Health Headlines - August 12

Parents Have Dead Daughter's Eggs Frozen

The Israeli parents of a 17-year-old traffic accident victim were granted permission by an Israeli court to have their daughter's eggs extracted and frozen.

Chen Aida Ayash was struck by a car and died 10 days later on Aug. 3. Her parents donated her organs and received court permission to remove and freeze her eggs, according to the Israeli English-language website Haaretz, ABC News reported.

The parents also wanted their daughter's eggs to be fertilized, but the court said the family would first have to prove that Chen had wanted to have children.

The court decision to allow the family to have their daughter's eggs removed and frozen is the first of its kind in Israel and possibly the world, according to ABC News.

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Behavioral Therapy Won't Curb Premature Ejaculation: Review

There's not enough evidence to support behavioral therapy for premature ejaculation, according to researchers who reviewed four previously published studies involving a total of 253 men.

The cause of premature ejaculation, which affects up to 30 percent of men worldwide, is unknown, ABC News reported.

Only four studies were included in the Cochrane Review because 13 others were too small or failed to meet certain standards.

Despite the findings, some experts believe that behavioral therapy meant to ease the anxiety about the condition can be helpful when used with medication, ABC Newsreported.

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Mother Influences Child's Food Tastes Before Birth

The food eaten by pregnant women influences their children's food preferences later in life, according to researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia.

The flavors of what the mother consumes fill the amniotic fluid that surrounds and nourishes the baby, who forms memories of these flavors even before birth.

"Things like vanilla, carrot, garlic, anise, mint -- these are just some of the flavors that have been shown to be transmitted to amniotic fluid or mother's milk," Monell researcher Julie Mennella told National Public Radio, ABC News reported.

This means that mothers can shape their children's lifetime food preferences. For example, eating broccoli during pregnancy could increase the chances that your baby will like broccoli.

The research may explain why children whose families eat a wide range of foods have more diverse diets, ABC News reported.

Health Tips for August 12

Health Tip: Prevent Bleeding While Taking a Blood Thinner

Blood-thinning drugs are prescribed to help prevent clots that could cause heart attack or stroke. But these drugs can also increase the risk of heavy or prolonged bleeding.

The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality suggests how to reduce your risk of bleeding while taking a blood-thinning drug:

• Be very careful when using scissors, knives or nail clippers.
• Shave with an electric razor.
• Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use waxed dental floss.
• Always wear shoes outside and slippers with non-skid bottoms or shoes inside the house.
• Never trim calluses or corns yourself.
• Avoid using toothpicks.
• Use gloves when working in the yard or using sharp tools.
• Don't participate in sports or activities with a high risk of injury.

Health Tip: If You Have a Bleeding Disorder

A bleeding disorder inhibits the blood's ability to clot. Although this type of disorder can't be cured, it can be treated with medication.

The Womenshealth.gov Web site says women with an untreated bleeding disorder may have dangerous bleeding during the menstrual period. Other times of risk include:

• Delivering a child.
• Having a miscarriage.
• Having an abortion.
• Getting dental work.
• Having surgery.
• Suffering an injury.

Health Headlines - August 11

Behavioral Therapy Won't Curb Premature Ejaculation: Review

There's not enough evidence to support behavioral therapy for premature ejaculation, according to researchers who reviewed four previously published studies involving a total of 253 men.

The cause of premature ejaculation, which affects up to 30 percent of men worldwide, is unknown, ABC News reported.

Only four studies were included in the Cochrane Review because 13 others were too small or failed to meet certain standards.

Despite the findings, some experts believe that behavioral therapy meant to ease the anxiety about the condition can be helpful when used with medication, ABC Newsreported.

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Mother Influences Child's Food Tastes Before Birth

The food eaten by pregnant women influences their children's food preferences later in life, according to researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia.

The flavors of what the mother consumes fill the amniotic fluid that surrounds and nourishes the baby, who forms memories of these flavors even before birth.

"Things like vanilla, carrot, garlic, anise, mint -- these are just some of the flavors that have been shown to be transmitted to amniotic fluid or mother's milk," Monell researcher Julie Mennella told National Public Radio, ABC News reported.

This means that mothers can shape their children's lifetime food preferences. For example, eating broccoli during pregnancy could increase the chances that your baby will like broccoli.

The research may explain why children whose families eat a wide range of foods have more diverse diets, ABC News reported.

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Officials Investigating Minnesota Anthrax Case

A rare case of anthrax inhalation is being investigated by Minnesota health officials.

The FBI has determined that the case is not the result of a criminal or terrorist act and health officials say there is no significant threat to the general public, Agence France-Presse reported.

The case involves a person who was hospitalized after coming into contact with soil and animal remains while traveling through western states. Humans can contract anthrax if they handle infected animal carcasses, contaminated wool or hides, or ingest soil or meat from infected animals.

"All evidence points to this case of anthrax being caused by exposure to naturally occurring anthrax in the environment," said Ruth Lynfield, a Minnesota state epidemiologist, AFP reported.

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Moms of Twins Have Heavier Single Babies

Mothers who've had twins have heavier single babies, a new study says.

Researchers analyzed the birth weights of about 1,900 babies born to 700 mothers in The Gambia and found that single babies born to women who'd had twins were about 100 grams (0.21 lbs) heavier than babies born to single-baby mothers, BBC Newsreported.

A hormone called IGF may be responsible for this pattern, according to Ian Rickard, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Sheffield in the U.K.

The study was published in the journal Biology Letters.

Health Tips for August 11

Health Tip: Considering a Baby Walker?

Some parents feel baby walkers can help youngsters learn to walk at an earlier age. But the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that baby walkers can be dangerous -- and delay walking.

The Academy says infants using baby walkers can:

• Accidentally roll down stairs, leading to serious injury.
• Allow the child to reach dangerous objects that are high up, including the stove, leading to a potential burn hazard.
• Increase the risk of drowning, as baby may fall from a walker into a bathtub or pool.
• Increase the risk of accidental poisoning, as the walker allows baby to reach harmful substances that are stored up high.

Health Tip: Child Safety Seats

Every state requires that infants and children who ride in a car buckle up. But the laws vary when it comes to child safety seats.

Using a safety seat can help prevent injuries to a young child, but the device must be used correctly. Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:

• Restrain your child on every trip, every time.
• Keep your child in the back seat.
• Use the best safety restraint for your child's size.
• Your child should use the seat until she reaches the maximum weight for the device, as long as the top of her head is below the top of the seat's back.

If your child tries to squirm out of the seat, find a safe place to pull the car over. Explain why safety seats are important. Let your child know that that car seat will help keep him safe, just like the seat belt you're wearing helps keep you safe.

Health Headlines - August 10

Strawberries Linked to Oregon E. Coli Outbreak

Strawberries from a farm in northwestern Oregon have been linked to an E. coli outbreak that's claimed one life and caused at least nine other cases of illness, state health officials say.

The strawberries came from the Jaquith Strawberry Farm in Newburg, about 25 miles southwest of Portland, according to the Oregon Public Health Authority, the Associated Press reported.

The source of the E. coli bacteria is likely fecal matter from a deer, said Dr. Paul Cieslak, the authority's communicable disease manager. The farm does not appear to have done anything wrong, he noted.

The fatality was an elderly woman who died of kidney failure. Of the nine others who became ill, four have been hospitalized, the AP reported.

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New Antibody May Help Lead to Universal Flu Vaccine

A new antibody that acts against 30 of 36 strains of influenza may prove helpful in efforts to develop a universal flu treatment and vaccine, according to scientists.

The CH65 antibody can attach to the surface part of the flu virus that mutates every season, Agence France-Presse reported.

The new antibody was found in cells from a person who received the flu vaccine for 2007. The study appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"What this tells us is that the human immune system can fine-tune its response to the flu and actually produce, albeit at a low frequency, antibodies that neutralize a whole series of strains," said lead author Stephen Harrison of Children's Hospital Boston, AFPreported.

"Our goal is to understand how the immune system selects for antibodies and use that information to get better at making a vaccine that will take you in a direction that favors breadth over specificity."

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Teen Pregnancy 'Contagious' Between Sisters: Study

New research suggests that teenage pregnancy is "contagious" between sisters.

The study of more than 42,000 Norwegian teenage girls found that they were more likely to become pregnant if their older sister had a baby as a teenager. The chances of a younger sister having a teenage pregnancy increased from one in five to two in five if the older sister had a teenage pregnancy, BBC News reported.

The risk of teen pregnancy among younger sisters was strongest when sisters were close in age or from poorer families.

"Sisters generally spend more time together than schoolmates or friends and so sisters are likely to be influenced by the behavior of their siblings," the researchers wrote, BBC News reported.

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Former Head of NIH, American Red Cross Dies

The former head of the U.S. National Institute of Health and of the American Red Cross died on the weekend.

Dr. Bernadine Healy, 67, died Saturday, according to a funeral home in Ohio near Cleveland. The cause of death wasn't released but Healy had suffered from brain cancer, the Associated Press reported.

In 1991, Healy was appointed the first female director of the National Institutes of Health. In 1994, she lost a bid to run for the U.S. Senate in Ohio as a Republican. She became president of the American Red Cross in 1999 but resigned just two months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The resignation was due to disagreements with the board, including what to do with nearly $500 million collected by the Red Cross following 9/11, the AP reported.

Health Tips for August 10

Health Tip: Osteoporosis Can Affect Men, Too

Although osteoporosis is more common in postmenopausal women, men are also vulnerable to thinning bones as they age.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says risk factors for osteoporosis in men include:

• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or using tobacco.
• Not exercising regularly.
• Having a low body-mass index.
• Getting insufficient vitamin D and calcium.
• Taking certain medications, including anticonvulsants, oral glucocorticoids or heparin.
• Getting older.
• Having a family history of fractures related to fragile bones.
• Certain health conditions, including asthma, thyroid disorders or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Having low levels of certain hormones, including testosterone or estrogen.

Health Tip: Some Prone to Losing Bone Mass

Some people are at risk for losing bone mass, but haven't progressed to full-blown osteoporosis. In other words, their bodies break down old bone faster than they can produce new bone. Doctors call this condition osteopenia.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says risk factors for osteopenia include:

• Getting older.
• Starting menopause before age 45.
• Having surgery to remove the ovaries before menopause.
• Getting insufficient physical activity.
• Drinking too much alcohol, smoking or other use of tobacco.
• Having an eating disorder.
• Having an overactive thyroid.

Health Headlines - August 9

Former Head of NIH, American Red Cross Dies

The former head of the U.S. National Institute of Health and of the American Red Cross died on the weekend.

Dr. Bernadine Healy, 67, died Saturday, according to a funeral home in Ohio near Cleveland. The cause of death wasn't released but Healy had suffered from brain cancer, the Associated Press reported.

In 1991, Healy was appointed the first female director of the National Institutes of Health. In 1994, she lost a bid to run for the U.S. Senate in Ohio as a Republican. She became president of the American Red Cross in 1999 but resigned just two months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The resignation was due to disagreements with the board, including what to do with nearly $500 million collected by the Red Cross following 9/11, the AP reported.

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Human Growth Hormone Tests for NFL Players

NFL players will be tested for human growth hormone at least once a year and possibly many more times than that under a new drug-testing program, the league announced on the weekend.

Blood samples are required for growth hormone testing and the NFL will be the first major American sports league to conduct blood testing at the major league level, The New York Times reported.

NFL officials also said that this season, for the first time, players will undergo drug tests on game days.

Spokesman Greg Aiello said there is no limit on how often players can be tested for human growth hormone and steroids during the season, and they can be tested up to six times in the off-season, The Times reported.

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Coming Soon: A 'Date Rape' Drug Detector?

Scientists in Israel say they have developed a detector for "date rape" drugs in drinks that is 100 percent accurate and resembles a straw or swizzle stick.

According to ABC News, the device is currently able to detect the presence of the drugs GHB (gamma-hydroxybutric acid) and ketamine, but the researchers say they are optimistic that Rohypnal ("ruffies") will soon be added to that list.

"It samples a very small volume of the drink and mixes it with a testing solution," Fernando Patolsky, device co-creator and professor of chemistry at Tel Aviv University, told ABC News. "That causes a chemical reaction that makes the solution cloudy or colored, depending on the drug," he explained.

That reaction is followed by the switching on of a red light on the device so that users can get the warning even in dimly lit surroundings. Paolsky and co-inventor Michael Ioffe are currently looking for investors to bring the device to market.

Although the use of date rape drugs has been widely publicized, it is not common, Dr. Robert DuPont, president of the Institute for Behavior and Health, told ABC News. Instead, alcohol is often the main incapacitating factor at work, he said. "It's another reason not to use drugs and not to drink too much, because you're very vulnerable to all kinds of things."

As for the date-rape drug detector, "I would bet you there are a million, a hundred million drinks even, that are just alcohol for every one that has a drug," DuPont said. "It would be like finding a needle in a haystack."

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Brainy Dog Star of Psychologists' Meeting

A Border collie who can identify more than 1,000 objects and is able to distinguish between nouns and verbs was a star attraction on the weekend at the American Psychological Association's annual meeting.

Seven-year-old Chaser relaxed on stage as owner and retired psychology professor John Pilley spoke outlined research he's conducted with the brainy dog and showed video clips illustrating her abilities, USA Today reported.

With three years of intensive training, Chaser learned the names of 1,022 toys in blue bins at Pilley's home. Not only can Chaser identify each toy based on its name, she can follow specific commands about what to do with her toys, such as paw, nose or fetch a certain toy.

The research, published earlier this year in the journal Behavioral Processes, adds to growing evidence that dogs are "smart" or at least have skills that can be compared to human intelligence, according to USA Today.

Health Tips for August 9

Health Tip: Treating an Earache

Ear infections can cause big pain in little ears. But you and your child's doctor can take steps to help ease the pain and discomfort.

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how to ease earache pain:

• If antibiotics are prescribed for a bacterial infection, follow the pediatrician's directions carefully.
• After consulting with the doctor, offer acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give your child aspirin, because it can cause a rare but life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome in kids and teens.
• Place a warm (not hot) heating pad over the sore ear.
• Use any pain-relieving ear drops prescribed by your child's pediatrician.

Health Tip: Prevent Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear occurs when water builds up in the ear, causing an infection of the outer ear canal. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness and draining pus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to help prevent swimmer's ear:

• Keep water out of your ears while swimming by using ear plugs or a bathing cap.
• Thoroughly dry your ears when you're finished swimming. Tilt your head in each direction, pull gently on your earlobe and pat dry with a towel.
• Never insert anything (such as a finger or cotton swab) into the ear.
• Use a blow-dryer on its lowest setting to completely dry your ears.
• Don't try to remove any ear wax yourself. Seek the help of a physician.

Health Headlines - August 8

Adult Stem Cells Used in Texas Governor's Back Surgery

Adult stem cells were used by doctors when they performed back surgery on Texas Gov. Rick Perry last month.

The stem cells were taken from the Republican governor's body and used in an area where doctors decompressed a nerve and fused part of Perry's spine, the Associated Pressreported.

Perry opposes embryonic stem cell research but has advocated research into adult stem cells.

Since the July 1 surgery, the governor has worn a back brace and maintained his work schedule, the AP reported.

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Hepatitis C Vaccine Effective in Animals: Study

A vaccine for hepatitis C has proven successful in laboratory mice and monkeys, European scientists announced this week.

They said the vaccine protected the animals against several different variants of the hepatitis C virus, which suggests it may be effective against mutations as they occur,Agence France-Presse reported.

The "virus-like particles" used to create the vaccine trigger an immune response and help the body develop resistance to the hepatitis C virus, but the particles don't contain any genetic material that would enable a virus to multiply.

This method had been used in other vaccines, including the human papillomavirus vaccine, AFP reported.

The study appears in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Currently, there is no human vaccine for hepatitis C.

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Jerry Lewis no Longer Host of Muscular Dystrophy Telethon

Jerry Lewis will no longer host the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual Labor Day telethon or be its national chairman, the MDA announced Wednesday.

No explanation was given for the decision to end the 85-year-old comedian's long tenure. Since he began his stint as host in 1966, the telethons have raised more than $1 billion and about 200 hospital-affiliated MD clinics have been opened across the United States,CBS News reported.

Lewis, who has suffered health problems in recent years, has been "instrumental" in assisting the fight against the fatal hereditary disease, according to Dr. Rabi N. Tawil, co-director of the muscular dystrophy clinic at the University of Rochester.

He also told CBS News that there "has been an explosion of information about the genetic defects that cause muscular dystrophy and tremendous advances in treatment."

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Quick Test Detects Congenital Heart Defects

A quick and cheap test that measures oxygen in the blood is more effective than current tests and could help save the lives of babies born with congenital heart defects, according to researchers.

The findings from their study of 20,055 newborns at six maternity hospitals in the U.K. appears in The Lancet. The researchers called for the oxygen test to be used in hospitals across the U.K., BBC News reported.

The test takes less than five minutes and uses a pulse oximeter, a piece of equipment that's been around for two decades. It detected 75 percent of the most serious abnormalities when used alone, and 92 percent of cases when used with traditional methods such as ultrasound during pregnancy or listening to a baby's heart after birth.

The test "adds value to existing screening procedures and is likely to be useful for identification of cases of critical congenital heart defects," said lead researcher Dr. Andrew Ewer of the University of Birmingham, BBC News reported.

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U.S. Hospital Pneumonia Death Rates Fall

The rate of deaths among American adults age 18 and older hospitalized for pneumonia fell 45 percent between 2000 and 2007, a federal government report says.

Over that time, the average death rate due to pneumonia decreased from 74 to 41 deaths per 1,000 hospital admissions, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

In 2007, the states with the lowest pneumonia-related death rates among hospitalized patients were Arizona (23 per 1,000) and Maryland (26 per 1,000). Eight states had rates of 50 per 1,000 or higher: Nebraska (57), Wyoming (55), Hawaii (55), West Virginia (54), Arkansas (53), Oklahoma (53), New York (52), Vermont (50).

Rates in other states ranged from 30 to 49 deaths per 1,000.

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Lab-Made Sperm Fertilizes Eggs: Study

Japanese scientists who used laboratory-made sperm to restore fertility in sterile mice say their achievement could lead to new ways to treat infertility in humans.

The researchers first converted mouse embryonic cells into sperm, which was used to fertilize mouse eggs. The resulting pups were healthy and fertile, the Wall Street Journalreported.

The study by the Kyoto University team was published Thursday in the journal Cell.

While this research breaks new ground, "we have a long way to go before it can be applied to humans," senior author Mitinori Saitou told the Wall Street Journal.

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Hackers May be Able to Attack Insulin Pumps: Expert

Insulin pumps and blood-sugar monitors are vulnerable to computer hacking, according to a security researcher.

Flaws in the devices could enable a hacker to take control of an insulin pump or alter the readouts of blood-sugar monitors, causing diabetics to get too much or too little insulin, Jay Radcliffe told the Associated Press.

Radcliffe is a diabetic who tested his own diabetes equipment. He presented his findings at a security conference Thursday in Las Vegas.

"My initial reaction was that this was really cool from a technical perspective," he told theAP. "The second reaction was one of maybe sheer terror, to know that there's no security around the devices which are a very active part of keeping me alive."

However, medical device makers downplay the threat, saying that attacks have been limited to demonstrations by security experts and are unlikely to occur in the real world, the AP reported.

Health Tips for August 8

Health Tip: Don't Take Fainting Lightly

Fainting can occur for a number of reasons, from feeling terror to being dehydrated, a state in which the body does not have as much fluid or water as it should. In some instances, fainting requires emergency medical attention.

The ADAM Encyclopedia lists these warning signs of dangerous fainting:

• Fainting and falling from a height, particularly if there is bleeding or other injury.
• Not regaining alertness within a few minutes.
• Fainting when someone is pregnant or has diabetes, or is older than age 50.
• Fainting accompanied by pain or pressure in the chest.
• Fainting accompanied by changes in heartbeat or signs of stroke, including changes in speech, vision and the ability to move both sides of the body.
• Fainting that causes convulsions, an injury to the tongue or the inability to control the bowels or bladder.

Health Tip: Mini-Stroke Could Warn of Full-Blown Episode

A so-called "mini-stroke," medically known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), triggers stroke-like symptoms that last for less than a day -- usually for an hour or two.

Anyone who has had a TIA should consider it a medical emergency and a warning sign of a potential full-blown stroke, the University of Maryland Medical Center says.

Treatment of a TIA should include steps that may ward off an actual stroke, the hospital says. It offers these suggestions:

• Take measures to control health problems that could trigger a stroke, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or blood disorders.
• Ask your doctor if you should take blood-thinning drugs that can help prevent clots.
• If you have a clog in a neck artery, recognize that you may need surgery.
• Quit smoking.
• Change to a healthier diet, by cutting back on salt and fat.

Health Tips for August 7

Health Tip: Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Your baby's teeth can decay from going to bed with a baby bottle or poor oral hygiene.

The American Dental Association lists these suggestions to help prevent baby bottle tooth decay:

• Moms, practice good oral hygiene and don't share utensils or put your baby's pacifier in your mouth.
• Wipe baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after each feeding.
• Brush teeth with water and a child's toothbrush as soon as teeth break through the skin.
• Begin using fluoride toothpaste at about age 2, or when baby can spit. You will need to brush your child's teeth until at least age 6.
• Only formula, milk or breast milk go in baby bottles -- never juice or other sugary drinks.
• Don't put your child to bed with a bottle.
• Make sure pacifiers are clean (with soap and water) and never dip them in honey or other sweeteners.
• Limit sweet treats, provide exposure to fluoride and introduce baby to a sippy cup by the first birthday.

Health Tip: What May Cause Facial Pain

When your face throbs or you feel a dull ache, there are a number of possible causes to consider.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these possibilities:

• Abscessed tooth.
• Migraine or a cluster headache.
• Facial injury.
• Shingles or cold sore infections, both of which are types of herpes viruses.
• Conditions such as sinusitis, sinus infection or myofascial pain syndrome.
• The nerve disorder tic douloureux.
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Health Headlines - August 6

Adult Stem Cells Used in Texas Governor's Back Surgery

Adult stem cells were used by doctors when they performed back surgery on Texas Gov. Rick Perry last month.

The stem cells were taken from the Republican governor's body and used in an area where doctors decompressed a nerve and fused part of Perry's spine, the Associated Press reported.

Perry opposes embryonic stem cell research but has advocated research into adult stem cells.

Since the July 1 surgery, the governor has worn a back brace and maintained his work schedule, the AP reported.

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Hepatitis C Vaccine Effective in Animals: Study

A vaccine for hepatitis C has proven successful in laboratory mice and monkeys, European scientists announced this week.

They said the vaccine protected the animals against several different variants of the hepatitis C virus, which suggests it may be effective against mutations as they occur,Agence France-Presse reported.

The "virus-like particles" used to create the vaccine trigger an immune response and help the body develop resistance to the hepatitis C virus, but the particles don't contain any genetic material that would enable a virus to multiply.

This method had been used in other vaccines, including the human papillomavirus vaccine, AFP reported.

The study appears in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Currently, there is no human vaccine for hepatitis C.

-----

Jerry Lewis no Longer Host of Muscular Dystrophy Telethon

Jerry Lewis will no longer host the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual Labor Day telethon or be its national chairman, the MDA announced Wednesday.

No explanation was given for the decision to end the 85-year-old comedian's long tenure. Since he began his stint as host in 1966, the telethons have raised more than $1 billion and about 200 hospital-affiliated MD clinics have been opened across the United States,CBS News reported.

Lewis, who has suffered health problems in recent years, has been "instrumental" in assisting the fight against the fatal hereditary disease, according to Dr. Rabi N. Tawil, co-director of the muscular dystrophy clinic at the University of Rochester.

He also told CBS News that there "has been an explosion of information about the genetic defects that cause muscular dystrophy and tremendous advances in treatment."

-----

Quick Test Detects Congenital Heart Defects

A quick and cheap test that measures oxygen in the blood is more effective than current tests and could help save the lives of babies born with congenital heart defects, according to researchers.

The findings from their study of 20,055 newborns at six maternity hospitals in the U.K. appears in The Lancet. The researchers called for the oxygen test to be used in hospitals across the U.K., BBC News reported.

The test takes less than five minutes and uses a pulse oximeter, a piece of equipment that's been around for two decades. It detected 75 percent of the most serious abnormalities when used alone, and 92 percent of cases when used with traditional methods such as ultrasound during pregnancy or listening to a baby's heart after birth.

The test "adds value to existing screening procedures and is likely to be useful for identification of cases of critical congenital heart defects," said lead researcher Dr. Andrew Ewer of the University of Birmingham, BBC News reported.

-----

U.S. Hospital Pneumonia Death Rates Fall

The rate of deaths among American adults age 18 and older hospitalized for pneumonia fell 45 percent between 2000 and 2007, a federal government report says.

Over that time, the average death rate due to pneumonia decreased from 74 to 41 deaths per 1,000 hospital admissions, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

In 2007, the states with the lowest pneumonia-related death rates among hospitalized patients were Arizona (23 per 1,000) and Maryland (26 per 1,000). Eight states had rates of 50 per 1,000 or higher: Nebraska (57), Wyoming (55), Hawaii (55), West Virginia (54), Arkansas (53), Oklahoma (53), New York (52), Vermont (50).

Rates in other states ranged from 30 to 49 deaths per 1,000.

-----

Lab-Made Sperm Fertilizes Eggs: Study

Japanese scientists who used laboratory-made sperm to restore fertility in sterile mice say their achievement could lead to new ways to treat infertility in humans.

The researchers first converted mouse embryonic cells into sperm, which was used to fertilize mouse eggs. The resulting pups were healthy and fertile, the Wall Street Journalreported.

The study by the Kyoto University team was published Thursday in the journal Cell.

While this research breaks new ground, "we have a long way to go before it can be applied to humans," senior author Mitinori Saitou told the Wall Street Journal.

-----

Hackers May be Able to Attack Insulin Pumps: Expert

Insulin pumps and blood-sugar monitors are vulnerable to computer hacking, according to a security researcher.

Flaws in the devices could enable a hacker to take control of an insulin pump or alter the readouts of blood-sugar monitors, causing diabetics to get too much or too little insulin, Jay Radcliffe told the Associated Press.

Radcliffe is a diabetic who tested his own diabetes equipment. He presented his findings at a security conference Thursday in Las Vegas.

"My initial reaction was that this was really cool from a technical perspective," he told the AP. "The second reaction was one of maybe sheer terror, to know that there's no security around the devices which are a very active part of keeping me alive."

However, medical device makers downplay the threat, saying that attacks have been limited to demonstrations by security experts and are unlikely to occur in the real world, the AP reported.

Health Tips for August 6

Health Tip: Eating Disorders May Affect Oral Health

Eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, may affect the health of your teeth and gums.

The American Dental Association says potential complications of eating disorders include:

• Gums that bleed easily.
• Swollen glands in the mouth.
• Chronic dryness of the mouth.
• Destruction of tooth enamel.
• Discomfort while eating hot or cold foods.
• Teeth that chip or break easily.

Health Tip: Soothe Swollen Gums

Gums can swell and become tender as a result of gingivitis, a side effect of certain drugs or pregnancy.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests how to care for swollen gums:

• Don't expose your gums to irritating substances such as tobacco, mouthwashes or alcohol.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Try a different brand of toothpaste if your gums appear sensitive to your toothpaste.
• Practice good oral hygiene, including a periodontal or dental visit every six months.
• If your condition is caused by a drug, ask your doctor about changing medications. Don't switch any medication before you consult with your doctor.

Health Headlines - August 5

U.S. Hospital Pneumonia Death Rates Fall

The rate of deaths among American adults age 18 and older hospitalized for pneumonia fell 45 percent between 2000 and 2007, a federal government report says.

Over that time, the average death rate due to pneumonia decreased from 74 to 41 deaths per 1,000 hospital admissions, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

In 2007, the states with the lowest pneumonia-related death rates among hospitalized patients were Arizona (23 per 1,000) and Maryland (26 per 1,000). Eight states had rates of 50 per 1,000 or higher: Nebraska (57), Wyoming (55), Hawaii (55), West Virginia (54), Arkansas (53), Oklahoma (53), New York (52), Vermont (50).

Rates in other states ranged from 30 to 49 deaths per 1,000.

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Lab-Made Sperm Fertilizes Eggs: Study

Japanese scientists who used laboratory-made sperm to restore fertility in sterile mice say their achievement could lead to new ways to treat infertility in humans.

The researchers first converted mouse embryonic cells into sperm, which was used to fertilize mouse eggs. The resulting pups were healthy and fertile, the Wall Street Journalreported.

The study by the Kyoto University team was published Thursday in the journal Cell.

While this research breaks new ground, "we have a long way to go before it can be applied to humans," senior author Mitinori Saitou told the Wall Street Journal.

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Hackers May be Able to Attack Insulin Pumps: Expert

Insulin pumps and blood-sugar monitors are vulnerable to computer hacking, according to a security researcher.

Flaws in the devices could enable a hacker to take control of an insulin pump or alter the readouts of blood-sugar monitors, causing diabetics to get too much or too little insulin, Jay Radcliffe told the Associated Press.

Radcliffe is a diabetic who tested his own diabetes equipment. He presented his findings at a security conference Thursday in Las Vegas.

"My initial reaction was that this was really cool from a technical perspective," he told theAP. "The second reaction was one of maybe sheer terror, to know that there's no security around the devices which are a very active part of keeping me alive."

However, medical device makers downplay the threat, saying that attacks have been limited to demonstrations by security experts and are unlikely to occur in the real world, the AP reported.

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Laughter not Best Medicine for COPD Patients: Study

Laughter causes a short-term decline in lung function among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study.

COPD is a progressive lung disorder that affects more than 12 million people in the United States and is the fourth leading cause of death in the nation, CBS News reported.

This study included 46 COPD patients who underwent lung function tests immediately before and after watching a funny video or a home repair video. Those who watched the funny video had more air trapped in their lungs afterward, a sign of reduced lung function, the Ohio State University researchers said.

"COPD is characterized by this increased air trapping, so our hypothesis was that laughter would reduce some of that trapped air," lead author Kim Lebowitz Feingold, a doctoral candidate, said in a written statement, CBS News reported. "But in hindsight, the findings make sense. With laughter, people also are introducing an increased amount of air into their lungs compared with a normal breath. These patients have trouble getting the air out, so they are taking in more air with laughter, but they cannot easily expire that air."

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Healthy Diet Too Expensive for Many Americans: Study

The high cost of eating a healthy diet could make it difficult for many Americans to meet the country's updated nutritional guidelines, a new study says.

The new guidelines encourage people to eat more foods containing dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin D and calcium. However, doing so would add hundreds of dollars to their annual grocery bill, according to the study in the journal Healthy Affairs.

"We know more than ever about the science of nutrition, and yet we have not yet been able to move the needle on healthful eating," lead researcher Pablo Monsivais, an assistant professor, Department of Epidemiology and the School of Public Health, University of Washington, told the Associated Press.

The researchers say the government needs to provide help to make it affordable for people to adhere to the nutritional guidelines.

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Pfizer May Attempt OTC Version of Lipitor

An over-the-counter version of the cholesterol-lowering statin drug Lipitor is being considered by Pfizer after it loses patient protection on the prescription version in November, a person with inside knowledge told The New York Times.

Lipitor is the world's best-selling drug and selling an OTC version would reduce the financial hit Pfizer will suffer when the patent protection expires.

However, it may be difficult for Pfizer to convince the Food and Drug Administration that consumers can take Lipitor without a doctor's supervision, The Times reported.

Two other drug companies -- Merck and Bristol-Myers Squibb -- failed to get FDA approval for OTC versions of their statin drugs.

Pfizer refused to comment on the matter, The Times reported.

Health Tips for August 5

Health Tip: Lightning Can Be Dangerous While You're Inside

Even indoors, you may be hurt by lightning unless you take the proper precautions, the National Weather Service says.

The agency offers these indoor safety suggestions during a thunderstorm:

• Do not use phones with a cord during a thunderstorm. Cellular and cordless phones are OK.
• Never touch electrical cords or equipment during a storm. Unplug electronics before the storm starts.
• Don't wash your hands, do dishes or shower during a storm.
• Avoid windows and doors during a storm. Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
• Stay off your computer until the storm is over.

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 - August 4

'Gluten-Free' Food Standard Being Finalized by FDA

A standard definition for gluten-free foods is being finalized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

It's expected that foods claiming to be gluten free would be required to have no more than 20 parts per million gluten, which is the European standard, ABC News reported.

The purpose of the standard is to protect the 1.5 million to 3 million Americans with celiac disease, a genetic disorder that causes an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. It's also found in many processed foods, soups, sauces and salad dressings.

In the U.S., sales of food products labeled as "gluten-free" totalled nearly $3 billion a year, ABC News reported.

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Giffords Returns to House for Debt-Limit Bill Vote

Seven months after being shot in the head by a would-be assassin, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords returned to the House Monday to cast her vote on the debt-limit bill.

She used one hand to greet colleagues while her other hand remained at her side. She responded to the warm welcome from other lawmakers with a smile and mouthed "thank you" several times, the Associated Press reported.

The Arizona Democrat wore glasses and her hair was dark and closely cropped. She left the House chamber by the east door and required the support of an aide as she walked with obvious difficulty.

Giffords, who was accompanied by her husband Mark Kelly, did not respond to reporters' questions, the AP said.

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Brownies With Melatonin Unsafe: FDA

Melatonin-laced "Lazy Larry" brownies are unsafe and may be seized from store shelves, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a warning letter sent to the Memphis-based company that makes the brownies.

Melatonin is a hormone that helps control the sleep-wake cycle. The brownies can make people sleepy and are advertised by HBB LLC as a stress reliever. Until July, the brownies were called "Lazy Cakes," the Associated Press reported.

The brownies are sold in some convenience stores and online through HBB's website.

The FDA says melatonin is not a safe food additive and the brownies are considered "adulterated" because they contain the hormone. The agency said it can seize the brownies if HBB continues to make and market them.

Company executives are reviewing the warning letter with lawyers, an HBB spokeswoman told the AP Monday.

Health Tips for August 4

Health Tip: Watch for Signs of Scoliosis

Scoliosis, characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, usually develops during childhood.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons mentions these warning signs of scoliosis in children. The academy says parents should start to monitor for these symptoms, starting at about age 8:

• Shoulders that appear uneven.
• Shoulder blades that appear very prominent.
• Waist that appears uneven.
• Hips that are elevated.
• Posture characterized by leaning to one side.

Health Tip: Skate Safely

Before your kids lace up their in-line skates, make sure they're prepared.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests how to reduce the risk of injury while in-line skating:

• Make sure your child is always wearing protective equipment.
• Skate carefully, and make sure to allow plenty of room for stopping.
• Stick to the right side of the sidewalk or path, and pass on the left side.
• Don't skate in areas where the ground is uneven or where there is traffic.
• Always yield to pedestrians, and follow all traffic rules.

Gargill recalling 36M pounds of ground turkey

Meat giant Cargill is recalling 36 million pounds of ground turkey linked to a nationwide salmonella outbreak that has killed one person in California and sickened at least 76 others.

Illnesses in the outbreak date back to March and have been reported in 26 states coast to coast.

Cargill said Wednesday that it is recalling fresh and frozen ground turkey products produced at the company's Springdale, Ark., plant from Feb. 20 through Aug. 2 due to possible contamination from the strain of salmonella linked to the illnesses.

Company officials said that all ground turkey production has been suspended at the plant until the company is able to determine the source of the outbreak.

"Given our concern for what has happened, and our desire to do what is right for our consumers and customers, we are voluntarily removing our ground turkey products from the marketplace," said Steve Willardsen, president of Cargill's turkey processing business.

The Minnesota-based company said it was initiating the recall after its own internal investigation, an Agriculture Department investigation and information about the illnesses released by the CDC this week.

All of the packages recalled include the code "Est. P-963" on the label, according to Cargill. The packages were labeled with many different brands, including Cargill's Honeysuckle White.

The CDC said this week that cultures of ground turkey from four retail locations between March 7 and June 27 showed contamination with the same strain of salmonella, though those samples had not been specifically linked to the illnesses. The CDC said preliminary information showed that three of those samples were linked to the same production establishment, but it did not name that plant.

A chart on the CDC's website shows cases have occurred every month since early March, with spikes in May and early June. The latest reported cases were in mid-July, although the CDC said some recent cases may not have been reported yet.

The states with the highest number sickened were Michigan and Ohio, 10 illnesses each, while nine illnesses were reported in Texas. Illinois had seven, California six and Pennsylvania five.

The remaining states have between one and three reported illnesses linked to the outbreak, according to the CDC: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

The CDC estimates that 50 million Americans each year get sick from food poisoning, including about 3,000 who die. Salmonella causes most of these cases and federal health officials say they've made virtually no progress against it.

Government officials say that even contaminated ground turkey is safe to eat if it is cooked to 165 degrees. But it's also important that raw meat be handled properly before it is cooked and that people wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling the meat. Turkey and other meats should also be properly refrigerated or frozen and leftovers heated.

The most common symptoms of salmonella are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within eight hours to 72 hours of eating a contaminated product. It can be life-threatening to some with weakened immune systems.

Health Headlines - August 3

Giffords Returns to House for Debt-Limit Bill Vote

Seven months after being shot in the head by a would-be assassin, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords returned to the House Monday to cast her vote on the debt-limit bill.

She used one hand to greet colleagues while her other hand remained at her side. She responded to the warm welcome from other lawmakers with a smile and mouthed "thank you" several times, the Associated Press reported.

The Arizona Democrat wore glasses and her hair was dark and closely cropped. She left the House chamber by the east door and required the support of an aide as she walked with obvious difficulty.

Giffords, who was accompanied by her husband Mark Kelly, did not respond to reporters' questions, the AP said.

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Brownies With Melatonin Unsafe: FDA

Melatonin-laced "Lazy Larry" brownies are unsafe and may be seized from store shelves, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a warning letter sent to the Memphis-based company that makes the brownies.

Melatonin is a hormone that helps control the sleep-wake cycle. The brownies can make people sleepy and are advertised by HBB LLC as a stress reliever. Until July, the brownies were called "Lazy Cakes," the Associated Press reported.

The brownies are sold in some convenience stores and online through HBB's website.

The FDA says melatonin is not a safe food additive and the brownies are considered "adulterated" because they contain the hormone. The agency said it can seize the brownies if HBB continues to make and market them.

Company executives are reviewing the warning letter with lawyers, an HBB spokeswoman told the AP Monday.

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Deadly Radiation Levels Found at Fukushima Plant

Lethal levels of radiation have been detected in a part of Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, but the discovery won't slow attempts to bring the plant's damaged reactors under control, Tokyo Electric Power says.

The plant was damaged after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and has continued to emit radiation since the disaster.

On Monday afternoon, workers found an area near Reactors No. 1 and 2 where radiation levels exceeded the highest reading (10 sieverts per hour) on their measuring device,The New York Times reported.

The workers who found the deadly levels of radiation near a ventilation tower were wearing antiradiation suits. The affected area has been closed off, company officials said.

They also said the high radiation levels in that area will not impede work to build a new reactor cooling system and remove contaminated water, The Times reported.

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Ground Turkey Source of Salmonella Outbreak

Contaminated fresh or frozen ground turkey is the cause of a salmonella food poisoning outbreak that's claimed one life and sickened at least 76 other people in 26 states since March, says a public health alert issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Tests on four ground turkey samples bought from stores between March 7 and June 27 showed they were contaminated with the salmonella strain linked to the outbreak,msnbc.com reported.

The strain of salmonella Heidelberg appears to be resistant to many common antibiotics, which may increase the risk of serious illness or hospitalization. The outbreak has led to the hospitalization of 22 people so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Illnesses related to the outbreak began on or after March 9 and have continued through Aug. 1, officials said. The reported number of illnesses in the 26 states range from 10 each in Ohio and Michigan and nine in Texas to only one in several states, msnbc.comreported.

Consumers are being told to cook fresh or frozen ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and to use a food thermometer to ensure the proper cooking temperature.

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Planned Parenthood Wins Legal Fight on Funding in Kansas

Implementation of a new Kansas law to prevent federal family planning funding to the state's Planned Parenthood chapter was blocked Monday by a federal judge.

The state must immediately resume funding for Planned Parenthood, U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten ordered, the Associated Press reported.

Unless it received its $330,000 in federal Title X annual funding, Planned Parenthood said it would have to close its clinic in the western city of Hays and that its 5,700 patients would face higher costs, longer wait or travel times to appointments, and less access to services.

Planned Parenthood is suing to block a state budget provision that channels federal family planning dollars to public health departments and hospitals, leaving no money for Planned Parenthood and similar organizations, the AP reported.

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Purina Cat Food Recalled

Bags of cat food that may be contaminated with salmonella are being recalled by Nestle Purina.

The recall includes 3.5- and 7-pound bags of Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat food with a "best by" date of May 2012. The 3.5 pound bags have production codes of 03341084 and 03351084 and UPC codes of 17800 01885, and the 7-pound bags have production codes of 03341084 and 03351084 and UPC codes of 17800 01887, theChicago Tribune reported.

The recalled bags of cat food were shipped to customers in California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin, but the food could have been taken to other states, the company said.

People who bought the cat food should stop feeding it to their cats and throw it away. Customers can get a refund by calling the company at 1-800-982-6559, the Tribune reported.

Health Tips for August 3

Health Tip: Thaw Poultry Safely

There are safe ways to thaw chicken, turkey and other poultry -- and there are not so safe ways to do so. Improper thawing can lead to food-borne illness.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers these suggestions:

• Don't allow poultry to thaw at room temperature.
• Allow the poultry to thaw in the refrigerator for one-to-two days.
• You can thaw poultry in a sealed bag placed in cold water for two-to-three hours, changing the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
• Thawed poultry can be stored in the refrigerator for another one-to-two days.
• You can defrost poultry in the microwave, but it should be cooked immediately afterward.
• Always allow poultry to thaw before using a slow cooker.

Health Tip: Should You Eat Raw Fish?

In some cultures, eating raw fish is a time-honored tradition.

But some people are at greater-than-average risk of food-borne illness, and should avoid eating uncooked seafood, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

Here's the FDA's list of people who should stay clear of sashimi or sushi that contains raw fish:

• Seniors.
• Very young children.
• Women who are pregnant.
• Anyone with a compromised immune system.
• Anyone with low levels of stomach acid.

Health Headlines - August 2

New HIV Test Proves Accurate in Field Test

A new rapid blood test detected both HIV and syphilis in a field trial conducted in Rwanda, according to researchers.

The clear plastic, credit-card shaped "lab on a chip" device provided results within 20 minutes and was 100 percent accurate in detecting HIV and 94 percent accurate in detecting syphilis, the Washington Post reported.

Compared to current methods, the new test could offer a quicker, easier and less expensive way to detect infectious diseases among people in developing countries, according to the authors of the study published online in the journal Nature Medicine.

"This is a big step," Doris Rouse, a vice president at RTI International in North Carolina who specializes in global health technologies, told the Post. "Whats especially exciting about this device is that its rugged, easy to use and doesnt require a lot of infrastructure or training."

She was not involved in the study.

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Human Genes Can be Patented: Court

An isolated human gene can be patented, a U.S. federal appeals court has ruled.

Friday's decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed a lower court ruling about Salt-Lake City-based Myriad Genetics Inc.'s patents for two genes (BRCA1 and BRCA1) whose mutations are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The case involved a number of researchers, scientific societies and women's health advocacy groups who filed suit to invalidate the patents.

The case may eventually reach the Supreme Court, the Wall Street Journal reported.

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Low Income, Poor Diet Speed Aging: Study

Having a low income or eating poorly can hasten aging, according to researchers who evaluated a test that predicts aging by measuring telomeres.

Telomeres are cap-like structures on the ends of chromosomes. Previous research has shown that people with shorter-than-normal telomeres have a shorter lifespan.

In this study, Scottish scientists used the $700 test to compare telomere length in 382 people. Over 10 years, telomeres shorted by 7.7 percent among people with a household income of less than $41,000, compared with 0.6 percent among those who made more money, CBS News reported.

Telomere lengths shortened by 8.7 percent among renters and 2.2 percent among homeowners, and by 7.7 percent among people with poor diets and 1.8 percent among healthy eaters.

The study is scheduled for publication in an upcoming issue of the journal PLoS One.

Health Tips for August 2

Health Tip: Child Safety Seats

Every state requires that infants and children who ride in a car buckle up. But the laws vary when it comes to child safety seats.

Using a safety seat can help prevent injuries to a young child, but the device must be used correctly. Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:

• Restrain your child on every trip, every time.
• Keep your child in the back seat.
• Use the best safety restraint for your child's size.
• Your child should use the seat until she reaches the maximum weight for the device, as long as the top of her head is below the top of the seat's back.

If your child tries to squirm out of the seat, find a safe place to pull the car over. Explain why safety seats are important. Let your child know that that car seat will help keep him safe, just like the seat belt you're wearing helps keep you safe.

Health Tip: Get Kids Moving

Getting daily exercise is a practice that should begin in childhood, many experts say.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has this advice for encouraging physical activity among kids:

• Meet with your child's pediatrician so he can talk with you and your child about how important physical activity is for everyone's health.
• Promote a sport or other age-appropriate activity that your child likes, or an activity that the family can enjoy together.
• Create a safe place where your child can exercise and play, and offer toys that encourage physical activity.
• Be active yourself by making time for exercise and playing with your child.
• Limit TV and computer time for the entire family.
• Teach your child not to push too hard -- exercise should be fun, not painful.

Health Headlines - August 1

SF Ballot Won't Include Circumcision Ban Proposal

A measure calling for a ban on circumcisions on most male children will not appear on San Francisco's November ballot.

In her ruling Thursday, Superior Court Judge Loretta Giorgi said the ban would violate the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of religious freedom and a California law that gives the state, not cities, the authority to regulate medical procedures, the Associated Pressreported.

The ballot measure was sponsored by anti-circumcision activist Lloyd Schofield, who is considering an appeal.

The proposed ban was challenged in court by the San Francisco's attorney office along with several Jewish groups and Muslim parents, the AP reported.

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World Population to Reach 7 Billion This Year

The global population will reach 7 billion this year and could hit 9.3 billion by 2050, according to researchers.

The expected 2.3 billion increase in population over the next four decades represents as many people as lived on the planet in 1950, United Press International reported.

Nearly all of the 2.3 billion projected increase will occur in less developed regions of the world, with nearly half the increase in Africa, David Bloom, a professor of economics and demography at Harvard University, said in an article that appears in the journal Science.

He also said the population increase will lead to unprecedented global demographic upheaval, UPI reported.

The world's population reached 1 billion in 1850 but has jumped from 3 billion to 7 billion in the past half-century.

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Tylenol's Maker Reducing Daily Dose to Help Prevent ODs

To lower the risk of accidental overdose from acetaminophen, Johnson & Johnson is reducing the maximum daily dose of Extra Strength Tylenol, its popular painkiller, by 1,000 milligrams.

Consumers will be advised to take no more than 6 pills a day (3,000 milligrams total) instead of the 8 pills a day (4,000 milligrams) specified on current packaging.

The dosing interval also will be extended -- to every 6 hours, from every 4-6 hours, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the J&J division that makes Tylenol, said in a news release issued Thursday. Product packaging will bear the new dosing guidelines beginning this fall.

The changes stem from a 2009 Food and Drug Administration decision calling for tighter regulation of acetaminophen, the painkiller in Tylenol, which can cause liver damage and fatal overdose when used in excess. Next year, McNeil also intends to reduce the maximum daily dose for Regular Strength Tylenol and other products containing the pain reliever.

"Acetaminophen is safe when used as directed," the McNeil statement said. Taking multiple products or not following the dosing instructions can result in accidental overdose, the company added.

Acetaminophen is found in hundreds of over-the-counter headache, fever and cold medications as well as prescription drugs, including Percocet and Vicodin.

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Childhood Asthma Drug Costs Doubled Over 10 Years

The percentage of American children treated for asthma increased slightly over 10 years, while yearly drug costs to treat the disease more than doubled, according to a federal government report released Thursday.

Between 1997-98 and 2007-08, the average annual percentage of children treated for asthma rose from 4.7 percent to 6.1 percent. The average annual prescription drug expenses increased from $349 to $838 per child, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Overall average yearly health care expenses for a child with asthma rose 37 percent, from $1,827 to $2,503.

The analysis of data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey also showed that children ages 5 to 11 were more likely to be treated for asthma than children ages 12 to 17.

Health Tips for August 1

Health Tip: Caregivers, Don't Ignore Your Own Health

Caring for someone else during a serious illness can take a lot out of you. The American Academy of Family Physicians says it's important to take care of yourself as you care for someone else.

The academy offers these suggestions:

• Get regular checkups with your own doctor.
• Eat a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet.
• Find time for plenty of sleep.
• Schedule time for 30 minutes to 60 minutes of exercise at least four days per week.
• Help manage stress with techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• Take some time for yourself every once in a while.

Health Tip: How Caregivers Can Help

Caregivers can offer help and support to people who are no longer completely independent.

Womenshealth.gov suggests how a caregiver can provide assistance to people with dementia, cancer or another condition that limits the ability to perform basic daily tasks:

• Shopping for groceries.
• Preparing and serving meals.
• Cleaning the home and performing other chores.
• Making sure the bills are paid.
• Administering medications.
• Assisting with bathing, going to the bathroom and getting dressed.