The American Cancer Society recently spoke out about the long term financial effects of cancer. They labeled it as the leading cause of death worldwide as well as one of the most expensive to manage and treat.

That expense has been researched and it has been reported that cancer is more expensive than malaria,  AIDs, the flu, and other conditions.

Other chronic conditions also increase the medical cost. This includes: heart disease  and  diabetes. Heart disease has been the number one cause of death for the last several years.  But, it has been forecasted over the last decade or more that cancer would eventually surpass heart disease and it appears that it has.

Another apparant concern is the actual money that is set aside or provided by both the public and private funding for cancer. The belief is that a relatively small amount of money is used to improve cancer prevention and management.  A large amount of money is spent on behalf of treatment and management. The two sides are not proportional to each other.

Other diseases such as flu, AIDs and malaria have a much larger amount set aside for them.  The reasoning is that the fear that these conditions cause urges public opinion and public spending. These types of conditions are transmitted or acquired through a host or another person. This raises the fear and brings in a larger portion of the economic dollar.

Cancer’s economic toll was $895 billion in 2008 and this is equivalent to approximately 1.5 percent of the world’s gross domestic product. This dollar amount represents the disability and years of life lost. This specific report does not account for the cost of treating the disease.

But, how can we make strides in this category? Certain cancers can be preventable, lung cancers cardiac heart disease  and others. Some can be detected earlier but than often, the cost would increase dramatically as well. It is estimated that lung cancer alone accounts for almost $200 billion of the $900 billion. This large amount is very interesting and an important topic to many researches on cancer.

Heart disease is not a distant second in terms of deaths and financial obligations. It is estimated that heart disease accounts for some $750 billion per year worldwide.

Recently I read a recommendation by a group of British Scientists to allow or give away cholesterol medications. This in effect, signals that you can enjoy your hamburgers, fries, coke and swallow a cholesterol medications at the same time. In hopes of preventing the effects caused by excessive cholesterol intake. Wow, what an idea. Some argue that is the complete opposite of prevention medicine, but in effect, others conclude that this may be the new preventive medicine.

Often quoted or referred to is a study that was published in the American Journal of Cardiology. Researchers and Scientists from the National Heart and Lung Institute in London tested and formed an opinion that the reduction of risk in cardiac heart disease may be reduced by a statin, a type of cholesterol lowering drug. They also believed that this risk could offset the consequence of eating a cheeseburger and a milkshake.

“Sign me up!!” could be the chant of thousands. Though fatty foods such as hamburgers and fries have other problems than just increased cholesterol. Fatty lipids, obesity, risk of  Diabetes, and many other consequences would not be helped by the statin gift at mealtime.

Dr. Darrel Francis, who led the research team said the following: “When people engage in risky behaviors like driving or smoking, they’re encouraged to take measures that minimize their risk, like wearing a seat belt or choosing cigarettes with filters. Taking a statin is a rational way of lowering some of the risks of eating a fatty meal.”

Statins are a great medication and in essence are used to help treat our unhealthy lifestyles. We are consuming an increased amount of processed sugars, fats, cholesterol, and others.  In addition to statins several other cholesterol and lipid medications are available.

But remember, cholesterol is formed in the  liver on a natural level. Our problem, with elevated cholesterol occurs when either our body produces to much and/or we consume excess cholesterol. Therefore many individuals who eat unhealthy many never need a statin and conversely someone who eats healthy and exercises may need a statin or other cholesterol medication.

The rule of thumb should remain, attempt to exercise and eat healthy. This doesn’t mean that you necessarily need to completely abstain from Fast foods, but moderation should always apply.

In the next few months, the flu season will begin to be a concern again.  This time though, you will only need to get a single shot of the influenza vaccine to protect against the common flu and the Swine Flu (H1N1 virus).

Last week the FDA approved the new vaccine that will cover the H1N1 strain, a second more common Influenza A, and a influenza B strain.  This will help decrease the number of those affected by the flu this next flu season.  In addition, only one injection will be needed.

The recommendation for who should get the inject has been given by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and their recommendation is for anyone older than 6 months to get the vaccine.

Each given year their are approximately 100 million vaccine doses for the seasonal flu.  More than 200 million vaccines were ordered for the Swine Flu Vaccines.  At this point it is anticipated that 170 million combination vaccine does will be produced for this next year.

Between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population, each year,  comes down with the seasonal flu. This leads to more than 200,000 hospitalizations and about 36,000 deaths. Swine flu turned out to be less much less deadly than first feared, with only about 12,000 deaths.

Nasal mist spray will also be available, approximately 15 million.  And recent updates in technology is pointing towards a painless patch may become available.

For a summary or recount of the Swine Flu History take a look at the following blog articles:

Swine Flu pandemic

A National Emergency of the Swine flu

A breakdown, bust and several arrests follow weeks of information and interviews.  Those arrested were from five different states including: Louisiana, New York, Florida, Michigan, and Texas.  The total amount that has been allegedly scams sits currently at $251 million.

Currently more than 35 individuals have been arrested.  Among the suspected were nurses, doctors, and others.

Some of the breakdown of the scams include:

1.) Unnecessary equipment
2.) False patients
3.) Physical Therapy that was never received
4.) HIV treatment that were never received

One such incident in New York found that a fraud was discovered that brought in $70 million dollars alone for physical therapy.  The clinic apparently would pay off patients for their Medicare numbers and would provide bonuses for each additional patients.  Undercover agents were sent in and they were paid off as well, as part of the sting operation.

Medicare and Medicaid are a serious industries and a potentially lucrative areas for scams and frauds.  Recent health care changes by Obama and overalls to the health care industry may be afforded as the government begins cracking down on fraud that may be costing this country over 60 billion dollars a year.

Health Care Spending is an interesting and concerning area our national budget. Many changes may need to be put into place.

Fraud of the medicare systems is happening all the time and from very small scams to quite extensive and elaborate plans.

Federal authorities have been cracking down on many frauds over the past few years.  In this most recent raid, over 360 agents were used across the five states.  Federal officials have promised more time,  money, resources, and manpower to fight fraud.  In addition, they have set up strike forces in several cities. It is believed that Miami is the central base for many fraudulent scams over the past few years.  This most recent raid found that almost $150 million dollars was from various scams and frauds in that city.

One must ask, is fraud worsening?

The answer is an alarming yes.  Criminals are finding easier ways to attempt fraudulent activity.  Medicare Scams are often an easy, yet profitable way to bring in large amount of money.  One woman’s medicare number had over 3,500 claims on it.

What can you do to keep safe?

1.) Understand the Medicare program

2.) Be familiar with your number

3.) Keep your Medicare number safe

4.) Call your Medicare claim service to see if your number is being falsely used.

Medicare is not the only affected medical area.      Medicaid has also been affected.    Take a look at the following blog article about Medicaid in Utah

Dental pain or toothache can be so detrimental that loss of work, school or daily activity can be seen. Several causes of dental pain are seen.  Pain can be in the tooth itself, the gums, surrounding soft tissue or lymph nodes. Pain has been described as constant, sharp, pulsating, deep, or intermittent.

Causes:

-    Dental Cavity is the number one reason for dental pain.
-    The second most common cause of pain is gum disease.
-    Dental Abscess
-    Dental Decay
-    Sinus infection
-    Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
-    Muscle spasms
-    Exposed roots

Pain can be encountered when chewing, or sleeping, with hot and/or cold contact.

Other symptoms include: swelling, bleeding, ear pain, neck pain, facial pain, redness of gums, discharge

Diagnosis

Often an appointment with a Dentist is essential to determine cause of pain.

X-rays are often essential

Treatment

-   IBU
-   Tylenol
-   Topical ointment placed on tooth
-   Antibiotics
-   Fillings

Prevention

-   Daily brushing of teeth
-   Flossing of teeth
-   Fluoride
-   Limit smoking
-   Teeth cleaning [every six months]

Nutrition for children is essential for proper growth, health, and mental fitness. Fast food, schools, and parents are improving their views of the importance of nutritional meals. Take a look at several foods that need to be given in moderation. None of the following foods needs to be completely avoided but closely monitored.

1.) Chips – Potato chips are easy and accessible and are often a lunch time option.

2.) Soda – Parents who drink soda often have children who ask – sometimes it is hard to say no.

3.) Sugar Cereals – This is an empty calorie landslide with little nutritional value – some mandated vitamins are placed within, this only helps minimally.

4.) French Fries – Whether at a restaurant or going through a drive-through, some parents are choicing other options – but fries still are one of the most common foods for children [and adults].

5.) Toaster Pastries – Fruit is largely lacking in these processed foods with large amount of fats.

6.) Doughnuts – Often convenience is a parent’s goal and little is more convenient than a doughnut either pre-packaged or bought from a bakery. A high calorie breakfast with little nutritional value is the only thing found.

7.) Greasy foods – Unfortunately this could be a list in of itself; hamburgers, chicken, chicken nuggets, fish, all fried or packaged around grease to improve the taste and limit the nutritional value

8.) Candy – Often overlooked as a food group, but for children and some parents it often can be #1. Holidays, birthdays, parties, and any other excuse to allow candy is almost never missed.

9.) Ice Cream and Cake – Goes hand in hand for birthday parties or otherwise. Low sugar, low fat, and small portions can help curb these problems

10.) Fruit Juices – Very low nutritional value but often mistaken for a good choice other than cool-aid or soda. The trick is many have very little natural fruit, but this can be deceiving.

Recently, I spoke with someone who suffered a shoulder dislocation.  She wanted more information about treatment and prevention.  She also questioned a shoulder dislocation verses a shoulder separation.  These two injuries are quite different but affect the same overall location namely the shoulder.   Let’s take a closer look at the two different areas of injury. The key is which joint is affected.

Separated Shoulder

This deals with what is referred to as the AC joint of the shoulder or the acromioclavicular joint. The AC joint is located at the far end of the clavicle, towards the end of the shoulder. It can be seen in the picture above. When an AC joint is “separated” it means that it has been injured to some severity.

Types of AC joint injuries:

Are all separated shoulders the same?

No…. Separated shoulders are graded according to the severity of the injury and the position of the displaced bones.

Shoulder separations are graded from type I to IV though some grade it up to VI:

Type I Shoulder Separation:
-    Is an injury to the capsule that surrounds the AC joint.
-    The bones are not out of position
-    The primary symptom is pain.
-    Ligaments damage is minimal if any

Type II Shoulder Separation:
-    Injury to the AC joint capsule
-    Additional injury to the important ligaments that stabilizes the clavicle.
-    This ligament, the coracoclavicular ligament is often partially torn.
-    Symptoms include pain, decrease motion, and a possible small bump over the injury.

Type III Shoulder Separation:
-    Involves the same type of injury as a type II separated shoulder
-    In addition the injury is more severe and damaged.
-    Ligament tearing is more severe.
-    Symptoms include pain, decrease motion, and a possible small bump over the injury.

Type IV Shoulder Separation:
-    Involves the same type of injury as a type II and type III separated shoulder
-    In addition the injury is more severe and damaged.
-    Ligament tearing is more severe and can be complete.
-    Symptoms include pain, decrease motion, and a possible small bump over the injury.
-    In some rare cases the clavicle is pushed behind the AC joint.
-    Other times the clavicle is pushed downward

Treatment -

-    Types I and II often require ice, pain medication, shoulder sling, and time
-    Types II and III include those for the other types. In addition, surgery, PT and other treatments may be necessary

Shoulder Dislocation

The joint of the shoulder consists of three bones that come together at one place. The arm bone (humerus), the shoulder-blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle) all meet up at the top of the shoulder.

The joint between the humerus and scapula, also called the glenohumeral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is on the top of the humerus, and this fits into a socket of the shoulder-blade called the glenoid. This joint is effective and multidimensional as it allows the movement of shoulder though a large arc of motion.

There is no other joint in the body that allows more motion than the glenohumeral joint. Unfortunately, by allowing this wide range of motion, the shoulder is not as stable as other joints. Because of this, shoulder dislocations are not uncommon injuries.

Types

1.) Anterior

95% of all shoulder dislocations are anterior or forward.

2.) Posterior

Posterior dislocations are behind the shoulder. They are possibly due to strength imbalance of the rotator cuff muscles. Other causes include falls, sports injuries, and other. Can occur and go unnoticed in elderly patients.

3.) Inferior

Are the least likely to occur with less than 1%. This can turn into a situation with large amount of complications. Blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and ligaments can be affected.

Treatment

Reduction – a process to return the shoulder back into the correct joint.

Sling, ICE, Pain Management following Reduction

Post Reduction X-ray to ensure in the right spot

Surgery is necessary in the more severe cases or is considered when chronic shoulder dislocations occur.

Dr. Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues were one of the first researchers who suggested a link between the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella and autism.  He has help persuade thousands and thousands to march, cry, protest, insult, hate, and much more against vaccines.

Many in the medical community have been concerned with the findings of the research published over 12 years ago.  However, countless others have embarrassed and searched for an explanation to autism.

Recently this doctor was barred from practicing medicine in Great Britain.  The primarily reason that he lost his license was that his research, study and journal article were deemed to have been done unethically.

His research was first published in 1998 in the medical journal Lancet.  Earlier this year a decision had been made on the merits of this research.  In January a ruling against Dr. Wakefield and two other doctors indicated that they had acted “unethically” and showed “callous disregard” for the children of the study.

The investigation looked primarily at the procedure and how the studies were performed and did not dissect the science held within.

Of the original paper, ten author’s renounced its conclusions and later it was retracted by the Lancet.

Dr. Wakefield continues to stand by his research that their is a link between Autism and Vaccines and that he will continue to research the link.

However, numerous studies have been performed since the original groundbreaking article linking Autism and vaccines but there have not been a found connection.

U.S. Federal Court ruled last year and again in March that no link has been found.  Thousands of families have laid claim and are seeking compensation.

Other are trying to battle for the effectiveness and especially the safety of vaccines.  The number of vaccines in England and the United States dropped significantly after the initial research.  Many countries vaccine numbers have not recovered causing significant measles outbreaks in Europe and the United States.

“This verdict is not about (the measles) vaccine,” said Adam Finn, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Bristol Medical School. “We all now know that the vaccine is remarkably safe and enormously effective…we badly need to put this right for the sake of our own children and children worldwide.”

Related Articles:

Link to Autism? Vaccine Court Saysn “no”.

Is There a Relationship Between Vaccinations and Certain Diseases Such as Autism

Recently and often there are reports of some of the dangers of Botox. A large number of women are concerned about Women’s Health.

But is Botox really that dangerous? Botox is used for many reasons and is prescribed for several muscle disorders. This medication is very helpful in those patients and often improvement in muscle spasms and muscle twitching can be seen. Botox works for about 3 months then often symptoms return.

Other uses for Botox are for Cosmetic and wrinkles and this is the more well known casual use for Botox injections. Almost One million Americans are currently using Botox at a cost of almost $400 million is spent per year. Over 4 million Botox treatments are performed annually.

Botox is a toxin from a bacteria that produces botulinum toxin that is processed and purified. The result is a paralyzing of the injected muscles. When this toxin is injected a localized affect is anticipated and expected.

But it is not uncommon to have a response to the toxin at a different location in the body. The toxin may travel through nerve roots as argued. In addition, it can be transported to other parts of the body.

Often Botox should be administered by someone who has a medical license and is familiar with Botox injections. But more and more we are seeing unlicensed and unsafe concentrations of Botox being injected. Locations of Botox injections to other parts of the body than the face may be problematic as well.

Botulism is a serious consequence to the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and some overdoses and side effects of Botox injections mirror those of Botulism. Symptoms of adverse effects of Botox injections include: voice change [hoarseness], muscle weakness or strength, loss of bladder control, vision changes, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and others.

Botox addiction is the newest concern for treatment. Dr. Martin Kelley, a plastic surgeon at London Plastic Surgery Associates, and Dr. Carter Singh, a psychologist at Britain’s Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, recently presented a study to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons claiming that BOTOX® has addictive qualities for some people. In that study almost 40% studied wanted additional treatment and felt compelled to maintain treatment even before their symptoms returned.

Others argue that some people will never be satisfied with their physical image and that an psychological attachment o addiction is not what is being observed.

Botox Linked to Deaths

In a paper back in 2005 in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology reports that 28 deaths from 1989 to 2003 were linked to Botox injections though none of the deaths were by patients or individuals using Botox for Cosmetic use.

In February of 2008, the FDA reported that they had found some link with adverse reactions including death and respiratory failure by those using a wide variety of concentrations and dosages of Botox.

There appears to be little risk with Botox if it is used appropriately and when administered by a licensed and competent medical provider. When steps are taken to increase dosing and concentration then the risk of abnormal outcomes appears to increase dramatically.

Though any adverse media or news articles on Botox does not appear to have limited or decreased it’s use, more concern is being noticed by the main stream public. Addiction or no addiction, Botox has helped many improve their own physical looks. It depends on what you are willing to do to look several years younger.

Take a moment to see a botox injection for a medical condition: Video For botox Injection For Spasmodic Dysphonia

Recent studies have been performed and data shows that almost 1000 deaths per year could be avoided by breastfeeding alone.  Also referred to as “Preventable Deaths“. The cost associated because of the lack of breast feeding is alarming and amazing. It has been calculated that just over $13 billion dollars annually are spent because of lack of breastfeeding.

Often, for some women, the lack of breastfeeding can result in personal feelings of anxiety and guilt. Therefore, it must be stated that often women choose to stop breast feeding because of personal reasons including current medication restrictions, anxiety, Postpartum depression, biting, pain, and others are not necessarily the central theme of this blog article.

Others however are choosing to stop breastfeeding for reasons including:  lack of instruction, common misunderstandings about breastfeeding, sleep, comfort, employment, and others .  Breast feeding is losing steam and many are beginning to question its importance.

Breastfeeding is a very personal choice by the mother and should remain personal.  But saving 1000 preventable deaths per year should require us to take another look at the importance of breastfeeding.

A new study that was recently published in the “Journal Pediatrics” confirms the new findings. It states, “The United States incurs $13 billion in excess costs annually and suffers 911 preventable deaths per year because our breastfeeding rates fall far below medical recommendations.”

Often the main question of breastfeeding is for how long?  Several organizations have agreed that 6 months is the key age to achieve the growth expected and the proper anticipated health development.

Those who agree include: the WHO, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, the CDC, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Hospitals are recommended to push breastfeeding and its benefits to all new mothers. Skin-to-skin contact is essential to help initiate breastfeeding and suckle by the infant. Emotional connection is also felt for many mothers.

Average Breast Feeding Rates:

74% of women start breastfeeding
33% are exclusively breastfeeding after 3 months
14% are exclusively breastfeeding after 6 months

Infant Deaths

Caused by 3 main illnesses:

1.) SIDS [Sudden infant death syndrome]
2.) Necrotizing enterocolitis
3.) Lower Respiratory lung infections [including Pneumonia]

Breastfeeding has been shown to improve or reduce the risk of these 3 main causes of infant death. It should be noted that in many cases these are preventable deaths.  During the study in addition to these three, seven other illness are also improved by breastfeeding.

What costs are included?:

*** Cost of formula was not included

1.) Cost related to death
2.) Direct cost of hospitalization and other health care
3.) Parent’s time missed from work.

What is preventing breastfeeding?:

1.) Time
2.) Sleep
3.) Employment
4.) Formula may be easier
5.) Breast discomfort
6.) Previous bad experience
7.) Recommendations from family members

What needs to be done:

1.) Increase breastfeeding awareness
2.) Increase awareness in mothers and grandmothers of new mothers about importance of breastfeeding
3.) Increase hospital teaching and timing of breastfeeding
4.) Breast pumps can help mother use breast milk at times of discomfort, fatigue, work, or others

In the end, breastfeeding is personal but we should ensure that our hospitals are teaching us and taking the appropriate time to show all mothers how to properly breastfeed.  There is little more frustrating to a new mother than feeling inadequate when trying to feed your child.  Often that frustration turns into switching to formula and other options to not seem available.