Health Headlines - August 8

HIV Testing Rates Leveling Off

In 2006, 40.4 percent (71.5 million) of American adults said they had been tested for HIV at some time, a new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis finds..

About 10.4 percent of adults said they were tested for HIV in the preceding year. Of those, 83 percent were tested in a health care setting.

The analysis of National Health Interview Survey data shows that after several years of steady increases in HIV testing, rates leveled off between 2001 and 2006. The analysis was published Thursday in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Early diagnosis of HIV infection is critical and can allow infected people to obtain life-extending medical treatment, the study's authors noted. Since 2006, the CDC has recommended that voluntary HIV screening become a routine part of medical care for all people between the ages of 13 and 64. More than 250,000 HIV-positive Americans don't know they're infected, the agency says.

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Health Premiums Have Doubled Since 1996

Since 1996, health insurance premiums for private-sector employers and their workers have increased more than 100 percent, according to the latest News and Numbers summary from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The analysis of Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data also found that for U.S. employment-based health insurance between 1996 and 2006:

• The average cost of a family insurance plan increased from $4,954 to $11,381 a year, while the average cost for a single premium rose from $1,992 to $4,118.
• The bulk of the increases were paid for by employers. Their share increased from $3,679 to $8,491 a year for family coverage, and from $1,650 to $3,330 a year for single coverage.
• For workers, their share increased from $1,275 to $2,890 a year for family coverage and from $342 to $788 a year for single coverage.

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Remedial Instruction Helps Dyslexic Children

Remedial instruction can help improve dyslexia-related reading problems, according to a study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

The study of 25 grade five students who were poor readers found that 100 hours of remedial instruction increased activity in several areas of the brain, and those gains solidified over the following year, United Press International reported.

"This study demonstrates how remedial instruction can use the plasticity of the human brain to gain an educational improvement," senior author Marcel Just said in a news release. "Focused instruction can help underperforming brain areas to increase their proficiency."

The researchers also found evidence contradicting the common belief that dyslexia is primarily caused by problems with visual perception of letters, such as having trouble distinguishing between the letters "p" and "d". This kind of difficulty accounted for 10 percent of dyslexia cases in the study, while 70 percent of the children had problems relating the visual form of a letter to its sound, UPI reported.

The study appears in the journal Neuropsychologia.

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Procedure May Reduce Reliance on Anti-Rejection Drugs

A procedure that may limit transplant patients' reliance on powerful anti-rejection drugs has been developed by German researchers. Anti-rejection drugs can cause side effects and may not prevent the slow rejection of the new organ over time.

The new procedure involves mixing a patient's infection-fighting white blood cells with cells from the organ donor, in order to create specialized transplant acceptance-inducing cells (TAICs), which are injected into the transplant patient, BBC News reported.

Tests on 17 kidney transplant patients yielded promising results. In the first stage of clinical trials, 12 patients who received kidneys from deceased donors were given TAICs in addition to traditional anti-rejection drugs. Ten of the patients were gradually taken off a mix of anti-rejection drugs, and six eventually took only a low dose of a single drug.

In the second stage, five patients who received kidneys from live donors received TAICs before their transplant. One patient went eight months without any anti-rejection drugs and three others were successfully taken down to single low-dose therapy, BBC News reported.

The study appears in the journal Transplant International.

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Scientists Grow Rare Brain Cancer Cells

Canadian researchers who have cultivated cells from a rare and aggressive childhood brain cancer say this success may improve the chances of finding a treatment for atypical teratoid/rhaboid tumors (AT/RT). Until now, scientists hadn't been able to grow AT/RT cells in a petri dish.

"To do [drug] tests we need to have cancer cells in cultures. We take the cancer cells, add the targeted therapy [drug] agent and show whether it can kill or not kill," explained Dr. Aru Narendran, CBC News reported.

But, for an unknown reason, it had been impossible to grow AT/RT tumors outside the body. Narendran and colleagues were able to grow AT/RT cells by adding a small amount of brain fluid from an infant with the disease.

The University of Calgary researchers have already used cultivated AT/RT cells to test a drug that blocks a receptor that helps the tumor grow. The drug killed all the cancer cells, CBC News reported.

The findings were published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology.

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Researchers Achieve Higher Cure Rate for Drug-Resistant TB

Aggressive drug treatment cured more than 60 percent of 48 patients in Peru with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) -- a success rate higher than that achieved in American and European hospitals. XDR-TB is resistant to the most effective drugs, CBC News reported.

Treatment of the patients in this study included a structured, comprehensive, community-based approach and aggressive use of TB drugs (an average of five or six medications per patient).

"It's essential that the world know that XDR-TB is not a death sentence. As or even more importantly, our study shows that effective treatment does not require hospitalization or indefinite confinement of patients," lead author Carole Mitnick, an instructor in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, said in a new release, CBC News reported.

The study appears in Thursday's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Health Tips for August 8

Health Tip: Keep Baby From Heat Rash

Heat rash is a common problem among infants, appearing as small red bumps or blisters on the skin caused by sweating.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to protect your baby from heat rash:

* The goal is to keep baby cool and dry. During hot or humid weather, dress baby in lightweight, cool and absorbent cotton clothing.
* Keep baby in air-conditioned areas, or use a light fan. But position it far enough away that only a light breeze can be felt.
* Avoid using powders, creams and ointments on baby's skin. These products won't prevent heat rash and may actually block the pores.

Health Tip: If Your Child Wears Glasses

If your child has been prescribed glasses, you may have a difficult time getting your child to wear them.

The Children's Physician Network offers these suggestions:

* Let your child choose the frames, and be sure to give lots of compliments on how great they look.
* Start out having your child wear the glasses for short periods, until they become more comfortable.
* Encourage your child to wear glasses while doing something enjoyable, such as watching a movie or reading a book.
* Don't nag the child about wearing glasses, but praise them when they do.
* Wearing glasses should be part of the daily routine, much like teeth brushing or getting dressed.
* Mention sports heroes, actors or family members who wear glasses.

Health Headlines - August 7

HIV Drug Abacavir Doesn't Increase Heart Attack Risk: Study

The HIV drug abacavir doesn't increase the risk of heart attack, according to an analysis of data from more than 14,600 patients in 54 clinical trials. The review was conducted by drug maker GlaxoSmithKline after a previous analysis suggested a potential association between highly active retroviral therapy (HAART) regimens containing abacavir and increased risk of heart attack.

The new analysis from GSK, the drug's manufacturer, included 9,639 patients on abacavir-containing HAART and 5,044 patients on non-abacavir HAART. Overall, there were fewer than 30 heart attacks in both groups and no increased risk of heart attack was observed in the abacavir group, according to a GSK news release.

The frequency of heart attacks was 1.1 per 1,000 people in the abacavir group and 1.4 per 1,000 in the non-abacavir group. The frequency of coronary artery disorders was 2.5 per 1,000 people in the abacavir group and 4 per 1,000 in the non-abacavir group.

The results were presented Wednesday at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City.

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Enzyme Overproduction May Cause Endometriosis

Overproduction of an enzyme called telomerase may be a cause of the painful womb condition endometriosis, say researchers at the University of Liverpool in the U.K.

Telomerase plays a role in cell division. In endometriosis, patches of the womb's inner lining grow into other parts of the body. The researchers said their findings may lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the condition, BBC News reported.

Normally, cells in the inner lining of the womb begin producing telomerase at the start of a woman's menstrual cycle, with production of the enzyme slowing at the end of the cycle.

"Women who have endometriosis express this enzyme in both the early and late stages of the menstrual cycle, which means that the cells will continue to divide and lose their 'focus' in supporting the establishment of a pregnancy," said lead researcher Dr. Dharani Hapangama, BBC News reported. "As a result, the lining of the womb may be more hostile to an early pregnancy, and the cells that are shed at this late stage in the menstrual cycle may be more 'aggressive' and more able to survive and implant outside the uterus, causing pain in the pelvic or abdomen area."

The study appears in the journal Human Reproduction.

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New Parkinson's Test Shows Promise

A minimally invasive method of diagnosing Parkinson's disease shows promise, according to American and Canadian researchers. Currently, there is no definitive laboratory diagnosis for the condition.

The researchers used spectroscopy to develop a metabolic profile (chemical signatures) of biological markers for Parkinson's. They tested their method in a study that included 52 patients with mild or moderate Parkinson's and 32 age-matched volunteers in a control group, United Press International reported.

Blood samples from all participants were analyzed using near-infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy methods. The two methods yielded similar and consistent results.

In differentiating the Parkinson's patients from control group volunteers, Raman spectroscopy achieved a sensitivity of 74 percent and a specificity of 72 percent, with eight false positives and four false negatives, the study found. Near-infrared spectroscopy achieved a sensitivity of 74 percent and a specificity of 76 percent, with four false positives and five false negatives, UPI reported.

The study appears in the journal Biomarkers in Medicine.

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Combining Prevention Methods May Dramatically Reduce HIV Infections

Half of the 7 million to 16 million new HIV infections projected worldwide over the next seven years may be prevented by combining prevention methods such as condoms, circumcision and current treatment drugs, according to experts.

Preventing the spread of HIV could save $24 billion in treatment costs by 2015, says Michael Merson, a researcher at the Duke University Global Health Institute, the Bloomberg news service reported.

Merson led one of six studies published in a special issue of the The Lancet. He and his colleagues noted that no effective HIV vaccine will be available in the near future, and preventive microbicide gels designed to protect women against HIV infection have proven a disappointment.

Thomas Coates, a University of California, Los Angeles, AIDS researcher who wrote one of the studies, said the use of antiretroviral drugs and other experimental strategies to prevent the spread of HIV may change approaches for fighting the disease, Bloomberg reported.

"We may have to think about how to spend HIV prevention dollars if these trials are as effective as we all think they should be," Coates told reporters at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City.

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Broccoli May Benefit Diabetics

Broccoli may help reverse diabetes-related damage to heart blood vessels, according to U.K. researchers, who believe a compound called sulforaphane is responsible for this benefit. The compound encourages production of enzymes that protect blood vessels and also reduces high levels of molecules that cause major cell damage.

In their study, the University of Warwick team tested sulforaphane on blood vessels damaged by high glucose levels and found a 73 percent reduction of molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), BBC News reported.

In addition, sulforaphane activated a protein called nrf2, which protects cells and tissues from damage by activating protective antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes.

"Our study suggests that compounds such as sulforaphane from broccoli may help counter processes linked to the development of vascular disease in diabetes," said lead researcher Professor Paul Thornalley, BBC News reported. "In future, it will be important to test if eating a diet rich in brassica vegetables (such as broccoli) has health benefits for diabetic patients. We expect that it will."

The study appears in the journal Diabetes.

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High Lead Levels Prompt Recall of Candy

A worldwide recall of a Malaysian-made brand of candy was announced Wednesday after California health officials found the candy contained high levels of lead.

The Ego Hao Jin Bang candy may have been contaminated during production, according to Lina Gan, a manager at Kee Wee Hup Kee Food Manufacture in southern Johor state, the Associated Press reported. The company is investigating the source of the contamination.

On Tuesday, California's Department of Public Health said it found the candy contained up to 0.73 parts per million of lead, much higher than the state's limit of 0.10 parts per million.

As soon as California officials alerted the company about the problem, the firm recalled the candy from domestic and global markets, Gan said. She noted production of the candy was halted a few months ago due to poor sales, the AP reported.

Health Tips for August 7

Health Tip: Can't Sleep?

If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, it's important to understand the reasons for your insomnia.

Here's a list of possible reasons for your sleepless nights, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Discomfort or illness.
* Depression.
* Stress or anxiety.
* Drinking caffeine or alcohol, smoking, or taking certain medications or illicit drugs.
* An inappropriate sleep environment, including one that's too bright or too noisy.
* Related activities that affect your sleep, such as taking naps or going to bed too early.

Health Tip: Prevent Jet Lag

Jet lag can dampen the fun of any trip when your body struggles to adjust to a new time zone.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to prevent jet lag:

* Start your trip well-rested. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before your trip.
* Avoid alcohol and overeating.
* Eat healthy meals.
* Get as much exercise as possible.
* Avoid sleep medications. If you use them, don't take them for more than a few days.
* Follow the schedule of the time zone you are in. Eat meals and go to bed when the locals do.

Health Headlines - August 6

Study Reveals New Genetic Clues About Cancer

A genetic anomaly in people with a higher-than-normal risk of developing cancer has been identified by Canadian researchers. They said the findings may lead to the development of a blood test that can detect tumors at an early stage when they're most treatable and could improve understanding of how cancers are contracted in the general population.

The study included people in families with a rare inherited disorder called Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), which increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer in childhood and early adulthood. The researchers found that people with LFS have greater variation in their DNA than people without the condition, the Canadian Press reported.

People with LFS have more copy number variations (CNVs), the duplication or deletion of large segments of DNA, said the researchers. They also noted that most people with LFS have a mutation in a gene that normally stabilizes DNA. The study found that people with this mutation in blood cells had a much higher rate of CNVs than people without the mutation.

"So it would imply that people who have a mutation in this gene and are susceptible to cancer have inherently regions of their DNA which are duplicated or deleted and therefore are unstable. And that may have something to do with the mechanism by which they develop cancer," said study leader Dr. David Malkin of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, the CP reported.

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Another Malaria Vaccine To Begin Human Testing

A malaria vaccine that showed promise in tests on animals is ready for testing in people, according to an international team of scientists. Currently, there is no vaccine for malaria.

The new vaccine worked well in mice and is expected to begin small-scale human safety trials next year, BBC News reported.

The vaccine targets the "blood stage" of malaria, in which parasite numbers rapidly increase in the bloodstream after bursting out of cells. The researchers believe the vaccine can trigger a massive immune response against the malaria parasite at this stage. In mice, the vaccine reduced malaria parasite levels by 70 percent to 85 percent. The findings appear in the journal Nature.

Some experimental malaria vaccines are already being tested on people in malaria-affected countries, BBC News reported.

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Medicare OK'd Fake Suppliers: Report

Medicare approved two fake companies to supply wheelchairs and other equipment, even though the phony firms had no inventory or clients, says a Government Accountability Office report released Monday.

The bogus companies in Maryland and Virginia were set up by government investigators looking into fraud problems afflicting Medicare, Bloomberg news reported.

"If real fraudsters had been in charge of the fictitious companies, they would have been clear to bill Medicare from the Virginia office for potentially millions of dollars of false supplies," the GAO said.

Billing tests for the fake Maryland company weren't completed because the investigators didn't receive the necessary passwords from Medicare, Bloomberg reported.

In the fiscal year ending March 2007, Medicare made about $1 billion in improper payments on canes, prosthetic devices, wheelchairs, and other equipment. Medicare says it's implementing new billing oversight requirements for medical suppliers, according to Bloomberg.

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U.S. Woman First to Get Cloned Puppies From S. Korean Company

A California women is the initial customer of a South Korean company that claims to be the world's first successful commercial canine cloning service. Bernann McKinney received five puppies Tuesday that were cloned from her late pitbull Booger.

His frozen cells were brought to RNL Bio of Seoul, South Korea, in March and nurtured before formal cloning work began in May, the Associated Press reported. RNL identified the puppies as Booger's genuine clones and reconfirmation tests are being conducted by Seoul National University scientists.

RNL eventually plans to clone about 300 dogs a year and may even clone camels for customers in the Middle East. The company charges up to $150,000 for dog cloning, but McKinney will pay only $50,000 because she's the first customer and helped with publicity, the AP said.

''It's a miracle!'' McKinney repeatedly shouted when she saw her cloned puppies at the laboratory, the news service reported.

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Vaccine May Give HIV Patients a Break From Regular Medication

A vaccine designed to give HIV patients a prolonged respite from their regular medication will be tested in a trial of 345 patients in 21 centers in Europe and the United States, researchers announced at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City.

It's believed giving HIV patients a break from standard HIV therapy would help alleviate adverse side effects associated with the drugs and may also help delay the emergence of drug-resistant viruses, BBC News reported. It would also provide substantial savings for health care services.

The vaccine was developed by Norway-based biotechnology company Bionor Immuno. Results from the trial are due by the end of 2009.

"A successful immunotherapeutic HIV vaccine would give patients and doctors enormous advantages over current treatments, both in developed and developing countries," said Dr. Barry Peters, of Kings College London, BBC News reported.

"Even if this vaccine is not the final answer, it could help the march toward a successful immunotherapeutic HIV vaccine," said Peters, who is leading the research in Great Britain.

Health Tips for August 6

Health Tip: Before You Take Medication

Drug reactions and interactions between different medications are common, so it's important to speak with your doctor before you take any medication, especially one you're never taken before.

The Cleveland Clinic says you should always tell your doctor:

* If you've had any allergic reaction to a medication, food or substance.
* If you take any over-the-counter product, including medications, herbal supplements, vitamins or minerals.
* If you are, might be, or are planning to become pregnant.
* If you are breast-feeding.
* If you're on a particular diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet.
* If you have any medical condition that your doctor may not know about.

Health Tip: Pain Reliever Side Effects

Before you take a pain reliever for conditions such as headache, sinusitis, muscle or joint pain, make sure you know about the potential side effects.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says you should talk to your doctor about these potential risks of pain medications:

* Liver damage can occur in people who take large quantities of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), or in those who already have liver problems.
* Gastrointestinal problems -- such as ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding or upset stomach -- can occur in people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for long periods. NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen.
* Kidney damage, if NSAIDs are used frequently for long periods.
* NSAIDs may interact with medicines that people take to combat high blood pressure. NSAIDs can also elevate blood pressure on their own.
* In rare cases, people can be allergic to pain medications.

Health Headlines - August 5

FDA Introduces New Advisory Committee Rules

Stricter limits on financial conflicts of interest and improved voting procedures are among the new policies meant to improve transparency and public disclosure at U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committees.

Under the new rules, the FDA has imposed a cap of $50,000 as the maximum personal financial interest an advisor may have in all companies that may be affected by a particular advisory committee meeting. If an advisor's personal financial interest is greater than $50,000, he or she won't be allowed to participate in the meeting. If the financial interest is less than $50,000, the FDA may grant a waiver, but only if it's determined there is an essential need for an advisor's particular expertise.

Details of such waivers will be posted on the FDA's Web site in advance of meetings.

Most of the announced changes to advisory committee policies will go into effect immediately and all are expected to be fully implemented within 120 days.

The FDA's advisory committees include outside, independent experts who advise agency officials as they consider regulatory issues, such as the approval of new drugs or medical devices. Last year, the FDA convened 48 meetings of advisory committees.

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Some Restaurant Workers Ignore Food-Safety Practices: Study

A lack of training and resources are among the factors cited by restaurant workers for not adhering to food-safety practices designed to prevent food-borne illness, says a U.S. study that included focus groups of 125 restaurant employees.

The Kansas State University researchers identified 90 barriers to food-safety practices. Inadequate training and resources, time constraints and inconvenience were the top reasons for not applying three important food-safety practices: hand washing, using thermometers, and cleaning work surfaces, United Press International reported.

The study included workers with no formal food-safety training and those who took part in a formal ServSafe training program. The workers who'd received formal training listed a number of other barriers to using food-safety practices: no incentive to implement the practices; dry skin from hand washing; lack of working thermometers; inconvenient location of sinks; and managers not monitoring if staff cleaned work surfaces.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

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Most Nations Falling Short of Pledge to Fight AIDS

Most nations have failed to honor a commitment they made two years ago to fight AIDS and likely won't meet the U.N. AIDS Millennium Development Goal to reverse the spread of the disease by 2015, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said Monday at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City.

In 2006, the United Nations General Assembly set a goal to provide universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010.

"Most countries still have a long way to go" to achieve that target, which will make it difficult to meet the 2015 goal, according to Ban, CBC News reported.

There's a "huge shortfall in resources" and richer nations will have to assist the poorest countries, which are worst-hit by HIV/AIDS, Ban said.

He noted that failure to make progress against AIDS hinders other goals, such as strengthening health systems, reducing poverty, and curbing the spread of malaria, CBC News reported.

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Kids' Menus Packed With Calories: Report

Most children's meals at major U.S. restaurant chains are loaded with calories, says a report released Monday by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a non-profit public health group.

The examination of the nutritional quality of kids' meals at 13 major restaurant chains found that 93 percent of 1,474 possible choices exceed 430 calories, the Associated Press reported. That amount is one-third of the daily calorie intake for children ages 4 to 8 recommended by the U.S. National Institute of Medicine.

In addition, the report found that 45 percent of kids' meals exceed recommendations for heart-damaging saturated fats and trans fat, and 86 percent of children's meals are high in sodium.

The group said there are some healthy options on restaurant menus, but "parents have to navigate a minefield of calories, fat and salt to find them," the AP reported.

"Parents want to feed their children healthy meals, but America's chain restaurants are setting parents up to fail," CSPI nutrition director Margo G. Wootan said in a news release.

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Workers Lose Weight, Boost Productivity in Office Designed for Activity

Workers in an office re-engineered to boost physical activity lost weight and increased their productivity, according to a six-month Mayo Clinic study.

The restructuring of the office at a financial staffing firm in Minneapolis included: removing chairs and traditional desk seating; adding desks attached to treadmills; replacing traditional phones with mobile sets; introducing walking tracks; and providing high-tech activity monitors. Staffers were encouraged to conduct meetings while walking and counseled about nutrition, United Press International reported.

The 18 volunteers lost a total of 156 pounds, 143 of that in body fat. Individual weight loss averaged 8.8 pounds. Triglyceride levels decreased by an average of 37 percent, the study found.

While the workers shed pounds, the company's bottom line added weight. During the first three months of the study, revenues increased nearly 10 percent. At the study's midpoint, the company recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue, the news service reported.

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Virginia Boy Scout Camp Closed Due to E. Coli Outbreak

The Goshen Scout Reservation in Virginia was closed Sunday due to an E. coli outbreak and will remain closed until further notice, the Boy Scouts of America said Sunday, The Roanoke Times reported. The Virginia Department of Health has been notified about the situation.

The decision to close the camp came after three more boys showed symptoms of E. coli infection. On Friday, it was confirmed that at least 14 boys and one adult were infected with E. coli while attending the camp. Nine of the boys were hospitalized.

As of Sunday, there was no confirmation about the source of the outbreak at the 4,000-acre-plus campground in the mountains. Last week, there were more than 1,310 Scouts, adult learners and staff members residing at the camp, The Times reported.

E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause a variety of serious symptoms, including gastrointestinal problems.

Health Tips for August 5

Health Tip: Get Rid of Allergens

Allergy symptoms can be caused by many things, commonly pet dander, dust, mold, grasses and trees, and certain foods.

To keep symptoms from airborne allergens at bay, try these suggestions from the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Reduce exposure to pollen by showering, washing your hair, and changing your clothes before going to bed.
* Keep doors and windows shut -- especially on dry, windy days -- and run the air conditioner in your home and car when possible.
* Clean areas prone to mold in your home -- such as shower curtains and bathroom windows -- with bleach. Avoid having plants in the house.
* Keep pet dander at a minimum by bathing your pet frequently, and using an air filter and allergen-resistant bedding.
* Reduce dust by frequently washing bedding, drapes and stuffed animals. Install wood floors instead of carpeting.

Health Tip: Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions can range from very mild to life-threatening. Severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention, but even reactions that are milder should be checked out by a doctor.

Here are warning signs of a mild allergic reaction, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Skin rash.
* Hives, especially on the neck or the face.
* Itchy skin.
* Red or watery eyes.
* Nasal congestion.

If you have more serious symptoms of an allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, swelling, dizziness, chest discomfort, abdominal pain, or feelings of apprehension and anxiety, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Health Headlines - August 4

One Reason U.S. Obesity Keeps Rising: We're Eating More Food

Here's a big reason why the American individual has packed on more pounds in recent years -- the rationale that it has taken more food to make people heavier is true.

The New York Times reports that the amount of food an American ate in 2006 was almost 2 pounds more than was ingested in 1970.

Citing U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics, the newspaper says that in 1970 the average amount of food each American ate weekly was 16.4 pounds. By 2006, that amount had increased to 18.2 pounds a week.

What constituted the increase? According to the Times, it was unfortunately those substances that can make people fatter: oils, shortening, cheeses and about an additional quarter pound of meat each week.

And while not making a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the Times cites obesity rate increases among United States residents from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: In 1980, 15 percent of adults between ages 20 and 74 were classified as obese. By 2007, that figure was 25.6, according to the CDC.

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Waterborne Parasite Causing Illness and One Possible Death in North Texas

Outbreaks of a nasty parasite infection in public swimming places in Dallas and Fort Worth have local health officials increasing the chlorine content in many pools in order to control the outbreak.

According to the Dallas Morning News, 123 cases of cryptosporidiosis (also known as Crypto), an infection caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium have been reported in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area since June. The death of a six-year-old girl is being investigated to see if she was a Crypto victim, the newspaper reports.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cryptosporidiosis is the most common waterborne illness in the United States. It is spread through contact with fecal matter, and the parasite can live in the human intestine for long periods of time. Symptoms include cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Dallas-area health officials have recommended that people with compromised immune systems not swim in public pools, the Morning news reports. And, says the newspaper, many municipalities are "hyperchlorinating" their public swimming facilities in an attempt to deter Cryto's spread.

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Reintroduced MS Drug Cited in Two New Deadly Infections

Two new instances of a dangerous brain infection have been reported among users of Tysabri, a multiple sclerosis drug that was reintroduced two years ago after being pulled from the market because of the same adverse effect.

While the two new cases occurred in Europe, they raised international concern about Tysabri and its connection with the viral brain condition called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The new cases were confirmed this week, according to the Bloomberg news service, which cited a statement from one of the drug's makers, Massachusetts-based Biogen Idec Inc.

Biogen and co-maker Elan Corp, based in Ireland, voluntarily withdrew Tysabri in February 2005 after three users contracted PML and two of them died. The drug was reintroduced in July 2006.

A Biogen spokeswoman told Bloomberg that additional cases had been anticipated and that pulling the drug again was "not under consideration."

Some 31,800 people were taking Tysabri at the end of June, and the companies had hoped to have 100,000 users by 2010, the news service said. The drug also has been approved in the United States to treat an inflammatory bowel disorder called Crohn's disease.

Of the two new cases of PML, one is recovering at home and the other has been hospitalized, Bloomberg said.

"These incidents of PML are unfortunate and disappointing, and we hope for the best possible outcomes for these individuals and their families," the National Multiple Sclerosis Society said in a news release. "However, their occurrence is within range of the predicted frequency of cases, estimated by a published report and by the FDA, of approximately one in 1,000 people taking the drug."

The society said Tysabri users and their doctors should monitor closely for signs of PML, which could include "worsening neurological symptoms such as any changes in thinking, eyesight, balance, strength and other symptoms."

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Possible Anthrax Suspect Commits Suicide

A senior U.S. government biodefense researcher who may have been linked to a series of anthrax deaths in 2001 committed suicide earlier this week. Bruce E. Ivins, 62, worked at the biodefense laboratories in Fort Detrick, Md. for the past 33 years.

Ivins did not play a role in the anthrax deaths of at least five people and had fully cooperated with investigators, his lawyer told The New York Times.

"The relentless pressure of accusation and innuendo takes its toll in different ways on different people, as has already been seen in this investigation," said Paul Kemp. "In Dr. Ivin's case, it led to his untimely death."

Ivins was regarded as a legitimate suspect and agents were nearing a possible arrest, a federal law enforcement official told the Times.

A few weeks ago, the Justice Department agreed to pay $4.6 million to settle a lawsuit by Steven J. Hatfill, another biodefense researcher at the same facility, who also had been investigated in connection with the anthrax case.

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FDA Rejects Anesthesia Recovery Drug

In a surprise decision, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it won't approve the drug sugammadex, designed to help patients recover from anesthesia. The agency said it had concerns about allergic reactions seen in some patients who took the drug, the Associated Press reported.

Thursday's decision was unexpected because an FDA panel of outside experts had recommended approval of the drug. The FDA isn't required to follow the advice of its expert panels, but generally does.

In a statement released Friday, drug maker Schering-Plough Corp. said it would work with the FDA to address concerns about sugammadex.

On Tuesday, European Union regulators approved the injectable drug, which will be marketed under the name Bridion, the AP reported.

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U.S. Senate Passes Bill Banning Lead from Children's Products

The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a bill that bans lead from children's toys and other products. The measure also bans, either permanently or pending further study, children's goods that contain chemicals called phthalates, which are widely used to make plastic products softer and more flexible.

The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 89-3. On Wednesday, the House passed the measure 424-1. The Bush Administration has objected to certain parts of the bill but a White House spokeswoman said President Bush would sign it, the Associated Press reported.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act would permit only tiny levels of lead in products for children 12 or younger, giving the U.S. the most stringent lead standards in the world.

Last year, lead paint was a major factor in the recall of 45 million toys and other children's items, the AP reported. Many of those items came from China.

Health Tips for August 4

Health Tip: Drug and Food Interactions

Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can negatively interact with foods, supplements or other drugs.

Here are guidelines to help prevent food-drug interactions, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Check prescription and over-the-counter drug labels to see if they contain any warnings.
* Follow directions on all medications carefully.
* Unless you get your doctor's OK, never break up pills and mix them with food, and never empty capsules into food.
* Take medications with a whole glass of water, unless your doctor has given you other instructions. Never take medications with alcohol.
* Don't take your medications at the same time as you take vitamins or dietary supplements.
* Don't mix medications in a hot drink, as the heat may affect the medication.

Health Tip: Prevent Dehydration

It's easy to get dehydrated if you're not careful. A stomach bug, sweating outside in the hot weather, and just not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, a serious condition.

Stay well-hydrated with these suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Drink plenty of fluids -- especially water -- each day.
* When exercising or sweating, and during hot weather, be sure to drink more water.
* Elderly people, children and people who are sick need to be carefully monitored to prevent dehydration.
* Drink plenty of fluids if you are vomiting, have a fever, or have diarrhea.
* If you think you may be starting to get dehydrated, contact your doctor at once -- before you start to have symptoms.
* Warning signs of dehydration may include: not producing tears, sunken eyes, little or no urine output for eight hours or more, rapid heartbeat, listlessness, and dry skin, mouth or eyes.

Health Headlines - August 3

Waterborne Parasite Causing Illness and One Possible Death in North Texas

Outbreaks of a nasty parasite infection in public swimming places in Dallas and Fort Worth have local health officials increasing the chlorine content in many pools in order to control the outbreak.

According to the Dallas Morning News, 123 cases of cryptosporidiosis (also known as Crypto), an infection caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium have been reported in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area since June. The death of a six-year-old girl is being investigated to see if she was a Crypto victim, the newspaper reports.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cryptosporidiosis is the most common waterborne illness in the United States. It is spread through contact with fecal matter, and the parasite can live in the human intestine for long periods of time. Symptoms include cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Dallas-area health officials have recommended that people with compromised immune systems not swim in public pools, the Morning news reports. And, says the newspaper, many municipalities are "hyperchlorinating" their public swimming facilities in an attempt to deter Cryto's spread.

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Reintroduced MS Drug Cited in Two New Deadly Infections

Two new instances of a dangerous brain infection have been reported among users of Tysabri, a multiple sclerosis drug that was reintroduced two years ago after being pulled from the market because of the same adverse effect.

While the two new cases occurred in Europe, they raised international concern about Tysabri and its connection with the viral brain condition called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The new cases were confirmed this week, according to the Bloomberg news service, which cited a statement from one of the drug's makers, Massachusetts-based Biogen Idec Inc.

Biogen and co-maker Elan Corp, based in Ireland, voluntarily withdrew Tysabri in February 2005 after three users contracted PML and two of them died. The drug was reintroduced in July 2006.

A Biogen spokeswoman told Bloomberg that additional cases had been anticipated and that pulling the drug again was "not under consideration."

Some 31,800 people were taking Tysabri at the end of June, and the companies had hoped to have 100,000 users by 2010, the news service said. The drug also has been approved in the United States to treat an inflammatory bowel disorder called Crohn's disease.

Of the two new cases of PML, one is recovering at home and the other has been hospitalized, Bloomberg said.

"These incidents of PML are unfortunate and disappointing, and we hope for the best possible outcomes for these individuals and their families," the National Multiple Sclerosis Society said in a news release. "However, their occurrence is within range of the predicted frequency of cases, estimated by a published report and by the FDA, of approximately one in 1,000 people taking the drug."

The society said Tysabri users and their doctors should monitor closely for signs of PML, which could include "worsening neurological symptoms such as any changes in thinking, eyesight, balance, strength and other symptoms."

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Possible Anthrax Suspect Commits Suicide

A senior U.S. government biodefense researcher who may have been linked to a series of anthrax deaths in 2001 committed suicide earlier this week. Bruce E. Ivins, 62, worked at the biodefense laboratories in Fort Detrick, Md. for the past 33 years.

Ivins did not play a role in the anthrax deaths of at least five people and had fully cooperated with investigators, his lawyer told The New York Times.

"The relentless pressure of accusation and innuendo takes its toll in different ways on different people, as has already been seen in this investigation," said Paul Kemp. "In Dr. Ivin's case, it led to his untimely death."

Ivins was regarded as a legitimate suspect and agents were nearing a possible arrest, a federal law enforcement official told the Times.

A few weeks ago, the Justice Department agreed to pay $4.6 million to settle a lawsuit by Steven J. Hatfill, another biodefense researcher at the same facility, who also had been investigated in connection with the anthrax case.

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FDA Rejects Anesthesia Recovery Drug

In a surprise decision, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it won't approve the drug sugammadex, designed to help patients recover from anesthesia. The agency said it had concerns about allergic reactions seen in some patients who took the drug, the Associated Press reported.

Thursday's decision was unexpected because an FDA panel of outside experts had recommended approval of the drug. The FDA isn't required to follow the advice of its expert panels, but generally does.

In a statement released Friday, drug maker Schering-Plough Corp. said it would work with the FDA to address concerns about sugammadex.

On Tuesday, European Union regulators approved the injectable drug, which will be marketed under the name Bridion, the AP reported.

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U.S. Senate Passes Bill Banning Lead from Children's Products

The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a bill that bans lead from children's toys and other products. The measure also bans, either permanently or pending further study, children's goods that contain chemicals called phthalates, which are widely used to make plastic products softer and more flexible.

The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 89-3. On Wednesday, the House passed the measure 424-1. The Bush Administration has objected to certain parts of the bill but a White House spokeswoman said President Bush would sign it, the Associated Press reported.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act would permit only tiny levels of lead in products for children 12 or younger, giving the U.S. the most stringent lead standards in the world.

Last year, lead paint was a major factor in the recall of 45 million toys and other children's items, the AP reported. Many of those items came from China.

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Hypnosis Helps Dementia Patients: Study

Hypnosis slows the progression of dementia, according to results of a U.K. study.

Researchers compared dementia patients who had hypnosis to patients who received standard treatment and those in group therapy that encouraged discussion of news and current affairs, United Press International reported.

Patients in the hypnosis group showed improvements in concentration, memory, socialization, relaxation, motivation, and daily living activities.

"Over the 9-month period of weekly sessions, it became clear that the participants attending the discussion group remained the same throughout. The group who received 'treatment as usual' showed a small decline over the assessment period, yet those having regular hypnosis sessions showed real improvement across all of the areas that we looked at," Dr. Simon Duff, a forensic psychologist at the University of Liverpool, said in a news release cited by UPI.

"Participants who are aware of the onset of dementia may become depressed and anxious at their gradual loss of cognitive ability and so hypnosis -- which is a tool for relaxation -- can really help the mind concentrate on positive activity like socialization," Duff said.

Health Tips for August 3

Health Tip: Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You're Pregnant

When you head to the doctor for your first prenatal visit after learning that you're pregnant, you should prepare a list of questions.

The American Pregnancy Association offers this list of topics for discussion:

* Is there a phone number or nurse line that I can call when I have questions?
* Who should I call if I start bleeding or cramping?
* What should I consider an emergency?
* Now that I'm pregnant, do I need to make changes to my nutrition, exercise routine and sexual activity?
* How often will I have prenatal visits?

Health Tip: Exercising During Pregnancy

Exercise is good for you during any stage of life. But among pregnant women, it can offset some common problems.

Your doctor should approve of any exercise program while you're pregnant. The American Pregnancy Association offers this list of potential benefits:

* It can help alleviate conditions such as poor circulation and back pain.
* It can give you more energy throughout your day.
* It can help you sleep better.
* It can put you in a better mood.
* It can better prepare your body for childbirth.
* It can help prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

Health Headlines - August 2

Reintroduced MS Drug Cited in Two New Deadly Infections

Two new instances of a dangerous brain infection have been reported among users of Tysabri, a multiple sclerosis drug that was reintroduced two years ago after being pulled from the market because of the same adverse effect.

While the two new cases occurred in Europe, they raised international concern about Tysabri and its connection with the viral brain condition called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The new cases were confirmed this week, according to the Bloomberg news service, which cited a statement from one of the drug's makers, Massachusetts-based Biogen Idec Inc.

Biogen and co-maker Elan Corp, based in Ireland, voluntarily withdrew Tysabri in February 2005 after three users contracted PML and two of them died. The drug was reintroduced in July 2006.

A Biogen spokeswoman told Bloomberg that additional cases had been anticipated and that pulling the drug again was "not under consideration."

Some 31,800 people were taking Tysabri at the end of June, and the companies had hoped to have 100,000 users by 2010, the news service said. The drug also has been approved in the United States to treat an inflammatory bowel disorder called Crohn's disease.

Of the two new cases of PML, one is recovering at home and the other has been hospitalized, Bloomberg said.

"These incidents of PML are unfortunate and disappointing, and we hope for the best possible outcomes for these individuals and their families," the National Multiple Sclerosis Society said in a news release. "However, their occurrence is within range of the predicted frequency of cases, estimated by a published report and by the FDA, of approximately one in 1,000 people taking the drug."

The society said Tysabri users and their doctors should monitor closely for signs of PML, which could include "worsening neurological symptoms such as any changes in thinking, eyesight, balance, strength and other symptoms."

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Possible Anthrax Suspect Commits Suicide

A senior U.S. government biodefense researcher who may have been linked to a series of anthrax deaths in 2001 committed suicide earlier this week. Bruce E. Ivins, 62, worked at the biodefense laboratories in Fort Detrick, Md. for the past 33 years.

Ivins did not play a role in the anthrax deaths of at least five people and had fully cooperated with investigators, his lawyer told The New York Times.

"The relentless pressure of accusation and innuendo takes its toll in different ways on different people, as has already been seen in this investigation," said Paul Kemp. "In Dr. Ivin's case, it led to his untimely death."

Ivins was regarded as a legitimate suspect and agents were nearing a possible arrest, a federal law enforcement official told the Times.

A few weeks ago, the Justice Department agreed to pay $4.6 million to settle a lawsuit by Steven J. Hatfill, another biodefense researcher at the same facility, who also had been investigated in connection with the anthrax case.

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FDA Rejects Anesthesia Recovery Drug

In a surprise decision, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it won't approve the drug sugammadex, designed to help patients recover from anesthesia. The agency said it had concerns about allergic reactions seen in some patients who took the drug, the Associated Press reported.

Thursday's decision was unexpected because an FDA panel of outside experts had recommended approval of the drug. The FDA isn't required to follow the advice of its expert panels, but generally does.

In a statement released Friday, drug maker Schering-Plough Corp. said it would work with the FDA to address concerns about sugammadex.

On Tuesday, European Union regulators approved the injectable drug, which will be marketed under the name Bridion, the AP reported.

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U.S. Senate Passes Bill Banning Lead from Children's Products

The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a bill that bans lead from children's toys and other products. The measure also bans, either permanently or pending further study, children's goods that contain chemicals called phthalates, which are widely used to make plastic products softer and more flexible.

The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 89-3. On Wednesday, the House passed the measure 424-1. The Bush Administration has objected to certain parts of the bill but a White House spokeswoman said President Bush would sign it, the Associated Press reported.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act would permit only tiny levels of lead in products for children 12 or younger, giving the U.S. the most stringent lead standards in the world.

Last year, lead paint was a major factor in the recall of 45 million toys and other children's items, the AP reported. Many of those items came from China.

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Hypnosis Helps Dementia Patients: Study

Hypnosis slows the progression of dementia, according to results of a U.K. study.

Researchers compared dementia patients who had hypnosis to patients who received standard treatment and those in group therapy that encouraged discussion of news and current affairs, United Press International reported.

Patients in the hypnosis group showed improvements in concentration, memory, socialization, relaxation, motivation, and daily living activities.

"Over the 9-month period of weekly sessions, it became clear that the participants attending the discussion group remained the same throughout. The group who received 'treatment as usual' showed a small decline over the assessment period, yet those having regular hypnosis sessions showed real improvement across all of the areas that we looked at," Dr. Simon Duff, a forensic psychologist at the University of Liverpool, said in a news release cited by UPI.

"Participants who are aware of the onset of dementia may become depressed and anxious at their gradual loss of cognitive ability and so hypnosis -- which is a tool for relaxation -- can really help the mind concentrate on positive activity like socialization," Duff said.

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Performance Anxiety May Increase Risk of Eating Disorders in Female Athletes

Competitive female athletes who worry about their performance may be more prone to eating disorder-related attitudes and behaviors, suggests a University of Denver study that included 274 undergraduate women at a large southeastern university.

The participants included: varsity athletes, who exercised an average of two hours per day; club athletes, who practiced their sport an average of four times per week; independent exercisers, who exercised on their own at least three times per week; and non exercisers, who exercised 0-2 times per week, United Press International reported.

The women had standard assessments for eating disorders, self-esteem, and sports-related anxiety. The researchers found that competitive athletes who are anxious about their performance may be at higher risk for eating disorder symptoms than women who are less anxious about their sports performance and those who aren't involved in competitive athletics.

Coaches and athletic departments should watch for signs of sports-related anxiety in their female athletes, said the researchers.

The study appears in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.

Health Tips for August 2

Health Tip: Pain Reliever Side Effects

Before you take a pain reliever for conditions such as headache, sinusitis, muscle or joint pain, make sure you know about the potential side effects.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says you should talk to your doctor about these potential risks of pain medications:

* Liver damage can occur in people who take large quantities of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), or in those who already have liver problems.
* Gastrointestinal problems -- such as ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding or upset stomach -- can occur in people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for long periods. NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen.
* Kidney damage, if NSAIDs are used frequently for long periods.
* NSAIDs may interact with medicines that people take to combat high blood pressure. NSAIDs can also elevate blood pressure on their own.
* In rare cases, people can be allergic to pain medications.

Health Tip: Drug and Food Interactions

Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can negatively interact with foods, supplements or other drugs.

Here are guidelines to help prevent food-drug interactions, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Check prescription and over-the-counter drug labels to see if they contain any warnings.
* Follow directions on all medications carefully.
* Unless you get your doctor's OK, never break up pills and mix them with food, and never empty capsules into food.
* Take medications with a whole glass of water, unless your doctor has given you other instructions. Never take medications with alcohol.
* Don't take your medications at the same time as you take vitamins or dietary supplements.
* Don't mix medications in a hot drink, as the heat may affect the medication.

Health Headlines - August 1

Living Near Highway Raises Risk of Low Birth-Weight Baby: Study

Living near a highway increases a woman's risk of having a low birth-weight baby, according to a study of almost 100,000 live births in Montreal between 1997 and 2001.

Women who lived within 200 meters (about 219 yards) of a highway had a 14 percent greater risk of pre-term birth and were 17 percent more likely to have a low birth-weight baby than women who didn't live close to a highway, CBC News reported.

Affluent women appeared more at risk, found authors of the study, which appears in the August issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

"Among affluent mothers who live within 200 meters of a highway, the odds of delivering an infant with low birth weight increase by 81 percent, while their odds of delivering a pre-term baby increase by 58 percent compared to mothers who don't live anywhere close to expressways," study author Dr. Melissa Genereux said in a news release cited by CBC News.

"Advantaged mothers may be more susceptible to environmental hazards because they have been protected from other hazards," the study authors wrote. "These mothers may be particularly susceptible to exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, which is hypothesized to interfere directly with intrauterine growth via pollutant absorption and placental exchange, or indirectly by increasing maternal susceptibility to infection or impairing maternal respiratory function."

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FDA Orders Aranesp and Procrit Label Changes

Labels on the anemia drugs Aranesp and Procrit must be changed in a way that could limit their use in treating cancer patients, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

It's the first time the FDA has used its authority under a 2007 law that gave the agency the power to order changes in a drug's prescribing information, The New York Times reported. Before the new law, the FDA could only negotiate with drug makers to change labels.

Amgen makes both Aranesp and Procrit, but Procrit is sold under license by Johnson & Johnson.

In the past year, sales of both drugs fell after studies suggested their use to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy could actually worsen cancer and shorten patients' lives, the Times reported.

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House Passes Bill Giving FDA Control Over Tobacco

Legislation that would subject the tobacco industry to regulation by U.S. health authorities was passed Wednesday by the House in a 326-102 vote.

Under the bill, the Food and Drug Administration would have the power to regulate tobacco products. The FDA couldn't ban tobacco or nicotine, but it could order the reduction or elimination of cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke, the Associated Press reported.

In addition, the bill would: further tighten restrictions on tobacco advertising; impose new penalties for selling to minors; prohibit candy-flavored cigarettes and cigars; and give the FDA authority to ban menthol, the most common type of flavoring.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act appears to have enough support to pass this year, but it's unclear whether the Senate will have time to act, the AP reported. The White House issued a veto threat Wednesday.

A potential sticking point as the Senate considers the measure is its treatment of menthol, a favorite choice among black smokers. The National African American Tobacco Prevention Network has said it won't support the bill unless it included an outright ban on menthol. But given that menthol represents more than 25 percent of cigarettes sold, tobacco makers' support for the bill could be in jeopardy if the legislation included a menthol ban, the AP said.

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FDA Approves Test to Identify Cancer Cells in Tumors

A test that helps identify the type of cancer cells present in a tumor has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The Pathwork Tissue of Origin test compares the genetic material of a patient's tumor with genetic data stored in a database from evaluated cancers. The test, which is able to analyze thousands of pieces of genetic material at a time, considers 15 common cancer types, including those of the bladder, breast, and colon.

"The clearance of the Pathwork test is another step in the continued integration of molecular-based medicine into standard practice," Dr. Daniel Schultz, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in an agency news release.

The test and its technology are produced by Pathwork Diagnostics of Sunnyvale, Calif., and Affymetrix Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif.

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Brown Rice Can Benefit Diabetics

A compound in brown rice can reduce diabetes-related damage in nerves and blood vessels, says a U.S. study.

The growth factor acylated steryl glucosides (ASG) -- which is released when brown rice is soaked in water overnight before cooking -- helps normalize blood sugar and enzymes that are awry in people with diabetes, United Press International reported.

The study appears in the Journal of Lipid Research.

Unlike white rice, brown rice still has some of the growth factor, which resumes activity after about 24 hours in water, said Dr. Robert K. Yu of the Medical College of Georgia, UPI reported.

"You have to let it grow, germinate a little bit. Some of the active ingredients generated as a result of the germination process are beneficial to you," he said in a news release.

Health Tips for August 1

Health Tip: Prevent Back Injury

Lifting or carrying objects -- even light ones -- can cause injury and pain if you don't follow the proper techniques.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions to help prevent back injuries:

* Take the time to stretch your legs and back before doing a lot of carrying or lifting.
* Wear safety protection on your hands and feet.
* Use a stool or sturdy ladder to reach objects that are seated above your shoulders.
* Keep your feet solid. Lift with your legs, not your back. Carry the object close to you.
* Always get help carrying very heavy objects.
* Keep your stomach pulled in and use those muscles to support your back.

Health Tip: Alleviating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints. Remedies may include lifestyle changes, medication and surgery designed to help control pain and minimize joint damage.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of possible treatments for rheumatoid arthritis:

* Range-of-motion exercises and other exercise routines devised by a physical therapist can help prevent or delay joint damage.
* Splints, braces and other supportive devices can help protect the joints.
* Heat or cold treatments can help ease pain and inflammation.
* Working with a physical therapist can help you learn how to protect your joints during daily activities and tasks, and how to use your joints when your arthritis is causing pain.
* Getting at least eight hours sleep at night and taking frequent rests during strenuous activities are recommended to ease joint stress.

Health Headlines - July 31

Salmonella Found at 2nd Mexican Farm

The strain of salmonella that has been linked to more than 1,300 illnesses in the United States has been found on a second farm in Mexico, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

"We have a smoking gun, it appears," Lonnie King, the chief of the Centers for Disease Control's center for foodborne illnesses, told the AP.

But health officials cautioned that the investigation wasn't over and that contamination of several different types of produce was still possible.

The latest farm to have contamination, in this case tainted irrigation water and a contaminated serrano pepper, was identified in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, the AP reported. Previously, contamination of a sample of jalapeno peppers was identified at another Mexican farm in a different part of the country.

Fresh tomatoes had been the suspected source of the nationwide outbreak that began in April. But two weeks ago, U.S. health officials cleared the current crop for consumers. And at the start of last week, they found the first tainted pepper. And by the end of last week, they had narrowed the source to crops in Mexico, not the United States.

Meanwhile, in British Columbia, Canadian health officials were struggling with their own salmonella outbreak, which apparently has sickened hundreds, according to the Globe and Mail.

The bacteria strain of is Salmonella enteritidis, health officials said, which is linked to poultry and egg products.

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Alzheimer's Drug Shows No Benefit in Most Patients

The experimental Alzheimer's drug bapineuzumab showed no benefit for most patients and was linked to a brain-swelling condition called vasogenic edema, says a study presented Tuesday at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Chicago.

The drug, made by Elan Corp and Wyeth, did slow memory loss in some patients better than existing treatments, but it had no effect in people with the ApoE4 gene, which is found in about half of all Alzheimer's patients, Bloomberg news reported.

Bapineuzumab is designed to remove clumps of protein that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

Twelve cases of vasogenic edema occurred in the trial of 234 patients, and 10 of those cases occurred in patients with the ApoE4 gene, Bloomberg reported. Both cases of vasogenic edema in patients without the gene were in the highest-dose group, as were eight of those with the gene.

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Who's Happiest? Younger Women and Older Men

Young adult women tend to be happier than their male counterparts, but the roles reverse as people age, according to a new study cited by United Press International.

Later in life, it's generally men who are happier and more satisfied with their lives, U.S. and British researchers reported in the Journal of Happiness Studies.

Happiness depends on factors such as family stability and financial security, according to study authors Richard Easterlin at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and Anke Plagnol at the University of Cambridge in England.

Early in life, it's women who are more likely to satisfy their aspirations for material goods and family life. But men seem to better achieve these desires as both sexes become older, the study authors said.

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Routine EKGs Not Needed For Kids Taking ADHD Drugs: AAP

Children prescribed attention-deficit drugs don't need routine electrocardiogram heart screening, according to a new policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that appears to contradict American Heart Association (AHA) advice.

The drugs, which can increase blood pressure and heart rate, carry a warning about risks for sudden death in patients with heart problems. However, the pediatricians' group said the AHA was overzealous earlier this year when it recommended EKGs for children prescribed ADHD drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta, the Associated Press reported.

Children starting treatment with the drugs should be given a thorough physical exam and be checked for family history of heart problems, but routine EKGs aren't needed in most cases, the AAP said.

The new statement appears in the August edition of the journal Pediatrics.

More than half of the 4 million U.S. children diagnosed with attention-deficit disorders are taking stimulant drugs, the AP reported. Each year, sudden heart-related deaths occur in about four of 2.5 million U.S. children taking stimulants, compared to between eight and 62 deaths a year among all U.S. children, according to the AAP.

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No New Fast Food Restaurants Allowed in South LA

In an effort to fight obesity in South Los Angeles, the city council has voted to place a one-year moratorium on new fast food restaurants in that lower-income area of the city. It's believed this is the first action of its kind taken by a major city.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 30 percent of adults in South Los Angeles are obese, compared to 19.1 percent for the metropolitan area and 14.1 percent for the Westside, the Associated Press reported.

Fast food outlets account for 73 percent of restaurants in South Los Angeles, compared to 42 percent in West Los Angeles, a Community Health Councils report found.

During the year-long moratorium, the city will try to encourage restaurants that serve healthier food to open in South Los Angeles, the AP reported.

Health Tips for July 31

Health Tip: Prevent Heartburn

Foods that trigger heartburn in many people include chocolate, fatty and spicy foods, and dairy products.

Avoiding foods and beverages that trigger your symptoms is paramount, but you can also do other things to prevent the onset of heartburn, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says:

* If you are overweight, come up with a plan to lose those extra pounds.
* Don't smoke.
* When you lie down, make sure your head is about 6 inches higher than your feet.
* Don't lie down for at least two hours after you eat.
* Take an antacid.

Health Tip: Be a Smart Patient

Although your doctor and other health-care professionals do their best to help you stay safe, there are things you can do to prevent problems.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions on how to be a smart patient:

* If you have a question or concern about your health or treatment, talk to your doctor about it. Bring a friend or family member if you need help understanding what you must do.
* Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of every medication you take, including those sold over-the-counter. Ask about any side effects or sets of drugs that shouldn't be taken together.
* Always get your test results. Ask your doctor at the time of the test when results will be available, and when you can discuss them together.
* If you are able to choose a hospital, discuss the choices with your doctor.
* If you need surgery, ask your physician what will happen, what to expect, and what you need to do.

Health Headlines - July 30

FDA Experts Recommend Approval for Experimental Arthritis Drug

The experimental rheumatoid arthritis drug Actemra should be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, an expert panel advising the agency recommended Tuesday.

The advisors voted 10-1 in favor of approval, despite the drug's serious side effects including possible infections, liver damage and cancer, the Associated Press reported. Last week, the FDA posted documents on its Web site that said Actemra appeared effective in treating moderate-to-severe RA, including symptoms such as disabling joint damage and pain.

RA differs from typical age-related arthritis, which involves wear and tear on the joints as people get older. In RA, by contrast, the body's immune system actually attacks the joints. About 2.5 million Americans have the condition, and most people get it in early adulthood or middle age, the AP said.

While most arthritis medications are designed to relieve pain, Actemra is a genetically engineered drug that blocks a protein called IL-6, which has been linked to the body's inflammatory response.

Actemra is made by Hoffman-La Roche Inc.

The full FDA generally follows the suggestions of its advisory panels, though it isn't bound to do so.

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Global AIDS Deaths Declined Again in 2007

For the second year in a row, deaths worldwide from AIDS-related diseases fell in 2007, due mainly to increased distribution of anti-HIV drugs, says a UNAIDS report released Tuesday.

There were an estimated 2 million AIDS-related deaths last year, about 200,000 fewer deaths than in 2005, Agence France-Presse reported.

About 33 million people were living with HIV last year across the globe, compared with 32.7 million in 2006, according to UNAIDS. About 2.7 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2007.

The rate of people worldwide with HIV has remained around 0.8 percent since 2000. While this suggests the AIDS pandemic has stabilized, UNAIDS said more funding and a breakthrough in prevention are needed if progress against the disease is to continue, AFP reported.

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Mediterranean Diet Becoming Less Popular in Countries of Origin

People in countries where the Mediterranean diet originated are abandoning it for food that's higher in salt, sugar and fat, according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization.

The Mediterranean diet, based on fresh fruit and vegetables, is becoming less popular in several countries including Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, Agence France-Presse reported.

"Hailed by experts as keeping people slim, healthy and long-living, the Mediterranean diet has followers all over the world -- but is increasingly disregarded around the Mediterranean," the Food and Agricultural Organization said.

The effects of that switch are readily apparent, the news service said. Greece now has the highest average body mass index in the European Union and the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity, AFP reported.

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Don't Eat Lobster Tomalley: FDA

Consumers shouldn't eat the soft, green substance (tomalley) found in the body cavity of lobsters because it may be contaminated with toxins that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. The white meat found elsewhere in lobsters is safe.

The FDA's warning follows similar advisories from public health officials in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Canada after a red tide (algae bloom) contaminated fishing grounds , the Associated Press reported.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning symptoms -- which usually appear within two hours of exposure -- include tingling and numbness of the mouth, face or neck; muscle weakness; headache and nausea, the AP reported.

People who have such symptoms should see a doctor, the FDA said. In rare cases, consuming a large amount of toxin can cause respiratory failure and death.

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Ritalin May Help Prevent Falls in Elderly

Ritalin may help prevent falls in elderly people, according to an Israeli study of 26 seniors who live independently.

Some of the participants received Ritalin (methylphenidate) -- often prescribed to treat hyperactive children -- while others received a placebo before they were instructed to stand from a sitting position, walk 10 feet, walk back, and sit down, Agence France- Presse reported.

Those who took the drug "performed the test quicker and had less variability in their 'stride time,' a common sign of instability," wrote the researchers at the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University. The study appears in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

While the idea of using a pill to reduce fall risk among the elderly is an "intriguing concept," not enough research has been done to recommend the use of Ritalin on a wide-scale basis, AFP quoted study author Jeffrey Hausdorff as saying.

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Food Makers Spent $1.6 Billion Targeting Children

The 44 largest food and beverage companies in the United States spent about $1.6 billion in 2006 marketing their products to children and adolescents, says a Federal Trade Commission report to be released Tuesday.

About $492 million was spent on soda marketing, (primarily targeted at adolescents), about $237 million was spent on cereal marketing (primarily aimed at children under age 12), and restaurants spent close to $294 million on marketing that targeted children and adolescents about evenly, the Associated Press reported.

To prepare its study, the FTC used confidential financial data the companies were forced to hand over. The findings show that a large amount of money is being used to persuade children to eat foods that are often unhealthy, said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who pushed for the study.

"This study confirms what I have been saying for years. Industry needs to step up to the plate and use their innovation and creativity to market healthy foods to our kids," Harkin was quoted by the AP as saying. "That $1.6 billion could be used to attract our kids to healthy snacks, tasty cereals, fruits and vegetables."

Health Tips for July 30

Health Tip: Deep Breathing Techniques

Deep breathing techniques are a great way to fight stress and anxiety, and help you relax.

Here are basic steps to deep breathing, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Lie on your back, on a flat surface.
* Place one hand on your stomach just above your belly button, and the other hand on your chest.
* Inhale slowly, making sure that your stomach rises a bit.
* Hold your breath for a second.
* Slowly exhale, letting your stomach sink back down.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Headaches

Headaches have a variety of causes and triggers, but stress is a common factor in many types of headache.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to lessen stress and reduce your chances of a headache:

* Get plenty of sleep every night.
* Maintain a healthy diet, including staying away from junk food.
* Don't smoke.
* Get plenty of regular exercise.
* Stretch your neck, shoulders and upper body frequently. This is particularly important if you work all day at a desk or computer.
* Maintain good posture.
* Practice meditation, yoga or deep breathing techniques.