Thursday, December 31, 2009

Health Headlines - December 31

FDA to Tighten Standards on Human Trials

Makers of medical devices will face tougher approval standards under new guidelines being developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In the face of two studies critical of the FDA's approval processes, an agency official told The New York Times that it will urge manufacturers to develop well-defined targets for their trials on humans and measure them more closely.

Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, acting director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, told The Times that in late 2007 the agency started making improvements, which included a checklist for gauging the scientific merits of manufacturers' proposed designs. But he said he expects the agency will put out guidelines in the next year with explicit expectations regarding the scientific data that manufacturers present in clinical studies.

His comments preceded Tuesday's release of two studies that found the approval processes for high-risk heart devices such as coronary stents, pacemakers and implanted defibrillators suffered from a lack of high-quality data. Both studies reviewed clinical trials submitted for FDA approval from 2000 to 2007.

One study was conducted by the FDA and researchers from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The other, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, was led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco.

The FDA-led study found enough problems with the quality of data submitted to warrant making policy changes, Shuren said. "It is not acceptable, and that is the reason we are making the changes in the program we are making," he told The Times.

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U.S. Cocaine Laced With Deadly Horse Drug

Cocaine users in the United States may also be ingesting a dangerous drug used to deworm horses, San Francisco health officials say.

The drug, levamisole, can amplify cocaine's effect, but it also reduces white blood cells in humans. Levamisole has killed at least one cocaine user in New Mexico, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it has sickened at least eight in San Francisco. Symptoms include fever, oral and anal sores and virulent infections, United Press International reported.

Not everyone exposed to the drug becomes sick, however. The San Francisco Chronicle noted that 90 percent of 200 people who tested positive for cocaine also tested positive for levamisole in a recent study.

"The big question we have right now is, if 90 percent of cocaine users in San Francisco are positive for levamisole and are being exposed to this compound, then why aren't 90 percent of them in the emergency room with these side effects?" said Kara Lynch, associate head of the chemistry and toxicology lab at San Francisco General.

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N.H. Woman Swallowed Anthrax, Perhaps From Drum

Health experts suspect a rare gastrointestinal anthrax case may be linked to a recent drumming circle in New Hampshire.

The New Hampshire woman who was stricken with the potentially fatal illness may have swallowed spores released into the air during a drumming exhibition she attended Dec. 4 at the United Campus Ministry center in Durham, the Associated Press reported.

An investigation revealed anthrax spores on two of the hide-covered drums, leading officials to shut down the center this week. After also finding spores on an electrical outlet, officials on Tuesday said antibiotics and vaccines would be available to 60 people who attended the drum circle and another 20 University of New Hampshire students who lived in the building or worked there.

Some health officials are calling this the first case of gastrointestinal anthrax in the United States, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not confirmed that, the AP said.

One theory is that the woman ingested airborne spores propelled from a drum's animal-hide covering. "This was a wild type of anthrax that is found ubiquitously in our environment," said Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, an adviser to the state's public health division. "It can become stirred up or agitated to a place where it briefly suspends in the air, and this patient likely contacted it on her fingers and introduced it into her mouth or inhaled a ... spore into her mouth and then swallowed it," she said.

Two other recent U.S. anthrax cases involved hide-covered African drums, but in those instances the spores were inhaled or permeated the skin.

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Antibody Destroys Prostate Cancer: Study

Researchers have discovered an antibody that seeks out and abolishes prostate cancer cells in mice, even in advanced stages, a finding with potential for treatment of the disease in men, says the University of Pennsylvania research team.

The antibody, known as F77, was able to bond with cancerous prostate tissues and cells, even androgen-independent cancer cells, which are seen in incurable prostate cancer, Agence France-Presse reported. But it didn't target normal tissues or tissues in other parts of the body, the researchers said.

The five-year survival rate for metastatic prostate cancer is currently 34 percent, they said in the study, which is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

The antibody "shows promising potential for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, especially for androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer," which often spreads to the bones and is difficult to treat, they wrote.

Prostate cancer kills 500,000 men a year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Health Tips for December 31

Health Tip: New Year's Safety for People and Pets

New Year's Eve is a night to have fun and celebrate the coming year. However, safety is a must when participating in the festivities. Whether you're staying in and celebrating with friends and family, or you're traveling to a party or city bash, following a few safety tips will ensure that you're safe and sound when the clock strikes midnight, ringing in 2010!

  • If you're driving, be aware of your surroundings. New Year's Eve is notorious for drunk driving, and the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe, is to know where you're at and be alert while behind the wheel.

  • If you're drinking, leave the keys with a designated driver. If you don't have a designated driver, call a taxi. If you're attending a party at someone else's home, leave your keys with the host. If you're the hostess, provide a bowl at the door where guests can put their keys before the party begins. This way, you can ensure no one leaves your home while intoxicated. Also remember: buzz driving is drunk driving.

  • If you're burning candles, incense or oil burners, remember to extinguish them before you turn in or before you leave the room they are burning in.

  • Be sure smoke alarms are working and batteries are up to date. If you are hosting a New Year's party, this is a safety measure that is essential, especially if you are cooking. Be sure you change the batteries a few days before your party so you are sure all smoke alarms are in working order.

  • If you’re attending a party in a larger city, or where there are crowds, travel with a group or in pairs. With the festivities in full force around you, traveling with someone else will ensure you are never by yourself at any time. The last thing you want is to get lost in the midst of thousands of people and have to ring in the New Year by yourself.

  • If you are letting off fireworks in a residential area, be sure to practice proper safety precautions when using them. Let off fireworks in a field or other open area where homes and power lines are out of site. Have a fire extinguisher nearby and never try to re-light a firework that did not go off when first lit. Also, be sure pets and children are at a safe distance from where fireworks are being ignited. Finally, always have an adult present when using any type of firework.

  • New Year's Eve Pet Safety Tips

    New Year's Eve is a great time for everyone to celebrate the coming of a new year and the memories of the old. Thought filled with celebration and fun for humans, it can often be a rough night for a lot of animals. Below are some things to keep in mind while you celebrate this wonderful event!

    1. Be observant of your animal’s response to loud noises. Thunderstorms and fireworks are the best known causes for pet anxiety, but celebration party favors and popping champagne corks can be just as traumatizing. If you are hosting a New Year's Party, make sure your pets are placed in a comfortable area that is separate from the activities. Make sure they have plenty of water and are comfortable. When possible, refrain from keeping them outside, as fireworks and other neighbors celebrating can lead to the same ruckus and worry.

    2. Always keep your pet’s tags on. In the case they do get spooked and bolt for an open door or gate, an ID tag will be imperative to getting them home safely.

    3. Beware of alcohol! Many pets can be drawn to glasses of beer or liquor that has been left behind after the celebration is over. Consumption of alcohol can be highly dangerous for animals, and even deadly. Make sure to thoroughly clean up the area before you allow your pets to enter. Always keep a close eye on them, and never give them any alcohol as a treat or joke.

    4. Be aware of party decorations. Balloons, streamers, party hats or confetti can be unhealthy for an animal if ingested. While decorating for your party, keep the animals in a separate area where they do not have access to the decorations. If they do get into them, consult a veterinarian immediately.

    Wednesday, December 30, 2009

    Health Headlines - December 30

    Moldy Smell Prompts Recall of Tylenol Arthritis Caplets

    Consumer complaints about a moldy smell and gastrointestinal side effects from Tylenol Arthritis Caplets have led McNeil Consumer Healthcare to expand its voluntary recall of the 100-count bottles.

    The New Jersey-based company announced the recall of all product lots of the Arthritis Pain Caplet 100-count bottles with the red EZ-Open Cap after reports of a moldy or musty smell that might cause vomiting, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea.

    The odor comes from trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole, which is created by the breakdown of another chemical used to treat wooden pallets that carry packaging materials, according to a McNeil statement. Not much is known about the health effects of this compound, but none of the side effects reported to McNeil were long-lasting or serious, the company said.

    Consumers who bought the 100-count bottles with the EZ-Open red cap from the lots included in the recall can contact McNeil for instructions on a refund or replacement at 1-888-222-6036 or www.tylenol.com. Contact your doctor if you have medical concerns, the company advises.

    In 1982, seven people in the Chicago area died after taking Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules that had been poisoned with potassium cyanide. The case was never solved, but it led to new guidelines for packaging over-the-counter products.

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    Music Therapy May Help Tinnutis

    A novel form of music therapy may offer hope for people with chronic tinnutis, a constant ringing in the ears.

    German researchers say the treatment could be used with other strategies to relieve the condition, which currently has no cure, according to the BBC. It's said that up to 3 percent of the population have tinnutis severe enough to disrupt their quality of life.

    Using the participants' favorite music, the researchers removed notes that matched the frequency of the ringing in their ears. After listening to the altered music for a year, the 39 participants reported that their tinnitus had quieted.

    "The theory behind the new technique is that removing the spectrum of noise associated with tinnitus from the music reduces activity in the brain relating to that frequency, alleviating the condition," the BBC said.

    The findings were reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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    Beef Recalled Because of E. Coli Concerns

    Concerns about contamination with a strain of E. coli bacteria have led an Oklahoma-based company to voluntarily recall about 248,000 pounds of beef.

    On its Web site, National Steak and Poultry says the beef products "could potentially be implicated in an outbreak" of illnesses related to E. coli, the Associated Press reported. This is the first recall in the firm's 30-year history, it said.

    The U.S. Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service noticed a link between non-intact steaks and a cluster of illnesses in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota and Washington, the AP said. Non-intact steaks include cuts that have been injected with flavoring or tenderized, processes that allow surface bacteria to get inside the beef.

    The E. coli strain has caused large-scale outbreaks of potentially deadly illness.

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    Brain Blood Flow Controlled by Inner Ear: Study

    A Harvard Medical School team has determined that the inner ear does more than control balance. Tiny organs deep within the ear also appear to alter blood flow to the brain, the researchers say.

    From their study of 24 people, they concluded that this connection may have enabled early man to stand upright and still get blood pumped to the brain, the BBC said.

    Using NASA tests designed for astronauts, the researchers assessed the balance organs, which are located deep inside bony chambers of the ear, and monitored blood flow through the body while the participants were tilting and spinning.

    They reported their findings in the journal BMC Neuroscience, according to the BBC.

    Dr. Jorge Serrador, who led the team, said the findings could potentially lead to new treatments for related conditions. For example, people who suffer from postural hypotension -- meaning they faint or get dizzy spells when they stand up too quickly -- might have poor brain blood flow related to an underlying inner ear problem, he said.

    Health Tips for December 30

    Health Tip: Kids Can Benefit From Making New Year's Resolutions

    For so many people, the beginning of a new year is a time for fresh starts. As of January 1, grown-ups all over the world will vow to lose weight, stop smoking, start exercising, get more organized, etc. But experts say that New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for grown-ups; kids can benefit from making resolutions, too.

    Helping kids to make a list of things they’d like to improve in their lives can give them the emotional boost to succeed. The key is to make sure the resolutions are reasonable, age-appropriate and within the child’s grasp.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics, and other experts, recommend talking to your kids about making the following resolutions.

    Preschoolers

    • I will clean up my toys.
    • I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
    • I won't tease dogs -- even friendly ones. I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.
    • I will share with my friends and siblings and be nice to everyone.

    School-age kids

    • I will drink milk and water, and limit soda and fruit drinks. I will limit the amount of “junk food” I eat and try to make healthy choices for meals and snacks.
    • I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I'm playing sports.
    • I will try to find a sport or other activity that I like and do it at least three times a week.
    • I will always wear a helmet and other protective gear when bicycling, skating or using a scooter.
    • I will stay in my booster seat and/or wear my seat belt every time I get in a car.
    • I'll be friendly to kids who need friends - like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.
    • I'll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet. Also, I'll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without my parent's permission.

    Teens

    • I will include fruits and vegetables in my every day diet, and I will limit the amount of soda I drink.
    • I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition. I will make healthy dietary choices and limit the “junk food” I eat.
    • I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day -- at the most -- on these activities.
    • I will help out in my community through volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.
    • I will wipe negative "self talk" (such as “I can't do it” or “I'm so dumb”) out of my vocabulary.
    • When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find constructive ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or discussing my problem with a parent or friend.
    • When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk with an adult about my choices.
    • I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence.
    • I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.

    Progress, not perfection

    It is important to let kids of all ages know that if they break a resolution at any time, a fresh start is as close as the next day!

    Tuesday, December 29, 2009

    Health Headlines - December 29

    Beef Recalled Because of E. Coli Concerns

    Concerns about contamination with a strain of E. coli bacteria have led an Oklahoma-based company to voluntarily recall about 248,000 pounds of beef.

    On its Web site, National Steak and Poultry says the beef products "could potentially be implicated in an outbreak" of illnesses related to E. coli, the Associated Press reported. This is the first recall in the firm's 30-year history, it said.

    The U.S. Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service noticed a link between non-intact steaks and a cluster of illnesses in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota and Washington, the AP said. Non-intact steaks include cuts that have been injected with flavoring or tenderized, processes that allow surface bacteria to get inside the beef.

    The E. coli strain has caused large-scale outbreaks of potentially deadly illness.

    -----

    Brain Blood Flow Controlled by Inner Ear: Study

    A Harvard Medical School team has determined that the inner ear does more than control balance. Tiny organs deep within the ear also appear to alter blood flow to the brain, the researchers say.

    From their study of 24 people, they concluded that this connection may have enabled early man to stand upright and still get blood pumped to the brain, the BBC said.

    Using NASA tests designed for astronauts, the researchers assessed the balance organs, which are located deep inside bony chambers of the ear, and monitored blood flow through the body while the participants were tilting and spinning.

    They reported their findings in the journal BMC Neuroscience, according to the BBC.

    Dr. Jorge Serrador, who led the team, said the findings could potentially lead to new treatments for related conditions. For example, people who suffer from postural hypotension -- meaning they faint or get dizzy spells when they stand up too quickly -- might have poor brain blood flow related to an underlying inner ear problem, he said.

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    New Guidelines Sought for Diseased Organ Donors

    U.S. health experts are rethinking guidelines for kidney donors because of a brain infection that two transplant patients developed after receiving their new organs.

    The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson recently revealed that the child donor had a rare, often fatal infection that was not diagnosed until after the transplant, The New York Times reported. Before the surgery, it was thought the child had a brain disorder caused by a nontransmissible autoimmune disease.

    Dr. Michael G. Ison, chairman of an advisory committee on infectious disease transmission for the United Network for Organ Sharing, which coordinates U.S. transplants, said the cases point out the need for a national policy governing donations from people with undefined neurological conditions. Currently, those decisions are left to transplant centers.

    Ison's committee has begun studying nationwide data to see how many other similar patients have become donors, the Times said.

    In 1 percent of cases, organ donors transmit diseases, including West Nile virus, rabies, HIV, tuberculosis and even cancer, the organ network says. More than 100,000 people are waiting for a transplant, the Times noted.

    "This is a difficult topic, because organs are really scarce and patients who need a transplant are typically quite ill and need a transplant quickly, and sometimes it's hard to do all the testing that one could possibly think of for all the infections out there," said Dr. Eileen Farnon, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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    Extremely Drug-Resistant TB Diagnosed in Florida

    The first case of extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis in the United States was diagnosed in a teenager living in Florida.

    The illness, discovered in a 19-year-old Peruvian, was not made public until it turned up in an investigation of global drug resistance by the Associated Press.

    Health officials have long feared the emergence of an aggressive, contagious strain of TB, the top infectious killer of adults worldwide.

    Forty years ago, it was thought that the development of powerful antibiotics heralded the end of TB, but overuse and misuse of those drugs has contributed to this virulent strain. Known as extremely drug-resistant (XXDR) TB, it has never before been seen in the United States, Dr. David Ashkin, an expert on tuberculosis, told the AP.

    "This is the new class that people are not really talking too much about," Ashkin said. "These are the ones we really fear because I'm not sure how we treat them."

    TB lies dormant in one in three people, according to the World Health Organization. Dr. Masae Kawamura, head of the Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center in San Francisco, called the XXDR form of TB "a time bomb."

    Health Tips for December 29

    Health Tip: Coping With Menopausal Symptoms

    Many women don't require special treatment for menopausal symptoms, the National Women's Health Information Center says.

    The agency says some women may be helped by the following suggestions:

    • Keep cool by avoiding spicy foods and hot beverages, caffeine, stress and being in warm temperatures.
    • Use a vaginal lubricant to treat dryness.
    • Get plenty of exercise (but not too close to bedtime).
    • Eat a healthy diet, avoiding junk food.
    • Get plenty of rest. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and cool, and avoid a daytime nap.

    Health Tip: When Menopause Begins

    The onset of menopause signals more than just an end to a woman's menstrual cycle.

    The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists lists these changes that commonly affect women during menopause:

    • Irregular periods, heavy bleeding or periods that stop.
    • Hot flashes.
    • Night sweats and difficulty sleeping.
    • Vaginal dryness and reduced bladder control.
    • Thinning, weakening bones.
    • Moodiness, diminished memory and reduced concentration.

    Monday, December 28, 2009

    Health Headlines - December 28

    Seniors' Flu Vaccine Approved by FDA

    Fluzone High-Dose, a seasonal flu vaccine for people 65 and older, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency said in a news release.

    Seniors are at highest risk for complications of seasonal flu, including hospitalization and death. The Fluzone High-Dose vaccine, designed to prevent infection with influenza subtypes A and B, was given accelerated approval as a product designed to prevent serious or life-threatening disease. As part of the approval, manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur is required to "conduct further studies to verify that [the vaccine] will decrease seasonal influenza after vaccination," the FDA said.

    Because of the vaccine's higher potency, mild side effects were reported more frequently compared with Sanofi's standard-strength Fluzone vaccine, the agency said. These included pain, injection-site redness and swelling, headache, muscle ache and fever.

    People who are sensitive to egg products or who have had life-threatening reactions to prior flu shots shouldn't be vaccinated with Fluzone High-Dose, the FDA said.

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    Teresa Heinz, Battling Cancer, Supports Regular Mammograms

    Teresa Heinz, wife of the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. John Kerry, is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and is urging younger women to continue getting regular mammograms despite recent federal guidelines recommending they get fewer of the cancer-detecting tests.

    In an interview with the Associated Press, Heinz, 71, said the physical and emotional toll of the disease for women who need surgery and other follow-up treatment, such as chemotherapy, is far greater than the cost of mammography.

    Her cancer was detected during an annual mammogram in late September, she said.

    Heinz underwent lumpectomies in October and November, the first for what was thought to be a benign growth in her right breast, the second after the tumor was confirmed to be malignant.

    She is advising other women to get tested in the wake of last month's controversial recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that women postpone the start of mammograms to age 50, rather than starting at 40, as has been customary.

    The task force recommendations were criticized by many medical and women's organizations, and the government later backed down and said its policies "remain unchanged."

    Heinz's treatment will include five days of targeted radiation starting next month, which could boost the odds of successful treatment to 95 percent, the AP said. She said she remains undecided about subsequent follow-up treatment.

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    Texas Must Destroy 5 Million Blood Specimens From Babies

    More than five million blood samples taken from babies without parental permission will be destroyed by Texas health authorities early next year following settlement of a lawsuit.

    The blood specimens, stored indefinitely for scientific research, were the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Texas Civil Rights project on behalf of five plaintiffs, theAssociated Press reported.

    The suit against the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas A&M University System argued that their failure to obtain parental consent violated constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure. The parents feared their children's private health information would be misused.

    About 5.3 million samples would be destroyed, said a state health services spokeswoman.

    For decades, Texas has collected blood specimens to screen for birth defects and diseases. Last May, the state placed some restrictions on the procedures, giving parents the right to refuse and instituting controls over the research that can use the specimens. The lawsuit involves the samples collected prior to the new law.

    If parents agree, the health department can still use the blood samples for disease research, the AP said.

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    No Proof of Vytorin Cancer Link: FDA

    An extensive data review of the cholesterol drug Vytorin turned up no evidence that the drug causes cancer, federal drug regulators say.

    Following up on concerns raised by a patient study last year, the Food and Drug Administration examined all of the data from that study and reviewed available information from two ongoing large studies, the Associated Press reported.

    But whether Vytorin, which is made by Merck & Co., is linked to a higher risk of cancer or death from cancer cannot definitively be ruled out, the FDA said.

    Vytorin combines two types of cholesterol pills, Zetia and Zocor.

    Health Tips for December 28

    Health Tip: Prevent Diaper Rash

    Diaper rash is an outbreak of a sore rash beneath a baby's diaper. Although quite common, parents can take steps to protect those sensitive bottoms.

    The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions:

    • Don't let baby linger in a wet or dirty diaper.
    • Give baby's bottom a good cleaning between diaper changes.
    • Make sure baby's skin is clean and completely dry before putting on a new diaper.
    • Don't rub baby's bottom to dry it. Using a soft cloth, pat it gently.
    • Make sure baby's diaper isn't too tight.

    Health Tip: Preventing Burns on Baby's Skin

    It's up to parents to protect their children from burn injuries.

    The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers these suggestions:

    • Make sure your child isn't too close when you are preparing hot foods or brewing hot liquids.
    • Avoid using a tablecloth, as a toddler could pull it and be burned by falling hot objects.
    • Don't heat infant formula in the microwave, as it may heat unevenly and burn baby.
    • For older children, check the temperature of microwaved foods to make sure they're not too hot.
    • Check the temperature of bath water before immersing your child. Set your water heater to no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Saturday, December 26, 2009

    Health Headlines - December 26

    Seniors' Flu Vaccine Approved by FDA

    Fluzone High-Dose, a seasonal flu vaccine for people 65 and older, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency said in a news release.

    Seniors are at highest risk for complications of seasonal flu, including hospitalization and death. The Fluzone High-Dose vaccine, designed to prevent infection with influenza subtypes A and B, was given accelerated approval as a product designed to prevent serious or life-threatening disease. As part of the approval, manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur is required to "conduct further studies to verify that [the vaccine] will decrease seasonal influenza after vaccination," the FDA said.

    Because of the vaccine's higher potency, mild side effects were reported more frequently compared with Sanofi's standard-strength Fluzone vaccine, the agency said. These included pain, injection-site redness and swelling, headache, muscle ache and fever.

    People who are sensitive to egg products or who have had life-threatening reactions to prior flu shots shouldn't be vaccinated with Fluzone High-Dose, the FDA said.

    -----

    Teresa Heinz, Battling Cancer, Supports Regular Mammograms

    Teresa Heinz, wife of the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. John Kerry, is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and is urging younger women to continue getting regular mammograms despite recent federal guidelines recommending they get fewer of the cancer-detecting tests.

    In an interview with the Associated Press, Heinz, 71, said the physical and emotional toll of the disease for women who need surgery and other follow-up treatment, such as chemotherapy, is far greater than the cost of mammography.

    Her cancer was detected during an annual mammogram in late September, she said.

    Heinz underwent lumpectomies in October and November, the first for what was thought to be a benign growth in her right breast, the second after the tumor was confirmed to be malignant.

    She is advising other women to get tested in the wake of last month's controversial recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that women postpone the start of mammograms to age 50, rather than starting at 40, as has been customary.

    The task force recommendations were criticized by many medical and women's organizations, and the government later backed down and said its policies "remain unchanged."

    Heinz's treatment will include five days of targeted radiation starting next month, which could boost the odds of successful treatment to 95 percent, the AP said. She said she remains undecided about subsequent follow-up treatment.

    -----

    Texas Must Destroy 5 Million Blood Specimens From Babies

    More than five million blood samples taken from babies without parental permission will be destroyed by Texas health authorities early next year following settlement of a lawsuit.

    The blood specimens, stored indefinitely for scientific research, were the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Texas Civil Rights project on behalf of five plaintiffs, theAssociated Press reported.

    The suit against the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas A&M University System argued that their failure to obtain parental consent violated constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure. The parents feared their children's private health information would be misused.

    About 5.3 million samples would be destroyed, said a state health services spokeswoman.

    For decades, Texas has collected blood specimens to screen for birth defects and diseases. Last May, the state placed some restrictions on the procedures, giving parents the right to refuse and instituting controls over the research that can use the specimens. The lawsuit involves the samples collected prior to the new law.

    If parents agree, the health department can still use the blood samples for disease research, the AP said.

    -----

    No Proof of Vytorin Cancer Link: FDA

    An extensive data review of the cholesterol drug Vytorin turned up no evidence that the drug causes cancer, federal drug regulators say.

    Following up on concerns raised by a patient study last year, the Food and Drug Administration examined all of the data from that study and reviewed available information from two ongoing large studies, the Associated Press reported.

    But whether Vytorin, which is made by Merck & Co., is linked to a higher risk of cancer or death from cancer cannot definitively be ruled out, the FDA said.

    Vytorin combines two types of cholesterol pills, Zetia and Zocor.

    Health Tips for December 26

    Health Tip: Managing Eczema

    Eczema is a condition that results in red, itchy and scaly patches of skin -- often on the scalp, forehead, face or extremities.

    The American Academy of Dermatology offers these suggestions help manage the uncomfortable symptoms of eczema:

    • Make an appointment with a dermatologist to confirm your diagnosis and get treatment.
    • If your doctor recommends so, use a topical prescription medication on the skin, such as a corticosteroid or a medication that affects the immune system.
    • An antihistamine also may help.
    • Ask your doctor about ultraviolet light (UV) therapy.
    • Apply a skin moisturizer.

    Health Tip: Help Baby Stretch and Move

    Newborns may not be able to do too much more than eat, sleep and dirty their diapers. But they do have certain reflexes and movements.

    The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions to encourage newborns' movements and coordination:

    • Allow your baby time each day to freely stretch growing arms and legs.
    • Let baby try to turn and lift the head. But be sure to support the baby's head and neck.
    • Keep a careful eye and hand on baby at all times, even a newborn, to prevent rolling or falling off of a changing table or other furniture.
    • Over time, your baby's reflexes and movements should become more deliberate and controlled.
    • Bring up to the pediatrician any concerns about baby's movement, growth, reflexes or development.

    Thursday, December 24, 2009

    Health Headlines - December 24

    Teresa Heinz, Battling Cancer, Supports Regular Mammograms

    Teresa Heinz, wife of the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. John Kerry, is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and is urging younger women to continue getting regular mammograms despite recent federal guidelines recommending they get fewer of the cancer-detecting tests.

    In an interview with the Associated Press, Heinz, 71, said the physical and emotional toll of the disease for women who need surgery and other follow-up treatment, such as chemotherapy, is far greater than the cost of mammography.

    Her cancer was detected during an annual mammogram in late September, she said.

    Heinz underwent lumpectomies in October and November, the first for what was thought to be a benign growth in her right breast, the second after the tumor was confirmed to be malignant.

    She is advising other women to get tested in the wake of last month's controversial recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that women postpone the start of mammograms to age 50, rather than starting at 40, as has been customary.

    The task force recommendations were criticized by many medical and women's organizations, and the government later backed down and said its policies "remain unchanged."

    Heinz's treatment will include five days of targeted radiation starting next month, which could boost the odds of successful treatment to 95 percent, the AP said. She said she remains undecided about subsequent follow-up treatment.

    -----

    Texas Must Destroy 5 Million Blood Specimens From Babies

    More than five million blood samples taken from babies without parental permission will be destroyed by Texas health authorities early next year following settlement of a lawsuit.

    The blood specimens, stored indefinitely for scientific research, were the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Texas Civil Rights project on behalf of five plaintiffs, the Associated Press reported.

    The suit against the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas A&M University System argued that their failure to obtain parental consent violated constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure. The parents feared their children's private health information would be misused.

    About 5.3 million samples would be destroyed, said a state health services spokeswoman.

    For decades, Texas has collected blood specimens to screen for birth defects and diseases. Last May, the state placed some restrictions on the procedures, giving parents the right to refuse and instituting controls over the research that can use the specimens. The lawsuit involves the samples collected prior to the new law.

    If parents agree, the health department can still use the blood samples for disease research, the AP said.

    -----

    No Proof of Vytorin Cancer Link: FDA

    An extensive data review of the cholesterol drug Vytorin turned up no evidence that the drug causes cancer, federal drug regulators say.

    Following up on concerns raised by a patient study last year, the Food and Drug Administration examined all of the data from that study and reviewed available information from two ongoing large studies, the Associated Press reported.

    But whether Vytorin, which is made by Merck & Co., is linked to a higher risk of cancer or death from cancer cannot definitively be ruled out, the FDA said.

    Vytorin combines two types of cholesterol pills, Zetia and Zocor.

    -----

    Disfigured Vets Could Receive Face Transplants in Boston

    Seriously disfigured troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq could receive face transplants at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston thanks to a $3.4 million contract awarded to the hospital, which performed the second face transplant in the United States last April.

    Under the Department of Defense contract, eligible patients must have lost at least 25 percent of their faces and could not be helped by traditional plastic surgery, the Associated Press reported.

    The Pentagon said it hopes six to eight patients could receive transplants in Boston over the next 18 months. Military officials and doctors told The Boston Globe as many as 200 veterans might qualify.

    Contract provisions require the hospital to assess results and determine if a transplant seems to benefit a patient's life, the AP said.

    Health Tips for December 24

    Health Tip: Eat Healthier This Holiday Season

    The holidays are a time of celebrating with fattening foods, cocktails and lots of parties with friends and family. But you can take steps to prevent gaining too much weight during the holiday season.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these healthy eating suggestions:

    • Enjoy the delicious tastes of the season, but limit yourself to small portions.
    • Make sure not to eat too quickly. Take your time, enjoy the food and eat slowly so you know when you're full.
    • Head out for a walk after dinner to burn some calories.
    • When attending a party, bring a healthy, low-calorie dish, so you have at least one healthy option.
    • Use holiday parties as an excuse to mingle, not munch. Enjoy a few bites of food and walk around the gathering, instead of planting yourself in front of the food table.
    • Set a realistic goal, such as trying not to gain weight during the holidays, rather than trying to actually lose a few pounds.

    Health Tip: Prevent Falls While Decking the Halls

    Holiday decorating often requires the use of a stepstool or ladder, either of which can lead to a fall.

    The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions to avoid falls while decorating for the holidays:

    • Decorate first, drink after. Don't attempt to do any decorating during or after drinking alcohol.
    • Don't use a bigger stepstool or ladder than you need.
    • Before using it, make sure the stepstool or ladder is in good shape with no loose or missing parts.
    • Make sure the ladder or stepstool is on a flat, sturdy surface.
    • Wear sturdy shoes with tied laces.
    • When attempting to move or hang any large or heavy object, ask someone to help you.

    Wednesday, December 23, 2009

    Health Headlines - December 23

    No Proof of Vytorin Cancer Link: FDA

    An extensive data review of the cholesterol drug Vytorin turned up no evidence that the drug causes cancer, federal drug regulators say.

    Following up on concerns raised by a patient study last year, the Food and Drug Administration examined all of the data from that study and reviewed available information from two ongoing large studies, the Associated Press reported.

    But whether Vytorin, which is made by Merck & Co., is linked to a higher risk of cancer or death from cancer cannot definitively be ruled out, the FDA said.

    Vytorin combines two types of cholesterol pills, Zetia and Zocor.

    -----

    Disfigured Vets Could Receive Face Transplants in Boston

    Seriously disfigured troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq could receive face transplants at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston thanks to a $3.4 million contract awarded to the hospital, which performed the second face transplant in the United States last April.

    Under the Department of Defense contract, eligible patients must have lost at least 25 percent of their faces and could not be helped by traditional plastic surgery, the Associated Press reported.

    The Pentagon said it hopes six to eight patients could receive transplants in Boston over the next 18 months. Military officials and doctors told The Boston Globe as many as 200 veterans might qualify.

    Contract provisions require the hospital to assess results and determine if a transplant seems to benefit a patient's life, the AP said.

    -----

    Ex-CDC Chief to Head Merck's Vaccines Business

    The former head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will soon head Merck & Co.'s $5 billion vaccines business.

    Julie Gerberding, CDC director from 2002 until earlier this year, will take over as president of Merck's vaccines operations, overseeing sales of its existing vaccines, development of vaccines currently in the works, and continuation of plans to expand vacccinations in developing countries, Dow Jones Newswires reported.

    She assumes her new position Jan. 25, replacing Margaret McGlynn, Merck's recently retired head of vaccines.

    Richard Clark, Merck chairman and chief executive, described Gerberding as a "preeminent authority in public health, infectious diseases and vaccines," Dow Jones reported.

    -----

    Brittany Murphy Likely Died From Natural Causes: Coroner

    Actress Brittany Murphy likely died of natural causes, but an autopsy will be performed as part of the coroner's investigation into the sudden death of the 32-year-old star, authorities said Monday.

    "Foul play is not suspected at this time because there were no outward signs of trauma or other injuries," said Capt. John Kades of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, according to People.

    Murphy, known for her roles in "Clueless" and "Girl, Interrupted," reportedly collapsed in the shower and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Initial reports cited cardiac arrest.

    According to the web site TMZ, Murphy's mother, Sharon, told paramedics who arrived after the 911 call that her daughter had diabetes.

    Rail-thin recently, the actress was fighting flu-like symptoms in the last days of her life and became seriously ill hours before her collapse, according to TMZ.

    An autopsy will be performed as soon as possible, the coroner's office said. "Given all the worldwide attention, if we can get it done [Monday], we will," Kades said.

    Health Tips for December 23

    Health Tip: Feeling Grief

    Grief is the body's natural response to a major loss, such as the death or illness of a loved one or the end of a relationship.

    The American Academy of Family Physicians says it's normal to express these emotions while grieving:

    • Feelings of anger, irritability or blame.
    • Frequent crying, depression or sadness.
    • Nausea, diarrhea or lack of appetite.
    • Rapid heartbeat or dizziness.
    • Shortness of breath or a tight feeling in the chest.
    • Insomnia, fatigue or problems with concentration and organization.
    • Headache.

    Health Tip: Angry?

    It's common for people with chronic health issues to feel angry. But being angry all the time can harm your physical and emotional health.

    The American Diabetes offers these suggestions for how to deal with anger:

    • Determine what you're angry about, and think about how your anger is impacting your life.
    • Learn techniques to calm yourself when you feel angry. Take deep, slow breaths, sit down and stay quiet for a few minutes.
    • Try to change the things that make you angry.
    • Keep a diary about your anger, and find a better way to deal with each situation.
    • Use your anger to motivate you to change your life.

    Tuesday, December 22, 2009

    Health Headlines - December 22

    Ex-CDC Chief to Head Merck's Vaccines Business

    The former head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will soon head Merck & Co.'s $5 billion vaccines business.

    Julie Gerberding, CDC director from 2002 until earlier this year, will take over as president of Merck's vaccines operations, overseeing sales of its existing vaccines, development of vaccines currently in the works, and continuation of plans to expand vacccinations in developing countries, Dow Jones Newswires reported.

    She assumes her new position Jan. 25, replacing Margaret McGlynn, Merck's recently retired head of vaccines.

    Richard Clark, Merck chairman and chief executive, described Gerberding as a "preeminent authority in public health, infectious diseases and vaccines," Dow Jones reported.

    -----

    Brittany Murphy Likely Died From Natural Causes: Coroner

    Actress Brittany Murphy likely died of natural causes, but an autopsy will be performed as part of the coroner's investigation into the sudden death of the 32-year-old star, authorities said Monday.

    "Foul play is not suspected at this time because there were no outward signs of trauma or other injuries," said Capt. John Kades of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, according to People.

    Murphy, known for her roles in "Clueless" and "Girl, Interrupted," reportedly collapsed in the shower and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Initial reports cited cardiac arrest.

    According to the web site TMZ, Murphy's mother, Sharon, told paramedics who arrived after the 911 call that her daughter had diabetes.

    Rail-thin recently, the actress was fighting flu-like symptoms in the last days of her life and became seriously ill hours before her collapse, according to TMZ.

    An autopsy will be performed as soon as possible, the coroner's office said. "Given all the worldwide attention, if we can get it done [Monday], we will," Kades said.

    -----

    Cell Phone Warning Pushed by Maine Legislator

    Although no proof exists that cell phones can harm your health, a Maine legislator wants them to bear warnings that their use can cause brain cancer.

    According to Maine Rep. Andrea Boland (D-Sanford), the legislature will consider her proposal in the 2010 session, which starts in January, the Associated Pressreported. The concern is that electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones poses a cancer risk.

    The cell phone industry disputes the claims. A spokesman for CTIA-The Wireless Association, an industry group, said scientific evidence "overwhelmingly" indicates no health risk, the AP said.

    The news service also said the Federal Communications Commission doesn't require cell phone makers to reveal radiation levels, although it sets a standard for the "specific absorption rate" of radio-frequency energy.

    Boland uses a speaker with her cell phone to distance it from her head. If her proposal gets passed, Maine would be the first U.S. state with such cellphone legislation, although some countries require warnings about cell phone hazards, the National Conference of State Legislators said.

    -----

    Is Facebook Anonymous in Your Teen's Future?

    For some teenagers, the social networking site Facebook is so seductive that they must take extreme measures to releases themselves from its addictive grip.

    According to The New York Times, teens, mainly girls, are forming support groups, attempting to set personal time limits, asking others to change their passwords or deactivating their accounts altogether in an attempt to break the time-consuming habit.

    "It's like any other addiction," psychologist Kimberly Young, the director of the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery in Bradford, Penn., told The Times. "Its hard to wean yourself."

    Without computer-addiction programs to help them, addicted Facebookers must devise their own strategies. "A lot of them are finding their own balance," Young said. "Its like an eating disorder. You can't eliminate food. You just have to make better choices about what you eat. And what you do online."

    Industry experts say Facebook's reach among teens nearly doubled in the past year. According to the Nielsen Company, Facebook was used by 54.7 percent of U.S. teens ages 12 to 17 in October, an increase from 28.3 percent a year earlier,The Times noted.

    Facebook doesn't make it easy to say goodbye. Before the struggling teens can deactivate their Facebook accounts, they must check off six reasons why they want to quit. And if they change their minds, they are welcomed back using their original login and password information.

    Health Tips for December 22

    Health Tip: Decorate for the Holidays Safely

    Some holiday decorations can be unsafe, posing hazards for adults, children and even pets.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these guidelines for choosing holiday decorations:

    • Make sure tree lights and decorations are flame-resistant or non-combustible.
    • Keep candles away from trees and natural evergreen decorations. Make sure candles are in a place where they can't be knocked over.
    • Don't use decorations with small parts that can be pulled off and swallowed by young children.
    • Don't use decorations that look like food. Young children may be tempted to eat them.
    • Be careful when using "angel hair," or spun glass, as well as sprayed artificial snow. Take steps to protect your eyes, skin and lungs.

    Health Tip: Recognize the Signs of Drowsy Driving

    The lull of a relaxing drive can make you too sleepy to continue behind the wheel. If you feel yourself getting too tired, it's important to get off the road and give yourself a break.

    The U.S. National Safety Council offers this list of warning signs that you should check into a motel for the night:

    • When your eyes keep closing or slip out of focus.
    • When you yawn repeatedly.
    • When you begin to feel especially impatient, irritable or restless.
    • When you have trouble concentrating.
    • When you can't remember driving the previous few miles.
    • When you begin swerving into another lane or onto the shoulder.
    • When you begin missing traffic signs, tailgating or driving too fast or too slowly.
    • When you feel tension in the back, a burning sensation in the eyes or feel shallow breathing.

    Monday, December 21, 2009

    Health Headlines - December 21

    Senate Democrats Reach Agreement on Health- Care Reform Bill

    Moving the ambitious plan to overhaul the nation's health-care system ever closer to reality, Senate Democrats announced on Saturday that they have reached agreement on a bill that is still on track to be approved by Christmas.

    Although Senate Republicans staunchly oppose the bill, the Senate Democrats said they now have the 60 votes needed to overcome any potential filibusters on the Senate floor, according to the New York Times.

    The critical 60th vote finally came after Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), gave his backing following 13 hours of intense negotiation Friday, the Times reported.

    "Change is never easy, but change is what's necessary in America," Mr. Nelson said during a Saturday morning news conference. "And that's why I intend to vote for health care reform."

    If the bill passes the Senate, it will still have to be reconciled with a House version of the bill that was adopted last month, and Nelson stressed that if any changes were not to his liking, he would withdraw his backing, the Times reported.

    The highly ambitious bill would extend health benefits to more than 30 million uninsured Americans by expanding Medicaid and by providing subsidies to help moderate-income people purchase private insurance.

    -----

    Louisiana Residents Happiest in U.S.

    People in Louisiana are the happiest Americans, while those in New York are the least cheery, according to researchers who analyzed four years of data from 1.3 million people surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Other sunny, outdoorsy states -- Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee and Arizona -- rounded out the top five happiest places, which also tend to score well on rankings of crime rates, climate, air quality and schools, the Associated Pressreported.

    Long commutes, congestion and high prices around New York City may help explain why New York ranked at the bottom of happiness, said study co-author Andrew J. Oswald, an economist at the University of Warwick in England, the APreported.

    Rounding out the bottom five were Connecticut, Michigan, Indiana and New Jersey. The study was published Friday in the journal Science.

    -----

    African, Asian Orphanages Provide Good Care: Study

    Orphanages in Africa and South Asia provide care that's at least as good as that given by families who take in orphaned or abandoned children, says a study that challenges the common belief that orphanages in these countries should be regarded as a last resort.

    "We are seeing children thriving in institutions" in these countries, said study first author Dr. Kathryn Whetten, director of the Center for Health Policy at Duke University, The New York Times reported. "Institutions are not so bad. Community life can be very hard."

    She and her colleagues looked at 83 institutions in Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Tanzania. They compared the health, behavior, physical growth, intellectual functioning and emotional state of 1,357 orphans ages 6 to 12 in the institutions and 1,480 who lived in homes in the community. The results showed that children in the orphanages generally fared as well as those in the community, or even better.

    On average, the orphanages had 63 children each -- 28 percent had 20 or fewer children, and 17 percent had 100 or more, The Times reported.

    The study was published online in the journal PLoS One.

    -----

    CDC Failed to Screen Vaccine Panel Experts: Report

    Medical experts weren't properly screened for financial conflicts when they were hired in 2007 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide advice about safety of flu and cervical cancer vaccines, says a report by the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Daniel R. Levinson found that 64 percent of the experts had potential conflicts that were never identified or resolved. In some cases, experts who were legally barred from advising on the vaccines did so anyway, The New York Times reported.

    In nearly every case, the CDC failed to ensure that experts adequately filled out forms confirming they weren't being paid by companies with an interest in their decisions, said the report, expected to be released Friday. Levinson said the CDC must do a better job of screening experts who serve on its advisory panels, and the agency's new director, Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, agreed.

    "Since the period covered in this review, C.D.C. has strengthened the financial disclosures and conflict-of-interest process by instituting improved business processes and realigning responsibilities and oversight," Frieden wrote, The Timesreported.

    -----

    Eleven Infant Deaths Linked to Simplicity Cribs: CPSC

    The number of infant deaths linked to defective Simplicity cribs has risen to 11, even though there have been several warnings and recalls, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

    Earlier recall announcements cited four reported deaths, the Associated Pressreported.

    The CPSC said the most recent death involved a 7-month-old child in Princeton, Ky., who became trapped in the crib when a part of it broke. The agency also said it knows of 25 other incidents involving drop-side parts detaching from Simplicity cribs.

    More than two million Simplicity-manufactured drop-side cribs have been recalled since December 2005 because of problems with their plastic hardware, which can break or deform and cause the drop-side to detach, the AP reported.

    This creates a space between the drop-side and crib mattress that infants can roll into and become trapped, leading to a suffocation risk.

    -----

    Early Treatment for Tinnitus May Be Possible: Researchers

    It may be possible to treat the ear-ringing disorder tinnitus soon after it begins, say Australian researchers.

    Tinnitus, which is often associated with some degree of hearing loss, causes buzzing, ringing or whistling in one or both ears, or the head, BBC News reported.

    Some forms of tinnitus are associated with spontaneous nerve activity in the brain and this activity, for a time, is dependent on nerve signals generated in the inner ear, found the University of Western Australia researchers.

    They believe it may be possible to treat tinnitus in the early stages by reducing these nerve signals from the ear, BBC News reported.

    Much more research needs to be done, but "it is a very exciting prospect," said lead researcher Professor Don Robertson.

    The study appears in the journal Neuroscience.

    Health Tips for December 21

    Health Tip: Conditions That Can Affect Foot Health

    Some diseases and conditions can impact on your entire body, from your head to your feet.

    The American Podiatric Medical Association lists these health conditions that can lead to foot problems or indicate that a foot problem exists:

    • High blood pressure.
    • Cardiovascular disease.
    • Rheumatic heart disease.
    • Diabetes, particularly if you're taking medication to manage it.
    • Open sores that don't heal normally.
    • Swollen feet or a "burning" sensation in the feet.

    Health Tip: Remedy a Hammer Toe

    A hammer toe occurs when a toe bends over in a hammer-like or claw-like shape. Most common in the second toe, the condition can affect any toe.

    A person can be born with a hammer toe, or it can develop over time, particularly from wearing shoes that are too small.

    Early treatment may prevent the need for surgery. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of other potential treatment options:

    • Splinting the toe, which seems to work best for mild cases or among children.
    • Using foot manipulation, also an effective remedy for children.
    • Wearing properly fitted shoes that don't squeeze the toes.
    • Wearing a protective pad or using a corrective foot device.
    • Exercising the toes. Speak to your doctor about what may work for you.

    Sunday, December 20, 2009

    Health Headlines - December 20

    Senate Democrats Reach Agreement on Health-Care Reform Bill

    Moving the ambitious plan to overhaul the nation's health-care system ever closer to reality, Senate Democrats announced on Saturday that they have reached agreement on a bill that is still on track to be approved by Christmas.

    Although Senate Republicans staunchly oppose the bill, the Senate Democrats said they now have the 60 votes needed to overcome any potential filibusters on the Senate floor, according to the New York Times.

    The critical 60th vote finally came after Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), gave his backing following 13 hours of intense negotiation Friday, the Times reported.

    "Change is never easy, but change is what's necessary in America," Mr. Nelson said during a Saturday morning news conference. "And that's why I intend to vote for health care reform."

    If the bill passes the Senate, it will still have to be reconciled with a House version of the bill that was adopted last month, and Nelson stressed that if any changes were not to his liking, he would withdraw his backing, the Times reported.

    The highly ambitious bill would extend health benefits to more than 30 million uninsured Americans by expanding Medicaid and by providing subsidies to help moderate-income people purchase private insurance.

    -----

    Louisiana Residents Happiest in U.S.

    People in Louisiana are the happiest Americans, while those in New York are the least cheery, according to researchers who analyzed four years of data from 1.3 million people surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Other sunny, outdoorsy states -- Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee and Arizona -- rounded out the top five happiest places, which also tend to score well on rankings of crime rates, climate, air quality and schools, the Associated Pressreported.

    Long commutes, congestion and high prices around New York City may help explain why New York ranked at the bottom of happiness, said study co-author Andrew J. Oswald, an economist at the University of Warwick in England, the APreported.

    Rounding out the bottom five were Connecticut, Michigan, Indiana and New Jersey. The study was published Friday in the journal Science.

    -----

    African, Asian Orphanages Provide Good Care: Study

    Orphanages in Africa and South Asia provide care that's at least as good as that given by families who take in orphaned or abandoned children, says a study that challenges the common belief that orphanages in these countries should be regarded as a last resort.

    "We are seeing children thriving in institutions" in these countries, said study first author Dr. Kathryn Whetten, director of the Center for Health Policy at Duke University, The New York Times reported. "Institutions are not so bad. Community life can be very hard."

    She and her colleagues looked at 83 institutions in Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Tanzania. They compared the health, behavior, physical growth, intellectual functioning and emotional state of 1,357 orphans ages 6 to 12 in the institutions and 1,480 who lived in homes in the community. The results showed that children in the orphanages generally fared as well as those in the community, or even better.

    On average, the orphanages had 63 children each -- 28 percent had 20 or fewer children, and 17 percent had 100 or more, The Times reported.

    The study was published online in the journal PLoS One.

    -----

    CDC Failed to Screen Vaccine Panel Experts: Report

    Medical experts weren't properly screened for financial conflicts when they were hired in 2007 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide advice about safety of flu and cervical cancer vaccines, says a report by the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Daniel R. Levinson found that 64 percent of the experts had potential conflicts that were never identified or resolved. In some cases, experts who were legally barred from advising on the vaccines did so anyway, The New York Times reported.

    In nearly every case, the CDC failed to ensure that experts adequately filled out forms confirming they weren't being paid by companies with an interest in their decisions, said the report, expected to be released Friday. Levinson said the CDC must do a better job of screening experts who serve on its advisory panels, and the agency's new director, Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, agreed.

    "Since the period covered in this review, C.D.C. has strengthened the financial disclosures and conflict-of-interest process by instituting improved business processes and realigning responsibilities and oversight," Frieden wrote, The Timesreported.

    -----

    Eleven Infant Deaths Linked to Simplicity Cribs: CPSC

    The number of infant deaths linked to defective Simplicity cribs has risen to 11, even though there have been several warnings and recalls, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

    Earlier recall announcements cited four reported deaths, the Associated Pressreported.

    The CPSC said the most recent death involved a 7-month-old child in Princeton, Ky., who became trapped in the crib when a part of it broke. The agency also said it knows of 25 other incidents involving drop-side parts detaching from Simplicity cribs.

    More than two million Simplicity-manufactured drop-side cribs have been recalled since December 2005 because of problems with their plastic hardware, which can break or deform and cause the drop-side to detach, the AP reported.

    This creates a space between the drop-side and crib mattress that infants can roll into and become trapped, leading to a suffocation risk.

    -----

    Early Treatment for Tinnitus May Be Possible: Researchers

    It may be possible to treat the ear-ringing disorder tinnitus soon after it begins, say Australian researchers.

    Tinnitus, which is often associated with some degree of hearing loss, causes buzzing, ringing or whistling in one or both ears, or the head, BBC News reported.

    Some forms of tinnitus are associated with spontaneous nerve activity in the brain and this activity, for a time, is dependent on nerve signals generated in the inner ear, found the University of Western Australia researchers.

    They believe it may be possible to treat tinnitus in the early stages by reducing these nerve signals from the ear, BBC News reported.

    Much more research needs to be done, but "it is a very exciting prospect," said lead researcher Professor Don Robertson.

    The study appears in the journal Neuroscience.