Newly discovered species of bacteria in the microbiome may be a culprit behind rheumatoid arthritis World Health Informatics Blog. (community health)

 Newly discovered species of bacteria in the microbiome may be a culprit behind rheumatoid arthritis

World Health Informatics Blog. (community health)

Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1 in 100 people worldwide. It causes inflamed, painful and swollen joints, often in the hands and wrists, and can lead to loss of joint function as well as chronic pain and joint deformities and damage. What causes this condition has been unknown.

In our recently published study, my colleagues and I found an important clue to a potential culprit behind this disease: the bacteria in your gut.

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, meaning it develops when the body’s immune system starts to attack itself. Proteins called antibodies, which usually help fight off viruses and bacteria, begin to attack the joints instead.

The origins of the antibodies that cause rheumatoid arthritis have been an area of study for many years. Some research has shown that these antibodies can start forming at sites like the mouth, lung and intestines over 10 years before symptoms arise. But until now, it was unclear why researchers were finding these antibodies in these particular areas.

We wanted to investigate what could trigger the formation of these antibodies. Specifically, we wondered if bacteria in the microbiome, a community of microorganisms that live in the intestines, might be the ones activating the immune response that leads to rheumatoid arthritis. Since microbes commonly live at the same sites as the antibodies driving rheumatoid arthritis, we hypothesized that these bacteria could be triggering the production of these antibodies. We reasoned that though these antibodies were meant to attack the bacteria, rheumatoid arthritis develops when they spread beyond the intestines to attack the joints.

First, we sought to identify the intestinal bacteria targeted by these antibodies. To do this, we exposed the bacteria in the feces of a subset of people at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis to these antibodies, allowing us to isolate just the bacterial species that reacted and bound to the antibodies.

We found that one previously unknown species of bacteria was present in the intestines of around 20% of people who were either diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or produce the antibodies that cause the disease. As a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, I suggested we name this species Subdoligranulum didolesgii (“didolesgii” means arthritis or rheumatism in Cherokee) as a nod to the contributions that other Indigenous scholars have made to science as well as the fact that rheumatoid arthritis affects Indigenous people at a higher rate than other populations.

Subdoligranulum didolesgii has not been detected in the feces of healthy people before, and it is currently unknown how prevalent this bacteria is in the general population.

We also found that these bacteria can activate specialized immune cells called T cells in people with rheumatoid arthritis. T cells drive inflammatory responses in the body, and have been linked to the development of different autoimmune diseases.

These findings suggest that these gut bacteria may be activating the immune systems of people with rheumatoid arthritis. But instead of attacking the bacteria, their immune system attacks the joints.

Why this bacteria?

It is still unknown why people with rheumatoid arthritis develop an immune response to Subdoligranulum didolesgii. But we think it may be the culprit when it comes to rheumatoid arthritis because this bacteria is found only in the intestines of people with rheumatoid arthritis, and not in the intestines of healthy people.

While many immune responses happen in the intestines, they are usually self-contained and do not spread to other areas of the body. However, we believe that a particularly strong intestinal immune response against Subdoligranulum didolesgii could allow antibodies to bypass the intestinal “firewall” and spread to the joints.

To confirm our hypothesis, we gave mice an oral dose of Subdoligranulum didolesgii and monitored their reaction. Within 14 days, the mice began to develop joint swelling and antibodies that attacked their joints.

The future of rheumatoid arthritis treatment

My colleagues and I hope this research can shed light on the origins of rheumatoid arthritis. Our next goal is to discover how common these bacteria are in the general population and test whether the presence of these bacteria in the gut may lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis in people.

It’s important to note that antibiotics are unlikely to be helpful treatment for the microbiomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Although Subdoligranulum didolesgii may be triggering an autoimmune response for some people with rheumatoid arthritis, antibiotics eliminate both helpful and harmful bacteria in the gut. Additionally, removing the bacteria won’t necessarily stop the immune system from attacking the joints once it has started.

Nevertheless, we believe that these bacteria can be used as tools to develop treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and hopefully ways to prevent disease from happening in the first place.

Thank you

World Health Informatics Blog. (community health)

Note :

1) This blog is originally published on 

https://theconversation.com/newly-discovered-species-of-bacteria-in-the-microbiome-may-be-a-culprit-behind-rheumatoid-arthritis-193267

2) This Blog is for Education purpose only and not a treatment for any diseases  

Sleeping 5 hours or less could prompt risk of chronic diseases - World Health Informatics Blog. (community health)

 

Sleeping 5 hours or less could prompt risk of chronic diseases later in life, study says

 World Health Informatics Blog. (community health)

People over 50 years old who sleep five hours or less a night might be at higher risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, according to a new study released Oct. 18.  

The peer-reviewed study, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, examined 8,000 civil servants in the United Kingdom who had no chronic disease at age 50 over the course of 25 years. During that time span, scientists of the study asked all the participants to report how much sleep they got every four to five years for tracking. 

According to results from the study, those who slept five hours or less faced a 30% higher risk for chronic illnesses than those who got at least seven hours of sleep. By age 70, that likelihood for people sleeping less than five hours bumped up to a 40% greater risk. 

"As people get older, their sleep habits and sleep structure change," said Severine Sabia, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the University College London's Institute of Epidemiology and Health, in a news release. 

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The chronic diseases tracked in the study included: diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, depression, dementia, mental disorders, Parkinson’s and arthritis.

"Short sleep duration in midlife and old age is associated with higher risk of onset of chronic disease and multimorbidity," the study authors wrote. "These findings support the promotion of good sleep hygiene on both primary and secondary prevention by targeting behavioral and environmental conditions that affect sleep duration and quality."

The findings of the study mirror previous research released last week by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that determined older adults who do not receive seven to nine hours of sleep have a far greater chance of developing chronic diseases, as well as obesity and high blood pressure.

How much sleep should I get?

According to National Sleep Foundation guidelines, here's how much we should be sleeping per night:

• New-borns 0 to 3-months old: 14-17 hours
• Babies 4 to 11 months: 12-17 hours
• Children ages 1 to 5: 10-14 hours
• Children ages 6 to 13: 9-11 hours 
• Teens ages 14 to 17:8-10
• Adults 18 to 64: 7-9 hours
• Adults 65+: 7-8 hours

Thank you

World Health Informatics Blog. (community health)

Note :

1) This blog is originally published on 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2022/10/25/sleep-study-five-hours-chronic-diseases/10594845002/

2) This Blog is for Education purpose only and not a treatment for any diseases  

 

Tired of Feeling Tired? Try Vitramin C!  - World Health Informatics Blog.

(community health)

Tired of feeling tired? Do you find yourself lacking the energy to stay alert and attentive throughout the day? If so, you might want to take a look at your diet and see what vitamins you’re deficient in. In today’s article, I’ll be exploring the vitamin C benefits and why this vitamin may be just what your body needs to keep feeling healthy, energetic, and motivated throughout each day.

Vitamin C Helps Your Body Get Rid Of Excess Toxins

Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps your body get rid of excess toxins. A diet high in Vitamin C can help you feel less tired and more energized throughout the day. Learn more about vitamin c here Vitramin C is a good way to combat fatigue, one of the most common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The fat-soluble vitamin absorbs into cells with fat and stays there, providing long-lasting energy to cells, tissues and organs. If you are experiencing fatigue, try increasing your intake of foods rich in Vitamin C such as citrus fruits like oranges or tangerines, leafy greens like spinach or kale, broccoli or Brussels sprouts. Other sources of Vitamin C include peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage and cauliflower. You could also take a supplement containing Vitramin C if you have difficulty consuming enough from your diet alone. It's best to take it between meals so it doesn't interfere with stomach acid production which may be interfering with how your digestive system handles other nutrients. There are some health conditions where taking a supplement may not be appropriate, so make sure you talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. 

The benefits of Vitramin C for health news: Did you know that Vitamin C is essential for healthy bones?

Feeling Tired All The Time?

Ever feel like you're dragging, struggling to get through your day and feeling less than 100%? If so, your health could be suffering due to the buildup of toxins in your body. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the amount of toxins in your system. One such way is by taking vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C has been shown to help remove toxins from our bodies while also boosting our immune systems. What's more, research suggests that people who take a high dose of vitamin C daily have fewer colds and coughs during winter months. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant which helps protect cells from free radical damage - one of the main causes of aging. It is thought that the increased risk of certain cancers may come from the accumulation of these unstable oxygen molecules in tissues over time. A study published this year found that women with low levels of vitamin C had an increased risk for cervical cancer, compared to those with higher levels.

What Are The Best Sources Of Vitamin C?

Vitamins are essential to many bodily functions, and one of the most important is helping the body process toxins. According to a recent health news study, taking vitamin C can help people who feel tired all the time.

Experts recommend getting at least 150 milligrams per day. Vitamin C can be found in many fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries and broccoli.

The easiest way to take vitamin Citran tablets or make a homemade juice with a high concentration of Vitamin C. Here's an easy recipe: Blend one cup of fresh orange juice with two teaspoons each of fresh lime juice and lemon juice. Add two tablespoons honey, three teaspoons grated ginger root and one teaspoon vanilla extract. Drink this daily for energy boost!

​Great Products For Getting That Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a great supplement that can help the body get rid of toxins and produce collagen. If you are feeling sluggish and tired, it might be worth taking a look at your diet to see if you are getting enough vitamin c. Health news has even said that some people might not be able to tell if they are deficient in this essential nutrient because the symptoms do not show up until later on. In addition, most people think they should just drink orange juice or eat an orange when they have low levels of this vitamin - but there are many other options as well such as kiwis, strawberries, papaya and grapefruit.

Symptoms Of Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps with immune function, and proper wound healing. You may be deficient in Vitamin C if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fatigue, dizziness, dry skin and lips, muscle aches and pains, difficulty concentrating or irritability. These can all lead to a reduced quality of life. In order to get rid of toxins and prevent vitamin c deficiency, it is recommended to eat foods high in vitamin c such as oranges, strawberries, grapefruits, broccoli or red peppers. For those who find it hard to consume enough vitamin c due to medical conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) they can try out some form supplements like chewables or gummies which have been formulated specifically for people on a low-fiber diet. However, when looking for vitamin c supplements, one should be mindful about their dosage because different people require different amounts depending on their age, weight, health and what other medication they're taking. It's best to consult your doctor before beginning any new supplement regimen.

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Badger Club to discuss results from the Tri-Cities Community Health Needs Assessment - World Health Informatics Blog.

 

Badger Club to discuss results from the Tri-Cities Community Health Needs Assessment  - World Health Informatics Blog.

BY KAREN HAYES OCTOBER 19, 2022 11:00 AM

Not everyone in Benton and Franklin Counties has the opportunity to live the healthiest life they could. Why? It’s easy to conclude that each of us could do that... if we really wanted to. But the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) clearly tells a different story. The findings will be shared in an online Badger Forum on at 12 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. The CHNA represents many months of collecting and analyzing data, followed by asking questions. A lot of questions. Questions like ‘why is there a 13-year difference in life expectancy from one neighborhood to another?’ Or ‘how are our children and young adults doing?’ For nearly a year, representatives from the Benton-Franklin Health District, Benton-Franklin Community Health Alliance, Kadlec Regional Medical Center, and Prosser Memorial Hospital have been reviewing quantitative data and conducting interviews with partners, including the leadership of Trios and Lourdes Health, listening sessions with community members in English and Spanish, and community forums with subject matter experts. The CHNA helps determine which priority health needs the community should focus on over the next three to-five years. It is a systematic and shared process for identifying and analyzing community needs and assets throughout Benton and Franklin Counties. The CHNA includes input from those who represent the broad interests of the community and helps hospitals, health departments, and community organizations understand and address our community’s health status and needs. We didn’t just ask each other. Results from interviews with community partners are essential but we went well beyond that: We sat down with people who brought “lived experience” to the table. We heard personal stories that helped identify the following high priority community needs: mental health; substance use/misuse; homelessness and housing instability; and access to basic needs, such as economic security, food, childcare, safety, and health care services. These are not things that can be addressed by our health care system alone. The purpose of the CHNA is to identify and start conversations about building a healthier community for all residents.

Results from the community survey indicate that approximately half of the respondents in both counties rate their physical, mental, and dental health as good. Survey findings reveal inequities with four groups consistently reporting lower quality of life, lower overall health, and less access to health care than other groups: respondents aged 18-to-34, Hispanic respondents, respondents with low incomes, and Franklin County respondents. Cost and not having a regular provider were leading reasons reported for those lacking adequate healthcare services. Behavioral health is defined as both mental health and substance use disorder services. Forum participants identified the need for an increased number of counselors and other mental health providers, improved access to recovery services for adults and especially for adolescents, and more responsive crisis support services. Pervasive stigma about mental illness was cited by providers and patients alike. A need for prevention and response efforts was strongly identified. Housing and homelessness forum participants identified the need for low-barrier, immediate housing to support the proven “housing first” strategy. The forums recommended addressing issues related to zoning and building codes to create more affordable housing; identification and linkage to resources; and addressing stigma directed at those experiencing homelessness or housing instability. General community forums identified needs related to youth wellness, environmental health, chronic disease prevention, and access to care and resources.

Quantitative data is presented through a life course perspective and includes the following health indicators: pregnancy, birth, and sexual health; family and community; activity, nutrition and weight; access to healthcare and use of preventative services; mental and behavioral health; substance use; violence and injury prevention; chronic illness; life expectancy, and leading causes of death and quality of life. The CHNA process resulted in the prioritization of behavioral health, housing and homelessness, access to health, and community partnership development. In order to be successful, the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) will need to engage a broad cross-section of the community, including business, education, social services, health care and — most important of all — citizens like you and me. To learn more and join the conversation, plan to attend the Badger Forum at noon on Thursday, Oct. 20 via Zoom. Because of the importance of this discussion, the Benton-Franklin Community Health Alliance has arranged for this Badger Forum to be presented at no cost to members and non-members alike. To register, please visit the Badger Club website at www.columbiabasinbadgers.com. The forum will be followed by Table Talk, a half-hour open mic discussion with those who attended the forum. Karen Hayes is the Community Investment Manager for Kadlec Regional Medical Center.

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1) This blog is originally published on https://www.tri-cityherald.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article267542342.html

2) This Blog is for Education purpose only and not a treatment for any diseases  

 

Public perceptions of wastewater use for community health monitoring in the United States - World Health Informatics Blog

 Public perceptions of wastewater use for community health monitoring in the United States - : World Health Informatics Blog 

By Nidhi Saha, BDSOct 17 2022

Reviewed by Aimee Molineux

A new PLOS One journal paper by University of Louisville researchers underscored public perceptions of sewer surveillance and security issues associated with sewage monitoring that could be modified through educational programs. These findings will provide vital information for refining policy, application, and regulatory measures pertaining to wastewater-based epidemiology and improving public acceptance.

Study: Nationwide public perceptions regarding the acceptance of using wastewater for community health monitoring in the United States. Image Credit: Daniel Jedzura / ShutterstockStudy: Nationwide public perceptions regarding the acceptance of using wastewater for community health monitoring in the United States. Image Credit: Daniel Jedzura / Shutterstock

Background

Sewer monitoring has emerged as a potentially novel and cost-effective component of public health surveillance. Sewage monitoring involves the collection of pooled samples from sewage systems at the community or institutional levels. Sewers serve as an aggregate for human waste at the community level and a template for community surveillance. 

Sewer monitoring can provide valuable insights into what pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and protozoa are prevalent in a community. Regarding public health, wastewater-monitoring programs uncover infections and diseases that may have escaped or are underreported by standard surveillance systems and could potentiate outbreaks. 

For instance, wastewater monitoring has been used to detect and track outbreaks of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). During the earlier phases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, alterations in social constraints were implemented according to community infection levels. There were concerns about whether sewage monitoring data could be used as proof to change social behavior and isolation protocols.

The study

The present study explored whether public perceptions regarding sewage monitoring can be used as a public health surveillance tool – through a survey administered to a sample of individuals across the United States. 

The study aimed to evaluate sewer monitoring knowledge, awareness, acceptability, confidentiality, and the variables that affect an individual's awareness of the sewage monitoring agreement. 

The findings provided insights into sewer monitoring acceptance and can guide policy formulation about expanding sewer monitoring applications at national and local levels.

Participants were recruited online through Qualtrics XM – a national research panel provider randomly invited to participate in the survey. This survey consisted of three components – questions about knowledge on sewer monitoring and its acceptance; demographic questions, like age, gender identity, geography, race, ethnicity, educational level, and income; and a privacy attitude questionnaire (PAQ)to assess general privacy boundaries. 

The findings

Overall, 3,083 participants answered questionnaires about sewer monitoring as a public health surveillance tool that assessed their knowledge, perceptions, and privacy concerns. 

Approximately half of the respondents had no idea whether COVID-19 could be detected in sewage. People across the United States (U.S.) were generally less aware of sewer monitoring than other types of public health surveillance.

Respondents––as measured by the PAQ––showed moderate levels of privacy concerns, with higher levels of concern relating to personal information and lower levels for financial information. 

The majority of respondents supported sewer monitoring, particularly for identifying toxins, diseases, and terrorist threats, with a decreasing level of preference in the given sequence. While the support seemed to deteriorate for assessing behaviors and health statuses of the population, such as lifestyle, diet, and mental illness. 

There were no significant privacy concerns associated with sewer monitoring across the country. Notably, sampling at the city scale garnered greater support than that at a narrower scale. 

Sewer monitoring is an emerging technology, so in areas where public health surveillance is relatively unknown, educational programs may prove to be advantageous in modifying public perceptions. The findings of this survey depict that while knowledge and awareness related to sewer monitoring are low, the U.S. population is specific about what is and is not appropriate for monitoring; public opinion must be considered.

The study had some caveats – the fact that participants were self-selected and the nature of the survey was concealed until the participants met the inclusion requirements. Additionally, survey researchers may have had self-selection bias; the respondents were older, wealthier, better educated, and from the suburbs; residents of rural areas were excluded, and the research was limited to the U.S. 

More research is required to evaluate public attitudes toward the use of sewers for worldwide community health monitoring.

Journal reference:

LaJoie, A., Holm, R., Anderson, L., et al. (2022). Nationwide public perceptions regarding the acceptance of using wastewater for community health monitoring in the United States. PLOS ONE. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275075, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0275075

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1) This blog "Public perceptions of wastewater use for community health monitoring in the United States"  is originally published on https://www.news-medical.net/news/20221017/Public-perceptions-of-wastewater-use-for-community-health-monitoring-in-the-United-States.aspx

2) This Blog is for Education purpose only and not a treatment for any diseases  

Florida county sees spike in deadly infections caused by "flesh-eating" bacteria after Hurricane Ian : World Health Informatics Blog

 

Florida county sees spike in deadly infections caused by "flesh-eating" bacteria after Hurricane Ian : World Health Informatics Blog 

 

Recovery efforts are underway in southwestern Florida as communities face a range of new challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Along with the property damage that rendered homes inhabitable and displaced thousands of residents, people across the state are grappling with environmental hazards that could pose serious health threats. 

In Lee County — where Ian made landfall on Sept. 28 as a Category 4 hurricane — officials say storm surges and subsequent flooding led to a spike in potentially deadly infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a species of bacteria found in warm, brackish water that typically comes in contact with humans through raw or undercooked seafood. It can also enter the body through cuts and other open wounds, and can cause severe skin infections that may be life-threatening, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vibrio vulnificus is informally described as a "flesh-eating" bacteria because primary infections of the skin can devolve quickly into necrotizing fasciitis, a rare condition that causes tissue breakdown and at times requires amputation to prevent further spread. 

The infection itself, whether acquired through food or direct contact with contaminated water, "has the potential to cause severe illness or death," the Lee County health department said in a news release posted on Oct. 3, just after the hurricane.

People paddle by in a canoe next to a submerged car in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Orlando, Florida on Sept. 29, 2022.JIM WATSON/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

At the time, health officials were already beginning to see an increase in Vibrio vulnificus infections, which continued to climb over the next week. At least 29 cases and four deaths have been confirmed in Lee County this year as a result of such infections, according to state data that was last updated on Friday. All but two cases were diagnosed after the hurricane.

"The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is observing an abnormal increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections as a result of exposure to the flood waters and standing waters following Hurricane Ian," a spokesperson at the county health department said in a statement to CBS News on Monday, which noted that community members should "always be aware of the potential risks associated when exposing open wounds, cuts, or scratches on the skin to warm, brackish, or salt water."

"Sewage spills, like those caused from Hurricane Ian, may increase bacteria levels," the statement continued. "As the post storm situation evolves, individuals should take precautions against and infection and illness caused by Vibrio vulnificus."

People with weakened immune systems, especially those who suffer from chronic liver disease or who take immunosuppressant medication, are at particular risk of developing serious complications from an infection with Vibrio vulnificus, the health department said.

 If it enters the bloodstream, the bacteria can cause sepsis, which happens when an infection triggers an extreme immune response that leads to organ failure and sometimes death. Early symptoms include fever and chills, while the illness in its later stages can cause a drop in blood pressure and blistering skin lesions.

Florida health officials track confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections and related deaths statewide throughout the year. Collier County, with three confirmed cases in 2022 and one diagnosed since the hurricane, is the only other area seeing an unusual increase in infections because of the storm.

 

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1) This blog "Florida county sees spike in deadly infections caused by "flesh-eating" bacteria after Hurricane Ian " is originally published on https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-ian-florida-flesh-eating-bacteria-infections-flooding-lee-county/

2) This Blog is for Education purpose only and not a treatment for any diseases  

 

 
Frequent Hot Flashes May Signal Higher Risk of Heart Problems : World Health Informatics Blog.

Research presented at this year’s North American Menopause Society annual meeting says persistent hot flashes could be a sign that you’re at higher risk for a heart attack or stroke.

By Don Rauf

October 13, 2022

Risk for heart disease increases in women as they age — years after menopause.iStock

Most women going through the menopausal transition will experience hot flashes, a type of “vasomotor symptom,” that involves a sudden feeling of intense heat that causes some to breakout in a sweat. Johns Hopkins Medicine estimates that about three-quarters of all women have these sudden and brief episodes, which can affect quality of life, disrupt sleep, heighten irritability, and cause depression. On average, hot flash symptoms last for more than seven years, according to the Mayo Clinic. But in some cases, they may persist for 10 years or longer. 

Reaching menopause means that heart risks increase because your body no longer produces enough estrogen to protect your heart. The American Heart Association notes that more than 1 in 3 women has some form of heart disease, and an overall increase in heart attacks among women is seen about 10 years after menopause.

At the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Annual Meeting in Atlanta on October 12, Rebecca Thurston, PhD, director of the Women's Biobehavioral Health Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health, presented data on hot flashes and heart disease risk, and provided guidance on what women should consider to help lower the likelihood of having heart problems.

“For years, vasomotor symptoms have been regarded as a midlife symptom with few implications for women’s physical health,” says Dr. Thurston, who is currently conducting work funded by the National Institutes of Health. “But a growing body of literature is beginning to link these vasomotor symptoms to indicators of cardiovascular disease risk.”

She noted that women with frequent or severe hot flashes are more likely to have conditions that raise the risk of having heart problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as well as a greater risk of underlying atherosclerosis, fat buildup in the arteries that can block blood flow.

Thurston’s presentation was drawn from two studies. One was the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), which includes more than 3,300 middle-aged women participating through seven designated research centers across the United States. The other was a University of Pittsburgh study published in 2016 in the journal Stroke, involving 304 women recruited locally. 

In her research of 304 women, Thurston and her collaborators found that participants with more vasomotor symptoms had more carotid atherosclerosis (narrowed blood vessels in the neck that carry blood from the heart to the brain).

She added that observations from the SWAN study and current research from around the world also indicated that reported hot flashes were associated with atherosclerosis, and that about one-third of women appear to have frequent vasomotor symptoms, which especially appears to affect heart health.

Findings from the SWAN study also showed that women with frequent or persistent vasomotor symptoms faced a 50 to 77 percent increased risk of future heart disease. Participants, who were between 42 and 52 years old at study start, were followed for up to 22 years and completed up to 16 follow-up visits. From the start of the study and at each follow-up visit, women were asked (using a standard questionnaire) to report how often they experienced vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) in the previous two weeks. Responses included six or more days (either or both hot flashes or night sweats), one to five days (either or both hot flashes or night sweats), or no symptoms. 

Thurston has also been involved with research that is looking at the role menopausal symptoms may play in brain health, including small vessel disease in the brain. One study published in 2016 in the journal Menopause indicated a possible link between hot flashes and white matter hyperintensities, areas of the brain that show up as bright, high signal intensities on MRIs, and are thought to result from chronic ischemia (a blood supply deficiency). This insufficient blood flow to the brain could result in a stroke. But study authors noted that further investigation is warranted and mechanisms linking hot flashes to white matter hyperintensities are not yet clear. 

“There’s essentially a coalescing of information from around the globe that points to the importance of these vasomotor symptoms in women’s cardiovascular health,” says Thurston. “I've been struck by how consistently we see this association.”

Although evidence has shown links between frequent and severe flashes and greater heart risk, Thurston and her fellow researchers do not know if treating these menopausal symptoms will improve heart outcomes. Studies along these lines are still needed and scientists are looking at factors such as inflammation, clotting, and hormone changes that may play a role. 

For women who experience frequent hot flashes, Thurston suggests seeking treatment from a gynecologist, primary care provider, or nurse practitioner — ideally one who is trained in menopause care.

 She also urges women to take a hard look at their lifestyle and health habits. “If you're smoking, now is the time to stop,” she says. “If you're having trouble with weight management, get some support for that.”

The American Heart Association recommends getting cholesterol checked every five years, blood pressure checked at least every two years, blood sugar levels checked every three years, and body mass index checked during every regular healthcare visit. Also, women are advised to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week to help lower their risk of heart disease and to follow a heart-healthy diet.

“During midlife, many things change dynamically for women,” so make sure you’re keeping those risks under control, notes Thurston. 

But she says women shouldn’t be overly scared of all these potential health threats. 

“It’s stressful enough to be going through menopause and having lots of these vasomotor symptoms,” says Thurston. “So get your basic vasomotor symptoms treated if they’re really causing you suffering, and make sure you’re on top of your cardiovascular health.” 

She also encourages women to prioritize their health as they tend to put the health of others before their own. “While that's a very loving thing to do, prioritizing your own health is critical as well.”

 

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Top 5 ways to get rid of Hiccups as soon as possible : World Health Informatics Blog

Top 5 ways to get rid of Hiccups as soon as possible.

  World Health Informatics Blog  

Hiccups are annoying and when they don’t stop they will become more awful, so what can we do about them?

It's a general belief in most countries that when you get hiccups it means someone, somewhere is remembering you, but it’s not true, as hiccups may be normal and short or may be caused by some serious medical condition.

Here are some reasons for hiccups:

1) Hiccups can be a result of spasm in the diaphragm muscle.

2) Hiccups can be caused by eating very spicy food and drinking chilled carbonated drinks.

3) Eating food very fast without chewing it properly can also be a reason for hiccups.

4) Long lasting Hiccups can be due to diseases like diabetes, asthma, kidney failure, thyroid problems  or any weakening of organs or problem in the central nervous system etc. (Note : if you have long lasting Hiccups you need emergency medical attention)

Now here are some ways to get rid of hiccups as soon as possible:

1)   Take one spoon of sugar and put it in your mouth and enjoy the sweetness of it.

2)   Take one teaspoon of fennel seeds and some mint leaves and boil it in one cup of water, after pouring it into a cup for drinking, add one tea spoon of honey and drink it.

3    Take a little pink salt or rock salt and put it in warm water and drink it. Sip by sip, your hiccups will stop.

4)   Take 2 or 3 black peppers with a little jaggery or honey.

5)   Take one spoon of Bournvita chocolate powder and you drink warm water slowly, it will stop your hiccups.

 Here is a link to Good Video on Hiccups : Why do we hiccup? - John Cameron

Hope  you liked article regarding Top 5 ways to get rid of Hiccups as soon as possible.

Please live your valuable comments so i can improve my articles further 

Thank you

 World Health Informatics Blog. 

Note this Blog is for Education purpose only and not a treatment for any diseases  

Breast cancer, mammograms can save lives - BlueCross BlueShield World Health Informatics Blog

Breast cancer , Mammograms can save lives - BlueCross BlueShield.

World Health Informatics Blog

In New York state, 83% of individuals who are recommended to have a mammogram are following the state’s screening guidelines, a percentage that’s been stable for two decades according to a review of state data by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. That means a persistent number of individuals (17%) are non-compliant and putting their lives at risk. According to data self-reported to the state, of those who have not had a mammogram within the past two years, 92.2% had health insurance and 83.4% had a regular health care provider.

“Maybe we should change October from Breast Cancer Awareness Month to Mammogram Month since, while awareness is important, detecting breast cancer early with a mammogram can save someone’s life,” says Lorna Fitzpatrick, MD, Excellus BCBS vice president of medical affairs and senior medical director. A mammogram can detect breast cancer at its earliest stages when treatment is most successful.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for every 100,000 women in the United States, there will be 124 reported cases of breast cancer and 20 deaths from the disease. In New York state, breast cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer, with approximately 16,500 new cases and 2,500 deaths each year.

New York state guidelines recommend a mammogram every two years for individuals aged 50 to 74 who should be screened. Those who are 40 to 49 years of age, those with a family history or other risk factors for breast cancer, and those who have any symptoms or changes in their breasts should talk to their health care provider about the most appropriate screening schedule.

New York’s “Get Screened, No Excuses” legislation, signed in 2017, eliminated out-of-pocket costs and many access issues associated with breast health care and services, including mammograms (the law does not apply to self-funded health insurance plans). 

“With so much attention given to breast cancer awareness, and so many barriers removed to getting a mammogram, there should be 100% compliance with screening guidelines,” says Fitzpatrick. “Sadly, that’s not the case.” 

Mammography rates across the six county Southern Tier Region average 76%, or nearly seven points lower than the state average (83%) for individuals aged 50 to 74. 

Southern Tier Region   76.0%
Screening rates by county:

• Broome   71.3%
• Chemung   82.6%
• Chenango   76.9%
• Schuyler   82.2%
• Steuben   71.4%
• Tioga   71.9%

Source:    wwws.health.ny.gov

Says Fitzpatrick, “It’s great that so much energy is directed toward breast cancer awareness, but awareness needs to translate to action. Mammograms detect breast cancer early, when treatment has a higher rate of success and lives can be saved.”

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With more than 3,500 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.

NOTE: This World Health Informatics Blog is Originally from here :

https://news.excellusbcbs.com/news/article?articleId=9502266&classPK=317676966