The Latest From The Blog

Weekly consumption of chocolate linked to lower risk for diabetes and cognitive decline according to new study

Jan 24, 2017

Chocolate is generally considered to be a popular treat or dessert.  However, people’s love of chocolate might be based on more than just taste.  There may be health-related reasons for the universal popularity of chocolate.  We don’t typically think of our medicine as tasting good, so chocolate as medicine may be a difficult idea to swallow.  Nonetheless, a recent study, the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS), has concluded that people who eat chocolate at least once a week have a lower incidence of diabetes and have a lower risk for developing diabetes in the next 4 to 5 years. Researches from the University of Maine partnered with a nutritionist and psychologist from the University of South Australia to conduct this study of over 900 participants.  The National Institute of Health and the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia both supported the research.  Multiple neuropsychological tests were given to participants to measure cognitive performance in relation to chocolate consumption.   A 2011…

Medical professionals having problems with "prescribing" water and clarifying the dosage

Jan 11, 2017

Most of us have heard the saying "too much of a good thing" used to reference excesses in things like chocolate or sex.  Now it seems that this age-old saying may apply to something as innocuous as drinking water.  Hyponatremia is a condition that is defined as a severe electrolyte imbalance which rapidly decreases the sodium in the blood and can have serious consequences and may be fatal.  Hyponatremia, more commonly known as "water intoxication," is generally caused by drinking too much water within a short period of time.  Early onset symptoms of water intoxication can include: nausea, vomiting, and disorientation.  If the condition is not treated promptly the symptoms generally worsen to include: seizures, coma, brain damage, and death. Several incidents of water intoxication have been reported, especially in the sports world.  Exercise associated hyponatremia is seen when those engaging in endurance sports and athletic activities "preload" water and sports drinks in order to avoid fatigue, muscle cramps, or…

Hospitals Seek Ways to Best Provide Post-Acute Care

Nov 10, 2016

In April of 2016, the responsibility for the post-acute care of Medicare beneficiaries receiving a hip or knee replacement was given to nearly 800 hospitals nationwide. (Heart attacks, coronary bypasses and hip and femur fractures were added to the directive within 3 months.)  According to the traditional model, hospitals had very little responsibility for post-acute care - but because of new policies, they now will be responsible for the financial and clinical outcomes of patients for nearly three months after discharge. During the episode of care - from the time a patient enters the hospital to 90 days after discharge - physician fees, post-acute care facilities, and home care agencies are combined in a targeted bundled price. Going over the target involves a penalty, but staying below it results in a bonus for the health care facility.  Still, during these three months, health systems have little control over patient progress. Many hospitals simply do not have the dedicated personnel to…