Health Tips for November 15

Health Tip: Protect Your Hearing

Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss. So if you're exposed to loud noise on the job or at home, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how you can protect your hearing:

• Wear disposable earplugs or special earmuffs when exposed to loud noise.
• Use rubber mats under noisy kitchen appliances.
• Install sound-absorbing draperies, carpeting and storm windows.
• Limit the volume on loud electronic devices.
• Don't use several noisy machines at once or use one loud noise to drown out another.
• Get an annual hearing test.

Health Tip: Diabetes May Contribute to Hearing Loss

Diabetics are twice as likely as non-diabetics to have hearing loss, according to the American Diabetes Association. It's thought that diabetes damages the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner-ear, the ADA says.

The association suggests diabetics heed these warning signs of hearing loss:

• Asking people frequently to repeat themselves.
• Having trouble keeping track of conversations with more than two participants.
• Noticing that other people appear to be mumbling.
• Having difficulty hearing in places where there's loud noise.
• Having difficulty hearing young children and women.
• Needing to turn the radio or TV louder than is comfortable for others.

Health Headlines - November 14

Magnets in Desk Toys, Stress Relievers Pose Risk to Kids

High-powered magnets in desk toys and stress relievers for adults can be deadly if swallowed by children, the U.S. Consumer Protection Agency warns.

The tiny magnets are so strong they can slash through a child's intestines like a gunshot, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Since 2009, there have been 17 reported cases of the magnets being swallowed, and surgery to remove the magnets was required in 11 of those cases.

"We want parents to be aware of the danger associated with these innocent-looking magnets," CPSC Chair Inez Tenenbaum said in an agency news release, the Tribune reported.

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Novel Device Measures Blood Sugar in Teardrops

A chemical sensor that measures blood sugar levels in teardrops could one day offer diabetics a pain-free alternative to frequent blood tests that require skin pricks.

Preliminary tests of this new method were conducted using tears from 12 rabbits. The research was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

While promising, it would still be years before the chemical sensor might be commercially available, developer Dr. Mark E. Meyerhoff, a University of Michigan chemistry professor, told CBS News.

While the sensor would reduce the amount of blood testing, diabetics would still have to draw blood periodically to calibrate the device, he added.

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Chicken Liver Products Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Broiled chicken liver products made by a New York company have been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 169 people, a food safety monitoring center said.

The products made by Schreiber Processing Corp. of Maspeth, N.Y., are tied to 56 cases of illness in New York City, 33 cases outside the city, 64 cases in New Jersey, nine cases in Pennsylvania, and seven in Maryland, according to the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.

This week, the company announced a recall of the products that include 10-pound boxes of Meal Mart broiled chicken liver and 10-pound boxes of loose packed broiled chicken liver, MSNBC.com reported.

The recalled products were distributed in seven states: Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The agency said the recalled products, which appear ready to eat, are actually only partially cooked, MSNBC.com reported.

Health Tips for November 14

Health Tip: Don't Drive When Drowsy

If you've got a case of heavy eyelids while you're driving, pull over as soon as possible and get some rest.

The National Sleep Foundation mentions these warning signs that you're too sleepy to drive:

• Having difficulty staying focused or blinking eyelids frequently.
• Finding yourself daydreaming.
• Having difficulty seeing traffic signs or exits, or forgetting the last few miles that you drove.
• Having difficulty keeping your head up, yawning frequently or rubbing your eyes.
• Weaving between lanes or onto the shoulder, or tailgating the next car.
• Feeling irritable or restless.

Health Tip: Avoid Distractions Behind the Wheel

Texting or talking on a cell phone behind the wheel are prime examples of the dangerous practice of distracted driving. But they're not the only ones.

The U.S. Department of Transportation offers these additional examples:

• Drinking or eating while driving.
• Having heavy conversations with passengers.
• Grooming yourself.
• Looking at maps or reading.
• Using a navigation system.
• Watching a video.
• Fiddling with a CD player, MP3 player or the car radio.

Health Headlines - November 13

Childhood Vaccinations Hit Record Number in 2010

Childhood vaccination levels worldwide reached record levels in 2010. But 19.3 million children still did not receive some or all of the recommended immunizations, leaving them vulnerable to vaccine-preventable disease and death, according to a new study.

This immunization shortfall is most common in low-income countries and puts children at risk for vaccine-preventable disease and death, according to the report in the Nov. 11Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last year, about 109.4 million infants (85 percent of those born worldwide) received at least 3 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, the highest number ever reported.

Rates of other routinely recommended childhood vaccines were 90 percent for Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine, 86 percent for the third dose of poliovirus vaccine and 85 percent for measles-containing vaccine, the report said.

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Shingles Vaccine Shortage Influences Immunizations

U.S. health officials have refrained from recommending the shingles vaccine Zostavax for adults ages 50-59 to ensure an adequate supply of vaccine for those 60 and older.

Use of the vaccine, which protects against the herpes zoster virus, was approved in 2006 for adults 60 and older and in March 2011 for adults ages 50 to 59. In June 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) reaffirmed its 2006 recommendation that adults 60 and older should get the vaccine, but decided not to expand its recommendation to include adults ages 50-59.

There have been supply problems for Zostavax and the ACIP said it wanted to make sure there was enough vaccine for adults 60 and older, who are at greater risk of shingles, according to a report in the Nov. 11 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Changes in production processes are expected to increase the supply of Zostavax in coming years and the ACIP may reconsider recommending the vaccine for adults ages 50-59 once a stable supply of the vaccine is assured.

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No Paid Maternity Leave for Half of U.S. Working Women

Nearly half of American working women who give birth don't have paid leave to care for their newborn children, according to a Census Bureau analysis released Thursday.

From 2006 to 2008, 50.8 percent of first-time mothers said they used some type of paid leave, including maternity, sick and vacation time. That percentage is unchanged from 2001-05 but is up from 37.3 percent in 1981-85, the Associated Press reported.

Less-educated mothers were nearly four times less likely to have paid leave than those with at least a college education.

Only 18 percent of new mothers with less than a high school education had paid leave in 2006-08, compared with 66 percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher level of education. Those percentages changed from 26 percent and 61 percent, respectively, earlier in the past decade, the AP reported.

First-time mothers older than 25 were much more likely to have paid leave than those younger than 22 (61 vs. 24 percent), and Hispanics were generally less likely (46.6 percent) than other groups to receive paid leave.

"This isn't good news for women at the bottom, and the irony is that the people with the most children are now the least likely to have the supports they need," said Kathleen Gerson, a professor of sociology at New York University, told the AP.

Unlike many other nations, the U.S. does not have a federal policy on paid parental leave.

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FDA Targets Illegal Tobacco Sales to Minors

Most of the warning letters recently sent to more than 1,200 tobacco retailers are about illegal sales of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to minors, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

FDA inspections of tobacco retailers found that most are in compliance with the law, but some still sell tobacco products to youngsters. Retailers who continue to violate the law could face fines.

"It should worry every parent that 20 percent of U.S. high school students smoke cigarettes," FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said in an agency news release.

"For many young people, that first cigarette or use of smokeless tobacco will lead to a lifetime of addiction, and for many, serious disease. More than 80 percent of adult smokers begin smoking before 18 years of age. Retailers are vital partners in the FDA's efforts to prevent tobacco use among kids," she said.

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U.S. Agency Restores Web Database on Doctor Discipline

A database of disciplinary actions taken against U.S. doctors was restored to a federal health agency's website Wednesday, two months after it was removed in response to doctors' complaints.

But a new restriction says anyone who uses information in the National Practitioner Data Bank cannot link it with court files or other publicly available information that would identify individual doctors, The New York Times reported.

The new rule means that the data can still be used for research without violating legal requirements on confidentiality, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The move angered journalists. The data should be posted without restrictions with the agency continuing its policy of refusing to confirm or deny any particular doctor's identity, said Charles Orenstein, president of the Association of Health Care Journalists and a reporter for the nonprofit investigative news organization ProPublica, the Times reported.

Health Tips for November 13

Health Tip: Stay Healthy at College

College is an exciting time. For many students, it's their first extended stint living away from mom and dad.

But the stress of maintaining good grades, living on a limited income, and getting along with roommates can take its toll, mentally and physically.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions for staying healthy at college:

• Get regular medical checkups and vaccinations.
• Get plenty of sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to bad grades, depressed mood, and difficulty maintaining relationships. It also raises your risk of chronic problems including diabetes and heart disease.
• Make time for regular exercise.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Don't ignore symptoms of depression.
• Don't abuse drugs or alcohol.
• Take precautions to prevent sexually transmitted disease.

Health Tip: Dealing With a Picky Eater

It may be difficult to ensure that a finicky toddler is getting all necessary nutrients. Experts say parents should be persistent in offering a variety of healthy foods.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions for parents of picky eaters:

• Add nonfat dry milk to soup, or sneak grated veggies into homemade muffins, breads or lasagna.
• Serve your child's favorite foods along with things that have been refused before.
• Let your child help prepare meals.
• Make sure food is visually appealing with unique shapes.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods yourself to set a good example for your child.
• Schedule regular family meals together.

Health Headlines - November 12

Magnets in Desk Toys, Stress Relievers Pose Risk to Kids

High-powered magnets in desk toys and stress relievers for adults can be deadly if swallowed by children, the U.S. Consumer Protection Agency warns.

The tiny magnets are so strong they can slash through a child's intestines like a gunshot, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Since 2009, there have been 17 reported cases of the magnets being swallowed, and surgery to remove the magnets was required in 11 of those cases.

"We want parents to be aware of the danger associated with these innocent-looking magnets," CPSC Chair Inez Tenenbaum said in an agency news release, the Tribune reported.

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Novel Device Measures Blood Sugar in Teardrops

A chemical sensor that measures blood sugar levels in teardrops could one day offer diabetics a pain-free alternative to frequent blood tests that require skin pricks.

Preliminary tests of this new method were conducted using tears from 12 rabbits. The research was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

While promising, it would still be years before the chemical sensor might be commercially available, developer Dr. Mark E. Meyerhoff, a University of Michigan chemistry professor, told CBS News.

While the sensor would reduce the amount of blood testing, diabetics would still have to draw blood periodically to calibrate the device, he added.

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Chicken Liver Products Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Broiled chicken liver products made by a New York company have been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 169 people, a food safety monitoring center said.

The products made by Schreiber Processing Corp. of Maspeth, N.Y., are tied to 56 cases of illness in New York City, 33 cases outside the city, 64 cases in New Jersey, nine cases in Pennsylvania, and seven in Maryland, according to the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.

This week, the company announced a recall of the products that include 10-pound boxes of Meal Mart broiled chicken liver and 10-pound boxes of loose packed broiled chicken liver, MSNBC.com reported.

The recalled products were distributed in seven states: Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The agency said the recalled products, which appear ready to eat, are actually only partially cooked, MSNBC.com reported.

Health Tips for November 12

Health Tip: Recovering from Substance Abuse

If you've been abusing drugs, your doctor should be aware of your history and be involved in your recovery.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says your doctor can help by:

• Assisting you with recovery and offering support.
• Treating recovery-related medical issues, such as difficulty sleeping or changes in mood.
• Making needed changes to your medications.

Health Tip: Managing Diabetes While Under Stress

Managing diabetes can be tough enough, but the challenge is even greater when you're under stress.

The American Diabetes Association says possible impacts of stress on diabetes management include the risks of:

• A sudden, dramatic rise in blood glucose levels.
• Strong negative emotions.
• Difficulty making decisions or thinking clearly.
• Compulsive eating or making unhealthy food choices.
• Significant strain on the heart and circulatory system.

Health Headlines - November 11

Childhood Vaccinations Hit Record Number in 2010

Childhood vaccination levels worldwide reached record levels in 2010. But 19.3 million children still did not receive some or all of the recommended immunizations, leaving them vulnerable to vaccine-preventable disease and death, according to a new study.

This immunization shortfall is most common in low-income countries and puts children at risk for vaccine-preventable disease and death, according to the report in the Nov. 11Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last year, about 109.4 million infants (85 percent of those born worldwide) received at least 3 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, the highest number ever reported.

Rates of other routinely recommended childhood vaccines were 90 percent for Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine, 86 percent for the third dose of poliovirus vaccine and 85 percent for measles-containing vaccine, the report said.

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Shingles Vaccine Shortage Influences Immunizations

U.S. health officials have refrained from recommending the shingles vaccine Zostavax for adults ages 50-59 to ensure an adequate supply of vaccine for those 60 and older.

Use of the vaccine, which protects against the herpes zoster virus, was approved in 2006 for adults 60 and older and in March 2011 for adults ages 50 to 59. In June 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) reaffirmed its 2006 recommendation that adults 60 and older should get the vaccine, but decided not to expand its recommendation to include adults ages 50-59.

There have been supply problems for Zostavax and the ACIP said it wanted to make sure there was enough vaccine for adults 60 and older, who are at greater risk of shingles, according to a report in the Nov. 11 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Changes in production processes are expected to increase the supply of Zostavax in coming years and the ACIP may reconsider recommending the vaccine for adults ages 50-59 once a stable supply of the vaccine is assured.

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No Paid Maternity Leave for Half of U.S. Working Women

Nearly half of American working women who give birth don't have paid leave to care for their newborn children, according to a Census Bureau analysis released Thursday.

From 2006 to 2008, 50.8 percent of first-time mothers said they used some type of paid leave, including maternity, sick and vacation time. That percentage is unchanged from 2001-05 but is up from 37.3 percent in 1981-85, the Associated Press reported.

Less-educated mothers were nearly four times less likely to have paid leave than those with at least a college education.

Only 18 percent of new mothers with less than a high school education had paid leave in 2006-08, compared with 66 percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher level of education. Those percentages changed from 26 percent and 61 percent, respectively, earlier in the past decade, the AP reported.

First-time mothers older than 25 were much more likely to have paid leave than those younger than 22 (61 vs. 24 percent), and Hispanics were generally less likely (46.6 percent) than other groups to receive paid leave.

"This isn't good news for women at the bottom, and the irony is that the people with the most children are now the least likely to have the supports they need," said Kathleen Gerson, a professor of sociology at New York University, told the AP.

Unlike many other nations, the U.S. does not have a federal policy on paid parental leave.

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FDA Targets Illegal Tobacco Sales to Minors

Most of the warning letters recently sent to more than 1,200 tobacco retailers are about illegal sales of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to minors, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

FDA inspections of tobacco retailers found that most are in compliance with the law, but some still sell tobacco products to youngsters. Retailers who continue to violate the law could face fines.

"It should worry every parent that 20 percent of U.S. high school students smoke cigarettes," FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said in an agency news release.

"For many young people, that first cigarette or use of smokeless tobacco will lead to a lifetime of addiction, and for many, serious disease. More than 80 percent of adult smokers begin smoking before 18 years of age. Retailers are vital partners in the FDA's efforts to prevent tobacco use among kids," she said.

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U.S. Agency Restores Web Database on Doctor Discipline

A database of disciplinary actions taken against U.S. doctors was restored to a federal health agency's website Wednesday, two months after it was removed in response to doctors' complaints.

But a new restriction says anyone who uses information in the National Practitioner Data Bank cannot link it with court files or other publicly available information that would identify individual doctors, The New York Times reported.

The new rule means that the data can still be used for research without violating legal requirements on confidentiality, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The move angered journalists. The data should be posted without restrictions with the agency continuing its policy of refusing to confirm or deny any particular doctor's identity, said Charles Orenstein, president of the Association of Health Care Journalists and a reporter for the nonprofit investigative news organization ProPublica, the Times reported.

Health Tips for November 11

Health Tip: Can't Kick the Common Cold?

There's no cure for the common cold, but there are things you can do to help feel better while your immune system fights the virus.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases offers these suggestions:

• Rest in bed.
• Drink lots of fluids.
• To help a sore throat, suck on ice chips, use lozenges or a throat spray, or gargle with warm salt water.
• For a stuffy nose, use a saline nasal spray or decongestant.
• Apply petroleum jelly to a sore, raw nose.
• Take acetaminophen or aspirin to help manage fever and headache. Never give aspirin to children younger than 13, however.

Health Tip: Before You Take a Decongestant

Though decongestant medications can offer much-needed relief when mucus plugs your nose, the drugs could be harmful to some people.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says you should speak to your doctor before taking a decongestant if you have:

• Heart problems or high blood pressure.
• Glaucoma.
• Problems with the thyroid.
• Diabetes.
• Problems with the prostate.

Health Headlines - November 10

Drug Maker to Run New Clinical Trial on Cholesterol Med

A new clinical trial of the cholesterol medicine Trilipix will be conducted by drug maker Abbott Laboratories after a U.S. government-sponsored study found that the drug may not reduce heart attack or stroke risk.

The Food and Drug Administration told the company to conduct the new trial, which will compare high-risk patients taking Trilipix and statin drugs to patients taking statins only,Bloomberg News reported. Statins also target cholesterol.

In May, an FDA advisory panel recommended the new trial and also said that Trilipix should remain on the market.

The FDA said patients should not stop taking Trilipix without first talking to a doctor,Bloomberg reported.

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More U.S. Seniors Getting Pneumonia Vaccination

The number of elderly Americans who have ever been vaccinated against pneumonia increased from 53 percent in 2000 to 60 percent in 2008, a federal government report says.

But it also found that high-income seniors (65 percent) in 2008 were much more likely than those with low incomes (46 percent) to have ever been vaccinated against pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death among seniors in the United States.

Also in 2008, 64 percent of seniors who live in medium-size cities had ever been vaccinated against pneumonia, compared with 52 percent of those in large inner city areas, where residents tend to be low-income and minority, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

There were also racial disparities. The proportion of seniors in 2008 who had ever been vaccinated against pneumonia was 65 percent for whites, 46 percent for Asians, 45 percent for blacks and 37 percent for Hispanics.

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New Skin Cancer Prevention Guidelines Focus on Counselling to Youth

Doctors should appeal to young people's vanity in order to convince them to reduce their sun exposure, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says in draft recommendations released Wednesday.

For example, showing youth ages 10 to 24 how too much sun exposure can affect their facial appearance now and later in life can be much more effective than warning them about skin cancer.

"We now have a reasonable level of evidence that we are able to change behavior in teens and young adults with a variety of counseling approaches that were appearance-based," task force chair Virginia Moyer told the Wall Street Journal.

"When you tell a 14-year-old that he or she should avoid excessive sun so they won't get skin cancer when they are old, they don't worry because they don't think they are ever going to get old," noted Moyer, a professor of pediatrics and head of the Academic General Pediatrics Section at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. "But they are worried about their appearance now."

One intervention that's been shown to be effective involves using a UV camera to show youth people how sun exposure is already changing the skin on their face, the Wall Street Journal reported.

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Mississippi 'Personhood' Proposal Defeated

Mississippi voters have rejected a measure that would have banned all abortions and many forms of birth control.

The so-called "personhood" amendment would have changed the state's definition of life "to include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof," The New York Times reported.

Evangelical Christians and other supporters said the amendment would stop the murder of innocent life and its passage would have increased support for similar laws in other states.

Opposition to the proposal was led by the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood. They said the amendment would have outlawed all abortions, including pregnancies that were the result of rape or incest or those that put a mother's life in danger.

Opponents also said the proposal would have barred morning-after pills and certain types of birth control such as IUDs, and could have put restrictions on in-vitro fertility procedures, The Times reported.

"The message from Mississippi is clear," Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said in a statement. "An amendment that allows politicians to further interfere in our personal, private medical decisions, including a woman's right to choose safe, legal abortion, is unacceptable."

The Mississippi proposal sparked an intense national debate and even divided the country's anti-abortion movement. It was opposed by the National Right to Life and Roman Catholic bishops because they were concerned it would be defeated in a U.S. Supreme Court appeal and damage their efforts to chip away at abortion rights, The Times reported.

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Vatican Joins Venture to Boost Use of Adult Stem Cells

The Vatican and a small American biotech company have partnered to host a conference this week to promote the use of adult stem cells to treat disease, instead of using embryonic stem cells.

The conference, which will include patients, scientists, biotech CEOs and cardinals, was organized by the Vatican's culture office and New York-based NeoStem Inc., theAssociated Press reported.

The Vatican opposes embryonic stem cell research because embryos are destroyed in the process.

The partnership with NeoStem is part of the Vatican's $1 million, five-year effort to promote adult stem cell research and therapies, the AP reported.

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Safety of Electronic Health Records Requires Scrutiny: Panel

Patient safety is threatened by poorly designed, hard-to-use computerized health records, a federal study warns.

The Institute of Medicine paper released Tuesday also said an independent agency should be established to investigate injuries and deaths associated with health information technology, The New York Times reported.

The federal government is offering doctors and hospitals billions of dollars in incentive payments in order to get them to use electronic health records.

The study was requested by the Department of Health and Humans Services after some public health experts and doctors warned that the push for digital records might lead to a surge of technology-induced medical errors, The Times reported.

"There are real safety issues, but we believe that on average, health information technology improves patient safety," said study panel member Dr. Ashish K. Jha, an associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health.

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Genetic Test Improves Cancer Treatment

A genetic test for cancer cell mutations helps focus and improve treatment for patients with lung cancer, according to a new study.

The test identifies mutations that enable cancer cells to divide and multiple unchecked. These mutations can then be targeted with drugs that block the enzyme that drives this cancer cell proliferation, Agence France-Presse reported.

Researchers analyzed tissue taken from 589 patients with non-small cell lung cancer and identified one or more mutations in just over half of the samples.

Of the 353 patients with advanced cancer, the researchers were able to pinpoint one or more mutations in 170 patients. This led to targeted therapy for 78 of the patients, AFPreported.

The research was published in the journal Annals of Oncology.

The genetic test was so successful that it's now being used for colorectal, breast and brain cancer patients, and is being evaluated for use in leukemia patients, AFP reported.

Health Tips for November 10

Health Tip: Is the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine for You?

The annual seasonal flu vaccine is available as a shot and a nasal spray, but the nasal spray isn't recommended for everyone.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says these people should not get the nasal spray version of the flu vaccine:

• Children under age 2, or adults aged 50 and older.
• Anyone with a chronic health condition or a weak immune system.
• Anyone taking aspirin therapy.
• Women who are pregnant.
• Anyone with Guillain-Barre syndrome, diabetes, or heart, lung or kidney disease.
• Anyone with an egg allergy or a previous allergic reaction to the flu vaccine.

Health Tip: At Greater Risk of Flu Complications?

Some people are more susceptible than others to developing complications of the flu. Experts say it's especially important that people with these risk factors speak with a doctor about getting the annual flu vaccine.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says people at greater risk of flu complications include:

• Young people aged 6 months to 19 years.
• Adults 50 and older.
• People with chronic health problems.
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
• Anyone living in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
• Health care workers in direct contact with patients.
• People who care for children younger than 6 months.

Health Headlines - November 9

Health Care Law Upheld by Appeals Court

The Obama administration's health care law is constitutional, a panel of federal appellate judges ruled Tuesday.

In a 2-1 opinion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia dismissed a Christian legal group's lawsuit alleging the health care law's requirement that all Americans have health insurance is unconstitutional and violates religious freedom, theAssociated Press reported.

The mandatory insurance requirement has been the subject of a number of lawsuits and some judges have upheld it while others have ruled it unconstitutional.

The U.S. Supreme Court will likely have the final say. The high court is expected to decide soon whether it will accept appeals from some of the earlier rulings, the AP reported.

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U.S. Provides New AIDS Funding to Africa

Additional funding of $60 million to fight HIV/AIDS in sub-Sahara Africa was announced Tuesday by the Obama administration, which also appointed actress and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres as special envoy to boost worldwide awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the new money will be used to scale up and assess new strategies to prevent HIV/AIDS, the Associated Press reported.

She noted that more effective prevention methods are decreasing infection rates and making it possible to treat more people.

Clinton also said DeGeneres will "bring her sharp wit and big heart, and her impressive TV audience and 8 million followers on Twitter" to support American efforts to save the lives of HIV/AIDS patients, the AP reported.

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Mississippi Amendment Would Outlaw Abortion

Mississippi residents were voting Tuesday on an amendment that says life begins at the moment of conception.

The wording of the so-called "Personhood Amendment" declares that "the term 'person' or 'persons' shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization," the New York Daily News reported.

If it is passed, the amendment would eliminate abortion in Mississippi.

Similar legal measures are being considered for other state ballots next November, the newspaper reported.

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Boxing Great Joe Frazier Dies

Former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier, 67, died Monday night in a Philadelphia hospice after losing his battle with liver cancer.

Smokin' Joe was one of the best known champions of the latter part of the 20th century and was famous for his knockout punch, the Washington Post reported.

Frazier was born in Beaufort, S.C. in 1944 and began his professional boxing career 21 years later. He became the heavyweight boxing champion in 1970.

In a 1971 fight at Madison Square Garden, Frazier became the first to defeat Muhammad Ali. They had three other fights, including the legendary "Thrilla in Manila" in 1975, which was won by Ali.

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Large Infants at Increased Risk for Obesity: Study

Checking infants to see if they've passed two milestones on doctors' growth charts by age 2 is a way to predict their future risk for obesity, according to a new study that included 45,000 U.S. infants and children.

It found that babies who surpassed those markers were twice as likely to be obese at ages 5 and 10 than those who grew more slowly. Infants with the highest growth rates were at greatest risk for obesity later in life, the Associated Press reported.

The study, published online Monday in the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, provides further evidence that "bigger is not better" in infants, said lead author Dr. Elsie Taveras, a pediatrician and obesity researcher at Harvard Medical School.

She said rapid infant growth should concern doctors because it may be a sign that babies are eating too much or spending too much time in strollers and not enough time crawling around, the AP reported.

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Hospital Funding Linked to Patient Satisfaction

Some hospitals are worried about a new Medicare rule that will take patient satisfaction into account when reimbursing hospitals.

The rule, mandated in the Affordable Care Act, will take effect in the coming months. Hospitals with the best patient satisfaction scores will receive more money, The New York Times reported.

There's concern that patient assessments of hospitals will be influenced not just by quality of care, but also by amenities such as tasty food and single rooms.

"Hospitals are going be punished financially by the federal government for things they can't control," Dr. James Merlino, chief experience officer at the Cleveland Clinic, told theTimes.

The patient satisfaction ratings are based on Medicare-approved surveys that ask questions such as: Was pain well controlled? Did the doctors and nurses communicate well? Was the room clean and the hospital quiet at night?

Health Tips for November 9

Health Tip: Add Flavoring to Popcorn, Without the Fat

Popcorn can be a healthy snack, but you have to skip the butter and salt.

The American Dietetic Association lists these healthier alternatives to flavor your popcorn:

• A sprinkle of spice, such as paprika, chili powder or pepper.
• Garlic and basil seasoning.
• Low-fat parmesan cheese.
• A small amount of chocolate chips.
• A little bit of peanut butter.

Health Tip: Beware of Added Sugar

Too much sugar in the diet can contribute to tooth decay and unwanted pounds packed around your middle.

Many foods have naturally occurring sugar, which is generally sufficient to ensure that your body has enough fuel. Consuming too much added sugar is what you should be concerned about, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

Women should limit their added sugar consumption to no more than 6 teaspoons a day (less than that found in a 12-ounce can of non-diet soda) and men to no more than 9 teaspoons a day, according to the American Heart Association.

The academy offers these suggestions for limiting added sugar:

• Cut back on desserts, baked treats and candies.
• Snack on foods that are heart-healthy, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Drink water, instead of drinks with added sugar.
• Avoid processed foods, as they often are high in sugar, fat and salt.
• Bake treats with recipes that use less sugar, or cook with a sugar substitute.

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

-----

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."

-----

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.