Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia Are Still Poorly Understood, Undertreated in Latino Communities
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
Miami, FL—As National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month kicks off, a leading physician expert on care giving warns that Latinos face gaps in understanding of the disease and barriers to adequate care.
“The significant cost and psychological stress of Alzheimer’s and dementia are difficult burdens for all families,” said Zoë A Lewis, M.D., “but Hispanics, in particular, face unique treatment and care giving challenges that require attention and action.”
Numerous reports show Hispanics may be at the greater risk for Alzheimer’s, while others show they are the least prepared to confront the changing dynamics in care giving. “This was a powerful call to action,” states Zoë A Lewis, M.D. Her organization, Hope through Knowledge, offers community service efforts for aging and end-of-life care. Her new Spanish book , “Espero Que Sepan: La Guía Holística para la Enfermedad de Alzheimer”, ISBN # 978-1602643765 (soft cover), Virtualbookworm Publishing (2009) $18.95, was released last month and will be on sale at the Miami International Book Fair at the South Florida Writers Association Booth, Section D November 13-15th, 2009.
As producer and host of Hospice Radio Blogtalkradio, the November 16th radio program will be dedicated to Alzheimer’s, hosting two renowned authors on Alzheimer’s disease care giving. She will focus on topics covered in the bestsellers, Elder Rage, and Communicating with Alzheimer’s.
Reni Rizzo, Community Education Coordinator from the Alzheimer's Association Southeast Florida Chapter, commented on Dr. Lewis’s efforts and her recent education activism at a community-based presentation in Homestead, Florida.
“Dr. Lewis recognized the fact that older Latinos with dementia overwhelmingly remain living in the community longer, albeit with higher levels of physical and cognitive impairment compared with their non-Latino counterparts in the area. She makes it clear from her work as an internist and hospice doctor, that she understands the needs folks face from diagnosis to terminal care. Latino caregivers care for family members with more complex health, social, and long-term-care needs than are found in mainstream families. The costs for end-of-life care when there are deficits in knowledge are going to be high. We are lucky when she turns out for one of our community events with books in hand, now thankfully in Spanish.”
Dr. Lewis is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, internist, hospice and palliative care physician, consultant, author, speaker, Alzheimer’s disease education activist, radio show producer and host and Miami, Florida resident. She has been working with Alzheimer’s patients and their families for over fifteen years. Dr. Zoë Ann Lewis was a faculty speaker at the 2009 National Council on Aging, Aging in America conference presenting on dementia and hospice care. Her work was recognized by the NHPCO 2006 guide, ‘Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s and other Dementias Guidelines for Hospice Providers’. She is a former Harvard Medical School Clinical Instructor of Medicine among other accomplishments. Her dedicated website,www.zoealewis.com, promotes education using the principle ‘hope through knowledge’.
Her first book, “I Hope They Know: The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Disease and Care”, reached number two in online sales in its category on Amazon.com, and received favorable reviews from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Gerontological Nursing, Latin and North American Alzheimer's experts and peers in the fields of music and art therapy. The National Alzheimer’s Association Greenfield Library carries each book.
For more information: www.zoealewis.com/presskit
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hispanic patients kept from life saving transplants
Physician Bias Might Keep Life-saving Transplants From Black And Hispanic Patients
ScienceDaily, Nov. 9, 2009
Physician bias might be the reason why African Americans are not receiving kidney/pancreas transplants at the same rate as similar patients in other racial groups. Dr. Keith Melancon, director of kidney and pancreas transplantation at Georgetown University Hospital and associate professor of surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center, and colleagues explore this phenomenon in the November issue of the American Journal of Transplantation.
Medicare coverage for people needing a simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplant has increased in the past decade. In July 1999 Medicare made the changes as a conscious effort by the government intended to address racial and economic disparities that existed. But increased Medicare dollars have not translated into more access for African Americans or Hispanics.
"Our research raised the possibility of racial bias on the part of physicians who might incorrectly assume that African Americans are type 2 diabetics when in fact, they would metabolically meet the criteria for type 1 diabetes," said Dr. Melancon. "Since this is a transplant that is most often performed in type 1 diabetics, their doctors might not even raise the possibility with their black patients. Also, health care providers might incorrectly predict worse outcomes for black patients, despite research that shows they do about as well as other racial groups."
Dr. Melancon's group took a look at the national transplant list before and after the Medicare changes in July 1999. Of the patients already listed for transplant, African Americans were 27% less likely to be recommended for a kidney pancreas transplant than Caucasians. Hispanics were 25% less likely to be recommended. After the Medicare changes African Americans were 28% less likely to be recommended for kidney/pancreas transplant and Hispanics were 31% less likely to be recommended.
"So, the situation for African Americans and Hispanics actually got worse instead of better," said Dr. Melancon.
The benefits of a kidney pancreas transplant are the list is much shorter; 2200 compared with over 80,000 for a kidney alone, according to the United Network of Organ Sharing. Patient survival and kidney graft survival are better in kidney pancreas transplants.
"I don't think the medical community has been aggressive enough about kidney/pancreas transplant, especially in African Americans who are assumed to have type 2 diabetes. When a person has type 2 diabetes and they are obese, the benefit of a kidney/pancreas transplant is often outweighed by the risks of surgery which are higher in an obese person. So they are not offered the transplant. There is also a population of people with diabetes who are sort of between type 1 and type 2. This procedure would work for them too. But I think the medical community is, in some cases, making assumptions about the African American and Hispanic population that they are not making with other racial groups."
A kidney/pancreas transplant is the only current, reliable way to give diabetics normal glucose and insulin levels 24 hours a day. It's not technically a cure, but it does eliminate the medical problems associated with diabetes.
Adapted from materials provided by Georgetown University Medical Center, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.
ScienceDaily, Nov. 9, 2009
Physician bias might be the reason why African Americans are not receiving kidney/pancreas transplants at the same rate as similar patients in other racial groups. Dr. Keith Melancon, director of kidney and pancreas transplantation at Georgetown University Hospital and associate professor of surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center, and colleagues explore this phenomenon in the November issue of the American Journal of Transplantation.
Medicare coverage for people needing a simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplant has increased in the past decade. In July 1999 Medicare made the changes as a conscious effort by the government intended to address racial and economic disparities that existed. But increased Medicare dollars have not translated into more access for African Americans or Hispanics.
"Our research raised the possibility of racial bias on the part of physicians who might incorrectly assume that African Americans are type 2 diabetics when in fact, they would metabolically meet the criteria for type 1 diabetes," said Dr. Melancon. "Since this is a transplant that is most often performed in type 1 diabetics, their doctors might not even raise the possibility with their black patients. Also, health care providers might incorrectly predict worse outcomes for black patients, despite research that shows they do about as well as other racial groups."
Dr. Melancon's group took a look at the national transplant list before and after the Medicare changes in July 1999. Of the patients already listed for transplant, African Americans were 27% less likely to be recommended for a kidney pancreas transplant than Caucasians. Hispanics were 25% less likely to be recommended. After the Medicare changes African Americans were 28% less likely to be recommended for kidney/pancreas transplant and Hispanics were 31% less likely to be recommended.
"So, the situation for African Americans and Hispanics actually got worse instead of better," said Dr. Melancon.
The benefits of a kidney pancreas transplant are the list is much shorter; 2200 compared with over 80,000 for a kidney alone, according to the United Network of Organ Sharing. Patient survival and kidney graft survival are better in kidney pancreas transplants.
"I don't think the medical community has been aggressive enough about kidney/pancreas transplant, especially in African Americans who are assumed to have type 2 diabetes. When a person has type 2 diabetes and they are obese, the benefit of a kidney/pancreas transplant is often outweighed by the risks of surgery which are higher in an obese person. So they are not offered the transplant. There is also a population of people with diabetes who are sort of between type 1 and type 2. This procedure would work for them too. But I think the medical community is, in some cases, making assumptions about the African American and Hispanic population that they are not making with other racial groups."
A kidney/pancreas transplant is the only current, reliable way to give diabetics normal glucose and insulin levels 24 hours a day. It's not technically a cure, but it does eliminate the medical problems associated with diabetes.
Adapted from materials provided by Georgetown University Medical Center, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.
Latinos target of American Heart Association campaign
The American Heart Association Launches Go Red Por Tu Corazon at the Latin GRAMMY Awards
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
The American Heart Association unveiled its Go Red Por Tu Corazon heart health awareness initiative at the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards to educate Hispanic women about their threat of heart disease and to empower them to make life-saving choices for themselves and their families.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Hispanic women and, according to the American Heart Association, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease ten years earlier than Caucasian women.
"Go Red Por Tu Corazon is designed to tap into cultural traditions as a means to a healthier lifestyle, and provide Hispanic women and their families with the tools and resources needed to enjoy good heart health," said Luz Marina Prieto, M.D., assistant professor of clinical medicine for the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism for the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. "Our goal is to encourage Hispanic women to protect their hearts so they can be there for the ones they love."
To put heart disease center stage, the American Heart Association has collaborated with one of the biggest Latin cultural events of the year, the Latin GRAMMY® Awards. Go Red Por Tu Corazon kicked off with the support of attending artists and 2008 Nuestra Belleza Latina winner, Melissa Marty, who will be reporting live from the "green" carpet and asking stars, guests and viewers to make a pledge for better heart health in the Latino community.
"After losing my grandmother to heart disease, I knew I had to make heart-healthy changes in my own lifestyle and encourage my parents and brothers to do the same," said Melissa Marty, 2008 Nuestra Belleza Latina winner and Go Red Por Tu Corazon supporter. "I'm proud to be able to share my experience and inspire other Latinas to do the same and improve their heart health."
To provide life-saving education beyond the awards show, a series of video segments featuring Melissa Marty, Latin GRAMMY® attending artists, and fashion expert Martin Llorens will be available throughout the month on Univision.com, Keyword: Go Red Corazon.
In launching Go Red Por Tu Corazon, the American Heart Association has strengthened its commitment to preventing heart disease amongst Latina women. By focusing on family and cultural traditions, Go Red Por Tu Corazon hopes to promote a healthy lifestyle within the Hispanic community.
Since its inception in 2004, Go Red For Women has helped raise awareness of the No. 1 killer of women and inspired millions to make heart-healthy changes. Powered by American Heart Association research, Go Red For Women provides women with the tools and resources to beat this largely preventable disease.
For free heart-health tips and recipes from the American Heart Association and to learn more about Go Red Por Tu Corazon, please call 1-888-474-VIVE.
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
The American Heart Association unveiled its Go Red Por Tu Corazon heart health awareness initiative at the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards to educate Hispanic women about their threat of heart disease and to empower them to make life-saving choices for themselves and their families.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Hispanic women and, according to the American Heart Association, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease ten years earlier than Caucasian women.
"Go Red Por Tu Corazon is designed to tap into cultural traditions as a means to a healthier lifestyle, and provide Hispanic women and their families with the tools and resources needed to enjoy good heart health," said Luz Marina Prieto, M.D., assistant professor of clinical medicine for the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism for the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. "Our goal is to encourage Hispanic women to protect their hearts so they can be there for the ones they love."
To put heart disease center stage, the American Heart Association has collaborated with one of the biggest Latin cultural events of the year, the Latin GRAMMY® Awards. Go Red Por Tu Corazon kicked off with the support of attending artists and 2008 Nuestra Belleza Latina winner, Melissa Marty, who will be reporting live from the "green" carpet and asking stars, guests and viewers to make a pledge for better heart health in the Latino community.
"After losing my grandmother to heart disease, I knew I had to make heart-healthy changes in my own lifestyle and encourage my parents and brothers to do the same," said Melissa Marty, 2008 Nuestra Belleza Latina winner and Go Red Por Tu Corazon supporter. "I'm proud to be able to share my experience and inspire other Latinas to do the same and improve their heart health."
To provide life-saving education beyond the awards show, a series of video segments featuring Melissa Marty, Latin GRAMMY® attending artists, and fashion expert Martin Llorens will be available throughout the month on Univision.com, Keyword: Go Red Corazon.
In launching Go Red Por Tu Corazon, the American Heart Association has strengthened its commitment to preventing heart disease amongst Latina women. By focusing on family and cultural traditions, Go Red Por Tu Corazon hopes to promote a healthy lifestyle within the Hispanic community.
Since its inception in 2004, Go Red For Women has helped raise awareness of the No. 1 killer of women and inspired millions to make heart-healthy changes. Powered by American Heart Association research, Go Red For Women provides women with the tools and resources to beat this largely preventable disease.
For free heart-health tips and recipes from the American Heart Association and to learn more about Go Red Por Tu Corazon, please call 1-888-474-VIVE.
Latino physician honored
Dr. Eliscer Guzman From The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mayor Bloomberg Among Comunilife Honorees!
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
On October 30th, Comunilife recognized these five outstanding personalities of the New York City community as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Dr. Eliscer Guzman received this prestigious acknowledgment for his vision to provide unique services through the Community Diabetes and Cardiovascular Care Program in association with the Mount Sinai Medical Center.
It is the second recognition in a week that honors Dr. Guzman's commitment with the community. Last Friday, he received the National Hispanic Corporate Achievers (NHCA) Award for the success of the Cardiology and Diabetes Center in the Manhattan area, a facility that serves to the most vulnerable Latino community in the city.
About Dr. Eliscer Guzman
Cardiologist and long-time practitioner of Internal Medicine in New York, Dr. Guzman has actively focused on community education to reduce the diabetes epidemic among Latinos and teach diabetics and their family members how to manage and control the disease. Dr. Guzman is clinically affiliated with The Mount Sinai Medicine School and has distinguished himself through his accomplishments of helping the community address their cardiovascular health conditions. Dr. Guzman is the Founder and Medical Director of the Cardiology and Diabetes Care Center.
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
On October 30th, Comunilife recognized these five outstanding personalities of the New York City community as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Dr. Eliscer Guzman received this prestigious acknowledgment for his vision to provide unique services through the Community Diabetes and Cardiovascular Care Program in association with the Mount Sinai Medical Center.
It is the second recognition in a week that honors Dr. Guzman's commitment with the community. Last Friday, he received the National Hispanic Corporate Achievers (NHCA) Award for the success of the Cardiology and Diabetes Center in the Manhattan area, a facility that serves to the most vulnerable Latino community in the city.
About Dr. Eliscer Guzman
Cardiologist and long-time practitioner of Internal Medicine in New York, Dr. Guzman has actively focused on community education to reduce the diabetes epidemic among Latinos and teach diabetics and their family members how to manage and control the disease. Dr. Guzman is clinically affiliated with The Mount Sinai Medicine School and has distinguished himself through his accomplishments of helping the community address their cardiovascular health conditions. Dr. Guzman is the Founder and Medical Director of the Cardiology and Diabetes Care Center.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Hispanic women fearful of Swine Flu Shot
Pregnant Women Wary of Swine Flu Shot
Survey Shows Most Pregnant Women and Moms of Young Kids Won't Get Vaccinated
By Jennifer Warner, WebMD Health News, Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Oct. 27, 2009 -- A new survey shows only about one in four pregnant women and mothers of young children plan to get the H1N1 flu vaccine this year, despite recommendations from public health groups urging them to do so.
The CDC, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and many other public health organizations strongly recommend that pregnant women and new mothers get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine shots to protect themselves as well as their newborns.
The survey shows 43% of pregnant women and mothers of children younger than 2 years old plan to get a seasonal flu shot this year, up from 33% surveyed last year. But only 27% plan on getting the H1N1 flu vaccine.
Researchers say confusion and concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the H1N1 vaccine may be preventing many pregnant women from getting the additional protection they need.
A CDC analysis shows pregnant women are up to four times more likely to be hospitalized for complications from the H1N1 and other flu viruses compared to the general population. This may be due to changes in the body related to pregnancy, such as reduced lung capacity, which can make respiratory diseases more dangerous, and changes to the immune system that can make a pregnant woman more susceptible to infection.
"With H1N1 being the dominant influenza virus circulating so far this year, it is vital that all pregnant women get their seasonal and H1N1 flu shots as soon as possible," says Ashley Roman, MD, clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University School of Medicine and assistant clinical professor at Yale University, in a news release.
Confusion Over H1N1 Vaccine Risk
The Harris Interactive survey of 668 pregnant women and mothers of children less than 2 years old across the U.S. shows that 86% of women believe the seasonal flu shot is safe; only 68% think the H1N1 flu vaccine is safe. The online U.S. survey was conducted between Sept. 17 and Sept. 29 among women aged 18-50 who were currently pregnant and/or had children under 2 years old.
The most common concern among the pregnant women surveyed was the belief that the H1N1 flu vaccine has not been adequately tested. But researchers say the H1N1 vaccine is made the same way as the seasonal flu shot and has been found in clinical studies to be safe and effective at producing an immune response in healthy adults.
"Both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots are safe for women to get during any stage of pregnancy and the shots are available in thimerosal-free forms, for those who are concerned about mercury preservatives," says Roman.
Researchers also found that only half of the women knew that getting a flu shot while pregnant will protect both themselves and their newborn babies after birth.
The survey also showed that 41% of Hispanic women vs. 26% of all women believed the false claim that getting a flu shot while pregnant can put an unborn baby's health at risk. Less than half of Hispanic women were aware that the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines are recommended for pregnant women compared with 71% of women overall.
However, the survey showed Hispanic women were more likely than women overall to discuss getting H1N1 and seasonal flu shots with their health care provider.
The survey and an accompanying "Flu-Free and A Mom-to-Be: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Baby - Get Your Flu Shots!" campaign organized by HealthyWomen and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses is supported by CSL Biotherapies, which produces flu vaccines.
Survey Shows Most Pregnant Women and Moms of Young Kids Won't Get Vaccinated
By Jennifer Warner, WebMD Health News, Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Oct. 27, 2009 -- A new survey shows only about one in four pregnant women and mothers of young children plan to get the H1N1 flu vaccine this year, despite recommendations from public health groups urging them to do so.
The CDC, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and many other public health organizations strongly recommend that pregnant women and new mothers get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine shots to protect themselves as well as their newborns.
The survey shows 43% of pregnant women and mothers of children younger than 2 years old plan to get a seasonal flu shot this year, up from 33% surveyed last year. But only 27% plan on getting the H1N1 flu vaccine.
Researchers say confusion and concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the H1N1 vaccine may be preventing many pregnant women from getting the additional protection they need.
A CDC analysis shows pregnant women are up to four times more likely to be hospitalized for complications from the H1N1 and other flu viruses compared to the general population. This may be due to changes in the body related to pregnancy, such as reduced lung capacity, which can make respiratory diseases more dangerous, and changes to the immune system that can make a pregnant woman more susceptible to infection.
"With H1N1 being the dominant influenza virus circulating so far this year, it is vital that all pregnant women get their seasonal and H1N1 flu shots as soon as possible," says Ashley Roman, MD, clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University School of Medicine and assistant clinical professor at Yale University, in a news release.
Confusion Over H1N1 Vaccine Risk
The Harris Interactive survey of 668 pregnant women and mothers of children less than 2 years old across the U.S. shows that 86% of women believe the seasonal flu shot is safe; only 68% think the H1N1 flu vaccine is safe. The online U.S. survey was conducted between Sept. 17 and Sept. 29 among women aged 18-50 who were currently pregnant and/or had children under 2 years old.
The most common concern among the pregnant women surveyed was the belief that the H1N1 flu vaccine has not been adequately tested. But researchers say the H1N1 vaccine is made the same way as the seasonal flu shot and has been found in clinical studies to be safe and effective at producing an immune response in healthy adults.
"Both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots are safe for women to get during any stage of pregnancy and the shots are available in thimerosal-free forms, for those who are concerned about mercury preservatives," says Roman.
Researchers also found that only half of the women knew that getting a flu shot while pregnant will protect both themselves and their newborn babies after birth.
The survey also showed that 41% of Hispanic women vs. 26% of all women believed the false claim that getting a flu shot while pregnant can put an unborn baby's health at risk. Less than half of Hispanic women were aware that the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines are recommended for pregnant women compared with 71% of women overall.
However, the survey showed Hispanic women were more likely than women overall to discuss getting H1N1 and seasonal flu shots with their health care provider.
The survey and an accompanying "Flu-Free and A Mom-to-Be: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Baby - Get Your Flu Shots!" campaign organized by HealthyWomen and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses is supported by CSL Biotherapies, which produces flu vaccines.
Hispanic kids need more Vitamin D
U.S. Kids May Need More Vitamin D
Researchers Say Millions of Children May Get Too Little Vitamin D
By Salynn Boyles, WebMD Health News, Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Oct. 26, 2009 -- Millions of children in the U.S. may not get enough vitamin D, and African-American and Hispanic kids are especially at risk, a new study suggests.
Researchers concluded that more than 6 million U.S. children have lower vitamin D levels than the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. And more than two out of three children, or 24 million, have lower levels than may be optimal for good health, the researchers reported this week in Pediatrics.
"We think kids would probably benefit from getting more vitamin D than most are getting right now," study researcher Jonathan M. Mansbach, MD, of Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, tells WebMD.
The problem is no one is sure how much vitamin D children and adults need and what the optimal blood levels of the vitamin should be.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get at least 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day, and that blood levels not fall below 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
But studies in adults suggest that blood levels of 75 nmol/L or even higher may be linked to a reduced risk for heart disease, certain cancers, and other diseases.
In the newly published study, researchers analyzed recent data from a nationally representative sample of 5,000 children between the ages of 1 and 11 to estimate vitamin D levels for the nation's children as a whole.
Based on this analysis, they concluded that:
- 6.3 million kids, or nearly 20% of all children ages 1-11 in the U.S., fall below the recommended 50 nmol/L blood levels.
- Slightly more than two out of three had levels below 75 nmol/L, including four out of five Hispanic children and more than nine out of 10 non-Hispanic, black children.
- About 1% of children were clearly deficient in vitamin D (below 25 nmol/L) and at risk for the bone-softening disease rickets.
"If 75 nmol/L really is a more appropriate lowest level of acceptable, there is a lot more vitamin D deficiency in U.S. children that most people realize," Mansbach says.
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
Mansbach says studies are needed to determine optimal blood levels of vitamin D in children and how much vitamin D they should be taking to get to those levels.
Most children's multivitamins contain 400 IU of vitamin D, the minimum daily amount recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
But Mansbach says most children probably need more than this, especially darker-skinned children and those who live in colder climates with limited exposure to the sun.
The body converts UV rays from the sun into vitamin D, and all agree that sun exposure is the most efficient way to increase blood levels of the vitamin.
But sun exposure also increases risk of skin cancer, and most dermatologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children wear sunscreen at all times while outside in the sun.
Children with darker skin also need much more exposure to the sun than fair-skinned children to get adequate levels of vitamin D.
Longtime vitamin D research Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD, of Boston University School of Medicine, is a promoter of what he calls "sensible sun exposure."
He says the recommendation to wear sunscreen at all times when exposed to the sun has led to widespread vitamin D deficiency in children and adults.
He says limited sun exposure during the summer -- as little as five minutes a day on the arms and legs -- is more than adequate for producing enough vitamin D.
"This is still a controversial position, but the [medical community] is coming around," Holick tells WebMD.
Foods that contain vitamin D include salmon, canned tuna, egg yolks, beef or calf liver, cheese, and fortified sources such as milk, yogurt, and cereals.
Researchers Say Millions of Children May Get Too Little Vitamin D
By Salynn Boyles, WebMD Health News, Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Oct. 26, 2009 -- Millions of children in the U.S. may not get enough vitamin D, and African-American and Hispanic kids are especially at risk, a new study suggests.
Researchers concluded that more than 6 million U.S. children have lower vitamin D levels than the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. And more than two out of three children, or 24 million, have lower levels than may be optimal for good health, the researchers reported this week in Pediatrics.
"We think kids would probably benefit from getting more vitamin D than most are getting right now," study researcher Jonathan M. Mansbach, MD, of Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, tells WebMD.
The problem is no one is sure how much vitamin D children and adults need and what the optimal blood levels of the vitamin should be.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get at least 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day, and that blood levels not fall below 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
But studies in adults suggest that blood levels of 75 nmol/L or even higher may be linked to a reduced risk for heart disease, certain cancers, and other diseases.
In the newly published study, researchers analyzed recent data from a nationally representative sample of 5,000 children between the ages of 1 and 11 to estimate vitamin D levels for the nation's children as a whole.
Based on this analysis, they concluded that:
- 6.3 million kids, or nearly 20% of all children ages 1-11 in the U.S., fall below the recommended 50 nmol/L blood levels.
- Slightly more than two out of three had levels below 75 nmol/L, including four out of five Hispanic children and more than nine out of 10 non-Hispanic, black children.
- About 1% of children were clearly deficient in vitamin D (below 25 nmol/L) and at risk for the bone-softening disease rickets.
"If 75 nmol/L really is a more appropriate lowest level of acceptable, there is a lot more vitamin D deficiency in U.S. children that most people realize," Mansbach says.
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
Mansbach says studies are needed to determine optimal blood levels of vitamin D in children and how much vitamin D they should be taking to get to those levels.
Most children's multivitamins contain 400 IU of vitamin D, the minimum daily amount recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
But Mansbach says most children probably need more than this, especially darker-skinned children and those who live in colder climates with limited exposure to the sun.
The body converts UV rays from the sun into vitamin D, and all agree that sun exposure is the most efficient way to increase blood levels of the vitamin.
But sun exposure also increases risk of skin cancer, and most dermatologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children wear sunscreen at all times while outside in the sun.
Children with darker skin also need much more exposure to the sun than fair-skinned children to get adequate levels of vitamin D.
Longtime vitamin D research Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD, of Boston University School of Medicine, is a promoter of what he calls "sensible sun exposure."
He says the recommendation to wear sunscreen at all times when exposed to the sun has led to widespread vitamin D deficiency in children and adults.
He says limited sun exposure during the summer -- as little as five minutes a day on the arms and legs -- is more than adequate for producing enough vitamin D.
"This is still a controversial position, but the [medical community] is coming around," Holick tells WebMD.
Foods that contain vitamin D include salmon, canned tuna, egg yolks, beef or calf liver, cheese, and fortified sources such as milk, yogurt, and cereals.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Breast cancer book for Hispanic women
Vail Valley cancer book translated into Spanish
“Cancer de Mama 101” is due Nov. 10 in Vail Valley
Vail Daily
VAIL, Colorado — The Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group is publishing “Cancer de Mama 101” to serve the growing Hispanic community in Eagle County.
The English version of the book, “Breast Cancer 101: A Basic Introduction” has already been published. It was written by Sherry Goldman, director of the High Risk Program at the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center, and Brenda Himelfarb, breast cancer survivor and co-founder of the Breast Cancer Awareness Group.
Eagle County residents Rocio Garcia-Aguirre and Brenda Chavez, who work for the Eagle County School District, have translated the book into Spanish. The book was underwritten by The Futernick Family Fund of Miami,.
The authors describe the book as “an intimate, quick-reading manual with basic information that cuts through all the medical jargon and gets to the heart of what everyone wants and needs to know about breast cancer.”
“I am thrilled that the book is now available in Spanish for our Hispanic community,” said Patti Weinstein, co-founder of the Breast Cancer Awareness Group. “Not only will it raise breast cancer awareness, but I really feel it has the potential to reach out beyond our community.”
The book has been endorsed by Dr. Susan Love, noted breast cancer surgeon and founder of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, as well as breast cancer survivor and television producer, Linda Ellerbee, among others.
“We can't put a price on the invaluable information that we learned while translating 'Cancer de Mama,'” Chavez and Garcia-Aguirre, said. “We are so excited to be part of this project because we know it's for people who can really use this information.”
“Cancer de Mama 101,” due Nov. 10, will be available at the Shaw Regional Cancer Center's library as well as other medical facilities in Eagle County. It will be available for purchase at Roxy in Vail and Beaver Creek, or you may call 970-479-8595 to order a copy.
“Cancer de Mama 101” is due Nov. 10 in Vail Valley
Vail Daily
VAIL, Colorado — The Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group is publishing “Cancer de Mama 101” to serve the growing Hispanic community in Eagle County.
The English version of the book, “Breast Cancer 101: A Basic Introduction” has already been published. It was written by Sherry Goldman, director of the High Risk Program at the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center, and Brenda Himelfarb, breast cancer survivor and co-founder of the Breast Cancer Awareness Group.
Eagle County residents Rocio Garcia-Aguirre and Brenda Chavez, who work for the Eagle County School District, have translated the book into Spanish. The book was underwritten by The Futernick Family Fund of Miami,.
The authors describe the book as “an intimate, quick-reading manual with basic information that cuts through all the medical jargon and gets to the heart of what everyone wants and needs to know about breast cancer.”
“I am thrilled that the book is now available in Spanish for our Hispanic community,” said Patti Weinstein, co-founder of the Breast Cancer Awareness Group. “Not only will it raise breast cancer awareness, but I really feel it has the potential to reach out beyond our community.”
The book has been endorsed by Dr. Susan Love, noted breast cancer surgeon and founder of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, as well as breast cancer survivor and television producer, Linda Ellerbee, among others.
“We can't put a price on the invaluable information that we learned while translating 'Cancer de Mama,'” Chavez and Garcia-Aguirre, said. “We are so excited to be part of this project because we know it's for people who can really use this information.”
“Cancer de Mama 101,” due Nov. 10, will be available at the Shaw Regional Cancer Center's library as well as other medical facilities in Eagle County. It will be available for purchase at Roxy in Vail and Beaver Creek, or you may call 970-479-8595 to order a copy.
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