Rehabilitation | Page 13 of 15

Genes Offer Researchers a ‘Crystal Ball’ to Help Them Prevent, Diagnose, and Treat Cancer

The science of cancer prevention has advanced to the point where researchers now say they can detect ?cancer genes? in the breath of smokers, and can test the presence of two proteins in men they say will predict development of prostate cancer a decade in advance. All of these novel findings need much more examination, of course, but scientists at the American Association for Cancer Research?s Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research meeting, say these examples illustrate how it is becoming increasingly possible to use genes and their protein products to help predict and diagnose cancer, as well as choose therapy that offers the most potential for a good result. These researchers will also discuss a test that can pick out patients who have pancreatic cancer – an advance that offers hope the disease can be treated at earlier stages than it is now – and how several unique genes can predict which prostate cancer or lung cancer patients will develop aggressive tumors that need additional treatment. Cancer is a disease of genes, they say, so genes can be employed as a crystal ball to thwart the disease.

Mobile Robots Offer 24/7 Care to Neurosurgical ICU, Stroke Patients

Two nearly 6-foot tall, remote-controlled robots are now on staff at The Methodist Hospital, caring for critically ill patients suffering from stroke or other neurological problems.

Women’s health – Unexpected risk factors found

That women with heart disease generally have worse outcomes than men is well known, but recent research is turning up some unusual and possibly very important new risk factors. Low testosterone levels, ?on-pump? bypass grafts, increased anxiety and under-treatment in secondary prevention may each have an independent, negative impact on women?s outcomes.

Heart Disease :: Heart failure patients can waltz their way to healthier hearts

Dancing improves ability to function and quality of life among chronic heart failure patients and may be a good alternative to other aerobic exercises, researchers reported at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2006.

Brain Injury :: Hospital discharge instructions for mild brain injury faulty

In a study published in a recent issue of Brain Injury, researchers at the University at Buffalo found that discharge sheets from 14 of 15 hospitals that were reviewed lacked at least one important sign of a possible hemorrhage. Ten of the hospitals were located in Western New York; five were located in southern Ontario, Canada.

Health :: Drama night to show disabled talent

How do the disabled conquer their physical and mental constraints to step on the stage and perform drama, dance and music? Come and see the International Festival of Inclusive Arts’ drama night and you will get the answer.

Backache :: Backache beaten by good vibrations?

University of Manchester researchers are recruiting people with backache caused by nerve root pain — commonly known as sciatica — in the first ever study to discover if therapeutic ultrasound can help their condition.

Stroke :: Two-Week Regimen Helps Stroke Survivors Regain Arm Control

In the largest, most comprehensive study of its kind to date, researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed clinical improvements out to one year when stroke survivors who had lost function in one arm were given a unique, two-week rehabilitation regimen.

Baby Care :: Child life programs essential for pediatric health care

Child life programs, which address psychosocial issues and provide information to children and families pertaining to hospital stays, surgery or procedures, illness, and other health care experiences, are an essential component of quality pediatric health care for children and families, says a new American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement.

Breast Cancer :: Exercise helps breast cancer patients avoid anemia

Women undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer benefit from moderate intensity, regular aerobic activity, according to a new study. A peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study found that exercise improved the oxygen capacity of patients and maintained levels of red blood cells during radiation treatment. In contrast, women who did not exercise experienced significant declines in their oxygen capacity. This is the first study to investigate the effect of exercise during treatment.