Latest news with #StanfordHealthCare
Forbes
7 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Stanford Pioneers Medical LLM ChatBot Model
Nov 2, 2019 Redwood City / CA / USA - Stanford Health Care facility; Stanford Health Care comprises ... More a network of medical facilities and doctors located around the San Francisco Bay area Researchers at Stanford are setting up a pilot project that uses the power of large language models to help clinicians handle patient information in new ways. Basically speaking, clinicians can ask questions to a chatbot called ChatEHR and automate charting, as well as promoting enhanced diagnostics. Some of what people like about the software is that it's secure, direct and seamless. Stanford chief data science officer Nigam Shah points out that for AI to be effective, it should be embedded in their workflows and have a high degree of accuracy. 'ChatEHR is secure; it's pulling directly from relevant medical data; and it's built into the electronic medical record system, making it easy and accurate for clinical use,' Shah said. Why it Matters Is this software valuable to clinicians? You have to look at the current context, and what healthcare professionals need. Too many clinicians spend a lot of their time dealing with chart notes. Take this testimony from one frustrated medical worker posted on Reddit: 'Hello fellow docs - third year Family Medicine Resident here. Recently ramped up to 20 patients per day in clinic at my FQHC and I feel like I'm drowning in notes. I spent all of this weekend finishing notes. I know parts of the problem are: 1) using NextGen, 2) having to write extra to prove to attendings you can think.' The poster talks about current methodology: 'I've started using the computer as much as possible in the room to get all the HPI down. I type out the whole plan before the patient leaves. I am having patients come back more instead of addressing a lot each visit. But I STILL am spending all my time doing notes it seems. This is not sustainable. I feel like I will never have a life. A scribe isn't in my near future as usually attendings have to work a few years to get one.' Then this person asks for help from the forum. 'Any tips? How do you guys feel about charting taking over your free time?' These new technologies have enormous potential to help with exactly this kind of workload. And from reading this person's feedback, the workload seems heavy indeed. Feedback from Anurang Revri At a recent IIA event, I sat in on a lecture with a panel, including Anurang Revri, Chief Enterprise Architect for Stanford Medicine. Here are a couple of quotes that Revri brought up around the idea of automating tasks like this: 'We support research education as well as clinical care … so it's an interesting sort of place to be, where we have this kind of amazing research that we can translate into clinical workflows or external vendors and solutions. So that's sort of our focus, to implement the responsible AI life cycle.' 'When you start combining all those pieces of data and building models, multimodal models, around that, then it becomes a really powerful thing in clinical care.' Use Cases for the Technology It's expected that the ChatEHR technology will lead to various types of advances in automated healthcare. A resource from Nelson Advisors puts this into five categories, so I'll outline them with bullet points: Enhanced clinical decision support and diagnostics Streamlined administrative and clinical workflows Enhanced patient engagement and personalized care Global health applications and bridging access gaps Advanced data utilization and research Some of these are very interesting. Under decision support, you have advances in treatment. With administrative issues, you see how this works with the patient life cycle. Under the fifth column of 'advanced data utilization and research,' you have the idea of digital twins, in order to house a person's health data in a certain digital entity – and I think that wearable devices will come in handy here. All of it is likely to help us make medicine more effective, and do earlier interventions for patients. And that's a big deal. Look for this type of technology to blossom in the healthcare industry as a whole.
USA Today
17-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Why ginger is a lot better for your health than you may realize
There's a reason ginger has been a staple for thousands of years in both kitchens and medicine cabinets alike. It may appear like little more than a humble root, but it packs plenty of benefits that extend beyond a unique flavor profile. 'Ginger is well known for its ability to reduce nausea, but it also improves digestion and reduces inflammation, pain and can lower blood sugar,' says Kate Donelan, a registered dietitian with Stanford Health Care. While such benefits have helped ginger earn a place as one of the most scientifically backed superfoods, it's still possible to eat too much of it, and there are several adverse outcomes associated with doing so. Here's what ginger is, what it's good for and how much you'll want to actually consume. What is ginger? Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in southeast Asia but is now grown in many warm climates across the world. The root is the part of the plant most commonly eaten, which is also called the rhizome. 'Ginger is cultivated by digging up the rhizome from the soil, cleaning it, then using it fresh, dried or ground,' explains Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian and author of "2-Day Diabetes Diet." Its warm, peppery flavor makes it a favorite in both sweet and savory dishes. 'As a fresh ingredient, ginger can be used in marinades or added into salads, baked goods, sauces, glazes, soup, or main dishes," explains Palinski-Wade, "but it is more commonly dried and ground and used as a spice." Ginger can also be crystallized to be used as a syrup in cocktails or sodas or turned into a chewy, candy-like treat. And for those seeking a concentrated dose, ginger supplements are also available and come in capsule, powder, oil or tincture form. Mocktails are on the rise. But are they actually better for you than alcoholic beverages? What is ginger good for? What does ginger do for the body? No matter which kind of ginger you enjoy, the spice has a long history of therapeutic uses, most of which are supported by high-quality research. One of its best-known benefits is aiding digestion. 'Ginger stimulates gastric emptying and increases the movement of food through the digestive tract, which can help relieve stomach pain and bloating,' notes Palinski-Wade. In part for these reasons, meta-analysis shows ginger being especially effective in treating nausea related to motion sickness, chemotherapy or pregnancy. Another major benefit lies in ginger's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help prevent chronic illnesses like arthritis, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. These benefits are primarily due to the main bioactive compound in ginger known as gingerol, explains Palinski-Wade. Research also shows that ginger plays a role in blood sugar regulation and lowering cholesterol levels; and it can help bolster the body's defenses against viruses and bacteria – which is one reason ginger tea is a popular go-to remedy for colds and flu. Ginger also provides small but beneficial amounts of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium – all of which play key roles in immune function, muscle activity and blood pressure regulation, says Donelan. Great question: What is magnesium good for? Can I have ginger every day? Despite so many benefits, it's still best to enjoy ginger in moderation. Most adults can safely consume 3 to 4 grams of it daily, notes UCLA Health, which is about 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger. For pregnant women, the recommended maximum is closer to 1 gram per day. Consuming too much ginger "can cause acid reflux, mouth or throat discomfort or diarrhea,' says Donelan. 'And as a supplement, ginger can interact negatively with blood thinners." For such reasons, Donelan says, anyone with bleeding disorders or those taking medications for high blood pressure or diabetes "should discuss ginger use with their doctor.' Ditto for pregnant women, adds Palinski-Wade. And while allergic reactions to ginger are rare, they can occur and typically manifest as mouth irritation or skin rashes. 'So long as you're not overdoing it though," says Donelan, "ginger can be a helpful and healing addition to your diet."
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is cinnamon good for you? The sweet spice packs surprise benefits.
Best known as a holiday scent or as the cause of that signature swirl of your favorite sticky bun, cinnamon is an ancient spice that's more than just a cooking staple. From its unique flavor profile to its impressive list of proven health benefits, cinnamon has been prized for centuries across both culinary and medicinal traditions. But before you start sprinkling it on everything you eat, you should know that consuming too much of it can bring about not-so-sweet consequences. Here's what cinnamon is, how it can boost your health and when it's time to ease up on how much you're eating. Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of evergreen trees in the genus Cinnamomum. After the bark of these trees is peeled, "it naturally curls into rolls as it dries, which is what we know as the cinnamon stick," explains Kate Donelan, a registered dietitian with Stanford Health Care. These curled sticks are called quills, and they can be chewed on or steeped in hot water to make cinnamon tea. More commonly though, cinnamon quills are ground into powder –becoming a spice that's commonly sprinkled over foods or used in baking. "Cinnamon can be used in many dishes from savory to sweet," says Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian and author of "2-Day Diabetes Diet." You'll find it in desserts and baked goods like cinnamon rolls, cookies, pies and pastries and also as a flavor enhancer atop or inside foods like oatmeal, rice pudding and French toast or beverages like apple cider, coffee, Mexican hot chocolate and mulled wines. Its flavoring is also used in a variety of candies and chewing gum. Along with enhancing taste, "adding cinnamon to a food can also extend its shelf life thanks to its natural preservative properties," says Palinski-Wade. The two main types of cinnamon include Ceylon cinnamon (often called 'true cinnamon'), and cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is the sweeter, more delicate and more expensive version of the spice, but cassia cinnamon is more popular. Cassia cinnamon is known for being stronger in flavor and darker in color and is the type of cinnamon you usually find in grocery stores. Yes, apple cider can be good for you. But here's why you should avoid overconsumption. Besides making your lattes and baked goods taste delicious, cinnamon contains several key nutrients and packs some surprising health benefits. Some of its nutrients include carbohydrates for energy, fiber for digestion, protein for muscle growth and maintenance and a slew of vitamins and minerals that include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A and K. The spice also has unique properties that make it "beneficial to blood sugar management by improving insulin sensitivity," says Palinski-Wade. Indeed, research shows that consuming just half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily can lead to dramatic improvements in blood sugar regulation, making it potentially helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes from developing in some people. This benefit is doubly helpful because cinnamon is also often used as a sugar substitute, meaning "it can provide sweetness and flavor without adding calories," says Donelan. And cinnamon contains antioxidants such as polyphenols "that help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals," explains Jen Messer, a nutrition consultant and registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition. "And some studies suggest that cinnamon may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, which can help reduce inflammation in the body," Messer adds. "Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including heart disease and certain cancers." In proper amounts, cinnamon can also lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas and bloating, "and there is preliminary evidence to suggest that compounds in cinnamon may also have a protective effect on the brain, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's," says Messer. Heads up: Nutmeg is a great fall spice. But there's such thing as too much. At the same time, Messer says that cinnamon has some purported benefits that are not proven. 'Be wary of any exaggerated claims of cinnamon's ability to reduce belly fat or promote significant weight loss," she says. And even when cinnamon is beneficial, more doesn't mean better. 'Like most things in life, excessive intake of cinnamon can have potential adverse effects,' says Messer. Possible issues associated with consuming too much of the spice include allergic reactions (that can range from mild irritation to serious symptoms), stomach pain and potential adverse interactions with medications such as blood thinners. And while the safe upper limit for cinnamon consumption is not well-established, for most people, 'consuming a teaspoon or less of ground cinnamon per day as a seasoning or flavoring in food and beverages is unlikely to pose significant health risks," Messer says. Research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture backs this up, as it notes that consuming half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily, "is very safe and there should not be any side effects." It's also worth noting that the type of cinnamon you use matters. 'Cassia cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin,' cautions Palinski-Wade. 'And coumarin can damage the liver in high doses.' So long as such considerations are kept in mind though, small doses of the spice bring about only upsides for most people. "It's only large doses or taking cinnamon as a supplement that should be discussed with a doctor before starting," Donelan says. And don't even think about the cinnamon challenge. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is cinnamon good for?
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Is cinnamon good for you? The sweet spice packs surprise benefits.
Best known as a holiday scent or as the cause of that signature swirl of your favorite sticky bun, cinnamon is an ancient spice that's more than just a cooking staple. From its unique flavor profile to its impressive list of proven health benefits, cinnamon has been prized for centuries across both culinary and medicinal traditions. But before you start sprinkling it on everything you eat, you should know that consuming too much of it can bring about not-so-sweet consequences. Here's what cinnamon is, how it can boost your health and when it's time to ease up on how much you're eating. What is cinnamon? Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of evergreen trees in the genus Cinnamomum. After the bark of these trees is peeled, "it naturally curls into rolls as it dries, which is what we know as the cinnamon stick," explains Kate Donelan, a registered dietitian with Stanford Health Care. These curled sticks are called quills, and they can be chewed on or steeped in hot water to make cinnamon tea. More commonly though, cinnamon quills are ground into powder –becoming a spice that's commonly sprinkled over foods or used in baking. "Cinnamon can be used in many dishes from savory to sweet," says Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian and author of "2-Day Diabetes Diet." You'll find it in desserts and baked goods like cinnamon rolls, cookies, pies and pastries and also as a flavor enhancer atop or inside foods like oatmeal, rice pudding and French toast or beverages like apple cider, coffee, Mexican hot chocolate and mulled wines. Its flavoring is also used in a variety of candies and chewing gum. Along with enhancing taste, "adding cinnamon to a food can also extend its shelf life thanks to its natural preservative properties," says Palinski-Wade. The two main types of cinnamon include Ceylon cinnamon (often called 'true cinnamon'), and cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is the sweeter, more delicate and more expensive version of the spice, but cassia cinnamon is more popular. Cassia cinnamon is known for being stronger in flavor and darker in color and is the type of cinnamon you usually find in grocery stores. Yes, apple cider can be good for you. But here's why you should avoid overconsumption. What is cinnamon good for? Besides making your lattes and baked goods taste delicious, cinnamon contains several key nutrients and packs some surprising health benefits. Some of its nutrients include carbohydrates for energy, fiber for digestion, protein for muscle growth and maintenance and a slew of vitamins and minerals that include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A and K. The spice also has unique properties that make it "beneficial to blood sugar management by improving insulin sensitivity," says Palinski-Wade. Indeed, research shows that consuming just half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily can lead to dramatic improvements in blood sugar regulation, making it potentially helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes from developing in some people. This benefit is doubly helpful because cinnamon is also often used as a sugar substitute, meaning "it can provide sweetness and flavor without adding calories," says Donelan. And cinnamon contains antioxidants such as polyphenols "that help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals," explains Jen Messer, a nutrition consultant and registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition. "And some studies suggest that cinnamon may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, which can help reduce inflammation in the body," Messer adds. "Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including heart disease and certain cancers." In proper amounts, cinnamon can also lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas and bloating, "and there is preliminary evidence to suggest that compounds in cinnamon may also have a protective effect on the brain, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's," says Messer. Heads up: Nutmeg is a great fall spice. But there's such thing as too much. Can you eat cinnamon every day? At the same time, Messer says that cinnamon has some purported benefits that are not proven. 'Be wary of any exaggerated claims of cinnamon's ability to reduce belly fat or promote significant weight loss," she says. And even when cinnamon is beneficial, more doesn't mean better. 'Like most things in life, excessive intake of cinnamon can have potential adverse effects,' says Messer. Possible issues associated with consuming too much of the spice include allergic reactions (that can range from mild irritation to serious symptoms), stomach pain and potential adverse interactions with medications such as blood thinners. And while the safe upper limit for cinnamon consumption is not well-established, for most people, 'consuming a teaspoon or less of ground cinnamon per day as a seasoning or flavoring in food and beverages is unlikely to pose significant health risks," Messer says. Research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture backs this up, as it notes that consuming half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily, "is very safe and there should not be any side effects." It's also worth noting that the type of cinnamon you use matters. 'Cassia cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin,' cautions Palinski-Wade. 'And coumarin can damage the liver in high doses.' So long as such considerations are kept in mind though, small doses of the spice bring about only upsides for most people. "It's only large doses or taking cinnamon as a supplement that should be discussed with a doctor before starting," Donelan says. And don't even think about the cinnamon challenge.
New York Post
26-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Pasta can be healthy — but only if you cook it a specific way: ‘More chewable and digestible'
When people think of eating a healthy diet, a bowl full of pasta is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, experts say that cooking pasta a specific way can actually be better for you nutritionally. Al dente — pasta that is cooked but still has a firm bite to it — is the preferred way to cook and enjoy it among Italians. Advertisement And it not only tastes better, but according to Michelle Hauser, a clinical associate professor of surgery at Stanford Health Care, al dente pasta is 'more chewable and digestible,' she told Stanford Medicine News Center. Al dente style is how everyone should be cooking and enjoying their pasta. cherryandbees – 'Our digestion slows down, as does the absorption of the glucose contained in the starch: the result is a lower glycemic index,' the International Pasta Organization said. Advertisement When pasta is al dente, it has 'a lower glycemic index than when it's cooked to be soft,' according to U.S. News and World Report. 'A lower GI can help keep blood sugar levels stable, so you will stay fuller longer.' On the other hand, overcooked pasta is not only mushy and gross — it also 'has a greater impact on blood sugar levels than al dente pasta,' Hauser explained, which leads to a rapid release of glucose into the bloodstream. 'Your body will react to the glucose elevation by producing more insulin to metabolize it. However, the insulin rush will deplete that blood glucose within the next couple of hours….' Harvard Medical School explains. Advertisement Cooking pasta al dente requires focus and attention so you don't overcook it. New Africa – 'And you'll probably crave a high-glycemic snack, which certainly won't help with weight loss.' In addition, overcooking pasta causes the starch granules to swell and burst, which then releases its B vitamins and folate into the cooking water. The next time you want to whip up a quick pasta dish but want to cook your pasta to al dente perfection, salt water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Add pasta and set a timer according to the box's instructions, since different shapes of pasta and brands cook at different times. Stir often so the pasta doesn't clump together. Advertisement When your timer goes off, taste the pasta and if it has a little bite to it — quickly remove your pot from the heat and drain the pasta so it stops cooking immediately. Aside from cooking it correctly, if you're wondering what makes a quality pasta, Italian chef Francesco Mattana said pasta's surface should be rough and opaque. If your pasta is bright yellow — that's a red flag because the color indicates that the pasta was put through a 'violent' drying process, which isn't ideal.
