Saturday, July 16, 2005

Health Headlines - July 16

U.S. girls weight gain blamed on drop in exercise

Adolescent girls in the United States are putting on weight because they are doing less physical activity than they did as children, according to a study released on Friday.

Washing hands with soap cuts diseases in children

Washing hands with soap can halve the number of young children suffering from pneumonia, the leading killer of youngsters under 5 years old worldwide.

Video games have therapeutic potential -expert

Parents take note -- video games are not all bad.

In young children and adolescents they can lead to excessive use and aggressive behavior but a leading expert said Friday that the games ease pain, distract patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and help to develop dexterity.

Forest Labs to continue Alzheimer drug work

Forest Laboratories Inc. on Thursday said it would continue developing its experimental treatment for Alzheimer's disease based on new clinical trial results.

Scientists decode three deadly parasite genomes

Three parasites that sicken or kill millions of people in the developing world every year have been genetically sequenced and are giving up clues that could be used to fight them, scientists said.

US group: Merck wrongly relied on Vioxx animal data

Merck & Co. Inc. knowingly put patients at risk by relying on limited animal studies to claim its arthritis drug Vioxx would not harm the heart and ignoring human data that suggested otherwise, a U.S. advocacy group said.

Weighted backpack device helps reduce fall risk

Elderly women with curved spines may be able to improve their balance and lower their risk of falls by using a weighted support device for their backs and participating in an exercise program, according to new study findings.

Risks associated with blood thinners rise with age

The risk of bleeding and thromboembolism (blood clots) in people who use anticoagulants increases with age, according to a new study.

Social cruelty is largely learned, not inherited

Children who ostracize or gossip about other kids have likely picked up that behavior from their peers, families or teachers, according to new study findings.

Low-dose OCs reduce painful periods

Low-dose oral contraceptives (OCs) may relieve painful menstruation in adolescent girls, according to study findings published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology this month.

Food Fact:
Juice vs. fruit.


A piece of fresh fruit has one key advantage over a glass of juice. When you eat an orange, an apple or a grapefruit, you're getting fiber, which isn't there in a glass of juice. Not only does fiber play a major role against diabetes and heart disease, but it fills you up with fewer calories, helping you control your weight. Fruit juices also tend to be high in added sugar. Citrus fruits in particular are loaded with antioxidant, cancer-preventing compounds, and they're bursting with vitamin C, folate and potassium.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Make a cardio-commute.


You're going to work anyway -- be creative, and you can squeeze in a little effortless exercise on the way. In the morning, walk or ride your bike to the train station or bus stop, or hop off the bus a few blocks from your normal stop and walk the rest of the way. At work, try talking the talk as you walk the walk. Suggest to your boss that you take your brainstorming sessions outside for a walk around the block or a stroll through the halls.

FAQ of the day:
Should I buy fat-free soy milk?


It's not a good idea; fat-free soy milk lacks the beneficial soy isoflavones. If you're concerned about the calories in whole soy milk, switch to 1%.

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