DON’T ASSUME THAT ‘NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS’ WHEN YOU HAVE TESTS DONE.
Bottom line:
“Don’t assume that ‘no news is good news’ when you have tests done. That’s a very dangerous assumption. If you’ve had a test done and you don’t hear about it after a week or two goes by, call the doctor’s office.”
Dr. Lawrence P. Casalino, an associate professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, and his colleagues reviewed the records of 5,434 patients at 19 independent primary care practices and four based in academic medical centers in a study , published in The Archives of Internal Medicine.
After extracting the records that contained abnormal results for blood tests or X-rays and other imaging studies, they then searched for documentation that the patient had been properly informed of the problem in a timely way.
After accounting for these and other ambiguous cases, the researchers found that of 1,889 abnormal results, there were 135 failures to inform.
In two of the largest academic medical centers, with a combined 80 primary care specialists, 23 percent of abnormal results were never mentioned to the patients.
The truth of the matter is that a lot of things can fall through the cracks. Information is handed down from one person to another to another before the doctor actually sees it.
Using information from a study of the literature and an earlier pilot study, the authors concluded that following 5 relatively simple procedures could eliminate most errors:
• results are routed to the responsible doctor,
• the doctor signs off on them,
• the office informs patients of all results,
• the practice documents that patients have been informed,
• and finally patients are told to call after a certain time interval if they have not learned the results of their tests.
COMMENT
The only thing for sure is #5. Every patient should be responsible to call the doctor’s office after 2 weeks of a test to find out the results. And call back over and over again till you learn the results.
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in later for INVESTING HEAVILY IN PREVENTION MEASURES MAY NOT REDUCE HEALTHCARE COSTS, RESEARCH SUGGESTS.
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
FALSE BAYER ADVERTISING
Bayer is running "advertisements...that claim the product reduces men's risk of prostate cancer." Bayer's radio and TV ads falsely claim that selenium, an ingredient of One-A-Day Men's Health Formula and 50+ Advantage, helps prevent prostate cancer."
The National Institutes of Health" "found no evidence the ingredient selenium prevents prostate cancer in men." "The largest prostate cancer prevention trial has found that selenium is no more effective than a placebo," and Bayer therefore "is ripping people off when it suggests otherwise in these dishonest ads." The study was "halted...last October after it became clear that selenium did not prevent prostate cancer."
A complaint has already been filed with the Federal Trade Commission."
Back in 2007, the FTC "ordered Bayer to stop making unproven health claims for a One-A-Day weight loss product and told the company not to make any unsubstantiated claims for any vitamins in the One-A-Day product line." The recent complaint to the FTC urges the commission to "take swift and strong action to get these deceptive Bayer ads off television, radio, and Internet and out of newspapers and magazines or wherever else they may be displayed."
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in later for GETTING YOUR MEDICAL TEST RESULTS IS ALWAYS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
The National Institutes of Health" "found no evidence the ingredient selenium prevents prostate cancer in men." "The largest prostate cancer prevention trial has found that selenium is no more effective than a placebo," and Bayer therefore "is ripping people off when it suggests otherwise in these dishonest ads." The study was "halted...last October after it became clear that selenium did not prevent prostate cancer."
A complaint has already been filed with the Federal Trade Commission."
Back in 2007, the FTC "ordered Bayer to stop making unproven health claims for a One-A-Day weight loss product and told the company not to make any unsubstantiated claims for any vitamins in the One-A-Day product line." The recent complaint to the FTC urges the commission to "take swift and strong action to get these deceptive Bayer ads off television, radio, and Internet and out of newspapers and magazines or wherever else they may be displayed."
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in later for GETTING YOUR MEDICAL TEST RESULTS IS ALWAYS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
BONE FRACTURES INCREASING FOLLOWING OBESITY SURGERY
The findings came from long-term follow-up of about 97 patients -- mean age 44, 86 women -- who had bariatric surgery from 1985 to 2004. Gastric bypass accounted for 90% of the surgical procedures, and the rest of the patients had either vertical banded gastroplasty or biliopancreatic diversion. Follow-up averaged seven years.
Compared with the fracture rate in Olmsted County, Minn., which includes Rochester, investigators found that the bariatric surgery patients had a standard incidence ratio (SIR) of 1.8 for first fracture at any site (95% CI 1.1 to 2.8).
The SIR for fracture of the hip, wrist, spine, and humerus was 1.4 (95% CI 0.5 to 3.1). The ratio for first fracture at all other sites was 2.1 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.3) and was driven by a SIR of 3.3 for hand fractures and 3.9 for foot fractures, both of which were statistically significant.
"A majority of the fractures occurred more than two years after the surgery, suggesting this is a late complication of bariatric surgery. The extent of the findings came as a surprise, to investigators despite the fact that they hypothesized that bariatric surgery would increase fracture risk. The prevailing scientific opinion is that obesity affords protection against osteoporosis and, by extension, fractures.
The 97 patients are among almost 300 who had the obesity surgery. Investigators have now reviewed data on about half of the patients, and the overall fracture risk remains about twice the expected rate, although the difference is no longer statistically significant.
The risk of foot fracture, however, remains about threefold higher than would be predicted and is statistically significant.
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in later for FALSE BAYER ADVERTISING
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
Compared with the fracture rate in Olmsted County, Minn., which includes Rochester, investigators found that the bariatric surgery patients had a standard incidence ratio (SIR) of 1.8 for first fracture at any site (95% CI 1.1 to 2.8).
The SIR for fracture of the hip, wrist, spine, and humerus was 1.4 (95% CI 0.5 to 3.1). The ratio for first fracture at all other sites was 2.1 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.3) and was driven by a SIR of 3.3 for hand fractures and 3.9 for foot fractures, both of which were statistically significant.
"A majority of the fractures occurred more than two years after the surgery, suggesting this is a late complication of bariatric surgery. The extent of the findings came as a surprise, to investigators despite the fact that they hypothesized that bariatric surgery would increase fracture risk. The prevailing scientific opinion is that obesity affords protection against osteoporosis and, by extension, fractures.
The 97 patients are among almost 300 who had the obesity surgery. Investigators have now reviewed data on about half of the patients, and the overall fracture risk remains about twice the expected rate, although the difference is no longer statistically significant.
The risk of foot fracture, however, remains about threefold higher than would be predicted and is statistically significant.
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in later for FALSE BAYER ADVERTISING
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
CONCERN WITH LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF BENZODIAZEPINES
The use of "benzodiazepines, often prescribed to manage anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders," has increased "rapidly in the past 30 years. But critics say their long-term effects have gone largely unaddressed." Some "critics say benzodiazepines are broadly over-prescribed, can have serious side effects with estimates that 10 to 20 percent of those taking the drugs for extended periods will have problems with dose escalation and physical dependence. Benzodiazepines, often prescribed to manage anxiety, panic and sleep disorders, include Xanax, Ativan, Valium and Klonopin. Originally pushed as an alternative to barbiturates, their use has grown rapidly in the past 30 years.
But critics say their long-term effects have gone largely unaddressed. Health professionals and consumers are increasingly recognizing that taking the drugs for more than a few weeks can lead to physical dependence, often ending with a grueling withdrawal.
Some physicians are now prescribing "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors...to replace benzodiazepines." SSRIs are thought to be a safer alternative for panic and anxiety disorders, with less risk for dependence and a less dangerous withdrawal.
In 2008, 85 million prescriptions were filled for the top 20 benzodiazepines, an increase of 10 million over 2004. The drugs bind to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, intensifying the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. "So pretty much it kind of tells your brain to slow down," creating a calming effect. But in some people, that can lead to memory loss and impaired motor skills.
Critics say benzodiazepines are broadly over-prescribed and can have serious side effects. Some patients find themselves on high dosages after a few years because their bodies need more of the drug to get the same effect, according to health experts.
The ordeal of withdrawing from benzodiazepines can rival that of kicking a heroin habit, according to some who have had success. Abrupt withdrawal can result in hallucinations, seizures and even death, experts say.
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in tomorrow for BONE FRACTURES INCREASING FOLLOWING OBESITY SURGERY
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
But critics say their long-term effects have gone largely unaddressed. Health professionals and consumers are increasingly recognizing that taking the drugs for more than a few weeks can lead to physical dependence, often ending with a grueling withdrawal.
Some physicians are now prescribing "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors...to replace benzodiazepines." SSRIs are thought to be a safer alternative for panic and anxiety disorders, with less risk for dependence and a less dangerous withdrawal.
In 2008, 85 million prescriptions were filled for the top 20 benzodiazepines, an increase of 10 million over 2004. The drugs bind to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, intensifying the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. "So pretty much it kind of tells your brain to slow down," creating a calming effect. But in some people, that can lead to memory loss and impaired motor skills.
Critics say benzodiazepines are broadly over-prescribed and can have serious side effects. Some patients find themselves on high dosages after a few years because their bodies need more of the drug to get the same effect, according to health experts.
The ordeal of withdrawing from benzodiazepines can rival that of kicking a heroin habit, according to some who have had success. Abrupt withdrawal can result in hallucinations, seizures and even death, experts say.
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in tomorrow for BONE FRACTURES INCREASING FOLLOWING OBESITY SURGERY
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
Monday, August 24, 2009
WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?
These are the so-called friendly bacteria with health benefits.
These bacteria, occur naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and miso, and are thought to aid digestion and support the immune system by balancing the intestinal ecosystem.
But a word of caution. Caveat Emptor!
A pending class-action lawsuit alleges that Dannon misled consumers about the benefits of Activia and DanActive, both marketed as probiotics. Dannon denies using deceptive advertising and is standing by the claims and the studies that supported them. But a spokesman agreed it's buyer beware at the market. For the consumer, finding the right probiotic can be vexing. Labels can't legally declare that the probiotic can cure, treat or prevent disease. So health claims, which don't require FDA approval, are often vague.
First the word "probiotic" is misunderstood by consumers.
1. While there are thousands of bacterial strains, only a few dozen have been tested for health benefits. Studies suggest some products may offer relief for digestive issues, but it's not proven whether healthy people benefit from snacking on live "bugs." Of the hundreds of new products launched in recent years, very few have been shown to be probiotic," Scientists cannot yet explain exactly how probiotics work, but it's thought they can help restore beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. "Some [bacteria] can produce enzymes that help digest food, while others can synthesize vitamin K in the gut or even help stimulate the immune system.
These bacteria may produce antibodies for certain viruses, produce substances that prevent infection or prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the gut wall and growing there, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. And if those bacteria are wiped out by disease or medication, potentially harmful microbes may flourish.(See my radio interview listed below for more facts on what happens when “good” bacteria are killed off y well meaning antibiotics)
2. There is also no standard definition of probiotics, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Scientists generally say the term refers to foods, beverages or supplements containing live microorganisms that studies show promote health when people take enough of them. Without studies, products shouldn't be called probiotic, scientists say. For example, Kashi's Vive is called a "probiotic digestive wellness cereal," one that "may restore your digestive balance."
And it may -- each serving contains a whopping 12 grams of fiber. But the probiotic used -- Lactobacillus paracasei ssp paracasei F19 -- has not been tested in humans eating Kashi Vive. And there's no guarantee that the microbes in the dry cereal are alive.
The strongest studies have found that a few probiotics (Lactobacillus GG and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii) can help with common gastrointestinal disorders that may involve an imbalance of gut bacteria."They've been also shown to reduce the incidence of postantibiotic diarrhea -- which occurs in up to 40 percent of children taking antibiotics."
3. There's also growing evidence that children with ulcerative colitis can benefit from a proprietary mixture of eight strains called "VSL #3. And certain probiotics have been shown to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
But more research is needed for probiotic effects on almost all other conditions, including cancer, oral health, allergies, skin conditions and obesity.
4. Bazzoli F et al. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 06/19/09 documented that Probiotic supplementation showed beneficial effect in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced diarrhea in experimental animal studies. Encouraging results have been observed in humans; however, the few available clinical studies do not allow firm conclusions. More well-performed, randomized placebo-controlled studies are needed.
Just because a food product says “probiotic” doesn’t mean it’s a probiotic. Even more aggravating, manufacturers often leave important information off the label, such as whether the product contains live organisms or the full name of the bacterial strain.
Some advice:
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CONSUMER [according to J.Deardorff ]
Watch the dates: The organisms can die off while the product is sitting on the shelf. The best way to ensure it has an effective number of live bacteria is to look at the “best by” or expiration date.
Get enough microbes. Easier said than done. There is no single dosage for probiotics; studies have documented health benefits for products ranging from 50 million to more than 1 trillion colony-forming units (the measure of live microbes) per day. The amount you need is the amount that the study on your product showed was effective. There is a clinical study, right--
Scour yogurt labels. Look for yogurt products with “live and active cultures” and avoid the ones that say “made with active cultures.” Those may have been heat-treated after fermentation, which kills the bacteria. Also, Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria are less sensitive to stomach acid and more likely to make it into the colon alive than other names you might see on the label, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilis.Remember that even “live, active cultures” aren’t necessarily probiotics, meaning they may not have been tested for health benefits.
Speak the lingo. A probiotic is defined by its genus (e.g. Lactobacillus), species (e.g. rhamnosus) and strain (a series of letters or numbers). “Products that list the genus and species and also the strain tend to have inherently better quality control and products,” said probiotics expert Gary Huffnagle.
Watch for too-perfect names. Dannon calls its bacterial strains Bifidus Regularis (in Activia) and L. casei Defensis (in DanActive)—for marketing purposes. These are made-up, consumer-friendly, trademarked names.
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in tomorrow for CONCERN WITH LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF BENZODIAZEPINES
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
These bacteria, occur naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and miso, and are thought to aid digestion and support the immune system by balancing the intestinal ecosystem.
But a word of caution. Caveat Emptor!
A pending class-action lawsuit alleges that Dannon misled consumers about the benefits of Activia and DanActive, both marketed as probiotics. Dannon denies using deceptive advertising and is standing by the claims and the studies that supported them. But a spokesman agreed it's buyer beware at the market. For the consumer, finding the right probiotic can be vexing. Labels can't legally declare that the probiotic can cure, treat or prevent disease. So health claims, which don't require FDA approval, are often vague.
First the word "probiotic" is misunderstood by consumers.
1. While there are thousands of bacterial strains, only a few dozen have been tested for health benefits. Studies suggest some products may offer relief for digestive issues, but it's not proven whether healthy people benefit from snacking on live "bugs." Of the hundreds of new products launched in recent years, very few have been shown to be probiotic," Scientists cannot yet explain exactly how probiotics work, but it's thought they can help restore beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. "Some [bacteria] can produce enzymes that help digest food, while others can synthesize vitamin K in the gut or even help stimulate the immune system.
These bacteria may produce antibodies for certain viruses, produce substances that prevent infection or prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the gut wall and growing there, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. And if those bacteria are wiped out by disease or medication, potentially harmful microbes may flourish.(See my radio interview listed below for more facts on what happens when “good” bacteria are killed off y well meaning antibiotics)
2. There is also no standard definition of probiotics, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Scientists generally say the term refers to foods, beverages or supplements containing live microorganisms that studies show promote health when people take enough of them. Without studies, products shouldn't be called probiotic, scientists say. For example, Kashi's Vive is called a "probiotic digestive wellness cereal," one that "may restore your digestive balance."
And it may -- each serving contains a whopping 12 grams of fiber. But the probiotic used -- Lactobacillus paracasei ssp paracasei F19 -- has not been tested in humans eating Kashi Vive. And there's no guarantee that the microbes in the dry cereal are alive.
The strongest studies have found that a few probiotics (Lactobacillus GG and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii) can help with common gastrointestinal disorders that may involve an imbalance of gut bacteria."They've been also shown to reduce the incidence of postantibiotic diarrhea -- which occurs in up to 40 percent of children taking antibiotics."
3. There's also growing evidence that children with ulcerative colitis can benefit from a proprietary mixture of eight strains called "VSL #3. And certain probiotics have been shown to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
But more research is needed for probiotic effects on almost all other conditions, including cancer, oral health, allergies, skin conditions and obesity.
4. Bazzoli F et al. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 06/19/09 documented that Probiotic supplementation showed beneficial effect in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced diarrhea in experimental animal studies. Encouraging results have been observed in humans; however, the few available clinical studies do not allow firm conclusions. More well-performed, randomized placebo-controlled studies are needed.
Just because a food product says “probiotic” doesn’t mean it’s a probiotic. Even more aggravating, manufacturers often leave important information off the label, such as whether the product contains live organisms or the full name of the bacterial strain.
Some advice:
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CONSUMER [according to J.Deardorff ]
Watch the dates: The organisms can die off while the product is sitting on the shelf. The best way to ensure it has an effective number of live bacteria is to look at the “best by” or expiration date.
Get enough microbes. Easier said than done. There is no single dosage for probiotics; studies have documented health benefits for products ranging from 50 million to more than 1 trillion colony-forming units (the measure of live microbes) per day. The amount you need is the amount that the study on your product showed was effective. There is a clinical study, right--
Scour yogurt labels. Look for yogurt products with “live and active cultures” and avoid the ones that say “made with active cultures.” Those may have been heat-treated after fermentation, which kills the bacteria. Also, Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria are less sensitive to stomach acid and more likely to make it into the colon alive than other names you might see on the label, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilis.Remember that even “live, active cultures” aren’t necessarily probiotics, meaning they may not have been tested for health benefits.
Speak the lingo. A probiotic is defined by its genus (e.g. Lactobacillus), species (e.g. rhamnosus) and strain (a series of letters or numbers). “Products that list the genus and species and also the strain tend to have inherently better quality control and products,” said probiotics expert Gary Huffnagle.
Watch for too-perfect names. Dannon calls its bacterial strains Bifidus Regularis (in Activia) and L. casei Defensis (in DanActive)—for marketing purposes. These are made-up, consumer-friendly, trademarked names.
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in tomorrow for CONCERN WITH LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF BENZODIAZEPINES
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
Sunday, August 23, 2009
WHY DOCS SHOULD HANG UP THEIR WHITE COATS
According to the CDC, nearly 100,000 U.S. patients died in 2002 from infections contracted in hospitals. There has been no conclusive evidence linking infected cuffs to any of these deaths — studies have been done showing that bacteria like MRSA and C. difficile exist on sleeves, but there’s no proof that those germs actually get passed around that way. But backers of the change in dress code argue that as long as there’s the slightest potential of transmission, everything possible should be done to avoid it. One of the policy questions that AMA delegates considered at their annual conference is whether doctors should forgo their iconic white coats for something a little more casual — and a little less dangerous for patients. The measure would urge hospitals to adopt dress codes of “bare below the elbows,” to avoid carrying bacteria between patients via coat sleeves.
The British National Health System has already adopted a policy, banning ties, long sleeves, jewelry and white coats. Scotland went so far as to establish a uniform dress code that includes a short-sleeve requirement.
While many U.S. docs already follow these rules, especially those in intensive-care units, some still prefer the professionalism the white coat implies. One irony, is that the spanking white coat was borrowed from lab scientists and introduced in hospitals in the 19th century in part to help prevent the spread of contamination.
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in tomorrow for WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
The British National Health System has already adopted a policy, banning ties, long sleeves, jewelry and white coats. Scotland went so far as to establish a uniform dress code that includes a short-sleeve requirement.
While many U.S. docs already follow these rules, especially those in intensive-care units, some still prefer the professionalism the white coat implies. One irony, is that the spanking white coat was borrowed from lab scientists and introduced in hospitals in the 19th century in part to help prevent the spread of contamination.
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in tomorrow for WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
Saturday, August 22, 2009
PART IV OF IV SODIUM AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.
Reducing Sodium Intake
Avoiding the salt shaker isn't the magic bullet for sodium reduction. This is because around 80% of dietary sodium comes from processed, prepared, and restaurant foods. Steering clear of these types of foods is likely to have the most impact on sodium intake. The amount of salt in some restaurant meals can be shocking, at more than four times the recommended daily intake of sodium. Plus, another downside of most processed foods is that they are very low in potassium.
For people who are trying to reduce dietary sodium, understanding how to read food labels is also important. Foods that contain 5% or less of the Daily Value (DV) of sodium are considered to be "low-salt." However, the percentage of the DV of sodium in the nutrition information portion of the labeling of packaged foods is based on a DV of 2,400 mg. It's not based on the 1,500 mg recommendation that applies to almost 70% of the adult population.
In addition to food labels, checking medication labels for sodium is a good idea. Some common culprits with a relatively large amount of sodium include antacids, and drugs that are available as effervescent formulations, like Zantac 150 EFFERdose and Alka-Seltzer effervescent products.
Note that even a small reduction in the amount of sodium your patients consume each day can make a difference.3 It's best to always encourage patients to try to meet these types of goals. Suggest reducing sodium intake gradually. It might be easier for patients to get accustomed to the taste of foods with less salt this way.
To help combat the problem of excess sodium consumption, groups including the American Heart Association and some federal agencies have been pushing for the food industry to reduce the amount of sodium in the food supply by 50% over a ten-year period. This could help reduce blood pressure in the population as a whole.9 In the U.K., a combination of government regulations, changes in labeling requirements, and consumer awareness has helped achieve a 10% reduction in consumption of salt.3
Conclusion
Limiting sodium intake can help reduce blood pressure [Evidence level A; high-quality RCT]. Let your patients know that following a healthy diet (like DASH) and minimizing processed and prepared foods is likely to make the biggest difference.
Tell most patients to make sure they're getting plenty of dietary potassium as well. Fruits and vegetables are good sources. But watch out for patients with kidney disease, or those taking medicines that can increase potassium levels (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, eplerenone [Inspra], and potassium-sparing diuretics).
Also take the opportunity to encourage patients who are able to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Remind them that smoking cessation and moderating alcohol consumption can also reduce cardiovascular risk.
Blood pressure-lowering benefits of reduced salt intake. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2009;25(6):250605.June 2009
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in tomorrow for WHY DOCS SHOULD HANG UP THEIR WHITE COATS
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
Avoiding the salt shaker isn't the magic bullet for sodium reduction. This is because around 80% of dietary sodium comes from processed, prepared, and restaurant foods. Steering clear of these types of foods is likely to have the most impact on sodium intake. The amount of salt in some restaurant meals can be shocking, at more than four times the recommended daily intake of sodium. Plus, another downside of most processed foods is that they are very low in potassium.
For people who are trying to reduce dietary sodium, understanding how to read food labels is also important. Foods that contain 5% or less of the Daily Value (DV) of sodium are considered to be "low-salt." However, the percentage of the DV of sodium in the nutrition information portion of the labeling of packaged foods is based on a DV of 2,400 mg. It's not based on the 1,500 mg recommendation that applies to almost 70% of the adult population.
In addition to food labels, checking medication labels for sodium is a good idea. Some common culprits with a relatively large amount of sodium include antacids, and drugs that are available as effervescent formulations, like Zantac 150 EFFERdose and Alka-Seltzer effervescent products.
Note that even a small reduction in the amount of sodium your patients consume each day can make a difference.3 It's best to always encourage patients to try to meet these types of goals. Suggest reducing sodium intake gradually. It might be easier for patients to get accustomed to the taste of foods with less salt this way.
To help combat the problem of excess sodium consumption, groups including the American Heart Association and some federal agencies have been pushing for the food industry to reduce the amount of sodium in the food supply by 50% over a ten-year period. This could help reduce blood pressure in the population as a whole.9 In the U.K., a combination of government regulations, changes in labeling requirements, and consumer awareness has helped achieve a 10% reduction in consumption of salt.3
Conclusion
Limiting sodium intake can help reduce blood pressure [Evidence level A; high-quality RCT]. Let your patients know that following a healthy diet (like DASH) and minimizing processed and prepared foods is likely to make the biggest difference.
Tell most patients to make sure they're getting plenty of dietary potassium as well. Fruits and vegetables are good sources. But watch out for patients with kidney disease, or those taking medicines that can increase potassium levels (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, eplerenone [Inspra], and potassium-sparing diuretics).
Also take the opportunity to encourage patients who are able to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Remind them that smoking cessation and moderating alcohol consumption can also reduce cardiovascular risk.
Blood pressure-lowering benefits of reduced salt intake. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2009;25(6):250605.June 2009
Please remember, as with all our articles we provide information, not medical advice.
For any treatment of your own medical condition you must visit your local doctor, with or without our article[s]. These articles are not to be taken as individual medical advice.
*Tune in tomorrow for WHY DOCS SHOULD HANG UP THEIR WHITE COATS
Deepen your understanding of "medical malpractice"... www.MedMalBook.com
For more health info and links visit the author's web site www.hookman.com
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