Friday, 02 March 2012
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Dad's Depression May Rub Off on Child's Behavior
Dad's Depression May Rub Off on Child's Behavior
Unemployment and depression often go hand in hand, study saysBy Mary Elizabeth Dallas
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Children with a depressed father are more likely to have emotional or behavioral problems, new research finds.
Most prior research has focused on depressed mothers and the negative impact their depression can have on kids, according to the researchers from the NYU School of Medicine.
The current study involved data on more than 7,200 U.S. households. About 25 percent of kids whose mother and father showed signs of depression had emotional or behavioral issues. About 15 percent of kids whose father had depressive symptoms and 20 percent of kids whose mothers had depressive symptoms had emotional or behavioral issues.
About 6 percent of children whose parents did not have symptoms of depression had emotional or behavioral issues.
The findings shed light on "the urgent need to recognize the roles of fathers in the lives of children and families," lead study author Dr. Michael Weitzman, a professor of pediatrics and environmental medicine, said in a university news release.
The study is published in the Feb. 23 online issue of the Maternal and Child Health Journal.
About 6 percent of dads showed symptoms of depression, according to the study. Factors associated with depression in dads included living in poverty; living with a special-needs child; living with a wife or partner who is depressed and having poor physical health. The strongest predictor of depression in dads was unemployment -- jobless dads were 6.5 times more likely to be depressed.
That's especially important given the current high unemployment rate, researchers noted.
"Fathers play profoundly important roles in the lives of children and families, and are all too often forgotten in our efforts to help children. These new findings, we hope, will be useful to much-needed efforts to develop strategies to identify and treat the very large number of fathers with depression," Weitzman said in the release.
SOURCE: NYU Langone Medical Center
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Uncover men's hidden health risks
Uncover men's hidden health risks
2012
Some of biggest health threats for men not well known
Men think they're invincible, notwithstanding the mounting evidence that states otherwise.
Whether it's the inability to move the morning after playing basketball, losing a footrace to an 11-year-old or not quite being able to bounce back like you once could after a night on the town, the signs are there, just waiting to be acknowledged.
Men do get less foolish over time (not to be confused with getting wise). Things such as heart attacks, cancer and strokes teach many that their time on Earth is not infinite and that they, in fact, are not invincible.
That being said, they are still men, and men tend to ignore things that aren't right in front of them and don't involve loud explosions or nudity.
That's why men need to understand these five sleeper health risks before it's too late
No. 5: Erectile dysfunction
Viagra, Cialis and numerous other drug companies spend millions of dollars advertising erectile dysfunction drugs, yet no man ever admits to having it. Not surprising, considering that most men equate their manhood with their bedroom performance.
When you were younger, the issue was likely the furthest thing from your mind. But as you get older you may find that things just don't quite work like they once did.
It didn't happen overnight. It's a gradual onset. Men don't understand gradual. Here are some things you need to understand about erectile dysfunction:
- It's not life-threatening; it only seems that way.
- Nearly 40 percent of men over age 40 suffer from erectile dysfunction, according to WebMD.
- Men with erectile dysfunction report less enjoyment in life; you probably knew that already.
- Drugs exist to help with, but not cure, erectile dysfunction.
- Erectile dysfunction can signal more serious health risks, so don't be afraid to check with your doctor.
Erectile dysfunction could also cause the next sleeper health risk
No. 4: Depression and suicide
Depression is believed to occur more in women than in men. Recent discoveries, however, indicate that men are nearly as susceptible to depression -- real depression, not "my favorite team lost an important playoff game and I'm really depressed" depression.
Men being men, they often suppress it.
Unlike women, who are often more likely to express sadness when they're depressed, men are more likely to become more aggressive and resort to drinking and other irrational behaviors. According to Men's Health, suicide is the eighth-leading cause of death among men, and although women are more likely to attempt it, men are more likely to succeed.
Men are less likely to see a doctor or reach out for help. This lack of reaching out has much more serious consequences than not asking for directions while on vacation. If you suspect depression, don't wait. Get help.
Depression is a lot easier to cure than the next sleeper health risk .
No. 3: Fatal accidents
Remember that guy at work who always went around preaching safety first, the guy you made fun of while he put on safety goggles and would not stand on the top step of a ladder, while you faked getting your finger cut off by a table saw?
That guy could prevent one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among men: accidents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common cause of death by accident involves motor vehicles. Many a man would be much better off if he had worn his seat belt, pulled over at a rest stop and taken a quick nap, or not filled out his NCAA tournament bracket while driving.
Common sense can prevent most accidents on the road or at home, including poisonings and falls, which represent the second- and third-leading accidental causes of death.
Of course, common sense eating could help you avoid the next sleeper risk.
No. 2: Diabetes
There's something about a middle-aged man and his gut that's endearing ... to doctors and pharmaceutical companies, that is.
Excess weight is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes and can be prevented with a diet that includes fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods. In other words, the stereotypical "man's man" meal of steak, spare ribs or any other slab of on-sale meat five days a week needs to be altered.
Exercise helps, too. Oh, and watching other people exercise doesn't count.
If you think all this salad and strawberries and treadmills and not pounding a double Whopper with a bag of peanut butter cups and a 2-liter bottle of Dr. Pepper and a pint of Budweiser is unmanly, then maybe you'd prefer something more manly -- heart disease, blindness, nerve damage or kidney disease, for example -- all often caused by type 2 diabetes.
It also makes you more susceptible to our last sleeper health risk.
No. 1
Kidney Disease
WomensHealth.gov (and who better to tell men how to live than women) reports that men smoke and drink more, live less healthy lifestyles, participate in more risky behaviors, are less likely to have a regular doctor and are more likely to ignore symptoms of a health problem than women.
Winning these categories is nothing to brag about, especially when the resulting health problems could lead to death.
Unhealthy living and lack of regular checkups is a major cause of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, the two most common causes of kidney disease. Symptoms of kidney disease include a change in energy, increased water retention, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, easy bruising, light-headedness and itching.
Reduce your risk with exercise and a healthy diet. Sound familiar? It had better if you want to avoid these five sleeper health risks.
Monday, 27 February 2012
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Heart Failure
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a progressive disorder in which damage to the heart causes weakening of the cardiovascular system. It manifests by fluid congestion or inadequate blood flow to tissues. Heart failure progresses by underlying heart injury or inappropriate responses of the body to heart impairment.
Heart failure may result from one or the sum of many causes. It is a progressive disorder that must be managed in regard to not only the state of the heart, but the condition of the circulation, lungs, neuroendocrine system and other organs as well. Furthermore, when other conditions are present (e.g. kidney impairment, hypertension, vascular disease, or diabetes) it can be more of a problem. Finally, the impact it can have on a patient psychologically and socially are important as well.
Heart failure is a cumulative consequence of all insults to the heart over someone's life. It is estimated that nearly 5 million Americans have heart failure. The prevalence of heart failure approximately DOUBLES with each decade of life. As people live longer, the occurrence of heart failure rises, as well as other conditions that complicate its treatment. Even when symptoms are absent or controlled, impaired heart function implies a reduced duration of survival. Fortunately, many factors that can prevent heart failure and improve outcome are known and can be applied at any stage. Heartfailure.org
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Heart failure can be chronic — meaning your condition is ongoing — or acute, meaning your condition has started suddenly.
Chronic heart failure signs and symptoms
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or when you lie down
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
- Swelling of your abdomen (ascites)
- Sudden weight gain from fluid retention
- Lack of appetite and nausea
- Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
Acute heart failure signs and symptoms
- Symptoms similar to those of chronic heart failure, but more severe and start or worsen suddenly
- Sudden fluid buildup
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up pink, foamy mucus
- Chest pain, if your heart failure is caused by a heart attack
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you experience any of the signs or symptoms associated with heart failure. These include:- Chest pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or when you lie down
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
- Swelling in your abdomen, legs, ankles and feet
- Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
You may first find out you have heart failure from an emergency room visit after worsening symptoms. Other heart and lung problems can cause symptoms that are similar to heart failure.
If you have a diagnosis of heart failure, and if any of the symptoms suddenly become worse or you develop a new sign or symptom, it may mean that existing heart failure is getting worse or not responding to treatment. Contact your doctor promptly.
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Strokes and men
Men and Stroke
The frightening thing about strokes, is that they aare becoming more and more common at earlier and earlier ages, as is hypertension.
Clearly, we need to understand what a stroke is, what causes it, how to prevent it and what to do if it occurs.
Knowing the risk factors and signs of a stroke is the first step in stroke prevention.
The following information is from WebMd with a link below.
A stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," occurs when blood flow to an area in the brain is cut off. The brain cells, deprived of the oxygen and glucose needed to survive, die. If not caught early, permanent brain damage and death can result.
Recommended Related to Heart Disease
Heart Disease and Medication Safety
One of the goals when you take medication for heart disease is to be sure that your medication helps your heart function as well as possible. One step toward achieving this goal is to avoid some medications. What kinds of problems might these medicines cause? Some medicine can make blood pressure rise, placing an extra burden on your heart. Some medications may interact with your heart disease medicine. This can prevent either medicine from working properly. Here are common types of medicines...
Read the Heart Disease and Medication Safety article > >
How Does a Stroke Occur?There are two types of stroke.
- Ischemic stroke is similar to a heart attack, except it occurs in the blood vessels of the brain. Clots can form either in the brain's blood vessels, in blood vessels leading to the brain, or even blood vessels elsewhere in the body which then travel to the brain. These clots block blood flow to the brain's cells. Ischemic stroke can also occur when too much plaque (fatty deposits and cholesterol) clogs the brain's blood vessels. About 80% of all strokes are ischemic.
- Hemorrhagic (heh-more-raj-ik) strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures. The result is blood seeping into the brain tissue, causing damage to brain cells. The most common causes of hemorrhagic stroke are high blood pressure and brain aneurysms. An aneurysm is a weakness or thinness in the blood vessel wall.
What Are the Symptoms of Stroke?
The most common symptoms of a stroke are:
- Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body.
- Loss of vision or dimming (like a curtain falling) in one or both eyes.
- Loss of speech, difficulty talking, or understanding what others are saying.
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
- Loss of balance or unstable walking, usually combined with another symptom.
What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms of a Stroke?
Immediately call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know has symptoms of a stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can save your life or increase your chances of a full recovery.
Are Strokes Preventable?
Up to 50% of all strokes are preventable. Many risk factors can be controlled before they cause problems.
Controllable risk factors Include:
- High blood pressure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Being overweight
- Existing carotid and/or coronary artery disease
Uncontrollable Risk Factors:
- Age (>65)
- Gender (Men have more strokes, women have deadlier strokes)
- Race (African-Americans are at increased risk)
- Family history of stroke
Your doctor can evaluate your risk for stroke and help you control your risk factors. Sometimes, people experience warning signs before a stroke occurs.
These are called transient ischemic attacks (also called TIA or "mini-stroke") and are short, brief episodes of the stroke symptoms listed above. Some people have no symptoms warning them prior to a stroke or symptoms are so mild they are not noticeable. Regular check-ups are important in catching problems before they become serious. Report any symptoms immediately.
For further study:
Men's Stroke Risk Rises Dramatically in Mid-40s
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More Doubt on Link Between a Blood Chemical and Heart Disease
More Doubt on Link Between a Blood Chemical and Heart Disease
Feb 22, 2012
(HealthDay News) -- Having high levels of the amino acid homocysteine won't raise your risk of developing heart disease, a new analysis indicates.
The findings appear to close the door on the potential benefit of lowering homocysteine levels with folic acid supplements, according to report author Robert Clarke, of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, and his colleagues.
The researchers also said previous studies that suggested high levels of homocysteine might be a modifiable risk factor for heart disease were plagued by publication bias and methodological problems.
Clarke and his team analyzed data on nearly 50,000 heart disease patients and 68,000 healthy people, culled from 86 published studies and 19 unpublished studies. There was no increased risk of heart disease in people who had an MTHFR gene variant that is associated with 20 percent higher blood homocysteine levels.
The MTHFR gene plays a role in the production of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, which uses folate to break down and remove homocysteine.
The study appears in this week's issue of the journal PLoS Medicine.
"The discrepancy between the overall results in the unpublished and the published datasets is too extreme to be plausibly dismissed as a chance finding," the researchers wrote. "Some studies, particularly if small, might have been prioritized for publication by investigators, referees or editors according to the positivity of their results and some may have been liable to other methodological problems that bias the average of all results. To avoid such biases, we chiefly emphasize the new results from the previously unpublished datasets."
"The magnitude of the effect of publication bias is substantial and, in addition to distorting the association of MTHFR with [coronary heart disease] in published studies, publication bias may also help explain the discrepant findings recently reported for MTHFR and stroke," they concluded.
SOURCE: PLoS Medicine, news release, Feb. 21, 2012
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