Yoga-based exercise has proven to be beneficial for practitioners, including cancer survivors. This study reports on the improvements in physical fitness for 20 breast cancer survivors who participated in a six-month yoga-based (YE) exercise program. Results are compared to a comprehensive exercise (CE) program group and a comparison (C) exercise group who chose their own exercises. “Pre” and “post” fitness assessments included measures of anthropometrics, cardiorespiratory capacity, strength and flexibility. Descriptive statistics, effect size (d), dependent sample ‘t’ tests for all outcome measures were calculated for the YE group. Significant improvements included: decreased % body fat (−3.00%, d = −0.44, p < 0.001); increased sit to stand leg strength repetitions (2.05, d = 0.48, p = 0.003); forward reach (3.59 cm, d = 0.61, p = 0.01); and right arm sagittal range of motion (6.50°, d = 0.92, p= 0.05). To compare YE outcomes with the other two groups, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. YE participants significantly outperformed C participants on “forward reach” (3.59 cm gained versus −2.44 cm lost), (p = 0.009) and outperformed CE participants (3.59 cm gained versus 1.35 cm gained), but not statistically significant. Our results support yoga-based exercise modified for breast cancer survivors as safe and effective.

Veteran populations are known to have frequencies of arthritis higher than civilian populations. The aim of this study is to define the prevalence of arthritis among a cohort of veterans from ongoing U.S. military operations. A retrospective cohort study using Veterans Administration data sources for service connected disability, comorbidities, clinic utilization, and pharmacy utilization was conducted including veterans who deployed in service to operations in Afghanistan or Iraq, comparing veterans with a diagnosis of arthritis, arthritis plus back pain, and veterans with no pain diagnoses. The frequency of arthritis was 11.8%. Veterans with arthritis and arthritis plus back pain had greater frequencies of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity compare to veterans with no pain diagnosis. Veterans with arthritis plus back pain had the highest pain clinic utilization and prescription use of opioids and anti-inflammatories. Veterans with no pain diagnosis had higher frequencies of diagnosis and clinic utilization for mental health disorders. Arthritis is prevalent among the latest generation of combat veterans and is associated with diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular comorbidities. The need for arthritis care and associated comorbidities is expected to increase as the Veterans Administration and the civilian health care sector assumes care of these veterans. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:682-687, 2017.

Background: Alongside physical impairment, psychosocial health issues may arise after amputation, impacting quality of life. Traditional psychosocial care models provide services in a linear fashion, with limited supports upon discharge. A novel program entitled Amputees Unanimous is a 12-step program provided for amputees by amputees. Objective: To shape the final content of Amputees Unanimous by identifying personal beliefs and opinions of healthcare professionals and amputees. Study Design: Qualitative design utilizing a phenomenological approach. Method: Five focus groups were held: four with amputees and one with healthcare providers. A phenomenological approach shaped the inquiry of the lived experience of limb loss in relation to the content of Amputees Unanimous. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) accepting limb loss, (2) peer inspiration, and (3) regaining prior level of function. Conclusion: Limb loss may alter one’s self-image, both physically and psychologically, having a profound effect on how an individual copes throughout his or her lifetime. The content and delivery format of Amputees Unanimous could be tested for effectiveness as a program tailored to facilitate coping after limb loss and to provide encouragement, support, and hope for the future of amputees. Clinical relevance A dynamic, amputee-led, mutual help program may provide individuals with limb loss a place for encouragement, support, and optimism for the future.

The purpose of these observations was to determine whether or not an increase in the leukocyte count accompanies the transient fever which frequently occurs in the new-born during the first week of life. It has long been thought that this fever may be due to dehydration. Holt,1 in 1895, pointed out that it occurred in infants who had lost a great deal of weight (a part of which, presumably, is due to water loss), and that it could be cured by the administration of fluids. In a recent paper,2 it was shown that the transient fever of the new-born is associated with a decrease in the plasma water, as indicated by an increase in the protein concentration of serum, determined refractometrically. The oral administration of warm water results in a drop in the temperature to normal within from thirty to ninety minutes. This is accompanied by an increase in the water content of the blood, as shown by a fall in the serum protein concentration and the red cell count.3 In infants with fever due to infections, the serum proteins are not increased, and no significant fall in temperature follows water gavage despite the fact that this procedure is followed by an increase in the blood water.Bacon, Novy, and Eppler4 in a study of the leukocyte count in dehydration fever in animals, induced fever by rapidly injecting hypertonic salt solutions into the femoral vein of dogs after the manner described by Balear, Sansum and Woodyatt.8 At the end of the first hour, they found a slight leukopenia with a relative increase of the small lymphocytes. Following this there was a steady rise in the leukocyte count to levels far above normal. The increase was almost wholly confined to the polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

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