Health Headlines - April 15

Study: About 18 Million Chinese Are Obese

Fast-growing China is facing an obesity epidemic with about 18 million people obese and 137 million overweight, researchers said on Friday.

Report Calls for U.S. National Cord Blood Board

Banks that store stem cells from umbilical cord blood are saving lives but need a national board to organize and regulate them, a panel of U.S. experts said on Thursday.

Health Tip: Diabetes and Hip Fractures

People with diabetes have about twice the risk of hip fractures as the general population, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Ibuprofen May Protect Against Parkinson's

Ibuprofen, one of the most popular over-the-counter pain relievers, may help prevent or delay the onset of Parkinson's disease, new research suggests.

Tamoxifen Eases Prostate Cancer Treatment Side Effects

In prostate cancer patients, the drug tamoxifen is more effective than low-dose radiotherapy at preventing breast pain and enlargement in patients taking the cancer drug bicalutamide, according to a new study.

U.S. Executions by Lethal Injection May Not Be Humane

Prisoner executions by lethal injection in the United States may not be painless or humane, and may not even meet veterinary standards for putting down animals.

Ovary Removal Doubles Parkinson's Risk

The removal of both ovaries in young women may double their risk of developing Parkinson's disease later in life, a new study finds.

U.S. Seeks Cause of Flu Virus Mix-up

U.S. health officials were still trying to determine Thursday how a lethal flu virus had been mistakenly shipped to thousands of laboratories around the world.

Ephedra Ban Lifted by U.S. District Judge

Saying that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had not met the burden of proof that any specific dosage of the controversial weight-loss drug ephedra was dangerous, a U.S. District Court judge in Salt Lake City has lifted the year-old FDA ban and sent the matter back to the agency for further evaluation.

Experts Offering Free Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screening

Experts are offering free screenings for oral, head and neck cancers at sites nationwide on April 15.

New Device Coaches Patients at Home

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new device that allows doctors to monitor patients with chronic conditions who self-administer therapies at home.

Science Takes A Swing at "Yips"

"Yips," an annoying but common muscle condition familiar to many golfers, may be a task-specific movement disorder -- much like a musician's or writer' cramp, according to a study presented April 14 at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in Miami Beach, Fla.

Food Fact:
Broccoli vs. cancer.

The veggie's green pigment makes it a potent disease-fighter.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Brain check.

Physical exercise may mean as much for your mind as it does for your body.

FAQ of the day:
Will carbs make me fat?

It certainly hasn't worked that way for traditional Asian societies, where carbohydrates can make up as much as 80% of the diet and obesity is rare. Excess calories from any source will lead to weight gain. As for carbohydrates, the key for weight control is to limit consumption of refined grains and sugars, which pack a lot of calories in a portion, and emphasize whole grains rich in fiber, and whole fruits and vegetables, which are very low in calories.