Health Headlines - January 21

FDA Review: Sale of Nonprescription Dose of Cholesterol Drug Poses Risks

Is it three strikes and you're out for over-the-counter (OTC) sales of the cholesterol-lowering drug Mevacor?

Twice before, the drug's maker, Merck & Co., has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve it for OTC sales. The most recent was just last month, and an FDA advisory panel overwhelmingly recommended against approval.

Now, the Associated Press reports, an FDA review released last week still has major doubts. Positive news for Merck was that the staff reviewer found that nonprescription Mevacor would be "a reasonably safe and effective" option, the wire service reported -- if consumers used it as directed.

And that presents a big problem, the A.P. reports. An FDA review of a Merck-conducted consumer survey found there was too much confusion as to who should be taking Mevacor and for what reason.

The FDA conclusion: The survey results "have not convinced this reviewer that there is adequate consumer comprehension of the proposed product label to ensure safe and effective use of this product," according to the A.P.

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Biotech Firm Subpoenaed Over Questions About Psoriasis Drug

The large biotechnology company Amgen is being investigated by New Jersey's attorney general after two former company employees claimed they had been pressured by their managers to obtain confidential patient information.

The New York Times reports that New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram issued a subpoena late last week after her office obtained information that the former employees had claimed their supervisors strongly urged them to try and identify patients who might be candidates for Amgen's psoriasis drug Enbrel.

There are other issues as well, the Times reports. In a news release, the attorney general said she was also investigating whether Amgen had engaged in off-label marketing, an illegal practice that encourages using a drug for treatments beyond its FDA approval standards.

The newspaper quotes Amggen spokeswoman Mary Klen as saying the accusations were "completely without merit" and that Amgen would cooperate with the investigation.

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New HIV Drug Approved for Adults Who Fail Other Treatments

The anti-HIV medication entravirine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults who have failed treatment with other antiretrovirals.

Sold under the trade name Intelence, entravirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, which helps block an enzyme that the AIDS-causing virus needs to multiply, the FDA said in a statement. This is aimed at reducing the amount of HIV in the blood and boosting infection-fighting white blood cells.

In clinical testing, 599 adults who received entravirine and additional antiviral therapy had greater reductions in blood HIV levels than adults who received a non-medicinal placebo and the same additional therapy. The most common side effects reported were rash and nausea.

The long-term effects of entravirine haven't been studied, nor have the drug's effects in pregnant women or among people age 16 or younger, the agency said.

Entravirine is distributed by Tibotec Therapeutics, whose parent firm -- Ortho Biotech Products -- is based in New Jersey.

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Canned Bean Recall Expanded Over Botulism Concerns

Michigan-based New Era Canning Co. is expanding its nationwide recall of canned green beans and canned garbanzo beans to include all product distributed over the past five years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. The beans may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism.

Botulism can be a life-threatening condition with symptoms beginning six hours to two weeks after consumption of tainted food. Symptoms may include double or blurred vision, droopy eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness that feels like it's moving down the body. Botulism poisoning can also cause life-threatening paralysis of the breathing muscles.

There are no reports of illness from affected 6.5-pound institutional-sized cans, which may or may not have New Era's name on them. This FDA page lists all products currently involved in the recall.

Regardless of brand or product name, no cans should be opened or used. Even tiny amounts of C. botulinum can trigger serious illness if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the eyes or skin.

Any cans that may be affected should be carefully double-bagged and thrown away immediately, the agency warned.

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Recalled Heparin and Saline Flushes May Be Contaminated

Pre-filled syringes containing either the anti-clotting agent heparin or normal saline solution may be contaminated with a dangerous bacterium and are being recalled by the manufacturer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

Both types of pre-filled syringe are manufactured by North Carolina-based AM2 PAT Inc. The products were distributed nationwide under two brand names, Sierra Pre-Filled Inc. and B. Braun.

One lot of the heparin flush was found to be contaminated with Serratia marcescens bacteria, which caused patient infections. Infections with Serratia marcescens are capable of causing life-threatening illness or death, the FDA said.

Consumers or facilities who have any of the recalled products should stop using them immediately and return them to the distributor or place of purchase, the agency said.

The following products and codes are affected:

NDC #	CATALOG #	Product Name
64054-1003-02	1003-02	Heparin Lock Flush 100units/ml 5ml
64054-1003-01	1003-01	Heparin Lock Flush 100units/ml 3ml
64054-3005-02	3005-02	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/ml 5ml
64054-3003-02	3003-02	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/ml 3ml
64054-3003-06	3003-06	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/mL 3ml (6ml syringe)
64054-3005-06	3005-06	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/mL 5ml (6ml syringe)
64054-0910-2	0910-12	Normal Saline Flush 10ml
64054-0905-2	0905-12	Normal Saline Flush 5ml
64054-0903-2	0903-12	Normal Saline Flush 3ml

Any adverse reactions associated with use of these products should be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Smoking-Cessation Drug Chantix Gets Updated Warning

Packages of the smoking-cessation drug Chantix sold in the United States have been updated to more prominently display a warning that users should be monitored for suicidal behavior, depressed mood, and certain other serious mental health symptoms, MarketWatch reported.

Drug maker Pfizer Inc. said it made the label change after consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Since the drug was approved in the United States in May 2006, there have been a number of reports of erratic behavior, suicidal thoughts and other side effects in people taking Chantix. Last November, the FDA said it was investigating those reports and told doctors to monitor patients taking the drug, MarketWatch reported.

At that time, Pfizer added information about those potential side effects to the Chantix product label. The warning has now been moved to a more prominent location on the label to make it more obvious for doctors and patients.

There are 45 million Americans who smoke, and each year 70 percent report that they want to quit. Each smoker works to do so differently; the average former smoker makes eight to 11 attempts to quit, according to the American Legacy Foundation, which is dedicated to getting people to quit smoking.

The foundation says it has long recommended that smokers who want to increase their odds of quitting should make a plan, set a date, and talk with their physician to seek counseling on medications that will work best for them. They should also consider behavioral counseling in person or through telephone counseling from their state quitlines (1-800-QUIT-NOW).

The foundation was created as a result of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories and the tobacco industry.

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FDA Approves New Test for Respiratory Viruses

A real-time test for four common respiratory viruses has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The ProFlu+ test provides results within as few as three hours.

Other respiratory virus tests are fast but not as accurate or are accurate but not as fast, the FDA said.

The ProFlu+ test can analyze a single sample for influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus A and B (RSV). These viruses can cause influenza, pneumonia and an infection of the airways called bronchiolitis. All the viruses are leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections.

"Antiviral drugs are most effective when initiated within the first two days of symptoms," Dr. Daniel Schultz, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a prepared statement. "This new test, which is part of the new era of molecular medicine, can help the medical community quickly determine whether a respiratory illness is caused by one of these four viruses and initiate the appropriate treatment."

The ProFlu+ test is made by Prodesse, Inc. of Milwaukee.

Health Tips for January 21

Health Tip: If You Fear Going to the Dentist

Anxiety about going to the dentist is common, but fear shouldn't prevent you from keeping your teeth in good health.

The American Dental Association offers these suggestions to help ease anxiety at the dentist's office:

* Talk to your dentist or hygienist about your anxiety, so they can better understand and accommodate your needs.
* Schedule appointments when you have plenty of time and won't feel rushed -- such as very early in the morning, or on a Saturday.
* Bring soothing music to distract you during your appointment -- especially if the sounds of a dental office bother you.
* Visualize yourself somewhere pleasant -- on a beach, with family or at a park.

Health Tip: Get the Most From Your Mammogram

A mammogram is an essential tool to protect women from newly diagnosed or recurring breast cancer.

Here are suggested ways to get the most accurate results from a mammogram, courtesy of breastcancer.org:

* Women with dense breasts or who are under age 50 may get better results with a digital mammogram.
* Bring your last mammogram results for the radiologist to compare.
* Have more than one radiologist read your results.
* Use other imaging methods to confirm results, such as an MRI or an ultrasound.
* If your doctor has requested your mammogram for a specific reason -- not just as a precaution because of your age -- be sure the doctor provides the radiologist with specific instructions on what to look for.
* Make sure your doctor knows your family's medical history, especially as it relates to breast cancer.

Health Headlines - January 20

New HIV Drug Approved for Adults Who Fail Other Treatments

The anti-HIV medication entravirine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults who have failed treatment with other antiretrovirals.

Sold under the trade name Intelence, entravirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, which helps block an enzyme that the AIDS-causing virus needs to multiply, the FDA said in a statement. This is aimed at reducing the amount of HIV in the blood and boosting infection-fighting white blood cells.

In clinical testing, 599 adults who received entravirine and additional antiviral therapy had greater reductions in blood HIV levels than adults who received a non-medicinal placebo and the same additional therapy. The most common side effects reported were rash and nausea.

The long-term effects of entravirine haven't been studied, nor have the drug's effects in pregnant women or among people age 16 or younger, the agency said.

Entravirine is distributed by Tibotec Therapeutics, whose parent firm -- Ortho Biotech Products -- is based in New Jersey.

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Canned Bean Recall Expanded Over Botulism Concerns

Michigan-based New Era Canning Co. is expanding its nationwide recall of canned green beans and canned garbanzo beans to include all product distributed over the past five years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. The beans may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism.

Botulism can be a life-threatening condition with symptoms beginning six hours to two weeks after consumption of tainted food. Symptoms may include double or blurred vision, droopy eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness that feels like it's moving down the body. Botulism poisoning can also cause life-threatening paralysis of the breathing muscles.

There are no reports of illness from affected 6.5-pound institutional-sized cans, which may or may not have New Era's name on them. This FDA page lists all products currently involved in the recall.

Regardless of brand or product name, no cans should be opened or used. Even tiny amounts of C. botulinum can trigger serious illness if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the eyes or skin.

Any cans that may be affected should be carefully double-bagged and thrown away immediately, the agency warned.

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Recalled Heparin and Saline Flushes May Be Contaminated

Pre-filled syringes containing either the anti-clotting agent heparin or normal saline solution may be contaminated with a dangerous bacterium and are being recalled by the manufacturer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

Both types of pre-filled syringe are manufactured by North Carolina-based AM2 PAT Inc. The products were distributed nationwide under two brand names, Sierra Pre-Filled Inc. and B. Braun.

One lot of the heparin flush was found to be contaminated with Serratia marcescens bacteria, which caused patient infections. Infections with Serratia marcescens are capable of causing life-threatening illness or death, the FDA said.

Consumers or facilities who have any of the recalled products should stop using them immediately and return them to the distributor or place of purchase, the agency said.

The following products and codes are affected:

NDC #	CATALOG #	Product Name
64054-1003-02	1003-02	Heparin Lock Flush 100units/ml 5ml
64054-1003-01	1003-01	Heparin Lock Flush 100units/ml 3ml
64054-3005-02	3005-02	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/ml 5ml
64054-3003-02	3003-02	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/ml 3ml
64054-3003-06	3003-06	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/mL 3ml (6ml syringe)
64054-3005-06	3005-06	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/mL 5ml (6ml syringe)
64054-0910-2	0910-12	Normal Saline Flush 10ml
64054-0905-2	0905-12	Normal Saline Flush 5ml
64054-0903-2	0903-12	Normal Saline Flush 3ml

Any adverse reactions associated with use of these products should be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Smoking-Cessation Drug Chantix Gets Updated Warning

Packages of the smoking-cessation drug Chantix sold in the United States have been updated to more prominently display a warning that users should be monitored for suicidal behavior, depressed mood, and certain other serious mental health symptoms, MarketWatch reported.

Drug maker Pfizer Inc. said it made the label change after consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Since the drug was approved in the United States in May 2006, there have been a number of reports of erratic behavior, suicidal thoughts and other side effects in people taking Chantix. Last November, the FDA said it was investigating those reports and told doctors to monitor patients taking the drug, MarketWatch reported.

At that time, Pfizer added information about those potential side effects to the Chantix product label. The warning has now been moved to a more prominent location on the label to make it more obvious for doctors and patients.

There are 45 million Americans who smoke, and each year 70 percent report that they want to quit. Each smoker works to do so differently; the average former smoker makes eight to 11 attempts to quit, according to the American Legacy Foundation, which is dedicated to getting people to quit smoking.

The foundation says it has long recommended that smokers who want to increase their odds of quitting should make a plan, set a date, and talk with their physician to seek counseling on medications that will work best for them. They should also consider behavioral counseling in person or through telephone counseling from their state quitlines (1-800-QUIT-NOW).

The foundation was created as a result of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories and the tobacco industry.

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FDA Approves New Test for Respiratory Viruses

A real-time test for four common respiratory viruses has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The ProFlu+ test provides results within as few as three hours.

Other respiratory virus tests are fast but not as accurate or are accurate but not as fast, the FDA said.

The ProFlu+ test can analyze a single sample for influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus A and B (RSV). These viruses can cause influenza, pneumonia and an infection of the airways called bronchiolitis. All the viruses are leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections.

"Antiviral drugs are most effective when initiated within the first two days of symptoms," Dr. Daniel Schultz, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a prepared statement. "This new test, which is part of the new era of molecular medicine, can help the medical community quickly determine whether a respiratory illness is caused by one of these four viruses and initiate the appropriate treatment."

The ProFlu+ test is made by Prodesse, Inc. of Milwaukee.

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Virus May Be Linked to Deadly Skin Cancer

A new virus that may be linked to a rare but extremely deadly type of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma has been identified by University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute researchers, a finding that could lead to new cancer treatments.

The disease is most common in the elderly and in people with weakened immune systems, such as transplant patients and those with HIV/AIDS.

In this study, the researchers found that a new virus they named Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) was present in 80 percent of Merkel cell tumors, Agence France-Presse reported.

The researchers also found that the pattern of virus penetration in tumor cells indicates that infection occurs before the cells' growth into cancer. They believe MCV produces a carcinogenic protein that inhibits a gene that stops the growth of cancer cells.

The findings, published in the journal Science, need to be confirmed in future studies, the researchers said, AFP reported.

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Concussions Afflict 10% to 20% of U.S. Combat Troops

Between 10 percent and 20 percent of U.S. combat troops deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan leave those war zones with concussions. And some don't realize they need treatment, says a report released Thursday by a task force on traumatic brain injury created by the U.S. Army Surgeon General.

Concussion is the common term for mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Explosions are the most common cause of mild TBI among U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Army has a handle on treating more severe brain injuries, but it is "challenged to understand, diagnose and treat military personnel who suffer with a mild TBI," said task force Chairman Brig. Gen. Donald Bradshaw, the Associated Press reported.

Headaches, nausea, dizziness, sleep and memory problems, light sensitivity, confusion and irritability are among symptoms caused by concussion. With treatment, more than 80 percent of patients make a complete recovery, according to the task force.

Concussion may be missed in soldiers who don't show any outward signs of head injury, such as bleeding, following an explosion or other incident, said Bradshaw, the AP reported.

Health Tips for January 20

Health Tip: Dealing With Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety occurs when a child is fearful of being left with someone else. While these feelings are normal, parents may not know how to react when a child becomes this upset.

If your child has symptoms of separation anxiety, follow these suggestions from the Nemours Foundation:

* Try not to begin child care or day care between 8 and 12 months of age, when separation anxiety is most likely to start.
* Try not to leave your child when she is tired or hungry -- try to schedule your departure after a meal or nap.
* Gradually introduce your child to spending time alone with other people.
* Be calm and consistent when leaving your child -- firmly tell her that you're leaving but that you'll be back, and give her a timeframe.
* Follow through on promises you make, and don't show up late after you've promised your child to be back at a certain time.

Health Tip: Swollen Gums Can Signal Poor Health

Swollen gums are a symptom of problems ranging from poor hygiene to a serious health problem such as lack of vitamin C (scurvy). If you discover that you have swollen gums, speak to your doctor or dentist about determining a cause.

Here are possible explanations for swollen gums, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Viral or fungal infection.
* Gingivitis.
* Ill-fitting dentures.
* Reaction or sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash.
* Side effect of medications.
* Poor nutrition or malnourishment.
* Scurvy.
* Pregnancy.

Health Headlines - January 19

Recalled Heparin and Saline Flushes May Be Contaminated

Pre-filled syringes containing either the anti-clotting agent heparin or normal saline solution may be contaminated with a dangerous bacterium and are being recalled by the manufacturer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

Both types of pre-filled syringe are manufactured by North Carolina-based AM2 PAT Inc. The products were distributed nationwide under two brand names, Sierra Pre-Filled Inc. and B. Braun.

One lot of the heparin flush was found to be contaminated with Serratia marcescens bacteria, which caused patient infections. Infections with Serratia marcescens are capable of causing life-threatening illness or death, the FDA said.

Consumers or facilities who have any of the recalled products should stop using them immediately and return them to the distributor or place of purchase, the agency said.

The following products and codes are affected:

NDC #	CATALOG #	Product Name
64054-1003-02	1003-02	Heparin Lock Flush 100units/ml 5ml
64054-1003-01	1003-01	Heparin Lock Flush 100units/ml 3ml
64054-3005-02	3005-02	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/ml 5ml
64054-3003-02	3003-02	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/ml 3ml
64054-3003-06	3003-06	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/mL 3ml (6ml syringe)
64054-3005-06	3005-06	Heparin Lock Flush 10units/mL 5ml (6ml syringe)
64054-0910-2	0910-12	Normal Saline Flush 10ml
64054-0905-2	0905-12	Normal Saline Flush 5ml
64054-0903-2	0903-12	Normal Saline Flush 3ml

Any adverse reactions associated with use of these products should be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Smoking-Cessation Drug Chantix Gets Updated Warning

Packages of the smoking-cessation drug Chantix sold in the United States have been updated to more prominently display a warning that users should be monitored for suicidal behavior, depressed mood, and certain other serious mental health symptoms, MarketWatch reported.

Drug maker Pfizer Inc. said it made the label change after consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Since the drug was approved in the United States in May 2006, there have been a number of reports of erratic behavior, suicidal thoughts and other side effects in people taking Chantix. Last November, the FDA said it was investigating those reports and told doctors to monitor patients taking the drug, MarketWatch reported.

At that time, Pfizer added information about those potential side effects to the Chantix product label. The warning has now been moved to a more prominent location on the label to make it more obvious for doctors and patients.

There are 45 million Americans who smoke, and each year 70 percent report that they want to quit. Each smoker works to do so differently; the average former smoker makes eight to 11 attempts to quit, according to the American Legacy Foundation, which is dedicated to getting people to quit smoking.

The foundation says it has long recommended that smokers who want to increase their odds of quitting should make a plan, set a date, and talk with their physician to seek counseling on medications that will work best for them. They should also consider behavioral counseling in person or through telephone counseling from their state quitlines (1-800-QUIT-NOW).

The foundation was created as a result of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories and the tobacco industry.

-----

FDA Approves New Test for Respiratory Viruses

A real-time test for four common respiratory viruses has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The ProFlu+ test provides results within as few as three hours.

Other respiratory virus tests are fast but not as accurate or are accurate but not as fast, the FDA said.

The ProFlu+ test can analyze a single sample for influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus A and B (RSV). These viruses can cause influenza, pneumonia and an infection of the airways called bronchiolitis. All the viruses are leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections.

"Antiviral drugs are most effective when initiated within the first two days of symptoms," Dr. Daniel Schultz, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a prepared statement. "This new test, which is part of the new era of molecular medicine, can help the medical community quickly determine whether a respiratory illness is caused by one of these four viruses and initiate the appropriate treatment."

The ProFlu+ test is made by Prodesse, Inc. of Milwaukee.

-----

Virus May Be Linked to Deadly Skin Cancer

A new virus that may be linked to a rare but extremely deadly type of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma has been identified by University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute researchers, a finding that could lead to new cancer treatments.

The disease is most common in the elderly and in people with weakened immune systems, such as transplant patients and those with HIV/AIDS.

In this study, the researchers found that a new virus they named Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) was present in 80 percent of Merkel cell tumors, Agence France-Presse reported.

The researchers also found that the pattern of virus penetration in tumor cells indicates that infection occurs before the cells' growth into cancer. They believe MCV produces a carcinogenic protein that inhibits a gene that stops the growth of cancer cells.

The findings, published in the journal Science, need to be confirmed in future studies, the researchers said, AFP reported.

-----

Concussions Afflict 10% to 20% of U.S. Combat Troops

Between 10 percent and 20 percent of U.S. combat troops deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan leave those war zones with concussions. And some don't realize they need treatment, says a report released Thursday by a task force on traumatic brain injury created by the U.S. Army Surgeon General.

Concussion is the common term for mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Explosions are the most common cause of mild TBI among U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Army has a handle on treating more severe brain injuries, but it is "challenged to understand, diagnose and treat military personnel who suffer with a mild TBI," said task force Chairman Brig. Gen. Donald Bradshaw, the Associated Press reported.

Headaches, nausea, dizziness, sleep and memory problems, light sensitivity, confusion and irritability are among symptoms caused by concussion. With treatment, more than 80 percent of patients make a complete recovery, according to the task force.

Concussion may be missed in soldiers who don't show any outward signs of head injury, such as bleeding, following an explosion or other incident, said Bradshaw, the AP reported.

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CDC Investigates Illnesses Among Pig Plant Workers

U.S. health officials are investigating a possible link between worker illnesses at pig processing plants in Indiana and Minnesota. Two workers at the Indiana plant and 12 at the Minnesota plant developed symptoms that included changes in sensation and weakness in their limbs.

The affected employees at both plants worked in areas where compressed air was used to force the brains out of pigs' skulls, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spokeswoman Lola Russell told the Associated Press.

The illness "may be associated with this particular technique of using high-pressure air to remove the pig's brain," she said.

The CDC checked practices at 25 large pork processing plants in 13 states and found only one other plant, in Nebraska, that used the same method to remove pigs' brains after slaughter. All three plants have voluntary stopped using this method, the AP reported.

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Deadly Listeria Strain Found at Massachusetts Dairy Plant

The strain of listeria that killed three people has been found at a Massachusetts dairy processing plant. But health investigators still haven't determined exactly where contamination of the milk occurred at the Whittier Farms plant in Shrewsbury, the AP reported.

Since June, three elderly men died after drinking bacteria-contaminated milk from the plant. A pregnant women who drank the contaminated milk became sick and suffered a miscarriage, and another women also became ill after drinking milk from the plant.

No other cases of illness related to the contaminated milk have been identified and the public health risk is low, according to officials.

"We know that there's a problem in that plant and we have connected the patients to the products to the plant, now it would be nice to know exactly how that happened, but that is part of the ongoing investigation," Dr. Alfred DeMaria, state director of communicable disease control, told the AP.

Investigators analyzed more than 100 samples from the plant and found the deadly strain of listeria in seven bottles and on the floor near the homogenizer. Different listeria strains were detected inside four other bottles of milk and in an empty unwashed bottle, a bottle washer and a drain.

Health Tips for January 19

Health Tip: Douching Isn't Recommended

Douching is a method of cleansing the female genitalia with a fluid mixture, often of water.

According to the U.S. National Women's Health Information Center, douching is generally not recommended by doctors, as it can adversely affect the body's natural balance of bacteria.

The agency offers these additional potential side effects of douching:

* Irritation of the vagina.
* An infection called bacterial vaginosis.
* Increased risk of sexually transmitted disease or pelvic inflammatory disease.
* Vaginal infections that could spread to other parts of the female reproductive system.

Health Tip: Extreme Shyness

Many people are shy, but extreme shyness or fear in social situations may signal a condition called social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder can be controlled with therapy, medication or a combination of both. Here are some characteristics that help to identify the disorder, courtesy of the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health:

* Feeling excessively self-conscious while around others.
* An intense, debilitating fear of being embarrassed, watched or judged by others.
* Physical symptoms of extreme anxiety, including sweating, nausea, shaking and sweating.
* Significant difficulty speaking around others, or forgetting what to say.

Health Headlines - January 18

U.S. Student Murders Decline

Overall rates of school-associated student murders in the United States declined from 1992 to 2006, says a study released Thursday in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study looked at public and private elementary and high schools.

An analysis of data from the School-Associated Violent Death Study found that during the seven school years from July 1999 to June 30, 2006, there were 116 students murdered in 109 school-associated incidents. That works out to an average of 16.5 per year and an average annual murder rate of .03 cases per 100,000 students.

The study also found that:

• School-associated murders account for less than one percent of overall murders of school-aged young people.
• Gunshot wounds were the leading cause of death (65 percent) in school-associated murders, followed by stabbing or cutting (27 percent), and beatings (12 percent). Because deaths may result from multiple causes, the total exceeds 100 percent.
• Males, secondary school students, and students in central cities were most likely to be murdered.

"The decline in episodes of school-associated violence is promising and encouraging," Dr. Ileana Arias, director of the CDC's Injury Center, said in a prepared statement. "However, we are still facing challenges to build on the improvements that schools have made and continue to implement effective prevention strategies to keep our children safe."

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U.K. Approves Human-Animal Stem Cell Research

U.K. authorities have given scientists permission to create human-animal embryos for stem cell research, BBC News reported.

The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority decided to give one-year research licenses to King's College London and Newcastle University after public consultations showed people were "at ease" with the idea. Further licenses for this kind of research would be granted on a case-by-case basis.

The scientists plan to merge human cells with animal eggs in order to create hybrid embryos from which they can extract stem cells. The embryos would be destroyed within 14 days, BBC News reported.

The stem cells from these embryos are needed because researchers currently have to rely on human eggs left over from fertility treatments. But there's a shortage of such eggs, which sometimes are of poor quality.

The King's College team will use the hybrid embryos to study diseases known to have genetic causes, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal muscular atrophy, BBC News reported. The Newcastle University researchers will examine how stem cells develop in different tissues in the body.

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CDC Funds Morgellons Study

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is funding a one-year study of a strange condition called Morgellons. People with the ailment develop sores on their skin -- out of which pop mysterious red, black or blue fibers -- and have the sensation of tiny bugs crawling all over them.

Some experts believe it's a psychiatric disorder, while others say it's a physical condition, the Associated Press reported.

The CDC will pay California-based Kaiser Permanente $338,000 to interview and test from 150 to 500 patients with symptoms of Morgellons in an attempt to better understand the condition and determine its prevalence.

The study will be conducted in northern California, where there are many reports of people with Morgellons. A number of sufferers have documented their cases on Web sites, the AP reported.

Scientists Produce Cloned Human Embryos

Scientists who used ordinary adult cells to produce cloned embryos derived from two men say their achievement may be a step toward developing scientifically valuable stem cells, the Associated Press reported.

In this research, published online Thursday in the journal Stem Cells, scientists used skin cells from two male volunteers to produce three embryos with DNA that matched the men's DNA.

The team is now attempting to produce stem cell lines from the embryos, said study co-author Dr. Samuel Wood, chief executive of Stemagen Corp. of La Jolla, Calif.

Unless they can produce stem cell lines from the embryos, the research isn't a breakthrough because other scientists have previously cloned a human embryo, one expert told the wire service.

"I found it difficult to determine what was substantially new," in this research, Doug Melton, of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, told the AP. He said the "next big advance will be to create a human embryonic stem cell line" from cloned embryos.

"This has yet to be achieved," Melton said.

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Minnesota Company Recalls Ground Beef Products

A meat company in Rochester, Minn. has recalled about 188,000 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

The recall by Rochester Meat Co. was issued after reports that five people in Wisconsin and one person in California became sick after eating the meat products, said the U.S. Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Associated Press reported.

The recalled ground beef may be contaminated with potentially deadly E. coli O157:H7, which can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Seniors, very young children, and people with weakened immune system are most at risk of serious health problems from the bacteria.

The recalled meat was produced Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 and sold nationwide for use in restaurants and food service institutions. The USDA said it was not sold to retail consumers, the AP reported.

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FDA Warns of Chemical Name Confusion

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week issued a warning to doctors and patients about possible confusion surrounding the use of Edetate Disodium and Edetate Calcium Disodium.

Edetate Disodium is approved as an emergency treatment for certain patients with hypercalcemia (very high levels of calcium in the body) or certain patients with heart rhythm disorders caused by high amounts of digitalis in the blood. Edetate Calcium Disodium (Calcium Disodium Versenate) is approved to treat patients with severe lead poisoning.

In the warning issued Wednesday, the FDA said there have been cases where children and adults have died after mistakenly receiving Edetate Disodium instead of Edetate Calcium Disodium, or when Edetate Disodium was used for "chelation therapies" and other uses not approved by the FDA.

Because the two drugs have similar names and both are commonly referred to as EDTA, mistakes can easily occur when the drugs are being prescribed, dispensed and administered, the FDA said.

Healthcare professionals should read the FDA Public Health Advisory about the issue, the agency recommended.

Health Tips for January 18

Health Tip: What's Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition -- caused by overuse -- and characterized by often severe pain in the heel.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers additional information about the condition, including its risk factors:

* Women and people who are overweight are more likely than others to develop plantar fasciitis.
* Frequent running or walking for exercise may increase your risk of developing the condition.
* People with flat feet or very high arches are at greater risk.
* Standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods also may increase your risk.
* The injury usually doesn't hurt during exercise, but pain begins to develop afterward.
* Pain may be most severe when waking up in the morning, or after rest.
* Plantar fasciitis requires treatment to prevent it from becoming chronic.

Health Tip: Binge Drinking

Many people enjoy an occasional beer or glass of wine, but others drink alcohol excessively in binges.

If you tend to binge drink, here are suggestions for how to stop, courtesy of the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism:

* Avoid temptation by keeping no alcohol at home.
* Be wise when you drink. Drink very slowly, with food, and drink water or soda between alcoholic drinks.
* Don't drink every day. Choose a few days each week where you decide not to drink. Eventually, go an entire week without drinking.
* Come up with other activities to substitute for drinking, such as going to the movies, shopping or out to eat.
* Don't feel pressured to drink when around others who are drinking. Learn to say no, and ask friends and family for support when you need it.

Cold Meds Not Safe for Kids Under 2, FDA Warns

Decision on kids aged 2-12 expected this spring, officials add

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued a public health advisory stating that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to infants and children under the age of 2.

Although concern about the safety of these medications when used in the very young has been widely aired in recent months, FDA officials said they were concerned the public wasn't getting the message.

"We strongly recommend that over-the-counter cough and cold products should not be used in young children under 2, because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur from use of these products," Dr. Charles Ganley, director of the FDA's Office of Nonprescription Products, said during a morning news conference. "We have not come to a final decision on the use of cough and cold products in children aged 2 to 11 and continue to work within [the] FDA to arrive at a decision."

"We were concerned that parents would continue to use these products in children under 2, even with all the publicity," Ganley added.

"The public health advisory from the FDA is definitely a good thing," said Catherine Tom-Revzon, clinical pediatric pharmacy manager at Children's Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, in New York City. "A lot of health-care professionals, including myself, have always taken the approach of not giving medication to children where there isn't enough evidence to show that it's safe and actually works. This actually supports that idea, so it gives more credibility when we speak to patients about this."

"I'm a parent of a toddler myself, and my daughter has had multiple colds, and it is difficult to watch and not do anything," she noted. "Now, parents are being told that they can't give medication. It's probably going to be difficult for them to accept, but the reality is it's better to be safe by not giving medication that could potentially harm young children. It's the right thing to do."

Last November, the FDA became aware of a number of surveys that indicated that individuals or parents were continuing to use the products without getting advice from a health-care provider.

The medicines, which include decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines and cough suppressants, have been associated with different rare but serious events including convulsions, rapid heart rates, decreased levels of consciousness, and even death.

A review of records filed with the FDA between 1969 and September 2006 found 54 reports of deaths in children associated with decongestant medicines made with pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine or ephedrine. It also found 69 reports of deaths associated with antihistamine medicines containing diphenhydramine, brompheniramine or chlorpheniramine. Most of the deaths involved children younger than 2.

The current advisory is based on an agency review of data and recommendations discussed during a joint meeting of the Nonprescription Drugs and Pediatric Advisory committees last October. The committees recommended a ban on cold medicines in children under the age of 2.

Right before the meeting, makers of dozens of cough and cold remedies targeted to infants voluntary recalled these products. In particular, products with pictures of infants on the label or use of the word "infant" in the name were taken off shelves. Overall, there are approximately 800 popular cough and cold medicines sold in the United States. Experts estimate that Americans spend about $2 billion annually on these types of medications.

An internal working group at the FDA was not able to come to a consensus as to recommendations for children aged 2 to 11. A decision on this issue is expected by the spring.

Dr. Lisa Mathis, associate director of the FDA's Office of New Drugs, Pediatric and Maternal Health Staff, had this advice for those caring for children over the age of 2:

• Always remember that these medications do not cure colds, they don't shorten the time the child has the cold and are only meant to help a child's symptoms.
• If you choose to give medication, look at the active ingredients' section of the label and what symptoms each active ingredient is intended to treat.
• Be very careful in giving more than one over-the-counter cough and cold medication to your child. Remember that many OTC cough and cold products have multiple medications in them. If you use two medications with similar active ingredients, this could hurt a child.
• Make sure to carefully follow directions on the label.
• Only use the dropper or cup that comes with the medicines, not household measuring devices.
• If you have the opportunity to use cough and cold medicines with childproof safety caps, you should do so.
• Store all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Call your physician or pharmacist or other health provider if you have any questions regarding the use of these medications in children 2 years or older.

"We're not trying to dictate the practice of medicine. We understand that health providers on an individual basis have to make certain decisions based on the facts presented to them, but we do need to recognize that there have been reports of serious adverse events in the less-than-2 age group related to misdosing and in attempting to choose the correct product," Ganley said. "Clearly, there have been instances where more than one product was used or it was not clear to the parent as to what the ingredients are in the products."

Health Headlines - January 17

Circumcision Rates Vary Across U.S.

Male circumcision rates vary widely across the United States, likely due to differences in insurance coverage and regional variations in racial, ethnic and immigrant population, says the latest News and Numbers report from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Immigrants from Latin America and other parts of the world where circumcision is less common can affect regional circumcision rates in the U.S., the report noted

The agency's analysis of data on hospital-based circumcisions in 2005 found that:

• About 31 percent of newborn boys in the West were circumcised, compared with 56 percent in the South, 65 percent in the Northeast, and 75 percent in the Midwest.
• Nationwide, about 56 percent of newborn boys (1.2 million) were circumcised. The national rate, which peaked at 65 percent in 1980, has remained relatively stable for the past decade.
• About 60 percent of circumcisions were billed to private insurance and 31 percent to Medicaid. About 4 percent were uninsured.

Circumcision, the removal of foreskin from the penis, is usually performed for cultural, religious or cosmetic reasons, rather than for medical reasons, the report said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations say there's insufficient evidence that routine circumcision is medially necessary. However, some research suggests that circumcision may offer health benefits, including decreased risk of penile cancer and HIV infection, and a lower chance of urinary tract infection in newborns, the AHRQ said.

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FDA Approves Blood Sealant for Surgery

A liquid fibrin sealant to help control bleeding during general surgery has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Fibrin is a protein that encourages blood to clot. The sealant, Evicel, is applied to small vessels to stem oozing blood.

Evicel contains two proteins, fibrinogen and thrombin, that are involved in the production of fibrin. The proteins are derived from human plasma, which is screened and tested for blood-borne infections. "While the potential risk for infectious disease transmission is remote, it cannot be eliminated," the FDA said in a prepared statement.

Evicel's safety and effectiveness were established in clinical studies involving 135 patients. Adverse reactions included anemia, abdominal abscess, blockage of the small intestine, and loss of urinary bladder function.

Evicel's predecessor, Crosseal, was approved in 2003 for use during liver surgery. The sealant became Evicel last May when the FDA sanctioned its use during vascular surgery. The product is made by an Israeli company, OMRIX Biopharmaceuticals.

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U.S. Undergoing Baby Boomlet?

The nearly 4.3 million children born in the United States in 2006 were the most born in a single year since 1961, suggesting the country is experiencing a small, brief baby "boomlet," the Associated Press reported.

The U.S. fertility rate (the number of children the average woman is expected to have in her lifetime) reached 2.1, higher than any country in continental Europe, as well as Australia, Canada and Japan.

Decreased contraceptive use, reduced access to abortion, poor education and poverty may be among the reasons for the increased number of births in the U.S., experts cited by the wire service said.

They also suggested that Americans may regard children more favorably than many other Westernized countries, the AP reported.

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Probiotics Prompt Gut Changes: Study

Foods that contain "friendly" probiotic bacteria do have a tangible effect on the body, says a U.K. study in the journal Molecular Systems Biology.

Imperial College London researchers gave probiotic drinks to mice, then noted changes in blood and urine levels of several chemicals that play key roles in body processes, BBC News reported.

The study authors also found that probiotics may change how the body digests fat.

Some experts don't believe that probiotics can change gut microbes, noted study leader Professor Jeremy Nicholson.

"Our study shows that probiotics can have an effect and they interact with the local ecology and talk to other bacteria," Nicholson told BBC News. "We're still trying to understand what the changes they bring about might mean, in terms of overall health, but we have established that introducing 'friendly' bacteria can change the dynamics of the whole population of microbes in the gut."

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No Evidence That Fish Oil Benefits Heart Patients: Researchers

There's no firm evidence that fish oil supplements -- recommended by many experts and organizations for heart health -- actually benefit heart patients, says a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Lead author David Jenkins, a professor of medicine and nutritional science at the University of Toronto, and his colleagues analyzed three large studies that looked at heart patients and fish oil supplements.

One of the studies found that fish oil was beneficial, one found that fish oil had no effect, and one found that fish oil actually left heart patients in worse shape, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported.

Patients who are already taking beta blockers and other anti-heart-attack medicines seem to derive the most benefit from fish-oil supplements, but there's no evidence that fish oil alone is a proven preventive, Jenkins said.

He recommended more large studies to examine exactly what effects fish oil may have on heart patients, the Globe and Mail reported.

Health Tips for January 17

Health Tip: If You Have Sinus Problems

Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, can lead to a sinus infection.

Knowing what triggers your sinusitis can help you prevent -- or at least prepare -- for the problem. The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these factors that can cause sinus problems:

* Exposure to air pollution or cigarette smoke.
* Diving or swimming.
* Excessive use of nasal decongestants.
* Exposure to an allergen or another foreign substance that enters the nasal passages.
* Undergoing an abrupt change in altitude, such as when flying.
* Having certain medical conditions, including GERD, pregnancy and asthma.
* Having dental work or suffering a head injury.

Health Tip: Keep Your Health Resolutions This Year

Many people make New Year's resolutions aimed at improving their health.

Whether your goal is to lose weight, stop smoking, eat healthy or another lofty ambition, here is advice on how to do so from the University of Maryland Medical Center:

* Challenge yourself, but think about what you are able to accomplish. Set realistic expectations.
* If you make a mistake or are unable to meet a goal, use it as a learning opportunity instead of feeling poorly about a missed chance.
* Share your goals with others. You are more likely to follow through with resolutions if you've told others of your plans.
* Make goals that are truly important to you, instead of citing objectives that you feel you should accomplish.

Health Headlines - January 16

Testosterone Supplements May Pose Health Risk to Men: Study

Testosterone supplements may pose an "urgent" health risk to men, warn the Texas authors of a study in the current issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center doctors detailed the cases of two men who developed unusually aggressive and deadly prostate cancer within months of taking the same over-the-counter supplement said to promote stronger muscles and enhance sexual performance, the Canwest News Service reported.

The doctors said there's no firm evidence that the product, which is no longer on the market, directly caused these cases of prostate cancer. But they urged men to be cautious.

"Given that testosterone supplements are in high demand, there is significant concern that HHDS (herbal/hormonal dietary supplements) other than the one evaluated in the current study may pose an urgent human health risk," the study authors wrote.

A leading Canadian urologist told Canwest News Service that men who take nutritional supplements containing male hormones are "really playing with fire."

"Many men are on androgen replacement therapy or some kind of male hormone replacement and there's always been a concern this may stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells," said Dr. Laurence Klotz, chief of the division of urology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center in Toronto. "It's a very controversial question and the answer is still not clear."

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FDA Approves New Genetic Breast Cancer Test

A new genetic test that helps assess the risk of tumor recurrence and long-term survival for patients with relatively high-risk breast cancer has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The TOP2A/FISH pharmDx is the first approved device to test for the TOP2A (topoisomerase 2 alpha) gene in cancer patients. The gene plays a role in DNA replication. Changes in the TOP2A gene in breast cancer cells indicate increased risk that a tumor will recur or decreased survival.

The new test, made by Dako Denmark A/S, uses fluorescently-labeled DNA probes to detect or confirm gene or chromosome abnormalities, a process called fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

The FDA approval was based on a study of 767 high-risk patients in Denmark who had been treated with chemotherapy after removal of a breast tumor. The findings indicated the test was useful in estimating cancer recurrence and overall survival.

"When used with other clinical information and laboratory tests, this test can provide health care professionals with additional insights on the likely clinical course for breast cancer patients," Dr. Daniel Schultz, director of the FDA's Center for Clinical Devices and Radiological Health, said in a prepared statement.

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Air Pollution Increases Sperm Mutations: Study

Compared to male mice that breathed filtered air, those exposed to polluted air had 60 percent more genetic mutations in their sperm, says a Canadian study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The findings suggest that air pollution may be linked to inheritable DNA damage, Agence France Presse reported.

For this study, one group of mice was exposed to unfiltered air from steel mills and highways. Another group of mice was exposed to the same air after it had been cleaned using high-efficiency HEPA filters.

"These findings show that chemical pollutants may cause heritable mutation. Further research is required to confirm these results, and to evaluate the potential risk to humans exposed to particulate air pollution," AFP cited the study authors as saying.

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Scientists Boost Calcium Content in Carrots

American scientists have genetically engineered carrots that provide about 41 percent more calcium than current carrots. The researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas hope that eating this kind of carrot as part of a normal diet may help prevent osteoporosis and other bone conditions, BBC News reported.

An altered gene enables calcium to cross more easily over membranes in the carrots, which still have to undergo numerous safety trials.

"These carrots were grown in carefully monitored and controlled environments. Much more research needs to be conducted before this would be available to consumers," said team member Professor Kendal Hirschi, BBC News reported.

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

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Supreme Court Won't Review Drug Ruling on Terminally Ill Patients

The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday that it will not review a ruling that terminally ill patients don't have a constitutional right to be treated with experimental drugs, the Associated Press reported.

Last year, a federal appeals court supported Food and Drug Administration policy by ruling that the U.S. government may deny access to drugs that haven't been rigorously tested and approved by the FDA, a process that can take years.

In 2003, the FDA was sued by the Abigail Alliance for Better Access to Developmental Drugs and the Washington Legal Foundation. The groups launched the legal action in an attempt to force the FDA to allow terminally ill patients access to drugs that have undergone preliminary safety testing but haven't been approved by the FDA.

The Abigail Alliance said it was seeking the "right for terminally ill patients with no remaining treatment options to fight for their own lives."

In its decision Monday, the Supreme Court did not explain its decision to reject a review of the appeals court ruling, the AP reported.

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Officials Testing for Possible Bird Flu Outbreak in India

Health officials in India are concerned there may be a possible major bird-flu outbreak after nearly 20,000 chickens died in the past week, Agence France-Presse reported.

Samples from the dead birds have been sent to a laboratory to determine if the H5N1 bird flu virus killed the chickens at the farms in an eastern district of West Bengal state.

"The dead birds showed the flu symptoms," said S.K. Bhowmic, the chief medical officer in the affected district.

West Bengal animal resources development minister Anisur Rehman said preliminary test results suggest bird flu caused the chicken deaths. A final report on test results is expected to be released later on Monday, AFP reported.

In August 2006, India declared itself free of bird flu. But there was an outbreak of bird flu among poultry in India in July 2007.

Since it first appeared in 2003, the H5N1 virus has killed more than 200 people worldwide. Health experts are worried that the virus could mutate, making it easier to transmit among humans, leading to a possible pandemic.

Health Tips for January 16

Health Tip: After a Car Accident

Traffic accidents often cause more than physical injuries -- they can also cause emotional and mental trauma.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to prepare your mind and body for a return to the road:

* Take care of your physical injuries -- see your doctor about any post-accident pain.
* As long as your injuries permit, try to get some exercise. Speak to your doctor about setting limits.
* Talk about the experience with your friends and family. This may help you better deal with post-accident anxiety.
* Resume your old routine and daily activities.
* Teach yourself to become a more defensive driver. Always wear a seat belt, and practice good driving habits.

Health Tip: Stay Safe on the Stairs

It's relatively easy for seniors to slip on stairs and hurt themselves, so it's important to take precautions to prevent falls.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Install light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs, or add motion-sensitive lights to the area.
* Make sure the entire stairway is well lit, and keep a flashlight in a drawer nearby.
* Put up a handrail on each side of the stairs.
* Keep stairs free of clutter and objects.
* For wood stairs, add a non-slip surface. For carpeted stairs, avoid dark or very thick carpeting that may be difficult to see.
* Keep boards or carpeting on stairs in good shape and tightly secured.

Health Headlines - January 15

Supreme Court Won't Review Drug Ruling on Terminally Ill Patients

The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday that it will not review a ruling that terminally ill patients don't have a constitutional right to be treated with experimental drugs, the Associated Press reported.

Last year, a federal appeals court supported Food and Drug Administration policy by ruling that the U.S. government may deny access to drugs that haven't been rigorously tested and approved by the FDA, a process that can take years.

In 2003, the FDA was sued by the Abigail Alliance for Better Access to Developmental Drugs and the Washington Legal Foundation. The groups launched the legal action in an attempt to force the FDA to allow terminally ill patients access to drugs that have undergone preliminary safety testing but haven't been approved by the FDA.

The Abigail Alliance said it was seeking the "right for terminally ill patients with no remaining treatment options to fight for their own lives."

In its decision Monday, the Supreme Court did not explain its decision to reject a review of the appeals court ruling, the AP reported.

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Officials Testing for Possible Bird Flu Outbreak in India

Health officials in India are concerned there may be a possible major bird-flu outbreak after nearly 20,000 chickens died in the past week, Agence France-Presse reported.

Samples from the dead birds have been sent to a laboratory to determine if the H5N1 bird flu virus killed the chickens at the farms in an eastern district of West Bengal state.

"The dead birds showed the flu symptoms," said S.K. Bhowmic, the chief medical officer in the affected district.

West Bengal animal resources development minister Anisur Rehman said preliminary test results suggest bird flu caused the chicken deaths. A final report on test results is expected to be released later on Monday, AFP reported.

In August 2006, India declared itself free of bird flu. But there was an outbreak of bird flu among poultry in India in July 2007.

Since it first appeared in 2003, the H5N1 virus has killed more than 200 people worldwide. Health experts are worried that the virus could mutate, making it easier to transmit among humans, leading to a possible pandemic.

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British PM Backs Controversial Organ Donor Program

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is supporting a proposal that would allow doctors to remove organs shortly after a person has died unless there had been an explicit objection made by the patient before his or her death or by family members.

This innovative legal change could eventually presume that anyone in the United Kingdom who had not previously opted out of a national registry would be a posthumous organ donor, the London Sunday Telegraph reported.

Brown wrote an opinion piece in the newspaper explaining his position. "A system of this kind seems to have the potential to close the aching gap between the potential benefits of transplant surgery in the UK and the limits imposed by our current system of consent," he wrote.

The presumption provision is not part of the initial program, the Telegraph reported. Instead, the British government will immediately begin a rating program of hospitals for the number of dying patients they "convert" into donors and for doctors who identify potential donors.

The provision has drawn strong criticism from patient-rights groups. "They call it presumed consent, but it is no consent at all," the newspaper quoted Joyce Robin from the watchdog organization Patient Concern as saying. "They are relying on inertia and ignorance to get the results that they want."

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'Lethargic' Roundworm May Hold Key to Human Sleep Needs

The humble roundworm C. elegans, used in thousands of laboratory experiments, may some day help humans understand and control their sleep patterns.

A team of University of Pennsylvania scientists has found that C. elegans is the perfect model to identify a gene that regulates sleep. The gene is controlled by a small molecule called cyclic GMP, according to a university press release. Cyclic GMP had not been previously thought to play a role in regulating sleep, the researchers said.

However, the findings, reported in the advanced online edition of the journal Nature, suggest that cyclic GMP may play a role in regulating human sleep and may even be used to help develop new drugs for sleep disorders.

The roundworm has a quiet state during its development called lethargus that is very much like sleep, first study author Dr. David Raizen said in the news release. "Just as humans are less responsive during sleep, so is the worm during lethargus," Raizen said. "And, just as humans fall asleep faster and sleep deeper following sleep deprivation, so does the worm."

An important finding, Raizen's team reported, is that during the lethargus state, neural changes occur that allow the worm's nervous system to develop. This is the same process as found in mammals, the researchers reported.

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Food From Cloned Animals OK for Humans, European Agency Says

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to issue an opinion as to whether certain foods from cloned animals are safe to consume, the agency that regulates food in Europe has issued a preliminary report saying that the food is probably safe.

According to the Associated Press, the European Union's Food Safety Authority issued a 47-page report, concluding that while meat and milk from cloned animals is probably safe, there was "only limited data available" on the whole issue of cloning animals. Further consultation with scientists was urged by the safety agency.

The FDA is expected to give its ruling on cloned foods sometime this month, and preliminary information from the agency indicates it, too, will approve their sale. But a 2006 nationwide poll found that more than 64 percent of Americans were not comfortable with the whole issue of animal cloning, the AP reported.

"Based on current knowledge, there is no expectation that clones or their progeny would introduce any new food safety risks compared with conventionally bred animals," the wire service quoted the European Union preliminary report as saying.

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Informed Consent Knowledge Tested for Clinical Trials Participants

Medical and scientific field testing for topics other than medical research can be just as effective in drawing conclusions and developing new methods, according to a Johns Hopkins study.

"Many clinical researchers believe that the informed consent process and documents need to be better and that people often consent without understanding that the research is not intended to benefit them personally," said Dr. Jeremy Sugarman, professor of bioethics and medicine at the Berman Institute of Bioethics at the Johns Hopkins University.

Actually, it was the development of something that didn't work that allowed the research team to identify ways to improve the informed consent process. The scientists had created a questionnaire for U.S. military veterans being treated for a variety of ailments.

But when the researchers examined results of the questionnaire answers, they found that the questionnaire did nothing to improve informed consent.

A significant number of patients did not fully understand the purpose of the research, according to a Johns Hopkins news release, and many of them didn't understand that agreeing to take part in a clinical trial was voluntary.

The researchers will develop new informed consent methods based on the original research. "This study shows that we can do rigorous clinical testing of informed consent, just like we can do rigorous testing of drugs in clinical trials," Sugarman said in the news release.

Health Tips for January 15

Health Tip: Cell Phone Safety

Cell phone use is a common cause of accidents while driving. In some states, it's illegal for a driver to use a cell phone without a hands-free device.

The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department offers these safety suggestions to help reduce accidents caused by cell phone use:

* Use a hands-free accessory whenever possible.
* Don't risk an accident trying to reach your phone. Store it in an accessible place, but don't answer it if you can't reach for it safely.
* Memorize your keypad, speed dial and other functions so that you can pay attention to the road while using your phone.
* Don't talk on your phone while driving through construction zones, heavy traffic, bad weather or other situations that require your full attention.
* Plan your calls around your trip. Call once you're safely in your lane on the interstate, rather than making a call as you're trying to merge into traffic.

Health Tip: Use a Child-Safety Gate

Safety gates are an important way to prevent injuries among children in the home.

Here are guidelines for how to choose a safety gate, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:

* Choose a gate that is securely mounted to the door frame with hardware, and that doesn't leave any openings to pinch little fingers.
* Be careful with gates that use pressure or tension to keep them secured in a doorway. Never place this type of gate in front of stairs, as it may be more easily removed by children.
* Make sure that the bar on pressure gates is on the side away from the child's access.
* Leave no more than 2 inches at the bottom of the gate to prevent a child from trying to slide underneath.
* Choose a gate that is difficult to climb on or over.
* Only use gates that are safety approved and certified, and have no sharp or dangerous parts that could hurt a child.

Health Headlines - January 14

British PM Backs Controversial Organ Donor Program

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is supporting a proposal that would allow doctors to remove organs shortly after a person has died unless there had been an explicit objection made by the patient before his or her death or by family members.

This innovative legal change could eventually presume that anyone in the United Kingdom who had not previously opted out of a national registry would be a posthumous organ donor, the London Sunday Telegraph reports.

Brown wrote an opinion piece in the newspaper explaining his position. "A system of this kind seems to have the potential to close the aching gap between the potential benefits of transplant surgery in the UK and the limits imposed by our current system of consent," Mr Brown wrote.

The presumption provision is not part of the initial program, the Telegraph reports. Instead, the British government will immediately begin a rating program of hospitals for the number of dying patients they "convert" into donors and for doctors who identify potential donors.

The provision has drawn strong criticism from patient rights groups. "They call it presumed consent, but it is no consent at all," the newspaper quotes Joyce Robin from the watchdog organization Patient Concern as saying. "They are relying on inertia and ignorance to get the results that they want."

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'Lethargic' Roundworm May Hold Key to Human Sleep Needs

The humble roundworm C. elegans, used in thousands of laboratory experiments, may some day help humans understand and control their sleep patterns.

A team of University of Pennsylvania scientists has found that C. elegans is the perfect model to identify a gene that regulates sleep. The gene is controlled by a small molecule called cyclic GMP, according to a university press release. Cyclic GMP had not been previously thought to play a role in regulating sleep, the researchers said.

However, the findings, reported in the advanced online edition of the journal Nature, suggest that cyclic GMP may play a role in regulating human sleep and may even be used to help develop new drugs for sleep disorders.

The roundworm has a quiet state during its development called lethargus that is very much like sleep, first author Dr. David Raizen says in the news release. "Just as humans are less responsive during sleep, so is the worm during lethargus," says Raizen. "And, just as humans fall asleep faster and sleep deeper following sleep deprivation, so does the worm."

An important finding, Raizen's team reports, is that during the lethargus state, neural changes occur that allow the worm's nervous system to develop. This is the same process as found in mammals, the researchers report.

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Food From Cloned Animals OK for Humans, European Agency Says

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to issue an opinion as to whether certain foods from cloned animals are safe to consume, the agency that regulates food in Europe has issued a preliminary report saying that the food is probably safe.

According to the Associated Press, the European Union's Food Safety Authority issued a 47-page report, concluding that while meat and milk from cloned animals is probably safe, there was "only limited data available" on the whole issue of cloning animals. Further consultation with scientists was urged by the safety agency.

The FDA is expected to give its ruling on cloned foods sometime this month, and preliminary information from the agency indicates it, too, will approve their sale. But a 2006 nationwide poll found that more than 64 percent of Americans were not comfortable with the whole issue of animal cloning, the A.P. reports.

"Based on current knowledge, there is no expectation that clones or their progeny would introduce any new food safety risks compared with conventionally bred animals," the wire service quotes the European Union preliminary report as saying.

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Informed Consent Knowledge Tested for Clinical Trials Participants

Medical and scientific field testing for topics other than medical research can be just as effective in drawing conclusions and developing new methods, according to a Johns Hopkins study.

"Many clinical researchers believe that the informed consent process and documents need to be better and that people often consent without understanding that the research is not intended to benefit them personally," says Dr. Jeremy Sugarman, professor of bioethics and medicine at the Berman Institute of Bioethics at The Johns Hopkins University.

Actually, it was the development of something that didn't work that allowed the research team to identify ways to improve the informed consent process. The scientists had created a questionnaire for U.S. military veterans being treated for a variety of ailments.

But when the researchers examined results of the questionnaire answers, they found that that the questionnaire did nothing to improve informed consent.

A significant number of patients did not fully understand the purpose of the research, according to a Johns Hopkins news release, and many of them didn't understand that agreeing to take part in a clinical trial was voluntary.

The researchers will develop new informed consent methods based on the original research. "This study shows that we can do rigorous clinical testing of informed consent, just like we can do rigorous testing of drugs in clinical trials," Sugarman says in the news release.

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Canned Beans Recalled Over Botulism Concerns

New Era Canning Co. of New Era, Mich. is recalling cans of Mexican style chili beans, green beans, and dark red kidney beans that may not have been adequately cooked and have the potential for growth of Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The recall covers the following products:

• GFS brand Fancy Mexican Style Chili Beans in 6 lb. 12 oz. cans with lot number 00249 5AJ6LC with a 4-digit time stamp number ranging from 2113 through 2235 printed on the end of the can after the lot number.
• Kitchen brand Blue Lake Mixed Cut Green Beans in 6 lb. 6 oz. cans with lot number 00249 6FG5GA printed on the end of the cans. They were not sold at retail stores, but were distributed to a Michigan restaurant.
• Great Value brand Dark Red Kidney Beans in 15.5 oz cans with lot number 00249 CKJ6LD printed on the end of the can. They were sold at Wal-Mart stores in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

The company and the FDA are not aware of any illnesses related to these products. Botulism, a potentially deadly form of food poisoning, may have symptoms such as: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, abdominal distention and constipation.

-----

FDA Approves New Blood-Typing Tests

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it's approved 14 new tests for determining a person's blood type, a process that's essential to a safe blood supply and safe transfusions.

Mismatched transfused blood can cause serious, potentially fatal reactions.

"These 14 new tests will provide blood establishments and transfusion services with additional choices to help assure safe, well-matched transfusions," Dr. Jesse L. Goodman, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared statement. "The tests offer a broader diversity of reliable blood-typing tests and will help protect against product shortages."

The Olympus PK System Blood Group and Phenotyping Reagents use monoclonal antibodies to test for the A, B, O and Rh factors, as well as for other factors that signify rarer blood types.

The tests are manufactured by a French company, DIAGAST.

Health Tips for January 14

Health Tip: Postpartum Depression

Depression that follows the birth of a baby is common, as new moms are overwhelmed by the changes in their bodies and routines.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers this list of reasons for why postpartum depression affects some new mothers:

* New moms can suffer from lack of sleep after the baby's birth, which can lead to fatigue, stress and depression.
* New moms can feel overwhelmed by all of the new things to do, and by other changes in their lives. They may even feel unsure of their parenting skills.
* New moms may set unrealistic expectations for themselves.
* New moms have less time for themselves, with their partners, and less time to do what they want.

Health Tip: When Teens Are Depressed

Every teen has occasional bouts with bad moods.

But when these feelings become debilitating or last for weeks or months, they could be a sign of depression.

Helpguide.org says the most important thing teens can do is talk to others about what they're going through. The group offers these suggestions:

* Talk to friends, school counselors, parents, family, or teachers about your feelings.
* If school, grades, or exams are contributing to depression, talk to your teachers and guidance counselors for support.
* If you're worried about being pregnant, talk to your doctor or a family planning clinic.
* Stay busy, and surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself. Avoid people involved with drugs and alcohol.
* Talk to your doctor about whether medication and counseling are appropriate options.

Health Headlines - January 13

Food From Cloned Animals OK for Humans, European Agency Says

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to issue an opinion as to whether certain foods from cloned animals are safe to consume, the agency that regulates food in Europe has issued a preliminary report saying that the food is probably safe.

According to the Associated Press, the European Union's Food Safety Authority issued a 47-page report, concluding that while meat and milk from cloned animals is probably safe, there was "only limited data available" on the whole issue of cloning animals. Further consultation with scientists was urged by the safety agency.

The FDA is expected to give its ruling on cloned foods sometime this month, and preliminary information from the agency indicates it, too, will approve their sale. But a 2006 nationwide poll found that more than 64 percent of Americans were not comfortable with the whole issue of animal cloning, the A.P. reports.

"Based on current knowledge, there is no expectation that clones or their progeny would introduce any new food safety risks compared with conventionally bred animals," the wire service quotes the European Union preliminary report as saying.

-----

Informed Consent Knowledge Tested for Clinical Trials Participants

Medical and scientific field testing for topics other than medical research can be just as effective in drawing conclusions and developing new methods, according to a Johns Hopkins study.

"Many clinical researchers believe that the informed consent process and documents need to be better and that people often consent without understanding that the research is not intended to benefit them personally," says Dr. Jeremy Sugarman, professor of bioethics and medicine at the Berman Institute of Bioethics at The Johns Hopkins University.

Actually, it was the development of something that didn't work that allowed the research team to identify ways to improve the informed consent process. The scientists had created a questionnaire for U.S. military veterans being treated for a variety of ailments.

But when the researchers examined results of the questionnaire answers, they found that that the questionnaire did nothing to improve informed consent.

A significant number of patients did not fully understand the purpose of the research, according to a Johns Hopkins news release, and many of them didn't understand that agreeing to take part in a clinical trial was voluntary.

The researchers will develop new informed consent methods based on the original research. "This study shows that we can do rigorous clinical testing of informed consent, just like we can do rigorous testing of drugs in clinical trials," Sugarman says in the news release.

-----

Canned Beans Recalled Over Botulism Concerns

New Era Canning Co. of New Era, Mich. is recalling cans of Mexican style chili beans, green beans, and dark red kidney beans that may not have been adequately cooked and have the potential for growth of Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The recall covers the following products:

• GFS brand Fancy Mexican Style Chili Beans in 6 lb. 12 oz. cans with lot number 00249 5AJ6LC with a 4-digit time stamp number ranging from 2113 through 2235 printed on the end of the can after the lot number.
• Kitchen brand Blue Lake Mixed Cut Green Beans in 6 lb. 6 oz. cans with lot number 00249 6FG5GA printed on the end of the cans. They were not sold at retail stores, but were distributed to a Michigan restaurant.
• Great Value brand Dark Red Kidney Beans in 15.5 oz cans with lot number 00249 CKJ6LD printed on the end of the can. They were sold at Wal-Mart stores in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

The company and the FDA are not aware of any illnesses related to these products. Botulism, a potentially deadly form of food poisoning, may have symptoms such as: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, abdominal distention and constipation.

-----

FDA Approves New Blood-Typing Tests

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it's approved 14 new tests for determining a person's blood type, a process that's essential to a safe blood supply and safe transfusions.

Mismatched transfused blood can cause serious, potentially fatal reactions.

"These 14 new tests will provide blood establishments and transfusion services with additional choices to help assure safe, well-matched transfusions," Dr. Jesse L. Goodman, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared statement. "The tests offer a broader diversity of reliable blood-typing tests and will help protect against product shortages."

The Olympus PK System Blood Group and Phenotyping Reagents use monoclonal antibodies to test for the A, B, O and Rh factors, as well as for other factors that signify rarer blood types.

The tests are manufactured by a French company, DIAGAST.

-----

High Lead Levels Prompt Recall of Tinker Bell Lamps

About 60,000 children's novelty lamps have been recalled because surface paint on the lamps contains excessive amounts of lead, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday. The Tinker Bell lamps, made in Hong Kong and distributed by Kash N' Gold Ltd. of Deer Park, N.Y., include a sculpted Tinker Bell figure in a flower garden. An animation of Tinker Bell swaying back and forth while music plays is begun when the light switch or demo button is pressed. The lamps were sold at electronics and appliance stores across the United States from January 2007 through October 2007 for about $40. Consumers with these lamps should stop using them and return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

-----

New Method of Creating Embryonic Stem Cells Devised

U.S. scientists say they've created a number of colonies of human embryonic stem cells without harming embryos from which cells were taken, the Washington Post reported.

The scientists extracted a single cell from the embryo (which in-vitro fertilization clinics do when they test for genetic defects) and introduced a molecule called laminin to keep it in a stem cell state.

The research, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, is the latest in series of advances that may hasten development of stem cell therapies for a number of diseases, the Post reported.

Since this new method doesn't harm the embryo, it should be eligible for U.S. government funding, said study leader Robert Lanza, chief scientific officer at Advance Cell Technology in Massachusetts.

Health Tips for January 13

Health Tip: Swollen Gums Can Signal Poor Health

Swollen gums are a symptom of problems ranging from poor hygiene to a serious health problem such as lack of vitamin C (scurvy). If you discover that you have swollen gums, speak to your doctor or dentist about determining a cause.

Here are possible explanations for swollen gums, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Viral or fungal infection.
* Gingivitis.
* Ill-fitting dentures.
* Reaction or sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash.
* Side effect of medications.
* Poor nutrition or malnourishment.
* Scurvy.
* Pregnancy.

Health Tip: Sterilize Your Child's Toys

Children's toys can harbor plenty of bacteria and viruses. To reduce the spread of illness, children's toys should be regularly disinfected.

To disinfect washable, color-safe toys, the Mississippi Department of Health says you should wash them thoroughly in warm, soapy water. Then fully rinse the toys of the soap-and-water solution.

Next, soak the toys for five minutes in a solution of 3/4 of bleach diluted in one gallon of water. Be sure to rinse the toys thoroughly, then dry.

Health Headlines - January 12

Canned Beans Recalled Over Botulism Concerns

New Era Canning Co. of New Era, Mich. is recalling cans of Mexican style chili beans, green beans, and dark red kidney beans that may not have been adequately cooked and have the potential for growth of Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The recall covers the following products:

• GFS brand Fancy Mexican Style Chili Beans in 6 lb. 12 oz. cans with lot number 00249 5AJ6LC with a 4-digit time stamp number ranging from 2113 through 2235 printed on the end of the can after the lot number.
• Kitchen brand Blue Lake Mixed Cut Green Beans in 6 lb. 6 oz. cans with lot number 00249 6FG5GA printed on the end of the cans. They were not sold at retail stores, but were distributed to a Michigan restaurant.
• Great Value brand Dark Red Kidney Beans in 15.5 oz cans with lot number 00249 CKJ6LD printed on the end of the can. They were sold at Wal-Mart stores in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

The company and the FDA are not aware of any illnesses related to these products. Botulism, a potentially deadly form of food poisoning, may have symptoms such as: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, abdominal distention and constipation.

-----

FDA Approves New Blood-Typing Tests

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it's approved 14 new tests for determining a person's blood type, a process that's essential to a safe blood supply and safe transfusions.

Mismatched transfused blood can cause serious, potentially fatal reactions.

"These 14 new tests will provide blood establishments and transfusion services with additional choices to help assure safe, well-matched transfusions," Dr. Jesse L. Goodman, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared statement. "The tests offer a broader diversity of reliable blood-typing tests and will help protect against product shortages."

The Olympus PK System Blood Group and Phenotyping Reagents use monoclonal antibodies to test for the A, B, O and Rh factors, as well as for other factors that signify rarer blood types.

The tests are manufactured by a French company, DIAGAST.

-----

High Lead Levels Prompt Recall of Tinker Bell Lamps

About 60,000 children's novelty lamps have been recalled because surface paint on the lamps contains excessive amounts of lead, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday. The Tinker Bell lamps, made in Hong Kong and distributed by Kash N' Gold Ltd. of Deer Park, N.Y., include a sculpted Tinker Bell figure in a flower garden. An animation of Tinker Bell swaying back and forth while music plays is begun when the light switch or demo button is pressed. The lamps were sold at electronics and appliance stores across the United States from January 2007 through October 2007 for about $40. Consumers with these lamps should stop using them and return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

-----

New Method of Creating Embryonic Stem Cells Devised

U.S. scientists say they've created a number of colonies of human embryonic stem cells without harming embryos from which cells were taken, the Washington Post reported.

The scientists extracted a single cell from the embryo (which in-vitro fertilization clinics do when they test for genetic defects) and introduced a molecule called laminin to keep it in a stem cell state.

The research, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, is the latest in series of advances that may hasten development of stem cell therapies for a number of diseases, the Post reported.

Since this new method doesn't harm the embryo, it should be eligible for U.S. government funding, said study leader Robert Lanza, chief scientific officer at Advance Cell Technology in Massachusetts.

-----

Saliva Test May Detect Breast Cancer

A saliva test that may provide early warning of breast cancer is being developed by University of Texas researchers, BBC News reported.

Researchers looked at saliva samples from 30 women and identified 49 proteins that differentiated between women who had breast cancer and those free of the disease.

These proteins may also be able to help identify tumors that are malignant or benign, BBC News reported.

Because the test is simple, it could be used at the physician's or dentist's office for a quick cancer check, the researchers said. The study was published in the Jan. 10 issue of the journal Cancer Investigation.

The researchers are planning clinical trials of the saliva test prototype, and are also investigating the use of saliva to detect other cancers, including cervical cancer.

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Cholesterol May Help Build Muscle

Low cholesterol levels may good for your heart, but cholesterol levels that are too low may negate exercise-related muscle gain, says a Texas A&M University study of 50 men and women, ages 60 to 69.

Participants took part in a 12-week exercise program that included stretching, riding a stationary bike and weightlifting. They all ate similar meals, CBC News reported.

The most impressive gains in muscle strength occurred in those with the highest cholesterol levels, rather than those with the lowest levels.

The study authors said cholesterol may play an important role in muscle tissue repair, which is critical in building muscle mass, CBC News reported.

"As you exercise, your muscles can become sore because they are rebuilding muscle mass. More cholesterol may result in a more robust inflammatory response. We know that inflammation in some areas, such as near the heart, is not good, but for building muscles it may be beneficial, and cholesterol appears to aid in this process," lead investigator Steven Riechman, assistant professor of health and kineisiology at Texas A&M, said in a prepared statement.

The study was published in the Journal of Gerontology.

Health Tips for January 12

Health Tip: What's Involved in a Sneeze

Sneezing, also called sternutation, is your body's way of getting something irritating out of your nose.

When the inside of your nose gets a tickle, a message is sent to the part of your brain called the sneeze center. The sneeze center sends a message to all the muscles that have to work together to create the sneeze. Those include the abdominal muscles, chest muscles, diaphragm, the muscles that control your vocal cords, muscles in the back of your throat, and your eyelid muscles. It's impossible to keep your eyes open when you sneeze.

The sneeze center makes all these muscles work in just the right order, to send that irritating particle out of your nose -- at speeds up to 100 mph, according to the Nemours Center for Children's Health Media.

About one of every three people sneezes when exposed to bright light; they are called photic sneezers. If you are a photic sneezer, you got it from one of your parents, since it is an inherited trait.

Health Tip: Working and Breast-feeding

It's often a challenge when breast-feeding moms must return to their jobs.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help make the transition easier:

* If you know you'll be heading back to work eventually, start offering your baby a bottle for some feedings when the infant is about 3-4 weeks old.
* Buy a breast pump and start pumping and freezing a supply of milk about two weeks before you go back to work. It's OK to supplement your breast milk with formula if you can't build up enough of a supply.
* Try to pump every two or three hours during the day. Or do so once a day and supplement with a bottle of formula.
* Nurse your baby right before you leave in the morning, and as soon as you get home at night. If possible, also try to work in a lunchtime nursing.