Health Headlines - January 31

Many Cancer Trial Participants Overly Optimistic: Study

Unrealistic optimism is common among patients in early phase clinical cancer trials, according to a new study.

U.S. researchers looked the responses of 72 adults enrolled in cancer studies in the New York area who were interviewed about their expectations regarding risks and benefits, United Press International reported.

"We found a significant optimistic bias in their responses," wrote Lynn A. Jansen, of Oregon Health and Sciences University, and colleagues.

"Respondents tended to overestimate the benefits of the trial they were enrolled in and underestimate its risks. In addition, we found no significant relationship between respondents' understanding of the trial's purpose and how susceptible they were to unrealistic optimism. Our findings suggest that improving the consent process for oncology studies requires more than addressing deficits in understanding," the researchers said, UPI reported.

The study appears in the journal IRB: Ethics & Human Research.

-----

University of Iowa Football Players Hospitalized With Muscle Condition

Thirteen University of Iowa football players remain in hospital after being diagnosed with a muscle syndrome that can cause kidney damage.

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscles break down and release a protein called myoglobin, which can travel through the bloodstream and harm the kidneys.

At a press conference this week, a university spokesman said it's not known how the athletes developed the condition, ABC News reported. Intense exercise, dietary supplements and certain medications can cause rhabdomyolysis.

The university's director of football operations, Paul Federici, told reporters at the press conference that he didn't know the exact structure of the football players' workouts, but noted that they were given breaks and provided with plenty of water,ABC News reported.

-----

Mandela Released From Hospital

Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital Friday after being treated for an acute respiratory infection, said South Africa's surgeon general.

Doctors are pleased with Mandela's recovery and the 92-year-old anti-apartheid hero and former president of South Africa will continue to receive treatment at home, said Surgeon General V.J. Ramlakan, CNN reported.

"We may recall that he suffered from tuberculosis and has had previous respiratory infections," Ramlakan said. "He is also not as mobile as before. And over the last few years, has had to be assisted with movement."

News of Mandela's hospitalization caused concern worldwide, CNN reported.

-----

First Lady Praises Military's Fitness and Nutrition Programs

The U.S. military's new emphasis on exercise and healthy eating for recruits could be a model for improving fitness and nutrition among young people across the nation, according to Michelle Obama.

The first lady got a personal look at the military's efforts Thursday when she visited the Army's largest training post at Fort Jackson, S.C., the Associated Press reported.

"I am fascinated by what you're doing," Obama told Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, who created new diet and exercise programs that include routines for core body strength and stamina and more dark greens, whole grains and no-fat milk in mess halls.

Obama said that poor fitness is "not just a health issue but a national security issue," the AP reported.

Health Tips for January 31

Health Tip: Signs That People With Dementia Shouldn't Drive

People with dementia may no longer be able to drive safely. Recognizing this may be a very difficult conclusion, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.

The agency says these symptoms indicate that a person with dementia is no longer safe behind the wheel:

• Difficulty remembering things that happened recently.
• Showing a sudden temper and general moodiness.
• Difficulty multi-tasking.
• Having a hard time judging distances.
• Problems with decision making and problem solving.
• Becoming easily confused.

Health Tip: Keep Emergency Phone Numbers on Hand

When young children are in your care, it's important to have a list of emergency phone numbers within easy reach.

The Nemours Foundation says these numbers should be on every caregiver's emergency list:

• The number for poison control -- 1-800-222-1222.
• The number for ambulance, police or fire -- 911.
• The number for the child's doctor.
• Numbers for the child's parents, including work and cell phones.

Health Headlines - January 30

Many Cancer Trial Participants Overly Optimistic: Study

Unrealistic optimism is common among patients in early phase clinical cancer trials, according to a new study.

U.S. researchers looked the responses of 72 adults enrolled in cancer studies in the New York area who were interviewed about their expectations regarding risks and benefits, United Press International reported.

"We found a significant optimistic bias in their responses," wrote Lynn A. Jansen, of Oregon Health and Sciences University, and colleagues.

"Respondents tended to overestimate the benefits of the trial they were enrolled in and underestimate its risks. In addition, we found no significant relationship between respondents' understanding of the trial's purpose and how susceptible they were to unrealistic optimism. Our findings suggest that improving the consent process for oncology studies requires more than addressing deficits in understanding," the researchers said, UPI reported.

The study appears in the journal IRB: Ethics & Human Research.

-----

University of Iowa Football Players Hospitalized With Muscle Condition

Thirteen University of Iowa football players remain in hospital after being diagnosed with a muscle syndrome that can cause kidney damage.

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscles break down and release a protein called myoglobin, which can travel through the bloodstream and harm the kidneys.

At a press conference this week, a university spokesman said it's not known how the athletes developed the condition, ABC News reported. Intense exercise, dietary supplements and certain medications can cause rhabdomyolysis.

The university's director of football operations, Paul Federici, told reporters at the press conference that he didn't know the exact structure of the football players' workouts, but noted that they were given breaks and provided with plenty of water,ABC News reported.

-----

Mandela Released From Hospital

Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital Friday after being treated for an acute respiratory infection, said South Africa's surgeon general.

Doctors are pleased with Mandela's recovery and the 92-year-old anti-apartheid hero and former president of South Africa will continue to receive treatment at home, said Surgeon General V.J. Ramlakan, CNN reported.

"We may recall that he suffered from tuberculosis and has had previous respiratory infections," Ramlakan said. "He is also not as mobile as before. And over the last few years, has had to be assisted with movement."

News of Mandela's hospitalization caused concern worldwide, CNN reported.

-----

First Lady Praises Military's Fitness and Nutrition Programs

The U.S. military's new emphasis on exercise and healthy eating for recruits could be a model for improving fitness and nutrition among young people across the nation, according to Michelle Obama.

The first lady got a personal look at the military's efforts Thursday when she visited the Army's largest training post at Fort Jackson, S.C., the Associated Press reported.

"I am fascinated by what you're doing," Obama told Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, who created new diet and exercise programs that include routines for core body strength and stamina and more dark greens, whole grains and no-fat milk in mess halls.

Obama said that poor fitness is "not just a health issue but a national security issue," the AP reported.

Health Tips for January 30

Health Tip: Crohn's Disease Can Lead to Complications

Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly the lower part of the small intestine (the ileum).

The U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says potential complications of Crohn's include:

• A blocked intestine.
• Ulcers and fistulas, which are tunnel-like abnormal passageways that often become infected.
• Tiny tears, called fissures, in the membrane of the anus.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Arthritis.
• Skin problems.
• Gallstones or kidney stones.
• Inflammation of the eyes or mouth.

Health Tip: Seniors, Focus on Nutrition

It's important to eat properly at any age, particularly for seniors.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says malnutrition in seniors can lead to a range of additional health problems:

• Unintended weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle weakening and lack of strength.
• Feeling depressed.
• Memory loss.
• Compromised immunity from infection.
• Anemia.

Health Headlines - January 29

Many Cancer Trial Participants Overly Optimistic: Study

Unrealistic optimism is common among patients in early phase clinical cancer trials, according to a new study.

U.S. researchers looked the responses of 72 adults enrolled in cancer studies in the New York area who were interviewed about their expectations regarding risks and benefits, United Press International reported.

"We found a significant optimistic bias in their responses," wrote Lynn A. Jansen, of Oregon Health and Sciences University, and colleagues.

"Respondents tended to overestimate the benefits of the trial they were enrolled in and underestimate its risks. In addition, we found no significant relationship between respondents' understanding of the trial's purpose and how susceptible they were to unrealistic optimism. Our findings suggest that improving the consent process for oncology studies requires more than addressing deficits in understanding," the researchers said, UPI reported.

The study appears in the journal IRB: Ethics & Human Research.

-----

University of Iowa Football Players Hospitalized With Muscle Condition

Thirteen University of Iowa football players remain in hospital after being diagnosed with a muscle syndrome that can cause kidney damage.

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscles break down and release a protein called myoglobin, which can travel through the bloodstream and harm the kidneys.

At a press conference this week, a university spokesman said it's not known how the athletes developed the condition, ABC News reported. Intense exercise, dietary supplements and certain medications can cause rhabdomyolysis.

The university's director of football operations, Paul Federici, told reporters at the press conference that he didn't know the exact structure of the football players' workouts, but noted that they were given breaks and provided with plenty of water,ABC News reported.

-----

Mandela Released From Hospital

Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital Friday after being treated for an acute respiratory infection, said South Africa's surgeon general.

Doctors are pleased with Mandela's recovery and the 92-year-old anti-apartheid hero and former president of South Africa will continue to receive treatment at home, said Surgeon General V.J. Ramlakan, CNN reported.

"We may recall that he suffered from tuberculosis and has had previous respiratory infections," Ramlakan said. "He is also not as mobile as before. And over the last few years, has had to be assisted with movement."

News of Mandela's hospitalization caused concern worldwide, CNN reported.

-----

First Lady Praises Military's Fitness and Nutrition Programs

The U.S. military's new emphasis on exercise and healthy eating for recruits could be a model for improving fitness and nutrition among young people across the nation, according to Michelle Obama.

The first lady got a personal look at the military's efforts Thursday when she visited the Army's largest training post at Fort Jackson, S.C., the Associated Press reported.

"I am fascinated by what you're doing," Obama told Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, who created new diet and exercise programs that include routines for core body strength and stamina and more dark greens, whole grains and no-fat milk in mess halls.

Obama said that poor fitness is "not just a health issue but a national security issue," the AP reported.

Health Tips for January 29

Health Tip: Skin Disorders Affecting the Elderly

Skin problems are common among the elderly. Some are considered a normal part of aging, while others may indicate an underlying health problem.

The ADAM Encyclopedia says the following medical conditions could spur changes in an elderly person's skin:

• Having arteriosclerosis or another disease of the blood vessels.
• Being diabetic.
• Having heart disease or liver disease.
• Being malnourished.
• Being obese.
• Having a reaction to medication.
• Being under stress.

Health Tip: What Causes Bed Sores?

Pressure ulcers, commonly called bed sores, are wounds that develop on the skin from staying in one position without shifting your weight.

People who have just had surgery and aren't able to get out of bed, for example, may acquire a pressure ulcer because the constant weight on the affected area decreases blood supply, killing affected tissue.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following conditions may foster pressure ulcers.:

• Being unable to get out of bed, or being confined to a wheelchair.
• Developing skin wounds easily, or having a chronic condition that affects blood circulation.
• Being unable to move parts of the body without assistance due to injury or illness.
• Being malnourished.
• Being mentally impaired or having dementia.
• Being older or incontinent.

Health Headlines - January 28

Nelson Mandela Hospitalized With Lung Infection: Reports

Human rights icon and former South African President Nelson Mandela was hospitalized Thursday with a lung infection, according to reports from CBS News and other media.

According to his office, 92-year-old Mandela went to the hospital for routine tests and is in "no danger and is in good spirits." However, one source close to the situation told CBS that Mandela was on holiday and returned to Johannesburg Sunday after complaining of chest pains.

A family member told CBS that Mandela had developed a lung infection and was having breathing problems. The same (unidentified) family member said that while any illness is a concern at Mandela's age, the family is not overly worried.

While the anti-apartheid leader has regular hospital checkups, the length of this particular stay has created a media frenzy in South Africa. A statement from South African President Jacob Zuma's office said that, "President Mandela is comfortable and is well looked after by a good team of medical specialists."

-----

Court Pledges Quick Action on Health Care Law Appeal

A federal appeals court in Virginia has promised quick consideration of a lower court ruling against a key part of the new federal health care law.

The Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond said Wednesday that it has scheduled May 10 to May 13 to hear arguments in the Obama administration's appeal of last month's ruling by Judge Howard E. Hudson of the Federal District Court in Richmond, The New York Times reported.

Hudson ruled that the section of the health care law that requires citizens to obtain commercial health insurance exceeds the boundaries of the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. But he permitted the law to remain in effect pending appeal.

Two other federal judges have upheld the insurance requirement while a ruling from a fourth judge in Florida is expected soon, The Times reported.

Many experts believe the issue will likely be settled by the Supreme Court.

-----

Salty Foods Affect Blood Vessels: Study

Obvious changes in your arteries occur just 30 minutes after you eat salty foods, says a new study.

The Australian researchers found that foods with high levels of salt rapidly impair the ability of blood vessels to widen, even in people with normal blood pressure,msnbc.com reported.

The long-term effects of this impact on blood vessels is unknown.

"What surprised us was that this is similar to responses seen after a meal high in saturated fats, which we know can damage blood-vessels in the long-term," said lead author Kacie M. Dickinson, a researcher at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Adelaide, msnbc.com reported.

The study appears in this month's issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

-----

Drug Addiction, Dependency Common Among Wounded Soldiers: Report

Many of the 10,000 U.S. soldiers in special wounded-care companies or battalions are drug addicted or dependent, according to a report released Tuesday by the Army inspector general.

According to the document, most case managers and nurses interviewed by investigators said 25 percent to 35 percent of soldiers in the Warrior Transition Units "are over-medicated, abuse prescriptions and have access to illegal drugs," USA Today reported.

Prescription narcotic pain reliever addiction or dependency is a major issue.

The findings were called into question by Army Col Darryl Williams, commander of Warrior Transition Units. He said the estimates of drug addictions and dependency are not statistically valid since they're based on estimates from the nurses and case workers, USA Today reported.

-----

College Students' Emotional Health Declining: Survey

The pressures of high school and the effects of the recession have pushed the emotional health of U.S. college freshmen to its lowest point since an annual survey began looking at the issue 25 years ago.

"The American Freshman: National Norms Fall 2010" survey of more than 200,000 incoming full-time college students found an increase in the percentage of students who said their emotional health was below average. The percentage of students who said their emotional health was above average fell to 52 percent, compared with 64 percent in 1985. The New York Times reported.

The proportion of students who said they were frequently overwhelmed by all they had to do during their senior year of high school rose to 29 percent from 27 percent the previous year. There was a large gender gap in this area, with 18 percent of males and 39 percent of females feeling frequently overwhelmed in their final year of high school.

The study also indicated that the poor economy is causing stress for college freshmen. Due to family money problems, more students are having to get loans to finance their education. Students are having more trouble finding summer jobs, and are worried about their college debt and job prospects when they graduate, The Times reported.

-----

Trans Fats May Boost Depression Risk: Study

People who eat foods with trans fats may be at increased risk for depression, according to a new study.

Spanish researchers tracked 12,059 people for six years and found that those who ate the most trans fats were 48 percent more likely to develop depression than those who did not consume trans fats, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Participants with a high intake of healthier polyunsaturated fats - found in olive oil, for example -- were less likely to develop depression.

The researchers noted that many people with heart disease also have depression and it's possible that trans fats contribute to both conditions by causing inflammation in the body, the Times reported.

The study appears in the journal PLoS One.

Health Tips for January 28

Health Tip: Symptoms That May Indicate Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes major mood swings, ranging from depression to manic (elevated) mood.

The Journal of the American Medical Association says the following symptoms may indicate bipolar disorder:

Manic phase:

• Unusually elevated mood.
• Anger or irritability.
• Speaking and thinking quickly.
• Rapidly jumping from topic to topic.
• Engaging in high-risk behaviors and making poor choices.
• Not feeling the need to sleep much.

Depressive phase:

• Feeling very sad and down, without interest in things you once enjoyed.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, hopeless or crying.
• Abrupt changes in your weight.
• Abusing drugs.
• Having thoughts about suicide

Health Tip: Possible Complications of Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a disorder in which the blood doesn't properly clot, so stopping bleeding becomes more difficult.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says possible complications of hemophilia include:

• Swelling in the joints that may lead to pain and swelling in nearby muscles.
• Possible brain damage from bleeding inside the brain or head.
• Damage to internal organs.
• Death from uncontrolled bleeding or bleeding that causes damage to vital organs.

Health Headlines - January 27

Breast Implants May Be Linked to Rare Cancer: FDA

There may be a link between saline and silicone breast implants and a rare type of cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.

A review of scientific literature published between January 1997 and May 2010 suggests that women with these breast implants may have a very small but significant risk of ALCL in the scar capsule next to the implant. The review identified 34 unique cases of ALCL in women with either saline and silicone breast implants.

The agency is asking health-care professionals to report any confirmed cases of ALCL in patients with breast implants. To ensure that women clearly understand the possible risk, the FDA will work with breast implant manufacturers to update their product labeling for patients and health-care professionals.

In addition, the FDA is teaming with experts to create a breast implant registry to better understand the development of ALCL in women with breast implants.

------

Cognitive Disorders Affect Five Percent of U.S. Seniors: Report

Just over five percent of seniors in the United States report one or more cognitive disorder, such as senility or dementia, says a federal government report.

The analysis of data from the nearly 39 million Americans who were age 65 and older in 2007 also found that those age 85 and older were most likely to report one or more cognitive disorder (18.4 percent), compared to those ages 75 to 84 (6 percent) and those ages 65 to 74 (1.1 percent).

One or more cognitive disorders were more likely to be reported by seniors with less than a high school education (8.6 percent) than those who completed high school (4.9 percent) or those with more than a high school education (2.7 percent), said the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The report also said that one or more cognitive disorders were reported by:

• Nearly 8 percent of poor seniors and 4.1 percent of middle- and high-income seniors.
• Nearly 11 percent of seniors with both Medicare and another type of supplemental public insurance, 5 percent of seniors with Medicare only, and 4.1 percent of seniors with Medicare and supplemental private insurance.

Average yearly health expenses were $15,549 for seniors who reported one or more cognitive disorders and $9,019 for seniors without a cognitive disorder.

-----

Winter Storms Lead to Depleted Blood Supply: Red Cross

The American Red Cross is appealing for blood donors to help restore its blood supply, which has been depleted after severe weather in much of the eastern United States in recent weeks caused the cancellation of more than 14,000 blood and platelet donations.

The impact of the storms on the national inventory management system -- which moves blood products to where they're most needed -- has been huge. The Red Cross said it has been 10 years since its blood supply dropped this dramatically at this time of year.

More winter weather and a possible coastal storm are being forecast.

"Maintaining sufficient blood to meet patient needs is a delicate balance between supply and demand," Chief Medical Officer Richard Benjamin said in a Red Cross news release. "When severe weather disrupts that balance, the Red Cross puts out a call to potential blood donors across the country to give blood as soon as possible and help make up the deficit."

All eligible donors in areas unaffected by winter storms are asked to make an appointment to give blood or platelets within the coming days, while those in affected areas are asked to donate when it is safe to travel.

-----

No Turning Back on Health Care Reform: Obama

While he recognizes there is opposition to the extension of insurance coverage to 30 million more Americans, President Barack Obama says he is not willing to return to a situation where private insurers can deny coverage.

The expansion of insurance coverage is part of the new health care law.

In his State of the Union address Tuesday, Obama also said he wants to work with Congress to further cut health care costs, including state reforms to the medical malpractice system, the Associated Press reported.

However, he doesn't support a Republican proposal to cap payouts in malpractice suits, something that would offer major savings but is opposed by trial lawyers.

-----

Weed Sap Appears Effective Against Skin Cancer: Study

Sap from a weed called petty spurge may help treat non-melanoma skin cancers, according to a new study.

It included 36 patients with a total of 48 non-melanoma skin cancer lesions who had the sap of petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus) applied to their skin once a day for three days, BBC News reported.

After one month, 41 of the 48 lesions showed a complete response, which means that clinical examination revealed no trace of the tumor. Patients who experienced only a partial response to the sap were offered a second round of treatment.

After an average of 15 months, 30 of the 48 lesions (68.5 percent) still showed a complete response, BBC News reported.

The authors of the study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, warned people not to try the treatment at home because it is still experimental and can cause skin irritation.

Petty spurge is present in many areas of the world, including North America and Europe. The plant's sap has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine.

-----

Blood Thinner Plavix to Retain Patent for Extra 6 Months

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted the makers of the widely used blood thinner Plavix (clopidogrel) exclusive marketing rights for an extra six months.

According to the Associated Press the patent extension is set to end on May 17, 2012, after which cheaper generic forms of clopidogrel are allowed to appear.

The FDA allowed Bristol-Myers Squibb and partner Sanofi-Aventis the patent extension subsequent to their conducting extra research into the drug's effect on infants, the AP said. This type of extension is a kind of "reward" for participating in these pediatric studies, the new agency noted. One study looked at Plavix' effect on 900 infants born with a heart defect that left them vulnerable to clots. The study failed to show a benefit, however.

Health Tips for January 27

Health Tip: Body Piercing Poses Health Risks

Body piercings are increasingly popular, but they also come with potential health risks.

The Journal of the American Medical Association says possible risks from body piercing include:

• The wound may not heal properly.
• You may have pain.
• Nearby tissue may swell.
• You may have an allergic reaction to the metal.
• A scar may develop.
• Piercings in and around the mouth may damage the teeth.

Health Tip: Recognizing a Skin Allergy

Allergic skin conditions may include eczema and hives. But how do you know if you have one?

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology offers these typical symptoms of a skin allergy:

• An unusual rash.
• Skin that appears red, scaly or itchy.
• Swelling of the eyelids, genitals or mouth.
• Skin that appears dry and flaky.
• Skin that blisters or looks inflamed.

Health Headlines - January 26

Blood Thinner Plavix to Retain Patent for Extra 6 Months

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted the makers of the widely used blood thinner Plavix (clopidogrel) exclusive marketing rights for an extra six months.

According to the Associated Press the patent extension is set to end on May 17, 2012, after which cheaper generic forms of clopidogrel are allowed to appear.

The FDA allowed Bristol-Myers Squibb and partner Sanofi-Aventis the patent extension subsequent to their conducting extra research into the drug's effect on infants, the AP said. This type of extension is a kind of "reward" for participating in these pediatric studies, the new agency noted. One study looked at Plavix' effect on 900 infants born with a heart defect that left them vulnerable to clots. The study failed to show a benefit, however.

-----

Food Industry Unveils Nutrition Labeling Plan

The U.S. food industry's new voluntary program to prominently display important nutrition information on food labels is widely seen as an attempt to influence the Food and Drug Administration's ongoing efforts to develop labeling guidelines, according to The New York Times.

Under the Nutrition Keys plan announced Monday, the front of food packages will display icons that show four basic nutrients: calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugars. Industry executives say they developed the program after Michele Obama challenged them to help consumers make healthier food choices.

But the food industry decided to create its own nutrition labeling program after the failure of talks with the White House and the FDA. At least one expert said the labeling program falls short.

"What the food industry is proposing can make something look healthier than it really is," David A. Kessler, a former FDA commissioner, told The Times. He said the industry should wait for the federal government to establish labeling rules.

The program is a "significant first step," according to a White House statement. But the administration also said it would "look forward to future improvement" in the system and the FDA will closely monitor whether the program meets the needs of American consumers.

-----

Gene Promotes Spread of Cancer: Study

Scientists who discovered a gene that helps promote the spread of cancer within the body say blocking the gene would keep cancer confined to the original site.

The WWP2 gene is linked to the breakdown of an inhibitor (Smad7) that normally keeps cells in check. Experiments with tissue cultures showed that cancer progresses quickly and spreads when Smad7 is not present, said the team at the University of East Anglia in the U.K. They also found that blocking WWP2 prevented the spread of cancer, BBC News reported.

The study appears in in the journal Oncogene.

"I think we're really onto something important if we can put a wall around a cancer and lock it in place," said study leader Dr. Andrew Chantry, BBC News reported. "This discovery could lead to the development of a new generation of drugs within the decade that could be used to stop the aggressive spread of most forms of the disease."

While the study does improve understanding of cancer, the research is still in the laboratory stage, noted Cancer Research UK.

-----

U.S. Government Recovers $2.5 Billion in Health Fraud Cases

Thanks to whistle-blowers and a renewed U.S. government effort, a record-breaking $2.5 billion from health care fraud cases was recovered in the budget year that ended in September.

The amount of money won in cases under the False Claims Act was announced Monday by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. It's expected that the increased efforts will save an additional $4.9 billion in fraud and abuse over the next 10 years. The money will be put back into Medicare, USA Today reported.

More than half of the money recovered last year came from drug companies, including settlements for illegal marketing of drugs. The government also said that whistle-blowers received about $300 million in 2010 for alerting officials about fraud they witnessed in the workplace.

"Our aggressive pursuit of health care fraud has resulted in the largest recovery of taxpayer dollars in the history of the Justice Department," Thomas Perrelli, associated attorney general, said in a statement to USA Today.

Health Tips for January 26

Health Tip: Baby Spitting Up?

Babies often spit up after a meal, but it's usually nothing dangerous, experts say.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests how to help reduce instances of spitting up:

• Make sure feeding time is slow, relaxed, quiet and calm. Try to prevent baby from being startled or interrupted.
• If you bottle feed, stop to burp baby every three to five minutes and make sure the hole in the nipple is the appropriate size.
• Don't let baby eat while lying down, and keep baby upright for about 20 or 30 minutes after eating.
• Make post-feeding time quiet, without any jostling or very active play.
• Feed baby before he or she gets too hungry.

Health Tip: Brush Baby's Gums

It's never too early to start caring for baby's teeth and gums.

The American Dental Association offers these suggestions:

• Even before teeth emerge, wipe down baby's gums using clean gauze or a small, cool spoon.
• Using water and a toothbrush made for babies, start brushing teeth as soon as they poke through.
• Starting when your child reaches age 2 years, use a pea-sized squirt of toothpaste with fluoride.
• Always clean baby's pacifier before offering it.
• Don't let baby take a bottle to bed.

Health Headlines - January 25

Gene Promotes Spread of Cancer: Study

Scientists who discovered a gene that helps promote the spread of cancer within the body say blocking the gene would keep cancer confined to the original site.

The WWP2 gene is linked to the breakdown of an inhibitor (Smad7) that normally keeps cells in check. Experiments with tissue cultures showed that cancer progresses quickly and spreads when Smad7 is not present, said the team at the University of East Anglia in the U.K. They also found that blocking WWP2 prevented the spread of cancer, BBC News reported.

The study appears in in the journal Oncogene.

"I think we're really onto something important if we can put a wall around a cancer and lock it in place," said study leader Dr. Andrew Chantry, BBC News reported. "This discovery could lead to the development of a new generation of drugs within the decade that could be used to stop the aggressive spread of most forms of the disease."

While the study does improve understanding of cancer, the research is still in the laboratory stage, noted Cancer Research UK.

-----

U.S. Government Recovers $2.5 Billion in Health Fraud Cases

Thanks to whistle-blowers and a renewed U.S. government effort, a record-breaking $2.5 billion from health care fraud cases was recovered in the budget year that ended in September.

The amount of money won in cases under the False Claims Act was announced Monday by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. It's expected that the increased efforts will save an additional $4.9 billion in fraud and abuse over the next 10 years. The money will be put back into Medicare, USA Today reported.

More than half of the money recovered last year came from drug companies, including settlements for illegal marketing of drugs. The government also said that whistle-blowers received about $300 million in 2010 for alerting officials about fraud they witnessed in the workplace.

"Our aggressive pursuit of health care fraud has resulted in the largest recovery of taxpayer dollars in the history of the Justice Department," Thomas Perrelli, associated attorney general, said in a statement to USA Today.

------

Fitness Guru Jack LaLanne Dies

American health and fitness advocate Jack LaLanne died Sunday in his California home. The cause was respiratory failure due to pneumonia. He was 96.

After developing an interest in fitness in his teens, LaLanne spent the next eight decades encouraging Americans to exercise and eat a healthy diet, the Associated Press reported.

"I have not only lost my husband and a great American icon, but the best friend and most loving partner anyone could ever hope for," Elaine LaLanne, Jack's wife of 51 years, said in a written statement.

"He was amazing," former "Price is Right" host Bob Barker told the AP. He said LaLanne's encouragement helped him start a regular exercise regimen.

"He never lost enthusiasm for life and physical fitness," Barker said. "I saw him in about 2007 and he still looked remarkably good. He still looked like the same enthusiastic guy he always was."

-----

Heart Doctor Group Assists Federal Investigation Into Defibrillator Use

The Heart Rhythm Society is providing expertise to Justice Department officials investigating the use of implanted defibrillators.

A spokeswoman for the group, the leading professional organization for doctors who implant defibrillators, declined to provide any further details, the Associated Press reported.

Defibrillators deliver electrical shocks to correct dangerous heart rhythm problems.

An article published two weeks ago in the Journal of the American Medical Associationsuggested that one in five heart defibrillators may be implanted for questionable reasons, the AP reported.

The devices are not recommended for patients with short life expectancies or for those who have recently suffered a heart attack or undergone bypass surgery. However, these patients and others outside the recommended guidelines account for one-fifth of people who receive defibrillators, according to the journal article.

-----

FDA Considering Reclassifying Electroshock Devices

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to lower the risk classification of electroshock devices.

Experts say electroshock therapy can help people with major depression and other mental illnesses, and the American Psychiatric Association and other leading specialists want the FDA to downgrade electroshock devices from a high-risk category to medium risk, The New York Times reported.

An FDA advisory panel is scheduled to meet this week to discuss the issue. The agency will make a formal decision later this year.

The two U.S. manufacturers of electroshock devices have been asked to submit all safety and effectiveness data as part of an FDA review to be released before the advisory committee meeting begins Thursday, the The Times reported.

Electroshock can cause brain damage and memory loss that outweigh its short-term benefits, say opponents.

"It's all trial and error -- it's all experimental," Vera Hassner Sharay, president of the New York-based advocacy group Alliance for Human Research Protection, told The Times. "All the years it's been controversial and there have not been clinical trials. Why not?"

Health Tips for January 25

Health Tip: Signs That Shoulder Pain is a Broken Collarbone

The collarbone doesn't completely harden until about age 20 years. This makes younger people -- especially participants in contact sports -- more susceptible to a broken collarbone, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says.

The Academy says common symptoms of a broken collarbone include:

• Having a shoulder that droops.
• Being in too much pain to lift one or both arms.
• Feeling a "grinding" as you try to lift an arm.
• Feeling pain when touching the collarbone.
• Detecting an abnormal bump or swelling on the collarbone.

Health Tip: Let a Stress Fracture Heal

A stress fracture is an overuse injury that usually occurs from exercise, such as running.

Fatigued muscles after a while aren't able to absorb the stress of a certain activity, so the bone begins to absorb the impact, resulting in a tiny fracture.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests how to help a stress fracture heal:

• Take a break from the exercise or activity that triggered the stress fracture. Generally, healing takes about six to eight weeks.
• If possible, limit yourself to light activity that doesn't cause pain for your particular fracture.
• Using a brace or shoe insert may help speed healing.
• Don't resume the activity too early, as re-injuring the area could cause an even larger, longer-lasting problem.

Health Headlines - January 24

FDA Proposes Tougher Safety Measures for External Defibrillators

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is recommending tougher safety rules for external defibrillators, which are designed to shock back to normal the hearts of people who collapse with cardiac arrest, according to the Associated Press.

The agency's proposal -- posted online Friday -- follows years of reported problems with the emergency medical devices, which are widespread in schools, hospitals, airports and other public places. Device makers have issued 68 recalls of defibrillators in the last five years, and the agency has received 23,000 reports of malfunctioning devices, including some that failed during rescue attempts, the news service said.

Under the proposed measures, makers of external defibrillators would have to submit to regular inspections and turn in more clinical data before launching a new product.

The changes would not apply to implantable defibrillators, which function more like pacemakers and are designed for patients who suffer from abnormal heart rhythms that could lead to cardiac arrest, the AP said.

-----

House Republicans Outline Health-Care Objectives

Following up on this week's vote to repeal the new U.S. health-care law, House Republicans plan to pass bills that include some of the same measures as the current law, but with more limits on the use of federal power.

On Thursday, the Republican-controlled House voted 253 to 175 to direct four committees to draft legislation to replace the Democrats' health-care law, signed by President Barack Obama last March. The GOP directive outlines 13 objectives, including lowering health-care premiums through increased competition and choice, providing access to affordable coverage for people with pre-existing health conditions, increasing the number of people with insurance, and giving states greater flexibility to operate their Medicaid programs, The New York Times reported.

House Republicans also want stricter limits on abortion in federal programs, including those created by the new law.

Republicans did not outline how they plan to achieve their health-care objectives, but emphasized that they do not want to force individuals, families, employers or states to be burdened with detailed federal requirements, the Times reported.

On the House floor Thursday, Democrats said it was strange to hear Republicans advocating consumer protections that are contained in a law they just voted to repeal.

Democrats who control the Senate say they'll block any effort to repeal the health-care law and Obama has vowed to use his veto power. But Obama did say this week that he was "willing and eager" to work with lawmakers from both parties to improve the current law.

Under the law, federal money is being offered to states to help them create health insurance exchanges.

"Begining in 2014, these marketplaces will allow individuals and small business owners to pool their purchasing power so the mom-and-pop shop can have the same negotiating clout as the big chain down the street," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

She said a number of states have started work to establish exchanges and it "would be a huge mistake to undo this progress" by repealing the new law, theTimes reported.

-----

World Leaders to Discuss Junk Food Ads

Efforts to reduce junk food marketing to children will be on the agenda when world leaders gather at the U.N. General Assembly in New York City in September, the World Health Organization says.

The agency said the heads of state will discuss how to limit the number and types of ads that children are exposed to, the Associated Press reported.

It's expected that voluntary rules meant to control junk food advertising will eventually evolve into laws that ban such marketing, similar to what has occurred with tobacco, Bjorn-Inge Larsen of the Norwegian Directorate of Health told reporters Friday.

About 43 million preschool children worldwide are overweight or obese, according to the WHO, the AP reported.

-----

FDA Reports Post-Flu Vaccine Seizures in Young Children

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday said it was investigating an apparent increase in fever-related seizures in young children after they got a flu shot.

The agency said there have been 36 reported seizures this flu season in children ages 6 months through 2 years. All the seizures happened within a day after the youngsters got a vaccine called Fluzone, which is made specifically for younger children, the Associated Press reported.

Ten of the children were hospitalized, but all recovered. The flu shot manufacturer said there's no obvious link between the vaccine and the seizures, and they may have been coincidental, the AP said.

-----

Woman Regains Speech After Larynx Transplant

A 52-year-old California woman can speak again after undergoing the world's second successful larynx transplant, say her doctors.

Brenda Charett Jensen's transplant last October was led by doctors at the University of California, Davis Medical Center and included experts from England and Sweden, the Associated Press reported.

During the procedure, surgeons gave her a new voice box, windpipe and thyroid gland that came from a donor who died in an accident. The operation lasted 18 hours over two days.

Jensen began speaking two weeks after the transplant and her ability to speak has become easier since then. Her vocal cords were damaged more than a decade ago after she repeatedly yanked out her breathing tube while under sedation in the hospital, the AP reported.