Health Headlines - November 1

Obesity Itself Seems to Impair Heart Function

Even in the absence of apparent heart disease, obesity appears to prevent the heart from functioning normally, according to a new report.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Shows Early Promise

A vaccine may work to protect women against a virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.

New Methods Control Bugs Without Drugs

Pitting one germ against the other, researchers said on Monday they had developed at least two new methods of fighting infection without the use of antibiotics.

China Bans Cooking of Civet Cat to Prevent SARS

China has banned the cooking and selling of civet cat to prevent a return of SARS, state media said on Tuesday, quoting the health ministry.

Lipitor Little Help to Diabetics on Dialysis

People with type 2 diabetes who have progressed to kidney failure don't gain much benefit from treatment with a statin drug like Lipitor, German researchers have found.

Liver Cancer Fastest Growing Cancer in U.S.

A preliminary report from the Liver Cancer Network shows that liver cancer is increasing at the fastest rate of any other cancer in the US.

Colon Cancer Risk Fourfold Higher in Obese Women

Obese women are four times more likely to develop colorectal cancer than normal-weight women, according to new study findings reported here at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.

'High Levels' of Bacteria Found in Bottled Water

Bottled mineral water, generally considered purer than tap water, is often contaminated with bacteria and fungi, a Dutch researcher warned Monday.

Babies' Excessive Crying May Signal Later Problems

Healthy infants older than three months who cry incessantly for no apparent reason may be at risk for lower IQ and behavior problems in their childhood years, new study findings suggest.

FDA: Olive Oil May Boost Heart Health

Food containing olive oil can carry labels saying it may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, the government says, citing limited evidence from a dozen scientific studies about the benefits of monounsaturated fats.

Justice's Cancer Treatment May Be Critical

The combination of radiation and chemotherapy being given to Chief Justice William Rehnquist may be an indication that his thyroid cancer is an aggressive type, according to cancer experts.

Election-Eve Plan Would Expand Cancer Care

The Bush administration announced an election-eve proposal Monday to expand Medicare coverage for certain clinical trials for cancer drugs and pay cancer doctors to measure patient reaction to potent medication.

Health Tip: Bikers, Wear a Helmet

Experts say a bike helmet must be mandatory equipment for anyone who rides.

Swallowed Camera Finds Small Bowel Tumors

Capsule endoscopies can detect tumors in the small bowel that previously went undetected by other diagnostic technology, says a new study.

Optimism Protects Against Death

Being an optimist may help reduce your risk of dying from heart disease and other causes.