Thursday, June 30, 2005

Health Headlines - June 30

Pfizer: No Link Between Viagra and Blindness

There's no evidence that taking Viagra increases the risk of blindness, Pfizer Inc., the maker of the anti-impotence drug, said late Monday.

The company said it reached that conclusion after it reviewed all post- marketing "ocular events" among Viagra users, the Associated Press reported.

"After more than 10 years of rigorous clinical study and worldwide safety monitoring of a medicine used by more than 27 million men, there is no evidence to suggest a link between Viagra and blindness or other serious ocular events," said Dr. Joseph Feczko, chief medical officer at Pfizer.

"In addition, several studies specifically looking into the effect of Viagra in the eye by Pfizer as well as independent ophthalmologic experts found Viagra to have no serious adverse effects in the eye," Feczko said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating about 50 reports of Viagra users who suffered vision loss.

Pfizer said most of the reported cases of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathyone (NAION) in Viagra users occurred in people with underlying risk factors associated with development of NAION, the AP reported.

NAION is one of the most common acute optic nerve diseases in older adults.

Ointment May Soothe Psoriasis

A skin ointment containing dithranol may soothe psoriasis by killing the cells that actually cause the problem, according to British researchers at Newcastle University.

Dithranol is derived from the araroba tree found in the Amazon rain forest. The drug must be administered carefully since it can cause skin burning and clothing discoloration if misused, BBC News Online reported. It's currently only used in hospitals for severe cases of the autoimmune skin disease, the network reported.

Psoriasis, caused by the body's overproduction of skin cells, is characterized by red, scaly patches. The genetic disorder is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, although it can occur on any area of the skin.

An estimated 2.1 percent of Americans have psoriasis, including 4.5 million adults. While it can affect people of any age, it most often strikes those between 15 and 35, the National Psoriasis Foundation says.

Birch Candles Recalled for Fire Hazard

Target stores are recalling some 230,000 birch and bark candles that pose a fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says.

The company has 18 reports of the bark surrounding the candles catching fire, including five reports of property damage. No injures have been reported.

The creme-colored candles were available in four sizes, from 3-inches-by-3-inches to 6-inches-by-6-inches. They were sold from September 2004 through January 2005 at Target stores nationwide for between $6 and $15.


Consumers can return the candles at any Target store for a gift card for the full value. For more information, contact Target at 1-800-440-0680.

Vitamin C Doesn't Prevent Colds: Study

There's no proof that high doses of vitamin C are effective in preventing colds or reducing symptoms, says a study in the journal Public Library of Science Medicine.

The study authors concluded that the only times that vitamin C may be effective against colds are in cases of extreme physical exertion such as running marathons in winter, Toronto's The Globe and Mail newspaper reported.

Australian and Finnish researchers reviewed 59 studies conducted between 1940 and 2004 -- including 23 that examined the ability of vitamin C to prevent the common cold in the general population. Those studies found that vitamin C had virtually no effect.

Six of the studies included athletes and soldiers under extreme physical stress while taking part in running or ski marathons or doing winter training exercises. In this small group of people in these particular circumstances, vitamin C reduced the rate of colds by about 50 percent.

The review also included studies that looked at whether large doses of vitamin C shorten the length of colds. The review concluded there were no benefits for adults who took large doses (10 grams per day) of vitamin C for the first three days of a cold, The Globe and Mail reported.

However, there was some evidence that large doses of vitamin C may reduce symptoms in children. The researchers said new studies should look specifically at this issue.

WHO Concerned About Avian Flu Among Birds in China

An outbreak of bird flu among migratory birds in northern China is far more serious than previously believed and has United Nations health experts concerned, BBC News reported.

So far, about 5,000 birds have died in Qinghai province. That toll is about five times greater than the estimate given by China.

"The virus has obviously changed to be more pathogenic to animals. What it means to humans we don't know," said World Health Organization (WHO) official Henk Bekedam.

This outbreak at Lake Qinghai is especially troubling because it involves migratory birds.

"The biggest concern I would have is that we have many birds that are asymptomatic and they can fly from here to 1,000 km (621 miles) further up. That's troublesome," Bekedam said.

It's critical that China conduct more tests on the birds before they begin to migrate to other areas, the WHO said. China has cordoned off a 30-mile radius around Lake Qinghai and nature reserve, BBC News reported.

Canada Plans Limits on Drug Sales to U.S.

Canada will announce plans this week to limit bulk sales of prescription drugs to the United States, Toronto's Globe and Mail newspaper reported Monday.

As more and more Americans buy their medications from Canadian sources at cheaper prices, Canadian officials are worried about the possibility of domestic shortages, the newspaper said. A ban on bulk shipments could also thwart retaliation from U.S. drug companies that have threatened sanctions against Canadian sources that mail prescription drugs back to the United States.

Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh also will announce plans later this week to crack down on Canadian doctors who co-sign prescriptions for American customers, the newspaper reported.

In 2004, Americans bought an estimated $800 million worth of prescription drugs from Canadian sources -- largely via the Internet, the Globe and Mail said. The medicines from Canada are up to 80 percent cheaper than the American equivalents due to Canadian price controls.

Food Fact:
Zest for life.


If you throw away an orange peel, you're discarding material that could guard your health. Zest - the grated citrus skin - is rich in health-protective limonene. To grate zest, start with organic fruit, since the skin of non-organic citrus may contain pesticides. Press a piece of wax paper or baking parchment over the grater's smallest holes. Scrub the fruit and rub the rind over the paper-covered grater. When you've finished grating, carefully remove the paper, scrape off the zest and add it to vegetable dishes, tomato sauce and desserts.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Pedal to the medal.


Want to tone your lower body, enhance circulation and strengthen your heart today? Ride your bike! Regular cycling also improves your cholesterol profile, lowers your blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart disease and colon cancer, and helps control your weight.

FAQ of the day:
If I'm taking a blood thinner, should I avoid fish?


Eating fish or shellfish is not only safe in your case -- it's a good idea. But stay away from fish-oil capsules, which may give you higher doses of blood-thinning omega-3s than you'd get even from very fatty fish. The capsules might interfere with your medication, which has been prescribed at a certain dose based on your medical needs. (The same goes for any other blood-thinning medication.) Too much blood "thinning" can be as dangerous as too little, possibly increasing the risk of stroke.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Health Headlines - June 29

Canada Plans Limits on Drug Sales to U.S.

Canada will announce plans this week to limit bulk sales of prescription drugs to the United States, Toronto's Globe and Mail newspaper reported Monday.

As more and more Americans buy their medications from Canadian sources at cheaper prices, Canadian officials are worried about the possibility of domestic shortages, the newspaper said. A ban on bulk shipments could also thwart retaliation from U.S. drug companies that have threatened sanctions against Canadian sources that mail prescription drugs back to the United States.

Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh also will announce plans later this week to crack down on Canadian doctors who co-sign prescriptions for American customers, the newspaper reported.

In 2004, Americans bought an estimated $800 million worth of prescription drugs from Canadian sources -- largely via the Internet, the Globe and Mail said. The medicines from Canada are up to 80 percent cheaper than the American equivalents due to Canadian price controls.

New Medicare Drug Plan Won't Cover Anxiety Drugs

A category of drugs called benzodiazepines -- commonly used to treat insomnia, anxiety and seizures -- will not be covered when the U.S. federal government's new Medicare prescription drug benefit comes into effect next year.

The new rules mean that elderly and disabled Medicare recipients who use such drugs, which include Xanax, Valium and Ativan, will have to find other coverage to pay for them or change to other medications, the Associated Press reported.

However, those options may be difficult for about 1.7 million low-income elderly people who take the drugs and will be automatically enrolled in the new drug plan. Those people will have to rely on the states to pick up the tab, the wire service reported.

"Stopping the therapy abruptly can lead to seizures and dangerous, life-threatening problems," Thomas Clark, policy director for the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, told the AP.

Antidepressant Paxil Back on U.S. Market

GlaxoSmithKline's antidepressant Paxil has returned to American pharmacy shelves, four months after U.S. officials raided three factories and seized their inventories due to poor manufacturing standards, the Associated Press reported Monday.

Glaxo said it has fixed the problems at its Knoxville, Tenn., and Cidra, Puerto Rico, plants. In March, when the FDA seized the lots, it found that Paxil CR (controlled-release) tablets could be split apart, possibly affecting the medication's effectiveness. Federal regulators at the time said the problems didn't appear to pose a threat to patient health, but ordered that they be corrected, the wire service said.

Another drug that was seized from the same plants, the type 2 diabetes drug Avandamet, should return to the market within two weeks, the company told the AP. Some Avandamet tablets didn't have the correct dose of one of the active ingredients.

Solutions to the manufacturing problems were certified by an unidentified third party, the wire service reported.

Tsunami Survivors May be at Risk for Lung Ailments

Some people who survived the deadly tsunami on Dec. 26 may be still be at risk for what's been dubbed "tsunami lung," caused by swallowing dirty water polluted with bacteria.

A report in the June 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine describes the case of a 17-year-old female from Banda Aceh in Indonesia. When the tsunami struck, the water dragged her about a half a mile from her home. Two weeks later, she was diagnosed with pneumonia.

A week after that diagnosis, the patient experienced weakness on the right side of her face and in the arm and leg on the same side of her body. Later, her right arm and leg went limp and she had trouble swallowing and could no longer talk.

Doctors aboard the U.S. Navy hospital ship the USNS Mercy gave the girl medication and drained yellow fluid from her chest. Without the treatment, it's almost certain she would have died of complications of her tsunami-related aspiration pneumonia, a U.S. Navy doctor told the Associated Press.

The journal report did not say how many other similar cases may have occurred in the wake of the tsunami disaster. However, in an accompanying commentary in the same issue, a doctor at a hospital in Bangkok noted 37 cases of lung infections among tsunami survivors.

New Program to Treat Children with AIDS in Developing Countries

A $40-million program to treat AIDS-afflicted children in the developing world has been launched by the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and drug maker Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

The initiative will included a "pediatric AIDS corps" that will post doctors to Africa in order to treat about 80,000 children with AIDS over the next five years, the Associated Press reported.

Under the program, as many as 250 pediatricians will be sent to Africa. As well as treating children, the pediatricians will train local health staff to treat children with AIDS.

Bristol-Myers also said it plans to lower the price of two pediatric formulations of its HIV drugs in the least developed countries.

Food Fact:
Citrus alert.


If you're taking certain medications, your doctor will want to know if you're a grapefruit juice drinker. There's a chemical in grapefruit and grapefruit juice that inhibits the enzyme needed to break down many drugs, including antihistamines, calcium-channel blockers (used to treat high blood pressure), immunosuppressants (taken by organ-transplant patients), sedatives and protease inhibitors (treatment for AIDS). As a result, blood levels of these drugs may stay high, with serious side effects.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Mind over yoga mat-ters.


Increase confidence, control stress and promote peace of mind -- it's all in the poses. Yoga also improves your posture and circulation, and increases your flexibility, strength and coordination. Many cities have a yoga association that provides information about various types of classes. Check the Yellow Pages under "yoga instruction," or call a local fitness center for the names of studios. The cost is typically $15 to $20 per class, with discounts for multiple classes.

FAQ of the day:
Is fish less nutritious if it's handled poorly?


Extended cooking, or cooking at a very high heat, can destroy heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, as can exposure to light and air. Try not to overcook fish, and stay away from the deep-fat fish fry. It's better to bake, broil, poach, steam or grill until the fish is just done, no more.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Health Headlines - June 28

Months-Long Delay in Mad Cow Announcement Stirs Debate

Officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture are facing harsh criticism over a seven-month delay in announcing test results indicating that a suspect animal was infected with mad cow disease, the second such case yet documented in the country.

The test in question, described by USDA officials as "experimental," was ordered after two previous faster "Elisa" tests had come up negative for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), the formal name for mad cow disease. The animal also tested negative on a slower immunohistochemistry test, considered the agency's "gold standard" at the time.

Those tests were all conducted by USDA last November. Then, just two weeks ago, and for reasons that remain unclear, agency inspector general Phyllis K. Fong ordered that tissue samples from the cow be sent to a well-respected lab in England for further testing using the Western blot method.

Several tests were run, all of which came up positive for BSE.

When asked why news of the first positive result from the "experimental" test last November had not been publicized, Agriculture Department spokesman Ed Loyd blamed the delay on a breakdown in internal agency communications. "The laboratory folks just never mentioned it to anyone higher up," he said. "They didn't know if it was valid or not, so they didn't report it."

The debacle has both the beef lobby and consumer groups on edge. Jim McAdams, president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, told the Times that irregularities in agency testing create "great anxiety within our industry." And Dr. Michael K. Hansen, senior research associate at Consumers Union, said "How can we be confident of anything [the USDA] are saying?"

In the meantime, USDA Secretary Mike Johanns announced major changes to the nation's "mad cow" testing protocols at a news conference Friday.

The cow in question was slaughtered in November. Johanns said it born before the 1997 U.S. ban on feeding ruminant protein to ruminant animals. The animal was considered a "downer" that was unable to walk and had not entered the human food supply, he added.

"This animal was blocked from entering the food supply because of the firewalls we have in place. Americans have every reason to continue to be confident in the safety of our beef," he told reporters.

But Johanns also listed other errors in the agency's testing process. The animal's brain samples were frozen, making testing more difficult; parts from five carcasses were mixed together; and no written records were kept, he said.

The agency chief said there was no evidence the animal was born outside the country, and added that DNA tests are currently underway to determine its herd of origin.

Meanwhile, Taiwan on Saturday reimposed an immediate ban on imports of American beef after the second case was confirmed.

Two months ago the island lifted a ban it had imposed in February 2004 following the discovery in 2003 of the disease in a Washington state cow that had been imported from Canada. The origin of the new case wasn't immediately made available.

BSE occurs when proteins called prions bend into misfolded shapes. They deposit plaque that kills brain cells and leaves behind spongy holes. People who eat contaminated meat may acquire a human form called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which has killed about 150 people worldwide, the AP said.

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day

Experts at the CDC estimate that up to 280,000 Americans are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, but do not know it -- potentially threatening their own health while encouraging the spread of infection to others.

Thats why every year the agency joins hands with the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) to sponsor National HIV Testing Day, slated this year for Monday, June 27.

As part of the event, thousands of testing sites across the nation will hold special health fairs, engage in community outreach and work under extended hours, all so that individuals -- particularly those in high-risk populations -- can find out their status. The NAPWA slogan, "Take the test. Take control," reminds individuals that knowing one's status allows them to make treatment decisions early and protect others from getting HIV.

To find out more about National HIV Testing Day, and testing centers near you, head to http://hivtest.org/.

HIV Drugs May Also Fight Malaria

Australian researchers have found that the protease inhibitor class of HIV-suppressing medications also stop the parasite that causes malaria from growing.

In laboratory and mouse studies, use of antiretroviral medications such as ritonavir, saquinavir or lopinavir in combination were especially effective in stopping the malaria virus.

While the expense and side effects of these drugs may prevent them from becoming first-line therapies against malaria, researchers at the University of Queensland point out that malaria and HIV/AIDS are among the biggest killers in the developing world, especially Sub-Saharan Africa.

The drugs' "anti-malarial activity does suggest a unique parasite target that has yet to be exploited," lead author Dr. Kathy Andrews told the BBC. The exact mechanism by which protease inhibitors block the parasite remains unclear, she said.

Patient Deaths Spur 'Enclosed Bed' Recall

The FDA announced Friday a manufacturer-initiated recall of over 5,000 "enclosed," zippered and canopied bed systems after 30 incidents of patients becoming entrapped between the bed's side-rail and mattress or between the canopy and mattress.

Patients in 8 of those incidents died as a result of entrapment and asphyxiation, the FDA said in a statement.

The beds, made by Vail Products, Inc., of Toledo, Ohio, are meant to be used as an alternative to sedation or physical restraint in patients with cognitive impairment or uncontrolled behavior, seizures or spasms.

Vail Products is sending out new instruction manuals to every customer warning them of the hazard and informing them of the FDA's advice "to stop using the bed system, move patients to alternative bed systems if possible and consult with their physician." According to the FDA, Vail Products stated it has ceased making enclosed bed systems as of June 16th.

Food Fact:
Jump-start a balanced diet.


By adding key foods to your diet, you can get daily allowances for key nutrients in one serving. For instance, 1 cup cantaloupe cubes has 190% of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C; 1 cup frozen cooked spinach has 295% of the RDA for beta-carotene; and 6 oz. pink baked or broiled salmon fillet has 201% RDA for vitamin D. The greater the variety of healthy foods you eat, the greater your nutritional coverage.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Tai chic.


Secrets from the Far East can speed healing after a heart attack and help prevent future ones. The ancient Chinese exercise regimen Tai Chi combines movement, breathing and meditation. It can improve balance, muscular strength and agility; increase energy and range of motion in arthritic joints; reduce stress; promote serenity and lower your blood pressure.

FAQ of the day:
Is sushi safe?


Most sushi is raw fish. Public health outbreaks are rare at Japanese restaurants, but eating raw fish is inherently more risky than eating it cooked. Raw seafood can carry bacteria, viruses, worms and parasites that can cause severe illness such as hepatitis. Only cooking can kill the microorganisms that cause these illnesses. Most sushi restaurants also offer cooked seafood, as well as vegetable rolls. If you are pregnant, or have any disease that compromises your immune system, don't eat raw seafood under any circumstances.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Health Headlines - June 27

Changes to Mad Cow Test After 2nd Case Confirmed

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced major changes to the nation's "mad cow" testing protocols at a news conference late Friday. The announcement comes after an internationally respected British testing lab confirmed the second-ever case of the disease in a U.S. animal -- even though some prior USDA tests suggested the cow did not have the illness.

In keeping with testing guidelines in place at the time, the animal tested positive for mad cow, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), on two faster "Elisa" tests and a slower (unspecified) "experimental" test, Johanns said.

But the animal also tested negative on a slower immunohistochemistry test, which until yesterday was considered the U.S. "gold standard," the New York Times reported.

Faced with these contradictory results, the Agriculture Department sent samples to the English laboratory, widely regarded as one of the world's best. That lab confirmed that the animal did have BSE.

The cow, slaughtered in November, was born before the 1997 U.S. ban on feeding ruminant protein to ruminant animals, Johanns said. It was considered a "downer" that was unable to walk and had not entered the human food supply, he added.

"This animal was blocked from entering the food supply because of the firewalls we have in place. Americans have every reason to continue to be confident in the safety of our beef," he told reporters.

But Johanns also listed other errors in the agency's testing process. The animal's brain samples were frozen, making testing more difficult; parts from five carcasses were mixed together; and no written records were kept, he said.

Critics had harsh words for the USDA's handling of the case. "The Agriculture Department should've gotten it right in the first place," Rep. Henry A. Waxman, D-Calif., told the New York Times. "The administration's response to mad cow disease appears to be more public relations than public health."

Johanns said that there was no evidence the animal was born outside the country, and added that DNA tests are currently underway to determine its herd of origin.

Meanwhile, Taiwan on Saturday reimposed an immediate ban on imports of American beef after the second case was confirmed.

Two months ago the island lifted a ban it had imposed in February 2004 following the discovery in 2003 of the disease in a Washington state cow that had been imported from Canada. The origin of the new case wasn't immediately made available.

BSE occurs when proteins called prions bend into misfolded shapes. They deposit plaque that kills brain cells and leaves behind spongy holes. People who eat contaminated meat may acquire a human form called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which has killed about 150 people worldwide, the AP said.

Patient Deaths Spur 'Enclosed Bed' Recall

The FDA announced Friday a manufacturer-initiated recall of over 5,000 "enclosed," zippered and canopied bed systems after 30 incidents of patients becoming entrapped between the bed's side-rail and mattress or between the canopy and mattress.

Patients in 8 of those incidents died as a result of entrapment and asphyxiation, the FDA said in a statement.

The beds, made by Vail Products, Inc., of Toledo, Ohio, are meant to be used as an alternative to sedation or physical restraint in patients with cognitive impairment or uncontrolled behavior, seizures or spasms.

Vail Products is sending out new instruction manuals to every customer warning them of the hazard and informing them of the FDA's advice "to stop using the bed system, move patients to alternative bed systems if possible and consult with their physician." According to the FDA, Vail Products stated it has ceased making enclosed bed systems as of June 16th.

Experts: U.S. Flu Pandemic Could Kill 500,000

More than half a million people would die and 2.3 million would be hospitalized if a moderately severe strain of avian "bird" flu swept through the United States, a research group said Friday.

Experts at the Trust for America's Health based their estimates on a 25-percent infection rate, with those infected having no immunity against the virus. They estimate the pandemic would be less lethal than the great flu epidemic of 1918, but more deadly than the pandemic of 1968.

As reported by the Associated Press, the Trust called on lawmakers to set aside more than the $58 million already earmarked for anti-influenza measures. They especially urge the purchase of 70 million doses of Tamiflu, which may offer some protection to Americans as scientists race to develop a more effective vaccine.

Responding to the report, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn, agreed the United States was "woefully underprepared to respond in the event of a pandemic outbreak."

House Passes Bill Barring Medicare Viagra Coverage

Legislation barring Medicare or Medicaid coverage of erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 285-121 on Friday.

The amendment by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) is projected to save taxpayers $105 million next year, he told the Associated Press. A study he commissioned concluded that the federal government was projected to spend more than $2 billion over the next decade on the drugs.

"We don't force taxpayers to pay for face lifts, weight-loss drugs, hair-growth treatment or vacations, so we should not force them to pay for sexual-performance drugs," King was quoted by the wire service as saying.

The provision was added to pending legislation that barred the government from paying for the drugs for convicted sex offenders. Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.), an opponent of King's measure, had argued that law-abiding men who had lost sexual function due to illness shouldn't be denied the drugs.

The Senate has yet to consider the measure.

Guidant Issues Alert on 5 Defibrillator Models

Five models of Guidant Corp.'s implantable cardiac defibrillators have a faulty switch that could cause a malfunction and doctors should stop using these models until further notice, the company said Friday.

The five models are the Contak Renewal 3 and 4, Renewal 3 and 4 AVT, and Renewal RF. Guidant said about 46,000 of these models are in use, the Associated Press reported.

There have been at least four confirmed malfunctions in these devices, and a fifth suspected case. No patients have been injured.

This is the second safety advisory issued this week for defibrillators made by Indianapolis-based Guidant, the AP reported. The company recalled 50,000 implantable ones after reports of 45 failures that resulted in at least two deaths.

Food Fact:
Eat more whole grains.


With a few almost invisible substitutions, you can boost fiber and eat healthier. Research shows that people who eat regular servings of whole grains -- such as whole wheat, bran and brown rice -- have a significantly reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Try buckwheat pancakes at breakfast instead of regular; use at least half whole-wheat flour in any recipe that calls for flour; mix bran flakes in whenever a recipe calls for breadcrumbs.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Fitting in fitness.


Going on a business trip? Make a pact with yourself to exercise -- it's easy when you plan ahead. Before you leave on your next trip, call health clubs in the area you'll be visiting and find one that offers a day pass. Ask the hotel concierge to suggest safe running/walking routes near your hotel, and maybe provide maps. Or, simply walk to a room on a higher floor, and you won't need to reserve a stair climber in the gym.

FAQ of the day:
What's the best fish to eat for a healthy heart?


All fish and shellfish are heart-healthy. To get the most beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, choose fatty fresh, cold-water fresh, or fresh, unprocessed frozen fish. Salmon, bluefish, and sardines are good choices. Tuna and shellfish are OK, too.

Sunday, June 26, 2005

Health Headlines - June 26

U.S. job-based health care flawed, economists say

The U.S. health-care system, which relies on insurance provided through employment, restrains productivity and leaves too many people without coverage, but ditching the system would be costly, economists say.

More than three-quarters of docs believe in God

The majority of doctors believe in God and attend religious services, and more than half say their religious beliefs affect how they practice medicine, according to new survey results.

$5.1 billion could save 6 million children - study

Six million children who die each year from preventable diseases could be saved if richer nations gave another $5.1 billion a year, researchers said on Friday.

Vegetarian women weigh less than meat-eaters

Women who eat little or no meat are less likely to be overweight than their more carnivorous peers, according to a new study.

Dark chocolate seen healthy for arteries

Eating dark chocolate may have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system in healthy people, the results of a new study suggest.

Serve kids more food, and they'll eat it

When it comes to food, kids tend to eat what's put in front of them even if it exceeds their calorie needs, according to new study findings.

Heroin users show Alzheimer's-like brain changes

Young people who abuse heroin may suffer brain damage similar to what's seen in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.

Cock-eyed optimist? Hey, it can't hurt

Having an optimistic outlook on life may not always guarantee a better reaction to stress, as measured by a person's immune status, according to a University of Kentucky psychologist.

Australia outlaws using Internet to incite suicide

People who use the Internet to incite others to commit suicide or teach them how to kill themselves face fines of up to A$550,000 ($430,000) under tough new laws passed in Australia on Friday.

Antiepileptic drug increases birth defect risk

The results of a Finnish population-based study confirm that pregnant women taking the antiepileptic drug valproate run the risk of having a child with birth defects.

Feds: Safeguards Working Amid Mad Cow Case

The United States has what may be its first homegrown case of mad cow disease, confirmed a full seven months after officials first suspected the animal might be infected.

Guidant Cautions Doctors on Defibrillators

A second safety warning from Guidant Corp., one of the nation's largest medical device manufacturers, urged doctors to stop using five defibrillator models because they could malfunction and may have to be recalled.

Group Estimates Potential Flu Death Toll

More than a half-million people could die and more than 2.3 million could be hospitalized if a moderately severe strain of pandemic flu virus hits the United States, a research group said Friday.

House Blocks Federal Coverage of Viagra

Impotence drugs such as Viagra would not be covered by Medicaid and Medicare, the government health programs for the poor and the aged, under new prohibitions approved by the House on Friday.

FDA Approves First Racially Targeted Drug
Now that the FDA has for the first time approved a drug specifically for blacks, medical experts are sure to debate the implications, with some questioning the validity of medical research that focuses on race.

FDA Panel Rejects Artificial Heart

The first fully implantable artificial heart hasn't yet proved its promise, say government advisers worried that most of the few recipients so far suffered serious side effects for little gain.

Vioxx Lawsuits Could Reach Trial in Fall

The first federal lawsuits against drug maker Merck & Co. over its withdrawn painkiller Vioxx could reach trial in the late fall, according to lawyers who gathered Thursday for a monthly status conference on the massive litigation.

New Drug Shows Promise in Type 1 Diabetes

A novel experimental treatment showed promise in a small study for helping certain diabetics retain some ability to make insulin, potentially lessening their need for shots of the hormone to regulate blood sugar levels.

Calif. Pot Crackdown May Net More Arrests

Authorities described this week's raids on San Francisco pot clubs as one of the largest drug crackdowns in the area in recent memory, and said the arrests were the first step in uncovering a major international drug operation.

US fears backlash after second mad cow case confirmed

The multi-billion-dollar US cattle industry braced for a possible backlash against its products after authorities confirmed the country's second case of mad cow disease.

Brazil signals may break patent on Abbot AIDS drug

Brazilian Health Minister Humberto Costa signalled his government was set to move to break the patent on Abbot Laboratories' Kaletra AIDS drug because it would reduce treatment costs.

International bird flu experts check human transmission risk

An international team of experts arrived in Vietnam to study the likelihood of greater human-to-human transmission of the bird flu virus.

WHO boosting Angola's ability to tackle Marburg on its own

The World Health Organisation said that it was aiming to ensure that Angolan health authorities could tackle a deadly epidemic of Marburg haemorrhagic fever without international help.

Foreigners increasingly seek IVF treatments in Czech Republic

Foreigners are increasingly turning to the Czech Republic for infertility treatments because of lower prices and "softer" legislation, a local newspaper said.

US military doctors helped interrogators at Guantanamo

US military doctors advised interrogators at the US naval base in Guantanamo, Cuba, how to increase stress levels and apply psychological pressure on detainees.

Boston Scientific to pay 74 million dollar settlement on stents

Boston Scientific Corp. agreed to pay 74 million dollars as it resolved civil and criminal charges related to to problems with its coronary stents, prosecutors said.

Tsunami compounds Sri Lanka's AIDS worries, UN says

A United Nations report urged Sri Lankan leaders to "break the silence" and tackle the spread of HIV/AIDS which it said has been worsened by December's tsunami disaster.

Paternal post-natal depression badly affects baby's development: study

A child whose father has suffered post-natal depression faces an increased risk of psychological problems in early life, according to a study published in Saturday's issue of The Lancet, the British medical weekly.

Uganda rejects imports of US-approved South African AIDS drugs

Uganda has barred the import of South African generic AIDS drugs despite their approval by US regulators and concerns that withholding the low-cost pharmaceuticals could hamper efforts to fight the deadly disease, officials said.

Food Fact:
Wanna-beefs.


With the right substitution, you can cut back on red meat and still enjoy a "beefy" flavor. For patties that look, smell (sort of) and taste like beef, look for veggie burgers with "soy protein concentrate" as the first ingredient, followed closely by "natural flavors," and you're probably looking at a good choice to satisfy beefy cravings.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Touch-tone up!


Some of the best opportunities to burn calories arise as you're talking on the phone. Stand up and do front, back or side leg lifts while you chat. Add ankle weights for greater toning and calorie-burning effects. Stand on tip toes for as long as you can until the muscle starts to burn. If you're on a cordless, walk throughout your conversation. Or grab a heavy can of food and do alternating bicep curls for tighter arms. For a firmer butt, lean against the wall and sit on an imaginary chair.

FAQ of the day:
How much fish should I eat to be healthy?


Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be good for the heart. No one knows for sure how much omega-3 fatty acid is enough, but epidemiological evidence suggests that eating fatty fish as little as once a week can be beneficial. To preserve the good omega-3 fats without adding harmful saturated or hydrogenated fats, stay away from fried fish -- choose seafood that's baked, broiled, poached, steamed or grilled.

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Health Headlines - June 25

Health Tip: Prevent Food Poisoning in Children

Children under age five are especially susceptible to food poisoning because their immune systems aren't fully developed.

Help protect them with these tips from All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla.:

* Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
* Wash your hands before preparing food, in between preparing different food courses, and after you've finished making the meal.
* When grilling chicken, beef or pork, ensure that it's fully cooked by making sure there are no pink juices coming from the meat.
* Buy pasteurized fruit juices.

Scared of the Dentist? You're Not Alone

A new survey finds that women are 2.5 times more likely than men to say they fear a trip to the dentist. But Canadian researchers also suspect that many of the survey's male respondents were fibbing about the depth of their dental fears.

Study Points to Heart Disease Marker's Dark Side

Scientists have taken a small step in identifying an additional potential cause of heart disease.

Snuff, Chew Tobacco Raise Heart Death Risk

Besides raising the risk of oral cancer, smokeless tobacco -- also known as snuff, dip or chewing tobacco -- appears to boost the odds male users will die from heart disease, according to the largest study of its kind ever conducted.

Cream Relieves Children's IV Pain

Hospitalization can be a frightening and painful experience for children. But Canadian researchers report one small improvement in care: a new topical anesthetic cream that reduced pain for children during IV insertion while improving procedural success rates.

New Insomnia Drug Shows Promise

The investigational drug ramelteon reduced the time it took for people with chronic insomnia to fall asleep and also increased their total sleep time, according to the results of a Phase III study sponsored by the drug's maker, Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

Epilepsy, Bipolar Drugs Carry Birth Defect Risks

Experts are repeating their warning that the use during pregnancy of common anticonvulsants -- especially phenobarbitol and valproate -- has been linked to an increased risk of severe birth defects.

Questions Key to Rating Nursing Home Care

Asking nursing home residents the right questions may be crucial to really understanding if quality-improvement measures are working, a new study finds.

Heart Drug Approved for Blacks Raises Race Issue

The milestone approval of the first drug geared specifically to blacks has raised questions about intertwining race and biology while addressing the very real health concerns of minorities.

Even Infants Can Suffer Strokes

Parents of newborns often worry their babies may choke, or not feed well, or perhaps struggle with breathing problems.

Restoring Full Blood Flow Boosts Bypass Survival

In patients with multiple blocked arteries, restoring blood flow to all areas of the heart improves five-year survival, researchers report.

Health Tip: Don't Let the Norovirus Get You

Over the past couple of years, outbreaks of gastroenteritis or Norwalk-like viruses have afflicted hundreds of people.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at least 50 percent of all foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis may be attributed to these germs, called noroviruses.

Among the 232 outbreaks of norovirus illness reported to the CDC from July 1997 to June 2000, common settings for outbreaks include restaurants (36 percent), nursing homes (23 percent), schools (13 percent), and vacation settings or cruise ships (10 percent).

Whether you're at home or traveling, you can fend off the norovirus with these tips offered by the Johns Hopkins University Health After 50 medical letter:

* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, particularly before and after meals, and keep your hands away from your face and mouth.
* Every so often, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
* Don't share eating utensils or drinking glasses.
* Avoid eating uncooked food.
* If you're traveling, drink only bottled water.
* If you're planning a trip and are over 65 or have a weakened immune system, your doctor may suggest additional precautions.

Group Estimates High Toll if Flu Broke Out

More than a half-million people could die and more than 2.3 million could be hospitalized if a moderately severe strain of pandemic flu virus hits the United States, a research group said Friday.

Food Fact:
What's in a name?


An "oatmeal" or "fruit" snack may seem healthy, but names don't always tell the real tale. Oatmeal cookies, for example, don't have enough oatmeal to be nutritionally significant, but the high fat totals should get your attention. Similarly, a fruit roll-up has very little real fruit. For kids' snacks, you can't go wrong with real whole fruit, whole-grain cereal (check the ingredients) and low-fat dairy.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Gotta move...


Fitting extra activity into your day is effortless when you make a few key choices. Take three examples: 1) Instead of sitting at a movie for two hours, go bowling. 2) Leave your car home and walk to public transportation. 3) Hide the remote control and get up every time you want to change channels.

FAQ of the day:
Is whole milk bad for me?


Switching from whole dairy to reduced-fat varieties makes a big step toward slashing fat, saturated fat and calories. In an FDA study of 15,000 Americans, women who drank milk averaged 65 grams of fat a day, while skim drinkers took in only 51. Male drinkers of whole milk took in 85 grams, the skim drinkers 74. That's more than 100 calories saved each day. Those who switched to low-fat milk had significant fat savings, too. It wasn't all about the milk: The skim and low-fat milk drinkers tended to eat less red meat, and more fruits and vegetables.

Friday, June 24, 2005

Health Headlines - June 24

Canada Aims to Curb Internet Drug Trade

Canada will soon announce measures to restrict Internet pharmacies from selling prescription drugs to U.S. consumers, officials said Thursday. Such sales have become popular with Americans seeking cheaper medicine.

FDA Panel Rejects Artificial Heart

Government scientists on Thursday narrowly rejected the first fully implantable artificial heart, saying they were unsure if a few extra months of life outweighed the serious side effects.

New Drug Shows Promise in Type 1 Diabetes

A novel experimental treatment showed promise in a small study for helping certain diabetics retain some ability to make insulin, potentially lessening their need for shots of the hormone to regulate blood sugar levels.

But the experiment raised safety concerns: Most who got the treatment had side effects that researchers said were temporary, but that theoretically might increase their risk of a blood disorder later on.

Nevertheless, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which funded the work, considered the results encouraging enough to plan future large-scale studies, which would be needed before the experimental drug might be available.

Gov't OKs First Racially Targeted Drug

The heart failure drug BiDil was approved Thursday by government regulators for use by blacks. It will be the first medication marketed for a specific racial group.

Health Professionals Involved in Guantanamo Interrogations

Acting in contradiction to medical ethics, physicians, psychiatrists and psychologists have played an active role in the interrogations of foreign detainees in the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, new research claims.

Health Tip: When Your Mouth's on Fire

If you accidentally bite into a chili pepper, water won't quench the fire in your mouth, according to the University of California, Berkeley.

Chili contains capsaicin, which irritates the pain receptors in the mouth, nose and stomach. And water won't work to neutralize the pain.

Instead, cool down your mouth with yogurt, milk, or ice cream. It's believed that casein, which is contained in dairy products, strips the capsaicin from the pain receptors.

Health Tip: Furthering Family Fitness

Get your family off the couch and onto its feet with these ideas from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education:

* Run or walk through a family treasure hunt.
* Walk to visit friends, or when you dine at a local restaurant.
* Plant a garden and give each family member their own section.
* Visit a "u-pick-it" vegetable and fruit farm.
* Enter a family fun run, walk, bike-a-thon or triathlon.
* Put on some music and dance.
* Try something new like wall climbing, dance, yoga, or hip-hop.

New Guidelines List Anti-Tremor Drugs

Certain drugs normally used to control seizures or high blood pressure can also help treat a common condition called essential tremor, according to a new practice guideline from the American Academy of Neurology.

Clues to Bedsore Biology Could Yield Treatments

New insights into the molecular mechanisms that cause bedsores and other chronic wounds may someday improve treatment of these debilitating problems, researchers report.

Most U.S. Migraine Going Untreated

A new survey of more than 19,000 people with migraines suggests that a large number of American headache sufferers don't get proper preventive care.

Collaborative Effort Cuts Rate of Surgical Site Infections

A collaborative project involving hospitals from every state and U.S. territory managed to cut the rate of surgical site infections by 27 percent over the course of a year.

High STD Rates Seen in Young Drug Users

Young drug users have high rates of the sexually transmitted diseases herpes simplex virus 2 and syphilis, according to a study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and other institutions.

Triptan Nasal Spray Eased Migraines in Teens

A prescription nasal spray approved for adults with migraines also helps teens, offering potential relief for this underserved population, a Florida researcher reports.

Gene Therapy Improves Heart Stem Cell Treatment

Research has shown that stem cell therapy can regrow damaged cardiac tissue in patients after a heart attack. However, that same research found the cutting-edge procedure also raised the risk for dangerous heart arrhythmias.

NSAIDs Appear to Ease Tough-to-Treat Migraine

Delivered intravenously in an emergency-care setting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be at least as effective as narcotics in treating late-stage migraines, a new study suggests.

Blood Test Predicts Heart Attack Risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new diagnostic test that its maker says can identify people at imminent risk of a heart attack and other cardiac problems.

Postnatal Depression Can Hit New Dads, Too

Postnatal depression among mothers is a well-known occurrence, but fathers can suffer from it, too. Now, a new study finds that children whose fathers experienced postnatal depression face increased risks of behavioral and emotional problems in early life.

Food Fact:
Prevent "pour" nutrition.


If you're not careful, you may pour veggies' vitamins and nutrients down the drain. Cooking vegetables in water significantly lowers the nutrient content because vitamins leech out. You wind up discarding some very nutritious cooking water! Steaming is your best option for cooking vegetables. The water makes no contact with the food and nutrient loss is minimized.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Nature's way.


Don't get mad next time someone tells you to "Take a hike!" -- thank them for the good fitness advice! Hiking gets you out in a natural environment, promotes relaxation and enhances creativity, not to mention toning your legs, buttocks and back muscles.

FAQ of the day:
Do vegetarians need dairy?


If you adopt a more vegetarian eating style, you should be wary of relying too heavily on cheese for protein, because you'll end up eating too much fat. In fact, protein deficiency is uncommon among vegetarians in the U.S.; more often, vegetarians may be low in iron, calcium or zinc. Low-fat or fat-free dairy foods provide calcium along with protein, as do soy foods such as calcium-set tofu and soymilk. Dried beans, peas, lentils and soy foods are also good sources of iron and zinc, as are shellfish. Add variety to your protein sources, and other needs get filled, too!

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Health Headlines - June 23

Abstinence makes the sperm grow stronger

For men with low sperm counts, sexual abstinence -- but only for a day -- increases semen quality. More prolonged sexual abstinence may actually reduce sperm numbers, a new study indicates.

Cardiac arrest response slow for hospital visitors

You might think that, if it's going to happen, the best time for your heart to stop might be while you're in a hospital, visiting. That isn't necessarily so, according to a new study.

US docs' group wants package fixes for herbal meds

The American Medical Association says packaging of some herbal remedies is confusing and gives the impression that the supplements are pharmaceutical products. The group wants it stopped.

AIDS funding must triple to $22 bln in 2008 - U.N.

Global funding for AIDS needs to triple to $22 billion in 2008 to reverse the spread of the killer disease in the developing world, the United Nations said Wednesday.

Cancer fear high among women having hysterectomy

Many women who have their uterus removed for benign conditions may mistakenly believe that, unless they have the surgery, they're likely to develop cancer, a new study suggests.

Caffeine's blood pressure effect persists in some

Though some coffee drinkers develop a tolerance for caffeine, those who don't may be sending up their blood pressure with each cup, new research suggests.

HIV positive African clergy fight AIDS stigma

A group of African clergy infected with HIV is urging the faithful to test for the virus and admit their status to help fight stigma hampering efforts to stem AIDS in the worst-affected continent.

Plant chemical may harm male fertility - study

A plant chemical found in soya, tofu and legumes could potentially damage sperm and affect male fertility, a British researcher said on Wednesday.

Caffeine cuts nighttime diabetes problem

People with type 1 diabetes may have a new reason to appreciate a cup of coffee. Caffeine intake, in normal amounts, is associated with a significant reduction in nighttime episodes of excessively low blood sugar levels -- or hypoglycemia.

Study Claims Caffeine Can Help Athletes

Caffeine can help athletes by boosting the body's absorption of carbohydrates, scientists at the University of Birmingham said Wednesday.

Most Doctors Surveyed Believe in God

A survey examining religion in medicine found that most U.S. doctors believe in God and an afterlife — a surprising degree of spirituality in a science-based field, researchers say.

Probable Case of West Nile Virus Reported

This year's first probable case of West Nile virus was reported in Kansas where a 51-year-old resident is believed to have had the illness, health officials said.

Bronchitis Sufferers Can Skip Antibiotics

A study found that bronchitis sufferers who are otherwise healthy do not get better any faster by taking antibiotics. "Antibiotics for the vast majority of people don't seem to make much difference," said Dr. Paul Little.

WHO: Number of 2005 Polio Cases Jumps

The number of confirmed polio cases has reached 243 in Yemen, a country that was once believed to have been free of the disease, the chief of the World Health Organization said.

Study: Genetic Profile Helps Pregnancy

New research raises the possibility a genetic test may be able to tell young women whether they can afford to delay motherhood while they get their careers on track.

AMA Refuses to Back a Ban on Drug Ads

The American Medical Association on Tuesday adopted a policy opposing any legislation that presumes patients would want life-sustaining treatment unless they have clearly stated otherwise.

Donated Eggs Bring Higher Miscarriage Risk

New research indicates that women who become pregnant with donated eggs are more likely to suffer miscarriages and dangerous high blood pressure than those who undergo fertility treatments with their own eggs.

Children Need an Hour of Exercise Per Day

Children should get an hour of exercise over the course of each day, a panel of national obesity experts has concluded, seeking to end confusion on the matter.

Study: Extra Folic Acid May Help Memory

High-dose folic acid pills — providing as much of the nutrient as 2.5 pounds of strawberries — might help slow the cognitive decline of aging. So says a Dutch study that's the first to show a vitamin could really improve memory.

Health Tip: Defeating Drowsy Driving

Each year, drowsy drivers cause at least 100,000 accidents, according to Salem Hospital in Oregon.

Health Tip: Turn Down the Volume

Loud rock concerts may get your groove going, but over time they can also lead to hearing impairment, according to the Johns Hopkins University Health After 50 medical letter.

Expanding Current Vaccine Programs Proposed

Last year's flu vaccine shortage has spurred concerns about the nation's vaccine supply, and various groups have proposed different solutions to this mounting problem.

Way to Predict Stroke after 'Mini-Stroke' Found

A mini-stroke can signal the impending possibility of a full-blown stroke, but many are missed or not taken seriously by doctors and patients alike.

Keyhole Surgery Works with Colon Cancer

Keyhole, or laparoscopic, surgery is a safe option for the removal of tumors from the colon, claims a study published online Tuesday by The Lancet Oncology.

Brain's Marijuana-like Chemicals Postpone Pain

Experts have long known that the brain has the ability to suspend the pain response in times of injury and great stress, even after traumatic incidents such as gunshot wounds.

Radiation Frequency Questioned for Male Breast Cancer

Though rare, breast cancer in men can be deadly.

Antibiotics No Good for Pinkeye

The common childhood infection known as pinkeye does not respond to antibiotics, a new British study finds.

AIDS fight will cost 22 billion dollars by 2008, UN says

Around 22 billion dollars (18 billion euros) a year will be needed by 2008 to fight HIV/AIDS in developing countries, the United Nations said.

Serious consequences if China doesn't stop misuse of flu drug: FAO

The United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned there could be serious consequences for China and Asia if the government does not stamp out misuse of a bird flu drug.

China reports new foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

China has reported another outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease which infected 40 head of cattle, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) told AFP.

Asian nations call for broader focus to boost health of world's poor

Development officials from Asia-Pacific nations and international organizations said that a broader view looking at all sectors was needed to help poorer countries improve public health.

Microsoft founder Gates boosts sleeping sickness vaccine research

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has given a 1.2 million dollar grant to researchers developing a vaccine against sleeping sickness, which kills tens of thousands in sub-Saharan Africa each year, it was announced.

Pakistan sex workers in India to learn about HIV prevention programme

Pakistani sex workers have toured the brothel district of the eastern Indian city of Kolkata for tips on how to organize and to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS, a spokeswoman for a local sex workers' union said.

AIDS: Risk behaviour rising among French gays

French health watchdogs sounded the alarm after research found that unprotected sexual intercourse is rising fast among French homosexuals.

Food crises in west Africa "forgotten emergencies": WFP

Food crises in Mali and Niger are "forgotten emergencies," senior officials of the World Food Program warned, renewing an appeal for assistance that has gone largely ignored by the international community.

Misshapen tomatoes and wizened millet on the menu in hungry Mauritania

Jemal Dine sifted through a small pile of misshapen tomatoes at his stall in the main market in Nouakchott with a look of disgust.

Japan court throws out tobacco suit, sees no definite link with cancer

A high court dismissed a suit by sick ex-smokers seeking damages from monopoly Japan Tobacco and the state, saying no link has been "fully" established between smoking and cancer.

Food Fact:
Buy local produce.


It's not only a matter of hometown pride -- it's a way to maximize nutritional benefit. When produce in the grocery store has traveled a great distance, nutrients break down due to exposure to light, time, etc. Your next best bet is frozen fruit and vegetables; freezing preserves the nutrients.

Fitness Tip of the day:
9-to-5 fitness.


Learn 3 secrets for burning more calories during office hours. 1) Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. 2) Park a greater distance from your building and walk to office door. 3) Don't e-mail or call your co-workers. Walk to their desks instead.

FAQ of the day:
Is cheese a good source of protein?


Cheese is a good source of protein, but so what? Most Americans get more than enough protein. A much larger problem is that we get too much saturated fat, which raises blood cholesterol and contributes to heart disease, the nation's No. 1 killer. A grilled cheese sandwich made with 1 1/2 oz. of cheddar cheese provides 10 grams of protein (about 20% of a 150-lb. person's daily needs) but also 9 grams of saturated fat (about 40% of the upper limit for a person who consumes 2,000 calories a day). Low-fat and fat-free dairy is a better bet.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Health Headlines - June 22

U.S. Health Costs Continue to Grow: Report

Health care costs continue to outpace the growth of wages and the economy in the United States, says a study released Tuesday by the non-partisan Center for Studying Health System Change.

The study found that in 2004 there was an 8.2 percent increase in the cost of providing healthcare to privately insured Americans. That's about the same as the increase in 2003. Those costs grew by 11.3 percent in 2001, the most recent peak year.

"The implications for affordability of health insurance are very negative," economist Paul Ginsburg, one of the study authors, told USA Today.

The study did contain some good news for workers. It said that in 2005, employers are passing on a smaller portion of rising health insurance costs to their workers than in each of the previous three years.

The findings were published Tuesday on the Web site of the journal Health Affairs.

Increases in spending on hospital care accounted for 54 percent of the growth in health care spending in 2004, the report said. And for the fifth consecutive year, spending on drugs grew more slowly -- 7.2 percent in 2004 compared with 8.9 percent in 2003, USA Today reported.

AMA Won't Support Limits on Drug Ads

The American Medical Association refused to support a campaign by some doctors to curtail drug advertisements that suggest patients ask their physicians about certain heavily marketed medicines, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

Critics of these ads complain that the "Ask your doctor about" theme leads patients to request antidepressants, painkillers and other drugs that they don't necessarily need, according to the wire service. Supporters of the ads say a ban would violate drugmakers' rights to free speech.

At the AMA's annual meeting in Chicago, delegates voted to shelve the matter for further study, the wire service reported.

Delegates also voted to urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to evaluate how recent changes to antidepressant labels are affecting patient use. Last year, the FDA added its most serious "black box" warning to most antidepressant labels and began requiring pharmacies to dispense information describing the drugs' risks and possible side effects. Recent studies have shown that antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may increase suicidal thoughts and behavior among teens and younger users.

Mondale's Daughter Has Brain Cancer

The daughter of former Vice President Walter Mondale is battling brain cancer, she told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Eleanor Mondale, 45, said she had been bothered with blurred vision recently, but dismissed the notion of a major problem. It wasn't until a May camping trip on which she suffered two seizures that she realized something was seriously wrong, she told the newspaper.

Mondale was later diagnosed with two cancerous tumors on her brain's frontal lobe, the Star-Tribune said.

Less than a week ago, Mondale married local rock star Chan Poling, hours before undergoing her first session of radiation and chemotherapy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., the newspaper said.

Marijuana-Based MS Drug Selling in Canada

A painkiller derived from marijuana went on sale Monday in Canada, the first country to approve the spray designed for multiple sclerosis patients.

Many people who have the painful nervous system disease smoke marijuana, but the drug is difficult to regulate and often hard to obtain, the Associated Press reported. Some 2.5 million people worldwide are believed to have MS, of which about 50,000 are Canadian, the wire service said.

Bayer's Sativex can now be obtained with a doctor's prescription at pharmacies in Canada, the first country to adopt a system allowing marijuana use among people with certain terminal or chronic conditions.

In the United States, the Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that federal drug laws supersede medical marijuana laws in the 11 states that have them. The court said medical marijuana users could not be protected from prosecution if the federal government decided to take action.

Schiavo Buried; Family Dispute Continues

Terri Schiavo's remains were buried at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, Fla., Monday, according to an announcement by George Felos, the attorney for Schiavo's husband.

The announcement angered Terri Schiavo's family, who weren't informed about the burial beforehand. Michael Schiavo had previously said his wife's ashes would be buried at a family plot in Pennsylvania.

Terri Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, were also upset by the wording of their daughter's grave marker. Michael Schiavo had it inscribed with the words "I kept my promise," the Associated Press reported.

During his lengthy, years-long fight to have his brain-damaged wife's feeding tube removed, Michael Schiavo said he'd promised her he would not keep her alive artificially.

The grave marker also lists Feb. 25, 1990, as the day she "Departed this Earth." That's the day that Schiavo collapsed and went into an irreversible vegetative state. She died March 31, two weeks after a court ordered the removal of her feeding tube.

The grave marker lists March 31, 2005 as the date that Terri was "at peace."

David Gibbs, an attorney for the Schindlers, criticized the grave marker inscriptions. "Obviously, that's a real shot and another unkind act toward a grieving mom and dad," Gibbs told the AP.

Food Fact:
Herbal form = function.


For herbally "enhanced" drinks, pay attention to what the label doesn't say. Labels typically do not list the form of an herb, making it impossible to gauge effectiveness. With ginkgo, for example, potential benefits have been seen in extracts standardized to contain a certain percentage of active ingredients. If the ginkgo in a drink is not of this kind, it will be ineffective no matter how much is added.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Calorie-burner, muy caliente!


Looking for a tasty low-calorie salsa? Get on the dance floor! If you're looking for a fun change in your Salsa dancing will burn more calories per half hour on the floor, than a brisk walk around the park -- about 200 calories for a 150-lb. dancer. And it's so much fun!

FAQ of the day:
Do I need to drink milk to get my calcium?


Your calcium may be OK, but you may be lacking vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. We typically get vitamin D from sunlight (our skin synthesizes the vitamin using UV light) and fortified foods, such as milk and some breakfast cereals. But other milk-based foods, such as yogurt and cheese, use unfortified milk, so no vitamin D. If you don't drink fortified milk, are over age 65, and spend a lot of time indoors, consider a vitamin D supplement providing 400 to 600 IU daily.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Health Headlines - June 21

U.S. doctors weigh in on morning-after pill denials

The largest U.S. physicians group on Monday objected to some pharmacists' conscience-driven refusal to sell the morning-after pill, and suggested doctors may fill the void by dispensing medications themselves.

Heavier heart-bypass patients fare somewhat better

From a statistical viewpoint, a person's weight does not affect his or her risk of dying in the hospital after undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. However, overweight patients and those with high-normal weights do fare slightly better in...

MRI shows up brain differences in bipolar disorder

Efforts to define the abnormally activated areas in the brains of people with bipolar disorder could lead to new drug treatments and better coping strategies, investigators reported at the International Conference on Bipolar Disorder in Pittsburgh.

Earache-prone kids tend to carry more bacteria

Children who suffer frequent ear infections -- otitis media -- often harbor high numbers of the bacteria that cause the infections, and a low number of organisms that inhibit growth of the disease-causing bugs, a small study indicates.

U.S. clears two generic AIDS drugs for global plan

U.S. regulators gave tentative approval on Monday to two generic versions of Boehringer Ingelheim's HIV drug nevirapine, which allows the medicines to be used as part of President Bush's plan to fight AIDS around the world.

Antibodies, drug, exercise provide Alzheimers hope

A "passive" vaccine against Alzheimer's, a drug designed to filter out brain-clogging proteins and inhaled insulin may all offer ways to treat Alzheimer's disease in the future, researchers said on Monday.

Warning: Your job may give you asthma

Work-related asthma is fast becoming one of the most commonly diagnosed occupational respiratory diseases in this country, and people who work in certain industries may run a higher risk than others, new study findings show.

Conception tourism spreads as infertility soars

Couples wanting babies are criss-crossing the globe in search of treatment as infertility in the developed world looks set to double within a decade, scientists say.

Doctors' group says antidepressants safe for teens

A new report from the American Medical Association's Council on Scientific Affairs (CSA) suggests that antidepressants -- including so-called SSRIs such as Prozac -- are appropriate therapies for the treatment of depression in adolescents.

Alzheimer's workshop stresses mind-body workouts

Can you remember a new telephone number 10 seconds after hearing it? Do you walk 10,000 steps a day and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables?

Study: Extra Folic Acid May Help Memory

Taking large amounts of folic acid improved the memory of older adults, Dutch scientists reported Monday in the first study to show a vitamin pill might slow the mental decline of aging.

Brain Areas Shut Off During Female Orgasm

New research indicates parts of the brain that govern fear and anxiety are switched off when a woman is having an orgasm but remain active if she is faking.

Team Working on Birth Control for Men

Four decades after the birth control pill became available to women, researchers at the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas Medical Center are working to develop a similar contraceptive for men.

Scientists Find Early Signs of Alzheimer's

A subtle change in a memory-making brain region seems to predict who will get Alzheimer's disease nine years before symptoms appear, scientists reported Sunday.

Doctor Uses Animal Scanner on Infants

A scanning device designed for use on small animals undergoing tests in research labs is helping a Detroit neurologist detect brain disease in human infants.

Brain Exercise Is Key to Healthy Mind

Exercise your brain. Nourish it well. And the earlier you start, the better. That's the best advice doctors can yet offer to ward off Alzheimer's disease.

Therapies May Help Alzheimer's Substance

Two experimental therapies show promise at preventing a sticky gunk from clogging up the brains of Alzheimer's patients, a buildup called amyloid that is the newest focus in the fight against the disease.

AMA Fights Refusals to Fill Prescriptions

The American Medical Association on Monday agreed to use its clout to try to ensure that pharmacists' moral objections don't block patients' access to needed medicine, including emergency contraceptives.

Anthrax Inhibitor Helps Save Infected Mice

A small molecule helps block the deadliest part of the toxin produced by anthrax, somewhat increasing the survival of infected mice, researchers report.

Little Distress From Alzheimer's Gene Test

Conventional wisdom suggests the adult children of Alzheimer's patients might react negatively to gene tests aimed at calculating their own risk for the brain-robbing disorder.

Have Stockings, Will Travel

Garments called "graduated compression stockings" greatly decrease the risk of dangerous blood clots called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for passengers on long-haul flights, a new study finds.

New Imaging Tool a Boon to Research

A new imaging tool that combines three different technologies in one instrument was unveiled Monday at the Society of Nuclear Medicine annual meeting in Toronto.

Restless Legs Syndrome Often Undiagnosed

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common and underdiagnosed condition, according to a international study in the current issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Healthy Lifestyles May Help Prevent Alzheimer's

A stream of studies suggests that simple lifestyle activities such as being socially engaged and watching how you eat, drink and exercise may have an effect on risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

New Technologies Spot Alzheimer's Beginnings

Two high-tech brain scans and a new blood test can identify Alzheimer's-linked neurological changes years before actual symptoms arise, researchers reported Sunday.

'Frozen in Fear' May Have Ancient Roots

Like a deer in the headlights of a car, humans tend to freeze when they encounter a threat, and this reaction may harken back to a time when standing still meant going unnoticed by a predator.

Novel Therapies Fight Alzheimer's on Multiple Fronts

Future treatments for Alzheimer's disease may run the gamut from calisthenics combined with singing, Chinese herbs, immune-boosting therapies and insulin delivered to the brain via the nose.

British government ignites debate with public smoking ban plans

The British government outlined a plan to ban smoking in most enclosed public places, including bus shelters and workplaces, but stopped short of calling for the complete ban that health campaigners have called for.

FAO seeks clarification from China on use of human flu drug on birds

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said it is seeking clarification from China of a report that the country has been using a human anti-flu drug on poultry, possibly rendering it useless.

Vietnam bird flu outbreak infects 6,000 chickens

About 6,000 chickens were infected with the deadly bird flu virus in southern Vietnam in the country's first such outbreak in two months, a top animal health official said Monday.

Russians prefer an industrial-strength tipple

Russians are swigging less vodka and gulping down more champagne, beer... and industrial spirits.

Indonesia plans new anti-polio drive as cases reach 50

Indonesia said it will begin a new wave of mass vaccinations against polio to try to halt the spread of the crippling virus as four new cases brought the number of infections to 50.

Shaky mental health rules fuel abuse of patients' rights: WHO

Inadequate mental health legislation in countries around the world is fuelling human rights abuses against people who need psychiatric care, the World Health Organisation said.

New method predicts Alzheimer's years before symptoms

Scientists may soon be able to scan for Alzheimer's disease years before the onset of symptoms using a computer program that measures metabolic activity in the brain.

FAO warns food shortages threaten millions in west Africa

Millions of farmers and herders in west Africa still face severe food shortages as a result of last year's drought and locust invasion, the Food and Agriculture Organisation said in a fresh appeal for funds.

China fears grain shortfall could hit at least 20 million tonnes this year

China fears stagnant grain production will lead to a shortfall in supply of at least 20 million tonnes this year.

Viral meningitis epidemic spreads in Bosnian town

Another nine cases, including eight children, of the potentially deadly viral meningitis have been reported in Bosnia's northern town of Banja Luka since Friday when authorities proclaimed an epidemic.

Food Fact:
Be skeptical of "superjuices."


So-called "enhanced" drinks may have less than meets the eye. The amount of ginseng in your water, ginkgo in your iced tea or echinacea in your juice is far below the recommended levels claimed to affect energy, memory, immunity or anything else. The problem for drinkmakers: Often, adding enough would affect taste.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Asphalt-y logic?


Choosing the right running surface goes a long way toward protecting your knees. Find a grass, dirt, all-weather track or some other soft surface if you want to pick up the pace of your workout and run. Avoid asphalt it increases the impact on your joints -- and your chance of injuries, sore knees and shin splints.

FAQ of the day:
Do children need whole milk?


Children only need whole milk until age 2. Up to that age, infants and toddlers need more fat, from a variety of sources, than the rest of us. One reason is that their brains are rapidly developing, and brains are made up mostly from fat. Let your infants and toddlers enjoy their whole milk, whole yogurt and other high-fat dairy foods, as well as plenty of other "good" fats in tofu, fish, nuts and seeds, for example, up to age 2. After that, gradually switch to dairy foods that reduce saturated fat.

Monday, June 20, 2005

Health Headlines - June 20

Cooling Cap for Newborns Closer to Market

A cap that chills the brains of oxygen-deprived newborns was given a preliminary blessing by a group of scientific advisors for the FDA, which ruled on Friday that the device might help prevent brain damage in these infants.

The Associated Press reported that the ruling moves the "Cool-Cap" closer to market, although the advisors noted the device would have to be sold under strict conditions to guarantee the technology doesn't cause harm.

The FDA does not have to follow the recommendations of its advisors, but it usually does, according to the AP. Mild hypothermia, where the body is cooled by only a few degrees, has improved the chances of complete recovery in adult heart attack patients. The procedure reduces the brain's need for oxygen, and stalls a cascade of events that can lead to further damage once blood flow returns to the brain.

The cap, which is strapped to the newborn's head, has water channels running through it. Cold water rushes through the cap for 72 hours, causing the baby's temperature to drop to 94 degrees. Afterwards, the newborn's body temperature is restored to normal levels. In research on 218 newborns, 45 percent of those treated with the cap survived without brain damage, compared to 34 percent of the babies who were given standard treatment.

Medical Marijuana Available in Oregon Again

Oregon has begun issuing medical marijuana cards again, after the state's attorney general decided to ignore a Supreme Court ruling that would allow federal prosecution of those possessing the drug.

At the same time, the Associated Press reported, the state warned that those who participate in the program will not be protected from prosecution if the federal government decides to take action. Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that federal drug laws supersede medical marijuana laws in the 11 states that have them. Oregon stopped sending out cards, but continued to process applications while Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers examined the legal ramifications of the ruling, the AP reported.

Myers concluded that the Supreme Court decision did not invalidate Oregon's medial marijuana program, so the state's Human Services Department on Friday began mailing out about 550 registration cards. The AP reported that more than 10,000 patients have registered for the state's medical marijuana program. A doctor has to state that a patient needs the drug for pain relief from cancer, glaucoma, AIDS or severe pain, among other things.

Number of Babies Born HIV Positive Plummets in Florida

In a sign that the battle against AIDS is being won one at least one front, Florida reported Friday that the number of babies being born HIV positive has dropped dramatically in the past 10 years.

As a matter of fact, there have been no babies born HIV-positive so far this year in the state, the Associated Press reported. Florida Health Secretary John Agwunobi said the startling statistics show that more pregnant women are getting tested and that antiretroviral drugs used both during pregnancy and childbirth are making a difference.

"It's a huge AIDS success story," Florida Department of Health's HIV/AIDS Bureau Chief Tom Liberti told the AP.

The trend may be similar nationwide, although the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn't have figures that are as fresh as the Florida statistics. However, mother-to-baby transmission of the virus in 2000 was down about 80 percent from its peak in the early 1990s.

Guidant Recalls 50,000 Heart Defibrillators

The FDA and Guidant Corp. are recalling 50,000 implantable cardiac defibrillators that may malfunction, the company announced Friday. Most of the devices have already been implanted, the Associated Press said.

Defibrillators shock an irregularly beating heart back into a normal rhythm. Guidant models recalled include the Prizm 2 DR, Contak Renewal, Contak Renewal 2, Ventak Prizm ADT, Vitality AVT, Renewal 3 AVT, and Renewal 4 AVT. The company said it has at least 45 reports of failure, resulting in at least two recent deaths, the AP reported.

The company has come under fire for failing to alert doctors to the potential problems, and for allegedly selling older models for months after redesigning the way they were made. Guidant told The New York Times that it continued to sell the older models because it believed the devices were reliable, HealthDay reported June 2.

Guidant advises anyone who received an affected model to see their doctors at least every three months, and to consult their doctor immediately if they've received a defibrillator shock, the AP said.

FDA Limits Access to Lung Cancer Drug

The FDA has approved new labeling for the last-chance lung cancer drug Iressa (gefitinib), saying that after Sept. 15 the medicine should be limited only to patients who are already benefiting from its use, the agency announced Friday.

The AstraZeneca drug, approved in May 2003 for people with non-small cell lung cancer, failed to significantly extend survival among participants in 1,692-patient clinical trials. Only about 10 percent of users responded to it, the FDA said, noting that later research indicated the drug seemed to work better in people with a specific gene mutation.

Since Iressa's approval, a newer medicine -- Genentech's Tarceva (erlotinib) -- in the same class of drugs was shown to improve overall survival, the FDA said.

Some 4,000 Americans are taking Iressa, the Associated Press reported. It was approved under an FDA program that lets promising therapies sell before researchers ultimately determine whether they improve patient survival, the AP said.

People Over Age 50 Should Take Daily Aspirin: Study

Daily, low-dose aspirin should be taken by people 50 years and older to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, says an article in the British Medical Journal.

"The possibility that a simple, daily, inexpensive low-dose pill would achieve a reduction in vascular events, and might achieve reductions in cancer and dementia without the need for screening, deserves serious consideration," Peter Elwood, chairman of the Welsh Aspirin Group at Cardiff University in Penarth, Wales, said in a prepared statement.

He and his colleagues concluded that by age 50, 80 percent of men and 50 percent of women reach a risk level for heart attack and stroke that requires daily aspirin. They said that between 90 percent and 95 percent of people could take low-dose aspirin without experiencing any problems, Bloomberg news reported.

The Welsh Aspirin Group was established by the Aspirin Foundation to promote the use of aspirin.

Colin Baigent of the Oxford Radcliffe Infirmary expressed concerns about the use of daily, low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke.

"A recommendation that aspirin be used for primary prevention of vascular disease in unselected people over a certain age could result in net harm, and we must have very good evidence to the contrary before instituting such a policy," Baigent wrote in the same issue of the journal.

Food Fact:
Protect your baby!


Moms-to-be need to keep certain foods off-limits. Alcohol, caffeine and artificial sweeteners top the list; take a timeout until after your pregnancy. Ditto for soft cheeses (feta, goat, brie, camembert, blue-veined cheeses such as Roquefort, and all cheeses with unpasteurized milk or milk products; raw, rare or smoked fish, poultry or meat (sushi, tartar, carpaccio, smoked salmon); deli meats and cold cuts; and fish with high mercury levels.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Easy steps for weight loss.


Want to burn 160 calories in 30 minutes? You don't even need a gym! All you have to do is walk -- a great way to tone up, decrease your risk of heart disease and colon cancer, and help control your weight. A 150-lb. person, walking briskly for 30 minutes, can burn 160 calories.

FAQ of the day:
How does dairy fit into a diet?


They can make it easier -- or make it harder. The key is dairy fat, which, like all fat, has lots of calories. An 8-oz. glass of whole milk has 150 calories, while the same amount of fat-free milk has only 85. Similarly, a 1/4 cup of regular sour cream has 100 calories, while the same amount of fat-free sour cream has only 70. Your best bet is to make sure all your diary products are low-fat (no more than 3 grams total per serving) or fat-free.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Health Headlines - June 19

Medical Marijuana Available in Oregon Again

Oregon began issuing medical marijuana cards again on Friday, after the state's attorney general decided to ignore a Supreme Court ruling that would allow federal prosecution of those possessing the drug.

At the same time, the Associated Press reported, the state warned that those who participate in the program will not be protected from prosecution if the federal government decides to take action. Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that federal drug laws supersede medical marijuana laws in the 11 states that have them. Oregon stopped sending out cards, but continued to process applications while Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers examined the legal ramifications of the ruling, the AP reported.

Myers concluded that the Supreme Court decision did not invalidate Oregon's medial marijuana program, so the state's Human Services Department on Friday began mailing out about 550 registration cards. The AP reported that more than 10,000 patients have registered for the state's medical marijuana program. A doctor has to state that a patient needs the drug for pain relief from cancer, glaucoma, AIDS or severe pain, among other things.

Number of Babies Born HIV Positive Plummets in Florida

In a sign that the battle against AIDS is being won one at least one front, Florida reported Friday that the number of babies being born HIV positive has dropped dramatically in the past 10 years.

As a matter of fact, there have been no babies born HIV-positive so far this year in the state, the Associated Press reported. Florida Health Secretary John Agwunobi said the startling statistics show that more pregnant women are getting tested and that antiretroviral drugs used both during pregnancy and childbirth are making a difference.

"It's a huge AIDS success story," Florida Department of Health's HIV/AIDS Bureau Chief Tom Liberti told the AP.

The trend may be similar nationwide, although the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn't have figures that are as fresh as the Florida statistics. However, mother-to-baby transmission of the virus in 2000 was down about 80 percent from its peak in the early 1990s.

Guidant Recalls 38,000 Heart Defibrillators

The FDA and Guidant Corp. are recalling 38,000 implantable cardiac defibrillators that may malfunction, the company announced Friday. Most of the devices have already been implanted, the Associated Press said.

Defibrillators shock an irregularly beating heart back into a normal rhythm. Guidant models recalled include the Prizm 2 DR, Contak Renewal, Contak Renewal 2, Ventak Prizm ADT, Vitality AVT, Renewal 3 AVT, and Renewal 4 AVT. The company said it has at least 45 reports of failure, resulting in at least two recent deaths, the AP reported.

The company has come under fire for failing to alert doctors to the potential problems, and for allegedly selling older models for months after redesigning the way they were made. Guidant told The New York Times that it continued to sell the older models because it believed the devices were reliable, HealthDay reported June 2.

Guidant advises anyone who received an affected model to see their doctors at least every three months, and to consult their doctor immediately if they've received a defibrillator shock, the AP said.

FDA Limits Access to Lung Cancer Drug

The FDA has approved new labeling for the last-chance lung cancer drug Iressa (gefitinib), saying that after Sept. 15 the medicine should be limited only to patients who are already benefiting from its use, the agency announced Friday.

The AstraZeneca drug, approved in May 2003 for people with non-small cell lung cancer, failed to significantly extend survival among participants in 1,692-patient clinical trials. Only about 10 percent of users responded to it, the FDA said, noting that later research indicated the drug seemed to work better in people with a specific gene mutation.

Since Iressa's approval, a newer medicine -- Genentech's Tarceva (erlotinib) -- in the same class of drugs was shown to improve overall survival, the FDA said.

Some 4,000 Americans are taking Iressa, the Associated Press reported. It was approved under an FDA program that lets promising therapies sell before researchers ultimately determine whether they improve patient survival, the AP said.

People Over Age 50 Should Take Daily Aspirin: Study

Daily, low-dose aspirin should be taken by people 50 years and older to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, says an article in the British Medical Journal.

"The possibility that a simple, daily, inexpensive low-dose pill would achieve a reduction in vascular events, and might achieve reductions in cancer and dementia without the need for screening, deserves serious consideration," Peter Elwood, chairman of the Welsh Aspirin Group at Cardiff University in Penarth, Wales, said in a prepared statement.

He and his colleagues concluded that by age 50, 80 percent of men and 50 percent of women reach a risk level for heart attack and stroke that requires daily aspirin. They said that between 90 percent and 95 percent of people could take low-dose aspirin without experiencing any problems, Bloomberg news reported.

The Welsh Aspirin Group was established by the Aspirin Foundation to promote the use of aspirin.

Colin Baigent of the Oxford Radcliffe Infirmary expressed concerns about the use of daily, low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke.

"A recommendation that aspirin be used for primary prevention of vascular disease in unselected people over a certain age could result in net harm, and we must have very good evidence to the contrary before instituting such a policy," Baigent wrote in the same issue of the journal.

Boston and Boulder Lead U.S. in Marijuana Use

Boston and Boulder, Colo., lead the United States in marijuana use, while northwestern Iowa and southern Texas have the lowest marijuana use rates, according to a new federal government report.

The report, which looked at the regional use of drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and other legal and illegal substances, found that 5.1 percent of people in the United States reported using marijuana in the previous 30 days, the Associated Press reported.

In Boston, 12.2 percent of people reported using marijuana in the previous 30 days. The rate was 10.3 percent in Boulder County in Colorado.

The data came from 1999 to 2001 national surveys.

Food Fact:
Spice up your lunch.


Low-fat doesn't mean low flavor, if you know how to accessorize. Go all out to garnish sandwiches, leftovers, salads and soups with foods that add flavor and nutrition: Dark green lettuces, tomatoes, bell pepper strips, sprouts, shredded cabbage, mandarin oranges, diced mango and more.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Chocolate on a diet!


Yes, you can find 25-calorie treats! The trick for dieters who get tripped up by feelings of deprivation is learning to indulge in favorites wisely rather than swearing them off entirely. If you love chocolate, a kiss has only 25 calories, compared to 270 in a chocolate bar. For many, such substitutions make them more likely to stick to a healthier eating plan. But everyone is different: If you find that "just a little" leads to a lot, stay away from temptation, at least for awhile.

FAQ of the day:
Do I have to give up carbs if my triglycerides are high?


A high level of triglycerides, or blood fats, can contribute to heart disease and diabetes. Weight loss brings down triglyceride levels, so your top priority should be controlling calories. Cutting excess refined carbs is a quick way to cut calories; if you eat lots of sweets, white bread and oversized portions of pasta, cut way back and replace them with fruit, whole-wheat bread and smaller portions of pasta. Then eat lots and lots of vegetables, which help protect you against heart disease. Cut back on artery-clogging saturated fats from meat and dairy or hydrogenated fats from processed foods, and make sure you get some "good" fats. Eating more fatty fish and cooking with a little olive or canola oil will also lower your triglycerides -- as long as you limit overall calories.