Health Headlines - October 31

Women Pay More for Health Insurance: Report

American women pay much more -- sometimes hundreds of dollars per year -- than men of the same age for individual health insurance, according to data from insurance companies and online brokers.

Insurers said they charge women higher premiums because women, ages 19 to 55, tend to incur more health-care costs, especially in childbearing years, than men, The New York Times reported. Women are more likely to visit doctors, get regular checkups, to take prescription medications, and to have certain chronic conditions, the report said.

But the differences in women's and men's premiums have raised concerns among some groups, and members of Congress have started to question insurers' justifications.

"The wide variation in premiums could not possibly be justified by actuarial principles. We should not tolerate women having to pay more for health insurance, just as we do not tolerate the practice of using race as a factor in setting rates," said Marcia D. Greenberger, co-president of the National Women's Law Center, the Times reported.

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Vehicle-Animal Crash Deaths Rising

In the last 15 years, the number of people killed each year in vehicle crashes with deer and other animals has more than doubled -- from 101 in 1993 to 223 in 2007, according to a study by the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute.

Since 1993, Texas has recorded the most deaths (227) from vehicle-animal crashes, followed by Wisconsin (123) and Pennsylvania (112), the Associated Press reported.

The rising death toll is due to urban sprawl into deer habitat, the study said.

"Urban sprawl means suburbia and deer habitat intersect in many parts of the country," said Kim Hazelbaker, the institute's senior vice president. "If you're driving in areas where deer are prevalent, the caution flag is out, especially in November."

Insurance claims for crashes with animals are three times higher in November than from January to September, the study said. Fall is breeding season.

The only proven countermeasure is fencing, but that's "extremely expensive and not practical. Our message to motorists is to slow down, particularly at dusk and on rural roads," Jonathon Adkins, spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association, told the AP.

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High-Fat Diet May Increase Alzheimer's Risk

A high-fat diet may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, suggests a Canadian study with mice genetically engineered to produce two proteins --tau and amyloid beta -- found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

The University of Laval team fed a diet rich in animal fat and poor in omega-3 to one group of mice, and a diet that contained seven times less fat to a control group of mice. The mice on the high-fat diet (in which fat accounted for 60 percent of consumed calories) had 8.7 times more amyloid beta and 1.5 times more tau than the control mice, United Press International reported.

Mice on the high-fat diet also had lower levels of drebin protein in their brains, another characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

"Metabolic changes induced by such a diet could affect the inflammatory response in the brain," said study co-author Carl Julien, UPI reported.

The study was published online in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.

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Cold Germs Found on Many Household Surfaces

Doorknobs, TV remotes, refrigerator handles and other commonly touched household surfaces are hotbeds of cold germs, which can survive on those surfaces for two days or longer, says a University of Virginia study.

The study included adults with cold symptoms who were asked to name 10 places in their homes they had touched in the preceding 18 hours. The researchers then went to the participants' homes to hunt for cold germs, the Associated Press reported.

"We found that commonly touched areas ... were positive (for cold germs) about 40 percent of the time," said ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Birgit Winther. Cold germs were found on six of 10 doorknobs, eight of 14 refrigerator handles, three of 13 light switches, six of 10 TV remote controls, eight of 10 bathroom faucets, four of seven phones, three of four dishwasher handles, and three of three salt and pepper shakers.

The study was presented this week at a national conference on infectious diseases in Washington, D.C., the AP reported.

Health Tips for October 31

Health Tip: Trick-or-Treating Safely

Halloween can be great fun for children and parents alike. But parents still need to enforce some rules to help ensure a safe night of trick-or-treating.

The National Safety Council offers this advice:

• Children under age 12 should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Develop a neighborhood route for children to follow. It should only include well-lit areas with which children are familiar.
• Make sure children understand they should never go into a stranger's home, and that they should only approach houses that are well-lit.
• Decide what time your child will return home, and tell them not to eat any candy before they get home.
• Make sure your child understands traffic safety rules.
• In case the child gets separated from a group, attach a piece of paper to your child's costume with his or her name, address and phone number.

Health Tip: Choose a Safe Halloween Costume

Before you and your child head out for a night of trick or treat, make sure you choose a Halloween costume that will keep your child safe.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions:

• Only choose costumes that are flame-retardant.
• Choose loose-fitting costumes so your child can wear warm clothes underneath.
• Make sure your child's costume is the right length. Costumes that are too long can cause your child to trip and fall.
• If your child will be out after dark, make sure the costume is reflective, or you can add strips of reflective tape.
• Use makeup instead of a mask, which could obstruct your child's vision.
• If your child does wear a mask, make sure that it has large holes around the eyes, mouth and nose.
• If your child is carrying an accessory such as a sword or knife, make sure it is made of a soft, flexible material.

Health Headlines - October 30

FDA Didn't Properly Assess BPA Health Risks: Experts

U.S. Food and Drug Administration didn't properly assess the potential health risks posed by the chemical bisphenol A, says a report released Wednesday by a panel of independent toxicology experts. BPA is used in a number of products, including baby bottles and food-storage containers.

In August, the FDA said BPA was safe at current exposure levels, a statement that prompted criticism from lawmakers and consumer groups.

The experts said FDA staff failed to provide "reasonable and appropriate scientific support" for the conclusion that BPA didn't pose a threat, even though some studies have linked the chemical to diabetes and developmental changes in children, Bloomberg news reported.

The FDA staffers considered but rejected "a number of potentially relevant studies" and the safety data they relied upon was "inadequate," wrote the experts serving on a subcommittee of the FDA's Science Board.

The report will be discussed at a public meeting Oct. 31. An FDA statement released Tuesday said additional study of BPA "would be valuable," Bloomberg reported.

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Cold Germs Found on Many Household Surfaces

Doorknobs, TV remotes, refrigerator handles and other commonly touched household surfaces are hotbeds of cold germs, which can survive on those surfaces for two days or longer, says a University of Virginia study.

The study included adults with cold symptoms who were asked to name 10 places in their homes they had touched in the preceding 18 hours. The researchers then went to the participants' homes to hunt for cold germs, the Associated Press reported.

"We found that commonly touched areas ... were positive (for cold germs) about 40 percent of the time," said ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Birgit Winther. Cold germs were found on six of 10 doorknobs, eight of 14 refrigerator handles, three of 13 light switches, six of 10 TV remote controls, eight of 10 bathroom faucets, four of seven phones, three of four dishwasher handles, and three of three salt and pepper shakers.

The study was presented Tuesday at a national conference on infectious diseases in Washington, D.C., the AP reported.

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Doctors Show Bias Against Black Patients: Study

Many doctors unconsciously prefer white patients to black patients, suggests a University of Washington study released Tuesday. However, black doctors showed no preference for either race.

The researchers examined results from 2,500 anonymous people who identified themselves as doctors and took a test designed to measure unconscious bias. The findings revealed doctors were similar to other test takers, of whom more than 70 percent showed an unconscious preference for whites over blacks. This bias was stronger among male doctors than female doctors, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported.

The study results don't imply prejudice, said Janice Sabin, an assistant professor in medical education and training.

"It's important to not leave the impression that this necessarily affects behavior, because we really don't know," she told the Post- Intelligencer.

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Women Underrepresented in Cardiovascular Disease Studies

Even though they suffer more than half of heart disease- and stroke- related deaths, women are less likely than men to be included in clinical trials on cardiovascular disease, say researchers who reviewed cardiovascular disease studies published in leading medical journals between 1997 and 2007.

Women account for 53 percent of cardiovascular disease patients, but represent only 9 percent of study participants with coronary artery disease, 25 percent of study participants with congestive heart disease, and 34 percent of study participants with arrhythmias. But women did account for 61 percent of participants in prevention trials, CBC News reported.

The findings were presented Tuesday at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Toronto.

One reason women are underrepresented in cardiovascular disease trials is because they're asked to participate less often than men, Toronto cardiologist Dr. Beth Abramson, a spokeswoman for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, told CBC News.

Also, many trials don't accept anyone over age 70. Women without diabetes develop cardiovascular disease an average of seven to 10 years later than men, which could help explain why women are underrepresented in trials, Abramson noted.

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Vitamin E, Selenium Don't Cut Prostate Cancer Risk

A major study looking at whether vitamin E and selenium protect men against prostate cancer has been suspended after data showed the nutrients didn't reduce risk, the U.S. National Institutes of Health announced Monday.

The independent analysis of the $119 million study involving more than 35,000 men also suggested vitamin E and selenium may actually increase the risk for prostate cancer and diabetes, but officials said those findings may be a coincidence, the Washington Post reported.

Study organizers have started notifying participants to stop taking the pills they were taking for the trial. All the men, age 50 and older, will continue to have their health monitored for about three years.

The study was funded by the NIH after previous research indicated vitamin E and selenium may protect against prostate cancer, the second most common cancer in men.

"The important message for consumers is that taking supplements, whether antioxidants or others, is not necessarily beneficial and could be harmful," Eric Klein of the Cleveland Clinic, a study coordinator, told the Post. "You should not be taking them unless there is a rigorous scientific study that shows a benefit."

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Lack Treatment Knowledge: Survey

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have far less knowledge about treatments than their doctors or nurses believe, according to an international survey of more than 3,300 patients, nurses and doctors.

While 90 percent of nurses and 87 percent of doctors believed their patients had a high level of knowledge of RA treatments, only 50 percent of patients rated their knowledge as high.

The survey also showed a large degree of disagreement between doctors and nurses over who should handle patient education. Only 14 percent of doctors believed nurses should educate patients, while 68 percent of nurses believed they were best suited for the task.

"These findings help pinpoint areas for additional attention where we can better work together to improve the patient understanding of this complex disease," Nicole Furfaro, study investigator at Seattle Rheumatology Associates, said in a news release. "Patients clearly can benefit from more interaction and education from their care providers to help bridge the gaps in knowledge and manage expectations of RA therapy."

The survey also found that 37 percent of RA patients in the United States and 34 percent of patients in the European Union were either extremely dissatisfied or dissatisfied with their level of RA pain. Only 9 percent of U.S. patients and 12 percent of E.U. patients were extremely satisfied or satisfied.

The findings were presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.

Health Tips for October 30

Health Tip: Symptoms of a Drug Allergy

Some drugs cause unpleasant side effects in many people, including nausea, dizziness or fatigue.

But if you're allergic to a drug, you can have a reaction that ranges from mild to life-threatening. Penicillin and other antibiotics are among the most common causes of drug allergy.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these warning signs of an allergic reaction to a medication:

• Hives.
• Skin rash.
• Itchiness of the skin or eyes.
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Swollen lips, eyes or tongue.

Health Tip: Eating Out With Food Allergies

If you are allergic to one or more foods, dining out does include possible risks. But food allergies don't mean you have to stay home to stay safe.

The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions to help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction while eating out:

• Review the ingredient list of menu items where you are eating. Try to obtain the menu ahead of time.
• Tell your server about your food allergy, and ask for information on how particular dishes are prepared. If your server isn't sure, speak to the manager or the chef.
• Don't eat from buffets or order family-style dishes, as these foods may be contaminated by other foods or utensils.
• Stay away from fried foods. The same oil may be used to fry several different dishes.

Health Headlines - October 29

Vitamin E, Selenium Don't Cut Prostate Cancer Risk

A major study looking at whether vitamin E and selenium protect men against prostate cancer has been suspended after data showed the nutrients didn't reduce risk, the U.S. National Institutes of Health announced Monday.

The independent analysis of the $119 million study involving more than 35,000 men also suggested vitamin E and selenium may actually increase the risk for prostate cancer and diabetes, but officials said those findings may be a coincidence, the Washington Post reported.

Study organizers have started notifying participants to stop taking the pills they were taking for the trial. All the men, age 50 and older, will continue to have their health monitored for about three years.

The study was funded by the NIH after previous research indicated vitamin E and selenium may protect against prostate cancer, the second most common cancer in men.

"The important message for consumers is that taking supplements, whether antioxidants or others, is not necessarily beneficial and could be harmful," Eric Klein of the Cleveland Clinic, a study coordinator, told the Post. "You should not be taking them unless there is a rigorous scientific study that shows a benefit."

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Lack Treatment Knowledge: Survey

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have far less knowledge about treatments than their doctors or nurses believe, according to an international survey of more than 3,300 patients, nurses and doctors.

While 90 percent of nurses and 87 percent of doctors believed their patients had a high level of knowledge of RA treatments, only 50 percent of patients rated their knowledge as high.

The survey also showed a large degree of disagreement between doctors and nurses over who should handle patient education. Only 14 percent of doctors believed nurses should educate patients, while 68 percent of nurses believed they were best suited for the task.

"These findings help pinpoint areas for additional attention where we can better work together to improve the patient understanding of this complex disease," Nicole Furfaro, study investigator at Seattle Rheumatology Associates, said in a news release. "Patients clearly can benefit from more interaction and education from their care providers to help bridge the gaps in knowledge and manage expectations of RA therapy."

The survey also found that 37 percent of RA patients in the United States and 34 percent of patients in the European Union were either extremely dissatisfied or dissatisfied with their level of RA pain. Only 9 percent of U.S. patients and 12 percent of E.U. patients were extremely satisfied or satisfied.

The findings were presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.

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Inhibitor Neutralizes E. Coli Toxins

An inhibitor that neutralizes toxins produced by E. coli has been developed by Canadian researchers, who said the inhibitor may represent an important advance for patients infected with E. coli, the bacteria that causes the majority of food poisoning outbreaks.

The inhibitor -- called (S)-PolyBAIT -- protected mice against the effects of a dose of a toxin produced by E. coli, said study principal author David Bundle, a chemistry professor at the University of Alberta, and colleagues, Agence France Presse reported.

The researchers said the inhibitor offers a more promising approach than antibiotics alone.

"Because antibiotic therapy alone is not used in practice because of the increased toxin load that results from toxin released by killed bacteria, such dual therapy may be an attractive option for the most severe E. coli infections," the researchers wrote, AFP reported.

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

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Heart Disease, Infections, Cancer Top Global Killers: WHO Report

Heart problems, infectious diseases and cancer are still the top three causes of death worldwide, says a World Health Organization report on the global burden of disease released Monday. Heart attacks and related problems cause 29 percent of deaths each year, infectious diseases 16.2 percent, and cancer 12.6 percent.

The heart disease death rate was virtually unchanged from 2002, while the rate for infectious diseases was down from 19.1 percent in 2002, the Associated Press reported.

Women die more often from heart disease than men -- 31.5 percent vs. 26.8 percent -- but that's because women tend to live to older ages than men, said study lead author Colin Mathers.

The 2004 data from 112 countries also showed that other leading causes of death are: respiratory infections, such as pneumonia (7.2 percent), respiratory diseases, such as asthma and allergies (6.9 percent); accidental injuries and drowning (6.6 percent); newborn health problems (5.4 percent); digestive diseases (3.5 percent); and suicide, murder and conflict (2.8 percent).

Overall in 2004, about 58.8 million people died worldwide. While most of those deaths involved people over age 60, nearly one in five deaths was a child younger than 5 years old, the AP reported.

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Implantable Artificial Heart Nearly Ready for Human Tests

A fully implantable artificial heart will be ready for human clinical trials by 2011, according to European researchers who said the heart will help alleviate the worldwide shortage of heart transplant donors.

"We are moving from pure research to clinical applications. After 15 years of work, we are handing over to industry to produce an artificial heart usable by man," heart transplant specialist and project team leader Alain Carpentier told Agence France Presse.

The prosthetic heart, which is shaped like a real heart and has the same blood flow rhythms, is made from chemically treated animal tissues designed to avoid blood clotting or rejection by the recipient's immune system. The heart is meant for use in seriously ill patients for whom drug therapy, ventricular assistance or heart transplant have failed or aren't available, AFP reported.

Digital simulation and animal testing of the artificial heart have revealed no complications, Carpentier said.

Health Tips for October 29

Health Tip: If Your Child Takes Medicine

While pharmacists can't diagnose an illness or condition, they can recommend over-the-counter medications or discuss side effects.

The Nemours Foundation suggests talking to your pharmacist whenever your child needs to take medication. Here are the foundation's safety suggestions:

• Store medications in the kitchen or in a closet -- never in the bathroom or another area with lots of moisture. Always keep medicines out of your child's reach.
• Keep medications in their original containers, so you can reference safety instructions and expiration dates.
• Throw away expired prescriptions, or any that your child has finished taking.
• Talk to your pharmacist about safe ways to make medication taste better for children.
• Administer liquid medications with a medication syringe, instead of a spoon.
• If it says "refrigerate" on the drug your child is taking, be sure to keep it cool while you're on the road.
• Never combine more than one drug in the same container.

Health Tip: Fluoride Use by Children

Fluoride is a natural substance found in water, and is added to many municipal water supplies to help prevent cavities.

The Nemours Foundation offers these guidelines about the use of fluoride in children::

• Children should only use fluoride supplements if they live in areas with non-fluoridated water, or if they drink only non-fluoridated bottled water.
• Children under age 6 should never use a fluoride mouth rinse.
• Children under 6 months don't need fluoride supplements and shouldn't been given them.
• Fluoride toothpaste should not be used on children younger than 2 unless recommended by a doctor or dentist.
• Children should use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Watch children up to age 6 when they brush their teeth to make sure that they spit out the toothpaste, and that not too much is swallowed.

Health Headlines - October 28

Heart Disease, Infections, Cancer Top Global Killers: WHO Report

Heart problems, infectious diseases and cancer are still the top three causes of death worldwide, says a World Health Organization report on the global burden of disease released Monday. Heart attacks and related problems cause 29 percent of deaths each year, infectious diseases 16.2 percent, and cancer 12.6 percent.

The heart disease death rate was virtually unchanged from 2002, while the rate for infectious diseases was down from 19.1 percent in 2002, the Associated Press reported.

Women die more often from heart disease than men -- 31.5 percent vs. 26.8 percent -- but that's because women tend to live to older ages than men, said study lead author Colin Mathers.

The 2004 data from 112 countries also showed that other leading causes of death are: respiratory infections, such as pneumonia (7.2 percent), respiratory diseases, such as asthma and allergies (6.9 percent); accidental injuries and drowning (6.6 percent); newborn health problems (5.4 percent); digestive diseases (3.5 percent); and suicide, murder and conflict (2.8 percent).

Overall in 2004, about 58.8 million people died worldwide. While most of those deaths involved people over age 60, nearly one in five deaths was a child younger than 5 years old, the AP reported.

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Implantable Artificial Heart Nearly Ready for Human Tests

A fully implantable artificial heart will be ready for human clinical trials by 2011, according to European researchers who said the heart will help alleviate the worldwide shortage of heart transplant donors.

"We are moving from pure research to clinical applications. After 15 years of work, we are handing over to industry to produce an artificial heart usable by man," heart transplant specialist and project team leader Alain Carpentier told Agence France Presse.

The prosthetic heart, which is shaped like a real heart and has the same blood flow rhythms, is made from chemically treated animal tissues designed to avoid blood clotting or rejection by the recipient's immune system. The heart is meant for use in seriously ill patients for whom drug therapy, ventricular assistance or heart transplant have failed or aren't available, AFP reported.

Digital simulation and animal testing of the artificial heart have revealed no complications, Carpentier said.

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Brains of People Who Commit Suicide Chemically Different: Study

Chemical differences in the brains of people who commit suicide have been identified by Canadian researchers who analyzed the brains of 20 dead people.

The 10 who had serious depressive disorder and committed suicide were found to have a higher rate of a process that affects behavior than the 10 who died suddenly from other causes, BBC News reported.

The rate of methylation -- which shuts down unwanted genes in a cell -- was nearly 10 times higher in the brains of those who committed suicide. The gene being shut down in the brains of the suicide victims was a chemical message receptor that plays a critical role in behavior regulation, the researchers said.

Environmental factors may play a role in the brain changes, said research leader Dr. Michael Poulter and colleagues, who added the study findings open up new areas of research that could lead to better treatments for depression and suicidal tendencies.

The study was published in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

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New Vaccine Offers Better Pneumococcal Disease Protection

An experimental vaccine called Prevnar-13 appears to offer young children better protection against pneumococcal disease than the current vaccine Prevnar, according to the findings of four European studies released Monday. Both vaccines are made by Wyeth.

Compared to the current vaccine, the new vaccine is designed to protect against six more types of streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria that can cause pneumococcal disease, which can lead to ear infections, pneumonia and meningitis, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Data from the four studies appear to show that Prevnar-13 produces a strength of antibody response similar to that of Prevnar, and that both vaccines have similar levels of safety and tolerability. The studies also found that Prevnar-13 didn't react negatively with common immunizations received by children.

As of 2006, Prevnar had decreased the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in U.S. children age 5 and younger by nearly 80 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wyeth said it expects Prevnar-13 to increase prevention to 92 percent in the United States and Canada, The Journal reported.

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Earlier AIDS Drug Treatment Saves Lives: Study

Drug treatments for AIDS patients should start sooner than current guidelines suggest, according to a study that included more than 8,000 American and Canadian patients.

Dr. Mari Kitahata, of the University of Washington in Seattle, and colleagues found that patients whose treatment was delayed until their immune system was badly damaged (T-cell count below 350) were nearly twice as likely to die within a few years than those whose treatment started earlier, the Associated Press reported.

The findings were presented Sunday at an infectious diseases conference in Washington, D.C.

The widely accepted approach has been to spare patients the side effects of AIDS drugs as long as possible. But AIDS specialists predict this study will lead to a change in practice, and several hundred thousand HIV-infected Americans who aren't taking AIDS drugs will be advised to start, the AP reported.

"The data are rather compelling that the risk of death appears to be higher if you wait than if you treat," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which helped fund the study.

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High Melamine Levels Found in Chinese Eggs

Eggs imported from northeastern Chinese city of Dalian were found to have high levels of the toxic industrial chemical melamine, Hong Kong food safety officials reported Saturday. The levels were almost double the legal limit for food sold in Hong Kong.

Melamine-contaminted milk products have sickened more than 50,000 children in China and caused at least four deaths. The discovery about the eggs raises new concerns that a much larger variety of China-produced food products than previously believed may be contaminated with the chemical, which is used to make plastics and fertilizer, The New York Times reported.

In addition to being used to fake high protein content in dairy supplies, melamine may have been intentionally added to animal feed in China, said an article Sunday in the South China Morning Post. The newspaper said tainted feed for chickens, and possibly for fish and hogs, could result in poisonous meat and seafood, the Times reported.

Also over the weekend, there was news that melamine contamination may have affected more children than previously reported. A survey of homes in Beijing found that nearly a quarter (74,000) of the 300,000 families with children younger than 3 years old had a child who consumed melamine-tainted milk, health officials said Sunday.

The survey was conducted between late September and late October. Officials didn't say how many of the children included in the survey had fallen ill, the Times reported.

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Drugs Show Promise Against 'Superbug'

Two experimental antibiotics show promise in fighting methicillin- resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a potentially deadly superbug that's common in hospitals and other health-care facilities.

U.S. drug maker Paratek said a phase II clinical trial of 234 patients found that its new class of antibiotic called PTK 0896 was 98 percent efficient in countering MRSA. Swiss drug maker Arpida said its Iclaprim drug cured MRSA infection in 92.3 percent of patients. The findings were presented Sunday at the annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents held in Washington, D.C., Agence France Presse reported.

But some experts remain pessimistic about efforts to combat MRSA, which causes more than 60 percent of all hospital infections in the United States. In 2005, MRSA infected 94,000 people in the United States and killed 19,000, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Michael Scheld, of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, told AFP that "there is almost nothing in the pipeline now ... We as clinicians have nothing that we can obtain to treat these multidrug-resistant organisms for probably five to 10 years."

Health Tips for October 28

Health Tip: Use Tools Safely

When working with hand tools, it's important to keep safety in mind.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions to reduce your risk of injury:

• Make sure you know which tools are appropriate for each job.
• Keep your tools clean and in good condition, and maintain them according to the maker's instructions.
• Unplug and turn off any power tool before performing maintenance or changing a part.
• Wear clothing that can't get caught, and always use protective gear.
• Use any guards and shields that come with the tools.
• Store all tools safely and out of the reach of children.
• If using an electrical adapter, never cut the three-prong plug off. And never use a two-prong adapter with a three-prong tool.

Health Tip: Biking Safely

Proper supervision and wearing protective gear, especially a helmet, are critical to biking safely.

The Nemours Foundation offers these safety tips for children to prevent biking accidents:

• Wear fluorescent, brightly-colored or reflective clothing when biking, especially at night or in the evening. Avoid dark clothes.
• Wear lightweight clothing to keep cool.
• Wear pants with tight-fitting legs -- no flared or wide leg pants that can get caught in gears or spokes.
• If biking with a backpack, make sure the straps are tied up and out of the way.
• Wear sturdy shoes that can grip bike pedals. Never wear cleats, heeled shoes, or flip flops, and never bike barefoot.

Health Headlines - October 27

Mechanical Heart Pump Recalled After Deaths

Certain batches of a small mechanical heart pump have been recalled by the manufacturer, after five people died while using the device.

Thoratec Corp. of Pleasanton, Calif., urged patients with a HeartMate II pump to have their implants checked after the company said 27 had to be replaced because of wear and fatigue to an electrical wire, the Associated Press reported.

In five cases, the device could not be replaced and the patients died, the company said in a news release. The reports occurred over five years of clinical experience with 1,972 implants, the company added.

The recall affects devices with catalog numbers 1355 and 102139, which have been distributed to 153 hospitals and distributors throughout the United States and other countries since the beginning of clinical studies in November 2003.

The HeartMate II pump was approved in April as a temporary treatment for patients awaiting heart transplants, but analysts had said the larger market for the product is in "destination therapy," or patients with end-stage heart failure who are too ill for a transplant, according to AP.

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Rotavirus Vaccine Cuts Infant Diarrhea

A vaccine against rotavirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea in thousands of children annually, reduced the number of new cases of the illness by at least two-thirds in its second year of use, researchers reported Saturday.

Rotateq, made by Merck and approved in 2006, worked so well that it may also have cut the spread to non-immunized children in the United States, according to research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Quest Diagnostics.

The vaccine appeared to interrupt the spread of the disease in older children who couldn't have been immunized, Jay Lieberman, medical director of infectious diseases for Quest's Focus Diagnostics unit, told Bloomberg News.

"We saw marked declines of rotavirus in every age group, including those 2-to-6 years old for whom the vaccine isn't recommended," he added. "That's because a 2-month old who was vaccinated was less likely to infect the older brother or sister, or other children in day-care who weren't vaccinated."

Although CDC researchers also found large reductions in the number of children with rotavirus, they lacked data on children's ages that would have pointed to herd immunity, which is a community's resistance to illness, said Umesh Parasher, head of the CDC rotavirus epidemiology team.

Lieberman and Parasher presented their results at a joint meeting of the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy and the Infectious Disease Society of America in Washington.

Lieberman looked at 132,000 rotavirus cases recorded in Quest's database from 2003 through July 2008. Positive tests declined 76 percent in the two most recent seasons compared with the 2003 through 2006 seasons, before Rotateq was cleared for sale, Bloomberg reported.

Parasher looked at cases from 2000 through July 2008, using data from 33 laboratories that are part of a voluntary reporting system across the country. His study found a 67 percent decline in rotavirus cases in the most recent two years, compared with 2000 through 2006.

According to the CDC, 55,000 children are hospitalized annually because of illness and dehydration caused by rotavirus, and the disease kills more than 600,000 children worldwide each year.

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Tagless Label Ink May Cause Baby Rashes

About 400 babies have developed skin rashes from wearing certain knit items sold by Carter's Inc., a major baby and children's clothing retailer

According to the Associated Press, about 400 incidents of rashes occurring on babies' backs have been reported, and officials suspect the cause may be the ink in the tagless labels on the garments.

The warning applies to the fall 2007 line of garments, such as baby knit body suits, shirts and pajamas, the AP reports, and it covers all 110 million items produced.

The rash incidents appear to come from the ink on the heat-transferred, tagless labels on the back of garments, according to an announcement on the Carter Web site. "It appears that a very small percentage of children can be allergic to one or more ingredients in the labels. The solid, rather than stenciled, background on the fall 2007 labels appears to have produced a more pronounced and noticeable reaction among those children who are most allergic to the ink," the announcement said.

A Carter company manager in Atlanta, would not comment to the AP on whether any of the rashes were serious enough to cause hospitalization.

Carter's has established a consumer phone number to answer questions: 888-282-4674

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New Test Checks Embryos for 15,000 Inherited Diseases

British researchers say they've developed a gene mapping test that, within a matter of weeks, can determine whether an embryo is affected by any one of 15,000 inherited diseases. Current tests focus on a specific gene mutation or can take much longer to provide results.

For the new test, a single cell is taken from an 8-day-old embryo. DNA samples are then collected from the parents and their parents. In many cases, a DNA sample is taken from another member of the family, such as a child affected by an inherited disease, BBC News reported.

All the family members' DNA is analyzed for 300,000 specific DNA markers, creating a map of the family's genetics, said Prof. Alan Handyside and colleagues at London's Bridge Center, who are currently conducting trials of the gene-mapping test.

"The effectiveness and efficiency of the procedure is quite exciting, and the fact that it's quicker means it could be helpful to couples at risk of inherited diseases -- and that in itself is significant," Dr. Mark Hamilton, chairman of the British Fertility Society, told BBC News.

-----

Sales of Anti-Obesity Drug Acomplia Suspended in Europe

Hours after European health authorities warned doctors to stop prescribing the anti-obesity drug Acomplia (rimonabant), the drug's maker announced Thursday that it was suspending European sales, the Associated Press reported.

Earlier, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) warned that patients who took the drug had approximately twice the risk of serious psychiatric problems.

Maker Sanofi-Aventis said Acomplia has been sold in 18 European Union countries since 2006. The company said it would immediately begin talks with nations outside the EU to suspend sales in those countries as well, the AP reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year refused to approve the drug, citing company studies that associated it with depression, anxiety and stress disorders.

In its warning Thursday, the EMEA said people taking the drug didn't need to immediately stop using it, but should consult their doctor. It also urged physicians to review the cases of anyone taking the drug.

There have been ongoing concerns about the risks of depression and suicide among patients taking Acomplia. Last year, the EMEA said the drug may be unsafe for patients also taking antidepressants, BBC News reported.

At that time, doctors were also advised not to give the drug to people with a history of major depression, and to watch for new symptoms of depression in people already taking the drug.

Between June and August 2008, BBC News reported, there were five suicides among clinical trial participants taking the drug, compared to one suicide among participants taking a placebo.

Health Tips for October 27

Health Tip: Protecting Your Child at Day Care

Bacteria, viruses and other germs are easily passed between children at day-care centers.

Here are suggestions to reduce your child's risk of catching -- or spreading -- a nasty bug, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Make sure your child washes his or her hands before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Encourage the day-care center to regularly sanitize toys.
• When your child is sick, keep him or her home from school.
• For your infant in day care, try breast-feeding to boost the infant's immune system.
• Encourage the day-care center to implement procedures to reduce the spread of germs.
• Encourage the daycare center to change diapers away from food preparation and serving areas.
• Remind staff that they and children at day care should be current with all recommended immunizations.

Health Tip: Signs of Problems at Daycare

Daycare centers can be a great source of comfort for working parents. But sometimes there are warning signs that your child should be cared for elsewhere.

Here's a list of daycare red flags to watch for, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• You cannot get the staff to answer your questions or address your concerns.
• The staff does not allow parents to participate in daily practices at the center.
• You hear about problems at daycare from your child, or your child doesn't seem happy there.
• Accidents happen frequently and without explanation.
• There is frequent staff turnover.
• Other parents tell you about problems they have encountered.

Health Headlines - October 26

Ink From Tagless Labels May Have Caused 400 Incidents of Baby Rashes

About 400 babies have developed skin rashes from wearing certain knit items sold by Carter's Inc., a major baby and children's clothing retailer

According to the Associated Press, about 400 incidents of rashes occurring on baby's backs had been reported, and officials suspect the cause may be the ink in the tagless labels on the garments.

The warning applies to the fall 2007 line of garments such as baby knit body suits, shirts and pajamas, the A.P. reports, and it covers all 110 million items produced.

The rash incidents appear to come from the ink on the heat-transferred, tagless labels on the back of garments, according to an announcement on the Carter Web site. "It appears that a very small percentage of children can be allergic to one or more ingredients in the labels. The solid, rather than stenciled, background on the fall 2007 labels appears to have produced a more pronounced and noticeable reaction among those children who are most allergic to the ink," the announcement said.

A Carter company manager in Atlanta, would not comment to the A.P. on whether any of the rashes were serious enough to cause hospitalization.

Carter's has established a consumer phone number to answer questions: 888-282-4674

-----

New Test Checks Embryos for 15,000 Inherited Diseases

British researchers say they've developed a gene mapping test that, within a matter of weeks, can determine whether an embryo is affected by any one of 15,000 inherited diseases. Current tests focus on a specific gene mutation or can take much longer to provide results.

For the new test, a single cell is taken from an 8-day-old embryo. DNA samples are then collected from the parents and their parents. In many cases, a DNA sample is taken from another member of the family, such as a child affected by an inherited disease, BBC News reported.

All the family members' DNA is analyzed for 300,000 specific DNA markers, creating a map of the family's genetics, said Professor Alan Handyside and colleagues at London's Bridge Center, who are currently conducting trials of the gene mapping test.

"The effectiveness and efficiency of the procedure is quite exciting, and the fact that it's quicker means it could be helpful to couples at risk of inherited diseases -- and that in itself is significant," Dr. Mark Hamilton, chairman of the British Fertility Society, told BBC News.

"We can currently test for several hundred conditions, but the claim is that the spectrum of conditions which could be screened for is enormous," he added.

-----

Sales of Anti-Obesity Drug Acomplia Suspended in Europe

Hours after European health authorities warned doctors to stop prescribing the anti-obesity drug Acomplia (rimonabant), the drug's maker announced Thursday that it was suspending European sales, the Associated Press reported.

Earlier, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) warned that patients who took the drug had approximately twice the risk of serious psychiatric problems.

Maker Sanofi-Aventis said Acomplia has been sold in 18 European Union countries since 2006. The company said it would immediately begin talks with nations outside the EU to suspend sales in those countries as well, the AP reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year refused to approve the drug, citing company studies that associated it with depression, anxiety and stress disorders.

In its warning Thursday, the EMEA said people taking the drug didn't need to immediately stop using it, but should consult their doctor. It also urged physicians to review the cases of anyone taking the drug.

There have been ongoing concerns about the risks of depression and suicide among patients taking Acomplia. Last year, the EMEA said the drug may be unsafe for patients also taking antidepressants, BBC News reported.

At that time, doctors were also advised not to give the drug to people with a history of major depression, and to watch for new symptoms of depression in people already taking the drug.

Between June and August 2008, BBC News reported, there were five suicides among clinical trial participants taking the drug, compared to one suicide among participants taking a placebo.

-----

Didj Gaming System Batteries, Rechargers Pose Overheating Risk

About 35,000 rechargeable batteries and recharging stations for the Didj Custom Gaming System are being recalled due to an overheating and burn risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The batteries can overheat if the gaming system is placed into the recharging base upside down. So far, California-based game maker LeapFrog has received 12 reports of batteries overheating, including one report of a minor hand burn, WPXI.com in Pittsburgh reported.

The recalled recharging station is item number 30676, which is printed on the box and on the bottom of the recharging base. The rechargers and batteries were sold at department stores and toy stores across the United States, at www.leapfrog.com, and by other online retailers from July 2008 through October 2008.

The CPSC said consumers should stop using the recharging base and rechargeable batteries and contact LeapFrog at 800-701-5327 for a full refund, WPXI.com reported.

-----

ADHD Increases Risk of Nicotine Addiction: Study

Having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases a young person's risk of nicotine addiction, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital study that included 166 participants, ages 15 to 25.

The researchers found that 69 percent of the 80 participants with ADHD had ever smoked and 41 percent were current smokers, while 44 percent of those without ADHD had ever smoked and 17 percent were current smokers, United Press International reported.

The ADHD patients who smoked began using tobacco more than a year earlier than smokers without ADHD. The findings were published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

"Knowing that ADHD increases the risk of more serious nicotine addiction stresses the importance of prevention efforts aimed at adolescents and their families," study leader Dr. Timothy Wilens said in a news release, UPI reported.

Health Tips for October 26

Health Tip: Help Prevent Nosebleeds

If your child has regular nosebleeds, there are precautions you can take to help prevent the problem.

The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions:

• The air in your home may be dry. Use a cool mist humidifier, especially at night, in your child's room.
• Don't allow your child to blow the nose too hard, or pick the nose.
• Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of the child's nose several times a day, and always at bedtime.
• Apply saline drops or nasal spray to the nose, as recommended by your pediatrician.
• If your child has allergies, seek regular treatment from the child's doctor.

Health Tip: Fluoride Use by Children

Fluoride is a natural substance found in water, and is added to many municipal water supplies to help prevent cavities.

The Nemours Foundation offers these guidelines about the use of fluoride in children::

• Children should only use fluoride supplements if they live in areas with non-fluoridated water, or if they drink only non-fluoridated bottled water.
• Children under age 6 should never use a fluoride mouth rinse.
• Children under 6 months don't need fluoride supplements and shouldn't been given them.
• Fluoride toothpaste should not be used on children younger than 2 unless recommended by a doctor or dentist.
• Children should use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Watch children up to age 6 when they brush their teeth to make sure that they spit out the toothpaste, and that not too much is swallowed.

Health Headlines - October 25

New Test Checks Embryos for 15,000 Inherited Diseases

British researchers say they've developed a gene mapping test that, within a matter of weeks, can determine whether an embryo is affected by any one of 15,000 inherited diseases. Current tests focus on a specific gene mutation or can take much longer to provide results.

For the new test, a single cell is taken from an 8-day-old embryo. DNA samples are then collected from the parents and their parents. In many cases, a DNA sample is taken from another member of the family, such as a child affected by an inherited disease, BBC News reported.

All the family members' DNA is analyzed for 300,000 specific DNA markers, creating a map of the family's genetics, said Professor Alan Handyside and colleagues at London's Bridge Center, who are currently conducting trials of the gene mapping test.

"The effectiveness and efficiency of the procedure is quite exciting, and the fact that it's quicker means it could be helpful to couples at risk of inherited diseases -- and that in itself is significant," Dr. Mark Hamilton, chairman of the British Fertility Society, told BBC News.

"We can currently test for several hundred conditions, but the claim is that the spectrum of conditions which could be screened for is enormous," he added.

-----

Sales of Anti-Obesity Drug Acomplia Suspended in Europe

Hours after European health authorities warned doctors to stop prescribing the anti-obesity drug Acomplia (rimonabant), the drug's maker announced Thursday that it was suspending European sales, the Associated Press reported.

Earlier, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) warned that patients who took the drug had approximately twice the risk of serious psychiatric problems.

Maker Sanofi-Aventis said Acomplia has been sold in 18 European Union countries since 2006. The company said it would immediately begin talks with nations outside the EU to suspend sales in those countries as well, the AP reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year refused to approve the drug, citing company studies that associated it with depression, anxiety and stress disorders.

In its warning Thursday, the EMEA said people taking the drug didn't need to immediately stop using it, but should consult their doctor. It also urged physicians to review the cases of anyone taking the drug.

There have been ongoing concerns about the risks of depression and suicide among patients taking Acomplia. Last year, the EMEA said the drug may be unsafe for patients also taking antidepressants, BBC News reported.

At that time, doctors were also advised not to give the drug to people with a history of major depression, and to watch for new symptoms of depression in people already taking the drug.

Between June and August 2008, BBC News reported, there were five suicides among clinical trial participants taking the drug, compared to one suicide among participants taking a placebo.

-----

Didj Gaming System Batteries, Rechargers Pose Overheating Risk

About 35,000 rechargeable batteries and recharging stations for the Didj Custom Gaming System are being recalled due to an overheating and burn risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The batteries can overheat if the gaming system is placed into the recharging base upside down. So far, California-based game maker LeapFrog has received 12 reports of batteries overheating, including one report of a minor hand burn, WPXI.com in Pittsburgh reported.

The recalled recharging station is item number 30676, which is printed on the box and on the bottom of the recharging base. The rechargers and batteries were sold at department stores and toy stores across the United States, at www.leapfrog.com, and by other online retailers from July 2008 through October 2008.

The CPSC said consumers should stop using the recharging base and rechargeable batteries and contact LeapFrog at 800-701-5327 for a full refund, WPXI.com reported.

-----

ADHD Increases Risk of Nicotine Addiction: Study

Having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases a young person's risk of nicotine addiction, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital study that included 166 participants, ages 15 to 25.

The researchers found that 69 percent of the 80 participants with ADHD had ever smoked and 41 percent were current smokers, while 44 percent of those without ADHD had ever smoked and 17 percent were current smokers, United Press International reported.

The ADHD patients who smoked began using tobacco more than a year earlier than smokers without ADHD. The findings were published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

"Knowing that ADHD increases the risk of more serious nicotine addiction stresses the importance of prevention efforts aimed at adolescents and their families," study leader Dr. Timothy Wilens said in a news release, UPI reported.

Health Tips for October 25

Health Tip: Trick-or-Treating Safely

Halloween can be great fun for children and parents alike. But parents still need to enforce some rules to help ensure a safe night of trick-or-treating.

The National Safety Council offers this advice:

• Children under age 12 should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Develop a neighborhood route for children to follow. It should only include well-lit areas with which children are familiar.
• Make sure children understand they should never go into a stranger's home, and that they should only approach houses that are well-lit.
• Decide what time your child will return home, and tell them not to eat any candy before they get home.
• Make sure your child understands traffic safety rules.
• In case the child gets separated from a group, attach a piece of paper to your child's costume with his or her name, address and phone number.

Health Tip: Choose a Safe Halloween Costume

Before you and your child head out for a night of trick or treat, make sure you choose a Halloween costume that will keep your child safe.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions:

• Only choose costumes that are flame-retardant.
• Choose loose-fitting costumes so your child can wear warm clothes underneath.
• Make sure your child's costume is the right length. Costumes that are too long can cause your child to trip and fall.
• If your child will be out after dark, make sure the costume is reflective, or you can add strips of reflective tape.
• Use makeup instead of a mask, which could obstruct your child's vision.
• If your child does wear a mask, make sure that it has large holes around the eyes, mouth and nose.
• If your child is carrying an accessory such as a sword or knife, make sure it is made of a soft, flexible material.

Health Headlines - October 24

Sales of Anti-Obesity Drug Acomplia Suspended in Europe

Hours after European health authorities warned doctors to stop prescribing the anti-obesity drug Acomplia (rimonabant), the drug's maker announced Thursday that it was suspending European sales, the Associated Press reported.

Earlier, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) warned that patients who took the drug had approximately twice the risk of serious psychiatric problems.

Maker Sanofi-Aventis said Acomplia has been sold in 18 European Union countries since 2006. The company said it would immediately begin talks with nations outside the EU to suspend sales in those countries as well, the AP reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year refused to approve the drug, citing company studies that associated it with depression, anxiety and stress disorders.

In its warning Thursday, the EMEA said people taking the drug didn't need to immediately stop using it, but should consult their doctor. It also urged physicians to review the cases of anyone taking the drug.

There have been ongoing concerns about the risks of depression and suicide among patients taking Acomplia. Last year, the EMEA said the drug may be unsafe for patients also taking antidepressants, BBC News reported.

At that time, doctors were also advised not to give the drug to people with a history of major depression, and to watch for new symptoms of depression in people already taking the drug.

Between June and August 2008, BBC News reported, there were five suicides among clinical trial participants taking the drug, compared to one suicide among participants taking a placebo.

-----

Didj Gaming System Batteries, Rechargers Pose Overheating Risk

About 35,000 rechargeable batteries and recharging stations for the Didj Custom Gaming System are being recalled due to an overheating and burn risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The batteries can overheat if the gaming system is placed into the recharging base upside down. So far, California-based game maker LeapFrog has received 12 reports of batteries overheating, including one report of a minor hand burn, WPXI.com in Pittsburgh reported.

The recalled recharging station is item number 30676, which is printed on the box and on the bottom of the recharging base. The rechargers and batteries were sold at department stores and toy stores across the United States, at www.leapfrog.com, and by other online retailers from July 2008 through October 2008.

The CPSC said consumers should stop using the recharging base and rechargeable batteries and contact LeapFrog at 800-701-5327 for a full refund, WPXI.com reported.

-----

ADHD Increases Risk of Nicotine Addiction: Study

Having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases a young person's risk of nicotine addiction, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital study that included 166 participants, ages 15 to 25.

The researchers found that 69 percent of the 80 participants with ADHD had ever smoked and 41 percent were current smokers, while 44 percent of those without ADHD had ever smoked and 17 percent were current smokers, United Press International reported.

The ADHD patients who smoked began using tobacco more than a year earlier than smokers without ADHD. The findings were published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

"Knowing that ADHD increases the risk of more serious nicotine addiction stresses the importance of prevention efforts aimed at adolescents and their families," study leader Dr. Timothy Wilens said in a news release, UPI reported.

-----

Scotch Tape Can Emit X-Rays

U.S. researchers have discovered that Scotch tape emits X-rays if it's peeled off its roll in a vacuum, a finding that may lead to the development of inexpensive, portable X-ray machines for paramedics or for use in remote locations.

For the study, a machine was used to peel Scotch tape off a role in a vacuum chamber at a rate of about 3 centimeters per second. This produced rapid pulses of X-rays, each about a billionth second long, from the area where the tape was coming off the role, the Associated Press reported. The researchers even managed to make an X-ray image of a finger.

The study was published Thursday in the journal Nature.

"We were very surprised," researcher Juan Escobar, a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles, told the AP. "The power you could get from just peeling tape was enormous."

Escobar noted that Scotch tape only produces X-rays in a vacuum, so normal use of the tape poses no health hazard.

Health Tips for October 24

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Your heart's health depends on many factors, including what you eat, how much exercise you get, and even your family history.

The Cleveland Clinic lists these attributes that increase your risk for heart disease:

• High cholesterol.
• High blood pressure.
• Smoking.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Not getting enough exercise.
• Being older than age 45 for men, and older than 55 for women.
• Having a family history of heart disease.

Health Tip: Heart-Healthy Diet Should Start in Infancy

It's never too early to begin a heart-healthy diet -- even in infancy, the American Heart Association says.

Here are the AHA's recommendations:

• Breast-feeding offers babies the right nutritional balance until between 4 months and 6 months of age, when other foods should gradually be introduced to supplement breast-feeding.
• Avoid giving your baby 100 percent juice drinks until at least 6 months of age, then limit the amount to 4 ounces to 6 ounces per day.
• Be careful not to give infants and young children too much food, and don't force them to eat everything on their plate.
• Offer your child plenty of healthy foods. Even if the child isn't initially interested, continue to offer these foods.
• Avoid offering unhealthy foods just to get your child to eat something.

Health Headlines - October 23

Serious Drug-Reaction Reports Hit Record High

A record number of serious drug-reaction reports were submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the first quarter of this year, according to an analysis by a health industry watchdog group.

Nearly 21,000 serious adverse reactions, including 4,800 deaths, were received by the FDA in the first three months of 2008, the nonprofit Institute for Safe Medication Practices said. The group analyzed yearly totals dating back to the 1990s, according to the Associated Press.

Two drugs accounted for a disproportionate share of the reports: the blood thinner heparin, and the Pfizer anti-smoking drug Chantix.

Chantix, which the FDA has warned may be linked to psychological problems including suicidal behavior, had more reports than any other drug. The medication is meant to affect the smoker's brain directly, easing withdrawal symptoms and inhibiting the pleasurable effects of nicotine.

While the FDA had no immediate reaction to the report, the AP cited a Pfizer statement that the company stood by Chantix and attributed the number of adverse-reaction reports to publicity about the drug's side effects.

Some adverse reports about heparin stemmed from a scandal earlier this year, in which global authorities identified contaminated heparin linked to 12 Chinese companies that were involved in the drug's manufacture.

A serious drug reaction is defined by the FDA as one that causes hospitalization, requires medical intervention, or is life-threatening. Since the agency relies on voluntary submissions from doctors, its tally is believed to represent a fraction of actual cases, the AP said.

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Smokers Urged to Get Pneumonia Vaccine

All adult smokers under age 65 should get a pneumococcal vaccine, an influential group of experts that advises the U.S. government is recommending.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization, noting that the nation's 31 million adult smokers are at higher risk of pneumococcal disease, voted 11-3 Wednesday to recommend that all adult smokers get the vaccine, the Associated Press reported. In addition to bacterial pneumonia, the shot would protect against other illnesses such as meningitis.

Smokers are about four times more likely to acquire pneumococcal disease, and their risk increases the more cigarettes they smoke, the AP said.

While the precise link between smoking and pneumococcal disease isn't understood, it's thought that bacteria are better able to thrive in people whose lungs and windpipe have been damaged by smoking, the wire service said.

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Problems Linked to Mesh Used as Incontinence Remedy

Surgical mesh used to treat women's health issues, including severe incontinence and prolapsed uterus, may cause rare but serious complications, U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials say.

The FDA this week said it has received more than 1,000 reports during the past three years of complications from the vaginally inserted mesh, including infection, pain and urinary problems, the Associated Press reported.

Nine manufacturers produce the product, and the FDA said it is investigating possible reasons for the complications.

In the interim, the agency is advising doctors to get special training before using the product, to monitor patients closely for signs of infection and other complications, and to disclose possible complications to prospective patients in advance, the AP said.

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FDA Cited for Lax Oversight of Foreign Drug Makers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been lax in overseeing and inspecting foreign drug plants, the Government Accountability Office has found in a report to be released Wednesday.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the analysis by the investigative arm of the U.S. Congress comes as a House committee continues its investigation of the agency's handling of problems at two Indian plants run by generic drug maker Ranbaxy Laboratories. In September, the FDA banned import of 30 generic drugs produced at the two plants. The action came several years after the FDA first found manufacturing problems at one of the plants, the newspaper said.

In the five years ending in fiscal 2007, the FDA issued 15 warning letters to foreign drug makers that had serious problems, including manufacturing or record-keeping deficiencies. But only four of those companies were eventually re-inspected, the Journal reported.

In what the newspaper called "an unusual move," the GAO urged the FDA to conduct as many inspections of foreign drug makers as it performs on domestic ones.

The FDA has plans to open offices in China, India and Latin America, the newspaper said.

Health Tips for October 23

Health Tip: Fluoride Use by Children

Fluoride is a natural substance found in water, and is added to many municipal water supplies to help prevent cavities.

The Nemours Foundation offers these guidelines about the use of fluoride in children::

• Children should only use fluoride supplements if they live in areas with non-fluoridated water, or if they drink only non-fluoridated bottled water.
• Children under age 6 should never use a fluoride mouth rinse.
• Children under 6 months don't need fluoride supplements and shouldn't been given them.
• Fluoride toothpaste should not be used on children younger than 2 unless recommended by a doctor or dentist.
• Children should use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Watch children up to age 6 when they brush their teeth to make sure that they spit out the toothpaste, and that not too much is swallowed.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Nosebleeds

If your child has regular nosebleeds, there are precautions you can take to help prevent the problem.

The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions:

• The air in your home may be dry. Use a cool mist humidifier, especially at night, in your child's room.
• Don't allow your child to blow the nose too hard, or pick the nose.
• Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of the child's nose several times a day, and always at bedtime.
• Apply saline drops or nasal spray to the nose, as recommended by your pediatrician.
• If your child has allergies, seek regular treatment from the child's doctor.

Health Headlines - October 22

FDA Approves Magnetic Device to Treat Depression

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first noninvasive brain stimulator to treat depression. It works by beaming magnetic pulses through the skull, triggering small electrical charges that prompt brain cells to fire, the Associated Press reported.

The device, called transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS, is intended for patients who got no relief from their first antidepressant, offering them a different option than trying an assortment of drugs. It also doesn't pose the risks of surgically implanted electrodes or the treatment of last resort, shock therapy, the news service said.

The FDA cleared the prescription-only NeuroStar based on research that found that patients did modestly better when treated with TMS than when they received a placebo treatment that mimicked the magnet. About 24 percent of patients who received TMS scored significantly better on standard depression measures after six weeks, compared with 12 percent of those who got the placebo, the AP said.

That's about as well as patients respond to a single antidepressant, said Dr. Philip Janicak of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, who helped lead the NeuroStar study.

TMS isn't cheap, however: It's expected to cost $6,000 to $10,000, depending on how many treatments a patient needs, Janicak said. While that's a lot more than antidepressant therapy, it's thousands of dollars less than invasive depression devices, the AP said.

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Bad Habits Linked to Lower Grades

Bad habits equal bad grades, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota's Boynton Health Service who studied more than 9,000 undergraduates from 14 Minnesota schools.

Low grades were more common among students who lacked sleep, didn't exercise, gambled, watched too much TV, and drank alcohol or smoked cigarettes. Students who suffered stress, asthma, injury or mental illness also had lower grades, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

The findings should cause concern among students who suffer low grades due to avoidable behaviors, said lead author Dr. Ed Ehlinger, Boynton's director and chief health officer. "If you're investing a lot of time and money in your education, do you really want to waste your investment on behaviors that interfere with your academic success?"

The study, released Monday, doesn't prove cause and effect. For example, while watching too much TV may lead to lower grades, it's also possible that lower grades cause students to watch more TV. It may also be that TV offers an escape from anxiety or depression, which could be the real cause of lower grades, the newspaper reported.

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Mountain Climbers May Suffer Altitude-Related Brain Damage

The world's top mountain climbers may suffer minor brain damage every time they scale the Earth's highest peaks, say Italian researchers who compared MRI scans of nine male climbers before and after major climbs achieved without the use of extra oxygen.

While the climbers showed no outward signs of new neurological problems, the scans revealed changes in brain tissue density and volume that were most likely caused by lack of oxygen at high altitudes, BBC News reported.

"The climbers in our study did not suffer any significant neuropsychological changes after the expedition," said study leader Dr. Margherita Di Paola.

But she added that some abnormal results on both "before" and "after" tests of brain function and memory might be the result of small, progressive brain damage caused by repeated exposure to high altitudes, BBC News reported.

The study was published in the European Journal of Neurology.

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Melamine-Tainted Food Kills 1,500 Raccoon Dogs in China

Melamine-tainted food is being blamed for the deaths in China of about 1,500 dogs bred for their raccoon-like fur that's used to make trim on coats and other clothing. All the raccoon dog deaths occurred on farms in a single village, the Associated Press reported.

An examination of about a dozen of the dead dogs revealed they died of kidney failure, said Zhang Wenkui, a veterinary professor at Shenyang Agriculture University.

"First, we found melamine in the dogs' feed, and second, I found that 25 percent of the stones in the dogs' kidneys were made up of melamine," Zhang told the AP.

It's not clear how melamine got into the dog feed, but the deaths increase concerns about the extent of the chemical's presence in China's food chain. Melamine, used to make plastics, has been found in a large number of Chinese-made dairy products and foods with milk ingredients.

In related news, Australian officials recalled a milk drink and cake brand found to be contaminated with melamine. That brings to six the number of Chinese-made melamine-tainted products recalled in Australia, the AP reported.

-----

Many Parents Misjudge Children's Weight: Study

Many parents overlook their children's weight problems because they think their kids' weight is healthy, says an Australian study that looked at 2,100 children and their parents.

The University of Melbourne researchers found that 43 percent of parents with overweight or underweight children believed their children had an average weight. Among overweight children, that percentage was nearly half, BBC News reported.

"Parents are more likely to take the necessary preventative actions if the perception of their child's weight -- whether underweight or overweight -- is correct," noted study leader Dr. Pene Schmidt.

The results aren't surprising, said Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum in Australia.

"There was recent research in this country which showed that a similar proportion of health professionals were unable to make the distinction," Fry told BBC New. "We live in a society were being big is becoming far more common, and is seen as normal."

Health Tips for October 22

Health Tip: Breathing Polluted Air

When the air you breathe is polluted, it can cause symptoms such as labored breathing; irritated eyes, nose and throat; burning of the eyes; cough; and tightness in the chest.

To minimize these side effects of air pollution -- especially if you have heart or lung disease -- the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions:

• When pollution levels are high, stay inside as much as possible.
• If you must engage in outdoor activities, try to schedule them first thing in the morning or in the evening, after sunset.
• When air quality is poor, don't exercise outdoors.
• Avoid any outdoor activities that require you to exert yourself. Taking in more air also means breathing in additional pollutants.

Health Tip: Monitoring What You Drink

People with heart failure tend to retain fluid, making it important to monitor what they drink.

The doctor may prescribe medication to help rid the body of excess fluid, which puts less stress on the heart. While this type of drug, called a diuretic, may make you feel thirsty, it's important not to drink too much and negate the effects of the medication.

The American Heart Association offers these guidelines for what people with heart failure should drink:

• Talk to your doctor about how much fluid you should have every day.
• Carefully track how much you are drinking. Measure how many ounces each container that you drink from holds.
• Monitor all fluids, including water you use to wash down medicines, as well as fluid sources such as ice cubes, fruits, ice cream and yogurt.
• Do not drink alcohol, which affects the heart's ability to contract.
• Limit your intake of caffeine and salty fluids, such as tomato juice and other vegetable juices.

Health Headlines - October 21

Bad Habits Linked to Lower Grades

Bad habits equal bad grades, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota's Boynton Health Service who studied more than 9,000 undergraduates from 14 Minnesota schools.

Low grades were more common among students who lacked sleep, didn't exercise, gambled, watched too much TV, and drank alcohol or smoked cigarettes. Students who suffered stress, asthma, injury or mental illness also had lower grades, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

The findings should cause concern among students who suffer low grades due to avoidable behaviors, said lead author Dr. Ed Ehlinger, Boynton's director and chief health officer. "If you're investing a lot of time and money in your education, do you really want to waste your investment on behaviors that interfere with your academic success?"

The study, released Monday, doesn't prove cause and effect. For example, while watching too much TV may lead to lower grades, it's also possible that lower grades cause students to watch more TV. It may also be that TV offers an escape from anxiety or depression, which could be the real cause of lower grades, the newspaper reported.

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Mountain Climbers May Suffer Altitude-Related Brain Damage

The world's top mountain climbers may suffer minor brain damage every time they scale the Earth's highest peaks, say Italian researchers who compared MRI scans of nine male climbers before and after major climbs achieved without the use of extra oxygen.

While the climbers showed no outward signs of new neurological problems, the scans revealed changes in brain tissue density and volume that were most likely caused by lack of oxygen at high altitudes, BBC News reported.

"The climbers in our study did not suffer any significant neuropsychological changes after the expedition," said study leader Dr. Margherita Di Paola.

But she added that some abnormal results on both "before" and "after" tests of brain function and memory might be the result of small, progressive brain damage caused by repeated exposure to high altitudes, BBC News reported.

The study was published in the European Journal of Neurology.

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Melamine-Tainted Food Kills 1,500 Raccoon Dogs in China

Melamine-tainted food is being blamed for the deaths in China of about 1,500 dogs bred for their raccoon-like fur that's used to make trim on coats and other clothing. All the raccoon dog deaths occurred on farms in a single village, the Associated Press reported.

An examination of about a dozen of the dead dogs revealed they died of kidney failure, said Zhang Wenkui, a veterinary professor at Shenyang Agriculture University.

"First, we found melamine in the dogs' feed, and second, I found that 25 percent of the stones in the dogs' kidneys were made up of melamine," Zhang told the AP.

It's not clear how melamine got into the dog feed, but the deaths increase concerns about the extent of the chemical's presence in China's food chain. Melamine, used to make plastics, has been found in a large number of Chinese-made dairy products and foods with milk ingredients.

In related news, Australian officials recalled a milk drink and cake brand found to be contaminated with melamine. That brings to six the number of Chinese-made melamine-tainted products recalled in Australia, the AP reported.

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Many Parents Misjudge Children's Weight: Study

Many parents overlook their children's weight problems because they think their kids' weight is healthy, says an Australian study that looked at 2,100 children and their parents.

The University of Melbourne researchers found that 43 percent of parents with overweight or underweight children believed their children had an average weight. Among overweight children, that percentage was nearly half, BBC News reported.

"Parents are more likely to take the necessary preventative actions if the perception of their child's weight -- whether underweight or overweight -- is correct," noted study leader Dr. Pene Schmidt.

The results aren't surprising, said Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum in Australia.

"There was recent research in this country which showed that a similar proportion of health professionals were unable to make the distinction," Fry told BBC New. "We live in a society were being big is becoming far more common, and is seen as normal."

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Yogurt Cuts Bladder Cancer Risk: Study

Having two servings of yogurt a day greatly reduces the risk of bladder cancer, according to a Swedish study that followed 80,000 people for nine years, United Press International reported.

The Karolinska Institute researchers concluded that daily consumption of yogurt reduces bladder cancer risk by 45 percent in women and 36 percent in men. Other dairy products didn't provide the same benefit.

"Cultured milk products, such as yogurt, contain lactic acid bacteria, which have been shown to suppress bladder cancer in rats," the study authors wrote. "Our research suggests a high intake (of yogurt in humans) may reduce the risk."

The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Health Tips for October 21

Health Tip: Choose Meats Wisely

Love to eat meat? As with any food group, there are good choices and bad.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers these suggestions on which meats to choose, and how:

• Select for low-fat meats and chicken, and avoid eating high-fat ground beef or chicken with the skin.
• Don't forget to count the fat and calories in cooking additives. For example, if you cook chicken in shortening, add the extra calories to your count.
• Include fish in your diet, especially those high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, trout and herring.
• Avoid organ meats such as liver, which are high in cholesterol.
• Also avoid processed meats such as hot dogs, ham, sausage and lunch meats, which can be very high in sodium and other additives.

Health Tip: Eating a Brain-Healthy Diet

What you eat can go a long way toward keeping your brain sharp and efficient.

AARP.org offers these brain-healthy nutritional suggestions:

• Vegetables -- Eat as many as you can, of all different colors, shapes and varieties.
• Antioxidants -- Found in vitamins C, E and beta carotene, you should get plenty of these substances. They occur naturally in many fruits and vegetables.
• Omega-3 fatty acids -- They are found in fatty fish such as mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies, whitefish, tuna and sablefish.
• A B vitamin -- Take one daily.
• A multivitamin -- Also take one daily, but never exceed recommended dose. Taking more vitamins doesn't make it healthier -- doing so could be dangerous.

Health Headlines - October 20

Canada to Ban Baby Bottles Made With Bisphenol A

Canada has moved to ban plastic baby bottles containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical widely used around the world in hundreds of household items, food can linings, and eyeglass lenses, the Associated Press reported Saturday.

The ban, which makes Canada the first country to classify the chemical as toxic, takes effect six months after its health ministry labeled BPA as dangerous. That report found BPA can leach from products into the environment and into people, especially newborns and infants. BPA is used in infant bottles, for example, to harden the plastic, making it more shatterproof, according to AP.

Several U.S. states are considering restricting BPA use, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is awaiting an independent risk assessment from a scientific panel later this month, the wire service said. Both the European Union and the FDA currently say the chemical is safe.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association, the world's largest trade group representing makers of food, beverage and consumer products, said Canada's action on BPA use was disproportional to the risk determined by public health agencies, the AP reported. But advocates of a ban on BPA use note that traces of the chemical can be found in more than 90 percent of Americans, and that previous studies have linked it to cancer, heart disease, obesity, reproductive and hormonal problems, and hyperactivity in lab animals.

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Democratic Fundraiser Gets Unapproved Multiple Myeloma Drug

Despite a drug maker's refusal to grant permission, a prominent Democratic fundraiser is being treated with a drug that's unapproved to treat multiple myeloma.

A "legal basis" was found that cleared the way for the drug Tysabri to be given to 61-year-old Fred Baron, who has late-stage multiple myeloma, his son Andrew Baron said in an email to the Associated Press. The drug was obtained through the Mayo Clinic, which consulted with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Biogen Idec Inc, which makes Tysabri, didn't approve Baron's use of the drug because the regulatory risks of giving him special access to the drug are too great, said company spokeswoman Naomi Aoki.

Tysabri has been approved by the FDA to treat Crohn's disease or multiple sclerosis. The drug's use to treat multiple myeloma is in the early clinical trial stage, the AP reported.

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Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Gets Black Box Warning on Infections

The psoriasis drug Raptiva must now carry a black box warning -- the most serious kind -- about the risk of life-threatening infections, including a rare brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

Earlier this week, California-based drug maker Genentech said a 70-year-old patient taking Raptiva died after developing PML. A Genentech spokeswoman told Bloomberg news it was the only confirmed case of PML in a patient taking Raptiva.

The black box warning also notes the risk of serious infections -- such as viral meningitis, bacterial blood infections and invasive fungal disease -- that have led to hospitalizations or deaths in patients taking Raptiva. Previously, those warnings were listed in an unboxed section on the drug's labeling.

Raptiva suppresses the immune system in order to reduce psoriasis flare-ups, but this immune system suppression can increase the risk of serious infections and malignancies in patients, the FDA said.

Genentech also added warnings of neurological conditions noted in patients taking Raptiva, Bloomberg reported. The conditions include Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, transverse myelitis, and facial palsy. Those warnings won't be boxed.

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Recalled Cribs Pose Suffocation and Entrapment Hazard

A suffocation and entrapment hazard that caused the death of a child has prompted the recall of about 2,000 Playkids convertible cribs, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday. The sides of the crib are made of mesh that expands, creating a gap between the mattress and the side.

On Aug. 31, a 5-month-old child in Brooklyn, N.Y., became trapped between the crib mattress and drop side rail and suffocated.

This recall involves made-in-China convertible crib/playpen/bassinet/bed with model number PLK-909. "Playkids U.S.A." can be found on the packaging and on a label sewn into the side of the crib, and the model number can be found on the packaging, the CPSC said. The cribs have a drop side rail, a stationary side rail, a canopy assembly, and a bassinet. The sides of the crib, the mattress support, the bassinet, the canopy and the bedskirt are covered in fabric and mesh, which come in a variety of colors and patterns.

The cribs were sold in juvenile product stores in New York from March 2007 through September 2008 for about $100. Consumers should stop using these cribs and contact Playkids USA of Brooklyn, N.Y., at (718) 797-0302 to receive a full refund.

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'Stayin' Alive' May Help Save Lives

The classic disco tune "Stayin' Alive" has almost the perfect beat for people doing CPR chest compressions, according to University of Illinois medical school researchers. The song has 103 beats per minute, while the American Heart Association recommends 100 chest compressions per minute for CPR.

In this study, 15 students and doctors first did CPR on mannequins while listening to "Stayin' Alive." They were told to time chest compressions with the song's beat, the Associated Press reported. Five weeks later, the same participants repeated the drill without the music, but were told to play the famous Bee Gees song in their head, while they did chest compressions.

The average number of compressions in the first session was 109 per minute, and 113 per minute in the second session. That's more than recommended by the AHA, but a few extra compressions are better than too few when trying to restart a stopped heart, said study author Dr. David Matlock, the AP reported.

He plans to present the study this month at an American College of Emergency Physicians meeting.

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Social Security Benefits to Rise 5.8% in 2009

A 5.8 percent increase in Social Security benefits next year means the average retiree will receive an additional $63 per month, the U.S. government announced Thursday.

The increase, based on rises in the Consumer Price Index, is the largest since a 7.4 percent boost in 1982 and more than double the 2.3 percent increase this year, the Associated Press reported.

More than 55 million Americans will benefit from next year's cost of living increase, including more than 50 million on Social Security, and others who receive Supplemental Security Income payments for the poor.

The typical monthly Social Security check for one person will go from $1,090 to $1,153 per month, while the average couple receiving Social Security benefits will see an increase of $103 a month to $1,876, the AP reported.

A couple receiving the standard Supplemental Security Income payment will go from $956 to $1,011 per month, while the monthly SSI payment for an individual will go from $637 to $674 per month. The average monthly check for a disabled worker will go from $1,006 to $1,064 per month.

Health Tips for October 20

Health Tip: Make Time for Breakfast

Your mother probably urged you to eat a healthy breakfast, noting it was the day's most important meal.

She was right, says the Nemours Foundation, which offers these suggestions on how to refuel your kids to begin their day:

• Keep your kitchen full of healthy, quick and easy breakfast choices.
• If morning time is at a premium, try to prepare for breakfast the night before. Set out dishes, prepare and cut up food, etc.
• Wake your family 10 minutes earlier than usual to allow time for breakfast.
• Encourage your child to help decide what to have for breakfast. The child can even help prepare it.
• Have on-the-go breakfast options ready for mornings when you're running late, including fresh fruit, yogurt, trail mix, and individual boxes of cereal.
• Pack a nutritious snack for your child if he or she isn't hungry first thing in the morning.

Health Tip: Satisfying Food Cravings

Food cravings are common, and most people have them at one time or another.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these facts to help you satisfy your cravings without wrecking your weight:

• Satisfying a food craving can help improve your mood, relax you and give you more energy.
• Women are likely to crave certain foods during certain times of the year and month, and are more likely to be happy when they've satisfied their cravings.
• Don't deny yourself something that you are craving. Instead, allow yourself a small portion.
• Denying yourself a small treat that you crave can lead to an intensified craving, and eventually binge eating.
• Take care of your craving shortly after it starts. The more time you have to think about it, the stronger the craving probably becomes and the more likely you are to binge eat.