FDA Panel Rejects Merck OTC Drug
A U.S. advisory panel on Friday urged regulators to reject over-the-counter sales of Merck & Co. Inc.'s cholesterol-lowering drug Mevacor because of doubts the medicine could be used safely without a doctor's guidance.
Electrical Device Promising for Spinal Cord Injury
Early tests are raising hopes that a new device can help people who've injured their spinal cord.
Amgen Warns About Higher Doses of Anemia Drugs
Amgen Inc. has added a warning to its anemia drug, Aranesp, for kidney dialysis and cancer patients after studies on similar drugs showed higher doses can cause blood clots and death, the company said a letter released on Friday.
Viagra Safe with Blood Pressure Drugs, Study Shows
Men who take multiple blood pressure medications can also take Viagra without risking additional problems, according to a new study.
FDA Seeks More Data on Schering Diagnostic Agent
U.S. regulators have demanded more clinical studies of a new substance designed to produce clearer MRI pictures of clogged arteries, Germany's Schering AG and U.S. partner Epix Pharmaceuticals Inc. said on Friday.
Anxiety May Worsen Disability in Older Women
Symptoms of anxiety may speed the progression of certain physical disabilities in older women, new research suggests.
Genes, Low Iron Tied to Restless Legs in Kids
Family history and iron deficiency appear to play important roles in childhood restless legs syndrome, according to a new study.
Carnitine Compound Eases Diabetic Nerve Pain
People with diabetes-related nerve damage may find pain is relieved by taking a compound related to the popular supplement L-carnitine -- provided the treatment is started early -- according to a re-analysis of data from two large clinical trials.
Inhaled Budesonide Safe for Infants with Asthma
Budesonide inhalation suspension (BIS) is a safe asthma treatment for infants, according to a new study.
Physician-Nurse Team Improves Blood Pressure Control
Success in achieving target blood pressure levels seems to be improved using home blood pressure measurements to guide treatment in a physician-supervised, nurse-managed clinic, a new study suggests.
Food Industry Nudged Toward Changes
Like many Americans at this time of year, the food industry has been talking a lot about healthy eating, improved nutrition and making better choices. Trans fats are out, whole grains are in and so are reminders about balanced lifestyles.
Japanese Baby Has 6-Organ Transplant
An 11-month-old Japanese boy smiled and laughed in his mother's arms Friday as doctors talked of his progress from a six-organ transplant, an operation done here because children's organ donations are banned in Japan.
U.S. Looks to Europe for Low Drug Prices
U.S. states that have looked to Canada to help their residents win steep discounts on prescription drug prices are turning to Europe for the same deals because the Canadian government is considering shutting off the southbound flow.
High Blood Pressure: The New Childhood Scourge
Add high blood pressure -- that's right, high blood pressure -- to the list of childhood ills that have historically included diseases like chicken pox and the mumps.
Health Tip: Polly Want an Illness?
If you got a pet bird as a holiday gift, the Mayo Clinic wants you to be aware of an illness you can get from birds: parrot fever.
Health Tip: Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine While Pregnant
If you're pregnant and want to have a healthy baby, you need to avoid the wine glass and coffee cup, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
Possible Cocaine Addiction Treatment Found
Modafinil -- a wake-promoting drug used to treat narcolepsy -- may be an effective treatment for cocaine dependence, suggests a University of Pennsylvania Medical Center study.
Carefree People May Miss Rectal Cancer
Carefree, optimistic people are more likely to ignore symptoms of rectal cancer for long periods of time and receive treatment at a later stage than people who are more anxious by nature.
Cutting Down on Health-Care Costs
Requiring enrollees to get permission before filling prescriptions for proton pump inhibitor (PPI) anti-ulcer drugs enabled the Georgia Medicaid program to cut its prescription drug costs by $20.6 million.
New Scans Spot More Small Breast Tumors
A new technique that uses a specially designed gamma camera improves detection of small breast tumors, says a study in the January issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Drug Reduces Frequency of MS Relapses
Once-a-month intravenous therapy with the drug Tysabri appears to reduce relapses among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a Rush University Medical Center study.
Vietnam PM calls for drastic action as bird flu hits capital
Prime Minister Phan Van Khai has asked authorities to take drastic measures to fight bird flu after the potentially fatal virus killed hundreds of poultry in the capital Hanoi.
Thai tsunami trauma sparks rash of foreign ghost sightings
A second surge of tsunami terror is hitting southern Thailand, but this time it is a wave of foreign ghosts terrifying locals in what health experts described as an outpouring of delayed mass trauma.
Japan to survey all nursing homes after seven die of stomach flu
Japan will survey conditions at all of its 5,000 nursing homes after seven elderly residents at one institution died of stomach flu caused by a highly contagious virus, the health ministry said.
Fear of infection as Sofia's garbage strike leaves city in a mess
Bulgarian authorities fear an outbreak of disease from tons of waste garbage piled up in Sofia after protestors for the seventh day blocked access to the capital's main waste disposal site.
Mozambique to more than double free HIV treatment in 2005
Mozambique plans to increase to 20,000 the number of HIV/AIDS patients whom it provides with free anti-viral treatment in 2005, more than double the 8,000 who received the treatment at no cost last year, a health ministry spokesman has said.
African health ministers agree to massive anti-polio drive: WHO
Eight African states have agreed to a massive series of anti-polio vaccination campaigns aimed at halting transmission of the virus by the end of 2005, the World Health Organisation said.
Doctors urged to carry out hajj travel checkup
The British Medical Journal (BMJ) this week advises doctors to carry out checkups for Muslims heading out on the hajj, warning that the stress of the pilgrimage can be fatal for those who are weak or in ill health.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Friday, January 14, 2005
Health Headlines - January 14
Global High Blood Pressure Rates Set to Soar
A third of the world's adult population -- more than one billion people -- will suffer from high blood pressure by 2025, scientists predicted on Friday.
Big Tobacco Tried to Blur Cancer Link
Tobacco companies tried to cast doubt on the link between smoking and cancer by funding projects that challenged the findings of a landmark study, scientists said on Friday.
Sunblock and Footwear Key to Haj Wellbeing
Pilgrims should stock up on sunblock and shoes before starting the five-day haj pilgrimage this month, a British Muslim doctor said on Friday.
U.S. Finds Gaping Racial Disparities in Public Health
Black people in the United States are far more likely than whites to die from strokes, diabetes and other diseases, according to a federal study that shows wide racial disparities persist in health care.
Merck Seeks Over-The-Counter U.S. Cholesterol Drug
Drug maker Merck & Co. Inc. urged U.S. advisers on Thursday to approve the first over-the-counter sales of a cholesterol-lowering pill, but regulators questioned if consumers would use it properly.
Gay Men May Be Misusing Viagra
Approximately one out of six gay men use Viagra recreationally, and are more likely to do so if they are also using illegal drugs, new research indicates.
Johnson & Johnson Withdraws 300 Stents from Market
Johnson & Johnson on Thursday said it has voluntarily withdrawn 300 of its Cypher stents from the U.S. market after determining that the coating on six of the devices did not meet specifications.
Taking Medicine Prevents AIDS Mutations
Taking AIDS drugs exactly as prescribed is the best way to prevent the virus from mutating and becoming resistant to those drugs, researchers said on Thursday.
Sleep Apnea Linked to Heartbeat Irregularities
People with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome -- in which airways become blocked periodically during sleep and breathing stops for brief periods --experience a relatively high number episodes of irregular heart rhythm, Spanish investigators report.
Fears Ease Over Disease Risk in Tsunami Zone
Fears that the Indian Ocean tsunami could unleash epidemics which would double the death toll are fading as access to clean water improves, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
Vending Machine Industry Aims at Obesity
The vending machine industry, taking heavy criticism as kids and other Americans get fatter, is launching an anti-obesity marketing campaign to improve its image and fend off efforts to remove machines from schools.
Researchers Link Gene to Form of Deafness
Researchers have identified a gene that prevents the regeneration of inner ear cells that are critical to hearing, a discovery experts say is the first step toward finding a way to correct the most common form of deafness among the elderly.
Surgeon General Renews Radon Warning
The surgeon general is reminding Americans to have their homes checked for radon.
Intestinal Immune Cell Network Discovered
A newly identified network of gastrointestinal immune cells in mammals could help scientists better understand how the immune system recognizes and responds to dangerous bacteria and viruses.
Eye Protein Plays Key Role in Allergy Response
A protein in the eye that plays an important role in the early stages of allergic response has been identified by University College London researchers.
New Gene Principle Changes the Rules
Researchers are rewriting the rules for human genetics, and their findings have medical implications for conditions ranging from diabetes to cancer to heart disease.
Iron Deficiency Sends Cells Into Tailspin
Iron deficiency forces cells to preserve what little iron they have and to maintain essential functions by dramatically reducing the activity of more than 80 different genes.
African health ministers agree to massive anti-polio drive: WHO
Eight African states have agreed to a massive series of anti-polio vaccination campaigns aimed at halting transmission of the virus by the end of 2005, the World Health Organisation said.
A third of the world's adult population -- more than one billion people -- will suffer from high blood pressure by 2025, scientists predicted on Friday.
Big Tobacco Tried to Blur Cancer Link
Tobacco companies tried to cast doubt on the link between smoking and cancer by funding projects that challenged the findings of a landmark study, scientists said on Friday.
Sunblock and Footwear Key to Haj Wellbeing
Pilgrims should stock up on sunblock and shoes before starting the five-day haj pilgrimage this month, a British Muslim doctor said on Friday.
U.S. Finds Gaping Racial Disparities in Public Health
Black people in the United States are far more likely than whites to die from strokes, diabetes and other diseases, according to a federal study that shows wide racial disparities persist in health care.
Merck Seeks Over-The-Counter U.S. Cholesterol Drug
Drug maker Merck & Co. Inc. urged U.S. advisers on Thursday to approve the first over-the-counter sales of a cholesterol-lowering pill, but regulators questioned if consumers would use it properly.
Gay Men May Be Misusing Viagra
Approximately one out of six gay men use Viagra recreationally, and are more likely to do so if they are also using illegal drugs, new research indicates.
Johnson & Johnson Withdraws 300 Stents from Market
Johnson & Johnson on Thursday said it has voluntarily withdrawn 300 of its Cypher stents from the U.S. market after determining that the coating on six of the devices did not meet specifications.
Taking Medicine Prevents AIDS Mutations
Taking AIDS drugs exactly as prescribed is the best way to prevent the virus from mutating and becoming resistant to those drugs, researchers said on Thursday.
Sleep Apnea Linked to Heartbeat Irregularities
People with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome -- in which airways become blocked periodically during sleep and breathing stops for brief periods --experience a relatively high number episodes of irregular heart rhythm, Spanish investigators report.
Fears Ease Over Disease Risk in Tsunami Zone
Fears that the Indian Ocean tsunami could unleash epidemics which would double the death toll are fading as access to clean water improves, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
Vending Machine Industry Aims at Obesity
The vending machine industry, taking heavy criticism as kids and other Americans get fatter, is launching an anti-obesity marketing campaign to improve its image and fend off efforts to remove machines from schools.
Researchers Link Gene to Form of Deafness
Researchers have identified a gene that prevents the regeneration of inner ear cells that are critical to hearing, a discovery experts say is the first step toward finding a way to correct the most common form of deafness among the elderly.
Surgeon General Renews Radon Warning
The surgeon general is reminding Americans to have their homes checked for radon.
Intestinal Immune Cell Network Discovered
A newly identified network of gastrointestinal immune cells in mammals could help scientists better understand how the immune system recognizes and responds to dangerous bacteria and viruses.
Eye Protein Plays Key Role in Allergy Response
A protein in the eye that plays an important role in the early stages of allergic response has been identified by University College London researchers.
New Gene Principle Changes the Rules
Researchers are rewriting the rules for human genetics, and their findings have medical implications for conditions ranging from diabetes to cancer to heart disease.
Iron Deficiency Sends Cells Into Tailspin
Iron deficiency forces cells to preserve what little iron they have and to maintain essential functions by dramatically reducing the activity of more than 80 different genes.
African health ministers agree to massive anti-polio drive: WHO
Eight African states have agreed to a massive series of anti-polio vaccination campaigns aimed at halting transmission of the virus by the end of 2005, the World Health Organisation said.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Key Recommendations for the General Population, Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
ADEQUATE NUTRIENTS WITHIN CALORIE NEEDS
Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups while choosing foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol.
Meet recommended intakes within energy needs by adopting a balanced eating pattern, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
To maintain body weight in a healthy range, balance calories from foods and beverages with calories expended.
To prevent gradual weight gain over time, make small decreases in food and beverage calories and increase physical activity.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Engage in regular physical activity and reduce sedentary activities to promote health, psychological well-being, and a healthy body weight.
To reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, above usual activity, at work or home on most days of the week.
For most people, greater health benefits can be obtained by engaging in physical activity of more vigorous intensity or longer duration.
To help manage body weight and prevent gradual, unhealthy body weight gain in adulthood: Engage in approximately 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most days of the week while not exceeding caloric intake requirements.
To sustain weight loss in adulthood: Participate in at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while not exceeding caloric intake requirements. Some people may need to consult with a healthcare provider before participating in this level of activity.
Achieve physical fitness by including cardiovascular conditioning, stretching exercises for flexibility, and resistance exercises or calisthenics for muscle strength and endurance.
FOOD GROUPS TO ENCOURAGE
Consume a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables while staying within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables per day are recommended for a reference 2,000-calorie intake, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level.
Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. In particular, select from all five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, and other vegetables) several times a week.
Consume 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per day, with the rest of the recommended grains coming from enriched or whole-grain products. In general, at least half the grains should come from whole grains.
Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products.
FATS
Consume less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids and less than 300 mg/day of cholesterol, and keep trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible.
Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of calories, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.
When selecting and preparing meat, poultry, dry beans, and milk or milk products, make choices that are lean, low-fat, or fat-free.
Limit intake of fats and oils high in saturated and/or trans fatty acids, and choose products low in such fats and oils.
CARBOHYDRATES
Choose fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often.
Choose and prepare foods and beverages with little added sugars or caloric sweeteners, such as amounts suggested by the USDA Food Guide and the DASH Eating Plan.
Reduce the incidence of dental caries by practicing good oral hygiene and consuming sugar- and starch-containing foods and beverages less frequently.
SODIUM AND POTASSIUM
Consume less than 2,300 mg (approximately 1 teaspoon of salt) of sodium per day.
Choose and prepare foods with little salt. At the same time, consume potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly and in moderation—defined as the consumption of up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed by some individuals, including those who cannot restrict their alcohol intake, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol, and those with specific medical conditions.
Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that require attention, skill, or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.
FOOD SAFETY
To avoid microbial foodborne illness:
Clean hands, food contact surfaces, and fruits and vegetables. Meat and poultry should not be washed or rinsed.
Separate raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat foods while shopping, preparing, or storing foods.
Cook foods to a safe temperature to kill microorganisms.
Chill (refrigerate) perishable food promptly and defrost foods properly.
Avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk or any products made from unpasteurized milk, raw or partially cooked eggs or foods containing raw eggs, raw or undercooked meat and poultry, unpasteurized juices, and raw sprouts.
Note: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 contains additional recommendations for specific populations. The full document is available at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.
Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups while choosing foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol.
Meet recommended intakes within energy needs by adopting a balanced eating pattern, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
To maintain body weight in a healthy range, balance calories from foods and beverages with calories expended.
To prevent gradual weight gain over time, make small decreases in food and beverage calories and increase physical activity.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Engage in regular physical activity and reduce sedentary activities to promote health, psychological well-being, and a healthy body weight.
To reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, above usual activity, at work or home on most days of the week.
For most people, greater health benefits can be obtained by engaging in physical activity of more vigorous intensity or longer duration.
To help manage body weight and prevent gradual, unhealthy body weight gain in adulthood: Engage in approximately 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most days of the week while not exceeding caloric intake requirements.
To sustain weight loss in adulthood: Participate in at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while not exceeding caloric intake requirements. Some people may need to consult with a healthcare provider before participating in this level of activity.
Achieve physical fitness by including cardiovascular conditioning, stretching exercises for flexibility, and resistance exercises or calisthenics for muscle strength and endurance.
FOOD GROUPS TO ENCOURAGE
Consume a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables while staying within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables per day are recommended for a reference 2,000-calorie intake, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level.
Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. In particular, select from all five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, and other vegetables) several times a week.
Consume 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per day, with the rest of the recommended grains coming from enriched or whole-grain products. In general, at least half the grains should come from whole grains.
Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products.
FATS
Consume less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids and less than 300 mg/day of cholesterol, and keep trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible.
Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of calories, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.
When selecting and preparing meat, poultry, dry beans, and milk or milk products, make choices that are lean, low-fat, or fat-free.
Limit intake of fats and oils high in saturated and/or trans fatty acids, and choose products low in such fats and oils.
CARBOHYDRATES
Choose fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often.
Choose and prepare foods and beverages with little added sugars or caloric sweeteners, such as amounts suggested by the USDA Food Guide and the DASH Eating Plan.
Reduce the incidence of dental caries by practicing good oral hygiene and consuming sugar- and starch-containing foods and beverages less frequently.
SODIUM AND POTASSIUM
Consume less than 2,300 mg (approximately 1 teaspoon of salt) of sodium per day.
Choose and prepare foods with little salt. At the same time, consume potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly and in moderation—defined as the consumption of up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed by some individuals, including those who cannot restrict their alcohol intake, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol, and those with specific medical conditions.
Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that require attention, skill, or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.
FOOD SAFETY
To avoid microbial foodborne illness:
Clean hands, food contact surfaces, and fruits and vegetables. Meat and poultry should not be washed or rinsed.
Separate raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat foods while shopping, preparing, or storing foods.
Cook foods to a safe temperature to kill microorganisms.
Chill (refrigerate) perishable food promptly and defrost foods properly.
Avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk or any products made from unpasteurized milk, raw or partially cooked eggs or foods containing raw eggs, raw or undercooked meat and poultry, unpasteurized juices, and raw sprouts.
Note: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 contains additional recommendations for specific populations. The full document is available at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.
Health Headlines - January 13
Prostate Cancer Treatment Poses Bone Risk
An increasingly popular prostate cancer treatment also makes bones brittle and may be responsible for over 3,000 fractures each year in the United States, researchers reported on Wednesday.
New U.S. Food Guidelines Stress Vegetables, Grains
New eating guidelines issued by the U.S. government on Wednesday stress that most Americans are overweight and need to eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
FDA Warns Pfizer Over Painkiller Ads
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned Pfizer Inc. that television and print advertisements for its painkillers Celebrex and Bextra misled consumers, according to a letter made public on Wednesday.
Weight Loss Surgery Staves Off Prediabetes
Obese patients typically show poor sensitivity to the hormone insulin, a problem that can lead to diabetes. Previous reports have shown that weight loss surgery can improve this sensitivity.
More Research Needed on Alternative Therapies
More research is needed to show that alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbal supplements work and this may mean changing laws that protect the industry, a committee of experts said on Wednesday.
Obese Heart Failure Patients Fare Better Than Lean
Although obesity is usually linked to detrimental health consequences, new research indicates that overweight people with heart failure have a lower mortality risk than those of normal weight.
Sleep-Deprived Young Docs Prone to Auto Accidents
Trainee doctors have double the risk of having a car crash when they work more than 24 consecutive hours, according to a new report.
Pain Meter Assesses Whiplash Injury
A computerized pain assessment system may make it possible to establish a standardized way to quantify neck pain resulting from whiplash injuries, researchers in Germany report.
New Warnings Added to U.S. Group's Drug Safety Site
Consumer watchdog group Public Citizen expanded its drug safety Web site worstpills.org on Wednesday to include more warnings about side effects, drug interactions and inadequate research.
WHO: World Polio Cases Rise Dramatically
The number of worldwide polio cases last year rose dramatically after a vaccine boycott in Nigeria spawned a resurgence of the disease across Africa, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
Panel Wants Tougher Supplement Standards
With nearly one-fifth of Americans taking dietary supplements, the Institute of Medicine on Wednesday called for tougher regulations to make sure the products are safe and do what they claim.
EPA Finds Potential Teflon Chemical Risks
A chemical used to make the nonstick substance Teflon is being considered by the Environmental Protection Agency as a potential health risk.
Kraft to Curb Some Snack Food Advertising
Kraft Foods Inc., the nation's biggest food manufacturer, said Wednesday it plans to curb its advertising of Oreo cookies, regular Kool-Aid and other popular snack foods to children under 12 as part of an effort to encourage better eating habits.
Study: AIDS Problem Growing in Russia
HIV/AIDS is spreading at a devastating pace in Russia, with a new study showing an estimated 1 million people infected — three times the number officially reported — U.S. and Russian experts said Wednesday.
MADD Says Sobriety Checks Are Important
The best way to further reduce alcohol-related traffic fatalities is to set up more sobriety checkpoints, especially in the 10 states that currently bar them, Mothers Against Drunk Driving said Wednesday.
Zinc Supplements May Guard Against Oral Cancers
Zinc supplements may help prevent oral and esophageal cancers in people at high risk for such cancers due to zinc deficiency, says a study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
Antibody May Salvage Sight
Using an antibody to block the action of a protein called SDF-1 prevented blindness in mice with a condition similar to retinopathy in humans, says a University of Florida study.
U.S. Campaign Urges Cautious Use of Antibiotics
A public education campaign to remind people to be careful in their use of antibiotics has been launched by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Few Seniors Surf the Web for Health Information
Even as the Internet becomes an increasingly rich source of health information, most American seniors remain out of the loop, a new survey finds.
Depression Intensifies From One Generation to the Next
Depression intensifies from one generation to the next, says a study in the January issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Malaysia, Singapore fight dengue fever explosion
Malaysia and Singapore have introduced tough measures to combat an explosion of dengue fever, fining companies and homeowners who fail to control breeding grounds of mosquitoes responsible for a disease usually associated with poor tropical countries.
Berlin restaurant caters for people who would rather not eat
With her white chef's hat, Claudia looks at home in the kitchen of this Berlin restaurant, but her culinary talents are being used to feed people who, like her, suffer from eating disorders.
EU urged to tackle "unseen killer" of mental ill-health
Suicide kills more Europeans than car accidents or murder, the EU's top health official said in calling for a new political focus on mental health.
African health ministers to meet UN health agency amid polio concerns
Health ministers from several African states are due to meet at the World Health Organisation in Geneva amid concern about the polio epidemic stretching from west Africa to Sudan.
WHO sends experts to Philippine city to help fight deadly bacterial outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) said it will send a laboratory and epidemiology experts to the northern Philippine city of Baguio to help determine whether a bacterial outbreak which has killed 19 people is meningococcemia.
EU agrees to lift bird flu ban on Japan, South Korea
The European Union agreed to lift a ban on bird imports from Japan and South Korea after declaring them free of avian influenza, although eight other Asian states remain affected.
South Korea approves cloning research
South Korea gave official government backing to ground-breaking research that produced the world's first cloned human embryos.
Heron in Hong Kong tested for lethal strain of bird flu
A wild bird which died of avian flu in Hong Kong was being tested for the lethal strain that has killed 35 people in Asia over the last year, the government said.
Hong Kong Internet junkie fight to combat addiction
Anthony Chan betrays the tell-tale signs of his addiction: his skin is pallid and covered in spots, he sits nervously hunched, peering to correct his blighted vision and he has trouble communicating with friends and family.
An increasingly popular prostate cancer treatment also makes bones brittle and may be responsible for over 3,000 fractures each year in the United States, researchers reported on Wednesday.
New U.S. Food Guidelines Stress Vegetables, Grains
New eating guidelines issued by the U.S. government on Wednesday stress that most Americans are overweight and need to eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
FDA Warns Pfizer Over Painkiller Ads
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned Pfizer Inc. that television and print advertisements for its painkillers Celebrex and Bextra misled consumers, according to a letter made public on Wednesday.
Weight Loss Surgery Staves Off Prediabetes
Obese patients typically show poor sensitivity to the hormone insulin, a problem that can lead to diabetes. Previous reports have shown that weight loss surgery can improve this sensitivity.
More Research Needed on Alternative Therapies
More research is needed to show that alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbal supplements work and this may mean changing laws that protect the industry, a committee of experts said on Wednesday.
Obese Heart Failure Patients Fare Better Than Lean
Although obesity is usually linked to detrimental health consequences, new research indicates that overweight people with heart failure have a lower mortality risk than those of normal weight.
Sleep-Deprived Young Docs Prone to Auto Accidents
Trainee doctors have double the risk of having a car crash when they work more than 24 consecutive hours, according to a new report.
Pain Meter Assesses Whiplash Injury
A computerized pain assessment system may make it possible to establish a standardized way to quantify neck pain resulting from whiplash injuries, researchers in Germany report.
New Warnings Added to U.S. Group's Drug Safety Site
Consumer watchdog group Public Citizen expanded its drug safety Web site worstpills.org on Wednesday to include more warnings about side effects, drug interactions and inadequate research.
WHO: World Polio Cases Rise Dramatically
The number of worldwide polio cases last year rose dramatically after a vaccine boycott in Nigeria spawned a resurgence of the disease across Africa, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
Panel Wants Tougher Supplement Standards
With nearly one-fifth of Americans taking dietary supplements, the Institute of Medicine on Wednesday called for tougher regulations to make sure the products are safe and do what they claim.
EPA Finds Potential Teflon Chemical Risks
A chemical used to make the nonstick substance Teflon is being considered by the Environmental Protection Agency as a potential health risk.
Kraft to Curb Some Snack Food Advertising
Kraft Foods Inc., the nation's biggest food manufacturer, said Wednesday it plans to curb its advertising of Oreo cookies, regular Kool-Aid and other popular snack foods to children under 12 as part of an effort to encourage better eating habits.
Study: AIDS Problem Growing in Russia
HIV/AIDS is spreading at a devastating pace in Russia, with a new study showing an estimated 1 million people infected — three times the number officially reported — U.S. and Russian experts said Wednesday.
MADD Says Sobriety Checks Are Important
The best way to further reduce alcohol-related traffic fatalities is to set up more sobriety checkpoints, especially in the 10 states that currently bar them, Mothers Against Drunk Driving said Wednesday.
Zinc Supplements May Guard Against Oral Cancers
Zinc supplements may help prevent oral and esophageal cancers in people at high risk for such cancers due to zinc deficiency, says a study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
Antibody May Salvage Sight
Using an antibody to block the action of a protein called SDF-1 prevented blindness in mice with a condition similar to retinopathy in humans, says a University of Florida study.
U.S. Campaign Urges Cautious Use of Antibiotics
A public education campaign to remind people to be careful in their use of antibiotics has been launched by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Few Seniors Surf the Web for Health Information
Even as the Internet becomes an increasingly rich source of health information, most American seniors remain out of the loop, a new survey finds.
Depression Intensifies From One Generation to the Next
Depression intensifies from one generation to the next, says a study in the January issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Malaysia, Singapore fight dengue fever explosion
Malaysia and Singapore have introduced tough measures to combat an explosion of dengue fever, fining companies and homeowners who fail to control breeding grounds of mosquitoes responsible for a disease usually associated with poor tropical countries.
Berlin restaurant caters for people who would rather not eat
With her white chef's hat, Claudia looks at home in the kitchen of this Berlin restaurant, but her culinary talents are being used to feed people who, like her, suffer from eating disorders.
EU urged to tackle "unseen killer" of mental ill-health
Suicide kills more Europeans than car accidents or murder, the EU's top health official said in calling for a new political focus on mental health.
African health ministers to meet UN health agency amid polio concerns
Health ministers from several African states are due to meet at the World Health Organisation in Geneva amid concern about the polio epidemic stretching from west Africa to Sudan.
WHO sends experts to Philippine city to help fight deadly bacterial outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) said it will send a laboratory and epidemiology experts to the northern Philippine city of Baguio to help determine whether a bacterial outbreak which has killed 19 people is meningococcemia.
EU agrees to lift bird flu ban on Japan, South Korea
The European Union agreed to lift a ban on bird imports from Japan and South Korea after declaring them free of avian influenza, although eight other Asian states remain affected.
South Korea approves cloning research
South Korea gave official government backing to ground-breaking research that produced the world's first cloned human embryos.
Heron in Hong Kong tested for lethal strain of bird flu
A wild bird which died of avian flu in Hong Kong was being tested for the lethal strain that has killed 35 people in Asia over the last year, the government said.
Hong Kong Internet junkie fight to combat addiction
Anthony Chan betrays the tell-tale signs of his addiction: his skin is pallid and covered in spots, he sits nervously hunched, peering to correct his blighted vision and he has trouble communicating with friends and family.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Health Headlines - January 12
Take Care with Mobile Phones, Health Report Says
No hard evidence exists to show mobile phones damage health but users -- especially children -- should take care, UK scientists said in a survey Tuesday.
High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer
Long-term high consumption of red and processed meat may increase the risk of cancer in the colon and rectum, a new study shows.
New Jersey Plans $380 Mln for Stem Cell Research
New Jersey, home to scores of top drug companies, plans to spend $380 million on stem cell research to stay in the forefront of the politically sensitive field, its acting governor said on Tuesday.
Canada Finds New Mad Cow Case
Canada said on Tuesday it had found its second case of mad cow disease in 10 days, raising new questions as to whether Washington would scrap plans to soon end a crippling ban on imports of live Canadian cattle.
Drug Firms Offer Saving Card for Uninsured
Top pharmaceutical companies launched a new prescription drug savings card on Tuesday in an attempt to help reduce costs for the roughly 45 million Americans without health insurance.
Drug Stents Outperform Angioplasty in German Trial
Johnson & Johnson's drug-coated stent slightly outperformed Boston Scientific's version in reopening arteries that had been clogged by lesions following the earlier insertion of bare-metal stents, a study said on Tuesday.
Pain Affects How Well People with Diabetes Cope
People with diabetes often suffer from chronic and sometimes severe pain, and this can create difficulties for them in the management of their condition and with self-care activities, researchers have found.
Canadian Promotes Cartoon Condoms Against AIDS
Using humor to promote safe sex, a Canadian television producer on Tuesday launched 20 short videos of animated condoms in 41 languages to help fight HIV/AIDS around the world.
Returning U.S. Troops Need Malaria Checks
The discovery of a high incidence of malaria among U.S. soldiers returning from Afghanistan prompted a call on Tuesday for doctors to check repatriated military personnel for the disease.
Hong Kong to Test Dead Heron for H5N1 Bird Flu Virus
A heron found dead near Hong Kong's border with mainland China was carrying a bird flu virus, but further tests are needed to determine if it is the strain that has killed people, health officials said on Wednesday.
Korean Study Suggests Diabetes-Cancer Link
A study of more than 1 million South Koreans suggests diabetes can raise the risk of developing and dying from several types of cancer, including digestive-tract tumors.
Steps to Prevent Medical Errors Urged
Hospitals should use computers to order drugs for patients, work harder at coordinating treatment and educate patients to help care for themselves, physicians groups said Tuesday in an effort to reduce medical errors.
FluMist Maker Expects to Sell 2M Doses
MedImmune Inc. said Tuesday it expects to sell up to 2 million doses of its nasal spray flu vaccine FluMist this flu season, a significant improvement over last year but short of the 3 million doses it made in response to a feared vaccine shortage.
Health Care Costs Concern Americans Most
Most Americans see health care and insurance costs as a more pressing problem than malpractice lawsuits, a survey says, although the Bush administration often cites litigation as a reason for high medical bills.
Pregnant Women Urged to Manage Asthma
Physicians should pay close attention to managing asthma in pregnant patients, according to guidelines being released by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program.
Nebraska Steps Up Kids' Obesity Fight
With an increasing number of Nebraska children overweight or at risk of becoming so, a state lawmaker wants to take aim at junk food sold in schools.
Health Tip: Get Enough Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that's important to every cell of your body, the U.S. National Institutes of Health says.
Do Pharmacy Errors Spike at Start of the Month?
Statistics suggest Americans are more likely to die at the start of each month than any other time, and now researchers think they've found one possible culprit: mistakes in prescription drug use.
Dealing With Vision Loss
A program that educates people with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) about the disease and provides them with the skills to live with vision loss leads to lasting improvements in mood and function.
Vitamin C Doesn't Boost Your Workout
Vitamin C doesn't pump up your exercise performance, says a University of Colorado study.
Possible Marker for Osteoarthritis Found
Scientists have identified a possible biomarker to predict osteoarthritis (OA), says a study in the January issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Curtailing Side Effects of Prostate Cancer Radiation
Using a combination of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to target treatment can help prevent erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer patients after they receive radiation therapy.
Fruits, Vegetables Don't Protect Against Breast Cancer
A survey of a quarter of a million European women found that eating fruits and vegetables did not protect against breast cancer.
Skull plastic helps surgeons to rebuild deformed faces
A British-Russian team of surgeons and scientists say they are testing a remarkable new polymer implant which is helping them to rebuild the lives of children born with terrible facial deformities.
Vietnamese woman dies from suspected bird flu
An 18-year-old woman has died of suspected bird flu, which if confirmed would be the country's fourth fatality from the disease in the past fortnight.
Putin waters down Russia's beer ban
Russian President Vladimir Putin vetoed a bill banning the public consumption of beer, insisting that it be amended, a move welcomed by brewers hoping the law will be watered down.
Maggots to be used for treating leg ulcers in British trial
British researchers will use maggots to treat people suffering from leg ulcers, in a new test of a treatment that was used before antibiotics were introduced about 80 years ago, health officials said.
Experts worried by dawn of all-night drinking in boozy Britain
Eleven months before it comes into force, a law allowing Britain's pubs and bars to sell alcohol 24 hours a day might be raising a cheer among drinkers, but police and medical experts are worried.
Teenage girls in Sweden more likely to suffer poor mental health than boys
A quarter of 16-year-old girls in Sweden suffer from psychosomatic illnesses, more than three times the number of boys, the National Board of Health said and called for nationwide evaluations of children's mental health.
No hard evidence exists to show mobile phones damage health but users -- especially children -- should take care, UK scientists said in a survey Tuesday.
High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer
Long-term high consumption of red and processed meat may increase the risk of cancer in the colon and rectum, a new study shows.
New Jersey Plans $380 Mln for Stem Cell Research
New Jersey, home to scores of top drug companies, plans to spend $380 million on stem cell research to stay in the forefront of the politically sensitive field, its acting governor said on Tuesday.
Canada Finds New Mad Cow Case
Canada said on Tuesday it had found its second case of mad cow disease in 10 days, raising new questions as to whether Washington would scrap plans to soon end a crippling ban on imports of live Canadian cattle.
Drug Firms Offer Saving Card for Uninsured
Top pharmaceutical companies launched a new prescription drug savings card on Tuesday in an attempt to help reduce costs for the roughly 45 million Americans without health insurance.
Drug Stents Outperform Angioplasty in German Trial
Johnson & Johnson's drug-coated stent slightly outperformed Boston Scientific's version in reopening arteries that had been clogged by lesions following the earlier insertion of bare-metal stents, a study said on Tuesday.
Pain Affects How Well People with Diabetes Cope
People with diabetes often suffer from chronic and sometimes severe pain, and this can create difficulties for them in the management of their condition and with self-care activities, researchers have found.
Canadian Promotes Cartoon Condoms Against AIDS
Using humor to promote safe sex, a Canadian television producer on Tuesday launched 20 short videos of animated condoms in 41 languages to help fight HIV/AIDS around the world.
Returning U.S. Troops Need Malaria Checks
The discovery of a high incidence of malaria among U.S. soldiers returning from Afghanistan prompted a call on Tuesday for doctors to check repatriated military personnel for the disease.
Hong Kong to Test Dead Heron for H5N1 Bird Flu Virus
A heron found dead near Hong Kong's border with mainland China was carrying a bird flu virus, but further tests are needed to determine if it is the strain that has killed people, health officials said on Wednesday.
Korean Study Suggests Diabetes-Cancer Link
A study of more than 1 million South Koreans suggests diabetes can raise the risk of developing and dying from several types of cancer, including digestive-tract tumors.
Steps to Prevent Medical Errors Urged
Hospitals should use computers to order drugs for patients, work harder at coordinating treatment and educate patients to help care for themselves, physicians groups said Tuesday in an effort to reduce medical errors.
FluMist Maker Expects to Sell 2M Doses
MedImmune Inc. said Tuesday it expects to sell up to 2 million doses of its nasal spray flu vaccine FluMist this flu season, a significant improvement over last year but short of the 3 million doses it made in response to a feared vaccine shortage.
Health Care Costs Concern Americans Most
Most Americans see health care and insurance costs as a more pressing problem than malpractice lawsuits, a survey says, although the Bush administration often cites litigation as a reason for high medical bills.
Pregnant Women Urged to Manage Asthma
Physicians should pay close attention to managing asthma in pregnant patients, according to guidelines being released by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program.
Nebraska Steps Up Kids' Obesity Fight
With an increasing number of Nebraska children overweight or at risk of becoming so, a state lawmaker wants to take aim at junk food sold in schools.
Health Tip: Get Enough Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that's important to every cell of your body, the U.S. National Institutes of Health says.
Do Pharmacy Errors Spike at Start of the Month?
Statistics suggest Americans are more likely to die at the start of each month than any other time, and now researchers think they've found one possible culprit: mistakes in prescription drug use.
Dealing With Vision Loss
A program that educates people with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) about the disease and provides them with the skills to live with vision loss leads to lasting improvements in mood and function.
Vitamin C Doesn't Boost Your Workout
Vitamin C doesn't pump up your exercise performance, says a University of Colorado study.
Possible Marker for Osteoarthritis Found
Scientists have identified a possible biomarker to predict osteoarthritis (OA), says a study in the January issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Curtailing Side Effects of Prostate Cancer Radiation
Using a combination of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to target treatment can help prevent erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer patients after they receive radiation therapy.
Fruits, Vegetables Don't Protect Against Breast Cancer
A survey of a quarter of a million European women found that eating fruits and vegetables did not protect against breast cancer.
Skull plastic helps surgeons to rebuild deformed faces
A British-Russian team of surgeons and scientists say they are testing a remarkable new polymer implant which is helping them to rebuild the lives of children born with terrible facial deformities.
Vietnamese woman dies from suspected bird flu
An 18-year-old woman has died of suspected bird flu, which if confirmed would be the country's fourth fatality from the disease in the past fortnight.
Putin waters down Russia's beer ban
Russian President Vladimir Putin vetoed a bill banning the public consumption of beer, insisting that it be amended, a move welcomed by brewers hoping the law will be watered down.
Maggots to be used for treating leg ulcers in British trial
British researchers will use maggots to treat people suffering from leg ulcers, in a new test of a treatment that was used before antibiotics were introduced about 80 years ago, health officials said.
Experts worried by dawn of all-night drinking in boozy Britain
Eleven months before it comes into force, a law allowing Britain's pubs and bars to sell alcohol 24 hours a day might be raising a cheer among drinkers, but police and medical experts are worried.
Teenage girls in Sweden more likely to suffer poor mental health than boys
A quarter of 16-year-old girls in Sweden suffer from psychosomatic illnesses, more than three times the number of boys, the National Board of Health said and called for nationwide evaluations of children's mental health.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Health Headlines - January 11
Stay Thin by Sleeping More?
A study published on Monday found that people who sleep less tend to be fat, and experts said it's time find if more sleep will fight obesity.
Sun Protection in a Pill Seen Possible
An extract of a fern plant grown in Central America, taken by mouth, protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation damage that can lead to skin cancer, researchers report.
Study: Weight Loss Precedes Dementia in Elderly
Weight loss in elderly men appears to be a harbinger of dementia and contributes to their increasing frailty, researchers said on Monday.
Colon Cancer Screening Still Underused
Many people with colon cancer may not be diagnosed until after symptoms arise, even though the disease can be caught earlier with routine screening, a study released Monday suggests.
AstraZeneca Reports Death of Crestor Drug Patient
AstraZeneca Plc's cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor has been linked to the death of a patient who developed a suspected case of severe muscle wasting, Europe's third largest drugmaker said on Monday.
Heavy Pesticide Exposure May Up Parkinson's Risk
People who come into regular contact with pesticides at work -- such as farmers and pesticide sprayers -- appear to have a slightly higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to new study findings released Monday.
Anti-Inflammatory Protein Cuts Heart Attack Risk
High circulating levels of a protein called mannan binding lectin (MBL), which prompts scavenger cells to remove various inflammatory agents, appear to reduce the risk of having a heart attack -- especially for people with diabetes.
Scientists Find Clue to AIDS Origins, New Therapy
A single change in a human gene may hold the key to preventing people living with HIV from progressing to full-blown AIDS, researchers said on Monday.
Wyeth Backs Changes to Diet Drug Settlement
Wyeth on Monday said it will support changes in a nationwide legal settlement with users of its "fen-phen" diet drugs, speeding up compensation to as many as 40,000 people who say they were harmed by the recalled medicines.
Feds Tout Medicare's Preventive Benefits
Government and health organization leaders on Monday urged Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of new preventive benefits, saying the emphasis on prevention will save lives and billions of dollars in health care costs.
Botulism Supplier Ordered to Halt Sales
A federal judge ordered an Arizona company Monday to stop distributing raw botulism bacteria in place of the wrinkle treatment Botox and to recall any of roughly 3,000 vials that may still be in circulation.
Officials Seek End to Flavored Cigarettes
Michigan's top two health officials want tobacco companies to stop making flavored cigarettes, arguing that names such as "Winter Mocha Mint" and "Warm Winter Toffee" target children and adults who aren't smokers.
Md. Governor Vetoes Malpractice Bill
Gov. Robert Ehrlich vetoed a bill to hold down big verdicts in medical malpractice cases Monday, saying it does not go far enough to control the skyrocketing cost of insurance for doctors and includes a tax that will be passed on to consumers.
Feds Failed to Disclose Financial Interest
Government scientists have collected millions of dollars in royalties for experimental treatments without having to tell patients testing the treatments that the researchers' had a financial connection, according to documents and interviews.
Tenn. Drops 323,000 Adults From Medicaid
Gov. Phil Bredesen announced Monday that he will drop 323,000 adults from the state's expanded Medicaid program to save about $1.7 billion a year, but will preserve health coverage for children.
Two Tsunami Survivors Have Measles
The World Health Organization on Monday confirmed two unconnected cases of measles in tsunami survivors on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and health workers quickly vaccinated more than 1,000 people to head off the spread of the virus.
6 Million Sudan Kids to Get Polio Vaccine
Rebels opened sections of Sudan's war-ravaged Darfur region on Monday to allow health workers to vaccinate children younger than 5 years old against polio, the paralyzing illness that re-emerged in Africa's largest country last year.
N.D. Bill Would Shield Food Industry
North Dakota should join an increasing number of states that are blocking lawsuits against food makers from people who eat too much of their products, a group of lawmakers say.
Cord Blood Stems Heart Attack Damage
Stem cells taken from human umbilical cord blood reduced heart attack damage in rats, says a University of South Florida study published online this week in Cell Transplantation.
Rats Might Be Multilingual
If you want to be like Dr. Dolittle and talk to the animals, it might help to know that rats can tell the difference between languages.
Delirium Can Be Side Effect of Stem Cell Transplant
Half of cancer patients who have stem cell transplants show signs of delirium after the procedure, says a study to be published in the Feb. 15 issue of Cancer.
Rural Stroke Patients Helped by Phone Support
Telephone support from urban stroke center doctors improves the treatment of stroke patients in rural hospitals, says a study in the Jan. 11 issue of Neurology.
Emotions Color Your Sense of Smell
Your emotions may influence whether you think your boss's perfume -- or any other smell -- is heinous or heavenly.
Elderly Avoiding Colorectal Cancer Screening
Less than half of the Medicare patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer had any screening in the six months before being diagnosed, troubling new research shows.
'Smokebusters' out in force as Italy bans public puffing
Authorities lost no time in snuffing out opposition to a ban on smoking in all bars, restaurants and offices as Italy joined a growing number of European nations taking tough measures against the habit.
Deadly bacterial outbreak sets Philippine resort city on edge
A deadly bacteria that may have killed up to 28 people in recent months has set the picturesque northern Philippines resort city of Baguio on edge, threatening the region's vital tourism industry.
Hong Kong lawmakers draft law to ban smoking
Hong Kong lawmakers were drafting a law to ban smoking in public places, joining New York and countries such as Ireland and Norway in leading the charge against tobacco.
East Asian neighbours readjusting acupuncture points
Japan, China and South Korea plan to standardise "acupuncture points" which have subtly shifted through their separate practices in the 2,000-year old Chinese-born therapy.
A study published on Monday found that people who sleep less tend to be fat, and experts said it's time find if more sleep will fight obesity.
Sun Protection in a Pill Seen Possible
An extract of a fern plant grown in Central America, taken by mouth, protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation damage that can lead to skin cancer, researchers report.
Study: Weight Loss Precedes Dementia in Elderly
Weight loss in elderly men appears to be a harbinger of dementia and contributes to their increasing frailty, researchers said on Monday.
Colon Cancer Screening Still Underused
Many people with colon cancer may not be diagnosed until after symptoms arise, even though the disease can be caught earlier with routine screening, a study released Monday suggests.
AstraZeneca Reports Death of Crestor Drug Patient
AstraZeneca Plc's cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor has been linked to the death of a patient who developed a suspected case of severe muscle wasting, Europe's third largest drugmaker said on Monday.
Heavy Pesticide Exposure May Up Parkinson's Risk
People who come into regular contact with pesticides at work -- such as farmers and pesticide sprayers -- appear to have a slightly higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to new study findings released Monday.
Anti-Inflammatory Protein Cuts Heart Attack Risk
High circulating levels of a protein called mannan binding lectin (MBL), which prompts scavenger cells to remove various inflammatory agents, appear to reduce the risk of having a heart attack -- especially for people with diabetes.
Scientists Find Clue to AIDS Origins, New Therapy
A single change in a human gene may hold the key to preventing people living with HIV from progressing to full-blown AIDS, researchers said on Monday.
Wyeth Backs Changes to Diet Drug Settlement
Wyeth on Monday said it will support changes in a nationwide legal settlement with users of its "fen-phen" diet drugs, speeding up compensation to as many as 40,000 people who say they were harmed by the recalled medicines.
Feds Tout Medicare's Preventive Benefits
Government and health organization leaders on Monday urged Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of new preventive benefits, saying the emphasis on prevention will save lives and billions of dollars in health care costs.
Botulism Supplier Ordered to Halt Sales
A federal judge ordered an Arizona company Monday to stop distributing raw botulism bacteria in place of the wrinkle treatment Botox and to recall any of roughly 3,000 vials that may still be in circulation.
Officials Seek End to Flavored Cigarettes
Michigan's top two health officials want tobacco companies to stop making flavored cigarettes, arguing that names such as "Winter Mocha Mint" and "Warm Winter Toffee" target children and adults who aren't smokers.
Md. Governor Vetoes Malpractice Bill
Gov. Robert Ehrlich vetoed a bill to hold down big verdicts in medical malpractice cases Monday, saying it does not go far enough to control the skyrocketing cost of insurance for doctors and includes a tax that will be passed on to consumers.
Feds Failed to Disclose Financial Interest
Government scientists have collected millions of dollars in royalties for experimental treatments without having to tell patients testing the treatments that the researchers' had a financial connection, according to documents and interviews.
Tenn. Drops 323,000 Adults From Medicaid
Gov. Phil Bredesen announced Monday that he will drop 323,000 adults from the state's expanded Medicaid program to save about $1.7 billion a year, but will preserve health coverage for children.
Two Tsunami Survivors Have Measles
The World Health Organization on Monday confirmed two unconnected cases of measles in tsunami survivors on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and health workers quickly vaccinated more than 1,000 people to head off the spread of the virus.
6 Million Sudan Kids to Get Polio Vaccine
Rebels opened sections of Sudan's war-ravaged Darfur region on Monday to allow health workers to vaccinate children younger than 5 years old against polio, the paralyzing illness that re-emerged in Africa's largest country last year.
N.D. Bill Would Shield Food Industry
North Dakota should join an increasing number of states that are blocking lawsuits against food makers from people who eat too much of their products, a group of lawmakers say.
Cord Blood Stems Heart Attack Damage
Stem cells taken from human umbilical cord blood reduced heart attack damage in rats, says a University of South Florida study published online this week in Cell Transplantation.
Rats Might Be Multilingual
If you want to be like Dr. Dolittle and talk to the animals, it might help to know that rats can tell the difference between languages.
Delirium Can Be Side Effect of Stem Cell Transplant
Half of cancer patients who have stem cell transplants show signs of delirium after the procedure, says a study to be published in the Feb. 15 issue of Cancer.
Rural Stroke Patients Helped by Phone Support
Telephone support from urban stroke center doctors improves the treatment of stroke patients in rural hospitals, says a study in the Jan. 11 issue of Neurology.
Emotions Color Your Sense of Smell
Your emotions may influence whether you think your boss's perfume -- or any other smell -- is heinous or heavenly.
Elderly Avoiding Colorectal Cancer Screening
Less than half of the Medicare patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer had any screening in the six months before being diagnosed, troubling new research shows.
'Smokebusters' out in force as Italy bans public puffing
Authorities lost no time in snuffing out opposition to a ban on smoking in all bars, restaurants and offices as Italy joined a growing number of European nations taking tough measures against the habit.
Deadly bacterial outbreak sets Philippine resort city on edge
A deadly bacteria that may have killed up to 28 people in recent months has set the picturesque northern Philippines resort city of Baguio on edge, threatening the region's vital tourism industry.
Hong Kong lawmakers draft law to ban smoking
Hong Kong lawmakers were drafting a law to ban smoking in public places, joining New York and countries such as Ireland and Norway in leading the charge against tobacco.
East Asian neighbours readjusting acupuncture points
Japan, China and South Korea plan to standardise "acupuncture points" which have subtly shifted through their separate practices in the 2,000-year old Chinese-born therapy.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Health Headlines - January 10
Oleic Acid Key to Olive Oil's Anti-Cancer Effect
Scientists have discovered why eating a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables and particularly olive oil can help to protect women from developing breast cancer.
Bird Flu Kills 16-Year-Old in Vietnam, New Case Cited
A 16-year-old Vietnamese girl battling bird flu over the past few weeks has died, the country's third casualty in the past 10 days from the disease that last year devastated South East Asia's poultry industry.
Four Paralyzed by Alternative to Botox
Palm Beach County's top health official urged people not to take anti-wrinkle injections after investigators said four people were paralyzed by raw botulism marketed as a cheap alternative to Botox.
Smoking ban goes into effect in Italy
A ban on smoking in all public places such as bars, restaurants, discotheques and offices went into effect here as Italy joined a growing number of European countries imposing stricter restrictions on smokers.
Scientists have discovered why eating a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables and particularly olive oil can help to protect women from developing breast cancer.
Bird Flu Kills 16-Year-Old in Vietnam, New Case Cited
A 16-year-old Vietnamese girl battling bird flu over the past few weeks has died, the country's third casualty in the past 10 days from the disease that last year devastated South East Asia's poultry industry.
Four Paralyzed by Alternative to Botox
Palm Beach County's top health official urged people not to take anti-wrinkle injections after investigators said four people were paralyzed by raw botulism marketed as a cheap alternative to Botox.
Smoking ban goes into effect in Italy
A ban on smoking in all public places such as bars, restaurants, discotheques and offices went into effect here as Italy joined a growing number of European countries imposing stricter restrictions on smokers.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Health Headlines - January 9
Powell, in Kenya, Meets Youths Who Fight HIV/AIDS
Secretary of State Colin Powell heard an 11-year-old speak of valuing her virginity and an HIV-positive woman advise abstinence Saturday as he met Kenyan youths who teach their peers how to avoid HIV/AIDS.
Powell Discusses AIDS, Sex in Africa
Promiscuity and other risky sexual behavior must change to stop the spread of AIDS in Africa, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Saturday.
L.A. Hospital Suspends Nurse After Death
A patient died at a troubled hospital after an intensive care nurse ignored her worsening condition and alerted doctors only after the woman went into cardiac arrest, Los Angeles County health officials said.
Virus Sickens 116 on Caribbean Cruise
Nearly 120 passengers and crew members became sick with a stomach virus aboard a ship that returned to port Saturday after a five-day Caribbean cruise, Royal Caribbean International officials said.
Couple Goes on eBay for Medical Bill Help
David Dingman-Grover decided Frankenstein would be a good name for his tumor. The 9-year-old figured if he could get over being scared of a monster, he could get over being scared of this thing at the base of his skull.
"I conquered my fears," David said by telephone.
David is determined that Frank isn't going to beat him. To phrase it like his parents do, "Frank Must Die."
They even put those three words on a bumper sticker that they're selling on eBay to help pay David's medical bills.
They say if somebody would pay $28,000 for a grilled cheese sandwich thought to bear the image of the Virgin Mary, somebody might pay big money to help their son.
"It just spiraled out of control — it's been incredible," said David's mother, Tiffini Dingman-Grover. "If it can raise pediatric cancer awareness, oh my gosh, how incredible would that be?"
By early Saturday, the online auction site had received 33 bids for the "Frank Must Die" bumper sticker. The highest was for $6,000.
David was diagnosed in May 2003 with a grapefruit-sized malignant tumor called a rhabdomyosarcoma. The size and location of the tumor — most are in the limbs — made it impossible for doctors to take out, according to his mother in her ad on eBay.
Now, David needs a highly specialized biopsy to determine whether the tumor is still cancerous or if it has been reduced to scar tissue, his mother and doctor said.
Because David's carotid artery runs through the tumor, the biopsy is extremely risky. One way to perform the biopsy would require doctors to actually remove David's face to get to the tumor. The very thought set his mother off on a search for a less extreme biopsy method. She eventually discovered specialists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles who can get to the tumor by going through David's nose.
"It's a very specialized thing within pediatric neurosurgery," said David's oncologist, Dr. Jay Greenberg. "There's only like five guys around the country comfortable doing this."
The family must pay 20 percent of the surgery bill, which also requires a $1,500 fee paid in advance, said Dingman-Grover, who does not yet know exactly how much the procedure will cost. Insurance has covered most of the $1 million in treatment expenses, but the family still shells out about $200,000 a year to cover their share of the medical bills, she said.
The family's income took a hit when Dingman-Grover cut back her hours at work to stay home with David. The local church donated money and she began auctioning personal items on eBay to help supplement the funds.
EBay closed the original auction Wednesday, citing numerous rules violations. Spokesman Hani Durzy said auctioneers are not allowed to advertise that money for their items will go toward a cause. The family amended the ad and had a new version up and running the same day.
Dingman-Grover said she hopes the ad will help raise public awareness of pediatric cancer and show people what an incredible person her son is.
"I don't want people to pity David because cancer is not who he is — it is just something he has," she said.
David's journey has been difficult. Within two weeks of his diagnosis, he lost the ability to walk, eat and see. Radiation left him with brain damage. His weight plummeted.
After multiple rounds of chemotherapy, his condition has improved. He's gaining weight, his tumor has shrunk to the size of a peach pit and he can walk and see again.
As his mother put it in her eBay ad: "He has the most positive attitude and never stops fighting no matter what it takes."
Alcohol Increases Co-eds' Risk of Sexual Assault
Most women college students are well aware of the dangers of drinking and driving. But there's an equally threatening risk tied to alcohol consumption that may not leap to mind -- sexual assault.
Shield Your Skin From Winter Sun
When you head outdoors this winter with your skis, skates or snowshoes, don't forget the sunscreen.
Health authorities on 'high alert' two weeks after tsunami tragedy
Two weeks after tsunamis wrought havoc on Indian Ocean shores, there may not have been any serious disease outbreaks among the hundreds of thousands of people left homeless by the disaster, but health officials say they are preparing for the worst.
Vietnam officially confirms two children died from bird flu
Vietnam officially confirmed that two young boys had died from bird flu as state media said two other people are suspected of contracting the virus.
Secretary of State Colin Powell heard an 11-year-old speak of valuing her virginity and an HIV-positive woman advise abstinence Saturday as he met Kenyan youths who teach their peers how to avoid HIV/AIDS.
Powell Discusses AIDS, Sex in Africa
Promiscuity and other risky sexual behavior must change to stop the spread of AIDS in Africa, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Saturday.
L.A. Hospital Suspends Nurse After Death
A patient died at a troubled hospital after an intensive care nurse ignored her worsening condition and alerted doctors only after the woman went into cardiac arrest, Los Angeles County health officials said.
Virus Sickens 116 on Caribbean Cruise
Nearly 120 passengers and crew members became sick with a stomach virus aboard a ship that returned to port Saturday after a five-day Caribbean cruise, Royal Caribbean International officials said.
Couple Goes on eBay for Medical Bill Help
David Dingman-Grover decided Frankenstein would be a good name for his tumor. The 9-year-old figured if he could get over being scared of a monster, he could get over being scared of this thing at the base of his skull.
"I conquered my fears," David said by telephone.
David is determined that Frank isn't going to beat him. To phrase it like his parents do, "Frank Must Die."
They even put those three words on a bumper sticker that they're selling on eBay to help pay David's medical bills.
They say if somebody would pay $28,000 for a grilled cheese sandwich thought to bear the image of the Virgin Mary, somebody might pay big money to help their son.
"It just spiraled out of control — it's been incredible," said David's mother, Tiffini Dingman-Grover. "If it can raise pediatric cancer awareness, oh my gosh, how incredible would that be?"
By early Saturday, the online auction site had received 33 bids for the "Frank Must Die" bumper sticker. The highest was for $6,000.
David was diagnosed in May 2003 with a grapefruit-sized malignant tumor called a rhabdomyosarcoma. The size and location of the tumor — most are in the limbs — made it impossible for doctors to take out, according to his mother in her ad on eBay.
Now, David needs a highly specialized biopsy to determine whether the tumor is still cancerous or if it has been reduced to scar tissue, his mother and doctor said.
Because David's carotid artery runs through the tumor, the biopsy is extremely risky. One way to perform the biopsy would require doctors to actually remove David's face to get to the tumor. The very thought set his mother off on a search for a less extreme biopsy method. She eventually discovered specialists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles who can get to the tumor by going through David's nose.
"It's a very specialized thing within pediatric neurosurgery," said David's oncologist, Dr. Jay Greenberg. "There's only like five guys around the country comfortable doing this."
The family must pay 20 percent of the surgery bill, which also requires a $1,500 fee paid in advance, said Dingman-Grover, who does not yet know exactly how much the procedure will cost. Insurance has covered most of the $1 million in treatment expenses, but the family still shells out about $200,000 a year to cover their share of the medical bills, she said.
The family's income took a hit when Dingman-Grover cut back her hours at work to stay home with David. The local church donated money and she began auctioning personal items on eBay to help supplement the funds.
EBay closed the original auction Wednesday, citing numerous rules violations. Spokesman Hani Durzy said auctioneers are not allowed to advertise that money for their items will go toward a cause. The family amended the ad and had a new version up and running the same day.
Dingman-Grover said she hopes the ad will help raise public awareness of pediatric cancer and show people what an incredible person her son is.
"I don't want people to pity David because cancer is not who he is — it is just something he has," she said.
David's journey has been difficult. Within two weeks of his diagnosis, he lost the ability to walk, eat and see. Radiation left him with brain damage. His weight plummeted.
After multiple rounds of chemotherapy, his condition has improved. He's gaining weight, his tumor has shrunk to the size of a peach pit and he can walk and see again.
As his mother put it in her eBay ad: "He has the most positive attitude and never stops fighting no matter what it takes."
Alcohol Increases Co-eds' Risk of Sexual Assault
Most women college students are well aware of the dangers of drinking and driving. But there's an equally threatening risk tied to alcohol consumption that may not leap to mind -- sexual assault.
Shield Your Skin From Winter Sun
When you head outdoors this winter with your skis, skates or snowshoes, don't forget the sunscreen.
Health authorities on 'high alert' two weeks after tsunami tragedy
Two weeks after tsunamis wrought havoc on Indian Ocean shores, there may not have been any serious disease outbreaks among the hundreds of thousands of people left homeless by the disaster, but health officials say they are preparing for the worst.
Vietnam officially confirms two children died from bird flu
Vietnam officially confirmed that two young boys had died from bird flu as state media said two other people are suspected of contracting the virus.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Health Headlines - January 8
Allergies Up Healthcare Use by Asthmatic Children
Children with both asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis) incur greater asthma drug costs and are hospitalized more often than similar children who have just asthma, according to a new report.
Lyrica Relieves Diabetes Pain
A new drug, Lyrica (pregabalin) is a well-tolerated, effective treatment for pain in the extremities often experienced by people with diabetes, according to a recent report. In addition to reducing the pain, the drug seems to improve sleep.
Medicare May Pay for Implant to Help Hearing
More U.S. Medicare beneficiaries with severe hearing loss could soon receive implantable devices that help recreate sound, government officials said in a proposal on Friday.
Electrical Therapy Improves Walking After Stroke
Adding functional electrical stimulation (FES) to standard rehabilitation improves lower extremity function and walking ability in patients with a first acute stroke, new research shows.
IUD System Benefits Women with Bleeding Disorders
Women with inherited bleeding disorders often find menstruation troublesome. For them, a UK team reports, an intrauterine device that releases the hormone levonorgestrel seems helpful.
Pinless Artificial Leg Seen Better for Amputees
A pin suspension system used to keep an artificial lower-leg in place can disrupt circulation within the remaining limb, leading to skin sores, investigators report. They suggest prostheses that use suction attachment are a better choice.
Red Wine May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk
The results of a new study add to accumulating evidence that consumption of red wine may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in middle-aged men.
Magnesium Infusion Helps Kids with Asthma Attacks
For children who need to go to the ER because of a severe asthma attack, giving them an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulphate along with conventional medications provides an additional benefit, Hong Kong doctors report.
U.S. Medicare to Test Out Paying for Flu Drugs
Medicare will test the idea of paying for antiviral drugs for some patients who catch influenza, the U.S. government's health insurance plan for the elderly said on Friday.
Wealthy Chinese Kids Have Worse Nutrition
A Chinese study has found that children from wealthy families are more likely to suffer bad nutrition than those from low-income homes, partly because they eat more fast food, state media said on Friday.
Study Links Age to Lab Fertility Success
The biological clock matters even if a would-be mother uses special reproductive technology. The rate of successful pregnancies using laboratory fertility techniques drops from 37 percent to about 4 percent as women get older, a new study shows.
Warm Weather Causes Rare Winter Allergies
A warm spell in the Southeast that has brought people out in shorts and T-shirts in January has also given rise to a fair-weather phenomenon: allergy attacks.
Algae Antitoxin May Help Cystic Fibrosis
The algae bloom known as red tide brings death to marine wildlife, but it may also hold hope for humans who are stricken with cystic fibrosis.
Judge: Listerine No Replacement for Floss
Mouthwash is no substitute for dental floss, a federal judge ruled, calling a Listerine ad campaign false and misleading and a public health risk.
Mandela Lauded for AIDS Disclosure on Son
Former President Nelson Mandela's grief-laden disclosure that his son died of complications from AIDS won widespread praise Friday in a country where the pandemic kills more than 600 a day but is still shrouded in silence.
Supreme Court to Hear Drug Patent Dispute
The Supreme Court agreed to step into a dispute Friday over how far a patent can go to thwart a rival drug company's efforts to conduct research, a question with big-money ramifications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Unexploded Afghan Ammo a Threat to Kids
Unexploded ammunition, weapons and other military ordnance cause more injuries and deaths in Afghanistan than land mines, especially among children, says a study in the Jan. 8 issue of the British Medical Journal.
Guarding Against Falls
Although falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury or death in the United States, many homes lack all the necessary devices to safeguard against them.
Musks in Fragrances May Weaken Immune System
Synthetic musks that are widely used as fragrances in products such as soaps, cosmetics and detergents may reduce the body's ability to defend against toxic compounds.
Wrist Splints at Night Ease Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
A simple treatment -- splinting your wrists at night -- may be all that's needed to improve the numbness and tingling of early carpal tunnel syndrome.
Chamomile Tea May Have Medicinal Value
Chamomile tea, long touted as a cure-all for the sick or the stressed, may relieve a wide range of health problems, including colds and menstrual cramps.
Health agency sees little sign of epidemics among tsunami victims
Health workers have reported cases of diarrhoea, skin and respiratory illnesses in areas devastated by the tsunamis nearly two weeks ago, but no sign of epidemics, the World Health Organisation said.
Italians brace for non-smoking regime
Italy's 14 million smokers braced for a new law which comes into force Monday banning them from smoking in public places including bars, restaurants, discotheques and offices.
Essential post-tsunami health services could take years to rebuild: WHO
Health experts warned it could take years to rebuild health infrastructure in tsunami-devastated parts of Asia where millions of people face potential widespread outbreaks of disease.
Taskforce set up to control deadly bacterial outbreak in Philippines
Health experts set up a taskforce in this northern Philippines resort city to stop the spread of a bacterial infection that has reportedly killed as many as 28 people in recent months.
Malaysia warns of dengue outbreak in Kuala Lumpur, three states
Malaysia warned of a possible dengue epidemic in the capital Kuala Lumpur and three other states in coming months after the number of infections in the country more than doubled.
Children with both asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis) incur greater asthma drug costs and are hospitalized more often than similar children who have just asthma, according to a new report.
Lyrica Relieves Diabetes Pain
A new drug, Lyrica (pregabalin) is a well-tolerated, effective treatment for pain in the extremities often experienced by people with diabetes, according to a recent report. In addition to reducing the pain, the drug seems to improve sleep.
Medicare May Pay for Implant to Help Hearing
More U.S. Medicare beneficiaries with severe hearing loss could soon receive implantable devices that help recreate sound, government officials said in a proposal on Friday.
Electrical Therapy Improves Walking After Stroke
Adding functional electrical stimulation (FES) to standard rehabilitation improves lower extremity function and walking ability in patients with a first acute stroke, new research shows.
IUD System Benefits Women with Bleeding Disorders
Women with inherited bleeding disorders often find menstruation troublesome. For them, a UK team reports, an intrauterine device that releases the hormone levonorgestrel seems helpful.
Pinless Artificial Leg Seen Better for Amputees
A pin suspension system used to keep an artificial lower-leg in place can disrupt circulation within the remaining limb, leading to skin sores, investigators report. They suggest prostheses that use suction attachment are a better choice.
Red Wine May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk
The results of a new study add to accumulating evidence that consumption of red wine may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in middle-aged men.
Magnesium Infusion Helps Kids with Asthma Attacks
For children who need to go to the ER because of a severe asthma attack, giving them an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulphate along with conventional medications provides an additional benefit, Hong Kong doctors report.
U.S. Medicare to Test Out Paying for Flu Drugs
Medicare will test the idea of paying for antiviral drugs for some patients who catch influenza, the U.S. government's health insurance plan for the elderly said on Friday.
Wealthy Chinese Kids Have Worse Nutrition
A Chinese study has found that children from wealthy families are more likely to suffer bad nutrition than those from low-income homes, partly because they eat more fast food, state media said on Friday.
Study Links Age to Lab Fertility Success
The biological clock matters even if a would-be mother uses special reproductive technology. The rate of successful pregnancies using laboratory fertility techniques drops from 37 percent to about 4 percent as women get older, a new study shows.
Warm Weather Causes Rare Winter Allergies
A warm spell in the Southeast that has brought people out in shorts and T-shirts in January has also given rise to a fair-weather phenomenon: allergy attacks.
Algae Antitoxin May Help Cystic Fibrosis
The algae bloom known as red tide brings death to marine wildlife, but it may also hold hope for humans who are stricken with cystic fibrosis.
Judge: Listerine No Replacement for Floss
Mouthwash is no substitute for dental floss, a federal judge ruled, calling a Listerine ad campaign false and misleading and a public health risk.
Mandela Lauded for AIDS Disclosure on Son
Former President Nelson Mandela's grief-laden disclosure that his son died of complications from AIDS won widespread praise Friday in a country where the pandemic kills more than 600 a day but is still shrouded in silence.
Supreme Court to Hear Drug Patent Dispute
The Supreme Court agreed to step into a dispute Friday over how far a patent can go to thwart a rival drug company's efforts to conduct research, a question with big-money ramifications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Unexploded Afghan Ammo a Threat to Kids
Unexploded ammunition, weapons and other military ordnance cause more injuries and deaths in Afghanistan than land mines, especially among children, says a study in the Jan. 8 issue of the British Medical Journal.
Guarding Against Falls
Although falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury or death in the United States, many homes lack all the necessary devices to safeguard against them.
Musks in Fragrances May Weaken Immune System
Synthetic musks that are widely used as fragrances in products such as soaps, cosmetics and detergents may reduce the body's ability to defend against toxic compounds.
Wrist Splints at Night Ease Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
A simple treatment -- splinting your wrists at night -- may be all that's needed to improve the numbness and tingling of early carpal tunnel syndrome.
Chamomile Tea May Have Medicinal Value
Chamomile tea, long touted as a cure-all for the sick or the stressed, may relieve a wide range of health problems, including colds and menstrual cramps.
Health agency sees little sign of epidemics among tsunami victims
Health workers have reported cases of diarrhoea, skin and respiratory illnesses in areas devastated by the tsunamis nearly two weeks ago, but no sign of epidemics, the World Health Organisation said.
Italians brace for non-smoking regime
Italy's 14 million smokers braced for a new law which comes into force Monday banning them from smoking in public places including bars, restaurants, discotheques and offices.
Essential post-tsunami health services could take years to rebuild: WHO
Health experts warned it could take years to rebuild health infrastructure in tsunami-devastated parts of Asia where millions of people face potential widespread outbreaks of disease.
Taskforce set up to control deadly bacterial outbreak in Philippines
Health experts set up a taskforce in this northern Philippines resort city to stop the spread of a bacterial infection that has reportedly killed as many as 28 people in recent months.
Malaysia warns of dengue outbreak in Kuala Lumpur, three states
Malaysia warned of a possible dengue epidemic in the capital Kuala Lumpur and three other states in coming months after the number of infections in the country more than doubled.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Health Headlines - January 7
Dog Epilepsy Gene Discovery Could Aid People
A gene that causes a rare but severe form of epilepsy in people is also found in highly bred dogs, which could lead to new ways to treat the condition, an international team of researchers said on Thursday.
India to Step Up AIDS Fight, Launch Media Campaign
India's prime minister vowed on Thursday to step up government efforts to fight HIV/AIDS as top media firms pledged to start a campaign against the disease in the country with the world's second-highest number of infections.
Heed Risks and Signs of Hypothermia, Frostbite
Emergency room doctors are urging people to protect themselves from winter's deadly companions: hypothermia and frostbite.
U.S. Issues Warning After Rat-Bite Fever Kills Two
People who handle rats in labs or keep them as pets are at risk of contracting a rare but potentially deadly disease called rat-bite fever, U.S. health officials said on Thursday.
Gene Helps People Resist AIDS Infection
A gene that may help block the AIDS virus from getting into cells seems to protect some people from the deadly and incurable infection, researchers said on Thursday.
Nip from Hamster Fells Young Boy
Pet hamsters are a potential source of serious infection, U.S. health officials warned on Thursday.
People with Diabetes Need to Take Care of Teeth
Dental health is particularly important for people with diabetes, new findings indicate.
Errors Endanger Hospitalized Children
A substantial number of "adverse events" -- many of which could have been prevented -- affect children in hospitals each year, according to a new study.
U.S. Warns Tourists of Malaria in Dominican Republic
Americans traveling to some parts of the Dominican Republic should take the drug chloroquine to protect themselves from a malaria outbreak, U.S. health officials said on Thursday.
Breaking Taboo, Mandela Says Son Died of AIDS
South Africa's Nelson Mandela, one of Africa's most committed campaigners in the battle against AIDS, announced that his only surviving son had succumbed to the disease Thursday.
More Transparency Offered in Drug Trials
The embattled pharmaceutical industry announced its intention Thursday to publish more data about clinical drug trials, despite skepticism about whether the initiative will really increase transparency and improve drug safety.
New Patch May Replace Medical Injections
Those who dread hypodermic needles may someday be able to apply their medicine on their skin instead, a couple of researchers believe.
Extra Copies of Gene Protect Against AIDS
Having extra copies of a gene that produces a blocking protein helps protect people from AIDS, a finding that may explain why some people are more susceptible to the disease than others, a new study reports.
Downhill Exercise May Be a Good Thing
If exercise is too much of an uphill battle, you may want to try the downside. A novel study of hikers in the Alps made the intriguing discovery that different types of exercise had different effects on fats and sugars in the blood.
Magazine Names Seattle Fittest U.S. City
Seattle has been named the fittest city in the United States in the February issue of Men's Fitness magazine, leaping past the buff competition from Honolulu, Colorado Springs, San Francisco and Denver.
U.N.: Tsunami Aid Wards Off Disease Threat
The threat of an outbreak of waterborne diseases in areas affected by the Indian Ocean disaster is receding, largely because of the amount of medical aid flooding into the region, the United Nations said Thursday.
Michigan Hunter Contracts Bovine TB
A hunter was diagnosed with a rare human case of an animal lung disease called bovine tuberculosis after he cut his hand while gutting an infected deer, state health officials said Thursday.
New Calif. Stem Cell Agency Under Fire
California's new stem cell agency is generating a lot of talk — and it's not all about the ethics of human embryonic research.
New Clues to Restless Legs Syndrome in Kids
Iron deficiency and a family history of the disease are the most common risk factors for restless legs syndrome in children, says a Mayo Clinic study.
Sinus Surgery Safe for Elderly
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a safe, effective way to relieve the pain and pressure of sinusitis in older people who can't be helped by drugs alone, says a Medical College of Georgia study.
Cord Blood Stems Heart Attack Damage
Stem cells taken from human umbilical cord blood reduced heart attack damage in rats, says a University of South Florida study published online this week in Cell Transplantation.
No Link Found Between Vaccines and Autism
There is no link between autism and immunizations, says a Mayo Clinic study in the January issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
U.S. Gets Failing Grades on Tobacco Control
The American Lung Association has graded states' efforts to curb tobacco use for years, but this year it moved on to the U.S. government -- and promptly flunked it.
China moves to tighten up laws against selective abortion
With over 40 million more men than women in the general population, China is seeking to beef up laws on prohibiting the selective abortion of female fetuses.
A gene that causes a rare but severe form of epilepsy in people is also found in highly bred dogs, which could lead to new ways to treat the condition, an international team of researchers said on Thursday.
India to Step Up AIDS Fight, Launch Media Campaign
India's prime minister vowed on Thursday to step up government efforts to fight HIV/AIDS as top media firms pledged to start a campaign against the disease in the country with the world's second-highest number of infections.
Heed Risks and Signs of Hypothermia, Frostbite
Emergency room doctors are urging people to protect themselves from winter's deadly companions: hypothermia and frostbite.
U.S. Issues Warning After Rat-Bite Fever Kills Two
People who handle rats in labs or keep them as pets are at risk of contracting a rare but potentially deadly disease called rat-bite fever, U.S. health officials said on Thursday.
Gene Helps People Resist AIDS Infection
A gene that may help block the AIDS virus from getting into cells seems to protect some people from the deadly and incurable infection, researchers said on Thursday.
Nip from Hamster Fells Young Boy
Pet hamsters are a potential source of serious infection, U.S. health officials warned on Thursday.
People with Diabetes Need to Take Care of Teeth
Dental health is particularly important for people with diabetes, new findings indicate.
Errors Endanger Hospitalized Children
A substantial number of "adverse events" -- many of which could have been prevented -- affect children in hospitals each year, according to a new study.
U.S. Warns Tourists of Malaria in Dominican Republic
Americans traveling to some parts of the Dominican Republic should take the drug chloroquine to protect themselves from a malaria outbreak, U.S. health officials said on Thursday.
Breaking Taboo, Mandela Says Son Died of AIDS
South Africa's Nelson Mandela, one of Africa's most committed campaigners in the battle against AIDS, announced that his only surviving son had succumbed to the disease Thursday.
More Transparency Offered in Drug Trials
The embattled pharmaceutical industry announced its intention Thursday to publish more data about clinical drug trials, despite skepticism about whether the initiative will really increase transparency and improve drug safety.
New Patch May Replace Medical Injections
Those who dread hypodermic needles may someday be able to apply their medicine on their skin instead, a couple of researchers believe.
Extra Copies of Gene Protect Against AIDS
Having extra copies of a gene that produces a blocking protein helps protect people from AIDS, a finding that may explain why some people are more susceptible to the disease than others, a new study reports.
Downhill Exercise May Be a Good Thing
If exercise is too much of an uphill battle, you may want to try the downside. A novel study of hikers in the Alps made the intriguing discovery that different types of exercise had different effects on fats and sugars in the blood.
Magazine Names Seattle Fittest U.S. City
Seattle has been named the fittest city in the United States in the February issue of Men's Fitness magazine, leaping past the buff competition from Honolulu, Colorado Springs, San Francisco and Denver.
U.N.: Tsunami Aid Wards Off Disease Threat
The threat of an outbreak of waterborne diseases in areas affected by the Indian Ocean disaster is receding, largely because of the amount of medical aid flooding into the region, the United Nations said Thursday.
Michigan Hunter Contracts Bovine TB
A hunter was diagnosed with a rare human case of an animal lung disease called bovine tuberculosis after he cut his hand while gutting an infected deer, state health officials said Thursday.
New Calif. Stem Cell Agency Under Fire
California's new stem cell agency is generating a lot of talk — and it's not all about the ethics of human embryonic research.
New Clues to Restless Legs Syndrome in Kids
Iron deficiency and a family history of the disease are the most common risk factors for restless legs syndrome in children, says a Mayo Clinic study.
Sinus Surgery Safe for Elderly
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a safe, effective way to relieve the pain and pressure of sinusitis in older people who can't be helped by drugs alone, says a Medical College of Georgia study.
Cord Blood Stems Heart Attack Damage
Stem cells taken from human umbilical cord blood reduced heart attack damage in rats, says a University of South Florida study published online this week in Cell Transplantation.
No Link Found Between Vaccines and Autism
There is no link between autism and immunizations, says a Mayo Clinic study in the January issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
U.S. Gets Failing Grades on Tobacco Control
The American Lung Association has graded states' efforts to curb tobacco use for years, but this year it moved on to the U.S. government -- and promptly flunked it.
China moves to tighten up laws against selective abortion
With over 40 million more men than women in the general population, China is seeking to beef up laws on prohibiting the selective abortion of female fetuses.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Health Headlines - January 6
Herbal Extract Reduces Migraines
An extract of the root of a plant called butterbur (Petasites hybridus) significantly reduces the frequency of migraine headaches, new research findings suggest.
U.S. Studies Point to Protein Role in Heart Attacks
It's not enough to reduce "bad" cholesterol to prevent heart attacks because a substance called CRP also must be kept low, doctors said on Wednesday in a finding that could save tens of thousands of lives.
Secondhand Smoke Lowers Kids' Math, Reading Scores
Kids and teenagers exposed to even trace amounts of secondhand smoke score lower on tests of reading and reasoning, according to new research.
Sperm-Sorting Machine May Help Infertile Men
Scientists in Australia have developed a sperm-sorting machine which may help infertile men to become fathers.
Tanners Have Higher Vitamin D Levels, Bone Mass
People who try to stay bronze with the help of a tanning bed tend to have higher blood levels of vitamin D than those shun the salon, according to a new study.
'Infertile' British Woman Has Baby
A British woman who had been told she was infertile after undergoing chemotherapy has given birth to a son -- described by doctors as a medical first -- British newspapers reported on Thursday.
Antibiotic Shown to Protect Nerves in Animal Study
Antibiotics could one day be used for more than killing bacteria and may help patients suffering from neurological diseases, scientists said on Wednesday.
Fruits, Veggies Lower Kids' Blood Pressure
Preschoolers who eat the recommended four servings of fruits and vegetables -- along with two servings of dairy products -- each day may have lower blood pressures in early adolescence, new study findings suggest.
Mental Deficits Common After Very Preterm Birth
More than three-quarters of children who were born before the 26th week of pregnancy are affected by cognitive and neurologic impairments by the time they reach school age, British researchers report.
Medtronic Loses a Patent Case
Medical device maker Medtronic Inc. lost a patent case over heart stents against rivals Guidant Corp. and Boston Scientific Corp. on Wednesday, but the company said it would appeal the decision.
Canada May Limit Cross-Border Pharmacies
Canadian health officials are drafting a proposal to prevent Internet pharmacies from selling mail-order prescription drugs to U.S. consumers, a spokesman said Wednesday.
Man Who Shed 450 Pounds to Head Home Soon
His recovery was slowed because of an infection, but a man who once weighed more than 1,000 pounds may soon leave a hospital after shedding more than 450 pounds.
Aid Sought to Prevent Post-Tsunami Disease
The World Health Organization said Wednesday it urgently needs $60 million to prevent outbreaks of waterborne and other infectious diseases in tsunami-hit areas around the Indian Ocean.
Tsunami Survivors Worry Psychiatrists
Some banged their heads against the hospital wall. Some, wide-eyed, just stared vacantly. Others mumbled "the sea is coming," reliving the horrors of the massive tsunami that took their families and homes.
Vietnam Reports Boy's Death From Bird Flu
A 9-year-old boy in Vietnam has died of bird flu, bringing the number of people in the country killed by the virus to 21, a doctor said Wednesday.
Kids With Special Needs Have Bigger Medical Bills
Children with special health-care needs have health-care costs three times greater than other children, says a study in the January issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
Obese Blacks Incur Lower Health-Care Costs
Health-care costs for obese blacks are less than for obese whites, says a study that also concludes the costs of obesity-related health problems grow progressively greater as adults age.
Some Cases of Sudden Cardiac Death May Start in Brain
Disrupted signals from the brain to the heart may be responsible for sudden cardiac death caused by emotional stress, says a University College London study.
Elderly Women With Cervical Cancer Face Tough Battle
Elderly women with cervical cancer face an especially difficult struggle, says a study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Mammography's Early Catches Have Silver Lining
Women whose breast cancer is detected by physical examination are about three times more likely to receive chemotherapy than women whose breast cancer is detected by mammography.
Childhood Obesity Weighs Heavily on Kids
It may not come as a surprise to anyone who's ever heard an overweight child getting teased in the schoolyard, but a new study reports that kids who are overweight or obese have a lower quality of life.
Role Seen for Vitamin A to Prevent Breast Cancer
A glitch in the way the body processes vitamin A may contribute to the development of breast cancer, a new study says.
C-Reactive Protein a Red Flag for Heart Trouble
Blood levels of a molecule called C-reactive protein are just as important as cholesterol readings when measuring cardiovascular risk, say two studies that looked at the issue in different groups of patients.
An extract of the root of a plant called butterbur (Petasites hybridus) significantly reduces the frequency of migraine headaches, new research findings suggest.
U.S. Studies Point to Protein Role in Heart Attacks
It's not enough to reduce "bad" cholesterol to prevent heart attacks because a substance called CRP also must be kept low, doctors said on Wednesday in a finding that could save tens of thousands of lives.
Secondhand Smoke Lowers Kids' Math, Reading Scores
Kids and teenagers exposed to even trace amounts of secondhand smoke score lower on tests of reading and reasoning, according to new research.
Sperm-Sorting Machine May Help Infertile Men
Scientists in Australia have developed a sperm-sorting machine which may help infertile men to become fathers.
Tanners Have Higher Vitamin D Levels, Bone Mass
People who try to stay bronze with the help of a tanning bed tend to have higher blood levels of vitamin D than those shun the salon, according to a new study.
'Infertile' British Woman Has Baby
A British woman who had been told she was infertile after undergoing chemotherapy has given birth to a son -- described by doctors as a medical first -- British newspapers reported on Thursday.
Antibiotic Shown to Protect Nerves in Animal Study
Antibiotics could one day be used for more than killing bacteria and may help patients suffering from neurological diseases, scientists said on Wednesday.
Fruits, Veggies Lower Kids' Blood Pressure
Preschoolers who eat the recommended four servings of fruits and vegetables -- along with two servings of dairy products -- each day may have lower blood pressures in early adolescence, new study findings suggest.
Mental Deficits Common After Very Preterm Birth
More than three-quarters of children who were born before the 26th week of pregnancy are affected by cognitive and neurologic impairments by the time they reach school age, British researchers report.
Medtronic Loses a Patent Case
Medical device maker Medtronic Inc. lost a patent case over heart stents against rivals Guidant Corp. and Boston Scientific Corp. on Wednesday, but the company said it would appeal the decision.
Canada May Limit Cross-Border Pharmacies
Canadian health officials are drafting a proposal to prevent Internet pharmacies from selling mail-order prescription drugs to U.S. consumers, a spokesman said Wednesday.
Man Who Shed 450 Pounds to Head Home Soon
His recovery was slowed because of an infection, but a man who once weighed more than 1,000 pounds may soon leave a hospital after shedding more than 450 pounds.
Aid Sought to Prevent Post-Tsunami Disease
The World Health Organization said Wednesday it urgently needs $60 million to prevent outbreaks of waterborne and other infectious diseases in tsunami-hit areas around the Indian Ocean.
Tsunami Survivors Worry Psychiatrists
Some banged their heads against the hospital wall. Some, wide-eyed, just stared vacantly. Others mumbled "the sea is coming," reliving the horrors of the massive tsunami that took their families and homes.
Vietnam Reports Boy's Death From Bird Flu
A 9-year-old boy in Vietnam has died of bird flu, bringing the number of people in the country killed by the virus to 21, a doctor said Wednesday.
Kids With Special Needs Have Bigger Medical Bills
Children with special health-care needs have health-care costs three times greater than other children, says a study in the January issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
Obese Blacks Incur Lower Health-Care Costs
Health-care costs for obese blacks are less than for obese whites, says a study that also concludes the costs of obesity-related health problems grow progressively greater as adults age.
Some Cases of Sudden Cardiac Death May Start in Brain
Disrupted signals from the brain to the heart may be responsible for sudden cardiac death caused by emotional stress, says a University College London study.
Elderly Women With Cervical Cancer Face Tough Battle
Elderly women with cervical cancer face an especially difficult struggle, says a study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Mammography's Early Catches Have Silver Lining
Women whose breast cancer is detected by physical examination are about three times more likely to receive chemotherapy than women whose breast cancer is detected by mammography.
Childhood Obesity Weighs Heavily on Kids
It may not come as a surprise to anyone who's ever heard an overweight child getting teased in the schoolyard, but a new study reports that kids who are overweight or obese have a lower quality of life.
Role Seen for Vitamin A to Prevent Breast Cancer
A glitch in the way the body processes vitamin A may contribute to the development of breast cancer, a new study says.
C-Reactive Protein a Red Flag for Heart Trouble
Blood levels of a molecule called C-reactive protein are just as important as cholesterol readings when measuring cardiovascular risk, say two studies that looked at the issue in different groups of patients.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Health Headlines - January 5
Study: Sex Habits Unchanged by 'Morning After Pill'
Easy access to a "morning after pill" for contraception does not influence the degree to which women have unprotected sex, according to a study published on Tuesday.
Condom Testing Reveals Best Brands
The consumers group best known for rating cars and washing machines has turned its testing prowess to condoms to find out which ones measure up best and how other birth control methods compare.
Curry Spice May Fight Alzheimer's
The pigment that gives curry spice its yellow hue may also be able to break up the "plaques" that mark the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, early research suggests.
Study: Test Detects Pregnancy Complication
Testing for a protein in the urine of pregnant women accurately predicts whether they will develop preeclampsia, a potentially deadly condition that affects one in 20 U.S. pregnancies, a study said on Tuesday.
Pick a Diet and Stick to It, Study Says
Only one in four people can stick to a diet for a full year, a study comparing adherence to weight-loss programs said on Tuesday.
Light Alcohol Use Doesn't Raise Stroke Risk
New findings from a large study suggest that drinking up to two alcoholic beverages a day does not significantly increase the risk of stroke.
Antidepressant Useful for Hot Flashes
The antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor) appears to be effective in treating postmenopausal hot flashes in otherwise healthy women, according to a report in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.
U.S. Panel Mulls Dispute Over Uganda AIDS Trial
A study aimed at showing whether a single dose of an AIDS drug could prevent mothers from passing the virus to their newborns was so sloppily run that it should be disregarded, a fired oversight expert said on Tuesday.
Statin Use May Slightly Impair Brain Function
The results of a new study suggest that treatment with a cholesterol-lowering statin called simvastatin (Zocor) may have small negative effects on brain function.
Disease Emerges in Wake of Tsunami
Hungry and filthy, thousands of Indonesians queued for water on Tuesday as aid deliveries to tsunami-ravaged Aceh province hit new snags and cases of disease and infection among survivors emerged.
Cosmetic Procedures Are Gaining Among Men
Craig Sowash, a 43-year-old sales manager with a pulp and paper company, says he feels more confident with customers ever since he had the wrinkles on his face smoothed out with a few injections.
Listeria Food Poisoning Cases Rose in '03
Listeria food poisoning increased slightly in 2003, according to a consumer group that said the Bush administration stalled and then changed regulations aimed at curbing the sometimes deadly infection.
Woman to Give Birth to Second Twin
A 33-year-old Romanian woman has given birth to a son and is due to give birth to his twin six weeks later in what has been called a medical first in Romania, a doctor said Tuesday.
Polish Conjoined Twins Undergo Separation
Polish twin girls who were separated by Saudi doctors in an 18-hour operation are recovering in the intensive care unit and will be roused from general anesthesia in less than 48 hours, the official Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.
Protein May Protect Against Lung Disease Damage
A protein believed to cause lung problems may actually help protect the lungs against damage caused by asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases, says a University of Texas Medical School at Houston study.
Health Tip: Passing Kidney Stones
If you've had a kidney stone, you know how painful it can be. Most kidney stones pass from the body without medical help. But sometimes a stone will not just go away. It may even get larger.
Health Tip: Be Smart When Applying Makeup
The most common injury from applying cosmetics is scratching the eye with a mascara wand, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Bulk of Constipation Myths Unfounded
Conventional wisdom about constipation is often only folklore, with no basis in fact, a new German report claims.
WHO estimates tsunami injured at half million
The World Health Organisation put at 500,000 the number of people believed to have been injured in the Indian Ocean tidal waves and warned of a "health disaster" if survivors are not given quick access to clean drinking water.
Trauma on the rise as tsunami reality hits Sri Lankans
The harsh reality of their losses is starting to strike Sri Lankan tsunami survivors, who are increasingly showing symptoms of hypertension and mental trauma, medics in a ravaged village said.
Easy access to a "morning after pill" for contraception does not influence the degree to which women have unprotected sex, according to a study published on Tuesday.
Condom Testing Reveals Best Brands
The consumers group best known for rating cars and washing machines has turned its testing prowess to condoms to find out which ones measure up best and how other birth control methods compare.
Curry Spice May Fight Alzheimer's
The pigment that gives curry spice its yellow hue may also be able to break up the "plaques" that mark the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, early research suggests.
Study: Test Detects Pregnancy Complication
Testing for a protein in the urine of pregnant women accurately predicts whether they will develop preeclampsia, a potentially deadly condition that affects one in 20 U.S. pregnancies, a study said on Tuesday.
Pick a Diet and Stick to It, Study Says
Only one in four people can stick to a diet for a full year, a study comparing adherence to weight-loss programs said on Tuesday.
Light Alcohol Use Doesn't Raise Stroke Risk
New findings from a large study suggest that drinking up to two alcoholic beverages a day does not significantly increase the risk of stroke.
Antidepressant Useful for Hot Flashes
The antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor) appears to be effective in treating postmenopausal hot flashes in otherwise healthy women, according to a report in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.
U.S. Panel Mulls Dispute Over Uganda AIDS Trial
A study aimed at showing whether a single dose of an AIDS drug could prevent mothers from passing the virus to their newborns was so sloppily run that it should be disregarded, a fired oversight expert said on Tuesday.
Statin Use May Slightly Impair Brain Function
The results of a new study suggest that treatment with a cholesterol-lowering statin called simvastatin (Zocor) may have small negative effects on brain function.
Disease Emerges in Wake of Tsunami
Hungry and filthy, thousands of Indonesians queued for water on Tuesday as aid deliveries to tsunami-ravaged Aceh province hit new snags and cases of disease and infection among survivors emerged.
Cosmetic Procedures Are Gaining Among Men
Craig Sowash, a 43-year-old sales manager with a pulp and paper company, says he feels more confident with customers ever since he had the wrinkles on his face smoothed out with a few injections.
Listeria Food Poisoning Cases Rose in '03
Listeria food poisoning increased slightly in 2003, according to a consumer group that said the Bush administration stalled and then changed regulations aimed at curbing the sometimes deadly infection.
Woman to Give Birth to Second Twin
A 33-year-old Romanian woman has given birth to a son and is due to give birth to his twin six weeks later in what has been called a medical first in Romania, a doctor said Tuesday.
Polish Conjoined Twins Undergo Separation
Polish twin girls who were separated by Saudi doctors in an 18-hour operation are recovering in the intensive care unit and will be roused from general anesthesia in less than 48 hours, the official Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.
Protein May Protect Against Lung Disease Damage
A protein believed to cause lung problems may actually help protect the lungs against damage caused by asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases, says a University of Texas Medical School at Houston study.
Health Tip: Passing Kidney Stones
If you've had a kidney stone, you know how painful it can be. Most kidney stones pass from the body without medical help. But sometimes a stone will not just go away. It may even get larger.
Health Tip: Be Smart When Applying Makeup
The most common injury from applying cosmetics is scratching the eye with a mascara wand, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Bulk of Constipation Myths Unfounded
Conventional wisdom about constipation is often only folklore, with no basis in fact, a new German report claims.
WHO estimates tsunami injured at half million
The World Health Organisation put at 500,000 the number of people believed to have been injured in the Indian Ocean tidal waves and warned of a "health disaster" if survivors are not given quick access to clean drinking water.
Trauma on the rise as tsunami reality hits Sri Lankans
The harsh reality of their losses is starting to strike Sri Lankan tsunami survivors, who are increasingly showing symptoms of hypertension and mental trauma, medics in a ravaged village said.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Health Headlines - January 4
Painkillers Damage Intestine, U.S. Expert Says
More than 70 percent of patients who took painkillers such as ibuprofen for more than three months suffered damage to their small intestines, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.
Study Shows No One Knows Which Diets Work Best
No one really knows which diets work and which are a waste of time, with the possible exception of Weight Watchers, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.
Dual Pacemakers Worth the Cost, U.S. Study Finds
Pricey pacemakers that regulate the heart's upper and lower chambers separately are worth the extra cost because they help keep patients out of the hospital, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.
Italian Study: Shy Children Don't Read Emotions Well
Shy children tend to have muted reactions to joy or anger in the facial expressions of others, inhibitions that may lead to the anxieties many experience later in life, Italian researchers said on Monday.
Scientist to Submit Vioxx Study, Attorney Says
The U.S. drug safety officer who warned months ago about risks from Merck & Co. Inc.'s painkiller Vioxx won clearance to publish a study arguing the now-recalled drug may have caused up to 139,000 heart attacks and strokes.
Pleasant Smell May Reduce Apnea in Preemies
Premature newborns have a heightened risk of sleep apnea -- brief periods when they stop breathing -- but pumping a pleasant odor into their incubators seems to reduce the frequency of such spells, a study from France suggests.
Gene Variants Influence Sensitivity to Pain
Researchers have identified three variations of a gene called COMT that influence sensitivity to pain and the risk of developing a chronic pain condition.
Nanoparticles Could Improve Gene Therapy
Tiny particles of silica can act as DNA carriers, providing a non-viral method of gene therapy, new research shows.
Charity: Crush Injuries Pose Post-Tsunami Challenge
Survivors of last week's Indian Ocean tsunami are suffering not only from diarrhea, mental trauma and dehydration but also from horrific crush injuries, one charity said on Monday.
Canada Quarantines One Farm in Mad Cow Search
The Canadian government has quarantined a farm in Alberta in its search for cattle connected to the country's second case of mad cow disease, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Monday.
Study: Diuretics a Net Plus for Elderly
Diuretics, pills used by millions of elderly people to lower high blood pressure, clearly reduce the long-term risk of death from heart attacks and strokes, according to a study that could ease fears that the medication's risks outweigh its benefits.
Polish Conjoined Twins Undergo Separation
Saudi doctors managed to separate Monday the lower organs of two infant Polish girls who were born joined at the spine and intestines, a member of the medical team said.
Aspirin Use Lags Among Diabetic Women
Too few diabetic women use aspirin to reduce their risk of heart disease, claims a study by researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Saliva Holds Clues to Oral Cancer
A major advance in using saliva to detect oral cancer is outlined in a study funded by the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Dreams Sort Out Problems
Your dreams may offer you solutions for solving personal problems, according to a Canadian study in the December issue of the Journal of Sleep Research.
Simulator Could Make for Smoother Births
Using a birth simulator, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified what may be the least forceful method of delivering babies whose shoulders are stuck in the birth canal.
Only Moderate Drinking Wards Off Stroke
Moderate drinking has been associated with a lower risk of heart attacks, but the picture has been less clear in the case of stroke.
Self-Hypnosis Calms Kids During Tough Procedures
In an indication that the power of mind over body isn't limited to grownups, researchers report that advanced relaxation techniques help kids endure a grueling medical procedure.
Guilt-ridden tsnunami survivors at risk of suicide, mental disorders
Survivors of last week's deadly tsunamis are at risk of becoming suicidal or developing other serious neuroses as they grapple with the guilt of having lived while others died, mental health experts say.
270,000 people living in Aceh refugee camps
The number of people living in refugee camps in the tsunami-ravaged Indonesian province of Aceh has risen to more than 270,000, the government said.
UN fears new polio outbreak in Sudan
The World Health Organization expressed fear of a fresh outbreak of polio in Sudan, saying 105 cases have already been reported in various parts of the country.
Activists warn of possible rape of tsunami survivors
Women activists urged Sri Lankan authorities to step up protection for tsunami survivors amid unconfirmed reports some had been molested or even gang raped at refugee shelters.
German scientists announce new HIV treatment
German scientists announced that they have developed a new treatment for HIV that was useful in targeted mutated strains of the AIDS virus that have become impervious to drugs.
Andaman's lone psychiatrist braces for post-tsunami nightmare
The lone psychiatrist in India's ravaged Andaman and Nicobar islands said he plans to enlist volunteers ahead of an anticipated deluge of tsunami survivors with post-disaster trauma.
UN receives record 1.5 billion dollars in donations for tsunami relief
The United Nations has received a record 1.5 billion dollars in one week in donations after the devastating tidal waves in the Indian Ocean, a UN official said.
More than 70 percent of patients who took painkillers such as ibuprofen for more than three months suffered damage to their small intestines, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.
Study Shows No One Knows Which Diets Work Best
No one really knows which diets work and which are a waste of time, with the possible exception of Weight Watchers, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.
Dual Pacemakers Worth the Cost, U.S. Study Finds
Pricey pacemakers that regulate the heart's upper and lower chambers separately are worth the extra cost because they help keep patients out of the hospital, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.
Italian Study: Shy Children Don't Read Emotions Well
Shy children tend to have muted reactions to joy or anger in the facial expressions of others, inhibitions that may lead to the anxieties many experience later in life, Italian researchers said on Monday.
Scientist to Submit Vioxx Study, Attorney Says
The U.S. drug safety officer who warned months ago about risks from Merck & Co. Inc.'s painkiller Vioxx won clearance to publish a study arguing the now-recalled drug may have caused up to 139,000 heart attacks and strokes.
Pleasant Smell May Reduce Apnea in Preemies
Premature newborns have a heightened risk of sleep apnea -- brief periods when they stop breathing -- but pumping a pleasant odor into their incubators seems to reduce the frequency of such spells, a study from France suggests.
Gene Variants Influence Sensitivity to Pain
Researchers have identified three variations of a gene called COMT that influence sensitivity to pain and the risk of developing a chronic pain condition.
Nanoparticles Could Improve Gene Therapy
Tiny particles of silica can act as DNA carriers, providing a non-viral method of gene therapy, new research shows.
Charity: Crush Injuries Pose Post-Tsunami Challenge
Survivors of last week's Indian Ocean tsunami are suffering not only from diarrhea, mental trauma and dehydration but also from horrific crush injuries, one charity said on Monday.
Canada Quarantines One Farm in Mad Cow Search
The Canadian government has quarantined a farm in Alberta in its search for cattle connected to the country's second case of mad cow disease, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Monday.
Study: Diuretics a Net Plus for Elderly
Diuretics, pills used by millions of elderly people to lower high blood pressure, clearly reduce the long-term risk of death from heart attacks and strokes, according to a study that could ease fears that the medication's risks outweigh its benefits.
Polish Conjoined Twins Undergo Separation
Saudi doctors managed to separate Monday the lower organs of two infant Polish girls who were born joined at the spine and intestines, a member of the medical team said.
Aspirin Use Lags Among Diabetic Women
Too few diabetic women use aspirin to reduce their risk of heart disease, claims a study by researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Saliva Holds Clues to Oral Cancer
A major advance in using saliva to detect oral cancer is outlined in a study funded by the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Dreams Sort Out Problems
Your dreams may offer you solutions for solving personal problems, according to a Canadian study in the December issue of the Journal of Sleep Research.
Simulator Could Make for Smoother Births
Using a birth simulator, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified what may be the least forceful method of delivering babies whose shoulders are stuck in the birth canal.
Only Moderate Drinking Wards Off Stroke
Moderate drinking has been associated with a lower risk of heart attacks, but the picture has been less clear in the case of stroke.
Self-Hypnosis Calms Kids During Tough Procedures
In an indication that the power of mind over body isn't limited to grownups, researchers report that advanced relaxation techniques help kids endure a grueling medical procedure.
Guilt-ridden tsnunami survivors at risk of suicide, mental disorders
Survivors of last week's deadly tsunamis are at risk of becoming suicidal or developing other serious neuroses as they grapple with the guilt of having lived while others died, mental health experts say.
270,000 people living in Aceh refugee camps
The number of people living in refugee camps in the tsunami-ravaged Indonesian province of Aceh has risen to more than 270,000, the government said.
UN fears new polio outbreak in Sudan
The World Health Organization expressed fear of a fresh outbreak of polio in Sudan, saying 105 cases have already been reported in various parts of the country.
Activists warn of possible rape of tsunami survivors
Women activists urged Sri Lankan authorities to step up protection for tsunami survivors amid unconfirmed reports some had been molested or even gang raped at refugee shelters.
German scientists announce new HIV treatment
German scientists announced that they have developed a new treatment for HIV that was useful in targeted mutated strains of the AIDS virus that have become impervious to drugs.
Andaman's lone psychiatrist braces for post-tsunami nightmare
The lone psychiatrist in India's ravaged Andaman and Nicobar islands said he plans to enlist volunteers ahead of an anticipated deluge of tsunami survivors with post-disaster trauma.
UN receives record 1.5 billion dollars in donations for tsunami relief
The United Nations has received a record 1.5 billion dollars in one week in donations after the devastating tidal waves in the Indian Ocean, a UN official said.
Monday, January 03, 2005
Health Headlines - January 3
Wisconsin Girl Survives Rabies with New Treatment
A 15-year-old Wisconsin girl who received an experimental treatment to become the first person known to survive rabies without a vaccination has been released from hospital, a spokeswoman for the hospital said on Sunday.
Canada Confirms Second Case of Mad Cow
Canada on Sunday confirmed its second case of mad cow disease, just days after the United States said it planned to reopen its border to Canadian beef.
Hospitals Grapple With Serving Fast Food
Andrew Hudnall stared at his lunch and agonized about whether his doctor might be unhappy with him. The 57-year-old heart patient had just bought a chicken sandwich from McDonald's — in the food court of the Cleveland Clinic.
Future Unclear for N.H. Canadian Med Site
Gov.-elect John Lynch hasn't voiced much support for maintaining state Web links to two Canadian pharmacies, an initiative launched during Gov. Craig Benson's administration.
Alcohol Deaths Spur Change on Reservation
The Flathead Indian Reservation is shifting its focus to children and retooling tribal policies following the drinking deaths of four boys in a six-month period.
W.Va. Faces Mental Health Care Crisis
West Virginia hospitals spend more on patients suffering from psychosis than on any other diagnosis and almost doubled their mental health spending over four years.
Teen Obesity Is a Ticking Time Bomb
The American Heart Association's warning last week that more children than ever are heading toward heart trouble is primarily due to the nation's
obesity epidemic.
A 15-year-old Wisconsin girl who received an experimental treatment to become the first person known to survive rabies without a vaccination has been released from hospital, a spokeswoman for the hospital said on Sunday.
Canada Confirms Second Case of Mad Cow
Canada on Sunday confirmed its second case of mad cow disease, just days after the United States said it planned to reopen its border to Canadian beef.
Hospitals Grapple With Serving Fast Food
Andrew Hudnall stared at his lunch and agonized about whether his doctor might be unhappy with him. The 57-year-old heart patient had just bought a chicken sandwich from McDonald's — in the food court of the Cleveland Clinic.
Future Unclear for N.H. Canadian Med Site
Gov.-elect John Lynch hasn't voiced much support for maintaining state Web links to two Canadian pharmacies, an initiative launched during Gov. Craig Benson's administration.
Alcohol Deaths Spur Change on Reservation
The Flathead Indian Reservation is shifting its focus to children and retooling tribal policies following the drinking deaths of four boys in a six-month period.
W.Va. Faces Mental Health Care Crisis
West Virginia hospitals spend more on patients suffering from psychosis than on any other diagnosis and almost doubled their mental health spending over four years.
Teen Obesity Is a Ticking Time Bomb
The American Heart Association's warning last week that more children than ever are heading toward heart trouble is primarily due to the nation's
obesity epidemic.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Health Headlines - January 2
U.N.: Despite Aid, Tsunami Survivors Face Disease Risk
Tens of thousands of tsunami survivors are at risk from killer diseases, such as cholera, despite stepped up international aid, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Saturday.
Clean Water Key to Preventing Illness
The key to averting a health catastrophe emerging from the tsunami ruins will be basic hygiene — clean water and toilets — medical officials said Saturday.
1st Unvaccinated Rabies Survivor Goes Home
A teenager who became the first person known to survive rabies without a vaccination went home Saturday after nearly 11 weeks in the hospital, officials said.
Army Medics Receive Intense Training
As the insurgents in Iraq step up their attacks, the Army has increased the intensity of its training of battlefield medics.
Painstaking collection of tsunami victims' DNA begins in Thailand
Forensic experts and medical staff have begun the painstaking task of collecting DNA samples from the victims of the tsunami disaster in Thailand, in the hopes of offering families proof of their loved ones' fates even if it takes months.
Mental health catastrophe looms after tsunami terror
Beyond the massive toll in human life, tsunamis which tore apart Indian Ocean coastlines are set to pose a global mental health catastrophe as thousands of people live haunted by the sudden, ferocious wall of water.
Communicable diseases begin to appear in wave-hit zone
The first outbreaks of communicable diseases are now being seen in areas hit by last Sunday's killer tidal waves in Asia, a senior World Health Organisation (WHO) official said.
Health situation 'decent' in tsunami lashed south India
A mass inoculation drive and adequate clean drinking water has so far prevented the outbreak of an epidemic in the district of India worst-hit by killer tsunamis, doctors said.
Tens of thousands of tsunami survivors are at risk from killer diseases, such as cholera, despite stepped up international aid, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Saturday.
Clean Water Key to Preventing Illness
The key to averting a health catastrophe emerging from the tsunami ruins will be basic hygiene — clean water and toilets — medical officials said Saturday.
1st Unvaccinated Rabies Survivor Goes Home
A teenager who became the first person known to survive rabies without a vaccination went home Saturday after nearly 11 weeks in the hospital, officials said.
Army Medics Receive Intense Training
As the insurgents in Iraq step up their attacks, the Army has increased the intensity of its training of battlefield medics.
Painstaking collection of tsunami victims' DNA begins in Thailand
Forensic experts and medical staff have begun the painstaking task of collecting DNA samples from the victims of the tsunami disaster in Thailand, in the hopes of offering families proof of their loved ones' fates even if it takes months.
Mental health catastrophe looms after tsunami terror
Beyond the massive toll in human life, tsunamis which tore apart Indian Ocean coastlines are set to pose a global mental health catastrophe as thousands of people live haunted by the sudden, ferocious wall of water.
Communicable diseases begin to appear in wave-hit zone
The first outbreaks of communicable diseases are now being seen in areas hit by last Sunday's killer tidal waves in Asia, a senior World Health Organisation (WHO) official said.
Health situation 'decent' in tsunami lashed south India
A mass inoculation drive and adequate clean drinking water has so far prevented the outbreak of an epidemic in the district of India worst-hit by killer tsunamis, doctors said.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Health Headlines - January 1
Happy New Year! Please don't drink and drive.
Journal Tells FDA Lilly Knew of Prozac Risk
The British Medical Journal said on Friday it has sent documents to U.S. health regulators that appear to suggest a link between the antidepressant Prozac and suicidal behavior.
Pregnancy Can Go Well for Women with Diabetes
Women with type 1 diabetes who monitor their blood glucose daily both before and during pregnancy have better outcomes, Danish researchers report.
Migraine Patients May Have Genetic Abnormalities
People who suffer from migraine headaches appear to express more genes that produce platelets, the specialized components in blood that are involved in clotting, researchers report.
Isolated-Limb Chemo Curbs Advanced Melanoma
For people with advanced but localized melanoma, delivering potent chemotherapy to just the limb with the cancer is highly effective both in terms of local disease control and survival, Dutch clinicians report.
Bone Loss Seen with Lung Disease Treatment
People who use an inhaled steroid long-term to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema, face a loss of bone mineral density in the hip and spine, a new study shows.
Anti-Rejection Drug Curbs Aspirin-Induced Asthma
The immune-suppressant drug tacrolimus, usually used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, can also help people who suffer from aspirin-triggered asthma, Japanese researchers report.
FDA Warns Barr Over Seasonale Commercial
A television commercial for Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Seasonale misleads consumers by excluding risk information to make the birth control pill seem safer, U.S. health regulators warned in a letter released on Thursday.
Rule May Let Workers Keep Health Coverage
For U.S. workers who change or lose their jobs, a new rule issued by the Bush administration just before the end of 2004 could provide better access to group health plan coverage — in keeping with changes Congress agreed to eight years ago.
R.I. to Allow Residents to Import Drugs
Rhode Island has become what is believed to be the first state in the nation to approve regulations that allow its residents to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
FDA Approves Pfizer Drug for Diabetes
Pfizer Inc. said Friday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its medication for pain caused by nerve damage from diabetes or shingles, but it is still under review for treating partial seizures in adults.
Every minute counts, UN warns as Indonesian death toll nears 100,000
Starvation, injury and disease are pushing massive numbers of refugees in tsunami-devastated Aceh closer to death "every minute", the United Nations warned as the number of Indonesians confirmed killed in the disaster climbed towards 100,000.
2005 shapes up as key year in fight against AIDS
The world is focused right now on the aftermath of the killer tsunamis that swept the Indian Ocean on December 26, yet lurking in the wings is an older, deadlier, man-made threat that is doomed to return to centre-stage.
Journal Tells FDA Lilly Knew of Prozac Risk
The British Medical Journal said on Friday it has sent documents to U.S. health regulators that appear to suggest a link between the antidepressant Prozac and suicidal behavior.
Pregnancy Can Go Well for Women with Diabetes
Women with type 1 diabetes who monitor their blood glucose daily both before and during pregnancy have better outcomes, Danish researchers report.
Migraine Patients May Have Genetic Abnormalities
People who suffer from migraine headaches appear to express more genes that produce platelets, the specialized components in blood that are involved in clotting, researchers report.
Isolated-Limb Chemo Curbs Advanced Melanoma
For people with advanced but localized melanoma, delivering potent chemotherapy to just the limb with the cancer is highly effective both in terms of local disease control and survival, Dutch clinicians report.
Bone Loss Seen with Lung Disease Treatment
People who use an inhaled steroid long-term to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema, face a loss of bone mineral density in the hip and spine, a new study shows.
Anti-Rejection Drug Curbs Aspirin-Induced Asthma
The immune-suppressant drug tacrolimus, usually used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, can also help people who suffer from aspirin-triggered asthma, Japanese researchers report.
FDA Warns Barr Over Seasonale Commercial
A television commercial for Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Seasonale misleads consumers by excluding risk information to make the birth control pill seem safer, U.S. health regulators warned in a letter released on Thursday.
Rule May Let Workers Keep Health Coverage
For U.S. workers who change or lose their jobs, a new rule issued by the Bush administration just before the end of 2004 could provide better access to group health plan coverage — in keeping with changes Congress agreed to eight years ago.
R.I. to Allow Residents to Import Drugs
Rhode Island has become what is believed to be the first state in the nation to approve regulations that allow its residents to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
FDA Approves Pfizer Drug for Diabetes
Pfizer Inc. said Friday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its medication for pain caused by nerve damage from diabetes or shingles, but it is still under review for treating partial seizures in adults.
Every minute counts, UN warns as Indonesian death toll nears 100,000
Starvation, injury and disease are pushing massive numbers of refugees in tsunami-devastated Aceh closer to death "every minute", the United Nations warned as the number of Indonesians confirmed killed in the disaster climbed towards 100,000.
2005 shapes up as key year in fight against AIDS
The world is focused right now on the aftermath of the killer tsunamis that swept the Indian Ocean on December 26, yet lurking in the wings is an older, deadlier, man-made threat that is doomed to return to centre-stage.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Health Headlines - December 31
Disease Next as Tsunami Toll Rises, Experts Say
Diarrhea, malaria, dengue fever, and even meningitis and flu may be waiting to cause a second wave of misery across Indian Ocean coastal areas devastated by Sunday's tsunami, experts said on Thursday.
Men Prefer Subordinate Women to Equals
Men would rather marry their female assistants than equal-ranking women or their supervisors, according to social psychologists.
Evening Shift Ups Risk of Gastrointestinal Ills
People who work from mid-afternoon into the wee hours of the night are liable to develop problems such as heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation, new research shows.
WHO Warns of Fresh Bird Flu Outbreaks in Vietnam
Vietnam may face fresh outbreaks of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus next month as poultry is transported around the country ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations in February, the World Health Organization said.
Celebrex Prescriptions Plunge After Risk Found
New prescriptions for Pfizer Inc.'s arthritis drug Celebrex fell 56 percent last week after the company released data showing the drug may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to Verispan, a market research company.
Smoking During Pregnancy Raises Diabetes Risk
Pregnant women who smoke face a higher risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy -- a condition known as gestational diabetes -- according to a new study.
Moderate Therapy OK for Some Bladder Cancers
Once bladder cancer invades surrounding muscles, surgical removal of the bladder -- radical cystectomy -- is usually deemed necessary. However, if the disease has not spread to other areas of the body, this can sometimes be avoided, according to Italian researchers.
They say an option is to cut out just the diseased area of the bladder, and follow this with extended chemotherapy and radiation.
Men Still Worry After 'All Clear' Prostate Biopsy
Men who undergo a prostate biopsy because they've had a suspicious screening test result and then are given the good news that the biopsy is negative continue to worry about developing the cancer, study findings show.
Cipro-Resistant Gonorrhea on the Rise
In Hawaii, the proportion of cases of gonorrhea that are resistant to treatment with the antibiotic Cipro increased nearly sevenfold between 1997 and 2000, new findings show.
Sex Education Gets Party Treatment in West Africa
A day after the rest of the world marked World Aids Day on December 1, the Love Life Caravan blasted its way into the remote border outpost of Noe between Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Obesity Rising Among U.S. Preschoolers
The obesity epidemic is reaching down to the sandbox: More than 10 percent of U.S. children ages 2 to 5 are overweight, the American Heart Association reported Thursday.
Study: Fast Food Contributes to Obesity
A new study gives scientific clout to a conclusion many already see as obvious: Eating lots of fast food makes you fat and increases the chance of developing diabetes.
Experts Warn of Misjudging Health Dangers
Some public health experts watching the aftermath of the tsunami disaster fear the outpouring of emergency relief supplies and the rush to head off outbreaks of disease will prove misguided or wasteful in some respects.
WHO: 5M in Tsunami Region Lack Supplies
Up to five million people in the tsunami-struck Indian Ocean region lack access to the basic supplies they need to stay alive, such as clean water, shelter, food, sanitation and health care, the United Nations health agency said Thursday.
Some Wireless Devices Safe Near Pacemakers
Electronic health record devices don't interfere with heart pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, says a new Mayo Clinic study.
Surgery Helps Relieve Migraines
Surgical treatment of migraine reduced missed work days by 73 percent and significantly lowered the annual cost of migraine care for patients.
Mexican-Americans Have Higher Stroke Rates
Mexican-Americans have about a 20 percent higher risk of stroke than do non-Hispanic whites, claims a new update on stroke and heart disease from the American Heart Association.
Vioxx, Celebrex Furor Tops Health News for '04
For years, Americans turned to the blockbuster drugs Vioxx and Celebrex for relief from chronic pain. But as 2004 ends, Vioxx is no longer on the market and the future of Celebrex remains unclear.
More Kids at Risk for Future Heart Trouble
More kids are heading toward heart trouble, the American Heart Association reported Thursday in its annual assessment of cardiovascular disease, the top killer in the United States.
Diarrhea, malaria, dengue fever, and even meningitis and flu may be waiting to cause a second wave of misery across Indian Ocean coastal areas devastated by Sunday's tsunami, experts said on Thursday.
Men Prefer Subordinate Women to Equals
Men would rather marry their female assistants than equal-ranking women or their supervisors, according to social psychologists.
Evening Shift Ups Risk of Gastrointestinal Ills
People who work from mid-afternoon into the wee hours of the night are liable to develop problems such as heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation, new research shows.
WHO Warns of Fresh Bird Flu Outbreaks in Vietnam
Vietnam may face fresh outbreaks of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus next month as poultry is transported around the country ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations in February, the World Health Organization said.
Celebrex Prescriptions Plunge After Risk Found
New prescriptions for Pfizer Inc.'s arthritis drug Celebrex fell 56 percent last week after the company released data showing the drug may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to Verispan, a market research company.
Smoking During Pregnancy Raises Diabetes Risk
Pregnant women who smoke face a higher risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy -- a condition known as gestational diabetes -- according to a new study.
Moderate Therapy OK for Some Bladder Cancers
Once bladder cancer invades surrounding muscles, surgical removal of the bladder -- radical cystectomy -- is usually deemed necessary. However, if the disease has not spread to other areas of the body, this can sometimes be avoided, according to Italian researchers.
They say an option is to cut out just the diseased area of the bladder, and follow this with extended chemotherapy and radiation.
Men Still Worry After 'All Clear' Prostate Biopsy
Men who undergo a prostate biopsy because they've had a suspicious screening test result and then are given the good news that the biopsy is negative continue to worry about developing the cancer, study findings show.
Cipro-Resistant Gonorrhea on the Rise
In Hawaii, the proportion of cases of gonorrhea that are resistant to treatment with the antibiotic Cipro increased nearly sevenfold between 1997 and 2000, new findings show.
Sex Education Gets Party Treatment in West Africa
A day after the rest of the world marked World Aids Day on December 1, the Love Life Caravan blasted its way into the remote border outpost of Noe between Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Obesity Rising Among U.S. Preschoolers
The obesity epidemic is reaching down to the sandbox: More than 10 percent of U.S. children ages 2 to 5 are overweight, the American Heart Association reported Thursday.
Study: Fast Food Contributes to Obesity
A new study gives scientific clout to a conclusion many already see as obvious: Eating lots of fast food makes you fat and increases the chance of developing diabetes.
Experts Warn of Misjudging Health Dangers
Some public health experts watching the aftermath of the tsunami disaster fear the outpouring of emergency relief supplies and the rush to head off outbreaks of disease will prove misguided or wasteful in some respects.
WHO: 5M in Tsunami Region Lack Supplies
Up to five million people in the tsunami-struck Indian Ocean region lack access to the basic supplies they need to stay alive, such as clean water, shelter, food, sanitation and health care, the United Nations health agency said Thursday.
Some Wireless Devices Safe Near Pacemakers
Electronic health record devices don't interfere with heart pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, says a new Mayo Clinic study.
Surgery Helps Relieve Migraines
Surgical treatment of migraine reduced missed work days by 73 percent and significantly lowered the annual cost of migraine care for patients.
Mexican-Americans Have Higher Stroke Rates
Mexican-Americans have about a 20 percent higher risk of stroke than do non-Hispanic whites, claims a new update on stroke and heart disease from the American Heart Association.
Vioxx, Celebrex Furor Tops Health News for '04
For years, Americans turned to the blockbuster drugs Vioxx and Celebrex for relief from chronic pain. But as 2004 ends, Vioxx is no longer on the market and the future of Celebrex remains unclear.
More Kids at Risk for Future Heart Trouble
More kids are heading toward heart trouble, the American Heart Association reported Thursday in its annual assessment of cardiovascular disease, the top killer in the United States.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Health Headlines - December 30
Job May Affect Chances of Surviving After a Stroke
After having a stroke, people with lower incomes and blue-collar jobs seem to be more likely to die in the next year or two than those with higher incomes and white-collar jobs -- regardless of the severity of the stroke -- according to a new study.
Breakups Can Be Mapped in the Brain
Women who are distraught after breaking up with a romantic partner show brain changes that are not seen in women less upset by a romantic rift, researchers report.
If Parents Think Kids Will Drink, They Likely Will
Parents who believe their young teen is likely to drink excessively may prompt him or her to adopt drinking behaviors that mirror those negative expectations, according to a study from Iowa State University.
Plastic Wrapping Help Preemies Stay Warm
Polyethylene wrapping can help prevent heat loss by very premature infants when they're born, a Canadian group of researchers report.
Kids' Sleep Disorders Linked with Problem Behavior
Sleep-disordered breathing is associated with higher rates of behavioral problems in children, researchers report.
New Drug Approved for Childhood Leukemia
Genzyme Corp. announced Wednesday that its drug Clolar has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of children with difficult or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Stress Accelerates Experimental Skin Cancer
Mice exposed to stress and ultraviolet radiation develop skin cancer significantly faster than do animals exposed to radiation only, researchers have found. They suggest this may be relevant to people at high risk of skin cancer.
West Nile Vaccine Produces Immunity in Mice
Mice injected with a purified structural protein from the West Nile virus (WNV) develop immunity against infection, new research shows.
Vietnam Finds New Case of Human Bird Flu
A 16-year-old Vietnamese girl has been infected with the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus and her condition is stable, a doctor said on Thursday.
Study: 1 in 5 Young People Drink and Drive
More than four million people younger under age 21 drove under the influence of drugs or alcohol last year, according to a government report released Wednesday. That's one in five of all Americans aged 16 to 20.
Group: Bodies Pose No Threat of Outbreaks
Dead bodies cannot cause disease outbreaks, the Pan American Health Organization said Wednesday, hoping to avert mass burials of tens of thousands of unidentified victims from the tsunami in Asia and Africa.
FDA Sends Drug Company Warning Letter
The Food and Drug Administration has sent a warning letter to Novartis Animal Health U.S., Inc. because of what federal officials say were late reports on the death of cats being tested with a new painkilling drug.
Family Sues for Woman Over AIDS Drug
The family of a pregnant woman who died while taking experimental AIDS drugs to protect her baby from getting the disease is suing the doctors, drug makers and hospitals involved in the study for $10 million.
Va. Surrogate, 55, Awe-Struck at Triplets
A 55-year-old woman who gave birth to triplets for a daughter who was medically unable to conceive said Wednesday she was "a caring incubator" and was awe-struck when she learned she was carrying three children.
FDA Approves New Drug for Severe Pain
Patients who suffer severe chronic pain and are no longer helped by morphine will soon have a new option.
Study Urges End to Racial Gap in Health Care
Correcting racial disparities in health care would save five times as many lives as would advances in medical technology, says a study in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health.
Recognizing Movement in the Mind's Eye
An area of the brain that responds to actions we watch, such as the movement of a dancer, reacts differently in people who are skilled at doing the same movement than in other people.
Migraine Sufferers Report More Angina
People who suffer from migraines or other long-lasting headaches are more likely to have angina, but don't have an increased risk of heart disease, says a study in the Dec. 28 issue of the journal Neurology.
Breast Implants Should Be Adult Matter
Cosmetic breast augmentation should be restricted to women aged 18 and older, says a new policy adopted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Exercise Cuts Heart, Diabetes Risk Factors
Regular exercise can reduce the incidence of a deadly combination of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes in middle-aged and older people.
Excess Weight Can Compromise Birth Control Pills
Women who are overweight or obese are more likely to get pregnant while taking birth control pills than women of normal weight are, new research finds.
Death toll in south Asia could rise above 100,000
The death toll in the tidal wave disaster around the Indian Ocean could rise above 100,000 once outlying islands of India are fully checked, a senior international Red Cross official said.
Cholera, malaria, typhoid biggest disease threats
Cholera, malaria and typhoid are the worst diseases stalking the survivors of Asias tsunami calamity and the weapons against them are clean water and sanitation, relief agencies say.
"Millions" at risk of waterborne disease in South Asia
Millions of people will be at risk of disease unless there is immediate action to provide clean water in communities hit by tidal waves in South Asia, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned.
U.S. health authorities approve new ziconotide analgesic
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ziconotide intrathecal infusion, a new, powerful analgesic for the management of severe chronic pain in patients intolerant of other treatments such as morphine.
U.S. woman, 55, gives birth to three grandchildren for daughter
A 55-year-old American woman gave birth in Richmond, Virginia, to three genetic baby grandchildren, for her adult daughter who was unable, hospital officials said.
After having a stroke, people with lower incomes and blue-collar jobs seem to be more likely to die in the next year or two than those with higher incomes and white-collar jobs -- regardless of the severity of the stroke -- according to a new study.
Breakups Can Be Mapped in the Brain
Women who are distraught after breaking up with a romantic partner show brain changes that are not seen in women less upset by a romantic rift, researchers report.
If Parents Think Kids Will Drink, They Likely Will
Parents who believe their young teen is likely to drink excessively may prompt him or her to adopt drinking behaviors that mirror those negative expectations, according to a study from Iowa State University.
Plastic Wrapping Help Preemies Stay Warm
Polyethylene wrapping can help prevent heat loss by very premature infants when they're born, a Canadian group of researchers report.
Kids' Sleep Disorders Linked with Problem Behavior
Sleep-disordered breathing is associated with higher rates of behavioral problems in children, researchers report.
New Drug Approved for Childhood Leukemia
Genzyme Corp. announced Wednesday that its drug Clolar has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of children with difficult or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Stress Accelerates Experimental Skin Cancer
Mice exposed to stress and ultraviolet radiation develop skin cancer significantly faster than do animals exposed to radiation only, researchers have found. They suggest this may be relevant to people at high risk of skin cancer.
West Nile Vaccine Produces Immunity in Mice
Mice injected with a purified structural protein from the West Nile virus (WNV) develop immunity against infection, new research shows.
Vietnam Finds New Case of Human Bird Flu
A 16-year-old Vietnamese girl has been infected with the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus and her condition is stable, a doctor said on Thursday.
Study: 1 in 5 Young People Drink and Drive
More than four million people younger under age 21 drove under the influence of drugs or alcohol last year, according to a government report released Wednesday. That's one in five of all Americans aged 16 to 20.
Group: Bodies Pose No Threat of Outbreaks
Dead bodies cannot cause disease outbreaks, the Pan American Health Organization said Wednesday, hoping to avert mass burials of tens of thousands of unidentified victims from the tsunami in Asia and Africa.
FDA Sends Drug Company Warning Letter
The Food and Drug Administration has sent a warning letter to Novartis Animal Health U.S., Inc. because of what federal officials say were late reports on the death of cats being tested with a new painkilling drug.
Family Sues for Woman Over AIDS Drug
The family of a pregnant woman who died while taking experimental AIDS drugs to protect her baby from getting the disease is suing the doctors, drug makers and hospitals involved in the study for $10 million.
Va. Surrogate, 55, Awe-Struck at Triplets
A 55-year-old woman who gave birth to triplets for a daughter who was medically unable to conceive said Wednesday she was "a caring incubator" and was awe-struck when she learned she was carrying three children.
FDA Approves New Drug for Severe Pain
Patients who suffer severe chronic pain and are no longer helped by morphine will soon have a new option.
Study Urges End to Racial Gap in Health Care
Correcting racial disparities in health care would save five times as many lives as would advances in medical technology, says a study in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health.
Recognizing Movement in the Mind's Eye
An area of the brain that responds to actions we watch, such as the movement of a dancer, reacts differently in people who are skilled at doing the same movement than in other people.
Migraine Sufferers Report More Angina
People who suffer from migraines or other long-lasting headaches are more likely to have angina, but don't have an increased risk of heart disease, says a study in the Dec. 28 issue of the journal Neurology.
Breast Implants Should Be Adult Matter
Cosmetic breast augmentation should be restricted to women aged 18 and older, says a new policy adopted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Exercise Cuts Heart, Diabetes Risk Factors
Regular exercise can reduce the incidence of a deadly combination of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes in middle-aged and older people.
Excess Weight Can Compromise Birth Control Pills
Women who are overweight or obese are more likely to get pregnant while taking birth control pills than women of normal weight are, new research finds.
Death toll in south Asia could rise above 100,000
The death toll in the tidal wave disaster around the Indian Ocean could rise above 100,000 once outlying islands of India are fully checked, a senior international Red Cross official said.
Cholera, malaria, typhoid biggest disease threats
Cholera, malaria and typhoid are the worst diseases stalking the survivors of Asias tsunami calamity and the weapons against them are clean water and sanitation, relief agencies say.
"Millions" at risk of waterborne disease in South Asia
Millions of people will be at risk of disease unless there is immediate action to provide clean water in communities hit by tidal waves in South Asia, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned.
U.S. health authorities approve new ziconotide analgesic
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ziconotide intrathecal infusion, a new, powerful analgesic for the management of severe chronic pain in patients intolerant of other treatments such as morphine.
U.S. woman, 55, gives birth to three grandchildren for daughter
A 55-year-old American woman gave birth in Richmond, Virginia, to three genetic baby grandchildren, for her adult daughter who was unable, hospital officials said.
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