We’re Proud to Call Our Leader a True Civil Rights Champion

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AppId is over the quota

May 16 2012

NCLR is proud to announce that our President and CEO, Janet Murguía, has been selected to receive the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award for her significant contributions to the cause of social justice.  At a reception and dinner tonight at the Washington Hilton, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights will present Murguía, along with Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), with what is called “the highest honor” bestowed by the civil and human rights community.

 Since Murguía joined NCLR in 2005, she has led the institution to achieve outstanding improvements and increased opportunities for Latinos across the United States.  With groundbreaking political movement toward social justice and the increasing number of Hispanics in the U.S., today represents a special time for this community to be recognized and to act upon the promise behind this award.

“As our current political climate is steeped in wedge politics and efforts to divide our nation rather than celebrate our rich diversity, all of us who cherish equality and equal opportunity have been energized by two strong voices of inclusion, two remarkable champions of social justice,” stated the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in an announcement releasing the names of the 2012 Humphrey honorees. 

Previous honorees include former President Bill Clinton; Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the Honorable John Lewis (D-Ga.), a key figure of the American Civil Rights movement; and the motion picture “Crash,” among other impressive individuals and feats.

In a recent speech, Murguía stressed the importance of seeing this award as part of a larger effort by the growing Hispanic community to participate in a shared vision of America’s future.

“NCLR has long been a proud partner and member of the Leadership Conference and it is an honor for me to receive the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award.  I accept it on behalf of the many activists in the Latino community who fight every day for justice and the chance for everyone to be part of the American Dream,” said Murguía. 

For more information on the award or tonight’s event, visit the Leadership Conference website.

Issues: Civil Rights and Justice
Geography:California, Far West, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Texas

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We’re Proud to Call Our Leader a True Civil Rights Champion

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

May 16 2012

NCLR is proud to announce that our President and CEO, Janet Murguía, has been selected to receive the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award for her significant contributions to the cause of social justice.  At a reception and dinner tonight at the Washington Hilton, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights will present Murguía, along with Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), with what is called “the highest honor” bestowed by the civil and human rights community.

 Since Murguía joined NCLR in 2005, she has led the institution to achieve outstanding improvements and increased opportunities for Latinos across the United States.  With groundbreaking political movement toward social justice and the increasing number of Hispanics in the U.S., today represents a special time for this community to be recognized and to act upon the promise behind this award.

“As our current political climate is steeped in wedge politics and efforts to divide our nation rather than celebrate our rich diversity, all of us who cherish equality and equal opportunity have been energized by two strong voices of inclusion, two remarkable champions of social justice,” stated the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in an announcement releasing the names of the 2012 Humphrey honorees. 

Previous honorees include former President Bill Clinton; Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the Honorable John Lewis (D-Ga.), a key figure of the American Civil Rights movement; and the motion picture “Crash,” among other impressive individuals and feats.

In a recent speech, Murguía stressed the importance of seeing this award as part of a larger effort by the growing Hispanic community to participate in a shared vision of America’s future.

“NCLR has long been a proud partner and member of the Leadership Conference and it is an honor for me to receive the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award.  I accept it on behalf of the many activists in the Latino community who fight every day for justice and the chance for everyone to be part of the American Dream,” said Murguía. 

For more information on the award or tonight’s event, visit the Leadership Conference website.

Issues: Civil Rights and Justice
Geography:California, Far West, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Texas

View the original article here

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Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

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AppId is over the quota

April 6, 2012 / Vol. 61 / No. RR–2
Good Laboratory Practices for Biochemical Genetic Testing and Newborn Screening for Inherited Metabolic Disorders
CE Available

This report provides recommendations for good laboratory practices for biochemical genetic testing and newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders. The recommended practices address the benefits of using a quality management system approach, factors to consider before introducing new tests, establishment and verification of test performance specifications, the total laboratory testing process, confidentiality of patient information and test results, and personnel qualifications and responsibilities for laboratory testing for inherited metabolic diseases. These recommendations are intended for laboratories that perform biochemical genetic testing to improve the quality of laboratory services and for newborn screening laboratories to ensure the quality of laboratory practices for inherited metabolic disorders. These recommendations also are intended as a resource for medical and public health professionals who evaluate laboratory practices, for users of laboratory services to facilitate their collaboration with newborn screening systems and use of biochemical genetic tests, and for standard-setting organizations and professional societies in developing future laboratory quality standards and practice recommendations.

View the original article here

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Alabama Legislature Loses Touch with Reality

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AppId is over the quota

June 05 2012

By Janet Murguía, President and CEO, NCLR

HB 56, Alabama’s notorious bill that is perhaps the most draconian anti-immigrant law in the country, has provoked a nonstop flood of controversy since its enactment. It has been enjoined by a federal judge and denounced by the U.S. Department of Justice. It brought howls of protest from farmers, one of the largest economic sectors in the state, as they saw their crops rot in the fields. Thousands of students were pulled out of schools by frightened parents, and the law’s implications overwhelmed educators, putting the education of every Alabama child at risk. Not to mention, this is happening in a state which ranks at or near the bottom of all 50 states on educational progress. A storm of outrage has rained down on Alabama, resulting in a host of local and national rallies and marches in opposition to Alabama’s return to the dark days of the Jim Crow era.

Even a dispassionate examination of the situation reveals the remarkable toll HB 56 has taken and will continue to take on Alabama. The Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama estimates that the state will lose at least $10 billion, 140,000 jobs, and nearly $400 million in tax revenue. And it’s getting worse. Alabama’s farmers have already announced that they are cutting back on production in an attempt to avoid the massive losses they experienced last year.

All of this has created enormous pressure on the legislature, and especially Governor Robert Bentley, to take action. Certainly state legislators could see that they used a shotgun to kill a fly on the wall (Alabama has one of the smallest foreign-born populations of any state) and ended up with a giant hole on the side of their house. Bentley implored the legislature to revisit the legislation. But did they get out the repair kit? No, the legislature instead pulled out a cannon.

The bill that just passed the legislature and was signed by the Governor—the alleged fix—still has virtually all of the provisions that got Alabama into this mess in the first place. It still legalizes profiling. It still turns schools into immigration enforcement agencies.

But the legislature didn’t stop there; instead, they doubled down on a losing hand. The law now contains a nonsensical and decidedly unconstitutional provision that requires the state to publish the name of all illegal immigrants who appear in court for violations of state law, regardless of whether they are convicted or not—to what purpose, other than state-sanctioned harassment of immigrants and courts alike, no one can say.

It’s hard to know whether these legislators are being willfully ignorant of reality or just stubbornly refusing to acknowledge that they made a big mistake. Time will tell what the cost of making a political point rather than solving a problem will be for these legislators. In the meantime, the price is being paid by their constituents. For their sake, this law needs to be repealed.

Issues:
Geography:California, Far West, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Texas

View the original article here

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Alabama Legislature Loses Touch with Reality

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

June 05 2012

By Janet Murguía, President and CEO, NCLR

HB 56, Alabama’s notorious bill that is perhaps the most draconian anti-immigrant law in the country, has provoked a nonstop flood of controversy since its enactment. It has been enjoined by a federal judge and denounced by the U.S. Department of Justice. It brought howls of protest from farmers, one of the largest economic sectors in the state, as they saw their crops rot in the fields. Thousands of students were pulled out of schools by frightened parents, and the law’s implications overwhelmed educators, putting the education of every Alabama child at risk. Not to mention, this is happening in a state which ranks at or near the bottom of all 50 states on educational progress. A storm of outrage has rained down on Alabama, resulting in a host of local and national rallies and marches in opposition to Alabama’s return to the dark days of the Jim Crow era.

Even a dispassionate examination of the situation reveals the remarkable toll HB 56 has taken and will continue to take on Alabama. The Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama estimates that the state will lose at least $10 billion, 140,000 jobs, and nearly $400 million in tax revenue. And it’s getting worse. Alabama’s farmers have already announced that they are cutting back on production in an attempt to avoid the massive losses they experienced last year.

All of this has created enormous pressure on the legislature, and especially Governor Robert Bentley, to take action. Certainly state legislators could see that they used a shotgun to kill a fly on the wall (Alabama has one of the smallest foreign-born populations of any state) and ended up with a giant hole on the side of their house. Bentley implored the legislature to revisit the legislation. But did they get out the repair kit? No, the legislature instead pulled out a cannon.

The bill that just passed the legislature and was signed by the Governor—the alleged fix—still has virtually all of the provisions that got Alabama into this mess in the first place. It still legalizes profiling. It still turns schools into immigration enforcement agencies.

But the legislature didn’t stop there; instead, they doubled down on a losing hand. The law now contains a nonsensical and decidedly unconstitutional provision that requires the state to publish the name of all illegal immigrants who appear in court for violations of state law, regardless of whether they are convicted or not—to what purpose, other than state-sanctioned harassment of immigrants and courts alike, no one can say.

It’s hard to know whether these legislators are being willfully ignorant of reality or just stubbornly refusing to acknowledge that they made a big mistake. Time will tell what the cost of making a political point rather than solving a problem will be for these legislators. In the meantime, the price is being paid by their constituents. For their sake, this law needs to be repealed.

Issues:
Geography:California, Far West, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Texas

View the original article here

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Cute But Risky

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AppId is over the quota

April 6, 2012 / Vol. 61 / No. RR–2
Good Laboratory Practices for Biochemical Genetic Testing and Newborn Screening for Inherited Metabolic Disorders
CE Available

This report provides recommendations for good laboratory practices for biochemical genetic testing and newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders. The recommended practices address the benefits of using a quality management system approach, factors to consider before introducing new tests, establishment and verification of test performance specifications, the total laboratory testing process, confidentiality of patient information and test results, and personnel qualifications and responsibilities for laboratory testing for inherited metabolic diseases. These recommendations are intended for laboratories that perform biochemical genetic testing to improve the quality of laboratory services and for newborn screening laboratories to ensure the quality of laboratory practices for inherited metabolic disorders. These recommendations also are intended as a resource for medical and public health professionals who evaluate laboratory practices, for users of laboratory services to facilitate their collaboration with newborn screening systems and use of biochemical genetic tests, and for standard-setting organizations and professional societies in developing future laboratory quality standards and practice recommendations.

View the original article here

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Get Your Big Boy Shots

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AppId is over the quota

April 6, 2012 / Vol. 61 / No. RR–2
Good Laboratory Practices for Biochemical Genetic Testing and Newborn Screening for Inherited Metabolic Disorders
CE Available

This report provides recommendations for good laboratory practices for biochemical genetic testing and newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders. The recommended practices address the benefits of using a quality management system approach, factors to consider before introducing new tests, establishment and verification of test performance specifications, the total laboratory testing process, confidentiality of patient information and test results, and personnel qualifications and responsibilities for laboratory testing for inherited metabolic diseases. These recommendations are intended for laboratories that perform biochemical genetic testing to improve the quality of laboratory services and for newborn screening laboratories to ensure the quality of laboratory practices for inherited metabolic disorders. These recommendations also are intended as a resource for medical and public health professionals who evaluate laboratory practices, for users of laboratory services to facilitate their collaboration with newborn screening systems and use of biochemical genetic tests, and for standard-setting organizations and professional societies in developing future laboratory quality standards and practice recommendations.

View the original article here

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Distraction opens the door to Errors

Recently spoke at a meeting of major medical. While I was shooting my computer, a number of colleagues came up to talk. When it was time for me to speak, I started my presentation. About halfway, my computer screen went blank.

If the stress in your life is more than they can cope, get help immediately.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) go to the nearest hospital or emergency medical roomCall, the health provider and clergyNational Alliance on mental illness
www.Nami.org
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

I forgot to link my computer. Now this was a minor outage. I took the responsibility, and everything worked fine.

We know that when we are tired or distracted, we're not at our best. In most cases, the resulting errors. Let's not forget where we parked our car. We cannot find the keys to the House. But let me share a story with you.

A major medical Center, a patient received treatment for cancer arising from left kidney. Tragically, during the healthy kidney surgery the patient was removed instead of the cancerous kidney. Devastation for the patient, family and medical support team.

How could this happen? A careful review of the record has revealed some of the individuals involved in the care of this patient was distracted by beepers and mobile phones, that has affected their attention and concentration.

Most of us aren't surgeons and not deal with situations of life and death, but the lesson is still powerful.

When we fail to fire, you make mistakes. Knowing that, what can we do to avoid it? How can we keep our energies? How can we protect our priorities? Please weigh in.

blog index

View the original article here

Read More

Distraction opens the door to Errors

Recently spoke at a meeting of major medical. While I was shooting my computer, a number of colleagues came up to talk. When it was time for me to speak, I started my presentation. About halfway, my computer screen went blank.

If the stress in your life is more than they can cope, get help immediately.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) go to the nearest hospital or emergency medical roomCall, the health provider and clergyNational Alliance on mental illness
www.Nami.org
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

I forgot to link my computer. Now this was a minor outage. I took the responsibility, and everything worked fine.

We know that when we are tired or distracted, we're not at our best. In most cases, the resulting errors. Let's not forget where we parked our car. We cannot find the keys to the House. But let me share a story with you.

A major medical Center, a patient received treatment for cancer arising from left kidney. Tragically, during the healthy kidney surgery the patient was removed instead of the cancerous kidney. Devastation for the patient, family and medical support team.

How could this happen? A careful review of the record has revealed some of the individuals involved in the care of this patient was distracted by beepers and mobile phones, that has affected their attention and concentration.

Most of us aren't surgeons and not deal with situations of life and death, but the lesson is still powerful.

When we fail to fire, you make mistakes. Knowing that, what can we do to avoid it? How can we keep our energies? How can we protect our priorities? Please weigh in.

blog index

View the original article here

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Perfection without (Board short) Bikini flaunting body

Click Here!
You must show off the no time these destinations, and prepare your body.

It's time to become crunch (literally) — Memorial Day weekend near future and put your bikini off, soon appears, ready or not?. So at least your long weekend holiday in one stone two birds can kill by being able to operate it, find the work ahead. If would prefer if there is an activity for getting fit and our destination fast on a jaunt Hamptons or St. Martin, hanging or enjoy hiking in the rain forest to escape the long break 10-check-out after the jump»
Within the ???? tone - East Hampton's bike

 

Why: to go back to the Hamptons, urban retreat is the perfect spot. Indeed, it offers great restaurants, also exhale breath and soul cycles of the outpost. Everybody everybody to the Hamptons has caught the bug spit out breath and soul cycle who also head of summer. Soul cycles in fashion, pump-your spin class like exhale Pilates core fusion Bale and offers yoga classes. If they return might be bit Hamptons vacation, probably doesn't care.
Destinations: in a ???? tone appeals stylish Hamptonite audience 16 rooms and suites and three cottages, decorated in Scandinavian design. Beach bike ride from the village of this one, owns hotels in 20 Sweden entrepreneurs around the world without spending a lot of cash (free beach cruiser loaners available) from you to do some rotation. Further, the Buddha Garden held in yoga class hotel.
???? tones in photos»

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Antibiotic Overuse

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AppId is over the quota

April 6, 2012 / Vol. 61 / No. RR–2
Good Laboratory Practices for Biochemical Genetic Testing and Newborn Screening for Inherited Metabolic Disorders
CE Available

This report provides recommendations for good laboratory practices for biochemical genetic testing and newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders. The recommended practices address the benefits of using a quality management system approach, factors to consider before introducing new tests, establishment and verification of test performance specifications, the total laboratory testing process, confidentiality of patient information and test results, and personnel qualifications and responsibilities for laboratory testing for inherited metabolic diseases. These recommendations are intended for laboratories that perform biochemical genetic testing to improve the quality of laboratory services and for newborn screening laboratories to ensure the quality of laboratory practices for inherited metabolic disorders. These recommendations also are intended as a resource for medical and public health professionals who evaluate laboratory practices, for users of laboratory services to facilitate their collaboration with newborn screening systems and use of biochemical genetic tests, and for standard-setting organizations and professional societies in developing future laboratory quality standards and practice recommendations.

View the original article here

Read More

Body fat analyzers: How accurate are they?

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IP is over the quota

Although the technology is improving, it's difficult to get an accurate body fat measurement from most commercially available body fat analyzers.

Various types of body fat analyzers — also called impedance meters — are available to the general public. Results from portable body fat analyzers can vary depending on many factors, however, including the quality of the device and how hydrated you are when the measurement is taken.

If you're concerned about your body fat percentage, skip the commercially available body fat analyzers and ask your doctor about more accurate measurement techniques.

Depending on the circumstances, options may include:

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. This is a specialized X-ray exam that provides detailed information about the ratio between fat, muscle and bones in specific parts of the body.Air displacement plethysmography. With this technique, you're enclosed in a computerized, egg-shaped chamber (Bod Pod, others). The device measures your weight and volume to determine your body density, then uses these figures to calculate your percentage of body fat.Underwater weighing. Also known as hydrodensitometry, this method involves sitting on a special chair submerged under water. Your underwater weight or body density is then used to calculate your percentage of body fat.

Body fat can also be estimated using cross-sectional imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scan. These scans can provide the most precise body composition measurements, especially for intra-abdominal fat measurement. They are expensive, however, and not indicated for everyone.

Depending on the information desired, you and your doctor can determine the optimal type of body fat measurement. Keep in mind that specific body fat measurement techniques can be expensive and may not be available in all locations.

Next question References Jaffrin MY. Body composition determination by bioimpedance: An update. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 2009;12:482.Lintsi M, et al. Comparison of hand-to-hand bioimpedance and anthropometry equations versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for the assessment of body fat percentage in 17-18-year-old conscripts. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. 2004;24:85.Lohman M, et al. Reproducibility of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry total and regional body composition measurements using different scanning positions and definitions of regions. Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental. 2009;58:1663.Lee SY, et al. Assessment methods in human body composition. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 2008;11:566.Bray GA. Determining body composition in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed March 2, 2012.Jensky-Squires NE, et al. Validity and reliability of body composition analysers in children and adults. British Journal of Nutrition. 2008;100:859.Ball SD, et al. Comparison of the Bod Pod and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in men. Physiological Measurement. 2004;25:671.Bentzur KM, et al. Evaluation of the BOD POD for estimating percent body fat in collegiate track and field female athletes: A comparison of four methods. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2008;22:1985.Shuster A, et al. The clinical importance of visceral adiposity: A critical review of methods for visceral adipose tissue analysis. British Journal of Radiology. 2012; 85:1.Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 2, 2012.

View the original article here

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Body fat analyzers: How accurate are they?

IP is over the quota
IP is over the quota

Although the technology is improving, it's difficult to get an accurate body fat measurement from most commercially available body fat analyzers.

Various types of body fat analyzers — also called impedance meters — are available to the general public. Results from portable body fat analyzers can vary depending on many factors, however, including the quality of the device and how hydrated you are when the measurement is taken.

If you're concerned about your body fat percentage, skip the commercially available body fat analyzers and ask your doctor about more accurate measurement techniques.

Depending on the circumstances, options may include:

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. This is a specialized X-ray exam that provides detailed information about the ratio between fat, muscle and bones in specific parts of the body.Air displacement plethysmography. With this technique, you're enclosed in a computerized, egg-shaped chamber (Bod Pod, others). The device measures your weight and volume to determine your body density, then uses these figures to calculate your percentage of body fat.Underwater weighing. Also known as hydrodensitometry, this method involves sitting on a special chair submerged under water. Your underwater weight or body density is then used to calculate your percentage of body fat.

Body fat can also be estimated using cross-sectional imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scan. These scans can provide the most precise body composition measurements, especially for intra-abdominal fat measurement. They are expensive, however, and not indicated for everyone.

Depending on the information desired, you and your doctor can determine the optimal type of body fat measurement. Keep in mind that specific body fat measurement techniques can be expensive and may not be available in all locations.

Next question References Jaffrin MY. Body composition determination by bioimpedance: An update. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 2009;12:482.Lintsi M, et al. Comparison of hand-to-hand bioimpedance and anthropometry equations versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for the assessment of body fat percentage in 17-18-year-old conscripts. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. 2004;24:85.Lohman M, et al. Reproducibility of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry total and regional body composition measurements using different scanning positions and definitions of regions. Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental. 2009;58:1663.Lee SY, et al. Assessment methods in human body composition. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 2008;11:566.Bray GA. Determining body composition in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed March 2, 2012.Jensky-Squires NE, et al. Validity and reliability of body composition analysers in children and adults. British Journal of Nutrition. 2008;100:859.Ball SD, et al. Comparison of the Bod Pod and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in men. Physiological Measurement. 2004;25:671.Bentzur KM, et al. Evaluation of the BOD POD for estimating percent body fat in collegiate track and field female athletes: A comparison of four methods. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2008;22:1985.Shuster A, et al. The clinical importance of visceral adiposity: A critical review of methods for visceral adipose tissue analysis. British Journal of Radiology. 2012; 85:1.Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 2, 2012.

View the original article here

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Yoga May Improve Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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AppId is over the quota

People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Feel Better After 6 Weeks of Iyengar-Style Yoga

By Laird Harrison
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

May 24, 2012 (Honolulu, Hawaii) -- Young patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may feel better after practicing yoga for just six weeks, a new study shows.

Researchers reported their findings here last week at the American Pain Society's annual meeting.

"It seems to be a very feasible, practical treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis," one of the researchers, Kirsten Lung, tells WebMD. Lung researches pain at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

The results are not surprising to Kathleen Sluka, PhD, a physical therapist who researches pain at the University of Iowa. All kinds of physical activity can help with rheumatoid arthritis, she tells WebMD. Sluka was not involved in this study.

RA is a chronic type of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease. It is most common among women. Early symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and stiffness.

As it progresses, RA may feel like the flu, with muscle aches and loss of appetite. Early and effective treatment may help prevent joint and bone destruction.

The UCLA researchers say some drugs for RA can pose additional risks for younger patients. So the researchers are looking for alternatives. They decided to try Iyengar yoga.

In Iyengar yoga, practitioners may use blocks, straps, cushions, and other props to stretch and strengthen their muscles.

The UCLA researchers recruited 26 women with RA. The women's ages ranged from 21 to 35. On average they had suffered from RA for 10 and a half years.

The researchers then assigned 11 of these women to classes in Iyengar yoga. They assigned the other 15 to a wait list for yoga classes.

After six weeks, they asked both groups about their condition. The group that practiced yoga said they were happier than when they started. They said they could better accept their pain. They also reported better general health and more energy.

The women on the wait list for yoga classes did not experience these improvements.

Even the women who did yoga did not report less pain or disability. That may be because the study was so short, says Lung. "But six weeks did a world of good for those involved."

Sluka says that physical exercise usually takes about eight weeks to show significant effects. All kinds of exercise can help with RA, she says. "Yoga is just another form of exercise," she says.

By strengthening muscles, exercise prevents joints from moving in uncomfortable ways. And it can activate parts of the nervous system that reduce pain.

The study is not conclusive, she points out, because it is very small. Also, there is a possibility that the people in the yoga group felt better just because they were doing something to help themselves, not specifically because they were doing yoga.

But the study is still worthwhile, Sluka says. It shows people with RA they have another option for getting exercise. "Some people like to run. Some people like to lift weights. Some people like to do yoga," she says.

These findings were presented at a medical conference. They should be considered preliminary, as they have not yet undergone the "peer review" process, in which outside experts scrutinize the data prior to publication in a medical journal.

SOURCES: 31st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society, Honolulu, Hawaii, May 16-19, 2012.Kirsten Lung, research associate, University of California, Los Angeles Pediatric Pain Program.Kathleen Sluka, professor of physical therapy & rehabilitation science, University of Iowa.

©2012 WebMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

View the original article here

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Yoga May Improve Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Feel Better After 6 Weeks of Iyengar-Style Yoga

By Laird Harrison
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

May 24, 2012 (Honolulu, Hawaii) -- Young patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may feel better after practicing yoga for just six weeks, a new study shows.

Researchers reported their findings here last week at the American Pain Society's annual meeting.

"It seems to be a very feasible, practical treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis," one of the researchers, Kirsten Lung, tells WebMD. Lung researches pain at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

The results are not surprising to Kathleen Sluka, PhD, a physical therapist who researches pain at the University of Iowa. All kinds of physical activity can help with rheumatoid arthritis, she tells WebMD. Sluka was not involved in this study.

RA is a chronic type of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease. It is most common among women. Early symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and stiffness.

As it progresses, RA may feel like the flu, with muscle aches and loss of appetite. Early and effective treatment may help prevent joint and bone destruction.

The UCLA researchers say some drugs for RA can pose additional risks for younger patients. So the researchers are looking for alternatives. They decided to try Iyengar yoga.

In Iyengar yoga, practitioners may use blocks, straps, cushions, and other props to stretch and strengthen their muscles.

The UCLA researchers recruited 26 women with RA. The women's ages ranged from 21 to 35. On average they had suffered from RA for 10 and a half years.

The researchers then assigned 11 of these women to classes in Iyengar yoga. They assigned the other 15 to a wait list for yoga classes.

After six weeks, they asked both groups about their condition. The group that practiced yoga said they were happier than when they started. They said they could better accept their pain. They also reported better general health and more energy.

The women on the wait list for yoga classes did not experience these improvements.

Even the women who did yoga did not report less pain or disability. That may be because the study was so short, says Lung. "But six weeks did a world of good for those involved."

Sluka says that physical exercise usually takes about eight weeks to show significant effects. All kinds of exercise can help with RA, she says. "Yoga is just another form of exercise," she says.

By strengthening muscles, exercise prevents joints from moving in uncomfortable ways. And it can activate parts of the nervous system that reduce pain.

The study is not conclusive, she points out, because it is very small. Also, there is a possibility that the people in the yoga group felt better just because they were doing something to help themselves, not specifically because they were doing yoga.

But the study is still worthwhile, Sluka says. It shows people with RA they have another option for getting exercise. "Some people like to run. Some people like to lift weights. Some people like to do yoga," she says.

These findings were presented at a medical conference. They should be considered preliminary, as they have not yet undergone the "peer review" process, in which outside experts scrutinize the data prior to publication in a medical journal.

SOURCES: 31st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society, Honolulu, Hawaii, May 16-19, 2012.Kirsten Lung, research associate, University of California, Los Angeles Pediatric Pain Program.Kathleen Sluka, professor of physical therapy & rehabilitation science, University of Iowa.

©2012 WebMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

View the original article here

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Good Night Bugs

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AppId is over the quota

April 6, 2012 / Vol. 61 / No. RR–2
Good Laboratory Practices for Biochemical Genetic Testing and Newborn Screening for Inherited Metabolic Disorders
CE Available

This report provides recommendations for good laboratory practices for biochemical genetic testing and newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders. The recommended practices address the benefits of using a quality management system approach, factors to consider before introducing new tests, establishment and verification of test performance specifications, the total laboratory testing process, confidentiality of patient information and test results, and personnel qualifications and responsibilities for laboratory testing for inherited metabolic diseases. These recommendations are intended for laboratories that perform biochemical genetic testing to improve the quality of laboratory services and for newborn screening laboratories to ensure the quality of laboratory practices for inherited metabolic disorders. These recommendations also are intended as a resource for medical and public health professionals who evaluate laboratory practices, for users of laboratory services to facilitate their collaboration with newborn screening systems and use of biochemical genetic tests, and for standard-setting organizations and professional societies in developing future laboratory quality standards and practice recommendations.

View the original article here

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For the Ladies in Our Lives

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April 6, 2012 / Vol. 61 / No. RR–2
Good Laboratory Practices for Biochemical Genetic Testing and Newborn Screening for Inherited Metabolic Disorders
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This report provides recommendations for good laboratory practices for biochemical genetic testing and newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders. The recommended practices address the benefits of using a quality management system approach, factors to consider before introducing new tests, establishment and verification of test performance specifications, the total laboratory testing process, confidentiality of patient information and test results, and personnel qualifications and responsibilities for laboratory testing for inherited metabolic diseases. These recommendations are intended for laboratories that perform biochemical genetic testing to improve the quality of laboratory services and for newborn screening laboratories to ensure the quality of laboratory practices for inherited metabolic disorders. These recommendations also are intended as a resource for medical and public health professionals who evaluate laboratory practices, for users of laboratory services to facilitate their collaboration with newborn screening systems and use of biochemical genetic tests, and for standard-setting organizations and professional societies in developing future laboratory quality standards and practice recommendations.

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