Health Headlines - September 30

More Than 90% of Nursing Homes Violate U.S. Standards: Report

More than 90 percent of U.S. nursing homes were cited last year for violating at least one federal health and safety standard, The New York Times reported Monday.

About 17 percent of nursing homes had violations that led to "actual harm or immediate jeopardy" to residents, according to the report by the inspector general to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Citations were issued for violations including infected bedsores, drug errors, resident malnutrition, and patient abuse or neglect, the newspaper reported.

About 37,150 complaints were sent to inspectors last year about nursing home conditions, of which 39 percent were validated, the report said. Some 20 percent of the verified complaints involved patient abuse or neglect.

Two-thirds of nursing homes are owned by companies that make a profit, 27 percent are owned by nonprofit corporations, and 6 percent are owned by government entities.

Some 94 percent of for-profit homes were cited last year, as were 88 percent of nonprofit homes, and 91 percent of government-owned homes, according to the report by HHS Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson.

Levinson said Medicaid was sometimes charged for services that "were not provided, or were so wholly deficient that they amounted to no care at all."

More than 1.5 million people live in 15,000 U.S. nursing homes. Violation rates ranged from 76 percent in Rhode Island to 100 percent in Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming and the District of Columbia, the newspaper reported.

In related news, state Medicaid organizations will spend an estimated $1.6 trillion on long-term care over the next two decades, a study by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) found.

When federal matching funds are added to the tab, total government expenditures for long-term care will burgeon to $3.7 trillion, the analysis predicted.

It would mean that Medicaid spending for long-term care would rise faster than overall health care spending, Medicare, or the Gross Domestic Product, according to an AHIP media release.

While 15 states are expected to spend $1 billion or more this year on long-term care services, that number is expected to rise to 25 states by 2027, the release said.

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FDA Approves New Test for 'Superbug'

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new test that can detect skin infections, including antibiotic-resistant infections such as the so-called "superbug" MRSA, in less than an hour, the test's manufacturer said Monday

Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Cepheid said its Xpert test should help doctors to quickly determine which antibiotic would be most effective in treating the infections.

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, is becoming more prevalent in hospitals, long-term care facilities and community settings. Existing tests for the bacterium can take up to three days, extending hospital stays and costing more money, the Associated Press reported.

"The ability to detect MRSA or SA (Staphylococcus aureus) in less than one hour, versus two to three days with current culture methods, will enable clinicians to make real-time decisions as to the best course of treatment or management," Cepheid Chief Executive John Bishop said in a news release.

In the release, Cepheid said the Institute of Healthcare Improvement reported that about 800,000 surgeries are complicated by infections annually, with a $9.5 billion cost to the U.S. health care system. According to a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, the increased length of stay following a MRSA infection is 18 days.

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Light Cigarettes Still Pack a Nicotine Punch, Study Says

Apparently, just about the only thing "light" about cigarettes that are advertised that way is the wording in the ad itself.

According to a news release from the University of California, Los Angeles, the latest research indicates that so-called light cigarettes deliver nearly as much nicotine to the brain as regular cigarettes.

UCLA psychiatry professor Dr. Arthur L. Brody and his colleagues found that even the smallest amount of nicotine in a person's system will activate a significant percentage of the brain's nicotine receptors. It is the receptors in the brain that lead to nicotine addiction.

Brody and his colleagues looked at the effect on the brain of a type of cigarette called a de-nicotized cigarette, which contains only a fraction of nicotine (0.05 milligrams) in both light and regular cigarettes.

They found that even that low a nicotine level is enough to occupy a sizable percentage of receptors. "The two take-home messages are that very little nicotine is needed to occupy a substantial portion of brain nicotine receptors," Brody said in the news release, "and cigarettes with less nicotine than regular cigarettes, such as 'light' cigarettes, still occupy most brain nicotine receptors."

And even though de-nicotinized cigarettes activate about 66 percent fewer receptors in the brain than light cigarettes, it's still enough to "light up" almost 25 percent of them, Brody said. "Researchers, clinicians and smokers themselves should consider that fact when trying to quit," he concluded.

The UCLA study is in the current online edition of the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology.

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Melamine Contamination From China Found in Some Snack Foods

China's melamine contamination problem continues to spread to the snack world.

On Monday, Cadbury pulled products made at its Beijing plant from Asian stores after finding traces of the industrial chemical in its chocolate. Cadbury Asia Pacific said it was recalling all 11 products made at the chocolate factory as a precautionary move after preliminary tests "cast doubt on the integrity of a range of our products manufactured in China." The majority of the recalled candies are sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, the Wall Street Journal reported.

And in the wake of recalls late last week of a vanilla-flavored snack known as White Rabbit from stores in Britain, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia, the Associated Press reported that the product was also removed from store shelves in Hong Kong. Government officials said the snack contained more than five times the allowable amount of melamine, the wire service reported.

The problem is that melamine, an industrial chemical, has long been in China as an additive to milk powder. Almost 55,000 Chinese infants have been sickened from the milk powder, according to government estimates, including four who died.

But the milk powder has also been used in making creamy snacks, the AP reported, and health officials are only now beginning to determine how widespread the problem may be.

Food company and health officials also have to be aware of how rapidly a rumor can spread. Last week, the wire service reported, the Internet was crackling with reports that the middle of the Oreo cookie contained melamine. This promoted a quick and intense response from Kraft Foods, emphasizing that Oreos' middles are not made with milk.

Meanwhile, seven "Mr. Brown"-brand instant coffee and tea products, produced in China, are being recalled, because they may be contaminated with melamine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

According to a statement posted on the FDA Web site, the recalled adult coffee products, made by China's Shandong Duqing Inc., are:

• Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1).
• Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1).
• Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1).
• Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1).
• Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1).
• Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (2-in-1).
• Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1).

No illnesses related to the candy, coffee, or tea products have been reported in the United States, Bloomberg News cited the FDA as saying.

Health Tips for September 30

Health Tip: Eating Out With Food Allergies

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

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

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

Health 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 Headlines - September 29

Light Cigarette Nicotine Brain Activation Almost as Strong as Regular Cigarettes, Study Says

Apparently, just about only thing "light" about cigarettes who are advertised that way is the wording in the ad itself.

According to a news release from the University of California at Los Angeles, the latest research indicates that so-called light cigarettes deliver nearly as much nicotine to the brain as regular cigarettes.

UCLA psychiatry professor Dr. Arthur L. Brody and his colleagues found that even the smallest amount of nicotine in a person's system will activate a significant percentage of the brain's nicotine receptors. It is the receptors in the brain that lead to nicotine addiction.

Brody and his colleagues looked at the effect on the brain of a type of cigarette called a de-nicotized cigarette, which contains only a fraction of nicotine (0.05 milligrams) in both light and regular cigarettes.

They found that even that low a nicotine level is enough to occupy a sizable percentage of receptors. "The two take-home messages are that very little nicotine is needed to occupy a substantial portion of brain nicotine receptors," Brody said in the news release, "and cigarettes with less nicotine than regular cigarettes, such as 'light' cigarettes, still occupy most brain nicotine receptors."

And even though de-nicotinized cigarettes activate about 66 percent fewer receptors in the brain than light cigarettes, it's still enough to "light up" almost 25 percent of them, Brody says. "Researchers, clinicians and smokers themselves should consider that fact when trying to quit," he concludes.

The UCLA study is in the current online edition of the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology.

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Melamine Contamination From China Found in Some Snack Foods

China's melamine contamination problem may be spreading to the snack world.

In the wake of recalls late last week of a vanilla-flavored snack known as white Rabbit from stores in Britain, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia, the Associated Press reports that the product was also removed from store shelves in Hong Kong. Government officials say the snack contained more than five times the allowable amount of melamine, the wire service reports.

The problem is that melamine, an industrial chemical, has long been in China as an additive to milk powder. Almost 55,000 Chinese infants have been sickened from the milk powder, according to government estimates, including four who died.

But the milk powder has also been used in making creamy snacks, the A.P. reports, and health officials are only now beginning to determine how widespread the problem may be.

Food company and health officials also have to be aware of how rapidly a rumor can spread. Last week, the wire service reports, the Internet was crackling with reports the middle of the Oreo cookie contained melamine. This promoted a quick and intense response from Kraft Foods, emphasizing that Oreos' middles are not made with milk.

Meanwhile seven "Mr. Brown"-brand instant coffee and tea products, produced in China, are being recalled because they may be contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

According to a statement posted on the FDA Web site, the recalled adult coffee products, made by China's Shandong Duqing Inc., are:

• Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Mandhling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)

No illnesses related to the candy, coffee, or tea products have been reported in the United States, Bloomberg News cited the FDA as saying.

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CDC Notes Mild West Nile Season

The 2008 West Nile virus season is shaping up to be the mildest since 2001, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

The 368 severe cases tallied as of Tuesday represented less than one-third of the 2007 total, the Associated Press reported.

Most cases of West Nile are reported in August and September. The CDC said it wasn't clear why this season was on track to be so mild. Seven years ago, the last time so few severe cases were reported, the virus was just emerging in the United States and had only been identified in 10 states, the AP said.

Only about one in five people bitten by a West Nile infected mosquito becomes sick, and only about one in 150 contracts severe symptoms. These can include neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, and paralysis.

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U.S. Halts Chelation Study Enrollment

The U.S. government has stopped enrolling participants in the largest alternative medicine study it's ever funded to assess whether candidates were properly informed of the potential risks, the Associated Press reported Friday.

More than 1,500 people who had survived a heart attack had been enrolled in the $30 million study of chelation, a controversial method most often used as a remedy for lead poisoning. Despite the halt to new enrollees, existing participants are still being treated.

The study is meant to test the use of high doses of vitamins, minerals, and chelation -- a therapy that involves injection of a drug (disodium EDTA) that proponents claim helps rid the body of calcium-causing plaque that's built up in artery walls. The therapy hasn't been proven safe or effective in treating heart disease.

At least two of the participants have died, although the study's lead physician denied the deaths were related to the therapy.

"We think we have a safe and ethical trial and we're protecting our patients," the AP quoted Dr. Gervasio Lamas of the University of Miami as saying.

Lamas couldn't say precisely how many study enrollees had died. He also conceded that some participating physicians who had been disciplined by state boards or who had criminal records had been asked to withdraw from the study, the wire service said.

Study critics said the research, approved in 2002, represented a conflict of interest for more than half of the physicians involved, since they made money by selling chelation treatments to patients, the AP reported.

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Standardized Color Plan for Hospital Wristbands Faces Hurdles

A new standardized system for color-coded wristbands in hospitals to prevent potentially dangerous mistakes is essential to patient safety, proponents say, but others fear they may compromise patient privacy, The New York Times reported.

The movement to standardize color coding of the hospital bands gathered steam, in part, because of a 2005 Pennsylvania case where a patient nearly died when a nurse mistakenly used an incorrect band. The plan is to have the wristbands designate patient conditions so treatment can be checked: Purple, or amethyst, means Do Not Resuscitate (D.N.R.); red, or ruby, indicates allergies; and yellow, or amber, identifies someone at risk for falling, according the Times.

But the Joint Commission, the nation's leading hospital-accreditation agency, has cited concerns about branding patients by their end-of-life choices, or inadvertently broadcasting those choices to family and friends not involved in those choices, the newspaper said. The commission even pointed out that children sometimes unknowingly trade the wristbands like baseball cards. And some hospitals have had problems with colored bracelets that patients bring with them, such as the yellow Lance Armstrong Livestrong bracelets. Most hospitals ask patients to cut these other bands off or cover them up with tape instead, the Times said.

"You need to strike a balance between the need for patient safety and accuracy and the whole privacy concern and sensitivity and compassion for the patient, Roxanne G. Tena-Nelson, executive vice president of the Continuing Care Leadership Coalition, a group of long-term care providers in New York, told the Times.

In most places, the newspaper reported, the new bracelets replace colored ones that have been used for decades without uniformity. A survey by the Greater New York Hospital Association last year found nine different colors used to denote patients with D.N.R. orders, five to indicate allergies, and nine to highlight risks of falling, but there is still some variation.

Health Tips for September 29

Health Tip: Prevent Ear Pain in Flight

If you are taking a plane trip with your child, there are steps you can take to ease the child's pain and discomfort from air pressure changes.

The Nemours Foundation offers this advice:

* Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids during the flight. Water is best, but make sure the drink doesn't have caffeine.
* If the child usually has ear pain associated with plane travel, give the child a pediatric dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen about a half an hour before takeoff and landing.
* If at least 3 years old, let your child suck on hard candy or chew gum.
* Bring a bottle or pacifier along, or plan to breast-feed during the trip.
* Encourage your child to yawn frequently.
* Have the child use a nasal decongestant spray before takeoff and landing.
* Don't allow napping during takeoff and landing, as it's more difficult to keep the middle ear equalized during sleep.

Health Tip: Prevent Jet Lag

Jet lag can dampen the fun of any trip when your body struggles to adjust to a new time zone.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to prevent jet lag:

* Start your trip well-rested. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before your trip.
* Avoid alcohol and overeating.
* Eat healthy meals.
* Get as much exercise as possible.
* Avoid sleep medications. If you use them, don't take them for more than a few days.
* Follow the schedule of the time zone you are in. Eat meals and go to bed when the locals do.

Health Headlines - September 28

Melamine Contamination From China Found in Some Snack Foods

China's melamine contamination problem may be spreading to the snack world.

In the wake of recalls late last week of a vanilla-flavored snack known as white Rabbit from stores in Britain, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia, the Associated Press reports that the product was also removed from store shelves in Hong Kong. Government officials say the snack contained more than five times the allowable amount of melamine, the wire service reports.

The problem is that melamine, an industrial chemical, has long been in China as an additive to milk powder. Almost 55,000 Chinese infants have been sickened from the milk powder, according to government estimates, including four who died.

But the milk powder has also been used in making creamy snacks, the A.P. reports, and health officials are only now beginning to determine how widespread the problem may be.

Food company and health officials also have to be aware of how rapidly a rumor can spread. Last week, the wire service reports, the Internet was crackling with reports the middle of the Oreo cookie contained melamine. This promoted a quick and intense response from Kraft Foods, emphasizing that Oreos' middles are not made with milk.

Meanwhile seven "Mr. Brown"-brand instant coffee and tea products, produced in China, are being recalled because they may be contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

According to a statement posted on the FDA Web site, the recalled adult coffee products, made by China's Shandong Duqing Inc., are:

• Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Mandhling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)

No illnesses related to the candy, coffee, or tea products have been reported in the United States, Bloomberg News cited the FDA as saying.

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CDC Notes Mild West Nile Season

The 2008 West Nile virus season is shaping up to be the mildest since 2001, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

The 368 severe cases tallied as of Tuesday represented less than one-third of the 2007 total, the Associated Press reported.

Most cases of West Nile are reported in August and September. The CDC said it wasn't clear why this season was on track to be so mild. Seven years ago, the last time so few severe cases were reported, the virus was just emerging in the United States and had only been identified in 10 states, the AP said.

Only about one in five people bitten by a West Nile infected mosquito becomes sick, and only about one in 150 contracts severe symptoms. These can include neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, and paralysis.

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U.S. Halts Chelation Study Enrollment

The U.S. government has stopped enrolling participants in the largest alternative medicine study it's ever funded to assess whether candidates were properly informed of the potential risks, the Associated Press reported Friday.

More than 1,500 people who had survived a heart attack had been enrolled in the $30 million study of chelation, a controversial method most often used as a remedy for lead poisoning. Despite the halt to new enrollees, existing participants are still being treated.

The study is meant to test the use of high doses of vitamins, minerals, and chelation -- a therapy that involves injection of a drug (disodium EDTA) that proponents claim helps rid the body of calcium-causing plaque that's built up in artery walls. The therapy hasn't been proven safe or effective in treating heart disease.

At least two of the participants have died, although the study's lead physician denied the deaths were related to the therapy.

"We think we have a safe and ethical trial and we're protecting our patients," the AP quoted Dr. Gervasio Lamas of the University of Miami as saying.

Lamas couldn't say precisely how many study enrollees had died. He also conceded that some participating physicians who had been disciplined by state boards or who had criminal records had been asked to withdraw from the study, the wire service said.

Study critics said the research, approved in 2002, represented a conflict of interest for more than half of the physicians involved, since they made money by selling chelation treatments to patients, the AP reported.

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Standardized Color Plan for Hospital Wristbands Faces Hurdles

A new standardized system for color-coded wristbands in hospitals to prevent potentially dangerous mistakes is essential to patient safety, proponents say, but others fear they may compromise patient privacy, The New York Times reported.

The movement to standardize color coding of the hospital bands gathered steam, in part, because of a 2005 Pennsylvania case where a patient nearly died when a nurse mistakenly used an incorrect band. The plan is to have the wristbands designate patient conditions so treatment can be checked: Purple, or amethyst, means Do Not Resuscitate (D.N.R.); red, or ruby, indicates allergies; and yellow, or amber, identifies someone at risk for falling, according the Times.

But the Joint Commission, the nation's leading hospital-accreditation agency, has cited concerns about branding patients by their end-of-life choices, or inadvertently broadcasting those choices to family and friends not involved in those choices, the newspaper said. The commission even pointed out that children sometimes unknowingly trade the wristbands like baseball cards. And some hospitals have had problems with colored bracelets that patients bring with them, such as the yellow Lance Armstrong Livestrong bracelets. Most hospitals ask patients to cut these other bands off or cover them up with tape instead, the Times said.

"You need to strike a balance between the need for patient safety and accuracy and the whole privacy concern and sensitivity and compassion for the patient, Roxanne G. Tena-Nelson, executive vice president of the Continuing Care Leadership Coalition, a group of long-term care providers in New York, told the Times.

In most places, the newspaper reported, the new bracelets replace colored ones that have been used for decades without uniformity. A survey by the Greater New York Hospital Association last year found nine different colors used to denote patients with D.N.R. orders, five to indicate allergies, and nine to highlight risks of falling, but there is still some variation.

Health Tips for September 28

Health Tip: Ease PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects many women before the start of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms can include moodiness, fatigue, insomnia, upset stomach, and joint and muscle pain, among others.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions to help alleviate PMS symptoms:

* Take a daily multivitamin with folic acid, and a calcium supplement with vitamin D.
* Get plenty of exercise.
* Stick to a healthy diet, including lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, before and during your period.
* Avoid salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and smoking, especially when you have PMS symptoms.
* Try to get eight hours of sleep every night.
* Alleviate stress by talking to friends, exercising or keeping a journal.
* Try an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease sore breasts, muscle pain, headaches or painful cramps.

Health Tip: Prepare a Fire Safety Plan

Fires in the home can spread quickly, so it's important to devise a fire safety plan.

Here are suggestions to prepare for a fire emergency, courtesy of the U.S. National Safety Council:

* It's best to sleep with the door closed. Teach children, in the event of a fire emergency, to feel the door for heat before opening.
* Create an escape route for each area of the home, and decide on a meeting point outside the home.
* Create a map that's easy for everyone to read.
* Tell young children not to hide during a fire. Also explain that they shouldn't be afraid of firemen -- that firemen are there to help.
* Teach children to drop down and crawl beneath the smoke to escape the home.
* In low-level homes, make sure that bedroom windows open easily (aren't painted shut), as they may be a secondary means of escape.
* Make sure that everyone in the house knows how to use an escape ladder.
* Explain that no one must ever go back into a burning building.
* Young children should know their last name, street address, and how to dial 911 from a neighbor's house or cell phone.

Health Headlines - September 27

Chinese-Made Instant Coffee, Tea Products Recalled in U.S.

Seven "Mr. Brown"-brand instant coffee and tea products, produced in China, are being recalled because they may be contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

The FDA also said consumers shouldn't eat Chinese-made White Rabbit Creamy Candy, which New Zealand authorities have found contains high levels of melamine, the Bloomberg news service reported.

Melamine, used to make plastics, is at the center of a scandal in China involving contaminated baby-formula products. At least four Chinese infants have died, and tens of thousands more have been sickened from ingesting the milk-based products, which it's believed were deliberately contaminated to mask that they had been watered down.

According to a statement posted on the FDA Web site, the recalled adult coffee products, made by China's Shandong Duqing Inc., are:

• Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Mandhling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1)
• Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)

No illnesses related to the candy, coffee, or tea products have been reported in the United States, Bloomberg cited the FDA as saying.

In related news, the government of Hong Kong said Friday it had detected traces of melamine in baby foods imported from China, according to the Associated Press. Melamine has been detected in products from 22 Chinese dairy firms, the wire service said.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF have issued a joint statement condemning baby-food makers that deliberately contaminate their products.

"Whilst any attempt to deceive the public in the area of food production and marketing is unacceptable, deliberate contamination of foods intended for consumption by vulnerable infants and young children is particularly deplorable," the statement read.

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CDC Notes Mild West Nile Season

The 2008 West Nile virus season is shaping up to be the mildest since 2001, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

The 368 severe cases tallied as of Tuesday represented less than one-third of the 2007 total, the Associated Press reported.

Most cases of West Nile are reported in August and September. The CDC said it wasn't clear why this season was on track to be so mild. Seven years ago, the last time so few severe cases were reported, the virus was just emerging in the United States and had only been identified in 10 states, the AP said.

Only about one in five people bitten by a West Nile infected mosquito becomes sick, and only about one in 150 contracts severe symptoms. These can include neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, and paralysis.

-----

U.S. Halts Chelation Study Enrollment

The U.S. government has stopped enrolling participants in the largest alternative medicine study it's ever funded to assess whether candidates were properly informed of the potential risks, the Associated Press reported Friday.

More than 1,500 people who had survived a heart attack had been enrolled in the $30 million study of chelation, a controversial method most often used as a remedy for lead poisoning. Despite the halt to new enrollees, existing participants are still being treated.

The study is meant to test the use of high doses of vitamins, minerals, and chelation -- a therapy that involves injection of a drug (disodium EDTA) that proponents claim helps rid the body of calcium-causing plaque that's built up in artery walls. The therapy hasn't been proven safe or effective in treating heart disease.

At least two of the participants have died, although the study's lead physician denied the deaths were related to the therapy.

"We think we have a safe and ethical trial and we're protecting our patients," the AP quoted Dr. Gervasio Lamas of the University of Miami as saying.

Lamas couldn't say precisely how many study enrollees had died. He also conceded that some participating physicians who had been disciplined by state boards or who had criminal records had been asked to withdraw from the study, the wire service said.

Study critics said the research, approved in 2002, represented a conflict of interest for more than half of the physicians involved, since they made money by selling chelation treatments to patients, the AP reported.

-----

Standardized Color Plan for Hospital Wristbands Faces Hurdles

A new standardized system for color-coded wristbands in hospitals to prevent potentially dangerous mistakes is essential to patient safety, proponents say, but others fear they may compromise patient privacy, The New York Times reported.

The movement to standardize color coding of the hospital bands gathered steam, in part, because of a 2005 Pennsylvania case where a patient nearly died when a nurse mistakenly used an incorrect band. The plan is to have the wristbands designate patient conditions so treatment can be checked: Purple, or amethyst, means Do Not Resuscitate (D.N.R.); red, or ruby, indicates allergies; and yellow, or amber, identifies someone at risk for falling, according the Times.

But the Joint Commission, the nation's leading hospital-accreditation agency, has cited concerns about branding patients by their end-of-life choices, or inadvertently broadcasting those choices to family and friends not involved in those choices, the newspaper said. The commission even pointed out that children sometimes unknowingly trade the wristbands like baseball cards. And some hospitals have had problems with colored bracelets that patients bring with them, such as the yellow Lance Armstrong Livestrong bracelets. Most hospitals ask patients to cut these other bands off or cover them up with tape instead, the Times said.

"You need to strike a balance between the need for patient safety and accuracy and the whole privacy concern and sensitivity and compassion for the patient, Roxanne G. Tena-Nelson, executive vice president of the Continuing Care Leadership Coalition, a group of long-term care providers in New York, told the Times.

In most places, the newspaper reported, the new bracelets replace colored ones that have been used for decades without uniformity. A survey by the Greater New York Hospital Association last year found nine different colors used to denote patients with D.N.R. orders, five to indicate allergies, and nine to highlight risks of falling, but there is still some variation.

Health Tips for September 27

Health Tip: If Your Child Stutters

Many young children stutter, but they often outgrow it by about age 5, the Nemours Foundation says.

If it lasts longer, there is no known cure for stuttering. But you can help your child overcome this difficulty in speaking, the foundation says. It offers these suggestions:

* Don't push your child to speak correctly all the time. Just encourage the child to talk, and allow it to be enjoyable.
* Have plenty of family conversations during meals, without television or radio to distract your child's attention.
* Don't worry your child with instructions that may make him or her more self-conscious. Don't tell the child to slow down, start over, relax, etc.
* If your child is upset or nervous, don't force talking.
* Maintain a relaxed and peaceful home environment, and make sure that you speak to your child in a non-hurried, calm and clear manner.
* Make eye contact with your child when he or she is talking, and don't seem upset or frustrated if your child begins to stutter.
* Let your child finish talking, and don't stop to interrupt or correct.

Health Tip: Help Your Child Develop Healthy Habits

Healthy habits for regular exercise and a good diet start at home, and they should start at a young age.

The American Heart Association offers these suggestions to help your child stay healthy for life:

* Set a good example by living a healthy lifestyle yourself.
* Make exercise a family activity that involves everyone. Make family time for exercise every day, choosing sports and games that everyone enjoys.
* Set a limit on the amount of time your child spends watching TV, playing video games, or on the computer.
* Set goals for your child, such as a certain amount of daily physical activity or limits on the amount of unhealthy foods allowed.
* Encourage and reward good behavior, but never with food.
* Have a healthy dinner as a family every night.
* Teach your child to read food labels, and to recognize which foods are healthy and which aren't.

Health Headlines - September 26

European Union Bans Chinese Milk Products

Baby food products that contain milk imported from China were banned Thursday by the European Union in response to the deaths of four Chinese infants who ingested locally made tainted formula.

The European Commission also called for tighter controls on other foods imported from China, the Associated Press reported.

In addition to the four deaths, Chinese formula tainted with the plastics chemical melamine has caused more than 54,000 Chinese babies to become sick. The chemical, which can lead to kidney stones and kidney failure, is considered particularly harmful to children.

Melamine has been detected in products from 22 Chinese dairy firms, the AP reported. It's thought that suppliers used the chemical to mask the watering down of various milk products.

The practice may now be affecting animals, the wire service reported, as a lion cub and two baby orangutans have developed kidney stones at a zoo near Shanghai.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF issued a joint statement Thursday condemning baby-food makers that deliberately contaminate their products.

"Whilst any attempt to deceive the public in the area of food production and marketing is unacceptable, deliberate contamination of foods intended for consumption by vulnerable infants and young children is particularly deplorable," the statement read.

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Standardized Color Plan for Hospital Wristbands Faces Hurdles

A new standardized system for color-coded wristbands in hospitals to prevent potentially dangerous mistakes is essential to patient safety, proponents say, but others fear they may compromise patient privacy, The New York Times reported.

The movement to standardize color coding of the hospital bands gathered steam, in part, because of a 2005 Pennsylvania case where a patient nearly died when a nurse mistakenly used an incorrect band. The plan is to have the wristbands designate patient conditions so treatment can be checked: Purple, or amethyst, means Do Not Resuscitate (D.N.R.); red, or ruby, indicates allergies; and yellow, or amber, identifies someone at risk for falling, according the Times.

But the Joint Commission, the nation's leading hospital-accreditation agency, has cited concerns about branding patients by their end-of-life choices, or inadvertently broadcasting those choices to family and friends not involved in those choices, the newspaper said. The commission even pointed out that children sometimes unknowingly trade the wristbands like baseball cards. And some hospitals have had problems with colored bracelets that patients bring with them, such as the yellow Lance Armstrong Livestrong bracelets. Most hospitals ask patients to cut these other bands off or cover them up with tape instead, the Times said.

"You need to strike a balance between the need for patient safety and accuracy and the whole privacy concern and sensitivity and compassion for the patient, Roxanne G. Tena-Nelson, executive vice president of the Continuing Care Leadership Coalition, a group of long-term care providers in New York, told the Times.

In most places, the newspaper reported, the new bracelets replace colored ones that have been used for decades without uniformity. A survey by the Greater New York Hospital Association last year found nine different colors used to denote patients with D.N.R. orders, five to indicate allergies, and nine to highlight risks of falling, but there is still some variation.

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Health Insurance Premiums Rise 5%

Health insurance premiums in the United States rose about 5 percent this year, a modest rise compared to the 119 percent jump overall since 1999, according to a report released Wednesday.

Premiums for family coverage rose to an average of $12,680 during the past year, while premiums for single coverage increased to an average $4,704, according to the analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust.

While about 75 percent of each premium is still absorbed by employers, the trend in recent years has been to require workers to pay a higher percentage, the Associated Press reported.

In the past year, employees who paid deductibles of $1,000 or more rose to 18 percent from 12 percent, the wire service said. About one in three people employed by a small business now pays at least a $1,000 deductible.

Only about 62 percent of companies with fewer than 200 employees offer a health insurance benefit, the AP said. By comparison, 99 percent of larger businesses offer coverage.

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Armstrong, Stressing Cancer Project, Returning to Cycling

Lance Armstrong, who despite a battle with cancer won seven straight Tour de France bicycle races before he retired three years ago, will return to the sport in January, he said Wednesday.

At a New York City press conference, Armstrong also said that shortly after a race next year in Australia, he would hold the first global meeting of the Livestrong campaign to raise cancer awareness, The New York Times reported.

The 37-year-old Armstrong said he also would try for an eighth straight Tour de France victory next July.

He promised that his anti-cancer campaign would "touch all aspects of our society, all continents of our society, and certainly touch all the different aspects of cancer," the Times quoted him as saying.

Armstrong formed his foundation after a well-publicized bout with testicular cancer in the late 1990s.

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Hospital Blood-Thinner Rules Need Tightening: Commission

Rules that govern hospitals' use of heparin and related medicines need to be tightened after at least 28 deaths resulted from drug errors involving the blood-thinners over the decade ending in 2007, a regulatory group said Wednesday.

The Joint Commission said hospitals should consider preventive measures including bar coding and computer technology to prevent similar errors, the Associated Press reported. A highly publicized example was a dangerous heparin overdose given to the newborn twins of actor Dennis Quaid at a Los Angeles hospital in November.

In all, 59,316 errors involving blood thinners were reported from 2001 to 2006 to a company that tracks such errors, the commission said. About 1,700, or almost 3 percent, of those cases led to patient harm or death, the wire service reported.

Too much of a blood thinner can lead to bleeding that's difficult to control, and too little after surgery or an injury can result in dangerous blood clots.

The commission is a privately run organization that accredits most U.S. hospitals -- a measure of prestige that also influences federal funding, the AP reported.

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Experts Warn of Caffeine Levels in Energy Drinks

Caffeine intoxication is possible from so-called energy drinks that can contain as much of the stimulant as 10 cans of Coca-Cola, experts warn.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine want caffeine doses prominently displayed on the drinks' labeling, which the scientists say also should include a warning of the products' potential risks, the CanWest News Service reported.

Children and adolescents who aren't habitual caffeine consumers are particularly vulnerable to caffeine intoxication, they wrote in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Symptoms could include nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, upset stomach, tremors and rapid heartbeat.

"Many of these products are not labeled with the amount of caffeine. There are no cautionary notes," the news service quotes Roland Griffiths, a professor in the Hopkins departments of psychiatry and neuroscience, as saying.

Griffiths added that younger people who seek the caffeine high from energy drinks could be more likely to abuse prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin, recent research indicates.

Some 906 million gallons of the drinks -- with brand names including Red Bull, Full Throttle, and AMP Energy -- were consumed worldwide in 2006, the researchers said.

Health Tips for September 26

Health Tip: Keep Kidney Infections at Bay

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

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

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

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

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

Health Tip: Choosing a Knee Brace

A knee brace can help protect an injured knee from further injury, or help prevent injury in a weakened or arthritic knee.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of different types of knee braces:

* A prophylactic knee brace can protect knees from injury during contact sports, including football.
* Functional braces can help protect an already injured knee from further damage.
* Rehabilitative braces help stabilize and protect knees that are recovering from injury or surgery.
* Unloader or offloader braces offer support and protection to knees that are affected by arthritis.

Health Headlines - September 25

Health Insurance Premiums Rise 5%

Health insurance premiums in the United States rose about 5 percent this year, a modest rise compared to the 119 percent jump overall since 1999, according to a report released Wednesday.

Premiums for family coverage rose to an average of $12,680 during the past year, while premiums for single coverage increased to an average $4,704, according to the analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust.

While about 75 percent of each premium is still absorbed by employers, the trend in recent years has been to require workers to pay a higher percentage, the Associated Press reported.

In the past year, employees who paid deductibles of $1,000 or more rose to 18 percent from 12 percent, the wire service said. About one in three people employed by a small business now pays at least a $1,000 deductible.

Only about 62 percent of companies with fewer than 200 employees offer a health insurance benefit, the AP said. By comparison, 99 percent of larger businesses offer coverage.

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Armstrong, Stressing Cancer Project, Returning to Cycling

Lance Armstrong, who despite a battle with cancer won seven straight Tour de France bicycle races before he retired three years ago, will return to the sport in January, he said Wednesday.

At a New York City press conference, Armstrong also said that shortly after a race next year in Australia, he would hold the first global meeting of the Livestrong campaign to raise cancer awareness, The New York Times reported.

The 37-year-old Armstrong said he also would try for an eighth straight Tour de France victory next July.

He promised that his anti-cancer campaign would "touch all aspects of our society, all continents of our society, and certainly touch all the different aspects of cancer," the Times quoted him as saying.

Armstrong formed his foundation after a well-publicized bout with testicular cancer in the late 1990s.

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Hospital Blood-Thinner Rules Need Tightening: Commission

Rules that govern hospitals' use of heparin and related medicines need to be tightened after at least 28 deaths resulted from drug errors involving the blood-thinners over the decade ending in 2007, a regulatory group said Wednesday.

The Joint Commission said hospitals should consider preventive measures including bar coding and computer technology to prevent similar errors, the Associated Press reported. A highly publicized example was a dangerous heparin overdose given to the newborn twins of actor Dennis Quaid at a Los Angeles hospital in November.

In all, 59,316 errors involving blood thinners were reported from 2001 to 2006 to a company that tracks such errors, the commission said. About 1,700, or almost 3 percent, of those cases led to patient harm or death, the wire service reported.

Too much of a blood thinner can lead to bleeding that's difficult to control, and too little after surgery or an injury can result in dangerous blood clots.

The commission is a privately run organization that accredits most U.S. hospitals -- a measure of prestige that also influences federal funding, the AP reported.

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Experts Warn of Caffeine Levels in Energy Drinks

Caffeine intoxication is possible from so-called energy drinks that can contain as much of the stimulant as 10 cans of Coca-Cola, experts warn.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine want caffeine doses prominently displayed on the drinks' labeling, which the scientists say also should include a warning of the products' potential risks, the CanWest News Service reported.

Children and adolescents who aren't habitual caffeine consumers are particularly vulnerable to caffeine intoxication, they wrote in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Symptoms could include nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, upset stomach, tremors and rapid heartbeat.

"Many of these products are not labeled with the amount of caffeine. There are no cautionary notes," the news service quotes Roland Griffiths, a professor in the Hopkins departments of psychiatry and neuroscience, as saying.

Griffiths added that younger people who seek the caffeine high from energy drinks could be more likely to abuse prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin, recent research indicates.

Some 906 million gallons of the drinks -- with brand names including Red Bull, Full Throttle, and AMP Energy -- were consumed worldwide in 2006, the researchers said.

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Drug Maker to Make Doctor Payments Public

Global drug maker Eli Lilly and Co. plans to become the first pharmaceutical firm to make public the amount it pays doctors to advise the company or speak at conferences on its behalf, the Associated Press reported.

The revelation comes as Congress considers legislation designed to guard against such payments influencing doctors' prescribing practices and other medical decisions, the wire service said.

Lilly said starting next year, it will reveal payments of $500 or more to doctors who offer advice or who speak at conferences. Eventually, the company said it would widen disclosure to include payments for travel, entertainment and gifts, the AP reported.

Since 2006, House and Senate lawmakers have proposed bills to require drug companies to disclose physician payments of $25 or more. The drug industry took issue with the $25 threshold, and Lilly had said it would comply with key provisions of the legislation if the threshold were raised to $500, the wire service said.

Trade groups representing physicians, including the American Medical Association, also had said they would support the legislation if it included the higher threshold, the AP said.

Only a few states -- including Minnesota, Vermont, Virginia, and Maine -- and the District of Columbia now have disclosure laws, the wire service said.

Health Tips for September 25

Health Tip: Satisfying Food Cravings

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

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

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

Health Tip: Eating a Brain-Healthy Diet

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

AARP.org offers these brain-healthy nutritional suggestions:

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

Health Headlines - September 24

Chinese Milk Scandal Toll at 54,000; System Called 'Out of Control'

China's milk-gathering system was "out of control" and led to abuses that have now sickened some 54,00 babies, killing four, China's agriculture minister acknowledged Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.

The industrial chemical melamine was found in infant formula and milk products from 22 of China's dairy companies and is blamed for causing kidney stones and kidney failure in infants. European Union customs authorities are keeping a closer eye on food imports from China, where it is believed that suppliers may have tried to cut costs by adding melamine to watered-down milk, since its high nitrogen content can mask protein deficiencies, the AP said.

China's Sanlu Group Co. had received complaints about the tainted formula last December but waited eight months to tell local authorities, who then delayed informing higher officials for another month. As a result, Li Changjiang resigned Monday as director of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the Chinese agency responsible for the safety of China's food supply chain, the AP said.

The sick have so far have included 12,892 babies who were hospitalized, 39,965 who have received outpatient treatment, and 1,579 more patients discharged from hospitals, the AP reported.

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Obesity Increases Risk of Recurrent Miscarriage

Women who have had a miscarriage may be at increased risk of another miscarriage if they're obese, says a U.K. study that tracked 696 women who had miscarriages classified as "unexplained" by doctors.

The researchers at London's St. Mary's Hospital found that being obese increased the risk of another miscarriage by 73 percent, BBC News reported. The study was presented at an international meeting of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, held in Montreal.

"This is the first study to look directly at the link between BMI (body-mass index) and recurrent miscarriage. It shows that obese women who experience recurrent miscarriage are at greater risk of subsequent pregnancy loss," said Winnie Lo, a clinical nurse specialist who presented the study at the meeting.

"All women with recurrent miscarriage should be weighed at their first consultation. Those who are found to be obese should be counseled regarding the benefits of weight loss," Lo was quoted by BBC News as saying.

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Low-Calorie Diet Can Influence Lifespan: Study

A low-calorie diet can affect two genes in a way that increases lifespan, suggest U.S. researchers, who studied the gene TOR in tiny roundworms called C. elegans. TOR regulates cell growth and plays a role in the development of cancer.

A loss of TOR has been shown to slow aging in C. elegans, which shares similar genetics to humans.

"Our work with C. elegans reveals that TOR depends on a second gene called pha4/FoxA to control the aging process," said study co-author Susan Mango of the University of Utah, United Press International reported.

Mango and colleagues also found that an abundance of food increases TOR activity, which decreases the action of pha4/FoxA and results in a shorter lifespan.

The study appears in the journal Current Biology.

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Critics Assail White House Over Perchlorate in Drinking Water

Under pressure from the Bush administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency appears poised to abandon a drinking water safety standard for the rocket fuel chemical perchlorate, which has been linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women, newborns and young children, the Washington Post reported.

A near-final document obtained by the newspaper showed that the EPA's "preliminary regulatory determination" was heavily edited by White House officials. They eliminated important scientific sections and told the EPA to use a new computer modeling method to calculate health risks associated with perchlorate, the newspaper said.

"They have distorted the science to such an extent that they can justify not regulating" the chemical, University of Massachusetts Professor Robert Zoeller told the Post. "Infants and children will continue to be damaged and that damage is significant," said Zoeller, a specialist in thyroid hormone and brain development.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has endorsed legislation requiring the EPA to set a federal standard for perchlorate and to monitor levels of the chemical in tap water. Committee chair Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., was outraged that the EPA may not establish a standard for the chemical.

"Perchlorate has been a serious, persistent and widespread problem which threatens the health of our families, especially our children," Boxer told the Post. "For the Bush EPA to walk away from this problem and shrug off this danger is, in my view, unforgivable and immoral."

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Gut Bacteria May Increase Colon Cancer Risk

Bacteria called Enterococcus faecalis that live in human intestines may produce harmful chemicals that damage DNA and trigger gene activity linked to colon cancer, a U.S. study says.

E. Faecalis, also known as Group D Streptococcus, is one of many normally harmless or beneficial kinds of bacteria that live in the human gut. But in some people, E. faecalis may pose a threat, say researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma City, BBC News reported.

They examined how colon cells in the laboratory reacted to the presence of E faecalis when it's in a "fermentation" state and produces a kind of oxygen molecule called "superoxide," which can damage DNA in surrounding cells.

The researchers discovered that superoxide has other harmful effects.

"We found that superoxide led to strong signaling in immune cells called macrophages. It also altered the way some cells in the gut grew and divided, and even increased the productivity of genes which are associated with cancer," said research leader Professor Mark Huycke, BBC News reported.

He and his colleagues found that the expression of 42 genes linked to critical processes in human cells was altered by the presence of E. faecalis in the fermentation state.

The study was published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology.

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British Plastic Surgeons Protest Ads That Promise Too Much

While cosmetic surgeons may take pride in their work, the vast majority of them don't claim to be Rembrandt.

That's why the BBC News is reporting that the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) is taking issue with advertising from some cosmetic surgery clinics in England that may be taking liberty with just how effective their reconstructive surgery is.

BAAPS officials claim that some of the advertising shows models with "anatomically impossible" breasts while other ads offer "lunchtime facelifts," according to the BBC.

In fact, the news service reported, one clinic offered a discount worth about $350 for having cosmetic surgery quickly, and the plastic surgery association says there is no such thing as a "lunchtime facelift."

A spokesman for the Advertising Standards Authority, which oversees advertising propriety in the United Kingdom, told the BBC, "We look into all complaints and make an adjudication. This is not something we are inundated about but there are more [advertisements] of that nature out there now, so you might expect more complaints."

Health Tips for September 24

Health Tip: Prevent a Pain in the Neck

A stiff or painful neck can be caused by an injury or everyday activities that cause muscle strain or tension.

Prevent neck pain with these suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Try relaxation techniques and regular exercise to relieve stress and muscle tension.
* Stretch your neck muscles every day -- always before and after exercise.
* If exercise seems to cause neck pain, apply an ice pack after working out.
* Maintain good posture, and stretch your neck muscles frequently when you work at a computer. Make sure your monitor and any paperwork are at eye level.
* Use a headset when you talk on the phone.
* If your sleeping position causes neck pain, consider using a special neck pillow.

Health Tip: Prevent Stomach Pain

Stomach pain can be caused by factors including diet and lifestyle, illness and infections.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the following actions can help prevent many stomach aches:

* Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of only a few large ones.
* Choose healthy, well-balanced meals that are high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables.
* Avoid foods that cause gas.
* Drink lots of water each day.
* Get plenty of regular exercise.

Health Headlines - September 23

Obesity Increases Risk of Recurrent Miscarriage

Women who have had a miscarriage may be at increased risk of another miscarriage if they're obese, says a U.K. study that tracked 696 women who had miscarriages classified as "unexplained" by doctors.

The researchers at London's St. Mary's Hospital found that being obese increased the risk of another miscarriage by 73 percent, BBC News reported. The study was presented at an international meeting of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, held in Montreal, Canada.

"This is the first study to look directly at the link between BMI (body mass index) and recurrent miscarriage. It shows that obese women who experience recurrent miscarriage are at greater risk of subsequent pregnancy loss," said Winnie Lo, a clinical nurse specialist who presented the study at the meeting.

"All women with recurrent miscarriage should be weighed at their first consultation. Those who are found to be obese should be counseled regarding the benefits of weight loss," Lo was quoted by BBC News as saying.

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Low-Calorie Diet Can Influence Lifespan: Study

A low-calorie diet can affect two genes in a way that increases lifespan, suggest U.S. researchers, who studied the gene TOR in tiny roundworms called C. elegans. TOR regulates cell growth and plays a role in the development of cancer.

A loss of TOR has been shown to slow aging in C. elegans, which shares similar genetics to humans.

"Our work with C. elegans reveals that TOR depends on a second gene called pha4/FoxA to control the aging process," said study co-author Susan Mango of the University of Utah, United Press International reported.

Mango and colleagues also found that an abundance of food increases TOR activity, which decreases the action of pha4/FoxA and results in a shorter lifespan.

The study appears in the journal Current Biology.

-----

Critics Assail White House Over Perchlorate in Drinking Water

Under pressure from the Bush administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency appears poised to abandon a drinking water safety standard for the rocket fuel chemical perchlorate, which has been linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women, newborns and young children, the Washington Post reported.

A near-final document obtained by the newspaper showed that the EPA's "preliminary regulatory determination" was heavily edited by White House officials. They eliminated important scientific sections and told the EPA to use a new computer modeling method to calculate health risks associated with perchlorate, the newspaper said.

"They have distorted the science to such an extent that they can justify not regulating" the chemical, University of Massachusetts Professor Robert Zoeller told the Post. "Infants and children will continue to be damaged and that damage is significant," said Zoeller, a specialist in thyroid hormone and brain development.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has endorsed legislation requiring the EPA to set a federal standard for perchlorate and to monitor levels of the chemical in tap water. Committee chair Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., was outraged that the EPA may not establish a standard for the chemical.

"Perchlorate has been a serious, persistent and widespread problem which threatens the health of our families, especially our children," Boxer told the Post. "For the Bush EPA to walk away from this problem and shrug off this danger is, in my view, unforgivable and immoral."

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Nearly 53,000 Chinese Infants Affected by Tainted Formula

The official number of Chinese infants sickened by tainted baby formula jumped late Sunday from 6,200 to nearly 53,000, and the head of the country's product quality watchdog resigned Monday as a result of the scandal, the Associated Press reported.

The industrial chemical melamine has been found in infant formula and milk products from 22 of China's dairy companies and is blamed for causing kidney stones and kidney failure in infants. So far, four infants have died.

The Health Ministry said 12,892 of the children hospitalized in recent weeks are 2 years old or younger. Of the infants in a hospital, 104 are in serious condition. Officials said another 39,965 children received outpatient treatment at hospitals and were now considered "basically recovered," the AP reported.

The scandal has prompted the recall of infant formula and other milk products from stores across China, and dairy-related products made in China have been banned across Asia.

As a result of the crisis, Li Changjiang resigned as director of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the agency responsible for ensuring the safety of China's food supply chain.

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Gut Bacteria May Increase Colon Cancer Risk

Bacteria called Enterococcus faecalis that live in human intestines may produce harmful chemicals that damage DNA and trigger gene activity linked to colon cancer, a U.S. study says.

E. Faecalis, also known as Group D Streptococcus, is one of many normally harmless or beneficial kinds of bacteria that live in the human gut. But in some people, E. faecalis may pose a threat, say researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma City, BBC News reported.

They examined how colon cells in the laboratory reacted to the presence of E faecalis when it's in a "fermentation" state and produces a kind of oxygen molecule called "superoxide," which can damage DNA in surrounding cells.

The researchers discovered that superoxide has other harmful effects.

"We found that superoxide led to strong signaling in immune cells called macrophages. It also altered the way some cells in the gut grew and divided, and even increased the productivity of genes which are associated with cancer," said research leader Professor Mark Huycke, BBC News reported.

He and his colleagues found that the expression of 42 genes linked to critical processes in human cells was altered by the presence of E. faecalis in the fermentation state.

The study was published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology.

-----

British Plastic Surgeons Protest Ads That Promise Too Much

While cosmetic surgeons may take pride in their work, the vast majority of them don't claim to be Rembrandt.

That's why the BBC News is reporting that the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) is taking issue with advertising from some cosmetic surgery clinics in England that may be taking liberty with just how effective their reconstructive surgery is.

BAAPS officials claim that some of the advertising shows models with "anatomically impossible" breasts while other ads offer "lunchtime facelifts," according to the BBC.

In fact, the news service reported, one clinic offered a discount worth about $350 for having cosmetic surgery quickly, and the plastic surgery association says there is no such thing as a "lunchtime facelift."

A spokesman for the Advertising Standards Authority, which oversees advertising propriety in the United Kingdom, told the BBC, "We look into all complaints and make an adjudication. This is not something we are inundated about but there are more [advertisements] of that nature out there now, so you might expect more complaints."

Health Tips for September 23

Health Tip: Prevent Stomach Pain

Stomach pain can be caused by factors including diet and lifestyle, illness and infections.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the following actions can help prevent many stomach aches:

* Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of only a few large ones.
* Choose healthy, well-balanced meals that are high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables.
* Avoid foods that cause gas.
* Drink lots of water each day.
* Get plenty of regular exercise.

Health Tip: When a Stomachache Requires Medical Attention

While stomachache or abdominal pain are quite common and often harmless, these conditions sometimes can signal a more serious problem.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following symptoms require a trip to the emergency room:

* Very sharp, severe and sudden pain.
* Fever along with your stomach or abdominal pain.
* Vomiting blood, or having bloody diarrhea.
* Soreness or tenderness in the abdomen.
* An abdomen that is hard and rigid.
* Inability to have a bowel movement, particularly if you are also vomiting.
* Pain in the chest, neck or shoulder.
* Dizziness or lightheadedness.

Health Headlines - September 22

Health Tips for September 22

Health Tip: Something in Your Eye?

Getting something in your eye can be irritating enough, but you do more damage to your eye while trying to get it out.

To get dust, an eyelash, or other small particle out of your eye without injuring yourself, follow these suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Wash your hands thoroughly, and examine your eye in a mirror in a well-lighted room. Look up, down, and side to side, and try to locate the particle in your eye.
* Do not rub your eye.
* If you can't find the particle, gently pull down the skin beneath your eye and look under the lower lid. Also gently grasp the upper lid and look underneath there, as well.
* Try to gently rinse the eye or eyelid with water when you find the particle.
* If you can't easily remove the particle or it looks like it's already damaged the eye, seek immediate medical attention.

Health Tip: Wear Eye Protection

Eye injuries can occur when you're playing sports, working with tools or chemicals, or even in the kitchen.

The U.S. National Safety Council says you should always wear eye protection when you are:

* Working with or around any type of chemical.
* Using tools to make repairs around the home.
* Playing any sport that involves a ball or other object that could strike your eye.

You can protect your glasses or contact lenses with safety goggles. You should also always wear sunglasses when you're out in the sun.

Health Headlines - September 21

Despite New Law, HIV-Positive Travelers Still Banned from Entering U.S.

Even though President Bush signed a bill in July that ended a 15-year ban on international travelers with HIV from entering the United States, nothing has changed, the Associated Press reports.

The law Bush signed was a $48 billion bill to combat AIDS (the disease caused by HIV), tuberculosis and malaria, the wire service says, and in that law was a provision that ended the ban on HIV-positive travelers entering the United States.

So far, however the, department of Health and Human Services hasn't written the new rule that needs to be adopted to cause the new law to go into effect. A number of U.S. legislators and representatives from gay organizations have been lobbying HHS to act quickly.

"We're working hard to revise the regulation and it's our goal to have it completed during this administration," HHS spokeswoman Holly Babin told the A.P. She added that it was "a time-consuming process and we are giving it the attention it deserves in an effort to anticipate all issues and get it right."

The travel ban hasn't been limited to HIV-positive travelers. A report last week from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 33 would-be air travelers with suspected or confirmed infectious tuberculosis were placed on the U.S. government's public health "Do Not Board" list in the first year of its existence.

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Chinese Tainted Milk Crisis Widens

The tainted milk crisis in China widened Friday as stores pulled dairy products off their shelves after government officials said the industrial chemical melamine was found in liquid milk produced by three of the country's major dairy companies.

Inspectors found that about 10 percent of liquid milk samples taken from Mengniu Dairy Group Co. and Yili Industrial Group Co. -- the country's two largest dairy producers -- contained melamine. The chemical was also found in milk samples from Shanghai-based Bright Dairy, the Associated Press reported.

On Friday, Hong Kong's two biggest grocery chains -- PARKnSHOP and Wellcome -- cleared their shelves of all liquid milk from Mengniu. On Thursday, Hong Kong recalled all milk, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products made by Yili Industrial Group Co.

The 300 Starbucks cafes in mainland China were told to stop using milk supplied by Mengniu. And Singapore told stores to remove a Chinese-made yogurt bar that may be contaminated, the AP reported.

It had been thought the milk crisis was limited to tainted baby formula that's killed four infants and sickened 6,200 in China. About 1,300 infants are in hospitals and 158 of them are suffering from acute kidney failure.

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Boost Public Confidence in Vaccines: Coalition

Americans' confidence in vaccine safety needs to be restored to help keep dangerous disease outbreaks under control, says a coalition of 22 major medical organizations that includes the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The coalition wants public health officials to counteract campaigns by advocacy groups that claim vaccines can cause autism, even though there's no scientific proof that's true, the Associated Press reported. Public information campaigns and more vaccine research are among the ways to boost public confidence in vaccines, according to the coalition.

"We do not want to become a nation of people who are vulnerable to diseases that are deadly or that can have serious complications, especially if those diseases can be prevented," Dr. Renee Jenkins, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in a news release.

The coalition was formed after health officials revealed last month that 131 children in the United States had gotten the measles so far this year, the most in more than a decade. Nearly half of those cases involved children whose parents rejected vaccination, the AP reported.

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Experts Urge Global Action Against Antibiotic Resistance

Without a focused global response to the rising rate of bacterial resistance to drugs, the world could "return to the pre-antibiotic era," experts warn in an editorial in the British Medical Journal.

Existing antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an alarming rate while the development of new antibiotics is declining, noted Otto Cars of Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden and colleagues, United Press International reported.

Even thought experts have called for action to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, antibiotics are still overprescribed by doctors, illegally sold over the counter in some countries, and people still self-medicate with leftover antibiotics, the editorial noted.

There are reports from around the world about serious consequences of antibiotic resistance, but there is little data on the magnitude and burden of antibiotic resistance, or its economic impact on individuals, health care and society. Cars and his colleagues suggested this may explain why there's been little response to this public health threat, UPI reported.

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Electronic Cigarettes Ineffective, Possibly Dangerous: WHO

So-called "electronic cigarettes" aren't an effective nicotine-replacement therapy and may be highly poisonous, warns the World Health Organization.

These devices are usually made of stainless steel and have a chamber for storing liquid nicotine in various concentrations. The devices produce a fine, heated mist that's absorbed into the lungs, United Press International reported.

"It's 100 percent false to affirm this is a therapy for smokers to quit," WHO anti-tobacco official Douglas Bettcher said. "There are a number of chemical additives in the product that could be very toxic."

The WHO is especially concerned because some manufacturers of electronic cigarettes use the WHO's name or logo on advertisements, package inserts and other promotional methods.

First developed in China in 2004, electronic cigarettes are now sold in several countries, including Brazil, Britain, Canada, Finland and Turkey, UPI reported.

Health Tips for September 21

Health Tip: Taking an NSAID

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are pain relievers, many of which are available without a doctor's prescription. They include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.

While NSAIDs are safe for most people in recommended doses, the American Academy of Family Physicians says the following people shouldn't take these drugs unless they've consulted a doctor first:

* Anyone who takes a blood-thinning medication.
* Anyone with bleeding in the stomach, intestines or any type of bleeding disorder.
* Anyone who has stomach ulcers.
* Anyone who has liver or kidney disease.
* Anyone who consumes three or more alcoholic drinks per day.

Health Tip: When Flat Feet Cause Pain

Flat feet may pose few or no problems for some adults. But for others, flat feet can cause pain that makes standing or moving difficult.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says you should see your doctor if flat feet are causing any of these conditions:

* Feet that tire easily, or become painful after standing for long periods.
* Problems standing on your toes, or moving your heel or the middle of your foot.
* Pain in the heel or arch, or swelling along the inside of the foot.
* Inability to exercise or play sports because of foot pain.
* Foot pain and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). About half of people with RA develop a worsening flat-foot deformity.

Health Headlines - September 20

Chinese Tainted Milk Crisis Widens

The tainted milk crisis in China widened Friday as stores pulled dairy products off their shelves after government officials said the industrial chemical melamine was found in liquid milk produced by three of the country's major dairy companies.

Inspectors found that about 10 percent of liquid milk samples taken from Mengniu Dairy Group Co. and Yili Industrial Group Co. -- the country's two largest dairy producers -- contained melamine. The chemical was also found in milk samples from Shanghai-based Bright Dairy, the Associated Press reported.

On Friday, Hong Kong's two biggest grocery chains -- PARKnSHOP and Wellcome -- cleared their shelves of all liquid milk from Mengniu. On Thursday, Hong Kong recalled all milk, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products made by Yili Industrial Group Co.

The 300 Starbucks cafes in mainland China were told to stop using milk supplied by Mengniu. And Singapore told stores to remove a Chinese-made yogurt bar that may be contaminated, the AP reported.

It had been thought the milk crisis was limited to tainted baby formula that's killed four infants and sickened 6,200 in China. About 1,300 infants are in hospitals and 158 of them are suffering from acute kidney failure.

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Boost Public Confidence in Vaccines: Coalition

Americans' confidence in vaccine safety needs to be restored to help keep dangerous disease outbreaks under control, says a coalition of 22 major medical organizations that includes the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The coalition wants public health officials to counteract campaigns by advocacy groups that claim vaccines can cause autism, even though there's no scientific proof that's true, the Associated Press reported. Public information campaigns and more vaccine research are among the ways to boost public confidence in vaccines, according to the coalition.

"We do not want to become a nation of people who are vulnerable to diseases that are deadly or that can have serious complications, especially if those diseases can be prevented," Dr. Renee Jenkins, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in a news release.

The coalition was formed after health officials revealed last month that 131 children in the United States had gotten the measles so far this year, the most in more than a decade. Nearly half of those cases involved children whose parents rejected vaccination, the AP reported.

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Experts Urge Global Action Against Antibiotic Resistance

Without a focused global response to the rising rate of bacterial resistance to drugs, the world could "return to the pre-antibiotic era," experts warn in an editorial in the British Medical Journal.

Existing antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an alarming rate while the development of new antibiotics is declining, noted Otto Cars of Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden and colleagues, United Press International reported.

Even thought experts have called for action to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, antibiotics are still overprescribed by doctors, illegally sold over the counter in some countries, and people still self-medicate with leftover antibiotics, the editorial noted.

There are reports from around the world about serious consequences of antibiotic resistance, but there is little data on the magnitude and burden of antibiotic resistance, or its economic impact on individuals, health care and society. Cars and his colleagues suggested this may explain why there's been little response to this public health threat, UPI reported.

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Electronic Cigarettes Ineffective, Possibly Dangerous: WHO

So-called "electronic cigarettes" aren't an effective nicotine-replacement therapy and may be highly poisonous, warns the World Health Organization.

These devices are usually made of stainless steel and have a chamber for storing liquid nicotine in various concentrations. The devices produce a fine, heated mist that's absorbed into the lungs, United Press International reported.

"It's 100 percent false to affirm this is a therapy for smokers to quit," WHO anti-tobacco official Douglas Bettcher said. "There are a number of chemical additives in the product that could be very toxic."

The WHO is especially concerned because some manufacturers of electronic cigarettes use the WHO's name or logo on advertisements, package inserts and other promotional methods.

First developed in China in 2004, electronic cigarettes are now sold in several countries, including Brazil, Britain, Canada, Finland and Turkey, UPI reported.

Health Tips for September 20

Health Tip: Is LASIK Right for You?

LASIK surgery is performed on the eyes to improve vision, often reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine, in cooperation with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, lists these guidelines for the ideal LASIK candidate:

* Being at least 18 years old. But, in some cases, young children with one very nearsighted eye and one normal eye may benefit from LASIK.
* Women should not be pregnant or nursing.
* Having healthy eyes with vision prescriptions that are relatively stable.
* Candidates should not be taking certain prescription drugs, including Accutane or oral prednisone.
* Being in overall good health, without chronic conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes eye infections, or cataracts.
* Being unsatisfied with wearing glasses or contacts.
* Having realistic expectations of the surgery and results.

Health Tip: Massage Arthritis Pain

Medication can help ease arthritis pain, but a gentle massage can also provide relief.

The Arthritis Foundation has this advice:

* If you start to feel pain or discomfort while massaging the arthritic area, stop right away.
* Avoid massaging any joints that are swollen or very painful.
* Use lotion or massage oil on your skin.
* If you massage using a menthol gel, make sure to wash it all off before you apply any heat to the area. This will help prevent burns.
* If you go to a professional masseuse, make sure he or she has experience in working with people who have arthritis.

Health Headlines - September 19

Tainted Baby Milk Claims Fourth Life

A fourth Chinese infant has died after being fed baby milk contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine, government officials announced Thursday. The latest death occurred in the Xinjiang region in China's far west.

More than 6,200 infants across the country have become ill from tainted powdered baby formula made by 22 dairy companies, all of which have said they're recalling their milk products, The New York Times reported. It's believed watered-down milk used to make the formula had melamine added to it in order to artificially increase its protein content.

Babies who drink the contaminated formula over several months can develop kidney stones or kidney failure.

In other developments, police arrested a dozen more people in connection with the scandal, and the mayor of the city of Shijiazhuang was dismissed after being accused of failing to take action to deal with early reports of tainted baby milk. Four other city officials were also fired.

Sanlu, one of China's largest dairy companies, has its headquarters in Shijiazhuang, which is in the northern province of Hebei. Sanlu first received complaints about contaminated products months ago but didn't tell city officials until Aug. 2. City officials waited until Sept. 9 to tell provincial officials, who alerted the central government the next day, the Times reported.

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Companies Face Charges Over False Cancer Cures

Five companies have been charged with making false and misleading claims for cancer cures and settlements have been reached with six other companies, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced Thursday.

Products marketed by the companies include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve (a corrosive ointment), and mushroom extracts.

"There is no credible scientific evidence that any of the products marketed by these companies can prevent, cure, or treat cancer of any kind," said Lydia Parnes, director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection, the Associated Press reported.

More than 100 warning letters were issued and many companies changed or dropped their claims about the products. In cases where settlements were reached, companies paid restitution ranging from $9,000 to $250,000.

The five companies facing charges of false and deceptive advertising, according to AP, are: Omega Supply, San Diego, Calif.; Native Essence Herb Company, El Prado, N.M.; Daniel Chapter One, Portsmouth, R.I.; Gemtronics, Inc., Franklin, N.C.; and Herbs for Cancer, Surprise, Ariz.

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World's Oldest Man Celebrates 113th Birthday

On his 113th birthday Thursday, the world's oldest man said he'd like to live another five years.

Tomoji Tanabe, who was born Sept. 18, 1895, lives on Japan's southern island of Kyushu and received birthday gifts, flowers and $1,000 in cash from the mayor of his hometown Miyakonojo, the Associated Press reported.

Tanabe is in good health and maintains a regular daily schedule. He gets up early and reads the newspaper, drinks milk every afternoon and eats regular meals. He doesn't smoke or drink alcohol. The former city land surveyor lives with his son and daughter-in-law.

The fact that a healthy diet rich in fish and rice is common in Japan is often cited as a reason why the country has one of the world's longest life expectancies -- nearly 86 years for women and 79 years for men. In the last six years, the number of Japanese living past 100 has more than doubled, the AP reported.

The oldest person in the world is 115-year-old Edna Parker of Indiana. She was born April 20, 1893.

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FDA Proposes New Labeling Rule for Refused Imported Food

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Thursday proposed new label requirements for imported food that is refused entry into the United States, in a move designed to reduce a practice known as "port shopping," where companies ship the refused food to another port in hopes it will be admitted there.

The new regulation would require that shipping containers of food turned away from U.S. ports, and any accompanying documents, be labeled as refused. This would make it easier for inspectors to identify previously-refused food, the FDA said.

"This system will make it more difficult for food importers to evade import controls after being denied admission into the United States. It will complement our ongoing efforts to monitor food imports," Randall Lutter, the FDA's deputy commissioner for policy, said in a news release.

Comments on the proposed regulation will be accepted for 75 days following its publication in the Federal Register.

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Researchers Study Near-Death Experiences

The near-death experiences of about 1,500 cardiac arrest survivors will be examined in a study by doctors at 25 hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom, BBC News reported.

The three-year study will determine if people with no heartbeat or brain activity can have "out of body" experiences, such as recalling looking down from the ceiling as medical staff work over their body.

As part of the study, special shelving will be placed in resuscitation areas. Pictures that are only visible from the ceiling will be put on the shelves.

"If you can demonstrate that consciousness continues after the brain switches off, it allows for the possibility that the consciousness is a separate entity," said lead researcher Dr. Sam Parnia, BBC News reported.

"It is unlikely that we will find many cases where this happens, but we have to be open-minded," Parnia said. "And if no one sees the pictures, it shows these experiences are illusions or false memories."

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New Biologic Drug Benefits Psoriasis Patients

The experimental biologic drug ustekinumab was more effective than the leading biologic drug Enbrel in treating people with moderate-to-severe cases of psoriasis, according to a study released Thursday by Centocor, Inc., the biotech unit of Johnson & Johnson.

The study was the first head-to-head comparison of biologic drugs in psoriasis patients, the Associated Press reported. Biologic drugs, which need to be injected, are complex treatments manufactured by living cells.

This international study of 900 women and men found that ustekinumab reduced psoriasis patches by at least three-quarters in 74 percent of patients who received a 90-milligram dose and in 68 percent of those who got a 45-milligram dose. The injections were given at the start of the study and four weeks later.

Psoriasis patches were reduced by at least three quarters in 57 percent of patients who received Enbrel injections, given twice every week, the AP reported.

The findings were presented at a European conference of dermatologists. Johnson & Johnson has applied for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of ustekinumab and a decision is expected before the end of the year.

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MS Rates Increase With Distance From Equator

Rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) increase with distance from the equator in both the northern and southern hemispheres, according to a new report that summarizes information on the neurodegenerative disease in 112 countries.

The authors of the MS Atlas report, released Wednesday by the World Health Organization and the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, said their findings show that MS is a global disease, not just one that affects more developed "northern" and "western" countries, CBC News reported.

"Typically, our results confirmed the well-established suggestion that there are strong geographical patterns to the disease and that the frequency of MS varies by geographical region throughout the world, increasing with distance from the equator in both hemispheres," the report authors wrote.

They also found that low- and middle-income nations have a lack of services and resources to care for people with MS, and that poorer countries have fewer diagnostic tools, which means the disease is probably underreported in those countries.

The highest estimated rate of MS is in Hungary (176 per 100,000 people), followed by: Slovenia (150); Germany (149); United States (135); and Canada (132.5).

Health Tips for September 19

Health Tip: Good Scents During Pregnancy

Pregnant women become more sensitive to certain smells, some of which can make them feel nauseous.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, these alternatives to perfumes may be easier to tolerate:

* Try not to wear or be around any heavy smells until you figure out what you can tolerate.
* Try a lightly scented body spray or lotion instead of perfume.
* Look for scents such as peppermint, ginger and cardamom, which can help combat nausea.
* Citrus scents, such as mandarin, neroli and sweet orange, also may help reduce nausea.
* Other softer smells to try include lavender, chamomile or rose.

Health Tip: Pregnancy and Back Pain

Back pain is a common complaint for pregnant women, but there are things you can do to help relieve the strain on your back.

The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions:

* Try doing exercises recommended by your doctor that help strengthen and support your lower back and abdomen.
* Don't bend over to pick something up. Squat down and reach for it instead.
* Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid high heels.
* Don't sleep on your back, get as much rest as you can, and keep your feet elevated.
* Try wearing a support belt.

Health Headlines - September 18

3rd Infant Dies, More Than 6,000 Sickened in China's Baby Formula Scandal

A third baby has died and the number of infants sickened in China's tainted baby formula scandal has jumped to 6,244, with more than 1,300 hospitalized, including 158 suffering from acute kidney failure, wire reports say.

The grim news Wednesday was coupled with an announcement that China's biggest dairy is one of three companies that have joined the massive recall of infant milk formula after the chemical melamine was found by health officials, the Associated Press reports.

Mengniu Dairy said Wednesday it's recalling three batches of baby formula made in January but didn't say how much product was included in the recall or whether any of the formula was exported, AP reported.

The two other companies joining the recall of infant formula are Guangdong-based Yashili and Qingdao-based Suncare. The first recall was issued last week by Sanlu Group Co., which began receiving complaints as early as March and confirmed the presence of melamine in its infant formula in early August. Sanlu officials apologized for the delay in alerting the public but did not explain why they waited so long to take action.

Chinese officials said about 20 percent of dairy companies tested nationwide had sold products tainted with melamine, the AP reported. It's believed the chemical, used to make plastics, was added by suppliers to watered-down milk to make it appear to have a higher protein content.

Melamine from China was also at the heart of the huge pet food recall in North America last year, which sickened or killed hundreds of animals.

In response to the current scandal, 1,400 teams with 5,000 inspectors have been assigned to oversee production at all companies that make baby milk, the Chinese government said.

This is the second major scandal in recent years involving Chinese-made baby formula, the AP reported. In 2004, phony formula that contained no nutrients was linked to more than 200 cases of malnutrition and at least 12 infant deaths.

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U.S. Hospital Charges Increase to $943 Billion

From 2005 to 2006, U.S. hospital charges for patients increased from $873 billion to $943 billion, even though hospital admissions increased only slightly, from 39.2 million to 39.5 million, according to a new government report released Wednesday.

The report, by the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research, also noted that the largest percentage increase was among uninsured patients.

Hospital charges include what patients are billed for their rooms, nursing care, diagnostic tests and other services. Uninsured patients are expected to pay the full amount, while insured patients and their health plans pay less than the full charge.

The report listed the following increases in hospital charges between 2005 and 2006:

• 15 percent for people with no insurance, from $38 billion to $44 billion.
• 9 percent for Medicaid patients, from $124 billion to $135 billion.
• 8 percent for Medicare patients, from $411 billion to $444 billion.
• 6 percent for patients with private insurance, from $272 billion to $287 billion.

The data comes from The National Bill: The Most Expensive Conditions by Payer, 2006, a report based on statistics from the 2006 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a database of hospital in-patient stays.

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Regular Walking Reduces Octogenarians' Risk of Death/Serious Illness

Compared to less active peers, octogenarians who walk an hour or more a day are less likely to die or suffer serious illness, says a study that included 248 Italians, average age 85.9 years, who lived in a mountain community.

During the two-year study, 12 percent of the participants died. The death rate was one-third lower among those who walked more than an hour a day, Agence France Presse reported.

The study also found that participants who walked an hour or more a day were less likely to be depressed or to have cognitive impairment, heart problems, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis.

The findings were published Wednesday in the journal Preventive Medicine.

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Finger Length Linked to Desire to Exercise: Study

There may be a link between differences in finger length and motivation to exercise, suggests a study by American and Canadian researchers who analyzed differences in activity levels between normal mice and selectively bred, active mice.

Overall, the more active mice had a higher ratio of the length of the digit finger divided by the ring finger.

The results indicate a strong association between digit length, voluntary exercise and high levels of prenatal stress hormones, said the University of Alberta and University of California, Riverside researchers, United Press International reported.

They found that prenatal stress, rather than prenatal testosterone levels in the womb, plays a role in a natural desire for physical activity.

"The research shows a link, or relationship, between the brain, behavior and personality traits and the shape of the hand," lead researcher Peter Hurd, of the University of Alberta, said in a news release, UPI reported. "It opens the door to the notion that aspects of one's personality, in this case the desire to exercise, are fixed very early in life."

The study appears in the journal PLoS One.

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Drug Cuts Spinal Fracture Risk 68 Percent

In women with osteoporosis, the experimental bone drug denosumab reduced the risk of spinal fractures by 68 percent, the risk of hip fractures by 40 percent, and the risk of all fractures outside the spine by 20 percent, according to a study released Tuesday by drug maker Amgen.

The study of 7,800 postmenopausal women found that 2.3 percent of those who took the drug suffered a vertebral fracture, compared with 7.2 percent of those who took a placebo. That 68 percent relative risk reduction compares favorably with the 40 to 50 percent reductions achieved in clinical trials by drugs currently used to treat osteoporosis, The New York Times reported.

The 40 percent reduced risk of hip fracture noted in women who took denosumab is as good or better than that results seen with other drugs.

However, the study did find that 4.3 percent of women who took denosumab suffered serious infections, compared with 3.4 percent of those who took the placebo. While not statistically significant, the increased risk of infection could concern government regulators, The Times reported.

The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. It's expected Amgen will apply for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of denosumab by early next year.

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Alzheimer's Drug Study Produces Inconclusive Results

Disappointing results from a midstage study on the experimental Alzheimer's drug AZD3480 were announced Monday by U.S.-based Targacept Inc. and U.K.-based AstraZeneca.

The findings from the 567-patient study were inconclusive because data from both AZD3480 and the comparison drug donepezil (brand name Aricept) weren't statistically significant. In addition, patients who took a placebo showed an improvement in brain function, the Associated Press reported.

The unclear results mean another midstage clinical trial may be needed.

It's likely the future of AZD3480's development will be decided in December, AstraZeneca said.

Health Tips for September 18

Health Tip: Booster Seat Safety

When children reach about 40 pounds, it's probably time for them to graduate from an infant car seat to a booster seat.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions about booster seats:

* A booster seat should be placed in the back seat, facing forward and preferably in the middle seat, secured with both a lap and shoulder belt.
* Always read the manual on how to install and fasten a booster seat. Also read the manual for your car, which may explain how its seat belts work with a booster seat.
* Make sure the booster seat is safely and tightly secured before each trip.
* Adjust the lap belt so that it fits low and snug across your child's lap, and the shoulder belt is snug across the shoulder. The shoulder belt should not interfere with the neck or face.
* Always keep shoulder belts flat against your child, and never allow them to twist.

Health Tip: Skin Care for Diabetics

Skin problems are common in people with diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association offers these suggestions to help diabetics keep their skin in good health:

* Always keep your skin clean and dry, and apply talcum powder in areas in contact with other skin.
* Don't take baths or showers with very hot water, and don't take bubble baths if you have dry skin.
* Use mild shampoos, and moisturizing soaps and body lotions. Don't apply lotions between the toes, as this may encourage fungus to grow.
* Treat any cuts or abrasions promptly to prevent infection. Talk to your doctor about the best antiseptic solutions to use.
* During the cold winter months, keep your home more humid, keep your skin well-moisturized, and try to bathe less frequently.
* Check your feet regularly for problems.

Health Headlines - September 17

Chinese Investigators Find Melamine in 69 Brands of Baby Milk Powder

Melamine has been found in 69 brands of baby milk powder in China and the government has ordered a halt to the sale of all the brands, made by 22 different companies, state television CCTV reported Tuesday.

"In order to ensure the safety of the milk products, the relevant government departments have pulled them from shelves, sealed them, recalled them and destroyed them," CCTV said in its nightly broadcast, Agence France Presse reported.

Until now, the Sanlu brand had been the sole focus of government officials looking into tainted baby milk powder that has killed two infants and sickened more than 1,200 across several provinces. Authorities said they expect that the number of infants affected by tainted milk powder will continue to grow.

So far, four people have been arrested in connection with the scandal. It's believed they added melamine to milk sold to infant formula manufacturers in order to make the milk appear to have a higher protein content, AFP reported.

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Foldable Soccer Nets Recalled After Toddler's Death

Certain types of MacGregor and Mitre foldable soccer goals are being recalled in the United States after a Texas toddler got tangled in the net and died, National Public Radio reported.

When the 21-month-old boy tried to climb on one of the nets from the back of the goal, he fell through the nylon mesh, which contracted around his neck.

The recall covers MacGregor and Mitre brand soccer goals that have nets with a five-inch grid, but does not include those with four-inch grid nets. The recalled nets were made in China and distributed by Regent Sports Corp of Hauppauge, N.Y.

"The opening that these nylon mesh nets have is simply too big," Scott Wolfson, of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, told NPR. "There needs to be a four-inch space, but there's a five-inch space."

Consumers who have the recalled nets should return them to Regent Sports for a replacement, the CPSC said. The nets have been sold at sports and toy stores nationwide since May 2002.

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Children's Water Bottles Pose Choking Hazard

About 20,000 children's metal water bottles are being recalled by Pottery Barn Kids because the sip top can pull off and pose a choking hazard to young children, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled bottles are about nine inches tall and have a black rubber pull-up sip top, reported WSYR.com in Syracuse, N.Y.

The recall includes the following colors and style numbers: lavender, 5795141; pink, 5795166; pink, 9121591; navy, 5795158; navy, 9211583; green, 5795133. The style number and "Pottery Barn Kids" are printed on a white sticker on the bottom of the water bottles.

They were sold at stores, by catalogue and online from January 2007 through August 2008 for about $10. Parents should take the water bottles away from children immediately and return them to any Pottery Barn Kids for a full refund, WSYR.com reported.

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Use of Meth Increasing More Than Other Drugs

In many countries, methamphetamine is becoming more popular than heroin or cocaine, according to experts at an international conference in Prague, the Czech Republic.

"The rates of amphetamine-type stimulants have increased more than any other drug group worldwide," Louisa Deghenardt, of the Australian Drug and Alcohol research center, said Monday at the First Global Conference on Methamphetamine, Agence France Presse reported.

About 34 million people worldwide have used amphetamine-type stimulants, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

The experts discussed ways to deal with the growing use of meth, which is easily made using household products and improvised equipment. This is one of the main reasons for the rapid growth in meth use, according to U.S. drug enforcement officials, AFP reported.

"Meth users appear to be a younger population than opioid users, and different strategies may be required to target this group," Deghenardt said.

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Exercise, Nutritional Supplements May Help Older Adults Maintain Active Lifestyle

A combination of nutritional supplements and moderate exercise may help older adults maintain an active lifestyle, according to a British study of 60 healthy, independent-living volunteers, age 65 and older.

The 12-week study found that taking carbohydrate and protein supplements just before and after low-resistance exercise could increase muscle performance and slow muscle wastage, United Press International reported.

"Though we still need to assess precisely what level of exercise gives the best results, we believe we've shown that regular low-resistance exercise complemented by the right nutritional supplements could boost the well-being of the aging population, study leader Dr. Gladys Pearson, of Manchester Metropolitan University, said in a news release.

The study was presented at the BA Festival of Science in Liverpool, England.

Health Tips for September 17

Health Tip: Taking an NSAID

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are pain relievers, many of which are available without a doctor's prescription. They include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.

While NSAIDs are safe for most people in recommended doses, the American Academy of Family Physicians says the following people shouldn't take these drugs unless they've consulted a doctor first:

* Anyone who takes a blood-thinning medication.
* Anyone with bleeding in the stomach, intestines or any type of bleeding disorder.
* Anyone who has stomach ulcers.
* Anyone who has liver or kidney disease.
* Anyone who consumes three or more alcoholic drinks per day.

Health Tip: Help Prevent a Herniated Disk

A herniated (sometimes called "ruptured") disk in the back or neck can cause severe pain and numbness.

Disks are the soft, rubbery pads found between the spine's vertebrae. When stressed or overused from wear-and-tear, the center of the disk can push through its outer edge, putting pressure on nearby sensitive nerves.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these common risk factors for herniated disks:

* Lifting objects the wrong way.
* Smoking.
* Being overweight, which causes stress on the spine.
* Applying sudden pressure, even slight, on the spine.
* Engaging in repetitive strenuous activities.

Health Headlines - September 16

Job Uncertainty Linked to Poor Mental Health

There's a link between job uncertainty and poor mental health, says a World Health Organization report.

Compared to people with full-time jobs that include benefits, those with precarious job situations -- like temporary contracts or part-time work with low wages and no benefits -- suffer significant adverse physical and mental health effects, United Press International reported.

For example, work-related stress is associated with a 50 percent increased risk of coronary heart disease, said Dr. Carles Muntaner, of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada, who conducted research for the WHO report.

Muntaner and colleagues also found consistent evidence that jobs with high demands, low control and effort-reward imbalance increase the risk of such mental health problems as major depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse, UPI reported.

The WHO report was presented at the Fifth World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental and Behavioral Disorders, being held in Melbourne, Australia.

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Campaign Pushes Blood Clot Awareness

Both consumers and doctors need to improve their awareness of dangerous blood clots, which affect between 350,000 and 600,000 Americans a year and result in at least 100,000 deaths, says acting U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson.

On Monday, he announced a new education program to increase recognition and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), the Associated Press reported. A DVT forms in large veins, usually in the leg or groin, and can be fatal if it moves into the lungs, where it's called a PE.

"It's a silent killer. It's hard to diagnose. I don't think most people understand that this is a serious medical problem or what can be done to prevent it," Galson said.

Risk factors include: recent surgery or a broken bone; being immobile for long periods; a fall or a car crash; pregnancy or taking birth control pills or menopause hormones. The risk increases with age and is higher among people who are obese or smoke, the AP reported.

Symptoms include: swelling; pain, especially in the calf; a warm spot or red or discolored skin on the leg; and shortness of breath or pain when breathing deeply.

People with these risk factors and symptoms shouldn't hesitate to go to an emergency department or call a doctor, said Galson, who also called for more research into DVT and PE.

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China Arrests 2 in Tainted Infant Formula Probe

Two brothers suspected of adding the chemical melamine to milk they sold to a company that makes infant formula have been arrested by Chinese police. The tainted baby formula has caused the deaths of two babies and sickened more than 1,200 other infants.

The brothers, who run a milk collection center in Hebei province, are accused of adding melamine to the milk to make it appear to have a higher protein content, according to the official Xinhua news agency, the Associated Press reported. The brothers sold about three tons of contaminated milk a day.

Of the infants sickened by the tainted formula, 913 were only slight affected, but 340 remain hospitalized and 53 were considered especially severe cases, Vice Health Minister Ma Xiaowei told a news conference.

The formula was produced by Sanlu Group Co., China's biggest producer of powdered milk. About 2,176 tons of milk powder were seized from a Sanlu warehouse and officials have recalled 8,218 tons of milk powder already sent to market, the AP reported.

Chinese authorities have also sent inspectors to check China's 175 baby milk food factories and their findings will be released within two days, the AP reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week warned American consumers not to use any infant formula made in China, even though all the major formula manufacturers in the country don't use Chinese products.

On Friday, the FDA issued a formal health advisory to caregivers not to give infants China-made formula, amid concern that some ethnic groups might be getting the formula through various means.

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Genetic Tests May Do More Harm Than Good: Expert

Giving people genetic tests to determine their future risk of serious diseases may actually damage their health by causing unnecessary stress, says a British expert. Many companies in Europe and the United States offer genetic testing for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other conditions.

The tests are too inaccurate to help a person, and someone who's told they're at high risk for a disease based on a genetic test may never actually develop the condition, said Professor Nilesh Samani, chair of cardiology at the British Heart Foundation, BBC News reported.

"Over the years, scientists have made incredible progress in unraveling the genetic basis of common diseases, leading to the discovery of genetic markers for a growing number of diseases," Samani said. "However, carriers of these genetic markers are typically only 20 to 40 percent more likely to develop the condition per copy."

There's also the risk that genetic tests may offer a false sense of security for some people.

"Having a 'low' risk variant of a gene doesn't mean 'no' risk," said Samani, who spoke Monday at a human genetics meeting in York, BBC News reported.

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Pet Food Recalled After Salmonella Link Suspected

Two isolated cases of a type of the salmonella bacterium known as Salmonella Schwarzengrund in humans has caused a Pennsylvania pet food manufacturer to recall a number of dry dog and cat food brands nationwide.

Mars Inc.'s Mars Petcare is recalling cat and dog food made at its Everson, Pa. facility, according to wire service reports.

While Mars Inc. maintained no direct connection has been made between illness in either animals or humans and its pet food product, the possibility that two humans may have contracted salmonella caused the recall, which began at the beginning of August.

The latest announcement expanded the pet food brands being recalled to include some Pedigree brands, Country Acres, Retriever, Doggy Bag, Members Mark, Natural, Ol' Roy, Special Kitty, Paws & Claws, Wegman's, Pet Pride, PMI Nutrition and Red Flannel.

Consumers should look for "17" as the first two digits of the second line on the Universal Price Code. Pedigree products will have "PAE" on the bottom line. Consumers can also call 1-877-568-4463 for more information.

Salmonella Schwarzengrund is one member (serovar) of the salmonella family. According to the U.S. Food and Drug administration, symptoms in humans include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Animal symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, and vomiting. Some pets will only have decreased appetite, fever or abdominal pain.

Health Tips for September 16

Health Tip: Keep Stress at Bay

Some stress is unavoidable, but there are things you can do to prevent stress from taking over your life and making health problems worse.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions:

* Stick to a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, avoid smoking and limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
* Don't allow others to make demands or set expectations for you. Say no, and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.
* Take time every day just to relax.
* Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself, but understand that you can't control everything.
* Figure out what causes you stress in your life. Eliminate what you can, and learn how to manage other sources of stress.
* Remind yourself of what you do well and successes that you've had.

Health Tip: Helping a Loved One Heal

When a loved one is recovering from a major illness, he or she may need a lot of help and support.

The American Heart Association offers these suggestions:

* Offer plenty of support and encouragement, and look for support groups for both of you to join.
* Go along for doctor appointments. Ask questions and take notes, in case there are questions later.
* Give an honest report to the doctor about how your loved one is feeling, and how well he or she is following instructions.
* Help track and record information, such as when and how to take medicines, which foods to avoid, and which forms of exercise are safe.
* Offer to make healthy changes together. If your loved has to stop smoking, start exercising or change diet, make the same changes yourself.

Health Headlines - September 15

Pet Food Recalled After Salmonella Link Suspected

Two isolated cases of a type of the salmonella bacterium known as Salmonella Schwarzengrund in humans has caused a Pennsylvania pet food manufacturer to recall a number of dry dog and cat food brands nationwide.

Mars Inc.'s Mars Petcare is recalling cat and dog food made at its Everson, Pa. facility, according to wire service reports.

While Mars Inc. maintained no direct connection has been made between illness in either animals or humans and its pet food product, the possibility that two humans may have contracted salmonella caused the recall, which began at the beginning of August.

The latest announcement expanded the pet food brands being recalled to include some Pedigree brands, Country Acres, Retriever, Doggy Bag, Members Mark, Natural, Ol' Roy, Special Kitty, Paws & Claws, Wegman's, Pet Pride, PMI Nutrition and Red Flannel.

Consumers should look for "17" as the first two digits of the second line on the Universal Price Code. Pedigree products will have "PAE" on the bottom line. Cionsumers can also call 1-877-568-4463 for more information.

Salmonella Schwarzengrund is one member (serovar) of the salmonella family. According to the U.S. Food and Drug administration, symptoms in humans include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Animal symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, and vomiting. Some pets will only have decreased appetite, fever or abdominal pain.

-----

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Approved to Combat Two Related Cancers

Gardasil, the vaccine used to guard against cervical cancer, has been approved for similar use against two more gynecological malignancies.

According to the Associated Press, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug, manufactured by Merck Pharmaceuticals, to guard against cancers that attack the vagina and vulva.

Gardasil fights most of the strains the papillomavirus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer. About 20 million Americans carry HPV, but not all of them develop cancer. About 5,000 women get vulva and vaginal cancer annually, according to the wire service.

"Anytime we have evidence of additional cancer protection, that's a really important piece of information," the A.P. quotes Rick Haupt, Merick's executive director for HPV vaccines, as saying.

-----

China Says Milk Powder Caused More than 400 Cases of Kidney Stones in Babies

China's latest health problem was acknowledged Friday when its health minister said 432 babies had developed kidney stones from drinking a contaminated milk powder, the Associated Press reports.

At a news conference, Health Minister Gao Qiang said the chemical melamine had been found in the powder, the wire service reported. Melaminie is the same involved in the massive pet food recall last year, according to the wire service.

The production plant that makes the powder has been shut down, the A.P. said. The chemical had been added to increase protein content, but earlier information that it produced kidney stones had apparently been ignored by the manufacturer, according to wire reports.

Meanwhile, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning American consumers not to use any infant formula made in China. The warning came as China began a nationwide investigation into all its infant formula following the death of one baby and reports of more than 400 other babies being hospitalized with kidney stones.

The FDA said late Thursday that the China formulas are apparently suspected of being contaminated with melamine.

But Janice Oliver, deputy director of the FDA's food safety program, added that no U.S. formula manufacturer has received any ingredients from China, so "there is no threat of contamination to the domestic supply."

However, she said, "We're concerned that there may be some infant formula that may have gotten into the United States illegally and may be on the ethnic market." FDA officials are particularly concerned about places like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston, which have large populations of Chinese immigrants, the AP reported.

On Friday, the FDA issued a formal health advisory to caregivers not to give infants China-made formula.

In addition, the agency said in a news release, "The following manufacturers have met the necessary FDA requirements for marketing milk-based infant formulas in the United States: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals, and Solus Products LLC. Also, one manufacturer, SHS/Nutricia, Liverpool, England, markets an amino acid-based exempt infant formula that does not contain any milk-derived ingredients.

Agence France Presse reported Thursday that China's state news agency Xinhua said reports of seriously ill babies first emerged in the northwestern province of Gansu and have now appeared in six other provinces. In Gansu, there were at least 59 cases of babies with kidney stones, including one who died, AFP reported.

The news agency said the suspect formula bore the label of the Sanlu Group, a leading dairy products company, AFP reported. The company says that the product was produced by counterfeiters and that it has sent investigators to Gansu.

-----

Japan Has 36,000 Centenarians

The number of Japanese living past 100 has more than doubled over the past six years to a record high of 36,000 this year, the country's Health and Welfare Ministry said in an annual report released Friday.

By the end of this month, there will be 36,276 people aged 100 and older in Japan and 86 percent of them will be female, the Associated Press reported. Life expectancy in Japan is almost 86 years for women and 79 years for men, among the highest in the world.

The highest concentration of centenarians in Japan is in Okinawa, with 838 centenarians, or 61 for every 100,000 people., while the national average is just over 28 per 100,000. There are about 10 centenarians per 100,000 people in the United States.

The number of centenarians in Japan has been increasing for nearly 40 years and is expected to reach nearly 1 million -- the most in the world -- by 2050, according to United Nations' projections, the AP reported.

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Boss Gender Affects Worker Health

The gender of your boss may affect your physical and mental health, according to University of Toronto researchers who analyzed data on 1,800 working adults in the United States.

The study found that women who worked under both male and female supervisors had higher levels of distress and physical symptoms than women with one male manager, while women who worked under a lone female supervisor reported more distress and physical symptoms than women who worked under a male supervisor, United Press International reported.

Men who worked under either a lone male or female supervisor had similar levels of distress. Men who were supervised by both a male and a female manager had lower distress levels and fewer physical symptoms than men who worked for a lone male supervisor.

The study was published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

-----

Brain Infection Kills Patient Who Took Rituxan

A woman who took the arthritis and cancer drug Rituxan died of a rare viral brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday. The woman died more than a year and a half after she stopped taking the drug for arthritis.

The FDA said this is the first reported cases of PML in a patient who took Rituxan for an approved use. The drug is also approved for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. There have been previous reports of PML in patients who took Rituxan for unapproved uses, such as treatment of blood cancer, the Associated Press reported.

The patient in this latest case had chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer in the months before she developed PML, according to information on the FDA Web site.

Rituxan is marketed in the United States by Genentch and Biogen Idec. Genentech sent a letter about the woman's death to doctors earlier this month and a company spokeswoman pointed out that the drug's label already mentions risks of the infection.

"The patient had a number of confounding factors that make it difficult to assess the potential role, if any, that Rituxan exposure may have played," said Tara Cooper, the AP reported.

Health Tips for September 15

Health Tip: Monitor the Mercury in Your Food

Mercury is found in many types of fish and shellfish. Because significant amounts of mercury can harm unborn babies and young children, women who are or may become pregnant, those who are nursing, and young children should avoid some kinds of seafood.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers these guidelines:

* Avoid eating fish that contain high levels of mercury, including swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish.
* It's OK to eat up to 12 ounces per week of low-mercury fish and shellfish -- including shrimp, salmon, canned light tuna, pollock and catfish.
* Albacore tuna and tuna steak have more mercury than canned light tuna, so don't eat more than 6 ounces of albacore or tuna steak per week.
* Before you eat any fish caught locally, be aware of any advisories about the safety of local fish.

Health Tip: Stay Safe on the School Bus

Children should know how to safely board and leave the school bus, and what to do during the ride to and from school.

The U.S. National Safety Council has these recommendations:

* Wait until the bus stops and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
* Use the hand rail when boarding or leaving the bus.
* Board the bus calmly and choose a seat quickly. Take a seat as soon as possible.
* Children should always stay in their seats when the bus is moving.
* There should be no loud talking, yelling or other distractions that may bother the bus driver.
* Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus. Never stick them out the window.
* Keep books, backpacks and other belongings stored on or below the seat, and keep the aisle of the bus clear.
* Once the bus comes to a complete stop, children may stand and exit the bus quickly and safely through the front door.
* If children must cross in front of the bus, they should walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until they can turn around and see the driver. The driver should also be able to see them.
* Children must wait for a signal from the driver before crossing the street.

Health Headlines - September 14

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Approved to Combat Two Related Cancers

Gardasil, the vaccine used to guard against cervical cancer, has been approved for similar use against two more gynecological malignancies.

According to the Associated Press, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug, manufactured by Merck Pharmaceuticals, to guard against cancers that attack the vagina and vulva.

Gardasil fights most of the strains the papillomavirus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer. About 20 million Americans carry HPV, but not all of them develop cancer. About 5,000 women get vulva and vaginal cancer annually, according to the wire service.

"Anytime we have evidence of additional cancer protection, that's a really important piece of information," the A.P. quotes Rick Haupt, Merick's executive director for HPV vaccines, as saying.

-----

China Says Milk Powder Caused More than 400 Cases of Kidney Stones in Babies

China's latest health problem was acknowledged Friday when its health minister said 432 babies had developed kidney stones from drinking a contaminated milk powder, the Associated Press reports.

At a news conference, Health Minister Gao Qiang said the chemical melamine had been found in the powder, the wire service reported. Melaminie is the same involved in the massive pet food recall last year, according to the wire service.

The production plant that makes the powder has been shut down, the A.P. said. The chemical had been added to increase protein content, but earlier information that it produced kidney stones had apparently been ignored by the manufacturer, according to wire reports.

Meanwhile, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning American consumers not to use any infant formula made in China. The warning came as China began a nationwide investigation into all its infant formula following the death of one baby and reports of more than 400 other babies being hospitalized with kidney stones.

The FDA said late Thursday that the China formulas are apparently suspected of being contaminated with melamine.

But Janice Oliver, deputy director of the FDA's food safety program, added that no U.S. formula manufacturer has received any ingredients from China, so "there is no threat of contamination to the domestic supply."

However, she said, "We're concerned that there may be some infant formula that may have gotten into the United States illegally and may be on the ethnic market." FDA officials are particularly concerned about places like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston, which have large populations of Chinese immigrants, the AP reported.

On Friday, the FDA issued a formal health advisory to caregivers not to give infants China-made formula.

In addition, the agency said in a news release, "The following manufacturers have met the necessary FDA requirements for marketing milk-based infant formulas in the United States: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals, and Solus Products LLC. Also, one manufacturer, SHS/Nutricia, Liverpool, England, markets an amino acid-based exempt infant formula that does not contain any milk-derived ingredients.

Agence France Presse reported Thursday that China's state news agency Xinhua said reports of seriously ill babies first emerged in the northwestern province of Gansu and have now appeared in six other provinces. In Gansu, there were at least 59 cases of babies with kidney stones, including one who died, AFP reported.

The news agency said the suspect formula bore the label of the Sanlu Group, a leading dairy products company, AFP reported. The company says that the product was produced by counterfeiters and that it has sent investigators to Gansu.

-----

Japan Has 36,000 Centenarians

The number of Japanese living past 100 has more than doubled over the past six years to a record high of 36,000 this year, the country's Health and Welfare Ministry said in an annual report released Friday.

By the end of this month, there will be 36,276 people aged 100 and older in Japan and 86 percent of them will be female, the Associated Press reported. Life expectancy in Japan is almost 86 years for women and 79 years for men, among the highest in the world.

The highest concentration of centenarians in Japan is in Okinawa, with 838 centenarians, or 61 for every 100,000 people., while the national average is just over 28 per 100,000. There are about 10 centenarians per 100,000 people in the United States.

The number of centenarians in Japan has been increasing for nearly 40 years and is expected to reach nearly 1 million -- the most in the world -- by 2050, according to United Nations' projections, the AP reported.

-----

Boss Gender Affects Worker Health

The gender of your boss may affect your physical and mental health, according to University of Toronto researchers who analyzed data on 1,800 working adults in the United States.

The study found that women who worked under both male and female supervisors had higher levels of distress and physical symptoms than women with one male manager, while women who worked under a lone female supervisor reported more distress and physical symptoms than women who worked under a male supervisor, United Press International reported.

Men who worked under either a lone male or female supervisor had similar levels of distress. Men who were supervised by both a male and a female manager had lower distress levels and fewer physical symptoms than men who worked for a lone male supervisor.

The study was published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

-----

Brain Infection Kills Patient Who Took Rituxan

A woman who took the arthritis and cancer drug Rituxan died of a rare viral brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday. The woman died more than a year and a half after she stopped taking the drug for arthritis.

The FDA said this is the first reported cases of PML in a patient who took Rituxan for an approved use. The drug is also approved for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. There have been previous reports of PML in patients who took Rituxan for unapproved uses, such as treatment of blood cancer, the Associated Press reported.

The patient in this latest case had chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer in the months before she developed PML, according to information on the FDA Web site.

Rituxan is marketed in the United States by Genentch and Biogen Idec. Genentech sent a letter about the woman's death to doctors earlier this month and a company spokeswoman pointed out that the drug's label already mentions risks of the infection.

"The patient had a number of confounding factors that make it difficult to assess the potential role, if any, that Rituxan exposure may have played," said Tara Cooper, the AP reported.

-----

Children's Death Rates Remain High in Africa, South Asia

There have been major declines in young children's death rates in many parts of the world but they remain "grossly' high in much of Africa and parts of South Asia, says a UNICEF study released Friday.

Between 1990 and 2007, the number of deaths of children under age five decreased from 12.8 million to 9.2 million, including a drop of 200,000 between 2006 and 2007, Agence France Presse reported.

The 2007 death rate for young children in rich nations was six deaths for every 1,000 live births, compared with 68 deaths worldwide, and 147 deaths in sub-Saharan Africa and 78 deaths in South Asia.

Between 1990 and 2007, death rates for young children declined by 52 percent in the East Asia and Pacific region, and by 53 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, UNICEF said. But the rate declined just 21 percent in sub-Saharan Africa, AFP reported.

The study appears in The Lancet.

Health Tips for September 14

Health Tip: Keep a Meal Schedule

Not only do many diabetics need to monitor what they eat, they need to pay attention to what time they eat it.

The American Diabetes Association says it's important to keep a regular schedule for meals. It offers the following suggestions:

* Schedule dinner get-togethers at your normal meal time.
* Choose locations and times when you won't have to wait too long to eat.
* When possible, make a reservation.
* Avoid dishes that take an unusually long time to prepare.
* If you know that your meal will be much later than usual, have your bedtime snack at your usual mealtime, then eat a later dinner. Talk to your doctor about how to adjust your insulin when you do this.

Health Tip: When Your Diabetic Child Takes a Trip

Having diabetes shouldn't cause your child to miss out on the fun of sleepovers and school field trips.

Prepare your diabetic child for time away from home with these recommendations from the American Diabetes Association:

* Pack a bag with everything your child will need, including insulin, syringes, a meter, test strips and a log book. Pack extras of everything.
* If traveling for several hours, pack several snacks, juices and glucose tablets.
* If your child will be changing time zones, talk to your doctor about how to adjust the insulin schedule accordingly.
* Make sure your child wears a medical ID bracelet that notes diabetes.
* Make sure your child checks glucose levels more frequently away from home.
* Make sure that any adults accompanying your child understand diabetes and how to manage it.

Health Headlines - September 13

FDA Warns on Infant Formula Suspected in China Illnesses

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning American consumers not to use any infant formula made in China. The warning comes as China began a nationwide investigation into all its infant formula following the death of one baby and reports of more than 50 other babies being hospitalized with kidney stones.

The FDA said late Thursday that the China formulas are apparently suspected of being contaminated with melamine, the same chemical involved in the massive pet food recall last year, according to the Associated Press.

But Janice Oliver, deputy director of the FDA's food safety program, added that no U.S. formula manufacturer has received any ingredients from China, so "there is no threat of contamination to the domestic supply."

However, she said, "We're concerned that there may be some infant formula that may have gotten into the United States illegally and may be on the ethnic market." FDA officials are particularly concerned about places like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston, which have large populations of Chinese immigrants, the AP reported.

On Friday, the FDA issued a formal health advisory to caregivers not to give infants China-made formula.

In addition, the agency said in a news release, "The following manufacturers have met the necessary FDA requirements for marketing milk-based infant formulas in the United States: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals, and Solus Products LLC. Also, one manufacturer, SHS/Nutricia, Liverpool, England, markets an amino acid-based exempt infant formula that does not contain any milk-derived ingredients.

Agence France Presse reported Thursday that China's state news agency Xinhua said reports of seriously ill babies first emerged in the northwestern province of Gansu and have now appeared in six other provinces. In Gansu, there were at least 59 cases of babies with kidney stones, including one who died, AFP reported.

The news agency said the suspect formula bore the label of the Sanlu Group, a leading dairy products company, AFP reported. The company says that the product was produced by counterfeiters and that it has sent investigators to Gansu.

-----

Japan Has 36,000 Centenarians

The number of Japanese living past 100 has more than doubled over the past six years to a record high of 36,000 this year, the country's Health and Welfare Ministry said in an annual report released Friday.

By the end of this month, there will be 36,276 people aged 100 and older in Japan and 86 percent of them will be female, the Associated Press reported. Life expectancy in Japan is almost 86 years for women and 79 years for men, among the highest in the world.

The highest concentration of centenarians in Japan is in Okinawa, with 838 centenarians, or 61 for every 100,000 people., while the national average is just over 28 per 100,000. There are about 10 centenarians per 100,000 people in the United States.

The number of centenarians in Japan has been increasing for nearly 40 years and is expected to reach nearly 1 million -- the most in the world -- by 2050, according to United Nations' projections, the AP reported.

-----

Boss Gender Affects Worker Health

The gender of your boss may affect your physical and mental health, according to University of Toronto researchers who analyzed data on 1,800 working adults in the United States.

The study found that women who worked under both male and female supervisors had higher levels of distress and physical symptoms than women with one male manager, while women who worked under a lone female supervisor reported more distress and physical symptoms than women who worked under a male supervisor, United Press International reported.

Men who worked under either a lone male or female supervisor had similar levels of distress. Men who were supervised by both a male and a female manager had lower distress levels and fewer physical symptoms than men who worked for a lone male supervisor.

The study was published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

-----

Brain Infection Kills Patient Who Took Rituxan

A woman who took the arthritis and cancer drug Rituxan died of a rare viral brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday. The woman died more than a year and a half after she stopped taking the drug for arthritis.

The FDA said this is the first reported cases of PML in a patient who took Rituxan for an approved use. The drug is also approved for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. There have been previous reports of PML in patients who took Rituxan for unapproved uses, such as treatment of blood cancer, the Associated Press reported.

The patient in this latest case had chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer in the months before she developed PML, according to information on the FDA Web site.

Rituxan is marketed in the United States by Genentch and Biogen Idec. Genentech sent a letter about the woman's death to doctors earlier this month and a company spokeswoman pointed out that the drug's label already mentions risks of the infection.

"The patient had a number of confounding factors that make it difficult to assess the potential role, if any, that Rituxan exposure may have played," said Tara Cooper, the AP reported.

-----

Children's Death Rates Remain High in Africa, South Asia

There have been major declines in young children's death rates in many parts of the world but they remain "grossly' high in much of Africa and parts of South Asia, says a UNICEF study released Friday.

Between 1990 and 2007, the number of deaths of children under age five decreased from 12.8 million to 9.2 million, including a drop of 200,000 between 2006 and 2007, Agence France Presse reported.

The 2007 death rate for young children in rich nations was six deaths for every 1,000 live births, compared with 68 deaths worldwide, and 147 deaths in sub-Saharan Africa and 78 deaths in South Asia.

Between 1990 and 2007, death rates for young children declined by 52 percent in the East Asia and Pacific region, and by 53 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, UNICEF said. But the rate declined just 21 percent in sub-Saharan Africa, AFP reported.

The study appears in The Lancet.

-----

Black Lumpectomy Patients Less Likely to Get Radiation

Black American breast cancer patients who have a lumpectomy are less likely than white patients to receive follow-up radiation therapy, which reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and improves survival odds.

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center analyzed the treatment history of more than 37,000 breast cancer patients over age 66 who had a lumpectomy, United Press International reported.

They found that 65 percent of black patients and 74 percent of white patients had follow-up radiation treatment. The researchers said the cause of the racial disparity wasn't clear.

The study will be presented at the Sisters Network Inc. 10th National African American Breast Cancer survivorship conference, being held Sept. 19 to 21 in Houston, UPI reported.

Health Tips for September 13

Health Tip: When Diabetics Get Sick

Controlling illness is important for anyone, but prudent medical care is even more vital for diabetics. Hormones released during illness and other times of stress can affect blood sugar levels.

The American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetics should call the doctor if they aren't sure how to care for themselves, or if they have these warning signs:

* If symptoms of illness, possibly including fever, have continued for a couple of days without improvement.
* If diarrhea or vomiting has continued for more than six hours.
* If there are moderate or large amounts of ketones in your urine.
* If, even after taking enough insulin to account for your illness, your blood sugar is 240 or higher before meals and stays there for more than 24 hours.
* If you have symptoms of ketoacidosis or dehydration, which may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, dry or cracked lips, and breath that smells like fruit.

Health Tip: Preparing for Pregnancy

At least three months before you try to get pregnant, you should start making sure that your body has the nutrients it needs to conceive a healthy baby.

The American Pregnancy Association offers these recommendations:

* Make sure you get at least 400 micrograms of folate or folic acid each day, either from your diet or from a supplement.
* Get at least 1,000 milligrams per day of calcium -- the equivalent of three 8-ounce glasses of skim milk.
* Talk to your doctor about taking a special vitamin for women who are pregnant or are likely to become pregnant.
* Reduce -- to no more than 300 milligrams daily -- your intake of caffeine, which can affect fertility and the body's ability to absorb calcium and iron.
* Avoid alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and artificial sweeteners.

Health Headlines - September 12

FDA Warns on Infant Formula Suspected in China Illnesses

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning American consumers not to use any infant formula made in China. The warning comes on the heels of an investigation in China of substandard formula following nationwide reports of infants being hospitalized with kidney stones.

The FDA said late Thursday that the China formulas are apparently suspected of being contaminated with melamine, the same chemical involved in the massive pet food recall last year, according to the Associated Press./

But Janice Oliver, deputy director of the FDA's food safety program, added that no U.S. formula manufacturer has received any ingredients from China, so "there is no threat of contamination to the domestic supply."

However, she said, "We're concerned that there may be some infant formula that may have gotten into the United States illegally and may be on the ethnic market." FDA officials are particularly concerned about places like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston, which have large populations of Chinese immigrants, the AP reported.

Agence France Presse reported earlier in the day that China's state news agency Xinhua said reports of seriously ill babies first emerged in the northwestern province of Gansu and have now appeared in six other provinces. In Gansu, there were at least 59 cases of babies with kidney stones, including one who died, AFP reported.

"An unknown number of infants in at least seven provinces and regions across China have suffered from kidney stones," Xinhua reported. "Doctors and parents suspected it could be the result of drinking fake milk powder of the same brand."

The news agency said the suspect formula bore the label of the Sanlu Group, a leading dairy products company, AFP reported. The company says that the product was produced by counterfeiters and that it has sent investigators to Gansu.

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Botox May Relieve Migraines

The anti-wrinkle injection Botox may help relieve migraine headaches, according to preliminary findings of two new studies released Thursday by Allergan, Inc.

The phase III clinical trials compared Botox to a placebo and included patients who generally suffered from migraines at least 15 days a month, MarketWatch reported. One study showed that Botox didn't reduce the number of migraines, but did reduce the number of days that patients had migraines. The second study showed that Botox decreased both headache episodes and headache days.

Full study results are expected to be released in mid-2009. Allergan plans to file for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for use of Botox in the treatment of migraines next year.

Up to 3.6 million Americans suffer from chronic migraines, according to Allergen.

Botox -- which is made from the toxin that causes botulism -- is currently used to treat wrinkles, excessive sweating under the armpits, and certain head and neck pain conditions, MarketWatch reported.

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FDA Hires 1,317 New Staff

More than 1,300 professionals have recently been hired by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in a staffing drive mean to better protect the public, the Associated Press reported.

The push for new staff will result in an estimated 10 percent boost in the agency's workforce and give the FDA much-needed medical and scientific expertise after years of losing valuable people in those areas, said Kimberly Holden, the senior manager directing the recruitment initiative.

About 1,000 of the new hires have already started, including biologists, chemists, statisticians, medical officers, pharmacologists, microbiologists and field inspectors.

While a staffing increase is a good first step, much more needs to be done to improve the FDA's ability to ensure food and drug safety, say independent observers.

"This is really just bringing them back to where they were in earlier years. It restores losses that they have incurred, but they still have a long way to go to where they can make improvements," former FDA associate commissioner William Hubbard, who now leads a lobbying effort for sustained increases in the agency's budget, told the AP.

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Written Tables Help Older Adults Prevent Medication Errors

Having older adults fill out simple tables that track their medications may help prevent medication mix-ups, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reported.

Their study found an improvement in medication-related problems when older adults filled out a written "medtable" listing medications and instructions by days and times to take them, United Press International reported. The better results were especially evident among participants who had complex medication schedules.

The study appears in the Journal of Experimental Psychology.

Many older adults have to take a number of prescription medications. The researchers said about half of older adults take medicines incorrectly and up to a third of their hospital admissions are caused by incorrect medicine use, UPI reported.

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Women Have More Nightmares Than Men

Women have many more nightmares than men and also have more emotional dreams, according to a new U.K. study.

In research that included 170 people who were asked to record their dreams, there was no difference in the overall number of dreams reported by males and females, but 30 percent of women reported a nightmare, compared to 19 percent of men, said BBC News. The study also found that women were much more likely to have dreams about very emotionally traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one.

These results add to previous findings that pre-menstrual women report more vivid and disturbing dreams than men, said researcher Dr. Jennifer Parker, a lecturer in psychology at the University of the West of England.

"In terms of processing emotional information, women may be more prone to taking unresolved concerns into their sleep life," she told BBC News.

Health Tips for September 12

Health Tip: Depression in Seniors

Depression isn't a normal part of aging. But it is common in people older than age 65, and symptoms of depression can be different for seniors than for younger people.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these common symptoms of depression in seniors:

* Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
* Feelings of sadness, numbness, worthlessness or guilt.
* Suddenly crying for no reason, or crying frequently.
* Feeling tired, slow, restless or irritable.
* A sudden change in appetite, or unexplained change in weight.
* Changes in sleep patterns, including sleeping too much or difficulty sleeping.
* Difficulty remembering or concentrating, and making decisions.
* Having frequent headaches, back pain or digestive problems.
* Thoughts about death or suicide.

Health Tip: Wear and Tear on the Knees

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

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

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

Health Headlines - September 11

Few U.S. Medical Students Plan to Work in Primary Care

Hard work and lower salaries may be among the reasons why only 2 percent of graduating medical students in the United States plan to work in primary care internal medicine, according to a survey of almost 1,200 fourth-year students at 11 medical schools.

A similar survey conducted in 1990 found that 9 percent of graduating medical students planned to go into primary care internal medicine. The new survey indicates that more medical students, many burdened with large debts, are deciding to go into higher-paying medical specialties, the Associated Press reported.

The findings were published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

A related study in the same issue of the journal suggests that graduates from international medical schools are filling the primary care gap in the United States, the AP reported.

Compared to 2002, there were 2,600 fewer U.S. doctors training in primary care specialties in 2007, but nearly 3,300 more foreign medical school graduates pursuing careers in primary care field such as family medicine, pediatrics and internal medicine.

"Primary care is holding steady but only because of international medical school graduates. And holding steady in numbers is probably not sufficient when the population is growing and aging," said study co-author Edward Salsburg, of the Association of American Medical Colleges, the AP reported.

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Chronically Ill Children Want More Say in Treatment

Children with chronic illnesses often feel left out of medical decisions and want more say in their treatment, including learning how to talk to doctors, says a researcher who interviewed children ages 7 to 11 at Alberta Children's Hospital in Canada.

"What these children are saying is that it's not that they would be making the decision alone. But it's showing them and role-modeling for them and inviting them to have a voice at the table because it is their body," Andrea Pritchard told CBC News.

The children she interviewed suggested three ways to help them be involved in their care: an online game to guide them through making choices; a treasure map to lead them through what's going on; and workshops to teach children and doctors how to talk with each other.

Children with chronic illnesses need to learn how to manage their condition before they're adults, said Pritchard, CBC News reported.

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New Cystic Fibrosis Drug Shows Promise

An experimental drug to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) shows promise in early trials, according to British researchers who presented their findings at the BA Festival of Science.

Cystic fibrosis patients who received 150 milligrams twice a day of VX-770 showed a 10 percent improvement in lung function and a nearly 50 percent decrease of the concentration of salt in their sweat, BBC News reported. One of the most recognizable symptoms of cystic fibrosis is salty sweat, the news service said.

The tests were conducted on cystic fibrosis patients with a genetic defect known as G551D. Additional clinical trials are needed to determine exactly which patients may benefit from the drug.

"The early results with VX-770 suggest that drug therapies which target defects at the root of the disease have the potential to improve greatly the quality of life of CF patients," said lead researcher Dr. David Sheppard of the University of Bristol, BBC News reported.

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Computerized Reminders Boost Colon Cancer Screenings

Colorectal cancer screenings increased by about 9 percent when patients received printed reminders from a computerized system developed at the University of Michigan Health System, United Press International reported.

The ClinfoTracker system, created to help track and manage primary care, encourages physicians and patients to follow guidelines for managing chronic diseases or for prevention screenings.

The system was used by 12 primary care practices for nine months, UPI reported. From the start to the end of the study, average colorectal cancer screening rates increased from 41.7 percent to 50.9 percent.

The findings were published in the journal Medical Care.

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Women as Likely as Men to Cheat on Partner: Studies

There's a 40 percent to 76 percent chance that someone will cheat in a relationship, and women are as likely as men to step out on their partner, according to a University of Montreal researcher.

"Contrary to popular belief, infidelity isn't more prevalent in men," Genevieve Beaulieu-Pelletier said in a news release, United Press International reported.

One study of 145 students, average age 23, found that 68 percent had thought about cheating and 41 percent had actually cheated. A second study of 270 adults, average age 27, found that 54 percent had thought about cheating and 39 percent had actually cheated.

In both studies, people with an "avoidant attachment style" were more likely to cheat. People with avoidant attachment styles are uncomfortable with intimacy, UPI reported.

"The emotional attachment we have with others is modeled on the type of parenting received during childhood," Beaulieu-Pelletier said.

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States Should Raise Driving Age: Insurance Institute

In order to reduce crashes and save lives, states should raise the driving age to 17 or even 18, suggests the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group funded by the auto insurance industry.

The idea may prove a "tough sell," but car crashes are the leading cause of death among American teenagers, said institute President Adrian Lund, who plans to present the proposal Tuesday at the annual conference of the Governors Highway Safety Association. Each year, more than 5,000 U.S. teens die in car crashes.

"The bottom line is that when we look at the research, raising the driving age saves lives," Lund told the Associated Press.

New Jersey is the only state that issues licenses at age 17. The overall rate of New Jersey teens killed in car crashes has been consistently lower than in some nearby states, according to data compiled by institute researchers.

Many countries in Europe and elsewhere issue licenses at ages 17 or 18, the AP reported.

In the United States, the rate of fatal and nonfatal crashes per mile driven for 16-year-old drivers is nearly 10 times higher than the rate for drivers ages 30 to 59, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Health Tips for September 11

Health Tip: Calculating Your BMI

Body-mass index (BMI) is a good indicator of whether you are at a healthy weight.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says BMI is calculated by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703, and dividing that number by your height in inches. Then divide the result again by your height in inches.

The agency offers the following ranges for interpreting BMI:

* A score below 18.5 indicates being underweight.
* Between 18.5 and 24.9 means a healthy body weight.
* Between 25 and 29.9 means you are overweight.
* Between 30 and 39.9 indicates obesity.
* A score of 40 or higher indicates morbid obesity.

Health Tip: Help Your Child Develop Healthy Habits

Healthy habits for regular exercise and a good diet start at home, and they should start at a young age.

The American Heart Association offers these suggestions to help your child stay healthy for life:

* Set a good example by living a healthy lifestyle yourself.
* Make exercise a family activity that involves everyone. Make family time for exercise every day, choosing sports and games that everyone enjoys.
* Set a limit on the amount of time your child spends watching TV, playing video games, or on the computer.
* Set goals for your child, such as a certain amount of daily physical activity or limits on the amount of unhealthy foods allowed.
* Encourage and reward good behavior, but never with food.
* Have a healthy dinner as a family every night.
* Teach your child to read food labels, and to recognize which foods are healthy and which aren't.

Health Headlines - September 10

New Cystic Fibrosis Drug Shows Promise

An experimental drug to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) shows promise in early trials, according to British researchers who presented their findings at the BA Festival of Science.

Cystic fibrosis patients who received 150 milligrams twice a day of VX-770 showed a 10 percent improvement in lung function and a nearly 50 percent decrease of the concentration of salt in their sweat, BBC News reported. One of the most recognizable symptoms of cystic fibrosis is salty sweat, the news service said.

The tests were conducted on cystic fibrosis patients with a genetic defect known as G551D. Additional clinical trials are needed to determine exactly which patients may benefit from the drug.

"The early results with VX-770 suggest that drug therapies which target defects at the root of the disease have the potential to improve greatly the quality of life of CF patients," said lead researcher Dr. David Sheppard of the University of Bristol, BBC News reported.

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Computerized Reminders Boost Colon Cancer Screenings

Colorectal cancer screenings increased by about 9 percent when patients received printed reminders from a computerized system developed at the University of Michigan Health System, United Press International reported.

The ClinfoTracker system, created to help track and manage primary care, encourages physicians and patients to follow guidelines for managing chronic diseases or for prevention screenings.

The system was used by 12 primary care practices for nine months, UPI reported. From the start to the end of the study, average colorectal cancer screening rates increased from 41.7 percent to 50.9 percent.

The findings were published in the journal Medical Care.

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Women as Likely as Men to Cheat on Partner: Studies

There's a 40 percent to 76 percent chance that someone will cheat in a relationship, and women are as likely as men to step out on their partner, according to a University of Montreal researcher.

"Contrary to popular belief, infidelity isn't more prevalent in men," Genevieve Beaulieu-Pelletier said in a news release, United Press International reported.

One study of 145 students, average age 23, found that 68 percent had thought about cheating and 41 percent had actually cheated. A second study of 270 adults, average age 27, found that 54 percent had thought about cheating and 39 percent had actually cheated.

In both studies, people with an "avoidant attachment style" were more likely to cheat. People with avoidant attachment styles are uncomfortable with intimacy, UPI reported.

"The emotional attachment we have with others is modeled on the type of parenting received during childhood," Beaulieu-Pelletier said.

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States Should Raise Driving Age: Insurance Institute

In order to reduce crashes and save lives, states should raise the driving age to 17 or even 18, suggests the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group funded by the auto insurance industry.

The idea may prove a "tough sell," but car crashes are the leading cause of death among American teenagers, said institute President Adrian Lund, who plans to present the proposal Tuesday at the annual conference of the Governors Highway Safety Association. Each year, more than 5,000 U.S. teens die in car crashes.

"The bottom line is that when we look at the research, raising the driving age saves lives," Lund told the Associated Press.

New Jersey is the only state that issues licenses at age 17. The overall rate of New Jersey teens killed in car crashes has been consistently lower than in some nearby states, according to data compiled by institute researchers.

Many countries in Europe and elsewhere issue licenses at ages 17 or 18, the AP reported.

In the United States, the rate of fatal and nonfatal crashes per mile driven for 16-year-old drivers is nearly 10 times higher than the rate for drivers ages 30 to 59, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Expert Urges More Internet Addiction Research

More research needs to be done on Internet addiction to better understand how it develops and how to treat it, says the director of a new addiction institute at the University of Montreal.

Louise Nadeau noted that there's plenty of data on compulsive gambling and alcoholism, but virtually no reliable study or clinical data on Internet addiction, United Press International reported.

"The problem isn't widespread but we know of serious cases in which teenagers don't leave the house, don't have interpersonal relationships, and have been isolated in front of their computer screen for the past two or three years, and only speak in the language of the characters they play with in network video games," Nadeau said in a university news release.

"In a few years we'll have couples in therapy because the Internet will have become their main occupation," she predicted, UPI reported.

A Quebec survey found that hundreds of patients have consulted a professional about Internet addiction. Nadeau and fellow researchers want to develop a clinical definition of Internet addiction, determine how the disorder evolves, and identify treatment strategies.

Health Tips for September 10

Health Tip: Stay Safe on the School Bus

Children should know how to safely board and leave the school bus, and what to do during the ride to and from school.

The U.S. National Safety Council has these recommendations:

* Wait until the bus stops and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
* Use the hand rail when boarding or leaving the bus.
* Board the bus calmly and choose a seat quickly. Take a seat as soon as possible.
* Children should always stay in their seats when the bus is moving.
* There should be no loud talking, yelling or other distractions that may bother the bus driver.
* Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus. Never stick them out the window.
* Keep books, backpacks and other belongings stored on or below the seat, and keep the aisle of the bus clear.
* Once the bus comes to a complete stop, children may stand and exit the bus quickly and safely through the front door.
* If children must cross in front of the bus, they should walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until they can turn around and see the driver. The driver should also be able to see them.
* Children must wait for a signal from the driver before crossing the street.

Health Tip: Prepare a Fire Safety Plan

Fires in the home can spread quickly, so it's important to devise a fire safety plan.

Here are suggestions to prepare for a fire emergency, courtesy of the U.S. National Safety Council:

* It's best to sleep with the door closed. Teach children, in the event of a fire emergency, to feel the door for heat before opening.
* Create an escape route for each area of the home, and decide on a meeting point outside the home.
* Create a map that's easy for everyone to read.
* Tell young children not to hide during a fire. Also explain that they shouldn't be afraid of firemen -- that firemen are there to help.
* Teach children to drop down and crawl beneath the smoke to escape the home.
* In low-level homes, make sure that bedroom windows open easily (aren't painted shut), as they may be a secondary means of escape.
* Make sure that everyone in the house knows how to use an escape ladder.
* Explain that no one must ever go back into a burning building.
* Young children should know their last name, street address, and how to dial 911 from a neighbor's house or cell phone.

Health Headlines - September 9

Exercise Decreases Risk of Pregnancy-Related Depression

Exercising and remaining upbeat about their changing shapes may reduce the risk of depression among pregnant women, say U.S. researchers who surveyed 230 women in Pennsylvania throughout their pregnancy and into the postpartum period.

The women were asked about their exercise habits, feelings about weight, appearance and other body image aspects, and about symptoms of depression, United Press International reported.

Women who did more exercise prior to pregnancy were more satisfied with their bodies during the second and third trimesters, and had fewer depressive symptoms in the second trimester than other women.

"Our study supports the psychological benefits of exercise to improve body image and lessen depressive symptoms," lead researcher Danielle Downs, of Pennsylvania State University, said in a news release, UPI reported.

The study appears in the August issue of the journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

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Lap-and-Shoulder Belts Equal to Child Safety Seats in Injury Prevention

Among children ages 2 to 6, lap-and-shoulder safety belts are as effective as child safety seats in preventing serious injuries in traffic crashes, says a study by researchers at the University of Chicago and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

But their analysis of three large representative samples of crashes and related hospital data did show that child safety seats are 25 percent more effective at reducing less serious injuries, United Press International reported.

Lap belts alone aren't as effective as child safety seats or lap-and-shoulder seat belts, but are far better than riding unrestrained, the researchers said.

The study appears in the journal Economic Inquiry.

All states require the use of child safety seats and the minimum age and weight requirements for children's use of seat belts has been increasing over time, UPI reported.

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Urine Test Could Identify Cattle With Mad Cow Disease

Cattle infected with mad cow disease have elevated protein levels in their urine, a finding that could help lead to the development of a screening test for live animals, Canadian and German researchers announced. Currently, the only way to test for mad cow disease is after cattle have been killed.

"We're pretty excited about it," lead researcher David Knox told the Canadian Press. "It would be sort of like a home pregnancy test. You would just put a strip in the stream of urine and it either comes out positive or negative. Ideally, that's what we'd like to have."

The discovery of elevated protein levels in cattle with mad cow disease was made in tests conducted on four infected cows. The study appears in the journal Proteome Science.

The results also suggests it may be possible to develop a urine test to diagnose people with the degenerative and fatal brain disorder Creutzfeld-Jakob disease and other forms of unexplained dementia, Knox told CP.

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Bacteria Produce Proteins That Attack Lungs of Cystic Fibrosis Patients

U.K. researchers have found that colonies of Pseudomonas in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis produce tissue-destroying enzymes and poisons that attack the lungs, including one that's chemically similar to rattlesnake venom.

These bacteria can live in biofilm communities in the lungs and can become resistant to antibiotics, making them extremely difficult to treat. Pseudomonas bacterial infections thrive in the thick mucous produced in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and this type of infection is usually the cause of early death in these patients, BBC News reported.

The Cambridge University team found that these bacterial colonies are more active than previously thought and produce a number of dangerous enzymes and poisons.

"This is the first time that anyone has successfully proved that the way the bacteria grow affects the type of proteins they can secrete and therefore how dangerous they can potentially be to our health," said team leader Dr. Martin Welch, BBC News reported.

The trigger for the release of these harmful proteins is turned on shortly after the bacterial biofilm starts to form.

The study may help lead to the development of a drug to target the poisons, an advance that could help in the treatment of cystic fibrosis and antibiotic-resistant hospital superbugs.

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Salmonella Cases Prompt Alfalfa Sprout Recall in Northwest

On the heels of the huge nationwide salmonella outbreak that caused more than 1,400 illnesses from Mexican peppers, a regional Oregon alfalfa sprout distributor has recalled its product in Oregon and Washington state after the sprouts were linked to 13 cases of salmonellosis .

According to the Seattle Times, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and health officials in Oregon announced a recall of Sprouter's Northwest brand alfalfa sprouts after 13 people in the two states showed signs of salmonellosis after consuming the sprouts. No deaths have been reported.

Sprouters Northwest, headquartered in Kent, Ore., voluntarily recalled its alfalfa sprout products, the newspaper reports. They are distributed in grocery stores, supermarkets and used in restaurants. The first incidents of salmonella poisoning -- which can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting -- were reported in early August, the newspaper reports.

This is the second suspected salmonella outbreak involving Sprouter's Northwest, the Times reports. The company recalled alfalfa sprouts in Washington and Oregon in 2004 after 12 people became ill, according to the USDA Web site.

Any Sprouter's Northwest products should be thrown away or returned, the newspaper reports.

Health Tips for September 9

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: Healing After a C-Section

As you begin recovery from delivering a child by Caesarean section, you should avoid certain activities to give your body time to heal.

Here are suggestions on what to avoid in the short term, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

* Having sex -- at least until your doctor tells you that it's medically safe.
* Using tampons or douching.
* Taking a bath, until your incision has healed.
* Using a public pool or hot tub.
* Lifting any heavy object -- nothing heavier than your baby.
* Exercising and strenuous activity (until your doctor tells you it's safe), including heavy housework and frequently climbing a lot of stairs.

Health Headlines - September 8

Salmonella Cases Prompt Alfalfa Sprout Recall in Northwest

On the heels of the huge nationwide salmonella outbreak that caused more than 1,400 illnesses from Mexican peppers, a regional Oregon alfalfa sprout distributor has recalled its product in Oregon and Washington state after the sprouts were linked to 13 cases of salmonellosis .

According to the Seattle Times, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and health officials in Oregon announced a recall of Sprouter's Northwest brand alfalfa sprouts after 13 people in the two states showed signs of salmonellosis after consuming the sprouts. No deaths have been reported.

Sprouters Northwest, headquartered in Kent, Ore., voluntarily recalled its alfalfa sprout products, the newspaper reports. They are distributed in grocery stores, supermarkets and used in restaurants. The first incidents of salmonella poisoning -- which can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting -- were reported in early August, the newspaper reports.

This is the second suspected salmonella outbreak involving Sprouter's Northwest, the Times reports. The company recalled alfalfa sprouts in Washington and Oregon in 2004 after 12 people became ill, according to the USDA Web site.

Any Sprouter's Northwest products should be thrown away or returned, the newspaper reports.

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Good Protein Breakfast May Aid Weight Loss

Eating good-quality protein at breakfast may help people lose weight, suggests a Purdue University study.

The researchers found that overweight or obese men in the study who ate eggs and lean Canadian bacon in the morning had a greater sense of sustained fullness throughout the day, compared to when they ate more protein at lunch or dinner, United Press International reported.

"There is a growing body of research which supports eating high-quality protein foods when dieting to maintain a sense of fullness," study author Wayne Campbell said in a news release. "This study is particularly unique in that it looked at the timing of protein intake and reveals that when you consume more protein may be a critical piece of the equation."

The men in the study ate a calorie-reduce diet with two variations of protein intake -- 11 to 14 percent or 18 to 25 percent of daily calories. Both were within U.S. nutrition recommendations for normal protein intake, UPI reported.

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Nicotine May Enhance Other Experiences: Study

The way nicotine enhances other experiences may have something to do with its addictive quality, according to a Kansas State University study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

Most research on nicotine focuses on the drug itself, rather than other aspects such as social factors, noted lead author Matthew Palmatier, United Press International reported.

"People have very regimented things they do when they smoke," Palmatier said in a news release. "People smoke in very specific places, often with a specific group of people. Maybe it's a reason why nicotine is so addictive -- if you get used to having that extra satisfaction from things you normally enjoy, not having nicotine could reduce the enjoyment in a given activity."

He said it's necessary to look at the big picture in order to better understand why people smoke, even though most of them are fully aware of the health risks

"(Smokers) want to quit but can't. It's not because nicotine is a potent drug; it doesn't induce significant amounts of pleasure or euphoria. Yet, it's just as difficult, if not more difficult, to quit than other drugs," said Palmatier, UPI reported.

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Fablyn Increases Risk of Blood Clots: FDA Document

While the new osteoporosis drug Fablyn has been shown to be effective in postmenopausal women with a higher risk of bone fractures, the drug also increased the risk of blood clots and invasive gynecological visits, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory board briefing document released Thursday.

The document was made public in advance of the advisory board's scheduled Monday meeting to decide whether to recommend approval of the drug, Forbes reported.

In 2005 and 2006, the FDA issued "non-approvable" letters for Fablyn, which acknowledged the drug's effectiveness, but questioned whether it increased the risk of blood clots and stroke.

A five-year study of more than 9,000 women conducted by Pfizer and development partner Ligand Pharmaceuticals found that the drug didn't increase the risk of stroke but did increase the risk of blood clots, Forbes reported.

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U.S. Army Suicides Could Hit Highest Levels Since 2003

The U.S. Army appears headed for a record number of suicides this year and may top the civilian suicide rate for the first time since the Vietnam war, Agence France-Presse reported.

Last year, 115 soldiers took their own lives, the most ever on record in a single year for the army. So far this year, 93 soldiers have committed suicide, army officials said Thursday.

"With four months left, we're probably going to surpass 115," said Colonel Eddie Stephens, the army's deputy director of human resources policy, AFP reported.

If the current pace of soldier suicides continues, the army will exceed the U.S. civilian suicide rate of 19.5 per 100,000 people in 2005, the latest data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The army's suicide rate has steadily risen from 12.4 per 100,000 in 2003, despite efforts to increase soldiers' awareness of the issue and to ease the stigma of seeking help for mental health troubles, AFP reported.

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Intellectual Tasks May Boost Calorie Intake

Hard thinking may make you eat more and put on weight, suggests a Canadian study.

Universite Laval researchers invited 14 students to eat as much as they wanted after doing three different low energy tasks: sitting and relaxing; reading and summarizing a text; and finishing memory and attention tests on a computer, CTV News reported.

Compared to relaxing, the students burned only three more calories while doing the two mental tasks. However, they ate 203 more calories after summarizing the text and 253 more calories after the computer tests.

Blood tests showed the students had more pronounced changes in glucose and insulin levels while doing the mental tasks than when resting, CTV News reported. The brain uses glucose as fuel and may try to maintain its glucose balance by taking in more food, the researchers suggested.

"Caloric overcompensation following intellectual work, combined with the fact that we are less physically active when doing intellectual tasks, could contribute to the obesity epidemic currently observed in industrialized countries," said lead author Jean-Philippe Chaput said. "This is a factor that should not be ignored, considering that more and more people hold jobs of an intellectual nature."

Health Tips for September 8

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: Staying Emotionally Healthy

People who are emotionally healthy handle stress well, have a positive self-image, and are able to sustain healthy relationships.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help you stay emotionally healthy:

* Establish what you are feeling, and what's causing those feelings.
* Be open with yourself and others about your emotions, instead of keeping the sources of stress and anxiety to yourself.
* Focus on the positive things in your life instead of dwelling on the negative. Deal with what's bothering you, but don't let it overwhelm you.
* Try relaxation methods, including meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises.
* Take care of your physical self with a healthy diet, regular exercise and a good sleep schedule.

Health Headlines - September 7

Salmonella Cases Prompt Alfalfa Sprout Recall in Northwest

On the heels of the huge nationwide salmonella outbreak that caused more than 1,400 illnesses from Mexican peppers, a regional Oregon alfalfa sprout distributor has recalled its product in Oregon and Washington state after the sprouts were linked to 13 cases of salmonellosis .

According to the Seattle Times, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and health officials in Oregon announced a recall of Sprouter's Northwest brand alfalfa sprouts after 13 people in the two states showed signs of salmonellosis after consuming the sprouts. No deaths have been reported.

Sprouters Northwest, headquartered in Kent, Ore., voluntarily recalled its alfalfa sprout products, the newspaper reports. They are distributed in grocery stores, supermarkets and used in restaurants. The first incidents of salmonella poisoning -- which can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting -- were reported in early August, the newspaper reports.

This is the second suspected salmonella outbreak involving Sprouter's Northwest, the Times reports. The company recalled alfalfa sprouts in Washington and Oregon in 2004 after 12 people became ill, according to the USDA Web site.

Any Sprouter's Northwest products should be thrown away or returned, the newspaper reports.

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Good Protein Breakfast May Aid Weight Loss

Eating good-quality protein at breakfast may help people lose weight, suggests a Purdue University study.

The researchers found that overweight or obese men in the study who ate eggs and lean Canadian bacon in the morning had a greater sense of sustained fullness throughout the day, compared to when they ate more protein at lunch or dinner, United Press International reported.

"There is a growing body of research which supports eating high-quality protein foods when dieting to maintain a sense of fullness," study author Wayne Campbell said in a news release. "This study is particularly unique in that it looked at the timing of protein intake and reveals that when you consume more protein may be a critical piece of the equation."

The men in the study ate a calorie-reduce diet with two variations of protein intake -- 11 to 14 percent or 18 to 25 percent of daily calories. Both were within U.S. nutrition recommendations for normal protein intake, UPI reported.

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Nicotine May Enhance Other Experiences: Study

The way nicotine enhances other experiences may have something to do with its addictive quality, according to a Kansas State University study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

Most research on nicotine focuses on the drug itself, rather than other aspects such as social factors, noted lead author Matthew Palmatier, United Press International reported.

"People have very regimented things they do when they smoke," Palmatier said in a news release. "People smoke in very specific places, often with a specific group of people. Maybe it's a reason why nicotine is so addictive -- if you get used to having that extra satisfaction from things you normally enjoy, not having nicotine could reduce the enjoyment in a given activity."

He said it's necessary to look at the big picture in order to better understand why people smoke, even though most of them are fully aware of the health risks

"(Smokers) want to quit but can't. It's not because nicotine is a potent drug; it doesn't induce significant amounts of pleasure or euphoria. Yet, it's just as difficult, if not more difficult, to quit than other drugs," said Palmatier, UPI reported.

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Fablyn Increases Risk of Blood Clots: FDA Document

While the new osteoporosis drug Fablyn has been shown to be effective in postmenopausal women with a higher risk of bone fractures, the drug also increased the risk of blood clots and invasive gynecological visits, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory board briefing document released Thursday.

The document was made public in advance of the advisory board's scheduled Monday meeting to decide whether to recommend approval of the drug, Forbes reported.

In 2005 and 2006, the FDA issued "non-approvable" letters for Fablyn, which acknowledged the drug's effectiveness, but questioned whether it increased the risk of blood clots and stroke.

A five-year study of more than 9,000 women conducted by Pfizer and development partner Ligand Pharmaceuticals found that the drug didn't increase the risk of stroke but did increase the risk of blood clots, Forbes reported.

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U.S. Army Suicides Could Hit Highest Levels Since 2003

The U.S. Army appears headed for a record number of suicides this year and may top the civilian suicide rate for the first time since the Vietnam war, Agence France-Presse reported.

Last year, 115 soldiers took their own lives, the most ever on record in a single year for the army. So far this year, 93 soldiers have committed suicide, army officials said Thursday.

"With four months left, we're probably going to surpass 115," said Colonel Eddie Stephens, the army's deputy director of human resources policy, AFP reported.

If the current pace of soldier suicides continues, the army will exceed the U.S. civilian suicide rate of 19.5 per 100,000 people in 2005, the latest data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The army's suicide rate has steadily risen from 12.4 per 100,000 in 2003, despite efforts to increase soldiers' awareness of the issue and to ease the stigma of seeking help for mental health troubles, AFP reported.

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Intellectual Tasks May Boost Calorie Intake

Hard thinking may make you eat more and put on weight, suggests a Canadian study.

Universite Laval researchers invited 14 students to eat as much as they wanted after doing three different low energy tasks: sitting and relaxing; reading and summarizing a text; and finishing memory and attention tests on a computer, CTV News reported.

Compared to relaxing, the students burned only three more calories while doing the two mental tasks. However, they ate 203 more calories after summarizing the text and 253 more calories after the computer tests.

Blood tests showed the students had more pronounced changes in glucose and insulin levels while doing the mental tasks than when resting, CTV News reported. The brain uses glucose as fuel and may try to maintain its glucose balance by taking in more food, the researchers suggested.

"Caloric overcompensation following intellectual work, combined with the fact that we are less physically active when doing intellectual tasks, could contribute to the obesity epidemic currently observed in industrialized countries," said lead author Jean-Philippe Chaput said. "This is a factor that should not be ignored, considering that more and more people hold jobs of an intellectual nature."

Health Tips for September 7

Health Tip: Rid Your Home of Dust Mites

Creating a clean environment will help rid your home of dust mites, making breathing easier in people with allergies and asthma.

Try these suggestions for getting rid of the microscopic insects from your home, courtesy of the American Lung Association:

* Ensure that the humidity level of your home is below 50 percent. During the summer months, use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier.
* Wash all linens every week in hot water, in a temperature of at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Use protective airtight coverings over mattresses, and apply tape over the zippers.
* Avoid carpeting. Use washable rugs instead.
* Damp mop and dust your home often.
* Use washable curtains and window coverings, and clean them regularly.

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 - September 6

Good Protein Breakfast May Aid Weight Loss

Eating good-quality protein at breakfast may help people lose weight, suggests a Purdue University study.

The researchers found that overweight or obese men in the study who ate eggs and lean Canadian bacon in the morning had a greater sense of sustained fullness throughout the day, compared to when they ate more protein at lunch or dinner, United Press International reported.

"There is a growing body of research which supports eating high-quality protein foods when dieting to maintain a sense of fullness," study author Wayne Campbell said in a news release. "This study is particularly unique in that it looked at the timing of protein intake and reveals that when you consume more protein may be a critical piece of the equation."

The men in the study ate a calorie-reduce diet with two variations of protein intake -- 11 to 14 percent or 18 to 25 percent of daily calories. Both were within U.S. nutrition recommendations for normal protein intake, UPI reported.

-----

Nicotine May Enhance Other Experiences: Study

The way nicotine enhances other experiences may have something to do with its addictive quality, according to a Kansas State University study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

Most research on nicotine focuses on the drug itself, rather than other aspects such as social factors, noted lead author Matthew Palmatier, United Press International reported.

"People have very regimented things they do when they smoke," Palmatier said in a news release. "People smoke in very specific places, often with a specific group of people. Maybe it's a reason why nicotine is so addictive -- if you get used to having that extra satisfaction from things you normally enjoy, not having nicotine could reduce the enjoyment in a given activity."

He said it's necessary to look at the big picture in order to better understand why people smoke, even though most of them are fully aware of the health risks

"(Smokers) want to quit but can't. It's not because nicotine is a potent drug; it doesn't induce significant amounts of pleasure or euphoria. Yet, it's just as difficult, if not more difficult, to quit than other drugs," said Palmatier, UPI reported.

-----

Fablyn Increases Risk of Blood Clots: FDA Document

While the new osteoporosis drug Fablyn has been shown to be effective in postmenopausal women with a higher risk of bone fractures, the drug also increased the risk of blood clots and invasive gynecological visits, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory board briefing document released Thursday.

The document was made public in advance of the advisory board's scheduled Monday meeting to decide whether to recommend approval of the drug, Forbes reported.

In 2005 and 2006, the FDA issued "non-approvable" letters for Fablyn, which acknowledged the drug's effectiveness, but questioned whether it increased the risk of blood clots and stroke.

A five-year study of more than 9,000 women conducted by Pfizer and development partner Ligand Pharmaceuticals found that the drug didn't increase the risk of stroke but did increase the risk of blood clots, Forbes reported.

-----

U.S. Army Suicides Could Hit Highest Levels Since 2003

The U.S. Army appears headed for a record number of suicides this year and may top the civilian suicide rate for the first time since the Vietnam war, Agence France-Presse reported.

Last year, 115 soldiers took their own lives, the most ever on record in a single year for the army. So far this year, 93 soldiers have committed suicide, army officials said Thursday.

"With four months left, we're probably going to surpass 115," said Colonel Eddie Stephens, the army's deputy director of human resources policy, AFP reported.

If the current pace of soldier suicides continues, the army will exceed the U.S. civilian suicide rate of 19.5 per 100,000 people in 2005, the latest data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The army's suicide rate has steadily risen from 12.4 per 100,000 in 2003, despite efforts to increase soldiers' awareness of the issue and to ease the stigma of seeking help for mental health troubles, AFP reported.

-----

Intellectual Tasks May Boost Calorie Intake

Hard thinking may make you eat more and put on weight, suggests a Canadian study.

Universite Laval researchers invited 14 students to eat as much as they wanted after doing three different low energy tasks: sitting and relaxing; reading and summarizing a text; and finishing memory and attention tests on a computer, CTV News reported.

Compared to relaxing, the students burned only three more calories while doing the two mental tasks. However, they ate 203 more calories after summarizing the text and 253 more calories after the computer tests.

Blood tests showed the students had more pronounced changes in glucose and insulin levels while doing the mental tasks than when resting, CTV News reported. The brain uses glucose as fuel and may try to maintain its glucose balance by taking in more food, the researchers suggested.

"Caloric overcompensation following intellectual work, combined with the fact that we are less physically active when doing intellectual tasks, could contribute to the obesity epidemic currently observed in industrialized countries," said lead author Jean-Philippe Chaput said. "This is a factor that should not be ignored, considering that more and more people hold jobs of an intellectual nature."

-----

U.S. Workers Face Higher Health Care Costs

About 59 percent of U.S. companies plan to control rising health costs in 2009 by increasing employees' deductibles, co-pays or out-of-pocket spending limits, according to a survey released Thursday by the Mercer consulting firm.

Mercer said health care costs for both employers and workers will increase an average of 5.7 percent next year, the same as this year's increase, the Associated Press reported. There was a 6.1 percent increase in 2007.

Since 2005, annual increases in health care costs have been around 6 percent, compared to double-digit increases in previous years, Mercer said. Even with single-digit increases, health care costs are outpacing inflation and workers' wages.

Mercer said that between 2003 and 2007, the average deductible increased from $250 to $400 for a single person and from $1,000 to $1,500 for a family, the Associated Press reported.

Health Tips for September 6

Health Tip: Avoid Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections are common in women, and are caused by a fungus that is naturally found in and on the body.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions that may help you avoid yeast infections:

* Don't wear clothing that is too tight, and avoid clothes made of synthetic materials.
* Wear cotton underwear as often as you can.
* Avoid wearing pantyhose or a leotard every day.
* After getting out of the shower, dry your genital area with a hair dryer on a low, cool setting.
* After using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back.
* Don't stay in a wet swimsuit or damp clothing for longer than is necessary.
* Avoid using douches, feminine hygiene sprays, or anything deodorized -- including pads or tampons.
* Avoid colored or perfumed toilet paper.

Health Tip: Leaving Your Children Alone

It's important for a child to learn to be independent and care for himself. But how do you know when a child is old and mature enough to stay alone?

In general, a child younger than age 10 probably isn't ready. But when it comes to older children, the Nemours Foundation says the time may be right to forgo a babysitter if your child:

* Feels comfortable with the prospect of staying alone.
* Shows a sense of responsibility with chores, doing homework, and following rules and directions.
* Stays calm in difficult or unexpected situations, and knows how to handle them.
* Clearly understands and regularly follows rules.
* Knows basic first aid.
* Knows and follows rules for staying away from strangers.

Health Headlines - September 5

U.S. Workers Face Higher Health Care Costs

About 59 percent of U.S. companies plan to control rising health costs in 2009 by increasing employees' deductibles, co-pays or out-of-pocket spending limits, according to a survey released Thursday by the Mercer consulting firm.

Mercer said health care costs for both employers and workers will increase an average of 5.7 percent next year, the same as this year's increase, the Associated Press reported. There was a 6.1 percent increase in 2007.

Since 2005, annual increases in health care costs have been around 6 percent, compared to double-digit increases in previous years, Mercer said. Even with single-digit increases, health care costs are outpacing inflation and workers' wages.

Mercer said that between 2003 and 2007, the average deductible increased from $250 to $400 for a single person and from $1,000 to $1,500 for a family, the Associated Press reported.

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Study Finds 27% of University Students Addicted to Tanning

Tanning dependence -- with symptoms similar to alcohol and drug dependence -- was reported by 27 percent of students at a large American university, according to a study by Carolyn Heckman of Fox Chase Cancer Center and colleagues.

The study included 400 students at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond who took part in an online survey used to measure traditional substance abuse and dependence, United Press International reported.

In this case, the survey measures were used to assess: an increasing need to tan frequently; discomfort when not having tanned recently; and difficulty controlling tanning behavior despite awareness of negative consequences such as freckles, wrinkles and increased risk of skin cancer.

"We were surprised to find that 27 percent of those we surveyed were classified as tanning dependent," Heckman said in a news release, UPI reported "The finding that almost 40 percent of those surveyed had used tanning booths and that the mean age when tanning booths were first used was 17 is also alarming."

The study, which was published in the September/October issue of the American Journal of Health Behavior, also found that students with a tanning dependence were more likely to be thin and to smoke.

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Bisphenol A Impairs Brain's Ability to Create Connections

The brain's ability to create connections needed for memory and learning may be impaired by prolonged exposure to bisphenol A, a chemical commonly found in plastic bottles and food containers, says a Canadian study.

University of Guelph researchers exposed African green monkeys to low doses of bisphenol A for one month. This impaired the creation of synapses, which affected communication between neurons, the Toronto Star reported.

"The ability of the brain to remain plastic and to respond to things by changing its connection is a critical part of brain function, it's important for learning and memory, it's important for mood swings, for depression," said Neil MacLusky, a biomedical professor. Bisphenol A "dramatically impairs the formation of synapses in the regions of the brain where such processes take place."

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

In related news, a U.S. government study released Thursday said exposure to bisphenol A may harm fetuses and children and the chemical needs further study before it is deemed safe.

The National Toxicology Program said tests in animals showed harmful effects from the chemical and rated concern about the chemical's risks for children at the middle of a five-point scale, Bloomberg news reported.

While the study authors didn't recommend changing national safety standards, they did suggest parents may want to limit family exposure to bisphenol A. The study is the final version of a report issued in draft form in April.

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One Dead, Hundreds Ill in Oklahoma E. Coli Outbreak

At least one person has died and 206 have been sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to a restaurant in Locust Grove, Okla., a community of 1,500 people about 50 miles east of Tulsa. Those who've become sick range in age from 2 months to 88 years.

The outbreak was first reported by health officials on Aug. 25, and the Country Cottage restaurant has been closed voluntarily for more than a week, the Associated Press reported.

The exact source of the contamination hasn't been pinpointed. Health officials are testing food preparation surfaces at the restaurant and interviewing people who became ill.

"The complexity of this outbreak and the necessity to be extremely thorough in our investigation means we still have more questions than answers," state epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley said in a statement, the AP reported.

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Popular Diet Plans Safe and Effective: Study

Four popular diet programs are safe and effective, according to Australian researchers who conducted a two-month study of 293 people who used the Slim Fast, Atkins, WeightWatchers and Rosemary Conley's Eat Yourself Slim plans.

Some critics have raised concerns about such diet programs. But the researchers found that all four diet plans resulted in weight loss, while providing sufficient nutrients, BBC News reported.

"This analysis provides reassuring and important evidence for the effectiveness and nutritional adequacy of four commercial diets in weight management for the general public," the researchers wrote in the Nutrition Journal.

However, there was no significant increase in the dieters' consumption of fruits and vegetables, despite recommendations to do so, BBC News reported.

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Women Smokers Suffer Heart Attacks Earlier Than Nonsmokers

Smoking is more of a threat to women's hearts than to men's, according to Norwegian researchers who analyzed data from 1,784 patients admitted to a hospital after suffering a first heart attack.

The study found that women who smoke have heart attacks nearly 14 years earlier than women who don't smoke -- age 81 vs. age 66. Men who smoke have heart attacks about eight years earlier than male nonsmokers -- age 72 vs. age 64, the Associated Press reported.

Smoking may cause women to go through menopause earlier, leaving them less protected against a heart attack, suggested Dr. Morten Grundtvig and colleagues from the Innlandet Hospital Trust in Lillehammer.

The study was presented to the European Society of Cardiology.

"This is not a minor difference," said Dr. Silvia Priori, a cardiologist at the Scientific Institute in Pavia, Italy, the AP reported. "Women need to realize they are losing much more than men when they smoke," said Priori, who was not involved in the study.

Health Tips for September 5

Health Tip: Controlling Asthma

While some people are more likely to have asthma, the things that actually "trigger" attacks vary from person to person.

In general, there are things asthmatics can do to ward off attacks. The National Safety Council offers these suggestions:

* Avoid being around smokers. If someone must smoke indoors near a person who is asthmatic, it should only be allowed in a separately ventilated area.
* Keep humidity levels in the home low -- between 30 percent and 50 percent.
* Avoid using a humidifier. It one is necessary, change water daily to prevent microbe growth.
* When cooking, running a dishwasher or using the shower, keep windows open or use an exhaust fan.
* Have any combustion-powered appliances -- such furnaces, stoves or heaters -- checked every year, and change their filters regularly.
* Keep the house clean and free of dust, dirt and animal dander.

Health Tip: Avoid Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections are common in women, and are caused by a fungus that is naturally found in and on the body.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions that may help you avoid yeast infections:

* Don't wear clothing that is too tight, and avoid clothes made of synthetic materials.
* Wear cotton underwear as often as you can.
* Avoid wearing pantyhose or a leotard every day.
* After getting out of the shower, dry your genital area with a hair dryer on a low, cool setting.
* After using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back.
* Don't stay in a wet swimsuit or damp clothing for longer than is necessary.
* Avoid using douches, feminine hygiene sprays, or anything deodorized -- including pads or tampons.
* Avoid colored or perfumed toilet paper.

Health Headlines - September 4

One Dead, Hundreds Ill in Oklahoma E. Coli Outbreak

At least one person has died and 206 have been sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to a restaurant in Locust Grove, Okla., a community of 1,500 people about 50 miles east of Tulsa. Those who've become sick range in age from 2 months to 88 years.

The outbreak was first reported by health officials on Aug. 25 and the Country Cottage restaurant has been closed voluntarily for more than a week, the Associated Press reported.

The exact source of the contamination hasn't been pinpointed. Health officials are testing food preparation surfaces at the restaurant and interviewing people who became ill.

"The complexity of this outbreak and the necessity to be extremely thorough in our investigation means we still have more questions than answers," state epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley said in a statement, the AP reported.

-----

Popular Diet Plans Safe and Effective: Study

Four popular diet programs are safe and effective, according to Australian researchers who conducted a two-month study of 293 people who used the Slim Fast, Atkins, WeightWatchers and Rosemary Conley's Eat Yourself Slim plans.

Some critics have raised concerns about such diet programs. But the researchers found that all four diet plans resulted in weight loss, while providing sufficient nutrients, BBC News reported.

"This analysis provides reassuring and important evidence for the effectiveness and nutritional adequacy of four commercial diets in weight management for the general public," the researchers wrote in the Nutrition Journal.

However, there was no significant increase in the dieters' consumption of fruits and vegetables, despite recommendations to do so, BBC News reported.

-----

Women Smokers Suffer Heart Attacks Earlier Than Nonsmokers

Smoking is more of a threat to women's hearts than to men's, according to Norwegian researchers who analyzed data from 1,784 patients admitted to a hospital after suffering a first heart attack.

The study found that women who smoke have heart attacks nearly 14 years earlier than women who don't smoke -- age 81 vs. age 66. Men who smoke have heart attacks about eight years earlier than male nonsmokers -- age 72 vs. age 64, the Associated Press reported.

Smoking may cause women to go through menopause earlier, leaving them less protected against a heart attack, suggested Dr. Morten Grundtvig and colleagues from the Innlandet Hospital Trust in Lillehammer.

The study was presented to the European Society of Cardiology.

"This is not a minor difference," said Dr. Silvia Priori, a cardiologist at the Scientific Institute in Pavia, Italy, the AP reported. "Women need to realize they are losing much more than men when they smoke," said Priori, who was not involved in the study.

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Taking Stairs Could Extend Your Life

Taking the stairs instead of the elevator could reduce your risk of premature death, according to a Swiss study presented at a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology.

During the 12-week study, 69 volunteers were told to use the stairs exclusively instead of taking the elevator while at work. On average, the number of flights of stairs they climbed or descended increased from five a day to 23, BBC News reported.

At the end of the study, the participants had better fitness, less body fat, trimmer waistlines, and lower blood pressure. Taken together, the physical benefits of using stairs translated into a 15 percent reduced risk of premature death from any cause, the University of Geneva researchers said.

"This suggests that stair climbing can have major public health implications," said lead researcher Dr. Phillippe Meyer, who added that the findings need to be confirmed in larger studies.

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Sex Hormones Linked to Male Heart Disease: Study

Sex hormones may explain why men are more prone to heart disease than women of the same age, say British researchers.

The University of Leicester study of 933 men examined the way that sex hormones interact with three major heart disease risk factors -- cholesterol, blood pressure and weight, United Press International reported.

The researchers found that two sex hormones -- estradiol and estrone -- are associated with increased levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Dr. Maciej Tomaszewski said the results suggest that sex hormones may play an important role in heart disease in men, even before they have symptoms of coronary artery disease or stroke, UPI reported.

The study was published in the journal Atherosclerosis.

Health Tips for September 4

Health Tip: Know the Signs of Concussion

A jarring and forceful blow to the head can result in a brain injury called a concussion.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists the following warning signs of concussion, which should be evaluated as soon as possible by a doctor:

* Headache.
* Difficulty seeing.
* Dizziness.
* Difficulty concentrating, memory loss or confusion.
* Problems retaining balance.
* Nausea.
* Ringing in the ears.

Health Tip: Something in Your Eye?

Getting something in your eye can be irritating enough, but you do more damage to your eye while trying to get it out.

To get dust, an eyelash, or other small particle out of your eye without injuring yourself, follow these suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Wash your hands thoroughly, and examine your eye in a mirror in a well-lighted room. Look up, down, and side to side, and try to locate the particle in your eye.
* Do not rub your eye.
* If you can't find the particle, gently pull down the skin beneath your eye and look under the lower lid. Also gently grasp the upper lid and look underneath there, as well.
* Try to gently rinse the eye or eyelid with water when you find the particle.
* If you can't easily remove the particle or it looks like it's already damaged the eye, seek immediate medical attention.

Health Headlines - September 3

Women Smokers Suffer Heart Attacks Earlier Than Nonsmokers

Smoking is more of a threat to women's hearts than to men's, according to Norwegian researchers who analyzed data from 1,784 patients admitted to a hospital after suffering a first heart attack.

The study found that women who smoke have heart attacks nearly 14 years earlier than women who don't smoke -- age 81 vs. age 66. Men who smoke have heart attacks about eight years earlier than male nonsmokers -- age 72 vs. age 64, the Associated Press reported.

Smoking may cause women to go through menopause earlier, leaving them less protected against a heart attack, suggested Dr. Morten Grundtvig and colleagues from the Innlandet Hospital Trust in Lillehammer.

The study was presented to the European Society of Cardiology.

"This is not a minor difference," said Dr. Silvia Priori, a cardiologist at the Scientific Institute in Pavia, Italy, the AP reported. "Women need to realize they are losing much more than men when they smoke," said Priori, who was not involved in the study.

-----

Taking Stairs Could Extend Your Life

Taking the stairs instead of the elevator could reduce your risk of premature death, according to a Swiss study presented at a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology.

During the 12-week study, 69 volunteers were told to use the stairs exclusively instead of taking the elevator while at work. On average, the number of flights of stairs they climbed or descended increased from five a day to 23, BBC News reported.

At the end of the study, the participants had better fitness, less body fat, trimmer waistlines, and lower blood pressure. Taken together, the physical benefits of using stairs translated into a 15 percent reduced risk of premature death from any cause, the University of Geneva researchers said.

"This suggests that stair climbing can have major public health implications," said lead researcher Dr. Phillippe Meyer, who added that the findings need to be confirmed in larger studies.

-----

Sex Hormones Linked to Male Heart Disease: Study

Sex hormones may explain why men are more prone to heart disease than women of the same age, say British researchers.

The University of Leicester study of 933 men examined the way that sex hormones interact with three major heart disease risk factors -- cholesterol, blood pressure and weight, United Press International reported.

The researchers found that two sex hormones -- estradiol and estrone -- are associated with increased levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Dr. Maciej Tomaszewski said the results suggest that sex hormones may play an important role in heart disease in men, even before they have symptoms of coronary artery disease or stroke, UPI reported.

The study was published in the journal Atherosclerosis.

-----

Bicycle Helmet Law Cuts Deaths by 52 Percent

Deaths among cyclists age 15 and younger decreased 52 percent after bike helmet use for children up to age 17 became law in the Canadian province of Ontario in 1995, a new study found.

The study found that the average number of deaths among cyclists age 15 and younger decreased from 13 a year to six a year, which translates into a life saved every two months, said Dr. Patricia Parkin, of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, and her colleagues. There was no similar reduction among cyclists ages 16 and 17, CBC News reported.

"These findings provide support for extending the law to include adults. The findings also argue for continued enforcement of the existing laws as it applies to bicyclists less than 18 years of age," the researchers wrote.

The study was published Tuesday in the journal Pediatrics.

Under the Ontario law, parents of children under 16 can be fined if a child doesn't wear a bike helmet. Cyclists ages 16 and 17 who don't wear a helmet can be fined directly, CBC News reported.

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Sports Talk Stimulates Action-Oriented Brain Areas

Listening to conversations about sports activates a part of the brain that plays a role in planning and controlling actions. This can help improve language skills of both athletes and fans because parts of the brain usually involved in playing sports are instead used to understand sports language, say University of Chicago researchers.

They used MRI scans to monitor brain activity in hockey players, fans, and people who'd never seen or played the game, United Press International reported.

The brain activation linked to sports-related conversations helps improve athletes' and fans' understanding of information about sports, even though they have no intention to act while they're listening to such discussions, said lead author Sian Beilock.

The findings show that the adult brain may be more flexible than previously thought, UPI reported.

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

-----

Another Study Finds Farm Life Protects Children Against Asthma

Children born to women who live on a farm during pregnancy have a much lower risk of developing asthma, eczema and hay fever, according to New Zealand researchers who studied more than 1,300 farm children.

The researchers found that children who lived on farms and whose mothers lived on farms during pregnancy had a 50 percent reduction in asthma and an even greater reduction in eczema and hay fever, BBC News reported.

Exposure to animals and the bacteria they carry may affect the developing fetus's immune system, including suppressing production of immune cells linked to asthma, the researchers suggested. They noted this beneficial effect may only persist if a child has the same type of exposure after birth.

"This study adds to existing evidence supporting the hygiene hypothesis, which states that early exposure to potential allergens results in a reduced risk of asthma development," Dr Elaine Vickers, research manager at Asthma UK, told BBC News. "However, the causes of asthma are still largely unknown and the processes involved in asthma development are incredibly complicated, including family history, environment and lifestyle."

The study was published in the European Respiratory Journal.

Health Tips for September 3

Health Tip: Take Care of a Cast

When a splint or cast is applied to help a broken bone heal, the cast itself requires some care.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions:

* Keep your cast dry. Use two layers of waterproof protection to cover it when you shower.
* If you have a walking cast, give it plenty of time to dry and harden before you try to walk on it -- about an hour for a fiberglass cast and two to three days for plaster.
* Avoid letting sand, dirt or powder get into your cast.
* Don't pull out stuffing or break off edges of your cast, and inspect it regularly for weak spots or cracks.
* Don't stick any objects, powders, or deodorants underneath your cast. Talk to your doctor if your cast is itchy and you feel a significant need to scratch.

Health Tip: Buy a Safe Bathtub for Baby

Your baby needs his or her own place to take a bath. Tubs made for adults are simply too big and lack safety features for infants.

Use these guidelines, provided by the Nemours Foundation, to help select the safest tub for your baby:

* Look for tubs with a backing on the bottom, so it won't slip or move.
* Choose a tub that is made with thick, sturdy plastic. Make sure it can easily support the weight of your baby and the bathing water.
* Don't use any flotation device, bath ring or suction seat that doesn't have a safety belt. These devices can turn over, posing a drowning hazard.
* Don't use a foam cushion in the bath, as your baby may tear it and could swallow small pieces.
* Choose a tub with smooth edges.

Health Headlines - September 2

Angioplasty Needs More Follow-Up Than Bypass: Study

While bypass surgery and angioplasty offer similar results for heart patients with clogged arteries, those who have angioplasties are twice as likely to require another procedure within a year, new research contends.

For a presentation Monday at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in Munich, European doctors compared the effectiveness of open-heart surgery versus angioplasty in a trial of more than 3,000 patients in Europe and the United States, according to the Associated Press.

About a third of the patients had medical conditions that required surgery. The remaining patients were randomly assigned to receive either bypass surgery or angioplasty, a non-surgical procedure which involves use of a stent to prop the artery open.

After one year, researchers found that the death rate among the two groups was virtually the same: 7.7 percent among surgery patients and 7.6 percent among angioplasty patients, the AP reported. But almost 14 percent of those who had angioplasty needed another procedure after a year, compared with about 6 percent of bypass patients. On the other hand, those who had surgery had about a 2 percent stroke risk versus almost zero risk for those who had an angioplasty.

The study was paid for by Boston Scientific, makers of heart stents.

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Maine Bans Smoking in Cars With Kids

On Monday, the state of Maine joined California, Arkansas, Louisiana and some Canadian provinces in banning smoking in a car when children are present.

The new law outlaws smoking in cars while youths under 16 are present. The law authorizes a $50 fine for violation, but for the first year police may issue only warnings, the Associated Press reported.

Gov. John Baldacci hailed the legislation as a strike against secondhand smoke when he signed it into law in April. He said tobacco use costs too many lives and too much money.

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Alcohol to Blame for 12% of Native Americans' Deaths: Report

An estimated 12 percent of the deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives are due to alcohol, a figure that's more than three times higher than for the general population.

That's the conclusion of a federal report released this week that found that 11.7 percent of deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives between 2001 and 2005 were alcohol-related, compared with 3.3 percent for the population as a whole, the Associated Press reported.

Dwayne Jarman, one of the study authors and an epidemiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the report was the first national survey to measure the alcohol-related death rate among American Indians. And, he said, it should serve as a "call to action" for federal, state, local and tribal governments to combat the problem.

The two leading causes of alcohol-related deaths among Indians were traffic accidents and alcoholic liver disease; each caused more than 25 percent of the 1,514 alcohol-related deaths recorded over the study's four-year period.

The report also listed homicide to blame for 6.6 percent of alcohol-related deaths; suicide, 5.2 percent; and injuries due to falls, 2.2 percent, the AP said.

Sixty-eight percent of the victims were men, and 66 percent were people younger than 50 years old; 7 percent were less than 20 years old, the report found.

And the situation may be even more dire because the report didn't count deaths related to some diseases for which alcohol is believed to be a risk factor, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and colon cancer, the AP said.

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Feds Can Bar Mad Cow Tests: Court

The U.S. government has the authority to bar meat companies from testing their animals for mad cow disease, a federal appeals court has ruled.

The Department of Agriculture's failure to test more than a fraction of cows for the brain-wasting disease prompted one meat company to announce that it would test all of its bovines, the Associated Press reported.

But the government turned thumbs down on that request, from Kansas meat producer Creekstone Farms. Bigger meat packers feared the move would force them to employ the costly test on all of their cows, as well, the wire service said.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, in overturning a lower court ruling, upheld the government's right to prevent Creekstone from testing its cows, the AP said.

Health Tips for September 2

Health Tip: Help Prevent a Herniated Disk

A herniated (sometimes called "ruptured") disk in the back or neck can cause severe pain and numbness.

Disks are the soft, rubbery pads found between the spine's vertebrae. When stressed or overused from wear-and-tear, the center of the disk can push through its outer edge, putting pressure on nearby sensitive nerves.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these common risk factors for herniated disks:

* Lifting objects the wrong way.
* Smoking.
* Being overweight, which causes stress on the spine.
* Applying sudden pressure, even slight, on the spine.
* Engaging in repetitive strenuous activities.

Health Tip: Prevent Dry Skin

Skin requires frequent preventive care to ward off conditions such as dermatitis (sometimes called eczema).

Here are suggestions on how to prevent dry skin, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic:

* Don't take baths or showers that are too hot. Keep the water lukewarm.
* Take short baths or showers of only five to 10 minutes.
* As soon as you get out of the shower or finish washing your hands, apply a skin moisturizer.
* Use soaps that are moisturizing.
* During winter months, try a heavier cream or moisturizer to protect skin. You can use a light lotion in the hot summer months.

Health Headlines - September 1

Happy Labor Day!

Alcohol to Blame for 12% of Native Americans' Deaths: Report

An estimated 12 percent of the deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives are due to alcohol, a figure that's more than three times higher than for the general population.

That's the conclusion of a federal report released this week that found that 11.7 percent of deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives between 2001 and 2005 were alcohol-related, compared with 3.3 percent for the population as a whole, the Associated Press reported.

Dwayne Jarman, one of the study authors and an epidemiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the report was the first national survey to measure the alcohol-related death rate among American Indians. And, he said, it should serve as a "call to action" for federal, state, local and tribal governments to combat the problem.

The two leading causes of alcohol-related deaths among Indians were traffic accidents and alcoholic liver disease; each caused more than 25 percent of the 1,514 alcohol-related deaths recorded over the study's four-year period.

The report also listed homicide to blame for 6.6 percent of alcohol-related deaths; suicide, 5.2 percent; and injuries due to falls, 2.2 percent, the AP said.

Sixty-eight percent of the victims were men, and 66 percent were people younger than 50 years old; 7 percent were less than 20 years old, the report found.

And the situation may be even more dire because the report didn't count deaths related to some diseases for which alcohol is believed to be a risk factor, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and colon cancer, the AP said.

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Feds Can Bar Mad Cow Tests: Court

The U.S. government has the authority to bar meat companies from testing their animals for mad cow disease, a federal appeals court has ruled.

The Department of Agriculture's failure to test more than a fraction of cows for the brain-wasting disease prompted one meat company to announce that it would test all of its bovines, the Associated Press reported.

But the government turned thumbs down on that request, from Kansas meat producer Creekstone Farms. Bigger meat packers feared the move would force them to employ the costly test on all of their cows, as well, the wire service said.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, in overturning a lower court ruling, upheld the government's right to prevent Creekstone from testing its cows, the AP said.

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Diabetes Drugs May Cause Heart Failure: Study

A number of related drugs for type 2 diabetics may boost their risk of heart failure, a Wake Forest University School of Medicine study finds.

Thiazolidinediones, which regulate users' blood sugar, appear to double the risk of congestive heart failure among people with type 2 diabetes, study authors Dr. Sonal Singh and Dr. Curt Furberg said in editorial published in the journal Heart.

Drugs in this class include rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos), reports United Press International.

Almost one-quarter of diabetics also have some form of heart disease, the wire service said. More than half of elderly diabetics will develop congestive heart failure, the study authors wrote.

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Bassinet Warning Issued After 2 Infant Deaths

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has ordered retailers to stop selling bassinets that have been linked to two infant deaths, the Washington Post reported Friday. The "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets were made by Simplicity Inc. of Reading, Penn. The agency's safety alert was prompted by the death of a 6-month-old Kansas girl, who died from strangulation Aug. 21 after getting caught in the product's metal bars, the newspaper said. In September 2007, a 4-month-old Missouri infant became entrapped in the metal bars and died, the CPSC said.

Some 900,000 of the 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets may be in circulation. Their metal bars are spaced farther apart than 2 3/8 inches, which is the maximum allowed by federal law, the agency said. This warning does not cover bassinets produced recently that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar, the CPSC added.

The agency issued the warning after SFCA, the company that bought now-defunct Simplicity's assets earlier this year, refused to issue a recall, the Post reported. The warning was issued under sweeping new authority granted the agency by a two-week-old law called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

While the agency has the authority to mandate a recall, doing so generally takes some time. As a result, most product recalls are voluntarily issued by the manufacturers or distributors, the Post said.

An attorney for SFCA said his company was cooperating with the government. Because it had merely purchased Simplicity's assets, SFCA didn't "take on the legal responsibility for the products," the newspaper reported.

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New York City's HIV Infection Rate 3 Times U.S. Average

People in New York City are contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, at three times the U.S. average, the Associated Press reported.

According to the city's health department, nearly 4,800 people in New York acquired HIV in 2006, or about 72 of every 100,000 residents, the wire service said. That compares to a national rate of about 23 per 100,000.

Local health officials cited the city's large populations of gay men, blacks, and other groups that tend to have above-average incidence of HIV infection.

Health Tips for September 1

Health Tip: Sun Safety

Protecting yourself from too much sun exposure involves more than just a dab of sunscreen.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions to protect your skin from sun damage:

* Wear sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Apply it properly, thoroughly and regularly, even on cloudy days.
* Protect your skin with a hat, long sleeved shirts and long pants, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
* Limit exposure to very reflective surfaces, such as sand, water, snow, tile and buildings. These surfaces can increase the risk of a burn or significant skin damage.
* Don't use a tanning bed, either at home or at a salon.
* Be careful of the hours you spend in the sun. Limit exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
* Remember this tip: If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's rays are very intense. At that point, seek shade or get indoors.

Health Tip: Tattoos Can Pose Health Risks

Getting a tattoo can pose serious health risks if it's not done properly. The procedure should only be performed under regulated, sanitary and professional conditions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists these potential risks associated with getting a tattoo:

* Infection, including hepatitis and skin infections.
* Allergic reaction to inks.
* Bumps or nodules that may form around the tattooed area, called granulomas.
* Keloids -- abnormal scar growth.
* In rare cases, swelling may occur during an MRI.
* Inability to completely remove the tattoo if you ultimately decide you don't want it.