Health Headlines - April 13

U.S. Panel Rejects Inamed Silicone Breast Implants

Inamed Corp. narrowly failed to convince a U.S. panel on Tuesday that its silicone breast implants are safe enough to win U.S. approval and end 13-year-old restrictions sparked by concerns over possible illness from leaking silicone.

Marburg Outbreak Not Likely a Global Threat

An outbreak of deadly Marburg virus in Angola is probably not a global threat but international experts are working to bring it under control, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday.

Technique May Safely Preserve Fertility in Breast Cancer Patients

Combining a cancer drug with a fertility hormone used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) may preserve the fertility of breast cancer patients before they undergo chemotherapy without promoting the growth of breast cancer, a new study finds.

'Lazy Eye' Therapy Can Help Older Children

Children over 7 years of age -- including teens -- with amblyopia, or "lazy eye," may benefit from treatments traditionally restricted to much younger patients, according to a new study.

Liver Protein Points to Anti-Obesity Drugs

A liver protein already well known for its role in regulating cholesterol may also help the body pack on unwanted fat, new research suggests.

Prescription Drug Prices Soaring Above Inflation

The cost of most popular, brand-name drugs used by older Americans has risen by 7.1 percent in the past year -- a new record, according to an AARP report released Tuesday.

FDA Panel Rejects Return of Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone gel breast implants still haven't been proven safe, so the devices should not be allowed back on the American market, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel decided Tuesday.

Polio Vaccine: It Tamed a Scourge, Transformed Medicine

It was the beginning of the end for polio, and the start of a new era in medicine.

Statins Seem to Help Stroke Patients

Giving cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins to people after they've had a stroke may reduce the brain damage they suffer and decrease their risk of dying.

Tracking Kidney Patients' Cardiac Risks

New blood tests designed to assess a kidney patient's cardiac death risk still aren't as effective as traditional risk factors -- such hypertension or smoking -- in evaluating an older patient's survival odds, a new study finds.

Experimental Dual Childhood Vaccine Disappoints

An experimental combination childhood vaccine created to protect against both pneumonia and meningitis provided less protection than separate vaccines for the diseases, a new British study finds.

Food Fact:
Go bananas.

Smart bakers have a bunch of tricks for cutting fat using this versatile fruit.

Fitness Tip of the day:
The 100-yard sale.

The gym isn't the only place to burn calories; you can find lots of ways to get in shape at the mall, if you know where to look.

FAQ of the day:
Is grilling safe?

Grilling, broiling and barbecuing creates compounds in meat that may increase risk of cancers of the stomach, colon and rectum. Some stem from burning fat, while others are inside highly heated meat. Char-broiled foods are the worst offenders. You can substantially reduce the levels of these potential carcinogens by marinating the meat beforehand, and then cooking it on a cooler part of the grill. If any meat gets charred, scrape it off before serving. This advice also applies to chicken and fish.