Health Headlines - October 31

More Young Adults Take Cholesterol, Blood Pressure Drugs

The number of young American adults taking cholesterol and blood pressure medications is increasing rapidly, even faster than rates among seniors, says a study released Tuesday by prescription benefit manager Medco Health Solutions Inc.

Between 2001 and 2006, the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs among Medco clients ages 20 to 44 went from 2.5 percent to 4 percent, a 68 percent increase. Translated nationally, that means about 4.2 million Americans in that age group now take cholesterol-lowering drugs, the Associated Press reported.

The study also found that the use of blood pressure medicines by people in that age group went from 7 percent in 2001 to more than 8 percent in 2006, a 21 percent increase. That suggests that about 8.5 million Americans ages 20 to 44 take blood pressure drugs.

Among Americans 65 and older, the use of cholesterol drugs increased 52 percent and the use of blood pressure drugs increased by 9.5 percent over the same period, the AP reported.

Higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol among young adults, along with more aggressive preventive treatment by doctors, are likely behind that age group's increased use of these drugs, according to experts.

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Concurrent Sexual Partnerships Common Among U.S. Men

Over a one-year period, about 11 percent of 4,928 men included in a study had concurrent sexual relationships, say University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers. They said this type of behavior may be an important contributing factor to the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Rates of concurrent sexual partnerships were higher among black and Hispanic men than in other groups, according to the study. The study also found that men with concurrent partners were more likely: to be unmarried; to have been in jail in the past year; to have had sex while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol; to have had sex with other men; and to have female sex partners who also have concurrent sexual partners.

"All of these findings are cause for concern, because each by itself increases the risk of HIV transmission," lead author Dr. Adaora Adimora, an associate professor in the schools of medicine and public health, said in a prepared statement. "By connecting more people to each other and to people with these risky behaviors, concurrent partnerships may be an important factor in the spread of HIV infection in the United States and in continuing the epidemic transmission of HIV among blacks and Hispanics."

The study is published in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

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U.S. Nursing Home Monthly Rates Increased 3 Percent in 2007

In 2007, the cost of private and semi-private nursing home rooms in the United States increased an average of three percent, says a survey released Tuesday by the MetLife Mature Market Institute.

The average cost of a private room in 2007 was $213 a day ($77,745 a year), compared with $206 a day in 2006. A semi-private room cost $189 a day in 2007, compared to $183 a day the previous year.

Alaska had the highest nursing home rates ($510 daily) in 2007, while Baton Rouge, La., had the lowest rates ($123 daily).

Assisted living rates remained virtually unchanged, from $2,968 monthly in 2006 to $2,969 a month ($35,628 yearly) in 2007. Assisted living rates were highest in the Washington, D.C., area ($5,031 monthly) and lowest in Indianapolis ($1,963 monthly).

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Wyeth Recalls Several Cold Medicines

Due to a dosing cup problem, New Jersey-based drug maker Wyeth on Monday announced a U.S.-wide voluntary recall and replacement program of several nonprescription cold medicines.

The products -- Robitussin Cough DM, Robitussin Cough & Cold CF, Robitussin Cough & Congestion, Robitussin Head & Chest Congestion PE, Robitussin Cough Sugar Free DM, and Children's Dimetapp Cough & Congestion -- come with dosing caps that don't mark the half-teaspoon level recommended for children ages 2 to 5, the Associated Press reported.

Wyeth said consumers with children ages 2 to 5 should not use these products until replacement products with a new dosage cup are available. These products will start appearing on store shelves in early November but it will take a few months to replace the several million products currently in circulation.

No injuries related to the dosing cup issue have been reported and there is no reason for consumers to seek a refund, Wyeth spokesman Doug Petkus told the AP.

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Transplant Drug May Cause Birth Defects, Miscarriages, FDA Warns

CellCept -- an immune system-suppressing drug used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients -- may cause birth defects and miscarriages, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Monday. The drug is also prescribed to some lupus patients who can't tolerate chemotherapy.

The FDA also said CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil), made by Roche Holding of Switzerland, may also lower blood levels of hormones in birth control, which may reduce their effectiveness at preventing pregnancy, the Associated Press reported.

Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test within a week of starting to take CellCept, and must use effective contraception and receive birth control counseling, the FDA said.

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Impaired Driving Common Among High School Seniors

Nearly one-third (30 percent) of American high school seniors said they'd driven after heavy drug or alcohol use or had been in a car with an impaired driver at least once within the previous two weeks, according to a 2006 survey funded by the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

"These findings are another wake-up call that we cannot afford to be complacent about this great public health risk. This study shows that not only are too many teens putting themselves at risk by driving under the influence of drugs, but that there has been little improvement in the past six years," Elias A. Zerhouni, director of the National Institutes of Health, said in a prepared statement.

Rates of impaired driving among teens declined from 35 percent to 31 percent between 2001 and 2003, and leveled off at just under 30 percent between 2004 and 2006.

The survey appears in the November issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

"Most teens are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, yet many ignore it. And many don't seem to recognize the dangers of drinking and driving after using illicit drugs, including marijuana," NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow said in a prepared statement. "Educational efforts need to be targeted to include the dangers of both drinking and drugged driving."

Health Tips for October 31

Health Tip: Protect Your Joints

Osteoarthritis, a disease of the joints, can be triggered by injury and overuse, by obesity, and by musculoskeletal problems.

Here are ways to help protect your joints, courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation:

* As excess weight can cause stress and excess wear and tear on joints, keep your body at a healthy weight.
* Get regular exercise to strengthen muscles that surround and protect the joints.
* Practice good posture.
* Be careful when lifting or carrying heavy objects.
* Don't ignore pain. When something starts to hurt, stop activity or exercise to prevent strain or injury.
* Don't stay in one position for too long. Try to move the body's joints and muscles regularly.
* Always wear protective equipment, including helmets and wrist pads, when appropriate.

Health Tip: Taking Care of Braces

Braces can harbor food particles and bacteria that can damage and decay teeth. So, it's especially important to take good care of your teeth while wearing braces.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:

* Brush after every meal.
* Limit candy, sodas and juices in your diet. When you do have them, be sure to brush your teeth right after you finish eating.
* Floss teeth regularly with a special floss for braces, which your orthodontist can recommend.
* Rinse your teeth regularly with fluoride.
* Avoid foods that are very hard, chewy or sticky, as they can damage your braces.

Health Headlines - October 30

China Arrests 774 People in Food and Drug Safety Crackdown

Chinese authorities have arrested 774 people over the past two months, as part of the government's crackdown on the production of tainted drugs, food and agricultural products, The New York Times reported.

The Chinese government said the arrests -- made during nationwide inspections of thousands of wholesale food markets, food and drug manufacturing facilities, and restaurants -- marked a major advance in efforts to improve food and drug safety.

The arrests were announced on the weekend and posted on the Chinese government Web site Monday. But the government didn't provide many details about the types or seriousness of the food and drug safety infractions committed by the suspects, the Times said.

In response to charges that many Chinese companies are producing and exporting tainted goods, Chinese officials said earlier this year that they were going to overhaul food and drug safety rules and get tough with illegal manufacturers and exporters.

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Many Interstitial Cystitis Patients Frustrated, Depressed

Many women with interstitial cystitis (IC) suffer frustration and emotional distress, according to a survey released Monday by the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH).

The painful and often debilitating chronic condition occurs when the bladder lining becomes irritated and inflamed, causing symptoms such as: pain in the pelvis, bladder, back or thighs; increased need to urinate frequently or urgently; and pain during/after sexual intercourse.

The survey of 589 self-identified IC patients found that 95 percent felt frustrated dealing with the condition and its symptoms, and 85 percent said they'd been annoyed or angry, 75 percent reported feeling depressed, and 67 percent felt alone, isolated and embarrassed.

More than half (58 percent) of the respondents said it took a year or more for them to get an IC diagnosis, and 56 percent said they saw three or more health-care professionals before they were diagnosed.

"The face of IC is often hidden because its symptoms often masquerade as other pelvic conditions, making it challenging to accurately diagnose in a timely manner," NPWH President and CEO Susan Wysocki said in a prepared statement.

The group has declared Oct. 31 as the first annual U.S. National Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Day, to help increase public knowledge about the condition.

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Online Drug Chat Draws 36,000 Questions From Students

More than 36,000 questions from students at middle and high schools across the United States were received when U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse experts held the online Drug Facts Chat Day on Oct. 12.

During the 10-hour session, more than 40 experts on addiction issues took turns fielding questions, at times pumping out 6,000 answers an hour. The overwhelming response was not expected.

Marijuana, alcohol and smoking were the focus of about 30 percent (10 percent each) of all the questions. Among other questions:

• More than 600 students asked how they could get help for a friend, and nearly 400 asked about the effects of using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy.
• There were nearly 1,000 questions each on methamphetamine and cocaine, more than 300 on heroin, and more than 200 on mushrooms.
• There were more than 100 questions on inhalants, including gasoline, hairspray and permanent markers.
• At least 50 students asked about steroids and athletic performance.

"The unexpectedly high volume of questions in this chat underscores how much this age group wants fact, not rumor; how much they don't know; and how much their teachers want to help them get the latest scientific information," NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow said in a prepared statement.

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Mother's Smoking Increases Child's Risk of Obesity: Study

Children of women who smoked when they were three months pregnant, or even at an earlier stage of pregnancy, were 2.9 times more likely to be obese at age 9 or 10 than children of non-smoking mothers, says a Japanese study that included about 1,000 youngsters.

The study also found that children of mothers who regularly skipped breakfast during pregnancy were 2.4 times more likely to be obese, Agence France-Presse reported.

In cases where women smoke during pregnancy, children may be deprived of nutrition in the womb and need to stock up on nutrition after they're born, the researchers suggested.

While the study didn't offer conclusive evidence of such an association, the findings do "indicate smoking during pregnancy, even in the early stages, can affect the health of children over a long period of time," said team leader Zentaro Yamagata, professor at Yamanashi University's School of Medicine, AFP reported.

The study was presented last week at a meeting of public health experts in Japan.

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Smoking Increases Psoriasis Risk

Current smokers have a 78 percent increased risk of developing psoriasis, while past smokers have a 37 percent increased risk, say U.S. researchers who identified 887 cases of the skin condition among 79,000 nurses who took part in a 14-year study.

The researchers also found that risk of psoriasis only returns to normal 20 years after kicking the habit, and that people with psoriasis who smoke had more severe disease, BBC News reported.

It's believed that toxins in cigarette smoke may affect parts of the immune system associated with psoriasis, a condition in which the skin replaces itself too quickly.

The research team, led by Dr. Hyon Choi of Harvard Medical School and the University of British Columbia in Canada, also found a link between increased risk of psoriasis and exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy or childhood, BBC News reported.

The study appears in the American Journal of Medicine.

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Organic Foods Have More Antioxidants: Study

Organic food is healthier than non-organic fare, according to a large four-year European Union study that examined fruits, vegetables and cattle from adjacent organic and non-organic sites.

"We have shown there are more of certain nutritionally desirable compounds and less of the baddies in organic foods, or improved amounts of the fatty acids you want and less of those you don't want," said project leader Professor Carlo Leifert of Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, The Scotsman reported.

He said organic fruits and vegetables had up to 40 percent more antioxidants (believed to help prevent disease) than the non-organic versions. Milk from organic cattle contained between 50 percent and 80 percent more antioxidants than normal milk.

Health Tips for October 30

Health Tip: Women and Antibiotics

Antibiotics are safe and effective medications prescribed to treat bacterial infections.

Here are possible side effects that women should be aware of before using these medications, courtesy of the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics:

* Yeast infections.
* Diarrhea, upset stomach and vaginal infections.
* Decreased effectiveness of birth control pills.
* Certain antibiotics should not be taken by a woman who is pregnant or nursing, unless prescribed by a physician who is familiar with the woman's condition.
* Antibiotics can interact with many other medications.

Health Tip: Get Regular Eye Exams

People who may not require contact lenses or glasses still need regular eye exams to diagnose and prevent eye problems.

Fairview Health Services says you should have an eye exam:

* At least once between ages 20 and 29 if you do not wear glasses or contacts.
* At least twice between ages 30 and 39 if you do not wear glasses or contacts.
* Every two to four years between ages 40 and 64.
* Every one to two years after age 65.
* More regularly if you have certain conditions, such as diabetes; risk factors for glaucoma such as family history or being of African-American descent; or symptoms such as blurred vision or eyestrain.

Health Headlines - October 29

Large Percentage of Cancer Patients Not Getting Flu and Pneumonia Vaccine

More than 25 percent of people who need flu and pneumonia vaccines the most aren't getting them, a new study finds.

The subjects in question are cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy whose immune systems have been weakened. That makes them very susceptible to the worst effects of influenza and pneumonia, says research presented Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology in Los Angeles.

According to a society news release, 25 percent of cancer patients over 50-years-old reported having never received the flu vaccine and 36 percent of patients over age 65 said they never received the pneumonia (pneumococcus) vaccine. Both vaccines had been recommended in those age groups by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There were three reasons so many older cancer patients hadnt been vaccinated, the study found:

Patients believed they didn't need the vaccines; they weren't aware of the vaccine guidelines; or their doctors didn't recommend they get vaccinated.

Better communication is obviously needed, the researchers concluded, and they urged oncologists to make it a priority to inform their patients about the need for getting vaccinated.

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Bad Air Quality Threatens Southern Californians in Wake of Wildfires

The latest threat from the wildfires that ravaged much of Southern California during the past week is the soot and dust in the air that makes it difficult to breathe.

The Associated Press reports that as the fierce Santa Ana winds died down, the normal offshore breeze from the Pacific returned, and with it came all the pollutants that had been blown out to sea during the fires.

The air quality was especially bad in San Diego County, where most of the fires were still not under control Saturday, the wire service reported. Representatives of both the American Lung Association and Breathe L.A. advised residents to stay in indoors and use their air conditioning to filter out the dangerous particulates in the air.

The pro football team San Diego Chargers was planning to play a home game Sunday, the A.P. reported, but Ross Porter, a spokesman for the American Lung Association of California is quoted as saying that it might not be a good idea to attend the game. "Sometimes it's better to sit quietly at home and watch it on TV," he said.

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New Football Helmet Design May Bring Dramatic Decline in Concussions

It has taken a former football player to develop a helmet that finally may reduce the number of concussions grid iron athletes suffer, from high school through pro ball.

The New York Times reports that the innovative helmet containing 18 thermoplastic shock absorbers instead of the more conventional foam and urethane was developed by former Harvard quarterback Vin Ferrara.

Ferarra got the idea, the Times says, when he happened to notice the construction of a ribbed, plastic bottle that squirted a saline solution into the sinuses. He started pounding the bottle and found it absorbed blows from all directions and different forces with equal effectiveness.

Laboratory impact tests have proved Ferraras theory, with the new helmet absorbing hundreds of impacts without any degradation.

This design breakthrough has real medical significance, the newspaper says, because studies found that as many as 50 percent of high school players suffer from concussions during the football season.

And for Dr. Robert Cantu of Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston who advised Ferarra during the development of the helmet, the result is "the greatest advance in helmet design in at least 30 years," the Times quotes him as saying.

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Here's a Healthy Recipe Thats Not So 'Nutty' As It First Seems

OK, class, ready for today's quiz?

Which is the healthiest way to eat peanuts?

• A) Salted and roasted
• B) Roasted only
• C) Raw
• D) Boiled

If you're from the South, you may not be surprised that the correct answer is "boiled." But for the rest of America, the idea of eating boiled peanuts as a healthful snack may take some getting used to.

The Birmingham News reports that the latest research from Alabama A&M University scientists in Huntsville shows that boiling peanuts increases the amount of healthy phytochemicals fourfold.

Phytochemicals are high in antioxidants, which fight cancer-causing cells and heart disease. "These things [phytochemicals] are not nutrients; at the same time they have health benefits to humans," co-author Lloyd Walker told the newspaper.

Boiled nuts turn into a mushy mixture that is well-known in many southern communities. Walker told the newspaper it was important not to overcook the nuts, because the phytochemicals would lose their effectiveness.

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CDC Offers Spanish-Language Wildfire Health and Safety Web Site

A Spanish-language Web site that provides information about wildfire-related health issues has been developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The site, which will be updated on a regular basis, includes:

• A link to a Spanish-language fact sheet about wildfires
• Instructions on coping with loss of electricity, including food and water safety tips and information about dealing with heat
• Information on worker safety during fire cleanup
• Mental health resources to help people cope with a disaster or traumatic event
• Audio and video public service announcements about disaster-related health and safety issues
• Links to other Spanish-language wildfire information resources.

The new CDC Web site can be found at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/espanol/

Health Tips for October 29

Health Tips: Household Cleaning

• Read and follow label directions at all times. Disinfectants and disinfectant cleaners are the only products that kill germs—but they only work if the label directions are followed. Products that claim to kill germs must meet efficacy requirements and guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and must be registered with EPA and carry an EPA registration number
on their label.
• Never mix chlorine bleach or any product containing chlorine bleach with ammonia, ammonia-based products or acidic products. The combination can be dangerous… or even deadly.
• Keep chlorinated cleaning products away from food.
• Store cleaning products in areas that are not accessible to young children.
• Do not leave cleaning buckets containing even small amounts of liquid unattended. Empty and thoroughly rinse out buckets after each use.
• Store chlorinated products in their original containers and never remove product labels.
• Immediately dispose of empty household cleaning product containers. Reuse of containers can be a hazard, as label instructions and precautions are often product-specific.

Health Headlines - October 28

Bad Air Quality Threatens Southern Californians in Wake of Wildfires

The latest threat from the wildfires that ravaged much of Southern California during the past week is the soot and dust in the air that makes it difficult to breathe.

The Associated Press reports that as the fierce Santa Ana winds died down, the normal offshore breeze from the Pacific returned, and with it came all the pollutants that had been blown out to sea during the fires.

The air quality was especially bad in San Diego County, where most of the fires were still not under control Saturday, the wire service reported. Representatives of both the American Lung Association and Breathe L.A. advised residents to stay in indoors and use their air conditioning to filter out the dangerous particulates in the air.

The pro football team San Diego Chargers was planning to play a home game Sunday, the A.P. reported, but Ross Porter, a spokesman for the American Lung Association of California is quoted as saying that it might not be a good idea to attend the game. "Sometimes it's better to sit quietly at home and watch it on TV," he said.

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Here's a Healthy Recipe Thats Not So 'Nutty' As It First Seems

OK, class, ready for today's quiz?

Which is the healthiest way to eat peanuts?

• A) Salted and roasted
• B) Roasted only
• C) Raw
• D) Boiled

If you're from the South, you may not be surprised that the correct answer is "boiled." But for the rest of America, the idea of eating boiled peanuts as a healthful snack may take some getting used to.

The Birmingham News reports that the latest research from Alabama A&M University scientists in Huntsville shows that boiling peanuts increases the amount of healthy phytochemicals fourfold.

Phytochemicals are high in antioxidants, which fight cancer-causing cells and heart disease. "These things [phytochemicals] are not nutrients; at the same time they have health benefits to humans," co-author Lloyd Walker told the newspaper.

Boiled nuts turn into a mushy mixture that is well-known in many southern communities. Walker told the newspaper it was important not to overcook the nuts, because the phytochemicals would lose their effectiveness.

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CDC Offers Spanish-Language Wildfire Health and Safety Web Site

A Spanish-language Web site that provides information about wildfire-related health issues has been developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The site, which will be updated on a regular basis, includes:

• A link to a Spanish-language fact sheet about wildfires
• Instructions on coping with loss of electricity, including food and water safety tips and information about dealing with heat
• Information on worker safety during fire cleanup
• Mental health resources to help people cope with a disaster or traumatic event
• Audio and video public service announcements about disaster-related health and safety issues
• Links to other Spanish-language wildfire information resources.

The new CDC Web site can be found at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/espanol/

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Mood Stabilizers Ease Symptoms in Kids with Bipolar Disorder

The mood stabilizer drugs divalproex and lithium significantly improved symptoms in children and adolescents with bipolar I disorder, according to a six-month study of 153 patients, ages 7 to 17. It's the largest pediatric study of its kind to date, the researchers said.

They noted that many psychiatric medications prescribed for children and teens haven't been indicated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in young people.

"Divalproex and lithium are the most widely used mood stabilizers for children and adolescents diagnosed with bipolar disorder," Dr. Robert A. Kowatch, a child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in bipolar and other mood disorders at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, said in a prepared statement.

"Our study now proves that these agents definitely work, which may give clinicians and families peace of mind," he said.

The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Boston.

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Fall Hazard Prompts Baby Seat Recall

Incidents of infants falling and suffering serious head injuries have prompted a recall in the United States of about one million "Baby Sitter" seats made by Bumbo International of South Africa, the Associated Press reported.

There have been 28 reports of infants falling out of the seats, including three cases involving skull fractures, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The agency warned that babies are at risk for serious head injuries when the seats are placed on a table, countertop, chair or other raised surface. When infants sitting in the seats arch their backs, they can flip out of the seats and fall to the floor. Consumers should never use these seats on elevated surfaces, the CPSC said.

The seats, made of a single piece of molded foam, have leg holes and a seat back that wraps completely around the infant, the AP reported. The word "Bumbo" and an image of an elephant are on the front of the seats, which were sold by Target, Sears, Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us, USA Baby and other children's and toy stores across the U.S. from August 2003 through October 2007.

For more more information, call 877-932-8626.

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Study Examines Acne Drug's Effectiveness Against MS

A two-year study of 200 patients in 14 Canadian cities will examine the effectiveness of the oral acne drug minocycline in controlling multiple sclerosis (MS), the Toronto Star reported.

The multi-center trial, announced Thursday, was organized after findings from earlier small studies suggested that minocycline helped patients with the neurodegenerative disease.

Minocycline, a type of antibiotic, has been used for about 30 years to control acne, largely by killing the germs that are thought to cause the skin condition, the Star reported. Researchers believe it's the drug's anti-inflammatory properties that may help slow the progression of MS.

Current MS medications can cost between $18,000 and $40,000 a year, while minocycline costs about $800 a year.

Health Tips for October 28

Health Tips: Stay Ahead of Head Injuries

In 2006, an estimated 1.1 million people were treated at U.S. hospital emergency departments for head injuries related to common household products and settings such as ladders, steps, and showers, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.

The actual number of head injuries suffered by people in their homes is likely greater, since many injuries are treated at doctor's offices and immediate-care centers, or people don't seek any medical treatment, says the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).

Many head injuries are caused by falls, which are the leading cause of death and serious injury among Americans 65 and older. Among older adults, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury, which account for 46 percent of fatal falls among older adults.

In addition, traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and severe injury in children who suffer falls.

Simple precautions can help prevent falls and serious or deadly head injuries, says the AANS, which offers the following safety tips:

• Secure loose electrical cords and put away toys and other items that are lying around on floors, stairs, etc.
• Use safety gates and install window guards to protect young children.
• Secure rugs and lift them periodically to inspect the backing for wear.
• Don't walk on slippery, freshly washed floors and avoid floor waxes.
• Install grab bars and handrails if you are frail or elderly.
• Improve the lighting in your home; dim lighting can increase the risk of falls.
• Install night lights in halls and bathrooms and keep a flashlight near your bed.
• Store items in easy-to-reach places; use stepstools or ladders only when absolutely necessary.
• Check all stair railings and steps.
• Don't wear any clothing that interferes with your vision.
• Wear proper shoes with slip-resistant soles.
• Inspect and remove debris from walkways, driveways, porches and yards.
• In winter, remove ice and snow from areas where people walk.
• Inspect and remove debris from lawns before mowing or gardening.
• Store outdoor equipment properly.
• Make sure ladders are stable and secure before you use them.

Health Headlines - October 27

CDC Offers Spanish-Language Wildfire Health and Safety Web Site

A Spanish-language Web site that provides information about wildfire-related health issues has been developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The site, which will be updated on a regular basis, includes:

• A link to a Spanish-language fact sheet about wildfires
• Instructions on coping with loss of electricity, including food and water safety tips and information about dealing with heat
• Information on worker safety during fire cleanup
• Mental health resources to help people cope with a disaster or traumatic event
• Audio and video public service announcements about disaster-related health and safety issues
• Links to other Spanish-language wildfire information resources.

The new CDC Web site can be found at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/espanol/

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Mood Stabilizers Ease Symptoms in Kids with Bipolar Disorder

The mood stabilizer drugs divalproex and lithium significantly improved symptoms in children and adolescents with bipolar I disorder, according to a six-month study of 153 patients, ages 7 to 17. It's the largest pediatric study of its kind to date, the researchers said.

They noted that many psychiatric medications prescribed for children and teens haven't been indicated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in young people.

"Divalproex and lithium are the most widely used mood stabilizers for children and adolescents diagnosed with bipolar disorder," Dr. Robert A. Kowatch, a child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in bipolar and other mood disorders at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, said in a prepared statement.

"Our study now proves that these agents definitely work, which may give clinicians and families peace of mind," he said.

The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Boston.

------

Fall Hazard Prompts Baby Seat Recall

Incidents of infants falling and suffering serious head injuries have prompted a recall in the United States of about one million "Baby Sitter" seats made by Bumbo International of South Africa, the Associated Press reported.

There have been 28 reports of infants falling out of the seats, including three cases involving skull fractures, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The agency warned that babies are at risk for serious head injuries when the seats are placed on a table, countertop, chair or other raised surface. When infants sitting in the seats arch their backs, they can flip out of the seats and fall to the floor. Consumers should never use these seats on elevated surfaces, the CPSC said.

The seats, made of a single piece of molded foam, have leg holes and a seat back that wraps completely around the infant, the AP reported. The word "Bumbo" and an image of an elephant are on the front of the seats, which were sold by Target, Sears, Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us, USA Baby and other children's and toy stores across the U.S. from August 2003 through October 2007.

For more more information, call 877-932-8626.

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Experimental HIV Drug Shows Promise

An experimental drug that attacks the HIV virus in a new way has shown great promise in laboratory tests, concludes a French study published in the open-access journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) Pathogens. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

The prototype drug, called IDC16, blocks HIV at a critical point -- when the virus uses the commandeered equipment of an infected immune cell to reassemble its genetic code. By doing this, HIV launches a process that eventually enables it to replicate large numbers of viruses that invade the bloodstream and infect other cells, Agence France-Presse reported.

In lab dish tests, the researchers found that IDC16 blocked the replication ability of different strains of HIV-1, including HIV that had developed resistance to combination "cocktail" therapy of anti-HIV drugs.

The way that IDC16 targets HIV means the drug's effectiveness likely wouldn't be affected by mutations in the virus, the researchers said.

"Instead of attacking the components brought along by the virus, we use the machinery that it uses in the cell," research team leader Jamal Tazi of the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Montpellier, told AFP.

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Study Examines Acne Drug's Effectiveness Against MS

A two-year study of 200 patients in 14 Canadian cities will examine the effectiveness of the oral acne drug minocycline in controlling multiple sclerosis (MS), the Toronto Star reported.

The multi-center trial, announced Thursday, was organized after findings from earlier small studies suggested that minocycline helped patients with the neurodegenerative disease.

Minocycline, a type of antibiotic, has been used for about 30 years to control acne, largely by killing the germs that are thought to cause the skin condition, the Star reported. Researchers believe it's the drug's anti-inflammatory properties that may help slow the progression of MS.

Current MS medications can cost between $18,000 and $40,000 a year, while minocycline costs about $800 a year.

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Study Looks at Tracking of Extremely Low Birthweight Infants

States that fail to follow up on the status of extremely low birthweight infants may be underestimating their infant mortality rates, concludes a study in this week's issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the study, Ohio Department of Health researchers analyzed data on infants born from January to June 2006. They found that seven percent of deaths of infants weighing 750 grams or less were unregistered.

Due to their small size and sometimes very short lifespans, deaths in extremely low birthweight infants may go unregistered, according to background information in the study. Under-registration of these deaths results in an under-estimation of the overall infant mortality rate, the team said.

Accurate infant mortality rates are important for a number of reasons, including identification of health disparities and emerging trends, and the development of prevention strategies.

Health Tips for October 27

Health Tip: If You Have Seizures

Seizures are triggered by abnormal electrical signals in the brain. People may have seizures because of an injury, a disease or condition, or less often, due to substance or alcohol abuse.

People who have seizures may keep in mind the following precautions, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:

* Take all prescription medications and follow all precautions as directed by your doctor.
* Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced diet, regular exercise and plenty of sleep.
* In case of emergency, always wear a medical ID bracelet that identifies you as someone who has seizures.
* If your seizures are not well controlled, avoid high-risk sports like scuba diving or skiing.
* Avoid jobs that could endanger your health if you have a seizure, such operating heavy machinery.

Health Tip: Eating After Weight-Loss Surgery

It's crucial to eat right after you've had bariatric or other types of weight-loss surgery.

The MetroHealth System offers these suggestions:

* Because your stomach is smaller, eat small meals regularly throughout the day instead of a few large meals.
* Eat slowly and chew thoroughly -- it may take about an hour to eat your meals.
* About 30 minutes after meals, drink fluids in small sips -- do not drink beverages with meals.
* Avoid eating sweets.

Health Headlines - October 26

Study Looks at Tracking of Extremely Low Birthweight Infants

States that fail to follow up on the status of extremely low birthweight infants may be underestimating their infant mortality rates, concludes a study in this week's issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the study, Ohio Department of Health researchers analyzed data on infants born from January to June 2006. They found that seven percent of deaths of infants weighing 750 grams or less were unregistered.

Due to their small size and sometimes very short lifespans, deaths in extremely low birthweight infants may go unregistered, according to background information in the study. Under-registration of these deaths results in an under-estimation of the overall infant mortality rate, the team said.

Accurate infant mortality rates are important for a number of reasons, including identification of health disparities and emerging trends, and the development of prevention strategies.

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Folic Acid Intake Falls Among Some California Women

Folic acid supplement intake is decreasing among Hispanic women and those with lower levels of education, according to findings from the California Women's Health Survey.

Targeted and evidence-based strategies for increasing folic acid intake among these groups of women are needed, recommend the authors of a study in this week's issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When women of child-bearing age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, they're 80 percent less likely to have infants with serious neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

The survey's finding that Hispanic women and those with lower levels of education are of particular concern, since Hispanic women in the state are twice as likely as white women to have neural tube-affected pregnancies, the study authors said.

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Lead Concerns Spur More Toy Recalls

A number of new recalls involving children's toys and novelty items that may have high levels of lead were announced Thursday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In all cases, consumers should immediately stop using the products.

The recalls include:

• About 142,000 purple Halloween pails with decorations sold at Family Dollar Stores. Green paint on the pails contains excessive levels of lead.
• About 80,000 football bobble head cake decorations distributed by DecoPac Inc. of Anoka, Minn.
• About 97,000 children's toy gardening tools sold by Jo-Ann Stores of Hudson, Ohio. Surface paint on the handle of the toy gardening tools may contain excessive levels of lead paint. Previous recalls in August and September involved 16,000 toy rakes and 6,000 toy watering cans.
• About 38,000 Fisher-Price Go Diego Animal Rescue Boats. Surface paint on the toys may contain high levels of lead.

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Children May Be Especially Prone to Bird Flu: Study

The way the H5N1 bird flu virus binds to the respiratory tract and lungs suggest that children may be especially susceptible to bird flu, say Australian and Chinese researchers.

They used a modified technique to identify receptors for influenza viruses in the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Their tests suggested that the H5N1 virus may be especially good at binding to children's cells in the lower respiratory tract, as well as the upper respiratory tract of adults. The findings may explain why bird flu infects children more readily than it does adults and why it can infect the upper respiratory tract, even though tissues there were believed to lack receptors for such viruses.

The study was published online in the journal Respiratory Research.

"Understanding the how and why of avian virus infection of humans is a very complex process involving research into properties of H5N1 virus, the host receptor and the cellular response," study author Dr. John Nicholls said in prepared statement. "We believe that the studies we have done investigating where the receptors are located and their distribution with age is a small step toward unraveling this process and help in findings ways to diminish the potential threat from this emerging infection."

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Being Single, Chewing Gum May Help Prevent Weight Gain

Chewing gum and being single may help people keep off extra pounds, according to studies presented this week at an Obesity Society meeting in New Orleans.

A study of 8,000 young Americans found that married women gained an average of nine pounds more than single women over five years, while married men put on six pounds more than bachelors, Agence France Presse reported.

Having children and getting less exercise may be among the reasons why married people put on more weight than single people, said one of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers.

Another study, this time by researchers in Scotland, found that people who chewed gum while they prepared meals had fewer hunger pangs and ate less, reducing their sweet snack intake by 46.5 calories, compared to people who didn't chew gum during meal preparation, AFP reported.

Another study found that slicing and eating a whole apple before lunch reduced total meal energy intake by 15 percent.

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Study Identifies Brain Areas Tied to Optimism, Pessimism

For the first time, researchers have pinpointed areas of brain activity associated with feelings of optimism or pessimism, a finding that could help improve understanding of depression.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to observe the brains of 15 people, ages 18 to 36, as they thought about positive and negative events. Heightened activity was detected in the amygdala and the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, areas of the brain known to play an important role in the subjective evaluation of emotions, Agence France-Presse reported.

The findings appear in the journal Nature.

"This work establishes for the first time a correlation between optimistic and pessimistic thoughts with activity of certain brain regions," Marcello Costa, a professor of neurobiology at Flinders University in Australia, wrote in an accompanying editorial. However, he said the study failed to explain how these neural pathways function, AFP reported.

Health Tips for October 26

Health Tip: Exercise Doing Everyday Chores

Getting needed exercise can be as simple as performing a few household chores regularly.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of HealthGuidance.org:

* Gardening -- Water plants with a watering can instead of a hose, and alternate carrying the can on each arm.
* Sweeping -- Clean not just your driveway, but offer to do your neighbors', as well as the sidewalks.
* Washing your car -- Use a bucket that you have to carry, not a hose.
* Cleaning and re-arranging -- Thoroughly clean out rooms in your home, carefully moving objects to clean every area.
* Walking or bike riding -- Leave the car home, if practical, to get to work or to run an errand.

Health Tip: Inline Skating

Inline skating offers a fun, low-impact workout that can burn as many calories as cycling or running.

About 20 million people in the United States use inline skates each year, but as many as two-thirds don't wear safety gear, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. About 11,000 inline skaters in the United States suffer head or face injuries each year, the agency estimates.

The National Safety Council says inline skaters should always wear elbow and knee pads, a helmet, light gloves, and wrist guards.

If you're new to inline skating, you should take a course to learn the basics. Stick to level ground, and be alert for other people on bike paths, trails and sidewalks. Don't skate on roads, and be especially careful when crossing streets.

Look for potential hazards such as potholes, water or debris, and don't skate on wet or oily surfaces.

Health Headlines - October 25

White House Severely Edited Climate Change Testimony

The White House "eviscerated" testimony prepared for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Julie Gerberding's appearance Tuesday before a Senate hearing on the impact of climate change on health, the Associated Press reported.

Six pages of details about specific diseases and other health problems that that could flourish in a warmer climate were deleted from a draft of the testimony, which was obtained by the news agency Wednesday.

One CDC official familiar with the draft version said "it was eviscerated," the AP reported. The version delivered by Gerberding focused on the CDC's preparations to deal with the effects of climate change. She did tell the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that climate change "is anticipated to have a broad range of impacts on the health of Americans."

The White House denied that it had "watered down" Gerberding's testimony.

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Study Offers New Data on Virus-Cancer Link

New information about how viruses can contribute to the development of certain kinds of cancers is outlined in a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study in the Oct. 24 issue of the journal PLoS One.

It's long been known that viruses are linked with certain cancers, including cervical, throat and liver cancer. This new study found that viruses can cause healthy cells to die while promoting the growth of cells with cancerous properties. When this process is constantly repeated, it can result in rapid growth of abnormal cells and the start of cancer, CBC News reported.

"We believe a separate mechanism may be at play in which cellular insult, such as infection with a virus, selects a few pre-existing mutated clones of cells, promotes their further growth and multiplication, eventually leading to the emergence of fully cancerous cells," Dr. Preet Chaudhary, a professor of medicine, said in a prepared statement. "Consequently, similar to the role played by natural selection during evolution, excessive cell death, rather than its absence, may be a defining force that drives the initial emergence of cancer."

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Vibration May Help Fight Fat in Young

Young mice placed on a vibrating platform for 15 minutes a day every day for 15 weeks had 30 percent less fat accumulation than mice placed on a stationary platform, says a study that suggests that vigorous exercise may not be the only way to fight weight gain in the young.

The study authors said this type of mechanical stimulation may influence stem cells to become muscle or bone cells instead of fat cells, Agence France-Presse reported. The study appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

If similar results can be achieved in humans, this approach may help in efforts to combat childhood obesity, suggested the team of researchers led by Clinton Rubin, a professor of bioengineering at Stony Brook University in New York state.

"Everybody thinks of obesity as a metabolic or fat-burning disorder, but our study suggests there may also be a developmental element," said Rubin, who added that using this vibration method may offer a drug-free way of controlling susceptibility to obesity in young people, AFP reported.

"It won't make fat kids skinny, but it could control their propensity for getting heavy," he said. "And if we can inhibit fat in the young, we can reduce susceptibility for diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life."

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Report Calls for Medicare-Run Drug Plan

A Medicare-operated drug plan would be more affordable, comprehensive and stable than current Medicare Part D drug plans run by private insurers, concludes a report released Tuesday by Consumers Union and the Medicare Rights Center.

The report, which calls for the creation of a Medicare-run drug benefit, said there are numerous independent studies that show that the current drug benefit -- available only through private insurers -- is unnecessarily costly, has coverage gaps, is unstable, and leaves consumers vulnerable to marketing fraud.

A Medicare-administered drug benefit that harnesses the purchasing power of 43 million beneficiaries could lower drug prices and reduce the overall cost of the program, according to the report.

"Day after day we see men and women with Medicare unable to get the medicine they need because of the confusing and exploitative marketplace that dominates the for-profit drug offerings from private insurance companies," Robert M. Hayes, president of the non-profit Medicare Rights Center, said in a prepared statement. "It's time for Congress to offer a Medicare-administered drug benefit option that would benefit consumers' health and pocketbooks and bring down the program's cost for taxpayers."

On Tuesday, a bill was introduced in Congress that would utilize price negotiation and other factors to give older adults and people with disabilities the choice of a stable, consistent and affordable drug coverage plan.

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Too Much Medicinal Marijuana May Increase Pain

Patients who smoke large amounts of marijuana for pain relief may actually experience more, not less, pain, according to a University of California study. Researchers found that moderate use of the drug appears to have the most beneficial effect.

The study included 15 healthy people who were given injections of capsaicin -- the "hot" chemical in chili peppers -- under their skin in order to induce pain. The participants were then given different strength doses of cannabis to smoke, BBC News reported.

After 45 minutes, those who smoked a moderate dose said their pain was much better, while those who smoked a strong dose reported worse pain.

The researchers said their findings could have implications for the way medicinal marijuana is offered to patients, BBC News reported.

A number of countries have made it legal for patients to use medicinal marijuana.

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Living Near Highway Raises Risk of Premature Birth

Women who live within 200 meters of a highway are at increased risk of having a premature baby or a low birth weight infant, concludes a Canadian study that examined 100,000 births in Montreal between 1997 and 2001.

The researchers at Quebec's Institute of Public Health found that women living close to highways "were 15 to 20 percent more likely to deliver prematurely or have a low birth weight baby compared to mothers living away form the highway. They (the babies) are a little bit more sick, have more infections," lead author Dr. Melissa Genereux told CBC News.

The study will be published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggests that living near major highways may be linked to a number of health risks, including cancer and respiratory illness, Louis Drouin, a physician in charge of urban environment issues in Montreal's public health department, told CBC News.

Health Tips for October 25

Health Tip: Diabetics, Examine Your Feet

Diabetics are prone to foot problems that can be serious enough to require amputation.

Good hygiene and regular inspection of the feet can help catch potential problems early.

Here are suggestions for diabetics on how to care for the feet and prevent injury, courtesy of the U.S. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse:

* Thoroughly wash your feet each day in warm -- not hot -- water. Make sure you dry them completely after washing.
* Inspect your feet every day, looking for blisters, calluses, cuts, sores or any signs of redness.
* For dry skin, apply lotion -- but never between the toes.
* Gently file down corns and calluses with a pumice stone after washing your feet.
* Cut your toenails regularly, and file the edges with an emery board.
* Avoid walking barefoot, make sure shoes fit well, and always wear socks or stockings with shoes.

Health Tip: Prevent Injury From Raking Leaves

Any time you rake leaves, don't forget that you're sneaking in some exercise. Just as you'd prepare for a trip to the gym, you need to ward off possible injury by taking precautions before you rake.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of AARP:

* Dress warmly but in layers. You can peel off a jacket or sweatshirt as you start to get warm.
* To prevent muscle injury, do a light warm-up before you pick up the rake. Try taking a quick walk, bending and moving your limbs, or do some light stretches.
* Don't twist your back when you rake. Maintain good posture, and move your whole body rather than twisting to one side.
* Alternate which side of your body you're raking on to prevent an overuse injury.
* Drink plenty of water, and take breaks about every 10 minutes, especially if you don't normally get much exercise.

Health Headlines - October 24

Advances Boost Production of Pandemic Flu Vaccine

Recent scientific advances mean it should be possible to produce 4.5 billion doses of pandemic flu vaccine a year by 2010, says the World Health Organization.

However, this would fall short of the WHO's target of providing a flu shot to the world's 6.7 billion people within six months of a pandemic being declared, Agence France-Presse reported.

"With influenza vaccine production capacity on the rise, we are beginning to be in a much better position vis-a-vis the threat of an influenza pandemic," Marie-Paule Kieny, director of the WHO's Initiative for Vaccine Research, told journalists.

The WHO has established an advisory committee to produce a report on the issue of pandemic flu vaccine supply, AFP reported.

Experts fear that the H5N1 bird flu virus could mutate into a form that's easily transmitted between people, sparking a global pandemic that could kill millions.

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Toddlers Among Priority Recipients of Vaccine in Flu Pandemic

If the United States is hit by a flu pandemic, pregnant women, babies and toddlers would be included with emergency workers, doctors and soldiers as priority recipients of vaccine, says a draft federal government plan to be released Tuesday.

Next in line would be older children and utility workers. At the bottom of the list are healthy young adults and the elderly, the Associated Press reported.

The rankings reflect growing consensus that stopping a flu pandemic requires an emphasis on protecting those who care for the sick and maintain crucial services, and those who are most likely to spread the flu.

"Children are not only highly susceptible to influenza, children are also very good at spreading it. Protecting them also protects those in the population," said William Raub, emergency planning chief at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the AP reported.

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Unsterilized Needles Kill 1.3 Million People a Year: WHO

Each year, about 1.3 million people around the world die after receiving injections with unsterilized needles and syringes, says a World Health Organization statement released Tuesday.

The WHO said about six billion injections are given with syringes or needles that are reused without being sterilized, Agence France-Presse reported.

"This represents 40 percent of all injections given in developing countries; in some countries, the proportion is as high as 70 percent of injections," the WHO said. "The use of syringes with features that prevent re-use and needle stick injuries would avert about 1.3 million global deaths per year by preventing infections and the epidemics caused by their spread."

For years, the organization has urged member nations to use needles with such safety features. However, they each cost about 15 cents, compared to three cents for ordinary needles, AFP reported.

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Study Examines Use of Plastic Bags for Premature Infants

A study involving neonatal intensive care units worldwide is examining whether placing premature babies in special plastic bags for the first hour or two of life can help reduce heat loss, increase their chances of survival, and improve long-term health.

Rapid loss of body temperature is a common and potentially deadly problem that occurs when amniotic fluid on the newborn's skin begins to evaporate. Placing premature infants in plastic may help keep them warm while they undergo necessary medical tests, the Canadian Press reported.

Small pilot studies have suggested that this is an effective technique.

The Canadian-led study will include 1,685 premature infants, born at 28 weeks gestation or less, who will be randomly assigned to be placed in a plastic bag or receive standard treatment. The type of bag being used in the study doesn't cover the head and has an opening that gives doctors and nurses access to the umbilical cord, the CP reported.

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Inefficient Anthrax Vaccine System Costly

A lack of coordination between two U.S. government departments on the use of anthrax vaccine means that more than $100 million a year could be wasted, according to a Government Accountability Office report obtained by the Associated Press.

The departments of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) each buy the BioThrax vaccine. The Pentagon gives the vaccine to personnel going to Iraq, Afghanistan and the Korean peninsula, but much of the vaccine purchased by HHS sits in the Strategic National Stockpile and goes unused.

As of June, the stockpile had about 10 million anthrax vaccine doses and all will expire if not used. Currently, there are more than 520,000 expired doses of the anthrax vaccine, worth $12 million, in the stockpile, GAO investigators found.

They recommended that the Pentagon and HHS create a single inventory system to prevent vaccine from being wasted, the AP reported. However, both departments said legal issues prevent a vaccine-sharing agreement and contend that the GAO overestimated the amount of money lost.

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Egg Freezing Still Experimental: Experts

Even though egg freezing is increasingly being offered to women who want to delay motherhood, the procedure is still highly experimental and has a low success rate, says the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

For every frozen egg that's thawed, there is a 2 percent to 4 percent chance of a live birth, according to the ASRM, which issued a list of warnings that must be given to women so they can make an informed choice about the expensive procedure, the Associated Press reported.

Among the warnings that must be given to women:

• There's a possibility that none of the stored eggs will survive.
• Women who freeze eggs before age 35 will likely never need to use them.
• Ovary-stimulating drugs used to retrieve eggs can cause side effects.

Worldwide, there have been about 500 births from frozen-and-thawed eggs, compared with more than 200,000 births from frozen embryos, the wire service said.

"There are far fewer published outcomes for thawed previously frozen eggs than many might believe," said Dr. Marc Fritz of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, who led the ASRM's discussions about egg freezing, the AP reported.

Health Tips for October 24

Health Tip: Managing Stress

A certain amount of stress is natural and unavoidable, but too much can be debilitating.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help you reduce stress:

* Figure out what is causing your stress, and talk to a friend or family member about your concerns.
* Avoid overeating, and stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet.
* Maintain a regular sleep schedule and exercise routine.
* Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoid smoking and recreational drugs.
* Try relaxing techniques such as meditation or yoga.
* Make time for fun activities that you enjoy, and spend time with people who make you happy.

Health Tip: What's Behind Your Toothache

A toothache can be caused by different factors, including an infection or nerve injury. Once a toothache develops, it's important to see your dentist.

The University of Michigan Health System lists these potential reasons for a toothache:

* An infection in the tooth or gum.
* A cracked or fractured tooth.
* A problem with or damage to a dental filling.
* Grinding your teeth.
* An injury to the tooth.
* Receding gums.
* A cavity.
* A loose dental crown.

Health Headlines - October 23

Genetic Variations Affect Progression to AIDS: Study

Variations in two key genes influence how quickly HIV-infected people develop AIDS, says a U.S. study that challenges the long-held belief that viral load -- the amount of HIV in the blood -- is the main factor that determines progression to AIDS.

Variations in the CCR5 and CCL3L1 genes may affect immune system response to HIV and replication of the virus. Other genes may also play a role but more research is required to determine that, Agence France-Presse reported.

CCR5 controls a key receptor on the surface of the CD4 immune cell onto which HIV attaches, while CCL3L1 controls an immune system signaling molecule called a chemokine, which blocks HIV from attaching to the CCR5 receptor, the researchers said.

In this study, the researchers analyzed thousands of HIV-infected patients and healthy people and found that viral load accounted for only nine percent of the difference in how rapidly HIV-infected patients developed AIDS.

"The genetic variations contribute nearly as much to the extent of inter-individual variability in AIDS progression rates as does HIV-1 viral load," team leader Sunil Ahuja of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, told AFP.

"Even after accounting for the detrimental effects of a high viral burden, these genetic factors influence the pace of HIV-1 disease progression," said study first author Hemant Kulkarni, assistant professor of medicine at the Health Science Center.

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Home Lead Test Kits Unreliable: CPSC

Home lead test kits are unreliable, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Monday. The agency evaluated commonly available test kits on a variety of paints and other products containing different levels of lead, finding that many of the tests did not detect lead when it was there (false negatives) and others indicated lead was present when it was not (false positives).

Of the 104 test results, 56 were false negatives and two were false positives. None of the kits consistently detected lead in products if the lead was covered with a non-lead coating.

Based on these findings, the CPSC said consumers should not use home test kits to evaluate whether products may pose a lead hazard. The new findings are consistent with previous evaluations by the agency.

Testing by a qualified laboratory and trained personnel is the only way to accurately assess a product's lead-related risk, the CPSC said.

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Homeowners Urged to Get the Lead Out

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week gets under way Oct. 21, and the theme for this year is "Protect Our Most Valuable Resource -- Our Children."

To make that happen, the week is designed to educate parents and children about the dangers of lead exposure, especially lead-paint hazards in housing. Many states and communities will offer free lead screening, and conduct education and awareness events.

Lead is highly toxic and can cause a range of health problems, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and even death. Children 6 years old and younger are at greatest risk because their bodies are growing quickly, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Lead exposure among young children has been drastically reduced over the last three decades, thanks to federal, state and local laws that banned lead in gasoline and house paint, as well as efforts to reduce or clean up lead in industrial emissions, drinking water, consumer goods, hazardous sites and other sources. In 1978, there were about 13.5 million children in the United States with elevated blood-lead levels. Today, approximately 310,000 children ages 1 to 5 years old have elevated blood-lead levels, the EPA said.

The federal government aims to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by 2010, according to the EPA.

Most lead exposure occurs when people eat lead-paint chips or lead dust. But the EPA estimates that 10 percent to 20 percent of human exposure may come from lead in drinking water.

To learn more about free lead screenings and Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, visit this EPA site. To order the DVD What Your School or Child Care Facility Should Know About Lead in Drinking Water, visit this site.

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Guidelines Updated For Use of Anemia Treatment

Updated joint guidelines on the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to treat chemotherapy-related anemia were released Monday by the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

ESAs are a class of drug that stimulate bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. The update of the guidelines, originally published in 2002, is based on reviews and analyses of published clinical trials. The guidelines outline the clotting risks of ESAs, make recommendations on usage, and discuss disease progression and patient survival.

The updated guidelines:

• Declare epoetin and darbepoetin equally safe and effective.
• Recommend the use of ESAs as a treatment option for cancer patients who become anemic as a result of chemotherapy when their hemoglobin approaches or falls below 10 g/dL, as well as for patients with low-risk myelodysplasia.
• Suggest that when using ESAs, hemoglobin can be raised to a concentration of 12g/dL, at which point the dosage should be titrated to maintain that level. Dose reductions are also recommended when hemoglobin rise exceeds 1 g/dL in any two-week period or when the hemoglobin level exceeds 11g/dL.
• Recommend discontinuing use of an ESA beyond six to eight weeks if a patient hasn't responded to the drug.
• Recommend monitoring the iron levels of patients being treated with ESAs and providing supplements accordingly.
• Caution against using ESAs for cancer patients not receiving chemotherapy, since recent trials have shown increased thromboembolic risks and decreased survival in such cases.

The updated guidelines were posted online Monday by the journals Blood and the Journal of Clinical Oncology, and will appear in upcoming print issues of both.

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Drought Forces Georgia Gov. to Declare National Disaster

Georgia governor Sonny Perdue Saturday declared the northern part of his state a natural disaster area, and asked for a similar declaration from President Bush.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Perdue's emergency measure came a day after state lawyers had argued in federal court that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should reduce the amount of water it releases daily to protect endangered animal species. Georgia is suffering through its worst-ever drought.

"The actions of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Fish and Wildlife Service are not only irresponsible, they are downright dangerous," the newspaper quotes Perdue as saying.

Meanwhile, USA Today reports that mandatory water rationing is just around the corner in Georgia. The state's environmental commissioner Carol Couch told the newspaper that industrial and commercial water users will probably have to make "across-the-board reductions" very soon.

The drought has hit much of the Southeast hard this year. In addition to Georgia, it is the worst dry spell ever for North Carolina and Tennessee, second-driest in Alabama and third-driest in Kentucky, USA Today reports.

Health Tips for October 23

Health Tip: Scared of Shots?

Your child's vaccinations are necessary, but knowing that doesn't make it easier for a nervous youngster.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions at vaccination time:

* Explain to your child that everyone has to have these shots to stay healthy.
* Tell younger children that it's OK to cry, but they should try to be brave.
* Stay calm and relaxed around your child.
* As the vaccine is being administered, try singing a song together, talking or telling a joke. Give the child something else to focus on.
* Once the vaccination is complete, praise your child and tell him or her how proud you are of their behavior.
* Treat your child to a fun activity or a present after leaving the doctor. Tell the child about it beforehand, to give the child something to look forward to after the shot.

Health Tip: Wear a Helmet

Wearing a helmet during activities where head injury is possible is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself. Head injuries can be serious and even life-threatening.

The National Safety Council says you should always wear a helmet when:

* Riding on an all-terrain vehicle or four-wheeler.
* Bicycling.
* Skateboarding or inline skating.
* Horseback riding.
* Playing baseball or softball.
* Playing football.
* Rock climbing.

Health Headlines - October 22

Homeowners Urged to Get the Lead Out

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week gets under way Oct. 21, and the theme for this year is "Protect Our Most Valuable Resource -- Our Children."

To make that happen, the week is designed to educate parents and children about the dangers of lead exposure, especially lead-paint hazards in housing. Many states and communities will offer free lead screening, and conduct education and awareness events.

Lead is highly toxic and can cause a range of health problems, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and even death. Children 6 years old and younger are at greatest risk because their bodies are growing quickly, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Lead exposure among young children has been drastically reduced over the last three decades, thanks to federal, state and local laws that banned lead in gasoline and house paint, as well as efforts to reduce or clean up lead in industrial emissions, drinking water, consumer goods, hazardous sites and other sources. In 1978, there were about 13.5 million children in the United States with elevated blood-lead levels. Today, approximately 310,000 children ages 1 to 5 years old have elevated blood-lead levels, the EPA said.

The federal government aims to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by 2010, according to the EPA.

Most lead exposure occurs when people eat lead-paint chips or lead dust. But the EPA estimates that 10 percent to 20 percent of human exposure may come from lead in drinking water.

To learn more about free lead screenings and Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, visit this EPA site. To order the DVD What Your School or Child Care Facility Should Know About Lead in Drinking Water, visit this site.

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Drought Forces Georgia Gov. to Declare Part of State a National Disaster

Georgia governor Sonny Perdue Saturday declared the northern part of his state a natural disaster area, and asked for a similar declaration from President Bush.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Perdue's emergency measure came a day after state lawyers had argued in federal court that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should reduce the amount of water it releases daily to protect endangered animal species. Georgia is suffering through its worst-ever drought.

"The actions of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Fish and Wildlife Service are not only irresponsible, they are downright dangerous," the newspaper quotes Perdue as saying.

Meanwhile, USA Today reports that mandatory water rationing is just around the corner in Georgia. The state's environmental commissioner Carol Couch told the newspaper that industrial and commercial water users will probably have to make "across-the-board reductions" very soon.

The drought has hit much of the Southeast hard this year. In addition to Georgia, it is the worst dry spell ever for North Carolina and Tennessee, second-driest in Alabama and third-driest in Kentucky, USA Today reports.

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Obesity Gets an Airing in British Parliament

So much of American society is based on its British heritage that it's unusual to see something of American society become part of the United Kingdom.

It's not a desirable habit, either. Just as in the United States, the Associated Press reports, obesity has become part of the fabric of British life. So much so that UK health secretary Alan Johnson had to explain its causes in a speech to Parliament Friday.

Johnson said that 60 percent of British citizens might be obese by 2050, the A.P. reports, but he didn't so much blame obesity on bad eating habits as he did a combination of factors: "a consequence of abundance, convenience and underlying biology."

A study by a division the UK's Office for Science concludes that excess weight has become the norm in Britain, the wire service reports, with one-in-four adults considered obese, which is still better than the United States, where one-third of all adults are obese, the A.P. said.

Some of the ways to prevent obesity from taking over the Great Britain, the government says, are taking action earlier with young, overweight children; exercising control over high calorie foods; redesigning municipalities to demand more physical exertion by residents; and making employers more responsible for their workers' health.

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Impotence Drugs to Carry Hearing Loss Warnings

New warnings about the potential risk of sudden hearing loss will be added to the labels of Viagra and other drugs to treat erectile dysfunction, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

While it's not clear whether the drugs actually do cause hearing loss, the FDA said that since 1996 there have been 29 reports of hearing problems among users of these kinds of drugs, the Associated Press reported.

The new warnings will be carried by the impotence drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, as well as the pulmonary hypertension drug Revatio, which contains the same ingredient as Viagra.

In the 29 reports noted by the FDA, hearing loss occurred within hours to two days after patients took one of the drugs, said FDA ear-and-nose specialist Dr. Robert Boucher.

"We don't know enough to say that it's ironclad caused by the drugs, but we see enough to say we can't ignore it either," he told the AP.

People who take the drugs and experience hearing loss or ringing in the ears should stop the medications and contact their doctor, the FDA said.

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Sunlight May Decrease Risk of Advanced Breast Cancer

Exposure to sunlight -- which boosts levels of vitamin D in the body -- may reduce the risk of advanced breast cancer, according to a U.S. study published online this week in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

The study of 1,788 breast cancer patients and 2,129 women who didn't have the disease found that women with high sun exposure had half the risk of developing advanced breast cancer than women with low sun exposure. However, this effect was noted only in women with naturally light skin color.

"We believe that sunlight helps to reduce women's risk of breast cancer because the body manufactures the active form of vitamin D from exposure to sunlight," lead researcher Esther John, of the Northern California Cancer Center, said in a statement. "It is possible that these effects were observed only among light-skinned women because sun exposure produces less vitamin D among women with naturally darker pigmentation."

John and her colleagues emphasized that women should not sunbathe in an attempt to reduce their breast cancer risk.

"If future studies continue to show reductions in breast cancer risk associated with sun exposure, increasing vitamin D intake from diet and supplements may be the safest solution to achieve adequate levels of vitamin D," co-researcher Gary Schwartz, of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, said in a statement.

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Bad Habits Increase Osteoporosis Risk

Smoking, excess alcohol consumption, being underweight, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition are factors that could increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life, says an International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) report released to mark World Osteoporosis Day on Oct. 20.

Osteoporosis risk factors fall into two main categories, modifiable and fixed. People can't control fixed risk factors -- such as age, gender, and family history -- but they can do things that may lessen their effects.

Following a bone-healthy lifestyle -- including eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption -- can help build strong bones and prevent fractures, the IOF said.

By 2050, it's estimated that the incidence of hip fracture (a major consequence of osteoporosis) will increase by 310 percent in men and 240 percent in women, according to IOF Chief Executive Officer Daniel Navid.

Report author and IOF board member Professor Cyrus Cooper said if "people recognize osteoporosis risk factors when they are young and take appropriate action, it can have enormous positive impact on their bone health in later years."

Health Tips for October 22

Health Tip: Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Disease, which affects four million Americans, is predicted to increase within the next 20 years as Baby Boomers age. New advances give hope for you or your loved ones to participate in clinical trials conducted by neurologists and genetics researchers. To get more information, contact the National Institute on Aging at www.alzheimers.org.

Health Tip: Beans

Eat your beans! Nutrient compounds called 'flavonoids' have been found to be effective antioxidants that help protect against heart disease and cancer. These flavonoids are found in the coating of such beans as navy, pintos, kidney, Great Northern and black beans.

Health Headlines - October 21

Drought Forces Georgia Governor to Declare Part of His State a National Disaster

Georgia governor Sonny Perdue Saturday declared the northern part of his state a natural disaster area, and asked for a similar declaration from President Bush.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Perdue's emergency measure came a day after state lawyers had argued in federal court that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should reduce the amount of water it releases daily to protect endangered animal species. Georgia is suffering through its worst-ever drought.

"The actions of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Fish and Wildlife Service are not only irresponsible, they are downright dangerous," the newspaper quotes Perdue as saying.

Meanwhile, USA Today reports that mandatory water rationing is just around the corner in Georgia. The state's environmental commissioner Carol Couch told the newspaper that industrial and commercial water users will probably have to make "across-the-board reductions" very soon.

The drought has hit much of the Southeast hard this year. In addition to Georgia, it is the worst dry spell ever for North Carolina and Tennessee, second-driest in Alabama and third-driest in Kentucky, USA Today reports.

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Obesity Gets an Airing in British Parliament

So much of American society is based on its British heritage that it's unusual to see something of American society become part of the United Kingdom.

It's not a desirable habit, either. Just as in the United States, the Associated Press reports, obesity has become part of the fabric of British life. So much so that UK health secretary Alan Johnson had to explain its causes in a speech to Parliament Friday.

Johnson said that 60 percent of British citizens might be obese by 2050, the A.P. reports, but he didn't so much blame obesity on bad eating habits as he did a combination of factors: "a consequence of abundance, convenience and underlying biology."

A study by a division the UK's Office for Science concludes that excess weight has become the norm in Britain, the wire service reports, with one-in-four adults considered obese, which is still better than the United States, where one-third of all adults are obese, the A.P. said.

Some of the ways to prevent obesity from taking over the Great Britain, the government says, are taking action earlier with young, overweight children; exercising control over high calorie foods; redesigning municipalities to demand more physical exertion by residents; and making employers more responsible for their workers' health.

-----

Impotence Drugs to Carry Hearing Loss Warnings

New warnings about the potential risk of sudden hearing loss will be added to the labels of Viagra and other drugs to treat erectile dysfunction, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

While it's not clear whether the drugs actually do cause hearing loss, the FDA said that since 1996 there have been 29 reports of hearing problems among users of these kinds of drugs, the Associated Press reported.

The new warnings will be carried by the impotence drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, as well as the pulmonary hypertension drug Revatio, which contains the same ingredient as Viagra.

In the 29 reports noted by the FDA, hearing loss occurred within hours to two days after patients took one of the drugs, said FDA ear-and-nose specialist Dr. Robert Boucher.

"We don't know enough to say that it's ironclad caused by the drugs, but we see enough to say we can't ignore it either," he told the AP.

People who take the drugs and experience hearing loss or ringing in the ears should stop the medications and contact their doctor, the FDA said.

-----

San Francisco May Consider Safe-Injection Site

In what may turn out to be the first step toward opening a safe-injection site, San Francisco officials co-sponsored a symposium Thursday on a facility in Vancouver, British Columbia, the only such program in North America, the Associated Press reported.

At the Vancouver site, about 700 intravenous drug users shoot up heroin, cocaine and other narcotics under the supervision of nurses. San Francisco health officials may consider a safe-injection site as a way to reduce the city's high rate of fatal drug overdoses.

"Having the conversation today will help us figure out whether this is a way to reduce the harms and improve the health of our community," said Grant Colfax, director of HIV prevention for the San Francisco Department of Health, the AP reported.

However, a federal official said the city's consideration of a safe-injection site was "disconcerting" and "poor public policy."

"The underlying philosophy is, 'We accept drug addiction, we accept the state of affairs as acceptable. This is a form of giving up," Bertha Madras, deputy director of demand reduction for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, told the AP.

There are 65 safe-injection sites in 27 cities in eight countries. So far, San Francisco is the only U.S. city to consider creating a legal safe-injection site, said Hilary McQuie, Western director for the nonprofit Harm Reduction Coalition, which promotes alternative drug treatment methods.

-----

Sunlight May Decrease Risk of Advanced Breast Cancer

Exposure to sunlight -- which boosts levels of vitamin D in the body -- may reduce the risk of advanced breast cancer, according to a U.S. study published online this week in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

The study of 1,788 breast cancer patients and 2,129 women who didn't have the disease found that women with high sun exposure had half the risk of developing advanced breast cancer than women with low sun exposure. However, this effect was noted only in women with naturally light skin color.

"We believe that sunlight helps to reduce women's risk of breast cancer because the body manufactures the active form of vitamin D from exposure to sunlight," lead researcher Esther John, of the Northern California Cancer Center, said in a statement. "It is possible that these effects were observed only among light-skinned women because sun exposure produces less vitamin D among women with naturally darker pigmentation."

John and her colleagues emphasized that women should not sunbathe in an attempt to reduce their breast cancer risk.

"If future studies continue to show reductions in breast cancer risk associated with sun exposure, increasing vitamin D intake from diet and supplements may be the safest solution to achieve adequate levels of vitamin D," co-researcher Gary Schwartz, of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, said in a statement.

-----

Bad Habits Increase Osteoporosis Risk

Smoking, excess alcohol consumption, being underweight, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition are factors that could increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life, says an International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) report released to mark World Osteoporosis Day on Oct. 20.

Osteoporosis risk factors fall into two main categories, modifiable and fixed. People can't control fixed risk factors -- such as age, gender, and family history -- but they can do things that may lessen their effects.

Following a bone-healthy lifestyle -- including eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption -- can help build strong bones and prevent fractures, the IOF said.

By 2050, it's estimated that the incidence of hip fracture (a major consequence of osteoporosis) will increase by 310 percent in men and 240 percent in women, according to IOF Chief Executive Officer Daniel Navid.

Report author and IOF board member Professor Cyrus Cooper said if "people recognize osteoporosis risk factors when they are young and take appropriate action, it can have enormous positive impact on their bone health in later years."

Health Tips for October 21

Food Fact:
Culture club.

When yogurt's live active cultures colonize your digestive system, they draw a line in the sand against disease. The cultures -- especially acidophilus and bifida - muscle out potentially threatening bacteria. Low-fat or fat-free yogurt has a lot of other things going for it: It's easy to digest, especially for those who are lactose-intolerant and have difficulty digesting milk and many cheeses; it's an excellent source of calcium, protein, riboflavin (a B vitamin), vitamin B-12 (which may be low in vegetarian diets) and vitamin A; and provides selenium, potassium and magnesium.

Fitness Tip of the day:
Muscled out?

Inactive adults over age 30 lose about 3 - 5% of muscle tissue every 10 years; here's what you can do. Go to the weight room. Strength training prevents the reduction in muscle tissue that causes the body metabolism to slow and makes the bones more vulnerable to conditions like osteoporosis.

FAQ of the day:
Can certain foods prevent cancer?

No one can say with absolute certainty how powerful is diet in preventing cancer. But at least a third (and possibly more) of all cancers have been linked to diet. People who eat the most fruits and vegetables have been shown to have about half the risk of developing cancer as people who rarely eat them. Your genes and other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, have a strong say in your susceptibility to cancer. But it's likely that improving the typical American diet would make a big dent in new cases of cancer, the nation's second biggest killer after heart disease.

Health Headlines - October 20

Impotence Drugs to Carry Hearing Loss Warnings

New warnings about the potential risk of sudden hearing loss will be added to the labels of Viagra and other drugs to treat erectile dysfunction, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

While it's not clear whether the drugs actually do cause hearing loss, the FDA said that since 1996 there have been 29 reports of hearing problems among users of these kinds of drugs, the Associated Press reported.

The new warnings will be carried by the impotence drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, as well as the pulmonary hypertension drug Revatio, which contains the same ingredient as Viagra.

In the 29 reports noted by the FDA, hearing loss occurred within hours to two days after patients took one of the drugs, said FDA ear-and-nose specialist Dr. Robert Boucher.

"We don't know enough to say that it's ironclad caused by the drugs, but we see enough to say we can't ignore it either," he told the AP.

People who take the drugs and experience hearing loss or ringing in the ears should stop the medications and contact their doctor, the FDA said.

-----

San Francisco May Consider Safe-Injection Site

In what may turn out to be the first step toward opening a safe-injection site, San Francisco officials co-sponsored a symposium Thursday on a facility in Vancouver, British Columbia, the only such program in North America, the Associated Press reported.

At the Vancouver site, about 700 intravenous drug users shoot up heroin, cocaine and other narcotics under the supervision of nurses. San Francisco health officials may consider a safe-injection site as a way to reduce the city's high rate of fatal drug overdoses.

"Having the conversation today will help us figure out whether this is a way to reduce the harms and improve the health of our community," said Grant Colfax, director of HIV prevention for the San Francisco Department of Health, the AP reported.

However, a federal official said the city's consideration of a safe-injection site was "disconcerting" and "poor public policy."

"The underlying philosophy is, 'We accept drug addiction, we accept the state of affairs as acceptable. This is a form of giving up," Bertha Madras, deputy director of demand reduction for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, told the AP.

There are 65 safe-injection sites in 27 cities in eight countries. So far, San Francisco is the only U.S. city to consider creating a legal safe-injection site, said Hilary McQuie, Western director for the nonprofit Harm Reduction Coalition, which promotes alternative drug treatment methods.

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CDC Redesigns Spanish Web Site

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it's redesigned its Spanish Web site, CDC en Espanol, with a new look and features meant to make it more usable and functional.

The redesigned site has a more useful and powerful search engine, quick access to the 20 most-requested topics of information, a user-friendly A-Z index, and other features that will make it easier for people to find the health and science information they seek, the CDC said.

The site, which provides information in Spanish on health issues of special interest to Hispanic communities, has more than six million visitors a year and its weekly distribution list includes almost 6,000 members in more than 40 countries.

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Sunlight May Decrease Risk of Advanced Breast Cancer

Exposure to sunlight -- which boosts levels of vitamin D in the body -- may reduce the risk of advanced breast cancer, according to a U.S. study published online this week in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

The study of 1,788 breast cancer patients and 2,129 women who didn't have the disease found that women with high sun exposure had half the risk of developing advanced breast cancer than women with low sun exposure. However, this effect was noted only in women with naturally light skin color.

"We believe that sunlight helps to reduce women's risk of breast cancer because the body manufactures the active form of vitamin D from exposure to sunlight," lead researcher Esther John, of the Northern California Cancer Center, said in a statement. "It is possible that these effects were observed only among light-skinned women because sun exposure produces less vitamin D among women with naturally darker pigmentation."

John and her colleagues emphasized that women should not sunbathe in an attempt to reduce their breast cancer risk.

"If future studies continue to show reductions in breast cancer risk associated with sun exposure, increasing vitamin D intake from diet and supplements may be the safest solution to achieve adequate levels of vitamin D," co-researcher Gary Schwartz, of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, said in a statement.

-----

Bad Habits Increase Osteoporosis Risk

Smoking, excess alcohol consumption, being underweight, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition are factors that could increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life, says an International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) report released to mark World Osteoporosis Day on Oct. 20.

Osteoporosis risk factors fall into two main categories, modifiable and fixed. People can't control fixed risk factors -- such as age, gender, and family history -- but they can do things that may lessen their effects.

Following a bone-healthy lifestyle -- including eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption -- can help build strong bones and prevent fractures, the IOF said.

By 2050, it's estimated that the incidence of hip fracture (a major consequence of osteoporosis) will increase by 310 percent in men and 240 percent in women, according to IOF Chief Executive Officer Daniel Navid.

Report author and IOF board member Professor Cyrus Cooper said if "people recognize osteoporosis risk factors when they are young and take appropriate action, it can have enormous positive impact on their bone health in later years."

-----

Millions of American Teens Smoke, Drink, Use Drugs Each Day: Report

On an average day in 2006, 1.2 million American teens smoked cigarettes, 631,000 drank, 586,000 used marijuana, almost 50,000 used inhalants, 27,000 used hallucinogens, 13,000 used cocaine, and 3,800 used heroin, according to a government report released Thursday.

It also found that on an average day, almost 8,000 adolescents ages 12 to 17 drank alcohol for the first time, about 4,300 used an illicit drug for the first time, about 4,000 smoked cigarettes for the first time, almost 3,600 used marijuana for the first time, and about 2,500 abused pain reliever for the first time.

The report, by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is based on national surveys conducted and analyzed by the agency's Office of Applied Studies.

"While other studies have shown that significant progress has been made in lowering the levels of substance abuse among young people in the last few years, this report shows many young people are still engaging in risky behavior," SAMHSA Administrator Terry Cline said in a prepared statement.

"By breaking the data down and analyzing on a day-to-day basis, we gain fresh perspective on how deeply substance abuse pervades the lives of many young people and their families," Cline said.