Further research needed to develop evidence-based nutrition guidelines for cancer survivors


Cancer survivors die of non-cancer-related causes at much higher rates than the general public. In 2008, the U.S. economic burden of cancer totaled over $228 billion but only 41% of these costs involved direct cancer care. The majority of expenses were attributed to increased morbidity, lost productivity, and premature mortality. A commentary published in the March 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association examines the current evidence supporting nutrition recommendations for preventing cancer recurrence and managing chronic conditions prevalent in cancer survivors, as well as improving quality of life and decreasing health care costs.  The commentary also describes knowledge gaps and suggests future nutrition research directions.

New Drug For Depression Approved By FDA

Drug.com (Internet) Vibryd Information from Drug.com

Viibryd

Generic Name: vilazodone
Date of Approval: January 21, 2011
Company: Trovis Pharmaceuticals LLC

Treatment for: Major Depressive Disorder

Important information about Viibryd

Viibryd and other antidepressant medicines may cause serious side effects.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or call 911 if there is an emergency:

1. Suicidal thoughts or actions:
• Viibryd and other antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, or young adults within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed.
• Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Watch for these changes and call your healthcare provider right away if you notice:
  • New or sudden changes in mood, behavior, actions, thoughts, or feelings, especially if severe.
• Pay particular attention to such changes when Viibryd is started or when the dose is changed.

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Medical News: AAOS: Knee Implants Hold Up 20 Years - in Meeting Coverage, AAOS from MedPage Today

Medical News: AAOS: Knee Implants Hold Up 20 Years - in Meeting Coverage, AAOS from MedPage Today

Total knee replacements performed in the late 1980s have held up well, with only a minority needing revision and with most patients reporting good to excellent function, researchers said here.

In one study reported at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' meeting here, only 31% of knee replacements implanted at least 20 years ago have required any type of reoperation.

Another study found that, among 128 patients with a total of 171 replacements implanted in 1989 or before, mean Knee Society scores were 78 and pain scores were 49 -- both considered good outcomes following such procedures.

Terence Gioe, MD, of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, who co-moderated the session at which the studies were presented, commented that such long-term data were both reassuring and sorely needed.

"We don't have enough 20-year studies in the literature, so anything [like these studies] is helpful," Gioe said.

In the failure-rate study, presented by Matthew D. Miller, MD, of Stanford University in California, surviving members of a 51-patient consecutive series receiving cruciate-retaining implants from 1984 to 1989 were evaluated clinically and radiographically.

Miller noted that the literature on long-term outcomes of knee replacements varies widely, with reported failure rates as low as 1.5% and as high as 50%

Study Shows There Are Two Therapies That Fight Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Drugs.com (Internet) Study Says Two Therapies Help Fight Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

THURSDAY, Feb. 17 -- Patients struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome may be helped the most when standard treatment is coupled with cognitive behavior therapy or exercise therapy, new British research suggests.

The apparent promise of cognitive behavior therapy and "graded exercise therapy" offers considerable hope to patients combating the complex condition characterized by profound tiredness, impaired concentration, diminished memory, sleep difficulties and muscle and joint pain, the study authors said.

The findings also support the somewhat controversial notion that incremental adjustments in physical behavior and/or mental attitude can ultimately have a positive impact on the disorder, the authors said. Lean More:  http://www.drugs.com/news/study-says-two-therapies-help-fight-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-29648.html#

Homemade Remedies to Ease Your Sniffles

"Homemade Remedies To Ease Your Sniffles ” Garlic, though it can leave you smelly also happens to be one of nature's wonder remedies. It has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. In other words, it stops just about anything in its tracks (including those who might want to get close to you). Garlic is even currently being investigated as a possible foil for infections that resist traditional antibiotics. Several studies found that a constituent in the aged garlic extract--furostanol glycoside--demonstrated antifungal effects by inhibiting the growth of the common bacteria, Candida albicans, in test tubes. And, it's even being tested in Russia as a treatment for arthritis. The first time I learned about garlic was from an Ayurvedic doctor who taught at my Nutrition School. He told this hilarious story about how he had his six children lie on the floor as he inserted homemade garlic infused olive oil into their ears, when one of them had an ear infection. It was his way of preventing a house full of sick children. He joked that the only way he could get the youngest to submit was to do it while he was sleeping. Well, I'm not so good about putting things in my ear, so I much prefer the garlic soup below. The next time you feel yourself getting a cold or feeling congested, try this great garlic remedy. I learned if from a fellow health counselor, Lisa. Thanks, Lisa. LISA'S GARLIC SOUP - For colds, congestion, viruses, weakness For garlic to have any real and true effect, you need to eat a lot of it - like 12-15 cloves. So you may have better sleep, but you'll probably want to sleep alone :) 1.  Peel a bulb of garlic (somewhere between 12-15 cloves) and cut off the woody ends. 2.  Boil it in a cup or so of water until the garlic is soft. 3.  Pour the garlic and the water into a blender. 4.  Add about a cup of organic chicken broth (veggie broth if you are vegetarian). 5.  Blend. Blend. Blend. 6.  Drink. You may need to make and drink the soup for 3 or 4 days in a row to really alleviate your sickness. Also, be sure to make the garlic soup as soon as you feel symptoms coming on so that you can nip it well before it starts. Let me know if you have any other great suggestions! Thanks and Enjoy.

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