NurseTips

Recruit Qualified People

2011-11-23T00:02:00.000-05:00

I added a “Recent Jobs” section to the sidebar on the left side of this blog. If you want to advertise a position in this jobs board, it’s only $99 for thirty days.

I have a highly-qualified readership with medical backgrounds that should appeal to companies.

Health Headlines - November 23

2011-11-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

Group Issues Annual List of Unsafe Toys

A Sesame Street Oscar doll, a plastic book for babies, and a wooden blocks set are among the toys that could harm children this holiday season, according to the U.S. Public Research Interest Group's 26th annual "Trouble in Toyland" report.

The document lists just over a dozen toys on store shelves that violate federal safety standards for lead and chemicals called phthalates, or that could pose a choking hazard for small children, the Associated Press reported.

Toys that are too loud and could damage hearing, as well as balloons, were also cited as potential dangers by PIRG. Balloons cause more choking deaths than any other children's product.

Toy recalls in the United States have declined in recent years and PIRG credits a 2008 law that set stricter standards for children's products, the AP reported.

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HIV Tests Offered At Government Offices in Washington, D.C.

An HIV-testing program offered at a Department of Motor Vehicles' office in Washington, D.C. was so successful that it has been expanded to an office where residents of the nation's capital register for food stamps, Medicaid and other government services.

Since it began last October, more than 5,000 people have had the free HIV test at the DMV office and received results while they wait. Sixty people were tested Monday during the first day of the program at the new site, the Associated Press reported.

The HIV testing isn't done by government employees, but rather by a nonprofit group called Family and Medical Counseling Services Inc.

"You have to meet people where they are," Sheila Brockington, who's in charge of HIV testing at the DMV office, told the AP.

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Medical Device Company Executives Sent to Prison

Executives of a U.S. medical devices company received prison sentences Monday for unapproved testing of bone cement that caused three deaths.

U.S. District Judge Legrome D. Davis said the desire for profits blinded executives of Pennsylvania-based Synthes North America to the "sanctity of human life," theAssociated Press reported.

In order to bypass U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval and get their bone cement to market before competitors, the executives plotted to train select surgeons in the off-label use of the bone cement and then have the surgeons publish their findings, the judge said.

Three patients died before Synthes halted the surgeon training in 2004, the AP reported.

"One adverse event should have been enough to let you know that this course was not right," Davis said. "I can't understand how there wasn't a stop sign."

He sentenced former company President Michael Huggins and former Senior Vice President Thomas B. Higgins to nine months in prison. Former director of regulatory and clinical affairs John J. Walsh was given a five-month sentence. The sentencing of former Vice President Richard Bohner was postponed after his lawyer became ill in court.

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Woman Mauled by Chimp Gets Compliments on New Face

An American woman who received a face transplant after being mauled by a chimpanzee says people are complementing her on her new face.

Charla Nash said on NBC's "Today" show that her new face has started to mold to her underlying bone structure and she's resuming more of her normal life, the Associated Press reported.

People have told her she's beautiful, something that didn't occur before, Nash said.

In the 2009 attack, the chimp tore off Nash's nose, lips, eyelids and hands and she was blinded. She had a face and double hand transplant in May, but complications forced the removal of the hands, the AP reported.

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Dog Illnesses May be Linked to Chicken Jerky Treats: FDA

Chicken jerky treats imported from China may be to blame for dog illnesses and deaths in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration warns.

So far this year, at least 70 dogs have become ill after reportedly eating the jerky products and some of the dogs have died, msnbc.com reported.

FDA officials have not been able to pinpoint a specific contaminant and did not identify a particular brand of the chicken jerky products, also sold as chicken treats, chicken strips and chicken tenders.

Reports from dog owners and vets indicate that dogs may suffer a variety of illnesses within days or hours of eating the treats, including kidney failure, msnbc.com said.

Decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and increased urination are among the symptoms. If they are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, take the dog to a veterinarian, the FDA said.

Health Tips for November 23

2011-11-23T00:00:00.009-05:00

Health Tip: Treat Yourself Well During the Holidays

The holidays can be physically, emotionally and financially overwhelming. So take care to avoid letting the stress of the season get you down.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests how to take care of yourself during the holidays:

Keep up with your regular exercise routine, and stick to a regular schedule of healthy, nutritious meals.
Get plenty of sleep each night.
Find a few minutes to do something fun each day.
Make sure your holiday goals are realistic.
Enjoy the season with people who are supportive.
Take a break from your hectic schedule when you need it.

Health Tip: Keep Stress Off the Holiday Meal Menu

If you are one of the many people who have high expectations for your holiday gatherings, a few simple steps can help reduce your stress on Thanksgiving:

Shop for perishable items well ahead of time and have a list ready for what you need to buy immediately before the holiday.
If you're going to use the good silver and china, get it ready before Thanksgiving.
Try to get everyone to share the chores. Also, cutting some corners, for example, purchasing a pie rather than making one from scratch, is also OK.
Don't stress over making a meal that's both tasty and healthy. Just do what you can to cut down on fat, sugar and other unhealthy ingredients, watch serving sizes and plan to eat healthy the rest of the week.
Limit your driving. You don't have to see every family member in one day. Alternate years that you visit relatives on Thanksgiving or celebrate with them another day.
Take time to give thanks for what you have and encourage your children to do the same. Consider donating items to the food bank to help those who are dire straits.

Health Headlines - November 22

2011-11-22T00:01:00.002-05:00

Woman Mauled by Chimp Gets Compliments on New Face

An American woman who received a face transplant after being mauled by a chimpanzee says people are complementing her on her new face.

Charla Nash said on NBC's "Today" show that her new face has started to mold to her underlying bone structure and she's resuming more of her normal life, the Associated Press reported.

People have told her she's beautiful, something that didn't occur before, Nash said.

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Dog Illnesses May be Linked to Chicken Jerky Treats: FDA

Chicken jerky treats imported from China may be to blame for dog illnesses and deaths in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration warns.

So far this year, at least 70 dogs have become ill after reportedly eating the jerky products and some of the dogs have died, msnbc.com reported.

Reports from dog owners and vets indicate that dogs may suffer a variety of illnesses within days or hours of eating the treats, including kidney failure, msnbc.com said.

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HIV/AIDS Epidemic May be Leveling Off: UNAIDS

The 2.7 million new HIV infections reported worldwide last year is about the same number as in the previous three years, which suggests that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is leveling off, according to a UNAIDS report released Monday.

The number of people with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, was about 34 million at the end of last year. That's slightly more than in previous years but UNAIDS said it is because people with HIV/AIDS are surviving longer, the Associated Press reported.

There were 1.8 million AIDS-related deaths in 2010, down from 1.9 million in 2009.

"It's looking promising, but the numbers are still at a scary level," Sophie Harman, a global health expert at City University in London, told the AP.

Harman, who was not connected to the UNAIDS report, also expressed doubt about UNAIDS' strategy for the next few years to work toward eliminating new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.

"Maybe they need to aim high but if their main goal is eradication, it's highly unlikely that will ever happen," she told the AP.

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Antipsychotic Drugs Given to Foster Children: Study

Foster children in the United States are more likely than mentally-ill children to receive a cocktail of powerful antipsychotic drugs, according to a new study.

Researchers examined the 2003 Medicaid records of 637,924 children in a mid-Atlantic state who were either in foster care, receiving disability benefits for a diagnosis such as severe autism or bipolar disorder, or in a program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, The New York Times reported.

About 3 percent of all the children (16,969) had received at least one prescription for an antipsychotic drug. At least 2 percent of foster children took at least one such drug, despite the fact that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, for which the drugs are approved, are extremely rare in young children.

The researchers also found that 9.2 percent of foster children received prescriptions for more than one antipsychotic drug at the same time, compared with 6.8 children on disability and 2.5 percent of those in the needy families program, The Times reported.

The study was published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

"The kids in foster care may come from bad homes, but they do not have the sort of complex medical issues that those in the disabled population do," said lead author Susan dosReis, an associate professor in the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, The Times reported.

The findings suggest that doctors are treating foster children's behavioral problems with the same powerful antipsychotic drugs given to patients with schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder.

"We simply don't have evidence to support this kind of use, especially in young children," dosReis said.

Health Tips for November 22

2011-11-22T00:00:00.008-05:00

Health Tip: Eating Healthy for Vegetarians

Vegetarians are no less susceptible than others to malnutrition. The key, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to eat a variety of foods that ensure enough calories and proper nutrition.

The agency offers these suggestions for a healthy vegetarian diet:

Choose plant-based protein sources such as soy, nuts, peas and beans.
Get plenty of calcium through leafy, dark-green vegetables, calcium-fortified foods and dairy products.
Make peas and beans important staples of your diet, and make nuts a regular snack food.
Get plenty of vitamin B12 -- found naturally only in animal products -- by choosing fortified foods, such as cereals or soy products.

Health Tip: Watch for Lactose in Foods

Lactose intolerant people may be primed to avoid milk, sparing themselves uncomfortable symptoms of bloating, gas or stomach cramps.

But lactose may be an ingredient in many foods, in addition to milk. The womenshealth.gov website offers this list of possible examples:

Ice cream, sherbet, cream, butter, some cheeses and yogurt.
Baked goods, such as breads and cereals.
Cake, cookie, pancake and biscuit mixes.
Prepared soups, breakfast drinks and instant mashed potatoes.
Margarine.
Salad dressings.
Lunch meats, and prepared and frozen meals.

Health Headlines - November 21

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Paterno Has Lung Cancer, Son Reveals

Recently fired Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has lung cancer, his son wrote Friday in a statement provided to the Associated Press.

Joe Paterno, 84, is being treated and "his doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery," his son, Scott, wrote.

"As everyone can appreciate, this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment," Scott Paterno's statement said.

The diagnosis, according to the statement, was made at a doctor's visit last weekend -- originally a follow-up appointment for a bronchial illness, the AP reported.

Joe Paterno was fired last week amid allegations about former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who has been charged with sexually assaulting eight boys during a 15-year period.

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Romaine Lettuce Salad Products Recalled

Ready Pac Food Inc. bagged salad products containing romaine lettuce have been recalled because they might be contaminated with E. coli, the California Department of Health said Thursday.

The recalled products are in 9 oz., 9.25 oz., 10 oz., 10.25 oz. and 16 oz. bags and have Ready Pac, Trader Joe's, Safeway, and Dining In Classic labels. They have a Use by Date of Nov. 18, 2011, CBS News reported.

The products were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. No cases of illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported.

The recall was announced after tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture detected some E. coli contamination in the product, CBS News reported.

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Former NFL Players Taking Part in Brain Disease Study

Researchers have started testing retired professional football players in an attempt to learn how to diagnose a degenerative brain disease in former athletes while they are still alive.

Currently, the only way to confirm Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is by examining brains after death, the Associated Press reported.

The researchers at Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy plan to compare 100 retired NFL players with 50 retired elite athletes from non-contact sports.

Participants undergo two days of examinations that includes brain scans, a spinal tap, neurological and cognitive tests, blood work and a psychiatric interview, the AP reported.

Until CTE can be diagnosed while athletes are still alive, it's impossible to develop treatments or learn how to prevent it, said center co-director Robert Stern.

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Smucker's Peanut Butter Recalled

Possible salmonella contamination has led to the recall of some 16-ounce jars of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky sold in nearly two dozen states.

Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co. said the recalled jars have "Best if Used By" dates of Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 2012, and carry the production codes 1307004 and 1308004, theAssociated Press reported.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the peanut butter, according to the company.

The recalled product was distributed in: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Health Tips for November 21

2011-11-21T00:00:00.009-05:00

Health Tip: Focus on Preconception Health

Taking steps to better your health before you or your partner becomes pregnant can help ensure a healthier pregnancy.

The womenshealth.gov website offers this preconception advice:

Take a daily supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms to 800 micrograms of folic acid.
Quit drinking alcohol and smoking.
Make sure any chronic health condition, such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy or obesity, is well-controlled.
Get any necessary vaccinations.
Discuss any over-the-counter or prescription medications that you're taking with your doctor.
Stay away from toxic substances.
Avoid animal feces that could lead to infection.

Health Tip: Coping With Nasal Problems During Pregnancy

Nasal stuffiness and nosebleeds are common during pregnancy, due to inflamed nasal tissues triggered by hormonal changes and an increase in your body's production of blood.

The womenshealth.gov website suggests how to ease nasal problems during pregnancy:

Gently blow your nose.
Run a cool mist humidifier.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Gently squeeze your nose between your thumb and forefinger for several minutes to help stop a nosebleed.
Call your doctor if nosebleeds persist and bleeding continues for longer than a few minutes.

Health Headlines - November 20

2011-11-20T00:01:00.001-05:00

Paterno Has Lung Cancer, Son Reveals

Recently fired Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has lung cancer, his son wrote Friday in a statement provided to the Associated Press.

Joe Paterno, 84, is being treated and "his doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery," his son, Scott, wrote.

"As everyone can appreciate, this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment," Scott Paterno's statement said.

The diagnosis, according to the statement, was made at a doctor's visit last weekend -- originally a follow-up appointment for a bronchial illness, the AP reported.

Joe Paterno was fired last week amid allegations about former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who has been charged with sexually assaulting eight boys during a 15-year period.

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Romaine Lettuce Salad Products Recalled

Ready Pac Food Inc. bagged salad products containing romaine lettuce have been recalled because they might be contaminated with E. coli, the California Department of Health said Thursday.

The products were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. No cases of illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported.

The recall was announced after tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture detected some E. coli contamination in the product, CBS News reported.

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Former NFL Players Taking Part in Brain Disease Study

Researchers have started testing retired professional football players in an attempt to learn how to diagnose a degenerative brain disease in former athletes while they are still alive.

Currently, the only way to confirm Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is by examining brains after death, the Associated Press reported.

The researchers at Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy plan to compare 100 retired NFL players with 50 retired elite athletes from non-contact sports.

Participants undergo two days of examinations that includes brain scans, a spinal tap, neurological and cognitive tests, blood work and a psychiatric interview, the AP reported.

Until CTE can be diagnosed while athletes are still alive, it's impossible to develop treatments or learn how to prevent it, said center co-director Robert Stern.

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Smucker's Peanut Butter Recalled

Possible salmonella contamination has led to the recall of some 16-ounce jars of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky sold in nearly two dozen states.

Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co. said the recalled jars have "Best if Used By" dates of Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 2012, and carry the production codes 1307004 and 1308004, theAssociated Press reported.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the peanut butter, according to the company.

Health Tips for November 20

2011-11-20T00:00:00.009-05:00

Health Tip: Help Keep Kids Safe on the Internet

The Internet holds vast amounts of information that can help kids with school projects and allow them to play interactive games.

But it's important for parents to carefully monitor which sites their kids are visiting.

The Nemours Foundation offers these guidelines for parents:

Learn how to use a computer and how to invoke parental controls, such as blocking certain websites.
Keep the family computer in a shared area where you can watch your kids online.
Maintain access to your child's email account, and surf the web together to teach your child safe and appropriate behavior.
Keep favorite safe sites bookmarked.
Check your phone and credit card bills regularly for any unusual activity.
Make sure your child knows that chat rooms and other unsafe areas are off-limits.
Report to law enforcement any inappropriate messages that your child receives online.

Health Tip: Help Your Child Create a Healthy Body Image

A healthy body image can help a child grow into a healthy, confident adult. And parents play a big role in fostering their child's self-esteem.

The womenshealth.gov website offers these suggestions for boosting your child's self-image:

Discuss with your child the fact that weight gain, especially during puberty, can be a normal and healthy part of development.
Don't speak negatively about weight, food, body shape and size.
Encourage your child to make personal decisions about food, but offer a variety of healthy options.
Praise and compliment your child for things he or she has accomplished.
Limit your child's television time, and when it is on, watch together to encourage discussion about images in the media.
Be active in your child's school, promoting policies that protect against discrimination, bullying and a healthy approach toward weight.
Communicate openly with your child.

Health Headlines - November 19

2011-11-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

Paterno Has Lung Cancer, Son Reveals

Recently fired Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has lung cancer, his son wrote Friday in a statement provided to the Associated Press.

Joe Paterno, 84, is being treated and "his doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery," his son, Scott, wrote.

"As everyone can appreciate, this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment," Scott Paterno's statement said.

The diagnosis, according to the statement, was made at a doctor's visit last weekend -- originally a follow-up appointment for a bronchial illness, the AP reported.

Joe Paterno was fired last week amid allegations about former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who has been charged with sexually assaulting eight boys during a 15-year period.

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Romaine Lettuce Salad Products Recalled

Ready Pac Food Inc. bagged salad products containing romaine lettuce have been recalled because they might be contaminated with E. coli, the California Department of Health said Thursday.

The products were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. No cases of illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported.

The recall was announced after tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture detected some E. coli contamination in the product, CBS News reported.

-----

Former NFL Players Taking Part in Brain Disease Study

Researchers have started testing retired professional football players in an attempt to learn how to diagnose a degenerative brain disease in former athletes while they are still alive.

Currently, the only way to confirm Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is by examining brains after death, the Associated Press reported.

The researchers at Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy plan to compare 100 retired NFL players with 50 retired elite athletes from non-contact sports.

Participants undergo two days of examinations that includes brain scans, a spinal tap, neurological and cognitive tests, blood work and a psychiatric interview, the AP reported.

Until CTE can be diagnosed while athletes are still alive, it's impossible to develop treatments or learn how to prevent it, said center co-director Robert Stern.

-----

Smucker's Peanut Butter Recalled

Possible salmonella contamination has led to the recall of some 16-ounce jars of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky sold in nearly two dozen states.

Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co. said the recalled jars have "Best if Used By" dates of Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 2012, and carry the production codes 1307004 and 1308004, theAssociated Press reported.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the peanut butter, according to the company.

Health Tips for November 19

2011-11-19T00:00:00.007-05:00

Keep up with your regular exercise routine, and stick to a regular schedule of healthy, nutritious meals.
Get plenty of sleep each night.
Find a few minutes to do something fun each day.
Make sure your holiday goals are realistic.
Enjoy the season with people who are supportive.
Take a break from your hectic schedule when you need it.

Health Tip: Stress May Cause Physical Symptoms

Significant stress can lead to health problems or exacerbate those you already have, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

Do you always realize when you're under stress? The academy notes these possible warning signs:

Anxiety.
Back pain or headache.
Stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation.
Feeling tired much of the time.
Difficulty sleeping.
Feeling short of breath.
High blood pressure.
Stiffness in the jaw or neck.
Weight loss or gain.

Health Headlines - November 18

2011-11-18T00:01:00.002-05:00

Smucker's Peanut Butter Recalled

Possible salmonella contamination has led to the recall of some 16-ounce jars of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky sold in nearly two dozen states.

Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co. said the recalled jars have "Best if Used By" dates of Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 2012, and carry the production codes 1307004 and 1308004, theAssociated Press reported.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the peanut butter, according to the company.

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More U.S. Companies Penalizing Workers for Bad Health Habits

A growing number of American companies are forcing workers with unhealthy lifestyles to pay a larger share of their health insurance premiums.

In the last two years, policies that financially penalize workers for things such as smoking, being overweight or having high cholesterol have doubled to 19 percent of 248 major U.S. employers, according to benefits consultant Towers Watson.

The firm said it expects the practice to double again next year among companies with at least 1,000 workers, The New York Times reported.

Another survey released Wednesday found that about a third of companies with 500 or more workers were using financial incentives to encourage employees into wellness programs.

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J&J Working to Remove Chemicals From Baby Products

Efforts to remove traces of two potentially cancer-causing chemicals from its baby products worldwide are continuing, Johnson & Johnson said Wednesday.

Since May 2009, the company has been under pressure from an international coalition of consumer and environmental groups to remove 1,4-dioxane and quaternium-15 from a wide range of products, including Johnson's Baby Shampoo, the Associated Pressreported.

It was revealed two weeks ago that the company had removed the chemicals from products in the U.K., Scandinavia, South Africa and several other countries. That prompted a boycott campaign to force J&J to remove the chemicals from products sold in the United States, China and elsewhere.

Over the past two years, J&J has announced more than two dozen product recalls for problems ranging from defective hip implants to glass and metal fragments in liquid medicines, the AP reported.

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1 in 5 U.S. Adults Now Use Psychiatric Meds: Report

In 2010, more than 1 in 5 adults and more than 1 in 4 women in the United States took at least one drug for psychiatric and behavioral disorders, according to a report released Wednesday by pharmacy benefits manager Medco Health Solutions Inc.

The use of drugs to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety rose 22 percent since 2001, according to data from 2.5 million patients with 24 months of continuous prescription drug insurance and eligibility, the Associated Press reported.

Women aged 45 and older are most likely to be prescribed these drugs, but their use by men and younger adults has increased significantly.

Medco also said that the use of antipsychotic drugs and medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adults 20 to 44 has more than tripled, and the use of anti-anxiety drugs has risen 30 percent since 2001, the AP reported.

More women are now taking ADHD medications than men, a reversal of uptake of these drugs in children, where boys outnumber girls, according to MSNBC.com. The number of U.S. women aged 20 to 44 who took a drug for ADHD soared 250 percent between 2001 and 2010, the Medco report found.

Women are also twice as likely as men to use anxiety medications and are also more likely to take antipsychotic drugs, which treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

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Obama Criticizes Big Tobacco Over Label Opposition

Tobacco companies fighting new cigarette warning labels in the United States are doing so because "they don't want to be honest about the consequences," of smoking, President Barack Obama says in a new White House video to mark the "Great American Smokeout" on Thursday.

Some of the new labels feature graphic images, such as the corpse of dead smoker, diseased lungs, and a man exhaling cigarette smoke through a tracheotomy hole in his throat, the Associated Press reported.

In August, a group of tobacco companies sued the Food and Drug Administration in an attempt to block the labels.

"Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable early deaths in this country," Obama says in the video. "We also know that the best way to prevent the health problems that come with smoking is to keep young people from starting in the first place."

The tobacco companies' attempts to block the new warning labels aren't surprising, said Obama, a former smoker who was declared tobacco-free at his last medical report issued Oct. 31.

"We've always known that the fight to stop smoking in this country won't be easy," he says in the video.

Health Tips for November 18

2011-11-18T00:00:00.009-05:00

Discuss with your child the fact that weight gain, especially during puberty, can be a normal and healthy part of development.
Don't speak negatively about weight, food, body shape and size.
Encourage your child to make personal decisions about food, but offer a variety of healthy options.
Praise and compliment your child for things he or she has accomplished.
Limit your child's television time, and when it is on, watch together to encourage discussion about images in the media.
Be active in your child's school, promoting policies that protect against discrimination, bullying and a healthy approach toward weight.
Communicate openly with your child.

Health Tip: Dealing With a Picky Eater

It may be difficult to ensure that a finicky toddler is getting all necessary nutrients. Experts say parents should be persistent in offering a variety of healthy foods.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions for parents of picky eaters:

Add nonfat dry milk to soup, or sneak grated veggies into homemade muffins, breads or lasagna.
Serve your child's favorite foods along with things that have been refused before.
Let your child help prepare meals.
Make sure food is visually appealing with unique shapes.
Eat a variety of healthy foods yourself to set a good example for your child.
Schedule regular family meals together.

Health Headlines - November 17

2011-11-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

Brain Reward Area Larger in Video Gamers

An area of the brain associated with addiction is larger than normal in teens who regularly play video games, a new study finds.

But it's not clear if playing video games changes the brain or if preexisting brain differences make teens more likely to play video games, BBC News reported.

The study of 154 14-year-olds found that those who played more than nine hours a week had a larger ventral striatum, the hub of the brain's reward system.

This part of the brain is typically activated "when people anticipate positive environmental effects or experience pleasure such as winning money, good food, sex," said researcher Dr. Simone Kuhn, from Ghent University in Belgium, BBC News reported.

Previous research has also linked this part of the brain to drug addiction.

The study appears in the journal Translational Psychiatry.

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Britain Should Ban Smoking in Cars, Medical Group Says

Smoking in cars should be banned, says the British Medical Association.

The influential group released research Wednesday showing that smoking in cars exposes drivers and passengers to 23 times more toxins than smoky bars. Children are especially at risk because their bodies absorb more pollutants, CBS News and the Associated Pressreported.

The British government should take the "bold and courageous step" of implementing a ban on smoking in cars, said the BMA's Dr. Vivienne Nathanson.

The U.K. has no law against smoking in private cars. In parts of Australia, Canada and the United States, smoking is banned in cars when children are in the vehicles, BBC News reported.

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Drug Slows Prostate Cancer Spread to Bones: Study

A new drug called denosumab delays the spread (metastasis) of prostate cancer to the bones, according to a new study funded by drug maker Amgen.

The study of more than 1,400 patients found that the drug seemed to increase bone-metastasis-free survival by an average of four months, compared to a placebo. But it did not increase overall survival, ABC News reported.

The findings were published in The Lancet.

"Prostate cancer patients who develop bone metastases usually have poor outcomes, so preventing the development of metastasis has been a major unmet clinical need," study author Dr. Matthew Smith, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who serves as a consultant for Amgen, said in a news release, ABC News reported.

Denosumab has U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of fractures in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors.

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Healthier School Lunches Challenged by Congress

Nutritionists and other health experts are outraged that the U.S. Congress is fighting the Obama administration's efforts to make school lunches healthier.

The final version of a spending bill released by Congress Monday would block or delay Department of Agriculture efforts to remove pizza and french fries from school lunches, the Associated Press reported.

For example, the bill would allow tomato paste on a pizza to be considered a vegetable, as it is now. It's expected that the House and Senate will vote on the bill this week and send it to President Obama for signing.

Despite the bill, the USDA says it will continue its efforts to make school lunches healthier.

"While it's unfortunate that some members of Congress continue to put special interests ahead of the health of America's children, USDA remains committed to practical, science-based standards for school meals," spokeswoman Courtney Rowe said in a statement, the AP reported.

"We are outraged that Congress is seriously considering language that would effectively categorize pizza as a vegetable in the school lunch program," Amy Dawson Taggart, director of a group called Mission: Readiness, said in a letter to lawmakers before the final bill was released. "It doesn't take an advanced degree in nutrition to call this a national disgrace."

Mission: Readiness is a group of retired generals who have been advocating for healthier school lunches. They believe poor nutrition in school lunches is a national security issue because obesity is the leading reason for medical disqualification for military service, theAP reported.

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Few Baby Boomers Have End-of-Life Legal Documents

A new survey finds that 64 percent of American baby boomers don't have end-of-life legal documents such as a living will or health care proxy.

A living will outlines a person's wishes for medical care if he or she is unable to communicate with doctors. A health care proxy, also called a health care power of attorney, appoints a trusted person to make decisions about medical care if a patient becomes incapacitated, the Associated Press reported.

The AP-LifeGoesStrong.com poll involved online interviews with 1,416 adults, including 1,078 baby boomers -- those born between 1946 and 1964.

One reason why so few baby boomers have end-of-life legal documents is because they feel healthy and young, the AP reported.

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Nearly 5 Million More Contact Lenses Recalled by CooperVision

An expanded recall of nearly 5 million contact lenses was announced Tuesday by CooperVision Inc. of California.

Avaira Sphere contact lenses have been added to an August recall of nearly 780,000 Avaira Toric lenses. The products may be contaminated with silicone oil residue and linked to blurred vision, eye injuries and severe pain, msnbc.com reported.

The company produced 6.6 million Avaira Sphere lenses affected by the recall but only 4.9 million were actually shipped to consumers, according to CooperVision spokeswoman Denise Powell.

The recall of the Avaira Sphere and Toric lenses followed a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Class 1 warning, which is the most serious type and is issued when there is a reasonable chance of serious adverse health consequences or death, msnbc.comreported.

For more information, consumers can contact the company at 1-855-526-6737.

Health Tips for November 17

2011-11-17T00:00:00.010-05:00

Health Tip: Kid-Proof Your Bathroom

Kids can easily slip, fall or burn themselves in bathrooms.

The American Academy of Pediatrics lists these suggestions to make your bathroom safer:

Never leave a young child alone in the bathtub.
Place a non-slip mat or strips in the bottom of the tub, keep the toilet lid closed and cover the bathtub faucet with a soft protective cover.
Adjust your hot water heater so that the water temperature cannot exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit -- and remember to teach older children to turn on cold water first, then hot.
Make sure all medications have child-proof caps, and store them -- along with other bathroom products such as soaps and cleaners -- out of a child's reach.
Unplug and safely store any electrical appliances where children cannot reach them.

Learn how to use a computer and how to invoke parental controls, such as blocking certain websites.
Keep the family computer in a shared area where you can watch your kids online.
Maintain access to your child's email account, and surf the web together to teach your child safe and appropriate behavior.
Keep favorite safe sites bookmarked.
Check your phone and credit card bills regularly for any unusual activity.
Make sure your child knows that chat rooms and other unsafe areas are off-limits.
Report to law enforcement any inappropriate messages that your child receives online.

Health Headlines - November 16

2011-11-16T00:01:00.002-05:00

First Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy Trial Halted

The world's first clinical trial of a therapy using human embryonic stem cells has been halted and the company conducting the trial is abandoning stem cell research.

California-based Geron said Monday that the decision was not made because embryonic stem cell research lacks promise. Rather, money is scarce and the company decided to concentrate resources on its experimental cancer treatments, which are at a more advanced stage of development, The New York Times reported.

Geron's clinical trial involved the use of embryonic stem cell-based therapy in patients with spinal cord injuries. The trial was approved in 2010 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"I deeply believe in the promise of stem cells," John A. Scarlett, the company's chief executive, told The Times. "I don't think that promise is in any way, shape or form changed by what we're doing."

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Prevnar Effective in Adults: FDA

The pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar 13 is at least as effective in adults as a rival vaccine, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration review posted online Monday.

Currently, vaccination with Prevnar is recommended for all infants and young children. But pneumococcal disease -- which causes ear infections, meningitis and pneumonia -- also affects 36,000 older adults each year in the United States and kills 5,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CBS News and the Associated Pressreported.

Pfizer makes Prevnar and has asked the FDA to expand the vaccine's approval for adults age 50 and older. The only pneumococcal vaccine currently approved for adults is Merck's Pneumovax, which is recommended for all adults 65 and older.

For their review, FDA scientists looked at six studies involving more than 6,000 adults and concluded that Prevnar is at least as effective as Pneumovax, CBS/AP reported.

On Wednesday, an FDA panel of outside experts will discuss the safety and effectiveness of Prevnar in adults and vote on whether it should receive expanded approval. The FDA generally follows the advice of its expert panels.

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Kotex Tampons Recalled

About 1,400 cases of Kotex tampons are being recalled due to concerns about a bacteria that can cause dangerous infections, Kimberly-Clark announced Monday.

The company said the tampons' plastic tubing may be contaminated with Enterobacter sakazakii, which can cause vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease or other potentially life-threatening infections, msnbc.com reported.

A company spokesman said Kimberly-Clark has not received any reports of illness associated with the products.

The recall covers certain lots of Kotex Natural Balance Security Unscented Tampons Regular Absorbency that were shipped to Walmart, Fry's and Smith's stores in eight states. The 18- and 36-count boxes have SKU numbers of 15063 and 15068,msnbc.com reported.

Health Tips for November 16

2011-11-16T00:00:00.005-05:00

Health Tip: Giving Kids Medicine

It's often a challenge to convince kids to take much-needed medicine when they're sick.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to make medicine more palatable for children:

Refrigerate liquid medicines before giving them to a child.
If the doctor or pharmacist says it's ok, mix the medication with a bit of juice or pudding.
Ask your pharmacist to mix flavoring into the medication before you take it home.
Explain to the child that the medicine will help him or her feel better.

Health Tip: Store Medications Safely

Storing medications properly can help preserve them and help keep them from getting into the wrong hands.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these medication-storage recommendations:

Follow storage instructions on the medication. Unless otherwise specified, keep them in a cool, dark and dry place.
Avoid leaving medications in your car, bathroom or near any source of water or dampness.
Refrigerate medications only if it says to do so on the label.
Make sure all medications are stored safely out of a child's reach.
If using a pill organizer, make sure all medications are easily identified.
Keep medications in original containers with lids tightly closed; dispose of medications that are expired or those you no longer need.

Health Headlines - November 15

2011-11-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

New U.S. Job Creation Program Linked to Health Care Law

A new job creation plan tied to the nation's health care law was announced Monday by the Obama administration.

The Department of Health and Human Services will provide up to $1 billion over three years to create jobs in local programs that use innovation to improve health care, theAssociated Press reported.

Beginning next spring, the Health Care Innovation Challenge will award grants ranging from $1 million to $30 million to organizations such as hospitals, local government agencies and nonprofits, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said.

The money will come from the health care law but is part of the Obama administration's job creation initiative called "We Can't Wait," the AP reported.

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Diabetes Could Affect 10% of Adults Worldwide by 2030: Report

One in 10 adults, or 522 million people, worldwide could have diabetes by 2030, according to a report issued Monday by the International Diabetes Federation.

The group also said the number of cases of diabetes in Africa could rise by 90 percent over the next 20 years, the Associated Press reported.

The projected global number of diabetes cases in 2030 is based on factors such as aging and demographic changes. But it may be a conservative estimate because it does not include the impact of rising obesity rates, the federation said.

Currently, about 346 million people worldwide have diabetes, according to the World Health Organization.

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Rising Number of U.S. Newborns Addicted to Pain Drugs

Newborn addiction to prescription painkillers is a growing problem in the United States, according to health experts and authorities.

The babies are innocent victims of their mothers' addictions to powerful narcotics such as Vicodin and OxyContin, USA Today reported.

There is no national data on the number of babies who go through withdrawal after birth, but some reports suggest that the number of addicted newborns has increased two or three times or more over the past decade.

Florida is the hub of the illicit prescription drug trade in the United States, and the number of newborns in that state with withdrawal syndrome rose from 354 in 2006 to 1,374 in 2010, according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, USA Today reported.

An American Academy of Pediatrics committee was convened this year to revise treatment guidelines for newborns with withdrawal syndrome. The guidelines are scheduled to be published in 2012.

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Pfizer Tries to Delay Sales of Generic Lipitor: Report

Drug company Pfizer and pharmacy benefit companies appear to be working together to impede prescriptions for a generic version of Pfizer's Lipitor cholesterol drug, The New York Times reported.

The generic version of Lipitor will become available Dec. 1, when Pfizer's patent for the drug expires. But letters have been sent to many pharmacists asking them to keep filling prescriptions with the more expensive Lipitor for six months, the newspaper said.

A letter from pharmacy benefit manager Catalyst Rx indicates that Pfizer will provide large discounts for benefit managers that block the use of generic versions of Lipitor, The Times reported. This is the first time the letters have been made public.

"I'm stunned," said Geoffrey F. Joyce, an associate professor of pharmaceutical economics and a health policy expert at the University of Southern California, after reviewing the letters.

"This is just an egregious case. Clearly there's been some negotiation between Pfizer and the large P.B.M.s saying we're going to make this cost-beneficial to them, but the plan sponsors are going to eat it," he told the Times.

Raymond F. Kerins, a Pfizer vice president and spokesman, said in a statement Friday that the company was committed to supporting continued access to Lipitor for patients. He declined to answer further questions Friday afternoon, the Times reported.

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Co-Founder of Pink Ribbon Campaign Dies

One of the creators of the pink ribbon campaign for breast cancer awareness died Saturday from complications of ovarian cancer.

Evelyn Lauder, 75, had a long career as an executive at the Estee Lauder beauty products company. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 but continued to appear at cancer awareness events worldwide. She died at her Manhattan home, the Associated Press reported.

Lauder and her friend Alexandra Penney, former editor-in-chief of Self magazine, created the pink ribbon campaign in 1992. The campaign started small but grew to include fund-raising products, U.S. congressional designation of October as breast cancer awareness month and $330 million in donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The foundation money helped create the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center that opened in 2009 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, the AP reported.

Health Tips for November 15

2011-11-15T00:00:00.011-05:00

Health Tip: Protect Your Hearing

Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss. So if you're exposed to loud noise on the job or at home, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how you can protect your hearing:

Wear disposable earplugs or special earmuffs when exposed to loud noise.
Use rubber mats under noisy kitchen appliances.
Install sound-absorbing draperies, carpeting and storm windows.
Limit the volume on loud electronic devices.
Don't use several noisy machines at once or use one loud noise to drown out another.
Get an annual hearing test.

Health Tip: Diabetes May Contribute to Hearing Loss

Diabetics are twice as likely as non-diabetics to have hearing loss, according to the American Diabetes Association. It's thought that diabetes damages the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner-ear, the ADA says.

The association suggests diabetics heed these warning signs of hearing loss:

Asking people frequently to repeat themselves.
Having trouble keeping track of conversations with more than two participants.
Noticing that other people appear to be mumbling.
Having difficulty hearing in places where there's loud noise.
Having difficulty hearing young children and women.
Needing to turn the radio or TV louder than is comfortable for others.

Health Headlines - November 14

2011-11-14T00:01:00.003-05:00

Magnets in Desk Toys, Stress Relievers Pose Risk to Kids

High-powered magnets in desk toys and stress relievers for adults can be deadly if swallowed by children, the U.S. Consumer Protection Agency warns.

The tiny magnets are so strong they can slash through a child's intestines like a gunshot, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Since 2009, there have been 17 reported cases of the magnets being swallowed, and surgery to remove the magnets was required in 11 of those cases.

"We want parents to be aware of the danger associated with these innocent-looking magnets," CPSC Chair Inez Tenenbaum said in an agency news release, the Tribune reported.

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Novel Device Measures Blood Sugar in Teardrops

A chemical sensor that measures blood sugar levels in teardrops could one day offer diabetics a pain-free alternative to frequent blood tests that require skin pricks.

Preliminary tests of this new method were conducted using tears from 12 rabbits. The research was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

While promising, it would still be years before the chemical sensor might be commercially available, developer Dr. Mark E. Meyerhoff, a University of Michigan chemistry professor, told CBS News.

While the sensor would reduce the amount of blood testing, diabetics would still have to draw blood periodically to calibrate the device, he added.

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Chicken Liver Products Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Broiled chicken liver products made by a New York company have been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 169 people, a food safety monitoring center said.

The products made by Schreiber Processing Corp. of Maspeth, N.Y., are tied to 56 cases of illness in New York City, 33 cases outside the city, 64 cases in New Jersey, nine cases in Pennsylvania, and seven in Maryland, according to the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.

This week, the company announced a recall of the products that include 10-pound boxes of Meal Mart broiled chicken liver and 10-pound boxes of loose packed broiled chicken liver, MSNBC.com reported.

The recalled products were distributed in seven states: Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The agency said the recalled products, which appear ready to eat, are actually only partially cooked, MSNBC.com reported.

Health Tips for November 14

2011-11-14T00:00:00.007-05:00

Health Tip: Don't Drive When Drowsy

If you've got a case of heavy eyelids while you're driving, pull over as soon as possible and get some rest.

The National Sleep Foundation mentions these warning signs that you're too sleepy to drive:

Having difficulty staying focused or blinking eyelids frequently.
Finding yourself daydreaming.
Having difficulty seeing traffic signs or exits, or forgetting the last few miles that you drove.
Having difficulty keeping your head up, yawning frequently or rubbing your eyes.
Weaving between lanes or onto the shoulder, or tailgating the next car.
Feeling irritable or restless.

Health Tip: Avoid Distractions Behind the Wheel

Texting or talking on a cell phone behind the wheel are prime examples of the dangerous practice of distracted driving. But they're not the only ones.

The U.S. Department of Transportation offers these additional examples:

Drinking or eating while driving.
Having heavy conversations with passengers.
Grooming yourself.
Looking at maps or reading.
Using a navigation system.
Watching a video.
Fiddling with a CD player, MP3 player or the car radio.

Health Headlines - November 13

2011-11-13T00:01:00.001-05:00

Childhood Vaccinations Hit Record Number in 2010

Childhood vaccination levels worldwide reached record levels in 2010. But 19.3 million children still did not receive some or all of the recommended immunizations, leaving them vulnerable to vaccine-preventable disease and death, according to a new study.

This immunization shortfall is most common in low-income countries and puts children at risk for vaccine-preventable disease and death, according to the report in the Nov. 11Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last year, about 109.4 million infants (85 percent of those born worldwide) received at least 3 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, the highest number ever reported.

Rates of other routinely recommended childhood vaccines were 90 percent for Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine, 86 percent for the third dose of poliovirus vaccine and 85 percent for measles-containing vaccine, the report said.

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Shingles Vaccine Shortage Influences Immunizations

U.S. health officials have refrained from recommending the shingles vaccine Zostavax for adults ages 50-59 to ensure an adequate supply of vaccine for those 60 and older.

Use of the vaccine, which protects against the herpes zoster virus, was approved in 2006 for adults 60 and older and in March 2011 for adults ages 50 to 59. In June 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) reaffirmed its 2006 recommendation that adults 60 and older should get the vaccine, but decided not to expand its recommendation to include adults ages 50-59.

There have been supply problems for Zostavax and the ACIP said it wanted to make sure there was enough vaccine for adults 60 and older, who are at greater risk of shingles, according to a report in the Nov. 11 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Changes in production processes are expected to increase the supply of Zostavax in coming years and the ACIP may reconsider recommending the vaccine for adults ages 50-59 once a stable supply of the vaccine is assured.

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No Paid Maternity Leave for Half of U.S. Working Women

Nearly half of American working women who give birth don't have paid leave to care for their newborn children, according to a Census Bureau analysis released Thursday.

From 2006 to 2008, 50.8 percent of first-time mothers said they used some type of paid leave, including maternity, sick and vacation time. That percentage is unchanged from 2001-05 but is up from 37.3 percent in 1981-85, the Associated Press reported.

Less-educated mothers were nearly four times less likely to have paid leave than those with at least a college education.

Only 18 percent of new mothers with less than a high school education had paid leave in 2006-08, compared with 66 percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher level of education. Those percentages changed from 26 percent and 61 percent, respectively, earlier in the past decade, the AP reported.

First-time mothers older than 25 were much more likely to have paid leave than those younger than 22 (61 vs. 24 percent), and Hispanics were generally less likely (46.6 percent) than other groups to receive paid leave.

"This isn't good news for women at the bottom, and the irony is that the people with the most children are now the least likely to have the supports they need," said Kathleen Gerson, a professor of sociology at New York University, told the AP.

Unlike many other nations, the U.S. does not have a federal policy on paid parental leave.

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FDA Targets Illegal Tobacco Sales to Minors

Most of the warning letters recently sent to more than 1,200 tobacco retailers are about illegal sales of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to minors, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

FDA inspections of tobacco retailers found that most are in compliance with the law, but some still sell tobacco products to youngsters. Retailers who continue to violate the law could face fines.

"It should worry every parent that 20 percent of U.S. high school students smoke cigarettes," FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said in an agency news release.

"For many young people, that first cigarette or use of smokeless tobacco will lead to a lifetime of addiction, and for many, serious disease. More than 80 percent of adult smokers begin smoking before 18 years of age. Retailers are vital partners in the FDA's efforts to prevent tobacco use among kids," she said.

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U.S. Agency Restores Web Database on Doctor Discipline

A database of disciplinary actions taken against U.S. doctors was restored to a federal health agency's website Wednesday, two months after it was removed in response to doctors' complaints.

But a new restriction says anyone who uses information in the National Practitioner Data Bank cannot link it with court files or other publicly available information that would identify individual doctors, The New York Times reported.

The new rule means that the data can still be used for research without violating legal requirements on confidentiality, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The move angered journalists. The data should be posted without restrictions with the agency continuing its policy of refusing to confirm or deny any particular doctor's identity, said Charles Orenstein, president of the Association of Health Care Journalists and a reporter for the nonprofit investigative news organization ProPublica, the Times reported.

Health Tips for November 13

2011-11-13T00:00:00.008-05:00

Health Tip: Stay Healthy at College

College is an exciting time. For many students, it's their first extended stint living away from mom and dad.

But the stress of maintaining good grades, living on a limited income, and getting along with roommates can take its toll, mentally and physically.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions for staying healthy at college:

Get regular medical checkups and vaccinations.
Get plenty of sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to bad grades, depressed mood, and difficulty maintaining relationships. It also raises your risk of chronic problems including diabetes and heart disease.
Make time for regular exercise.
Eat a healthy diet.
Don't ignore symptoms of depression.
Don't abuse drugs or alcohol.
Take precautions to prevent sexually transmitted disease.

Add nonfat dry milk to soup, or sneak grated veggies into homemade muffins, breads or lasagna.
Serve your child's favorite foods along with things that have been refused before.
Let your child help prepare meals.
Make sure food is visually appealing with unique shapes.
Eat a variety of healthy foods yourself to set a good example for your child.
Schedule regular family meals together.

Health Headlines - November 12

2011-11-12T00:01:00.002-05:00

Magnets in Desk Toys, Stress Relievers Pose Risk to Kids

High-powered magnets in desk toys and stress relievers for adults can be deadly if swallowed by children, the U.S. Consumer Protection Agency warns.

The tiny magnets are so strong they can slash through a child's intestines like a gunshot, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Since 2009, there have been 17 reported cases of the magnets being swallowed, and surgery to remove the magnets was required in 11 of those cases.

"We want parents to be aware of the danger associated with these innocent-looking magnets," CPSC Chair Inez Tenenbaum said in an agency news release, the Tribune reported.

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Novel Device Measures Blood Sugar in Teardrops

A chemical sensor that measures blood sugar levels in teardrops could one day offer diabetics a pain-free alternative to frequent blood tests that require skin pricks.

Preliminary tests of this new method were conducted using tears from 12 rabbits. The research was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

While promising, it would still be years before the chemical sensor might be commercially available, developer Dr. Mark E. Meyerhoff, a University of Michigan chemistry professor, told CBS News.

While the sensor would reduce the amount of blood testing, diabetics would still have to draw blood periodically to calibrate the device, he added.

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Chicken Liver Products Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Broiled chicken liver products made by a New York company have been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 169 people, a food safety monitoring center said.

The agency said the recalled products, which appear ready to eat, are actually only partially cooked, MSNBC.com reported.

Health Tips for November 12

2011-11-12T00:00:00.007-05:00

Health Tip: Recovering from Substance Abuse

If you've been abusing drugs, your doctor should be aware of your history and be involved in your recovery.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says your doctor can help by:

Assisting you with recovery and offering support.
Treating recovery-related medical issues, such as difficulty sleeping or changes in mood.
Making needed changes to your medications.

Health Tip: Managing Diabetes While Under Stress

Managing diabetes can be tough enough, but the challenge is even greater when you're under stress.

The American Diabetes Association says possible impacts of stress on diabetes management include the risks of:

A sudden, dramatic rise in blood glucose levels.
Strong negative emotions.
Difficulty making decisions or thinking clearly.
Compulsive eating or making unhealthy food choices.
Significant strain on the heart and circulatory system.

Health Headlines - November 11

2011-11-11T00:01:00.002-05:00

Childhood Vaccinations Hit Record Number in 2010

Last year, about 109.4 million infants (85 percent of those born worldwide) received at least 3 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, the highest number ever reported.

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Shingles Vaccine Shortage Influences Immunizations

U.S. health officials have refrained from recommending the shingles vaccine Zostavax for adults ages 50-59 to ensure an adequate supply of vaccine for those 60 and older.

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No Paid Maternity Leave for Half of U.S. Working Women

Nearly half of American working women who give birth don't have paid leave to care for their newborn children, according to a Census Bureau analysis released Thursday.

Less-educated mothers were nearly four times less likely to have paid leave than those with at least a college education.

Unlike many other nations, the U.S. does not have a federal policy on paid parental leave.

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FDA Targets Illegal Tobacco Sales to Minors

FDA inspections of tobacco retailers found that most are in compliance with the law, but some still sell tobacco products to youngsters. Retailers who continue to violate the law could face fines.

"It should worry every parent that 20 percent of U.S. high school students smoke cigarettes," FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said in an agency news release.

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U.S. Agency Restores Web Database on Doctor Discipline

A database of disciplinary actions taken against U.S. doctors was restored to a federal health agency's website Wednesday, two months after it was removed in response to doctors' complaints.

Health Tips for November 11

2011-11-11T00:00:00.006-05:00

Health Tip: Can't Kick the Common Cold?

There's no cure for the common cold, but there are things you can do to help feel better while your immune system fights the virus.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases offers these suggestions:

Rest in bed.
Drink lots of fluids.
To help a sore throat, suck on ice chips, use lozenges or a throat spray, or gargle with warm salt water.
For a stuffy nose, use a saline nasal spray or decongestant.
Apply petroleum jelly to a sore, raw nose.
Take acetaminophen or aspirin to help manage fever and headache. Never give aspirin to children younger than 13, however.

Health Tip: Before You Take a Decongestant

Though decongestant medications can offer much-needed relief when mucus plugs your nose, the drugs could be harmful to some people.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says you should speak to your doctor before taking a decongestant if you have:

Heart problems or high blood pressure.
Glaucoma.
Problems with the thyroid.
Diabetes.
Problems with the prostate.

Health Headlines - November 10

2011-11-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

Drug Maker to Run New Clinical Trial on Cholesterol Med

A new clinical trial of the cholesterol medicine Trilipix will be conducted by drug maker Abbott Laboratories after a U.S. government-sponsored study found that the drug may not reduce heart attack or stroke risk.

The Food and Drug Administration told the company to conduct the new trial, which will compare high-risk patients taking Trilipix and statin drugs to patients taking statins only,Bloomberg News reported. Statins also target cholesterol.

In May, an FDA advisory panel recommended the new trial and also said that Trilipix should remain on the market.

The FDA said patients should not stop taking Trilipix without first talking to a doctor,Bloomberg reported.

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More U.S. Seniors Getting Pneumonia Vaccination

The number of elderly Americans who have ever been vaccinated against pneumonia increased from 53 percent in 2000 to 60 percent in 2008, a federal government report says.

But it also found that high-income seniors (65 percent) in 2008 were much more likely than those with low incomes (46 percent) to have ever been vaccinated against pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death among seniors in the United States.

Also in 2008, 64 percent of seniors who live in medium-size cities had ever been vaccinated against pneumonia, compared with 52 percent of those in large inner city areas, where residents tend to be low-income and minority, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

There were also racial disparities. The proportion of seniors in 2008 who had ever been vaccinated against pneumonia was 65 percent for whites, 46 percent for Asians, 45 percent for blacks and 37 percent for Hispanics.

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New Skin Cancer Prevention Guidelines Focus on Counselling to Youth

Doctors should appeal to young people's vanity in order to convince them to reduce their sun exposure, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says in draft recommendations released Wednesday.

For example, showing youth ages 10 to 24 how too much sun exposure can affect their facial appearance now and later in life can be much more effective than warning them about skin cancer.

"We now have a reasonable level of evidence that we are able to change behavior in teens and young adults with a variety of counseling approaches that were appearance-based," task force chair Virginia Moyer told the Wall Street Journal.

"When you tell a 14-year-old that he or she should avoid excessive sun so they won't get skin cancer when they are old, they don't worry because they don't think they are ever going to get old," noted Moyer, a professor of pediatrics and head of the Academic General Pediatrics Section at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. "But they are worried about their appearance now."

One intervention that's been shown to be effective involves using a UV camera to show youth people how sun exposure is already changing the skin on their face, the Wall Street Journal reported.

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Mississippi 'Personhood' Proposal Defeated

Mississippi voters have rejected a measure that would have banned all abortions and many forms of birth control.

The so-called "personhood" amendment would have changed the state's definition of life "to include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof," The New York Times reported.

Evangelical Christians and other supporters said the amendment would stop the murder of innocent life and its passage would have increased support for similar laws in other states.

Opposition to the proposal was led by the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood. They said the amendment would have outlawed all abortions, including pregnancies that were the result of rape or incest or those that put a mother's life in danger.

Opponents also said the proposal would have barred morning-after pills and certain types of birth control such as IUDs, and could have put restrictions on in-vitro fertility procedures, The Times reported.

"The message from Mississippi is clear," Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said in a statement. "An amendment that allows politicians to further interfere in our personal, private medical decisions, including a woman's right to choose safe, legal abortion, is unacceptable."

The Mississippi proposal sparked an intense national debate and even divided the country's anti-abortion movement. It was opposed by the National Right to Life and Roman Catholic bishops because they were concerned it would be defeated in a U.S. Supreme Court appeal and damage their efforts to chip away at abortion rights, The Times reported.

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Vatican Joins Venture to Boost Use of Adult Stem Cells

The Vatican and a small American biotech company have partnered to host a conference this week to promote the use of adult stem cells to treat disease, instead of using embryonic stem cells.

The conference, which will include patients, scientists, biotech CEOs and cardinals, was organized by the Vatican's culture office and New York-based NeoStem Inc., theAssociated Press reported.

The Vatican opposes embryonic stem cell research because embryos are destroyed in the process.

The partnership with NeoStem is part of the Vatican's $1 million, five-year effort to promote adult stem cell research and therapies, the AP reported.

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Safety of Electronic Health Records Requires Scrutiny: Panel

Patient safety is threatened by poorly designed, hard-to-use computerized health records, a federal study warns.

The Institute of Medicine paper released Tuesday also said an independent agency should be established to investigate injuries and deaths associated with health information technology, The New York Times reported.

The federal government is offering doctors and hospitals billions of dollars in incentive payments in order to get them to use electronic health records.

The study was requested by the Department of Health and Humans Services after some public health experts and doctors warned that the push for digital records might lead to a surge of technology-induced medical errors, The Times reported.

"There are real safety issues, but we believe that on average, health information technology improves patient safety," said study panel member Dr. Ashish K. Jha, an associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health.

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Genetic Test Improves Cancer Treatment

A genetic test for cancer cell mutations helps focus and improve treatment for patients with lung cancer, according to a new study.

The test identifies mutations that enable cancer cells to divide and multiple unchecked. These mutations can then be targeted with drugs that block the enzyme that drives this cancer cell proliferation, Agence France-Presse reported.

Researchers analyzed tissue taken from 589 patients with non-small cell lung cancer and identified one or more mutations in just over half of the samples.

Of the 353 patients with advanced cancer, the researchers were able to pinpoint one or more mutations in 170 patients. This led to targeted therapy for 78 of the patients, AFPreported.

The research was published in the journal Annals of Oncology.

The genetic test was so successful that it's now being used for colorectal, breast and brain cancer patients, and is being evaluated for use in leukemia patients, AFP reported.

Health Tips for November 10

2011-11-10T00:00:00.008-05:00

Health Tip: Is the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine for You?

The annual seasonal flu vaccine is available as a shot and a nasal spray, but the nasal spray isn't recommended for everyone.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says these people should not get the nasal spray version of the flu vaccine:

Children under age 2, or adults aged 50 and older.
Anyone with a chronic health condition or a weak immune system.
Anyone taking aspirin therapy.
Women who are pregnant.
Anyone with Guillain-Barre syndrome, diabetes, or heart, lung or kidney disease.
Anyone with an egg allergy or a previous allergic reaction to the flu vaccine.

Health Tip: At Greater Risk of Flu Complications?

Some people are more susceptible than others to developing complications of the flu. Experts say it's especially important that people with these risk factors speak with a doctor about getting the annual flu vaccine.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says people at greater risk of flu complications include:

Young people aged 6 months to 19 years.
Adults 50 and older.
People with chronic health problems.
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
Anyone living in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
Health care workers in direct contact with patients.
People who care for children younger than 6 months.

Health Headlines - November 9

2011-11-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

Health Care Law Upheld by Appeals Court

The Obama administration's health care law is constitutional, a panel of federal appellate judges ruled Tuesday.

In a 2-1 opinion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia dismissed a Christian legal group's lawsuit alleging the health care law's requirement that all Americans have health insurance is unconstitutional and violates religious freedom, theAssociated Press reported.

The mandatory insurance requirement has been the subject of a number of lawsuits and some judges have upheld it while others have ruled it unconstitutional.

The U.S. Supreme Court will likely have the final say. The high court is expected to decide soon whether it will accept appeals from some of the earlier rulings, the AP reported.

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U.S. Provides New AIDS Funding to Africa

Additional funding of $60 million to fight HIV/AIDS in sub-Sahara Africa was announced Tuesday by the Obama administration, which also appointed actress and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres as special envoy to boost worldwide awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the new money will be used to scale up and assess new strategies to prevent HIV/AIDS, the Associated Press reported.

She noted that more effective prevention methods are decreasing infection rates and making it possible to treat more people.

Clinton also said DeGeneres will "bring her sharp wit and big heart, and her impressive TV audience and 8 million followers on Twitter" to support American efforts to save the lives of HIV/AIDS patients, the AP reported.

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Mississippi Amendment Would Outlaw Abortion

Mississippi residents were voting Tuesday on an amendment that says life begins at the moment of conception.

The wording of the so-called "Personhood Amendment" declares that "the term 'person' or 'persons' shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization," the New York Daily News reported.

If it is passed, the amendment would eliminate abortion in Mississippi.

Similar legal measures are being considered for other state ballots next November, the newspaper reported.

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Boxing Great Joe Frazier Dies

Former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier, 67, died Monday night in a Philadelphia hospice after losing his battle with liver cancer.

Smokin' Joe was one of the best known champions of the latter part of the 20th century and was famous for his knockout punch, the Washington Post reported.

Frazier was born in Beaufort, S.C. in 1944 and began his professional boxing career 21 years later. He became the heavyweight boxing champion in 1970.

In a 1971 fight at Madison Square Garden, Frazier became the first to defeat Muhammad Ali. They had three other fights, including the legendary "Thrilla in Manila" in 1975, which was won by Ali.

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Large Infants at Increased Risk for Obesity: Study

Checking infants to see if they've passed two milestones on doctors' growth charts by age 2 is a way to predict their future risk for obesity, according to a new study that included 45,000 U.S. infants and children.

It found that babies who surpassed those markers were twice as likely to be obese at ages 5 and 10 than those who grew more slowly. Infants with the highest growth rates were at greatest risk for obesity later in life, the Associated Press reported.

The study, published online Monday in the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, provides further evidence that "bigger is not better" in infants, said lead author Dr. Elsie Taveras, a pediatrician and obesity researcher at Harvard Medical School.

She said rapid infant growth should concern doctors because it may be a sign that babies are eating too much or spending too much time in strollers and not enough time crawling around, the AP reported.

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Hospital Funding Linked to Patient Satisfaction

Some hospitals are worried about a new Medicare rule that will take patient satisfaction into account when reimbursing hospitals.

The rule, mandated in the Affordable Care Act, will take effect in the coming months. Hospitals with the best patient satisfaction scores will receive more money, The New York Times reported.

There's concern that patient assessments of hospitals will be influenced not just by quality of care, but also by amenities such as tasty food and single rooms.

"Hospitals are going be punished financially by the federal government for things they can't control," Dr. James Merlino, chief experience officer at the Cleveland Clinic, told theTimes.

The patient satisfaction ratings are based on Medicare-approved surveys that ask questions such as: Was pain well controlled? Did the doctors and nurses communicate well? Was the room clean and the hospital quiet at night?

Health Tips for November 9

2011-11-09T00:00:00.006-05:00

Health Tip: Add Flavoring to Popcorn, Without the Fat

Popcorn can be a healthy snack, but you have to skip the butter and salt.

The American Dietetic Association lists these healthier alternatives to flavor your popcorn:

A sprinkle of spice, such as paprika, chili powder or pepper.
Garlic and basil seasoning.
Low-fat parmesan cheese.
A small amount of chocolate chips.
A little bit of peanut butter.

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 Headlines - November 8

2011-11-08T00:01:00.001-05:00

MRSA Boosts Death Risk in Kids With Flu: Study

Previously health children hospitalized with flu are more likely to die if they're also infected with a "superbug," methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), according to a new study.

Researchers analyzed data on 838 boys and girls under 21 admitted to 35 pediatric intensive care units across the United States during the 2009-10 outbreak of H1N1 swine flu, The New York Times reported.

Nearly three-quarters of the children had one or more pre-existing chronic health issues, such as asthma, a weakened immune system, and cardiovascular neurological or gastrointestinal conditions.

Seventy-five (9 percent) of the children died, including 18 who had no health problems before being hospitalized for the flu.

The researchers identified a number of factors associated with increased risk of death among all the children in the study: being female; being immune-compromised; flu infection of the brain or heart; and co-infection with MRSA, The Times reported.

But in previously healthy children, only MRSA infection predicted death and those with MRSA infection were eight times more likely to die than those who were not infected.

The study was published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

The finding are significant because MRSA is a growing problem among healthy children.

MRSA "used to be seen only in hospitalized people or people who worked in health care facilities," said Dr. Michael Cappello, a professor of pediatric infectious disease at Yale, The Times reported. "This is no longer the case."

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Sending Chickenpox Virus Through Mail Dangerous and Illegal

Parents are being warned not to give their children lollipops or other items purportedly contaminated with the chickenpox virus.

Not only is it a bad idea, it's illegal, said Jerry Martin, U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, CBS News and the Associated Press reported.

He issued the caution after hearing news reports that some parents with a distrust of childhood vaccinations are going on Facebook to ask strangers for lollipops, spit or other items from children who have chickenpox in hopes of conferring immunity.

It's a federal crime to send viruses or diseases across state lines, Martin said.

And while it's highly unlikely that any of the mailed items will give children chickenpox, they could carry much more dangerous viruses, such as hepatitis, said Isaac Thomsen, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, CBS News/APreported.

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Half of U.S. Students Sexually Harassed: Survey

A new survey finds that 48 percent of U.S. students in grades 7 through 12 experienced some form of sexual harassment from other students during the 2010-11 school year.

The sexual harassment occurred in various ways, including physical contact, malicious rumors, and via email, texting and social media. The American Association of University Women poll included 1,002 girls and 963 boys at public and private schools nationwide, the Associated Press reported.

At least one form of sexual harassment was reported by 56 percent of the girls and 40 percent of the boys.

Nearly one-third of the students who were victims of sexual harassment said it made them feel sick to their stomach, affected their study habits, or made them reluctant to go to school, the AP reported.

Only 9 percent of affected students reported the incident to a teacher, guidance counselor or other adult at school. Others talked to parents or friends, but half of the victims did nothing about the harassment.

Health Tips for November 8

2011-11-08T00:00:00.006-05:00

Health Tip: Causes of Failure to Thrive in Babies

"Failure to thrive" occurs among infants who don't grow and gain weight as quickly as they should.

The Nemours Foundation mentions these possible causes of failure to thrive:

Parents aren't feeding babies enough food or frequently enough.
Medical conditions such as GERD, celiac disease or cystic fibrosis.
A physical abnormality such as a cleft lip that makes it difficult for a child to eat.
A medical condition, such as a cardiac, respiratory or endocrine disorder.
A milk protein intolerance.
An infection.
A metabolic disorder that affects how a baby breaks down and processes food.

Health Tip: Enjoying Tummy Time

Tummy time helps babies develop strong muscles, but your infant may be less than enthusiastic about the idea.

While an infant should always sleep on his or her back, tummy time is recommended when the baby is awake and being observed.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests how to make tummy time more enjoyable for your little one:

Set a toy on the floor just beyond baby's reach to encourage reaching for it.
Surround baby with toys to encourage moving different muscles in different directions.
Lie on the floor and put baby on your chest. Baby should struggle to lift his or her head to better see your face.
As you or a caregiver look on, let another young child get down on the floor with baby during tummy time, as it can be fun for both children.

Health Headlines - November 7

2011-11-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Sleep Apnea, Obesity and Mental Issues Linked in Kids: Study

There's a complex relationship between obesity, sleep apnea and learning and behavior (cognitive) problems in children and this interconnection worsens the effects of each problem, according to a new study.

University of Chicago researchers assessed the sleep, weight and cognitive functioning of 350 healthy, normally developing children ages 6 to 10, ABC News reported.

"Cognitive functioning in children is adversely affected by frequent health-related problems, such as obesity and sleep-disordered breathing," the researchers wrote. "Furthermore, poorer integrative mental processing may place a child at a bigger risk for adverse health outcomes."

On the flip side, "good cognitive abilities may be protective against increased body weight and sleep-disordered breathing," said lead author Karen Spruyt, ABC News reported. "If the brain can function optimally, it can help protect against the clinical manifestation of disease."

The study was published this week in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine

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High Doses of Bone Drug May Boost Cancer Risk

Newly-released data suggests that administering high doses of a bone growth product to patients undergoing spinal fusion may increase their risk of cancer, an expert says.

The data was collected in a clinical trial conducted by Medtronic when it sought U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of a higher-dose formulation of its bone growth product Infuse, The New York Times reported.

The FDA rejected the higher-dose version, called Amplify, due to concerns about cancer risks.

Data from the Medtronic clinical trial showed that spinal fusion patients who received Amplify had a much higher number of cancers than those who received a bone graft, Stanford University's Dr. Eugene J. Carragee said Thursday at a national meeting of the North American Spine Society, The Times reported.

These study findings are important for patients who receive Infuse, which contains the same active ingredient as Amplify and is often given in levels much higher than the recommended doses, Carragee said.

Medtronic has given a $2.5 million grant to Yale University researchers to review data on the safety and effectiveness of Infuse. The findings are expected to be released next year, The Times reported.

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Glaxo to Pay $3 Billion to Settle Investigations

In order to settle several long-running criminal and civil investigations, GlaxoSmithKline PLC says it will pay $3 billion to the U.S. government.

The company has faced allegations that it marketed some drugs illegally and defrauded the Medicaid program. The final terms of the settlement, one of the largest of its kind, are still under negotiation. The company said it expects to make the payment next year, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The investigations included a Justice Department probe into Glaxo's development and marketing of the diabetes drug Avandia. After being linked to heart attacks, the drug was taken off the market in Europe and restricted in the U.S.

The Glaxo settlement is one of the largest in a series of settlements the U.S. government has reached with drug companies in an effort to halt illegal marketing practices, the Wall Street Journal reported.

But drug industry critics say the amounts paid in such settlements are small compared to the profits companies made through illegal marketing.

"It's a speed bump," Kevin Outterson, co-director of the health-law program at Boston University, told the Wall Street Journal. "It's a cost of doing business."

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Drug Take-Back Day Collects Nearly 200 Tons of Medications

Americans turned in more than 188.5 tons of unwanted or expired prescription medications on the Drug Enforcement Administration's third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Oct. 29.

The DEA set up 5,327 sites around the country to collect the medications, the Associated Press reported.

During the three Take-Back Days held over the past 13 months, nearly 500 tons of medications have been collected for safe disposal.

The response shows the need to develop a convenient way to help people get rid of unwanted or expired prescription drugs, which otherwise could end up in the hands of abusers or pollute the environment, according to DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart, the AP reported.

Health Tips for November 7

2011-11-07T00:00:00.002-05:00

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 Tip: Take Care of Arthritic Joints

Even everyday activities can strain stiff and inflamed arthritic joints.

The Arthritis Foundation offers these suggestions to help tame arthritis stiffness and pain:

Avoid too many activities that hurt your joints. Use aids -- such as zipper pulls or jar openers -- to make such tasks easier.
Try to lift with muscles and joints that are largest and strongest, and cause the least amount of pain.
Don't stay in the same position for too long.
Strike a good balance between physical activity and resting when you need it.
Listen to pain as a sign that you've pushed yourself too hard, and take it easier next time.
Get help from friends and family when faced with a challenge that's too tough.

Health Headlines - November 6

2011-11-06T00:01:00.002-04:00

Sleep Apnea, Obesity and Mental Issues Linked in Kids: Study

University of Chicago researchers assessed the sleep, weight and cognitive functioning of 350 healthy, normally developing children ages 6 to 10, ABC News reported.

The study was published this week in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine

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High Doses of Bone Drug May Boost Cancer Risk

Newly-released data suggests that administering high doses of a bone growth product to patients undergoing spinal fusion may increase their risk of cancer, an expert says.

The FDA rejected the higher-dose version, called Amplify, due to concerns about cancer risks.

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Glaxo to Pay $3 Billion to Settle Investigations

In order to settle several long-running criminal and civil investigations, GlaxoSmithKline PLC says it will pay $3 billion to the U.S. government.

But drug industry critics say the amounts paid in such settlements are small compared to the profits companies made through illegal marketing.

"It's a speed bump," Kevin Outterson, co-director of the health-law program at Boston University, told the Wall Street Journal. "It's a cost of doing business."

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Drug Take-Back Day Collects Nearly 200 Tons of Medications

Americans turned in more than 188.5 tons of unwanted or expired prescription medications on the Drug Enforcement Administration's third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Oct. 29.

The DEA set up 5,327 sites around the country to collect the medications, the Associated Press reported.

During the three Take-Back Days held over the past 13 months, nearly 500 tons of medications have been collected for safe disposal.

Health Tips for November 6

2011-11-06T00:00:00.003-04:00

Health Tip: Creating a Healthy Body Image

Eating disorders can lead to unhealthy eating habits, and in extreme, can trigger a dangerous drop in weight.

Cultivating a healthy body image in your teen can be key to preventing an eating disorder. Here are some suggestions:

Teach your child to respect herself -- both her physical and non-physical attributes.
Talk to your child about the importance of being herself, and why it's unrealistic to look like models pictured in magazines.
Don't focus on food, calories and weight. Make sure your child doesn't obsess over it either.
Try to teach her the importance of a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, not dieting.
Make meals a positive experience, and focus on the physical and mental benefits of a healthy diet.
Teach your child not to deal with stress or emotions by using food.

Health Tip: Feeding Picky Eaters

Many children are finicky about what they'll eat. If you're attempting to coax a picky eater to try more foods, follow these suggestions:

Give your child a variety of foods to choose from, including a fruit, vegetable, protein and starch. Don't only offer foods you know your child will eat.
Don't give your child too many high-calorie drinks, which could fill her up and keep her from wanting to eat.
Stick to a meal schedule, so that your child will be hungry at mealtime.
Keep meals pleasant, in an environment free of TV, argument or stressful conversation.
If your child won't eat, don't prepare a different meal just to satisfy her. She'll have another opportunity to eat at her next meal in a few hours.
Continue offering your child foods that she has once refused. Her eating habits may change.

Health Headlines - November 5

2011-11-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

Strengthen Chantix Warnings: Study

Warnings about the risks of suicidal behavior and depression associated with the stop-smoking drug Chantix need to be strengthened, according to a new study.

It concluded that the psychological risks of Chantix (varenicline) exceed those of nicotine replacement drugs and the rival stop-smoking drug Zyban (bupropion), ABC Newsreported.

The study was published today in the journal PLoS One.

"Among all the treatments we have for smoking cessation, Chantix is the worst," Dr. Curt Furberg, a professor of public health sciences at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and one of the study's authors, told ABC News.

"The FDA's own data show that Chantix is more dangerous than other treatments to stop smoking," he noted.

But an FDA spokeswoman said the drug is a safe and effective way to help smokers kick the habit, ABC News reported.

Last week, the agency said two federally-funded clinical trials involving a total of more than 26,000 patients showed that Chantix did not increase depression and suicidal thoughts compared with other stop-smoking treatments.

Chantix was approved by the FDA in 2006. The agency in 2009 placed a "black box" warning label on Chantix and Zyban to alert doctors and patients about the risk of depression, hostility and suicidal thoughts associated with the drugs.

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Expand Vytorin's Use to Include Some Kidney Patients: FDA Panel

The cholesterol drug Vytorin should be approved to prevent heart attack and stroke in some patients with kidney disease, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommends.

In a 16-0 vote, the panel decided the drug should be approved to treat kidney disease patients who aren't on dialysis, but they voted 10-6 against using the drug to treat patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis treatment, Bloomberg News reported.

An FDA review released before the advisory panel meeting said a clinical trail showed that Vytorin reduced the risk of "major vascular events" in kidney disease patients by 16 percent compared with a placebo.

While the FDA is not required to follow its advisory panels' recommendations, it generally does so.

Merick and Co.'s Vytorin is a combination of the cholesterol drugs Zetia and Zocor,Bloomberg reported.

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Laser Treatment Turns Brown Eyes Blue

A new laser procedure can turn brown eyes blue, according to a California company.

The 20-second treatment destroys the natural brown pigment melanin in the iris and the change to blue occurs gradually over the following two to three weeks, CBS Newsreported.

Vision isn't affected but the color change is permanent, said Dr. Gregg Homer of Stroma Medical, the company that developed the experimental procedure.

Further testing is required and the treatment may be available in other countries within 18 months and in the U.S. within three years, according to Homer, CBS News reported.

The cost is expected be about $5,000.

One expert warned about possible complications. The pigment released from the iris has to go somewhere, Dr. Elmer Tu, an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of Illinois in Chicago and a spokesman for the American College of Ophthalmology, told CBS News.

He noted that a potentially blinding condition called pigmentary glaucoma is associated with chronic seepage of melanin into the fluid within the eye.

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Dutch Psychologist's Studies Fraudulent: Investigators

A renowned Dutch psychologist committed academic fraud in several dozen published papers, according to a committee of investigators at three academic institutions where Diederik Stapel worked.

The investigators also said that more than a dozen doctoral theses that Stapel oversaw are also questionable, The New York Times reported.

Stapel, who is currently at Tilburg University and has also worked at the University of Groningen and the University of Amsterdam, has published about 150 papers.

The investigative committee concluded that Stapel falsified data and made up entire experiments. The committee did not release a list of papers that it had determined were fraudulent, The Times reported.

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FDA Testing Pet Food for Salmonella

A nationwide program to test pet food and related products for salmonella has been launched by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because there is evidence that tainted pet food is making owners sick.

In October, agency investigators began taking samples of pet treats, dry pet food and pet diet supplements from retailers, wholesalers and distributors, the Wall Street Journalreported.

The testing includes products for dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, aquarium fish, birds and rodents such as mice, guinea pigs and hamsters.

In a memorandum released this week, the FDA said it is "particularly concerned about salmonella being transmitted to humans through pet foods, pet treats, and supplements for pets that are intended to be fed to animals in homes, where they are likely to be directly handled or ingested by humans," the Wall Street Journal reported.

To highlight the need for testing, the FDA cited Centers for Disease Prevention and Control data showing that 70 people became ill from January 2006 to December 2007 in connection with salmonella-tainted dry dog food made in Pennsylvania.

Health Tips for November 5

2011-11-05T00:00:00.001-04:00

Follow storage instructions on the medication. Unless otherwise specified, keep them in a cool, dark and dry place.
Avoid leaving medications in your car, bathroom or near any source of water or dampness.
Refrigerate medications only if it says to do so on the label.
Make sure all medications are stored safely out of a child's reach.
If using a pill organizer, make sure all medications are easily identified.
Keep medications in original containers with lids tightly closed; dispose of medications that are expired or those you no longer need.

Health Tip: Dispose of Medications Safely

Medications that are expired or no longer needed shouldn't be dumped down the sink or toilet, the U.S. Home Safety Council warns. Doing so could pollute our water, making animals and other people sick.

The council offers these suggestions for the safe disposal of medication:

Remove the label from the bottle, then place the bottle inside a sealed plastic bag.
Throw the sealed bag in the garbage, and keep pets and children away from this trash.
If you need to dispose of pills, grind them up first. Mix the crushed pills into used coffee grounds, sand or cat litter.

Health Headlines - November 4

2011-11-04T00:01:00.001-04:00

Strengthen Chantix Warnings: Study

Warnings about the risks of suicidal behavior and depression associated with the stop-smoking drug Chantix need to be strengthened, according to a new study.

It concluded that the psychological risks of Chantix (varenicline) exceed those of nicotine replacement drugs and the rival stop-smoking drug Zyban (bupropion), ABC Newsreported.

The study was published today in the journal PLoS One.

"The FDA's own data show that Chantix is more dangerous than other treatments to stop smoking," he noted.

But an FDA spokeswoman said the drug is a safe and effective way to help smokers kick the habit, ABC News reported.

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Expand Vytorin's Use to Include Some Kidney Patients: FDA Panel

The cholesterol drug Vytorin should be approved to prevent heart attack and stroke in some patients with kidney disease, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommends.

While the FDA is not required to follow its advisory panels' recommendations, it generally does so.

Merick and Co.'s Vytorin is a combination of the cholesterol drugs Zetia and Zocor,Bloomberg reported.

-----

Laser Treatment Turns Brown Eyes Blue

A new laser procedure can turn brown eyes blue, according to a California company.

The 20-second treatment destroys the natural brown pigment melanin in the iris and the change to blue occurs gradually over the following two to three weeks, CBS Newsreported.

Vision isn't affected but the color change is permanent, said Dr. Gregg Homer of Stroma Medical, the company that developed the experimental procedure.

Further testing is required and the treatment may be available in other countries within 18 months and in the U.S. within three years, according to Homer, CBS News reported.

The cost is expected be about $5,000.

He noted that a potentially blinding condition called pigmentary glaucoma is associated with chronic seepage of melanin into the fluid within the eye.

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Dutch Psychologist's Studies Fraudulent: Investigators

A renowned Dutch psychologist committed academic fraud in several dozen published papers, according to a committee of investigators at three academic institutions where Diederik Stapel worked.

The investigators also said that more than a dozen doctoral theses that Stapel oversaw are also questionable, The New York Times reported.

Stapel, who is currently at Tilburg University and has also worked at the University of Groningen and the University of Amsterdam, has published about 150 papers.

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FDA Testing Pet Food for Salmonella

In October, agency investigators began taking samples of pet treats, dry pet food and pet diet supplements from retailers, wholesalers and distributors, the Wall Street Journalreported.

The testing includes products for dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, aquarium fish, birds and rodents such as mice, guinea pigs and hamsters.

Health Tips for November 4

2011-11-04T00:00:00.001-04:00

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 - November 3

2011-11-03T00:01:00.001-04:00

Melanoma-Detecting Device Approved by FDA

A device designed to help doctors decide if a mole should be removed and tested for melanoma was approved Wednesday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The MelaFind takes detailed images of suspicious-looking skin growths and analyzes them for signs of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, the Associated Press reported.

The device, made by Mela Sciences Inc. of Irvington, N.Y., compares images from patients to a database of 10,000 images and then recommends whether a biopsy should be done.

Finding melanoma at an early stage can save lives. While 85 percent of patients diagnosed with late-stage melanoma die within five years, nearly all patients diagnosed with early-stage melanoma can be treated and cured, the AP reported.

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Obama in Excellent Health

President Barack Obama is physically active, eats a healthy diet, maintains a healthy weight, occasionally consumes alcohol in moderation, has quit smoking and is fit for his age, according to a new medical report.

"The President is in excellent health and 'fit for duty,'" Dr. Jeffrey C. Kuhlman, the physician who supervised the physical performed last week at the White House, wrote in the two-page report, USA Today said. "All clinical data indicate he will remain so for the duration of his presidency."

"The President is current on all age-appropriate screening tests," Kuhlman noted. "He is 'fit at 50' and 'staying healthy at 50+.'"

Obama's next physical should be held in December 2012, Kuhlman recommended. That's a month after the presidential election, USA Today said.

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Scientists Rejuvenate Cells From Elderly

Age-worn cells in people over 90 were rejuvenated into stem cells that were identical to those found in embryos, a new study says.

The achievement could lead to new opportunities in regenerative medicine, especially for seniors, according to scientists, Agence France-Presse reported.

The research is reported in the journal Genes & Development.

"This is a new paradigm for cell rejuvenation," Jean-Marc Lemaitre, a researcher at the Institute of Functional Genomics at the University of Montpellier in France, told AFP. "The age of cells is definitely not a barrier to reprogramming."

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Group Challenges J&J on Chemicals in Baby Shampoo

Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo sold in the United States contains trace amounts of two chemicals considered harmful to babies, but the company sells versions of the shampoo without the chemicals in other countries, according to a group called the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

The coalition of environmental and health groups has spent 2 1/2 years trying to convince Johnson & Johnson to remove the potential cancer-causing chemicals -- dioxane and a substance called quaternium-15 that release formaldehyde -- from the shampoo, the Associated Press reported.

The company says it is reducing or gradually phasing out the chemicals but has not responded directly to the demand of the group, which is now calling for a consumer boycott of Johnson & Johnson baby products.

"Johnson & Johnson clearly can make safer baby shampoo in all the markets around the world, but it's not doing it," said Lisa Archer, director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the AP reported. "It's clearly a double standard, something they can easily fix."

The group's new report on the issue will be released Tuesday, the same day that it will launch the boycott on its website.

Health Tips for November 3

2011-11-03T00:00:00.009-04:00

Health Tip: Living With Osteoarthritis

Exercise can help improve many symptoms of osteoarthritis, a joint disease that causes pain and stiffness.

The Arthritis Foundation mentions these potential benefits of exercise to people with osteoarthritis:

Reduced stiffness and pain.
Stronger joints, better joint function and improved range of motion.
A possible slowing of arthritis progression.
Reduced risk of other chronic conditions, such as obesity or heart disease.

Before you begin any exercise regimen, discuss your plans with your doctor.

Health Tip: Take Care of Arthritic Joints

Even everyday activities can strain stiff and inflamed arthritic joints.

The Arthritis Foundation offers these suggestions to help tame arthritis stiffness and pain:

Avoid too many activities that hurt your joints. Use aids -- such as zipper pulls or jar openers -- to make such tasks easier.
Try to lift with muscles and joints that are largest and strongest, and cause the least amount of pain.
Don't stay in the same position for too long.
Strike a good balance between physical activity and resting when you need it.
Listen to pain as a sign that you've pushed yourself too hard, and take it easier next time.
Get help from friends and family when faced with a challenge that's too tough.

FDA approves innovative, non-invasive heart valve

2011-11-02T19:18:00.000-04:00

Federal health officials have approved a first-of-a-kind artificial heart valve that can be implanted without major surgery, offering a new treatment option for patients who are too old or frail for the chest-cracking procedure currently used.

The Food and Drug Administration said late Wednesday it approved Edwards Lifesciences' Sapien heart valve, which can be threaded into place through a major artery that runs from the leg up to the heart. Cardiologists say the highly anticipated new approach will help old, sickly patients who cannot undergo the more invasive open heart surgery, which has been used to replace valves for decades.

Other companies have won approval for less-invasive heart valves before, but Edwards' implant is the first replacement for the aortic valve, the heart's main doorway.

About 300,000 U.S. patients suffer from deterioration of the valve, which forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, often leading to heart failure, blood clots and sudden death. More than half of patients diagnosed with the condition, called aortic stenosis, die within two years, according to the FDA.

Every year about 50,000 people in the U.S. undergo open-heart surgery to replace the valve, which involves sawing the breastbone in half, stopping the heart, cutting out the old valve and sewing a new one into place. Thousands of other patients are turned away, deemed too old or ill to survive the operation.

The Mayo Clinic's Dr. David Holmes said the Sapien valve is a "game changer" for those inoperable patients, many of whom are in their 80s with medical conditions like diabetes, emphysema and liver disease.

"We don't have very good therapy for them at this time — some of them receive palliative care and some receive medication," said Holmes, who is president of the American College of Cardiology. "But this is really a mechanical problem, and for mechanical problems medications don't work very well."

Edwards' transcatheter valve is threaded through the femoral artery via a small incision in the leg, and then guided up to the heart via catheter. The valve is then wedged into the aortic opening by an inflatable balloon, replacing the natural heart valve. The device is made from cow tissue and polyester supported by a steel frame.

FDA based its approval on a 365-patient study that compared outcomes for patients with the valve and those who received basic comfort care and other non-surgical treatment. After one year, 70 percent of patients with the valve were still alive, compared with only 50 percent of those who received alternatives. However, the device was associated with serious complications, including stroke and internal bleeding. Under the conditions of FDA approval, Edwards will track the medical history of all patients who receive the valve.

The device is only approved for patients who cannot undergo open-heart surgery.

About 20,000 new U.S. patients will be eligible to receive a heart valve each year based on Wednesday's approval, according to Morgan Keegan analyst Jan Wald.

The larger opportunity for the new valve is in patients who are healthy enough to undergo surgery, but are considered high-risk and could benefit from a less invasive procedure. The FDA is expected to clear the device for those patients next year, and analysts estimate that group could eventually number between 50,000 and 80,000 annually as the U.S. population ages.

Edwards is expected to charge about $30,000 for the valve, though hospital fees could bring the total cost of surgery closer to $70,000. Standard heart valve replacement costs upward of $50,000, mostly from surgical and hospitalization fees.

The approval represents a dramatic business opportunity for Irvine, Calif.-based Edwards Lifesciences Corp., which had total sales of $1.5 billion last year. Analysts estimate that sales of the Sapien valve could help double the company's revenue to $3 billion within a decade. Company shares rose $3.11, or 4.2 percent, to $77.48 in after-hours trading.

The company expects to train surgeons at 150 to 250 sites across the U.S. to implant the Sapien in the coming year.

The valve has already been approved for four years in 40 countries around the world, including most of Europe. In most of those countries Edwards already sells a next-generation version of the device.

Health Headlines - November 2

2011-11-02T00:01:00.001-04:00

Obama in Excellent Health

"The President is current on all age-appropriate screening tests," Kuhlman noted. "He is 'fit at 50' and 'staying healthy at 50+.'"

Obama's next physical should be held in December 2012, Kuhlman recommended. That's a month after the presidential election, USA Today said.

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Scientists Rejuvenate Cells From Elderly

Age-worn cells in people over 90 were rejuvenated into stem cells that were identical to those found in embryos, a new study says.

The achievement could lead to new opportunities in regenerative medicine, especially for seniors, according to scientists, Agence France-Presse reported.

The research is reported in the journal Genes & Development.

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Group Challenges J&J on Chemicals in Baby Shampoo

The group's new report on the issue will be released Tuesday, the same day that it will launch the boycott on its website.

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Vytorin Helps Reduce Heart Problems in Kidney Disease Patients: FDA

The cholesterol pill Vytorin helps reduce heart problems in kidney disease patients, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration review.

The pill, a combination of the cholesterol drugs Zocor and Zetia, is already approved for treating high cholesterol levels. Merck & Co. has asked the FDA to approve the pill to reduce heart attack, stroke and related problems in kidney disease patients, theAssociated Press reported.

The FDA review found that Vytorin reduced kidney disease patients' risk of heart problems by 16 percent compared to placebo. It found no safety concerns with the pill.

On Wednesday, an independent panel of FDA advisers will discuss the proposed new use of Vytorin and vote on whether to recommend approval, the AP reported.

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Gene-Tweaked Mosquitoes May Lower Dengue Fever Cases

A new study suggests that genetically modified (GM) male mosquitoes might help reduce human cases of dengue fever and other insect-borne diseases.

The GM males -- who are modified so their offspring die before they can reproduce -- mated successfully with wild female mosquitoes in the Cayman Islands, BBC Newsreported.

This is the first time that this type of mating -- which could reduce the number of disease-carrying mosquitoes -- has been proven in the wild, according to the researchers.

The study appears in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes and the World Health Organization says there may be 50 million cases of the disease a year, BBC News reported. There is no vaccine against dengue fever.

Health Tips for November 2

2011-11-02T00:00:00.006-04:00

Health Tip: When Symptoms Indicate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a nerve that runs into the hand from the lower arm becomes squeezed at the wrist.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke mentions these common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome:

Having a tingling sensation or numbness in the thumb, palm or nearby fingers on one hand or both.
Having fingers that feel swollen, even with no visible swelling.
Having pain that affects one or both hands or wrists.
Having difficulty moving the fingers.
Having symptoms that first appear at night, then during the day.
Having a weak grasp or grip.

Health Tip: At Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves swelling of a nerve in the wrist that extends into the hand. It can cause pain and weakness, and is typically caused by repetitive motions over a long period of time.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says these activities may cause carpal tunnel syndrome:

Typing at a computer, especially if the workstation is not set up correctly.
Sewing.
Painting.
Working on an assembly line.
Using vibrating tools or hand tools.
Playing certain musical instruments.

Health Headlines - November 1

2011-11-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

Vytorin Helps Reduce Heart Problems in Kidney Disease Patients: FDA

The cholesterol pill Vytorin helps reduce heart problems in kidney disease patients, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration review.

The FDA review found that Vytorin reduced kidney disease patients' risk of heart problems by 16 percent compared to placebo. It found no safety concerns with the pill.

On Wednesday, an independent panel of FDA advisers will discuss the proposed new use of Vytorin and vote on whether to recommend approval, the AP reported.

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Gene-Tweaked Mosquitoes May Lower Dengue Fever Cases

A new study suggests that genetically modified (GM) male mosquitoes might help reduce human cases of dengue fever and other insect-borne diseases.

The GM males -- who are modified so their offspring die before they can reproduce -- mated successfully with wild female mosquitoes in the Cayman Islands, BBC Newsreported.

This is the first time that this type of mating -- which could reduce the number of disease-carrying mosquitoes -- has been proven in the wild, according to the researchers.

The study appears in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes and the World Health Organization says there may be 50 million cases of the disease a year, BBC News reported. There is no vaccine against dengue fever.

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Obama to Tell FDA to Tackle Drug Shortages

President Barack Obama will sign an executive order Monday directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take action to reduce drug shortages, according to a White House official.

The FDA says there were 178 drug shortages in 2010 and the problem has become worse this year, putting patients at risk and potentially leading to price gouging, theAssociated Press reported.

Anesthetics, cancer drugs, emergency medicine drugs and electrolytes required for intravenous feeding are among the drugs that tend to be affected by shortages.

Quality or manufacturing problems, or drug makers experiencing delays in receiving components from suppliers, are major reasons for the drug shortages, according to the FDA. In some cases, drug companies discontinue older drugs in favor of newer ones that make more profit, the AP reported.

Also on Monday, Obama is scheduled to announce his support for Senate and House legislation that would compel drug companies to notify the FDA six months in advance of a potential drug shortage. Currently, notification of shortages is voluntary.

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Teens 16-18 Should Have HIV Tests: Pediatricians

All teens ages 16 to 18 should receive regular, routine HIV tests if they live in an area of the United States where the HIV rate is higher than 0.1 percent of the population, according to new American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines released Monday.

The AAP also said HIV tests should be given to adolescents of any age who are tested for other sexually transmitted diseases, CNN reported.

The routine HIV testing should be conducted using a rapid response test that provides a diagnosis within about 20 minutes, the AAP said.

Previously, the academy recommended HIV testing only for teens who said they were sexually active, CNN reported.

Of the more than 1.1 million HIV-positive people in the United States in 2006, about 5 percent were teens and young adults ages 13 to 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one of every two HIV-infected teens doesn't know he or she has the virus that causes AIDS.

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World Population Reaches 7 Billion

A baby girl born in the Philippines was the first of a number of babies chosen by the United Nations as symbols of the world's population reaching 7 billion people.

Danica May Camacho weighed 5.5 pounds when she was born at two minutes before midnight Sunday at Manila's Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. Her birth was celebrated with a chocolate cake marked "7B Philippines," a gift certificate for free shoes, and speeches by local officials, the Associated Press reported.

Danica, born about a month premature, is the second child for mother Camille Galura and partner Florante Camacho, a driver who supports the family on a small salary.

Because it is impossible to pinpoint the actual arrival of the world's 7 billionth person, the U.N. chose Monday to hold celebrations worldwide and a series of symbolic 7-billionth babies being born in different countries.

But the occasion raises serious questions, according to Dr. Eric Tayag of the Philippines' Department of Health.

"Seven billion is a number we should think about deeply," he told the AP. "We should really focus on the question of whether there will be food, clean water, shelter, education and a decent life for every child. If the answer is 'no,' it would be better for people to look at easing this population explosion."

Health Tips for November 1

2011-11-01T00:00:00.008-04:00

Health Tip: Ice a Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle involves a stretched or torn ligament near the joint. Experts often suggest icing the ankle to ease pain and reduce swelling.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these guidelines for icing a sprained ankle:

Fill a plastic bag with crushed ice and apply it to the ankle. But first, cover the ankle with a thin, damp cloth.
To create an ice slush bath, add water and ice to a large bucket, immersing your foot until the skin feels numb.
For an ice massage, freeze water in a small Styrofoam cup, removing the top section of the cup once it's frozen. Gently massage the ankle with the ice, holding the covered section, in a circular rotation. Don't hold the ice on the same part of the ankle for more than 30 seconds.
For the first three days after the sprain, ice your ankle every two-to-four hours.
Don't apply ice for longer than 20 minutes. Applying it longer can result in nerve damage.
Always remove the ice when your skin starts to feel numb.

Health Tip: Have You Sprained Your Wrist?

Your wrist hurts after a fall. Is it a sprain, or another type of injury?

The wrist, as is the case with many joints, contains strong bands of tissue called ligaments that connect bones. An injury to one or more of these ligaments is called a sprain.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons said symptoms of a sprained wrist include:

Swelling.
Pain, especially when you flex the wrist.
A bruise or unusual color of the skin surrounding the wrist.
Tenderness or a warm feeling at the site of the injury.
A tearing or popping sensation in the wrist.

It's Howl-oween!

2011-10-31T16:41:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-31T00:01:00.003-04:00

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

2011-10-31T00:00:00.005-04:00

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

2011-10-30T00:01:00.021-04:00

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

2011-10-30T00:00:00.007-04:00

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

2011-10-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

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.

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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."

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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

2011-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-28T00:01:00.002-04:00

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.

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

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

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Turkish Pine Nuts Linked to Salmonella Outbreak: CDC

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

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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.

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

2011-10-28T00:00:00.011-04:00

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

2011-10-27T00:01:00.002-04:00

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.

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'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.

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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

2011-10-27T00:00:00.008-04:00

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.

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

2011-10-26T00:01:00.005-04:00

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

2011-10-26T00:00:00.007-04:00

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.

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

2011-10-25T00:01:00.001-04:00

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.

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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.

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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."

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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

2011-10-25T00:00:00.009-04:00

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

2011-10-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

2011-10-24T00:00:00.007-04:00

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

2011-10-23T00:01:00.001-04:00

NFL Player's Brain Tumor Spotted During Trade Physical

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

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.

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Mercury Ban Would Affect Vaccines, Experts WAarn

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

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

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Specific Facial Features Linked to Autism: Study

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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.

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

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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.

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.

Health Tips for October 23

2011-10-23T00:00:00.008-04:00

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

2011-10-22T00:01:00.002-04:00

NFL Player's Brain Tumor Spotted During Trade Physical

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

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.

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Mercury Ban Would Affect Vaccines, Experts WAarn

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

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

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Specific Facial Features Linked to Autism: Study

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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.

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

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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.

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.

Health Tips for October 22

2011-10-22T00:00:00.010-04:00

Health Tip: Kids Should Eat Healthy, Too

Parents who give their kids healthy meals at home aren't doing their children any favors by feeding them fatty restaurant fare.

The American Dietetic Association offers these dietary suggestions for kids at restaurants:

Dine at places that offer balanced, healthy child-size meals and sides.
Order milk for your child's drink, and fruit for dessert.
Order dishes plain, and ask for sauces on the side.
Choose apple slices, carrots or other healthy dishes in place of fries.
Let your child choose between two or three healthy choices that you select.
Make sure your child gets plenty of calcium by adding cheese to a sandwich, or ordering a side of yogurt.

Health Tip: Make Calorie-Sparing Substitutions

You don't have to make big changes to your diet to see noticeable results.

The American Dietetic Association suggests these small ways to trim those calories:

Sweeten your favorite coffee with some fat-free milk and a splash of sugar-free syrup.
Pull the skin off poultry, and trim away fat on beef, pork and chicken.
Indulge in a small dish of ice cream, but select low-calorie, slow-churned varieties instead of higher-fat choices.
Skip the chips; instead snack on raw veggies with salsa or fat-free ranch dressing.