Health news, tips and features: Healia Health Blog
October 2007
Many Unanswered Questions Surround Lupus Diagnosis and Treatment
Health News posted 2 years ago by The Healia Team
Although there are 1.4 million people in the United States affected by lupus - many unanswered questions remain about this disease. The exact cause or causes of lupus are unknown. Lupus is often difficult to diagnose and is sometimes mistaken for other diseases because there is no consistent set of symptoms for the disease. There is also limited knowledge about the triggers of lupus.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system inappropriately attacks the body’s healthy cells. Lupus can involve the heart, blood vessels, brain, joints, kidneys, lungs, and skin.
There are several forms of lupus with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) being the most common type. A physical exam and a blood test can help detect lupus. Signs and symptoms of lupus may vary for each individual. Some symptoms of lupus include:- skin rash
- swollen or painful joints
- weight loss
- muscle pain
- headaches
- fever
- depression
- hair loss
- blood clots
- fatigue
- seizures
There is no cure for lupus, but various treatments are available depending on the type of lupus. Treatments can help reduce symptoms and pain, and prevent serious complications. Treatments include aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, change in diet, anti-malarial drugs, skin and sun protection, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.
About 9 out of 10 people who have lupus are women. Lupus is more common among women of African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American heritage. For more information about lupus, please visit healia.com.
Recalls of Popular Children’s Toys with High Lead Levels
Health News posted 2 years ago by The Healia TeamThe news about high lead levels in popular children’s toys and toy manufacturer recalls has been a hot topic recently. And many of you may feel overwhelmed by the toy recall information and are looking for a central information resource.
A list of recalled toys can be found on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site. Here, you can review a list of toys recalled for high levels of lead. You can also review what toys have been recalled for other health and safety problems such as danger for magnetic ingestion or choking and entrapment hazards. A picture of each toy is available to help you identify the product.
Lead is most often found in paint or dust, but it may also be found in toys and other sources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that lead can be found in the following sources:
- Traditional home health remedies such as azarcon and greta which are sometimes used for upset stomach or indigestion in the Hispanic community
- Imported candies
- Imported toys and toy jewelry
- Imported cosmetics
- Pottery and ceramics
- Drinking water contaminated by lead leaching from lead pipes, solder, brass fixtures, or valves
- Consumer products, including tea kettles and vinyl mini-blinds
Children often ingest lead when they place their fingers and lead contaminated objects (such as toys) in their mouths. Prevention is key when dealing with lead exposure and children. If you believe that your child has been exposed to lead, you should contact your child’s physician immediately. A blood test can be performed to determine your child’s blood lead level.
According to the CDC, repeated exposure to lead can result in various childhood problems such as learning and hearing disabilities, behavioral problems, and delayed development. It is believed that even low blood lead levels can result in learning and behavior problems.For more information about lead poisoning prevention and treatment visit Healia.com.
lead poisoning prevention Toy Recall Lead Poisoning Treatment
Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Fundraising – Where Does the Money Go?
Health News posted 2 years ago by The Healia Team
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and
you may be helping in fundraising efforts for this worthwhile cause. So far, the
month has been full of races, walks, pink ribbons, cancer survivor stories, and
education. But one question comes to mind amongst all of these efforts…
Is everything we are doing making a
difference? And just where does all of this fundraising money go?
According to
the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, they have invested $1 billion to
date in breast cancer research, education, and health services.
A minimum of
twenty-five percent of the net income from each domestic Affiliate Race
supports the Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Programs. These
programs fund groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards, and
educational and scientific conferences around the world.
And up to
seventy-five percent of the net income from each domestic Affiliate Race stays
in the local community to fund breast health education and breast cancer
screening and treatment projects.
The American
Cancer Society states that since 1993, 3.5 million walkers across the country
have raised more than $230 million through their Making Strides Against Breast
Cancer events.
The money raised
through Making Strides events helps the American Cancer Society fight breast
cancer by offering the nation’s only 24-hour cancer hotline, providing free
email mammogram reminders, and funding cutting-edge research leading to the
discovery of lifesaving treatments like Tamoxifen and Herceptin.
Based on rates from the National Cancer
Institute, 12% (or 1 of 8) women born today will be diagnosed with breast
cancer at some time during their lifetime.
So, participate in that walk, make that
donation, and help breast cancer fundraising efforts… one in eight women will
be thankful that you did.
For more information on breast cancer prevention and treatment, visit Healia.com.
Healia Selected as a 2007 Tibbetts Award Winner
Healia News posted 2 years ago by The Healia Team
Today in Washington, D.C., Tom Eng proudly accepted the prestigious Tibbetts Award on behalf of Healia for accomplishments in technology innovation and economic impact.
Healia is one of 55 companies in the U.S. to receive the Tibbetts Award and was selected from more than 4,000 companies that receive contract and grants under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program each year.
To read more visit Healia.
Tibbetts Awards Healia SBIR
Healia Product Momentum
Healia News posted 2 years ago by The Healia TeamA couple of weeks ago we said farewell to our summer interns, as they headed back to school. It was hard to let them go, because over the course of the summer we accomplished so much - the release of PubMed/Medline and Clinical Trials Search, the start of The Healia Health Blog and Healia Links, and the launch of our Facebook application: The Healia Health Challenge. It goes without saying we had an awesome group of interns!
But don't think we've slowed down. This month several new folks will be joining our team. That's right - new faces, fresh initiatives, and innovative products - Healia momentum.
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