News Fresh Today: November 2017

Thursday, 30 November 2017

World Aids Day: The pioneering work of a Brighton gynaecologist

A gynaecologist from Brighton was the first doctor in the UK to enable a HIV-positive man to conceive a child who was HIV-free. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2kbxr6C

The autistic dance group body popping in Europe

Autism With Attitude (AWA) will be representing the UK at next year's European dance championships in Germany. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2zFataP

Mum's sign to help people understand her autistic son

Lisa has put a sign outside asking neighbours not to phone the police if Ryan has a 'meltdown'. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2AIzBBH

Wednesday, 29 November 2017

World Hacks: The secret HIV protection for women with cheating husbands

Could this vaginal ring help protect women from HIV in communities where men refuse to use condoms? via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2ioLjcZ

NI nursing shortage is 'worrying picture' - RQIA chief

The health regulator formally notifies the health department there is a serious nursing shortage. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2AnUhOW

Chris Packham wants better education for children with autism

The TV presenter and author says families want a better education for their autistic children. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2ioDFzw

PMQs: Thornberry and Green on NHS and Brexit funding

The government finds £350m to fund NHS services through winter in the Budget, but 11 times that amount for Brexit, says Emily Thornberry. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2ikjcMi

Global response to malaria at crossroads

Global response to malaria at crossroads - WHO report shows gains are levelling off via WHO news Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2j2CcMt

Minimum alcohol price 'could hit drinkers on low incomes'

Minimum alcohol pricing is "unprecedented" and "impossible to predict", warns a free market think-tank. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2AhvSu3

Tenovus to build 'world's biggest' mobile chemotherapy unit

Cancer charity Tenovus has received funding to build a mobile unit that will travel to treat patients. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2igg8k8

Tuesday, 28 November 2017

1 in 10 medical products in developing countries is substandard or falsified

An estimated 1 in 10 medical products circulating in low- and middle-income countries is either substandard or falsified, according to new research from WHO.

This means that people are taking medicines that fail to treat or prevent disease. Not only is this a waste of money for individuals and health systems that purchase these products, but substandard or falsified medical products can cause serious illness or even death. via WHO news Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2hYp8qj

Medicinal cannabis: Health Minister signs licence for Ava Barry

Simon Harris has signs a licence for a seven-year old from County Cork to access medicinal cannabis. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2k5KSox

Teenage brains 'not wired for high stakes'

Developing brain circuits shape how adolescents approach their goals, say US psychologists. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2nba4ei

Viagra can be sold at pharmacies in UK

Men will no longer require a GP's prescription to obtain the impotence drug, regulators have decided. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2zLAEAO

Mental health issues 'affect third of mums'

Sally Bunkham did not initially recognise that she had postnatal depression. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2Bkf6HT

WHO delivers medicines as diphtheria spreads in Yemen

WHO delivers medicines as diphtheria spreads in Yemen via WHO news Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2AcIhiw

On tour with Crohn's

What's it like being in a rock band, and dealing with the symptoms of Crohn's disease? Follow Black Foxxes frontman Mark Holley as he pushes himself further than ever. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2AFvart

Scarlet fever cases hit 50-year high in England

Experts are unable to explain why the contagious disease is on the increase in England. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2BiKNkK

'Third of mothers' experience mental health issues

Stress, anxiety and depression can follow on from becoming a new mum, a survey by BBC 5 live reveals. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2j0z2ZE

Pharmaceuticals sector 'worth £2.7bn to Scottish economy'

The Fraser of Allander Institute says the sector makes an "important" contribution to Scotland's economy. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2Bl7FQx

We must do better on baby deaths and injuries - Hunt

All unexpected baby deaths and serious injuries to be independently investigated in the future. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2iXC1Ss

Monday, 27 November 2017

Madagascar’s plague epidemic is slowing, but we must sustain the response

Madagascar’s unprecedented outbreak of pneumonic plague is slowing down but the response must be sustained, WHO cautioned on Monday (November 27).

“The worst of the outbreak is over, but we must stand ready to detect and respond to new infections until the end of the plague season in April 2018,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. via WHO news Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2iXauRc

Clean air target 'could be met more quickly'

Targets for reducing illegal levels of NO2 pollution from vehicles will be achieved more quickly than the government expects, a study says. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2i9YFdl

EU settles dispute over major weedkiller glyphosate

The EU will renew glyphosate's licence for five years, despite some health concerns. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2i9YDlJ

Ethical hackers to boost NHS cyber-defences

The hackers will work in an operations centre that will look for threats before they hit hospitals. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2ibgYP1

Children of German tycoon Schlecker jailed for fraud

Anton Schlecker and his family profited from their pharmacy chain's demise. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2BfXexv

Manus Island: 'Concerned' doctors offer to treat asylum seekers

Prominent Australian physicians say they fear for the health of asylum seekers in Papua New Guinea. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2A86c2I

Vaginal mesh operations should be banned, says NICE

Implants can cut into the vagina - and some women have been left in permanent pain, unable to walk. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2hUHMzc

Give child 'super-spreaders' flu vaccine, say experts

NHS bosses say children should be vaccinated, as they could put relatives at risk of getting the flu. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2A9jJXJ

Women have 1.9 children on average, a record low

Women in England and Wales are having 1.9 children on average, fewer than their mothers who had 2.2 children. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2hWpBcE

Are mince pies too boozy for children?

A woman was asked for ID over a mince pie - so how much alcohol is in the festive treats and are they OK for kids? via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2A9G5Zc

Sunday, 26 November 2017

Marijuana And Sexual Dysfunction — Could Your Marijuana Usage Be Hindering Your Performance in Bed?

What is marijuana? Marijuana, also called pot, cannabis, weed, reefer, Mary Jane, dope, broccoli, chronic, reefer, and 420, among countless others, consists of a mixture of dried plant leaves, flowers, and/or stems of the Cannabis Sativa plant. In addition, there is a resin-based version of marijuana that is called hash. Most people either smoke marijuana or vape it (warming it, but not cooking it), but it can also be ingested in oil form. The most common way to ingest marijuana is to roll it up and smoke it like you would a cigarette or cigar, or use a smoking tool like a pipe. Some users, however, consume weed by infusing foods (i.e., butter and cooking oil) or teas.

What happens to your body when you ingest marijuana? THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most active ingredient in marijuana. When you smoke this herb, it travels to your lungs before entering your bloodstream. Once in your blood, it travels to your brain and other organs (i.e., heart, tissues, etc.). FYI: Drinking or eating marijuana can delay the effects of THC. But, once it bonds with your brain’s neural receptors you become “high.”

THC can also affect the sections of your brain that control memory, thinking, concentration and focus, and coordination. When this occurs, it can trigger unpleasant side effects like distorted thinking, delayed learning, lethargy, increased appetite, low inhibitions, hallucinations, distorted perception, clumsiness, and memory loss. These side effects are normally temporary; however, they can still lead to dangerous consequences, especially if you drive while under the influence.

Is marijuana legal in the U.S.? Yes and no. The state legalization process (for medical marijuana) first began during the seventies. But, unfortunately, even though the process started 40-plus years ago, there has been very little progress on this front, in many states. Why not? Because each state is tasked with developing and enforcing its own laws, rules, and regulations.

Ironically, marijuana possession (in small amounts) has been legalized in other parts of the world (i.e., Czech Republic, Canada, and Israel), yet only 29 states (Oregon, Montana, Alaska, Ohio, New Mexico, Arkansas, California, Illinois, New York, Colorado, Delaware, Washington, DC, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Arizona, Maine, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Washington, and West Virginia) have moved to decriminalize the herb for medicinal purposes.

It is important to point out that medical marijuana has not been thoroughly tested due to government regulations and production limitations. However, research suggests that it may ease nausea and vomiting during chemo treatments, alleviate chronic pain, boost appetite in those with HIV/AIDS, and relieve muscle spasms. In November 2016, Nevada, Massachusetts, California, and Maine also passed measures to legalize recreational marijuana.

Common Sexual Dysfunctions and the Effects of Marijuana

What are sexual dysfunctions? Sexual dysfunctions, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual disorders, premature ejaculation (PE), sexual malfunctions, and sexual arousal disorders, are issues that can occur during any stage of the sexual response cycle (i.e., anticipation, plateau, orgasm, and decline). This issue can prevent couples from experiencing sexual fulfillment during sexual intercourse.

What are the different types of sexual dysfunctions? They usually involve four categories: (1) desire disorders (a lack of sexual desire or a loss of interest in sex); (2) arousal disorders (an inability to become or stay aroused during sex or sexual activities; (3) orgasm disorders (unable to climax (orgasm) or a delay in climaxing); and (4) pain disorders (pain that occurs during sexual intercourse).

Should I use marijuana for my issue? Regarding marijuana and sexual dysfunction, THC can negatively affect penile function, possibly leading to premature ejaculation. How? Well, there are receptors in a man’s penile tissue that when confronted with THC, increases the risk of erection and orgasm issues. Why does this happen? Marijuana boosts dopamine levels in the body. Dopamine regulates moods and emotions. If you get accustomed to really high levels of dopamine, you may subsequently find that your natural level of this hormone may not be high enough to sexually stimulate you, thus, making it harder for you to maintain an erection.

Is it Even Safe?

Is it safe to use pot for sexual dysfunctions? Unfortunately, the answer is complicated. Study results have been both inadequate and variable. For instance, a recent La Trobe University study interviewed over 8000 Australian men and women, between 16–64 years old, to determine how marijuana usage could affect sexual function. Researchers focused on condom use, sexual partners, sexual dysfunctions, and sexual-transmitted diseases (STDs).

Results indicated that men, who use marijuana daily, are four times more likely to have orgasm problems and three times more likely to experience premature ejaculation, than men who do not use it or don’t use it regularly. In addition, researchers also found that daily male marijuana users are at-risk for delayed orgasms. So, why do men use it if it has serious side effects? Well, the researchers of the La Trobe University study believe that some men with premature ejaculation use marijuana because they believe that the herb will help them “last longer” – the reality is, however, that for many men, it actually worsens their conditions, causing them to ejaculate even faster. The common practice methods used to fix premature ejaculation don’t involve the use of marijuana.

Similarly, another study on sexual dysfunctions and marijuana found that marijuana usage is linked to lower testosterone levels, which is a contributor to erectile dysfunction. Like the previous study, the results also suggested that cannabis (marijuana) is associated with orgasm problems like premature ejaculation and an inability to achieve orgasm. Likewise, a 2010 study found that marijuana can affect sexual functions by disrupting the part of the nervous system that regulates erections, thereby, possibly leading to sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

What are the Signs of Overuse?

To better understand the possible signs of overusing marijuana, it is important to answer the following questions. Have you gained or lost any weight, since using marijuana for sexual dysfunction? Do you need a higher amount of pot to get the same results, i.e., “last longer?” Are you spending exorbitant amounts of money on this herb hoping it will improve your sexual performance? Do you suffer from terrible withdrawal symptoms (i.e., cravings, insomnia, increased hunger, mood swings, irritability, depression, and/or anxiety) when you ease up on it or quit taking it all together? And lastly, is it creating a disturbance at work and/or issues in your relationship?

The truth is, most people believe that marijuana, in general, is harmless, but this is certainly not the case when it is being overused for sexual dysfunctions. Dr. Juan Paredes, a South Beach Clinic board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in male sexual dysfunctions, asserted that one of the major consequences of marijuana overuse, when treating sexual dysfunctions, is that it can lead to extremely weak orgasms, premature orgasms, or no orgasms at all.

In summary, marijuana usage and allowances have started to relax in some states and countries. And, legal restrictions and people’s perceptions of the herb have also eased over the last ten years. Because there is an increased acceptance of marijuana usage for a variety of reasons (i.e., from recreational to medicinal), it is important to learn the possible consequences of regularly ingesting it. Why? Well, because more and more studies are finding that there is a relationship between marijuana and male sexual dysfunctions. And, although smoking, eating, or even drinking marijuana may relieve some symptoms for some men, for others, it could end up being a disaster waiting to happen—in the bedroom.

References

Pro Con. (2017). 29 Legal medical marijuana states and DC. Retrieved from here.

Wu, B. (2017). Marijuana and erectile dysfunction: What is the connection? Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://ift.tt/2zFSvsU

Harclerode J. (1984). Endocrine effects of marijuana in the male: preclinical studies. National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Monograph Series, 44, 46-65. Access here.

Smith, A. M.A., Ferris, J. A., Simpson, J. M., Shelley, J., Pitts, M. K. and Richters, J. (2010). Cannabis use and sexual health. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7, 787–793. DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01453.x

Localization and Function of Cannabinoid Receptors in the Corpus Cavernosum: Basis for Modulation of Nitric Oxide Synthase Nerve Activity

Image via GDJ/Pixabay.

via Brain Blogger Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2zDnC8h

Friday, 24 November 2017

Avatar therapy 'reduces power of schizophrenia voices'

Patients became less distressed and heard voices less often compared with those who had counselling. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2A3dvZR

Simon Dobbin: Brain-damaged fan gets BBC DIY SOS build

Simon Dobbin's home was transformed as part of the BBC television show. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2ArUNvC

Thursday, 23 November 2017

'I'm not going to listen to you anymore'

How avatar therapy is helping people stand up to schizophrenic voices by giving them a face. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2jk7BcD

Acting early

The singer, now 26, said she had the procedure done as she "always wanted a big family". via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2hNbIgI

Outrage after India minister terms cancer 'divine justice'

An Indian minister's remark about the disease "saddens" patients and their family members. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2hOlPCb

London's first Aids ward

Gideon Mendel's emotional photos of patients at the end of their lives. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2zZqVWt

Wednesday, 22 November 2017

Three cups of coffee a day 'may have health benefits'

But there is no reason to start drinking coffee for health reasons, the BMJ study found. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2zYGrSt

Counting the cost of the tampon tax

What women spend on tampons during their lifetimes, and how much of that goes to the government. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2B4omiY

Anne Wafula-Strike: Paralympian wins train toilet payout

Anne Wafula-Strike was on a three-hour train journey with an out-of-order accessible loo. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2jfkfcB

Budget 2017: Chancellor on funding for NHS in England

Philip Hammond says "we will always back it" and more patients were being treated by the NHS in England. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2jen4uy

Surgeon grows vegetables across from his hospital to cope with stress and burnout

From this Reuters/Yahoo article:

"Dr. Brian Halloran, a vascular surgeon at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, starts planning his garden long before spring arrives in southeast Michigan. His tiny plot, located in the shadow of the 537-bed teaching hospital, helps Halloran cope with burnout from long hours and the stress of surgery on gravely ill patients. "You really have to find the balance to put it a little more in perspective," he said.

Hospitals such as St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor have been investing in programs ranging from yoga classes to personal coaches designed to help doctors become more resilient. But national burnout rates keep rising, with up to 54 percent of doctors affected."

Burnout as a syndrome is marked by emotional exhaustion, cynicism and decreased effectiveness. A 2015 Mayo Clinic study found that more than 7% of 7,000 doctors had considered suicide within the prior 12 months, compared with 4 percent of other workers.

Some blame the way medicine is practiced in the United States since the introduction of EMRs, fueled in part by growing clerical demands that have doctors spending two hours on the computer for every one hour they spend seeing patients.

It can cost more than a $1 million to recruit and train a replacement for a doctor who leaves because of burnout.

Atrius Health, Massachusetts' largest independent physicians group, is aiming to cut 1.5 million mouse "clicks" per year.

Tips for managing stress (watch the 2-minute BBC video embedded below)

- Take a few deep breaths
- Get plenty of exercise
- Socialize - don't stress alone, talk to someone and have a laugh
- Get out - go to the park

Read more: http://ift.tt/2zq923T

References:

Counting the costs: U.S. hospitals feeling the pain of physician burnout via CasesBlog - Medical and Health Blog More READ Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2Anr3jp

Choice of tipple 'determines different moods'

Spirits may make you angry or tearful, while red wine or beer may make you relax, research says. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2BegIUm

Kids v Cars

How one woman championed a way to bring community spirit back to city streets and keep children fit. via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2zbKY0s

Risky behaviour

The biohacker movement wants to cure disease without the help of government or big companies via BBC News - Health Read More Here.. Lake forest health and fitness http://ift.tt/2iEzah6