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The Best Chili Recipe For Athletes

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Chili is one of those great one-pot wonders that taste as great the day you make it as it does as tomorrow’s leftovers. With the right ingredients, your favorite fatty bean-pot can also be a lean, tasty powerhouse perfect for an athlete.

The Best Chili Recipe

“It’s great for a quick recovery meal, because it’s packed with protein from beef, fiber from beans, and carbs from rice,” says Allen Lim, Ph.D., sports scientist and co-author of The Feed Zone Cookbook: Fast and Flavorful Food for Athletes, who’s served as a trainer and nutritionist for elite Tour de France cyclists.

But there’s a science to maxing out chili’s benefits. Below, Lim shows how to take it to another level with just a few tricks: using a slightly higher-fat cut of beef; going whole hog on anti-inflammatory red chili pepper; adding heart-friendly dark chocolate (heard of mole? Trust us, it’s great); and serving it over rice to create a complete protein.

(Makes: 4 Servings)

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1½ lbs grass-fed ground beef
1 can whole crushed tomatoes
1 can beans (pinto, black, or kidney beans, or mix all three)
2 ears fresh corn, kernels cut off the cob
2 tbsp ancho (or any red) chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
½ bar (about .75 oz) dark chocolate (at least 65% cacao)
2 limes
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups cooked white rice
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1) Place a large saucepan or pot over medium heat and add olive oil. When oil is shimmering, add onions and caramelize (about 30 minutes). Add garlic toward the end.
2) Add beef and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3) Add tomatoes, beans, corn, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
4) Add chocolate and mix, then squeeze in lime juice to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5) Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro.

1) Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate can decrease risk of heart disease and improve blood pressure.

2) Red chili powder

Chilies have anticancer properties. “Plus, spicy foods are a good pick-me-up when experiencing an energy deficit,” Lim explains.

3) Not-too-lean beef

“Lean meat doesn’t satiate you, so you end up eating more,” Lim says. “I’d rather go for grass-fed at 80% lean than grain-fed at 90%.”

4) Beans

They’re packed with protein and vitamins. “And their high fiber content makes you feel fuller on fewer calories,” says Lim.


Boy Dies Of Ebola in Liberia, First Such Fatality For Months

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A 15-year-old boy has died of Ebola in Liberia, the first such fatality for months in a country declared free of the disease in September, its chief medical officer said on Tuesday.

Boy dies of Ebola in Liberia,

The boy tested positive last week and died late on Monday in hospital in Paynesville near the capital, where his father and brother are also being treated for Ebola, officials said.

Liberia has placed under surveillance 153 people who may have come into contact with the boy. A further 25 healthcare workers are being monitored, of whom 10 are identified as high-risk, chief medical officer Francis Kateh said.

The source of the virus is being investigated and Liberia has requested the assistance of two experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.

“In some people who have recovered from Ebola virus disease the virus can persist in parts of the body the immune system cannot reach,” said the Liberia country representative for the U.N. World Health Organization, Alex Gasasira.

“Even though they are healthy it is possible for them to continue to shed the virus in certain body fluids.”

The U.N. health agency has twice declared the West African nation Ebola-free, once on May 9 and again on Sept. 3. Liberia’s last Ebola death was in July.

More than 11,300 people have died of the virus since it broke out in West Africa in March 2014. Of the three main countries affected, Sierra Leone was declared Ebola-free on Nov. 7 and Guinea started its countdown to zero on Nov. 16. Over 4,800 people died of Ebola in Liberia, according to WHO figures.

Liberia is working with international partners including the WHO on a protocol so that a trial Ebola vaccine can be administered to people who might have been exposed to the new confirmed cases, Gasasira said.

Trials of the vaccine have proven effective in Guinea and Sierra Leone, he said.

Another American Ebola Survivor Had Eye Problems

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Ebola survivor Dr. Ian Crozier wasn’t the only American to experience eye problems following the disease — a new report describes eye problems in another American doctor who lived through the disease.

Ebola survivor had eye problems

Dr. Richard Sacra, who works for the Christian mission organization SIM USA, contracted Ebola last year while caring for pregnant women in Liberia during the rise of the Ebola outbreak there. He was evacuated to the United States for treatment in early September 2014, and was declared Ebola-free after spending about a month in the hospital.

But about two weeks after he was released from the hospital, Sacra reported vision loss, pain, redness and sensitivity to light in his left eye. An examination showed a slight swelling of his cornea, and there were white blood cells in the space between the outer covering and the iris in his eye, the report said. Sacra was given a topical corticosteroid to apply to his eye every hour while he was awake.

But Sacra’s vision worsened, and he was given an oral corticosteroid, called prednisone. Within a week, his condition improved, and by March 2015, he had no symptoms and had 20-20 vision, the report said.

The researchers said they hope the case will spark interest in developing standard guidelines for identifying and treating eye problems in Ebola survivors.

“As there are more Ebola survivors, we’re probably going to see a significant amount of ocular complications,” said study researcher Dr. Olga Cerón, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, who treated Sacra. “If you catch [the problems] early on, you can really reverse and potentially prevent these vision complications,” Cerón told Live Science. [What Are the Long-Term Effects of Ebola?]

Doctors were concerned that Sacra might still be able to spread Ebola to other people if he was shedding the virus from his eye. However, a test of the membrane that covers the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelid was negative for the virus.

Another American Ebola survivor, Dr. Ian Crozier, also had serious eye problems after he was declared Ebola-free, including blurry vision, pain and pressure in his left eye. At one point, his eye even changed color, from blue to green.

Tests showed that the Ebola virus was still in his eye’s aqueous humor, the fluid between the eye’s outer covering and the lens. Doctors suspected that Crozier’s eye problems were a direct effect of the Ebola virus, which persisted in his eye fluid despite being cleared from most of his body.

Sacra experienced his eye problems a few months before Crozier did, although the details of Sacra’s case are only just now being reported.

However, in Sacra’s case, doctors never tested the aqueous humor for Ebola virus, because Sacra’s eye problems improved when he was given the corticosteroid treatment, Cerón said. So doctors don’t know if the Ebola virus was still lingering inside Sacra’s eye.

Sacra’s doctors hypothesize that an immune response to the virus likely caused his eye symptoms. Tests showed a significant increase in markers of inflammation in his body, which is a sign of a robust immune response. The white blood cells in Sacra’s eye were also a sign of inflammation, Cerón said. However, the doctors cannot rule out that the virus was the direct cause of the eye problems.

The findings also suggest that doing more-invasive procedures to take samples from the inside of patients’ eyes to test for Ebola “might not be necessary in patients who clinically improve with medical therapy,” the report said.

Liberia’s Last Two Ebola Patients Recover, Leave Hospital

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Liberia released its last two known Ebola cases from hospital on Thursday as it starts a new countdown to declaring itself free of the virus for a third time, health officials said.

Two Ebola patients recover

Liberia had been the only country in West Africa with known cases. NeighborSierra Leone was declared Ebola-free in November while Guinea’s last known case recovered two weeks ago.

“There are no cases in the ETUs (Ebola Treatment Units) in the entire Republic of Liberia,” said Tolbert Nyenswah, head of Liberia’s Ebola response, adding that Ebola safety procedures remained in place.

The two patients released from the Paynesville ETU are the father and younger brother of the presumed index case, a 15-year-old boy named Nathan Gbotoe from a suburb of the capital Monrovia who died from the disease last week.

However, new cases could still emerge in Liberia since there are 165 contacts still under quarantine, of whom more than 30 are deemed high risk, health officials told Reuters.

Nyenswah say the contacts under surveillance have completed 14 of their obligatory 21-day monitoring – a period that corresponds with the typical incubation period of the virus.

“No need to cancel your plane ticket when you are planning to come to Liberia. Continue to come here; the place is safe,” Nyenswah told reporters.

Liberian medical workers are still grappling to explain how Ebola re-emerged in Liberia more than two months after it was declared free of the virus by the World Health Organization.

Resurgent cases in Liberia, possibly transmitted sexually by survivors, has cast doubt on the current policy of labeling a country Ebola-free after 42 days.

NHS Trust ‘Failed To Investigate Hundreds Of Deaths’

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The NHS has failed to investigate the unexpected deaths of more than 1,000 people since 2011, It blames a “failure of leadership” at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.

NHS trust 'failed to investigate

It says the deaths of mental health and learning-disability patients were not properly examined.

Southern Health said it “fully accepted” the quality of processes for investigating and reporting a death needed to be better, but had improved.

The trust is one of the country’s largest mental health trusts, covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and providing services to about 45,000 people.

The investigation, commissioned by NHS England and carried out by Mazars, a large audit firm, looked at all deaths at the trust between April 2011 and March 2015.

During that period, it found 10,306 people had died.

Most were expected. However, 1,454 were not.

Of those, 272 were treated as critical incidents, of which just 195 – 13% – were treated by the trust as a serious incident requiring investigation (SIRI).

Investigations

The likelihood of an unexpected death being investigated depended hugely on the type of patient.

The most likely group to see an investigation was adults with mental health problems, where 30% were investigated.

For those with learning disability the figure was 1%, and among over-65s with mental health problems it was just 0.3%.

The average age at death of those with a learning disability was 56 – over seven years younger than the national average.

Even when investigations were carried out, they were of a poor quality and often extremely late, the NHS England report says.

Repeated criticisms from coroners about the timeliness and usefulness of reports provided for inquests by Southern Health failed to improve performance, while there was often little effort to engage with the families of the deceased.

Key findings from the report

  • The trust could not demonstrate a comprehensive systematic approach to learning from deaths
  • Despite the trust having comprehensive data on deaths, it failed to use it effectively
  • Too few deaths among those with learning disability and over-65s with mental health problems were investigated, and some cases should have been investigated further
  • In nearly two-thirds of investigations, there was no family involvement

The reasons for the failures, says the report, lie squarely with senior executives and the trust board.

There was no “effective” management of deaths or investigations or “effective focus or leadership from the board”, it says.

Even when the board did ask relevant questions, the report says, they were constantly reassured by executives that processes were robust and investigations thorough.

But the Mazars investigators said: “This is contrary to our findings.”

The culture of Southern Health, which has been led by Katrina Percy since it was created in 2011, “results in lost learning, a lack of transparency when care problems occur, as well as lack of assurance to families that a death was not avoidable and has been properly investigated,” the report says.

The report was ordered in 2013, after Connor Sparrowhawk, 18, drowned in a bath following an epileptic seizure while a patient in a Southern Health hospital in Oxford.

An independent investigation said his death had been preventable, and an inquest jury found neglect by the trust had contributed to his death.

Responding to the report’s findings, Connor’s mother, Sara Ryan, said the entire leadership of Southern Health had to go.

She said: “There is no reason why in 2015 a report like this should come out. It’s a total scandal. It just sickens me.”

‘Considerable measures’ taken

The report’s authors, who spent months looking into how Southern Health failed to investigate so many deaths, seem to concur.

They say: “We have little confidence that the trust has fully recognised the need for it to improve its reporting and investigation of deaths.”

In response, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust said it accepted its processes “had not always been up to the high standards our patients, their families and carers deserve.

“However, we have already made substantial improvements in this area over a sustained period of time.”

It added: “These issues are not unique to the trust and we welcome the opportunity to shine a spotlight on this important area.

“Though the trust continues to challenge the draft report’s interpretation of the evidence, our focus and priority is on continuing to improve the services we provide for our patients.”

It said that when the final report was published by NHS England, it would review the recommendations and make any further changes necessary.

‘Shocking findings’

An NHS England spokesman said: “We commissioned an independent report because it was clear that there are significant concerns.

“We are determined that, for the sake of past, present and future patients and their families, all the issues should be forensically examined and any lessons clearly identified and acted upon.”

It added: “The final full independent report will be published as soon as possible, and all the agencies involved stand ready to take appropriate action.”

Norman Lamb, who was the care minister in the coalition government, said the findings were shocking: “You end up with a sense that these lives are regarded somehow as slightly less important than others and there can be no second class citizens in our NHS.

“The thought is just horrifying and there have to be some answers from the trust.”

  • If you are directly affected by this issue, you can call this NHS number: 0300 003 0025.

Roche Gets Accelerated US Approval For Lung Cancer Drug

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U.S. health regulators on Friday said they have granted accelerated approval to Roche Holding’s drug for advanced lung cancer in patients with a specific genetic mutation.

Roche

The drug, alectinib, to be sold under the brand name Alecensa, was approved to treat patients with advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has worsened after, or who could not tolerate, treatment with Pfizer’s Xalkori.

“Today’s approval provides a new therapy for a group of patients who would have few treatment options once their disease no longer responds to treatment with Xalkori,” Richard Pazdur, head of the Food and Drug Administration’s Hematology and Oncology Products division, said in a statement.

Xalkori was seen as an advance in the field of personalized medicine as it was designed to treat only patients with the ALK genetic mutation, which account for about 4 percent of NSCLC patients. Pfizer is also developing a drug for ALK positive patients who have stopped responding to Xalkori.

The FDA’s Accelerated Approval Program allows conditional approval of a medicine that fills an unmet medical need for a serious condition based on early evidence of clinical benefit.

A confirmatory study is required to verify the benefit of Alecensa for it to gain full approval, the agency said.

Australia’s Tasmania May Raise Smoking Age To 25

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The Australian state of Tasmania is considering raising the legal age for buying cigarettes to at least 21 and potentially as high as 25.

Tasmania may raise smoking

If the plan goes ahead it will give Tasmania some of the toughest tobacco laws in the world.

The current legal age to purchase, possess or smoke cigarettes in all Australian states is 18.

Critics have complained the proposed restrictions would be a violation of civil liberties.

Australia already has some of the world’s toughest anti-smoking policies.

It introduced so-called plain packaging in 2012, where packs are coloured an identical olive brown and are covered in graphic health warnings.

The country is also one of the most expensive places in the world to buy cigarettes – from around A$20 a pack ($15; £10).

Parts of the world already ban cigarette sales to those under 21, including Kuwait and, from next year, Hawaii.

Around one-in-five Tasmanians smoke, with the vast majority taking up the habit before the age of 25.

The Tasmanian government proposals are part of a five-year plan to make the state Australia’s healthiest by 2025.

What can you do with a nursing degree

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Not only can a nursing career provide a real sense of purpose in one’s life, it can also afford an increased level of job stability simply not present in many other professions. This infographic shows the numerous benefits associated with obtaining your nursing degree, which is why so many are choosing to join the ranks of these essential healthcare professionals.

In addition to job security,graduates also have the advantage of choosing from a variety of workplaces once their nursing coursework is complete. While working in a hospital or clinical setting is quite common, nurses can also find employment in other areas, including academia, private practices, agencies tasked with public health, and even the military. Additionally, there are many career options available to those who’ve earned their nursing degrees, from registered nurses to personal care aides.

Looking for a personally and professionally rewarding career helping people in their time of need? Then a degree in nursing might be a good option for you. Upon graduation you may find a virtually endless array of career opportunities in many different locations all over the world. Check out Fortis.edu’sinfographic here:

Nursing education
Where Can Your Nursing Degree Take You? Infographic – Nursing – Fortis Blog


GSK Fined £38m For ‘Stifling’ Drug Competition

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Drug giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has been fined £37.6m for “illegal behaviour designed to stifle competition at the expense of the NHS and taxpayers”.

The decision by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) relates to £50m of payments made to rivals for them to effectively delay the release of the anti-depressant paroxetine drug.

GSK’s branded version of the drug, Seroxat, was then able to continue its monopoly over the market for this “blockbuster” product.

The CMA say that these “pay-for-delay” agreements “deferred the competition that the threat of independent generic entry could offer, and potentially deprived the National Health Service of the significant price falls that generally result from generic competition”.

According to the CMA when the rivals were eventually able to enter the market at the end of 2003, average paroxetine prices dropped by more than 70% in two years.

It is the largest fine since the CMA began operating nearly two years ago, and among the biggest in the UK competition law history.

The ruling centres on a product – Seroxat – for which 4.2 million UK prescriptions were issued in 2000. Sales exceeded £90m in 2001.

In that year, two smaller rivals – including Generics (UK) Limited (GUK) and Alphapharma – were taking steps to enter the UK market for the first time but GSK began legal proceedings against them alleging they would infringe its patent.

The CMA said that before the litigation went to trial, GUK and Alphapharma made agreements with the larger firm which included terms banning their independent entry into the UK paroxetine market.

It found that these agreements infringed competition law. It has fined the companies involved a total of £45m – £37.6m for GSK and £7.4m in relation to the other two companies.

Michael Grenfell, head of enforcement at the CMA, said: “Today’s decision sends out a strong message that we will tackle illegal behaviour that is designed to stifle competition at the expense of customers – in this case, the NHS and, ultimately, taxpayers.

“This investigation shows our determination to take enforcement action against illegal anti-competitive practices in sectors big and small.

“Cracking down on these practices is essential to protect consumers, to encourage legitimate business activity that such practices stifle, and to stimulate innovation and growth.”

GSK disagrees with the ruling, is considering a possible appeal, and says it entered into the agreements at the time in order to settle costly, complex and uncertain patent disputes.

The firm, based in Brentford, west London, said: “The agreements allowed the generics companies to enter the market early with a paroxetine product and ultimately enabled a saving of over £15m to the NHS.”

Things You Didn’t Know About Medicare

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Most Americans who work pay money into the Medicare system every month. However, a lot of folks struggling to understand the ins and outs of the scheme. We wanted to offer some information this morning that could set the record straight. We’ve also included an infographic that highlights the Medicare Part D coverage gap. So, you should find everything you need to know on this page.

Medicare covers your first 20 days

In most instances, Medicare will cover people for the first 20 days spent in post-hospital nursing care. After that time, people have to settle part of the bill themselves. From the 21st day, they have to pay $157.50 per day up to 100 days. Beyond that, the patient has to cover the entire cost.

Medicare doesn’t cover vision, hearing, or dental

Contrary to popular belief, Medicare doesn’t cover people for vision care, hearing aids or dental care. They are three of the most substantial costs residents face as they head towards their twilight years.

Not everyone qualifies for Medicare

Qualifying for Medicare involves satisfying a points system. People need 40 credits or more to benefit from the scheme. That equates to a 10-year career in most instances. If patients haven’t worked for that long, they can’t take part in the program.

Now you know a little more about Medicare, we hope you have an accurate perception of the situation. Just don’t forget to check the infographic if you want to learn more. The coverage gap or “donut hole” has caused many issues, so it’s worth increasing your education.

 


Infographic Produced By Medicare Consumer Guide

2016 Tech Trends In Medicine

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Like every other industry medicine has not been left unscathed by the technological revolution. Everyday, new advances in software and equipment are providing new possibilities to hospitals. In 2016, we think these are the trends that you should expect to see sweeping across medical practices that you might be using.

 

Outsourcing

Outsourcing is the term for when companies shift services or jobs outside of their own business. Instead, they hire other businesses to complete these jobs for them. By doing this, they save a fortune and free up time and staff. You should expect to see a lot of outsourcing taking place in medical businesses this year. Lately, hospitals have been facing financial issues. Even private practices have felt the strain on their funds. Now, the situation is starting to improve, but it’s still not enough. Medical companies have to look for ways to cut their costs. Outsourcing is the solution. Outsourcing tech services can be used to make sure that the calls of patients are always answer, even if there are no doctors on call. If you ring up a medical practice in 2016, expect to speak to an outsource company answering patient calls for physicians.

Cloud Storage

We bet you didn’t realise that medical practices are using cloud technology. But when you think about it, this starts to make perfect sense. Medical practices have to store a huge amount of patient data. It also needs to be easy to access for their staff while remaining completely secure. Cloud servers are now providing the answer that doctors have long been long for. Cloud networks are the safest way to store data and allow easy transferrals. You may not see it. But we guarantee behind the desk as you walk in a hospital, receptionists on staff will be accessing the cloud, looking for your information.

Patient Devices

Wearable tech is all the rage this year. Last year we saw the release of the Apple Watch as well as a whole host of other similar pieces of tech. This year, VR technology will take the world by storm with wearable classes. But how does this relate to medical health care? This year, you should expect to see more medical staff using wearable tech to help patients. This might be a device to record and track heart rate. Or, make sure that parents who need to are exercising to lose weight. This type of tech is going to help doctors provide a better level of care to their patients.

Gamifying

Many patients struggle to complete the goals they need to when improving their condition. This might be people who are suffering from chronic diseases. Or perhaps those who have given up on the treatment they are being offered. Now new technology is gamifying treatment. It’s exactly how it sounds. The goals are set up as a game to complete and you can expect this to be used a lot more. Particularly when helping younger patients recover.

We hope you found this article interesting. We’ve seen a lot of advances in tech that have affected the medical industry. But you can be the greatest developments are yet to come.

The Essential Doctor’s Equipment

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Doctors are the people that we rely on to help us out when we’re in the very worst situations imaginable. But they don’t use magic; they rely on lots of pieces of equipment that make it all possible. Here are the things that doctors use each and every day in the line of duty.

Pulse Oximeter

A pulse oximeter is a small clip and a non-invasive method of measuring a patient’s pulse and oxygen saturation level. These are commonly used to make sure that the pulse rate is okay. And they are also used continually when a patient is under observation or is on the operating table. Because they’re so simple to use, they’re very useful and widely made use of by doctors.

Blood Pressure Monitor

Blood pressure monitors are used by doctors all the time. They’re one of the key pieces of equipment that they rely on to do their jobs properly. Blood pressure is known as the silent killer when it get too high. It shows no symptoms, so the only way to find out about it is to do tests with one of these monitors. These monitors are now very small, and it’s even possible for patients to buy them and use them at home if necessary.

Stethoscope

This is one of the most enduring pieces of equipment that doctors use each day. It has been around for a very long time, and it’s something that is essential for medical treatment. It’s a very simple way of listening to a patient’s heart rate and the rhythm of their heart. An arrhythmic heartbeat can be a sign of quite serious heart problems. And the stethoscope allows doctors to pick up on it rapidly. CIA Medical, Inc. sell them, so head there to find out more.

Ophthalmoscope

The ophthalmoscope is used to look at the eye and its health. It works by the doctor looking through it, and it then shines a light into the eye. The doctor will then ask the patient to move their eye in different directions to allow the doctor to see the different parts of the eye. Sometimes, the bulbs have to be replaced when they lose their power, but this is cheap and easy to do for doctors.

Vaccine Fridge

When you step into a doctor’s practice room, you will see a fridge in there. This is used to store vital things in such as vaccines. Vaccines and other forms of medication have to be kept in the right conditions and at the right temperature if they’re going to stay useable. This is why keeping them in a fridge is so important. Without it, those medications and vaccines would become worthless or dangerous before long.

Couch

An essential piece of doctor’s surgery equipment is the couch. These are used when the patient needs to be examined by the doctor. Most of these couches are adjustable. They can be raised up and lowered depending on the needs of the patient and doctor. Many of them other hydraulic features attached to them that make them even more flexible. You can also attach lights to them, and that’s what we’ll discuss next.

Examination Lights

Large lights and lamps often have to be used when doctors want to have a closer look at a patient. These are especially useful when a doctor needs to look at a rash or something on the surface of the patient’s skin. Shining a light directly on the affected area can reveal new details to the doctor that eventually allow him or her to make a diagnosis. They are always used regularly during surgical operations.

Thermometers

One of the first basic tests that a doctor does when a patient comes up with common symptoms is take their temperature. This measures the level of heat in their body. If the reading is within the normal limits, they can confirm the patient does have a fever. And this can help them to rule out a lot of problems. The most common form of thermometer that doctors use are ear thermometers. They’re quick and easy to use and cause to discomfort to patients.

Weight & Height Equipment

Most of the work that doctors do each day is not that interesting. Things like checkups happen all the time, and they require the right measuring equipment. A good set of scales and a way of measuring people’s height are things that every doctor needs to have in their office. Modern electronic scales have never been more accurate, so most doctors use these when conducting checkups. They’re not exactly specialist pieces of equipment, but they are vital.

Wipes, Gloves and Hand Wash

Staying safe and clean is essential for any healthcare professional. Especially those that come into direct contact with patients. Wipes, gloves and hand wash are all used to do this. These are cheap and common items that are used every day by doctors. Staying clean and sanitised can often be the best way to keep doctors and patients safe at all times. So, nothing that a doctor uses so often is more important than these items.

Face Mask

Another safety and hygiene tool is the face mask. These are used to make sure that the doctor does not pass on any germs or bacteria to a patient. This is important because when someone is sick, they might be more vulnerable to infections and bugs that can be passed on through the air. But they are also used to protect the doctor if it’s suspected that the patient has an infectious illness that could be passed on.

Torch

Doctors use a torch for many different things, but they have one main purpose. That is to look at the patient’s throat or the back of their mouth. It’s impossible to see what’s going on back there without the right light at hand. And the best tool for the job is a small torch that can be shone directly into the mouth. They need to be small so that the doctor also has the space to look at what’s in there.

Could You Start A Business In The Health Industry? (Psst. The Answer Is Yes!)

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There’s nothing more important to human life than our health. As such, the health industry will always play an integral role in our society. From an entrepreneurial perspective, it offers a fantastic opportunity. Not only is it a sustained business model, but it offers the unrivalled chance to actively help the lives of others. If those elements sound attractive, launching a company in the field could be very rewarding.

The first thing you need to do is choose your exact business type. The health industry is a vast arena, and finding your place in the market is crucial. Perhaps you want to open an opticians. Or maybe you want to provide healthcare aids. Before taking action, it’s imperative that you conduct your market research.

If you are going to take the leap into this field, it’s imperative that you understand the arena. With lives at stake, you will be required to have licences. It doesn’t matter whether you’re aiming to supply medicines or offer a healthcare service to patients. Fulfilling those legal requirements is a must.

When you start a business, you need to be sure that your equipment is of the various highest standard. This is especially true when dealing with laboratories and other delicate areas. Quality products at Chemglass will ensure that you the facilities to be safe and efficient.

Of course, you still need to ensure that your staff are conducting their work in an appropriate manner too. Smart recruitment and regular training are vital for any business looking to see the best results. After all, the business is only as strong as the team behind it.

Your team will be dealing with the public too. The levels of interaction will vary depending on your specific business. However, it’s important to ensure that your employees are well versed in customer care. Patients are likely to feel a little frightened as it is. The comfort of a friendly and helpful staff could be imperative to building those positive relationships.

It’s imperative that you take the stresses of your customers into account at all times. You want their dealings with your company to be as relaxed and easy as possible. Investing in better point of sale terminals can make transactions far quicker. That’s just one less thing for them to worry about.

In truth, technology can play an integral role in various aspects of the business. Embracing the latest trends will help turn your business into a well-oiled machine. A more efficient operation that keeps customers at the heart of its attention can’t go far wrong. Showing that you are embracing the latest facilities will let customers know that your practices are of the best standard too. Let’s face it, the health industry evolves at a very fast rate and your clients deserve the very best.

Ultimately, the health industry is focused on improving the lives of your patients. Whether it’s preventing problems or rectifying them doesn’t matter. As long as you’re fully dedicated to the task at hand, you should be just fine. Quite frankly, passion for the job is your greatest asset.

Teen’s Toothache Turns Out To Be Cancer

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A British teenager thought she was just feeling pain from a wisdom tooth, but it was actually a signal of a bigger issue— a rare and aggressive form of pediatric cancer.

Nadia Hobbs, 18, was massaging her jaw to relieve the pain when she found a pea-sized lump on her jawline, The Sun reported. By the time blood tests ruled out mumps and glandular fever, the lump had doubled in size and she was in “excruciating” pain.

Her mother, Rachel Hobbs, 44, was insistent she undergo further testing and took her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a childhood cancer whereby cancer cells form in muscle tissue. An MRI scan revealed a cancerous tumor in her cheek.

“The size of the tumor completely shocked us all,” Nadia, a student at Exeter College in England, told The Sun. “I couldn’t believe how huge it was.”

Nadia underwent seven cycles of chemotherapy and has two more to go. The size of her tumor has decreased by 75 percent. The teen hopes the six weeks of radiotherapy she recently started will completely eliminate the tumor.

Nadia credits her mother’s encouragement to go to the hospital with her early diagnosis.

“I haven’t saved Nad’s life by any means,” Rachel told The Sun. “I just kept pushing for a diagnosis and made sure she was treated as soon as possible, and now we are hoping for the best.”

The teen is fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust.

2 Washington Hospitals Urge HIV Tests After Syringe Swap

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Two hospitals in Washington state have urged nearly 1,500 patients to get tested for hepatitis and HIV after a former surgery technician was charged with stealing and swapping a syringe.

Rocky Allen has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he took a syringe of painkillers and replaced it with one containing another substance at a Colorado hospital. He was arrested in that state last month.

Northwest Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle says the exposure risk is low, but they’re testing affected patients to be safe. It notified 1,340 people who had surgery in early 2012 in an operating room where Allen may have worked.

Washington health officials said Wednesday that Allen worked at two other state facilities. Lakewood Surgery Center said it’s notifying 135 patients.

Allen was fired this year from a Denver-area hospital, which has offered about 2,900 patients free testing.

Allen’s attorney has said Allen suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and he started using drugs after witnessing horrors in Afghanistan.


Why Sizing Kneepads Can Make A Difference To Your Sporting Success

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As an athlete who wrestles, plays volleyball, or takes part in some other high intensity sport, it’s important to protect your knees. Knee injuries are common ailments because this complex joint is especially vulnerable to bumps and bruises. Without proper protective gear, you could end up with torn ligaments, sprains, and dislocations. One way to safeguard your knees when you’re participating in your favorite activity is by wearing the right size and type of kneepad.

Differences in Kneepads

Kneepads come in multiple lengths, padding configurations, and sizes. The type you should buy depends on your sport, your age, and the size of your knee. The more intense your sport, the higher the level of protection your knees should have.

Your Knee Size

Although your age, size, and weight matters somewhat when choosing kneepads, the size of your knees is what truly matters. Kids will typically need ten-inch kneepads, while adults will have to measure their knees with a measuring tape. If you have large calves and thighs with a measurement of 18 inches around each knee, you will probably need an XL. If you’re on the edge of two sizes, select the smaller one, because having safety gear that is too snug is better than too loose.

Wrestling Kneepads

Since there is more direct impact in wrestling, the kneepads you wear during matches should be substantially protective. It’s best to select an oval or circular-shaped pad, because either one can safeguard your knee effectively without cutting back on your mobility. Your kneepads should fit snugly at the bottom of each thigh and top of each calf. If you’ve already injured your knees in the past, add the thicker-domed pad of a bubble kneepad. You may also want to opt for a flexible shooting sleeve, which offers support but allows for breathing room.

Volleyball Kneepads

The kneepads you wear as a volleyball player should not be bulky or go much beyond the knee. You want to protect this vulnerable area, but you still want to be able to run and jump on the court with ease. Make sure yours are sized to produce a tight fit, because loose kneepads won’t offer much protection. Look for volleyball kneepads with foam casing, cushioning, and an ergonomic fit. These will be your best bets for diving, falling, and playing your best game.

When it comes to kneepads, size matters. Make sure you protect your knees with the right size and style pads for your sport and body.

The Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice

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Medical malpractice is something that can have terrible consequences for patients. So, you should be aware of what all the most common types of medical malpractice are. Knowing where you stand and what qualifies as medical malpractice is very important. So, read on to find out more.

medical malpractice

Misdiagnosis

Everyone makes mistakes, and medical professionals do sometimes get fooled by symptoms. There are many illnesses and diseases that share symptoms, so it’s common for misdiagnoses to happen. If you are diagnosed wrongly, it could mean that the actual problem is caused late. If you have something like cancer, being diagnosed late as a result of a misdiagnosis can be disastrous. If this happens to you, it’s perfectly understandable if you want to take legal action against the doctor.

Wrong Prescriptions

Being given the wrong medication is something that can happen pretty easily, unfortunately. If a doctor clicks on the wrong medication or hands you the wrong slip when they are giving you the prescription, it can happen. And it can have dire consequences for the patient. When you are taking medication for a problem that you don’t even have, your body can react in any way. It will all depend on the person’s’ existing health, the medication and how much is taken. It’s a good idea to double check your prescription so that you don’t accidentally get given the wrong one.

Birth Injuries

There are so many different types of birth injuries. Every mother wants their child to be born safely, so when something does go wrong, it can be traumatic. Some of these injuries can be relatively minor and the baby will recover from them quickly. But there are other injuries, such as bone breaks and fractures that will have a much larger impact. Many parents decide to contact a birth injury lawyer when something like this happens. It allows them to get compensation for their child.

Errors When Delivering Anaesthetic

This is one of the most dangerous types of medical malpractice. Fortunately, it is very rare, but it does happen from time to time. The outcomes of these kinds of mistakes can vary greatly. If the mistake is small, then the damage will be limited. But if a large mistake is made during the delivery of the anaesthetic, it can cause brain damage or even death. Other mistakes can be made during the time when the patient is under anaesthetic, such as a failure to monitor the patient’s vital signs.

Surgical Mistakes

Mistakes that are made by the surgeon are more common than many realise. Most of the time, these mistakes are so insignificant that they are never even noticed. But there are bigger mistakes that have a real impact on the life of the patient. For example, occasionally, a patient will have the wrong part of their body operated on. In the past, people have had a problem with their right leg and had their left leg operated on. At other times, surgical instruments have been left inside the patient’s body.

Italian Nurse Arrested On Suspicion Of Killing Patients

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Italian police said Thursday that they have arrested a nurse on suspicion of killing 13 patients, mostly in their 80s, who underwent surgery in a state-run hospital in Tuscany.

Most of the patients suffered severe hemorrhaging during the procedures and investigators later determined that each had a level of anticoagulant in their bloodstreams up to 10 times the recommended dose, investigators told a news conference.

None of the patients was terminal at the time of the surgeries, which included a routine operation for a broken femur, they said.

A special health division of the Carabinieri state police launched the investigation last June after noting statistical anomalies in the anesthesia and reanimation department of the state-run hospital in Piombino, a coastal city 43 miles southwest of Florence.

The deaths occurred from January 2014 through mid-2015, with the patients ranging from their 60s to 80s.

The 55-year-old nurse, the only person present for all of the surgeries, was transferred to another department when the investigation was launched, authorities said. She was arrested Wednesday evening at her home in Pisa.

Authorities said they had no motive, but that the nurse had previously been treated for depression. She had worked for about 20 years in the department.

The arrest comes just weeks after a court in Ravenna convicted a nurse of killing a 78-year-old patient with a lethal injection. She was sentenced to life in prison.

Drug Makers Took Big Price Increases On Widely Used US Drugs

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Major drug companies took hefty price increases in the U.S., in some cases more than doubling listed charges, for widely used medications over the past five years, a Reuters analysis of proprietary data found.

Prices for four of the nation’s top 10 drugs increased more than 100 percent since 2011, Reuters found. Six others went up more than 50 percent. Together, the price increases on drugs for arthritis, high cholesterol, asthma and other common problems added billions in costs for consumers, employers and government health programs.

Extraordinary price hikes by two small companies, Turing Pharmaceuticals and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc (VRX.TO), drew new attention to drug costs. Turing expected to book $200 million by raising the price of Daraprim, an antiparasitic used for a rare infection, by 5,000 percent, according to company documents released by Congressional investigators.

Routine price increases by bigger players may draw less attention, but they add up. Sales for the top 10 drugs went up 44 percent to $54 million in 2014, from 2011, even though prescriptions for the medications dropped 22 percent, according to IMS Health data.

At the top of the list was AbbVie Inc (ABBV.N), which raised the price of arthritis drug Humira more than 126 percent, Reuters found. Next were Amgen Inc (AMGN.O) and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (TEVA.TA), which raised prices for arthritis treatment Enbrel and multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone by 118 percent.

The increases help explain federal data showing overall spending on drugs rose faster than doctor visits and hospitalization over the past five years.

Reuters based its analysis on the top 10 drugs, according to 2014 sales figures from IMS, and on proprietary pricing data provided by Truven Health Analytics. Reuters used commonly prescribed approved indications. Reuters shared its method and findings with the eight companies that sell the top 10 drugs; none disputed the findings.

In general, drug companies said they set prices to recoup investments in failed drugs, support new research and development efforts, and pay for clinical trials to broaden the use of approved drugs. Also, they said, medications prevent costly hospitalizations.

Some of the companies noted that Reuters’ analysis of list prices failed to capture negotiated discounts and rebates – information they closely guard. In a few cases, companies offered a limited view into proprietary prices.

Amgen, for instance, told Reuters that, after most discounts, the average sales price for a dose of Enbrel is at least $200 less than list.

And, while Reuters found arthritis drug Remicade went up almost 63 percent, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) spokeswoman Caroline Pavis said average selling price increases were closer to 5.4 percent per year.

For GlaxoSmithKline Plc’s (GSK.L) Advair asthma drug, Reuters found a 67 percent increase. But spokeswoman Jenni Ligday said that, with discounts and rebates, prices actually fell during the period.

Even after discounts, pharmacy benefit managers told Reuters they pay annual price increases on top medications of up to 10 percent. By comparison, the U.S. consumer price index rose an average of 2 percent annually over the last five years.

Dr. Steve Miller, chief medical officer of top U.S. pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts Holding Corp (ESRX.O), said the current level of drug price increases was “not sustainable.”

NEW FOCUS

Drug prices have been a hot topic on the presidential campaign trail and in Congress since Turing hiked Daraprim and Valeant imposed triple-digit price increases on two heart drugs. Adding to the political pressure is the practice among employers and insurers of passing increases onto consumers.

Patricia Calopietro, 70, said she once paid $20 for a three-month supply of Nexium. AstraZeneca Plc (AZN.L) raised the list price of the acid reflux drug nearly 50 percent over the past five years, and Calopietro’s insurer pushed her out-of-pocket share up to $250. She switched to a cheaper medicine but doesn’t like how it works.

“How can I pay something like that? I’m 70 years old, and I’m on a fixed income,” said Calopietro, a retired sales manager for the U.S. Army & Air Force Exchange stores from Lorton, Virginia.

Leading drugmakers say price hikes by Turing and Valeant are outliers. “Our industry invests on average 20 percent of our revenues into research and development. It’s a fundamentally different business model,” said Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for industry lobby Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA.

Sanofi SA (SASY.PA), Teva, Amgen, J&J and AstraZeneca, which all have top 10 drugs, said they offer assistance to low income consumers. AstraZeneca spokeswoman Abigail Bozarth said the company sets prices based on market conditions, “a common practice across the industry.”

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center oncologist Peter Bach said patients would be better served if drug prices reflected value, instead of bargaining power. Pharmaceutical “companies have complete control over pricing in the U.S.,” he said.

By Bach’s estimate, increases last year on just one drug, Amgen’s Enbrel, added up to $1 billion to care costs. In a statement, Amgen spokeswoman Kristen Davis questioned Bach’s estimate, saying it is impossible to infer revenue growth from list price increases because of other factors, including rebates and discounts.

Davis said Amgen prices reflect research and development costs of $33 billion over a decade. Rebates and discounts bring the average sales price for a weekly dose of Enbrel to $704.23, down from its list price of $932.16, she said.

Dolmio’s sugar announcement: the right move?

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When’s your Dolmio day? If an announcement by parent company, Mars Food, is to be followed, the answer should be ‘occasionally’.

Mars Food recently made headlines by advising consumers to only eat some of their products once a week, due to their high salt, sugar or fat content. Dolmio was the main target, although other brands under Mars’ parent company were also featured, including Uncle Ben’s sauces.

Dolmio’s sugar announcement

The move was part of the company’s Health and Wellbeing Ambition, which aims to encourage their consumers to make ‘healthier food choices’. The changes will be rolled out over the next five years, although consumers can expect to see on-pack and website guidance in the very near future. Mars will advise whether their products are ‘occasional’ or ‘everyday’, to help consumers enjoy a balanced diet.

But was it the right move? Healthcare PR company, Onyx Health, analyses the potential impact the announcement will have on the Dolmio brand.

Dolmio’ announcement has divided both consumers and marketing professionals. At this early stage, it’s difficult to know how the situation will play out exactly, although there has been much speculation.

In the press, the attention has been largely focused on the high sugar, salt and fat content of the products. Alongside scaremongering headlines packed with ‘warnings’, it seems some media outlets have approached the story from a shock-factor perspective, giving little coverage of the company’s positive Health and Wellbeing Ambition that triggered the announcement.

Consumers who read these stories aren’t necessarily getting the whole picture. Taking the articles at face value, the overarching message is that Dolmio’s products are bad, portraying the brand negatively. The wider implications of this could result in reduced sales, as people think twice before purchasing the products.

However, on the flipside, we need to take into consideration brand responsibility. Yes, Mars Food could have buried their head in the sand and not drawn attention to the content of some of their products, but the brand would then be shirking their responsibility to protect their consumers and promote good health.

In light of the Dolmio announcements, many news outlets like the BBC and Daily Mail have compared the sugar content to other products that we generally perceive as being healthy. Products from brands like Activia and Alpen have all been analysed but, unlike Dolmio, these brands don’t have control of the situation.

With this in mind, Dolmio is portrayed as the consumer-friendly brand that actually cares about the health of their customers. By acting first, Dolmio is able to control the situation, ensuring accurate information and context. This is something other brands are unable to do, as they are acting reactively rather than proactively. From a consumer perspective, Dolmio and Mars Food are actually to be admired, as they have consumer welfare at heart.

In some ways, Mars Food is leading the way when it comes to education and social responsibility. They are occupying a position that more brands should and will have to in the future, as people gravitate towards healthy living. By giving consumers the advice they need, they can make the right choices for their own health. While the move may seem negative on the surface, dig a little deeper and it could be a smart move by the international food brand.

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