Health Headlines - December 31

Chemo Medication Errors Common in Outpatient Setting: Study

A new study from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that 7 percent of adults and 19 percent of children taking chemotherapy drugs in outpatient clinics or at home were given the wrong dose or experienced other mistakes with their medications.

The study, to be published in the Jan. 1, 2009, issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, examined data on almost 1,300 patient visits at three adult oncology outpatient clinics and 117 visits at one pediatric facility between Sept. 1, 2005 and May 31, 2006.

Fifty-five of the errors involving adults had the potential to harm, and 11 did cause harm. About 40 percent of the 22 errors in children had the potential for harm, and four children were harmed, according to Dr. Kathleen E. Walsh, the study's leader and an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine.

Errors with adults included giving incorrect medication doses because of confusion over conflicting orders -- for example, giving one written order at the time of diagnosis and another on the day of administration. Pediatric errors included giving the wrong amount or the wrong number of doses per day for home medicines because of similarly confusing instructions.

Additionally, more than half of errors involving adults were in clinic administration, 28 percent occurred in ordering medications, and 7 percent were involved in taking drugs in patients homes. More than 70 percent of the pediatric errors occurred at home, the study found.

Walsh and her colleagues suggested that avoiding prewritten chemotherapy orders for adults in outpatient clinics may have prevented many of the errors, whereas those involving children could have been avoided by better communication and training. Specifically, the study called for more support for parents of children who use chemotherapy medications at home.

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Team IDs Genes Behind Lethal 1918 Flu Pandemic

U.S. and Japanese researchers say they've isolated three genes that explain why the 1918 Spanish flu was so lethal, killing between 20 million and 50 million people worldwide, AFP reported.

"We wanted to know why the 1918 flu caused severe pneumonia," said University of Wisconsin-Madison virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka, who co-authored the study with Masato Hatta, also of UW-Madison. "Conventional flu viruses replicate mainly in the upper respiratory tract: the mouth, nose and throat . . . The 1918 virus replicates in the upper respiratory tract, but also in the lungs, causing primary pneumonia among its victims," the authors said.

The discovery is important, because learning how the genes helped the virus infect the lungs could provide a way to identify the potential virulence of any new pandemic influenza strains, Kawaoka said. The findings could also lead to a new class of antiviral drugs, he added.

Autopsies of the victims revealed fluid-filled lungs severely damaged by massive hemorrhaging. The researchers linked the virus' ability to invade the lungs with its high level of virulence, but the genes that conferred that ability were unknown until now, AFP said.

The genes allowed the virus to reproduce in lung tissue, the researchers said. Their study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 31

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is reminding beneficiaries to review their prescription drug coverage and health-plan needs for 2009 before the annual enrollment period ends on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator, said Monday that many beneficiaries will see changes in their current choices, "so it's important that people with Medicare take advantage of the enhanced tools CMS has provided to review the coverage and costs of their health or drug plans for next year."

Medicare's open enrollment period began Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31, according to Weems. For Medicare Advantage (MA) plans only, beneficiaries can make one change -- enrolling in a new plan, changing plans or canceling a current plan -- between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2009. However, the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period cannot be used to start or to stop Medicare drug coverage, or to enroll or "disenroll" in a Medicare Medical Savings Account plan, Weems said in an agency news release.

To help clients make the best choices, CMS urges enrollees to use the online tools available at www.medicare.gov (the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder or Medicare Options Compare for health coverage) to review options for the coming year. In addition, the 2009 Medicare & You handbook, mailed to beneficiaries in October, includes tips on selecting a plan and an overview of plan options, Weems said.

Those without a computer can get the information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Weems said callers should first prepare before dialing by writing down any questions they have, along with information about their current health or prescription drug plan; have their Medicare card handy; and a list of current medications used in front of them for reference.

More than 4,000 customer service operators will provide help in English and in Spanish from six toll-free Medicare call centers across the United States, Weems said

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George Francis, U.S.'s Oldest Man, Dies at 112

George Francis, believed to be the oldest man in the United States and whose life spanned both world wars, man's walk on the moon and the election of the nation's first black president, died of congestive heart failure Saturday at a Sacramento, Calif., nursing home. He was 112.

"He lived four years in the 19th century, 100 years in the 20th century, and eight years in the 21st century. We call him the man of three centuries," his son, Anthony Francis, 81, told the Associated Press.

Francis, who even in his prime weighed little more than 100 pounds, was born in New Orleans on June 6, 1896. His son said that Francis tried to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War I but was turned down because of his stature. "We always attributed his longevity to his mental and physical toughness," his son said.

As an African-American in the South, the elder Francis grew up under the Jim Crow-era's segregation laws. But Francis maintained a passion for politics, his family said. He voted for Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s and for Barack Obama in 2008.

In an interview with the AP after Obama's victory, Francis, who used a wheelchair, said he felt like jumping up and down. "He is going to give black men a break in the world, and give them a better opportunity to live and make more money," he said. "For people who say voting doesn't matter, I think that's crazy."

Francis quit school after the sixth grade, became an amateur boxer as a young man and later worked as a chauffeur, an auto mechanic and a barber. He and his wife, Josephine Johnson Francis, had a son and three daughters. His wife died of cancer in 1964.

With Francis' death, Walter Breuning of Montana, who is 112 years, 98 days old, becomes the country's oldest living man, according to UCLA gerontologist Dr. Stephen Coles, who maintains a list of the world's oldest people. Francis, he told AP, lived 112 years and 204 days.

Gertrude Baines of Los Angeles, now 114, is the nation's oldest living person. The world's oldest person is Maria de Jesus of Portugal, who is 115 years, 109 days old. Japan's oldest person is Tomoji Tanabe at 113 years and 101 days, Coles said.

Francis is survived by 18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren, according to AP.

Health Tips for December 31

Health Tip: Tempering Your Temper

If you tend to lose your temper, you need look for ways to calm down and regain control. Stress and anger aren't good for your physical or emotional health.

The American Psychological Association offers these suggestions on how to calm your anger:

• Take a long, deep breath so it feels like air is filling your chest. Then, slowly let it out.
• Relax with light exercise or stretches, or gentle yoga moves.
• Close your eyes and visualize something relaxing, peaceful and pleasant.
• Quietly chant and repeat words to yourself, such as "relax" or "take it easy."

Health Tip: Deep Breathing Techniques

Deep breathing techniques are a great way to fight stress and anxiety, and help you relax.

Here are basic steps to deep breathing, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Lie on your back, on a flat surface.
• Place one hand on your stomach just above your belly button, and the other hand on your chest.
• Inhale slowly, making sure that your stomach rises a bit.
• Hold your breath for a second.
• Slowly exhale, letting your stomach sink back down.

Health Headlines - December 30

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 31

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is reminding beneficiaries to review their prescription drug coverage and health-plan needs for 2009 before the annual enrollment period ends on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator, said Monday that many beneficiaries will see changes in their current choices, "so it's important that people with Medicare take advantage of the enhanced tools CMS has provided to review the coverage and costs of their health or drug plans for next year."

Medicare's open enrollment period began Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31, according to Weems. For Medicare Advantage (MA) plans only, beneficiaries can make one change -- enrolling in a new plan, changing plans or canceling a current plan -- between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2009. However, the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period cannot be used to start or to stop Medicare drug coverage, or to enroll or "disenroll" in a Medicare Medical Savings Account plan, Weems said in an agency news release.

To help clients make the best choices, CMS urges enrollees to use the online tools available at www.medicare.gov (the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder or Medicare Options Compare for health coverage) to review options for the coming year. In addition, the 2009 Medicare & You handbook, mailed to beneficiaries in October, includes tips on selecting a plan and an overview of plan options, Weems said.

Those without a computer can get the information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Weems said callers should first prepare before dialing by writing down any questions they have, along with information about their current health or prescription drug plan; have their Medicare card handy; and a list of current medications used in front of them for reference.

More than 4,000 customer service operators will provide help in English and in Spanish from six toll-free Medicare call centers across the United States, Weems said

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George Francis, U.S.'s Oldest Man, Dies at 112

George Francis, believed to be the oldest man in the United States and whose life spanned both world wars, man's walk on the moon and the election of the nation's first black president, died of congestive heart failure Saturday at a Sacramento, Calif., nursing home. He was 112.

"He lived four years in the 19th century, 100 years in the 20th century, and eight years in the 21st century. We call him the man of three centuries," his son, Anthony Francis, 81, told the Associated Press.

Francis, who even in his prime weighed little more than 100 pounds, was born in New Orleans on June 6, 1896. His son said that Francis tried to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War I but was turned down because of his stature. "We always attributed his longevity to his mental and physical toughness," his son said.

As an African-American in the South, the elder Francis grew up under the Jim Crow-era's segregation laws. But Francis maintained a passion for politics, his family said. He voted for Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s and for Barack Obama in 2008.

In an interview with the AP after Obama's victory, Francis, who used a wheelchair, said he felt like jumping up and down. "He is going to give black men a break in the world, and give them a better opportunity to live and make more money," he said. "For people who say voting doesn't matter, I think that's crazy."

Francis quit school after the sixth grade, became an amateur boxer as a young man and later worked as a chauffeur, an auto mechanic and a barber. He and his wife, Josephine Johnson Francis, had a son and three daughters. His wife died of cancer in 1964.

With Francis' death, Walter Breuning of Montana, who is 112 years, 98 days old, becomes the country's oldest living man, according to UCLA gerontologist Dr. Stephen Coles, who maintains a list of the world's oldest people. Francis, he told AP, lived 112 years and 204 days.

Gertrude Baines of Los Angeles, now 114, is the nation's oldest living person. The world's oldest person is Maria de Jesus of Portugal, who is 115 years, 109 days old. Japan's oldest person is Tomoji Tanabe at 113 years and 101 days, Coles said.

Francis is survived by 18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren, according to AP.

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Premature Birth Can Lead to Sensory Damage

Premature birth can result in lasting sensory damage, the BBC reported Saturday.

British researchers, who published their finding in the current issue of Pain, discovered that premature babies were less sensitive to heat and cold. They suspect that the repeated painful procedures that are necessary in neonatal intensive care units may be to blame for the dulled sensory abilities of these smallest infants, according to the BBC.

Premature infants are already at increased risk for disability and illness throughout their lives, the newspaper reported, but this latest finding adds another danger that doctors need to consider when treating newborns in intensive care units.

Given that development of the nervous system is particularly delicate at birth, the researchers noted that the problem is particularly pressing because premature births around the world are on the increase.

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First Drug for Longer, Darker Lashes Unveiled

Allergan Inc., the company that makes Botox, announced on Friday that it has staked its claim in the eyelash enhancement market.

In a news release, the Irvine, Calif.-based company said it had received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's blessing to market Latisse, the first prescription medication that makes lashes grow longer, thicker and darker. Once it reaches the market in March, annual sales of Latisse are expected to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $500 million.

A daily treatment, Latisse is applied to the base of the upper eyelid and the full effect is seen in 16 weeks. Once treatment is stopped, lashes will slowly return to normal, the company said in the release. The primary ingredient in Latisse, bimatoprost, is a prostaglandin analog that is present in hair and is thought to help in the development and regrowth of hair follicles. The company did warn that the medication should not be applied to the lower eyelid, and that any other part of the body that was exposed to Latisse might show hair growth. Allergan also noted that the eyelashes on each lid might not grow the exact same way.

Health Tips for December 30

Health Tip: Stop a Sore Throat

A sore throat can be a side effect of a cold or allergy, or signal something more serious such as strep throat or tonsillitis. A lingering sore throat should be evaluated by a doctor.

Meanwhile, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions for how you can help ease sore throat pain:

• Gargle with a warm salt water solution.
• Suck on a throat-soothing lozenge or a hard candy.
• Suck on a Popsicle, or similar frozen dessert.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Run a humidifier.
• Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen.

Health Tip: Managing Joint Pain

Joint pain can keep you from exercising, feeling good and performing everyday activities.

It may be triggered by factors including illness, exercise or overuse injury.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers general guidelines for how to combat joint pain:

• Always follow your doctor's treatment plan.
• When possible, give your joints a rest.
• Gentle stretching exercises also may help ease joint pain.
• Take a warm bath, or get a massage.
• Take an anti-inflammatory drug, but be sure to discuss it with your doctor first, especially if the person with joint pain is a child.

Health Headlines - December 29

Premature Birth Can Lead to Sensory Damage

Premature birth can result in lasting sensory damage, the BBC reported Saturday.

British researchers, who published their finding in the current issue of Pain, discovered that premature babies were less sensitive to heat and cold. They suspect that the repeated painful procedures that are necessary in neonatal intensive care units may be to blame for the dulled sensory abilities of these smallest infants, according to the BBC.

Premature infants are already at increased risk for disability and illness throughout their lives, the newspaper reported, but this latest finding adds another danger that doctors need to consider when treating newborns in intensive care units.

Given that development of the nervous system is particularly delicate at birth, the researchers noted that the problem is particularly pressing because premature births around the world are on the increase.

-----

First Drug for Longer, Darker Lashes Unveiled

Allergan Inc., the company that makes Botox, announced on Friday that it has staked its claim in the eyelash enhancement market.

In a news release, the Irvine, Calif.-based company said it had received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's blessing to market Latisse, the first prescription medication that makes lashes grow longer, thicker and darker. Once it reaches the market in March, annual sales of Latisse are expected to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $500 million.

A daily treatment, Latisse is applied to the base of the upper eyelid and the full effect is seen in 16 weeks. Once treatment is stopped, lashes will slowly return to normal, the company said in the release. The primary ingredient in Latisse, bimatoprost, is a prostaglandin analog that is present in hair and is thought to help in the development and regrowth of hair follicles. The company did warn that the medication should not be applied to the lower eyelid, and that any other part of the body that was exposed to Latisse might show hair growth. Allergan also noted that the eyelashes on each lid might not grow the exact same way.

-----

FDA to Re-Examine Favorable Ruling on Safety of Plastic Container Additive

It's not quite the phrase from Saturday Night Live's Emily Latella -- "Never mind!" -- but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has decided to reconsider its ruling on the safety of a chemical found in plastic baby bottles and food and drink containers.

The New York Times reports that there was so much criticism of its August decision that the amount of bisphenol-A (BPA) in containers and baby bottles did not pose a health risk that the FDA has decided to re-examine its ruling.

BPA is widely used to produce polycarbonate, a hard plastic. According to the Times, opposition to the FDA's decision has been overwhelming. The department of Health and Human Services' National Toxicology Program has warned about BPA's safety, saying that research has shown an adverse effect on the brain, behavior and the prostate gland in infants. A September article in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that adults with high urine levels of BPA were more prone to liver disease and diabetes, the Times reports.

In fact, the newspaper reports, more than 200 animal studies have been published the warn of BPA's possible negative effects on humans. Canada has already added the chemical to its toxic substances list.

No timetable has been given as to how the FDA will proceed with its BPA re-examination.

-----

Health officials Repeat Caution on Chicken Jerky Treats for Dogs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued another cautionary warning Wednesday to dog owners to be on the alert for an association between pet illnesses and consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.

Since the agency first issued its first warning to consumers in September 2007, the FDA has continued to receive complaints from dog owners and veterinarians of sick canines who had eaten these products, which are also labeled as chicken tenders, strips, or treats, the agency said in its advisory. At least one firm in Australia, as well, has recalled their Chinese-manufactured chicken jerky products.

FDA scientists have so far been unable to determine a cause for the reported illnesses, and chemical and microbial analyses have yet to identify any contaminant.

Pet owners should be on the lookout for decreased appetite and activity, vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes with blood, or increased water drinking or increased urination in their dogs, the FDA advisory said. If signs are severe or last for more than 24 hours, the FDA urges pet owners to call their veterinarian.

----

L.A. Liposuction Doc Investigated for Alleged Use of Patients' Fat to Fuel SUV

A Beverly Hills doctor specializing in liposuction is under investigation by California officials who say he converted his patients' unwanted body fat into biodiesel to power his and his girlfriend's SUVs.

Dr. Alan Bittner, who had advertised nationally for patients to travel to Beverly Hills for liposuction, faces an investigation by the state's public health department because of several lawsuits that allege he allowed his assistant and his girlfriend to perform liposuction without a medical license, removing too much fat and leaving patients disfigured, Forbes reported Wednesday.

And while it all might seem environmentally friendly, Forbes noted that it is also illegal in California to use human medical waste to power vehicles.

It's unclear when Bittner started and stopped making fat fuel or how he made it, but Forbes reported that the science was valid. Animal or vegetable fat contains triglycerides that can be extracted and turned into diesel. Some poultry companies are looking into powering their trucks on chicken schmaltz, and biofuel start-ups are mixing beef tallow and pig lard with other sources like soybean oil to brew biodiesel, Forbes reported.

For the record, a gallon of grease can be converted into about a gallon of fuel. Drivers get about the same amount of mileage from fat fuel as they do from regular diesel, Jenna Higgins, of the National Biodiesel Board, told Forbes.

Health Tips for December 29

Health Tip: Help Prevent Headaches

Headaches have a variety of causes and triggers, but stress is a common factor in many types of headache.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to lessen stress and reduce your chances of a headache:

• Get plenty of sleep every night.
• Maintain a healthy diet, including staying away from junk food.
• Don't smoke.
• Get plenty of regular exercise.
• Stretch your neck, shoulders and upper body frequently. This is particularly important if you work all day at a desk or computer.
• Maintain good posture.
• Practice meditation, yoga or deep breathing techniques.

Health Tip: Boost Your Energy

If you often feel out of breath or seem to tire easily, you probably should better pace yourself.

Here are suggestions to help boost your energy, courtesy of National Jewish Health:

• Work slower, and take short, frequent breaks. Don't rush yourself.
• Find the most efficient way to perform everyday tasks. Don't make yourself work harder than you have to.
• Break out strenuous tasks into smaller projects, with breaks in between.
• Breathe slowly and deeply, and avoid short, jerky breaths.
• Plan your activities, schedule time for them, and relax.

Health Headlines - December 28

First Drug for Longer, Darker Lashes Unveiled

Allergan Inc., the company that makes Botox, announced on Friday that it has staked its claim in the eyelash enhancement market.

In a news release, the Irvine, Calif.-based company said it had received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's blessing to market Latisse, the first prescription medication that makes lashes grow longer, thicker and darker. Once it reaches the market in March, annual sales of Latisse are expected to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $500 million.

A daily treatment, Latisse is applied to the base of the upper eyelid and the full effect is seen in 16 weeks. Once treatment is stopped, lashes will slowly return to normal, the company said in the release. The primary ingredient in Latisse, bimatoprost, is a prostaglandin analog that is present in hair and is thought to help in the development and regrowth of hair follicles. The company did warn that the medication should not be applied to the lower eyelid, and that any other part of the body that was exposed to Latisse might show hair growth. Allergan also noted that the eyelashes on each lid might not grow the exact same way.

-----

FDA to Re-Examine Favorable Ruling on Safety of Plastic Container Additive

It's not quite the phrase from Saturday Night Live's Emily Latella -- "Never mind!" -- but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has decided to reconsider its ruling on the safety of a chemical found in plastic baby bottles and food and drink containers.

The New York Times reports that there was so much criticism of its August decision that the amount of bisphenol-A (BPA) in containers and baby bottles did not pose a health risk that the FDA has decided to re-examine its ruling.

BPA is widely used to produce polycarbonate, a hard plastic. According to the Times, opposition to the FDA's decision has been overwhelming. The department of Health and Human Services' National Toxicology Program has warned about BPA's safety, saying that research has shown an adverse effect on the brain, behavior and the prostate gland in infants. A September article in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that adults with high urine levels of BPA were more prone to liver disease and diabetes, the Times reports.

In fact, the newspaper reports, more than 200 animal studies have been published the warn of BPA's possible negative effects on humans. Canada has already added the chemical to its toxic substances list.

No timetable has been given as to how the FDA will proceed with its BPA re-examination.

-----

FDA Repeats Caution on Chicken Jerky Treats for Dogs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued another cautionary warning Wednesday to dog owners to be on the alert for an association between pet illnesses and consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.

Since the agency first issued its first warning to consumers in September 2007, the FDA has continued to receive complaints from dog owners and veterinarians of sick canines who had eaten these products, which are also labeled as chicken tenders, strips, or treats, the agency said in its advisory. At least one firm in Australia, as well, has recalled their Chinese-manufactured chicken jerky products.

FDA scientists have so far been unable to determine a cause for the reported illnesses, and chemical and microbial analyses have yet to identify any contaminant.

Pet owners should be on the lookout for decreased appetite and activity, vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes with blood, or increased water drinking or increased urination in their dogs, the FDA advisory said. If signs are severe or last for more than 24 hours, the FDA urges pet owners to call their veterinarian.

----

L.A. Liposuction Doc Investigated for Alleged Use of Patients' Fat to Fuel SUV

A Beverly Hills doctor specializing in liposuction is under investigation by California officials who say he converted his patients' unwanted body fat into biodiesel to power his and his girlfriend's SUVs.

Dr. Alan Bittner, who had advertised nationally for patients to travel to Beverly Hills for liposuction, faces an investigation by the state's public health department because of several lawsuits that allege he allowed his assistant and his girlfriend to perform liposuction without a medical license, removing too much fat and leaving patients disfigured, Forbes reported Wednesday.

And while it all might seem environmentally friendly, Forbes noted that it is also illegal in California to use human medical waste to power vehicles.

It's unclear when Bittner started and stopped making fat fuel or how he made it, but Forbes reported that the science was valid. Animal or vegetable fat contains triglycerides that can be extracted and turned into diesel. Some poultry companies are looking into powering their trucks on chicken schmaltz, and biofuel start-ups are mixing beef tallow and pig lard with other sources like soybean oil to brew biodiesel, Forbes reported.

For the record, a gallon of grease can be converted into about a gallon of fuel. Drivers get about the same amount of mileage from fat fuel as they do from regular diesel, Jenna Higgins, of the National Biodiesel Board, told Forbes.

----

Diet Coke Plus Claims Violate Regulations, FDA says

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned Coca-Cola Co., the world's largest soft-drink maker, that its claims that Diet Coke Plus contains vitamins and minerals violate federal regulations, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

The agency said the company product is misbranded, because it includes the content claim "plus," and it urged Coca-Cola to "take prompt action to correct these violations," according to the FDA's Web site. Coca-Cola disputed the finding, saying the complaint doesn't involve health or safety issues, according to the news agency.

The FDA letter said it was not appropriate to fortify snack foods such as carbonated beverages. Diet Coke Plus has vitamins and minerals, including 10 percent of the recommended daily value for magnesium and 15 percent for vitamin B12.

A company spokesman said the label on Diet Coke Plus complies with FDA policies and regulations and that it plans to reply in detail to the complaint in early January, Bloomberg reported.

Health Tips for December 28

Health Tip: Why You May Have Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction occurs when a man can't achieve or maintain an erection during sex.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says the condition doesn't have to be a natural part of getting older. ED often is attributed to physical or psychological causes. Physical reasons may include:

• Having a side effect of surgery on the prostate or bladder, or radiation therapy to the testicles.
• Having low testosterone levels, kidney failure, liver failure, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.
• Having chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or hardening of the arteries.
• Having had a stroke or an injury to the brain or spinal cord.
• Using too much tobacco or alcohol.
• Being tired.

Health Tip: Good Health for Men

While risk factors, age and family history play a role in a man's health, your daily habits and health regimen also have a major impact on how healthy you are.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these preventive health guidelines for men:

• Eat healthy foods. Maintain a diet that's low in fat and salt, and rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Consume only moderate amounts of alcohol and caffeine, and don't smoke.
• Have regular dental and vision checkups.
• Get regular exercise for 30 minutes to 40 minutes, three to five days per week.
• Protect your skin with sunscreen any time you are outside.
• Guard against hearing loss by wearing ear protection when exposed to loud noise.
• Take safety precautions whenever you can: wear a seatbelt, practice safe sex, and wear protective gear when playing sports.

Health Headlines - December 27

FDA to Re-Examine Favorable Ruling on Safety of Plastic Container Additive

It's not quite the phrase from Saturday Night Live's Emily Latella -- "Never mind!" -- but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has decided to reconsider its ruling on the safety of a chemical found in plastic baby bottles and food and drink containers.

The New York Times reports that there was so much criticism of its August decision that the amount of bisphenol-A (BPA) in containers and baby bottles did not pose a health risk that the FDA has decided to re-examine its ruling.

BPA is widely used to produce polycarbonate, a hard plastic. According to the Times, opposition to the FDA's decision has been overwhelming. The department of Health and Human Services' National Toxicology Program has warned about BPA's safety, saying that research has shown an adverse effect on the brain, behavior and the prostate gland in infants. A Septermber article in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that adults with high urine levels of BPA were more prone to liver disease and diabetes, the Times reports.

In fact, the newspaper reports, more than 200 animal studies have been published the warn of BPA's possible negative effects on humans. Canada has already added the chemical to its toxic substances list.

No timetable has been given as to how the FDA will proceed with its BPA re-examination.

-----

FDA Repeats Caution on Chicken Jerky Treats for Dogs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued another cautionary warning Wednesday to dog owners to be on the alert for an association between pet illnesses and consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.

Since the agency first issued its first warning to consumers in September 2007, the FDA has continued to receive complaints from dog owners and veterinarians of sick canines who had eaten these products, which are also labeled as chicken tenders, strips, or treats, the agency said in its advisory. At least one firm in Australia, as well, has recalled their Chinese-manufactured chicken jerky products.

FDA scientists have so far been unable to determine a cause for the reported illnesses, and chemical and microbial analyses have yet to identify any contaminant.

Pet owners should be on the lookout for decreased appetite and activity, vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes with blood, or increased water drinking or increased urination in their dogs, the FDA advisory said. If signs are severe or last for more than 24 hours, the FDA urges pet owners to call their veterinarian.

----

L.A. Liposuction Doc Investigated for Alleged Use of Patients' Fat to Fuel SUV

A Beverly Hills doctor specializing in liposuction is under investigation by California officials who say he converted his patients' unwanted body fat into biodiesel to power his and his girlfriend's SUVs.

Dr. Alan Bittner, who had advertised nationally for patients to travel to Beverly Hills for liposuction, faces an investigation by the state's public health department because of several lawsuits that allege he allowed his assistant and his girlfriend to perform liposuction without a medical license, removing too much fat and leaving patients disfigured, Forbes reported Wednesday.

And while it all might seem environmentally friendly, Forbes noted that it is also illegal in California to use human medical waste to power vehicles.

It's unclear when Bittner started and stopped making fat fuel or how he made it, but Forbes reported that the science was valid. Animal or vegetable fat contains triglycerides that can be extracted and turned into diesel. Some poultry companies are looking into powering their trucks on chicken schmaltz, and biofuel start-ups are mixing beef tallow and pig lard with other sources like soybean oil to brew biodiesel, Forbes reported.

For the record, a gallon of grease can be converted into about a gallon of fuel. Drivers get about the same amount of mileage from fat fuel as they do from regular diesel, Jenna Higgins, of the National Biodiesel Board, told Forbes.

----

FDA Says Diet Coke Plus Claims Violate Regulations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned Coca-Cola Co., the world's largest soft-drink maker, that its claims that Diet Coke Plus contains vitamins and minerals violate federal regulations, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

The agency said the company product is misbranded, because it includes the content claim "plus," and it urged Coca-Cola to "take prompt action to correct these violations," according to the FDAs Web site. Coca-Cola disputed the finding, saying the complaint doesn't involve health or safety issues, according to the news agency.

The FDA letter said it was not appropriate to fortify snack foods such as carbonated beverages. Diet Coke Plus has vitamins and minerals, including 10 percent of the recommended daily value for magnesium and 15 percent for vitamin B12.

A company spokesman said the label on Diet Coke Plus complies with FDA policies and regulations and that it plans to reply in detail to the complaint in early January, Bloomberg reported.

Health Tips for December 27

Health Tip: Prevent Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches among pregnant women are a common complaint, but in many cases they can be prevented, the American Pregnancy Association says.

The association offers these suggestions:

• Make sure you're getting enough sleep, and take some time to relax.
• Eat regular, healthy meals and snacks. Low blood sugar can lead to headaches.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Get regular exercise.
• Rid your life of as much stress as possible, which can help prevent tension headaches.
• Pay attention to posture.
• Watch your caffeine intake. But don't stop all caffeine suddenly -- which in itself can cause withdrawal-related headaches.

Health Tip: Sciatica Pain During Pregnancy

As the developing baby inside you grows, it can begin to press on a sciatic nerve. This can cause pain that can extend from your lower back to your foot.

Here are suggestions to help reduce sciatica pain during pregnancy, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

• Whenever you can, lie down on the side that is pain-free.
• Try not to stand for too long at a time.
• If you must stand, stand on one foot, with the other lifted and resting on something.
• Don't lift anything heavy.
• Try swimming.
• Apply a heating pad or cold pack to the area.

Health Headlines - December 26

FDA Repeats Caution on Chicken Jerky Treats for Dogs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued another cautionary warning Wednesday to dog owners to be on the alert for an association between pet illnesses and consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.

Since the agency first issued its first warning to consumers in September 2007, the FDA has continued to receive complaints from dog owners and veterinarians of sick canines who had eaten these products, which are also labeled as chicken tenders, strips, or treats, the agency said in its advisory. At least one firm in Australia, as well, has recalled their Chinese-manufactured chicken jerky products.

FDA scientists have so far been unable to determine a cause for the reported illnesses, and chemical and microbial analyses have yet to identify any contaminant.

Pet owners should be on the lookout for decreased appetite and activity, vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes with blood, or increased water drinking or increased urination in their dogs, the FDA advisory said. If signs are severe or last for more than 24 hours, the FDA urges pet owners to call their veterinarian.

----

L.A. Liposuction Doc Investigated for Alleged Use of Patients' Fat to Fuel SUV

A Beverly Hills doctor specializing in liposuction is under investigation by California officials who say he converted his patients' unwanted body fat into biodiesel to power his and his girlfriend's SUVs.

Dr. Alan Bittner, who had advertised nationally for patients to travel to Beverly Hills for liposuction, faces an investigation by the state's public health department because of several lawsuits that allege he allowed his assistant and his girlfriend to perform liposuction without a medical license, removing too much fat and leaving patients disfigured, Forbes reported Wednesday.

And while it all might seem environmentally friendly, Forbes noted that it is also illegal in California to use human medical waste to power vehicles.

It's unclear when Bittner started and stopped making fat fuel or how he made it, but Forbes reported that the science was valid. Animal or vegetable fat contains triglycerides that can be extracted and turned into diesel. Some poultry companies are looking into powering their trucks on chicken schmaltz, and biofuel start-ups are mixing beef tallow and pig lard with other sources like soybean oil to brew biodiesel, Forbes reported.

For the record, a gallon of grease can be converted into about a gallon of fuel. Drivers get about the same amount of mileage from fat fuel as they do from regular diesel, Jenna Higgins, of the National Biodiesel Board, told Forbes.

----

FDA Says Diet Coke Plus Claims Violate Regulations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned Coca-Cola Co., the world's largest soft-drink maker, that its claims that Diet Coke Plus contains vitamins and minerals violate federal regulations, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

The agency said the company product is misbranded, because it includes the content claim "plus," and it urged Coca-Cola to "take prompt action to correct these violations," according to the FDAs Web site. Coca-Cola disputed the finding, saying the complaint doesn't involve health or safety issues, according to the news agency.

The FDA letter said it was not appropriate to fortify snack foods such as carbonated beverages. Diet Coke Plus has vitamins and minerals, including 10 percent of the recommended daily value for magnesium and 15 percent for vitamin B12.

A company spokesman said the label on Diet Coke Plus complies with FDA policies and regulations and that it plans to reply in detail to the complaint in early January, Bloomberg reported.

Health Tips for December 26

Health Tip: Considering an Advanced Care Directive?

Whether you have a chronic illness or are simply concerned about your health deteriorating at some point, you may be considering an advanced care directive.

This legal document explains how you want your health care to be managed if you are unable to make or express decisions for yourself.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these benefits of having an advanced care directive:

• It should help you and family members worry less about how your medical care will be handled.
• If you should become mentally or physically incapacitated, it can help you avoid treatments and procedures that you don't want.
• If can help reduce the overall cost of your health care.
• It can address potential legal concerns regarding your medical care.

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that resembles uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Symptoms may include pain, infertility and very heavy periods.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers this list of common risk factors for endometriosis:

• Starting your period at a young age.
• Having very heavy periods.
• Having periods that last more than seven days.
• Having a short monthly menstrual cycle of 27 days or fewer.
• Having a close relative who has the condition.

Health Headlines - December 25

Merry Christmas!

FDA Repeats Caution on Chicken Jerky Treats for Dogs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued another cautionary warning Wednesday to dog owners to be on the alert for an association between pet illnesses and consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.

Since the agency first issued its first warning to consumers in September 2007, the FDA has continued to receive complaints from dog owners and veterinarians of sick canines who had eaten these products, which are also labeled as chicken tenders, strips, or treats, the agency said in its advisory. At least one firm in Australia, as well, has recalled their Chinese-manufactured chicken jerky products.

FDA scientists have so far been unable to determine a cause for the reported illnesses, and chemical and microbial analyses have yet to identify any contaminant.

Pet owners should be on the lookout for decreased appetite and activity, vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes with blood, or increased water drinking or increased urination in their dogs, the FDA advisory said. If signs are severe or last for more than 24 hours, the FDA urges pet owners to call their veterinarian.

----

L.A. Liposuction Doc Investigated for Alleged Use of Patients' Fat to Fuel SUV

A Beverly Hills doctor specializing in liposuction is under investigation by California officials who say he converted his patients' unwanted body fat into biodiesel to power his and his girlfriend's SUVs.

Dr. Alan Bittner, who had advertised nationally for patients to travel to Beverly Hills for liposuction, faces an investigation by the state's public health department because of several lawsuits that allege he allowed his assistant and his girlfriend to perform liposuction without a medical license, removing too much fat and leaving patients disfigured, Forbes reported Wednesday.

And while it all might seem environmentally friendly, Forbes noted that it is also illegal in California to use human medical waste to power vehicles.

It's unclear when Bittner started and stopped making fat fuel or how he made it, but Forbes reported that the science was valid. Animal or vegetable fat contains triglycerides that can be extracted and turned into diesel. Some poultry companies are looking into powering their trucks on chicken schmaltz, and biofuel start-ups are mixing beef tallow and pig lard with other sources like soybean oil to brew biodiesel, Forbes reported.

For the record, a gallon of grease can be converted into about a gallon of fuel. Drivers get about the same amount of mileage from fat fuel as they do from regular diesel, Jenna Higgins, of the National Biodiesel Board, told Forbes.

----

FDA Says Diet Coke Plus Claims Violate Regulations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned Coca-Cola Co., the world's largest soft-drink maker, that its claims that Diet Coke Plus contains vitamins and minerals violate federal regulations, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

The agency said the company product is misbranded, because it includes the content claim "plus," and it urged Coca-Cola to "take prompt action to correct these violations," according to the FDAs Web site. Coca-Cola disputed the finding, saying the complaint doesn't involve health or safety issues, according to the news agency.

The FDA letter said it was not appropriate to fortify snack foods such as carbonated beverages. Diet Coke Plus has vitamins and minerals, including 10 percent of the recommended daily value for magnesium and 15 percent for vitamin B12.

A company spokesman said the label on Diet Coke Plus complies with FDA policies and regulations and that it plans to reply in detail to the complaint in early January, Bloomberg reported.

Health Tips for December 25

Merry Christmas!

Health Tip: Toxic Poinsettias? Hangover Cures?

In the Christmas issue of BMJ published online Dec. 18, the researchers pointed out six commonly believed myths that even some health professionals believe are true. But, when the researchers looked for evidence to back up the myths, they couldn't find it. The debunked myths include:

• Suicide rates are higher during the holidays.
• Poinsettias are toxic if eaten.
• Hangovers are curable.
• Sugar makes children hyperactive.
• You lose most of your body heat through your head.
• Eating at night makes you fat.

Health Tip: 'Hot' Toys May Not Be The Best Present

Mental and physical development should be important considerations when you're looking for children's Christmas gifts, advises an expert at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

"Parents often feel like they have to rush and get the toy of the moment," Paula Kramer, chairman and professor of occupational therapy, said in a university news release. "These toys may be unique and novel, but they're not always the best choice for the child, or the toy with the longest life. If a toy is static and doesn't promote creativity, imagination and change, it will probably end up in the corner."

When selecting a present, adults should consider a child's specific needs and interests, as well as a toy's potential to encourage healthy mental and physical development. Kramer also suggested looking for toys that are either at a child's ability level or just above it to provide a challenge and promote the child's progress.

High-tech gadgets such as video games dominate store shelves, but traditional items such as bicycles and sporting equipment help children get active and develop spatial relationships.

"Traditional toys, such as Lego, are also great, because they help build skills such as fine motor manipulation and creativity," Kramer said. "While they come with instructions on how to build certain things, kids can choose to build anything they want."

She also recommended that parents give the gift of their time.

"Gifts aren't all about money, and children love spending time with their parents and other children," Kramer said. "Whether it's a day at the ice-skating rink, a trip to the zoo or an IOU to take them and a friend to a movie of their choice, giving a part of yourself is economical, builds positive memories and strengthens the parent-child relationship."

Health Headlines - December 24

FDA Says Diet Coke Plus Claims Violate Regulations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned Coca-Cola Co., the world's largest soft-drink maker, that its claims that Diet Coke Plus contains vitamins and minerals violate federal regulations, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

The agency said the company product is misbranded, because it includes the content claim "plus," and it urged Coca-Cola to "take prompt action to correct these violations," according to the FDAs Web site. Coca-Cola disputed the finding, saying the complaint doesn't involve health or safety issues, according to the news agency.

The FDA letter said it was not appropriate to fortify snack foods such as carbonated beverages. Diet Coke Plus has vitamins and minerals, including 10 percent of the recommended daily value for magnesium and 15 percent for vitamin B12.

A company spokesman said the label on Diet Coke Plus complies with FDA policies and regulations and that it plans to reply in detail to the complaint in early January, Bloomberg reported.

----

Michael Jackson's Publicist Says Illness Rumors False

Singer Michael Jackson's publicist says reports that the "King of Pop" is seriously ill "are a total fabrication."

"Mr. Jackson is in fine health, and finalizing negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances," Dr. Tohme Tohme, identified as Jackson's "official and sole spokesperson," told CNN Monday night

Tohme was responding to reports Monday in the London's Sun newspaper that quoted writer Ian Halperin, author of an upcoming book on Jackson, as saying the singer was suffering from Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, a potentially fatal disease that required a lung transplant. Major media outlets picked up the story, and the report also spread through Internet message boards, CNN reported.

Halperin originally said that Jackson's illness had robbed him of 95 percent of the vision in one eye and that he needed the lung transplant "but may be too weak to go through with it." A photo earlier this year of Jackson in a wheelchair seemed to bear out the rumors.

Halperin has written previously about Hollywood scandals and the troubled lives of various celebrities, CNN reported.

----

Approval Given for New Use of Cancer Drug Gleevec

Gleevec, a "miracle drug" in curing certain types of adult leukemia, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to stop cancer growth after gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

According to an FDA news release, Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) can be used after removal of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). While this is a fairly rare form of cancer (5,000 - 6,000 new cases annually), the malignancy is particularly nasty because it can interfere with the flow of food and liquids through the intestines.

This latest approval "illustrates how the continued study of a once novel drug throughout its product lifecycle can yield new and important uses," Dr. Richard Pazdur, the FDA's director of the Office of Oncology Drug Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in the news release.

Gleevec, made by the pharmaceutical firm Novartis AG, was first approved by the FDA in 2001 to treat chronic myeloid leukemia.

Health Tips for December 24

Health Tip: Enjoy Sledding Safely

Sledding is a fun way to enjoy the winter weather. But it can be dangerous if done recklessly and without precautions.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these safety tips for sledders of any age:

• Stay away from steep and dangerous slopes that end on the road. Look for more level hills.
• Make sure the hills are clear before you sled down them -- check for holes and anything else that may obstruct the sledder's path -- including trees, fences, telephone poles or rocks.
• Stay away from hills near lakes, streams or ponds. Even if these bodies of water look frozen, they may not be frozen all the way through.
• Never sled near streets or traffic.
• Never sled down a hill head-first.
• Sledders should wear gloves and boots to protect against frostbite and injury.

Health Tip: Where to Keep a Fire Extinguisher

Smoke detectors aren't the only way to prevent a fire-related disaster at home. You should also have at least one fire extinguisher available, the U.S. National Safety Council says.

An all-purpose extinguisher (one that combats both grease and electrical fires) should always be kept in the kitchen. You should also keep one in the garage, near your furnace, and anywhere else where something combustible could start a fire.

Fire extinguishers, however, won't help if no one in the home knows how to use them. Every able-bodied person in the home should be familiar with how to use fire extinguishers, and where they are kept.

Health Headlines - December 23

Michael Jackson Said to Need Lung Transplant

Michael Jackson, the self-proclaimed King of Pop, needs a lung transplant because he's suffering from a rare respiratory condition, according to the author of a new Jackson biography.

Author Ian Halperin told In Touch magazine and Britain's Sunday Express newspaper that the reclusive performer may even be fighting for his life, the Houston Chronicle newspaper reported on its Web site.

Halperin said Jackson has been diagnosed with Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, an occasionally fatal genetic condition.

"He's had it for years, but it's gotten worse,'' Halperin told In Touch. "He needs a lung transplant but may be too weak to go through with it. He also has emphysema and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, which his doctors have had a lot of trouble stopping. It's the bleeding that is the most problematic part. It could kill him,'' according to the Chronicle.

Jackson "can barely speak" and "the vision in his left eye is 95 percent gone," Halperin said.

Jackson's spokesman was unavailable for comment Sunday. But the singer's brother Jermaine didn't deny the reports, telling Fox News, "He's not doing so well right now. This isn't a good time," the Chronicle reported.

Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, treated Jackson at Lenox Hill in 1999.

"Alpha-1-anti-trypsin deficiency is a relatively rare genetic disorder that becomes apparent in young adulthood and early middle age, especially if smoking is added to the equation," Horovitz said in a hospital news release. "The liver can also be affected, causing cirrhosis. The disease produces an early-onset emphysema, just as one might see in an older smoker. Treatment for mild or moderate cases involves infusions of a specific medication. In advanced stages, a lung transplant may be necessary.

"Since this is a genetic disorder, other members of the Jackson family must be tested for this genetic variant," Horovitz added.

----

Approval Given for New Use of Cancer Drug Gleevec

Gleevec, a " miracle drug" in curing certain types of adult leukemia, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to stop cancer growth after gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

According to an FDA news release, Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) can be used after removal of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). While this is a fairly rare form of cancer (5,000 - 6,000 new cases annually), the malignancy is particularly nasty because it can interfere with the flow of food and liquids through the intestines.

This latest approval " illustrates how the continued study of a once novel drug throughout its product lifecycle can yield new and important uses," Dr. Richard Pazdur, the FDA's director of the Office of Oncology Drug Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in the news release.

Gleevec, made by the pharmaceutical firm Novartis AG, was first approved by the FDA in 2001 to treat chronic myeloid leukemia.

-----

Anti-Flu Drug May Not Work Against This Year's Strain, CDC Says

This year's version of the flu just threw a monkey wrench into the effectiveness of a leading flu medicine, the Associated Press reports.

At a news conference Friday, Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the prescription drug Tamiflu isn't working against the virus strain that is causing this year's influenza in the United States.

The good news, Gerberding added, was that this year's vaccine is proving effective against the flu. The 2007 vaccine was only partially effective.

Because it's early in the flu season, the A.P. reports, and health experts aren't certain the Tamiflu-resistant strain will continue to dominate the influenza cycle. There is also the anti-viral drug marketed under the name Relenza that could be prescribed.

Only about 30 percent of the U.S. population has received a flu vaccine this year, the wire service reports. About 36,000 Americans die from the flu annually, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized. The vaccine is especially recommended for children between 6 and 18 months and adults over age 50.

-----

New Federal Rule Poses Threat to Women's Health: Critics

A new regulation the Bush administration says is designed to protect federally funded health care providers who refuse to perform procedures, such as abortion, that conflict with their religious and moral beliefs will seriously hinder millions of women's ability to get reproductive health services, critics charge.

The new rule gives federal health officials the power to halt federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, clinic, health plan, doctors' office or other body that fails to accommodate staff who exercise their "right of conscience." The regulation would apply to more than 584,000 health care facilities, the Washington Post reported.

The regulation, which was sought by conservative groups and abortion opponents, goes into effect in 30 days. Not only does it protect healthcare professionals, it also covers a range of workers, including support staff, trainees and even volunteers.

A wide range of groups are outraged by the new rule.

There are more than 17 million women across the country who will bear the burden of this harsh regulation, a disproportionate number of them low-income and women of color. Both groups rely heavily on public health programs as their only access to reproductive health services. But the new regulation allows almost any worker in a health care facility -- even a receptionist -- to turn them away, withhold information, and refuse to refer them elsewhere," Center for Reproductive Rights President Nancy Northup said in a statement released Thursday.

"As it is, low-income women and women of color already face tremendous barriers getting health care, including racial discrimination, inadequate funding of medical assistance programs, logistical obstacles such as inflexible work schedules and inadequate child care," said Northup, who called on President-elect Obama to immediately rescind the regulation when he takes office in January.

Health Tips for December 23

Health Tip: Winter Running Safety

If you're an avid runner -- or are hitting the pavement for an occasional jog -- the onset of winter shouldn't force you to hang up your sneakers for the season.

Try these winter running safety tips from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:

• Warm up -- your body will take a little longer to warm up, so begin with a fast-paced walk for at least five minutes before you start to run.
• To help keep you warm, toss your clothes in the dryer for a few minutes before you put them on.
• Run with a shorter stride in the winter to reduce the risk of slipping and falling. Also, stay away from icy patches or packed snow.
• Dress in layers that you can peel off when you get too warm.
• If it gets too cold, run on a treadmill indoors.
• Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids -- before, during and after your run.

Health Tip: Prevent Shin Splints

Shin splints are an injury common in runners and dancers, and others who put stress on their lower legs. The condition is characterized by pain in the shins.

Here are ways to help prevent shin splints, courtesy of Community Medical Centers in Fresno, Calif.:

• If you want to change your exercise routine, make the changes over time. Sudden, extreme changes in exercise can contribute to shin splints.
• Make sure running shoes fit properly, are in good shape and are not too worn, or worn unevenly.
• Get a new pair of running shoes after they've been worn for about 350 miles.
• Always stretch thoroughly and warm up before heading out for a run.

Health Headlines - December 22

Approval Given for New Use of Cancer Drug Gleevec

Gleevec, a " miracle drug" in curing certain types of adult leukemia, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to stop cancer growth after gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

According to an FDA news release, Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) can be used after removal of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). While this is a fairly rare form of cancer (5,000 - 6,000 new cases annually), the malignancy is particularly nasty because it can interfere with the flow of food and liquids through the intestines.

This latest approval " illustrates how the continued study of a once novel drug throughout its product lifecycle can yield new and important uses," Dr. Richard Pazdur, M.D., the FDA's director of the Office of Oncology Drug Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in the news release.

Gleevec, made by the pharmaceutical firm Novartis AG, was first approved by the FDA in 2001 to treat chronic myeloid leukemia.

-----

Anti-Flu Drug May Not Work Against This Year's Strain, CDC Says

This year's version of the flu just threw a monkey wrench into the effectiveness of a leading flu medicine, the Associated Press reports.

At a news conference Friday, Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the prescription drug Tamiflu isn't working against the virus strain that is causing this year's influenza in the United States.

The good news, Gerberding added, was that this year's vaccine is proving effective against the flu. The 2007 vaccine was only partially effective.

Because it's early in the flu season, the A.P. reports, and health experts aren't certain the Tamiflu-resistant strain will continue to dominate the influenza cycle. There is also the anti-viral drug marketed under the name Relenza that could be prescribed.

Only about 30 percent of the U.S. population has received a flu vaccine this year, the wire service reports. About 36,000 Americans die from the flu annually, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized. The vaccine is especially recommended for children between 6 and 18 months and adults over age 50.

-----

High Mercury Levels Sideline Actor Jeremy Piven

The actor Jeremy Piven has been pulled out of the Broadway play "Speed the Plow" because he has "shocking levels" of mercury, Fox News reported.

Piven's doctor said he yanked him from the show after finding the actor had mercury levels six times the allowable limit. Dr. Carlon Colker said they were the highest levels he'd ever seen.

Colker said Piven's high mercury levels were caused by eating too much sushi and consuming Chinese herbs. Piven had complained of fatigue and was told to quit the show after he spent three days in hospital.

David Mamet, the play's writer, mocked Piven, saying the 43-year-old actor was leaving his role as leading man to "pursue a career as a thermometer," Fox News reported.

-----

New Federal Rule Poses Threat to Women's Health: Critics

A new regulation the Bush administration says is designed to protect federally funded health care providers who refuse to perform procedures, such as abortion, that conflict with their religious and moral beliefs will seriously hinder millions of women's ability to get reproductive health services, critics charge.

The new rule gives federal health officials the power to halt federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, clinic, health plan, doctors' office or other body that fails to accommodate staff who exercise their "right of conscience." The regulation would apply to more than 584,000 health care facilities, the Washington Post reported.

The regulation, which was sought by conservative groups and abortion opponents, goes into effect in 30 days. Not only does it protect healthcare professionals, it also covers a range of workers, including support staff, trainees and even volunteers.

A wide range of groups are outraged by the new rule.

There are more than 17 million women across the country who will bear the burden of this harsh regulation, a disproportionate number of them low-income and women of color. Both groups rely heavily on public health programs as their only access to reproductive health services. But the new regulation allows almost any worker in a health care facility -- even a receptionist -- to turn them away, withhold information, and refuse to refer them elsewhere," Center for Reproductive Rights President Nancy Northup said in a statement released Thursday.

"As it is, low-income women and women of color already face tremendous barriers getting health care, including racial discrimination, inadequate funding of medical assistance programs, logistical obstacles such as inflexible work schedules and inadequate child care," said Northup, who called on President-elect Obama to immediately rescind the regulation when he takes office in January.

-----

Zimbabwe's Cholera Epidemic Death Toll Passes 1,000: U.N.

The death toll from the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe has reached 1,111, and 20,581 suspected cases have been recorded, the United Nations said.

The capital city of Harare has been hit the hardest, with 328 deaths and more than 9,700 suspected cases, according to the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, CNN reported.

Crumbling health care and water systems have allowed the waterborne disease to spread throughout Zimbabwe and into the neighboring nations of South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.

This week, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon criticized the Zimbabwe government's response to the epidemic, CNN reported. Ban noted that nearly 80 percent of people in Zimbabwe don't have access to safe drinking water and the majority lack proper sanitary facilities.

-----

Richer Men More Likely to Be Overweight: Study

Wealthy men are twice as likely as lower-income men to be overweight, but richer women are no more likely to pack extra pounds than poorer women, according to a Statistics Canada report.

The analysis stemming from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey found that 65 percent of men and 53 percent of women are overweight.

Although they were more likely to be overweight, wealthier men ate more fruits and vegetables than men with lower incomes and made up for long work sessions by getting exercise on their down time, Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper reported.

However, richer men tended to eat out more often.

"People who often eat out tend to consume more calories and to have a higher (body mass index) than do those who usually eat home-prepared meals," wrote report authors Paul Veugelers and Stefan Kuhle of the University of Alberta's School of Public Health.

The reason wealthier women weren't more likely than poorer women to be overweight may be due to body perception, according to one expert.

"(Women) are more likely to be dieting and more likely to be working (out) and doing things about their weight. Men are very cavalier about it," Arya Sharma, professor of medicine and chair of obesity research and management at the University of Alberta, told the Globe and Mail.

Health Tips for December 22

Health Tip: Diabetes and Dessert

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

It offers these suggestions to help diabetics enjoy desserts safely:

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

Health Tip: Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetics are prone to many complications, particularly if their blood sugar levels aren't well controlled.

Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, makes it difficult for the nerves to send signals to other parts of the body. The symptoms described below should be evaluated by a physician without delay.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these warning signs of nerve damage in diabetics:

• Numbness, particularly in the fingers or toes.
• Sharp pains or a tingling sensation.
• Sores found on the feet.
• Weakness in the muscles.
• A burning sensation anywhere in the body.
• Male erectile dysfunction.

Health Headlines - December 21

Anti-Flu Drug May Not Work Against This Year's Strain, CDC Says

This year's version of the flu just threw a monkey wrench into the effectiveness of a leading flu medicine, the Associated Press reports.

At a news conference Friday, Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the prescription drug Tamiflu isn't working against the virus strain that is causing this year's influenza in the United States.

The good news, Gerberding added, was that this year's vaccine is proving effective against the flu. The 2007 vaccine was only partially effective.

Because it's early in the flu season, the A.P. reports, and health experts aren't certain the Tamiflu-resistant strain will continue to dominate the influenza cycle. There is also the anti-viral drug marketed under the name Relenza that could be prescribed.

Only about 30 percent of the U.S. population has received a flu vaccine this year, the wire service reports. About 36,000 Americans die from the flu annually, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized. The vaccine is especially recommended for children between 6 and 18 months and adults over age 50.

-----

High Mercury Levels Sideline Actor Jeremy Piven

The actor Jeremy Piven has been pulled out of the Broadway play "Speed the Plow" because he has "shocking levels" of mercury, Fox News reported.

Piven's doctor said he yanked him from the show after finding the actor had mercury levels six times the allowable limit. Dr. Carlon Colker said they were the highest levels he'd ever seen.

Colker said Piven's high mercury levels were caused by eating too much sushi and consuming Chinese herbs. Piven had complained of fatigue and was told to quit the show after he spent three days in hospital.

David Mamet, the play's writer, mocked Piven, saying the 43-year-old actor was leaving his role as leading man to "pursue a career as a thermometer," Fox News reported.

-----

New Federal Rule Poses Threat to Women's Health: Critics

A new regulation the Bush administration says is designed to protect federally funded health care providers who refuse to perform procedures, such as abortion, that conflict with their religious and moral beliefs will seriously hinder millions of women's ability to get reproductive health services, critics charge.

The new rule gives federal health officials the power to halt federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, clinic, health plan, doctors' office or other body that fails to accommodate staff who exercise their "right of conscience." The regulation would apply to more than 584,000 health care facilities, the Washington Post reported.

The regulation, which was sought by conservative groups and abortion opponents, goes into effect in 30 days. Not only does it protect healthcare professionals, it also covers a range of workers, including support staff, trainees and even volunteers.

A wide range of groups are outraged by the new rule.

There are more than 17 million women across the country who will bear the burden of this harsh regulation, a disproportionate number of them low-income and women of color. Both groups rely heavily on public health programs as their only access to reproductive health services. But the new regulation allows almost any worker in a health care facility -- even a receptionist -- to turn them away, withhold information, and refuse to refer them elsewhere," Center for Reproductive Rights President Nancy Northup said in a statement released Thursday.

"As it is, low-income women and women of color already face tremendous barriers getting health care, including racial discrimination, inadequate funding of medical assistance programs, logistical obstacles such as inflexible work schedules and inadequate child care," said Northup, who called on President-elect Obama to immediately rescind the regulation when he takes office in January.

-----

Zimbabwe's Cholera Epidemic Death Toll Passes 1,000: U.N.

The death toll from the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe has reached 1,111, and 20,581 suspected cases have been recorded, the United Nations said.

The capital city of Harare has been hit the hardest, with 328 deaths and more than 9,700 suspected cases, according to the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, CNN reported.

Crumbling health care and water systems have allowed the waterborne disease to spread throughout Zimbabwe and into the neighboring nations of South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.

This week, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon criticized the Zimbabwe government's response to the epidemic, CNN reported. Ban noted that nearly 80 percent of people in Zimbabwe don't have access to safe drinking water and the majority lack proper sanitary facilities.

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Richer Men More Likely to Be Overweight: Study

Wealthy men are twice as likely as lower-income men to be overweight, but richer women are no more likely to pack extra pounds than poorer women, according to a Statistics Canada report.

The analysis stemming from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey found that 65 percent of men and 53 percent of women are overweight.

Although they were more likely to be overweight, wealthier men ate more fruits and vegetables than men with lower incomes and made up for long work sessions by getting exercise on their down time, Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper reported.

However, richer men tended to eat out more often.

"People who often eat out tend to consume more calories and to have a higher (body mass index) than do those who usually eat home-prepared meals," wrote report authors Paul Veugelers and Stefan Kuhle of the University of Alberta's School of Public Health.

The reason wealthier women weren't more likely than poorer women to be overweight may be due to body perception, according to one expert.

"(Women) are more likely to be dieting and more likely to be working (out) and doing things about their weight. Men are very cavalier about it," Arya Sharma, professor of medicine and chair of obesity research and management at the University of Alberta, told the Globe and Mail.

Health Tips for December 21

Health Tip: Driving During Winter

Depending on where you are, winter can herald a greater risk of car accident, a car that won't start, and getting stranded in wintry conditions.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions for safe winter driving:

• Get your car properly tuned up, and make sure the tires are in good shape before winter starts.
• Carry equipment in your car, including a tire jack, spare tire, jumper cables, chains, salt or cat litter, flashlight and batteries, and a tool kit.
• In your car, store non-perishable foods such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candies.
• Especially on a long winter trip, pack necessities to keep you warm -- a warm blanket, socks, a hat and gloves.
• Keep a first aid kit in your car at all times.

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 Headlines - December 20

High Mercury Levels Sideline Actor Jeremy Piven

The actor Jeremy Piven has been pulled out of the Broadway play "Speed the Plow" because he has "shocking levels" of mercury, Fox News reported.

Piven's doctor said he yanked him from the show after finding the actor had mercury levels six times the allowable limit. Dr. Carlon Colker said they were the highest levels he'd ever seen.

Colker said Piven's high mercury levels were caused by eating too much sushi and consuming Chinese herbs. Piven had complained of fatigue and was told to quit the show after he spent three days in hospital.

David Mamet, the play's writer, mocked Piven, saying the 43-year-old actor was leaving his role as leading man to "pursue a career as a thermometer," Fox News reported.

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New Federal Rule Poses Threat to Women's Health: Critics

A new regulation the Bush administration says is designed to protect federally funded health care providers who refuse to perform procedures, such as abortion, that conflict with their religious and moral beliefs will seriously hinder millions of women's ability to get reproductive health services, critics charge.

The new rule gives federal health officials the power to halt federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, clinic, health plan, doctors' office or other body that fails to accommodate staff who exercise their "right of conscience." The regulation would apply to more than 584,000 health care facilities, the Washington Post reported.

The regulation, which was sought by conservative groups and abortion opponents, goes into effect in 30 days. Not only does it protect healthcare professionals, it also covers a range of workers, including support staff, trainees and even volunteers.

A wide range of groups are outraged by the new rule.

There are more than 17 million women across the country who will bear the burden of this harsh regulation, a disproportionate number of them low-income and women of color. Both groups rely heavily on public health programs as their only access to reproductive health services. But the new regulation allows almost any worker in a health care facility -- even a receptionist -- to turn them away, withhold information, and refuse to refer them elsewhere," Center for Reproductive Rights President Nancy Northup said in a statement released Thursday.

"As it is, low-income women and women of color already face tremendous barriers getting health care, including racial discrimination, inadequate funding of medical assistance programs, logistical obstacles such as inflexible work schedules and inadequate child care," said Northup, who called on President-elect Obama to immediately rescind the regulation when he takes office in January.

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Zimbabwe's Cholera Epidemic Death Toll Passes 1,000: U.N.

The death toll from the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe has reached 1,111, and 20,581 suspected cases have been recorded, the United Nations said.

The capital city of Harare has been hit the hardest, with 328 deaths and more than 9,700 suspected cases, according to the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, CNN reported.

Crumbling health care and water systems have allowed the waterborne disease to spread throughout Zimbabwe and into the neighboring nations of South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.

This week, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon criticized the Zimbabwe government's response to the epidemic, CNN reported. Ban noted that nearly 80 percent of people in Zimbabwe don't have access to safe drinking water and the majority lack proper sanitary facilities.

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Richer Men More Likely to Be Overweight: Study

Wealthy men are twice as likely as lower-income men to be overweight, but richer women are no more likely to pack extra pounds than poorer women, according to a Statistics Canada report.

The analysis stemming from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey found that 65 percent of men and 53 percent of women are overweight.

Although they were more likely to be overweight, wealthier men ate more fruits and vegetables than men with lower incomes and made up for long work sessions by getting exercise on their down time, Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper reported.

However, richer men tended to eat out more often.

"People who often eat out tend to consume more calories and to have a higher (body mass index) than do those who usually eat home-prepared meals," wrote report authors Paul Veugelers and Stefan Kuhle of the University of Alberta's School of Public Health.

The reason wealthier women weren't more likely than poorer women to be overweight may be due to body perception, according to one expert.

"(Women) are more likely to be dieting and more likely to be working (out) and doing things about their weight. Men are very cavalier about it," Arya Sharma, professor of medicine and chair of obesity research and management at the University of Alberta, told the Globe and Mail.

Health Tips for December 20

Avoid Holiday Injuries

Decorating for the holiday season should be plenty of fun.

But hanging those decorations -- especially if a ladder or step-stool is involved -- can take the jolliness right out of the holidays if you fall.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these holiday decorating ideas:

• Hold off on the cocktails until after the decorating is done.
• Use a shorter ladder or step-stool when possible. An extension ladder may be your best bet for outdoor or high decorating jobs.
• Never put more weight on the ladder than it can hold. Also, clean and inspect the ladder before use to make sure nothing is loose or broken.
• Make sure the ladder sits on a sturdy and even surface.
• Don't stand on a piece of furniture to put up a decoration.
• Always wear shoes or sneakers, and make sure the laces are securely tied.
• Don't move anything heavy or awkward by yourself. Find someone to help you.

Health Tip: Be Cautious at Christmas

Holiday decorations, including trees and lights, should be properly set up and maintained to keep your home merry and safe.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions:

• Never burn evergreen branches or wreaths in an indoor fireplace, as they can cause large flames.
• Be careful where you place lit candles. Keep them away from trees and other decorations.
• If you have young children, avoid putting decorative plants around the home. Many plants, including mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis, are dangerous if swallowed.
• Be careful when spraying decorations with artificial snow. Doing so makes them more flammable.

Health Headlines - December 19

New Federal Rule Poses Threat to Women's Health: Critics

A new regulation the Bush administration says is designed to protect federally funded health care providers who refuse to perform procedures, such as abortion, that conflict with their religious and moral beliefs will seriously hinder millions of women's ability to get reproductive health services, critics charge.

The new rule gives federal health officials the power to halt federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, clinic, health plan, doctors' office or other body that fails to accommodate staff who exercise their "right of conscience." The regulation would apply to more than 584,000 health care facilities, the Washington Post reported.

The regulation, which was sought by conservative groups and abortion opponents, goes into effect in 30 days. Not only does it protect healthcare professionals, it also covers a range of workers, including support staff, trainees and even volunteers.

A wide range of groups are outraged by the new rule.

There are more than 17 million women across the country who will bear the burden of this harsh regulation, a disproportionate number of them low-income and women of color. Both groups rely heavily on public health programs as their only access to reproductive health services. But the new regulation allows almost any worker in a health care facility -- even a receptionist -- to turn them away, withhold information, and refuse to refer them elsewhere," Center for Reproductive Rights President Nancy Northup said in a statement released Thursday.

"As it is, low-income women and women of color already face tremendous barriers getting health care, including racial discrimination, inadequate funding of medical assistance programs, logistical obstacles such as inflexible work schedules and inadequate child care," said Northup, who called on President-elect Obama to immediately rescind the regulation when he takes office in January.

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Cholera Epidemic Death Toll Passes 1,000: U.N.

The death toll from the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe has reached 1,111, and 20,581 suspected cases have been recorded, the United Nations said.

The capital city of Harare has been hit the hardest, with 328 deaths and more than 9,700 suspected cases, according to the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, CNN reported.

Crumbling health care and water systems have allowed the waterborne disease to spread throughout Zimbabwe and into the neighboring nations of South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.

This week, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon criticized the Zimbabwe government's response to the epidemic, CNN reported. Ban noted that nearly 80 percent of people in Zimbabwe don't have access to safe drinking water and the majority lack proper sanitary facilities.

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Richer Men More Likely To Be Overweight: Study

Wealthy men are twice as likely as lower-income men to be overweight, but richer women are no more likely to pack extra pounds than poorer women, according to a Statistics Canada report.

The analysis stemming from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey found that 65 percent of men and 53 percent of women are overweight.

Although they were more likely to be overweight, wealthier men ate more fruits and vegetables than men with lower incomes and made up for long work sessions by getting exercise on their down time, Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper reported.

However, richer men tended to eat out more often.

"People who often eat out tend to consume more calories and to have a higher (body mass index) than do those who usually eat home-prepared meals," wrote report authors Paul Veugelers and Stefan Kuhle of the University of Alberta's School of Public Health.

The reason wealthier women weren't more likely than poorer women to be overweight may be due to body perception, according to one expert.

"(Women) are more likely to be dieting and more likely to be working (out) and doing things about their weight. Men are very cavalier about it," Arya Sharma, professor of medicine and chair of obesity research and management at the University of Alberta, told the Globe and Mail.

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U.S. Public Health Agency Leaders Being Replaced

The leaders of a number of U.S. government public health agencies are expected to resign or be shown the door as President-elect Obama's team takes control of the White House.

Each of the current public health agency chiefs has severe critics on Capitol Hill and in the public health community, and there have been repeated charges that the Bush administration has let politics play a major role in science policy, The New York Times reported.

On Tuesday, Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Andrew C. von Eschenbach said he would resign on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. Dr. Elias Zerhouni has already left his position as director of the National Institutes of Health, and it's widely expected that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr. Julie Gerberding will be replaced by the new administration.

In addition, National Cancer Institute director Dr. John E. Niederhuber is expected to surrender his post, but may remain at the institute, The Times reported.

One leading candidate for the new FDA chief is Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a pediatrician and health commissioner of Baltimore. Last year, he petitioned the FDA to ban some pediatric over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.

Another short-listed candidate for FDA leader is Dr. Steven E. Nissen, chairman of cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic. He's been a fierce critic of the safety of several big-selling medications.

There's wide agreement among drug companies, drug-safety advocates, and powerful members of Congress that the FDA needs a major overhaul.

"The FDA has increasingly lost its emphasis on public health, and all of us have been harmed as a result," Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Research Center for Women and Families, told the Times.

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Illinois Company Faces Lawsuit Over Preemie Heart Drug

Illinois-based Ovation Pharmaceuticals illegally maintained a monopoly on the only two medicines approved to treat a potentially life-threatening heart defect in premature infants, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission alleges in a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday.

The FTC said that after buying the rights to the two medicines (NeoProfen and Indocin) a few years ago, the company boosted the drugs' prices by nearly 1,300 percent. The lawsuit seeks to prevent Ovation from maintaining simultaneous interest in the two drugs and also seeks forfeiture of all unlawfully obtained profits, the Associated Press reported.

Ovation set the price for both medications at about $500. Before it was acquired by Ovation, Indocin cost $36. Each year, the two drugs are used to treat an estimated 30,000 babies with the heart defect called patent ductus arteriousus. The only other option to drug treatment is surgery, which costs far more than the drugs and carries a risk of serious complications.

"As a result, hospitals have little choice but to pay Ovation's price," the FTC said in the lawsuit. "The artificially high prices that hospitals are forced to pay ultimately raise costs for families, tax-supported programs such as Medicaid, and other public and private insurers."

Ovation disputed the FTC's allegations, the AP reported.

Health Tips for December 19

Health Tip: Diabetes and Gum Disease

Diabetes can make it more difficult to fight off gum disease, and in some cases, can make gum disease worse.

The American Diabetes Association says you should see if your dentist if you have any of these warning signs of gum disease.

• Gums that bleed when you floss or brush.
• Soreness, swelling or redness of the gums, or persistent bad breath.
• Gums that have receded from the teeth.
• Pus forming between the teeth and gums.
• Teeth that seem loose or like you are able to move them.
• Any change in your bite, or the way that dentures fit.

Health Tip: Eye Health for Diabetics

Fluctuating blood sugar levels can affect diabetics' vision and eye health, so it's important to heed any warning signs of eye problems.

If you're diabetic and have any of these symptoms, the American Diabetes Association says it's time to get them checked by your eye doctor:

• Blurred or double vision.
• Pain in one or both eyes.
• Difficulty reading.
• Persistent redness of the eyes.
• Difficulty seeing from the sides of your eyes.
• A sensation of pressure in one or both eyes.
• Seeing spots or floaters.
• If straight lines or objects look crooked.

Health Headlines - December 18

U.S. Public Health Agency Leaders Being Replaced

The leaders of a number of U.S. government public health agencies are expected to resign or be shown the door as President-elect Obama's team takes control of the White House.

Each of the current public health agency chiefs has severe critics on Capitol Hill and in the public health community, and there have been repeated charges that the Bush administration has let politics play a major role in science policy, The New York Times reported.

On Tuesday, Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Andrew C. von Eschenbach said he would resign on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. Dr. Elias Zerhouni has already left his position as director of the National Institutes of Health, and it's widely expected that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr. Julie Gerberding will be replaced by the new administration.

In addition, National Cancer Institute director Dr. John E. Niederhuber is expected to surrender his post, but may remain at the institute, The Times reported.

One leading candidate for the new FDA chief is Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a pediatrician and health commissioner of Baltimore. Last year, he petitioned the FDA to ban some pediatric over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.

Another short-listed candidate for FDA leader is Dr. Steven E. Nissen, chairman of cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic. He's been a fierce critic of the safety of several big-selling medications.

There's wide agreement among drug companies, drug-safety advocates, and powerful members of Congress that the FDA needs a major overhaul.

"The FDA has increasingly lost its emphasis on public health, and all of us have been harmed as a result," Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Research Center for Women and Families, told the Times.

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Illinois Company Faces Lawsuit Over Preemie Heart Drug

Illinois-based Ovation Pharmaceuticals illegally maintained a monopoly on the only two medicines approved to treat a potentially life-threatening heart defect in premature infants, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission alleges in a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday.

The FTC said that after buying the rights to the two medicines (NeoProfen and Indocin) a few years ago, the company boosted the drugs' prices by nearly 1,300 percent. The lawsuit seeks to prevent Ovation from maintaining simultaneous interest in the two drugs and also seeks forfeiture of all unlawfully obtained profits, the Associated Press reported.

Ovation set the price for both medications at about $500. Before it was acquired by Ovation, Indocin cost $36. Each year, the two drugs are used to treat an estimated 30,000 babies with the heart defect called patent ductus arteriousus. The only other option to drug treatment is surgery, which costs far more than the drugs and carries a risk of serious complications.

"As a result, hospitals have little choice but to pay Ovation's price," the FTC said in the lawsuit. "The artificially high prices that hospitals are forced to pay ultimately raise costs for families, tax-supported programs such as Medicaid, and other public and private insurers."

Ovation disputed the FTC's allegations, the AP reported.

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Gene Mutation Effects Should Be Listed on Cancer Drug Labels: Lilly, Amgen

Instructions on the cancer drugs Erbitux and Vectibix should include information on a gene mutation that affects whether the medicines will work, drug makers Eli Lilly & Co. and Amgen Inc. told U.S. regulators Tuesday.

Recent research showed that a mutation in the KRAS gene renders the drugs ineffective in colon cancer patients. Overall, the drugs reduced by 30 percent the risk of a patient's colon cancer worsening. However, more detailed analyses showed that patients with KRAS mutations fared much worse than those with a normal KRAS gene, Bloomberg news reported.

An FDA advisory panel met Tuesday to discuss data on the KRAS gene mutation. The advisers said new types of analyses may be required to better screen people for gene mutations, and they also suggested larger clinical trials may be necessary to determine other biochemical influences on drug performance.

"Two companies have come to us to try to create a situation where they sell less products. This is the first time I've seen this at the FDA," said advisory panel member Derek Raghavan, director of the Taussig Cancer Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, Bloomberg reported.

The FDA is currently working to identify genes that interact with medications. The agency already requires patients to undergo genetic testing before they're prescribed certain drugs.

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Actor Peter Falk Has Alzheimer's, Daughter Says

Actor Peter Falk, best known as the disheveled TV detective Columbo, whose "Just one more thing" became a household phrase, has developed Alzheimer's disease and no longer recognizes people, according to papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the Associated Press reported.

The papers were filed by the 81-year-old Falk's daughter, Catherine Falk, requesting a conservatorship of his assets. A hearing has been scheduled for late January, the AP said.

People magazine's online edition quoted Catherine Falk's petition as saying that her father "requires full-time custodial care for his health and safety," and that she was worried he could "easily be deceived into transferring away property."

Falk, who has won five Emmys and a Golden Globe award, also has been an Academy Award nominee twice. He lives in Beverly Hills with his wife, actress Shera Danese.

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Cleveland Clinic Announces First U.S. Face Transplant

The United States' first almost total face transplant was done a few weeks ago at the Cleveland Clinic, it was announced Tuesday.

About 80 percent of a woman's face was replaced with that of a dead female donor. The procedure was performed by reconstructive surgeon Dr. Maria Siemionow, the Associated Press reported.

The Cleveland Clinic did not release the name or age of the transplant recipient, and has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday.

The world's first face transplant was conducted three years ago on a French woman who'd been mauled by her dog, the AP reported. Since then, two other face transplants have been performed: on a Chinese farmer attacked by a bear, and on a European man disfigured by a genetic condition.

Health Tips for December 18

Health Tip: Managing Joint Pain

Joint pain can keep you from exercising, feeling good and performing everyday activities.

It may be triggered by factors including illness, exercise or overuse injury.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers general guidelines for how to combat joint pain:

• Always follow your doctor's treatment plan.
• When possible, give your joints a rest.
• Gentle stretching exercises also may help ease joint pain.
• Take a warm bath, or get a massage.
• Take an anti-inflammatory drug, but be sure to discuss it with your doctor first, especially if the person with joint pain is a child.

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 - December 17

Actor Peter Falk Has Alzheimer's, Daughter Says

Actor Peter Falk, best known as the disheveled TV detective Columbo, whose "Just one more thing" became a household phrase, has developed Alzheimer's disease and no longer recognizes people, according to papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the Associated Press reported.

The papers were filed by the 81-year-old Falk's daughter, Catherine Falk, requesting a conservatorship of his assets. A hearing has been scheduled for late January, the AP said.

People magazine's online edition quoted Catherine Falk's petition as saying her father "requires full-time custodial care for his health and safety," and she was worried that he could "easily be deceived into transferring away property."

Falk, who has won five Emmys and a Golden Globe award, also has been an Academy Award nominee twice. He lives in Beverly Hills with his wife, actress Shera Danese, to whom he has been married since 1977.

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Cleveland Clinic Announces First U.S. Face Transplant

The United States' first almost total face transplant was done a few weeks ago at the Cleveland Clinic, it was announced Tuesday.

About 80 percent of a woman's face was replaced with that of a dead female donor. The procedure was performed by reconstructive surgeon Dr. Maria Siemionow, the Associated Press reported.

The Cleveland Clinic did not release the name or age of the transplant recipient, and has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday.

The world's first face transplant was conducted three years ago on a French woman who'd been mauled by her dog, the AP reported. Since then, two other face transplants have been performed: on a Chinese farmer attacked by a bear, and on a European man disfigured by a genetic condition.

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Self-Harm Not Limited to Teen Girls: Survey

Self-harm isn't a problem limited to teenage girls, suggests a survey by the British mental health group Sane.

The survey of nearly 1,000 people with a history of self-harm found that more than 10 percent of respondents were male and that some respondents didn't start harming themselves until they were in their 50s, BBC News reported.

About 84 percent said they tried to hide their behavior from their family and 66 percent tried to hide it from friends. Many inflicted damage to a part of their body that was easy to conceal from others or where the injury could be easily explained away as an accident.

Only about 12 percent of respondents said their first act of self-harm was motivated by a desire for attention, and this decreased to about 8 percent for subsequent acts of self-harm, BBC News reported.

The findings show that a wide range of people inflict self-harm, said Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of Sane.

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Home-Based Therapy Benefits COPD Patients: Study

For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a home-based exercise program is as good as hospital-based rehabilitation, says a Canadian study that included more than 250 patients with the lung disease.

Some of the patients had a one-time training session at home while others had hospital pulmonary training to improve shortness of breath and quality of life. Both programs yielded the same results, CBC News reported.

"Our results prove that home-based rehabilitation is just as effective and safe as that provided in hospitals. What's more, it is a real benefit to patients in comparison to a strictly pharmacological treatment," said study author Dr. Francois Maltais of the Hopital Laval in Quebec.

Along with the economic benefits of home therapy, improvements in patients' physical condition reduced the number of hospital visits, CBC News reported.

The study was published online in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Zimbabwe Cholera Death Toll 978: U.N.

The death toll in Zimbabwe's cholera outbreak now stands at 978, a 25 percent increase over three days ago, according to the United Nations. The UN also said there have been 18,413 suspected cholera cases since the outbreak began in August, BBC News reported.

The worst-hit area is the capital Harare, with 208 confirmed deaths and 8,454 suspected cases, said the UN's Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which estimated that up to 60,000 people in the country may eventually be affected by the disease.

The cholera outbreak has spread quickly in Zimbabwe due to serious problems with the health care and water systems. The South African Red Cross has sent a truckload of medical supplies to treat cholera patients and has issued an urgent appeal to fund supplies to treat a total of 30,000 people, BBC News reported.

Last week, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe said the cholera outbreak had been halted.

Health Tips for December 17

Health Tip: Where to Keep a Fire Extinguisher

Smoke detectors aren't the only way to prevent a fire-related disaster at home. You should also have at least one fire extinguisher available, the U.S. National Safety Council says.

An all-purpose extinguisher (one that combats both grease and electrical fires) should always be kept in the kitchen. You should also keep one in the garage, near your furnace, and anywhere else where something combustible could start a fire.

Fire extinguishers, however, won't help if no one in the home knows how to use them. Every able-bodied person in the home should be familiar with how to use fire extinguishers, and where they are kept.

Health Tip: Using a Carbon Monoxide Detector

If you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, you also need to be prepared with an action plan in case the alarm sounds.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions if there may be a carbon monoxide leak in your home:

• Quickly confirm that the alarm is coming from a carbon monoxide detector -- not a smoke detector.
• Make sure that everyone in the house is feeling OK, without any symptoms. These may include fatigue, headache, weakness, confusion, disorientation, nausea or dizziness.
• Anyone experiencing symptoms should be immediately taken out of the house to get medical attention.
• If everyone is OK, open up the windows in your home and turn off any boiler, furnace, chimney or appliance that could release carbon monoxide.
• Have a technician inspect all potential sources of carbon monoxide -- including appliances and chimneys that burn fuel -- to make sure they are working properly.

Health Headlines - December 16

Zimbabwe Cholera Death Toll 978: UN

The death toll in Zimbabwe's cholera outbreak now stands at 978, a 25 percent increase over three days ago, according to the United Nations. The UN also said there have been 18,413 suspected cholera cases since the outbreak began in August, BBC News reported.

The worst-hit area is the capital Harare, with 208 confirmed deaths and 8,454 suspected cases, said the UN's Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which estimated that up to 60,000 people in the country may eventually be affected by the disease.

The cholera outbreak has spread quickly in Zimbabwe due to serious problems with the health care and water systems. The South African Red Cross has sent a truckload of medical supplies to treat cholera patients and has issued an urgent appeal to fund supplies to treat a total of 30,000 people, BBC News reported.

Last week, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe said the cholera outbreak had been halted.

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Behavioral Therapy Helps Eating Disorder Patients: Study

Specially designed cognitive behavioral therapy can help many people with eating disorders, according to a British study that included 154 patients.

The outpatient counseling sessions strive to help patients understand the links between their emotions and behavior in order to make changes. The patients had one 50-minute session per week for 20 weeks, BBC News reported.

Two-thirds of the patients achieved a "complete and lasting" response to the therapy, while the other third showed substantial improvement. The findings were published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

"Now, for the first time, we have a single treatment which can be effective at treating the majority of cases, without the need for patients to be admitted into hospital," said study leader Professor Christopher Fairburn, of the University of Oxford, BBC News reported.

The study included bulimia and "atypical" patients, but did not include anorexia patients. A second study involving anorexia patients is under way and is showing promising results, the researchers said.

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Brushing Teeth Reduces Patients' Pneumonia Risk

Brushing intubated hospital patients' teeth three times a day reduces their risk of pneumonia by 50 percent, according to an Israeli study scheduled for publication in a nursing journal.

"Pneumonia is a big problem in hospitals everywhere, even in the developed world," said researcher Ofra Raanan, of the Sheba Academic School of Nursing at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, United Press International reported.

"Patients who are intubated can be contaminated with pnemonia only two to three days after the tube is put in place. But pneumonia can be effectively prevented if the right measures are taken," Raanan said.

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Salt-Cured Alewives Pose Botulism Risk: FDA

Ungutted salt-cured alewives (also known as gaspereaux fish) produced by a Canadian firm and sent to distributors in Florida shouldn't be eaten because they may contain the bacterium that causes botulism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The fish produced by Michel and Charles LeBlanc Fisheries Ltd. of New Brunswick may be tainted with Clostridium botulinum. This toxin can cause botulism, a potentially life-threatening condition that can't be prevented by cooking or freezing, the FDA said in a news release.

The fish were imported to the following Florida distributors: Quirch Foods Inc., Den-Mar Exports LLC, Dolphin Fisheries Inc., and Labrador and Son Food Products Inc.

The products were distributed in 173 white plastic 30-pound pails with green lids. The fish may have been repackaged for individual sale, the agency said.

There have been no reports of illness associated with this product. But the FDA warned that Florida-bought ungutted alewives produced by this manufacturer, or such fish of undetermined origin, should be thrown away immediately.

Symptoms of botulism can begin six hours to 10 days after consumption, and may include double- or blurred vision, drooped eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Botulism can also cause deadly paralysis of the breathing muscles. Anyone with these symptoms should be given immediate medical attention.

Health Tips for December 16

Health Tip: Braces Basics

Braces require special care to help keep them functioning properly and prevent tooth damage.

The American Association of Orthodontists offers these suggestions for taking care of your teeth and braces:

• Brush and floss your teeth each day. Infrequent brushing can lead to more trips to the dentist or orthodontist.
• The cleaner and healthier teeth are, the faster they will move, the AAO says.
• If you play a sport, you may need to wear a mouth guard.
• Never chew on pens, pencils, erasers or fingernails.
• Stay away from foods that are very hard or crunchy, sticky or chewy.

Health Tip: Heading Out on Vacation?

Before you hit the road for an extended vacation, don't forget to pack a medical supply kit.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions for what to include:

• Sterile pads, bandages and cotton, as well as an antiseptic.
• Scissors, tweezers, thermometer and antibacterial wash.
• Basic over-the-counter products, such as a pain reliever, decongestant and motion-sickness medication.
• Sunscreen and bug spray.
• Anti-diarrhea medication and an antacid.
• Toilet paper and a clean washcloth.
• If you're going to a warm climate, pack some salt tablets to help prevent excess sweating.

Health Headlines - December 15

Salt-Cured Alewives Pose Botulism Risk: FDA

Ungutted salt-cured alewives (also known as gaspereaux fish) produced by a Canadian firm and sent to distributors in Florida shouldn't be eaten because they may contain the bacterium that causes botulism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

The fish produced by Michel and Charles LeBlanc Fisheries Ltd. of New Brunswick may be tainted with Clostridium botulinum. This toxin can cause botulism, a potentially life-threatening condition that cannot be prevented by cooking or freezing, the FDA said in a news release.

The fish were imported to the following Florida distributors: Quirch Foods Inc., Den-Mar Exports LLC, Dolphin Fisheries Inc., and Labrador and Son Food Products Inc.

The products were distributed in 173 white plastic 30-pound pails with green lids. The fish may have been repackaged for individual sale, the agency said.

There have been no reports of illness associated with this product. But the FDA warned that Florida-bought ungutted alewives produced by this manufacturer, or such fish of undetermined origin, should be thrown away immediately.

Symptoms of botulism can begin six hours to 10 days after consumption, and may include double- or blurred vision, drooped eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Botulism can also cause deadly paralysis of the breathing muscles. Anyone with these symptoms should be given immediate medical attention.

-----

Dueling U.S. Agencies at Odds Over Fish Consumption

A proposal to encourage eating of fish to promote a healthier lifestyle is becoming a political issue in the final months of the Bush administration, reports the Associated Press.

A long-standing government recommendation that pregnant women and children limit their intake of fish because of the possibility that they may also consume harmful amounts of mercury is being reconsidered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the wire service reports.

This has evoked intra-agency controversy, with the Environmental Protection Agency challenging the scientific accuracy of the FDA's 270 page draft of a study concluding that the health benefits of fish consumption outweigh the possibility that a dangerous amount of mercury would be ingested.

Environmental groups are upset as well, the AP reports. Richard Wiles, executive director of the Environmental Working Group, issued a statement: "The FDA was once a fearsome protector of the public health. Now it's nothing more than a patsy for polluters."

Not surprisingly, the food industry is supportive of the FDA's study. One lobbying group, the Center for Consumer Freedom, told the wire service that it "just might be the best Christmas present health-conscious Americans could hope for."

-----

Test Predicts Onset of Preterm Labor

A test that predicts whether premature birth is imminent if a woman's water breaks early in pregnancy has been identified by Swedish researchers.

In such cases, there's a strong link between high levels of lactate in vaginal fluid and onset of labor within 48 hours, said the researchers, who assessed the test in 86 women with single pregnancies of 20 to 36 weeks gestation, BBC News reported.

The study found that 87 percent of the 23 women with high lactate concentrations had spontaneous labor within 48 hours, compared with 5 percent of the 58 women with low lactate concentrations.

Among women with high lactate concentrations, the average time between examination of labor onset was 13.6 hours, compared with 48 days for those with low lactate levels, BBC News reported.

The study about the "Lac-test" appears in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

-----

FDA Panel Endorses New Female Condom

A second-generation female condom called the FC2 Female Condom should be approved for use in the United States, a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel decided Thursday.

In its 15-0 vote recommending approval by the full agency, the panel said there should be a condition that instructions for use remain the same as those for the FC1 Female Condom. The panel also said the manufacturer should identify the study performed to establish the comparable safety and effectiveness of FC2 with FC1.

The first generation FC1 condom was approved for U.S. sale in 1993, and 165 million of the condoms have been distributed in 142 countries. So far, 22 million of the FC2 condoms have been distributed in 77 countries. The World Health Organization has said the condoms can be purchased by United Nations agencies.

The FC2 condom looks similar to the FC1, but is produced and sold at a lower cost. The product is made by the Female Health Company, based in Chicago.

While not required to do so, the FDA usually follows the advice of its advisory panels.

-----

Certain Dementia Patients Can't Detect Sarcasm

People under the age of 65 with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can't detect when someone is being sarcastic, a finding that may help improve diagnosis of the condition, say Australian researchers.

FTD, also called Pick's disease, is the second most common form of dementia and can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

In this study, actors presented scenarios to 26 FTD patients and 19 Alzheimer's patients. The scenarios used the exact same words but were presented either in a sincere tone or laced with sarcasm, Agence France Presse reported.

The Alzheimer's patients picked up on the sarcasm but the FTD patients did not, concluded the University of New South Wales study, which appears in the journal Brain.

"The patients with FTD are very literal and they take what is being said as genuine and sincere," AFP quoted senior author John Hodges as saying. He said the findings help explain the behavior of people with FTD, which is often upsetting to family members.

"(FTD patients) find it difficult to interact with people, they don't pick up on social cues, they lack empathy, they make bad judgments," Hodges said.

Health Tips for December 15

Health Tip: Driving During Winter

Depending on where you are, winter can herald a greater risk of car accident, a car that won't start, and getting stranded in wintry conditions.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions for safe winter driving:

• Get your car properly tuned up, and make sure the tires are in good shape before winter starts.
• Carry equipment in your car, including a tire jack, spare tire, jumper cables, chains, salt or cat litter, flashlight and batteries, and a tool kit.
• In your car, store non-perishable foods such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candies.
• Especially on a long winter trip, pack necessities to keep you warm -- a warm blanket, socks, a hat and gloves.
• Keep a first aid kit in your car at all times.

Health Tip: Stay Awake Behind the Wheel

People who work the third shift, drive great distances each day, and those who don't get enough sleep or take sedating medications are at greatest risk of drowsy driving.

But everyone is at risk of being impaired behind the wheel because they're too tired. The National Safety Council offers these suggestions to prevent drowsy driving:

• Get plenty of sleep before you head out on the road.
• If you start to feel tired, go to a safe area for a quick rest. But don't pull over at the side of the road.
• Try not to drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
• For long trips, start driving early in the morning, and plan to switch off driving with a buddy.
• Keep the temperature inside the car cool and comfortable.
• Take a quick break every 100 miles or so to have a snack, get some fresh air or just to stretch your legs.

Health Headlines - December 14

Dueling U.S. Agencies at Odds Over Fish Consumption

A proposal to encourage eating of fish to promote a healthier lifestyle is becoming a political issue in the final months of the Bush administration, reports the Associated Press.

A long-standing government recommendation that pregnant women and children limit their intake of fish because of the possibility that they may also consume harmful amounts of mercury is being reconsidered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the wire service reports.

This has evoked intra-agency controversy, with the Environmental Protection Agency challenging the scientific accuracy of the FDA's 270 page draft of a study concluding that the health benefits of fish consumption outweigh the possibility that a dangerous amount of mercury would be ingested.

Environmental groups are upset as well, the A.P. reports. Richard Wiles, executive director of the Environmental Working Group, issued a statement: "The FDA was once a fearsome protector of the public health. Now it's nothing more than a patsy for polluters."

Not surprisingly, the food industry is supportive of the FDA's study. One lobbying group, the Center for Consumer Freedom, told the wire service that it "just might be the best Christmas present health-conscious Americans could hope for."

-----

Test Predicts Onset of Preterm Labor

A test that predicts whether premature birth is imminent if a woman's water breaks early in pregnancy has been identified by Swedish researchers.

In such cases, there's a strong link between high levels of lactate in vaginal fluid and onset of labor within 48 hours, said the researchers, who assessed the test in 86 women with single pregnancies of 20 to 36 weeks gestation, BBC News reported.

The study found that 87 percent of the 23 women with high lactate concentrations had spontaneous labor within 48 hours, compared with 5 percent of the 58 women with low lactate concentrations.

Among women with high lactate concentrations, the average time between examination of labor onset was 13.6 hours, compared with 48 days for those with low lactate levels, BBC News reported.

The study about the "Lac-test" appears in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

-----

FDA Panel Endorses New Female Condom

A second-generation female condom called the FC2 Female Condom should be approved for use in the United States, a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel decided Thursday.

In its 15-0 vote recommending approval by the full agency, the panel said there should be a condition that instructions for use remain the same as those for the FC1 Female Condom. The panel also said the manufacturer should identify the study performed to establish the comparable safety and effectiveness of FC2 with FC1.

The first generation FC1 condom was approved for U.S. sale in 1993, and 165 million of the condoms have been distributed in 142 countries. So far, 22 million of the FC2 condoms have been distributed in 77 countries. The World Health Organization has said the condoms can be purchased by United Nations agencies.

The FC2 condom looks similar to the FC1, but is produced and sold at a lower cost. The product is made by the Female Health Company, based in Chicago.

While not required to do so, the FDA usually follows the advice of its advisory panels.

-----

Certain Dementia Patients Can't Detect Sarcasm

People under the age of 65 with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can't detect when someone is being sarcastic, a finding that may help improve diagnosis of the condition, say Australian researchers.

FTD, also called Pick's disease, is the second most common form of dementia and can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

In this study, actors presented scenarios to 26 FTD patients and 19 Alzheimer's patients. The scenarios used the exact same words but were presented either in a sincere tone or laced with sarcasm, Agence France Presse reported.

The Alzheimer's patients picked up on the sarcasm but the FTD patients did not, concluded the University of New South Wales study, which appears in the journal Brain.

"The patients with FTD are very literal and they take what is being said as genuine and sincere," AFP quoted senior author John Hodges as saying. He said the findings help explain the behavior of people with FTD, which is often upsetting to family members.

"(FTD patients) find it difficult to interact with people, they don't pick up on social cues, they lack empathy, they make bad judgments," Hodges said.

-----

Obama Announces Daschle Is HHS Secretary Nominee

President-elect Barack Obama formally introduced former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle Thursday as his nominee for U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, according to published reports.

Calling America's health care system the nation's "largest domestic policy challenge," Obama also said Daschle would oversee a new White House Office of Health Reform.

Obama's choice of Daschle to head HHS has been known for several weeks.

Daschle, a Democrat who was part of the health care advisory group of Obama's transition team, has said he was excited about the possibility of leading the new president's efforts to change the nation's health care system.

He believes reforming health care is a priority in the current economic downturn.

"We can't afford not to do it. If we do nothing, we'll be paying twice as much on health care in 10 years as we do today," he said last month, CNN reported.

In a recent book titled Critical: What We Can Do About the Health Care Crisis, Daschle advocated universal health coverage to reach 46 million uninsured people. He said this could be done by expanding the federal employee health benefits program to include private employer plans together with Medicare and Medicaid.

Jeanne Lambrew, who helped Daschle write the book about health care reform, will serve as deputy director of the new White House health policy office. Heads of health advocacy groups have described Lambrew as one of Daschle's most trusted advisers on health issues. She will oversee planning efforts, the AP reported.

-----

Hong Kong Reports First Farm Outbreak of Bird Flu in 6 Years

The first outbreak of H5N1 bird flu on a Hong Kong poultry farm in nearly six years was confirmed by government officials Thursday.

It was announced Tuesday that bird flu was found on a farm near the Chinese border and 90,000 chickens were scheduled for slaughter by the end of the week. Initial tests identified an H5 virus and the new test results confirmed that it's the deadly H5N1 virus, Agence France Presse reported.

The virus has not been found on any other farms in the area.

The World Health Organization is monitoring the situation, said Peter Cordingley, a spokesman for the WHO's Western Pacific regional office. He told AFP the outbreak isn't a surprise because the virus is versatile and tends to be more active in winter.

Hong Kong officials said the H5N1 virus has "changed slightly" and have told scientists to investigate whether the vaccine used since 2003 to protect chickens against bird flu is still effective.

Health Tips for December 14

Health Tip: Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

No one knows precisely why people get cancer, and there's no surefire cure.

But if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can help reduce your risk. Here are some suggestions, courtesy of AARP:

• Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Limit intake of red meat, saturated fats, smoked and salt-cured foods, and foods preserved with nitrates.
• Get regular exercise of 30 minutes or more at least five days a week.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun during the midday hours.
• Get screened for cancers for which you may be most susceptible.

Health Tip: Get Screened for Cancer

Early detection, by way of regular screening, is one of the best ways to beat cancer.

The American Cancer Society offers these guidelines for cancer screenings:

• Women, starting at age 40, should get an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer. Breast exams should start at age 20. An annual exam is recommended at age 40. Before that, women at normal risk should be examined about every three years.
• Beginning at age 50, women and men need regular screening for colorectal cancer. People at an increased risk for colorectal cancer should be tested earlier.
• Women need regular Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. Pap smears should be given within three years of starting intercourse, or by age 21, whichever is earlier.
• Men 50 and older should get the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal examination annually. Men at higher risk should begin testing at age 45.

Health Headlines - December 13

Test Predicts Onset of Preterm Labor

A test that predicts whether premature birth is imminent if a woman's water breaks early in pregnancy has been identified by Swedish researchers.

In such cases, there's a strong link between high levels of lactate in vaginal fluid and onset of labor within 48 hours, said the researchers, who assessed the test in 86 women with single pregnancies of 20 to 36 weeks gestation, BBC News reported.

The study found that 87 percent of the 23 women with high lactate concentrations had spontaneous labor within 48 hours, compared with 5 percent of the 58 women with low lactate concentrations.

Among women with high lactate concentrations, the average time between examination of labor onset was 13.6 hours, compared with 48 days for those with low lactate levels, BBC News reported.

The study about the "Lac-test" appears in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

-----

FDA Panel Endorses New Female Condom

A second-generation female condom called the FC2 Female Condom should be approved for use in the United States, a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel decided Thursday.

In its 15-0 vote recommending approval by the full agency, the panel said there should be a condition that instructions for use remain the same as those for the FC1 Female Condom. The panel also said the manufacturer should identify the study performed to establish the comparable safety and effectiveness of FC2 with FC1.

The first generation FC1 condom was approved for U.S. sale in 1993, and 165 million of the condoms have been distributed in 142 countries. So far, 22 million of the FC2 condoms have been distributed in 77 countries. The World Health Organization has said the condoms can be purchased by United Nations agencies.

The FC2 condom looks similar to the FC1, but is produced and sold at a lower cost. The product is made by the Female Health Company, based in Chicago.

While not required to do so, the FDA usually follows the advice of its advisory panels.

-----

Certain Dementia Patients Can't Detect Sarcasm

People under the age of 65 with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can't detect when someone is being sarcastic, a finding that may help improve diagnosis of the condition, say Australian researchers.

FTD, also called Pick's disease, is the second most common form of dementia and can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

In this study, actors presented scenarios to 26 FTD patients and 19 Alzheimer's patients. The scenarios used the exact same words but were presented either in a sincere tone or laced with sarcasm, Agence France Presse reported.

The Alzheimer's patients picked up on the sarcasm but the FTD patients did not, concluded the University of New South Wales study, which appears in the journal Brain.

"The patients with FTD are very literal and they take what is being said as genuine and sincere," AFP quoted senior author John Hodges as saying. He said the findings help explain the behavior of people with FTD, which is often upsetting to family members.

"(FTD patients) find it difficult to interact with people, they don't pick up on social cues, they lack empathy, they make bad judgments," Hodges said.

-----

Obama Announces Daschle Is HHS Secretary Nominee

President-elect Barack Obama formally introduced former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle Thursday as his nominee for U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, according to published reports.

Calling America's health care system the nation's "largest domestic policy challenge," Obama also said Daschle would oversee a new White House Office of Health Reform.

Obama's choice of Daschle to head HHS has been known for several weeks.

Daschle, a Democrat who was part of the health care advisory group of Obama's transition team, has said he was excited about the possibility of leading the new president's efforts to change the nation's health care system.

He believes reforming health care is a priority in the current economic downturn.

"We can't afford not to do it. If we do nothing, we'll be paying twice as much on health care in 10 years as we do today," he said last month, CNN reported.

In a recent book titled Critical: What We Can Do About the Health Care Crisis, Daschle advocated universal health coverage to reach 46 million uninsured people. He said this could be done by expanding the federal employee health benefits program to include private employer plans together with Medicare and Medicaid.

Jeanne Lambrew, who helped Daschle write the book about health care reform, will serve as deputy director of the new White House health policy office. Heads of health advocacy groups have described Lambrew as one of Daschle's most trusted advisers on health issues. She will oversee planning efforts, the AP reported.

-----

Hong Kong Reports First Farm Outbreak of Bird Flu in 6 Years

The first outbreak of H5N1 bird flu on a Hong Kong poultry farm in nearly six years was confirmed by government officials Thursday.

It was announced Tuesday that bird flu was found on a farm near the Chinese border and 90,000 chickens were scheduled for slaughter by the end of the week. Initial tests identified an H5 virus and the new test results confirmed that it's the deadly H5N1 virus, Agence France Presse reported.

The virus has not been found on any other farms in the area.

The World Health Organization is monitoring the situation, said Peter Cordingley, a spokesman for the WHO's Western Pacific regional office. He told AFP the outbreak isn't a surprise because the virus is versatile and tends to be more active in winter.

Hong Kong officials said the H5N1 virus has "changed slightly" and have told scientists to investigate whether the vaccine used since 2003 to protect chickens against bird flu is still effective.

Health Tips for December 13

Health Tip: Be Cautious at Christmas

Holiday decorations, including trees and lights, should be properly set up and maintained to keep your home merry and safe.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions:

• Never burn evergreen branches or wreaths in an indoor fireplace, as they can cause large flames.
• Be careful where you place lit candles. Keep them away from trees and other decorations.
• If you have young children, avoid putting decorative plants around the home. Many plants, including mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis, are dangerous if swallowed.
• Be careful when spraying decorations with artificial snow. Doing so makes them more flammable.

Health Tip: Using a Carbon Monoxide Detector

If you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, you also need to be prepared with an action plan in case the alarm sounds.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions if there may be a carbon monoxide leak in your home:

• Quickly confirm that the alarm is coming from a carbon monoxide detector -- not a smoke detector.
• Make sure that everyone in the house is feeling OK, without any symptoms. These may include fatigue, headache, weakness, confusion, disorientation, nausea or dizziness.
• Anyone experiencing symptoms should be immediately taken out of the house to get medical attention.
• If everyone is OK, open up the windows in your home and turn off any boiler, furnace, chimney or appliance that could release carbon monoxide.
• Have a technician inspect all potential sources of carbon monoxide -- including appliances and chimneys that burn fuel -- to make sure they are working properly.

Health Headlines - December 12

Obama Announces Daschle Is HHS Secretary Nominee

President-elect Barack Obama formally introduced former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle Thursday as his nominee for U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, according to published reports.

Calling America's health care system the nation's "largest domestic policy challenge," Obama also said Daschle would oversee a new White House Office of Health Reform.

Obama's choice of Daschle to head HHS has been known for several weeks.

Daschle, a Democrat who was part of the health care advisory group of Obama's transition team, has said he was excited about the possibility of leading the new president's efforts to change the nation's health care system.

He believes reforming health care is a priority in the current economic downturn.

"We can't afford not to do it. If we do nothing, we'll be paying twice as much on health care in 10 years as we do today," he said last month, CNN reported.

In a recent book titled Critical: What We Can Do About the Health Care Crisis, Daschle advocated universal health coverage to reach 46 million uninsured people. He said this could be done by expanding the federal employee health benefits program to include private employer plans together with Medicare and Medicaid.

Jeanne Lambrew, who helped Daschle write the book about health care reform, will serve as deputy director of the new White House health policy office. Heads of health advocacy groups have described Lambrew as one of Daschle's most trusted advisers on health issues. She will oversee planning efforts, the AP reported.

-----

Hong Kong Reports First Farm Outbreak of Bird Flu in 6 Years

The first outbreak of H5N1 bird flu on a Hong Kong poultry farm in nearly six years was confirmed by government officials Thursday.

It was announced Tuesday that bird flu was found on a farm near the Chinese border and 90,000 chickens were scheduled for slaughter by the end of the week. Initial tests identified an H5 virus and the new test results confirmed that it's the deadly H5N1 virus, Agence France Presse reported.

The virus has not been found on any other farms in the area.

The World Health Organization is monitoring the situation, said Peter Cordingley, a spokesman for the WHO's Western Pacific regional office. He told AFP the outbreak isn't a surprise because the virus is versatile and tends to be more active in winter.

Hong Kong officials said the H5N1 virus has "changed slightly" and have told scientists to investigate whether the vaccine used since 2003 to protect chickens against bird flu is still effective.

-----

Men's Genes Influence Offsprings' Gender

A man's genes may play a major role in whether he has sons or daughters, according to U.K. researchers who examined 927 family trees that included information on 556,387 people from Europe and North America.

The study found that men were more likely to have sons if they had more brothers and more likely to have daughters if they had more sisters, BBC News reported. The same link between sibling gender and offspring gender wasn't seen in women.

The results provide strong evidence of a genetic component affecting the relative numbers of "X" and "Y" sperm produced by men, said study author Dr. Corry Gellatly, who added that this type of male-directed gender selection balances out the proportion of men and women in the population.

"If there are too many males in the population, for example, females will more easily find a mate, so men who have more daughters will pass on more of their genes, causing more females to be born in later generations," Gellatly said, BBC News reported.

The study was published in the journal Evolutionary Biology.

-----

Doctors Call for Human Studies of New Defibrillators

Human studies must be conducted before important new technology is used in heart defibrillators, say two prominent heart doctors who helped shed light on previous medical device defects.

The new "four-pole connector" technology is a more compact way of connecting heart defibrillators to wires -- called leads -- that conduct electricity to the heart. It would allow defibrillators to be smaller and leads thinner, which would make the implant procedure easier, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to allow defibrillator makers to sell the new implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) without conducting human studies, something that "is not in the best interest of patients," cardiologists Dr. Robert G. Hauser and Dr. Adrian K. Almquist wrote in this week's New England Journal of Medicine.

The Minneapolis Heart Institute doctors said they're concerned the new technology could be prone to potentially deadly short-circuiting, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The FDA disputed the cardiologists' claim that the agency has decided to allow the new devices to be sold without human testing, the newspaper said.

Health Tips for December 12

Health Tip: When a Loved One Has Cancer

If you have a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be puzzled about how you can help.

The American Cancer Society offers these suggestions:

• Prepare meals to keep on hand, or deliver meals each day at certain times, so the person doesn't have to worry about what to eat.
• Help out with the kids by driving them to and from school, practices and other activities.
• Drive the loved one to and from doctor appointments.
• Fill in for him or her when not feeling well. Run errands, take care of chores, or just answer the phone.
• Research the disease so you can discuss what the person is going through.

Health Tip: Get Screened for Cancer

Early detection, by way of regular screening, is one of the best ways to beat cancer.

The American Cancer Society offers these guidelines for cancer screenings:

• Women, starting at age 40, should get an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer. Breast exams should start at age 20. An annual exam is recommended at age 40. Before that, women at normal risk should be examined about every three years.
• Beginning at age 50, women and men need regular screening for colorectal cancer. People at an increased risk for colorectal cancer should be tested earlier.
• Women need regular Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. Pap smears should be given within three years of starting intercourse, or by age 21, whichever is earlier.
• Men 50 and older should get the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal examination annually. Men at higher risk should begin testing at age 45.

Health Headlines - December 11

Zimbabwe Cholera Epidemic Continues to Spread

The cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe is spreading rapidly, with a reported 15,572 cases and 746 deaths, the United Nations said Wednesday.

A deteriorating health care system and water infrastructure are the reasons why the water-borne disease is rampaging through the impoverished African nation, which last week declared a health emergency, the Associated Press reported.

Aid agencies say coming rains could further spread the disease in a population already weakened by disease and hunger.

There are also concerns that cholera could be carried into neighboring countries. A large number of Zimbabweans with cholera have sought help in South Africa, which has reported 500 cases of the disease, including nine deaths, the AP reported.

-----

Cutbacks Affecting U.S. Health Preparedness: Report

Previous progress made in preparing to deal with disease outbreaks, natural disasters and bioterrorism in the United States is being threatened by the economic crisis and budget cuts, a new report contends.

The sixth annual "Ready or Not?" report, released Tuesday by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, also found that major gaps remain in many critical areas of emergency preparedness, including food safety and rapid disease detection, MarketWatch reported.

Ten key indicators were used to score states on their health preparedness. More than half of the states and the District of Columbia achieved no more than seven out of the 10 indicators. Louisiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin scored 10 out of 10, while Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Montana and Nebraska tied for lowest, 5 out of 10.

The United States' food safety system hasn't been fundamentally modernized in more than 100 years, the report said. Twenty states and D.C. didn't meet or exceed the national average rate for being able to identify pathogens responsible for food-borne disease outbreaks in their states, MarketWatch reported.

Twenty-four states and D.C. don't have the capacity to deliver and receive lab specimens, such as suspected bioterror agents or new disease outbreak samples, on a 24/7 basis, the report added.

-----

Recession Putting Burden on Emergency Departments

An increasing number of unemployed and uninsured Americans are seeking treatment in hospital emergency departments, causing overcrowding that could make it difficult for the centers to handle such medical emergencies as heart attacks and trauma injuries, according to an American College of Emergency Physicians report released Tuesday.

Even before the recession, overcrowding in many U.S. emergency departments meant long patient waits and the frequent need to redirect ambulances to other hospitals, The New York Times reported.

"We have no capacity now. There's no way we have room for any more people to come to the table," said Dr. Angela F. Gardner, president-elect of the ACEP, who added that any public dialogue about overhauling the current health system has to include emergency departments.

The unemployed and uninsured are resorting to emergency departments because the departments must see all patients who enter their doors, regardless of ability to pay. But emergency departments are also seeing insured patients who don't have quick access to regular doctors, the Times reported.

-----

High-Fructose Corn Syrup Not Cause of Obesity Epidemic: Studies

There's no link between increased consumption of high-fructose corn syrup and the obesity epidemic in the United States, according to five studies published this week in a supplement to the journal Clinical Nutrition.

For a number of years, high-fructose corn syrup (a liquid sweetener widely used in food and drinks) has been regarded as a major reason for the growing number of overweight Americans. But these new studies say that's not the case, USA Today reported.

"It doesn't appear that when you consume high-fructose corn syrup, you have any different total effect on appetite than if you consume any other sugar," said Barry Hopkins, the author of one of the studies.

High-fructose corn syrup accounts for about 50 percent of the sweeteners used in the United States and about 10 percent of sweeteners used worldwide, said John White, the author of another of the studies.

"But obesity isn't just a U.S. problem," he noted, USA Today reported.

Health Tips for December 11

Health Tip: Having Sex Despite Illness

People who have a chronic illness -- which may include heart disease, diabetes or asthma -- may have ongoing pain or fatigue that can hinder a healthy sex life.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers suggestions for how to enjoy sex, despite having a chronic illness:

• Figure out what time of day you feel healthiest and most energized, and plan sex around those times.
• Try to get plenty of rest, and make yourself feel as relaxed as possible.
• Don't have sex within two hours of eating.
• If you take pain medicine, take it at least 30 minutes before having sex.
• Drink only limited amounts of alcohol, and don't use tobacco. Both can affect sexual performance.

Health Tip: Sex During Pregnancy

While sexual intercourse throughout a healthy pregnancy is usually safe, it may not be recommended for women who are a higher risk for complications.

The Nemours Foundation says sex may not be safe for pregnant women with any of the following risk factors:

• A history or risk of miscarriage.
• Having had a previous birth that was pre-term (earlier than 37 weeks), or having warning signs of pre-term labor.
• Vaginal bleeding, discharge or cramping that cannot be diagnosed.
• Leaking amniotic fluid.
• Conditions such as placenta previa and incompetent cervix.
• Carrying multiple fetuses.

Health Headlines - December 10

Cutbacks Affecting U.S. Health Preparedness: Report

Previous progress made in preparing to deal with disease outbreaks, natural disasters and bioterrorism in the United States is being threatened by the economic crisis and budget cuts, a new report contends.

The sixth annual "Ready or Not?" report, released Tuesday by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, also found that major gaps remain in many critical areas of emergency preparedness, including food safety and rapid disease detection, MarketWatch reported.

Ten key indicators were used to score states on their health preparedness. More than half of the states and the District of Columbia achieved no more than seven out of the 10 indicators. Louisiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin scored 10 out of 10, while Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Montana and Nebraska tied for lowest, 5 out of 10.

The United States' food safety system hasn't been fundamentally modernized in more than 100 years, the report said. Twenty states and D.C. didn't meet or exceed the national average rate for being able to identify pathogens responsible for food-borne disease outbreaks in their states, MarketWatch reported.

Twenty-four states and D.C. don't have the capacity to deliver and receive lab specimens, such as suspected bioterror agents or new disease outbreak samples, on a 24/7 basis, the report added.

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Recession Putting Burden on Emergency Departments

An increasing number of unemployed and uninsured Americans are seeking treatment in hospital emergency departments, causing overcrowding that could make it difficult for the centers to handle such medical emergencies as heart attacks and trauma injuries, according to an American College of Emergency Physicians report released Tuesday.

Even before the recession, overcrowding in many U.S. emergency departments meant long patient waits and the frequent need to redirect ambulances to other hospitals, The New York Times reported.

"We have no capacity now. There's no way we have room for any more people to come to the table," said Dr. Angela F. Gardner, president-elect of the ACEP, who added that any public dialogue about overhauling the current health system has to include emergency departments.

The unemployed and uninsured are resorting to emergency departments because the departments must see all patients who enter their doors, regardless of ability to pay. But emergency departments are also seeing insured patients who don't have quick access to regular doctors, the Times reported.

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High-Fructose Corn Syrup Not Cause of Obesity Epidemic: Studies

There's no link between increased consumption of high-fructose corn syrup and the obesity epidemic in the United States, according to five studies published this week in a supplement to the journal Clinical Nutrition.

For a number of years, high-fructose corn syrup (a liquid sweetener widely used in food and drinks) has been regarded as a major reason for the growing number of overweight Americans. But these new studies say that's not the case, USA Today reported.

"It doesn't appear that when you consume high-fructose corn syrup, you have any different total effect on appetite than if you consume any other sugar," said Barry Hopkins, the author of one of the studies.

High-fructose corn syrup accounts for about 50 percent of the sweeteners used in the United States and about 10 percent of sweeteners used worldwide, said John White, the author of another of the studies.

"But obesity isn't just a U.S. problem," he noted, USA Today reported.

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Diesel Truckers Have Higher Lung Cancer Risk: Report

Diesel truck drivers are more likely to develop lung cancer than other workers, according to U.S. researchers who examined the records of 31,135 workers, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Short-haul drivers had a greater risk than long-haul drivers. This may be because long-haul drivers often keep their windows closed while short-haul drivers keep their windows open and have greater exposure to diesel exhaust, said the researchers from Harvard Medical School and the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health.

Fresh, newly released diesel particles have a greater potential to cause DNA mutations that lead to lung cancer, according to the study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

The study findings will be considered by California's Air Resources Board when it meets Friday to vote on a new regulation to reduce the public health threat posed by diesel truck exhaust, the Chronicle reported.

If the rule is adopted, California would become the first state to require a retrofit or replacement of every privately owned older, heavy-duty diesel truck on the road, the newspaper said.

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Pistol Not a Medical Device: FDA

A single-bullet pistol designed to be used as protection by seniors and the disabled will not be approved as a medical device and won't be covered by Medicare, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Monday.

The oval-shaped Palm Pistol fits in a person's palm and the barrel sticks out through the fingers. Instead of a trigger, the gun is fired by a thumb- activated button, the Associated Press reported.

The inventor, Matthew M. Carmel of Maplewood, N.J., said an FDA representative advised him to register his company as a medical device facility and list the Palm Pistol as a "recreational adaptor." The registration seemed to go smoothly, but was revoked Monday by the FDA.

Carmel got some bad advice from that agency person, FDA spokeswoman Siobhan DeLancey told the AP.

Health Tips for December 10

Health Tip: Symptoms of a Social Phobia

A social phobia occurs when a person has unusually high anxiety before a social situation, such as going to a party, giving a speech, or going to a job interview.

It may include some or all of these physical symptoms, says the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Blushing.
• Sweating.
• Feeling nauseous.
• Trembling or shaking.
• Having trouble talking to or making eye contact with another person.

If you have these symptoms, a doctor should evaluate you for a social phobia. The physician can also recommend treatment options, including medication and/or behavioral therapy.

Health Tip: Prepare Yourself for Surgery

In the days before surgery, it's important to make sure that you are physically healthy, and that your mind is relaxed and prepared.

Here are suggestions from the National Women's Health Resource Center on what to do before your operation:

• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Be sure to get enough vitamin C, which will help your body heal.
• Quit smoking and avoid alcohol.
• Get regular exercise.
• Don't use blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, for one week before surgery. If you have a need to take such medications, discuss this with your doctor.
• Keep a positive attitude.
• Talk to your doctor about how to control post-surgical pain.
• Try deep breathing techniques and relaxation exercises.

Health Headlines - December 9

Irish Pork May Contain Cancer-Causing Chemicals

Irish pork that may be tainted with cancer-causing dioxins has been removed from sale in Europe and Asia.

The Irish government ordered all pig meat products made since Sept. 1 to be withdrawn after dioxins were found in slaughtered pigs believed to have eaten tainted feed, Agence France Presse reported.

Authorities are investigating a feed company suspected of being linked to the contamination and up to 100,000 pigs from affected farms will be slaughtered.

Contaminated meat may have been shipped to 12 European Union countries and nine nations outside of Europe, AFP reported. Japan, Singapore and South Korea have suspended imports of Irish pork products.

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Commentary Supports Brain Stimulant Pills

In a controversial commentary article, a group of experts argues that healthy people should be able to use stimulants to give their brains a boost. They said using pills to increase brain function is no more morally objectionable than eating right or getting a good night's sleep.

The commentary in the journal Nature calls for more research into this area and steps to manage any risks, the Associated Press reported.

"I would be the first in line if safe and effective drugs were developed that trumped caffeine," article co-author Michael Gazzaniga, of the University of California, Santa Barbara, said in a an e-mail.

While some health experts agreed this is an area that deserves attention, Leigh Turner of the University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics disagreed.

"It's a nice puff piece for selling medications for people who don't have an illness of any kind," Turner told the AP.

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Cold Sore Virus Linked to Alzheimer's

People who develop cold sores may be at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease, according to British researchers who said the herpes virus that causes cold sores is a major cause of the brain protein plaques associated with Alzheimer's.

The University of Manchester team found DNA evidence of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 in 90 percent of plaques in Alzheimer's patients' brains, BBC News reported. The findings were published in the Journal of Pathology.

"We suggest that HSV1 enters the brain in the elderly as their immune systems decline and then establishes a dormant infection from which it is repeatedly activated by events such as stress, immunosuppression, and various infections," said Professor Ruth Itzhaki.

This causes damage to brain cells, which die and disintegrate, releasing the proteins that form the plaques that cause Alzheimer's, the study suggested.

The potential good news in this study is that antiviral drugs used to treat cold sores may also prevent dementia. Itzhaki and colleagues plan to test that theory, BBC News reported.

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Body Clock Gene Fault Linked to Diabetes

Faults in an important body clock gene (MTNR1B) are associated with higher blood sugar levels and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, according to international teams of researchers.

MTNR1B helps control the action of the hormone melatonin on different parts of the body. Melatonin plays a role in drowsiness and the lowering of body temperature.

The researchers, who analyzed the genomes of thousands of people, said their findings could lead to new ways to control or prevent diabetes, BBC News reported.

"Our research demonstrates that abnormalities in the circadian rhythm may partly be causing diabetes and high blood sugar levels -- we hope it will ultimately provide new options for treating people," said Professor Philippe Froguel of Imperial College London.

The findings appear in the current issue of the journal Nature Genetics.

Health Tips for December 9

Health Tip: Eating a Healthy Vegetarian Diet

A vegetarian diet doesn't have to lack nutrients or variety. There are plenty of delicious and nutritious meat substitutes to include in a vegetarian diet.

The United States Department of Agriculture offers these suggestions:

• Choose low-fat proteins, such as beans, lentils or rice.
• Replace meat with vegetables in dishes such as pasta, pizza and stir-fry.
• Consider serving soy sausage substitutes, veggie burgers, bean burgers or soy hot dogs.
• Avoid high-fat dairy drinks and substitute with soy beverages.
• Ask for meat substitutes or no meat in dishes at restaurants.
• Ethnic menus -- such as Asian or Indian -- tend to offer a variety of vegetarian dishes.

Health Tip: If Your Child is a Vegetarian

If your child is a vegetarian, it's important to make sure that he or she eats a varied, balanced and healthy diet.

Here are some guidelines, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• For children up to age 1, breast milk or a fortified, soy formula should be the primary source of nutrition.
• Do not limit dietary fat for children younger than age 2.
• Young children should drink plenty of milk or a fortified substitute to make sure they get enough calcium, protein, vitamin D and riboflavin.
• Give your child a vitamin B12 supplement if no animal products are eaten.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of iron from foods such as spinach, raisins, iron-fortified cereals and whole grains, prunes and prune juice.

Health Headlines - December 8

Higher Intelligence Linked to Better Quality Sperm

Data from U.S. veterans suggests that smarter men produce more, and more agile, sperm.

According to the BBC, researchers at the Institute of Medicine examined sperm samples from 425 Vietnam War-era U.S. veterans, collected in 1985 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The scientists looked at the volume and mobility of sperm, as well as scores from a variety of intelligence tests taken by the veterans.

The team found that, after ruling out factors such as age and lifestyle, higher intelligence was correlated with all three measures of sperm health -- numbers, density, and mobility.

The relationship was not strong, lead researcher Dr. Rosalind Arden told the BBC, "but our results do support the theoretically important 'fitness factor' idea." That theory suggests that certain genes work together to make certain individuals fitter, healthier and smarter.

This connection probably starts in the womb, one expert said.

"The fact that it's possible to detect a statistical relationship between intelligence and semen quality in adult men probably says more about the co-development of brain and testicles when the man was in his mother's womb, and therefore how well they function in adult life, rather than suggesting that playing Sudoku can somehow stimulate more sperm to be produced," Dr. Allan Pacey, a fertility expert at the University of Sheffield, U.K., told the BBC.

The findings were published in the journal Intelligence.

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FDA Officials Differ Over Asthma Drugs' Risks

Two members of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday that people with asthma risk serious respiratory problems -- and even death -- if they continue to use four popular asthma drugs -- Advair, Symbicort, Serevent and Foradil, The New York Times reported.

But not all members of the FDA share that view. The agency has called a special two-day meeting of outside advisers for next Wednesday and Thursday to discuss data on the drugs and make recommendations on their use.

The two officials, who work in the FDA's safety division, posted an assessment on the agency Web site on Friday, saying asthma sufferers of all ages should not take the medicines. But a third FDA official concluded that Advair and Symbicort are safe for adults, but that all four drugs should no longer be used by children 17 and younger, the Times said.

Dr. Badrul A. Chowdhury, head of the FDA's division of pulmonary and allergy products, said his assessment found that the risk of death connected with the drugs was small, and that banning their use "would be an extreme approach" that could lead asthmatics to rely on other risky medications, the newspaper said.

The Associated Press said the drugs, known as long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), already carry the FDA's strongest warnings on their labels. The medicines relax tight muscles around constricted airways, freeing asthma suffers from the need to take a puff from their inhaler every few hours. For many people with asthma, that means they can sleep through the night.

But for reasons still unclear, LABAs can increase the risk of death and respiratory complications in some patients. Those risks might be reduced if an LABA is used in tandem with a steroid to treat underlying inflammation in the airways. Current medical guidelines suggest using both kinds of drugs together for patients with chronic asthma who aren't responding well to other treatments, the AP said.

Dr. Katharine Knobil, global clinical vice president for GlaxoSmithKline, which markets both Advair and Serevent, told the Times that the FDA's drug-safety division findings weren't "supported by their own data." She said Advair was safe and Serevent was safe when used with a steroid.

Michele Meeker, a spokeswoman for AstraZeneca, which makes Symbicort, said the FDA's safety division improperly excluded most studies of Symbicort in its analysis. A review of all the data shows the drug doesn't increase the risks of death or hospitalization, she said, according to the Times.

Dr. Daniel Frattarelli, a Detroit pediatrician and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics's committee on drugs, said he treats children with Advair, and his committee had recently discussed the safety of the medicines.

"Most of us felt these were pretty good drugs. I'm really looking forward to hearing what the FDA committee decides," he told the newspaper.

Asthma is a chronic disease that can cause the airways to constrict, reducing airflow to the lungs. This can lead to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing. Severe asthma attacks can be fatal, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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WHO Sets Standards for Melamine Contamination in Foods

Responding to mounting global concerns, the World Health Organization on Friday issued safety limits for levels of melamine in foods. The industrial chemical should not be present in baby formula, but trace levels are unavoidable in some foods, especially those consumed by adults, according to published reports.

Melamine has been blamed for sickening nearly 300,000 children in China and may have caused six deaths, Agence France-Presse reported.

Friday's action marks the first time the United Nations-affiliated agency has set safety limits for the chemical, which is used in the production of plastic products. WHO officials stressed, however, that melamine "should not be in food," even though traces are sometimes unavoidable, the news service said.

Melamine can cause kidney stones if consumed in excessive levels; in severe cases, it can cause kidney failure. The chemical has been routinely mixed into Chinese milk and dairy products to boost protein content.

Jorgen Schlundt, the WHO director for food safety, said the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) threshold states that a 50 kilogram (110-pound) person could tolerate 10 milligrams of melamine a day. This is not a "safe" level, but rather the amount a human being can consume without higher health risks, Schlundt said, according to the Associated Press.

"The TDI is meant to help national authorities set safe limits in food for withdrawal purposes should melamine be detected as a result of intentional adulteration," added the WHO.

The melamine scandal has prompted many countries around the world, including the 27-nation European Union, to ban Chinese milk imports, AFP said. The United States has put in place an import alert that requires importers to prove that Chinese milk products are melamine-free.

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced an allowable threshold of 1 part per million of melamine in baby formula. The FDA had originally said that no levels of the chemical were acceptable.

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Alzheimer's Drug May Help Brain Cancer Patients

An experimental Alzheimer's drug may be effective against highly aggressive brain tumors called malignant gliomas that are resistant to conventional treatments, according to Canadian researchers.

The University of Calgary team identified a "switch" activated by a protein already present in the brain that enables cancer cells to spread from the primary brain tumor. The Alzheimer's drug prevents that switch from being turned on, CBC News reported.

The study was published in the journal PLoS Biology.

"Several drug companies have already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in developing drugs that target this process, although in Alzheimer's, not in cancer, so it's sort of a new way to think about it, and we have a leg up where we could make an impact," oncology professor Dr. Peter Forsyth told CBC News.

Clinical trials to test this treatment on brain cancer patients in Alberta could begin within a few years, he said.

Health Tips for December 8

Health Tip: When Your Baby Needs Shots

When it's time for your baby to get important vaccines, you should stay calm and keep the baby distracted and as comfortable as possible.

Here are suggestions to help you and baby get through it, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Talk to your child softly and calmly, and don't let yourself get visibly upset.
• Facing you, hold your baby on your lap in a firm hug during the shot.
• Try to distract your baby by blowing some bubbles or shaking a toy.
• For a very young baby, try putting a bit of sugar on the tongue or on the pacifier.
• Before your baby gets the shot, apply pressure to the area.

Health Tip: Keep Bathroom Chemicals Locked Up

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

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

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

Health Headlines - December 7

FDA Officials Differ Over Asthma Drugs' Risks

Two members of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday that people with asthma risk serious respiratory problems -- and even death -- if they continue to use four popular asthma drugs -- Advair, Symbicort, Serevent and Foradil, The New York Times reported.

But not all members of the FDA share that view. The agency has called a special two-day meeting of outside advisers for next Wednesday and Thursday to discuss data on the drugs and make recommendations on their use.

The two officials, who work in the FDA's safety division, posted an assessment on the agency Web site on Friday, saying asthma sufferers of all ages should not take the medicines. But a third FDA official concluded that Advair and Symbicort are safe for adults, but that all four drugs should no longer be used by children 17 and younger, the Times said.

Dr. Badrul A. Chowdhury, head of the FDA's division of pulmonary and allergy products, said his assessment found that the risk of death connected with the drugs was small, and that banning their use "would be an extreme approach" that could lead asthmatics to rely on other risky medications, the newspaper said.

The Associated Press said the drugs, known as long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), already carry the FDA's strongest warnings on their labels. The medicines relax tight muscles around constricted airways, freeing asthma suffers from the need to take a puff from their inhaler every few hours. For many people with asthma, that means they can sleep through the night.

But for reasons still unclear, LABAs can increase the risk of death and respiratory complications in some patients. Those risks might be reduced if an LABA is used in tandem with a steroid to treat underlying inflammation in the airways. Current medical guidelines suggest using both kinds of drugs together for patients with chronic asthma who aren't responding well to other treatments, the AP said.

Dr. Katharine Knobil, global clinical vice president for GlaxoSmithKline, which markets both Advair and Serevent, told the Times that the FDA's drug-safety division findings weren't "supported by their own data." She said Advair was safe and Serevent was safe when used with a steroid.

Michele Meeker, a spokeswoman for AstraZeneca, which makes Symbicort, said the FDA's safety division improperly excluded most studies of Symbicort in its analysis. A review of all the data shows the drug doesn't increase the risks of death or hospitalization, she said, according to the Times.

Dr. Daniel Frattarelli, a Detroit pediatrician and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics's committee on drugs, said he treats children with Advair, and his committee had recently discussed the safety of the medicines.

"Most of us felt these were pretty good drugs. I'm really looking forward to hearing what the FDA committee decides," he told the newspaper.

Asthma is a chronic disease that can cause the airways to constrict, reducing airflow to the lungs. This can lead to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing. Severe asthma attacks can be fatal, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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WHO Sets Standards for Melamine Contamination in Foods

Responding to mounting global concerns, the World Health Organization on Friday issued safety limits for levels of melamine in foods. The industrial chemical should not be present in baby formula, but trace levels are unavoidable in some foods, especially those consumed by adults, according to published reports.

Melamine has been blamed for sickening nearly 300,000 children in China and may have caused six deaths, Agence France-Presse reported.

Friday's action marks the first time the United Nations-affiliated agency has set safety limits for the chemical, which is used in the production of plastic products. WHO officials stressed, however, that melamine "should not be in food," even though traces are sometimes unavoidable, the news service said.

Melamine can cause kidney stones if consumed in excessive levels; in severe cases, it can cause kidney failure. The chemical has been routinely mixed into Chinese milk and dairy products to boost protein content.

Jorgen Schlundt, the WHO director for food safety, said the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) threshold states that a 50 kilogram (110-pound) person could tolerate 10 milligrams of melamine a day. This is not a "safe" level, but rather the amount a human being can consume without higher health risks, Schlundt said, according to the Associated Press.

"The TDI is meant to help national authorities set safe limits in food for withdrawal purposes should melamine be detected as a result of intentional adulteration," added the WHO.

The melamine scandal has prompted many countries around the world, including the 27-nation European Union, to ban Chinese milk imports, AFP said. The United States has put in place an import alert that requires importers to prove that Chinese milk products are melamine-free.

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced an allowable threshold of 1 part per million of melamine in baby formula. The FDA had originally said that no levels of the chemical were acceptable.

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Alzheimer's Drug May Help Brain Cancer Patients

An experimental Alzheimer's drug may be effective against highly aggressive brain tumors called malignant gliomas that are resistant to conventional treatments, according to Canadian researchers.

The University of Calgary team identified a "switch" activated by a protein already present in the brain that enables cancer cells to spread from the primary brain tumor. The Alzheimer's drug prevents that switch from being turned on, CBC News reported.

The study was published in the journal PLoS Biology.

"Several drug companies have already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in developing drugs that target this process, although in Alzheimer's, not in cancer, so it's sort of a new way to think about it, and we have a leg up where we could make an impact," oncology professor Dr. Peter Forsyth told CBC News.

Clinical trials to test this treatment on brain cancer patients in Alberta could begin within a few years, he said.

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Bed Sore-Related Hospitalizations Up 80%: Report

Between 1993 and 2006 there was an 80 percent increase in hospitalizations for pressure ulcers -- better known as bed sores, according to the latest News and Numbers from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The agency's analysis of data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample found that of the 503,300 pressure ulcer-related hospitalizations in 2006:

• Pressure ulcers were the primary diagnosis in about 45,000 hospital admissions, compared to 35,800 in 1993.
• Pressure ulcers were a secondary diagnosis in 457,800 hospital admissions in 2006, compared to 245,600 in 1993. Most of these patients were admitted for pneumonia, infection or other medical problems and developed pressure ulcers before or after hospital admission.
• Death occurred in about one in 25 of cases in which pressure ulcers were the primary diagnosis, and in about one in eight cases in which pressure ulcers were a secondary diagnosis.
• Pressure ulcer-related hospitalizations last longer and cost more than many other hospitalizations. The overall average hospital stay is five days and costs about $10,000. The average pressure ulcer-related hospital stay is 13 to 14 days and costs $16,755 to $20,430, depending on medical circumstances.

Bed sores typically occur among patients who can't move or who have lost sensation. Older patients, stroke victims, and people who are paralyzed, have diabetes or dementia are at high risk for bed sores.

Health Tips for December 7

Health Tip: Allergies to the Flu Shot

The flu vaccine is safe for most people, but some people could experience dangerous complications from the flu vaccine, including an allergic reaction.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the following people should not get a flu shot without first speaking to their doctor:

• Anyone with an egg allergy.
• Anyone who has had a previous severe reaction to a flu shot.
• Children younger than 6 months old.
• Anyone who developed a condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome within six weeks of receiving a previous flu shot.
• Anyone who is ill with a fever should wait until they are healthy again to have the flu shot.

Health Tip: Symptoms of a Drug Allergy

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

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

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

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

Health Headlines - December 6

WHO Sets Standards for Melamine Contamination in Foods

Responding to mounting global concerns, the World Health Organization on Friday issued safety limits for levels of melamine in foods. The industrial chemical should not be present in baby formula, but trace levels are unavoidable in some foods, especially those consumed by adults, according to published reports.

Melamine has been blamed for sickening nearly 300,000 children in China and may have caused six deaths, Agence France-Presse reported.

Friday's action marks the first time the United Nations-affiliated agency has set safety limits for the chemical, which is used in the production of plastic products. WHO officials stressed, however, that melamine "should not be in food," even though traces are sometimes unavoidable, the news service said.

Melamine can cause kidney stones if consumed in excessive levels; in severe cases, it can cause kidney failure. The chemical has been routinely mixed into Chinese milk and dairy products to boost protein content.

Jorgen Schlundt, the WHO director for food safety, said the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) threshold states that a 50 kilogram (110-pound) person could tolerate 10 milligrams of melamine a day. This is not a "safe" level, but rather the amount a human being can consume without higher health risks, Schlundt said, according to the Associated Press.

"The TDI is meant to help national authorities set safe limits in food for withdrawal purposes should melamine be detected as a result of intentional adulteration," added the WHO.

The melamine scandal has prompted many countries around the world, including the 27-nation European Union, to ban Chinese milk imports, AFP said. The United States has put in place an import alert that requires importers to prove that Chinese milk products are melamine-free.

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced an allowable threshold of 1 part per million of melamine in baby formula. The FDA had originally said that no levels of the chemical were acceptable.

-----

Alzheimer's Drug May Help Brain Cancer Patients

An experimental Alzheimer's drug may be effective against highly aggressive brain tumors called malignant gliomas that are resistant to conventional treatments, according to Canadian researchers.

The University of Calgary team identified a "switch" activated by a protein already present in the brain that enables cancer cells to spread from the primary brain tumor. The Alzheimer's drug prevents that switch from being turned on, CBC News reported.

The study was published in the journal PLoS Biology.

"Several drug companies have already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in developing drugs that target this process, although in Alzheimer's, not in cancer, so it's sort of a new way to think about it, and we have a leg up where we could make an impact," oncology professor Dr. Peter Forsyth told CBC News.

Clinical trials to test this treatment on brain cancer patients in Alberta could begin within a few years, he said.

-----

Bed Sore-Related Hospitalizations Up 80%: Report

Between 1993 and 2006 there was an 80 percent increase in hospitalizations for pressure ulcers -- better known as bed sores, according to the latest News and Numbers from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The agency's analysis of data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample found that of the 503,300 pressure ulcer-related hospitalizations in 2006:

• Pressure ulcers were the primary diagnosis in about 45,000 hospital admissions, compared to 35,800 in 1993.
• Pressure ulcers were a secondary diagnosis in 457,800 hospital admissions in 2006, compared to 245,600 in 1993. Most of these patients were admitted for pneumonia, infection or other medical problems and developed pressure ulcers before or after hospital admission.
• Death occurred in about one in 25 of cases in which pressure ulcers were the primary diagnosis, and in about one in eight cases in which pressure ulcers were a secondary diagnosis.
• Pressure ulcer-related hospitalizations last longer and cost more than many other hospitalizations. The overall average hospital stay is five days and costs about $10,000. The average pressure ulcer-related hospital stay is 13 to 14 days and costs $16,755 to $20,430, depending on medical circumstances.

Bed sores typically occur among patients who can't move or who have lost sensation. Older patients, stroke victims, and people who are paralyzed, have diabetes or dementia are at high risk for bed sores.

-----

Medicare, Social Security Owe $52 Trillion

Medicare and Social Security currently owe up to $52 trillion to people who have already earned these benefits, a figure that's up to 3.5 times greater than the entire U.S. economy ($14 trillion), according to a National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) study released this week.

According to the study, $9.5 trillion is owed to current retirees, an amount equal to almost $250,000 per person 65 years of age or older in 2008. Adding those aged 55 and older brings that figure to $20.6 trillion and adding in benefits earned by younger workers over the age of 22 brings the total to as much as $52 trillion.

Currently, Medicare and Social Security combined spend more than they receive in premiums and dedicated taxes. By 2012, one of every 10 income tax dollars will be needed to close the funding gap for Social Security and Medicare. That will increase to half of all income tax dollars by 2030 and almost 80 percent of tax dollars by 2070, according to the study.

"Without reform, paying for elderly entitlements will crowd out other federal spending or will require substantial tax increases. The longer we postpone reform, the worse the financial picture becomes," said study co- author Andrew Rettenmaier, a senior fellow at the NCPA, which promotes market-driven solutions to issues.

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Americans' Health May Decline: Report

Americans' health improved by 18 percent between 1990 and 2000, but has leveled off over the past four years and may be about to decline, according to the 2008 America's Health Rankings report released Wednesday.

Weight gain, tobacco addiction and rising rates of chronic diseases are the most serious threats to previous advances in the nation's health, USA Today reported.

"This is a perfect storm," said Reed Tuckson, of the United Health Foundation, one of the report sponsors, along with the American Public Health Association and the Partnership for Prevention.

Researchers analyzed 22 health measures, including access to medical care, immunizations, prenatal care, infant mortality, heart disease deaths, infectious disease deaths, smoking cessation, violent crime, and occupational fatalities.

Vermont, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Utah were the healthiest states while Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana were the least healthy, said the health rankings report, USA Today reported.

Vermont, the healthiest state, had a lower smoking rate than the national average (17.6 percent vs. 20 percent), a slower increase in obesity than the national rate, and a higher percentage of people with health insurance. Louisiana, the least healthy state, had a high infant death rate, high cancer death rates, and high rates of racial disparities in health care, according to the report.

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Cleveland Clinic to Disclose Doctors' Business Ties

In what's believed to be a first for a major U.S. medical center, the Cleveland Clinic this week started to publicly report business ties between its 1,800 staff doctors and scientists and drug and medical device makers.

Disclosure of such financial links are posted on the Web site of the clinic, one of the nation's leading medical research centers.

"They are breaking a new path here," Dr. David J. Rothman, president of the nonprofit Institute on Medicine as a Profession, told The New York Times. The Columbia University-based group studies potential conflicts of interest.

In the United States, doctors' and scientists' connections to industry are often kept secret, a practice that can harm the integrity of medical research and patient care, according to critics.

The Cleveland Clinic's move was praised by Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R- Iowa), who's introduced legislation to force drug and medical device makers to disclose payments they make to doctors.

"Patients deserve easy access to information about their doctors' relationships with drug companies and the Cleveland Clinic is making that possible," Grassley said in a statement, the Times reported.

Health Tips for December 6

Health Tip: Warning Signs for Ovarian Cancer

The symptoms of ovarian cancer -- a form of cancer that's often life-threatening -- can mimic symptoms of other conditions. So it's best to have them evaluated by a doctor.

The U.S. National Cancer Institute says these may be signs of ovarian cancer:

• Frequent or constant fatigue.
• Constipation, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, or gas.
• A feeling of pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs.
• A swollen or bloated abdomen.

Health Tip: Vaccinations for Adults

Vaccinations aren't just for kids. There are periodic vaccines that adults should get to stay healthy, too.

The Cleveland Clinic lists these vaccines recommended for people aged 18 and older:

• Get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.
• A pneumonia vaccine is suggested at age 65. People with a chronic illness should get it before age 65.
• An annual flu shot is recommended for anyone 65 or older, health-care workers, people with chronic illness, pregnant women, and people who care for very young children.
• A hepatitis B shot is suggested for health-care workers, homosexual men, people with multiple sex partners, I.V. drug users, people on hemodialysis, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
• A measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is suggested for women of child-bearing age, college students, health-care workers, and people who travel internationally. All of those people -- plus teachers and day-care workers -- should also have a varicella vaccine.

Health Headlines - December 5

Melamine Found in More Chinese Eggs

The industrial chemical melamine has been found in another Chinese brand of eggs, Hong Kong health authorities said.

The eggs from a farm in Dehui City in the northeastern province of Jilin were distributed through a local importer in a wholesale food market. The importer has been told to stop selling the eggs and officials are trying to determine where the eggs may have been sold. The eggs were distributed to some bakeries but not to any other retail outlets,BBC News reported.

In October, Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety announced that melamine had been detected in Chinese produced eggs. In that case, it's believed the melamine came from tainted chicken feed. Since then, the center has tested 307 egg samples and found four of them had nearly twice the legal limit of melamine.

There's an allowable limit of 2.5 parts per million (ppm) of melamine in food. Tests showed the latest batch of eggs had 4.7 ppm of melamine, BBC News reported.

Earlier this week, Chinese health officials said a total of 294,000 children in China have fallen ill so far, after consuming melamine-tainted dairy products, and 154 of them remained in serious condition.

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Bed Sore-Related Hospitalizations Up 80 Percent: Report

Between 1993 and 2006 there was an 80 percent increase in hospitalizations for pressure ulcers -- better known as bed sores, according to the latest News and Numbers from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The agency's analysis of data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample found that of the 503,300 pressure ulcer-related hospitalizations in 2006:

• Pressure ulcers were the primary diagnosis in about 45,000 hospital admissions, compared to 35,800 in 1993.
• Pressure ulcers were a secondary diagnosis in 457,800 hospital admissions in 2006, compared to 245,600 in 1993. Most of these patients were admitted for pneumonia, infection or other medical problems and developed pressure ulcers before or after hospital admission.
• Death occurred in about one in 25 of cases in which pressure ulcers were the primary diagnosis, and in about one in eight cases in which pressure ulcers were a secondary diagnosis.
• Pressure ulcer-related hospitalizations last longer and cost more than many other hospitalizations. The overall average hospital stay is five days and costs about $10,000. The average pressure ulcer-related hospital stay is 13 to 14 days and costs $16,755 to $20,430, depending on medical circumstances.

Bed sores typically occur among patients who can't move or who have lost sensation. Older patients, stroke victims, and people who are paralyzed, have diabetes or dementia are at high risk for bed sores.

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Medicare, Social Security Owe $52 Trillion

Medicare and Social Security currently owe up to $52 trillion to people who have already earned these benefits, a figure that's up to 3.5 times greater than the entire U.S. economy ($14 trillion), according to a National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) study released this week.

According to the study, $9.5 trillion is owed to current retirees, an amount equal to almost $250,000 per person 65 years of age or older in 2008. Adding those aged 55 and older brings that figure to $20.6 trillion and adding in benefits earned by younger workers over the age of 22 brings the total to as much as $52 trillion.

Currently, Medicare and Social Security combined spend more than they receive in premiums and dedicated taxes. By 2012, one of every 10 income tax dollars will be needed to close the funding gap for Social Security and Medicare. That will increase to half of all income tax dollars by 2030 and almost 80 percent of tax dollars by 2070, according to the study.

"Without reform, paying for elderly entitlements will crowd out other federal spending or will require substantial tax increases. The longer we postpone reform, the worse the financial picture becomes," said study co- author Andrew Rettenmaier, a senior fellow at the NCPA, which promotes market-driven solutions to issues.

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Americans' Health May Decline: Report

Americans' health improved by 18 percent between 1990 and 2000, but has leveled off over the past four years and may be about to decline, according to the 2008 America's Health Rankings report released Wednesday.

Weight gain, tobacco addiction and rising rates of chronic diseases are the most serious threats to previous advances in the nation's health, USA Today reported.

"This is a perfect storm," said Reed Tuckson, of the United Health Foundation, one of the report sponsors, along with the American Public Health Association and the Partnership for Prevention.

Researchers analyzed 22 health measures, including access to medical care, immunizations, prenatal care, infant mortality, heart disease deaths, infectious disease deaths, smoking cessation, violent crime, and occupational fatalities.

Vermont, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Utah were the healthiest states while Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana were the least healthy, said the health rankings report, USA Today reported.

Vermont, the healthiest state, had a lower smoking rate than the national average (17.6 percent vs. 20 percent), a slower increase in obesity than the national rate, and a higher percentage of people with health insurance. Louisiana, the least healthy state, had a high infant death rate, high cancer death rates, and high rates of racial disparities in health care, according to the report.

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Cleveland Clinic to Disclose Doctors' Business Ties

In what's believed to be a first for a major U.S. medical center, the Cleveland Clinic this week started to publicly report business ties between its 1,800 staff doctors and scientists and drug and medical device makers.

Disclousure of such financial links are posted on the Web site of the clinic, one of the nation's leading medical research centers.

"They are breaking a new path here," Dr. David J. Rothman, president of the nonprofit Institute on Medicine as a Profession, told The New York Times. The Columbia University-based group studies potential conflicts of interest.

In the United States, doctors' and scientists' connections to industry are often kept secret, a practice that can harm the integrity of medical research and patient care, according to critics.

The Cleveland Clinic's move was praised by Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R- Iowa), who's introduced legislation to force drug and medical device makers to disclose payments they make to doctors.

"Patients deserve easy access to information about their doctors' relationships with drug companies and the Cleveland Clinic is making that possible," Grassley said in a statement, the Times reported.

Health Tips for December 5

Health Tip: Before You Begin Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can help treat cancer, but it can also have a host of side effects.

The American Cancer Society suggests that before you start chemotherapy, ask your doctor these questions:

• How will I know if the chemotherapy is working, and how will it help my prognosis?
• How long will my treatments last?
• What side effects can I expect, and how can I manage them?
• Will any side effects subside after the chemotherapy has ended, or are they permanent?
• Can I still live a normal life while on chemo? Can I go to work (or school)?
• How can I physically and mentally prepare for chemotherapy?

Health Tip: Getting Ready for Cancer Treatment

Treatment for cancer takes an emotional and physical toll on your body. But you can take steps to prepare for the treatment that will help make the process easier.

The American Cancer Society offers these suggestions:

• Try to think positive, and talk to others about what you're feeling and how you're coping.
• Stick to a very healthy diet, including lots of plant-based, low-fat foods, and little to no alcohol. Avoid foods that are high in salt, are smoked, or are pickled.
• Eat plenty of small, nutritious snacks each day, especially those high in protein.
• Make sure that you get enough calories and protein in your diet, and try to eat regularly throughout the day.
• Try to maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week.

Health Headlines - December 4

Americans' Health May Decline: Report

Americans' health improved by 18 percent between 1990 and 2000, but has leveled off over the past four years and may be about to decline, according to the 2008 America's Health Rankings report released Wednesday.

Weight gain, tobacco addiction and rising rates of chronic diseases are the most serious threats to previous advances in the nation's health, USA Today reported.

"This is a perfect storm," said Reed Tuckson, of the United Health Foundation, one of the report sponsors, along with the American Public Health Association and the Partnership for Prevention.

Researchers analyzed 22 health measures, including access to medical care, immunizations, prenatal care, infant mortality, heart disease deaths, infectious disease deaths, smoking cessation, violent crime, and occupational fatalities.

Vermont, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Utah were the healthiest states while Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana were the least healthy, said the health rankings report, USA Today reported.

Vermont, the healthiest state, had a lower smoking rate than the national average (17.6 percent vs. 20 percent), a slower increase in obesity than the national rate, and a higher percentage of people with health insurance. Louisiana, the least healthy state, had a high infant death rate, high cancer death rates, and high rates of racial disparities in health care, according to the report.

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Cleveland Clinic to Disclose Doctors' Business Ties

In what's believed to be a first for a major U.S. medical center, the Cleveland Clinic this week started to publicly report business ties between its 1,800 staff doctors and scientists and drug and medical device makers.

Disclousure of such financial links are posted on the Web site of the clinic, one of the nation's leading medical research centers.

"They are breaking a new path here," Dr. David J. Rothman, president of the nonprofit Institute on Medicine as a Profession, told The New York Times. The Columbia University-based group studies potential conflicts of interest.

In the United States, doctors' and scientists' connections to industry are often kept secret, a practice that can harm the integrity of medical research and patient care, according to critics.

The Cleveland Clinic's move was praised by Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R- Iowa), who's introduced legislation to force drug and medical device makers to disclose payments they make to doctors.

"Patients deserve easy access to information about their doctors' relationships with drug companies and the Cleveland Clinic is making that possible," Grassley said in a statement, the Times reported.

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Report Urges Further Measures to Help Medical Residents

More needs to be done to ease the workload of doctors-in-training in the United States, according to an Institute of Medicine report released Tuesday.

Five years ago, new regulations capped the working hours of young doctors to about 80 hours per week. The new report offers recommendations to further improve conditions for overworked medical residents doing on-the-job training, the Associated Press reported.

The Institute of Medicine said:

• Residents working the maximum 30-hour shift should get an uninterrupted five-hour sleep break after 16 hours.
• There should be better overlapping of schedules during shift changes to reduce chances for error as one doctor transfers patients' care to the next doctor.
• Experienced physicians should more closely supervise residents.
• The number of mandatory days off each month should be increased and the number of hours between shifts should be extended depending on how long the resident worked, during day or night.

Sleep deprivation can cause fatigue that leads to serious medical errors. Before new caps on resident hours were issued in 2003, some residents in specialties could average 110 hours of work a week, the Associated Press reported.

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education didn't immediately say if it would follow the Institute of Medicine recommendations.

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Gene May Protect Against Lung Cancer

A gene that protects against lung cancer has been identified by British researchers, a discovery that may lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatments for the deadly disease.

The University of Nottingham team compared lung cancer tissue with healthy lung tissue and found that the LIMD1 gene was missing in most of the lung cancer samples. This suggested that the gene may help protect against lung cancer, BBC News reported.

In a follow-up experiment, the researchers found that mice bred to lack the LIMD1 gene developed cancer. The findings appear in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"The LIMD1 gene studied in this research is located on part of chromosome 3, called 3p21," said lead researcher Dr. Tyson Sharp, BBC News reported. "Chromosome 3p21 is often deleted very early on in the development of lung cancer due to the toxic chemicals in cigarettes, which implies that inactivation of LIMD1 could be a particularly important event in early stages of lung cancer development."

"This is very exciting research which could lead to the development of early screening techniques and treatments for lung cancer," Dame Helena Shovelton, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, told BBC News.

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5 Distinct Types of Ovarian Cancer: Study

Five types of ovarian cancer are actually distinct diseases, according to a study by American, Canadian and German scientists, who said the current method of lumping them together as one disease hinders efforts to develop more effective treatments.

The researchers analyzed tissue from 500 tumors and found major differences in the pattern of biomarkers present in five types of ovarian cancers: low- and high-grade serous; clear cell; endometrioid; and mucinous, the Canadian Press reported.

The study appears in the journal PLoS Medicine.

While the findings won't have an immediate impact on the treatment of ovarian cancer, they should change the way ovarian cancer research is conducted and possibly accelerate the discovery of more effective treatments, said senior author Dr. David Huntsman, a researcher with Vancouver General Hospital and the British Columbia Cancer Agency.

Health Tips for December 4

Health Tip: Are You Anemic?

Anemia occurs either when the blood is deficient in red blood cells, or it lacks enough of a protein called hemoglobin.

Some forms of anemia can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says.

Here's the agency's list of warning signs that you may be anemic:

• Feeling tired and weak.
• Experiencing paleness, dizziness, headache or shortness of breath.
• Having a lower than normal body temperature.
• Having cold or numb hands and feet.
• Having pains in your chest, or a very fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• Feeling irritable.
• Doing poorly at work or school.

Health Tip: If You Have to Take Iron Supplements

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

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

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

Health Headlines - December 3

Gene May Protect Against Lung Cancer

A gene that protects against lung cancer has been identified by British researchers, a discovery that may lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatments for the deadly disease.

The University of Nottingham team compared lung cancer tissue with healthy lung tissue and found that the LIMD1 gene was missing in most of the lung cancer samples. This suggested that the gene may help protect against lung cancer, BBC News reported.

In a follow-up experiment, the researchers found that mice bred to lack the LIMD1 gene developed cancer. The findings appear in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"The LIMD1 gene studied in this research is located on part of chromosome 3, called 3p21," said lead researcher Dr. Tyson Sharp, BBC News reported. "Chromosome 3p21 is often deleted very early on in the development of lung cancer due to the toxic chemicals in cigarettes, which implies that inactivation of LIMD1 could be a particularly important event in early stages of lung cancer development."

"This is very exciting research which could lead to the development of early screening techniques and treatments for lung cancer," Dame Helena Shovelton, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, told BBC News.

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5 Distinct Types of Ovarian Cancer: Study

Five types of ovarian cancer are actually distinct diseases, according to a study by American, Canadian and German scientists, who said the current method of lumping them together as one disease hinders efforts to develop more effective treatments.

The researchers analyzed tissue from 500 tumors and found major differences in the pattern of biomarkers present in five types of ovarian cancers: low- and high-grade serous; clear cell; endometrioid; and mucinous, the Canadian Press reported.

The study appears in the journal PLoS Medicine.

While the findings won't have an immediate impact on the treatment of ovarian cancer, they should change the way ovarian cancer research is conducted and possibly accelerate the discovery of more effective treatments, said senior author Dr. David Huntsman, a researcher with Vancouver General Hospital and the British Columbia Cancer Agency.

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Doctors Upset About Losing Money on Vaccinations: Survey

About 40 percent of U.S. doctors who vaccinate privately insured children are thinking about withdrawing the service, because they lose money on it, according to a survey of about 800 pediatricians and family physicians.

About half the respondents said they'd delayed buying at least one vaccine due to the cost, and almost 20 percent said they felt strongly that they weren't adequately reimbursed for the purchase and administration of vaccines, the Associated Press reported.

A second survey of 76 doctors in five states found major differences between what doctors pay for vaccines and what their reimbursement is from private insurers. For example, 10 percent of doctors lost money on a recommended infant vaccine, while others made almost $40 per dose for giving the same shot.

Both studies were published in the December issue of the journal Pediatrics.

There's no evidence that large numbers of doctors are withdrawing vaccination services because of financial concerns, according to experts. But health officials are worried about that possibility, because it would mean fewer people would receive recommended shots, the AP reported.

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294,000 Chinese Children Sickened by Tainted Dairy Products

A total of 294,000 children in China fell ill after consuming melamine-tainted dairy products, and 154 of them remain in serious condition, the country's health ministry said Monday in a statement posted on its Web site.

That new figure is almost six times higher than the government's previous figure of 53,000 that was given in September, Agence France-Presse reported.

Officials also said there may be more than the previously-announced four deaths, because six more deaths since Sept. 10 may be linked to consumption of melamine-tainted milk.

Of the 294,000 children who suffered urinary tract problems, 51,900 were admitted to hospital, the health ministry said. Of those, 861 remain in hospital and 154 were "serious" cases, AFP reported.

Health Tips for December 3

Health Tip: What Could Be Causing Your Acne?

Acne results when the skin's oil glands make too much of an oily substance called sebum. This can plug pores, triggering bacterial growth and skin lesions that we commonly call pimples.

Among women, a variety of factors can prompt an outbreak of acne. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers this list of possible triggers:

• Hormonal changes during puberty, or during the menstrual cycle.
• Changes in hormone levels caused by starting or stopping the birth control pill, or menopause.
• Some medications, including those that treat epilepsy and depression.
• Wearing makeup.
• Pressure or rubbing against the skin, such as from a hat or helmet.
• A family history of acne.

Health Tip: Caring for Your Skin With Acne

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

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

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

Health Headlines - December 2

Doctors Upset About Losing Money on Vaccinations: Survey

About 40 percent of U.S. doctors who vaccinate privately insured children are thinking about withdrawing the service, because they lose money on it, according to a survey of about 800 pediatricians and family physicians.

About half the respondents said they'd delayed buying at least one vaccine due to the cost, and almost 20 percent said they felt strongly that they weren't adequately reimbursed for the purchase and administration of vaccines, the Associated Press reported.

A second survey of 76 doctors in five states found major differences between what doctors pay for vaccines and what their reimbursement is from private insurers. For example, 10 percent of doctors lost money on a recommended infant vaccine, while others made almost $40 per dose for giving the same shot.

Both studies were published in the December issue of the journal Pediatrics.

There's no evidence that large numbers of doctors are withdrawing vaccination services because of financial concerns, according to experts. But health officials are worried about that possibility, because it would mean fewer people would receive recommended shots, the AP reported.

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294,000 Children Sickened by Melamine-Tainted Dairy Products: China

A total of 294,000 children in China fell ill after consuming melamine-tainted dairy products, and 154 of them remain in serious condition, the country's health ministry said Monday in a statement posted on its Web site.

That new figure is almost six times higher than the government's previous figure of 53,000 that was given in September, Agence France-Presse reported.

Officials also said there may be more than the previously-announced four deaths, because six more deaths since Sept. 10 may be linked to consumption of melamine-tainted milk.

Of the 294,000 children who suffered urinary tract problems, 51,900 were admitted to hospital, the health ministry said. Of those, 861 remain in hospital and 154 were "serious" cases, AFP reported.

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Scientists Halt, Reverse Heart Disease in Mice

Researchers who halted and even reversed some of the effects of heart disease in mice say their findings show that microRNA plays an important role in the development of heart disease. MicroRNAs regulate activity of genes.

An international team of scientists found that cells in failing hearts had higher levels of a specific type called microRNA-21. They linked it to a signaling pathway that leads to heart disease-associated tissue damage, BBC News reported.

When the researchers used a chemical to block microRNA-21, they noticed an interruption in this pathway and improved cardiac function in the mice. The findings were published in the journal Nature.

The results are "exciting," said Professor Eric Olsen, a University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center researcher who specializes in microRNAs and heart disease.

"This research suggests you can reverse or prevent aspects of heart disease," he told BBC News. "There are already studies in large animals using microRNA inhibitors in heart disease -- I can envisage that in a few years we will see this in human trials."

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Night Terrors Have Hereditary Component: Study

Genetics play a major role in night terrors, according to a Canadian study that included 390 pairs of identical and fraternal twins assessed for the condition at 18 months and 30 months of age.

Among identical twins, there was a 68 percent chance that both twins would have the condition. Among fraternal twins, that likelihood was 24 percent. The researchers concluded that more than 40 percent of night terrors can likely be attributed to genetics, the Canadian Press reported.

The findings were published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

"The study brings strong evidence that genetics plays a major role," said principal researcher Dr. Jacques Montplaisir, a professor of neuroscience and psychiatry at the University of Montreal, the CP reported.

Children with night terrors experience sudden episodes of extreme fear and screaming an hour or two after they go to sleep. Most children outgrow the condition, said Montplaisir, who noted that environmental factors also play a role in children's risk of night terrors.

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Study Questions Use of Antioxidants to Fight Aging

Antioxidant diets and creams don't slow aging, say British researchers.

It's long been suggested that reactive forms of oxygen called free radicals cause molecular damage responsible for aging. Antioxidants supposedly clean up these free radicals and minimize their damage, called oxidative stress, BBC News reported.

In a new study, University College London researchers genetically manipulated nematode worms (which share many genes with humans) so that their bodies could "mop up" surplus free radicals. But these worms lived no longer than normal nematodes, which suggests that the effect of oxidative stress on aging has been exaggerated.

"The fact is that we don't understand much about the fundamental mechanisms of aging -- the free radical theory has filled a knowledge vacuum for over 50 years now, but it doesn't stand up to the evidence," said team leader Dr. David Gems, BBC News reported. "It is clear that superoxide (free radicals) is involved, but it plays only a small part in the story -- oxidative damage is clearly not a universal, major driver of the aging process."

The study was published in the journal Genes and Development.

Health Tips for December 2

Health Tip: Driving During Winter

Depending on where you are, winter can herald a greater risk of car accident, a car that won't start, and getting stranded in wintry conditions.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions for safe winter driving:

• Get your car properly tuned up, and make sure the tires are in good shape before winter starts.
• Carry equipment in your car, including a tire jack, spare tire, jumper cables, chains, salt or cat litter, flashlight and batteries, and a tool kit.
• In your car, store non-perishable foods such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candies.
• Especially on a long winter trip, pack necessities to keep you warm -- a warm blanket, socks, a hat and gloves.
• Keep a first aid kit in your car at all times.

Health Tip: Use Tools Safely

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

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

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

Health Headlines - December 1

Proposed Regulation Would Delay Workplace Toxic Chemical Control, Opponents Say

In a final effort to pass a series of procedures in keeping with its governmental philosophy, the Bush administration is attempting to implement a new rule that would add another step in regulating possible toxic substances to which workers are exposed, the New York Times reports.

The Labor Department's regulation, opposed by President-elect Barack Obama, would require U.S. government agencies to analyze "industry-by-industry evidence" of specific chemical of other substances' effect on employees over their entire working life, the newspaper reports. This would add a step that public health officials and employee groups say would delay improving health standards in the work place.

The new regulation is supported by a number of business groups and has been opposed in the U.S Senate, with Obama as one of the opposition leaders, the Times reports. But administration representatives told the newspaper that the new regulation is misunderstood,.

"This proposal does not affect the substance or methodology of risk assessments, and it does not weaken any health standard," Leon R. Sequeira, the assistant secretary of labor for policy, told the newspaper.

Among the chemicals and toxic substances the Times lists as falling under Labor Department control are asbestos, benzene, cotton dust, formaldehyde, lead, vinyl chloride and blood-borne pathogens.

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FDA Sets Acceptable Melamine Threshold for Infant Formula

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Federal Trade Commission Discontinues Tar and Nicotine Test

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

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

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

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

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

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FDA Announces Recalls of Weight-Loss Pill, Dietary Supplement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Web Health Searches Often Result in 'Cyberchondria'

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

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

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

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

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

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Epilepsy Drugs May Cause Skin Reactions in Asian Patients: FDA

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for December 1

Health Tip: Using Hair Dyes

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

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

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

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

Health Tip: Hide or Get Rid of Excess Hair

In women, factors such as hormonal changes, diet, illness, or use of certain medications can trigger the growth of excess or unwanted hair.

To remove or minimize its appearance, the U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:

• Bleach the hair so that it is less visible.
• Shave, wax, pluck or chemically remove the hair.
• Use electrolysis, a procedure in which an electric current is used to prevent hair from growing. But several treatments may be required.
• Remove hair with laser treatments.
• Lose weight. This can affect hormone levels, and in turn, reduce hair growth.