There is no easy answer to this question to be perfectly honest. This is largely because different health practitioners believe in different theories. Some point to trials that demonstrate that some medications are relatively harmless, whereas others prefer individuals to cease taking medication where possible. If you suffer from depression, though, you should consider your mental health as well as the effect it may or may not have on the baby.

So what about the specific antidepressants available?

Well, there has been much research into SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, in recent years. This includes fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), Paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) and other similar drugs like duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxin (Effexor) and nefazodone (Serzone). If you are on any of these drugs and are trying for a baby or pregnant then there are certain facts that you should know.

According to Gerald Briggs, a pharmacist clinical specialist, women on Paxil will need to switch drugs or stop taking it as soon as possible. This information is reinforced by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) publishing research that suggests it increases the risk of birth defects when taken early in pregnancy.

Briggs points out that there are various studies that find no significant difference in terms of the rates of stillbirth and miscarriage for those women taking other SSRIs. The UK’s NHS also points out that other studies that revealed heart malformations, like septal heart defects, could be linked to the mother taking SSRIs have been sensationalized in the media. In fact, the risk of this happening is only 0.4% greater in the cases where the mother takes SSRIs over a mother that does not.

What should you do if you take SSRIs?

If you are planning on trying to conceive in the near future and take SSRIs then it is advisable that you see a doctor as soon as possible. If you explain the situation to him then he will be able to come up with an alternative treatment plan should you need one. After all, your mental health is just as important during pregnancy, if not more so, than at any other time.

If you have recently found out that you are pregnant then you should make an appointment with your doctor immediately. Although the medical profession does try to avoid making new SSRI prescriptions for pregnant ladies, the decision to newly prescribe or continue to prescribe SSRIs is made on an individual basis in line with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines. Of course, there is an exception to that rule – Paxil.

Back to the question – is taking SSRI medication safe during pregnancy? The simple answer is yes, providing that you are not on Paxil and that you are monitored throughout. Your midwife should be made aware of your medication and a consultant or doctor should see you regularly to review your health during the 40 weeks. There is absolutely no need to be worried about taking antidepressants during pregnancy providing that you get the best care and medical advice possible.

Sources

• Melissa Conrad Stoppler MD: “Paxil, Pregnancy and Birth Defects”
• NHS Choices

The causes of depression that are non-genetic are well known and documented. There is no one overriding cause but triggers that vary from individual to individual. For example, the NHS website lists bereavement, divorce, redundancy, financial difficulties, stress, illness, isolation and the use of alcohol and/or drugs as triggers. Depression can manifest during childhood or occur for the very first time in a senior citizen. There is no blueprint as to why people suffer with depression and other similar mental illnesses and disorders but there is little doubt that, if your parents or siblings have depression, you are more likely to suffer with it yourself. 20% to 30% more likely in fact.

Prior to the start of 2011, medical experts and scientists alike tended to agree that depression does have a genetic base in some cases. That is not to say that individuals who have no family history of depression cannot get it. The truth is that anybody may become susceptible to depression at any time. However, according to Stanford University’s Dr Douglas Levinson and Dr Walter Nichols, there are genetic factors. For example, two times more women than men suffer from major depression and there are patterns of familial depression, with parents and siblings displaying the same disorders and issues.

David Moore and James Jefferson draw attention to another study in the Handbook of Medical Psychiatry that seems to point to there being a genetic link for the onset of depression. Several studies of twins have found that non-identical twins have a 20% major depression rate but identical twins have a 50% major depression rate. The former share less genetic material than the latter. As such, it stands to reason that there is a genetic connection.

However, Dr Levinson and Dr Nichols also point out that: “… no one simply “inherits” depression from their mother or father. Each person inherits a unique combination of genes… and certain combinations can predispose to a particular illness.” At least, this was the belief until recently.

In May 2011, a study offered significant proof that depression is indeed genetic. A group of researchers from Kings College London actually found that a region of DNA that contains up to 40 genes has at least one that is more than likely to cause depression. Chromosome 3p25-26, as the region is otherwise known, has been pinpointed after a study of 839 British families revealed that there are identifiable variations within DNA that contribute to the prevalence of depression. Although the conclusions reached do need further research and are not comprehensive at the current time, they certainly offer an insight into the question as to whether depression is genetic.

This study has made a major breakthrough in answering the question as to whether depression is genetic or not. Although it has confirmed what many experts believed to a degree, there is still a long way to go before chromosome 3p25-26 is confirmed as the source of genetic issues related to the illness. It should give hope to those who have a family history of mental illness linked to depression but there is still much to do before effective treatment for genetic depression can be found.

In short, yes, depression is genetic to a certain degree but it may also be caused by environmental issues. Whether you have it in your family or not, it is definitely worth taking care of your mental health as far as possible in an attempt to keep it at bay.

Sources:
1) Stanford School of Medicine
2) NHS Choices
3) David P. Moore and James W. Jefferson. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd Ed. Philadelphia: Mosby, Inc., 2004.

Vemurafenib is an experimental drug that attacks the root of the cancerous source. Developed by Plexxikon and Roche/Genentech, it targets a genetic mutation that causes melanoma in nearly 50 percent of affected patients.

In a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (1) meeting in Chicago, 84 percent of patients treated with Vemurafenib increases survival rate by 6 months, compared with 64 percent of patients who took the conventional chemotherapy.

Dr. Lynn Schucter, chief of hematology oncology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center is optimistic about the targeted therapy and hopes it will pave a radical path in treating cancer.

Cancer occurs when faulty genes send irregular signals to the body’s cells, causing them to grow out of control. Vemurafenib can stop the flawed signals, blocking cancer cell division without disturbing healthy cells and aid in more efficient treatment with minimal side effects.

Dr. Gerald Falchook, assistant professor in the department of investigational cancer therapeutics at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, explains that conventional treatments like chemotherapy are basically a one size fits all, and is not efficient in targeting the source.

How effective is it Vemurafenib?

Vemurafenib is aimed at a particular gene mutation, making it the prototypal targeted therapy for the disease. The drug was noticed when a substantial 70 percent of those with the mutation responded to it in safety testing beforehand.

The study was led by Dr. Paul Chapman of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York and involved 675 patients from all over the globe with inoperable, advanced melanoma including the gene mutation.

The patients were given vemurafenib pills two times a day or infusions every three weeks of the chemotherapy drug dacarbazine.

After 6 months, 84 percent of patients on vemurafenib were alive compared to 64 percent of the others.

Less than ten percent on the drug developed serious side effects that included skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue, diarrhea and hair loss. Around 18 percent of patients showed a less serious form of skin cancer. About 33 percent had to get their doses varied due to side effects.

The study is ongoing, and the research team is positive about the treatment as the patients have shown an improvement with shrinkage of many tumors. Even as soon as 72 hours, some patients’ symptoms showed improvement and pain medicines were reduced.

Dr. April Salama, a Duke University melanoma specialist, hails the impressive results and points out that the treatment has benefited patients who historically did not fare very well.

The study was funded by the drug’s manufacturers, and many of the researchers provide consultation or are employed by them. The companies are hoping to market the drug and a companion test for the gene mutation in America and Europe. However, the manufacturers have not determined the price.

Targeted therapy like Vemurafenib can work on any cancer with genetic roots, not just melanoma.

Facts about Melanoma

• Melanoma is the most common type of cancer, affecting about 70,000 new people each year. It’s also one of the most fatal, killing a predictable 9,000 people every year.
• Malignant melanoma kills about 2,000 people in the UK annually, and more than 11,000 people develop the disease every year.
• There were 68,000 new cases and 8,700 deaths from melanoma in the United States in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society (2).

Sources:
1) American Society of Clinical Oncology
2) American Cancer Society

Daytrana is an ADHD patch – a system that delivers methylphenidate, which is the same standard medication accessible in tablet forms such as Ritalin and Concerta. The uniqueness of this system is the way it’s delivered.

It is a relatively new type of medication to manage ADHD. The patch is applied to skin at the hip area and left on for approximately 9 hours while the medicine is gradually absorbed into the body. It is meant to give relief from ADHD symptoms such as lack of concentration and poor organization skills.

Daytrana first came into the market in 2006, offering an alternative to ADHD medications such as pills. Daytrana lets the medicine to be sent directly to the bloodstream without the need to be digested first. Kids who use the Daytrana patch are probably more likely to feel the positive effects of the patch and help them to complete their school work during the day.

The distinct benefit of the product is its ability to let each patient to find out the duration of action of the medication on a daily basis. The patch is meant to be applied for about two hours prior to the medication’s effect is needed, and the effectiveness goes on for up to three hours after the patch is removed.

The delivery of the medication is easy and simple as the patch can be worn throughout the day while performing normal activities like swimming, bathing, or while performing exercises. As the patch is visible externally, parents can make sure that the medication is on when compared to pills and medicine that do not confirm whether the medication has really been taken. One good thing about the patch is that, once applied, it cannot be removed and re-used by others.

The company recommends the patch to be worn for 9 hours, although it can be taken off before that time. It can be helpful especially when the child’s school schedule is short. The patch can also be taken off earlier to minimise the chances for decreasing the appetite or interfering with sleep pattern.

When it comes to cost, all new medications tend to be expensive in the beginning, especially when they are protected by a patent. At the moment, Daytrana is more expensive than the generic types of oral medication, but it may be less expensive than oral ADHD medications that are still covered by a patent.

How does Daytrana work?

Daytrana releases a small doses of medication on an hourly basis so that kids with ADHD have a constant amount during the school day. It is recommended to be applied 2 hours before the medication is required to begin working.

Daytrana is an adhesive patch that securely sticks to the hip of the ADHD child throughout daily actions. As long as it is applied properly, Daytrana is a convenient medication for controlling ADHD symptoms.

Benefits

Parents who are having problems administering medication to their kids with ADHD, now have a better option, especially when kids refuse to swallow pills or who want to avert the stigma of taking medication at school. The Daytrana patch saves parents the fuss of crushing a tablet, mixing it with food or water, and hope their child will swallow the ADHD medicine.

In the case of pills, the medication is swallowed and released in the digestive system, later to be absorbed into the bloodstream. In the case of the patch, the method is different as the medication goes straight through the skin, and is absorbed into the bloodstream avoiding the digestive system. One good thing about the patch is that the same amount of medication is present right across the patch, although in different doses to be worn for shorter or longer periods of time.

Many children with ADHD are using the Daytrana patch to treat their symptoms during the day and help with attention and focus in school.

How to use and dispose the patch

Before applying the patch, make sure the area of the hip that you apply is clean and dry. Do not put it at the waistline as the patch may be moved away by clothes rubbing against it. While applying the patch, securely press it with your hand for about thirty seconds, making sure the edges are completely stuck. The full surface of the patch must be exposed to the skin for the correct amount of medication to be absorbed.

When correctly applied, the patch will stay on and keep producing medicine. However, exposure to water from bathing or swimming could affect its adhesive properties. If the patch falls off, throw it away and apply a new patch to a different region of the same hip, ensuring the total daily length of time does not go beyond 9 hours. Don’t use tape, bandages, or other home adhesives to re-apply the patch.

Disposing of the patch properly is as important as applying it. To protect kids from coming into contact with the medicine, always remember to fold it in half so that it sticks to itself, and then throw it away safely.

Side effects

Side effects of the Daytrana patch include sleep difficulties, loss of appetite, stomach pains, and headaches. As the patch sticks to the skin, it can also cause a rash or irritation. However, this can dealt with by applying the patch to a different area of the hip every day. Do not apply the patch to irritated or damaged skin as it could increase the amount of medication that gets into your child’s bloodstream.

The side effects of the methylphenidate medication are similar to the oral forms, where a child may get irritated, angry, especially if the dose is too high.

The disadvantages of the system include the need for meticulous application of the patch every day, at a different area on the body, normally the hip region below the waistline, and redness can be expected at the area for up to 2 days after patch removal.

Heat must never be applied to the patch like heating pads, electric blankets, and heated water beds, because this could change the rate of delivery of the medication into the system.

There is a possibility of developing an allergic reaction to the adhesive, or potentially to the medication itself.

The most common reactions related with Daytrana (about 5% and double the rate of placebo-treated patients) in clinical trials among children included decreased appetite, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and decreased weight. Among a adolescents, there has been decreased appetite, insomnia, decreased weight, dizziness, abdominal pain and anorexia.

And also, most of subjects in these studies had a degree of skin erythema where the patch was applied. Leaving the patch on for more than the stipulated 9 hours resulted in a rise of adverse events.

Conclusion

As with all ADHD medications, the use of the Daytrana patch will have to be cautiously monitored by a doctor. It is advisable to discuss this new system with your child’s doctor and then decide whether it’s the right thing for you and your child.

A potential new therapy for Alzheimer’s disease may be on the horizon after the discovery of a new compound.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, the Medical University of South Carolina and American Life Science Pharmaceuticals of San Diego have established that oral administration of a cysteine protease inhibitor – E64d, cuts down the build-up of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brains of animal models for Alzheimer’s disease and also leads to a significant transformation in memory deficiency.

The study has been published in the online version of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Lead researcher Vivian Y. H. Hook from the UCSD School of Medicine is excited about the finding mainly because E64d compound has strong potential as a new therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

How E64d works

A rise in AB levels in the brain are related with the development of memory loss and amyloid plaque, the characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

AB peptides are “cut” from a larger protein called the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by an enzymatic “scissor” known as B-secretase, and aggregated to form plaques in the brain area responsible for memory.

E64d cuts down AB by inhibiting the B-secretase “scissors” from “cutting” the APP chain into little cyanogenic AB peptides.

However in this study, the researchers discovered that the compound in reality increases the activity of a protease called BACE1 that is primarily considered as B-secretase. Alternatively, E64d seems to lower brain AB by inhibiting the B-secretase activity of another protease, Cathepsin B.

Major finding

According to lead researcher Vivian Y. H. Hook, PhD, professor of the UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and professor of neurosciences, pharmacology and medicine at the UCSD School of Medicine, this finding has boosted the confidence of scientists working on Alzheimer’s disease.

Hook stated that the study has shown Cathepsin B as a new target for remedial inhibition of Aβ production and consequent improved memory function.

The team studied both old and young transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mice, and discovered that memory loss was greatly enhanced. In young mice, feeding E64d stopped development of memory loss and in old mice with memory loss, it enhanced memory.

The study is based upon work published in March 2008 that first showed that inhibitors of Cathepsin B ended in increased memory and reduction of Aβ and amyloid plaque.

In the new study, oral administration of the drug was effective and could pave the way to clinical trials in humans.

Co-authors of the study were Gregory Hook, PhD, of American Life Science Pharmaceuticals in San Diego, and Mark Kindy of the Medical University of South Carolina, including as the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, and Applied Neurotechnology, Inc., in Charleston, SC.

The study was funded in part by the National Institute on Aging (1) of the National Institutes of Health and the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (2).

Alzheimer’s – facts

• According to the latest data released by the Alzheimer’s Association (3) an estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. One American develops Alzheimer’s disease every 69 seconds.
• In 2010, 14.9 million family and friends provided 17 billion hours of voluntary care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
• The total cost of caring for Alzheimer’s patients in America is expected to exceed $183 billion in 2011.
• Deaths from Alzheimer’s rose by 66 percent between 2000 and 2008, and Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a definite prevention or cure.

Sources:
1) National Institute on Aging
2) Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation
3) Alzheimer’s Association

Whether you’re trying to lose 5 pounds or 50 you’ve probably been told (ad nauseum) about the many benefits of weight loss. From it’ll make you feel better about yourself to you’ll get a better paying job. We’ve heard them all before, yet somehow they do little to make losing weight easier.

Until now, that is. Believe it or not there are some very credible and completely true reasons that losing weight will enhance your life. Keep reading to find out more.

1. Longevity

You’d think that living longer would be a good enough motivation for anyone to lose weight, but most people look at living longer as tangential benefit to weight loss. The truth is that you increase your lifespan by losing weight because you reduce the risk of getting certain weight-related illnesses that include hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and heart disease just to name a few. Even if you’re genetically predisposed to these illnesses, dropping the excess weight will decrease your chances of getting them.

By shedding even a few pounds, you could increase your life by 2 or 3 years. Sure, it seems like a mere pittance today while you’re young and vibrant but when you’re older and watching your grandchildren get older you’ll be thankful for those additional years.

2. Confidence

It’s no secret that better you begin to look, the better you’ll begin to feel. But losing weight isn’t just a good ego massage; it’s a confidence booster because reaching a weight loss goal makes you realize how strong you are and how easy it is to accomplish your goals. And looking better in the mirror certainly doesn’t hurt matters!

But seriously, dropping the weight that you see as preventing you from living your life has a way of liberating a person. You’ll no longer doubt your abilities to set goals and achieve them, which will prepare you for achieving your ultimate weight loss goal. When you feel more confident, you are more confident.

3. Success

The confidence that comes from weight loss will almost certainly spill into other aspects of your life, specifically your career. This isn’t as simple as skinny people are more successful, but rather

the same qualities that aid in success—extreme focus, high energy and follow through—also aid in weight loss.

Why, you ask? Put simply when we carry around less weight we have more energy to be more productive and focused at work, which generally leads to greater success at the office. Furthermore, your ability to lose weight means that you have healthier lifestyle habits which decreases career-killers like constant absences due to illness. When you eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly, the keys to successful weight loss, you feel better, you’re more focused and able to think critically which are factors employers look for when handing out promotions!

4. Sex

You knew this one was coming and it’s probably one of the biggest weight loss motivators in the world. Losing weight will improve your sex life in the most basic ways; you’ll have more chances to have sex and the ability to seduce a higher quality sex partner, but it will also improve your overall sexual satisfaction.

Overweight or obese women & men tend to suffer greater sexual dissatisfaction and dysfunction, than their average-weight counterparts. Much of the dissatisfaction comes from blood flow issues to the genitals, but confidence and stamina play a role as well.

Dropping even a few pounds will go a long way to improving your sexual performance, and therefore satisfaction, between the sheets. And let’s face it, that’s one of the best reasons to lose weight!

5. Overall Health

I mention overall health last, but make no mistake this is the most important reason that losing weight will improve your health because this affects the reasons listed here as well as dozens more. Losing weight has the effect of producing better sleep, which gives you a higher energy level throughout the day to do things like make healthy food choices and smart work decisions.

Losing weight puts less strain on your heart, your joints and muscles, and even your mental well-being. The key factors in learning how to lose weight are regular exercise and a diet filled with fresh fruits & vegetables, fiber and lean protein, and these factors are most responsible for an improvement in your health. The vitamins and nutrients contained within a well-balanced diet allow you greater mental and physical health for an overall improvement in life and lifestyle.

Next time you think about skipping that early morning workout or having a high calorie donut instead of an omelettte, remember all the ways your life (and health) will improve with weight loss!

This article was written by the operator of The Fat Loss Authority.

Nephropathy alone is damage or disease of the kidney; however, diabetic nephropathy is kidney disease that is associated with long-term diabetes also referred to as Kimmelstiel-Wilson disease or intercapillary glomerulonephritis.

This disease affects the tiny blood vessels found in the glomerulus, which is the main structure in the capillary blood vessels of the kidneys. This structure is vital for the blood to be filtered. Clinically the signs of nephropathy are the excess filtration of protein in the urine, impaired kidney function, and high blood pressure. When diabetic nephropathy becomes severe it can lead to kidney failure, end stage renal disease and the need for dialysis or even a kidney transplant is necessary. An individual with type 1 – insulin-dependent or type 2 – non-insulin-dependent can suffer from nephropathy.

In Type 1 diabetes individuals it is believed that 25% to 45% of patients will at some time develop nephropathy. The common time frame for nephropathy to show signs is between ten and fifteen years after the beginning of diabetes. (1)

In Type 2 diabetes individuals the disease is not as aggressive but is noted in Pima Indians more often with 50% developing nephropathy after twenty years of suffering from diabetes. (1)

Symptoms

There are no early warning symptoms of nephropathy. The progression of the disease is slow and will not be discovered when the kidneys ability to function properly begins to have problems. The symptoms most commonly associated with nephropathy include tiredness, feeling under the weather, frequent hiccups, foamy urine, headache, itching, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the legs, morning swelling around the eyes, weight gain due to retaining fluid, and poor appetite.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing Nephropathy include individuals with long standing Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes.

Diabetic nephropathy is responsible for 35% of End Stage Renal Disease also known as stage 5 kidney disease in the United States with estimated at $50,000 per patient per year. Type 1 diabetes patients have a higher risk of developing nephropathy; however, those with type 2 diabetes can also develop nephropathy. Recent research has shown that the number of type 1 diabetes patients developing nephropathy is decreasing. This could be due to an increase in better preventive measures.  A recent study, San Antonio Heart Study did show that more Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes were now developing nephropathy. The report showed that during the 7 to 8 study that an increase from 5.7 percent in 1979 was 15.7 percent in 1988. The study confirmed that individuals with various end stage renal disease was higher among those with type 2 diabetes due to the fact that more individuals have this type of diabetes.  (2)

Risk Factors that cannot be controlled

The main risk factors that cannot be controlled includes a family history of high blood pressure, family history of kidney disease, and your origin with more individuals being of American Indian, Hispanic, or African American descent.

The main reason a person develops nephropathy is associated with glomerular hypertrophy and an increase in the renal size. The reason this occurs is not actually known however, it is believed to be due to high blood pressure.

Risk factors you can control

The good news is that most of the risk factors associated with nephropathy are controllable. Blood pressure is a major factor. Those with high blood pressure have a higher risk of developing nephropathy along with poor glucose control which is the blood sugar level are both contributing factors. For patients with high blood pressure and uncontrolled blood sugar levels the risk of developing nephropathy increases within twenty years. For patients that are controlling their blood sugar and keep it below 8.1% the risk is much lower, however for those that have a concentration above 11% the risk of developing nephropathy is higher. (3)

The sad news is that in most patients at the time of a diagnosis of diabetes, around 80 percent have abnormal blood pressure.

Smoking has shown an increased risk of developing or increasing the progression of nephropathy. A study in 1983 with patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes of 192 men and 109 women all classified as smokers, concluded cigarette smoking contributes to the development of nephropathy. (4)

Treatment

Treatment of nephropathy is to prevent complications and to keep the disease from becoming worse. The best treatment is to control the blood pressure to help slow kidney damage. The medications often used in treating high blood pressure include angiotensin receptor blockers or antiotensin-converting enzyme. These medications are often prescribed to individuals with high blood pressure that are showing sings of kidney disease.

Along with this blood sugar levels should be checked often and a diabetic diet followed closely. During the early stages of nephropathy, this is a very important factor for slowing the disease. Your physician can also prescribe medications that can help control the blood sugar levels. The most common medications in the treatment of diabetes include melformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors.

Infections are a common issue with patients suffering from nephropathy such as urinary tract infection, which is treated with antibiotics.

In the final stages of nephropathy, the treatment is usually dialysis or kidney transplant.

Sources:
1) Ari Kostadaras, M.D. – Nephrology Hemodialysis Hypertension Clinic, New York
2) American Diabetes Association
3) Ari Kostadaras, M.D. – Nephrology Hemodialysis Hypertension Clinic, New York
4) American Diabetes Association

Some of the most common attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms include inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity that could play a major part in a child’s capability to learn and live with others.

People often make the assumption that an ADHD child’s behavior stems from indiscipline, a troubled family life, or even watching excess TV. But according to research, ADHD is in principal a genetic disorder.

However, there are a few environmental factors that could affect ADHD. Let us look at the myths and facts that could cause ADHD:

1. Pesticides – Research indicates a potential link between ADHD and pesticides. A 2010 study in Pediatrics established that children with increased urine levels of organophosphate (a pesticide used on produce) revealed high ADHD rates.

In another study in 2010, researchers found that women with high urine levels of organophosphate were expected to have a child with ADHD.

The studies suggest a possible relation, but cannot prove that pesticides are the reason for causing ADHD. Marcy Rosenzweig Leavitt, PsyD, who works with ADHD patients in Los Angeles, recommends consuming organic fruits and vegetables as inorganic ones contain high levels of pesticides.

2. Smoking and drinking during pregnancy – Fetal exposure to alcohol and tobacco is believed to play a part in ADHD. According to research, kids exposed to tobacco smoke prenatally are twice as much likely to have ADHD compared to those who are not.

Mark L. Wolraich, MD, chief of the section of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, believes that fetuses exposed to alcohol are affected by fetal alcohol syndrome, and the symptoms are expressed in ADHD.

3. Exposure to lead – Although lead, a neurotoxin, is removed from almost all homes and schools, but you can still find small quantities of it everywhere.

A study conducted in 2009 suggested that children with ADHD are prone to have increased blood-lead levels compared to other children. The research found that although lead can be toxic to the development of brain tissue and could have continuous effects on the behavior of children exposed to these substances, but it is farfetched to conclude that such exposure could have an impact in the majority of children and teenagers with ADHD.

4. Food preservatives – Most EU countries have banned particular preservatives after a study found evidence of hyperactivity in kids who consumed food that contained mixtures of artificial food colors and sodium benzoate, which is a widely used preservative,

The FDA has stated that food additives are safe only when used properly, and most additives are not needed to be visibly labeled on packaging.

Experts like Marcy Rosenzweig Leavitt consider only a minority of kids could benefit by staying away from brightly colored processed foods that are prone to contain more additives. Cutting down on these additives may or may not aid hyperactive behavior, but many factors play a part in ADHD.

5. Sugar – Parents have often assumed that sugar could cause hyperactive behavior, but it’s so wrong. There have been many studies, but none have been able to demonstrate behavior changes due to sugar consumption in kids.

A study in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology found that mothers who believed their kids were given sugar rated their kids’ behavior to be more hyperactive compared to mothers who were told their kids were given a sugar substitute, despite of whether their kids actually consumed real sugar. Cut down on sugar if you are concerned about calorie consumption or dental cavities, but not due to ADHD.

6. Watching Television – There’s no evidence that watching excess TV or playing video games will cause ADHD, while research states that teenagers who spend a lot of time watching TV were prone to more attention problems compared to those who did not. In theory, regular stimulation of television and video games might make it difficult for young people to stay attentive.

7. Poor parenting – Rebellious attitude and bad behavior is often confused with ADHD symptoms and usually it’s the parents who are blamed for their kids’ conduct. However according to the National Resource Center on ADHD (1), there is no hard proof to suggest parenting style could lead to ADHD.

Marcy Rosenzweig Leavitt believes that parents who make use of reward and consequence behavior tools, and provide simple set of expectations could help reduce ADHD symptoms.

8. Brain injury – According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (2), children who have undergone particular types of brain trauma may display symptoms parallel to ADHD. As only a small minority of children with ADHD has faced a traumatic brain injury, it is not deemed to be a crucial risk factor.

9. Diet – In the past, food allergies were popularly believed to be the cause of ADHD, but research so far has found no evidence that diet plays a substantial role in ADHD.

However, according to a recent Australian study, particular dietary blocks could affect behavior among adolescents who consumed foods high in fat, refined sugar, and sodium. They were two times as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD compared to other children. Further studies have also associated diets lacking in omega-3 fatty acids could lead to ADHD symptoms as they are helpful for brain development,.

10. Genes – There is strong evidence to prove that ADHD is inherited from parents, but not parenting style. Experts say this heritable psychiatric disorder can affect a child with ADHD, especially if a relative has been diagnosed with ADHD. Research among multiple twins also shows that ADHD often runs in families.

A new study by researchers at Cardiff University in Wales established that kids with ADHD are more likely to have missing or duplicated segments of DNA.

Sources:
1) National Resource Center on ADHD
2) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The ratio of children and teenagers in America who have a developmental disability such as autism, learning disorders or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown 17% since the late 1990s, according to a new study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 1997-1999, around 12.8 percent of kids were known to have a developmental disability. That figure increased to 15% in 2006-2008, with an additional 1.8 million American children.

This upward drift has been propelled mostly by increase in the number of children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Occurrence of stuttering and learning disabilities has also grown.

The study is published in the June 2011 issue of the journal Pediatrics.

Sheree Boulet, Dr.P.H., one of the study’s authors and an epidemiologist at the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (1) states that it is the first time representative data on developmental disabilities has been gathered on a nationwide basis since 1988.

There seems to be no clear explanations for the increases, but a wider acceptance of developmental disabilities has played a vital role. Boulet explains that with the accessibility to early treatments for conditions such as ADHD has prompted more parents to get their kids screened for the disorder.

According to the researchers, the occurrence of disabilities may be really increasing. Some of the contributing risk factors could be couples opting to have children later in life, premature births, and rise in the use of fertility treatments. Boulet is confident that the findings could pave way for prevention strategies that could help in the long run.

The study was conducted on nationwide basis, involving interviews with about 120,000 children.

Some of the questions the researchers asked parents was whether their children had been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, seizures, stuttering or stammering, hearing loss, blindness, or intellectual disability.

Boulet states that there were striking variations in diagnosis rates across economic, ethnic, and gender perspectives.

The study also found that boys were more probable to have a developmental disability compared to girls. When compared with white and black kids, Hispanic kids were less likely to be diagnosed with disabilities. Children with public insurance like Medicaid were more likely to have disabilities than children on private insurance programmes.

Boulet proclaims that the increase in disabilities as seen in the study is a wake-up call for a revamp of the health-care system, which needs to bolstered with specialized health, mental health services and therapists. Only then can children be provided with specialized treatment and preventative care.

More awareness needed

Lead study author Coleen Boyle, director of the U.S. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (2) stressed on the need to invest in programs to assist and facilitate a child’s health-care and their overall development. He suggested that progressive maternal and paternal age, aided reproductive technology and large numbers of premature or late-preterm births, could all play a part in influencing developmental disabilities.

Dr. Nancy Murphy, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council (3) on Children with Disabilities considers the increases in these conditions may indicate a greater awareness on the part of parents, teachers and health care professionals to identify children with developing disabilities such as autism and ADHD early in life.

The growth in medical science and technology has helped children born with severe developmental disabilities like neuromuscular or chromosomal disorders increase survival rates when compared to in the past, according to Dr Murphy.

The study concluded that although the proportion of autism and ADHD were on the rise, other developmental conditions stayed the same including blindness and intellectual disability, whereas moderate to profound hearing loss showed a noteworthy decline.

Sources:
1) The U.S. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development
2) U.S. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
3) American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council

E. coli 0157:H7 has posed a lots health problems in America. It is estimated to cause infection among more than 70,000 individuals annually in the United States. According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (1) suggests E. coli 0157:H7 is accountable for the vast E. Coli cases reported in the U. S.

Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a common bacterium that resides in the intestines of almost all warm-blooded animals, including human beings. In fact, we have billions of E. coli bacteria in our guts. Although the bulk of strains are harmless, they are proven to be advantageous to their hosts as they produce vitamin K, which is a key micronutrient. And they also help to crowd out other, more harmful bacteria.

E coli O157:H7 is a serotype of E. coli bacteria. According to a research, a small number of E. coli 0157:H7 are enough to cause turmoil. Ingestion of about 10–100 organisms are enough to cause infections compared to thousands to millions by other E. coli serotypes.

In a study, the CDC team first recognized diarrhoeal illness when isolating E. coli O157:H7 from patients in two different outbreaks in Oregon and Michigan. The ailments were linked with eating hamburgers at a restaurant. Some patients developed inflammation and bleeding of the colon, which is commonly referred to as hamburger disease. Since then E. coli 0157:H7 has been linked with contaminated water, foods, and unpasteurized dairy products.

The most recent epidemic occurred in November 2010 in California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. The CDC team associated the outbreak to Gouda cheese that were given away as free samples at Costco stores.

Who is at risk?

Children under the age of five and the elderly are predominantly at risk as they tend to have fragile immune systems. Both these groups also have reduced concentrations of beneficial microbes called bifidobacteria in their intestines that actually stop and fight E. coli O175:H7 infections. Both the young and old are also susceptible to dehydration caused by insistent diarrhoea.

A few E. coli strains, can do a lot of damage. Among the most deadly of these is the O157:H7 strain that causes diarrhoea, frequently with blood in the stools, and stomach cramps. These symptoms usually last up to a week. More severe infections can lead to haemolytic-uraemic syndrome that causes damage of red blood cells and kidney failure. Some strains of E. coli can cause severe diarrhoea and infect the genital and urinary tracts.

How is it transmitted?

E. coli O157:H7 can be passed on from one person to another, generally by direct physical contact It is transmitted as a food-borne ailment, usually in beef. The strain does not harm cattle. In fact, around 15 per cent of cattle are known to be infected with it.

The danger to human beings comes when beef from infected cattle is contaminated with faeces or gut while slaughtering or butchering. Although the bacteria can be destroyed by cooking fully, undercooked beef and mince can pose a great contamination risk.

The bacteria can also be passed on to humans from infected animals, especially when a person touches them. Faeces containing E. coli O157:H7 come into contact with a person’s hands and may travel into the mouth.

In 2010, the FDA recalled several manufacturers of beef, including beef placed in pet food.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The first signs of E. coli O157:H7 infection normally appears about 3-5 days after a person consumes the bacteria. The main symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and severe diarrhoea that is often mixed with blood. Patients develop a mild fever too.

Patients could also develop later complications that fall into 3 categories:

Hemorrhagic (bloody) diarrhoea: Hemorrhagic diarrhoea symptoms are large amounts of blood in the diarrhoeal stool that does not seem to end. It is accompanied by acute abdominal pain. Although a patient may get better within a week, some of them could get anaemia and dehydration that can cause death.

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS): Hemolytic-uremic syndrome symptoms are fever, nose bleeding, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling of the body, particularly hands and feet, jaundice, and less flow of urine. E. coli 0157:H7 generates toxins that damage the kidneys and kills platelets that can lead to kidney failure, excessive bleeding, seizures or death.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is the result of loss of platelets. The symptoms include fever, weakness, bruising, renal failure, and mental harm that can quickly escalate to organ failures and death. With the latest plasma exchange and infusion techniques, there is a drastic reduced death rate in TTP patients.

The diagnosis of E. coli 0157:H7 infection starts with a precise history, physical examination and a scrutiny of a stool sample. A deductive diagnosis is normally made if the patient has symptoms of bloody diarrhoea and a history of being exposed to persons, foods or liquids known to be a source of an E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak.

Due to the high regularity of outbreaks of E. coli 0157:H7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised patients should be screened first for diarrhoeal infections by having their stool samples checked with antisera for Shiga toxins, which are produced by E. coli 0157:H7. This method is considered to result in faster diagnosis.

Treatment and Prevention

E. coli O157:H7 infections are treated with anti-diarrhoeal medication and fluid replacement. Paracetamol can be used to manage stomach pain. Antibiotics are proven ineffectual and could do more damage than good by killing useful gut bacteria, which actually helps keep the infection in check.

The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following methods to prevent infections from E. coli 0157:H7:

• Wash hands properly after using the bathroom and before making or eating food. Wash hands after contact with animals or their environments, especially at a farm, zoo, fair, or even your own pets at home.
• Cook meats thoroughly. Ground beef and meat must be cooked to a temperature of at least 160 F (70 C).
• Do not consume raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, and unpasteurized juices like fresh apple cider.
• Avoid swallowing water while swimming or playing in pools, lakes, ponds and streams.
• Prevent cross-contamination in food preparation areas by properly washing hands, cutting boards, and utensils after you touch raw meat.
• Hamburgers ordered in a restaurant should be cooked thoroughly so that no pink hamburger meat is seen inside. This way of cooking cuts down the chance of E. coli being alive in the meat.
• As E. coli 0157:H7 is usually found in the intestines of cattle, companies have introduced a vaccine to cut down the number of these bacteria in cattle. The first vaccine for cattle was approved by FDA in 2009. There is no E. coli 0157:H7 vaccine currently available for humans.

As they say, prevention is better than cure. A general awareness about what you eat will help you stay away from catching infections.. Remember to avoid touching or consuming any food that you think may be contaminated with any animal or human waste.

Sources:
1) U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)