AO Research and Development with Geoff Richards Makes Great Strides

It’s always helpful to know about medical institutions that could be of assistance should the need arise, and that are doing innovative work. One such location is the AO Foundation, started in 1958 in Biel. They are a medically guided nonprofit organization that is led by surgeons who specialize in the treatment of trauma and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Today, they have more than 16,000 surgeons, operating room personnel and scientists who are involved from over 100 countries.

With Professor R. Geoff Richards, the Director of AO Research and Development, the AO Foundation’s mission is to foster and expand their network of health care professionals in education, in research and in the development and clinical investigation for more effective patient care around the world.

To this end, they have many innovative endeavors. They have an AO Surgery Reference which is an online reference tool designed for everyday clinical life. It was first introduced in 2006 and was launched with six anatomical modules.

Today, they have a great deal of research and development, led by Prof. R. Geoff Richards. They also have AO Clinical Divisions which include four areas: trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial and veterinary surgery.

New York Doctors to Help Ebola Crisis?

CuomoWith the increasing Ebola crisis in West Africa, Governor Andrew Cuomo is working on encouraging New York doctors to go out and help. He is working on an incentive package, coordinating with hospitals, health care organizations, etc. So important is this to the Governor that he has even committed to “pay and provide financial incentives, similar to what has been done with military reservists.

America is known for this kind of action. Just look at Haiti’s earthquake of 2010, followed by the cholera crisis, that saw thousands of doctors and medical staff come to offer assistance.

What’s potentially different about this particular health crisis is the fear that it is coming to America as well, as has been discussed especially with regards to the recent Texan case. But Cuomo already has a policy in place to deal with that; quarantining returning medical helpers – at home – for 21 days as a preventive measure.

 

7 Important Health Tests for Women

Obesity and weight loss are hot topics, and so many people associate health with exercise and a nutritious diet. While both are immeasurably important for your body, there are a few other health habits that every woman should incorporate into her lifestyle; health screenings.

Dr. Miriam Goldberg lists seven important health screenings, including heart tests, mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopies, thyroid tests, bone density tests and checks for melanoma.

“You really have to do it because if you catch it early, then you are saved,” she said.

Dr. Nieca Goldberg of the Tisch Center for Women’s Health stressed the importance of monitoring heart health. She said: “You need to get screened for heart disease and that means getting a blood pressure test at your doctor’s office and laboratory testing for cholesterol and glucose.”

She added: “Skin is the biggest organ of our body and we often take it for granted,” and so it is equally important to protect it and monitor its health as well.

Many mothers claim they have little time for such procedures. Goldberg replies by stating “It’s not an excuse to say I have no time because I have to take care of my kids and my family. The way to take care of your kids and your family is to go to the doctor and take care of yourself.”

Breakthrough for IntelliCell BioSciences, Inc with Dr. Steven Victor

In recent news, IntelliCell BioSciences, Inc. just announced a study they had published regarding the efficacy of IntelliCell’s proprietary SVF for treating gum recession. This company, a leader in regenerative medicine and the manufacturing of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) that contains adipose derived adult stem cells, just published this pilot study on the October 2011 edition of the Journal of Implant & Advanced Clinical Dentistry.

Authored by Nicholas Toscano, DDS, MS; Danny Holtzclaw, DDS, MS; and Steven Victor, MD, the pilot study included 7 females and one male. They showed that Mucograft ® collagen matrix in combination with SVF treatments might be a clear alternative to invasive harvesting of gum tissue for gum recession.

As IntelliCell Chairman and CEO Dr. Steven Victor explained, “This is a very encouraging study. Gingival recession is a significant issue in dentistry and IntelliCell is offering a new, potentially superior, non-invasive solution that minimizes patient discomfort and improves outcomes. Dentistry is one of numerous fields in which our SVF may show efficacy.”

Dr. Nicholas Toscano, the periodontist who ran the study said, “I am really excited about stromal vascular fracture stem cells and the impact on regenerative dentistry. Future research could prove this to be a major breakthrough in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction.”

The Common Cold and the Flu

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrYh0bQCPgE&w=420&h=315]

The season is changing, and with the winter come the flu and the common cold. Though these ailments are inconvenient and uncomfortable, they often pass on their own in less than a week. Learn which symptoms may indicate a more serious infection and when a visit to the doctor is advised.

New York Health Comissioner Dr. Thomas Farley Launches Ad Campaign

According to the New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley, a new ad campaign will be hitting the streets of the Big Apple within the month. The ad aims to expose people to the dangers of drinking soda and other sugary drinks on a regular basis. Drinking one soda every day is like consuming a fifty pound bag of sugar annually. Drinks such as these can lead to diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, arthritis and even some forms of cancer.

According to Farley, sugary drinks are the most common source of added sugar to a child’s diet, increasing the obesity risk dramatically with each serving. The New York ad campaign will include a YouTube video showing how far a person would need to walk to burn off the calories from a single drink, as well as bilingual posters which will strengthen the message.

The Flu Shot Returns

According to health officials, the flu season has already returned, and with it the flu shot dilemma.

This year’s vaccine provides protection from both A and B influenza viruses, as well as the H1N1 strain, which is commonly known as “swine flu.”

Jennifer King, a spokesperson for the North Georgia Health District, said “As of now, we’re not aware of any unusual flu activity for our area; however, that status could change at any time.”

She added that the unpredictable nature of the flu is “all the more reason why it’s important residents protect themselves against the flu by getting vaccinated and by maintaining proper hygiene such as frequent hand washing, keeping hands away from the face, and covering coughs and sneezes.”

Other experts, such as Dr. Amy Hardin believe that “now is the perfect time” to be vaccinated. The vaccine takes two to three weeks to effectively immunize the body, and so it is wise to begin the process before the flu gets a strong hold on the season.

Clinics throughout New York and beyond are now fully stocked with the flu vaccine, and are offering them to all patients.