Computer-enhanced robotics, popular in the defense and automotive industries, are paving the way toward less-invasive surgeries. Robotic surgeries have been shown to be more accurate and safe and have a greater ability to access difficult-to-reach internal structures, says a feature in the October issue of the Johns Hopkins Medical Letter Health After 50.
The computer component allows for corrections on hand movements and a three-dimensional view display with the same eye-hand alignment as in open surgery. The University of Illinois at Chicago is one of a handful of medical centers where robotic surgery is being used for abdominal operations such as gallbladder removal and repair of gastroesophageal-reflux disease.
Soon the robotics may be used for colorectal, prostate and gynecological procedures as well as for orthopedic, neurologic and reconstructive operations. On the horizon, these techniques may be employed to allow specialists at hospitals across the country to perform an operation telesurgically.
A pain in the neck
Do you have a pain in the neck? So do 7 out of 10 Americans around you, according to Robert Swezey, clinical professor of medicine at University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine and co-author of the book “Neck Relief Now! (Ceqaul, $17.95). In an interview in the October Bottom Line Health, the physician offers advice for preventing neck pain that results from computer work, driving, muscle spasms and the like.
Swezey suggests, for example, that you sleep only on your back or side and use an orthopedic cervical pillow. Good posture and a comfortable work place also are important. A computer monitor should be positioned just below eye level. Also useful are neck-strengthening exercises. To help alleviate the neck pain, try ibuprofen, cold compresses and a soft cervical collar.
Good medicine cabinets
Most medicine cabinets are chock-full of stuff, but do you have the health-essential items that you really need? A report in the October issue of Ladies’ Home Journal lists the 16 items you should keep around. They include codeine-free cough medicine, hydrogen peroxide, ibuprofen, aspirin, antacid, hydrocortisone cream, tweezers, decongestant, antibacterial ointment, an anti-diarrheal, sunscreen, a thermometer, first-aid tape, gauze, adhesive bandages and a reusable hot/cold pack.
And if you’re keeping all these things in a cabinet in the bathroom, move them. Humidity affects the potency of many drugs, so it’s better to find a cool, dry, place to store them. When the expiration dates hit, toss them out.
Tea for terrific
Mother always said a cup of tea could cure what ails you. Victoria Zak, a researcher and author of “20,000 Secrets of Tea” (Dell, $5.99), backs that claim in an interview for the October issue of Bottom Line Personal.
To help headaches, for example, she suggests a blend of equal parts feverfew, parsley and milk thistle, using 1 teaspoonful per cup of tea. For colds and flu, drink a blend of echinacea and elder teas, but do so for no longer than a month, allowing a month’s break before starting again.
It’s best to drink a cup of the recommended tea one to three times daily until you feel better, but only after first checking with your doctor, she says. Honey, lemon or vanilla extract will improve the flavors.
A smooth transition
Those 55 and older can find health and nutrition-related freebies and discounts at www.seniorsite.com. The Web site, based in New York, was designed to help older adults make a smooth transition into their advancing years and lead healthy, active and independent lives. The site’s health section covers a wide range of health issues for men and women, as well as long-term care discussion, health plans, and caregiving concerns.
