The House Ways and Means Committee has investigated several organ procurement organizations over what the lawmakers say is behavior considered unacceptable. The US House Ways and Means Committee said Wednesday that it is investigating the organ procurement organization for the New Jersey region for what it called “extreme abuse of public trust” and possible illegal activity, including trying to procure organs from people who didn’t volunteer to be donors and, in at least one case, trying to continue with the organ recovery process in a patient who had “reanimated.” The allegations were discussed in a letter the committee sent to the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network, one of 55 organ procurement organizations that are federally designated nonprofits tasked with the multibillion-dollar business of managing the recovery of organs for transplantation in the United States. The committee, which has investigated several organ procurement organizations over what the lawmakers say is behavior considered unacceptable, says it has been asking the New Jersey network for records and information at least since July. Investigators spoke with nearly a dozen whistleblowers, the letter says. One of the incidents it highlights involves an unnamed patient at the Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. The patient was pronounced dead and the network started the process to recover their organs, the letter says, but soon after the recovery process began, the person “reanimated.” The procurement team called the network’s chief executive officer to find out what to do. Witnesses told the committee that the CEO instructed the NJTO staff on site to “proceed with recovery,” according to the letter. “However, hospital staff intervened, and recovery did not move forward.” Neither the hospital nor the procurement organization responded to CNN’s requests for comment. The committee described the case as “shocking” and “alarming” and said several whistleblowers told investigators that documents with regard to details about the case were deleted or manipulated. The committee’s letter also alleges that the New Jersey Sharing Network misused documents to tell patients’ families it had authority to remove organs, even if the patient was not currently listed as an organ donor on their driver’s license or, in some cases, had withdrawn their permission to donate; may have procured and thrown out hundreds of organs just to meet federal metrics; and gave organs to people out of sequence on the transplant list. “This is unacceptable,” the letter says. “The organs procured by every [organ procurement organization] across the country belong to the individuals on the waitlist who are ranked and matched using medical criteria. They do not belong to the OPOs, and it is not NJTO’s role to pick winners and losers on the transplant waiting list.” The letter also says the organization has made misleading statements to Congress throughout the investigation. “These allegations raise questions about whether NJTO should keep its tax-exempt status and highlights the need for potential legislative reforms,” the letter says. The House Ways and Means Committee has asked the New Jersey organization to send additional documents including any complaints it has received, documents from the head of the organization and staff communications, as well as any more unredacted documents related to the patient in the Camden case. The letter is the latest development in the committee’s focus on the nation’s organ procurement groups. In July, the committee sent a letter to the Indiana Donor Network with regard to its use of private jets for non-mission charter flights. It also demanded documents from the Miami-area Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency, and after its investigation, the US Department of Health and Human Services moved to decertify the organization – essentially shutting the operation down – in September. The investigation found unsafe practices, staff shortages and paperwork errors, according to HHS. Agency Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said at the time that the move was meant as a “clear warning” to other donor organizations. In September, the committee sent a letter to the Network for Hope, a Kentucky-based organ procurement organization, that demanded documents related to practices it considered unsafe. In one case four years ago in Richmond, Kentucky, a man says he woke up on the operating table while a recovery team was shaving his chest to take his organs. Witnesses say the hospital staffers were pressured by people within the organization to continue with the procedure, but a local surgeon refused to continue the operation when she saw that the man wasn’t dead. The Kentucky Attorney General’s Office has also been investigating the case. Stay informed and connected — subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune NOW! Click Here Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don’t Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We’d love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/new-jersey-organ-procurement-organization-under-congressional-investigation-after-alarming-whistleblower-claims/article_857704a9-2558-4c5d-a282-52e1569f3360.html
Category: medical
St. Jude Imagine Academy Marks 25 Years of Helping Young Patients Learn and Heal – News India Times
**St. Jude Imagine Academy by Chili’s: 25 Years of Supporting Students Through Healing**
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For 25 years, the St. Jude Imagine Academy by Chili’s has been a lifeline for young patients, ensuring that education remains a vital part of their healing journey at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Accredited as a Special Purpose School by Cognia, the Imagine Academy supports students from preschool through high school as they undergo treatment for cancer, sickle cell disease, and other life-threatening illnesses.
Unlike traditional hospital schooling, the Academy works closely with each child’s home school. This partnership keeps students on track both academically and emotionally during their treatment.
> “Part of advancing long-term health and well-being is ensuring that patients are able to continue to grow academically while undergoing treatment,” said **Alli Leslie**, head of the Imagine Academy. “Education is a cornerstone of a healthy future, and we want all of our students to be able to fulfill their dreams.”
**Personalized Support for Every Student**
Every new patient at St. Jude is offered an educational consultation to assess their academic needs. The Imagine Academy has 23 full-time educators and coordinators, who serve up to 150 patients each day. Their work is supported by a network of community volunteers, plus more than 90 St. Jude staff who assist in the STEM lab throughout the school year.
– **K–12 students** receive instruction three times a week.
– **Preschoolers** receive instruction twice a week.
Beyond lessons, the Academy’s coordinators work directly with schools to arrange necessary accommodations and make the transition back to the classroom as smooth as possible once treatment allows.
> “The ultimate goal with our school coordination work is to empower students to tell their story and advocate for their classroom needs,” Leslie said. “When they return to school — or move on to college or work — they’re better prepared to ask for those accommodations and support.”
**A Place to Belong, Grow, and Celebrate**
For many patients, the Academy becomes more than just a classroom — it’s a place of belonging. Former students often return to visit the teachers who supported them during some of their toughest times.
> “The school program is amazing,” said **Archie**, a St. Jude cancer survivor. “They give you one-on-one time. When I went back to school, I was still up-to-date — actually ahead in some ways. I thank St. Jude for that because I got to graduate on time.”
Teacher **Kaci Richardson** shared that these reunions are among the staff’s proudest moments.
> “Our student-to-teacher ratio gives us the chance to connect with the kids we teach,” she said. “It means a lot when they come back to see us.”
Graduation ceremonies at Imagine Academy are especially meaningful. They don’t just mark academic achievement — they’re celebrations of perseverance, family, and hope.
> “For a lot of kids, there are challenges academically along the way, so reaching this milestone is a big deal,” Leslie said. “We love celebrating that culmination of high school with them before they pursue their goals and dreams.”
As St. Jude Imagine Academy celebrates its 25th anniversary, it remains a vital part of the hospital’s mission: to treat not just the disease, but the whole child. Through its dedication, patients are given the tools to keep learning, dreaming, and imagining their futures — no matter what challenges they face.
https://newsindiatimes.com/st-jude-imagine-academy-marks-25-years-of-helping-young-patients-learn-and-heal/
As a doctor, here’s my advice on creatine supplements – News India Times
**Should You Take Creatine Supplements? Here’s What You Need to Know**
Creatine supplements are everywhere these days, touted for their potential to improve both strength and cognitive function. But should you jump on the bandwagon? Let’s break down what the research says and whether creatine is right for you.
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### What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a nonessential nutrient, meaning your body produces it naturally. It helps form adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a key energy source for your muscles and organs.
You can find creatine in supplements such as powders, gummies, and pills, but it’s also present in animal-derived foods like beef and seafood. Plant-based sources generally don’t contain significant amounts of creatine.
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### Does Creatine Really Improve Strength?
Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown that creatine supplementation can lead to small but real increases in upper and lower body strength — but only **when combined with resistance training**. Without resistance training, creatine doesn’t offer any significant benefits.
For example, younger adults taking creatine while following a resistance training program improved their bench and chest press strength by approximately 4 pounds compared to training alone. While this may not seem life-changing for some, even small boosts can be meaningful for higher-risk groups.
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### Who Benefits Most?
Creatine may offer added advantages for groups at higher risk of muscle loss, including:
– Postmenopausal women
– Adults taking GLP-1 medications
– Older adults in nursing homes
These groups should ensure they are doing enough resistance training before considering supplementation.
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### Resistance Training: The Foundation
Before thinking about creatine, ask yourself: **Am I doing enough resistance training?**
Federal guidelines recommend strength-building exercises — such as sit-ups, push-ups, or weightlifting — at least two times per week. If you’re not meeting this minimum, creatine supplementation is unlikely to help.
If you are training regularly and fall into a higher-risk category or simply want a slight edge, it might be reasonable to discuss creatine with your physician.
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### Bone Health and Creatine
Many hope creatine could improve bone mineral density, especially for postmenopausal women, potentially reducing fracture risks. However, long-term studies have not demonstrated clear benefits.
A large two-year randomized controlled trial found that creatine did not improve bone mineral density compared to placebo when combined with resistance training. While short-term studies showed some promising effects at the femoral neck (a common site for hip fractures), these benefits didn’t persist long-term.
That said, creatine may still have other positive effects, like increasing walking speed and improving the geometric arrangement of bone — factors that theoretically enhance bone strength.
—
### Performance Benefits
Creatine may help female athletes and older adults by providing short bursts of energy, improving performance in tasks like standing up from a chair multiple times in 30 seconds without using arms.
However, these benefits are generally small and should be viewed as supplementary to consistent exercise.
—
### Cognitive Function and Creatine: What We Know So Far
Research on creatine’s impact on cognitive function is still in its early stages and results are mixed. For instance, a 2013 randomized controlled trial found no improvement in cognition or depression among older women taking creatine supplements.
Conversely, some observational studies have noted positive associations between dietary creatine intake and memory in older adults. More research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
—
### How Much Creatine Should You Take?
Always consult your physician before starting creatine, especially if you have kidney disease, as there is some evidence of potential risk for those with preexisting conditions.
Typical dosages include:
– **3-5 grams per day:** Effective long-term dose for healthy individuals.
– **5-10 grams per day:** May be optimal for women, particularly postmenopausal women.
– **Loading phase:** Some use about 20 grams daily (spread over 4-5 grams doses) for one week, then reduce to maintenance doses.
Muscle creatine stores typically reach saturation after about a month with daily doses of 3-5 grams.
—
### Combining Creatine with Protein Powder
Many people take both creatine and protein powders (whey, pea, soy) to support muscle recovery. Keep these points in mind:
– Protein powders provide essential amino acids that your body cannot make, so dietary intake matters. Most people get enough protein from food, but older adults, women, and highly active individuals should pay closer attention.
– The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements with the same rigor as prescription drugs. A Consumer Reports study found that many protein powders contained potentially unsafe lead levels. While this study did not include creatine powders specifically, it highlights the importance of cautious supplement use, particularly for pregnant women or other high-risk groups.
—
### Final Thoughts: What I Want My Patients to Know
Resistance training should be as integral to your health routine as eating fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, many adults don’t meet recommended guidelines: less than half of men and about 27 percent of women engage in adequate resistance training.
Before considering creatine supplements, prioritize regular resistance exercise. Creatine can provide a small boost, but it’s **not a magic bullet**. The real “magic” is consistent, dedicated lifting and muscle-strengthening activity.
—
*For personalized advice, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.*
https://newsindiatimes.com/as-a-doctor-heres-my-advice-on-creatine-supplements/
How Apple Watch uses AI to detect high blood pressure
**How Apple Watch Uses AI to Detect High Blood Pressure**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 19, 2025, 06:54 PM*
Apple has introduced a groundbreaking feature in its latest Apple Watch Series 11 models that can alert users to possible high blood pressure. This innovative capability, developed using artificial intelligence (AI), is also compatible with Apple Watch Series 9 and later models.
According to Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple’s Vice President of Health, the feature was created by applying AI models to existing sensor data collected by the watch.
### How Apple Developed the AI Algorithm
Apple leveraged AI to analyze data from 100,000 participants involved in a heart and movement study launched in 2019. The objective was to identify patterns in sensor signals—primarily from the watch’s heart-related sensors—that correlate with traditional blood pressure measurements.
Through multiple layers of machine learning, Apple developed an algorithm that was further validated in a dedicated study of 2,000 participants.
### Regulatory Approval and Availability
The feature has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It does not provide direct blood pressure readings but instead alerts users about potential high blood pressure. Users are then encouraged to confirm their condition with a traditional blood pressure cuff and consult a healthcare professional.
Apple plans to make this feature available in over 150 countries worldwide.
### Potential Health Impact
Experts believe this feature could have significant health benefits. Ami Bhatt, Chief Innovation Officer of the American College of Cardiology, stated that Apple’s AI-driven function may help users detect high blood pressure early, potentially preventing serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
However, Bhatt emphasized that the feature should not replace conventional blood pressure measurements or professional medical advice. She also cautioned about the risk of false reassurance, warning that individuals who do not receive alerts might mistakenly assume they do not have hypertension.
—
With this new AI-powered tool, Apple continues to enhance health monitoring through wearable technology, potentially saving lives by encouraging earlier detection and intervention for high blood pressure.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-watch-uses-ai-to-offer-blood-pressure-notification-feature/story
Low-fat dairy: Myth v/s facts
**Low-fat Dairy: Myth vs. Facts**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 19, 2025, 01:52 PM*
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### What’s the Story?
Low-fat dairy products are often promoted as healthier alternatives to their full-fat counterparts, especially for individuals aiming to manage weight or cholesterol levels. However, the benefits of low-fat dairy aren’t as straightforward as many believe. This article explores various aspects of low-fat dairy, including its nutritional value, effects on health, and common misconceptions about its consumption.
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### 1. Nutritional Value of Low-Fat Dairy
Low-fat dairy products typically contain fewer calories than full-fat versions, making them attractive to those monitoring calorie intake. However, processing to remove fat can lead to a reduction in essential nutrients, particularly fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.
Therefore, while low-fat dairy may help reduce calorie consumption, it might not always offer superior nutritional benefits compared to full-fat options.
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### 2. Impact on Cholesterol Levels
There is a widespread belief that low-fat dairy helps lower cholesterol levels. Yet, research indicates the relationship between dairy fat and cholesterol is more complex. Some studies suggest that full-fat dairy does not significantly raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol compared to low-fat alternatives.
This means consuming full-fat dairy in moderation could be just as heart-healthy as opting for low-fat products.
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### 3. Satiety and Weight Management
A common misconception is that low-fat dairy aids weight management by increasing satiety. However, evidence from some studies shows that full-fat dairy might actually be more satiating due to its higher fat content.
Feeling fuller for longer can reduce overall calorie intake by curbing hunger more effectively than low-fat options.
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### Tip 1: Cost Considerations in Dairy Choices
When deciding between low-fat and full-fat dairy, cost is an important factor. Low-fat products usually cost more because of the additional processing required to remove fat content.
Consumers should balance their budget with their health goals, remembering that maintaining a balanced diet is more important than saving a few cents.
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**Conclusion**
The choice between low-fat and full-fat dairy is not clear-cut. While low-fat dairy reduces calorie intake, it may lack some nutrients and may not offer significant heart health benefits over full-fat dairy. Full-fat dairy might also better promote satiety, potentially aiding in weight management. Considering nutritional needs, personal health goals, and budget can help make the best choice for you.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/low-fat-dairy-myth-v-s-facts/story