YOUR HEALTH

'Bionic eye' works for one type of blindness

For the first time in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a bionic eye. It can be used to treat retinitis pigmentosa. The condition often runs in families. It damages the cells in the retina, a tissue layer at the back of the eye that processes light. At first, it makes vision blurry, but it progresses until the patient can't see at all.

The Argus II, made by Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., is a retinal prosthesis that doesn't restore sight completely, but it can significantly improve vision. It's already being used in Europe. The device bypasses the damaged cells that process light. A small video camera mounted on eyeglasses captures visual information and wirelessly sends it to the implant and on to the brain which processes it as an image. The images are transmitted in black and white, but scientists hope that they will enable color later on.

After many years in development, the Argus II will be available at clinical centers by the end of this year. The maker is working to increase distribution.

New (FAST) treatment used for tennis elbow

The first ways to deal with tendon pain in the elbow are with rest and physical therapy. But if scar tissue has developed in the tendon, these treatments aren't enough. Until now, surgery for tennis elbow has been done in an operating room and required a larger incision or several smaller ones. Both techniques use anesthesia. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic have come up with a new surgical procedure for removing scar tissue. It is removed quickly and without an incision or anesthesia other than a numbing agent used on the elbow.

The new technique uses ultra sound to locate scar tissue within a tendon. A surgical instrument resembling a hollow point needle about the size of a tooth pick is inserted.
When activated, it breaks up scar tissue with ultrasonic energy. The treated tissue is suctioned away.

FAST became widely available over a year ago and response has been promising. No major complications have been reported.

Some doctors are using the technique to treat pain in the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle, the plantar facia on the bottom of the heel, and the knee tendon at the kneecap. Research is continuing to determine the long term effectiveness of the FAST procedure.

Coffee might aid longevity

Coffee drinkers might live longer. According to one study, they're less likely to die of heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, infections and even injuries. Here's why it happens.

At Tufts University's Antioxidants Research Center, they say it's possible that polyphenols have a protective effect. They also say that a simple cup of coffee contains a complex mix of biologically active and beneficial compounds, including polyphenols.

How to fight heartburn and acid reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids move back up the esophagus. It can cause heartburn and a sour taste.

Here's how to avoid it.

• Fats are hard for the body to digest. The University of Illinois McKinley Health Center says high fat foods and fried foods hinder the ability of the lower esophageal sphincter to close making you vulnerable to acid reflux.
  
  
• Oatmeal's a good choice. Drop that doughnut, unless you want heartburn for breakfast. Instead choose oatmeal. It's a low fat, high fiber meal that can soothe your stomach.
  
  
• Fresh ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory and is a remedy for many stomach problems. You can get your daily dose of 2 to 4 grams by steeping ginger in hot water to make tea or chewing a piece of ginger.
  
  
• Skip the red sauce on pasta. Tomatoes and heavy sauces are not for people with stomach acid problems. For those with a craving for pasta, the National Heartburn Alliance recommends thinner, broth-like sauces.
  
  
• Eat beans. Certain fatty meats can trigger heartburn. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber and a great alternative to meat.
  
  
• Applesauce. To avoid butter and oil, substitute applesauce in recipes. Use the same amount of applesauce (in cups) as the recipe calls for in oil.

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