For the spine patient with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, the electrodiagnostic study helps the physician assess for nerve damage coming from the cervical or lumbar spine, as well as evaluate for other nerve-related problems in an extremity (such as peripheral neuropathy).
Because symptoms from a patient with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome can be complicated, additional electrodiagnostic tests can help the physician with accurate diagnosis of the origin(s) of the patient’s pain.
For the spine patient with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, the electrodiagnostic study helps the physician assess for nerve damage coming from the cervical or lumbar spine, as well as evaluate for other nerve-related problems in an extremity (such as peripheral neuropathy).
Because symptoms from a patient with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome can be complicated, additional electrodiagnostic tests can help the physician with accurate diagnosis of the origin(s) of the patient’s pain.
Rosebud O. Roberts, M.B.Ch.B. with the Division of Epidemiology, discusses a study that measured the incidence of MCI and its subtypes using published criteria. Results showed a statistically significant difference between incidence rates among men and women. The study also found that individuals with only a high school education developed either aMCI or naMCI at a higher rate than those with some higher education.
The study was published in the Jan. 25, 2012, issue of Neurology.
ABSTRACT Objective Although incidence rates for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have been reported, few studies were specifically designed to measure the incidence of MCI and its subtypes using published criteria. This study estimates the incidence of amnestic MCI (aMCI) and nonamnestic MCI (naMCI) in men and women separately.
Methods A population-based prospective cohort of Olmsted County, Minn., residents age 70 to 89 on Oct. 1, 2004, underwent baseline and 15-month interval evaluations that included:
The Clinical Dementia Rating scale
A neurologic evaluation
Neuropsychological testing
A panel of examiners blinded to previous diagnoses reviewed data at each serial evaluation to assess cognitive status according to published criteria.
Results Among 1,450 subjects who were cognitively normal at baseline, 296 developed MCI.
The age- and sex-standardized incidence rate of MCI was 63.6 (per 1,000 person-years) overall, and was higher in men (72.4) than women (57.3) and for aMCI (37.7) than naMCI (14.7).
The incidence rate of aMCI was higher for men (43.9) than women (33.3), and for subjects with ≤12 years of education (42.6) than higher education (32.5).
The risk of naMCI was also higher for men (20.0) than women (10.9) and for subjects with ≤12 years of education (20.3) than higher education (10.2).
Conclusions The incidence rates for MCI are substantial. Differences in incidence rates by clinical subtype and by sex suggest that risk factors for MCI should be investigated separately for aMCI and naMCI, and in men and women.
As any physician knows, handling Medicare and Medicaid payments can be a very complex and time consuming process. As a result, many physicians, through no fault of their own, occasionally overcharge Medicare and Medicaid. To recoup such overpayments, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the Medicare Overpayment Notification Process. Until recently, where an alleged overpayment has not been promptly resolved and refunded, CMS would send physicians a series of three letters: an Initial Demand Letter, a Follow-up-Letter 30 days later, and then an Intent to Refer Letter. However, CMS recently determined that the second letter was unnecessary because a substantial number of physicians responded promptly to the Initial Demand Letter with a payment. In addition, a recoupment action occurs on average 41 days after the initial letter, and that action is accompanied with another notice regarding the overpayment.
Thus, it is important for physicians to respond to the Initial Demand Letter in order to avoid further complications such as a referral to a debt collector. In fact, if an overpayment is not resolved within 90 days of the Initial Demand Letter, CMS will provide a notice of intention to refer the debt for collection.
Dr. Grochmal recently attended a conference to expand his services to increase his refractive surgery options for his patients in Baltimore. Implantable contact lenses (ICL’s) are a great alternative for patients who are not qualified for LASIK or are borderline. Often times, the glasses’ prescription is outside the range for safe and effective LASIK; or the cornea is too thin for LASIK. ICL’s will correct for high hyperopia as well as high myopia without altering the cornea’s natural refractive powers. Please contact Grochmal Eye Center to learn more.
Since the first LASIK technology was FDA-approved, well over a decade ago, LASIK has gone from little known treatment to household name. If you’ve depended on glasses or contacts for most of your life, chances are that you’re familiar with LASIK’s benefits. Our LASIK patients across Dallas/Fort Worth certainly come to us more savvy about this procedure than ever before.
There are the obvious benefits. LASIK is a simple procedure that can add years of improved vision. However, although LASIK is elective (and not covered by insurance), there can be cost benefits as well. On average, LASIK can actually cost less than wearing glasses or contacts over time. Naturally, this can depend on things like how often you have to buy contacts or change your prescription; related doctor visits, and the age you have LASIK performed.
Costs can vary between patients, depending on what is actually required. This is where a thorough eye exam becomes so important. It ensures you’re a LASIK candidate, and helps to pinpoint what needs to be done. More importantly, it takes your vision and overall health into consideration, and allows our doctors to give you the full story.
To get a basic idea of costs versus glasses or contacts, click on the iLASIK Calculator on our LASIK page. To learn more or to set up an appointment, please call our Metro Dallas offices in Grapevine at 877-516-4364.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced the continuation of an investigation into out-of-network medical costs. In 2011, the state received more than 2,000 complaints from consumers who unexpectedly received bills from out-of-network specialists and providers after taking measures to choose in-network providers and receive prior insurer approval. Consumers often are not told in advance which specialists are out-of-network, how much they charge, and how much of their fee will be covered by health insurance. The resulting bills contribute to financial strain on consumers, many of whom are unable to pay the amount charged and some of whom are forced into bankruptcy.
To aid consumers in obtaining information on out-of-network care, costs, and coverage, the New York State Department of Financial Services is calling for more transparency, better consumer protection, and system-wide reform. This follows efforts by the Obama administration to require health insurers to provide such easy-to-understand information to consumers. If you are concerned about the potential impact of reforms and new rules, please feel free to contact us to discuss your options and assist you in making decisions regarding your practice.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) refers to chronic back or neck pain, with or without extremity pain, which occurs if spine surgery does not achieve the desired result. Contributing factors include recurrent disc herniation, compressed nerves, altered joint mobility, scar tissue, muscle deconditioning and degeneration of facet or sacroiliac joints.
Whistleblowers, Lucas Matheny (“Matheny”) and Deborah Loveland (“Loveland”), brought an action against Medco Health Solutions (“Medco”) claiming that Medco and its subsidiaries failed to report and refund to the federal government $69 million in Medicare and Medicaid overpayments. The plaintiffs, former employees of Medco, used the authority of the False Claims Act to bring their lawsuit. The False Claims Act allows private individuals to sue an entity on their own and the government’s behalf. In doing so, the individuals receive compensation for being a “whistleblower”, which is usually between 15% and 25% of the funds recovered, including reasonable expenses, attorney fees and costs.
Matheny and Loveland knew of the overpayments to Medco, but were told that because of insufficient manpower to process the necessary forms, the overpayments would not be refunded to the government. Matheny and Loveland claimed the overpayments were transferred to fictitious patient accounts and perfect records with a zero percent error rate were created using a specific computer program. In addition, Medco filed a false certificate of compliance with the government, knowingly concealing millions of dollars in overpayments.
When the lawsuit was first heard by the court, it was dismissed, due to the court noting that the plaintiffs’ complaint had been amended three times and failed to state a claim. However, on appeal, the court concluded that Matheny and Loveland had sufficiently alleged the existence of a false record. Additionally, the court held that the defendants (Medco) knew the records were false and were to be used to avoid a financial obligation to the government.
The Matheny v. Medco Health Solutions matter is a prime example for healthcare providers to be careful with potential overpayments and how to handle those overpayments should they occur.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA), an advocacy group for diabetes research and awareness, is a leading resource when it comes to diabetes information. In a recent article, the ADA outlined some important eye care tips for those suffering from this far-too-common condition. While some of these tips will be obvious to any diabetes patient—keep blood sugar levels in check, manage high blood pressure, etc.—one tip stood out as particularly important to me. “See your eye care professional at least once a year for a dilated eye exam,” the ADA article suggests. “Having your regular doctor look at your eyes is not enough.”
So, why are eye exams so important for those living with diabetes? The answer is simple. Those with the condition are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness. These conditions include cataracts and glaucoma. Read on to learn a bit more about these serious eye conditions and how they’re treated today.
Common Eye Conditions Among Diabetes Patients
Diabetes patients are at higher risk for a host of different ailments, and eye conditions are no exception. Here are two common and treatable eye conditions that are particularly common among those living with diabetes.
Those with diabetes are at higher risk for:
Cataracts: A cataract is characterized by a clouding of the eye’s lens. Ultimately, this affects one’s ability to see clearly. While cataracts are typically associated with aging, those with diabetes are particularly at risk. For those who develop this condition, Cataract Surgery is often the best option. During the procedure, your eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, known as an Intraocular Lens (IOL).
Glaucoma: Essentially, glaucoma is a disease where the optic nerve becomes damaged, typically as a result of increased pressure in the eye. Ultimately, this causes vision loss or even blindness. Glaucoma Treatment is often achieved through the use of eye drops and medications. In some cases, we treat the condition with lasers or surgery. It’s important to remember that when it comes to glaucoma, early detection is key. This is why those with diabetes need to be even more vigilant. Make an appointment today.
Don’t Hesitate. Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
Diabetic Eye Care is a must. We encourage you to contact us today and schedule an Eye Exam. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.
The intraocular lenses that Eye Consultants of Texas offers (Premium Smart Lenses, as we refer to them), are used primarily in cataract surgery – an artificial lens that replaces the clouded, natural lens. Developing a cataract is more common in people 60 or older, but can occur at a younger age for a variety of reasons.
However, an artificial lens replacement may be the solution to a number of vision problems for those who don’t have cataracts. Increasingly, people in their 40’s are electing to have this procedure performed to correct a number of vision problems. Typically referred to as CLE (Clear Lens Extraction), it can actually prevent cataracts later in life.
CLE involves the same basic procedure as with cataract surgery, the affected lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. It can be especially valuable for those that have had to wear glasses or contacts all their lives, experience more vision problems as they get older, and who may not be a candidate for LASIK. Phillips Kirk Labor, MD and his team of doctors are very careful to evaluate each patient to ensure CLE is the right way to go.
The bottom line is to properly correct your vision with the treatment you actually need. But also, to make you aware of the options available. The thing to know is that CLE is continually proving to be a viable alternative, and a way to “head cataracts off at the pass.” If you’d like to know more about CLE, please call our office and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
The total number of cases of rubella reported in Japan in the month of July alone was equal to the total number of cases in 2011. Cases have occurred in Tokyo, Osaka, Kanagawa and Kyoto.
Travellers are advised to consider having MMR vaccine if they have not had the disease or been immunised against it. Two doses of the vaccine give good protection.
Source: www.japan.people.com
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
The study, conducted by Kaiser Permanente, was based on the information in electronic health records of more than 500,000 children, ages 10 to 19, from 2007 to 2009. Researchers found that overweight children are twice as likely to suffer from gallstone disease compared to children and teens with a normal body mass index. Kids identified as moderately obese were four times as likely to develop gallstones, and extremely obese children were six times as likely. There also was a higher association between obesity and gallstones in girls.
this points to a disturbing trend: Obese children being diagnosed with diseases normally considered adult conditions.
Because of the size of the study, researchers could explore racial and ethnic health disparities, and they found that Hispanic youth had a higher likelihood of developing gallstones than children from other ethnicities.
Authors of the study point out that while they are common in obese adults, gallstones in children and teens have been historically rare, and that this points to a disturbing trend: Obese children being diagnosed with diseases normally considered adult conditions.
The study is part of ongoing research and community programs focused on identifying and treating childhood obesity. Earlier published research, the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Children’s Health Study, found that 7.3 percent of boys and 5.5 percent of girls under the age of 20 are extremely obese.
Read more on the study here. And check out the video, below, on the growing prevalence of extreme obesity in children.
In late 2011 a Dutch tourist contracted leptospirosis after he returned home from a holiday in the Dominican Republic. He had choked on muddy water after entering the Chavon river, whist on an excursion. He required admission to intensive care, and spent 10 days in hospital.
Human infection results from exposure to infected urine from mammals, often rats. Tourist should be aware that activities in local rivers may give rise to infection.
Source: ProMED Newsgroup
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
Since the first LASIK technology was FDA-approved, well over a decade ago, LASIK has gone from little known treatment to household name. If you’ve depended on glasses or contacts for most of your life, chances are that you’re familiar with LASIK’s benefits. Our LASIK patients across Dallas/Fort Worth certainly come to us more savvy about this procedure than ever before.
There are the obvious benefits. LASIK is a simple procedure that can add years of improved vision. However, although LASIK is elective (and not covered by insurance), there can be cost benefits as well. On average, LASIK can actually cost less than wearing glasses or contacts over time. Naturally, this can depend on things like how often you have to buy contacts or change your prescription; related doctor visits, and the age you have LASIK performed.
Costs can vary between patients, depending on what is actually required. This is where a thorough eye exam becomes so important. It ensures you’re a LASIK candidate, and helps to pinpoint what needs to be done. More importantly, it takes your vision and overall health into consideration, and allows our doctors to give you the full story.
To get a basic idea of costs versus glasses or contacts, click on the iLASIK Calculator on our LASIK page. To learn more or to set up an appointment, please call our Metro Dallas offices in Grapevine at 877-516-4364.
Forefront is a complimentary magazine from the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center located in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. The Cancer Center specializes in translational research and the effort to discover better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. It serves diverse patient populations across a broad geographic area and collaborates across the full spectrum of cancer research, from basic biology to treatment.
Email edition available Forefront articles highlight Mayo Clinic’s cancer research and its translation into clinical advances. Forefront is published in print and online annually, but beginning in summer 2012 a complimentary quarterly email edition will also be available. Subscribers to the email version receive:
The study, conducted by Kaiser Permanente, was based on the information in electronic health records of more than 500,000 children, ages 10 to 19, from 2007 to 2009. Researchers found that overweight children are twice as likely to suffer from gallstone disease compared to children and teens with a normal body mass index. Kids identified as moderately obese were four times as likely to develop gallstones, and extremely obese children were six times as likely. There also was a higher association between obesity and gallstones in girls.
this points to a disturbing trend: Obese children being diagnosed with diseases normally considered adult conditions.
Because of the size of the study, researchers could explore racial and ethnic health disparities, and they found that Hispanic youth had a higher likelihood of developing gallstones than children from other ethnicities.
Authors of the study point out that while they are common in obese adults, gallstones in children and teens have been historically rare, and that this points to a disturbing trend: Obese children being diagnosed with diseases normally considered adult conditions.
The study is part of ongoing research and community programs focused on identifying and treating childhood obesity. Earlier published research, the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Children’s Health Study, found that 7.3 percent of boys and 5.5 percent of girls under the age of 20 are extremely obese.
Read more on the study here. And check out the video, below, on the growing prevalence of extreme obesity in children.
In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, MomsRising (@MomsRising) and Kaiser Permanente (@KPThrive) and are hosting a tweetchat tomorrow—Thursday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. PDT. Topics for the chat include Baby-Friendly hospitals, how to prepare for breastfeeding, how to balance breastfeeding and work outside the home, and what you can do to help new moms in your community achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Ruth Shaber, MD, medical director for the Kaiser Permanente Care Management Institute, will answer questions involving KP’s breastfeeding commitment with the Partnership for a Healthier America and Cara Hafner, lactation specialist at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center (a designated Baby-Friendly hospital) in Clackamas, Ore., will be available to comment on how women can prepare for breastfeeding and other common concerns.
Check out hash tag #KPBFChat to join the discussion on Twitter Thursday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. PDT.
Here is a great interview of the owner of, CrossFit Seattle – Dave Werner. The interview was conducted by, Dr. Wendy Schauer, D.C., R.K.C. of – www.HappyNewYou.com. The interview has many references to some of the leading researchers and their findings on how important “Functional Movement” is to over all health, especially back pain. It also covers the role that the Russian Kettlebell can play in overall health and fitness.
There have been nearly 20,000 cases of dengue fever in Rio since the beginning of the year. Commonly known as ‘break-bone fever’, this nasty disease is spread by small mosquitoes that bite in daylight hours. Rio is a popular tourist destination, and travellers should know how to protect themselves against insect bites, as there is no vaccine against dengue fever.
Dengue fever is also increasing in the following countries: Malaysia, India, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, El Salvador, Bali in Indonesia, and in Queensland, Australia. Source: ProMED-Mail 2012 #142
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
Abigail was a 36 year old when she came to us, she had severe endometriosis and she was not able to undergo ovarian stimulation because she suffered from extreme pelvic pain with ovulation and ovarian stimulation could make her endometriosis worse. Her husband’s sperm was normal. She had damaged tubes and needed IVF to help [...]
Steven R. Ytterberg, M.D., with the Department of Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., discusses a study that examined similarities and differences between two forms of vasculitis: giant cell arteritis and Takayasu’s arteritis. Findings suggest that TAK and GCA may exist on a spectrum within the same disease. The study was published online on Feb. 10, 2012 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
ABSTRACT Objectives To compare patterns of arteriographic lesions of the aorta and primary branches in patients with Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) and giant cell arteritis (GCA).
Methods Patients were selected from two North American cohorts of TAK and GCA. The frequency of arteriographic lesions was calculated for 15 large arteries. Cluster analysis was used to derive patterns of arterial disease in TAK versus GCA and in patients categorized by age at disease onset.
Using latent class analysis, computer derived classification models based upon patterns of arterial disease were compared with traditional classification.
Results Arteriographic lesions were identified in 145 patients with TAK and 62 patients with GCA. Cluster analysis demonstrated that arterial involvement was contiguous in the aorta and usually symmetric in paired branch vessels for TAK and GCA. There was significantly more left carotid (p=0.03) and mesenteric (p=0.02) artery disease in TAK and more left and right axillary (p<0.01) artery disease in GCA. Subclavian disease clustered asymmetrically in TAK and in patients ≤55 years at disease onset and clustered symmetrically in GCA and patients >55 years at disease onset.
Computer-derived classification models distinguished TAK from GCA in two subgroups, defining 26 percent and 18 percent of the study sample; however, 56 percent of patients were classified into a subgroup that did not strongly differentiate between TAK and GCA.
Conclusions Strong similarities and subtle differences in the distribution of arterial disease were observed between TAK and GCA. These findings suggest that TAK and GCA may exist on a spectrum within the same disease.
Authors Peter C. Grayson, Kathleen Maksimowicz-McKinnon,Tiffany M. Clark, Gunnar Tomasson, David Cuthbertson, Simon Carette, Nader A .Khalidi, Carol A. Langford, Paul A. Monach, Philip Seo, Kenneth J. Warrington, M.D., Steven R. Ytterberg, M.D., Gary S. Hoffman, and Peter A. Merkel, for the Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium
Sad as it is, Summer is almost at its end. Soon, we’ll be trading in our swimsuits and sandals for scarves and sweaters. And, while we typically associate the season with shorter days, changing leaves and cooler weather, researchers are now explaining that the cold months of winter may also have a profound impact on something far more important – your eye health.
“A study done at the Devers Eye Institute in Portland, Ore., found [Glaucoma] worsens in cold weather, especially among people in early stages of the disease,” reports Canada’s National Post. “The more extreme the weather patterns, the greater the impact on a person’s intraocular pressure and sensitivity.” Glaucoma, which is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the US, is commonly associated with an increased pressure in the eye. The condition can affect patients of all ages, many of whom do not experience any symptoms and may not be aware that they have the disease.
And, while still a new study, these findings serve as an important reminder: although winter is still a few months out, take the time to come in for a glaucoma screening. If you think you may already be suffering from the condition, explore glaucoma treatment today!
Treatments for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a progressive condition, and once it has been diagnosed, treatment should begin as soon as possible to help minimize the risk of permanent vision loss. While there is no cure for glaucoma, there are treatments available. These tend to focus on relieving symptoms and preventing further damage from occurring.
Common glaucoma treatments include:
Eye Drops: Glaucoma eye drops are typically used to reduce fluid production in the front of the eye or to help drain excess fluid.
Laser Surgery: Laser surgery for glaucoma works to increase the outflow of fluid from the eye or eliminate fluid blockages.
Microsurgery: Microsurgery works to reduce pressure in the eye by creating a new drainage channel, allowing fluid to drain from the eye.
Glaucoma Treatment in Winchester
To schedule an eye exam or to learn more about Glaucoma Treatment, contact us today. Our Ophthalmology Offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200. We look forward to hearing from you.
In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, MomsRising (@MomsRising) and Kaiser Permanente (@KPThrive) and are hosting a tweetchat tomorrow—Thursday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. PDT. Topics for the chat include Baby-Friendly hospitals, how to prepare for breastfeeding, how to balance breastfeeding and work outside the home, and what you can do to help new moms in your community achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Ruth Shaber, MD, medical director for the Kaiser Permanente Care Management Institute, will answer questions involving KP’s breastfeeding commitment with the Partnership for a Healthier America and Cara Hafner, lactation specialist at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center (a designated Baby-Friendly hospital) in Clackamas, Ore., will be available to comment on how women can prepare for breastfeeding and other common concerns.
Check out hash tag #KPBFChat to join the discussion on Twitter Thursday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. PDT.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA), an advocacy group for diabetes research and awareness, is a leading resource when it comes to diabetes information. In a recent article, the ADA outlined some important eye care tips for those suffering from this far-too-common condition. While some of these tips will be obvious to any diabetes patient—keep blood sugar levels in check, manage high blood pressure, etc.—one tip stood out as particularly important to me. “See your eye care professional at least once a year for a dilated eye exam,” the ADA article suggests. “Having your regular doctor look at your eyes is not enough.”
So, why are eye exams so important for those living with diabetes? The answer is simple. Those with the condition are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness. These conditions include cataracts and glaucoma. Read on to learn a bit more about these serious eye conditions and how they’re treated today.
Common Eye Conditions Among Diabetes Patients
Diabetes patients are at higher risk for a host of different ailments, and eye conditions are no exception. Here are two common and treatable eye conditions that are particularly common among those living with diabetes.
Those with diabetes are at higher risk for:
Cataracts: A cataract is characterized by a clouding of the eye’s lens. Ultimately, this affects one’s ability to see clearly. While cataracts are typically associated with aging, those with diabetes are particularly at risk. For those who develop this condition, Cataract Surgery is often the best option. During the procedure, your eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, known as an Intraocular Lens (IOL).
Glaucoma: Essentially, glaucoma is a disease where the optic nerve becomes damaged, typically as a result of increased pressure in the eye. Ultimately, this causes vision loss or even blindness. Glaucoma Treatment is often achieved through the use of eye drops and medications. In some cases, we treat the condition with lasers or surgery. It’s important to remember that when it comes to glaucoma, early detection is key. This is why those with diabetes need to be even more vigilant. Make an appointment today.
Don’t Hesitate. Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
Diabetic Eye Care is a must. We encourage you to contact us today and schedule an Eye Exam. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.
Generic drugs account for almost 80 percent of all prescribed medications in the United States and most states allow generic drugs to be dispensed in place of brand-name drugs. This is quite a large number of generic drugs being taken by quite a large number of the nation’s population. The possibility of people who take generic drugs and having reactions to the drugs is also large – unfortunately, this is what is happening across the country. People, who are taking generic drugs, are having severe complications from taking the drugs. Reactions to these generic drugs are very serious, with some consumers developing inflammatory bowel disease, gangrene, and even movement disorders.
What is even more distressing is that the manufacturers of these generic drugs are protected by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in June 2011 that makers of generic drugs cannot be sued for not including side-effect warnings on their labels, if the warnings are also not on the labels of their brand-name equivalent. This makes it difficult for consumers who may not know they are receiving a generic form of a drug, such as in a hospital, or may be required by their insurance plan to fill a prescription with a generic drug. If they develop a medical issue while taking a generic form of a prescription drug, they basically have no legal remedy.
The Supreme Court ruling is based on the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984. This law allowed companies to skip the involved process required to approve new drugs, if they could prove that the generic drug was equivalent to its brand-name counterpart. However, Representative Henry A. Waxman, who co-wrote the Act, has stated that “Congress did not intend for consumers’ rights to be categorically eliminated simply because they purchased a generic rather than a brand-name drug.” Mr. Waxman is investigating a change in the ruling.
Consumers should protect themselves and do their own research before taking any drug – check with your doctor about generic versus brand-name prescriptions and find out about all the possible risks and side effects.
Rosebud O. Roberts, M.B.Ch.B. with the Division of Epidemiology, discusses a study that measured the incidence of MCI and its subtypes using published criteria. Results showed a statistically significant difference between incidence rates among men and women. The study also found that individuals with only a high school education developed either aMCI or naMCI at a higher rate than those with some higher education.
The study was published in the Jan. 25, 2012, issue of Neurology.
ABSTRACT Objective Although incidence rates for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have been reported, few studies were specifically designed to measure the incidence of MCI and its subtypes using published criteria. This study estimates the incidence of amnestic MCI (aMCI) and nonamnestic MCI (naMCI) in men and women separately.
Methods A population-based prospective cohort of Olmsted County, Minn., residents age 70 to 89 on Oct. 1, 2004, underwent baseline and 15-month interval evaluations that included:
The Clinical Dementia Rating scale
A neurologic evaluation
Neuropsychological testing
A panel of examiners blinded to previous diagnoses reviewed data at each serial evaluation to assess cognitive status according to published criteria.
Results Among 1,450 subjects who were cognitively normal at baseline, 296 developed MCI.
The age- and sex-standardized incidence rate of MCI was 63.6 (per 1,000 person-years) overall, and was higher in men (72.4) than women (57.3) and for aMCI (37.7) than naMCI (14.7).
The incidence rate of aMCI was higher for men (43.9) than women (33.3), and for subjects with ≤12 years of education (42.6) than higher education (32.5).
The risk of naMCI was also higher for men (20.0) than women (10.9) and for subjects with ≤12 years of education (20.3) than higher education (10.2).
Conclusions The incidence rates for MCI are substantial. Differences in incidence rates by clinical subtype and by sex suggest that risk factors for MCI should be investigated separately for aMCI and naMCI, and in men and women.
The study, conducted by Kaiser Permanente, was based on the information in electronic health records of more than 500,000 children, ages 10 to 19, from 2007 to 2009. Researchers found that overweight children are twice as likely to suffer from gallstone disease compared to children and teens with a normal body mass index. Kids identified as moderately obese were four times as likely to develop gallstones, and extremely obese children were six times as likely. There also was a higher association between obesity and gallstones in girls.
this points to a disturbing trend: Obese children being diagnosed with diseases normally considered adult conditions.
Because of the size of the study, researchers could explore racial and ethnic health disparities, and they found that Hispanic youth had a higher likelihood of developing gallstones than children from other ethnicities.
Authors of the study point out that while they are common in obese adults, gallstones in children and teens have been historically rare, and that this points to a disturbing trend: Obese children being diagnosed with diseases normally considered adult conditions.
The study is part of ongoing research and community programs focused on identifying and treating childhood obesity. Earlier published research, the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Children’s Health Study, found that 7.3 percent of boys and 5.5 percent of girls under the age of 20 are extremely obese.
Read more on the study here. And check out the video, below, on the growing prevalence of extreme obesity in children.
Attending today’s stakeholder meeting for the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care at the Center for Total Health is Jon Broyles, Ted Eytan, Alex Drane, Tyrone Pitts, and Carolyn McClanahan.
Sad as it is, Summer is almost at its end. Soon, we’ll be trading in our swimsuits and sandals for scarves and sweaters. And, while we typically associate the season with shorter days, changing leaves and cooler weather, researchers are now explaining that the cold months of winter may also have a profound impact on something far more important – your eye health.