Saturday, December 25, 2004

Health Headlines - December 25

Merry Christmas!

Most Over-40s Engage in Sex, But Problems Common

A global survey of sex behavior after age 40 reveals that most people continue to have sex. However, aging romantics tend to encounter problems in their lovemaking.

Treating Childhood Anxiety Prevents Adult Disorders

Panic disorders, phobias and other childhood anxiety conditions should be treated during childhood so that they won't be carried over into adulthood, according to advice in the latest Harvard Mental Health Letter.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis May Not Affect Job

Contrary to some beliefs, women who return to work after being diagnosed with breast cancer are not typically demoted or otherwise discriminated against in the workplace, new study findings show.

Mifepristone Effective as 'Morning After' Pill

When taken within five days after unprotected sex, mifepristone works as well for emergency contraception as the approved drug levonorgestrel, UK researchers report.

Anesthetic Gel Eases Injection Pain for Kids

Applying a topical anesthetic half an hour beforehand reduces pain for children getting a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot, according to a report by Canadian researchers.

Diabetes Raises Mortality After Coronary Bypass

People with type 2 diabetes have a higher likelihood of dying shortly after undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, even when a number of risk factors are taken into account, new study results indicate.

PEG Helps Speed Spine Healing in Dogs

Dogs with severe accidental spinal cord injuries resulting in complete paralysis, appear to recover more quickly and completely when they're given injections of polyethylene glycol (PEG), investigators report.

Increased Arthritis Pain May Be Due to Fracture

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have an increase in pain at a single site could be suffering from a stress fracture, especially if they have a history of steroid use, UK researchers report in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Pimecrolimus Cream Quickly Eases Eczema in Infants

Pimecrolimus cream provides rapid relief of symptoms and helps promote sleep in young children with eczema, German researchers report.

U.S. Doctors Lack Whistleblower Protection

Thousands of federal doctors and medical researchers who receive some of the highest salaries in government don't enjoy the same protections to blow the whistle on wrongdoing as other civil servants, a judge has ruled.

Ambulances May Get Virtual Doctors

Researchers are developing technology for ambulances to improve communications and perhaps more importantly, place virtual doctors inside in transit.

Doctor Accused of Flouting Abortion Ruling

A doctor whose license was revoked for botching abortions, including leaving fetus parts inside a patient, was arrested on charges he continued to perform the procedures.

Blood in Short Supply During Holidays

In the spirit of holiday giving, you might consider donating blood.

FDA Orders Broad Spectrum Review of Painkiller Drugs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it will review all prevention trials involving the prescription pain medications Celebrex and Bextra. These drugs are part of a category of drugs known as Cox-2 inhibitors.

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