From the cherry red tip of a lighted cigarette through the respiratory tract to vital lung cells, the havoc created by tobacco smoke seems almost criminal, activating genes and portions of the immune system to create inflammation that results in life-shortening emphysema, said researchers led by those at Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (http://www.houston.va.gov/).
In a report online in the journal Science Translational Medicine (http://stm.sciencemag.org/), the scientists, including two from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (www.mdanderson.org), described the track the toxic smoke takes through the tissues and how they accomplish their destructive work.
“It’s like walking into a crime scene,” said Dr. Farrah Kheradmand, professor of medicine and immunology at BCM (http://www.bcm.edu/medicine/pulmonary/index.cfm?pmid=4832) and a senior author of the report. In their current work, the scientists took cells present in the “crime scene” apart, piece by piece to elucidate what occurred when, and how.
Cancer is not something most young men think about. But according to Dr. Mohit Khera, assistant professor of urology at Baylor College of Medicine, men in the 18- to 35-year range should consider screening for testicular cancer.
If caught early, testicular cancer is highly treatable. But it is a fast growing cancer so it’s important for men to keep up with monthly self exams, which are quick and easy.
Khera recommends men examine their testicles to check for any unusual hardening at least once per month. If any abnormalities are discovered, consult your physician.
The Baylor Teen Health Clinic has increasingly turned to technology to communicate important messages about teen sexuality. Its latest tool is a series of videos for the Internet designed to increase awareness of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
The videos, called webisodes, are a collaboration of the Teen Health Clinic and the University of Houston’s Valenti School of Communication. They can be viewed on the Baylor Teen Health Clinic website at www.teenhealthclinic.org.
The webisodes, called “Caught Off Guard,” offer lessons in the importance of using protection and communicating with your partners as well as information about HIV and STIs, including Chlamydia and gonorrhea. They also offer information about the Teen Health Clinic, and what people can expect when they make an appointment there.
Abnormal bleeding can be an early warning sign of cervical cancer and should not be ignored, said a gynecologic oncologist from Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu).
“January marks National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and is a great time for women of all ages to be aware of common symptoms and early warning signs of the disease,” said Dr. M. Yvette Williams-Brown, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at BCM. “All women should know what constitutes abnormal bleeding.”
When caught in the early stages, cervical cancer is curable, so being aware of these warning signs and seeking medical attention for them is important, she said.
Menopause is called “the change” for a reason. As hormone levels begin to change, so do health concerns, such as osteoporosis, said experts at Baylor College of Medicine.
“Decreasing estrogen levels can affect bone mass, making a woman more susceptible to osteoporosis,” said Dr. Elizabeth Nelson, associate professor of medicine and director of the Women’s Center for Comprehensive Care at BCM.
Osteoporosis is a condition that can develop if bone is not replaced as quickly as it is worn away, leaving behind porous or weak bones. Many factors can affect this condition such as heredity, age and nutritional intake.
The typical “craziness” of the holiday season can offer an emotional boost for a chronically ill child.
“The holidays usually are very hectic, but the benefit of seeing family and friends outweighs the hassles of travel and preparation,” said Dr. Ernest Frugé, associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and director of psychosocial programs at Texas Children's Cancer Center. “It’s no different for a child in a chronic illness.”
Planning ahead is the key to travel success, whether it is allowing for extra breaks on a long road trip or reminding older relatives about childproofing needs. Parents should always consult with their child’s physician before the trip, pack all medications in their original prescription containers and bring along a copy of appropriate medical information.
While many people think twice before taking a second serving of a delicious holiday dessert, they may not do the same when it comes to that holiday beverage. But liquid calories can quickly add up, said a nutrition expert at Baylor College of Medicine.
Although exercise should be a part of your daily routine, it's important to know when your body needs a break, according to an expert at Baylor College of Medicine.
“It's not ideal to work out when you're sick because you’re stressing your system out,” said Dr. David Green, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at BCM. “The same thing is true after a recent surgery; your body is trying to recover from the surgery.”
If you still want to stay active, consider using simple things such as arm bands for gentle exercises, but stay away from heavy aerobic exercises, he said.
For years the common belief was that the onset of arthritis meant an end to exercise. But we’ve come to learn that exercise is one of the best things you can do to keep arthritis from getting worse. Exercise keeps your muscles strong and it can reduce joint pain and stiffness. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which places less stress on your joints.
“There is evidence that indicates low-impact aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling, or water aerobics, as well as strength training, can improve function and decrease pain in patients who suffer from arthritis,” said Brooks Zimmerman, D.O., a family medicine physician at Mercy’s Memorial Medical Clinic in Ardmore.
