Health Headlines - July 31

SF Ballot Won't Include Circumcision Ban Proposal

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

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

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

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

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World Population to Reach 7 Billion This Year

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

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

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

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

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

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Tylenol's Maker Reducing Daily Dose to Help Prevent ODs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Childhood Asthma Drug Costs Doubled Over 10 Years

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for July 31

Health Tip: When a Person With Alzheimer's Eats

Mealtime with an Alzheimer's patient can be stressful and challenging, to make sure the patient gets sufficient nutrition.

The Alzheimer's Association suggests how to help mealtime go more smoothly:

• Serve meals in a quiet environment with no distractions.
• Clear the table of everything but basic utensils and dishes; keep dishes plain rather than with bright colors or patterns.
• Make sure the food isn't too hot.
• Serve only one or two foods at a time, and make an effort to honor the patient's food preferences.
• Have meals together, and don't rush the meal.
• Be understanding if the patient can't remember already having eaten.

Health Tip: If a Person With Alzheimer's Is Confused

Many people with Alzheimer's disease may become upset, fearful and agitated when confused.

The Alzheimer's Association suggests how to calmly respond when a person with Alzheimer's becomes confused or disoriented:

• Don't take any comments personally.
• Stay calm, and try not to react if your feelings are hurt.
• Offer an explanation, but keep it simple and brief.
• Show your loved one photos or other familiar reminders to help him or her remember.
• Approach someone from the front -- where he or she can see you -- rather than the back.
• Always be gentle, instead of scolding.

Health Headlines - July 30

SF Ballot Won't Include Circumcision Ban Proposal

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

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

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

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

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World Population to Reach 7 Billion This Year

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

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

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

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

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

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Tylenol's Maker Reducing Daily Dose to Help Prevent ODs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Childhood Asthma Drug Costs Doubled Over 10 Years

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

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

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

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

Health Tips for July 30

Health Tip: When Sleep Apnea Affects Children

Obstructive sleep apnea commonly occurs when swollen tonsils or adenoids obstruct the airways during sleep.

The condition affects as many as 3 percent of preschool-age children, says the Nemours Foundation.

The foundation mentions these common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in children:

• Snoring, which is usually accompanied by gasping sounds and pauses in breathing.
• Heavy breathing during sleep.
• Sleeping restlessly or sleeping in strange positions.
• Changes in skin color.
• Sleepiness during the day.

Health Tip: Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, most often characterized by loud snoring, occurs when breathing pauses briefly or becomes shallow during sleep. This often results in poor sleep and can make a person very tired during the day.

The U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says common symptoms of sleep apnea may include:

• Very loud and persistent snoring, with occasional pauses. Choking or gasping sounds may follow these pauses.
• Snoring that is worse when sleeping on the back.
• Daytime drowsiness.
• Having a headache or a dry throat when the person wakes in the morning.
• Difficulty concentrating, learning and remembering.
• Irritability, depression or changes in personality.

Health Headlines - July 29

Tylenol's Maker Reducing Daily Dose to Help Prevent ODs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Childhood Asthma Drug Costs Doubled Over 10 Years

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

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

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

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

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New Brain Scan Technique Reveals Back Pain Severity

A new brain imaging technique may help doctors determine and monitor the severity of patients' low back pain, researchers say.

They found that the method, called arterial spin labeling and performed during MRI scans, enabled them to observe changes in blood flow in specific areas of the brain as chronic back pain patients held uncomfortable positions, ABC News reported.

The study was conducted by scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and appears online and in the August print issue of the journal Anesthesiology.

"Normally, when you do studies with older techniques, you're not able to track the changes in people's chronic pain over time," study co-leader Dr. Ajay D. Wasan, an assistant professor of anesthesiology and psychiatry, told ABC News. "This provides a way to look at the physiology of the brain when someone has more or less chronic pain."

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Judge Dismisses Suit Barring Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The Obama administration will be able to continue funding embryonic stem cell research after a lawsuit challenging it was dismissed Wednesday.

The lawsuit alleged that a federal law that prohibits taxpayer financing of embryonic stem cell research that harms an embryo was being violated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. But the Obama administration argued that federal policy allows research using embryos that were harvested long ago through private funding, the Associated Pressreported.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled last year that the lawsuit was likely to succeed and ordered a stop to federally-funded embryonic research while the case continued. But the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. ruled that the lawsuit was likely to fail and overturned the injunction.

As a result, Lamberth released an opinion Wednesday in favor of the Obama administration, the AP reported.

Scientists hope that embryonic stem cells will one day provide cures for a number of ailments, including spinal cord injuries and Parkinson's disease.

Health Tips for July 29

Health Tip: Get a Better Night's Sleep

Instead of turning to a pot of coffee to keep you awake during the day, experts say you should focus on getting better sleep at night.

The National Sleep Foundation offers these suggestions for more restful sleep:

• Wake in the morning and go to bed at night at the same time.
• Relax before bedtime.
• Make sure your bedroom is comfortable, dark, cool and quiet, and do nothing in your bedroom other than sleep and have sex.
• Avoid eating, exercising and consuming caffeine within a few hours of bedtime.
• Don't smoke, and avoid alcohol just before bed.
• Make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable.

Health Tip: Insufficient Sleep Can Be Dangerous

A good night's sleep does much more than help you stay awake through a long day. It actually helps protect your health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists these problems that can arise as a result of insufficient sleep:

• Increased risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Greater likelihood of becoming obese or overweight.
• Increased risk of developing depression.
• Added risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident because of "drowsy driving."

Health Headlines - July 28

Judge Dismisses Suit Barring Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The Obama administration will be able to continue funding embryonic stem cell research after a lawsuit challenging it was dismissed Wednesday.

The lawsuit alleged that a federal law that prohibits taxpayer financing of embryonic stem cell research that harms an embryo was being violated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. But the Obama administration argued that federal policy allows research using embryos that were harvested long ago through private funding, the Associated Pressreported.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled last year that the lawsuit was likely to succeed and ordered a stop to federally-funded embryonic research while the case continued. But the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. ruled that the lawsuit was likely to fail and overturned the injunction.

As a result, Lamberth released an opinion Wednesday in favor of the Obama administration, the AP reported.

Scientists hope that embryonic stem cells will one day provide cures for a number of ailments, including spinal cord injuries and Parkinson's disease.

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Little Evidence of 9/11 Cancer Link: Report

A U.S. government report released Tuesday says there isn't enough evidence at the moment to determine whether dust and smoke caused by the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center caused cancer in rescue or recovery workers or New York City residents who lived near the site.

The finding means that people with cancer diagnoses they attribute to the 9/11 attack don't qualify for federal benefits to treat or compensate them for their disease, says The New York Times.

The report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health was required by a new federal act that provides $4.3 billion over the next five years to monitor, treat and compensate people who were exposed to dust and fumes from the WTC attack.

The report is based on a review of available evidence, but there have been only 18 published research studies on the WTC attack that mentioned cancer. Only five of those studies were peer-reviewed and they yielded mixed findings, according to NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard, The Times reported.

A second review of a possible link between cancer and the WTC attack will be conducted in early to mid-2012, Howard said.

According to The Times, some physicians believe a link to cancer will emerge with time.

Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, head of a program devoted to 9/11 treatment, monitoring and research at Mount Sinai Medical Center, told the newspaper that the likelihood of malignancies tied to 9/11 increases as years go by. He pointed to his team's research into multiple myeloma, which seems to be occurring at a higher-than-usual rate and at an unusually young age in some responders.

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Universal Flu Vaccine May be Available Within Five Years: NIH Director

A universal flu vaccine to protect people against all strains of influenza could be available within five years, according to the director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

The vaccine would replace annual flu vaccines developed for specific seasonal flu strains, Dr. Francis Collins told USA Today.

Just a few years ago, a universal flu vaccine "seemed completely out of reach" due to yearly mutations in flu viruses, Collins said. But scientists have recently discovered that certain parts of flu viruses don't change and could be targeted by a vaccine.

While the development of a universal flu vaccine is "not a question of whether, but when," saying that one may be available in five years "is a bit ambitious," Arnold Monto, of the University of Michigan, told USA Today.

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EPA May Take Closer Look at Environmental Impact of BPA

A sampling and testing program to learn more about the potential environmental effects of bisphenol A (BPA) is being considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"A number of concerns have been raised about the potential human health and environmental effects of BPA," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, United Press International reported.

"The data collected under the testing EPA is considering would help EPA better understand and address the potential environmental impacts of BPA," he added.

BPA -- used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products including food can liners and hard polycarbonate plastics -- has been shown to cause reproductive and development effects in animals, the news agency reported.

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Chicken Recall Expanded

A recall of ready-to-eat chicken that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes has been expanded, Pilgrim's Pride announced Tuesday.

The company said the recall now includes about 7,000 pounds of Pilgrim's Pride Brand Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Nuggets distributed to dozens of Dollar General stores in West Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, Florida, Indiana, Georgia and Ohio, the Associated Press reported.

Last week, a voluntary recall of more than five tons of ready-to-eat chicken was announced.

Pilgrim's says it does not know of any reported illnesses linked to the recalled products, the AP reported.

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Walter Reed Army Medical Center Closing

A ceremony was held Wednesday to mark the closing of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. after more than a century of providing care for hundreds of thousands of U.S. soldiers.

The hospital, which opened in 1909, was also the place where President Dwight Eisenhower and Gens. John J. Pershing and Douglas MacArthur died and where a number of foreign leaders were treated, the Associated Press reported.

In 2007, the medical center was rocked by a scandal about substandard living conditions for wounded troops receiving outpatient care and the difficulties they faced in getting treatment.

A government commission voted two years ago to close Walter Reed and consolidate its operations with two other military facilities, the AP reported.

Health Tips for July 28

Health Tip: Smokeless Tobacco Isn't a Safe Alternative

Some people may think smokeless tobacco is a safer alternative to cigarettes, but experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want to nip that idea in the bud.

The CDC mentions these health issues that can stem from smokeless tobacco use:

• Cancer, notably oral cancer.
• Tooth decay, gum disease, receding gums and other oral health problems.
• If you're pregnant, increased risk of complications, including preeclampsia, low birth weight and premature birth.
• Fertility problems in men, including abnormal sperm and lower sperm count.
• Addiction to nicotine and increased likelihood of becoming a cigarette smoker.

Health Tip: Smokeless Tobacco Can Harm Your Oral Health

Chewing tobacco, even though it doesn't involve smoking, can still threaten your oral health, the American Dental Association warns.

The ADA says at least 28 cancer-causing chemicals are found in smokeless tobacco products. The group says these products pose increased risk of:

• Cancer of the mouth, lip, tongue and pancreas.
• Gum disease and irritation of the tissues inside the mouth.
• Tooth decay from the sugar that's usually added to these products.
• Erosion of tooth enamel from grit and sand found in these products.

Health Headlines - July 27

McDonald's Announces Nutrition Effort

Fruit or a low-fat dairy option will be included in all McDonald's Happy Meal beginning in September as the fast food giant takes steps to improve the nutrition of its products.

The new Happy Meals will also have about 20 percent fewer calories and less fat, and the company also plans to promote nutrition in its Happy Meal packaging and national children's advertising, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Overall, McDonald's says it will reduce added sugars, saturated fat and calories in its products by 2020 through the use of reformulations, innovations and portion size reductions. It also will reduce sodium levels by an average of 15 percent by 2015.

The company's plan to offer more nutritional foods was announced Tuesday.

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Only Humans Experience Age-Related Brain Shrinkage: Study

Age-related brain shrinkage occurs only in humans, researchers say.

By age 80, the average human brain has lost 15 percent of its original weight, BBC Newsreported.

In this study, scientists compared MRI images from more than 80 healthy humans, ages 22 to 88, and a similar number of captive-bred chimpanzees and found that chimps' brains don't shrink with age. The findings appear in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The human brain is three times larger than a chimp brain and humans also live longer. The researchers said that longer lifespan is likely an adaptation to having bigger brains,BBC News reported.

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Mexican Papayas Linked to Food Poisoning Outbreak

Possibly tainted papayas from Mexico may be the cause of a U.S. food-poisoning outbreak that's affected more than 90 people in 23 states.

A company in South Texas is recalling papayas imported from Mexico that may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. The recall covers Blondie, Yaya, Mananita and Tastylicious brand papayas sold before July 23, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Of the 90 reported food-poisoning cases, 17 have occurred in Illinois. Patients had to be hospitalized in eight of the 17 cases, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

People who have become ill after eating papayas should seek medical care and contact their local health departments, officials advise, the Tribune reported.

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Prices of Popular Drugs Set to Fall

The prices of a number of widely used drugs are expected to drop in coming years as brand name patents expire and generic versions become available, according to experts.

Over the next 14 months, patents on seven of the world's 20 best-selling drugs will expire, according to London-based EvaluatePharma Ltd. That includes the two leading sellers, the cholesterol medication Lipitor and the blood thinner Plavix, the Associated Press reported.

Generic versions of other top-selling drugs for asthma, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV, bipolar disorder and high triglycerides will also be introduced on the market.

Over the next decade or so, the patents of about 120 brand-name drugs will expire, according to prescription benefit manager Medco Health Solutions Inc., the AP reported.

Health Tips for July 27

Health Tip: Ward Off Bad Breath

Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it's an unpleasant condition that's cause for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren't even aware there's a problem.

If you're concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and, if it's due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan. In the meantime, try these helpful hints, courtesy of the American Dental Association:

• What you eat affects the air you exhale. Avoid certain foods, such as garlic and onions, that contribute to objectionable breath odor. Brushing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily.
• Brush and floss daily so particles of food don't remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria while rotting.
• Prevent dry mouth, which may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuously breathing through the mouth. Use an artificial saliva (prescribed by your dentist), chew sugarless candy or gum, and increase your fluid intake.
• Stop using tobacco products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

Bad breath may also be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, post-nasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, or a liver or kidney ailment.

Health Tip: Floss for Healthier Teeth and Gums

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

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

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

Health Headlines - July 26

Prices of Popular Drugs Set to Fall

The prices of a number of widely used drugs are expected to drop in coming years as brand name patents expire and generic versions become available, according to experts.

Over the next 14 months, patents on seven of the world's 20 best-selling drugs will expire, according to London-based EvaluatePharma Ltd. That includes the two leading sellers, the cholesterol medication Lipitor and the blood thinner Plavix, the Associated Press reported.

Generic versions of other top-selling drugs for asthma, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV, bipolar disorder and high triglycerides will also be introduced on the market.

Over the next decade or so, the patents of about 120 brand-name drugs will expire, according to prescription benefit manager Medco Health Solutions Inc., the AP reported.

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FDA Cites Death Risk With Heart Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, joined by drug regulators in Europe, has issued safety warnings about the 2-year-old drug Multaq, approved to treat an abnormal heartbeat.

A recently halted 3,000-patient study of Multaq among people with atrial fibrillation showed twice as many deaths compared to those who didn't take the drug, The New York Times reported. The study had been sponsored by the drug's maker, Sanofi-Aventis, which cited "a significant increase in cardiovascular events," the newspaper said.

Multaq was approved in 2009 to treat short-term heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) of less than six months. FDA records show at least 241,000 prescriptions written since then, the Times said.

Sanofi issued a statement saying the "benefit-risk profile remains positive" for the drug's currently approved use.

The European Medicines Agency said it was reviewing the data and would offer additional direction in September, the newspaper reported.

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USDA Proposes Changes for Meat Additive Labeling

Meat producers would have to clearly specify which additives are added to raw meats and poultry under a rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The department "wants consumers to know when there's less chicken in their chicken," reported the Associated Press.

Additives such as chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, salt or water would have to appear on the product's label. The department said about 33 percent of raw poultry, 15 percent of raw beef and 90 percent of raw pork may contain additives. Ground beef would be exempt from the new rule, the wire service reported.

Current labels aren't as visible or clear as the USDA would hope. The new rule would require that additives be part of the product's title, as in "Chicken Breast - 40 Percent Added Solution of Water and Teriyaki Sauce," the AP said.

Reaction among manufacturers was mixed. A spokesman for the National Chicken Council said his industry is divided on the issue. The American Meat Institute called the proposal "wasteful," noting it would lead to a rise in meat prices, the AP reported.

Health Tips for July 26

Health Tip: Keep Air Healthy at Home

Irritants, pollutants and allergens can infiltrate your home and affect the indoor air quality.

The American Lung Association offers these suggestions to help keep the air in your home clean:

• Don't allow people to smoke inside.
• Keep humid air, groundwater and rain out of your home.
• Take action to prevent radon gas in the home.
• Ensure that any gas-burning appliances are vented to the outside.

Health Tip: What's Polluting My Indoor Air?

Most people are indoors about 90 percent of the time, says the womenshealth.gov website, noting the significance of indoor air pollution.

The site mentions these common sources of bad indoor air:

• Residues from wood, coal, oil or gas burned inside the home.
• Tobacco smoke.
• Materials used in building a home, including asbestos insulation and pressed wood.
• Radon gas buildup.
• Pest control products, painting, or cleaning chemicals.
• Nail polish remover, hair spray or other personal care products.
• Bacteria, pet dander, molds, mildew or other biological pollutants.

Health Headlines - July 25

FDA Cites Death Risk With Heart Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, joined by drug regulators in Europe, has issued safety warnings about the 2-year-old drug Multaq, approved to treat an abnormal heartbeat.

A recently halted 3,000-patient study of Multaq among people with atrial fibrillation showed twice as many deaths compared to those who didn't take the drug, The New York Times reported. The study had been sponsored by the drug's maker, Sanofi-Aventis, which cited "a significant increase in cardiovascular events," the newspaper said.

Multaq was approved in 2009 to treat short-term heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) of less than six months. FDA records show at least 241,000 prescriptions written since then, the Times said.

Sanofi issued a statement saying the "benefit-risk profile remains positive" for the drug's currently approved use.

The European Medicines Agency said it was reviewing the data and would offer additional direction in September, the newspaper reported.

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USDA Proposes Changes for Meat Additive Labeling

Meat producers would have to clearly specify which additives are added to raw meats and poultry under a rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The department "wants consumers to know when there's less chicken in their chicken," reported the Associated Press.

Additives such as chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, salt or water would have to appear on the product's label. The department said about 33 percent of raw poultry, 15 percent of raw beef and 90 percent of raw pork may contain additives. Ground beef would be exempt from the new rule, the wire service reported.

Current labels aren't as visible or clear as the USDA would hope. The new rule would require that additives be part of the product's title, as in "Chicken Breast - 40 Percent Added Solution of Water and Teriyaki Sauce," the AP said.

Reaction among manufacturers was mixed. A spokesman for the National Chicken Council said his industry is divided on the issue. The American Meat Institute called the proposal "wasteful," noting it would lead to a rise in meat prices, the AP reported.

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FDA Evaluating Some Osteoporosis Drugs for Possible Cancer Link

Studies on oral bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis are being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is investigating whether there's a link between the bone-disease medicines and an increased risk of esophageal cancer, the agency said Thursday.

The FDA, citing "conflicting findings" from past studies, said it hasn't found proof of a link between the drugs and esophageal cancer. But the agency said in a news release that it would "continue to evaluate all available data supporting the safety and effectiveness of bisphosphonate drugs and will update the public when more information becomes available."

The U.S. National Institutes of Health says more than 40 million women in the United States have osteoporosis "or are at high risk due to low bone mass."

People taking a bisphosphonate who develop symptoms including "swallowing difficulties, chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or have trouble or pain when swallowing" should contact a physician, the FDA advised. Candidates for these drugs also should speak with a doctor "about the benefits and risks of taking oral bisphosphonates and how long they should expect to take them," the agency added.

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Gay Men With HIV at Increased Risk of Hepatitis C

While it's considered rare to acquire the hepatitis C virus via sexual intercourse, a new study finds that gay men infected with HIV who have unprotected sex are at increased risk of transmitting hepatitis C, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday, citing a new study.

In the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC researchers working with scientists from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine said they uncovered "substantial evidence" of hepatitis C transmission during unprotected gay sex. Hepatitis C primarily is transmitted through exposure to blood and by drug users who share needles.

The researchers said that between 2005 and 2010, they found 74 men infected with HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- who had documented new infection with hepatitis C. These men reported no other risk factor for hepatitis C infection.

But when compared with other gay men who were HIV-positive but hadn't contracted hepatitis C, the men with recent hepatitis C infection were 23 times more likely than the other group to have had unprotected anal sex, the study found.

"The good news," wrote the researchers, "is that the cure rate for new [hepatitis C] infection is very high with early treatment, but without regular testing of the men at risk, these largely asymptomatic infections may be missed."

Health Tips for July 25

Health Tip: Extreme Heat Calls for Smarter Workouts

With temperatures soaring across much of the United States, people should use caution when engaging in aerobic activity outdoors or in facilities without air conditioning, the American Council on Exercise warns.

Dr. Cedric X. Bryant, the council's chief science officer, offered the following guidelines for avoiding heat-related injuries when working out in hot, humid conditions:

• Drink water. Consume a large amount of water 30 minutes before exercise and at least six ounces every 20 minutes during a workout. Once finished exercising, continue drinking water even after you are no longer thirsty. If exercising for more than 60 minutes, you may substitute a sports drink for water.
• Get your body accustomed to the heat. It takes up to two weeks of combined heat exposure and exercise for your body to acclimatize to the environment. Once your body has adapted, you will sweat sooner, sweat more, and lose fewer electrolytes through sweat, resulting in a lower body core temperature, a decreased heart rate response to exercise, and lower potential for dehydration and electrolyte depletion.
• Slow down. Lowering the intensity level of your workout will reduce the strain on your body and improve its ability to regulate temperature.
• Dress right. Don't wear waterproof clothes. These fabrics will prevent the evaporation of sweat from the skin and increase the risk of heat injury.
• Be smart. Temperature and heat can significantly affect your body's ability to respond to heat stress. Consider cutting back on exercise when the temperature rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity is above 60 percent.

Health Tip: Preventing Heat-Related Illness

The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 or older
• People who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

If you must be out in the heat:

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

Health Headlines - July 24

FDA Cites Death Risk With Heart Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, joined by drug regulators in Europe, has issued safety warnings about the 2-year-old drug Multaq, approved to treat an abnormal heartbeat.

A recently halted 3,000-patient study of Multaq among people with atrial fibrillation showed twice as many deaths compared to those who didn't take the drug, The New York Times reported. The study had been sponsored by the drug's maker, Sanofi-Aventis, which cited "a significant increase in cardiovascular events," the newspaper said.

Multaq was approved in 2009 to treat short-term heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) of less than six months. FDA records show at least 241,000 prescriptions written since then, the Times said.

Sanofi issued a statement saying the "benefit-risk profile remains positive" for the drug's currently approved use.

The European Medicines Agency said it was reviewing the data and would offer additional direction in September, the newspaper reported.

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USDA Proposes Changes for Meat Additive Labeling

Meat producers would have to clearly specify which additives are added to raw meats and poultry under a rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The department "wants consumers to know when there's less chicken in their chicken," reported the Associated Press.

Additives such as chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, salt or water would have to appear on the product's label. The department said about 33 percent of raw poultry, 15 percent of raw beef and 90 percent of raw pork may contain additives. Ground beef would be exempt from the new rule, the wire service reported.

Current labels aren't as visible or clear as the USDA would hope. The new rule would require that additives be part of the product's title, as in "Chicken Breast - 40 Percent Added Solution of Water and Teriyaki Sauce," the AP said.

Reaction among manufacturers was mixed. A spokesman for the National Chicken Council said his industry is divided on the issue. The American Meat Institute called the proposal "wasteful," noting it would lead to a rise in meat prices, the AP reported.

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FDA Evaluating Some Osteoporosis Drugs for Possible Cancer Link

Studies on oral bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis are being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is investigating whether there's a link between the bone-disease medicines and an increased risk of esophageal cancer, the agency said Thursday.

The FDA, citing "conflicting findings" from past studies, said it hasn't found proof of a link between the drugs and esophageal cancer. But the agency said in a news release that it would "continue to evaluate all available data supporting the safety and effectiveness of bisphosphonate drugs and will update the public when more information becomes available."

The U.S. National Institutes of Health says more than 40 million women in the United States have osteoporosis "or are at high risk due to low bone mass."

People taking a bisphosphonate who develop symptoms including "swallowing difficulties, chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or have trouble or pain when swallowing" should contact a physician, the FDA advised. Candidates for these drugs also should speak with a doctor "about the benefits and risks of taking oral bisphosphonates and how long they should expect to take them," the agency added.

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Gay Men With HIV at Increased Risk of Hepatitis C

While it's considered rare to acquire the hepatitis C virus via sexual intercourse, a new study finds that gay men infected with HIV who have unprotected sex are at increased risk of transmitting hepatitis C, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday, citing a new study.

In the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC researchers working with scientists from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine said they uncovered "substantial evidence" of hepatitis C transmission during unprotected gay sex. Hepatitis C primarily is transmitted through exposure to blood and by drug users who share needles.

The researchers said that between 2005 and 2010, they found 74 men infected with HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- who had documented new infection with hepatitis C. These men reported no other risk factor for hepatitis C infection.

But when compared with other gay men who were HIV-positive but hadn't contracted hepatitis C, the men with recent hepatitis C infection were 23 times more likely than the other group to have had unprotected anal sex, the study found.

"The good news," wrote the researchers, "is that the cure rate for new [hepatitis C] infection is very high with early treatment, but without regular testing of the men at risk, these largely asymptomatic infections may be missed."

Health Tips for July 24

Health Tip: What is Heat Exhaustion?

Doctors are warning that high temperatures can cause serious -- and potentially fatal -- health problems, especially for the very young, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.
Dr. Janyce Sanford, chair of emergency medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, said heat-related illnesses include a range of ills, from mild to severe.

"Someone who has been working out in the heat may start to experience the beginning stages with heat cramps. As it progresses, the next step is heat exhaustion. They may develop a severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of severe weakness," she said in a university news release.

Health Tip: What is Heat Stroke?

The most serious -- and potentially fatal -- heat-related illness is heat stroke, Sanford said.
"When you reach this point, the severely elevated body temperature causes an altered mental state, dizziness and ultimately can lead to a loss of consciousness. The muscles can start to break down, which leads to kidney failure; this makes heat stroke a life-threatening illness," she said.

Though rare, heat stroke is most often seen in very young and elderly people, or people with a chronic illness.

The safest place to be during a heat wave is indoors -- if air conditioning is available, experts say. Remain in the air-conditioning as long as possible. And limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours when temperatures are relatively cooler.

Sanford offers the following advice:

• Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear light-colored and lightweight clothing, a hat, and remember that 100 percent cotton clothing tends to hold sweat, making it harder for your body to cool off.
• Thirst isn't always a good sign of hydration status. In children, the thirst mechanism isn't fully developed, and in seniors, the sense of thirst has diminished. By the time your brain signals thirst, you may have lost 1 percent of your body weight -- about 3 cups of sweat for a 150-pound person.
• Urine color is an important indicator of hydration. A well-hydrated person's urine will be almost clear. Darker colors indicate less hydration. Not having to urinate at all after intense workouts is a warning sign of real dehydration.
• If you exercise for less than 90 minutes at a time, cool water (40 degrees F) is all you need to replace fluids. You should drink about 16 ounces of water two hours before exercising, eight ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise, and then at least another 16 ounces after finishing. Drink until your thirst is quenched, and then drink even more to fully rehydrate.
• Sports beverages are appropriate if you're exercising for more than 90 minutes. These beverages should be consumed only during exercise and not before, because they might trigger a hypoglycemic -- or low glucose -- effect, potentially reducing performance.

It's also best to avoid caffeine and alcohol. Drinks that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar can cause dehydration and irritability.

Health Headlines - July 23

FDA Cites Death Risk With Heart Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, joined by drug regulators in Europe, has issued safety warnings about the 2-year-old drug Multaq, approved to treat an abnormal heartbeat.

A recently halted 3,000-patient study of Multaq among people with atrial fibrillation showed twice as many deaths compared to those who didn't take the drug, The New York Times reported. The study had been sponsored by the drug's maker, Sanofi-Aventis, which cited "a significant increase in cardiovascular events," the newspaper said.

Multaq was approved in 2009 to treat short-term heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) of less than six months. FDA records show at least 241,000 prescriptions written since then, the Times said.

Sanofi issued a statement saying the "benefit-risk profile remains positive" for the drug's currently approved use.

The European Medicines Agency said it was reviewing the data and would offer additional direction in September, the newspaper reported.

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USDA Proposes Changes for Meat Additive Labeling

Meat producers would have to clearly specify which additives are added to raw meats and poultry under a rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The department "wants consumers to know when there's less chicken in their chicken," reported the Associated Press.

Additives such as chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, salt or water would have to appear on the product's label. The department said about 33 percent of raw poultry, 15 percent of raw beef and 90 percent of raw pork may contain additives. Ground beef would be exempt from the new rule, the wire service reported.

Current labels aren't as visible or clear as the USDA would hope. The new rule would require that additives be part of the product's title, as in "Chicken Breast - 40 Percent Added Solution of Water and Teriyaki Sauce," the AP said.

Reaction among manufacturers was mixed. A spokesman for the National Chicken Council said his industry is divided on the issue. The American Meat Institute called the proposal "wasteful," noting it would lead to a rise in meat prices, the AP reported.

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FDA Evaluating Some Osteoporosis Drugs for Possible Cancer Link

Studies on oral bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis are being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is investigating whether there's a link between the bone-disease medicines and an increased risk of esophageal cancer, the agency said Thursday.

The FDA, citing "conflicting findings" from past studies, said it hasn't found proof of a link between the drugs and esophageal cancer. But the agency said in a news release that it would "continue to evaluate all available data supporting the safety and effectiveness of bisphosphonate drugs and will update the public when more information becomes available."

The U.S. National Institutes of Health says more than 40 million women in the United States have osteoporosis "or are at high risk due to low bone mass."

People taking a bisphosphonate who develop symptoms including "swallowing difficulties, chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or have trouble or pain when swallowing" should contact a physician, the FDA advised. Candidates for these drugs also should speak with a doctor "about the benefits and risks of taking oral bisphosphonates and how long they should expect to take them," the agency added.

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Gay Men With HIV at Increased Risk of Hepatitis C

While it's considered rare to acquire the hepatitis C virus via sexual intercourse, a new study finds that gay men infected with HIV who have unprotected sex are at increased risk of transmitting hepatitis C, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday, citing a new study.

In the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC researchers working with scientists from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine said they uncovered "substantial evidence" of hepatitis C transmission during unprotected gay sex. Hepatitis C primarily is transmitted through exposure to blood and by drug users who share needles.

The researchers said that between 2005 and 2010, they found 74 men infected with HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- who had documented new infection with hepatitis C. These men reported no other risk factor for hepatitis C infection.

But when compared with other gay men who were HIV-positive but hadn't contracted hepatitis C, the men with recent hepatitis C infection were 23 times more likely than the other group to have had unprotected anal sex, the study found.

"The good news," wrote the researchers, "is that the cure rate for new [hepatitis C] infection is very high with early treatment, but without regular testing of the men at risk, these largely asymptomatic infections may be missed."

Health Tips for July 23

Health Tip: Elderly at Greater Risk for Heat Stroke

The risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion, increases with age, experts at the U.S. National Institute on Aging warn.

As people get older, the researchers explained, they are less able to adapt to high temperatures, like those engulfing much of the nation now. As a result, the heat might exacerbate any medical conditions they have.

In addition, older folks may develop certain health problems that could increase their risk of hyperthermia (when the body overheats), the NIA researchers pointed out in a news release from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. These include:

• Underlying diseases such as congestive heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Trouble walking or moving around.
• Dementia or other problems with thinking skills.
• Overweight or obesity.
• Dehydration.
• Age-related changes to the skin, including reduced function in sweat glands.

Health Tip: What To Do in Case of Heat-Related Illness

To stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses, the NIA researchers cautioned the elderly to pay attention to air pollution alerts. Anyone without fans or air conditioners, they added, should go to public places with air conditioning, such as shopping malls, movie theaters or libraries.

If, however, it is suspected that someone is suffering from a heat-related illness, the NIA advised people to take the following steps:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Move them into air conditioning or another cool place.
• Urge them to lie down and rest.
• Remove or loosen tight-fitting or heavy clothing.
• Encourage them to drink water or juices if they are able to drink, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Apply cold water or cold compresses to their skin.

Health Headlines - July 22

FDA Evaluating Some Osteoporosis Drugs for Possible Cancer Link

Studies on oral bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis are being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is investigating whether there's a link between the bone-disease medicines and an increased risk of esophageal cancer, the agency said Thursday.

The FDA, citing "conflicting findings" from past studies, said it hasn't found proof of a link between the drugs and esophageal cancer. But the agency said in a news release that it would "continue to evaluate all available data supporting the safety and effectiveness of bisphosphonate drugs and will update the public when more information becomes available."

The U.S. National Institutes of Health says more than 40 million women in the United States have osteoporosis "or are at high risk due to low bone mass."

People taking a bisphosphonate who develop symptoms including "swallowing difficulties, chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or have trouble or pain when swallowing" should contact a physician, the FDA advised. Candidates for these drugs also should speak with a doctor "about the benefits and risks of taking oral bisphosphonates and how long they should expect to take them," the agency added.

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Gay Men With HIV at Increased Risk of Hepatitis C

While it's considered rare to acquire the hepatitis C virus via sexual intercourse, a new study finds that gay men infected with HIV who have unprotected sex are at increased risk of transmitting hepatitis C, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday, citing a new study.

In the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC researchers working with scientists from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine said they uncovered "substantial evidence" of hepatitis C transmission during unprotected gay sex. Hepatitis C primarily is transmitted through exposure to blood and by drug users who share needles.

The researchers said that between 2005 and 2010, they found 74 men infected with HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- who had documented new infection with hepatitis C. These men reported no other risk factor for hepatitis C infection.

But when compared with other gay men who were HIV-positive but hadn't contracted hepatitis C, the men with recent hepatitis C infection were 23 times more likely than the other group to have had unprotected anal sex, the study found.

"The good news," wrote the researchers, "is that the cure rate for new [hepatitis C] infection is very high with early treatment, but without regular testing of the men at risk, these largely asymptomatic infections may be missed."

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Fewer Americans See Smoking as Risky: Survey

Fewer Americans perceived a serious risk from smoking a pack of cigarettes a day in 2008-2009 than they did in 2007-2008, a nationwide survey by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released Thursday found.

The percentage of people who perceived a serious smoking risk dropped from 73.7 percent to 72.3 percent among all survey participants. Teens showed an even greater drop in perceived smoking risk during the span, from 69.3 percent in 2007-2008 to 67.7 percent in 2008-2009, the survey found. No state posted in an increase in the perceived risk of smoking, an agency news release said.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health interviewed more than 137,000 people during 2008-2009. Among the report's additional findings:

• No state reported an increase in illicit drug use between 2002-2003 and 2008-2009. Among people aged 12 to 17, illicit drug use fell in 17 states during the period.
• The 10 states and the District of Columbia that had the highest rates of illicit drug use during the prior month among people 12 and older also led the nation in marijuana use during the same period. In alphabetical order, those locales were: Alaska, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.
• Between 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, 11 states showed declines in cocaine use among people 12 and older.
• Rhode Island led the United States in terms of the number of people age 18 and older with serious mental illness (7.2 percent), while Hawaii and South Dakota shared the lowest rate (3.5 percent).

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Heart Disease Tops Most Costly Conditions for Women

Heart disease leads the list of the costliest diseases and medical conditions among women in the United States, with expenses topping $43.6 billion, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Published in the agency's regular News and Numbers report, the findings covered 2008, the most recent year for which statistics were available.

Rounding out the list of the top 10 most-costly conditions among women were:

• Cancer
• Mental disorders
• Trauma-related disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and asthma
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Back problems
• High cholesterol

Health Tips for July 22

Health Tip: Recognizing Strange Behavior

If a family member or loved one begins to display strange behavior, an underlying health issue could be responsible, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.

The agency mentions these potential causes of unusual behavior among the elderly:

• Drinking too much alcohol.
• Alzheimer's disease.
• Hypothermia, dehydration or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Electrolyte imbalance.
• Infection.
• Malnutrition.
• Injury to the head, blood clot, stroke or heart attack.
• Being in an unfamiliar place.
• Certain medications.
• Thyroid disorder.

Health Tip: Dealing With Anxiety

Anxiety can quickly spiral out of control and interfere with daily life.

But there are techniques that will allow you to regain control, the American Academy of Family Physicians says. The academy offers these suggestions:

• Schedule 30 minutes each day to think about the things that are concerning you. Save your worry for those designated times. Think less about what will happen and concern yourself more with what's happening now.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as muscle relaxation or deep breathing.
• Get plenty of regular exercise and enough sleep.
• Don't abuse drugs or drink alcohol.
• Restrict or eliminate caffeine.
• Deal with things that have caused you anxiety in the past. Start by visualizing how you will deal with these factors. Doing so will help you deal with them for real.
• Talk about your fears with your doctor. He or she can help you devise a plan for how to better cope with your anxiety.

Health Headlines - July 21

FDA Experts Reject New Diabetes Drug

The new diabetes drug dapaglifozin should not be approved in the United States because it might increase users' risk of breast and bladder cancers, among other safety concerns, a panel of experts advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended.

The advisory panel voted 9 to 6 on Tuesday against recommending that the FDA approve the drug, which was developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca. It's the first among a new class of medications designed to lower blood sugar by having type 2 diabetics excrete excess sugar in urine, The New York Times reported.

The full agency is supposed to make a decision on the drug by Oct. 28, and usually heeds the advice of its expert panels.

Most of the more than 25 million Americans with diabetes have type 2, formerly called adult onset diabetes, the Times reported.

In clinical testing, some 0.4 percent of women who took the drug developed breast cancer, compared with 0.1 percent among participants who didn't take the drug. About 0.3 percent of men who took dapaglifozin developed bladder cancer, compared with 0.05 percent of male participants who didn't take the drug, the newspaper said.

Panel members also evaluated concerns that the drug could cause liver or kidney problems, the Times reported.

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Alzheimer's Blood Test Moving Closer to Reality

A blood test to screen people for brain plaques that are telltale signs of Alzheimer's disease appears closer to reality, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

Clinical results found an experimental test was successful in detecting the sticky clumps of beta amyloid protein on the brain that indicated the potential onset of Alzheimer's before memory and cognitive problems became apparent, the wire service said.

The test appears to offer a way to screen out people with memory problems who are candidates for more definitive testing, the AP said.

Results on the test, developed by Australia's national science agency CSIRO, were reported at Wednesday's Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Paris.

While brain scans may also reveal the presence of these plaques, the scans "are too expensive and impractical for routine use," the wire service reported.

A clinical study of more than 1,100 people found that the test correctly identified 83 percent of people with high amyloid levels and correctly ruled out 85 percent of people who didn't have this condition.

More than 5.4 million Americans and 35 million globally have Alzheimer's, which has no cure, the AP said.

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12 States Have Obesity Rates of at Least 30%: CDC

A dozen U.S. states now have obesity rates of 30 percent or higher, up from nine states three years ago. No states met the threshold in 2000, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.

Obesity is now a problem in all 50 states, the agency said in a news release. An adult is considered obese if he or she has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.

No state met the federal Healthy People 2010 goal of a 15 percent obesity rate. In fact, no state had a rate lower than 20 percent, the CDC said.

The agency interviewed by telephone some 400,000 adults nationwide. Regionally, the South had the highest obesity rate at 29.4 percent; the Midwest, 28.7 percent; the Northeast, 24.9 percent and the West 24.1, percent.

Some of the top causes of death are linked to obesity, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, the CDC said.

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Users of Antipsychotic Warned of Possible Drug Interactions

The maker of the popular antipsychotic drug Seroquel will add a warning to its label saying that if it is taken with any of at least 12 other drugs, the interaction could lead to an irregular heartbeat and possible heart attack, The New York Times reported.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration clarified that the label warning to be posted by drug maker AstraZeneca was intended as a precaution for doctors, whom she said could still prescribe Seroquel and one of the other drugs if necessary.

FDA spokeswoman Sandy Walsh told the newspaper that the agency had notice of 17 cases of a certain type of heart arrhythmia among people who took above-recommended amounts of Seroquel and at least one other medication.

The heart rhythm abnormality, called prolongation of the QT interval, is responsible for several thousand deaths in the United States each year, the Times reported.

Drugs that shouldn't be taken in tandem with Seroquel include antiarrhythmic drugs such as quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone and sotalel; antispsychotics such as ziprasidone, chlorpromazine and thioridazine; antibiotics such as gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin; the anti-infective drug pentamidine; and synthetic opioids such as levomethadyl acetate and methadone, the Times reported.

Seroquel's prior labeling had warned of heart arrhythmia risk but hadn't mentioned other drugs that could interact with the antipsychotic, an AstraZeneca spokeswoman said.