Health Headlines - July 22

Benign breast disease, family history studied

Women diagnosed with the most common form of benign breast disease but who do not have a strong family history of breast cancer have no heightened risk of developing a tumor, according to a new study.

Wife influences husband's marijuana use - study

A newlywed wife can help determine whether her husband smokes marijuana, U.S. researchers said.

Estrogen gene helps explain some infertility-study

Fertility drugs may not help certain women if they lack a certain estrogen-related gene, scientists studying mice suggested.

U.S. lawmakers renew call for abortion-pill ban

Several conservative lawmakers urged Congress to order a halt to sales of the abortion pill RU-486 and require further safety review after the drug's maker announced that five women taking it had died from bacterial infections.

Cosmetic surgery firm riles Spanish nurses
Spain's nurses have told a cosmetic surgery firm to apologize after it paraded 50 mini-skirted models, sporting uniforms and stethoscopes, onto the stock market for its share launch.

Chiron flu vaccine supply short outside U.S.

Troubled flu vaccine maker Chiron Corp. on Wednesday said it is unable to supply a German-made flu vaccine in key European markets for the 2005-2006 season, days after reporting it would slash production due to potential contamination at a German plant.

Chronically tired? Help may be at hand

Help may finally be at hand for sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) thanks to a group of British researchers who have found abnormalities in the white blood cells of the afflicted.

Molecular link between obesity and diabetes found

Scientists have discovered a molecular link between obesity and type 2 diabetes that could be a potential target for new drugs to treat the disease.

Food Fact:
Smashing!

To get the most from garlic, you may have to rough it up a little. When you cook garlic, cut it, smash it and then let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows plenty of time for the formation of garlic's mother compound, allicin, the sulfur compound that gives garlic its unique potential benefits, including an ability to inhibit blood clots. Raw and cooked garlic may reduce elevated blood cholesterol and blood pressure. In population studies, people who eat more alliums (garlic family members) have lower rates of stomach and other cancers; indeed, just one clove of garlic a day can lower the risk. Raw garlic and onion kill bacteria and fungi, making them natural antibiotics. When buying garlic, choose firm heavy heads and store in an open container in a cool, dry place.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Be a road scholar.

It's easy to find out where you can work out on a business trip, if you know where to look online. Before you leave, go to a travel or city guide Web site for your destination and research the parks, community centers, tracks and fitness centers where you can get a little exercise. Nothing boosts your energy, creativity and effectiveness on the road like a workout. Bonus: Explore the local jogging paths, and you'll get a taste of city life you'll never find in a hotel or pitch meeting.

FAQ of the day:
How can I get heart-healthy omega-3s without fish?

First, make sure you include plant sources of omega-3s every day. It's also important to limit the amount of highly polyunsaturated oils in your diet, because they compete with omega-3s. Olive oil is a safe choice. Plant-based sources of omega-3s such as English walnuts, soy foods, flax seeds and leafy green vegetables.