Top Story

• Bacteria thought to protect gut may play role in Crohn's development
  A study from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland found Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties thought to protect the gut, may play a role in the development of Crohn's disease. The study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found children with Crohn's had elevated levels of the microbe, and while researchers expressed surprise, they cautioned that more studies are needed. NetDoctor (U.K.) (12/11)

Guide to Healthy Living

• Nutrition experts aren't sold on benefits of ancient grains
  Ancient grains, which were domesticated thousands of years ago, are popping up in breads, pastas and even cookies on grocery store shelves around the nation, but their nutritional benefits can't always justify their hefty prices, nutrition experts say. While some producers claim the products are safe for consumers who cannot eat gluten, Alessio Fasano, director of the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland, says any grain containing gluten will not be safe for people who have celiac disease. The Wall Street Journal (12/10)

• Healthy aging begins with diet, exercise
  Diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors influence the cellular processes linked to aging, health experts said. Tips for aging well include baking rather than broiling foods, getting moderate amounts of exercise and at least seven hours of sleep, reducing stress and enjoying a hobby. The Washington Post (12/10)

• U.S. life expectancy improves, but with chronic illnesses
  Data from the United Health Foundation's 2012 America's Health Rankings showed that Americans' life expectancy increased by about 1.7 years between 2000 and 2009, while the number of premature deaths and deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer declined since 1990. However, researchers found that the country has an adult obesity rate of 28%, a diabetes rate of almost 10% and a hypertension rate higher than 30%. Reuters (12/11), USA Today (12/11)

• N.Y. baker sifts through gluten-free flours to find the best
  Brockport, N.Y., baker Kathy Oaks, a past president of the Greater Rochester Celiac Support Group, has sifted through the options for gluten-free flour to find one she can use to meet all of her baking needs. Diagnosed with celiac disease seven years ago, Oaks said blending flours for gluten-free baking is difficult and expensive, but new commercial brands solve problems such as getting correct levels of xanthan gum, a binding agent needed for baking gluten-free items. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (N.Y.) (12/12)

• How consumers can avoid forfeiting FSA money
  A health care Flexible Spending Account can be used for items not covered by regular health insurance, yet 20% of people who don't spend all their FSA cash lose at least $500. This article offers tips for consumers, including reviewing FSA terms, checking for receipts from eligible items already purchased, and considering medically necessary expenditures such as new glasses, over-the-counter drugs, orthotics or -- in some cases -- a massage. The Miami Herald (free registration)/The Associated Press (12/9)

Diagnosis & Treatment

• Study: Cases of gastrointestinal bleeding on the rise
  A Swedish study found that 87 out of 100,000 patients are being diagnosed annually with gastrointestinal tract bleeding. The study evaluated 1,134 adult patients suspected of having the condition. Of those, 163 had short-term bleeding in the lower GI tract, with 23% suffering from diverticulosis and 16% having ischemic colitis. DailyRx.com (12/11)

• C. diff infections lead to high costs, study shows
  A study of 500 hospital patients diagnosed with C. difficile infection found the average treatment cost was $35,621 and that 35% were seen by gastroenterologists for an average of nine consults. The HealthCore research found 60% of patients had colonoscopies, endoscopies, sigmoidoscopies or other tests for obstruction. MedPage Today (free registration) (12/8)

Policy Watch

• 6 states get preliminary approval to set up health exchanges
  The HHS announced on Dec. 10 that Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington were granted tentative approval for the work they have done to get health insurance exchanges operational by 2014. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (12/10), Workforce online (12/10)

• Administration rejects partial expansion of Medicaid
  Federal officials said they could not fund partial expansions of Medicaid enrollment by states under the Affordable Care Act. "Consistent with the law, there is not an option for enhanced match for a partial or phased-in Medicaid expansion," acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner said. A "blended rate" for the federal contribution to Medicaid had been on the table in previous rounds of deficit-reduction talks and in the administration's proposed budget. The Washington Post/Ezra Klein's Wonkblog (12/10), The Wall Street Journal (12/10), The Hill/Healthwatch blog (12/10)

The Last Word

News and information from the American College of Gastroenterology

• NSAIDs and ulcers: How to avoid unsuspected damage
  If you're one of millions who take NSAIDs for pain relief, you may be at risk for ulcers and GI bleeding. You can reduce the risk of these common side effects by following a few simple guidelines. Learn important safety tips on the use of NSAIDs.

SmartQuote

Thinking is like loving and dying. Each of us must do it for himself." --Josiah Royce, American philosopher