Health Headlines - January 23

FDA Proposes Tougher Safety Measures for External Defibrillators

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

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

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

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

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House Republicans Outline Health-Care Objectives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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World Leaders to Discuss Junk Food Ads

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

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

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

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

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FDA Reports Post-Flu Vaccine Seizures in Young Children

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

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

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

-----

Woman Regains Speech After Larynx Transplant

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for January 23

Health Tip: Enjoying Tummy Time

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

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

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

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

Health Tip: Playtime Is Important

Playtime is more than a source of amusement for kids and their parents. It teaches toddlers social skills, how to pay attention and to use their imagination, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.

It's important to offer your child time and toys to help promote growth and development, the AAP advises.

Create a play space that's safe for your child, the group says. It should be a place where your child can play freely without the risk of injury, and where you can easily keep an eye on your child.

Even simple toys can encourage imagination and wonder. Examples include blocks, crayons, plastic dishware, and pots and pans.

And don't forget to include activities outside the home, such as a story hour at the local library, a trip to the playground, or a playgroup at the nearby YMCA.

Health Headlines - January 22

FDA Proposes Tougher Safety Measures for External Defibrillators

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

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

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

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

-----

House Republicans Outline Health-Care Objectives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-----

World Leaders to Discuss Junk Food Ads

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

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

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

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

-----

FDA Reports Post-Flu Vaccine Seizures in Young Children

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

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

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

-----

Woman Regains Speech After Larynx Transplant

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for January 22

Health Tip: Protect Against Peanut Reactions

If your child is allergic to peanuts or nuts, strict precautions can help prevent a life-threatening reaction.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions:

• Ban nuts from your home, or take precautions to avoid cross-contamination of foods.
• Avoid serving your child meals that you didn't make, or meals for which you haven't seen a complete ingredient list.
• Talk to all food service people in a restaurant about the nut allergy. Before you eat, make sure they're confident they can avoid cross-contamination.
• Prepare your child's snacks and meals for school, and for outings with friends.
• Have the child or caregiver carry an epinephrine pen. Prepare an action plan, in the event of anaphylaxis, for your child's teachers, principal or day-care workers.

Health Tip: Know the Warning Signs of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction to a food, medication, material (such as latex) or insect sting. It could be life-threatening, and requires immediate medical attention.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology says common warning signs of anaphylaxis include:

• A red rash that's usually itchy and has welts.
• Swelling of the throat or other parts of the body.
• Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
• Tightness in the chest.
• A hoarse voice.
• Losing consciousness.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Diarrhea, stomach cramps or vomiting.
• Red or pale skin color.

Health Headlines - January 21

Rep. Giffords Ready to Start Rehab on Friday: Reports

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, shot in the head on Jan. 8 in Tucson, will enter a rehabilitation center in Houston on Friday.

Giffords' parents, Gloria and Spencer Giffords, emailed the information to relatives and friends, telling them medical experts "want to start aggressive rehab immediately," according to published news reports.

The facility, the Institute for Rehabilitation and Research at Memorial Hermann hospital, specializes in brain injuries, ABC affiliate KTRK-TV reported.

"There is a team of medical specialists involved...including military surgeons who specialize in bullet wounds to the head," the email says.

Giffords, now a patient at University Medical Center in Tucson, makes progress daily "and shows higher levels of comprehension and complex actions," the email message reportedly said. She flipped through photos on her husband's iPhone, and was able to untie his tie when he returned from a memorial service for her aide who was killed in the attack, ABC said.

The Democratic congresswoman has also read get-well cards sent by school children, the email said.

----

Follow-Up to House Repeal of Health Care Law Uncertain

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to repeal President Barack Obama's health care reform law, but what happens now is uncertain.

Many experts believe the vote is as far as the Republicans can go in their attempt to abolish the law. That's because the Democrats who control the Senate say they will block any repeal efforts and President Obama has vowed to use his veto power should a bill to repeal come to his desk for his signature.

It would likely require 60 Senate votes to overturn the law and the Republicans have only 47 Senate votes.

However, House Republicans have said they can find ways to withhold money required to carry out the law, which would provide health coverage to more than 30 million uninsured people, the Associated Press reported.

Democrats note that the law is already giving millions of Americans benefits, such as lower prescription prices for Medicare recipients with high drug costs and extended coverage for young adults on their parents' insurance plan.

The outcome of the Republicans' repeal effort depends on the type of replacement legislation they offer, according to Rep. Chris Gibson (R-N.Y), the AP reported. If the public supports it, Democrats in the Senate may give it serious consideration, he suggested.

That's easier said than done, according to Democrats.

On Thursday, the House is expected to vote to instruct committees to draft health care legislation that includes Republican priorities such as stricter language barring taxpayer funding for abortions and limits on medical malpractice awards, the APreported.

A previous Republican bill offered as an alternative to the new law would have provided insurance coverage to only a fraction of the Americans reached by the Democrat's legislation.

But Republicans contend that a modest, step-by-step approach to health reform may be more sustainable in the long run than the current large-scale effort, the APreported.

-----

FDA to Update Medical-Device Approval Process

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to implement modest changes to the way it approves most medical devices.

The agency, under fire from safety advocates for allowing devices such as heart pacemakers to get to market with little scrutiny, said it will adopt some new measures starting in March, the Associated Press reported. The current system was adopted in 1976.

The FDA intends to simplify the approval process for devices posing little risk, but will postpone acting on proposals that would give the FDA broader power over devices and create a sub-category of devices requiring additional medical data, the AP said.

Those two proposals drew a storm of opposition from industry lobbyists when they were announced last summer, and health advocates say the FDA caved to pressure.

"Today's FDA report gives the impression that FDA backed down on several safeguards as a result of unfavorable comments," Dr. Diana Zuckerman, of the National Research Center for Women and Families, said in a statement Wednesday. "FDA decisions should not be based on a popularity contest, especially since lobbyists rig the results."

The FDA said it was waiting for an opinion from the Institute of Medicine, which advises the agency on policy guidelines, before deciding on the major changes.

-----

Medicaid Patient Hospitalizations Rise More Than Privately-Insured

Hospital admissions of Medicaid patients rose 30 percent between 1997 and 2008, compared with 27 percent for uninsured patients and five percent for patients with private health insurance, says a U.S. government report released Wednesday.

The number of hospital admissions for Medicaid patients increased from 5.6 million in 1997 to 7.4 million in 2008, compared to an increase of 1.7 million to 2.1 million for uninsured patients and an increase of 13.4 million to 14.1 million for those with private insurance.

During the study period, a hospital's average cost for a Medicaid patient stay rose 11 percent, compared with 26 percent for an uninsured patient and 34 percent for a privately-insured patients, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The average cost for a Medicaid patient's hospital stay in 2008 was $6,900 and the cost for an uninsured patient was about the same, compared to $8,400 for a privately-insured patient.

Among the other findings:

• In 2008, Medicaid patient stays cost hospitals about $51 billion, compared to $16 billion for uninsured patients and $117 billion for privately-insured patients.
• Medicaid was the primary payer for nearly one in five (18 percent) of the nearly 40 million hospital stays in 2008.
• Maternity-related and newborn infant care accounted for half of all Medicaid patient hospital stays, compared with one-fifth of uninsured patient stays and one-third of privately-insured patient stays.

-----

Statins May Not Benefit Healthy People: Study

Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may not provide any benefit to healthy people, say researchers who reviewed the results of 14 clinical trials.

The team concluded that while statins reduce death rates, there is no evidence to justify their use in people who have a low risk of developing heart disease, BBC News reported.

The study appears in the journal The Cochrane Library.

"The decision to prescribe statins (for healthy people) should not be taken lightly," Amy Thompson, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, told BBC News.

"This systematic review echoes what we already know -- that statins have huge benefits for people with heart and circulatory disease, or those who are at high risk as they help to reduce the risk of heart disease including heart attacks," she said. "It is still unclear whether statins provide any real benefits for people without heart and circulatory disease and who are at low risk of developing it."

-----

Antioxidants May Help Male Fertility: Study

Antioxidants may boost a man's fertility, according to researchers.

They reviewed data from 34 clinical trials involving more than 1,000 couples at fertility clinics. Most of the men in the couples had low sperm counts, BBC Newsreported.

The couples were more likely to have a pregnancy or live birth if the man took antioxidants, which include certain vitamins and minerals.

The findings appear in the journal The Cochrane Library.

The research is "encouraging" but more research is required, Dr. Allan Pacey, a senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield in the U.K., told BBC News.

He noted that antioxidant therapy is unlikely to increase the amount of sperm produced by a man and could not therefore help with all cases of male infertility.

-----

Journal Lax With Complaints About Vaccine-Autism Study: Report

Complaints about a study that linked childhood vaccines to autism led to only a cursory investigation by the journal that published the study, according to an article published Tuesday by the British Medical Journal.

The now-retracted 1998 study was written by Dr. Andrew Wakefield and colleagues and published in The Lancet. After complaints about Wakefield's research surfaced in 2004, the authors reaffirmed their findings, CNN reported.

However, the investigation into how the study was conducted was led by the editor of The Lancet and involved "no formal investigation" of the allegations about Wakefield's research, says the article in the BMJ.

"In short, the accused were investigating themselves," according to the BMJ article,CNN reported.

In January, 2010, Britain's General Medical Council ruled that the way Wakefield conducted his research was dishonest and irresponsible. His study was retracted one month later by The Lancet.

The editors of The Lancet said they "strongly disagree" with the BMJ article and "firmly stand by our actions and decisions," CNN reported.

Health Tips for January 21

Health Tip: Seniors, Focus on Nutrition

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

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

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

Health Tip: Slow Down When You Eat

If you've resolved to lose weight, taking the time to savor your food may be an easy way to help you eat less.

The American Dietetic Association suggests how to eat slower:

• Put down your utensils between each bite.
• Use chopsticks instead of Western utensils.
• Chew your food completely before swallowing.
• Make meal time a social time. Engage in conversation to stretch out the meal and interrupt your eating.

Health Headlines - January 20

Rep. Giffords Ready to Start Rehab on Friday: Reports

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, shot in the head on Jan. 8 in Tucson, will enter a rehabilitation center in Houston on Friday.

Giffords' parents, Gloria and Spencer Giffords, emailed the information to relatives and friends, telling them medical experts "want to start aggressive rehab immediately," according to published news reports.

The facility, the Institute for Rehabilitation and Research at Memorial Hermann hospital, specializes in brain injuries, ABC affiliate KTRK-TV reported.

"There is a team of medical specialists involved...including military surgeons who specialize in bullet wounds to the head," the email says.

Giffords, now a patient at University Medical Center in Tucson, makes progress daily "and shows higher levels of comprehension and complex actions," the email message reportedly said. She flipped through photos on her husband's iPhone, and was able to untie his tie when he returned from a memorial service for her aide who was killed in the attack, ABC said.

The Democratic congresswoman has also read get-well cards sent by school children, the email said.

----

Follow-Up to House Repeal of Health Care Law Uncertain

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to repeal President Barack Obama's health care reform law, but what happens now is uncertain.

Many experts believe the vote is as far as the Republicans can go in their attempt to abolish the law. That's because the Democrats who control the Senate say they will block any repeal efforts and President Obama has vowed to use his veto power should a bill to repeal come to his desk for his signature.

It would likely require 60 Senate votes to overturn the law and the Republicans have only 47 Senate votes.

However, House Republicans have said they can find ways to withhold money required to carry out the law, which would provide health coverage to more than 30 million uninsured people, the Associated Press reported.

Democrats note that the law is already giving millions of Americans benefits, such as lower prescription prices for Medicare recipients with high drug costs and extended coverage for young adults on their parents' insurance plan.

The outcome of the Republicans' repeal effort depends on the type of replacement legislation they offer, according to Rep. Chris Gibson (R-N.Y), the AP reported. If the public supports it, Democrats in the Senate may give it serious consideration, he suggested.

That's easier said than done, according to Democrats.

On Thursday, the House is expected to vote to instruct committees to draft health care legislation that includes Republican priorities such as stricter language barring taxpayer funding for abortions and limits on medical malpractice awards, the APreported.

A previous Republican bill offered as an alternative to the new law would have provided insurance coverage to only a fraction of the Americans reached by the Democrat's legislation.

But Republicans contend that a modest, step-by-step approach to health reform may be more sustainable in the long run than the current large-scale effort, the APreported.

-----

FDA to Update Medical-Device Approval Process

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to implement modest changes to the way it approves most medical devices.

The agency, under fire from safety advocates for allowing devices such as heart pacemakers to get to market with little scrutiny, said it will adopt some new measures starting in March, the Associated Press reported. The current system was adopted in 1976.

The FDA intends to simplify the approval process for devices posing little risk, but will postpone acting on proposals that would give the FDA broader power over devices and create a sub-category of devices requiring additional medical data, the AP said.

Those two proposals drew a storm of opposition from industry lobbyists when they were announced last summer, and health advocates say the FDA caved to pressure.

"Today's FDA report gives the impression that FDA backed down on several safeguards as a result of unfavorable comments," Dr. Diana Zuckerman, of the National Research Center for Women and Families, said in a statement Wednesday. "FDA decisions should not be based on a popularity contest, especially since lobbyists rig the results."

The FDA said it was waiting for an opinion from the Institute of Medicine, which advises the agency on policy guidelines, before deciding on the major changes.

-----

Medicaid Patient Hospitalizations Rise More Than Privately-Insured

Hospital admissions of Medicaid patients rose 30 percent between 1997 and 2008, compared with 27 percent for uninsured patients and five percent for patients with private health insurance, says a U.S. government report released Wednesday.

The number of hospital admissions for Medicaid patients increased from 5.6 million in 1997 to 7.4 million in 2008, compared to an increase of 1.7 million to 2.1 million for uninsured patients and an increase of 13.4 million to 14.1 million for those with private insurance.

During the study period, a hospital's average cost for a Medicaid patient stay rose 11 percent, compared with 26 percent for an uninsured patient and 34 percent for a privately-insured patients, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The average cost for a Medicaid patient's hospital stay in 2008 was $6,900 and the cost for an uninsured patient was about the same, compared to $8,400 for a privately-insured patient.

Among the other findings:

• In 2008, Medicaid patient stays cost hospitals about $51 billion, compared to $16 billion for uninsured patients and $117 billion for privately-insured patients.
• Medicaid was the primary payer for nearly one in five (18 percent) of the nearly 40 million hospital stays in 2008.
• Maternity-related and newborn infant care accounted for half of all Medicaid patient hospital stays, compared with one-fifth of uninsured patient stays and one-third of privately-insured patient stays.

-----

Statins May Not Benefit Healthy People: Study

Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may not provide any benefit to healthy people, say researchers who reviewed the results of 14 clinical trials.

The team concluded that while statins reduce death rates, there is no evidence to justify their use in people who have a low risk of developing heart disease, BBC News reported.

The study appears in the journal The Cochrane Library.

"The decision to prescribe statins (for healthy people) should not be taken lightly," Amy Thompson, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, told BBC News.

"This systematic review echoes what we already know -- that statins have huge benefits for people with heart and circulatory disease, or those who are at high risk as they help to reduce the risk of heart disease including heart attacks," she said. "It is still unclear whether statins provide any real benefits for people without heart and circulatory disease and who are at low risk of developing it."

-----

Antioxidants May Help Male Fertility: Study

Antioxidants may boost a man's fertility, according to researchers.

They reviewed data from 34 clinical trials involving more than 1,000 couples at fertility clinics. Most of the men in the couples had low sperm counts, BBC Newsreported.

The couples were more likely to have a pregnancy or live birth if the man took antioxidants, which include certain vitamins and minerals.

The findings appear in the journal The Cochrane Library.

The research is "encouraging" but more research is required, Dr. Allan Pacey, a senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield in the U.K., told BBC News.

He noted that antioxidant therapy is unlikely to increase the amount of sperm produced by a man and could not therefore help with all cases of male infertility.

-----

Journal Lax With Complaints About Vaccine-Autism Study: Report

Complaints about a study that linked childhood vaccines to autism led to only a cursory investigation by the journal that published the study, according to an article published Tuesday by the British Medical Journal.

The now-retracted 1998 study was written by Dr. Andrew Wakefield and colleagues and published in The Lancet. After complaints about Wakefield's research surfaced in 2004, the authors reaffirmed their findings, CNN reported.

However, the investigation into how the study was conducted was led by the editor of The Lancet and involved "no formal investigation" of the allegations about Wakefield's research, says the article in the BMJ.

"In short, the accused were investigating themselves," according to the BMJ article,CNN reported.

In January, 2010, Britain's General Medical Council ruled that the way Wakefield conducted his research was dishonest and irresponsible. His study was retracted one month later by The Lancet.

The editors of The Lancet said they "strongly disagree" with the BMJ article and "firmly stand by our actions and decisions," CNN reported.

Health Tips for January 20

Health Tip: Kick Up Your Feet

Varicose veins are swollen, bulging veins -- usually in the legs. They can make standing and other activities painful.

Although not all cases are preventable, the womenshealth.gov Web site suggests how to help thwart varicose veins:

• Apply sunscreen to your skin daily.
• Get regular exercise to help make your legs stronger and improve circulation. Concentrate on activities that benefit the legs.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Don't cross your legs, and elevate your legs when you can.
• Move around frequently, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing.
• Don't wear clothes that are too tight. Also avoid high-heeled shoes.
• Wear elastic support stockings.
• Eat more fiber to help prevent constipation, which can trigger varicose veins. Also, cut back on salt in your diet.

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms within a deep vein, most often in the calf or thigh area.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this list of risk factors that may increase the likelihood of DVT:

• Having had a pulmonary embolism or a previous case of deep vein thrombosis.
• Having had cancer that has spread.
• Having had another vein condition, such as varicose veins.
• Being a smoker.
• Taking estrogen.
• Being pregnant.
• Being obese.

Health Headlines - January 19

Up to Half of Americans Have Pre-Existing Illness: Report

A U.S. government analysis released Tuesday suggests that as many as 129 million Americans under age 65 have pre-existing health conditions that could result in them being rejected by private insurers or having to pay more for health coverage.

The ailments that affect one-fifth to one-half of non-elderly Americans range from cancer to chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma, the Washington Post reported.

The analysis was released by the secretary of the department of Health and Human Services just hours before an expected House vote on a bill to repeal the new health care law. Republicans dismissed the document as "public relations" by the Obama administration.

While it can be difficult for sick people to buy insurance, the analysis overstates the problem, an insurance industry spokesman told the Post.

----

Cheney Thinking About Heart Transplant

Given his medical history, former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney says he'll need to make a decision about whether to have a heart transplant.

He currently requires a battery-powered heart pump, which makes it "awkward to walk around," Cheney told NBC in an interview, the Associated Press reported.

"I'll have to make a decision at some point whether I want to go for a transplant," he said in the interview.

Cheney, 69, has had five heart attacks since the age of 37. His most recent was last year, the AP reported. He had bypass surgery in 1988 and two subsequent angioplasties to open narrowed coronary arteries. He had a pacemaker implanted in his chest in 2001 and in 2008 required an electric shock to restore normal rhythm to his heart.

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Fatty Acids Ease PMS Symptoms: Study

Dietary supplements that contain essential fatty acids can help ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, according to a new study.

Brazilian researchers found that PMS symptoms were significantly reduced when women took capsules with about one gram of a blend of three essential fatty acids,CNN reported.

The study appears in the current issue of the journal Reproductive Health.

The human body does not produce essential fatty acids, which are found in foods such as eggs, nuts, vegetable oils, fish and supplements, CNN reported.

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Apple CEO Steve Jobs Takes Medical Leave

Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs is taking his second medical leave of absence in two years in order to focus on his health.

He announced his intentions in a note Monday to company employees, but no further information was provided about his current condition, the Associated Pressreported.

In 2004, Jobs was treated for a rare form of pancreatic cancer and in 2009 he had a liver transplant.

Jobs said he will continue as CEO during his medical leave and will be involved in major decisions, but the company's chief operating officer will be responsible for day-to-day operations, the AP reported.

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Opposition to Health Care Law Decreases: Poll

The level of opposition to the U.S. health care law has decreased, according to a phone survey of 1,001 adults conducted Jan. 5-10.

The Associated Press-GfK poll found that 41 percent of respondents oppose the law, while 40 percent support it. Following November's congressional elections, opposition was 47 percent and support was 38 percent.

Opposition remains strongest among Republicans, with 71 percent against it, while 35 percent of independents and 19 percent of Democrats are oppose the law.

Overall, strong opposition to the law is 30 percent, which is close to the lowest level recorded in AP-GfK polls going back to September 2009.

Only about one in four respondents want the law repealed, 43 percent want it changed so that it does more to rework the health care system, and fewer than one in five want it left as it is, the AP reported.

Nearly six in 10 respondents are against the law's requirement that people must have health insurance or face penalties.

A Republican-led vote on repealing the health care law is expected to take place this week in the House.

Health Tips for January 19

Health Tip: Protect Yourself Against Cold Weather

Icy snow, wind and frigid temperatures are frequently in nature's plans for winter.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests these cold weather safety tips:

• Wear layers of lightweight clothing, including a scarf, hat, gloves and boots.
• Help prevent falls by covering icy spots with sand or cat litter.
• Pay attention to the wind chill when deciding how to dress.
• Travel with an emergency kit, a buddy and a cell phone.
• Maintain your car, keep your gas tank full and stock the vehicle with emergency supplies.

Health Tip: Keep Emergency Phone Numbers on Hand

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

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

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

Health Headlines - January 18

Apple CEO Steve Jobs Takes Medical Leave

Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs is taking his second medical leave of absence in two years in order to focus on his health.

He announced his intentions in a note Monday to company employees, but no further information was provided about his current condition, the Associated Pressreported.

In 2004, Jobs was treated for a rare form of pancreatic cancer and in 2009 he had a liver transplant.

Jobs said he will continue as CEO during his medical leave and will be involved in major decisions, but the company's chief operating officer will be responsible for day-to-day operations, the AP reported.

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Opposition to Health Care Law Decreases: Poll

The level of opposition to the U.S. health care law has decreased, according to a phone survey of 1,001 adults conducted Jan. 5-10.

The Associated Press-GfK poll found that 41 percent of respondents oppose the law, while 40 percent support it. Following November's congressional elections, opposition was 47 percent and support was 38 percent.

Opposition remains strongest among Republicans, with 71 percent against it, while 35 percent of independents and 19 percent of Democrats are oppose the law.

Overall, strong opposition to the law is 30 percent, which is close to the lowest level recorded in AP-GfK polls going back to September 2009.

Only about one in four respondents want the law repealed, 43 percent want it changed so that it does more to rework the health care system, and fewer than one in five want it left as it is, the AP reported.

Nearly six in 10 respondents are against the law's requirement that people must have health insurance or face penalties.

A Republican-led vote on repealing the health care law is expected to take place this week in the House.

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Large Recall of Tylenol, Sudafed

Nearly 47 million packages of Tylenol, Sudafed and other nonprescription drugs have been recalled due to insufficient cleaning procedures, says Johnson & Johnson.

The recall affects wholesalers in the United States, the Caribbean and Brazil, but consumers don't have to take any action, according to the company, the Associated Press reported.

The new recall is just the latest in a series of large recalls of products made at Johnson & Johnson's plant in Fort Washington, Pa., which was closed in April following a Food and Drug Administration investigation that revealed a number of problems. These included some equipment coated in thick layers of dust and duct tape holding together other pieces of equipment.

On Friday, the company also announced a recall of Rolaids tablets because they do not have certain labeling information, the AP reported.