Connection Between Cell Phone Use And Brain Cancer Hard To Find

When cell phones were first introduced there was a big fear that excessive use would cause brain tumors and cancers for cell phone users. Nowadays, millions are using some sort of cell phone, so the risk of getting some form of cancer is still prevalent. This is why there was a major international study to see if there was a connection between brain cancer and cell phone use. The findings were positive considering that a link was found to be inconclusive, however there is a lot left to find out about what the effects of excessive cell use has on the biological nature of the brain.

A decade long survey was taken to test the validity of cell phone use causing cancer. Almost 13,000 people participated in the study and over the decade the study found that two types of brain cancer, meningioma and glioma (the first being more frequent but less dangerous while the latter being rarer but more dangerous) were not increased by cell phone use for long periods of time. This is a big blow to many theorists who always felt that there was a distinct connection between the two.

Yet, even though the study showed that the link between brain cancer and using your cell phone was transparent to say the least, the researchers who held the study admitted that there were some inconsistencies within the study. For example, the study didn't take into account were effects of the use of hands free cell phone headsets, the effect of having the cell phone being close to the body but not using it, and general human error within the decade long span study.

Whatever the case may be, the study has made steps in the direction of showing that there is no direct connection between being on your cell phone and brain cancer. Yet, just to be safe it's probably best to not be on your cell phone 24/7.

How To Avoid/Ease Springtime Allergies

Springtime is a great season. Winter is over, the weather is nice, the days are long, and all the flowers are in full bloom. However, the flowers being in full bloom may also be one of the reasons that people really hate the spring. The spring season is known as allergy season for millions of people who suffer watery eyes and sneezing by just talking a walk in the park on a beautiful spring day. Pollen is usually the culprit for many of these allergy sufferers but there are plenty of others like ragweed, oak, maple, and even just general mold that can make this season horrible. Luckily, there's ways to make the allergy season bearable.

One of the best ways to avoid the sniffling, sneezing, and watery eyes that comes with the allergy season is to do the time honored tradition of spring cleaning. Over the winter, dust and mold could have piled up on shelves and furniture around the house. Now, while dust may not cause allergies it does serve as an irritant that can open the doors to pollen and ragweed reeking havoc on your nose, eyes, and throat.

Another smart way to get through the spring is to be aware of the pollen counts that are in effect. If pollen is high then it's probably best to hang home instead of going out and coming back sick. The worst times for pollen is usually between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. but even then it's best to be aware of when pollen is at it's highest.

Also, doing laundry constantly helps to wash clothes clean of any irritants that may have latched on. Use warm water and do the laundry indoors to make sure that you didn't take home any pollen that may hide out in your home for weeks. Doing this will not only keep your clothes clean but will keep your allergies from running wild.

Hope springs eternal, but so does pollen, so be aware that every time you bend over to smell the flowers that you may come up sneezing. However, if you follow these easy tips a walk in the park will be just that.

London Study Suggests Brainteasers Have No Effect On Making Brain Smarter

Who doesn't love a good brainteaser? A fun game that is fun to play and makes you smarter at the same time is a great way to pass the time while improving your mind. We've all played these type of games and have done brainteasers that we all thought were making us smarter, but a new study shows that these games may be nothing more than just, well, games.

A London study has shown that people who play games on the computer that are said to make you smarter don't make you any smarter. In fact, they don't do anything at all. Over 8,500 people from the ages of 18 to 60 took part in the study by playing online games that told them would increase their intelligence, memory, and other cognitive aspects of their brains. They were told to play these games for about 10 minutes a day and to do this for three weeks. These numbers were then contrasted with over 2,000 other test subjects who acted as a control group by not playing the games at all. This group just went on the Internet the same amount of time that the other group was playing the brain games. Each set of test subjects were given I.Q. tests before the study to see if their brains improved over time.

What the results showed was that the subjects that played the online games and brainteasers didn't perform any better on I.Q. tests compared to the control group that simply went online. Even in some areas of the test, the people who didn't play the games scored higher. This goes to show that brain games could really just be a waste of time if they don't in fact make you any smarter. However, just with any exercise regime, it would be interesting to see how brain teaser exercises effect the brain over a much longer period of time, as three weeks isn't usually a sufficient amount of time to see significant results from any exercise routine.

New Research Shows That Relaxation May Be The Key To Improving Memory

Everyone knows that being relaxed clears the head, but scientists have shown that there's a certain link behind being relaxed and having good memory. Having good memory can be a fickle thing, but scientist have found that people who are relaxed have brain waves that easily link up with memory related brain functions and neurons. This shows that cognitive aspects of the brain are associated with the emotional and behavioral aspects of it. As stated before, research has already showed that a relaxed mind works more efficiently than a stressed one, but now science has shown where those connections are.

Research showed that the more stressed an individual was the less memory they could maintain during certain learning processes and objectives. This was caused by brain waves being unable to sync up with memory related neurons in the brain with the right timing. Using an EEG, it was found that, once the brain was put into a relaxed state, memory improved. The emotional reaction of relaxing helped the brain function at a greater rate, which brought on improved recall and memories showing a clear connection between emotions and functions of the brain.

While the research showed improved memory resulting from a clear connection between the behavioral areas of the brain and cognitive areas, this research can do the most good helping people with learning disabilities. The studies showed that many learning disabilities could be based off bad timing in the brain brought on by harmful emotional responses like stress. All of these can now be treated with new therapies from the research. At the very least, the study should remind us to take it easy so we can improve our memory.

Women Have Greater Memory Loss During Pregnancy

Pregnant women have a lot to think about. They have to think about their health, the health of the baby, when the baby is coming, what's going to happen when the baby comes, etc. So, it's easy to be pretty forgetful with all of that going on. However, new studies have shown that pregnant women may not be forgetful because they have a lot on their minds, but rather, because their pregnant bodily biology may be messing with their memory.


Current studies have shown that elevated hormone levels that come with being pregnant can have an effect on the functions of the brain, which can lead to memory loss during the nine months of pregnancy. Tests taken between pregnant women and non-pregnant women went on to show that women in the later trimesters not only had more anxiety than women who were not pregnant, but that they also had worse memory via memory test scores. These results lead researchers to realize that the cause was more than just the hectic lifestyle of pregnant women.


Researchers placed the blame on high levels of sex hormones that go through the bodies of pregnant women. These hormones help women during the pregnancy but studies have now shown that they also hindered the woman's ability to remember. This sounds like a serious issue for women who plan on getting pregnant or are already pregnant, but the research also went on to show that the memory issues only take place during the nine months of pregnancy. Three months after the birth of the baby, hormone levels return back to normal along with memory. This is a relief for the millions of soon to be mothers as it now gives them some insight as to why they can't remember certain information.

Cutting Calories May Help Maintain Memory

Cutting calories is a great way to keep the body in shape, but research has now shown that it may also be a way to improve memory and mental health. Cutting down on calories and having a healthier diet has always been seen as a way to help the brain function more efficiently, but what researchers found through a study was a possible connection between dieting and improved memory. A study was conducted with three different groups of individuals with an average age of around 60. The first group cut their daily intake of calories by 30%, the second group increased their calorie intake day to day, and the third group acted as a control and didn’t change anything regarding their diets.

Participants had their memories tested before changing their diets and then again months after completing the study. The research showed that the seniors who cut down on their calorie intake had higher scores regarding verbal memory than the other groups. This presents and interesting link between a good diet and improved memory, but some scientists are still skeptical. Many argue that the testing group was still too small and that the testing didn’t show if the memory improvement lasted over time or just day to day. However, aside from this study, cutting down on calories is generally linked with a higher level of physical fitness and ultimately a healthier lifestyle which includes a healthy brain.

Lack Of Sleep May Cause Brain To Shrink

It looks like insomniacs have another worry to keep them from sleeping at night. Scientists have now tied chronic insomnia to lower grey matter in areas of the brain that control decision making and the body’s ability to rest. Not being able to sleep changes the function of the brain, and now studies show that it may even cut down on brain matter itself. Scientists found through brain scans of chronic insomnia patients and normal sleepers that the insomniac patients displayed widespread brain density loss the longer they’ve been unable to sleep. Scientists also found that lack of sleep compromised the stimuli of the brain and could have a profound effect on the way the restless make choices and act in their daily lives.

Studies have always shown that insomnia has been somewhat tied to the malfunctions of the brain and behavior changes, but this new study sheds light on what is actually happening. Less grey matter caused by lack of sleep now shows insomnia to be more than a psychological annoyance and to be more of a neurological problem. However, researchers are still not completely sure if insomnia is causing a lack of grey matter in the brain or if a lack of grey matter in the brain is causing insomnia. Nevertheless, these new studies may be able to help find a treatment to deal with chronic insomnia which would allow millions of people to finally get some well deserved rest.

Health Care Reform

On Christmas Eve the Senate passed the Obama Administration's proposed health care reform bill.  For many Americans, this marks the greatest step towards an affordable public health care plan.  An $871 billion health care bill passed by a vote of 60-39.  The full article reported by CNN on Christmas Eve, 2009 is posted on the CNN website.

Now congressional leaders are working to merge the bill with a $1 trillion House bill without allowing Republicans to scuttle progress.  The hope is that a health care bill can be placed on President Obama's desk by early February, shortly before the State of the Union address.

CareMeridian Las Vegas Nursing Home Information

Take a look at the CareMeridian Information Center on the CareMeridian website to watch testimonials and read news articles previously published regarding the quality of care they provide.

CareMeridian Update

CareMeridian operates in over a dozen locations across Arizona, California and Nevada.  Still dedicated to bringing patients outstanding service, CareMeridian remains an elite subacute and skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.  In wake of the attention that health care reform has been getting on the political agenda, this is a great time to throw a reminder out there that CareMeridian will always be dedicated to providing patients with some of the best cutting edge medical technology services available paired with care from expert medical professionals and a staff that truly cares for each patient individually on a personal level.

The goal at CareMeridian continues to focus on providing patients with complete and quality care along with hope for the best possible recovery.

Brain Injury Rehab, Spinal Cord Injury and TBI

CareMeridian treats clients of all ages who suffer from catastrophic illness or injury. Our patient population includes:

Traumatic Brain Injury
Pulmonary (ventilator and tracheostomy weaning)
Neuromuscular Disorders
Spinal Cord Injury
Pediatrics
Congenital Anomalies

Typical services available to a patient at a CareMeridian facility include room and board, physician service, rehabilitation nursing care, professional rehabilitation therapy services, nutritional services, and ancillary services such as pharmacy, lab, radiology diagnostics, and durable medical equipment.

Our skilled nursing services to the medically complex patient include IV infusion services, ventilator/tracheostomy support, and TPN.

The Importance of Family Involvement

We consider patients' families a vital part of the individualized care plan. Family members are encouraged to visit our facility and are invited to all of the special activities held throughout the year. In addition, they are encouraged to decorate their loved one's "memory board" located in each patient room with photos and other mementos. Family members can also decorate patient's rooms to individual preferences. We understand the challenges our families face, and make every effort to accommodate their needs

Proactive Care Management

Restorative therapy programs are an integral element in CareMeridian's philosophy. Each patient's program is specifically developed by the multidisciplinary care team to assure a smooth transition from the care plan established prior to his or her admission to a CareMeridian facility. The new care plan continues to provide the opportunity for progress and the attainment of optimal clinical outcomes. In addition, should improvements in an individual's condition allow for further progress, our rehabilitation team will incorporate those gains in future program planning.

Every patient, no matter what their cognitive condition, is dressed every day and is included in the facility's activities -from therapeutic exercises to recreational programs such as videos or baking. At CareMeridian, we call this "proactive care management." Instead of waiting for patients to emerge from coma, or waiting for cognitive skills to improve, we select therapies to help them progress. Everyday events such as watching movies or listening to music can serve as cognitive triggers. This is why it is imperative that each patient is included in the day's activities: No one is ever left in bed.

Comprehensive Care Team Comprehensive Care Team

Each member of the CareMeridian staff is specially trained in caring for the catastrophically ill and injured. Physicians, RNs, LVNs, CNAs, RN case managers, physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists, directors of nurses/administrators, and social workers are some of the professionals who comprise our highly specialized staff at each CareMeridian facility. We provide licensed, skilled nursing care 24 hours per day, and are particularly proud of our staff-to-patient ratio of 1:4 - one of the highest in the industry. In addition, our staffing contact hours comprise a minimum of seven hours to each resident every day.

At our congregate living health facilities, our professional rehab staff provides a wide range of services. Our licensed clinical social workers consult with the staff and families regarding access to all appropriate benefits for each patient. The social worker also acts as a counselor for families, patients and staff, assisting them with the emotional/social adjustments associated with the patient's injury or illness.

Optimizing Quality Care While Reducing Costs

Quality care is our first concern at CareMeridian. Concurrently, we take a variety of measures to remain cost-effective.

Intervention is tailored to individual needs, evaluated on a regular basis, and adjusted as needed. This avoids the extra costs associated with unnecessary therapy.

We employ stringent cost control measures and do not have the high overhead that burdens hospitals and other traditional subacute facilities.

Historically, our rate of readmission to the acute care setting has been dramatically lower than skilled nursing and traditional subacute care facilities. This can be attributed to our attention to quality care, which includes a high staff-to-patient ratio. In addition, we provide care for many conditions traditionally requiring acute hospitalization. Individualized treatment programs and high staff ratios reduce medical complexities, which in turn decrease the rate of acute hospital readmission.

Subacute and Rehabilitation Services

Traumatic Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Neuromuscular Disorders
Pediatrics
Pulmonary (ventilator/tracheostomy weaning)
Congenital Anomalies

Typical services provided to a patient at a CareMeridian facility include room and board, physician service, rehabilitation nursing care, professional rehabilitation therapy services, nutritional services, and ancillary services such as pharmacy, lab, radiology diagnostics, and durable medical equipment.

Our skilled nursing services to the medically complex patient include IV infusion services, ventilator/tracheostomy support, and TPN.

The Leader in Personal Subacute Health Care

CareMeridian has a proven track record of innovation, pioneering a unique approach to alternative subacute care services that merges the support of a comprehensive health facility with the aesthetics of a residential environment. This approach represents a cost-effective subacute care alternative for catastrophically ill or injured patients who require short term care, long term care, and life care.


Since 1989, CareMeridian has offered patients and their family members the best of both worlds. Our staff has unparalleled expertise in providing high quality, cost-effective medical management and restorative care to individuals with complex conditions. This care is delivered in a home-like environment that is unique in the industry.


Not only does this residential setting offer all the comforts of home, but its unique design has proved successful in eliminating many aspects of administrative and operational overhead that lends little to care and burdens the cost factor of caring for patients in institutional settings.


CareMeridian's unique facility design, combined with proactive patient care management, delivers the clinical and financial outcomes payors demand and families expect. Through the CareMeridian approach to treatment, we offer improved clinical outcomes and fewer rehospitalization discharges - an advantage to our patients and our payors.

Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Rehabilitation and TBI

CareMeridian represents a quality alternative to hospitalization, nursing home placement, and home nursing care. This dramatic difference is immediately apparent the moment you walk through our doors.

How do we create a home-like environment for our patients? Each of our facilities is actually a home nestled in a residential community. Each CareMeridian facility has a fully equipped kitchen, rehab exercise and entertainment areas, as well as a fully landscaped backyard that promotes outdoor activities. Patient rooms are tastefully decorated and individualized to each resident.

Accompanying this cozy atmosphere is a sophisticated unit equipped to provide specialized care for patients who have suffered catastrophic injuries or illnesses. These individuals include patients who require tracheostomy and gastrointestinal tubes, who have ventilator and oxygen dependency needs, as well as those with intravenous therapy requirements. You will find amenities not found in traditional subacute settings such as bathing equipment that allows staff to comfortably give patients full whirlpool baths, not just sponge baths, on a daily basis.