Health Headlines - December 4

Dark, Leafy Greens Help Shield Eyes from Cataracts

New research provides further evidence that substances in kale, spinach and other green vegetables help protect aging eyes from cataracts.

Sunshine May Ward Off Lymphoma

Sun exposure apparently has a protective effect against the development non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), a blood cancer, Australian researchers report.

Ethnicity Affects Impact of Vitamin D on Diabetes

As blood levels of vitamin D increase, the risk of diabetes decreases in non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans -- but not in blacks -- researchers have found.

Tamoxifen Works Similarly in Black and White Women

In women who've been treated for breast cancer, use of the drug tamoxifen can help prevent recurrence of the disease. Now, new research indicates that the drug works equally well in black and white women.

Don't Dump Your Old PDA, Donate It!

A mobile medical information company is collecting used personal digital assistants (PDAs) to send to doctors in Africa, and outfitting the devices with the latest, up-to-date health information.

FDA Chief to Meet with Top Lawmaker Regarding Vioxx

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Acting Commissioner Lester Crawford on Friday agreed to meet with a top Republican lawmaker about the agency's handling of safety concerns over Merck & Co Inc.'s now-withdrawn painkiller Vioxx.

Malpractice, Medicaid Shaping 2005 Congress Agenda

Republicans' long-sought curbs on medical malpractice awards are likely to top the congressional health care agenda when lawmakers return in January, even as Democrats prepare for a clash over potential cuts to Medicaid, aides said Friday.

Bone-Boosting Drug Helps Very Elderly Women

A drug used to restore the strength of brittle bones by reducing the process of bone resorption has been shown to benefit women 80 years of age or older.

Dieters May Face Splenda Shortage

Dieters hoping for a slew of new products with the sugar substitute Splenda may be disappointed next year.

40 Percent in U.S. Use Prescription Drugs

More than 40 percent of Americans take at least one prescription drug and one-in-six takes at least three, the government reported Thursday.

Hawaii Seniors Are Most Health Conscious

Hawaii ranks first in healthy behaviors among senior citizens, according to a new federal report.

More Americans Getting Hooked on Hookahs

The practice of smoking tobacco through elaborate water pipes called hookahs emerged centuries ago, in the palaces and harems of the Middle East. But experts say hookahs are now almost as popular in Denver as they are in Damascus, with the current fad for water-pipe use growing among U.S. college students.

Young Kids Listen to Sun Protection Advice

Education programs can help convince primary school children and adults at the beach to use sun-protective hats and clothing to reduce their risk of skin cancer.

Farm Kids Fare Better on Asthma Front

Children who live on farms have much lower rates of asthma and wheezing than other children who live in rural areas of the United States.

Study Turns Heads on Whiplash Risk

If you happen to have your head turned either left or right when your car is rear-ended by another vehicle, it could help reduce your risk of whiplash injury.

Health Tip: Food Substitutions

Simple recipe changes -- such as using egg whites instead of whole eggs or garlic powder instead of garlic salt -- can make a big difference in the amount of harmful fats, salts and sugars in the foods you eat each day.