Health Headlines - June 11

Virginity Pledge May Help Delay Sexual Activity

A virginity pledge may help some young people postpone the start of sexual activity, according to RAND Corp. researchers who interviewed 1,461 virgins, ages 12 to 17, in 2001 and followed up with them one and three years later.

During the initial interview, about one-fourth of participants said they had made a virginity pledge. Thirty-four percent of those who made the pledge reported having sexual intercourse within three years, compared with 42 percent of those who didn't make a virginity pledge.

The findings appear online in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

"These findings do not suggest that virginity pledges should be a substitute for comprehensive sexual education programs, or that they will work for all kinds of kids. But virginity pledges may be appropriate as one component of an overall sex education effort," lead author Steven Martino, a psychologist at RAND, said in a prepared statement. RAND is a nonprofit research organization.

"Making a pledge to remain a virgin until married may provide extra motivation to adolescents who want to delay becoming sexually active," Martino said. "The act of pledging may create some social pressure or social support that helps them to follow through with their clearly stated public intention."

It's estimated that 23 percent of female adolescents and 16 of male adolescents in the United States have made a virginity pledge, the RAND statement said.

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Incentives Offered For Use of Electronic Health Records

Twelve sites across the United States will participate in a Medicare demonstration project that will offer incentives to doctors who switch to electronic health records (EHRs), Health and Human Service Secretary Mike Leavitt announced Tuesday.

Once the five-year, $150-million project is fully implemented, as many as 1,200 small- and medium-sized primary care practices will receive incentive payments in exchange for getting rid of paper records and adopting certified EHRs. The goal is to reduce errors and improve health outcomes for patients.

Total payments under the demonstration for all five years may be up to $58,000 per physician or up to $290,000 per practice.

Communities selected to work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the EHR demonstration project include: Alabama; Delaware; Jacksonville, Fla. (multi-county); Georgia; Maine; Louisiana; Maryland/Washington, DC; Oklahoma; Pittsburgh, Pa. (multi-county); South Dakota; Virginia; Madison, Wis. (multi-county).

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Airline Passengers At No Greater Risk of Infectious Disease

Worries about being at high risk of catching the flu or other infectious diseases while traveling on airliners may be overblown, according to an Australian Transport Safety Bureau study released Tuesday.

"The risk of transmission of infection on board an aircraft is probably no greater than, and perhaps less than, other environments where large numbers of people are gathered together," according to study conclusions cited by Agence France-Presse.

Many people mistakenly believe air in passenger planes is laden with infectious germs and viruses because it's continually recycled with limited fresh air from outside, the bureau noted.

However, the study found that if an aircraft's recirculation and filtration systems are working properly, the risk of catching an infection while flying is no greater than eating in a restaurant or traveling by bus, AFP reported.

Most people who do contract an illness on a flight are seated close to a sick passenger and exposed to droplets from coughing and sneezing, rather than from contaminated re-circulated air, the study found.

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White House Offers More Money For Food and Drug Safety

A significant boost in U.S. government funding to ensure the safety of food and drug imports was proposed Monday by the Bush administration. It wants to add $275 million to the $2.4 billion budget it initially proposed for the Food and Drug Administration during the next fiscal year. That would make the 2009 FDA budget 18 percent higher than the 2008 budget, the Baltimore Sun said.

Federal officials said the extra money would help pay for basing inspectors abroad, increasing the number of inspections, and modernizing computer systems, the Sun reported.

In a conference call with reporters Monday night, FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach said the agency would be able to hire 490 more employees with the new funding.

The Bush administration has been under pressure from Democrats and a coalition of industry, consumer and medical groups to increase the FDA budget. In March, the Senate voted to give the FDA an added $375 million, the Sun reported.

Democrats have alleged that White House underfunding of the FDA was responsible for the lethal contamination of imported pet food ingredients and a widely-used blood-thinning drug.

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New HIV Infections Outpace Treatment

The number of people becoming infected with HIV is far higher than those beginning treatment with antiretroviral drugs, according to United Nations officials. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

Last year, 2.5 million people were infected with HIV, while 1 million started using antiretroviral drugs, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told world leaders on the first of several days of U.N. debate on AIDS prevention, the Associated Press reported.

"Unless greater and swifter advances are made in reaching those who need essential services, the epidemic's burden on households, communities and societies will continue to mount," Ban said.

According to U.N. figures, at least 33 million worldwide are infected with HIV and about 2.1 million people died of AIDS last year, the AP reported.

Health Tips for June 11

Health Tip: Muscle Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are common injuries that result from sports and exercise. Sprains involve a stretch or tear of a ligament, while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.

While everyone is prone to strains and sprains, here are suggestions from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons on how you can help prevent them:

* Try a conditioning program that will help strengthen muscles.
* Every day, do a few stretching exercises.
* Always wear shoes that support and fit properly.
* Always warm up before any sport or activity.
* Wear appropriate protective gear before participating in sports or exercise.
* Eat a healthy, balanced diet so that your muscles are well-nourished.

Health Tip: Wear and Tear on the Knees

Knee joints can wear as you age, or after years of high-impact exercise.

Here are ways to help minimize damage to knees, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Avoid activities that tend to damage the knees, such as running, tennis, baseball and basketball.
* Engage in low-impact activities, such as swimming, biking, golf or walking.
* Talk to your doctor about anti-inflammatory medications, or joint supplements to help preserve the knees. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be injected by your doctor.
* Physical therapy and icing the knees can help improve function.
* Protective gear such as a brace, splint or elastic bandage can help support a weakened knee.

Health Headlines - June 10

U.S. Restaurant Chains Stop Serving Some Tomatoes

McDonald's, Burger King and a number of other restaurant chains announced Monday that they were suspending the use of certain fresh tomatoes until they learn the source of a recent nationwide salmonella outbreak.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers nationwide over the weekend not to eat raw red Roma, raw red plum, and raw red round tomatoes while the agency investigates the source of 145 recent cases of "Saintpaul" salmonella in 16 states that appear linked to uncooked tomatoes, the Associated Press reported.

At least 23 people have been hospitalized since April. The FDA says it doesn't know the exact source of the salmonella outbreak. But it has said that cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes and tomatoes sold with the vine attached are believed safe to eat.

McDonald's said it stopped serving tomatoes on all of its sandwiches in the United States, while Burger King said it halted use of raw tomatoes at most of its domestic locations, except for certain restaurants in California that are serviced by growers known to be safe, the AP said.

In addition, the Chipotle Mexican Grill chain said it would stop serving its tomato salsa, and Texas Roadhouse locations and Cracker Barrel Old Country stores said they also would stop dispensing tomatoes with salads and other foods.

Regional grocer Winn-Dixie said it would remove affected tomatoes from its more than 500 stores in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi, the AP said.

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Kennedy Leaves Hospital After Brain Surgery

One week after he underwent surgery for brain cancer, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was released Monday from Duke University Medical Center and returned to his home in Hyannisport on Cape Cod, the Associated Press reported.

"It's good to be home, good to be here," the wire service quoted him as saying.

Last month, Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant glioma brain tumor after he suffered a seizure. Last Monday, he had a 3.5-hour operation to remove as much of the tumor as possible to improve the success of chemotherapy and radiation treatment that he will undergo.

About 9,000 Americans have malignant gliomas diagnosed each year, the AP said. It's among the worst types of brain cancer.

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U.S. Supreme Court Takes Third Look at Judgment Against Cigarette Maker

The U.S. Supreme Court will review a $79.5 million punitive judgment against Marlboro-maker Philip Morris for a third time, the Associated Press reported Monday.

On two previous occasions, the Supreme Court has struck down the award to the family of a Portland, Ore. man who died of lung cancer in 1997 after smoking Marlboro cigarettes since the 1950s.

But Oregon courts have repeatedly upheld the judgment against cigarette maker Philip Morris USA.

In its first decision, the Supreme Court rejected the $79.5 million judgment. In its second decision, the high court ruled that jurors may punish a defendant only for harm done to someone who is suing, not other smokers who could make similar claims.

In the upcoming review, scheduled to take place in the fall, the high court will consider whether the Oregon Supreme Court ignored the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling, but not whether the amount of the judgment is constitutionally permissible, the AP reported.

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Law Hasn't Reduced Teen Drivers' Cell Phone Use

A North Carolina ban on cell phone use while driving hasn't reduced the use of cell phones by young drivers, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In fact, there's been a slight increase in cell phone usage by drivers under 18.

Five months after the law went into effect, nearly 12 percent of teen drivers were observed using cell phones, compared to 11 percent prior to the ban, United Press International reported.

Girls were much more likely than boys to use cell phones while driving, as were teens driving alone in vehicles, compared to those driving with friends.

Lack of enforcement may be the reason why the ban appears ineffective.

"Drivers with phones to their ears aren't hard to spot, but it's nearly impossible for police officers to see hands-free devices or correctly guess how old drivers are," said study author Anne McCartt, vice president of the institute, UPI reported.

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Debt Stress May Be Affecting Health of Millions of Americans

Debt-related stress may be causing health problems for millions of Americans, suggests an Associated Press-AOL poll. An index tied to the survey showed that debt stress is 14 percent higher this year than in 2004.

Among respondents who reported high levels of debt stress:

• 51 percent had muscle tension, including, pain the lower back, compared with 31 percent of those with low levels of debt stress.
• 44 percent of high-stress respondents had migraines or other headaches, compared with 15 percent with lower debt stress.
• 29 percent suffered severe anxiety, compared with 4 percent with lower stress.
• 27 percent had ulcers or digestive tract problems, compared with 8 percent with lower stress.
• 23 percent had severe depression, compared with 4 percent with lower stress.
• 6 percent reported heart attacks, compared with 3 percent of those with lower stress.

The survey also found that people with high levels of debt stress were much more likely to have problems with concentration and sleep, and were more likely to get upset for no apparent reason, the AP reported.

Most Americans are managing their debts adequately, but as many as 10 million to 16 million are "suffering terribly due to their debts, and their health is likely to be negatively impacted," said Paul J. Lavrakas, a research psychologist and AP consultant who analyzed the survey results.

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Researchers Failed to Disclose Drug Company Funding: Report

A team of doctors who helped pioneer the use of psychiatric drugs in children are being investigated after they failed to properly disclose at least $3.2 million in funding from several drug companies.

Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital are looking into the disclosure and conflict of interest forms of Drs. Joseph Beiderman, Timothy Wilens and Thomas Spencer, who conducted research into how children are affected by psychiatric drugs, Bloomberg news reported.

The researchers filed yearly disclosure forms showing they received a total of $120,000 from several drug companies. But they admitted to receiving more after Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) sought added documentation in March.

"Obviously, if a researcher is taking money from a drug company while also receiving federal dollars to research that company's product, then there is a conflict of interest," Grassley said in a statement.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health requires researchers to disclose when they receive at least $10,000 from companies whose products are being used in studies. When researchers fail to do so, institutions can lose their federal funding, Bloomberg reported.

Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital don't allow researchers to work on a company's product if the researchers get more than $20,000 a year from the company.

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Scientists Identify Gene Linked to Enlarged Heart

A new genetic cause of enlarged heart has been identified by an international team of scientists, who said their finding could lead to new treatments.

In research with rodents and humans, the scientists found that the gene osteoglycin (Ogn) regulates the growth of the heart's left ventricle, it's main pumping chamber. When Ogn behaves abnormally, the heart can become enlarged, BBC News reported.

The study appears in the journal Nature Genetics.

It was already known that irregular heart growth can be caused by obesity, high blood pressure and strenuous exercise, but the influence of genes is largely unknown, BBC News reported.

"But, now that we are unraveling how genes control heart growth, we can gain a better understanding of common forms of heart disease. This could lead to new and more effective ways of treating people," said researcher Dr. Stuart Cook.

Health Tips for June 10

Health Tip: Prevent Mold in the Home

Mold is a tiny fungus that can grow inside the home and cause allergies and other health problems.

The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions to help keep mold out of your home:

* Keep humidity at low levels -- between 40 percent and 60 percent, and use an air conditioner or dehumidifier when it's humid outside.
* Use exhaust fans to keep areas such as kitchens and bathrooms well ventilated.
* Keep carpet out of areas where moisture may collect, such as bathrooms or basements.
* Promptly and thoroughly dry any furnishings that get wet, especially carpets or upholstered furniture.
* Fix any leaky plumbing, roofs, or walls.
* Use cleaners that kill mold.
* If you're painting, add a mold inhibitor to the paint.

Health Tip: Harmful Chemicals in Your Home

Common household products for cleaning, cooking and doing other chores can contain potentially dangerous chemicals.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists these safety tips for household products:

* Check all products for warnings before use, and always follow instructions on the label.
* When you are finished using a product, throw it away. Toss any old products that you don't need any more.
* Make sure all potentially dangerous products are stored where children cannot reach them, and in an area with good ventilation.
* Be especially careful with dangerous products such as paint strippers, or any other products that contain methylene chloride.
* Be careful with chemicals around animals.
* Pay attention to clothes that have been drycleaned. If you notice a strong chemical smell, take it back and ask that it be cleaned or dried again.

Health Headlines - June 9

Stem Cell Treatment May Have Cured Child With Rare Skin Disease

University of Minnesota doctors believe they have hit a "home run" in using stem cell therapy in a 2-year-old boy's bone marrow by curing him of a rare disease that had been described as incurable.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that doctors performed a bone marrow transplant on 2-year-old Nate Liao, who had been suffering from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a genetic condition that literally causes skin to peel off at the slightest touch.

The stem cell procedure, previously done only in laboratory animals, was successful, the newspaper reports, so successful in fact, that University of Minnesota bone marrow specialist Dr. John Wagner said, "Maybe we can take one more disorder off the incurable list. It's not often that it feels like you hit a home run in medical research, but this one feels like it."

Nate's older brother Jake, who also has the disorder, was given a bone marrow transplant late last week, and 30 patients will be part of an upcoming clinical trial to continue the research, the Star Tribune reports.

RDEB falls into the category of orphan diseases -- very rare maladies. In this case, the skin disorder affects about 10 people per million.

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Tainted Salmonella Tomatoes 'Distributed Throughout the Country,' CDC Suggests

Salmonella food poisoning from raw tomatoes has spread to 16 states, causing U.S. health officials to speculate that the outbreak might be nationwide, the Associated Press reports.

The infestation first began in Texas and New Mexico in mid-April, the wire service said. The latest statistics from those two states' health departments put the number of cases at 56 in Texas and 55 in New Mexico to raw, uncooked, tomatoes.

And an additional 50 people are suspected to have been poisoned with the Saintpaul strain of salmonella bacterium, the A.P. said, leading a spokesperson from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to tell the wire service that the rarity of that strain and the number of illnesses "suggest that implicated tomatoes are distributed throughout the country."

At least 23 people have been hospitalized but there have been no deaths among the patients who range in age between 1 and 82, CDC spokesperson Arleen Porcell told the A.P.

In addition to Texas and New Mexico, the Saintpaul salmonella infection has been reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, according to the CDC.

Consumers are warned not to buy any raw tomatoes except cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached and homegrown tomatoes, the wire service reported.

Salmonella bacteria are usually transmitted to humans when they eat food contaminated with animal feces. Symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Most people recover without treatment, but salmonella infection can cause serious health problems or death in infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

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Many Americans Stressed About Money: Survey

Three-quarters of American adults are stressed about money and worried about their financial future, according to a new survey released by the American Psychological Association.

The survey of 2,529 adults, conducted between April 7 and 15, found that more than 50 percent reported that they're experiencing stress over housing costs and 48 percent said job stability is a source of stress, United Press International reported.

In addition, 61 percent said family responsibilities are causing them stress, and 57 percent said they have health-related concerns.

"With higher prices, the rising cost of gas and constant media coverage of the state of the economy, many Americans are stressed about the state of their finances," psychologist Katherine Nordal of the APA said in a prepared statement, UPI reported.

She suggested people "analyze their priorities and figure out new ways to manage your stress, and take control of your finances. Pause but don't panic -- remain calm, stay focused and avoid getting caught up in the doom-and-gloom hype in the media."

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Cereal Recalled Due to Undeclared Tree Nuts

About 12,553 cases of Post LiveAction Mixed Berry Crunch Cereal are being recalled because some of the boxes may contain undeclared tree nuts (almonds, pecans and/or walnuts).

People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to these nuts may suffer a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the cereal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The recall includes 13-ounce boxes with the UPC code 0043000023890, which were distributed across the United States. People who allergic to tree nuts should not eat this cereal and can call Kraft Foods at 1-866-771-1511 for a full refund.

Kraft confirmed the presence of tree nuts in the cereal after it received a consumer report of an allergic reaction. The company is investigating the situation and believes it was caused by a supplier error.

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Regranex Diabetic Foot Gel Carries Cancer Death Warning

A strong "black box" warning about the risk of cancer death has been added to Johnson & Johnson's Regranex Gel, a topical cream used to treat diabetes patients with leg and foot ulcers that aren't healing.

A study found that patients who used three or more tubes of Regranex had a fivefold increased risk of cancer death, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

"In announcing this label change, FDA still cautions health care professionals to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treating patients with Regranex," Dr. Susan Walker, director of the agency's Division of Dermatological and Dental Products, said in a prepared statement. "Regranex is not recommended for patients with known malignancies."

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High-Protein, Low-Fat Dairy Diet Prevents Bone Loss

A high-protein, low-fat dairy diet can help prevent bone loss in people trying to lose weight, according to a U.S. study.

Many people lose bone mass when they lose weight and this can become an issue for middle-aged people, particularly women, said Ellen Evans, an associate professor of kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois, CBC News reported.

The study included 130 middle-aged people divided into two groups. One group ate a high-protein weight loss diet that included cheese, yogurt and low-fat milk, while the other group ate a high-carbohydrate weight loss diet. They stayed on these diets for four months of weight loss, followed by eight months of weight maintenance.

At the end of the year, the high-protein diet group had 1.2 percent higher whole body bone density, 2.1 percent higher lumbar spine bone density, and 1.4 percent higher hip bone density than the carbohydrate group, CBC News reported.

The study was published in the June issue of the Journal of Nutrition.

Health Tips for June 9

Health Tip: Kids Get Indigestion, Too

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

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

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

Health Tip: When Babies Spit Up

Spitting up, medically called reflux, is common in babies after a feeding.

It's not vomiting, and occurs when food or liquid from the baby's stomach comes back up through the esophagus. It tends to happens after they've eaten too much, or when being burped.

Here are suggestions to help reduce spitting up, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Feed your baby in an upright position.
* When bottle feeding, stop to burp the infant every three to five minutes.
* Don't lay your baby down right after a feeding.
* Try feeding less milk more often.

Health Headlines - June 8

Tainted Salmonella Tomatoes 'Distributed Throughout the Country,' CDC Suggests

Salmonella food poisoning from raw tomatoes has spread to 16 states, causing U.S. health officials to speculate that the outbreak might be nationwide, the Associated Press reports.

The infestation first began in Texas and New Mexico in mid-April, the wire service said. The latest statistics from those two states' health departments put the number of cases at 56 in Texas and 55 in New Mexico to raw, uncooked, tomatoes.

And an additional 50 people are suspected to have been poisoned with the Saintpaul strain of salmonella bacterium, the A.P. said, leading a spokesperson from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to tell the wire service that the rarity of that strain and the number of illnesses "suggest that implicated tomatoes are distributed throughout the country."

At least 23 people have been hospitalized but there have been no deaths among the patients who range in age between 1 and 82, CDC spokesperson Arleen Porcell told the A.P.

In addition to Texas and New Mexico, the Saintpaul salmonella infection has been reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, according to the CDC.

Consumers are warned not to buy any raw tomatoes except cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached and homegrown tomatoes, the wire service reported.

Salmonella bacteria are usually transmitted to humans when they eat food contaminated with animal feces. Symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Most people recover without treatment, but salmonella infection can cause serious health problems or death in infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

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Many Americans Stressed About Money: Survey

Three-quarters of American adults are stressed about money and worried about their financial future, according to a new survey released by the American Psychological Association.

The survey of 2,529 adults, conducted between April 7 and 15, found that more than 50 percent reported that they're experiencing stress over housing costs and 48 percent said job stability is a source of stress, United Press International reported.

In addition, 61 percent said family responsibilities are causing them stress, and 57 percent said they have health-related concerns.

"With higher prices, the rising cost of gas and constant media coverage of the state of the economy, many Americans are stressed about the state of their finances," psychologist Katherine Nordal of the APA said in a prepared statement, UPI reported.

She suggested people "analyze their priorities and figure out new ways to manage your stress, and take control of your finances. Pause but don't panic -- remain calm, stay focused and avoid getting caught up in the doom-and-gloom hype in the media."

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Cereal Recalled Due to Undeclared Tree Nuts

About 12,553 cases of Post LiveAction Mixed Berry Crunch Cereal are being recalled because some of the boxes may contain undeclared tree nuts (almonds, pecans and/or walnuts).

People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to these nuts may suffer a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the cereal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The recall includes 13-ounce boxes with the UPC code 0043000023890, which were distributed across the United States. People who allergic to tree nuts should not eat this cereal and can call Kraft Foods at 1-866-771-1511 for a full refund.

Kraft confirmed the presence of tree nuts in the cereal after it received a consumer report of an allergic reaction. The company is investigating the situation and believes it was caused by a supplier error.

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Regranex Diabetic Foot Gel Carries Cancer Death Warning

A strong "black box" warning about the risk of cancer death has been added to Johnson & Johnson's Regranex Gel, a topical cream used to treat diabetes patients with leg and foot ulcers that aren't healing.

A study found that patients who used three or more tubes of Regranex had a fivefold increased risk of cancer death, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

"In announcing this label change, FDA still cautions health care professionals to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treating patients with Regranex," Dr. Susan Walker, director of the agency's Division of Dermatological and Dental Products, said in a prepared statement. "Regranex is not recommended for patients with known malignancies."

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High-Protein, Low-Fat Dairy Diet Prevents Bone Loss

A high-protein, low-fat dairy diet can help prevent bone loss in people trying to lose weight, according to a U.S. study.

Many people lose bone mass when they lose weight and this can become an issue for middle-aged people, particularly women, said Ellen Evans, an associate professor of kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois, CBC News reported.

The study included 130 middle-aged people divided into two groups. One group ate a high-protein weight loss diet that included cheese, yogurt and low-fat milk, while the other group ate a high-carbohydrate weight loss diet. They stayed on these diets for four months of weight loss, followed by eight months of weight maintenance.

At the end of the year, the high-protein diet group had 1.2 percent higher whole body bone density, 2.1 percent higher lumbar spine bone density, and 1.4 percent higher hip bone density than the carbohydrate group, CBC News reported.

The study was published in the June issue of the Journal of Nutrition.

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College Teens Less Likely to Have Risky Sex

American teens who attend college are less likely to have risky sex than teens who aren't in college, say researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle.

They found that teen college students were more likely to always use a condom and less likely to engage in high-risk sex than teens who weren't in college, United Press International reported.

According to the study:

• 23 percent of teen college students and 35 percent of non-college teens reported inconsistent condom use.
• 15 percent of college students and 29 percent of non-college teens engaged in casual sex.
• 5 percent of college students and 16 percent of non-college teens had high-risk sex, which included casual sex, inconsistent condom use, having sex with a man who had sex with other men, or having a sex partner who was HIV positive or was an intravenous drug user.
• 53 percent of college students and 70 percent of non-college teens engaged in sex in the previous month.

The study was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Health Tips for June 8

Health Tip: Taking a Mental Status Test

Mental status tests are given to determine the state of a person's mental health. The test, for example, can help gauge the mental progression of a physical illness such as Alzheimer's disease.

Here's what may comprise a mental status test, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* An examination of physical appearance, including dress and grooming.
* Orientation and awareness -- knowing one's own name, address, and phone, as well as the current date and season.
* Length of attention span, and short-term and long-term memory.
* Tests to determine abilities including problem solving and judgment.
* Ability to identify objects and recall words.

Health Tip: Giving Your Child Medicine

Giving medicine to your child can be a challenge, especially if it tastes bad or is difficult to swallow.

Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago offers these suggestions:

* If the medicine has an unpleasant taste, see if your pharmacist can add flavor to it, or advise on how you can do so.
* Only with your doctor or pharmacist's approval, crumble a pill into a powder and sprinkle it into foods such as applesauce or pudding. Some medications shouldn't be crushed in this way, so be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
* Have your child suck on an ice cube or Popsicle before and after taking the medicine.
* Keep the child from spitting out liquid by lightly squeezing the cheeks, putting the lips in a "fish kiss" position.

Health Headlines - June 7

Many Americans Stressed About Money: Survey

Three-quarters of American adults are stressed about money and worried about their financial future, according to a new survey released by the American Psychological Association.

The survey of 2,529 adults, conducted between April 7 and 15, found that more than 50 percent reported that they're experiencing stress over housing costs and 48 percent said job stability is a source of stress, United Press International reported.

In addition, 61 percent said family responsibilities are causing them stress, and 57 percent said they have health-related concerns.

"With higher prices, the rising cost of gas and constant media coverage of the state of the economy, many Americans are stressed about the state of their finances," psychologist Katherine Nordal of the APA said in a prepared statement, UPI reported.

She suggested people "analyze their priorities and figure out new ways to manage your stress, and take control of your finances. Pause but don't panic -- remain calm, stay focused and avoid getting caught up in the doom-and-gloom hype in the media."

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Cereal Recalled Due to Undeclared Tree Nuts

About 12,553 cases of Post LiveAction Mixed Berry Crunch Cereal are being recalled because some of the boxes may contain undeclared tree nuts (almonds, pecans and/or walnuts).

People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to these nuts may suffer a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the cereal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The recall includes 13-ounce boxes with the UPC code 0043000023890, which were distributed across the United States. People who allergic to tree nuts should not eat this cereal and can call Kraft Foods at 1-866-771-1511 for a full refund.

Kraft confirmed the presence of tree nuts in the cereal after it received a consumer report of an allergic reaction. The company is investigating the situation and believes it was caused by a supplier error.

-----

Regranex Diabetic Foot Gel Carries Cancer Death Warning

A strong "black box" warning about the risk of cancer death has been added to Johnson & Johnson's Regranex Gel, a topical cream used to treat diabetes patients with leg and foot ulcers that aren't healing.

A study found that patients who used three or more tubes of Regranex had a fivefold increased risk of cancer death, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

"In announcing this label change, FDA still cautions health care professionals to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treating patients with Regranex," Dr. Susan Walker, director of the agency's Division of Dermatological and Dental Products, said in a prepared statement. "Regranex is not recommended for patients with known malignancies."

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High-Protein, Low-Fat Dairy Diet Prevents Bone Loss

A high-protein, low-fat dairy diet can help prevent bone loss in people trying to lose weight, according to a U.S. study.

Many people lose bone mass when they lose weight and this can become an issue for middle-aged people, particularly women, said Ellen Evans, an associate professor of kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois, CBC News reported.

The study included 130 middle-aged people divided into two groups. One group ate a high-protein weight loss diet that included cheese, yogurt and low-fat milk, while the other group ate a high-carbohydrate weight loss diet. They stayed on these diets for four months of weight loss, followed by eight months of weight maintenance.

At the end of the year, the high-protein diet group had 1.2 percent higher whole body bone density, 2.1 percent higher lumbar spine bone density, and 1.4 percent higher hip bone density than the carbohydrate group, CBC News reported.

The study was published in the June issue of the Journal of Nutrition.

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College Teens Less Likely to Have Risky Sex

American teens who attend college are less likely to have risky sex than teens who aren't in college, say researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle.

They found that teen college students were more likely to always use a condom and less likely to engage in high-risk sex than teens who weren't in college, United Press International reported.

According to the study:

• 23 percent of teen college students and 35 percent of non-college teens reported inconsistent condom use.
• 15 percent of college students and 29 percent of non-college teens engaged in casual sex.
• 5 percent of college students and 16 percent of non-college teens had high-risk sex, which included casual sex, inconsistent condom use, having sex with a man who had sex with other men, or having a sex partner who was HIV positive or was an intravenous drug user.
• 53 percent of college students and 70 percent of non-college teens engaged in sex in the previous month.

The study was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

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Admiration of Celebrities May Boost Self-Esteem

Admiration of celebrities may help people with low self-esteem feel better about themselves, suggest University at Buffalo researchers.

The scientists assessed the self-esteem of hundreds of undergraduate students, who identified their favorite celebrity, then described that celebrity in an open-ended essay, United Press International reported.

Based on the results, the researchers concluded connections to celebrities (parasocial relationships) can offer people with low self-esteem benefits they don't receive in real relationships.

The researchers said parasocial relationships, which have a very low risk of rejection, provide people with low self-esteem the chance to feel closer to their ideal selves, UPI reported.

The study was published in the journal Personal Relationships.

Health Tips for June 7

Health Tip: Keep GERD Under Control

Gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when a valve in the esophagus opens spontaneously, and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. It can be controlled with a doctor's treatment plan, which is likely to include medication.

Serious complications can result if the condition is left untreated. Here's a partial list, courtesy of the U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse:

* Ulcers of the esophagus from lining damaged by stomach acid.
* Narrowing of the esophagus, which can make it difficult to swallow.
* A condition called Barrett's esophagus, in which cells in the esophageal lining take on an unusual shape and color.
* Esophageal cancer.
* Exacerbated symptoms of other conditions, including asthma, chronic cough or pulmonary fibrosis.

Health Tip: Foods That Can Aggravate Heartburn

That burning, uncomfortable feeling in the chest after a big meal, lying down or eating certain foods is known as heartburn. Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says the following foods can trigger or aggravate heartburn:

* Coffee and other products with caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol.
* Citrus fruits, onions and chocolate.
* Tomato-based foods.
* Peppermints and other mint-flavored products.
* Fattening or spicy foods.

Health Headlines - June 6

Anxiety More Important Than Looks in Teen Eating Disorders

In teens with eating disorders, anxiety plays a bigger role than dissatisfaction with appearance, says a study by Finnish researchers.

They conducted two surveys, a year apart, of 372 students, ages 15 to 17, and found that 13 percent reported eating disorders in either the first or second survey and 5 percent reported eating disorders in both surveys, United Press International reported.

The researchers also found that students who reported suffering from anxiety earlier in adolescence were 20 times more likely to report ongoing eating disorders. Teens who said they were dissatisfied with their appearance only had recurring eating disorders if they also reported anxiety earlier in adolescence.

Teens with eating disorders were more likely than those without eating disorders (70 percent vs. 40 percent) to report one or more health problems such as insomnia, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain or dizziness, UPI reported.

The study was published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

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Dental Fillings With Mercury Pose Threat to Children, Fetuses: FDA

Dental fillings that contain mercury may be harmful to children and fetuses, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a warning posted on its Web site Wednesday.

The agency agreed to post the warning as part of a lawsuit settlement reached with several consumer advocates. The FDA also agreed that by July 2009, it would issue a more specific rule for fillings that contain mercury, FOXNews reported.

"Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses," says the warning on the FDA Web site.

"Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care but should discuss options with their health practitioner," the FDA advises.

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Crib Mattresses Recalled Due to Entrapment Hazard

About 20,000 Simmons Kids Crib mattresses are being recalled because they may pose an entrapment hazard to infants. Some of the mattresses can measure smaller than the 27 1/4-inch minimum width requirement for cribs, leaving a gap between the mattress and side rails, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

There's been one report involving a six-month-old baby becoming wedged between the mattress and the crib's frame. The baby was unharmed.

The recall covers open coil mattresses made between July 1, 2006, and March 23, 2008, with the following model names: Pottery Barn Kids by Simmons Kids Lullaby; Simmons Kids Slumber Time Evening Star Luxury Firm; Simmons Kids Baby Mattress Series 400; Simmons Kids Baby Mattress 234 Coil Count.

They were sold at Pottery Barn Kids and nursery furniture stores across the United States for between $100 and $150.

Consumers should measure the width of their crib mattresses. If the mattress measures less than 27 1/4 inches wide, they should contact Simmons Kids at 1-800-810-8611 to receive a free replacement mattress.

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Race, Region Affect Patient Care in U.S.: Report

In the United States, a person's race and where they live can have a huge influence on the course and quality of medial treatment they receive, says a new study by researchers at Dartmouth College.

Their analysis of Medicare claims data identified a number of racial and geographic disparities, The New York Times reported.

"In U.S. health care, it's not only who you are that matters; it's also where you live," wrote study leader Dr. Elliott S. Fisher and colleagues.

Among their findings:

• The rate of leg amputations for blacks was about six per 1,000 in Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina, compared with less than two per 1,000 in Colorado and Nevada. The rates for whites in the southern states were about 1.3 per 1,000, double the rates for whites in the two western states.
• The mammogram rate for black women in California was 48 percent, compared to 72 percent in Massachusetts. California and Illinois had the widest racial gaps in mammogram rates -- a 12 percent difference between black and white women.
• In all but two states, blacks with diabetes were less likely than whites to receive annual hemoglobin testing. Blacks in Colorado were far less likely to receive this screening than blacks in Massachusetts -- 66 percent vs. 88 percent.
• There was wide variation in the percentage of patients who'd seen a primary care doctor within a two-year period, ranging from 65 percent in New Jersey to 86 percent in Nebraska.
• Hawaii, Utah, and Washington had far higher rates of unnecessary hospitalization than Kentucky, Louisiana, and West Virginia.

The study was commissioned by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which on Thursday is expected to announce a three-year, $300 million project to reduce racial- and geographic-related health disparities, the Times reported.

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Pesticides Increase Diabetes Risk

Exposure to pesticides increases a person's risk of diabetes, say U.S. researchers who analyzed data from 31,787 licensed pesticide applicators in North Carolina and Iowa. Of those, 1,171 reported a diagnosis of diabetes over five years.

The study found that applicators in the highest category of use (more than 100 lifetime days) of any pesticide had a 17 percent higher risk of diabetes compared to those in the lowest pesticide use category of zero to 64 lifetime days, United Press International reported.

When the researchers looked at specific pesticides, the increased risk of diabetes ranged from 20 percent to 200 percent. The study appears in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

"The results suggest that pesticides may be a contributing factor for diabetes along with known risk factors such as obesity, lack of exercise and having a family history of diabetes," study co-author Dale Sandler, of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, said in a prepared statement, UPI reported.

"Although the amount of diabetes explained by pesticides is small, these new findings may extend beyond the pesticide applicators in this study," Sandler said.

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Pop Star's Breast Cancer Boosted Screening Among Young Women

Publicity about pop star Kylie Minogue's breast cancer diagnosis in April 2005 led to a large increase in mammography and ultrasound procedures among low-risk women, says an Australian study.

In the six months following Minogue's diagnosis, mammography and ultrasound procedures increased 30 percent among women ages 25 to 44, who are considered to be at low risk for breast cancer. Breast biopsies in this age group increased 46 percent, CBC News reported.

In women ages 35 to 44, breast imaging increased 25 percent and breast biopsies increased 37 percent, the University of Melbourne study found.

There was no overall increase in rates of surgery to remove breast tumors. The study appears in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

"Raising women's awareness of the need to get screened is generally a good thing," study leader Margaret Kelaher said in a prepared statement, CBC News reported. "But these findings suggest that thousands of additional imaging procedures and biopsies did not improve breast cancer detection among young women. It appears there has been a situation where publicity has led to many low-risk women using -- and probably overusing -- screening services."

Health Tips for June 6

Health Tip: Prevent Urinary Tract Infections in Women

A urinary tract infection may have symptoms including painful and frequent urination, cloudy urine, pressure in the lower belly and fever.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions for women to help prevent these infections:

* Always urinate when you feel the urge. Don't wait too long.
* Always urinate before and after sex.
* After urinating, always wipe from front to back.
* Thoroughly clean the genitals every day.
* Avoid douching or using a feminine spray.
* Wear underwear with a cotton crotch.
* If you tend to get UTIs, talk to your doctor about what's causing them.

Health Tip: Painful Urination

Pain while urinating often indicates an infection -- usually in the urinary tract. However, it can also be caused by other conditions, and should always be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.

Here are possible causes of painful urination, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* A urinary tract infection (UTI).
* Gonorrhea or chlamydia, both of which can cause inflammation of the urethra.
* An inflamed prostate.
* Chronic inflammation of the wall of the bladder.
* Inflammation of the vagina.
* Inflammation of the vulva.

Health Headlines - June 5

FDA Data Notes Possible Link Between Suicidal Behavior and Epilepsy Drugs: Report

A group of 11 popular epilepsy drugs may be linked to suicidal behavior among users, according to an unpublished analysis from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited by a Wall Street Journal reporter in the newspaper's online "Health Blog."

Clinical data that may spur the FDA to add warnings to the medicines' labels were summarized last week to scientists meeting in Phoenix and New York City, reporter Alicia Mundy wrote in Wednesday's blog entry.

Attendees at the New York City meeting told Mundy that the FDA appeared ready to lump the drugs together as a "class," she wrote.

Mundy's entry mentioned the Pfizer drugs Lyrica and Neurontin (now generically called gabapentin), Johnson & Johnson's Topamax, Abbott Labs' Depakote, and UBC's Keppra.

The reporter cited an email from an unspecified FDA spokeswoman, who said the agency "is working on finding the most appropriate ways to convey to the public the risks of suicidality that were seen in trials."

Experts advising the FDA on the drugs are set to meet early next month, Mundy wrote.

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Cigarette Decline Outpaces Marijuana Drop Among Teens

Cigarette use among high school students fell markedly in 2007 to 20 percent from 23 percent two years earlier, a new federal report shows. But marijuana use among these teens over the same span dropped only slightly, to 19.7 percent in 2007 from 20.2 percent in 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in its 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance report.

"Efforts to curb cigarette sales to teens have been wildly successful, and it's past time that we applied those lessons to marijuana," Aaron Houston, director of government relations for the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) in Washington, D.C., said in a prepared statement.

A second analysis released this week, the 2007 Annual Synar Report on tobacco sales to youth, showed a decline in illegal tobacco sales to underage kids for the 10th straight year, the MPP statement said. In 2007, 10.5 percent of retailers violated laws against tobacco sales to minors, compared to 40.1 percent in 1997, the report found.

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Merck Won't Have to Monitor Uninjured Vioxx Users: Court

Merck & Co., maker of the now defunct painkiller Vioxx, won't have to monitor former users of the drug who aren't claiming injury, the New Jersey Supreme Court said Wednesday.

Ruling 5-1, the court dismissed a lawsuit brought by users of the painkiller, who said they didn't have current symptoms but were more prone to health problems for having used the drug, the Associated Press reported.

Late last year, Merck agreed to settle for $4.85 billion thousands of lawsuits alleging that users' cardiovascular problems were caused by Vioxx. The drug was withdrawn from the market in September 2004 after a company study found that Vioxx doubled users' risks of heart attack or stroke.

In its ruling on Wednesday, the New Jersey court said that since these users weren't claiming injury, they "cannot satisfy the definition of harm" in seeking to get Merck to pay for monitoring their conditions, the AP reported.

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Asian-Pacific Islanders at Greater Risk of Hospital Complications

People of Asian-Pacific Island ancestry are 16 percent more likely than whites to die from deadly complications acquired in U.S. hospitals, a new federal report finds.

The 12.5 million Asian-Pacific Islanders in the United States include native Hawaiians, Samoans, and people who trace their ancestry to nations including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and India.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality study cited possible reasons for the disparity in preventable complications, including Asians being treated at hospitals that provided lower-quality care, receiving inferior care compared with people in the same hospital, cultural or language barriers that affected quality of care, and being more vulnerable to complications than people of other origins.

The study found that Asian-Pacific Islanders having surgery were:

• 42 percent more likely to acquire a blood infection (sepsis).
• 35 percent more likely to develop kidney failure.
• 21 percent more likely to develop internal bleeding or a blood clot.
• 14 percent more likely to need a breathing ventilator.

The report analyzed race and ethnicity data from 23 states.

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Estrogen Cream Could Protect Men Against HIV

A once-a-week application of the female hormone estrogen to the penis may act as a "natural condom" that helps protect men against HIV infection, suggest Australian researchers.

They said an estrogen cream could quadruple the thin layer of the protein keratin on the skin, providing a natural defensive layer, Agence France-Presse reported.

"You create what you could call a natural condom. You create a biological membrane which (HIV) can't get through," Professor Roger Short, of the University of Melbourne, said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting System.

He said this method wouldn't protect against other types of sexually transmitted diseases and wouldn't prevent pregnancy, but could offer a safe and simple method of reducing HIV infection around the world, AFP reported.

Clinical trials are expected to be conducted in Africa. The research was outlined in the journal PLoS One.

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Scientists Block Sexual Development of Malaria Parasite

U.K. scientists have found a way to block the sexual development of the malaria parasite, a finding that could lead to the development of a drug that greatly reduces the spread of the disease.

The researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine identified an enzyme critical to the parasite's sex cycle and developed a way of halting it. The finding was published in the journal PLoS Biology.

"It acts as an inhibitor that stops the parasite from developing sexually," team leader David Baker told Agence France-Presse. "If we could develop a drug for patients, it would enable us to block malaria transmission from individual to individual," via the mosquitoes that carry the disease.

Such a drug may even have a curative effect, Baker said.

Each year, half a billion people worldwide are made severely ill by malaria, and more than a million die of the disease, AFP reported.

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Simple Infection Control Steps Reduce Student Absenteeism

Student absenteeism can be reduced through a few simple infection control measures such as daily disinfection of desktops and other often-touched surfaces, and having children use alcohol-based hand sanitizers before and after lunch, say Children's Hospital Boston researchers.

Their study of children in Avon, Ohio, found that these measures did not affect levels of respiratory illness in third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders, but did reduce absenteeism for gastrointestinal problems by 9 percent, United Press International reported.

The findings were published in the journal Pediatrics.

"The best ways to avoid common infections are cleaning your hands and preventing exposure to the germs that cause these illnesses," study leader Dr. Thomas Sandora, pediatric infectious diseases specialist, said in a prepared statement. "Our research indicates that elementary schools should consider a few simple infection control practices to help keep students healthier."

Health Tips for June 5

Health Tip: Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on a woman's ovaries.

In some cases, they may be difficult to detect and pose no obvious warning signs. But they also may have noticeable symptoms, some of which are listed below, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

* Pain or pressure in the abdomen, or a feeling of fullness.
* Dull pain in the lower back and thighs.
* Difficulty urinating.
* Painful sexual intercourse.
* Unexplained weight gain.
* Soreness of the breasts, nausea or vomiting.
* Abnormal pain or bleeding during menstruation.

These symptoms should be checked by a doctor without delay. Seek immediate help if you have any of these symptoms.

* Pain with fever and vomiting.
* Sudden, severe abdominal pain.
* Faintness, dizziness or weakness.
* Unexplained rapid breathing.

Health Tip: Recovering From an Injury

When an injury forces you to take a break from sports or exercise, it's important to give your body enough time to heal. Returning too soon can lead to re-injury -- and even longer time away from the game.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions for your recovery:

* Have your injury treated and monitored by a doctor and/or physical therapist.
* Just after injury, use ice/heat therapy as prescribed. Treatment may also involve a brace or cast.
* If possible, continue overall body conditioning, but be careful not to aggravate your injury.
* Join a rehabilitation program to help your body recover.
* Keep a positive attitude.
* When you are able to practice without difficulty, and your doctor has determined that the likelihood of re-injury is low, you are ready to return to play.

Health Headlines - June 4

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Tomatoes

An outbreak of salmonella poisoning linked to uncooked tomatoes has sickened 40 people in Texas and New Mexico, and tomatoes are being investigated as the cause of 30 illnesses in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Kansas, Idaho, Illinois and Indiana, the Associated Press reported.

In Texas and New Mexico, at least 17 people have been hospitalized, but there have been no deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of the victims in those two states said they ate raw tomatoes from stores or restaurants before they became ill between April 23 and May 27.

Lab tests confirmed that the 40 illnesses in Texas and New Mexico were caused by the same type of salmonella. Another 17 cases in New Mexico are under investigation. No farm, distributor or grocery chain has been pinpointed as the main source of the contamination, the AP reported.

Salmonella bacteria are usually transmitted to humans when they eat food contaminated with animal feces. Symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Most people recover without treatment, but salmonella infection can cause serious health problems or death in infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

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Group Wants Food Colorings Banned

Eight artificial food colorings may cause hyperactivity and behavior problems in some children and should be banned, the consumer advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest said in a petition presented Tuesday to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The group said studies conducted over three decades have shown that some artificial food dyes can affect children's behavior and noted the British government is pressuring food makers to switch to safer coloring, the Associated Press reported.

"The purpose of these chemicals is often to mask the absence of real food, to increase the appeal of a low-nutrition product to children, or both. Who can tell parents of kids with behavioral problems that this is truly worth the risk?" said Michael F. Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

The group wants the following colorings banned: Yellow 5; Red 40; Blue 1; Green 3; Orange B; Red 3; and Yellow 6.

The FDA insists food colorings used in the United States have been thoroughly studied and are safe and do not cause childhood hyperactivity, the AP reported.

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Massachusetts' Insurance Program Making Progress

Massachusetts' program to introduce near-universal health coverage is achieving key goals, says a study released Tuesday. It found the rate of uninsured adults has declined from 13 percent to 7 percent and that residents are paying less in out-of-pocket health expenses.

In addition, low-income adults are more likely to have regular checkups and dental visits, the Associated Press reported.

As of July 2007, everyone in the state had to have health insurance or face penalties, except for people who received a waiver showing they couldn't afford insurance.

Last year, about 5 percent of taxpayers didn't obtain health coverage, and more than half of those (97,000) had to forfeit their personal exemption of $219 after it was determined they could have afforded insurance, the AP reported.

Another 62,000 taxpayers (2 percent) were found to be unable to afford health insurance and weren't fined.

The fact that 95 percent of taxpayers were insured shows the law is making progress, said Gov. Deval Patrick.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Institute. They interviewed 3,000 state residents in the fall of 2006 before the law took effect and interviewed them again a year later. The study was published in the journal Health Affairs.

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Tobacco Sales to U.S. Minors Reach All-Time Low

In the past 11 years, there's been a dramatic decline in illegal sales of tobacco products to underage youth in the United States, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced Tuesday.

The national average of illegal tobacco sales to minors in fiscal year 2007 reached an all-time low of 10.5 percent, compared to 40.1 percent in 1997. Officials credit the decline to the Synar Amendment program, a federal-state partnership program aimed at ending illegal tobacco sales to minors which was introduced in 1997.

SAMHSA said nearly all states and the District of Columbia have achieved the major Synar program goal of having 20 percent or less of their tobacco product retailers selling tobacco products to minors. In 1997, only four states met that goal.

In 2007, more than half of the states had illegal retail sales of tobacco to minors of 10 percent or less. Mississippi had the lowest level of illegal sales of tobacco products to minors (3.2 percent), while Massachusetts had the highest (22.7 percent).

"Although underage use of tobacco remains a serious public health problem, the Synar program's continued success confirms that decreasing illegal tobacco sales to minors is an important component of state tobacco control efforts," Terry Cline, Ph.D., SAMHSA administrator, said in a prepared statement.

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Chronic Hay Fever Leads to Nasal Obstruction

People who suffer seasonal allergies over many years may experience a reduction in nasal passage airflow, say Italian researchers who studied 50 people with short-term allergic rhinitis (two years or less) and 50 others with long-term (six years or more) allergic rhinitis.

Seventy-two percent of those with long-term rhinitis had severe nasal obstruction, which meant their nasal airflow was reduced so much that it interfered with daily activities or sleep, CBC News reported. This reduced airflow, which took an average of nine years to develop, is believed to be due to a chronic state of inflammation, the researchers said.

"There was a slight inverse correlation between rhinitis duration and nasal airflow, and disease duration was significantly lower in patients with moderate obstruction with respect to patients with severe obstruction," the researchers wrote. "Nasal airflow was, furthermore, significantly lower in patients with severe obstruction with respect to patients with moderate obstruction."

The study was published in the June issue of the journal Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery.

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Grape Juice May Protect Against Memory Decline

Drinking Concord grape juice may help protect against age-related memory problems, suggests a University of Cincinnati pilot study.

It included 12 adults with early memory decline who drank 15 to 21 ounces of grape juice or a placebo daily for 12 weeks, United Press International reported.

Both beverages were equal in calorie and sugar content, but only the grape juice had natural polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, noted study author Robert Krikorian.

The people who drank the grape juice showed significant improvements in their ability to learn lists and showed signs of improved short-term retention and spatial memory, UPI reported.

The findings were presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American Aging Association, held May 30 to June 2 in Boulder, Colo.

Health Tips for June 4

Health Tip: Symptoms of Computer Strain

Frequent computer use -- especially when it involves poor posture or keystroke repetition -- can damage nerves, muscles, tendons or ligaments.

Here are common symptoms of computer-related injury, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Numbness of the fingers.
* Pain or soreness in the lower back, neck, shoulders or wrists.
* Headache.
* Dryness, redness and soreness of the eyes, or blurred vision.

Health Tip: Good Shoes Can Prevent Falls

The shoes you wear can play a big part in how steady you are on your feet, which is a big concern for many seniors.

Here are guidelines for choosing safe shoes, and other ways to help reduce the risk of falls, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Make sure your shoes fit correctly. Always measure your feet before you buy new footwear.
* Choose shoes that are comfortable and sturdy, avoiding those with very thick soles or high heels.
* Look for shoes with soles that won't skid or slip.
* Keep laces tied tightly all the times. If you have trouble tying laces, look for shoes with Velcro.
* Always wear well-fitted, non-skid slippers at home. Throw away slippers that have become too stretched. Avoid walking barefoot or in your socks.
* Don't let your toenails get too long.

Health Headlines - June 3

Bottling Up Feelings May Help Some in Trauma Recovery

For some people, bottling up feelings about traumatic events may be better than letting it all out, suggests a University at Buffalo study that compared the progress of 3,000 people who used different approaches in the two years after the 9/11 attacks.

The participants -- none of whom lost a loved one or friend in the terrorist attacks -- completed online surveys in the days immediately after 9/11 and over the next two years. After that time, those who kept their feelings to themselves appeared to be in better psychological condition than those who talked about their feelings, BBC News reported.

"We should be telling people there is likely nothing wrong if they do not want to express their thoughts and feelings after experiencing a collective trauma. In fact, they can cope quite successfully and, according to our results, are likely to be better off than someone who does want to express his or her feelings," said study leader Dr. Mark Seery.

The study appears in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.

It's important not to generalize about the "right" approach for all patients, Professor Stephen Joseph, a U.K. specialist in post-disaster trauma, told BBC News. He noted that other studies have found that talking about traumatic experiences in combination with counseling was the correct path to recovery for many people.

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Abbott Recalls Infant Formula

Abbott has announced an international recall of certain lots of infant formula because air may have entered the cans, resulting in oxidation. Consumption of highly oxidized foods can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The recall covers two lots of Calcilo XD Low-Calcium/Vitamin D-Free Infant Formula with Iron powder in 14.1-ounce (400g) cans. The cans have stock number 00378 and lot numbers 39973RB or 47239RB6 printed on the bottom.

The lots were distributed in the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Korea and Bahrain between June 6, 2006 and April 17, 2008. No other Calcilo XD powdered infant formulas are affected, the FDA said.

Consumers who bough the recalled formula should contact Abbott Nutrition at 1-800-638-6493.

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Paralyzed Man Makes Virtual Character Walk

Using only his brain waves, a paralyzed man was able to manipulate a virtual Internet character to walk on the popular Second Life Web site.

Researchers at Keio University in Japan called it a world first and said this kind of activity could help motivate patients with severe paralysis, who are often too depressed to undergo rehabilitation therapy, Agence France-Presse reported.

The 41-year-old man has suffered paralysis for more than 30 years and can barely bend his fingers, making it impossible for him to use a mouse or keyboard.

For this study, he wore a head device with three electrodes that monitored brain waves related to his hands and legs. Using his thoughts, he was able to make his virtual character walk and had a conversation with another character using an attached microphone, AFP reported.

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Fetal Screenings Have Major Limitations: Study

Current fetal screening tests detect only about half of potential chromosomal abnormalities, and women need to be given more information about test limitations and risks such as miscarriage, say Italian researchers.

They analyzed the findings of more than 100,000 prenatal diagnoses that involved invasive tests such as amniocentesis (in which a needle is used to take a sample of fluid from the womb) and found the tests identified only half of chromosomal abnormalities, BBC News reported.

The study was presented at a European Society of Human Genetics conference in Barcelona, Spain.

Researcher Dr. Francesca Grati, of the TOMA Laboratory in Busto Arsizio, said it's "fundamental" that doctors inform patients about the limitations of current fetal screening methods and potential risks so that patients can make an informed choice. For example, about one in 100 women who have amniocentesis will suffer a miscarriage.

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Millions of HIV/AIDS Patients Don't Have Access to Drugs

Only 31 percent of people with HIV/AIDs in low- and middle-income countries had access to antiretroviral drugs in 2007, which means that millions aren't receiving the potentially lifesaving treatment, says a new report from the World Health Organization, UNAIDS and UNICEF.

In 2007, about 950,000 more people received antiretroviral therapy (ART) than in 2006, but the agencies said they're two years behind their target. They aimed to have three million people on ART by the end of 2005, but, by the end of 2007, they were just short of that goal. That means that about 6.7 million people aren't receiving ART, BBC News reported.

There was significant progress made in certain areas. For example, the number of HIV-infected pregnant women who received ART increased from 350,000 in 2006 to 500,000 in 2007. The treatment prevents the women from passing HIV to their children.

There also were significant improvements in the availability of HIV testing and counseling services, and male circumcision (which reduces the risk of HIV transmission during sex) is now more effectively promoted in regions of sub-Saharan Africa heavily affected by HIV/AIDS, BBC News reported.

At the end of 2007, about 33.2 million people worldwide were living with HIV, including 2.5 million who were newly infected that year, said the WHO document.

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Laparoscopic Prostate Surgery Not Always Best Choice: Report

Minimally invasive surgery on prostate cancer patients has mixed results, a new study suggests.

The New York Times reports that a study examining the results of laparoscopic prostate cancer surgery on a sample of 2,702 patients who had undergone the procedure to remove a malignant prostate gland found that there was a 27 percent lower risk of complications immediately after surgery and a shorter hospital stay by an average of almost three days.

But the Times adds, the study also found that laparoscopy patients had a 40 percent greater chance of scarring, which could require additional surgery. And more than 25 percent of the patients also needed hormonal drug treatment within six months, more than double those who had conventional surgery.

The study was published in the May 10 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Health Tips for June 3

Health Tip: Don't Get Burned by Hot Water

Almost 2 million people in the United States are treated for burns every year, and about 112,000 of these burns are involve scalding water.

According to the Safe Kids Coalition, about 37,000 of burn victims are 14 or younger, and about 18,000 are age 5 or younger.

About half of hot water burns occur because parents put children in water that is too hot.

The National Ag Safety Database says parents can protect their children by turning the home water heater down to 120 degrees. And always test bath water before putting a child in it. If the water feels hot to you, it could easily burn a child.

You can also safeguard your child by putting him in the bath with his back to the faucet, so he can't turn the water on. Also try knob covers for the bathroom tub.

Health Tip: Keep a Meal Schedule

Not only do many diabetics need to monitor what they eat, they need to pay attention to what time they eat it.

The American Diabetes Association says it's important to keep a regular schedule for meals. It offers the following suggestions:

* Schedule dinner get-togethers at your normal meal time.
* Choose locations and times when you won't have to wait too long to eat.
* When possible, make a reservation.
* Avoid dishes that take an unusually long time to prepare.
* If you know that your meal will be much later than usual, have your bedtime snack at your usual mealtime, then eat a later dinner. Talk to your doctor about how to adjust your insulin when you do this.

Health Headlines - June 2

Laparoscopic Prostate Cancer Surgery Not Always Best Choice, Report Says

Minimally invasive surgery on prostate cancer patients has mixed results, a new study suggests.

The New York Times reports that a study examining the results of laparoscopic prostate cancer surgery on a sample of 2,702 patients who had undergone the procedure to remove a malignant prostate gland found that there was a 27 percent lower risk of complications immediately after surgery and a shorter hospital stay by an average of almost three days.

But the Times adds, the study also found that laparoscopy patients had a 40 percent greater chance of scarring, which could require additional surgery. And more than 25 percent of the patients also needed hormonal drug treatment within six months, more than double those who had conventional surgery.

The study was published May 10, 2008 in The Journal of Clinical Oncology,

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Baltimore Adopts First-Ever Limit on Single Cigar Sales

Move over, cigarettes. Make room for limitations on cigar sales... at least in Baltimore.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the city council has adopted a proposal that would make Baltimore, Md. the first city in the United States to limit sales of small, individual cigars known as "blunts" or "loosies" in neighborhood stores.

The law is specifically aimed at teenagers influenced by popular hip-hop singers, the Sun reports, and each cigar contains much more nicotine than a cigarette. In addition to packing more of a nicotine wallop, the newspaper says, the cigars are artificially sweetened, adding to their appeal to adolescents.

The sale limitation could be implemented by the city's health department within days, the Sun reported, and would prohibit selling the cigars individually, at about 50 cents each. Because the cigars would have to be sold in minimum packs of five, city officials theorize the increased cost could reduce the number of teenagers smoking cigars.

Cigars don't fall under U.S. government regulations against selling cigarettes to minors, the newspaper reports, and this may have led to a 2007 study by Johns Hopkins University researchers that found nearly 24 percent of Baltimore residents between 18 and 25-years-old had smoked a small cigar within the past 30 days.

While scientific studies on the impact of long-term cigar smoking aren't as comprehensive as those that looked at cigarette smoking, the U.S. government's National cancer Institute says that research "has shown that cancers of the oral cavity (lip, tongue, mouth, and throat), larynx, lung, and esophagus are associated with cigar smoking."

-----

Indian 'Laugh-In' Has its Serious, Scientific Side

Once again, an attempt is being made to find out if laughter is indeed the best medicine.

The Washington Post reports that participants in the International Laughter Yoga Conference in India are using as many different types of laughter as their collective imagination can create to replicate findings from 2006 that showed the cardio-pulmonary system was positively affected from a good laugh.

The idea, the Post says, is for the laughers to create enough energy to release endorphins -- hormones that elevate the mood and are often released from rigorous exercise.

In the 2006 study, published in the journal Heart, researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore collected a total of 160 measurements of brachial artery flow from the participants a minute before and after phases of laughter or sadness. The brachial artery, which runs from the shoulder to the elbow, is a good indicator of blood flow throughout the body.

According to the researchers, brachial blood flow was reduced in 14 of the 20 participants after they watched segments from the sad movies. Blood flow was increased in 19 of the 20 participants after they watched clips from comedy movies.

Now, those promoting mirth at the Indian yoga conference are attempting to add to the original research.

-----

FDA Panel Recommends Drug for Rare Blood Disorder

Despite reservations by U.S. Food and Drug Administration scientists, a panel of experts advising the agency has recommended the full agency's approval of a drug to treat a rare immune system disorder that causes the body to destroy its own blood platelets.

The advisory panel voted unanimously Friday to recommend Promacta, produced by GlaxoSmithKline and Ligand Pharmaceuticals, the Associated Press reported. Earlier in the week, FDA scientists released data that they suggested found that Promacta was no better than a placebo in treating chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Some 60,000 people in the United States have the disorder, which leads to excessive bleeding and bruising.

While noting that the drug makers haven't provided long-term data on the drug's safety and effectiveness, the panel said a pair of six-week studies indicated Promacta was of significant benefit to people with the disorder, the AP reported.

The FDA has until June 19 to decide whether to approve the drug. While it isn't bound by the recommendations of its expert panels, it typically follows them.

-----

Facial Features Affect Perception of Mood

A person's facial expressions and mood can be misperceived due to differences in facial features such as eyebrow shape, eyelid position and wrinkles, according to a U.S. study.

It included 20 health care workers who viewed photos that were digitally altered to change a number of features. The participants were asked to rate, on a scale of 0 to 5, seven expressions or emotions conveyed in the photos: tiredness, happiness, surprise, anger, disgust, fear and sadness, United Press International reported.

Results for the altered photos were compared to the scores from the original photos. Overall, eyebrow shape was deemed to be the greatest indicator of mood, drooping of the eyelids was considered the biggest indicator of tiredness, and raising the lower eyelid and the presence of crow's feet were associated with happiness.

The study appears in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

"A key complaint of those seeking facial plastic surgery is that people always tell them they look tired, even when they do not feel tired," study co-author Dr. John Persing said in a prepared statement cited by UPI. "We found that variations in eyebrow contour, drooping of the upper eyelid, and wrinkles may be conveying facial expressions that don't necessarily match how patients are feeling."

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Recalled Toy Helicopters Pose Fire, Burn Hazards

About 152,000 Sky Champion wireless indoor helicopters are being recalled because the rechargeable battery inside the toy can ignite and pose fire or burn hazards to consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. There have been two reports of the Chinese-made toy helicopters catching fire but no reports of injuries or property damage, according to importer/distributor Tradewinds International Enterprises Inc. (TWIE), of San Francisco, Calif.

The recalled helicopters have the code BH26047 printed on the tail. The code WIC 551777 and the UPC code 630990006005 are printed on the packaging. The toys were sold at Walgreens stores across the United States from June 2007 through November 2007 for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the toys and contact TWIE at 888-583-4908 for a refund. Walgreens will not accept returns or provide refunds, the CPSC said.

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Most Children's Caregivers Ignorant About Household Poisons

Less than one-third of people who cared for children younger than age six knew the toxicity of common household products, a new U.S. study found.

"Young children are at risk of household chemical ingestion and their caretakers often do not have a good understanding of how toxic those chemical are. Parental education needs to be focused more on younger caretakers with more children," study leader Dr. Rika N. O'Malley, of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, said in a prepared statement.

The researchers screened primary caregivers who visited emergency departments, asking them to identify toxic items from a list of common household products. People with a higher level of education, responsibility for fewer children, and those more than 23 years old were more likely to have knowledge of household poisons.

The study was presented Friday at a meeting of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

The researchers said doctors needed to boost efforts to educate primary caregivers about the risks of household toxins.

Health Tips for June 2

Health Tip: Taming a Sweet Tooth

Dieting doesn't mean that you have to completely give up desserts. It just means that you should opt for healthier alternatives.

The American Diabetes Association offers these dessert options when you're dieting or trying to watch your sugar and fat intake:

* Try fresh or dried fruits to soothe your sweet tooth.
* Have only a small portion of one of your favorite desserts.
* When ordering at a restaurant, choose a dessert to share with the people accompanying you.
* When baking, reduce the amount of fat and sugar you use in your recipes.
* Choose low-fat and low-sugar alternatives to your favorite desserts.

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.

Health Headlines - June 1

Baltimore Adopts First-Ever Limit on Single Cigar Sales

Move over, cigarettes. Make room for limitations on cigar sales... at least in Baltimore.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the city council has adopted a proposal that would make Baltimore, Md. the first city in the United States to limit sales of small, individual cigars known as "blunts" or "loosies" in neighborhood stores.

The law is specifically aimed at teenagers influenced by popular hip-hop singers, the Sun reports, and each cigar contains much more nicotine than a cigarette. In addition to packing more of a nicotine wallop, the newspaper says, the cigars are artificially sweetened, adding to their appeal to adolescents.

The sale limitation could be implemented by the city's health department within days, the Sun reported, and would prohibit selling the cigars individually, at about 50 cents each. Because the cigars would have to be sold in minimum packs of five, city officials theorize the increased cost could reduce the number of teenagers smoking cigars.

Cigars don't fall under U.S. government regulations against selling cigarettes to minors, the newspaper reports, and this may have led to a 2007 study by Johns Hopkins University researchers that found nearly 24 percent of Baltimore residents between 18 and 25-years-old had smoked a small cigar within the past 30 days.

While scientific studies on the impact of long-term cigar smoking aren't as comprehensive as those that looked at cigarette smoking, the U.S. government's National cancer Institute says that research "has shown that cancers of the oral cavity (lip, tongue, mouth, and throat), larynx, lung, and esophagus are associated with cigar smoking."

-----

Indian 'Laugh-In' Has its Serious, Scientific Side

Once again, an attempt is being made to find out if laughter is indeed the best medicine.

The Washington Post reports that participants in the International Laughter Yoga Conference in India are using as many different types of laughter as their collective imagination can create to replicate findings from 2006 that showed the cardio-pulmonary system was positively affected from a good laugh.

The idea, the Post says, is for the laughers to create enough energy to release endorphins -- hormones that elevate the mood and are often released from rigorous exercise.

In the 2006 study, published in the journal Heart, researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore collected a total of 160 measurements of brachial artery flow from the participants a minute before and after phases of laughter or sadness. The brachial artery, which runs from the shoulder to the elbow, is a good indicator of blood flow throughout the body.

According to the researchers, brachial blood flow was reduced in 14 of the 20 participants after they watched segments from the sad movies. Blood flow was increased in 19 of the 20 participants after they watched clips from comedy movies.

Now, those promoting mirth at the Indian yoga conference are attempting to add to the original research.

-----

FDA Panel Recommends Drug for Rare Blood Disorder

Despite reservations by U.S. Food and Drug Administration scientists, a panel of experts advising the agency has recommended the full agency's approval of a drug to treat a rare immune system disorder that causes the body to destroy its own blood platelets.

The advisory panel voted unanimously Friday to recommend Promacta, produced by GlaxoSmithKline and Ligand Pharmaceuticals, the Associated Press reported. Earlier in the week, FDA scientists released data that they suggested found that Promacta was no better than a placebo in treating chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Some 60,000 people in the United States have the disorder, which leads to excessive bleeding and bruising.

While noting that the drug makers haven't provided long-term data on the drug's safety and effectiveness, the panel said a pair of six-week studies indicated Promacta was of significant benefit to people with the disorder, the AP reported.

The FDA has until June 19 to decide whether to approve the drug. While it isn't bound by the recommendations of its expert panels, it typically follows them.

-----

Facial Features Affect Perception of Mood

A person's facial expressions and mood can be misperceived due to differences in facial features such as eyebrow shape, eyelid position and wrinkles, according to a U.S. study.

It included 20 health care workers who viewed photos that were digitally altered to change a number of features. The participants were asked to rate, on a scale of 0 to 5, seven expressions or emotions conveyed in the photos: tiredness, happiness, surprise, anger, disgust, fear and sadness, United Press International reported.

Results for the altered photos were compared to the scores from the original photos. Overall, eyebrow shape was deemed to be the greatest indicator of mood, drooping of the eyelids was considered the biggest indicator of tiredness, and raising the lower eyelid and the presence of crow's feet were associated with happiness.

The study appears in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

"A key complaint of those seeking facial plastic surgery is that people always tell them they look tired, even when they do not feel tired," study co-author Dr. John Persing said in a prepared statement cited by UPI. "We found that variations in eyebrow contour, drooping of the upper eyelid, and wrinkles may be conveying facial expressions that don't necessarily match how patients are feeling."

-----

Recalled Toy Helicopters Pose Fire, Burn Hazards

About 152,000 Sky Champion wireless indoor helicopters are being recalled because the rechargeable battery inside the toy can ignite and pose fire or burn hazards to consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. There have been two reports of the Chinese-made toy helicopters catching fire but no reports of injuries or property damage, according to importer/distributor Tradewinds International Enterprises Inc. (TWIE), of San Francisco, Calif.

The recalled helicopters have the code BH26047 printed on the tail. The code WIC 551777 and the UPC code 630990006005 are printed on the packaging. The toys were sold at Walgreens stores across the United States from June 2007 through November 2007 for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the toys and contact TWIE at 888-583-4908 for a refund. Walgreens will not accept returns or provide refunds, the CPSC said.

-----

Most Children's Caregivers Ignorant About Household Poisons

Less than one-third of people who cared for children younger than age six knew the toxicity of common household products, a new U.S. study found.

"Young children are at risk of household chemical ingestion and their caretakers often do not have a good understanding of how toxic those chemical are. Parental education needs to be focused more on younger caretakers with more children," study leader Dr. Rika N. O'Malley, of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, said in a prepared statement.

The researchers screened primary caregivers who visited emergency departments, asking them to identify toxic items from a list of common household products. People with a higher level of education, responsibility for fewer children, and those more than 23 years old were more likely to have knowledge of household poisons.

The study was presented Friday at a meeting of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

The researchers said doctors needed to boost efforts to educate primary caregivers about the risks of household toxins.

Health Tips for June 1

Health Tip: Having High Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure puts you at higher-than-normal risk of heart disease and stroke, among other medical problems.

Here are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop high blood pressure, courtesy of the American Heart Association:

* Being significantly overweight or obese.
* Eating a diet that's too high in sodium (salt).
* Drinking alcohol to excess, or too frequently.
* Getting insufficient exercise.
* Feeling too much stress or anxiety.
* Having a family history of high blood pressure.
* Being African-American.
* Being age 35 or older.

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.