Lupus a Tough Disease to Spot, Treat

MONDAY, May 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Lupus is difficult to diagnose and treat, but scientists are working to learn more about its genetic causes and to develop better treatments.

The autoimmune disease affects between 300,000 and 1.5 million people in the United States, and as many as 24,000 are diagnosed with lupus each year, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“With treatment, the disease may quiet down, but it also may relapse eventually. Although it may be controlled with medications, once you get it, you will always have it,” Dr. Sarah Yim, a rheumatologist at the FDA, said in an agency news release.

“Technologies have been developed in recent years that can make our medicines more targeted, to address the specific molecule or molecules in the immune system that may be causing the problem,” Yim added.

The disease often begins between the ages of 15 and 44, and 10 times more women than men have lupus, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

The underlying cause of the disease is not fully understood. And, it can damage many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain, Yim said.

Treatments include aspirin, corticosteroids, the anti-malarial drug Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) and a drug called Benlysta, the first targeted therapy for lupus, she said.

“Older medicines tend to suppress the whole immune system, which works, but it’s a little bit like shooting a fly with a cannonball, and can be associated with many undesirable side effects,” Yim explained.

While scientific advances over the last several decades have led to people with lupus living longer, more treatment options are needed, according to the FDA.

May is National Lupus Awareness Month.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has more on lupus.

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New Test Helps Identify Rare Genetic Diseases in Newborns

MONDAY, May 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New gene screening methods may greatly improve doctors’ ability to quickly diagnose rare genetic diseases in newborns, researchers say.

The new test includes all of the more than 4,800 genes currently known to be linked with rare diseases. Canadian researchers used the test to try to diagnose 20 newborns who had a variety of medical problems. Half of the infants had neurological symptoms, such as seizures. The babies were all being treated in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

The gene sequencing panel provided a genetic diagnosis for eight of the infants (40 percent). For two babies, their diagnoses directly affected their medical care, the study authors said.

The findings were published online May 30 in the CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

“Next-generation sequencing has the potential to transform the practice of clinical genetics rapidly,” Dr. David Dyment, of Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and colleagues wrote.

“In particular, newborns admitted to the NICU with rare and complex diseases may benefit substantially from a timely molecular diagnosis through next-generation sequencing,” the study authors added.

Currently, infants with suspected rare genetic diseases typically undergo a large number of tests. It can take a long time, possibly even years, before a diagnosis is made, the researchers said.

“This technique can be performed in a hospital-based laboratory,” Dyment stated. “This will allow for diagnoses to be made quickly, providing answers to anxious families and potentially life-saving interventions in some cases.”

Dr. Sarah Bowdin, of the clinical and metabolic genetics division at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, wrote in an accompanying commentary: “Enabling the family to understand why their baby is ill can help to assuage the almost universal guilt felt by parents that they did something wrong to cause their baby’s illness.”

And, Bowdin added, “It can also indicate whether other family members may be at risk of the same disease and provide an accurate recurrence risk for future pregnancies.”

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development explains newborn screening tests.

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Even Kiddie Pools Pose Danger

MONDAY, May 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Just a few inches of water in a kiddie pool are enough to drown a child.

“When we think of pool risks, we think of the big pools, complete with deep ends, diving boards and swim parties,” said Dr. Nina Shapiro, director of pediatric otolaryngology at Mattel Children’s Hospital of the University of California, Los Angeles.

“But more than 10 percent of pool-related deaths in young children occur in what are best known as ‘kiddie pools.’ These include inflatables, plastic wading pools and larger above-ground pools,” she said in a university news release.

Shapiro cited a 2011 study in the journal Pediatrics that concluded portable pools at homes pose a major threat of drowning injury or death to children, especially those younger than 5 years old.

Whether the pool is small or large, there are steps adults should take to reduce children’s risk of drowning, she said. For instance:

• Constantly supervise children when they’re in and around a pool.
• Have a phone by the pool in case of emergency.
• Around large pools, make sure there’s a fence that’s at least 4 feet high with a latched gate.
• Have life preservers by the pool and learn CPR.
• Drain kiddie pools when they’re not in use and remove toys from kiddie pools when children aren’t in them. Toys can be irresistible to small children, who have no concept of personal risk, Shapiro said.

“There is no magic bullet to prevent these horrors. So stock your safety arsenal with layers of prevention so that summer fun doesn’t turn tragic,” Shapiro concluded.

More information

The American Red Cross has more about summer water safety.

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Lifestyle May Be Key to Improving ADHD in Kids

MONDAY, May 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often treated with medications, such as Adderall or Ritalin. But a new study suggests that parents can also help their kids by promoting healthy lifestyle habits.

For the study, researchers looked at 184 children with ADHD and 104 without the disorder. The investigators found that those with ADHD were less likely to adhere to healthy behaviors recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Sleep Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Those guidelines include no more than one to two hours of total screen time a day (TV, computers, video games); at least one hour of physical activity a day; limited intake of sugar-sweetened beverages; getting nine to 11 hours of sleep a night; and drinking seven to 10 cups of water daily, depending on age. The kids in the study were aged 7 to 11.

The findings, published online recently in the Journal of Attention Disorders, suggest that following more of these healthy habits could benefit children with ADHD.

“Many parents of children diagnosed with ADHD do not want their children on medication. Having their children follow healthy lifestyle behaviors may be an effective intervention, either alongside or in the place of traditional ADHD medications,” said study author Kathleen Holton. She is a member of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience at American University in Washington, D.C.

“Parents of children with ADHD should talk with their pediatrician about how to improve health behaviors, such as limiting screen time, encouraging physical activity, improving bedtime routines and drinking water rather than other beverages,” she suggested in a university news release.

Changing a number of lifestyle habits at once may lead to other healthy behaviors, according to Holton.

“For example, physical activity increases thirst, making water consumption more attractive. Physical activity can also offset screen time and can improve sleep,” she explained.

“Similarly, removal of caffeinated beverages prevents their diuretic effect, helps increase water consumption and can help prevent sleep disturbance,” she added.

“As research into health outcomes in children with ADHD continues to provide new insights, focusing on the overall number of healthy lifestyle behaviors may become important,” Holton said.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about ADHD.

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Sun Protection Comes in Many Forms

SUNDAY, May 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — As folks start baring more skin at the beach, pool or barbecue this Memorial Day weekend, that means it’s time to start covering up with sunscreen.

Exposure to UVA and UVB rays is always harmful, an expert from Penn State Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center pointed out.

The damage from these UV rays may be obvious right away in the form of a tan or sunburn, but they can lead a range of problems, from wrinkles to skin cancer, cautioned Dr. Colette Pameijer, a surgical oncologist and associate director of translational research.

“My general sense is that people are much more savvy about sun exposure,” Pameijer said in a center news release.

However, choosing a sunscreen from the wide array of lotions and sprays with various ingredients may be confusing, she noted.

Most sunscreens on the market offer broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, but SPF values can range widely, from 2 to 100.

The SPF number indicates how many more minutes the sunscreen will allow someone to remain in the sun without getting burned than if they had no protection on their skin, explained Pameijer.

“I think what a lot of people don’t realize is that SPF is really a personal number,” she said. “The amount of protection that I get from an SPF 30 is different than what someone else with a different skin type would get.”

Most people should apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30, but it may not be wise to pay more for SPFs higher than 55, Pameijer said.

“You may end up paying a lot of money for diminishing returns, and it may lead to a false sense of security,” she said. “The product needs to be used correctly — reapplied every two hours — in order to work. If you pay a lot of money for a sunscreen and then use it sparingly, you’re not really getting the SPF you think.”

Some men may shy away from products that contain fragrance. Pameijer recommended they consider trying one of the sunscreens designed specifically for men.

Meanwhile, parents applying sunscreen on their children may opt for a convenient spray. It’s important to be sure the product is actually being applied to the skin and not blowing away in the breeze, Pameijer said.

“You want to make sure you are getting the coverage and protection you need,” she said.

Those who would rather not apply sunscreen to their skin can opt for UV clothing, which is available at many mass retailers and sporting goods stores.

A regular white T-shirt has an SPF of 3 but UV clothing is rated between SPF 30 and SPF 50, Pameijer explained. Most UV clothes are made with bathing suit fabric so it can be worn in and out of water. Unlike sunscreen that wears off and needs to be reapplied, UV clothes will protect people from the sun as long as they are wearing them.

“The best sunblock is one that you will wear, so find one you like,” said Pameijer.

More information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides more information on sunscreen and sun protection.

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Don’t Let Bad Food Spoil a Good Barbecue

SATURDAY, May 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Picnics and barbeques are a big part of Memorial Day weekend, but keeping foods safe to eat at these events can be a challenge.

The first step is to wash your hands before and after handling any foods. If you’re outdoors and don’t have access to soap and water, bring along hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, recommended Torey Armul, a registered dietitian nutritionist.

“Also, remember to regularly clean your cooler, picnic basket and tote bags because these items can be a breeding ground for bacteria,” said Armul, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

If you plan to cook food at your picnic site, separate raw meats, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods, she advised in an academy news release.

“Use one cooler for raw meats and another one for ready-to-eat foods, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese and desserts. Bring two sets of plates and utensils: one for handling raw meats, and one for serving cooked foods,” Armul said.

Keep your cooler in the shade with the lid closed. Place a thermometer in the cooler to be sure it remains at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, she suggested.

Use a food thermometer to ensure that food is cooked to a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Ground meats should be cooked to a temperature of at least 160 degrees F, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA advises that chicken — including chicken breasts and ground chicken — should be cooked to 165 degrees F, while steak should be cooked to a minimum of 145 degrees F.

After the meal, throw away all perishable food that has been unrefrigerated for more than two hours or just one hour if the outdoor temperature is over 90 degrees, Armul said.

More information

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has more on barbecue and food safety.

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Don’t Let Bad Food Spoil a Good Barbecue

SATURDAY, May 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Picnics and barbeques are a big part of Memorial Day weekend, but keeping foods safe to eat at these events can be a challenge.

The first step is to wash your hands before and after handling any foods. If you’re outdoors and don’t have access to soap and water, bring along hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, recommended Torey Armul, a registered dietitian nutritionist.

“Also, remember to regularly clean your cooler, picnic basket and tote bags because these items can be a breeding ground for bacteria,” said Armul, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

If you plan to cook food at your picnic site, separate raw meats, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods, she advised in an academy news release.

“Use one cooler for raw meats and another one for ready-to-eat foods, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese and desserts. Bring two sets of plates and utensils: one for handling raw meats, and one for serving cooked foods,” Armul said.

Keep your cooler in the shade with the lid closed. Place a thermometer in the cooler to be sure it remains at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, she suggested.

Use a food thermometer to ensure that food is cooked to a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Ground meats should be cooked to a temperature of at least 160 degrees F, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA advises that chicken — including chicken breasts and ground chicken — should be cooked to 165 degrees F, while steak should be cooked to a minimum of 145 degrees F.

After the meal, throw away all perishable food that has been unrefrigerated for more than two hours or just one hour if the outdoor temperature is over 90 degrees, Armul said.

More information

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has more on barbecue and food safety.

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Music Soothes Nervous Eye Surgery Patients

FRIDAY, May 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Listening to relaxing music before eye surgery reduces patients’ anxiety and their need for sedation, a new French study suggests.

“Music listening may be considered as an inexpensive, noninvasive, non-pharmacological method to reduce anxiety for patients undergoing elective eye surgery under local anaesthesia,” said lead researcher Dr. Gilles Guerrier, from Cochin University Hospital in Paris.

The study included 62 people who had outpatient cataract surgery while awake and under local anesthesia. The surgery lasted an average of 15 minutes.

Some patients listened to relaxing music through headphones for about 15 minutes before their surgery, while others did not. Those who listened to music could choose from 16 styles, such as jazz, flamenco, Cuban, classical and piano.

Compared with those who did not listen to music, patients in the music group had much lower anxiety scores, received significantly less sedatives during surgery, and were much more satisfied after surgery.

The study was to be presented Friday at the Euroanaesthesia meeting in London. Such research is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

“The objective is to provide music to all patients before eye surgery,” Guerrier said in a meeting news release. “We intend to assess the procedure in other type of surgeries, including orthopedics where regional anesthesia is common. Moreover, postoperative pain may be reduced by decreasing preoperative anxiety, which is another study we intend to perform.”

More information

The U.S. National Eye Institute has more about cataracts.

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Pet Pooch May Help Ease PTSD in Veterans

FRIDAY, May 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Dogs may be more than best friends for military veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a small study suggests.

Researchers found that vets who were given pet dogs showed significant improvement in their PTSD symptoms.

The study included 19 U.S. veterans receiving treatment for the condition. PTSD can develop as a reaction to a terrifying event, such as war, natural disasters, sexual assault and other physical violence or trauma. People with the condition may have prolonged anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares and other life-altering symptoms.

Nine of the veterans were randomly selected to receive a dog immediately. The other 10 were placed on a three-month waiting list for a dog. The dogs were simply pets, not trained service animals.

Not only did the veterans with dogs show fewer PTSD symptoms, they also reported lower levels of depression and loneliness, according to the team led by Dr. Stephen Stern. He’s with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Most of the veterans with dogs said they developed close bonds with their pets and became more physically and socially active. Many also said they had improvements in their overall happiness, ability to cope with stress and relationships with others.

Two experts in PTSD care said the findings aren’t all that surprising.

“Many clients that we have treated at our center have extolled the benefits of pets in their recovery,” noted Mayer Bellehsen, who directs the Feinberg Division of the Unified Behavioral Health Center in Bay Shore, N.Y.

While preliminary, “this pilot study begins to substantiate the experiences of our clients,” he said.

Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein is president of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. “We know that veterans with PTSD have benefited from equine [horse] therapy,” he said, “so it makes sense that social interactions with man’s best friend might also be helpful.”

“However, more research is needed to show whether dogs are truly effective in helping veterans with PTSD, and understanding the reasons why that is the case,” Borenstein added.

The study was presented recently at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association in Atlanta. Findings presented at meetings are generally viewed as preliminary until they’ve been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more on PTSD.

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Asthma Symptoms Can Bloom in Springtime

FRIDAY, May 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Asthma symptoms increase in spring, making it especially important for people with the lung disease to be aware of triggers and risk factors, an expert says.

“Asthma is a lifelong disease that causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing,” said Dr. Linda Rogers, director of the clinical asthma program at Mount Sinai-National Jewish Health Respiratory Institute, in New York City.

“While there is no cure for asthma, a personalized care plan including appropriate medications and education on triggers and proper care techniques can prevent attacks from occurring, helping patients lead a full and active life,” she said in a Mount Sinai news release.

An asthma attack can cause airways to swell, which constricts airflow and results in difficulty breathing. Common asthma triggers include tobacco smoke, outdoor air pollution, dust mites, pet dander, idling cars, cockroach allergen and mold.

Asthma affects 25 million Americans, or 8 percent of the nation’s population, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

More information

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has more about asthma.

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