Health Headlines - April 30

Nursing Home Costs Continue to Rise

For the fifth consecutive year, the costs of U.S. nursing homes, assisted living facilities and some in-home care services have increased, according to a study released Tuesday by Genworth Financial Inc. The survey also found that costs could rise further due to a shortage of long-term care workers.

Between 2004 and 2008, the annual average cost for a private room in a nursing home rose 17 percent, from $65,185 to $76,460, or $209 per day. The cost per day this year ranged from $125 in Louisiana to $515 in Alaska, the Associated Press reported.

The average annual cost this year for assisted living facilities is $36,090, a 25 percent increase from $28,763 in 2004. Per month costs this year ranged from $1,981 in Arkansas to $4,921 in New Jersey.

The cost of a Medicare-certified home health aide increased to an average of $38 an hour, while costs for in-home workers not certified by Medicare were an average of $18 an hour for homemaker services and $19 for home health aide services, the AP reported.

The study authors analyzed data from more than 10,000 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care providers.

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Chromosome 1 Linked With Triglycerides

A region on human chromosome 1 is linked with triglyceride levels, say researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio. High levels of triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease.

The study appears in the Journal of Lipid Research.

Many factors influence levels of circulating triglycerides, including diet, exercise and smoking. But about 40 percent of triglyceride level variation among people is due to genetic factors, United Press International reported.

In this study of 714 people from 388 white families with premature heart disease, the Cleveland Clinic team identified an area on chromosome 1 that's linked with triglyceride levels. It contains 375 known genes, but the researchers have zeroed in on three genes.

The genes are: angiopoietin-like 3, which inhibits enzymes that break down fats; sterol carrier protein 2, which helps convert cholesterol into bile acids; and the receptor for the appetite hormone leptin, UPI reported.

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American Women Concerned About Health Costs

Many American women are worried about rising health costs, suggests a survey conducted by Meredith Corp. and NBC Universal.

The survey of 3,000 women, ages 18 to 64, found that two-thirds of respondents felt financial strain was a major threat to the American family. In fact, they rated it a much greater threat than divorce, loss of faith/spirituality, both parents working, unwed mothers, couples living together, and liberal views on sex and sexuality, United Press International reported.

Among the survey's other findings:

• 46 percent of respondents said they were extremely concerned about rising health care costs, and 18 percent said they didn't have health insurance. That rate was 24 percent among single mothers with minor children.
• Among women with health insurance, 46 percent were worried about being able to afford healthcare when they retired, and 40 percent said their co-payments kept increasing and were becoming too expensive.
• One-quarter of women with health insurance said they could only afford generic prescriptions and 22 percent said they sometimes didn't fill a prescription because it was too expensive.
• 69 percent of mothers ages 18 to 34 had incurred medical debt, compared to 30 percent of all women in the United States.

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FDA Rejects Merck Cholesterol Drug

An experimental cholesterol drug developed by Merck & Co. has been rejected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In issuing the "not approvable" letter, the agency said Monday that it needed more information about Cordaptive, also known as MK-0524A. The FDA also rejected Cordaptive as a brand name for the drug, the Associated Press reported.

The drug lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol and raises good (HDL) cholesterol, according to Merck officials, who said they'll make another application for FDA approval of the drug, but under the brand name Tredaptive.

"We plan to meet with the FDA and to submit additional information to enable the agency to further evaluate" the drug, Peter S. Kim, president of Merck Research Laboratories, said in a prepared statement, the AP reported. "We firmly believe that MK-0524A provides physicians with an important option to manage their patients' cholesterol."

Last week, an advisory committee recommended that European countries approve the drug, Merck noted.

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White House Hinders EPA Action on Toxic Chemicals: Report

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's capacity to determine the health threat posed by toxic chemicals is being compromised by the Bush administration, which allows nonscientists to have a larger -- often secret -- role in the process, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.

The GAO said allowing the Defense Department, the Energy Department, NASA and other agencies to be involved in the early stages of the process adds years of delay to the EPA's ability to take action on dangerous chemicals and threatens the program's credibility, the Associated Press reported.

In many cases, discussions involving outside agencies "occur in what amounts to a black box" of secrecy because the Bush administration claims they're private executive branch meetings, said the GAO, which noted this kind of secrecy "reduces the credibility of the ... assessments and hinders the EPA's ability to manage them."

The GAO report will be the subject of a Senate Environment Committee hearing Tuesday.

"The (EPA) scientists feel as if they have lost complete control of the process, that it's been taken over by the White House and that they're calling the shots," said an EPA scientist who spoke on condition of anonymity, the AP reported.

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Daycare May Reduce Children's Leukemia Risk

Children who attend daycare or playgroups are about 30 percent less likely to develop the most common type of childhood leukemia, according to University of California, Berkeley researchers who reviewed 14 studies involving nearly 20,000 children, including 6,000 who developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

It's believed that early infections that prime the immune system may help fight off ALL, which accounts for more than 80 percent of leukemia cases among children, and most often occurs between ages 2 to 5, BBC News reported.

"Combining the results from these studies together provided us with more confidence that the protective effect (of social interaction and exposure to infection at a young age) is real," said lead researcher Professor Patricia Buffler.

The study was to be presented at a leukemia conference in London, England.

One expert cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from the study and emphasized there's no solid evidence of an association between infections and leukemia.

"What this study does say is that there is a need for further comprehensive research," Dr. Carole Easton, of the charity CLIC Sargent, told BBC News. "Until we have conclusive evidence then we cannot say for certain what causes childhood leukemia."

Health Tips for April 30

Health Tip: Create a Space for Sleep

Difficulty sleeping can be caused by simply having too many distractions and discomforts in your bedroom.

Try these steps to create an environment for better sleep, courtesy of the National Sleep Foundation:

* Make sure your room is quiet. If necessary, try using a white noise machine or earplugs.
* Keep your room at a temperature that's comfortable. Slightly cooler temperatures often are best for sleep.
* Keep the bedroom dark. Also make sure you get plenty of exposure to light during the day.
* Make sure your bed and pillows are comfortable and clean, and big enough for you and your sleep partner to share.
* Avoid TV or a computer in the bedroom.
* Offer pets their own bed or other comfy sleep spot.

Health Tip: Keep a Sleep Diary

If you're having trouble sleeping, you may be able to pinpoint the cause of your problem by keeping a sleep diary.

Helpguide.org suggests what to record in a sleep diary:

* The time you woke and went to bed.
* The number of hours you slept.
* How well you slept.
* How often and what time you woke during the night, and what you did to get back to sleep.
* Any caffeine or alcohol that you had during the day; what time you had it and how much you had.
* What foods and drinks you had during the day, and what time you had them.
* Medications that you took that day.
* How you were feeling before you went to sleep -- stressed, sad, happy, anxious, etc.

Health Headlines - April 29

Tomato Paste Boosts Skin's Sun Protection: Study

Consumption of tomato paste may help boost the skin's protection against harmful ultraviolet rays, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancer, British researchers say.

The study included 10 people who consumed about 55 grams of tomato paste and 10 grams of olive oil a day, and 10 others who consumed just the 10 grams of olive oil. After three months, an analysis of skin samples showed that those in the tomato paste group had 33 percent more protection against sunburn and higher levels of a molecule called procollagen, which gives skin its structure and keeps it firm, BBC News reported.

The study was presented at a meeting of the British Society for Investigative Dermatology.

The researchers believe the antioxidant lycopene was behind the apparent skin benefit, BBC News reported.

"These weren't huge amounts of tomato we were feeding the group. It was the sort of quantity you would easily manage if you were eating a lot of tomato-based meals," said Professor Lesley Rhodes, a University of Manchester dermatologist.

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Digitek Heart Tablets Recalled

Digitek-brand digoxin heart tablets are being recalled because of a potential safety risk, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some tablets may be double the appropriate thickness and contain twice the approved level of active ingredient, United Press International reported.

The products are made by Actavis Totowa LLC and distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., under a "Bertek" label and by UDL Laboratories, Inc. under a "UDL" label.

Digitek is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. Double-strength tablets could cause digitalis toxicity in patients with renal failure, resulting in nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability and brachycardia -- a below-normal heartbeat. Excessive digitalis intake can also cause death.

Patients and caregivers with questions can call 888-276-6166. Any adverse reactions should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program at 800-332-1088.

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Pfaltzgraff/Nautica Dinnerware Recalled

Certain Pfaltzgraff Villa della Luna pattern and Nautica J Class pattern stoneware dinnerware products are being recalled by Lifetime Brands, Inc. of Garden City, N.Y., because they may contain unacceptably high levels of lead and/or cadmium.

No illnesses have been reported to date, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The products included in the recall are: Nautica J Class red dinner plates; Villa della Luna dinner plates; Nautica J Class red salad plates; and Villa della Luna soup/cereal bowls.

The products may have been sold as part of a set or individually online and at retail stores across the United States. Call 800-4991976 for more information about the Pfaltzgraff recall, and 866-928-0060 for more information about the Nautica recall.

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Gene Therapy Helps People With Rare Form of Blindness

Scientists used gene therapy to improve vision in six people with a rare inherited disorder called Leber's congenital amaurosis, USA Today reported. The condition causes a gradual deterioration of eyesight beginning at birth, leading to blindness by a person's mid-20s.

While none of the six patients regained normal vision, four have much better eyesight than before the gene therapy, according to two studies published online in the New England Journal of Medicine. The studies were conducted by an international team led by doctors at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania.

Experts hailed the achievement as a welcome success in gene therapy, which has shown promise but has had significant setbacks.

"It's a breakthrough. It really helps to validate that gene therapy can work and is going to be important," Ronald Crystal, chairman of the department of genetic medicine at New York's Weill Medical College of Cornell University, told USA Today.

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Virus Outbreak in China Kills 20 Children

An outbreak of enterovirus 71 in eastern China has sickened nearly 1,200 children, killing 20, according to health officials in Anhui province, the Associated Press reported.

The first infections were noted in March in the city of Fuyang, but the virus may have gone undetected before that since the symptoms were similar to other common childhood illnesses, said Fen Lizhong, an official with the Anhui public health bureau.

Most of the stricken children were under two years old and none was older than six. About 371 children are still being treated and more than 550 have recovered, according to information on the health bureau's Web site, the AP reported.

This is the season when enterovirus 71 is prevalent. It's one of several viruses that cause hand, foot and mouth disease, which is characterized by fever, mouth sores and a rash with blisters. Enterovirus 71 is spread by direct contact with saliva, nose and throat discharges, fluid from blisters, or the stool of an infected person.

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Philippines Banning Most Kidney Transplants for Foreigners

A permanent ban on most kidney transplants for foreign patients is expected to be announced this week by health officials in the Philippines, according to the Philippine Society of Nephrology.

Under the new law, foreign patients will not be able to receive a kidney from a living Filipino who isn't a blood relative, Agence France-Presse reported.

Last month, a temporary suspension of transplants to foreigners was announced, to give health officials time to create new guidelines for organ donations.

Many doctors and religious leaders have expressed concern about the widespread trafficking of kidneys from impoverished and poorly-educated Filipinos, who can sell a kidney to a foreigner for about $3,000, AFP reported.

In 2006, a total of 436 kidney transplants from unrelated living donors were carried out in 24 Philippine hospitals, according to government figures.

Health Tips for April 29

Health Tip: Talking to Your Dentist

Good dental care protects your teeth, and helps prevent other health problems. So, it's important to talk to your dentist about how to take proper care of your teeth.

Here are questions to ask your dentist, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* What kind of toothbrush is best for my teeth and gums?
* Do I have specific problems with my teeth and oral health that need watching?
* How do I floss properly?
* Should I use any special instruments to clean my teeth, such as an electric toothbrush?
* Should I use any special rinses or mouth washes?

Health Tip: Wear and Tear on the Knees

Knee joints can wear as you age, or after years of high-impact exercise.

Here are ways to help minimize damage to knees, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Avoid activities that tend to damage the knees, such as running, tennis, baseball and basketball.
* Engage in low-impact activities, such as swimming, biking, golf or walking.
* Talk to your doctor about anti-inflammatory medications, or joint supplements to help preserve the knees. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be injected by your doctor.
* Physical therapy and icing the knees can help improve function.
* Protective gear such as a brace, splint or elastic bandage can help support a weakened knee.

Health Headlines - April 28

VA Official Denies Cover-Up of Veterans' Suicide Statistics

A Department of Veterans Affairs official has testified that his agency has not tried to cover up the number of suicides committed by veterans, the Associated Press reports.

Testifying last Thursday at a trial in a San Francisco federal court, VA undersecretary for health Dr. Michael Kussman said the discrepancy in the number of suicides his agency reported to Congress and the number found in VA documents was because of different veteran categories included in the statistics.

VA Secretary James Peake had reported in February that 144 combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan committed suicide between October 2001 and December 2005, the A.P. reports. But the plaintiffs' lawyer produced internal VA e-mails indicating that 18 veterans a day were committing suicide, the wire service says.

The discrepancy, Kussman testified is that the internal emails included all 26 million veterans, and that Vietnam veterans were killing themselves in increasing numbers, possibly because of having more health problems as they age. The lawsuit was brought by two veterans groups who allege government neglect in providing timely and adequate health care for returning veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq, the A.P. reports.

"I disagree with the premise that there was some effort to cover something up," the wire service quotes Kussman as testifying. "We don't obfuscate."

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Blood Vessel Laser Scanner Gets U.S. Government Approval

After its initial submission for approval more than two years ago, a cardiac catheter using a laser to scan for the best place to implant a stent has received U.S. government approval, the New York Times reports.

The LipiScan laser catheter, made by InfraReDx of Burlington, Mass., will be able to show images of arterial walls and help doctors keep from placing coronary stents in arteries that could actually cause a heart attack, the newspaper reports.

Stents are thin, metal mesh tubes placed in a blocked blood vessel -- usually an artery -- in a procedure called angioplasty that opens up the artery, providing better blood flow. One of the problems in stent implanting, the Times reports, is that an improperly placed stent could cause the rupturing of vessel walls called lipid pools. When a lipid pool ruptures, a heart attack is likely to occur, the newspaper reports.

The LipiScan emits a laser light that can give a clearer image of lipids in blood vessel walls, which should help surgeons determine where to place a stent or to decide whether angioplasty is actually necessary, the Times says.

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Lexington, Ky. Tops 100 Spring Allergy Capitals

Gesundheit!

Lexington, Ky., sits atop the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's 2008 ranking of the leading 100 spring allergy capitals.

Trailing Lexington on the annual list are: Greensboro, N.C.; Johnson City, Tenn.; Augusta, Ga.; and Jackson, Miss.

Least likely to make you sneeze and wheeze among the top 100 is Spokane, Wash, preceded by the California cities of San Francisco and Bakersfield, Sarasota, Fla; and Lancaster, Penn.

Spring is the worst season for many of the more than 35 million Americans with hay fever, medically called allergic rhinitis. The AAFA said it based the rankings on criteria including seasonal pollen counts, use of over-the-counter and prescription allergy drugs, and the number of board certified allergists in each city.

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Public Smoking Snuffed in Beijing Before Olympics

In a country where cigarettes are so popular that more than half of all male doctors smoke, China has put the kibosh on public smoking in the capital city of Beijing, USA Today reports.

The crackdown, in advance of the Olympic Games that begin in August, affects most public buildings. But restaurants, bars, and hotels will still allow smoking, assuming they also provide areas that are smoke-free.

Second-hand smoke kills some 100,000 Chinese annually, according to government estimates cited by the newspaper.

Earlier this month, experts raised concern over Olympic athletes' health amid Beijing's pervasive air pollution problem. A senior health official in Beijing acknowledged this week that China has 320 million smokers, or close to one-quarter of the world's total, USA Today said.

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Tablets to Treat Gonorrhea Available in U.S.

Tablets for first-line treatment of gonorrhea are now available in the United States, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. The prescription cefiximine 400 milligram tablets are available as of this month.

In April last year, the CDC updated its recommendations for gonorrhea treatment, no longer recommending fluoroquinoline antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and levofloxacin) due to data that indicated widespread resistance in the United States to these drugs.

That left a single class of antibiotics called cephalosporins as the single recommended treatment for gonorrhea. Within this class, the only recommended treatment for all types of gonorrhea (urogenital, rectal and pharyngeal) is an injection form called ceftriaxone. However, for uncomplicated gonorrhea (which hasn't spread to the blood or central nervous system), the CDC now also recommends cefiximine tablets. Since 2002, it's only been available in liquid form, which limited its use because it's not as convenient as a tablet.

"The availability of cefiximine tablets this month will have a tremendous impact in fighting gonorrhea. This oral option expands a physician's arsenal to combat this serious disease, while giving patients a drug that is easier to take," Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, said in a prepared statement.

Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States, after chlamydia.

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Doctors Need to Improve Bedside Manner: Poll

Some 78 percent of American adults want their doctors to improve their bedside manner, a new survey finds.

The poll of 1,000 people also found that less than half described their doctor's recent conduct as attentive, and just 32 percent described their doctor as compassionate during their most recent appointment, United Press International reported.

Among the other findings from the survey conducted for the Arnold P. Gold Foundation:

• Less than half of doctors cited displayed an interest in their patients' overall well-being, rather than focusing on specific ailments.
• 40 percent said their doctor made them feel rushed.
• 36 percent said their doctor didn't provide enough opportunity to discuss their concerns.
• 36 percent said their physician was outright rude or condescending.

"Many past studies have shown a strong correlation between patient and doctor satisfaction and better overall patient outcomes when doctors develop a relationship with their patients," Dr. Arnold P. Gold, founder of the foundation, said in a prepared statement.

"What this survey shows us is that patients are still craving for their physician to see the 'person' behind the prognosis and really want a 'connectedness' with their doctor," UPI quoted Gold as saying.

Health Tips for April 28

Health Tip: Getting Up After a Fall

If you fall, you can injure yourself even more just by trying to get back on your feet.

Here are suggestions on how seniors can pull themselves back up safely after a fall, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Take a few deep breaths and don't panic. If you feel like you are hurt, call for help if there's someone close by. In any case, don't try to get up until you feel better.
* If you feel like you are not hurt, try rolling onto your side, turning your head in the direction you are rolling.
* Crawl over to a chair, couch or other sturdy piece of furniture, and slowly pull yourself up.
* Put your hands down flat on the furniture. Bend your stronger knee and keep the other knee on the floor, and slowly stand up.
* Slowly twist yourself around and sit down on the chair or couch. Call a family member or emergency services if you need help.

Health Tip: Ear Infection May Not Need Antibiotic

If your child has an ear infection, it's important to take the child to a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. The pediatrician will determine if the infection is bacterial or viral.

Here are suggestions on how to treat your child's ear infection, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* If the infection is bacterial, your doctor probably will prescribe an antibiotic.
* If the infection is viral, an antibiotic won't treat it, so prescribing one may be counterproductive.
* You can give your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Don't give your child aspirin, unless the doctor says so.
* Apply a warm heating pad to the ear to relieve pain.
* The doctor may prescribe ear drops.

Health Headlines - April 27

Lexington, Ky., Tops 100 Spring Allergy Capitals

Gesundheit!

Lexington, Ky., sits atop the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's 2008 ranking of the leading 100 spring allergy capitals.

Trailing Lexington on the annual list are: Greensboro, N.C.; Johnson City, Tenn.; Augusta, Ga.; and Jackson, Miss.

Least likely to make you sneeze and wheeze among the top 100 is Spokane, Wash, preceded by the California cities of San Francisco and Bakersfield, Sarasota, Fla; and Lancaster, Penn.

Spring is the worst season for many of the more than 35 million Americans with hay fever, medically called allergic rhinitis. The AAFA said it based the rankings on criteria including seasonal pollen counts, use of over-the-counter and prescription allergy drugs, and the number of board certified allergists in each city.

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Public Smoking Snuffed in Beijing Before Olympics

In a country where cigarettes are so popular that more than half of all male doctors smoke, China has put the kibosh on public smoking in the capital city of Beijing, USA Today reports.

The crackdown, in advance of the Olympic Games that begin in August, affects most public buildings. But restaurants, bars, and hotels will still allow smoking, assuming they also provide areas that are smoke-free.

Second-hand smoke kills some 100,000 Chinese annually, according to government estimates cited by the newspaper.

Earlier this month, experts raised concern over Olympic athletes' health amid Beijing's pervasive air pollution problem. A senior health official in Beijing acknowledged this week that China has 320 million smokers, or close to one-quarter of the world's total, USA Today said.

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Tablets to Treat Gonorrhea Available in U.S.

Tablets for first-line treatment of gonorrhea are now available in the United States, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. The prescription cefiximine 400 milligram tablets are available as of this month.

In April last year, the CDC updated its recommendations for gonorrhea treatment, no longer recommending fluoroquinoline antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and levofloxacin) due to data that indicated widespread resistance in the United States to these drugs.

That left a single class of antibiotics called cephalosporins as the single recommended treatment for gonorrhea. Within this class, the only recommended treatment for all types of gonorrhea (urogenital, rectal and pharyngeal) is an injection form called ceftriaxone. However, for uncomplicated gonorrhea (which hasn't spread to the blood or central nervous system), the CDC now also recommends cefiximine tablets. Since 2002, it's only been available in liquid form, which limited its use because it's not as convenient as a tablet.

"The availability of cefiximine tablets this month will have a tremendous impact in fighting gonorrhea. This oral option expands a physician's arsenal to combat this serious disease, while giving patients a drug that is easier to take," Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, said in a prepared statement.

Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States, after chlamydia.

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Doctors Need to Improve Bedside Manner: Poll

Some 78 percent of American adults want their doctors to improve their bedside manner, a new survey finds.

The poll of 1,000 people also found that less than half described their doctor's recent conduct as attentive, and just 32 percent described their doctor as compassionate during their most recent appointment, United Press International reported.

Among the other findings from the survey conducted for the Arnold P. Gold Foundation:

• Less than half of doctors cited displayed an interest in their patients' overall well-being, rather than focusing on specific ailments.
• 40 percent said their doctor made them feel rushed.
• 36 percent said their doctor didn't provide enough opportunity to discuss their concerns.
• 36 percent said their physician was outright rude or condescending.

"Many past studies have shown a strong correlation between patient and doctor satisfaction and better overall patient outcomes when doctors develop a relationship with their patients," Dr. Arnold P. Gold, founder of the foundation, said in a prepared statement.

"What this survey shows us is that patients are still craving for their physician to see the 'person' behind the prognosis and really want a 'connectedness' with their doctor," UPI quoted Gold as saying.

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Recalled LawnBott Mowers Pose Laceration Hazard

About 530 LawnBott lawn mowers are being recalled because they may pose a laceration hazard, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The cutting blades may continue to rotate when the mower is lifted from the ground, and the spacing on the side of the mower could allow room for a person's foot to go beyond the shield and be struck by the blade, the agency said.

There's been one report of a consumer who had minor lacerations after lifting a mower from the ground.

The recall involves mowers with model numbers LB2000, LB2100, LB3000 and LB3200. They were sold at Kyodo America dealers across the U.S. from January 2006 through December 2007.

Consumers should stop using the mowers and should call Kyodo America at 877-465-9636 to register their mowers for repairs that will be available by the end of June, the CPSC said.

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U.S Senate Passes Genetic Anti-Discrimination Bill

In a 95-0 vote, the U.S. Senate passed a bill Thursday to protect the jobs and health insurance of people who learn through genetic testing that they may be susceptible to serious diseases.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which now goes back the House of Representatives, forbids employers from using genetic information in the hiring, firing or promotion of workers and bars health insurance companies from using genetic information to set premiums or determine eligibility, the Associated Press reported.

"For the first time we act to prevent discrimination before it has taken firm hold and that's why this legislation is unique and groundbreaking," said Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), one of the sponsors of the bill.

She noted there are more than 1,100 genetic tests currently available but they're "absolutely useless" if people don't use them or take part in clinical trials because they're worried about discrimination.

The bill, which could be approved by the House early next week, is supported by the White House, the AP reported.

Health Tips for April 27

Health Tip: Caring for a Ruptured Eardrum

A ruptured eardrum typically is caused by an ear infection, an injury to the ear, or sudden changes in air pressure.

Here are suggestions to help heal a ruptured eardrum, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:

* Follow all instructions from your doctor, and don't put anything inside your ear unless your doctor says it's OK.
* Keep water out of your ear when you take a bath or shower.
* Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
* Be gentle when blowing your nose until your ear has healed.
* Don't go swimming or submerge your ear in water until your doctor approves.

Health Tip: Having a Throat Culture?

A throat culture is a diagnostic test that's often used to diagnose strep throat. While not painful, a throat culture may be uncomfortable and rather frightening for children.

Here is information to help you prepare for a throat culture, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* A throat culture is taken by using a long stick with cotton on the end to swab the throat and check for bacteria.
* Gagging is common during a throat culture, but try to resist the reflex.
* You shouldn't use an antiseptic mouthwash before the test.
* Side effects and pain are rare from a throat culture, but some people may feel nauseous, or may vomit or cough.
* The presence of abnormal bacteria on the culture indicates an infection, often strep throat.

Health Headlines - April 26

Tablets to Treat Gonorrhea Available in U.S.

Tablets for first-line treatment of gonorrhea are now available in the United States, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. The prescription cefiximine 400 milligram tablets are available as of this month.

In April last year, the CDC updated its recommendations for gonorrhea treatment, no longer recommending fluoroquinoline antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and levofloxacin) due to data that indicated widespread resistance in the United States to these drugs.

That left a single class of antibiotics called cephalosporins as the single recommended treatment for gonorrhea. Within this class, the only recommended treatment for all types of gonorrhea (urogenital, rectal and pharyngeal) is an injection form called ceftriaxone. However, for uncomplicated gonorrhea (which hasn't spread to the blood or central nervous system), the CDC now also recommends cefiximine tablets. Since 2002, it's only been available in liquid form, which limited its use because it's not as convenient as a tablet.

"The availability of cefiximine tablets this month will have a tremendous impact in fighting gonorrhea. This oral option expands a physician's arsenal to combat this serious disease, while giving patients a drug that is easier to take," Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, said in a prepared statement.

Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States, after chlamydia.

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Doctors Need to Improve Bedside Manner: Poll

Some 78 percent of American adults want their doctors to improve their bedside manner, a new survey finds.

The poll of 1,000 people also found that less than half described their doctor's recent conduct as attentive, and just 32 percent described their doctor as compassionate during their most recent appointment, United Press International reported.

Among the other findings from the survey conducted for the Arnold P. Gold Foundation:

• Less than half of doctors cited displayed an interest in their patients' overall well-being, rather than focusing on specific ailments.
• 40 percent said their doctor made them feel rushed.
• 36 percent said their doctor didn't provide enough opportunity to discuss their concerns.
• 36 percent said their physician was outright rude or condescending.

"Many past studies have shown a strong correlation between patient and doctor satisfaction and better overall patient outcomes when doctors develop a relationship with their patients," Dr. Arnold P. Gold, founder of the foundation, said in a prepared statement.

"What this survey shows us is that patients are still craving for their physician to see the 'person' behind the prognosis and really want a 'connectedness' with their doctor," UPI quoted Gold as saying.

-----

Recalled LawnBott Mowers Pose Laceration Hazard

About 530 LawnBott lawn mowers are being recalled because they may pose a laceration hazard, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The cutting blades may continue to rotate when the mower is lifted from the ground, and the spacing on the side of the mower could allow room for a person's foot to go beyond the shield and be struck by the blade, the agency said.

There's been one report of a consumer who had minor lacerations after lifting a mower from the ground.

The recall involves mowers with model numbers LB2000, LB2100, LB3000 and LB3200. They were sold at Kyodo America dealers across the U.S. from January 2006 through December 2007.

Consumers should stop using the mowers and should call Kyodo America at 877-465-9636 to register their mowers for repairs that will be available by the end of June, the CPSC said.

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U.S Senate Passes Genetic Anti-Discrimination Bill

In a 95-0 vote, the U.S. Senate passed a bill Thursday to protect the jobs and health insurance of people who learn through genetic testing that they may be susceptible to serious diseases.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which now goes back the House of Representatives, forbids employers from using genetic information in the hiring, firing or promotion of workers and bars health insurance companies from using genetic information to set premiums or determine eligibility, the Associated Press reported.

"For the first time we act to prevent discrimination before it has taken firm hold and that's why this legislation is unique and groundbreaking," said Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), one of the sponsors of the bill.

She noted there are more than 1,100 genetic tests currently available but they're "absolutely useless" if people don't use them or take part in clinical trials because they're worried about discrimination.

The bill, which could be approved by the House early next week, is supported by the White House, the AP reported.

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Electric Simmer Wax Pots Pose Fire and Shock Hazard

About 830,00 electric simmer wax pots distributed by Waxcessories of Dracut, Mass., have been recalled because they have wire connections that can come loose and pose a fire and electric shock hazard.

So far, there have been 161 reports of problems with the wire connections, but no reports of injuries or damage, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The Chinese-made simmer pots were sold in a variety of styles and were designed to melt scented wax in a ceramic cup, which sits on a ceramic base that contains a 40-watt bulb, socket and electric cord. The recall includes all designs of the electric simmer pots and all item numbers.

The pots were sold at gift and novelty shops across the United States from April 2002 through April 2008 for between $17 and $25.

Consumers should stop using the simmer pots and contact Waxcessories for instructions on how to receive a free replacement product. Contact the company at 1-800-899-5884.

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Heart Disease Becoming a Major Problem in India

India could account for 60 percent of heart disease cases worldwide within two years, says a study by Canadian and Indian researchers.

They analyzed data on nearly 21,000 heart attack patients admitted to 89 hospitals in 50 cities across India and found that many heart disease risk factors were the same as elsewhere in the world, such as tobacco use, high blood pressure, and diets rich in saturated fat, BBC News reported.

However, certain risk factors were unique to India, such as the time it takes to get access to medical help. On average, it took 300 minutes to reach a hospital, which is twice as long as in rich nations, the study found. Due to financial constraints, many patients couldn't afford an ambulance and had to use private or public transport to get to a hospital.

The researchers also found that many patients can't afford routine treatments and that many of the Indian heart attack patients were three to six years younger than heart attack patients in richer nations, BBC News reported.

The study was published in the journal The Lancet.

Health Tips for April 26

Health Tip: Protect Yourself Against Cervical Cancer

A prime cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus, which includes more than 30 types that can be transmitted sexually. A Pap test can find changes on the cervix caused by an HPV infection.

Here are suggestions on how to protect yourself from cervical cancer, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

* Get regular Pap tests -- as often as your doctor recommends.
* Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in carotene and vitamins C and E. These substances may reduce your risk of cervical and other cancers.
* Don't smoke.
* Always use a condom for vaginal, anal or oral sex.
* Practice monogamy.

Health Tip: Before a Pap Smear

A pap smear is used to detect changes in the cells of a woman's cervix that could indicate cancer. The test is usually recommended for all women age 21 and older, and women younger than 21 if they have been sexually active for three or more years.

Certain things can lead to inaccurate results of a pap smear. Here's a list of activities to avoid in the 48 hours before your test, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

* Sexual intercourse.
* Vaginal deodorant sprays or powders.
* Douching.
* Tampons.
* Any vaginal creams, suppositories or medications.

Health Headlines - April 25

Proximity to Mercury Pollution Source Linked to Autism Risk

The first study to show a statistical relationship between autism and proximity to industrial sites that release mercury has been published by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Their analysis of data from 1,040 Texas school districts and data from 39 coal-fired power plants and 56 industrial facilities in the state showed that autism rates decreased by one percent to two percent for each 10 miles of distance from a mercury pollution source.

Among the other findings:

• For every 1,000 pounds of mercury released by all industrial sources in Texas in 1998, there was a corresponding 2.6 percent increase in autism rates in Texas school districts in 2002.
• For every 1,000 pounds of mercury released by Texas power plants in 1998, there was a corresponding 3.7 percent increase in autism rates in Texas school districts in 2002.

The research appears in the journal Health & Place.

"This study was not designed to understand which individuals in the population are at risk due to mercury exposure. However, it does suggest generally that there is greater autism risk closer to the polluting source," lead author Raymond Palmer, associate professor of family and community medicine, said in a prepared statement.

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Experts Stress Importance of Childhood Vaccinations

As part of National Infant Immunization Week (April 19-26), parents, caregivers and health providers are being reminded of the benefits of vaccination and the importance of routine childhood vaccination.

"A substantial number of children in the United States still aren't adequately protected from vaccine-preventable diseases," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said in a prepared statement.

"The suffering or death of even one child from a vaccine-preventable disease is an unnecessary human tragedy. Let us renew our efforts to ensure that no child, adolescent or adult will have to needlessly suffer from a vaccine-preventable disease," she said.

Schuchat said there are vaccines to protect children against 15 diseases before the age of 2, yet more than 20 percent of 2-year-olds in the United States aren't fully immunized against infectious diseases to which they're especially vulnerable.

While vaccinating infants is especially important because they're more vulnerable to many diseases than older children and adults, "it's important for adults to also be vaccinated to keep themselves healthy and to keep from spreading infections to vulnerable people, including children," Schuchat said.

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Senate to Vote on Genetic Information Bill

The U.S. Senate was to vote Thursday on a bill that would protect people from losing their jobs or health insurance if they have genetic testing to find out if they're predisposed to serious diseases.

Under the proposed legislation, insurance companies could not use genetic information to set premiums or determine eligibility, and employers would be prohibited from using genetic information to hire, fire or promote workers, the Associated Press reported.

It's expected the Senate will pass the measure by a large margin and the House of Representatives could take it up early next week, before sending it to President Bush for his signature. A similar bill approved last year had White House support.

While genetic testing could help patients with a wide range of hereditary-based diseases get early, lifesaving treatment, many people have expressed concern that genetic information could be used against them.

If patient protection is guaranteed by law, ""researchers and clinicians can actively encourage Americans to participate in clinical trials and appropriate genetic testing unencumbered by the fear of discrimination based upon the results," Aravinda Chakravarti, president of the American Society of Human Genetics, told the AP.

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New Law Strengthens Mad Cow Disease Safeguards

Certain cattle materials that carry the highest risk of mad cow disease cannot be included in any animal feed, including pet food, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration final regulation announced Wednesday.

The prohibited materials include the brains and spinal cords from cattle 30 months of age and older. The entire carcass of cattle not inspected and passed for human consumption is also prohibited, unless the cattle are less than 30 months old, or the brains and spinal cords have been removed, the FDA said.

It's believed the risk of mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy -- BSE) is extremely low in cattle less than 30 months old.

The final rule is effective a year from now in order to give the livestock, meat, rendering, and feed industries time to adapt their practices to the new regulation, which is designed to strengthen existing safeguards against mad cow disease, the FDA said.

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Atlantic City Bans Smoking in Casinos

Many employees of Atlantic City casinos felt like they won the jackpot after city council voted 9-0 Wednesday to plug a loophole in a statewide ban on smoking in public places that excluded casinos.

The casino smoking ban takes effect Oct. 15, but customers will still be allowed to smoke in unstaffed smoking lounges away from the table games and slot machines -- if individual casinos decided to build such lounges, the Associated Press reported.

Casino workers who attended the council meeting burst into applause and chanted, "Thank you, thank you, thank you," when the votes were counted. Many of the workers wore T-shirts with the slogan "Nobody deserves to work in an ashtray."

The city council tried in January 2007 to ban smoking in casinos. But intense pressure from the casino industry forced council to adopt a compromise law that restricted smoking to no more than 25 percent of the casino floor. But the smoking areas aren't walled off from nonsmoking areas, and secondhand smoke still drifts throughout the casino floor, the AP reported.

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Acupuncture Relieves Hot Flushes Caused by Breast Cancer Drug

Acupuncture helped relieve hot flushes in women taking the drug tamoxifen after breast cancer surgery, says a Norwegian study.

It included 59 patients randomly selected to receive either 10 weeks of traditional Chinese acupuncture or sham acupuncture. The women who received traditional acupuncture had a 50 percent reduction in daytime and nighttime hot flushes, United Press International reported.

"Acupuncture is increasingly used in western countries to treat the problem of hot flushes in healthy postmenopausal women, so we wanted to see whether it was effective in women with breast cancer suffering from hot flushes as a result of their anti-estrogen medication," study author Jill Hervik, a physiotherapist and acupuncturist at Vestfold Central Hospital in Tonsberg, said in a prepared statement.

Tamoxifen can cause hot flushes and many other symptoms experienced by women going through menopause, UPI reported.

The study was presented at the European Breast Cancer Conference in Berlin.

Health Tips for April 25

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Premature Birth

Premature birth is defined as any baby born at fewer than 37 weeks' gestation.

Here's a list of potential triggers of early labor, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease.
* An infection.
* Insufficient prenatal care.
* An unhealthy diet.
* Preeclampsia, a condition occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy and characterized by high blood pressure and abnormal protein in the urine.
* Substance abuse.
* Becoming pregnant at age 17 or younger.

Health Tip: Using a Breast Pump

A breast pump allows mothers to extract and store breast milk for instances when they can't be present for a baby's feeding.

Here are suggestions on how to use a breast pump, courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

* When using the product for the first time, carefully read the entire instruction manual.
* Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 10 seconds to 15 seconds, then dry thoroughly.
* You may want to wash your breasts if you have used a cream, ointment or other topical product.
* Make sure your pump is properly assembled, and that you are in a comfortable place where you can relax.
* Position the breast shield carefully on your nipple, so that it does not pull or pinch.
* Once you are comfortable and the pump is properly in place, turn it on or begin pumping manually.
* Typically, you can expect to pump for about 10 minutes to 15 minutes per breast. But your session should only last as long as it is comfortable.

Health Headlines - April 24

Wisconsin Leads U.S. in Drunken Driving: Survey

Wisconsin has the highest incidence of drunken driving in the nation, a new federal report finds.

More than a quarter of adult drivers in Wisconsin, noted for its beer breweries, reported driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the just-released survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Completing the worst five were: North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota, the Associated Press reported. Nationwide, 15 percent of adult drivers said they drove under the influence.

Utah had the lowest drunk driving rate, followed by West Virginia, Arkansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

The agency, part of the National Institutes of Health, also found that blacks had significantly lower drinking rates than whites, the AP reported.

And the number of drivers with blood alcohol levels of 0.08 percent or higher involved in alcohol-related crashes remained about the same over a decade -- from 12,348 in 1996 to 12,491 in 2006.

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Rate Doubles for Nasty Infection Among Hospital Patients

The number of U.S. hospital patients stricken with a nasty infection called Clostrdium difficile soared by 200 percent between 2000 and 2005, a new federal report finds.

Commonly called C difficile or "C diff," the infection can cause severe diarrhea, blood poisoning, and even death, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality said in a statement to coincide with its weekly AHRQ News and Numbers report. The infection often results when antibiotic use suppresses the bacteria normally found in the colon.

The report also found:

• There were more than 2 million cases of the illness in U.S. hospitals from 1993 to 2005.
• Two of three infected patients in 2005 were elderly.
• People with the illness were hospitalized an average of about three times longer than uninfected people.

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Social Bullying Linked to Adult Depression

The psychological effects of social bullying -- shunning a child or spreading rumors rather than threatening physical violence -- can last well into a person's adult life, a new University of Florida study concludes.

The research involving 210 college students found that victims of social bullying were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety in early adulthood. Lead author Allison Dempsey, a doctoral student, graduated from Colorado's Columbine High School one year before the 1999 shootings at the school. It was widely reported that the two boys who committed the murders were largely shunned by classmates.

Dempsey and her colleagues found no difference between boys and girls in this type of bullying and its link to depression and fear, the university said in a prepared statement. In a surprising finding, they also found that having friends and other positive social relationships didn't dampen the tendency to develop depression and anxiety in adulthood.

Results of the research are published in the journal Psychology in the Schools.

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Mother's Diet May Influence Child's Gender

What a woman eats at about the time of conception could influence whether her baby is a boy or girl, British researchers say.

The study by the Universities of Exeter and Oxford found that a high-calorie diet, including regular breakfasts, could raise a woman's odds of having a boy, BBC News reported.

The trend toward low-calorie diets in developed nations could explain why the ratio of boys to girls is shifting in those countries, the network said.

In studying 740 first-time pregnancies, the researchers found 56 percent of women with high-calorie diets at the time of conception had boys, compared to 45 percent of women who had low-calorie diets. Women who had sons also were more likely to consume nutrients including potassium, calcium, and vitamins C, E, and B12, the researchers said.

The study was published in the journal Biological Sciences.

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VA Mental Health Chief Should Resign: Senators

The mental health director of the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department tried to cover up the rising number of suicides among veterans and should resign, two Democratic senators said Tuesday.

Dr. Ira Katz attempted to withhold important information on the true suicide risk among veterans, said Sens. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii and Patty Murray of Washington state, the Associated Press reported. Akaka is chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and Murray is a committee member.

In an e-mail message made public this week, Katz starts with "Shh!" and writes that 12,000 veterans a year attempt suicide while under VA care.

"Is this something we should (carefully) address ourselves in some sort of release before someone stumbles on it?" Katz asks in the e-mail, the AP reported.

"Dr Katz's irresponsible actions have been a disservice to our veterans, and it is time for him to go," said Murray, "The No. 1 priority of the VA should be caring for our veterans, not covering up the truth."

A VA spokesmen declined to comment Tuesday, the AP reported.

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Loss of Biodiversity Threatens Development of New Medicines

If action isn't taken to protect the Earth's biodiversity, the opportunity to develop many new kinds of medical treatments will be lost, a senior United Nations environmental official warned Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.

Living organisms offer a variety of naturally-produced chemical compounds that can be used to create new medicines, explained Achim Steiner, executive director of the U.N. Environment Program. But an increasing number of species are at risk of extinction.

"We must do something about what is happening to biodiversity. We must help society understand how much we already depend on diversity of life to run our economies, our lives, but more importantly, what we are losing in terms of future potential," he told journalists attending a UNEP-organized conference in Singapore, the AP reported.

"Because of science and technology ... we are in a much better position to unlock this ingenuity of nature found in so many species. Yet, in many cases, we will find that we have already lost it before we were able to use it," Steiner said.

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World Faces 'Silent Tsunami' of Hunger

A "silent tsunami" of worldwide hunger could be unleashed by rising food costs, according to the head of the United Nations World Food Program.

Josette Sheeran said increasing food prices could push more than 100 million people into a level of poverty where they can't afford to feed themselves. She spoke at a summit in Britain to discuss the crisis, CBC News reported.

"This is the new face of hunger -- the millions of people who were not in the urgent hunger category six months ago but now are," said Sheeran, who described the crisis as "a silent tsunami that respects no borders."

"The world's misery index is rising ... as soaring food and fuel prices roll through the lives of the most vulnerable," she said.

A number of factors are contributing to increasing food costs: poor harvests; rising energy prices; increasing use of fields to produce corn for ethanol; and growing demand in China and India, CBC News reported.

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Whirlpool Suspends Workers for Lying About Smoking

Whirlpool Corp. has suspended 39 workers at its Evansville, Ind., plant because they claimed on their health insurance that they were nonsmokers but were seen smoking in designated areas outside the plant. The company requires smokers to pay an extra $500 in insurance premiums.

Company spokeswoman Debby Castrale told Fox News that Whirlpool considers falsifying company documents a serious offense. Fact-finding meetings will be held with each of the suspended workers over the next few days, followed by final disciplinary action. Some may be fired.

Most of the 39 suspensions involved production workers. More suspensions, possibly including some administrative staff, could come, Castrale said.

Whirlpool had to recall some laid-off workers to keep production running due to the suspensions, the Associated Press reported.

Health Tips for April 24

Health Tip: Why Breast-Feed?

Whether to breast-feed is a personal choice that new mothers should consider carefully.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers this list of potential breast-feeding benefits to both baby and mother:

* Breast milk is the most complete source of nutrition for babies. Many babies digest breast milk more easily than formula.
* Some studies show that babies who are breast-fed may develop better.
* Breast-feeding can help new moms to lose baby weight, as it burns calories.
* Studies have shown that women who breast-fed their children may have a reduced risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, as well as bone problems later in life, such as osteoporosis.
* Breast-feeding can help new mothers and their babies bond.

Health Tip: If You Have to Take Iron Supplements

If you are anemic or need iron supplements for another reason, taking the pills can be difficult.

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how to make taking iron supplements a little easier:

* Take the pills with food.
* Gradually work your way up to the number of pills your doctor prescribed each day. Start out with one a day, then after three to five days, begin increasing the amount until you've reached the daily dose recommended by your doctor.
* If iron pills make you constipated, add fiber to your daily diet.
* If the pills make your stomach upset, don't take them before you go to sleep.
* If a particular brand causes problems, ask your doctor about different brands or formulas.

Health Headlines - April 23

Smog Causes Premature Death: Report

There's a clear link between short-term exposure (up to 24 hours) to smog (ozone) and premature deaths, says a study released Tuesday by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

"The committee has concluded from its review of health-based evidence that short-term exposure to ambient ozone is likely to contribute to premature deaths," said the 13-member panel, the Associated Press reported.

They said more research is needed on long-term chronic smog exposure, where the risk of premature death "may be larger than those observed in acute effects studies alone."

The findings challenge the White House stance on the issue.

"The report is a rebuke of the Bush administration which has consistently tried to downplay the connection between smog and premature death," Frank O'Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch, a Washington-based advocacy organization, told the AP.

The Academy's findings "refutes the White House skepticism and denial" of a proven link between acute ozone exposure and premature deaths, said Vickie Patton, deputy general counsel for the Environmental Defense Fund. She noted that the Bush administration has used such arguments to question the health benefits of reducing air pollution.

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KFC Cakes Recalled

Double Chocolate Chip Cakes sold by KFC Corporation are being recalled because certain ingredients -- eggs, milk, wheat, soy and possibly traces of tree nuts -- aren't individually listed on the packaging.

People with allergies to these ingredients could suffer a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the cake. There has been one reported incident of an allergic reaction, according to a news release on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site.

The cakes, distributed nationwide at KFC restaurants, come in a round 16-ounce package with a black or clear plastic bottom and a clear plastic dome. Customers with allergies who've purchased the cakes should return them to KFC for a full refund.

There is no health risk for consumers who are not allergic to any ingredients in the cakes.

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Lifestyle Factors Affect Sleep

Gender, jobs and marital/family status all affect how much sleep people get, suggests a new Statistics Canada report. It found that those who commute, work longer hours and have more children get less sleep than the rest of Canadians, CBC News reported.

Among the findings from the analysis of national survey data:

• People who make more than $60,000 a year sleep 40 minutes less than those who make $20,000 a year.
• People with commutes of an hour or more sleep an average of seven hours and 41 minutes, while those with a commute of between one and 30 minutes sleep an average of 22 minutes longer.
• Men get less sleep than women -- an average of eight hours and seven minutes versus eight hours and 18 minutes. But 35 percent of women have trouble falling asleep, compared with 25 percent of men.
• Men with full-time jobs sleep 14 minutes less than women with full-time jobs.
• Single people get more sleep than couples -- eight hours and 29 minutes versus eight hours and five minutes.
• People with children younger than age 15 sleep less than those with no children.

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Viagra Ad Failed to Mention Risks: FDA

Pfizer Inc. was told by U.S. officials to discontinue a 30-second online video ad for Viagra that doesn't mention the risks associated with the drug. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning letter was issued last week and posted online Monday.

The FDA letter said the ad "raises public health and safety concerns through its complete omission of risk information for Viagra," the Associated Press reported. Federal law requires negative side effects to be mentioned in any ad that highlights a drug's benefits.

The video ad on CNN.com featured a group of Nashville musicians singing the refrain "Viva Viagra." In a statement, Pfizer said a technical issue with CNN's Web site prevented the risk information from appearing on a banner accompanying the video. The company has pulled the ad, the AP reported.

Viagra's label warns users of potential risks to patients with existing heart conditions, and possible side effects including headaches and abnormal vision.

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Beco Baby Carriers Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

About 2,000 "Beco Baby Carrier Butterfly" infant carriers are being recalled because the buckles on the shoulder straps can suddenly release tension, causing the strap to slip through and posing a fall hazard to the infant. The manufacturer, Beco Baby Carrier Inc., of Newport Beach, Calif., has received eight reports of straps slipping through the shoulder buckles, but there have been no reports of injures, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The following styles are included in the recall: Mia, Pony Express, Carnival, Addison, Ethan, Sophia, Cameron, Ava and Joshua.

The carriers were sold at specialty retail stores and through the Internet from January 2008 through February 2008 for about $140.

Consumers should stop using the carriers and contact Beco at 888-943-8232 for information on how to return them for repair.

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Mundane Tasks Numb the Brain

Monotonous tasks really do numb the brain, according to researchers who used MRI scans to monitor blood flow in the brains of volunteers. The results showed that the brain will shift to an at-rest mode when a person is doing something mundane, even if the person doesn't want it to, Agence France-Presse reported.

"There's this thing that's probably intrinsic where your brain says I do need to take a little break here and there's nothing you can do about it," said study author Tom Eichele of the University of Bergen in Norway. "Probably everyone knows that feeling that sometimes your brain is not as receptive or as well performing and you didn't do anything to actually induce that."

Eichele and his colleagues also found that this shift to at-rest mode begins about 30 seconds before a person makes a mistake. This finding suggests it may be possible to develop an early warning system to keep people more focused and careful in order to improve workplace safety and performance in certain jobs, such as airport security screening.

"We might be able to build a device (that could be placed) on the heads of people that make these easy decisions," Eichele told AFP.

The study appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Health Tips for April 23

Health Tip: Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an illness that causes people to obsess over daily activities. While everyone has daily habits and behaviors, when they interfere with daily life, it's a possible warning sign of OCD.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these potential examples of OCD:

* Obsessing over whether things are done in order or correctly, in an exact fashion.
* Being unusually afraid of dirt or germs, and as a result, repeatedly engaging in activities such as washing the hands or showering.
* Constantly and repeatedly checking on a situation, such as making sure the home's doors are locked or appliances are shut off.
* Thinking about specific sounds, images, words or numbers repeatedly.
* Seeking constant reassurance or approval.

Health Tip: Taming a Temper Tantrum

Temper tantrums are a child's means of expressing anger at an age where they haven't learned or adopted other coping methods.

The C.S. Mott Children's Hospital offers these suggestions to help manage your child's temper tantrums:

* If the tantrum is triggered by frustration, offer support, encouragement, and help with what's frustrating the child.
* If the tantrum appears to be a way to get attention or to get the child's way, try to ignore it. Never give in to the child's demands when expressed this way.
* Try to anticipate and avoid a tantrum by giving the child a five-minute warning. If the child doesn't end up where you want the child to be, physically carry the child there.
* If the child becomes extremely loud or violent, send the child to his or her bedroom for a two-to-five-minute timeout.
* If your child seems out of control or could cause self-injury, hold the child for about one to three minutes until you feel the child's body begin to relax.

Health Headlines - April 22

Low Vitamin D Levels May Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Women with low blood levels of a marker for vitamin D have an increased risk of breast cancer, German researchers say.

They studied levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 1,394 breast cancer patients and an equal number of healthy postmenopausal women, finding that those with a very low blood level of 25(OH)D were much more likely to develop breast cancer, United Press International reported.

The link between low levels of 25(OH)D and increased breast cancer risk was strongest among women who didn't take hormones for relief of menopausal symptoms. The researchers did note that chemotherapy or lack of sunlight during prolonged hospital stays may have contributed to low vitamin D levels in breast cancer patients.

The body produces vitamin D in response to sunlight, and the vitamin is present in certain foods.

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Drug Effective in Shrinking Breast Tumors: Study

A drug called lapatinib may shrink breast cancer tumors within six weeks and could prove to be a valuable pre-surgery treatment, according to researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, who studied 45 patients with locally advanced breast cancer in which the HER-2 gene was overexpressed.

The women received lapatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets cell surface receptors, for six weeks. That was followed by a combination of weekly trastuzumab and three-times-a-week docetaxel for 12 weeks before primary surgery, United Press International reported.

Tests conducted before and after lapatinib treatment showed "significant tumor regression after six weeks of single-agent lapatinib," said study author Dr. Angel Rodriguez.

The study was to be presented at the European Breast Cancer Conference in Berlin.

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FDA OKs Compact Heart Assist Device

A compact heart assist device designed to fit women and smaller men has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Heart assist devices are implanted mechanical devices that help weakened hearts pump blood while heart failure patients await a heart transplant. Previous models were too large to fit the upper abdomen of women and men of smaller stature, the FDA said.

The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System is just 3 inches in length and weighs about 1 pound. A cable that powers the device passes through the patient's skin to an external controller, allowing the device to be powered either by battery or while connected to an electrical outlet.

In clinical testing on 126 people, 57 percent survived to undergo a heart transplant, which the FDA said is comparable to larger heart assist devices.

The manufacturer, Pleasanton, Calif.-based Thoratec Corp., will be required to conduct a post-approval study of the device's performance, the agency said.

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Inhibition Strong Predictor of Sexual Problems in Women

Among women, sexual inhibition is the strongest predictor of sexual problems such as low sexual interest and arousal difficulty, says a U.S. study that included 540 women.

Researchers found that the ease with which arousal can be disrupted by situational factors (arousal contingency) and concerns about sexual function can predict sexual problems, United Press International reported.

The findings appear in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.

"Although further research is needed to confirm these findings with other samples, particularly clinical samples of women seeking help for sexual problems, these findings suggest that high scores on sexual inhibition may help predict which women are vulnerable to experience sexual problems," according to a statement from study co-author Cynthia Graham, a research fellow at Indiana University's Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction.

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VA Lawsuit Over Lack of Mental Health Treatment Going to Trial

A class-action lawsuit charging that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs isn't doing enough to treat veterans' mental health problems is scheduled to go to trial this week.

The lawsuit was filed in July by two nonprofit groups representing veterans, who say the VA is failing to address the "rising tide" of mental health problems, especially post-traumatic stress disorder, the Associated Press reported. The groups want the judge to order the VA to make major changes.

"That failure to provide care is manifesting itself in an epidemic of suicides," the groups wrote in court papers filed Thursday.

A December e-mail between top VA officials said an average of 18 military veterans kill themselves each day, and five of them are under VA care when they commit suicide. The e-mail was filed as part of the lawsuit, the AP reported.

Government lawyers counter that the VA has been increasing the amount of resources for mental health and is making suicide prevention a top priority. The lawyers also argue that the courts don't have the authority to tell the VA how to operate, the news service said.

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Consumers Warned About Lead in Mexican Candies

California health officials are warning consumers not to eat Chaca Chaca Chacatrozo candy imported from Mexico because tests found it had potentially harmful levels of lead.

The tests by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) found as much as 0.30 parts per million (ppm) of lead in the candy, according to a news release on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site. In California, products with 0.10 ppm lead are considered to be contaminated.

The candies are being removed from store shelves, and consumers who've purchased these candies should discard them. The CDPH also advised pregnant women and parents of children who've consumed these candies to consult a health-care provider to determine if medical testing is required.

Consumers who see Chaca Chaca Chacatrozo candies for sale are encouraged to call the CDPH complaint hotline at 1-800-495-3232.

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Women in Academics Least Likely to Have Children

Women with academic careers are the least likely of all professional women to have children, according to University of Utah researchers who analyzed data from the 2000 U.S. Census.

For example, they found that male faculty members are 21 percent less likely than male doctors to have a child in their household, while female faculty members are 41 percent less likely than female doctors to have children, United Press International reported.

The researchers noted that it can take much longer for academics to achieve job security -- 40 is the average age when professors achieve tenure -- than other professionals.

The study is to be presented this week at the annual meeting of the Population Association of America, UPI reported.

"Many studies have examined the effects of childbirth on professional success, but few have considered how career choice affects fertility," researcher Nicholas Wolfinger said in a prepared statement. "If women are sacrificing families for jobs, the sexual revolution has not come nearly as far as might otherwise be expected."

Health Tips for April 22

Health Tip: Warm Up Before Exercise

Warming up should be part of every exercise program, as it prepares your body for more intense activity.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this additional information about warming up before a workout:

* Warming up your muscles allows body temperature to rise, blood to flow, and breathing to increase.
* Warming up can help you to get a more effective workout.
* If you are just starting to exercise, you should spend more time warming up than someone who exercises regularly.
* Stretching is a good way to slowly warm up muscles.
* A light aerobic warm-up at a relaxed pace is a safe way to start your workout.

Health Tip: Weight-Bearing Exercises Strengthen Bones

Getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet are great ways to ward off the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises are another way to help maintain bone health.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends these forms of weight-bearing exercise:

* Brisk walking, jogging or hiking.
* Strenuous yard work such as pushing a lawn mower, or active gardening.
* Sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis or racquetball.
* Climbing the stairs, step aerobics or dancing.
* Activities such as skiing, bowling, skating or karate.
* Use of free weights or weight machines.

Health Headlines - April 21

Artificial-Turf Playing Fields Under Scrutiny

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is looking into the possible health hazards of lead in some artificial-turf playing fields across the country.

Two New Jersey fields, one in a park, the other at a university, were closed last week after state health officials detected what they called unexpectedly high levels of lead in two nylon fields, both AstroTurf surfaces, and raised fears that athletes could swallow or inhale fibers or dust from the playing surface, the Associated Press reported. There was no lead in 10 polyethylene-surface fields that were also examined.

Industry officials denied the products are dangerous. Jon Pritchett, chief executive of General Sports Venue, the licensee of AstroTurf products in the United States, said the company's tests have shown a low risk of exposure to lead. "Obviously, we take very seriously any concerns about the safety of our products, and this is no exception," Pritchett said.

But the CPSC is concerned about "any consumer product that could be used by children where children could potentially be in harm's way because of lead exposure," spokesman Scott Wolfson said.

The AP reported that the industry's Synthetic Turf Council estimates there are about 3,500 synthetic playing fields made of various materials, including nylon and polyethylene, and about 800 are installed each year at schools, colleges, parks and stadiums.

Pigment containing lead chromate is used in some surfaces to make the turf green and hold its color in sunlight. But it is not clear how widely the compound is used.

New Jersey's epidemiologist, Dr. Eddy Bresnitz, told the AP that fibers and dust created through wear and weathering might become airborne, where they could be inhaled or swallowed. He has ordered more test on how easily fibers and particles from artificial turf can be swallowed or inhaled .

But Rick Doyle, president of the Synthetic Turf Council, said the lead is fixed in place in the nylon and does not leach out, and therefore poses no health risk. "In the 40 years that synthetic sports turf has been in use in the United States and around the world, not one person has ever reported any ill effects related to the material composition of the fibers," he said.

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Canada Warns About Chemical Used in Baby Bottles

Canadian health officials announced plans Friday to limit the use of the controversial chemical bisphenol A, a move that could lead to a ban on baby bottles containing the chemical.

A draft report from Health Canada found the chemical to be potentially dangerous to infants and the environment, CTV reported.

The widely used chemical is also found in hard plastic water bottles, dental sealants, DVDs, CDs and hundreds of other common items. Canadian Health Minister Tony Clement said the levels of bisphenol A (BPA) that most adults are exposed to is not harmful.

Health Canada's action could be the first step toward Canada banning the chemical altogether, the Associated Press reported.

Earlier this week, the U.S. National Toxicology Program said there was "some concern" about BPA from experiments on rats that linked the chemical to changes in behavior and the brain, early puberty and possibly precancerous changes in the prostate and breast. While animal studies only provide "limited evidence" of risk, the draft report said a possible effect on humans "cannot be dismissed," the AP said.

More than 6 million pounds of BPA are produced in the United States each year, the AP said.

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World's Oldest Person Turns 115

Her name is Edna Parker, she lives in a nursing home in Shelbyville, Ind., and she's the world's oldest person. And on Sunday, she celebrates another birthday -- her 115th.

"We don't know why she's lived so long," Don Parker, her 59-year-old grandson, told the Associated Press. "But she's never been a worrier and she's always been a thin person, so maybe that has something to do with it."

Researchers from the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University took a blood sample from Parker in 2006 for the group's DNA database of so-called supercentenarians -- people who live to 110 and beyond. Her DNA is now preserved with samples of about 100 other people who made the 110-year milestone and whose genes are being analyzed, said Dr. Tom Perls, who directs the project. "They're really our best bet for finding the elusive Holy Grail of our field -- which are these longevity-enabling genes," Perls told the news service.

Perls said the key to a long life is now believed to be a mix of genetics and environmental factors such as health habits. He said his research on about 1,500 centenarians suggests another factor that may protect people from illnesses such as heart attacks and stroke -- they don't seem to dwell on stressful events.

Just 75 people -- 64 women and 11 men -- are 110 or older, according to the Gerontology Research Group of Inglewood, Calif., which verifies reports of very old ages, the AP said.

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More Reports of Sickness Linked to Supplements With Selenium

U.S. health officials are investigating more than 180 reports of illness in people who took dietary supplements containing toxic levels of the mineral selenium, the Associated Press reported.

The manufacturer recalled the products March 27, but reports of 184 illnesses indicate people are still taking them, health officials said.

On March 27, the Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to purchase or use "Total Body Formula" in flavors Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar, and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor after receiving reports of adverse reactions in users in Florida and Tennessee. The reactions generally occurred after five to 10 days of daily ingestion of the product, and included significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain, deformed fingernails, and fatigue, the FDA said.

Health officials are now looking into reports of illnesses in 10 states -- Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. No deaths have been reported. One person has been hospitalized, the AP said.

Selenium, a naturally occurring mineral, is needed only in very small amounts for good health. Selenium can boost the immune system. Generally, normal consumption of food and water provides adequate selenium to support good health, the FDA said.

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Katrina's Legacy Still Haunts, Studies Find

From alcohol abuse to the loss of a home, new research continues to assess the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina and the toll it extracted from its victims.

In a study presented this week at the Population Association of America's annual meeting in New Orleans, University of Michigan researchers reported that Katrina survivors were more than three times likelier to exhibit alcohol abuse after a stress experience. And if the survivor experienced a trauma, they were five times more likely to become alcohol dependent.

The difference between a stress and a trauma is one of degree, said study co-author Sandro Galea, an associate professor at the university's School of Public Health. An example of stress might be dealing with insurance companies or contractors; a trauma is losing a loved one, he said.

Another paper found that New Orleans residents who lost their homes in the 2005 storm were more than five times more likely to experience serious psychological distress a year after the disaster than those who did not.

The study, by University of Michigan researcher Narayan Sastry and Tulane University's Mark VanLandingham, examined the mental health of pre-Katrina New Orleans residents in the fall of 2006 -- one year after the hurricane. In all, about 66 percent of the respondents reported that their homes were badly damaged or unlivable.

"Our findings suggest that severe damage to one's home is a particularly important factor behind socioeconomic disparities in psychological distress, and possibly behind the levels of psychological distress," Sastry said. "These effects may be partly economic, because, for most families who own their home, home equity is the largest element of household wealth.

Health Tips for April 21

Health Tip: Symptoms of Depression in Alzheimer's Patients

People with Alzheimer's disease sometimes suffer from depression, often when they begin to understand their loss of memory.

The symptoms of depression may make it even more difficult for Alzheimer's patients to function.

The American Academy of Physicians lists these common warning signs:

* No desire to participate in any activities, or even to move around.
* Talking about feeling worthless or very sad.
* Not eating, and significant weight loss.
* Excessive sleeping, or not sleeping at all.
* Crying or being very emotional.
* Getting very angry or agitated.

Health Tip: Don't Suddenly Stop Taking an Antidepressant

If you want to stop taking an antidepressant, it's important to speak with your doctor first, the American Academy of Family Physicians says. The doctor may recommend weaning your body off the medication gradually.

People who stop an antidepressant too quickly may trigger a host of symptoms that doctors call antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Symptoms may include:

* Anxiety.
* Feelings of depression or sadness.
* Moodiness and irritability.
* Tiredness.
* Headaches and dizziness.
* Nausea and vomiting.
* Diarrhea.

If an antidepressant is causing an unpleasant side effect, your doctor may opt to lower your dose or prescribe a different type of antidepressant altogether.

Health Headlines - April 20

Canada Warns About Chemical Used in Baby Bottles

Canadian health officials announced plans Friday to limit the use of the controversial chemical bisphenol A, a move that could lead to a ban on baby bottles containing the chemical.

A draft report from Health Canada found the chemical to be potentially dangerous to infants and the environment, CTV reported.

The widely used chemical is also found in hard plastic water bottles, dental sealants, DVDs, CDs and hundreds of other common items. Canadian Health Minister Tony Clement said the levels of bisphenol A (BPA) that most adults are exposed to is not harmful.

Health Canada's action could be the first step toward Canada banning the chemical altogether, the Associated Press reported.

Earlier this week, the U.S. National Toxicology Program said there was "some concern" about BPA from experiments on rats that linked the chemical to changes in behavior and the brain, early puberty and possibly precancerous changes in the prostate and breast. While animal studies only provide "limited evidence" of risk, the draft report said a possible effect on humans "cannot be dismissed," the AP said.

More than 6 million pounds of BPA are produced in the United States each year, the AP said.

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World's Oldest Person Is Turning 115

Her name is Edna Parker, she lives in a nursing home in Shelbyville, Ind., and she's the world's oldest person. And on Sunday, she'll celebrate another birthday -- her 115th.

"We don't know why she's lived so long," Don Parker, her 59-year-old grandson, told the Associated Press. "But she's never been a worrier and she's always been a thin person, so maybe that has something to do with it."

Researchers from the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University took a blood sample from Parker in 2006 for the group's DNA database of so-called supercentenarians -- people who live to 110 and beyond. Her DNA is now preserved with samples of about 100 other people who made the 110-year milestone and whose genes are being analyzed, said Dr. Tom Perls, who directs the project. "They're really our best bet for finding the elusive Holy Grail of our field -- which are these longevity-enabling genes," Perls told the news service.

Perls said the key to a long life is now believed to be a mix of genetics and environmental factors such as health habits. He said his research on about 1,500 centenarians suggests another factor that may protect people from illnesses such as heart attacks and stroke -- they don't seem to dwell on stressful events.

Just 75 people -- 64 women and 11 men -- are 110 or older, according to the Gerontology Research Group of Inglewood, Calif., which verifies reports of very old ages, the AP said.

-----

More Reports of Sickness Linked to Supplements With Selenium

U.S. health officials are investigating more than 180 reports of illness in people who took dietary supplements containing toxic levels of the mineral selenium, the Associated Press reported.

The manufacturer recalled the products March 27, but reports of 184 illnesses indicate people are still taking them, health officials said.

On March 27, the Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to purchase or use "Total Body Formula" in flavors Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar, and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor after receiving reports of adverse reactions in users in Florida and Tennessee. The reactions generally occurred after five to 10 days of daily ingestion of the product, and included significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain, deformed fingernails, and fatigue, the FDA said.

Health officials are now looking into reports of illnesses in 10 states -- Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. No deaths have been reported. One person has been hospitalized, the AP said.

Selenium, a naturally occurring mineral, is needed only in very small amounts for good health. Selenium can boost the immune system. Generally, normal consumption of food and water provides adequate selenium to support good health, the FDA said.

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Katrina's Legacy Still Haunts, Studies Find

From alcohol abuse to the loss of a home, new research continues to assess the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina and the toll it extracted from its victims.

In a study presented this week at the Population Association of America's annual meeting in New Orleans, University of Michigan researchers reported that Katrina survivors were more than three times likelier to exhibit alcohol abuse after a stress experience. And if the survivor experienced a trauma, they were five times more likely to become alcohol dependent.

The difference between a stress and a trauma is one of degree, said study co-author Sandro Galea, an associate professor at the university's School of Public Health. An example of stress might be dealing with insurance companies or contractors; a trauma is losing a loved one, he said.

Another paper found that New Orleans residents who lost their homes in the 2005 storm were more than five times more likely to experience serious psychological distress a year after the disaster than those who did not.

The study, by University of Michigan researcher Narayan Sastry and Tulane University's Mark VanLandingham, examined the mental health of pre-Katrina New Orleans residents in the fall of 2006 -- one year after the hurricane. In all, about 66 percent of the respondents reported that their homes were badly damaged or unlivable.

"Our findings suggest that severe damage to one's home is a particularly important factor behind socioeconomic disparities in psychological distress, and possibly behind the levels of psychological distress," Sastry said. "These effects may be partly economic, because, for most families who own their home, home equity is the largest element of household wealth.

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When It Comes to Happiness, It Really Is a Shade of Gray

Oh to be young again? Not so fast, says a new study that found that older Americans tend to be happier than younger ones.

The University of Chicago study also found that baby boomers aren't as content as other generations, blacks are less happy than whites, women are happier than men, and as people age, their happiness increases.

"Understanding happiness is important to understanding quality of life. The happiness measure is a guide to how well society is meeting people's needs," study author Yang Yang, an assistant professor of sociology, said in a prepared statement.

The study was based on data from the General Social Survey of the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. Yang charted happiness across age and racial groups and found that among 18-year-olds, white men are the happiest, with a 33 percent probability of being very happy, followed by white women (28 percent), black women (18 percent) and black men (15 percent).

But curiously, those differences vanish over time. Black men and black women have slightly more than a 50 percent chance of being very happy by their late 80s, while white men and white women are close behind.

The increase in happiness with age is consistent with the "age as maturity hypothesis," Yang said.

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Network Offers Experimental Treatments to Dying Cancer Patients

Great Britain has opened a government-run network of cancer clinics that will provide experimental treatments to dying cancer patients and may also speed up the drug testing process, the Associated Press reported.

There are clinics in France, Italy and the Netherlands that offer experimental treatments to cancer patients, but Britain is the only European country with a national network of clinics. Currently, only a few hundred patients with late-stage cancer in Britain have access to experimental drugs, but officials hope the new network of clinics will soon benefit thousands of patients.

Expanding drug tests for terminal cancer patients preys on their desperation, according to some critics of the program, the AP reported. But the process is fair as long as patients are told about potential side effects, counter some ethicists.

In the United States, cancer patients can sign up for experimental drug treatment, but there's no official national program to help them enroll. About 80 percent of American cancer patients are treated in community hospitals, while most drug trials are conducted at academic medical centers, the AP reported.

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Institute Seeks to Use Stem Cells to Heal Wounded Soldiers

A new U.S. research institute will try to develop methods to help wounded soldiers use their own stem cells to regenerate skin, muscle and even limbs, Agence France-Presse reported.

The $250 million Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine will fund and direct research by a number of universities and hospitals. The Pentagon will provide $85 million over five years, $80 million will come from participating universities and hospitals, and $100 million will be provided by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

"The new institute will work to develop techniques that will help to make our soldiers whole again," said Lieutenant General Eric Schoomaker, the army surgeon general. "We'll use the soldiers' own stem cells to repair nerve damage, to re-grow muscles and tendons, to repair burn wounds, and to help them heal without scarring."

The institute will also attempt to develop ways to salvage and reconstruct damaged limbs, hands, fingers, ears and noses, and to reconstruct damaged craniums, AFP reported.