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Posted by or from a variety of publications on EducationViews.org on January 15, 2013 in Health, News of the Day | 0 Comment

By ABC News

Dec 25, 2012 7:00am

‘Bumping’ Your Way to Safer Sex With a Smartphone App

Reported by Dr. Lauren Browne:

Let’s face it.  Teens have sex.  Parents may choose to ignore it, and teens may choose to deny it, but almost 50 percent of American high school students are having sex, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. And each year, millions of those sexually active teens contract sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and HIV.

Now one doctor hopes to curb the spread of STDs in this tech savvy group with a smartphone app that lets users “bump” their STD status.

It’s called ‘safe bumping,’” said Dr. Michael Nusbaum, the New Jersey developer of MedXSafe, a feature of the new app called MedXCom.  “If you happen to be out at a bar or a fraternity house or wherever, and you meet someone, you can then bump phones and exchange contact information and STD status.”

The app’s special feature, according to Nussbaum, encourages dating singles to go to the doctor for regular STD checks.  Those who screen negative can ask their doctors to document their STD-free status on the app, allowing users to share the information with whomever they choose.

An alarming 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur each year, and rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea are on the rise, according to a new report released this month by the CDC.  More than 1.4 million chlamydia infections were reported in 2011, up 8 percent from the previous year.  Cases of gonorrhea were up by 4 percent, marking the second consecutive year of increases.

Nearly half of all infections occur in young people, between the ages of 15 to 24, a group that can be particularly devastated by the associated health effects.

“[Some] undetected and untreated STDs can increase a person’s risk for HIV and cause other serious health consequences, such as infertility,” said Mary McFarlane, an acting chief in the Division of STD Prevention at the CDC.  Harnessing modern social networking technology to prevent these infections may appeal to a younger tech-savvy generation.

MedXSafe is just one of several Internet-based programs devoted to easing confidential STD-status sharing between sexual partners.  Services like Qpid.me, whose slogan is Spread the Love, Nothing Else and U Should Know, designed by a former college student and his girlfriend, also allow their users to check on a partner’s STD status.

But could these services offer a false sense of security to teens who believe that, with a simple phone bump, they have the green light to have unprotected sex?

“It can take months for HIV to show up on a test,” said Renee Williams, executive director of SAFE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to abstinence education.  “So you can test negative today, go out on Friday night and have sex, and then get retested later and find out that you had HIV all along.”

The app does nothing to prevent unplanned pregnancy, and may even encourage high-risk behaviors that young people might otherwise not have been tempted to try, said Williams.

Nor is the app likely to be completely reliable, said Dr. J. Joseph Speidel, director of communication at the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health.

“Does it come with a condom?” asked Dr. Richard Besser, ABC’s chief health and medical editor, who’s also a pediatrician and former acting director at the CDC.

But the app’s creator said it does promote regular STD testing and encourages potential partners to openly discuss safe sex practices.

“We’re recognizing that this behavior is going to take place no matter what we do or what we say,” said Nusbaum.  “I have friends that are nuns and I’ve run this by them, and they also agree that it’s promoting safer behaviors.”

Although each program promises to keep health information strictly confidential, none are immune from cyber attacks.

But such attacks would not expose any users who have an STD, according to Nusbaum.  MedXSafe does not allow doctors to upload information about any tests that come back positive, including HIV.  A user with an infection is simply treated for the STD and then retested.  And that user is only confirmed STD-free via the app once subsequent test results come back negative.

Still, it is too early to tell whether these services will become popular with teens.  Lingering social stigma surrounding STDs might make potential partners reluctant to mention such an app when out at a party.

“It’s a big personal step to bring up using such an app,” said Noah Bloom, creator of a smartphone app called Jiber, which uses the same “bump” technology to electronically connect new friends.  “Who really wants anything in the way of getting lucky?”

 

Also read MedXSafe writeups on:

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Wednesday, December 26, 7:25 pm

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Making sure your hookup is STD-free? There’s an app for that

 

Doctor Creates Phone App For People to Share Their STD Status With Potential Mates

 

By Karla Hamal, RD

MedXCom Nutritional Consultant

Reading labels can allow us to be more aware of the food that we are eating.

New Year’s Resolution:  slow down and take a look at the food label step by step!

1)    Start with the Serving Size.  The rest of the nutritional information applies to the serving size.  Be sure to look at the calories per serving.  If you have a package of 6 cookies and the serving size is 2 all the nutritional information applies to the 2 cookies.

2)    Look at total fat then concentrate on the types of fat the serving contains.  Try and limit saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.  Unsaturated fats such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are better choices.  “Fat free” does not always mean calorie free as the manufacturer can add sugar to improve taste.

3)    Look at the sodium per serving – the recommended daily limit for an adult is 2,300 milligrams.  This can be difficult if you are looking at a can of soup with 3 servings each serving is 780 milligrams if you eat the entire can you have exceeded your daily limit of sodium.

4)    Check the carbohydrates – this category includes everything from grains to sugar.  Try to focus on whole grains, fruits these would increase your fiber content.

5)    Look at the fiber content with carbohydrates, and grains this number can identify healthy carbohydrate options.  The average adult should consume 21-35grams of fiber daily, but many of us do not reach that number.  Fiber can be plentiful in oatmeal, barley, beans, grains, fruits and vegetables.

The bottom of the label identifies Vitamin and mineral content.  These percentages are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Ingredients are listed in order of quantity.  The first item on the label is the top ingredient as the label goes on each of these items decrease in volume.  Try and limit sugars items such as glucose, fructose, dextrose and galactose.  Look for natural and healthy ingredients foods that you are familiar with whole wheat, oats, or other natural products.

What does Natural mean or Organic?  Other items on the front of a package may be confusing. 

All Natural does not mean much.  The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not define this statement so food manufactures can use this statement as long as the food item does not contain added colors, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.  Unfortunately that means it can contain preservatives, high fructose corn syrup and sugar.

Multigrain – Look for the words whole grain or 100% whole wheat; multigrain can be a confusing word and does not necessarily mean that it is made with the whole grain.  Look for fiber on the label to ensure you are getting the healthiest portion of the grain.

No sugar added – Foods including fruit, milk, cereals and vegetables can naturally contain sugar so no added sugar may still contain ingredients such as maltodextrin or simple sugars.  No added sugar does not mean that the product is sugar or carbohydrate free.

Sugar free – This like fat free does not mean the product has fewer calories.  These products can contain more calories than the regular version.  Sugar free products must contain less than 0.5 grams of sugars per serving, but they may still contain calories from other sources.  Many contain sugar alcohols – mannitol, xylitol, or sorbitol.  These products can induce stomach upset so be cautious.

Zero Trans fats – Products that say no trans fat can actually contain less than 0.5 grams per serving.  If the consumer is eating 3 servings he/she may be consuming 1.4 grams of trans fats – bad for the heart.  Look for hydrogenated oils and shortening on the label to identify trans fats.

Free Range products – These can be confusing because the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not define a requirement for the amount, duration and quality of outdoor access.  Instead of running out in a field the animal may just have exposure to the outdoors.

Fat Free – Many fat free items may have more calories than the low fat or full fat items.  Many of these items can be loaded with sugar.

Light – To be considered light a products’ fat content has to be 50% less than the amount found in a comparable product.  These labels can confuse the customer depending on how much fat the original product contained.

Real Fruit – this has caused many problems in the past because the real fruit contained in the product many not be the one on the label.  It may be flavored with another fruit and artificial flavors.  Strawberry flavored items may contain pear juice flavored to taste like strawberries.  What is the real fruit contained?

Lightly sweetened - this is a new term that has come up because the FDA has begun regulating terms like reduced sugar, no added sugar and sugar free. Lightly sweetened is the manufacturers term for how much sugar, beware.

Cholesterol free – doesn’t mean no cholesterol – scratching your head?  Cholesterol-free products must contain less than 2 mg per serving while low-cholesterol products contain 20mg or less per serving.  Foods that say reduced or less cholesterol must have at least 25% less than comparable products.

Organic – The USDA has now identified that a label that says organic must have 95% or more of ingredients that were grown or processed without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.  Made with organic ingredients must contain 70% of all ingredients that meet the standard.  Organic products may still contain high levels of sugar, fat and calories and still be organic.

Label reading has become a bit of a confused issue as food manufacturers daily try to convince consumers that their products are healthier.  Sometimes the methods that evolve become confused and the consumer may not truly understand the products they are consuming.

Start reading labels and becoming familiar with items that you prefer to consume.  Eat more fiber, consume less sugar and look for items on the ingredients list that are healthy.

Start with healthy preparation, use products from your produce department, lean meats and fish and use unsaturated fats (olive and canola oil) prepare healthy food and use less processed foods to enjoy a well balanced diet.

Happy Holidays!

by Karla Kamal, RD, MedXCom Nutritional Consultant

The fall/winter holidays come around once a year, so a few of my favorite things can’t hurt, can they?

The average weight gain over the Holidays is 1-5 pounds and many people keep that extra weight permanently.

So what to do?

1)     Get active. Start with a walk before dinner as a family, have a game of flag football or take a trip to the gym before you  start eating.

2)     Avoid skipping meals.  Have a healthy breakfast before the big event to ensure that you can control your appetite.  Have a small healthy snack before you head to the family dinner.

3)     Make your favorite Holiday dinner item “healthy”

• Try using skim milk and healthy lower fat butter in your mashed potatoes
• Try fat free or low fat cream cheese, sour cream, and butter to help reduce calories
• Make baked apples instead of a pie

4)     Watch your portions; use a salad plate for dinner.  Fill your plate with a small taste of each or your favorites don’t waste calories by huge servings or portions.

5)     Skip seconds

6)     Choose wisely – white meat turkey, well seasoned vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, green salads can make your Holiday Dinner a satisfying event. Add sugar free Jello to the plate, if you like sweets.

7)     Take time to enjoy the family and friends that have come to dinner.  Slow down the eating process so that you are finishing up your meal as others are finishing seconds.

8)     Be careful with added calories in alcohol, juices, sodas, appetizers and high calorie desserts.  Tip: Add fruit kabobs or strawberries with fat-free whipped cream to your dessert table, so the fruit grabs everyones attention.

9)     Treat yourself to one special item.  If you love Pumpkin or Pecan Pie have a small piece, but avoid the high calorie ice cream, egg nog and heavy cream!

Enjoy the Holidays and try to keep it Healthy!!

Can Halloween be healthy? Consider these numbers:

3 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have more sugar than a glazed doughnut

1/2  pack of Skittles has more sugar than a scoop of Haagen-Dazs Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

9 Twizzlers contain the same amount of calories as a Wendy’s Double Stack Burger

Consider some new options to Halloween that are Gluten Free!

* Fruit Roll-ups (Betty Crocker Halloween fruit flavored snacks – gluten free)

* Granola Bars (Nutrigrain Cereal bars are gluten free)

* Gold Fish packages (gluten free)

* Cheese and Cracker Packages (Keebler Snax Stix are gluten free)

* Sugar Free Gum – (Bazooka and Super Bubble are gluten free)

* Juice in a Box (Juicy-juice and Capri Sun are gluten free)

* Box of Raisins (Sunmaid Raisins are gluten free)

 Or Surprise the kids with a new Halloween treat

* Stickers
* Tattoos
* Balloon Racers
* Balloons
* Rubber Spiders
And if you are buying candy consider the following:

READ THE LABELS

Butterfinger Bar (fun size bar) (gluten free)

100 calories 4 grams of fat (2 grams saturated)

Make a better choice-  consider:

3 Musketeers (fun size bar) (gluten free)

63 calories   2 grams of fat (1.5grams saturated)

Halloween can be fun and Healthy!

Download the app!