Alzheimers Mystery

Looking over some recent research on Alzheimers disease reminded me again how difficult a subject this must be. Even leading doctors mention the ' mystery ' involved as they seek to understand our brain, the ' most complex organ in the body.'

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Estimates of over 4 Million people suffer from Alzheimers. And I noticed it is now on the Top 5 list of what causes death. So we wish these dedicated researchers lots of success. We have seen up close what this disease does to people and thier families. The memory loss and dementia is awful. Our hearts go out to all of them and their caregiver families.

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We used to hear it was part of the aging process and that was even looked upon as normal. I for one am glad that is proven a myth. I don't know what causes it even after years of keeping up to date. Doctors speak of the Mystery involved. And sometimes each group of researchers come to different conclusions about cause. A lot of work needs to be done. But at least there is a great research effort dedicated to understanding this disease.

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One little guideline for me is the fact many doctors have noted that what is good for our heart is also good for our brain. That helps point us in right direction until some things become clearer. We exercise; we try to eat right, etc, etc, for heart health. And nice to know our brain also is blessed from all this. But we need more help to understand and have hope this will be forthcoming as doctors keep researching the Alzheimers Mystery that afflicts the " most complex organ in our body."

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http://www.alzheimers.org/

http://www.brainresearch.com/

Hospital Infections-911

The reports just keep coming in. Hospitals can make us sick. Or sicker. Canada reports 8,000 deaths each year from hospital infections. Out of 250,000 who get sick every year. And doctors and nurses say most of this is preventable.

 

The state of Missouri reports 200 patients die out of the 1,000 that experienced hospital infection. Nearly 12,000 hospital patients got serious infection while in Pennsylvania hosptials. 1,500 died.

 

We could go on but generally 1 out of every 20 people hospitalized will get an infection before discharged.

 

This seems to be an international problem and at first appears complex. But many doctors and nurses have been instructed to improve simple hygiene habits. Like hand washing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mention that overall Two Million patients get hospital infections each year and 90,000 die because of it. And simple handwashing can make a difference..?

 

Yes, its proven. Thats why the VA Hospitals have doubled soap containers in their hospitals. And are instructing staff on simple, but powerful. hygiene procedures. And have set up a tracking program.

 

Many hospitals have budget problems, and the first to be cut may be cleaning staff and nurses. Hospital infection control is a serious issue that is now more ' public ' than before. That should be good for all of us. We look forward to reading some of the new Reports hospitals will be required to release to the public. Some are already complying and some are not.

Eye-Saving Sunglasses

We've had many warnings about ultraviolet (UV) radiation causing

cateracts and age-related macular degeneration. The rays of the

Sun can cause vision problems. Some quite serious.

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We've learned one of the easiest ways to protect our eyes while

outdoors is wearing eyeglasses. And they don't have to be the

most expensive to protect us from hazardous radiation.

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Look at the label and judge by the numbers. Not so much price or

shade but the percentage of UVB blocked. Some of the more

protective glasses block over 90% of UVB; 60% of UVA, and

96% of visible light. Very good for the brightest of days on beach

or ski slopes. Most of these are very dark but be warned that

the dark color alone is not enough.

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Read the ANSI label. You might be surprised some of the

cheaper ones also afford great protection.

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Good enough for everyday use may be sufficiently tinted to

block 75% UVB, 25% UVA, and 60% visible light.

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Check with eye care professional if you aren't sure about the

right numbers for you. Or if you feel troubled about eye disease

risk.

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Two sample Links:

http://www.bobselectricmall.com/eyewear.htm

http://www.framesdirect.com/sunglasses/sunglasses-av.htm