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Sleep disorders can have serious health consequences, such as an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stroke. NIH researchers assert sleep disorders “have profound and widespread effects on human health.”

In Feb. 2017, the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine published recommendations for treating insomnia. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) released comparative guidelines for 14 natural and prescription sleep medications used to treat chronic adult insomnia.

About Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia is defined by difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep. People with the disorder  may sleep for only a short time and suffer excessive tiredness, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and irritability during the day. Research illustrates the condition affects 10 percent of American adults.

“It is a highly prevalent disorder that often goes unrecognized and untreated despite its adverse impact on health and quality of life,” according to the NIH.

As the first line of treatment, researchers recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of talk therapy considered a successful option to cure insomnia, believed to have lasting effects after treatment is discontinued. If CBT is ineffective, researchers suggest turning to prescription options. Products containing CBD at Terpene Belt Farms are available and can be explored as an alternative to help manage insomnia.

How To Use Sleep Aids

Each sleep disorder is different, and often the intended use of a medication may be confused. Sleep onset insomnia is defined as a difficulty falling asleep, whereas sleep maintenance insomnia is trouble staying asleep. If you’re looking for a natural solution to improve your sleep, you might want to read this article.

While some individuals may be under the impression that sleeping pills are all the same, one formulation may work better than another. The guidelines compare sleep medications that are FDA-approved, in addition to commonly used drugs prescribed off-label.

The recommendations focus on specific treatments based on the type of insomnia. When choosing a medication, prescribing physicians should factor in cost, side effects and patient medical history.

Prescription Sleep Aids

The recommendations also list certain medications to avoid. Diphenhydramine is found in over-the-counter products like Benadryl, Nytol, and Unisom. Though the medications are known to produce drowsiness, they are not recommended to treat chronic insomnia.

The antidepressant Trazodone and the anticonvulsant Tiagabine may be prescribed to treat insomnia off-label, but researchers advise against it. The prescriptions may come with side effects, like the development of a tolerance.

Researchers also do not recommend using natural sleep aids like melatonin, tryptophan and valerian. Because supplements aren’t regulated or supported by little data, the AASM can’t assure safe use.

However, if you do use natural supplements, the Pharmacopeial Convention “USP Verified” sticker works to signify the safety of the product’s active ingredients. Read the full recommendations here.

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According to the American College of Physicians (ACP), the problem affects approximately one-quarter of U.S. adults, who reported experiencing low back pain for at least one day in the past three months.

New studies released from the ACP described some methods for treating acute and chronic back pain naturally. The guidelines, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, outline evidence-based, non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical approaches to treating back issues for physicians and adults.

Updated Research On Back Pain Relief 

In 2007, the ACP released guidelines illustrating that acetaminophen, duloxetine and pregabalin are effective for the treatment of low back pain. In the most recent guidelines, researchers utilized an ACP grading process to systematically review numerous randomized trials.

The research, conducted from April 2015 to November 2016, focused on reducing, eliminating or improving acute to chronic back pain. The trials used pharmaceuticals, in addition to natural approaches, to mitigate back problems. Researchers highlighted treatments focusing on mindfulness, exercise and other forms of alternative activities.

Acupuncture

In the study, evidence supporting acupuncture for back pain relief wasn’t strong, though it showed the age-old treatment could reduce the intensity of the pain. The results showed that acupuncture could slightly increase improvement of functioning without using NSAID pain medications. If you’re interested in exploring alternative solutions for pain management, you can consider visiting happy hippo.

Massage

Researchers discovered that massage techniques could improve back problems on a short-term basis, with relief lasting for one week. Another trial found the evidence was insignificant after five weeks.

As a short-term pain reduction treatment, massage can be sufficient for patients with acute to chronic back pain. Researchers found that massage, in combination with another method such as exercise, would reap longer-lasting results.

Superficial Heat

Using heat to relieve back pain was supported by moderate-quality evidence. Heat wraps can improve pain for five days, and reduce disability for four days.

Though exercise alone is not more effective than heat-based treatments, researchers noted that the addition of exercise would extend the pain reduction for seven days. The research illustrated superficial heat is “more effective for acute or subacute low back pain.”

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduced the intensity of pain. Researchers found the improvement compared with sham laser therapy for individuals dealing with acute or subacute pain.

Lumbar Supports

Lumbar supports are often sold for use in vehicles, in the office and as braces. Unfortunately, the evidence to support lumbar supports for pain relief is low. However, when added to an educational program, the treatment is more successful. 

A Future Without Addiction

Opioid medications like Oxycodone and Oxycontin are often prescribed to treat back pain. The new recommendations describe evidence to support other options, mitigating the addictive and dangerous nature of overprescribing painkillers.

The researchers also discussed additional non-pharmacologic treatments, such as spinal manipulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), electrical muscle stimulation, inferential therapy, short-wave diathermy, traction, superficial cold, motor control exercise (MCE), pilates, tai chi, yoga, psychological therapies, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, ultrasound, and taping. Read the full study here.

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Nissan is recalling more than 152,550 Infinits and Versas with airbag issues. On Jan. 13, the company issued a recall for vehicles between 2005 and 2012. The faulty airbags were manufactured by Takata, which has distributed more than 5.7 million inflators that require replacement.

When the airbag propellant is exposed to high temperatures and humidity, it may degrade over time. In the event of a crash, the passenger airbag inflators may rupture. The inflator may release metal fragments, which could injure passengers. The Nissan recall has been categorized into zones.

As part of a separate announcement, Nissan is also recalling nearly 363,000 Nissan Altimas manufactured between 2015 and 2017. The Nissan Altimas have a cable malfunction that improperly links the window to the door. If the rear window is lowered, the door may open unexpectedly.

Manufacturers issued the Nissan recall on Jan. 10. Due to faulty assembly, the latch and lock cable must be replaced. Nissan has not reported any known crashes or injuries. The affected vehicles are the U.S., Canada, Mexico and South Korea.

Nissan manufacturers are recalling the multiple variations of its Infinitis and Versas, including:

• 2012 Nissan Versa
  • Sold or registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or “Zone A”
• 2009-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45
  • Sold or registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or “Zone B”
• 2009 Nissan Versa
  • Sold or registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or “Zone B”
• 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45
  • Sold or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
• 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45
  • Sold or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
• 2007-2008 Nissan Versa
  • Sold or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

Nissan manufacturers will replace the malfunctioning parts without charge. A set schedule has et to be released. Please call Nissan at 1-(800)-647-7261 with questions or check your vehicle identification number on safecar.gov to learn more about the recall. 

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The truth is, trendy diets can be dangerous. In addition to metabolic damage, bad diets can cause chronic health issues to worsen. Plus, the pounds may pile back on when a crash diet is discontinued.

A proper diet is an essential part of taking on diseases, like diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure or cardiac complications. For seven years, U.S. News has released a list of Best Diets to help Americans identify the scientifically safe and effective eating plans.

Ranked by 20 health experts, the diets are vetted by professors, wellness consultants and nutritionists. The experts base rankings on a combined analysis of weight loss, nutrition and safety levels associated with each diet. Reviewers also measure if the plan is easy to follow, factoring in convenience, cost, fullness and taste.

Here’s our simple summary of U.S. News’ Best Diets of 2016.

4. Weight Watchers Diet (tie)

Founded in 1963, Weight Watchers has been a household name for decades. With a slew of rotating celebrity spokeswomen, Weight Watchers has created a reputation as a simple and effective weight loss plan.

Weight Watchers provides clear-cut instructions through a variety of tracking systems while offering group resources, in-person meetings and check-in calls. The SmartPoints system assigns a numerical value to each food item, with bad foods high in fat and sugar equal to heavier points. Filling and nutritionally dense foods will cost the least. The SmartPoints system also makes room to cheat from time to time, which can be great for individuals who seek structured breaks.

The Weight Watchers plan should result in a 2-pound loss each week. The program helps participants to change their lifestyle with the Weight Watchers Beyond the Scale Program, which has resulted in participants losing 15 percent more weight in their first two months following the new program. Learn more about Weight Watchers.

4. TLC Diet (tie)

TLC, also known as Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, is considered to be a complete and safe dietary approach. Experts ranked it positively because it lacks nutritional weaknesses. However, it requires a self-starter mindset and can be difficult to follow.

The TLC diet focuses on limiting saturated fats found in meat, whole milk and fried foods, while simultaneously consuming more fiber. The plan offers sample menus, but no recipes. Crafted by the National Institutes of Health Cholesterol Education Program, the diet is meant to lower bad cholesterol by 8 to 10 percent in six weeks.

The American Heart Association supports the TLC diet for its ability to reduce the risk of cardiac disease, such as heart attack and stroke. The TLC diet is viewed as a potential method of maintaining healthy cholesterol without taking pharmaceuticals. A guide can be found here.

4. Mayo Clinic Diet (tie)

Mayo Clinic, a well-known digital resource for all things health, created a diet meant to transform into a lifelong practice. The two-part “Mayo Clinic Diet” book actually teaches you how to eat by analyzing 15 lifestyle habits.

In the beginning, the plan doesn’t focus on the calorie count. It instructs participants to stop eating while watching TV and eat out less often. The second part provides a guide to numerical calorie consumption and where good nutrients should come from.  The plan doesn’t cut out any food group completely, since it’s more of an eating pattern than a diet.

The diet’s main claim to fame is its effect on diabetes. In addition, it should result in weight loss of  6 to 10 pounds in two weeks and continued loss of 1 to 2 pounds each week. Mayo Clinic has created a food pyramid with low-energy density fruits, veggies and whole grains. Check out the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid tool.

4. Flexitarian Diet

Created in 2009, the Flexitarian diet simply flexible vegetarianism. It provides a meal plan for individuals who are interested in eating healthier, losing weight and having the benefits of vegetarianism, but still want to eat meat occasionally. The Flexitarian diet claims to add 3.6 years to a practitioner’s life.

The diet focuses on adding plant-based proteins, such as tofu, beans, lentils, peas, nuts and seeds, and eggs. It calls for consuming more fruits and veggies, but doesn’t eliminate any food groups. The diet provides a five-week meal plan that’s easy to follow, with breakfast choices recipes at 300 calories, lunch recipes at 400 and dinners at 500.

Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson created the guidelines, outlined in her book “The Flexitarian Diet: The Mostly Vegetarian Way to Lose Weight, Be Healthier, Prevent Disease and Add Years to Your Life.” Jackson encourages people to “Eat more plants, and do the best that you can.”

3. MIND Diet

The MIND diet, also known as Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, is a combination between the DASH and Mediterranean diets, The main purpose of the MIND diet is to improve brain functioning and health. The diet utilizes 10 brain-focused foods, including green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and wine. Greens powders such as Athletic Greens AG3 are also an excellent way to get a ton of micronutrients and antioxidants quickly and easily from just one scoop.

The diet ranks high because of its sensibility. Similarly, the MIND diet involves cutting red meats, butter and stick margarine, cheeses, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food.

The plan was crafted by Rush University Medical Center Martha Clare Morris nutritional epidemiologist based on a study funded by the National Institute on Aging. Information about the plan can be found in The Mind Diet book.

2. Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern based on traditional habits individuals living on the Mediterranean sea, as Mediterranean families generally live longer and do not experience high rates of chronic disease. The diet can help with cancer and diabetes prevention, heart and brain health and weight loss.

The plan involves limiting consumption of red meat, sugar and saturated fat compounded with a lot of produce, nuts and other healthy foods, such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and herbs and spices. The diet calls for fish a few times a week, poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt occasionally. It allows for sweets, red meat and a little red wine.

The diet was created by the non-profit think tank Oldways and the Harvard School of Public Health. Check out the Oldways Mediterranean diet pyramid to learn more.

1. DASH Diet

The DASH diet focuses on developing healthy eating patterns to treat high blood pressure. The theory is simple: by eating clean food and incorporating potassium, calcium, protein collection and fiber, you can fight hypertension.

Each individual should measure the proper amount of calories for age and activity, and get those calories from fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy. The plan discourages consumption of sweets and red meat, and limits salt.

The diet also reminds participants to stay active for 15 minutes a day. The eating plan was developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The NHLBI offers a brief guide to the DASH diet, in addition to a detailed guide.

In recent generations, it’s become clearer that food is medicine. Short-term diets never work, and they never result in sustained weight loss. The key to nutrition-based health is fostering long-term lifestyle patterns that focus on conscious, purposeful eating.  

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Setting clear wellness goals will make a big difference as you move through the decades. It’s important to remember a healthy brain and body improves functioning in all aspects of your life. If you start a self-care system now, all you’ll have to worry about is some stray grays and a few wrinkles—better known as laugh lines, of course.  

Experts have come to a consensus about the most prominent health tips and practices to keep you feeling fresh, young and ready to take on the next task. We’ve curated an outline of basic reminders for a better you. 

Check out our top six health tips:

Diet and Exercise

A better diet and more exercise are regarded as the cornerstones of optimal health. But with so many fad diets, exercise tools and general industry mumbo jumbo, it may be hard to find a place to start.

It’s essential to consume fruits, vegetables and whole grains, in addition to protein and vitamins like calcium and B12. According to the American Heart Association, there are a few basic dietary guidelines to stick to:

• Use at least as many calories as you take in
• Eat a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups
• Eat less of the nutrient-poor foods, such as foods high in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium

When it comes to exercise, research shows that adults should engage in  30 minutes of moderate physical exercise five days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity three days a week. Of course, it’s important to remember that everyone is different.

Developing a personalized plan based on your age, gender and medical history is the best bet. Also, if you have specific goals for your diet and exercise, like losing weight or getting more toned, Prevention provides a guide on how to target your focus.

Diabetes Prevention

A sweet tooth is a common, and seemingly harmless, everyday vice. But the majority of people develop diabetes later in life. In fact, symptoms may not show until you hit your mid-40’s. Type 2 diabetes, also known as gestational diabetes, can sneak up on you and cause serious complications down the line.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can no longer produce the right amount of insulin. A sedentary lifestyle compounded with excess weight and high sugar consumption exacerbates the risk of type 2 diabetes, among other factors.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases provides more than 50 ways to prevent type 2 diabetes, such as reducing portion sizes, dancing regularly and buying a reusable water bottle to deter you from drinking sugary drinks.

If you think you may be at risk for diabetes, you should also follow self-screening instructions available at DoIHavePrediabetes.org and make an appointment with a physician as soon as possible. You should also check your teeth if they’re decaying because of your sweets intake. Consult an expert like Durham Dental services and get them checked.

Balance Training

As you get older, your bones begin to weaken and become less able to withstand injury. For some, osteoporosis is a looming risk. Ans depending on your age and medical history, a slip or fall could be fatal.

By developing mind and body awareness, you’ll cultivate better balance when cooking, cleaning or on the go. But if you need structure, yoga is a great place to start.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, yoga is one of the top 10 most popular health approaches. Yoga provides clear-cut pose routines to help you stay focused and on your feet.

Even better, you don’t need to sign up for expensive weekly classes. Download free yoga sessions at Yoga Academy, or visit YouTube to start a daily practice at home.

Posture Awareness

While the promotion may be great for your resume, it might not be the best thing for your health. If you work in an office, it’s likely that you spend a lot of time hunched over a computer screen.

Hunchback, referred to in the scientific community as kyphosis, is the development of an abnormal curvature of the spine. Kyphosis affects the cervical, thoracic and sacral regions. Researchers have linked it to complications such as arthritis, Scheuermann’s disease and osteoporosis.

While yoga helps to release tension in the spine, posture braces may be a good option for when you’re sitting, crunching numbers or staring at a screen. And while a brace may not force your back to stay straight, it will provide a gentle reminder to correct your stance. Spine Universe discusses the benefits of bracing and if it’s an appropriate treatment for you.

Sexual Activity

Many people are surprised to learn that sex is healthy. Once you’re protected against disease or unintended pregnancy, sex can be healing for both the mind and body.

Regular sexual activity brings a number of positive biological and psychological impacts. One study, published in the Public Library of Science journal, illustrates that sex can be used for cardiovascular exercise. The benefits of sexual activity also include increased circulation, headache relief and improved sleep.

Sex and intimate touch release a hormone called oxytocin, which increases social bonding and reduces stress. According to Healthline, sex has a number of additional benefits, including:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Burning calories
• Increasing heart health
• Strengthening muscles
• Reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension
• Increasing libido

However, as you age, it may be harder to perform in the bedroom. If you’re having difficulties in your sex life, be honest with your partner. Together, you can find a plan to boost your sex life. If you need help working up to open communication, talk to a physician or sex therapist who can offer you resources for dysfunction.

Practicing Self-Care

Finding time for yourself on a busy day can be difficult. It may seem like there’s never a moment to relax, take a step back and breathe. Eating right, exercising daily and sleeping at least eight hours each night are essential to overall health. But even if you’re keeping up with the major tenants, there are other parts of self-care that may be left out. 

Emerging science has started to confirm the benefits of mindfulness, defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as “a moment-to-moment awareness of one’s experience without judgment.”

Mindfulness cultivates gratitude and encourages you to care for yourself in new ways, mentally and physically. Mindfulness also has other benefits, according to the APA, including:

• Reduced rumination
• Stress reduction
• Boosts to working memory
• Focus
• More cognitive flexibility
• Relationship satisfaction
• Enhanced insight and intuition

Remember, change takes time. If you have trouble creating a new routine that works for you, don’t be embarrassed to seek help. The organization Find Mindfulness offers introductory courses for daily practices and meditation. However, there are a number of free guided meditations available as online podcasts on YouTube or Spotify. Online casinos can also offer an entertaining and engaging way to relieve stress. Plus, with online casinos, you can experience the rush of gambling without even leaving your home. So, why not check this review and see if gambling can be your stress reliever.

When your mind and body are working together cohesively, you’re able to be your best self. And that’s something we can all get behind, no matter our age, current habits or everyday challenges. Here’s to a better you! 

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New research from the Commonwealth Fund illustrates the impact of cutting the Affordable Care Act, which would result in a loss of 2.6 million jobs caused by a $140 billion decrease in federal healthcare funding. Mostly in health and private sectors, the number of jobs lost would jump to nearly 3 million by 2021.

Obamacare’s Major Provisions

Souce: Flickr

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a measure passed under President Obama, which provides subsidies for insurance premiums and expands Medicaid eligibilities. The ACA supports low-to-moderate income families with premium tax credits on qualified health plans, which are paid to insurance companies. Why not also check out this best insurance company or forsikringsselskap best i test for more info!

The individuals assisted makeup 100 to 400 percent of national poverty. The system awards the largest tax credits to the lowest-income individuals.

The ACA also expands Medicaid to non-elderly adults who bring in incomes that fall 138 percent below the federal poverty level. Only 31 states have expanded Medicaid, with the federal government covering the majority of costs to insure eligible individuals.

While Obamacare has been referred to as a “job killer,” research illustrates that the ACA has actually stimulated job growth. Studies show that federal healthcare funding creates a revenue ripple effect that provides indirect and induced rewards, such as the ability to purchase additional medical equipment or allow individuals to support a family and contribute to the economy.

Economic Implications of Repealing Obamacare

A team of researchers collaborating with the Commonwealth Fund analyzed data to determine the effects of the repeal, predicting increased costs across the board in 2019. The research is based on the failure to supplement the repeal with a replacement plan.

Additional research support came from the Geiger Gibson RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative, and the Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University.

The research shows that hospitals and physicians would see a $1.1 trillion increase in uncompensated costs between 2019 to 2028, due to millions of uninsured who are now unable to pay their medical bills. Though the cuts would lead to a loss of revenue for the industry, each state could see economic implications as well.

“When federal funds are cut, the results play out in the other direction, triggering losses in employment, economic activity, and state and local revenues,” according to the Commonwealth Fund’s research.

National Industry Distress

Researchers measured how the repeal could affect employment and economic activity on a state-by-state basis. The team used a multistate economic forecasting model “to quantify for each state the effects of the federal spending cuts.”

The majority of unemployed will be in the private sector and in health care, but other industries will be impacted too. Researchers predict serious distress caused by:

• Unemployment from jobs lost in healthcare, construction, real estate, retail, finance and insurance
• Losses in economic and business outputs
• Decrease in state and local tax revenues

$140 billion in funding cuts. 2.6 million jobs lost statewide.

In short, repealing the ACA could create serious economic and employment deficits, affecting states, the private sector and the health care system.

“Because they serve so many uninsured and Medicaid patients, safety-net facilities such as hospitals and community health centers could be especially hard hit,” according to the Commonwealth Fund. “In the end, states could be forced to choose between cutting vital services and raising tax rates.”

The provisions of the ACA largely benefit low- and middle-income individuals who require the additional funds to afford food, shelter and other basic needs. According to the research, only the wealthy will save money when Obamacare is repealed.

“Moreover, such spending creates greater economic stimulus than tax deductions that disproportionately benefit wealthier individuals, who are likely to shift more money into savings, which is less stimulative.”

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Congressman Fitzpatrick compels the FDA to investigate the safety of power morcellation and review the effectiveness of medical device reporting.

Pennsylvania Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick is calling for an investigation into the safety of power morcellators. The call to action comes after a number of women underwent morcellator surgery and later died from uterine cancer.

Power morcellators are used in an estimated 60,000 fibroid procedures each year. The “minimally invasive” devices remove fibroids with a cutting tip that can shred and spread undetected cancer cells.

Fitzpatrick compels the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the morcellator manufacturer Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, along with three hospitals that failed to report morcellator-related deaths.

Calling For A Criminal Investigation Into Morcellation

“OCI concentrates its resources on investigations of significant criminal violations that pose a danger to the public health,” according to the FDA website.
Image: CBS News

Fitzpatrick, a Republican who represents the 8th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, has been working to raise awareness about the dangers of power morcellators. The devices, approved through an expedited 510(k) process, were cleared for use more than two decades ago without a thorough clinical examination.

On December 18, 2015, Congressman Fitzpatrick wrote a letter to George Karavetsos, the director of the Office of Criminal Investigations at the FDA. The letter questions the effectiveness of the FDA’s Medical Device Reporting regulations, which “failed to catch the severe dangers posed to women’s health by morcellation.”

The Medical Device Reporting regulations require manufacturers and hospitals to disclose when a surgical  instrument “has or may have caused or contributed to the death of a patient.”

In the letter, Fitzpatrick directed attention to three hospitals that failed to report patient death related to morcellator side effects. Women who had morcellator procedures at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Rochester General Hospital and University of Rochester Medical Center died from leiomyosarcoma within 1-2 years after surgery.

If there’s even a small chance that a medical device could have contributed to complications, hospitals have a legal obligation to contact the FDA within 10 days of a patient’s death. Medical device manufacturers, such as J&J’s Ethicon, are legally required to report device-related deaths within 30 days.

“In fact, the first time the FDA received a report of death or serious injury was neither from a user facility nor a device manufacturer. It was ‘from a physician citing the case of a family member who has a disseminated cancer that was suspected to have resulted from a procedure in which a power morcellator was used,” Fitzpatrick wrote.

“It should not have taken a family devastated by this device to raise the issue to the FDA. Had the regulations works [sic] as intended, it is likely many women’s lives could have been spared from the horrific consequences of morcellation.”

Shedding Light On The ‘Horrific Consequences Of Morcellation’

Laparoscopic power morcellation can activate unseen cancer cells buried deep in uterine tissue.
Image: Cancer Box

Fitzpatrick made it his mission to raise awareness about the risks of morcellation, which are touted as a non-invasive way to remove uterine fibroids.

Although the devices are able to minimize infection and reduce recovery time, it’s become increasingly clear that morcellation surgeries can activate and spread hidden leiomyosarcoma, endometrial stromal sarcoma or other uterine cancers.

“It appears that these patient safety regulations may not be working as intended, leaving patients in danger,” Fitzpatrick wrote in his letter. “As you may be aware, hundreds, if not thousands, of women are dead because of a medical device known as a laparoscopic power morcellator.”

Since the FDA first issued a morcellator safety alert in 2014, the devices have been identified as the culprit in wrongful death cases. More than 30 women diagnosed with late-stage cancer filed against the makers of the device. The lawsuits are condensed in multidistrict litigation 2652 that will be heard by Judge Kathryn H. Vratil in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.

Women injured by morcellation have argued that they wouldn’t have agreed to the procedure if they had known about the risks. Attorneys question whether or not the manufacturers adequately warned patients about the potential consequences of morcellation surgeries.

If you developed cancer after having your uterine fibroids removed with a power morcellator, then you might be entitled to compensation for this medical side effect.

Complete a free, no-obligation case evaluation now to learn more about compensation eligibility. 

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created a guidebook to teach nursing home staff to properly lift and reposition elderly patients.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a component of the U.S. Department of Labor, published a guide to help nursing home staff learn how to properly move elderly residents.

OSHA’s guidelines are based on ergonomics, an applied science that is “concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.” The suggestions come as a result of extensively reviewed research literature and existing practices.

Additionally, the organization heard comments from trade and professional associations, labor organizations, the health care community, individual firms and others with an interest in learning how to move residents into respite care for seniors and assisted living community for seniors such as this assisted living for River Point of Kerrville and other senior living community options like this popular assisted living community or Residences at Plainview retirement community. For high-quality senior living options, visit sites like summerfieldstockton.com/community-life/.

OSHA transferred the information into a number of helpful diagrams to target visual learners. Each diagram provides evaluation criteria that allows the caretaker to create a personalized plan to transfer patients to and from beds, chairs, toilets, cars, stretchers, trolleys and other equipment.

OSHA recommends that staff members evaluate each resident’s abilities to assist, bear weight and cooperate with the movement.  Injured patients should be given special consideration.

Caregivers should be prepared to utilize different instruments to help lift and reposition patients, including friction-reducing devices, full-body slings and standing assisters. In most cases, more than one staff member should be participating in the motion.

Although the full guidelines can be found on the OSHA website, nursing homes might be unaware of how to properly lift and reposition patients. Without knowledge of quality care practices, it’s possible that shear, pressure or friction can cause the development musculoskeletal disorders and bedsore ulcers.

Individuals who developed bedsores or other injuries while living in a residential care facility might be entitled to compensation. Request a free, no-obligation case evaluation today.

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