Archive for July 2009

New research by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows that the risks associated with texting while driving is much more dangerous than previously thought. In fact, texters have a 23-fold increase in crash rate, compared to those who do not text. This was the first study to video tape drivers inside their vehicles to document this dangerous driving distraction. “In the moments before a crash or near crash, drivers typically spent nearly five seconds looking at their devices — enough time at typical highway speeds to cover more than the length of a football field.” Americans send out hundreds of billions of text messages each year. The number of those sent out while driving is unknown. However, motor vehicle accidents due to texting is increasingly becoming a large public health concern. [ via New York Times ]

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A former employee at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York state was arrested earlier this month and accused of knowingly exposing numerous surgical patients to hepatitis C.  Kristen Diane Parker was apparently injecting herself with painkillers meant for patients, then refilling the syringes with saline solution for subsequent use, even though she knew she was infected with hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease that can cause serious liver problems, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Northern Westchester Hospital is notifying approximately 2,800 patients who had surgery there to come in for testing. The hospital has set up a patient help line at 914-666-1902 for more information. [via CBS news]

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The FDA has approved a new formulation of the Plan B emergency contraceptive pill, called Plan B One-Step. Rather than taking a succession of 2 pills, the formulation requires only 1 pill to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Plan B reduces the chances of pregnancy from occurring. It will not work if a woman is already pregnant and it will not terminate a pregnancy. Later this month Plan B One-Step will be available over the counter, without a prescription, to females 17 years or older. Women under 17 will need a prescription for the product in all but nine states: Pharmacy-access laws in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Vermont allow women of any age to purchase the drug without a prescription. [Via San Francisco Examiner]

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New research from the UK is suggesting that not only do children learn from their parents, they tend to learn from their parents of the same sex, at least when it comes to the issue of obesity.  After studying 226 families, researchers found that daughters of obese mothers were 10 times more likely to be obese, compared to daughters of normal-weight mothers. Sons were 6 times more likely to be obese if they have an obese father. Researchers attribute this finding to a phenomenon called “behavioral sympathy” where children will adopt the lifestyles of their same-sex parent. The obesity epidemic has innumerable causes, but the fight against it has to involve educating both parents and children. Healthy eating and living are learned behaviors, not a consequence of genetics.

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British scientists at Newcastle University claim this week that they have created human sperm from embryonic stem cells. Stem cells can develop into any type of human cell, but this is the first time they have been coaxed into forming sperm. Critics say the “artificial” sperm do not have the same exact shape, movement and function of real sperm. Despite this, progress has certainly been made towards creating sperm in the laboratory. This research could eventually help infertile men father children with sperm created from their own stem cells. Read more and watch a video of the sperm making process as voiced by the lead researcher, Professor Karim Nayernia.

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Two Saskatchewan farm workers have contracted a new flu virus strain, which Canadian officials have reported to the World Health Organization. The new strain contains genes from a seasonal human flu strain and a flu virus common in the swine population. The current H1N1 pandemic strain contains human, swine and avian genes. The new strain is not related to the current H1N1 strain that has killed over 400 people worldwide, and is believed to be only of low public health risk. Those who have already received the flu vaccine should have some immunity against this strain.

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A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reports that the common complaints of muscular weakness and pain in patients taking statins are in fact due to structural muscle damage caused by the use of these medications. The statin drugs are the most widely used medications in the treatment of elevated cholesterol levels and in reduction of cardiovascular disease risk. By looking at muscle biopsies, researchers noted that those who have taken statins have significant muscle injury, compared to those who have never taken statins. There have been reports of people falling due to muscle weakness, as well as cases of decreased fine motor control. Most will regain muscle function after stopping the medication. However, a small group of patients may continue to have persistent muscle problems. Statins currently available in the US are Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Fluvastatin (Lescol), Lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev), Pravastatin (Pravachol), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Simvastatin (Zocor). They are also found in the following combination drugs:  Advicor (lovastatin + niacin), Caduet (atorvastatin + amlodipine), and Vytorin (simvastatin + ezetimibe).

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You may have noticed some new foods as of late if you are a Starbucks patron. As of July 1st Starbucks started selling baked goods free of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), artificial flavors and dyes. The new campaign comes with the tag line “Real Food. Simply Delicious”. As much as this is commendable, some critics are saying that the move towards unprocessed sugars is simply a marketing ploy. Pepsi, for example, has already introduced new soda products made with cane sugar. But is cane or beet sugar healthier? Some research has shown that highly processed sugars like HFCS can more readily lead to hepatic steatosis (aka fatty liver disease) and contribute to obesity. But from a caloric standpoint, there’s essentially no difference. Cane or beet sugar contains 50% fructose and 50% glucose and HFCS contains 55% fructose and 45% glucose. All three sugars deliver about 15-20 calories per teaspoon. Therefore, the only way still to reduce caloric intake from sugars is to consume less sugar.

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Even though media attention has waned on the H1N1 flu (aka Swine flu) pandemic, confirmed cases continue to rise in the United States and around the world. Many states have issued reminders to health care practitioners and institutions to remain vigilant about H1N1 flu as there are currently over 33 thousand confirmed cases and 170 deaths in the US. World wide there are almost 90 thousand confirmed cases and 382 deaths. H1N1 flu is spread the same way as regular flu – through sneezing, coughing, and touching contaminated objects and then touching your nose or mouth. Therefore, keep reminding yourself and others about hand washing and covering up when you sneeze or cough.

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As the nation gears up for another July 4th holiday, those with respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and COPD need to be aware of potential disease flare ups due to soot and ozone propelled into the air by barbecues, fireworks, and the increased number of cars on roads. Exposure to high levels of ozone can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and even heart attacks in both healthy people and those with pulmonary disease. Therefore, be aware of your local pollution level and limit strenuous exercise (which can cause you to inhale more pollutants) during times of increased air pollution. Have a safe and happy fourth!

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