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Family medicine 2018 hot topics: Debating kratom, Narcan, fad diets
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In-depth looks at the debates surrounding kratom for pain management, Narcan’s availability as an opioid overdose antidote and details of what mainstream media called one of the “buzziest” diets of the year were some of most-read stories on Healio Family Medicine in the past year.
Other popular stories included potential new benefits to some commonly eaten foods, several experts weighing in on how then-Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh could impact health care, WHO’s updated guidelines on treating adults with diabetes and the possible ramifications of a lawsuit several states filed against several drug manufacturers.
With 2018 drawing to a close, we provide the top 10 stories posted to Healio Family Medicine over the past 12 months. – by Janel Miller
The good, the bad, and the maybe, about kratom
Kratom has been touted as an alternative approach to pain management. However, some have suggested it shares many of the harmful effects associated with opioid use and that some products made from kratom are contaminated with salmonella. Read more.
Increased Narcan availability evokes ethical debate
According to some physicians and researchers, easy access to the opioid overdose antidote commonly sold as Narcan may be enabling opioid abuse and potentially worsening the crisis. However, many addiction specialists consider this thought process to be a specious and judgmental argument, based on an incomplete understanding of addiction. Read more.
Ketogenic diet: What you need to know
The ketogenic diet was recently called the “latest buzzy” weight loss plan by the mainstream media. However, this particular weight loss plan actually dates, according to some estimates, to as early as 500 B.C. So what exactly is the ketogenic diet, and as the obesity prevalence continues to grow among adults in the United States and around the world, is it the right diet to help patients reach their weight loss goals? Read more.
DASH diet lowers risk for depression in older adults
Older patients who followed the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet, were less likely to develop depression, according to a preliminary study that was presented at the upcoming American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting. Read more.
Eggs, nuts, coffee, dairy, veggies positively impact health
A broad spectrum of foods and beverages produced an equally diverse range of health benefits, according to findings presented at Nutrition 2018, the first-ever flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. Read more.
Fruits, vegetables, lower risk for dementia, increase cognition
Different foods provided benefits associated with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and cognition, according to several abstracts presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Read more.
Past rulings may provide insight on how Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh may impact health care
A review of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s rulings in past cases as well as statements he has made may provide some idea on how his judicial philosophy could impact several health care and public health issues likely to reach the Supreme Court in the near future, several experts told Healio Family Medicine. Read more.
WHO releases recommendations for treating adults with diabetes
WHO released recommendations regarding which medicines should be used for treatment intensification in adult patients with type 2 diabetes as well as the use of analogue or human insulin in type 1 and 2 diabetes. Read more.
How one court case in the opioid crisis could impact millions of patients
A lawsuit against certain opioid manufacturers and drug distributors could dramatically shake up the health care, pharmaceutical and legal systems, experts told Healio Family Medicine. Read more.
‘Metabolic flexibility’ required to achieve, maintain weight loss
Employing the concept of metabolic flexibility — the body’s ability to oxidize the type of fuel that is available — may offer the best hope for curbing obesity, according to a speaker at the Cardiometabolic Health Congress. Read more.