iPS cells. While no one knows yet when these conditions might be met, this Forum certainly helped speed up the process by bringing together some of the world’s best minds working towards these goals.”

Presentations at the 2008 China Stem Cell Stem Cell Technology Forum covered a wide range of new biological advancements as Chinese scientists hone in on the global goal of bringing practical stem cell treatments to market. Other topics covered included findings on the most potent combinations of stem cells, effective cell processing methods, the latest clinical trials targeting diseases like heart conditions, muscular dystrophy and optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), and much more yet to be published stem cell research.

Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a worldwide leader in researching and providing safe and effective stem cell applications for medical treatment, hosted the event along with the China National Center for Biotechnology Development (CNCBD) under China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the Jiangsu Provincial Department for Science and Technology, and the Taizhou Government. The 2008 China Stem Cell Stem Cell Technology Forum was attended by MOST officials, the Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province Mr. Zhang Taolin, and Taizhou Mayor Mr. Yao Jianhua.

Dr. Sean Hu, the Chairman of Beike Biotech said, “Chinese science, and indeed global stem cell research, achieved a great deal through this forum. Beike is proud to work with China to bring together so many globally known Mandarin speaking stem cell scientists to better communicate and share resources regarding what may very well become the future of healthcare.”

Source: Beike Biotechnology Company Limited



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