Health Headlines - November 30

FDA Sets Acceptable Melamine Threshold for Infant Formula

Reversing a decision made less than two months earlier, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Friday announced an allowable threshold of 1 part per million of the chemical melamine in baby formula, the Associated Press reports.

The wire service reports that the FDA's decision actually allows for more melamine than has been found in U.S.-made baby formula. The one caveat is that this amount is allowable only if other related chemicals aren't present, the A.P. reports.

And, as it did Nov. 26, the FDA reiterated that the baby formulas that were tested are absolutely safe.

Consumers Union, the national consumer advocacy group, and the Illinois attorney general, Lisa Madigan, had demanded that the FDA issue a recall of the products.

In China, melamine in formula has killed at least three babies and made at least 50,000 ill. The chemical, used in the production of plastic products, can cause kidney or bladder stones and, in severe cases, kidney failure. There have been no reports of illnesses in the United States.

Previously undisclosed FDA tests showed the agency detected melamine in a sample of one popular infant formula and the presence of cyanuric acid (a chemical relative of melamine) in another brand of formula, the A.P. said. A third manufacturer admitted it found trace levels of melamine in its infant formula. It's believed the melamine contamination occurred during the manufacturing process.

The three products are sold by Abbott Laboratories, Nestle and Mead Johnson, which produce more than 90 percent of all infant formula made in the United States, the news service said.

An FDA official said it would be a "dangerous overreaction" for American parents to stop feeding infant formula to babies who depend on it.

"The levels that we are detecting are extremely low," Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, told the AP. Parents "should not be changing the diet. If they've been feeding a particular product, they should continue to feed that product. That's in the best interest of the baby."

-----

Federal Trade Commission Discontinues Tar and Nicotine Test

After 42 years, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has ended a test to measure the amount of tar and nicotine in cigarettes.

According to the Associated Press, the FTC decided to discontinue the testing for two reasons: the test itself was flawed, and tobacco companies could use the results to promote one brand of cigarette over another.

The test was known as the Cambridge Filter Method, the A.P. reports, and on Nov. 26 the FTC commissioners voted unanimously to discontinue it. Saying that the FTC would no longer be a "smokescreen" for tobacco companies' marketing programs, Commissioner Jon Leibowitz told the wire service, "Our action today ensures that tobacco companies may not wrap their misleading tar and nicotine ratings in a cloak of government sponsorship."

Over the years, many cigarette advertisements had promoted low tar and nicotine levels in some brands, using the phrase, "by FTC method." Insofar as the testing itself was concerned, it had long been criticized by scientists because it never took into account how people smoked, such as how deeply they inhaled, the A.P. reports.

The National Cancer Institute acknowledged that the Cambridge Filter Method did measure changes in design and quantity of tar and nicotine, but there has never been any evidence that so-called light cigarettes reduced disease caused by smoking, the wire service reports.

-----

FDA Announces Recalls of Weight-Loss Pill, Dietary Supplement

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday the recall of a weight-loss product -- Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules -- and a dietary supplement -- Starcaps Diet System dietary supplements, according to published reports.

San Diego-based Fashion Sanctuary said it was recalling all lot codes of Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules sold in 10-count blister cards. The recall was prompted by the FDA after a lab analysis found the product to contain undeclared sibutramine, making it an unapproved drug. Sibutramine is an FDA-approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. It's known to increase blood pressure and pulse rate in some people, and may pose a risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke, the agency said.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported so far in connection with the product, the FDA said.

Balanced Health Products Inc. was voluntarily recalling Starcaps Diet System dietary supplements, lot 12/2011 - 84810, which was sold in 30 capsule plastic bottles. This lot contains an undeclared drug ingredient called bumetanide, which is a prescription-only diuretic, the FDA said.

Health risks linked to the use of bumetanide include significant fluid and electrolyte loss, an elevation of uric acid concentrations, as well as low blood pressure and fainting, the FDA said.

The company has received no reports of illness associated with use of the product, the agency said.

-----

Web Health Searches Often Result in 'Cyberchondria'

People who use the Internet to self-diagnosis health problems often mistakenly end up thinking they have a rare illness, according to Microsoft researchers who analyzed Web search results and surveyed 515 people about their online health information search experiences.

"Common, likely innocuous symptoms can escalate into the review of content on serious, rare conditions that are linked to the common symptoms," said study authors Ryen White and Eric Horvitz, Agence France Presse reported.

An example of "cyberchondria" is someone with a headache who concludes it's a sign of a brain tumor.

"A brain tumor is a concerning possibility when a searcher experiences headache. However, the probability of a brain tumor given a general complaint of headache is typically quite low," the researchers said, AFP reported.

"Such escalations from common symptoms to serious concerns may lead to unnecessary anxiety, investment of time, and expensive engagements with healthcare professionals," they added.

-----

Epilepsy Drugs May Cause Skin Reactions in Asian Patients: FDA

Some Asian patients may suffer severe skin blisters and bleeding when treated with certain epilepsy drugs such as Dilantin, Phenytek and Cerebyx, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

Preliminary data indicate that people with a gene called HLA-B1502 may be at increased risk of developing skin problems when taking these drugs. Ten to 15 percent of people from China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines may carry the gene, as well as 2 to 4 percent of South Asians, the Associated Press reported.

Doctors should monitor patients closely, but there isn't enough information yet to recommend genetic testing, the FDA said. Many patients who develop skin problems do so in the first few months after they start taking the epilepsy drugs.

Last year, the FDA recommended genetic testing for Asian patients taking the epilepsy drug carbamazepine after reports of skin reactions, the AP reported.

Health Tips for November 30

Health Tip: Medications and Pregnancy

You may take certain over-the-counter supplements and medications without thinking twice. But when you're pregnant, even drugs that you can buy without a prescription can affect the developing fetus.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these safety guidelines about medications and pregnancy:

• Don't take any medicine or herbal supplement without checking with your doctor.
• Try not to take any medicine during your first trimester of pregnancy, when your baby is most likely to be affected.
• If you are having pain, acetaminophen is usually safe for pregnant women to take for a short period. But you should first check with your doctor.
• Don't take aspirin while you're pregnant.
• Don't take an NSAID -- such as Advil, Motrin or Aleve -- while you're pregnant, particularly during your third trimester.

Health Tip: Considering Home Birth?

Home birth is a safe option for many moms-to-be who want to deliver in the privacy and comfort of their home.

But for some women who are at risk of complications, a home birth may not be the safest option.

The American Pregnancy Association lists these factors for women who may be better off at a hospital when they deliver:

• Being diabetic.
• Having preeclampsia or chronic high blood pressure.
• Having had a prior preterm birth, or being at risk for preterm labor.

Health Headlines - November 29

Federal Trade Commission Discontinues Tar and Nicotine Test

After 42 years, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has ended a test to measure the amount of tar and nicotine in cigarettes.

According to the Associated Press, the FTC decided to discontinue the testing for two reasons: the test itself was flawed, and tobacco companies could use the results to promote one brand of cigarette over another.

The test was known as the Cambridge Filter Method, the A.P. reports, and on Nov. 26 the FTC commissioners voted unanimously to discontinue it. Saying that the FTC would no longer be a "smokescreen" for tobacco companies' marketing programs, Commissioner Jon Leibowitz told the wire service, "Our action today ensures that tobacco companies may not wrap their misleading tar and nicotine ratings in a cloak of government sponsorship."

Over the years, many cigarette advertisements had promoted low tar and nicotine levels in some brands, using the phrase, "by FTC method." Insofar as the testing itself was concerned, it had long been criticized by scientists because it never took into account how people smoked, such as how deeply they inhaled, the A.P. reports.

The National Cancer Institute acknowledged that the Cambridge Filter Method did measure changes in design and quantity of tar and nicotine, but there has never been any evidence that so-called light cigarettes reduced disease caused by smoking, the wire service reports.

-----

FDA Announces Recalls of Weight-Loss Pill, Dietary Supplement

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday the recall of a weight-loss product -- Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules -- and a dietary supplement -- Starcaps Diet System dietary supplements, according to published reports.

San Diego-based Fashion Sanctuary said it was recalling all lot codes of Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules sold in 10-count blister cards. The recall was prompted by the FDA after a lab analysis found the product to contain undeclared sibutramine, making it an unapproved drug. Sibutramine is an FDA-approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. It's known to increase blood pressure and pulse rate in some people, and may pose a risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke, the agency said.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported so far in connection with the product, the FDA said.

Balanced Health Products Inc. was voluntarily recalling Starcaps Diet System dietary supplements, lot 12/2011 - 84810, which was sold in 30 capsule plastic bottles. This lot contains an undeclared drug ingredient called bumetanide, which is a prescription-only diuretic, the FDA said.

Health risks linked to the use of bumetanide include significant fluid and electrolyte loss, an elevation of uric acid concentrations, as well as low blood pressure and fainting, the FDA said.

The company has received no reports of illness associated with use of the product, the agency said.

-----

FDA Insists Melamine Found in Infant Formula Poses No Threat

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continued to insist Wednesday that trace levels of the industrial chemical melamine detected in some U.S. infant formulas pose no threat to infants. Last month, the agency said it couldn't identify any level of melamine exposure as safe for infants, the Associated Press reported.

But Consumers Union, the national consumer advocacy group, and the Illinois attorney general, Lisa Madigan, demanded that the FDA issue a recall of the products.

In China, melamine in formula has killed at least three babies and made at least 50,000 ill. The chemical, used in the production of plastic products, can cause kidney or bladder stones and, in severe cases, kidney failure. There have been no reports of illnesses in the United States.

Previously undisclosed FDA tests showed the agency detected melamine in a sample of one popular infant formula and the presence of cyanuric acid (a chemical relative of melamine) in another brand of formula, the AP said. A third manufacturer admitted it found trace levels of melamine in its infant formula. It's believed the melamine contamination occurred during the manufacturing process.

The three products are sold by Abbott Laboratories, Nestle and Mead Johnson, which produce more than 90 percent of all infant formula made in the United States, the news service said.

An FDA official said it would be a "dangerous overreaction" for American parents to stop feeding infant formula to babies who depend on it.

"The levels that we are detecting are extremely low," Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, told the AP. Parents "should not be changing the diet. If they've been feeding a particular product, they should continue to feed that product. That's in the best interest of the baby."

-----

Web Health Searches Often Result in 'Cyberchondria'

People who use the Internet to self-diagnosis health problems often mistakenly end up thinking they have a rare illness, according to Microsoft researchers who analyzed Web search results and surveyed 515 people about their online health information search experiences.

"Common, likely innocuous symptoms can escalate into the review of content on serious, rare conditions that are linked to the common symptoms," said study authors Ryen White and Eric Horvitz, Agence France Presse reported.

An example of "cyberchondria" is someone with a headache who concludes it's a sign of a brain tumor.

"A brain tumor is a concerning possibility when a searcher experiences headache. However, the probability of a brain tumor given a general complaint of headache is typically quite low," the researchers said, AFP reported.

"Such escalations from common symptoms to serious concerns may lead to unnecessary anxiety, investment of time, and expensive engagements with healthcare professionals," they added.

-----

Epilepsy Drugs May Cause Skin Reactions in Asian Patients: FDA

Some Asian patients may suffer severe skin blisters and bleeding when treated with certain epilepsy drugs such as Dilantin, Phenytek and Cerebyx, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

Preliminary data indicate that people with a gene called HLA-B1502 may be at increased risk of developing skin problems when taking these drugs. Ten to 15 percent of people from China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines may carry the gene, as well as 2 to 4 percent of South Asians, the Associated Press reported.

Doctors should monitor patients closely, but there isn't enough information yet to recommend genetic testing, the FDA said. Many patients who develop skin problems do so in the first few months after they start taking the epilepsy drugs.

Last year, the FDA recommended genetic testing for Asian patients taking the epilepsy drug carbamazepine after reports of skin reactions, the AP reported.

Health Tips for November 29

Health Tip: Wash Your Hands

Your hands pick up all kinds of germs, so keeping them clean can help reduce your risk of illness.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions to effectively wash your hands:

• Rinse your hands under running water, and apply soap evenly over both of your hands. The whole process should take at least one minute.
• Rub your hands together for 10 to 15 seconds to allow the soap to work.
• Be sure to rub soap on all areas of the hands, including over the backs and between the fingers.
• Rinse hands thoroughly and dry them. Avoid touching other surfaces that may be laden with germs.

Health Tip: Caring for Your Skin With Acne

If you have acne, it's important to gently clean the skin, particularly on the face.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases offers these suggestions:

• Wash your face regularly -- in the morning when you wake up, before you go to bed and always after you've exercised or sweated heavily.
• Be sure to wash your entire face -- including past the jaw and all the way up to the hairline.
• Use only a mild face wash. Ask your dermatologist or doctor what is best for your skin.
• Avoid using a harsh soap or astringent on your face, and don't scrub the skin.
• Wash your hair frequently. If you have oily hair, you may want to wash it daily.

Health Headlines - November 28

FDA Announces Recalls of Weight-Loss Pill, Dietary Supplement

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday the recall of a weight-loss product -- Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules -- and a dietary supplement -- Starcaps Diet System dietary supplements, according to published reports.

San Diego-based Fashion Sanctuary said it was recalling all lot codes of Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules sold in 10-count blister cards. The recall was prompted by the FDA after a lab analysis found the product to contain undeclared sibutramine, making it an unapproved drug. Sibutramine is an FDA-approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. It's known to increase blood pressure and pulse rate in some people, and may pose a risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke, the agency said.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported so far in connection with the product, the FDA said.

Balanced Health Products Inc. was voluntarily recalling Starcaps Diet System dietary supplements, lot 12/2011 - 84810, which was sold in 30 capsule plastic bottles. This lot contains an undeclared drug ingredient called bumetanide, which is a prescription-only diuretic, the FDA said.

Health risks linked to the use of bumetanide include significant fluid and electrolyte loss, an elevation of uric acid concentrations, as well as low blood pressure and fainting, the FDA said.

The company has received no reports of illness associated with use of the product, the agency said.

-----

FDA Insists Melamine Found in Infant Formula Poses No Threat

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continued to insist Wednesday that trace levels of the industrial chemical melamine detected in some U.S. infant formulas pose no threat to infants. Last month, the agency said it couldn't identify any level of melamine exposure as safe for infants, the Associated Press reported.

But Consumers Union, the national consumer advocacy group, and the Illinois attorney general, Lisa Madigan, demanded that the FDA issue a recall of the products.

In China, melamine in formula has killed at least three babies and made at least 50,000 ill. The chemical, used in the production of plastic products, can cause kidney or bladder stones and, in severe cases, kidney failure. There have been no reports of illnesses in the United States.

Previously undisclosed FDA tests showed the agency detected melamine in a sample of one popular infant formula and the presence of cyanuric acid (a chemical relative of melamine) in another brand of formula, the AP said. A third manufacturer admitted it found trace levels of melamine in its infant formula. It's believed the melamine contamination occurred during the manufacturing process.

The three products are sold by Abbott Laboratories, Nestle and Mead Johnson, which produce more than 90 percent of all infant formula made in the United States, the news service said.

An FDA official said it would be a "dangerous overreaction" for American parents to stop feeding infant formula to babies who depend on it.

"The levels that we are detecting are extremely low," Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, told the AP. Parents "should not be changing the diet. If they've been feeding a particular product, they should continue to feed that product. That's in the best interest of the baby."

-----

Web Health Searches Often Result in 'Cyberchondria'

People who use the Internet to self-diagnosis health problems often mistakenly end up thinking they have a rare illness, according to Microsoft researchers who analyzed Web search results and surveyed 515 people about their online health information search experiences.

"Common, likely innocuous symptoms can escalate into the review of content on serious, rare conditions that are linked to the common symptoms," said study authors Ryen White and Eric Horvitz, Agence France Presse reported.

An example of "cyberchondria" is someone with a headache who concludes it's a sign of a brain tumor.

"A brain tumor is a concerning possibility when a searcher experiences headache. However, the probability of a brain tumor given a general complaint of headache is typically quite low," the researchers said, AFP reported.

"Such escalations from common symptoms to serious concerns may lead to unnecessary anxiety, investment of time, and expensive engagements with healthcare professionals," they added.

-----

Epilepsy Drugs May Cause Skin Reactions in Asian Patients: FDA

Some Asian patients may suffer severe skin blisters and bleeding when treated with certain epilepsy drugs such as Dilantin, Phenytek and Cerebyx, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

Preliminary data indicate that people with a gene called HLA-B1502 may be at increased risk of developing skin problems when taking these drugs. Ten to 15 percent of people from China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines may carry the gene, as well as 2 to 4 percent of South Asians, the Associated Press reported.

Doctors should monitor patients closely, but there isn't enough information yet to recommend genetic testing, the FDA said. Many patients who develop skin problems do so in the first few months after they start taking the epilepsy drugs.

Last year, the FDA recommended genetic testing for Asian patients taking the epilepsy drug carbamazepine after reports of skin reactions, the AP reported.

Health Tips for November 28

Health Tip: Medications and Pregnancy

You may take certain over-the-counter supplements and medications without thinking twice. But when you're pregnant, even drugs that you can buy without a prescription can affect the developing fetus.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these safety guidelines about medications and pregnancy:

• Don't take any medicine or herbal supplement without checking with your doctor.
• Try not to take any medicine during your first trimester of pregnancy, when your baby is most likely to be affected.
• If you are having pain, acetaminophen is usually safe for pregnant women to take for a short period. But you should first check with your doctor.
• Don't take aspirin while you're pregnant.
• Don't take an NSAID -- such as Advil, Motrin or Aleve -- while you're pregnant, particularly during your third trimester.

Health Tip: What to Eat During Morning Sickness

When you're pregnant and battling morning sickness, the last thing you may feel like doing is swallowing food. But it's important that you and your baby continue eating.

The American Pregnancy Association says these foods may help tame morning sickness:

• Foods that can be eaten cold, including cold sandwiches, raw vegetables and fruits such as lemon or ginger, or cold salad. Don't use dressings, seasonings or condiments.
• Foods that aren't too spicy or flavorful, such as plain soups and broths, or a plain baked potato.
• Crackers or pretzels.
• Jello or popsicles.
• Peppermint tea.

Health Headlines - November 27

Happy Thanksgiving!

Melamine in U.S. Infant Formula No Threat: FDA

Trace levels of the industrial chemical melamine detected in some U.S. infant formulas pose no threat to infants, according to the federal Food and Drug Administration. Just last month, the agency said it couldn't identify any level of melamine exposure as safe for infants, the Associated Press reported.

In China, melamine in formula has killed at least three babies and made at least 50,000 ill. The chemical, used in the production of plastic products, can cause kidney or bladder stones and, in severe cases, kidney failure. There have been no reports of illnesses in the United States.

Previously undisclosed FDA tests showed the agency detected melamine in a sample of one popular infant formula and the presence of cyanuric acid (a chemical relative of melamine) in another brand of formula, the AP said. A third manufacturer admitted it found trace levels of melamine in its infant formula. It's believed the melamine contamination occurred during the manufacturing process.

The three products are sold by Abbott Laboratories, Nestle and Mead Johnson, which produce more than 90 percent of all infant formula made in the United States, the news service said.

An FDA official said it would be a "dangerous overreaction" for American parents to stop feeding infant formula to babies who depend on it.

"The levels that we are detecting are extremely low," Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, told the AP. Parents "should not be changing the diet. If they've been feeding a particular product, they should continue to feed that product. That's in the best interest of the baby."

-----

Former First Lady Barbara Bush in Hospital

Former First Lady Barbara Bush, 83, was admitted to a Houston hospital Tuesday after complaining of pain.

She went to Methodist Hospital as a precaution and all the results for tests she's undergone have been negative, said family spokesman Jim McGrath, the Associated Press reported.

Former president George H.W. Bush was with his wife.

Mrs. Bush suffers from Graves' disease, an overactive thyroid ailment, and experiences teary eyes and double vision as a result of the condition, the AP reported.

-----

Web Health Searches Often Result in 'Cyberchondria'

People who use the Internet to self-diagnosis health problems often mistakenly end up thinking they have a rare illness, according to Microsoft researchers who analyzed Web search results and surveyed 515 people about their online health information search experiences.

"Common, likely innocuous symptoms can escalate into the review of content on serious, rare conditions that are linked to the common symptoms," said study authors Ryen White and Eric Horvitz, Agence France Presse reported.

An example of "cyberchondria" is someone with a headache who concludes it's a sign of a brain tumor.

"A brain tumor is a concerning possibility when a searcher experiences headache. However, the probability of a brain tumor given a general complaint of headache is typically quite low," the researchers said, AFP reported.

"Such escalations from common symptoms to serious concerns may lead to unnecessary anxiety, investment of time, and expensive engagements with healthcare professionals," they added.

-----

Epilepsy Drugs May Cause Skin Reactions in Asian Patients: FDA

Some Asian patients may suffer severe skin blisters and bleeding when treated with certain epilepsy drugs such as Dilantin, Phenytek and Cerebyx, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

Preliminary data indicate that people with a gene called HLA-B1502 may be at increased risk of developing skin problems when taking these drugs. Ten to 15 percent of people from China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines may carry the gene, as well as 2 to 4 percent of South Asians, the Associated Press reported.

Doctors should monitor patients closely, but there isn't enough information yet to recommend genetic testing, the FDA said. Many patients who develop skin problems do so in the first few months after they start taking the epilepsy drugs.

Last year, the FDA recommended genetic testing for Asian patients taking the epilepsy drug carbamazepine after reports of skin reactions, the AP reported.

Health Tips for November 27

Health Tip: Diabetes and Dessert

Most diabetics can eat an occasional dessert, but moderation is key, the American Diabetes Association says.

It offers these suggestions to help diabetics enjoy desserts safely:

• Try fresh fruits, especially those in season.
• Adjust pie and cobbler recipes to include less sugar and fat.
• Cut down on carbohydrates as much as possible.
• Allow yourself only a very small portion of dessert.
• Keep sweets only for special occasions.

Health Tip: Exercise for People With Diabetes

Exercise is a challenge for many people, but there are even more potential pitfalls for diabetics.

The American Diabetes Association offers these suggestions to help diabetics who exercise:

• Figure out how exercise affects your blood glucose. Always measure it before and after you exercise.
• If your blood glucose is high before exercising, it may go even higher. Be cautious about exercising in this condition.
• Exercising for a long time, or exercising very strenuously, could also lead to low blood glucose. This might happen immediately or a while after you exercise, so be prepared.
• If you have low blood glucose when you are ready to exercise, try having a snack or adjusting your medication in consultation with your doctor.
• Keep water and a snack -- a carbohydrate is best -- on hand while you exercise.

Health Headlines - November 26

Web Health Searches Often Result in 'Cyberchondria'

People who use the Internet to self-diagnosis health problems often mistakenly end up thinking they have a rare illness, according to Microsoft researchers who analyzed Web search results and surveyed 515 people about their online health information search experiences.

"Common, likely innocuous symptoms can escalate into the review of content on serious, rare conditions that are linked to the common symptoms," said study authors Ryen White and Eric Horvitz, Agence France Presse reported.

An example of "cyberchondria" is someone with a headache who concludes it's a sign of a brain tumor.

"A brain tumor is a concerning possibility when a searcher experiences headache. However, the probability of a brain tumor given a general complaint of headache is typically quite low," the researchers said, AFP reported.

"Such escalations from common symptoms to serious concerns may lead to unnecessary anxiety, investment of time, and expensive engagements with healthcare professionals," they added.

-----

Epilepsy Drugs May Cause Skin Reactions in Asian Patients: FDA

Some Asian patients may suffer severe skin blisters and bleeding when treated with certain epilepsy drugs such as Dilantin, Phenytek and Cerebyx, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

Preliminary data indicate that people with a gene called HLA-B1502 may be at increased risk of developing skin problems when taking these drugs. Ten to 15 percent of people from China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines may carry the gene, as well as 2 to 4 percent of South Asians, the Associated Press reported.

Doctors should monitor patients closely, but there isn't enough information yet to recommend genetic testing, the FDA said. Many patients who develop skin problems do so in the first few months after they start taking the epilepsy drugs.

Last year, the FDA recommended genetic testing for Asian patients taking the epilepsy drug carbamazepine after reports of skin reactions, the AP reported.

-----

New Gout Drug Backed by FDA Panel

The first new gout drug in 40 years should be approved for sale in the United States, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended Monday.

Early trials of the drug Uloric found a higher risk of death and heart problems among patients taking the drug. But drug maker Takeda Inc. commissioned a larger clinical trial that found no difference in heart risks between patients taking Uloric and those taking the currently available drug allopurinol, the Associated Press reported.

The FDA panel voted 12-0 to recommend approval of Uloric for chronic gout. Though not required to do so, the FDA usually follows the recommendations of its advisory panels.

Gout, a form of arthritis that mainly strikes middle-aged men, affects about 5 million people in the United States. The problem is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood. Uloric reduces levels of uric acid, the AP reported.

-----

Medicaid Paying for Unapproved Drugs: Report

From 2004 to 2007, Medicaid paid nearly $198 million for prescriptions of more than 100 unapproved medications linked to dozens of deaths, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal data.

There's no data available for 2008, but the unapproved drugs are still being sold. Many of the drugs are used to treat common conditions such as colds and pain and date back decades, before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration implemented stricter drug review policies, the AP said.

Unapproved prescription drugs account for about two percent (72 million) of all prescriptions filled by pharmacies in the United States, according to the FDA. Private insurance plans also pay for these drugs, the AP reported.

The FDA is trying to remove these unapproved drugs from the market, but conflicting federal laws permit Medicaid to pay for the drugs. Medicaid officials said they need help from Congress to resolve the problem, the news service said.

"I think this is something we ought to look at very hard, and we ought to fix it," Medicaid chief Herb Kuhn told the AP. "It raises a whole set of questions, not only in terms of safety, but in the efficiency of the program -- to make sure we are getting the right set of services for beneficiaries."

Federal payments for questionable medications are a concern when health-care costs are rising and about 46 million Americans are uninsured. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has asked the Health and Human Services inspector general to investigate the situation, the AP said.

-----

Infrared Light May Hold Clue to 'Clarifying' Cochlear Implants

The cochlear implant, considered a miracle for its ability to give hearing to many deaf people, may be improved by the use of infrared light, according to a report in New Scientist magazine.

Northwestern University scientists discovered that shining infrared light directly on the neurons in the inner ears of deaf guinea pigs helped make the translators of sound -- called frequency maps -- as clear as those in animals with normal hearing.

One of the difficulties with cochlear implants has been that human recipients have "frequency maps" that make it difficult to discern differences in tonal quality and background noises, and this can limit music appreciation and communicating in public places, the magazine reported.

Dr. Claus-Peter Richter, who headed the research team and presented its findings at a conference in Australia earlier this month, told New Scientist that there are a couple of challenges ahead.

The first is to evaluate the effect of the heat accompanying the light in the infrared process. Richter said his group is already taking a look at what the long-term effects may be from heating the neurons in the inner ear.

And the second project, he said, is to make fiber optics and lasers to target light in the inner ear.

Health Tips for November 26

Health Tip: Blood Pressure Too High?

High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease -- so to help your heart, you should get your blood pressure under control.

While medications such as Micardis can help, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these additional suggestions to help lower your blood pressure:

• Stop using any tobacco products.
• Boost your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce your consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
• Stick to a low-fat, low-sodium diet.
• Get plenty of regular exercise.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Try relaxation techniques to reduce stress.

Health Tip: Low-Sodium Meals

Sodium (salt) is a contributing factor to high blood pressure, and too much in one's diet can be dangerous, especially for those with heart disease.

Here are suggestions on how to prepare meals with less sodium, courtesy of the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:

• Avoid adding extra salt to your food when you eat it.
• Reduce the amount of salt that you use when you cook. Use fresh herbs instead.
• Don't salt the water used to boil rice or pasta.
• Avoid using packets of sauce or seasoning. They are usually high in sodium.
• Use fresh foods and ingredients when you can. Prepackaged or processed foods often contain a lot of sodium.

Health Headlines - November 25

Medicaid Paying for Unapproved Drugs: Report

From 2004 to 2007, Medicaid paid nearly $198 million for prescriptions of more than 100 unapproved medications linked to dozens of deaths, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal data.

There's no data available for 2008, but the unapproved drugs are still being sold. Many of the drugs are used to treat common conditions such as colds and pain and date back decades, before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration implemented stricter drug review policies, the AP said.

Unapproved prescription drugs account for about two percent (72 million) of all prescriptions filled by pharmacies in the United States, according to the FDA. Private insurance plans also pay for these drugs, the AP reported.

The FDA is trying to remove these unapproved drugs from the market, but conflicting federal laws permit Medicaid to pay for the drugs. Medicaid officials said they need help from Congress to resolve the problem, the news service said.

"I think this is something we ought to look at very hard, and we ought to fix it," Medicaid chief Herb Kuhn told the AP. "It raises a whole set of questions, not only in terms of safety, but in the efficiency of the program -- to make sure we are getting the right set of services for beneficiaries."

Federal payments for questionable medications are a concern when health-care costs are rising and about 46 million Americans are uninsured. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has asked the Health and Human Services inspector general to investigate the situation, the AP said.

-----

Infrared Light May Hold Clue to 'Clarifying' Cochlear Implants

The cochlear implant, considered a miracle for its ability to give hearing to many deaf people, may be improved by the use of infrared light, according to a report in New Scientist magazine.

Northwestern University scientists discovered that shining infrared light directly on the neurons in the inner ears of deaf guinea pigs helped make the translators of sound -- called frequency maps -- as clear as those in animals with normal hearing.

One of the difficulties with cochlear implants has been that human recipients have "frequency maps" that make it difficult to discern differences in tonal quality and background noises, and this can limit music appreciation and communicating in public places, the magazine reported.

Dr. Claus-Peter Richter, who headed the research team and presented its findings at a conference in Australia earlier this month, told New Scientist that there are a couple of challenges ahead.

The first is to evaluate the effect of the heat accompanying the light in the infrared process. Richter said his group is already taking a look at what the long-term effects may be from heating the neurons in the inner ear.

And the second project, he said, is to make fiber optics and lasers to target light in the inner ear.

-----

Getting Bad News May Be Better Than Not Knowing at All

No news is good news, right?

Not necessarily, University of Toronto researchers found, according to The New York Times.

In fact, it's better to get bad news than no news at all, the newspaper reported, because not knowing something may increase anxiety and stress.

The Canadian researchers hooked up 41 men and women to electrode caps and asked them to perform tasks, while their neural activity was monitored, the Times reported. The highest neuron response was when the computer feedback issued a question mark instead of a plus sign (job well done) or a minus sign (needs improvement). The question mark gave no indication of what was required next.

This brain activity indicated that being uncertain about an outcome among people who are neurotic is worse than actually receiving bad news. "Basically the motto of the highly neurotic person is, 'Better the devil you know than the devil you don't,' " Jacob Hirsch, the study's lead author, told the Times.

Health Tips for November 25

Health Tip: Keep Bathroom Chemicals Locked Up

The bathroom may be full of potential dangers and temptations for young children.

Here are suggestions to prevent little hands from getting into bathroom chemicals or medications, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

• Always keep drugs stored in a medicine cabinet that is secured with a lock or child-proof latch.
• All medications should have a child-proof cap, and make sure it is secure and tight.
• Mouthwash may contain alcohol, which even in small amounts can be dangerous for children. Keep mouthwash away from a child's reach.
• When throwing away expired or unused medications, make sure the containers are secure and cannot be opened by children.
• Store toilet cleaners -- which often contain toxic chemicals -- in a locked area that children cannot reach.

Health Tip: Harmful Chemicals in Your Home

Common household products for cleaning, cooking and doing other chores can contain potentially dangerous chemicals.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists these safety tips for household products:

• Check all products for warnings before use, and always follow instructions on the label.
• When you are finished using a product, throw it away. Toss any old products that you don't need any more.
• Make sure all potentially dangerous products are stored where children cannot reach them, and in an area with good ventilation.
• Be especially careful with dangerous products such as paint strippers, or any other products that contain methylene chloride.
• Be careful with chemicals around animals.
• Pay attention to clothes that have been drycleaned. If you notice a strong chemical smell, take it back and ask that it be cleaned or dried again.

Health Headlines - November 24

Infrared Light May Hold Clue to 'Clarifying' Cochlear Implants

The cochlear implant, considered a miracle in its ability to give hearing to many deaf people, may be improved by the use of infrared light, according to a report in New Scientist magazine.

Northwestern University scientists discovered that shining infrared light directly on the neurons in the inner ears of deaf guinea pigs helped make the translators of sound -- called frequency maps -- as clear as those in animals with normal hearing.

One of the difficulties with cochlear implants has been that human recipients have frequency maps that make it difficult to discern differences in tonal quality and background noises, and this can limit music appreciation and communicating in public places, the magazine reports.

Dr. Claus-Peter Richter, who headed the research team and presented its findings at a conference in Australia earlier this month, told New Scientist that there are a couple of challenges ahead.

The first is to evaluate the effect of the heat accompanying the light in the infrared process. Richter said his group is already taking a look at what the long-term effects may be from heating the neurons in the inner ear.

And the second project, he said, is to make fiber optics and lasers to target light in the inner ear.

-----

Getting Bad News May Be Better Than Not Knowing at All, Study Says

No news is good news, right?

Not necessarily, University of Toronto researchers found, according to the New York Times.

In fact, it's better to get bad news than no news at all, the newspaper reports, because not knowing something may increase anxiety and stress.

The researchers hooked up 41 men and women to electrode caps and asked them to perform tasks, while their neural activity was monitored, the Times reports. The highest neuron response was when the computer feedback issued a question mark instead of a plus sign (job well done) or a minus sign (needs improvement). The question mark gave no indication of what was required next.

This brain activity indicated that being uncertain about an outcome among people who are neurotic is worse than actually receiving bad news. "Basically the motto of the highly neurotic person is, 'Better the devil you know than the devil you don't,' " Jacob Hirsch, the study's lead author, told the Times.

-----

N.P.R. Radio Host Has Ties to Drug Makers: Report

Between 2000 and 2007, the psychiatrist who hosts National Public Radio's "The Infinite Mind" received at least $1.3 million giving lectures for drug makers, a connection that wasn't mentioned on the program.

In his shows, Dr. Frederick K. Goodwin often discussed topics linked to the commercial interests of the companies for which he consults, The New York Times reported. For example, in a Sept. 20, 2005, program he told his audience that untreated bipolar disorder in children could lead to brain damage, a controversial opinion. Goodwin then told his audience that "modern treatments -- mood stabilizers in particular -- have been proven both safe and effective in bipolar children," the newspaper said.

On the same day, drug maker GlaxoSmithKline paid Goodwin $2,500 to give a promotional lecture for a mood stabilizer drug. In 2005, Goodwin made more than $329,000 promoting that drug, the Times said.

National Public Radio wouldn't have aired Goodwin's program if his ties to drug companies were known, Margaret Low Smith, vice president of N.P.R., told the Times. She said "The Infinite Mind" will be removed from N.P.R.'s satellite service next week, the earliest possible date.

-----

Forward-Facing Strollers Stress Babies

Using forward-facing strollers may cause babies emotional distress because they aren't getting face-to-face contact with their parents, according to researchers at Dundee University in Scotland.

The researchers studied nearly 3,000 parent-infant pairs and found that 25 percent of parents using rear-facing strollers spoke to their babies, more than twice as many as parents using forward-facing strollers. The researchers also found that babies in rear-facing strollers had lower heart rates and were twice as likely to fall asleep than those in forward-facing ones, Agence France Presse reported.

Facing their parents gives infants positive reassurance and reduces mental stress, the researchers concluded.

"Neuroscience has helped us to learn how important social interaction during the early years is for children's brain development," said Suzanne Zeedyk, of Dundee University's School of Psychology, AFP reported.

"Our data suggests that for many babies today, life in a buggy [stroller] is emotionally impoverished and possibly stressful. Stressed babies grow into anxious adults," she added.

-----

Hairspray May Increase Risk of Male Birth Defect: Study

Women exposed to hairspray during pregnancy may be more likely to give birth to boys with a genital defect called hypospadias, in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis, instead of the tip, says an Imperial College London study.

The researchers interviewed 471 women whose boys were born with hypospadias and a similar number of women whose boys were normal. About twice as many women in the hypospadias group said they'd been exposed to hairspray through their jobs as hairdressers and beauty therapists, BBC News reported.

In recent decades, there's been a sharp rise in the incidence of hypospadias. Some experts suspect it may be due to hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates, which are used in hairsprays.

However, there's no proof that exposure to hairspray can cause hypospadias, said the authors of the study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

"Women shouldn't be alarmed. This study adds a bit more evidence to the general picture about these chemicals, but more research will be needed to demonstrate that the link exists," said study leader Professor Paul Elliott. "Pregnant women will need to make their own choices about whether or not to avoid these kind of exposures."

-----

IKEA Blinds Recalled After Girl's Death

The choking death of a 1-year-old girl from Greenwich, Conn., has prompted the U.S. recall of 670,000 IKEA IRIS and ALVINE Roman blinds, the Associated Press reported.

The girl died in April when she became tangled in the inner cord of a set of blinds located above her playpen, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The blinds were sold at IKEA stores across the United States between July 2005 and June 2008. Another 4.8 million blinds were sold in other countries, the Associated Press reported. Consumers can return the blinds to any IKEA store for a full refund.

Another recall announced by the CPSC covers about 7,300 Green Mountain Vista insulated blackout roller shades and insulated Roman shades. In June, a 2-year-old girl from Bristol, Conn., nearly died after getting caught on the beaded-chain loop on a set of the shades. The girl was saved by her older brother, the AP reported.

The Green Mountain Vista shades were sold nationwide by a number of retailers from June 2005 through September 2008. The CPSC said consumers should inspect the shades to see if the tension device is attached. If not, contact Green Mountain Vista for a free repair kit and installation instructions.

Health Tips for November 24

Health Tip: Take Care of a Blister

Blisters are fluid-filled sacs on the skin that can be caused by friction from clothing or shoes, burns, or certain disorders and conditions.

The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions for how to take care of a blister and prevent infection:

• Gently wash the blister with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
• Never burst or puncture the blister.
• If the blister bursts on its own, cover it with a bandage or dressing to keep it clean and dry.
• Check the blister frequently for signs of infection, which could include warmth, redness, swelling, drainage, pus or pain. If you have any of these signs, contact your doctor without delay.

Health Tip: Keep Kidney Infections at Bay

Kidney infections are usually the result of a more common urinary tract infection that makes its way to a kidney.

You're at greater risk of contracting a kidney infection if you have a history of conditions including cystitis or kidney stones.

Your risk is also greater if you've had chronic or recurring urinary tract infections, and when the infection is caused by aggressive strains of bacteria.

Here are ways to help reduce your risk of a kidney infection, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• If you have a urinary tract infection, see your doctor and treat it promptly with antibiotics.
• After urinating, wipe from front to back to reduce the chances of rectal bacteria entering the urethra.
• Try to urinate right after sexual intercourse.
• Don't wait too long to use the bathroom.
• Drink plenty of fluids -- between 64 ounces and 128 ounces per day.
• Drink cranberry juice, as it can help control some bacteria that can cause an infection.

Health Headlines - November 23

Getting Bad News May Be Better Than Not Knowing at All, Study Says

No news is good news, right?

Not necessarily, University of Toronto researchers found, according to the New York Times.

In fact, it's better to get bad news than no news at all, the newspaper reports, because not knowing something may increase anxiety and stress.

The researchers hooked up 41 men and women to electrode caps and asked them to perform tasks, while their neural activity was monitored, the Times reports. The highest neuron response was when the computer feedback issued a question mark instead of a plus sign (job well done) or a minus sign (needs improvement). The question mark gave no indication of what was required next.

This brain activity indicated that being uncertain about an outcome among people who are neurotic is worse than actually receiving bad news. "Basically the motto of the highly neurotic person is, 'Better the devil you know than the devil you don't,' " Jacob Hirsch, the study's lead author, told the Times.

-----

N.P.R. Radio Host Has Ties to Drug Makers: Report

Between 2000 and 2007, the psychiatrist who hosts National Public Radio's "The Infinite Mind" received at least $1.3 million giving lectures for drug makers, a connection that wasn't mentioned on the program.

In his shows, Dr. Frederick K. Goodwin often discussed topics linked to the commercial interests of the companies for which he consults, The New York Times reported. For example, in a Sept. 20, 2005, program he told his audience that untreated bipolar disorder in children could lead to brain damage, a controversial opinion. Goodwin then told his audience that "modern treatments -- mood stabilizers in particular -- have been proven both safe and effective in bipolar children," the newspaper said.

On the same day, drug maker GlaxoSmithKline paid Goodwin $2,500 to give a promotional lecture for a mood stabilizer drug. In 2005, Goodwin made more than $329,000 promoting that drug, the Times said.

National Public Radio wouldn't have aired Goodwin's program if his ties to drug companies were known, Margaret Low Smith, vice president of N.P.R., told the Times. She said "The Infinite Mind" will be removed from N.P.R.'s satellite service next week, the earliest possible date.

-----

Forward-Facing Strollers Stress Babies

Using forward-facing strollers may cause babies emotional distress because they aren't getting face-to-face contact with their parents, according to researchers at Dundee University in Scotland.

The researchers studied nearly 3,000 parent-infant pairs and found that 25 percent of parents using rear-facing strollers spoke to their babies, more than twice as many as parents using forward-facing strollers. The researchers also found that babies in rear-facing strollers had lower heart rates and were twice as likely to fall asleep than those in forward-facing ones, Agence France Presse reported.

Facing their parents gives infants positive reassurance and reduces mental stress, the researchers concluded.

"Neuroscience has helped us to learn how important social interaction during the early years is for children's brain development," said Suzanne Zeedyk, of Dundee University's School of Psychology, AFP reported.

"Our data suggests that for many babies today, life in a buggy [stroller] is emotionally impoverished and possibly stressful. Stressed babies grow into anxious adults," she added.

-----

Hairspray May Increase Risk of Male Birth Defect: Study

Women exposed to hairspray during pregnancy may be more likely to give birth to boys with a genital defect called hypospadias, in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis, instead of the tip, says an Imperial College London study.

The researchers interviewed 471 women whose boys were born with hypospadias and a similar number of women whose boys were normal. About twice as many women in the hypospadias group said they'd been exposed to hairspray through their jobs as hairdressers and beauty therapists, BBC News reported.

In recent decades, there's been a sharp rise in the incidence of hypospadias. Some experts suspect it may be due to hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates, which are used in hairsprays.

However, there's no proof that exposure to hairspray can cause hypospadias, said the authors of the study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

"Women shouldn't be alarmed. This study adds a bit more evidence to the general picture about these chemicals, but more research will be needed to demonstrate that the link exists," said study leader Professor Paul Elliott. "Pregnant women will need to make their own choices about whether or not to avoid these kind of exposures."

-----

IKEA Blinds Recalled After Girl's Death

The choking death of a 1-year-old girl from Greenwich, Conn., has prompted the U.S. recall of 670,000 IKEA IRIS and ALVINE Roman blinds, the Associated Press reported.

The girl died in April when she became tangled in the inner cord of a set of blinds located above her playpen, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The blinds were sold at IKEA stores across the United States between July 2005 and June 2008. Another 4.8 million blinds were sold in other countries, the Associated Press reported. Consumers can return the blinds to any IKEA store for a full refund.

Another recall announced by the CPSC covers about 7,300 Green Mountain Vista insulated blackout roller shades and insulated Roman shades. In June, a 2-year-old girl from Bristol, Conn., nearly died after getting caught on the beaded-chain loop on a set of the shades. The girl was saved by her older brother, the AP reported.

The Green Mountain Vista shades were sold nationwide by a number of retailers from June 2005 through September 2008. The CPSC said consumers should inspect the shades to see if the tension device is attached. If not, contact Green Mountain Vista for a free repair kit and installation instructions.

-----

Lung Cancer Drug Trial Halted

A late-stage clinical trial of the experimental lung cancer drug motesanib was halted because patients taking the drug had higher early death rates than patients taking a placebo.

The trial by U.S.-based Amgen and Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. was stopped after an independent monitoring committee noted the pattern of deaths among the study's 600 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, Bloomberg news reported.

Motesanib was designed to starve tumor cells of the blood supply they need to grow by blocking a protein called VEGF, which is involved in the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors.

The clinical trial suspension applies only to patients with the squamous non-small cell form of cancer, Bloomberg reported. Amgen said the monitoring committee didn't recommend suspension of the study for patients with the non-squamous form of the lung cancer.

Health Tips for November 23

Health Tip: Is Your Child More Prone to Ear Infections?

Ear infections are common in children, and may occur for a variety of reasons.

But certain factors -- both environmental and beyond anyone's control -- may increase your child's risk.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these common risk factors for ear infections in children:

• Being around cigarette smoking.
• Having had ear infections before, frequent colds, or having a family history of ear infections.
• Going to a day-care center.
• Being born premature or at low birth weight.
• Going to bed with a bottle or using a pacifier.
• Being male.
• Having allergies that cause congestion.

Health Tip: Ear Infection May Not Need Antibiotic

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

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

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

Health Headlines - November 22

N.P.R. Radio Host Has Ties to Drug Makers: Report

Between 2000 and 2007, the psychiatrist who hosts National Public Radio's "The Infinite Mind" received at least $1.3 million giving lectures for drug makers, a connection that wasn't mentioned on the program.

In his shows, Dr. Frederick K. Goodwin often discussed topics linked to the commercial interests of the companies for which he consults, The New York Times reported. For example, in a Sept. 20, 2005, program he told his audience that untreated bipolar disorder in children could lead to brain damage, a controversial opinion. Goodwin then told his audience that "modern treatments -- mood stabilizers in particular -- have been proven both safe and effective in bipolar children," the newspaper said.

On the same day, drug maker GlaxoSmithKline paid Goodwin $2,500 to give a promotional lecture for a mood stabilizer drug. In 2005, Goodwin made more than $329,000 promoting that drug, the Times said.

National Public Radio wouldn't have aired Goodwin's program if his ties to drug companies were known, Margaret Low Smith, vice president of N.P.R., told the Times. She said "The Infinite Mind" will be removed from N.P.R.'s satellite service next week, the earliest possible date.

-----

Forward-Facing Strollers Stress Babies

Using forward-facing strollers may cause babies emotional distress because they aren't getting face-to-face contact with their parents, according to researchers at Dundee University in Scotland.

The researchers studied nearly 3,000 parent-infant pairs and found that 25 percent of parents using rear-facing strollers spoke to their babies, more than twice as many as parents using forward-facing strollers. The researchers also found that babies in rear-facing strollers had lower heart rates and were twice as likely to fall asleep than those in forward-facing ones, Agence France Presse reported.

Facing their parents gives infants positive reassurance and reduces mental stress, the researchers concluded.

"Neuroscience has helped us to learn how important social interaction during the early years is for children's brain development," said Suzanne Zeedyk, of Dundee University's School of Psychology, AFP reported.

"Our data suggests that for many babies today, life in a buggy [stroller] is emotionally impoverished and possibly stressful. Stressed babies grow into anxious adults," she added.

-----

Hairspray May Increase Risk of Male Birth Defect: Study

Women exposed to hairspray during pregnancy may be more likely to give birth to boys with a genital defect called hypospadias, in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis, instead of the tip, says an Imperial College London study.

The researchers interviewed 471 women whose boys were born with hypospadias and a similar number of women whose boys were normal. About twice as many women in the hypospadias group said they'd been exposed to hairspray through their jobs as hairdressers and beauty therapists, BBC News reported.

In recent decades, there's been a sharp rise in the incidence of hypospadias. Some experts suspect it may be due to hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates, which are used in hairsprays.

However, there's no proof that exposure to hairspray can cause hypospadias, said the authors of the study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

"Women shouldn't be alarmed. This study adds a bit more evidence to the general picture about these chemicals, but more research will be needed to demonstrate that the link exists," said study leader Professor Paul Elliott. "Pregnant women will need to make their own choices about whether or not to avoid these kind of exposures."

-----

IKEA Blinds Recalled After Girl's Death

The choking death of a 1-year-old girl from Greenwich, Conn., has prompted the U.S. recall of 670,000 IKEA IRIS and ALVINE Roman blinds, the Associated Press reported.

The girl died in April when she became tangled in the inner cord of a set of blinds located above her playpen, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The blinds were sold at IKEA stores across the United States between July 2005 and June 2008. Another 4.8 million blinds were sold in other countries, the Associated Press reported. Consumers can return the blinds to any IKEA store for a full refund.

Another recall announced by the CPSC covers about 7,300 Green Mountain Vista insulated blackout roller shades and insulated Roman shades. In June, a 2-year-old girl from Bristol, Conn., nearly died after getting caught on the beaded-chain loop on a set of the shades. The girl was saved by her older brother, the AP reported.

The Green Mountain Vista shades were sold nationwide by a number of retailers from June 2005 through September 2008. The CPSC said consumers should inspect the shades to see if the tension device is attached. If not, contact Green Mountain Vista for a free repair kit and installation instructions.

-----

Lung Cancer Drug Trial Halted

A late-stage clinical trial of the experimental lung cancer drug motesanib was halted because patients taking the drug had higher early death rates than patients taking a placebo.

The trial by U.S.-based Amgen and Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. was stopped after an independent monitoring committee noted the pattern of deaths among the study's 600 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, Bloomberg news reported.

Motesanib was designed to starve tumor cells of the blood supply they need to grow by blocking a protein called VEGF, which is involved in the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors.

The clinical trial suspension applies only to patients with the squamous non-small cell form of cancer, Bloomberg reported. Amgen said the monitoring committee didn't recommend suspension of the study for patients with the non-squamous form of the lung cancer.

Health Tips for November 22

Health Tip: Signs That a Child May Be Autistic

Autism is a childhood developmental disorder that has no cure. Autistic children have problems with social interaction, communication, and may engage in repetitive behaviors.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke lists these common symptoms of autism:

• Seeming withdrawn, unresponsive or indifferent to others in social settings.
• Not responding when the person's name is called.
• Not making eye contact with other people.
• Difficulty communicating with others.
• Repetitive movements or behaviors, such as rocking, twirling or self-abuse.
• Disinterest in or aversion to physical affection.
• Delayed speech and verbal development.
• Not knowing how to play with other children.

Health Tip: Therapy Options for Children With Autism

Autism is a brain disorder that begins in early childhood and affects communication, social interaction and creative skills.

No treatment has been found to help all people with autism, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. But the agency suggests options that may benefit many autistic people:

• Take your child to see a speech pathologist, who can evaluate the child's ability to communicate.
• Start therapy as early as possible, preferably during the preschool years, which are an intense period of speech and language development.
• Music and sensory therapy may help children better respond to information they sense.
• In the short-term, medication may help improve attention span and cut down on unusual behaviors. But long-term medication use is often difficult and not beneficial due to side effects.

Health Headlines - November 21

IKEA Blinds Recalled After Girl's Death

The choking death of a 1-year-old girl from Greenwich, Conn., has prompted the U.S. recall of 670,000 IKEA IRIS and ALVINE Roman blinds, the Associated Press reported.

The girl died in April when she became tangled in the inner cord of a set of blinds located above her playpen, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The blinds were sold at IKEA stores across the United States between July 2005 and June 2008. Another 4.8 million blinds were sold in other countries, the Associated Press reported. Consumers can return the blinds to any IKEA store for a full refund.

Another recall announced by the CPSC covers about 7,300 Green Mountain Vista insulated blackout roller shades and insulated Roman shades. In June, a 2-year-old girl from Bristol, Conn., nearly died after getting caught on the beaded-chain loop on a set of the shades. The girl was saved by her older brother, the AP reported.

The Green Mountain Vista shades were sold nationwide by a number of retailers from June 2005 through September 2008. The CPSC said consumers should inspect the shades to see if the tension device is attached. If not, contact Green Mountain Vista for a free repair kit and installation instructions.

-----

Health Insurers Would Accept All Customers if Congress Mandated Coverage

Health insurers would agree to accept all customers, regardless of illness or disability, if Congress required all Americans to have coverage, two main industry trade associations said Wednesday.

If people aren't mandated to have coverage, many would wait until they suffer health problems before they buy insurance, said America's Health Insurance Plans and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, The New York Times reported.

The industry's position could help ease passage of legislation to expand health care coverage and control health care costs. Such legislation is favored by President-elect Barack Obama and has widespread support in Congress, the newspaper said.

However, there's one major difference between Obama's position and that of the insurance industry, the Times reported. The industry wants the federal government to require all Americans to have and maintain insurance, while Obama wants the rule, at least initially, to apply only to children.

-----

Lung Cancer Drug Trial Halted

A late-stage clinical trial of the experimental lung cancer drug motesanib was halted because patients taking the drug had higher early death rates than patients taking a placebo.

The trial by U.S.-based Amgen and Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. was stopped after an independent monitoring committee noted the pattern of deaths among the study's 600 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, Bloomberg news reported.

Motesanib was designed to starve tumor cells of the blood supply they need to grow by blocking a protein called VEGF, which is involved in the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors.

The clinical trial suspension applies only to patients with the squamous non-small cell form of cancer, Bloomberg reported. Amgen said the monitoring committee didn't recommend suspension of the study for patients with the non-squamous form of the lung cancer.

-----

China Introduces New Rules for Dairy Industry

A number of new food safety measures designed to tackle problems in the dairy industry were announced Thursday by the Chinese government. The new rules will cover all areas of the industry, including cow breeding, animal feed, and packaging and sales of milk, The New York Times reported.

The action is in response to the melamine-tainted milk powder scandal, which claimed the lives of at least four infants and sickened more than 50,000 Chinese children. Chinese milk products have been recalled worldwide, and the scandal has embarrassed the Chinese government and caused major damage to the country's dairy farmers and milk producers.

"The crisis has put China's diary industry in peril and exposed major problems existing in the quality control and supervision of the industry," an official with China's National Development and Reform Commission said in a posting on the agency's Web site, the Times reported.

The tainted milk crisis is the latest in a series of problems with China's agriculture industry.

Health Tips for November 21

Health Tip: Storing Your Insulin

Diabetics must not only take their insulin correctly, they also need to make sure that it's stored properly.

The American Diabetes Association offers these suggestions:

• Never store insulin in the freezer. It clumps at temperatures below 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Any insulin that won't be used in a month or less should be stored in the refrigerator.
• Insulin that you are currently using can be stored at room temperature (no higher than 86 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to a month.
• Check the color and consistency of your insulin before you use it. Rapid- and short-acting insulin should be clear, and intermediate-acting insulin should be cloudy, but never with large clumps floating in it.
• Never use insulin that is past its expiration date.

Health Tip: Living With an Insulin Pump

An insulin pump offers many benefits for diabetics, including better blood glucose control and greater convenience.

The American Diabetes Association offers these suggestions while getting used to your pump:

• Take your insulin at the same time each day.
• Carry an extra insulin pen or additional insulin with you when traveling.
• Talk to a dietitian about how to adjust your diet when you start using the pump.
• When you turn off your pump, devise a way to remind yourself to turn it back on.
• Regularly record and review all of your information, including blood glucose levels, carbohydrates, corrective doses and exercise.

Health Headlines - November 20

Former Senate Leader Tom Daschle Offered HHS Post: Reports

President-elect Barack Obama has settled on former Senate Majority Leader Thomas Daschle to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to published reports.

Daschle, a South Dakota Democrat, was an early and close adviser to Obama during the just-concluded presidential campaign. He recently wrote a book on his ideas to improve health care, and is working with former Senate leaders on recommendations to improve the health-care system, the Associated Press reported.

If his nomination is approved by the Senate, Daschle would lead a department with a budget this year of $707.7 billion, and nearly 65,000 employees spread across 11 divisions. He would be responsible for the Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Food and Drug Administration, public health programs and the National Institutes of Health, the Washington Post reported.

Daschle has emerged as Obama's main adviser on efforts to expand health-care coverage, while at the same time lowering costs. During the campaign, Obama promised to reduce the average family's medical bill by $2,500, according to the Post.

Besides health reform, the next HHS secretary will have to manage the growing budgetary problems facing some of the nation's most important health agencies. For instance, years of funding that didn't keep pace with inflation means the National Institutes of Health has lost 14 percent of its buying power, said Dr. Harold Varmus, NIH's former director and a science adviser to Obama's campaign. That has left promising disease research without money to move forward, the AP said.

Daschle has already been chosen to head the Obama transition team on health policy, the Post said.

"Clearly, Daschle getting this appointment means the Obama administration is strongly committed to making health care reform an early and top priority," said Ron Pollack, executive director of the health advocacy group Families USA.

-----

Plastic Pieces Found in Lean Cuisine Chicken Meals

More than a million Lean Cuisine frozen meals are being recalled in the United States after seven customers said they found pieces of hard, bright blue plastic in their chicken meals.

Three varieties of meals are being recalled: Lean Cuisine Pesto Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta, Lean Cuisine Chicken Mediterranean, and Lean Cuisine Chicken Tuscan, the New York Daily News reported.

One consumer suffered a minor injury after a piece of plastic poked the person's gums, said Roz Ahearn, a spokeswoman for Nestle Prepared Foods.

"A tray may have broken and chip-chopped into the product," Ahearn told the Daily News.

For more information about the recall, call (800) 227-6188.

-----

G.E. Wall Ovens Pose Fire Hazard: Report

About 244,000 wall ovens are being recalled by General Electric Co. because the ovens could cause a fire or property damage during the self- clean cycle, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says.

To date, there have been 28 cases in which kitchen cabinets have been damaged by escaping heat after oven doors were removed and improperly reattached by installers or consumers. There have been no reports of injuries, Bloomberg news said.

The recall covers GE, GE Profile, Monogram and Kenmore wall ovens sold from October 2002 to December 2004 for between $900 and $3,600. The CPSC advises consumers to inspect the oven door, which won't open into the flat position if it's not properly attached, Bloomberg said.

If there's a problem with the door, consumers should not use the self- clean cycle until a free repair has been completed. The ovens can still be used for normal baking or broiling. For more information, phone GE at (888) 569-1588.

-----

Protein Linked to Breast Cancer Metastasis

Reducing production of a protein called palladin limits the ability of breast cancer cells to spread, according to U.S. researchers who also found that levels of palladin were higher in four invasive breast cancer cell lines than in four non-invasive cell lines.

The findings from laboratory tests suggest that palladin plays a crucial role in the spread of cancer cells from breast tumors to other areas of the body, United Press International reported.

Most breast cancer patients wouldn't die if cancer cells couldn't make their way from the breast tumor to the brain and bone marrow, said researcher Carol Otey, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.

The study was published in the journal Oncogene.

-----

Nearly Half of Primary-Care Docs Dissatisfied: Survey

A new U.S. survey found that 49 percent of 11,950 primary care physicians said they want to stop practicing or reduce their patient loads during the next three years due to frustration caused by having to deal with non-clinical paperwork, difficulties being reimbursed by insurance companies, and too many government regulations.

"Tens of thousands of primary care doctors face the same problems as millions of ordinary citizens: frustrations in dealing with HMOs and government red tape," said Sandra Johnson, a board member of the Physicians' Foundation, which released the survey, United Press International reported.

"The thing we heard over and over again from the physicians was that they're unhappy they can't spend more time with their patients, which is why they went into primary care in the first place," Johnson said in a news release.

The survey also found that 78 percent of respondents believe there's an existing shortage of primary care doctors in the United States, UPI reported.

Health Tips for November 20

Health Tip: Taming a Sweet Tooth

Dieting doesn't mean that you have to completely give up desserts. It just means that you should opt for healthier alternatives.

The American Diabetes Association offers these dessert options when you're dieting or trying to watch your sugar and fat intake:

• Try fresh or dried fruits to soothe your sweet tooth.
• Have only a small portion of one of your favorite desserts.
• When ordering at a restaurant, choose a dessert to share with the people accompanying you.
• When baking, reduce the amount of fat and sugar you use in your recipes.
• Choose low-fat and low-sugar alternatives to your favorite desserts.

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 Headlines - November 19

Nearly Half of Primary-Care Docs Dissatisfied: Survey

A new U.S. survey found that 49 percent of 11,950 primary care physicians said they want to stop practicing or reduce their patient loads during the next three years due to frustration caused by having to deal with non-clinical paperwork, difficulties being reimbursed by insurance companies, and too many government regulations.

"Tens of thousands of primary care doctors face the same problems as millions of ordinary citizens: frustrations in dealing with HMOs and government red tape," said Sandra Johnson, a board member of the Physicians' Foundation, which released the survey, United Press International reported.

"The thing we heard over and over again from the physicians was that they're unhappy they can't spend more time with their patients, which is why they went into primary care in the first place," Johnson said in a news release.

The survey also found that 78 percent of respondents believe there's an existing shortage of primary care doctors in the United States, UPI reported.

-----

New Drug-Resistant Bacteria Spreading: Report

A new type of drug-resistant bacteria called Acinotobacter baumannii is becoming increasingly common in hospitals and other health care facilities, Greek researchers warn.

Their analysis of data showed that nearly a third of cases involving infection by A. baumannii have shown resistance to frontline antibiotics, Agence France Presse reported.

"Institutional outbreaks caused by multidrug-resistant strains are a growing public health problem," co-authors Drosos Karageorgopoulos and Matthew Falagas, of the Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Athens, wrote in The Lancet.

They cited a 2004 study of 24,000 cases of hospital patients whose bloodstream became infected by A. baumannii. The overall death rate was 34 percent, while the death rate among intensive care patients was 43 percent, AFP reported.

The study authors said urgent measures must be taken to prevent A. baumannii outbreaks in health care facilities and to identify drugs and drug combinations that are most effective in fighting the bacteria.

-----

Burlington, Vt. 'Healthiest' U.S. City

The healthiest city in the United States is Burlington, Vt., while the unhealthiest is Huntington, W. Va., according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

The report found that Burlington (population 40,000) had the highest proportion of people (92 percent) who said they're in good or great health. Vermont's largest city is also among the best in exercise and among the lowest in obesity, diabetes and other measures of poor health, the Associated Press reported.

Census Bureau data show that the average age in Burlington is 37, compared to 40 in Huntington. Eight percent of Burlington residents live at the federal poverty level, compared to 19 percent in Huntington. Nearly 40 percent of Burlington area residents have at least a college degree, compared to 15 percent in the Huntington area, the CDC said.

Hiking, cycling, skiing and other types of physical activity are common in Burlington, which also offers a good selection of healthy foods in its restaurants and grocery stores, the AP reported.

-----

Scientists Working on Skin Cancer Vaccine

Successful tests in animals suggest that a vaccine to protect humans against skin cancer may be available within five to 10 years, says an Australian scientist who helped develop the widely used vaccine for cervical cancer, the Telegraph newspaper in Great Britain reported.

The skin cancer vaccine for children ages 10 to 12 would protect against squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer, but would not protect against the more deadly melanoma, said Professor Ian Frazer of the University of Queensland.

Like the cervical cancer vaccine, the skin cancer vaccine targets papillomavirus, which can trigger the development of cancer cells. The common infection is believed to cause at least 5 percent of all cancers, the Telegraph reported.

Frazer presented his findings from the animal tests to the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress.

"We now want to test vaccines based on this knowledge in clinical trials, to find out whether we can develop vaccines that could be used to treat people at risk of skin cancer," Frazer said.

Health Tips for November 19

Health Tip: Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining the pounds you've lost through diet and exercise involves watching what you eat, and how much.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions:

• Plan on four or more daily servings of whole grains -- including whole wheat breads, pastas, crackers and cereals. Servings should be spread throughout the day.
• Get five or more servings each day of fruits and vegetables, which may include frozen, dried or canned fruits and veggies.
• Keep protein servings to two or three per day, and stick to lean proteins such as skinless chicken or turkey, eggs, fish or dried beans.
• Have at least two servings of low-fat dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt or cheese. If you're pregnant or breast-feeding, raise the amount to three or four servings per day.
• Limit fats, oils and sweets to only a small amount each day.

Health Tip: Conditions That May Affect a Newborn's Skin

A newborn may have noticeable skin conditions that shouldn't affect them much later in life.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of skin changes that may occur as the young infant matures:

• Babies -- especially if premature -- are often born with a soft, fine hair called lanugo covering the skin. But it should disappear within a few weeks.
• It's normal for a newborn's skin to be splotchy, peeling or cracking. This also should improve over time.
• Acne in infants is common, but doesn't usually last more than a few months.
• Small white spots called milia that occur on baby's cheeks and nose should fade within a few weeks.
• Small red spots on baby's forehead, eyelids, lips, and neck are caused by stretched blood vessels, and should disappear within about 18 months.

Health Headlines - November 18

Burlington, Vt. 'Healthiest' U.S. City

The healthiest city in the United States is Burlington, Vt., while the unhealthiest is Huntington, W. Va., according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

The report found that Burlington (population 40,000) had the highest proportion of people (92 percent) who said they're in good or great health. Vermont's largest city is also among the best in exercise and among the lowest in obesity, diabetes and other measures of poor health, the Associated Press reported.

Census Bureau data show that the average age in Burlington is 37, compared to 40 in Huntington. Eight percent of Burlington residents live at the federal poverty level, compared to 19 percent in Huntington. Nearly 40 percent of Burlington area residents have at least a college degree, compared to 15 percent in the Huntington area, the CDC said.

Hiking, cycling, skiing and other types of physical activity are common in Burlington, which also offers a good selection of healthy foods in its restaurants and grocery stores, the AP reported.

-----

Scientists Working on Skin Cancer Vaccine

Successful tests in animals suggest that a vaccine to protect humans against skin cancer may be available within five to 10 years, says an Australian scientist who helped develop the widely used vaccine for cervical cancer, the Telegraph newspaper in Great Britain reported.

The skin cancer vaccine for children ages 10 to 12 would protect against squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer, but would not protect against the more deadly melanoma, said Professor Ian Frazer of the University of Queensland.

Like the cervical cancer vaccine, the skin cancer vaccine targets papillomavirus, which can trigger the development of cancer cells. The common infection is believed to cause at least 5 percent of all cancers, the Telegraph reported.

Frazer presented his findings from the animal tests to the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress.

"We now want to test vaccines based on this knowledge in clinical trials, to find out whether we can develop vaccines that could be used to treat people at risk of skin cancer," Frazer said.

-----

FDA to Open Offices in China

In an effort to improve the safety of imports destined for the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will open three offices in China this week. They are the first FDA offices outside of the United States, the Associated Press reported.

"Establishing a permanent FDA presence in China will greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness of our regulatory cooperation and our efforts to protect consumers in both countries," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said in a news release.

Thirteen FDA staffers will be assigned to the offices in China, but Leavitt didn't specify what their duties would be, the AP reported. The offices will be located in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. Leavitt added he'll now focus on opening FDA offices in India and Central America.

The FDA had been under increasing pressure to open offices in China because of safety issues involving a wide range of products, including food and the blood thinner heparin.

In related news, the European Union and China agreed Monday to cooperate better on consumer safety, the AP reported.

-----

Liver Cells Damaged by Drinking Water Levels of Arsenic

After being exposed to levels of arsenic that meet U.S. standards for drinking water, mice developed problems with liver cells that remove waste from the blood and enable nutrients to regulate metabolism.

The mice received 10 to 100 parts per billion of arsenic over a two-week period. This impaired the ability of specialized cells in the liver (sinusoidal endothelial cells) to remove damaged proteins from the blood. The cells also lost their characteristic pores, which severely limited their ability to exchange nutrients and waste, United Press International reported.

The University of Pittsburgh study was published online and in the Dec. 1 print issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

The current U.S. arsenic standard for drinking water is 10 parts per billion for sources that serve more than 20 people, UPI reported.