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Pneumonia remains a major health problem. Hospitalization rates in the United States and Europe have increased 20% to 50% in the last 10 years, researchers say, and about 10% to 15% of patients die of the disease.

A new study shows that people who are hospitalized while taking cholesterol-reducing medications have a higher survival rate within 90 days of discharge.

The death rate for statin users was 10.3% after 30 days, compared to 15.7% for non-users. And after 90 days, the death rate for statin users was 16.8%, compared to 22.4% of those not on statins.

In an editorial, Kasturi Haldar, PhD, of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., writes that the study "raises the question of whether statins should be used to improve anti-infective therapy."

Report from WebMD

Upon further reading at Health.com, it is mentioned the study could also be picking up on a so-called healthy-user effect. Healthy users tend to see their doctors regularly, take their medications as prescribed, exercise, eat their fruits and veggies, and avoid smoking.

Labels: cholesterol, Pneumonia

Without protein in the diet, our body would begin to cannibalize itself, slowly devouring the existing protein in muscles, bones and the brain. It's not a pleasant experience.

A tid bit or two about protein...

Protein is found throughout the body—in muscle, bone, skin, hair, and virtually every other body part or tissue. It makes up the enzymes that power many chemical reactions and the hemoglobin that carries oxygen in your blood. At least 10,000 different proteins make you what you are and keep you that way.

Because the body doesn't store amino acids, as it does fats or carbohydrates, it needs a daily supply of amino acids to make new protein.

The Harvard Nutrition Source says in terms of protein you should pay attention to what type of food you are relying on for the benefits. When choosing protein-rich foods, pay attention to what comes along with the protein. Vegetable sources of protein, such as beans, nuts, and whole grains, are excellent choices, and they offer healthy fiber, vitamins and minerals. The best animal protein choices are fish and poultry.

With all that being said it is also important to know there is a downside to eating TOO much protein. Digesting protein releases acids that the body usually neutralizes with calcium and other buffering agents in the blood. Eating lots of protein, such as the amounts recommended in the so-called low-carb or no-carb diets, takes lots of calcium. Some of this may be pulled from bone. Following a high-protein diet for a few weeks probably won't have much effect on bone strength. Doing it for a long time, though, could weaken bone.

Labels: bone strength, diet, protein

Ghosts and goblins walk the streets, approaching homes collecting treats. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) cautions people about keeping their pets safe and preventing dog bite injuries this Halloween.

While some dogs may understand that costumes and excited children are all part of the holiday fun, many dogs are fearful of common Halloween activities. This creates an increased potential for dog bites.

"Dogs believe they are the guardians of their homes, and they can feel threatened if a stranger enters their space," explains Dr. James O. Cook, president of the AVMA. "If your dog is apprehensive in these situations, you need to be sensitive to that and make preparations before Halloween to keep your dog -- and all the little neighborhood ghosts and goblins-safe."

Dr. Cook explains that costumes can be very confusing for dogs and this can cause them to react in ways that they might not otherwise. For example, some dogs will bark in alarm or show signs of aggression even when an owner or friend puts on a mask or costume.

"What's important is that you be responsive to your dog and prepare ahead of time for the holiday," he says. "If your dog gets nervous when the doorbell rings, put the dog in a place where it will feel safe. This could be inside a crate with a favorite toy or treat, or inside a familiar room with the door closed. This will make the dog feel safer and calmer."

"If your dog appears to be excessively stressed, look to your veterinarian for help," Dr. Cook adds.

Dog bite injuries and stress are not the only hazards for dogs and their owners on Halloween; candy is another common Halloween problem. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and so is xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many chewing gums. Make sure you store Halloween candy where your dog cannot reach it, because most pets will eat it if given the opportunity.

"Children tend to want to share their treats with their pets, and the dog is all too happy to oblige," Dr. Cook explains. "Warn your children beforehand that table scraps are unhealthy for pets, and that candy can be deadly."

Labels: animal safety, candy, halloween, pets

The most commonly used vaccine, often called the "flu shot," is a killed virus vaccine that can be given to individuals ranging from 6 months to senior citizens. This inactivated vaccine can be used by everyone except individuals who have had an allergic reaction to eggs.

Last year they chose strains for the shot which ended up not helping many people fight the virus. This meant a lot of people who got the shot also ended up getting the flu; not good.

Another vaccine is a live attenuated influenza virus vaccine that is administered by droplets given into the nose (FluMist). Attenuation means that the virus has been weakened so that it does not cause illness in normal healthy people.

FluMist is approved for individuals ranging from 2 years to 65. Administration does not require any injections, a clear advantage for those who particularly dislike needles. Studies comparing the efficacy of the two types of vaccine suggest that the live attenuated vaccine may provide a slight advantage in generating an effective immune response. However, as a live virus, this vaccine has some theoretical risk for patients with defective immunity and it is the general recommendation that patients with primary immunodeficiency do not use this form of influenza vaccine. Which means that my son would not be able to get this form of the vaccine, as he has an IgA deficiency.

What can people do if they don't want to deal with the vaccine? Well, first of all you should still strongly consider getting the vaccine because it can be extremely helpful. But if you would rather not than there are still other options.

There are now anti-viral drugs which can lower the severity of influenza in exposed individuals if given early enough following exposure. Tamiflu should be considered by anyone who has had a close exposure to someone with influenza. Some experts recommend taking this drug for a few weeks during the peak of the local influenza season.

Last but not least, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu shots for all women who will be pregnant during influenza season. In North America, peak flu season is usually November to March.

And therefore when Brae gets his shot I'll be scheduling myself for one. =o)

Labels: influenza, virus