How a Diabetic Should Treat a Sprained Ankle
Diabetes can be a game changer when it comes to the treatment of a sprained ankle.
But many diabetics do not realize just what could happen if they have a certain condition that diabetes often causes. (more…)
Can Muscle Twitching Be Caused by TMJ Disorder?
Muscle twitching that occurs around the area of your jaw, mouth and chin can be quite frightening. (more…)
Can Bulimia Cause TMJ Disorder or a Protruding Jaw?
If you have bulimia nervosa, perhaps you’re wondering if this eating disorder might cause temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder), since forced vomiting may occur very frequently, sometimes multiple times a day. (more…)
Can a Drooping Eyelid Be Caused by TMJ Disorder?
An eyelid that’s suddenly drooping can be frightening to anyone who knows that a brain aneurysm can cause this, but can TMJ disorder also cause this unnerving symptom? (more…)
Can Acute Liver Damage from Heart Failure Cause Ascites?
Ascites has many potential causes, but liver disease is notorious for causing this abdominal fluid buildup.
What if heart failure is behind the liver disease? (more…)
Can Ischemic Hypoxic Liver Cause Hepatorenal Syndrome 1 ?
Ischemic or hypoxic liver (lack of oxygen) can be caused by heart failure, and it’s logical to wonder if this can lead to hepatorenal syndrome type 1 – which has a very dismal prognosis. (more…)
Why Dark Chocolate Is a Health Food: Certain Kinds, That Is
It’s old news that dark chocolate has health-giving phytonutrients, but research shows that certain kinds of dark chocolate are especially good for the body.
And in a way that you’re probably not assuming. (more…)
How Many Elderly Have Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is one of the most under- and misdiagnosed conditions in the elderly; the estimated number who have it is alarmingly high, and this includes non-overweight as well as female older people.
Symptoms of sleep apnea in the elderly can easily mimic signs of other conditions such as “old age” and “age-related” fatigue, loss of energy, issues with concentration and falling asleep in front of the TV or while doing something else passive such as reading or crocheting.
“Sleep apnea is very common in the elderly, and some studies have shown a prevalence between 20 and 40%, and this prevalence steadily increases with advancing age,” says Daniel Rifkin, MD, a sleep medicine expert at the Sleep Medicine Centers of Western New York.
“This is almost double the prevalence in the younger adult populations!
“Because untreated obstructive sleep apnea is associated with heart disease and strokes, among many other medical conditions, and worsens quality of life, we should focus our efforts on treating our older patients.
“Instead of laughing at grandma falling asleep at the kitchen table during lunch or dinner, we should take it seriously and urge her to get her sleep evaluated.”
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Is NOT Normal in the Elderly
It’s likely due to obstructive sleep apnea.
This is what University of Michigan researchers have found.
According to their study, 56% of people over 65 have a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
How was the study done?
1,052 Medicare recipients completed a sleep questionnaire plus other surveys as part of the National Health and Aging Trends Study.
The study found that 94% of those at risk turned out to actually have OSA.
Though OSA is common, it’s one of the most misdiagnosed conditions.
One reason is that its symptoms mimic what seems to be the inevitable signs of advancing age.
Falling asleep in the middle of the day, during supper or having difficulty concentrating are signs that wouldn’t be as alarming in an elderly person as they would be in a 45-year-old. Thus, a diagnostic workup wouldn’t as likely be pursued.
The second reason is that it can’t be diagnosed with a simple blood test, biopsy sample or X-ray.
Rather, it requires a sleep study, and many people just do not want to get hooked up to wires overnight.
A third reason for the massive under-diagnosis of OSA in the elderly (and younger) is because many people anticipate being told they’ll need to “sleep with a mask” if they’re diagnosed. So they deny they might have OSA.
The study appears in the April 2018 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Dr. Rifkin is board certified in both neurology and sleep medicine. He also treats insomnia, RLS and narcolepsy.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Source: newswise.com/articles/view/694298/?sc=mwhn
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Exercise or Take It Easy After a Heart Attack?
The old school of thought among doctors was to take it easy for the rest of your life after a heart attack rather than increase exercise. (more…)
Reasons to Eat Nutmeg: Liver Health and Many More Benefits
The spice nutmeg has been found to be healthy for the liver.
“Nutmeg contains the compound myrislignan, which was found to help protect the liver,” says Shana Spence, MS, RDN, CDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in New York.
“This is probably due to the anti-inflammatory properties in the compound, but more research still needs to be done to pinpoint the exact reasoning behind this.”
Researchers have discovered that nutmeg can aid in liver toxicity (and also heart tissue damage).
The findings are published in the Journal of Proteome Research (2018).
The Study
A mouse model of liver toxicity was used to test the mechanism behind the spice’s protective effects.
It’s believed that nutmeg helps fight liver damage by restoring more desirable levels of a variety of blood fats and acylcarnitines.
It was the myrislignan that was found to have a strong protective impact on damage to the liver.
“In addition to myrislignan, nutmeg also contains fiber, manganese, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium and copper, which all contribute to health,” says Spence.
“Other health benefits include pain relief from inflammatory diseases, treatment of insomnia, antibacterial benefits that help prevent tooth decay and other anti-cariogenic [resistant to tooth decay] properties.
“However, nutmeg is one spice that is used sparingly in dishes because of its strong flavor — so nutmeg oil is another alternative.”
Nutmeg and Blood Sugar
Nutmeg may help combat high blood sugar and excess fat in the blood due to its bioactive compounds.
Nutmeg contains antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Also, some studies suggest that nutmeg can influence glucose metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially aiding in blood sugar control (Journal of Diabetes Research, 2015).
This spice also contains compounds that might help lower cholesterol levels and reduce fat accumulation in the blood (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2018).
What if You Don’t Like Nutmeg?
If you’re not too fond of the distinct flavor of this healthful spice, you can sneak it into a protein drink.
For myself, nutmeg and my palate don’t quite get along, so I put it in something that I already don’t like the taste of: my post-workout protein drink.
The one level-teaspoon of the powder form of nutmeg that I add with the four ounces of pomegranate juice, water, vanilla protein powder, ground flax and chia seeds plus cinnamon, actually gets noticed in the flavor of this concoction.
But it’s tolerable to my palate. And if I can tolerate it mixed into my protein drink, chances are, others who find the spice too strong will as well.
Shana Spence
