National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Every January we celebrate the New Year by toasting and cheering and spending time with family and friends. A lot of us even make a resolution—whether it’s finally cleaning out the garage, quitting smoking, going to that Pilates class every week, or just trying to be more positive. January is all about rejuvenation and rebirth. As a sign of rebirth, January ushers in a new date and with that in mind, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) declared January National Birth Defects Prevention Month.

The CDC says that 1 in 33 babies is born with a birth defect and 1 out of every 5 born with one of those defects perishes as a result, making birth defects the leading cause of death among newborns. The first year of life is a struggle for completely health babies but it is hardest for an infant struggling to cope with the most common defects: Down syndrome, heart problems, a cleft lip or palate, and spina bifida.

The NBDPN stresses that although genetic defects are possible when one or more of the parents have abnormalities in their genes, most of the children born with a defect do not have a family history of them and are essentially a surprise, but a lot of the common defects can be prevented if the mother takes precautions during pregnancy.

Recommended ways of helping your child develop fully and healthy while still in the womb are by abstaining from smoking and alcohol as well as keeping fit and becoming pregnant while at a comfortable weight suitable for your body type. Doctors do not want women dieting while carrying a child but to avoid a spike in blood sugar that can lead to gestational (acquired during pregnancy) diabetes by gaining a lot of unnecessary weight, they may want you to be mindful of your nutrition and body weight during pregnancy.

The theme for this year’s National Birth Defects Prevention Month is to raise awareness of diabetes in women who are of age to get pregnant. Having diabetes is a complication in itself and adding on top of that a fetus that needs a lot of nutrients and food can get stressful and dangerous if not kept in control. Even though the temptation to eat pickles dipped in chocolate sauce all hours of the day is what your hormones may be screaming, your physician can help you find ways to eat around your cravings and stay out of the danger zone for you and your baby.
If you have a medical condition, professionals advise mothers to stay on top of their medication and keep their course of treatment on track so a problem doesn’t arise with the mother’s health where the baby might be at risk (coming back to 2010's theme, mothers with diabetes are often a large risk for a fetus). Folic acid is a necessary supplement that many women should be taking daily even well before trying to get pregnant (and after) as it helps form the spine of the fetus as well as spur the development of the brain.
Avoid getting sick or developing any kind of infection during pregnancy, be extra careful to wash off any germs, stay away from strong toxins and chemicals in your home or workplace, and do not ingest a lot of caffeine if possible. These are some of the many ways you can protect yourself and your baby during the nine month gestation period.

Remember that not all birth defects are found immediately after birth. Physical deformities are easily caught but common heart defects (which affect almost one-third of infants born with a defect) are not realized until later posing a major threat to the child’s life. Even though all babies are cute and cuddly and precious no matter what deformity or struggle they happen to be born with, if you can try to prevent a harder life for your family, it’s worth a shot.

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Healthnews.com

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Mom's Job Could Boost Baby's Odds for Birth Defect

Among working women in the United States, teachers seem to have the lowest risk of having babies with birth defects, while those who work as janitors, scientists and electronic-equipment operators appear most at risk, researchers say.

The study looked at nearly 9,000 babies born with single or multiple birth defects, such as those affecting the eye, ear, gastrointestinal tract and mouth and face, among others. The study also included almost 3,400 children who had none of the 45 different types of birth defects considered.

The researchers tried to determine if a link existed between the likelihood of birth defects in the children, who were born between October 1997 and December 2003, and their mothers' jobs. More than three-quarters of the women had paid jobs during the period from one month before pregnancy through the first trimester.

Women who were cleaners or janitors, operators of electronic equipment and scientists were at "significantly" higher risk of having a child with birth defects, while teachers had the lowest risk, the study authors found.

There are some caveats, however. The researchers didn't analyze chemicals that the women may have been exposed to, nor did they consider the number of hours worked. Also, the findings only point to a connection between type of employment and birth defects; they don't prove that a woman's job directly affects birth defects.

The study was published online Dec. 22 in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

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Businessweek.com

Mom's Job Could Boost Baby's Odds for Birth Defect

How to Stick to New Year's Resolutions

Millions and millions of us will be making New Year's resolutions -- all well-intentioned -- but most of which will be broken before long.

Yet, there are things you can do to make it more likely you'll actually keep at them, as Dr. Wendy Walsh, a clinical psychologist, explained on "The Early Show" Monday.

Usually in January, health club membership soar and the sale of "sin foods," such as chocolate and alcohol, decline, as people vow to improve themselves. But by February, most New Year's resolutions will have be nothing but memories.

Still, some people will actually succeed in making lifestyle changes.

How?

Walsh says change is just easier for some people -- because they have a biological predisposition to tolerate change. Some people are born to love change, adapt quickly, and seek new experiences, while others are genetically predisposed to stick with a routine and follow the way it's always been done. Indeed, change is hard for most of us.
Things that Help a Resolution Work:

Desire to Change: Change must come from inside yourself and you must be in a state of readiness. If you aren't really ready (and only you will know) to make the changes you desire to make, than chances are you will not succeed. So before making a resolution, really sit down and analyze what YOU really want.

Ability of Change: You must have the tools and skills. i.e. If you can't read, no amount of desire will help you open the book you've been meaning to read. If you are looking to get sober, look into AA meetings. If you are looking to lose some pounds, research diets now. If you think ahead, you will have your tools in place when the calendar flips into another year.

A Supportive Environment: Do other people want you to change? Move away from non-supportive people. It's part of every drug and alcohol rehab program -- don't hang out with drug addicts and bartenders. Try to find people that are excited about the new you that will result from your resolutions. It will be invaluable if you slip a little.

Confidence: Studies on change show that those who truly believe they can change, do. Doubters will more likely fail. Believing you can change encourages commitment to the process and enhances the likelihood of success.

Instant feedback: We've all heard that small, incremental changes are best because they feel less painful and inconvenient but sometimes BIG changes work better because the immediate environmental feedback is so positive. A sudden weight-loss, for instance, brings compliments and better fitting clothes. Those rewards inspire people to continue to make positive changes. Chances are, one great big change will lead to another.

New Habits Take Time: New behaviors must be repeated over and over before they can become habits. Remember to give yourself small rewards instead of a pass or fail grade. And reward behaviors, not results. If you stayed on a 1500 calorie-a-day diet all week and have promised yourself one desert on Friday night, give yourself the reward even if you haven't lost the three pounds you intended to lose.

If You "Fall Off the Wagon":: Look at this as an important part of change, not a permanent set back. Nobody gets it right the first time. It is important to get back to your positive behaviors and not beat yourself up. Feeling like a failure will create one. Feeling like a champion will help you win.

How to Stick to New Year's Resolutions

Give the gift of life: Resolve this New Year's to donate blood

Give the gift of life: Resolve this New Year's to donate blood. The heart of many New Year's resolutions are based on self-improvement. Things such as lose weight, get healthy, go to the gym, start running, etc. While those are all admirable goals, a wonderful addition to your New Year's resolutions should be to give the gift of life and donate blood.

The American Red Cross and America's Blood Centers provide outstanding information on a variety of topics, inlcluding who may donate blood and how to set up a blood drive in your community. The American Red Cross says that a pint of donated blood can save up to three lives.
The Armed Services Blood Program is another source for information. They are the official site of the United States Military Blood Program. Blood is needed across the country for those injured or wounded and for those needing transfusions for other medical reasons.

Giving blood can truly make the difference between life and death, and because blood has a limited shelf life, the supply must be constantly replenished. In the United States, the holiday season is one of the times when available blood supplies are at their lowest.
This year, along with the New Year's resolutions to lose weight and get healthy, add the one that can save the life of someone you may not know, but who is undoubtedly someone's loved one. Think of your own loved ones and imagine how tragic it would be to lose one because there was not enough available blood. Or think of the men and women who are risking their lives to protect your freedom and imagine that there was not enough blood if they were wounded. We as a people can make sure that never happens.

Lastly, for those of you who really want to know, a pint of blood weighs about 1.1 (that's one-point-one) pounds. That means you can give not only resolve to lose a few pounds during the New Year, but to give a few precious ones away to someone who really needs them.

Give the gift of life: Resolve this New Year's to donate blood

Alcohol and Fireworks Don't Mix! Warns National Council on Fireworks Safety

New Year's Eve is a wonderful time to celebrate the start of a new year. And fireworks are a wonderful way of celebrating. However, all too often, New Year's Eve festivities involve excess alcohol. Just like driving and drinking do not mix, shooting consumer fireworks and drinking absolutely do not mix.

If you are at a party for New Year's Eve where consumer fireworks are being shot, make sure that there is a designated shooter who has not been drinking any alcohol. Even a small quantity of alcohol (one beer, a glass of wine) can impair one's judgment and ability to properly set up and use consumer fireworks safely.

Nancy Blogin, President of the National Council on Fireworks Safety, notes: "Each New Year's Eve, consumers are injured because their judgment has been impaired by beer, wine, or another alcoholic drink. The lesson is simple: Alcohol and fireworks don't mix."

In addition, the National Council reminds shooters of consumer fireworks of these other important safety tips:

•Only use fireworks outdoors.
•Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
•Never give fireworks to young children.
•Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
•Always have a bucket of water, or water hose, nearby.
And remember, ALCOHOL AND FIREWORKS DON'T MIX!

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks. For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and the Council's safety videos, please visit http://www.FireworksSafety.org

Alcohol and Fireworks Don't Mix! Warns National Council on Fireworks Safety

Pharmacy tracking system cuts med waste at hospital

The pharmacy at a large Ohio hospital is claiming to have reduced waste by 32 percent with the help of a medication tracking system. Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus says missing-medication requests are down to about 90 per day from 150 to 175 since the pharmacy department implemented MedBoard, a product of Bellevue, Wash.-based Pharmacy OneSource, last July.
The hospital expects to save $150,000 this year by reducing pharmacy waste and saving staff time as the system tracks more medications and gets rolled out to additional nursing units. Patients should see medications delivered faster, hospital officials add.
With MedBoard, pharmacists and nurses scan medication labels at each step in the delivery process to track order status and location, and prevent lost doses. "We like to call it the 'FedEx of the pharmacy world' because it tracks the medications that nurses are waiting for just like FedEx tracks a package," Charles McCluskey, Riverside Methodist's director of pharmacy and pulmonary services, tells Healthcare IT News.

fiercehealthit.com

Pharmacy tracking system cuts med waste at hospital

Comprehensive report on Mexico's pharmaceutical and healthcare market

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Mexico Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Report Q1 2010" report to their offering.

“Mexico Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Report Q1 2010”

The pharmaceutical market in Mexico will reach a value of MXN114.8bn (US$8.6bn) by the end of 2009, up from MXN109.1bn (US$9.8bn) in 2008. Growth will continue to 2014, reaching MXN153.2bn (US$14.9bn). Per-capita drug spending will rise from US$79 in 2009 to US$133 by 2014. While the rising population should drive demand, we note that the patterns of drug spending in Mexico are changing.
The analyst expects total drug market expenditure in Mexico to increase from MXN153.2 (US$14.95bn) in 2014 to MXN226.9bn (US$25.9bn) by 2019. Our outlook accounts for the expected increase in participation in the Seguro Popular health insurance scheme, which is being promoted by the government. In line with increased medical coverage, BMI also believes people will be more likely to purchase medicines from licensed legal premises instead of resorting to the black market. This should also remove some of the demand for counterfeits, and will marginally reduce the proportion of over-the-counter drugs (OTC) in the total drug market.
Several regulatory issues will continue to dampen generic drug sales. As mentioned, the lack of clarity in definitions between patented, generic and similare is problem. At BMI, we do not include similares in our forecasts. Various regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Health and the State Employees' Social Security and Social Services Institute (ISSSTE), the Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) disagree on the differences. The lack of communication between these authorities is unsurprising and reflects the approach of national sector regulation in the country. Moreover, any agreements on what constitutes a generic is not then openly and clearly conveyed to public relations groups, leaving the public relatively ill-informed, despite the reach and scale of the Mexican media. Since purchasing a majority stake in Ranbaxy, Japanese drugmaker Daiichi Sankyo has been keen to expand its geographical reach. In October 2009, Ranbaxy announced that it is leveraging its marketing subsidiary in Mexico to launch new innovator products from Daiichi Sankyo. In our view, the events are unsurprising - Mexico is the largest market in Central America and the second only to Brazil in Latin America. Maximising Ranbaxy's established presence there is a key strategic move in expanding Daiichi Sankyo's target markets. Ranbaxy's marketing experience in developing markets was an attractive feature for Daiichi Sankyo, particularly as it has been selling over 50 types of medicine in Mexico since 2004. The Indian firm states that its effective sales force and competitive pricing are drivers for growth in Mexico. Furthermore, the patient uptake of new products coupled with the expanding portfolio Ranbaxy can offer through Daiichi Sankyo will mean that patented drugs can also be introduced to the market.


http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c9887b/mexico_pharmaceuti

Comprehensive report on Mexico's pharmaceutical and healthcare market

Payments limited for docs who serve on pharma boards

After much scrutiny over its lack of a solid conflict-of-interest policy, Massachusetts-based Partners HealthCare finally bit the bullet, banning stock payments and limiting fees to high-ranking doctors and executives that reside on the boards of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, the Boston Globe reports. The rules were put in place last Friday to loosen the perceived grip pharmaceutical companies have on the hospital chain, as well as to bring more "transparency" to the academia-pharma relationship.
Physicians also are not allowed to be compensated for appearing at pharmaceutical "speakers bureaus," according to the new policy. An overall ban on such relationships was under consideration, but ultimately was rejected due to what Partners Office for Interactions with Industry director Christopher Clark called "significant benefits."
"[The relationships] give us some insight into how the companies work and how they are doing, and making sure the companies are aware of the academic perspective," Clark said.
The new policy limits pay to $500 per hour for doctors and executives who also serve on pharmaceutical company boards. About 25 vice presidents, clinical department heads and top executives are affected by the new rules, according to the Globe.

fiercehealthcare.com

Payments limited for docs who serve on pharma boards

How Can I Save Money on Prescriptions?

Health care is expensive! For many of us, the cost of health care — including prescriptions — seems to just keep going up. Although how much you pay for prescriptions largely depends on your health care plan, there are ways for everyone to save money on prescriptions.

Generic medications can help you save money on prescriptions. Generic counterparts to many brand name medications are available. The next time you need a prescription medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor if a generic medication will work for you. It is possible for you to save a lot of money on prescription medications this way.

Another way to save money on prescriptions is to obtain a pharmacy discount card. Sometimes these cards require a small fee, but usually they are free. Depending on the pharmacy and its program, you could save quite a bit of money. Perform an Internet search or ask your pharmacist directly about their discount cards.
Changing pharmacies can also help you save money on prescriptions. As more and more pharmacies are trying to compete for business, they are offering incentives for new customers. Customers who switch pharmacies can often get store gift cards or free prescriptions when they fill or transfer a new prescription. Ask specific pharmacies if they offer incentives for bringing your business to their location.
Search for manufacturer's coupons and rebates. These offers might be available on the manufacturer's website, or in magazine ads. You might have to sign up with a website, but in return, you can usually get rebates, coupons, and sometimes free samples or free trials of prescription drugs. Your doctor may also have prescription samples that you can try. Doctors tend to get a lot of different prescription drugs in sample form and many are willing to give them to patients who may not be able to afford prescriptions otherwise. Ask your doctor about samples next time you are prescribed a new medication, or refilling an existing one.

Another way to save money on prescriptions is to ask about hardship programs. Many manufacturers of prescription drugs have hardship programs or patient assistance programs for people who cannot afford them. You may need to qualify as making under a certain income level in order to enroll with a hardship program.

How Can I Save Money on Prescriptions?

Your body's big enemy? You’re sitting on it

Most of us spend our days on our behinds — and it’s killing us

By Selene Yeager

You might not want to take the following stat sitting down: According to a poll of nearly 6,300 people by the Institute for Medicine and Public Health, it's likely that you spend a stunning 56 hours a week planted like a geranium — staring at your computer screen, working the steering wheel, or collapsed in a heap in front of your high-def TV. And it turns out women may be more sedentary than men, since they tend to play fewer sports and hold less active jobs.

Even if you think you have an energetic lifestyle, sitting is how most of us spend a good part of our day. And it's killing us — literally — by way of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. All this downtime is so unhealthy that it's given birth to a new area of medical study called inactivity physiology, which explores the effects of our increasingly butt-bound, tech-driven lives, as well as a deadly new epidemic researchers have dubbed "sitting disease."

The modern-day desk sentence
"Our bodies have evolved over millions of years to do one thing: move," says James Levine, M.D., Ph.D., of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and author of "Move a Little, Lose a Lot." "As human beings, we evolved to stand upright. For thousands of generations, our environment demanded nearly constant physical activity."

Story continues here

 

Your body's big enemy? You’re sitting on it

How to Avoid Getting Sick This Holiday Season

You don't have to skip the holiday parties, even though the H1N1 flu is circulating. Just follow these simple tips to staying healthy

Avoid Handshakes

Potential problems start with "hello." If you are at a party and you've just met someone new - or see a long-lost friend/relative - refrain from shaking hands this holiday season. Shaking hands is a great way to pass germs around.

Wash Your Hands

If you do decide to shake someone's hand, wash your hands immediately after. In fact, wash your hands all the time. Every time you touch something, wash your hands. Picking up discarded napkins, or used glasses? Wash your hands. We can't say it enough: washing away germs is the best mode of defense.

Put Hand Sanitizer Everywhere

If you are traveling to a holiday gathering, hand sanitizer should be the first thing you pack. If you are hosting a holiday gathering, place small bottles of hand sanitizer around the room. It'll give guests the hint that you are serious about keeping germs at bay.

Keep House Clean

Of course, you are likely to have your house sparkling clean when the guests arrive. But try to keep on top of the cleaning even as the guests are there, and certainly tackle the cleaning as soon as they leave. Use bleach to wipe down your countertops and clean any surfaces that kids may have had their fingers on.

No Mistletoe

Avoid using mistletoe as decoration this year. A kiss on the lips is an excellent way for viruses to travel for one person to another.

Snack Right

Don't place chips, nuts or candies into large bowls where multiple hands can reach in. Instead, place these snack foods in individual dishes or bowls, so that each guest has their own.

Serve Individual Plates

Serve individual plates of food instead of having a buffet or finger foods.

Individual Drinks

Serve individual drinks. Punch bowls are large surface areas, where germs can breed. Also, dipping your used glass into a punch bowl is just gross. Also, consider ways for your guests to keep track of which glass is theirs, so they don't accidentally drink out of someone else's. Party stores often sell wine charms or colored bands.

Sick? Stay Home

If you are sick - think coughing, fever - stay home!

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http://www.foxnews.com/

How to Avoid Getting Sick This Holiday Season

13 Things Your Pharmacist Won't Tell You

What to bear in mind the next time you visit the pharmacy counter.

1. Don't try to get anything past us. Prescriptions for painkillers or sleeping aids always get extra scrutiny.

2. We're not serving fries in here. I'd think twice about using a drive-through pharmacy. Working there distracts us-not a good thing when it comes to pharmaceuticals.

3. We're human … and we make mistakes (about two million a year). Ask if we use a bar-code system to help keep us from pulling the wrong drug off the shelf or giving the wrong strength of the right drug.

4. Sometimes we can't read the doctor's handwriting either. E-prescribing can help, but as of 2006, fewer than 20 percent of prescriptions were being electronically transmitted.

5. I hate your insurance company as much as you do. "Even if something's working for you, the insurance company may insist you switch to something else," says pharmacy owner Stuart Feldman."I'm stuck in the middle trying to explain this to customers."

6. We can give flu shots in most states.

7. A less-qualified pharmacy technician may have actually filled your prescription. Currently, there is no national standard for their training and responsibilities.

8. Generics are a close match for most brand names. But I'd be careful with blood thinners and thyroid drugs, since small differences can have big effects.

9. I can give you a generic refill that's different from the one you started with. When in doubt, ask. Online resources like cvs.com let you double-check your pill.

10. We're not mind readers, and there's not some big computer database that tracks your drugs and flags interactions for pharmacists everywhere. Use one pharmacy. If you start using a new one, make sure we know what you're taking.

11. Avoid the lines. It gets busy Monday and Tuesday evenings, since many new prescriptions and refills come in after the weekend.

12. Look into the $4 generics offered by chains like Target, Kroger, and Wal-Mart. And it can't hurt to ask your pharmacy if it will match the price.

13. Yelling at me won't help. If I can't reach your doctor and/or insurance company to approve a refill, there's nothing I can do about it. “It's frustrating,” says pharmacist Daniel Zlott, “but I'd be breaking the law in some states if I gave it to you.”



Originally Posted at Reader's Digest

13 Things Your Pharmacist Won't Tell You