Santo Domingo.- The medical field in the Dominican Republic is embracing artificial intelligence in various areas such as medical training, consultations, data management, and patient evaluation. This technology is becoming an important ally in both diagnosis and decision-making. Emergency physician Pablo Smester, who is also the president of the Dominican Society for Clinical Simulation, is using AI in different programs, including a laboratory of advanced simulators at INTEC medical training and the virtual consultation platform MyMédico from Yunen Group.

The MyMédico platform has seen close to 20,000 patients during the pandemic and uses AI in diagnosis, image reading, and indicators. The Yunen Group has also developed a service called the Command Center, which supervises all health indicators in medical care through a system of medical clinics installed in companies. This tool is also part of a bilateral agreement between the Yunen Group and Northwell Health hospitals in the US, which offers a virtual second opinion consultation based on AI.

Currently, eight medical schools in the country, including the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), have simulator centers or laboratories for medical training. Smester explained that the use of artificial intelligence gives greater efficiency and reduces the margin of error in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Medical simulation, the teaching of medicine through simulators, can have mannequins of different ranges, which can cry, sweat, emit secretions, hemodynamic changes, simulate heart, abdominal, and lung sounds, and respond to medications.

In conclusion, the use of AI in the medical field is becoming increasingly popular in the Dominican Republic, with many medical training programs and consultations adopting this technology. The use of AI in diagnosis and decision-making provides greater efficiency and reduces the margin of error. Additionally, the use of simulators with AI technology is also improving medical training, allowing for more realistic simulations of medical conditions and scenarios.

A healthy mouth means more than an attractive smile. 

Research has shown that oral health impacts the wellness of the entire body and is directly linked to risk levels for heart disease, pneumonia and other conditions.

While it's common knowledge that everyone should brush and floss every day, what about the things people are not supposed to do to their teeth?

BE WELL: FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY FOR BETTER HEART HEALTH

If you’re making any of these dangerous dental mistakes, you could be putting the health of your teeth and gums in jeopardy, according to experts. 

Read on …

Failing to take proper care of dental health is the biggest mistake cited by dentists.

Neglecting oral hygiene "includes not brushing and flossing regularly, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems," Dr. Sean Kutlay, a dentist in Santa Clarita, California, told Fox News Digital.

"To counteract this, it's important to establish a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and flossing at least once a day."

One of the biggest causes of structural damage to teeth is the tendency to use them as tools, such as bottle openers and package rippers, according to Dr. Fadi Swaida of Bond Street Dental in Toronto, Ontario.

"Using your teeth for those kinds of things can end with cracking, chipping and damaging them," she told Fox News Digital. 

"I've seen many patients who crack their front teeth because they were trying to open something with them."

Tobacco use has been linked to a long list of health dangers, including those related to the teeth.

"Smoking and using tobacco products can stain your teeth, cause bad breath, and increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer," said Kutlay.

The obvious means of prevention is to quit smoking or using tobacco products altogether, he added.

Vaping presents a similar problem, Swaida noted — particularly because it's unclear what long-term damage the chemicals could cause to the teeth and gums.

It might sound crazy, but Fatima Khan, a dentist and co-founder of Riven Oral Care in Houston, Texas, has heard of some people filing down their teeth with nail files to try and make them all the same length.

DENTISTS REVEAL WHY YOU SHOULDN'T BRUSH YOUR TEETH IN THE SHOWER

"Not only can you introduce bacteria from your nail file into your mouth this way, but it can also cause irreversible damage to your teeth," she said in an email to Fox News Digital. "Once your enamel is gone, it's gone for good — it won't magically grow back like your nails do."

For some, this can lead to sensitivity — but others may end up needing root canal therapy if they file down too close to their nerve and end up experiencing excruciating pain, Khan warned.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is key to good dental health, per the American Dental Association — but too much force can backfire, dentists agree.

"Many people think that brushing harder will help remove all the plaque and bacteria, but it can abrade your enamel and cause tooth wear and sensitivity," Dr. Tina Saw, a licensed dentist and founder of Oral Genome in California, told Fox News Digital. 

It’s best to brush your teeth gently with a pressure-sensing electric toothbrush or a soft manual toothbrush, she said.

Add dental health to the long list of the benefits that hydration brings.

"Water is not only good for your overall health, but it’s super important to your dental health," Dr. Diana Matatova, a general dentist in Glendale, Arizona, told Fox News Digital.

"After eating a meal or sweet drinks, drinking water afterward can help rinse your teeth when you’re not able to brush," she said. 

"Keeping saliva flowing in your mouth by drinking water helps prevent tooth decay and keeps cavities from forming."

Even though it can be very satisfying, Dr. Saw recommends refraining from chewing on ice.

"It can cause microfractures that lead to more significant fractures over time and, inevitably, broken teeth," she warned.

In one study from Japan, people who chewed 30 ice cubes each day using only the left side of their mouths over a two-decade span were found to develop cavities and changes in the jaw on that side.

Up to 30% of the population bites their nails, studies show, but the bad habit can do damage to more than your fingers. Nail-biting can also chip the teeth, Saw warned.

"Even though your teeth are harder than your nails, they have thinner incisal edges that can chip easily if you bite your nails the wrong way," she told Fox News Digital. 

"A few good ways to try and kick this habit are to keep your nails trimmed short, apply bitter-tasting nail polish or get a gel manicure," Saw added.

Certain types of do-it-yourself teeth whitening should generally be avoided, Khan told Fox News Digital.

One of the current trends involves mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and adding it to a "boil and bite" mouth guard, which is made of a soft, flexible material that is boiled and then bitten on to conform to the teeth.

"Baking soda can be pretty abrasive, and if you use it too often or in high concentrations, it can actually damage tooth enamel," Khan warned. "Plus, that ‘boil and bite’ guard might not fit your mouth perfectly, so the hydrogen peroxide can leak out and irritate your gums or even burn them."

Another risky DIY trend is to brush with turmeric to strengthen and whiten teeth. 

While the plant-based spice has some proven health benefits, Khan said it’s best to consume it rather than brush with it. 

CDC WARNS DENTAL PATIENTS OF RARE BACTERIAL INFECTIONS VIA WATERLINES

"Turmeric is a dark yellow color, and it can be tough to brush off completely," she told Fox News Digital. "I've seen it stain the teeth of some of my patients because they didn't rinse their mouth and brush thoroughly enough after using it. And when the turmeric sits on the teeth for too long, it can actually make them look more yellow, not less."

Whitening too much can also be harmful, Saw warned.

"Excessive teeth whitening can cause tooth sensitivity and also result in the incisal or edges of the teeth becoming translucent," she said. "It can also strip your teeth of its protective enamel and weaken them."

"It can be hard to resist snacking throughout the day — especially now that so many of us work remotely — but when we eat, it triggers an acid release to aid digestion," Saw said. 

"The acid breaks down teeth, and frequent acid attacks on your teeth can cause cavities and decay over time."

Certain foods are more harmful to the teeth than others — particularly sugary substances, like soda and candy.

"Sugar is one of the main culprits when it comes to tooth decay," Kutlay told Fox News Digital. "When you eat sugary foods or drink sugary drinks, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acid, which can erode your tooth enamel."

The recommended counteraction is to limit sugar intake and choose healthier snacks like fruits, vegetables and nuts, he said.

Some TikTok trends suggest that people can straighten and move their teeth at home without any orthodontic work, but this is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs, dentists said. 

"Using gap bands, rubber bands, paperclips, beads, dental floss and elastic bands to try and move your teeth is just asking for trouble," Khan told Fox News Digital.

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"Orthodontic movement needs to be done precisely, and if it's not, you can permanently damage your teeth, gums and roots. In some cases, it can even lead to bone loss and tooth loss," she added.

When people aren’t having any mouth pain or problems, they may assume everything is fine and opt to skip a dental visit — but dentists agree that’s a bad idea.

Said Swaida, "Regular dental visits keep your teeth free of tartar and plaque, which cause tooth decay, and detect problems early so they can be remedied."

THE month of May is observed as Maternal Health Month, an observance that raises awareness for the mental health and the well-being of mothers pre- and post-pregnancy. From serious medical conditions due to pregnancy complications to well-documented cases of post-partum disorder/depression or psychosis, mothers may experience a wide range of symptoms, illnesses and challenges that affect their physical and mental health during their maternal phase. Nicola Leo-Rhynie, vice-president, employee benefits marketing, Sagicor Life Jamaica, shares some tips on how moms can manage these issues.

Develop your support system

A strong support system is a good foundation to have during and immediately after pregnancy, and this can come in various forms. Talk to trusted loved ones and be honest about how you feel. If you are struggling, reach out to your doctor or find a mental health support service. Additionally, joining groups or online forums can be a great way to build your community. Your issues are real, and you are heard, believe that those around you can help.

Be prepared

While it is true that motherhood will bring many wonderful memories and experiences as you bond with your children, it is important to be ready for the challenges. Being prepared includes having a doctor and/or counsellor on call, setting aside an emergency fund, and ensuring you and your child are insured. For example, Sagicor Life's Total Woman Insurance Plan provides mothers with coverage in the event that you become critically ill or experience complications during pregnancy or delivery. This plan also covers complications that your newborn may have at birth, and includes life insurance and investments components, so you can set up your child for a good financial future.

Practise self-care

Self-care may be viewed as a buzzword to many, but it surely plays a huge role in your psychological well-being. Call on the support system you have and take time for yourself to unwind as often as you need. Go for short walks, read your favourite books or watch your favourite TV shows — all of these activities can help to put you in a good mood. It's these small things that can brighten your day and help you stay emotionally healthy.

Be kind to yourself

No one is perfect, and your parental journey is your own. Experiencing emotional challenges is common and does not make you a terrible mom. Be kind to yourself and remember that with the right help, patience, and confidence you will find a synergy that works for you. There is no need to fear being judged for your maternal mental health issues. Don't be too hard on yourself; maternal mental illnesses are common and manageable, so remember you are not alone.

Nurses need opportunities and resources to ensure they can sustainably protect the health of the nation, says acting Chief Nursing Officer Annastacia Jordan.

She said it’s critical that nurses are further trained in various skills to enhance what they offer professionally and are equipped with the necessary tools.

“We must protect and support our nurses by providing the needed education and the resources to deliver safe and effective nursing care. As we look to the future, we must transform our profession from invisible to invaluable in the eyes of the public… We must chart the future direction of nursing, to build capacity in all areas, to ensure the sustainable growth of our profession [and] to meet the ever changing complex health-care needs of our citizens,” she said, while addressing a ceremony at Savannah Hotel on Friday to launch Nurses’ Week 2023.

“As such, our goal is to strengthen our health-care systems by investing in our workforce to address the changing and growing health needs of our population. Upscaling our nursing skills and capacity is an important step in giving nurses a greater say in decisions, affecting scopes of practice, competence and safety.

“Nurses will be better able to manage client conditions using innovative ways to work within existing constraints and perform their jobs more effectively. Consequently, our practice will play a strategic role in the future delivery of more efficient, accessible, affordable, acceptable health-care services for Barbadians and those visiting our shores through the pandemic.”

In his remarks, Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Dr Jerome Walcott said that although the local nursing fraternity is faced with a myriad of issues, including fighting non-communicable diseases and the migration of health-care workers, Government is committed to putting measures in place to ensure the health-care industry is a desirable sector in which to work.

“In order to adequately address these challenges, we must pay close attention to the entire health workforce and especially the nursing component while ensuring that it remains fit-for-purpose to effectively deal with the aforementioned multitude of changing health concerns.”

The Health Minister said: “My Government has and continues to make significant investments in improving the capacity of the nursing profession. We recognise that nurses are critical in the government’s road map to achieving the sustainable development goals and ensuring Barbados’ commitment to universal health coverage.”

Walcott explained that his ministry has been listening to the complaints of health-care workers and is addressing them.

“We have been listening to your complaints about nursing shortages and conditions of work and lack of opportunities. We will work with you in this regard.”

He added that training opportunities are being provided and nurses are being trained in the areas of dermatology and public health. He said that midwifery training will resume next January.

Walcott also indicated that 40 people will soon be trained in pediatric nursing at  the diploma level.

The theme for Nurses’ Week this year is Our Nurses, our Future. The week is internationally recognised from May 6 to May 12. (SZB) 

The post Support for nurses’ education critical to sustainable health care: Jordan appeared first on Barbados Today.

If you haven't already, be sure to add your cardiologist to that list. In addition to our distinguished cardiologists, Partners Interventional Centre of Jamaica (PICJ) has other specialists on staff such as general practitioners and nutritionists who are dedicated to ensuring the health of mom and her bundle of joy.

Your heart works even harder during this delicate time, so partner with your doctor while planning your first or subsequent pregnancies to decrease your risk of heart disease, or to manage any existing conditions.

While most pregnancies are normal, in this post, Dr Lisa Hurlock takes us through some of the risks and complications that may arise during pregnancy, especially relating to the heart.

By now, we should be familiar with the most common signs of heart distress: shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, palpitations, and dizziness. However, these well-known indicators are also expected during pregnancy. How do pregnant women tell if what they are experiencing are exaggerated symptoms of pregnancy or symptoms of cardiovascular disease?

In general, cardiovascular disease in pregnant women will usually present — especially in women who have been absolutely normal before — in the second or third trimester with high blood pressure — a condition called pre-eclampsia. This can affect the kidneys and the brain leading to seizures (eclampsia). The treatment is to deliver the baby. Women who develop pre-eclampsia in pregnancy are more likely to develop hypertension later on in life. Naturally, the way we mitigate the risk of pre-eclampsia is how we manage patients with high blood pressure or hypertension:

• Use little or no added salt in your meals

• Stay well hydrated!

• Avoid excessive fried foods and junk foods

• Get enough rest

• Exercise regularly

Pregnancy comes with a unique set of physiological changes. The heart actually becomes bigger to accommodate the increased blood volume which supplies the placenta. Because of this, women often present with anaemia. As Dr Hurlock puts it, "The blood count is low, but there is increased blood volume, which means the heart has to be pumping harder, leading to more stress on the heart." Monitoring anaemia is important as, again, the symptoms overlap with those of heart disease. Mild anaemia is anticipated during pregnancy, but severe cases can be avoided by supplementing your iron, folate, and vitamin B complex intake. These vitamins and minerals can be found in:

• Green, leafy vegetables

• Dairy

• Whole grains and legumes

• Animal proteins

You can also talk to your doctors about adding supplements such as folic acid and other multivitamins. All of these work together to ensure the health of your red blood cells.

Dr Hurlock also warns about the risk of rheumatic heart disease. "When we think of pregnancy and heart disease, we think of a few conditions such as rheumatic heart disease, which begins as rheumatic fever in childhood." It is caused by an immune response to a bacteria called strep. This condition leads to the development of abnormal heart valves, specifically the mitral and aortic valves. Abnormal valves lead to a host of issues that make it difficult for your heart to function normally. If rheumatic fever is caught and treated early, severe heart valve damage can be avoided. Rheumatic heart disease is known to present during pregnancy.

The average childbearing age has also shifted to later years. Naturally, as we age, we become more susceptible to major health issues. Pregnancies also have a higher probability of being difficult. Dr Hurlock points out that many pregnancies these days happen after women may have experienced chronic illness, which puts them at risk of stroke or of developing heart disease. If you are over the age 40 and considering conceiving, your first step should absolutely be full physicals by your family doctor, obstetrician, and cardiologist.

Dr Hurlock recommends that women who have underlying cardiovascular disease and are considering conceiving, seek gestational counselling with the other parent before they try getting pregnant. This includes consulting your cardiologist and obstetrician for evaluation, as some patients may be on medication for their heart condition, which could be harmful to the development of the baby.

There are some conditions where pregnancy may be discouraged by doctors, namely congenital heart disease and severe pulmonary hypertension. However, in other cases of cardiovascular disease, with close monitoring by doctors and support from the woman's family or peer groups, the majority of patients are considered good candidates for pregnancy.

All that said, this post is not to discourage those trying to become pregnant! Being informed about the risks of pregnancy will empower you while talking to your healthcare providers, as you are better equipped to notice and understand the changes in your body. For example, we know swelling of the legs is normal in pregnancy, but acute or prolonged swelling warrants a visit to your doctor.

This article was contributed by Partners Interventional Centre of Jamaica

— Low disease activity and remission are achievable for patients with lupus if clinicians “minimize the prednisone” and administer adequate hydroxychloroquine, noted a speaker at the 2023 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology-East.“We have proven that [Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS)] prevents organ damage, so this is an important treat-to-target,” Michelle Petri, MDMPH, the director of the Lupus Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told attendees during the hybrid meeting. “Obviously, remission is within LLDAS, and being