Category: Medical News

During a night of drinking, it’s easy to misjudge alcohol’s lasting effects. Many revelers believe that they can drive safely once they have stopped drinking for the night and have had a strong cup of coffee.

The truth is that alcohol continues to affect the brain and body long after the last drink has been downed, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate through the body. As a result, judgment and coordination can be impaired for hours after drinking.

Driving home late at night is especially hazardous because natural drowsiness is magnified by the depressant action of alcohol. Driving abilities may even be impaired the next day, when any alcohol remaining in the system, or the general headache and disorientation associated with hangovers, contributes to general feelings of sluggishness, even though the person no longer feels “drunk.”

Caffeine in a cup of coffee does not “sober anyone up” but may help with the late-night drowsiness. It doesn’t counteract the effect of alcohol on decision-making or coordination. The body needs time to metabolize (break down) alcohol and even more time to return to normal. There are no quick cures – only time will help.

More than two out of every five middle and high school students who smoke report using either flavored little cigars or flavored cigarettes, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study, based on data from a 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey, is CDC’s first attempt to measure usage of flavored little cigars and cigarettes by youth in the U.S. The findings were published online in the Journal of Adolescent Health on Oct. 22, 2013.

“Flavored or not, cigars cause cancer, heart disease, lung disease and many other health problems. Flavored little cigars appeal to youth and the use of these tobacco products may lead to disfigurement, disability and premature death,” CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden said in an agency news release. “We need to take comprehensive steps to reduce all tobacco use for all of our youth.”

One reason flavored cigarettes and little cigars appeal to young people is because the candy and fruit flavors mask the harsh taste of tobacco. The flavored little cigars are also more affordable. Unlike cigarettes, they are not taxed in most states and can be bought individually or in doubles, so teens do not have to buy a whole pack at a time.

Little cigars have become more popular in recent years. Sales have increased 240 percent from 1997 to 2007, with flavored brands making up almost 80 percent of the market share.

The CDC also reported that e-cigarette (electronic cigarette) use among young smokers has doubled, due in part to brands that come in flavors such as bubble gum, gummy bear, orange cream soda and cotton candy.

Health officials are concerned that flavored tobacco products obscure the health risks of smoking and entice young people into continued use of tobacco.

A broken wrist is a warning sign, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. If you’re an adult age 50 or over and have broken your wrist, get tested for osteoporosis, they urge.

Osteoporosis is a chronic “silent” disease that causes bones to weaken and become more fragile and breakable. At age 50, up to 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men will go on to suffer a brittleness fracture in their lifetimes. Fractures can result in pain, disability, loss of quality of life and independence, or even early death.

Consider these facts from the IOF:

*  A first fracture doubles the risk for future fractures.

*  One in 4 women who suffer a vertebral (spinal) fracture will experience another fracture within one year.

*  50% of all hip fractures come from 16% of the postmenopausal women with a history of fracture, including wrist fractures.

*  Despite the fact that a first fracture is a clear warning sign, only 2 in 10 patients with initial bone breaks get a follow-up test for osteoporosis or risk of falls.

*  Osteoporosis can be treated and bones can become stronger.

Hey, activity is good for you. But what happens when activity triggers sore, aching, and swollen joints?

The problem could be bursitis-that’s what your grandmother used to call it. Bursitis occurs when the bursae (those fluid-filled sacs that surround and cushion joints) become irritated or infected, often causing pain when you move. Sometimes an infection develops.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. When someone has trouble thinking, memory loss or behavioral changes, it can be devastating to the person and their family.

Alzheimer’s starts with mild symptoms, but gets worse over time. A person may start to forget more and be less able to do things for themselves. In its later stages, a person often needs constant care and may be unable to do daily tasks, such as feeding themselves.

Treating Alzheimer’s today

Although there is no cure, there are treatments available that can improve the symptoms. Certain medicines can help someone with Alzheimer’s have more independence, dignity and comfort for a longer period of time. But, they don’t stop the disease.

Because each person’s health is different, only a doctor can help you decide which medicine may be right for you or your loved one. Medicines are often started at the lowest dose and increased, if needed.

Medical experts continue to research Alzheimer’s and hope to find a cure.

Can it be prevented?

Experts don’t know how to prevent Alzheimer’s, though they are trying to find out. Living a healthy lifestyle with exercise, a good diet, and not smoking definitely helps the body. They believe these things may help the brain stay healthy too. If you’re concerned about memory loss or signs of Alzheimer’s, talk to your doctor.

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a respiratory infection that can cause severe coughing or trouble breathing. When babies get it, they are often put in the hospital. And most of them get whooping cough from someone at home, such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent, or from childcare providers.

Whooping cough can be prevented. Do it, urges the CDC.

Babies and children get a series of five DTaP shots to protect them against diphtheria, tetanus and whopping cough. Babies get the first dose at two months, so until they are fully immunized, you need to keep them safe.

Insist that everyone who comes in close contact with your newborn be up-to-date with whooping cough vaccination. Teens and adults need only one dose of Tdap vaccine, which came out in 2005. Tell grandparents they need to get this vaccine, too.

What’s the harm in a temporary tattoo applied at the beach or boardwalk or state fair? Maybe a lot is wrong.

The FDA is reporting problems such as redness, blisters, raised red weeping sores, loss of skin color, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and even permanent scarring from seemingly harmless henna tattoos.

Here’s why. Some temporary tattoo “artists” are using harmful coloring such as hair dye or “black henna” instead of traditional henna, a reddish-brown coloring made from a flowering plant.

Inks marketed as black henna may be a mix of henna with other ingredients, or may really be hair dye alone. The reason for adding other ingredients is to create a tattoo that is darker and longer lasting, but use of black henna is potentially harmful. The temporary tattoos made with black henna are dark black.

Temporary tattooing is not regulated by anyone. No one is checking to make sure the artist is following safe practices. Don’t assume this is a safe thing to do.

For any problems or long-lasting rashes, see a doctor. You may report a problem to the FDA’s MedWatch:www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/default.htm.