Giving 10mg per day of the bisphosphate drug alendronate to women after their menopause can help prevent loss of bone mass, reducing their risk of fractures, a Cochrane Review has found. This finding applies to women who have started to lose their bone mass but have no fractures (primary prevention), as well as those who have lost significant bone mass and/or have had fractures (secondary prevention).
Healthy bones constantly break down and rebuild their structure. The process is sensitive to hormones and once women have passed through the menopause the balance is disturbed; their bones tend to break down slightly more than they build. Over time this leads to a noticeable loss of bone mass, and weakening of the bones. Once the bones become too weak they are prone to fracture.
A team of Cochrane Researchers set out to evaluate the evidence behind the use of alendronate for primary and secondary prevention of bone fractures in these women. Alendronate works by inhibiting the bone break down process.
By studying the outcomes of eleven trials that involved a total of 12,068 women the researchers found significant evidence of both primary and secondary prevention against breaking bones in the back (vertebrae). In secondary prevention, there was also a statistically significant protection against fractures of other bones including those in the hip and wrist.
"This work revealed no increase in side effects in the women who were using the drugs, despite the fact that some studies outside clinical trials raise the possibility of stomach and jaw complaints," says lead author Dr George Wells, who works in the Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine at the University of Ottawa.
"As a woman gets older, her risk of having on-going health problems or dying is significantly greater if she has reduced bone density and then breaks a bone such as a hip, so it is important to find effective preventative therapies with low or no side-effects," says Wells.
The latest findings from The Cochrane Library
Source: Jennifer Beal
Wiley-Blackwell
Wiley-Blackwell
вторник, 29 мая 2012 г.
вторник, 22 мая 2012 г.
Lower Rates for Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Among Latina Immigrants, USA
Comparing cancer screening rates for 3,340 foreign-born Latinas, U.S.-born Latinas and non-Latina white women,
researchers found that foreign-born Latinas had the highest rates of never receiving mammography (21 percent), clinical
breast examinations (24 percent), and Pap smears (9 percent).
After controlling for socioeconomic factors, however, foreign-born Latinas were more likely to report mammography use in the
previous two years and a Pap smear in the previous three years than non-Latina whites.
The researchers found that lack of health insurance coverage was the strongest predictor of cancer screening
underutilization. They suggest that if access to care for foreign-born Latinas was improved, they would use cancer screening
services appropriately.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: Impact of health Insurance Status, Ethnicity, and Nativity of Latinas
By Michael A. Rodriguez, M.D., et al
Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new,
evidence-based information affecting the primary care discipline. Launched in May 2003, the journal is sponsored by six
family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Medicine, the
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Medicine
Residency Directors and the North American Primary Care Research Group. Annals is published six times each year and contains
original research from the clinical, biomedical, social and health services areas, as well as contributions on methodology
and theory, selected reviews, essays and editorials. A board of directors with representatives from each of the sponsoring
organizations oversees Annals. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups for each published article can be
accessed free of charge on the journal's Web site, annfammed.
Contact: Angela Lower
alowerhotmail
913-906-6253
American Academy of Family Physicians
aafp
researchers found that foreign-born Latinas had the highest rates of never receiving mammography (21 percent), clinical
breast examinations (24 percent), and Pap smears (9 percent).
After controlling for socioeconomic factors, however, foreign-born Latinas were more likely to report mammography use in the
previous two years and a Pap smear in the previous three years than non-Latina whites.
The researchers found that lack of health insurance coverage was the strongest predictor of cancer screening
underutilization. They suggest that if access to care for foreign-born Latinas was improved, they would use cancer screening
services appropriately.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: Impact of health Insurance Status, Ethnicity, and Nativity of Latinas
By Michael A. Rodriguez, M.D., et al
Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new,
evidence-based information affecting the primary care discipline. Launched in May 2003, the journal is sponsored by six
family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Medicine, the
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Medicine
Residency Directors and the North American Primary Care Research Group. Annals is published six times each year and contains
original research from the clinical, biomedical, social and health services areas, as well as contributions on methodology
and theory, selected reviews, essays and editorials. A board of directors with representatives from each of the sponsoring
organizations oversees Annals. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups for each published article can be
accessed free of charge on the journal's Web site, annfammed.
Contact: Angela Lower
alowerhotmail
913-906-6253
American Academy of Family Physicians
aafp
вторник, 15 мая 2012 г.
New Survey Reveals Mums Blame Back Pain On Children And Buggies
Children are a pain in the back!
New survey reveals that 83% of Mums suffer back pain directly related to caring for young children
A new survey* conducted by Maclaren Buggys and BackCare, 'The Charity for Healthier Backs', has revealed that 83% of Mums suffering from back pain believe it has been caused or exacerbated by their children. Mums cite pregnancy as well as the day-to-day lifting and carrying of their children as the main reasons but the survey highlighted a significant proportion of these mums (73%) also link back pain to pushing, folding or lifting pushchairs. Sash Newman, Chief Executive for BackCare comments "A pushchair is one of the most important pieces of baby equipment a parent buys - they will be using it constantly for years, not just months. If you choose one that has the wrong handle height for you, is too heavy, or is difficult to fold and lift then you could be storing up some real problems for the future."
In response to the survey, Backcare has joined forces with Maclaren to create a 'Top Ten Tips' providing advice on what to look for when choosing the right pushchair plus general tips on how to care for your back when looking after young children. These 'tips' are below and are on the Maclaren website at: maclarenbaby/gb/backcare
The survey reveals just how often women are using their pushchairs:
- 84% of women are using their pushchairs up to 3 times a day
- 91% are folding or unfolding them up to 3 times a day
- 87% are pushing them between three and ten miles a week.
- 47% are frequently lifting them in and out of the car
Adds Sash, "With such high usage all parents should consider the effects of a pushchair on their back and look for features that promote good back health - not just one that looks good or is used by a celebrity and hopefully our 'Top Ten Tips' will help women make the right choice for them." She continues, "When choosing a pushchair women should be looking for good handle height - too short and you'll be bending your back. The frame design should allow you to take a full stride, it should also be light to lift and easy to fold. We have found all these elements in Maclaren Buggys."
Jo Ebdon, Marketing Manager at Maclaren comments, "87% of parents push their buggies between 3-10 miles per week. That's a lot of regular use so it's important for parents to be comfortable. All our buggies have ergonomically optimised handles that keep parents' arms in a good pushing position and therefore their head, neck and back in correct alignment. Our unique angled A-frame design also ensures parents can take nice large steps without the risk of kicking the back of the buggy when walking." She continues, "The survey also highlighted the importance of handle height to Mums. Maclaren buggies have a good range of handle heights at 104 - 114 cm (41-45"). Plus our Techno XT and XLR models also have height adjustable handles, for increased flexibility and comfort."
This care for women is rooted in the Maclaren design. Back in 1965, Owen Maclaren, a former test pilot and aeronautical engineer, saw his daughter struggling with her bulky, cumbersome pram and was inspired to design something more user-friendly. He created a portable, lightweight (just 3kg/6lbs) yet sturdy buggy for her with a unique umbrella-fold mechanism. Thus the first Maclaren buggy was born and went onto revolutionise baby transport and become an iconic design.
The company has continued in this innovative vein and today each buggy is ergonomically optimised to promote comfort and good posture. Jo adds "We make our frames from strong, but lightweight aluminium and we have the lightest buggy on the market - the Volo, weighing in at just 4.0kg. In addition all our buggies have a 5-second one-hand fold for ease of use and what's more we're so confident in the design and quality, every one is now eligible for our unique Sovereign Lifetime WarrantyTM.
Top Ten Tips For Mums On How To Look After Their Backs
1. Look for a buggy with good handle height to keep yours arms in a good pushing position - this will help keep your head, neck and back in the correct alignment.
2. When pushing your buggy you should keep your shoulders down and relaxed and your elbows in.
3. Make sure the buggy you choose has a frame that allows you to swing your legs fully in front when walking.
4. Opt for a lightweight buggy, especially if you are always lifting it in and out of the car.
5. Make sure your buggy is easy to fold/unfold.
6. When lifting your child try not to bend over, instead bend at the knees and squat next to your baby. Hold your baby close to you and straighten up from the knees. 'Bend your knees, not your back' is the key to lifting small children.
7. If you are picking up a toddler, put one foot in front of the other, bend at your knees and encourage them to 'walk' up your front leg.
8. Avoid carrying your child on one hip - instead carry them in front of your body with their legs around your hips.
9. Exercise your back regularly - many exercises and activities can help you keep your back fit and healthy. Yoga, walking and swimming are particularly popular.
10. Use a well-designed backpack, such as the one BackCare has available** that spreads the weight evenly over your shoulders to carry your baby equipment - not a single sling bag.
Please note the aforementioned tips do not constitute medical advice and information displayed on maclarenbaby should not be used to replace medical advice received from qualified (healthcare) professionals, Maclaren is not in a position to recommend any specific treatment, product or therapy.
Sources:
* Conducted on babyexpert, thinkbaby and babyworld in January 2009, among 1206 volunteer women respondents.
** BackCare has designed a range of back packs to help you protect your back and make a difference to your posture and performance. More information on this unique back pack can be found at backcare or by calling 0208 977 5474.
Notes
Maclaren Buggys are eligible for Maclaren Sovereign Lifetime Warranty™, the world's first global lifetime warranty, when parents register online at maclarenbaby within 45 days of purchase.
Maclaren is committed to safeguarding the environment by acting in a socially responsible manner and by adhering to the principles of: reduce, reuse and recycle.
Source
BackCare
New survey reveals that 83% of Mums suffer back pain directly related to caring for young children
A new survey* conducted by Maclaren Buggys and BackCare, 'The Charity for Healthier Backs', has revealed that 83% of Mums suffering from back pain believe it has been caused or exacerbated by their children. Mums cite pregnancy as well as the day-to-day lifting and carrying of their children as the main reasons but the survey highlighted a significant proportion of these mums (73%) also link back pain to pushing, folding or lifting pushchairs. Sash Newman, Chief Executive for BackCare comments "A pushchair is one of the most important pieces of baby equipment a parent buys - they will be using it constantly for years, not just months. If you choose one that has the wrong handle height for you, is too heavy, or is difficult to fold and lift then you could be storing up some real problems for the future."
In response to the survey, Backcare has joined forces with Maclaren to create a 'Top Ten Tips' providing advice on what to look for when choosing the right pushchair plus general tips on how to care for your back when looking after young children. These 'tips' are below and are on the Maclaren website at: maclarenbaby/gb/backcare
The survey reveals just how often women are using their pushchairs:
- 84% of women are using their pushchairs up to 3 times a day
- 91% are folding or unfolding them up to 3 times a day
- 87% are pushing them between three and ten miles a week.
- 47% are frequently lifting them in and out of the car
Adds Sash, "With such high usage all parents should consider the effects of a pushchair on their back and look for features that promote good back health - not just one that looks good or is used by a celebrity and hopefully our 'Top Ten Tips' will help women make the right choice for them." She continues, "When choosing a pushchair women should be looking for good handle height - too short and you'll be bending your back. The frame design should allow you to take a full stride, it should also be light to lift and easy to fold. We have found all these elements in Maclaren Buggys."
Jo Ebdon, Marketing Manager at Maclaren comments, "87% of parents push their buggies between 3-10 miles per week. That's a lot of regular use so it's important for parents to be comfortable. All our buggies have ergonomically optimised handles that keep parents' arms in a good pushing position and therefore their head, neck and back in correct alignment. Our unique angled A-frame design also ensures parents can take nice large steps without the risk of kicking the back of the buggy when walking." She continues, "The survey also highlighted the importance of handle height to Mums. Maclaren buggies have a good range of handle heights at 104 - 114 cm (41-45"). Plus our Techno XT and XLR models also have height adjustable handles, for increased flexibility and comfort."
This care for women is rooted in the Maclaren design. Back in 1965, Owen Maclaren, a former test pilot and aeronautical engineer, saw his daughter struggling with her bulky, cumbersome pram and was inspired to design something more user-friendly. He created a portable, lightweight (just 3kg/6lbs) yet sturdy buggy for her with a unique umbrella-fold mechanism. Thus the first Maclaren buggy was born and went onto revolutionise baby transport and become an iconic design.
The company has continued in this innovative vein and today each buggy is ergonomically optimised to promote comfort and good posture. Jo adds "We make our frames from strong, but lightweight aluminium and we have the lightest buggy on the market - the Volo, weighing in at just 4.0kg. In addition all our buggies have a 5-second one-hand fold for ease of use and what's more we're so confident in the design and quality, every one is now eligible for our unique Sovereign Lifetime WarrantyTM.
Top Ten Tips For Mums On How To Look After Their Backs
1. Look for a buggy with good handle height to keep yours arms in a good pushing position - this will help keep your head, neck and back in the correct alignment.
2. When pushing your buggy you should keep your shoulders down and relaxed and your elbows in.
3. Make sure the buggy you choose has a frame that allows you to swing your legs fully in front when walking.
4. Opt for a lightweight buggy, especially if you are always lifting it in and out of the car.
5. Make sure your buggy is easy to fold/unfold.
6. When lifting your child try not to bend over, instead bend at the knees and squat next to your baby. Hold your baby close to you and straighten up from the knees. 'Bend your knees, not your back' is the key to lifting small children.
7. If you are picking up a toddler, put one foot in front of the other, bend at your knees and encourage them to 'walk' up your front leg.
8. Avoid carrying your child on one hip - instead carry them in front of your body with their legs around your hips.
9. Exercise your back regularly - many exercises and activities can help you keep your back fit and healthy. Yoga, walking and swimming are particularly popular.
10. Use a well-designed backpack, such as the one BackCare has available** that spreads the weight evenly over your shoulders to carry your baby equipment - not a single sling bag.
Please note the aforementioned tips do not constitute medical advice and information displayed on maclarenbaby should not be used to replace medical advice received from qualified (healthcare) professionals, Maclaren is not in a position to recommend any specific treatment, product or therapy.
Sources:
* Conducted on babyexpert, thinkbaby and babyworld in January 2009, among 1206 volunteer women respondents.
** BackCare has designed a range of back packs to help you protect your back and make a difference to your posture and performance. More information on this unique back pack can be found at backcare or by calling 0208 977 5474.
Notes
Maclaren Buggys are eligible for Maclaren Sovereign Lifetime Warranty™, the world's first global lifetime warranty, when parents register online at maclarenbaby within 45 days of purchase.
Maclaren is committed to safeguarding the environment by acting in a socially responsible manner and by adhering to the principles of: reduce, reuse and recycle.
Source
BackCare
вторник, 8 мая 2012 г.
Regular Paracetamol (acetaminophen) Reduces Ovarian Cancer Risk Significantly
The regular use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) can reduce a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer by 30%, according to researchers from Athens University, Greece, who looked at eight studies covering more than three-quarters of a million women.
However, long-term use of paracetamol also raises the risk of kidney and liver failure. The researchers said more long term studies are needed to look into the effects. They also said that women should not start taking paracetamol because of the findings of this study.
About 1 in every 60 women develops ovarian cancer. For those that do develop it, survival rates are low. Under one third of ovarian cancer patients live longer than five years after diagnosis. The main reason for its high death rate is that diagnosis usually happens when the cancer is well advanced.
You can read about this study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
The researchers looked at data from the UK, USA and Denmark, dating from 1996 to 2004. Of the 746,000 women, 4,405 had ovarian cancer. They found a significant link between ovarian cancer protection and 'regular' use of paracetamol. 'Regular', in this study, meant 30 tablets per month or more.
The researchers stressed that they do not know whether the cancer-protecting benefits outweigh the increased risk of liver and kidney failure. As a cancer-protective link has been identified, they said, further research should be carried out.
"Paracetamol use and risk of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis"
Authors: Stefanos Bonovas, Kalitsa Filioussi & Nikolaos M. Sitaras
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Volume 62 Page 113 - July 2006
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02526.x
Volume 62 Issue 1
Link to Abstract
However, long-term use of paracetamol also raises the risk of kidney and liver failure. The researchers said more long term studies are needed to look into the effects. They also said that women should not start taking paracetamol because of the findings of this study.
About 1 in every 60 women develops ovarian cancer. For those that do develop it, survival rates are low. Under one third of ovarian cancer patients live longer than five years after diagnosis. The main reason for its high death rate is that diagnosis usually happens when the cancer is well advanced.
You can read about this study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
The researchers looked at data from the UK, USA and Denmark, dating from 1996 to 2004. Of the 746,000 women, 4,405 had ovarian cancer. They found a significant link between ovarian cancer protection and 'regular' use of paracetamol. 'Regular', in this study, meant 30 tablets per month or more.
The researchers stressed that they do not know whether the cancer-protecting benefits outweigh the increased risk of liver and kidney failure. As a cancer-protective link has been identified, they said, further research should be carried out.
"Paracetamol use and risk of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis"
Authors: Stefanos Bonovas, Kalitsa Filioussi & Nikolaos M. Sitaras
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Volume 62 Page 113 - July 2006
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02526.x
Volume 62 Issue 1
Link to Abstract
вторник, 1 мая 2012 г.
Older Women With Urinary Dysfunction Tend To Prefer To Live With The Problem Than Undergo Treatment
Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) are common among elderly women, but little is known about how this group views quality of life and PFD care. In the February 2008 issue of Urologic Nursing, Katharine K. O'Dell, Cynthia Jacelon and Abraham N. Morse discuss how frail, elderly women living in residential facilities feel PFD affects their quality of life and outline their preferences for care.
The authors say many frail, elderly women feel the discomfort of being assessed and treated for PFD outweighs the discomfort of living with the symptoms, even if their quality of life is improved with treatment. O'Dell and co-authors suggest caregivers intervene more often and clearly define how interventions would change the patient's quality of life while also valuing the patient's preferences for care. They say future research should explore models of care and patient-centered treatment options for this unique group.
"I'd Rather Just Go On as I Am" - Pelvic Floor Care Preferences of Frail, Elderly Women in Residential Care
Katharine K. O'Dell, PhD, RN, CNM; Cynthia Jacelon, PhD, RN, CRRN-A; Abraham N. Morse, MD
Urologic Nursing; February 2008
suna
The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates is a national, non-profit professional membership association with over 3,000 members and annual revenues of $1.5 million. SUNA derives its income from membership dues (only $60), conference registration fees, exhibits, advertising, grants, and the sale of educational products.
SUNA publishes a professional, peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal (Urologic Nursing Journal) and a bi-monthly newsletter (Uro-Gram). SUNA establishes the scope and standards of urologic nursing practice and the scope and standards of advanced urologic nursing practice. SUNA provides scholarships, grants and awards to deserving nurses and other health care professionals.
SUNA supports and promotes the certification of urologic nurses and associates by providing educational preparation for the examinations offered which lead to certification in three areas.
SUNA provides a variety of opportunities for participation including local chapters, task forces and Special Interest Groups (SIGS) in five major subspecialty areas.
suna
The authors say many frail, elderly women feel the discomfort of being assessed and treated for PFD outweighs the discomfort of living with the symptoms, even if their quality of life is improved with treatment. O'Dell and co-authors suggest caregivers intervene more often and clearly define how interventions would change the patient's quality of life while also valuing the patient's preferences for care. They say future research should explore models of care and patient-centered treatment options for this unique group.
"I'd Rather Just Go On as I Am" - Pelvic Floor Care Preferences of Frail, Elderly Women in Residential Care
Katharine K. O'Dell, PhD, RN, CNM; Cynthia Jacelon, PhD, RN, CRRN-A; Abraham N. Morse, MD
Urologic Nursing; February 2008
suna
The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates is a national, non-profit professional membership association with over 3,000 members and annual revenues of $1.5 million. SUNA derives its income from membership dues (only $60), conference registration fees, exhibits, advertising, grants, and the sale of educational products.
SUNA publishes a professional, peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal (Urologic Nursing Journal) and a bi-monthly newsletter (Uro-Gram). SUNA establishes the scope and standards of urologic nursing practice and the scope and standards of advanced urologic nursing practice. SUNA provides scholarships, grants and awards to deserving nurses and other health care professionals.
SUNA supports and promotes the certification of urologic nurses and associates by providing educational preparation for the examinations offered which lead to certification in three areas.
SUNA provides a variety of opportunities for participation including local chapters, task forces and Special Interest Groups (SIGS) in five major subspecialty areas.
suna
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