From Rueters health information comes the following write-up about Gluten Reactivity prevalence. 

For years it has been known that Celiac and Gluten Reaction have been under diagnosed/under reported. 

In my opinion, and this is based on my patient base, the numbers are even higher than this.

This study states that basically Celiac is a "white persons" problem, I beg to differ, study after study out of North Africa and the Middle East shows that CD (Celiac disease) is as prevalent in those countries as it is in America. These are countries that are populated with non-white people that have the same burden of CD on that populace as do we. 

It boils down to this, and forgive me if this is hard for you to believe, but in America most studies (done above the table and legally with the subject a willing participant) are done on whites,  now why do you think this is the case?  

I can only venture to guess that the drug companies or whomever is in charge, has done some very heavy research into what group of people are most profitable in the area of drug distribution and the results have been the guiding hand of research all these years.

If I am wrong just show me some research that bears out, in equal proportion to the population of the races that make up our United States, an equal amount of health based studies. 

If anyone can show me, unbiased, accurate and real information that the same percentage of African American, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians receive the same percentage of outcome focused, health based research. 

Studies that are from varied areas of our health sector and not just the same old "Diabetes in African American Males, a Cohort Study" then I will retract this writing and issue a formal apology to all of America's citizens...(don't hold your breath, which the length of time for breath holding has been studied across the races and it will surely lead to death in this case...)

My point, finally, is that in my patient base I have an equal amount of whites and non-whites that have Gluten Reactive Disorders and I am sure that all across America the same holds true....

Until next time, enjoy some gluten free cookies and read the Rueters Paper below...

Dr. Walter K. Crooks

Chiropractic Clinical Neurologist

http://lifechangingcarehouston.com
http://fixmyimmunesystem.com
http://fixmythyroidnow.com
http://fixmyfibro.com
http://Noneuropathyhouston.com

Email this page to a friendBookmark & SharePrinter-friendly versionSubscribe to RSS

One of every 100 U.S. whites has celiac disease

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Related MedlinePlus Pages

By Kerry Grens
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - One percent of non-Hispanic whites in the U.S. - close to two million Americans - have celiac disease, but most are not aware they suffer the gluten-intolerance problem, according to a new study.
The results back up earlier estimates of how common celiac disease is in the U.S. and Europe, the researchers say. They also support evidence that the condition is far more rare among Hispanics and blacks.
"This one...is pretty much in line with what was shown before," said Dr. Alessio Fasano, director of the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland, who was not involved in the study.
Fasano said that despite how common the condition is in the U.S, he's not surprised that few people have been diagnosed with it.
"The symptoms are so vague and non-specific that it's very difficult to point to celiac disease when you have (for instance) chronic fatigue or anemia or joint pain," Fasano said.
Celiac disease is mainly a gastrointestinal disorder, and when people who have it eat gluten, they experience an immune reaction that damages the intestinal lining.
Most studies to determine how widespread the condition is have been done in Europe, so the researchers sought to get a sharper estimate of celiac disease in the U.S.
Dr. James Everhart, at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, along with colleagues at the Mayo Clinic and in Sweden, used data from a large, ongoing national study of health and nutrition.
About 7,800 people participated in the celiac survey, and gave a blood sample that was tested for signs of the immune response to gluten that characterizes celiac disease.
The researchers, who published their study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, found evidence of celiac disease in 35 people, 29 of whom were not aware of their sensitivity to gluten.
Six of the 35 people with celiac disease were not white.
Everhart says that based on the number of non-whites in the study - 4,368 - having just six test positive illustrates that celiac disease is pretty rare among non-whites.
"I think we confirmed the clinical suspicion that this is largely a condition found among non-Hispanic whites in this country," he told Reuters Health.
Celiac disease is managed by following a gluten-free diet, which involves avoiding foods such as wheat, rye and barley.
In the study, 55 people reported that they followed a gluten-free diet, although only six of them tested positive for celiac disease.
Based on his clinical experience, Fasano said there are a number of people who choose to abstain from gluten not for medical reasons, but for other perceived health benefits.
"They believe, right or wrong, that gluten is not good for them," he said.
Although awareness of celiac disease has increased in the U.S., the study shows that few people are aware that they may have it themselves.
"This is a big issue," said Everhart, and the study does not lay out a clear path for trying to identify more people suffering with the disease.
"Screening everybody is not the way to go," said Fasano.
Celiac disease can develop at any age, making it difficult to know when to test people who don't have symptoms.
"If you don't have symptoms, it's hard to say categorically that identifying you as having this condition is going to do a lot of good at this point. That's for (other) studies to determine," said Everhart.
Everhart and his colleagues are continuing the survey to gather more numbers showing which groups of people appear to be most at risk of celiac disease, and whether the health of people with celiac disease is different from those without it.
SOURCE: bit.ly/OYbmxr American Journal of Gastroenterology, online July 31, 2012.

Reuters Health

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp

From Rueters health information comes the following write-up about Gluten Reactivity prevalence. 

For years it has been known that Celiac and Gluten Reaction have been under diagnosed/under reported. 

In my opinion, and this is based on my patient base, the numbers are even higher than this.

This study states that basically Celiac is a "white persons" problem, I beg to differ, study after study out of North Africa and the Middle East shows that CD (Celiac disease) is as prevalent in those countries as it is in America. These are countries that are populated with non-white people that have the same burden of CD on that populace as do we. 

It boils down to this, and forgive me if this is hard for you to believe, but in America most studies (done above the table and legally with the subject a willing participant) are done on whites,  now why do you think this is the case?  

I can only venture to guess that the drug companies or whomever is in charge, has done some very heavy research into what group of people are most profitable in the area of drug distribution and the results have been the guiding hand of research all these years.

If I am wrong just show me some research that bears out, in equal proportion to the population of the races that make up our United States, an equal amount of health based studies. 

If anyone can show me, unbiased, accurate and real information that the same percentage of African American, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians receive the same percentage of outcome focused, health based research. 

Studies that are from varied areas of our health sector and not just the same old "Diabetes in African American Males, a Cohort Study" then I will retract this writing and issue a formal apology to all of America's citizens...(don't hold your breath, which the length of time for breath holding has been studied across the races and it will surely lead to death in this case...)

My point, finally, is that in my patient base I have an equal amount of whites and non-whites that have Gluten Reactive Disorders and I am sure that all across America the same holds true....

Until next time, enjoy some gluten free cookies and read the Rueters Paper below...

Dr. Walter K. Crooks

Chiropractic Clinical Neurologist

http://lifechangingcarehouston.com
http://fixmyimmunesystem.com
http://fixmythyroidnow.com
http://fixmyfibro.com
http://Noneuropathyhouston.com

Email this page to a friendBookmark & SharePrinter-friendly versionSubscribe to RSS

One of every 100 U.S. whites has celiac disease

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Related MedlinePlus Pages

By Kerry Grens
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - One percent of non-Hispanic whites in the U.S. - close to two million Americans - have celiac disease, but most are not aware they suffer the gluten-intolerance problem, according to a new study.
The results back up earlier estimates of how common celiac disease is in the U.S. and Europe, the researchers say. They also support evidence that the condition is far more rare among Hispanics and blacks.
"This one...is pretty much in line with what was shown before," said Dr. Alessio Fasano, director of the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland, who was not involved in the study.
Fasano said that despite how common the condition is in the U.S, he's not surprised that few people have been diagnosed with it.
"The symptoms are so vague and non-specific that it's very difficult to point to celiac disease when you have (for instance) chronic fatigue or anemia or joint pain," Fasano said.
Celiac disease is mainly a gastrointestinal disorder, and when people who have it eat gluten, they experience an immune reaction that damages the intestinal lining.
Most studies to determine how widespread the condition is have been done in Europe, so the researchers sought to get a sharper estimate of celiac disease in the U.S.
Dr. James Everhart, at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, along with colleagues at the Mayo Clinic and in Sweden, used data from a large, ongoing national study of health and nutrition.
About 7,800 people participated in the celiac survey, and gave a blood sample that was tested for signs of the immune response to gluten that characterizes celiac disease.
The researchers, who published their study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, found evidence of celiac disease in 35 people, 29 of whom were not aware of their sensitivity to gluten.
Six of the 35 people with celiac disease were not white.
Everhart says that based on the number of non-whites in the study - 4,368 - having just six test positive illustrates that celiac disease is pretty rare among non-whites.
"I think we confirmed the clinical suspicion that this is largely a condition found among non-Hispanic whites in this country," he told Reuters Health.
Celiac disease is managed by following a gluten-free diet, which involves avoiding foods such as wheat, rye and barley.
In the study, 55 people reported that they followed a gluten-free diet, although only six of them tested positive for celiac disease.
Based on his clinical experience, Fasano said there are a number of people who choose to abstain from gluten not for medical reasons, but for other perceived health benefits.
"They believe, right or wrong, that gluten is not good for them," he said.
Although awareness of celiac disease has increased in the U.S., the study shows that few people are aware that they may have it themselves.
"This is a big issue," said Everhart, and the study does not lay out a clear path for trying to identify more people suffering with the disease.
"Screening everybody is not the way to go," said Fasano.
Celiac disease can develop at any age, making it difficult to know when to test people who don't have symptoms.
"If you don't have symptoms, it's hard to say categorically that identifying you as having this condition is going to do a lot of good at this point. That's for (other) studies to determine," said Everhart.
Everhart and his colleagues are continuing the survey to gather more numbers showing which groups of people appear to be most at risk of celiac disease, and whether the health of people with celiac disease is different from those without it.
SOURCE: bit.ly/OYbmxr American Journal of Gastroenterology, online July 31, 2012.

Reuters Health

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp

Read More

First cases of flu reported in Kentucky; not swine-related

By Tara Kaprowy
Kentucky Health News

Kentucky has its first confirmed cases of flu for the year, and officials are urging residents to get their vaccinations. (WYMT-TV photo)

The Department for Public Health reports six confirmed cases in Boyd County of the H3N2 strain, which is included in this year's flu vaccine. No cases of flu that contain genetic material from swine flu have been reported in Kentucky this year.

Kristy Bolen, senior epidemiologist at the Ashland-Boyd County Health Department, said both children and adults have been affected. "We do know that when kids go back to school, we tend to see more influenza," she said.

The reports of swine flu in Ohio and Indiana have prompted physicians to test for flu more than they normally would this time of year, Bolen told Kentucky Health News. "Being right on the border with Ohio, our local providers and local community members are more aware," she said. "It doesn't necessarily mean it will be a bad flu season."

The best way to protect against getting the flu is to get a vaccine, which should be done annually. The vaccine is recommended for anyone over 6 months of of age and is especially recommended for:
• Children age 6 months to 19 years
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years old or older
• People with any chronic health problems
• People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
• Health care workers
• Caregivers of people who have high risk for complications from the flu
• Out-of-home caregivers of people who live with children less than 6 months old.

"Getting the flu can be debilitating and sometimes life-threatening, so it's extremely important to take simple preventive steps to avoid i," said Dr. Steve Davis, acting commissioner for the DPH. "You should also follow the advice your mother gave you to prevent flu and other illnesses that tend to circulate at this time of year — wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and stay home when you're sick." (Read more)

For more information about the flu, click here.

Kentucky Health News is a service of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, based in the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications, with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

By Tara Kaprowy
Kentucky Health News

Kentucky has its first confirmed cases of flu for the year, and officials are urging residents to get their vaccinations. (WYMT-TV photo)

The Department for Public Health reports six confirmed cases in Boyd County of the H3N2 strain, which is included in this year's flu vaccine. No cases of flu that contain genetic material from swine flu have been reported in Kentucky this year.

Kristy Bolen, senior epidemiologist at the Ashland-Boyd County Health Department, said both children and adults have been affected. "We do know that when kids go back to school, we tend to see more influenza," she said.

The reports of swine flu in Ohio and Indiana have prompted physicians to test for flu more than they normally would this time of year, Bolen told Kentucky Health News. "Being right on the border with Ohio, our local providers and local community members are more aware," she said. "It doesn't necessarily mean it will be a bad flu season."

The best way to protect against getting the flu is to get a vaccine, which should be done annually. The vaccine is recommended for anyone over 6 months of of age and is especially recommended for:
• Children age 6 months to 19 years
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years old or older
• People with any chronic health problems
• People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
• Health care workers
• Caregivers of people who have high risk for complications from the flu
• Out-of-home caregivers of people who live with children less than 6 months old.

"Getting the flu can be debilitating and sometimes life-threatening, so it's extremely important to take simple preventive steps to avoid i," said Dr. Steve Davis, acting commissioner for the DPH. "You should also follow the advice your mother gave you to prevent flu and other illnesses that tend to circulate at this time of year — wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and stay home when you're sick." (Read more)

For more information about the flu, click here.

Kentucky Health News is a service of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, based in the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications, with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

Read More

Students with tooth problems don't do as well in school

More evidence shows students who have dental problems struggle more in school. A new study of almost 1,500 disadvantaged students in Los Angeles public schools found those who had had recent tooth pain were four times more likely to have a low grade-point average (below 2.8) than those who didn't have problems.

Another recent survey found that one in nine American children ages 9 to 11 have untreated tooth decay in their permanent, adult teeth. A 2011 study in North Carolina concluded students with poor oral health were three times more likely to miss school because of dental pain.

Parents and policy makers should be concerned with the findings, says Matt Jacob for the Pew Center on the States. In California, about 504,000 children missed at least one school day in 2007 because of a toothache or another oral health-related problem. (Read more)

More evidence shows students who have dental problems struggle more in school. A new study of almost 1,500 disadvantaged students in Los Angeles public schools found those who had had recent tooth pain were four times more likely to have a low grade-point average (below 2.8) than those who didn't have problems.

Another recent survey found that one in nine American children ages 9 to 11 have untreated tooth decay in their permanent, adult teeth. A 2011 study in North Carolina concluded students with poor oral health were three times more likely to miss school because of dental pain.

Parents and policy makers should be concerned with the findings, says Matt Jacob for the Pew Center on the States. In California, about 504,000 children missed at least one school day in 2007 because of a toothache or another oral health-related problem. (Read more)

Read More

State's largest health care system says it will end contract with Coventry Cares

KentuckyOne Health, the state's largest health-care system with almost 200 hospitals, physician groups, primary care centers and other agencies, is canceling its contracts with Coventry Cares, one of the state's four Medicaid managed-care organizations. Terminations will be effective Nov. 1 for Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare and Saint Joseph Health System.

The decision came after Coventry sent a letter announcing it would terminate its contract July 18 with Our Lady of Peace hospital in Louisville. Coventry also terminated its contract with Taylor Regional Hospital in Campbellsville, another KentuckyOne facility, reports Valarie Honeycutt Spears for the Lexington Herald-Leader. She notes that Our Lady of Peace serves high-risk patients with intellectual disabilities. It is one of the largest private, non-profit psychiatric hospitals in the country.

"We feel Coventry Care's actions will ultimately hinder and prevent the care our communities need and deserve," said Barbara Mackovic, a KentuckyOne spokeswoman. "That is especially true when a plan would put our most vulnerable patient populations at Our Lady of Peace at risk."

Issues with Coventry Cares have been mounting ever since it started administering Medicaid Nov. 1. The company, the state and Appalachian Regional Healthcare fought in court after Coventry threatened to terminate its contract. TCoventry temporarily extended its contract, but in in May the firm announced it would also end contracts with Baptist Healthcare System.

Managed care has saved the state money but has caused major headaches, including delayed provider payments and overly-burdensome preauthorizations. Coventry alleges "that it has too many high-risk patients and that the state needs to adjust the risk model so Coventry can receive more money for sicker patients," Spears reported in May. (Read more)

KentuckyOne Health, the state's largest health-care system with almost 200 hospitals, physician groups, primary care centers and other agencies, is canceling its contracts with Coventry Cares, one of the state's four Medicaid managed-care organizations. Terminations will be effective Nov. 1 for Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare and Saint Joseph Health System.

The decision came after Coventry sent a letter announcing it would terminate its contract July 18 with Our Lady of Peace hospital in Louisville. Coventry also terminated its contract with Taylor Regional Hospital in Campbellsville, another KentuckyOne facility, reports Valarie Honeycutt Spears for the Lexington Herald-Leader. She notes that Our Lady of Peace serves high-risk patients with intellectual disabilities. It is one of the largest private, non-profit psychiatric hospitals in the country.

"We feel Coventry Care's actions will ultimately hinder and prevent the care our communities need and deserve," said Barbara Mackovic, a KentuckyOne spokeswoman. "That is especially true when a plan would put our most vulnerable patient populations at Our Lady of Peace at risk."

Issues with Coventry Cares have been mounting ever since it started administering Medicaid Nov. 1. The company, the state and Appalachian Regional Healthcare fought in court after Coventry threatened to terminate its contract. TCoventry temporarily extended its contract, but in in May the firm announced it would also end contracts with Baptist Healthcare System.

Managed care has saved the state money but has caused major headaches, including delayed provider payments and overly-burdensome preauthorizations. Coventry alleges "that it has too many high-risk patients and that the state needs to adjust the risk model so Coventry can receive more money for sicker patients," Spears reported in May. (Read more)

Read More

Legislative committee delays vote on state insurance exchange, though the move is only symbolic

Kentucky legislators have made another symbolic move against creating a health insurance exchange, with the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare delaying a vote on its creation until next month's meeting. The exchange is one of the cornerstones of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and would allow individuals earning up to to 133 percent of the federal poverty level to buy health insurance through a state-run marketplace.

Rep. Addia Wuchner, R-Florence, made the motion to table the vote on the order Wednesday, saying she does not have enough information about the cost of the exchange and how it will operate. "All we have is the executive order" from Gov. Steve Beshear creating the exchange, Wuchner said. The exchange must be in operation by Jan. 1, 2014. The first year, it will be paid for by the federal government. The second year, it will cost $67 million, but the state will use grant money to pay that sum, reports Beth Musgrave for the Lexington Herald-Leader. In the long term, fees from insurance companies are supposed to pay the costs.

If the committee opts to reject the order, Beshear can override it, Musgrave reports. It's the second time the legislative has acted against the creation of an exchange. Earlier this summer the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee voted along party lines against a lease that would have housed employees of the exchange. Finance Secretary Lori Flanery has the power to overturn the vote and rent the space. (Read more)

Kentucky legislators have made another symbolic move against creating a health insurance exchange, with the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare delaying a vote on its creation until next month's meeting. The exchange is one of the cornerstones of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and would allow individuals earning up to to 133 percent of the federal poverty level to buy health insurance through a state-run marketplace.

Rep. Addia Wuchner, R-Florence, made the motion to table the vote on the order Wednesday, saying she does not have enough information about the cost of the exchange and how it will operate. "All we have is the executive order" from Gov. Steve Beshear creating the exchange, Wuchner said. The exchange must be in operation by Jan. 1, 2014. The first year, it will be paid for by the federal government. The second year, it will cost $67 million, but the state will use grant money to pay that sum, reports Beth Musgrave for the Lexington Herald-Leader. In the long term, fees from insurance companies are supposed to pay the costs.

If the committee opts to reject the order, Beshear can override it, Musgrave reports. It's the second time the legislative has acted against the creation of an exchange. Earlier this summer the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee voted along party lines against a lease that would have housed employees of the exchange. Finance Secretary Lori Flanery has the power to overturn the vote and rent the space. (Read more)

Read More

Sodas losing fizz in schools, but exclusive deals remain

New research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows more than half of middle and high schools have purged the pop since the 2006-2007 school year. That year, 53.6 percent of high schools and 27.4 percent of middle schools gave students access to soda. In the 2010-2011 those numbers dropped to 25.3 in high schools and 12.5 percent in middle schools, reports Sarah Kliff for The Washington Post.

"You have policymakers at the state level, and also more local, moving policies into this directions," said researcher Yvonne Terry-McElrath. "You have policymakers at the state level, and also more local, moving policies into this direction. I also think you're seeing movement from parents and individuals who are becoming more aware of what is and isn't healthy."

That is the case in Kentucky. Under a state law passed a few years ago, students can only buy school-day-approved beverages — 100 percent fruit juice, lowfat milk and any beverage that contains no more than 10 grams of sugar per serving — during the school day. It may benefit reporters to ask school administrators though if there are vending machines at school that sell soda after the school day is finished, however. 

Though schools are getting rid of soda in high numbers across the country, a lot of them still have relationships with Coke or Pepsi, something reporters can find out by simply asking administrators.

Photo by Paul Robert Lloyd, via Flickr

A 2005 survey found nearly half of elementary schools and about 80 percent of public high schools nationwide had pouring rights contracts with one or the other of the soda companies, which gives them exclusive rights to supply all the beverages in school snack bars, vending machines, school stores and at sports events.

The upside for the schools can include funding for field trips, gym uniforms, SMART boards and other perks, reports blogger Tom Philpott for Mother Jones. Philpott cites one study that shows students living in states with laws that limit junk food sales gained less weight — an average of about 2.25 pounds for a 5-foot child — than those that didn't. A study in California showed students consumed 158 less calories each day in schools where sodas were banned and new nutritional regulations were implemented in cafeterias.

But one study of 20,000 students found no correlation between obesity rates and access to soda at school. "The research is pretty mixed," Terry-McElrath said.

New research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows more than half of middle and high schools have purged the pop since the 2006-2007 school year. That year, 53.6 percent of high schools and 27.4 percent of middle schools gave students access to soda. In the 2010-2011 those numbers dropped to 25.3 in high schools and 12.5 percent in middle schools, reports Sarah Kliff for The Washington Post.

"You have policymakers at the state level, and also more local, moving policies into this directions," said researcher Yvonne Terry-McElrath. "You have policymakers at the state level, and also more local, moving policies into this direction. I also think you're seeing movement from parents and individuals who are becoming more aware of what is and isn't healthy."

That is the case in Kentucky. Under a state law passed a few years ago, students can only buy school-day-approved beverages — 100 percent fruit juice, lowfat milk and any beverage that contains no more than 10 grams of sugar per serving — during the school day. It may benefit reporters to ask school administrators though if there are vending machines at school that sell soda after the school day is finished, however. 

Though schools are getting rid of soda in high numbers across the country, a lot of them still have relationships with Coke or Pepsi, something reporters can find out by simply asking administrators.

Photo by Paul Robert Lloyd, via Flickr

A 2005 survey found nearly half of elementary schools and about 80 percent of public high schools nationwide had pouring rights contracts with one or the other of the soda companies, which gives them exclusive rights to supply all the beverages in school snack bars, vending machines, school stores and at sports events.

The upside for the schools can include funding for field trips, gym uniforms, SMART boards and other perks, reports blogger Tom Philpott for Mother Jones. Philpott cites one study that shows students living in states with laws that limit junk food sales gained less weight — an average of about 2.25 pounds for a 5-foot child — than those that didn't. A study in California showed students consumed 158 less calories each day in schools where sodas were banned and new nutritional regulations were implemented in cafeterias.

But one study of 20,000 students found no correlation between obesity rates and access to soda at school. "The research is pretty mixed," Terry-McElrath said.

Read More

Anesthesia safety for cats with heart disease

Final report, Winn/Miller Trust grant MT10-001
Does treatment of anesthetic-induced hypotension with dopamine or phenylephrine cause myocardial damage in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Investigators: Bruno Pypendop, Ashley Wiese, Linda Barter, Jan Ilkiw
University of California, Davis

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease of cats. The development and complications of hypotension (low blood pressure) in anesthetized cats is a concern for both healthy cats and cats with HCM. Persistent hypotension in healthy anesthetized cats is treated with the administration of drugs such as dopamine. Blood pressure can also be increased by administration of another type of drug, phenylephrine. The effects of these drugs on cardiac output (CO) and blood pressure have not been investigated in anesthetized cats with HCM. 

The investigators studied the cardiopulmonary effects of dopamine and phenylephrine during isoflurane-induced hypotension in 6 cats with severe naturally occurring HCM. The results indicated that both dopamine and phenylephrine induced dose-dependent increases in systemic and pulmonary blood pressure, yet only dopamine resulted in increased cardiac output. Anesthesia-induced hypotension and the infusions of dopamine and phenylephrine caused a significant increase in cardiac troponin I, a sensitive and specific biochemical marker for myocardial damage. The authors suggest that based on the study results, dopamine is superior to phenylephrine if the goal of treatment of inhalation anesthetic-induced hypotension in cats with non-obstructive HCM is to restore blood pressure through an increase in cardiac output. [VT]

Wiese AJ, Barter LS, Ilkiw JE, Kittleson MD and Pypendop BH. Cardiovascular and respiratory effects of incremental doses of dopamine and phenylephrine in the management of isoflurane-induced hypotension in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Am J Vet Res. 2012; 73: 908-16.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+

Final report, Winn/Miller Trust grant MT10-001
Does treatment of anesthetic-induced hypotension with dopamine or phenylephrine cause myocardial damage in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Investigators: Bruno Pypendop, Ashley Wiese, Linda Barter, Jan Ilkiw
University of California, Davis

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease of cats. The development and complications of hypotension (low blood pressure) in anesthetized cats is a concern for both healthy cats and cats with HCM. Persistent hypotension in healthy anesthetized cats is treated with the administration of drugs such as dopamine. Blood pressure can also be increased by administration of another type of drug, phenylephrine. The effects of these drugs on cardiac output (CO) and blood pressure have not been investigated in anesthetized cats with HCM. 

The investigators studied the cardiopulmonary effects of dopamine and phenylephrine during isoflurane-induced hypotension in 6 cats with severe naturally occurring HCM. The results indicated that both dopamine and phenylephrine induced dose-dependent increases in systemic and pulmonary blood pressure, yet only dopamine resulted in increased cardiac output. Anesthesia-induced hypotension and the infusions of dopamine and phenylephrine caused a significant increase in cardiac troponin I, a sensitive and specific biochemical marker for myocardial damage. The authors suggest that based on the study results, dopamine is superior to phenylephrine if the goal of treatment of inhalation anesthetic-induced hypotension in cats with non-obstructive HCM is to restore blood pressure through an increase in cardiac output. [VT]

Wiese AJ, Barter LS, Ilkiw JE, Kittleson MD and Pypendop BH. Cardiovascular and respiratory effects of incremental doses of dopamine and phenylephrine in the management of isoflurane-induced hypotension in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Am J Vet Res. 2012; 73: 908-16.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+

Read More

Kentucky's obesity rate and ranking are better than last year, but the figures may not be truly comparable

The percentage of Kentucky adults who are obese is smaller than its was, but the state is still 10th in the country, according to a new, influential analysis by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report found 30.4 percent of Kentucky adults are obese, an improvement from last year's 31.5 percent and the state's sixth-place ranking. The numbers do not include the percentage of adults that are merely overweight.

The statistics are based on data collected through telephone surveys by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The surveys this year included people who only have cell phones, not land lines. Such people tend to be younger, so officials warned about putting too much stock in comparing this year's ranking from last year, reports Barb Berggoetz for the Indianapolis Star.

Mississippi has the highest obesity rate in the country at 34.9 percent, followed by Louisiana (33.4) and West Virginia (32.4). Twenty-six of the 30 states with the highest rates are in the Midwest and South.

"Obesity has contributed to a stunning rise in chronic disease rates and health care costs. It is one of the biggest health crises the country has ever faced," said Jeffrey Levi, executive director of Trust for America's Health. "The good news is that we have a growing body of evidence and approaches that we know can help reduce obesity, improve nutrition and increase physical activity based on making healthier choices easier for Americans. The bad news is we're not investing anywhere near what we need to in order to bend the obesity curve and see the returns in terms of health and savings."

In 2006, obesity-related medical costs were $147 billion or the equivalent of 10 percent of total medical spending, a 2011 study in Health Affairs found. Most of it is spent on treating diseases related to obesity, like diabetes.

The ranking is the first part of the 2012 "F as in Fat" report, which analyzes state obesity rates and efforts to address the problem. It will be released in full in September. For the first time, the report will include forecasts about obesity rates in 2030 in each state. It will also look at the potential impact of a 5-percent reduction in body mass indices. (Read more)

The percentage of Kentucky adults who are obese is smaller than its was, but the state is still 10th in the country, according to a new, influential analysis by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report found 30.4 percent of Kentucky adults are obese, an improvement from last year's 31.5 percent and the state's sixth-place ranking. The numbers do not include the percentage of adults that are merely overweight.

The statistics are based on data collected through telephone surveys by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The surveys this year included people who only have cell phones, not land lines. Such people tend to be younger, so officials warned about putting too much stock in comparing this year's ranking from last year, reports Barb Berggoetz for the Indianapolis Star.

Mississippi has the highest obesity rate in the country at 34.9 percent, followed by Louisiana (33.4) and West Virginia (32.4). Twenty-six of the 30 states with the highest rates are in the Midwest and South.

"Obesity has contributed to a stunning rise in chronic disease rates and health care costs. It is one of the biggest health crises the country has ever faced," said Jeffrey Levi, executive director of Trust for America's Health. "The good news is that we have a growing body of evidence and approaches that we know can help reduce obesity, improve nutrition and increase physical activity based on making healthier choices easier for Americans. The bad news is we're not investing anywhere near what we need to in order to bend the obesity curve and see the returns in terms of health and savings."

In 2006, obesity-related medical costs were $147 billion or the equivalent of 10 percent of total medical spending, a 2011 study in Health Affairs found. Most of it is spent on treating diseases related to obesity, like diabetes.

The ranking is the first part of the 2012 "F as in Fat" report, which analyzes state obesity rates and efforts to address the problem. It will be released in full in September. For the first time, the report will include forecasts about obesity rates in 2030 in each state. It will also look at the potential impact of a 5-percent reduction in body mass indices. (Read more)

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Doctors' letter to the editor about the importance of physical activity is worthy of consideration from all Kentucky newspapers

Given its timeliness and message, Kentucky Health News encourages editors of Kentucky newspapers to consider publishing this compelling letter.

Physical activity — a daily staple

To the editor:

The 2012 London Olympics were a feast. Nobody with a hunger for sports, national rivalries or stories of individual struggles and accomplishment should have left the table unsatisfied. The Games served up a bounty of the very best.

After the feast, though, we need good, daily nutrition. Seeing the world's best athletes break records and vie for top honors, we can take their example and weave physical activity, exercise and sport into our daily lives. There's only one Usain Bolt, but millions of us run full-tilt through our careers and family life. The gymnastic magic of Gabby Douglas can inspire our headlong tumble through competing obligations and the flexibility to get it all done.

Translating Olympic activities into everyday life is more than a metaphor. With sedentary lifestyles linked to one in four deaths from non-communicable diseases, and with preventable conditions consuming unsustainable portions of health care costs, we must act individually and as a society to keep ourselves fit and healthy.

Food for thought

The facts are undeniable, and the evidence continues to mount. As the Games were poised to begin, no less an authority than The Lancet published a series of articles that underscore the extraordinary peril of physical inactivity for global health and national economies. Experts from Harvard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and around the world made the case for urgent action: "In view of the prevalence, global reach, and health effect of physical inactivity, the issue should be appropriately described as pandemic, with far-reaching health, economic, environmental, and social consequences."

The reality is that the United States will not be able to grow it economy fast enough or large enough to pay for the treatment of rising levels of highly avoidable diseases and conditions, many of which are related to low levels of physical activity. This calls for collective action to encourage and enable all people to become and remain more active, whether through activities of daily living, exercise or sports.

On an individual level, we will each benefit from meeting at least minimum guidelines for physical activity. The payoff is improved health and quality of life for the individual, greater productivity in the workplace, and lower health costs for all of us. The alternative is unthinkable.

That's food for thought, indeed. As we push back from the table, still savoring a 17-day feast of athletics and achievement, let's make a menu of physical activity part of our daily lives. Anything less is too hard to swallow.

Janet Walberg Rankin, president, American College of Sports Medicine
Dr. Robert Sallis, chair, "Exercise is Medicine" Global Initiative

Given its timeliness and message, Kentucky Health News encourages editors of Kentucky newspapers to consider publishing this compelling letter.

Physical activity — a daily staple

To the editor:

The 2012 London Olympics were a feast. Nobody with a hunger for sports, national rivalries or stories of individual struggles and accomplishment should have left the table unsatisfied. The Games served up a bounty of the very best.

After the feast, though, we need good, daily nutrition. Seeing the world's best athletes break records and vie for top honors, we can take their example and weave physical activity, exercise and sport into our daily lives. There's only one Usain Bolt, but millions of us run full-tilt through our careers and family life. The gymnastic magic of Gabby Douglas can inspire our headlong tumble through competing obligations and the flexibility to get it all done.

Translating Olympic activities into everyday life is more than a metaphor. With sedentary lifestyles linked to one in four deaths from non-communicable diseases, and with preventable conditions consuming unsustainable portions of health care costs, we must act individually and as a society to keep ourselves fit and healthy.

Food for thought

The facts are undeniable, and the evidence continues to mount. As the Games were poised to begin, no less an authority than The Lancet published a series of articles that underscore the extraordinary peril of physical inactivity for global health and national economies. Experts from Harvard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and around the world made the case for urgent action: "In view of the prevalence, global reach, and health effect of physical inactivity, the issue should be appropriately described as pandemic, with far-reaching health, economic, environmental, and social consequences."

The reality is that the United States will not be able to grow it economy fast enough or large enough to pay for the treatment of rising levels of highly avoidable diseases and conditions, many of which are related to low levels of physical activity. This calls for collective action to encourage and enable all people to become and remain more active, whether through activities of daily living, exercise or sports.

On an individual level, we will each benefit from meeting at least minimum guidelines for physical activity. The payoff is improved health and quality of life for the individual, greater productivity in the workplace, and lower health costs for all of us. The alternative is unthinkable.

That's food for thought, indeed. As we push back from the table, still savoring a 17-day feast of athletics and achievement, let's make a menu of physical activity part of our daily lives. Anything less is too hard to swallow.

Janet Walberg Rankin, president, American College of Sports Medicine
Dr. Robert Sallis, chair, "Exercise is Medicine" Global Initiative

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State Fair taking precautions to prevent spread of swine flu

With cases of swine flu popping up in adjoining states to the north, officials are taking precautions to prevent the disease from spreading at the Kentucky State Fair's Swine Pavilion. The fair starts Thursday. (Photo by Kristin Sherrard, Carrollton News-Democrat: Turner Slaton of Madisonville wins the reserve light crossbred champion ribbon at the Kentucky State Fair in 2009.)

University of Louisville epidemiologist Forrest Arnold has advice for fairgoers:

• “Stay out of the face of a sick pig.” The flu is transmitted most often via the eyes, nose or mouth, so keeping your face out of a pig’s face is advised.
• “Wash your hands frequently.” Always a good recommendation to prevent illness, washing your hands is especially important after you have been around pigs.
• “Be sure your children limit exposure to pigs’ faces and wash their hands immediately after viewing them.” Children especially enjoy the livestock shows at the state fair, so it is important that they follow precautions as well.
• “Be aware if you are at a greater risk.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn people at high risk of contracting any flu, such as those 65 or older, pregnant or with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, to avoid contact with pigs entirely.
• “Continue to enjoy eating pork and pork products.” Swine flu is not transmitted by eating pork that has been cooked to a temperature of at least 170 degrees.

The state veterinarian's staff will be inspecting all swine — between 650 and 675 pigs — and looking for signs of flu, which includes coughing, sneezing and labored breathing. Animals showing symptoms will be evaluated and tested for the disease. Exhibitors coming from out of state must show a certificate of veterinary inspection with 72 hours of arrival, The Courier-Journal reports.

"We are certainly prepared for the slightest sign of any outbreak, and of course, the public will be notified immediately should anything occur," said Harold Workman, president of the Kentucky State Fair Board.

This year has seen 158 reported cases of swine flu, 130 of which were in 19 counties in Indiana. There have been 30 cases in Ohio and one each in Indiana and Hawaii. The disease is spread by pigs coughing or sneezing in the proximity of humans. Symptoms in humans, which can last from three to eight days, include coughing, fever, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, nausea and diarrhea. (Read more)

With cases of swine flu popping up in adjoining states to the north, officials are taking precautions to prevent the disease from spreading at the Kentucky State Fair's Swine Pavilion. The fair starts Thursday. (Photo by Kristin Sherrard, Carrollton News-Democrat: Turner Slaton of Madisonville wins the reserve light crossbred champion ribbon at the Kentucky State Fair in 2009.)

University of Louisville epidemiologist Forrest Arnold has advice for fairgoers:

• “Stay out of the face of a sick pig.” The flu is transmitted most often via the eyes, nose or mouth, so keeping your face out of a pig’s face is advised.
• “Wash your hands frequently.” Always a good recommendation to prevent illness, washing your hands is especially important after you have been around pigs.
• “Be sure your children limit exposure to pigs’ faces and wash their hands immediately after viewing them.” Children especially enjoy the livestock shows at the state fair, so it is important that they follow precautions as well.
• “Be aware if you are at a greater risk.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn people at high risk of contracting any flu, such as those 65 or older, pregnant or with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, to avoid contact with pigs entirely.
• “Continue to enjoy eating pork and pork products.” Swine flu is not transmitted by eating pork that has been cooked to a temperature of at least 170 degrees.

The state veterinarian's staff will be inspecting all swine — between 650 and 675 pigs — and looking for signs of flu, which includes coughing, sneezing and labored breathing. Animals showing symptoms will be evaluated and tested for the disease. Exhibitors coming from out of state must show a certificate of veterinary inspection with 72 hours of arrival, The Courier-Journal reports.

"We are certainly prepared for the slightest sign of any outbreak, and of course, the public will be notified immediately should anything occur," said Harold Workman, president of the Kentucky State Fair Board.

This year has seen 158 reported cases of swine flu, 130 of which were in 19 counties in Indiana. There have been 30 cases in Ohio and one each in Indiana and Hawaii. The disease is spread by pigs coughing or sneezing in the proximity of humans. Symptoms in humans, which can last from three to eight days, include coughing, fever, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, nausea and diarrhea. (Read more)

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Legitimate pain patients having trouble getting prescription drugs because of 'pill mill bill,' some doctors say; hearing Wednesday

With lawmakers set to review the regulations of the "pill mill bill" Wednesday, doctors are saying some legitimate patients are having trouble getting access to prescription drugs as a result of the legislation. 

The law is aimed at cracking down on illegal pain-management clinics and curbing prescription-drug abuse. It requires physicians to use the state's prescription-drug monitoring system, KASPER, before prescribing certain drugs. 

But some doctors worry they may face criminal charges or penalties for prescribing the drugs or making clerical errors, reports Scott Wartman for the Kentucky Enquirer, an edition of The Cincinnati Enquirer. As a result, "There are already doctors saying no more prescriptions on green prescription pads," said Dr. Gregory Hood, a Lexington internist and governor for the Kentucky chapter of the American College of Physicians. The legislation also "adds layers of more work they or their staffs already have to do," said Dr. Elmer Martin, a Covington pediatrician who is the medical director of HealthPoint Family Care.

But state officials say the only criminal penalties in the bill would result only "from someone operating a pain clinic without a doctor's license and for intentional failure to input data into the state's prescription drug tracking system," Wartman reports. Since July 20, the number of KASPER reports requested by doctors has grown to 20,000 per day from 3,000. The reports show a patient's prescription history to indicate "doctor shopping."

The number of drugs prescribed has increased exponentially in Kentucky. "Last year there was enough doses of hydrocodone prescribed "to treat every man, woman and child in the state with 50 doses," said Van Ingram, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. Still, even physicians who supported the bill, like Dr. Robert Klickovich, say it needs to be tweaked. "Specialists may not be present in rural communities and if primary care physicians fear prescribing, even though in the appropriate case, for fear of a punitive action, they may hesitate to treat a patient," he told Wartman. (Read more)

With lawmakers set to review the regulations of the "pill mill bill" Wednesday, doctors are saying some legitimate patients are having trouble getting access to prescription drugs as a result of the legislation. 

The law is aimed at cracking down on illegal pain-management clinics and curbing prescription-drug abuse. It requires physicians to use the state's prescription-drug monitoring system, KASPER, before prescribing certain drugs. 

But some doctors worry they may face criminal charges or penalties for prescribing the drugs or making clerical errors, reports Scott Wartman for the Kentucky Enquirer, an edition of The Cincinnati Enquirer. As a result, "There are already doctors saying no more prescriptions on green prescription pads," said Dr. Gregory Hood, a Lexington internist and governor for the Kentucky chapter of the American College of Physicians. The legislation also "adds layers of more work they or their staffs already have to do," said Dr. Elmer Martin, a Covington pediatrician who is the medical director of HealthPoint Family Care.

But state officials say the only criminal penalties in the bill would result only "from someone operating a pain clinic without a doctor's license and for intentional failure to input data into the state's prescription drug tracking system," Wartman reports. Since July 20, the number of KASPER reports requested by doctors has grown to 20,000 per day from 3,000. The reports show a patient's prescription history to indicate "doctor shopping."

The number of drugs prescribed has increased exponentially in Kentucky. "Last year there was enough doses of hydrocodone prescribed "to treat every man, woman and child in the state with 50 doses," said Van Ingram, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. Still, even physicians who supported the bill, like Dr. Robert Klickovich, say it needs to be tweaked. "Specialists may not be present in rural communities and if primary care physicians fear prescribing, even though in the appropriate case, for fear of a punitive action, they may hesitate to treat a patient," he told Wartman. (Read more)

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Call for proposals in feline health for 2013 funding

Winn grant review panel meeting

The Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that funds research into health issues affecting cats. Since its inception in 1968, grants totaling over $4 million have been awarded by the Foundation for scientific studies, encouraging veterinarians and researchers to focus attention on the needs of cats. Studies applicable to all cats are encouraged. The Winn Feline Foundation is also interested in projects that address issues in individual breeds, nutrition, and behavior. Although we are interested in all areas of feline health, we also have dedicated funds for research in feline infectious peritonitis (the Bria Fund) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (the Ricky Fund). Applicants may be faculty veterinarians, post-doctoral fellows, practicing veterinarians or veterinary students.

Dr. Brian Holub (L), Dr. Melissa Kennedy (R)

In February 2012, Winn funded 10 new feline medical research projects for a total of $174,018 in areas such as heart disease, feline infectious peritonitis, progressive retinal atrophy, cancer, chronic pain, behavior disorders, chronic kidney disease, and infectious diseases.

Successful recipients in our regular grant program are selected by our grant review panel at a meeting each February. The deadline for receipt of proposals for funding in 2013 is Mon. Dec. 10, 2012. Please note that Winn is now accepting all proposals electronically. The maximum grant award is $25,000 (US).

For more information, including full grant application guidelines, see:
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Pages/Researchers.html

Questions? Contact us at: grants@winnfelinehealth.org

More on cat health: 
Winn Feline Foundation Library 
Find us on Facebook 
Follow us on Twitter 
Read the Cat Health News Weekly 
Join us on Google+

Winn grant review panel meeting

The Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that funds research into health issues affecting cats. Since its inception in 1968, grants totaling over $4 million have been awarded by the Foundation for scientific studies, encouraging veterinarians and researchers to focus attention on the needs of cats. Studies applicable to all cats are encouraged. The Winn Feline Foundation is also interested in projects that address issues in individual breeds, nutrition, and behavior. Although we are interested in all areas of feline health, we also have dedicated funds for research in feline infectious peritonitis (the Bria Fund) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (the Ricky Fund). Applicants may be faculty veterinarians, post-doctoral fellows, practicing veterinarians or veterinary students.

Dr. Brian Holub (L), Dr. Melissa Kennedy (R)

In February 2012, Winn funded 10 new feline medical research projects for a total of $174,018 in areas such as heart disease, feline infectious peritonitis, progressive retinal atrophy, cancer, chronic pain, behavior disorders, chronic kidney disease, and infectious diseases.

Successful recipients in our regular grant program are selected by our grant review panel at a meeting each February. The deadline for receipt of proposals for funding in 2013 is Mon. Dec. 10, 2012. Please note that Winn is now accepting all proposals electronically. The maximum grant award is $25,000 (US).

For more information, including full grant application guidelines, see:
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Pages/Researchers.html

Questions? Contact us at: grants@winnfelinehealth.org

More on cat health: 
Winn Feline Foundation Library 
Find us on Facebook 
Follow us on Twitter 
Read the Cat Health News Weekly 
Join us on Google+

Read More