SALUD (142)
At rare, extremely high blood glucose levels (1024 mg/dL and above), the FreeStyle lnsuLinx Blood Glucose Meter may provide an inaccurate reading
April
Abbott announced it is initiating a voluntary recall of FreeStyle lnsulinx® Blood Glucose Meters in the United States. The company has determined that at extremely high blood glucose levels of 1024 mg/dL and above, the FreeStyle lnsulinx Meter will display and store in memory an incorrect test result that is 1024 mg/dL below the measured result. For example, at a blood glucose value of 1066 mg/dL, the meter will display and store a value of 42 mg/dL (1066 mg/dL - 1024 mg/dL = 42 mg/dL). No other Abbott blood glucose meters are impacted by this issue. Blood glucose levels at 1024 mg/dL and above are very rare. However, if high blood glucose levels of 1024 mg/dL and above do occur, they are a serious health risk and require immediate medical attention. As the FreeStyle lnsulinx Meter can display an inaccurate low result at a blood glucose level above 1024 mg/dL, there may be a delay in the identification and treatment of severe hyperglycemia, or incorrect treatment may be given.
This could lead to serious injury or death. Customers who are using the FreeStyle lnsulinx Meter should immediately take one of the following actions to address this issue with their meter:
• Customers can access a software update to resolve the issue at www.freestyleinsulinx.com/swupdate. The software update will allow customers to maintain settings and historical data on their meter.
• Customers can contact Abbott Diabetes Care Customer Service at 1-866-723- 2697 to expedite return and replacement of their FreeStyle lnsulinx meter at no charge. Replacements are available, and Abbott will send meters to customers immediately upon request. Until customers are able to update the meter software or until a requested replacement meter arrives, the current FreeStyle lnsulinx meter may be used; however, if patients experience symptoms that are not consistent with their readings, they should contact their healthcare professional and follow his or her treatment advice. "Our first priority is to safeguard the health and safety of patients," said Heather Mason, Senior Vice President, Diabetes Care, Abbott. "We are committed to ensuring that our customers are able to continue to test their blood glucose with confidence, and we initiated this voluntary recall to ensure our products continue to meet the highest standards of quality and safety. We regret any inconvenience this action may cause." The company is notifying all registered users, healthcare professionals, pharmacies and distributors where the FreeStyle lnsulinx Meter is sold. Abbott estimates that there are approximately 50,000 active FreeStyle lnsulinx Meter users in the United States. Upon identifying the issue, Abbott promptly developed and implemented an update to the meter.
(StatePoint)
Eating right is essential to keeping your body running at its best. But nutrition advice doesn’t always account for people’s varied lifestyles, health needs and tastes. Take some time to review your diet and make positive, sustainable changes. So what’s the “right” way to eat for you? Experts say it’s not as restrictive as you may think. “There’s sometimes a misperception that eating properly means giving up favorite foods,” says registered dietitian and President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ethan A. Bergman. “But including foods you love in your diet can help you stick to your goals.”
As part of the “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” campaign, Bergman suggests that those looking to eat a healthy diet, tailor food choices to meet lifestyle, needs and preferences:
• Business People: Busy work days can lead to on-the-fly meals. For desktop dining, keep single-serve packages of crackers, fruit, peanut butter, low-sodium soup or canned tuna in your desk. Always on the go? Tuck portable, nonperishable foods in your bag for meals on the run. Try granola bars, peanut butter and crackers, fresh fruit, trail mix or single-serve packages of whole-grain cereal or crackers.
• Athletes: Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just enjoy working out, what you eat affects your performance. Eat a light meal or snack before exercising, such as low-fat yogurt, a banana or cereal with low-fat milk. Before, during and after exercise, drink plenty of water or a sports drink, if you prefer.
• Students: For nutritional, budget-friendly snacking, combine protein and carbohydrates, such as apples and peanut butter, low-fat cheese and whole-grain crackers or hardboiled eggs and fruit. These also double as quick grab-and-go breakfasts. At the cafeteria, salad bars are a great choice -- just go easy on the high-calorie add-ons.
• Families: Family meals allow parents to be role models to ensure kids eat right. And, just because a meal is made quickly doesn’t mean it can’t be nutritious. Keep things simple. Choose ingredients you can use for more than one meal. For example, cook extra grilled chicken for salad or fajitas the next day. Get the kids involved. They can make the salad, set the table or do other simple tasks.
• Vegetarians: A vegetarian diet can include just as much variety as one including meat. For example, nutrient-rich beans are a great choice. Enjoy vegetarian chili, a hummus-filled pita sandwich or veggie burger. Many popular items are or can be vegetarian -- pasta primavera, veggie pizza and tofu-vegetable stir-fry.
• Meat lovers: Keep your meaty meals heart-healthy by selecting lean cuts and choosing chicken, turkey and fish more often. Avoid deep fried foods. Instead, bake, broil, roast, stew or stir-fry your meals.
Set yourself up for success. Consider working with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized eating plan. More tips can be found at www.EatRight.org. Remember, good nutrition isn’t meant to make you suffer. With exercise and moderation, you can enjoy your favorite foods regularly.
(StatePoint)
Unfortunately, beautiful flowers and warm weather can also mean itchy, watery eyes, sneezing fits and nasal congestion. These days, pollen from plants and flowers typically are released earlier in the year than in the past, causing longer allergy seasons according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, which noted that 2012 was one of the worst such seasons on record. While there is no cure-all for seasonal allergies, popular over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide relief for the most common symptoms.
These guidelines can help you better manage your seasonal allergies:
Season for Sneezing
Popular OTC antihistamines can provide relief from sneezing, runny noses and irritated, watery eyes by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that triggers congestion and upper respiratory discomfort.
All Stuffed Up?
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (PSE) relieve a stuffy nose by actually narrowing the blood vessels in nasal passages so you can breathe more easily. PSEs are now located behind the pharmacy counter because they are an ingredient that can be used to make the illegal drug methamphetamine (meth). Rest assured though, PSE has been safely used for decades. If you’re congested, consider treating your symptoms and doing your part to keep your community safer at the same time. Ask your pharmacist about new Nexafed 30mg pseudoephedrine HCl tablets, the next-generation PSE that provides the same effective relief from nasal congestion as standard PSEs, but with technology that disrupts the extraction and conversion of pseudoephedrine into meth.
Itchy, Watery Eyes
Over-the-counter eye drops that are specifically designed to treat allergy symptoms can be found in any drug store and can be very effective at reliving redness and washing away allergens. Also consider using an air purifier or humidifier in your house to help clear the air of possible irritants.
Eat for Allergy Relief
According to experts, certain foods you may already be enjoying have allergy-fighting properties. For example, quercetin, found in oranges, broccoli and sweet potatoes, can help reduce your body’s reaction to pollen. Or, try loading up on salmon and walnuts, as omega-3 fatty acids are thought to alleviate itchy eyes and a runny nose.
If you have questions or doubts about which medications may be best for you, talk with your pharmacist. And if symptoms worsen or last for more than two weeks, be sure to see your doctor. Rest assured, relief for seasonal allergy symptoms does exist! Visit your local drugstore or the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s website for more information on how to treat seasonal allergies. You can check the daily pollen level in your area at National Allergy Bureau online. There’s no reason to miss out on the warm weather and all fun outdoor activities this time of year has to offer.
(StatePoint)
Prostate cancer, the most common non-skin cancer in America, affects one in six men.
Knowing your risk can help you get diagnosed more quickly:
• Age: Although only one in 10,000 men under 40 will be diagnosed, the rate shoots up to one in 38 for ages 40 to 59, and one in 15 for ages 60 to 69.
• Race: African-American men are the most likely to develop prostate cancer. Asian men living in Asia are the least likely.
• Genetics: Men with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
For more information on risk factors and healthy living tips that may help to decrease your chance of developing prostate cancer, please visit www.PCF.org.
(StatePoint)
What do you do with your unused prescription pills and over-the-counter medications? Do you throw them away? Flush them down the toilet? Simply leave them in your cabinet for a rainy day? Doing any of the above can provoke tragic consequences including enabling the drugs to get into the wrong hands or find their way into drinking water and irrigation supplies. That’s why it’s crucial to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, veterinary medications and nutritional supplements. According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, one-quarter of first-time illegal drug users 12 years and older began by using prescription drugs non-medically. Prescription drugs are abused far more frequently than illicit drugs for one simple reason: they can be found in almost every home, free for the taking. What’s more, drug overdose deaths, mostly related to addictive painkillers, rose for the 11th straight year in 2010, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And while it sounds quick and easy to flush pills down the toilet or throw them in the wastebasket, this method can be harmful to the environment and to people’s health. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, nearly 80 percent of recently tested rivers contained traces of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, steroids, hormones and contraceptives. So how can the average person go from being part of the problem to being part of the solution? Begin by examining every prescription you bring into your home. Ask your doctor to ensure he or she is prescribing in the amount you will use. Consider locking your medicine cabinet or moving prescriptions to a secure location, safe from the unwelcome explorations of children or intruders. Remove any leftover drugs from your home promptly and dispose of them in a way that has as little environmental impact as possible. “Drug take-back programs are a great way to get rid of unused medications,” says John Waffenschmidt, Vice President of Community Affairs and Environmental Science at Covanta Energy, the largest owner and operator of “Energy-from-Waste” facilities in North America. Covanta works with organizations to provide safe disposal of medications collected by drug take-back programs. The company does so free of charge, safely disposing of drugs at its facilities. Since its inception in 2010, Covanta’s Rx4Safety program is responsible for having destroyed more than 600,000 pounds of unwanted medications nationwide. Partnerships like these have resulted in the proliferation of successful drug take-back programs that allow prescription drugs to be dropped off at secure locations, such as police stations or at special events held throughout the year, for transport to facilities where they can be destroyed safely. If you think you may have unwanted prescription pills in your cabinet, take the time to collect them for the Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Drug Take-Back Day on April 27, 2013. More information about responsible medication disposal can be found at www.CovantaEnergy.com/rx4safety. Take a positive step forward in ensuring your community is safer and cleaner.
HOUSTON
Any molecular genetics textbook will tell you that DNA methylation (the addition of a methyl group or molecule) is an epigenetic switch that turns off genes. Studies by researchers at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center (http://www.bcm.edu/cnrc/) at Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) and Texas Children’s Hospital (www.texaschildrens.org) show, however, that after human embryonic stem cells start to differentiate into different cell types and tissues, certain genome regions called CpG islands become methylated, turning on important genes involved in development. The methylation does not occur at the promoter region (the beginning of the gene), but at the other end called the 3’ (3 prime) region,” said Dr. Lanlan Shen (http://www.bcm.edu/cnrc/faculty/index.cfm?pmid=19345) , associate professor of pediatrics – nutrition at BCM and corresponding author of the report in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biology. http://mcb.asm.org/content/early/2013/02/26/MCB.01124-12.abstract “This study is the first to document a specific mechanism for how DNA methylation at 3’ CpG islands activates expression of associated genes,” said Shen. Not only that, but using a com- puter algorithm to analyze large sets of DNA methylation data, she and her colleagues showed that as stem cells differentiate and become more specialized tissues and cells, these 3’ CpG islands become more and more methylated. This methylation regulates the activation of gene transcription (the first step in translating DNA into a blueprint that eventually becomes a protein) via a mechanism that depends on the blocking of a gene enhancer by a protein called CTCF. “The bottom line of the report is that CTCF-mediated enhancer blocking activi- ty appears to be used by our cells as a general mechanism for regulation of gene expression during differentiation,” said Dr. Robert Waterland (http://www.bcm.edu/cnrc/faculty/index.cfm?pmid=9575), associate professor of pediatrics – nutrition at BCM and a member of the faculty of the Children’s Nutrition Research Center, as is Shen. The finding is particularly important for shedding light on the complex roles of DNA methylation during mammalian development, and should lead to refinement of the ‘textbook’ view of this epigenetic modification.
HOUSTON
Dyeing the hair seems to come naturally to many people as they age, but it could be the cause of an allergic reaction, no matter how long you’ve been using the same product, according to a dermatologist at Baylor College of Medicine. “You can develop an allergy to a product at any point in time – it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been using the product,” said Dr. Rajani Katta, professor of dermatology at BCM. “One allergic reaction we’re seeing commonly is to hair dyes.” The symptoms of hair dye allergies aren’t necessarily immediate, she said. They can occur two, three or even up to seven days after exposure to the product. Symptoms include redness of skin and itching on the hairline, face, eyelids, ears, neck and even back. The main culprit of this reaction is a chemical called p-phenylenediamine, also known as PPDA. This is the best chemical to cover the greys, so it’s found commonly in hair dyes. Katta suggests that rather than checking for products that are “ammonia free” or “all-natural,” look to see if the dye has PPDA – it’s usually found midway in the list of ingredients. “It may start as a mild reaction, but it can get worse over time and spread to other parts of the body,” said Katta. For a mild reaction, she suggests applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected areas. If the hydrocortisone is not helping after one week, see a dermatologist. If the dermatologist is unsure of the cause of the allergy, they may do patch testing, which is different than prick testing. Prick testing is done by allergists to check for reactions to pollen and other allergens that cause symptoms such as hay fever, sneezing and coughing. Patch testing is done by dermatologists and some allergists to check for skin rashes caused by various chemicals and products. For those who develop an allergy to PPDA, Katta suggests avoiding any product that has this chemical. While there are a few hair dyes that don’t contain PPDA, they can be difficult to find.
Katta suggests some other hair-dyeing solutions:
-Henna – a natural product that’s been used in India for hundreds of years and gives a reddish color to the hair. Be sure you are buying pure henna, and avoid a newer product called black henna, which may have added PPDA.
-Highlights – these are bleaching agents that don’t usually contain PPDA. -Temporary hair rinses. -Lead oxide dyes that darken gray hair – check the ingredients carefully as the same brand name can also sell products with PPDA.
-Find a salon that is familiar with hair dye allergies – there are some salon products available that don’t contain PPDA.
There are other ingredients related to PPDA that may also cause a similar reaction, so Katta suggests that if you’re allergic to PPDA, get tested by a dermatologist to see if you’re also allergic to similar ingredients.
(StatePoint)
In an age of economic uncertainty, being indispensable at work is crucial to job security. And while developing specific professional skills is important, some experts say that there are intangible factors that are even more important for your long-term success. “If you’re interesting, people will remember you and want to work with you. You’ll get the call back; you’ll make the sale. And you’ll be better able to think your way out of trouble and into new territories,” says Jessica Hagy, author and illustrator of the new book, “How to Be Interesting (in 10 Simple Steps.)”
Hagy says that in today’s fast-paced world, there are steps you can take to avoid blending into the hum of the background:
• Go exploring: Explore ideas, places and opinions. The inside of the echo chamber is where all the boring people hang out.
• Chat: Don’t just keep your head down. Gain new perspectives by talking to everybody -- not just those who do what you do. No one has seen exactly what you have or has the same exact feelings as you. Find out why.
• Leave your comfort zone: Expose yourself to risk and wild ideas. It’s the only way to grow. If you’re not courageous, you’re going to be hanging around the water-cooler, talking about the guy who actually is.
• Offer to help: Seek out people who need your help. Know what you can do and tell people you’re willing to do it. They will remember you and talents. This is how people begin to fall in love with your work.
• Overstep your bounds: Just because it’s not in your job description doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Only you can really decide what league you really belong in. Get over your fears of making waves. Friction is a good thing.
• Be a link: Don’t just tell. Don’t just listen. Make introductions. Pass on what you know. Be the fulcrum upon which your organization turns.
• Have hobbies: Outside of work, read, study, and sign up for classes. Learn new things. You never know when you’ll need random knowledge or skills. • Find a niche: The smaller the niche, the less room there is for copycats. If you want to be interesting, work with specifics, not generics.
• Leave the ego at home: If your arrogance is more obvious than your expertise, you are someone other people avoid.
More tips and information from Hagy can be found at www.How2BeInteresting.tumblr.com/. Becoming great at your specific job description will only get you so far at work. If you want to become an indispensable member of the team, find a way to stand out positively.
National Tragedies Can Be Avoided with Vigilance, Understanding & Guidance, says Novelist
For adults, high school is as near or far as the next or last reunion. But for thousands of teens, high school is a present hell of isolation, confusion and negativity, says novelist Ryan D. Pearson. “Think about the young men who live in infamy because they somehow couldn’t channel their energy in a positive manner – Adam Lanza in Connecticut; James Holmes, the ‘movie-theater shooter;’ the two Columbine shooters; Jared Loughner, who shot U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords – some were extremely intelligent, and they were passionate, too,” says Pearson. Precocious in high school, Pearson earned his law degree at age 21 and went on to write “The Element Series,” (www.theelementsseries.com), which follows a teenager blessed with wealth and fame who discovers he has the added responsibility of super powers. “One aspect I love about comic books and fiction is that the character arcs show how some become the villains, and those who stand by their values – the heroes.” Teens, who have experienced life only as children, suddenly find themselves in very adult circumstances in high school – that last step toward adulthood, he says.
For many gifted, talented, sensitive or otherwise misunderstood teens, he offers tips for surviving this last step toward independence:
• Embrace what makes you different: Perhaps the most important struggle a teenager faces is self-acceptance. Many may believe that that straight-A, all-star jock with a perfect complexion has it made. Meanwhile, he may be experiencing his own inner turmoil. If you care about things no one else seems to care about; if you’re better at chess than football; if you think you don’t fit the mold of “pretty” or “handsome” – you might just be on the path to happiness. A great example receiving plenty of attention is the It Gets Better project, which encourages gay teens to embrace their sexuality. However, the concept can be applied to anyone who feels like an outsider. “There is only one you; don’t be afraid of who you are,” Pearson says.
• Perhaps the greatest commencement address: While life is just beginning after high school and college, it’s rarely easy – that’s the thrust of George Foster Wallace’s 2005 speech to the graduates of Kenyon College. Wallace, a giant of contemporary literature, touches on some of the most important adult challenges: the potential loneliness of adult life, the importance of being well-adjusted and the difficulty of empathy – “Think about it: There is no experience you’ve had that you were not at the absolute center of.” Truthful, unflinching and humorous, the speech has since resonated online.
• You can change!: A depressing mindset for unhappy high school students involves the idea that nothing about one’s experience will change. “Everything changes – this is the one rule of life you can count on,” says Pearson, whose went on a worldwide adventure after college. “Teens who go the villainous route often have an attitude that nothing about them or the world is going to be different unless they intervene with extreme behavior.” In reality, one or two key shifts in thinking can change the course in a young person’s life trajectory. Friends, parents and educators have the best access for helping a troubled teen to “see the light.”
Washington, Apr (EFE)
U.S. President Barack Obama announced an ambitious multidisciplinary program to create a map of the human brain that could help cure diseases such as Alzheimer's and epilepsy. "We have been a nation of dreamers and risk-takers," said Obama in the East Room of the White House before an audience including several of the scientists and businessmen taking part in the project. "Computer chips and GPS technology, the Internet - all these things grew out of government investments in basic research," the president said, before introducing the BRAIN Initiative as "the next great American project." The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative- Neurotechnologies. Initiative has been allocated somewhat over $100 million in the 2014 budget bill that the Obama administration will present this month. Among the objectives of the effort launched on Tuesday is helping scientists find ways to treat, cure and even prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's, autism and epilepsy and to repair traumatic damage suffered by the brain. "As humans, we can identify galaxies light years away, we can study particles smaller than an atom. But we still haven't unlocked the mystery of the three pounds (1.3 kilos) of matter that sits between our ears," Obama said. The president had already announced his decision to launch a program to explore the brain during his Feb. 12 State of the Union address. Among the scientists in the forefront of the BRAIN Initiative is Spaniard Rafael Yuste, a professor of biological science and neuroscience at Columbia University in New York. Yuste was the primary author of a June 2012 article in Neuron magazine in which he outlined the initiative on the basis of the work he has carried out over the past 16 years at Columbia.
