Day: July 2, 2024

Jul 02

Blood bank supplies dangerously low

CHESTERTOWN — The Blood Bank of Delmarva has declared a severe blood shortage and is asking people across the region to donate blood to help replenish blood supplies. The UM Chester River Health Foundation, a Kent County-based affiliate of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, is answering the call by holding a blood drive from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown Conference Center. Donors should use the hospital’s main entrance and request directions to the Conference Center at the front desk; the blood draws will take place in the blood bank’s mobile van in the parking lot. Featured Local Savings

Jul 02

Immunodeficient birthday boy’s wish comes true: 50 blood donors as need in Edmonton remains high

Jakob Guziak’s wish for his fourth birthday this month: 50 people donating blood and plasma at the Canadian Blood Services location in Edmonton. He originally wasn’t expected to live past the age of two as he has an inherited disorder called adenosine deaminase deficiency, which basically means the active little boy has no immune system. The Edmonton child relies on blood plasma donations to keep him alive. Once a month, Guziak gets an infusion that contains the antibodies he needs to help ward off infections. On Tuesday, Guziak realized his goal of recruiting 50 donors and was on hand this week at Canadian Blood Services to not only brighten people’s day by playing ‘Doctor’ while they donated but to also say ‘Thank you.’ “It was important for us to let donors understand that their donation makes an impact in the lives of these children (like Jakob),” Andrea Fernandez, his mother, told CTV News Edmonton on Thursday. “Without their donation, my son would be missing a very important part of his artificial immune system. I think donors don’t understand the impact of their donation until they see it, so we wanted to come and say ‘Thank you’ so they understand, here’s where it goes.” Doctors diagnosed Guziak when he was eight days old. He relies on a regular regime of injections, which include his monthly dose of donated plasma. Fernandez said her son is on a waiting list for gene therapy, a stem-cell transplant procedure that isn’t available in Canada. The family will likely travel to California in the U.S. or to London, England, for it if and when it becomes available. In the meantime, Guziak must live a somewhat isolated life away from most people to help prevent him from catching a virus, an infection, a fungus or something else his body can’t handle. “I feel that sometimes we don’t know about the importance of donations until we have a friend or a family member that is going through something like this,” Fernandez said. “I feel it is important to encourage people to come and donate. Plasma and blood are two products you cannot make. It’s impossible to make them, so you are expecting a lifesaving product from the kindness of someone.” Jasmine Vallarta, the territory manager for Canadian Blood Services’ Edmonton operation, said her office is constantly seeking donors and is currently hoping for 1,000 donations by the September long weekend. “The need for blood is constant,” Vallarta said. “What’s happening during the summer months is it’s not at the top of mind (for people) to come and donate. We’re asking everyone, if they have an hour of time, to come out and donate on our behalf and Jakob’s behalf.” With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Jessica Robb

Jul 02

Early signs suggest fall COVID-19 wave starting in Canada — before updated boosters are available

There are early signals Canada is already entering a fall COVID-19 wave, while updated booster shots likely remain weeks away. Earlier this week, the Public Health Agency of Canada said fluctuations in virus activity across the country could be an “early sign” of increased infections. The percentage of COVID tests coming back positive, for example, had been gradually declining since the spring, but started going up again over the last month — most recently hitting nearly nine per cent. Hospitalizations increased in August as well, jumping roughly 11 per cent in a week, as the number of hospital beds occupied by COVID patients hit more than 1,700 by Aug. 15. Cross-Canada wastewater signals are also rising. By late July, at least seven of the 39 sites tracked by federal officials had reported an increase, and that number has nearly doubled since then to at least 13. Western University microbiologist Eric Arts said Ontario’s wastewater in particular is showing an increase in virus samples, but with reduced reporting and limited testing across much of the country, the full picture is hazy. What is clear, Arts added, is that caseloads in the U.S. are already going up “dramatically,” meaning Canada’s wave may not be far behind. “Everyone’s hearing, myself included, anecdotal evidence of new infections of people that we know,” he said. Waning immunity, new subvariant may play role How big Canada’s fall surge becomes will largely hinge on the country’s level of population immunity, experts say, as well as the timing of fall booster shots that aren’t yet approved in either Canada or the U.S. “We’re having up-and-down wobbling of our COVID numbers as we balance out transmission with immunity,” said researcher and epidemiologist Caroline Colijn, a Canada 150 Research Chair in Mathematics for Evolution, Infection and Public Health at Simon Fraser University. As CBC News recently reported, research shows a majority of the population has developed some level of immunity against SARS-CoV-2, thanks to high rates of vaccination and three-quarters of Canadians likely having detectable antibodies linked to prior infections. Hybrid immunity — developed through a combination of both prior vaccination and infection — is thought to be a particularly robust form of protection. But while many individuals’ immune systems are now better trained to recognize this threat, reducing rates of serious illness and death over the course of the pandemic, the level of protection needed to avoid another infection in the first place can fade over time. “We haven’t had a large COVID wave in the summer, and we haven’t had a lot of vaccinations. So that protection against infection might have waned to some extent,” said Colijn. “And that puts us in a position for potentially a larger wave.” A contagious subvariant called EG.5 that’s circulating widely right now could also help fuel a surge, though scientists are still assessing the risks posed by the Omicron offshoot. Early evidence suggests it’s no more severe, yet it does appear better able to evade front-line immune defences, allowing it to infect — and re-infect — more people. There’s no cause for panic, Colijn stressed. But among people that may not have an infection or booster shot in months, a fast-spreading subvariant can find plenty of new hosts. “You don’t need a lot more severity to cause a large problem if you have a lot more numbers,” she warned. How big Canada’s fall surge becomes will largely hinge on the country’s level of population immunity, experts say, as well as the timing of fall booster shots that aren’t yet approved in either Canada or the U.S. (Michael Wilson/CBC) ‘Our system is fragile’ The challenges stemming from another wave would hit Canada on multiple fronts, said infectious diseases specialist Dr. Donald Vinh, an associate professor in McGill University’s department of medicine. For one thing, more COVID infections would increase pressure on the health-care system through higher demand on hospitals, coupled with higher rates of health-care workers being sick, Vinh said. “That combination can become problematic. We know that our system is fragile,” he said. “And we’ve dealt with this fragility from a surge in COVID cases in the community before … but there’s only so many of those that the health-care system can take.” In terms of the direct impact on patients, Vinh said that while high levels of hybrid immunity should prevent many life-threatening illnesses, there is also the potential for lasting health impacts from first or repeat infections, including long COVID. Booster shots could shore up Canadians’ immunity this fall, particularly as drug makers have adapted their vaccines to better match currently circulating strains, but Vinh cautioned the “cycles are not in sync.” The U.S., which typically approves new vaccines faster than Canada, hasn’t yet signed off on new formulations, and close watchers aren’t expecting those approvals until the end of August, with distribution sometime after that. “The timing is not great,” Vinh said. “Because if we anticipate that the U.S. will have their rollout somewhere around the end of September, or maybe early October, realistically, in Canada, we’re probably looking at maybe mid to late-October, or God forbid, even a little bit later.” WATCH | Calls for national inquiry into Canada’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic: Canada needs a national inquiry into COVID failures, experts say 24 days ago Duration 2:42 A series of new reports in the British Medical Journal say Canada was ‘ill-prepared’ and ‘lacked co-ordination’ in the COVID-19 pandemic. The report authors say it is time to investigate what happened and learn how to prepare for the next pandemic. Experts recommend boosters, basic precautions Canada’s national vaccine advisors have already recommended getting an updated dose once fresh vaccines do arrive, particularly if you’re at a higher risk for severe illness, including seniors aged 65 and up, people living in long-term care homes, pregnant individuals, and anyone with underlying medical conditions. Those national guidelines also suggest waiting roughly six months after a previous vaccine dose or a known SARS-CoV-2 infection, as research suggests the shots are

Jul 02

Predicting risk of cardiovascular events with Life’s Essential 8 scores

The American Heart Association (AHA) recently issued new cardiovascular health (CVH) measurements that are collectively described as Life’s Essential 8 (LE8). As compared to Life’s Simple 7 (LS7), LE8 also includes sleep health as an additional behavioral metric of CVH. In a recent study posted to the medRxiv preprint server, researchers determine the relationship between LE8 scores and cardiovascular disease (CVD), subtype CVD events, and all-cause mortality. Study: Association of Life’s Essential 8 with Cardiovascular Events and Mortality: The Cardiovascular Disease Lifetime Risk Pooling Project (LRPP). Image Credit: Elle Aon/Shutterstock.com *Important notice: medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. About the study Individual-level information was obtained from six contemporary United States-based cohort studies from the Cardiovascular Lifetime Risk Pooling Project (LRPP). Participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study, Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, Framingham Heart Study, Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study, Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Study, and Framingham Offspring cohort study were included in the analysis. The composite LE8 score, LE8 score without sleep, and LS7 scores were calculated individually. Multivariate Cox regression modeling was performed to determine the relationship between LE8 scores and CVDs, CVD subtype events, and all-cause mortality among young, middle-aged, and older individuals between 20-39, 40-59, and 60-79 years of age, respectively. Covariates included age, sex, ethnicity, race, and educational attainment. The participants were reclassified according to the LS7 and LE8 quartile ranks across ages. Data were obtained between 1985 and 2002, with participants monitored until August 30, 2020. The LE8 score comprises four health factors including blood glucose, lipid, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI), in addition to four health behaviors of physical activity, smoking, sleep, and diet. Nicotine exposure was assessed using self-documented tobacco usage and questionnaire responses. Dietary intake was evaluated using food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) linked to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) scores. Related Stories The primary study outcome was major CVD events, including new-onset myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, or cardiovascular death. Individuals with prior cardiovascular events were excluded, with all study participants closely monitored until the initial cardiovascular event or death from other causes. Study findings The sample population comprised 32,896 adult individuals, among whom the mean age was 54 years, 24% were Black, 45% were male, and 55% had received college or higher-level education. The mean LE8, LE8 no sleep, LE8 health factor, and LE8 health behavior sub-scores were 64, 62, 68, and 61, respectively. The participants contributed to 642,262 individual-years with a mean follow-up of 20 years, with 9,391 individuals experiencing CVD events. Higher LE8 scores were significantly related to CVD events after covariate adjustment. Higher total LE8 scores, LE8 health behavior scores, and health factor scores showed significant associations with lower CHD, stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death risks across ages. Each 10-point increase in LE8 scores was significantly associated with 43%, 35%, and 25% lower CVD risks for younger, middle-aged, and older individuals, respectively. This association was strongest for young individuals, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8 for young, middle-aged, and older individuals, respectively. The overall LE8 score with sleep had non-significantly stronger relationships with cardiovascular risk as compared to the LE8 score without sleep, with HR values of 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8 for young, middle-aged, and older individuals, respectively. The sensitivity analysis, which considered different follow-up durations of 10, 20, and 30 years, yielded consistent findings. Nicotine exposure was highest among older individuals. Younger and middle-aged individuals had 20 and 10 point higher LE8 health factors scores than health behavior scores, respectively, whereas older individuals showed scores for higher behaviors. The incorporation of the sleep metric modestly improved LE8 scores across ages. Higher LE8 scores, including health behaviors and factors, were observed among women, Whites, and more educated individuals across ages. The agreement between LS7 and LE8 scoring was 65%, 66%, and 63% for older, middle-aged, and young individuals, respectively. Over 75% of the uppermost and lowermost quartiles remained unaltered, whereas 50% of middle statistical quartiles were reclassified downward or upward. Similar findings were observed across ages. As compared to upwardly reclassified individuals, the downwardly reclassified study participants had lower total LE8 scores, LE8 without sleep scores, health behavior, and factor scores. These individuals were more likely to be male, younger, less educated, and Black. After adjusting for baseline LS7 scores, LE8 reclassification showed independent associations with cardiovascular risk, which were stronger for older individuals, but non-significant associations with cardiovascular risk among young individuals. Conclusions The study findings provide evidence supporting the use of LE8 for assessing overall cardiovascular health and future CVD risk. Each 10-point increase in LE8 scores was associated with a 23-40% reduced risk of CVD across ages. *Important notice: medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Journal reference:

Jul 02

Pregnancy diets and DNA: Nourishing the next generation

ByZarafshan Shiraz, New Delhi Aug 18, 2023 12:53 PM IST Share Via Copy Link The adage “you are what you eat” might be more profound than ever during pregnancy. Nutrition expert shares pregnancy diet plan to nourish the next generation Pregnancy can be a whirlwind of anticipation and preparation but amid the excitement, it is important not to forget the role of a well-balanced diet. The adage “you are what you eat” might be more profound than ever during pregnancy but nutrition isn’t just fuelling mom-to-be, it is laying the foundation for the baby’s lifelong health. Pregnancy diets and DNA: Nourishing the next generation (Photo by Mediamodifier on Unsplash) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Deepika Suresh, Genomics Specialist and Chief of Staff at Xcode Life, shared, “A mother’s choices while pregnant can echo throughout the child’s life. It’s a truth that’s been whispered down the generations, from mother to child, but only recently has science confirmed its gravity. An eye-opening example comes from the Dutch famine of 1944-1945 during World War II, when food was scarce and pregnant women subsisted on a meagre 400-800 calories per day. Research conducted on children conceived during this period revealed they were at a higher risk of developing conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The effects of the famine were even observed at the genetic level, with modifications in DNA chemical prints, which resulted in the “silencing” of genes involved in energy utilization and fat and glucose breakdown. This contributed to unhealthy changes in how their bodies functioned.” These startling revelations are part of a growing field of study known as nutrigenomics and it’s a mouthful, sure but it’s a term that describes how our nutrition interacts with our genes to shape our health. Genes regulate the nutritional outcome of the food we eat and our diet influences how well our genes function. Deepika Suresh explained, “While the genetics of a baby is determined at the time of conception, their epigenetics keep evolving. Epigenetics? Think of it as tiny switches that can turn genes on or off. What controls these switches? Well, largely your diet. An optimal diet keeps the good, protective genes “on” and the bad, disease-prone genes “off.” So, one can say that what the mother eats while pregnant can make or break the child’s health. Increasing evidence demonstrates that children born to mothers who consumed a calorie-dense Western diet during pregnancy were at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. Deficiencies in micronutrients have been associated with neurodevelopmental issues. Lack of vitamin B9, vitamin B12, zinc, and iodine, common with vegetarian and vegan diets, can harm brain development. These deficiencies can lead to conditions like neural tube defects and developmental disorders. Studies have shown that if mothers take supplements for these nutrients during pregnancy, especially early on, it can decrease the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in their children, including autism, ADHD, and even schizophrenia. So, a mother’s diet significantly affects the risk of these disorders in their offspring.” Now that we know maternal nutrition holds the key to the child’s health, what is the optimal pregnancy diet? Deepika Suresh answered, “Genes play a crucial role in shaping how your body reacts to certain types of food. This also applies when you’re pregnant. Let’s dive in with a few examples. Consider the MTHFR gene; it helps transform folate (vitamin B9) from your food into a form your body can use. If you have a certain variant, you might need more folate-rich foods or supplements to prevent possible congenital disabilities. This is why most doctors prescribe folic acid supplements to those pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Iron is an essential nutrient, especially during pregnancy, as it aids in delivering oxygen to the baby. Some people, however, have a variant in the HFE gene, which can cause the body to absorb too much iron. Along with the increased risk of maternal complications, it can also lead to growth problems in the fetus and congenital abnormalities.” She elaborated, “The FADS1 gene is also a crucial player in shaping pregnancy diet. It helps convert the good fats from plant sources like flaxseeds and walnuts into a usable form beneficial to the body. This is an important process, as good fats are crucial building blocks for fetal brain development. If you have a variant in this gene, it is important to get your good fats through animal sources like fish or consider nutritional supplements. To say it simply, there is no “one-size-fits-all” pregnancy diet. The time-honored advice on pregnancy diets, while useful, might not account for the intricate interplay between food, our genes, and our health. These insights into nutrigenomics highlight the importance of personalised dietary recommendations for pregnant women. The better we understand the relationship between genes and nutrition, the better we can protect the health of future generations.” Topics Nutrition Pregnancy Pregnant Women Woman Diet Fitness Health Dna

Jul 02

Better management of urinary tract infections is needed in primary care: S’pore study

SINGAPORE – A large local study of polyclinic patients has found that not all the antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) were as appropriate, and there is a need for better diagnosis and management of the condition in primary care. Two out of four antibiotics that are usually prescribed for uncomplicated UTIs were found to be more superior and resulted in a lower risk of treatment failure. Patients were less likely to return to the clinic due to persistent symptoms or head to the emergency department because of complications. UTI is usually caused by bacteria, and the symptoms include pain when urinating, increased frequency of urination, and cloudy urine. The infection is very common – about half of all women will experience it at least once in their life. The study from 2019 to 2021 involved 3,194 female patients, aged 18 to 50, with uncomplicated UTIs from six National University Polyclinics. Uncomplicated UTIs happen in healthy people with normal urinary tracts. Complicated UTIs, which may require longer or stronger antibiotic courses, were excluded from the study. This is the first large-scale local study in primary care done on uncomplicated UTIs in Singapore. Titled “Antibiotic treatment failure of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in primary care”, it was published in the journal Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control on Aug 1. The study recommends using amoxicillin-clavulanate (commonly known as Augmentin) or nitrofurantoin for treating uncomplicated UTIs in Singapore. These are antibiotics with lower reported resistance rates, and have lower treatment failure rates compared to ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole, said the study’s first author, Dr Sky Koh, an associate consultant and family physician at Bukit Batok Polyclinic. He said patients who took Augmentin or nitrofurantoin were 33 per cent less likely to experience treatment failure, compared to those who took the other two antibiotics. “You might not be able to clear the bacteria in the urinary tract altogether using the other two antibiotics because the bacteria has become more resistant to them over the years,” he said. Dr Koh said the other significant finding was that doctors relied on urine tests to diagnose UTIs, even though international guidelines recommend diagnosing the condition based on symptoms only. In the study, only 26 per cent of the UTIs were diagnosed based on symptoms. The guidelines also do not recommend collecting urine cultures for lab tests to diagnose uncomplicated UTIs, but local doctors do so for about one-third of the cases. A urine test will tell if a person has a UTI, while a lab test on urine cultures will identify which bacteria is growing, and this will help doctors decide which antibiotics to prescribe. “Most of the time, UTIs can be diagnosed in an uncomplicated way in non-pregnant women, pre-menopausal women between the ages of 18 and 50. It’s actually quite common, and we can use symptoms to diagnose them,” said Dr Koh. “We usually don’t send urine cultures because the tests cost $40 and the bacteria is going to be what we have predicted, which is Escherichia coli,” he said.

Jul 02

6 things to know about pancreatic cancer 18 August

Cancer Council NSW November marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of this month, here are six things you should know about pancreatic cancer. 1. What is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in any part of the pancreas. About 70% of pancreatic cancers are found in the head of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes and to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Cancer cells may also travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the liver. 2. Who gets pancreatic cancer? About 4260 Australians are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year. More than 80% are over the age of 60. Pancreatic cancer was estimated to be the eighth most common cancer in Australia in 2021. A person has a 1 in 69 chance of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer by the age of 85. 3. Types of pancreatic cancer There are two main types of pancreatic cancer. Exocrine tumours: These make up more than 95% of pancreatic cancers. The most common type is adenocarcinoma which begins in the lining of the pancreatic duct. 4. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer Risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of developing pancreatic cancer include: smoking tobacco (smokers are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as nonsmokers) obesity ageing eating too much red and processed meat drinking too much alcohol long-term diabetes (but diabetes can also be caused by the pancreatic cancer) long-term pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) certain types of cysts in the pancreatic duct known as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) – these should be assessed by an appropriate specialist stomach infections caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria (which can also cause stomach ulcers) family history and inherited conditions workplace exposure to certain pesticides, dyes or chemicals. Having risk factors does not mean you will definitely get cancer, but talk to your doctor if you are concerned. Some people with pancreatic cancer have no known risk factors. Screening tests help detect cancer in people who do not have any symptoms. Although there are useful screening tests for certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and bowel cancer, there is currently no screening test available for pancreatic cancer. 5. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer In its early stages, pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms. Symptoms may not appear until the cancer is large enough to affect nearby organs or has spread. Common symptoms are: appetite loss nausea with or without vomiting unexplained weight loss pain in the upper abdomen, side or back, which may cause you to wake up at night changed bowel motions – including diarrhoea, severe constipation, or pale, oily, foul-smelling stools (poo) that are difficult to flush away newly diagnosed diabetes fatigue (feeling very tired). Some pancreatic NETs will also cause symptoms such as blurred vision, too much sugar in the blood or a drop in blood sugar, excessive thirst, increased urination and reflux. These symptoms can also occur in other conditions so speak to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Learn more about pancreatic cancer symptoms. 6. Diagnosing pancreatic cancer Tests to diagnose pancreatic cancer may include blood tests, imaging scans, and tissue sampling (biopsy). The tests you have will depend on the symptoms, type and stage of pancreatic cancer. Test results will show what type of pancreatic cancer it is, where in the pancreas it is, and whether it has spread outside the pancreas. Learn more about diagnosing pancreatic cancer. /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.

Jul 02

9 best dog food for dogs with yeast ear infections in 2023

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Is your furry friend suffering from pesky yeast ear infections? Fret not, because we’ve got you covered! Discovering the best dog food to combat these irritating infections is crucial for your pet’s well-being. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in alleviating yeast ear infections in dogs, and we’re here to guide you through it. Choosing the right dog food brand specifically designed to tackle yeast-related issues can make all the difference. By supporting your pet’s ear health with a suitable diet, you can help them find relief and prevent future occurrences. So, let’s delve into the world of yeast food and diets that will have your pup wagging its tail with joy! Finding the perfect dog food is key. Stick around as we uncover top-notch recommendations and enlighten you on how proper nutrition aids in fighting those stubborn infections. Let’s get started on this journey towards healthier ears for your beloved canine companion! Best dog food for dogs with yeast ear infections in 2023 Pupper Fuel Dog Food Wholesome Sensitive Skin & Stomach Spot & Tangle Unkibble Halo Freeze Dried Raw Beef Meal Bites Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Formula Grain-Free Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food Instinct By Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food Understanding Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs Yeast ear infections can be quite a nuisance for our furry friends. Understanding what causes these infections and how to prevent them is essential for the well-being of yeasty dogs. Let’s delve into the common factors that contribute to yeast overgrowth in a dog’s ears and explore why a balanced diet plays a crucial role in preventing and managing yeast ear infections. Yeast infections, also known as yeast dermatitis, occur when there is an overgrowth of yeast on a dog’s skin or in its ears. The most common culprit behind these infections is the fungus called Malassezia pachydermatis. This fungus naturally resides on a dog’s skin but can multiply rapidly under certain conditions, leading to infection. Several factors contribute to yeast overgrowth in a dog’s ears. One primary cause is moisture buildup, which creates an ideal environment for yeast growth. Dogs with floppy ears or those that frequently swim are more prone to developing ear infections due to increased moisture trapped within the ear canal. Another factor that contributes to yeast issues is allergies. Just like humans, dogs can have allergies too, and they often manifest as itchy skin or ears. Allergies lead to inflammation, which weakens the skin barrier and makes it easier for yeast to take hold and thrive. A poor diet lacking essential nutrients can also contribute to yeast overgrowth. A balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and limited carbohydrates helps support your dog’s immune system and maintain healthy skin barriers—essential defenses against yeast production. Addressing underlying health issues is vital in preventing recurring yeast ear infections. If your dog has an underlying condition such as hypothyroidism or immune system disorders, it may be more susceptible to these infections. Symptoms of Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs Recognizing the telltale signs of a yeast ear infection in your furry friend is crucial to their well-being. These infections can cause discomfort and pain for your canine companion, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms that may indicate yeast overgrowth in their ears. One common symptom of a yeast ear infection is an infected ear that emits a foul odor. If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your dog’s ear, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to developing these infections since their ear canals provide a warm and moist environment that promotes the growth of yeast. Another symptom to watch out for is excessive itching or scratching around the ears. If you observe your dog constantly pawing at its ears or rubbing them against furniture or the floor, it may be a clear indication of discomfort caused by a yeast infection. Pay attention if they seem particularly bothered by one specific ear as this could signify an infection localized to that area. Redness and inflammation are also common symptoms associated with yeast ear infections. Take a closer look at your dog’s ears and check for any signs of irritation such as redness, swelling, or tenderness. You might even notice discharge or crusty debris accumulating inside the ear canal. In some cases, dogs suffering from these infections may experience balance issues or exhibit unusual behavior like head shaking or tilting. This could indicate that the infection has spread deeper into the inner ear, affecting their equilibrium. If left untreated, yeast ear infections can lead to more serious complications such as secondary bacterial infections or even permanent damage to the eardrum. That’s why it’s crucial to identify and address these symptoms promptly. Key Nutrients in Dog Food for Yeast Ear Infections It is essential to provide them with the right nutrients. Let’s explore the key nutrients that should be present in dog food to promote optimal ear health and alleviate yeast infections. Essential Nutrients for Healthy Ears To maintain healthy ears, dogs need a balanced diet that includes specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients play a vital role in supporting the immune system and preventing yeast overgrowth. Here are some of the essential nutrients to look for in dog food: Vitamin A: This vitamin helps maintain the integrity of skin cells lining the ears, reducing the risk of infection. Vitamin E: Known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin E protects against oxidative damage and supports overall ear health. Zinc: An important mineral for immune function, zinc helps strengthen the skin barrier and aids in wound healing. Selenium: This mineral acts as an antioxidant and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune response. Copper: Copper promotes collagen production, which is essential for maintaining

Jul 02

A single alcoholic drink per day could raise blood pressure, says study

Having just one alcoholic beverage per day could cause a spike in blood pressure, new research has revealed. The study, which was published in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal Hypertension, found that regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed, blood pressure levels are likely to increase. These findings came from an analysis of seven studies, which surveyed more than 19,000 adults in the U.S., Korea and Japan, according to an AHA press release. BAD BUNNY’S HIT SONG HAS ‘RIGHT TEMPO’ FOR LIFE-SAVING CPR, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION SAYS The association with systolic blood pressure — which is the first read on blood pressure levels — and the number of alcoholic drinks occurred even in adults without previous hypertension. This analysis is the first to suggest that even low alcohol consumption can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular events, according to the AHA. Just one alcoholic beverage a day could spike blood pressure, an American Heart Association study has revealed. (iStock) Following the study, the AHA reiterated its advice to limit alcohol intake. Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel of NYU Langone Medical Center weighed in on the study in an interview with Fox News Digital, explaining how alcohol impacts blood pressure. CAN HEART FAILURE RISK SHOW UP ON A SMARTWATCH? IT’S POSSIBLE, STUDY SAYS “Alcohol initially may lower blood pressure by dilating vessels, but over several hours it increases the hormone renin, which constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure,” he said. “This is true for any amount of alcohol.” The analysis is the first to suggest that even low alcohol consumption can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular events, according to the AHA. (iStock) “On top of this, alcohol use is associated with other factors including sedentary lifestyle, stress and obesity, which also raise blood pressure and put a strain on the heart,” said Siegel. Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona, gave her reaction in an email exchange with Fox News Digital, noting her skepticism about the study. MEDICAL RESEARCH ON CELLPHONE USE SAYS CHATTING FOR THIS AMOUNT OF TIME PER WEEK CAN RAISE BLOOD PRESSURE RISK “The study’s findings suggest there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption as far as heart health goes,” she said. “Alcohol intake had an effect on blood pressure from the lowest levels of intake to the highest in this study.” She added, “These findings are in contrast to other studies that show moderate alcohol intake may lower the risk of heart disease.” There are multiple factors that can cause high blood pressure in addition to alcohol consumption, said Dr. Johnson of Scottsdale, Arizona. (iStock) Johnson called the results “intriguing” and said her “confidence in the results being true is lowered by methodological issues that introduce bias, which reduces the accuracy of the findings.” CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER She said, “As the authors pointed out, five of the included seven studies have moderate or greater bias. If most of the studies included in the meta-analysis are of low quality, the results will also be low quality (likely to be inaccurate).” Dr. Johnson of Arizona defined moderate drinking as one drink per day for women and one or two for men. (iStock) The doctor added that the risk of developing high blood pressure is based on “multiple factors, not just alcohol consumption.” She said, “Blood pressure is influenced by genetics, diet, weight and activity level. This study suggests alcohol is another risk factor for high blood pressure.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Patients should discuss their individual risk factors for heart disease with their health care providers, Johnson said. Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for comment. Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle writer for Fox News Digital.

Jul 02

Heart disease: How a simple mouth rinse may detect risk

Share on PinterestResearchers say a mouth rinse may be effective in determining heart disease risk. Thomas Winz/Getty Images Researchers report that a simple mouth rinse that checks white blood cell levels may be helpful in predicting heart disease. They say the rinse can detect gum inflammation that can lead to periodontitis, a condition linked to cardiovascular disease. Experts say you can lower your risk of gum disease by not smoking as well as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. A simple oral rinse to check levels of white blood cells might be able to predict the risk heart disease, according to a study published today in the journal Frontiers of Oral Health. Gum inflammation can lead to periodontitis, which is linked to heart disease. The researchers evaluated younger adults without diagnosed periodontal problems to determine if lower levels of oral inflammation can be clinically relevant to cardiovascular health. In the pilot study, researchers assessed 28 non-smokers between the ages of 18 and 30 without co-morbid conditions or medications that could affect cardiovascular risk. The researchers used a simple oral rinse to measure the level of white blood cells in the saliva of the healthy adults to see if there was a connection to heart disease. The Process: Each participant fasted for 6 hours before visiting the lab. They then rinsed their mouth with water. Then they rinsed with a saline solution. The researchers collected saline for analysis. The participants laid down for 10 minutes before having an electrocardiogram completed. They remained lying down for another 10 minutes. Researchers measured blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, and pulse-wave velocity. The scientists reported that high white blood cells in saliva had a significant relationship to poor flow-mediated dilation, suggesting an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there wasn’t a relationship between white blood cells and pulse-wave velocity, indicating long-term impacts on the arteries had not yet occurred. “This could be because the participants were young and relatively healthy,” said Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California who was not involved in the study. “I think it would be helpful to see a more varied group of participants – in age and health status,” he told Medical News Today. Flow-mediated dilation refers to the widening of an artery when blood flow increases. Pulse-wave velocity measures arterial stiffness and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Lifestyle changes, healthy diet, exercise routines, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol can improve pulse-wave velocity. The researchers hypothesized that inflammation from the mouth can leak into the vascular system and impact the arteries’ ability to produce nitric oxide, reducing their ability to respond to changes in blood flow. Higher levels of white blood cells would cause a higher level of vascular dysfunction. “This type of screening is a very good idea,” said Peggy Budhu, DDS, a dentist at the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone in New York who was not involved in the study. “It reminds me of the early days of HIV rapid testing in different clinical settings. Dental clinics were offering screening for HIV when it was difficult to get tested.” “The preliminary results are promising, but a larger sample size is necessary,” Budhu told Medical News Today. “I would like to see more data with a larger sample size, a sample of patients with treated periodontal disease and patients with active disease. I would offer this as a screening test once we have more data and more studies on the correlation between the saliva test and the incidence of cardiovascular disease.” “Periodontal disease is a chronic oral infection,” said Constantine Pavlakos, DDS, a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, “This can lead to inflammatory responses resulting in the destruction of the periodontium and can also mitigate systemic effects. The onset of periodontal inflammation is triggered by microbial colonization in the gingival unit.” “There are numerous studies in the literature that have suggested a correlation between periodontitis and systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and preterm low-weight births,” Pavlakos told Medical News Today. The condition is caused by plaque that has hardened to form tartar, which requires professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. In its more severe form, the gums pull away from the tooth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When this occurs, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or fall out. Periodontal disease is more common in men than in women, those living below the poverty level, current smokers, and those with less than a high school diploma. More than 47% of adults 30 and over have some form of the disease. According to the CDC, some early warning signs include: Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away Red or swollen gums Tender or bleeding gums Painful chewing Loose teeth Sensitive teeth Gums that have pulled away from your teeth Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite Any change in the fit of partial dentures According to the National Institutes of Health, to reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease, you should: Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth See your dentist at least once a year, more often if you have any warning signs Quit smoking Keeping infection away can improve cardiovascular and overall health. In some cases, deep cleaning or surgery can help restore dental health. However, because this is a progressive disease, it is essential to see your dentist or periodontist on a regular basis.