A VARIETY OF NEWS ABOUT STROKE IN MARCH AND APRIL,

FROM PREDICTING STROKES TO IMPROVING HAND USE,

TO SUCCESS IN USING UMBILICAL CORD STEM CELLS

Americans are living longer, but stroke is still a leading cause of death. Nevertheless, one of the most interesting recent news items is about a blood test that can predict strokes caused by brain aneurysms. In the meantime, everyone should be aware of the salt in their diet and where it comes from, since salt is a factor in hypertension – a risk factor for stroke.

And here’s good news for those who have lost the use of their hands due to stroke. A new device called the Sabeoflex is achieving dramatic results in regaining hand movement. Finally, there is some interesting stuff about umbilical cord stem cells (in China, no less), snake oil and a fish story.

The stem cell article describes a baby who, after suffering left-side weakness and damage due to a stroke, was successfully treated using umbilical cord stem cells. Studies continue regarding snake venom as a potential lifesaver for stroke victims. And here’s a turnabout-- researchers have not found any clear benefit of omega-3s in reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, cancer and death in general.

Life Expectancy in the U.S. Hit a Record High in 2004…

Listed below are the Top 15 Causes of Death according to the CDC. The CDC's data shows the top 15 causes of death for U.S. adults, based on birth certificates and medical files:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Chronic lower respiratory diseases
• Accidents
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer's disease
• Influenza and pneumonia
• Kidney disease
• Septicemia (overwhelming infection)
• Suicide
• Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis
• High blood pressure and hypertension-related kidney disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Pneumonitis (lung inflammation) due to solids and liquids

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/121/114175

Predicting Strokes

In medical news, one of the most interesting items was about a blood test that can predict strokes caused by brain aneurysms. Specifically, Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a genetic marker that may pave the way for a fast, inexpensive blood test to predict one type of deadly stroke that strikes 30,000 people in the United States annually.
Mayo Clinic develops first genomic-based test to predict stroke ...

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-03/mc-mcd030305.php

Is Salt Really Evil?

You know salty snacks like chips, pretzels, and crackers are loaded with sodium. But do you realize most of the salt you consume comes from the foods you're picking at the grocery store? It's not just the salt shaker, says Rosemary Yurczyk, MS, RD, CDE, dietitian and diabetes educator at the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

Government guidelines recommend that people consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day -- about one teaspoon of salt. So if you eat three meals a day, you'll want to stay within 800 milligrams of sodium per meal, Yurczyk says.

http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/120/113890.htm

New Device Improves Use of Hands

Stroke patients at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center are getting help learning to use their hands again. A device called the Sabeoflex is helping people with disabled hands do things such as getting dressed.

"You really re-learn how to turn your muscles on and off," Baptist Hospital's Kelly Lambeth told television station WXII.

Patients used the custom-fitted device for 45 minutes twice a day to grasp and release exercise balls. Lambeth said patients have shown dramatic results

http://www.thejacksonchannel.com/health/8481546/detail.html
 

Study: Simple Test Might Predict Heart Disease Risk

A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that a simple and inexpensive test for elevated white blood cell counts could be used to predict heart disease and stroke. The report is based on a study of more than 66,000 women ages 50 to 79, conducted by researchers at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. They found that women with the highest levels of white blood counts were twice as likely to die of heart disease. The problem was also linked to a 40 percent higher risk for nonfatal heart attack and a 46 percent greater risk for stroke.

http://www.news4jax.com/health/4283962/detail.html

Stem Cells Successful in Treating Baby

“A premature Hungarian baby who suffered from brain damage and muscle weakness on her left side, caused by a stroke, and facing possible paralysis in the future, has been successfully treated using umbilical cord stem cells. Doctors at Nanshan People's Hospital in Shenzhen China treated Timea Gresco, the four-month-old baby girl, delivering umbilical cord stem cells intravenously for two months. After the treatment, her left side had regained nearly as much strength as her right side.”

http://www.corethics.org/document.asp?id=n030306.txt&se=4&st=4

Snake Venom May Help Stroke Survivors

“Deadly snake venom may actually be a life saver for stroke survivors. Clinical trials are currently underway testing venom from a Malayan pit viper. Researchers say an extract from the venom may be a highly effective clot buster. So far, study results show the venom reduces a protein in the blood that contributes to blood clots. In many patients, normal blood flow has been restored and oxygen returns to the affected area. Another benefit is the drug can be administered up to six hours after a stroke. The current drug on the market needs to be administered within three hours.”

http://www.wndu.com/news/mommo/022006/mommo_48236.php

This Ain’t No Fish Tale…

In a review of 89 studies that measured the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on heart attack, death, cancer, and strokes, researchers didn't find any clear benefit of omega-3s in reducing the risk of these health hazards.” This seems to counter the belief of several public health organizations that have recommended that eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish and some plant and nut oils, such as olive and walnut, is thought to lower the risk of heart disease.

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/120/113738