Real-World Examples of Virtual Reality in Healthcare

There 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.

New Reports Show More Evidence of Coffee’s Health Benefits

Two new studies continue to prove why coffee is a good idea (most days and in reasonable moderation.)

Research noted this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal showed significant correlation between coffee and being in good health. Two studies further suggested the more coffee you drink, the more your risk of dying from an illness such heart disease - the number one killer of both men and women. Both decaf and caffeinated coffee had the same effect on the studies subjects.

One of the studies examined results from 185,000 people across multiple ethnicities include African Americans, Japanese Americans, Native Hawaiians, Latinos and caucasians. Their coffee consumption patterns were measured over a 16-year period layered on top of if they smoked or were currently living with an illness.

Conclusions included that greater consumption of coffee was linked to lower risk of death in all populations except Native Hawaiians, which showed no notable difference.

Those subjects that consumed 2-4 cups per day had an 18% lower risk of dying from diseases like heart disease, stroke and cancer versus those who didn’t consume the beverage.

The second study examined 520,000 people in 10 European countries over the same time period. Researchers found that coffee consumption lowered the risk for mortality, especially from digestive and circulatory diseases.

The first study did define a cup of coffee as 8 ounces but didn’t explicitly say what type of coffee it was or what was in it. Obviously drinking coffee with excessive amounts of cream and sugar can have nutritional impact but this was not identified in the study.

In most other studies regarding coffee’s health benefits, it was noted that coffee when consumed black was where the most health benefits came about.

Researchers still tout that it’s too soon to recommend endless amounts of coffee as naturally it’s a diuretic and can have an impact on energy levels being volatile but still worth considering and following this body of research as findings get consistently built upon.

Eat the same thing Most Days? Find out if this is healthy for you.

The Pros

Of all your meals and snacks, if fruit, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, healthy fat and dairy you’re off to a great start. Variability in your diet including all the important food groups is critical. About 90% of Americans don’t get enough recommended daily amount of vegetables and 85% don’t get enough of the recommended daily amount of fruit, as noted from the most updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Repetition and balance in your daily meal plans is good practice when it comes to meal preparation and planning. Having a healthy plan in place allows you to be prepared and not eat foods when you’re bored that you’re not even hungry for.

Other research does suggest a non-diverse diet is also a great alternative. A study from 2015 highlighted diet quality and variability in over 5K adults and found that the more diverse diet was associated to a greater waist circumference and a higher quality diet was associated with a lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Diversity in eating didn’t necessarily lead to a higher quality diet or better metabolic health.  

The Cons

But it’s important to think on the other side because if your daily diet is balanced, it probably doesn’t contain everything you need. There’s really no way you can meet dietary requirements by eating the same thing every day. Variety is essential to a healthy, balanced diet.

Studies have found health benefits associated with eating a more varied diet. A 2015 study, for example, examined the diets of over 7,000 adults who were at least 20 years old. It concluded that greater food variety was associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome compared to those who consumed a less varied diet.

The Bottom Line

Eating different foods is important, what’s more critical is what you choose to eat. A notable research study from 2002 evaluated healthy and less-healthy foods and how it affect mortality in close to 60,000 women.

A woman who followed a healthy diet by eating a high variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads, cereals, fish and low-fat dairy products had lower mortality than women who consumes fewer of these foods.

Artificial Sweeteners: Weight Loss or Gain?

Despite 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.

One-Minute Tips for Better Health

Sometimes all it takes is one minute to feel and be healthier. Good-for-you habits just take a bit of creativity and will to do wherever you are. Small effort, quick investment - fast return: We’ve done the work for you. Here’s the tips you need to become your happiest, fittest self.

Put SPF on your Ears

Dab a bit on your eyes while you're lathering up your face (hopefully everyday!) Nonmelanoma skin cancer that can be detected on ears has been found to be more aggressive. Tumors can grow deeper and larger than those appearing on the face. They aren’t deadly but can result in muscle and nerve damage. It can difficult to spot potential changes that would indicate skin cancer.

Bring Your Smoothie to the Next Level

Instead of trying Tumeric in your smoothie this morning, throw some coriander in yours. Coriander seeds come from cilantro seed and contain a blend of oils that help calm your gut. They can help relieve bloating symptoms. You only need a quarter of a teaspoon in a single-serve smoothie.

Start something new

Consider your goals and ask yourself what one small step could you take to move closer to your end goal? Getting started is the hardest part but using that first step can be a springboard to a larger and more repetitive habit.

Floss, Floss, Floss

We get it, no one feels like flossing at the end of the day. But flossing along with brushing twice a day and going to your dentist at least twice a year is essential for removing bacteria to stay gum disease-free and keeping your teeth healthy, according to the American Dental Association. From a study in 2011 on older adults who never flossed - many of them had 30% higher risk of dying during the study than those who flossed daily.

Pause for 25 Seconds

Sometimes we think we’re hungry but often we’re just bored or stressed. Wait 25 seconds next time before you each that chocolate or pretzels. According to preliminary research from Rush University in Chicago.

Planks!

This fundamental fitness move targets your abs and lower back and can help you avoid injury. By strengthening your core, you provide more stability to your spine. Start with a 20-second plank hold and work up to a minute.

Stretch Today

Try downward dog pose (from Yoga) to stretch out if you’re feeling stressed. It’s a great full-body stretch to help you rest.

Check the bowl

After you go number one or two, give a little glance—your pee and poop can tell you a lot about your health. If your urine looks dark yellow that’s a signal to drink more water - the ideal is pee that is very light yellow or even better, clear. Pinkish or reddish pee can indicate you have a UTI or other health issue. See your doctor right away!  

Take clues from your poo, too. Hard stool can be a sign of constipation - get at least 25 grams of fiber per day from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If your bowels are watery or loose, this could be IBS or black stools can indicate GI bleeding. See your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

How Artificial Intelligence Could Change Healthcare

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.

Take Care of Your Eyes

Sometimes we forget about taking care of our eyes but it should never be taken for granted. Many studies over the years have showed that people would most be afraid to lose their eyesight of all the senses. Protecting our eyesight over the years is not to be neglected. But some myths confuse people on how to properly take care of their eyes.

But there are are so many myths when it comes to the health of your eyes. Here we debunk some of these myths with tips to better care for your windows to the world (so to speak.)

1. Reading in dim light will harm your eyes

   1. This is not true. But it can put a strain on your eyes making it hard to read or focus on the task at hand, therein causing short-term eyestrain. It’s not pleasurable anyway so the solution is to have a reading light directed to the page and not above you or over your shoulder. The biggest takeaway is having any light pointed directly at what you’re focused on.

2. Starting at the computer harms your eyes

   1. Looking at a computer for long periods of time as most of us do at work these days doesn’t cause long-term harm to the eyes but it can cause temporary eye strain, blurriness or tired eyes. Start to become aware of how often you blink during the day - try to do so as much as possible to no strain your eyes by looking straight at the screen. Couple tips: adjust the lighting so there isn’t a standout reflection or glare on your screen and every 20 minutes look away or at something 20 feet or more away. Consciously blink your eyes as often as possible so they stay lubricated.

3. Carrots are the most nutritious food for eye health

   1. Carrots are rich in Vitamin A which is good for eyes but so are many other fresh veggies and fruits. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E have strengthen eye health over time. They help protect eyes from cataracts and age-related mascular degeneration.

4. Exercises for the eyes help you to avoid wearing glasses

   1. Eye exercises are not going to cure your need for glasses. Our vision depends on several other factors such as the shape of our eyeball (dependent on genetics) and the health of the tissues around the eye which eye exercises cannot alter or improve. No research to date showcases that eye exercises help.

5. Remove glasses or contacts to give your eyes a break

   1. The reason you need glasses is to see better in basic needs of reading, driving or vision for long-distance. If you take off your glasses or remove contact lenses during the day it can put more of a strain on your eyes, tiring them out instead of resting them because you cannot see properly so naturally you squint your eyes to see.