Happy Snowy Monday!

hello all,
I just want to report on the strange weather in my neck of the woods. My patio has about 1/2 in of fluffy snow. My driveway on the other side of the house ...has none!  We drove across the golf course and it had snow, but our street is clear! Obviously it has to do with the asphalt vs. concrete but it sure looks strange....makes me question my sanity!

I have enjoyed our winter vacation days the past couple of weeks but I sm ready for spring!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Seizure detection breakthrough

Can smart watch detect epileptic seizures? By Avinash Ramsadeen Published February 22, 2015 It looks like a watch and tells time like a watch, but the creators of Embrace say their new invention is so much more than that. The device comes from Empatica, a computing company focused on human data analytics and that prides itself on its ability to monitor epileptic seizures. Empatica's latest feat was stumbled upon almost completely by accident. Dr. Rosalind Picard, the company's chief scientist, was studying stress levels in non-verbal autistic children by measuring electrodermal activity (EDA). New York University Langone Medical Center's Dr. Daniel Friedman said EDA is the "flow of ions through the sweat glands," which is innervated by the sympathetic nervous system- the part of the body that regulates breathing, heart rate and other subconscious functions that can indicate stress.   Dr. Picard's technology used tiny electrodes positioned on a wristband to track EDA. During their trials, Dr. Picard noticed especially high activity from one of the participants and realized the device was inadvertently monitoring a seizure. This discovery led to Embrace, a sleek and stylish watch that can serve as a fitness tracker, monitor day-to-day stress level and detect seizures. Measuring EDA makes Embrace unique compared to similar devices that solely depend on motion to indicate a seizure. This can be problematic for two reasons: Some patients may have a seizure without convulsions, and other cases may yield false-positives because they misinterpret normal, everyday movement as that of a seizure. Embrace is tied to two apps for smartphones. One is called Empatica Mate, and its main function is to track the body's relationship to stress. Users can also program the app so that Embrace will vibrate when they're approaching a certain stress level, allowing them to react appropriately. Empatica Mate also monitors stress levels throughout the day, as well as different activities, helping the wearer understand his or her day-to-day life. The second app is called Empatica Alert, and the co-founders of Embrace say it has the potential to save lives. When stress levels spike to a certain level, the watch begins to vibrate on the patient. If they are unable to turn the vibration off, an alert is sent to up to five predetermined caretakers. This quick response may be the key to preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUPED), Embrace's co-founders say. Empatica CEO Matteo Lai says the benefits from Embrace may reach beyond simple detection. Because Embrace tracks day-to-day activity, the data retrieved may help researchers further understand the factors that can be attributed to seizures. This tracking of the frequency of seizures a patient has may also help doctors with their treatment. Dr. Friedman points to studies that show a third to half of people who suffer from epilepsy don't remember any of their seizures, which can make treating these patients difficult. Embrace has not been yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Before trying any new medical devices, be sure to consult with your doctor. 

Heart Healthy Foods

7 heart -healthy super foods By Patricia Bannan Published February 21, 2015      February  is American Heart Month, which reminds us that heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news is that your lifestyle choices can improve the health of your heart. Making simple choices like including an apple at lunch instead of french fries or choosing salmon instead of beef can go a long way in terms of heart health. Try including these seven heart-healthy foods in your diet to help keep your ticker in tip-top shape. Tomatoes Tomatoes have long been linked to heart health. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, along with potassium, fiber, and vitamin A. Plus, tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, a carotenoid that may help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), keep blood vessels open, and lower heart disease risk. Lycopene is highest in cooked tomatoes, so be sure to include tomato stews, soups, and sauces in your heart-healthy diet.   Blueberries Blueberries are a small package with big benefits. Researchers think the antioxidants in blueberries (and other berries) called anthocyanins may dilute blood vessels and decrease blood pressure. According to a recent study, just one 'cup' of blueberries per day can help reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness in post-menopausal women, both of which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Blueberries work great as a snack, topping, or ingredient because they're available year-round, they add vitamin C and fiber to your diet, and they're only 80 calories per 'cup'. Sardines Fatty fish is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, research shows that consuming two or more servings of fish per week is associated with a 30 percent lower risk of developing heart disease. While salmon, tuna, and trout are all good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, sardines may trump their fishy counterparts. Sardines are not only high in omega-3 fatty acids, due to their small size they are extremely low in contaminants such as mercury. Sardines also provide other important nutrients. For example, a ž 'cup' serving of BELA sardines in olive oil contains 120 calories, 13 grams of protein, and is packed with calcium and vitamin D for good health. Whole Grains People who eat whole grains tend to have a lower risk of heart disease than those who don't. Whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat pasta and bread all provide fiber. They contain antioxidants and phytosterols that have been shown to protect against heart disease. The American Heart Association says that both the insoluble fiber (found in wheat and rye) and soluble fiber (found in oats) in whole grains are associated with an increased diet quality and lower risk of heart disease. The general recommendation is to make half of your grains whole grains. Healthy Oils Including small amounts of healthy oils in your diet are important for your heart and your enjoyment of food. According to the American Heart Association, better-for-you oils include canola oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sesame oil and vegetable oil. These oils are high in unsaturated fats, which can improve your blood cholesterol levels. While all of these oils work well on the stove, grill, or in dressings - adding their own unique flavors, canola oil is best for baking because it has a neutral flavor and creates the perfect texture for baked goods. Beans Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, as well as other heart-healthy components - including soluble fiber, minerals and antioxidants. And you don't need to eat a lot of beans to benefit. Research shows just a ― 'cup' of beans daily might lower cholesterol. One reason for this is that the soluble fiber in beans helps bind cholesterol and stop it from being absorbed in the gut. Beans are also inexpensive and there are many to choose from - garbanzo beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and navy beans all do your heart good. Next time you're cooking a soup or stir-fry, throw in some beans for your ticker. Nuts Nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Research suggests that people who eat nuts - walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews -- two to four times a week have a lower risk of heart disease compared to people who eat them less often. Nuts have been shown to help lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and may help improve the health of the lining of your arteries. Nuts are also inexpensive, easy to store, and work great as a healthy on-the-go option. Since they are relatively high in calories, aim to keep a serving size to one ounce (or one handful). 

Only in Arkansas....

Good morning everyone,
Can you believe the 60 degree weather? Hopefully it will melt the remaining snow...just in time for more! If you must get out, please be careful. There is ice, snow and rain out there. None are fun if you fall. I just heard there is s 30 degree spread just across the county! Stay warm, dry and upright.  Call if you need anything

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Hunker time....

Hope everyone made it to the store, drug store and all other necessary stops today as it sounds like we are in a for another round of winter followed by torrential rain! Please stay warm, dry and in an upright position!

Remember we have canceled the Saturday event based on the weather forecast.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Winter Wonderland

good morning everyone,
Hopefully the sun is shining on you. I had about an inch of fresh snow on the ice last night. Looks great but looks are deceiving! The dog can't even stand upright! Weathermen are promising substantial  melt this afternoon. If you must get out, please be careful. Hips and knees don't mend as easily when we age.

Take care,
Dr. Janet

No tech class on Saturday, Feb. 21

Good morning all,
I have seen the forecast so I am canceling Saturday's event in Little Rock. The prediction is for bad weather on Friday followed by rain on Saturday. We are a fair weather crew, so we will pick a better day!
Stay warm, dry, safe and upright!
Dr. Janet