Friday, June 03, 2005

Health Headlines - June 3

U.N.: Goal to Halt AIDS Spread Unrealistic

The United Nations' top HIV/AIDS official acknowledged at a conference Thursday that it was no longer realistic to hope that the world will meet its goal of halting and reversing the spread of the pandemic by 2015.

Chemotherapy Combo Increases Breast Cancer Survival

A combination of chemotherapy drugs can increase the five-year survival rate of women with node-positive breast cancer by about 7 percent, a new study finds.

New Pertussis Vaccine Effective in Teens, Adults

A new vaccine is highly effective against pertussis -- also called whooping cough -- a disease that not only poses problems for infants but is increasingly common among U.S. teens and adults, researchers report.

Health Tip: Living With One Kidney

About one of every 750 people lives with only one kidney, leaving one of the body-cleansing organs to do the work of two.

Health Tip: Got Lactose Intolerance?

Lots of people have lactose intolerance, but it need not pose a serious threat to good health, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) says.

Talking Together Brings Comfort to Terminally Ill

While the adage "life is short" may seem true for everyone, no one understands this better than those facing a terminal illness. In the time they have left, serious, unsettling questions regarding spirituality, relationships and identity can weigh heavily on their minds.

Daily Painkiller May Slow Spinal Arthritis

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis targeting the spine, showed a slowing of disease progression when they took a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever (NSAID) regularly rather than whenever they happened to feel pain, French researchers report.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Yields Up Its Secrets

A protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is linked with a deficiency of male sex hormones in people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a European study.

Drug Regimen Extends Lung Cancer Patients' Lives

A new drug treatment regimen appears to improve lung cancer survival, researchers report.

Pesticides Cause Lasting Damage to Rats' Sperm

Pregnant rats exposed to environmental toxins gave birth to four generations of males with decreased sperm function, a new study reports.

Rock-a-Bye, Babies

The hand that rocks the cradle may also trigger a lifelong love of music, rhythm and dance, a new Canadian study finds.

Experts Say No to Estrogen After Hysterectomy

Postmenopausal women who've had a hysterectomy should not routinely take estrogen replacement therapy to prevent osteoporosis, stroke or heart disease, according to a new recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Eye Allergies Can Spur Corneal Transplant Failure

Research in mice suggests that people with eye allergies who receive corneal transplants are at much higher risk of transplant failure than people without these types of allergies.

Food Fact:
Take a veg pledge.


Put just a few more veggies on your plate, and you can reduce your disease risk. People who live in regions where vegetable consumption is greatest live the longest. How can you eat more veggies? Toss a bag of baby carrots into your bag or briefcase, and nibble on them throughout the day. Add frozen vegetables to canned soup. Add crunch and brilliant green color to salads with snow peas and sugar snap peas -- first cook them briefly, then refresh them under cold running water.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Pre-wedding vows.


Instead of gifts of jewelry for your wedding party, give the gift of health. Buy short-term health club memberships for your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Just don't lose too many inches before the fitting!

FAQ of the day:
Does eating more soy cut my risk of cancer?


It's the shock of the new: Your family may be reacting to the unfamiliar sight and texture of those little white squares, or feeling they're being denied the meat they enjoyed. So maybe you should try something a little less jarring. One idea: Make shakes in the blender with silken tofu, which is softer and creamier than regular tofu. Blend 1/2 cup of silken tofu, one cup of frozen raspberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 cup of low-fat milk or soy milk in a blender until smooth. Of course, you can use different fruits and fruit combinations, such as blueberries, strawberries, peaches and bananas. If you don't tell them it's a soy shake, they'd probably never even suspect it.

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