Health

Radiation Risks

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Are you considering having an x-ray or a CT scan done? Perhaps your doctor wants you to have numerous CT scans done in a short period of time. In fact, some people by the time they are thirty have had up to 20 CT scans. This can exposure this patient to a lot of radiation and increase their risk of developing cancer. I found a website from Idaho State University’s physics department which goes into some detail http://www.physics.isu.edu/radinf/risk.htm. The site talks about risk and how it might affect you and your chance of getting cancer. You should not have any uncessary CT or x-ray scans done unless it really is medically necessary.

Hypertension: Less Drugs is Better

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According to a new study, patients have more control of their high blood pressure known as hypertension when they are treated with less medication or prescription drugs. The study was led by Dr. Ross D. Feldman who is a clinical scientist with the Robarts Research Institute at The University of Western Ontario. The results indicate that it is better to use low doses of single pill combinations, rather than multiple pills, when treating hypertension. Simplified Treatment Intervention to Control Hypertension, as the study is known, involved 2,104 patients with high blood pressure at 45 family practices in Canada. Feldman’s study suggests that the majority of recently-diagnosed patients might better be served starting with a half tablet of a single pill combination drug such as an ACE-inhibitor or Angiotensin receptor blocker or diuretic. The proper diagnosis and treatment of high blood … Read more

Aetna Student Health Underpaids Patients for 10+ Years

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Today I received a letter from the State of New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuoma. The letter stated that I may be eligible to receive money from Aetna Student Health under a nationwide settlement. The settlement effects around 73,000 students at over 200 colleges across the U.S. and dates back to patients who saw out of network doctors as far back as 1998. This is because Aetna used outdated Medical Data Research even when current data was available when determining the current market rates for reimbursements. If you are interested in learning more, you can read the 32 page investigation report over at http://www.oag.state.ny.us/bureaus/health_care/HIT2/pdfs/Aetna%20Student%20Health%20AOD.pdf If you believe you may be affected it is advised that you keep your eyes peeled for any mail you may receive from Aetna. You can also contact Aetna Student Health customer service at 866 … Read more

Imaging of the Paranasal Sinuses, the Diagnosis of Sinusitis, and the Role of 3-D CT Guided Sinus Surgery in Treating Chronic Sinusitis

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I wrote a research paper over a year ago for an undergraduate course I took in medical imaging. It is about imaging of the paranasal sinuses. Further topics include the diagnosis of sinusitis and chronic infection along with techniques in using 3-D CT to aid in image guided surgery. It is worth checking out if these topics interest you and/or you have problems with your sinuses. The document has been uploaded to docstoc and is below for your enjoyment. Imaging of the Paranasal Sinuses, the Diagnosis of Sinusitis, and the Role of 3-D CT Guided Sinus Surgery in Treating Chronic Sinusitis

Body Clock Regulates Energy

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It has been found from UC Irvine researchers that our own body clock helps regulate energy levels in cells. The findings have far-reaching implications that can be helpful in treating many diseases and conditions. Paolo Sassone-Corsi, Distinguished Professor and Chair of Pharmacology and his research team has found that the proteins involved with circadian rhythms and metabolism are intrinsically linked and dependent upon each other. “Our circadian rhythms and metabolism are closely partnered to ensure that cells function properly and remain healthy,” Sassone-Corsi said. “This discovery opens a new window for us to understand how these two fundamental processes work together, and it can have a great impact on new treatments for diseases caused by cell energy deficiencies.” Circadian rhythms  govern fundamental physiological functions. The circadian clocks are the essential time-tracking systems in our bodies that anticipate environmental changes and … Read more