Lately, there have been numerous reports surrounding sunscreen....
Questions like "Is it beneficial or harmful" , "Is is worth it for a senior to apply sunscreen", "what difference does it make?" "Are all sunscreens the same? "It sings when I use it, should I try a different one?" "What is the story with the new sunscreen, Mexoryl Sx, that just received FDA approval?"... I will attempt to address some of these issues for you...
1. Recent studies have questioned whether sunscreen is beneficial or harmful. I dont suggest that I know the answer but here is some of the latest opinions... the American Academy of Dermatology, http://www.aad.org still feels strongly that the benefits of use of sunscreen outweighs the potential risks. Despite this , there was another controversial study in the August out of San Francisco by Dr. William Grant, a Ph.D. in the http://www.iiar-anticancer.org/research/research_index.htm Anticancer Research journal that looked at age adjusted types of cancer as plotted by the National Cancer Institute http://cis.nci.nih.gov/ and he found that increase exposure to UVB is associated with a reduced risk of 16 internal cancers, he also went further to show that cancer rates are higher in NE US vs the South and West where levels of environmental UVB is higher throughout the year... he controlled for factors such as smoking, alcohol and ethnicity and he contends strongly, that Vitamin D is critical in reducing the "angiogenesis around tumors, metastasis ....and in helping cell apoptosis". Basically, he is saying that he feels that Vitamin D is critical in reducing the risk for cancer and he feels that Sunscreen may limit the production of critical Vitamin D. Most Dermatologists would argue that throughout the course of the day, even with sunscreen, people get enough sun exposure to generate adequate levels of vitamin D. Dr. Grant asserts that dermatologists dont realize that people get alot of their vitamin D from solar radiation. He advocates going out in the middle of the day for 15-20 minutes so you can create Vitamin D, and minimize the risk of skin cancer. This is controversial as most dermatologists tell you to avoid sun in mid day.
I think this issue is still very, very controversial. From my standpoint, sunscreen clearly makes a difference in reducing the likelihood of getting skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. I am concerned that studies like Dr. Grants, retrospective multivariate analysis, though statistically sound, are also flawed in their isolation of the importance of the amount of Vitamin D as the critical factor in tumor angiogenesis. I would really like to see a study, that looks specifically at the amount of Vitamin D that is lost through the use of sunscreen and the amount of Vitamin D that is produced by the body in spite of sunscreen all against the amount of Vitamin D shown to be responsible for inhibiting tumor growth. I dont really have an appreciation of this data and thus, before recommending that people go out and get mid day sun and not use sunscreen, I would want more facts and better studies.
Just ask someone, that has had metastatic Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, a very common scenario, one that accounts for more deaths annually than melanoma. And, one, that is clearly related to sun exposure. I can assure you that they wish that they had used sunscreen.
2. FDA approves new sunscreen...Mexoryl SX , which provides complete broad spectrum UV protection has recently received FDA approval. La Roche Posay http://www.laroche-posay.com/ will maket a broad spectrum sunscreen containing this and Parsol 1789 (avobenxone) and octocrylene. Mexoryl Sx is unique becuase it is highly photostable and filters out UVA and fills the gap left by some UVA sunscreens.
3. Sunscreens are not all the same, generally speaking the recommended sunscreens are those of at least an SPF of 15 and are "broad spectrum" such that they filter UVA and UVB light. After that, the difference really is in the vehicle..ie whether the sunscreen comes as a lotion (more liquid format), a cream, a gel, a stick or a spray on. The main issue here is to use whatever format you prefer as long as it doesnt irritate your skin and that you understand that you need to re apply it after sweating or swimming , for example.
4. Sunscreens are very expensive. Almost cost prohibitive if you use them the way the manufacturer recommends. This is an issue that for some reason is glossed over. I really think the costs of sunscreen is not discussed enough... I would recommend comparing prices via sites on the internet or typical retail outlets. Sometimes more expensive doesnt equate to more effective.
5. Putting aside the controversy of whether or not sunscreen is actually beneficial or harmful until more evidence is presented, I believe that sunscreen should be applied even if you are older and a senior. It is true that much of the sun damage you received is an accumulation over your lifetime, but, the sun you receive as a senior will do much more damage quicker than that same sun would do when you were young. In other words, you may still benefit from sunscreen as a senior and thus you should practice sun safety.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Diagnosis of Alzheimers made Earlier through the skin
Alzheimers disease, http://www.alz.org/ affects all of us, even if we dont personally have the disease. It may affect you through your family or friends. This devastating disease can be crippling to a family and an individual. Early diagnosis would be extremely beneficial.
There was a recent report out of the HealthDay News and other sources such as http://www.healthday.com/ that discuss Alzheimer issues... Most recently it was noticed at the West Virginal university health Sciences Center http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/ that since Alzheimer's disease tends to affect the body systemically, a skin test that looks at two forms of enzyme degradation of the protein, amyloid, might be detectable by skin biopsy and provide an easy, non invasive way to diagnosis the early stages of Alzheimers...
Other recent reports that came out this September about Alzheimers worth noting are:
1.
Red Wine May Help Prevent Alzheimer's
Cabernet Sauvignon appears to inhibit proteins that cause plaque buildup in brain
2.
Restricted Diet May Help Prevent Alzheimer's
Low-calorie intake influenced a variety of age-related diseases in monkey study
3.
Alzheimer's Symptoms May Arise From Mutant Genes
It's a possible new dimension to the disease, researchers say
4.
Early Memory Lapses Could Warn of Alzheimer's
But detecting, treating sooner might also help slow the disease, experts say
Have you had personal battles with this disease? I have seen rapid deterioration of patients and people and families as they have watched their loved ones fall victim . Seniors are very aware of this problem and research will continue to make progress on a diagnostic front and therapeutic front. Do you feel we are putting enough resources towards this disease?
There was a recent report out of the HealthDay News and other sources such as http://www.healthday.com/ that discuss Alzheimer issues... Most recently it was noticed at the West Virginal university health Sciences Center http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/ that since Alzheimer's disease tends to affect the body systemically, a skin test that looks at two forms of enzyme degradation of the protein, amyloid, might be detectable by skin biopsy and provide an easy, non invasive way to diagnosis the early stages of Alzheimers...
Other recent reports that came out this September about Alzheimers worth noting are:
1.
Red Wine May Help Prevent Alzheimer's
Cabernet Sauvignon appears to inhibit proteins that cause plaque buildup in brain
2.
Restricted Diet May Help Prevent Alzheimer's
Low-calorie intake influenced a variety of age-related diseases in monkey study
3.
Alzheimer's Symptoms May Arise From Mutant Genes
It's a possible new dimension to the disease, researchers say
4.
Early Memory Lapses Could Warn of Alzheimer's
But detecting, treating sooner might also help slow the disease, experts say
Have you had personal battles with this disease? I have seen rapid deterioration of patients and people and families as they have watched their loved ones fall victim . Seniors are very aware of this problem and research will continue to make progress on a diagnostic front and therapeutic front. Do you feel we are putting enough resources towards this disease?
Before Traveling, Seniors Should Know their Rights
For most seniors, traveling is getting more and more difficult. Long lines, searches, taking off shoes, and removing clothing are just a few of the issues that younger travellers are taking for granted but seniors find to be a real issue.
If you are a senior, and have any medical problem whatsoever, such as oxygen needs, walkers, canes, for example, that help a senior ambulate, also, become a burden because of the difficulty of getting through an airport today. Understandably, many seniors are simply choosing not to fly, not to visit their children or families for the holidays. And , I understand this... The lines and searches have become a necessary evil one that I would not want to give up...if it was up to me..I wouldnt want anyone to carry anything on board a plane. I know I would travel safer and not worry as much as I do. I am sure it wont be long until new competitive airlines start to offer everything we need on the plane so we dont need to carry anything with us. For instance, i cant wait until I can start using outlook and surf the internet on a plane without carrying my lap top with me. That will be great and i am sure the airlines know this.
But, this article isnt really about that, what it is about , is to point out the "rights" you have as a traveler, all of the airlines, http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/default.aspx , http://www.southwest.com/, http://www.united.com/ , http://www.aa.com/
a recent article in the USA today, http://www.usatoday.com/ describes these very well and i will summarize...
1. If your flight is cancelled, the airline only has an obligation to find you another flight on the next available flight. There will be no compensation for lost time or inconvenience.
2. If your flight is delayed, the airlines have two different prongs of approach: If the delay occurs because of a mechanical issue or staffing issue, then they usually provide hotel or meal vouchers. But if the delay occurs for the more common scenario, force majeure delays (weather or traffic control), then dont expect any perks.
3. If You miss your connection, the airline that caused you to miss your connection is responsible to assist you with rebooking so that you can make your original itinerary. The airline that you missed the flight on has no obligation to help you.
4. If you are bumped because an airline has oversold your seat, then you are entitled to a voucher or compensation, this is calculated based upon how much of a delay your bump causes you. For instance, if you are delayed 2 hours, then you might receive up to $200 or if you are delayed up to 4 hours, you might receive up to $400.
5. The airlines will bump the passenger that typically checked in the latest, so make sure you check in early , if you are concerned about this possibility.
6. If your luggage is lost (10,000 bags were lost last year), dont worry, as 98 % of all lost luggages is found withing a few hours. But, do not leave the airport without first filing a lost luggage report and dont leave the airport without a file number and phone number to call to track your bags progress. If your luggage doesnt turn up within 45 days, then you might get up to $2800 per person for lost luggage on domestic flights. There will be no coverage for jewelry or photo gear. This is the max you will get , no matter how valuable your contents were. If you are waiting for your luggage, and you need to buy necessitities,the airlines will reimburse you $25 a day to a max of $125 a day... but you must provide receipts...so good luck with this.
Unfortunately, since the state of air travel and the plight of the airlines is "up in the air" , with so many operators in and out of bankruptcy, or hemorrhaging just to stay alive, you wont have much leverage with them. I do understand this.
Here is a great sight to review your rights..http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/flyrights.htm
Do you have any concerns regarding your rights on airlines? What are your thoughts on how to improve your flight experiences? What do you think would be a better way for airlines to become more profitable
If you are a senior, and have any medical problem whatsoever, such as oxygen needs, walkers, canes, for example, that help a senior ambulate, also, become a burden because of the difficulty of getting through an airport today. Understandably, many seniors are simply choosing not to fly, not to visit their children or families for the holidays. And , I understand this... The lines and searches have become a necessary evil one that I would not want to give up...if it was up to me..I wouldnt want anyone to carry anything on board a plane. I know I would travel safer and not worry as much as I do. I am sure it wont be long until new competitive airlines start to offer everything we need on the plane so we dont need to carry anything with us. For instance, i cant wait until I can start using outlook and surf the internet on a plane without carrying my lap top with me. That will be great and i am sure the airlines know this.
But, this article isnt really about that, what it is about , is to point out the "rights" you have as a traveler, all of the airlines, http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/default.aspx , http://www.southwest.com/, http://www.united.com/ , http://www.aa.com/
a recent article in the USA today, http://www.usatoday.com/ describes these very well and i will summarize...
1. If your flight is cancelled, the airline only has an obligation to find you another flight on the next available flight. There will be no compensation for lost time or inconvenience.
2. If your flight is delayed, the airlines have two different prongs of approach: If the delay occurs because of a mechanical issue or staffing issue, then they usually provide hotel or meal vouchers. But if the delay occurs for the more common scenario, force majeure delays (weather or traffic control), then dont expect any perks.
3. If You miss your connection, the airline that caused you to miss your connection is responsible to assist you with rebooking so that you can make your original itinerary. The airline that you missed the flight on has no obligation to help you.
4. If you are bumped because an airline has oversold your seat, then you are entitled to a voucher or compensation, this is calculated based upon how much of a delay your bump causes you. For instance, if you are delayed 2 hours, then you might receive up to $200 or if you are delayed up to 4 hours, you might receive up to $400.
5. The airlines will bump the passenger that typically checked in the latest, so make sure you check in early , if you are concerned about this possibility.
6. If your luggage is lost (10,000 bags were lost last year), dont worry, as 98 % of all lost luggages is found withing a few hours. But, do not leave the airport without first filing a lost luggage report and dont leave the airport without a file number and phone number to call to track your bags progress. If your luggage doesnt turn up within 45 days, then you might get up to $2800 per person for lost luggage on domestic flights. There will be no coverage for jewelry or photo gear. This is the max you will get , no matter how valuable your contents were. If you are waiting for your luggage, and you need to buy necessitities,the airlines will reimburse you $25 a day to a max of $125 a day... but you must provide receipts...so good luck with this.
Unfortunately, since the state of air travel and the plight of the airlines is "up in the air" , with so many operators in and out of bankruptcy, or hemorrhaging just to stay alive, you wont have much leverage with them. I do understand this.
Here is a great sight to review your rights..http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/flyrights.htm
Do you have any concerns regarding your rights on airlines? What are your thoughts on how to improve your flight experiences? What do you think would be a better way for airlines to become more profitable
Sunday, September 24, 2006
It's Not Just the Poor that Struggles with Healthcare Costs
According to the Commonweath fund, http://www.cmwf.org/ , it' s not just the "poor" who are having problems footing their healthcare bills. 50% of households earning between $35K and $49 K annually still struggle to make their healthcare bills and health insurance payments. Approximately, 33 % of households earning between $50K and $75 K annually, also report problems with being able to afford their medical bills and health insurance.
Obviously, the rising cost of healthcare is an ongoing problem for Americans. And, it is nothing new. Many factors contribute to this.... corporate profits, rising costs of prescriptions, medical malpractice, insurance crises, new health care technologies, increased regulatory compliance costs and requirements.
I dont think physician salaries play a roll as physicians are continually being asked to deliver more for less. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/physician.asp ... Every year it seems your physicians are taking some sort of hit. I really dont think it is fair for the doctor to be blamed for increasing healthcare costs.. unfortunately they are the recognizable and most tangible scapegoat in the healthcare cost process..so they are unfairly often mis represented as being part of the problem. http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/hlthaff.w4.374/DC1
and http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/federal/background-on-federal-issues/reimbursement.html http://www.californiahealthline.org/index.cfm?Action=dspItem&itemID=113454 http://www.acponline.org/college/pressroom/letter/25jul02.htm illustrate what is an ongoing year after year process of decreasing physician reimbursement.
Obviously, the rising cost of healthcare is an ongoing problem for Americans. And, it is nothing new. Many factors contribute to this.... corporate profits, rising costs of prescriptions, medical malpractice, insurance crises, new health care technologies, increased regulatory compliance costs and requirements.
I dont think physician salaries play a roll as physicians are continually being asked to deliver more for less. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/physician.asp ... Every year it seems your physicians are taking some sort of hit. I really dont think it is fair for the doctor to be blamed for increasing healthcare costs.. unfortunately they are the recognizable and most tangible scapegoat in the healthcare cost process..so they are unfairly often mis represented as being part of the problem. http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/hlthaff.w4.374/DC1
and http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/federal/background-on-federal-issues/reimbursement.html http://www.californiahealthline.org/index.cfm?Action=dspItem&itemID=113454 http://www.acponline.org/college/pressroom/letter/25jul02.htm illustrate what is an ongoing year after year process of decreasing physician reimbursement.
Seniors Ask themselves Should I do a Reverse Mortgage?
Seniors are really asking themselves.. should I tap out? Am I wrong to consider a reverse mortgage?
This is a common questions amongst the elderly...a thought that is traditionally against all of their upbringing..but a real issue today that may have some merit. There are many sources for seniors to read about this to determine if it makes sense for them. For instance, http://www.reverse.org/ or AARP writes about it http://www.aarp.org/money/revmort/
or even, the government through the Federal Trade Commission offers advice to Seniors at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/homes/rms.htm.
Seniors should cautiously tread these waters as I am sure there are many scams that prey on their niavete. We have no advice on this subject nor are we being paid to voice any opinion either way. The only purpose of this particular blog is to http://www.KeepSeniorsHealthy.com and when we discuss keeping Seniors healthy.. we look at them from the perspective of keeping them healthy financially, emotionally, and physically.
Another unrelated issue but worthy of mentioning is that "cash out mortgages" soared to the highest level in 16 years in the second quarter of 2006 according to http://www.freddiemac.com/ . Nearly 90 % of Freddie Mac Loans were refinanced with amounts at least 5 % higher than the original mortgage.
This is a common questions amongst the elderly...a thought that is traditionally against all of their upbringing..but a real issue today that may have some merit. There are many sources for seniors to read about this to determine if it makes sense for them. For instance, http://www.reverse.org/ or AARP writes about it http://www.aarp.org/money/revmort/
or even, the government through the Federal Trade Commission offers advice to Seniors at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/homes/rms.htm.
Seniors should cautiously tread these waters as I am sure there are many scams that prey on their niavete. We have no advice on this subject nor are we being paid to voice any opinion either way. The only purpose of this particular blog is to http://www.KeepSeniorsHealthy.com and when we discuss keeping Seniors healthy.. we look at them from the perspective of keeping them healthy financially, emotionally, and physically.
Another unrelated issue but worthy of mentioning is that "cash out mortgages" soared to the highest level in 16 years in the second quarter of 2006 according to http://www.freddiemac.com/ . Nearly 90 % of Freddie Mac Loans were refinanced with amounts at least 5 % higher than the original mortgage.
Should doctors participate in execution by lethal injection
There was a recent poll in Medical Economics magazine . This poll solicited physicians regarding their feelings toward executions by lethal injections. This is a controversial subject particularly for the medical field that really focuses on "Do No Harm" approach and philosophy to all patients. We are not talking about http://www.euthanasia.com/ euthanasia , which is a completely separate subject but what we are referring to is doctors beliefs and attitudes towards performing executions by lethal injections.
The web poll showed 24 % of doctors said it's the only humane way to deliver a death sentence.
10% of doctors said , "yes, as long as somelne else does the actual injection" but an overwhelming 66 % of doctors said "No, physicians should never do anything to take a life". An interesting article, http://www.asahq.org/news/asanews063006.htm written by President of the American Society of Anesthesiologists is worth noting.
What are your feelings?
The web poll showed 24 % of doctors said it's the only humane way to deliver a death sentence.
10% of doctors said , "yes, as long as somelne else does the actual injection" but an overwhelming 66 % of doctors said "No, physicians should never do anything to take a life". An interesting article, http://www.asahq.org/news/asanews063006.htm written by President of the American Society of Anesthesiologists is worth noting.
What are your feelings?
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