It’s not that difficult people. The vast majority of new cases of diabetes in those over 65 years of age can be prevented by adhering to common sense practices. Maintain a low fat diet, get off your duff every day and walk, and don’t let yourself get fat. Does it require government takeover of the health care industry, purchasing costly medicines, shopping at specialty grocery outlets, or public health officials knocking on doors? No, this comes down to choices made by adults who should know enough every day. Indeed, investigators reported in this week’s Archives of Internal Medicine that each healthy habit adopted such as regular physical activity, abstaining from tobacco, and eating high fiber foods low in refined carbohydrates decreased risk. So lighten up on lunch and dinner today and take a 30 minute walk instead plopping in the recliner to watch TV this evening.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Diabetes in Elderly Preventable
It’s not that difficult people. The vast majority of new cases of diabetes in those over 65 years of age can be prevented by adhering to common sense practices. Maintain a low fat diet, get off your duff every day and walk, and don’t let yourself get fat. Does it require government takeover of the health care industry, purchasing costly medicines, shopping at specialty grocery outlets, or public health officials knocking on doors? No, this comes down to choices made by adults who should know enough every day. Indeed, investigators reported in this week’s Archives of Internal Medicine that each healthy habit adopted such as regular physical activity, abstaining from tobacco, and eating high fiber foods low in refined carbohydrates decreased risk. So lighten up on lunch and dinner today and take a 30 minute walk instead plopping in the recliner to watch TV this evening.
It’s not that difficult people. The vast majority of new cases of diabetes in those over 65 years of age can be prevented by adhering to common sense practices. Maintain a low fat diet, get off your duff every day and walk, and don’t let yourself get fat. Does it require government takeover of the health care industry, purchasing costly medicines, shopping at specialty grocery outlets, or public health officials knocking on doors? No, this comes down to choices made by adults who should know enough every day. Indeed, investigators reported in this week’s Archives of Internal Medicine that each healthy habit adopted such as regular physical activity, abstaining from tobacco, and eating high fiber foods low in refined carbohydrates decreased risk. So lighten up on lunch and dinner today and take a 30 minute walk instead plopping in the recliner to watch TV this evening.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Progress Continues in Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Science
Scientists from La Jolla, California have reported successful reprogramming of skin cells into cells with embryo-like potential. This was accomplished by introducing four key proteins into cells rather than inserting new genes as had previously been reported. This new technique is thought to be a safer alternative in that it avoids direct genetic manipulation of the cell that could result in unwanted changes in cell behavior. Progress in this area is particularly exciting in that it may offer an easier, safer and ethically acceptable alternative to human embryo derived stem cell research. While this technique (or any other alternative) will not silence the any-science at any-cost elitist crowd it does offer a great hope to responsible scientists primarily interested in improving human health without degrading the human condition.
Scientists from La Jolla, California have reported successful reprogramming of skin cells into cells with embryo-like potential. This was accomplished by introducing four key proteins into cells rather than inserting new genes as had previously been reported. This new technique is thought to be a safer alternative in that it avoids direct genetic manipulation of the cell that could result in unwanted changes in cell behavior. Progress in this area is particularly exciting in that it may offer an easier, safer and ethically acceptable alternative to human embryo derived stem cell research. While this technique (or any other alternative) will not silence the any-science at any-cost elitist crowd it does offer a great hope to responsible scientists primarily interested in improving human health without degrading the human condition.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
If Walking were a Pill...
Investigators reported last week that a 12 week program of moderate intensity walking not only improved a variety of metabolic measurements in pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women, but boosted health related quality of life as well. The research has been clear and consistent in nearly every age group and demographic. Even moderate levels of physical activity lead to benefits that if linked to a pill would be considered miraculous. The question remains why do so many people do so much to avoid what is clearly beneficial?
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Publishing Papers Not the Objective
Another winning article from today's WSJ Opinion Journal. This time decrying the negative impact of myopic intellectuals and other self righteous do-gooders (labeled "PharmaScolds") who seek any opportunity to drive a wedge between science and industry.
"The pharmascolds systematically discount the difficulties of product development. Meanwhile, each new barrier -- such as the National Institutes of Health's ban on paid consulting for industry -- erected between publicly funded researchers and companies, especially cash-strapped start-ups where many of the breakthroughs occur, slows the progress of potential treatments."
Another winning article from today's WSJ Opinion Journal. This time decrying the negative impact of myopic intellectuals and other self righteous do-gooders (labeled "PharmaScolds") who seek any opportunity to drive a wedge between science and industry."The pharmascolds systematically discount the difficulties of product development. Meanwhile, each new barrier -- such as the National Institutes of Health's ban on paid consulting for industry -- erected between publicly funded researchers and companies, especially cash-strapped start-ups where many of the breakthroughs occur, slows the progress of potential treatments."
Top Down Mandates Not Good Medicine
I have been away from the SL a couple weeks, but this article in today's WSJ Opinion Journal caught my eye. Largely, it jumped out at me because it addresses an area that as a physician I wrestle with every day. That is applying scientific evidence to the unique needs of individual patients.
According to authors Dr. Jerome Groopman and Dr. Pamela Hartzband, "... a good doctor exercises sound clinical judgment by consulting expert guidelines and assessing ongoing research, but then decides what is quality care for the individual patient. And what is best sometimes deviates from the norms."
Like most areas of life one size does not fit all which is precisely why centralized management of an industry (or a profession) is rarely a good idea. It is also why I do not expect to be replaced by a computer any time soon.
I have been away from the SL a couple weeks, but this article in today's WSJ Opinion Journal caught my eye. Largely, it jumped out at me because it addresses an area that as a physician I wrestle with every day. That is applying scientific evidence to the unique needs of individual patients.
According to authors Dr. Jerome Groopman and Dr. Pamela Hartzband, "... a good doctor exercises sound clinical judgment by consulting expert guidelines and assessing ongoing research, but then decides what is quality care for the individual patient. And what is best sometimes deviates from the norms."
Like most areas of life one size does not fit all which is precisely why centralized management of an industry (or a profession) is rarely a good idea. It is also why I do not expect to be replaced by a computer any time soon.
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