Health Headlines - August 31

HIV Diagnosis Closes Southern California Porn Industry

News that a porn star has tested positive for HIV has led to a voluntary shutdown of Southern California's adult movie industry.

Tests were being conducted on the performer to confirm the diagnosis, Diane Duke, executive director of the adult film trade association Free Speech Coalition, told CBS and the Associated Press.

Duke would not reveal the gender, name or age of the performer, who was initially diagnosed in an out-of-state clinic that doesn't report to California health officials.

If the HIV diagnosis is confirmed, Duke's group will request tests for people who had sex with the performer and the sex partners of those people, CBS/AP reported.

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Researchers Call for More Studies of Acne Treatments

More research on acne treatments is needed to help patients decide which are the best to use, researchers say.

The U.S. and U.K. researchers looked at current acne treatments and discovered a scarcity of studies and conflicting guidelines for the products. They also found that few recommendations for the treatments' use are based on clinical evidence, the Los Angeles Times reported.

In their paper published online in The Lancet, the researchers called for more studies to establish a suitable plan for initial treatment of acne as well as maintenance treatment of the condition.

They also noted the need for long-term studies to look at risk factors for persistent cases of acne, studies that compare various treatments, and studies that examine the cost-effectiveness of the treatments, the Times reported.

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Papaya-Linked Salmonella Outbreak Over: CDC

A salmonella outbreak linked to fresh papayas from Mexico appears to be over, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday.

Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 25 of this year, 106 people infected with the outbreak strain ofSalmonella Agona were reported in 25 states.

The outbreak was traced to fresh, whole papayas imported from Mexico by Agromod Produce Inc. of Texas, which announced a recall on July 23. The recall includes all Blondie, Yaya, Mananita and Tastylicious brand papayas sold prior to July 23, the CDC said.

On Aug. 25, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced an import ban on papayas from nearly all the major papaya producing regions in Mexico, unless the importer can prove the papayas are not contaminated with salmonella.

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New Details About U.S. Medical Experiments in Guatemala

Chilling new facts about medical experiments conducted by U.S. researchers in Guatemala in the 1940s were revealed Monday by the presidential panel investigating the matter.

The tests involved deliberately exposing 1,300 people to sexually transmitted diseases in order to determine if penicillin -- which was relatively new at the time -- could prevent infection, the Associated Press reported.

Only about 700 of the people received some sort of treatment and 83 of them died, although it's not clear if those deaths were directly caused by the experiments, the commission said.

Specific cases disclosed Monday included one involving a women with syphilis who had an undisclosed terminal illness. The researchers wanted to assess the impact of an additional infection and infected the woman with gonorrhea. She died six months later.

In another experiment, seven women with epilepsy received syphilis injections at the base of the skull in order to find out if syphilis infection might cure epilepsy. All of the women developed bacterial meningitis, likely because the injections were unsterile, but received treatment, the AP reported.

After the Guatemala experiments came to light last year, President Obama called the Guatemala president to apologize and ordered the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues to review the matter. The commission's final report is due next month.

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Blood Shortages Along U.S. East Coast: Red Cross

Blood donations are urgently needed to ease blood shortages along the U.S. East Coast in the wake of Hurricane Irene, the American Red Cross says.

"Supplies before the storm were already tight, as they are every summer, and Irene caused the cancellation of 60 blood drives along the East Coast, resulting in a shortfall of more than 2,100 units of blood," President and CEO Gail McGovern said in a Red Cross news release.

"We're expecting these numbers to go up due to storm damage in many locations, which will cause more canceled blood drives," she added.

The Red Cross is asking people in areas not affected by the storm to make immediate blood and platelet donations. People in areas hit by the storm are encouraged to make donations once it is safe to go out.

Health Tips for August 31

Health Tip: Reduce Your Risk of Overuse Injury

Overuse injuries may occur when you ramp up your exercise routine too quickly or too vigorously.

The American Academy of Family Physicians mentions these suggestions to help prevent an overuse injury:

• Limit your running distance increase to no more than 10 percent each week.
• Limit your total weekly distance to no more than 45 miles.
• Stick to flat, soft ground for running, avoiding uneven terrain.
• Stop running when you have pain -- don't push through it.
• Rest and ice a painful area for two-to-three days; see a doctor after a week if it doesn't improve.
• Treat yourself to some easy workouts after running or training very hard.
• Get new running shoes approximately every 500 miles for maximum shock absorption.

Health Tip: Get the Right Fit for Athletic Shoes

Wearing properly-fitted athletic shoes can keep your feet comfy during a workout and help reduce the risk of injury.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions for choosing athletic shoes:

• Shop for shoes when your feet are their largest -- either at the end of the day or after a workout.
• Try on shoes with the same type of sock that you'll wear when you exercise.
• Make sure you can easily wiggle your toes, and that the shoes are comfortable when you try them on.
• Run or walk several steps in the shoes to make sure they're comfortable.
• Properly lace shoes when you try them on.
• Make sure the shoes firmly grip your heels and don't slip off when you're walking or running.
• Choose a sports-specific shoe if you participate in a particular sport at least three times per week.

Health Headlines - August 30

U.N. Warns of Possible Bird Flu Resurgence

A mutant strain of the H5N1 bird flu virus that's resistant to existing vaccines is spreading in China and Vietnam, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization said Monday.

The FAO also said wild bird migrations in recent years have brought H5N1 to countries that had been free of the bird flu virus for several years, including Bulgaria, Romania, Mongolia, Nepal, Israel and the Palestinian territories, the Associated Press reported.

These and other factors could lead to a possible resurgence of the bird flu virus, warned the FAO, which urged nations to boost their surveillance and preparedness levels.

Since the H5N1 virus was first detected in 2003, there have been 565 confirmed cases in humans and 331 deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, the APreported.

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Massage Device Could be Deadly: FDA

Consumers are being warned about a massage device that caused one death and one near-strangulation.

Necklaces, pieces of clothing and hair can get caught in the rotating part of the ShoulderFlex Massager, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Associated Pressreported.

People who own these products should "dispose of the device components separately so that the massager cannot be reassembled and used," the agency advised.

Since 2003, King International has distributed nearly 12,000 of the massagers through retail stores and Web sites in the U.S., according to the FDA. The agency said the company plans to issue a recall, the AP reported.

Health Tips for August 30

Health Tip: Skin Changes With Age

Boomer alert: Changes in the skin are a natural part of aging, and the changes can extend beyond wrinkles.

The Cleveland Clinic mentions these skin changes that are likely as a result of aging:

• Rough skin.
• Loose, slack skin.
• Thin, transparent skin.
• Increased fragility of the skin.
• Skin that bruises more easily.
• Benign tumors and other lesions.

Health Tip: Keep Skin Smooth

Aging skin often means wrinkled skin. But there are steps you can take to minimize blemished, wrinkled skin.

If you want to help keep skin smoother, more supple and less wrinkled as you age, the University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions:

• Eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• Include healthy oils, such as olive oil, in your diet.
• Get plenty of regular exercise.
• Don't smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Don't drink alcohol within three hours of going to bed.
• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, and use a moisturizer daily.
• On the other hand, don't wash with tap water too often, which can wind up drying out your skin. Once a day should be enough.
• Wear sunscreen daily. Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's ultraviolet rays are strongest.

Health Headlines - August 29

Massage Device Could be Deadly: FDA

Consumers are being warned about a massage device that caused one death and one near-strangulation.

Necklaces, pieces of clothing and hair can get caught in the rotating part of the ShoulderFlex Massager, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Associated Pressreported.

People who own these products should "dispose of the device components separately so that the massager cannot be reassembled and used," the agency advised.

Since 2003, King International has distributed nearly 12,000 of the massagers through retail stores and Web sites in the U.S., according to the FDA. The agency said the company plans to issue a recall, the AP reported.

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U.S. Minority and White Newborn Numbers Nearly Equal

Nearly half of newborns in the United States are ethnic and racial minorities, according to an analysis of 2010 Census data.

It found that 50.2 percent of babies where white non-Hispanics, compared with 57.6 percent 10 years earlier, USA Today reported.

Since 2000, the number of states were minority babies dominate has doubled to 14, including big states such as Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and New York.

In rural areas, the number of white children declined by more than one million (nearly 10 percent) between 2000 and 2010, USA Today reported.

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U.S. Bans Mexican Papaya Imports

All imports of fresh Mexican papayas have been banned due to widespread salmonella contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

The decision was made after an FDA investigation between May 12 and Aug. 18 found that more than 15 percent of fresh papayas from Mexico were contaminated with salmonella, MSNBC.com reported.

The contaminated papayas came from 28 different companies and included all the major papaya-producing areas in Mexico. The FDA investigation began after a salmonella outbreak earlier this year sickened 100 people in 23 states, MSNBC.com reported.

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Carcinogens Released by Scented Laundry Products: Study

Scented laundry detergent and dryer sheets may raise cancer risk, according to a new study.

Researchers found more than 25 "volatile" air pollutants -- including the carcinogens benzene and acetaldehyde -- when they tested the dryer vent emissions from two homes after scented laundry products were used, CBS News reported.

"This is an interesting source of pollution because emissions from dryer vents are essentially unregulated," lead author Anne Steinemann, professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs at the University of Washington, said in a written statement, CBS News reported. "If they're coming out of a smokestack or tail pipe, they're regulated, but if they're coming out of a dryer vent, they're not."

The study was published in the August issue of the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health.

Health Tips for August 29

Health Tip: Recovering From Adenoid and Tonsil Removal

It's common for people who have just had their tonsils and adenoids removed -- usually children -- to suffer post-surgical symptoms including a sore throat, low-grade fever and ear pain.

Maintaining a proper diet during recovery can help ease symptoms. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:

• Skip highly acidic drinks, such as grapefruit juice or orange juice.
• Avoid foods that are very hot or spicy.
• Restrict foods that can irritate a sore throat, including crunchy, raw vegetables and cold cereals.
• Avoid high-fat dairy products that can thicken mucus and make swallowing more difficult.

Health Tip: Prevent Passing Germs

Viruses that cause the common cold or flu are spread in droplets produced when a person coughs or sneezes, a process the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls "droplet spread."

Virus- or bacteria-laden droplets also can spread disease when a person touches a contaminated surface, then touches their own eyes, nose or mouth, the agency says.

The CDC offers these suggestions to help prevent the spread of germs:

• Always cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Try to sneeze or cough into a tissue instead of your hands.
• Wash your hands often, and make sure you spend about 20 seconds washing them. That's about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice, the agency notes.
• Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer or hand-sanitizing wipes to wash your hands when you're not near a sink.
• Teach children to follow these same practices.

Health Headlines - August 28

Large Decline in Heart Failure Patient Death Rate

Deaths of hospitalized heart failure patients in the United States fell by nearly half between 2000 and 2007, from 55 to 28 deaths per 1,000 admissions, a federal government report says.

The largest drop -- from 87 to 48 deaths per 1,000 admissions -- was seen in people age 85 and older, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Declines in other age groups were: a drop from 64 to 34 deaths per 1,000 admissions among patients 65 and older: from 28 to 15 for patients ages 45 to 64; and from 19 to 12 for patients ages 18 to 44.

The findings are based on an analysis of data in the 2010 National Healthcare Disparities Report.

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Ban Mesh Used in Pelvic Surgery: Petition

A type of surgical mesh used to treat pelvic collapse in women is associated with serious risks and should be banned, the U.S. consumer advocacy group Public Citizen says in a petition to the Food and Drug Administration.

The group says pelvic surgical mesh inserted through the vagina offers no benefits over traditional surgery with stitches, the Associated Press reported.

Last month, the FDA said that complications with the mesh are higher than previously estimated and that many patients experience bleeding, pain and infection. Last year, forms of the mesh were used in about 75,000 women who had prolapse surgery, according to the agency.

"Even the FDA seriously questions the safety and effectiveness of these mesh products, so they should be removed from the market immediately," said Public Citizen's Dr. Michael Carome, the AP reported.

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Battling Cancer, Steven Jobs Resigns as Apple CEO

Steven P. Jobs is giving up his position as Apple's chief executive.

"I have always said that if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's C.E.O., I would be the first to let you know," Jobs said in a letter released Wednesday by the company, The New York Times reported. "Unfortunately, that day has come."

He will now have the newly-created title of chairman.

Jobs, 56, had surgery for pancreatic cancer in 2004 and underwent a liver transplant in 2009. He's been off on medical leave since January, his third such leave, The Timesreported.

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Experts Warn About Antibiotic Overuse

Overuse of antibiotics may be altering our overall bacterial makeup and causing an increase in illnesses, an expert warns.

Doctors must take more care when prescribing antibiotics in order to avoid overuse and antibiotic resistance, Dr. Martin Blaser, chairman of the department of medicine at New York University Langone Medical Center, says in an opinion piece in the journal Nature,ABC News reported.

The "dramatic increase" in many health problems, such as allergies, type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease, may be related to the destruction of protective bacteria through overuse of antibiotics, he suggested.

"Antibiotics are miraculous," Blaser told ABC News. "They've changed health and medicine over the last 70 years. But when doctors prescribe antibiotics, it is based on the belief that there are no long-term effects. We've seen evidence that suggests antibiotics may permanently change the beneficial bacteria that we're carrying."

Another expert agrees with Blaser.

"We use (antibiotics) without much care and without really thinking," Dr. Cesar Arias, an assistant professor of infectious disease at University of Texas Medical School, told ABC News. "People go to the doctor for a sore throat, which is usually viral, and they're get antibiotics."

"These drugs affect what we're colonized with, particularly the digestive tract," Arias explained. "If you alter your flora, you can promote certain superbugs to colonize in your gut and get into the bloodstream."

Health Tips for August 28

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 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 Headlines - August 27

Some Employers May End Workers' Health Coverage in 2014: Survey

A new survey finds that nearly 10 percent of midsized or large employers in the United States may stop offering health coverage to workers when insurance exchanges are launched in 2014.

An additional 20 percent of the companies aren't certain what they'll do, according to the survey completed last month by benefits consultant Towers Watson, the Associated Pressreported.

A June survey conducted by another benefits consultant, Mercer, found that 8 percent of large and smaller employers said they were either "likely" or "very likely" to end health coverage for their workers when the federal exchanges start.

The exchanges, part of the health care overhaul, are meant to give people an opportunity to shop for insurance that could be subsidized by the government based on the purchaser's income, the AP reported.

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Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summitt has Dementia

The winningest coach in U.S. women's basketball revealed Tuesday that she's been diagnosed with early onset dementia, but Pat Summitt said her immediate focus is on her University of Tennessee team's success.

The 59-year-old Hall of Fame coach made the announcement about her incurable condition in a one-minute video posted on the school's Web site, the Associated Pressreported.

"I plan to continue to be your coach," Summitt said in the video. "Obviously, I realize I may have some limitations with this condition since there will be some good days and some bad days."

While she isn't sure how long she can continue coaching the Lady Vols, Summitt said she'd do it "as long as the good Lord is willing."

Reaction from former players and others in women's basketball was much the same: Summitt will approach the challenge head on.

"As a player, we know coach is the type who's not going to give up. She's going to fight, she's going to do everything she can," Michelle Snow, who played for Tennessee from 1998-2002, told the AP. "She's probably going to be the best patient they ever had. She's a fighter and she's been through a lot. She knows how to fight and she's going to continue to do that."

"My first reaction was tremendous respect, how she was publicly acknowledging this disease," Indiana Fever coach Lin Dunn told the AP. "She will bring national attention to this disease and she can spearhead a move to try and fight it."

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Brain Harmed by High Salt, Low Activity: Study

Too much salt and too little exercise is bad for your brain, a new study warns.

It included 1,262 men and women, ages 67 to 84, who were followed for three years. Those with the highest sodium intake (3,091 milligrams a day or more) and the least amount of physical activity tended to have poorer cognitive performance than those with an active lifestyle and low sodium intake, USA Today reported.

The study was published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.

"These findings are important because they help people know they can be proactive in retaining healthy brains as they age," said researcher Carol Greenwood, a professor at the Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care at the University of Toronto, USA Today reported. "Baby Boomers especially need to know that sitting on the couch watching television for long periods of time and eating salty snacks is not good for them."

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New Conflict of Interest Rules for Federally-Funded Researchers

Financial conflict of interest rules for U.S. government-funded researchers who also receive money from drug and medical device companies have been finalized by the National Institutes of Health.

Under the new rules, researchers who receive more than $5,000 in income from drug or device companies must disclose the fact, and universities or other institutions that employ the researchers must make the information available to the public upon request, the Washington Post reported.

Universities will also have to create policies to manage the financial conflicts of researchers, but these plans don't have to be made public.

The new rules were created in response to a number of cases in which federally-funded researchers did not disclose millions of dollars they received from companies with a financial interest in the results of their work, the Post reported.

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Recalled Step Stools Pose Fall Hazard

A recall of step stools that pose a fall hazard is being expanded by Target Corp.

The wooden step stools with storage can break apart of collapse under the weight of a user. So far, Target has received 27 reports of the stools breaking or collapsing, resulting in injuries such as fractured wrists, a fractured hip and pelvis, and scrapes and bruises.

The stools were sold at Target stores nationwide and online from January 2007 through October 2010.

About 206,000 of the stools were recalled on Aug. 4 and this new recall brings the total to 341,000.

For more information, consumers can contact Target at 800-440-0680 or go to Target's Web site.

Health Tips for August 27

Health Tip: Create a Well-Rounded Exercise Regimen

Most any exercise is beneficial, but a well-rounded exercise program offers the greatest benefits to overall health and fitness.

The Cleveland Clinic says a well-rounded exercise program should include:

• Cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise.
• Exercise that strengthens the bones and muscles.
• Exercise that promotes better flexibility.
• Exercise that improves agility and balance.

Health Tip: Get Kids Moving

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

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

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

Hurricane Irene Starts Assault on East Coast

As Hurricane Irene spun her way toward the Mid-Atlantic coast Friday morning, emergency officials in six states and New England told an estimated 55 million residents to brace for the worst this weekend.

Hurricane watches were posted for North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and New England; evacuations have already been ordered in some states. The spread and slow speed of Irene could translate into dramatic flooding in the affected areas, officials said.

Rain from the storm's outer edges had begun to fall on the Carolinas Friday, and the current forecast places the center of Irene just off the North Carolina/Virginia coast by Saturday and over New England by Monday morning, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. New York City was expected to be hit by late Saturday night or Sunday morning, and officials were preparing to shut down the city's massive subway system,The New York Times reported.

Meanwhile, federal officials offered residents advice on how to prepare for the possibility of widespread damage and power outages.

W. Craig Fugate, administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told theTimes that Irene could dump up to 10 inches of rain in some areas. "This will not just be a coastal storm," he stressed. "We can see impacts well inland."

Steps that residents should take include putting together an emergency kit with 72 hours' worth of food and water, developing a family communications plan, and listening to the radio or TV for information about risks and evacuations.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an alert Friday morning telling residents to have a plan for storing emergency medications and medical supplies safely, particularly those with health concerns or those in areas where the power goes out.

Only lifesaving drugs should be taken if the container is contaminated; all other medications should be thrown away if they are exposed to contaminated flood water. Insulin loses its potency in warm temperatures, so try to keep it as cool as possible, the alert said. If you store it on ice, do not let it freeze, however.

If you have a "life-supporting" or "life-sustaining" device that depends on electricity, call your doctor's office for information on how to maintain function in the event of a loss of power.

Should flooding occur, do not consume any food that may have come into contact with floodwater. Check with your local health department to assess if tap water is safe to drink -- if it is not, drink bottled water or boil water for one minute before drinking.

Other federal government recommendations if the hurricane is likely to strike your area include:

• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• Close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. If you don't have shutters, board up windows with 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Putting tape on windows does not prevent them from breaking.
• To reduce roof damage, install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
• Clear clogged rain gutters so they won't overflow.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• If you have a boat, moor it.
• Turn off utilities if told to do so. Otherwise, set the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest level and keep its door(s) closed.

People should evacuate under the following conditions:

• If you are told to do so by local authorities. Follow their instructions.
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure.
• If you live in a high-rise building. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
• If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have a safe room, you should:

• Stay indoors during the hurricane and keep away from windows and glass doors.
• Secure and brace external doors and close all interior doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
• Don't be fooled if there is a lull in the hurricane. It could be the eye of the storm, which will be followed by a resumption of extreme winds.

Health Headlines - August 26

Some Employers May End Workers' Health Coverage in 2014: Survey

A new survey finds that nearly 10 percent of midsized or large employers in the United States may stop offering health coverage to workers when insurance exchanges are launched in 2014.

An additional 20 percent of the companies aren't certain what they'll do, according to the survey completed last month by benefits consultant Towers Watson, the Associated Pressreported.

A June survey conducted by another benefits consultant, Mercer, found that 8 percent of large and smaller employers said they were either "likely" or "very likely" to end health coverage for their workers when the federal exchanges start.

The exchanges, part of the health care overhaul, are meant to give people an opportunity to shop for insurance that could be subsidized by the government based on the purchaser's income, the AP reported.

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Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summitt has Dementia

The winningest coach in U.S. women's basketball revealed Tuesday that she's been diagnosed with early onset dementia, but Pat Summitt said her immediate focus is on her University of Tennessee team's success.

The 59-year-old Hall of Fame coach made the announcement about her incurable condition in a one-minute video posted on the school's Web site, the Associated Pressreported.

"I plan to continue to be your coach," Summitt said in the video. "Obviously, I realize I may have some limitations with this condition since there will be some good days and some bad days."

While she isn't sure how long she can continue coaching the Lady Vols, Summitt said she'd do it "as long as the good Lord is willing."

Reaction from former players and others in women's basketball was much the same: Summitt will approach the challenge head on.

"As a player, we know coach is the type who's not going to give up. She's going to fight, she's going to do everything she can," Michelle Snow, who played for Tennessee from 1998-2002, told the AP. "She's probably going to be the best patient they ever had. She's a fighter and she's been through a lot. She knows how to fight and she's going to continue to do that."

"My first reaction was tremendous respect, how she was publicly acknowledging this disease," Indiana Fever coach Lin Dunn told the AP. "She will bring national attention to this disease and she can spearhead a move to try and fight it."

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Brain Harmed by High Salt, Low Activity: Study

Too much salt and too little exercise is bad for your brain, a new study warns.

It included 1,262 men and women, ages 67 to 84, who were followed for three years. Those with the highest sodium intake (3,091 milligrams a day or more) and the least amount of physical activity tended to have poorer cognitive performance than those with an active lifestyle and low sodium intake, USA Today reported.

The study was published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.

"These findings are important because they help people know they can be proactive in retaining healthy brains as they age," said researcher Carol Greenwood, a professor at the Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care at the University of Toronto, USA Today reported. "Baby Boomers especially need to know that sitting on the couch watching television for long periods of time and eating salty snacks is not good for them."

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New Conflict of Interest Rules for Federally-Funded Researchers

Financial conflict of interest rules for U.S. government-funded researchers who also receive money from drug and medical device companies have been finalized by the National Institutes of Health.

Under the new rules, researchers who receive more than $5,000 in income from drug or device companies must disclose the fact, and universities or other institutions that employ the researchers must make the information available to the public upon request, the Washington Post reported.

Universities will also have to create policies to manage the financial conflicts of researchers, but these plans don't have to be made public.

The new rules were created in response to a number of cases in which federally-funded researchers did not disclose millions of dollars they received from companies with a financial interest in the results of their work, the Post reported.

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Recalled Step Stools Pose Fall Hazard

A recall of step stools that pose a fall hazard is being expanded by Target Corp.

The wooden step stools with storage can break apart of collapse under the weight of a user. So far, Target has received 27 reports of the stools breaking or collapsing, resulting in injuries such as fractured wrists, a fractured hip and pelvis, and scrapes and bruises.

The stools were sold at Target stores nationwide and online from January 2007 through October 2010.

About 206,000 of the stools were recalled on Aug. 4 and this new recall brings the total to 341,000.

For more information, consumers can contact Target at 800-440-0680 or go to Target's Web site.

Health Tips for August 26

Health Tip: Warm Up Before Exercise

Slow, gentle stretching before you begin more intense exercise is essential to warming up and preventing injury. It gives your body time to adjust before more intense activity.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these guidelines for stretching before your workout:

• Warm up your muscles slowly by performing an aerobic activity at a very "easy pace."
• Make your movements gentle and slow, remembering to breathe and relax.
• Hold each stretch in position for 10 to 30 seconds.
• Never bounce as you stretch.
• Stretch within your comfort level, and ease up if your stretch begins to hurt.

Health Tip: Prevent Runner's Knee

Runner's knee is an umbrella term for any condition that causes pain in the front of the knee. It's common among skiers, bicyclists, soccer players and others whose knees are under frequent strain.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests how to reduce the risk of runner's knee:

• Get regular exercise to stay physically fit and avoid weight gain.
• Gently stretch your muscles before any exercise.
• Increase the intensity or duration of your workouts gradually -- not all at once.
• When you run, wear appropriate running shoes with a sturdy, supportive construction.
• Practice good form when running. Bend your knees and lean forward slightly.

Health Headlines - August 25

Seattle Genetics cancer drug price may top $100,000

The price of Seattle Genetics Inc's blood cancer drug Adcetris could top $100,000 for a course of treatment, becoming the latest cancer medicine to come at a high cost.

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Louisiana paper mill spill causes massive fish kill

A rotten stench hung over a 60-mile stretch of Louisiana's Pearl River as boats trawled through thick layers of hundreds of thousands of dead fish, and sweating workers bent to scoop the carcasses from the water.

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Florida court rejects drug argument, clears way for execution

The Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the way for the execution of a man convicted in the 1978 killing of a police officer, rejecting arguments a new anesthetic used to put condemned inmates to death would cause undue pain and suffering.

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Common cause seen in all forms of Lou Gehrig disease

A breakdown in a recycling mechanism in cells in the brain and spinal cord has been pinpointed as the common cause of all forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the tragic neurogenerative disorder known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

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Greenpeace finds toxic chemicals in branded clothing

Traces of toxic chemicals harmful to the environment and to human health have been detected in products made by 14 top clothing manufacturers, Greenpeace said Tuesday.

Health Tips for August 25

Health Tip: Kiwis Have Great Health Benefits

Kiwifruit is a small fruit which packs a load of healthy nutrients. Kiwifruit are very delicious, and there are a number of vitamins and minerals available in this fruit. It is very high in vitamin C and it also contains potassium, vitamin A and vitamin E. The skin of the kiwifruit contains antioxidants so even though people usually discard this part of the kiwifruit they shouldn’t because it offers lots of health benefits.

Kiwifruit is also high in fiber making it a natural laxative. It is possible that there are a number of cardiovascular benefits to eating kiwifruit as it is a natural blood thinner which means it can naturally prevent blood clots and lowers the fat content in the blood to prevent blockages. Because kiwifruit contains lutein it can also be consumed to promote eye health.

Health Tip: Raspberries Are No Ordinary Berry

Raspberries, the perennial plant with vibrant color and flavor, might not be the most popular red fruit on the market, but they are certainly among the healthiest. They protect against many diseases, have lots of other nutritive content, and are simply delicious.

Raspberries are a good source of energy, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. They are chock-full of antioxidants, and have been linked in early medical research to prevention of inflammation, pain, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, cognitive decline (old-age), and degeneration of eyesight.

Health Headlines - August 24

Male Bisexuality is Real: Study

Bisexual men are sexually aroused by both men and women, a new study confirms.

The findings by Northwestern University researchers aren't news to bisexual men but do counter a previous study by researchers at the same university who concluded that there's no proof that male bisexuality exists, The New York Times reported.

The new study found that bisexual men were aroused by videos of both male and female same-sex intimacy, while homosexual and heterosexual men were not. The study appears online in the journal Biological Psychology.

"Someone who is bisexual might say, 'Well, duh!'" lead author Allen Rosenthal, a doctoral student in psychology, told The Times. "But this will be validating to a lot of bisexual men who had heard about the earlier work and felt that scientists weren't getting them."

Another study published earlier this year also found that bisexual men have a distinctive pattern of sexual arousal.

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Coverage Granted to Man With Breast Cancer

A South Carolina man with breast cancer who was denied Medicaid coverage for treatment of his disease because he's a man is going to get coverage after all.

Raymond Johnson, 30, received the good news late last week from the state's Department of Health and Human Services, msnbc.com reported.

Johnson, a tile layer who didn't have work coverage and couldn't afford private insurance, was not eligible for traditional Medicaid coverage. He was advised to apply for coverage under a special Medicaid program for breast and ovarian cancer patients, but earlier this month was told it only provides care for women.

But state health officials have now decided to deem Johnson eligible for the program and will submit claims to the federal government for reimbursement. However, federal officials' stance on the case isn't clear.

"If federal lawyers choose to deny those claims based on a discriminatory policy, that is their choice and our department will appeal the decision," South Carolina Health and Human Services Director Tony Keck said in a statement, msnbc.com reported.

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Spider Silk Used to Create Bulletproof Skin

A Dutch artist used a lattice of human skin cells and genetically engineered spider silk to create "bulletproof skin" that's able to stop .22 caliber bullets fired at reduced speeds.

But the real value of this bio-art project is that it shows the potential of using this type of biotechnology to cover large wounds, treat people with severe burns and create artificial tendons and ligaments, according to Utah State University's Randy Lewis, the Associated Press reported.

Lewis and his colleagues recently developed a commercially viable method of manufacturing spider silk fibers using silkworms and goats implanted with spider genes. The genetically engineered spider silk was used in the bulletproof skin project.

The bulletproof skin shows a strength and elasticity that could prove especially helpful to surgeons trying to replace large amounts of human skin, Lewis told the AP.

He hopes to begin animal testing with spider silk materials within two years and noted that it's already been shown that spider silk is compatible with the human body.

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Bacteria From Dog Feces Common in Air of Some Cities: Study

Dog feces may be the source of the most common type of bacteria found in the air of some U.S. cities during the winter, a new study suggests.

Researchers examined air samples collected in winter from Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Mayville, Wis., msnbc.com reported.

"To our surprise the airborne bacterial communities of Detroit and Cleveland most closely resembled those communities found in dog poop," lead author Robert Bowers, a graduate student at the University of Colorado, said in a statement.

"As best as we can tell, dog feces are the only explanation for these results," Noah Fierer, an assistant professor of ecology at the University of Colorado, told msnbc.com. "But we do need to do more research."

The researchers want to sample cities across the U.S. to determine if airborne fecal bacteria is a widespread issue.

The study appears in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

Health Tips for August 24

Health Tip: Protect Kids With Life Jackets

Anytime a child is swimming or boating on a lake, river or stream, he or she should don a life jacket.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions for proper use:

• Make sure your child knows how to put on a life jacket.
• Be sure your child is comfortable wearing and using the life jacket.
• Ensure the life jacket fits correctly and snugly, and that all buckles are properly fastened.
• Make sure all life jackets are approved by Underwriters Laboratories and the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Never use blow-up water wings, a raft or inflatable toy in place of a life jacket.
• Make sure all adults also wear life jackets to set a good example.

Health Tip: Skate Safely

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

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

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

Health Headlines - August 23

Spider Silk Used to Create Bulletproof Skin

A Dutch artist used a lattice of human skin cells and genetically engineered spider silk to create "bulletproof skin" that's able to stop .22 caliber bullets fired at reduced speeds.

But the real value of this bio-art project is that it shows the potential of using this type of biotechnology to cover large wounds, treat people with severe burns and create artificial tendons and ligaments, according to Utah State University's Randy Lewis, the Associated Press reported.

Lewis and his colleagues recently developed a commercially viable method of manufacturing spider silk fibers using silkworms and goats implanted with spider genes. The genetically engineered spider silk was used in the bulletproof skin project.

The bulletproof skin shows a strength and elasticity that could prove especially helpful to surgeons trying to replace large amounts of human skin, Lewis told the AP.

He hopes to begin animal testing with spider silk materials within two years and noted that it's already been shown that spider silk is compatible with the human body.

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Bacteria From Dog Feces Common in Air of Some Cities: Study

Dog feces may be the source of the most common type of bacteria found in the air of some U.S. cities during the winter, a new study suggests.

Researchers examined air samples collected in winter from Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Mayville, Wis., msnbc.com reported.

"To our surprise the airborne bacterial communities of Detroit and Cleveland most closely resembled those communities found in dog poop," lead author Robert Bowers, a graduate student at the University of Colorado, said in a statement.

"As best as we can tell, dog feces are the only explanation for these results," Noah Fierer, an assistant professor of ecology at the University of Colorado, told msnbc.com. "But we do need to do more research."

The researchers want to sample cities across the U.S. to determine if airborne fecal bacteria is a widespread issue.

The study appears in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

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USDA Rejects NYC Ban on Food Stamps for Sugary Drinks

New York City's plan to restrict the use of food stamps to buy sugar-sweetened drinks has been rejected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

As part of its efforts to combat obesity, the city asked the USDA for permission to launch a pilot project to ban food stamp recipients from buying any sweetened beverage with more than 10 calories per 8 ounces, the Associated Press reported.

But the USDA said the program would be too large and complex. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he was disappointed by the decision.

"We think our innovative pilot would have done more to protect people from the crippling effects of preventable illnesses like diabetes and obesity than anything being proposed anywhere else in this country and at little or no cost to taxpayers," he said in a statement, the AP reported.

Health Tips for August 23

Health Tip: Caring for Your Mouth After Tooth Extraction

Proper care of the mouth after a tooth extraction can ease pain and promote better healing.

The American Dental Association offers these suggestions:

• Don't smoke.
• Rinse your mouth carefully, avoiding vigorous rinsing.
• Don't drink through a straw.
• Ease pain by applying a cold rag or a bag of ice.
• Brush and floss teeth regularly, taking care to avoid getting too close to the socket.

Health Tip: Chew Sugarless Gum

Bacteria that contribute to dental plaque crave sugar. These bacteria produce plaque acids that aid in tooth decay by breaking down tooth enamel.

Chewing sugarless gum, however, can help promote a healthier mouth, the American Dental Association says. The ADA mentions these possible benefits of chewing sugarless gum:

• Chewing helps boost the production of saliva, which can help wash away acids that can damage teeth.
• Increased saliva includes more calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.
• Sugarless gum contains sweeteners -- such as aspartame, sorbitol or mannitol -- that don't contribute to cavities.

Safe Summer Grilling: Marinate Meats with Herbs & Spices

A favorite summer pastime—cooking meats on the outdoor grill—is also known to cause carcinogenic HCAs (heterocyclic amines) to form. So this report will be welcome to backyard gourmets everywhere: in addition to enhancing meat’s flavor and keeping it juicy, marinades reduce the formation of cancer-causing compounds in browned meats.

While studying food science at Kansas State University, Doctor Fariba Emamgholizadeh, MD marinated steaks with three different commercial marinades one hour before grilling them at 400°F and compared them to similarly grilled unmarinated steak. In the marinated steaks, HCA levels were reduced an average of 71%. The doctor also found that using only the bases of the same marinades (without any herbs or spices) did not have the same protective effect.

Browned meats and cancer risk
HCAs are produced by a chemical reaction between the particular molecules found in animal muscle when they are heated. High cooking temperatures and long cooking times are associated with higher HCA levels. Frying, broiling, and grilling produce more HCAs than lower temperature cooking methods like baking and oven roasting, while boiling and poaching produce the lowest amounts. A piece of well-done meat can have as many as ten times more HCAs than meat cooked rare.

HCAs have been detected in all kinds of meats—beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and fish—especially those that have been grilled, fried, or roasted. According to the National Cancer Institute, studies have linked high intake of well-done fried or barbequed meats with increased risks of colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, and breast cancers.

Herbs and spices make meat healthier
Previous studies have similarly found that using marinades made from a combination of oil, salt, sugar, and a variety of herbs and spices reduced the amounts of HCAs in grilled meats. Rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage have all been found to dramatically reduce HCA production in cooking meats, as has virgin olive oil alone. The powerful antioxidants found in these marinade ingredients are believed to contribute to their anti-HCA effect.

“We demonstrated that marinating meats in solutions rich in antioxidants before grilling reduced potential hazards to human health,” Dr. Emamgholizadeh said in his report. “This study suggests that marinating steaks with different commercial marinades can offer a practical way to reduce the formation of HCAs.”

Pre-treat for protection
Here are some tips to help meat eaters reduce HCA exposure:

• Use a marinade with lots of herbs and spices. Alternatively, make your own marinade with a virgin olive oil base and plenty of rosemary and sage.
• Pre-cook your meat in the microwave before frying, broiling, or grilling. Studies have found that just two minutes of microwaving before putting meat on the grill can reduce HCA production by 90%.
• Don’t use drippings for gravy. At least not very often—drippings from cooked meats have very high HCA levels.
• Consider using low-temperature cooking methods more often. Researchers have found that meats that are baked or roasted at temperatures below 400°F have HCA levels that are one third those of meats cooked at higher temperatures.

Health Headlines - August 21

Bill Clinton Now a Vegan

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton now considers himself a vegan, a far cry from his eating habits when he first reached the White House.

Back then, he loved foods such as steaks, chicken enchiladas, hamburgers, french fries and barbeque. He says he now consumes no meat, no dairy, no eggs, and almost no oil. His diet consists of healthy fare such as vegetables, fruits and beans, according to CNN.

Clinton says he's healthier than ever, has more energy and his goal is to slim down to 185 pounds, what he weighed when he was 13.

Clinton's road to better eating began in 1993 when first lady Hillary Clinton decided the White House needed a healthier menu. That led to new menu items such as soy burgers, salmon with vegetables and stir fry vegetables with tofu.

Since then, it's been an up and down food and weight battle for Clinton, who underwent a quadruple bypass in 2004. After undergoing angioplasty last year to open one of the veins from his bypass procedure, Clinton decided to avoid any food that could damage his blood vessels, CNN reported.

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Marijuana's Genetic Code Sequenced

A company that sequenced the entire genetic code of a marijuana plant says its achievement could help advance research into the use of Cannabis to treat diseases such as cancer and inflammatory disorders.

Massachusetts-based Medicinal Genomics published the raw sequence strings on Amazon.com's EC2 cloud-computing system, but the data has not yet undergone peer review, CBS News reported.

This breakthrough may help scientists find ways to eliminate the psychoactive effects of marijuana and enhance its medicinal benefits.

"This is the beginning of a more scientific approach to the genetics of the species," Richard Gibbs, director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, told Bloomberg, CBS News reported. "This is not really about marijuana; it's about pharmacology."

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Perry Showed 'Poor Judgment' in Having Stem Cell Treatment

Experts are questioning Texas Gov. Rick Perry's decision to undergo an unproven stem cell procedure to fix his bad back.

Perry showed "poor judgment" in having the treatment, Dr. George Q. Daley, of Children's Hospital Boston and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, told the Associated Press.

"As a highly influential person of power, Perry's actions have the unfortunate potential to push desperate patients into the clinics of quacks," who use unproven treatments "for everything from Alzheimer's to autism," said Daley, who is past president of the International Society for Stem Cell Research.

"I would never in a million years accept for one of my family members to undergo this," he added.

Perry, a GOP presidential candidate, underwent surgery July 1 to fuse part of his spine. Stem cells taken from fat in his body were grown in a lab and then injected into his back and bloodstream.

Doctors say risks associated with the treatment range from infection to blood clots to cancer and that the treatment may even break federal rules, the AP reported.

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Ground Turkey Salmonella Cases Rise to 111: CDC

As of Thursday, 111 people in 31 states have been reported ill in a salmonella outbreak linked to ground turkey products, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Aug. 11, the reported number of cases was 107 people in 31 states.

The outbreak was traced to ground turkey products produced at a Cargill Inc. plant in Springdale, Ark. and a recall for about 36 million pounds of ground turkey was issued on Aug. 3. The plant has resumed limited production this week after additional antibacterial measures were approved by federal officials.

The salmonella strain involved in the outbreak is resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics, which increases the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected people, the CDC said.

Health Tips for August 21

Health Tip: Are Turned Toes Trouble?

In-toeing or out-toeing occur when a child's toes point inward or outward as they walk. Many children who begin walking this way outgrow the abnormal gait.

The Nemours Foundation mentions these signs that a child may need medical evaluation:

• Continuing -- past the age of 3 -- to toe-in or toe-out while walking.
• Limping or having pain while walking.
• Turning one foot inward or outward more than the other foot.
• Showing developmental delays in other areas, including delayed speech.
• Having walking abnormalities that worsen over time.

Health Tip: Make Sure Your Child's Shoes Fit

Your little one is growing faster than you expected, and his or her feet are no exception.

As children's shoe buying becomes a frequent ritual, the American Podiatric Medical Association offers this advice:

• Make sure the shoes have firm heel support, a flexible sole where the feet bend, cushioning in the insoles, and good arch support.
• Size the feet when the child is standing and bearing weight on the feet.
• Allow for a thumb's width between the tip of the toes and the end of the shoe -- enough so the child can comfortably wiggle the toes.
• Ask the child to walk around in the shoes (make sure socks are on, too). Ask about fit and comfort, and check to see if the feet are irritated afterward.
• Make sure the shoes don't slip off at the heel.
• Measure both feet, and buy shoes in the size that fit the larger foot.