Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Health Headlines - April 12

Study: Cloned Meat, Milk Nearly the Same

Meat and milk from cloned animals is essentially identical to that from animals that reproduced normally, a new study says.

History of Polio Traced in D.C. Exhibit

Devastating outbreaks of "infantile paralysis," the disease that crippled 39-year-old Franklin Roosevelt, panicked many American parents of the mid-1900s until Jonas Salk announced a successful vaccine in 1955. Most victims were small children.

Health Tip: Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Have you been told that you snore loudly? Do you wake up feeling tired after a full night's sleep? If so, you may have sleep apnea. This potentially serious sleep disorder occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Health Tip: Nail Salon Safety

Whether you live in a big city or small town, you'll probably find no shortage of nail salons. But before you treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure, find out if health and sanitation guidelines are being met.

Computer Keyboards Spread More Than Words

Harmful bacteria can linger on computer keyboards in hospitals, making it easy for the germs to spread to patients, a new study finds.

Injuries Rising as More Kids Take Up Golf

The increasing popularity of children's golf has teed off an upswing in golf-related head injuries among youngsters, a new study finds.

Light Therapy Brightens Seasonal Blues

People affected by seasonal mood disorders can literally lighten up: A new review of 20 studies on the subject finds daily light-box therapy is an effective treatment for these conditions.

Few Women Say They'd Use Tamoxifen Preventively

Even though the drug tamoxifen has proven effective in preventing breast cancer, a new survey finds fewer than one in five women at high risk for the disease say they would take the medication.

Sleeping Pills Won't Increase Elderly Fall Risk

It's insomnia itself, not sleeping pills, that increases the risk for falls and injuries among sleep-deprived elderly people, a new study suggests.

FDA Reconsidering Silicone Breast Implants

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration opened a three-day hearing Monday on whether to allow silicone breast implants back on the market for women who want aesthetic breast-enhancement surgery.

Exercise Isn't Always Enough to Lower Blood Pressure

Moderate exercise is not enough to control mildly elevated blood pressure in men and women over 55, Johns Hopkins University researchers report.

Study: Cell Phones Won't Raise Brain Tumor Risk

Cell phone use does not increase risks for brain tumors, a new Danish study suggests.

A Molecular Explanation of Why Muscles Weaken With Age

Researchers can now tell you why your legs get creakier and wearier as you get older -- it's the inevitable deterioration of the genetic material in the energy-producing centers of your muscle cells.

Food Fact:
Guac shock.

Think avocados are too lush and buttery to be good for you? Think again.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Meltdown meditation.

Everything's coming at you at once. Don't explode -- try a little yoga trick that can calm you down in an instant.

FAQ of the day:
What exactly is considered "red" meat?

Contrary to what some advertisements may dub "the other white meat," scientists define red meat as the meat from land mammals such as cattle, pigs and lamb. That means beef, lamb and, yes, pork.

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