Florida Health News - March 2010 issue by Global Health Tribune

www.floridahealthnews-online.com

MARCH • 2010

THE BEST INFORMATION IN YOUR HANDS

S e r v i n g P a l m B e a c h G a r d e n s , R o y a l P a l m B e a c h , We l l i n g t o n , L a k e Wo r t h , L a n t a n a , B o y n t o n a n d B o c a R a t o n

Also in this issue

Why Physicians are Reluctant to Accept Medicaid ...............2 Morton’s Neuroma................3 America's Worst French Fries

Kevin DiLallo appointed Chief Executive Officer of Manatee Health Care System

(and What You Should

Eat Instead!) .........................4

Proteins May Predict Spread

of Colon Cancer ...................5

Ten ways to avoid cancer.....6 Your New Life Center at

Palms West Hospital ............7

Kamasutra the Art of Love ...8 Five scary times for your

heart .....................................9 Hospital leader brings

wealth of experience ..........10

Genital Herpes: Don't Let it

Embarrass You… Get

Treatment!! .........................11

Healthy Eating at a Salad

Bar......................................12

From left to right: Jess Santamaria, County Commisioner, Dr. Kishore Dass, Dr. Melissa Carlson, Dr. Jeffrey Bishop, Kevin DiLallo, Sam Lamstein, Dr. Michael Mikolajczak and Tom Wenham. PAGE 13

Kevin DiLallo the new top executive at Manatee

Memorial Health System ....13 Protect Your Baby's

Smile ..................................14

Processed Meat May

Harm the Heart...................15

Proteins May Predict Spread of Colon Cancer. PAGE 5

“Your New Life Center” at Palms West Hospital. PAGE 7

Big Miami-Dade hospital system nears insolvency. PAGE 10

Youth Baseball Injuries Becoming More Common. PAGE 14

Let us meet your diagnostic needs at our State of the Art Facility located at The Palomino Park Professional Park 3347 State Rd 441 in Wellington.

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2 MARCH • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Why Physicians are Reluctant to Accept Medicaid

ing in November), the current caseload is the highest since the program’s creation in 1965, officials there said. Utah officials expect their state’s Medicaid enrollment to grow by 13 percent in 2009, after declining by 3 percent a year earlier.

By Dr. Mark Schor

Dr. Schor is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and works for U.S. Hospitalists.

Medicaid provides health-care coverage for millions of Americans -- but a growing number of doctors won't accept it. In a 2006 report from the Center for Studying Health System Change, a nonprofit research group based in Washington, nearly half of all doctors polled said they had stopped accepting or limited the number of new Medicaid patients. Rates are low, but it’s worse than that

By one estimate, state Medicaid programs pay, on average, only 60 percent as much as private insurance does. This of course is not going to attract physicians to the Medicaid program, but the situation is even worse than just low rates. Doctors are losing money when they see a Medicaid patient.

For example, Medicaid pays AppaRao Mukkamala, president of the Michigan State Medical Society and a radiologist in Flint, Mich., $20 for a chest X-ray . But with technicians, film and other equipment, his costs are about $29 per X-ray, he estimates. “At this point, I have to pay money out of my own pocket to take care of that [Medicaid] patient, and it’s only going to get worse,” he says. Commercial insurers such as Blue Cross pay about $33 and Medicare pays $30

In another example, Dr. C. Joseph Beck, a Wichita ophthalmologist who informed his Medicaid patients that he could no longer afford to treat them. Dr. Beck said that over eight months last year, his practice wrote off $36,000 in losses from treating 17 Medicaid patients. The state-imposed payment cut, he said, was “the final straw.” “I’m out, I’m done,” Dr. Beck said. “I didn’t want to quit Medicaid. I want to take care of people. But I also have three children and many employees to take care of.” You lose money when you see a Medicaid patient now but soon you will lose more

The current reform bills will requiring states to cover everyone (not just children and mothers) in households earning less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level, it is estimated, the legislation would add millions of new people to the Medicaid program. As in any economic downturn, the countercyclical program now faces a grim fiscal paradox: by definition, demand for Medicaid coverage is highest precisely when states are least able to afford it because of shrinking tax revenues.

For example, in Florida, which is experiencing some of the fastest Medicaid growth in the country (10.4 percent for the 12 months end-

There is no doubt that to the Medicaid rolls are straining the states. Although some states are cutting benefits and eligibility, the reductions thus far have been concentrated on reimbursement rates for providers. In Nevada, for instance, the state cut payments for hospital stays by 5 percent in September, prompting the only public hospital in Las Vegas to shut down its outpatient cancer and dialysis clinics. Rates for pediatric specialists were reduced by as much as 41 percent. Provider payments also have been cut in California, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina and Utah, among others. Turns out, there is a way to make a profit from Medicaid

"The scale of health care fraud in America today is staggering," Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D., Vt.) said at a hearing.

In a May 2009 letter, Attorney General Bill McCollum said that Florida estimates ``that fraud, waste, and abuse in Florida's Medicaid program may account for as much as 20 percent, or potentially $3.2 billion, of Florida's $16 billion Medicaid budget.'' Medicaid fraud likely accounts for 5% to 20% of the state's Medicaid budget, or $785 million to $3.2 billion, according to a February 2009 analysis by the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability.

Fraudsters find it easy to file claims for non-existent patients and ordering unneeded devices and treatments. For example an AHCA team of investigators conducted site visits at 12 providers and visited more than 120 individuals who had received oxygen concentrators in an effort to determine if all of these were medically necessary. They discovered that Medicaid paid for equipment that is missing, unused or was never received by the patient.

In 1995 when I was having a great deal of trouble collecting Medicaid money, even though I was a real doctor with a real address providing real services to real patients I read about the following scam. Four Palm Beach County Taxi cab companies defrauded Medicaid for 14 million dollars by billing for trips that were never taken. I don’t mind seeing patients for free, or even at a loss, if that’s part of what physicians have to do because Medicaid money is not available. But I resented doing the Medicaid work for free when the money was available, but going to fraudsters. Conclusion

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SALES & ADVERTISING Grace Edwards Phone: (561) 319-6919 gedwards@floridahealthnews-online.com Michael Antoine Phone: (561) 685-3245 sales@floridahealthnews-online.com PUBLIC RELATIONS Ranjita Shar ma Phone: (561) 267-5232 ranjita@floridahealthnews-online.com WEB SITE www.floridahealthnews-online.com CONTRIBUTING ARTICLES U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ARA Content, Hispanic PR Wire, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, METRO Editorial Services, Family Features, Florida Health News is a newspaper published every month in Palm Beach county and surrounding areas. Copyright 2010, all rights reserved by SEA Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher does not accept responsibility for advertisement error beyond the cost of the advertisement itself. All submitted materials are subject to editing.

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This March, all blood donors get a FREE T-shirt!

Current low reimbursement, reimbursement so low that doctors lose money when they see a Medicaid patient, the expectation that reform bills will make reimbursements lower still , and resentment about fraudsters making money while real doctors are losing money are the reasons physicians are reluctant to accept Medicaid.

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Grace Edwards

Every blood type and every blood donation is very important. Please take time this March to help a patient in need by donating blood.

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MARCH • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer

Morton’s Neuroma

But no such link was seen for women, researchers say.

en with jobs that expose them to high levels of sunlight are less likely to develop kidney cancer than those with little or no sunlight exposure at work, says a new study. Previous research suggests that vitamin D, which is obtained from sun exposure and certain foods and supplements, may help prevent some cancers. Vitamin D is metabolized and most active within the kidneys. This new study included 1,097 male and female kidney cancer patients and 1,476 healthy people in Europe who were interviewed about their work history and other demographic information. Men with the highest levels of work-related exposure to sunlight were 24 percent to 38 percent less likely to have kidney cancer than other men. This association between job-related sunlight exposure and kidney cancer risk was not seen in women. The findings suggest that sunlight exposure may affect kidney cancer risk, but the reason for the difference between men and women is a mystery, said Sara Karami and colleagues at the U.S. National Cancer Institute. They offered some possible explanations: hormonal differences may influence how the body responds to sunlight; females may be more likely to use sunscreen; and men may be more likely to work shirtless outdoors.

Neuroma

By Dr. Arthur Hansen, D.P.M., M.S.

Sometimes it feels like a hot coal or a pebble in your foot. You want to take off your shoes and rub the ball of your foot several times a day. Sometimes your toes feel numb or burning. Sound familiar? You could be suffering from a neuroma. A Morton’s Neuroma to be exact.

Normal Nerve

history from the patient being of vital importance. X-rays are usually taken to exclude any chance of bone pathology. Almost always, clinical exam reveals an audible ‘click’ when the bones are rubbed together. While this is the classical presentation of a neuroma, if the diagnosis is not clear additional testing can give more information.

Morton’s Neuroma is usually located between the 3rd and 4th toes but you can get neuroma’s in other places on the foot. A neuroma is a common foot ailment caused by abnormal function that leads to increased pressure placed on the nerves by surrounding tissues, usually bones. Some symptoms include numbness, cramping, and tingling. Pain is intermittent and is aggravated by increased pressures that increase the pinching of the nerve between the bones. It is more common in women.

Treatment is almost always conservative, with ninety percent of cases responding to conservative treatments. Treatment starts with altering shoe gear, accomadative padding and non-steriodal anti-inflammatory medications. Varying physical therapy modalities can also be added to the treatment plan. If these fail to provide relief, more invasive treatments can be utilized. Cortisone injections, chemical nerve destruction and/or surgery are sometimes needed. Almost always custom functional

Diagnosis is mostly clinical with a thorough

orthoses are indicated to control the abnormal functioning of the foot that lead to the development of the neuroma and for prevention of future painful episodes.

So, the next time you feel pain, burning, tingling or numbness around the ball of your foot, think of your podiatrist…it may be a neuroma. Call to make your appointment

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4 MARCH • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

America's Worst French Fries (and What You Should Eat Instead!) By David Zinczenko, with Matt Goulding

In spite of the name, French fries are practically an American birthright. They’re offered as the first choice side dish with nearly every fast-food and sit-down chain meal available. But here’s the catch: In a recent study of 7,318 New York City patrons leaving fast food chains during the lunch hour, researchers learned that combo meals—meaning meals with sides—averaged 1,100 calories each, which is over half a day’s allotment. It goes to show: When your regular meals at these restaurants are already pushing the nutritional envelope, adding an extra 300 (or more!) empty calories can make for a dietary disaster. Worst Wedge Fries

he authors of the best-selling weight-loss series Eat This, Not That! and Cook This, Not That! have rounded up three of the worst orders of fries available at chain restaurants across the country. We’ve also offered up the surprising winner of the fast food French fry cook-off—you’ll never believe which restaurant chain produces the healthiest fried spuds!

Jack in the Box Bacon Cheddar Wedges 715 calories 45 g fat (13 g saturated, 1 g trans) 905 mg sodium

Worst Curly Fries

Arby’s Curly Fries (Large) 640 calories 34 g fat (5 g saturated, 0 g trans) 1,460 mg sodium

Arby’s is famous for its curly fries—too bad they’re overloaded with fat, calories and sodium. When one side dish accounts for nearly three-quarters of your daily allotment of salt, you know there’s a problem. As fun as these curli-Qs are, stick to the Homefry variety at Arby’s—downsizing to a small Curly Fries will still leave you with a 410-calorie side, which is more than many of Arby’s sandwiches!

Bonus tip: For full nutrition information for all of your favorite chain restaurants and thousands of foods. It’s like having your own personal nutritionist in your pocket at all times, and will help you avoid the caloric calamities and guide you to the best ways to lose your belly fast.

Eat This Instead!

Homestyle Fries (Small) 350 calories 15 g fat (2 g saturated) 720 mg sodium

Bonus tip: Sides account for a third of our combo-meal calories—but drinks account for a quarter of the total calories we consume each day! Battle the liquid bulge.

Worst Fries for Your Blood Pressure

Dairy Queen Chili Cheese Fries 1,240 calories 71 g fat (28 g saturated, 0.5 g trans) 2,550 milligrams sodium

Eat This Instead!

Regular Fries (1/2 serving) 310 calories 15 g fat (3 g saturated) 45 mg sodium

Worst Fries in America

This one’s a no-brainer: Chili, cheese, fried potatoes. But even a savvy eater couldn’t possibly anticipate how bad these 3 ingredients could be when combined by one heavyhanded fast-food company. There’s as much sodium in this side dish as you’ll find in 15 strips of bacon. Stick with classic ketchup and recapture nearly a day’s worth of sodium and 930 calories.

Eat This Instead!

French Fries (regular) 310 calories 13 g fat (2 g saturated) 640 mg sodium

It doesn’t take a nutritionist to identify the hazards of a grease-soaked, cheeseslathered sack of deep-fried potatoes, but by appearance alone, nobody could guess what’s really at stake when you order this side from Jack’s. The American Heart Association recommends that people cap their trans fat intake at 1 percent of total calories. For people on a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s about 2 grams per day. See the problem? Another issue, of course, is the overload in calories—about one-third your daily allotment!

Bonus tip: Cheese fries are clearly an unhealthy choice. But sometimes healthyseeming options are just as dangerous as the obvious diet-sinkers.

Eat This Instead!

Grilled Chicken Strips (4) with Fire Roasted Salsa 185 calories 2 g fat (0.5 g saturated) 805 mg sodium

Chili’s Texas Cheese Fries w/Jalapeno Ranch 1,920 calories 147 g fat (63 g saturated) 3,580 mg sodium

The only thing that comes close to redeeming this cheesy mound of lard and grease is the fact that it’s ostensibly meant to be shared with a few friends. Even so, you’ll collectively be taking in an entire day’s worth of calories, three days’ allotment of saturated fat, and a day and a half’s allotment of sodium. What’s even scarier, if you can imagine, is that even if you try to order more sensibly and ask for the “half” order of Texas Cheese Fries, you’ll still receive a disastrous dish that packs in 1,400 calories. There’s one French fries side dish at Chili’s that’s acceptable, although even in its muchreduced form, you’d be better off splitting it.

Eat This Instead! Homestyle Fries 380 calories 23 g fat (4 g saturated) 230 mg sodium

Worst Regular Order of Fries

Five Guys Fries (large) 1,464 calories 71 g fat (14 g saturated) 213 mg sodium

Best Fast Food Fries in America McDonald’s Small French Fries 230 calories 11 g fat (1.5 g saturated) 160 mg sodium

Unfortunately, Five Guys doesn’t offer anything but fries in the side department. Your safest bet, of course, is to skip the fries altogether (you’d be better off adding a second patty to your burger), but if you can’t bring yourself to eat a burger sans fries, then split a regular order. That will still add 310 calories to your meal, but it beats surrendering more than 75% of your day’s calories to a greasy paper bag.

Out of the big three fast food joints (Mickey D’s, Wendy’s, and BK), you’ll find the least caloric, least salty fries underneath the golden arches. The key to ordering a smart side dish is portion sizing—and McDonald’s has that under control.

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MARCH • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Proteins May Predict Spread of Colon Cancer

Discovery could lead to blood test that would aid prevention efforts, scientist says.

wo proteins that might serve as biomarkers for predicting the spread of colon cancer have been identified by Chinese scientists. They compared proteins produced by primary and metastatic colon cancer cells and found that two proteins occurred at much higher levels in the metastatic cancer cells than in the primary cancer cells. Blood tests to check for the two proteins could help predict the spread of colon cancer, leading to earlier intervention and treatment, said researcher Maode Lai and colleagues. The study was published in the Journal of Proteome Research. In 2009, about 150,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer were diagnosed in the United States, and nearly 50,000 people

Cancer care begins with us. died of the diseases, according to the American Cancer Society. Surgery is the main method of treating colon cancer, but half of those who have surgery experience a recurrence of the cancer within five years because it has spread to other parts of the body, the researchers said. Metastatic colon cancer can be difficult to detect. The researchers said that no reliable biomarkers for predicting the spread of colon cancer currently exist.

Waiting Safe for Some at Risk of Glaucoma

Doctors can postpone treatment in low-risk patients, study finds.

ye doctors can often treat glaucoma successfully if they catch it early, but a new study suggests that ophthalmologists can sometimes wait before treating those at risk of developing the disease. If their ophthalmologists choose to postpone treatment, certain patients with higher-thannormal pressure in the eye won't need to take prescription anti-glaucoma eye drops, potentially for years. "In the past, doctors were left to their own judgment, which is fine," said study author Dr. Michael A. Kass, chairman of the department of ophthalmology and visual sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. "But it's nice to have some judgment that's backed up by some hard evidence." Glaucoma, caused when pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve, can lead to impaired vision and blindness. Older people and blacks are at especially high risk. To measure their risk, ophthalmologists

measure eye pressure, often with a puff of air or blue light. The pressure exists because "there's fluid produced in the eye, and it needs to filter out. It keeps your eye from being soft and mushy, and allows you to keep the structural roundness necessary for you to see," explained Dr. Alfred Sommer, a professor of ophthalmology and dean emeritus of the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. People with higher pressure are at risk of developing glaucoma, and eye doctors can give preventive eye drops to patients when their eye pressure is high. But the drops can be expensive and annoying, Sommer said. So, what to do with the millions of people in the United States who have high eye pressure with no sign of glaucoma damage? In the new study, Kass and his colleagues tracked 1,636 people with higher than normal eye pressure. The patients were randomly assigned to be observed or to receive medication. Some patients "are at low risk, and they don't seem to benefit much from early preventive treatment. The people who are high risk may benefit," Kass said. If glaucoma does develop, it can often be treated through medication, laser treatments and other strategies, he added.

Cancer care begins with us.

When you’re facing cancer, you want the latest treatment techniques and the best physicians available so you can get back to living your life.

When you’re facing cancer, you want the latest treatment techniques and the best physicians available so you can get At South Florida Radiation Oncology, you’ll find the area’s most back to living your life. accomplished and respected radiation oncologists and a full range of state-of-the-art cancer treatments. This is the team you want. Dr. Kishore Dass and Dr. Ben Han spearhead a team of eight highly trained radiation oncologists practicing advanced cancer treatment techniques. We deliver inspired, compassionate care. Our physicians have been trained at esteemed institutions including Cleveland Clinic, National Cancer Institute, MD Anderson, Mount Sinai, Beth Israel, University of Washington, and Stanford. We combine compassionate care and state-of-the-art technology to give you confidence to move on.

At South Florida Radiation Oncology, you’ll find the area’s most accomplished and respected radiation oncologists and a full range of state-of-the-art cancer treatments. This is the team you want.

Dr. Kishore Dass and Dr. Ben Han spearhead a team of eight highly trained radiation oncologists practicing advanced cancer treatment techniques. We deliver inspired, compassionate care. Our physicians have been trained at esteemed institutions including Cleveland Clinic, National Cancer Institute, MD Anderson, Mount Sinai, Beth Israel, University of Washington, and Stanford. We combine compassionate care and state-of-the-art technology Get Back to Living Your Life. to give you confidence to move on. (561) 795-9845 Isn’t it time you got back to living your life? Don’t wait—contact one of five convenient locations in Palm Beach County today.

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Isn’t it time you got back to living your life? Don’t wait—contact one of five convenient locations in Palm Beach County today.

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West Palm Beach

New Vaccine May Fight Brain Cancer

his particular vaccine made by Pfizer, is called CDX-110, and doesn't really prevent disease. Instead, the vaccine triggers an immune response, which happens to be attacking dangerous cancer cells. Specifically, the vaccine goes after EGFRviii (EGFR factor three) a protein that is found in about 40 percent of tumor cells. Dr. John Sampson, a surgeon who helped develop the vaccine, explains that the team is using the vaccine to make a more specific immune response. "Unlike chemotherapy, which really hurts all dividing cells in the body, or radiation...the immune system can be absolutely precise." The patients suffer fewer side effects with this approach.

Get Back to Living Your Life. Vaccine treatment is not just useful for brain cancer. Other vaccines may help extend life for prostate cancer patients. Each vaccine is one-of-a-kind. It is prepared from the patient's own tumor cells. Clinical results will be published later this spring.

(561) 795-9845 www.SFROLLC.com

SOUTH FLORIDA RADIATION ONCOLOGY Boynton Beach

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West Palm Beach

6 MARCH • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

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Ten ways to avoid cancer Here are 10 "lifestyle recommendations" for those who want to reduce their cancer risk.

1. Body fat

Aim for a body mass index of 21 to 23 and avoid weight gain during adulthood. There are clear links between obesity and a range of cancers, not just heart disease and diabetes.

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2. Physical activity

Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity, like brisk walking, every day

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3. Junk food

Avoid sugary drinks and energy-dense fast food.

4. Meat

Eat no more than 500 grams of red meat per week and avoid processed meats. The risk of colorectal cancer increases by 21 percent for every 50 grams of processed meat eaten every day, on average. Processed meats also contain high levels of salt, which is linked to stomach cancer.

5. Alcohol Limit daily intake to one drink for women, two drinks for men. Do not binge drink.

6. Fruit and vegetables Eat five portions of fruit and non-starchy vegetables each day and limit refined starchy food.

7. Preservatives

Avoid salt-preserved foods. Limit salt intake to 6 grams per day.

8. Dietary supplements Avoid them, except in special cases such as folic acid during pregnancy.

9. Breastfeeding Try to breastfeed for six months.

10. Cancer survivors Seek professional nutritional advice.

MARCH • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

“Your New Life Center” at Palms West Hospital

he Obstetrics Unit at Palms West Hospital also known as "Your New Life Center" was recently renovated.

The center focusses on providing the mother, baby and family with a safe and memorable birthing experience. This unit has 8 labor and delivery beds,7 postpartum beds,a 5 bed Special Care Nursery,3 antepartum

rooms as well as 2 C- Section rooms.

The 1,190 square foot C- Section suite has been outfitted with the latest state of the art equipment.

Dr. Ophilia Mall, Dr. Claudio Ruiz, Bland Eng, CEO of Palms West Hospital, Dr. Ron Ackerman, Dr. Marcos Kornstein and Dr. Steven Pliskow.

The new Chief of the Obstetrics Unit is Steven Pliskow, M.D. FACOG, FACFE. With his leadership the Obstetrics Unit will continue its effort to provide the best care possible to maternity patients in the future.

Nurses from the Obstetrics Unit.

PALM BEACH GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS, LLC

New C-Section Room.

Kimberly Bass,RN, Dr Marcos Kornstein, Dr Steven Pliskow, Dr Danielle Esthers in front of the new C-section room

Call Us Today If You Suffer From Any Of The Following: Abdominal Pain Bleeding Chest Pain Cirrhosis of the Liver Colitis Constipation Crhons Disease Diarrhea

Digestive Diseases Statistics Dysphagia Gallstones Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Hemochromatosis Hemorrhoids Hepatitis

Jaundice Lactose Intolerance Liver Disease Nervous Stomach Pancreatis Stomach and Duodenal Ulcer Ulcerative Colitis

Krishna Tripuraneni, M.D., M.B.A. Thomas Flannery, M.D. Two Convenient Locations:

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8 MARCH â&#x20AC;˘ 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Sleepless Nights Plague America

The Art of Love History of Kamasutra Praised be the three aims of life, virtue (dharma), prosperity (artha), and love (kama), which are the subject of this work. (The Complete Kamasutra, 1994)

ncient Indian sages composed the Kama Shastra on the basis of the Vedas. The first formulation of the Kama Shastra, or the rules of love, is attributed to Nandi, Shiva's companion. It is preserved today in the form of the 'Kamasutra' written down by the sage Vatsyayana sometime between the first and sixth century A.D. The Kama Sutra is recognised as the true surviving text of the original Kama Shastra. Vatsyayana states that he only quotes and condenses the previous work and refers to himself in third person (Vatsyayana thinks ..) when expressing his opinion. The Kama Shastra was one of three ancient Indian texts concerning the aims of life. It should be understood within the context of the Artha Shastra and the Dharma Shastra (which were written in Sanskrit, seventh century B.C.). As Alain Danielou confirms;

Life necessitates three kinds of activity: to assure its survival, its means of existence, and its nourishment; to realise its reproduction according to forms of activity generally connected with sexuality; and, lastly, to establish rules of behaviour that allow different individuals to perform their roles within the framework of the species. In human society, this is represented as three necessities, three aims of life: material goods (artha) assure survival; erotic practice (kama) assures the transmission of life; and rules of behaviour, a moral nature (dharma), assure the cohesion and duration of the species. (The Complete Kamasutra, translated by Alain Danielou, 1994) So with religion, morality (dharma) and material success (artha), kama is the third goal of human life. Kama is further defined as;

Kama is the enjoyment of appropriate objects by the five senses of hearing, feeling, seeing, tasting and smelling, assisted by the mind together with the soul. The ingredient in this is a peculiar contact between the organ of sense and its object, and the consciousness of pleasure which arises from that contact is called Kama. (Kamasutra, 1883) Kama is to be learnt from the Kama Sutra (aphorisms on love) and from the practice of citizens. (Kamasutra, 1883)

The ancient Indians appear to be very good evolutionists, as it is clear from evolution that sex and survival are the two most fundamental forces driving our continued existence. Further, the Kama Sutra is an evolutionary work in that it promotes the cultivation of skills to become a well rounded / well evolved individual with healthy, intimate relationships with others. As Alain Danielou agrees;

The Kama Sutra is not a pornographic work. First and foremost, it is a picture of the art of living for the civilised and refined citizen, completing in the sphere of love, eroticism and the pleasures of life. (The Complete Kamasutra, Alain Danielou 1994)

mericans of all races toss and turn in bed each night, and sleeplessness is affecting their jobs, social lives and even their sexual habits, the latest poll on U.S. sleep habits finds. "Everybody is sleeping less; we do live in a nation of sleepy people," said Dr. Jose Loredo, a professor of medicine and director of the Sleep Medicine Center at the University of California, San Diego, and a member of the committee that conducted the National Sleep Foundation poll, titled 2010 Sleep in America. The survey of 1,007 adults across the country found that people sleep almost two hours less than they did 40 years ago. "You need about 8.5 hours of sleep a night," he added. "Sleep duration is a very important variable in health, especially cardiovascular health," Loredo said. "There is a strong association of sleeping less and hypertension, sleeping less and heart attacks, sleeping less and obesity," he said. Many Americans seemingly know this, as more than three-quarters surveyed acknowledged that too little shuteye can have serious

health consequences. Too little sleep also takes a toll on daily living, with up to 24 percent saying they have missed work or social engagements because they were too tired. And among married people or couples living together, as many as 26 percent said that they were too tired to have frequent sex. The National Sleep Foundation has some tips for getting a good night's sleep: Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Use the bedroom only for sleeping. Consider taking the TV out of the bedroom. Have a relaxing bedtime ritual, like a warm bath or listening to soft music. Keep your sleep environment quiet, dark and cool with comfortable bedding. Reduce caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Keep your worries for daytime. If you can't sleep, go to another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired. Exercise regularly, but not close to bedtime.

MARCH • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Optimal Skin Nourishment IN THE ESTHETICS PROFESSION, we often like to solve skin problems with topical treatments and products. While the right cream or lotion can improve appearance, the root cause of skin trouble is often poor digestion, which leads to the buildup of toxins in the body.

hese problems in turn cause imbalances of the immune system and hormones. To improve any complexion, we need to consume food that helps balance our bodies from the inside out.

ORGANIC FOODS

Eating food that comes from “clean” sources helps reduce our intake of toxins, including partially hydrogenated fats, pesticides, hormones and other toxic chemicals. Purchase produce from local growers. They are a great source for rich food, and doing business with them supports the community-but always remember to verify that it is organic.

PROBIOTICS

It is important to get a daily dose of probiotics, the live microorganisms that help keep our digestive system clean and balanced. These occur naturally in foods like sauerkraut and other cultured vegetables, Kombucha tea and yogurt products. Probiotics are also available in the form of dietary supplements.

HOT COMPLEXIONS: ACNE AND ROSACEA

Clients whose skin becomes red and inflamed will see improvements if they avoid foods that are high in fat, salt, caffeine and sugar. It is also wise for these individuals to abstain from spicy cuisine, red meat, chocolate, bread and processed foods, including pasta made from white flour. Recommended delicacies for those with “hot” complexions, are defined in traditional Chinese medicine, include the following foods:

Vegetables and leafy greens that posses cooling properties- particularly lettuce, spinach, celery and cucumbers Broccoli, cranberries and apples. These foods contain quartering, another powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agent Oats, whole grain bread, brown rice and wheat germ are good sources of vitamin B, which is very beneficial for people with Rosacea Fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna, reduces inflammation. Individuals with hot complexions may also benefit from eating nuts, sprouts and seeds.

AGING, DRY SKIN AND HYPERPIGMENTATION

Every day the skin is bombarded with oxidative stress from processed foods, environmental toxins, ultraviolet rays and other environmental aggressors. The result: premature aging and hyper pigmentation. Antioxidant rich foods that help restore the skin include: Red and black currants, raspberries, blueberries, pomegranate and sesame seeds Grapes and red wine contain reservation, a “super antioxidant” with strong anti-aging properties. Vegetables like spinach and kale, which contain lutein, an antioxidant that helps hydrate the skin. Yellow and orange root vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and squash. They are great sources of betacarotene. Honey. A study conducted by the university of California concluded that the sticky sweetener contains as many antioxidants as oranges and strawberries. As a skin professional, you have the opportunity to help your clients understand that beautiful skin is achieved through a combination of natural topical treatments and products and a nutrient-rich diet.

Helping Hand Charities, Inc.

environment, companionship and all of the care necessary without the institutional shortcomings.

We prefer to raise our children in homes rather than institutions. Why not take care of our elderly in the same way? Helping Hand Charities, Inc. was created to assist our senior citizens and children through professional organizations, in providing them with proper Medical Care, improving their living conditions with personal needs, as well as allowing them to live and remain in their own homes while preserving their self esteem and dignity.

In light of our current mission, we have found that many people can no longer live in their own homes and are sent off to a "facility". Helping Hands Charities intends to provide a homelike atmosphere by securing homes from donors that can be used as "facilities" for the elderly. Most elderly patients would prefer a single family home with the same (and better) care that is offered in assisted living facilities. The home is typically occupied by five elderly residents and a housekeeper/cook couple along with a fulltime caregiver. A nurse visits the home on a regular basis to examine all of the residents. The home provides a comfortable friendly

Helping Hand Charities is seeking the following from donors:

• Someone who can donate a reasonably large home to be used as an elderly care facility.

• The maintenance on the home will be taken care of by the charity.

• The donor can deduct the cost of their home from their taxes and walk away without dealing with the disposal of the home of its contents including any furnishings and vehicles that may be used by the caregivers to service the elderly's needs.

People will be able to live with dignity in a home rather than feeling like they are being warehoused until the die.

Please contact Margaret Wilson to discuss donating your home. 12794 West Forest Hill Blvd. #1-B Wellington, FL 33414

Cardiology Partners, PL BOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGISTS LISTEN TO CONCERNS OF YOUR HEART

• Dr. Chandra Venugopal • Dr. Jean Foucauld • Dr. Amarnath Vedere • Dr. Neerav Shah • Dr. Mauricio Melhado • Dr. Elizier Hernandez

3347 State Rd. 7 Suite 203 Wellington, FL 33449

(561) 793-6100 • Fax (561) 793-1974 941 S.E. First Street Belle Glade, FL 33430

(561) 996-8799 • Fax (561) 996-8805

10 MARCH â&#x20AC;˘ 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Hospital leader brings wealth of experience

By Timothy R. Wolfrum

evin DiLallo, the new top executive at Manatee Memorial Health System, comes to Bradenton with a wealth of leadership experience, both in the health care field and in community organizations.

DiLallo, who will take over at Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center on March 22, has been the chief executive officer at Wellington Regional Medical Center in Palm Beach County since 2000. He has more than 25 years experience in health care administration at facilities in New Jersey, Oklahoma and Florida.

Kevin DiLallo is the new top executive at Manatee Memorial Health System. Picture courtesy of ALLEN EYESTONE/Palm Beach Post

DiLallo also served as the chairman of the executive board at Palms West Chamber of Commerce and was president of the Wellington Boys & Girls Club for six years.

Miami-Dade hospital system nears insolvency IAMI (AP) -- The city's major hospital network, which runs Miami's only round-the-clock trauma center and is a safety net for the poor and uninsured, is running out of money and could close, a predicament that illustrates the precarious financial state of many hospitals around the country.

The Jackson Health System will have little cash on hand by the end of March if it does not receive a $67 million advance from the county, said Marcos Lapciuc, treasurer of the Public Health Trust, the institution's governing board. "We are very close, if not already in, a health care death spiral," Chief Operating Officer David Small said.

Jackson could run out of cash and shut by May or sooner, Lapciuc said, and the county mayor said officials were preparing to advance the hospital some money. "Sadly, it's not all that unique," Larry S. Gage, president of the National Association of Public Hospitals & Health System, said of financial difficulties like the one Jackson is facing.

Millions of people across the country have lost jobs and the insurance that goes with them over the last two years. Hospitals, including in the Jackson network, are dealing with more uninsured patients, at the same time they are facing cuts in state and county funding. That has translated into cuts in staff, services and administrative costs at many hospitals across the nation. The financial woes come as President Barack Obama continues to push for a stalled health care overhaul.

Gage pointed to other examples of extreme financial problems. He said the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation which, depending on state legislation, is looking at anywhere from half-billion to a billion dollars in deficits soon. Several major California county systems could have deficits in the hundreds of millions, Gage said. "Obviously the net effect for some patients will be if a facility or services closes down at a particular location you will have to go somewhere else," Gage said. Jackson Health system is considering cutting 4,500 jobs and closing two hospitals, which have about 500 beds combined. Lapciuc said supplies are currently adequate but, "vendors sooner or later are going to

start being very wary." Besides the county, Jackson is looking to state and federal sources for help.

Jackson Memorial is the only Level One trauma center, capable of handling the most severe medical emergencies, set up to provide 24-hour emergency care in MiamiDade, the most populous county in Florida and the 8th largest in the nation. Jackson sought to reassure patients. "Although Jackson is in the midst of a financial crisis, we want to assure all patients -- past, current and future -- that our hospitals, emergency rooms and clinics throughout Miami-Dade County are open for business," a hospital statement said. Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez wrote in a letter to the hospital and board executives that he has "always been willing to discuss possible advances of funds" and that the county manager is preparing such an advance.

Lapciuc said a flood in indigent care as a result of the recession and not enough public revenues to cover the costs helped lead to the crisis at Jackson.He said the institution is providing approximately $600 million in charity care this year, while receiving about $400 million in public funds -- a $200 million charity health care shortfall.

Caroline Steinberg, vice president for trends analysis with the American Hospital Association, said that nationwide the proportion of emergency department patients with no insurance is on the rise. Steinberg said nine out of 10 hospitals nationwide have cut back, with more than half reducing staff; eight in 10 have cut administrative expenses; and one in five is reducing services. "The economy is really taking its toll on hospitals," Steinberg said.

Ellen Kugler, executive director of the National Association of Urban Hospitals, said that when a large safety net hospital closes it can have a domino effect -- putting increased pressure on surrounding medical centers. "Those patients aren't going to have better insurance or more money that they'll bring with them to a new hospital instead," she said. Kugler said Obama's health care proposal would help in insuring more individuals, but expressed concern that programs aimed at safety net hospitals will be cut in the long term.

MARCH • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Adding Garlic Might Cut Cancer Risk

New test finds those who eat the most have lower levels of a disease-causing process. new type of urine test shows that eating plenty of garlic may lower levels of a cancer-causing process within the body.

This process, called nitrosation, converts some substances found in foods or contaminated water into cancer-causing compounds. Nitrosation is most commonly

caused by nitrates from certain processed meats or high-heat food preparation methods, or by water contaminated by industrial or agricultural runoff.

"What we were after was developing a method where we could measure in urine two different compounds, one related to the risk for cancer, and the other, which indicates the extent of consumption of garlic," senior study author Earl Harrison, a professor of human nutrition at Ohio State University and an investigator at the university's cancer center, said in a university news release. "Our results showed that those were inversely related to one another -- meaning that the more we had the marker for garlic consumption, the less there was of the marker for the risk of cancer," he added. The study was published in a recent issue of the journal Analytical Biochemistry. Harrison and colleagues hope to use this urine test to identify nutritional interventions that can halt nitrosation.

"The precise mechanism by which garlic and other compounds affect nitrosation is under extensive investigation, but is not clear at this time," Harrison said. "What this research does suggest, however, is that garlic may play some role in inhibiting formation of these nitrogen-based toxic substances."

Genital Herpes: Don't Let it Embarrass You… Get Treatment!!

be painful. Women have rash and blisters in the vaginal area. They may also have vaginal discharge with some itch and burning. Men can also have a penile discharge and burning sensation during urination.

Shekhar V. Sharma, M.D.

Board Certified in Internal Medicine

Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. It can affect both men and women. One of the symptoms that men have is a painful rash of the genitals: the penis.

he rash usually develops wthin 220 days after sexual contact,and it continues for almost two weeks. For some people the symptoms may be mild and for others it may be severe. If left untreated, one can have a lot of pain in the first outbreak, and this can last almost 3 weeks. The symptoms for Genital Herpes first starts with a tingle without any rash, followed by pain, then a rash in a patch that soon turns into water filled blisters. These blisters can

Headaches, fever and muscle aches are also symptoms that follow. The blisters that occur can later become ulcers. The ulcers become scabs that later heal. Sixty percent of people that have genital herpes have no signs and are unaware that they are infected. Recurrence of the disease is generally shorter and less severe after the initial episode. Treatment is reducing stress because stress can cause frequent attacks of herpes. Prolonged stress, excessive drinking, friction to the skin,post surgery situations and conditions that affect the immune system may cause recurrences of the disease.

Various modes of treatment exist with antiviral drugs. These antiviral drugs are not available over the counter. Since physicians are not judgemental about any issues,one should feel comfortable contacting one's physician to discuss issues that may be embarrassing. Dr.Sharma is a Board Certified Internist who has been in practice for the past 19 years. His office is located at 3347 State Road 7, (Palamino Park) Suite 200, Wellington, Fl 33449. His office is currently accepting new patients.For an appointment please call (561)795-9087.

PALM BEACH PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATES, INC. State of the Art Office Building with Imaging Center, Sleep Lab Coming Up

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On Staff: At Palms West Hospital, Wellington Regional Medical Center 9 AM - 5 PM MONDAY - FRIDAY SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE 24 HOUR SERVICE AVAILABLE

3347 State Road 7 Suite 200 Wellington, FL 33449

Tel: (561) 795-9087 • Fax: (561) 753-8730

SPECIALIZING IN: • Diagnosis of Complex Illnesses • Cholesterol Management • Diabetes • Cardiac Care • EKG/24 Hour Heart Monitoring/Spirometry • Hypertension • Geriatric Concerns • Osteoporosis ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

941 SE 1st Street, Belle Glade, FL 33430

Tel: (561) 996-7742 • Fax: (561) 753-8730

12 MARCH â&#x20AC;˘ 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Whole Grains Take a Bite Out of Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Healthy Eating at a Salad Bar

Most salad bars have excellent food choices, but they're also filled with foods that may sabotage your attempt to lose weight or stay healthy. Not everything is low in calories, and many of the items are loaded with saturated fat and sodium you need to avoid. urvey the salad bar before making your selections. Focus on choosing healthy foods and leaving unhealthy, high-calorie items alone. Remember to include vitamin-packed fruits and vegetables, proteins and healthy carbohydrate foods.

Step 1

Peruse the vegetables and fruits. Start by filling your plate at least 2/3 full with fresh vegetables and fruits. Some of the best vegetables are spinach, dark leaf lettuce, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, cabbage, celery, carrots and cauliflower. For the best fruit selections, choose strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, peaches, kiwi and citrus slices.

Step 2

Add a serving of protein. This can be chicken, shrimp, tuna, lean ham or salmon. Other delicious and nu-

tritious protein items are tofu, chick peas, kidney beans and other legumes. Low-fat cottage cheese is also an excellent choice. Nuts are packed with protein and add crunch and texture to a salad. Some salad bars offer chopped or sliced boiled eggs that are loaded with healthy protein. Go light on the cheeses.

Step 3

Pick toppings carefully. Look for fresh dressings that are good for your heart. Olive oil and canola oil are good, basic foundations for the dressing. Add some vinegar and seasonings for a heart-healthy salad. Sprinkle sunflower or pumpkin seeds over the salad for even more nutrition that won't sabotage your diet.

Step 4

Include healthy carbohydrates that provide energy and fiber you need for good health. They also will give you a feeling of being full.

Look for potatoes, brown rice and whole-grain breads. Consume only a small portion of carbohydrates, because a little bit gives you all you need in a single meal.

Step 5

Avoid croutons, which are generally made with processed bread and unnecessary fats. High-fat cheeses and creamy salad dressings tend to be filled with saturated fats. Stay away from coleslaw, pasta salads and potato salads that are filled with fats and other ingredients that aren't healthy. Some salad bars also offer muffins and breads that have unhealthy ingredients.

Simply selecting brown rice over white also makes a difference, researchers say

rown rice is better than white rice at reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, but whole grains are the most effective at lowering the risk, study findings show. U.S. researchers analyzed data from 39,765 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and 157,463 women in the Nurses' Health Study I and II. None of the participants had diabetes, heart disease or cancer at the start of the studies. Their consumption of brown and white rice, as well as other foods, was assessed every two to four years. During 3.3 million person-years of follow-up, there were 10,507 incidents of type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for a number of dietary and lifestyle risk factors, the researchers found that people who ate five or more servings per week of white rice were 17 percent more likely to develop type 2 di-

abetes than those who ate less than one serving of white rice per month. In contrast, people who ate two or more servings of brown rice per week were 11 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who ate less than one serving of brown rice per month, the study authors reported. "We estimated that replacing 50 grams/day intake of white rice with the same amount of brown rice was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes, whereas the same replacement with whole grains as a group was associated with a 36 percent lower diabetes risk," wrote Dr. Qi Sun, of Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, and colleagues. The study was presented Wednesday at the American Heart Association's Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism Conference in San Francisco.

Advertise with us! Florida Health News has the audience you want. Call us:

(561) 319-6919 (561) 267-5232 E-mail us: info@floridahealthnews-online.com

MARCH • 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Tiffany's Corner

1- Hi, I need advice. I work in the healthcare field and my direct boss is very sexual in his comments. I do not believe that they are actually directed to me but it is awkward at times. What should I do because I definitely don't want to lose my job but would like the sexual comments to stop? ANSWER: Hello 'Concerned about being Jobless,' It sounds like its time someone let him know he isn't all that. When your boss is making you feel uncomfortable by his comments, that's when you know you need to say something. You should immediately stop him in his tracks by letting him know his comments are not appreciated and that it makes you feel very uncomfortable. Let him know that you enjoy working there, but you are a professional and would like to be spoken to as one. Being harrased in a working environment is unacceptable and is not something you should ever get used to. Just remember that the more you allow him to talk that way to you, the more he will continue.

2. Hi, my co-worker is kind of my boss because she has seniority but she is lazy and I cover for her all the time. She gets all the recognition and I get aggravated. What should I do? ANSWER: You either are or are not someone's boss. There is no in between. Your coworker can only be your boss if she has been formerly announced as one. People don’t just become someone’s boss by acting with authority or because 'X' amount of time has passed. The role of a boss should be recognized as a leader and problem solver. Again, this title is ordained by the higher ups and never adopted. So lets say, for the sake of this column, that she has been formally announced as your boss. If her lack of leadership is affecting your job performance, then you would need to go to the person who she answers to. This can be an intimidating step to take for most people because of the fear of confrontation. Therefore,writing a letter is a great way to get somebody's attention and the outcome will only ease the working environment and improve your job performance.

Kevin DiLallo appointed Chief Executive Officer of Manatee Health Care System

evin DiLallo CEO of Wellington Regional Hospital since 2000 was given a farewell party attended by staff and physicians at Binks Country Club on March 13, 2010. It was an emotional farewell where physicians and staff spoke about Mr. DiLallo's exemplary leadership style and strength that has put Wellington Regional Medical Center on the nation's map as one of the top 100 hospitals. Kevin DiLallo who has a "squeaky clean" background according to all that spoke is being promoted within Universal Health Services as the Chief Executive Officer of Manatee Health Care System and Group Vice President of Universal Health Services. Mr. DiLallo will be greatly missed in the community.

3. Hi, I'm a female firefighter. My husband, who is a police officer, often makes fun of my job and my associates. My job is very serious yet he gives me no recognition. This has been going on for the past 4 years and initially was mild and tolerable but now it's just annoying. I think this can break up my marriage because I will not change careers. What should I do?

Dr. Daxa Patel, Alvin Graham and Dr. Colette Brown-Graham.

Send me your questions to: tiffanyscorner@floridahealthnews-online.com

Dr. Ellis Webster, Katie Anne, Kevin DiLallo, Dr. Kishore Dass, Maria & Dr. Michael Mikolajczak and Richard Rendina.

ANSWER: If you want to preserve your marriage, I would suggest bringing the issue up to your husband. Open that line of communication. Express to him how you feel about his comments towards your career. Give him a chance to understand that his comments are severely affecting your marriage. I'm sure once you express how you feel, and if he has any interest in having a long and happy marriage, he will recognize the importance of supporting you in any career choice you make. You may want to consider marriage counseling to help make it easier about discussing sensitive topics to one another. Sometimes having a professional third party involved will help avoid from arguing or prevent couples from getting heated.

From left to right: Jess Santamaria, County Commisioner, Dr. Kishore Dass, Dr. Melissa Carlson, Dr. Jeffrey Bishop, Kevin DiLallo, Sam Lamstein, Dr. Michael Mikolajczak and Tom Wenham.

Dr. David Soria, Joanna and Ben Boynton.

Woody White, Nicole and Brandt Delhamer.

Dr. Ishan & Shariffa Gunawardene, Ranjita & Dr. Shekhar Sharma, Dr. Kishore Dass, Dr. Chris Devine and Katie Anne.

Steve Needels, Robby & April Hendry.

Kevin & Joanne DiLallo, Dr. Jeffrey & Charlene Bishop.

Dr. Michael & Maria Mikolajczak, Shariffa & Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, Kevin DiLallo and Dr. Steven Fern.

ALL F OR O NE Home Health Care, Inc.

“Helping Hands for Your Wellness” We are a team of healthcare professionals who make your own home an alternative to hospital or nursing home stays. But, moreover, All For One focuses on your health and your ability to live at home safe, happy and independent. Our team of highly qualified healthcare professionals we can send to your home includes: • Skilled Nursing • Occupational Therapy

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14 MARCH â&#x20AC;˘ 2010

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

Protect Your Baby's Smile Follow these tips to prevent early tooth decay, damage.

he best way to give your children's teeth a healthy start is to begin dental care early in life, and the American Dental Association has tips for keeping kids' teeth in tip-top shape: Visit the dentist for regular checkups. Set up an appointment within six months of the eruption of a child's first tooth, but no later than the first birthday. Routine exams, cleanings and fluoride treatments can catch problems early before they get worse and require significant care. Guard against tooth decay by clearing your baby's mouth within a few days of birth and wiping your baby's gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad after every feeding. This will help remove plaque. Don't allow your child to breast-feed for long periods of time. Tooth decay can develop if you allow your baby to nap or sleep at night with a bottle of milk, formula, sugar water or fruit juice. Encourage your child to drink from a cup by age 1.

Discourage frequent use of a training cup. For older kids who play sports or even those who ride a scooter or bicycle, mouth protectors can provide important protection. Your dentist may be able to make a betterfitting mouth protector than those supplied in stores. Know what to do if your child has a dental emergency: If a tooth is knocked out, rinse off the root if it's dirty but don't scrub it or remove attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket; if that's not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist right away.

Youth Baseball Injuries Becoming More Common

Stretching, rest can ease elbow, shoulder pain that plagues many young players, studies show. n the coming weeks, millions of American children will dust off their bats and gloves and head out to the baseball field. But the season may end before it's over for many if they don't take steps to prevent the arm injuries that seem to be striking ever younger players, experts say. New research indicates arm pain among young athletes is on the rise, with one study showing a five-fold increase in serious

shoulder and elbow injuries among youth baseball and softball players since 2000. A study of 152 players aged 8 to 12 by Japanese researchers found that 25 percent complained of elbow pain. Of those, 68 percent had limited range of motion or tenderness of the elbow, while nearly 85 percent had osteochondral lesions, or a tear or fracture of the cartilage around the elbow. More than half of those with injuries were pitchers, 27 percent were catchers and the rest played other positions, according to the study to be presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting, in New Orleans. So what can young athletes, their parents and coaches do to prevent season-ending injuries? "Simple rest, cross-training and stretching their throwing arm after they play can honestly prevent a lot of these injuries," Schafer said."If we can make it required that kids stretch after pitching a game, we can significantly lower the number of kids who have to quit baseball because their [of] arms pain or injury," Metzger said. "My take-home message here is to do your stretches. They help."

Vaccination, Prevention Is Beating Back Hepatitis

Programs seem to be making progress against these viruses, research suggests.

ecades of vaccination and prevention efforts may have the hepatitis viruses on the run, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC researchers tracked individuals' levels of antibodies to various hepatitis strains. Antibodies are a kind of immune system record of exposure to a particular pathogen, either through infection or vaccination. Since the late 1980s, there's been a significant increase in the number of U.S.-born American children and teens with hepatitis A antibody and a decrease in the number of adults aged 40 and older with the antibody, the study found. The recent trends likely result from in-

creased immunity in children due to immunization and a resulting decrease of hepatitis A virus (HAV) exposure and infection among adults, according to the CDC researchers. The investigators also found that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among people aged 6 to 39 significantly decreased in recent years as a result of vaccination programs. By 2003-2006, more than 90 percent of U.S. children had received at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccine, according to a news release from the CDC.

FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM

New Hope for Migraine Patients

Hand-held device for home use may benefit those with aura, researchers say.

hand-held device that delivers a magnetic pulse to the head may offer relief for some migraine sufferers, researchers report. The findings, which apply to migraine sufferers who experience "aura," expand on previous research by using a device that could work at home instead of only at the doctor's office. It's unclear, however, how expensive the treatment will be and how it should be administered for optimal effectiveness. And some patients didn't seem to benefit from the treatment. At stake are patients who suffer from migraine with aura, meaning they experience visual disruptions, tingling, numbness and weakness before a headache begins. The device uses single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, which is thought to prevent aura by disrupting the brain's electrical system. In the new study, Richard B. Lipton, of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, and colleagues randomly assigned 201 patients to take home a fake stimulation device or a real one.

Those who used the real device had less pain and recurring headaches and were less likely to need medication. Of 164 patients who treated at least one attack with the real or fake stimulation devices, 39 percent of those who used the real device reported no pain after two hours compared to 22 percent of those who used the fake device. The researchers also report that the real stimulation device didn't make symptoms worse or cause serious side effects. In an accompanying commentary, Hans-Christoph Diener, of University Hospital Essen in Germany, wrote that the research suggests the technology "could be a major step forward in the treatment of migraine with aura, particularly in patients in whom presently available drug treatment is ineffective, poorly tolerated, or contraindicated." The study was published in advance of print publication in the April edition of The Lancet Neurology.

MARCH â&#x20AC;˘ 2010

Processed Meat May Harm the Heart Salt and preservatives may be the culprits, researchers suggest.

onventional wisdom has dictated that fat from red meat is a risk factor for heart disease, but a new analysis from Harvard researchers finds it's eating processed meat -- not unprocessed red meat -- that increases the risk for heart disease and even diabetes. The term "processed meat" refers to any meat preserved by smoking, curing or salting or with the addition of chemical preservatives. The researchers defined "red meat" as unprocessed meats such as beef, hamburger, lamb and pork. "To lower risk of heart attacks and diabetes, people should avoid eating too much processed meats -for example, hot dogs, bacon, sausage or processed deli meats," said lead researcher Renata Micha, a research fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health. "Based on our findings, eating up to one serving per week would be associated with relatively small risk." Micha was scheduled to present the finding Friday at an American Heart Association conference on cardiovascular disease in San Francisco. For the study, Micha's team analyzed data from 20 studies that included more than 1.2 million participants. Among them, 23,889 had coronary heart disease, 2,280 had had a stroke and 10,797 had diabetes.

The researchers found that people who ate unprocessed red meat did not significantly increase their chances of developing heart disease or diabetes. However, eating processed meat was linked to an increased risk for the two conditions. In fact, for every 50-gram (1.8ounce) serving, the risk for heart disease jumped 42 percent and the risk for diabetes increased 19 percent.

Though neither unprocessed red meat nor processed meats were linked to an increased risk for stroke, the researchers pointed out that just three studies looked at the connection between eating meat and stroke, so the data was insufficient to draw a valid conclusion. "When we looked at average nutrients in unprocessed meats and processed meats eaten in the U.S., we found that they contained similar amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol," Micha said. "In contrast, processed meats contained, on average, four times higher amounts of sodium and two times higher amounts of nitrate preservatives."

This suggests that salt and other preservatives, rather than fats, probably explain the higher risk for heart attacks and diabetes seen with processed meats, Micha said. "Health effects of unprocessed red meats and processed meats should be separately considered," she said. "More research is needed into which factors in meats -- especially salt or other preservatives -- are most important for health effects." Samantha Heller, a registered dietitian, clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist in Fairfield, Conn., said that "scientists are looking into why processed meats are so hazardous to our health." "They may never know the exact reason, but we do know that people should limit their consumption of foods such as bacon, hot dogs, salami and pepperoni to reduce the risk of chronic diseases," Heller said. "In addition, studies show that eating unprocessed red meat does increase the risk for disease as well," she said. "A study of over 500,000 people found that people who ate the most both red and processed meats had a higher risk of mortality, cancer and cardiovascular disease than those who ate lesser amounts of these foods." Both red and processed meat and other foods, such as butter and cheese, that are high in saturated fat have been linked to chronic disease, Heller said, adding that people should limit consumption of them as well.

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