NurseTips

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Health Tips for November 11

Health Tip: My Child's Sick

Your child has diarrhea and is vomiting. At what point should you take him to the doctor?

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that you contact the pediatrician immediately if, in addition to his other symptoms, he's also:

* Less than 6 months of age.
* Greater than 6 months of age and has a fever higher than 101.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Got symptoms of dehydration, or hasn't urinated in eight hours or more.
* Had a severe stomach ache for more than two hours, or vomiting has lasted for more than eight hours or has been extremely forceful.
* Had bloody or slimy stools.
* Had blood in the vomit.
* Possibly swallowed a poisonous substance.
* Had a stiff neck.
* Been unusually tired.

Health Tip: Minimize Scarring After a Burn

Most serious burns will cause scarring. Although some scarring may always be visible, there are steps you can take to help minimize their appearance on your child.

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers these suggestions:

* Wear a pressure garment around the burn.
* Wear a splint to prevent a contracture -- a serious complication of burn scarring that can restrict movement.
* Perform exercises recommended by a physical therapist that promote a wide range of motion.
* Encourage your child to be active and to do things independently. Daily activities will help keep the scar area stretched and prevent complications.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Health Headlines - November 10

Merck to Pay $4.85 Billion To Settle Vioxx Suits

U.S. pharmaceutical maker Merck & Co. will pay $4.85 billion to settle 27,000 lawsuits from plaintiffs who said they or family members were injured or died after taking Merck's pain medication Vioxx, The New York Times and other media reported Friday.

Merck halted sales of Vioxx in September 2004 after a study showed the drug increased users' risks of heart attack and stroke.

The deal is believed to be the largest drug settlement ever, the Associated Press reported. It would only become binding if 85 percent of all plaintiffs agreed to abandon their lawsuits and accepted the deal, the Times said.

Among the criteria needed to qualify for a portion of the settlement, litigants must have filed a claim by Nov. 8, 2007, provided medical proof of heart attack or stroke, and proof that they received at least 30 Vioxx pills, the AP reported.

Different settlement payments would be given to plaintiffs based on the severity of injury and the length of time a patient took Vioxx. It's expected that the average plaintiff would receive about $100,000, before legal fees and expenses, which usually consume 30 to 50 percent of a payment, the newspaper said.

Plaintiffs who don't accept the deal can continue to pursue their lawsuits against Merck.

Over the past two years, Merck has contested nearly 20 Vioxx civil trials across the country. The drug maker lost a $253 million verdict in the first case, but has won most of the other lawsuits. The company's annual Vioxx-related legal fees are running at more than $600 million a year, The Times reported.

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Non-prescription Zyrtec-D Approved by FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved on Friday the allergy drug Zyrtec-D for non-prescription use in people 12 and older. It combines the antihistamine Zyrtec with a nasal decongestant.

Zyrtec-D (cetirizine hydrochloride/pseudoephedrine) has been sold as a prescription drug since 2001. Sold by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, it's prescribed for relief of allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, and nasal congestion.

Zyrtec-D also is used for reducing swelling of nasal passages, for relief of sinus congestion and pressure, and for restoring freer breathing through the nose.

Hay fever and other allergies are the sixth-leading cause of chronic disease, with about 50 million sufferers each year in the United States, according to the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

"The approval of this widely used drug for nonprescription use will enable many people to have access to another effective treatment for their allergy symptoms," Dr. Andrea Leonard-Segal, director of the FDA's Division of Nonprescription Clinical Evaluation, said in a prepared statement.

Common side effects of Zyrtec-D include drowsiness and dry mouth, the FDA said.

Because the drug contains pseudoephedrine, it is subject to sales restrictions imposed by the federal Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, passed in 2005. These restrictions include limiting the amount that a person can buy, and tracking requirements imposed on stores distributing the product, the FDA said.

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U.S. Stores Ordered to Remove Aqua Dots

U.S. stores have been ordered to remove Chinese-made Aqua Dots toys from their shelves because they contain a chemical that can turn into the dangerous "date rape" drug gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) when ingested, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Aqua Dots are beads that can be arranged into designs that hold together when the beads are sprayed with water. At least two children in the United States and four children in Australia have been hospitalized after swallowing the beads, the Associated Press reported.

An investigation has revealed that the toys were coated with harmful 1,4-butanediol -- widely used in plastics and cleaners -- instead of the specified 1,5-pentanediol, a nontoxic compound found in glue.

In 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared 1,4-butanediol a class I health hazard because it can cause life-threatening harm, the AP reported.

Aqua Dots, made at a factory in China's Guangdong province, were sold in 40 countries, the wire service said.

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Lead Concerns Prompt Recalls of More Chinese Toys

Two more recalls of Chinese-made toys and products with dangerous levels of lead have been announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

One recall involves 51,000 yellow children's sunglasses distributed by Dolgencorp Inc., of Goodlettsville, Tenn. The other recall involves 175,000 Curious George plush dolls distributed by Marvel Toys of New York City.

The recalled 12-inch Curious George dolls are dressed to represent five themes: birthday, fireman, sweet dreams, tool time, and tool time with a soft face. The dolls were sold with a Curious George storybook or activity book at U.S. toy and discount department stores from December 2005 through August 2007.

The yellow sunglasses (no other colors are included in the recall) have the word "China" printed on the left side of the frame. The UPC #400007860896 and words "Fashion Sunglasses" and "Time to Play Every Day" are printed on the product's red hangtag. The glasses were sold at Dollar General stores across the United States from March 2005 through October 2007 for $1.

Consumers should immediately take the sunglasses and dolls away from children, the CPSC said.

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Smoking Plays Role in TB

A number of studies suggest that smoking may be a factor in about one-fifth of tuberculosis infections and deaths worldwide, Agence France-Presse reported.

Three separate reviews of research this year offered "sufficient evidence" of a link between smoking and TB, said Karen Slama, an expert with the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.

"Probably more than 20 percent of the global TB burden may be attributable to smoking," she told journalists at an international lung health conference Cape Town, South Africa. "Smoking may increase the risk by about 20 percent of either getting infected, getting the disease, or dying."

There's also evidence of a significant link between secondhand smoke and TB infection, AFP reported.

"Among people infected with TB, effective tobacco control can lower the number of people that go from (latent) infection to disease ... and death," Slama said. "Tobacco control can also reduce the pool of people that have TB. You can save millions of dollars in TB treatment costs."

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Most U.S. Children Don't Have Yearly Dental Checkup

In 2004, only 45 percent of Americans 20 or younger said they saw a dentist once a year or more, even though the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends most young people get at least two checkups a year, according to 2004 national survey data from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The 2004 dental checkup rate was only slightly better than in 1996, when 42 percent of children had at least one dental exam a year.

Other findings from the 2004 survey:

Only 31 percent of children from low-income families saw a dentist once a year, compared with 47 percent of children from middle-income families, and 62 percent of children from high-income homes.
Only 33 percent of Hispanic children and 34 percent of black children saw a dentist each year, compared with 53 percent of white children.

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New Breathing Tube Reduces Pneumonia Risk

A breathing tube coated with a thin layer of silver that reduces the risk of pneumonia for hospital patients on ventilators has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Silver is known to have anti-microbial properties.

The Agento endotracheal tube, made by C.R. Bard Inc. of Murray Hill, N.J., is intended for use in patients who have to use a ventilator to breathe for 24 hours or more, said the FDA, which announced the device's approval Thursday.

Patients who have to stay on ventilators for long periods are at risk of exposure to hospital-acquired bacteria that can build up on the breathing tube or pass through to their lungs. This may result in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

VAP develops in about 15 percent of patients on ventilators and kills about 26,000 patients a year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A clinical trial found that pneumonia developed in about 4.8 percent of patients using the Agento breathing tube, compared with 7.5 percent of patients using an uncoated tube.

Health Tips for November 10

Health Tip: When a Stomachache Requires Medical Attention

While stomachache or abdominal pain are quite common and often harmless, these conditions sometimes can signal a more serious problem.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following symptoms require a trip to the emergency room:

* Very sharp, severe and sudden pain.
* Fever along with your stomach or abdominal pain.
* Vomiting blood, or having bloody diarrhea.
* Soreness or tenderness in the abdomen.
* An abdomen that is hard and rigid.
* Inability to have a bowel movement, particularly if you are also vomiting.
* Pain in the chest, neck or shoulder.
* Dizziness or lightheadedness.

Health Tip: After Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which a woman's uterus and possibly other female reproductive organs are removed.

Here are guidelines to help you prepare for recovery from a hysterectomy, courtesy of the New York State Department of Health:

* You will have to stay in the hospital at least overnight. The length of your stay will depend on the type of hysterectomy and whether you have complications.
* For a few days after surgery, you may have pain and discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication.
* You should be able to walk on your own within two or three days of surgery.
* You should be able to resume sexual activity after about six to eight weeks.
* You should be able to resume most activities in about four to eight weeks.
* You may tire easily and quickly during your recovery.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Health Headlines - November 9

Aqua Dots Toys Recalled Over Poisoning Concerns

Millions of Chinese-made Aqua Dots toys are being recalled in North America because they contain a chemical that can turn into the dangerous "date rape" drug gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) when ingested, the Toronto Star reported.

Aqua Dots are liquid-filled beads that can be arranged into designs that hold together when the beads are sprayed with water.

The recall by Toronto-based Spin Master follows the withdrawal of the same toy from store shelves in Australia (where it's called Bindeez), after three children were hospitalized due to swallowing some of the beads. An overdose of GHB can cause seizures, coma or even death.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said it's received two recent reports of children swallowing Aqua Dots. A 20-month-old child who swallowed several beads became dizzy, vomited several times and slipped into a coma for a brief period. He was hospitalized and has since recovered. A second child who swallowed some beads also vomited, lapsed into a coma, and was hospitalized for five days.

In a statement, Spin Master said it's asking retailers across North America to halt sales of Aqua Dots, which had been considered one of the hottest new toys this holiday season, the Star reported.

The CPSC advised consumers to immediately take these toys away from children and to contact Spin Master toll free at (800) 622-8339 for free replacement beads or a toy of equal value.

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Scientists Identify Cancer Stem Cell in Dogs

U.K. researchers have identified a cancer stem cell in dogs that could help lead to new treatments for bone cancer in children. Osteosarcoma in dogs is molecularly similar to bone cancer in children, reported BBC News, citing the scientists at the Royal Vet School at the University of Edinburgh.

The cancer stem cell they identified makes copies of osteosarcoma, enabling the disease to spread throughout the body, BBC News reported. By identifying this form of stem cell -- which appears to be highly resistant to treatment -- it may be possible to develop methods of targeting it.

The study appears in The Veterinary Journal.

"The rogue cancer stem cell is key in the whole process," said researcher Professor David Argyle. "We identified it by growing cells in particularly harsh conditions but, whereas other cancer cells died off, this stem cell was able to survive."

This finding offers evidence to support the growing theory that faulty stem cells fuel the development of certain types of cancers, Henry Scowcroft, senior cancer information officer at Cancer Research UK, told BBC News.

But he noted that this "finding came from studies of cancer in dogs so it remains to be seen whether it holds true in humans."

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Experimental HIV Vaccine May Increase Infection Risk

An experimental HIV/AIDS vaccine made by Merck seemed to actually increase the risk of HIV infection among study volunteers, according to data presented at a scientific meeting in Seattle, The New York Times reported.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

Results from tests on 3,000 people at high risk of HIV infection found that 49 of those who received the vaccine became infected, compared to 33 of those who received a placebo. Vaccinated volunteers at greatest risk for HIV infection were those with pre-existing levels of immunity to a common cold virus called adenovirus type 5, which was modified to become a component of the HIV/AIDS vaccine.

Researchers suggested that the cold virus may activate the immune system in a way that makes certain vaccine recipients more susceptible to HIV infection, the Times reported.

"The new analyses are both disappointing and puzzling," because they don't provide an explanation for the vaccine's failure, said Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The agency was a partner in the trial of the vaccine, which many experts believed held great promise.

In late September, Merck stopped the vaccine trial because it failed in two key areas -- it didn't prevent infection and it didn't lower the amount of HIV in the blood of infected patients, the Times reported.

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Anti-Smoking Vaccine Shows Promise

An anti-smoking vaccine that eliminates smokers' addictive nicotine buzz shows promise, according to a study presented at an American Heart Association conference.

The U.S. study of 301 longtime smokers found that about 15 percent of those who received NicVAX stopped smoking after one year, compared to about 6 percent of volunteers who received a placebo, the Associated Press reported.

The results are comparable to some currently available smoking-cessation aids. But the vaccine -- designed to prevent nicotine from reaching the brain -- takes a different approach than gums, lozenges, patches, and nasal sprays designed to help smokers quit.

"It clearly shows promise" and warrants further study, said Dr. Frank Vocci, director of medications development at the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse, which has helped fund the vaccine's development, the AP reported.

Some experts were unimpressed with the study results.

"I'm a little underwhelmed," Dr. Timothy Gardner, an AHA spokesman and cardiologist at Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Del., told the AP. " I would think we could expect better," he said.

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Vitamin D May Slow Aging

Vitamin D -- produced naturally by the body through exposure to sunlight -- may help slow the aging of cells and tissues, say researchers at King's College London.

They studied 2,160 women, ages 18 to 79, and found that those with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood had fewer age-related changes in their DNA, BBC News reported.

However, the study -- published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition -- did not prove a direct cause and effect between vitamin D levels and aging.

"These results are exciting because they demonstrate for the first time that people who have higher levels of vitamin D may age more slowly than people with lower levels of vitamin D," said study leader Professor Brent Richards, BBC News reported.

"This could help to explain how vitamin D has a protective effect on many aging-related diseases, such as heart disease and cancer," Richards said.

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Breastfeeding Doesn't Cause Saggy Breasts: Study

Contrary to what many women believe, breastfeeding does not cause saggy breasts, says a University of Kentucky study that included 132 women who sought breast lifts or augmentation. Most of the women had been pregnant at least once and nearly 60 percent had breastfed at least once.

Researchers analyzed each woman's medical history, height and weight, smoking habits, and pre-pregnancy bra cup size. They found no difference in extent of breast sagginess between women who'd breastfed and those who hadn't, BBC News reported.

However, the study authors did conclude that pregnancy itself was a factor. The degree of sagginess increased each time a woman was pregnant. Smoking was another factor that contributed to breast sagginess.

"Smoking breaks down a protein in the skin called elastin, which gives youthful skin its elastic appearance and supports the breast," said study author Dr. Brian Rinker, BBC News reported.

The study was presented an American Society of Plastic Surgeons meeting.

Health Tips for November 9

Health Tip: Help Prevent Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection, caused by either bacteria or a virus, that can be acquired on its own, or as a common complication of the flu.

A vaccine is available to combat pneumococcal pneumonia, a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. Ask your doctor if you are at greater risk of this type of pneumonia, and if you should be vaccinated.

Here are additional ways to help protect yourself from pneumonia, courtesy of the American Lung Association:

* Get a flu vaccine every flu season.
* If you notice respiratory symptoms that last for several days, seek treatment at once.
* Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet.
* If you are taking antibiotics for any bacterial infection, be sure to finish the entire prescription.

Health Tip: Kids Get Indigestion, Too

Indigestion often is caused by eating too much greasy, fatty or spicy food. It can affect adults and children, too.

Here are suggestions to help save your child's tummy from indigestion, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Eat several smaller meals or snacks throughout the day, rather than eating large amounts of food at once.
* Eat healthy, lighter foods, and avoid greasy products such as cheeseburgers and french fries.
* If acidic foods like citrus fruits or some sodas upset the stomach, stay away from them.
* Eat slowly -- don't rush through meals. Relax for a while after eating, rather than immediately exercising or running and playing.
* Don't eat too much chocolate.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Health Headlines - November 8

Breastfeeding Doesn't Cause Saggy Breasts: Study

"Smoking breaks down a protein in the skin called elastin, which gives youthful skin its elastic appearance and supports the breast," said study author Dr. Brian Rinker, BBC News reported.

The study was presented an American Society of Plastic Surgeons meeting.

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Air Pollution From Ships Kills 60,000 People a Year: Study

Air pollution belched from ocean ship smokestacks causes 60,000 premature deaths worldwide each year. And that toll could increase to 84,000 a year within five years if nothing is done to clean up those emissions, says a study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

In North America, ship-spewed air pollution causes about 9,000 premature deaths a year, most of them on the West Coast, according to the study.

The dangerous pollution is created by the Bunker C fuel that powers ship engines. The researchers noted that this fuel contains nearly 2,000 times as much sulfur as the diesel fuel used in trucks in North America and Europe, the Toronto Star reported. The high levels of sulfur, along with nitrates and particles, in ship emissions can cause fatal heart and respiratory problems, including lung cancer. People who live along coasts near busy shipping lanes are at greatest risk.

While pollution controls are common in many industries, international shipping is unregulated, said David Marshall, of the Clean Air Task Force, one of the groups that commissioned the study.

The shipping industry "has gotten away Scot-free to this point, partly due to the feeling that since the emissions are out of sight they can't harm anyone," Marshall told the Star.

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'Skippy' Pool Toys Pose Cut Risk

About 31,000 Chinese-made pool toys that pose a laceration hazard are being recalled by Swimways Corp. of Virginia Beach, Va., the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The elastic tongue of the "Skippy" fish pool toys can break, forcefully come out, and cut the user's hand while launching the toy. The company has received 24 reports of breakage during use of the toy. There have been five reports of injuries to children, including one who required stitches to the hand and another whose thumb nail was ripped back from the nail bed.

The rubber pool toys are designed to be launched across the pool surface. They were sold across the United States from February 2007 through September 2007. Consumers should immediately take the toy away from children and contact Swimway for a free replacement toy, the CPSC said.

For more information, phone Swimways toll-free at 888-559-4653 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Elevated Levels of Pollutants Found in Store-Bought Bass

White bass caught in Lake Erie and sold in stores contained higher levels of mercury, arsenic and selenium than white bass caught near former iron and steel mills on the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in Pittsburgh.

That's the conclusion of a study presented Wednesday at the American Public Health Association annual meeting, in Washington, D.C.

University of Pittsburgh researchers compared 45 white bass caught by local anglers in the two rivers and 10 white bass caught on the Canadian side of Lake Erie and sold in Pittsburgh-area stores. Compared to the river fish, the lake fish had 2.2 to 4.8 times higher mercury levels, 1.9 times higher selenium levels, and 1.7 times higher arsenic levels.

"We were surprised by our results since we had hypothesized that levels of contaminants in fish would be higher in specimens caught near once heavily polluted sites," principal investigator Conrad D. Volz, of the department of environmental and occupational health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, said in a prepared statement.

"These results indicate to us that purchasing fish from a local market cannot guarantee food safety. We recommend a more rigorous testing program for commercial freshwater fish with particular attention to fish entering the U.S. from other countries," he said.

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More U.S. Children Taking Drugs to Treat Chronic Conditions

Between 2002 and 2005, the use of type 2 diabetes drugs by American children ages 10 to 14 more than doubled, and there was a 166 percent increase in the use of the drugs by girls in that age group. The likely reason is obesity, which is closely associated with type 2 diabetes, say the authors of a study that looked at chronic medication use in children ages 5 to 19.

The researchers, from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and School of Public Health and pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, also found increases in children's use of drugs to treat blood pressure, cholesterol, asthma and depression.

Among the findings:

Use of blood pressure drugs by males ages 15 to 19 increased 15.4 percent.
Use of antidepressants by females ages 15 to 19 increased 6.8 percent.
Use of asthma controller medication increased 67.3 percent among children ages 5 to 9; 38.8 percent among children ages 10 to 14; and 34.7 percent among those ages 15 to 19.

"Overall, these patterns could reflect changing prescribing behaviors by physicians (anti-hypertensives), increases in the risk factors for chronic diseases (type 2 antidiabetics, antihyperlipimedics), increased office visit rates and therefore screening rates -- particularly for females -- or trends toward greater use of drug therapy as the preferred mode of treating children with chronic conditions," Sharon M. Homan, professor of community health at Saint Louis University School of Public Health, said in a prepared statement.

The study was presented Wednesday at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, in Washington, D.C.

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Toys Contain Chemical That Converts to 'Date Rape' Drug

A popular Chinese-made toy was ordered off store shelves in Australia after tests showed that it contained a chemical that converts into the "date rape" drug gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) when ingested, the Associated Press reported.

Over the past 10 days, three children in Australia had to be hospitalized after they swallowed beads from Bindeez, which had been declared the country's toy of the year by industry members.

Bindeez, sold by Australia-based Moose Enterprises, has beads that can be arranged into designs and then fused together by spraying water on them. The beads were supposed to contain a nontoxic compound used in glue, the AP reported. However, scientists found that the beads contain a chemical that humans metabolize into GHB, which can cause drowsiness, unconsciousness, seizures, coma and death.

Moose Enterprises said some batches of the toy did not match its approved formula and is investigating how unauthorized materials ended up in the beads, The New York Times reported.

Health Tips for November 8

Health Tip: Some Medications May Aggravate Asthma

People with asthma should be aware that some medications may actually worsen symptoms.

Here's a partial list, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Aspirin, ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relievers. Acetaminophen is usually well-tolerated by asthmatics.
* Blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta blockers.
* Contrast dyes used to enhance X-rays and other imaging devices.

If you notice shortness of breath or similar asthma symptoms after taking any medication, speak to your doctor. You may be allergic to that medication.

Health Tip: People With Cancer Can Exercise

Not everyone recovering from cancer is physically or mentally able to exercise.

For those who want to try, with a doctor's consent, the American Cancer Society offers these possible benefits of regular exercise:

* Maintain and improve physical strength and balance, as well as muscle tone.
* Improve circulation and reduce risk of blood clots.
* Reduce risk of heart disease.
* Decrease nausea, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
* Maintain and improve independence.
* Increase social activity and contact.
* Improve self-esteem.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Health Headlines - November 7

MRSA Common Among Pigs, Pig Farmers

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria are common among Canadian pigs and pig farmers, says a study that looked for MRSA in 285 pigs at 20 Ontario farms. Researchers found MRSA at 45 percent of the farms, in nearly 25 percent of pigs, and in 20 percent of pig farmers.

The study, which appears in the journal Veterinary Microbiology, is the first to indicate that North American pigs and pig farms regularly carry MRSA. The findings seem to support previous European research that identified pig farms as a possible source of these antibiotic-resistant infections, which commonly occur in hospitals.

In the United States, members of the Keep Antibiotics Working coalition want the federal government to study whether the use of human antibiotics in farm animals is contributing to an increase in MRSA infections and deaths among people.

"Identifying and controlling community sources of MRSA is a public health priority of the first order. Are livestock farmers and farms in the United States also sources? We don't know for sure, because the U.S. government is not systematically testing U.S. livestock for MRSA," Richard Wood, steering committee chair of Keep Antibiotics Working, said in a prepared statement.

In 2005, MRSA infections killed nearly 19,000 people in the United States, compared to 17,000 HIV/AIDS deaths, according to results of a study published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Mattel Recalls Fisher-Price Kitchen Toys

Mattel Inc. announced Tuesday that it's recalling more than 172,000 Fisher-Price "Learning Kitchen" toys in the United States and Europe after several children choked and gagged on small parts that came off the Mexican-made toys.

Parents should immediately take the toys -- which feature a sink, refrigerator and a range -- away from children, said the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

There have been 48 reports of small parts detaching from the toys. One child who was choking on a part was saved by a person using the Heimlich maneuver. Another child started choking, and two children gagged on toy parts in their mouths, the Associated Press reported.

The toys -- sold between May and October of this year -- included 155,000 affected units in the United States, 7,000 in Britain, 4,900 in Italy, 4,900 in Germany and 394 in Austria. U.S. consumers in can get a free repair kit by calling Fisher-Price at 888-812-7187.

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Home-Based Antibiotic Therapy Effective: Study

A short course of high-dose oral amoxicillin antibiotic given at home is as effective in treating severe pneumonia in children as hospital inpatient intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment, says a study that included more than 2,000 children at seven sites in Pakistan.

The findings suggest that home/community-based oral antibiotic therapy could dramatically reduce treatment costs, increase access to timely care, and decrease rates of pneumonia-associated deaths.

"This study has major public health and health policy implications for the treatment of acute respiratory infections, which account for more than two million deaths in children under five years of age globally," lead investigator Dr. LeAnne Fox, former assistant professor of International Health at Boston University School of Public Health, said in a prepared statement.

"Many children in the developing world are not effectively referred to hospitals, or they simply don't have easy access to a facility and the costs of transportation are prohibitive, so being able to provide effective treatments and monitoring at home is critical," she said.

The study was presented Tuesday in Philadelphia at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

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U.S. Report Analyzes Health Spending

Healthcare spending for Americans younger than 65 is growing faster than for those 65 and older, says a U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) report in the journal Health Affairs.

The CMS noted that the growing number of older Americans was expected to change patterns of health spending, but the impact of that age group has been modest and is expected to remain so, the Associated Press reported.

The study found that health costs for those 65 and older were 3.5 times higher than working-age people in 1987, and 3.3 times higher in 2004. Among people age 85 and older, health costs were 6.9 times higher than working-age people in 1987, and 5.7 times higher in 2004.

Among those 18 and under, per person health spending increased from $868 in 1987 to $2,650, compared with an increase from $1,521 to $4,511 for those ages 19 to 64, and an increase from $5,282 to $14,797 for those aged 65 and older, the AP reported.

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Safety Concerns Over New Diabetes Drug

Swiss drug maker Novartis said Tuesday that the once-daily 100 milligram dose of its new Galvus (vildagliptin) diabetes drug causes higher levels of an enzyme associated with liver damage than the once- or twice-daily 50 milligram dose of the drug.

The company has contacted regulators to discuss these findings from recent analyses and has proposed amendments to the drug's prescribing information, reported in-PharmaTechnologist.com of the U.K.

The drug was approved by European Union regulators in September but isn't yet available to consumers in EU countries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has delayed Galvus' approval until it receives further information about a specific aspect of the drug. That's not expected to happen until the end of 2009.

Both the 100 milligram and 50 milligram doses of Galvus are currently being sold in Brazil and Mexico. A Novartis spokesperson told in-PharmaTechnologist.com that the possibility of dropping the 100 milligram dose altogether "is being discussed with regulatory agencies, but we made a clear statement today to recommend using the 50 milligram once daily and 50 milligram twice daily dosing."

Health Tips for November 7

Health Tip: Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are a great way to help you beat stress and sustain good health.

Try these suggestions to help you unwind, courtesy of AARP:

* Invigorate muscles with a visit to a massage therapist.
* Meditate. Sit quietly or listen to soft music.
* Practice deep breathing.
* Imagine yourself in a relaxing place, such as in the mountains or on the beach.
* Stop stressful thoughts before they spin out of control.
* When you feel stress, your muscles tense up. Learn to relax your muscles to release stress.
* Practice yoga or tai chi.

Health Tip: Foods That Cause Gas

Some of the yummiest foods tend to produce gas as they make their way through the digestive tract.

Here are some potential offenders, courtesy of the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse:

* Several types of sugars, such as those found in milk, cheese, ice cream and other dairy products, fruits, some vegetables, and sodas.
* Starchy foods, such as pasta, potatoes, corn and wheat.
* Fiber-rich foods, including whole grains, fruits, beans and peas.
* Cabbage, broccoli, onions, artichokes and asparagus.
* Some processed foods -- especially those that contain lactose -- such as bread, salad dressings and cereals.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Health Headlines - November 6

Americans' Health Declining: Report

The overall health of Americans declined by 0.3 percent over the past year, even though progress has been made in several key health indicators, according to the 18th annual America's Health Rankings report released Monday by the United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association, and the Partnership for Prevention.

Between 1990 and 2000, the United States had annual 1.5 percent increases in overall health. But improvement has stagnated since 2000, the report found. While there have been modest gains in reducing rates of cancer and cardiovascular death rates, these advances are overshadowed by increases in obesity, numbers of uninsured people, children living in poverty, and the continuation of risky health behaviors, such as tobacco use and violent crime.

Obesity has increased from 11.6 percent of the population in 1990 to more than 25 percent (55 million) today. The number of uninsured Americans has risen from 13.4 percent of the population in 1990 to 15.8 percent (47 million) today.

The U.S. continues to trail many other nations in important health indicators such as overall life expectancy, healthy life expectancy and infant mortality. Life expectancy in the U.S. is at its highest point in history (77.9 years) but is behind 43 other countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, and Sweden.

In terms of healthy life expectancy -- number of years of active, healthy life expected at birth -- a baby girl born in the U.S. can expect 71 years of healthy life, compared to 78 years for a baby girl born in Japan.

Based on the 20 health measures included in the report, Vermont, Minnesota, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Connecticut ranked as the top five healthiest states, while Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi (the least healthiest state) were the bottom five.

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FDA Issues Recall for External Defibrillators

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Monday that it had issued a recall for Welch Allyn AED 10 automatic external defibrillators.

The devices are typically used by emergency or medical personnel to treat heart attack. They analyze an unconscious patient's heart rhythm and automatically deliver an electrical shock to the heart if needed to restore normal heart rhythm.

With the recalled devices, there's a possibility of failure or unacceptable delay in analyzing a patient's electrocardiogram, resulting in possible failure to deliver appropriate treatment. The potential failure or delay depends on the location of the defective part that stores an electrical charge on the circuit board. The company plans to replace all affected units, the FDA said.

The devices were manufactured between March 29, 2007, and Aug. 9, 2007, with part numbers 970302E, 970308E, 970310E, and 970311E, the FDA said.

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Boomers Misinformed About Long-Term Care Coverage

One in four U.S. Baby Boomers mistakenly believes he or she has coverage for long-term care expenses. And many Boomers have misconceptions about who pays for long-term care, and they haven't given much though to long-term care insurance.

Those findings are contained in a survey released Monday by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).

"This should be a wake-up call to Baby Boomers. They aren't factoring expenses for long-term care into their retirement planning and are missing an opportunity to protect themselves," Karen Ignagni, president and CEO of AHIP, said in a prepared statement.

The data released Monday are preliminary findings from ongoing survey and focus group research. Among the findings:

Only in four Baby Boomers nearing or at the age of 60 say he or she is "very familiar" with long-term care insurance, and 41 percent have not had any discussions about long-term care within the past year.
Most Baby Boomers think Medicare or "other health insurance" will pay for long-term care. Medicare does cover long-term care, but only after requiring individuals to spend nearly all of their assets to quality for assistance.

The release of the survey coincides with the start of Long-Term Care Awareness Week.

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Iron Deficiency-Anemia Linked to Stroke in Children

There appears to be a link between iron deficiency-anemia and stroke in children, says a Canadian study that looked at 56 children who suffered an ischemic stroke -- caused by blood clots that block an artery -- and 153 healthy children.

The researchers found that 53 percent of the stroke patients had iron-deficiency anemia, compared with 9 percent of the healthy children -- an almost six-fold difference, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported.

The study results, published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, suggest that a poor diet can harm a child's circulatory system.

"This is the first time research has shown a relationship between a common problem, anemia, and a not so common but devastating condition, stroke," lead author Patricia Parkin, director of the Pediatrics Research Outcomes Team at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, told the Globe and Mail.

Stroke is rare in healthy children, but "we do need to pay more attention to iron-deficiency anemia," said Parkin, who noted that an iron-poor diet can cause neurological delays and learning problems in children.

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Study Probes Lung Cancer Genetics

A gene that play a critical role in the spread of lung cancer, as well as genetic abnormalities associated with the disease, have been identified by researchers involved in a worldwide, multicenter DNA study. These findings about the biological basis of lung cancer may help lead to the development of new treatments, Agence France-Presse reported.

"This view of the lung cancer genome is unprecedented, both in its breadth and depth. It lays an essential foundation, and has already pinpointed an important gene that controls the growth of lung cells," said research leader Matthew Meyerson of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The team concentrated its efforts on lung adenocarcinoma, which accounts for just under a third of all lung cancer cases.

Meyerson and his colleagues identified 57 genomic changes commonly found in lung cancer patients and, of those changes, 40 are associated with genes not previously known to be involved with lung adenocarcinoma, AFP reported.

The study is published in the journal Nature.

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Mice With 2 Epilepsy Genes Have Fewer Seizures

Having two epilepsy-related genes may actually reduce the likelihood of suffering seizures, according to research in mice conducted by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in the United States.

They focused on defects in two genes: the Kcna1 gene, involved in the transport of potassium in and out of cells; and the Cacna1a gene, which plays a role in calcium levels, BBC News reported.

The defect in the Kcna1 gene has been linked to severe seizures in "temporal lobe" epilepsy. Mice with this defect are at risk of sudden death. The defect in the Cacna1a gene in linked with "absence" epilepsy, where patients stare into space.

The researchers were surprised to find that mice bred with both gene defects did not experience a worsening of symptoms, but actually had far fewer seizures and did not die suddenly, BBC News reported.

The finding, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, could lead to new ways of treating certain types of epilepsy, the researchers said.

Health Tips for November 6

Health Tip: When Air Quality is Bad

Poor air quality can be especially troublesome for asthmatics, making it difficult for them to breathe.

Here are suggestions for asthmatics during bouts with poor air quality, courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:

* Gauge your sensitivity to air quality by being aware of your symptoms, and how often you have attacks.
* Reduce any physical activity outdoors.
* Try exercising early in the morning, when air quality tends to be best.
* If outdoors, go inside as soon as you start to feel symptoms.
* Keep your inhaler and other asthma medications on hand at all times.

Health Tip: Teens Must Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is especially important for growing teens. The National Sleep Foundation says they need about nine and a quarter hours of sleep each night.

The Foundation offers these reasons for getting enough zzz's:

* Lack of sleep can cause problems with learning, memory and concentration.
* Without enough sleep, teens may be more susceptible to acne and other skin problems.
* Fatigue can cause aggression and irritability toward others, which can cause problems with family, friends and relationships.
* Lack of sleep can lead to overeating, and eating more unhealthy foods.
* Fatigue can make teens more likely to use nicotine and caffeine to stay awake.
* Tired teens may be more susceptible to illness.

Monday, November 05, 2007

Health Headlines - November 5

Another Nationwide Recall of Ground Beef Ordered

Cargill Inc., one of the worlds largest meat producers, has recalled more than 1 million pounds of ground beef because of the possibility it contains E. coli bacteria, the Associated Press reports.

The announcement was made Saturday by John Keating, president of Cargill Regional Beef, the wire service reports. The beef was produced between Oct. 8 and Oct. 11 at the company's Wyalusing, Pa. plant and was distributed nationwide to retailers, including Giant, Shop Rite, Stop & Shop, Wegman's and Weis.

No illnesses have been reported, Keating told the A.P., but a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection of an Oct. 8 sample found possible contamination from E. coli O157:H7.

In early October Cargill recalled more than 800,000 pounds of ground beef distributed through Sam's Club. At least four cases of E. coli poisoning were confirmed.

Cargill has established a phone number for people with questions or those who want to report illness: 877-455-1034. The company's meat business is based in Wichita, Kan., and the corporate headquarters is in Mayzata, Minn.

The E. coli bacterium causes diarrhea and abdominal cramping, usually two-to-five days after the tainted food is consumed. Left untreated, it can cause more serious complications, including kidney failure.

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Kidney Disease Cases Predicted to Jump 60 % by 2020

Spurred by the epidemic rise in diabetes rates, end stage renal disease (ESRD) is estimated to increase by 60 per cent in the United States within the next 12 years, new research says.

The study, presented this weekend at the American Society of Nephrology's 40th Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Francisco, predicted that by the year 2020, "The expected number of patients with ESRD... is almost 785,000, which is an increase of over 60 percent compared to 2005."

According to a Society of Nephrology news release, Dr. David T. Gilbertson of the U.S. Renal Data System and the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation, was to report that the predicted kidney disease increase, while dramatic, was actually somewhat lower than earlier estimates.

Nevertheless, Gilbertson said, the cost to care for kidney disease patients will be significant. "Medicare pays for the care for the vast majority of patients with ESRD, with costs approaching $60,000 per year for every patient," he said.

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FDA Orders Recall of Unregulated Erectile Dysfunction Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has asked a California distribution company to recall pills and capsules advertised as "all natural" products to correct erectile dysfunction.

Calling True Man Sexual Energy Nutrient Capsules and Energy Max Energy Supplement Men's Formula Capsules illegal drug products, the FDA said in a news release that the supplements' ingredients are potentially harmful and could cause dangerously low blood pressure.

In a letter to the owner of America True Man Health Inc., of West Covina, Calif., the FDA said that the products have substances with chemical structures very similar to the active ingredients in FDA-approved prescription drugs, such as Viagra. The FDA has not approved the products distributed by America True Man Health Inc., and the labels don't declare the the active ingredients thione, an analog of sildenafil; or piperadino vardenafil, an analog of vardenafil.

These substances can be especially harmful to men with diabetes, the FDA said.

Consumers should report adverse events related to these products to the online Web site MedWatch, the FDA's voluntary reporting program, at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

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Test Developed to Help Avoid 'Red Wine Headache'

For some people, it may take only a glass of red wine to cause a headache. Now, University of California at Berkeley researchers say they've developed a device that can help stave off the "red wine headache."

The device, about the size of a briefcase, will eventually be able to test the biogenic amine levels in a variety of foods and liquids, the Associated Press reports.

Biogenic amines are chemicals found in a variety of popular foods and beverages, including wine, chocolate, nuts cheese, olives and cured meats, the wire service reports.

The amines tyramine and histamine are suspected of being causes of not only headaches in some people but also high blood pressure and elevated adrenaline levels, the A.P. reports. "The food you eat is so unbelievably coupled with your body's chemistry," researcher Richard Mathies is quoted as saying.

Right now, the amine test works only liquids, the A.P. says. The study is published in the latest edition of the journal Analytical Chemistry.

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Children Inherit Cancer Survival Traits: Study

Survival traits for certain kinds of cancers are passed from parents to children, concludes a Swedish study reported in the November issue of The Lancet Oncology journal.

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm analyzed a Swedish family database that included three million families and more than 1 million cancer patients. The scientists found that children whose parents had good survival rates after being diagnosed with breast, lung, prostate or colorectal cancer had better survival rates for those same cancers than people whose parents died within 10 years of being diagnosed with those cancers.

The increased risk of death for children whose parents had died earlier was 75 percent for breast cancer, 107 percent for prostate cancer, 44 percent for colorectal cancer, and 39 percent for lung cancer.

"In conclusion, our findings provide support for the hypothesis that cancer-specific survival of a patient can be predicted from previous parental survival from cancer at the same site," the study authors wrote. "Consequently, molecular studies that highlight the genetic determinants of inherited survival in cancers are needed. In a clinical setting, information on poor survival in a family might be vital in accurately predicting tumor progression in the newly diagnosed individual."

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Millions of Totino's and Jeno's Frozen Pizzas Recalled

Five million Totino's and Jeno's frozen pepperoni pizzas that could be linked to an outbreak of E. coli in the United States are being recalled by General Mills. The pizzas were made in the company's Wellston, Ohio plant and distributed across the United States, the Associated Press reported.

Between July 20 and Oct. 10, there were 21 cases of E. Coli 0157:H7 reported in Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. Of the 21 people who became ill, nine said they'd eaten Totino's or Jeno's pizza with pepperoni, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service said in a news release.

Included in the recall are Totino's Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza and Jeno's Crisp 'N Tasty Pizza containing pepperoni or a combination of pepperoni, sausage and other ingredients, the AP reported. Packages affected by the recall show "EST. 7750" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and include a "best if used by" date on or before "02 APR 08 WS."

Health Tips for November 5

Health Tips: Prevent Head Injuries

Simple precautions can help prevent falls and serious or deadly head injuries:

* Secure loose electrical cords and put away toys and other items that are lying around on floors, stairs, etc.
* Use safety gates and install window guards to protect young children.
* Secure rugs and lift them periodically to inspect the backing for wear.
* Don't walk on slippery, freshly washed floors and avoid floor waxes.
* Install grab bars and handrails if you are frail or elderly.
* Improve the lighting in your home; dim lighting can increase the risk of falls.
* Install night lights in halls and bathrooms and keep a flashlight near your bed.
* Store items in easy-to-reach places; use stepstools or ladders only when absolutely necessary.
* Check all stair railings and steps.
* Don't wear any clothing that interferes with your vision.
* Wear proper shoes with slip-resistant soles.
* Inspect and remove debris from walkways, driveways, porches and yards.
* In winter, remove ice and snow from areas where people walk.
* Inspect and remove debris from lawns before mowing or gardening.
* Store outdoor equipment properly.
* Make sure ladders are stable and secure before you use them.

Experts Offer Tips on Easing Mammogram Discomfort

Mammograms can be uncomfortable, causing some women to skip the potentially lifesaving annual exam. But experts at Baylor Health Care System in Texas offer tips on how to ease any possible discomfort during the procedure.

Don't drink coffee, tea or caffeinated soft drinks during the week before a mammogram. Caffeine can make breasts tender and lumpy, which may lead to discomfort during a mammogram. Chocolate and some over-the-counter pain relievers also contain caffeine. Check the label of any OTC medication before you take it during the week before a mammogram.

Don't use deodorant, perfumes, talcum powder, or oils on the day of a mammogram. These products can leave a residue that can be picked up by the X-rays, obscuring the mammogram and possibly interfering with the results, leading to the need for a second mammogram.

Don't have a mammogram during periods of breast tenderness.

"Most women's breasts are naturally more tender or slightly swollen during the week prior to their menstrual period," Dr. Alicia Starr, medical director of the Women's Imaging Center at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, noted in a prepared statement. "Try to avoid scheduling your annual mammogram during this time."

It's also a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit with a blouse or sweater. It's easier and faster to take off a blouse or sweater instead of removing a one-piece dress.

Mammography is currently the most effective way of finding breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages, the experts noted.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Health Headlines - November 4

FDA Orders Recall of Unregulated Erectile Dysfunction Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has asked a California distribution company to recall pills and capsules advertised as "all natural" products to correct erectile dysfunction.

These substances can be especially harmful to men with diabetes, the FDA said.

Consumers should report adverse events related to these products to the online Web site MedWatch, the FDA's voluntary reporting program, at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

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Test Developed to Help Avoid 'Red Wine Headache'

The device, about the size of a briefcase, will eventually be able to test the biogenic amine levels in a variety of foods and liquids, the Associated Press reports.

Biogenic amines are chemicals found in a variety of popular foods and beverages, including wine, chocolate, nuts cheese, olives and cured meats, the wire service reports.

Right now, the amine test works only liquids, the A.P. says. The study is published in the latest edition of the journal Analytical Chemistry.

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Children Inherit Cancer Survival Traits: Study

Survival traits for certain kinds of cancers are passed from parents to children, concludes a Swedish study reported in the November issue of The Lancet Oncology journal.

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Massachusetts Will Offer Overdose Treatment Kits to Heroin Addicts

Starting next month, heroin addicts in Massachusetts will be offered kits to help treat overdoses quickly, safely and without fear of addiction, the Associated Press reported. The state plan was inspired by similar programs in Boston, Chicago and New York City.

In 2005, heroin and other opiates killed 544 people in Massachusetts, more than double the number of people killed by firearms.

Each kit contains two doses of Narcan (generic name: naloxone), which can be squirted into the nose of someone who has overdosed. Experts say the drug causes no side effects, the AP reported. The initial test run in Massachusetts is expected to enroll 450 heroin users and cost less than $50,000. If it saves lives, the program may be expanded.

Advocates say this is a safe, effective approach for preventing overdose deaths. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy doesn't support the idea, the wire service said.

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Millions of Totino's and Jeno's Frozen Pizzas Recalled

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Report Urges Doctors to Watch for Lead Poisoning in Children

Doctors need to be more alert to signs of lead poisoning in children, according to a new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, which noted that even children with blood levels lower than the U.S. standard of 10 micrograms per deciliter can still have lower IQs and various health problems.

The report, prepared by the federal government's Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention, didn't propose a new standard but is "emphasizing that all levels are important," primary author Dr. Helen Binns, of Northwestern University, told the Associated Press.

Children with blood lead levels below 10 micrograms per deciliter may not show any obvious symptoms but may still have impaired intellectual development, she said.

In their report, Binns and her colleagues advise doctors on how to speak to parents of children with lower blood lead levels, including mention of the risks, and nutrition changes and measures to prevent additional lead exposure, the AP reported.

The paper was published in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics. Its release coincides with growing concern over high lead levels in imported toys.

Health Tips for November 4

Health Tips: Successful Breast-Feeding

Here are some experts' best tips on succeeding with breast-feeding -- even if you're a beginner:

Don't assume breast-feeding is "innate."

"Breast-feeding is not instinctive," said Katy Lebbing, a board certified lactation consultant in Villa Park, Ill., and a leader for La Leche League International, which promotes breast-feeding. "That's a myth. It's kind of like thinking all men can fix all cars."

Mothers who choose to breast-feed need education and support, agreed Karen Bonuck, associate professor of family and social medicine at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, who has published studies on breast-feeding practices.

Get help -- early.

Ask your health-care provider for information about breast-feeding early in your pregnancy, Bonuck advised women. Don't wait until you're six months or more along, she said. Too many other activities -- baby showers, getting the nursery ready, thinking about names -- take your attention during those final months of pregnancy.

Take a breast-feeding class.

Ask your doctor if your hospital has one. Or see a lactation consultant -- you can ask your doctor or the La Leche League for a referral. You should make these preparations before you'll be ready to breast-feed, Lebbing and Bonuck advised.

Just a few sessions with a lactation consultant can pay off, Bonuck said. "You will understand the normal physiology of how the milk is produced," she said. The consultant, working with a doll, can help women practice the best positions to breast-feed and get comfortable with the concept.

Be sure the hospital personnel know you want to breast-feed.

"Make your wishes known," Bonuck said. "Some [hospitals] have cards that say, 'Breast-feed only.' " That reduces the risk of confusion and your baby mistakenly getting a bottle of formula, Bonuck said. She also advises mothers-to-be to tell the hospital staff about other preferences, such as no pacifiers.

Breast-feed as soon as your baby is born.

Breast-feeding immediately after birth -- even before the baby is cleaned up -- is preferable, Bonuck said. "Bring an advocate with you," she suggested. This person will help to make sure your wishes are carried out.

Keep the baby with you as much as possible while in the hospital.

"Make your wishes known," Bonuck advised. She prefers keeping the baby in the mother's room, not in the nursery, because it gives mother and baby a chance to practice breast-feeding. "It's not a spa," she said of the hospital stay.

Get help once you return home.

Enlist the support of family members or friends once you are back home, Lebbing advised. "You need someone to cook and help around the house, especially in the first month," she said. If you have other children, get some child-care help. Relieving some of the stress of a newborn can help new moms focus on the important task of breast-feeding, Bonuck and Lebbing said.

Health Tips: Household Cleaning Safety

The household cleaning products you use are safe when used and stored according to the directions on the label. Just be sure to read and follow the label directions carefully, and if you have any questions, call the toll-free number found on most product labels. Here are some simple precautions to help prevent accidents from occurring:

DO...

Read and follow label directions for proper use, storage and disposal.
Store cleaning products in an area which is away from food and not accessible to young children or pets.
Store products in their original containers and keep the original label intact. Product use and storage, disposal instructions, precautions and first aid instructions vary according to their ingredients. It can be dangerous to use a product incorrectly or to follow the wrong emergency procedures.
Put cleaning products away immediately after removing the amount needed for the job. This will limit accessibility to young children and help prevent accidental spills.
Keep buckets containing cleaning solutions out of the reach of young children.
Properly close all containers, especially those with child-resistant caps.

DON'T...

Mix cleaning products. Products which are safe when used alone can sometimes cause dangerous fumes if mixed with other products.
Reuse an empty household cleaning product container for any other purpose. The label instructions and precautions for the original product may be inaccurate or dangerous if used for a different product.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Health Headlines - November 3

Children Inherit Cancer Survival Traits: Study

Survival traits for certain kinds of cancers are passed from parents to children, concludes a Swedish study reported in the November issue of The Lancet Oncology journal.

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Massachusetts Will Offer Overdose Treatment Kits to Heroin Addicts

In 2005, heroin and other opiates killed 544 people in Massachusetts, more than double the number of people killed by firearms.

Advocates say this is a safe, effective approach for preventing overdose deaths. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy doesn't support the idea, the wire service said.

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Millions of Totino's and Jeno's Frozen Pizzas Recalled

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Report Urges Doctors to Watch for Lead Poisoning in Children

Children with blood lead levels below 10 micrograms per deciliter may not show any obvious symptoms but may still have impaired intellectual development, she said.

The paper was published in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics. Its release coincides with growing concern over high lead levels in imported toys.

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Online Drug Chat Draws 36,000 Questions From Students

More than 36,000 questions from students at middle and high schools across the United States were received when U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse experts held the online Drug Facts Chat Day on Oct. 12.

More than 40 scientists and science writers who specialize in addiction issues took turns throughout the day to answer questions as they were posted during a ten-hour period. At times, the questions came in as rapidly as 6,000 questions per hour.

Marijuana, alcohol and smoking were the focus of about 30 percent (10 percent each) of all the questions. Among other questions:

More than 600 students asked how they could get help for a friend, and nearly 400 asked about the effects of using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy.
There were nearly 1,000 questions each on methamphetamine and cocaine, more than 300 on heroin, and more than 200 on mushrooms.
There were more than 100 questions on inhalants, including gasoline, hairspray and permanent markers.
At least 50 students asked about steroids and athletic performance.

"The unexpectedly high volume of questions in this chat underscores how much this age group wants fact, not rumor; how much they don't know; and how much their teachers want to help them get the latest scientific information," NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow said in a prepared statement.

Health Tips for November 3

Health Tip: Insulin Shots

Many diabetics need to inject themselves with insulin to help regulate their blood sugar.

Here are instructions on how to administer an insulin shot, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Thoroughly wash your hands before handing any of the equipment.
* With an alcohol swab, clean the area of the skin to be injected, as well as the top of the insulin bottle.
* Pull back the syringe's plunger, insert it into the insulin bottle, and push the plunger so that air is injected into the bottle.
* With the bottle upside down, pull the plunger back again until the syringe is filled to the appropriate amount of insulin.
* If there are air bubbles, tap on the syringe with your finger, or inject the insulin back into the bottle and refill the syringe.
* Pinch a section of skin, usually on the thigh, arm or stomach, and inject the contents of the syringe at a 90-degree angle.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Menstrual Cramps

Cramps are a common symptom of a woman's monthly menstrual cycle. Some women can prepare their bodies for their period, which may help reduce cramps.

At least two weeks before the period begins, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests:

* Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoiding junk foods and high-fat foods. Get protein in the form of lean meats, fish and eggs.
* Getting extra omega-3 fatty acids by eating oily fish like salmon and tuna.
* Reducing your salt intake.
* Limiting caffeine, sugar and alcohol.

Friday, November 02, 2007

Health Headlines - November 2

Most U.S. Adults Support School-Provided Birth Control

Most U.S. adults (67 percent) favor allowing public schools to provide birth control to students and 62 percent said they believe providing contraception would reduce the number of teen pregnancies, according to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll released Thursday.

Those in favor of schools providing contraceptives include 37 percent who think they should be given only to students who have parental consent, and 30 percent who believe contraceptives should be available to any student who asks for them.

The survey of 1,004 adults found that those who were younger and from cities or suburbs were more likely to support no restrictions, while minorities, older and lower-income people were more likely to favor parental consent, the AP reported.

Whites and high-income earners were most likely to be opposed to schools providing birth control to students.

Other survey findings included:

51 percent of respondents said sex education and birth control would be better for reducing teen pregnancies, while 46 percent said morality and abstinence were better methods. Nearly 70 percent of white evangelicals and about half of Catholics and Protestants preferred abstinence.
49 percent of respondents said providing teens with birth control wouldn't encourage sexual intercourse, while 46 percent said it would.

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New Laser Technique Kills Bacteria and Viruses

Targeted laser pulses can destroy harmful bacteria and viruses and may prove effective in treating infections, according to an Arizona State University study in the Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter.

The researchers developed a method -- called impulsive stimulated Raman scattering (ISRS) -- that uses laser pulses to destroy microorganisms without harming healthy human cells. The scientists said this technique may eventually offer a new way to control viruses and bacteria commonly found in hospitals, CBC News reported.

The research to date "suggests that ISRS will be ready for use in disinfection and could provide treatments against some of the worst, often drug-resistant, bacterial and viral pathogens," study author Professor Kong-Thon Tsen said in a prepared statement.

Currently, ultraviolet (UV) rays are used to zap bacteria and viruses, but these types of rays often lead to cellular damage, CBC News reported.

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New Staining Techniques Produce "Brainbow"

Using the latest cell staining techniques to highlight neurons in up to 90 distinct colors, Harvard University researchers have created a vivid "brainbow" of brain tissues, BBC News reported.

This use of multiple fluorescent proteins to highlight specific areas could help research into the circuitry of the nervous system and improve understanding of brain wiring problems associated with a number of diseases. Until now, fluorescent labeling only had the capability of producing a few colors.

"In the same way that a television monitor mixes red, green, and blue to depict a wide array of colors, the combination of three or more fluorescent proteins in neurons can generate many hues," said researcher Dr. Jeff Lichtman.

"There are few tools neuroscientists can use to tease out the wiring diagram of the nervous system. Brainbow should help us much better map out the brain and the nervous system's complex tangle of neurons," said Lichtman, BBC News reported.

The research appears in the journal Nature.

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U.S. Portion of Global Drug Sales to Decline in 2008: Report

Drug sales in the United States will decline from half of global sales two years ago to one-third of the worldwide market by 2008, says a new report released by the health care research firm IMS Health.

The company said the shift is a result of increasing prescription drug sales in China and other emerging economies, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's tighter scrutiny of drugs, the Associated Press reported.

Global sales of drugs are expected to increase by 5 percent to 6 percent to between $735 billion and $745 billion in 2008, compared with sales of between $695 billion and $705 billion in 2006, IMS said.

In the United States, prescription drug sales are predicted to increase 4 percent to 5 percent in 2008, to between $295 billion and $305 billion, the AP reported.

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FDA Must Improve Oversight of Foreign-Made Drugs: Lawmakers

American lawmakers say the Food and Drug Administration isn't doing enough to monitor the growing number of foreign-made drugs sold in the United States, and they want the agency to boost its efforts in that area, the Associated Press reported.

The FDA's lopsided emphasis on inspections of domestically made drugs puts the public at risk, say members of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee.

Congressional investigators noted that nearly all U.S. drug makers are inspected at least once a year, while foreign drug manufacturers can go eight or more years between inspections, the AP reported.

Between 3,000 and 6,700 foreign makers of prescription drugs and drug ingredients sell their products in the United States, according to a briefing memo prepared for members of the subcommittee, which is holding hearings on the issue. The chief of the FDA has been called to testify at the hearings.

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Cold Sore Virus Linked to Alzheimer's

A British study adds to growing evidence that there may be an association between the cold sore-causing herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and Alzheimer's disease, BBC News reported.

In lab experiments, University of Manchester researchers found that brain cells infected with HSV-1 had increased levels of beta amyloid protein, which creates the plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. The findings appeared in New Scientist magazine.

In other experiments, the researchers found that the brains of mice infected with HSV-1 showed increased levels of beta amyloid, and that HSV-1 was attached to the plaques found in the brains of dead Alzheimer's patients.

Previous research found that HSV-1 is present in the brains of up to 70 percent of Alzheimer's patients, BBC News reported.

This line of research may help in the development of a vaccine to prevent Alzheimer's, but any such breakthrough is a long way off, experts say.

Health Tips for November 2

Health Tip: Taming Irritable Bowel

Irritable bowel syndrome affects the way that the intestines move food through the body. Symptoms can be triggered by stress, anxiety, and sometimes certain foods.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help keep IBS symptoms under control:

* Eat a variety of healthy foods, and stay away from foods that are high in fat.
* Drink lots of water.
* Eat several small meals throughout the day, rather than just a few larger ones.
* Find ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
* Don't use laxatives, as you can become dependent on them, and they can weaken your intestines.

Health Tip: The Itch of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by a virus that most often affects children.

Symptoms, including the tell-tale itchy rash, usually go away without treatment. But there are steps you can take to help alleviate the discomfort.

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions:

* Never give children aspirin to treat chickenpox symptoms, as it can trigger a very dangerous condition called Reye syndrome. Acetaminophen can be taken for pain.
* Take a lukewarm bath every few hours, or apply a cool compress to the skin. Try adding oatmeal to the bath to soothe irritated skin.
* After bathing, don't rub the skin with a towel, just pat it dry.
* Apply calamine lotion to the lesions, but avoid applying the lotion on the face.
* For painful mouth blisters, eat soft, mild and bland foods, and beverages.
* Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter itch- and pain-relieving creams.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Health Headlines - November 1

Psychological Distress Less Common Among Parents

It may be hard to believe, but a new U.S. study says parents are less likely to suffer serious psychological distress than non-parents.

Researchers at RTI International in North Carolina analyzed data on more than 33,000 American adults, ages 18 to 49, who took part in the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. They found that nine percent of parents had experienced serious psychological distress in the past year, compared to 12 percent of non-parents, ABC News reported.

Of all the adults, younger women with lower incomes were most likely to experience serious psychological distress, the study found.

In explaining the difference between parents and non-parents, the researchers said parents with a strong social support network of family and friends may recover more quickly from psychological problems, ABC News reported.

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Lead Concerns Prompt More Recalls of Chinese-Made Products

More lead-related recalls of Chinese-made toys and novelty items were announced Wednesday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recalls include:

About 43,000 fake teeth with paint that contains excessive levels of lead. The teeth are painted white, black and orange with brown gums. They were imported by Amscan Inc. of Elmsford, N.Y., and sold as party favors in packages of eight, with UPC 0-48419-65002-7 and UPC 0-48419-61663-4 printed on the packaging. Consumers should return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
About 16,000 "Elite Operation" toys with surface coatings that contain excess levels of lead. The recall of the toys, imported by Toys "R" Us Inc., includes Super Rigs (#1004), Command Patrol Center (#1020), Barracuda Helicopter (#1023), and 3 Pack 8-inch Figures (#1024). Consumers should return the toys to Toys "R" Us for a refund.
About 1,500 SimplyFun Ribbit board games that have frog-shaped wooden playing pieces that contain excess levels of lead. Consumers should immediately remove the frog playing pieces from the game and contact SimplyFun LLC, of Bellevue, Wash., for a replacement set. The number is 877-557-7767.

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Treadmills Help Down Syndrome Babies Walk Earlier

Compared to traditional therapies, treadmills can help infants with Down syndrome learn to walk months earlier, says a University of Michigan study published in the October issue of the journal Physical Therapy.

The study included 30 babies with Down syndrome who were walked on a treadmill for eight minutes a day, five days a week, Agence France-Presse reported. As a result, the babies learned to walk four to five months earlier than usual 24 to 28 months it takes using traditional physical therapy alone.

Helping babies with Down syndrome learn to walk earlier can boost their motor skills, social skills, perception and spatial cognition, explained study author Dale Ulrich of the university's division of kineisiology.

"The key is if we can get them to walk earlier and better, then they can explore their environment earlier and when you start to explore, you learn about the world around you," Ulrich told AFP. "Walking is a critical factor in development in every other domain."

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Retinoic Acid May Cut Ex-Smokers' Lung Cancer Risk

Retinoic acid -- a derivative of vitamin A -- may help reduce former smokers' risk of lung cancer, according to a University of Texas study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

It's believed that lung cells damaged by smoking can continue to grow and turn cancerous even after a person has kicked the habit. Nearly half of newly diagnosed lung cancers occur in former smokers, BBC News reported.

This study of 225 former heavy smokers found that three months of treatment with retinoic acid reduced the growth of lung cells damaged by smoking. The study authors said more research is needed to learn more about the exact effects of treatment with retinoic acid.

"These results are intriguing, but much more work is needed before we know for sure whether these chemicals could prevent, or slow, lung cancer growth," Josephine Querido, of Cancer Research UK, told BBC News.

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More Young Adults Take Cholesterol, Blood Pressure Drugs

The number of young American adults taking cholesterol and blood pressure medications is increasing rapidly, even faster than rates among seniors, says a study released Tuesday by prescription benefit manager Medco Health Solutions Inc.

Between 2001 and 2006, the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs among Medco clients ages 20 to 44 went from 2.5 percent to 4 percent, a 68 percent increase. Translated nationally, that means about 4.2 million Americans in that age group now take cholesterol-lowering drugs, the Associated Press reported.

The study also found that the use of blood pressure medicines by people in that age group went from 7 percent in 2001 to more than 8 percent in 2006, a 21 percent increase. That suggests that about 8.5 million Americans ages 20 to 44 take blood pressure drugs.

Among Americans 65 and older, the use of cholesterol drugs increased 52 percent and the use of blood pressure drugs increased by 9.5 percent over the same period, the AP reported.

Higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol among young adults, along with more aggressive preventive treatment by doctors, are likely behind that age group's increased use of these drugs, according to experts.

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Concurrent Sexual Partnerships Common Among U.S. Men

Over a one-year period, about 11 percent of 4,928 men included in a study had concurrent sexual relationships, say University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers. They said this type of behavior may be an important contributing factor to the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Rates of concurrent sexual partnerships were higher among black and Hispanic men than in other groups, according to the study. The study also found that men with concurrent partners were more likely: to be unmarried; to have been in jail in the past year; to have had sex while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol; to have had sex with other men; and to have female sex partners who also have concurrent sexual partners.

"All of these findings are cause for concern, because each by itself increases the risk of HIV transmission," lead author Dr. Adaora Adimora, an associate professor in the schools of medicine and public health, said in a prepared statement. "By connecting more people to each other and to people with these risky behaviors, concurrent partnerships may be an important factor in the spread of HIV infection in the United States and in continuing the epidemic transmission of HIV among blacks and Hispanics."

The study is published in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

Health Tips for November 1

Health Tip: Prepare Food Carefully

Food poisoning, with common symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and severe abdominal cramping, can be avoided with a few simple precautions.

Here are suggestions on how to reduce your risk of eating contaminated food, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Thoroughly wash your hands before and after touching food, and clean all kitchen surfaces before and after food is prepared.
* Make sure all foods -- especially meats -- are thoroughly cooked. Use a thermometer to be sure meat is cooked to a high enough temperature.
* Never allow cooked foods to come into contact with uncleaned dishes or surfaces where raw meats have been prepared.
* Never cook foods that are past their expiration date, and discard any foods that smell or look spoiled or rotten.
* Keep foods refrigerated until right before you cook or eat them. Never eat foods that have been sitting unrefrigerated for long periods.

Health Tip: Stick to Your Exercise Program

Exercise shouldn't be thought of only as a way to lose weight. It should be a regular part of your routine, designed to maintain your long-term health.

Harvard Medical School offers these suggestions to help you create an exercise routine and stick with it:

* Pick activities and workouts that you enjoy. Don't limit yourself to just one machine or one type of exercise.
* Plan a schedule that works for you, and always make time for even a little exercise each day.
* Set realistic goals. Decide how much you want to do at first, then increase the frequency and/or duration of your workouts.
* Record your progress. Monitoring how much you've improved will help motivate you.
* Reward yourself for sticking to your routine and meeting your goals.

NurseTips

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Health Tips for November 11

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Health Headlines - November 10

Health Tips for November 10

Friday, November 09, 2007

Health Headlines - November 9

Health Tips for November 9

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Health Headlines - November 8

Health Tips for November 8

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Health Headlines - November 7

Health Tips for November 7

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Health Headlines - November 6

Health Tips for November 6

Monday, November 05, 2007

Health Headlines - November 5

Health Tips for November 5

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Health Headlines - November 4

Health Tips for November 4

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Health Headlines - November 3

Health Tips for November 3

Friday, November 02, 2007

Health Headlines - November 2

Health Tips for November 2

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Health Headlines - November 1

Health Tips for November 1

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