Health Headlines - March 31

Six More Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Markers Identified

Six more genetic variants have been identified that may contribute to a person's risk of getting type 2 diabetes. This brings the number of genetic traits to 16 associated with type 2 diabetes, which affects almost 21 million Americans and 400 million people worldwide, according to a news release from the U.S. government's National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

An international team of scientists had previously identified 10 genetic factors that might contribute to a person's chances of getting type 2 diabetes, but the additional six were a surprise, according to the news release. One of the genetic variants had been associated with prostate cancer risk.

"Each of these genes, therefore, provides new clues to the processes that go wrong when diabetes develops," said one of the senior authors, Dr. Mark McCarthy, of the University of Oxford in England. "And each provides an opportunity for the generation of new approaches for treating or preventing this condition."

The analysis is published in the latest online edition of Nature Genetics, and it was based on data from more than 70,000 people. An international research team from more than 40 centers in Europe and North America contributed to the findings.

Individually, the genetic markers heighten the possibility of getting diabetes only very slightly, the NIH news release said, but collectively, they may be able to be a powerful predictive tool. Scientists are analyzing the findings to develop a practical diagnostic model.

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Two Coronary Stents Implanted at the Same Time Increase Clotting Risk, Study Finds

Heart patients who have two coronary stents used during an emergency procedure have more than four times the chance than other patients of having a clot inside one of the stents block blood flow to the heart.

This finding by Dutch researchers presented in Chicago March 29 at a scientific session sponsored by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) concluded that one-in-six stent patients could expect a single incident of stent thrombosis, which could lead to a heart attack. But those who had more than one stent used at the same time had four times the risk of thrombosis.

A stent is a tiny, wire mesh tub the forces the walls of a clogged artery open, but medical experts are still debating whether its benefits consistently outweigh possible disadvantages.

According to a joint news release from the ACC and SCAI, cardiologist Dr. Jochem Wouter van Werkum and his colleagues examined the results of 437 heart patients who received stents between 2004 and 2007. There were 74 incidents of stent thrombosis (16.9 percent), the study found. But when more than one stent had been used, the likelihood of stent thrombosis increased 4.2 times.

The conclusion: Additional stent placement at the time of emergency treatment for the first stent thrombosis should be avoided, the researchers said.

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Dole Fresh Fruit Joins Cantaloupe Recall

In response to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning in 16 states, the Dole Fresh Fruit Company has joined the recall of cantaloupes grown in Honduras and shipped by an independent grower, according to the Associated Press.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised U.S. grocery companies, produce wholesalers and food service operators March 22 to remove cantaloupes from the Honduran grower and packer Agropecuaria Montelibano, because of the possibility they contain the bacterium Salmonella Litchfield, which can cause intestinal illness in humans. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

On March 27, Chiquita Brands International Inc. and Simply Fresh Fruit Inc. issued recalls, the wire service reports. Whole cantaloupes were recalled by Chiquita, and Simply Fresh Fruit identified cut fruit products, the AP said.

Dole Fresh Fruit, headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., said its recalled cantaloupes had been distributed in the United States and Canada in cardboard cartons with the brand "Dole" and "Product of Honduras" printed on the side panels, according to the wire service.

Although the three fruit companies have helped in identifying the suspect cantaloupes, it may still be difficult for consumers to determine the origin of fruit they buy. The FDA is asking people who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from the Honduran grower in question. If it was, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes, the FDA says.

Fifty cases of salmonella poisoning have been reported in 16 states with 14 hospitalizations, the FDA says. There have been no fatalities. The affected states span the country: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The FDA also has issued the following tips for making sure the cantaloupes you buy are fresh: Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged; if buying fresh-cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice; after purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly; wash your hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes; scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap water immediately before eating; if there happens to be a bruised or damaged area on a cantaloupe, cut away those parts before eating it.

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Balloon Angiography OK for Some Medical Centers Without Coronary Surgical Backup: Study

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) -- more commonly known as balloon angioplasty -- doesn't need to be performed only in hospitals with coronary surgical backup, a new study has found.

A report presented Saturday at a joint cardiology meeting in Chicago, sponsored by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), found that medical centers with "well-organized, highly skilled" PCI programs can safely and effectively perform the angioplasty.

Researchers compared 9,029 patients who had angioplasty at 61 centers without cardiac backup surgery to 299,132 patients at 404 centers with a cardiac surgery program from January 2004 through March 2006. And they found there was no statistical difference in mortality.

According to a news release from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, the findings should not be interpreted as an endorsement of "boutique angioplasty." Lead investigator Dr. Michael A. Kutcher, of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., said, "These medical centers are doing angioplasty for the right reasons: to improve outcomes for heart attack patients and to better serve patients in remote geographic areas."

The findings represent the largest clinical study ever to compare PCI programs that have on-site cardiac surgery to PCI programs that transfer patients to a surgical hospital in case of emergency, according to the SCAI news release.

PCI involves threading a slender balloon-tipped tube from an artery in the groin to the clogged place in the coronary artery. By inflating the balloon, the vessel-clogging plaque is compressed, allowing better blood flow.

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FDA Seeks $2.2 Million Penalty from Hearing Aid Maker

Hearing aid maker Advanced Bionics LLC is being penalized $2.2 million by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for alleged violations including failing to adhere to manufacturing standards and for failing to notify the agency that it had changed suppliers, the FDA said Friday.

The Sylmar, Calif., company makes a device called the HiRes90k Implantable Cochlear Stimulator. The device is surgically implanted behind the ear to treat profound hearing loss in both adults and children.

The agency's legal complaint alleges that the company exposed device users to unnecessary health risks by failing to follow standard manufacturing procedures and by distributing devices that contained a component provided by an unapproved vendor.

The complaint says Advanced Bionics shipped hearing aids in violation of the law between January 2005 and July 2006. At least some of the alleged violations occurred after a 2001 inspection, which had found similar failures that the company had promised to correct, the agency said.

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New Test Recommended to Determine Cardiovascular Disease Risk

The way doctors treat patients at risk for cardiovascular disease may change after Friday's release of new guidelines from the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology.

The guidelines say an additional test should be added to the standard cholesterol test used to determine cardiovascular disease risk. The guidelines endorse the use of advanced lipoprotein testing by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as a more accurate method to determine risk and to check whether LDL ("bad") cholesterol-lowering therapies are having an effect in patients.

NMR lipoprotein testing measures the number of LDL particles, which carry cholesterol through the body, rather than cholesterol levels alone. Studies have shown that it's the number of lipoprotein particles present in the blood, not the amount of cholesterol carried by these particles, that form blockages inside arteries.

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FDA Issues Warning About 'Total Body Formula' and 'Total Body Mega Formula' Supplements

Consumers should not buy or consume the Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors of "Total Body Formula" or the Orange/Tangerine flavor of "Total Body Mega Formula" because these liquid dietary supplements may cause problems including significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain and fatigue, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The products have been recalled by the distributor, Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta, and the FDA is analyzing samples of the products to identify the cause of the problems. It's suspected the products contain excessive amounts of selenium, which can cause the symptoms shown by some consumers. Only small amounts of selenium -- a trace mineral -- are needed for good health.

The FDA received reports from the Florida Department of Health about 23 people who suffered serious reactions seven to 10 days after using these products. The FDA is also investigating reports of similar cases in Tennessee.

Consumers with these products should stop using them and throw them away. Anyone who has had adverse reactions after taking the products should consult a health care professional, the FDA said.

For more information, call the FDA's Food Safety Hotline at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

Health Tips for March 31

Health Tip: After a Car Accident

Traffic accidents often cause more than physical injuries -- they can also cause emotional and mental trauma.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to prepare your mind and body for a return to the road:

* Take care of your physical injuries -- see your doctor about any post-accident pain.
* As long as your injuries permit, try to get some exercise. Speak to your doctor about setting limits.
* Talk about the experience with your friends and family. This may help you better deal with post-accident anxiety.
* Resume your old routine and daily activities.
* Teach yourself to become a more defensive driver. Always wear a seat belt, and practice good driving habits.

Health Tip: Muscle Injury?

Many minor overuse injuries to muscles and tendons can be treated at home.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests the RICE method, which includes:

* Resting the injured area by avoiding exercise, sports or activities that may aggravate the injury until the pain subsides.
* Icing the area with an ice pack (protecting the skin) several times a day for about 20 minutes per session.
* Compressing the area by wearing an elastic compression bandage.
* Elevating the area, keeping it above the level of your heart.

Health Headlines - March 30

Dole Fresh Fruit Joins Cantaloupe Recall

In response to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning in 16 states, the Dole Fresh Fruit Company has joined the recall of cantaloupes grown in Honduras and shipped by an independent grower, according to the Associated Press.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised U.S. grocery companies, produce wholesalers and food service operators March 22 to remove cantaloupes from the Honduran grower and packer Agropecuaria Montelibano, because of the possibility they contain the bacterium Salmonella Litchfield, which can cause intestinal illness in humans. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

On March 27, Chiquita Brands International Inc. and Simply Fresh Fruit Inc. issued recalls, the wire service reports. Whole cantaloupes were recalled by Chiquita, and Simply Fresh Fruit identified cut fruit products, the AP said.

Dole Fresh Fruit, headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., said its recalled cantaloupes had been distributed in the United States and Canada in cardboard cartons with the brand "Dole" and "Product of Honduras" printed on the side panels, according to the wire service.

Although the three fruit companies have helped in identifying the suspect cantaloupes, it may still be difficult for consumers to determine the origin of fruit they buy. The FDA is asking people who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from the Honduran grower in question. If it was, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes, the FDA says.

Fifty cases of salmonella poisoning have been reported in 16 states with 14 hospitalizations, the FDA says. There have been no fatalities. The affected states span the country: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The FDA also has issued the following tips for making sure the cantaloupes you buy are fresh: Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged; if buying fresh-cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice; after purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly; wash your hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes; scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap water immediately before eating; if there happens to be a bruised or damaged area on a cantaloupe, cut away those parts before eating it.

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Balloon Angiography OK for Some Medical Centers Without Coronary Surgical Backup: Study

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) -- more commonly known as balloon angioplasty -- doesn't need to be performed only in hospitals with coronary surgical backup, a new study has found.

A report presented Saturday at a joint cardiology meeting in Chicago, sponsored by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), found that medical centers with "well-organized, highly skilled" PCI programs can safely and effectively perform the angioplasty.

Researchers compared 9,029 patients who had angioplasty at 61 centers without cardiac backup surgery to 299,132 patients at 404 centers with a cardiac surgery program from January 2004 through March 2006. And they found there was no statistical difference in mortality.

According to a news release from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, the findings should not be interpreted as an endorsement of "boutique angioplasty." Lead investigator Dr. Michael A. Kutcher, of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., said, "These medical centers are doing angioplasty for the right reasons: to improve outcomes for heart attack patients and to better serve patients in remote geographic areas."

The findings represent the largest clinical study ever to compare PCI programs that have on-site cardiac surgery to PCI programs that transfer patients to a surgical hospital in case of emergency, according to the SCAI news release.

PCI involves threading a slender balloon-tipped tube from an artery in the groin to the clogged place in the coronary artery. By inflating the balloon, the vessel-clogging plaque is compressed, allowing better blood flow.

-----

FDA Seeks $2.2 Million Penalty from Hearing Aid Maker

Hearing aid maker Advanced Bionics LLC is being penalized $2.2 million by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for alleged violations including failing to adhere to manufacturing standards and for failing to notify the agency that it had changed suppliers, the FDA said Friday.

The Sylmar, Calif., company makes a device called the HiRes90k Implantable Cochlear Stimulator. The device is surgically implanted behind the ear to treat profound hearing loss in both adults and children.

The agency's legal complaint alleges that the company exposed device users to unnecessary health risks by failing to follow standard manufacturing procedures and by distributing devices that contained a component provided by an unapproved vendor.

The complaint says Advanced Bionics shipped hearing aids in violation of the law between January 2005 and July 2006. At least some of the alleged violations occurred after a 2001 inspection, which had found similar failures that the company had promised to correct, the agency said.

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New Test Recommended to Determine Cardiovascular Disease Risk

The way doctors treat patients at risk for cardiovascular disease may change after Friday's release of new guidelines from the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology.

The guidelines say an additional test should be added to the standard cholesterol test used to determine cardiovascular disease risk. The guidelines endorse the use of advanced lipoprotein testing by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as a more accurate method to determine risk and to check whether LDL ("bad") cholesterol-lowering therapies are having an effect in patients.

NMR lipoprotein testing measures the number of LDL particles, which carry cholesterol through the body, rather than cholesterol levels alone. Studies have shown that it's the number of lipoprotein particles present in the blood, not the amount of cholesterol carried by these particles, that form blockages inside arteries.

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Stroke Hospitalizations Higher Among U.S. Blacks

Black Americans and people living in the Southeast have the highest rates of stroke hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States, says a report released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The report -- Atlas of Stroke Hospitalizations Among Medicare Beneficiaries -- also found that a large number of beneficiaries live in counties where there is no access to care, or inadequate choices for emergency care when they suffer a stroke.

About 21 percent of counties had no hospital, 31 percent had a hospital without an emergency department, and 77 percent had a hospital with no neurology services.

The atlas provides county-level maps of stroke hospitalizations for blacks, whites and Hispanics. It showed the that stroke hospitalization rate for blacks is 27 percent higher than for the U.S. population in general, 30 percent higher than for whites, and 36 percent higher than for Hispanics.

"The atlas highlights that where you live can determine how you live, regarding your ability to take part in activities that reduce your risk of stroke," study lead author Michele Casper, an epidemiologist at the CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, said in a prepared statement.

"Examples of community conditions that can influence a person's risk for stroke include the availability of affordable healthy food, safe options for physical activity, access to high quality health care, and anti-smoking legislation and polices," Casper said.

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FDA Issues Warning About 'Total Body Formula' and 'Total Body Mega Formula' Supplements

Consumers should not buy or consume the Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors of "Total Body Formula" or the Orange/Tangerine flavor of "Total Body Mega Formula" because these liquid dietary supplements may cause problems including significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain and fatigue, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The products have been recalled by the distributor, Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta, and the FDA is analyzing samples of the products to identify the cause of the problems. It's suspected the products contain excessive amounts of selenium, which can cause the symptoms shown by some consumers. Only small amounts of selenium -- a trace mineral -- are needed for good health.

The FDA received reports from the Florida Department of Health about 23 people who suffered serious reactions seven to 10 days after using these products. The FDA is also investigating reports of similar cases in Tennessee.

Consumers with these products should stop using them and throw them away. Anyone who has had adverse reactions after taking the products should consult a health care professional, the FDA said.

For more information, call the FDA's Food Safety Hotline at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

Health Tips for March 30

Health Tip: Experience Grief as a Healthy Emotion

Grief is a normal, healthy emotion experienced when a person has a significant loss, such as the death of someone close, or even the end of a relationship.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these common symptoms of grief:

* Numbness, shock and denial are common initially.
* Feelings of abandonment may occur once reality has set in.
* Anger -- directed at the person who is gone, yourself, others and even religion -- is common.
* Temporary depression and guilt may set in once the grieving person realizes what the loss means.
* Thinking frequently about the person and reliving memories are normal reactions, as well.
* Little by little, you should begin to feel better. Eventually, you should begin to focus on resuming relationships and activities. It's not uncommon to initially feel "disloyal" to someone as you start to move on.

Health Tip: Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation under professional supervision often is recommended for people who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, or a related operation.

The American Heart Association lists these benefits of cardiac rehabilitation:

* A rehab program, based on a medical evaluation, often is tailored to a person's specific needs and health problems.
* During physical activity, your blood pressure and heart rate are closely monitored.
* Getting regular exercise can help reduce stress, strengthen your heart, and increase your energy.
* Rehabilitation often includes counseling on making lifestyle changes, including on what to eat, how to prepare food, how to manage stress, quitting smoking, and the importance of taking your medications.
* An associated support group may be available to help you talk about and deal with your concerns and health issues.

Health Headlines - March 29

FDA Seeks $2.2 Million Penalty from Hearing Aid Maker

Hearing aid maker Advanced Bionics LLC is being penalized $2.2 million by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for alleged violations including failing to adhere to manufacturing standards and for failing to notify the agency that it had changed suppliers, the FDA said Friday.

The Sylmar, Calif., company makes a device called the HiRes90k Implantable Cochlear Stimulator. The device is surgically implanted behind the ear to treat profound hearing loss in both adults and children.

The agency's legal complaint alleges that the company exposed device users to unnecessary health risks by failing to follow standard manufacturing procedures and by distributing devices that contained a component provided by an unapproved vendor.

The complaint says Advanced Bionics shipped hearing aids in violation of the law between January 2005 and July 2006. At least some of the alleged violations occurred after a 2001 inspection, which had found similar failures that the company had promised to correct, the agency said.

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Brain Changes Affect Teen Behavior

Natural changes in adolescents' brains affect their cognition, emotion and behavior, say U.S. National Institute of Mental Health researchers, who used MRI to examine the brains of volunteers.

The researchers found that brain gray matter increases in volume until the early teens, then decreases until old age. The findings appear in the April issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.

"Adolescence is a time of substantial neurobiological and behavioral change, but the teen brain is not a broken or defective adult brain," wrote researcher Dr. Jay N. Giedd.

The findings come from the NIMH Longitudinal Brain Imaging Project, which began in 1989.

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New Test Recommended to Determine Cardiovascular Disease Risk

The way doctors treat patients at risk for cardiovascular disease may change after Friday's release of new guidelines from the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology.

The guidelines say an additional test should be added to the standard cholesterol test used to determine cardiovascular disease risk. The guidelines endorse the use of advanced lipoprotein testing by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as a more accurate method to determine risk and to check whether LDL ("bad") cholesterol-lowering therapies are having an effect in patients.

NMR lipoprotein testing measures the number of LDL particles, which carry cholesterol through the body, rather than cholesterol levels alone. Studies have shown that it's the number of lipoprotein particles present in the blood, not the amount of cholesterol carried by these particles, that form blockages inside arteries.

-----

Stroke Hospitalizations Higher Among U.S. Blacks

Black Americans and people living in the Southeast have the highest rates of stroke hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States, says a report released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The report -- Atlas of Stroke Hospitalizations Among Medicare Beneficiaries -- also found that a large number of beneficiaries live in counties where there is no access to care, or inadequate choices for emergency care when they suffer a stroke.

About 21 percent of counties had no hospital, 31 percent had a hospital without an emergency department, and 77 percent had a hospital with no neurology services.

The atlas provides county-level maps of stroke hospitalizations for blacks, whites and Hispanics. It showed the that stroke hospitalization rate for blacks is 27 percent higher than for the U.S. population in general, 30 percent higher than for whites, and 36 percent higher than for Hispanics.

"The atlas highlights that where you live can determine how you live, regarding your ability to take part in activities that reduce your risk of stroke," study lead author Michele Casper, an epidemiologist at the CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, said in a prepared statement.

"Examples of community conditions that can influence a person's risk for stroke include the availability of affordable healthy food, safe options for physical activity, access to high quality health care, and anti-smoking legislation and polices," Casper said.

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CF Drug Shows Promise

An investigational oral drug called VX-770 showed promising results in treating cystic fibrosis (CF) patients who carry the G551D mutation of CF, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation said.

The drug is being co-developed by the foundation and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

A 14-day phase 2a trial of 20 patients found that they showed significant improvements in several key indicators of CF, including lung function, nasal potential difference measurements, and sweat chloride (salt) levels. The findings suggest that the drug improves function of what is known as the CFTR protein.

This is the first time any potential therapy has been shown to improve abnormal sweat chloride levels in CF patients. Excessive sweat chloride is a key clinical indicator of CF.

"These early results are an extraordinary endorsement of our hypothesis -- that small molecules can correct the basic defect and affect the clinical indicators of cystic fibrosis," Robert J. Beall, president and CEO of the foundation, said in a prepared statement.

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FDA Issues Warning About 'Total Body Formula' and 'Total Body Mega Formula' Supplements

Consumers should not buy or consume the Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors of "Total Body Formula" or the Orange/Tangerine flavor of "Total Body Mega Formula" because these liquid dietary supplements may cause problems including significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain and fatigue, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The products have been recalled by the distributor, Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta, and the FDA is analyzing samples of the products to identify the cause of the problems. It's suspected the products contain excessive amounts of selenium, which can cause the symptoms shown by some consumers. Only small amounts of selenium -- a trace mineral -- are needed for good health.

The FDA received reports from the Florida Department of Health about 23 people who suffered serious reactions seven to 10 days after using these products. The FDA is also investigating reports of similar cases in Tennessee.

Consumers with these products should stop using them and throw them away. Anyone who has had adverse reactions after taking the products should consult a health care professional, the FDA said.

For more information, call the FDA's Food Safety Hotline at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

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Brain Able to Detect Calorie Content of Food: Study

Even when the brain can't sense taste, it can still detect the calorie content of food, say Duke University researchers, who genetically altered the brains of mice so that they lost their ability to taste the "sweetness" in foods.

When the mice were given a choice of two solutions -- one sweetened with sugar, the other with the non-caloric sweetener sucralose -- they showed a strong preference for the sugar solution, CBC News reported.

This suggests that calorie content, not taste, guided their choice, said the researchers, who also found that consuming the sugar solution activated reward circuits in the brains of the mice. The study appears in the journal Neuron.

"Our findings suggest that calorie-rich nutrients can directly influence brain reward circuits that control food intake independently of palatability or functional taste transduction," the researchers wrote.

The study results may help in efforts to treat obesity, CBC News reported.

Health Tips for March 29

Health Tip: Managing After a Miscarriage

The aftermath of a pregnancy loss is an extremely difficult and frustrating time for the affected couple.

Here are suggestions to help the woman and her partner cope after a miscarriage, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

* Seek psychological counseling for you and your partner.
* Ask for comfort and support from your partner, friends and family.
* Allow yourself to grieve, and give yourself plenty of time to recover emotionally.
* Be considerate of your partner's needs, feelings and emotions.
* Communicate with each other frequently, openly and honestly.
* Understand that everyone grieves differently, and respect each other's methods of coping.

Health Tip: How a Pacemaker Helps the Heart

A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that is implanted in the skin of the chest or abdomen, and helps regulate the heartbeat.

Here are reasons for why a pacemaker may be prescribed, courtesy of the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:

* To correct a slow, fast or irregular heartbeat.
* To ensure that the heart's ventricles contract normally, in cases of atrial fibrillation.
* To regulate the electrical signals between the upper and lower chambers of the heart, and in other cases, between the ventricles of the heart.

Health Headlines - March 28

FDA Launches Safety Reviews of Three Medications

Safety reviews of Regranex Gel (becaplermin), Ziagen (abacavir) and Videx (didanosine) are being conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency announced. All three are FDA-approved medications.

The review of Regranex Gel, a skin product used to heal leg and foot ulcers, was prompted by study data suggesting there may be an increased risk of death from cancer in diabetic patients who use the gel. While the review is ongoing, health care professionals should discuss the risks and benefits of the product with patients, the FDA said.

Recent findings from a study on anti-HIV drugs indicate that patients infected with HIV-1 who take Ziagen or Videx may have an increased risk of heart attack.

Until the safety review is complete, health care professionals should evaluate the potential risks and benefits of each HIV-1 antiretroviral drug their patients are taking, the FDA said.

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Drug Store Test May Settle Paternity Question

A $29.99 paternity kit that's now available at some 4,300 Rite Aid drug stores in 30 states may help settle the question, "Who's Your Daddy" for thousands of curious families, MSNBC reports.

The do-it-yourself Indentigene test, produced by Sorenson Genomics of Salt Lake City, uses DNA to determine paternity. The kit includes swabs for collecting cheek cell samples from the possible father and the child. It's recommended that the mother provide her cells, too, to help bolster the results.

Cheek cells are mailed to a Sorenson lab for analysis. Results -- a probability figure -- are available online, by telephone or by mail in three to five business days, MSNBC reported. The total cost is about $150, including a $120 lab fee. For an additional $200, a more sophisticated test can be performed that meets legal requirements for determining paternity, the network said.

The Sorenson lab is accredited by the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks). But this type of test doesn't have to be reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration nor is certification required under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment, MSNBC pointed out.

Identigene's chief operating officer, Douglas Fogg, said most users appear to be buying the kit to settle social questions, not legal ones. Experts told MSNBC that it's still to be decided whether results of this test would stand up in court, especially given that such a test taken at home is subject to fraudulent use.

Fogg said he expects to sell at least 52,000 of the kits this year.

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Physical Restraint Use in Nursing Homes Declines

In recent years, there's been a 40 percent decline in the use of physical restraints -- such as wheelchair belts or bed rails -- on nursing home patients in the United States, according to a report from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

In 2006, about 5.9 percent of 1.5 million long-term patients were repeatedly physically restrained, compared with 9.7 percent in 2002, the Associated Press reported.

States where physical restraints were used most often in 2006 included: California (13.4 percent), Arkansas (13.2 percent), and Oklahoma (11.5 percent). Restraints were used on nursing home patients least often in Nebraska (1.3 percent), and Iowa, Kansas and Maine (2 percent).

The overall decline in the use of physical restraints is the result of efforts by federal and state governments and the nursing home industry to do away with what was once a common practice, the AP reported.

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Recalls for Rocker Toys and Warming Bears

Two recalls of Chinese-made products were announced Thursday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

One involves about 122,000 Rock 'N Ride plush rocker toys distributed by Tek Nek Toys International L.P. of Southlake, Texas. The base of the rocker can become unstable and allow the rocker to tip forward or backward, posing a fall hazard. The company has received 35 reports of rockers tipping over, including 10 reports of injuries such as bumps, bruises and lacerations.

Consumers should take these rockers away from children and contact Tek Nek at 888-686-2728 for a free replacement base.

The other recall includes about 113,000 Cozy Warming Polar Bears distributed by Avon Products Inc. The buckwheat-filled warming pouch inside the bears can overheat and ignite when heated in a microwave oven, posing a fire and burn hazard. Avon has received 41 reports of product overheating, including six reports of minor burns.

Consumers should stop using the warming bears and return the warming pouch for a full refund. For more information, contact Avon at 877-217-0916.

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Large Increase in Kidney Disease Hospitalizations: Report

Between 1980 and 2005, the number of hospitalizations for kidney disease in the United States increased from 416,000 to 1.6 million, says a study published Thursday in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hospitalization rates for kidney disease, including chronic and acute kidney failure, were consistently higher (30 percent to 40 percent) among men than women, increasing from 25 to 66.5 per 100,000 in men and from 17.8 to 45.8 per 100,000 in women.

In 2005, about 61.4 percent of hospitalized kidney disease patients were 65 and older, compared to 49.9 percent in 1980. An increasing number of kidney disease-related hospital admissions were associated with diabetes or high blood pressure, the study said.

The report authors said more research is needed to learn why hospitalization rates for kidney disease are increasing and to better understand the link between kidney disease and chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

In addition, there needs to be increased focus on early detection of kidney disease through screening, and encouraging health-care professionals to standardize criteria for diagnosing kidney disease.

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Tobacco Company Helped Fund Lung Cancer Study

There's widespread dismay and concern after it was revealed that researchers who concluded that lung scans may help save smokers from cancer failed to reveal their financial ties to a tobacco company, the Associated Press reported.

The Weill Cornell Medical College researchers didn't disclose the money links to the parent company of cigarette maker Liggett Group Inc. when they submitted two studies to the Journal of the American Medical Association and the New England Journal of Medicine. The studies were published in 2006. News of the tobacco funding was first reported Tuesday in The New York Times.

In a statement released Wednesday, Liggett spokeswoman Carrie Bloom said the company "had not control or influence over the research."

Cornell Dean Dr. Antonio Gotto said there was no attempt to hide the fact the research was co-funded by the tobacco company, the AP reported. Gotto said the university made a public announcement about the funding.

Dozens of organizations, including the American Cancer Society, also funded the Cornell team's research. But the cancer society wouldn't have contributed to the study if it knew "Big Tobacco" was also providing funding, said ACS chief medical officer Dr. Otis Brawley.

A statement released by Dr. John Niederhuber, director of the U.S. National Cancer Institute, said scientists must maintain the trust of patients in research studies and "any breach of that trust is not simply disappointing but, I believe, unacceptable," the AP reported.

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Targeting RNA May Lead to New Disease Treatments

By silencing key genetic material in cells, it may be possible to treat a number of kinds of diseases, suggests a study by Danish researchers.

They silenced strands of micro-RNA in the liver cells of monkeys, which resulted in lower cholesterol levels. This was the first time this technique was used in primates. Previous tests were conducted in test tubes and rodents, BBC News reported.

The study, published in the journal Nature, was conducted by a team from Copenhagen-based Santaris Pharma.

The researchers said this technique could eventually prove effective in treating a number of diseases, including liver disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer, and cardiac diseases, BBC News reported.

This could be done by developing a new generation of drugs that silence certain types of RNA, which is believed to be the main regulator of activity within cells. Some types of RNA have been found to be associated with disease.

Health Tips for March 28

Health Tip: Help Your Child's Cognitive Development

Cognitive development refers to fostering a person's ability to think and reason. In a child's case, it's an important part of his or her emotional and mental growth.

The Lucile-Packard Children's Hospital offers these suggestions to encourage your adolescent child's cognitive development:

* Talk to your child about adult, complex topics such as politics, world issues and current events.
* Encourage discussions where the child can express thoughts, ideas and opinions.
* Encourage the child to develop personal goals, opinions and ideas.
* Recognize and praise the child for making good, well-planned decisions, and help the child learn from mistakes.
* Teach the child to think about and plan for the future, the possibilities that lie ahead, and how to best reach personal goals.

Health Tip: Facts About Ovulation

Ovulation is part of a healthy woman's monthly menstrual cycle, and usually occurs in the middle of the cycle. Ovulation refers to the release of a mature egg that is available to be fertilized.

The American Pregnancy Association offers the following information about ovulation:

* Once an egg has been released from the ovary, it can live for 12 hours to 24 hours.
* Women are born with millions of immature eggs. Typically, only one egg that has matured is released each month.
* Ovulation can be affected by factors such as stress, anxiety, illness, or an interruption of usual lifestyle and routine.
* Ovulation may cause feelings of aching, tenderness or soreness in and around the ovaries.
* Each egg that is unfertilized is absorbed by the uterine lining.

Health Headlines - March 27

Lilly to Pay $15 Million to Settle Alaska Zyprexa Lawsuit

In what's seen as a surprise announcement, Eli Lilly and the state of Alaska announced Wednesday that the drug maker has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a state lawsuit claiming its schizophrenia drug Zyprexa caused users to develop diabetes.

The announcement comes three weeks into a trial in Anchorage. The case hadn't reached the jury, but it was expected that closing arguments would take place this week, The New York Times reported.

In the statement released Wednesday, Lilly did not admit wrongdoing.

The state of Alaska sued Lilly to recover the cost of medical care allegedly generated by Medicaid patients who developed diabetes while taking Zyprexa. A number of other states have sued Lilly with similar claims, or are taking part in settlement talks led by federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania.

Lilly has already shelled out $1.2 billion to settle 30,000 individual lawsuits from people who said they developed diabetes while taking Zyprexa, the Times reported. Since the drug was introduced in the U.S. in 1996, more than 23 million people have taken it.

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FDA Issues Draft Guidelines for Drug-Eluting Stents

Draft guidelines to help in the development, testing and manufacture of coronary drug-eluting stents were issued Wednesday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Stents are hollow mesh cylinders used to prop open arteries that were once blocked. Drug-eluting stents have a coating that slowly releases a drug to prevent the growth of scar tissue.

For more than two years, there has been growing concern about the possibility of dangerous clot formation in some patients. Since 2006 when such concerns were raised, medical societies have urged patients to take anti-clotting drugs for at least a year after the devices are implanted, the Associated Press reported.

The proposed guidelines recommend that the device manufacturers conduct large, analytic studies of the devices, the AP said.

The guidelines also include a recommendation that a device maker should track patients for up to five years after a drug-eluting stent receives FDA approval, the wire service said. Public comment on the draft guidelines is being accepted for 120 days.

The FDA has so far sanctioned drug-coated stents made by three manufacturers: Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Johnson & Johnson. Each year in the United States, about 650,000 patients receive this type of stent.

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New Yorkers Gain 10 Million Pounds in Two Years

The Big Apple is getting much bigger.

Between 2002 and 2004, New York City residents gained a total of more than 10 million pounds, about 173,500 residents became obese, and more than 73,000 were diagnosed with diabetes, says a study by the city's health department.

During those two years, the city's rates of obesity and diagnosed diabetes both increased by 17 percent, compared to a six percent increase in obesity and no increase in diabetes diagnoses nationwide.

In New York City, obesity increased by 20 percent among whites and by 14 percent among Hispanics. Among older residents, the obesity rate increased by 28 percent, and shot up by 33 percent among foreign-born residents.

There were large increases in diabetes diagnoses among both U.S.- and foreign-born residents, 15 percent and 26 percent, respectively. The highest diabetes rates were among black and Hispanic adults, and among people in low-income neighborhoods.

In another study, health department researchers said calories from sodas and other sugary drinks are a major cause of the city's obesity epidemic. Overall, 27 percent of New York City adults consume an average of nearly two sugar-sweetened sodas a day, which contain nearly 300 calories.

The studies appear in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease and in the Journal of Urban Health.

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Three More Countries Recall Heparin

Denmark, France and Italy have announced recalls of the blood-thinning drug heparin or its ingredients due to suspected contamination with a chemical called oversulfated chondroitin sulfate. Similar recalls have been announced in Germany and the United States.

There have been no adverse reports of people taking heparin in Denmark, France or Italy, the Wall Street Journal reported. Officials in those countries believe oversulfated chondroitin sulfate is the contaminant, but that hasn't been confirmed.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it knows of 19 people who died after taking heparin, apparently from allergic reactions. Hundreds of other patients have become ill.

FDA officials are "in communication with the regulatory authorities in [European] countries and are still vigorously pursuing our investigation," Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared statement, the Wall Street Journal reported.

It's believed that Chinese-made heparin ingredients are the source of the contamination.

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FDA Warns Men Not to Use 'Blue Steel' or 'Hero' Products

Consumers shouldn't buy or use "Blue Steel" or "Hero" products sold as treatments for erectile dysfunction or sexual enhancement because they are considered unapproved drugs and haven't been proven safe or effective, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned.

The products, promoted and sold over the Internet, contain undeclared ingredients that may have a dangerous effect on a person's blood pressure, the agency said. The products are labeled as all natural dietary supplements but don't qualify as such because they contain undeclared and unapproved substances similar in chemical structure to sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, the FDA said.

"Because these products are labeled as 'all natural dietary supplements,' consumers may assume that they are harmless and pose no health risk," Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared statement. "But an unsuspecting consumer with underlying medical issues may take these products without knowing that they can cause serious side effects and interact in dangerous ways with drugs that a consumer is already taking."

Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take prescription drugs that contain nitrates. Erectile dysfunction is common in these men, but they're advised against taking Viagra or similar drugs. Instead, some of these men look for "all natural" products to treat erectile dysfunction.

Any men who have taken Blue Steel or Hero products should stop using them and consult their doctor if they've had problems that may have been caused by the products, the FDA said.

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Switching Off Genes May Put Cancers to Sleep: Study

It may be possible to switch off genes and put cancer tumors "to sleep" instead of having to treat patients with chemotherapy, suggests a study by American and Australian researchers.

In tests with mice, the scientists found that by switching a gene called Id1 off or on, it was possible to either shrink or encourage growth in certain kinds of breast tumors. They also found that breast cancers with high levels of the Id1 gene became very aggressive and were likely to spread to other parts of the body, Agence France-Presse reported.

"We also showed that if we genetically switch off the Id1 gene in an established tumor, those mice live much longer than mice with continual Id1 expression in their tumor," said Dr. Alex Swarbrick of the Garvan Institute in Sydney, Australia. "In fact, about 40 percent of them were cured and the tumors just shrank away."

The findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest it may be possible to target genes that switch off cancers in order to put tumors to sleep, Swarbrick told AFP.

"You induce a terminal sleep, and then the immune system just gobbles [the tumors] up," he said.

Health Tips for March 27

Health Tip: Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions can range from very mild to life-threatening. Severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention, but even reactions that are milder should be checked out by a doctor.

Here are warning signs of a mild allergic reaction, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Skin rash.
* Hives, especially on the neck or the face.
* Itchy skin.
* Red or watery eyes.
* Nasal congestion.

If you have more serious symptoms of an allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, swelling, dizziness, chest discomfort, abdominal pain, or feelings of apprehension and anxiety, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Health Tip: Stressed Teens

The teen years can be difficult to manage with their many physical, emotional and lifestyle changes.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Write down all of the things that cause anxiety or stress. Making a list may help you organize your thoughts and come up with a plan to help resolve problems.
* Reduce stress where you can. If work, sports or extracurricular activities cause too much stress, cut back on how much time you devote to them.
* Accept that you can't eliminate all the stress in your life, that it's OK to make mistakes, and that you can't control everything.
* Don't push yourself too hard. If you feel too tired or too overwhelmed, say "no" to additional commitments.
* Talk to family members, friends or a counselor about what's bothering you and causing stress.

Health Headlines - March 26

Cod Liver Oil May Help Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Some rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who took a 10g daily dose of cod liver oil cut their use of painkilling non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by 30 percent, says a study by researchers at Dundee University in the U.K.

The nine-month trial of about 60 patients found that 39 percent of those who took cod liver oil reduced their use of NSIADs, compared to 10 percent of patients who took a placebo, BBC News reported. Reduced NSAID use was not associated with any worsening of pain or disease.

The study was published in the journal Rheumatology.

Concerns about the side effects of NSAIDs have led researchers to look for alternative treatments. It's believed that fatty acids in cod liver oil have anti-inflammatory properties, BBC News reported.

Since this was a small study, it's difficult to draw any firm conclusions, said Dr. Andrew Bamji, president of the British Society for Rheumatology.

"It does look as if the results are positive and that is quite interesting," he told BBC News.

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Children's Water Bottles Recalled Due to Lead Hazard

About 18,000 Backyard and Beyond children's metal water bottles have been recalled due to excessive levels of lead in the paint on the outside of the bottles, said the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The Chinese-made bottles, distributed by Downeast Concepts Inc., of Yarmouth, Maine, have a black plastic sip-top and came in green, pink or blue, with assorted animal or insect graphics on them.

The bottles were sold nationwide from February 2006 through February 2008 for about $8. Consumers should immediately take the water bottles away from children and return them to the place of purchase for a refund, the CPSC said.

For more information, phone Downeast Concepts at 1-800-343-2424.

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Polio Halted in Somalia: WHO

World Health Organization officials claim that polio transmission has been halted in Somalia, but they acknowledge that the deadly disease could easily return to the unstable, troubled nation.

If polio has been stopped in Somalia, it would meant that the disease remains in only a dozen countries, including four (Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan) where it's common, the Associated Press reported.

There hasn't been a case of polio reported in Somalia in a year. Over the past decade, about 10,000 Somali health workers and volunteers worked to vaccinate nearly every child under the age of five.

Somalia was declared polio-free in 2002, but the disease reappeared in the country in 2005, the AP reported.

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Genetic Mapping Tool Could Improve Tumor Treatment

A genetic mapping tool that may help improve diagnosis and treatment of common tumors has been developed by U.S. researchers, Agence France-Presse reported.

The researchers mapped the molecular features of the most common and deadly primary brain tumor so that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used to identify the tumor's various subtypes. This same method could be used to identify other types of tumors, the researchers said.

"We found a way to allow MRIs to give us detailed molecular information about these tumors," lead author Michael Kuo, of the University of California, San Diego, told AFP. "In the past the only way you'd get it is by doing invasive biopsies and running expensive tests that aren't standardized."

This approach, which can be used with other types of imaging technologies such as CAT scans, needs to undergo further testing before it could be ready for clinical use, Kuo said.

The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Baby Milk Powder May Cause Breathing Problems

Prolonged exposure to baby milk powder may increase the risk of breathing problems such as wheezing and breathlessness, says a British study that included about 170 laborers and 76 office staffers at a baby milk powder factory in Thailand.

The University of Birmingham team found that the workers with direct exposure to the baby milk powder were twice as likely as office staffers to have symptoms of breathing problems, BBC News reported. Among the factory floor workers, 24 percent had wheezing and 33 percent had breathlessness, compared to 12 percent and 16 percent of the office staff. The factory floor workers were also twice as likely to have asthma.

The researchers said at-risk workers should be monitored, but added that mothers and babies are safe because they have relatively little exposure to the milk powder.

"The effects of inhaled milk powder are relevant for occupational settings, so workers with such exposure should be protected as much as possible using exposure control measures, such as wearing latex gloves. They should also have regular check-ups of their respiratory health," said study leader Dr. Maritta Jaakkola, BBC News reported.

"Nannies, and bakers, both groups who are exposed to milk powder during their working life, may also benefit from respiratory tests," Jaakkola added.

The study was published in the European Respiratory Journal.

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HRT May Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease

A new British study suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help protect postmenopausal women against memory loss and Alzheimer's disease, BBC News reported.

The London Institute of Psychiatry researchers found that a halt in the production of the hormone estrogen -- which occurs in menopause -- was linked to a decline in memory. But this was reversed when estrogen supplies were restored, as occurs when women have HRT.

This study appears to support a current theory that estrogen may help prevent the accumulation of harmful protein tangles in the brain that eventually lead to Alzheimer's.

"There may be a critical window of time around the menopause when HRT may have a beneficial effect in protecting against Alzheimer's dementia," said lead researcher Dr. Michael Craig, BBC News reported.

But one expert urged caution.

"This is not conclusive evidence and women are not advised to start HRT specifically to protect against dementia since it can have side effects and possibly increase the risk of cancer," said Rebecca Wood, chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Research Trust in the U.K., BBC News reported.

Health Tips for March 26

Health Tip: Get Screened for Cancer

Early detection, by way of regular screening, is one of the best ways to beat cancer.

The American Cancer Society offers these guidelines for cancer screenings:

* Women, starting at age 40, should get an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer. Breast exams should start at age 20. An annual exam is recommended at age 40. Before that, women at normal risk should be examined about every three years.
* Beginning at age 50, women and men need regular screening for colorectal cancer. People at an increased risk for colorectal cancer should be tested earlier.
* Women need regular Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. Pap smears should be given within three years of starting intercourse, or by age 21, whichever is earlier.
* Men 50 and older should get the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal examination annually. Men at higher risk should begin testing at age 45.

Health Tip: Can't Keep Asthma Under Control?

If your treatment regimen for asthma isn't helping your symptoms, you and your doctor may need to figure out what's really behind your asthma.

Here are possible reasons for ongoing asthma symptoms, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Allergies to something in your home, school or workplace, such as pet dander or dust mites.
* Not taking your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
* Not using your inhaler properly.
* The medication you're using simply is not effective for you.
* Your respiratory symptoms are being caused by something other than asthma.

Health Headlines - March 25

Another U.S. Company Recalls Heparin

Another company has announced a U.S.-wide recall of the blood thinner heparin. B. Braun Medical Inc. said it's recalling 23 lots of heparin as a precautionary measure, but added that no adverse events have been reported in connection with its product, the Associated Press reported.

Contaminated heparin distributed by a different company, Baxter International Inc., has been associated with 19 deaths and hundreds of allergic reactions. The heparin was contaminated with a chemical called oversulfated chondroitin sulfate, which does not occur naturally.

Braun decided to issue the recall after one of its suppliers, Scientific Protein Laboratories in Wisconsin, warned that a Chinese-sourced ingredient it supplied to Braun contained oversulfated chondroitin sulfate.

Scientific Protein Laboratories is also a suppler to Baxter International Inc., which has recalled nearly all of its heparin distributed in the United States. There have been similar heparin recalls in Germany and Japan, the AP reported.

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Recall of Neuromodulation Implantable Infusion Pumps

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration notice of a Class I recall of Medtronic's Neuromodulation Implantable Infusion Pumps has been issued to healthcare providers. Medtronic has received reports of inflammatory mass formations at or near the tip of catheters that infuse opioids, baclofen, or chemotherapy drugs into patients in order to treat pain, spasticity or cancer.

Medtronic has updated the labeling for the devices to include current patient management and treatment recommendations, the FDA said.

In late January, 2008, the company sent a letter to doctors who implant the devices and/or provide care to patients with the implanted device. In the letter, Medtronic described the problem, patient risks and management, recommendations and next steps.

Company representatives will document their contact with each doctor regarding the recall, and doctors will be asked to sign and return a reply card, the FDA said.

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Live Chickens Banned in Jakarta

Beginning in 2010, the trade of live chickens in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta will be banned as part of the effort to control the spread of bird flu, the Associated Press reported.

Livestock official Edy Setiarto said poultry will have to be killed at government-licensed slaughterhouses outside Jakarta before being brought to market in the city. Currently, most people prefer to buy live chickens, which are then slaughtered.

About 70 percent of Indonesia's bird flu cases occur in Jakarta and the surrounding area, Setiarto said. Last year, the government told city residents they could no longer keep chickens in backyards, but the rule has been largely ignored, the AP reported.

Indonesia has been hardest hit by the H5N1 bird flu virus. Of the 236 people worldwide killed by the virus since it first appeared in poultry in 2003, 105 of the victims have been in Indonesia.

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Court Ruling Upholds Integrity of Journals' Peer Review Process: Editorial

A recent court ruling that protected confidential information held by the Journal of the American Medical Association and the journal Archives of Internal Medicine allows the journals' peer review process to work without outside interference, according to an editorial published online Monday by JAMA editor-in-chief Dr. Catherine D. DeAngelis and JAMA editorial counsel Joseph P. Thornton.

Last year, attorneys for Pfizer, Inc. issued subpoenas to obtain confidential information from the journals about studies published on the COX-2 inhibitor pain relief drugs celecoxib and valdecoxib.

According to the editorial, "the subpoenas sought all documents regarding the decision to accept or reject manuscripts, copies of rejected manuscripts, the identities of peer reviewers and the manuscripts they reviewed, and the comments by and among peer reviewers and editor regarding manuscripts, revisions, and publications decisions."

The journals argued that the sanctity of the peer review process should not be violated and, in a ruling issued March 14, the court agreed with the journals.

"The subpoenas attempted to invade the peer review process, and we are delighted that Magistrate Judge Keys said so when he ruled they could not be enforced against us," the journal editorial said.

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Hyperactive Girls Have More Problems Later in Life: Study

Young girls who are hyperactive are more likely than other girls to have major problems when they're older, such as teen pregnancy, abusive relationships, and poor job prospects, says a study by Canadian and British researchers.

The researchers assessed more than 800 girls yearly between the ages of 6 and 12 for hyperactive behavior -- such as restlessness, fidgeting, jumping up and down -- and signs of physical aggression. When the girls were in their early 20s, those with both hyperactivity and aggression were more likely to report early pregnancy, welfare dependence and physical and psychological aggression toward partners, BBC News reported.

The study was published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry.

The researchers noted that most research on the lasting impact of childhood hyperactivity has focused on boys, BBC News reported.

"Hyperactivity is less common in girls than in boys but there are girls with this behavior which can lead to serious problems in later life," said study leader Dr. Nathalie Fontaine, a researcher at University College London.

She and her colleagues said hyperactive young girls should be targeted early in life to help them do better in school.

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More Than 200 Suspected Salmonella Cases in Alamosa, Colo.

As of Sunday, there were 68 confirmed and 148 suspected salmonella cases in the southern Colorado town of Alamosa in an outbreak believed to be linked to municipal tap water. Nine people have been hospitalized during the outbreak, but only one person was believed to still be in a hospital, said public information officer Jim Shires.

Beginning Tuesday morning, officials plan to start flushing the water system with a chlorine solution, the Associated Press reported. The flushing could take several days.

Residents were told last Wednesday to stop drinking and cooking with municipal water after bacterial contamination was detected in tap water samples. Bottled water is available and residents can fill large containers at water-distribution centers set up around the town.

On Friday, Gov. Bill Ritter declared a public health emergency, which made available $300,000 in aid and activated the Colorado National Guard to help distribute safe water, the AP.

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Man Brings Horse to Visit Hospital Patient

Did you hear the one about a man and his horse? Well, officials at a hospital in Hawaii did and certainly weren't laughing.

A man walked a horse through the lobby of the Wilcox Memorial Hospital, got on an elevator and made it to the third floor before being stopped by security guards, BBC News reported.

The man brought what he believed to be a sick relative's favorite horse to cheer up the patient. Hospital spokeswoman Lani Yukimura said there is a visitation policy for "cats and dogs, but not for horses," BBC News reported.

"We just hope people understand this is not a place for a horse," Yukimura said. "It's a very dangerous thing. Our greatest concern is patient care."

The horse did leave a few scuff marks but caused no damage or injuries, BBC News reported.

Health Tips for March 25

Health Tip: Have Hives?

Hives are red, raised patches of skin that are usually very itchy. Hives themselves often are not serious, but they may indicate a more serious condition.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these common triggers for hives:

* Some medications.
* Foods that many people are allergic to, including shellfish, nuts, eggs and milk.
* Pollen.
* Dander from animals, notably cats.
* Bites from insects.
* Infections and some illnesses, including lupus and leukemia.
* Stress or anxiety.
* Prolonged exposure to the sun or the cold.
* Excessive sweating.

Health Tip: Sports Safety for Kids

Kids need to take special care to prevent injuries to growing bones and muscles while playing sports.

Here are safety guidelines for kids, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Prepare for sports by getting into good physical shape.
* Learn all the rules of the sport.
* Always wear appropriate protective equipment, and learn how to use it correctly.
* Always warm up and stretch before you play.
* If you feel pain or you are too tired, avoid playing until you feel better.

Health Headlines - March 24

Life Expectancy Gap Continues to Grow Between Richer, Poorer Americans

The disparity in life expectancy has almost doubled between more affluent Americans and its poorest residents over an 18-year period, the New York Times reports.

Citing new government data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy People 2010 project, the newspaper says that U.S. residents at top income levels can expect to live an average of 4.5 years longer than the poorest Americans -- 79.2 years vs. 74.7 years. What's even more troubling, the Times reports, is that the information from 1998-2000 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows a dramatic increase from the same information from 1980-1982. During that period, the longevity disparity between the richest and poorest Americans was 2.8 years -- 75.8 vs 73.

Why is this gap widening, despite advances in medical knowledge and better treatment options? According to the Times, medical experts give these explanations, among others:

Better-educated, more affluent people can take advantage of the latest advances in heart disease and cancer treatment than the poor.

Better-educated, more affluent people smoke less than poorer people.

Poorer people are exposed to unhealthier food and more dangerous living conditions, than better-educated, affluent people.

Poorer people are less likely to have health insurance and less likely to receive checkups and engage in measures to prevent the onset of some diseases.

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50 Cases of Salmonella Poisoning Linked to Imported Cantaloupes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is attributing the occurrence of 50 cases of salmonella poisoning in 16 states to cantaloupes imported from Honduras.

In a March 22 news release, the FDA says it has advised U.S. grocery companies, produce wholesalers and food service operators to remove cantaloupes from the Honduran grower and packer Agropecuaria Montelibano, because of the possibility they contain the bacterium Salmonella Litchfield, which can cause intestinal illness in humans. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

While it is difficult for consumers to determine the origin of fruit they buy, the FDA is asking people who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from the Honduran grower in question. If it was, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes, the FDA says.

Fifty cases of Salmonella poisoning have been reported in 16 states with 14 hospitalizations, the FDA says. There have been no fatalities. The affected states span the country: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The FDA also has issued the following tips for making sure the cantaloupes you buy are fresh: Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged; if buying fresh-cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice; after purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly; wash your hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes; scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap water immediately before eating; if there happens to be a bruised or damaged area on a cantaloupe, cut away those parts before eating it.

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Drug Charges Against Ex-Army Nurse Tied to Hepatitis C Outbreak

The criminal case of a U.S. Army nurse charged with illegally possessing painkillers from an El Paso, Tex. military hospital has developed into a complex legal and medical puzzle, with additional lawsuits alleging the nurse caused at least 15 military service members or their relatives to be infected with an incurable type of hepatitis.

The Associated Press reports that federal prosecutors believe the nurse, retired Army captain Jon Dale Jones, may have spread hepatitis C in 2004 during surgeries at William Beaumont Army Medical Center when he stole a painkiller used as anesthesia.

It took three years of investigation for Jones to be charged with the theft, the wire service reported, and he worked as a nurse in Texas and Washington, D.C. after he left the Army. Just how the surgical patients -- including the son of a former commanding general, an active-duty soldier and the wife of a retired Marine Corps sergeant -- became infected isn't clear.

Jones has been federally charged with assaulting only three of the 15 patients, the A.P. reports, and possession of a controlled substance by fraud. But at least seven other people who became infected with hepatitis have sued him and the nursing agency that placed him at the Army hospital, claiming irreparable harm from hepatitis C.

Jones tested positive for hepatitis C in 2004, the A.P. reports. It is a blood-borne illness that can be treated but not cured and causes jaundice, abdominal pain, and tiredness.

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China Orders Tighter Controls on Heparin Production

China's drug agency has ordered local authorities to tighten control on the production of the blood thinner heparin. The move is a reversal of the agency's previous position that ensuring the quality of Chinese-made compounds was the responsibility of importers and importing countries, the Associated Press reported.

Tainted heparin has been linked to 19 deaths in the United States and hundreds of allergic reactions. Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it had found a contaminant called oversulfated chondroitin sulfate in batches of Chinese-made heparin distributed by U.S. pharmaceuticals company Baxter International Inc.

In an order posted Friday on its Web site, China's State Food and Drug Administration said heparin producers must obtain the raw chemicals used to make heparin from registered suppliers, who must improve their product management and testing, the AP reported.

Both U.S. and Chinese authorities are continuing their investigations into how the heparin batches became contaminated with oversulfated chondroitin sulftate, which is not a naturally occurring substance. Officials haven't confirmed if the contaminant actually caused the dangerous allergic reactions.

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Toys Recalled for Lead Paint Danger

Two more recalls of Chinese-made toys that violate the U.S. lead paint standard have been announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

One recall involves about 198,000 toy puzzle vehicle sets distributed by Merchant Media Corp. of Framingham, Mass., and sold exclusively by QVC. The 16-piece Puzzle Track Play (also known as Battery Operated Puzzle Vehicle sets) have QVC item number T16876 printed on the exterior of the brown box packaging.

The sets should be taken away from children and returned to QVC for a full refund. For more information contact QVC at 1-800-367-9444, the CPSC said.

The second recall involves about 13,000 Camouflage Easter Egg treat containers and Easter Spinning Egg Tops imported by Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. of Oklahoma City, Okla., and sold at Hobby Lobby stores nationwide.

The recalled containers, sold in packages of eight, are white, brown and green camouflage colors and have Item # 1031 printed on the front of the packaging. The UPC code number 43078 01031 is printed on the back of the packaging.

The Easter Spinning Egg Tops were sold in packages of a single egg and a rip cord. Item # 1054 is printed on the front of the packaging and the UPC code number 43078 01054 is printed on the back of the packaging.

The camouflage egg containers sold for about $2.50 and the spinning egg tops sold for about $2. Consumers should take these toys away from children and contact Hobby Lobby to receive a $3 exchange card.

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Health Canada Issues Advisory About Carbamazepine

Reports of serious skin reactions in people of Asian ancestry have prompted Health Canada to issue an advisory about the drug carbamazepine, commonly used to treat epilepsy, mania, bipolar disorder and the facial disorder trigeminal neuralgia, CBC News reported.

"Serious and sometimes fatal skin reactions known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis have been known to occur very rarely with carbamazepine," the health advisory says. "While all patients treated with carbamazepine are at risk of these skin reactions, the risk is approximately 10 times higher in Asian countries than in Western countries."

Health Canada said a genetic test can identify people of Asian ancestry who may be at increased risk of developing serious skin reactions when taking the drug, CBC News reported. Anyone considering taking carbamazepine should talk to their doctor about this genetic test, the health agency advised.

Any patients who aren't experiencing any skin reactions should not stop treatment before they discuss the matter with their doctor. Any patients taking the drug should immediately consult a doctor if they have any symptoms of serious skin reactions, such as rash, red skin, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, or peeling skin accompanied by fever, Health Canada warned. Patients who've experienced skin reactions while taking the drug should not take it again.

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Tap Water Suspected in Colorado Salmonella Outbreak

Tap water is being investigated as the possible cause of 47 confirmed and 76 suspected cases of salmonella among residents of the southern Colorado community of Alamosa, about 160 miles south of Denver.

Health officials said Alamosa's tap water tested positive for bacteria believed to be salmonella, but they're still waiting for final test results to confirm that, the Associated Press reported. Investigators are still looking into the cause of the contamination.

Residents of the community of about 8,500 people have been told to boil tap water for 15 seconds to kill the bacteria, or to use bottled water instead of tap water for brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, washing dishes and making baby formula.

Health Tips for March 24

Health Tip: Tracking Ovulation

Women who are trying to get pregnant need to understand their menstrual cycles, especially when they are ovulating.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg that occurs once during each menstrual cycle, in which the egg is ready to be fertilized.

Here is information to help you understand your monthly ovulation cycle, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

* A menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of one menstrual period to the first day of the next menstrual period.
* A menstrual cycle typically lasts between 28-32 days, but it can be shorter or longer.
* Determine the date of ovulation by calculating the middle of your menstrual cycle -- ovulation typically occurs between day 11 and day 21 of a cycle.
* Ovulation can also be calculated by counting 12 to 16 days before the first day of your next period.

Health Tip: Signs of an Unhealthy Menstrual Cycle

A regular, healthy menstrual cycle is a good indicator of a woman's reproductive health. If you have problems with your period, see your doctor.

Here's a list of warning signs that something may be wrong, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

* If you have no menstrual cycle by age 15, or within three years of breast development.
* If you have no period for more than 90 days.
* If you suddenly have irregular periods after having had regular periods consistently.
* If you have periods very often (21 days or less since the prior one) or very infrequently (45 days or more since the prior one).
* If you have periods that last longer than seven days.
* If you have abnormally heavy bleeding, or bleed or spot between periods.
* If you have severe pain, sickness or fever during your period or after using tampons.

Health Headlines - March 23

Happy Easter!

Drug Charges Against Ex-Army Nurse Tied to Hepatitis C Outbreak

The criminal case of a U.S. Army nurse charged with illegally possessing painkillers from an El Paso, Tex. military hospital has developed into a complex legal and medical puzzle, with additional lawsuits alleging the nurse caused at least 15 military service members or their relatives to be infected with an incurable type of hepatitis.

The Associated Press reports that federal prosecutors believe the nurse, retired Army captain Jon Dale Jones, may have spread hepatitis C in 2004 during surgeries at William Beaumont Army Medical Center when he stole a painkiller used as anesthesia.

It took three years of investigation for Jones to be charged with the theft, the wire service reported, and he worked as a nurse in Texas and Washington, D.C. after he left the Army. Just how the surgical patients -- including the son of a former commanding general, an active-duty soldier and the wife of a retired Marine Corps sergeant -- became infected isn't clear.

Jones has been federally charged with assaulting only three of the 15 patients, the A.P. reports, and possession of a controlled substance by fraud. But at least seven other people who became infected with hepatitis have sued him and the nursing agency that placed him at the Army hospital, claiming irreparable harm from hepatitis C.

Jones tested positive for hepatitis C in 2004, the A.P. reports. It is a blood-borne illness that can be treated but not cured and causes jaundice, abdominal pain, and tiredness.

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China Orders Tighter Controls on Heparin Production

China's drug agency has ordered local authorities to tighten control on the production of the blood thinner heparin. The move is a reversal of the agency's previous position that ensuring the quality of Chinese-made compounds was the responsibility of importers and importing countries, the Associated Press reported.

Tainted heparin has been linked to 19 deaths in the United States and hundreds of allergic reactions. Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it had found a contaminant called oversulfated chondroitin sulfate in batches of Chinese-made heparin distributed by U.S. pharmaceuticals company Baxter International Inc.

In an order posted Friday on its Web site, China's State Food and Drug Administration said heparin producers must obtain the raw chemicals used to make heparin from registered suppliers, who must improve their product management and testing, the AP reported.

Both U.S. and Chinese authorities are continuing their investigations into how the heparin batches became contaminated with oversulfated chondroitin sulftate, which is not a naturally occurring substance. Officials haven't confirmed if the contaminant actually caused the dangerous allergic reactions.

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Certain Motor Vehicle Features Benefit Seniors

When older adults are looking for a new vehicle, they should consider features such as a thicker steering wheel, wide-angle mirrors, large dashboard controls, and six-way adjustable seats, according to the AAA (American Automobile Association) and the Florida National Older Driver Research and Training Center.

The Smart Features for Mature Drivers program recommendations -- meant to address the physical, visual and cognitive changes that affect older drivers -- were announced Friday at the New York International Auto Show.

A recent AAA survey found that 43 percent of drivers over age 55 have at least one of nine common age-related driving difficulties, such as reduced range of motion, arthritic joints, diminished fine motor skills, and trouble with night vision and recovery from glare.

"There are ways to counteract the difficulties brought on by age-related changes so that seniors can maintain their safe driving abilities. One of these is through proper use of particular vehicle features," Dennis McCarthy, co-director of the National Older Driver Research and Training Center and a research assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Public Health, said in a prepared statement.

Other recommendations include keyless entry and ignition and the purchase of four-door models, because the doors require less strength to open and close than those on two-door models.

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Toys Recalled for Lead Paint Danger

Two more recalls of Chinese-made toys that violate the U.S. lead paint standard have been announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

One recall involves about 198,000 toy puzzle vehicle sets distributed by Merchant Media Corp. of Framingham, Mass., and sold exclusively by QVC. The 16-piece Puzzle Track Play (also known as Battery Operated Puzzle Vehicle sets) have QVC item number T16876 printed on the exterior of the brown box packaging.

The sets should be taken away from children and returned to QVC for a full refund. For more information contact QVC at 1-800-367-9444, the CPSC said.

The second recall involves about 13,000 Camouflage Easter Egg treat containers and Easter Spinning Egg Tops imported by Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. of Oklahoma City, Okla., and sold at Hobby Lobby stores nationwide.

The recalled containers, sold in packages of eight, are white, brown and green camouflage colors and have Item # 1031 printed on the front of the packaging. The UPC code number 43078 01031 is printed on the back of the packaging.

The Easter Spinning Egg Tops were sold in packages of a single egg and a rip cord. Item # 1054 is printed on the front of the packaging and the UPC code number 43078 01054 is printed on the back of the packaging.

The camouflage egg containers sold for about $2.50 and the spinning egg tops sold for about $2. Consumers should take these toys away from children and contact Hobby Lobby to receive a $3 exchange card.

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Health Canada Issues Advisory About Carbamazepine

Reports of serious skin reactions in people of Asian ancestry have prompted Health Canada to issue an advisory about the drug carbamazepine, commonly used to treat epilepsy, mania, bipolar disorder and the facial disorder trigeminal neuralgia, CBC News reported.

"Serious and sometimes fatal skin reactions known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis have been known to occur very rarely with carbamazepine," the health advisory says. "While all patients treated with carbamazepine are at risk of these skin reactions, the risk is approximately 10 times higher in Asian countries than in Western countries."

Health Canada said a genetic test can identify people of Asian ancestry who may be at increased risk of developing serious skin reactions when taking the drug, CBC News reported. Anyone considering taking carbamazepine should talk to their doctor about this genetic test, the health agency advised.

Any patients who aren't experiencing any skin reactions should not stop treatment before they discuss the matter with their doctor. Any patients taking the drug should immediately consult a doctor if they have any symptoms of serious skin reactions, such as rash, red skin, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, or peeling skin accompanied by fever, Health Canada warned. Patients who've experienced skin reactions while taking the drug should not take it again.

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Tap Water Suspected in Colorado Salmonella Outbreak

Tap water is being investigated as the possible cause of 47 confirmed and 76 suspected cases of salmonella among residents of the southern Colorado community of Alamosa, about 160 miles south of Denver.

Health officials said Alamosa's tap water tested positive for bacteria believed to be salmonella, but they're still waiting for final test results to confirm that, the Associated Press reported. Investigators are still looking into the cause of the contamination.

Residents of the community of about 8,500 people have been told to boil tap water for 15 seconds to kill the bacteria, or to use bottled water instead of tap water for brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, washing dishes and making baby formula.

Health Tips for March 23

Health Tip: Build Healthy Bones

Osteoporosis doesn't have to be an inevitable part of aging -- if you begin practicing healthy habits when you're young.

Here are some facts about osteoporosis, and suggestions to help prevent brittle bones, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Women who are or have been pregnant, who are breast-feeding, or who have had a hysterectomy are more likely to lose bone mass, putting them at higher risk of osteoporosis.
* Women who are menopausal or postmenopausal produce less estrogen than before, which weakens bones.
* Ideally, weight-bearing exercises should begin during the teen years, when the bones grow rapidly.
* It's never too late to start protecting your bones, which may continue to grow throughout your 20s, and even into your early 30s.
* Avoid smoking and excess alcohol, which weaken bones.

Health Tip: Try Cross Training

Cross training involves varying your fitness regimen with a host of different activities.

Here are some benefits of cross training, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Cross training allows you to work your entire body, rather than strengthening just one area.
* A good program includes weight-training exercises (weight lifting, for example), aerobics (stair climbing), and flexibility exercises (yoga).
* Rotating between several types of exercise keeps your routine fresh, fun and prevents boredom.
* Overuse injuries are less likely, since muscles aren't used in the same way all of the time.
* Using muscles throughout the body can help you adapt better to new sports and activities.

Health Headlines - March 22

China Orders Tighter Controls on Heparin Production

China's drug agency has ordered local authorities to tighten control on the production of the blood thinner heparin. The move is a reversal of the agency's previous position that ensuring the quality of Chinese-made compounds was the responsibility of importers and importing countries, the Associated Press reported.

Tainted heparin has been linked to 19 deaths in the United States and hundreds of allergic reactions. Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it had found a contaminant called oversulfated chondroitin sulfate in batches of Chinese-made heparin distributed by U.S. pharmaceuticals company Baxter International Inc.

In an order posted Friday on its Web site, China's State Food and Drug Administration said heparin producers must obtain the raw chemicals used to make heparin from registered suppliers, who must improve their product management and testing, the AP reported.

Both U.S. and Chinese authorities are continuing their investigations into how the heparin batches became contaminated with oversulfated chondroitin sulftate, which is not a naturally occurring substance. Officials haven't confirmed if the contaminant actually caused the dangerous allergic reactions.

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Certain Motor Vehicle Features Benefit Seniors

When older adults are looking for a new vehicle, they should consider features such as a thicker steering wheel, wide-angle mirrors, large dashboard controls, and six-way adjustable seats, according to the AAA (American Automobile Association) and the Florida National Older Driver Research and Training Center.

The Smart Features for Mature Drivers program recommendations -- meant to address the physical, visual and cognitive changes that affect older drivers -- were announced Friday at the New York International Auto Show.

A recent AAA survey found that 43 percent of drivers over age 55 have at least one of nine common age-related driving difficulties, such as reduced range of motion, arthritic joints, diminished fine motor skills, and trouble with night vision and recovery from glare.

"There are ways to counteract the difficulties brought on by age-related changes so that seniors can maintain their safe driving abilities. One of these is through proper use of particular vehicle features," Dennis McCarthy, co-director of the National Older Driver Research and Training Center and a research assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Public Health, said in a prepared statement.

Other recommendations include keyless entry and ignition and the purchase of four-door models, because the doors require less strength to open and close than those on two-door models.

-----

Toys Recalled for Lead Paint Danger

Two more recalls of Chinese-made toys that violate the U.S. lead paint standard have been announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

One recall involves about 198,000 toy puzzle vehicle sets distributed by Merchant Media Corp. of Framingham, Mass., and sold exclusively by QVC. The 16-piece Puzzle Track Play (also known as Battery Operated Puzzle Vehicle sets) have QVC item number T16876 printed on the exterior of the brown box packaging.

The sets should be taken away from children and returned to QVC for a full refund. For more information contact QVC at 1-800-367-9444, the CPSC said.

The second recall involves about 13,000 Camouflage Easter Egg treat containers and Easter Spinning Egg Tops imported by Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. of Oklahoma City, Okla., and sold at Hobby Lobby stores nationwide.

The recalled containers, sold in packages of eight, are white, brown and green camouflage colors and have Item # 1031 printed on the front of the packaging. The UPC code number 43078 01031 is printed on the back of the packaging.

The Easter Spinning Egg Tops were sold in packages of a single egg and a rip cord. Item # 1054 is printed on the front of the packaging and the UPC code number 43078 01054 is printed on the back of the packaging.

The camouflage egg containers sold for about $2.50 and the spinning egg tops sold for about $2. Consumers should take these toys away from children and contact Hobby Lobby to receive a $3 exchange card.

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Diabetes-Related Amputations Increase Among U.S. Hispanics

Between 2001 and 2004, hospitalizations of adult Hispanics for diabetes-related foot or leg amputations increased from 63 per 100,000 people to nearly 80 per 100,000, says the latest News and Numbers summary from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

During that same period, the hospitalization rate for diabetes-related amputations among whites remained at about 28 to 31 per 100,000. Among blacks, the rate decreased from 113 per 100,000 to 104 per 100,000, which is still more than three times higher than the rate for whites.

Diabetes-related leg or foot amputations typically occur because the disease reduces blood circulation. In addition, diabetes-related nerve damage can impair a person's ability to feel a blister or other sore, which increases the risk of infection.

Diabetes is the leading cause of leg or foot amputations in the United States. About 86,000 Americans had diabetes-related amputations in 2004. Proper care by doctors and diabetes patients can reduce or eliminate the risk of amputation.

But the AHRQ summary noted that only 38 percent of Hispanic diabetes patients age 40 and over had three recommended annual screenings -- foot exams, eye exams and blood sugar level checks -- in 2004, compared to 47 percent for both whites and blacks.

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Health Canada Issues Advisory About Carbamazepine

Reports of serious skin reactions in people of Asian ancestry have prompted Health Canada to issue an advisory about the drug carbamazepine, commonly used to treat epilepsy, mania, bipolar disorder and the facial disorder trigeminal neuralgia, CBC News reported.

"Serious and sometimes fatal skin reactions known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis have been known to occur very rarely with carbamazepine," the health advisory says. "While all patients treated with carbamazepine are at risk of these skin reactions, the risk is approximately 10 times higher in Asian countries than in Western countries."

Health Canada said a genetic test can identify people of Asian ancestry who may be at increased risk of developing serious skin reactions when taking the drug, CBC News reported. Anyone considering taking carbamazepine should talk to their doctor about this genetic test, the health agency advised.

Any patients who aren't experiencing any skin reactions should not stop treatment before they discuss the matter with their doctor. Any patients taking the drug should immediately consult a doctor if they have any symptoms of serious skin reactions, such as rash, red skin, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, or peeling skin accompanied by fever, Health Canada warned. Patients who've experienced skin reactions while taking the drug should not take it again.

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Tap Water Suspected in Colorado Salmonella Outbreak

Tap water is being investigated as the possible cause of 47 confirmed and 76 suspected cases of salmonella among residents of the southern Colorado community of Alamosa, about 160 miles south of Denver.

Health officials said Alamosa's tap water tested positive for bacteria believed to be salmonella, but they're still waiting for final test results to confirm that, the Associated Press reported. Investigators are still looking into the cause of the contamination.

Residents of the community of about 8,500 people have been told to boil tap water for 15 seconds to kill the bacteria, or to use bottled water instead of tap water for brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, washing dishes and making baby formula.