Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, a new study suggests.

Previous studies have found a link between heart disease and periodontal disease – a condition marked by gum infection, gum inflammation and tooth damage.

Observational study has limits

The new study, scheduled for presentation at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions meeting in Chicago, looked at whether a person’s tooth-brushing habits were associated with their risk of having or dying from a heart attack, heart failure or stroke.

Researchers asked 682 people about their tooth-brushing behaviour. After adjusting for various factors, they found that those who said they brushed less than twice a day for less than two minutes had a three-fold increased heart risk, compared to those who said they brushed at least twice a day for at least two minutes.

Dr Shogo Matsui, the study’s lead researcher, said the findings suggest “poor oral health, based on daily teeth-brushing behaviour, is associated with” poorer heart health. It’s possible that longer tooth brushing might reduce this risk, but the new study was not designed to prove cause-and-effect, said Matsui, a researcher at the Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences at Hiroshima University in Japan.

Dr Ann Bolger, a cardiologist and professor of medicine emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco, agreed that the observational study had limitations.

“It is possible that people who are very attentive to their dental health are also very attentive to other aspects of their health,” said Bolger, who was not involved in the research.

Even so, Bolger said the science supports a potential connection between dental health and heart health. Gum disease is one of the diseases “where the body may be in a sort of continual state of inflammation, and this seems to be a very powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease,” she said.

Low-risk, low-cost option

A separate study published last month in the journal Hypertension found that gum disease appears to worsen blood pressure and interferes with medications to treat hypertension.

Poor dental health also poses a risk to people with heart valve problems, Bolger said.

“I spend an inordinate amount of time talking to (heart valve patients) about their teeth because we know certain heart valve infections can be associated with poor oral health,” she said.

This latest research “is a good reminder that the mouth is an important part of a person’s entire health and simple, daily behaviours that improve health are incredibly important.”

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.

“It’s a low-risk, low-cost option that we know has other benefits even beyond the scope of what this study is trying to investigate,” Bolger said. “There’s no reason not to recommend someone do this.”

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Writing an e-mail. Sending a text message. Surfing the internet.

These are activities taken for granted by most, but denied to paralysed people who’ve lost the use of their arms and hands.

Using only their minds

Now, thanks to a brain implant, a small group of paralysed patients can directly operate an off-the-shelf tablet device just by thinking about it.

The implant reads their brain waves, allowing the participants to move a cursor on their tablet and perform mouse clicks, said lead researcher Dr Paul Nuyujukian, an assistant professor of bioengineering and neurosurgery at Stanford University in California.

With their minds alone, the participants navigated commonly used tablet programmes, messaged family and friends, looked up websites, checked the weather and shopped online.

One participant, a musician, even played a bit of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” on a digital piano interface.

“The tablet became second nature to me, very intuitive,” one of the participants said in the study. “It felt more natural than the times I remember using a mouse.”

Implant monitors brain patterns

Three paralysed subjects had a 100-electrode implant placed into the motor regions of the brain, with a thin bundle of wires leading to a plug fixed to the skull, Nuyujukian said. The implant is about the size of a large pea, or a baby aspirin.

Two of the participants in this latest study had weakness or loss of movement of their arms and legs due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), a progressive disease affecting the nerves in the brain and spine that control movement. The third participant was paralysed due to a spinal cord injury.

The implant monitors brain patterns and feeds them into a computer algorithm, which decodes the thoughts and translates them into wireless signals, researchers said. Those signals are sent to the tablet, allowing subjects to control the device.

“If you think back to the old one-button computer mouse of yesteryear, that’s the signal we are able to extract from the brain,” Nuyujukian said. “It’s the equivalent of a cursor velocity and a one-button click.”

It usually takes about five to 10 minutes to calibrate the system to accurately translate a person’s brain waves into cursor movements, Nuyujukian said.

Workable from day one

“The participant is instructed to imagine moving the cursor to the right or the left or up or down while the cursor is actually making that movement automatically,” he said. “It turns out that simply imagining making that movement is very similar to the patterns of neural activity that occur when one actually makes this movement.”

Subjects are able to make up to 22 point-and-click selections per minute while using a variety of apps, and type up to 30 characters per minute using standard e-mail and text apps.

“Participants can control these on day one. That is possible, and we have shown that,” Nuyujukian said. “That’s not to say there is no benefit to practice. Our participants definitely feel more comfortable and capable with these systems after a week or two of actually practising it.”

The project is a collaboration that included researchers from Brown University, Massachusetts General Hospital and Stanford. The findings were published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Last year, this same research group published a paper in which they were assessing the same patients’ ability to type words using their thoughts, said Dr Thomas Oxley, a clinical instructor and director of innovation strategy at Mount Sinai Hospital Health System’s department of neurosurgery in New York City.

“They’ve now gone beyond that to demonstrate that this system can e-mail, text message and surf the internet, amongst other things,” said Oxley, who wasn’t involved with the study. “Those seem to be the three most-used applications in this group.”

‘Locked-in syndrome’

The researchers have further honed their system by integrating other useful “smart” computer technologies, Oxley said.

For example, the paralysed people’s typing speed underwent a “big jump primarily because they utilized predictive text, and it made a big difference in the patient’s capacity to usefully utilize the system and interact with their social network,” Oxley said.

This latest advance is the culmination of 15 years of research into brain patterns of movement, built on top of decades of previous neuroscience, Nuyujukian said.

The system could transform the lives of people with “locked-in syndrome”, whose paralysis has robbed them of the ability to speak, Oxley said.

“That’s so exciting for patients who’ve lost the capacity to speak, to be able to communicate with their loved ones again,” Oxley said.

However, it will be years before the technology reaches the point where it becomes widely available, Nuyujukian said.

“The final device needs to be something that’s fully implantable, that needs to be miniaturized. It cannot be a giant stack of computers and a giant cart. That’s not a clinical device,” Nuyujukian said. “It needs to be something that is just as accessible and easy to use as many of the other implantable technologies that we have for interacting with the brain, like deep brain stimulators or cochlear implants.

“This isn’t something that will be clinically available, say, next year,” Nuyujukian noted.

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On 18 September 2018 the Constitutional Court of South Africa, the highest court in the country, decriminalised the private use and cultivation of marijuana.

The unanimous court ruling was met with approval and celebration by the South African public.

For all of those not partaking in the “joint” rotation and concerned about the “second-hand high”, rest assured that you’ll remain unaffected… kind of.

The effects of second-hand marijuana smoke have been a subject of investigation and research for years.

‘Hot-boxing’

One of the first studies to test its effects, conducted in 1985, put five non-smoking volunteers in a small car alongside five marijuana smoking volunteers. This practice is commonly referred to as “hot-boxing”, where marijuana is smoked inside a car with its doors closed and windows rolled up. 

The study found that only a small amount of THC (the psychoactive element in marijuana, the compound responsible for the high) residue could be detected in the blood and urine of the non-smoking participants but not enough for them to experience a “high”.

Many other tests followed similar procedures in trying to determine whether a second-hand high was possible – and came to similar conclusions. The arguments against these studies, especially those conducted in the 20^th century, is that marijuana is stronger now than it was 20 years ago.

According to an article by Business Insider, the cultivation of the plant has been refined to such an extent that the THC content in marijuana went from 4% in 1995 to 14% in 2014. So, if these studies were conducted today, would a second-hand high be possible?

Cecilia J Hillard, a pharmacology professor and director of the Neuroscience Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin, said in an interview with Business Insider, “The ‘contact high’ is purely a psychological phenomenon.” And that, “little residual THC is present in exhaled air”.

She goes on to state that while people “may experience runny noses or itchy eyes from the smoke”, the smoke won’t be enough to cause a “high”.

In an interview with Health24, Dr André Marais, clinical pharmacologist and senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria, said, “The effects of second hand cannabis intake would, in my opinion, be similar to that of cigarette smoking or even inhaling smoke from a nice South African braai. You will basically inhale hydrocarbons and not necessarily the active ingredient THC.”

Unrealistic conditions

Recent studies, however, show that a contact high may be possible, but under unrealistic circumstances.

A 2015 study confined six marijuana smokers, each provided with 10 marijuana joints, and six non-smokers, in ventilated and unventilated areas. Researchers were able to detect the presence of THC in the blood and urine of the non-smoking participants, as well as minor physiological and psychomotor effects.

The study showed that the level of ventilation, the size of the smoking area, the frequency of marijuana consumption and the duration of exposure play a major role in the possibility of a second-hand high.

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Lauren Mitchell

Movember has come and gone, but the month gave us many take-home lessons when it came to a host of men’s issues. We sat down with Dr Greg Hart, an oncologist for leading cancer treatment facility, Cancercare. Dr Hart, who is based at the Rondebosch Oncology Centre at The Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, talked to us about testicular cancer. This is what we learnt.

1. It’s the most common cancer in young men

As a whole, testicular cancer makes up a small percentage of the total amount of cancers in men, says the oncologist. But the problem lies in men aged between 15 to 40 years old.

“It only makes up about 1% in the cancers in men. But in young men it’s a different story,” says Dr Hart. “It makes up about 13% of cancers in young men. So, it’s the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 40. At that time in your life, you’re not expecting to have to deal with a malignancy.”

In your lifetime, however, men only have a 0.4% chance (one in 250) of getting the disease.

Read more: 9 reasons to pick up the December issue

2. It’s very treatable

“The other very important thing about testicular cancer is that it’s very treatable and almost always curable,” says Dr Hart. “But your chances are better the earlier the cancer is picked up. That is the case with all cancers, but particularly with testicular cancer.”

There are two types of testicular cancers: Seminoma and non-seminoma. “Seminomas have an excellent prognosis,” says Dr Hart. With all the other testicular tumours (the non-seminomas) also having an excellent prognosis, “but slightly less excellent than with the seminomas.”

Seminoma or non-seminoma, there is a high chance of survival, even if your cancer is picked up at a later stage. “You would expect, even in patients with advanced disease, with cancers that have spread to other parts of the body, you would expect to be able to cure them with chemotherapy drugs that we have at our disposals.”

Read more: I thought men didn’t get breast cancer, until I did

3. Awareness is key

The most important thing is to be aware of testicular cancer, its occurrence in young men, and to be aware of the symptoms. Dr Hart notes that awareness is the most important factor when it comes to picking up the cancer early.

“It’s not like other types of cancers like prostate cancers in men, or cervical cancers in women, where you need to go for regular check-ups and blood tests to pick the cancer up. The easiest way to pick it up is just to keep an eye on yourself. Young men need to familiarise themselves with their testicles and examine them on a regular basis.”

And that’s why initiatives like Movember cannot go unheard. Especially with testicular cancer’s high occurrence in young men. But there’s also other great initiatives out there, too — all year round. “The guys at Love Your Nuts are very active,” says Dr Hart. “It’s a local NGO that was started by testicular cancer survivors, and it’s there to raise awareness and put you in touch with the right people [if you have testicular cancer].”

Read more: Guys, why aren’t you checking your balls for testicular cancer?

4. Checking for symptoms is easy

When it comes to testicular cancer, men don’t have to visit the doctor for regular check-ups and blood tests. They just have to go into the shower, jokes the doctor. “Often the only symptom that a young man will have is a lump or an area of firmness in the testicle,” says Dr Hart.

“There is a misconception that a lump has to be painful in order to be cancerous. Often the majority of testicular lumps are painless or associated with slight pain. According to Dr Hart, “regular examination of one’s testicles needs to be done. Look in particular for any lumps, but any unexplained testicular discomfort should also be followed up on.”

5. Our public and private healthcare system is well equipped for treatment

When it comes to cancer, one of the challenges in South Africa is the under-reporting of testicular cancer. Hence, stats are hard to find. But Dr Hart says that as a whole, the country is well-equipped to treat and cure cancer, both publicly and privately.

“I work in the private healthcare system, where there is generally a higher awareness among patients, so many patients will present with earlier disease,” Dr Hart says on the challenges faced. “Unfortunately, in the public sector, because of patient education and a patient’s access to public healthcare, they often present with disease that’s more advanced and is spread elsewhere in the body. They then require more intense treatment.

“The drugs that we use that are likely to cure prostate cancers are drugs that have been around for a long time,” Dr Hart adds. “So they’re not expensive and are available throughout the country in the private and public sector. So the prognosis is still good in the public sector, although those patients present [the disease] much later.”

Read more: I had penile cancer: Here’s what I want all men to know

6. When you need to see an oncologist

“Because I’m an oncologist, we are less involved on the diagnostic side of cancers — that side is filled by our urology colleagues,” says Dr Hart. Rather, testicular cancer is picked up by a general practitioner, then you’re referred to a urologist, where the testicle will be removed and diagnosed with cancer. “It’s really there where oncologists like myself and the Cancercare team would get involved,” says Dr Hart.

“Often, in a lot of patients, surgery is all that’s needed, and my job is to supervise their surveillance with regular scans and regular examinations to make sure the cancer doesn’t come back.”

Read more: This is the most important health check you can do at home

About Cancercare

“We at Cancercare are experts in the administration of chemotherapy, but we provide a holistic approach to our patient’s support,” says Dr Hart. “So we have in-house counsellors and social workers who are able to help our patients, and their families, manage the psychological and emotional trauma that comes with a diagnosis of cancer, and who supports them through the treatment process as well.”

^{This article was originally published on www.mh.co.za}

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Sometimes you catch the good waves in life. Other times you get caught in the whitewash of endlessly tumbling with no sense of direction, all the time wondering what you did to deserve this bulls**t. But the true hero goes back for another wave…

Adaptive surfing

A few weekends ago, I had the great privilege of attending an adaptive surfing clinic, hosted by Surf Emporium. Adaptive surfing is a version of surfing that allows those with disabilities – anything from paralysis to blindness and cerebral palsy – to enjoy the sport. The aim is to show people living with disabilities that they can continue to follow their dreams.

Read more: 5 things i really wish people knew about surfing

One of these amazing surfers is wheelchair-bound Elsje Neethling – although “bound” is the wrong word to describe this inspirational woman. Elsje hasn’t let her disabilities hold her back in the slightest, but has simply adapted her way of living life to the fullest…

Elsje Neethling

Elsje comes from a family of swimmers, her brother being the Olympic swimmer, Ryk Neethling. “As kids, my brother and I used to spend hours in the sea. We’ve always loved the ocean.” But it was also in her childhood that Elsje was given some life-changing news…

Elsje was only 12 years old when she was told she had a brain tumour. “I always had headaches as a kid, so my parents took me to many specialist doctors to find out what was going on, but they kept misdiagnosing me,” she begins.

“In February 1994, I woke up one morning completely paralysed. My folks rushed me to hospital and after numerous tests and scans, they told my parents I’ve got two months left to live.”

Read more: These swimming hacks will make you less afraid of the water

“I had a choroid plexus carcinoma, an aggressive brain cancer that was inoperable,” Elsje explains. “I just remember everyone crying and coming to our house to say goodbye to me. I didn’t realise the extent of the diagnosis and I just went through the motions.” But then a hint of hope – a neurosurgeon in Johannesburg was willing to operate. The family was there in a flash.

And so began the battle against cancer: Surgery upon surgery, plus countless treatments and radiation. An unfortunate side-effect: The loss of her legs.

“After my last big operation in 2010, my body basically couldn’t cope with all the trauma inflicted on my spine,” Elsje remembers. “My choroid plexus carcinoma cancer is terminal. Cancer never really ‘leaves’ you. You always worry about any aches, but fear will mess you up. I choose life and to live fully – no fear.”

Here’s to living…

“I reckon brain cancer has made me so brave for life’s challenges,” Elsje says. “I get pretty bad shock pains in my left weaker leg at night, but I choose to look past it and focus on the nice things [in life] instead. I’m just happy to be alive – I’ve honed the skill of being relentlessly positive no matter what life throws my way. I’ve learnt that you can’t control life – stuff happens.”

Read more: Here’s the exact workout pro surfers use to stay in shape

But how you handle the whitewash, that’s what matters. “I just go with the flow,” Elsje adds. “Once you learn to do this, you free yourself from stress. Just live! Don’t try to control it, live it. We are here for a good time, not a long time – so be happy.”

Finding freedom riding the waves

“Last year I met a crowd from Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg. They showed me [adaptive surfing],” Elsje explains. “I immediately fell in love with the experience.” She’s been practicing ever since with the help of her surf coach, Albert Millard. “He picks me up after work and we practice surfing for hours. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

And the learning never ends. Every time Elsje and Albert head in, the ocean has a few new lessons planned. “I just need someone to carry the board into the shallows for me,” Elsje explains. “Then I just let the stream pull me in. And then I paddle for my life! My arms are strong so it helps.” She can basically go out unassisted these days – what an absolute inspiration.

Read more: 5 surfing tips for beginners that’ll keep your stoke alive

“Surfing invigorates my soul,” Elsje says. “When I touch the water, I don’t feel the cold or think of the dangers out there. The adrenaline beats any imposing threat. It’s the best medicine for any ailment.”

And the water doesn’t distinguish between able bodies and disabilities. “Throughout my life I’ve been given limits by doctors regarding my health,” she continues. “Now, the waves have become my world where there are no limits. I’m getting stronger because of it. It just proves that life doesn’t have to stop just because you aren’t the same as everyone else… The water doesn’t judge, it treats us all the same. People should be more like that.”

^{This article was originally published on www.womenshealthsa.co.za}

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