There are three categories that can be prompts for the beginning of a throbbing headache lasting for hours. They are avoiding certain foods, staying hydrated and reducing stress.
Read MoreUnfortunately, about half of people who have had one, get to have a duplicate performance at some point over the next few years.
Read MoreThere was a time when virtual reality seemed like a thing far away in the future or a recent science fiction movie we had seen but now it’s becoming more real and consumer friendly each day. The smartphone has created this accessibility of virtual reality. One of the most impactful ways virtual reality can be carried out in our society is through healthcare.
A growing number of health professionals including doctors and researchers are showing data showing the efficiency around virtual and augmented reality which grew from $525 million in 2012 to an estimated $976 million in 2017, according to Kalorama research report.
From treating pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, smoking cessation and even the dentist appointment you have to do every 6 months, virtual reality is showing promise and progress across healthcare. Here are a few real-world use case scenarios where VR could change the game.
1. Surgical Training
Educating current and potential physicians is conducted the traditional way through books, tests, pens and paper. Advocates of virtual reality believe this can all be changed around medical education especially when it comes to surgical training.
A few innovators are offering a different option for training around surgery, often done at only a few centers around the country using expensive artificial body parts. Osso VR, provides software that makes a virtual operating room on platforms for virtual reality like Oculus Rift/Touch or HTC Vive. Practicing surgery using VR brings more surgeons to get in more reps specifically on complex surgeries.
Osso VR, which just raised $2 million, provides software that creates a virtual operating room on VR platforms like Oculus Rift/Touch or the HTC Vive. Practicing surgeries in virtual reality allows surgeons to get in more reps, particularly on complicated procedures.
2. Pain Management
Virtual reality can affect pain management which hurts so many Americans and Cedars Sinai’s VR program is tackling this exact issue. Dr. Brennan Spiegel and his colleagues are experimenting with using VR to escape the “bio-psycho-social” isolation of living with pain or chronic pain. They use a headset to help patients manage pain and it’s been tested with 300 patients so far. Think managing chronic pain, depression, anxiety and even hypertension.
You can read more about Spiegel’s efforts at Cedars Sinai here and here.
3. Patient Education
Cedars Sinai is also partnering with Holman United Methodist Church in south LA on a community health education initiative aimed at reducing hypertension in a vulnerable population.
This educational program is bigger than VR but currently members use a VR program that takes them into a virtual kitchen where foods are labelled with their sodium content then taking them inside the body to show a visualization of what hypertension does to the heart. They then created a relaxation app to help members deal with stress which also contributes to hypertension.
4. Clinician Education
Text books and 2D anatomical images aren’t the only way doctors learn about common diseases and drugs. A New Jersey-based drug development company are focused on gastrointestinal conditions that were developed during an interactive VR platform to guide clinicians through an open-minded approach to treatment.
5. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Virtual reality enhances 3D motion tracking cameras that currently track and gamify movement which could affect how patients are trained to bring back their mobility from physical therapy. Patients could potentially be sent home with exercises that motive them and simultaneously collect hard data on things like motion. And they could do this in the comfort of the own home, not just at the PT appointment once a week - potentially speeding up recovery.
On the backend, a physical therapist can see data collected through the device and can change the parameters of the game on the fly in order to guide the patient to the most beneficial exercise.
6. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD continues to be an area where researchers are trying to understand how to treat it. It’s one of the most pervasive mental health conditions in the U.S. and continues to be the most challenging to treat. Exposure therapy is what many professionals want to move treatment to and VR allows them to provide that exposure in a physically controlled and safe environment.
Anything could trigger an episode in which the person with PTSD is transported back to the moment the traumatic event or events happened. It seems counterintuitive to purposely put a PTSD sufferer back in that place, but experts say using virtual reality creates a world where people with the condition can exert control over the situation, therefore experiencing a sense of resolution.
Usually, these scams tend to target older adults who are the most likely age group to have a multitude of serious health problems with no known cure.
Read MoreA new study suggests how this can harm your heart. As noted, researchers found people who put in 55 hours or more a week have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation - which is an irregular heart rhythm linked to stroke compared to those who work 40 hours or less.
Read MoreDespite intense scrutiny of artificial sweeteners for years, the product continues to be popular with dieters, diabetics and many just looking for a sweet fix. Even in the face of declining soda sales, the market share of diet soda continues to expand, with the second most popular soda being a diet variety. At the same time, the global market for non-sugar sweeteners has had impressive sales in recent years. In 2010, over 9 million dollars were spent on non-sugar sweeteners, with the industry anticipating continued growth in coming years.
A new report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal analyzed 37 studies on artificial sweeteners to measure their success for weight management. The studies followed over 400,000 people over the course of 10 years. Across the board, artificial sweeteners didn’t help any of the subjects lose weight. Consumption was evaluated over time , by people regularly consuming them and most patients had a higher risk for health issues like weight gain, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
This new study is an addition to the growing body of research suggesting sugar substitutes are not the cure for sugar addiction. There isn't enough qualified studies and results that would encourage any individual of any health status to use artificial sweeteners. But it’s not yet clear if they are dangerous but there is a correlation to increasing an individual’s appetite for processed foods when consuming sugar substitutes.
Artificial sweeteners have a role in controlling carbohydrate intake by diabetics and dieters, while also decreasing ones risk of dental cavities. Despite extensive studies, epidemiological research has failed to demonstrate any cancer risks. While, diet products are a safe alternative to their full sugar counterparts. Exercising at least 3 days a week, increasing fiber and focusing on healthy choices are the best way to lose weight and stay fit.
What scientists think is happening is that that when we consume sugar-substitutes, the body expects to see surge in glucose. When this expectation is not met, we continue to crave sweets, eating until the craving is met. So it will definitely take much more than replacing real sugar with fake sugar to lose weight. Unfortunately there are no real shortcuts here. The key to weight loss is cutting the total number of calories consumed, with clean eating.
While, diet products are a safe alternative to their full sugar counterparts, diet and exercise for weight loss is what will truly help in the long run. Exercising at least 3 days a week, increasing fiber and focusing on healthy choices are the best way to lose weight and stay fit.
Performing bodyweight exercises on different surfaces like sand can make them more challenging. These tips are the best for traveling which can be the most challenging and excuse-ridden for not getting some movement throughout the day.
Aerobic Exercise
Even if you're confined to a room or location with no running trails, you can always train your cardiovascular system. Calisthenics like jumping jacks, burpees and mountain climbers are a great way to your raise your heart rate. Try completing three sets of 10 to 20 repeats of each exercise and you'll have yourself a quality Tabata-style workout. Don’t feel like counting, or need more of a challenge? Set your alarm for timed intervals. Need to log miles? Laps around a parking lot or repeatedly climbing stairs can mimic a good run or hike.
Strength Training
No weights, no problem; bodyweight exercises tone and strengthen your body. Think push ups, lunges, squats and planks. They are super strengthening because they work multiple muscle groups at once. They can all be modified to make them more challenging or target additional muscles. Manipulate your routine by changing the surface or surroundings. Standing on an unstable surface is more of a challenge than being on firm ground.
DIY Boot Camp
Having to do the same routine day in and day out can get boring. But there are lots of ways to keep your fitness routine interesting – even on the road. Change the order of your exercises or, better yet, leave it up to chance by using a deck of cards or rolling a die to decide what your next exercise is and how many sets or reps you should do. You can also try making up a new workout progression; go from a squat to a lunge to a pushup all in one move.
Start your workout with a brisk walk outdoors. You don’t need to take a long road trip to Yosemite - any local park or green space will do. Many communities offer biking and walking paths that make it convenient and accessible to people young and old.
Do your best to not ignore structures that amp up your workout in outdoor spaces. Many outdoor parks line fitness trails with simple obstacle courses and structures that challenge any move during your workout. Take advantage of free equipment for a more dynamic workout. Check out adventure parks in new communities - both free and small fee - where often rock walls and rope courses can challenge and change up your workout.
With an exercise it can be great to do that exercise outside, uphill or even in water. Consider yoga which can be done in water. Combining any two activities enhances the workout and being outside relieves stress in ways exercise can’t do alone.
Leave those electronic devices behind but to get the most of your green exercise - you really have to let go. We live in a box and work in one. Nature can expand our horizons in ways we never even imagined. Exercising in nature can relieve stress and unplugging frequently can keep us wired. Use green exercises as an excuse to disconnect and boost mind-body benefits of your workout.
Artificial intelligence has been in the mainstream media and cultural zeitgeist in the last year or so, particularly around concepts in the tech, business and healthcare world. Arguably, of all the places where artificial intelligence can be placed, healthcare could be the most opportune area.
A recent report from Accenture Consulting predicts the market for health-related AI to grow at a 40% rate through the year 2021 to over $6 billion.
A comprehensive research briefing from last September showed healthcare dominating over every other sector including finance, sales, marketing, security.
The biggest returns on investment for health care will likely come from the substantial deals in terms of startup and deal volume. Two specific areas have been medical imaging and diagnostics and drug discovery in the pharma world.
Robot-assisted surgery integrated from pre-op medical records with real-time operating metrics to physically guide and enhance the physician’s instrument precision to minimize error. The technology can incorporate data from actual surgical experiences to inform new, improved techniques and insights. Another valuable use of artificial intelligence from virtual nursing assistant applications which would save money by letting medical providers remotely assess a patient’s symptoms and lessen the number of unnecessary patient visits.
Lastly, another innovation avenue are intelligent applications for administrative workflow, fraud detection and dosage error reduction.
Snoring, waking up during the night, waking up too early or feeling unrefreshed when they get up in the morning, we are not a well-rested nation.
Read MoreThis is good news as the more physically active a person can be, the lower their risk for many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, stroke, and depression.
Read MoreWe often assume public pools are kept clean and abide by strict standards but according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2011-2012, there were 90 outbreaks causing 1,788 illnesses and one death from outbreaks of illnesses from pools and hot tubs.
Read MoreChoosing a sunscreen right for you is the first step in protecting your skin. The second step is now to use it correctly for it to be effective and to use it every day throughout the year. Here’s how:
Read MoreIf sleep issues, depression or any other health concerns have been found to be negative and you are still drained of energy, then you need to consider other factors causing you to lose your vim and vigor.
Read MoreBees, wasps and hornets really don’t mean to harm us.
Read MoreThis priceless fun and free gift we all possess can be used anytime, anywhere to get us through the toughest situations in life in addition to boosting the happiness we feel when times are good
Read MoreHere are the potential natural hazards outdoor workers should be aware of and how to manage them:
Read MoreNow that you’re in remission, how do you keep yourself cancer free and reduce the risk of it coming back again?
Read MoreThe next time you find yourself sitting longer than you should, stand up and move around – every little bit of activity adds up over the course of a day keeping you more lean, more fit and less likely to develop metabolic syndrome.
Read MoreA blue zone way of life is achievable by anyone. Consider how our health would change if we all embraced the philosophy of such a lifestyle. Once you’ve crossed into the blue zone, you’ll never want to go back to your old way of living.
Read MoreDr. David B. Samadi's blog is the top online destination for everyday health tips, world health news, health technology, health investing, business of medicine, alternative medicine, health politics, and health pop culture. SamadiMD.com is also your go-to curated online source for the best health care and prevention tips, better sex life, healthy food, and men's health. Read the latest prevention news for all types of cancer such as prostate cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, breast cancer, testicular cancer, colon cancer and more. SamadiMD.com provides latest information on surgery techniques, how to pick the right surgeon, what to know before and after surgery and latest surgery industry news and information.
