5 Math Games to Overcome Algebra Woes

5 Math Games to Overcome Algebra Woes (404) (NewsUSA) - The votes are in: parents would rather teach their children how to drive or educate them about alcohol and drug abuse than help with algebra homework. But parents aren't alone in their terror of polynomial equations -- 8th- and 9th-graders surveyed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress would eagerly give up Facebook and video games if it meant no more algebra. Education expert Dr. Richard Bavaria recommends parents treat algebra like reading, a fun chance for quality time with your kids. "We read with our kids on a fairly regular basis -- story time, bed time, read-aloud time. Why shouldn't we get the same enjoyment doing math with them?" says Bavaria, who has spent 40 years immersed in the education field. To encourage parents to enjoy helping their middle schoolers with their dreaded algebra homework, Bavaria suggests making math fun with the following games. 1. Keep score. If your kids enjoy sports, board games or playing cards, emphasize the role of score keeper. When watching sporting events, play up "statistics manager" and help them track the stats of their favorite team or player. 2. Use manipulatives. Manipulatives are tangible objects allowing kids to visualize math problems. Tailor it to the interests of your child by using their preferred foods or framing arithmetic questions around their hobbies. 3. Guess the number. Get your whole family to participate by each picking a number while everyone takes turns guessing. Ask smart, educational math questions, like "Can I count to your number by twos? Is it divisible by three?" 4. Use real money. Teach kids to guess what coins are in your pocket by giving them clues, such as four coins that equal eight cents. If appropriate, go to your bank, and have the kids help balance your checkbook or fill in deposit slips. 5. Pick a "number of the day." Instead of a word of the day, choose a number. Challenge your kids to find several ways to reach the number by adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Reward them with little prizes for participating. "We can't allow our math insecurities to get in the way of our kids' success. We can even estimate our kids' progress by using Fit4Algebra -- a free screener that measures how prepared students are for the subject," notes Bavaria. Fit4Algebra, developed by tutoring service Sylvan Learning, is available online at www.Fit4Algebra.org. Learn more about navigating the math crisis at www.sylvanlearning.com.

Take a Bite Out of Gum Disease By Seeing a Periodontist

Take a Bite Out of Gum Disease By Seeing a Periodontist (381) (NewsUSA) - Many people know that seeing a dentist twice a year is a key to keeping teeth clean and healthy. Those regular visits ensure your choppers are cavity-free, and perhaps it's a chance for the dentist to chastise you for not flossing enough. However, you shouldn't simply stop there. According to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published in the Journal of Periodontology, nearly 65 million Americans suffer from gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Symptoms can include red, tender, or bleeding gums; loosening of the teeth; and receding gums. If you experience these symptoms, a trip to a periodontist -- a dentist who specializes in treating gum disease -- should be added to your twice-yearly dental check-ups. "Periodontal disease remains a significant public health issue for people of all backgrounds," said Joan Otomo-Corgel, DDS, MPH, president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and a practicing periodontist in Los Angeles. "However, with the proper treatment and care, periodontal disease is often reversible." If you suspect that you might require the expert care of a periodontist, here are four things you should know: * Know the cause. Poor oral hygiene is a major culprit in the development of gum disease. More than 500 different species of bacteria can be found in dental plaque, highlighting the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. * Know your risk. There is a genetic component to gum disease, but lifestyle choices also can increase your chances of developing gum disease. Smoking, age, taking certain medications, obesity, poor nutrition and stress may all increase your susceptibility. * Know where to go. Take the "Gums 101" quiz on perio.org/loveyourgums to evaluate the overall health of your gums, learn the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease and find tips on how to care for your gums. You can also search for a periodontist in your area. * Know how often to go. The AAP recommends that adults undergo a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year to ensure the health of gums and teeth. "If a person is found to have periodontal disease, a periodontist can determine the best course of treatment," said Otomo-Corgel. For more information about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, visit perio.org.

New FDA-Cleared Device Significantly Advances IV Therapy Safety

New FDA-Cleared Device Significantly Advances IV Therapy Safety (399) (NewsUSA) - While many patients fear needles -- especially IVs -- a new FDA-cleared device is making for a safer experience. Consider this: approximately 80 percent of hospital patients receive an IV, and about a third of IV lines fail due to issues within the vein. One improvement that can now impact the patient experience is the ivWatch 400. The device was created by ivWatch, LLC, a company committed to "aid in the early detection of intravenous (IV) infiltration and extravasation events," according to its website (www.ivwatch.com). In layman's terms, IV fluids can inadvertently enter the tissue near an IV insertion site resulting in an infiltration or extravasation. Infiltrations are less-harmful leaks that can cause pain, redness of the skin and swelling. Extravasations are potentially harmful leaks from IV medications like chemotherapy. Infiltrations and extravasations are considered to be medical dosing errors and, in severe cases, may result in tissue necrosis, loss of function, amputation or even death. The ivWatch sensor technology aids clinicians in the early detection of these adverse events. "It's very rare that you get an opportunity to be involved in something that can have such a huge impact," says Gary Warren, president and CEO of ivWatch, LLC. "IVs are probably the most common medical procedure that's performed and 30 percent of them fail. It's a huge problem." Darcy Dolemann, MSN, RN, CRNI, VA-BC, clinical manager of the Vascular Access Team at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center where clinical trials of the technology have been performed, agrees with Warren's assessment. "This is really a game-changing technology for infusion therapy and should become the new standard of care," says Dolemann. "The device impacts every unit and almost every patient. For clinicians and patients, this will change the experience." In development since 2000, the ivWatch technology uses an optical sensor that illuminates tissue near the IV site with visible and near infrared light. The sensor is coupled with a patient monitor that receives the feed from the sensor, processes it, and alerts the clinician if conditions suggest that an infiltration or extravasation has occurred. The benefits, says Warren, are immeasurable, but can include improved nurse productivity, reduction in medication errors and IV restart costs, and most importantly, a safer patient experience. "Our goal is to be on every IV pole in the country," says Warren. "This issue is so prevalent, and we have a way to fix it."

Insuring the Health of America's Emerging Multigenerational Workforce

Insuring the Health of America's Emerging Multigenerational Workforce (602) (NewsUSA) - For the first time in modern history, America's workforce spans four generations. In this new era of multigenerational workers, a "one size fits all" approach to health insurance is a thing of the past. The generational gap is as varied as it is immense. There are the young-adult Millennials, the middle-aged Gen Xers, Baby Boomers nearing retirement age and the Silent Generation in their 70s and beyond. Each group has vastly different health insurance needs. Take, for example, Millennials. A recent Bankrate survey shows many prefer health plans with lower deductibles and higher premiums. Meanwhile, Pew Research reports that the Baby Boomer population is hyper-focused on long-term care coverage needs and how best to manage associated costs beyond Medicare. This workforce shift is unprecedented and poses significant hurdles for businesses as they seek to provide affordable and appropriate health coverage options across employee lifespans. Both large and small group employers are impacted, though companies with 100 or fewer employees are more likely to feel the financial squeeze because there are fewer individuals to spread risk and defray costs. Juggling vastly different insurance coverage needs can be quite difficult, especially for the more than 28 million small businesses employing nearly half of all U.S. workers. Affordable Care Act legislation adds further complexity as companies assess their group health plan options, or in some cases whether to offer them at all. So, what are employers to do? In response, many are increasingly turning to private healthcare insurance exchange solutions as an effective answer to meet the diversity of benefit needs from Generation Me to Generation We. "Private exchanges are marketplaces of health insurance and other related products," according to management consulting group Booz Allen. They offer access to multiple health plans in a single, unified program and are attractive because they enable workers to individually select the right coverage for their current life needs. The private exchange platform provides an ideal bridge across generational divides. For example, a 22-year-old single female starting her first job out of college will likely want a different plan than the 59-year-old manager with a spouse, three children and plans to retire in the near future. Employers are moving to these exchanges more quickly than forecasted, according to new data from consulting firm Accenture. The company estimates that some six million individuals signed up for workplace health coverage through private exchanges in 2014 alone, roughly two times the number expected. It's predicted that private exchange participation will exceed public exchange enrollments by 2018, if not sooner. Much of this expansion is driven by the combination of health care reform and a workforce that now spans a 50-plus year spectrum. "At the heart of the solution is access to choice," said Ron Goldstein, president and CEO of CHOICE Administrators, the nation's leader in developing and administering employee-choice health benefit programs and exchanges for employer groups. The company's exchanges include the country's first and only multicarrier private exchange, CaliforniaChoice, as well as CaliforniaChoice 51+ and Choice Builder, the nation's first ancillary exchange for dental, vision, chiropractic and other benefits. "Smart business owners are teaming with their broker to identify and select a platform that enables their employees to design plans that best fit their lifecycle needs." The age of the four-generation workforce has dawned. Owners and small businesses are wise to embrace the private exchange that technology employees have come to rely on, such as online enrollment, as they seek to cost-effectively address the needs of their workforce across all stages of their lives. For more information about employee-choice health benefit programs and private health insurance exchanges, visit choiceadminexchanges.com.

The Eyes Have It -- New Corrective Lens Marks Vision Breakthrough

The Eyes Have It -- New Corrective Lens Marks Vision Breakthrough (671) (NewsUSA) - Imagine going into cataract surgery with poor vision and coming out with outstanding vision. Well, thanks to breakthrough intraocular lenses (IOLs), this may not be so far-fetched. [An IOL is an artificial lens placed in a person's eye to restore vision after cataract surgery.] Today, medicine is moving beyond a one-size-fits-all model and is entering an age of more personalized treatment. An example of this growing trend is that doctors can now offer customized lens treatment options to improve people's vision after cataract surgery. Even those who have worn glasses their entire lives -- or are just starting to use readers -- have the potential to be free of glasses post cataract surgery. Developed by Abbott and recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the Tecnis Multifocal 1-Piece IOLs (+2.75D and +3.25D) provide individualized options to the more than 20 million people estimated to undergo cataract surgery. These lenses allow people to have a full range of outstanding near, intermediate and far vision that can be customized based on a person's own vision needs and lifestyle. "Many of my cataract patients are of working age and have very active lifestyles," said Tal Raviv, MD, FACS, Medical Director of the Eye Center of New York in Manhattan. "The ability to see all distances -- from looking at a smartphone to watching a movie on the big screen -- without the need for corrective wear is not only a benefit but a necessity." Overall, people may not need to wear their glasses for daily tasks. Cataracts cloud the natural crystalline lens in the eye, and typically progress slowly causing vision loss, and can be potentially blinding if left untreated. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures in the U.S. with more than 3 million surgeries expected to be done each year from 2014 to 2016 -- and that number is expected to grow as the population ages. In fact, as new technologies become available that can significantly improve vision, today's boomers are even opting to have the procedure done earlier in life (40's, 50's and 60's) so they can maintain their healthy, active lifestyles. "I am constantly on my phone or computer and my vision was definitely becoming blurry," said Vivian Gemelos, Dr. Raviv's patient. "When I was told I had the option to have my vision corrected at all distances without glasses when my cataract was removed and replaced with this new lens, I jumped at the opportunity. I had one eye done and immediately saw the difference. Even colors are brighter. Now, I can't wait to have my other eye done." For more information, visit www.abbott.com. INDICATIONS: The TECNIS® Multifocal 1-Piece intraocular lenses are indicated for primary implantation for the visual correction of aphakia in adult patients with and without presbyopia in whom a cataractous lens has been removed by phacoemulsification and who desire near, intermediate, and distance vision with increased spectacle independence. The intraocular lenses are intended to be placed in the capsular bag. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: No matter what lens you choose, there are risks or problems that can happen with cataract surgery. The problems could be minor, temporary, or affect your vision permanently. Whereas your use of glasses may decrease, it may come at the cost of some sharpness of your vision. Even with glasses, this loss of sharpness may become worse under poor visibility conditions such as dim light or fog. If your eye is not healthy (including glaucoma), your vision may not be good even after your cataract is removed. In this case, you may not get the full benefit of the multifocal IOL. . There is a chance that your vision with a multifocal IOL may not be good enough to perform very near or detailed "up-close" work without glasses. Multifocal IOL implants may be inadvisable in patients with conditions such macular degeneration, retinal pigment epithelium changes, and glaucoma. CAUTION: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

Anti-Cancer Compounds Show Promise in Early Research

Anti-Cancer Compounds Show Promise in Early Research (362) (NewsUSA) - Biotech companies are making a big splash in 2015, offering potential investors a compelling roster of options. Among those to watch: Propanc Health Group Corporation (PPCH). Propanc is a developmental-stage health care company that is currently focusing its efforts in the field of new treatments for chronic diseases, particularly solid tumor cancers. The company was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. Propanc recently announced early data from animal studies using its patented formulas. Propanc's in-development proteolytic proenzyme products (described by the company as inactive precursors of enzymes) were not associated with any adverse events in the early studies, and the company is prepared to take the next steps in research. According to the company's website, Propanc "intends to undertake Phase I, II and III clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of our product in specific patient populations." Propanc's proenzyme products, known as PRP and PRP-DCM, have the potential to be game-changers for cancer care by offering an effective option for long-term therapy without the excessive toxicity associated with many current cancer treatments. The research is preliminary, and the findings must be confirmed in clinical trials. However the company's stated development goals focus on the targeting of solid tumors, conditions for which most currently available treatments are limited to stabilizing the tumors or extending patients' lives for only a few months. Solid tumor cancer types include lung cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer. As the company states, "In each of these indications, there is a large market opportunity to capitalize on the limitations of current therapies." Scientists don't yet fully understand how proenzyme products can fight cancer, but early research results suggest that they may contribute to an inhibition of growth factors that cause cancer. In addition, Propanc is exploring a method to shrink tumor masses by targeting the tumor directly with an injectable form of PRP. Propanc also is working with research collaborators to explore how Propanc's proenzyme products impact cancer cells. The goal of this research is to provide an opportunity for new, patentable drug development by the company. For more information on PPCH, visit www.propanc.com.

Talk Before You Take When Dealing With Medicine

Talk Before You Take When Dealing With Medicine (364) (NewsUSA) - Experts say communication is key when dealing with prescription medicine. Research has shown that a gap in communication between health care providers (HCPs) and patients about the potential risks of prescription medicines can result in adverse drug events. Increasing communication about prescriptions can help ensure that patients avoid such events, improve adherence to their medicine regimen(s) and live healthier lives. The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) launched a campaign earlier this year called "Talk Before You Take," aiming to spark this necessary patient/HCP engagement and encourage more conversations between patients and HCPs. "It's imperative that health care providers and patients keep the lines of communication flowing," says Ray Bullman, NCPIE executive vice president. Bullman and his colleagues' research for the campaign was developed by Johns Hopkins University and Ipsos Healthcare, with support from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly half of Americans take prescription medicines, and over 20 percent of Americans take at least three. However, the research found that approximately 62 percent of patients were not aware of any safety warnings about their medicines. Ten percent of patients unaware of the possibility of a severe side effect actually experience a serious reaction. "It is important for patients to understand how to take their medicines safely so they experience all the benefits and minimize the potential risks," said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Talk Before You Take encourages more discussion about medications between patients and their health care providers and pharmacists, which can improve the health of patients and our health care system." In addition, the campaign offers four tips for patients and caregivers to guide conversations with HCPs: * Talk to your health care provider and ask questions about the benefits and potential risks of prescription medicines you take. * Tell your health care provider about all of the medicines you are taking -- including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and dietary supplements. * Tell your health care provider about any allergies or sensitivities that you may have. * Read and follow the medicine label and directions. For more information, visit www.talkbeforeyoutake.org. This work is supported by FDA grant number 5U18FD004653-03.

Key Ingredients for a Healthy Heart

Key Ingredients for a Healthy Heart (313) (NewsUSA) - As the weather warms and schedules become packed with summer sports and activities, it can be easy to let your heart healthy diet slide to the bottom of the priority list. With a dash of planning and a spoonful of creativity, summer meals can taste as good as they are nutritious and give you the fuel you need to take advantage of the wonderful weather. Here are some tips for keeping your meals and snacks heart healthy in the summer months: Go Lean with Protein Being on the go doesn't mean you need to sacrifice muscle-building protein in the summer. For dinner options, choose lean meats, poultry or fish. Select lean proteins for refreshing and easy-to-make sandwiches such as Simply Delicious sandwich meats from Land O' Frost. The entire line of Simply Delicious products meets the American Heart Association's nutrition requirements for heart healthy foods. Become a Fruit Fanatic Summer is the season for fresh fruits that are chock full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They make a great substitute for traditional desserts that are high in fat and calories. Wash and slice any combination of juicy melons, berries, or other fruits and add them to your favorite yogurt or sorbet and blend for a cooling and healthy treat. Larger fruits such as peaches or pineapple also pair nicely with grilled items. Streamline Salads Salads are also a go-to for the summer months but accompanying oily dressing and cheese can load them down with fat and calories. Choose low-fat or light dressing options and steer clear from cream-based diet spoilers. Minimize added sodium and fat by sprinkling low-fat varieties such as Swiss, Mozzarella, Parmesan or cottage cheese. With these guidelines in mind, your summer meals will be every bit as heart healthy as they are tasty! For coupons and more information about Simply Delicious products from Land O'Frost, visit www.landofrost.com.

Spring Cleaning Made Easy to Help Tackle Inanimate Allergens

Spring Cleaning Made Easy to Help Tackle Inanimate Allergens (556) (NewsUSA) - While the spring season might be synonymous with cleaning your home, it doesn't mean that you're tackling it in the right way. So, if you're concerned about the allergens in your home, getting rid of a dust bunny (or two) and Fido's ferocious dander may not be enough. In fact, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) supports this claim, stating, "When it comes to cleaning, many people may actually be doing it wrong, stirring up the very allergens they are trying to remove from their homes." However, while keeping up with cleaning is vital for controlling indoor allergens, there is such a thing as being too diligent. Take Jesse Tyler Ferguson, an actor on the hit show "Modern Family," who lives with allergies himself. Ferguson thought that obsessively cleaning his space was the way to go. "Everyone knows I'm a neat freak, [but] I learned from AAFA that, like most of America, I was actually doing some things wrong and stirring up allergens instead of removing them," he said. "Now I look for Certified asthma and allergy-friendly products like Febreze Fabric Refresher Allergen Reducer (Unscented) and Swiffer Dry Dusters and Sweepers (Unscented) to help me clean the right way and reduce common allergens in my home." The asthma- and allergy-friendly Certification Program was created by AAFA and the international research organization, Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), as the first program of its kind in the U.S. in order to reduce confusion about product claims targeting the asthma and allergy market, raise standards for these products, encourage innovation in the production of these products and raise issue awareness about asthma and allergic diseases. With these things in mind, Laura Dellutri, cleaning expert and author of "White Couch with Kids?" and "Speed Cleaning 101," offers the following tips revealing the places inanimate allergens -- from pollen, pet dander and dust mite matter -- may be accumulating and some cleaning advice that can help you remove them: * Window dressing. Everyone cleans their windows, but few remember to dust window blinds and drapes -- places that can be havens for dust mite matter and other inanimate allergens. Using a Swiffer Duster (unscented, of course) can trap inanimate allergens two times more than a typical dusting cloth and three times more than a feather duster because it picks up dust and locks it away with thousands of flexible, fluffy fibers, designed to reach into nooks and crannies. * Favor your fabrics. You may clean your couches, decorative pillows, upholstered furniture and carpets with a quick vacuum, fluff of a pillow or dusting. But spraying these hard-to-wash fabrics with something like Febreze Fabric Refresher Allergen Reducer (unscented) can help reduce inanimate allergens that can become airborne from fabrics as well. This nifty product reduces up to 95 percent of inanimate allergens like pollen, pet dander and dust mite matter that can become trapped in fabrics and soft surfaces. * Clean smarter, not harder. Technology can be a beautiful thing, and it has revolutionized household cleaning with lots of gadgets and tools that make cleaning easier, faster and more effective. For instance, when it comes to removing inanimate allergens from your wood floors, using a Swiffer Dry Sweeper to trap and lock the dirt and dust, is two times more effective than a typical dusting cloth. For more information, visit febreze.com and swiffer.com.

Seniors Stay Mobile While Undergoing Oxygen Therapy

Seniors Stay Mobile While Undergoing Oxygen Therapy (324) (NewsUSA) - Growing old gracefully can be a challenge, and rarely is it kind. It can be made more difficult if you need to be tethered to an oxygen tank just to breathe. For those who suffer from respiratory problems, every step is an effort and living life independently is nearly impossible. According to the American Lung Association, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in America (heart disease and cancer take the top spots, respectively) and affect more than 12.7 million adults aged 18 and over. A 2011 study found that of the 4.7 million Americans ever diagnosed with emphysema, 92 percent are 45 or older. While portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) have come a long way from the cumbersome nuisances they once were, seniors say there is still a stigma attached to carrying one around in public. "Freedom is my life," says Carol Holland, a woman who relies on oxygen just to get through her day. "So being tethered to an oxygen machine is not my favorite thing. It's an unpleasant reminder of your disability." One company is helping people like Holland live as independently as possible, even with the need for supplemental oxygen or oxygen therapy. Inogen, a home health care provider, has created the Inogen One G3, a lightweight POC that is easy to use and can be taken anywhere. The Inogen One G3 continuously purifies the air from the atmosphere by removing nitrogen to deliver oxygen-rich air through a nasal cannula. The system is powered by a rechargeable battery or an AC or DC source. The Inogen One does not require oxygen refills or heavy tanks, can travel easily in a pack or on wheels and requires only minor maintenance. Why should seniors spend another day feeling trapped by their oxygen therapy devices? All it takes is a simple phone call to 1-800-496-8120 to find out more. For more details about Inogen One, visit www.inogen.com.