Health Headlines - March 10

Are Mothers 'Hard-Wired' to Protect Their Babies?

The same instinct that makes mothers in the animal kingdom protect their offspring against danger appears to be a part of the human mother's brain as well.

The New York Times reports that researchers in Tokyo made magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of 13 mothers, each of whom had a child about 16 months old. The mothers were taken out of the room where they had been with their babies, and a videotape was made of the toddlers crying and reaching for their mothers, the newspaper reports.

When each mother saw the image of her child in distress, the MRI showed a markedly different neural reaction than when she was watching other mothers' babies, the Times says. This dramatic brain pattern reaction seems "to be biologically meaningful in terms of adaptation to specific demands associated with successful infant care," the newspaper quotes the study authors as noting in the study.

No similar study has yet been done with fathers, the Times says. The research was published in the February 2008 issue of the journal Biological Psychiatry.

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Texas Closes Three Shellfish Beds After Detecting Red Tide Organism

The microbe that produces what is known as red tide in coastal waters has been detected in some Texas shellfish beds, causing the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to close a number of bays to shellfish harvesting.

In addition to closing the shellfish beds at Aransas, Corpus Christi and Copano bays, the state has also issued a recall of oysters, clams and mussels because of an algae bloom of the Dinophysis organism, which can poison the shellfish and cause sickness in humans if they eat them.

According to a DSHS news release, all shellfish harvested from the affected bays since March 1 have been recalled from stores and restaurants. Texas state health officials say that anyone who recently bought shellfish and think they may have come from the affected areas should call the stores where they were purchased to determine their origin.

The Dinophysis organism produces okadaic acid, which permeates shellfish and can cause diarrhea, nausea and cramping in humans. Boiling the shellfish will not remove the contamination, Texas officials said. The symptoms can begin within 30 minutes of consumption and can last for up to three days. The contamination usually is not fatal in humans.

Texas DSHS officials are monitoring the affected coastal shellfish beds to determine when they can be re-opened for harvesting. No cases of okadaic acid poisoning had yet been reported by March 8, the state said.

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More 'Black Box' Warnings Added to Anemia Drugs' Labels

The manufacturer of three popular anemia drugs -- erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) -- has expanded each medication's "black box" warning to include information about tumor growth and death in patients with early stage breast cancer and cervical cancer.

The Associated Press reports that California-based Amgen has added the warnings about accelerated tumor growth on each container of Aranesp, Epogen and Procrit (Procrit is made by Amgen but sold by New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson). There are already similar alerts about other types of cancer on the drugs' labels, the wire service said.

The decision to expand the warning comes less than a week before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was scheduled to review the risks of using the drugs, which increase the production of red blood cells at a rapid rate, restoring a patient's energy, at least temporarily.

On Nov. 8, 2007, the FDA approved new black box warnings on labels of the three ESAs. The warnings detailed the dangers to patients with cancer and patients with chronic kidney failure. Those dangers include heart attack, stroke, heart failure and cancer tumor growth and shortened survival, the FDA said.

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Drug Maker Withheld Diabetes Link to Schizophrenia Drug, Expert Witness Says

The pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly knew about serious side effects from its best selling anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa as early as 1998 and should have warned physicians that using the drug could cause diabetes, an expert witness testified in an Alaska lawsuit March 7.

According to the New York Times, Dr. John Guriguian, a diabetes specialist and reviewer for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for more than 20 years, said that Lilly had evidence of the link between Zyprexa, introduced in 1996, and diabetes, but put "profit over concern of the consumer."

The State of Alaska is suing Eli Lilly in an attempt to recover Medicaid costs it incurred by treating schizophrenia patients who developed diabetes after taking Zyprexa, the newspaper reports.

Alaska claims that although the drug company knew by 1998 that Zyprexa caused weight gain and blood sugar changes in many schizophrenia patients, the company deliberately withheld the information from the FDA, the Times reports.

In fact, a 2002 company internal memo specifically instructed its sales representatives not to discuss diabetes concerns with U.S. doctors, the newspaper reports. "We will NOT proactively address the diabetes concerns," the Times cites an internal Lilly memo as saying.

Lilly denies that it withheld any information from the FDA and that the issue of linking Zyprexa's use with diabetes is still subject to clinical review and debate, the newspaper reports.

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Many Later-Stage Premature Babies Require Long-Term Care

About a third of premature babies born between 29 and 33 weeks still need specialist care at age 5, says a French study that looked at 400 full-term babies (40 weeks) and 1,800 born before 33 weeks.

It was already known that very early birth greatly increases the risk of physical and learning problems later in childhood. But this new study suggests that many children born at a later stage of prematurity still require long-term care, BBC News reported.

All the children in the study underwent physical and mental assessments at age 5. As expected, those born before 28 weeks had the highest disability rate (195 children/49 percent), but the actual number of children with disabilities was highest among those born between 29 and 33 weeks -- 441 children/36 percent.

When the researchers examined the specialist health services (such as physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy) required by the children, they found that these resources were used by 42 percent of children born at 24-28 weeks, 31 percent of children born at 29-32 weeks, and 16 percent of children born at 39-40 weeks.

The study appears in The Lancet.

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New Anesthesia Recovery Drug Appears Effective: FDA

A new injectable drug designed to reverse the effects of anesthesia in patients after surgery appears effective, but there are still questions about its safety, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration analysis posted Friday on the agency's Web site.

The Schering-Plough Corp. drug, called Bridion, will be the subject of a review next Tuesday by an FDA panel of experts, the Associated Press reported. The panel's recommendation will be an important factor as the FDA considers whether to approve Bridion.

In its analysis, the FDA said the drug appears safe in healthy adults, but said more studies may be needed to investigate concerns about allergic reactions and Bridion's effects on children's teeth.

While there are already similar drugs on the market, Schering claims that Bridion is unique because it reverses the effects of mild and serious anesthesia, the AP reported.

Health Tips for March 10

Health Tip: Safe Snow Shoveling

Along with winter weather comes the possibility of shoveling heavy snow.

Here are some snow shoveling suggestions, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

* People who have had a heart attack, or who have been diagnosed with heart problems, shouldn't shovel snow without a doctor's permission.
* People who rarely get physical activity should be especially careful.
* Snow shoveling is exercise -- warm up, stretch out, cool down and don't strain yourself too much. Stop immediately if you feel pain in your chest, or you're getting out of breath.
* Avoid eating a big meal or smoking right before shoveling.
* Be extra careful with wet snow that has been on the ground for a while. Try to shovel when it has just fallen and is likely to be more light and powdery.
* Push the snow instead of lifting and carrying it. When you do have to lift the shovel, lift with your legs instead of your back.

Health Tip: Cell Phone Safety

Cell phone use is a common cause of accidents while driving. In some states, it's illegal for a driver to use a cell phone without a hands-free device.

The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department offers these safety suggestions to help reduce accidents caused by cell phone use:

* Use a hands-free accessory whenever possible.
* Don't risk an accident trying to reach your phone. Store it in an accessible place, but don't answer it if you can't reach for it safely.
* Memorize your keypad, speed dial and other functions so that you can pay attention to the road while using your phone.
* Don't talk on your phone while driving through construction zones, heavy traffic, bad weather or other situations that require your full attention.
* Plan your calls around your trip. Call once you're safely in your lane on the interstate, rather than making a call as you're trying to merge into traffic.

Health Headlines - March 9

More 'Black Box' Warnings Added to Anemia Drugs' Labels

The manufacturer of three popular anemia drugs -- erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) -- has expanded each medication's "black box" warning to include information about tumor growth and death in patients with early stage breast cancer and cervical cancer.

The Associated Press reports that California-based Amgen has added the warnings about accelerated tumor growth on each container of Aranesp, Epogen and Procrit (Procrit is made by Amgen but sold by New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson). There are already similar alerts about other types of cancer on the drugs' labels, the wire service said.

The decision to expand the warning comes less than a week before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was scheduled to review the risks of using the drugs, which increase the production of red blood cells at a rapid rate, restoring a patient's energy, at least temporarily.

On Nov. 8, 2007, the FDA approved new black box warnings on labels of the three ESAs. The warnings detailed the dangers to patients with cancer and patients with chronic kidney failure. Those dangers include heart attack, stroke, heart failure and cancer tumor growth and shortened survival, the FDA said.

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Drug Maker Withheld Diabetes Link to Schizophrenia Drug, Expert Witness Says

The pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly knew about serious side effects from its best selling anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa as early as 1998 and should have warned physicians that using the drug could cause diabetes, an expert witness testified in an Alaska lawsuit March 7.

According to the New York Times, Dr. John Guriguian, a diabetes specialist and reviewer for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for more than 20 years, said that Lilly had evidence of the link between Zyprexa, introduced in 1996, and diabetes, but put "profit over concern of the consumer."

The State of Alaska is suing Eli Lilly in an attempt to recover Medicaid costs it incurred by treating schizophrenia patients who developed diabetes after taking Zyprexa, the newspaper reports.

Alaska claims that although the drug company knew by 1998 that Zyprexa caused weight gain and blood sugar changes in many schizophrenia patients, the company deliberately withheld the information from the FDA, the Times reports.

In fact, a 2002 company internal memo specifically instructed its sales representatives not to discuss diabetes concerns with U.S. doctors, the newspaper reports. "We will NOT proactively address the diabetes concerns," the Times cites an internal Lilly memo as saying.

Lilly denies that it withheld any information from the FDA and that the issue of linking Zyprexa's use with diabetes is still subject to clinical review and debate, the newspaper reports.

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Many Later-Stage Premature Babies Require Long-Term Care

About a third of premature babies born between 29 and 33 weeks still need specialist care at age 5, says a French study that looked at 400 full-term babies (40 weeks) and 1,800 born before 33 weeks.

It was already known that very early birth greatly increases the risk of physical and learning problems later in childhood. But this new study suggests that many children born at a later stage of prematurity still require long-term care, BBC News reported.

All the children in the study underwent physical and mental assessments at age 5. As expected, those born before 28 weeks had the highest disability rate (195 children/49 percent), but the actual number of children with disabilities was highest among those born between 29 and 33 weeks -- 441 children/36 percent.

When the researchers examined the specialist health services (such as physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy) required by the children, they found that these resources were used by 42 percent of children born at 24-28 weeks, 31 percent of children born at 29-32 weeks, and 16 percent of children born at 39-40 weeks.

The study appears in The Lancet.

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New Anesthesia Recovery Drug Appears Effective: FDA

A new injectable drug designed to reverse the effects of anesthesia in patients after surgery appears effective, but there are still questions about its safety, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration analysis posted Friday on the agency's Web site.

The Schering-Plough Corp. drug, called Bridion, will be the subject of a review next Tuesday by an FDA panel of experts, the Associated Press reported. The panel's recommendation will be an important factor as the FDA considers whether to approve Bridion.

In its analysis, the FDA said the drug appears safe in healthy adults, but said more studies may be needed to investigate concerns about allergic reactions and Bridion's effects on children's teeth.

While there are already similar drugs on the market, Schering claims that Bridion is unique because it reverses the effects of mild and serious anesthesia, the AP reported.

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Hamilton Beach, Proctor-Silex Toasters Pose Fire Hazard

About 482,000 Hamilton Beach and Proctor-Silex toasters are being recalled due to a potential fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The 2-slice and 4-slice toasters can remain on after popping up and ignite flammable items covering or in contact with the toaster. To date, there have been 63 reports of malfunctions, but no reports of fires or injuries.

The recalled toasters, made in China, were sold across the United States from August 2007 through February 2008 for between $13 and $40. The toasters are black, red, white chrome or brushed chrome and have Hamilton Beach or Proctor-Silex printed on the side, the CPSC said.

Consumers with these toasters should immediately stop using them and contact Hamilton Beach Brands Inc. of Glen Allen, Va., for instructions on how to receive a free replacement toaster. Contact the company at 1-800-574-6800 for more information.

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U.S. Senate Passes Bill to Improve Safety of Children's Products

A public database of consumer complaints and new safety standards for toys are among the measures included in a U.S. Senate bill meant to improve the safety of children's products made outside the United States.

The bill, approved Thursday by a 79-13 vote, would also ban lead in children's goods, boost the ability of the Consumer Product Safety Commission to certify the safety of foreign-made goods, and increase the civil penalty cap for safety violations, the Associated Press reported.

The Senate bill also calls for a ban on phthalates -- chemicals in plastic believed to be a health threat to youngsters -- from children's products.

In December, the House of Representatives passed its own version of a children's product safety bill. Negotiators from each chamber will now try to reconcile their differences.

These moves by U.S. lawmakers are in response to recalls last year of millions of Chinese-made toys that posed a health and safety threat to children, the AP reported.

Health Tips for March 9

Health Tip: Choose the Right Backpack

Children can suffer bruises, muscle stiffness and strains from backpacks that are too heavy or are worn improperly.

The U.S. National Safety Council makes these recommendations when selecting a backpack for your child:

* Choose a backpack designed for safety and comfort, with padding in the back and shoulders.
* A backpack should have belts that strap around the hips and chest for extra support.
* Look for pockets and compartments inside the backpack to more evenly distribute the weight across the back.
* Look for a backpack with straps on the sides or bottom to compress the contents, so that items are as close to the back as possible
* Look for a backpack with reflective stripes for increased visibility at night.

Health Tip: Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, often called the central nervous system.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says episodes (attacks) of MS can trigger the following symptoms, ranging from mild to severe:

* Weakness, paralysis, pain, or extremity tremor.
* Muscle spasms or atrophy.
* Numbness or tingling.
* Vision problems, including loss of vision, blurred vision, double vision, eye pain, or uncontrolled rapid eye movement.
* Dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, decreased coordination, or difficulty walking.
* Urinary problems, including frequent urination and incontinence.
* Decreased mental capacity, including ability to think clearly, concentrate, remember, generalize, and think in abstract terms.

Health Headlines - March 8

Many Later-Stage Premature Babies Require Long-Term Care

About a third of premature babies born between 29 and 33 weeks still need specialist care at age 5, says a French study that looked at 400 full-term babies (40 weeks) and 1,800 born before 33 weeks.

It was already known that very early birth greatly increases the risk of physical and learning problems later in childhood. But this new study suggests that many children born at a later stage of prematurity still require long-term care, BBC News reported.

All the children in the study underwent physical and mental assessments at age 5. As expected, those born before 28 weeks had the highest disability rate (195 children/49 percent), but the actual number of children with disabilities was highest among those born between 29 and 33 weeks -- 441 children/36 percent.

When the researchers examined the specialist health services (such as physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy) required by the children, they found that these resources were used by 42 percent of children born at 24-28 weeks, 31 percent of children born at 29-32 weeks, and 16 percent of children born at 39-40 weeks.

The study appears in The Lancet.

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New Anesthesia Recovery Drug Appears Effective: FDA

A new injectable drug designed to reverse the effects of anesthesia in patients after surgery appears effective, but there are still questions about its safety, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration analysis posted Friday on the agency's Web site.

The Schering-Plough Corp. drug, called Bridion, will be the subject of a review next Tuesday by an FDA panel of experts, the Associated Press reported. The panel's recommendation will be an important factor as the FDA considers whether to approve Bridion.

In its analysis, the FDA said the drug appears safe in healthy adults, but said more studies may be needed to investigate concerns about allergic reactions and Bridion's effects on children's teeth.

While there are already similar drugs on the market, Schering claims that Bridion is unique because it reverses the effects of mild and serious anesthesia, the AP reported.

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Hamilton Beach, Proctor-Silex Toasters Pose Fire Hazard

About 482,000 Hamilton Beach and Proctor-Silex toasters are being recalled due to a potential fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The 2-slice and 4-slice toasters can remain on after popping up and ignite flammable items covering or in contact with the toaster. To date, there have been 63 reports of malfunctions, but no reports of fires or injuries.

The recalled toasters, made in China, were sold across the United States from August 2007 through February 2008 for between $13 and $40. The toasters are black, red, white chrome or brushed chrome and have Hamilton Beach or Proctor-Silex printed on the side, the CPSC said.

Consumers with these toasters should immediately stop using them and contact Hamilton Beach Brands Inc. of Glen Allen, Va., for instructions on how to receive a free replacement toaster. Contact the company at 1-800-574-6800 for more information.

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U.S. Senate Passes Bill to Improve Safety of Children's Products

A public database of consumer complaints and new safety standards for toys are among the measures included in a U.S. Senate bill meant to improve the safety of children's products made outside the United States.

The bill, approved Thursday by a 79-13 vote, would also ban lead in children's goods, boost the ability of the Consumer Product Safety Commission to certify the safety of foreign-made goods, and increase the civil penalty cap for safety violations, the Associated Press reported.

The Senate bill also calls for a ban on phthalates -- chemicals in plastic believed to be a health threat to youngsters -- from children's products.

In December, the House of Representatives passed its own version of a children's product safety bill. Negotiators from each chamber will now try to reconcile their differences.

These moves by U.S. lawmakers are in response to recalls last year of millions of Chinese-made toys that posed a health and safety threat to children, the AP reported.

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Companies Charged in Connection With Tainted Toothpaste

Prosecutors in Los Angeles have filed criminal charges against a company alleged to have imported and distributed nearly 90,000 tubes of Chinese-made toothpaste that contained diethylene glycol, a poisonous substance used in antifreeze and as a solvent.

Selective Imports Corp. sold the toothpaste to distributors across the United States between December 2005 and May 2007, according to prosecutors, who have also charged a wholesaler, Vernon Sales Inc., of buying some of the toothpaste and reselling it to Los Angeles-area stores, the Associated Press reported.

The misdemeanor charges against the companies and their top executives were filed Monday. Selective Imports, its president Frahad Nazarian and vice president Yones Ghermezi each were charged with two criminal counts of receiving, selling and delivering products containing diethylene glycol (DEG). Vernon Sales, its president Kamyab Toofer and vice president Pejman Mossay each were charged with 14 criminal counts of receiving, selling and delivering an adulterated drug.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, the AP reported.

DEG has been used by some Chinese manufacturers as a cheaper alternative to glycerin, which is used to thicken toothpaste. Exposure to DEG can cause kidney and liver damage over time, the news service said.

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Soy, NSAIDs May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk: Studies

Women with the highest levels of genistein, a compound found in soybeans, were one-third less likely to develop breast cancer than those with the lowest levels, says a Japanese government study that followed about 25,000 women, ages 40-69, for an average of 10.5 years, Agence France-Presse reported.

In Japan, traditional soybean-based foods include tofu, miso soup or fermented beans known as natto. In this study, the women with the highest concentrations of genistein in their blood consumed 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of tofu or 50 grams (1.75 ounces) of natto per day. The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

However, the researchers at the National Cancer Center in Tokyo warned that excessive intake of genistein -- especially through supplements -- may actually increase the risk of breast cancer, AFP reported.

In related news, another study suggests that taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of breast cancer. British researchers reviewed 21 studies conducted over the past 27 years and found that the use of NSAIDS cut breast cancer incidence by 20 percent, AFP reported.

"NSAIDs may well offer significant protection against developing breast cancer in the first place and may provide a useful addition to treatment currently available to women who already have the disease," said study author Professor Ian Fentiman of Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital in London.

The findings were published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice.

Health Tips for March 8

Health Tip: Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly begins to attack itself. More commonly known autoimmune diseases include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Here is more information about autoimmune diseases, courtesy of the U.S. National Women's Health Information Center:

* Autoimmune diseases affect more women than men, and tend to run in families.
* Symptoms may come and go, with no symptoms for a while, then a sudden, severe attack called a "flare-up."
* Symptoms and severity can vary greatly from disease to disease.
* Medication can help control symptoms, as can reducing stress. Meditation and self-hypnosis also have helped some people.
* People with an autoimmune disease should practice healthy habits including getting regular exercise, eating a proper diet, and getting plenty of sleep.

Health Tip: A Sprain in the Neck

A neck sprain can be caused by a car accident, a sudden impact or fall. Neck pain should be evaluated by a doctor, to see what kind of treatment may be required.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these possible symptoms of a neck sprain:

* Pain in the back of the neck -- especially pain that increases when the neck is moved.
* Stiffness or decreased range of neck movement.
* Pain that is greater a day or so after an injury than immediately following it.
* Muscle pain or spasms in the tops of the shoulders.
* Headache, particularly at the back of the head.
* Sore throat.
* Numbness in the arms or hands, or weakness or a tingling sensation in the arms.
* Irritability, fatigue, problems sleeping and an inability to concentrate.

Health Headlines - March 7

U.S. Agrees to Make Payment in Vaccine Injury Case

U.S. health officials have agreed that childhood vaccines given a young Georgia girl worsened an underlying disorder that led to autism-like symptoms and say she should be compensated from a federal vaccine-injury fund, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

The decision is significant because, while the government has not conceded that vaccines cause autism, parents and advocates for children with the disorder see the decision as a victory that may help thousands of other families with claims that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative once widely used in vaccines, may cause autism.

The government "has not conceded that vaccines cause autism," Linda Renzi, the lawyer representing U.S. officials, told the AP. Federal health officials have consistently maintained that childhood vaccinations are safe, and several studies have discounted any link between thimerosal and autism, despite other pending claims.

According to documents obtained by the AP, five vaccines the girl received on one day in 2000 aggravated a previous condition, predisposing her to problems that manifested as worsening brain function "with features of autism spectrum disorder." The term "autism spectrum disorder" was created in the 1990s to encompass autism and a group of milder, related conditions.

The documents, the AP said, do not address whether it was the thimerosal -- or something else in the vaccines -- that was at fault.

The compensation fund, which is run by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, lists problems with brain function, such as the girl had, as a rare side effect of certain vaccines. Those problems are enough by themselves to warrant compensation, the AP reported, even without autism-like symptoms. The fund has already made payouts in such cases, the wire service added.

The girl's parents have declined to comment, because the case is not final, and the payment amount has not been set, the AP said.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Patterns Vary Between States: Report

There are wide variations between states in behaviors such as illicit drug use, underage drinking and psychological distress, says a U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report released Thursday.

For example, past month underage drinking (by those ages 12-20) ranged from a high of 38.3 percent in Vermont to a low of 21.5 percent in Utah. However, Utah had the highest level of adults reporting serious psychological distress in the past year (14.4 percent), while Hawaii had the lowest rate (8.8 percent).

The State Estimates of Substance Use report is based on data from the 2005-06 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Among other findings in the report:

• Past month underage binge drinking was highest in North Dakota (28.5 percent) and lowest in Georgia (15.2 percent).
• Past month use of illicit drugs for people age 12 or older was highest in Rhode Island (11.2 percent) and lowest in North Dakota (5.7 percent).
• Utah had the lowest past month use of marijuana among people age 12 or older (4.3 percent), while Vermont had the highest (9.7 percent).
• Oklahoma had the highest rate (6.7 percent) of past year use by people age 12 or older of pain relievers for non-medical reasons, while Hawaii, New Jersey, and South Dakota had the lowest rate (3.9 percent).
• The District of Columbia had the highest rate (12.3 percent) of substance abuse disorders (either drug or alcohol dependence or abuse), while New Jersey had the lowest (7.5 percent). The highest rate of illicit drug dependence or abuse was in the District of Columbia (4.3 percent) and the lowest was in Iowa (2.1 percent). The highest rate of alcohol dependence or abuse was in Montana (10.8 percent), while the lowest was in Kentucky (6.3 percent).
• Nevada had the highest rate of people age 18 or older reporting at least one major depressive episode in the past year (9.4 percent), while Hawaii had the lowest (5.0 percent).

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Falls a Serious Health Threat for Older Americans

In 2006, about 5.8 million Americans age 65 and older reported falling at least once in the previous three months, and 1.8 million reported sustaining some type of fall-related injury that required a visit to a doctor or restricted activity for at least a day, according to this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The authors said the statistics reinforce the need to raise awareness and to provide effective interventions for falls, which can cause injuries that can seriously impair older adults' quality of life and add a significant burden to the health care system.

The report also found that while there was no difference in the percentage of men and women who reported falling, about 36 percent of women sustained injuries from their falls, compared to about 25 percent of men.

To help older adults lead independent, healthy lives, the CDC offers two free publications.

One is called Preventing Falls: What Works. A Compendium of Effective Community-Based Interventions From Around the World. The other publication is called Preventing Falls; How to Develop Community-Based Falls Prevention Programs for Older Adults.

Both publications are available on the CDC Web site at http://cdc.gov.

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Patrick Swayze Faces Tough Struggle Against Pancreatic Cancer

Doctors say actor Patrick Swayze faces a difficult fight after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, ABC News reported.

"Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far," George Fisher, Swayze's doctor, said in a prepared statement released by the actor's publicists.

People with pancreatic cancer have about a five percent chance of being alive five years after diagnosis, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute. One reason for the poor prognosis is that there's no reliable screening method for pancreatic cancer.

"Sixty (percent) to 70 percent of pancreatic cancers are diagnosed in the most advanced stage -- when it has spread to other organs -- and we have, at best, minimally effective therapies for advance pancreatic cancer," William Blackstock, professor of radiation oncology at the Wake Forest University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., told ABC News.

"In most cases we don't even get a chance to cure it; at the time of presentation and the clinical manifestation of the symptoms, the cat's already out of the bag," noted Andrew Warshaw, surgeon-in-chief at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in Boston. "For 80-plus percent, maybe even 90 percent of people at the time diagnosis is first made, there is nothing beyond palliative care to help them," he told ABC News.

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2 More Colorectal Cancer Tests Endorsed

Two tests not previously endorsed to prevent or detect colorectal cancer are now being recommended by the American Cancer Society and other groups, The New York Times reported.

The groups said there's evidence that these two tests -- virtual colonoscopy and a DNA test -- are effective enough to recommend for all adults 50 and older and for some younger people with symptoms or risk factors for colorectal cancer. They're now among several testing options available for patients. Experts hope that offering more choices will boost the number of people who get screened for colorectal cancer.

Virtual colonoscopy uses a CT scan to search for abnormal growths. Unlike standard colonoscopy, it doesn't require insertion of a camera-tipped tube into the rectum. The second newly recommended test looks for abnormal DNA associated with cancer. It requires an entire bowel movement to be collected from a patient and sent to a laboratory, the Times reported.

In 2008, it's expected there will be 148,810 new colorectal cancer cases and 49,960 deaths in the United States. It's the second leading cause of cancer death in the country.

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U.S. Men Doing More Housework, Which May Lead to More Sex

While American men still don't do their fair share of household chores, they are getting better, says a report released Thursday by the Council on Contemporary Families. And one expert suggested that men who do help out around the house get more sex.

The authors of the report analyzed several recent studies on family dynamics in the United States. One study said there was a tripling of the amount of time men spent on child care over the past four decades, while another study concluded that the amount of housework done by men doubled over the same period, the Associated Press reported.

"More couples are sharing family tasks than ever before, and the movement toward sharing has been especially significant for full-time, dual-earner couples," the report said. "Men and women may not be fully equal yet, but the rules of the game have been profoundly and irreversibly changed."

Equitable division of household chores can make for a happier marriage and boost a couple's sex life, said Joshua Coleman, a San Francisco-area psychologist affiliated with the Council on Contemporary Families.

"If a guy does housework, it looks to the woman like he really cares about her -- he's not treating her like a servant," Coleman told the AP. "And if a woman feels stressed out because the house is a mess and the guy's sitting on the couch while she's vacuuming, that's not going to put her in the mood."

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Thursday Is World Glaucoma Day

Thursday is the first World Glaucoma Day and experts are urging all people over age 40 and those with other risk factors for the disease to take steps to recognize and understand the potentially devastating consequences of the disease.

In people with glaucoma, a buildup of pressure from fluid inside the eye damages the optic nerve, which carries visual signals from the eye to the brain, the Dayton Daily News reported.

Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in the world, affects at least three million Americans, according to the American Glaucoma Society. But about 50 percent of people with glaucoma don't know they have it, and 50 percent of people diagnosed with the disease don't receive treatment until they've already suffered irreversible vision loss.

World Glaucoma Day is a joint initiative of the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association.

"World Glaucoma Day offers an opportunity to send a clear message that taking action to diagnose and treat glaucoma may help prevent permanent vision loss in patients with the disease," Dr. Robert Weinreb, president of the American Glaucoma Society, said in a prepared statement. "Individuals over age 40 or those who have other risk factors for glaucoma should have regular, comprehensive eye exams that include evaluation of the optic nerve and measurement of eye pressure."

Health Tips for March 7

Health Tip: Help Prevent Stress Fractures

A stress fracture occurs when overused bones and muscles can't absorb additional shock. When the stress on them becomes too great, the impact is transferred to a bone, causing a small fracture.

Here are suggestions to help prevent stress fractures, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* When starting a new exercise routine or a new sport, build up your tolerance and stamina. Don't try to do too much too soon, as your body needs time to adjust.
* Vary your activities to rest and alternate strain on your muscles and bones. For example, alternate running with biking.
* Get plenty of vitamin D and calcium in your diet to strengthen bones.
* If swelling or pain results from a particular activity, stop and allow your body to rest for a few days. If pain continues after rest, see your doctor.

Health Tip: Get Enough Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential in helping the body absorb calcium. It also helps keep a healthy balance of phosphorous and calcium in the blood.

Here are foods that are good sources of vitamin D, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Dairy products, including cheese, butter, cream and fortified milk.
* Fish.
* Oysters.
* Fortified cereals.
* Margarine.

Health Headlines - March 6

U.S. Retiree Couples Need $225,000 for Health Costs: Report

Another report suggesting that Americans need to set aside a large chunk of cash to cover health costs during retirement was released Wednesday by Boston-based Fidelity Investments.

It concluded that a couple (both partners age 65) retiring this year will need about $225,000 in savings to cover medical costs for the remainder of their lives, the Associated Press reported. That's an increase of 4.7 percent from Fidelity's $215,000 estimate for a couple retiring in 2007.

The Fidelity figure is based on the assumption that workers don't have employer-sponsored retiree health coverage. The figure includes Medicare premium payments, co-payments, and deductibles, as well as out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses.

"With health care costs continuing to outpace wage increases and companies trimming retiree health benefits, financing health care has to be central to retirement planning," Brad Kimler, executive vice president of Fidelity's benefits consulting group, said in a prepared statement, the AP reported.

Last month, the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College released a report that estimated a couple retiring this year would need about $206,000 for health care coverage.

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Researchers ID Protein That Stimulates Production of Fat Cells

A protein that stimulates production of fat cells has been identified by Swedish researchers, who say the finding may lead to new treatments for obesity, Agence France-Presse reported.

The Karolinska Institute team made the finding in studies of cell cultures and mice and also found that obese people have excessive levels of the TRAP (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) protein.

TRAP "stimulates the formation of new fat cells and can thus precipitate the development of obesity," said a statement released by the institute.

Study leader Professor Goeran Andersson said it may be possible to develop new anti-obesity treatments that inhibit the action of TRAP. He also said the protein "is potentially useful in the treatment of conditions involving morbid cachexia (weight loss), such as cancer diseases," AFP reported.

The research was published online Wednesday in the journal Public Library of Science.

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Tamiflu Gets Stronger Warning Label for Psychiatric Problems

A specific warning of sometimes fatal psychiatric problems in a small number of patients has been added to the label of the prescription influenza drug Tamiflu. Roche, the Swiss company that makes the drug, also said in a letter to doctors that cases of delirium and self-injury have been reported among patients taking the drug, the Associated Press reported.

The letter and the updated labeling were posted Tuesday on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site.

Previously, the Tamiflu label mentioned reports of psychiatric problems among some patients. The new label warning, recommended by FDA advisers at a meeting in November, specifies that these psychiatric troubles sometimes proved to be fatal, the AP reported.

According to the FDA, there have been nearly 600 cases of psychiatric problems reported in people taking Tamiflu. About75 percent of the cases occurred in Japan, where at least five children died after "falling from windows or balconies or running into traffic," the FDA said.

The drug's new label states that "the contribution of Tamiflu to these events has not been established," and it notes that flu -- with or without treatment -- can cause delirium, hallucinations and other behavioral abnormalities.

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Drug Prices Increased 7.4 Percent in 2007: AARP Study

The wholesale prices of brand name medicines most commonly prescribed to elderly Americans increased an average of 7.4 percent last year, an increase about 2.5 times greater than general inflation, says a study released Wednesday by the advocacy group AARP.

The study looked at 220 brand name prescription drugs and found that all but four had wholesale price increases in 2007, the Associated Press reported. Among the top 25 medicines, the sleep aid Ambien had the largest price increase (27.7 percent). At the other end of the list were the blood thinner Plavix (0.5 percent increase) and the cholesterol drug Zocor (no increase).

The increase in drug prices in 2007 continues a long-standing trend, said AARP, which noted that price increases have been slightly larger since the Medicare drug benefit took effect Jan. 1, 2006, the AP reported. In the four years before the drug benefit was launched, wholesale drug prices increased between 5.3 percent and 6.6 percent a year, according to AARP figures.

There were loud complaints about high drug prices at the time that Congress approved the Medicare drug benefit, but that outrage has since eased, perhaps because the federal government now pays for much of the cost of Medicare beneficiaries' drugs, the news service said.

"Unfortunately, many manufacturers have taken the absence of an outcry as a green light to go ahead and raise prices even more," said John Rother, AARP's policy director, the AP reported.

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Many Americans Have Trouble Paying For Drugs: Survey

Many Americans say that they have trouble paying for drugs or that they skip prescriptions or cut pills because of the costs, according to a survey released Tuesday by USA Today, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health.

The national telephone survey of 1,695 found that 40 percent of Americans (and half of those who regularly take at least one medication) reported at least one of three cost-related concerns in their family: 16 percent said they have a "serious" problem paying for prescription drugs; 29 percent said they haven't filled a prescription in the past two years because of the cost; and 23 percent said they've cut pills in half or skipped doses in order to make medications last longer.

These types of issues were most common among people who lack drug coverage (52 percent), have low incomes (54 percent), and those who take at least four drugs regularly (59 percent).

Almost 80 percent of respondents said the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable, 70 percent said drug companies are too concerned with profits and not concerned enough about helping people, and 64 percent said there's not enough government regulation of drug prices. Almost 60 percent said insurers should only pay for new drugs if they're proven to be not just safe, but also more effective than existing drugs.

The survey also found that about half of respondents said they take a prescription drug daily, and 20 percent said they take at least four prescription drugs regularly.

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Aunt Jemima Pancake and Waffle Mixes Recalled

Potential salmonella contamination has prompted the recall of some batches of Aunt Jemima pancake and waffle mixes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems. In healthy people, salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products, made by the Quaker Oats Co.

The recall includes 2- and 5-pound boxes of pancake and waffle mix with Best Before dates of FEB 08 09 H through FEB 16 09 H stamped on the top, and with the following UPC codes:

• 30000 43272: Aunt Jemima Buttermilk Complete, 5 lb.
• 30000 05040: Aunt Jemima Original, 2 lb.
• 30000 05070: Aunt Jemima Original Complete, 2 lb.
• 30000 05300: Aunt Jemima Buttermilk Compete, 2 lb.

Consumers with these products should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, phone Quaker at 1-800-407-2247.

Health Tips for March 6

Health Tip: Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attacks cause sudden, severe and sometimes paralyzing fear, often for no apparent reason.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these common symptoms of an anxiety attack:

* Feeling shortness of breath or a choking feeling.
* Tightness or pain in the chest, and rapid or pounding heart.
* Rapid pulse.
* Dizziness, nausea, sweating and lightheadedness.
* Shaking or trembling.
* Hot flashes, chills or feelings of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
* Feelings of a dream-like state, losing control or going crazy.

Health Tip: Choose the Right Backpack

Children can suffer bruises, muscle stiffness and strains from backpacks that are too heavy or are worn improperly.

The U.S. National Safety Council makes these recommendations when selecting a backpack for your child:

* Choose a backpack designed for safety and comfort, with padding in the back and shoulders.
* A backpack should have belts that strap around the hips and chest for extra support.
* Look for pockets and compartments inside the backpack to more evenly distribute the weight across the back.
* Look for a backpack with straps on the sides or bottom to compress the contents, so that items are as close to the back as possible
* Look for a backpack with reflective stripes for increased visibility at night.

Health Headlines - March 5

Many Americans Have Trouble Paying For Drugs: Survey

Many Americans say that they have trouble paying for drugs or that they skip prescriptions or cut pills because of the costs, according to a survey released Tuesday by USA Today, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health.

The national telephone survey of 1,695 found that 40 percent of Americans (and half of those who regularly take at least one medication) reported at least one of three cost-related concerns in their family: 16 percent said they have a "serious" problem paying for prescription drugs; 29 percent said they haven't filled a prescription in the past two years because of the cost; and 23 percent said they've cut pills in half or skipped doses in order to make medications last longer.

These types of issues were most common among people who lack drug coverage (52 percent), have low incomes (54 percent), and those who take at least four drugs regularly (59 percent).

Almost 80 percent of respondents said the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable, 70 percent said drug companies are too concerned with profits and not concerned enough about helping people, and 64 percent said there's not enough government regulation of drug prices. Almost 60 percent said insurers should only pay for new drugs if they're proven to be not just safe, but also more effective than existing drugs.

The survey also found that about half of respondents said they take a prescription drug daily, and 20 percent said they take at least four prescription drugs regularly.

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Herbal Supplement Firm Settles False Advertising Suit

An herbal supplement company that once advertised that its product could combat colds has agreed to pay $23.3 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging false advertising, CNN reported Tuesday.

Airborne Health Inc. and two other defendants have admitted no wrongdoing but have agreed to settle the suit filed in U.S. District Court in California, CNN said. The network quoted the non-profit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CPSI) as saying the company would issue refunds to consumers who bought the Airborne products, and the firm would also take out ads in major publications instructing users on how they could get their money back.

"There's no credible evidence that what's in Airborne can prevent colds or protect you from a germy environment," said a senior nutritionist for CPSI, which is among those that sued Airborne for deceptive advertising.

Airborne was first sued in March 2006, following a report by ABC News that the company's clinical trials were conducted by laypeople, not by scientific or medical experts. CPSI joined the suit later that year.

Airborne changed its ads after the suit was filed, dropping claims that the product cured colds but touting new claims that it helped the body's immune system, CNN said.

A hearing to consider the settlement is set for June 16.

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Oregon Holding Health Insurance Lottery

Health insurance is the prize in an Oregon lottery for people who aren't poor enough for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance. Since registration opened in January, more than 80,000 people have signed up for the lottery, which begins drawing names this week, the Associated Press reported.

There will be only a few thousand winners, who'll be eligible for a standard benefit program offered by the state. For little or no cost, enrollees will get coverage for the most basic health services, medications, hospital and vision services and some dental services.

It could take a few months for all the winners to be chosen in series of lottery draws, the AP reported.

The large response to the lottery underscores the health insurance problem in Oregon, say advocates for the uninsured. About 600,000 people in the state don't have health insurance, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services.

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Protein Discovery May Help Lead to HIV Vaccine

A new finding about the key role a protein called FOX03a plays in fighting HIV infection may help in the development of a vaccine against the virus, say American and Canadian researchers.

They found that FOX03a can be manipulated to limit the deterioration of T-cells and central memory cells, both of which are targeted by HIV and play a critical role in fighting the spread of infection, CBC News reported.

The study, published online in the journal Nature Medicine, included HIV-infected men.

"This is the first study to examine, in people rather than animals, what shields the body's immune system from infection and to pinpoint the fundamental role of FOX03a in defending the body," study co-author Elias Haddad, a researcher at the University of Montreal, said in a prepared statement.

Haddad and colleagues said findings could help in the creation of a vaccine against HIV, and may also prove useful in combating other viral diseases that weaken the immune system, such as arthritis, hepatitis C and cancer, CBC News reported.

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Spirometry Screening for COPD Not Recommended for All Adults

Spirometry should not be used to screen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults with no symptoms, says a new recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Spirometry is the most common method of screening for COPD, a lung disease in which the airways are damaged, making it hard to breathe. In spirometry, patients breathe into a tube attached to a spirometer machine that calculates the amount of air the lungs can hold and the rate that air can be inhaled and exhaled.

But the task force concluded that the benefits of spirometry screening in adults with no COPD symptoms were small. About 400 adults, ages 60 to 69, would have to be screened in order to identify one patient who may later develop COPD symptoms severe enough to require immediate medical care.

The task force also said spirometry can substantially over-diagnose people over the age of 70 who have never smoked (a major COPD risk factor) and can produce some false-positives in younger adults.

The recommendation was published online in the Annals of Internal Medicine and will be published in the April 1 print issue of the journal.

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Hepatitis Outbreak May Be 'Tip of Iceberg' at U.S. Clinics

The director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Julie Gerberding, said a hepatitis C outbreak traced to a Nevada endoscopy clinic may be "the tip of an iceberg" of safety issues at clinics across the country, the Associated Press reported.

Last Friday, Las Vegas officials closed down the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada after it was determined that six patients contracted hepatitis C due to unsafe practices, such as the re-use of syringes and vials. State health officials are now trying to contact about 40,000 patients who received anesthesia by injection at the clinic to tell them they should get tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV.

Gerberding met Monday with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., to discuss the issue. During a media conference call after their meeting, Reid and Gerberding strongly condemned practices at the clinic, the AP reported.

"This is the largest number of patients that have ever been contacted for a blood exposure in a health-care setting. But unfortunately we have seen other large-scale situations where similar practices have led to patient exposures," Gerberding said during the conference call.

"Our concern is that this could represent the tip of an iceberg and we need to be much more aggressive about alerting clinicians about how improper this practice is," she said, "but also continuing to invest in our ability to detect these needles in a haystack at the state level so we recognize when there has been a bad practice and patients can be alerted and tested."

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Scientists ID Proteins Linked to Stomach Expansion While Eating

A potential new method of treating obesity by preventing the stomach from expanding while a person eats has been identified by researchers at University College London in Great Britain.

The scientists pinpointed two cell proteins -- P2Y1 and P2Y11 -- that relax the stomach so it can enlarge to make room for food, BBC News reported. It may be possible to develop a drug that blocks this stomach relaxation, thus reducing a person's ability and desire to eat too much, the researchers said.

The study is published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

The "resting" internal volume of the stomach is 75 milliliters, but relaxation of its muscular wall can increase the volume to 2 or more liters, BBC News reported.

Currently, two surgical procedures -- stomach stapling and gastric banding -- are used to reduce the stomach's maximum volume in order to treat obesity.

Health Tips for March 5

Health Tip: When Caregiving Becomes Too Stressful

Caring for a loved one who needs extensive help can be physically and emotionally draining. To continue providing loving care, it's important to monitor your own well-being, too.

Here are some warning signs of caregiver stress, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Feeling unusually angry or resentful toward the person you care for, yourself or your family.
* Withdrawing from social activities.
* Anxiety.
* Sleeping too much or having difficulty sleeping.
* Feeling irritable.
* Being sick frequently.

Health Tip: End-of-Life Planning

Caregivers assume a host of vital responsibilities, but an easily neglected or often-avoided task is end-of-life planning.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Be sure that your loved one makes advance directives, including instructions on what kinds of medical services he or she wants (or doesn't want) if unable to communicate.
* Talk to your loved one about receiving hospice care, which can help provide comfort as a disease or condition progresses.
* Be sure the person's finances are in order. Review the will, life insurance policy, and other legal documents with an attorney.
* Make funeral arrangements, according to your loved one's wishes.

Health Headlines - March 4

Black Tea May Help Fight Diabetes

Certain ingredients in black tea could act as an insulin substitute and might help prevent type 2 diabetes, according to a study by researchers at Dundee University in Scotland.

They found that several components of black tea -- called theaflavins and thearubigins -- mimic the action of insulin, BBC News reported. Diabetes develops when the body fails to make enough insulin or use it properly.

"What we have found is that these constituents can mimic insulin action on proteins known as foxos," said team leader Dr. Graham Rena. "Foxos have previously been shown to underlie associations between diet and health in a wide variety of organisms including mice, worms and fruit flies."

Rena said the next step is to determine whether there's a way to translate these findings into something that could benefit humans, BBC News reported.

"People shouldn't be rushing to drink masses of black tea thinking it will cure them of diabetes. We are still some way from this leading to new treatments or dietary advice," he said. "Our research into tea compounds is at a preclinical, experimental stage and people with diabetes should continue to take their medication as directed by their doctor."

The study was published in the journal Aging Cell.

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Scientists ID Proteins Linked to Stomach Expansion While Eating

A potential new method of treating obesity by preventing the stomach from expanding while a person eats has been identified by researchers at University College London in Great Britain.

The scientists pinpointed two cell proteins -- P2Y1 and P2Y11 -- that relax the stomach so it can enlarge to make room for food, BBC News reported. It may be possible to develop a drug that blocks this stomach relaxation, thus reducing a person's ability and desire to eat too much, the researchers said.

The study is published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

The "resting" internal volume of the stomach is 75 milliliters, but relaxation of its muscular wall can increase the volume to 2 or more liters, BBC News reported.

Currently, two surgical procedures -- stomach stapling and gastric banding -- are used to reduce the stomach's maximum volume in order to treat obesity.

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Frog's Skin Secretions May Lead to New Diabetes Treatment

A compound -- pseudin 2 -- secreted in the skin of a South American frog stimulates insulin release, and a synthetic version of this compound could be used to develop new drugs to treat type 2 diabetes, according to research presented at the Diabetes UK annual conference.

Scientists from the University of Ulster and United Arab Emirates University found that a synthetic version of pseudin 2 stimulated secretion of insulin in pancreatic cells in the laboratory and caused no toxic side effects, BBC News reported.

The researchers said the synthetic version was better than natural pseudin 2, which is found on the skin of the "shrinking" frog, which grows to 27 cm (10.6 inches) as a tadpole, but then shrinks to 4 cm (1.6 inches) as a mature frog. Psedin 2 protects the frogs from infection.

There's a growing body of research around nature-based treatments for diabetes. For example, a recently developed drug called exenatide was developed from a hormone in the saliva of the Gila monster, a lizard that lives in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, BBC News reported.

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Low-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Boosts Energy: Study

A University of Georgia study found that low-intensity aerobic exercise can boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.

The study included 36 healthy, but sedentary, young people who reported persistent fatigue but hadn't been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, CBC News reported.

One group of volunteers did low-intensity aerobic exercise for 20 minutes three times a week for six weeks. Their energy levels increased by 20 percent and their fatigue levels decreased by 65 percent.

Another group that did moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for the same amount of time also experienced a 20 percent boost in energy levels but only a 49 percent drop in fatigue, CBC News reported.

"It could be that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is too much for people who are already fatigued," study co-author Patrick O'Connor, co-director of the UGA Exercise Physiology Laboratory, said in a prepared statement. "And that might contribute to them not getting as great an improvement as they would have had they done the low-intensity exercise."

The findings are published in the February issue of the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.

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U.S. Disposes of Last of Its Original Smallpox Vaccine

America's oldest smallpox vaccine is no more.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced late last week that it had arranged for the elimination of the last of its 12 million doses of Dryvax, the vaccine that was largely responsible for eliminating the worldwide scourge of a disease that killed millions of people in the 1700s and 1800s.

The Associated Press reported that Dryvax, developed by the pharmaceutical company Wyeth in the late 1800s, was actually used quite recently -- in 2003 -- to help stem an outbreak of monkey pox in the United States. The last case of human smallpox was reported in Somalia in 1977.

No one in the United States gets smallpox vaccinations anymore, but because of concern about biological terrorism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved replacing Dryvax with more than 200 million doses of a vaccine known as ACAM2000, made by Acambis Inc. of Cambridge, England, the wire service reported.

Despite its effectiveness, Dryvax had its problems, the AP reported, with evidence of heart attacks and heart inflammation in some cases.

But overall, the vaccine's importance can't be overlooked, Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of Vanderbilt University's department of preventive medicine, told the wire service. He called it a "historical moment, because it's our oldest vaccine."

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Solution Offered for U.K. Binge Drinking: Smaller Bottles of Wine

A recent report of binge drinking among wine aficionados in some of the more affluent British circles has prompted a rather simple solution: offer wine in half bottles.

BBC News reported that Trish Groves, the deputy editor of the British Medical Journal, made the suggestion because people in the United Kingdom have little choice when buying wine. The amount of wine in a standard bottle is 750 milliliters, about 1.6 pints.

"It's no wonder Britain's middle classes are getting wasted," BBC News quoted Groves as saying. "It's all too tempting to finish the bottle there and then to avoid waste."

Using her own experiences, Grove said that her local wine store was typical of the problem throughout the United Kingdom -- almost all wine is sold in full bottles.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association was receptive to the idea, BBC News said. "As an industry, we're always keen to provide our consumers with a range of options to choose from," a spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Health Tips for March 4

Health Tip: Safe Snow Shoveling

Along with winter weather comes the possibility of shoveling heavy snow.

Here are some snow shoveling suggestions, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

* People who have had a heart attack, or who have been diagnosed with heart problems, shouldn't shovel snow without a doctor's permission.
* People who rarely get physical activity should be especially careful.
* Snow shoveling is exercise -- warm up, stretch out, cool down and don't strain yourself too much. Stop immediately if you feel pain in your chest, or you're getting out of breath.
* Avoid eating a big meal or smoking right before shoveling.
* Be extra careful with wet snow that has been on the ground for a while. Try to shovel when it has just fallen and is likely to be more light and powdery.
* Push the snow instead of lifting and carrying it. When you do have to lift the shovel, lift with your legs instead of your back.

Health Tip: Dental Care for Your Youngster

Dental care for your child should begin even before the first tooth emerges, the Nemours Foundation says.

Use a damp washcloth and run it over the child's gums to ward off harmful germs.

Once the teeth start coming in, use a child's toothbrush, but without toothpaste. At about age 2 or 3, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is OK, as long as you're there to supervise. Make sure the child spits the toothpaste out and doesn't swallow it.

Toddlers should see a dentist by their first birthday, experts recommend.

Health Headlines - March 3

U.S. Disposes of Last of Its Original Smallpox Vaccine

America's oldest smallpox vaccine is no more.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced late last week that it had arranged for the elimination of the last of its 12 million doses of Dryvax, the vaccine that was largely responsible for eliminating the worldwide scourge of a disease that killed millions of people in the 1700s and 1800s.

The Associated Press reports that Dryvax, developed by the pharmaceutical company Wyeth in the late 1800s, was actually used quite recently -- in 2003 -- to help stem an outbreak of monkey pox in the United States. The last case of human smallpox was reported in Somalia in 1977.

No one in the United States gets smallpox vaccinations anymore, but because of concern about biological terrorism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved replacing Dryvax with more than 200 million doses of a vaccine known as ACAM2000, made by Acambis Inc. of Cambridge, England, the wire service reports.

Despite its effectiveness, Dryvax had its problems, the AP reports, with evidence of heart attacks and heart inflammation in some cases.

But overall, the vaccine's importance can't be overlooked, Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of Vanderbilt University's department of preventive medicine, told the wire service. He called it a "historical moment, because it's our oldest vaccine."

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Solution Offered for U.K. Binge Drinking: Smaller Bottles of Wine

A recent report of binge drinking among wine aficionados in some of the more affluent British circles has prompted a rather simple solution: offer wine in half bottles.

BBC News reports that Trish Groves, the deputy editor of the British Medical Journal, made the suggestion because people in the United Kingdom have little choice when buying wine. The amount of wine in a standard bottle is 750 milliliters, about 1.6 pints.

"It's no wonder Britain's middle classes are getting wasted," BBC News quotes Groves as saying. "It's all too tempting to finish the bottle there and then to avoid waste," she told the BBC.

Using her own experiences, Grove, said that her local wine store was typical of the problem throughout the United Kingdom - almost all wine is sold in full bottles.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association was receptive to the idea, BBC News said. "As an industry, we're always keen to provide our consumers with a range of options to choose from," a spokesperson is quoted as saying.

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Pills Reported Found in Recalled Frozen Fish

Gorton's frozen fish sold in 10 states is being recalled after unidentified pills were found in the product by a Pennsylvania family, the Associated Press reported.

The company ordered the precautionary recall of about 1,000 cases of the fish, as a laboratory worked to identify the pills. Results of the tests are expected early next week. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pennsylvania authorities, and the company are investigating the incident.

A New Freedom, Pa., woman said she had bitten into one of the pills and her 9-year-old daughter found another pill in the fish, the wire service said. Neither got sick, and both were checked out at a local hospital. The pills were described as beige and about the size of an aspirin.

The recall affects Gorton's 6 Crispy Battered Fish Fillets in 11.4-ounce packages. The UPC code is 44400157770, with a date code of 7289G1 and a best-if-used-by date of April 2009.

In addition to Pennsylvania, the fish also was distributed in: Alabama, Delaware, California, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

For more information, contact Gorton's at 800-896-9479.

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FDA: Inhaler Capsules Mistakenly Being Swallowed

Some consumers prescribed respiratory inhalers that include capsules full of medicine are mistakenly swallowing the capsules instead of inhaling the contents, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned.

The Spiriva HandiHaler and the Foradil Aerolizer are prescribed to people with asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases, the Associated Press reported. The FDA said it has received several reports of people swallowing the capsules, which will do nothing to assist breathing. The only proper way to use the capsules is to inhale the contents with the inhalers.

The FDA "indicated that not many of the patients who swallowed the capsules reported side effects," the AP reported.

The Spiriva product is produced and co-marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer; the Foradil inhaler is made by Novartis and marketed in the United States by Schering-Plough.

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Wyeth's New Antidepressant Gets FDA OK

Drug maker Wyeth has received U.S. government approval to replace its successful antidepressant Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride), which is facing patent expiration within the next two years with a different drug that the company says has some added advantages.

The New York Times reports that Wyeth received approval Feb. 29 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market Pristiq (desvenlafaxine succinate). Effexor XR's patent expires in 2010.

Wyeth maintains that Pristiq has some new features, the Times reports. First, patients will be able to begin treatment at the therapeutic dose level of 50 milligrams (mg). Usually, a patient starting out on an antidepressant has to take a lower dose for a few weeks before working up to the therapeutic dose.

Second, the drug doesn't have to be broken down by the liver, as its predecessor does, the newspaper reports. This eliminates problems of drug interactions, the Times quotes a Wyeth spokesperson as saying.

Effexor XR's 2007 sales were $3.8 billion, the newspaper said.

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Walker's Four Bean Salad Recalled

Potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum bacteria has prompted a recall of 16-oz., 5-lb., and 10-lb. containers of Four Bean Salad made by Walker's Food Products Company of North Kansas City, Mo., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday.

This kind of bacteria can cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal kind of food poisoning. Symptoms include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension and constipation. Anyone with such symptoms should seek immediate medical help, the FDA said.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled Four Bean Salad, which was sent to distributors in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa for sale to retail stores and restaurants. The 16-oz. containers were packaged under the Kay's Gourmet brand name, while the 5-lb. and 10-lb. containers were packaged under the Walker's Food Products Co. brand name.

The recall includes salad with expiration dates 12/23/07 through 04/5/08. The expiration dates are stamped on the bottom of the round clear plastic containers.

Anyone who bought the recalled salad should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call Walker's Food Products at 1-800-725-2372.

Health Tips for March 3

Health Tip: Low-Sodium Meals

Sodium (salt) is a contributing factor to high blood pressure, and too much in one's diet can be dangerous, especially for those with heart disease.

Here are suggestions on how to prepare meals with less sodium, courtesy of the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:

* Avoid adding extra salt to your food when you eat it.
* Reduce the amount of salt that you use when you cook. Use fresh herbs instead.
* Don't salt the water used to boil rice or pasta.
* Avoid using packets of sauce or seasoning. They are usually high in sodium.
* Use fresh foods and ingredients when you can. Prepackaged or processed foods often contain a lot of sodium.

Health Tip: Get Plenty of Potassium

Potassium is a dietary mineral that's vital to the body and healthy cell function. A big drop in the body's potassium levels can be life-threatening, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.

The agency lists common symptoms of potassium deficiency:

* An abnormal heart rhythm (particularly in people with heart conditions).
* Constipation.
* Fatigue.
* Weakness in the muscles, or muscle spasms.
* Paralysis, including paralysis of the lungs.

Health Headlines - March 2

Pills Reported Found in Recalled Frozen Fish

Gorton's frozen fish sold in 10 states is being recalled after unidentified pills were found in the product by a Pennsylvania family, the Associated Press reported.

The company ordered the precautionary recall of about 1,000 cases of the fish, as a laboratory worked to identify the pills. Results of the tests are expected early next week. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pennsylvania authorities, and the company are investigating the incident.

A New Freedom, Pa., woman said she had bitten into one of the pills and her 9-year-old daughter found another pill in the fish, the wire service said. Neither person got sick, and both were checked out at a local hospital. The pills were described as beige and about the size of an aspirin.

The recall affects Gorton's 6 Crispy Battered Fish Fillets in 11.4-ounce packages. The UPC code is 44400157770, with a date code of 7289G1 and a best-if-used-by date of April 2009.

In addition to Pennsylvania, the fish also was distributed in: Alabama, Delaware, California, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

For more information, contact Gorton's at 800-896-9479.

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FDA: Inhaler Capsules Mistakenly Being Swallowed

Some consumers prescribed respiratory inhalers that include capsules full of medicine are mistakenly swallowing the capsules instead of inhaling the contents, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned.

The Spiriva HandiHaler and the Foradil Aerolizer are prescribed to people with asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases, the Associated Press reported. The FDA said it has received several reports of people swallowing the capsules, which will do nothing to assist breathing. The only proper way to use the capsules is to inhale the contents with the inhalers.

The FDA "indicated that not many of the patients who swallowed the capsules reported side effects," the AP reported.

The Spiriva product is produced and co-marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer; the Foradil inhaler is made by Novartis and marketed in the United States by Schering-Plough.

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Wyeth's New Antidepressant Gets FDA OK

Drug maker Wyeth has received U.S. government approval to replace its successful antidepressant Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride), which is facing patent expiration within the next two years with a different drug that the company says has some added advantages.

The New York Times reports that Wyeth received approval Feb. 29 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market Pristiq (desvenlafaxine succinate). Effexor XR's patent expires in 2010.

Wyeth maintains that Pristiq has some new features, the Times reports. First, patients will be able to begin treatment at the therapeutic dose level of 50 milligrams (mg). Usually, a patient starting out on an antidepressant has to take a lower dose for a few weeks before working up to the therapeutic dose.

Second, the drug doesn't have to be broken down by the liver, as its predecessor does, the newspaper reports. This eliminates problems of drug interactions, the Times quotes a Wyeth spokesperson as saying.

Effexor XR's 2007 sales were $3.8 billion, the newspaper said.

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Walker's Four Bean Salad Recalled

Potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum bacteria has prompted a recall of 16-oz., 5-lb., and 10-lb. containers of Four Bean Salad made by Walker's Food Products Company of North Kansas City, Mo., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday.

This kind of bacteria can cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal kind of food poisoning. Symptoms include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension and constipation. Anyone with such symptoms should seek immediate medical help, the FDA said.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled Four Bean Salad, which was sent to distributors in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa for sale to retail stores and restaurants. The 16-oz. containers were packaged under the Kay's Gourmet brand name, while the 5-lb. and 10-lb. containers were packaged under the Walker's Food Products Co. brand name.

The recall includes salad with expiration dates 12/23/07 through 04/5/08. The expiration dates are stamped on the bottom of the round clear plastic containers.

Anyone who bought the recalled salad should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call Walker's Food Products at 1-800-725-2372.

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Scientists Identify Gene That Blocks HIV

American and Canadian researchers have identified a human gene called TRIM22 that can block HIV infection by preventing certain forms of the virus from replicating, CBC News reported.

In laboratory tests, the scientists found that cells in which TRIM22 was switched off couldn't defend themselves against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

"This means that TRIM22 is an essential part of our body's ability to fight off HIV," Dr. Stephen Barr, a researcher in the department of medical microbiology and immunology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, said in a prepared statement.

The study was published in the Public Library of Science journal Pathogens. Previous research had found that other genes in the TRIM family could prevent certain forms of HIV viruses from replicating, CBC News reported.

Barr and his colleagues are now investigating how TRIM22 can be switched on in people who can't defend themselves against HIV.

"We hope that our research will lead to the design of new drugs and/or vaccines that can halt the person-to-person transmission of HIV and the spread of the virus in the body, thereby blocking the onset of AIDS," said Barr, who added that this type of achievement could take decades.

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Alcohol Doesn't Erase Bad Memories

Alcohol doesn't help drown a person's sorrows, it actually makes bad memories linger, say researchers at the University of Tokyo in Japan.

After conducting tests on rats, the researchers concluded that ethanol -- an intoxicating agent in alcohol -- locks memories in place, Agence France-Presse reported.

The rats in the study were shocked in their cages and then injected with either ethanol or saline. Afterwards, the rats would immediately curl up in fear when put in their cages. This fear response lasted longer (an average of two weeks) in the rats that were injected with ethanol. The findings were published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

"If we apply this study to humans, the memories they are trying to get rid of will remain strongly, even if they drink alcohol to try to forget an event they dislike and be in a merry mood for the moment," the study authors wrote. "The following day, they won't remember the merriness they felt."

Team leader and pharmacology professor Norio Matsuki said it's best to "overwrite" a negative memory with positive memory at an early stage and avoid drinking alcohol, AFP reported.

Health Tips for March 2

Health Tip: A Word About Warts

A wart is a common but unsightly growth that can occur just about anywhere on the skin, on the genitals, or inside the mouth.

Here is more information about warts, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Warts are caused by a virus.
* Some people seem to have more resistance to the virus, and are less likely to get warts. Others are more susceptible, and may get them frequently.
* Warts on the skin can be passed from person to person -- from skin-to-skin contact, or from using the same towels or other objects that have touched the wart.
* Genital warts are highly contagious, and may be passed from person to person when obvious symptoms aren't necessarily present.
* If treatment is needed, options may include removal or medication designed to shrink the wart.

Health Tip: Before a Wart is Removed

Before your doctor removes a wart, often by a freezing process called cryosurgery, there are things you can do to prepare for the procedure.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions:

* For two weeks, thoroughly clean the wart with soap and water each night. Once it is dry, apply a salicylic acid gel to the wart.
* Once the gel has been applied, cover the wart with a salicylic acid pad. Be sure the pad is large enough to cover the wart completely.
* Keep the pad on the wart for 24 hours. Repeat this process once daily until the removal procedure.
* If the wart becomes red and sore, discontinue using the gel and see your doctor.

Health Headlines - March 1

Walker's Four Bean Salad Recalled

Potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum bacteria has prompted a recall of 16-oz., 5-lb., and 10-lb. containers of Four Bean Salad made by Walker's Food Products Company of North Kansas City, Mo., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday.

This kind of bacteria can cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal kind of food poisoning. Symptoms include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension and constipation. Anyone with such symptoms should seek immediate medical help, the FDA said.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled Four Bean Salad, which was sent to distributors in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa for sale to retail stores and restaurants. The 16-oz. containers were packaged under the Kay's Gourmet brand name, while the 5-lb. and 10-lb. containers were packaged under the Walker's Food Products Co. brand name.

The recall includes salad with expiration dates 12/23/07 through 04/5/08. The expiration dates are stamped on the bottom of the round clear plastic containers.

Anyone who bought the recalled salad should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, call Walker's Food Products at 1-800-725-2372.

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Scientists Identify Gene That Blocks HIV

American and Canadian researchers have identified a human gene called TRIM22 that can block HIV infection by preventing certain forms of the virus from replicating, CBC News reported.

In laboratory tests, the scientists found that cells in which TRIM22 was switched off couldn't defend themselves against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

"This means that TRIM22 is an essential part of our body's ability to fight off HIV," Dr. Stephen Barr, a researcher in the department of medical microbiology and immunology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, said in a prepared statement.

The study was published in the Public Library of Science journal Pathogens. Previous research had found that other genes in the TRIM family could prevent certain forms of HIV viruses from replicating, CBC News reported.

Barr and his colleagues are now investigating how TRIM22 can be switched on in people who can't defend themselves against HIV.

"We hope that our research will lead to the design of new drugs and/or vaccines that can halt the person-to-person transmission of HIV and the spread of the virus in the body, thereby blocking the onset of AIDS," said Barr, who added that this type of achievement could take decades.

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Home-Based HIV Treatment Slashes Death Rates: African Study

Antitretroviral drug treatment of African HIV patients in their own homes instead of in a clinic slashed death rates by more than 90 percent, says a study of more than 1,000 HIV patients in rural communities in Uganda.

This home-based approach to treatment also reduced the number of deaths of young children within the families of the HIV patients, showing that good care of HIV-positive parents improves their ability to look after their children, BBC News reported.

The study, by a team from the Centers for Disease Control in Kenya, was published in The Lancet.

Antiretroviral drugs prolong the lives of HIV-infected people and these drugs are increasingly available in Africa. However, there are few clinics in poor areas of Africa, which makes it difficult to establish treatment programs, which rely on regular testing and medication adherence, BBC News reported.

This study shows that a home-based treatment approach could help address that problem, said Dr. Ade Fakoya, an adviser to the International HIV/AIDS Alliance.

"Getting HIV treatment to people who live in rural areas is difficult, and this could have an impact. This is affordable and could be carried out on a larger scale," Fakoya told BBC news.

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Alcohol Doesn't Erase Bad Memories

Alcohol doesn't help drown a person's sorrows, it actually makes bad memories linger, say researchers at the University of Tokyo in Japan.

After conducting tests on rats, the researchers concluded that ethanol -- an intoxicating agent in alcohol -- locks memories in place, Agence France-Presse reported.

The rats in the study were shocked in their cages and then injected with either ethanol or saline. Afterwards, the rats would immediately curl up in fear when put in their cages. This fear response lasted longer (an average of two weeks) in the rats that were injected with ethanol. The findings were published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

"If we apply this study to humans, the memories they are trying to get rid of will remain strongly, even if they drink alcohol to try to forget an event they dislike and be in a merry mood for the moment," the study authors wrote. "The following day, they won't remember the merriness they felt."

Team leader and pharmacology professor Norio Matsuki said it's best to "overwrite" a negative memory with positive memory at an early stage and avoid drinking alcohol, AFP reported.

Many U.S. Adults Don't Get Enough Rest or Sleep

Only 29.6 percent of adults in four states (Delaware, Hawaii, New York and Rhode Island) reported no days of insufficient rest or sleep in the past 30 days, and 10.1 percent reported insufficient rest or sleep every day during the past month, according to a study that analyzed 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor data collected in those states.

The study also found that 24.8 percent of adults unable to work were more likely to have insufficient rest or sleep. The findings are outlined in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The article noted that 50 million to 79 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. Sleep disorders and sleep loss may be associated with mental distress, depression, anxiety, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and certain risk behaviors such as smoking, heavy drinking and physical inactivity, the article added.

More studies and data are needed to assess the prevalence and national impact of insufficient rest or sleep on adults, the article said. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

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FDA Approves Nexium for Young Children

The drug Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) has been approved for short-term treatment of children ages one to 11 years with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

The approval includes delayed-release capsule and liquid forms of the drug.

Nexium belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which decrease stomach acid production and help heal erosions in the lining of the esophagus (erosive esophagitis).

The FDA said children prescribed this drug should be monitored by their doctors for side effects, which may include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, gas, constipation, dry mouth and sleepiness.

Health Tips for March 1

Health Tip: Get More Whole Grains

Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet. They help maintain a healthy body weight and a healthy heart.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests how to include more whole grains in your diet:

* Replace refined foods, such as white bread and white rice, with whole wheat bread and brown rice.
* Use whole wheat pasta in casseroles, macaroni and cheese, and other pasta dishes.
* Snack on whole grain, low-fat chips or popcorn (without salt or butter).
* Cook with whole grain flour.
* Use whole grain cracker crumbs or bread crumbs as a breading in meatloaf.

Health Tip: Pack a Healthier Lunch

Packing a lunch made at home may seem like a good way to save money and calories, but even homemade sandwiches can contribute to a bulging waistline.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to limit calories when making sandwiches:

* Choose low-fat or fat-free lunch meats and cheeses, or stick to lean meats such as chicken or turkey. Try using veggie patties or veggie hot dogs.
* Make a sandwich or a pita stuffed with fresh vegetables, low-fat cheese, and a fat-free condiment such as mustard.
* Try using all-natural or reduced-fat peanut butter.
* Instead of chips, pack carrot sticks, celery or other crunchy veggies to go with your sandwich.
* Use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise when making chicken or tuna salad sandwiches.