Luke Masella was born with spina bifida, and after 10 years it was getting the best of him.
The congenital disorder affects the development of the nerves and vertebrae along the spinal cord, and can result in paralysis, neurological complications and organ damage.
In Masella's case, his bladder was failing and he spent much of his early childhood in the hospital. He was plagued by aches and pains, and often was too tired and lethargic to get out of bed. Because his bladder didn't work properly, his kidneys were shutting down.
"I remember being really scared," said Masella, a native of Madison, Conn. "I thought I was going to die."
Masella was gravely ill and needed a new bladder. This was 2001, and conventional treatment would have been to use a portion of Masella's intestine to make a new bladder.
But because the intestine is designed to absorb nutrients and a bladder is designed to excrete, it's a risky procedure, especially with young patients who often develop kidney stones and cancer.
So Masella was referred to Dr. Anthony Atala, then at Children's Hospital Boston. Atala is a pioneer in regenerative medicine, a cutting-edge field of study in which a patient's own cells are used to grow healthy tissue and organs. He has been director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in North Carolina since 2004.
To engineer a new bladder for Masella, Atala took samples of muscle cells from his bladder and grew them in a Petri dish. Once he had grown enough, he attached the cells to a bladder-shaped framework or scaffolding he created using collagen, the primary biological material found in skin and connective tissue.
The biological structure was placed inside an incubator, where it continued to grow for two months.
"It's like cooking a layered cake," Atala said.
Finally, the engineered bladder was sutured to Masella's original bladder. The biodegradable scaffolding dissolved, and as the new bladder integrated with the body, it grew its own blood supply and nerves.
Masella soon made a full recovery and went on to captain his high school wrestling team. He's now a healthy 21-year-old junior at the University of Connecticut.
Masella was one of the country's first patients to receive a regenerated organ grown from his own cells. Atala has since performed similar procedures many times, growing and implanting everything from urethras and skin to cartilage.
Atala and his team at Wake Forest are now working on more than 30 replacement tissues and organs for future trials, including the kidney, liver and even the heart.
Part of this groundbreaking research includes a technique called "bioprinting." While it may sound like science fiction, Atala said that in the last decade great strides have been made with this technology, in which modified inkjet printers are used to create biological molds of organs.
Rather than ink, the jury-rigged printers spray cells and heat-sensitive gel that fuse together to form tissue and organs.
Atala said he's made a number of organs and tissue prototypes using this technique, but none that is suitable to be placed inside a human.
Nonetheless, as the technology continues to advance, it stands to revolutionize how science treats diseased and injured tissues and organs.
One potential application is bioprinting skin for soldiers with life-threatening burns. Using this still-developing technology, skin cells could one day be printed directly on the soldier's wound.
And because regenerative medicine uses a patient's own cells to create organs and tissue, it eliminates much of the risk that the patient's body will reject a donor organ.
2011年11月30日星期三
2011年11月29日星期二
Local hero Pearce shows the pluck of Irish
THE mid-afternoon slumber of a Fitzroy side street is ripped asunder as the front door of the heritage-listed Independent Hall explodes off its hinges.
A belch of smoke erupts from the former Congregationalist church building, and a ball of flame shoots across the narrow road. Dust and debris follow in a grey, stinky ball. And there, in the middle of it all, stands Guy Pearce.
Actually, it's not Guy Pearce, it's someone who looks a lot like him from a distance and a lot less like him up close. But the magic of digital effects will soon plop our Emmy Award-winning hero in the middle of all this chaos and we'll happily forget the stuntman ever existed.
Advertisement: Story continues below
Pearce is back in his home town to play Jack Irish, the hero of four novels by crime writer Peter Temple and now the titular character of a pair of telemovies being made for the ABC.
Producer Ian Collie says it was a boon to land Pearce for the role.
''Guy was always on our wish list, but we thought he would be too busy; he's internationally respected, he's not going to want to do TV work,'' says Collie. ''But it just shows how much things have changed. Increasingly, good actors will be attracted to a TV project if the scripts and production values are there.''
Neither should be a problem: production company Essential Media is spending a healthy $5.6 million on the two 90-minute telemovies, and Andrew Knight is writing the first of them.
The cast is impressive, too: as well as Pearce, there's Crownies star Marta Dusseldorp as Jack's girlfriend Linda (a fictional journalist at this paper, no less), Aaron Pedersen as his sidekick Cam, and Shane Jacobsen, Colin Friels and Steve Bisley have supporting roles.
Yes, there's a lot of TV law-and-order on those collective CVs, but this is no standard procedural. ''This is different,'' says Collie. ''It's more nuanced and layered.''
For a start, Jack Irish isn't a cop. He's a lawyer, sort of. ''He's a bit of a jack of all trades, really. He does missing person searches, he's a cabinetmaker, he's a member of a horse-racing syndicate.'' Above all, he says, ''Jack is quite thoughtful and melancholic''.
On the day The Age visits, everything is running smoothly. But the eight-week shoot got off to a rough start when Pearce was diagnosed on day one with a kidney stone; they lost four days to his operation. ''He's in every scene, so there wasn't much we could do about that. It's not called Jack Irish for nothing.''
Still, it's not all about him. The stories are set solidly in a Melbourne that's at once recognisable and nostalgic, and the city emerges as a major character in its own right. ''It's almost a homage, or maybe a lament, for that old Melbourne that is disappearing,'' Collie says.
Jack's favourite hangout is the Prince of Prussia, described as one of the last ungentrified pubs in Fitzroy. ''It says everything that we're having to build it as a set in a studio,'' Collie says.
A belch of smoke erupts from the former Congregationalist church building, and a ball of flame shoots across the narrow road. Dust and debris follow in a grey, stinky ball. And there, in the middle of it all, stands Guy Pearce.
Actually, it's not Guy Pearce, it's someone who looks a lot like him from a distance and a lot less like him up close. But the magic of digital effects will soon plop our Emmy Award-winning hero in the middle of all this chaos and we'll happily forget the stuntman ever existed.
Advertisement: Story continues below
Pearce is back in his home town to play Jack Irish, the hero of four novels by crime writer Peter Temple and now the titular character of a pair of telemovies being made for the ABC.
Producer Ian Collie says it was a boon to land Pearce for the role.
''Guy was always on our wish list, but we thought he would be too busy; he's internationally respected, he's not going to want to do TV work,'' says Collie. ''But it just shows how much things have changed. Increasingly, good actors will be attracted to a TV project if the scripts and production values are there.''
Neither should be a problem: production company Essential Media is spending a healthy $5.6 million on the two 90-minute telemovies, and Andrew Knight is writing the first of them.
The cast is impressive, too: as well as Pearce, there's Crownies star Marta Dusseldorp as Jack's girlfriend Linda (a fictional journalist at this paper, no less), Aaron Pedersen as his sidekick Cam, and Shane Jacobsen, Colin Friels and Steve Bisley have supporting roles.
Yes, there's a lot of TV law-and-order on those collective CVs, but this is no standard procedural. ''This is different,'' says Collie. ''It's more nuanced and layered.''
For a start, Jack Irish isn't a cop. He's a lawyer, sort of. ''He's a bit of a jack of all trades, really. He does missing person searches, he's a cabinetmaker, he's a member of a horse-racing syndicate.'' Above all, he says, ''Jack is quite thoughtful and melancholic''.
On the day The Age visits, everything is running smoothly. But the eight-week shoot got off to a rough start when Pearce was diagnosed on day one with a kidney stone; they lost four days to his operation. ''He's in every scene, so there wasn't much we could do about that. It's not called Jack Irish for nothing.''
Still, it's not all about him. The stories are set solidly in a Melbourne that's at once recognisable and nostalgic, and the city emerges as a major character in its own right. ''It's almost a homage, or maybe a lament, for that old Melbourne that is disappearing,'' Collie says.
Jack's favourite hangout is the Prince of Prussia, described as one of the last ungentrified pubs in Fitzroy. ''It says everything that we're having to build it as a set in a studio,'' Collie says.
2011年11月28日星期一
Growing organs, cell at a time
Luke Masella was born with spina bifida, and after 10 years it was getting the best of him. The congenital disorder affects the development of the nerves and vertebrae along the spinal cord, and can result in paralysis, neurological complications and organ damage.
In Masella's case, his bladder was failing and he spent much of his early childhood in the hospital. He was plagued by aches and pains, and often was too tired and lethargic to get out of bed. Because his bladder didn't work properly, his kidneys were shutting down.
"I remember being really scared," said Masella, a native of Madison, Conn. "I thought I was going to die."
Masella was gravely ill and needed a new bladder. This was 2001, and conventional treatment would have been to use a portion of Masella's intestine to make a new bladder. But because the intestine is designed to absorb nutrients and a bladder is designed to excrete, it's a risky procedure, especially with young patients who often develop kidney stones and cancer.
So Masella was referred to Dr. Anthony Atala, who was then at Children's Hospital Boston. Atala is a pioneer in regenerative medicine, a cutting-edge field of study in which a patient's own cells are used to grow healthy tissue and organs. He's been director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine since 2004.
To engineer a new bladder for Masella, Atala first took samples of muscle cells from his bladder and grew them in a petri dish. Once he had grown enough, he attached the cells to a bladder-shaped framework or scaffolding he created using collagen, the primary biological material found in skin and connective tissue.
The biological structure was placed inside an incubator, where it continued to grow for about two months.
"It's like cooking a layered cake," Atala said.
Finally, the engineered bladder was sutured to Masella's original bladder. The biodegradable scaffolding dissolved, and as the new bladder integrated with the body, it grew its own blood supply and nerves.
Masella soon made a full recovery and went on to captain his high school wrestling team. He's now a healthy 21-year-old junior at the University of Connecticut.
Masella was one of the country's first patients to receive a regenerated organ grown from his own cells. Atala has since performed similar procedures many times, growing and implanting everything from urethras and skin to cartilage.
Atala and his team at Wake Forest are now working on more than 30 different replacement tissues and organs for future trials, such as the kidney, liver and even the heart.
Next step: 'Bioprinting'
Part of this groundbreaking research includes a technique called "bioprinting." While it may sound like science fiction, Atala said that in the last decade great strides have been made with this technology, in which modified inkjet printers are used to create biological molds of organs.
Rather than ink, the jury-rigged printers spray cells and heat-sensitive gel that fuse together to form tissue and organs. As 3-D printers have gotten more sophisticated over the years - they essentially lay down alternating, successive layers of material - so too has the potential of using this technology to create complex organs.
Atala said he's made a number of organs and tissue prototypes using this technique, but none that are suitable to be placed inside a human patient. Nonetheless, as the technology continues to advance, it stands to revolutionize how science treats diseased and injured tissues and organs.
One potential application of this technology is the bioprinting of skin for soldiers with life-threatening burns. Using this still-developing technology, skin cells could one day be printed directly on the soldier's wound.
And because regenerative medicine uses a patient's own cells to create organs and tissue, it eliminates much of the risk that the patient's body will reject a donor organ. It also provides a potential solution to the shortage of donor organs for those who need transplants.
In Masella's case, his bladder was failing and he spent much of his early childhood in the hospital. He was plagued by aches and pains, and often was too tired and lethargic to get out of bed. Because his bladder didn't work properly, his kidneys were shutting down.
"I remember being really scared," said Masella, a native of Madison, Conn. "I thought I was going to die."
Masella was gravely ill and needed a new bladder. This was 2001, and conventional treatment would have been to use a portion of Masella's intestine to make a new bladder. But because the intestine is designed to absorb nutrients and a bladder is designed to excrete, it's a risky procedure, especially with young patients who often develop kidney stones and cancer.
So Masella was referred to Dr. Anthony Atala, who was then at Children's Hospital Boston. Atala is a pioneer in regenerative medicine, a cutting-edge field of study in which a patient's own cells are used to grow healthy tissue and organs. He's been director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine since 2004.
To engineer a new bladder for Masella, Atala first took samples of muscle cells from his bladder and grew them in a petri dish. Once he had grown enough, he attached the cells to a bladder-shaped framework or scaffolding he created using collagen, the primary biological material found in skin and connective tissue.
The biological structure was placed inside an incubator, where it continued to grow for about two months.
"It's like cooking a layered cake," Atala said.
Finally, the engineered bladder was sutured to Masella's original bladder. The biodegradable scaffolding dissolved, and as the new bladder integrated with the body, it grew its own blood supply and nerves.
Masella soon made a full recovery and went on to captain his high school wrestling team. He's now a healthy 21-year-old junior at the University of Connecticut.
Masella was one of the country's first patients to receive a regenerated organ grown from his own cells. Atala has since performed similar procedures many times, growing and implanting everything from urethras and skin to cartilage.
Atala and his team at Wake Forest are now working on more than 30 different replacement tissues and organs for future trials, such as the kidney, liver and even the heart.
Next step: 'Bioprinting'
Part of this groundbreaking research includes a technique called "bioprinting." While it may sound like science fiction, Atala said that in the last decade great strides have been made with this technology, in which modified inkjet printers are used to create biological molds of organs.
Rather than ink, the jury-rigged printers spray cells and heat-sensitive gel that fuse together to form tissue and organs. As 3-D printers have gotten more sophisticated over the years - they essentially lay down alternating, successive layers of material - so too has the potential of using this technology to create complex organs.
Atala said he's made a number of organs and tissue prototypes using this technique, but none that are suitable to be placed inside a human patient. Nonetheless, as the technology continues to advance, it stands to revolutionize how science treats diseased and injured tissues and organs.
One potential application of this technology is the bioprinting of skin for soldiers with life-threatening burns. Using this still-developing technology, skin cells could one day be printed directly on the soldier's wound.
And because regenerative medicine uses a patient's own cells to create organs and tissue, it eliminates much of the risk that the patient's body will reject a donor organ. It also provides a potential solution to the shortage of donor organs for those who need transplants.
2011年11月27日星期日
In cashless mediclaim, act on time to avoid hassles
Sanjeev Sharma, a middle-aged man, who maintains a healthy lifestyle, one day felt a severe pain in his abdomen.
Immediately, he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted and kept under observation for a day. Doctors reported that the patient has kidney stones, which can be treated by medicine, however, he needs to be kept under observation for 24 hours.
As per the doctor’s advice, he spent the night in the hospital and started taking medication prescribed by the doctor.
His wife paid the hospital bills and other expenses related to the hospitalisation, but later when they registered a claim with the insurance company, the claim was not accepted. The insurance company said that hospitalisation was not necessary at all for his condition.
Later on, when a complaint was registered with the insurance ombudsman, the decision came in favour of the policyholder, based on the doctor’s report, which said that the patient needed medical supervision.
Situations like these put additional and unwarranted pressure on policyholders and their family members.
Emergency definition: Insurance companies generally categorise emergencies as medical and surgical. Surgical emergencies are generally accident cases and trauma. In addition, surgical emergency may include other surgical problems like acute abdominal pain or dislocation of a joint and any other problem where an emergency surgery is required to stabilise the patient. For example, rupture of an infected appendix.
Medical emergencies commonly include heart-related emergencies, brain stroke, asthma, epilepsy, seizures, complications from high blood pressure or blood sugar.
“Accidental hospitalisation is covered under all health insurance policies. There is generally no waiting period for accident cases. Hence, there is very little chance of authorisation being denied in the presence of a valid policy and insurance limit available,” said Sanjay Datta, head of underwriting and claims of ICICI Lombard General Insurance.
The normal processing time for cashless treatment for non-emergency cases is three to four hours from the time of receipt of complete information from the hospital. But to expedite the entire process, insurers and third-party administrators (TPAs) request the network hospitals to inform them as soon as a patient is admitted.
The contact number of TPAs and helpline number of insurers are mentioned on policy documents and the policyholder needs to coordinate with the hospital to have the details sent to the TPA for authorisation of cashless service. On discharge, the policyholder needs to verify and sign the bills and pay for the items that are not covered under the health policy. The policy document contains all the details about the expenses that are payable under the policy. The original discharge summary and other investigation reports should be handed over to the hospital. However, a policyholder must retain a copy for records.
In case a policyholder goes to a non-network hospital (where policyholder cannot avail cashless facility) for an emergency situation, the policyholder has to register a claim with the TPA within seven days of discharge.
For emergency conditions, policyholders are asked to pay a nominal deposit as per the norms of the treating hospital, which may differ from one hospital to another.
Immediately, he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted and kept under observation for a day. Doctors reported that the patient has kidney stones, which can be treated by medicine, however, he needs to be kept under observation for 24 hours.
As per the doctor’s advice, he spent the night in the hospital and started taking medication prescribed by the doctor.
His wife paid the hospital bills and other expenses related to the hospitalisation, but later when they registered a claim with the insurance company, the claim was not accepted. The insurance company said that hospitalisation was not necessary at all for his condition.
Later on, when a complaint was registered with the insurance ombudsman, the decision came in favour of the policyholder, based on the doctor’s report, which said that the patient needed medical supervision.
Situations like these put additional and unwarranted pressure on policyholders and their family members.
Emergency definition: Insurance companies generally categorise emergencies as medical and surgical. Surgical emergencies are generally accident cases and trauma. In addition, surgical emergency may include other surgical problems like acute abdominal pain or dislocation of a joint and any other problem where an emergency surgery is required to stabilise the patient. For example, rupture of an infected appendix.
Medical emergencies commonly include heart-related emergencies, brain stroke, asthma, epilepsy, seizures, complications from high blood pressure or blood sugar.
“Accidental hospitalisation is covered under all health insurance policies. There is generally no waiting period for accident cases. Hence, there is very little chance of authorisation being denied in the presence of a valid policy and insurance limit available,” said Sanjay Datta, head of underwriting and claims of ICICI Lombard General Insurance.
The normal processing time for cashless treatment for non-emergency cases is three to four hours from the time of receipt of complete information from the hospital. But to expedite the entire process, insurers and third-party administrators (TPAs) request the network hospitals to inform them as soon as a patient is admitted.
The contact number of TPAs and helpline number of insurers are mentioned on policy documents and the policyholder needs to coordinate with the hospital to have the details sent to the TPA for authorisation of cashless service. On discharge, the policyholder needs to verify and sign the bills and pay for the items that are not covered under the health policy. The policy document contains all the details about the expenses that are payable under the policy. The original discharge summary and other investigation reports should be handed over to the hospital. However, a policyholder must retain a copy for records.
In case a policyholder goes to a non-network hospital (where policyholder cannot avail cashless facility) for an emergency situation, the policyholder has to register a claim with the TPA within seven days of discharge.
For emergency conditions, policyholders are asked to pay a nominal deposit as per the norms of the treating hospital, which may differ from one hospital to another.
2011年11月24日星期四
Luckhardt will sit this game out
California University's football team will be missing a key component for its playoff game Saturday against Winston-Salem State.
Head coach John Luckhardt will miss the game because of a kidney stone and an accompanying infection. Luckhardt is receiving treatment for the two ailments and is expected to return to the sidelines if the Vulcans are playing next week.
Mike Kellar, the Vulcans' offensive coordinator, will run the offense and Mike Conway, the defensive coordinator, will handle the defense.
"I guess coach is putting us to the test," said Kellar, who was head football coach at Concord last season. "We're holding out a slight chance that he might be able to go. But it's 99 percent that he won't."
Kellar said Luckhardt has been battling this condition for a couple weeks. He came down with a fever Monday, so the coaching staff was preparing the week's work with the expectation Luckhardt would not be there.
"It didn't look good for him to go," Kellar said. "He's going to be fine. The problem has been that he has a kidney stone and they can't treat it because he's had this infection. And they can't treat the infection until they get rid of the kidney stone."
Luckhardt considered not traveling with the team in the PSAC crossover game against Cheyney but changed his mind and was on the sidelines for the Vulcans' 43-3 victory.
Luckhardt was on the sidelines again for last week's 44-0 victory over Elizabeth City State in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. But he passed on attending the postgame news conference, sending Kellar and Conway in his place.
Cal, now 10-2, takes on the region's top-seed Winston-Salem State (10-0).
"We know John's philosophy," Kellar said. "It will be different, a new dynamic. I think the kids are going to be fine. The last couple of weeks, coach has been in and out with this. We gave them the heads-up this week, and they know it's not life-threatening."
Thomas Mayo, who leads Cal with 73 receptions for 1,230 yards and 16 touchdowns, said Luckhardt's absence will be a motivating factor.
"We want to win this game for him," said Mayo, who played on Kellar's team at Concord last year. "Things are not going to change much. We've got to play the game. We have a little more motivation now."
Among Luckhardt's many coaching milestones is that he is the all-time leader in victories at two colleges in the same county. He had a record in 16 seasons at Washington & Jefferson College, His record at California is 88-32 in 10 seasons.
The game, which kicks off at 1 p.m., won't be televised but the live stats can be found on Cal's Web page. WJPA will broadcast the game.
"I'll hate that he's not going to be there," said Kellar. "It's something we have to go through."
Head coach John Luckhardt will miss the game because of a kidney stone and an accompanying infection. Luckhardt is receiving treatment for the two ailments and is expected to return to the sidelines if the Vulcans are playing next week.
Mike Kellar, the Vulcans' offensive coordinator, will run the offense and Mike Conway, the defensive coordinator, will handle the defense.
"I guess coach is putting us to the test," said Kellar, who was head football coach at Concord last season. "We're holding out a slight chance that he might be able to go. But it's 99 percent that he won't."
Kellar said Luckhardt has been battling this condition for a couple weeks. He came down with a fever Monday, so the coaching staff was preparing the week's work with the expectation Luckhardt would not be there.
"It didn't look good for him to go," Kellar said. "He's going to be fine. The problem has been that he has a kidney stone and they can't treat it because he's had this infection. And they can't treat the infection until they get rid of the kidney stone."
Luckhardt considered not traveling with the team in the PSAC crossover game against Cheyney but changed his mind and was on the sidelines for the Vulcans' 43-3 victory.
Luckhardt was on the sidelines again for last week's 44-0 victory over Elizabeth City State in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. But he passed on attending the postgame news conference, sending Kellar and Conway in his place.
Cal, now 10-2, takes on the region's top-seed Winston-Salem State (10-0).
"We know John's philosophy," Kellar said. "It will be different, a new dynamic. I think the kids are going to be fine. The last couple of weeks, coach has been in and out with this. We gave them the heads-up this week, and they know it's not life-threatening."
Thomas Mayo, who leads Cal with 73 receptions for 1,230 yards and 16 touchdowns, said Luckhardt's absence will be a motivating factor.
"We want to win this game for him," said Mayo, who played on Kellar's team at Concord last year. "Things are not going to change much. We've got to play the game. We have a little more motivation now."
Among Luckhardt's many coaching milestones is that he is the all-time leader in victories at two colleges in the same county. He had a record in 16 seasons at Washington & Jefferson College, His record at California is 88-32 in 10 seasons.
The game, which kicks off at 1 p.m., won't be televised but the live stats can be found on Cal's Web page. WJPA will broadcast the game.
"I'll hate that he's not going to be there," said Kellar. "It's something we have to go through."
2011年11月23日星期三
Zumba helped me overcome my anorexia demons says Sophie Winter
SOPHIE Winter always enjoyed staying fit with regular visits to the gym. But what started as a passion became an obsession which saw the teenager walking 20 miles a day while eating only mints and iced drinks.
Now, after discovering Zumba Sophie, who at her lowest weighed less than six stones, has turned her life around.
“It’s true. Zumba really has helped save my life,” she smiles.
“I realised that to run a successful business, to get the most out of every day and to realise my dreams, I couldn’t afford to be ill. I had to buck my ideas up and that meant starting to eat again.
“Now I run 12 Zumba classes and have big plans for the future.”
Sophie, who is now 20 and lives in Scarisbrick, says that as a young teenager she regularly helped out at local beauty pageants.
“I never took part but I’d help the photographer and hand out the prizes and I think a lot of my issues stem from that time.
“I was probably a size eight or so but I knew I’d never look like one of those pageant models; they were so glamorous and thin and I just didn’t see myself like that.”
As she grew a little older her weight fluctuated slightly but, she says, it was never a problem and although she wasn’t sporty at school she enjoyed keeping fit at the gym.
“But I was exercising on my own. I’d be in there for ages and wouldn’t see or have to speak to anyone. It wasn’t a very social way to stay fit.”
Having left school at 16 and determined to build up her savings she found herself holding down three jobs.
“I worked in a pub and I also cleaned in a school. Then I got a job in a bistro and ended up running that as well.”
Soon she found herself walking up to 20 miles a day between jobs. Coupled with her exercise regime – she would often cycle for miles – the weight began to drop away.
“Sometimes I’d walk from my home to Southport and back on a Sunday just for the hell of it and I could spend hours on the cross trainer in the gym, too.
“I knew there was a problem but I’d look at myself in the mirror and still see myself as fat.”
She began to suffer kidney problems. Pale skinned anyway she developed dark rings beneath her eyes and her hair started to fall out. Anorexia had her in its grip.
“I lived alone although my parents were nearby and of course they noticed my changed appearance, as did my friends and colleagues. I became known as ‘the girl who spent hours in the gym’.
“But the more people commented on my appearance the more I’d think ‘I don’t care what they think’ and carry on.”
Distraught, her mum tried to force her to eat but to no avail. Her GP also referred to Fazakerley Hospital but Sophie was unwilling to take it further.
“I hated the idea of people touching me and I’d wear baggy clothes all the time to disguise my body shape. I remember weighing myself and I was six stones 1lb but I’m sure I lost more weight after that.
Now, after discovering Zumba Sophie, who at her lowest weighed less than six stones, has turned her life around.
“It’s true. Zumba really has helped save my life,” she smiles.
“I realised that to run a successful business, to get the most out of every day and to realise my dreams, I couldn’t afford to be ill. I had to buck my ideas up and that meant starting to eat again.
“Now I run 12 Zumba classes and have big plans for the future.”
Sophie, who is now 20 and lives in Scarisbrick, says that as a young teenager she regularly helped out at local beauty pageants.
“I never took part but I’d help the photographer and hand out the prizes and I think a lot of my issues stem from that time.
“I was probably a size eight or so but I knew I’d never look like one of those pageant models; they were so glamorous and thin and I just didn’t see myself like that.”
As she grew a little older her weight fluctuated slightly but, she says, it was never a problem and although she wasn’t sporty at school she enjoyed keeping fit at the gym.
“But I was exercising on my own. I’d be in there for ages and wouldn’t see or have to speak to anyone. It wasn’t a very social way to stay fit.”
Having left school at 16 and determined to build up her savings she found herself holding down three jobs.
“I worked in a pub and I also cleaned in a school. Then I got a job in a bistro and ended up running that as well.”
Soon she found herself walking up to 20 miles a day between jobs. Coupled with her exercise regime – she would often cycle for miles – the weight began to drop away.
“Sometimes I’d walk from my home to Southport and back on a Sunday just for the hell of it and I could spend hours on the cross trainer in the gym, too.
“I knew there was a problem but I’d look at myself in the mirror and still see myself as fat.”
She began to suffer kidney problems. Pale skinned anyway she developed dark rings beneath her eyes and her hair started to fall out. Anorexia had her in its grip.
“I lived alone although my parents were nearby and of course they noticed my changed appearance, as did my friends and colleagues. I became known as ‘the girl who spent hours in the gym’.
“But the more people commented on my appearance the more I’d think ‘I don’t care what they think’ and carry on.”
Distraught, her mum tried to force her to eat but to no avail. Her GP also referred to Fazakerley Hospital but Sophie was unwilling to take it further.
“I hated the idea of people touching me and I’d wear baggy clothes all the time to disguise my body shape. I remember weighing myself and I was six stones 1lb but I’m sure I lost more weight after that.
2011年11月22日星期二
Rugby Legend Lomu Becomes Ambassador of UNICEF
One more name has now been added to the brand ambassador list of children's charity UNICEF, New Zealand and the name is none other than Rugby legend Jonah Lomu.
Lomu is called the first true global superstar of rugby union and now, he has been appointed as brand ambassador of UNICEF, NZ. Some other popular names which are gems of the organization include Hayley Westenra, Mike McRoberts, Novak Djokovic and Fernando Alonso.
The 36-year-old is quite happy to have the position and he affirmed: "My kids mean the world to me and I'm doing everything I can to give them the best start in life, but there are so many children around the world who are disadvantaged from the time they are born".
He wanted to help children and holds the opinion that there could have been any other best way to support children. Lomu is on dialysis as his kidney transplantation operation failed. This position has given him needed strength to overcome illness as now; it is not only about him but it's about numerous needy children as well.
Quite ecstatic about being brand ambassador, Lomu is in hospital and is recovering from his illness as two weeks ago, his body refused to accept donated kidneys. But, this is not something which would act as hurdle to stop him from working for the charity.
He knows this battle would continue but there is something more important which requires his concentration and time. Earlier, he was not even able to go washroom but now when he knows he has added responsibilities on his shoulders, he has been making continuous efforts. This has led him to walk of his own and he could now also go to washroom of his own.
From giving free polio vaccines to Christmas gifts, Lomu is leaving no stone unturned to make his involvement larger than life in UNICEF.
Lomu is called the first true global superstar of rugby union and now, he has been appointed as brand ambassador of UNICEF, NZ. Some other popular names which are gems of the organization include Hayley Westenra, Mike McRoberts, Novak Djokovic and Fernando Alonso.
The 36-year-old is quite happy to have the position and he affirmed: "My kids mean the world to me and I'm doing everything I can to give them the best start in life, but there are so many children around the world who are disadvantaged from the time they are born".
He wanted to help children and holds the opinion that there could have been any other best way to support children. Lomu is on dialysis as his kidney transplantation operation failed. This position has given him needed strength to overcome illness as now; it is not only about him but it's about numerous needy children as well.
Quite ecstatic about being brand ambassador, Lomu is in hospital and is recovering from his illness as two weeks ago, his body refused to accept donated kidneys. But, this is not something which would act as hurdle to stop him from working for the charity.
He knows this battle would continue but there is something more important which requires his concentration and time. Earlier, he was not even able to go washroom but now when he knows he has added responsibilities on his shoulders, he has been making continuous efforts. This has led him to walk of his own and he could now also go to washroom of his own.
From giving free polio vaccines to Christmas gifts, Lomu is leaving no stone unturned to make his involvement larger than life in UNICEF.
2011年11月21日星期一
Kidney Stone Prevention: 'Fact versus Fiction'
According to current estimates, kidney stones will develop in one in 10 people during their lifetime. This translates into nearly 30 million people in the United States. The prevalence is highest among those aged 30-45 years. High urinary calcium can be the cause of kidney stones in upwards of 80% of cases. The most prevalent stone composition is calcium oxalate. Once kidney stones develop, patients have a 50%-75% likelihood of developing another stone. The yearly cost of kidney stones in the United States was $2 billion (treatments, hospitalizations, lost work, etc.) in 1994 and is now estimated at $5 billion.1
Clearly, prevention is paramount when dealing with kidney stones. General guidelines for prevention include moderate protein intake, minimal salt ingestion, and drinking enough clear liquids to generate two liters of urine per day. A low oxalate diet has proved beneficial for preventing calcium oxalate stones. Reducing elevated urinary calcium levels helps to improve urinary saturation kinetics. Uric acid stones require dietary manipulation, adequate fluid intake to optimize volumes, and manipulation of urinary pH. Cystine stones, while relatively rare, require their own preventive measures.
Which fluid to drink is controversial. While water is the mainstay, a number of articles tout the benefit of different juices. For example, lemon juice increases urinary citrate and may prevent calcium stones. Whether one uses the recommended half cup of lemon juice per day straight up or diluted, is a personal choice. Lemonade is another frequently recommended choice. There are various opinions when it comes to the benefits of orange juice. It, too, increases urinary citrate levels, but there is concern that it could raise oxalate levels. Apple and cranberry juice contain oxalates and have been associated with a higher risk of calcium oxalate stones. Likewise, grapefruit juice has been associated with increased risk of stone formation. Soft drinks, via their phosphorus content, may lead to increased risk for kidney stones.2,3 The choice of fluid depends on other variables in the patient's urinary chemical composition.
What about sugar? Analysis from the Nurses Health Study II has shown that sugar increased kidney stone risk in young women by more than 30%. Whether this was an independent variable was unclear but the message is that high sugar, whether fructose or other sugar, is probably detrimental in the prevention of further kidney stones.
And the calcium controversy? Calcium supplements, in excess, will increase your risk for forming kidney stones. Given all of the studies and commentaries, the simple take home message is that a diet containing normal amounts of calcium along with salt and animal protein reduction will likely protect against stones better than a low calcium regimen. It is accepted that a diet too low in calcium intake will allow preferential absorption of oxalate in the gut and increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones.
If diet alone is not helpful in correcting an abnormal urinary chemical environment, then medications are sometimes offered. These include thiazide diuretics for high urinary calcium levels, citrate supplementation for low urinary citrate levels, cystine binding drugs (i.e., penicillamine) for cystine stone prevention, as well as new options on the horizon, including oxalate degrading enzymes. But, like most drugs, these options have side effects. Thiazides, for instance, can worsen glucose tolerance, cause electrolyte imbalance, and aggravate triglyceride levels.
Clearly, prevention is paramount when dealing with kidney stones. General guidelines for prevention include moderate protein intake, minimal salt ingestion, and drinking enough clear liquids to generate two liters of urine per day. A low oxalate diet has proved beneficial for preventing calcium oxalate stones. Reducing elevated urinary calcium levels helps to improve urinary saturation kinetics. Uric acid stones require dietary manipulation, adequate fluid intake to optimize volumes, and manipulation of urinary pH. Cystine stones, while relatively rare, require their own preventive measures.
Which fluid to drink is controversial. While water is the mainstay, a number of articles tout the benefit of different juices. For example, lemon juice increases urinary citrate and may prevent calcium stones. Whether one uses the recommended half cup of lemon juice per day straight up or diluted, is a personal choice. Lemonade is another frequently recommended choice. There are various opinions when it comes to the benefits of orange juice. It, too, increases urinary citrate levels, but there is concern that it could raise oxalate levels. Apple and cranberry juice contain oxalates and have been associated with a higher risk of calcium oxalate stones. Likewise, grapefruit juice has been associated with increased risk of stone formation. Soft drinks, via their phosphorus content, may lead to increased risk for kidney stones.2,3 The choice of fluid depends on other variables in the patient's urinary chemical composition.
What about sugar? Analysis from the Nurses Health Study II has shown that sugar increased kidney stone risk in young women by more than 30%. Whether this was an independent variable was unclear but the message is that high sugar, whether fructose or other sugar, is probably detrimental in the prevention of further kidney stones.
And the calcium controversy? Calcium supplements, in excess, will increase your risk for forming kidney stones. Given all of the studies and commentaries, the simple take home message is that a diet containing normal amounts of calcium along with salt and animal protein reduction will likely protect against stones better than a low calcium regimen. It is accepted that a diet too low in calcium intake will allow preferential absorption of oxalate in the gut and increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones.
If diet alone is not helpful in correcting an abnormal urinary chemical environment, then medications are sometimes offered. These include thiazide diuretics for high urinary calcium levels, citrate supplementation for low urinary citrate levels, cystine binding drugs (i.e., penicillamine) for cystine stone prevention, as well as new options on the horizon, including oxalate degrading enzymes. But, like most drugs, these options have side effects. Thiazides, for instance, can worsen glucose tolerance, cause electrolyte imbalance, and aggravate triglyceride levels.
2011年11月20日星期日
The autumn-winter fall!
The year was 2006. Desi designer Anand Jon Alexander had wooed and impressed the Wall Street hardto-please stuffed shirts for them to have evaluated his brand name and agreed to pump in millions for his new ready-towear line. The high priestess of high jinks, hotel heiress Paris Hilton was to be intimately associated with this project.
Life was not merely looking good, Anand was just a signature away from breaking into a league that only few could aspire to. The deal was to be inked on March 7, 2007. But, tragically, a day before, the dream ended. Reality caught up. Instead of inking the multimillion-dollar deal, Anand was negotiating the intricacies of the arrest warrant issued against him on charges of alleged rape, molestation and sexual indiscretions and indecencies. In no time, the charges were flying thick, fast, and all over the place as girls and women kept coming out of the woodwork complaining about Anand's alleged sexual misdemeanours.
Five years hence, Anand lies on a heap of crushed dreams at the cold and formidable Rikers Island prison in New York as he awaits trial, having already been convicted in California and earning a sentence of over 50 years of imprisonment.
A few days ago, Anand was writhing in unbearable pain, and the jail authorities remained indifferent to his plight, insisting he was faking illness. They joked that he probably needed psychiatric help. When the doctor was finally summoned, it was discovered that Anand had kidney stones, which needed immediate intervention.
But Anand is hardly the hopeless defeated man you'd expect of someone who's spent over four years in lock-up. He doesn't rave, rant and rail against the cruel turn of fate. Instead, he sounds calm, composed, and you can detect his silent resolve to fight it out. So, how did things go so horribly wrong after getting off to something so goddamn right?
"Just before my grandmother, Ammana Abraham, passed away, I had won my art scholarship to go to America. She'd warned me about how fame and fortune can change anyone and a land of dreams into one of nightmares. It is heartbreaking to find out the hard way that some of the people I trusted as friends and partners had ulterior motives," says Anand on the phone from Rikers Island jail.
His family and lawyers have suggested often enough that Anand's super successful career in the US ultimately became the reason for his downfall as there were many who were insanely jealous of how an 'alien' boy was beating them in the sweepstakes on their own turf. Ask him if he feels let down and revengeful, and he stoically replies, "One of the worst feelings in the world is to be falsely accused. One of the worst experiences is this kind of humiliation and loneliness someone innocent is forced to endure. If someone like myself, who has no criminal past, no history of violence or drugs can be targeted like this, then no one is safe. Whether someone is a rich and famous celebrity or just a regular person, all human beings deserve justice. That was denied once to me and I am truly grateful that a higher power is opening new opportunities and a second chance for me. I do not wish such suffering upon anyone, not even those who did me wrong, whether accidently or intentionally."
The life Anand's leading behind the bars is a far cry from the life that Anand led before his incarceration. But he's not complaining. His mother says that Anand won't talk about the kind of food served to him or the conditions in his cell simply because he knows that nothing can be done about it. "This painful path is a powerful learning experience. It is humbling to follow the footsteps of our forefathers who were also wrongfully imprisoned as they fought against the Empire for truth, justice and freedom, and eventually won as the crisis united people to do the right thing," he says philosophically.
Anand now spends most of his time brushing up his knowledge of law and legal matters and sketching, practising yoga and meditation. "Being born and brought up in India, the spiritual foundations of yoga and meditation have been a source of inspiration to walk through such adversity."
And does he sense freedom, even if it might take some time coming? "There's no question about it. Justice will ultimately triumph. Swaraj is my birthright and part of my life plan is to keep a covenant and help others fight against injustice. I do have many plans upon regaining my freedom, which will be seen in my actions rather than my advertising them."
His family complain their finances have all but dried up; they feel that Anand's celebrity friends from the US, barring a few like Ivanka Trump and the Chatwals, and Indians like Suhasini Maniratnam, and Anand's uncle singer KJ Yesudas and a few others, not many have thrown their weight behind Anand and his family at this very trying time. But, what has upset them most is that the government has done precious little to exert pressure on the US to ensure fair and quick justice delivery. Says Anand, "Just like other communities stand by their own, if and when South Asians and Indians are targeted anywhere in the world, we must literally have a billion voices demanding justice for me. Today it is me, tomorrow it can be anyone."
Down he may be, but not out. Anand says he'll live and fight for another day. "It's inhuman what I'm going through, but I don't see any point in getting angry. It's a travesty of justice and human rights all the way...the system wants to break you down, demonise you. In California, I was set up by my own lawyers. What can I do? File civil suits against those who falsely testified against me? I have kept the faith because if I break down and succumb, I willingly fall into the trap they've laid for me. This may work for criminals. For someone who's worked and lived honestly, there's no way I'm going to give in or give up. It's been many years of total isolation for me, and I can't sleep at night. I worry about my mother and sister, who're fighting for justice for me. Once I get out, I'll restructure my life. I'll visit my grandparents' graves first thing after release. I need intelligent media to take up my cause, the cause of someone very wronged by a system of justice that hitherto he's had the highest respect for."
Life was not merely looking good, Anand was just a signature away from breaking into a league that only few could aspire to. The deal was to be inked on March 7, 2007. But, tragically, a day before, the dream ended. Reality caught up. Instead of inking the multimillion-dollar deal, Anand was negotiating the intricacies of the arrest warrant issued against him on charges of alleged rape, molestation and sexual indiscretions and indecencies. In no time, the charges were flying thick, fast, and all over the place as girls and women kept coming out of the woodwork complaining about Anand's alleged sexual misdemeanours.
Five years hence, Anand lies on a heap of crushed dreams at the cold and formidable Rikers Island prison in New York as he awaits trial, having already been convicted in California and earning a sentence of over 50 years of imprisonment.
A few days ago, Anand was writhing in unbearable pain, and the jail authorities remained indifferent to his plight, insisting he was faking illness. They joked that he probably needed psychiatric help. When the doctor was finally summoned, it was discovered that Anand had kidney stones, which needed immediate intervention.
But Anand is hardly the hopeless defeated man you'd expect of someone who's spent over four years in lock-up. He doesn't rave, rant and rail against the cruel turn of fate. Instead, he sounds calm, composed, and you can detect his silent resolve to fight it out. So, how did things go so horribly wrong after getting off to something so goddamn right?
"Just before my grandmother, Ammana Abraham, passed away, I had won my art scholarship to go to America. She'd warned me about how fame and fortune can change anyone and a land of dreams into one of nightmares. It is heartbreaking to find out the hard way that some of the people I trusted as friends and partners had ulterior motives," says Anand on the phone from Rikers Island jail.
His family and lawyers have suggested often enough that Anand's super successful career in the US ultimately became the reason for his downfall as there were many who were insanely jealous of how an 'alien' boy was beating them in the sweepstakes on their own turf. Ask him if he feels let down and revengeful, and he stoically replies, "One of the worst feelings in the world is to be falsely accused. One of the worst experiences is this kind of humiliation and loneliness someone innocent is forced to endure. If someone like myself, who has no criminal past, no history of violence or drugs can be targeted like this, then no one is safe. Whether someone is a rich and famous celebrity or just a regular person, all human beings deserve justice. That was denied once to me and I am truly grateful that a higher power is opening new opportunities and a second chance for me. I do not wish such suffering upon anyone, not even those who did me wrong, whether accidently or intentionally."
The life Anand's leading behind the bars is a far cry from the life that Anand led before his incarceration. But he's not complaining. His mother says that Anand won't talk about the kind of food served to him or the conditions in his cell simply because he knows that nothing can be done about it. "This painful path is a powerful learning experience. It is humbling to follow the footsteps of our forefathers who were also wrongfully imprisoned as they fought against the Empire for truth, justice and freedom, and eventually won as the crisis united people to do the right thing," he says philosophically.
Anand now spends most of his time brushing up his knowledge of law and legal matters and sketching, practising yoga and meditation. "Being born and brought up in India, the spiritual foundations of yoga and meditation have been a source of inspiration to walk through such adversity."
And does he sense freedom, even if it might take some time coming? "There's no question about it. Justice will ultimately triumph. Swaraj is my birthright and part of my life plan is to keep a covenant and help others fight against injustice. I do have many plans upon regaining my freedom, which will be seen in my actions rather than my advertising them."
His family complain their finances have all but dried up; they feel that Anand's celebrity friends from the US, barring a few like Ivanka Trump and the Chatwals, and Indians like Suhasini Maniratnam, and Anand's uncle singer KJ Yesudas and a few others, not many have thrown their weight behind Anand and his family at this very trying time. But, what has upset them most is that the government has done precious little to exert pressure on the US to ensure fair and quick justice delivery. Says Anand, "Just like other communities stand by their own, if and when South Asians and Indians are targeted anywhere in the world, we must literally have a billion voices demanding justice for me. Today it is me, tomorrow it can be anyone."
Down he may be, but not out. Anand says he'll live and fight for another day. "It's inhuman what I'm going through, but I don't see any point in getting angry. It's a travesty of justice and human rights all the way...the system wants to break you down, demonise you. In California, I was set up by my own lawyers. What can I do? File civil suits against those who falsely testified against me? I have kept the faith because if I break down and succumb, I willingly fall into the trap they've laid for me. This may work for criminals. For someone who's worked and lived honestly, there's no way I'm going to give in or give up. It's been many years of total isolation for me, and I can't sleep at night. I worry about my mother and sister, who're fighting for justice for me. Once I get out, I'll restructure my life. I'll visit my grandparents' graves first thing after release. I need intelligent media to take up my cause, the cause of someone very wronged by a system of justice that hitherto he's had the highest respect for."
2011年11月17日星期四
Kidney missing after surgery to remove stone
In a shocking news which could make every patient hesitant to undergo any surgery, kidney of a woman was found missing after she underwent a surgery for removing stone (calculus) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Porompat, Imphal.
The matter came to light when a JAC against the wrongful operation of Achoubi told a group of media persons in a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul Imphal today.
Secretary of the JAC, Haji Arafat Ali told reporters that the victim Achoubi (52) wife of late Atarali of Minuthong Hatta went to the hospitals on October 3 after she developed pain in her back and checked herself in the OPD where she was attended by Dr Prafullo.
The doctor told her to conduct an ultrasound test to confirm the reason of her pain and she accordingly took the test on the next day at the Aadarsh Laboratoty clinic.
After seeing the USG result on October 5, the doctor told her that she had developed some stones (calculus) in her kidney and a surgery is needed to remove the stone.
Thereafter the doctor referred her to the Surgery Ward of the hospitals.
After she went to the ward, Professor K Mani and Dr Robindro told her to get admitted the same day itself which she did.
After spending some days in the ward, her surgery was conducted on October 11 by Prof K Mani and Dr Robindro which took about four hours.
After the surgery, the doctors told the patient party that they could not find both the stone and kidney in Achoubi's body.
When the patient party enquired about the matter, the doctors told them several possibilities and asked them to keep quiet and offered them to return the amount spend for the surgery.
However after a week, hospital authorities refused to give back the said amount and told them that the doctors were not found guilty in the process of the surgery.
Later on November 5, they were discharged and forced to leave the hospital.
Arafat Ali further told reporters that the surgery was the first ever surgery being conducted on Achoubi in her entire life.
It is a clear matter of negligence and cheating the innocent people by the doctors, he alleged.
He appealed to the concern authority to find the truth and punish the culprits.
A memorandum regarding the incident and their demand was also submitted today to the Chief Minister, Governor of Manipur, DGP by the JAC.
The matter came to light when a JAC against the wrongful operation of Achoubi told a group of media persons in a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul Imphal today.
Secretary of the JAC, Haji Arafat Ali told reporters that the victim Achoubi (52) wife of late Atarali of Minuthong Hatta went to the hospitals on October 3 after she developed pain in her back and checked herself in the OPD where she was attended by Dr Prafullo.
The doctor told her to conduct an ultrasound test to confirm the reason of her pain and she accordingly took the test on the next day at the Aadarsh Laboratoty clinic.
After seeing the USG result on October 5, the doctor told her that she had developed some stones (calculus) in her kidney and a surgery is needed to remove the stone.
Thereafter the doctor referred her to the Surgery Ward of the hospitals.
After she went to the ward, Professor K Mani and Dr Robindro told her to get admitted the same day itself which she did.
After spending some days in the ward, her surgery was conducted on October 11 by Prof K Mani and Dr Robindro which took about four hours.
After the surgery, the doctors told the patient party that they could not find both the stone and kidney in Achoubi's body.
When the patient party enquired about the matter, the doctors told them several possibilities and asked them to keep quiet and offered them to return the amount spend for the surgery.
However after a week, hospital authorities refused to give back the said amount and told them that the doctors were not found guilty in the process of the surgery.
Later on November 5, they were discharged and forced to leave the hospital.
Arafat Ali further told reporters that the surgery was the first ever surgery being conducted on Achoubi in her entire life.
It is a clear matter of negligence and cheating the innocent people by the doctors, he alleged.
He appealed to the concern authority to find the truth and punish the culprits.
A memorandum regarding the incident and their demand was also submitted today to the Chief Minister, Governor of Manipur, DGP by the JAC.
2011年11月16日星期三
Wired for gold
Unlicensed e-waste recyclers in Beijing and migrant workers in Guangdong province's Guiyu town extract gold, silver and other valuable metals from discarded electronic appliances, a business that operates illegally and has significant health risks - but also generates huge profits. Cheng Anqi and Erik Nilsson go undercover to find out more.
Huang Yan coughs as she deposits a large circuit board in a coal stove. Wisps of toxic smoke curl off the board as it softens, blisters then dribbles. Huang describes her health problems as she melts e-waste - discarded electronics like computers and mobile phones - with 12 other migrant workers in an illegal 20-square-meter family-run workshop in Guangdong province's Guiyu town. "Sometimes," the 32-year-old says, "I cough up blood." Huang tries to elaborate but instead wheezes and smiles mournfully.
She earns 30 yuan ($4.73) a day for nine hours spent extracting small but valuable amounts of gold, silver, copper and other substances from used circuit boards.
The woman believes her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney stones are caused by the soot and poisons, including sulfur dioxide, that billow out while she fires circuit boards to melt the metals into extractable goop.
Black market e-waste processing is the economic pillar of Guiyu town in Shantou city. The industry employed more than 80 percent of residents three years ago.
But the global economic downturn has exerted gravity on copper prices since 2008, reducing e-waste recycling's profitability and, in turn, the pollution it expels.
However, people like Huang, who moved from Hunan province to Guiyu's Beilin village to find work 19 years ago, remain sick.
"I was told this was a place where jobs were available, and people without higher education could make money," says Huang, who is raising a family of four.
But her health deteriorated as her finances improved.
She started feeling intense back pains and stomachaches that turned out to be kidney stones.
The Yaohui Hospital in Shantou city warned her family against drinking the water when every member developed kidney stones.
The toxic byproducts of e-waste recycling are dumped into the town's waterways, poisoning the groundwater and wells, Shantou University Medical College cytological analysis professor Huo Xia says. Kidney stones are among the ailments they cause. Greenpeace East Asia reports about 30 percent of migrant workers in Guiyu had them in 2009.
Most residents are migrants lured by the e-waste processing opportunities, while many families with local hukou (residency permits) have made fortunes from e-waste and relocated outside because of the pollution. They employ the migrants to run their businesses in their absences.
Huang says her family buys drinking water from the neighboring areas for 2 or 3 yuan (31-47 US cents) per 3 liters.
"But we must use polluted water for washing vegetables and dishes," she says.
People like Huang say they don't want their children to go through what they have.
The 31-year-old Zheng Shouren, from Jiangxi province, has suffered from chronic bronchitis for two of the five years he has worked as a plastic cutter in an e-waste storehouse.
"I cough a lot every day, and there is a lot of phlegm," he yells, above the screech of a saw that throws up rooster tails of acrid smoke.
"Our boss only drives into town on weekends to check on the business and won't stay long."
Chen Demin quit working as a plastic cutter to escape the toxic haze two years ago to wash the cut fragments.
The 28-year-old extends cracked hands for examination. One peeling fingertip bleeds.
He washes the shards in a solution of lime powder or saltwater to separate different toxic yet valuable substances.
"It's too sad to even look at my hands and too painful to straighten them," Chen says.
"I often wear gloves packed with lotion to keep them from hurting. It's like a toothache in my fingers and palms."
Chen and other Guiyu workers are still laboring despite the drop in market prices for the precious metals they extract.
"The recession will pass," Chen says.
"And business will get better when the price picks up. It's just a matter of time."
Huang Yan coughs as she deposits a large circuit board in a coal stove. Wisps of toxic smoke curl off the board as it softens, blisters then dribbles. Huang describes her health problems as she melts e-waste - discarded electronics like computers and mobile phones - with 12 other migrant workers in an illegal 20-square-meter family-run workshop in Guangdong province's Guiyu town. "Sometimes," the 32-year-old says, "I cough up blood." Huang tries to elaborate but instead wheezes and smiles mournfully.
She earns 30 yuan ($4.73) a day for nine hours spent extracting small but valuable amounts of gold, silver, copper and other substances from used circuit boards.
The woman believes her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney stones are caused by the soot and poisons, including sulfur dioxide, that billow out while she fires circuit boards to melt the metals into extractable goop.
Black market e-waste processing is the economic pillar of Guiyu town in Shantou city. The industry employed more than 80 percent of residents three years ago.
But the global economic downturn has exerted gravity on copper prices since 2008, reducing e-waste recycling's profitability and, in turn, the pollution it expels.
However, people like Huang, who moved from Hunan province to Guiyu's Beilin village to find work 19 years ago, remain sick.
"I was told this was a place where jobs were available, and people without higher education could make money," says Huang, who is raising a family of four.
But her health deteriorated as her finances improved.
She started feeling intense back pains and stomachaches that turned out to be kidney stones.
The Yaohui Hospital in Shantou city warned her family against drinking the water when every member developed kidney stones.
The toxic byproducts of e-waste recycling are dumped into the town's waterways, poisoning the groundwater and wells, Shantou University Medical College cytological analysis professor Huo Xia says. Kidney stones are among the ailments they cause. Greenpeace East Asia reports about 30 percent of migrant workers in Guiyu had them in 2009.
Most residents are migrants lured by the e-waste processing opportunities, while many families with local hukou (residency permits) have made fortunes from e-waste and relocated outside because of the pollution. They employ the migrants to run their businesses in their absences.
Huang says her family buys drinking water from the neighboring areas for 2 or 3 yuan (31-47 US cents) per 3 liters.
"But we must use polluted water for washing vegetables and dishes," she says.
People like Huang say they don't want their children to go through what they have.
The 31-year-old Zheng Shouren, from Jiangxi province, has suffered from chronic bronchitis for two of the five years he has worked as a plastic cutter in an e-waste storehouse.
"I cough a lot every day, and there is a lot of phlegm," he yells, above the screech of a saw that throws up rooster tails of acrid smoke.
"Our boss only drives into town on weekends to check on the business and won't stay long."
Chen Demin quit working as a plastic cutter to escape the toxic haze two years ago to wash the cut fragments.
The 28-year-old extends cracked hands for examination. One peeling fingertip bleeds.
He washes the shards in a solution of lime powder or saltwater to separate different toxic yet valuable substances.
"It's too sad to even look at my hands and too painful to straighten them," Chen says.
"I often wear gloves packed with lotion to keep them from hurting. It's like a toothache in my fingers and palms."
Chen and other Guiyu workers are still laboring despite the drop in market prices for the precious metals they extract.
"The recession will pass," Chen says.
"And business will get better when the price picks up. It's just a matter of time."
2011年11月15日星期二
Vic nurses' dispute halts urgent surgery
Patients have had urgent operations cancelled and almost 1000 Victorian public hospital beds are closed as nurses continue industrial action.
The action has led to blockages in already stretched emergency departments, with one patient who had experienced a suspected heart attack being left unchecked for 90 minutes and nurses initially refusing to admit a 96-year-old woman to a ward.
Victorian Health Minister David Davis warned that people could die.
"There is no doubt that there is a threat to life, there is a threat and a risk to patients," he told reporters on Tuesday.
The action is part of the Australian Nursing Federation's campaign for better pay and conditions, with the union asking for an 18.5 per cent pay rise over three years and eight months and the preservation of nurse-patient ratios.
The public hospitals, backed by the state government, have taken the ANF to Fair Work Australia and applied to have the action terminated.
Some 969 beds are closed across the state, including 425 in Melbourne and 544 in country areas.
More than 311 surgeries have been cancelled since Saturday, including about 160 on Tuesday.
People have had waits of longer than 24 hours in emergency departments, including 10 with ailments such as broken bones and pneumonia at hospitals across Melbourne's southeast.
Seven patients at Dandenong Hospital and two at Monash Medical Centre waited longer than 24 hours in emergency departments. It was first time that had happened at Monash in three years.
Northern Health chief nursing officer Robynne Cooke said one patient had waited close to 40 hours on an ambulance trolley.
Category one patients, who should be operated on within 30 days, were among those whose surgeries were cancelled at Austin Hospital.
Austin Health executive director of ambulatory and nursing services, Ann Maree Keenan, said two category one and 14 category two patients had procedures cancelled on Tuesday.
One category one patient was booked in for a bladder operation to check for possible cancer and the other needed laser treatment on kidney stones, which can be extremely painful.
A spokeswoman for Mr Davis said the government had confirmed there was a further category one patient whose surgery was cancelled at Austin Hospital.
The bed closures have led to clashes between nursing staff and emergency department physicians about which patients are sick enough to be admitted to beds.
In one instance at the Austin Hospital on Monday, a patient who had suffered a suspected heart attack was left sitting in a chair unchecked for 90 minutes when they should have been hooked up to a cardiac monitor, Ms Keenan said.
At Northern Health, Ms Cooke said she had to convince the union to accept patients needing admission to wards, including an elderly woman.
"I mean, she was 96," she told the FWA hearing.
"I shouldn't to be in a position where I have to sell a patient to an ANF organiser.
"The ANF has become the bed managers for the state."
Eastern Health chief executive Alan Lilley said ambulances were experiencing long waits at hospitals, which in turn diminished their capacity to respond to emergency calls.
The action has led to blockages in already stretched emergency departments, with one patient who had experienced a suspected heart attack being left unchecked for 90 minutes and nurses initially refusing to admit a 96-year-old woman to a ward.
Victorian Health Minister David Davis warned that people could die.
"There is no doubt that there is a threat to life, there is a threat and a risk to patients," he told reporters on Tuesday.
The action is part of the Australian Nursing Federation's campaign for better pay and conditions, with the union asking for an 18.5 per cent pay rise over three years and eight months and the preservation of nurse-patient ratios.
The public hospitals, backed by the state government, have taken the ANF to Fair Work Australia and applied to have the action terminated.
Some 969 beds are closed across the state, including 425 in Melbourne and 544 in country areas.
More than 311 surgeries have been cancelled since Saturday, including about 160 on Tuesday.
People have had waits of longer than 24 hours in emergency departments, including 10 with ailments such as broken bones and pneumonia at hospitals across Melbourne's southeast.
Seven patients at Dandenong Hospital and two at Monash Medical Centre waited longer than 24 hours in emergency departments. It was first time that had happened at Monash in three years.
Northern Health chief nursing officer Robynne Cooke said one patient had waited close to 40 hours on an ambulance trolley.
Category one patients, who should be operated on within 30 days, were among those whose surgeries were cancelled at Austin Hospital.
Austin Health executive director of ambulatory and nursing services, Ann Maree Keenan, said two category one and 14 category two patients had procedures cancelled on Tuesday.
One category one patient was booked in for a bladder operation to check for possible cancer and the other needed laser treatment on kidney stones, which can be extremely painful.
A spokeswoman for Mr Davis said the government had confirmed there was a further category one patient whose surgery was cancelled at Austin Hospital.
The bed closures have led to clashes between nursing staff and emergency department physicians about which patients are sick enough to be admitted to beds.
In one instance at the Austin Hospital on Monday, a patient who had suffered a suspected heart attack was left sitting in a chair unchecked for 90 minutes when they should have been hooked up to a cardiac monitor, Ms Keenan said.
At Northern Health, Ms Cooke said she had to convince the union to accept patients needing admission to wards, including an elderly woman.
"I mean, she was 96," she told the FWA hearing.
"I shouldn't to be in a position where I have to sell a patient to an ANF organiser.
"The ANF has become the bed managers for the state."
Eastern Health chief executive Alan Lilley said ambulances were experiencing long waits at hospitals, which in turn diminished their capacity to respond to emergency calls.
2011年11月14日星期一
Excessive Intake of Salt Could Be Harmful
There is no doubt that excess of anything is bad and that’s why salt intake has become so debatable now. It was told that intake of salt beyond a particular limit could trigger the concerns of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, obesity, kidney disease and kidney stones.
Keeping in mind all the range of health challenges, a campaign was started on Friday with the joint collaboration of the Yashoda Group of Hospitals and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The main aim of this drive is to ensure that targeted information could be given to those who are under the risk of high salt intake.
Among others, Mayor Banda Karthika Reddy, GHMC commissioner, M T Krishna Babu and Managing Director of Yashoda group of Hospitals, G S Rao were seen backing the noble cause. In order to make a huge impact, the organizers created a 10-12 feet high salt laden scary monster in the name of ‘the Salt Monster’. Placed at nearly 60 places, the attempt depicts that salt has become a silent killer for people.
There has been significant shift in number of people who are gorging on packaged, processed and ready-to-eat foods, which not only contains significant amount of sodium but has large amount of salt also. The complex mixture of salt and sodium in regular diet could significantly affect the quality of life.
If recommendation by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) is to be concerned, it has been found that an average Indian consumes about 30 grams of salt, which is beyond the permissible limit. There is significant risk of heart stroke and other attached health concerns in India as it was found that majority of Indians are fond of using it.
With the report making reverberations in the contours of the society, it’s being believed that significant efforts are required to address the percolating concern.
Keeping in mind all the range of health challenges, a campaign was started on Friday with the joint collaboration of the Yashoda Group of Hospitals and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The main aim of this drive is to ensure that targeted information could be given to those who are under the risk of high salt intake.
Among others, Mayor Banda Karthika Reddy, GHMC commissioner, M T Krishna Babu and Managing Director of Yashoda group of Hospitals, G S Rao were seen backing the noble cause. In order to make a huge impact, the organizers created a 10-12 feet high salt laden scary monster in the name of ‘the Salt Monster’. Placed at nearly 60 places, the attempt depicts that salt has become a silent killer for people.
There has been significant shift in number of people who are gorging on packaged, processed and ready-to-eat foods, which not only contains significant amount of sodium but has large amount of salt also. The complex mixture of salt and sodium in regular diet could significantly affect the quality of life.
If recommendation by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) is to be concerned, it has been found that an average Indian consumes about 30 grams of salt, which is beyond the permissible limit. There is significant risk of heart stroke and other attached health concerns in India as it was found that majority of Indians are fond of using it.
With the report making reverberations in the contours of the society, it’s being believed that significant efforts are required to address the percolating concern.
2011年11月13日星期日
Concerns raised over €400,000 machine lying idle at Galway hospital
A €400,000 machine purchased for the urology department at University Hospital Galway over 18 months ago has “never been put into service”, consultants at the hospital have said.
Five consultants have written to Minister for Health James Reilly to raise their concerns about an extracorporeal shockwave lithotriptor (ESWL), bought for the hospital in February 2010 to treat patients with conditions such as kidney stones.
In a letter sent to the Minister at the end of last month, consultant urologists Michael Corcoran, Eamon Rogers, Killian Walsh, Syed Jaffry and Garrett Durkan said the machine had never been put into service as radiographers to facilitate the treatments were never allocated by management.
“This decision has been to the detriment of patients with stone disease in the region,” they said.
The doctors said because the ESWL treatment was not being provided, there has been an “over-reliance on invasive procedures” at the hospital, as well as delayed treatment for those in chronic pain and increased admissions to the emergency department. Some patients were also having to travel to Tallaght hospital for ESWL treatment there.
“In the meantime, an ESWL machine purchased at taxpayers’ expense, lies idle and depreciates,” they said.
The hospital is a tertiary referral centre for people with complex urological diseases and it receives referrals from Letterkenny, Sligo, Castlebar, Roscommon and Portiuncula hospitals.
The doctors said the machine had now been “cannibalised and allocated without discussion” to Merlin Park Regional Hospital for “exclusive use” by its radiology department, which already had sufficient equipment. “The background to this event is such that it warrants full investigation and due consideration,” the doctors said.
They said the decision had been made by Health Service Executive Galway clinical director David O’Keeffe, who is also a director of a private imaging company on the grounds of Merlin Park.
“It is nothing short of scandalous in the current financial times that the HSE would waste €400,000 on a piece of equipment and then render it unusable by cannibalising it for the use of a department which clearly doesn’t need it,” the doctors said.
In a statement, the HSE said the machine cost €265,000 excluding VAT. It said by the time the machine was procured, staffing at the hospital had changed, with significant reductions nursing and radiology staff numbers.
“It was not possible to provide the service from the existing staff resources as originally planned,” the statement said.
“The equipment is currently being used for interventional radiology at the Merlin Park site and the intention is to provide lithotripsy as soon as resources allow.”
Five consultants have written to Minister for Health James Reilly to raise their concerns about an extracorporeal shockwave lithotriptor (ESWL), bought for the hospital in February 2010 to treat patients with conditions such as kidney stones.
In a letter sent to the Minister at the end of last month, consultant urologists Michael Corcoran, Eamon Rogers, Killian Walsh, Syed Jaffry and Garrett Durkan said the machine had never been put into service as radiographers to facilitate the treatments were never allocated by management.
“This decision has been to the detriment of patients with stone disease in the region,” they said.
The doctors said because the ESWL treatment was not being provided, there has been an “over-reliance on invasive procedures” at the hospital, as well as delayed treatment for those in chronic pain and increased admissions to the emergency department. Some patients were also having to travel to Tallaght hospital for ESWL treatment there.
“In the meantime, an ESWL machine purchased at taxpayers’ expense, lies idle and depreciates,” they said.
The hospital is a tertiary referral centre for people with complex urological diseases and it receives referrals from Letterkenny, Sligo, Castlebar, Roscommon and Portiuncula hospitals.
The doctors said the machine had now been “cannibalised and allocated without discussion” to Merlin Park Regional Hospital for “exclusive use” by its radiology department, which already had sufficient equipment. “The background to this event is such that it warrants full investigation and due consideration,” the doctors said.
They said the decision had been made by Health Service Executive Galway clinical director David O’Keeffe, who is also a director of a private imaging company on the grounds of Merlin Park.
“It is nothing short of scandalous in the current financial times that the HSE would waste €400,000 on a piece of equipment and then render it unusable by cannibalising it for the use of a department which clearly doesn’t need it,” the doctors said.
In a statement, the HSE said the machine cost €265,000 excluding VAT. It said by the time the machine was procured, staffing at the hospital had changed, with significant reductions nursing and radiology staff numbers.
“It was not possible to provide the service from the existing staff resources as originally planned,” the statement said.
“The equipment is currently being used for interventional radiology at the Merlin Park site and the intention is to provide lithotripsy as soon as resources allow.”
2011年11月10日星期四
Doctors caught rare cancer by looking for the zebra
"Thank God for the kidney stones" isn't a phrase one typically expects to hear -- but Jennifer Goff said they may have saved her life.
The 21-year-old nursing and EMT student said she was rushed to the MedCentral/Shelby Hospital emergency room last August with severe back pain. Doctors told Goff she had already passed kidney stones, but a CT scan would show she wasn't out of the woods yet.
"It showed a tumor, but they said an MRI would give a better picture," Goff's mother Lynn Shafer said.
The next day, an MRI confirmed a 3.5-centimeter tumor on her daughter's pancreas.
"So many people, like Jen, discover it because of other issues. There is a lot of misdiagnosis out there. There is probably no other way to detect this besides a CT scan," Shafer said. "But they told us they believed it was benign because of her age."
With that in mind, the family couldn't believe the news Goff recently received.
"I was going to pick up my sister when the doctor called," Goff said, noting that her doctor had previously asked her to come in, but she had requested to be informed over the phone. "He told me I had cancer."
Specifically, she has a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, a rare subgroup of tumors found in the pancreas. Goff said she pulled her car into the Shelby Duke and Duchess station.
"It sounded like he wasn't talking right. I couldn't really make out what he was saying," she said, tears filling her eyes. "Then, when it actually hit me, I had to have him repeat everything so I could write it down.
"I kept repeating, 'I have cancer. I have cancer. I have cancer.' He was very nice and told me this is curable. I just needed to get into the right hands."
Goff wasn't comforted.
"I just sat there and tried to figure out how I was going to tell my mom," she said. "I called her at work and asked when she was going to be home because I didn't want to tell her over the phone -- but she could tell something was wrong, because she's Mom."
Shafer tried to comfort her daughter.
"I told her it was going to be OK and that we would get through this," Shafer said. "I work in Marion though, and that drive home seemed to take forever."
Goff said she immediately began researching her cancer.
"There are only 1,500 cases in the U.S. diagnosed in a year, though they've found many more on autopsies," Goff said.
Today is Worldwide NET Cancer Awareness Day.
"It's only the second annual -- that's how new this is," Goff said.
The ribbon designated to this particular cancer is zebra striped, which signifies thinking outside of the box -- when you hear horse hooves, don't immediately think horse. It could be a zebra.
"We say, 'Thank God for the kidney stones,' because if it wasn't for them we may have not discovered this until much later," Shafer said. "Early detection is key."
Goff finished her last week of work until after recovery, which is expected to be about eight weeks. She also had to quit school.
She was more than halfway through the paramedic program, but must start back at the beginning when she is able to return.
"I've just been spending a lot of time with my family and my daughter," she said. "I keep telling myself I have to do this and get through this for her."
Goff recently saw an oncologist, which turned out to be one of the biggest blessings so far.
"Until I saw her, I couldn't sleep. I was having nightmares. I was waking up crying. Every night I'd lay down to sleep, all the negative stuff would come in," Goff said. "But seeing the oncologist really cleared up the unknown. I think more positively now. I keep telling myself, 'No, this is not going to come back.' "
A visit to the James Cancer Center on Monday in Columbus determined Goff will have surgery at the end of November. Through it all, she remains positive and continues to count her blessings.
"I've learned not to take life for granted and to be thankful for what I have because you just never know what lies ahead. I have a super family and friends and I know I'm going to get through this," she said. "And I'm grateful for the oncologist -- who looked for the zebra instead of the horse."
The 21-year-old nursing and EMT student said she was rushed to the MedCentral/Shelby Hospital emergency room last August with severe back pain. Doctors told Goff she had already passed kidney stones, but a CT scan would show she wasn't out of the woods yet.
"It showed a tumor, but they said an MRI would give a better picture," Goff's mother Lynn Shafer said.
The next day, an MRI confirmed a 3.5-centimeter tumor on her daughter's pancreas.
"So many people, like Jen, discover it because of other issues. There is a lot of misdiagnosis out there. There is probably no other way to detect this besides a CT scan," Shafer said. "But they told us they believed it was benign because of her age."
With that in mind, the family couldn't believe the news Goff recently received.
"I was going to pick up my sister when the doctor called," Goff said, noting that her doctor had previously asked her to come in, but she had requested to be informed over the phone. "He told me I had cancer."
Specifically, she has a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, a rare subgroup of tumors found in the pancreas. Goff said she pulled her car into the Shelby Duke and Duchess station.
"It sounded like he wasn't talking right. I couldn't really make out what he was saying," she said, tears filling her eyes. "Then, when it actually hit me, I had to have him repeat everything so I could write it down.
"I kept repeating, 'I have cancer. I have cancer. I have cancer.' He was very nice and told me this is curable. I just needed to get into the right hands."
Goff wasn't comforted.
"I just sat there and tried to figure out how I was going to tell my mom," she said. "I called her at work and asked when she was going to be home because I didn't want to tell her over the phone -- but she could tell something was wrong, because she's Mom."
Shafer tried to comfort her daughter.
"I told her it was going to be OK and that we would get through this," Shafer said. "I work in Marion though, and that drive home seemed to take forever."
Goff said she immediately began researching her cancer.
"There are only 1,500 cases in the U.S. diagnosed in a year, though they've found many more on autopsies," Goff said.
Today is Worldwide NET Cancer Awareness Day.
"It's only the second annual -- that's how new this is," Goff said.
The ribbon designated to this particular cancer is zebra striped, which signifies thinking outside of the box -- when you hear horse hooves, don't immediately think horse. It could be a zebra.
"We say, 'Thank God for the kidney stones,' because if it wasn't for them we may have not discovered this until much later," Shafer said. "Early detection is key."
Goff finished her last week of work until after recovery, which is expected to be about eight weeks. She also had to quit school.
She was more than halfway through the paramedic program, but must start back at the beginning when she is able to return.
"I've just been spending a lot of time with my family and my daughter," she said. "I keep telling myself I have to do this and get through this for her."
Goff recently saw an oncologist, which turned out to be one of the biggest blessings so far.
"Until I saw her, I couldn't sleep. I was having nightmares. I was waking up crying. Every night I'd lay down to sleep, all the negative stuff would come in," Goff said. "But seeing the oncologist really cleared up the unknown. I think more positively now. I keep telling myself, 'No, this is not going to come back.' "
A visit to the James Cancer Center on Monday in Columbus determined Goff will have surgery at the end of November. Through it all, she remains positive and continues to count her blessings.
"I've learned not to take life for granted and to be thankful for what I have because you just never know what lies ahead. I have a super family and friends and I know I'm going to get through this," she said. "And I'm grateful for the oncologist -- who looked for the zebra instead of the horse."
2011年11月9日星期三
New Drug Attacks Fat, Helps Obese Monkeys Slim Down
Scientists have developed a new drug that attacks excess body fat, and a new study reports that it helped a small group of obese monkeys lose weight. Experts say the drug's fat-attack mechanism is an intriguing approach to weight loss, but questions remain about the drug's effectiveness and safety in humans.
Previous diet drugs try to help the body lose fat by increasing metabolism or by controlling the hunger pangs that make people want to eat more. But researchers at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston designed the new drug Adipotide to attack the fat itself by destroying the blood supply that keeps it alive.
"Without the blood supply, the fat withers away and is remetabolized by the liver," said Dr. Wadih Arap, one of the study's authors.
The researchers tested the drug in a small group of obese monkeys. After four weeks, the monkeys lost an average of 11 percent of their body weight. The drug also lowered the animals' Body Mass Index (BMI) and trimmed their waistlines. Lean monkeys who took the drug did not lose weight, suggesting that the drug selectively targeted the fat in obese monkeys.
The study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
"This is an exciting new concept in our efforts to control obesity," said Dr. Lou Aronne, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control program at Weill-Cornell Medical College. "But we need human studies for efficacy and more importantly, safety."
Researchers say the fact that the drug worked in monkeys, the closest animal relatives of humans, makes them hopeful that the drug could be safe and effective in humans. The monkeys in the study were also similar to people in the way they packed on the pounds – by overeating and not exercising.
But despite the promise of these early results, the drug seems to share some of the problems that have plagued diet drugs and "magic bullet" obesity treatments in the past. Four weeks after the monkeys stopped taking the drug, they began to regain their weight. Dr. Keith Ayoob, associate professor in pediatrics in the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, N.Y., said that fact makes the drug like many of its less-than-magical predecessors.
"We've always been able to get people to lose weight, but the real question is how to keep the lost weight from returning. Right now, there's no drug for that," Ayoob said.
Arap acknowledged that the drug didn't seem to help the monkeys keep weight off, but he noted that the animals didn't change their lifestyles or diet the way that humans can.
"The hope is that in patients, we say this treatment gave you a leg up and helped you lose the weight, now you have to diet and exercise and change your lifestyle," Arap said.
Even if Adipotide proves to be successful in humans, the drug would have to travel the long regulatory road required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before it could be sold for weight loss. Experts have noted that the agency's approval process seems to be more rigorous for drugs aiming to fight obesity. The FDA nixed three weight-loss drugs submitted for approval in 2010, citing safety concerns.
Currently, only one drug is FDA-approved for weight loss: orlistat (sold as Xenical or Alli). But the drug causes a number of unpleasant and damaging side effects, including liver damage, pancreatitis and kidney stones, according to a report from the consumer watchdog Public Citizen in April.
Adipotide produced some side effects in the monkeys in this current study, particularly in the kidneys. But the researchers noted that these were "generally mild and reversible."
Previous diet drugs try to help the body lose fat by increasing metabolism or by controlling the hunger pangs that make people want to eat more. But researchers at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston designed the new drug Adipotide to attack the fat itself by destroying the blood supply that keeps it alive.
"Without the blood supply, the fat withers away and is remetabolized by the liver," said Dr. Wadih Arap, one of the study's authors.
The researchers tested the drug in a small group of obese monkeys. After four weeks, the monkeys lost an average of 11 percent of their body weight. The drug also lowered the animals' Body Mass Index (BMI) and trimmed their waistlines. Lean monkeys who took the drug did not lose weight, suggesting that the drug selectively targeted the fat in obese monkeys.
The study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
"This is an exciting new concept in our efforts to control obesity," said Dr. Lou Aronne, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control program at Weill-Cornell Medical College. "But we need human studies for efficacy and more importantly, safety."
Researchers say the fact that the drug worked in monkeys, the closest animal relatives of humans, makes them hopeful that the drug could be safe and effective in humans. The monkeys in the study were also similar to people in the way they packed on the pounds – by overeating and not exercising.
But despite the promise of these early results, the drug seems to share some of the problems that have plagued diet drugs and "magic bullet" obesity treatments in the past. Four weeks after the monkeys stopped taking the drug, they began to regain their weight. Dr. Keith Ayoob, associate professor in pediatrics in the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, N.Y., said that fact makes the drug like many of its less-than-magical predecessors.
"We've always been able to get people to lose weight, but the real question is how to keep the lost weight from returning. Right now, there's no drug for that," Ayoob said.
Arap acknowledged that the drug didn't seem to help the monkeys keep weight off, but he noted that the animals didn't change their lifestyles or diet the way that humans can.
"The hope is that in patients, we say this treatment gave you a leg up and helped you lose the weight, now you have to diet and exercise and change your lifestyle," Arap said.
Even if Adipotide proves to be successful in humans, the drug would have to travel the long regulatory road required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before it could be sold for weight loss. Experts have noted that the agency's approval process seems to be more rigorous for drugs aiming to fight obesity. The FDA nixed three weight-loss drugs submitted for approval in 2010, citing safety concerns.
Currently, only one drug is FDA-approved for weight loss: orlistat (sold as Xenical or Alli). But the drug causes a number of unpleasant and damaging side effects, including liver damage, pancreatitis and kidney stones, according to a report from the consumer watchdog Public Citizen in April.
Adipotide produced some side effects in the monkeys in this current study, particularly in the kidneys. But the researchers noted that these were "generally mild and reversible."
2011年11月8日星期二
Bowman earns offensive player of week
A 226-yard, 10-catch receiving performance - the best of any receiver in the Canadian Football League this season - made Edmonton Eskimos slotback Adarius Bowman a nobrainer for the league's offensive player of the week.
Bowman made big plays every time he was called upon in the Eskimos' 23-20 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Friday night's regular-season finale. He scored two touchdowns for the Eskimos to lead them to victory.
On Monday, Bowman said that he had moved past the best game of his CFL career.
"We're just focused on Calgary right now," he said, anticipating the Eskimos' playoff opponent on Sunday. "It was a great week and I enjoyed everything, but we've got to stay focused, man, it's just win. That's the only way we can stay up here now. That's the only thing we're focused on."
"He stepped up and played a big game for us," Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray said of Bowman. "Really, those first two touchdowns, to catch that long one really got the team going.
"We just weren't really doing much offensively and that was a big play for us. That (second) one where he broke a couple of tackles and got it into the end zone, that just really fires you up as a football team and you could see the momentum kind of going in our favour then. That's what you need to have. You have to have those plays to get guys excited."
When Damon Duval told Derek Schiavone the news, Schiavone thought he was being told a joke.
"Showing up 20 minutes before the game it hit. Derek, we were on the drive (to Commonwealth Stadium) and I looked at him and kind of laughed and said, 'You're not going to like this right now but you might have to play today,'" Duval recalled. "He asked what was wrong and I said, 'I think I'm getting a kidney stone.' "
Schiavone filled in well, making all three of his field goals against the Riders on Friday night, including a game-winning 27-yarder in the final minute of play to lift Edmonton to a 23-20 win. The victory secured the Eskimos their first home playoff game in seven years.
"I thought he was just joking because it was a little cold out," Schiavone said of how he handled Duval's news. "You could tell he was in pain the moment he got in here. At that instant, I started to get ready, just in case."
Duval has a history of kidney stones. The stone he passed at 4: 30 a.m. on Saturday morning was the fifth he's dealt with.
"Thanks, Dad," Duval said. "Unfortunately, these things can be hereditary and he's had over 40 in his life so far."
Duval said the pain of passing the stones is as bad as advertised.
"Have you ever been on a long trip where you had to pee so bad and they won't pull over and let you pee and it starts hurting?" Duval asked. "Well, imagine that magnified by about 100 and that's how it feels.
"There's just no letup. It's just a constant writhing that starts in the lower back and you can feel it as it starts going from the kidneys, making its way through your bladder. The good thing is once it gets in your bladder, for the most part, the pain kind of alleviates and then a lot of pressure and then just, ploop - out comes the stone.
"They give you a little strainer and you just urinate in the strainer and when you hear the ding, you know you're a lucky guy and you've won the game."
The 30-year-old father of two young boys has kept the stones he's passed to teach them what was happening with him.
"They didn't understand," he said. "I kept it so they could see what it was. The reality, it really looks like a little BB and unfortunately that little thing can bring that much pain."
Bowman made big plays every time he was called upon in the Eskimos' 23-20 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Friday night's regular-season finale. He scored two touchdowns for the Eskimos to lead them to victory.
On Monday, Bowman said that he had moved past the best game of his CFL career.
"We're just focused on Calgary right now," he said, anticipating the Eskimos' playoff opponent on Sunday. "It was a great week and I enjoyed everything, but we've got to stay focused, man, it's just win. That's the only way we can stay up here now. That's the only thing we're focused on."
"He stepped up and played a big game for us," Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray said of Bowman. "Really, those first two touchdowns, to catch that long one really got the team going.
"We just weren't really doing much offensively and that was a big play for us. That (second) one where he broke a couple of tackles and got it into the end zone, that just really fires you up as a football team and you could see the momentum kind of going in our favour then. That's what you need to have. You have to have those plays to get guys excited."
When Damon Duval told Derek Schiavone the news, Schiavone thought he was being told a joke.
"Showing up 20 minutes before the game it hit. Derek, we were on the drive (to Commonwealth Stadium) and I looked at him and kind of laughed and said, 'You're not going to like this right now but you might have to play today,'" Duval recalled. "He asked what was wrong and I said, 'I think I'm getting a kidney stone.' "
Schiavone filled in well, making all three of his field goals against the Riders on Friday night, including a game-winning 27-yarder in the final minute of play to lift Edmonton to a 23-20 win. The victory secured the Eskimos their first home playoff game in seven years.
"I thought he was just joking because it was a little cold out," Schiavone said of how he handled Duval's news. "You could tell he was in pain the moment he got in here. At that instant, I started to get ready, just in case."
Duval has a history of kidney stones. The stone he passed at 4: 30 a.m. on Saturday morning was the fifth he's dealt with.
"Thanks, Dad," Duval said. "Unfortunately, these things can be hereditary and he's had over 40 in his life so far."
Duval said the pain of passing the stones is as bad as advertised.
"Have you ever been on a long trip where you had to pee so bad and they won't pull over and let you pee and it starts hurting?" Duval asked. "Well, imagine that magnified by about 100 and that's how it feels.
"There's just no letup. It's just a constant writhing that starts in the lower back and you can feel it as it starts going from the kidneys, making its way through your bladder. The good thing is once it gets in your bladder, for the most part, the pain kind of alleviates and then a lot of pressure and then just, ploop - out comes the stone.
"They give you a little strainer and you just urinate in the strainer and when you hear the ding, you know you're a lucky guy and you've won the game."
The 30-year-old father of two young boys has kept the stones he's passed to teach them what was happening with him.
"They didn't understand," he said. "I kept it so they could see what it was. The reality, it really looks like a little BB and unfortunately that little thing can bring that much pain."
2011年11月7日星期一
Lab gets kidney machine
Another lithotripsy machine has been installed at a private laboratory in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, bringing to two the number of such machines in the country.
Only the National Hospital, Abuja hitherto had the machine.
The machine imported by Two Tees X-ray Centre, Yemetu, Ibadan provides an alternative to surgery on the treatment of kidney stone.
According to the lab Managing Director, Dr Tunde Adepoju, the equipment can break stones in the kidney without undergoing surgery. He explained the machine takes the patient through a painless 45 minutes using the force of short waves to overcome the tensile of the stone. The process is called fragmentation.
Although understood, fragmentation is thought to occur through a combination of methods including comprehensive and tensile forces, erosion, shearing, spalling and cavitation.
Dr Adepoju further explained that stones grow in the kidney when one fails to drink enough water. According to him, small particles are formed and these later become stones in the kidney. When they grow, they block effective operation of the kidney and hinder it from giving out normal urine. "Then the kidney will begin to swell and become non-function. That is what is called kidney failure. This machine is a new technology in Nigeria. It is an alternative to removing kidney stones through surgery. With the lithotripsy machine, there is no anesthesia or surgical pains," he said.
Dr Adepoju said: "The patent just stretches on the table that comes with the machine and the location of the stone is identified through the help of a close circuit television connected to it.
"After locating the stone, we then centre the equipment on it and send spark waves to the stone through the body of the patient. Painless breaking occurs as we send the spark. Thereafter, we will do another X-ray and if it confirms that the stone has been fully broken, we ask the patent to drink plenty of water to flush out the fragments from the system. There is no admission or complications of surgery."
With the presence of the machine in Ibadan, patents in south will no longer need to travel abroad or go as far as Abuja for treatment of kidney stones, he advised.
Only the National Hospital, Abuja hitherto had the machine.
The machine imported by Two Tees X-ray Centre, Yemetu, Ibadan provides an alternative to surgery on the treatment of kidney stone.
According to the lab Managing Director, Dr Tunde Adepoju, the equipment can break stones in the kidney without undergoing surgery. He explained the machine takes the patient through a painless 45 minutes using the force of short waves to overcome the tensile of the stone. The process is called fragmentation.
Although understood, fragmentation is thought to occur through a combination of methods including comprehensive and tensile forces, erosion, shearing, spalling and cavitation.
Dr Adepoju further explained that stones grow in the kidney when one fails to drink enough water. According to him, small particles are formed and these later become stones in the kidney. When they grow, they block effective operation of the kidney and hinder it from giving out normal urine. "Then the kidney will begin to swell and become non-function. That is what is called kidney failure. This machine is a new technology in Nigeria. It is an alternative to removing kidney stones through surgery. With the lithotripsy machine, there is no anesthesia or surgical pains," he said.
Dr Adepoju said: "The patent just stretches on the table that comes with the machine and the location of the stone is identified through the help of a close circuit television connected to it.
"After locating the stone, we then centre the equipment on it and send spark waves to the stone through the body of the patient. Painless breaking occurs as we send the spark. Thereafter, we will do another X-ray and if it confirms that the stone has been fully broken, we ask the patent to drink plenty of water to flush out the fragments from the system. There is no admission or complications of surgery."
With the presence of the machine in Ibadan, patents in south will no longer need to travel abroad or go as far as Abuja for treatment of kidney stones, he advised.
2011年11月6日星期日
They are sold in our pharmacies, not on our street corners
More people die from taking painkillers than from taking heroin.
This does not mean that heroin is safe. It means that painkillers are dangerous and a lot more people take them than take heroin.
There is a problem - as Gordon Brown found out when looking at re-classifying the level of danger from using Cannabis - with talking about the dangers of drugs.
In terms of risk of death, the three most dangerous 'drugs' in our society are all legal.
In the UK, nicotine kills three hundred people a day, sugar kills two hundred people a day and alcohol kills one hundred people a day.
All the illegal drugs together kill fewer than fifty people a day. This does not mean that they are safe. It means that fewer people take them.
If all the people who drink or smoke were to use heroin, there would be considerably more deaths from heroin.
That would not make it a more dangerous drug in terms of mortality risk. The level of risk would be the same for a greater number of people.
Pharmacologically, heroin is a relatively safe drug. It is nothing like as poisonous to the body as alcohol. Its risks often come from overdose or from the use of contaminated needles.
This gives rise to the concept of 'harm reduction', by which 'safe' use and clean needles are seen as sensible approaches to the problem of addiction.
I believe nothing of the kind. The most effective form of harm reduction is total abstinence from all mood-altering drugs, including alcohol (look what happened to Amy Winehouse) and regular attendance at Narcotics Anonymous.
Methadone is prescribed as an alternative to heroin. It is given as a liquid so that it is swallowed rather than injected. This reduces the risk of transferring HIV via dirty needles.
There is also a risk of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C and other illnesses being caught in the type of environment in which heroin is commonly used.
The overall risks are therefore not simply those of a drug itself but also of the way that it is taken and the environment in which it is taken.
Methadone is a dangerous drug because it often kills in overdose. The Department of Health likes it because it reduces the risk of HIV and crime.
Except that it doesn't do so to any significant extent. It is estimated that fifty percent of people taking Methadone also take daily - daily - heroin and many of the rest also use it occasionally.
There is a black market in Methadone. Some addicts prefer it to heroin.
There is even a black market in 'spit' Methadone, when the liquid is kept in the mouth after being given under supervision and then spat out into a bottle.
Medicinal treatment for diseases of the human spirit - addictions and compulsions and depression - are fraught with physical and psychological dangers.
Medicinal treatment should be the last, rather than the first, resort.
As for painkillers, they are vastly over-prescribed and also bought excessively over-the-counter in pharmacies. It is high time that this danger should be highlighted.
Today I had surgical injections into the facet joints of my lower spine. I know about persistent pain. I've had it for eighteen months and I don't like it.
But, throughout that whole time, except right at the beginning after the acute collapse of a vertebral body, I have not taken pain-killers. They're dangerous. Years ago I took them for one day when I had gallstones and for two days when I had kidney stones.
But mostly I think it is safer to live with some level of pain rather than to take drugs of any kind.
Drugs - all mood-altering drugs, even those that come from a sympathetic doctor rather than from a dealer - are dangerous.
This does not mean that heroin is safe. It means that painkillers are dangerous and a lot more people take them than take heroin.
There is a problem - as Gordon Brown found out when looking at re-classifying the level of danger from using Cannabis - with talking about the dangers of drugs.
In terms of risk of death, the three most dangerous 'drugs' in our society are all legal.
In the UK, nicotine kills three hundred people a day, sugar kills two hundred people a day and alcohol kills one hundred people a day.
All the illegal drugs together kill fewer than fifty people a day. This does not mean that they are safe. It means that fewer people take them.
If all the people who drink or smoke were to use heroin, there would be considerably more deaths from heroin.
That would not make it a more dangerous drug in terms of mortality risk. The level of risk would be the same for a greater number of people.
Pharmacologically, heroin is a relatively safe drug. It is nothing like as poisonous to the body as alcohol. Its risks often come from overdose or from the use of contaminated needles.
This gives rise to the concept of 'harm reduction', by which 'safe' use and clean needles are seen as sensible approaches to the problem of addiction.
I believe nothing of the kind. The most effective form of harm reduction is total abstinence from all mood-altering drugs, including alcohol (look what happened to Amy Winehouse) and regular attendance at Narcotics Anonymous.
Methadone is prescribed as an alternative to heroin. It is given as a liquid so that it is swallowed rather than injected. This reduces the risk of transferring HIV via dirty needles.
There is also a risk of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C and other illnesses being caught in the type of environment in which heroin is commonly used.
The overall risks are therefore not simply those of a drug itself but also of the way that it is taken and the environment in which it is taken.
Methadone is a dangerous drug because it often kills in overdose. The Department of Health likes it because it reduces the risk of HIV and crime.
Except that it doesn't do so to any significant extent. It is estimated that fifty percent of people taking Methadone also take daily - daily - heroin and many of the rest also use it occasionally.
There is a black market in Methadone. Some addicts prefer it to heroin.
There is even a black market in 'spit' Methadone, when the liquid is kept in the mouth after being given under supervision and then spat out into a bottle.
Medicinal treatment for diseases of the human spirit - addictions and compulsions and depression - are fraught with physical and psychological dangers.
Medicinal treatment should be the last, rather than the first, resort.
As for painkillers, they are vastly over-prescribed and also bought excessively over-the-counter in pharmacies. It is high time that this danger should be highlighted.
Today I had surgical injections into the facet joints of my lower spine. I know about persistent pain. I've had it for eighteen months and I don't like it.
But, throughout that whole time, except right at the beginning after the acute collapse of a vertebral body, I have not taken pain-killers. They're dangerous. Years ago I took them for one day when I had gallstones and for two days when I had kidney stones.
But mostly I think it is safer to live with some level of pain rather than to take drugs of any kind.
Drugs - all mood-altering drugs, even those that come from a sympathetic doctor rather than from a dealer - are dangerous.
2011年11月3日星期四
The DASH Diet and Why It is One of the Best for Everyone
Pop diets come and go but it seems the DASH diet is here to stay. DASH stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.” Beside lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, the DASH diet is associated with a lower risk of kidney stones, cancer, stroke, heart failure, heart disease and developing diabetes. On November 1, 2011, US News and World Report ranked it one of the healthiest diets for the entire family.
US News and World Report reported David Katz, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine, said, “Most diets aren't about the family, and that really is a fundamental flaw. It is typically an every-man-for-himself scenario, and inevitably, people leave their families behind.”
The DASH diet is family-friendly, making it a top choice for all kinds of people. While it deflates blood pressure, it also keeps weight in check. The DASH diet is easily tailored for everyone from children to seniors. Meals include vegetables, fruits, fat-free or low-fat dairy, lean meant, poultry and fish and grains. Included in the diet are buckwheat pancakes, fruit smoothies and southwestern-style potato skins.
Teresa Fung, a nutritionist at Simmons College in Boston, said, “I don't think the typical American diet looks anything like DASH or Mediterranean. Most families get pizza or go out to eat twice a week.” She stated moving a step closer would be an improvement for families.
According to the DASH diet website, the diet is recommended by physicians for people with hypertension or pre-hypertension. The National Institute of Health sponsored studies and found the diet plan has been proven to lower blood pressure.
The DASH diet is low sodium and endorsed by several health industry leaders including the American Heart Association, the Mayo Clinic, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The DASH Diet also was the basis for the USDA MyPlate. The DASH diet is low fat, high fiber and rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Benefits of the DASH diet include lower cholesterol, weight loss and maintenance and reduced insulin resistance. It can even improve the response to medication for people with severe hypertension.
While the DASH diet may have the same name as the Kim Kardashian store "Dash," there is no connection to the socialite. Other family-friendly diets that landed on the Best Diets rankings of U.S. News include the Mayo Clinic Diet, Mediterranean Diet, Vegetarian Diet and Volumetrics.
US News and World Report reported David Katz, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine, said, “Most diets aren't about the family, and that really is a fundamental flaw. It is typically an every-man-for-himself scenario, and inevitably, people leave their families behind.”
The DASH diet is family-friendly, making it a top choice for all kinds of people. While it deflates blood pressure, it also keeps weight in check. The DASH diet is easily tailored for everyone from children to seniors. Meals include vegetables, fruits, fat-free or low-fat dairy, lean meant, poultry and fish and grains. Included in the diet are buckwheat pancakes, fruit smoothies and southwestern-style potato skins.
Teresa Fung, a nutritionist at Simmons College in Boston, said, “I don't think the typical American diet looks anything like DASH or Mediterranean. Most families get pizza or go out to eat twice a week.” She stated moving a step closer would be an improvement for families.
According to the DASH diet website, the diet is recommended by physicians for people with hypertension or pre-hypertension. The National Institute of Health sponsored studies and found the diet plan has been proven to lower blood pressure.
The DASH diet is low sodium and endorsed by several health industry leaders including the American Heart Association, the Mayo Clinic, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The DASH Diet also was the basis for the USDA MyPlate. The DASH diet is low fat, high fiber and rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Benefits of the DASH diet include lower cholesterol, weight loss and maintenance and reduced insulin resistance. It can even improve the response to medication for people with severe hypertension.
While the DASH diet may have the same name as the Kim Kardashian store "Dash," there is no connection to the socialite. Other family-friendly diets that landed on the Best Diets rankings of U.S. News include the Mayo Clinic Diet, Mediterranean Diet, Vegetarian Diet and Volumetrics.
2011年11月2日星期三
'Belles' to ring in holiday season
Mix a Santa with a kidney stone, a church Christmas play with a cast stricken by food poisoning, a shepherd with a little red wagon, Elvis and a long-kept family secret, and you have Christmas Belles.
It’s a comedy that cast members promise will deliver the laughs.
“We still laugh at the lines at rehearsals, and we’ve heard them over and over,” said Debbie Fryer, who plays Geneva Musgrove, the longtime director of the church Christmas pageant.
This year, however, she’s been ousted by Honey Raye Futrell, a woman with a checkered past who is trying to make up for her wayward ways, and Miss Geneva is not really happy about it all.
“This is just a bunch of fun,” said Kay Gross, who plays Twink Futrell, recently jailed after she almost burned down the town trying to get back at her boyfriend, who had jilted her.
While some audience members might not be in the Christmas spirit quite so early in November when the production opens, cast members think the play is a good way to usher in the holiday season.
“I think it will get people into the spirit of the season,” said Fryer.
Even with all the laughs, there are some unexpected twists to bring that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling.
“There are a lot of tender moments,” Gross said.
It’s a comedy that cast members promise will deliver the laughs.
“We still laugh at the lines at rehearsals, and we’ve heard them over and over,” said Debbie Fryer, who plays Geneva Musgrove, the longtime director of the church Christmas pageant.
This year, however, she’s been ousted by Honey Raye Futrell, a woman with a checkered past who is trying to make up for her wayward ways, and Miss Geneva is not really happy about it all.
“This is just a bunch of fun,” said Kay Gross, who plays Twink Futrell, recently jailed after she almost burned down the town trying to get back at her boyfriend, who had jilted her.
While some audience members might not be in the Christmas spirit quite so early in November when the production opens, cast members think the play is a good way to usher in the holiday season.
“I think it will get people into the spirit of the season,” said Fryer.
Even with all the laughs, there are some unexpected twists to bring that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling.
“There are a lot of tender moments,” Gross said.
2011年11月1日星期二
Iron will
Last month, the longtime Bend resident completed the Ironman World Championship triathlon — a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run — in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
That is an accomplishment in itself, but by no means is it a rare one. A total of 1,772 other participants also finished the race that day. And Hollander himself had completed the race on 21 previous occasions.
But in this year's field, only Hollander was as old as 81 years.
In fact, no one else in the history of the Ironman World Championship has completed the race at Hollander's age, making him unique among the thousands of finishers who have crossed the finish line at the event, staged annually since the late 1970s.
“I reflect a lot on it, and it means a lot because it means I'm still alive,” Hollander said last week of his achievement. “And I've never been the fastest around, but now I say, ‘Well, I'm the oldest. That's a good thing.' ”
To boot, Hollander, a physicist, repeated as world champion in his division, for men age 80 and older. In 2010 he won the title by default, being the only competitor in his age group.
This year, however, three other men, all 80, joined him in what Hollander said was dubbed the “Iron Gents War.”
Recounting the race, Hollander said he took over the division lead from Bob Scott during the bike leg. But during the marathon run, France Cokan, a Slovak whom Hollander described as his nemesis, passed him.
“Everybody can run faster than me, but I'm pretty steady,” Hollander explained.
That steadiness paid off, as Hollander maintained contact with and then overtook Cokan in the final two miles of the run to win the division in 16 hours, 45 minutes, 55 seconds.
Hollander's time was 14:05 faster than the race's 17-hour cutoff time, but well slower than the 15:48:40 he turned in at the 2010 race.
“Last year I had the race of my life,” noted Hollander, who contested his first Ironman world championship race in 1985. “It's going to be a long time (before) some 80-year-old beats that one. I just had a good day. I got there and everything went right.”
This year, though, a lot went wrong.
A couple of months before this year's world championship, Hollander developed a hernia on the right side of his abdomen. Swimming and cycling did not aggravate the hernia, he said, but he ran the marathon portion of the race holding his hand to his side.
And that day — “out of the blue,” as Hollander put it — a kidney stone began to bother him. That resulted in back pain and abdominal cramps, the latter of which prevented him from ingesting almost anything but water during the race, not an ideal situation for an endurance athlete.
The kidney stone was taken care of shortly after Hollander's return to Bend, and he underwent an operation to repair his hernia this past Friday.
Hollander, a Long Island native, does not expect either of those health challenges to deter him for long. He still has plans for the future.
“Life is really good for me,” he explained. “I just feel full of life, and I'm not done yet either.”
He said he has not ruled out competing in another Ironman, though he may not make a 23rd trip to the world championship.
“I'm not going to say I'm not going to do another Ironman, but it would take a lot to get me back to Kona,” Hollander said.
He does, however, plan to take part in some races on the mainland in the months ahead, including an Ironman 70.3 race (half the distance of a full Ironman) in Galveston, Texas, in April.
Whatever he does decide in the end, Hollander will probably keep trailblazing for the octogenarian set.
“I guess I have actually done some good,” he admitted. “People will see you can be active and be old.”
That is an accomplishment in itself, but by no means is it a rare one. A total of 1,772 other participants also finished the race that day. And Hollander himself had completed the race on 21 previous occasions.
But in this year's field, only Hollander was as old as 81 years.
In fact, no one else in the history of the Ironman World Championship has completed the race at Hollander's age, making him unique among the thousands of finishers who have crossed the finish line at the event, staged annually since the late 1970s.
“I reflect a lot on it, and it means a lot because it means I'm still alive,” Hollander said last week of his achievement. “And I've never been the fastest around, but now I say, ‘Well, I'm the oldest. That's a good thing.' ”
To boot, Hollander, a physicist, repeated as world champion in his division, for men age 80 and older. In 2010 he won the title by default, being the only competitor in his age group.
This year, however, three other men, all 80, joined him in what Hollander said was dubbed the “Iron Gents War.”
Recounting the race, Hollander said he took over the division lead from Bob Scott during the bike leg. But during the marathon run, France Cokan, a Slovak whom Hollander described as his nemesis, passed him.
“Everybody can run faster than me, but I'm pretty steady,” Hollander explained.
That steadiness paid off, as Hollander maintained contact with and then overtook Cokan in the final two miles of the run to win the division in 16 hours, 45 minutes, 55 seconds.
Hollander's time was 14:05 faster than the race's 17-hour cutoff time, but well slower than the 15:48:40 he turned in at the 2010 race.
“Last year I had the race of my life,” noted Hollander, who contested his first Ironman world championship race in 1985. “It's going to be a long time (before) some 80-year-old beats that one. I just had a good day. I got there and everything went right.”
This year, though, a lot went wrong.
A couple of months before this year's world championship, Hollander developed a hernia on the right side of his abdomen. Swimming and cycling did not aggravate the hernia, he said, but he ran the marathon portion of the race holding his hand to his side.
And that day — “out of the blue,” as Hollander put it — a kidney stone began to bother him. That resulted in back pain and abdominal cramps, the latter of which prevented him from ingesting almost anything but water during the race, not an ideal situation for an endurance athlete.
The kidney stone was taken care of shortly after Hollander's return to Bend, and he underwent an operation to repair his hernia this past Friday.
Hollander, a Long Island native, does not expect either of those health challenges to deter him for long. He still has plans for the future.
“Life is really good for me,” he explained. “I just feel full of life, and I'm not done yet either.”
He said he has not ruled out competing in another Ironman, though he may not make a 23rd trip to the world championship.
“I'm not going to say I'm not going to do another Ironman, but it would take a lot to get me back to Kona,” Hollander said.
He does, however, plan to take part in some races on the mainland in the months ahead, including an Ironman 70.3 race (half the distance of a full Ironman) in Galveston, Texas, in April.
Whatever he does decide in the end, Hollander will probably keep trailblazing for the octogenarian set.
“I guess I have actually done some good,” he admitted. “People will see you can be active and be old.”
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