Pam causes power outage in Chatham Islands

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EarthWindMap

STORM: Ex Cyclone Pam is "intensifying as a mid-latitude cyclone, and is moving southeast away from North Island."

Many Chatham Islands residents are without power as they weather the effects of ex-cyclone Pam.

Chatham Islands Mayor Alfred Preece said a tree fell on to a power pole at about 2.30pm on Tuesday, affecting one corner of the island.

A civil defence emergency was declared on the islands, home to about 650 people, on Monday afternoon.

Power had been restored to the council office and Emergency Operations Centre(EOC) by 3pm but many residents were still affected by the outage.

The damaged power pole would not be repaired until the storm abated, Preece said.

"Certainly in these conditions we are not encouraging people to get out there right now and fix it."

Wind gusts of up to 140kms and heavy rain continue to batter the island.

"We're all just hunkering down and hopefully this storm abates in the next 24 hours."

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Pam causes power outage in Chatham Islands

Relief groups rush to deliver aid to Vanuatu's cyclone-hit islands; survivors signal for help

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PORT VILA, Vanuatu Relief workers rushed to deliver desperately needed food and water Wednesday to survivors living on Vanuatu's outer islands, after a monstrous cyclone wiped out entire villages and flattened vast swathes of the South Pacific nation's landscape.

Aid workers and government officials were planning to send a boat packed with supplies to hard-hit Tanna Island, where aerial assessments showed more than 80 percent of homes or buildings had been partially or completely destroyed by Cyclone Pam.

"There's a landscape of skeleton trees and patchworks of square outlines where houses used to be," said Angus Hohenboken from aid group Oxfam. "It's really quite a saddening sight."

Lack of food was a growing worry for those who survived the storm, which packed winds of 270 kilometers (168 miles) per hour when it struck Saturday.

"Everyone in Tanna and other islands in the south, they really live subsistence lives, so they grow what they need for a short period. ... And the reality is that much of that would have been washed away by this storm," said Tom Perry, spokesman for CARE Australia. "That's a grave concern because we desperately need to get food to people soon."

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that 11 people were confirmed dead, including five on Tanna. Officials with Vanuatu's National Disaster Management Office said they had no accurate figures on how many were dead, and aid agencies reported varying numbers.

Many people took shelter in larger buildings such as schools, which likely spared their lives.

Aid workers carrying medical and sanitation supplies, water, food and shelter equipment finally managed to reach Tanna and neighboring Erromango Island, after being stymied in their efforts for days by poor weather and a breakdown in communications. The two islands were directly in the path of the storm.

An aerial assessment showed extensive damage on Erromango, with communities ranging from 70 percent to 100 percent destroyed on the archipelago's fourth-largest island. On other islands, plane crews saw people had made big, white "H'' marks on the ground, and people on Tongoa island flashed mirrors to attract attention, said Colin Collett van Rooyen, Vanuatu director for aid group Oxfam.

On Tanna, the cyclone's fierce winds uprooted water tanks and blew them kilometers (miles) away, said Hohenboken from Oxfam, who traveled to the island. Crops were demolished and electricity was out, as the solar panels that power many homes were destroyed.

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Relief groups rush to deliver aid to Vanuatu's cyclone-hit islands; survivors signal for help

JKH partners Colombo Unis HGU to sequence rice variety genome

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The Human Genetics Unit (HGU) of the Colombo Medicine Faculty together with John Keells Research (JKR), a unit established by John Keells Holdings to carryout futuristic scientific research, announced the successful sequencing of the entire genome of goda vee - an indigenous rice variety. This is the first time that such a feat in the field of science was achieved within the country in Sri Lanka.

Sequencing of goda vee was done in the only genome sequencing facility in Sri Lanka located at the HGU. Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, a member of the National Biotechnology Council of the Coordinating Secretariat for Science Technology and Innovation (COSTI) as well as the Biotechnology Committee of the National Science Foundation (NSF) said this is a unique milestone in the annals of science and technology in Sri Lanka.

We have proved that Sri Lanka now has the capability to protect and preserve our biodiversity within the country. This will also open opportunities for Sri Lanka to build a new wave of scientific enterprise based on local knowledge and innovation creating wealth for the country. That would in turn create new job opportunities for Sri Lankan science graduates, most of whom now leave the country or leave science and join other fields due to lack of scientific jobs.

John Keells Research Head Dr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa said JKR is proud to be a part of this nationally important milestone which opens the door to many futuristic commercial applications. This proves the ability of Sri Lankan scientists to carryout groundbreaking research which can contribute to national development.

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JKH partners Colombo Unis HGU to sequence rice variety genome

Diabetes Treatment – How To Cure Diabetes Naturally | Diabetes treatment guidelines – Video

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Diabetes Treatment - How To Cure Diabetes Naturally | Diabetes treatment guidelines
http://diabetes.discount75.info Diabetes Treatment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------...

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Diabetes Treatment - How To Cure Diabetes Naturally | Diabetes treatment guidelines - Video

Meet Dr. Gary Kronen, Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon – Advocate Health Care – Video

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Meet Dr. Gary Kronen, Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon - Advocate Health Care
Learn about Dr. Gary Kronen, Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon at Advocate Christ Medical Center and his approach to treating patients with respect and integrity. https://www.advocatehealth.com/body_f.

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Meet Dr. Gary Kronen, Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon - Advocate Health Care - Video

State of biomedical innovation: Emerging Issues and Policy Priorities in 2015 – Video

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State of biomedical innovation: Emerging Issues and Policy Priorities in 2015
On March 13, the Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform hosted the State of Biomedical Innovation Conference to provide an overview of emerging policy efforts and priorities related to improving...

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State of biomedical innovation: Emerging Issues and Policy Priorities in 2015 - Video

State of biomedical innovation: Tracking Innovation and Measuring Policy Success – Video

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State of biomedical innovation: Tracking Innovation and Measuring Policy Success
On March 13, the Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform hosted the State of Biomedical Innovation Conference to provide an overview of emerging policy efforts and priorities related to improving...

By: Brookings Institution

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State of biomedical innovation: Tracking Innovation and Measuring Policy Success - Video

$180 million cut could cause 39,000 to lose access to health care – Video

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$180 million cut could cause 39,000 to lose access to health care
New Hampshire House Republicans are taking steps to dismantle one of Gov. Maggie Hassan #39;s signature legislative achievements. Adam Sexton has more Subscribe to WMUR on YouTube now: ...

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$180 million cut could cause 39,000 to lose access to health care - Video

Health care workers taking a new approach to treating sinus infections

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Health care providers are a little bit like that annoying family member who tells the same story from years before at every family function. When a health care provider sees an interesting case, it is often repeated to other professionals, patients and even their own family. Back in 2007, I had a very interesting case when a gentleman presented to the office with a swollen face. It was red and tender and seemed to start without an obvious cause. I started treatment with antibiotics for cellulitis, or a skin infection, of the face. I asked to see him back in 24 hours, because I was worried that it might get worse before it got better. When he returned, the swelling and inflammation in the face was much worse, which prompted me to get a CT scan. This test showed that he had an extensive sinus infection that had actually developed into an abscess. The abscess was moving from the sinus into the eye cavity. He required surgery and recovered without complication.

This case illustrates a complication of sinusitis, or infection of the sinuses. It is fascinating only in that it is very rare. I will likely never see this again, nor will most health care providers. In fact, sinusitis, while annoying, is a generally benign illness that has likely been over managed in the health care industry for years. In 2012, the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) released new guidelines to provide a framework for the treatment of sinusitis. This framework contradicts what was often common practice in the medical community and deserves review so that patients understand how medical practice is evolving.

First off, it is of benefit to look at the sinus anatomy. Humans have eight sinuses in the face. The sinuses are actually cavities, or holes, filled with air and lined with a membrane that makes mucus. In normal day-to-day life, this mucus is made and drained into the nasal passage, where it ends up being swallowed without us even being aware it is happening. This process is part of the filtering capacity of the nasopharyngeal system. Symptoms develop when this normal function is disrupted because of inflammation. The sinuses may become filled with the mucus they normally drain, which is the source of the classic discomfort of a sinus infection.

Health care providers are encouraged to call these situations rhinosinusitis rather than sinusitis. This reflects that it is not just a change in the sinus cavity but also in the tissue of the nose itself. The most common cause of rhinosinusitis is not a bacterial infection, but instead it is the common cold virus. Bacterial infections are felt to be the cause in only 0.5-2.0 percent of cases. This means that although a patient might be diagnosed with rhinosinusitis, the prescribing of antibiotics should not be a foregone conclusion. It is difficult to distinguish which cases are caused by a virus and which are bacterial. The signs of rhinosinusitis are the same whether bacterial or viral. They include nasal congestion, nasal drainage (either clear or discolored), discomfort in the top teeth, and facial pain that worsens when bending forward. To distinguish between a viral and bacterial cause, health care providers are being taught to focus on persistence of symptoms and severity of symptoms. Rhinosinusitis that has been present for greater than 10 days without evidence of improvement may benefit from the addition of antibiotics. In the viral cases, the symptoms might be present for longer than 10 days, but there should be a gradual improvement by the 10-day mark. In terms of severity, health care providers are looking for fever of 102 or greater and severe pain, thick discharge with pain that presents very quickly in the illness.

As always, the reason for making this change in treatment is the avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics. It is the use of unnecessary antibiotics that can lead to severe bacterial infections unresponsive to traditional therapies. A patient should try many home remedies for what they believe to be a sinus infection, if severe symptoms are not present, before consulting their health care provider. Both Tylenol and Ibuprofen products can be of benefit for the discomfort of rhinosinusitis. Nasal irrigation can also help clear thickened mucus and allow the sinuses to drain appropriately. Now that there are options for steroid nasal sprays that are over the counter, those can also be used. The steroid sprays may decrease the inflammation in the nasal passage, also allowing appropriate function.

Whether we are the patient or the health care provider, the goals of treatment of rhinosinusitis should be relief of symptoms and antibiotics only when absolutely necessary. Hopefully, this information will help patients understand the disease process and the best way to assist its resolution.

Questions and or comments regarding this weeks health column please contact Kathleen Harder-Brouwer, MD at Ravalli Family Medicine 411 West Main Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. Working together to build a healthier community!

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Health care workers taking a new approach to treating sinus infections

Health care plan enrollments steady despite reform law

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The health care reform law has so far had little effect on the percentage of employees enrolled in employer-sponsored health care plans, according to a survey.

The Mercer L.L.C. survey of nearly 600 employers found that on average 83% of employees eligible for coverage enrolled in plans this year, down from 84% in 2014.

In addition, the percentage of employees both eligible and ineligible for coverage who enrolled in plans was unchanged at 74% in both 2014 and 2015, according to the survey, which was released Tuesday.

That lack of enrollment growth is somewhat of a surprise given the stiff penalties that employers and employees face under the health care reform law if they do not, respectively, offer coverage or enroll in a plan.

Employers with at least 100 employees that do not offer coverage in 2015 to at least 70% of full-time employees those working an average of 30 hours or more a week are liable for a $2,000 per employee penalty. In 2016, the penalty applies to employers with at least 50 employees and coverage has to be offered to at least 95% of employees.

Employees not enrolled in a health care plan are liable in 2015 for a penalty of $325 or 2% of income, whichever is greater.

Employers that had to offer coverage to more employees were braced for a bump in enrollment this year, Tracy Watts, a senior partner and national leader for health reform in Mercers Washington office said in a statement.

One reason, Mercer believes, that employers did not see enrollment growth is that some employees opted out of coverage from their employers and instead enrolled in Medicaid.

The health care reform law gave states funds to expand Medicaid to more lower-income individuals, and about two dozen states took advantage of that offer.

According to the Mercer survey, 14% of respondents with 5,000 or more employees said they believe some employees who previously opted for coverage now waived it and instead enrolled in Medicaid.

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At the front line of health care

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At the front line of health care

Becoming a nurse has been a life changing decision for Uputaua Suniula, as she battles not only to help patients, but also to prevent health problems from developing in the first place.

One of the problems we face is that teenagers and children dont come in to see a doctor till theyre really sick, Uputaua says.

What couldve been addressed in the clinic instead becomes complex, at which point they become an inpatient in the hospital.

Uputaua has worked on the front line of healthcare at both Waitangirua and Poriruas Community Health Service, two of the most challenging areas within Capital & Coasts District Health Board region.

She says that she has found the experience empowering.

The positive impact I can make within the community has been mind blowing, especially working as the first point of contact for people in need, Uputaua says.

My focus is to work with Poriruas young population to help develop prevention strategies that can stop acute presentations of preventable things like asthma and skin infections, reduce the strain on hospital services, as well as lower our overall healthcare costs.

One campaign Uputaua works closely on is the rheumatic fever prevention program in Porirua.

As Uputaua explains, a sore throat is an early indicator of the disease, which can cause a lifetime of heart issues, its all about treating the patient early, before they develop a serious problem.

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At the front line of health care

Genetic background determines whether aspirin/NSAIDS will reduce colorectal cancer risk

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Analysis of large epidemiologic studies identifies rare variants associated with no preventive benefit

An analysis of genetic and lifestyle data from 10 large epidemiologic studies confirmed that regular use of aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) appears to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in most individuals. The study being published in the March 17 issue of JAMA found that a few individuals with rare genetic variants do not share this benefit. The study authors note, however, that additional questions need to be answered before preventive treatment with these medications can be recommended for anyone.

"Previous studies, including randomized trials, demonstrated that NSAIDS, particularly aspirin, protect against the development of colorectal cancer, but it remains unclear whether an individual's genetic makeup might influence that benefit," says Andrew Chan, MD, MPH, of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Gastroenterology Division, co-senior and co-corresponding author of the JAMA report. "Since these drugs are known to have serious side effects - especially gastrointestinal bleeding - determining whether certain subsets of the population might not benefit is important for our ability to tailor recommendations for individual patients."

The research team analyzed data from the Colon Cancer Family Registry and from nine studies included in the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium - which includes the Nurses' Health Study, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the Women's Health Initiative - comparing genetic data for 8,624 individuals who developed colorectal cancer with that of 8,553 individuals who did not, matched for factors such as age and gender. The comprehensive information on lifestyle and general health data provided by participants in the studies again confirmed that regular use of aspirin or NSAIDs was associated with a 30 percent reduction in colorectal cancer risk for most individuals. However, that preventive benefit did not apply to everyone, and the study found no risk reduction in participants with relatively uncommon variants in genes on chromosome 12 and chromosome 15.

"Determining whether an individual should adopt this preventive strategy is complicated, and currently the decision needs to balance one's personal risk for cancer against concerns about internal bleeding and other side effects," states Chan, who is an associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. "This study suggests that adding information about one's genetic profile might help in making that decision. However, it is premature to recommend genetic screening to guide clinical care, since our findings need to be validated in other populations. An equally important question that also needs to be investigated is whether there are genetic influences on the likelihood that someone might be harmed by treatment with aspirin and NSAIDs."

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The lead author of the JAMA report is Hongmei Nan, MD, PhD; formerly a research fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital and now on the faculty at the Fairbanks School of Public Health and the Simon Cancer Center at Indiana University. Li Hsu, PhD, of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is co-corresponding author, and Ulrike Peters, PhD, MPH, also of Fred Hutch, is co-senior author. Support for this study includes several grants from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Massachusetts General Hospital, founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, with an annual research budget of more than $760 million and major research centers in AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, human genetics, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, regenerative medicine, reproductive biology, systems biology, transplantation biology and photomedicine.

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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Genetic background determines whether aspirin/NSAIDS will reduce colorectal cancer risk

Dr. Mary- Claire King to speak at Morehouse School of Medicine on how genetic screening for all women can lower risk …

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Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) March 16, 2015

African American women have higher death rates from breast cancer than do white women. Veena Rao, Ph.D., researcher, professor and co-director of the Cancer Biology Program in the department of OB/GYN at Morehouse School of Medicine, has pointed to multiple factors that contribute to the increased vulnerability of African American women, such as barriers to testing and quality of treatment. Leading medical researchers, including University of Washington geneticist and Lasker Laureate Mary-Claire King, highlight additional factors undetected inherited mutations and now recommend offering genetic testing for all women at about age 30. Dr. King will make a free, public address at the Morehouse School of Medicine on March 19, to discuss Inherited Breast Cancer: From Gene Discovery to Public Health.

Dr. Kings discovery in 1990 of the BRCA1 breast cancer gene demonstrated a mechanism of inherited cancer and proved that gene mutations could predict vulnerability to the disease.

A 2013 study of inherited predisposition to breast cancer among African American women by Dr. King and Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade, director of The Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics, at the University of Chicago, found that 22 percent of African American breast cancer patients inherited a damaging mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 or another breast cancer gene. Women carrying a mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2 have a greater than 80 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, as compared with 11% for women without mutations.

Recently, Dr. King showed that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations had elevated risk for breast cancer, even if they have no family history of the disease. Therefore, she recommends that BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing be made available to all women.

I believe that every woman should be offered testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 at about age 30 as part of routine medical care, said Dr. King. About half of women who inherit mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have no family history of breast or ovarian cancer and have no idea that they are carrying cancer-causing mutations. Affordable, accessible early detection is a public health priority for saving lives.

While some within the medical community voice caution that universal screening could lead to anxiety for some women, King and Olopade focus on the benefits. Having a genetic mutation doesnt mean youre definitely going to get cancer, Dr. Olopade told NPR last September. Women at greater risk should work with their doctors closely to make decisions about the best approach to reducing their chances of developing breast cancer.

Within the African American community, access to mammograms and other testing, as well as follow-up care continues to be a challenge. Disparities in availability of breast cancer care is a profound public health concern.

On March 19, Dr. King will give a special lecture, co-sponsored by the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation and the Morehouse School of Medicine. In September 2014, the Lasker Foundation awarded Dr. King its prestigious Special Achievement Award in Medical Science for her bold, imaginative, and diverse contributions to medical science and human rights.

For more information on the availability of genetic screening in the Atlanta area, please see:

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Dr. Mary- Claire King to speak at Morehouse School of Medicine on how genetic screening for all women can lower risk ...