It's Howl-oween!

It’s dark, it’s spooky, it’s full of shrieks and giggles.

Whether you go all out or prefer to hide until it’s over, Halloween time is here!

While kids love the fun, this is not my dog Kelly’s favorite holiday. She barks every time the doorbell rings. My friend’s Doberman Pincer tries to hide under the bed. But we can make Halloween safe, happy and fun for our furry friends.

1. There’s no place like home.
If Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz is your child’s costume of choice, just leave Toto at home. Even though your dog might enjoy taking a walk while you accompany the kids trick or treating, the streets are generally too busy and confusing. Why take a risk that your best friend might get frightened or run away?

2. The Great Disappearing Act.
Monitor your pets when opening and closing your door to trick-or-treaters. Better yet, keep them in a separate room during all the commotion.

3. Only a witch would hide candy.
…but when it comes to pets, a good witch! Chocolate and raisins, in particular, are harmful to dogs and could make them very sick. So keep that candy bowl out of reach.

4. Princess pups and clown cats.
Wearing an adorable Superman cape or fancy clown costume is one way for your pet to join in on the Halloween fun. Just check that no strings or ties could accidentally strangle your pet. Also, ensure your pet can walk safely in the costume without stumbling and possibly injuring itself.

5. Things that go boom in the night.
Loud noises, especially eerie wails and shrieks of “Boo!” are all part of Halloween. If your pet is sensitive to sudden noises, reassure her by keeping her in a room away from the noise. Try playing the radio to distract her.

A new toy or extra special playtime with Mom and Dad are great ways to mark the holiday.

Health Headlines - October 31

Heart Disease Costliest Health Problem for U.S. Men

The top three most costly health issues for American men are heart disease, cancer and trauma-related injuries, a federal government report says.

An analysis of the 10 most expensive health problems for men in 2008 showed that heart disease topped the list at $47 billion, followed by cancer ($34 billion), trauma-related injuries ($33 billion) and osteoarthritis ($23 billion).

Costs were lowest for back problems ($14 billion), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma ($18 billion).

The average annual treatment cost per patient in 2008 ranged from $838 for high blood pressure to $4,873 for cancer, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

-----

Food Industry Decides on Safety of Thousands of Ingredients

At least 3,000 food ingredients have been classified as safe by the food industry in recent decades without any U.S. government oversight, a new report says.

The food ingredients determined to be safe by industry trade associations and private companies since the early 1960s range from grape seed extract used in cheese and instant coffee to artificially synthesized chemicals used in chewing gum, the Associated Press reported.

The report, published in the Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safetyjournal, uses research funded by the Pew Health Group, the health and consumer safety division of the nonprofit Pew Charitable Trusts.

"We don't know the names of a lot of these chemicals because the companies have never told FDA or the public about them," Erik Olson, a study author and Pew Health Group's director of food and consumer safety programs, told the AP. "Often there is not publicly available data on the potential health impacts because FDA has never evaluated them."

Food ingredients are classified as safe only after they undergo rigorous testing, according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association. But the group agrees that more transparency in the approval process would help reassure consumers.

The report raises important questions about the public's access to information about ingredient safety, FDA Deputy Commissioner Michael Taylor said.

"Transparency in decision-making is a high priority for FDA, and FDA considers it timely to explore whether the statutory and regulatory framework for food additives adequately addresses today's need for transparency," he told the AP.

-----

Turkish Pine Nuts Linked to Salmonella Outbreak: CDC

Turkish pine nuts from bulk bins at Wegmans grocery stores have been linked to a salmonella outbreak that's sickened 42 people in six states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday.

The illnesses began on or after August 20 and include 26 people in New York state, 8 in Pennsylvania, 4 in Virginia, 2 in New Jersey, and 1 each in Arizona and Maryland. The patients range in age from less than a year old to 94 years old.

Two people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, the CDC said.

There may be more illnesses that occurred after Sept. 28 and have not yet been reported because it can take 2 to 3 weeks between the time a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to health officials.

Wegmans Food Markets Inc. is recalling about 5,000 lbs. of Turkish pine nuts sold from bulk bins of most Wegmans stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland between July 1 and Oct. 18, 2011.

Consumers should not eat the nuts or any products -- such as baked goods, pesto and salads -- that contain the nuts. Anyone who purchased the nuts should place them in a closed plastic bag and put the bag in a sealed trash can, the CDC advised.

-----

Birth Control Pills and Having Babies Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk: Study

Women can significantly reduce their risk of ovarian cancer by using birth control pills and having babies, according to a new study.

Researchers followed about 300,000 European women for an average of nine years and found that women who took the pill for 10 years reduced their risk of ovarian cancer by 45 percent, ABC News reported.

Women who had used birth control pills at some point in their lives had a 15 percent reduced risk, according to the study published this week in the British Journal of Cancer.

The researchers also found that having one child reduced ovarian cancer risk by 29 percent and having more children reduced the risk by an additional 8 percent, ABC News reported.

Health Tips for October 31

Health Tip: Halloween Doesn't Have to be Scary for Your Diet

Trying to avoid eating the entire bag of candy bars you bought for Halloween before the big night arrives? Worried that you won't have the willpower to resist midnight raids on your child's Halloween stash?

Halloween doesn't have to be scary for your diet, according to Kara Smith, special project coordinator for the Loyola Center for Fitness. Smith offered several tips on how to limit empty Halloween calories, including:

• Buy candy at the last minute and choose treats you don't like to avoid temptation.
• Choose sour or gummy candy over chocolate. Research shows people tend to eat more chocolate than these alternatives.
• Make sure your family eats a filling and healthy meal before trick-or-treating so they don't eat as much candy.
• Chew a sweet, sugarless gum to curb sweet cravings.
• Save the wrappers of the candy you eat to serve as an accurate reminder of what you've consumed.
• Set limits on how much candy you and your family can eat and store extras out of sight.
• Consider giving out calorie-free treats, such as Halloween pencils, stickers, temporary tattoos or vampire teeth.
• Give out healthier alternatives to candy, such as sugarless gum, instant cocoa, microwave popcorn, 100-calorie packs of snacks, or raisins.

Health Headlines - October 30

Spooky Contacts Can Be a Nightmare for Your Eyes
Infections, even blindness, may result from nonprescription contact lenses, FDA warns.

Laura Butler was vacationing in Virginia Beach, Va., when, on a whim, the brown-eyed mom decided to buy a pair of blue contact lenses for $29.99 from a novelty shop.

Driving home to West Virginia the next day, she felt a searing pain in her left eye. The ill-fitting contact lens had formed a suction on her cornea, the delicate, transparent membrane that covers the pupil and iris. She literally had to tear the contact off, leading to a severe and extremely painful injury.

"The window of the car was open, and I thought a piece of wood had flown in and stabbed me in the eye it was so bad," Butler said. "I've had two children and I have never experienced pain like this in my entire life."

Contact lenses are medical devices regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is illegal to sell them without a prescription in the United States, but Halloween is a time when sales of "special effects," "theatrical" and "decorative" contact lenses spike, experts said. Decorative lenses don't correct vision, but can turn eyes blue, green or purple, or give the look of zombie or cat eyes.

Though there's nothing wrong with buying decorative contacts from an optometrist or ophthalmologist who will make sure the lens fits your eye properly, buying cheap contacts from flea markets, street vendors or beauty supply shops is dangerous, experts warn.

Ill-fitting contacts or contacts that aren't cared for properly can lead to injuries and infections that can cause blindness, said Dr. Thomas Steinemann, a professor of ophthalmology at MetroHealth Medical Center at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

"We worry this time of year especially. Halloween is coming up, and people do things on a lark or a dare. And who are the biggest risk takers? Kids," Steinemann said.

He treated one 14-year-old who got a "blinding infection" -- Pseudomonas aeruginosa -- after using nonprescription contacts. The infection came on rapidly, and within 24 hours the girl was in the hospital as doctors worked to save her eye.

"We got the infection under control, but she was left with a scar on the cornea that left her blinded in the eye," Steinemann said. To restore her vision she needed a corneal transplant. "That's a horrible price to pay," he said.

Because our hands and faces are teeming with bacteria, using even properly fitted contact lenses carries the risk of infection, Steinemann said. But eye professionals cut down on those risks by educating contact-lens wearers about proper use and care of contacts, such as never sleeping in contacts and using sterile contact lens solution to store them.

Infections associated with contact lenses can be serious. "Someone can lose a significant amount of vision in 24 hours," Steinemann said.

When Butler got home, she said she curled up into a fetal position because she was in so much agony. The next day she went to the emergency room, where she received antibiotics and painkillers.

She saw an ophthalmologist daily for the first week, and then weekly for 8 weeks. She couldn't drive for more than two months, and has medical bills for thousands of dollars.

Butler said she hopes her story will dissuade others from buying contacts without seeing an eye professional first. "I came close to being blinded for the rest of my life," she said.

The FDA offers these tips on safe use of contact lenses:

• Get an eye exam from a licensed eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist), who will examine your eye, make sure the lenses fit properly and write you a prescription even if the lenses are decorative only.
• Follow directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses, and visit your eye doctor for follow-up eye exams.
• Never share contacts or contact lens solution.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have signs of possible eye infection, such as redness, pain, discharge or decrease in vision.

Health Tips for October 30

Health Tips: Kids Can Enjoy Halloween Candy, Still Protect Teeth

Children can enjoy some Halloween candy and still avoid sugar-related tooth decay, according to Dr. Margaret Mitchell, a Chicago dentist.

Mitchell said the key to preventing tooth decay lies in limiting not only the amount of candy children eat, but also how long the sugar remains in the mouth.

Brushing teeth as soon as possible after eating candy may keep harmful bacteria from developing, she said, and eating the candy quickly in one sitting decreases the amount of time it is contact with the teeth.

Children and parents can take several additional steps to protect their teeth, said Mitchell, owner of the Mitchell Dental Spa. These include:

• Take inventory. Parents should examine their children's candy and remove anything they consider unacceptable before allowing them to eat it.
• Avoid anything tacky or gummy. This type of candy can stick to teeth and cause decay.
• Be consistent. No matter what time of day children eat candy (day or night), they should remember to have good dental hygiene.
• Take precautions. Before Halloween rolls around, a dentist can put sealants into children's teeth grooves to protect them against corrosion caused by too much sugar.

Health Headlines - October 29

Experts Ponder Testing Anthrax Vaccine in Children

The question of whether the anthrax vaccine should be tested in children is being deliberated by a U.S. government advisory panel.

Supplies of the vaccine have been stockpiled in case of a terrorist attack involving the potentially deadly bacteria. The vaccine has been widely tested in adults but never on youngsters, the Associated Press reported.

The National Biodefense Science Board has been asked to consider whether testing on children should be done now in order to find out if and how well children respond to the vaccine, or if it's better to wait and use the vaccine experimentally in the event of an anthrax terrorist attack.

The board provides advice to the Department of Health and Human Services on preparations for nuclear, chemical and biological emergencies, the AP reported.

-----

Guilty Plea in First Proven U.S. Case of Organ Trafficking

A New York man involved in the first proven case of black market organ trafficking in the United States admitted in federal court Thursday that he brokered three illegal kidney transplants for New Jersey patients in exchange for payments of $120,000 or more.

Levy Izhak Rosenbaum, 60, also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to broker an illegal kidney sale, the Associated Press reported.

He was arrested in in July 2009 after he tried to set up a kidney sale to a U.S. government informant and an undercover FBI agent.

Rosenbaum's attorney's suggested he offered a life-saving service to seriously ill people. But prosecutors said he was operating an illicit and profitable operation by purchasing kidneys from vulnerable people in Israel for $10,000 and selling them to wealthy American patients, the AP reported.

"A black market in human organs is not only a grave threat to public health, it reserves lifesaving treatment for those who can best afford it at the expense of those who cannot," said New Jersey's U.S. Attorney, Paul Fishman. "We will not tolerate such an affront to human dignity."

-----

Many Prescriptions Aren't Filled: Study

As many as one in four new prescriptions aren't filled in the United States and cost and convenience are major reasons why people don't pick up their medications, according to a new study.

Researchers analyzed data from 280,000 patients who received new prescriptions and found that they were more likely to fill their prescription: if they lived in a high-income zip code rather than a low-income zip code; if their medication was on their insurance plan's list of approved drugs; and if their doctor had transmitted the prescription directly to the pharmacy instead of handing it to the patient, msnbc.com reported.

The researchers also found that patients were more likely to fill prescriptions for antibiotics to treat an infection than for medication to lower high blood pressure, which causes no symptoms.

"It may be that you're more willing to pay for an antibiotic because you don't feel so good that day," said lead author Michael Fischer, a health services researcher and primary care doctor at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, msnbc.com reported.

The study appears in the November issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

Health Tips for October 29

Health Tips: Halloween Safety

I'd like to remind everyone that Halloween is just two days away. And while children are thinking about costumes, candy gathering and fun with their friends - adults must focus on making Halloween safe for them.

Parents are encouraged to accompany their children as they go trick or treating and only go to homes of friends and family. It is always recommended to check your child's treat bag and candy before allowing your child to eat the treats collected during the evening. Throw away homemade or non-wrapped treats.

The most common cause of injuries on Halloween night are due to falls from tripping on the hems of costumes, as well as steps, curbs or unseen objects.

Parents can help their children enjoy a safe Halloween by following these tips. In fact, it is recommended that parents go over these safety procedures with their children ahead of time.

• Make sure costumes fit properly and are short enough to avoid tripping over them.
• Use face paint or make up instead of masks that can obstruct vision.
• If using a mask, cut eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
• Wear shoes that fit well and are easy to walk in.
• Decorate costumes and treat bags with reflective tape to help make trick or treaters more visible to motorists. 
• Have an adult or older child accompany youngsters.
• Buy costumes and wigs labeled flame resistant.
• Stay in your own neighborhood.
• Trick or treat at homes you know with porch lights on.
• Never go to a stranger's house.
• Stop and look both ways before crossing the street, and always cross at corners.
• Use a flashlight to ensure safe walking and to be more visible.
• Have parents inspect all treats before they are eaten.
• Discard any unwrapped treats.
• Offer a healthy alternative to candy such as individually wrapped raisins or trail mix.
• Keep small candies and peanuts away from younger children. They may choke on the small pieces.
• Drive slowly through neighborhoods and be especially careful on side streets.

Health Headlines - October 28

Heart Disease Costliest Health Problem for U.S. Men

The top three most costly health issues for American men are heart disease, cancer and trauma-related injuries, a federal government report says.

An analysis of the 10 most expensive health problems for men in 2008 showed that heart disease topped the list at $47 billion, followed by cancer ($34 billion), trauma-related injuries ($33 billion) and osteoarthritis ($23 billion).

Costs were lowest for back problems ($14 billion), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma ($18 billion).

The average annual treatment cost per patient in 2008 ranged from $838 for high blood pressure to $4,873 for cancer, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

-----

Food Industry Decides on Safety of Thousands of Ingredients

At least 3,000 food ingredients have been classified as safe by the food industry in recent decades without any U.S. government oversight, a new report says.

The food ingredients determined to be safe by industry trade associations and private companies since the early 1960s range from grape seed extract used in cheese and instant coffee to artificially synthesized chemicals used in chewing gum, the Associated Press reported.

The report, published in the Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safetyjournal, uses research funded by the Pew Health Group, the health and consumer safety division of the nonprofit Pew Charitable Trusts.

"We don't know the names of a lot of these chemicals because the companies have never told FDA or the public about them," Erik Olson, a study author and Pew Health Group's director of food and consumer safety programs, told the AP. "Often there is not publicly available data on the potential health impacts because FDA has never evaluated them."

Food ingredients are classified as safe only after they undergo rigorous testing, according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association. But the group agrees that more transparency in the approval process would help reassure consumers.

The report raises important questions about the public's access to information about ingredient safety, FDA Deputy Commissioner Michael Taylor said.

"Transparency in decision-making is a high priority for FDA, and FDA considers it timely to explore whether the statutory and regulatory framework for food additives adequately addresses today's need for transparency," he told the AP.

-----

Turkish Pine Nuts Linked to Salmonella Outbreak: CDC

Turkish pine nuts from bulk bins at Wegmans grocery stores have been linked to a salmonella outbreak that's sickened 42 people in six states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday.

The illnesses began on or after August 20 and include 26 people in New York state, 8 in Pennsylvania, 4 in Virginia, 2 in New Jersey, and 1 each in Arizona and Maryland. The patients range in age from less than a year old to 94 years old.

Two people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, the CDC said.

There may be more illnesses that occurred after Sept. 28 and have not yet been reported because it can take 2 to 3 weeks between the time a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to health officials.

Wegmans Food Markets Inc. is recalling about 5,000 lbs. of Turkish pine nuts sold from bulk bins of most Wegmans stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland between July 1 and Oct. 18, 2011.

Consumers should not eat the nuts or any products -- such as baked goods, pesto and salads -- that contain the nuts. Anyone who purchased the nuts should place them in a closed plastic bag and put the bag in a sealed trash can, the CDC advised.

-----

Birth Control Pills and Having Babies Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk: Study

Women can significantly reduce their risk of ovarian cancer by using birth control pills and having babies, according to a new study.

Researchers followed about 300,000 European women for an average of nine years and found that women who took the pill for 10 years reduced their risk of ovarian cancer by 45 percent, ABC News reported.

Women who had used birth control pills at some point in their lives had a 15 percent reduced risk, according to the study published this week in the British Journal of Cancer.

The researchers also found that having one child reduced ovarian cancer risk by 29 percent and having more children reduced the risk by an additional 8 percent, ABC News reported.

Health Tips for October 28

Health Tip: Prevent Runner's Knee

Runner's knee is an umbrella term for any condition that causes pain in the front of the knee. It's common among skiers, bicyclists, soccer players and others whose knees are under frequent strain.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests how to reduce the risk of runner's knee:

• Get regular exercise to stay physically fit and avoid weight gain.
• Gently stretch your muscles before any exercise.
• Increase the intensity or duration of your workouts gradually -- not all at once.
• When you run, wear appropriate running shoes with a sturdy, supportive construction.
• Practice good form when running. Bend your knees and lean forward slightly.

Health Tip: You Don't Have to Run to Get Runner's Knee

Patellofemoral pain, commonly called runner's knee, describes a host of conditions that cause a dull pain in the front of the kneecap where it connects to the thighbone.

Activities that put heavy stress on the knees increase the risk of runner's knee. Besides people who run, skiers, cyclists and soccer players may develop runner's knee, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says.

The academy mentions these contributing factors for development of runner's knee:

• A poorly aligned kneecap.
• A dislocated knee.
• Another type of injury to the knee.
• Training too vigorously or overusing the knee.
• Thigh muscles that are weak, improperly balanced, or tight.
• Flat feet.

Health Headlines - October 27

Researchers Examine Gene Makeup of Very Elderly

Researchers conducting whole-genome sequencing of very old, healthy people to learn why they've lived so long say the findings may lead to new medicines that could help others live longer, healthier lives.

Whole-genome sequencing involves deciphering a person's complete collection of DNA, the Associated Press reported.

One effort is the Wellderly Study, which will include thousands of Americans 80 and older with no history of chronic disease.

"Why are these people Teflon-coated? Why don't they get disease?" asked Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Health of San Diego study, the AP reported.

Another project is called the Archon Genomics X Prize competition, which is offering $10 million in prize money to scientists who complete DNA code from 100 people older than 100.

The competition is just a first step in discovering the genetic secrets of a long and healthy life, according to genome pioneer and contest co-chair J. Craig Venter.

"We need 10,000 genomes, not 100, to start to understand the link between genetics, disease and wellness," he said.

-----

'Super Broccoli' Makes Its Debut

"Super broccoli" is hitting store shelves in Britain and is expected to begin appearing across the United States this fall.

The hybrid of traditional British broccoli and a wild Sicilian variety contains nearly three times the normal amount of a plant nutrient called glucoraphanin, which is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease by breaking down fat in the body, CBS News and theAssociated Press reported.

The British researchers who created super broccoli are currently conducting clinical trials comparing the heart health of people who eat the new product with those who eat regular broccoli or no broccoli.

The health benefits of super broccoli are likely to be limited because it doesn't change people's heart-risky behaviors, such as smoking or not getting enough exercise, according to some experts.

"Eating this new broccoli is not going to counteract your bad habits," noted Glenys Jones, a nutritionist at Britain's Medical Research Council.

-----

Sepsis Drug Xigris Pulled From Market

A drug used to treat severe sepsis (blood infection) is being withdrawn from markets worldwide after a recent study concluded that the drug is no longer effective.

Drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co. said there is no safety issue with Xigris but the study found that the drug failed to reduce deaths among patients with septic shock, the Associated Press reported.

Patients should stop taking the drug, the company advised.

The study results were "quite unexpected" and may be partly due to the fact that the standard of care for patients with severe sepsis has improved since Xigris was introduced, Lilly Chief Medical Officer Dr. Timothy Garnett said in a news release, the AP reported.

Health Tips for October 27

Health Tip: Exercise for Stronger Knees

If your knees are sore, it may seem better to skip exercise than to make a trip to the gym.

But the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says exercise may actually help strengthen aching knees, reducing stress on the joints and helping to alleviate pain.

The academy says stronger muscles that support the knee joints will provide:

• Greater muscle strength, leading to better ability of the knees to absorb shock.
• Greater muscle flexibility, reducing knee soreness.
• Less strain on the knee, helping to prevent additional injury.

Health Tip: Is It Arthritis That's Irritating Your Knee?

Arthritis can affect any joint, but weight-bearing joints such as the knee are particularly vulnerable.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons mentions these common symptoms of knee arthritis:

• Swelling and stiffness.
• Trouble straightening or bending the knee.
• Pain that tends to worsen in the morning, after resting, or after activities such as climbing stairs, kneeling or walking.
• Pain and stiffness that seem to coincide with changes in weather.

Health Headlines - October 26

Sepsis Drug Xigris Pulled From Market

A drug used to treat severe sepsis (blood infection) is being withdrawn from markets worldwide after a recent study concluded that the drug is no longer effective.

Drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co. said there is no safety issue with Xigris but the study found that the drug failed to reduce deaths among patients with septic shock, the Associated Press reported.

Patients should stop taking the drug, the company advised.

The study results were "quite unexpected" and may be partly due to the fact that the standard of care for patients with severe sepsis has improved since Xigris was introduced, Lilly Chief Medical Officer Dr. Timothy Garnett said in a news release issued Tuesday, theAP reported.

-----

Mammograms May Save Fewer Lives Than Expected: Analysis

Mammograms may not be as effective at saving lives as widely believed, according to a new study.

Researchers used a mathematical model to estimate the survival chances of a 50-year-old woman with breast cancer who was diagnosed from a mammogram and came up with a figure of only 13 percent, CBS News reported.

The study was published in the Oct. 24 issue of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.

"The presumption often is that anyone who has had cancer detected has survived because of the test, but that's not true," study author Dr. H. Gilbert Welch, a professor of medicine at Dartmouth University, told The New York Times, CBS News reported.

"In fact, and I hate to have to say this, in screen-detected breast and prostate cancer, survivors are more likely to have been overdiagnosed than actually helped by the test," Welch said.

-----

Rand Corp. Retracts Study on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

A study that linked the closing last year of hundreds of medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles with rising crime rates in surrounding neighborhoods has been retracted by the Rand Corp.

Questions raised after the study's publication in September led to an internal review that discovered that study did not include crime data from the Los Angeles Police Department, the Santa Monica, Calif.-based think tank said in a news release Monday, the Associated Press reported.

The incident was a "rare failure" of Rand's peer-review system, according to Rand Vice-President Debra Knopman.

A new analysis will be conducted by Rand researchers when they have adequate data, the AP reported.

-----

Government Studies Suggest Chantix Doesn't Raise Risk of Psychiatric Problems

After spending several years investigating reports that taking Chantix might raise the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Monday that two federally funded studies found no increase in psychiatric hospitalizations among those using the smoking-cessation drug.

Federal health officials stressed, however, that these findings are not definitive since they only involved hospitalizations and many mental health issues may have been missed, theAssociated Press reported.

The FDA said it is continuing to look at the safety of Chantix, and patients should talk with their doctors if they experience side effects with the drug. Pfizer Inc., the maker of Chantix, is conducting its own large-scale study of possible behavioral side effects with Chantix, but the results won't be available until 2017, the AP reported.

In the United States alone, almost 9 million people have been prescribed Chantix since it was approved in May 2006. It already carries a boxed warning that lists possible side effects including hostility, agitation, depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Health Tips for October 26

Health Tip: Alcohol Can Interact With Medications

Over-the-counter medications may seem safer because they don't require a prescription. But they can still interact badly when alcohol enters the mix.

The American Academy of Family Physicians mentions these popular medications that may have adverse effects if mixed with alcohol:

• NSAID pain relievers, which may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding if taken while consuming as few as two alcoholic drink per week.
• Acetaminophen, which may cause liver damage when taken with alcohol.
• Some OTC antihistamines can make you drowsy when taken with alcohol.
• Decongestants and cough medications that contain the cough suppressant dextromethorphan can increase drowsiness when taken with alcohol.
• Herbal supplements, such as kava kava, St. John's wort or valerian root, may increase drowsiness if taken with alcohol.

Health Tip: Binge Drinking's Risks

Binge drinking occurs when the number of alcoholic drinks consumed in a short period raises a person's blood alcohol level to 0.08 grams percent or above, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This works out to consuming in two hours about five drinks for the average man and four drinks for the average woman, the agency said.

The CDC cites these dangers of binge drinking:

• Increased risk of car accidents, burns, drowning and falls.
• Increased risk of involvement in assault, domestic violence or other forms of intentional injury.
• Increased risk of alcohol poisoning, and having a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.
• Increased risk of getting pregnant unintentionally or contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, liver disease and neurological damage.
• Increased risk of poorly managed diabetes.

Health Headlines - October 25

Fresh & Easy Bagged Spinach Recalled

Possible listeria contamination has prompted the recall of f&e brand bagged Washed Spinach sold at Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market stores in Arizona, California and Nevada.

The recalled products have the "enjoy by" data of October 16, the Associated Pressreported.

Only one bag tested positive for listeria and no illnesses have been reported, according to Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market Inc. of El Segundo, Calif.

Consumers who want more information can call 800-648-8622, the AP reported.

-----

Target Recalls Children's Frog Masks

About 3,400 children's frog masks being recalled by Target Corp. carry a potential risk of suffocation because they lack proper ventilation when secured across a child's face.

No injuries have been reported in connection with the plush masks, which were sold from August through September for about $1, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Associated Press reported.

Consumers are advised to return the masks to any Target store for a full refund. The UPC code on the recalled masks is 06626491474.

For more information, call Target at (800) 440-0680 or go to the company's website.

-----

GPS-Equipped Shoes for Dementia Patients

Shoes that contain built-in GPS devices that can help locate dementia patients who wander away and become lost will appear on the U.S. market this month, according to manufacturer GTX Corp.

The company said the first shipment of 3,000 pairs of shoes has been sent to footwear firm Aetrex Worldwide, Agence France-Presse reported.

The GPS-equipped shoes, which will sell for about $300 a pair, could help save lives, according to Andrew Carle, a George Mason University professor who was an consultant on the project.

"It's especially important for people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's who are at the highest risk," he told AFP. "They might be living in their home but they're confused. They go for a walk and they can get lost for days."

-----

Bath Salt Chemicals Banned by DEA

Three synthetic stimulants used to make recreational drugs called "bath salts" have been banned by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The emergency action announced Friday places mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methylone under the DEA's most restrictive category for at least a year while the agency determines whether they should be permanently banned, The New York Times reported.

"These chemicals pose a direct and significant threat, regardless of how they are marketed, and we will aggressively pursue those who attempt their manufacture and sale," DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart said in a news release.

Bath salts, which mimic the effects of cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine, are sold at head shops and on websites, The Times reported.

Health Tips for October 25

Health Tip: Children and Bedwetting

Millions of children wet the bed, especially those who have just been potty trained. Most the time, the child simply grows out of it.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions on what to do when a child wets the bed:

• Be supportive and positive, and assure your child that there's nothing to be embarrassed about.
• Have your child go to the bathroom one last time right before bed each night.
• Offer plenty of fluids during the day, but cut back at night.
• Avoid giving your child any beverages that contain caffeine.
• Consider waking the child during the night for a bathroom break.
• Offer a motivational reward and plenty of praise when your child wakes up dry.

Health Tip: Why Your Child Is Wetting the Bed

Bed wetting is common in young children who are learning to control the need to urinate during sleep.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says bed-wetting isn't from naughty behavior or laziness. According to the academy, there may be a medical problem behind the bed-wetting child's behavior, such as:

• Having a family history of bed wetting.
• Having difficulty waking from sleep.
• Being under physical or emotional stress.
• Having a urinary tract infection.
• Experiencing slow development of the central nervous system.
• Having a hormonal imbalance.
• Having an abnormality that affects the spinal cord, the urethral valve in boys or the ureter in girls or boys.
• Having a small bladder.

Reducing fluids before bed and having your child go to the bathroom when starting the bedtime routine (and again just before sleep) will often help reduce bed-wetting, the academy advises.

Health Headlines - October 24

NFL Player's Brain Tumor Spotted During Trade Physical

NFL running back Jerome Harrison's life may have been saved by a midseason trade.

Doctors discovered a brain tumor while giving Harrison, 28, a routine physical as part of the deal that would have sent him from the Detroit Lions to the Philadelphia Eagles. The unexpected diagnosis voided the trade but resulted in Harrison receiving life-saving treatment, according to ESPN, ABC News reported.

While Harrison will likely miss the rest of this season, he's expected to return to his football career after completing his cancer treatment.

Earlier this year, doctors treating golfer Chris Logan after he was hit in the head by a golf ball discovered that he had thyroid cancer, ABC News reported.

-----

Mercury Ban Would Affect Vaccines, Experts WAarn

Banning mercury would harm public health because the chemical is needed in vaccines, according to vaccines experts.

A ban on mercury is one proposal that may be considered later this month at a meeting of officials negotiating a global treaty on the deadly chemical. The proposed ban might include thimerosal, a mercury compound used to prevent contamination and extend the shelf life of vaccines, the Associated Press reported.

Currently, there is no real alternative to thimerosal, according to David Wood, a vaccines expert at the World Health Organization. Banning thimerosal would affect the supply chain and vaccination campaigns in poor countries and likely lead to price hikes.

"Not being able to use mercury is not a viable option," Wood told the AP.

-----

Specific Facial Features Linked to Autism: Study

Children with autism have different facial characteristics than children without the disorder, a finding that may help improve understanding of what causes autism, according to University of Missouri researchers.

They found that children with autism have a broader face with wider eyes, a shorter middle region of the face including the cheeks and nose, and a broader or wider mouth and philtrum, the area between the nose and the top lip, msnbc.com reported.

These differences can't be picked out in a crowd of children, but can be identified mathematically, said the researchers, who compared 64 boys with autism and 41 boys without the disorder. The boys were ages 8 to 12.

The face begins to develop during the middle of the first trimester of pregnancy and this finding may point researchers to environmental or genetic factors that occur during pregnancy and cause autism, according to the researchers, msnbc.com reported.

-----

Anti-HIV Vaginal Gel Also Protects Against Herpes

A vaginal gel originally developed to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa is more effective against genital herpes, a new study says.

Genital herpes affects about 21 percent of sexually active women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection isn't fatal but causes painful blisters that spoil sexual pleasure and can increase the risk of more dangerous infections such as HIV and syphilis, The New York Times reported.

The South African study found that the tenofovir gel reduced HIV infections among women by 39 percent and reduced genital herpes by 51 percent. The findings were published online this week by the journal Cell Host and Microbes.

The gel is not available in the United States but experts believe it would be welcomed by many American women, The Times reported.

-----

Hip Resurfacing Safety and Effectiveness Unproven: Report

There's not enough evidence to prove that hip resurfacing is as safe and effective as hip replacement, according to a report by the California Technology Assessment Forum.

The statement is a reversal from a position the influential group took just last year. The change of opinion is due to recent findings that some resurfacing devices are failing prematurely and concerns about the health effects of metal debris released as the devices wear, The New York Times reported.

Hip resurfacing preserves more of the thigh bone than traditional hip replacement, enabling patients to remain active and preserving more bone for future hip procedures.

"It is incumbent upon the hip resurfacing community to prove the efficacy and safety of hip resurfacing though clinical trials, said report author Dr. Judith Walsh of the University of California, San Francisco, The Times reported.

Health Tips for October 24

Health Tip: Reduce Toddler Serving Sizes

When sizing a toddler's meal, keep in mind that serving sizes should be smaller for smaller tummies.

The American Dietetic Association mentions these serving size guidelines for toddlers aged 2 to 3:

• Toddlers should eat about 3 ounces of grains per day. For example, this works out to about three slices of bread, or one slice of bread plus one-third cup cold cereal and one-forth cup cooked rice or pasta.
• One cup of various vegetables per day meets their vegetable needs.
• One cup of fruits per day will satisfy their fruit servings.
• Toddlers should have about 2 cups of milk per day.
• Toddlers should have about 2 ounces of meat or beans per day.
• Limit oils to about 3 teaspoons per day.

Health Tip: Inspect Your Child's Playground

Before you turn your child loose at the playground, inspect it to make sure it's safe.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons mentions these features to look for when inspecting a playground:

• A soft, padded surface below the equipment, such as sand, shredded tires, mulch or wood chips.
• Separate "active" and "quiet" locations, for activities such as swinging versus playing in the sand.
• Separate play areas for preschoolers and bigger kids.
• A safe entrance - exit area, away from equipment that's being used.
• Popular areas that are kept separate, to limit crowds.
• Clear sight lines so that parents can easily see across the playground.

Health Headlines - October 23

NFL Player's Brain Tumor Spotted During Trade Physical

NFL running back Jerome Harrison's life may have been saved by a midseason trade.

Doctors discovered a brain tumor while giving Harrison, 28, a routine physical as part of the deal that would have sent him from the Detroit Lions to the Philadelphia Eagles. The unexpected diagnosis voided the trade but resulted in Harrison receiving life-saving treatment, according to ESPN, ABC News reported.

While Harrison will likely miss the rest of this season, he's expected to return to his football career after completing his cancer treatment.

Earlier this year, doctors treating golfer Chris Logan after he was hit in the head by a golf ball discovered that he had thyroid cancer, ABC News reported.

-----

Mercury Ban Would Affect Vaccines, Experts WAarn

Banning mercury would harm public health because the chemical is needed in vaccines, according to vaccines experts.

A ban on mercury is one proposal that may be considered later this month at a meeting of officials negotiating a global treaty on the deadly chemical. The proposed ban might include thimerosal, a mercury compound used to prevent contamination and extend the shelf life of vaccines, the Associated Press reported.

Currently, there is no real alternative to thimerosal, according to David Wood, a vaccines expert at the World Health Organization. Banning thimerosal would affect the supply chain and vaccination campaigns in poor countries and likely lead to price hikes.

"Not being able to use mercury is not a viable option," Wood told the AP.

-----

Specific Facial Features Linked to Autism: Study

Children with autism have different facial characteristics than children without the disorder, a finding that may help improve understanding of what causes autism, according to University of Missouri researchers.

They found that children with autism have a broader face with wider eyes, a shorter middle region of the face including the cheeks and nose, and a broader or wider mouth and philtrum, the area between the nose and the top lip, msnbc.com reported.

These differences can't be picked out in a crowd of children, but can be identified mathematically, said the researchers, who compared 64 boys with autism and 41 boys without the disorder. The boys were ages 8 to 12.

The face begins to develop during the middle of the first trimester of pregnancy and this finding may point researchers to environmental or genetic factors that occur during pregnancy and cause autism, according to the researchers, msnbc.com reported.

-----

Anti-HIV Vaginal Gel Also Protects Against Herpes

A vaginal gel originally developed to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa is more effective against genital herpes, a new study says.

Genital herpes affects about 21 percent of sexually active women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection isn't fatal but causes painful blisters that spoil sexual pleasure and can increase the risk of more dangerous infections such as HIV and syphilis, The New York Times reported.

The South African study found that the tenofovir gel reduced HIV infections among women by 39 percent and reduced genital herpes by 51 percent. The findings were published online this week by the journal Cell Host and Microbes.

The gel is not available in the United States but experts believe it would be welcomed by many American women, The Times reported.

-----

Hip Resurfacing Safety and Effectiveness Unproven: Report

There's not enough evidence to prove that hip resurfacing is as safe and effective as hip replacement, according to a report by the California Technology Assessment Forum.

The statement is a reversal from a position the influential group took just last year. The change of opinion is due to recent findings that some resurfacing devices are failing prematurely and concerns about the health effects of metal debris released as the devices wear, The New York Times reported.

Hip resurfacing preserves more of the thigh bone than traditional hip replacement, enabling patients to remain active and preserving more bone for future hip procedures.

"It is incumbent upon the hip resurfacing community to prove the efficacy and safety of hip resurfacing though clinical trials, said report author Dr. Judith Walsh of the University of California, San Francisco, The Times reported.

Health Tips for October 23

Health Tip: Beware of Added Sugar

Too much sugar in the diet can contribute to tooth decay and unwanted pounds packed around your middle.

Many foods have naturally occurring sugar, which is generally sufficient to ensure that your body has enough fuel. Consuming too much added sugar is what you should be concerned about, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

Women should limit their added sugar consumption to no more than 6 teaspoons a day (less than that found in a 12-ounce can of non-diet soda) and men to no more than 9 teaspoons a day, according to the American Heart Association.

The academy offers these suggestions for limiting added sugar:

• Cut back on desserts, baked treats and candies.
• Snack on foods that are heart-healthy, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Drink water, instead of drinks with added sugar.
• Avoid processed foods, as they often are high in sugar, fat and salt.
• Bake treats with recipes that use less sugar, or cook with a sugar substitute.

Health Tip: Keeping a Food Diary

Keeping a food diary can help you stick to a healthy diet, develop healthy eating habits and monitor caloric intake, which are important in maintaining a healthy weight.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these tips on what to record in your food diary:

• Exactly what foods you ate -- don't forget to include any condiments, sauces or other extras.
• The amount of food that you ate, in either size or volume.
• What time of day that you ate, and where you were when you ate.
• What you were doing when you ate, and how you felt when you were eating.
• Whether you were alone or with someone else.

Health Headlines - October 22

NFL Player's Brain Tumor Spotted During Trade Physical

NFL running back Jerome Harrison's life may have been saved by a midseason trade.

Doctors discovered a brain tumor while giving Harrison, 28, a routine physical as part of the deal that would have sent him from the Detroit Lions to the Philadelphia Eagles. The unexpected diagnosis voided the trade but resulted in Harrison receiving life-saving treatment, according to ESPN, ABC News reported.

While Harrison will likely miss the rest of this season, he's expected to return to his football career after completing his cancer treatment.

Earlier this year, doctors treating golfer Chris Logan after he was hit in the head by a golf ball discovered that he had thyroid cancer, ABC News reported.

-----

Mercury Ban Would Affect Vaccines, Experts WAarn

Banning mercury would harm public health because the chemical is needed in vaccines, according to vaccines experts.

A ban on mercury is one proposal that may be considered later this month at a meeting of officials negotiating a global treaty on the deadly chemical. The proposed ban might include thimerosal, a mercury compound used to prevent contamination and extend the shelf life of vaccines, the Associated Press reported.

Currently, there is no real alternative to thimerosal, according to David Wood, a vaccines expert at the World Health Organization. Banning thimerosal would affect the supply chain and vaccination campaigns in poor countries and likely lead to price hikes.

"Not being able to use mercury is not a viable option," Wood told the AP.

-----

Specific Facial Features Linked to Autism: Study

Children with autism have different facial characteristics than children without the disorder, a finding that may help improve understanding of what causes autism, according to University of Missouri researchers.

They found that children with autism have a broader face with wider eyes, a shorter middle region of the face including the cheeks and nose, and a broader or wider mouth and philtrum, the area between the nose and the top lip, msnbc.com reported.

These differences can't be picked out in a crowd of children, but can be identified mathematically, said the researchers, who compared 64 boys with autism and 41 boys without the disorder. The boys were ages 8 to 12.

The face begins to develop during the middle of the first trimester of pregnancy and this finding may point researchers to environmental or genetic factors that occur during pregnancy and cause autism, according to the researchers, msnbc.com reported.

-----

Anti-HIV Vaginal Gel Also Protects Against Herpes

A vaginal gel originally developed to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa is more effective against genital herpes, a new study says.

Genital herpes affects about 21 percent of sexually active women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection isn't fatal but causes painful blisters that spoil sexual pleasure and can increase the risk of more dangerous infections such as HIV and syphilis, The New York Times reported.

The South African study found that the tenofovir gel reduced HIV infections among women by 39 percent and reduced genital herpes by 51 percent. The findings were published online this week by the journal Cell Host and Microbes.

The gel is not available in the United States but experts believe it would be welcomed by many American women, The Times reported.

-----

Hip Resurfacing Safety and Effectiveness Unproven: Report

There's not enough evidence to prove that hip resurfacing is as safe and effective as hip replacement, according to a report by the California Technology Assessment Forum.

The statement is a reversal from a position the influential group took just last year. The change of opinion is due to recent findings that some resurfacing devices are failing prematurely and concerns about the health effects of metal debris released as the devices wear, The New York Times reported.

Hip resurfacing preserves more of the thigh bone than traditional hip replacement, enabling patients to remain active and preserving more bone for future hip procedures.

"It is incumbent upon the hip resurfacing community to prove the efficacy and safety of hip resurfacing though clinical trials, said report author Dr. Judith Walsh of the University of California, San Francisco, The Times reported.