Health Headlines - May 31

FDA Panel Recommends Drug for Rare Blood Disorder

Despite reservations by U.S. Food and Drug Administration scientists, a panel of experts advising the agency has recommended the full agency's approval of a drug to treat a rare immune system disorder that causes the body to destroy its own blood platelets.

The advisory panel voted unanimously Friday to recommend Promacta, produced by GlaxoSmithKline and Ligand Pharmaceuticals, the Associated Press reported. Earlier in the week, FDA scientists released data that they suggested found that Promacta was no better than a placebo in treating chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Some 60,000 people in the United States have the disorder, which leads to excessive bleeding and bruising.

While noting that the drug makers haven't provided long-term data on the drug's safety and effectiveness, the panel said a pair of six-week studies indicated Promacta was of significant benefit to people with the disorder, the AP reported.

The FDA has until June 19 to decide whether to approve the drug. While it isn't bound by the recommendations of its expert panels, it typically follows them.

-----

Facial Features Affect Perception of Mood

A person's facial expressions and mood can be misperceived due to differences in facial features such as eyebrow shape, eyelid position and wrinkles, according to a U.S. study.

It included 20 health care workers who viewed photos that were digitally altered to change a number of features. The participants were asked to rate, on a scale of 0 to 5, seven expressions or emotions conveyed in the photos: tiredness, happiness, surprise, anger, disgust, fear and sadness, United Press International reported.

Results for the altered photos were compared to the scores from the original photos. Overall, eyebrow shape was deemed to be the greatest indicator of mood, drooping of the eyelids was considered the biggest indicator of tiredness, and raising the lower eyelid and the presence of crow's feet were associated with happiness.

The study appears in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

"A key complaint of those seeking facial plastic surgery is that people always tell them they look tired, even when they do not feel tired," study co-author Dr. John Persing said in a prepared statement cited by UPI. "We found that variations in eyebrow contour, drooping of the upper eyelid, and wrinkles may be conveying facial expressions that don't necessarily match how patients are feeling."

-----

Recalled Toy Helicopters Pose Fire, Burn Hazards

About 152,000 Sky Champion wireless indoor helicopters are being recalled because the rechargeable battery inside the toy can ignite and pose fire or burn hazards to consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. There have been two reports of the Chinese-made toy helicopters catching fire but no reports of injuries or property damage, according to importer/distributor Tradewinds International Enterprises Inc. (TWIE), of San Francisco, Calif.

The recalled helicopters have the code BH26047 printed on the tail. The code WIC 551777 and the UPC code 630990006005 are printed on the packaging. The toys were sold at Walgreens stores across the United States from June 2007 through November 2007 for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the toys and contact TWIE at 888-583-4908 for a refund. Walgreens will not accept returns or provide refunds, the CPSC said.

-----

Most Children's Caregivers Ignorant About Household Poisons

Less than one-third of people who cared for children younger than age six knew the toxicity of common household products, a new U.S. study found.

"Young children are at risk of household chemical ingestion and their caretakers often do not have a good understanding of how toxic those chemical are. Parental education needs to be focused more on younger caretakers with more children," study leader Dr. Rika N. O'Malley, of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, said in a prepared statement.

The researchers screened primary caregivers who visited emergency departments, asking them to identify toxic items from a list of common household products. People with a higher level of education, responsibility for fewer children, and those more than 23 years old were more likely to have knowledge of household poisons.

The study was presented Friday at a meeting of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

The researchers said doctors needed to boost efforts to educate primary caregivers about the risks of household toxins.

-----

500,000 Asian Youth Targeted by Tobacco Companies: WHO

Tobacco advertising that targets teens is putting half-a-billion young Asians at risk for tobacco-related diseases, says the Asia-Pacific director of the World Health Organization.

In a statement issued on the eve of the WHO-designated "World No Tobacco Day," Shigeru Omi said the tobacco industry's marketing efforts aim to persuade half-a-billion young people in the Western Pacific to try their first cigarette, Agence France-Presse reported.

"Youngsters are led to believe that certain types of cigarettes do not contain nicotine, when in fact they do," Omi said.

He restated the WHO's demand for a total ban on tobacco advertising and noted that partial bans simply allow tobacco companies to shift from one promotional strategy to another, AFP reported.

The U.N. agency spokesman accused tobacco companies of "falsely associating use of their products with desirable qualities such as glamour, energy and sex appeal, as well as exciting outdoor activities and adventure."

-----

Fruits and Vegetables May Protect Against Lung Cancer

Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking black or green tea may help reduce smokers' lung cancer risk, suggests a University of California, Los Angeles study.

Researchers looked at the eating habits of 558 lung cancer patients and 837 people without the disease. People who ate three servings of vegetables a day were 1.6 times less likely to develop lung cancer than those who didn't eat three servings. People who ate three or more servings of fruit were one-fold less likely to develop lung cancer, and those who drank one cup of black or green tea a day had a 0.8-fold reduced risk, CBC News reported.

Fruits, vegetables and tea contain flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

"What we found was extremely interesting, that several types of flavonoids are associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer among smokers," said Dr. Zuo-Feng Zhang, a professor of public health and epidemiology at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center, CBC News reported.

Zhang and colleagues believe flavonoids may help stop the development of blood vessels that feed tumors, preventing them from invading healthy tissue.

The study appears in the May issue of the journal Cancer.

Health Tips for May 31

Health Tip: Living With a Pacemaker

A pacemaker is a device that's implanted in a person's chest to help maintain a regular heartbeat.

The American Heart Association offers these suggestions for managing with a pacemaker:

* Avoid applying pressure on the area where the pacemaker was implanted. You may want to wear a small pad over the area for comfort and protection.
* Your pacemaker cannot be damaged by bathing or swimming.
* Make sure to get some physical activity every day to improve your health and circulation. Feel free to resume the level of sexual activity that you had before the pacemaker was implanted.
* Don't push yourself too hard. Exercise so that you feel good, but stop if you start to feel too tired or sick.
* Always tell your doctor, a nurse, dentist or other health professional that you have a pacemaker. Carry an identification card that shows you have the device.
* Tell your doctor if you have trouble breathing, if you have swelling of the legs or ankles, if you have unexplained weight gain, or if you feel faint or dizzy.
* You shouldn't experience interference from most household electrical appliances.

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 - May 30

Appeals Courts Reverse Vioxx Awards

One Vioxx-related verdict against drug maker Merck & Co. was reversed Thursday by an appeals court in Texas, while a Vioxx-related reward was reduced by a New Jersey appeals court.

In Texas, an appeals court scrapped a $26 million verdict awarded to the widow of Robert Ernst, who started taking the painkiller Vioxx eight months before he died in May 2001. The appeals court said there's no evidence that Ernst suffered a fatal heart problems from a blood clot caused by Vioxx, the Associated Press reported.

In New Jersey, an appeals court annulled $9 million of the $13.9 million awarded to John McDarby, who survived a heart attack in 2004. The appeals court said the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act pre-empted New Jersey's Product Liability Act.

The New Jersey appeals court also upheld a verdict in favor of Merck in the case of Thomas Cona, who survived a June 2003 heart attack. That case was heard simultaneously with McDarby's case.

In September 2004, Merck pulled Vioxx off the market after its own study showed the drug doubled the risk of heart attack or stroke. Merck faced thousand of lawsuits in connection with the drug. With these latest rulings, Merck has 11 victories and three losses from trials that reached verdicts, and the damages are now reduced in one of those losses, the AP reported.

In November, Merck reached a settlement in which it agreed to pay $4.85 billion to end thousands of other Vioxx lawsuits.

-----

EPA Tightens Rules on Rodent-Control Products

New safety measures to protect children from accidental exposure to rodent-control products and to reduce accidental poisonings of pets and wildlife were announced Thursday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The measures require that 10 rodenticides used in bait products marketed to consumers be enclosed in bait stations to make the pesticide inaccessible to children and pets. The EPA is also banning the sale of loose bait, such as pellets, for use in homes.

Rodenticide products that contain brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone and difenacoum pose the greatest risk to wildlife and will no longer be allowed to be sold or distributed in the consumer market, the EPA said.

Bait stations will be required for all outdoor, above-ground uses for products containing these ingredients. These steps will significantly reduce the amount of product in the environment and provide additional protection for wildlife from poisonings, the EPA said.

The agency told companies that make these products to respond within 90 days regarding their intention to comply with the new requirements.

-----

U.S. Army Suicides Increased in 2007

The number of U.S. Army suicides increased to 108 in 2007, six more than the previous year, two defense officials revealed Thursday in advance of a full report to be released later in the day. About one-quarter of the suicides occurred in Iraq.

The 108 confirmed suicides among active duty soldiers and National Guard and Reserve troops that had been activated was lower than the preliminary figure released in January that suggested as many as 121 troops may have committed suicide in 2007, the Associated Press reported.

During the five years of war in Iraq and nearly seven years of war in Afghanistan, there's been an increase in troop suicides -- 67 in 2004, 85 in 2005, 102 in 2006 and 108 in 2007.

The increases are occurring despite a number of initiatives to improve the mental health of troops, including more suicide prevention training and education programs, the hiring of hundreds of additional mental health professionals, and increased mental health screening of troops, the AP reported.

-----

San Francisco Fittest Large City

San Francisco is the fittest of the United States' most populous cities, according to a study that looked at 16 large metropolitan areas, according to the American College of Sport Medicine.

The report analyzed several health and fitness-related factors and found that San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area scored above average on a number of indicators:

• Nearly 32 percent of its citizens eat five or more fruits and vegetables per day.
• They're more likely to have health insurance and less likely to have chronic health problems.
• The area scored well on amenities such as parks and athletic facilities and had an above-average number of commuters who bike, walk or use public transportation.
• The number of health care providers in the area is among the highest for the largest metropolitan areas.

Rounding out the top five were Seattle, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. The bottom five were Detroit (lowest), Riverside, Calif., Los Angeles, Houston, and Indianapolis.

-----

Bicarbonate Changes May Warn of Early Cancer

Using MRI scans to check for changes in naturally-produced bicarbonate may help identify cancers in the very early stages, says a Cancer Research UK study.

Bicarbonate plays a role in the body's balancing of acid and alkali. It's known that cancer turns bicarbonate into carbon dioxide, BBC News reported. Almost all cancer has a lower pH, which means it's more acidic than surrounding tissue. Currently, there is no way to safely measure pH in patients.

In test on mice, the researchers boosted MRI sensitivity more than 20,000 times and found they were able to monitor changes in bicarbonate and identify early-stage cancer. The findings were published in the journal Nature.

"This technique could be used as a highly-sensitive early warning system for signs of cancer," lead researcher Professor Kevin Brindle said in prepared statement. "By exploiting the body's natural pH balancing system, we have found a potentially safe way of measuring pH to see what's going on inside patients."

As well as detecting cancer, Brindle said this method could be used to determine if cancer patients are responding to treatment, BBC News reported.

-----

Hormone's Activity Influences Men's Heart Risk, Life Expectancy

Higher levels of activity of the hormone IGF-1 (insulin-growth factor 1) may reduce men's heart risk and boost their life expectancy, according to a study by researchers at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

IGF-1 is released by the liver and is similar in molecular structure to insulin. The researchers said the hormone plays an important role in childhood growth and continues to have an effect in adulthood, United Press International reported.

At the start of the study, serum samples were taken from 376 healthy men, ages 73 to 94. The men were followed for up to eight years.

Men with the lowest level of IGF-1 activity had a significantly higher death rate than those with the highest level of activity. The researchers said the results were especially significant in people at high risk of death from cardiovascular complications, UPI reported.

The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

-----

60% of U.S. Adults Have at Least One Chronic Condition

In the United States, 60 percent of people aged 18 and older have at least one chronic medical condition, defined as one expected to last at least one year and result in limitations or the need for ongoing care.

The latest News and Numbers summary from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality looked at 2005 data, finding that:

• Nearly 40 percent of Americans aged 18 to 34 had at least one chronic condition, as did 90 percent of people aged 65 and older.
• About 77 percent of those aged 65 and older had two or more chronic conditions, compared with 14 percent of those aged 18 to 34.
• Treatment of chronic conditions accounted for nine of every 10 dollars spent for medical care on American adults, excluding costs for dental care, medical equipment, and supplies.
• About 22 million adults received medical care for osteoarthritis and related conditions, 49 million for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 17 million for diabetes, 45 million for high blood pressure, and 19 million for heart disease.

Health Tips for May 30

Health Tip: Dealing With Exercise-Induced Asthma

Exercise-induced asthma may be characterized by difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing and tightness in the chest after working out.

Here are suggestions for people with exercise-induced asthma, courtesy of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology:

* Try swimming, especially in a heated indoor pool. The warm, humid environment may help minimize symptoms for people with exercise-induced asthma.
* Try walking, biking or hiking at a leisurely pace.
* Try sports that offer frequent periods of rest, such as baseball, short -distance track, surfing, wrestling and football.
* Avoid cold-weather sports, or warm the air before you inhale it with a surgical mask or scarf over your mouth.
* Avoid sports that require long periods of strenuous exercise, such as soccer, basketball, field hockey and running.

Health Tip: Exercising in Hot Weather

Heat injuries range from mild forms to more serious types, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heatstroke -- when the body's sweating mechanism quits, the skin become hot and dry, and the body loses most fluids -- can be life-threatening.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions for exercising safely in hot weather:

* Drink plenty of fluids even when you're not thirsty, and take frequent breaks during exercise.
* Get your body in good shape before hot weather hits.
* Limit outdoor exercise to early in the morning or late in the evening, avoiding the midday hours.
* Exercise more slowly and less vigorously for longer periods.
* Wear lightweight clothing, and avoid heavy gear.
* If someone looks like they're having a heat injury, seek immediate medical attention.

Health Headlines - May 29

60 Percent of U.S. Adults Have at Least One Chronic Condition

In the United States, 60 percent of people aged 18 and older have at least one chronic medical condition, defined as one expected to last at least one year and result in limitations or the need for ongoing care.

The latest News and Numbers summary from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality looked at 2005 data, finding that:

• Nearly 40 percent of Americans aged 18 to 34 had at least one chronic condition, as did 90 percent of people aged 65 and older.
• About 77 percent of those aged 65 and older had two or more chronic conditions, compared with 14 percent of those aged 18 to 34.
• Treatment of chronic conditions accounted for nine of every 10 dollars spent for medical care on American adults, excluding costs for dental care, medical equipment, and supplies.
• About 22 million adults received medical care for osteoarthritis and related conditions, 49 million for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 17 million for diabetes, 45 million for high blood pressure, and 19 million for heart disease.

-----

Drug Doesn't Stem Bleeding in People With Rare Disorder: FDA

The unapproved GlaxoSmithKline drug Promacta doesn't appear to restrict bleeding in people with a rare blood disorder called chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, reviewers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.

Glaxo studies submitted to the FDA "do not provide robust evidence" to back the company's assertions that the drug controls the severity and frequency of bleeding, the Associated Press quoted agency reviewers as saying.

The anti-clotting disorder of the immune system, affecting some 60,000 people in the United States, leads to abnormally high bleeding and bruising. It causes the body to destroy its own blood platelets, which are necessary for clotting.

Promacta is designed to raise levels of blood platelets. But a pair of studies sent to the FDA for review showed no significant difference between Promacta and a non-medicinal placebo, the wire service reported.

On May 30, an FDA panel of experts is set to meet and announce whether to recommend approval of the drug. The full agency isn't bound by the decisions of its advisory panels, but usually follows them.

-----

Big Increase Reported in Intestinal 'Superbug' Infections

The number of Americans hospitalized with the dangerous intestinal superbug Clostridium difficile has been increasing by more than 10,000 a year, and the germ was a factor in nearly 300,000 hospitalizations in 2005, more than double the number in 2000, a new study says.

Lead author Dr. Marya Zilberberg, of the University of Massachusetts, and colleagues looked at more than 36 million annual discharges from non-governmental U.S. hospitals to create national estimates for C. difficile cases, the Associated Press reported.

The researchers also concluded that 2.3 percent of C. difficile cases in 2004 were fatal (about 5,500 deaths), nearly double the percentage of C. difficile cases that were fatal in 2000.

C. difficile has developed resistance to some antibiotics and has become a common threat in hospitals and nursing homes.

"The nature of this infection is changing. It's more severe," Dr. L. Clifford McDonald, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told the AP. He was not involved in the study, which is published in the June issue of the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

-----

Dietary Supplement for Impotence Recalled

Xiadafil VIP Tabs -- a dietary supplement for sexual enhancement and erectile dysfunction -- are being recalled because they contain a potentially dangerous ingredient that isn't listed on the packaging, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.

The tablets contain hydroxyhomosildenafil, a chemical analog of the active ingredient in Viagra, the Associated Press reported. The compound could interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs for diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. This interaction could result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

The recalled Xiadafil was sold in eight-tablet bottles and two-tablet blister cards with expiration dates of September 2009. The tablets were made by SEI Pharmaceuticals and sold online and at health food stores across the United States, the AP reported.

For more information, contact the FDA at 888-463-6332.

-----

Counterfeit Circuit Breakers Pose Fire Hazard

About 371,000 counterfeit circuit breakers labeled as "Square D" are being recalled because they can fail to trip when overloaded and pose a fire hazard, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The counterfeit products, distributed by Specialty Lamp International Inc., of Deerfield Beach, Fla., are black and labeled as Square D QO-series models 115, 120, 130, 215, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260 and 2020, and Square D QOB-series models 115, 120, 130, 220, 230, 250, 260 and 1515.

The circuit breakers were sold at electrical product distributors across the United States from May 2005 through June 2006 for between $3 and $23.

Consumers should contact Specialty Lamp International at 866-650-3076 to determine if they have a counterfeit breaker and, if so, to arrange for a free inspection and replacement or refund if necessary, the CPSC said.

-----

Estrogen Linked to Prostate Cancer

The hormone estrogen plays an important role in about half of all prostate cancers, according to U.S. researchers.

They analyzed thousands of genes in more than 450 prostate cancer samples and found that estrogen is part of a molecular pathway that leads to the fusion of two genes that fuel prostate cancer growth, United Press International reported.

While estrogen is known as a female hormone, it's also produced by men.

Fifty percent of prostate cancers have a common recurrent gene fusion believed to make them more aggressive, said Dr. Mark A. Rubin, of New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, UPI reported.

"Interfering with this gene fusion -- or its downstream molecular pathway -- will be crucial in the search for drugs that fight the disease," Rubin said in a prepared statement. "Based on our new data, we now believe that inhibiting estrogen may be one way of doing so."

The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Health Tips for May 29

Health Tip: Take a Short Nap

While a full night's sleep is vital to good health, stamina and alertness, a short nap also can do wonders for your mood and performance.

The National Sleep Foundation offers these suggestions for good napping:

* Limit the nap to 20 minutes to 30 minutes. This shouldn't leave you feeling groggy or interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night.
* Make sure you have a good sleep environment. Choose a cool, dark and quiet room to help you fall asleep and have a restful nap.
* Choose the right time to nap. Your body may not be ready for more sleep if it's early in the day, while napping too late can cause problems falling asleep at bedtime.

Health Tip: Create a Space for Sleep

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

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

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

Health Headlines - May 28

Cases of PTSD Soar Among U.S. Troops

The number of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder rose by about 50 percent last year, the Pentagon disclosed Tuesday.

Almost 40,000 troops involved in the two wars have been diagnosed with PTSD since 2003, the Associated Press reported. And Pentagon officials said they believed many more troops weren't disclosing that they had symptoms of the illness.

Military officials have been urging troops to see civilian therapists, even if it meant not reporting these visits to the Pentagon, the wire service reported. Moreover, military estimates suggest that roughly half of those who have mental health problems don't seek help because they fear embarrassment or that it would hurt their careers.

The Army said more than 10,000 new cases of PTSD were diagnosed in 2007, compared to 6,800 in 2006. And the Marine Corps disclosed that there were more than 2,100 cases last year, compared to 1,366 in 2006, the AP said.

Officials attributed part of the rise to a program of electronic record keeping that began in 2004. But they also cited the emotional strain of recently extended tour lengths, to 15 months from 12 months.

-----

New Compounds More Potent Than DEET

Several new potential insect repellants much more potent than DEET have been identified by U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists, who found that the new compounds protected human volunteers from mosquitoes two to three times longer than DEET.

For more than 50 years, DEET has been the gold standard of insect repellants. Even though DEET-based repellants offer protection from a variety of insects, mosquitoes continue to spread malaria and other diseases, and some mosquitoes aren't deterred by DEET, Agence France-Presse reported.

"It would be good to have more effective repellants that protect against a greater number of insect species," said Ulrich Bernier, a research chemist with the USDA's Mosquito and Fly Research Unit.

He and his colleagues began with a field of 2,000 candidate compounds and plan to continue testing seven of the most promising ones, AFP reported.

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

-----

Japanese Parents Warned About Children's Cell Phone Use

A new government program will urge Japanese parents and schools to limit children's use of Internet-linking cell phones. The government is worried about a number of problems, including the large amount of time students are spending exchanging mobile e-mails and the risk that they'll become involved in Internet-related crime, the Associated Press reported.

"Japanese parents are giving cell phones to their children without giving it enough thought," said Masaharu Kuba, a government official overseeing the initiative. "In Japan, cell phones have become an expensive toy."

The warning to parents and schools is one recommendation made by an education reform panel. The panel also wants Japanese companies to develop cell phones with only the talking function and GPS (global positioning system), which can help ensure a child's safety, the AP reported.

The panel also wants better filtering programming for mobile phones with Internet access.

-----

China Begins Emergency Vaccinations in Quake-Hit Areas

Mass emergency vaccinations are being launched in earthquake-hit areas of China in order to prevent possible epidemics, the government announced Tuesday.

"By June 15, emergency inoculation of vulnerable people will be completed including vaccines against hepatitis A and encephalitis B," said Ministry of Health spokesman Sun Jiahai, AFP reported. There was no clarification about how many people would be vaccinated or who was classed as vulnerable.

Sun also said China will store 100,000 vaccines against cholera, 20,000 against rabies, and 30,000 for measles, mumps and rubella.

"The immunity of local people has been weakened, so they will become more vulnerable to epidemics," warned Qi Xiaoqui, director of the disease control bureau of the Health Ministry, AFP reported.

While there has been an increase in cases of diarrhea and fever in quake-hit areas, there haven't been any major disease outbreaks, he said.

-----

Sodium Nitrite Stimulates Blood Vessel Growth

Daily injections of sodium nitrite stimulated the growth of new blood vessels and restored blood flow to tissues damaged by simulated vascular disease in just three to seven days, a new U.S. study found.

Researchers induced ischemia (reduced blood flow) in the hind legs of mice by tying off the rodents' femoral arteries. The mice then received twice-a-day injections of low-dose sodium nitrite, Agence France-Presse reported.

Within three days, the animals' hind legs were showing signs of new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). Within seven days, the blood supply in their hind legs was almost back to normal. In a group of mice that received no treatment, it took 28 days for circulation in their hind legs to return to normal.

Ischemia occurs in people with conditions such as peripheral artery disease and diabetes.

"The treatment has tremendous potential for stimulating angiogenesis to alleviate the discomfort caused by ischemia, and at the dosages we used, sodium nitrite is safe and far below any toxicity threshold," said Christopher Kevil, an associate professor of pathology at Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport, AFP reported.

"Moreover, our work suggests that sodium nitrite therapy could be beneficial for stimulating angiogenesis and tissue healing after ischemic events seen in stroke and heart attacks," Kevil said.

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

-----

Evolving Bird Flu Viruses May Pose Pandemic Threat

U.S. researchers have identified certain strains of bird flu that appear to be moving closer to developing traits that could trigger a human pandemic.

They found that a few of the H7 virus strains that caused minor, non-transmissible infections among people in North America between 2002 and 2004 may be evolving the same human tracheal cell sugar-binding properties seen in flu viruses that caused global pandemics in 1918, 1957 and 1968, Agence France-Presse reported.

"These findings suggest that the H7 class of viruses are partially adapted to recognize the receptors that are preferred by the human influenza virus," said Terrence Tumpey, a senior microbiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If these H7 viruses continue this type of evolution, they may be able to pass more easily between animals and people, said the researchers, who called for strict surveillance of avian flu viruses, AFP reported.

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

Health Tips for May 28

Health Tip: Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

Just because a person isn't a smoker doesn't mean they are immune to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of secondhand smoke, says the American Lung Association, which offers this list of how it can harm youngsters:

* They are more likely to develop bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
* They are more prone to ear infections.
* They are more likely to develop asthma.
* If already asthmatic, they are prone to more frequent asthma attacks.

Health Tip: Get Your Child Back to Bed

If your child comes to your room in the middle of the night, it may be tempting to allow the child to crawl into bed with you, especially after a nightmare.

That's not recommended, says the Nemours Foundation, which offers these suggestions for getting your child to go back to his or her own bed:

* Make sure the child understands that you are there if he or she needs you again or gets scared.
* Explain that although the dream was frightening and that it's acceptable to be scared, everything will be OK.
* Do whatever the child needs to feel safe. Offer a night light, or show the child that there are no monsters hiding in the closet or under the bed.
* Soothe the child back to sleep with talk of pleasant dreams, or a comforting blanket or stuffed animal.

Health Headlines - May 27

Warm Weather Workouts Require Common-Sense Precautions

Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of summer, and that means more people will be heading outdoors to pursue favorite exercises and physical activities.

With that in mind, the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Medical Association and more than 50 supporting organizations, including the National Athletic Trainers' Association, have launched the "Exercise is Medicine" initiative. It includes a list of tips that people of all ages can follow to enjoy physical activity and exercise while reducing the risk of "exertional heat illness."

"Many cases of heat illness are preventable and can be successfully treated if such conditions are properly recognized and appropriate care is provided in a timely manner," said certified athletic trainer Brendon McDermott, of the University of Connecticut. "We're hoping to educate athletes, coaches, parents and health-care providers about what can be done to prevent and treat heat illnesses."

To guard against heat illnesses, the trainers' association recommends the following steps:

• Gradually increase activity in terms of intensity and duration in the heat. This prepares your body for more intense, longer duration exercise in warm conditions, and helps prevent injury and heat illness.
• Mix in periods of rest during activity and assure adequate rest between exercise bouts. Rest breaks are an important defense against heat illness, and proper sleeping habits decrease your risk as well.
• Begin outdoor activities only after you're properly hydrated. Drink water or sports drinks throughout physical activity in the heat.
• A darker urine color is a quick sign of dehydration. Your urine should look more like lemonade than apple juice.
• Exercise during cooler portions of the day -- early morning or late evening, if possible.
• Don't participate in intense exercise if you show signs of an existing illness, such as fever, diarrhea or extreme fatigue. These can decrease your body's tolerance for heat and increase your risk of a heat illness.

-----

Poll: Wounded Iraq Soldiers Get Substandard Care From VA

A considerable majority of Americans believes that Veteran's Administration hospitals and other military health facilities are not giving wounded Iraq war veterans the quality of care they deserve.

The latest poll from the Harvard Opinion Research Program at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Harris Interactive® polling organization finds that 62 percent of Americans believe medical care for returning wounded U.S. soldiers from Iraq isn't adequate. In the same poll, 65 percent said that mental health care for returning vets was substandard, according to a HSPH news release.

The poll found that this opinion ran across the spectrum of American society. Those who had a family member serving in Iraq were just as likely as respondents with no family ties to the Iraq war to believe VA hospital care was substandard.

Yet, the poll also found that 60 percent of the respondents believed that medical treatment for wounded Iraq war veterans in military and VA hospitals is better (10 percent) or the same (50 percent) as the type of care they would receive in what the pollsters called "other major U.S. hospitals."

The poll is part of a continuing series by Harris Interactive and the Harvard School of Public Health: Debating Health: Election 2008.

-----

Caressing Preemies May Help With Pain of Medical Procedures

It's never too early for parents to hold, touch and caress their offspring, even if the baby is born very prematurely.

According to BBC News, researchers from McGill University in Montreal found that parents who cuddle with babies born as early as 28 weeks help lessen the stress of painful medical procedures the infants will have to endure. The normal term of pregnancy before delivering a baby is between 37 and 42 weeks, according to the U.S. government's National Institutes of Health.

In fact, reports the BBC, the McGill scientists believe the skin-to-skin contact between parents and baby is so important that it might aid in the recovery process from the medical procedures.

The researchers used a common test for newborns --- the heel pin prick to obtain blood to check blood sugar levels -- as a test for stressful reaction.

This test is almost always painful for newborns, BBC News reported. The result: For premature babies who were cuddled after having a heel pin prick, pain scores after 90 seconds were much lower than for the babies not held and caressed by an adult.

Lead researcher Celeste Johnson said she found that cuddling seemed to assist in the baby's recovery from a painful experience. "The pain response in very preterm neonates appears to be reduced by skin-to-skin maternal contact," she told the BBC.

-----

New York City Man Dies After Taking Aphrodisiac From Toad Venom

An illegal aphrodisiac sold on the street under a variety of names has killed a 35-year-old New York City man, prompting health officials to issue an alert.

According to the Associated Press, the man, who officials did not identify, was admitted to a New York City hospital earlier this month complaining of pain in his chest and abdomen. Health officials were able to determine he had taken a poisonous substance that comes in a hard, brown form, and is known as Love Stone, Jamaican Stone, Black Stone and Chinese Rock.

It is sold in many New York City neighborhoods in neighborhood stores, the AP reported, and the writing on the package is usually in a foreign language.

The warning from New York City's top dangerous substances officer was pointed: "There is no definitely safe way to use it," Dr. Robert Hoffman, director of the city's poison control center, told the wire service. "Don't buy it. Don't sell it. If you have it, don't use it. Throw it out."

Some people eat the substance, the AP reported, instead of applying it to the skin, as it is intended to be used. But even external application can be dangerous. The active ingredient comes from the venom of toads of the Bufo genus, and it can disrupt the heartbeat, the wire service said.

-----

Truckers, Bus Drivers Can't Take Anti-Smoking Drug Chantix

Examiners shouldn't give commercial motor vehicle license clearance to anyone currently using the anti-smoking drug Chantix, says the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees the interstate trucking and bus industries.

The FMCSA announcement Thursday came a day after the Federal Aviation Administration banned the use of the drug by pilots and air traffic controllers.

The agencies took action in response to an Institute for Safe Medication Practices study saying that Chantix may be linked to seizures, dizziness, heart rhythm problems, diabetes and more than 100 accidents, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The non-profit group's study said the drug was linked to 988 serious incidents in the last quarter of 2007 alone. After the study was released Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation alerted its agencies and instructed office directors to read the study's warnings and recommendations.

Last year, warnings on Chantix's label were updated to include depression and suicidal thoughts. The FDA hasn't announced any new action in response to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices study, the Journal reported.

-----

Everlasting Jelly Candles Pose Fire, Burn Hazards

Additional incidents of minor fires and burn injuries have prompted a repeat of an earlier recall of about 1,700 Everlasting Jelly candles sold at Spa at Home stores and online, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.

The candles may be prone to excessive flame. The original recall in February 2007 noted there had been seven reports of flames coming in contact with nearby combustibles, resulting in minor fires, smoke and soot damage, along with four reports of burn injuries to users' hands.

Since that initial recall, there have been four more reports of the candles causing minor fires, smoke and soot damage, and one additional report of burn injuries to a consumer's hand, the CPSC said.

Consumers should stop using the candles and contact manufacturer M & A Global Technologies of Tallahassee, Fla. for instructions on returning the product. The company can be reached at 866-224-8811.

Health Tips for May 27

Health Tip: Water Safety

Swimming is a great form of exercise, but you and your loved ones need to be careful around water.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these water safety suggestions:

* Children should always be supervised near any form of water, including pools, lakes, streams and even bathtubs.
* A pool should always be surrounded by a fence, including a gate that can be locked.
* Always wear a life preserver if you're boating on a stream, lake, river or the ocean, even if you know how to swim.
* Don't drink alcohol while swimming or boating.
* Never swim alone.
* Never dive unless the water is deep enough to dive safely.

Health Tip: Sick After Swimming

Recreational water illness (RWI) is contracted by breathing, swallowing or having contact with water that has been contaminated with germs. The most common RWIs may cause diarrhea, skin, eye, ear and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Here are suggestions on how to prevent and avoid RWIs, courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

* Don't swim when you have diarrhea, and don't allow children in diapers to swim when they have diarrhea.
* Practice good hygiene before swimming. Shower before entering the water, make sure children are properly washed, and always wash hands after using the bathroom.
* Make sure your child leaves the water and uses the bathroom frequently.
* Don't change diapers at or near the pool, lake or beach.
* To help reduce the risk of contracting an RWI, never swallow water while swimming.

Health Headlines - May 26

Poll: Returning Wounded Iraq Soldiers Getting Substandard Care From VA

A considerable majority of Americans believes that Veteran's Administration hospitals and other military health facilities are not giving wounded Iraq war veterans the quality of care they deserve.

The latest poll from the Harvard Opinion Research Program at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Harris Interactive® polling organization finds that 62 percent of Americans believe medical care for returning wounded U.S. soldiers from Iraq isn't adequate. In the same poll, 65 percent said that mental health care for returning vets was substandard, according to a HSPH news release.

The poll found that this opinion ran across the spectrum of American society. Those who had a family member serving in Iraq were just as likely as respondents with no family ties to the Iraq war to believe VA hospital care was substandard.

Yet, the poll also found that 60 percent of the respondents believed that medical treatment for wounded Iraq war veterans in military and VA hospitals is better (10 percent) or the same (50 percent) as the type of care they would receive in what the pollsters called "other major U.S. hospitals."

The poll is part of a continuing series by Harris Interactive and the Harvard School of Public Health: Debating Health: Election 2008.

-----

Caressing Very Premature Babies May Help With Pain of Medical Procedures

It's never too early for parents to hold, touch and caress their offspring, even if the baby is born very prematurely.

According to BBC News, researchers from McGill University in Montreal found that parents who cuddle with babies born as early as 28 weeks help lessen the stress of painful medical procedures the infants will have to endure. The normal term of pregnancy before delivering a baby is between 37 and 42 weeks, according to the U.S. government's National Institutes of Health.

In fact, reports the BBC, the McGill scientists believed the skin-to-skin contact between parents and baby is so important that it might aid in the recovery process from the medical procedures.

The researchers used a common test for newborns --- the heel pin prick to obtain blood to check blood sugar levels -- as a test for stressful reaction.

This test is almost always painful for newborns, BBC News reports. The result: For premature babies who were cuddled after having a heel pin prick, pain scores after 90 seconds were much lower than for the babies not held and caressed by an adult.

Lead researcher Celeste Johnson said she found that cuddling seemed to assist in the baby's recovery from a painful experience. "The pain response in very preterm neonates appears to be reduced by skin-to-skin maternal contact," she told the BBC.

-----

New York City Man Dies After Taking Aphrodisiac Made from Toad Venom

An illegal aphrodisiac sold on the street under a variety of names has killed a 35-year-old New York City man, prompting health officials to issue an alert.

According to the Associated Press, the man, who officials did not identify, was admitted to a New York City hospital earlier this month complaining of pain in his chest and abdomen. Health officials were able to determine he had taken a poisonous substance that comes in a hard, brown form, and is known as Love Stone, Jamaican Stone, Black Stone and Chinese Rock.

It is sold in many New York City neighborhoods in neighborhood stores, the A.P. reports, and the writing on the package is usually in a foreign language.

The warning from New York City's top dangerous substances officer was pointed: "There is no definitely safe way to use it," Dr. Robert Hoffman, director of the city's poison control center, told the wire service. "Don't buy it. Don't sell it. If you have it, don't use it. Throw it out."

Some people eat the substance, the A.P. reports, instead of applying it to the skin, as it is intended to be used. But even external application can be dangerous. The active ingredient comes from the venom of toads of the Bufo genus, and it can disrupt the heartbeat, the wire service says.

-----

Truckers, Bus Drivers Can't Take Anti-Smoking Drug Chantix

Examiners shouldn't give commercial motor vehicle license clearance to anyone currently using the anti-smoking drug Chantix, says the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees the interstate trucking and bus industries.

The FMCSA announcement Thursday came a day after the Federal Aviation Administration banned the use of the drug by pilots and air traffic controllers.

The agencies took action in response to an Institute for Safe Medication Practices study saying that Chantix may be linked to seizures, dizziness, heart rhythm problems, diabetes and more than 100 accidents, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The non-profit group's study said the drug was linked to 988 serious incidents in the last quarter of 2007 alone. After the study was released Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation alerted its agencies and instructed office directors to read the study's warnings and recommendations.

Last year, warnings on Chantix's label were updated to include depression and suicidal thoughts. The FDA hasn't announced any new action in response to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices study, the Journal reported.

-----

Everlasting Jelly Candles Pose Fire, Burn Hazards

Additional incidents of minor fires and burn injuries have prompted a repeat of an earlier recall of about 1,700 Everlasting Jelly candles sold at Spa at Home stores and online, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.

The candles may be prone to excessive flame. The original recall in February 2007 noted there had been seven reports of flames coming in contact with nearby combustibles, resulting in minor fires, smoke and soot damage, along with four reports of burn injuries to users' hands.

Since that initial recall, there have been four more reports of the candles causing minor fires, smoke and soot damage, and one additional report of burn injuries to a consumer's hand, the CPSC said.

Consumers should stop using the candles and contact manufacturer M & A Global Technologies of Tallahassee, Fla. for instructions on returning the product. The company can be reached at 866-224-8811.

-----

Health Canada Warns About Male Sexual Performance Aid

A male sexual performance aid called Desire may cause serious health complications for certain people, says Health Canada.

One lot of the product was found to contain the prescription drug phentolamine, which may be prescribed intravenously to prevent and control high blood pressure in patients with adrenal tumors, CBC News reported.

The presence of phentolamine is not indicated on Desire's label, Health Canada said.

If people take phentolamine, those with heart problems, on medications for high blood pressure, and those at risk of stroke could suffer serious health problems such as low blood pressure, chest pain and abnormal heartbeat, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. They could also experience prolonged erections, headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and abdominal pain, CBC News reported.

To date, there have been no reports of adverse reactions, Health Canada said.

Health Tips for May 26

Health Tip: When Alzheimer's Patients Wander

Wandering -- moving about without a definite purpose in mind -- is a common trait of a person with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. This can be dangerous for the patient, and be a source of great stress for worried caregivers and loved ones.

Here are suggestions for what to do when Alzheimer's patients wander, courtesy of the Alzheimer's Association:

* Enroll your loved one in a nationwide identification program specifically for dementia-related wandering, which can help them return home safe.
* Keep contact information at hand for neighbors and local emergency services personnel, and keep them informed about the patient's condition.
* Install deadbolt or slide-bolt locks on all exterior doors. But never attempt to lock an Alzheimer's patient indoors without supervision.
* Limit access to dangerous areas, both inside and near the home.
* Keep in mind that Alzheimer's patients may wander in virtually any form of transportation, including bus or taxi.

Health Tip: Coping With Alzheimer's

It's important for a person diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to continue to perform the daily tasks of life -- as best as the person can.

The Alzheimer's Association offers these suggestions:

* Save challenging tasks for the time of day that you feel most sharp. For example, if you tend to have more confusion and memory problems later in the day, try to get your activities done in the morning.
* Allow plenty of time for each task, and don't allow yourself to be frustrated or rushed by others.
* If you begin to feel frustrated, take a break.
* Don't be afraid to ask others for help when you need it.

Health Headlines - May 25

New York City Man Dies After Taking Aphrodisiac Made from Toad Venom

An illegal aphrodisiac sold on the street under a variety of names has killed a 35-year-old New York City man, prompting health officials to issue an alert.

According to the Associated Press, the man, who officials did not identify, was admitted to a New York City hospital earlier this month complaining of pain in his chest and abdomen. Health officials were able to determine he had taken a poisonous substance that comes in a hard, brown form, and is known as Love Stone, Jamaican Stone, Black Stone and Chinese Rock.

It is sold in many New York City neighborhoods in neighborhood stores, the A.P. reports, and the writing on the package is usually in a foreign language.

The warning from New York City's top dangerous substances officer was pointed: "There is no definitely safe way to use it," Dr. Robert Hoffman, director of the city's poison control center, told the wire service. "Don't buy it. Don't sell it. If you have it, don't use it. Throw it out."

Some people eat the substance, the A.P. reports, instead of applying it to the skin, as it is intended to be used. But even external application can be dangerous. The active ingredient comes from the venom of toads of the Bufo genus, and it can disrupt the heartbeat, the wire service says.

-----

Truckers, Bus Drivers Can't Take Anti-Smoking Drug Chantix

Examiners shouldn't give commercial motor vehicle license clearance to anyone currently using the anti-smoking drug Chantix, says the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees the interstate trucking and bus industries.

The FMCSA announcement Thursday came a day after the Federal Aviation Administration banned the use of the drug by pilots and air traffic controllers.

The agencies took action in response to an Institute for Safe Medication Practices study saying that Chantix may be linked to seizures, dizziness, heart rhythm problems, diabetes and more than 100 accidents, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The non-profit group's study said the drug was linked to 988 serious incidents in the last quarter of 2007 alone. After the study was released Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation alerted its agencies and instructed office directors to read the study's warnings and recommendations.

Last year, warnings on Chantix's label were updated to include depression and suicidal thoughts. The FDA hasn't announced any new action in response to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices study, the Journal reported.

-----

Everlasting Jelly Candles Pose Fire, Burn Hazards

Additional incidents of minor fires and burn injuries have prompted a repeat of an earlier recall of about 1,700 Everlasting Jelly candles sold at Spa at Home stores and online, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.

The candles may be prone to excessive flame. The original recall in February 2007 noted there had been seven reports of flames coming in contact with nearby combustibles, resulting in minor fires, smoke and soot damage, along with four reports of burn injuries to users' hands.

Since that initial recall, there have been four more reports of the candles causing minor fires, smoke and soot damage, and one additional report of burn injuries to a consumer's hand, the CPSC said.

Consumers should stop using the candles and contact manufacturer M & A Global Technologies of Tallahassee, Fla. for instructions on returning the product. The company can be reached at 866-224-8811.

-----

Health Canada Warns About Male Sexual Performance Aid

A male sexual performance aid called Desire may cause serious health complications for certain people, says Health Canada.

One lot of the product was found to contain the prescription drug phentolamine, which may be prescribed intravenously to prevent and control high blood pressure in patients with adrenal tumors, CBC News reported.

The presence of phentolamine is not indicated on Desire's label, Health Canada said.

If people take phentolamine, those with heart problems, on medications for high blood pressure, and those at risk of stroke could suffer serious health problems such as low blood pressure, chest pain and abnormal heartbeat, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. They could also experience prolonged erections, headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and abdominal pain, CBC News reported.

To date, there have been no reports of adverse reactions, Health Canada said.

-----

Americans Lack Awareness of Osteoporosis Risk: Survey

American women and men age 45 and older have a low awareness of bone health and osteoporosis risk, according to a survey by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

While 55 percent of Americans over age 50 are living with or at risk for osteoporosis, 40 percent of women and 60 percent of men age 45 and older have little or no concern about their bone health, the survey found.

The survey of 661 people also found that most are concerned about the impact a broken bone would have on their daily activities and independence, but nearly 80 percent of respondents didn't believe osteoporosis is a risk factor for broken bones.

It's estimated that one in two women and one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, the NOF noted.

Among the other findings of the survey, released Thursday:

• 40 percent of women 45 and older and nearly 80 percent of men in this age group haven't had a bone density test.
• 60 percent of women and 90 percent of men haven't had a discussion with their health-care provider about the risk of breaking a bone.

-----

Paint Chemical Linked to Male Fertility Problems

Regular exposure to paint chemicals called glycol solvents may harm male fertility, suggests a British study that looked at more than 2,000 men attending 14 fertility clinics.

The researchers from the Universities of Manchester and Sheffield found that painters, decorators and other men who work with glycol solvents -- used in water-based paints -- were 250 percent more likely to have sperm motility problems than other men, BBC News reported.

Sperm motility, which refers to the amount of movement of individual sperm, plays an important role in overall fertility.

"We know that certain glycol ethers can affect male fertility and the use of these has reduced over the past two decades. However, our work suggests they are still a workplace hazard and further work is needed to reduce such exposure," said Dr. Andy Povey of the University of Manchester, BBC News reported.

Povey and his colleagues looked at a wide range of workplace chemicals and concluded that glycol solvents were the only ones that had an impact on male fertility. The study was published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Health Tips for May 25

Health Tip: Have Hives?

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

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

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

Health Tip: Can't Keep Asthma Under Control?

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

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

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

For Michael and His Niece

Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul

Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul: Second Dose

How to Survive, & Maybe Even Love Nursing School: A Guide for Students by Students

Hugs for Nurses

On Call: Daily Encouragement for Nurses

Training Wheels for Nurses

Health Headlines - May 24

Truckers, Bus Drivers Can't Take Anti-Smoking Drug Chantix

Examiners shouldn't give commercial motor vehicle license clearance to anyone currently using the anti-smoking drug Chantix, says the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees the interstate trucking and bus industries.

The FMCSA announcement Thursday came a day after the Federal Aviation Administration banned the use of the drug by pilots and air traffic controllers.

The agencies took action in response to an Institute for Safe Medication Practices study saying that Chantix may be linked to seizures, dizziness, heart rhythm problems, diabetes and more than 100 accidents, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The non-profit group's study said the drug was linked to 988 serious incidents in the last quarter of 2007 alone. After the study was released Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation alerted its agencies and instructed office directors to read the study's warnings and recommendations.

Last year, warnings on Chantix's label were updated to include depression and suicidal thoughts. The FDA hasn't announced any new action in response to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices study, the Journal reported.

-----

Everlasting Jelly Candles Pose Fire, Burn Hazards

Additional incidents of minor fires and burn injuries have prompted a repeat of an earlier recall of about 1,700 Everlasting Jelly candles sold at Spa at Home stores and online, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.

The candles may be prone to excessive flame. The original recall in February 2007 noted there had been seven reports of flames coming in contact with nearby combustibles, resulting in minor fires, smoke and soot damage, along with four reports of burn injuries to users' hands.

Since that initial recall, there have been four more reports of the candles causing minor fires, smoke and soot damage, and one additional report of burn injuries to a consumer's hand, the CPSC said.

Consumers should stop using the candles and contact manufacturer M & A Global Technologies of Tallahassee, Fla. for instructions on returning the product. The company can be reached at 866-224-8811.

-----

Health Canada Warns About Male Sexual Performance Aid

A male sexual performance aid called Desire may cause serious health complications for certain people, says Health Canada.

One lot of the product was found to contain the prescription drug phentolamine, which may be prescribed intravenously to prevent and control high blood pressure in patients with adrenal tumors, CBC News reported.

The presence of phentolamine is not indicated on Desire's label, Health Canada said.

If people take phentolamine, those with heart problems, on medications for high blood pressure, and those at risk of stroke could suffer serious health problems such as low blood pressure, chest pain and abnormal heartbeat, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. They could also experience prolonged erections, headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and abdominal pain, CBC News reported.

To date, there have been no reports of adverse reactions, Health Canada said.

-----

Americans Lack Awareness of Osteoporosis Risk: Survey

American women and men age 45 and older have a low awareness of bone health and osteoporosis risk, according to a survey by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

While 55 percent of Americans over age 50 are living with or at risk for osteoporosis, 40 percent of women and 60 percent of men age 45 and older have little or no concern about their bone health, the survey found.

The survey of 661 people also found that most are concerned about the impact a broken bone would have on their daily activities and independence, but nearly 80 percent of respondents didn't believe osteoporosis is a risk factor for broken bones.

It's estimated that one in two women and one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, the NOF noted.

Among the other findings of the survey, released Thursday:

• 40 percent of women 45 and older and nearly 80 percent of men in this age group haven't had a bone density test.
• 60 percent of women and 90 percent of men haven't had a discussion with their health-care provider about the risk of breaking a bone.

-----

Paint Chemical Linked to Male Fertility Problems

Regular exposure to paint chemicals called glycol solvents may harm male fertility, suggests a British study that looked at more than 2,000 men attending 14 fertility clinics.

The researchers from the Universities of Manchester and Sheffield found that painters, decorators and other men who work with glycol solvents -- used in water-based paints -- were 250 percent more likely to have sperm motility problems than other men, BBC News reported.

Sperm motility, which refers to the amount of movement of individual sperm, plays an important role in overall fertility.

"We know that certain glycol ethers can affect male fertility and the use of these has reduced over the past two decades. However, our work suggests they are still a workplace hazard and further work is needed to reduce such exposure," said Dr. Andy Povey of the University of Manchester, BBC News reported.

Povey and his colleagues looked at a wide range of workplace chemicals and concluded that glycol solvents were the only ones that had an impact on male fertility. The study was published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

-----

U.S. Creates Drug and Medical Device Surveillance System

The U.S. government will establish a surveillance system to help monitor the safety of drugs and other medical products on the market.

The system will analyze Medicare claims data for signs of problems with medicines and medical devices. On Thursday, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department introduced a plan to allow federal agencies, states, and academic researchers to examine Medicare claims data. That access will be subject to protections for privacy and trade secrets.

The system would enable the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to analyze significantly more information than it can today by tapping into databases of health information to detect early signs of emerging safety problems.

This kind of surveillance system was recommended in 2006 by the Institute of Medicine, and the FDA has been under pressure to implement such a system, the Associated Press reported.

"This initiative will tremendously increase the FDA's capacity to monitor the use of medical products on the market," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said in a prepared statement.

Health Tips for May 24

Health Tip: Common Triggers for Allergy and Asthma

Allergy and asthma symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, both indoors and outdoors.

The American Lung Association offers this list of common "triggers" that can set off a reaction in the lungs and elsewhere in the body:

* Breathing cold air.
* Exposure to smoke, from tobacco products and wood-burning fires.
* Exposure to chemicals with strong odors or fumes, such as hairspray, perfume or paint.
* Allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander, molds and pollution.
* Respiratory illnesses, such as a cold or the flu.

Other factors may spur your symptoms, and your doctor may suggest keeping an asthma diary to help pinpoint which triggers affect you.

Health Tip: Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

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

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

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

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

Health Headlines - May 23

U.S. Creates Drug and Medical Device Surveillance System

The U.S. government will establish a surveillance system to help monitor the safety of drugs and other medical products on the market.

The system will analyze Medicare claims data for signs of problems with medicines and medical devices. On Thursday, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department introduced a plan to allow federal agencies, states, and academic researchers to examine Medicare claims data. That access will be subject to protections for privacy and trade secrets.

The system would enable the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to analyze significantly more information than it can today by tapping into databases of health information to detect early signs of emerging safety problems.

This kind of surveillance system was recommended in 2006 by the Institute of Medicine, and the FDA has been under pressure to implement such a system, the Associated Press reported.

"This initiative will tremendously increase the FDA's capacity to monitor the use of medical products on the market," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said in a prepared statement.

-----

More States Have Anti-Smoking Laws

Between 2004 and 2007, the number of states with laws prohibiting smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars tripled from eight to 25, and the number of states with no kind of anti-smoking law decreased from 16 to eight, says a study in the new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In every case where there was a change to an existing law, the smoking restrictions became more stringent.

If the trend continues, the United States may achieve the national objective of making indoor public places and worksites smoke-free in all states by the year 2010, the study authors said.

There is no safe level of secondhand smoke, which contains more than 50 carcinogens and causes heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults, the researchers noted. Eliminating smoking in indoor spaces is the only way to fully protect nonsmokers. It's also been shown that smoking restrictions help smokers kick the habit.

-----

Girls More Likely to Suffer Severe Knee Injuries

Boys suffer more sports-related knee injuries than girls, but girls are more likely to suffer more severe injuries, says a U.S. study that looked at 1,383 knee injuries at 100 high schools during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years.

Of those injuries, 1,023 occurred in boys and 380 occurred in girls. Boys spent an average of less than one week recovering and 12 percent of their injuries required surgery. Girls spent an average of more than three weeks recovering and 25 percent of their injuries required surgery, CBC News reported.

Girls were twice as likely to suffer knee injuries caused by bad landings, jumping and pivoting, rather than through contact with other players, said the study, which will appear in the June issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

The researchers said girls' increased risk of these types of knee injuries may be due to "a number of risk factors, including neuromuscular, hormonal, and mechanical differences," CBC News reported.

-----

Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers Can't Use Smoking-Cessation Drug

Pilots and air traffic controllers will no longer be permitted to use the smoking cessation drug Chantix because it may cause side effects that could threaten aircraft safety, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday.

The decision was based on emerging data about the drug, said FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown. For example, a report from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices said Chantix was linked to a number of health and safety problems, including accidents and falls, potentially lethal heart rhythm disturbances, heart attacks, seizures, diabetes and various psychiatric troubles, The New York Times reported.

In February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory warning that some people taking Chantix had developed serious psychiatric symptoms and some had committed suicide.

The FAA will inform the 150 pilots and 30 air traffic controllers known to be using Chantix that the drug is no longer acceptable and they should stop using it, the Times reported. The agency will also notify associations representing commercial and private pilots that the drug is no longer permitted.

-----

Merck Halts Cholesterol Drug Study

A study of the experimental cholesterol drug MK-0524A has been halted by Merck & Co., three weeks after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration refused to approve the drug.

Merck, which hasn't revealed why the FDA rejected the drug, said the agency's decision didn't influence the cancellation of the ACHIEVE study, the Associated Press reported.

The study was stopped on the basis of data from previous studies of various cholesterol drugs that suggested ACHIEVE wouldn't be able to determine if the new drug would do much to prevent plaque build-up in the arteries of patients who have high cholesterol levels due to genetic factors, according to Dr. Yale Mitchel, vice president of cardiovascular disease at Merck Research Labs.

Some experts criticized the drug maker's actions.

Merck's explanation isn't satisfactory and it's not appropriate to halt medical experiments on human volunteers "without proper cause," Dr. Steven Nissen, chairman of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, told the AP.

"I am concerned whether the reasons for terminating this trial are commercial or scientific," Nissen said.

-----

Brain Protein Linked to Addiction

A brain protein called DARPP-32 appears to play a role in addiction, according to a French study in the journal Nature.

Cocaine and other addictive drugs work by increasing levels of a messenger chemical called dopamine, which stimulates the brain's "reward" center. The French team found that DARPP-32, which helps the dopamine signaling process, built up in the part of the brain called the striatum when normal mice were given cocaine, amphetamine or morphine, Agence France-Presse reported.

The researchers then created genetically modified mice that produced a slightly altered form of DARPP-32 and found that the drugs had much less effect on these mice than normal mice in terms of impaired movement and drug cravings.

The results suggest that developing a drug that blocks DARPP-32 accumulation in the brain may prove useful in treating addiction and certain kinds of mental illness in which dopamine may play a role, AFP reported.

Health Tips for May 23

Health Tip: Keeping Off the Weight

Losing weight is a challenge, but keeping it off can even more difficult without a good plan and healthy habits.

Here are suggestions to help you keep the weight off that you've worked so hard to lose, courtesy of the American Heart Association:

* Understand what works best for you -- such as what rewards best motivate you, what tempts you most, and what helps you resist those temptations.
* Be realistic about how much weight you should lose.
* Maintain a good balance of calories taken in versus calories burned.
* Get enough exercise. Even a brisk daily walk can help you keep those pounds off.
* Keep notes and records of your food intake and daily activity.
* Plan your meals, and make healthy food choices at the grocery.
* Don't weigh yourself more than once a week.
* Plan ahead for holidays, special occasions, and other times when you may be likely to splurge and take in additional calories.

Health Tip: Eat Healthy When You Eat Out

When it's time to eat out, you may think it's too difficult to stick to a diet or to watch those calories.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which offers these eating-out tips, begs to differ:

* Order water, skim milk, unsweetened tea, or other drinks low in sugar and calories.
* Order a small salad as an appetizer, which will help fill you up before the main meal.
* Order salad dressings and other fattening sauces on the side.
* Order entrees that include vegetables.
* Order dishes that are steamed, baked or broiled, not fried.
* Order a small or medium-sized portion -- or even a children's meal -- instead of a regular adult portion.
* Order something from the menu, instead of visiting the all-you-can eat buffet.

Health Headlines - May 22

Bush Signs Bill Banning Genetic Discrimination

A bill to protect people against job dismissal or from losing their health insurance based on genetic testing results was signed into law Wednesday by President George W. Bush.

Supporters of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act gathered at the White House in support of the measure, which bars employers or insurers from discriminating against people whose genetic test results show they may be more susceptible to illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

Bush said the legislation protected "our citizens from having genetic information misused," the Associated Press quoted him as saying.

One of the bill's most prominent supporters, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) wasn't able to attend the ceremony, having been newly diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor.

"All of us are so pleased that Senator Kennedy has gone home, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family," Bush said at the bill's signing.

-----

Merck Settles State Suits Over Vioxx Ads

Merck & Co. will pay $58 million to settle lawsuits in 29 states over allegations that Merck ads for the now-defunct painkiller Vioxx under-represented the drug's risks, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

The agreement includes a proviso that for seven years, Merck will submit all new televised drug ads to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for review, the wire service said.

Vioxx was removed from store shelves in 2004, after studies found the painkiller doubled users' risks of heart attack and stroke. Thousands of lawsuits have since been filed by former users and their families against the drug maker.

In commenting on the settlement, Merck did not concede wrongdoing and defended its marketing of Vioxx, the AP said.

-----

Lower-Income Children Visit E.R. More Often

Children from families with lower incomes made nearly twice the number of emergency room visits in 2005 than children from higher-income families, a new U.S. government report revealed Wednesday.

The report was produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. It compared 12 million emergency room visits involving children from households with an average income of $36,999 with those from families with an average household income of more than $61,000.

The rate from low-income families was 414 visits for every 1,000 children, compared with 223 visits for every 1,000 children from higher-incomes families, the agency said in a statement.

The report also found:

• In 96 percent of cases, the children were treated and released.
• In cases when a child was admitted to the hospital, the most common reasons were: pneumonia, asthma, acute bronchitis, appendicitis, dehydration, depression and epileptic convulsions.
• About 45 percent of the E.R. visits were covered by Medicaid, 43 percent were covered by private insurance, 9 percent were uninsured, and 3 percent had other forms of coverage.

-----

Government Ads Reveal Hospital Satisfaction

The U.S. government is shelling out nearly $1.9 million on newspaper ads to publicize patient satisfaction rates for 2,500 hospitals across the country, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

The ads will include ratings on two primary issues: The percentage of respondents who felt the hospitals provided help when patients needed it, and the percentage of patients who were given antibiotics before surgery. The second rating focused on the need to prevent hospital-acquired infections.

The ads will run in 58 papers in 49 states. Delaware is the exception, but that state's hospitals will be included in ads appearing in neighboring Pennsylvania, the AP said.

Additional patient satisfaction measurements appear on the Department of Health and Human Services Web site at www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.

-----

Preterm Infants Twice as Likely to Have Birth Defects

Preterm babies (born before 37 weeks of gestation) are more than twice as likely as full-term infants to have major birth defects, say U.S. researchers who analyzed more than seven million live births in 13 states between 1995 and 2000.

Overall, eight percent of preterm infants had a birth defect, said the team of investigators from the March of Dimes, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and several other major institutions.

The risk was greatest in very preterm babies (born between 24 and 31 weeks' gestation), who were five times as likely as full-term infants to have a birth defect. The most common birth defects among very preterm babies were central nervous system defects, such as spina bifida, and cardiovascular defects, such as a hole in the heart.

The study is published online this week in the Maternal and Child Health Journal.

Each year in the United States more than 500,000 babies are born preterm and that rate continues to rise. Birth defects and preterm birth are the leading causes of infant death.

"The causes of most birth defects are still not known," study lead author Margaret Honein, of the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, said in a prepared statement. "While it is likely that the most common defects are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, the identification of specific risk factors continues to be a major research and public health priority."

-----

Food Compound Blocks Inflammatory Response

A compound found in green peppers and celery can block part of a pathway that controls inflammatory response in the central nervous system (CNS), according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

They said the finding may have implications for research on aging and diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis, United Press International reported.

The researchers found that a plant flavonoid called luteolin inhibited an important pathway in the inflammatory response of microglia, brain cells that play a critical role in the CNS immune system defenses, the news service said.

Luteolin reduced production of interluekin-6 -- used in cellular communication -- in the microglia inflammatory pathway by as much as 90 percent, according to the study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"This was just about as potent an inhibition as anything we had seen previously," researcher Rodney Johnson said in a prepared statement, UPI reported.

-----

Childhood Obesity a Major Problem in China

Nearly one in five Chinese children under 7 years old is overweight, and more than seven percent are obese, according to a Chinese National Task Force on Childhood Obesity study released at the annual meeting of the World Health Organization.

"These numbers are higher than in European countries, while the gross domestic product in China is much lower," study leader Ding Zongyi told Agence France-Presse. "Only the United States (has) higher rates."

The researchers examined data on 80,000 children in 11 major cities and found a 156 percent increase in obese children and a 52 percent increase in overweight children between 1996 and 2006.

"This rate of increase has gone out of control," said Ding, who told AFP that Chinese children are eating too much high-fat, high sugar foods and aren't getting enough exercise.

Health Tips for May 22

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 Tip: How a Pacemaker Helps the Heart

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

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

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

Health Headlines - May 21

Caffeine Before Breakfast May Increase Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Drinking caffeinated coffee before eating low-sugar cereal at breakfast may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in some people, according to researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada.

They had male volunteers drink caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee one hour before they ate cereals with low or moderate levels of sugar, United Press International reported.

Among those who ate the low-sugar cereal, blood sugar levels jumped 250 percent higher after they had caffeinated coffee, compared to when they had decaffeinated coffee. The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

"Caffeine interferes with our body's response to insulin. It makes us resistant to insulin which in turn makes our blood-sugar levels go higher," said researcher Terry Graham, UPI reported.

People at risk for type 2 diabetes should be cautious and consider drinking decaffeinated coffee, Graham suggested.

-----

Chinese City to Reopen Kindergartens

The Chinese city hit hardest by a viral disease outbreak among children plans to reopen kindergartens on June 1 after health officials decided the outbreak was under control, according to state media cited by Agence France-Presse.

A total of 1,116 patients were still being treated in hospitals in the city of Fuyang as of Sunday, with two in critical condition and 17 in intensive care, the Xinhua news agency said.

Since it first appeared in early March, the outbreak caused by enterovirus 71 has sickened about 25,000 children in China. The virus causes fever, blisters, mouth ulcers and rashes and can lead to hand, foot and mouth disease, AFP reported.

The disease is common in China, and there were more than 80,000 cases reported last year. However, the outbreak's rapid spread just months before China hosts the summer Olympics prompted the government to issue a national alert. There is little chance of a devastating outbreak, according to the World Health Organization.

-----

Terminally Ill Patients Going to Mexico to Get Euthanasia Drug

Hundreds of people from other countries have traveled to Mexico to buy an inexpensive, readily available euthanasia drug, according to the Mexican daily newspaper Reforma, Agence France-Presse reported.

Since 2001, at least 200 terminally ill people from Australia, Britain, New Zealand and the United States have come to Mexico to obtain nembutal, a drug usually used to put down animals, said the newspaper, which cited the Australian-based pro-euthanasia organization Exit International.

"On the basis of Exit research, the best places to visit are the 20-odd (U.S.-Mexico) border crossings, from Tijuana in California to Matamoros on the Gulf of Mexico," says information on the group's Web site, AFP reported.

"Throughout Mexico veterinary nembutal is available for between $20 and $40 U.S. per 100 ml bottle," the Web site advises. "One only needs to know the location of a veterinary supplier and the labeling in use at that location."

The organization says nembutal is also widely and cheaply available in a number of South American countries, AFP reported.

-----

Seat Belt Use Increasing in the U.S.

Overall seat belt use in the United States is on the rise. But the news isn't all good, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration figures published Monday as safety and law enforcement officials launched the annual pre-Memorial Day campaign urging Americans to buckle up.

General seat belt use increased to 82 percent in 2007, compared to 81 percent in 2006, the Associated Press reported. Twelve states -- led by Hawaii and Washington -- had seat belt use rates of 90 percent or higher. Only three states -- Arkansas, Massachusetts and New Hampshire -- had rates below 70 percent.

But the study found that 68 percent of drivers and passengers, ages 16 to 20, who were killed in nighttime car crashes in 2006 weren't using seat belts. In that age group, 57 percent of drivers and passengers killed in daytime crashes weren't buckled up, the AP reported.

But the problem isn't limited to young people. More than 60 percent of drivers and passengers up to age 44 killed in nighttime crashes weren't wearing seat belts, along with 52 percent of people ages 55 to 64, and 41 percent of those 65 and older.

-----

Cancer, Heart, Traffic Deaths to Rise During Next 20 Years: WHO

Over the next 20 years, global deaths from cancer, heart disease and traffic crashes will increase as people in developing nations get richer and live longer, a new World Health Organization report predicts.

By 2030, these three causes of death will account for more than 30 percent of all deaths worldwide, said the "World Health Statistics 2008" report. At same time, deaths from factors currently associated with the developing world -- such as nutritional deficiencies, malaria and tuberculosis -- will decline, Agence France-Presse reported.

"Globally, deaths from cancer will increase from 7.4 million in 2004 to 11.8 million in 2030, and deaths from cardiovascular diseases will rise from 17.1 million to 23.4 million in the same period," according to the WHO report.

"Deaths due to road accidents will increase from 1.3 million in 2004 to 2.4 million in 2030, primarily owing to increased motor vehicle ownership and use associated with economic growth in low- and middle-income countries," the report continued.

The WHO also said worldwide deaths from HIV/AIDS will increase from 2.2 million in 2008 to a maximum of 2.4 million in 2012 before decreasing to 1.2 million in 2030, AFP reported.

-----

Aging Americans Feel Peace and Calm: Study

Many Americans experience a sense of peace and calm as they age, suggests a study by researchers at the Population Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

Their analysis of information from 1,450 people who took part in the General Social Survey revealed that those aged 60 and older reported more feelings of ease and contentment than younger people, United Press International reported.

The findings are published in the journal Social Science and Medicine.

Study authors Catherine Ross and John Mirowsky noted that previous research on emotions associated with aging focused on negative emotions, such as depression. But this study shows that aging is associated with more positive than negative feelings, and more passive than active emotions, UPI reported.

"Emotions that are both active and negative, such as anxiety and anger, are especially unlikely among the elderly," Ross said in a prepared statement.

Health Tips for May 21

Health Tip: Walking for Exercise

Walking is a safe and easy way to get exercise, but you should maintain proper form to prevent injury.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions:

* Swing your arms as you walk.
* Walk with your head up, and make sure your back is straight.
* Keep your abdomen flat.
* Point your toes straight ahead.
* Walk with a long, easy stride that doesn't strain you.

Health Tip: Prevent Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail can be very painful and uncomfortable, and can make it difficult to walk.

Here are suggestions to help prevent ingrown toenails, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Make sure your shoes fit correctly and comfortably.
* Keep toenails trimmed straight across, and don't cut them too short.
* Always keep your feet clean and dry.
* Diabetics need to regularly inspect and care for their feet, and frequently have them examined by a doctor.

Health Headlines - May 20

Recreational Water Illnesses Increasing: CDC

Outbreaks of recreational water illnesses (RWIs) in the United States reached a record high in 2007 and the numbers could increase in coming years, says the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RWIs are caused by swallowing, breathing or having contact with germs in the water of swimming pools, spas, lakes, river or oceans.

"The leading cause of RWI outbreaks is cryptosporidium or crypto, a chlorine-resistant parasite, primarily associated with treated swimming places, such as pools and water parks. This RWI has been a public health issue in the past and will likely pose an even bigger challenge in the future," CDC epidemiologist Michele Hlavsa said in a prepared statement.

From 2004 to 2007, the number of cryptosporidium cases tripled and the number of crypto outbreaks linked to swimming pools more than doubled. Because crypto is chlorine-resistant, it can be present even in well-maintained pools.

"People need to practice healthy swimming habits, such as not swimming when they have diarrhea, not swallowing the water, taking a shower before swimming, washing their hands after using the toilet or changing diapers, and washing their children thoroughly -- especially their bottoms -- with soap and water before swimming, " Hlavsa said. "To prevent outbreaks, we encourage pool operators to add supplemental disinfection to conventional chlorination and filtration methods."

The CDC has designated May 19-25 as National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week.

-----

Sen. Edward Kennedy Undergoing Further Evaluation

Two days after he suffered a seizure, Sen. Edward Kennedy is undergoing further evaluation at a Boston hospital, the Associated Press reported.

It's not clear when doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital will release information on the 76-year-old Democrat's condition or the cause of his seizure Saturday, Kennedy's spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said Monday.

She said Kennedy spent Sunday watching sports and movies and visiting with family and had a restful night, the AP reported.

President Bush called Kennedy's wife, Vicki, on Monday to check on the senator's progress.

-----

Recalled Backpack Blowers Pose Laceration/Impact Hazard

About 23,000 Shindaiwa backpack blowers are being recalled because the fan can separate from the base and break apart, posing a laceration and impact hazard to users and bystanders, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

There have been 13 reports of broken fans, including one that resulted in a minor head injury and another that damaged a car.

The recall involves models EB8510 and EB8510RT with serial numbers up to #7014728. The blowers were sold at Shindaiwa dealers across the United States from September 2005 through January 2007 for about $600. These same blowers were previously recalled due to a fire hazard, the CPSC said.

Consumers with the recalled blowers should stop using them and take them to a dealer for a free inspection and fan replacement. For more information, contact Shindaiwa at 1-800-521-7733.

-----

Breast Cancer Gene Increases Risk of Prostate Cancer in Men

Men in families that carry the breast cancer gene BRCA2 are at increased risk for prostate cancer, say Australian researchers who've been investigating families with multiple cases of breast and ovarian cancer for 10 years.

"We discovered that a man with a genetic fault in BRCA2 has almost four times the risk of developing prostate cancer than men in the general population. The BRCA2-prostate cancer that arise in these men also tends to be more aggressive," researcher Heather Thorne said in a prepared statement, Agence France-Presse reported.

She said it's hoped the finding, published this week in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, will encourage men to assess their genetic risk in the same way women do with breast and ovarian cancer.

"If a man comes from a family with multiple cases of breast or ovarian cancer, or knows there is a BRCA2 gene mutation running in their family, they may be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer," Thorne said, AFP reported. "These men can go to (clinic) and discuss genetic testing, and be given appropriate advice if they are found to be at increased risk."

-----

Powerless Positions Affect Cognitive Function: Study

People in weak or powerless positions may suffer impaired cognitive functioning, which hampers their ability to get ahead, suggests a study by American and Dutch researchers, who said their findings have "direct implications for management and organizations."

The study found that a lack of power impaired a person's ability to stay on top of constantly-changing information, to weed out irrelevant information, and to successfully plan ahead to achieve their goals, United Press International reported.

The study was published in the journal Psychological Science.

This work shows how hierarchies perpetuate themselves, said the researchers, who explained that a lack of power can lead to job performance that automatically reinforces a person's low standing in an organization.

-----

Grape and Apple Juice May Prevent Clogged Arteries

Antioxidants in purple grape and apple juice -- and the fruit themselves -- may help protect against atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), according to French researchers.

Hamsters who were given the fruit juice or fresh fruit had lower cholesterol levels, less oxidative stress, and less fat accumulation in the aorta (the body's main artery) than hamsters who drank water. All the hamsters were fed a fatty diet, BBC News reported.

Purple grape juice had the strongest protective effect, followed by purple grapes, apple juice and apples.

The researchers said their findings, published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, "provide encouragement that fruit and fruit juices may have a significant clinical and public health relevance," BBC News reported.

Health Tips for May 20

Health Tip: If Your Child is Having Surgery

The prospect of surgery can scare child a great deal, so it's important to fully prepare the child before you head to the hospital.

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers these suggestions:

* Find out as much as you can about the surgery, so you can answer the child's questions and reply with the right information.
* Be honest when answering questions, but make sure your responses are appropriate for the child's age.
* Read books with your child about preparing for a trip to the hospital.
* Take a tour of the hospital, including areas where the child will be.
* If your child is old enough and mature enough to make a choice, let the child make it.

Health Tip: What Your Bones Need

It's important to practice good bone health when you're young, to prevent problems later in life.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these guidelines for people of different ages:

* Between ages 10 and 20: Get 1,300 milligrams of calcium each day by eating plenty of calcium-rich foods such as cheese and leafy green vegetables. Drink at least three 8-oz. glasses of milk each day.
* Between ages 20 and 35: Get at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day. Perform exercises such as jogging or walking to help strengthen bones.
* Between ages 35 and 50: You still need 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day as bone loss may have already begun. You may want to ask your doctor about bone density screenings.
* Age 50 and older: Be sure to get at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day, and at least 20 minutes of weight-bearing exercise three days a week or more. Also, your doctor may recommend a vitamin D supplement.

Health Headlines - May 19

UK Scientists Report Possible 'Breakthrough' for New Drug to Fight Staph

British scientists believe they are close to developing a new antibiotic to fight methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterial infection that causes thousands of illnesses and deaths in hospitals each year.

BBC News reports that researchers at Destiny Pharma, a pharmaceutical company in Brighton, have developed a compound they describe as a "breakthrough" in killing MRSA.

In the last quarter of 2007 more than 1,000 cases of MRSA were reported in England, the BBC says, most of them in hospitals and public facilities. The drug, called XF-73, is applied as a gel into patients' noses.

Initial reports from clinical trials indicated that MRSA did not develop any resistance to the compound after 55 applications, a finding BBC reports Destiny Pharma's chief executive Dr. Bill Love as saying was "quite amazing." If further tests have similar results, the drug may be available in British hospitals by 2011, the BBC says.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MRSA can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections.

-----

Misuse of Syringes Found as Cause of Hepatitis C Outbreak

It was the re-use of syringes and vials containing medicine that caused a hepatitis C outbreak resulting in 84 patients becoming infected at two Las Vegas clinics, the Associated Press reports.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was first contacted early in 2008 after two people had come down with hepatitis C, the wire service reports. CDC investigators said in their report they observed clinic employees reusing syringes to administer a sedative, and followup interviews indicated it was a common practice, the wires service reported. "This was considered the most likely mode of transmission," the report concluded.

The two clinics in question, the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada and the Desert Shadow Endoscopy Center -- both now shut down -- treated about 50,000 patients over this amount of time, the A.P. said. Law enforcement officials from Las Vegas, Nevada and the U.S. government are pursing criminal investigations, according to the wire service.

The doctors who ran the clinics, Dipak Desai and Eladio Carrera, have had their medical licenses suspended and paid a $50,000 fine, the A.P. reported.

Brian Labus, a senior epidemiologist with the Southern Nevada Health District, told the A.P. that the link between being treated at the clinics and contracting Hepatitis C was strong. "We know they [the 84 patients] didn't have a positive test before they went to the clinic, and now they're positive," he said.

State officials are worried that all 50,000 patients who were treated at the clinics between March, 2004 and Jan. 11, 2008 may have been exposed to Hepatitis C, which can linger in a person's system for years without symptoms. The disease can result in liver failure.

Post-Concussion Activity Levels Affect Recovery

The activity level of athletes after they've suffered a concussion affects brain function and speed of recovery, says a U.S. study in the Journal of Athletic Training.

Athletes who engage in high levels of activity following a concussion showed impaired brain function, while those who engaged in moderate levels of activity had the best performance on brain function tests, the study found.

"We surmise that most athletes in the highest-intensity activity group probably experienced a less severe initial injury, but by continuing with high levels of activity, they began to exhibit similar symptoms to those who initially experienced a more severe concussion," researcher Jason P. Mihalik, a certified athletic trainer at the University of North Carolina, said in a prepared statement.

The study also found differences in recovery based on age and gender, which suggests that different post-concussion strategies may be needed for certain groups of athletes.

-----

FDA Repeats Warning About Transplant Drugs

The organ transplant drugs CellCept and Myfortic can cause miscarriages and birth defects when used by pregnant women, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reminded doctors Friday.

In an online notice to doctors posted Friday, the agency recommended "confirming that a pregnancy has not occurred and ensuring that patients use effective contraceptive measures," the Associated Press reported.

The drugs suppress the immune system in order to avoid organ rejection in transplant patients. Last October, the FDA added its most serious warning to CellCept and Myfortic after it received reports of miscarriages and infants born with ear and mouth defects after their mothers took CellCept.

Most of these cases occurred in mothers who took the drug before they knew they were pregnant, said the FDA, which noted that some of the women were taking the drugs for unapproved conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, the AP reported.

-----

Most U.S. Teen Girls Suffer Sexual Harassment: Study

About 90 percent of American teenage girls have suffered at least one incident of sexual harassment, suggests a study that included 600 girls, ages 12 to 18.

The researchers found 67 percent of the girls reported receiving unwanted romantic attention, 62 percent were exposed to demeaning gender-related comments, 58 percent were teased because of their appearance, 52 percent were subjected to unwanted physical contact, and 25 percent were bullied or threatened with harm by a male, United Press International reported.

In addition, 76 percent of the girls reported sexist comments on their athletic abilities, and 52 percent received discouraging gender-based comments about their math, science and computer abilities.

The findings were published in the May/June issue of the journal Child Development.

-----

Scientific Laboratories Inc. Banned From Making, Distributing Drugs

Scientific Laboratories Inc. has been banned from making and distributing drug products until their manufacturing operations meet federal regulations and their products are approved, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

The company is a contract manufacturer and distributor of various prescription cough and cold products. A number of Scientific Laboratories' drugs "have not undergone FDA review for safety and efficacy and may pose potential health risks," Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared statement.

The unapproved new drugs manufactured and marketed by Scientific Laboratories as prescription cough and cold products include: B-Vex Suspension; Ben-Tann Suspension; D-Tann Suspension; D-Tann AT Suspension; D-Tann CT Suspension; D-Tann DM Suspension; D-Tann HC Suspension; Dur-Tann DM Suspension; Duratan DM Suspension; L-All 12 Suspension; Nazarin Liquid; and Nazarin HC Liquid.

Pharmacies should stop dispensing these products, and consumers with these products in their homes should talk to their health care provider about whether to stop using the products, the FDA said.

Health Tips for May 19

Health Tip: Prevent Poison Ivy Rash

Poison ivy may be difficult to avoid, but it is possible to prevent the itchy rash even after being exposed to the plant.

If you think you've come in contact with poison ivy, follow these suggestions from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

* Stay outside until your skin has been properly cleaned.
* Cleanse skin with a generous amount of rubbing alcohol.
* After the rubbing alcohol, rinse your skin thoroughly with plain water.
* Shower, washing the skin thoroughly with soap and water.
* Wash clothing with rubbing alcohol and water to remove any residue from the plant.

Health Tip: Poison Ivy Rash

Poison ivy is a plant that can cause a red, itchy rash on the skin.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these tips to treat the rash. It also identifies signs that you may need a doctor's attention:

* Try over-the-counter medications to control itching, such as an antihistamine (like Benadryl), calamine lotion and hydrocortisone creams.
* Take oatmeal baths to soothe the skin.
* Fevers of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit require a doctor's attention.
* Rashes that cover the eyes, mouth, genitals or a large area across the body should be treated by a doctor.
* If pus is oozing from the rash, see your doctor.
* See your doctor if the rash does not improve.

Health Headlines - May 18

Misuse of Syringes Found as Cause of Hepatitis C Outbreak

It was the re-use of syringes and vials containing medicine that caused a hepatitis C outbreak resulting in 84 patients becoming infected at two Las Vegas clinics, the Associated Press reports.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was first contacted early in 2008 after two people had come down with hepatitis C, the wire service reports. CDC investigators said in their report they observed clinic employees reusing syringes to administer a sedative, and followup interviews indicated it was a common practice, the wires service reported. "This was considered the most likely mode of transmission," the report concluded.

The two clinics in question, the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada and the Desert Shadow Endoscopy Center -- both now shut down -- treated about 50,000 patients over this amount of time, the A.P. said. Law enforcement officials from Las Vegas, Nevada and the U.S. government are pursing criminal investigations, according to the wire service.

The doctors who ran the clinics, Dipak Desai and Eladio Carrera, have had their medical licenses suspended and paid a $50,000 fine, the A.P. reported.

Brian Labus, a senior epidemiologist with the Southern Nevada Health District, told the A.P. that the link between being treated at the clinics and contracting Hepatitis C was strong. "We know they [the 84 patients] didn't have a positive test before they went to the clinic, and now they're positive," he said.

State officials are worried that all 50,000 patients who were treated at the clinics between March, 2004 and Jan. 11, 2008 may have been exposed to Hepatitis C, which can linger in a person's system for years without symptoms. The disease can result in liver failure.

Post-Concussion Activity Levels Affect Recovery

The activity level of athletes after they've suffered a concussion affects brain function and speed of recovery, says a U.S. study in the Journal of Athletic Training.

Athletes who engage in high levels of activity following a concussion showed impaired brain function, while those who engaged in moderate levels of activity had the best performance on brain function tests, the study found.

"We surmise that most athletes in the highest-intensity activity group probably experienced a less severe initial injury, but by continuing with high levels of activity, they began to exhibit similar symptoms to those who initially experienced a more severe concussion," researcher Jason P. Mihalik, a certified athletic trainer at the University of North Carolina, said in a prepared statement.

The study also found differences in recovery based on age and gender, which suggests that different post-concussion strategies may be needed for certain groups of athletes.

-----

FDA Repeats Warning About Transplant Drugs

The organ transplant drugs CellCept and Myfortic can cause miscarriages and birth defects when used by pregnant women, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reminded doctors Friday.

In an online notice to doctors posted Friday, the agency recommended "confirming that a pregnancy has not occurred and ensuring that patients use effective contraceptive measures," the Associated Press reported.

The drugs suppress the immune system in order to avoid organ rejection in transplant patients. Last October, the FDA added its most serious warning to CellCept and Myfortic after it received reports of miscarriages and infants born with ear and mouth defects after their mothers took CellCept.

Most of these cases occurred in mothers who took the drug before they knew they were pregnant, said the FDA, which noted that some of the women were taking the drugs for unapproved conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, the AP reported.

-----

Most U.S. Teen Girls Suffer Sexual Harassment: Study

About 90 percent of American teenage girls have suffered at least one incident of sexual harassment, suggests a study that included 600 girls, ages 12 to 18.

The researchers found 67 percent of the girls reported receiving unwanted romantic attention, 62 percent were exposed to demeaning gender-related comments, 58 percent were teased because of their appearance, 52 percent were subjected to unwanted physical contact, and 25 percent were bullied or threatened with harm by a male, United Press International reported.

In addition, 76 percent of the girls reported sexist comments on their athletic abilities, and 52 percent received discouraging gender-based comments about their math, science and computer abilities.

The findings were published in the May/June issue of the journal Child Development.

-----

Scientific Laboratories Inc. Banned From Making, Distributing Drugs

Scientific Laboratories Inc. has been banned from making and distributing drug products until their manufacturing operations meet federal regulations and their products are approved, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

The company is a contract manufacturer and distributor of various prescription cough and cold products. A number of Scientific Laboratories' drugs "have not undergone FDA review for safety and efficacy and may pose potential health risks," Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared statement.

The unapproved new drugs manufactured and marketed by Scientific Laboratories as prescription cough and cold products include: B-Vex Suspension; Ben-Tann Suspension; D-Tann Suspension; D-Tann AT Suspension; D-Tann CT Suspension; D-Tann DM Suspension; D-Tann HC Suspension; Dur-Tann DM Suspension; Duratan DM Suspension; L-All 12 Suspension; Nazarin Liquid; and Nazarin HC Liquid.

Pharmacies should stop dispensing these products, and consumers with these products in their homes should talk to their health care provider about whether to stop using the products, the FDA said.

-----

Texas Seafood Producer Ordered to Close, Recall Products

A seafood processing company in Texas has been ordered to close down and recall all products manufactured at its facility since 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

Under a different name, Hope Food Supply Inc., of Pasadena, Texas, had made dried smoked catfish steaks and other smoked seafood products but was ordered to close until it developed and implemented an adequate Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for its products.

The company hasn't developed this plan and can't resume production until it's implemented an approved HACCP plan, the FDA said. This type of plan requires the company to identify all food safety hazards likely to occur with each type of seafood product they process and establish preventive measures to control those hazards.

Without such a plan, seafood products could contain potentially harmful bacteria that could cause serious illnesses in people.

Hope Food Supply's products have been distributed across the United States. Consumers should take any smoked seafood products to the place of purchase to determine if the products came from Hope Food Supply. If so, the products should be thrown away, the FDA said.

Consumers who have eaten Hope Food Supply dried smoked catfish or other smoked seafood products and have suffered adverse reactions should consult a health care professional.

Health Tips for May 18

Health Tip: Preparing Your Pet for Baby

Bringing a new baby into your home where your family pet is already settled can be an adjustment for your furry family members.

The American Pregnancy Association lists these suggestions to help prepare your pet for the smooth arrival of your new baby:

* Address issues now that you think may cause problems when the baby arrives.
* Try establishing new routines before the baby arrives so that the pet is already adjusted to your change in activities.
* If you have a dog, teach him which toys are for him, and which are off-limits.
* Understand that your pet may be jealous of the attention you give to the baby, so make sure that you give him plenty of love and affection, too.
* Never leave your baby alone in the room with a dog -- make sure someone always supervises them together.
* Talk to your veterinarian about ways to make these changes easier for your pet.

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes starts in women during pregnancy, then often disappears after the baby is born.

Women who develop the condition should be carefully monitored throughout pregnancy, and should carefully manage their diet.

Here are common risk factors for gestational diabetes, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Being of African or Hispanic descent.
* Becoming pregnant when older than 25.
* Having had a child with a birth defect.
* Having had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
* Being obese.
* Having frequent infections.
* Having an unexplained miscarriage, or having a newborn who died.

Health Headlines - May 17

Post-Concussion Activity Levels Affect Recovery

The activity level of athletes after they've suffered a concussion affects brain function and speed of recovery, says a U.S. study in the Journal of Athletic Training.

Athletes who engage in high levels of activity following a concussion showed impaired brain function, while those who engaged in moderate levels of activity had the best performance on brain function tests, the study found.

"We surmise that most athletes in the highest-intensity activity group probably experienced a less severe initial injury, but by continuing with high levels of activity, they began to exhibit similar symptoms to those who initially experienced a more severe concussion," researcher Jason P. Mihalik, a certified athletic trainer at the University of North Carolina, said in a prepared statement.

The study also found differences in recovery based on age and gender, which suggests that different post-concussion strategies may be needed for certain groups of athletes.

-----

FDA Repeats Warning About Transplant Drugs

The organ transplant drugs CellCept and Myfortic can cause miscarriages and birth defects when used by pregnant women, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reminded doctors Friday.

In an online notice to doctors posted Friday, the agency recommended "confirming that a pregnancy has not occurred and ensuring that patients use effective contraceptive measures," the Associated Press reported.

The drugs suppress the immune system in order to avoid organ rejection in transplant patients. Last October, the FDA added its most serious warning to CellCept and Myfortic after it received reports of miscarriages and infants born with ear and mouth defects after their mothers took CellCept.

Most of these cases occurred in mothers who took the drug before they knew they were pregnant, said the FDA, which noted that some of the women were taking the drugs for unapproved conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, the AP reported.

-----

Most U.S. Teen Girls Suffer Sexual Harassment: Study

About 90 percent of American teenage girls have suffered at least one incident of sexual harassment, suggests a study that included 600 girls, ages 12 to 18.

The researchers found 67 percent of the girls reported receiving unwanted romantic attention, 62 percent were exposed to demeaning gender-related comments, 58 percent were teased because of their appearance, 52 percent were subjected to unwanted physical contact, and 25 percent were bullied or threatened with harm by a male, United Press International reported.

In addition, 76 percent of the girls reported sexist comments on their athletic abilities, and 52 percent received discouraging gender-based comments about their math, science and computer abilities.

The findings were published in the May/June issue of the journal Child Development.

-----

Scientific Laboratories Inc. Banned From Making, Distributing Drugs

Scientific Laboratories Inc. has been banned from making and distributing drug products until their manufacturing operations meet federal regulations and their products are approved, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

The company is a contract manufacturer and distributor of various prescription cough and cold products. A number of Scientific Laboratories' drugs "have not undergone FDA review for safety and efficacy and may pose potential health risks," Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared statement.

The unapproved new drugs manufactured and marketed by Scientific Laboratories as prescription cough and cold products include: B-Vex Suspension; Ben-Tann Suspension; D-Tann Suspension; D-Tann AT Suspension; D-Tann CT Suspension; D-Tann DM Suspension; D-Tann HC Suspension; Dur-Tann DM Suspension; Duratan DM Suspension; L-All 12 Suspension; Nazarin Liquid; and Nazarin HC Liquid.

Pharmacies should stop dispensing these products, and consumers with these products in their homes should talk to their health care provider about whether to stop using the products, the FDA said.

-----

Texas Seafood Producer Ordered to Close, Recall Products

A seafood processing company in Texas has been ordered to close down and recall all products manufactured at its facility since 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

Under a different name, Hope Food Supply Inc., of Pasadena, Texas, had made dried smoked catfish steaks and other smoked seafood products but was ordered to close until it developed and implemented an adequate Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for its products.

The company hasn't developed this plan and can't resume production until it's implemented an approved HACCP plan, the FDA said. This type of plan requires the company to identify all food safety hazards likely to occur with each type of seafood product they process and establish preventive measures to control those hazards.

Without such a plan, seafood products could contain potentially harmful bacteria that could cause serious illnesses in people.

Hope Food Supply's products have been distributed across the United States. Consumers should take any smoked seafood products to the place of purchase to determine if the products came from Hope Food Supply. If so, the products should be thrown away, the FDA said.

Consumers who have eaten Hope Food Supply dried smoked catfish or other smoked seafood products and have suffered adverse reactions should consult a health care professional.

-----

Drug Shows Promise in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

The investigational drug Multaq (dronedarone) decreased the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization or death from any cause by 24 percent in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, according to drug maker Sanofi-Aventis.

The findings were expected to be presented at a meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society, in San Francisco.

"Atrial fibrillation is a very common disease, and our prior treatment options have been focused only on symptom relief and a hope to not do harm, which has been the problem with prior antiarrhythmic drugs," Dr. Christopher Cannon, a senior investigator in the TIMI Study Group at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said in a prepared statement.

"Now with (this study) demonstrating a highly significant reduction in death or hospitalization, as well as a 45 percent reduction in arrhythmic death or 30 percent cardiovascular death, dronedarone may become an appropriate treatment option for atrial fibrillation," said Cannon, who was not involved in the study.

Atrial fibrillation affects about 2.5 million people in the United States and about 4.5 million people in the European Union.

Health Tips for May 17

Health Tip: Preparing Your Pet for Baby

Bringing a new baby into your home where your family pet is already settled can be an adjustment for your furry family members.

The American Pregnancy Association lists these suggestions to help prepare your pet for the smooth arrival of your new baby:

* Address issues now that you think may cause problems when the baby arrives.
* Try establishing new routines before the baby arrives so that the pet is already adjusted to your change in activities.
* If you have a dog, teach him which toys are for him, and which are off-limits.
* Understand that your pet may be jealous of the attention you give to the baby, so make sure that you give him plenty of love and affection, too.
* Never leave your baby alone in the room with a dog -- make sure someone always supervises them together.
* Talk to your veterinarian about ways to make these changes easier for your pet.

Health Tip: Poison Ivy Rash

Poison ivy is a plant that can cause a red, itchy rash on the skin.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these tips to treat the rash. It also identifies signs that you may need a doctor's attention:

* Try over-the-counter medications to control itching, such as an antihistamine (like Benadryl), calamine lotion and hydrocortisone creams.
* Take oatmeal baths to soothe the skin.
* Fevers of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit require a doctor's attention.
* Rashes that cover the eyes, mouth, genitals or a large area across the body should be treated by a doctor.
* If pus is oozing from the rash, see your doctor.
* See your doctor if the rash does not improve.

Health Headlines - May 16

Large Increase Predicted in Cancer Drug Spending

Compared to all other drugs, spending on cancer medicines worldwide will grow twice as fast in coming years because emerging nations such as China, Russia and Brazil are boosting spending on diagnosing and treating cancer, according to a report released Thursday by the health care research firm IMS Health.

The overall global drug market is expected to grow by 6.4 percent a year through 2012, while cancer drug spending is expected to increase between 12 percent and 15 percent a year, reaching $75 billion to $80 billion by 2012, the Associated Press reported.

In addition to increased cancer spending by emerging nations, cancer is a priority among drug firms with multibillion-dollar research and development budgets.

"Oncology is the top of the bill when it comes to new products in development. Oncology R&D dwarfs all other research efforts within these organizations," the wire service quoted Titus Pattel, an IMS vice president, as saying.

This year, worldwide cancer drug sales are expected to reach $48 billion.

-----

Court Overturns Vioxx Verdict

A multimillion dollar verdict in a Vioxx lawsuit has been overturned by a Texas court.

The family of 71-year-old Leonel Garza was awarded $32 million two years ago, although damage caps reduced the amount to about $8 million. Garza had been taking Vioxx for less than a month when he died, the Associated Press reported.

But the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals said Garza's family failed to prove that a 23-year battle with heart disease wasn't the cause of his fatal 2001 heart attack.

"Today's decision reaffirms that there is simply no reliable scientific evidence that Vioxx caused Mr. Garza's heart attack," Ted Mayer, outside legal counsel for drug maker Merck and Company, said in a prepared statement, the AP reported.

Vioxx was taken off the market in 2004 after studies showed it increased users' risks of heart attack and stroke. Merck faces numerous lawsuits over the drug.

-----

Sweetwater Cheese Recalled Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Potential listeria contamination has prompted the recall of Tennessee Aged Black Pepper Cheese made by Sweetwater Farm, Inc. of Philadelphia, Tenn. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and others with weak immune systems, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

In healthy people, listeria may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In addition, listeria can cause miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women. No illnesses in connection with the cheese have been reported.

The recalled cheese, lot number 616-361, was distributed in 5-, 7-, and 10-ounce bars through the Sweetwater retail store in Philadelphia, Tenn. and a winery in Portland, Tenn. between December 27, 2007 and May 12, 2008.

Consumers with the recalled cheese should return it to the store for replacement or a refund. For more information, contact Sweetwater at 1-877-862-4332.

-----

Multi-Drug Approach Needed in Bird Flu Pandemic: Study

No single drug alone would be adequate to treat all people who would become infected during a worldwide flu pandemic, and nations need to stockpile more than one type of drug, say scientists at the National Institute for Medical Research in Great Britain.

They analyzed samples of H5N1 bird flu that had infected humans and found a mutation that made it resistant to the anti-viral drug Tamiflu. However, the mutation didn't protect the virus from another drug called Relenza, BBC News reported.

The study appears in the journal Nature.

"In order not to be outflanked by the virus, it will be necessary to have stocks of both existing drugs," said research team leader Dr. Steve Gamblin, BBC News reported. "There is a huge imperative to develop further drugs and it is likely a future pandemic will need to be tackled using a three- or four-pronged approach, much as we tackle HIV today."

-----

Meningitis B Vaccine Shows Promise

Preliminary clinical trials of a vaccine against meningitis B yielded "encouraging" results, according to drug maker Novartis.

Doses of the vaccine were given to 150 British infants at two, four, six and 12 months. One month after the third dose, the children's immune response against three strains of meningitis B was 89 percent, 98 percent and 93 percent. After the fourth dose, the immune response was 100 percent, 98 percent and 93 percent, BBC News reported.

"These initial results... show that the vaccine induces an immune response against strains containing the vaccine components. The next step is to find how broad these responses are against other strains that cause disease," said Dr. Andrew Pollard, head of the Oxford Vaccine Group at the University of Oxford. Pollard helped run the study.

This could be a major advance in combating meningitis, Professor David Salisbury, director of immunization, U.K. Department of Health, told BBC News.

"We have vaccinations against three of the four causes of bacterial meningitis. The one we have been waiting for is meningitis B. It has been a challenge for the past 20 years," Salisbury said. "This could be the beginning of getting a solution for meningitis B. The challenge has been to find a vaccine that works across different strains of the disease."

-----

Vitamin D May Prevent Prostate Cancer: Study

Vitamin D may be able to prevent prostate cancer, according to University of Rochester Medical Center researchers who found that the vitamin increases the activity of the gene G6PD and its production of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Increased activity of this enzyme clears cells of free radicals that can damage DNA and lead to cancer, United Press International reported.

The researchers used 1,25-hydroxylvitamin D3, the most powerful and active form of vitamin D in the human body. The study is published in the International Journal of Cancer.

"If you reduce DNA damage, you reduce the risk of cancer or aging," study leader Yi-Fen Lee said in a prepared statement, UPI reported.

"Our study adds one more beneficial effect of taking a vitamin D supplement. Taking a supplement is especially important for senior citizens and others who might have less circulation of vitamin D, and for people who live and work in areas where there is less sunshine," Lee said.

Health Tips for May 16

Health Tip: Prevent Antibiotic Overuse

Antibiotics are meant to treat bacterial infections, but they aren't effective against viruses such as those that cause the common cold.

To prevent overuse of antibiotics, it's important to only take them for bacterial infections.

Here are suggestions on how to use antibiotics properly:

* Only take antibiotics as recommended by your doctor. Never take any antibiotic that was prescribed for someone else, or that was prescribed for you to treat a different illness.
* If your doctor says you have a virus, you shouldn't ask for an antibiotic.
* Take your antibiotic exactly as prescribed, and always finish your prescription. Never save some of your antibiotic to treat a future infection.

Health Tip: Women and Antibiotics

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

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

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

Health Headlines - May 15

Few U.S. Adults Proficient at Managing Health Care

Only 12 percent of the 228 million adults in the United States have the health literacy skills to manage their own health care proficiently, according to the latest News and Numbers report from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research.

Health literacy skills -- which describe a person's ability to obtain and use health information to make appropriate health care decisions -- include weighing the risks and benefits of different treatments, knowing how to calculate health insurance costs, and being able to fill out complex medical forms.

People with poor health literacy skills may have worse health care outcomes and face an increased risk of medical errors.

A 2003 survey found that:

• 12 percent of American adults had proficient health literacy skills.
• 53 percent had intermediate skills, such as being able to read instructions on a prescription label and determine the right time to take medication.
• 22 percent had basic skills, such as being able to read a pamphlet and understand two reasons why a disease test might be appropriate despite a lack of symptoms.
• 14 percent had below-basic skills, which means they could accomplish only simple tasks such as understanding a set of short instructions or identifying what's permissible to drink before a medical test.

-----

New Guidelines Urge Careful Monitoring of Heart Device Patients

People with implanted pacemakers, defibrillators and other devices to regulate heartbeat need to be monitored carefully after the devices begin working, a team of international experts recommended Wednesday.

Almost 2 million people across the globe have had the devices implanted, the Associated Press reported.

While much of the attention so far has been directed to who should get the devices and whether insurance companies would pay for them, the wire service said, experts in San Francisco at a meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society unveiled new guidelines designed to provide follow-up care for people who already have them.

The guidelines recommend:

• Making the doctor who implants the device responsible for follow-up care, including working with the patient's primary care doctor if the patient moves.
• Giving each patient an ID card, which would include information about emergency care and solving potential safety issues.
• Getting a checkup every three to 12 months.
• Urging the government to brand manufacturer recalls as "safety alerts," to avoid scaring patients into thinking they need immediate surgery to remove an affected product.
• Using wireless technology to monitor patients remotely from their homes.

-----

Former Supreme Court Justice Pleas for Alzheimer's Research

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to sit on the nation's high court, is urging Congress to help boost research on Alzheimer's disease.

O'Connor retired from the bench in 2005, when she and her spouse moved to an assisted care center in Phoenix, the Associated Press reported. "My beloved husband John suffers Alzheimer's," she told the Senate Special Committee on Aging. "He is not in very good shape at present."

O'Connor welcomed recently approved legislation to ban discrimination based on genetic testing results. "My own sons I have not wanted to go be tested ... out of fear they would be ineligible for insurance," she told the panel on Wednesday.

More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, the AP reported, a number that's forecast to rise to 16 million by 2050. Some 10 million people are already caring for loved ones with the disease, the Alzheimer's Association estimates.

"I suspect that you will not hear from many of my fellow caregivers directly ... simply because they do not have the resources to take time away from their loves ones in order to come before you," O'Connor said in her prepared testimony.

"Our nation certainly is ready to get deadly serious about this deadly disease," she said.

-----

More Americans Taking Drugs for Chronic Health Problems

A new study suggests that more than half of all insured Americans regularly take prescription drugs to treat chronic health problems, with drugs to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol the most widely used, the Associated Press reported.

The Medco Health Solutions Inc. analysis of prescription records from 2001 to 2007 revealed that 51 percent of American adults and children were taking one or more prescription drugs for a chronic condition in 2007, compared to 50 percent in 2006, and 47 percent in 2001.

Regular use of medications to treat chronic health problems occurred in all demographic groups:

• Three out of four people 65 or older.
• Almost two-thirds of women 20 or older.
• 52 percent of adult men.
• One in four children and teenagers.

The study found that among older Americans, 28 percent of women and nearly 22 percent of men take five or more medicines on a regular basis, the AP reported.

Medco manages prescription benefits for about one in five Americans.

Experts said the study findings reflect both worsening public health and better medicines for chronic conditions and more aggressive treatment by doctors, the AP reported.

-----

Americans Overconfident About Their Food-Safety Abilities: Survey

While 82 percent of Americans say they're confident in their ability to safely prepare food, many don't follow simple steps to reduce the spread of bacteria in the kitchen or ensure safe cooking temperatures, according to a new survey.

For example, only 48 percent of respondents said they used separate cutting boards for raw meat/poultry and produce, and only 29 percent said they use a meat thermometer.

The third annual Food and Health Survey, conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation, included 1,000 American adults.

Among the findings:

• 92 percent said they wash their hands with soap and water when preparing food.
• 79 percent said they store leftovers within two hours of serving a meal.
• 67 percent said they cook food to the required temperature, but only 29 percent use a food thermometer to check the "doneness" of meat and poulty.
• Only 15 percent said they check the wattage on their microwave ovens and only 7 percent said they use a meat thermometer when using their microwave.

"Consumers are a lot more confident about their ability to safely prepare food than they ought to be, based on what we learned," Danielle Schor, senior vice president of food safety for the IFIC Foundation, said in a prepared statement. "We still have a long way to go to educate the public about the basics such as avoiding cross contamination and cooking to proper temperature."

-----

New Fitness Test for U.S. Adults

Aerobic fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility are the main components included in an adult fitness test being introduced Wednesday by the U.S. government. The test will feature several of the exercises done by millions of students each year as they strive for a Presidential Physical Fitness Award.

The new test for people 18 and older who are in good health was developed because baby boomers kept asking whether there was a physical-fitness test available similar to the ones they took as students, Melissa Johnson, executive director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, told the Associated Press.

The aerobic part of the test consists of a one-mile walk or 1.5-mile run, while the strength tests include push-ups and half sit-ups. The sit-ups are done for one minute and the push-ups are done until a person can't do any more. A "sit-and-reach" exercise is used to measure flexibility.

Participants can enter their scores online and get results that show where they rank among people in the same age group, the AP reported.

Health Tips for May 15

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 Tip: Facts About Fleas

Fleas can cause more than discomfort for both people and pets. They also can cause health problems.

Here are some important things to know about recognizing and fighting fleas in your home, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Flea bites can cause a rash, small bumps that turn white when you press on them, swelling and hives.
* Bites can itch severely and commonly occur where the skin folds -- armpits, ankles, knees and other areas.
* Excessive scratching can cause the bites to become infected.
* Over-the-counter hydrocortiosone cream can help soothe itching.
* Insecticides can be used in the home to kill fleas -- but never spray around young children.
* It's important to use preventive treatments on household pets.

Health Headlines - May 14

Major Depression Affects 1 in 12 Teens: U.S. Report

One in every 12 American teens (about 2.1 million) ages 12 to 17 experienced major depression in the past year, according to a report released Tuesday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

There was a large gender difference, with 12.7 percent of females and 4.6 percent of males reporting major depression. It's defined as a period of two weeks or longer of depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, and at least four other symptoms -- such as problems with sleep, energy, concentration and self-image -- reflecting a change in functioning.

The report, based on data from 67,706 teens who took part in the 2004 to 2006 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, also found that 48.3 percent of teens who reported major depression said it severely impaired their ability to function in at least one of four major areas of their everyday lives, such as home life, school/work, family relationships, and social life.

Teens who reported the most severe depression-related impairment were unable to carry out normal activities on an average of 58.4 days in the past year.

-----

Research Prompts Worries About 'Designer Babies'

Researchers believed to be the first to genetically alter a human embryo are dismissing worries that it's the first step toward creating "designer babies" by inserting specific genes into embryos to promote desired traits such as athletic ability or intelligence.

The scientists said their work was focused on stem cells, and they used an abnormal embryo that had no chance of developing into a baby, the Associated Press reported.

"None of us wants to make designer babies," said Dr. Zev Rosenwaks, director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He and his colleagues presented their study last fall at a meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, but it only received widespread attention after it was highlighted over the weekend by a British newspaper.

The Cornell scientists are developing techniques that others might use to produce genetically-modified humans, "and they're doing it without any kind of public debate," said Marcy Darnovsky, associate executive director of the Center for Genetics and Society, the AP reported. The research was also criticized by a London-based group called Human Genetics Alert.

The research doesn't trouble Kathy Hudson, director of the Genetics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., who noted that there are still many technical barriers to modifying babies by inserting genes.

"We're not even close to having that technology in hand to be able to do it right," and it would be ethically unacceptable to attempt it when it hasn't been proven to be safe, Hudson told the AP.

-----

Rising Food Prices Increase Risk of Child Malnourishment

Rising global food prices put 1.5 million more children in India at risk of becoming malnourished and could prove devastating for vulnerable women and children throughout South Asia, warns UNICEF. Currently, about five million Indian children are malnourished.

The UN children's charity noted that South Asia already has the largest number of malnourished children in the world and that nearly half of all Indian children showed signs of stunted growth before the current food price crisis, BBC News reported.

"It is a perfect storm; we have increasing malnutrition in an area that already has the majority of malnutrition in the world," said Daniel Toole, UNICEF's regional director for South Asia. "We have huge numbers of people living in poverty and a doubling of food prices. Those factors combined mean that we're going to just create tremendous vulnerability."

UNICEF's latest State of the World's Children report found that 48 percent of children under age five in India have stunted growth, compared to 43 percent in Bangladesh and 37 percent in Pakistan. The report also said 30 percent of babies in India are born underweight, compared with 22 percent in Bangladesh and 19 percent in Pakistan, BBC News reported.

-----

'CFC-Free' Asthma Inhalers Proving Difficult for Millions

The U.S. government-mandated switch to CFC-free inhalers is causing problems for millions of people with asthma and other lung diseases, according to The New York Times. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), used as propellants in the inhalers, damage the Earth's ozone layer.

As of Jan. 1, 2009, CFC inhalers will have to be replaced with inhalers that use propellants called HFAs (hydrofluoroalkanes). But HFA inhalers cost much more than CRC inhalers and the new and old inhalers differ in feel, force and taste, and in how they're primed and cleaned, the Times said.

Many asthma patients and doctors haven't been educated about the changes, which has resulted in ungrounded fears about the new inhalers, preventable trips to emergency rooms, and even hoarding of CFC inhalers, the newspaper reported.

"What the government failed to do is to mandate anyone to tell patients and physicians this transition was happening. There is no education, no monitoring of patients, no financial assistance to patients who have to pay higher prices for the new drugs," said Nancy Sander, president of the Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics.

CFC-free inhalers have been available for more than a decade but four to five million inhaler users have yet to switch to them, the group said.

-----

Sleep Problems Plague Many U.S. College Students

Many American college students have sleep patterns that may harm their education, driving abilities and health, according to researchers who also found that white noise may help improve students' sleep.

The researchers surveyed more than 300 college students and found that one-third took more than 30 minutes to fall asleep and 43 percent woke more than once per night, United Press International reported.

The findings are published in the Journal of American College Health.

In another study, the same researchers concluded that the use of continuous white noise may help improve college students' sleep. White noise decreased difficulty falling asleep and reduced night wakings in students who'd reported sleep problems, UPI reported.

That study was published in the journal Sleep and Hypnosis.

-----

Minority-Tailored Asthma Education Programs Benefit Patients

Tailoring asthma education programs to minorities can improve patients' quality of life, according to Australian researchers who reviewed three studies that included 396 asthma patients, ages 7 to 59, from ethnic minority groups.

All the studies compared the use of culture-specific asthma education programs to general education programs or usual care, United Press International reported.

Culture-specific programs were more effective in improving asthma quality of life scores in adults than general programs or usual care, the review authors concluded. But there wasn't enough data to determine whether the culture-specific programs had any effect on asthma-related hospitalizations.

The review was published in The Cochrane Library journal.

Health Tips for May 14

Health Tip: Can You Quit Smoking Without Weight Gain?

Weight gain doesn't have to be a side effect of quitting smoking if you follow a few simple methods to keep you both slim and healthy.

Here are some things you can do to prevent unnecessary calories and weight gain while you're quitting smoking, courtesy of the American Heart Association:

* Choose healthy foods for meals and snacks -- low-fat and low-calorie foods, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
* Drink plenty of water, and get regular exercise -- it will keep you busy and reduce stress.
* If you need to keep your hands busy, fiddle with a small object like a paper clip, pencil, marbles or something else you can play with in your hand.
* Snack if you feel the urge to have something in your mouth, but stick to crunchy fruits and vegetables, or sugar-free candy or gum.
* Brush your teeth frequently so that you have fresh, clean taste in your mouth that you don't want to ruin with smoke.
* Stay busy -- try knitting, crossword puzzles, writing letters, reading a book or playing a new sport.

Health Tip: Reducing Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness in the skin, primarily on the face. Rosacea cannot be cured, but some redness can be controlled with various treatments.

Here are some factors that can increase redness caused by rosacea, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Exposure to sunlight
* Drinking very hot drinks or alcohol
* Eating spicy foods
* Exercising heavily
* Stress
* Exposure to very hot or very cold weather

Health Headlines - May 13

Scientists Closer to Developing Botulinum Toxin Antidote

U.S. scientists say they've made a breakthrough in efforts to develop an effective antidote for botulinum toxin, which is a common cause of food poisoning and a potentially devastating biological weapon. One gram of the poison can kill hundreds of thousands of people, according to defense experts, BBC News reported.

The Clostridium botulinum bacterium produces seven different neurotoxins that can block the chemicals nerve cells use to communicate with each other and with muscles. This can paralyze the breathing muscles and cause suffocation.

The researchers developed a protein that blocks the effects of the most powerful of these toxins by fooling it into not attacking cells in the body, BBC News reported. It will take at least four to five years before this finding results in an approved drug, said the researchers at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York and the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases.

The findings are published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Currently, there are vaccines for botulinum toxin designed to be given before an attack. This research could produce as drug that would work after exposure.

-----

Munchkin Baby Bottle and Food Warmers Recalled

About 5,000 Munchkin Inc. baby bottle and food warmers are being recalled because they can overheat and pose a fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

So far, the North Hills, Calif.-based company has received nine reports of units overheating, including several that ignited and caused damage to countertops. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves the Munchkin Deluxe Bottle and Food Warmer with Pacifier Cleaning Basket 2-in-1 Design, model # 13301 and lot number TP-1487. The Chinese-made warmers were sold at various retailers across the United States and through the Munchkin's catalogue from June 2007 through April 2008 for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the warmers and contact the company (866-619-8673) for a free replacement, the CPSC said.

-----

Nickel in Cheap Earrings Common Cause of Earlobe Dermatitis

Cheap earrings that contain nickel are a common cause of earlobe dermatitis, say U.S. researchers who analyzed 277 inexpensive earrings (under $50) purchased from 34 different stores and artists in San Francisco. The study authors noted that repeated exposure to nickel can make it difficult to treat earlobe dermatitis.

The tests revealed that 30.7 percent of the earrings contained at least some nickel. The highest proportion of earrings with nickel came from local artists (69 percent) and from those purchased in China Town (43 percent), United Press International reported.

The researchers also found nickel in 24 percent of earrings bought at stores targeting young women, compared to 1.7 percent of earrings from stores targeting women over age 40.

Price wasn't a good indicator of whether earrings contained nickel. For example, none of the 44 earrings that cost $5 and $8 at one store had nickel, while many earrings that cost $15 and $25 at another store did contain nickel, UPI reported.

The study is published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

-----

Poultry Slaughtered to Control Bird Flu Outbreak in South Korea

All poultry in South Korea's capital city of Seoul have been killed in an effort to prevent the spread of bird flu following a new outbreak of the disease in the city, officials said Monday.

The slaughter of about 15,000 chickens, ducks, pheasants and turkeys began Sunday night, hours after confirmation of the city's second outbreak of bird flu in less than a week, the Associated Press reported. Authorities are now focusing on blocking any live poultry from being brought into Seoul.

Tests are being conducted to determine if the latest outbreak in the city was caused by the H5N1 virus. Results may be available as early as Monday night.

Last month, bird flu outbreaks started appearing in southern parts of South Korea for the first time in more than a year, which led to the slaughter of more than 6.8 million birds, the AP reported.

-----

Men More Likely to Desire Alcohol When Upset: Study

Men are more likely than women to want alcohol when they're upset, suggests a U.S. study that examined emotional and alcohol-craving responses to stress.

The study included 27 women and 27 men who were healthy social drinkers. They listened to three types of stories -- stressful, alcohol-related and neutral/relaxing -- in separate sessions on separate days, United Press International reported.

The participants' emotional, behavioral/bodily, and cardiovascular responses to the stories were assessed using heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, along with self-reported alcohol cravings.

"After listening to the stressful story, women reported more sadness and anxiety than men, as well as greater behavioral arousal," first author Tara M. Chaplin, of Yale University School of Medicine, said in a prepared statement. "But for men ... emotional arousal is linked to increases in alcohol craving. In other words, when men are upset, they are more likely to want alcohol."

Chaplin and her colleagues found that men had greater blood pressure response to stress, but didn't report greater sadness and anxiety, UPI reported. The researchers said this may mean that men are more likely to try to distract themselves from physiological arousal, possibly by consuming alcohol.

The study is published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

-----

Lawsuit Alleging Mercury-Autism Link to Begin

A preservative containing mercury and once widely used in childhood vaccines becomes the topic of a U.S. lawsuit this coming week as two Oregon families seek to prove that the substance caused two 10-year-old boys to develop autism.

The Associated Press reported that the boys' families are the first of 4,900 families to charge in court that the preservative thimerosal does indeed trigger autism in some children. The case is being heard in the U.S. Court of Claims.

A number of studies in recent years have found there was no evidence that thimerosal had any link to the onset of autism after a child had received one or more of the standard childhood vaccinations, the wire service said. In 2004 a committee from the Institute of Medicine concluded that thimerosal did not cause autism when used as a vaccine preservative, the AP reported.

Today, however, only the influenza vaccine contains thimerosal. The attorneys for the boys must prove that autism was caused by the vaccines, which at the time the children were injected contained thimerosal, the wire service reported.

According to interviews and examination of the court documents, the AP reported that the plaintiffs will attempt to present evidence that injections with thimerosal deposit a mercury variant in the brain. This, in turn, excites certain brain cells, which leads to autism.

"In some kids, there's enough of it that it sets off this chronic neuroinflammatory pattern that can lead to regressive autism," attorney Mike Williams told the AP.

Health Tips for May 13

Health Tip: Baby's Transition From Liquid Diet

Most babies typically stick to a diet of formula or breast milk up until about 4-to-6 months of age. When she's ready to start to add solid foods to her diet, she'll give you some signs to let you know.

Here are some signs your baby may be ready for solid food, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* She is now double her birth weight.
* She can support her own head and neck well.
* With some help, she is beginning to sit up.
* Expressing that she is full by closing her mouth or turning her head away from the food.
* Expressing an interest in solid foods that other people are eating.

Health Tip: Using Hair Dyes

Some studies have associated certain chemicals found in some hair dyes and coloring products to an increased risk of various types of cancer.

While there has not been a definite cause-and-effect established, it's important to take precautions when dying your hair.

Here are some safety tips to follow to reduce skin exposure when using hair dyes, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

* Don't leave the dye in your hair longer than required -- rinse it out after the time stated on the directions.
* Be sure to completely rinse your hair and scalp of the dye and residue.
* When putting the hair dye on your hair, wear gloves.
* Always follow the instructions carefully.
* Don't mix multiple hair dyes or other products together.

Health Headlines - May 12

Lawsuit Alleging Mercury Causes Autism to Begin in U.S. Court of Claims

A preservative containing mercury and once widely used in childhood vaccines becomes the topic of a U.S. lawsuit this coming week as two Oregon families seek to prove that the substance caused two 10-year-old boys to develop autism.

The Associated Press reports that the boys' families are the first of 4,900 families to charge in court that the preservative thimerosal does indeed trigger autism in some children. The case is being heard in the U.S. Court of Claims

A number of studies in recent years have found there was no evidence that thimerosal had any link to the onset of autism after a child had received one or more of the standard childhood vaccinations, the wire service said. In 2004 a committee from the Institute of Medicine concluded that thimerosal did not cause autism when used as a vaccine preservative, the A.P. reports.

Today, however, only the influenza vaccine contains thimerosal. The attorneys for the boys, William Mead and Jordan King, must prove that autism was caused by the vaccines, which at the time the children were injected contained thimerosal, the wire service reports.

According to interviews and examination of the court documents, the A.P. reports that the plaintiffs will attempt to present evidence that injections with thimerosal deposit a mercury variant in the brain. This, in turn, excites certain brain cells, which leads to autism.

"In some kids, there's enough of it that it sets off this chronic neuroinflammatory pattern that can lead to regressive autism," attorney Mike Williams told the A.P.

-----

85 Hepatitis C Cases Confirmed at Las Vegas Clinics

Health officials have identified at least 85 people treated at two Las Vegas area outpatient clinics over a four year period as having contracted Hepatitis C, the Associated Press reports.

The two clinics in question, the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada and the Desert Shadow Endoscopy Center, treated about 50,000 patients over this amount of time, the A.P. said, and while no official reason for the 85 people getting hepatitis C has been given, the cause may have been because the clinic staff reused syringes and vials of medication while administering anesthesia.

The doctors who ran the clinics, Dipak Desai and Eladio Carrera, have had their medical licenses suspended until Nevada's state Board of Medical Examiners hold hearings, the wire service reported.

Brian Labus, a senior epidemiologist with the Southern Nevada Health District, told the A.P. that the link between being treated at the clnics and contracting Hepatitis C was strong. "We know they [the 85 patients] didn't have a positive test before they went to the clinic, and now they're positive," he said.

State officials are worried that all 50,000 patients who were treated at the clinics between March, 2004 and Jan. 11, 2008 may have been exposed to Hepatitis C, which can linger in a person's system for years without symptoms. The disease can result in liver failure.

-----

Flu Vaccine Makers Preparing 143 Million Doses for Next Season

Hoping they picked the right viruses this time, the five companies that make influenza vaccine plan to offer at least 143 million doses to Americans for the 2008-2009 flu season, the Associated Press reports.

The 2007-2008 flu season, which is just ending, was the worst in four years for adult deaths, the wire service reports, largely because the viruses used in the flu vaccine were ineffective against many of the viruses that actually circulated in the population.

The viruses included in the vaccine each season are determined by scientists who have had a good record of predicting accurately, the A.P. reports, but two of the three viruses this season were wrong and were only 44 percent effective against the flu that circulated in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC and the American Medical Association are hosting a flu vaccine "summit" meeting in Atlanta next week, the wire service reports. Each year in the United States more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from the flu, and an average of 36,000 deaths occur, according the U.S. government statistics.

-----

Marijuana Linked to Teen Mental Health Problems

Teens who've reported being depressed at some point in the past year are more than twice as likely (25 percent) to have used marijuana than those who weren't depressed (12 percent), according to a White House Office of National Drug Control Policy report to be released Friday.

The paper also said that marijuana use by teens increases their risk of developing a mental disorder by 40 percent and that teens who use marijuana at least once a month for a year are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those who don't use the drug, the Associated Press reported.

In addition, teens who smoke marijuana when feeling depressed are more than twice as likely as other teens -- eight percent compared with three percent -- to abuse or become addicted to marijuana, the report said.

The report authors analyzed data from about a dozen previous studies that examined marijuana use.

"Marijuana is a more consequential substance of abuse than our culture has treated it in the last 20 years. This is not just youthful experimentation that they'll get over as we used to think in the past," John Walters, director of the drug control policy office, told the AP.

Since 2001, marijuana use among American teens has decreased 25 percent. Currently, about 2.3 million children use marijuana at least once a month, according to the drug control office.

-----

New Formulation of Coagulation Factor Approved by FDA

A new formulation (NovoSeven RT) of the genetically engineered version of Factor VIIA -- a plasma protein essential for the clotting of blood -- has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. With the new formulation, the product can be stored at room temperature (up to 81 degrees F) for up to two years.

NovoSeven RT shares the same uses as the earlier NovoSeven including: treatment of bleeding and the prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with hemophilia A or B who have antibodies that neutralize the action of clotting Factors VIII or IX; treatment of bleeding and the prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with congenital Factor VII deficiency; and prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with acquired hemophilia, the FDA said.

Approval of NovoSeven RT will benefit health-care facilities with limited refrigeration space. The original formula could be stored for three years at temperatures between 36 and 46 degrees F, the FDA said.

Fever, bleeding, injection site reaction, joint discomfort, headache, increases or decreases in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, pain, swelling and rash are among the most common side effects associated with NovoSeven RT.

-----

FDA Approves Generic Versions of Restless Legs Drug

The first generic versions of the restless leg syndrome drug Requip have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The agency said it approved generic ropinirole hydrochloride tablets in the following dosages: 0.25 milligram, 0.5 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, and 4 milligrams. The companies approved to market the generic tablets are: Roxane Laboratories Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Par Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.

While Requip is also approved to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, the generic versions are currently not approved for that kind of use, which is protected by patent. However, that patent expires later this month and the makers of the generic drugs may then seek approval for the Parkinson's disease indication, the FDA said.

The generic tablets will carry the same safety warnings as Requip about the possible risk of falling asleep while doing daily activities, including driving.

Health Tips for May 12

Health Tip: Is Your Baby in Pain?

Babies may cry for a variety of reasons, and it's often difficult to figure out the reason for their unhappiness.

Here are signs that your baby may be in pain, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:

* Unusual crying: If the cry is in a different pitch than usual, if the crying lasts longer, or if the baby is crying more forcefully.
* Facial features: If the baby is squeezing the eyes shut, furrowing the brows, or has deep lines or wrinkles around the nose.
* A stiffness or tenseness to the body: If the baby has the arms and legs stretched out, or squeezes them in close. Some babies may seem unusually limp or quiet when in pain.
* Irritability: If you can't soothe the infant by the usual methods. Also, the infant may be fussy, restless and unwilling to eat or sleep.

Health Tip: Tension Headaches

A tension headache is characterized by tight, painful pressure across the forehead. The pain may also extend into the neck, and is usually steady, rather than sharp or stabbing.

Tension headaches may be brought on by everyday stress and frustration, eyestrain and poor posture, says the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. Other symptoms may accompany these headaches, including fatigue, depression and difficulty sleeping.

Tension headaches may be prevented by prescription medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, beta blockers and divalproex sodium. Over-the-counter medications -- such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen -- can help alleviate pain.

Health Headlines - May 11

Happy Mother's Day!

Flu Vaccine Makers Preparing 143 Million Doses for Next Season

Hoping they picked the right viruses this time, the five companies that make influenza vaccine plan to offer at least 143 million doses to Americans for the 2008-2009 flu season, the Associated Press reports.

The 2007-2008 flu season, which is just ending, was the worst in four years for adult deaths, the wire service reports, largely because the viruses used in the flu vaccine were ineffective against many of the viruses that actually circulated in the population.

The viruses included in the vaccine each season are determined by scientists who have had a good record of predicting accurately, the A.P. reports, but two of the three viruses this season were wrong and were only 44 percent effective against the flu that circulated in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC and the American Medical Association are hosting a flu vaccine "summit" meeting in Atlanta next week, the wire service reports. Each year in the United States more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from the flu, and an average of 36,000 deaths occur, according the U.S. government statistics.

-----

Marijuana Linked to Teen Mental Health Problems

Teens who've reported being depressed at some point in the past year are more than twice as likely (25 percent) to have used marijuana than those who weren't depressed (12 percent), according to a White House Office of National Drug Control Policy report to be released Friday.

The paper also said that marijuana use by teens increases their risk of developing a mental disorder by 40 percent and that teens who use marijuana at least once a month for a year are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those who don't use the drug, the Associated Press reported.

In addition, teens who smoke marijuana when feeling depressed are more than twice as likely as other teens -- eight percent compared with three percent -- to abuse or become addicted to marijuana, the report said.

The report authors analyzed data from about a dozen previous studies that examined marijuana use.

"Marijuana is a more consequential substance of abuse than our culture has treated it in the last 20 years. This is not just youthful experimentation that they'll get over as we used to think in the past," John Walters, director of the drug control policy office, told the AP.

Since 2001, marijuana use among American teens has decreased 25 percent. Currently, about 2.3 million children use marijuana at least once a month, according to the drug control office.

-----

New Formulation of Coagulation Factor Approved by FDA

A new formulation (NovoSeven RT) of the genetically engineered version of Factor VIIA -- a plasma protein essential for the clotting of blood -- has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. With the new formulation, the product can be stored at room temperature (up to 81 degrees F) for up to two years.

NovoSeven RT shares the same uses as the earlier NovoSeven including: treatment of bleeding and the prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with hemophilia A or B who have antibodies that neutralize the action of clotting Factors VIII or IX; treatment of bleeding and the prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with congenital Factor VII deficiency; and prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with acquired hemophilia, the FDA said.

Approval of NovoSeven RT will benefit health-care facilities with limited refrigeration space. The original formula could be stored for three years at temperatures between 36 and 46 degrees F, the FDA said.

Fever, bleeding, injection site reaction, joint discomfort, headache, increases or decreases in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, pain, swelling and rash are among the most common side effects associated with NovoSeven RT.

-----

FDA Approves Generic Versions of Restless Legs Drug

The first generic versions of the restless leg syndrome drug Requip have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The agency said it approved generic ropinirole hydrochloride tablets in the following dosages: 0.25 milligram, 0.5 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, and 4 milligrams. The companies approved to market the generic tablets are: Roxane Laboratories Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Par Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.

While Requip is also approved to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, the generic versions are currently not approved for that kind of use, which is protected by patent. However, that patent expires later this month and the makers of the generic drugs may then seek approval for the Parkinson's disease indication, the FDA said.

The generic tablets will carry the same safety warnings as Requip about the possible risk of falling asleep while doing daily activities, including driving.

-----

Diet May Affect Prostate Cancer Surgery Outcome

Men who eat a diet low in saturated fat do better after having their prostate removed due to cancer (radical prostatectomy) than those who eat a diet high in saturated fats, according to a study of 390 patients by researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

After five years of follow-up, 80 percent of men who limited their saturated fat intake had no evidence of cancer, compared with 65 percent of men who consumed high levels of saturated fats, United Press International reported.

The study is published in the International Journal of Cancer.

The men who ate high levels of saturated fats were younger and had higher body mass index levels at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis than the men who consumed fewer saturated fats, UPI reported.

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of men in terms of family history of prostate cancer, education, history of diabetes or physical activity.

-----

Southern Metro Areas 'Hotspots' for Teen Driving Deaths

The 10 worst "hotspots" for teen driving deaths are in the southern United States, according to an Allstate Insurance Company study that examined federal crash statistics for 50 of the nation's largest metro areas.

The worst metro areas for rates of fatal teen crashes are: Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla.; Orlando/Kissimmee, Fla.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Nashville, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala.; Phoenix; Kansas City, Mo. and Kan.; Atlanta; Charolotte, N.C.; and Louisville, Ky.

The five metro areas with the lowest rates are: San Francisco/Oakland, Calif.; San Jose, Calif.; New York City (including Long Island and northern New Jersey); Los Angeles; and Cleveland.

The study also found that the rate of fatal teen crashes in rural areas of the United States is double the rate in cities and suburbs -- 51.5 per 100,000 teens per year, compared with 25. 4 per 100,000.

"We feel that state and federal leaders should enact uniform national standards for graduated drivers licensing laws. Further, we must have better conversations with teens about safe driving and set good examples through our own good driving behavior," George Ruebenson, president of Allstate Protection, said in a prepared statement.

Health Tips for May 11

Health Tip: Why Breast-Feed?

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

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

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

Health Tip: Using a Breast Pump

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

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

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

Health Headlines - May 10

Marijuana Linked to Teen Mental Health Problems

Teens who've reported being depressed at some point in the past year are more than twice as likely (25 percent) to have used marijuana than those who weren't depressed (12 percent), according to a White House Office of National Drug Control Policy report to be released Friday.

The paper also said that marijuana use by teens increases their risk of developing a mental disorder by 40 percent and that teens who use marijuana at least once a month for a year are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those who don't use the drug, the Associated Press reported.

In addition, teens who smoke marijuana when feeling depressed are more than twice as likely as other teens -- eight percent compared with three percent -- to abuse or become addicted to marijuana, the report said.

The report authors analyzed data from about a dozen previous studies that examined marijuana use.

"Marijuana is a more consequential substance of abuse than our culture has treated it in the last 20 years. This is not just youthful experimentation that they'll get over as we used to think in the past," John Walters, director of the drug control policy office, told the AP.

Since 2001, marijuana use among American teens has decreased 25 percent. Currently, about 2.3 million children use marijuana at least once a month, according to the drug control office.

-----

New Formulation of Coagulation Factor Approved by FDA

A new formulation (NovoSeven RT) of the genetically engineered version of Factor VIIA -- a plasma protein essential for the clotting of blood -- has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. With the new formulation, the product can be stored at room temperature (up to 81 degrees F) for up to two years.

NovoSeven RT shares the same uses as the earlier NovoSeven including: treatment of bleeding and the prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with hemophilia A or B who have antibodies that neutralize the action of clotting Factors VIII or IX; treatment of bleeding and the prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with congenital Factor VII deficiency; and prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with acquired hemophilia, the FDA said.

Approval of NovoSeven RT will benefit health-care facilities with limited refrigeration space. The original formula could be stored for three years at temperatures between 36 and 46 degrees F, the FDA said.

Fever, bleeding, injection site reaction, joint discomfort, headache, increases or decreases in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, pain, swelling and rash are among the most common side effects associated with NovoSeven RT.

-----

FDA Approves Generic Versions of Restless Legs Drug

The first generic versions of the restless leg syndrome drug Requip have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The agency said it approved generic ropinirole hydrochloride tablets in the following dosages: 0.25 milligram, 0.5 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, and 4 milligrams. The companies approved to market the generic tablets are: Roxane Laboratories Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Par Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.

While Requip is also approved to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, the generic versions are currently not approved for that kind of use, which is protected by patent. However, that patent expires later this month and the makers of the generic drugs may then seek approval for the Parkinson's disease indication, the FDA said.

The generic tablets will carry the same safety warnings as Requip about the possible risk of falling asleep while doing daily activities, including driving.

-----

Diet May Affect Prostate Cancer Surgery Outcome

Men who eat a diet low in saturated fat do better after having their prostate removed due to cancer (radical prostatectomy) than those who eat a diet high in saturated fats, according to a study of 390 patients by researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

After five years of follow-up, 80 percent of men who limited their saturated fat intake had no evidence of cancer, compared with 65 percent of men who consumed high levels of saturated fats, United Press International reported.

The study is published in the International Journal of Cancer.

The men who ate high levels of saturated fats were younger and had higher body mass index levels at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis than the men who consumed fewer saturated fats, UPI reported.

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of men in terms of family history of prostate cancer, education, history of diabetes or physical activity.

-----

Southern Metro Areas 'Hotspots' for Teen Driving Deaths

The 10 worst "hotspots" for teen driving deaths are in the southern United States, according to an Allstate Insurance Company study that examined federal crash statistics for 50 of the nation's largest metro areas.

The worst metro areas for rates of fatal teen crashes are: Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla.; Orlando/Kissimmee, Fla.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Nashville, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala.; Phoenix; Kansas City, Mo. and Kan.; Atlanta; Charolotte, N.C.; and Louisville, Ky.

The five metro areas with the lowest rates are: San Francisco/Oakland, Calif.; San Jose, Calif.; New York City (including Long Island and northern New Jersey); Los Angeles; and Cleveland.

The study also found that the rate of fatal teen crashes in rural areas of the United States is double the rate in cities and suburbs -- 51.5 per 100,000 teens per year, compared with 25. 4 per 100,000.

"We feel that state and federal leaders should enact uniform national standards for graduated drivers licensing laws. Further, we must have better conversations with teens about safe driving and set good examples through our own good driving behavior," George Ruebenson, president of Allstate Protection, said in a prepared statement.

-----

Campaign Seeks to Prevent Doctor Suicides

An estimated 300 to 400 U.S. doctors commit suicide each year, which has prompted the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to launch an educational campaign designed to encourage troubled doctors to seek help.

The campaign includes a documentary called "Struggling in Silence," which will begin appearing on public television stations this week, the Associated Press reported.

The issue of doctor suicide "has really been swept under the carpet," said Dr. Paula Clayton, the suicide foundation's medical director.

The stigma of mental illness is heightened in a profession that values stoicism and bravado, some experts suggest. Many doctors worry that admitting they have psychiatric problems could ruin their careers, so they suffer in silence, the AP reported.

And when they feel they can't go on, doctors have easy access to prescription drugs and the knowledge to use them to commit suicide.

Health Tips for May 10

Health Tip: Discussing Death With Children

Death may be difficult to comprehend at any age, but it can be particularly confusing and scary to young children.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions when talking to children about death:

* Keep your explanation honest, simple, and on a level that's appropriate for the child's age.
* Understand that death can cause fears and confusion in many children.
* Talk about it as openly as possible when they ask questions or if a situation occurs that requires you to discuss it.
* Talk about your feelings -- fear, sadness, anger and anything else you feel. Show your child that the emotions they have are normal.
* Help children understand that they had nothing to do with the death. The person did not die because of something the children did, and they could not have prevented it from happening.

Health Tip: Experience Grief as a Healthy Emotion

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

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

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

Health Headlines - May 9

Pull Ortho-Evra Birth-Control Patch From Market: Public Citizen

The Ortho-Evra birth control patch exposes women to dangerous levels of estrogen -- posing a possible two-fold increased risk of blood clots -- and should be removed from the market within six months, says a Public Citizen petition filed Thursday with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Compared to women who use standard oral contraceptives, those who use the Ortho-Evra patch experience increased side effects such as breast discomfort, severe menstrual pain, nausea and vomiting, and are more likely to stop using a contraceptive. In addition, the patch doesn't improve birth control, according to evidence compiled by Public Citizen.

Since immediate removal of the Ortho-Evra patch from the market carries the risk that some users may not immediately replace the patch with another form of birth control, Public Citizen suggested a six-month phase-out period. During that time, the patch would be available for refill prescriptions to allow women time to meet with their health-care provider to discuss other forms of birth control.

"Women deserve a level of risk at least comparable to or less than the pill for their hormonal contraceptive. The absence of any evidence of a unique benefit combined with the considerable safety problems of high-dose, variable estrogen exposure in Ortho-Evra tips the balance of risks and benefits against its availability as a contraceptive." Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of the Health Research Group at Public Citizen, said in a prepared statement.

The Ortho-Evra patch received FDA approval in 2001.

A spokeswoman for the maker of the patch -- Ortho Women's Health & Urology, a J&J company -- said, "Ortho-Evra is a safe and effective hormonal birth control option when used according to its labeling," the Associated Press reported.

"Hormonal birth control methods have benefits and risks," said Gloria Vanderham. "The approved labeling has always stated the known risks associated with its use."

-----

U.S. Moves to Tighten Medicare Drug Plan Rules

Tighter controls on Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plan advertising and marketing are being proposed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Door-to-door marketing and unsolicited telemarketing would be banned and there would be stricter limits on commissions for brokers and agents selling the plans under the proposed regulations, which would also forbid sales activities and limit promotional items in health provider waiting rooms and at health information fairs and community meetings.

The new rules were released Thursday and the public can comment on them until July 15. An agency spokesman said the regulations should be in place by Oct. 1, the Sentinel reported.

These plans can provide valuable benefit to seniors and "should not be undermined by the actions of a limited number of unscrupulous sales agents," said Kerry Weems, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

-----

Too Few People Know All Stroke Symptoms: Study

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that only 44 percent of Americans know all five symptoms of stroke and only 38 percent know to call 911 if they think someone is having a stroke.

The analysis of 2005 data from 13 states and the District of Columbia showed that there was no improvement in the public's awareness of stroke symptoms since a similar study in 2001.

It also found significant disparities in awareness of stroke symptoms by race/ethnicity, sex, education level, and state. Blacks, Hispanics and people with lower levels of education were less aware of all five stroke symptoms and the need to call 911 than whites, women, and people with higher levels of education.

The findings appear in this week's issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the CDC.

The five signs and symptoms of stroke include: sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or legs; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding others; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Early recognition of these signs and symptoms and knowing to immediately call 911 can make the difference between life and death. May is National Stroke Awareness Month.

-----

Attack on Epilepsy Web Site Causes Migraines, Near-Seizures

Some visitors to the Epilepsy Foundation of America's Web site suffered migraines and near-seizures after computer hackers flooded the site with hundreds of pictures and links to pages with rapidly flashing images, the Associated Press reported.

By exploiting a security flaw in the foundation's publishing software, the hackers made numerous support forum posts that were disguised as helpful, but actually led to pages with kaleidoscopic images pulsating with a variety of colors.

"They were out to create seizures," Ken Lowenberg, senior director of web and print publishing for the foundation, told the AP.

The FBI is investigating the attack. Legitimate users can no longer post animated images to the support forum or create direct links to other sites, and the support forum is now moderated around the clock, Lowenberg said.

-----

Childhood Viral Disease Cases Continue to Climb in China

The number of children in China reported to have hand, foot and mouth disease increased from 15,799 on Tuesday to 19,962 late Wednesday, and the death toll increased from 28 to 30, the Associated Press reported.

The number of reported cases is expected to rise as a result of a Ministry of Health order issued this week requiring health-care workers to report infections within 24 hours, health experts said.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood disease that can be caused by different viruses and typically leads to little more than a fever and rash. However, enterovirus 71 can cause a severe form of the disease that can lead to brain swelling, paralysis, or death.

Last year, China recorded 80,000 hand, foot and mouth disease cases, including 17 deaths. But a health ministry spokesman said those figures may have been incomplete because there was no mandatory reporting last year, the AP reported.

-----

Swing Sets Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

About 17,300 playground swing sets sold across the United States are being recalled because of a defect that may pose a fall hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The swing sets, made by Playworld Systems Inc., of Lewisburg, Penn., have a clevis bearing that can wear and cause the swing to detach while in use. No injuries have been reported.

The swing sets were sold by authorized dealers to day-care centers and children's learning centers from January 2007 through February 2008 for between $770 and $3,100. The company has sent direct mail notices about the recall to purchasers.

Consumers with the swing sets should remove the swing from the swing set until a free repair kit has been installed, the CPSC said.

For more information, contact Playworld Systems at 1-800-233-8404.

Health Tips for May 9

Health Tip: Treating an Ulcer

Ulcers are sores that occur in the lining of the digestive tract. They can be triggered by factors such as bacteria, medication or excess production of stomach acid.

If you have an ulcer, here are things you should discuss with your doctor to promote healing, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Medications can help ulcers heal. Antibiotics are prescribed to thwart bacteria, and other medications may be taken to help reduce stomach acid.
* Avoid smoking.
* Don't take anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
* Avoid caffeine and alcohol in your diet. If you do have some, try to make sure it's after you've eaten a meal or snack.
* Don't eat foods that seem to aggravate your ulcer. Examples may include chocolate, coffee, certain herbs and spices, and some spicy foods.
* Eat several small meals throughout the day, rather than one big meal.

Health Tip: Discussing Death With Children

Death may be difficult to comprehend at any age, but it can be particularly confusing and scary to young children.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions when talking to children about death:

* Keep your explanation honest, simple, and on a level that's appropriate for the child's age.
* Understand that death can cause fears and confusion in many children.
* Talk about it as openly as possible when they ask questions or if a situation occurs that requires you to discuss it.
* Talk about your feelings -- fear, sadness, anger and anything else you feel. Show your child that the emotions they have are normal.
* Help children understand that they had nothing to do with the death. The person did not die because of something the children did, and they could not have prevented it from happening.

Health Headlines - May 8

Too Much, Too Little Sleep Not Good for Health: Study

People who sleep fewer than six hours a night -- or more than nine -- are more likely to be obese, have higher smoking rates, drink more alcohol, and be physically inactive, according to a U.S. government report released Wednesday.

The findings were based on door-to-door surveys of 87,000 adults from 2004 through 2006, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. The study did not account for contributing factors such as depression, which has been shown to influence heavy eating, smoking, sleeplessness and other problems, according to the Associated Press.

About 33 percent of those who slept less than six hours were obese. Of those who slept nine hours or more, the rate of obesity was 26 percent, with normal sleepers being the thinnest at 22 percent, the AP reported.

Smoking rates were highest -- at 31 percent -- for those who got less than six hours of sleep, compared with respondents who got nine or more hours, at 26 percent.

Alcohol consumption was greatest for those who slept the least, but use rates for those sleeping seven to eight hours and those getting nine hours were similar. And almost half who slept nine hours or more were physically inactive in their leisure time, worse than the lightest sleepers and proper sleepers, the news service said.

-----

Ischemic Stroke Hospitalization Rate Decreases

Between 1997 and 2005, the rate of hospitalizations for ischemic stroke in the United States decreased by one third, according to the latest News and Numbers from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a blood clot.

In 2005, 36 of every 10,000 Americans age 45 and older were hospitalized for ischemic stroke, compared to 54 of every 10,000 in 1997. During that same period of time, hospitalizations for hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) remained fairly stable, ranging from nine to 11 for every 10,000 Americans.

The report also said that in 2005:

• Six percent of patients with ischemic stroke died while in hospital, compared with 25 percent of hemorrhagic stroke patients.
• The percentage of hospitalized patients transferred to rehabilitation facilities or nursing homes varied by condition: 44 percent of patients with ischemic stroke; 37 percent of those with hemorrhagic stroke; 13 percent of those with mini-strokes (which involve shorter-lasting stroke symptoms but are often precursors to strokes); and five percent of patients with blocked or narrowed arteries, which can lead to strokes.
• While stroke was most common in older people, one in 10 hemorrhagic stroke patients admitted to hospital was younger than 45.

-----

Guideline Outlines Effective Smoking Cessation Treatments

Medication and counseling treatments proven effective for helping people quit smoking are outlined in an updated clinical practice guideline released Wednesday by the U.S. Public Health Service.

The update, developed by a panel of leading tobacco treatment experts who reviewed more than 8,700 studies published between 1975 and 2007, lists seven FDA-approved medications that dramatically increase the success of quitting: bupropion SR, nicotine gum, nicotine inhaler, nicotine lozenge, nicotine nasal spray, nicotine patch, and varenicline.

In addition, counseling by itself or especially in conjunction with medication can greatly increase the likelihood of quitting smoking, according to the update. Telephone quitlines are an especially effective form of counseling.

"I urge all clinicians to offer these effective treatments to smokers, no matter what their past success, and health care systems to make treatment a standard of care," update panel chair Dr. Michael Fiore, director of the Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, said in a prepared statement.

"With nearly half a million Americans dying from tobacco-related illness each year, what we do with today's recommendations can help to dramatically reduce the estimated five million smokers who will die over the next decade if we don't help treat them," Dr. Ronald M. Davis, president of the American Medical Association, said in a prepared statement.

-----

U.S. Obstructing Heparin Inquiry: China

The United States is hindering China's inquiry into the tainted heparin blood thinner linked to 81 deaths and hundreds of allergic reactions, according to some Chinese experts, the Associated Press reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said it suspects the problem was caused by a contaminant in supplies of raw heparin from China. But the FDA needs to consider other possible factors, according to Jin Shaohong, a member of the drug evaluation committee of China's Food and Drug Administration.

"We need to resolve this in a scientific (manner), not just by blaming a contaminant. I think it is too early to say that," Shaohong said, the AP reported.

Shaohong and a colleague claimed the FDA and Baxter International refused to provide information that could determine whether drug interactions, patients' medical histories or safety issues after the raw heparin materials were shipped from China may have been factors.

FDA spokeswoman Karen Riley told the AP Tuesday that she couldn't recall Chinese officials asking for patients' medical histories.

"We've not received a request from China about patient records," Riley said.

-----

Children's Infectious Disease Spreading in China

The number of Chinese children infected with hand, foot and mouth disease now numbers more than 15,000, and the death toll has increased to at least 28 across the country, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

The capital Beijing and the provinces of Anhui, Guangdong, Zhejiang are among the hardest-hit areas. Smaller outbreaks have been reported in the city of Chongqing and in the provinces of Hebei, Jiangsu, Hunan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, and Henan, Xinhua said, the Associated Press reported.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease. However, most children with mild disease recover quickly without problems. Several viruses can cause the disease, but one called enterovirus 71 (EV-71) can result in a more serious form that can lead to paralysis, brain swelling or death, the AP reported.

In Vietnam, about 2,000 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease were reported in the first four months of the year, which is a 40 percent increase over the same period last year, the AP reported. Ten deaths from the disease have been reported in Vietnam during the first four months of this year.

-----

Middle-Aged Mothers Most Stressed: Survey

Mothers ages 35 to 54 trying to balance child and parental care are more stressed than any other group, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association. While nearly two in five women and men in this age group report high levels of stress, more women than men said they're suffering extreme stress and manage their stress poorly.

The 2007 Stress in America survey found that almost 40 percent of female and male respondents ages 35 to 54 report extreme levels of stress, compared to 29 percent of those ages 18 to 34 and 25 percent of those older than 55, United Press International reported.

"It's not surprising that so many people in that age group are experiencing stress," Katherine Nordal, executive director for professional practice at the APA, said in a prepared statement.

"The worry of your parents' health and your children's well-being as well as the financial concern of putting kids through college and saving for your own retirement is a lot to handle," Nordal said, UPI reported.

Health Tips for May 8

Health Tip: Foods That Can Aggravate Heartburn

That burning, uncomfortable feeling in the chest after a big meal, lying down or eating certain foods is known as heartburn. Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says the following foods can trigger or aggravate heartburn:

* Coffee and other products with caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol.
* Citrus fruits, onions and chocolate.
* Tomato-based foods.
* Peppermints and other mint-flavored products.
* Fattening or spicy foods.

Health Tip: Is GERD Causing Sleep Problems?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause symptoms during the night that can prevent a good night's sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation offers these suggestions to keep GERD symptoms calm at night:

* Be careful of the foods you eat from late afternoon until bedtime. Try to avoid spicy foods, onions and chocolate.
* Eat a larger meal at lunch, and have a small, light dinner.
* Don't eat anything after two or three hours before you plan to go to bed.
* Don't drink alcohol or smoke before bed.
* Sleep on a pillow or two, with your head and shoulders elevated.
* Try sleeping on your left side.

Health Headlines - May 7

Middle-Aged Mothers Most Stressed: Survey

Mothers ages 35 to 54 trying to balance child and parental care are more stressed than any other group, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association. While nearly two in five women and men in this age group report high levels of stress, more women than men said they're suffering extreme stress and manage their stress poorly.

The 2007 Stress in America survey found that almost 40 percent of female and male respondents ages 35 to 54 report extreme levels of stress, compared to 29 percent of those ages 18 to 34 and 25 percent of those older than 55, United Press International reported.

"It's not surprising that so many people in that age group are experiencing stress," Katherine Nordal, executive director for professional practice at the APA, said in a prepared statement.

"The worry of your parents' health and your children's well-being as well as the financial concern of putting kids through college and saving for your own retirement is a lot to handle," Nordal said, UPI reported.

-----

Cardinal Health Mouthwash Recalled

Cardinal Health-brand alcohol-free mouthwash is being recalled due to possible contamination with Burkholderia cepacia bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.

Although it poses little risk to healthy people, people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases may be more susceptible to B. cepacia infections, the FDA said.

The recall includes four-ounce bottles with the lot code 26228 stamped on the Cardinal Health label on the side of the bottle, United Press International reported.

The mouthwash was distributed to hospitals, medical centers and long-term care facilities across the United States and can also be found in certain Personal Hygiene Hospital Admission kits. The mouthwash was made by Hydrox Labs of Elgin, Ill., and distributed by Cardinal Health Inc. of Dublin, Ohio.

The FDA said consumers who've received the mouthwash from a health care provider should check the lot number, UPI reported. If it's a recalled bottle, contact the company for instructions at 800-292-9332.

-----

Flu Pandemic Threat Still Strong

The threat of a flu pandemic remains strong, and nations must hasten preparations to deal with a global outbreak, experts warned Tuesday at a meeting to update the World Health Organization's pandemic influenza preparedness plan.

"We can't delude ourselves. The threat of a pandemic influenza has not diminished," Keiji Fukuda, coordinator of the WHO's Global Influenza Program, said at the meeting, the Associated Press reported.

More than 150 countries have some form of national preparedness plan, but some of those are just a piece of paper than acknowledges the risk of a global pandemic, said Fukuda, who added that all levels of society need to be involved in the preparations and that all people need to know where to go for information.

"If somebody is sick in the family, for example, and it's difficult to get to hospital, they need to know what sort of advice might be available," Fukuda told the AP.

While most human cases of H5N1 bird flu have been caused by direct contact with infected birds, experts fear the virus may mutate into a form that's easily transmitted between people.

-----

Treatable Ailments Kill Nearly 10 Million Children Each Year

An estimated 9.7 million children worldwide under the age of 5 die each year from easily preventable or treatable health problems such as pneumonia and diarrhea, says a report released by the U.S.-based charity Save the Children.

Most of the deaths occur in developing nations, and poor children are twice as likely to die as rich children, the Associated Press reported.

Save the Children ranked 146 countries based on well-being for mothers and children. Sweden, Norway and Iceland were at the top of the list, while Nigeria was last. Eight of the 10 bottom-ranked countries were in sub-Saharan Africa, where four out of five mothers are likely to experience the death of a child.

The group said 30 percent of mothers and children in developing countries don't receive basic health interventions, such as prenatal care, skilled assistance during birth, immunizations and treatment for pneumonia and diarrhea, the AP reported.

More than six million of the 9.7 million children's deaths each year could be prevented using existing, low-cost tools and knowledge, Save the Children said.

-----

Restaurant Tobacco Bans May Prevent Teen Smoking

Total cigarette bans in restaurants may help prevent teen smoking, suggests a Massachusetts study that included 2,791 teens, ages 12 to 17, who were followed for four years.

Teens who lived in towns with strict restaurant smoking bans were 40 percent less likely to become regular smokers than teens in towns with no bans or weak bans (smoking allowed in designated areas), the study found.

Overall, about nine percent of the teens became smokers. The rate in towns without bans or with weak bans was 10 percent, compared to eight percent in towns with strict smoking bans, the Associated Press reported.

Along with reducing teens' exposure to smokers, smoking bans send teens the message that smoking is socially unacceptable, said study lead author Dr. Michael Siegel, of Boston University's School of Public Health.

"When kids grow up in an environment where they don't see smoking, they are going to think it's not socially acceptable. If they perceive a lot of other people are smoking, they think it's the norm," Siegel told the AP.

The study is published in the May issue of the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

-----

Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Depression Risk in Elderly

Elderly people with low levels of vitamin D may be at increased risk for depression and other mental health disorders, Dutch researchers say.

Of the 1,282 people, ages 65 to 92, in the study, 26 had major depression and 169 had minor depression. Vitamin D levels were 14 percent lower in those with major or minor depression, Agence France-Presse reported.

The researchers also found that low vitamin D levels were associated with increased levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland. Overactive parathyroid glands are often linked with depression.

The findings, published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, may help lead to new ways to treat depression, AFP reported. Both low vitamin D levels and high parathyroid hormone levels can be corrected by dietary and calcium supplements or increased exposure to sunlight, which prompts the body to make vitamin D.

-----

Insulin Pumps Linked to Deaths, Injuries Among Young People

Between 1996 and 2005, there were 13 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries reported among young people using insulin pumps to treat type 1 diabetes, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration study. The pumps offer an alternative to multiple daily injections of insulin by syringe.

The researchers didn't advise against the use of the pumps, but called for more safety studies of the popular devices and urged parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children's use of the pumps, the Associated Press reported.

In some cases, the insulin pumps malfunctioned, and in other cases users were careless or took risks, according to the study of young people, aged 12 to 21. The findings are published in the May issue of the journal Pediatrics.

"Parental oversight and involvement are important. Certainly teenagers don't always consider the consequences," said lead author Dr. Judith Cope, the AP reported.

For example, some teens didn't know how to use the pumps correctly, while others didn't take care of the pumps or dropped them, the study found.

Health Tips for May 7

Health Tip: Facts About Hay Fever

Hay fever is the medical term for a pollen allergy, and may also be called seasonal allergic rhinitis or pollinosis.

Here are other facts about hay fever, including suggestions to reduce symptoms, courtesy of the American Lung Association:

* Symptoms often include congestion, red and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes and ears.
* Many people who have hay fever develop asthma.
* Hay fever is more common during certain times of the year in different regions, depending on seasonal pollen counts in those areas.
* Symptoms may be reduced by limiting exposure to the outdoors. Use air conditioning and air-purifying devices, stay inside, and wear a dust mask if you have to be outside.
* Antihistamines and decongestant medications can help control symptoms.

Health Tip: Have Hives?

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

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

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

Health Headlines - May 6

286,000 Pounds of Prepared Meat Products Recalled

Complying with a U.S. government alert that there is a "reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death," a New York City company that sells processed foods has recalled 286,000 pounds of prepared beef, pork and poultry, The New York Times reported.

The danger is from the bacterium listeria, which causes listeriosis, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the newspaper said. It is the second time in three months that Gourmet Boutique of Jamaica, Queens, has been cited for possible listeria contamination., the Times said. So far, no incidents of illness have been reported, the newspaper said.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeriosis symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. Nervous system symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. The disease can also cause miscarriage.

The bacterium was discovered by USDA food inspectors in Florida, the Times reported, and the company voluntarily issued the recall.

Gourmet Boutique's products are sold in supermarkets nationwide under the following names: Gourmet Boutique Curry Chicken Salad, Gourmet Boutique Turkey Club Twister and Jans Buffalo Bob tortilla wrap sandwiches, according to the Times.

Frozen foods recalled included Archer Farms mini beef burritos, pulled-pork burritos and chicken burritos. There were also salad products in the recall, the Times reported, and they were produced between April 19 and April 24, according to the USDA. The frozen products were produced between Oct. 23, 2007, and April 23, 2008, the USDA said.

The fresh food products had sell-by dates of May 2 and May 3.

-----

Deadly Children's Virus in China Shows Signs of Spreading

A virus that has killed 24 children in one city alone and spread to thousands of China's youngest residents has prompted that country's health ministry to issue a nationwide alert calling for increased efforts to keep the disease from spreading, the Associated Press reports.

The city of Fuyang in central China was described by health officials as having a "relatively large" outbreak of Enterovirus 71 (EV-71), a type of hand, foot and mouth disease, the wire service reported. In addition to the 24 deaths, 3,321 cases of the virus had been reported as of last Thursday, and almost 1,000 people remained hospitalized, the A.P. said.

There are signs the disease is spreading, according to the wire service, with at least one other death attributed to EV-71 in another province. The disease strikes children, usually under age 10, and while affecting the feet and mouth, is not related to foot and mouth disease found in animals.

Symptoms include fever, mouth sores and rash. EV-71 is spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat.

Keeping in mind the expected large influx of people from other countries for the 2008 Olympics in August, the Chinese government said preventing the spread of EV-71 was necessary "to guarantee the smooth staging of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics and to practically preserve social stability," the A.P. reported.

-----

Medical Society to Review Lyme Disease Antibiotic Treatment Guidelines

It took the Connecticut attorney general's office to negotiate an agreement, but a national professional medical group has agreed to review guidelines that currently regard long-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease to be untested, uncertain and probably unnecessary.

The reason this is important, the Associated Press reports, is that most health insurers will pay only for short-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease, ironically named after Lyme, Conn., where it was first identified in 1975.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America has agreed to review its guidelines after Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's office conducted an antitrust investigation that found some of the 14 experts who approved the 2006 guidelines for short-term only antibiotic treatment were paid as consultants or had stock in drug companies associated with Lyme disease treatment, the wire service reported.

The professional society agreed to review its Lyme disease guidelines, its president told the A.P., because doctors would comprise the review panel. "We are confident that our guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease represent the best advice that medicine currently has to offer ... and we look forward to the opportunity to put to rest any questions about them," Dr. Donald Poretz, told the wire service.

Lyme disease is caused by the bite of a tick, usually a deer tick, and is diagnosed by the appearance of a round rash and causes joint aches and fever. These symptoms can last for months or even years.

Most professional medical groups say short-term (30 days) heavy antibiotic treatment can treat Lyme, but many victims maintain the drugs are needed for a much longer period of time to make the condition manageable.

Connecticut continues to lead the nation with most reported Lyme disease cases each year, the A.P. reports. About 20,000 cases are reported nationally.

-----

FDA Cautious About Expanding Use of Painkiller Fentora

Granting wider approval for the powerful cancer painkiller Fentora could lead to potentially fatal misuse of the drug, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is considering whether to approve the drug to treat pain in non-cancer patients.

An FDA advisory panel will meet Tuesday to discuss the issue and make a recommendation to the agency, the Associated Press reported.

The FDA's cautious attitude is reflected in a review of the suggested new use. Granting approval for wider use of Fentora could encourage "abuse and misuse, and increase the incidence of accidental exposures which ... could potentially have devastating effects," the agency noted.

Fentora was approved by the FDA in 2006 for treatment of cancer pain in adults who are already taking opioid drugs, which include morphine, codeine and Fentora, the AP reported. But the drug has frequently been used outside those guidelines, resulting in harmful side effects and death in some cases. Drug maker Cephalon has reported five deaths due to improper use of Fentora, the news service said.

-----

FDA Panel to Assess Abuse-Resistant OxyContin

A new version of the painkiller OxyContin, designed to be harder to abuse, will be evaluated Monday by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel to determine if the reformulated version should be allowed on the market before long-term studies determine if it actually reduces abuse.

The new version has a plastic-like coating that makes it harder to crush and turns it into a gooey mess if someone tries to inject it, according to drug maker Purdue Pharma LP, the Associated Press reported.

After OxyContin was introduced in 1996, abusers quickly found they could get a heroin-like high if they snorted or injected crushed tablets.

In a letter to the advisory panel, Dr. Bob Rappaport, the FDA's chief of painkilling drugs, wrote that "there is no perfect formulation that can resist all forms of tampering." If approved, the label on the new version of OxyContin "would have to be carefully crafted so as to avoid the publication of a road map describing how to defeat these changes," he said.

An abuse-resistant gelatin-like form of the drug is being developed by two other companies, Pain Therapeutics Inc. and King Pharmaceuticals, the AP reported.

-----

In Vitro Fertilization Doesn't Affect Menopause: Study

Women who have in vitro fertilization (IVF) don't experience early menopause or more severe menopause symptoms, says a British study that's one of the first to examine the long-term effects of the fertility treatment.

The study included about 200 women, average age just over 50, who were among the first to undergo IVF in the 1980s. The age at which they started menopause was comparable with the national average and there was no increase in menopausal symptoms associated with the number of IVF treatments, BBC News reported.

The findings were published online in the journal Reproductive Bio Medicine.

Doctors long ago dismissed fears that stimulating the ovaries to generate eggs required for IVF treatment may speed up the ovaries' decline. This study provides needed clinical evidence, the researchers said.

The study findings weren't surprising, but it "nonetheless is a very helpful study indeed," Laurence Shaw, spokesman for the British Fertility Society, told BBC News.

"This is a question patients often ask -- and it's very useful to finally have a scientific study to point to which offers them reassurance that IVF will not affect the timing or severity of the menopause," Shaw said.

Health Tips for May 6

Health Tip: Facts About Hay Fever

Hay fever is the medical term for a pollen allergy, and may also be called seasonal allergic rhinitis or pollinosis.

Here are other facts about hay fever, including suggestions to reduce symptoms, courtesy of the American Lung Association:

* Symptoms often include congestion, red and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes and ears.
* Many people who have hay fever develop asthma.
* Hay fever is more common during certain times of the year in different regions, depending on seasonal pollen counts in those areas.
* Symptoms may be reduced by limiting exposure to the outdoors. Use air conditioning and air-purifying devices, stay inside, and wear a dust mask if you have to be outside.
* Antihistamines and decongestant medications can help control symptoms.

Health Tip: Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

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

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

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

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

Health Headlines - May 5

Nationwide Recall Issued for 286,000 lbs of Prepared Meat Products

Complying with a U.S. government alert that there is a "reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death," a New York City company that sells processed foods has recalled 286,000 pounds of prepared beef, pork and poultry, the New York Times reports.

The danger is from the bacterium listeria, which causes listeriosis, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the newspaper says. It is the second time in three months that Gourmet Boutique of Jamaica, Queens, has been cited for possible listeria contaimination., the Times says. So far, no inicidents of illness have been reported, the newspaper says.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeriosis symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. Nervous system symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. The disease can also cause miscarriage.

The bacterium was discovered by USDA food inspectors in Florida, the Times reports, and the company voluntarily issued the recall.

Gourmet Boutique's products are sold in supermarkets nationwide under the following names: Gourmet Boutique Curry Chicken Salad, Gourmet Boutique Turkey Club Twister and Jans Buffalo Bob tortilla wrap sandwiches, according to the Times.

Frozen foods recalled included Archer Farms mini beef burritos, pulled-pork burritos and chicken burritos. There were also salad product in the recall, the Times reports, and they were produced between April 19 and April 24, according to the USDA. The frozen products were produced between Oct. 23, 2007 and April 23, 2008, the USDA said.

The fresh food products had sell-by dates of May 2 and May 3.

-----

Deadly Children's Virus in China Shows Signs of Spreading

A virus that has killed 24 children in one city alone and spread to thousands of China's youngest residents has prompted that country's health ministry to issue a nationwide alert calling for increased efforts to keep the disease from spreading, the Associated Press reports.

The city of Fuyang in central China was described by health officials as having a "relatively large" outbreak of Enterovirus 71 (EV-71), a type of hand, foot and mouth disease, the wire service reported. In addition to the 24 deaths, 3,321 cases of the virus had been reported as of last Thursday, and almost 1,000 people remained hospitalized, the A.P. said.

There are signs the disease is spreading, according to the wire service, with at least one other death attributed to EV-71 in another province. The disease strikes children, usually under age 10, and while affecting the feet and mouth, is not related to foot and mouth disease found in animals.

Symptoms include fever, mouth sores and rash. EV-71 is spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat.

Keeping in mind the expected large influx of people from other countries for the 2008 Olympics in August, the Chinese government said preventing the spread of EV-71 was necessary "to guarantee the smooth staging of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics and to practically preserve social stability," the A.P. reported.

-----

Medical Society to Review Lyme Disease Antibiotic Treatment Guidelines

It took the Connecticut attorney general's office to negotiate an agreement, but a national professional medical group has agreed to review guidelines that currently regard long-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease to be untested, uncertain and probably unnecessary.

The reason this is important, the Associated Press reports, is that most health insurers will pay only for short-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease, ironically named after Lyme, Conn., where it was first identified in 1975.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America has agreed to review its guidelines after Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's office conducted an antitrust investigation that found some of the 14 experts who approved the 2006 guidelines for short-term only antibiotic treatment were paid as consultants or had stock in drug companies associated with Lyme disease treatment, the wire service reported.

The professional society agreed to review its Lyme disease guidelines, its president told the A.P., because doctors would comprise the review panel. "We are confident that our guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease represent the best advice that medicine currently has to offer ... and we look forward to the opportunity to put to rest any questions about them," Dr. Donald Poretz, told the wire service.

Lyme disease is caused by the bite of a tick, usually a deer tick, and is diagnosed by the appearance of a round rash and causes joint aches and fever. These symptoms can last for months or even years.

Most professional medical groups say short-term (30 days) heavy antibiotic treatment can treat Lyme, but many victims maintain the drugs are needed for a much longer period of time to make the condition manageable.

Connecticut continues to lead the nation with most reported Lyme disease cases each year, the A.P. reports. About 20,000 cases are reported nationally.

-----

FDA Cautious About Expanding Use of Painkiller Fentora

Granting wider approval for the powerful cancer painkiller Fentora could lead to potentially fatal misuse of the drug, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is considering whether to approve the drug to treat pain in non-cancer patients.

An FDA advisory panel will meet Tuesday to discuss the issue and make a recommendation to the agency, the Associated Press reported.

The FDA's cautious attitude is reflected in a review of the suggested new use. Granting approval for wider use of Fentora could encourage "abuse and misuse, and increase the incidence of accidental exposures which ... could potentially have devastating effects," the agency noted.

Fentora was approved by the FDA in 2006 for treatment of cancer pain in adults who are already taking opioid drugs, which include morphine, codeine and Fentora, the AP reported. But the drug has frequently been used outside those guidelines, resulting in harmful side effects and death in some cases. Drug maker Cephalon has reported five deaths due to improper use of Fentora, the news service said.

-----

FDA Panel to Assess Abuse-Resistant OxyContin

A new version of the painkiller OxyContin, designed to be harder to abuse, will be evaluated Monday by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel to determine if the reformulated version should be allowed on the market before long-term studies determine if it actually reduces abuse.

The new version has a plastic-like coating that makes it harder to crush and turns it into a gooey mess if someone tries to inject it, according to drug maker Purdue Pharma LP, the Associated Press reported.

After OxyContin was introduced in 1996, abusers quickly found they could get a heroin-like high if they snorted or injected crushed tablets.

In a letter to the advisory panel, Dr. Bob Rappaport, the FDA's chief of painkilling drugs, wrote that "there is no perfect formulation that can resist all forms of tampering." If approved, the label on the new version of OxyContin "would have to be carefully crafted so as to avoid the publication of a road map describing how to defeat these changes," he said.

An abuse-resistant gelatin-like form of the drug is being developed by two other companies, Pain Therapeutics Inc. and King Pharmaceuticals, the AP reported.

-----

In Vitro Fertilization Doesn't Affect Menopause: Study

Women who have in vitro fertilization (IVF) don't experience early menopause or more severe menopause symptoms, says a British study that's one of the first to examine the long-term effects of the fertility treatment.

The study included about 200 women, average age just over 50, who were among the first to undergo IVF in the 1980s. The age at which they started menopause was comparable with the national average and there was no increase in menopausal symptoms associated with the number of IVF treatments, BBC News reported.

The findings were published online in the journal Reproductive Bio Medicine.

Doctors long ago dismissed fears that stimulating the ovaries to generate eggs required for IVF treatment may speed up the ovaries' decline. This study provides needed clinical evidence, the researchers said.

The study findings weren't surprising, but it "nonetheless is a very helpful study indeed," Laurence Shaw, spokesman for the British Fertility Society, told BBC News.

"This is a question patients often ask -- and it's very useful to finally have a scientific study to point to which offers them reassurance that IVF will not affect the timing or severity of the menopause," Shaw said.

Health Tips for May 5

Health Tip: If Your Child Goes to the Hospital

It can be a frightening experience for anyone to go to the hospital, particularly for a young child.

Here are suggestions on how to prepare your child for a hospital stay, courtesy of Children's Hospital Boston:

* Before you go, explain to your child what will happen, what it might be like, and why the child needs to go.
* Use books, pictures and stories to explain the situation to very young children.
* Let your child choose special items from home to take along -- pictures, books, toys or music that may help her feel more comfortable.
* Read books together about going to the hospital.
* While at the hospital or during the procedure (if possible), try to do something together to take her mind off of what's happening. Examples may include singing, counting, listening to music or reading.

Health Tip: Taking Kids on the Road

Packing up the family for a trip can disrupt sleep schedules and diet.

To keep kids happy and healthy on a trip, here are suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Pack snacks and other foods that your child likes, such as sugar-free cereals, crackers, cheeses or fruits.
* For babies, pack premixed formula or jars of baby food.
* Try to keep your child on a regular schedule for eating and sleeping.
* If flying, give children sugar-free gum to help with pressure in the ears. For babies, a pacifier may help.
* Make sure your child drinks plenty of water, especially on a plane.

Health Headlines - May 4

Deadly Children's Virus in China Shows Signs of Spreading

A virus that has killed 22 children in one city alone and spread to thousands of China's youngest residents has prompted that country's health ministry to issue a nationwide alert calling for increased efforts to keep the disease from spreading, the Associated Press reports.

The city of Fuyang in central China was described by health officials as having a "relatively large" outbreak of Enterovirus 71 (EV-71), a type of hand, foot and mouth disease, the wire service reported. In addition to the 22 deaths, 3,321 cases of the virus had been reported as of last Thursday, and almost 1,000 people remained hospitalized, the A.P. said.

There are signs the disease is spreading, according to the wire service, with at least one other death attributed to EV-71 in another province. The disease strikes children, usually under age 10, and while affecting the feet and mouth, is not related to foot and mouth disease found in animals.

Symptoms include fever, mouth sores and rash. EV-71 is spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat.

Keeping in mind the expected large influx of people from other countries for the 2008 Olympics in August, the Chinese government said preventing the spread of EV-71 was necessary "to guarantee the smooth staging of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics and to practically preserve social stability," the A.P. reported.

-----

Medical Society to Review Lyme Disease Antibiotic Treatment Guidelines

It took the Connecticut attorney general's office to negotiate an agreement, but a national professional medical group has agreed to review guidelines that currently regard long-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease to be untested, uncertain and probably unnecessary.

The reason this is important, the Associated Press reports, is that most health insurers will pay only for short-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease, ironically named after Lyme, Conn., where it was first identified in 1975.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America has agreed to review its guidelines after Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's office conducted an antitrust investigation that found some of the 14 experts who approved the 2006 guidelines for short-term only antibiotic treatment were paid as consultants or had stock in drug companies associated with Lyme disease treatment, the wire service reported.

The professional society agreed to review its Lyme disease guidelines, its president told the A.P., because doctors would comprise the review panel. "We are confident that our guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease represent the best advice that medicine currently has to offer ... and we look forward to the opportunity to put to rest any questions about them," Dr. Donald Poretz, told the wire service.

Lyme disease is caused by the bite of a tick, usually a deer tick, and is diagnosed by the appearance of a round rash and causes joint aches and fever. These symptoms can last for months or even years.

Most professional medical groups say short-term (30 days) heavy antibiotic treatment can treat Lyme, but many victims maintain the drugs are needed for a much longer period of time to make the condition manageable.

Connecticut continues to lead the nation with most reported Lyme disease cases each year, the A.P. reports. About 20,000 cases are reported nationally.

-----

FDA Cautious About Expanding Use of Painkiller Fentora

Granting wider approval for the powerful cancer painkiller Fentora could lead to potentially fatal misuse of the drug, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is considering whether to approve the drug to treat pain in non-cancer patients.

An FDA advisory panel will meet Tuesday to discuss the issue and make a recommendation to the agency, the Associated Press reported.

The FDA's cautious attitude is reflected in a review of the suggested new use. Granting approval for wider use of Fentora could encourage "abuse and misuse, and increase the incidence of accidental exposures which ... could potentially have devastating effects," the agency noted.

Fentora was approved by the FDA in 2006 for treatment of cancer pain in adults who are already taking opioid drugs, which include morphine, codeine and Fentora, the AP reported. But the drug has frequently been used outside those guidelines, resulting in harmful side effects and death in some cases. Drug maker Cephalon has reported five deaths due to improper use of Fentora, the news service said.

-----

FDA Panel to Assess Abuse-Resistant OxyContin

A new version of the painkiller OxyContin, designed to be harder to abuse, will be evaluated Monday by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel to determine if the reformulated version should be allowed on the market before long-term studies determine if it actually reduces abuse.

The new version has a plastic-like coating that makes it harder to crush and turns it into a gooey mess if someone tries to inject it, according to drug maker Purdue Pharma LP, the Associated Press reported.

After OxyContin was introduced in 1996, abusers quickly found they could get a heroin-like high if they snorted or injected crushed tablets.

In a letter to the advisory panel, Dr. Bob Rappaport, the FDA's chief of painkilling drugs, wrote that "there is no perfect formulation that can resist all forms of tampering." If approved, the label on the new version of OxyContin "would have to be carefully crafted so as to avoid the publication of a road map describing how to defeat these changes," he said.

An abuse-resistant gelatin-like form of the drug is being developed by two other companies, Pain Therapeutics Inc. and King Pharmaceuticals, the AP reported.

-----

In Vitro Fertilization Doesn't Affect Menopause: Study

Women who have in vitro fertilization (IVF) don't experience early menopause or more severe menopause symptoms, says a British study that's one of the first to examine the long-term effects of the fertility treatment.

The study included about 200 women, average age just over 50, who were among the first to undergo IVF in the 1980s. The age at which they started menopause was comparable with the national average and there was no increase in menopausal symptoms associated with the number of IVF treatments, BBC News reported.

The findings were published online in the journal Reproductive Bio Medicine.

Doctors long ago dismissed fears that stimulating the ovaries to generate eggs required for IVF treatment may speed up the ovaries' decline. This study provides needed clinical evidence, the researchers said.

The study findings weren't surprising, but it "nonetheless is a very helpful study indeed," Laurence Shaw, spokesman for the British Fertility Society, told BBC News.

"This is a question patients often ask -- and it's very useful to finally have a scientific study to point to which offers them reassurance that IVF will not affect the timing or severity of the menopause," Shaw said.

-----

Children's Storage Bins Recalled for Lead Hazard

About 84,000 children's storage bins sold at Lowe's stores across the United States are being recalled because they could contain excessive levels of lead, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The bins are wooden with scalloped edges and were sold in pastel green or pink. Item number 226782 (pastel green bin) and item number 226781 (pink bin) is located on the bottom of the bin. They were sold from March 2007 through February 2008 for about $6.

Consumers should take the bins away from children and return the bins to any Lowe's store for a full refund, the CPSC said.

The bins were made in Taiwan and imported by LG Sourcing Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Health Tips for May 4

Health Tip: Having High Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure puts you at higher-than-normal risk of heart disease and stroke, among other medical problems.

Here are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop high blood pressure, courtesy of the American Heart Association:

* Being significantly overweight or obese.
* Eating a diet that's too high in sodium (salt).
* Drinking alcohol to excess, or too frequently.
* Getting insufficient exercise.
* Feeling too much stress or anxiety.
* Having a family history of high blood pressure.
* Being African-American.
* Being age 35 or older.

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 - May 3

FDA Cautious About Expanding Use of Painkiller Fentora

Granting wider approval for the powerful cancer painkiller Fentora could lead to potentially fatal misuse of the drug, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is considering whether to approve the drug to treat pain in non-cancer patients.

An FDA advisory panel will meet Tuesday to discuss the issue and make a recommendation to the agency, the Associated Press reported.

The FDA's cautious attitude is reflected in a review of the suggested new use. Granting approval for wider use of Fentora could encourage "abuse and misuse, and increase the incidence of accidental exposures which ... could potentially have devastating effects," the agency noted.

Fentora was approved by the FDA in 2006 for treatment of cancer pain in adults who are already taking opioid drugs, which include morphine, codeine and Fentora, the AP reported. But the drug has frequently been used outside those guidelines, resulting in harmful side effects and death in some cases. Drug maker Cephalon has reported five deaths due to improper use of Fentora, the news service said.

-----

FDA Panel to Assess Abuse-Resistant OxyContin

A new version of the painkiller OxyContin, designed to be harder to abuse, will be evaluated Monday by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel to determine if the reformulated version should be allowed on the market before long-term studies determine if it actually reduces abuse.

The new version has a plastic-like coating that makes it harder to crush and turns it into a gooey mess if someone tries to inject it, according to drug maker Purdue Pharma LP, the Associated Press reported.

After OxyContin was introduced in 1996, abusers quickly found they could get a heroin-like high if they snorted or injected crushed tablets.

In a letter to the advisory panel, Dr. Bob Rappaport, the FDA's chief of painkilling drugs, wrote that "there is no perfect formulation that can resist all forms of tampering." If approved, the label on the new version of OxyContin "would have to be carefully crafted so as to avoid the publication of a road map describing how to defeat these changes," he said.

An abuse-resistant gelatin-like form of the drug is being developed by two other companies, Pain Therapeutics Inc. and King Pharmaceuticals, the AP reported.

-----

In Vitro Fertilization Doesn't Affect Menopause: Study

Women who have in vitro fertilization (IVF) don't experience early menopause or more severe menopause symptoms, says a British study that's one of the first to examine the long-term effects of the fertility treatment.

The study included about 200 women, average age just over 50, who were among the first to undergo IVF in the 1980s. The age at which they started menopause was comparable with the national average and there was no increase in menopausal symptoms associated with the number of IVF treatments, BBC News reported.

The findings were published online in the journal Reproductive Bio Medicine.

Doctors long ago dismissed fears that stimulating the ovaries to generate eggs required for IVF treatment may speed up the ovaries' decline. This study provides needed clinical evidence, the researchers said.

The study findings weren't surprising, but it "nonetheless is a very helpful study indeed," Laurence Shaw, spokesman for the British Fertility Society, told BBC News.

"This is a question patients often ask -- and it's very useful to finally have a scientific study to point to which offers them reassurance that IVF will not affect the timing or severity of the menopause," Shaw said.

-----

Children's Storage Bins Recalled for Lead Hazard

About 84,000 children's storage bins sold at Lowe's stores across the United States are being recalled because they could contain excessive levels of lead, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The bins are wooden with scalloped edges and were sold in pastel green or pink. Item number 226782 (pastel green bin) and item number 226781 (pink bin) is located on the bottom of the bin. They were sold from March 2007 through February 2008 for about $6.

Consumers should take the bins away from children and return the bins to any Lowe's store for a full refund, the CPSC said.

The bins were made in Taiwan and imported by LG Sourcing Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C.

-----

Psoriasis Drug Enbrel Gets Black Box Label Warning

The label of the skin disorder drug Enbrel will carry a stronger boxed warning about the risk of life-threatening infections such as tuberculosis and sepsis. Information about the bolstered warning was posted Thursday on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site, and drug makers Wyeth and Amegen Inc. alerted doctors in a March 14 letter.

A black box warning is the most serious a drug can carry. Previously, the warning information appeared in bolded text, which is considered a less serious warning, the Associated Press reported.

"Patients should be educated about the symptoms of infection and closely monitored for signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with Enbrel," the warning label states. It notes that tuberculosis was observed in two out of 20,000 patients who took part in drug company studies.

Enbrel is primarily used to treat psoriasis and sometimes used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and rare autoimmune disorders, the AP reported.

-----

Antidepressants May Help Treat Bowel Disorder

Antidepressants may help people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), say Canadian researchers who identified a link between IBD and depression, CBC News reported.

"The gut is intimately connected to the brain, more than any other organ in the body," lead researcher Jean-Eric Ghia, a post-doctoral fellow at McMaster University in Hamilton, said in a prepared statement.

In tests on depressed mice with IBD, the researchers found that the antidepressant desmethylimipramine reduced intestinal inflammation in the intestines and restored normal intestinal function. But this treatment wasn't effective in mice with no vagus nerve, which runs between the brain stem and the gastrointestinal tract, CBC News reported.

Ghia said the findings "prompt close consideration of the relationship between depression and disease activity in patients with IBD." If there is a link, "then depressed patients with IBD might be selected for novel treatment strategies" that could include antidepressants.

The study appears in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Health Tips for May 3

Health Tip: Healing Mentally After a Heart Attack

A variety of emotions are common after a heart attack, and it's important to take care of them -- as well as your heart.

The American Heart Association offers these recommendations to keep your mind in good health:

* If you are afraid, get all the facts. Talk to your doctor about your concerns, and about what you should expect in the coming months.
* Soothe anxious feelings by talking to a friend or family member.
* Get exercise. It's good for your heart, and it can help alleviate anxiety.
* Spend time doing activities that you enjoy.
* Talk to your doctor if you feel symptoms of depression, which is common after a heart attack.
* Stay social. Establish a network of friends to help you through your difficult time.

Health Tip: Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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

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

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

Health Headlines - May 2

More People Fainting After Vaccinations

Since 2005, there's been a rise in reports of people in the United States fainting after receiving vaccinations, according the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. The increase has occurred primarily among adolescent females and, in some cases, patients have suffered significant injuries.

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration analyzed the data and identified 463 reports of post-vaccination fainting among people over age five between Jan. 1, 2005 and July 31, 2007, compared to 203 reports during 2002-2004.

In some 63.1 percent of the 463 reports during 2005--2007, fainting was associated with at least one of the following recently approved and recommended adolescent vaccines: MCV4, Tdap, and HPV.

The findings appear in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the CDC.

The study authors said fainting-related injuries could be prevented if vaccine providers follow the recommended 15-minute post-vaccination observation and waiting period.

-----

House Passes Genetic Anti-Discrimination Bill

A bill to protect people from discrimination based on their genetic information was approved by the House Thursday in a 414-1 vote. Last week, the Senate passed the legislation 95-0. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law.

The bill would forbid companies from using genetic information to make hiring, firing or promotion decisions, and would prohibit insurers from using genetic information to set premiums or determine enrollment eligibility, the Associated Press reported.

The only member of Congress who voted against the bill was Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas).

Proponents say the legislation will help ease people's fears about having genetic testing to determine if they're at increased risk for a wide range of hereditary diseases.

-----

Pittsburgh Sootiest U.S. City: Report

Pittsburgh is the first city outside of California to be named the sootiest in the nation, but Los Angeles is still the all-around air pollution leader, says an American Lung Association annual report released Thursday.

Soot, or short-term particle pollution, is one of three air pollution categories looked at by the association. Los Angeles has long been the leader in soot and smog levels, but tough new pollution laws have led to a significant drop in L.A.'s soot levels.

"It's not that Pittsburgh has gotten worse, it's that Los Angeles has gotten better. If the trend continues, Pittsburgh will top two lists, and L.A. will only be leading the nation in ozone," Janice Nolen, the association's assistant vice president of national policy and advocacy, told the Associated Press.

The eight metropolitan areas with the worst overall air pollution were: Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Fresno, Visalia-Porterfield, and Hanford-Corcoran, all in California; Washington-Baltimore; St. Louis; and Birmingham, Ala.

Fargo, N.D. and Salina, Calif. had the cleanest air in areas evaluated, the AP reported.

-----

AED Maker Signs Decree Temporarily Barring Sales

A consent decree of permanent injunction related to automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) made by Physio-Control, Inc. has been signed by the company, its parent firm Medtronic Inc., and two top executives, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

AED's are portable devices used to restore normal heart rhythm in people who have had a heart attack.

The consent decree prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and export of specified AEDs from Physio-Control's facility in Redmond, Wash. until the devices and facility have been shown to be in compliance with the FDA's current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.

FDA inspections of the facility in October 2006 and January 2006 identified a number of deficiencies, including failure to establish and maintain adequate procedures for validating the device design, and failure to establish adequate procedures for implementing corrective and preventive actions.

Previous FDA inspections in 2000, 2003 and 2005 showed similar violations. The FDA issued warning letters after the 2000 and 2005 inspections.

These problems don't necessarily mean that AEDs produced by the company and currently on the market will harm patients, the FDA said. The corrections it's seeking are meant to ensure the continued availability of safe, effective and reliable products, the agency said.

-----

Hazardous Chromium Levels Found in Total Body Products

Final tests of certain flavors of Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula dietary supplements detected hazardous amounts of chromium, in addition to high levels of selenium, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

In early April, the FDA reported that hazardous amounts of selenium were found in samples of the tropical orange and peach nectar flavors of Total Body Formula and in the orange/tangerine flavor of Total Body Mega Formula. Additional tests revealed that the products also contained chromium in amounts up to 17 times higher than the recommended adult daily intake.

Excessive levels of chromium can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, renal failure, liver toxicity, and interfere with certain medications. To date, there have been 195 confirmed cases of adverse reactions among users, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The products have been recalled and the FDA is investigating how excessive amounts of chromium and selenium got into the products. Anyone who has used the products and has had an adverse reaction should consult their doctor, the FDA said.

-----

Viral Outbreak in China Likely to Increase

An outbreak of an intestinal virus that's infected 1,884 children and killed 20 in China is likely to widen and claim more lives, Agence France-Presse cited Chinese officials as saying.

The outbreak of enterovirus 71 (EV71) in Fuyang city in Anhui province is believed to have started in early March, but reports of the epidemic only emerged on Monday.

"We estimate that the hand, foot and mouth disease (caused by EV71) in Fuyang city will continue for some time, the number of cases will continue to increase, and serious and fatal cases might still continue to happen," the Chinese Health Ministry said in a statement on its Web site, AFP reported.

In an attempt to calm fears, the health ministry said now that cases are now being discovered and treated in their early stages, "the successful treatment rate of the serious cases will markedly increase."

Earlier this week, the World Health Organization expressed concerns about the outbreak.

"Although enteroviruses infecting humans are found worldwide and enterovirus 71 has been reported in China over recent years, we believe the situation is still of concern, especially because of the current high reported case fatality rate compared to previous years," Dr. Cris Tunon, a senior WHO official, said in an email statement to AFP.

Health Tips for May 2

Health Tip: Taking Folic Acid

Folic acid is an important B vitamin for women -- especially for those who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant. It can help prevent serious birth defects of the baby's brain and spine.

Folic acid may also benefit men and women of any age, the U.S. National Institutes of Health says. Some studies show that it may help prevent heart disease, stroke, some cancers and Alzheimer's disease.

You should always talk to your doctor about what's an appropriate amount for you. The NIH site womenshealth.gov offers these general guidelines about folic acid:

* Women who are able to become pregnant should take 400 micrograms of folic acid each day.
* Pregnant women need 600 micrograms daily.
* Breast-feeding women need 500 micrograms daily.
* Women who have had a baby with certain birth defects -- such as spina bifida or anencephaly -- and who want to have another baby should check with their doctor. These women may need as much as 4,000 micrograms of folic acid per day.
* Women who have had a baby with these birth defects and who do not plan to have another baby should take 400 micrograms daily.

Health Tip: Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

No one knows precisely why people get cancer, and there's no surefire cure.

But if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can help reduce your risk. Here are some suggestions, courtesy of AARP:

* Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Limit intake of red meat, saturated fats, smoked and salt-cured foods, and foods preserved with nitrates.
* Get regular exercise of 30 minutes or more at least five days a week.
* Maintain a healthy body weight.
* If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
* Wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun during the midday hours.
* Get screened for cancers for which you may be most susceptible.

Health Headlines - May 1

U.S. Breast-Feeding Rate Hits 20-Year High

More than three-quarters of new mothers (77 percent) are breast-feeding their infants, the highest rate in at least 20 years, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in report issued Wednesday.

Experts cited by the Associated Press attributed the rise to public education campaigns stressing that breast milk better protects infants against disease and childhood obesity than formula.

The percentage of black infants who are breast-fed rose most, to 65 percent from 36 percent in 1993-1994, the report said. Among whites, the rate rose to 79 percent from 62 percent, and among Mexican-Americans, the figure rose to 80 percent from 67 percent, the wire service said.

Breast-feeding rates were lowest among women who weren't married, were poor, rural, younger than 20, and had no greater than a high school education.

-----

FDA Warns Merck to Correct Vaccine Plant Issues

Merck & Co. has been warned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to clean up problems cited at the drug maker's West Point, Pa., vaccine plant, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Wednesday.

The agency's warning, posted on its Web site, addressed 45 "areas of concern" at the plant, including unwanted fibers found on the stoppers of vaccine vials. The company has 15 days to inform the FDA of its plans to correct the issues, said the newspaper, which first reported the FDA's inspection findings last week.

The plant produces the popular vaccine, Gardasil, designed to protect against cervical cancer, according to the Associated Press. The facility also makes a number of children's vaccines.

Last year, Merck recalled 1.2 million vaccine doses produced at the plant because of a sterility problem, the wire service said.

A Merck spokeswoman told the Inquirer that the company was working to correct the issues noted in the FDA report. She added that the problems were caught by Merck workers "before contaminated vaccines were released to the public," the newspaper said.

-----

1 in 5 Returning Soldiers Reports Mental Illness: Survey

Almost 20 percent of American soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are reporting symptoms of mental illnesses including post-traumatic stress and major depression, the Bloomberg news service says, citing a new survey sponsored by the American Psychiatric Association.

Most of the returning vets said they were reluctant to seek psychological counseling, fearing it would jeopardize their careers, Bloomberg said.

The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive and involving 191 members of the military and their spouses, took place from March 5 to March 18.

Mental health conditions -- including lost productivity and suicides -- have cost the nation an estimated $6.2 billion in the two years after deployment, according to a recent Rand Corp. analysis cited by the news service.

-----

Heparin Deliberately Contaminated: FDA

The contaminant detected in the blood thinner heparin that killed 81 Americans and sickened hundreds others was added deliberately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration believes.

"FDA's working hypothesis is that this was an intentional contamination, but this is not yet proven," Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the agency's drug center, said in written testimony presented Tuesday to the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, The New York Times reported.

She noted that one-third of the materials in some of the heparin batches were contaminants, "and it does strain one's credibility to suggest that might have been done accidentally."

The FDA has identified Changzhou SPL, a Chinese subsidiary of Scientific Protein Laboratories of Waunakee, Wisc., as the source of the contaminated heparin material. Scientific Protein supplied the heparin material to Baxter International of Deerfield, Ill., which manufactured and distributed the finished drug.

David G. Strunce, chief executive of Scientific Protein Laboratories, called the contamination "an insidious act" that "seems to us an intentional act upstream in the supply chain," the Times reported.

"We're alarmed that one of our products was used in what appears to have been a deliberate scheme to adulterate a life-saving medication," Robert L. Parkinson, Baxter's chairman and chief executive, told the subcommittee.

-----

Gene Deletion Helps Some Male Athletes Cheat Doping Test

Male athletes with a certain natural gene deletion can take testosterone and escape detection by the standard urine test to screen for doping with the hormone, according to a new study that included 55 Swedish men.

All the men were injected with the same amount of testosterone, but 17 of them tested negative. Their urine showed no excess testosterone. The 17 men can build muscle mass in response to testosterone, but they're missing both copies of a gene that converts testosterone into a form that dissolves in urine, The New York Times reported.

This gene deletion is especially common in Asian men, noted study first author Jenny Jackobsson Schulze, a molecular geneticist at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm. About two-thirds of Asian men are missing both copies of the gene, compared to nearly 10 percent of Caucasian men.

The study appears in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Dr. Don Catlin, chief executive officer of the Los Angeles-based Anti-Doping Research Institute, called the finding disturbing. "Basically, you have a license to cheat," he told the Times.

-----

Survey Shows Many Americans Struggling to Stay Happy, Healthy

About 49 percent of Americans are thriving, 47 percent are struggling to stay happy and healthy, while about four percent are suffering, according to a survey of more than 100,000 people.

The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index asked respondents how well they feel about their lives and where they think they'll be in five years, the Associated Press reported.

The survey found that people who are thriving tend to have higher incomes, more education and less illness, while those who are suffering have trouble meeting their basic needs, including food, shelter and medical care.

Healthways, which works with companies to improve worker health, hopes the index will help employers better understand what they can do to help workers be happier and healthier, the AP reported. The index can be broken down by occupation, commute time and exercise habits.

More than 1,000 people a day are still being interviewed for the index, which is projected to cost more than $20 million a year to maintain.

-----

More Americans Covered by HSA Insurance Plans

Since last year, the number of Americans covered by Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible insurance plans increased 35 percent (1.6 million) to more than 6.1 million people, according to a new census released Wednesday by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).

The federal government authorized HSA plans in January 2004. Since then, AHIP has conducted a periodic census of members participating in the HSA market. There were 4.5 million people enrolled in HSA plans in January 2007, 3.2 million in January 2006, and one million in March 2005.

Among the findings in the latest census:

• 30 percent of people in an HSA plan were in the small-group market, 45 percent were in the large-group market, and 25 percent were in the individual market.
• HSA products accounted for 31 percent of new coverage issued in the small-group market, and 27 percent of the individual market.
• HSA enrollment as a percentage of people with private insurance is estimated to be highest in Minnesota (9.2 percent), Louisiana (9.0 percent), Washington, D.C. (8.7 percent), Vermont (7.5 percent) and Colorado (7.1 percent).

Health Tips for May 1

Health Tip: Exercising in Hot Weather

Heat injuries range from mild forms to more serious types, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heatstroke -- when the body's sweating mechanism quits, the skin become hot and dry, and the body loses most fluids -- can be life-threatening.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions for exercising safely in hot weather:

* Drink plenty of fluids even when you're not thirsty, and take frequent breaks during exercise.
* Get your body in good shape before hot weather hits.
* Limit outdoor exercise to early in the morning or late in the evening, avoiding the midday hours.
* Exercise more slowly and less vigorously for longer periods.
* Wear lightweight clothing, and avoid heavy gear.
* If someone looks like they're having a heat injury, seek immediate medical attention.

Health Tip: Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar During Exercise

Exercise typically will lower blood sugar, since insulin is more effective during exercise. But in people with diabetes, too much of a reduction in blood sugar can be dangerous.

The University of Michigan Health System offers these suggestions for diabetics to maintain healthy blood sugar levels when exercising:

* Check your blood sugar before and after exercise -- and during if you can -- and record your results.
* If you are going to exercise strenuously, make sure you eat a meal first.
* Keep snacks -- especially some with sugar -- on hand when you exercise.
* Talk to your doctor about possibly adjusting your insulin dose for exercise.
* Don't inject insulin into a part of the body that will be strenuously used during exercise, as it will absorb more quickly. For example, if you will run, inject your abdomen instead of your leg.