Health Headlines - July 12

Spain to allow therapeutic cloning, minister says

Spain plans to introduce legislation allowing therapeutic cloning, its Health Minister said on Monday, a decision likely to bring a new clash between the governing Socialists and the Roman Catholic church.

More fast food means more calories, fat, salt

Girls who frequently eat fast food also consume significantly more fat, calories and sodium overall than girls who order fast food less often, study findings show.

Diabetes ups incontinence risk for older women

More than half of postmenopausal women have had a recent episode of urinary incontinence, according to new research, and the severity of symptoms increases with a history of diabetes.

Heart failure major burden on U.S. health

Findings from a study conducted in Worcester, Massachusetts, confirm that heart failure is an important cause of death and disability.

Targeted exercise may prevent hip fractures

Exercise that targets a weak region of the hipbone may help prevent fractures, but simple walking will not, new research indicates.

If one antidepressant doesn't work, try another

Not everyone with depression will respond to a particular antidepressant medication, but there's a good chance that a second or third choice will be effective, researchers have found.

Chronic anger, hostility may make you sick

People who are hostile or angry for longer periods of time are more at risk of health problems, according to a review of recent literature on anger and health.

Shedding a pound may ease stress on arthritic knees

For overweight people hobbled by knee arthritis, losing even one pound can diminish the stress the knees take with every step, a new study shows.

Surgery helps avoid amputations in diabetics

People with diabetes face a high risk of having to have a foot or lower leg amputated, but timely surgery may prevent this. When bone inflammation -- osteomyelitis -- occurs in the foot and toes, surgery to remove dead areas and to restore circulation can spare more extensive amputations, according to a new report.

Child's birthweight tied to parents' heart risks

A new study has found that the parents of children born at a lower weight may have an increased risk of dying from heart disease or stroke -- suggesting that common genetic factors may underlie both birthweight and cardiovascular disease.

Food Fact:
Go bananas.

Smart bakers have a bunch of tricks for cutting fat using this versatile fruit. Mash very ripe bananas into a puree, and you can use it to replace half to 3/4 of the fat in your favorite muffin or quick bread recipe. As if that alone wasn't enough of a heart-healthy improvement, bananas are chock full of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Just be aware they're a little high in calories and sugar compared to most other fruits -- a medium-sized banana has about 110 calories, a "super-sized" one may have twice that.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Shop 'til you drop...pounds.

When you walk around the mall, you'll get more than you bargained for: A leg up on fitness. Mall walking is a perfect way to make exercise feel less like a chore and more a part of daily life. Shopping centers are heated in winter, air-conditioned in summer, safe, well lit, and free of snapping dogs and pollen. Not only will you burn calories and tone your legs, if you maintain good posture when you walk, you'll give your abs a workout. Keep yourself straight up while holding in your ab muscles; every step becomes a mini sit-up. Most of us lean forward when we walk, but we can catch ourselves easily at the mall: Just check your posture in your reflection in the windows.

FAQ of the day:
Is grilling safe?

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