Health Headlines - June 11

Germany, France Pull Diabetes Drug Actos Due to Bladder Cancer Link

Sales of the popular diabetes drug Actos have been halted in Germany and France after it was linked to bladder cancer.

Health officials in those countries also pulled the pill Competact, a drug that combines Actos and the diabetes drug metformin, CBS News reported.

The action was prompted by a French government-funded study that followed diabetes patients from 2006 to 2009 and concluded that the drugs increase the risk of bladder cancer.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration began a review of Actos in September 2010 after reports that patients who took the drug for more than two years had an increased risk for bladder cancer, CBS News reported.

Actos, which is meant to control blood sugar levels by making the body more sensitive to insulin, is prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes.

-----

Fungal Infections Strike Some Joplin Tornado Survivors

Some people injured during the tornado in Joplin, Mo. have developed a rare, potentially deadly fungal infection called zygomycosis, which can be caused when soil or vegetative matter becomes embedded under the skin.

There have been eight reported cases of suspected zygomycosis among tornado victims who suffered multiple injuries and secondary wound infections, Jacqueline Lapine, a spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, told theAssociated Press.

A infectious disease specialist at the Freeman Health System in Joplin said his hospital treated five tornado survivors for zygomycosis and three of them died. However, he refrained from blaming the deaths specifically on the infections.

"These people had multiple traumas, pneumonia, all kinds of problems. It's difficult to say how much the fungal infections contributed to their demise," Dr. Uwe Schmidt told theAP.

----

Doctors Perform Full Face Transplant on Woman Mauled by Chimp

A full face transplant was performed late last month on a Connecticut woman who was severely mauled two years ago by a chimpanzee, doctors at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston announced this week.

The surgery team also performed a double hand transplant on Charla Nash but the hands failed to thrive and were removed, the Associated Press reported.

In February 2009, Nash was asked to help lure a pet chimpanzee back into a friends' house. But the 200-pound animal attacked Nash, ripping off her nose, lips, eyelids and hands before it was shot and killed by police.

Hospital officials did not release the name of the donor for Nash's face transplant. It's the third full-face transplant performed at Brigham and Women's Hospital this year, the APreported.

------

Vegetable Sprouts Caused E. Coli Outbreak: German Officials

Vegetable sprouts grown on an organic farm in northwestern Germany caused the E. coli outbreak that's sickened nearly 3,000 people and killed 29, according to the head of the nation's national disease control center.

While no tests of vegetable sprouts from the farm in Lower Saxony came back positive for the E. coli strain responsible for the outbreak, an investigation into the pattern of the outbreak yielded enough evidence to put the finger of blame on the farm, Reinhard Burger, president of the Robert Koch Institute, said at a press conference, the Associated Press reported.

Authorities are lifting the warning against eating lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes, said Andreas Hensel, head of the Risk Assessment agency.

The farm blamed for the outbreak was shut down last Thursday and all of its produce recalled. It's possible that all of the tainted vegetable sprouts have either been thrown away or consumed by now, but the crisis isn't over and people should not eat sprouts, Burger advised, the AP reported.

-----

Mail Order Hatchery Source of Salmonella Outbreak: CDC

Baby chicks and ducklings from a mail order hatchery are to blame for a salmonella outbreak that sickened 39 people in 15 states between late February and late May, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At least nine people were hospitalized but there were no deaths. People who became ill ranged from young children to seniors, but nearly half of those affected were age 5 and younger, the Associated Press reported.

Ohio had the highest number of reported cases, with eight. Other states affected by the outbreak were Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

The CDC did not name the hatchery that was the source of the infected birds, the APreported.

-----

Disabilities Affect One Billion People Worldwide: Report

The proportion of people worldwide with disabilities has increased from 10 percent in the 1970s to a current level of 15 percent, and that percentage is expected to rise as the global population ages, according to a report released this week by the World Health Organization and the World Bank.

Of the one billion people with disabilities, about one in five (nearly 200 million) have a severe disability, Agence France-Presse reported.

Some nations have made progress in improving the lives of people with disabilities, but much more must be done to help them, the agencies said. For example, disabled people are three times more likely than others to be refused necessary medical care and often face exclusion from society in a number of areas, including jobs and education.

"We need schools, employment to be accessible to people with disabilities... rather than to be segregated," said Etienne Krug, director of the WHO's department on prevention of violence, trauma and disability, AFP reported.

He added that every country should adopt a national plan for the disabled, and noted that disability affects the most vulnerable people, including women, children, the elerly and the poor.

-----

New Program Seeks to End HIV in Newborns

A global program to eliminate HIV among newborns by 2015 was launched this week by the United Nations and the United States government.

The Countdown to Zero initiative aims to treat HIV-infected pregnant women in order to cut infection rates among their babies to less than 5 percent. It will cost an estimated $2.5 billion in order to treat 15 million women, double the number currently receiving treatment, BBC News reported.

"We believe that by 2015 children everywhere can be born free of HIV and that their mothers can remain healthy," UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe said. "This new global plan is realistic, it is achievable and it is driven by the most affected countries."

Currently, a baby is born with HIV nearly every minute, nearly all of them in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the UN, AFP reported.

Health Tips for June 11

Health Tip: Anxiety Disorders Can Cause Physical Problems

Anxiety disorders may be mental health conditions, but they can cause a number of physical problems.

The University of Maryland Medical Center lists these physical complications that can arise from anxiety disorders:

• Heart disease.
• Risk factors for heart disease, including thickened blood vessels, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
• Irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal problems.
• Headaches.
• Respiratory conditions, including asthma.
• Obesity.
• Allergies, including food allergies, hay fever, eczema and other allergic conditions.

Health Tip: Does Your Child Have a Behavior Disorder?

Though bad behavior may be a typical phase of childhood, certain signs can indicate something more serious.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says if any of these traits continue for longer than six months, a child may have a behavior disorder:

• Indicating that the child wants to hurt himself or herself, other people or animals.
• Doing damage to property.
• Stealing things or lying frequently.
• Getting poor grades or being truant.
• Abusing drugs, alcohol or smoking.
• Starting sexual activity at a young age.
• Arguing often or throwing temper tantrums.
• Feeling hostile toward people in authority.

Health Headlines - June 10

U.S. Flu Vaccination Rates Remain High

Flu vaccination rates remained high in the United States this past winter even though there was no swine flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flu vaccination coverage was nearly 43 percent, according to interim results from an analysis of data collected between August 2010 and February 2011 from people 6 months and older in 43 states and the District of Columbia.

The findings suggest that record high seasonal flu vaccination coverage in the U.S. in 2009-10 (when there was a swine flu pandemic) continued during the past season, according to the report in the latest issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the CDC.

Among the other findings:

• Vaccination coverage among children increased from 42.3 percent in 2009-10 to 49 percent in 2010-11, and improved rates of vaccination among black and Hispanic children in the 2010-11 flu season eliminated racial/ethnic disparities in child flu vaccination coverage.
• There were wide variations in flu vaccination coverage between states, particularly among children. In some states, flu vaccination rates for children were above 60 percent.
• Flu vaccination rates among adults in 2010-11 were similar to 2009-10 levels, and racial/ethnic disparities in flu vaccination rates persisted among adults.

-----

More Illnesses, Another Death in E. Coli Outbreak

Another person in Germany has died in the E. coli outbreak and 160 more have been reported ill, the country's national disease control center said Thursday.

So far, 2,808 people have been reported sickened in Germany, including 722 with a serious complication that can cause kidney failure, according to the Robert Koch Institute, the Associated Press reported.

There have been 97 people reported sick in 12 other European countries, as well as three in the United States, the World Health Organization said.

Deaths from the E. coli outbreak total 27 -- 26 in Germany and one in Sweden.

The source of the outbreak has not been identified, the AP reported.

-----

Boost Efforts to Eliminate HIV/AIDS: Obama

Countries around the world need to do more to eliminate HIV/AIDS, U.S. President Barack Obama said Wednesday in a statement marking the 30th anniversary of the fight against the disease.

An aggressive global response has reduced the number of infections and deaths but tens of millions of people still live with the disease and about two million die every year, Obama noted, USA Today reported.

He said the United States is a global leader in the fight against AIDS and will continue to do its part, but added that more nations need to do their part.

"Together, we can resolve to meet our shared responsibilities. Together, we can come closer to our vision of a world without HIV/AIDS," Obama said.

-----

Many Sexual Assaults Within VA System Unreported

Many sexual assaults that occur within the Veterans Affairs system aren't being reported to high level officials, says a Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit released this week.

Investigators found that VA leadership officials and the VA Inspector General's Office were not informed about 284 of the 300 sexual assault incidents reported to VA police between January 2007 and July 2010, CNN reported.

The sexual assault incidents included rape, forced or inappropriate oral sex, inappropriate touching, and forceful medical examinations. Both men and women were the victims of these sexual assaults. Attackers and victims included VA employees, patients and people with no connection to the VA.

Of the 67 rape allegations, nearly two-thirds were not reported to the VA Inspector General's Office, as required by VA regulation, CNN reported.

A hearing on the issue has been scheduled for Monday by the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.

-----

Sharp Rise in Workers' Share of Health Insurance Premiums

The share of health insurance premiums paid by workers at private-sector companies rose sharply between 2001 and 2009, says a U.S. government report.

The average annual premium share for workers with employee plus-one-coverage increased 121 percent, from $1,070 to $2,363. The average annual contribution for workers with family coverage rose nearly 100 percent, from $1,741 to $3,474, while there was a 92 percent increase for employees with single coverage, from $498 to $957.

During that same time, the total average premium for employer-sponsored health plans rose more slowly, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Premiums increased from $5,463 to $9,053 (66 percent) for an employee-plus-one plan, from $7,509 to $13,027 (73.5 percent) for a family plan, and from $2,889 to $4,669 (62 percent) for a single plan.

Health Tips for June 10

Health Tip: Teach Your Child Healthy Eating Habits

It may be difficult to keep your children at a healthy weight. Experts say the best way is to offer them healthy foods and drinks, and to set a good example yourself.

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how parents should teach kids about healthy eating:

• Feed your child a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet, including lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Be sure to include an appropriate number of calories, based on the child's age.
• Limit sugary drinks to no more than one serving per day. Encourage your children to drink water.
• Make healthy eating a family habit. Eat meals together at the table, and turn off the TV at meal time.
• Don't push your children to eat when not hungry or to finish all the food on the plate; let your children eat slowly and stop eating when they start to feel full.
• Offer your children rewards other than food.
• Limit fast-food meals.

Health Tip: Keep a Kid-Friendly Kitchen

The kitchen can be a dangerous place for young children.

Since it's impractical for many parents to keep youngsters out of the kitchen all the time, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety suggestions:

• Store all cleaning products, furniture polish and other chemicals in a high cabinet. If they are kept within a child's reach, such as under the sink, make sure the cabinet is secured with a child-proof lock.
• Store all sharp utensils and instruments in a locked drawer, and all sharp appliances -- such as food processors -- out of reach.
• Keep all electrical cords out of a child's reach.
• Cook with pot handles turned toward the back of the stove, and use care when moving hot liquids.
• Remove knobs from the stove if possible.
• Choose an oven with enough insulation that keeps it from getting hot to the touch.
• Store matches in a high cabinet.
• Keep a fire extinguisher mounted in a convenient, high place.
• Don't use small magnets to secure items to the refrigerator; they could pose a choking hazard.

Health Headlines - June 9

In Mice, Drug Helps Heart Repair Itself

A drug designed to help the heart repair itself after a heart attack proved successful in mice.

Researchers at University College London in the U.K. found that the drug, thymosin beta 4, was able to "prime" the heart for repair if it was given to mice before a heart attack,BBC News reported.

The ability of the heart to pump out blood increased 25 percent in the mice, scar tissue was reduced, and the walls of the heart became thicker, according to the researchers.

The findings appear in the journal Nature.

Currently, damage caused by a heart attack is considered permanent. Heart self-repair is the "holy grail of heart research," but any such treatment in humans is years away, the British Heart Foundation told BBC News.

-----

All-Electronic, Home-Based Drug Study a First

Patients will use smartphones and computers to take part in a new drug trial believed to be the first all-electronic, home-based study of a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Pfizer Inc. said the findings from the study of the overactive-bladder drug Detrol will be compared to a previous, traditional study of the drug that included 600 patients, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Patients for the new study are being recruited through Internet ads and directed to the study's website.

If successful, the methods used in the all-electronic study might eventually help reduce the high cost of getting new medicines to market, a Pfizer official told the Wall Street Journal.

-----

More Than 300 New E. Coli Cases in Germany

The number of people reported sick in a deadly E. coli outbreak in Germany is rising, but government officials claim there is hope the outbreak is abating.

On Wednesday, Germany's national disease control center told the Associated Press that the number of reported cases increased by more than 300 since Tuesday, to a total of 2,648. That tally includes 700 people with a serious complication that can cause kidney failure.

The Robert Koch Institute also said that another person had died in Germany, bringing the death toll there to 24. In addition, another E. coli death was reported in Sweden.

Despite the rise in reported cases, German Health Minister Daniel Bahr noted there is often a delay in the reporting time and the number of new infections "are clearly going down," the AP reported.

-----

Many U.S. Employers May Cut Worker Health Insurance

Nearly one-third of U.S. employers could stop offering health insurance to their workers after most of the new health care law takes effect in 2014, suggests a new report.

McKinsey & Co. surveyed 1,300 employers earlier this year and found that 30 percent would "definitely or probably" stop offering employer coverage after 2014, according to the Wall Street Journal.

That proportion increased to more than 50 percent among employers with a high awareness of the Obama administration's health overhaul.

Under the plan, Americans will have new insurance options outside the workplace, and carriers will no longer be permitted to deny people coverage because they have been sick. The survey found that these factors reduced the moral obligation employers may feel to provide coverage for their workers, the Wall Street Journal reported.

-----

Appeals Court Hears Health Law Case

A challenge to the Obama administration's health care law is scheduled to be heard Wednesday in a federal appeals court in Georgia.

Similar challenges about the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act have been heard by appeals courts in Ohio and Virginia, but this latest hearing is attracting increased attention because of the number of states involved in the challenge (26) and because it involves a lower court ruling that invalidated the entire law, ABC News reported.

In January, Judge Roger Vinson of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida ruled that Congress exceeded its authority when it passed the law's mandate requiring nearly all Americans to buy health insurance by 2014 or face a tax penalty.

Without that mandate, the rest of the law could not stand, Vinson concluded. His ruling is on hold pending the outcome of the appeal, ABC News reported.

No appellate court has ruled on the health care law, but three lower court judges have upheld the law and two others have ruled against it.

Health Tips for June 9

Health Tip: Take Care to Avoid Burns

Nothing can spoil the fun of preparing your favorite recipe like burning yourself or a child in the process.

The U.S. Home Safety Council suggests these kitchen safety precautions while cooking:

• Roll up shirtsleeves or wear a short-sleeved shirt.
• Wear long oven mitts that extend up the arm.
• Cook on back burners, with pot handles turned to the rear of the stove.
• Teach children to stay away from the stove, and use a mark (such as a piece of tape on the floor) that they can't cross.
• Don't let young children use the stove or microwave without supervision; make sure older children know how to use these appliances safely.
• Keep matches, lighters and candles where young children can't reach them.

Health Tip: Avoid Poison Ivy

Most people are allergic to poison ivy, a three-leafed plant found in most areas of the United States. It harbors an oil that bonds to any skin that the oil touches, causing a red, itchy rash.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says here's how you can contract a poison ivy rash:

• When your skin touches the poison ivy plant itself.
• When your skin touches any shoes or clothing that touched the plant.
• When your skin touches gardening tools that have touched the plant.
• When your hands touch the fur or skin of a pet that has touched poison ivy.
• When you're exposed to smoke from a burning poison ivy plant. The plant's oil is contained within the smoke.

Health Headlines - June 8

Nearly 100 New E. Coli Cases in Germany

Another 94 people have been sickened by the E. coli outbreak in Germany, increasing the total to 2,325 as of Tuesday, according to the nation's national disease control center.

The Robert Koch Institute also said the number of people with a serious E. coli-related complication that could lead to kidney failure rose by 12 to 642, the Associated Pressreported.

The number of people infected in other European countries remained at about 100. So far, the deadliest E. coli outbreak in modern history has killed 22 people across Europe.

The cause of the outbreak remains unknown. German officials first suspected Spanish cucumbers and then vegetable sprouts from an organic farm in northern Germany, but both have been ruled out, the AP reported.

-----

Smoking Ups Women's Risk of Clogged Leg Arteries

Smoking increases women's risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a new study finds.

People with PAD -- narrowing of the arteries that restricts blood flow to the extremities are at increased risk for infection, amputation, coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke and mini-stroke, the Los Angeles Times reported.

In this study, Harvard Medical School researchers analyzed data collected in a long-term study that included 39,876 women 45 and older who were followed beginning in 1993.

Compared to current smokers who consumed 15 or more cigarettes per day, women who quit smoking within the past 10 years were less than half as likely to have PAD, those who quit smoking 10 to 20 years ago were about a quarter as likely, those who quit 20 or more years ago were about 15 percent as likely, and those who never smoked were about 8 percent as likely, the Times reported.

The study was published Monday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Health Tips for June 8

Health Tip: My Infant Has a Cold

While most cases of the common cold in young children are harmless, there are certain warning signs that should prompt a call to the pediatrician.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this list of "red flags" among children 3 months or older:

• Nostrils that spread with each breath, difficulty breathing, or the skin near the ribs "sucks in" when the child breaths.
• A blue tinge to the nails or lips.
• Nasal mucus that doesn't go away after 10 to 14 days.
• Persistent cough that lasts for longer than a week.
• Ear pain.
• Unusual sleepiness or crankiness.
• A temperature higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius).

Health Tip: Suggestions to Prevent Heat Rash

Heat rash occurs when an infant's pores become blocked, usually during hot, humid weather.

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions to help prevent heat rash:

• Dress baby in clothes that are lightweight and made of cotton.
• Keep baby in an air-conditioned room during hot weather. Turn on a fan in baby's room when air conditioning isn't available.
• Skip ointments, creams or powders on baby's skin.
• Do your best to make sure that baby doesn't get too warm, and that the skin stays dry.

Health Headlines - June 7

Test Shows No Link Between Farm Sprouts, E. Coli Outbreak

Official test results released Monday did not show any link between sprouts grown on a German organic farm and a major E. coli outbreak in Europe, health officials said.

So far, 22 people have died and more than 2,200 have been sickened in the deadliest known E. coli outbreak in modern history, the Associated Press reported. The outbreak involves a highly aggressive, "super-toxic" strain of the bacteria.

Preliminary test results released Sunday had suggested that bean and other vegetable sprouts from a farm in the Uelzen region between Hamburg and Hanover were associated with E. coli infections in five German states.

Late Sunday, German Health Minister Daniel Bahr said that "while we have strong and clear indications that a farm in Uelzen is involved (in the E. coli outbreak), we have to wait for the official lab results," the AP reported.

The farm was shut down Sunday and officials recalled all of its produce, including herbs, fruits, flowers and potatoes. Two employees of the farm were among those infected with E. coli, the AP reported.

Consumers have been warned against eating any sprouts and a general warning remains in place for cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes.

The new test results, announced by the Lower-Saxony state agriculture ministry, mean that the exact cause of the outbreak remains unknown.

According to the AP, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that two prior reports of a similar strain of highly toxic E. coli have been recorded elsewhere. One case involved a 29-year-old South Korean woman, reported in 2006. The other, from 2009, involved a small cluster of cases in the Republic of Georgia.

-----

Jack Kevorkian, Proponent of Assisted Suicide, Dead at 83

Dr. Jack Kevorkian, dubbed "Dr. Death" because of his support for assisted suicide, died Friday in a hospital outside of Detroit, the Associated Press reported.

Suffering from pneumonia and kidney problems, Kevorkian, 83, had been hospitalized since May. A close friend of his told the AP that Kevorkian was listening to his favorite music by Johann Sebastian Bach shortly before his death. The friend said he was conscious Thursday night and was looking ahead to discharge and rehabilitation.

Kevorkian, who claimed he assisted in more than 130 suicides, was an outspoken advocate for critically ill patients' right-to-die. He was convicted in 1999 of second-degree murder and served eight years in a Michigan prison.

Health Tips for June 7

Health Tip: Have You Sprained Your Wrist?

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

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

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

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

Health Tip: Ease Neck Pain

When your neck aches from a disc problem, arthritis or injury, you may be able to get relief at home.

The ADAM Encyclopedia mentions these potential home remedies for neck pain:

• Take an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Ice the area for the first 72 hours, then apply heat.
• Take a break from regular exercise and activities for a few days.
• Peform slow, gentle range-of-motion exercises to help stretch muscles in the neck.
• Gently massage painful parts of the neck.
• Sleep without a pillow on a firm mattress, or use a neck pillow.
• Wear a soft neck collar for a brief period.

Health Headlines - June 6

Jack Kevorkian, Proponent of Assisted Suicide, Dead at 83

Dr. Jack Kevorkian, dubbed "Dr. Death" because of his support for assisted suicide, died Friday in a hospital outside of Detroit, the Associated Press reported.

Suffering from pneumonia and kidney problems, Kevorkian, 83, had been hospitalized since May. A close friend of his told the AP that Kevorkian was listening to his favorite music by Johann Sebastian Bach shortly before his death. The friend said he was conscious Thursday night and was looking ahead to discharge and rehabilitation.

Kevorkian, who claimed he assisted in more than 130 suicides, was an outspoken advocate for critically ill patients' right-to-die. He was convicted in 1999 of second-degree murder and served eight years in a Michigan prison.

-----

People With Mental Illness Risk Problem Drinking

A new U.S. government report finds that adults who suffer with mental illness are four times more prone to alcohol dependence compared to those without such conditions.

The report, released Thursday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was based on a 2009 nationwide survey. It found that nearly 10 percent of adults diagnosed with a mental illness were also alcohol-dependent, compared to just 2.2 percent of those without such issues.

The rate of alcohol dependence also rose alongside the severity of mental illness, the report said.

"Mental and substance use disorders often go hand in hand. This SAMHSA study adds to the evidence of that connection," SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde said in an agency news release.

"Co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders are to be expected, not considered the exception," she added. "Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of these behavioral health conditions are often missed by individuals, their friends and family members and unnoticed by health professionals. The results can be devastating and costly to our society."

-----

Clot Risk Spurs FDA Review of Birth Control Pills

U.S. regulators will assess the safety of Bayer birth control pills as a result of two new studies suggesting they pose a higher-than-expected risk of serious blood clots.

Expressing concerns about the hormone drospirenone -- found in Bayer's Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Safyral products -- the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement Tuesday it has commissioned an 800,000-person study to review the risks . Drospirenone is a type of progestin used in combination with another female hormone, estrogen.

Women taking the drospirenone-containing birth control pills had a two to three times greater risk of blood clots compared with women taking pills containing a different type of progestin, according to the studies published in BMJ, the FDA said. Because other studies have had conflicting results, the agency said it wants to conduct its own review. It expects to have the results this summer.

All birth control pills carry some clotting risk. Symptoms include leg or chest pain or sudden shortness of breath. Women with concerns should talk to their doctor, the FDA said.

In Europe last week, regulators announced they would update the contraceptives' prescribing information to include the new findings.

Bayer's analysis of the overall body of available scientific evidence continues to support its current assessment about the safety of its oral contraceptives, Bayer said in a statement, according to Bloomberg News.

Health Tips for June 6

Health Tip: Recognize Signs of Asperger Syndrome

Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder, an umbrella term for a number of related conditions characterized by problems with communicating and language, and with repetitive thoughts and speech.

The U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development says Asperger is thought to be the mildest of these conditions. Symptoms of Asperger may include:

• Being very literal in speaking and understanding.
• Difficulty recognizing and interpreting body language.
• Repeating or obsessing over rituals and routines.
• Problems with motor skills, including clumsiness or lack of coordination.
• Difficulty with social skills, particularly in communicating with others.
• Sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures and tastes.

Health Tip: Keep a Kid-Friendly Kitchen

The kitchen can be a dangerous place for young children.

Since it's impractical for many parents to keep youngsters out of the kitchen all the time, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety suggestions:

• Store all cleaning products, furniture polish and other chemicals in a high cabinet. If they are kept within a child's reach, such as under the sink, make sure the cabinet is secured with a child-proof lock.
• Store all sharp utensils and instruments in a locked drawer, and all sharp appliances -- such as food processors -- out of reach.
• Keep all electrical cords out of a child's reach.
• Cook with pot handles turned toward the back of the stove, and use care when moving hot liquids.
• Remove knobs from the stove if possible.
• Choose an oven with enough insulation that keeps it from getting hot to the touch.
• Store matches in a high cabinet.
• Keep a fire extinguisher mounted in a convenient, high place.
• Don't use small magnets to secure items to the refrigerator; they could pose a choking hazard.

Health Headlines - June 5

Jack Kevorkian, Proponent of Assisted Suicide, Dead at 83

Dr. Jack Kevorkian, dubbed "Dr. Death" because of his support for assisted suicide, died Friday in a hospital outside of Detroit, the Associated Press reported.

Suffering from pneumonia and kidney problems, Kevorkian, 83, had been hospitalized since May. A close friend of his told the AP that Kevorkian was listening to his favorite music by Johann Sebastian Bach shortly before his death. The friend said he was conscious Thursday night and was looking ahead to discharge and rehabilitation.

Kevorkian, who claimed he assisted in more than 130 suicides, was an outspoken advocate for critically ill patients' right-to-die. He was convicted in 1999 of second-degree murder and served eight years in a Michigan prison.

-----

People With Mental Illness Risk Problem Drinking

A new U.S. government report finds that adults who suffer with mental illness are four times more prone to alcohol dependence compared to those without such conditions.

The report, released Thursday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was based on a 2009 nationwide survey. It found that nearly 10 percent of adults diagnosed with a mental illness were also alcohol-dependent, compared to just 2.2 percent of those without such issues.

The rate of alcohol dependence also rose alongside the severity of mental illness, the report said.

"Mental and substance use disorders often go hand in hand. This SAMHSA study adds to the evidence of that connection," SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde said in an agency news release.

"Co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders are to be expected, not considered the exception," she added. "Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of these behavioral health conditions are often missed by individuals, their friends and family members and unnoticed by health professionals. The results can be devastating and costly to our society."

-----

Clot Risk Spurs FDA Review of Birth Control Pills

U.S. regulators will assess the safety of Bayer birth control pills as a result of two new studies suggesting they pose a higher-than-expected risk of serious blood clots.

Expressing concerns about the hormone drospirenone -- found in Bayer's Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Safyral products -- the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement Tuesday it has commissioned an 800,000-person study to review the risks . Drospirenone is a type of progestin used in combination with another female hormone, estrogen.

Women taking the drospirenone-containing birth control pills had a two to three times greater risk of blood clots compared with women taking pills containing a different type of progestin, according to the studies published in BMJ, the FDA said. Because other studies have had conflicting results, the agency said it wants to conduct its own review. It expects to have the results this summer.

All birth control pills carry some clotting risk. Symptoms include leg or chest pain or sudden shortness of breath. Women with concerns should talk to their doctor, the FDA said.

In Europe last week, regulators announced they would update the contraceptives' prescribing information to include the new findings.

Bayer's analysis of the overall body of available scientific evidence continues to support its current assessment about the safety of its oral contraceptives, Bayer said in a statement, according to Bloomberg News.

Health Tips for June 5

Health Tip: Ease Neck Pain

When your neck aches from a disc problem, arthritis or injury, you may be able to get relief at home.

The ADAM Encyclopedia mentions these potential home remedies for neck pain:

• Take an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Ice the area for the first 72 hours, then apply heat.
• Take a break from regular exercise and activities for a few days.
• Peform slow, gentle range-of-motion exercises to help stretch muscles in the neck.
• Gently massage painful parts of the neck.
• Sleep without a pillow on a firm mattress, or use a neck pillow.
• Wear a soft neck collar for a brief period.

Health Tip: Painkillers May Cause Stomach Problems

Certain painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause stomach problems, especially if you need to take them consistently over long periods.

Examples of these medications include ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen, including brand names such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve.

The American Gastroenterological Association suggests how to reduce the risk of stomach problems if you need to take NSAIDs for a chronic problem:

• Talk with your doctor before beginning an NSAID regimen, especially if you've had side effects from these medications.
• Before taking an NSAID, take note of possible side effects mentioned on the product label. Be sure to take the medication exactly as directed.
• Don't take both a prescription and over-the-counter pain-relieving medication at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements that you take.
• Don't drink alcohol while taking any pain medication.
• Ask your doctor about which NSAID is best for you.

Health Headlines - June 4

Jack Kevorkian, Proponent of Assisted Suicide, Dead at 83

Dr. Jack Kevorkian, dubbed "Dr. Death" because of his support for assisted suicide, died Friday in a hospital outside of Detroit, the Associated Press reported.

Suffering from pneumonia and kidney problems, Kevorkian, 83, had been hospitalized since May. A close friend of his told the AP that Kevorkian was listening to his favorite music by Johann Sebastian Bach shortly before his death. The friend said he was conscious Thursday night and was looking ahead to discharge and rehabilitation.

Kevorkian, who claimed he assisted in more than 130 suicides, was an outspoken advocate for critically ill patients' right-to-die. He was convicted in 1999 of second-degree murder and served eight years in a Michigan prison.

-----

People With Mental Illness Risk Problem Drinking

A new U.S. government report finds that adults who suffer with mental illness are four times more prone to alcohol dependence compared to those without such conditions.

The report, released Thursday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was based on a 2009 nationwide survey. It found that nearly 10 percent of adults diagnosed with a mental illness were also alcohol-dependent, compared to just 2.2 percent of those without such issues.

The rate of alcohol dependence also rose alongside the severity of mental illness, the report said.

"Mental and substance use disorders often go hand in hand. This SAMHSA study adds to the evidence of that connection," SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde said in an agency news release.

"Co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders are to be expected, not considered the exception," she added. "Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of these behavioral health conditions are often missed by individuals, their friends and family members and unnoticed by health professionals. The results can be devastating and costly to our society."

-----

Clot Risk Spurs FDA Review of Birth Control Pills

U.S. regulators will assess the safety of Bayer birth control pills as a result of two new studies suggesting they pose a higher-than-expected risk of serious blood clots.

Expressing concerns about the hormone drospirenone -- found in Bayer's Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Safyral products -- the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement Tuesday it has commissioned an 800,000-person study to review the risks . Drospirenone is a type of progestin used in combination with another female hormone, estrogen.

Women taking the drospirenone-containing birth control pills had a two to three times greater risk of blood clots compared with women taking pills containing a different type of progestin, according to the studies published in BMJ, the FDA said. Because other studies have had conflicting results, the agency said it wants to conduct its own review. It expects to have the results this summer.

All birth control pills carry some clotting risk. Symptoms include leg or chest pain or sudden shortness of breath. Women with concerns should talk to their doctor, the FDA said.

In Europe last week, regulators announced they would update the contraceptives' prescribing information to include the new findings.

Bayer's analysis of the overall body of available scientific evidence continues to support its current assessment about the safety of its oral contraceptives, Bayer said in a statement, according to Bloomberg News.

Health Tips for June 4

Health Tip: Is It Time to Stop Driving?

As cognitive function, coordination, eyesight and other skills decline in old age, it may be time for an elderly person to quit driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration mentions these warning signs that seniors may no longer be able to drive safely:

• Becoming lost when taking a familiar route.
• Appearance of new scratches and dents on the car.
• Getting ticketed for a driving violation.
• Getting into a car accident, or having a near-miss.
• Receiving a recommendation from a doctor to stop or reduce driving, having health problems that impact driving, or taking medications that affect driving.
• Finding that road signs and road markings are suddenly overwhelming.
• Driving too fast or too slowly for no apparent reason.

Health Tip: Is My Memory Loss Normal?

Everyone forgets things now and then, and remembering everything naturally becomes more difficult as you get older.

But certain types of memory loss may indicate something much more serious. The American Academy of Family Physicians says the following warning signs should not be ignored:

• Suddenly forgetting things much more frequently than you once did.
• Having difficulty remembering tasks you have performed many times.
• Having trouble learning how to do new things.
• Telling the same stories or saying the same phrases repeatedly in a conversation.
• Having problems dealing with money or making decisions.
• Having difficulty keeping track of daily events.

Health Headlines - June 3

People With Mental Illness Risk Problem Drinking

A new U.S. government report finds that adults who suffer with mental illness are four times more prone to alcohol dependence compared to those without such conditions.

The report, released Thursday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was based on a 2009 nationwide survey. It found that nearly 10 percent of adults diagnosed with a mental illness were also alcohol-dependent, compared to just 2.2 percent of those without such issues.

The rate of alcohol dependence also rose alongside the severity of mental illness, the report said.

"Mental and substance use disorders often go hand in hand. This SAMHSA study adds to the evidence of that connection," SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde said in an agency news release.

"Co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders are to be expected, not considered the exception," she added. "Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of these behavioral health conditions are often missed by individuals, their friends and family members and unnoticed by health professionals. The results can be devastating and costly to our society."

-----

New Strain of E. Coli May Have Triggered Outbreak: WHO

The E. coli bacteria outbreak in Europe that has killed 18 people and made hundreds more ill appears to be a new, unusually severe strain, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

"This is a unique strain that has never been isolated from patients before," Hilde Kruse, an expert on food safety at the WHO, told the Associated Press. She said it has "various characteristics that make it more virulent and toxin-producing" than the numerous E. coli strains that people normally live with in their bodies.

As of Thursday morning, the bacteria had infected more than 1,500 people, mostly German residents or people who had traveled recently to Germany, setting off widespread panic throughout Europe. Almost one-third of the patients suffered a severe and potentially fatal kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

The source of the outbreak remains a mystery, but German health officials have advised consumers to avoid eating cucumbers, lettuce or raw tomatoes.

Early research suggests that the new lethal strain evolved from two different E. colibacteria with aggressive genes. "There's a lot of mobility in the microbial world," Kruse told the AP, explaining it's not unusual for bacterial strains from humans and animals to mutate.

Unlike other E. coli outbreaks, this seems to hit adults harder than children and the elderly.

-----

Clot Risk Spurs FDA Review of Birth Control Pills

U.S. regulators will assess the safety of Bayer birth control pills as a result of two new studies suggesting they pose a higher-than-expected risk of serious blood clots.

Expressing concerns about the hormone drospirenone -- found in Bayer's Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Safyral products -- the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement Tuesday it has commissioned an 800,000-person study to review the risks . Drospirenone is a type of progestin used in combination with another female hormone, estrogen.

Women taking the drospirenone-containing birth control pills had a two to three times greater risk of blood clots compared with women taking pills containing a different type of progestin, according to the studies published in BMJ, the FDA said. Because other studies have had conflicting results, the agency said it wants to conduct its own review. It expects to have the results this summer.

All birth control pills carry some clotting risk. Symptoms include leg or chest pain or sudden shortness of breath. Women with concerns should talk to their doctor, the FDA said.

In Europe last week, regulators announced they would update the contraceptives' prescribing information to include the new findings.

Bayer's analysis of the overall body of available scientific evidence continues to support its current assessment about the safety of its oral contraceptives, Bayer said in a statement, according to Boomberg News.

Health Tips for June 3

Health Tip: Signs That You May Have Pinkeye

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, is an infection or inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids.

The cause is most often a virus, but a bacterial infection, allergies, exposure to chemicals or use of contact lenses also may be triggers.

Pinkeye is not only uncomfortable, but usually very contagious.

The ADAM Encyclopedia says these are common symptoms of pinkeye:

• Red eyes.
• Crusty eyelids that develop overnight.
• Eyes that itch and tear up more than usual.
• A feeling of grit in the eyes.
• Blurred vision.
• Sensitivity to light.

Health Tip: Protect Your Eyes From Corneal Abrasion

Carelessly handled contact lenses, a low-hanging tree branch or a fingernail used to relieve an itch can scratch the eye's cornea, resulting in what is called a corneal abrasion.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to reduce your risk of this injury:

• Wear goggles when near machinery that could injure your eyes.
• Cut your fingernails regularly.
• Trim low-hanging tree branches.
• Clean your contact lenses properly each day, and be careful when placing them on your eye.
• Always take contact lenses out before going to sleep.

Health Headlines - June 2

E. Coli in German Outbreak is Rare, Lethal Strain

Fifteen Germans and a Swedish woman have died, and more than 1,500 others have been made ill by a deadly strain of E. coli that is usually rare, German authorities say.

According to The New York Times, nearly 500 infected Germans have come down with a typically rare condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can stop kidney function.

The newspaper says that intensive care units in German cities are struggling to deal with very ill patients, even as authorities try to trace the source of the bacteria.

While tests conducted in Germany had cited some E. coli on cucumbers imported from Spain, it is not the virulent strain wreaking havoc in Germany, the Times reported. "There is no proof at this point in this time that the Spanish cucumbers are the cause of this contamination in Germany," John Dalli, the European Union's health commissioner, told the newspaper.

Nevertheless, the news has prompted a number of European countries to block importation of Spanish cucumbers. In Spain, authorities in Andalusia said on Tuesday that all 13 production sites of cucumbers had been shut down while tests on water, soil and produce were carried out. Lab results from those tests are expected on Thursday, theTimes said.

-----

Clot Risk Spurs FDA Review of Birth Control Pills

U.S. regulators will assess the safety of Bayer birth control pills as a result of two new studies suggesting they pose a higher-than-expected risk of serious blood clots.

Expressing concerns about the hormone drospirenone -- found in Bayer's Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Safyral products -- the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement Tuesday it has commissioned an 800,000-person study to review the risks . Drospirenone is a type of progestin used in combination with another female hormone, estrogen.

Women taking the drospirenone-containing birth control pills had a two to three times greater risk of blood clots compared with women taking pills containing a different type of progestin, according to the studies published in BMJ, the FDA said. Because other studies have had conflicting results, the agency said it wants to conduct its own review. It expects to have the results this summer.

All birth control pills carry some clotting risk. Symptoms include leg or chest pain or sudden shortness of breath. Women with concerns should talk to their doctor, the FDA said.

In Europe last week, regulators announced they would update the contraceptives' prescribing information to include the new findings.

Bayer's analysis of the overall body of available scientific evidence continues to support its current assessment about the safety of its oral contraceptives, Bayer said in a statement, according to Boomberg News.

-----

Hospitals Facing More Drug Shortages

Medication shortages in the United States tripled over the past five years, reaching a high of 211 last year and delaying or altering treatment for illnesses such as cancer, infertility and heart attack, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

"It's just a matter of time now before we call for a drug that we need to save a patient's life and we find out there isn't any," Dr. Eric Lavonas of the American College of Emergency Physicians told the AP.

The problem is getting worse, experts said. In the first three months of this year, 89 shortages occurred, with injectable medications used in emergency rooms, cancer treatment and intensive care units most often in short supply, according to the University of Utah's Drug Information Service, which tracks drug availability for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Causes of the shortage include difficulty importing raw materials, increased demand, and recalls of contaminated products. Also, fewer pharmaceutical companies make the cheaper, older generic drugs, especially the injectable ones, leaving fewer drug makers available to fill any gaps, Valerie Jensen, who heads the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's shortage office, told the AP.

A shortage of a sedative used for executions has been widely publicized, but other drugs in short supply include: injectable nutrients needed by some premature babies and critically ill patients; thiotepa, used for bone marrow transplantation; norepinephrine injections for septic shock; the cystic fibrosis drug acetylcysteine; injections for certain types of cardiac arrest; and leuprolide hormone injections used to treat infertility, the news service said.

Health Tips for June 2

Health Tip: Floss for Healthier Teeth and Gums

Daily flossing can minimize plaque and help keep teeth and gums healthy.

The American Dental Association offers these guidelines to help you floss teeth effectively:

• Using a piece of floss about 18 inches long, wrap it around the forefinger of both hands and hold it between the forefingers and thumbs. Forefingers will rotate the floss as it becomes dirty, ensuring that clean floss is used continually.
• Gently ease the floss between teeth and rub it against each tooth.
• Push the floss into a "C" shape against each tooth, sliding it gently between the tooth and gum, and up and down the tooth.
• Repeat on each tooth, making sure to get both sides of all teeth, even those in the back.

Health Tip: Signs That You May Have Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease refers to a group of problems that affect the spaces between the gums and teeth. Proper and consistent oral hygiene can help prevent the disease.

The ADAM Encyclopedia says symptoms of periodontal disease may include:

• Gums that are red and swollen.
• Gums that bleed, even from just brushing your teeth.
• Chronic bad breath.
• Teeth that loosen.
• As the disease progresses, the gums recede, which could affect the way the upper and lower teeth meet when you bite down.

Health Headlines - June 1

Hospitals Facing More Drug Shortages

Medication shortages in the United States tripled over the past five years, reaching a high of 211 last year and delaying or altering treatment for illnesses such as cancer, infertility and heart attack, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

"It's just a matter of time now before we call for a drug that we need to save a patient's life and we find out there isn't any," Dr. Eric Lavonas of the American College of Emergency Physicians told the AP.

The problem is getting worse, experts said. In the first three months of this year, 89 shortages occurred, with injectable medications used in emergency rooms, cancer treatment and intensive care units most often in short supply, according to the University of Utah's Drug Information Service, which tracks drug availability for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Causes of the shortage include difficulty importing raw materials, increased demand, and recalls of contaminated products. Also, fewer pharmaceutical companies make the cheaper, older generic drugs, especially the injectable ones, leaving fewer drug makers available to fill any gaps, Valerie Jensen, who heads the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's shortage office, told the AP.

A shortage of a sedative used for executions has been widely publicized, but other drugs in short supply include: injectable nutrients needed by some premature babies and critically ill patients; thiotepa, used for bone marrow transplantation; norepinephrine injections for septic shock; the cystic fibrosis drug acetylcysteine; injections for certain types of cardiac arrest; and leuprolide hormone injections used to treat infertility, the news service said.

----

Europe's E. Coli Outbreak Claims 2 More Lives

An E. coli outbreak in Europe claimed two more lives in recent days, bringing to 16 the total number of deaths attributed to tainted vegetables in Germany, officials reported Tuesday.

In all, more than 1,150 people are reported infected. Germany's national disease center said 373 people had hemolytic uremic syndrome -- the most severe form of the infection that is typically associated with the bacteria E. coli. On Monday that figure was 329, theAssociated Press reported.

Another 796 people have become ill with enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, also known as EHEC bacteria, said Susanne Glasmacher, a spokeswoman for the Robert Koch Institute. In other European countries, hundreds of people have gotten sick, but no deaths had been reported outside of Germany until Tuesday.

In Bora, Sweden, a woman in her 50s who had traveled to Germany reportedly died of the bacterial infection, and an 87-year-old woman in Paderborn, Germany, also died from the outbreak, the AP said.

Cucumbers from the Spanish regions of Almeria and Malaga, as well as some originating in the Netherlands or in Denmark, are considered possible sources of the outbreak. Consumers in Germany have been warned to avoid cucumbers, lettuce and raw tomatoes.

The same strain of E. coli was responsible for a 1994 outbreak in Montana, and a related strain caused the 1993 deaths of four children in the western United States after they ate Jack in the Box hamburgers. The European outbreak, which is mainly striking adults, is much larger and deadlier, the news service said.

-----

Experts Question Necessity of Flu Shot for Some This Season

The influenza vaccine for the coming season is a duplicate of that issued to millions of Americans in the 2010-2011 season, so some experts are questioning the need for many young, healthy Americans to get a "repeat" shot, the Associated Press reported.

"For healthy people, it can't be said to be necessary," Dr. Robert Couch, a flu vaccine expert at the Baylor College of Medicine, told the news agency.

Nevertheless, that isn't stopping national health experts from urging that all Americans get the flu shot. Their reasoning: Any vaccine's protective powers can wane over a few months, especially for elderly recipients.

Certainly, there will be no flu vaccine shortage this year: According to the AP, five makers are manufacturing a total of between 166 million and 173 million doses, 6 million more than has ever been produced.

Currently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone older than 6 months of age get an annual flu shot, with the exception of people with egg allergies or certain rare conditions.

Still, the fact that this season's vaccine is identical in makeup to last year's is giving some experts pause. Some studies suggest that the flu shot can provide protection for more than a year in adults, and perhaps up to three years in children. But other studies have suggested that immunity may drop more quickly and steeply than that.

"Nobody really, really knows," Dr. John Treanor, a flu vaccine researcher at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, told the AP. He and other experts support the CDC's stance.

"The bottom line is, with our current knowledge, we believe it is better to be re-vaccinated. And getting another shot is certainly not going to harm you," Dr. Arnold Monto, an influenza expert at the University of Michigan, told the AP.

Health Tips for June 1

Health Tip: Overdoing Dieting or Exercise

Some athletes focus too much on being thin, pushing exercise and dieting to the extreme.

This can cause long-term health issues and end up impairing athletic performance, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says.

So how do women know if they're taking diet and exercise too far? The academy says if you're missing menstrual periods, have a stress fracture, or have symptoms of an eating dsorder, you should discuss the following factors with your doctor:

• How you exercise and what you eat.
• Your age when menstruation began, and whether your periods are regular.
• Whether you are sexually active, use birth control and have ever been pregnant.
• If you've had a stress fracture.
• History of gaining or losing weight.
• All medications that you take.
• Any symptoms that may indicate other medical problems.
• Your family history of disease.
• Things in your life that cause stress.

Health Tip: Can't Catch Your Breath During a Workout?

If you're typically coughing, wheezing or feeling short of breath during exercise, experts say you could have a condition called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).

The condition causes the tubes inside your lungs to narrow during exercise, triggering symptoms of asthma.

What's behind EIB? The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology says people with the condition are sensitive to cold and dry air. While the typical pattern of breathing through the nose will warm and moisten the air, during exercise, people tend to breathe more through the mouth. This allows cooler, drier air to reach the lungs.

What else can trigger EIB? Air pollution, allergens, respiratory infections and being out of shape are at the top of the list, the academy says.