Community Magazine November 2009

Health CHRONIC FATIGUEMAY BE CATCHY A single infectious retrovirus known as XMRV has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), according to new research published in the journal Science. The virus was found in 67 percent of ME patients, but under 4 percent of the general population. The study did not conclusively prove a link between XMRV and ME, but researchers hope that the finding could lead to new treatments. ME is a debilitating condition that affects an estimated 17 million people worldwide, causing symptoms such as chronic fatigue, immune deficiencies, and chronic infections. Retroviruses are known to cause neurological symptoms, cancer and immunological deficiencies. PATIENTS NOT CONSULTED ON INVASIVE TESTS Half of the men who received a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, test for prostate cancer were not asked if they wanted it, despite guidelines recommending that physicians thoroughly discuss the issue with their patients. The research, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that more than two-thirds of the men’s doctors did not discuss potential adverse effects of the tests. Two large clinical trials recently showed that the test does not reduce deaths from cancer but does increase the number of invasive procedures and treatments that may cause incontinence and impotence. National medical groups advise that physicians discuss the test with patients and that a shared decision be made, but do not recommend routine testing of older men. The researchers found that 58 percent of men considered themselves well-informed about the test, but 43 percent failed to correctly answer even one of three questions about PSA testing. Most men overestimated the risks of diagnosis and death from prostate cancer and the accuracy of the PSA test. GETWELL CARDS FOR MENTAL ILLNESS? Sending cards and gifts is being touted as a simple way to support people with mental illness, and may even aid in recovery. A poll of 131 mental health patients showed that less than half received gifts or cards during their illness, while two-thirds received presents the last time they were physically ill. Over 80 percent said that receiving a “get well soon” card would help their recovery. To address the inconsistency, the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK is launching two gift cards with the greeting: “Thinking of you at this time. Hope things improve soon.” Existing greeting cards often have inappropriate images and words that are not suitable for mental illness. THE OLDGETTING-OUT-OF-BEDMEASURE As a way to monitor and increase the psychological health of older adults, researchers are studying the “Getting-Out-of-Bed (GOB) measure” which gauges motivations levels and attitudes towards life. The research, published in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, says that GOB measurements can help friends and family learn how to increase motivation and improve heath in seniors, because many conditions can be cured by altering behavior patterns. Researchers found that women with higher GOB scores lived a healthier lifestyle and exercised regularly as compared to women with lower scores. MEDITERRANEANDIET EASES DEPRESSION Among people who closely follow the Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and fish, the risk of depression was over 30 percent lower than their peers who ate little of the Mediterranean diet foods, according to a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Components of the diet are believed to improve blood vessel function, fight inflammation, reduce risk for heart disease and repair cell damage, all of which may decrease the risk of depression. ANTIOXIDANTSMAY INCREASES DIABETES RISK Antioxidants, compounds in foods and dietary supplements that prevent cell damage, have been shown to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants are proteins that can prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress, which is thought to add to the progression of several diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The research, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, found that for early type 2 diabetes, antioxidants may hinder more than help. Studies on mice found that oxidative stress may be working not to damage the body but to inhibit enzymes that hinder the use of insulin early on in the development of diabetes. They found that antioxidants remove this protective mechanism, and therefore contribute to early development of insulin resistance, a key hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials in people have shown that taking antioxidants does not protect healthy people from developing diabetes. 68 Community magazine