Health Headlines - November 8

MRSA Boosts Death Risk in Kids With Flu: Study

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

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

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

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

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

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

The study was published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

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

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

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Sending Chickenpox Virus Through Mail Dangerous and Illegal

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

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

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

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

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

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Half of U.S. Students Sexually Harassed: Survey

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

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for November 8

Health Tip: Causes of Failure to Thrive in Babies

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

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

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

Health Tip: Enjoying Tummy Time

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

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

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

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

Health Headlines - November 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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High Doses of Bone Drug May Boost Cancer Risk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Glaxo to Pay $3 Billion to Settle Investigations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Drug Take-Back Day Collects Nearly 200 Tons of Medications

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for November 7

Health Tip: Is It Arthritis That's Irritating Your Knee?

Arthritis can affect any joint, but weight-bearing joints such as the knee are particularly vulnerable.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons mentions these common symptoms of knee arthritis:

• Swelling and stiffness.
• Trouble straightening or bending the knee.
• Pain that tends to worsen in the morning, after resting, or after activities such as climbing stairs, kneeling or walking.
• Pain and stiffness that seem to coincide with changes in weather.

Health Tip: Take Care of Arthritic Joints

Even everyday activities can strain stiff and inflamed arthritic joints.

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

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

Health Headlines - November 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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High Doses of Bone Drug May Boost Cancer Risk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Glaxo to Pay $3 Billion to Settle Investigations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Drug Take-Back Day Collects Nearly 200 Tons of Medications

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for November 6

Health Tip: Creating a Healthy Body Image

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

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

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

Health Tip: Feeding Picky Eaters

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

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

Health Headlines - November 5

Strengthen Chantix Warnings: Study

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

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

The study was published today in the journal PLoS One.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Laser Treatment Turns Brown Eyes Blue

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

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

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

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

The cost is expected be about $5,000.

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

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

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Dutch Psychologist's Studies Fraudulent: Investigators

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

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

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

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

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FDA Testing Pet Food for Salmonella

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

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for November 5

Health Tip: Store Medications Safely

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

The Cleveland Clinic offers these medication-storage recommendations:

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

Health Tip: Dispose of Medications Safely

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

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

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

Health Headlines - November 4

Strengthen Chantix Warnings: Study

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

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

The study was published today in the journal PLoS One.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Laser Treatment Turns Brown Eyes Blue

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

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

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

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

The cost is expected be about $5,000.

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

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

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Dutch Psychologist's Studies Fraudulent: Investigators

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

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

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

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

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FDA Testing Pet Food for Salmonella

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

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for November 4

Health Tip: Alcohol Can Interact With Medications

Over-the-counter medications may seem safer because they don't require a prescription. But they can still interact badly when alcohol enters the mix.

The American Academy of Family Physicians mentions these popular medications that may have adverse effects if mixed with alcohol:

• NSAID pain relievers, which may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding if taken while consuming as few as two alcoholic drink per week.
• Acetaminophen, which may cause liver damage when taken with alcohol.
• Some OTC antihistamines can make you drowsy when taken with alcohol.
• Decongestants and cough medications that contain the cough suppressant dextromethorphan can increase drowsiness when taken with alcohol.
• Herbal supplements, such as kava kava, St. John's wort or valerian root, may increase drowsiness if taken with alcohol.

Health Tip: Binge Drinking's Risks

Binge drinking occurs when the number of alcoholic drinks consumed in a short period raises a person's blood alcohol level to 0.08 grams percent or above, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This works out to consuming in two hours about five drinks for the average man and four drinks for the average woman, the agency said.

The CDC cites these dangers of binge drinking:

• Increased risk of car accidents, burns, drowning and falls.
• Increased risk of involvement in assault, domestic violence or other forms of intentional injury.
• Increased risk of alcohol poisoning, and having a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.
• Increased risk of getting pregnant unintentionally or contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, liver disease and neurological damage.
• Increased risk of poorly managed diabetes.

Health Headlines - November 3

Melanoma-Detecting Device Approved by FDA

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

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

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

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

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Obama in Excellent Health

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

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

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

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

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Scientists Rejuvenate Cells From Elderly

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

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

The research is reported in the journal Genes & Development.

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

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Group Challenges J&J on Chemicals in Baby Shampoo

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

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for November 3

Health Tip: Living With Osteoarthritis

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

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

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

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

Health Tip: Take Care of Arthritic Joints

Even everyday activities can strain stiff and inflamed arthritic joints.

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

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

FDA approves innovative, non-invasive heart valve

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Headlines - November 2

Obama in Excellent Health

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

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

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

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

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Scientists Rejuvenate Cells From Elderly

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

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

The research is reported in the journal Genes & Development.

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

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Group Challenges J&J on Chemicals in Baby Shampoo

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

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

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

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

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

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Vytorin Helps Reduce Heart Problems in Kidney Disease Patients: FDA

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

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

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

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

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Gene-Tweaked Mosquitoes May Lower Dengue Fever Cases

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

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

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

The study appears in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

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

Health Tips for November 2

Health Tip: When Symptoms Indicate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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

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

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

Health Tip: At Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

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

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

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

Health Headlines - November 1

Vytorin Helps Reduce Heart Problems in Kidney Disease Patients: FDA

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

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

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

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

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Gene-Tweaked Mosquitoes May Lower Dengue Fever Cases

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

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

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

The study appears in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

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

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Obama to Tell FDA to Tackle Drug Shortages

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

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

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

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

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

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Teens 16-18 Should Have HIV Tests: Pediatricians

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

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

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

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

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

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World Population Reaches 7 Billion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for November 1

Health Tip: Ice a Sprained Ankle

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

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

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

Health Tip: Have You Sprained Your Wrist?

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

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

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

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