Health Headlines - May 10

Patient Says Full Face Transplant Feels Natural

At his first public appearance, the first U.S. recipient of a full face transplant said it "feels natural."

Dallas Wiens, 25, received a new nose, lips, skin, muscle and nerves during a 15-hour procedure in March. The resident of Fort Worth, Texas had suffered severe facial injuries in November 2008 when he hit a power line while painting a church, the Associated Press reported.

In his appearance Monday at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Wiens said the first thing his young daughter told him after the transplant was "Daddy, you're so handsome."

Wiens was left blind as a result of his accident and the transplant did not restore his sight, the AP reported.

His operation was paid for by the U.S. military, which wants to find ways to help soldiers who suffer major facial wounds. The Department of Defense gave Brigham and Women's a $3.4 million research grant for five face transplants.

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Shortage of Generic ADHD Drug Continues

Companies that make a generic form of the attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug Adderall XR say they don't know when a U.S.-wide shortage of the drug will end.

Many adult patients and parents of children with ADHD have been going from pharmacy to pharmacy trying to find the generic version, called mixed amphetamine salts, ABC News reported.

The scarcity of the drug is due to supply problems and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration restrictions on the supply of amphetamines, according to companies that make the drug. The DEA denies any responsibility for the shortage.

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Health Care Law Battle Moves to Appeals Courts

A hearing Tuesday marks the start of a five-week stretch of federal appellate hearings on the constitutionality of the new U.S. health care law.

Tuesday's hearing involves the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit considering two contradictory rulings made by lower courts, The New York Times reported.

In one case, a federal district judge in Richmond, Va. ruled that Congress exceeded its authority by requiring nearly all Americans to obtain health insurance. In the other case, a district judge in Lynchburg, Va. upheld the insurance requirement.

The issue of the health law's constitutionality could end up in the Supreme Court in the next term, which opens in October, and those opposed and in favor of the new health care law each hope to notch a series of victories in the Courts of Appeals.

"We want to win as many of these as we can," Attorney General Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II of Virginia, a Republican, told The Times. "If we have nothing but wins all the way up to the Supreme Court, there is an element of momentum, I think, where the justices consider what has gone on before the case came to them."

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CPSC Warn Consumers About "metoo" Tabletop Feeding Chairs

Tens of thousands of clip-on tabletop feeding chairs for babies and toddlers pose a fall hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says.

The agency said about a dozen children have been injured while using certain versions of the "metoo" chairs imported by phil&teds USA Inc. of Colorado, the Associated Pressreported.

Metal clamps used to attach the chairs to table tops can easily come loose, causing the chair to detach from the table. Also, a child's fingers or hands can be pinched or crushed if they're caught between the clamp and a metal bar on the front of the chair if it partially detaches from the table, the CPSC warned.

The chairs were sold online and at stores such as Target and Toys R Us.

The CPSC said phil&teds refused to agree to a national recall that was acceptable to the agency and that replacement kits being offered by the company will not solve the safety issue, the AP reported.

Health Tips for May 10

Health Tip: Caregivers, Don't Ignore Your Own Health

Caring for someone else during a serious illness can take a lot out of you. The American Academy of Family Physicians says it's important to take care of yourself as you care for someone else.

The academy offers these suggestions:

• Get regular checkups with your own doctor.
• Eat a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet.
• Find time for plenty of sleep.
• Schedule time for 30 minutes to 60 minutes of exercise at least four days per week.
• Help manage stress with techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• Take some time for yourself every once in a while.

Health Tip: Recognizing Caregiver Stress

Caregivers provide help for people who can't fully care for themselves, whether it's by cooking meals, paying bills or helping them get clean and dressed.

But caregivers may be prone to physical and emotional stress. The National Women's Health Information Center describes these warning signs that shouldn't be ignored:

• A feeling of being overwhelmed by responsibilities.
• Not getting enough sleep, or sleeping more than you should.
• Significant weight change.
• Constantly feeling tired.
• Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
• Becoming easily angered or irritated.
• A persistent sense of worry or sadness.
• Having frequent headaches, or other aches and pains.
• Turning to drugs and alcohol.

Health Headlines - May 9

New Drug for Pancreatic Tumors Approved by FDA

The drug Afinitor has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to treat patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that have spread to other parts of the body.

This is the first new treatment approved for this condition in the U.S. in nearly 30 years, according to drug maker Novartis AG, the Associated Press reported.

The company said the approval was based on a study that found Afinitor reduced the risk of cancer progression by 65 percent and more than doubled the time patients went without tumor growth.

Afinitor was already approved in the U.S. for treatment of advanced kidney cancer and for children and adults with a benign brain tumor caused by a rare genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis, the AP reported.

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Recalled Bunk Beds Could Collapse

Nearly half a million wooden bunk beds sold in the United Stated and Canada have been recalled due to concerns that the beds could collapse.

The wooden side rails that connect the headboard and footboard and hold the mattress in place can split, resulting in the collapse of the bunk bed. There have been 23 reports of the side rails cracking or breaking, including seven reports of minor abrasions or bruises, according to the Associated Press.

The beds were made in Vietnam, distributed by Dorel Asia SRL of Barbados, and sold by Walmart, Kmart and Target. About 445,000 of the beds were sold in the U.S. and 21,700 in Canada.

For more information, consumers can call Dorel Asia at 800-295-1980 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or they can check the company's website, the AP reported.

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Death Risk High for Grounds Maintenance Workers: Study

Grounds maintenance workers in the United States have a high risk of dying on the job, a new study says.

It found that 1,142 grounds maintenance workers died from job-related injuries between 2003 and 2008. During that time, grounds maintenance workers accounted for one in every 30 worker deaths from traumatic injuries.

Causes of death included transportation incidents, tree work, falls, electrocutions and drowning.

Hispanics make up much of the grounds maintenance workforce in the U.S. but deaths among Hispanics were not disproportionately higher than among non-Hispanics. However, Hispanic workers who died were an average of nine years young than non-Hispanic workers who died. Five out of every six Hispanic workers who died were born outside the U.S.

Enforcement of regulations and training can reduce deaths among grounds maintenance workers, said the authors of the study in the latest issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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EU Approves Viagra-Like Drug to Treat Children With Deadly Lung Condition

A drug that contains the same medicine (sildenafil) as Viagra has been approved by the European commission to treat children with a deadly lung condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in lung arteries).

Revatio, which was approved in Europe six years ago to treat adults with the lung condition, can now be given to children ages 1 to 17, the Associated Press reported.

The new approval was based on a study of 234 children with pulmonary arterial hypertension that found Revatio lowered blood pressure in lung arteries and improved breathing and functioning. Side effects included fever, cough, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and extreme light sensitivity.

Revatio is approved for adults in more than 50 countries, including the United States. Drug maker Pfizer plans to seek approval for the drug in numerous countries, the AP reported.

Health Tips for May 9

Health Tip: After You Run a Marathon

Running 25 miles or more can take a major toll on your body, so it's important to take it easy after you've finished a marathon.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests what to do after you cross the finish line:

• Continue drinking plenty of water.
• Eat or drink carbohydrates to replenish what you've used. But don't overdo it, or you may get an upset stomach.
• Stretch gently and walk for about an hour after the race to help minimize stiffness.
• Ice any sore areas in 15-minute intervals throughout the rest of the day.
• Treat yourself to a post-race massage.
• The week after the marathon, don't run. Walk, bike or swim if you want to exercise.
• Ease back into running, gradually increasing your distance and speed over time. Don't focus on speed for the first month or strength training for the first two weeks after the race.
• Take time to rest, recover and heal.

Health Tip: Figure Out Why You Yawn Excessively

Everyone yawns.

But yawning too much could signal a larger medical issue.

To help your doctor pinpoint why you yawn so much, the University of Maryland Medical Center says you should track the following factors in a log:

• When you first noticed that you were yawning, and how often you yawn.
• The time of day that you yawn a lot, including after certain activities (such as eating or exercising).
• Any locations that seem to trigger your yawning.
• What seems to increase your yawning, such as insufficient sleep, changes in activity, medications or boredom.
• Anything that helps your yawning improve.
• Any other symptoms that accompany yawning.

Health Headlines - May 8

New Drug for Pancreatic Tumors Approved by FDA

The drug Afinitor has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to treat patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that have spread to other parts of the body.

This is the first new treatment approved for this condition in the U.S. in nearly 30 years, according to drug maker Novartis AG, the Associated Press reported.

The company said the approval was based on a study that found Afinitor reduced the risk of cancer progression by 65 percent and more than doubled the time patients went without tumor growth.

Afinitor was already approved in the U.S. for treatment of advanced kidney cancer and for children and adults with a benign brain tumor caused by a rare genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis, the AP reported.

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Recalled Bunk Beds Could Collapse

Nearly half a million wooden bunk beds sold in the United Stated and Canada have been recalled due to concerns that the beds could collapse.

The wooden side rails that connect the headboard and footboard and hold the mattress in place can split, resulting in the collapse of the bunk bed. There have been 23 reports of the side rails cracking or breaking, including seven reports of minor abrasions or bruises, according to the Associated Press.

The beds were made in Vietnam, distributed by Dorel Asia SRL of Barbados, and sold by Walmart, Kmart and Target. About 445,000 of the beds were sold in the U.S. and 21,700 in Canada.

For more information, consumers can call Dorel Asia at 800-295-1980 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or they can check the company's website, the AP reported.

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Death Risk High for Grounds Maintenance Workers: Study

Grounds maintenance workers in the United States have a high risk of dying on the job, a new study says.

It found that 1,142 grounds maintenance workers died from job-related injuries between 2003 and 2008. During that time, grounds maintenance workers accounted for one in every 30 worker deaths from traumatic injuries.

Causes of death included transportation incidents, tree work, falls, electrocutions and drowning.

Hispanics make up much of the grounds maintenance workforce in the U.S. but deaths among Hispanics were not disproportionately higher than among non-Hispanics. However, Hispanic workers who died were an average of nine years young than non-Hispanic workers who died. Five out of every six Hispanic workers who died were born outside the U.S.

Enforcement of regulations and training can reduce deaths among grounds maintenance workers, said the authors of the study in the latest issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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EU Approves Viagra-Like Drug to Treat Children With Deadly Lung Condition

A drug that contains the same medicine (sildenafil) as Viagra has been approved by the European commission to treat children with a deadly lung condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in lung arteries).

Revatio, which was approved in Europe six years ago to treat adults with the lung condition, can now be given to children ages 1 to 17, the Associated Press reported.

The new approval was based on a study of 234 children with pulmonary arterial hypertension that found Revatio lowered blood pressure in lung arteries and improved breathing and functioning. Side effects included fever, cough, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and extreme light sensitivity.

Revatio is approved for adults in more than 50 countries, including the United States. Drug maker Pfizer plans to seek approval for the drug in numerous countries, the AP reported.

Health Tips for May 8

Health Tip: Curb Snoring With Lifestyle Changes

Snoring can undermine the quality of sleep -- for the snorer and anyone sleeping nearby.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons lists these lifestyle changes that can help to curb snoring:

• Try losing weight -- even just 10 pounds.
• Instead of sleeping on your back, try sleeping on your side.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, and don't eat large, heavy meals -- particularly within about two hours of heading to bed.
• Don't take a sedative, which relaxes the muscles in your throat and increases snoring.

Health Tip: Some Foods and Drinks That Trigger Heartburn

If you're prone to the painful burn of heartburn, don't just pop an antacid -- watch what you eat to avoid getting heartburn in the first place.

The American Gastroenterological Association lists these foods and drinks to avoid, as they may trigger heartburn:

• Foods that are high in fat or fried.
• Foods with chocolate or peppermint.
• Alcoholic beverages, beverages with carbonation and all coffee.
• Mustard and ketchup, as well as tomato sauces.
• Acidic substances such as vinegar, citrus juices and citrus fruits.

Health Headlines - May 7

New Drug for Pancreatic Tumors Approved by FDA

The drug Afinitor has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to treat patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that have spread to other parts of the body.

This is the first new treatment approved for this condition in the U.S. in nearly 30 years, according to drug maker Novartis AG, the Associated Press reported.

The company said the approval was based on a study that found Afinitor reduced the risk of cancer progression by 65 percent and more than doubled the time patients went without tumor growth.

Afinitor was already approved in the U.S. for treatment of advanced kidney cancer and for children and adults with a benign brain tumor caused by a rare genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis, the AP reported.

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Recalled Bunk Beds Could Collapse

Nearly half a million wooden bunk beds sold in the United Stated and Canada have been recalled due to concerns that the beds could collapse.

The wooden side rails that connect the headboard and footboard and hold the mattress in place can split, resulting in the collapse of the bunk bed. There have been 23 reports of the side rails cracking or breaking, including seven reports of minor abrasions or bruises, according to the Associated Press.

The beds were made in Vietnam, distributed by Dorel Asia SRL of Barbados, and sold by Walmart, Kmart and Target. About 445,000 of the beds were sold in the U.S. and 21,700 in Canada.

For more information, consumers can call Dorel Asia at 800-295-1980 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or they can check the company's website, the AP reported.

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Death Risk High for Grounds Maintenance Workers: Study

Grounds maintenance workers in the United States have a high risk of dying on the job, a new study says.

It found that 1,142 grounds maintenance workers died from job-related injuries between 2003 and 2008. During that time, grounds maintenance workers accounted for one in every 30 worker deaths from traumatic injuries.

Causes of death included transportation incidents, tree work, falls, electrocutions and drowning.

Hispanics make up much of the grounds maintenance workforce in the U.S. but deaths among Hispanics were not disproportionately higher than among non-Hispanics. However, Hispanic workers who died were an average of nine years young than non-Hispanic workers who died. Five out of every six Hispanic workers who died were born outside the U.S.

Enforcement of regulations and training can reduce deaths among grounds maintenance workers, said the authors of the study in the latest issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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EU Approves Viagra-Like Drug to Treat Children With Deadly Lung Condition

A drug that contains the same medicine (sildenafil) as Viagra has been approved by the European commission to treat children with a deadly lung condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in lung arteries).

Revatio, which was approved in Europe six years ago to treat adults with the lung condition, can now be given to children ages 1 to 17, the Associated Press reported.

The new approval was based on a study of 234 children with pulmonary arterial hypertension that found Revatio lowered blood pressure in lung arteries and improved breathing and functioning. Side effects included fever, cough, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and extreme light sensitivity.

Revatio is approved for adults in more than 50 countries, including the United States. Drug maker Pfizer plans to seek approval for the drug in numerous countries, the AP reported.

Health Tips for May 7

Health Tip: Cut Back on Preschoolers' Fat

Babies and young toddlers need a good dose of fat and calories to help them grow and develop properly. But by the time they are ready for preschool, it's time to start watching what youngsters eat.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these recommendations to limit fat in your preschooler's diet:

• Instead of whole milk, offer your child skim or 2 percent milk.
• Make sure your child's meats are lean cuts, and are grilled or broiled.
• Serve your child modest portions of cheese.
• Cut back on your child's consumption of fruit juice; instead offer whole fruits.
• Offer low-fat snacks, such as fat-free yogurt, fresh fruit, air-popped popcorn and pretzels.
• Prepare food with lower-fat cooking methods, such as roasting, broiling or steaming with non-fat cooking spray, or a bit of olive oil.

Health Tip: Could Your Child Be Constipated?

Children may become constipated from a practice experts call "stool withholding" -- deliberately not going to the bathroom because of embarrassment, fear of an unpleasant experience, or the desire not to interrupt playtime.

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says parents should be aware of these warning signs that a child may be constipated:

• Having infrequent bowel movements.
• Displaying posture indicating the child is holding in a stool, including squeezing the buttocks or rocking back and forth.
• Complaining of pain or cramping in the belly.
• Having difficulty passing stools.
• Passing stools that are large, dry or hard.
• Finding stool in your child's underwear.

Health Headlines - May 6

High Number of Measles Cases in U.S.

This could be the worst year for measles in the United States in more than a decade.

Normally, there are about 50 cases of measles a year in the U.S., but there have been 89 cases reported so far. Nearly all the cases were caused by people bringing measles from other countries, the Associated Press reported.

Europe is a major hot spot, with more than 6,500 measles cases reported in 33 nations. Travelers everywhere are being urged by health officials to get the recommended two doses of measles vaccine before they travel overseas.

"The risk of getting infection is very high," Dr. Cuauhtemoc Ruiz Matus, an immunization expert with the Pan American Health Organization, told the AP.

In the last decade, the worst year for measles in the U.S. was 2008, when there were 140 reported cases.

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Millions of Americans Seek Hospital Help for Headaches

Headaches sent more than 3 million Americans to hospital emergency rooms in 2008, and about 81,000 were admitted to hospital, says a federal government report released Wednesday.

It also said that one-third of those emergency visits and two-thirds of the hospital stays were for migraines, and that women accounted for nearly 3 out of 4 emergency visits and hospital stays.

Migraines were about 4 times more common among women than men, and emergency room visits for headaches were 2.3 times more common for low-income people than those with high incomes (1,300 vs. 565 visits per 100,000 people), according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The report also said that rural Americans were more likely than urban dwellers to make emergency department visits for a headache (1,425 vs. 896 visits per 100,000 people), and that such visits were most likely among people ages 18 to 44 and least likely among those 18 and younger (1,626 vs. 345 visits per 100,000 people).

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Juggling Numerous Tasks Affects Concentration, Self-Control: Study

Repeatedly changing your mental focus to deal with different tasks at work can lead to reduced concentration and self-control in other areas of your life, according to a new study.

For example, it may be more difficult to stick to a diet or exercise program or to control your temper, said Ryan Hamilton, an assistant professor of marketing at Emory University in Atlanta, USA Today reported.

The findings come from a series of experiments involving 300 participants. The study appears in the May issue of the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.

"If you are checking your Blackberry while helping your kids do their homework, you are switching tasks that require different perspectives," Hamilton says. "That can be taxing on the executive function of your brain and reduce your ability to use self-control in other areas of your life," Hamilton explained, USA Today reported.

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FDA Announces New Food Safety Rules

Two new rules designed to strengthen food safety and security in the United States were announced Wednesday by the Food and Drug Administration.

The first rule allows the FDA to prevent potentially unsafe food from being sold. The agency will be able to detain food products it believes has been produced under unsanitary or unsafe conditions, and food products it believes are misbranded or adulterated.

Under the second new rule, anyone importing food products into the U.S. must inform the FDA if those products have been refused entry into another country. This includes food for animals.

The new rules, which take effect July 3, 2011, are the first to be issued under the new powers given to the agency by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in January.

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Researchers Claim Advance on Blood Test for Alzheimer's

Canadian researchers are reporting preliminary progress on a blood test that one day might be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, the Toronto Sunreported.

In a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the researchers said the blood test is based on a brain hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

When the researchers used a chemical process called oxidation on blood samples from people without Alzheimer's, they were able to produce DHEA. But they could not produce DHEA when they did the same process on the blood of Alzheimer's patients, the Sun reported.

"Until now, there has been no definitive diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's, other than post-mortem analysis of brain tissue," Dr. Vassilios Papadopoulos, director of the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, said in a news release issued Wednesday.

"Our clinical study shows that a non-invasive blood test, based on a biochemical process, may be successfully used to diagnose Alzheimer's at an early stage and differentiate it from other types of dementia."

Health Tips for May 6

Health Tip: Drink More Water

Though anyone can become dehydrated, there are some people who should be careful to drink enough water.

The American Academy of Family Physicians mentions these risk factors for dehydration:

• Having a bladder infection or kidney stone.
• Being pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Spending time outdoors in hot weather.
• Exercising.
• Having a fever or diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Trying to lose weight.

Health Tip: Kid-Proof Your Bathroom

Kids can easily slip, fall or burn themselves in bathrooms.

The American Academy of Pediatrics lists these suggestions to make your bathroom safer:

• Never leave a young child alone in the bathtub.
• Place a non-slip mat or strips in the bottom of the tub, keep the toilet lid closed and cover the bathtub faucet with a soft protective cover.
• Adjust your hot water heater so that the water temperature cannot exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit -- and remember to teach older children to turn on cold water first, then hot.
• Make sure all medications have child-proof caps, and store them -- along with other bathroom products such as soaps and cleaners -- out of a child's reach.
• Unplug and safely store any electrical appliances where children cannot reach them.

Health Headlines - May 5

Researchers Claim Advance on Blood Test for Alzheimer's

Canadian researchers are reporting preliminary progress on a blood test that one day might be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, the Toronto Sun reported.

In a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the researchers said the blood test is based on a brain hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

When the researchers used a chemical process called oxidation on blood samples from people without Alzheimer's, they were able to produce DHEA. But they could not produce DHEA when they did the same process on the blood of Alzheimer's patients, the Sunreported.

"Until now, there has been no definitive diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's, other than post-mortem analysis of brain tissue," Dr. Vassilios Papadopoulos, director of the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, said in a news release issued Wednesday.

"Our clinical study shows that a non-invasive blood test, based on a biochemical process, may be successfully used to diagnose Alzheimer's at an early stage and differentiate it from other types of dementia."

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Two-Thirds of Dieters Pack the Pounds Back On: Survey

Forty-five percent of Americans -- 103 million people -- were able to lose weight during the past year. The bad news: two-thirds of those dieters weren't able to keep the weight off, a new survey found.

The survey, by the Calorie Control Council, identified the following obstacles to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight: not enough exercise (69 percent), a slowing metabolism (62 percent), and too much snacking (52 percent).

As for some explanations for overeating, women often cited emotional reasons (50 percent), while men said they tended to overeat at mealtimes (44 percent), the survey said.

The Calorie Control Council is a trade organization that represents makers of low-calorie foods and beverages.

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Scientists Turn Bad Fat Into Good Fat: Rat Study

U.S. scientists who found a way to turn rats' bad fat into good fat believe the same thing can be done in humans.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine team found that modifying the expression of an appetite-stimulating protein called NPY in the brain reduced rats' calorie intake and transformed their white fat into brown fat, which burns off calories and weight, BBC News reported.

The study appears in the journal Cell Metabolism.

"If we could get the human body to turn bad fat into good fat that burns calories instead of storing them, we could add a serious new tool to tackle the obesity epidemic," said study author Dr. Shen Bi, BBC News reported.

"Only future research will tell us if that is possible," Bi added.

Health Tips for May 5

Health Tip: Use a Lawnmower Safely

Proper care, maintenance and use of your lawnmower can help reduce your risk of injury.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions:

• Maintain your lawnmower and keep its blades sharp.
• Service your mower before the first use each season.
• Always turn off the motor when you inspect or repair your mower.
• To remove debris from beneath the mower, use the handle of a broom or a stick. Never do this while the mower is running.
• Keep all safety devices or shields on the mower.
• Always turn off the mower before you walk away from it.
• To prevent the possibility of burning your skin, never touch the engine cowling, which can become very hot.

Health Tip: Stay Safe During Spring Cleaning

Cleaning your home to a sparkling shine is a good way to kick off spring. But don't forget to think about safety.

The Home Safety Council offers these safe-cleaning suggestions:

• Keep stairs and floors clear of clutter, even while cleaning.
• Don't carry loads that are too big to see over. If you're using stairs, leave one hand empty so you can hold onto a rail.
• Don't allow young children to play near any bucket, especially a large one. It may pose a drowning danger.
• Wear protective equipment, such as a mask and gloves, when working with harsh chemicals. Never mix cleaning products together.
• Use caution when handling products marked as dangerous or poisonous. Always lock these away safely when not in use.
• Store toys, cords or any other tripping hazards out of the way.
• Use a stepladder or ladder to reach high places. Follow safety instructions when on a ladder to prevent falls.
• Never use gasoline as a cleaning product, and never store it inside the home. A simple spark can ignite even gasoline vapors.

Health Headlines - May 4

Scientists Turn Bad Fat Into Good Fat: Rat Study

U.S. scientists who found a way to turn rats' bad fat into good fat believe the same thing can be done in humans.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine team found that modifying the expression of an appetite-stimulating protein called NPY in the brain reduced rats' calorie intake and transformed their white fat into brown fat, which burns off calories and weight, BBC News reported.

The study appears in the journal Cell Metabolism.

"If we could get the human body to turn bad fat into good fat that burns calories instead of storing them, we could add a serious new tool to tackle the obesity epidemic," said study author Dr. Shen Bi, BBC News reported.

"Only future research will tell us if that is possible," Bi added.

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Blood Thinner Drug Recalled

One lot of the blood thinner Coumadin (warfarin) is being recalled after the discovery of a tablet that was more potent than normal, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said Monday.

The recall covers 5-milligram Coumadin tablets with an expiry date of Sept. 30, 2012, production lot number 9H49374A, the Associated Press reported.

Consumers who use 5-milligram Coumadin tablets should not stop taking them, but should ask their pharmacist if their prescription was filled with the recalled tablets, the company said.

Patients who take an excessive dose of Coumadin could be at increased risk for bleeding, the AP reported.

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Salmonella Triggers Recall of Grape Tomatoes

Grape tomatoes used in salads distributed by a California company may be contaminated with salmonella, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

The prepackaged salads from Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. were shipped to Albertson's, Raley's, Safeway, Sam's Club and Walmart stores in California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, Utah and Montana, United Press International reported.

The grape tomatoes came from a California grower called Six L's, the FDA said.

The salads have "use by" dates of late April and early May. No illnesses have been reported. Consumers can get more information at the FDA or U.S. Department of Agriculture websites, UPI reported.

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Trauma-Related Disease Found in Ex-Football Player's Brain

Evidence of a head injury-induced disease was found in the brain of retired football star Dave Duerson, who committed suicide earlier this year.

The 50-year-old former Chicago Bear had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which has recently been found in about two dozen deceased former NFL players, The New York Times reported.

In the months before his death, Duerson complained of headaches, blurred vision and a deteriorating memory. In his final note to his family, he told them to donate his brain for research into football-related brain trauma. He shot himself in the chest on Feb. 17.

An examination of Duerson's brain revealed indisputable evidence of CTE and no evidence of any other disorder, Dr. Ann McKee, a neuropathologist at Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, told The Times.

Health Tips for May 4

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when thick plaque accumulates in the arteries (most often in the legs) and restricts blood flow to the heart, brain, other organs and limbs.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute mentions these risk factors for PAD:

• Being a smoker.
• Being older.
• Having diabetes or a common precursor, metabolic syndrome.
• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Having coronary heart disease.
• Having a family history of stroke.

Health Tip: Don't Take Fainting Lightly

Fainting can occur for a number of reasons, from feeling terror to being dehydrated, a state in which the body does not have as much fluid or water as it should. In some instances, fainting requires emergency medical attention.

The ADAM Encyclopedia lists these warning signs of dangerous fainting:

• Fainting and falling from a height, particularly if there is bleeding or other injury.
• Not regaining alertness within a few minutes.
• Fainting when someone is pregnant or has diabetes, or is older than age 50.
• Fainting accompanied by pain or pressure in the chest.
• Fainting accompanied by changes in heartbeat or signs of stroke, including changes in speech, vision and the ability to move both sides of the body.
• Fainting that causes convulsions, an injury to the tongue or the inability to control the bowels or bladder.

Health Headlines - May 3

Outpouring of Emotion on News of bin Laden's Death

Relief, joy and satisfaction were among the many emotions that swept over Americans Sunday night after they learned that Osama bin Laden was killed by American special forces.

People gathered at the site of the World Trade Center, in front of the White House and at other places across the country to celebrate the death of the Al Qaeda chief during the raid at a luxury mansion in Pakistan.

"We've been waiting a long time for this day," New Yorker Lisa Ramaci, told theAssociated Press. Her husband was a freelance journalist who died in Iraq.

"I think it's a relief for New York tonight just in the sense that we had this 10 years of frustration just building and building, wanting this guy dead, and now he is, and you can see how happy people are," Ramaci said.

For people who lost loved ones on 9/11, sadness mixed with the welcome news of bin Laden's death.

"I texted a friend of mine who's a firefighter who lost a brother on 9/11, and he said the pain will never go away," Stephanie Zessos, who works for the New York City fire department, told the AP.

This is "important news for us, and for the world," said Gordon Felt, president of an organization for families of people who died when United Flight 93 crashed into a Pennsylvania field on Sept. 11.

In a statement, Felt said bin Laden's death "cannot ease our pain, or bring back our loved ones," but does provide "a measure of comfort," the AP reported.

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Cancer Removed from Jerry Brown's Nose

A cancerous growth was removed from the nose of California Governor Jerry Brown, who was working from home a day after the outpatient procedure, doctors said on Saturday.

The procedure was conducted after tests found basal cell carcinoma on the right side of Brown's nose. Doctors said all of the cancer cells were removed but the governor required some reconstructive surgery after the procedure, Agence France-Presse reported.

Brown, 73, has cancelled public appearances until the stitches are removed.

When he took office in January, Brown became the oldest governor of California. He was the youngest governor when he began his first held the office in 1975 to 1983.

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Fat Returns After Liposuction: Study

Fat returns after liposuction, but does so in other areas of the body, according to researchers.

The University of Colorado study included nonobese women with fatty thighs and chubby lower abdomens who underwent liposuction. Within a year, the fat returned but in different locations, such as the upper abdomen, shoulders and triceps, The New York Times reported.

The study was published in the journal Obesity.

The results are surprising, said Dr. Felmont Eaves III, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He told The Times he plans to mention the study findings to his patients when providing them with information about liposuction.

Health Tips for May 3

Health Tip: Signs That You May Have a Herniated Disc

A spinal disk becomes herniated when the inside contents bulge out from a weakened portion of the disk and put pressure on surrounding nerves.

The resulting pain may affect the leg, foot or hip if the slipped disk is in the lower back. A herniated disk in the neck can cause pain in the upper back and shoulders.

The ADAM Encyclopedia says painful symptoms of a herniated disk tend to worsen:

• After you have been sitting down or standing for a long period.
• During the night.
• When you laugh, cough or sneeze.
• When you walk, even a short distance.
• When you bend over backward.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Back Injury

The premise is simple: Maintaining good posture lessens your risk of developing back problems.

Even if your back feels OK at the moment, you may be straining it if you have poor posture, perform awkward movements, are out of shape, or are overweight. Good body mechanics include reducing strain on your back when you lift heavy loads. The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma offers these suggestions:

• Stand close to the object to be lifted.
• Spread your feet wide apart to straddle the object.
• Squat, bending your knees and hips, keeping your back in proper alignment.
• Contract your stomach muscles.
• Lift by using your leg muscles, not your back.
• When lifting with another person, one person should say when to lift, walk and unload.
• Do not twist as you lift. Instead, pivot with your hips and shoulders in line and shift your weight.

Health Headlines - May 2

Appeals Court Reverses Stem Cell Research Funding Ban

Stem cell research proponents welcomed Friday's U.S. federal appeals court decision overturning a district court judge's order that would have prevented taxpayer funding for human embryonic stem cell research.

"We're thrilled with this decision and look forward to allowing federally funded scientists to continue with their work without political constraints," Sean Tipton, a spokesman for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, told the Associated Press.

In a 2-1 decision, a panel of the U.S. court of appeals in Washington reversed U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth's opinion that embryonic stem cell research likely violates a 1996 law that prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars in research that harms a human embryo.

Lamberth's ruling involved a lawsuit by two scientists who said the Obama administration's rules permitting taxpayer dollars to be used for embryonic stem cell research threatened their ability to gain government funding for research using adult stem cells, the AP reported.

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Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Labs: CDC

U.S. health officials say a nationwide salmonella poisoning outbreak that's left one person dead and put at least 10 in hospital is linked to clinical and teaching microbiology laboratories.

Since August, about 73 people in 35 states have been sickened by salmonella bacteria, and some of those cases involve a strain of Salmonella typhimurium sold commercially to laboratories, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, msnbc.comreported.

The first illness occurred in late August and the most recent cases were reported March 8, the CDC says. The patients include employees and students of the laboratories, as well as children in the homes of people who work or study at the labs.

Salmonella can be transmitted via contaminated items such as lab coats, car keys, pens, and notebooks, CDC officials said, msnbc.com reported.

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Food Companies Should Push Healthy Foods for Kids: U.S. Government

Food makers should voluntarily replace child-targeted ad campaigns for unhealthy products such as chips, soda and candy with healthier foods, says a proposal released Thursday by several U.S. government agencies.

American children need to consume less sugar, sodium, saturated fat and trans fat, and eat foods that "make a more meaningful contribution to the diet," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission, the Wall Street Journalreported.

"The proposed voluntary principles are designed to encourage stronger and more meaningful self-regulation by the food industry and to support parents' efforts to get their kids to eat healthier foods," the agencies said in a joint new release. "While the goals they would set for food marketers are ambitious and would take time to put into place, the public health stakes could not be higher."

The agencies noted that about one-third of children in the U.S. are overweight or obese, the Wall Street Journal reported.

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Episiotomies Decline in U.S.: Report

Episiotomies in the United States decreased 60 percent between 1997 and 2008, according to a federal government report released Thursday. Episiotomy is a surgical incision to widen the vaginal area during childbirth.

During the same period, the use of forceps during child delivery fell 32 percent, from 14 percent to 10 percent, and the proportion of hospital stays of women who delivered via cesarean section rose by 72 percent, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Between 2007 and 2008, the number of hospital stays for childbirth fell from 4.5 million to 4.2 million, after increasing an average of 2 percent a year since 1999.

Of all childbirth hospital stays in 2008, 36 percent were in the South, 26 percent were in the West, 23 percent in the Midwest and 16 percent in the Northeast.

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Cheaper Drug as Good as Costly One for Eye Disease: Study

A cheaper drug is as effective as a more expensive drug for treatment of an eye disease that's a leading cause of vision loss in elderly people, according to a new study.

Researchers compared patients with wet macular degeneration who received monthly shots of Avastin ($50 per treatment) or Lucentis ($2,000 per treatment) for one year. Lucentis is approved in the United States for treatment of wet macular degeneration, while Avastin is a cancer drug used off-label by many doctors to treat the eye disease, the Associated Press reported.

Vision improvement was the same for both groups of patients, the study said.

The findings were published online Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine and will be presented at a meeting this weekend, the AP reported.

Health Tips for May 2

Health Tip: Overexposed to the Sun

Too much exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet rays can lead to skin cancer, eye damage and other health problems.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says UV rays can:

• Lead to different types of skin cancer, including the most serious, melanoma.
• Cause what looks like early aging and other changes in the skin's appearance.
• Damage the eyes, including causing cataracts.
• Suppress the immune system, resulting in reduced ability to fight off illness.

Health Tip: Apply Sunscreen Properly


Sunscreen helps protect your skin from sunburn and damage, but it must be applied properly.

The Skin Cancer Foundation offers these guidelines:

• Choose a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.
• Apply sunscreen to children's skin, as long as they are at least 6 months old. Children younger than 6 months should not be exposed to the sun.
• Make sure you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays,
• Use about 1 ounce of sunscreen for good coverage.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours.
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
• Be aware of how much time you spend in the sun. Your skin doesn't have to turn red to be damaged by the sun's rays.

Health Headlines - May 1

Appeals Court Reverses Stem Cell Research Funding Ban

Stem cell research proponents welcomed Friday's U.S. federal appeals court decision overturning a district court judge's order that would have prevented taxpayer funding for human embryonic stem cell research.

"We're thrilled with this decision and look forward to allowing federally funded scientists to continue with their work without political constraints," Sean Tipton, a spokesman for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, told the Associated Press.

In a 2-1 decision, a panel of the U.S. court of appeals in Washington reversed U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth's opinion that embryonic stem cell research likely violates a 1996 law that prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars in research that harms a human embryo.

Lamberth's ruling involved a lawsuit by two scientists who said the Obama administration's rules permitting taxpayer dollars to be used for embryonic stem cell research threatened their ability to gain government funding for research using adult stem cells, the AP reported.

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Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Labs: CDC

U.S. health officials say a nationwide salmonella poisoning outbreak that's left one person dead and put at least 10 in hospital is linked to clinical and teaching microbiology laboratories.

Since August, about 73 people in 35 states have been sickened by salmonella bacteria, and some of those cases involve a strain of Salmonella typhimurium sold commercially to laboratories, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, msnbc.comreported.

The first illness occurred in late August and the most recent cases were reported March 8, the CDC says. The patients include employees and students of the laboratories, as well as children in the homes of people who work or study at the labs.

Salmonella can be transmitted via contaminated items such as lab coats, car keys, pens, and notebooks, CDC officials said, msnbc.com reported.

-----

Food Companies Should Push Healthy Foods for Kids: U.S. Government

Food makers should voluntarily replace child-targeted ad campaigns for unhealthy products such as chips, soda and candy with healthier foods, says a proposal released Thursday by several U.S. government agencies.

American children need to consume less sugar, sodium, saturated fat and trans fat, and eat foods that "make a more meaningful contribution to the diet," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission, the Wall Street Journalreported.

"The proposed voluntary principles are designed to encourage stronger and more meaningful self-regulation by the food industry and to support parents' efforts to get their kids to eat healthier foods," the agencies said in a joint new release. "While the goals they would set for food marketers are ambitious and would take time to put into place, the public health stakes could not be higher."

The agencies noted that about one-third of children in the U.S. are overweight or obese, the Wall Street Journal reported.

-----

Episiotomies Decline in U.S.: Report

Episiotomies in the United States decreased 60 percent between 1997 and 2008, according to a federal government report released Thursday. Episiotomy is a surgical incision to widen the vaginal area during childbirth.

During the same period, the use of forceps during child delivery fell 32 percent, from 14 percent to 10 percent, and the proportion of hospital stays of women who delivered via cesarean section rose by 72 percent, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Between 2007 and 2008, the number of hospital stays for childbirth fell from 4.5 million to 4.2 million, after increasing an average of 2 percent a year since 1999.

Of all childbirth hospital stays in 2008, 36 percent were in the South, 26 percent were in the West, 23 percent in the Midwest and 16 percent in the Northeast.

-----

Cheaper Drug as Good as Costly One for Eye Disease: Study

A cheaper drug is as effective as a more expensive drug for treatment of an eye disease that's a leading cause of vision loss in elderly people, according to a new study.

Researchers compared patients with wet macular degeneration who received monthly shots of Avastin ($50 per treatment) or Lucentis ($2,000 per treatment) for one year. Lucentis is approved in the United States for treatment of wet macular degeneration, while Avastin is a cancer drug used off-label by many doctors to treat the eye disease, the Associated Press reported.

Vision improvement was the same for both groups of patients, the study said.

The findings were published online Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine and will be presented at a meeting this weekend, the AP reported.

Health Tips for May 1

Health Tip: Kid-Proof Your Bathroom

Kids can easily slip, fall or burn themselves in bathrooms.

The American Academy of Pediatrics lists these suggestions to make your bathroom safer:

• Never leave a young child alone in the bathtub.
• Place a non-slip mat or strips in the bottom of the tub, keep the toilet lid closed and cover the bathtub faucet with a soft protective cover.
• Adjust your hot water heater so that the water temperature cannot exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit -- and remember to teach older children to turn on cold water first, then hot.
• Make sure all medications have child-proof caps, and store them -- along with other bathroom products such as soaps and cleaners -- out of a child's reach.
• Unplug and safely store any electrical appliances where children cannot reach them.

Health Tip: Ease Baby's Stuffy Nose

Easing a sniffly baby's stuffy nose can make both baby and parents feel better.

The ADAM Encyclopedia suggests how to help reduce nasal congestion in babies:

• With the baby lying on the back and a towel rolled up beneath the shoulders, place two-to-three drops of a saline solution into the nose before rolling baby onto the stomach.
• Use a nasal suction bulb, sometimes called an aspirator, to suck mucus from baby's nose. Follow the product's directions carefully.
• Elevate the head of baby's crib.
• Get baby to drink a lot of fluids, so breast-feed or offer formula frequently.
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer. But don't let the room get too humid, and remember to disinfect the vaporizer daily.
• Before bedtime, run a hot shower and take baby into the steamy bathroom to help break up congestion. Never put baby in the hot shower.
• Don't use cough-and-cold medicines or nasal sprays in children younger than 2.