Friday, October 12, 2007

Health Studies



Are Flu Shots Beneficial to Elders?

Influenza is responsible for thirty six thousand deaths annually. About ninety percent of those deaths occur in persons age 65 and older.

It's uncertain whether or not flu vaccine is of any benefit to our elderly population according to Lone Simonsen, from George Washington University in Washington, DC, and colleagues. This doesn't mean you shouldn't get a flu shot. The challenge here is for better studies - few studies have actually included persons who are at least seventy years old. Yet, elders are the ones specifically targeted to receive flu vaccine.

As we age, our antibody response decreases, according to the few studies that have been done. Since 1960, the World Health Organization has endorsed targeting influenza vaccination for elders and people with increased susceptibility. More people receive flu vaccine than in the past, but studies are unable to document that deaths have declined from flu.

Knowledge about the aging immune response should lead researchers to develop better policies regarding vaccinating our elderly population.

Be sure to get your flu shot so you won't spread it to anyone at high risk; and thank our scientific community for bringing this issue to light.


Resource Links
Cold and Flu Health
Flu Tips
Holistic Remedies


Drink Tea to Prevent Osteoporosis

A new study has found that women between the ages of seventy and eighty five who drank tea had greater hip bone density than those who did not consume tea. More density simply means heavier, stronger bones, less osteoporosis, and less risk of fractures from accidents.

Researchers believe that the antioxidants in tea may be responsible for the good news. Hip fractures occur frequently with even minor falls. Preventing osteoporosis is a constant challenge post menopause.

The study appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

To get the best benefit of the antioxidants found in tea, you should consume green tea, as it has the highest level of flavinoids - the substance responsible for consuming free radicals (damaging substances in the body). But, not to worry if you don't like the taste of green tea: there are many choices and they're all good for you.

If you have health reasons to avoid caffeine, or just prefer to do so, decaffeinated teas are readily available as an alternative. It doesn't matter if you drink it hot or cold, but instant tea is not your best choice.

It's been known for a long time that tea can strengthen immunity, aid digestion and rid the body of free radicals.

Now we have another potential benefit!

Exercise, drink tea and make sure you have a balanced diet to help yourself maintain a quality lifestyle.


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Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is available to Medicare recipients. If you've had open heart surgery (CABG) or a heart attack (MI), you should ask your doctor to refer you to this formal program that allows you to be observed closely when exercising.

A staff of nurses and exercise physiologists in Cardiac Rehabilitation monitor your EKG (electrocardiogram), educate you about heart disease and help with nutrition.

Researchers have concluded that very few Medicare recipients receive this service. The results vary widely from state to state. The report was published in the October 9th issue of Circulation, authored by Dr. Jose A. Suaya and colleagues at Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts.

Use of Cardiac rehab was greatest in the North Central states and lowest in the South. Participation was also greater in the higher education and income population.

The researchers concluded that the reasons for the above included:

"1. Doctor's referral to cardiac rehab.

2. Patient's awareness of the benefits cardiac rehabilitation

3. Availability of cardiac rehab services near the patient's residence.

4. Appropriate reimbursement rates that allow cardiac rehab facilities to cover operational costs.

5. Patient's ability to get to cardiac rehab, for example, by public transportation, his or her own vehicle, or a ride with a family member." ◦
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