Health Headlines - August 3

Got GERD? Weight Loss May Help

It's well known that too much weight can raise a person's risk of heart disease and diabetes. Now, researchers report that too many pounds can also contribute to symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disorder, commonly known as GERD.

Study Links Tobacco Smoke With Belly Fat

Exposure to cigarette smoke raises the risk among teens of metabolic syndrome, a disorder associated with excess belly fat that increases the chances of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, according to a study.

Oklahoma Trails in Breast-Feeding Stats

Preconceptions about breast-feeding and barriers to continuing after a return to work or school are the main reasons Oklahoma mothers don't try it even once, a newly released study by the Oklahoma State Health Department shows.

FDA Approves Celebrex for Spinal Arthritis

Pfizer Inc. said Monday the Food and Drug Administration approved and finalized prescription information of painkiller Celebrex for the treatment of pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the spine.

How to ID, Treat Sports Hernias Disputed

For nine months, Michael Joyce played high school football and then ran track despite groin pain so bad he could barely get out of bed the next day. Finally doctors diagnosed a sports hernia, a complaint among professional athletes that's now hitting younger athletes and weekend warriors, too.

Cut in Doctors' Medicare Payments Proposed

The federal government proposed on Monday reducing payments to doctors through Medicare by about 4.3 percent next year.

Cost of Electronic Record Keeping May Soar

President Bush's proposal to create a national network of electronic health records could cost more than $200 billion initially to build and operate, researchers said Monday.

For Toned Look, Some Teens Use Supplements

Getting a sculpted look is a goal for many U.S. teens -- and while some are using dangerous supplements to get it, sizable numbers of girls and boys are engaging in more healthy strength-training, a survey found.

Food Fact:
Sprig fever!

Parsley isn't just pretty on the plate -- the green herb may help keep you in the pink. Parsley is rich in potassium, vitamins C and A, folic acid, iron and copper. It also contains phytochemicals that may have cancer-fighting and heart-protective properties. Research into these potential health benefits is in its infancy, however, and there's no data directly relating parsley consumption and lowered disease risk. To wash fresh parsley, dunk the leaves in a large bowl of cold water. Shake off the excess, wrap in paper towels and refrigerate in a plastic bag. It'll keep for several days. Add larger quantities to pilafs, potatoes, egg dishes and vegetable sautes shortly before you finish cooking for a nutritious boost that's not just cosmetic.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Speak up.

Chatting on the phone? It's the perfect time to get active! Stand up, switch the phone to speaker, and pace during long conversations and conference calls. While your hands are free, try a little lifting with a dumbbell set.

FAQ of the day:
How do I know if I have Type 2 diabetes?

The initial symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are far less severe than those of Type 1. In fact, it is estimated that half the Americans who have Type 2 diabetes don't even know it. But early diagnosis is extremely important. Left uncontrolled, Type 2 diabetes silently damages the body's large blood vessels. One reason we didn't hear much about Type 2 diabetes in the past was that many deaths related to it were blamed on heart disease. Talk to your doctor, and above all else, strive to maintain a healthy weight.