How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Health
- Details
- Written by: Editor
Vitamin D decreases pain in women with type 2 diabetes and depression, according to a study conducted at Loyola University Chicago.
These findings were presented at an Oct. 24, 2013, research conference at Loyola's Health Sciences Campus.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with depression and pain, but few studies have looked at how pain may affect the treatment of depression in patients with type 2 diabetes and no studies have evaluated the role of vitamin D supplementation on this association.
Researchers in this study tested the efficacy of weekly vitamin D2 supplementation (50,000 Ius) for six months on depression in women with type 2 diabetes. Depression significantly improved following supplementation.
In addition, 61 percent of patients reported shooting or burning pain in their legs and feet (neuropathic pain) and 74 percent reported numbness and tingling in their hands, fingers, and legs (sensory pain) at the beginning of the study.
Researchers found a significant decrease in neuropathic and sensory pain at three and six months following vitamin D2 supplementation.
“Pain is a common and often serious problem for women with type 2 diabetes and depression,” said Todd Doyle, MD, lead author and fellow, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM). “While further research is needed, D2 supplementation is a promising treatment for both pain and depression in type 2 diabetes.”
Loyola researchers have received funding from the National Institute of Nursing Research to conduct a trial comparing the effects of two different doses of vitamin D3 supplements on health outcomes in women with diabetes.
“Vitamin D has widespread benefits for our health and certain chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes,” said Sue Penckofer, PhD, RN, study co-author and professor, Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. “This NIH grant will allow us to shed greater light on understanding the role that this nutrient plays in managing the health of women with diabetes.”
Other study authors included Patricia Mumby, PhD, professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Mary Anne Emanuele, MD, professor, Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, SSOM; Mary Alice By.
- Details
- Written by: Editor
UKIAH, Calif. – Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center (UVRHC) recently received a 100-point quality rating as part of the Quality Improvement Program (QIP) from Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC).
In the 2012-2013 reporting year a total of 126 sites participated in the QIP across PHC’s six counties: Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo.
Each site that participated in the program was responsible for reporting 16 measures across four domains which included: preventative care services, appropriate use of resources, access and operations, and measuring and continuing to improve the patient’s experience.
The average number of points earned across all sites was 67.3 percent, with only two sites earning 100 points, one being the UVRHC, and the other site in Marin County.
“Partnership HealthPlan is lucky to have a network of primary care providers that is dedicated to providing high quality of care to the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Chief Medical Officer of PHC Dr. Robert Moore. “The performance standards for our Quality Improvement Program are quite high, so a 100 percent score requires a concerted effort by the primary care provider. Ukiah Valley Rural Health Centers deserves special recognition for this achievement."
According to UVRHC Director, Darcie Antle, “We really made a concerted effort to do our best. We knew that by participating in the QIP each member of our team, from the receptionist to our physicians, would have to put their best effort into caring for each community member that comes through our doors – something I feel our team has always tried to achieve regardless of an award. We are truly honored to receive a 100-point ranking.”
The Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center provides comprehensive and preventative health care services for Mendocino and Lake County.
Services include adolescent behavioral health, allergy, bariatric, family practice, general and advanced laparoscopic surgery, gynecology/obstetrics, internal medicine, pediatrics, lab draw station, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology/optometry, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat specialist), pain management and urology.
The Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal and most other forms of insurance.
For more information on services and locations, please call 707-463-8000 or visit www.uvmc.org for more information.
- Details
- Written by: Editor
SACRAMENTO – Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer, has warned consumers with wheat allergies not to eat six varieties of AVO’s Bakery Inc. products.
Five products are Gourmet Sesame Plain, Date Mamoul, Gourmet French, Gourmet Anise Plain and Sea Salted Cookies Sticks Gourmet Cookies. The sixth is Avo’s Bread Crumbs product.
AVO’s Bakery of Burbank, Calif., is voluntarily recalling the products, which were sold primarily at local retail markets in Southern California.
The recall was initiated after CDPH identified the labeling omission during a routine inspection at the bakery. No illnesses have been reported at this time.
The products are packaged in clear plastic, clam-shell containers with labels that have the AVO’S Bakery Inc. logo in red lettering, and have white, yellow, or green background color, with the product name in black lettering.
The Feb. 26, 2014, best-by date is printed on a sticker on the label.
To view the bakery's products, visit http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/Documents/fdbFrAVO1a.pdf .
AVO’s Bakery Inc. immediately segregated its entire inventory of recalled products and has notified retailers that received the affected products directly.
People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of a life-threatening allergic reaction, that requires immediate medical attention should they consume these products.
Consumers who have experienced allergic reaction after consuming any of these products should contact their health care provider. Anyone observing the products being offered for sale is encouraged to call CDPH toll-free complaint line at 800-495-3232.
- Details
- Written by: Editor
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – While the holidays can be the most wonderful time of year, with cooler weather, family gatherings and delicious foods, they can also be a minefield for those looking to maintain their weight-loss and fitness goals.
Katie Mitchell, director of fitness, and Amanda Turner, registered dietitian (RD), with Curves International Inc., www.curves.com , offer the following tips to help stay on track with food and health goals:
– Eat before you go to a party: Never go to a party hungry. Eating a high-fiber or protein-based snack like a turkey rollup and an apple will help fill you up and ensure your blood sugar levels stay consistent – preventing overindulgence in calorie-laden party foods. Simply take 4 ounces of turkey slices and 2 teaspoons of whole grain mustard, spread the mustard on the turkey, roll and enjoy. Slice up an apple if you are still hungry. Once at the party, make sure to drink a glass of water before you grab a plate.
– Bring your own healthy item: When you are invited to a party, take a healthy dish with you. This will ensure there is at least one healthy food option at the party.
– Measure your portions: Using measuring cups and spoons, rather than eye-balling and guessing, will help with portion control. If you are out and about and can’t measure, use these basic measurement estimators: A fist = 1 cup; palm sized = approximately 4 ounces of a meat portion; deck of cards = 3 ounces of meat; tip of thumb = 1 tablespoon; tip of pinky = 1 teaspoon; tennis ball = 1 fruit serving; golf ball sized = 2 tablespoons.
– Keep a food diary: Keeping a food diary, either online or in a journal, can help you keep track of your weight-loss goals. In fact, some research has shown that those who keep a food journal lose up to twice as much weight. Recording your food intake can also help you think twice about that extra serving of mashed potatoes at dinner. Be sure to enter your food intake online right after a meal or event.
– Avoid liquid calories: Liquid calories do not satisfy your hunger as much as solid foods. It is best to choose calorie-free beverages like water, unsweetened-tea, black coffee, and seltzer water for beverages. If you plan to drink alcohol, limit yourself to one 5 ounce glass of wine, a 12 ounce beer or a small cocktail with 1 ounce of liquor. If you prefer mixed drinks, try a calorie free mixer like soda water with lemon or lime wedges, crystal light, or diet options rather than regular options.
– Add activity: Look for efficient and effective workouts. Seek a fitness program that combines strength training with cardio – you need it all in order to protect and increase muscle, burn fat, strengthen the heart and lungs, and promote flexibility.