Health Headlines - August 31

Return of swine flu: What's ahead for Americans?

The alarm sounded with two sneezy children in California in April. Just five months later, the never-before-seen swine flu has become the world's dominant strain of influenza, and it's putting a shockingly younger face on flu.

So get ready. With flu's favorite chilly weather fast approaching, we're going to be a sick nation this fall. The big unknown is how sick. One in five people infected or a worst case — half the population? The usual 36,000 deaths from flu or tens of thousands more?

The World Health Organization predicts that within two years, nearly one-third of the world's population will have caught it.

"What we know is, it's brand new and no one really has an immunity to this disease," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says.

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New AstraZeneca drug reduces heart patients' risks

A new drug to prevent blood clots in heart patients reduced their chances of dying by more than 20 percent compared with the standard treatment, new research says.

Researchers followed 18,624 patients worldwide from 2006 to 2008. About half the patients were taking clopidogrel, also known as Plavix, while the other half were taking an experimental drug called ticagrelor, or Brilinta, made by AstraZeneca PLC.

Those on Brilinta had a 4.5 percent chance of dying, versus a 5.9 percent death risk for patients on Plavix, the world's second-best selling medication made by France's Sanofi-Aventis SA and U.S. drugmaker Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

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Study shows experimental drug cuts stroke risk

An experimental drug reduces the stroke risk in patients with irregular heartbeats by more than three times, compared with the popular drug warfarin — but possibly at a cost, according to new research released Sunday.

Patients taking the new drug dabigatran etexilate, made by German pharmaceutical Boehringer Ingelheim, also were slightly more likely to have heart attacks or stomach pain, according to the research presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in Barcelona.

Patients with irregular heartbeats are up to five times more likely to have a stroke than healthy people.

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Exercise beats angioplasty for some heart patients

Working up a sweat may be even better than angioplasty for some heart patients, experts say.

Studies have shown heart patients benefit from exercise, and some have even shown it works better than surgical procedures. At a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology on Sunday, several experts said doctors should focus more on persuading their patients to exercise rather than simply doing angioplasties.

Health Tips for August 31

Health Tip: Your Pregnancy in the First Trimester

Many moms-to-be scour books and Web sites to find out what happens to their body and growing baby at each step of pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers this list of changes that you can expect during your first trimester:

• Menstruation stops.
• Your breasts may become larger and more tender.
• More frequent urination.
• Fatigue.
• Possible nausea and vomiting.
• Food cravings and other changes in eating habits.
• Indigestion and heartburn.
• Constipation.
• A change in weight.

Health Tip: Your Pregnancy in the Second Trimester

By the time you're in your second trimester of pregnancy, your body already has undergone significant change. But you're certainly not through.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says here's what pregnant women can expect in the second trimester:

• Nausea should subside and your appetite should return.
• Your belly gets bigger as your uterus expands. As the end of the second trimester nears, your uterus will nearly reach your rib cage.
• Your skin may feel tight and itchy as it expands across your belly and breasts. Stretch marks may appear.
• Your belly may ache as ligaments that support the uterus are stretched.
• A dark line called a linea nigra may appear down the center of your belly.
• Brown patches of skin (chloasma) may appear on your face, and the areolas (darker skin near the breast nipples) may darken.
• Some swelling of the feet and ankles.

Health Tip: Your Pregnancy in the Third Trimester

It's your third trimester -- the home stretch of your pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers this list of changes that you can expect during this period:

• The movements of the fetus become stronger and more noticeable.
• You may have difficulty catching your breath.
• You may have to go to the bathroom more frequently, as the growing fetus presses on your bladder.
• Early milk, called colostrum, may leak from your breasts.
• Your belly button may stick out.
• You may have pain or a tightening sensation in the belly (contractions), which can indicate either false labor or the real thing.

Health Headlines - August 30

Gulf Coast Births Fell Post-Katrina

Births plummeted in most of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina in the 12 months after the catastrophic storm, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found.

Overall, in 14 coastal counties and parishes of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, births declined 19 percent in the year after the hurricane compared with the year before the storm, according to a review of birth certificates filed in Federal Emergency Management Agency-designated areas of the Gulf Coast.

In the selected parishes of Louisiana, births dropped 30 percent and in Mississippi, 13 percent. But births increased 6 percent in the selected areas of Alabama.

Other findings:

Births in the chosen parishes of Louisiana plunged 51 percent among non-Hispanic black women, 21 percent for Hispanic women, 34 percent for Asian/Pacific Islanders and 14 percent for non-Hispanic whites.

Among non-Hispanic black women in Orleans Parish, the central parish of New Orleans, the proportion of total births fell from 78 percent before the storm to 60 percent afterward.

The proportion of teen births was unchanged, except in the Louisiana counties where teen births fell 11 percent.

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UN Wary of Swine Flu in Birds

Now that the H1N1 swine flu has spread to turkeys in Chile, the UN is concerned that poultry farms around the world could become infected, BBC News reports.

Although swine flu is no deadlier than the seasonal flu, scientists worry that it could mix with more dangerous strains. Already it has spread from humans to pigs. Last week's discovery of the virus in turkeys on two farms near the seaport of Valparaiso may be a "spillover" from farm workers, experts believe.

Up to now, no cases of H5N1 bird flu have emerged in flocks in Chile. But, "the introduction of H1N1 in these populations would be of greater concern," said Juan Lubroth, interim chief veterinary officer of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. "In Southeast Asia there is a lot of the (H5N1) virus circulating in poultry.

Colin Butter from the Institute for Animal Health in England agrees. "We hope it is a rare event, and we must monitor closely what happens next," he told BBC News.

"However, it is not just about the H5N1 strain. Any further spread of the H1N1 virus between birds, or from birds to humans would not be good," Butter said.

"It might make the virus harder to control, because it would be more likely to change," he said.

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Pregnant Women, New Parents Urged to Get Swine Flu Vaccine

Women who are pregnant and new parents should get the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available this fall, to protect themselves and their children, U.S. health officials said Thursday.

Speaking during a telebriefing, Dr. Anne Schuchat, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said women at any stage of pregnancy should get the shot, the Associated Press reported.

"There's no benefit to waiting until you're out of the first trimester," added Dr. Laura Riley, of Massachusetts General Hospital.

The H1N1 swine flu first appeared in Mexico and the United States in mid-April, and then spread to the southern hemisphere, where winter and the flu season are drawing to a close. The swine flu is expected to return to North America in the fall.

The swine flu, which typically produces mild symptoms and a quick recovery, has shown no signs of mutating into a more dangerous disease.

Vaccines for the regular seasonal flu are already available in many parts of the United States, and testing continues for a swine flu vaccine. The experts urged people Thursday to get both seasonal and swine flu vaccinations, and not wait to get them together, the AP reported.

Asked if there will be swine flu vaccines available without the controversial preservative Thimerosal, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said there would be. He said there's no evidence that Thimerosal poses any health threat, but because some people are concerned about it, a form of the vaccine without it will be available, the news service said.

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U.S. Issues New Guidelines for Treating Children With HIV

Experts at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have revised their guidelines on the prevention and treatment of dangerous infections in children with HIV.

The new guidelines -- which update 2004 recommendations -- stress the importance of using powerful antiretroviral drugs to suppress the virus that causes AIDS, and offer guidance on when medicines might be discontinued once a child's immune system recovers.

"The guidelines will help health-care workers and public health officials who work with children to save lives that might otherwise be lost," Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said in a joint NIH/CDC news release. "The infections that can accompany HIV are often the major cause of illness and death of HIV-infected children."

Children with HIV have depleted immune systems and are therefore vulnerable to so-called "opportunistic" infections, including tuberculosis and pneumonia. These types of infections remain the leading cause of death for HIV-infected children, the news release stated.

The new guidelines, to be published in the Sept. 4 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Report, include:

• a renewed emphasis on the use of antiretroviral drugs to keep HIV at bay,
• advice on managing "immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome," a potentially dangerous over-activity of the immune system which can occur as formerly impaired immune responses rebound under treatment,
• information on drug interactions for children on HIV medications,
• new advice on the use of antibiotics to fight off a form of pneumonia that often threatens newborns suspected of being HIV-positive,
• updated advice on immunizing HIV-positive children against pathogens such as hepatitis and HPV,
• new recommendations that might allow some well-treated, HIV-infected children with newly robust immune systems to discontinue medicines aimed at preventing opportunistic infections. Formerly, experts advised that people stay on these medicines for life.

Health Tips for August 30

Health Tip: Eating Right While You're Pregnant

While a healthy diet is always important, it becomes even more crucial during pregnancy, when you're eating for two.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says your diet during pregnancy should include the following daily amounts:

• Six ounces of grains. One slice of whole-grain bread, a cup of ready-to-eat cereal, or a 1/2 cup of cooked rice is equal to about one ounce from this group.
• Two-and-a-half cups of vegetables.
• One-and-a-half to two cups of fruit, which could include 100 percent fruit juice or dried fruit.
• Five to 5 1/2 ounces of meat or beans. An egg, two tablespoons of peanut butter, or 1/2 cup of seeds or nuts is equal to about one ounce from this group.
• Three cups of milk. A cup of yogurt or 1 1/2 to two ounces of cheese can be considered one cup from this group.

Health Tip: When Labor May Be Induced

Labor is induced in about 20 percent of U.S. pregnant women, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says.

Labor may be induced -- causing the woman's cervix to open in preparation for a vaginal birth -- if the health of the mother or baby is threatened, the ACOG says. Here are some possible reasons for labor induction:

• If the woman is more than 42 weeks pregnant.
• If the woman has pregnancy-related high blood pressure.
• If the woman has a uterine infection.
• If the woman has a condition called placental abruption, where the placenta pulls away from the inner wall of the uterus. This may actually lead doctors to decide to deliver the baby by Cesarean section.
• If the woman's water breaks too early.

Health Headlines - August 29

Gulf Coast Births Fell Post-Katrina

Births plummeted in most of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina in the 12 months after the catastrophic storm, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found.

Overall, in 14 coastal counties and parishes of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, births declined 19 percent in the year after the hurricane compared with the year before the storm, according to a review of birth certificates filed in Federal Emergency Management Agency-designated areas of the Gulf Coast.

In the selected parishes of Louisiana, births dropped 30 percent and in Mississippi, 13 percent. But births increased 6 percent in the selected areas of Alabama.

Other findings:

Births in the chosen parishes of Louisiana plunged 51 percent among non-Hispanic black women, 21 percent for Hispanic women, 34 percent for Asian/Pacific Islanders and 14 percent for non-Hispanic whites.

Among non-Hispanic black women in Orleans Parish, the central parish of New Orleans, the proportion of total births fell from 78 percent before the storm to 60 percent afterward.

The proportion of teen births was unchanged, except in the Louisiana counties where teen births fell 11 percent.

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UN Wary of Swine Flu in Birds

Now that the H1N1 swine flu has spread to turkeys in Chile, the UN is concerned that poultry farms around the world could become infected, BBC News reports.

Although swine flu is no deadlier than the seasonal flu, scientists worry that it could mix with more dangerous strains. Already it has spread from humans to pigs. Last week's discovery of the virus in turkeys on two farms near the seaport of Valparaiso may be a "spillover" from farm workers, experts believe.

Up to now, no cases of H5N1 bird flu have emerged in flocks in Chile. But, "the introduction of H1N1 in these populations would be of greater concern," said Juan Lubroth, interim chief veterinary officer of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. "In Southeast Asia there is a lot of the (H5N1) virus circulating in poultry.

Colin Butter from the Institute for Animal Health in England agrees. "We hope it is a rare event, and we must monitor closely what happens next," he told BBC News.

"However, it is not just about the H5N1 strain. Any further spread of the H1N1 virus between birds, or from birds to humans would not be good," Butter said.

"It might make the virus harder to control, because it would be more likely to change," he said.

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Pregnant Women, New Parents Urged to Get Swine Flu Vaccine

Women who are pregnant and new parents should get the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available this fall, to protect themselves and their children, U.S. health officials said Thursday.

Speaking during a telebriefing, Dr. Anne Schuchat, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said women at any stage of pregnancy should get the shot, the Associated Press reported.

"There's no benefit to waiting until you're out of the first trimester," added Dr. Laura Riley, of Massachusetts General Hospital.

The H1N1 swine flu first appeared in Mexico and the United States in mid-April, and then spread to the southern hemisphere, where winter and the flu season are drawing to a close. The swine flu is expected to return to North America in the fall.

The swine flu, which typically produces mild symptoms and a quick recovery, has shown no signs of mutating into a more dangerous disease.

Vaccines for the regular seasonal flu are already available in many parts of the United States, and testing continues for a swine flu vaccine. The experts urged people Thursday to get both seasonal and swine flu vaccinations, and not wait to get them together, the AP reported.

Asked if there will be swine flu vaccines available without the controversial preservative Thimerosal, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said there would be. He said there's no evidence that Thimerosal poses any health threat, but because some people are concerned about it, a form of the vaccine without it will be available, the news service said.

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U.S. Issues New Guidelines for Treating Children With HIV

Experts at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have revised their guidelines on the prevention and treatment of dangerous infections in children with HIV.

The new guidelines -- which update 2004 recommendations -- stress the importance of using powerful antiretroviral drugs to suppress the virus that causes AIDS, and offer guidance on when medicines might be discontinued once a child's immune system recovers.

"The guidelines will help health-care workers and public health officials who work with children to save lives that might otherwise be lost," Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said in a joint NIH/CDC news release. "The infections that can accompany HIV are often the major cause of illness and death of HIV-infected children."

Children with HIV have depleted immune systems and are therefore vulnerable to so-called "opportunistic" infections, including tuberculosis and pneumonia. These types of infections remain the leading cause of death for HIV-infected children, the news release stated.

The new guidelines, to be published in the Sept. 4 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Report, include:

• a renewed emphasis on the use of antiretroviral drugs to keep HIV at bay,
• advice on managing "immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome," a potentially dangerous over-activity of the immune system which can occur as formerly impaired immune responses rebound under treatment,
• information on drug interactions for children on HIV medications,
• new advice on the use of antibiotics to fight off a form of pneumonia that often threatens newborns suspected of being HIV-positive,
• updated advice on immunizing HIV-positive children against pathogens such as hepatitis and HPV,
• new recommendations that might allow some well-treated, HIV-infected children with newly robust immune systems to discontinue medicines aimed at preventing opportunistic infections. Formerly, experts advised that people stay on these medicines for life.

Health Tips for August 29

Health Tip: Preventing a Peptic Ulcer

An ulcer is a breakdown in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. A certain type of bacterial infection is the most frequent cause, but lifestyle factors may also raise your risk.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these preventive steps that may ward off a peptic ulcer:

• Limit alcohol to no more than two drinks daily.
• Stop smoking or chewing tobacco.
• If you need to take painkillers, avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen, ibuprofen or aspirin. Consider, with your doctor's approval, acetaminophen instead.

Health Tip: Warning Signs of Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is a sore that occurs in the lining of the stomach or small intestine.

A bacterium, called H. pylori, causes the sore to form. While the foods you eat don't cause peptic ulcers, foods can aggravate these sores.

Peptic ulcers can be treated with antibiotics and acid-reducing medications.

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse lists these common warning signs of a peptic ulcer:

• Dull pain in the abdomen.
• Abdominal pain that fluctuates, but often occurs on an empty stomach or several hours after a meal.
• Abdominal pain that subsides after eating or taking antacid medications.
• Loss of weight and lack of appetite.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Feeling bloated or frequent burping.

Health Headlines - August 28

Pregnant Women, New Parents Urged to Get Swine Flu Vaccine

Women who are pregnant and new parents should get the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available this fall, to protect themselves and their children, U.S. health officials said Thursday.

Speaking during a telebriefing, Dr. Anne Schuchat, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said women at any stage of pregnancy should get the shot, the Associated Press reported.

"There's no benefit to waiting until you're out of the first trimester," added Dr. Laura Riley, of Massachusetts General Hospital.

The H1N1 swine flu first appeared in Mexico and the United States in mid-April, and then spread to the southern hemisphere, where winter and the flu season are drawing to a close. The swine flu is expected to return to North America in the fall.

The swine flu, which typically produces mild symptoms and a quick recovery, has shown no signs of mutating into a more dangerous disease.

Vaccines for the regular seasonal flu are already available in many parts of the United States, and testing continues for a swine flu vaccine. The experts urged people Thursday to get both seasonal and swine flu vaccinations, and not wait to get them together, the AP reported.

Asked if there will be swine flu vaccines available without the controversial preservative Thimerosal, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said there would be. He said there's no evidence that Thimerosal poses any health threat, but because some people are concerned about it, a form of the vaccine without it will be available, the news service said.

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U.S. Issues New Guidelines for Treating Children With HIV

Experts at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have revised their guidelines on the prevention and treatment of dangerous infections in children with HIV.

The new guidelines -- which update 2004 recommendations -- stress the importance of using powerful antiretroviral drugs to suppress the virus that causes AIDS, and offer guidance on when medicines might be discontinued once a child's immune system recovers.

"The guidelines will help health-care workers and public health officials who work with children to save lives that might otherwise be lost," Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said in a joint NIH/CDC news release. "The infections that can accompany HIV are often the major cause of illness and death of HIV-infected children."

Children with HIV have depleted immune systems and are therefore vulnerable to so-called "opportunistic" infections, including tuberculosis and pneumonia. These types of infections remain the leading cause of death for HIV-infected children, the news release stated.

The new guidelines, to be published in the Sept. 4 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Report, include:

• a renewed emphasis on the use of antiretroviral drugs to keep HIV at bay,
• advice on managing "immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome," a potentially dangerous over-activity of the immune system which can occur as formerly impaired immune responses rebound under treatment,
• information on drug interactions for children on HIV medications,
• new advice on the use of antibiotics to fight off a form of pneumonia that often threatens newborns suspected of being HIV-positive,
• updated advice on immunizing HIV-positive children against pathogens such as hepatitis and HPV,
• new recommendations that might allow some well-treated, HIV-infected children with newly robust immune systems to discontinue medicines aimed at preventing opportunistic infections. Formerly, experts advised that people stay on these medicines for life.

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Spending on Health Care for Seniors Still Rising: Report

Spending to treat the health problems of Americans 65 and older increased by about $2,000 for every senior who used health services between 1996 and 2006, according to the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Reporting in its News and Numbers publication, the agency said that average spending, adjusted for inflation, for seniors rose from $6,989 in 1996 to $9,080 in 2006. The review covered all Americans 65 and older, except for those living in nursing homes and other institutions.

The agency found significant increases in average spending for seniors for the following types of health care:

• Prescription drug purchase -- from $105 to $174 (66 percent).
• Physician office visit -- from $114 to $180 per visit (58 percent).
• Dental visit -- from $187 to $254 per visit (36 percent).
• Daily hospital stay -- from $2,271 to $2,714 per day (20 percent).

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Extreme Obesity Takes Years Off Life: Report

People who are extremely obese -- 80 pounds or more heavier than a normal weight -- die three to 12 years sooner than normal-weight individuals. But people who are just overweight or moderately obese tend to live a normal life span, a new study found, according to USA Today.

The finding mirrors earlier research that found that being slightly overweight may have no impact on life expectancy, but being severely overweight can shorten life spans dramatically, the newspaper said.

According to U.S. health officials, an estimated 66 percent of adult Americans are either overweight or obese. About one-third are obese, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI, a ratio of weight to height) or 30 or more. About 6 percent of people are extremely obese, with a BMI of 40 or greater.

The study, done by economists at RTI International, a non-profit research organization in Research Triangle Park, N.C., analyzed national data on 366,000 people.

Study lead author Eric Finkelstein said being moderately overweight may not shorten life spans because there are many effective treatments to manage the health problems often brought on by excess weight, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, the newspaper reported.

Health Tips for August 28

Health Tip: Stifle Back-to-School Allergy and Asthma Problems

Going back to school with asthma and allergies means dealing with pollens, molds and other allergens that contaminate the air during autumn.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers these suggestions to help prevent allergy and asthma flares in your child:

• Have your child visit the doctor before school starts to make sure symptoms are well-controlled.
• Give a copy of your child's treatment plan to the school staff, which should be familiar with your child's triggers and medications.
• With the pediatrician's approval, make sure your child is vaccinated for seasonal flu and swine flu.
• Make sure your child carries an inhaler at all times, and an epinephrine kit if the child has life-threatening allergies.
• Talk to your child about what triggers symptoms (such as exercise or chalkboard dust), and make sure he or she knows to avoid them.
• Check out the school and look for any potential problems, such as cafeteria foods that could be dangerous to your child.

Health Tip: Choosing a Backpack

Along with pens, paper and notebooks, for many youngsters, a backpack is a back-to-school necessity.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these safety guidelines for selecting a backpack:

• Look for features that offer better support, comfort and safety.
• Choose a backpack with padding in the back to minimize pressure.
• Opt for a backpack that has belts around the hip and chest to more evenly distribute the contents.
• A backpack with lots of compartments is better, as it also helps evenly distribute the weight of school supplies.
• Look for compression straps at the bottom or side of the backpack to bring the contents closer to the back.
• Look for reflective material so your child is easier to see if walking in the dark.

Health Headlines - August 27

U.S. Issues New Guidelines for Treating Children With HIV

Experts at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have revised their guidelines on the prevention and treatment of dangerous infections in children with HIV.

The new guidelines -- which update 2004 recommendations -- stress the importance of using powerful antiretroviral drugs to suppress the virus that causes AIDS, and offer guidance on when medicines might be discontinued once a child's immune system recovers.

"The guidelines will help health-care workers and public health officials who work with children to save lives that might otherwise be lost," Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said in a joint NIH/CDC news release. "The infections that can accompany HIV are often the major cause of illness and death of HIV-infected children."

Children with HIV have depleted immune systems and are therefore vulnerable to so-called "opportunistic" infections, including tuberculosis and pneumonia. These types of infections remain the leading cause of death for HIV-infected children, the news release stated.

The new guidelines, to be published in the Sept. 4 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Report, include:

• a renewed emphasis on the use of antiretroviral drugs to keep HIV at bay,
• advice on managing "immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome," a potentially dangerous over-activity of the immune system which can occur as formerly impaired immune responses rebound under treatment,
• information on drug interactions for children on HIV medications,
• new advice on the use of antibiotics to fight off a form of pneumonia that often threatens newborns suspected of being HIV-positive,
• updated advice on immunizing HIV-positive children against pathogens such as hepatitis and HPV,
• new recommendations that might allow some well-treated, HIV-infected children with newly robust immune systems to discontinue medicines aimed at preventing opportunistic infections. Formerly, experts advised that people stay on these medicines for life.

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FDA Approves Swine Flu Test for Troops

A swine flu test for military personnel serving overseas has been approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to a news release from the agency, the Department of Defense can now send the H1N1 test to its labs so that troops can be screened quickly. The emergency measure allows the use of unapproved medical products during public health emergencies.

"The FDA worked quickly with the Defense Department to authorize the use of this test to better protect our troops. The test will aid in more rapid diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 influenza infections so that deployed troops can quickly begin appropriate medical treatment," Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, commissioner of Food and Drugs at the FDA, told the wire service.

The test, known as the CDC swH1N1 (swine) Influenza Real-Time RT-PCR, was developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In June, the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 swine flu a pandemic, the first time it has taken such a measure in four decades. The declaration was made not because the swine flu is particularly dangerous, but because it had become so widespread. To date, there have been 182,166 cases of infection worldwide and 1,799 deaths, according to the latest WHO estimates.

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Spending on Health Care for Seniors Still Rising: Report

Spending to treat the health problems of Americans 65 and older increased by about $2,000 for every senior who used health services between 1996 and 2006, according to the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Reporting in its News and Numbers publication, the agency said that average spending, adjusted for inflation, for seniors rose from $6,989 in 1996 to $9,080 in 2006. The review covered all Americans 65 and older, except for those living in nursing homes and other institutions.

The agency found significant increases in average spending for seniors for the following types of health care:

• Prescription drug purchase -- from $105 to $174 (66 percent).
• Physician office visit -- from $114 to $180 per visit (58 percent).
• Dental visit -- from $187 to $254 per visit (36 percent).
• Daily hospital stay -- from $2,271 to $2,714 per day (20 percent).

-----

Extreme Obesity Takes Years Off Life: Report

People who are extremely obese -- 80 pounds or more heavier than a normal weight -- die three to 12 years sooner than normal-weight individuals. But people who are just overweight or moderately obese tend to live a normal life span, a new study found, according to USA Today.

The finding mirrors earlier research that found that being slightly overweight may have no impact on life expectancy, but being severely overweight can shorten life spans dramatically, the newspaper said.

According to U.S. health officials, an estimated 66 percent of adult Americans are either overweight or obese. About one-third are obese, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI, a ratio of weight to height) or 30 or more. About 6 percent of people are extremely obese, with a BMI of 40 or greater.

The study, done by economists at RTI International, a non-profit research organization in Research Triangle Park, N.C., analyzed national data on 366,000 people.

Study lead author Eric Finkelstein said being moderately overweight may not shorten life spans because there are many effective treatments to manage the health problems often brought on by excess weight, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, the newspaper reported.

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Circumcision Won't Shield Gay Men From HIV: Study

While circumcision may help protect heterosexual men in Africa from contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, it does not appear effective in doing so for American gay men, according to the largest study yet on the issue.

The finding could affect future recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is considering advocating the routine circumcision of baby boys, to help cut their odds for HIV infection.

Circumcision "is not considered beneficial" for gay men concerned about lowering their risk of becoming infected with HIV, Dr. Peter Kilmarx of the CDC told the Associated Press. He released the study findings at a conference on Tuesday.

The finding are at odds with some studies conducted in Africa, which have suggested that circumcised males may be less prone to HIV infection during heterosexual sex. But circumcision may not offer the same protection when it comes to anal sex, Kilmarx said.

In the study, the CDC team tracked the HIV infection rate of nearly 4,900 men who had anal sex with an HIV-infected partner. The researchers found an HIV infection rate of 3.5 percent -- whether the men were circumcised or not.

The U.S. government is still devising its recommendations on circumcision, which are expected to be released in 2010, the AP said. Already, more than 80 percent of American males are circumcised, one of the highest rates in the world, and Kilmarx acknowledged that the issue is fraught with cultural and religious meaning. "It's seen by many as more than just a medical procedure," he said.

Health Tips for August 27

Health Tip: Who's at Greater Risk of Hip Fracture?

A hip fracture can be a very serious injury. People who break a hip are up to 18 percent more likely to die within a year that other people their age, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says.

While some factors are beyond your control, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. The academy offers this list of things that increase your risk of hip fracture:

• Being 65 or older.
• Being female.
• Having a family history of fractures in older age, especially for Asians and whites.
• Having a slender, slim body type.
• Not getting enough dietary calcium.
• Drinking too much alcohol or smoking.
• Having impaired eyesight, arthritis or poor balance.
• Taking certain medications that may make you dizzy or weak.
• Having some forms of dementia.

Health Tip: Protecting a New Hip

A hip replacement needs time to heal after surgery. And while you may be anxious to get back to a normal life, it's important to take it easy for a while.

Your doctor will tell you what you should and shouldn't do after surgery. But the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these general suggestions:

• For at least eight weeks after the surgery, avoid sitting with your legs crossed at the knees.
• Don't lift your knee above the level of your hip.
• When seated, avoid leaning forward -- such as to pick something up off the floor.
• When bending down, keep your feet straight. Avoid pointing them to the inside or outside.
• When in bed, avoid reaching down to grab the sheet or blanket.
• Don't stand with toes pointed toward each other.
• Don't bend at the waist at more than a 90-degree angle.
• Just because a certain movement doesn't hurt doesn't mean it's safe. Pain isn't the only indicator of what you should or shouldn't do.

Health Headlines - August 26

Herbicide in Drinking Water May Pose Hazard

A common herbicide tied to reproductive disruptions in humans may be occurring at higher levels in U.S. drinking water than is being detected by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to a report issued Monday by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

The council claims that the EPA may miss "spikes" in water levels of atrazine, especially in the Midwest and South, where it is applied to a variety of crops. In use since the 1950s, atrazine is a known "endocrine disruptor" and can interfere with the body's hormonal and reproductive development, according to the Washington Post.

The EPA typically checks for atrazine in water at four set times each year -- potentially missing spikes in concentrations that occur after rain or the springtime use of the herbicide, the council said.

"Our biggest concern is early-life-stage development," NRDC senior scientist Jennifer Sass told the Post. "If there's a disruption during that time, it becomes hard-wired into the system. These endocrine disrupters act in the body at extremely low levels. These spikes matter."

Her group noted that the EPA's own analysis found that during 2003 and 2004, 54 water systems had peaks of atrazine concentrations that exceeded the 3 parts per billion the agency considers safe.

Speaking to the Post, Steve Owens, the administrator of the EPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, said the agency "will take a hard look at atrazine and other substances."

A spokesman for the herbicide industry told the Post the NRDC report was alarmist. "Atrazine is one of the best studied, most thoroughly regulated molecules on the planet," said toxicologist Tim Pastoor, who works for atrazine maker Syngenta. "Those momentary spikes are not going to be injurious to human health."

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Many Doctors Unfamiliar With 'Off-Label' Use of Drugs: Report

It's called "off-label" use, and it's a practice that allows doctors to prescribe drugs for purposes not specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. But a new survey found that many physicians might not know when they are prescribing a drug "off label," The New York Times reported.

The typical doctor surveyed was able to identify the correct FDA approval status for only about half the drugs on a list provided by the researchers, according to a study in the journal Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, the newspaper said.

The greatest confusion surrounded psychiatric drugs, the survey of some 600 doctors found. Nearly 20 percent who had prescribed Seroquel (quetiapine) in the previous year thought it was FDA-approved for dementia and agitation. But the drug was never approved for such use and even carries a "black box" warning that it can be dangerous for elderly patients with dementia. And 33 percent of doctors who had used lorazepam (often marketed as Ativan) to treat chronic anxiety thought it had FDA approval for this use. But, the FDA warns against using it for this purpose, the Times said.

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Speed Up Swine Flu Vaccine Distribution: Panel

A presidential panel has recommended that the U.S. government speed up availability of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, develop a better system for tracking the virus and appoint a White House staff member to coordinate the nationwide response.

The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology issued an 86-page report Monday that also recommended developing communications strategies before the resurgence of the H1N1 flu, which is expected to be stronger and more widespread this fall and winter, the Washington Post reported.

The stakes could be high, the panel warned: Up to half of the U.S. population could become infected with the swine flu, 1.8 million people could be hospitalized, and up to 90,000 could die.

The regular seasonal flu typically kills an estimated 36,000 Americans each year, the majority of them elderly.

The president's council also urged the Obama administration to clarify how antiviral drugs can best be used to combat the pandemic, according to the Post report.

"Influenza brings many challenges, and agencies across the government will need to make many key decisions in the face of uncertainty about when and how the virus will play out," Eric Lander of the Broad Institute, council co-chair, said in a statement. "As we did in the spring, we can hope for the best. But we must prepare for the worst."

The World Health Organization in June declared a flu pandemic after the H1N1 virus emerged in Mexico and quickly spread to the United States and other countries around the world.

The U.S. government plans to purchase at least 159 doses of vaccine, but the initial doses aren't expected until mid-October.

Since it was first identified last spring after surfacing in Mexico and quickly spreading to the United States, the H1N1 swine flu virus has continued to produce mild infections, with most people recovering quickly. Unlike regular seasonal flu, however, swine flu seems to target children and young adults.

The good news, according to global health officials, is that the virus has shown no signs of mutating and becoming more virulent as it continues to circle the globe.

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Worldwide Cost of New Cancers $305 Billion: Study

The world will see 12.9 million new cancer cases this year, with an estimated cost of $305 billion, according to a report presented Monday at the Livestrong Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland.

Cancer will continue increasing, jumping to 16.8 million new cases in 2020, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, based in New York.

Anticipating a treatment expenditure gap of $217 billion in 2009 alone, experts called for greater cancer-control efforts worldwide, the Irish Times reported.

The report did not say how much each country needs to fill the gap, but the biggest void is seen in developing countries, where cancer is increasing but treatment is limited if even available, it said.

The report was commissioned by Livestrong, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, with support from the American Cancer Society. The estimate was based on costs involving the 26 most common cancers and included medical expenditures, time spent by family members caring for a loved one and contributions by non-governmental agencies, the Irish Times said.

Health Tips for August 26

Health Tip: Why You Should Drink Water

"Drink more water." You hear this mantra everywhere, and with good reason.

More than two-thirds of your body weight is water, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). Water lubricates the body, helps create saliva and joint fluid, helps keep your body at a healthy temperature, and helps prevent constipation.

The body obtains water as a byproduct of metabolism, and from what we eat and drink.

Drinking plain old water is the best option, of course. While sources such as juice, milk and soup can provide some water, caffeinated beverages and alcohol are diuretics that make the body excrete fluids and are not the best choices, the agency advises.

You should drink the equivalent of six to eight 8-ounce servings of water each day, suggests the NLM. Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, which if severe enough, can be life-threatening.

Health Tip: Nutrition for Athletic Performance

If you've been training for an athletic event -- a big game, a marathon or other intense workout -- it's important to eat the right foods to support your body when it needs proper nutrition most.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these sports nutrition suggestions:

• Make sure that you eat three to four hours before your event.
• Prepare your body with a high-carbohydrate meal.
• Stick to foods that are easy for your body to digest; stay away from fried foods.
• Steer clear of high-sugar foods and drinks for at least an hour before your event.
• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. One-to-two hours before, drink 20 ounces of water; 15-to-30 minutes before, drink another 10 to 15 ounces. If possible, drink 3 to 6 ounces every 10 to 20 minutes during the event.

Health Headlines - August 25

FDA Reviews Liver Injuries Possibly Tied to Weight-Loss Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Monday that it has begun a review of "adverse event reports" of liver injury in people taking the weight loss drug orlistat. The prescription version of the drug is marketed as Xenical; the over-the-counter version is known as Alli.

The FDA said it had received 32 reports of serious liver injury in patients taking orlistat between 1999 and 2008. Twenty-seven of the cases required hospitalization and six resulted in liver failure. Thirty of the "adverse events" happened outside the United States.

The most commonly reported side effects were jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), weakness, and stomach pain, the agency said in a news release.

The FDA said it was reviewing additional data from orlistat manufacturers on suspected cases of liver injury. The FDA's analysis of this data is ongoing, and no definite link between liver injury and orlistat has been found, the agency said.

Consumers taking Xenical should continue to take it as prescribed, and those using over-the-counter Alli should continue to use the product as directed, the FDA said.

Consumers who have used orlistat should consult a health-care professional if they experience symptoms possibly linked to the development of liver injury, particularly weakness or fatigue, fever, jaundice, or brown urine. Other symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, itching, or loss of appetite, the FDA said.

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Speed Up Swine Flu Vaccine Distribution: Panel

A presidential panel has recommended that the U.S. government speed up availability of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, develop a better system for tracking the virus and appoint a White House staff member to coordinate the nationwide response, the Washington Post reported.

The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) issued an 86-page report Monday that also recommended developing communications strategies before the resurgence of the H1N1 flu, which is expected to be stronger and more widespread this fall and winter.

The council also said the Obama administration should clarify how antiviral drugs can best be used to combat the pandemic, according to the Post report.

"Influenza brings many challenges, and agencies across the government will need to make many key decisions in the face of uncertainty about when and how the virus will play out," Eric Lander of the Broad Institute, council co-chair, said in a statement. "As we did in the spring, we can hope for the best. But we must prepare for the worst."

The World Health Organization in June declared a flu pandemic after the H1N1 virus emerged in Mexico and quickly spread to the United States and other countries around the world.

The U.S. government plans to purchase at least 159 doses of vaccine, but the initial doses aren't expected until mid-October.

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Worldwide Cost of New Cancers $305 Billion: Study

The world will see 12.9 million new cancer cases this year, with an estimated cost of $305 billion, according to a report presented Monday at the Livestrong Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland.

Cancer will continue increasing, jumping to 16.8 million new cases in 2020, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, based in New York.

Anticipating a treatment expenditure gap of $217 billion in 2009 alone, experts called for greater cancer-control efforts worldwide, the Irish Times reported.

The report did not say how much each country needs to fill the gap, but the biggest void is seen in developing countries, where cancer is increasing but treatment is limited if even available, it said.

The report was commissioned by Livestrong, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, with support from the American Cancer Society. The estimate was based on costs involving the 26 most common cancers and included medical expenditures, time spent by family members caring for a loved one and contributions by non-governmental agencies, the Irish Times said.

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To Fight HIV, U.S. May Urge Circumcision for Baby Boys: Report

In an effort to help control the spread of the AIDS-causing HIV virus, U.S. health officials are weighing whether to promote routine circumcision for all baby boys born in the country.

The topic is sure to be controversial, even though proposed recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aren't expected until the end of the year, The New York Times reported.

Also under consideration is whether the surgery should be recommended for heterosexual men whose sexual practices make them risky candidates for infection. But health officials already know that such a recommendation would probably not have a significant impact in the United States because the surgery doesn't seem to protect those men at greatest risk in the country -- gay men, the newspaper said.

Studies in African countries hit hard by AIDS have shown that men who were circumcised reduced their chances of infection by 50 percent. But the African trials focused on heterosexual men at risk of HIV infection from infected female partners, the Times said.

For the time being, U.S. health officials seem to be focusing on recommendations for newborns -- a strategy that would take years to pay health-care dividends. Critics of circumcision say it subjects baby boys to medically unnecessary surgery without their consent, the newspaper said.

Health Tips for August 25

Health Tip: Staying Healthy

Your lifestyle choices really can make a difference in whether you're healthy or frequently sick, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

The academy offers these suggestions to help prevent chronic health problems:

• Avoid smoking and any other use of tobacco.
• Limit your alcohol intake. For women, that's no more than one drink per day, or no more than two drinks per day for men.
• Stick to a healthy diet, maintain a healthy body weight and get regular exercise.
• Protect your skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen, and avoid sunbathing and using tanning beds.
• Be safe when it comes to choosing sexual partners and having sex. Always use condoms and spermicide.
• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
• Make regular appointments for vaccinations and screenings, such as mammograms, Pap smears, cancer screenings and physical exams.

Health Tip: Unexplained Swelling

If you have swelling of the ankles, legs or feet, the cause isn't always obvious.

Here, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, are some common causes of unusual swelling in these areas:

• Standing up for long periods.
• A side effect of your menstrual period.
• Being overweight.
• Being pregnant.
• Prolonged plane or car travel.
• An injury to the foot or ankle.
• Certain medications.

Swelling in the legs may also indicate serious conditions including failure of the heart, kidneys, or liver. So if you have unexplained swelling, see your doctor without delay.

Health Headlines - August 24

Lieberman says many health care changes can wait

An independent senator counted on by Democrats in the health care debate showed signs of wavering Sunday when he urged President Barack Obama to postpone many of his initiatives because of the economic downturn.

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Obama wants honest health care debate

President Barack Obama is challenging critics of his push to overhaul the health care system to stop making "phony claims" about proposals now the subject of intense coast-to-coast debate.

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Spain's 1st face transplant patient can smile now

Spain's first face transplant patient — the first anywhere to get a new tongue and jaw — has been so pleased by his new appearance that he smiled, hospital officials said Saturday.

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WHO seeks flu vaccine donations for poorer nations

The World Health Organization's flu chief urged drug makers on Saturday to donate swine flu vaccines to the world's poorest countries, which are more vulnerable in the fight against the pandemic.

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WHO: Save Tamiflu for the young, old and pregnant

The World Health Organization said Saturday that Tamiflu should only be given to particularly vulnerable people — a warning to countries like Britain where the swine flu drug is being handed out freely.

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Senate negotiators aim to cut costs in health bill

Bipartisan health care negotiators are aiming to cut the costs of their bill after getting an earful from voters, a participant in the closed-door talks said Saturday.

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'Public option' becomes central to health debate

The idea of a government medical plan to compete with private insurance has become a litmus test in the health care debate. It could easily have been nothing more than a forgotten proposal gathering dust on some professor's bookshelf.

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Schools fight families over autism service dogs

Like seeing-eye dogs for the blind, trained dogs are now being used to help autistic children deal with their disabilities. But some schools want to keep the animals out, and families are fighting back.

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No red flags yet in swine flu vaccine tests

No "red flags" have been reported so far in tests of the new swine flu vaccine, U.S. health officials said Friday.


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FDA approves first drug for infantile spasms

Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the first drug to treat infantile spasms, a rare disorder that can cause hundreds of seizures per day in children less than a year old.

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Autistic teens master social cues, find friends

Thirteen-year-old Andrea Levy ticked off a mental list of rules to follow when her guest arrived: Greet her at the door. Introduce her to the family. Offer a cold drink.

Above all, make her feel welcome by letting her choose what to do.

"Do you want to make pizza now or do you want to make it later?" the lanky, raven-haired teen rehearsed in the kitchen, as her mother spread out dough and toppings.

This was a pivotal moment for Andrea, a girl who invited just one acquaintance to her bat mitzvah.

Andrea has autism, and socializing doesn't come naturally. For the past several weeks, she's gone to classes that teach the delicate ins and outs of making friends — an Emily Post rules of etiquette for autistic teens.

For Andrea, this pizza date is the ultimate test.

The bell rings. The door opens. Can she remember what she needs to do?

More important, will she make a friend?

Even for socially adept kids, the teen years, full of angst and peer pressure, can be a challenge. It's an especially difficult time for kids with autism spectrum disorders, a catchall term for a range of poorly understood brain conditions — from the milder Asperger's syndrome to more severe autism marked by lack of eye contact, poor communication and repetitive behavior such as head-banging.

An estimated 1 in 150 American children has some form of autism. There's no known cure. Some research suggests autistic kids who get help early can overcome some of their deficits. But the social skills they learn as a toddler may not be so useful to a teen.

"A lot of our kids need a tune-up. They need new skills to help them survive in their new social world," said clinical psychologist Elizabeth Laugeson of the University of California, Los Angeles, who runs a 3 1/2-month friendship program for high-functioning autistic teens like Andrea.

Growing up, Andrea hardly had friends at all. They either moved away or grew tired by her inability to emotionally connect.

When she was 18 months old, her parents noticed something was amiss. Instead of babbling, she would cry or scream to get attention. She had no desire to play, even with her older brother.

Some doctors said not to worry; others thought she had a speech impairment.

None of the answers made sense to Andrea's parents until two medical experts, including a pediatrician who specialized in developmental disorders, diagnosed her as autistic.

The family soon enrolled Andrea in special play therapy.

"We try and help her make friends, but she's always a step behind her peers," said her mother, Gina Levy.

In some respects, Andrea is a typical teenage girl who is crazed about celebrity gossip magazines, romance novels, drama and chorus. But she can be withdrawn and doesn't always get the subtleties of body language and other nonverbal signs.

Whenever she gets stuck in a conversation, she tends to stare, making people around her uncomfortable. She doesn't mean to be impolite — it's just her way of watching and learning.

"I know I'm weird and I know I'm not normal," said Andrea, who looks like a young Anne Hathaway with braces. "I've always known I'm not normal."

Andrea found company from nine other high-functioning autistic teens who enrolled in a 14-week friendship boot camp earlier this year. More than 100 teens have graduated from the UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, or PEERS for short, which costs $100 a session and is covered by many insurers.

Unlike other autism interventions, parents also must participate. They learn to become social coaches for their children so that their new skills can be retained when the program is over.

Every week, Laugeson, a peppy clinical psychologist known as "Dr. Liz," leads the students through a maze of social survival skills: how to have a two-way conversation, how to trade information to find common interests, how to gracefully enter a conversation and how to be a good host. In class, the teens role-play with one another and also must practice what they've learned outside of class in weekly homework assignments.

Laugeson peppers the lessons with friendly reminders about proper etiquette:

"Don't be a conversation hog."

"Give a cover story for why you are calling."

"Don't be an interviewer."

"Say you're sorry when you make someone angry, sad or upset."

"You need to trade information at least 50 percent of the time during the get-togethers."

Earlier this year, Laugeson published a study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders on how the parent-involved training has worked so far. In a study of 33 autistic teens, those who went through the program had more friends come to their houses than those who did not.

"There isn't much research on social group training that incorporates parents. That's a key factor for success," said Barbara Becker-Cottrill, who heads the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. She has no connection with PEERS, but has reviewed Laugeson's research. "Parents are children's first and probably best teachers."

Despite the gains, Laugeson said the program is not a cure-all. Parents know this and don't expect their children to blossom into social butterflies overnight.

Andrea's mother has two goals: "I hope she becomes a better conversationalist and feels more comfortable around her peers."

Andrea's journey through an unfamiliar social world has been filled with some stumbles.

During a role-playing exercise, she was paired with a classmate to talk about their favorite book. Andrea was so eager to share her love of "Gone with the Wind" that she lapsed into a two-minute monologue about the plot. A counselor stepped in and reminded her not to be a "conversation hog."

One of Andrea's early attempts to inject herself into an existing conversation revealed some awkwardness. As a group of classmates chatted away about an animated movie, Andrea stood aloof, avoiding eye contact and unsure of what to do. Laugeson pulled her aside, advised her to listen and find a pause.

By the time Andrea rejoined the group, the discussion had switched to macadamia nuts. Andrea saw an opening and chimed in: "Well, I've tried macadamia nuts and they're pretty good. When I was little, I would eat a lot."

As time went on, Andrea's confidence improved. Through practice, she has let go of her tendency to be an interviewer during phone calls. On her own, she came up with the idea of asking the kids who were signing her yearbook to jot down their phone numbers too, a ploy that won her praise from the counselors and gave her a pool of potential friends to call.

Other teens in the class also progressed, but at a slower pace.

A fellow 13-year-old, Elias Cazares Jr., was diagnosed with autism two years ago. He displays more outward signs of the disorder — rocking back and forth, constantly blinking, fidgeting with his face. Elias is obsessed with video games and talks of nothing else.

Unlike Andrea who got therapy growing up, this is the first time Elias has had professional help.

At times the pressure is too much. One day after class, Elias had a meltdown and refused to do the following week's homework — calling someone outside of the group. Elias confided to Laugeson that he was teased at school and did not want to befriend the bullies. She calmed him down and said he could dial a cousin instead.

Despite the struggles, Elias' father is proud of the small steps he's taken: He recently called his neighbor to schedule a get-together. He also started making small talk with a younger kid in his hip-hop class, but he's been too afraid to ask for his phone number.

"What I want for him is a more normal life, to have at least one or two friends," said Elias Cazares Sr.

As the teens hone their bonding skills, parents gather separately for their own lesson.

UCLA postdoctoral fellow Alex Gantman, "Dr. Alex," runs the parent session. It is a chance for them to talk about their kids' problems and progress and for Gantman to give pointers on helping the teens navigate their social surroundings.

One hard truth to face: There's a 50-50 chance that a kid will be rejected by peers, Gantman said, and it's OK to let them know that.

He points out that follow-up phone calls are critical in a budding friendship.

"Teens move on really quickly. Somebody else gets their attention and boom, they're gone unless you really develop a strong friendship bond," he said.

Gantman is working to expand the training to young autistic adults. They often struggle with dating skills as portrayed in the summer romance movie, "Adam," about a young man with Asperger's who falls in love with his neighbor.

The PEERS program deals only with friendships, and teens must use the skills they learn in class in the real world. As part of their homework during the last month of the training, they had to play host to potential friends outside of the group.

Andrea invited over a fellow drama classmate with something in common. Both had a digestive problem that meant they couldn't eat foods containing wheat. So the two girls were going to make a gluten-free pizza.

Before the guest arrived, Andrea, dressed in a denim skirt and blouse, went over the steps of being a good host. The door bell buzzed. Her ponytailed guest was five minutes early and wearing a shy smile.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two gathered in the kitchen. Andrea got off to a slow start, standing at times with her arms crossed in front while her mother chatted away.

Then, she remembered her hosting duties and asked if the classmate wanted to add the pizza toppings first.

The guest deferred. "You can go first."

Andrea demonstrated: "So you put a little bit of sauce ... and sprinkle on the cheese."

"Perfect," the classmate replied.

After pizza, Andrea, with some prompting from her mother, asked what to do next.

The guest was indifferent so the two migrated to Andrea's room to watch a movie. After they got bored, they headed to the living room to play video games where Andrea got a chance to practice good sportsmanship.

Despite beating her guest in almost every round, Andrea threw out words of praise: "Good job" and "Come on. You can do this."

"You did well," Andrea said after winning the last round.

The two haven't hung out since the culinary experience. It's been an up-and-down time. But Andrea managed to have four get-togethers with a girl she met in chorus. And she's felt those familiar teen pangs of loss when she was stood up by another girl.

The older, wiser Andrea shook it off. She focused on a new set of possible friends she met while awaiting her turn to dive at the local swimming pool.

After overhearing that her schoolmates were on Facebook, she persuaded her mother to let her create a profile. She sent out "a gazillion friend requests" hoping a few will bite.

She has 33 friends and counting.

Health Tips for August 24

Health Tip: Back to School, Back to Sleep

The end of summer signals back to school. And preparing for the school-year routine means getting into a back-to-school sleep schedule.

Children aged 6 to 9 require about 10 hours of sleep each night, and older children need at least nine hours, the Federal Citizen Information Center says. It offers these suggestions for making sure children get enough sleep:

• Create a regular bedtime schedule, and make sure your child sticks to it.
• Make sure your child avoids large amounts of food just before it's time to sleep.
• Don't let your child have anything with caffeine at least six hours before bedtime.
• After dinner, allow for play and relaxation time to begin winding down.
• Create a bedtime routine that's relaxing and calming for your child.

Health Tip: Buying Back-to-School Shoes

Back-to-school time means lots of preparation for parents, including the prospect of buying shoes for their children.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these shoe-buying tips:

• Always have your child's feet measured before you buy shoes. Children's feet grow quickly, so you shouldn't rely on a previous measurement.
• Opt for new shoes instead of accepting hand-me-downs. That will help ensure a better fit and avoid spreading germs, such as the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
• Inspect the heels of your child's shoes to check for uneven wear, which may indicate a foot problem.
• If feet aren't the same size, buy larger so as not to squeeze the bigger foot.
• Don't buy shoes that aren't comfortable. There should be no reason to "break in" a new pair of shoes.

Health Headlines - August 23

Obama wants honest health care debate

President Barack Obama is challenging critics of his push to overhaul the health care system to stop making "phony claims" about proposals now the subject of intense coast-to-coast debate.

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Spain's 1st face transplant patient can smile now

Spain's first face transplant patient — the first anywhere to get a new tongue and jaw — has been so pleased by his new appearance that he smiled, hospital officials said Saturday.

---

WHO seeks flu vaccine donations for poorer nations

The World Health Organization's flu chief urged drug makers on Saturday to donate swine flu vaccines to the world's poorest countries, which are more vulnerable in the fight against the pandemic.

---

WHO: Save Tamiflu for the young, old and pregnant

The World Health Organization said Saturday that Tamiflu should only be given to particularly vulnerable people — a warning to countries like Britain where the swine flu drug is being handed out freely.

---

Senate negotiators aim to cut costs in health bill

Bipartisan health care negotiators are aiming to cut the costs of their bill after getting an earful from voters, a participant in the closed-door talks said Saturday.

---

'Public option' becomes central to health debate

The idea of a government medical plan to compete with private insurance has become a litmus test in the health care debate. It could easily have been nothing more than a forgotten proposal gathering dust on some professor's bookshelf.

---


Schools fight families over autism service dogs

Like seeing-eye dogs for the blind, trained dogs are now being used to help autistic children deal with their disabilities. But some schools want to keep the animals out, and families are fighting back.

---

No red flags yet in swine flu vaccine tests

No "red flags" have been reported so far in tests of the new swine flu vaccine, U.S. health officials said Friday.


---

FDA approves first drug for infantile spasms

Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the first drug to treat infantile spasms, a rare disorder that can cause hundreds of seizures per day in children less than a year old.

---

Autistic teens master social cues, find friends

Thirteen-year-old Andrea Levy ticked off a mental list of rules to follow when her guest arrived: Greet her at the door. Introduce her to the family. Offer a cold drink.

Above all, make her feel welcome by letting her choose what to do.

"Do you want to make pizza now or do you want to make it later?" the lanky, raven-haired teen rehearsed in the kitchen, as her mother spread out dough and toppings.

This was a pivotal moment for Andrea, a girl who invited just one acquaintance to her bat mitzvah.

Andrea has autism, and socializing doesn't come naturally. For the past several weeks, she's gone to classes that teach the delicate ins and outs of making friends — an Emily Post rules of etiquette for autistic teens.

For Andrea, this pizza date is the ultimate test.

The bell rings. The door opens. Can she remember what she needs to do?

More important, will she make a friend?

Even for socially adept kids, the teen years, full of angst and peer pressure, can be a challenge. It's an especially difficult time for kids with autism spectrum disorders, a catchall term for a range of poorly understood brain conditions — from the milder Asperger's syndrome to more severe autism marked by lack of eye contact, poor communication and repetitive behavior such as head-banging.

An estimated 1 in 150 American children has some form of autism. There's no known cure. Some research suggests autistic kids who get help early can overcome some of their deficits. But the social skills they learn as a toddler may not be so useful to a teen.

"A lot of our kids need a tune-up. They need new skills to help them survive in their new social world," said clinical psychologist Elizabeth Laugeson of the University of California, Los Angeles, who runs a 3 1/2-month friendship program for high-functioning autistic teens like Andrea.

Growing up, Andrea hardly had friends at all. They either moved away or grew tired by her inability to emotionally connect.

When she was 18 months old, her parents noticed something was amiss. Instead of babbling, she would cry or scream to get attention. She had no desire to play, even with her older brother.

Some doctors said not to worry; others thought she had a speech impairment.

None of the answers made sense to Andrea's parents until two medical experts, including a pediatrician who specialized in developmental disorders, diagnosed her as autistic.

The family soon enrolled Andrea in special play therapy.

"We try and help her make friends, but she's always a step behind her peers," said her mother, Gina Levy.

In some respects, Andrea is a typical teenage girl who is crazed about celebrity gossip magazines, romance novels, drama and chorus. But she can be withdrawn and doesn't always get the subtleties of body language and other nonverbal signs.

Whenever she gets stuck in a conversation, she tends to stare, making people around her uncomfortable. She doesn't mean to be impolite — it's just her way of watching and learning.

"I know I'm weird and I know I'm not normal," said Andrea, who looks like a young Anne Hathaway with braces. "I've always known I'm not normal."

Andrea found company from nine other high-functioning autistic teens who enrolled in a 14-week friendship boot camp earlier this year. More than 100 teens have graduated from the UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, or PEERS for short, which costs $100 a session and is covered by many insurers.

Unlike other autism interventions, parents also must participate. They learn to become social coaches for their children so that their new skills can be retained when the program is over.

Every week, Laugeson, a peppy clinical psychologist known as "Dr. Liz," leads the students through a maze of social survival skills: how to have a two-way conversation, how to trade information to find common interests, how to gracefully enter a conversation and how to be a good host. In class, the teens role-play with one another and also must practice what they've learned outside of class in weekly homework assignments.

Laugeson peppers the lessons with friendly reminders about proper etiquette:

"Don't be a conversation hog."

"Give a cover story for why you are calling."

"Don't be an interviewer."

"Say you're sorry when you make someone angry, sad or upset."

"You need to trade information at least 50 percent of the time during the get-togethers."

Earlier this year, Laugeson published a study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders on how the parent-involved training has worked so far. In a study of 33 autistic teens, those who went through the program had more friends come to their houses than those who did not.

"There isn't much research on social group training that incorporates parents. That's a key factor for success," said Barbara Becker-Cottrill, who heads the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. She has no connection with PEERS, but has reviewed Laugeson's research. "Parents are children's first and probably best teachers."

Despite the gains, Laugeson said the program is not a cure-all. Parents know this and don't expect their children to blossom into social butterflies overnight.

Andrea's mother has two goals: "I hope she becomes a better conversationalist and feels more comfortable around her peers."

Andrea's journey through an unfamiliar social world has been filled with some stumbles.

During a role-playing exercise, she was paired with a classmate to talk about their favorite book. Andrea was so eager to share her love of "Gone with the Wind" that she lapsed into a two-minute monologue about the plot. A counselor stepped in and reminded her not to be a "conversation hog."

One of Andrea's early attempts to inject herself into an existing conversation revealed some awkwardness. As a group of classmates chatted away about an animated movie, Andrea stood aloof, avoiding eye contact and unsure of what to do. Laugeson pulled her aside, advised her to listen and find a pause.

By the time Andrea rejoined the group, the discussion had switched to macadamia nuts. Andrea saw an opening and chimed in: "Well, I've tried macadamia nuts and they're pretty good. When I was little, I would eat a lot."

As time went on, Andrea's confidence improved. Through practice, she has let go of her tendency to be an interviewer during phone calls. On her own, she came up with the idea of asking the kids who were signing her yearbook to jot down their phone numbers too, a ploy that won her praise from the counselors and gave her a pool of potential friends to call.

Other teens in the class also progressed, but at a slower pace.

A fellow 13-year-old, Elias Cazares Jr., was diagnosed with autism two years ago. He displays more outward signs of the disorder — rocking back and forth, constantly blinking, fidgeting with his face. Elias is obsessed with video games and talks of nothing else.

Unlike Andrea who got therapy growing up, this is the first time Elias has had professional help.

At times the pressure is too much. One day after class, Elias had a meltdown and refused to do the following week's homework — calling someone outside of the group. Elias confided to Laugeson that he was teased at school and did not want to befriend the bullies. She calmed him down and said he could dial a cousin instead.

Despite the struggles, Elias' father is proud of the small steps he's taken: He recently called his neighbor to schedule a get-together. He also started making small talk with a younger kid in his hip-hop class, but he's been too afraid to ask for his phone number.

"What I want for him is a more normal life, to have at least one or two friends," said Elias Cazares Sr.

As the teens hone their bonding skills, parents gather separately for their own lesson.

UCLA postdoctoral fellow Alex Gantman, "Dr. Alex," runs the parent session. It is a chance for them to talk about their kids' problems and progress and for Gantman to give pointers on helping the teens navigate their social surroundings.

One hard truth to face: There's a 50-50 chance that a kid will be rejected by peers, Gantman said, and it's OK to let them know that.

He points out that follow-up phone calls are critical in a budding friendship.

"Teens move on really quickly. Somebody else gets their attention and boom, they're gone unless you really develop a strong friendship bond," he said.

Gantman is working to expand the training to young autistic adults. They often struggle with dating skills as portrayed in the summer romance movie, "Adam," about a young man with Asperger's who falls in love with his neighbor.

The PEERS program deals only with friendships, and teens must use the skills they learn in class in the real world. As part of their homework during the last month of the training, they had to play host to potential friends outside of the group.

Andrea invited over a fellow drama classmate with something in common. Both had a digestive problem that meant they couldn't eat foods containing wheat. So the two girls were going to make a gluten-free pizza.

Before the guest arrived, Andrea, dressed in a denim skirt and blouse, went over the steps of being a good host. The door bell buzzed. Her ponytailed guest was five minutes early and wearing a shy smile.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two gathered in the kitchen. Andrea got off to a slow start, standing at times with her arms crossed in front while her mother chatted away.

Then, she remembered her hosting duties and asked if the classmate wanted to add the pizza toppings first.

The guest deferred. "You can go first."

Andrea demonstrated: "So you put a little bit of sauce ... and sprinkle on the cheese."

"Perfect," the classmate replied.

After pizza, Andrea, with some prompting from her mother, asked what to do next.

The guest was indifferent so the two migrated to Andrea's room to watch a movie. After they got bored, they headed to the living room to play video games where Andrea got a chance to practice good sportsmanship.

Despite beating her guest in almost every round, Andrea threw out words of praise: "Good job" and "Come on. You can do this."

"You did well," Andrea said after winning the last round.

The two haven't hung out since the culinary experience. It's been an up-and-down time. But Andrea managed to have four get-togethers with a girl she met in chorus. And she's felt those familiar teen pangs of loss when she was stood up by another girl.

The older, wiser Andrea shook it off. She focused on a new set of possible friends she met while awaiting her turn to dive at the local swimming pool.

After overhearing that her schoolmates were on Facebook, she persuaded her mother to let her create a profile. She sent out "a gazillion friend requests" hoping a few will bite.

She has 33 friends and counting.

Health Tips for August 23

Health Tip: What Are Risk Factors for Preterm Labor?

A typical pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. If labor begins before 37 weeks, it's known as preterm labor.

Being born too early can cause a host of complications, ranging from slow growth to problems with the eyes, ears, breathing and nervous system, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says.

The ACOG offers this list of common risk factors for preterm labor:

• Having had preterm labor in this or a previous pregnancy.
• Smoking cigarettes or using cocaine.
• Having a multiple pregnancy (for example, carrying twins or triplets).
• Having an abnormality of the cervix or uterus.
• Having had an infection during pregnancy.
• Bleeding during the second or third trimester.
• Being underweight.
• Having a mother or grandmother who took a medication called DES during pregnancy.
• Having had insufficient medical care before and during pregnancy.

Health Tip: Eating Right While You're Pregnant

While a healthy diet is always important, it becomes even more crucial during pregnancy, when you're eating for two.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says your diet during pregnancy should include the following daily amounts:

• Six ounces of grains. One slice of whole-grain bread, a cup of ready-to-eat cereal, or a 1/2 cup of cooked rice is equal to about one ounce from this group.
• Two-and-a-half cups of vegetables.
• One-and-a-half to two cups of fruit, which could include 100 percent fruit juice or dried fruit.
• Five to 5 1/2 ounces of meat or beans. An egg, two tablespoons of peanut butter, or 1/2 cup of seeds or nuts is equal to about one ounce from this group.
• Three cups of milk. A cup of yogurt or 1 1/2 to two ounces of cheese can be considered one cup from this group.

Health Headlines - August 22

Most U.S. Doctors Have Racial Bias: Study

Like most Americans, doctors have a subconscious preference for whites over blacks, a bias that may affect the health care given to minority patients, suggests a new study.

Researchers analyzed data collected from 2,535 medical doctors of both sexes and diverse racial groups who took a test that measured race attitudes. Overall, doctors showed an implicit preference for whites over blacks, with the exception of black doctors, who tended not to favor either racial group.

The doctors were among 404,277 people who took the test. The majority of them displayed the same sort of preference for whites over blacks. The study appears in the August issue of the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.

While bias is common in the general population, people aren't "racist" if they "hold an implicit bias," according to lead author Janice Sabin, an acting assistant professor in the Department of Medical Education and Biomedical Informatics at the University of Washington.

"The implicit bias effect among all the test-takers is very strong," Sabin said in a news release. "People who report they have a medical education are not different from other people, and this kind of unconscious bias is a common phenomenon."

"The biggest take home is that medical doctors are similar to others, that unconscious attitudes and stereotypes may affect quality of care, and that increased self-awareness may be one way to address any effects unconscious attitudes may have on behaviors that lead to health care disparities," she said.

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Workplace Suicides Increase in U.S.: Report

Tough economic conditions may have contributed to a 28 percent rise in workplace suicides in the United States last year as employees struggled with layoffs and survivor's guilt, a new federal report says.

A Labor Department preliminary report released Thursday said there were 251 workplace suicides in 2008, the highest number ever recorded.

"Those who are at places where there have been substantial layoffs are trying to cope with survivor's guilt," Gary Chaison, a professor of industrial relations at Clark University, told the Associated Press. "I also think there's tremendous anxiety in the American workplace. It's not just being anxious, it's being depressed."

The total number of people who died on the job decreased 12 percent from 2007 to 2008. The 5,071 workplace deaths last year was the lowest number since the federal government started tracking the data in 1992. The overall decline in workplace deaths could be due to the poor economy, which led to fewer hours for workers, according to the Labor Department.

Among the other findings:

• Workplace homicides decreased 18 percent.
• There was a 20 percent drop in construction job deaths.
• There were 20 percent fewer fatal workplace falls in 2008, following a record high number in 2007.

The final report will be released next year, the AP reported.

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First U.S. Rehab Center for Internet Addicts Opens

Lessons in social skills such as conversation and reading body language are among the programs offered at the first U.S. rehab center for Internet addicts, which recently opened in the state of Washington.

"We are a cold turkey place; no technology," reStart psychotherapist Hilarie Cash told Agence France Presse. "A gamer is not going to be allowed to game any time they are here because it is the gaming that is their drug of choice."

Along with learning social skills, participants at the five-acre rural facility do hands-on activities such as feeding baby goats or building a chicken coop.

"We are not anti-technology," Cash told AFP. "It is about helping people addicted to technology to get through the withdrawal and help their brains get wired back to normal and connected to the world in a positive way."

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U.S. Officials Back Cervical Cancer Vaccine

In a joint statement issued Thursday, officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the benefits of the cervical-cancer vaccine Gardasil continue to outweigh its risks, according to published reports.

The statement followed by two days the publication of a study by both agencies in the Journal of the American Medical Association that found the vaccine to be safe, despite side effects that include fainting and blood clots. For every 100,000 doses of Gardasil distributed, the study found 8.2 episodes of fainting and 0.2 episodes involving blood clotting.

"Based on the review of available information by FDA and CDC, Gardasil continues to be safe and effective, and its benefits continue to outweigh its risks," the agencies said in the statement posted on the FDA Web site.

In June 2006, Gardasil was licensed for use in girls older than 9 years to prevent infection from four types of a virus called HPV. HPV is a virus known to cause genital warts and cervical cancer. Two types of HPV covered by the vaccine, HPV-16 and HPV-18, cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers. The vaccine is given in three doses.

In clinical trials conducted before licensing, researchers found that the rates of adverse events were similar in girls and young women who received the vaccine compared with those who received a placebo injection.

Merck & Co., the maker of Gardasil, has insisted the vaccine is safe and effective.

Health Tips for August 22

Health Tip: Buying Back-to-School Shoes

Back-to-school time means lots of preparation for parents, including the prospect of buying shoes for their children.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these shoe-buying tips:

• Always have your child's feet measured before you buy shoes. Children's feet grow quickly, so you shouldn't rely on a previous measurement.
• Opt for new shoes instead of accepting hand-me-downs. That will help ensure a better fit and avoid spreading germs, such as the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
• Inspect the heels of your child's shoes to check for uneven wear, which may indicate a foot problem.
• If feet aren't the same size, buy larger so as not to squeeze the bigger foot.
• Don't buy shoes that aren't comfortable. There should be no reason to "break in" a new pair of shoes.

Health Tip: Back to School, Back to Sleep

The end of summer signals back to school. And preparing for the school-year routine means getting into a back-to-school sleep schedule.

Children aged 6 to 9 require about 10 hours of sleep each night, and older children need at least nine hours, the Federal Citizen Information Center says. It offers these suggestions for making sure children get enough sleep:

• Create a regular bedtime schedule, and make sure your child sticks to it.
• Make sure your child avoids large amounts of food just before it's time to sleep.
• Don't let your child have anything with caffeine at least six hours before bedtime.
• After dinner, allow for play and relaxation time to begin winding down.
• Create a bedtime routine that's relaxing and calming for your child.

Health Headlines - August 21

U.S. Officials Back Cervical Cancer Vaccine

In a joint statement issued Thursday, officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the benefits of the cervical-cancer vaccine Gardasil continue to outweigh its risks, according to published reports.

The statement followed by two days the publication of a study by both agencies in the Journal of the American Medical Association that found the vaccine to be safe, despite side effects that include fainting and blood clots. For every 100,000 doses of Gardasil distributed, the study found 8.2 episodes of fainting and 0.2 episodes involving blood clotting.

"Based on the review of available information by FDA and CDC, Gardasil continues to be safe and effective, and its benefits continue to outweigh its risks," the agencies said in the statement posted on the FDA Web site.

In June 2006, Gardasil was licensed for use in girls older than 9 years to prevent infection from four types of a virus called HPV. HPV is a virus known to cause genital warts and cervical cancer. Two types of HPV covered by the vaccine, HPV-16 and HPV-18, cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers. The vaccine is given in three doses.

In clinical trials conducted before licensing, researchers found that the rates of adverse events were similar in girls and young women who received the vaccine compared with those who received a placebo injection.

Merck & Co., the maker of Gardasil, has insisted the vaccine is safe and effective.

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Mercury Common in U.S. Fish: Study

Mercury was found in every fish caught in 291 U.S. streams and rivers by U.S. Geological Survey scientists, and 25 percent of the fish had levels of mercury considered unsafe for people who consume average amounts of fish.

The USGS study found that some of the highest levels of mercury were in fish taken from "blackwater" streams in the Southeast, Bloomberg news reported. High levels of mercury were also found in fish in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, and in waterways in the West that flow near gold and mercury mines.

Coal-fired power plants produce most the mercury found in streams, rivers and fish, the USGS said.

"This science sends a clear message that our country must continue to confront pollution," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a news release, Bloomberg reported.

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'Functional Foods' Popular in U.S., Report Says

Americans are hungry for so-called functional foods, products that are enhanced with nutrients and perceived as offering health benefits.

A report released Thursday by the research firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers found that even in the current weak economy, consumers are willing to pay more for functional foods, also called nutraceuticals, the Associated Press reported.

These foods range from heart-friendly margarines and calcium-spiked juices to ice cream with probiotics.

Critics aren't impressed. These foods are "calorie distractors," said Marion Nestle, a food scientist at New York University.

"Functional foods are about marketing, not health," she told the AP. "They delude people into thinking that these things are healthy," and they often eat more than they should.

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Georgia Teen Drinkers Prefer Liquor: Study

Liquor is the most popular alcoholic beverage among high school students in Georgia, particularly among binge drinkers, says a study published Thursday. It also found that most of the students who drink do so in another person's home and have someone else provide them with their alcoholic beverages.

The researchers analyzed data from 2,465 Georgia high school students who took part in the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Among the 38 percent of students who were current drinkers (they'd consumed alcohol within the past 30 days), 44 percent drank liquor (bourbon, rum, scotch, vodka or whisky), 58 percent drank in someone else's home, and 62 percent got their alcohol from someone who gave it to them (37) or bought it for them (25 percent). Binge drinkers had the highest rate of liquor consumption (54 percent).

The study appears in the latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The researchers called for wide implementation of community-based strategies to prevent underage and binge drinking, such as maintaining and enforcing the age 21 minimum legal drinking age, increasing alcohol excise taxes, limiting the number of stores that sell alcohol, and reducing youth exposure to alcohol marketing.

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Lead Dust on Child Safety Seats Poses Risk

Dust in cars and on child safety seats can cause lead poisoning in children, a new study reports.

Mandatory routine screening in Maine identified six children under the age of 6 years whose elevated blood lead levels were linked to lead dust in the family vehicles and on their child safety seats. These are the first known cases of this kind.

Prevention recommendations offered by the study authors include proper washing of work clothing, thorough vacuuming and wet cleaning of vehicle interiors, and replacement of any child safety seat that tests positive for lead dust.

The study appears in the latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Meningitis Vaccine Given Accelerated Approval by FDA

Accelerated approval for Hiberix, a Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine, has been granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, drug maker GlaxoSmithKline said Wednesday.

Hiberix was approved as a booster dose for use in children ages 15 months to 4 years old in order to protect them from invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), RTTNews reported.

Hib disease is an often serious and potentially deadly bacterial infection that can cause meningitis.

The FDA's accelerated approval is meant to help deal with a shortage in the United States of a vaccine to protect infants from Hib. GlaxoSmithKline said the vaccine should be available within several weeks, RTTNews reported.

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Resiliency Testing Introduced for U.S. Soldiers

Regular assessments of soldiers' resiliency will be introduced by the U.S. Army this fall in a program that was created partly as a response to rising numbers of soldier suicides.

As of Oct. 1, all active duty and reserve soldiers will be required to complete an online, 170-question assessment designed to assess how they're feeling emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The test will be repeated every two years, the Associated Press reported.

Soldiers' scores on the test won't be revealed to their commanders. However, commanders will be told if soldiers have taken the test and participated in follow-up training. All soldiers will receive some training regardless of their scores.

"It's not looking for disease," said Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, chief of comprehensive solider fitness, the AP reported. "We only know if (progress) is sufficient if in two years the solder scores better and is better in the interim."