Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New York | Silberstein, Awad & Miklos

Experimental Obesity Surgery Using Tube Through Mouth

2009-06-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

According to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, more than 200,000 Americans are expected to have conventional forms of obesity surgery this year, which are most commonly gastric bypass surgery and adjustable gastric band surgery. These traditional procedures do carry risks, including infection, pain and scarring, and some patients may experience a long recovery. However, an experimental new obesity surgery comes with fewer risks and requires no incisions. For the procedure, doctors insert a tube about as thick as a garden hose into the mouth and down the throat of the patient. When the tube reaches the stomach, staples are placed to create a narrow passage that reduces the amount of food that can move from the upper stomach to the lower stomach, causing patients to feel fuller quicker and eat less. So far, this scar-free procedure has been tested on about 200 patients in the U.S. and about 100 patients in Europe, with the European group having lost an average of 45 percent of their body weight after about 18 months. These preliminary results seem promising, according to doctors involved in the two studies.

The research being conducted on this experimental surgery is being funded by Satiety Inc., the California-based company that developed the medical devices used in the procedure. So far, the procedure is only being performed in the studies, however, Satiety Inc. plans to see federal approval if results continue to be positive. Dr. Gregg Nishi, a surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, stated that so far, the results of this are somewhat better than the typical results a patient would experience with traditional stomach stapling. Patients receiving this procedure can expect a reduced chance of infection, less pain and a faster recovery than those receiving conventional obesity surgeries.

One risk of the procedure is perforating the esophagus, which did happen to one study participant. Aside from that, no other major complications have been reported by any of the 10 centers involved in the U.S. study. Side effects of the surgery include sore throats, abdominal pain lasting less than a week and nausea. Each patient involved in the study will be followed for a minimum of one year and researchers are expected to have the final results by 2010. Any medical procedure can have serious complications if performed incorrectly or carelessly by a doctor. If you or a loved one has medical malpractice questions in New York, please contact the attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., serving clients with Brooklyn surgery malpractice, Bronx surgery malpractice, Queens surgery malpractice, Nassau surgery malpractice and Suffolk surgery malpractice cases.

Motorcycle Accidents

2009-06-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Any motorcyclist will be quick to tell you the many advantages a motorcycle has over the typical passenger vehicle. Fuel economy is the obvious one, especially now with gas prices being what they are. Motorcycles are generally cheaper to own and maintain than automobiles. In a city infamous for its traffic congestion and limited parking - New York City, for example - a motorcycle can make commuting and running errands far less frustrating and time-consuming. Not to mention the thrill and enjoyment that riding a motorcycle provides.

Like it or not, motorcycles are dangerous. The risk of serious injury or death in a motorcycle accident is exponentially greater than if you are behind the wheel of an automobile. Statistics show that in accidents involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle:

Motorcyclists are 34 times more likely to die than the driver of the passenger vehicle.
98 percent of total fatalities in such accidents consist of the operator of the motorcycle or a passenger on the motorcycle.
The motorcycle is recorded as the striking vehicle in 75 percent of these accidents, despite the widely held belief that it is usually the driver of the passenger vehicle striking the motorcyclist because they do not see them.

Motorcycle accidents are subject to a number of different laws, regulations, and insurance issues than other automobiles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you will want to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Please call or e-mail our motorcycle accident attorney today for a free consultation in the New York area, including Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, and New York City.

Top 10 Stroke Risk Factors & Ways to Lower Your Risk

2009-05-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability. Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable and a person can reduce their risk of stroke by following the Stroke Prevention Guidelines established by the National Stroke Association's Stroke Prevention Advisory Board. According to the Association, major risk factors for stroke include:

Age - Stroke risk increases with age. After the age of 55, the risk of stroke doubles every decade.
Gender - Stroke is more common in men than women, but women are more likely to die from stroke than men.
Race - The rate of stroke for African Americans is twice that of whites. Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islander also have a higher risk of stroke than non-Hispanic whites.
Genetics- People with a family history of stroke have a higher risk themselves.
Previous Stroke or TIA - Already having a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (ministroke) results in a 25 to 40 percent chance of having another stroke in the next 5 years.
Hypertension - High blood pressure increases the strain on the blood vessels in the brain, creating a higher possibility of stroke.
Heart Disease - By preventing heart disease, the risk of stroke can be reduced significantly.
Nutrition - Consuming too much sodium and not eating enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish can increase a person's stroke risk.
Fitness - The risk of stroke is higher for people that are overweight or obese. Getting a sufficient amount of exercise can reduce a person's risk of stroke.
Diabetes - Stroke risk is higher for people with diabetes, so it is important to treat the disease actively.

Although some stroke risk factors are unavoidable, others are. People with any preventable risk factors should work with their doctors to reduce their risk of stroke and other health conditions. If you or a loved one has been the victim of stroke malpractice in New York as a result of a delay in diagnosis or treatment, call or e-mail the malpractice lawyers at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. Our firm serves clients with Brooklyn stroke malpractice, Bronx stroke malpractice, Manhattan stroke malpractice, Queens stroke malpractice, Nassau stroke malpractice and Suffolk stroke malpractice cases. Call today for your FREE consultation.

Brain Surgery Patient Left on Table, Surgeon Steps Down

2009-05-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

On April 10, 2009, a 32-year old mother of three from Pennsylvania was scheduled to have a shunt inserted into her brain at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. The patient's head was shaved in preparation for the surgery and she was placed under general anesthesia, only to be woken up and falsely told that her surgeon, Dr. Paolo Bolognese, had a "family emergency" and that her surgery had not taken place. When Bolognese, a $2.4 million-a-year neurosurgeon at the Long Island hospital, failed to appear for the scheduled surgery, his boss and operating partner, Dr. Thomas Milhorat, refused to cover for him. On April 17th, North Shore University Hospital suspended both Bolognese and Milhorat, who was the chief of neurosurgery at the hospital and the highest paid surgeon in New York. Just two weeks later, Milhorat stepped down from his $7.2 million-a-year position. Hospital officials stated that given Milhorat's age of 73, they have been planning for his retirement for some time, although he will continue his academic research activities with the hospital. After four weeks of suspension, Bolognese, 48, was reinstated May 18th by North Shore University Hospital with the full support of the hospital administration.

Milhorat and Bolognese performed more than 3,000 neurosurgical procedures at The Chiari Institute, which North Shore University Hospital opened in 2003 to treat patients with a rare defect called a Chiari malformation. The Chiari Institute, which Milhorat also stepped down as the head of, treats patients from around the country suffering from the debilitating headaches, visual disturbances and other problems that are caused by the malformation. The institute is world renowned for the treatment they provide and Milhorat is thought of as an expert on Chiari malformation. However, with the announcement of Milhorat and Bolognese's suspensions, it was also reveled that the two surgeons, along with North Shore University Hospital, are facing several malpractice lawsuits. The state Health Department is investigating the April 10th incident involving Bolognese and Milhorat and a new chairmain will be announced later this month to replace Milhorat. If a doctor is negligent or makes a mistake that results in serious injury or death, that doctor may be held responsible for the injuries incurred. If you or a loved one was injured by surgical malpractice in New York City or Long Island, please call or e-mail us today for a free consultation with our experienced surgery malpractice attorneys. Our firm serves clients with Bronx surgical malpractice, Brooklyn surgical malpractice, Queens surgical malpractice, Manhattan surgical malpractice and New York City surgical malpractice cases.

Folic Acid Lowers Rate of Infants Born with Heart Defects

2009-05-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

Back in1996, the Food and Drug Administration required that folic acid be added to cereals, pastas, rice, enriched breads, flours, corn meals and other grain products in the United States. About eight years later in 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of infants born with anecephaly, a defect in the closure of the neural tube during fetal development, or spina bifida, a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings during the first month of pregnancy, had dropped 26 percent. Anecephaly and spina bifida are both neural tube birth defects that have both been reduced by the addition of folic acid to these grain products. Now, a recent study out of Quebec has found that folic acid, a type of vitamin B, may also prevent infant heart defects. The study, conducted by researchers at McGill University in Montreal, looked at data on 1.3 million births from 1990 to 2005 in Quebec, where as of 1998 it was required to add folic acid to flour and pasta as part of Canada's fortification policy. Researchers found that of those 1.3 million births, 2,803 children were born with heart defects, which amounts to 1.57 per every 1,000 births. They also found that before the folic acid requirement, there was no change in the rate of infants born with heart defects. However, after those foods were required to be fortified with folic acid, there was a 6 percent decrease each year in the number of babies born with heart defects.

The study, which is published in the British Medical Journal's online edition, serves as new proof that the addition of folic acid to grain products is beneficial and should be adopted in other countries. According to the Mayo Clinic, congenital heart defects are problems in the heart's formation and depending on the severity can require a series of surgeries to treat the problem. Although serious heart defects are rare, evidence that the addition of folic acid to a mother's diet can lower the risks of the defects is substantial. To add more folic acid to their diets and further reduce the risk of giving birth to a child with heart and neural tube birth defects, pregnant women can take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy. Many birth problems are the result of negligence on the part of a doctor or medical professional. If your child has suffered an injury during birth that may have been preventable, please call or e-mail us today. Our experienced attorneys have helped clients with Manhattan birth injury, Bronx birth injury, Brooklyn birth injury, Queens birth injury, Nassau birth injury and Suffolk birth injury cases. Call or send an instant inquiry today and we will evaluate your case for FREE.

Weight Gain in Teen Years May Increase Heart Disease Risk

2009-05-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

According to a recent study conducted by researchers in Sweden, gaining large amounts of weight as a teenager increases a person's risk of eventually developing heart disease. Weight gain during adolescence usually results in deep abdominal fat, or visceral fat, which surrounds the organs of the abdomen. The researchers looked at 612 male study participants 18 to 20 and found that those participants whose body mass index (BMI) increased the most during their teen years had the largest amounts of visceral fat, raising their risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, those study participants that gained weight during adolescence generally had more superficial abdominal fat, which is just below the skin above the abdominal muscles and is less of a health risk than deep abdominal fat. Researchers involved in the study also reported that significant changes in BMI that occur later on in childhood were only associated with levels of superficial abdominal fat in adulthood.

The study's findings, which were published in Diabetes, a journal of the American Diabetes Association, suggests that preventing weight gain, especially during teen years, may prevent the development of visceral belly fat. The results of this study support preceding data suggesting that overweight and obese teenagers can experience an increased risk of developing heart problems, including heart disease, by middle age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. If you or a loved one has experienced a delay in diagnosis or treatment of a heart attack or other heart-related problem, call or e-mail the attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. We serve clients with Manhattan medical malpractice, Brooklyn medical malpractice, Bronx medical malpractice, Queens medical malpractice, Nassau medical malpractice and Suffolk medical malpractice cases. We also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

Drinking Well Water May Increase Risk of Bladder Cancer

2009-04-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), nearly 69,000 cases of bladder cancer were diagnosed last year in the U.S. and more than 14,000 people died as a result of the disease. One common risk factor for bladder cancer is cigarette smoking, which is also the major cause of lung, larynx, oral, throat and esophageal cancer and is associated with pancreatic, cervical, kidney and stomach cancers, in addition to certain leukemias. However, a recent study has revealed that drinking well water can increase a person's risk of developing bladder cancer. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that the consumption of well water was associated with a higher prevalence of bladder cancer in women, as well as a higher rate of death from the cancer in both genders. Researchers involved with the study suggested that this higher incidence may be caused by pesticides that enter the water in unregulated wells. This well water, along with those pesticides, is then consumed, increasing the risk of developing bladder and other types of cancer.

The study, which will be presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American Urological Association, also found that a person's risk of developing or dying from bladder cancer is inversely related to their level of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In addition, the study supported earlier research suggesting that cigarette smoking is directly linked to the development of bladder cancer and death from the disease. The risk of developing bladder cancer is about three times higher for men than it is for women and there are various tests available to help detect this type of cancer. As with all cancers, bladder cancer treatment is most effective when the cancer is caught early on. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a delay in diagnosis or treatment of cancer, our cancer malpractice attorneys can help. Your initial consultation is FREE and there is NO FEE to you unless we recover money. Call Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today, or submit an instant inquiry now and we will respond within 24 hours. Our experienced attorneys serve clients with Bronx cancer malpractice, Brooklyn cancer malpractice, Queens cancer malpractice, Long Island cancer malpractice and Manhattan cancer malpractice cases.

Melatonin Supplements May Improve Sleep Problems in Autistic Children

2009-04-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

Nearly 90 percent of children with autism spectrum disorder and 77 percent of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) experience problems with sleep. These problems can make it extremely difficult for both the child and their parents when it comes time for bed. However, a recent study lead by Beth L. Goodlin-Jones of the M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of California Davis Health System in Sacramento, California has found that over-the-counter melatonin supplements may help reduce sleep problems in children with autism and FXS. The small-scale study included 12 children with autism spectrum disorder, fragile X syndrome, or both between the ages of 2 and 15. During the first half of the month long study, the children were randomly selected to take either a melatonin supplement or a placebo. After that two week period, the children were switched to the alternative for the remaining two weeks. On average, the melatonin supplement increased sleep duration by 21 minutes compared to the placebo. The supplement also shortened sleep-onset latency, or the amount of time it takes a person to fall asleep, by 28 minutes and reduced sleep-onset time by 42 minutes.

The findings of this study, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, may be extremely helpful to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder or fragile X syndrome who experience sleep problems. In addition to melatonin supplements, which can be purchased over-the-counter, behavior therapies and sleep hygiene practices may also be used to manage or improve these sleep problems. Easing the stress and frustration experienced at bedtime by both children with special needs and their parents can be extremely helpful, since children with sleep problems can sometimes take one or two hours to fall asleep. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder or fragile X syndrome should ask their pediatrician before using melatonin supplements to ease sleep problems. If you believe your child's autism was caused by a doctor's negligence, call or e-mail the attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. Our Manhattan birth injury, Bronx birth injury, Brooklyn birth injury, Queens birth injury and Long Island birth injury attorneys will evaluate your case at no charge to you. Call or submit and instant inquiry today for your FREE consultation.

Boston Hospital Completes Second Face Transplant in U.S.

2009-04-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

On April 9th, doctors at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston completed a 17-hour partial face transplant on a man with extensive injuries to his face. This was the second partial face transplant in the U.S., with the first taking place in December at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio on a woman who needed a near-total face transplant. This most recent transplant has doctors feeling optimistic that the patient will recover completely, although he has a lot of healing to do in the coming months. The man's injuries involved the loss of the bony structures of his mid-face, including the nasal structure, nose, hard palette, upper lip, facial skin, muscles of facial animation and the nerves that power them and provide sensation. More than three dozen clinicians, led by Dr. Bohdan Pomahac of the Hospital's Division of Plastic Surgery, worked between two operating rooms to complete the procedure. In one operating room, surgeons worked for six hours to remove the muscles necessary to make facial expressions, the nerves that power those muscles and the nerves that produce sensation from the donor. In the other OR, surgeons meticulously attached the tissues to the man's face using a microscope, making sure that the bony structure fit and that the nerves were connected.

Two leading concerns after a partial face transplant are clotting and infection, which can cause serious problems following the procedure. Doctors predicted that any clotting that may occur in the vessels connecting the graft to the face of the recipient would probably present within a 24 hour period. As for infections, it is likely that any sign of one would appear within 10 days of the procedure and would most likely be a result of immunosuppression, which is a reduction in the efficacy of the immune system to prevent rejection of the transplant. For this reason, the recipient has to be monitored closely in case of rejection of the graft. Dr. Pomahac noted that there is about a 60 percent chance that the recipient will look very much like he did before his facial injuries. He also added that it is unlikely the patient will look like the donor. The recipient of the first U.S. face transplant that took place in Ohio was able to breathe through her nose, smell, eat solid foods and drink from a cup only two months after the procedure was completed. If all goes well with this latest transplant, the recipient should be able to perform the same functions as his healing progresses. Since the procedure is relatively new and comes with major risks, before the procedure could take place, those risks had to be explained to the recipient through a process of informed consent. There are various risks associated with different surgical procedures, especially those on the cutting-edge, so it is important to be well-informed before undergoing any surgical procedure. If a mistake does occur during a surgical procedure, negligence or malpractice may be to blame. If you or a loved one was injured by surgical malpractice in New York, call or e-mail Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today for your free consultation. Our attorneys serve clients with Manhattan surgical malpractice, Bronx surgical malpractice, Brooklyn surgical malpractice, Queens surgical malpractice, Nassau surgical malpractice and Suffol surgical malpractice cases.

No Overall Link Between Caffeine and Breast Cancer

2009-04-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine has found no overall link between consumption of caffeine and an increased risk of breast cancer. For the study, researchers followed 38,432 women in the U.S. for several years, beginning in 1992. No additional breast cancer risk was found for women that consumed caffeine, but there was an increased risk for women that already had nonmalignant lumps or tumors in the breast. Women with benign breast disease that drank four or more cups of coffee each day had a substantially higher risk of breast cancer. However, researchers reported no increased risk of breast cancer for women with benign breast disease that consumed fewer than four cups of coffee daily, although the disease is already a risk for breast cancer. The results of this research suggest that excessive caffeine consumption may prompt pre-malignant lesions in the breast to advance into breast cancer, with many experts maintaining that most forms of invasive breast cancer originate as pre-malignant lesions.

Aside from coffee and tea, caffeine can also be found in soft drinks, chocolate, medications and other products, so even if someone does not drink coffee, caffeine consumption can still be high. Several previous studies have also suggested a link between caffeine consumption and an increased risk of breast cancer, and it is likely that additional studies will be conducted in the near future. Researchers are still unclear on how caffeine may affect the development of breast cancer in women, but additional research may uncover the reason behind this link. Last year in the United States, more than 40,480 women died as a result of breast cancer and there were 182,460 newly diagnosed cases. The National Cancer Institute recommends that women over age 40 have mammograms every 1 to 2 years and that women who are at higher than average risk of breast cancer talk with their health care providers about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a delay in diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer, our malpractice attorneys can help. Your initial consultation is FREE and there is NO FEE to you unless we recover money. Please call Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today, or submit an instant inquiry now and we will respond within 24 hours. Our experienced attorneys serve clients with Bronx cancer malpractice, Brooklyn cancer malpractice, Queens cancer malpractice, Nassau cancer malpractice and Suffolk cancer malpractice cases.

Top 10 Heart-Healthy Foods

2009-04-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

When it comes to protecting your heart from heart attacks, heart disease and other heart-related problems, doctors usually recommend that patients exercise more, maintain a healthy weight and eat healthier foods. However, for many people, increasing physical activity and losing weight require dedication and effort, making it difficult to reach these heart-healthy goals. So, for these individuals, a heart-healthy diet is even more important to help keep their hearts in good shape. By making simple changes in food choices, a person can greatly improve the overall health of their heart and reduce their risk of heart attack and heart disease. Here are some foods that will keep your heart healthy and functioning properly.

Avocado - This fruit is packed with heart-healthy fats, including monounsaturated fat, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Avocados also allow the body to absorb other carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene, which also improve the health of your heart. So, the addition of avocado into any diet can prove beneficial.

Berries - Berries are a great source of good cholesterol and have the ability to lower blood pressure. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and most other berries are full of anti-inflammatories, which help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. The most beneficial berries are blackberries and blueberries, but adding any kind of berry to your diet helps promote heart health.

Flaxseed - Adding flaxseed to any diet provides essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which help lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides (amount of fat in the blood). Flaxseed is also full of fiber, which lowers cholesterol and inflammation and may help reduce the risk of clogged arteries, heart disease and stroke.

Legumes - These vegetables, which include beans, peas and lentils, have been found to lower the risk of heart disease. Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, black beans and kidney beans are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber and calcium, so adding them into your diet can really benefit your heart. One study showed that even one serving of chickpeas or lentils each week helps lower the risk of heart disease, with each additional serving lowering the risk even more.

Nuts - Although most nuts contain some type of saturated fat, they also contain fiber and fats that are extremely beneficial to the heart. Some of the best nuts for heart health are almonds, walnuts and macadamia nuts, which are full of omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, making this a great snack to add into any diet.

Oatmeal - Instead of pouring a sugar-filled bowl of cereal or grabbing a greasy donut for breakfast, starting your day with a nice hot bowl of oatmeal can seriously improve heart health. Oatmeal is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, folate, potassium and fiber, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and help unclog arteries, lowering the risk of heart attack and heart disease.

Olive Oil - One way to reduce the risk of heart disease is by consuming more olive oil, which is full of monounsaturated fats and helps lower bad cholesterol. Instead of cooking with butter, try using extra virgin or virgin olive oils, which are less processed than other varieties.

Salmon - Oily fish like salmon are full of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower blood pressure and promote better circulation. In fact, two servings of salmon each week can help cut the risk of heart attack death by up to 1/3. Tuna, mackerel, herring and sardines also contain essential fats and antioxidants that improve heart health.

Soy - Natural soy is a great addition to any diet because it is low in saturated fat and can help lower cholesterol. Soy is also an ample source of lean protein, which is helpful for people following a heart-healthy diet, but it is important to stay away from soy products that contain a lot of salt, which may raise blood pressure. Replacing regular fat milk with soy milk may be a simple food choice that can help lower the risk of heart-related problems.

Spinach - Spinach is a great source of lutein, potassium, folate and fiber, which promote a healthy heart. Almost all vegetables contain lots of beneficial nutrients, so adding a serving or two to your daily diet can help keep your heart healthy and happy.

Link Between Mold and Pollen Exposure and Asthma Risk in Children

2009-03-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

In the United States, more than 22 million people suffer from asthma, with almost 6 million of those being children. In a recent study published in the online journal Thorax, researchers found that children born during months when mold-spore and pollen levels were high were at greatest risk of wheezing by the time they reached age 2. The study's lead author Kim Harley, an assistant researcher at the University of California, Berkley, along with colleagues, followed more than 500 Mexican immigrant children in California from their birth to age 2. The researchers reviewed the medical records of the infants, looking closely at if and when they experienced wheezing. They also noted the concentrations of mold-spores and pollen present in the air over the course of the study. Harley and her colleagues found that those children born during months when mold-spore and pollen concentrations were high were more likely to wheeze by age 2, leading to an increased risk for asthma. In addition, the researchers found that the correlations between pollen and increased risk of asthma were greatest with pine, alder and cypress pollens.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation, narrowing a person's airways and making it difficult to breathe. Asthma usually develops during childhood, displaying symptoms such as wheezing, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and coughing. Researchers conducting the study were sure to control for family history of asthma, diagnosed respiratory infections, pets in the home, tobacco smoke and other risk factors for asthma when determining the effect of mold and pollen on asthma risk. With the release of the study results, lead author Kim Harley noted that parents of babies born in the fall and winter months when there are high levels of mold and pollen present should not be concerned about their child's risk of developing asthma. She also stated that the development of asthma is a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors and that exposure to pollen and mold is unlikely to have long-term detrimental effects. If you believe your child may have asthma, it is extremely important to have them checked by a doctor so a diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started. In most cases, asthma and asthma-related attacks can be treated with medications, including inhalers. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or has died as a result of a delay in the treatment of asthma, call or submit an instant inquiry to Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today and we will respond within 24 hours. Our experienced attorneys offer free consultations to clients with Bronx medical malpractice, Brooklyn medical malpractice, Queens medical malpractice, Nassau medical malpractice and Suffolk medical malpractice cases.

Optimism May Help Women Live Longer

2009-03-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania found that women who are more optimistic live longer than those who are pessimistic. The study used responses from the Women's Health Initiative, which is a government study involving more than 100,000 women over the age of 50. The Women's Health Initiative began sending out questionnaires in 1994, which allowed researchers to measure how optimistic a woman was based on her responses. Researchers found that by 2002, those women who had the most optimistic outlooks on life were about 14 percent as likely as pessimistic women to still be alive. Experts attribute this longer life expectancy to the fact that optimistic people generally see their doctor more regularly, exercise more often, eat healthier foods and have more hopeful attitudes.

For the study, researchers had to be sure that lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, preventative health measures, level of physical activity, income and education were not influencing their findings. So, they measured optimism and pessimism independent of these factors and found that there was an apparent link between a longer life and optimism in women. Earlier studies have looked at this same link in men, with researchers finding that optimism often lead to a longer life. However, these previous studies involved only small numbers of participants and may not have been completely accurate due to various factors that may have affected the results. Since these lifestyle factors seemed to have no impact on the increased lifetime of optimistic women, the study's lead author Dr. Hilary Tindle suggested several reasons why their lives may be longer than pessimistic women. Tindle believes that since optimistic people are more amicable, they typically have more friends that they can go to for support during hard times, making it easier to deal with tough situations. In addition, optimistic, hopeful people usually deal with stress in a more constructive manner, making it less likely that they would be affected by stress-related health problems such as heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Tindle also suggests that optimistic women may live longer because they are more likely than pessimists to follow the advice and direction of doctors when treating or preventing illness.

Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the three leading causes of death in women in the United States. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or has died as a result of a delay in diagnosis or a delay in treatment of heart disease, cancer or stroke, contact the malpractice attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. We serve clients with Brooklyn medical malpractice, Bronx medical malpractice, Manhattan medical malpratice, Queens medical malpracitce and Long Island medical malpractice cases. We also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

Weight Loss Supplement Warnings from the FDA

2009-03-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently requested that the manufacturers of 'natural' weight loss supplements that fail to list their potentially dangerous ingredients recall their products for consumer safety. With only 3 manufacturers complying with this request, there are still currently 66 of these weight loss supplements on the market, a number that the FDA expects to grow instead of shrink. These products claim to use "natural" or "herbal" ingredients to assist with weight loss, however many of them really consist of a mixture of prescription and other drugs, including diuretics, laxatives and anti-seizure medications. When consumers read that a weight loss supplement is an "herbal remedy" or "all-natural," it gives them the idea that this product will help them lose weight without exposing their bodies to harmful drugs. However, the majority of these manufacturers do not list the actual drugs or their potencies on the product label, making them a potential hazard for people taking other medications that may interfere with the ones in their weight loss supplements that they do not even know they are taking.

An extensive investigation by the FDA revealed that some of these 'natural' weight loss supplements contain sibutramine, a prescription appetite suppressant used for weight loss, which is sold under the name Meridia in the U.S. Others contain rimonabant, an FDA-rejected drug that is a drug used to treat obesity, but has been found to cause an increase in the risk of psychiatric disorders. Many of these weight loss supplements often contain a mixture of drugs, sometimes in excessive amounts in each supplement dose. Large numbers of these supplements contain diuretics, known as water pills, which remove retained water and salt from the body through urination. These weight loss supplements pose a risk for anyone already taking diuretics for conditions such as heart failure or high blood pressure because their dosage may be increased significantly without their knowledge, which may lead to additional health problems. People taking these tainted weight loss supplements may experience seizures, a decrease in blood pressure or heart palpitations as a result of the drugs they contain. The FDA suggests that consumers be wary when it comes to any weight loss supplement, especially those that claim to be "natural" or "herbal." It is important to research these supplements to obtain any information manufacturers may fail to list on their labels in order to avoid taking ones with dangerous ingredients. Consumers should be especially wary when shopping on the Internet, since products may be coming from different countries that have fewer drug safety recommendations and guidelines than the U.S. The FDA also recommends that people looking to lose weight in a healthy, safe way discuss their goals with their doctor and only take drugs that they have approved. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of medication malpractice, please contact the experienced attorneys at Silberstein Awad & Miklos, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve clients with Bronx medication malpractice, Brooklyn medication malpractice, Queens medication malpractice, Nassau medication malpractice and Suffolk medication malpractice cases.

Flu Deaths and How Parents Can Protect Their Kids

2009-03-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Journal of the American Medical Association recently released the results of three studies focused on the effectiveness of certain flu (influenza) vaccines and what strains they protect against. One of the studies targeted Tamiflu, which is the number one doctor-prescribed flu medication for adults and children over age 1. What researchers found was that since the strain of the virus changes every flu season, some of the strains being passed around during the 2007-08 season were resistant to Tamiflu. This current flu season, which is expected to peak in or before April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that more than 98 percent of the flu viruses circulating are resistant to Tamiflu, making the vaccine effective in less than 2 percent of cases. With all of this new information available to the public, many parents are under the impression that flu vaccines are ineffective, making them skeptical about having their child immunized. Still, parents need to understand that the flu shot and booster shots do provide some protection for their children and may prevent serious illness and even death. In fact, most doctors recommend that everyone should receive an annual flu shot and the CDC has recently extended their recommendations from children between 6 months and 5 years to those between 6 months and 18 years.

According to the CDC, 86 children died as a result of flu-related problems during the 2007-08 season, a number which usually falls between 50 and 150 each year in the U.S. Of the flu-related pediatric deaths each year, usually half of those children had some other health problem, including degenerative heart or lung disease and immune risk factors, which may play a role in the complications they experience. Still, the other half of those deaths are in children that had no previous health problems, other than coming down with the flu. When an adult or child contracts the flu, their immune system weakens and inflammation develops, causing problems with the body's functions. One of the functions affected by that inflammation is breathing, which is responsible for most flu-related deaths. However, most flu-sufferers experience fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, tiredness, runny nose, cough and stomach symptoms, avoiding more serious complications resulting in hospitalization. Among children and adults in the U.S., the CDC estimates that more than 200,000 are hospitalized and around 36,000 die as a result of the flu virus. Serious flu complications require immediate evaluation and treatment by a doctor or hospital. If you or a loved one has experienced an avoidable delay in flu treatment resulting in serious injury or death, contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today for your free consultation. We serve clients with Bronx medical malpractice, Brooklyn medical malpractice, Queens medical malpractice and Long Island medical malpractice cases. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate the facts of your situation and answer any questions you may have regarding your case.

Genetic Testing for Newborns Required Across the U.S.

2009-02-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

In a recent report by the March of Dimes, the nonprofit organization dedicated to pregnancy and baby health announced that screening for at least 21 of the 29 genetic and metabolic diseases is now required for infants born in all 50 states, with 24 states screening for all 29 diseases. Doctors and nurses test for the diseases between 24 hours and 7 days after birth by taking a small sample of blood from the heel of the newborn. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing and the results of these tests are then forwarded to the infant's pediatrician, who will perform further testing if any of the results are positive. Of the 29 diseases included in the screening, the most common include phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), galactosemia, sickle cell disease, biotinidase deficiency, congenital toxoplasmosis, homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) and medium-chain acyl-coA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD). Click here for a full list of the 29 genetic and metabolic diseases and for more information on each diseases.

With almost 100 percent of all babies born in the U.S. being tested for these serious diseases, it is possible for doctors to diagnose and begin treatment for diseases that may not have presented symptoms until an infant is several weeks old. With earlier diagnosis and treatment, damage to the nervous system, kidneys, vision, hearing and other parts of the body may be reduced or even eliminated, preventing the disease from developing and causing disability or death. The rate of screening has improved greatly in the past decade or so, with only a few of these 29 serious diseases being tested for in most hospitals in 2000. In addition, a survey conducted by the March of Dimes found that in 2000, only about 38 percent of newborns were being tested for at least 21 of the 29 genetic and metabolic diseases. The improvement to almost 100 percent is due to several factors, including advances in technology that allow easier testing for the specific proteins linked to the diseases and campaigns and endorsements by groups like the March of Dimes and the American Academy of Pediatrics for mandatory screening for newborns.

These tests are necessary to diagnose these serious and potentially deadly diseases. If your newborn has been tested and a doctor or nurse fails to properly evaluate the results, causing a delay in diagnosis and treatment for your baby, that doctor or nurse may be responsible for any injuries incurred. Mistakes by doctors, nurses and other hospital employees may also result in injuries during birth that may have been prevented. If your baby has suffered an injury as the result of negligence, call or email Silberstein, Awad, & Miklos, P.C. Our experienced attorneys serve clients with Bronx birth injury, Brooklyn birth injury, Queens birth injury, Nassau birth injury and Suffolk birth injury cases.

Most Effective and Best Tolerated Antidepressant Drugs

2009-02-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

In a recent study published in The Lancet, researchers analyzed 12 "new generation" antidepressant drugs through 117 trials including roughly 26,000 patients. The study was conducted at the University of Verona in Italy, where researchers compared each drug, including bupropion, citalopram, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, milnacipran, mirtazapine, paroxetine, reboxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine, to each other drug in the study. By doing this, researchers could analyze the effectiveness of each drug better than if they were compared against a placebo. Two measurements were then used to figure out which drugs were most effective and most tolerable among participants. After eight weeks, researchers looked at the number of patients who saw their depression symptoms improve by 50 percent or more, or those who reported that their condition was either "much improved" or "very much improved". They also looked at the number of patients that withdrew from the study for whatever reason before the eight weeks were completed.

The researchers found that of the 12 drugs included in the study, the most effective and best tolerated drugs were sertraline, otherwise known as Zoloft, and escitalopran, otherwise known as Lexapro. Filling the third and fourth spots for effectiveness were venlafaxine, also known as Effexor, and mirtazapine, known as Remeron. However, venlafaxine (Effexor) also found itself as one of the top four drugs a patient would discontinue due to side effects. The study also revealed that the least effective drug was reboxetine, which is known as Edronax. Patients should always discuss which medication would be most beneficial to treat their depression with their doctor, and not just choose a drug that was found to be most effective or best tolerated in a study. It is also important to consider the costs of these medications and find one that will be both effective and affordable, with few side effects. Taking an incorrect dose of an antidepressant drug can have serious risks and anyone taking these types of medications should always take the dose prescribed by their physician. If an incorrect dose is prescribed and serious injury occurs, the doctor or hospital that prescribed that medication may be responsible for that result. If you or a loved one has been the victim of medication malpractice in New York, contact the attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. We serve clients with Bronx medical malpractice, Brooklyn medical malpractice, Queens medical malpractice, Nassau medical malpractice and Suffolk medical malpractice cases. Call today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Additional Factors Linked to Stroke Deaths

2009-02-11T06:59:00.001-08:00

The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS), a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Vermont, has suggested that dissimilarities in race and geography are not completely to blame for higher number of stroke deaths in the South. It has been known for some time that there is a higher rate of stroke deaths in the South, including Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Arkansas and Alabama. This geographic region, known as the Stroke Belt, has more than a 40 percent higher rate of stroke deaths than other areas, according to the REGARDS study, which included more than 30,000 participants across the United States. However, after researchers studied their results and evaluated factors such as race, sex, age and other known risk factors, people living in the Stroke Belt area only had a 0.6 percent higher risk of stroke death than those living in other areas. This information led the research team to believe that some other non-traditional factors are causing such high rates of stroke death in these Southern states.

The researchers believe that factors such as drinking water, allergens and other non-traditional influences may be causing the higher risk of stroke death in these areas. The REGARDS study, which was published in the Annals of Neurology, also reported that the risk of stroke death is higher for African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans compared to that of whites. Researchers are continuing to conduct studies on these factors and why they cause this increased risk of death by stroke. If you or a loved one has experienced a delay in diagnosis or treatment of a stroke in New York, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today for your free consultation. Our medical malpractice attorneys will evaluate the facts of your situation and answer any questions you may have regarding your case.

Rebuilt Heart Possible Treatment for Heart Failure

2009-02-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death, with more than 80 million people suffering from some form of the disease and nearly 5 million suffering from heart failure, according to the American Heart Association. Researchers are constantly searching for new ways to treat heart disease and heart failure, but in many cases, patients require a heart transplant because their heart is beyond treatment. In these cases, patients are placed on a waiting list under thousands of others in the hopes that organ donations will provide them with a new heart. Unfortunately, most people have to wait years for a heart to become available and in many cases, patients die before they are given a new heart. With this lack of organs in mind, researchers at the University of Minnesota began tests using the hearts of lab rats. What they created using the shell of one heart and the heart cells from another was a real, beating heart. The researchers started with the complete heart of a rat and began cleaning out the cells of the heart with a soap solution until only the outer casing was left. They then injected new cells from baby lab rats into the empty heart and using a pacemaker, they showed the new cells to pump as heart cells would.

In more recent experiments, the hearts of pigs have been used because of their similarity to that of a human. Eventually, researchers are hoping that human trials will take place to see if this lab-created heart is a possible option for heart failure patients. If this treatment becomes available, doctors and patients can worry less about the body rejecting a new organ because the heart would be created out of the cells of that patient.

Researchers agree that although this new lab-created heart is a big step and may provide hope for those with heart failure, procedures using these hearts are still years away. Even with extensive trials and tests, with any new procedure or treatment, there is more of a possibility for something to go wrong. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a mistake during surgery or some other procedure, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. to evaluate your case. Our firm serves clients with cases throughout New York, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk.

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Increase in Child Food Allergies

2009-01-28T09:10:00.000-08:00

A recent survey involving 9,500 children in the U.S. conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that the number of children with food allergies has risen in the past decade. Participants were asked whether or not their child had experienced any allergy to food in the past year. From this study, researchers reported that about 4 percent, or 1 in 26 children had some type of food allergy, which amounts to roughly 3 million children. This number was compared to the 1 in 29 reported in 1997, equaling an 18 percent increase. The CDC study also concluded that children with allergies to certain foods were more likely to also have respiratory problems, asthma and eczema. In addition, the survey found that the number of children hospitalized as a result of food allergies has also gone up in the past decade.

Experts believe that this overall increase is a result of an increase in peanut allergies in children, while some believe that the jump is caused by quicker responses to symptoms by parents and doctors, resulting in the identification of food allergies. Another possibility is that in many cases, it has been taking children a longer period of time to outgrow allergies to certain foods, including milk and eggs, causing the allergies to remain into their teen years or longer. In the U.S., it is estimated that about 1 in 100 people are allergic to peanuts, which can be extremely dangerous, due to the number of food products that are made with peanuts or in a factory where peanuts are present. About 1 in 50 are allergic to eggs, with an equal amount being allergic to shellfish. Milk allergies are more common, with 1 in 40 Americans having an allergy to milk. If a child or adult has an allergic reaction to a food or other product, immediate treatment by a doctor or hospital is crucial. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a delay in diagnosis or treatment of an allergic reaction, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., serving clients in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. Our firm also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

Possible Connection Between Autism and Testosterone

2009-01-21T12:40:00.000-08:00

In a recent research conducted by the director of Cambridge University's Autism Research Centre, Simon Baron-Cohen, a possible link was found between the development of autism and exposure to elevated levels of testosterone during pregnancy. For the study, which was published in the British Journal of Psychology, Baron-Cohen measured the autistic traits of 235 children over a period of eight years. These results were compared to the level of testosterone present in the womb during the mothers' pregnancies with these children. Although none of the 235 children were diagnosed with autism, Baron-Cohen did find that those that were exposed to high testosterone levels during their mothers' pregnancies were more likely to demonstrate traits linked to autism. The autism-like behaviors that Baron-Cohen observed in these children included lack of imagination, weak social skills, absence of understanding and good memory and attention to detail.

In previous research conducted by Baron-Cohen, tests were done comparing the levels of empathy between men and women, revealing that men scored lower on those tests more often than women. However, men scored higher on tests that analyzed their ability to recognize patterns and rules. The fact that males are three to four times as likely to develop autism than girls supports the research because when a male baby is still in the uterus, it produces about twice as much testosterone as a female. Many scientists believe that the mother's testosterone does not reach the fetus by way of the placenta and that the amount of testosterone the baby produces is determined by its genes. Baron-Cohen believes that this new research may soon allow autism screening for pregnant women to see if their child will eventually develop autism. However, additional testing still needs to be done in this area. The cause of autism is not yet known, though there are theories suggesting that autism is the result of the Mumps-Measles-Rubella vaccine and thimerosal, which is used in certain vaccines. If you or a loved one has medical malpractice questions in New York, please contact the birth injury attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., serving clients in Nassau and Suffolk County, Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens. Our firm also serves clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Patients

2009-01-14T07:34:00.000-08:00

When a person is affected by Parkinson's disease, the condition nerve cells in the brain worsen, causing a person to lose coordination, have slowed movements and develop tremors and stiffness. Most Parkinson's patients rely on medications to reduce some of the symptoms they experience, but with time, the effectiveness of these drugs will decrease, causing involuntary movements and tremors to return. Also, these medications cause side effects which may worsen over time, including hand tremors, chewing motions and jolting movements of the body. An alternative to these drugs is deep brain stimulation, which became available to those affected by Parkinson's disease in the late 1990s. This treatment involves surgery, where doctors implant electrodes into the patient's brain and a pacing device into their chest. These electrodes deliver electrical impulses to the part of the brain that controls movement, allowing the patient to experience more control and fewer involuntary movements. However, deep brain stimulation also has negatives, due to the risky surgery that is involved in implanting the electrodes. Patients that received the complicated surgery were at risk of developing infection, psychiatric problems or nervous system disorders, though most of these problems corrected themselves after about six months. They were also at greater risk of becoming somewhat depressed, confused and anxious after deep brain stimulation. Ten percent of surgery patients contracted an infection at the site of the procedure and there has been one death reported resulting from the procedure.

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, doctors and researchers at the Hines VA Hospital had 255 Parkinson's patients receive either deep brain stimulation or medication, physical therapy and other treatment to compare the risks and benefits of the two options. After six months, the patients that received the medical treatment saw no improvement in the time they experienced without movement problems, though 32 percent of these patients experienced an improvement in motor functions. The group that received the deep brain stimulation experienced an increase of 4.6 hours in the amount of time they were without problems, with more than 70 percent of the deep brain stimulation patients experiencing an improvement in their motor functions.

Each year, about 50,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed in the United States, with more than 1 million people currently battling the disease. Parkinson's patients considering deep brain stimulation as one of their treatment options should discuss all of the risks and benefits with their doctor before making a decision. With any risky surgery, there is an increased chance that a doctor or nurse will make a mistake. If you or a loved one has surgical malpractice questions in New York, please contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, serving clients with Nassau and Suffolk County surgical malpractice, Brooklyn surgical malpractice, Bronx surgical malpractice and Queens surgical malpractice cases. Silberstein, Awad & Miklos also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

Lead bullets may compromise meat

2009-01-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

In a study conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state health department of North Dakota, it was found that there was a higher level of lead in the blood of people that eat wild game killed with lead bullets than in people that ate little or no wild game meat. The study included 700 North Dakota residents and is the first to associate higher levels of lead in the blood with the consumption of wild game killed with lead bullets. It is recommended that pregnant woman and children under the age of 6 avoid eating these types of meats, even though the elevated levels of lead were not found to be high enough to be considered harmful. Dangerously high levels of lead have been known to cause convulsions, learning disabilities, brain damage and in some cases death, with pregnant women and young children at greatest risk.

In an unrelated study done by the Department of Natural Resources in Minnesota, it was found that there is a possibility for lead particles to spread out in the animal and have been found up to 18 inches from where the bullet entered. Also, the levels of the lead found in the blood were positively correlated with how recently the meat was eaten, with the highest levels being found in people that had consumed the meat most recently.

Dangerous levels of lead in a person's blood can cause serious complications that may require treatment by a doctor or hospital. If you or a loved one has questions about the medical treatment you have received, please contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, serving clients in Nassau and Suffolk County, Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens. Silberstein, Awad & Miklos also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

Bacteria in Bottled Mineral Water

2008-12-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

Most people purchase bottled water because they believe it is cleaner and safer than what is coming out of their tap. But, it was recently revealed that some of this water contains ample numbers of bacteria from the plastic bottle it is packaged in and the lengthy transportation of the water. After a study conducted using 58 water samples, some of which exhibited the presence of actual human skin scales, many samples were found to contain higher levels of bacteria than people should drink.

However, the bacteria found in bottled water can be explained by the lack of bacteria fighting additives and the lengthy shelf-life of the product, which allow bacteria to grow in the water, according to Gilbert Lamothe of the Nestle Quality Assurance Center in France. Although Lamothe has made claims that there is no real health risk involved in consuming water with high levels of bacteria, reports of infection outbreaks have surfaced in Berlin, Germany stemming from patients consuming bottled mineral water in ICU (intensive care units). After finding what was causing such infections, hospitals were advised to replace bottled mineral water with filtered tap water or sterile bottled water in their ICUs. Tim Eckmanns and his colleagues at the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, authors of the infection outbreak report, are also concerned that hospitals are not following the advisements to remove bottled mineral water, leaving patients that are still being given the non-sterile water at risk for infection. As solid proof that these bottled mineral waters were causing infections in the Berlin ICUs, as soon as the bottles were replaced, the frequency of infections began to drop.

If the level of bacteria found in a bottled water is higher than recommended and causes hospitalization or other treatment, the manufacturer may be held responsible. If you or a loved one has defective product or product liability questions in New York, please contact the product liability lawyers at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, serving clients with Nassau and Suffolk County medical malpractice, Brooklyn medical malpractice, Bronx medical malpractice and Queens medical malpractice cases. Silberstein, Awad & Miklos also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

Decrease in Dopamine may mean Increase in Weight

2008-12-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

In a new study published in Science Magazine, a scientific research and global news journal, it was found that the lower dopamine levels found in obese people may cause them to overeat. Dopamine is a chemical produced in the brain that senses pleasure, which may be boosted by eating certain foods. When foods do not produce enough dopamine to the point that the brain is satisfied, it is possible that a person will overeat until satisfied, causing them to gain weight. A gene called Taq1A1 has been linked to lower dopamine levels and obesity, allowing researchers to potentially predict who would gain weight in the future as a result of overeating to satisfy their brain.

In the study, researchers used 76 female subjects between ages 14 and 22 with varying weights, testing the activity of their dorsal striatum, a pleasure center in the brain full of dopamine, when tasting a milkshake. The activity level of the dorsal striatum was much lower in obese subjects, as well as those subjects exhibiting the Taq1A1 gene. If doctors could run tests to see who had the specific gene, it may be possible to take further steps to prevent obesity at a young age. Dr. Eric Stice, a senior scientist at the Oregon Research Institute which led the research study, suggests that parents encourage their children to participate in physical activities, which also produce dopamine, to reduce the risk of obesity. He also says not to have junk food available to kids, since their brains may become accustomed to it, causing them to crave it more often.

The National Institutes of Health's dopamine specialist, Dr. Nora Volkow, noted that dopamine not only effects pleasure, but also a person's capacity to control impulses. For this reason, dopamine levels have also been linked to drug addiction and may be the reason that obese people eat more, in reaction to certain impulses.

Obesity can cause a multitude of health related consequences, including hypertension (high blood pressure), osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, respiratory problems and some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon). If you or a loved one has medical malpractice questions in New York, please contact the malpractice lawyers of Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, serving clients in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens, Staten Island and Westchester County.