Standard time back to the standard on Sunday

That time already?

Come Sunday, standard time would again be the standard in America.

Switching time: 2 a.m. Sunday, local time, when clocks were to be set back an hour.

Good news for most folks — an extra hour of sleep. Bad news for workers on the overnight shift — more work time.

Some states and territories didn't observe daylight-saving time, so they didn't have to switch back. That's the case in Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas.

Daylight-saving time returns March 13.

Health Headlines - October 31

Happy Halloween!

Obama Ends Ban on People With HIV/AIDS Entering U.S.

President Barack Obama on Friday ended a 22-year-old policy barring people with HIV/AIDS from entering the United States.

Calling the original decision one "rooted in fear rather than fact," Obama said the ban's removal is "a step that will encourage people to get tested and get treatment, it's a step that will keep families together, it's a step that will save lives," the Associated Press reported.

The United States was the first country to initiate such a measure, and today only 12 nations have such laws in place. "If we want to be a global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it," the president said.

The announcement came as Obama signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, providing assistance to more than 500,000 Americans, theAP said. Ryan White, of Kokomo, Ind., contracted HIV in 1984 via a blood transfusion at age 13 and died in 1990. His mother Jeanne attended the White House signing ceremony.

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Benjamin Confirmed as U.S. Surgeon General

Alabama family physician Dr. Regina Benjamin was confirmed Thursday as the new U.S. surgeon general. The Senate approved her by voice vote.

Benjamin, 53, became well-known for her efforts to rebuild her rural health clinic in Bayou La Batre, Ala., after it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The clinic serves 4,400 patients who would have difficulty finding care elsewhere, the Associated Press reported.

Honors awarded to Benjamin, the first black woman to head a state medical society, include the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights and a MacArthur Foundation "genius grant."

"My hope ... is to be America's doctor, America's family physician," Benjamin said when President Obama nominated her in July, the AP reported. "As we work toward a solution to this health care crisis, I promise to communicate directly with the American people to help guide them through whatever changes may come with health care reform."

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FDA Cites P&G for 'Unlawfully Marketing' Cold Remedies

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday that it had sent a warning letter to Procter & Gamble, telling the company that its Vicks DayQuil Plus Vitamin C and Vicks Nyquil Plus Vitamin C are illegally marketed combinations of drug ingredients and a dietary ingredient.

Both of the over-the-counter medicines, which contain vitamin C in addition to several drug ingredients, are marketed as treatments for cold and flu. The FDA said it cited the Cincinnati-based company to clarify that these single dosage form combinations of drug ingredients and dietary ingredients legally cannot be marketed because they have not been proven safe and effective, and because the agency previously determined that there is insufficient evidence to show that vitamin C is safe and effective in preventing or treating the common cold.

The FDA said the two products must first be evaluated and approved under the agency's new drug approval process to be legally marketed.

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Methadone Overdose a Danger for Medicaid Patients

Medicaid patients may be at high risk for overdose death caused by the opioid painkiller methadone, according to a study released Thursday.

The researchers looked at Washington, where the 2006 rate of opioid painkiller overdoses was significantly higher than in the rest of the country. Between 2004 and 2007, 1,668 people in Washington died of prescription opioid-related overdoses. Of those, 58.9 percent were male, 34.4 percent were 45 to 54 years old, and 45.4 percent were Medicaid clients.

The study found that Medicaid clients had a 5.7-fold increased risk of dying from a prescription opioid-related overdose. Methadone was involved in nearly two-thirds of those Medicaid client deaths.

It may be possible to minimize the risk by examining patterns of opioid prescribing to Medicaid clients and intervening with those who appear to misuse the drugs, the researchers concluded.

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

Deaths involving prescription opioid painkillers are a major reason why the number of poisoning deaths in the United States nearly doubled from 1999 to 2006.

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Dental Costs Lowest in Georgia and Ohio

Dental care for people in Georgia and Ohio costs almost $150 less than the U.S. average of $607 a year, says a federal government study released Thursday.

The average annual expenditure for dental care in Georgia was $466, while in Ohio it was $474, said the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Among the other findings from the analysis of average annual dental expenditures in the 10 states with the highest populations in 2006:

• The highest proportion of residents with dental expenses (52.5 percent) was in Michigan and the lowest was in Texas (30 percent).
• The national average for out-of-pocket payment for dental care was 49 percent. People in Florida paid more (62.5 percent) and those in Pennsylvania paid less (42 percent).
• Nationally, private insurers paid 43 percent of all dental expenditures.

Health Tips for October 31

Health Tip: Choosing a Safe Halloween Costume
Suggestions for a safer holiday

It's that time of year -- when the stores are chock-full of skeletons, ghosts, zombies and other youthful disguises. To help ensure a safe Halloween for children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these guidelines to help parents choose the right costumes: Make sure costumes fit properly and don't drag on the ground, posing a tripping hazard. Stick a few strips of reflective tape on all costumes, so they're easier to see in the dark. This tape is available at many hardware, sporting goods and bicycle stores. Ask your child to carry a flashlight, and to use it while walking in the dark. Don't allow your child to wear costume shoes (or a parent's shoes). Look for accessories that are soft, flexible and don't pose a danger to others. Opt for face makeup and paint, rather than a mask, which can restrict vision. Treat Kids to a Safe Halloween Some simple precautions will safeguard young trick-or-treaters, experts say There's no trick to keeping children and the rest of the family safe on Halloween. Some simple precautions will ensure that the night is a treat for everyone. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following safety tips: Choose costumes that are bright and reflective and short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Add reflective tape or striping to costumes and treat bags to make children more visible. Remember that masks can hinder or block eyesight. Non-toxic makeup and decorative hats are safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over children's eyes. Buy only costumes, wigs and accessories with a label clearly indicating they are flame-resistant. If a sword, cane or stick is part of a child's costume, make sure it's not sharp or too long. Provide children and escorts with flashlights with fresh batteries. Teach children how to call 911 or their local emergency number. Have a parent or responsible adult accompany young children when they're trick-or-treating. If your older children are trick-or-treating alone, review their route and agree on a specific time when they'll return home. Trick-or-treat only at homes with a porch light on. Never enter a home or car for a treat. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If there's no sidewalk, walk at the far edge of the road facing traffic. Never cut across yards or use alleys. Only cross streets at recognized crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars. Never assume the right of way -- it can be difficult for motorists to see trick-or-treaters. When your children return home, sort and check their treats. Throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Allow children to draw faces on pumpkins, but parents should do the carving. Never leave candle-lit pumpkins unattended. Place them on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects. Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins. Homeowners, remove tripping hazards from the front yard and porch, such as toys, bikes, lawn decorations and garden hoses. Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps, make sure outdoor lights are working, and keep pets under control. Family Halloween Safety Can Be Fiendishly Simple Limit trick-or-treating to familiar places, don't take candy from strangers, expert says With Halloween right around the corner, many parents are wondering how they can help keep their kids safe. According to Meridith Sonnett, director of pediatric emergency services at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, taking a few precautions can help make Halloween a happy and safe occasion for everyone. She particularly recommends limiting trick-or-treating to familiar neighborhoods and neighbors. Here are more tips parents should keep in mind for Halloween: Accompany your children when they go trick-or-treating. Examine all candy before letting your children eat it. Have your children discard any unwrapped foods. Make sure your children's costumes are non-flammable and short enough so that they don't trip. Make sure the eye holes in masks are the right size and in the right place for clear vision. If your children are old enough to trick-or-treat without a parent, have them go in groups. At night, make sure your children wear costumes that are bright in color, or have them wear reflectors. If the streets are dark, have your children take a flashlight. Accompany your children in apartment buildings. Have your children use proper street-crossing safety. Do not allow your children to enter a stranger's home; have them ask for treats and wait outside the door.

Health Headlines - October 30

Methadone Overdose a Danger for Medicaid Patients

Medicaid patients may be at high risk for overdose death caused by the opioid painkiller methadone, according to a study released Thursday.

The researchers looked at Washington, where the 2006 rate of opioid painkiller overdoses was significantly higher than in the rest of the country. Between 2004 and 2007, 1,668 people in Washington died of prescription opioid-related overdoses. Of those, 58.9 percent were male, 34.4 percent were 45 to 54 years old, and 45.4 percent were Medicaid clients.

The study found that Medicaid clients had a 5.7-fold increased risk of dying from a prescription opioid-related overdose. Methadone was involved in nearly two-thirds of those Medicaid client deaths.

It may be possible to minimize the risk by examining patterns of opioid prescribing to Medicaid clients and intervening with those who appear to misuse the drugs, the researchers concluded.

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

Deaths involving prescription opioid painkillers are a major reason why the number of poisoning deaths in the United States nearly doubled from 1999 to 2006.

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Dental Costs Lowest in Georgia and Ohio

Dental care for people in Georgia and Ohio costs almost $150 less than the U.S. average of $607 a year, says a federal government study released Thursday.

The average annual expenditure for dental care in Georgia was $466, while in Ohio it was $474, said the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Among the other findings from the analysis of average annual dental expenditures in the 10 states with the highest populations in 2006:

• The highest proportion of residents with dental expenses (52.5 percent) was in Michigan and the lowest was in Texas (30 percent).
• The national average for out-of-pocket payment for dental care was 49 percent. People in Florida paid more (62.5 percent) and those in Pennsylvania paid less (42 percent).
• Nationally, private insurers paid 43 percent of all dental expenditures.

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Chinese Drywall Contains Higher Chemical Content

Chinese-made drywall has higher amounts of some chemicals than American-made drywall, say U.S. government agencies that have investigated reports of health problems, foul smells and corrosion by owners of homes with the Chinese product.

The Environmental Protection Agency and other departments have analyzed the drywall and say further study is needed to determine if there's a direct link between the problems and the wallboard, the Associated Press reported.

During the peak of the U.S. housing boom, materials became scarce, and construction companies imported millions of pounds of Chinese-made drywall, which ended up in thousands of homes.

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FDA Panel Recommends First Non-Drug Asthma Treatment

A new technology from a small California-based company should be approved as the first non-drug treatment for asthma, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended Wednesday.

Asthmatx's Alair System employs bronchial thermoplasty, which uses radiofrequency wave-generated heat to burn away lung tissue that impairs breathing and causes wheezing and coughing spasms, the Associated Pressreported.

The radiofrequency waves are delivered via a catheter controlled by a respiratory specialist. The procedure, performed over three sessions of a half hour each, is appropriate only for adult patients with severe asthma that doesn't respond to drug treatment.

The FDA panel voted six to one to recommend approval of the new system under certain conditions, including long-term safety monitoring of patients, the APreported. The FDA usually follows the advice of its advisory panels.

The Alair System is already approved in Europe. If the FDA does approve the system, it may be available in the United States in the first half of 2010.

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California Gives $230 Million for Stem Cell Research

Embryonic stem cells are the focus of only four of 14 projects that received $230 million in grants from California's stem cell research program. The other projects use less controversial adult stem cells or conventional drugs designed to kill cancer stem cells, which are believed to give rise to tumors.

Wednesday's announcement about the funding to state universities and companies is seen as tacit acknowledgement that it will be a long time before the full potential of human embryonic stem cells in treating human diseases is achieved, The New York Times reported.

Recipients of the grants are supposed to have a therapy ready for initial human testing within four years.

People don't care about what type of stem cells are used as long as researchers find treatments for diseases such as cancer and AIDS, according to officials of the 10-year, $3 billion program that was launched by California in 2004, The Timesreported.

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IBM Drops Employee Co-Pay for Primary Care Visits

In what's seen as a highly unusual move, IBM says it will stop requiring employees to shell out a $20 co-payment when they see a primary care physician.

The company says the decision will save costs by encouraging employees to be seen and treated by primary care physicians sooner, thus reducing the likelihood of later expensive visits to emergency departments and specialists, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The policy change "is designed to encourage people to get fixed early. .... We'd rather diagnose a situation and deal with it quickly as opposed to it becoming chronic," said Randy MacDonald, senior vice president for human resources.

IBM's decision is "very unusual," said Helen Darling, president of the National Business Group on Health, a trade group representing large employers. "The number of employers who cover primary-physician visits without a co-pay is miniscule," she told the Wall Street Journal.

IBM is one of the largest employers in the United States, and its actions sometimes begin new trends.

Health Tips for October 30

Health Tip: Screening for Cancer

The best way to get a good prognosis when it comes to cancer is to get diagnosed as early as possible -- and that's where cancer screening tests come in. Here are some of the cancer screening tests that are currently available and the type of cancers that they screen for, courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mammogram to help detect breast cancer. Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to help detect colon cancer. Chest X-ray, CT scan or sputum cytology (microscopic examination of phlegm to screen for cancer cells) for lung cancer. Health Tip: Your Diet After Cancer Treatment Once you've completed treatment for cancer, it's not the time to stop planning healthy meals. The American Cancer Society offers these suggestions for maintaining a healthy diet after cancer treatment: Ask you doctor if there are any foods that you should avoid. Work with a dietitian to develop a healthy and nutritious meal plan. Continue to eat at least five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Each time you shop, select a fruit or veggie that you haven't had before. Eat whole grain breads and cereals, which are high in fiber. Bake or broil, instead of frying. Stay away from smoked, pickled and salt-cured foods. Select low-fat milk and dairy products. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Health Headlines - October 29

High-Fiber Foods May Protect Against Inflammatory Diseases: Study

A high-fiber diet may boost the immune system and help prevent inflammatory diseases such as asthma, diabetes and arthritis, say Australian researchers and their colleagues.

In the gut, high-fiber foods are converted by bacteria into short chain fatty acids, which are known to ease some inflammatory diseases in the bowel. This new study identified a molecule that binds to short chain fatty acids and also functions as an anti-inflammatory, Agence France Presse reported.

The study appears in the journal Nature.

"The important point about our work is that we provide the molecular explanation that links fiber in the diet to the microorganisms in our gut to the effect on the immune response," Professor Charles Mackay told AFP.

"We believe that changes in diet, associated with Western lifestyles, contribute to the increasing incidences of asthma, type 1 diabetes and other auto-immune diseases," he said. "Now we have a new molecular mechanism that might explain how diet is affecting our immune systems."

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Immune-Suppressing Drugs May Boost Bladder Cancer Risk

People who take immune-suppressing glucocorticoid drugs may be at increased risk for bladder cancer, according to a U.S. study.

Glucocorticoids are used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients and to treat diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dartmouth Medical School researchers examined the long-term use of glucocorticoids by 786 bladder cancer patients and 1,083 controls, United Press International reported.

The finding that glucocorticoids may increase bladder cancer risk "might indicate the need for closer monitoring of individuals who regularly take glucocorticoids," epidemiologist Margaret Karagas and colleagues said in a news release.

The study was published in the British Journal of Cancer.

Previous studies found an association between glucocorticoids and increased risk of lymphoma and skin cancer, UPI reported.

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Scientists Discover Rodent's Anti-Cancer Secret

New insight into how the only animal known to be cancer-free defends itself against tumor development could lead to a way to stop cancer in humans before it starts, say U.S. researchers.

They found that cells in the naked mole rat, also known as the sand puppy, express a gene called p16 that stops the uncontrolled cell growth that leads to cancer, United Press International reported.

"We think we've found the reason these mole rats don't get cancer, and it's a bit of a surprise," said study leader Vera Gorbunova, an associate professor at the University of Rochester. "It's very early to speculate about the implications, but if the effect of p16 can be simulated in humans we might have a way to halt cancer before it starts."

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

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NFL Offers Support To Former Players With Dementia

The NFL plans to offer free follow-up medical work to retired players who reported dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other memory problems in a recent study that suggested former pro football players may have a higher than normal rate of memory problems.

In written testimony to be presented Wednesday to Congress, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league also will ask the players whether they're receiving money from the 88 Plan, which provides up to $88,000 per year to former players with dementia, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's disease, regardless of the cause, theAssociated Press reported.

The 56 players took part in a survey by David Weir and colleagues at the University of Michigan. When the study was released, the NFL said it didn't prove a link between concussions and memory disorders.

Weir, who will be among the witnesses at Wednesday's House Judiciary Committee hearing, said the survey findings highlight the need for further study but don't prove an association between playing pro football and memory problems later in life, the AP reported.

When it comes to head injures, Goodell said medical considerations must always trump competitive ones. He said the NFL offers a toll-free hot line for players who believe they're being pressured to start playing before fully recovering from a concussion or other head injury, the AP reported.

"All return-to-play decisions are made by doctors and doctors only," according to Goodell. "The decision to return to the game is not made by coaches. Not by players. Not by teammates."

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Curry Spice Chemical Kills Esophageal Cancer Cells: Study

A chemical found in the curry spice tumeric kills esophageal cancer cells, according to U.K. researchers.

It's long been believed that the chemical curcumin has healing powers and it's being tested as a treatment for conditions such as arthritis and dementia, BBC News reported.

In lab tests, researchers at the Cork Cancer Research Center found that curcumin started to kill esophageal cancer cells within 24 hours and that the cancer cells began to digest themselves after curcumin triggered cell death signals.

The study appears in the British Journal of Cancer.

"Scientists have known for a long time that natural compounds have the potential to treat faulty cells that have become cancerous and we suspected that curcumin might have therapeutic value," said study author Dr. Sharon McKenna, BBC Newsreported.

"This is interesting research which opens up the possibility that natural chemicals found in turmeric could be developed into new treatments for oesophageal cancer," said Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK.

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Radiation Treatment Required For Fresh Gulf of Mexico Oysters

Beginning in 2011, raw oysters harvested from the Gulf of Mexico during warm months will have to be treated with low-dose radiation to kill a potentially deadly bacteria, say U.S. health officials. There will be a ban on sales of oysters that aren't treated.

Each year in the U.S., about 15 people die after eating fresh oysters infected withVibrio vulnificus, a bacteria typically found in coastal waters between April and October, the Associated Press reported.

Oyster industry officials say the low-dose radiation procedure is too expensive and contend that adequate safety measures are already in place.

Two-thirds of oysters consumed in the U.S. come from the Gulf of Mexico, the APreported.

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Antibody May Benefit Trauma Patients

An antibody that could help control major internal bleeding in patients with major trauma injuries from car crashes, bullets and other causes has been identified by U.S. researchers.

A protein called histone is responsible for much of the internal bleeding in trauma patients, according to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation team. They also found that a certain type of antibody blocks the ability of histone to cause damage,BBC News reported.

In experiments in mice with sepsis, the antibody stopped the toxic effects of histones, and the mice recovered. The findings appear in the journal Nature Medicine. The researchers want to conduct studies in primates and eventually humans.

"These findings offer some clues as to why people suffering from one traumatic injury often experience a catastrophic 'cascade' of secondary traumatic events," said Dr. Stephen Prescott, president of OMRF, BBC News reported. "If we can figure out how to control the initial injury, perhaps that will stop the domino effect that so often follows."

Health Tips for October 29

Health Tip: What's Behind My Asthma and Allergy Symptoms?

While allergies and asthma usually are chronic, symptoms can flare from exposure to certain triggers. The American Lung Association says these factors trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in many people: Anything with powerful fumes, such as hair spray, paint or perfume. Cold air. Smoke from cigarettes, pipes, cigars or fireplaces. Pollen, mold or dust mites. Animal dander. Air pollution. Respiratory tract infections or reactions, stemming from sources such as the common cold or flu. Health Tip: Keep Mold Out of Your Home Mold exposure can lead to respiratory, eye and skin irritation, or much more serious reactions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions to minimize mold growth in your home: Make sure indoor humidity levels are kept between 40 percent and 60 percent. During very humid weather, run the air conditioner, a dehumidifier or both. Ensure that your home is well-ventilated, including exhaust fans where needed. Before painting a room, add a mold-inhibiting agent to the paint. Scrub bathrooms regularly with cleaning products designed to kill mold. Avoid carpet in moist areas, such as in bathrooms and the basement. Promptly get rid of any carpets or upholstered items that have been soaked.

Health Headlines - October 28

Antibody May Benefit Trauma Patients

An antibody that could help control major internal bleeding in patients with major trauma injuries from car crashes, bullets and other causes has been identified by U.S. researchers.

A protein called histone is responsible for much of the internal bleeding in trauma patients, according to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation team. They also found that a certain type of antibody blocks the ability of histone to cause damage,BBC News reported.

In experiments in mice with sepsis, the antibody stopped the toxic effects of histones, and the mice recovered. The findings appear in the journal Nature Medicine. The researchers want to conduct studies in primates and eventually humans.

"These findings offer some clues as to why people suffering from one traumatic injury often experience a catastrophic 'cascade' of secondary traumatic events," said Dr. Stephen Prescott, president of OMRF, BBC News reported. "If we can figure out how to control the initial injury, perhaps that will stop the domino effect that so often follows."

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Enzyme May Be Key in Nerve Fiber Regeneration

An enzyme that plays a critical role in regenerating damaged nerve fibers has been identified by U.S. researchers, a finding that could lead to new treatments for brain and spinal cord injuries.

In experiments with rats, the team at Children's Hospital Boston found that the enzyme Mst3b appears to be an important regulator of a cell-signaling pathway that controls nerve fiber (axon) growth, United Press International reported.

When Mst3b was absent, damaged optic nerves in the rats showed little regeneration, said the study, which appears in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

"All the growth factors we've tested -- oncomodulin, inosine, brain-derived neurotropic factor, nerve growth factor -- act through Mst3b," said researcher Larry Benowitz, UPI reported. "In fact, activating Mst3b by itself is enough to cause growth even if there are no growth factors around. In terms of basic understanding of nerve cells, this is a very exciting finding."

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Cars Big Threat To Trick-or-Treaters

The dangers faced by children on Halloween are more pedestrian than supernatural.

Safe Kids USA says youngsters are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween than on any other night of the year, USA Todayreported.

An analysis of 2002-06 data showed that an average of 2.2 children are killed in pedestrian accidents between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Halloween, compared with an average of one death during the same time period on every other night of the year.

"Halloween is consistently the most dangerous day of the year for kids to walk," Safe Kids spokeswoman Kate Jones told USA Today.

There are a number of reasons for this increased risk. Dark costumes can make it hard for drivers to see trick-or-treaters and masks can impair children's ability to see around corners. Many suburbs don't have sidewalks and children are more likely to dart out from between parked cars.

"We need to get the message out to drivers," Moira Donahue, director of pedestrian safety at SafeKids, told USA Today. "On Halloween, slow down, turn your lights on and be prepared that there are going to be more kids out."

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Antidepressants Have Immediate Effect: Study

Antidepressants begin to work on improving mood within hours after a patient starts taking them, according to a U.K. study that challenges current thinking.

The Oxford University study of 33 depressed patients found that those who took an antidepressant showed positive improvements within three hours of taking the drugs. For example, they were more likely to have positive thoughts about themselves and others, BBC News reported.

But patients may not notice any obvious effects until they've been taking antidepressants for a few months, said lead researcher Dr. Catherine Harmer and colleagues.

"We found the antidepressants target the negative thoughts before the patient is aware of any change in feeling subjectively. Over time, this will affect our mood and how we feel because we are receiving more positive information," Harmer told the BBC News.

The study appears in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

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Calorie Info Reduces Fast Food Consumption: Study

New Yorkers who used calorie information to order lunch at fast-food chain restaurants bought 106 fewer calories' worth of food than people who didn't see or use the information, says a city health department study.

In March 2008, New York City began requiring chain restaurants to post calories on menu boards. Researchers surveyed more than 10,000 lunch customers at 275 fast-food and coffee-chain outlets in spring 2007 and surveyed another 12,000 this spring, USA Today reported.

The study found that 56 percent of customers saw the calorie information and 15 percent used it. Those who used the calorie information bought an average of 754 calories' worth of food, compared with 860 calories' worth for those who didn't see or use the information.

Compared to other customers, those who saw and used calorie information consumed average of 152 fewer calories at hamburger chains and 73 fewer calories at sandwich chains. The reduction at coffee shops was 23 calories, USA Today reported.

The findings were presented Monday at the annual meeting of the Obesity Society.

Health Tips for October 28

Health Tip: Foot Care for People With Diabetes

People with diabetes are especially prone to foot problems, so it's important to take good care of your feet and inspect them frequently. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions: Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and carefully dry them afterward. Use a rich moisturizer on your feet, but don't apply it between the toes. Keep toenails trimmed, but cut them straight across. Clipping the corners can lead to ingrown nails. Avoid using antiseptics, sharp tools or heating pads on the feet. Keep feet warm and dry with cozy socks. Prevent circulatory problems by avoiding smoking. And don't sit with your legs crossed. Health Tip: Treating an Ingrown Toenail An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the skin. It can be quite painful and become infected, so it's important to take prompt care of an ingrown toenail as soon as it's recognized. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions: Soak the foot in warm water three or four times each day. When not soaking, make sure the foot is clean and dry. Wear open-toed sandals or similar while the condition heals. Otherwise, opt for comfortable shoes that don't squeeze the toes. Carefully wedge a small piece of clean cotton or waxed dental floss between the skin and the toenail. Be sure to change this packing daily. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You should start to see improvement within two or three days. If you don't, contact your doctor.

Health Headlines - October 27

Calorie Info Reduces Fast Food Consumption: Study

New Yorkers who used calorie information to order lunch at fast-food chain restaurants bought 106 fewer calories' worth of food than people who didn't see or use the information, says a city health department study.

In March 2008, New York City began requiring chain restaurants to post calories on menu boards. Researchers surveyed more than 10,000 lunch customers at 275 fast-food and coffee-chain outlets in spring 2007 and surveyed another 12,000 this spring, USA Today reported.

The study found that 56 percent of customers saw the calorie information and 15 percent used it. Those who used the calorie information bought an average of 754 calories' worth of food, compared with 860 calories' worth for those who didn't see or use the information.

Compared to other customers, those who saw and used calorie information consumed average of 152 fewer calories at hamburger chains and 73 fewer calories at sandwich chains. The reduction at coffee shops was 23 calories, USA Today reported.

The findings were presented Monday at the annual meeting of the Obesity Society.

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FDA Lax on Drug Follow-Up Studies: GAO

The use of several drugs to treat cancer and other conditions has been allowed to continue even though follow-up studies showed they didn't extend patients' lives, says a U.S. Government Accountability Office report to be released Monday.

The GAO also said that the Food and Drug Administration has never ordered a company to take a drug off the market because promised follow-up studies about the drug's benefits haven't been completed. In some cases, that follow-up information is more than a decade overdue, the Associated Press reported.

The FDA also needs to do more to monitor whether drugs approved under its so-called "accelerated approval" program actually fulfill their promise, the GAO said. The accelerated approval program is designed to speed availability of treatments for the most serious diseases.

The GAO said that since 1992, the FDA has requested follow-up 144 studies of drugs approved under the program, but only 64 percent have been completed and more than one-third are still pending, the AP reported.

The GAO report presents an overly-negative assessment of the program and there are no plans to get more aggressive about follow-up, according to the FDA.

"Millions of patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses have had earlier access to new safe and effective treatments," through the accelerated approval program, the agency said, the AP reported.

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Korean Stem Cell Researcher Convicted, Spared Jail

Disgraced South Korean stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk has been convicted of embezzling research funds and illegally buying human eggs in connection with a cloning scandal that ruined his career.

In 2004, Hwang and colleagues claimed they'd created the first cloned human embryos and had extracted stem cells from them. But an investigation revealed that the claims were false.

Hwang was found not guilty on the main charge of fraud. After his conviction on the other charges, prosecutors asked for a four-year prison term but the Seoul Central District Court judge said Hwang had shown remorse and gave him a suspended sentence, the Associated Press reported. He'll avoid jail if he stays out of trouble for three years.

Hwang made no comment as he left the courthouse.

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Cell Phones Linked To Brain Tumors: Study

Long-term cell phone users are more likely than other people to develop brain tumors later in life, according to a World Health Organization study that included 12,800 people in 13 countries.

People who used cell phones for 10 years or longer had a "significantly increased risk" of brain tumors, study leader Elisabeth Cardis told The Daily Telegraph, United Press International reported.

Cardis recommended restricting cell phone use by children, but they shouldn't be banned from using them because they're important in emergencies and for maintaining contact with parents.

As for adults, they should moderate their use and reduce direct contact by using wireless ear devices, headsets and other hands-free devices.

More than 30 previous studies have found no link between cell phone use and harmful health effects, said a representative of the Mobile Operators Association,UPI reported.

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Unhealthy Breakfast Cereals Heavily Marketed to Children: Study

Breakfast cereals marketed to children contain 85 percent more sugar, 65 percent less fiber, and 60 percent more sodium than those targeted at adults, says a Yale University study.

The least nutritious cereals -- such as Reese's Puffs, Lucky Charms and Cap'n Crunch -- are often the most heavily marketed to children, found that researchers at Yale's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, USA Today reported.

Among the other findings:

• Major cereal makers do make products that receive good nutrition marks, but not many of these are marketed to children.
• The average sugar content of children's cereals has decreased from 3.5 teaspoons to 3 teaspoons of sugar per serving.
• Cereal makers spend more than $156 million a year marketing to children. The average American preschooler sees 642 TV cereal ads a year and most of those are for cereals with the poorest nutrition ratings.
• Some cereals with the worst nutrition ratings have health claims on the boxes.

The Yale researchers said cereal company pledges to self-regulate haven't "shielded kids from the barrage of messages" to eat the least healthy cereals, USA Today reported.

"Industry regulation is an abject failure," said Kelly Brownell, director of the Rudd Center. "The worst cereals are being marketed very heavily to children."

The study is being presented Monday at the annual meeting of the Obesity Society.

Health Tips for October 27

Health Tip: Dietary Needs of Aging Women

As women age, their dietary needs change. A healthy diet is always important, but even more so as women get older. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests women should consume: At least 1,500 milligrams daily of calcium, which may be found in dairy products and leafy green vegetables, or dietary supplements. Eight milligrams of daily iron -- needed to help produce red blood cells. Healthy sources of iron include fortified breakfast cereals, spinach and beans. Limited intake of saturated and trans fats. Limited intake of salt (sodium) and added sugars. Plenty of fiber. Health Tip: Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, but you can reduce your risk by eating a heart-healthy diet. The National Women's Health Information Center offers these suggestions: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods. Opt for low-fat or no-fat dairy products. Choose lean, healthy proteins, such as chicken or turkey without the skin, fish, nuts and beans. Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, found in many forms of butter, fatty meats, fast food, desserts and creamy condiments such as mayonnaise. Reduce cholesterol in your diet, found in organ meats, pork and sausage, and whole-fat dairy products. Avoid foods that are high in salt (sodium) and sugar.

Health Headlines - October 26

Industry Suspends 'Smart Choice' Food Labeling

A voluntary nutrition-labeling program created by nine leading food manufacturers is being halted after federal authorities said programs like it might end up confusing consumers, the Associated Press reported Friday.

On Tuesday, regulators at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that the "Smart Choices" food label program and others like it might end up misleading consumers about the health rewards of certain products. The agency said it was planning to address inaccurate labeling, but it did not mention specific products.

On Friday, officials at Smart Choices -- which was launched last year and uses a green label on package fronts -- said they would "postpone" active operations and not widen use of the Smart Choices logo while the FDA investigates the labeling issues.

Smart Choices includes some of the nation's largest food companies, including Kellogg Co., Kraft Foods, and General Mills. Richard Kahn, board member at Smart Choices, said he supported the FDA's efforts, but he said that the program's criteria are based on federal dietary guidelines. "The impetus for the Smart Choices program was that there were and are too many systems," Kahn told theAP. "We applaud the concept of having one system nationwide."

The FDA says it is working with manufacturers and nutritionists to better define and standardize criteria used for nutrition claims on product packaging.

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FDA Says Anthrax Drug Works in Animal Models

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday said an experimental drug successfully treats animals exposed to the anthrax toxin, although its efficacy in humans remains unclear.

ABthrax, an inhalable drug made by Rockville, Md.-based Human Genome Sciences, is designed to work once anthrax has entered the bloodstream, the Associated Press reported. The drug awaits approval by the FDA, although the U.S. government has already ordered 60,000 doses for its national emergency stockpile.

According to the AP, ABthrax did appear effective in rabbits and monkeys when used alongside an antibiotic. However, the FDA stressed that animal studies do not ensure effectiveness in humans, and on Tuesday the agency plans to consult an outside panel for its advice on the findings. While the panel's decision is not binding, the FDA typically follows the group's recommendations.

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FDA Warns of Bogus Swine Flu Products

Fake Tamiflu is one of many bogus products being sold over the Internet that claim to prevent, treat or diagnose swine flu, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The agency has issued warnings about fraudulent claims to the Web marketers of more than 140 products, ranging from sprays or devices that supposedly sterilize surfaces or the air to dietary supplements touted for strengthening the immune system, the Associated Press reported.

Shortly after swine flu emerged last spring, about 10 bogus products a day were appearing online, according to Alyson Saben, the head of the FDA swine flu consumer fraud team. That rate slowed as the flu abated in the summer, but recently "we are seeing new sites pop up," Saben said.

Fake Tamiflu causes the most concern for the FDA. The agency purchased and tested five of the products and found that one contained powdered talc and general Tylenol, but no Tamiflu. Others contained some Tamiflu but weren't approved for sale in the United States, the AP reported.

"We have no idea of the conditions under which they were manufactured. They could contain contaminated, counterfeit, impure or subpotent or superpotent ingredients," Saben said.

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EPA Seeks to Expand Lead Safety Rules

An expansion of a rule that requires contractors who renovate, repair or paint older homes to be trained and certified in "lead safe" work practices is being proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Currently, contractors working on homes built before 1978 are required to take precautions to reduce potential paint-associated lead exposure if pregnant women or children under age 6 live in the home. The proposed change would cover most homes built before 1978, regardless of who lives in them, the Wall Street Journalreported.

The change would mean a 50 percent increase in the number of contractors who would need to abide by the "lead-safe" rule for older homes, according to EPA spokesman Dale Kemery.

The EPA also wants to re-examine the hazard standard for lead in dust and possibly modify the regulatory definition of lead-based paint. Some groups say that current regulations are outdated, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Comments on the proposal will be accepted for 30 days and the EPA expects to finalize the changes by April 2010.

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Cancer Drug Prevents Premature Labor

The cancer drug Trichostatin A (TSA) can stop contractions and may point to new ways to prevent premature labor, according to English researchers.

They tested the drug on muscle tissue taken from 36 women who had cesarean sections and found that the drug increases levels of a protein that controls muscle relaxation, BBC News reported.

Specifically, the Newcastle University team found that TSA reduced contractions for spontaneously contracting tissue by an average of 46 percent and reduced contractions induced by the labor drug oxytocin by an average of 54 percent.

The drug works by increasing the levels of a protein that controls muscle relaxation.

"We will not give this drug to a patient because it can damage as many as 10% of the genes in a cell," said study leader Professor Nick Europe-Finner, BBC Newsreported. "But it does show us that other more specific agents that act on the same enzymes but only one at a time are worth investigating."

The study appears in the journal Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

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Researchers Report Successful Womb Transplants in Rabbits

Research in rabbits suggest that the world's first successful human womb transplant could be achieved within two years, according to British researchers.

They found a way to transplant a womb with a regular blood supply so that it lasts long enough to carry a pregnancy, BBC News reported.

The Royal Veterinary College team implanted wombs in five rabbits using a technique that connected major blood vessels, including the aorta. Two of the rabbits lived for 10 months and post-mortem examinations showed the womb transplants had been successful.

The findings were presented at an American Society for Reproductive Medicine meeting in Atlanta. The next step is to determine whether rabbits with transplanted wombs can get pregnant through in-vitro fertilization, BBC Newsreported.

The ability to transplant wombs would provide a new option for women who want children but whose wombs have been damaged by diseases such as cervical cancer. Currently, these women are limited to adoption or surrogate pregnancies.

Health Tips for October 26

Health Tip: What's Causing Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the medical term that describes the frequent or significant leakage of urine. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers this list of common causes among women: A urinary tract infection. Weakened or stretched muscles in the pelvis, often the result of pregnancy, childbirth or simply getting older. An abnormality in the urinary tract. A neuromuscular disorder that affects muscle control. A side effect of some medications, notably diuretics. Health Tip: Managing Urinary Incontinence Many women have urinary incontinence, notably after having a baby or after beginning menopause. The National Women's Health Information Center says there are many treatment options for urinary incontinence in women, among them: Performing Kegel exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your pelvis. This may help prevent stress leakage. Losing extra pounds can help relieve pressure on your bladder. Eliminating from your diet certain foods and liquids -- such as alcohol, tea, coffee and other caffeinated products -- can help reduce incontinence. Scheduling certain times each day to go to the bathroom, instead of waiting until you need to go, can help you regain bladder control. Taking medications prescribed by your doctor can help reduce certain types of leakage.