The History of Elvis: 1957

Elvis Presley Events, Recordings, Discography, and Concerts in 1957

The powers that be wrestled with the problem called Elvis in 1957, realizing that he was no fad and yet unsure of how to fit him into the popular culture establishment… or even if such a thing were possible.

1. Elvis History: 1957

usinfo.state.gov

Elvis refuses to be fit into any rigid formula, yet plays the fame game remarkably well, despite the pitfalls of success already looming on the horizon.

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2. Elvis Timeline: 1957

Ed Sullivan sets the record straight, while Elvis confounds the censors, buys a nice little home, and prepares for the inevitable. 

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3. Elvis Recording Sessions: 1957

Elvis goes back to gospel, revisits some rock standards, and gets in the holiday mood.

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4. Elvis Discography: 1957

Teddy bears replace hound dogs, and Elvis throws a party… you know where.

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5. Elvis Concerts: 1957

Elvis leaves the mainland, the country, and has a triumphant homecoming.

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6. Elvis Movies: 1957

Elvis finally headlines as a delivery boy who makes it big as a singer, and an ex-con who makes it big as a singer.

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Protecting Against Preeclampsia

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition in which pregnant women experience a sudden increase in blood pressure anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The condition is also marked by high levels of protein in the urine. Women with preeclampsia may experience fluid retention as well.

Preeclampsia can harm the kidneys, liver, and brain and may lead to long-term health problems. It can be fatal for both mother and baby.

Signs of Preeclampsia

Women with preeclampsia often do not feel ill. However, they may experience these symptoms:

swelling of the hands, face, and/or eyes

weight gain of more than two pounds per week (or a sudden weight gain over one or two days)

dull, throbbing headaches that don’t subside

blurred vision, light sensitivity, or temporary loss of vision

abdominal pain (usually felt on the right side, underneath the ribs)

pain in the right shoulder

agitation

decreased urine output

nausea and vomiting

Causes of Preeclampsia

Although the cause of preeclampsia is unknown, possible causes include autoimmune disorders, blood vessel problems, heredity, and poor diet.

Preeclampsia may be more likely to affect women in their first pregnancy, women who are pregnant with more than one fetus, obese women, women older than 40 or younger than 18, and women with a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease.

Managing Preeclampsia

Delivery of the baby is the only way to cure preeclampsia. However, if the fetus is not fully developed and the preeclampsia is mild, your doctor may recommend managing your condition with strategies such as bed rest and use of blood pressure medication.

Since preeclampsia is potentially life-threatening for mother and baby, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any preeclampsia symptoms, rather than attempt to self-treat the disease.

Preventing Preeclampsia

Taking low dose aspirin has been shown to be an effective preventive measure for women at high risk for developing preeclampsia. While no other methods have been proven to lower your risk, the following may help improve your overall health, which can improve your chances of avoiding preeclampsia:

1) Stress Reduction

Studies on the role of stress in the development of preeclampsia have yielded mixed results so far. However, some research suggests that stress may increase your risk for the condition.

To lower your stress levels, consider taking up a daily stress management routine that includes practices such as prenatal yoga, meditation, tai chi, deep breathing, or guided imagery.

2) Antioxidant Supplements

In a 2003 study, researchers found that women with higher levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin had a decreased preeclampsia risk compared to those with low levels of these antioxidant vitamins.

If you’re considering taking supplements to increase your antioxidant levels, make sure to consult your physician first.

Harville EW, Savitz DA, Dole N, Herring AH, Thorp JM. “Stress questionnaires and stress biomarkers during pregnancy.” J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2009 18(9):1425-33.

Sikkema JM, Robles de Medina PG, Schaad RR, Mulder EJ, Bruinse HW, Buitelaar JK, Visser GH, Franx A. “Salivary cortisol levels and anxiety are not increased in women destined to develop preeclampsia.” J Psychosom Res. 2001 50(1):45-9.

Wergeland E, Strand K. “Work pace control and pregnancy health in a population-based sample of employed women in Norway.” Scand J Work Environ Health. 1998 Jun;24(3):206-12.

Williams MA, Woelk GB, King IB, Jenkins L, Mahomed K. “Plasma carotenoids, retinol, tocopherols, and lipoproteins in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant Zimbabwean women.” Am J Hypertens. 2003 16(8):665-72.

Drug Information Update- FDA Approves Therapy to Treat Gaucher Disease

The Division of Drug Information (DDI) is CDER’s focal point for public inquiries. We serve the public by providing information on human drug products and drug product regulation by FDA.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved velaglucerase alfa for injection (VPRIV) to treat children and adults with a form of the rare genetic disorder Gaucher disease.
 
Gaucher disease occurs in people who do not produce enough of an enzyme called glucocerebrosidase. Without this enzyme, harmful amounts of a certain fatty substance (lipid) can build up in the liver, spleen, bones, bone marrow and nervous system, and can prevent cells and organs from working properly. About 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 100,000 people in the general population have Gaucher disease.
 
VPRIV provides long-term enzyme replacement therapy for Type 1 Gaucher disease, the most common form of the genetic disorder. It is an alternative to Cerezyme (imiglucerase), another enzyme replacement therapy. Cerezyme is currently in short supply.

For more information, please visit: VPRIV

Bell’s Palsy – Treatment and Remedies for Bell’s Palsy

What Is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a type of temporary paralysis that affects your facial muscles. In most cases, only one side of the face becomes paralyzed.

Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy symptoms typically appear suddenly and reach their peak about 48 hours after they start. The condition may vary in severity, from mild muscle weakness to complete paralysis.

Facial distortion is common among people with Bell’s palsy. Symptoms may also include:

twitching

excessive tearing in the affected eye

dry eye

drooping in the corner of the mouth

drooling

dry mouth

impairment of taste

Causes of Bell’s Palsy

The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown. However, scientists suspect that a viral infection – such as herpes simplex (the virus that causes cold sores) or herpes zoster – may trigger swelling and inflammation in the facial nerves, which in turn may cause Bell’s palsy to set in.

Risk Factors for Bell’s Palsy

The following people may be at an increased risk for Bell’s palsy:

pregnant women

people with diabetes

people suffering from a cold or flu

Treatment for Bell’s Palsy

In treating Bell’s palsy, doctors focus on the source of the nerve damage. This may include the use of anti-viral medications, as well as the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the swelling believed to be associated with Bell’s palsy.

Most cases improve on their own within two weeks. In rare cases marked by extremely severe nerve damage, however, nerve fibers may be irreversibly repaired.

Bell’s Palsy Remedies

Very few scientific studies have explored the use of alternative medicine in treatment of Bell’s palsy. However, preliminary research suggests that the following therapies may benefit Bell’s palsy patients:

1) Biofeedback

In a 2005 study, scientists discovered that biofeedback may have promoted recovery in people with Bell’s palsy. Biofeedback is a practice that involves learning to control vital functions that are usually unconscious (such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure) through the use of specialized electronic devices.

2) Acupuncture

This needle-based Chinese therapy may help lessen facial paralysis and facial disability in people with Bell’s palsy, according to a clinical trial published in 2009. However, a research review published the same year concluded that there is insufficient evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture in treatment of Bell’s palsy.

Sources:

Chen X, Li Y, Zheng H, Hu K, Zhang H, Zhao L, Li Y, Liu L, Mang L, Yu S. “A randomized controlled trial of acupuncture and moxibustion to treat Bell’s palsy according to different stages: design and protocol.” Contemp Clin Trials. 2009 30(4):347-53.

Dalla Toffola E, Bossi D, Buonocore M, Montomoli C, Petrucci L, Alfonsi E. “Usefulness of BFB/EMG in facial palsy rehabilitation.” Disabil Rehabil. 2005 22;27(14):809-15.

Zhou M, He L, Zhou D, Wu B, Li N, Kong S, Zhang D, Li Q, Yang J, Zhang X. “Acupuncture for Bell’s palsy.” J Altern Complement Med. 2009 15(7):759-64.

Mia Wasikowska Talks About ‘Alice in Wonderland’

Mia Wasikowska as Alice in ‘Alice in Wonderland.’

© Walt Disney Pictures

You probably don’t know her name now, but once Alice in Wonderland hits theaters, chances are you’ll never forget Mia Wasikowska. The 20 year old Australian actress plays the 19 year old Alice in Tim Burton’s whimsical PG take on the classic Lewis Carroll story, and it’s an older Alice than we’re accustomed to. Being that same age, Wasikowska could relate to Alice as a young woman on the verge of adulthood and felt a real connection to the role.

After seeing hundreds of potential Alices, director Burton also believed Wasikowska connected with his Alice and cast her in the much sought after role. “I just liked her quality,” said director Burton. “I always like it when I sense people have that old-soul quality to them. Because you’re witnessing this whole thing through her eyes, it needed somebody who can subtly portray that.”

And Wasikowska earned high praise from her veteran co-star Johnny Depp. “Mia’s incredible,”said Depp. “She’s like this wonderful little being from another planet. For me, it was great working with Mia who is beautiful, wonderful, sweet—the perfect Alice.”

In LA at a press conference to support the film, Wasikowska talked about the appeal of being ‘Alice.’

Alice in Wonderland Press Conference – Mia Wasikowska, ‘Alice Kingsleigh’

On Understanding and Relating to Alice:

Mia Wasikowska: “I don’t know. I think that Alice at this time in the story, at this time in her life, that a lot of people experience something that she’s going through. She’s this kind of uncomfortable or just discomfort in your skin and in who you are. She just sort of has this awkwardness about her I think a lot of people really go through in their life. That was something that I understood. And then ultimately her story is her kind of [coming] back to when she’s just a young girl. She was very excited, very sure of what she was doing.”

On Working with Tim Burton:

Mia Wasikowska: “It was pretty cool. I mean, I’ve loved his films for such a long time so then the coolest part was actually seeing from the beginnings. I always just see the end of things, so just to see the whole process was really amazing. Also, just Tim’s a really trusting director so from the minute that he casts you, you just know you have a lot of trust and freedom.”

On Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland:

Mia Wasikowska: “I read the books when I was about 8 or 9, and then I read them again before we started filming and saw it as an older person, saw a whole other side that I didn’t really catch as a kid. I think it’s amazing because it kind of constantly reveals itself to you in different ways and [the story] becomes evident. I’m sure as a kid I saw something else that I didn’t get as an adult, and there were parts that I would have liked as a kid that I didn’t miss as an older person.”