Health Official: U.S. Won't Have Enough Bird Flu Vaccine for 3-5 Years
It will take the United States at least three years to have enough doses of flu vaccine to stave off a pandemic, according to Health and Human Services Secretary MIke Leavitt.
Speaking on the NBC TV progam, "Meet the Press," Leavitt said the U.S. doesn't have the manufacturing capacity to make and distribute the 300 million doses of a vaccine to protect the country's population, and it won't have that capacity for three to five years.
The issue of a major fatal flu outbreak has been heightened because incidents of avian flu killing 67 people in Asian countries in the past year have caused health officials to become concerned. So far, however, there have been no reports of the bird flu being transmitted from person to person.
"What we all learned from (Hurricane) Katrina is sometimes we have to think clearly about the unthinkable," the Associated Press quotes Leavitt as saying. "We're probably closer to a pandemic at any time in the last 37 years. We're not as prepared as we need to be."
While scientists can't predict what type of virus the avian flu could mutate into so that it would cause a pandemic, the wire service says The U.S. has only enough doses for 4.3 million people. And says the A.P., President Bush has proposed stockpiling enough of the anti-flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza for 81 million people. There is some evidence that these drugs might be effective against a bird flu virus.
MRI Used to Track Path of Anti-Cancer Cells
Scientists continue to find new uses for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to view the functions of organs in the body. A team of scientists says it has developed a method to use the MRI to track how well a certain cancer therapy is working.
In the latest issue of the journal Nature Biotechnology , the researchers report that implanted tiny iron oxide particles were able to determine whether the cancer-fighting cells were on target.
"In four of the eight patients, MRI revealed that the implanted cells weren't where they needed to be to be effective for treatment," says Jeff Bulte, an associate professor of radiology at Hopkins' Institute for Cell Engineering who was part of the research team. A Johns Hopkins University news release says Bulte was the author of the report and developed methods to use the iron oxide particles with the anti-cancer cells.
The iron oxide technique was much more accurate than previous tracking methods like radioactivity and ultrasound, Bulte said in the news release. The cells in question are called dendritic cells, which scientists theorize can stimulate the body's immune system to fight malignant cells.
FDA Finds No Evidence Linking Tamiflu to Deaths
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday there was insufficient evidence to tie the flu drug Tamiflu to the deaths of 12 Japanese children or to hallucinations, encephalitis and other symptoms suffered by some Japanese patients.
One day after announcing it would review the deaths, the agency's staff said it wouldn't be necessary to update the drug's labeling to reflect those deaths or possible adverse effects. But the staff is recommending adding information to the label about serious skin reactions to Tamiflu, according to papers prepared for a meeting Friday of the FDA's Pediatric Advisory Committee, the Associated Press reported.
At the meeting itself, the chairman, Dr. Robert Nelson, said, "If we ever have a pandemic of avian flu, which is a debatable point, people want to know that they have a drug that will not cause more (harm) than the flu itself," said.
The advisory committee reviewed Tamiflu as part of a routine safety check of drugs whose original uses had been extended to cover children.
Melissa Truffa, of the FDA's Office of Drug Safety, told the panel earlier Friday that they found no direct link between the use of Tamiflu and the deaths in Japan.
The FDA staff said Tamiflu is used much more often in Japan than in the United States -- 11.6 million prescriptions for children in Japan between 2001 and 2005, compared to about 872,000 during that same period in the United States, AP reported.
There are no reports of deaths in the United States or Europe associated with Tamiflu.
China Gives OK to New Type of Cancer Drug
China has become the first country to approve a cancer therapy that uses a virus to attack only malignant tumor cells.
The New York Times reports that the drug, called H101, is actually a modified version of a treatment originated and abandoned by an American biotech company. The original drug was developed by a California company, Onyx Pharmaceuticals and was called -- appropriately -- Onyx-015.
Both Onyx-015 and H101 use a genetically engineered cold virus that zeroes in only on cells with a genetic defect found in cancer cells, the Times reports. There were some operational problems with the drug in America, the newspaper reports, and Onyx dropped the drug in 2003. It has since developed another anti-cancer drug that is awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Chinese company, Shanghai Sunway Biotech, has approval to market H101 to treat head and neck cancer, according to the Times.
Possible Cause of Kawasaki Disease Reported
Northwestern University scientists say that they have discovered a possible cause of Kawasaki disease, a heart ailment that strikes an estimated 15 of every 100,000 children in the United States. Kawasaki disease, first discovered in 1967, is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children.
Early diagnosis is extremely important, because the disease can be treated.
Kawasaki disease has long been believed to be caused by some sort of infection, but it has so far been unidentified. The latest research from Northwestern scientists indicates the cause may be viral.
In a news release, the university says its research team from the Feinberg School of Medicine and Children's Memorial Hospital completed findings that show how the virus spreads through a childs body. "The virus is likely to be taken up by white blood cells in the lung and carried through the bloodstream, infecting other tissues, including the coronary artery, and leading to coronary artery aneurysms, the most important adverse outcome of Kawasaki disease," said Dr. Anne H. Rowley, a professor of pediatrics and of microbiology/immunology who led the research.
The findings are reported in the Nov. 15 issue of Journal of Infectious Disease.
Major Depression Afflicts 8 Percent of U.S. Adults
About eight percent (17 million) of U.S. adults reported suffering at least one bout of major depression during the previous year, according to a report released Friday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
About two-thirds of the people who reported major depression in the previous year said they'd received treatment, which included taking prescription medications or talking with a doctor or other health professional.
Illicit drug use within the previous month was almost twice as high among adults who reported major depression than among people who did not report major depression.
Food Fact:
Sweeter pineapple
Know what kind to buy, and you can triple the vitamin C. Golden Pineapple, a new variety tagged with a Golden label, is making a splash -- it's sweeter, juicier and contains 3 times as much vitamin C as other varieties of the tropical fruit. When choosing a pineapple, look for fresh, green leaves and be certain they are not wilted or brown. The pineapple should smell sweet and be firm with no soft spots. Diced or sliced fresh pineapple is the perfect way to end a meal. Toss it with some chopped candied ginger if you like.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Drink up.
By the time you feel thirsty during a workout, you may already be dehydrated! Your body requires constant hydration during exercise. Drink at least 8 oz. of water every 15 minutes while you are exercising.
FAQ of the day:
Are dried fruits safe if I'm sensitive to sulfites?
Sulfites that are added to many dried fruits can cause allergy-like reactions in some individuals -- in some cases these can be life-threatening. That's why the FDA now requires that any foods with sulfites say so on the label. If you are sulfite-sensitive, look for "unsulphured" dried fruits, sold in some supermarkets and natural food stores.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Health Headlines - November 19
FDA Finds No Evidence Linking Tamiflu to Deaths
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday there was insufficient evidence to tie the flu drug Tamiflu to the deaths of 12 Japanese children or to hallucinations, encephalitis and other symptoms suffered by some Japanese patients.
One day after announcing it would review the deaths, the agency's staff said it wouldn't be necessary to update the drug's labeling to reflect those deaths or possible adverse effects. But the staff is recommending adding information to the label about serious skin reactions to Tamiflu, according to papers prepared for a meeting Friday of the FDA's Pediatric Advisory Committee, the Associated Press reported.
At the meeting itself, the chairman, Dr. Robert Nelson, said, "If we ever have a pandemic of avian flu, which is a debatable point, people want to know that they have a drug that will not cause more (harm) than the flu itself," said.
The advisory committee reviewed Tamiflu as part of a routine safety check of drugs whose original uses had been extended to cover children.
Melissa Truffa, of the FDA's Office of Drug Safety, told the panel earlier Friday that they found no direct link between the use of Tamiflu and the deaths in Japan.
The FDA staff said Tamiflu is used much more often in Japan than in the United States -- 11.6 million prescriptions for children in Japan between 2001 and 2005, compared to about 872,000 during that same period in the United States, AP reported.
There are no reports of deaths in the United States or Europe associated with Tamiflu.
China Gives OK to New Type of Cancer Drug
China has become the first country to approve a cancer therapy that uses a virus to attack only malignant tumor cells.
The New York Times reports that the drug, called H101, is actually a modified version of a treatment originated and abandoned by an American biotech company. The original drug was developed by a California company, Onyx Pharmaceuticals and was called -- appropriately -- Onyx-015.
Both Onyx-015 and H101 use a genetically engineered cold virus that zeroes in only on cells with a genetic defect found in cancer cells, the Times reports. There were some operational problems with the drug in America, the newspaper reports, and Onyx dropped the drug in 2003. It has since developed another anti-cancer drug that is awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Chinese company, Shanghai Sunway Biotech, has approval to market H101 to treat head and neck cancer, according to the Times.
Possible Cause of Kawasaki Disease Reported
Northwestern University scientists say that they have discovered a possible cause of Kawasaki disease, a heart ailment that strikes an estimated 15 of every 100,000 children in the United States. Kawasaki disease, first discovered in 1967, is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children.
Early diagnosis is extremely important, because the disease can be treated. But diagnosis can be missed, and the result can be a long and difficult illness.
Kawasaki disease has long been believed to be caused by some sort of infection, but it has so far been unidentified. The latest research from Northwestern scientists indicates the cause may be viral.
In a news release, the university says its research team from the Feinberg School of Medicine and Children's Memorial Hospital completed findings that show how the virus spreads through a childs body. "The virus is likely to be taken up by white blood cells in the lung and carried through the bloodstream, infecting other tissues, including the coronary artery, and leading to coronary artery aneurysms, the most important adverse outcome of Kawasaki disease," said Dr. Anne H. Rowley, a professor of pediatrics and of microbiology/immunology who led the research.
The findings are reported in the Nov. 15 issue of Journal of Infectious Disease.
Major Depression Afflicts 8 Percent of U.S. Adults
About eight percent (17 million) of U.S. adults reported suffering at least one bout of major depression during the previous year, according to a report released Friday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
About two-thirds of the people who reported major depression in the previous year said they'd received treatment, which included taking prescription medications or talking with a doctor or other health professional.
Illicit drug use within the previous month was almost twice as high among adults who reported major depression than among people who did not report major depression, according to the data. The report, based on the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, also showed that 39.7 percent of adults who reported major depression smoked cigarettes in the previous month, compared to 25.9 percent of adults who did not have major depression.
Women were almost twice as likely as men to report major depression (10.3 percent vs. 5.6 percent) and women who did experience major depression were more likely than men with depression to receive treatment (70.1 percent vs. 55.2 percent).
The report said that major depression occurred in about 10 percent of adults ages 18-49 and in about 1.3 percent of adults ages 65 or older.
FDA Issues Caution on Bronchodilators
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued a public health advisory about long-lasting bronchodilator medicines called long-acting beta 2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) and told companies that make the medicines to update existing product labels with new warnings.
The FDA says these medicines -- Serevent Diskus, Advair Diskus and Foradil Aerolizer -- may increase the risk of severe asthmatic episodes and increase the risk of death when the episodes occur. LABAs help relax the muscles around the airways in the lungs. Even though LABAs decrease the frequency of asthma episodes, they may make asthma episodes more severe when they do occur, the FDA said.
The advisory offers the following recommendations for the use of LABAs in asthma patients:
LABAs should not be the first medicine used the treat asthma and should be added to asthma treatment only if other medicines do not control asthma.
Don't stop using your LABA or any other asthma medicines that have been prescribed for you unless you've talked with your healthcare provider about whether or not to continue treatment.
Don't use your LABA to treat wheezing that's getting worse. Call your healthcare professional immediately if your wheezing becomes worse while using a LABA.
LABAs don't relieve sudden wheezing. Always have a short-acting broncodilator medicine with you to treat sudden wheezing.
Food Fact:
Some like it hot.
With good reason -- chiles' heat may bring you significant health protection. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chile peppers their firey heat, contains an anticoagulant that might help prevent heart attacks and strokes caused by blood clots. Chile peppers also contain a mixture of cancer-fighting antioxidants. Remember, don't touch your eyes as you're working with chile peppers, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. As a general rule, the larger the pepper, the milder it is. To reduce a pepper's intensity, remove the core and seeds.
Fitness Tip of the day:
We've got your back!
If back muscles become tight and sore after exercise -- a common feeling -- a great way to relieve this stress is to lie on the floor with a tennis ball between your back and the floor and give yourself a massage.
FAQ of the day:
Does cranberry juice cure urinary tract infections?
Cure is too strong a word, but cranberry juice has been shown in carefully controlled experiments to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections, or UTIs. Research in the late 1980s reported that cranberry juice (as well as blueberry juice) prevented common bacteria from adhering to cells that line the urinary tract. Studies in the '90s found that women who drank about 10 oz. of cranberry juice a day had lower levels of bacteria in their urine, and were 75% less likely to develop urinary tract infection in the next month.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday there was insufficient evidence to tie the flu drug Tamiflu to the deaths of 12 Japanese children or to hallucinations, encephalitis and other symptoms suffered by some Japanese patients.
One day after announcing it would review the deaths, the agency's staff said it wouldn't be necessary to update the drug's labeling to reflect those deaths or possible adverse effects. But the staff is recommending adding information to the label about serious skin reactions to Tamiflu, according to papers prepared for a meeting Friday of the FDA's Pediatric Advisory Committee, the Associated Press reported.
At the meeting itself, the chairman, Dr. Robert Nelson, said, "If we ever have a pandemic of avian flu, which is a debatable point, people want to know that they have a drug that will not cause more (harm) than the flu itself," said.
The advisory committee reviewed Tamiflu as part of a routine safety check of drugs whose original uses had been extended to cover children.
Melissa Truffa, of the FDA's Office of Drug Safety, told the panel earlier Friday that they found no direct link between the use of Tamiflu and the deaths in Japan.
The FDA staff said Tamiflu is used much more often in Japan than in the United States -- 11.6 million prescriptions for children in Japan between 2001 and 2005, compared to about 872,000 during that same period in the United States, AP reported.
There are no reports of deaths in the United States or Europe associated with Tamiflu.
China Gives OK to New Type of Cancer Drug
China has become the first country to approve a cancer therapy that uses a virus to attack only malignant tumor cells.
The New York Times reports that the drug, called H101, is actually a modified version of a treatment originated and abandoned by an American biotech company. The original drug was developed by a California company, Onyx Pharmaceuticals and was called -- appropriately -- Onyx-015.
Both Onyx-015 and H101 use a genetically engineered cold virus that zeroes in only on cells with a genetic defect found in cancer cells, the Times reports. There were some operational problems with the drug in America, the newspaper reports, and Onyx dropped the drug in 2003. It has since developed another anti-cancer drug that is awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Chinese company, Shanghai Sunway Biotech, has approval to market H101 to treat head and neck cancer, according to the Times.
Possible Cause of Kawasaki Disease Reported
Northwestern University scientists say that they have discovered a possible cause of Kawasaki disease, a heart ailment that strikes an estimated 15 of every 100,000 children in the United States. Kawasaki disease, first discovered in 1967, is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children.
Early diagnosis is extremely important, because the disease can be treated. But diagnosis can be missed, and the result can be a long and difficult illness.
Kawasaki disease has long been believed to be caused by some sort of infection, but it has so far been unidentified. The latest research from Northwestern scientists indicates the cause may be viral.
In a news release, the university says its research team from the Feinberg School of Medicine and Children's Memorial Hospital completed findings that show how the virus spreads through a childs body. "The virus is likely to be taken up by white blood cells in the lung and carried through the bloodstream, infecting other tissues, including the coronary artery, and leading to coronary artery aneurysms, the most important adverse outcome of Kawasaki disease," said Dr. Anne H. Rowley, a professor of pediatrics and of microbiology/immunology who led the research.
The findings are reported in the Nov. 15 issue of Journal of Infectious Disease.
Major Depression Afflicts 8 Percent of U.S. Adults
About eight percent (17 million) of U.S. adults reported suffering at least one bout of major depression during the previous year, according to a report released Friday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
About two-thirds of the people who reported major depression in the previous year said they'd received treatment, which included taking prescription medications or talking with a doctor or other health professional.
Illicit drug use within the previous month was almost twice as high among adults who reported major depression than among people who did not report major depression, according to the data. The report, based on the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, also showed that 39.7 percent of adults who reported major depression smoked cigarettes in the previous month, compared to 25.9 percent of adults who did not have major depression.
Women were almost twice as likely as men to report major depression (10.3 percent vs. 5.6 percent) and women who did experience major depression were more likely than men with depression to receive treatment (70.1 percent vs. 55.2 percent).
The report said that major depression occurred in about 10 percent of adults ages 18-49 and in about 1.3 percent of adults ages 65 or older.
FDA Issues Caution on Bronchodilators
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued a public health advisory about long-lasting bronchodilator medicines called long-acting beta 2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) and told companies that make the medicines to update existing product labels with new warnings.
The FDA says these medicines -- Serevent Diskus, Advair Diskus and Foradil Aerolizer -- may increase the risk of severe asthmatic episodes and increase the risk of death when the episodes occur. LABAs help relax the muscles around the airways in the lungs. Even though LABAs decrease the frequency of asthma episodes, they may make asthma episodes more severe when they do occur, the FDA said.
The advisory offers the following recommendations for the use of LABAs in asthma patients:
LABAs should not be the first medicine used the treat asthma and should be added to asthma treatment only if other medicines do not control asthma.
Don't stop using your LABA or any other asthma medicines that have been prescribed for you unless you've talked with your healthcare provider about whether or not to continue treatment.
Don't use your LABA to treat wheezing that's getting worse. Call your healthcare professional immediately if your wheezing becomes worse while using a LABA.
LABAs don't relieve sudden wheezing. Always have a short-acting broncodilator medicine with you to treat sudden wheezing.
Food Fact:
Some like it hot.
With good reason -- chiles' heat may bring you significant health protection. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chile peppers their firey heat, contains an anticoagulant that might help prevent heart attacks and strokes caused by blood clots. Chile peppers also contain a mixture of cancer-fighting antioxidants. Remember, don't touch your eyes as you're working with chile peppers, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. As a general rule, the larger the pepper, the milder it is. To reduce a pepper's intensity, remove the core and seeds.
Fitness Tip of the day:
We've got your back!
If back muscles become tight and sore after exercise -- a common feeling -- a great way to relieve this stress is to lie on the floor with a tennis ball between your back and the floor and give yourself a massage.
FAQ of the day:
Does cranberry juice cure urinary tract infections?
Cure is too strong a word, but cranberry juice has been shown in carefully controlled experiments to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections, or UTIs. Research in the late 1980s reported that cranberry juice (as well as blueberry juice) prevented common bacteria from adhering to cells that line the urinary tract. Studies in the '90s found that women who drank about 10 oz. of cranberry juice a day had lower levels of bacteria in their urine, and were 75% less likely to develop urinary tract infection in the next month.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Health Headlines - November 18
FDA Finds No Evidence Linking Tamiflu to Deaths
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday there was insufficient evidence to tie the flu drug Tamiflu to the deaths of 12 Japanese children or to hallucinations, encephalitis and other symptoms suffered by some Japanese patients.
One day after announcing it would review the deaths, the agency's staff said it wouldn't be necessary to update the drug's labeling to reflect those deaths or possible adverse effects. But the staff is recommending adding information to the label about serious skin reactions to Tamiflu, according to papers prepared for a meeting Friday of the FDA's Pediatric Advisory Committee, the Associated Press reported.
At the meeting itself, the chairman, Dr. Robert Nelson, said, "If we ever have a pandemic of avian flu, which is a debatable point, people want to know that they have a drug that will not cause more (harm) than the flu itself," said.
The advisory committee reviewed Tamiflu as part of a routine safety check of drugs whose original uses had been extended to cover children.
Melissa Truffa, of the FDA's Office of Drug Safety, told the panel earlier Friday that they found no direct link between the use of Tamiflu and the deaths in Japan.
The FDA staff said Tamiflu is used much more often in Japan than in the United States -- 11.6 million prescriptions for children in Japan between 2001 and 2005, compared to about 872,000 during that same period in the United States, AP reported.
There are no reports of deaths in the United States or Europe associated with Tamiflu.
Major Depression Afflicts 8 Percent of U.S. Adults
About eight percent (17 million) of U.S. adults reported suffering at least one bout of major depression during the previous year, according to a report released Friday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
About two-thirds of the people who reported major depression in the previous year said they'd received treatment, which included taking prescription medications or talking with a doctor or other health professional.
Illicit drug use within the previous month was almost twice as high among adults who reported major depression than among people who did not report major depression, according to the data. The report, based on the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, also showed that 39.7 percent of adults who reported major depression smoked cigarettes in the previous month, compared to 25.9 percent of adults who did not have major depression.
Women were almost twice as likely as men to report major depression (10.3 percent vs. 5.6 percent) and women who did experience major depression were more likely than men with depression to receive treatment (70.1 percent vs. 55.2 percent).
The report said that major depression occurred in about 10 percent of adults ages 18-49 and in about 1.3 percent of adults ages 65 or older.
FDA Issues Caution on Bronchodilators
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued a public health advisory about long-lasting bronchodilator medicines called long-acting beta 2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) and told companies that make the medicines to update existing product labels with new warnings.
The FDA says these medicines -- Serevent Diskus, Advair Diskus and Foradil Aerolizer -- may increase the risk of severe asthmatic episodes and increase the risk of death when the episodes occur. LABAs help relax the muscles around the airways in the lungs. Even though LABAs decrease the frequency of asthma episodes, they may make asthma episodes more severe when they do occur, the FDA said.
The advisory offers the following recommendations for the use of LABAs in asthma patients:
LABAs should not be the first medicine used the treat asthma and should be added to asthma treatment only if other medicines do not control asthma.
Don't stop using your LABA or any other asthma medicines that have been prescribed for you unless you've talked with your healthcare provider about whether or not to continue treatment.
Don't use your LABA to treat wheezing that's getting worse. Call your healthcare professional immediately if your wheezing becomes worse while using a LABA.
LABAs don't relieve sudden wheezing. Always have a short-acting broncodilator medicine with you to treat sudden wheezing.
Web Camera Helps Save Ill Calif. Woman
A diabetic woman in California was saved after her son in the Philippines saw through a Web camera that she was seriously ill.
Karin Jordal, 69, lives in Pinon Hills, Calif. On Thursday, she collapsed in her living room. Her son Tore, who lives in the Philippines, saw through his mother's Web cam that she was lying motionless on the couch, the Associated Press reported.
Tore tried to call emergency authorities in California but wasn't able to get through. He then called his brother Ole, who lives in Bergen, Norway. Ole's wife, Tammy, is originally from Long Island, N.Y. She knew who to call and help arrived at Karin Jordal's home within five to 10 minutes.
The sons watched on the Web camera as ambulance personnel took care of their mother, now recovering at Desert Valley Hospital in California. She had collapsed because of low blood sugar and had been unconscious for about two hours before Tore spotted her on the Web camera.
Tobacco Industry Targeting Hispanics: Critics
The U.S. tobacco industry is boosting efforts to sell cigarettes to Hispanics, who currently smoke less than blacks and whites, say anti-smoking groups.
The critics say that Hispanic youth are especially being targeted by the tobacco companies, which are using sexy print ads that feature young musicians, the Associated Press reported.
State attorneys should investigate R.J. Reynolds Tobacco's new "Kool be true" advertising campaign and other tobacco industry promotional efforts that are covertly aimed at young Hispanics, said The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
The Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group noted a recent eight-page ad that R.J. Reynolds recently placed in Latina magazine, which featured musicians and the line: "It's about pursuing your ambitions and staying connected to your roots."
A spokesman for R.J. Reynolds disputed the criticism, saying the company markets its products only to adults and uses models who are 25 years or older in its ads.
Currently, about 15 percent of Hispanic adults in the United States smoke, compared to 20.9 percent of blacks and 22.2 percent of whites, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Food Fact:
"Bell" epoque.
Here's a trick for bringing out the rich sweetness in bell peppers. Blacken the peppers under the broiler or on the grill. After broiling or grilling, peel off the pepper skins with a paring knife and use the pepper in sandwiches, pasta sauces, or as an accompaniment to chicken or fish. Whether they're red, green or yellow, bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C -- and a great source of fat-free culinary excitement. Sliced fresh peppers add crunch and color to salads.
Fitness Tip of the day:
If the shoe fits...
Choosing the right type of shoe for your activity is only a start to avoid foot pain. A good fit is essential to providing comfort and preventing injury. When buying shoes, look for knowledgeable salespeople and be sure to have your feet measured -- size and width can change over time. For the best fit, try on shoes after you've exercised and your feet are at their largest, and be sure to put on the socks you normally wear.
FAQ of the day:
If I have diabetes, should I avoid sugar?
The Nutrition Guidelines of the American Diabetes Association say that reasonable amounts of sugar are OK for people with diabetes, and are no different than any other type of carbohydrate for regulating blood sugar levels. The rise in blood sugar after eating bread, potatoes or rice is actually very similar to what happens after eating an equal amount of carbohydrate as sugar. The presence of protein, fat and soluble fiber will slow the rise in blood sugar from carbohydrates; that's why a mixed meal, say peanut butter on oat-bran bread, is better for regulating blood sugar than jelly on white bread. Keeping a handle on total calories is even more important.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday there was insufficient evidence to tie the flu drug Tamiflu to the deaths of 12 Japanese children or to hallucinations, encephalitis and other symptoms suffered by some Japanese patients.
One day after announcing it would review the deaths, the agency's staff said it wouldn't be necessary to update the drug's labeling to reflect those deaths or possible adverse effects. But the staff is recommending adding information to the label about serious skin reactions to Tamiflu, according to papers prepared for a meeting Friday of the FDA's Pediatric Advisory Committee, the Associated Press reported.
At the meeting itself, the chairman, Dr. Robert Nelson, said, "If we ever have a pandemic of avian flu, which is a debatable point, people want to know that they have a drug that will not cause more (harm) than the flu itself," said.
The advisory committee reviewed Tamiflu as part of a routine safety check of drugs whose original uses had been extended to cover children.
Melissa Truffa, of the FDA's Office of Drug Safety, told the panel earlier Friday that they found no direct link between the use of Tamiflu and the deaths in Japan.
The FDA staff said Tamiflu is used much more often in Japan than in the United States -- 11.6 million prescriptions for children in Japan between 2001 and 2005, compared to about 872,000 during that same period in the United States, AP reported.
There are no reports of deaths in the United States or Europe associated with Tamiflu.
Major Depression Afflicts 8 Percent of U.S. Adults
About eight percent (17 million) of U.S. adults reported suffering at least one bout of major depression during the previous year, according to a report released Friday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
About two-thirds of the people who reported major depression in the previous year said they'd received treatment, which included taking prescription medications or talking with a doctor or other health professional.
Illicit drug use within the previous month was almost twice as high among adults who reported major depression than among people who did not report major depression, according to the data. The report, based on the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, also showed that 39.7 percent of adults who reported major depression smoked cigarettes in the previous month, compared to 25.9 percent of adults who did not have major depression.
Women were almost twice as likely as men to report major depression (10.3 percent vs. 5.6 percent) and women who did experience major depression were more likely than men with depression to receive treatment (70.1 percent vs. 55.2 percent).
The report said that major depression occurred in about 10 percent of adults ages 18-49 and in about 1.3 percent of adults ages 65 or older.
FDA Issues Caution on Bronchodilators
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued a public health advisory about long-lasting bronchodilator medicines called long-acting beta 2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) and told companies that make the medicines to update existing product labels with new warnings.
The FDA says these medicines -- Serevent Diskus, Advair Diskus and Foradil Aerolizer -- may increase the risk of severe asthmatic episodes and increase the risk of death when the episodes occur. LABAs help relax the muscles around the airways in the lungs. Even though LABAs decrease the frequency of asthma episodes, they may make asthma episodes more severe when they do occur, the FDA said.
The advisory offers the following recommendations for the use of LABAs in asthma patients:
LABAs should not be the first medicine used the treat asthma and should be added to asthma treatment only if other medicines do not control asthma.
Don't stop using your LABA or any other asthma medicines that have been prescribed for you unless you've talked with your healthcare provider about whether or not to continue treatment.
Don't use your LABA to treat wheezing that's getting worse. Call your healthcare professional immediately if your wheezing becomes worse while using a LABA.
LABAs don't relieve sudden wheezing. Always have a short-acting broncodilator medicine with you to treat sudden wheezing.
Web Camera Helps Save Ill Calif. Woman
A diabetic woman in California was saved after her son in the Philippines saw through a Web camera that she was seriously ill.
Karin Jordal, 69, lives in Pinon Hills, Calif. On Thursday, she collapsed in her living room. Her son Tore, who lives in the Philippines, saw through his mother's Web cam that she was lying motionless on the couch, the Associated Press reported.
Tore tried to call emergency authorities in California but wasn't able to get through. He then called his brother Ole, who lives in Bergen, Norway. Ole's wife, Tammy, is originally from Long Island, N.Y. She knew who to call and help arrived at Karin Jordal's home within five to 10 minutes.
The sons watched on the Web camera as ambulance personnel took care of their mother, now recovering at Desert Valley Hospital in California. She had collapsed because of low blood sugar and had been unconscious for about two hours before Tore spotted her on the Web camera.
Tobacco Industry Targeting Hispanics: Critics
The U.S. tobacco industry is boosting efforts to sell cigarettes to Hispanics, who currently smoke less than blacks and whites, say anti-smoking groups.
The critics say that Hispanic youth are especially being targeted by the tobacco companies, which are using sexy print ads that feature young musicians, the Associated Press reported.
State attorneys should investigate R.J. Reynolds Tobacco's new "Kool be true" advertising campaign and other tobacco industry promotional efforts that are covertly aimed at young Hispanics, said The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
The Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group noted a recent eight-page ad that R.J. Reynolds recently placed in Latina magazine, which featured musicians and the line: "It's about pursuing your ambitions and staying connected to your roots."
A spokesman for R.J. Reynolds disputed the criticism, saying the company markets its products only to adults and uses models who are 25 years or older in its ads.
Currently, about 15 percent of Hispanic adults in the United States smoke, compared to 20.9 percent of blacks and 22.2 percent of whites, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Food Fact:
"Bell" epoque.
Here's a trick for bringing out the rich sweetness in bell peppers. Blacken the peppers under the broiler or on the grill. After broiling or grilling, peel off the pepper skins with a paring knife and use the pepper in sandwiches, pasta sauces, or as an accompaniment to chicken or fish. Whether they're red, green or yellow, bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C -- and a great source of fat-free culinary excitement. Sliced fresh peppers add crunch and color to salads.
Fitness Tip of the day:
If the shoe fits...
Choosing the right type of shoe for your activity is only a start to avoid foot pain. A good fit is essential to providing comfort and preventing injury. When buying shoes, look for knowledgeable salespeople and be sure to have your feet measured -- size and width can change over time. For the best fit, try on shoes after you've exercised and your feet are at their largest, and be sure to put on the socks you normally wear.
FAQ of the day:
If I have diabetes, should I avoid sugar?
The Nutrition Guidelines of the American Diabetes Association say that reasonable amounts of sugar are OK for people with diabetes, and are no different than any other type of carbohydrate for regulating blood sugar levels. The rise in blood sugar after eating bread, potatoes or rice is actually very similar to what happens after eating an equal amount of carbohydrate as sugar. The presence of protein, fat and soluble fiber will slow the rise in blood sugar from carbohydrates; that's why a mixed meal, say peanut butter on oat-bran bread, is better for regulating blood sugar than jelly on white bread. Keeping a handle on total calories is even more important.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Health Headlines - November 17
Climate Change Linked to 150,000 Deaths a Year: Report
More than 150,000 people die and five million more become sick each year due to the effects of global climate change. And those numbers could double by 2030, says a World Health Organization (WHO) report published Thursday in the journal Nature.
The WHO data indicate that climate change is causing increasing rates of malaria, malnutrition and diarrhea and that poorer countries are disproportionately affected by the rising temperatures, the Washington Post reported.
"Those most vulnerable to climate change are not the ones responsible for causing it. Our energy-consumptive lifestyles are having lethal impacts on other people around the world, especially the poor," study lead author Jonathon Patz, professor at the Gaylord Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, told the Post.
The Asian and South American Pacific coasts and the Indian Ocean coast and sub-Sahara Africa are the regions that face the greatest threats due to climate change. These areas are most vulnerable to abrupt climate shifts and have more climate-sensitive diseases, Patz said.
Climate change could also cause more severe health problems in large cities due to the urban "heat island" effect, the report said.
FDA to Review Tamiflu Deaths
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that it will review the deaths of 12 Japanese children who took the anti-flu drug Tamiflu, which is being stockpiled by many countries in anticipation of a potential global flu pandemic.
In a report posted on its Web site, the FDA said that four of the deaths were due to "sudden death, an unusual phenomenon in otherwise healthy" children aged 16 and under. Asphyxiation, cardio-respiratory arrest, pneumonia and suicide were the other causes of death among the Japanese children taking Tamiflu, the FDA said.
The FDA review of deaths and injuries among Tamiflu users is part of a review meant to gather information on how medicines work in children, Bloomberg news reported. As part of that review, the FDA panel will also examine reports about other drugs.
On its Web site, the FDA noted that Japan is the source of more than 90 percent of reports of serious complications in children using Tamiflu. The FDA is examining whether genetics might be a factor or whether herbal medications taken by Japanese people could predispose them to complications while taking Tamiflu, Bloomberg reported.
HIV/AIDS May Make it Easier for Bird Flu to Mutate: Expert
The bird flu virus may have an easier time mutating into a deadly pandemic form if it infects people with HIV/AIDS, a U.S. flu expert said at a conference in New York City sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations.
If the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus infects people with HIV/AIDS -- who have weakened immune systems -- the virus could become better adapted and more dangerous to humans, said Dr. Robert Webster of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
Currently, the H5N1 virus cannot pass easily between people.
Webster noted that immune-compromised cancer patients have difficulty clearing normal flu viruses from their systems and can produce copies of a flu virus for weeks, BBC News reported.
The same thing could happen in people with HIV/AIDS who contract bird flu. Being able to reproduce for long periods inside humans would provide ideal conditions for the H5N1 virus to mutate into a more infectious form, Webster said.
He said a crisis could erupt when the H5N1 virus reaches East Africa, where many people have HIV/AIDS, BBC News reported.
The virus has not yet reached East Africa, but that region is the destination for many birds migrating from areas that currently have bird flu outbreaks.
Airborne Mold Levels in New Orleans Called Excessive
Levels of airborne mold in New Orleans are so high that the U.S. federal government needs to closely monitor the levels and should provide protective gear to residents, according to a national environmental group.
The Natural Resources Defense Council said that excessive concentrations of mold spores were found inside and outside when test samples were taken in 14 locations across New Orleans in October. One indoor test of mold spores in a neighborhood barely affected by Hurricane Katrina floodwaters was higher than a sample taken from one of the worst-hit areas, USA Today reported.
The Mid-City neighborhood had the highest outdoor readings -- 102,000 mold spores per cubic meter. A mold spore count above 50,000 is considered "very high," according to National Allergy Board standards.
High concentrations of mold can pose a serious health risk for people with allergies, asthma, respiratory problems or immune system deficiency.
Overall, the mold spore readings taken October 15-17 were at least two to four times higher than normal for New Orleans, USA Today reported.
Federal, state and local government agencies are using the Internet and fliers to inform New Orleans residents about the dangers of mold and how to protect themselves by wearing masks and protective clothing.
Coffee Increases Risk of Stillbirth: Report
Pregnant women who drink more than three cups of coffee a day greatly increase their risk of delivering stillborn babies, says a Danish study in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Researchers analyzed data from 88,482 women who'd provided information about their consumption of coffee, tea, cola and alcohol, along with smoking and other possible risk factors when they were four months pregnant. In this group of women, there were 1,102 stillborn babies, United Press International reported.
After they adjusted for all the risk factors, the study authors concluded that drinking one-half a cup to three cups of coffee a day increased the risk of fetal death by 3 percent, while drinking four to seven cups of coffee a day increase the risk by 33 percent. Drinking eight or more cups of coffee a day increased the risk by 59 percent.
The study found that the association between coffee consumption and fetal death was strongest after the fifth month of pregnancy, UPI reported.
The researchers found no link between fetal death and tea or cola consumption. This suggests that caffeine may not be the compound responsible for the association between fetal death and coffee. Further research into other chemical compounds in coffee is needed, the researchers said.
DuPont Reportedly Hid Information on Chemical's Health Risks
Studies that identified the health risks of a Teflon-related chemical used to line many kinds of food containers were hidden by DuPont Co., according to internal company documents and a former DuPont chemical engineer.
The documents about the chemical Zonyl were made public Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a research and advocacy organization.
Zonyl is used to line pizza boxes, candy wrappers, microwave popcorn bags and many other kinds of food containers. Zonyl can rub off these package liners and get into the food. When it's ingested, Zonyl can break down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts, the Associated Press reported.
Food Fact:
Sprig fever!
Parsley isn't just pretty on the plate -- the green herb may help keep you in the pink. Parsley is rich in potassium, vitamins C and A, folic acid, iron and copper. It also contains phytochemicals that may have cancer-fighting and heart-protective properties. Research into these potential health benefits is in its infancy, however, and there's no data directly relating parsley consumption and lowered disease risk. To wash fresh parsley, dunk the leaves in a large bowl of cold water. Shake off the excess, wrap in paper towels and refrigerate in a plastic bag. It'll keep for several days. Add larger quantities to pilafs, potatoes, egg dishes and vegetable sautes shortly before you finish cooking for a nutritious boost that's not just cosmetic.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Food for thought.
If weight loss is part of your plan, you've got good reasons to watch your portions. Don't deny yourself your favorite foods, but don't go overboard, either. Keep track of what you eat and each day focus on small successes. They can add up to a new you, and a lifetime of feeling better about yourself and your weight.
FAQ of the day:
How do I know if I have Type 2 diabetes?
The initial symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are far less severe than those of Type 1. In fact, it is estimated that half the Americans who have Type 2 diabetes don't even know it. But early diagnosis is extremely important. Left uncontrolled, Type 2 diabetes silently damages the body's large blood vessels. One reason we didn't hear much about Type 2 diabetes in the past was that many deaths related to it were blamed on heart disease. Talk to your doctor, and above all else, strive to maintain a healthy weight.
More than 150,000 people die and five million more become sick each year due to the effects of global climate change. And those numbers could double by 2030, says a World Health Organization (WHO) report published Thursday in the journal Nature.
The WHO data indicate that climate change is causing increasing rates of malaria, malnutrition and diarrhea and that poorer countries are disproportionately affected by the rising temperatures, the Washington Post reported.
"Those most vulnerable to climate change are not the ones responsible for causing it. Our energy-consumptive lifestyles are having lethal impacts on other people around the world, especially the poor," study lead author Jonathon Patz, professor at the Gaylord Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, told the Post.
The Asian and South American Pacific coasts and the Indian Ocean coast and sub-Sahara Africa are the regions that face the greatest threats due to climate change. These areas are most vulnerable to abrupt climate shifts and have more climate-sensitive diseases, Patz said.
Climate change could also cause more severe health problems in large cities due to the urban "heat island" effect, the report said.
FDA to Review Tamiflu Deaths
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that it will review the deaths of 12 Japanese children who took the anti-flu drug Tamiflu, which is being stockpiled by many countries in anticipation of a potential global flu pandemic.
In a report posted on its Web site, the FDA said that four of the deaths were due to "sudden death, an unusual phenomenon in otherwise healthy" children aged 16 and under. Asphyxiation, cardio-respiratory arrest, pneumonia and suicide were the other causes of death among the Japanese children taking Tamiflu, the FDA said.
The FDA review of deaths and injuries among Tamiflu users is part of a review meant to gather information on how medicines work in children, Bloomberg news reported. As part of that review, the FDA panel will also examine reports about other drugs.
On its Web site, the FDA noted that Japan is the source of more than 90 percent of reports of serious complications in children using Tamiflu. The FDA is examining whether genetics might be a factor or whether herbal medications taken by Japanese people could predispose them to complications while taking Tamiflu, Bloomberg reported.
HIV/AIDS May Make it Easier for Bird Flu to Mutate: Expert
The bird flu virus may have an easier time mutating into a deadly pandemic form if it infects people with HIV/AIDS, a U.S. flu expert said at a conference in New York City sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations.
If the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus infects people with HIV/AIDS -- who have weakened immune systems -- the virus could become better adapted and more dangerous to humans, said Dr. Robert Webster of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
Currently, the H5N1 virus cannot pass easily between people.
Webster noted that immune-compromised cancer patients have difficulty clearing normal flu viruses from their systems and can produce copies of a flu virus for weeks, BBC News reported.
The same thing could happen in people with HIV/AIDS who contract bird flu. Being able to reproduce for long periods inside humans would provide ideal conditions for the H5N1 virus to mutate into a more infectious form, Webster said.
He said a crisis could erupt when the H5N1 virus reaches East Africa, where many people have HIV/AIDS, BBC News reported.
The virus has not yet reached East Africa, but that region is the destination for many birds migrating from areas that currently have bird flu outbreaks.
Airborne Mold Levels in New Orleans Called Excessive
Levels of airborne mold in New Orleans are so high that the U.S. federal government needs to closely monitor the levels and should provide protective gear to residents, according to a national environmental group.
The Natural Resources Defense Council said that excessive concentrations of mold spores were found inside and outside when test samples were taken in 14 locations across New Orleans in October. One indoor test of mold spores in a neighborhood barely affected by Hurricane Katrina floodwaters was higher than a sample taken from one of the worst-hit areas, USA Today reported.
The Mid-City neighborhood had the highest outdoor readings -- 102,000 mold spores per cubic meter. A mold spore count above 50,000 is considered "very high," according to National Allergy Board standards.
High concentrations of mold can pose a serious health risk for people with allergies, asthma, respiratory problems or immune system deficiency.
Overall, the mold spore readings taken October 15-17 were at least two to four times higher than normal for New Orleans, USA Today reported.
Federal, state and local government agencies are using the Internet and fliers to inform New Orleans residents about the dangers of mold and how to protect themselves by wearing masks and protective clothing.
Coffee Increases Risk of Stillbirth: Report
Pregnant women who drink more than three cups of coffee a day greatly increase their risk of delivering stillborn babies, says a Danish study in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Researchers analyzed data from 88,482 women who'd provided information about their consumption of coffee, tea, cola and alcohol, along with smoking and other possible risk factors when they were four months pregnant. In this group of women, there were 1,102 stillborn babies, United Press International reported.
After they adjusted for all the risk factors, the study authors concluded that drinking one-half a cup to three cups of coffee a day increased the risk of fetal death by 3 percent, while drinking four to seven cups of coffee a day increase the risk by 33 percent. Drinking eight or more cups of coffee a day increased the risk by 59 percent.
The study found that the association between coffee consumption and fetal death was strongest after the fifth month of pregnancy, UPI reported.
The researchers found no link between fetal death and tea or cola consumption. This suggests that caffeine may not be the compound responsible for the association between fetal death and coffee. Further research into other chemical compounds in coffee is needed, the researchers said.
DuPont Reportedly Hid Information on Chemical's Health Risks
Studies that identified the health risks of a Teflon-related chemical used to line many kinds of food containers were hidden by DuPont Co., according to internal company documents and a former DuPont chemical engineer.
The documents about the chemical Zonyl were made public Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a research and advocacy organization.
Zonyl is used to line pizza boxes, candy wrappers, microwave popcorn bags and many other kinds of food containers. Zonyl can rub off these package liners and get into the food. When it's ingested, Zonyl can break down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts, the Associated Press reported.
Food Fact:
Sprig fever!
Parsley isn't just pretty on the plate -- the green herb may help keep you in the pink. Parsley is rich in potassium, vitamins C and A, folic acid, iron and copper. It also contains phytochemicals that may have cancer-fighting and heart-protective properties. Research into these potential health benefits is in its infancy, however, and there's no data directly relating parsley consumption and lowered disease risk. To wash fresh parsley, dunk the leaves in a large bowl of cold water. Shake off the excess, wrap in paper towels and refrigerate in a plastic bag. It'll keep for several days. Add larger quantities to pilafs, potatoes, egg dishes and vegetable sautes shortly before you finish cooking for a nutritious boost that's not just cosmetic.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Food for thought.
If weight loss is part of your plan, you've got good reasons to watch your portions. Don't deny yourself your favorite foods, but don't go overboard, either. Keep track of what you eat and each day focus on small successes. They can add up to a new you, and a lifetime of feeling better about yourself and your weight.
FAQ of the day:
How do I know if I have Type 2 diabetes?
The initial symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are far less severe than those of Type 1. In fact, it is estimated that half the Americans who have Type 2 diabetes don't even know it. But early diagnosis is extremely important. Left uncontrolled, Type 2 diabetes silently damages the body's large blood vessels. One reason we didn't hear much about Type 2 diabetes in the past was that many deaths related to it were blamed on heart disease. Talk to your doctor, and above all else, strive to maintain a healthy weight.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Health Headlines - November 16
China Confirms First Human Bird Flu Cases
China has reported its first three confirmed human cases of bird flu. Two cases were in the central province of Hunan and one was in the eastern province of Anhui.
The World Health Organization confirmed two human cases of bird flu in China, including a female poultry worker who died from the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, CNN reported.
But WHO spokesman Dick Thompson said the organization does not have enough samples to confirm if a 12-year-old girl who died on Oct. 17 contracted the virus, because she had been cremated.
Thompson said the two confirmed cases include the girl's 9-year-old brother, who fell ill last month in Hunan but survived and a 24-year-old female poultry worker in Anhui who died from the virus last week.
Chinese officials had not previously disclosed any suspected human cases of bird flu in Anhui, where a bird flu outbreak in late October killed about 550 birds.
In other news, China announced Tuesday that it will attempt to vaccinate all of the country's estimated 4.2 billion chickens and billion ducks, geese and turkeys against bird flu.
No timetable for this ambitious vaccination effort was given. In terms of the number of animals, it would the largest single vaccination program every for any species, the International Herald Tribune reported.
This effort would require massive manpower because the birds would have to be vaccinated by one by one. China said it can produce 100 million doses a day of bird flu vaccine for birds.
U.S. to Lift Restrictions on Canadian Cattle
All mad-cow disease-related restrictions on Canadian cattle imported into the United States will be lifted within the next year, the U.S. Agriculture Department announced Wednesday.
Tight restrictions were put in place in 2003 when Canada reported its first case of mad cow disease. Some of the restrictions were removed earlier this year to allow Canada to ship younger cattle into the United States, the Associated Press reported.
However, Canadian cattle older than 30 months weren't allowed because it's believed that levels of infection from mad cow disease increase with age. In order to have that ban lifted, the cattle industry argued that rules that govern the slaughter of cattle would prevent mad cow disease from entering the animal or human food supply.
The U.S. Agriculture Department said it's currently drafting a rule that would remove remaining restrictions on Canadian cattle imports. The rule will be proposed in six to eight months, the AP reported.
Tougher New Steroid Policy for Baseball Players
It'll be three strikes and you're out for professional baseball players under a new policy that sharply increases penalties for steroid use.
Under an agreement reached Tuesday by major league baseball owners and players, the new policy will take effect next season, the Boston Globe reported.
It includes a 50-game suspension for a first offense, a 100-game suspension for a second offense, and a lifetime ban for a third transgression. The policy also includes mandatory random testing for amphetamines, a first in the history of major professional sports leagues in the United States.
The current Major League Baseball policy on steroid use includes a 10-day suspension for a first offense, 30 days for a second offense, and 60 days for a third, the Globe reported
"This is an important step to reaching our goal of ridding our sport of performance-enhancing substances and should restore the integrity of and public confidence in our great game," commissioner Bud Selig said.
Major league baseball has been plagued for months by embarrassing steroid and amphetamine scandals and has faced pressure from Congress to rid the game of performance enhancing substances.
Food Industry Must Step Up Obesity Fight: WHO
The global food and drink industry is not doing enough to improve the nutritional quality of their products in order to help combat childhood obesity, a World Health Organization (WHO) official charged Wednesday.
"The industry's efforts are commendable, but inadequate. They are only a drop in the ocean," Colin Tukuitonga, head of the WHO's global strategy on diet and physical activity, told the Associated Press.
Tukuitonga made his comments prior to a meeting with food and drink industry representatives.
Major changes in the way that food is processed and marketed are needed in order to counter the worldwide obesity epidemic, the WHO says.
Some food companies, such as Kraft, Nestle and Unileve,r have reduced the salt, sugar and fat content of some of their products and have also promised to change some of their marketing and advertising practices.
"These are selected companies doing one-off changes. They are making a genuine effort ... but we need an industry-wide approach," Tukuitonga told the AP.
Study Identifies New Neurons
Neurons that develop in the olfactory system and are especially sensitive to new stimuli have been identified by researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School Center for Nervous System Repair.
The level of flexibility displayed by these neurons suggests that they may be capable of replacing brain cells lost to disease or injury. The research, using adult mice, appears in the Nov. 16 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.
"Our results show that these new neurons have a lot of plasticity and can contribute to important learning and memory functions of the brain, suggesting that similar, newly recruited neurons may be able to function in other parts of the brain," study leader Sanjay Magavi said in a prepared statement.
"Eventually we'd like to be able to redirect brain cell precursors or stem cells to make other types of neurons in regions of the brain that do not normally regenerate," Magavi said.
Food Fact:
Flipped burger.
What grills like a burger, tastes meaty on a bun -- but has a fraction of the fat? Grill up broad, flat portobello mushrooms, dress 'em up like burgers, and you'll enjoy a hearty sandwich that's far better for your heart than beef. Mushrooms have what the Japanese call umami, a meaty taste, and healthy cooks use that meatiness to advantage. And that meaty taste comes with a very impressive nutrition profile: No fat, no carbs and hardly any calories. Add sauteed cremini mushrooms to spaghetti sauce for depth of flavor and satisfying chewiness. Slice shiitakes for you next stir-fry.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Crunch time.
Great abs gives you more just a flat stomach. Here's how to get them. Develop your abdominal muscles by starting with basic sit-ups (knees bent) and work your way up to using an incline bench or ball. This powerful core of muscles provides strength for all of your other activities.
FAQ of the day:
What are the best carbs for diabetics?
The very best contain soluble fiber, such as oats, rye and beans. Soluble fiber forms a gel in the gastrointestinal tract, which slows the rise in blood sugar after a meal and gives insulin more time to clear sugar from the blood.
China has reported its first three confirmed human cases of bird flu. Two cases were in the central province of Hunan and one was in the eastern province of Anhui.
The World Health Organization confirmed two human cases of bird flu in China, including a female poultry worker who died from the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, CNN reported.
But WHO spokesman Dick Thompson said the organization does not have enough samples to confirm if a 12-year-old girl who died on Oct. 17 contracted the virus, because she had been cremated.
Thompson said the two confirmed cases include the girl's 9-year-old brother, who fell ill last month in Hunan but survived and a 24-year-old female poultry worker in Anhui who died from the virus last week.
Chinese officials had not previously disclosed any suspected human cases of bird flu in Anhui, where a bird flu outbreak in late October killed about 550 birds.
In other news, China announced Tuesday that it will attempt to vaccinate all of the country's estimated 4.2 billion chickens and billion ducks, geese and turkeys against bird flu.
No timetable for this ambitious vaccination effort was given. In terms of the number of animals, it would the largest single vaccination program every for any species, the International Herald Tribune reported.
This effort would require massive manpower because the birds would have to be vaccinated by one by one. China said it can produce 100 million doses a day of bird flu vaccine for birds.
U.S. to Lift Restrictions on Canadian Cattle
All mad-cow disease-related restrictions on Canadian cattle imported into the United States will be lifted within the next year, the U.S. Agriculture Department announced Wednesday.
Tight restrictions were put in place in 2003 when Canada reported its first case of mad cow disease. Some of the restrictions were removed earlier this year to allow Canada to ship younger cattle into the United States, the Associated Press reported.
However, Canadian cattle older than 30 months weren't allowed because it's believed that levels of infection from mad cow disease increase with age. In order to have that ban lifted, the cattle industry argued that rules that govern the slaughter of cattle would prevent mad cow disease from entering the animal or human food supply.
The U.S. Agriculture Department said it's currently drafting a rule that would remove remaining restrictions on Canadian cattle imports. The rule will be proposed in six to eight months, the AP reported.
Tougher New Steroid Policy for Baseball Players
It'll be three strikes and you're out for professional baseball players under a new policy that sharply increases penalties for steroid use.
Under an agreement reached Tuesday by major league baseball owners and players, the new policy will take effect next season, the Boston Globe reported.
It includes a 50-game suspension for a first offense, a 100-game suspension for a second offense, and a lifetime ban for a third transgression. The policy also includes mandatory random testing for amphetamines, a first in the history of major professional sports leagues in the United States.
The current Major League Baseball policy on steroid use includes a 10-day suspension for a first offense, 30 days for a second offense, and 60 days for a third, the Globe reported
"This is an important step to reaching our goal of ridding our sport of performance-enhancing substances and should restore the integrity of and public confidence in our great game," commissioner Bud Selig said.
Major league baseball has been plagued for months by embarrassing steroid and amphetamine scandals and has faced pressure from Congress to rid the game of performance enhancing substances.
Food Industry Must Step Up Obesity Fight: WHO
The global food and drink industry is not doing enough to improve the nutritional quality of their products in order to help combat childhood obesity, a World Health Organization (WHO) official charged Wednesday.
"The industry's efforts are commendable, but inadequate. They are only a drop in the ocean," Colin Tukuitonga, head of the WHO's global strategy on diet and physical activity, told the Associated Press.
Tukuitonga made his comments prior to a meeting with food and drink industry representatives.
Major changes in the way that food is processed and marketed are needed in order to counter the worldwide obesity epidemic, the WHO says.
Some food companies, such as Kraft, Nestle and Unileve,r have reduced the salt, sugar and fat content of some of their products and have also promised to change some of their marketing and advertising practices.
"These are selected companies doing one-off changes. They are making a genuine effort ... but we need an industry-wide approach," Tukuitonga told the AP.
Study Identifies New Neurons
Neurons that develop in the olfactory system and are especially sensitive to new stimuli have been identified by researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School Center for Nervous System Repair.
The level of flexibility displayed by these neurons suggests that they may be capable of replacing brain cells lost to disease or injury. The research, using adult mice, appears in the Nov. 16 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.
"Our results show that these new neurons have a lot of plasticity and can contribute to important learning and memory functions of the brain, suggesting that similar, newly recruited neurons may be able to function in other parts of the brain," study leader Sanjay Magavi said in a prepared statement.
"Eventually we'd like to be able to redirect brain cell precursors or stem cells to make other types of neurons in regions of the brain that do not normally regenerate," Magavi said.
Food Fact:
Flipped burger.
What grills like a burger, tastes meaty on a bun -- but has a fraction of the fat? Grill up broad, flat portobello mushrooms, dress 'em up like burgers, and you'll enjoy a hearty sandwich that's far better for your heart than beef. Mushrooms have what the Japanese call umami, a meaty taste, and healthy cooks use that meatiness to advantage. And that meaty taste comes with a very impressive nutrition profile: No fat, no carbs and hardly any calories. Add sauteed cremini mushrooms to spaghetti sauce for depth of flavor and satisfying chewiness. Slice shiitakes for you next stir-fry.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Crunch time.
Great abs gives you more just a flat stomach. Here's how to get them. Develop your abdominal muscles by starting with basic sit-ups (knees bent) and work your way up to using an incline bench or ball. This powerful core of muscles provides strength for all of your other activities.
FAQ of the day:
What are the best carbs for diabetics?
The very best contain soluble fiber, such as oats, rye and beans. Soluble fiber forms a gel in the gastrointestinal tract, which slows the rise in blood sugar after a meal and gives insulin more time to clear sugar from the blood.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Health Headlines - November 15
Transplanted Blood Vessels Grown from Patients' Skin
Argentinian surgeons say they have transplanted blood vessels grown in the lab using a small piece of the patients' own skin and vein, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.
Two kidney dialysis patients are the first recipients of the new technology, which could prove a boon to diabetics, heart bypass patients and children with heart defects, said scientists from San Francisco-based Cytograft Tissue Engineering, who developed the technique.
The vessels, which are comprised of a tough outer layer and a softer inner lining, took six to nine months to grow in the lab, although Cytograft officials believe that process can be sped up. The technique does not require the use of stem cells, sidestepping ethical concerns.
The first recipient, a 56-year-old woman, received a grafted vessel in May, and researchers said it has withstood needle punctures three times a week since then. Cytograft plans to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for permission to study the procedure in the United States next year.
The findings were presented at Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Dallas.
Study Raises Hopes for Malaria Vaccine
A new study suggests that it's possible to create a vaccine to protect people against malaria, which kills more than a million people worldwide each year.
This study of more than 1,400 children in Mozambique found that a malaria vaccine offered partial protection from malaria to young children for up to 18 months and cut the risk of severe malaria by 49 percent, the Associated Press reported.
The findings were presented Tuesday at an international malaria conference in Cameroon .
"The unprecedented response demonstrated in this study is further evidence that an effective vaccine to help control the malaria pandemic ... is very possible," Pedro Alonso, who heads the Center for International Health at the Hospital Clinic of the University of Barcelona, Spain, said in a prepared statement.
Scientists have been trying for 20 years to develop a malaria vaccine but, until this study, none of them showed any promise, the AP reported.
Complex Sugar Stops Tumor Growth: Study
A complex natural sugar called heparin can block tumor growth in mice, says a study in the journal Clinical Cancer Research.
The findings suggest that it may be possible to develop a sugar-based treatment to stop the growth of tumors before they become dangerous, BBC News reported.
This study by an Association for International Cancer Research team found that sugar molecules inhibit hormones that tumors send out in order to promote the growth of new blood vessels, which the tumors need in order to continue growing.
In this study, the sugar molecules were divided and purified before they were injected into mice with tumors.
This approach is only effective if cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and does not cause tumors to shrink. However, it may prove an effective treatment when it's combined with other cancer therapies, the researchers said.
China Plans to Vaccinate All Poultry
China announced Tuesday that it will attempt to vaccinate all of the country's estimated 4.2 billion chickens and billion ducks, geese and turkeys against bird flu.
No timetable for this ambitious vaccination effort was given. In terms of the number of animals, it would the largest single vaccination program ever for any species, the International Herald Tribune reported.
This effort would require massive manpower because the birds would have to be vaccinated by one by one. China said it can produce100 million doses a day of bird flu vaccine for birds.
There is no vaccine to protect people against bird flu, but a vaccine for birds has been available for several years. This vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective in protecting poultry from bird flu, the International Herald Tribune reported.
In related news, Chinese officials announced Tuesday that it was "highly probable" that a boy and a girl afflicted with high fevers last month were the country's first human cases of bird flu. The girl has died.
Heart Attack Rate Drops After Public Smoking Ban
After a smoking ban was imposed on bars, restaurants and other public places in Pueblo, Colo., heart attack rates declined 27 percent, according to a study presented Tuesday at the American Heart Association annual meeting in Dallas.
The study found that 291 heart attack patients were admitted to area hospitals in the 18 months following the July 2003 smoking ban, compared to 399 heart attack patients in the 18 months prior to the ban, the Associated Press reported.
Over the same period, the number of heart attacks stayed the same in a neighboring county that had no smoking ban.
The findings support previous research that showed that exposure to secondhand smoke can cause negative cardiovascular effects within minutes, the AP reported.
The study results are preliminary but important, said AHA spokesman Dr. Donald Lavan, a University of Pennsylvania cardiologist.
"It reaffirms the fact that secondhand smoke is deleterious to all people," Lavan said.
Suicides, Psychological Ills Linked to Tamiflu in Japan
Two teen suicides and 64 cases of psychological disorders in Japan have been linked to Tamiflu, the flu drug that many countries are stockpiling in anticipation of a potential influenza pandemic, according to published reports.
Japanese media reported that in 2004 a 17-year-old high school boy taking Tamiflu died after he jumped in front of a truck, and that this year a 14-year-old boy taking Tamiflu fell to his death from the ninth floor of a condominium.
It's also been revealed that Japan's Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency has recorded 64 cases of psychological disorders linked to Tamiflu, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Swiss drug maker Roche, which makes Tamiflu, said it's aware of the two suicides in Japan and has informed regulatory agencies in other countries. A Roche spokesman said the 17-year-old boy took Tamiflu after first being treated with amantadine, an older anti-flu drug known for central nervous system side effects.
The spokesman said there wasn't enough evidence to determine whether the second boy's death was suicide or an accident, the Chronicle reported.
Roche would not comment on the psychological disorders linked to Tamiflu users in Japan.
Food Fact:
"Pea" is for Protein.
Can eating peas save your eyesight? Peas are also an excellent source of lutein, which is believed to help fight macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people age 65 and older. It may surprise you to learn peas are not vegetables -- they're actually legumes. Either way, a 2/3-cup serving contains about 5 grams of protein, or about 10% of the daily protein needs of a 130-lb. person. Like other legumes, peas are rich in B vitamins, minerals and soluble fiber. While it's a treat to eat fresh peas in late spring and early summer, shucking them is tedious. Frozen peas are just as nutritious as fresh. Add them to pilafs, bean salads and soups.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Butt buster.
Want one exercise that works five major muscle groups? We've got it! Try squats, which work your quads, hamstrings, glutes, abs and lower back -- and you can do them anywhere. To increase resistance, add dumbbells or barbells to your reps.
FAQ of the day:
Are there different diets for diabetics?
There are different diets for controlling type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The basic dietary principles for any healthy diet apply to both types of diabetes, but the top priorities are different. In Type 1 diabetes, which requires insulin injections, it's most critical to match the amount of food you eat at each meal and snack with your injection schedule. For Type 2 diabetes, the top priority usually is limiting overall calories to lose weight; meal-to-meal variations are less critical.
Argentinian surgeons say they have transplanted blood vessels grown in the lab using a small piece of the patients' own skin and vein, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.
Two kidney dialysis patients are the first recipients of the new technology, which could prove a boon to diabetics, heart bypass patients and children with heart defects, said scientists from San Francisco-based Cytograft Tissue Engineering, who developed the technique.
The vessels, which are comprised of a tough outer layer and a softer inner lining, took six to nine months to grow in the lab, although Cytograft officials believe that process can be sped up. The technique does not require the use of stem cells, sidestepping ethical concerns.
The first recipient, a 56-year-old woman, received a grafted vessel in May, and researchers said it has withstood needle punctures three times a week since then. Cytograft plans to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for permission to study the procedure in the United States next year.
The findings were presented at Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Dallas.
Study Raises Hopes for Malaria Vaccine
A new study suggests that it's possible to create a vaccine to protect people against malaria, which kills more than a million people worldwide each year.
This study of more than 1,400 children in Mozambique found that a malaria vaccine offered partial protection from malaria to young children for up to 18 months and cut the risk of severe malaria by 49 percent, the Associated Press reported.
The findings were presented Tuesday at an international malaria conference in Cameroon .
"The unprecedented response demonstrated in this study is further evidence that an effective vaccine to help control the malaria pandemic ... is very possible," Pedro Alonso, who heads the Center for International Health at the Hospital Clinic of the University of Barcelona, Spain, said in a prepared statement.
Scientists have been trying for 20 years to develop a malaria vaccine but, until this study, none of them showed any promise, the AP reported.
Complex Sugar Stops Tumor Growth: Study
A complex natural sugar called heparin can block tumor growth in mice, says a study in the journal Clinical Cancer Research.
The findings suggest that it may be possible to develop a sugar-based treatment to stop the growth of tumors before they become dangerous, BBC News reported.
This study by an Association for International Cancer Research team found that sugar molecules inhibit hormones that tumors send out in order to promote the growth of new blood vessels, which the tumors need in order to continue growing.
In this study, the sugar molecules were divided and purified before they were injected into mice with tumors.
This approach is only effective if cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and does not cause tumors to shrink. However, it may prove an effective treatment when it's combined with other cancer therapies, the researchers said.
China Plans to Vaccinate All Poultry
China announced Tuesday that it will attempt to vaccinate all of the country's estimated 4.2 billion chickens and billion ducks, geese and turkeys against bird flu.
No timetable for this ambitious vaccination effort was given. In terms of the number of animals, it would the largest single vaccination program ever for any species, the International Herald Tribune reported.
This effort would require massive manpower because the birds would have to be vaccinated by one by one. China said it can produce100 million doses a day of bird flu vaccine for birds.
There is no vaccine to protect people against bird flu, but a vaccine for birds has been available for several years. This vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective in protecting poultry from bird flu, the International Herald Tribune reported.
In related news, Chinese officials announced Tuesday that it was "highly probable" that a boy and a girl afflicted with high fevers last month were the country's first human cases of bird flu. The girl has died.
Heart Attack Rate Drops After Public Smoking Ban
After a smoking ban was imposed on bars, restaurants and other public places in Pueblo, Colo., heart attack rates declined 27 percent, according to a study presented Tuesday at the American Heart Association annual meeting in Dallas.
The study found that 291 heart attack patients were admitted to area hospitals in the 18 months following the July 2003 smoking ban, compared to 399 heart attack patients in the 18 months prior to the ban, the Associated Press reported.
Over the same period, the number of heart attacks stayed the same in a neighboring county that had no smoking ban.
The findings support previous research that showed that exposure to secondhand smoke can cause negative cardiovascular effects within minutes, the AP reported.
The study results are preliminary but important, said AHA spokesman Dr. Donald Lavan, a University of Pennsylvania cardiologist.
"It reaffirms the fact that secondhand smoke is deleterious to all people," Lavan said.
Suicides, Psychological Ills Linked to Tamiflu in Japan
Two teen suicides and 64 cases of psychological disorders in Japan have been linked to Tamiflu, the flu drug that many countries are stockpiling in anticipation of a potential influenza pandemic, according to published reports.
Japanese media reported that in 2004 a 17-year-old high school boy taking Tamiflu died after he jumped in front of a truck, and that this year a 14-year-old boy taking Tamiflu fell to his death from the ninth floor of a condominium.
It's also been revealed that Japan's Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency has recorded 64 cases of psychological disorders linked to Tamiflu, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Swiss drug maker Roche, which makes Tamiflu, said it's aware of the two suicides in Japan and has informed regulatory agencies in other countries. A Roche spokesman said the 17-year-old boy took Tamiflu after first being treated with amantadine, an older anti-flu drug known for central nervous system side effects.
The spokesman said there wasn't enough evidence to determine whether the second boy's death was suicide or an accident, the Chronicle reported.
Roche would not comment on the psychological disorders linked to Tamiflu users in Japan.
Food Fact:
"Pea" is for Protein.
Can eating peas save your eyesight? Peas are also an excellent source of lutein, which is believed to help fight macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people age 65 and older. It may surprise you to learn peas are not vegetables -- they're actually legumes. Either way, a 2/3-cup serving contains about 5 grams of protein, or about 10% of the daily protein needs of a 130-lb. person. Like other legumes, peas are rich in B vitamins, minerals and soluble fiber. While it's a treat to eat fresh peas in late spring and early summer, shucking them is tedious. Frozen peas are just as nutritious as fresh. Add them to pilafs, bean salads and soups.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Butt buster.
Want one exercise that works five major muscle groups? We've got it! Try squats, which work your quads, hamstrings, glutes, abs and lower back -- and you can do them anywhere. To increase resistance, add dumbbells or barbells to your reps.
FAQ of the day:
Are there different diets for diabetics?
There are different diets for controlling type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The basic dietary principles for any healthy diet apply to both types of diabetes, but the top priorities are different. In Type 1 diabetes, which requires insulin injections, it's most critical to match the amount of food you eat at each meal and snack with your injection schedule. For Type 2 diabetes, the top priority usually is limiting overall calories to lose weight; meal-to-meal variations are less critical.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Health Headlines - November 14
Audit Faults FDA on Morning-After Pill Decision
Normal procedures weren't followed when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected over-the-counter sales of the morning-after birth control pill, according to independent audit results released Monday.
Members of Congress who requested the audit noted that some documents suggest that the decision to reject over-the-counter sales of the morning-after pill was made even before scientists had completed their review of the evidence, the Associated Press reported.
This shows that politics took precedence over science, the members of Congress said.
"We are deeply opposed to the subversion of science," 18 lawmakers said in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, who oversees the FDA. The letter urged Leavitt to ensure that a pending reconsideration of over-the-counter sales of the morning-after pill "is based on the best available science instead of ideology."
The Government Accountability Office audit of the FDA decision uncovered conflicting accounts of whether the decision to reject over-the-counter sales of the pill was made months before experts completed their review of scientific evidence, the AP reported.
The audit also found that there was unusual involvement from high-ranking FDA officials and that three FDA directors who normally have responsibility for signing off on such decisions refused to do so because they disagreed with the decision.
Free Memory Screenings Offered
Free memory screenings will be offered Tuesday, Nov. 15 at more than 750 sites across the United States during National Memory Screening Day, an annual event to promote early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses.
The event, held by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, also provides families with community resources and educational materials about Alzheimer's disease and brain health.
The face-to-face memory screening takes about 10 minutes and consist of questions and tasks designed to assess memory. The screening is not intended to provide any diagnosis but can indicate whether a person should have a full medical exam to check for a possible memory disorder.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related illnesses can help people take advantage of medical treatments, social services assistance and long-term planning that can improve their quality of life.
To find a site close to you, call toll-free 1-866-232-8484 or go to the National Memory Screening Day Web site.
Physical Punishment Increases Kids' Risk of Aggressiveness, Anxiety
Even if it's a normal part of the culture, physical punishment makes children more likely to be aggressive and anxious, says a study of 336 families in six countries.
Researchers interviewed mothers and children in China, India, Italy, Kenya, the Philippines and Thailand. Mothers in Thailand were most likely to physically discipline their children while mothers in India and Kenya were least likely to do so, BBC News reported.
No matter the country, all children who were subject to physical discipline were more likely than other children to show higher levels of aggression, anxiety and other emotional problems, said the study published in the journal Child Development.
However, the study did find that these problems weren't as bad in countries where physical discipline was more common and culturally accepted compared to countries were physical discipline was less accepted, BBC News reported.
"One implication of our findings is the need for caution in making recommendations about parenting practices across different cultural groups," noted study lead researcher Jennifer Lansford said.
Effective CPR Training Takes 20 Minutes, Researchers Say
Lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be effectively taught in as little as 20 minutes, new research contends.
Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas found that 20 minutes of CPR instruction and five minutes of defibrillator training was as effective as a standard four-hour course, the Associated Press reported.
The study, presented Sunday at the American Heart Association meeting in Dallas, compared 150 people who took the short CPR course with 118 people who received standard CPR instruction. After their courses, the study volunteers were tested on computerized mannequins and were graded by instructors.
The people who took the short course did as well or better than those who took the standard training and had similar CPR knowledge retention rates six months later, the AP reported.
The study's finding suggests that it may be possibly to greatly increase the number of Americans who can perform CPR and use defibrillators, which are increasingly common in U.S. airports, schools and other public places, experts said.
Older Brains Handle Memories Differently
Healthy older brains store and encode memories differently than younger brains, according to a Johns Hopkins study in rats published online by the journal Nature Neuroscience.
If this finding is found to also be true in human brains, it could lead to the development of new prevention and treatment methods for memory problems.
"We found that aged rats with preserved cognitive abilities are not biologically equivalent to young rats in some of the basic machinery that neurons use to encode and store information in the brain," study co-author Michela Gallagher, chair of the department of psychological and brain sciences at Hopkins' Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, said in a prepared statement.
He and his colleagues found that, compared to younger rats, older rats with healthy brains relied less on a synaptic receptor that's linked to a common mechanism for storing memories.
"Instead, successful agers relied more than young rats on a different mechanism for bringing about synaptic change. This 'switch' could serve the same purpose - storing memories - but through a different neurochemical device," Gallagher said.
High-Fat, Low-Carb Diet Reduces Heart Energy: Study
High-fat, low-carb diets can reduce heart energy, according to new U.K. research.
Oxford University researchers monitored 19 people for two weeks and found the amount of energy stored in heart decreased an average of 16 percent among those who ate a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet. Some of them lost as much as at third of their heart energy, BBC News reported.
But it's unclear whether this reduction in heart energy can damage a person's health, and more research is needed, the study authors said.
The hearts of the people on the high-fat, low-carb diet also became somewhat "stiffer," which meant their hearts did not relax quite as much as they did before the diet. These changes in heart energy and stiffness reversed within two weeks after the study participants went back to normal diet.
The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Dallas.
Food Fact:
Attention, Popeye!
Here's a secret for getting the most iron from spinach. Have a glass of orange juice! Our bodies are far better able to access the iron in iron-rich plant foods -- fortified grains, legumes and dark greens -- if eaten with something acidic, such as citrus juice or tomato sauce. And even though Popeye was always carrying the spinach around, it's more likely that his sweetie Olive Oyl needed the iron more -- 75% of American women under the age of 50 are iron-deficient. If you're concerned about iron deficiency, see your doctor for a blood test, the only way to properly diagnose the condition. Adult men rarely need iron supplements.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Get back on track.
Fell off the exercise wagon? It's never too late to get back on! Losing your routine may slow you down, but you can get back on track in short order if you resume regular sessions. Get motivated by setting new goals; when you start back up, reduce by half the difficulty level where you left off.
FAQ of the day:
What's the difference between an herb and a spice?
Spices are generally derived from the dried seeds, roots or bark of a plant, often a tropical one. Herbs generally come from leaves, flowers and stems.
Normal procedures weren't followed when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected over-the-counter sales of the morning-after birth control pill, according to independent audit results released Monday.
Members of Congress who requested the audit noted that some documents suggest that the decision to reject over-the-counter sales of the morning-after pill was made even before scientists had completed their review of the evidence, the Associated Press reported.
This shows that politics took precedence over science, the members of Congress said.
"We are deeply opposed to the subversion of science," 18 lawmakers said in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, who oversees the FDA. The letter urged Leavitt to ensure that a pending reconsideration of over-the-counter sales of the morning-after pill "is based on the best available science instead of ideology."
The Government Accountability Office audit of the FDA decision uncovered conflicting accounts of whether the decision to reject over-the-counter sales of the pill was made months before experts completed their review of scientific evidence, the AP reported.
The audit also found that there was unusual involvement from high-ranking FDA officials and that three FDA directors who normally have responsibility for signing off on such decisions refused to do so because they disagreed with the decision.
Free Memory Screenings Offered
Free memory screenings will be offered Tuesday, Nov. 15 at more than 750 sites across the United States during National Memory Screening Day, an annual event to promote early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses.
The event, held by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, also provides families with community resources and educational materials about Alzheimer's disease and brain health.
The face-to-face memory screening takes about 10 minutes and consist of questions and tasks designed to assess memory. The screening is not intended to provide any diagnosis but can indicate whether a person should have a full medical exam to check for a possible memory disorder.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related illnesses can help people take advantage of medical treatments, social services assistance and long-term planning that can improve their quality of life.
To find a site close to you, call toll-free 1-866-232-8484 or go to the National Memory Screening Day Web site.
Physical Punishment Increases Kids' Risk of Aggressiveness, Anxiety
Even if it's a normal part of the culture, physical punishment makes children more likely to be aggressive and anxious, says a study of 336 families in six countries.
Researchers interviewed mothers and children in China, India, Italy, Kenya, the Philippines and Thailand. Mothers in Thailand were most likely to physically discipline their children while mothers in India and Kenya were least likely to do so, BBC News reported.
No matter the country, all children who were subject to physical discipline were more likely than other children to show higher levels of aggression, anxiety and other emotional problems, said the study published in the journal Child Development.
However, the study did find that these problems weren't as bad in countries where physical discipline was more common and culturally accepted compared to countries were physical discipline was less accepted, BBC News reported.
"One implication of our findings is the need for caution in making recommendations about parenting practices across different cultural groups," noted study lead researcher Jennifer Lansford said.
Effective CPR Training Takes 20 Minutes, Researchers Say
Lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be effectively taught in as little as 20 minutes, new research contends.
Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas found that 20 minutes of CPR instruction and five minutes of defibrillator training was as effective as a standard four-hour course, the Associated Press reported.
The study, presented Sunday at the American Heart Association meeting in Dallas, compared 150 people who took the short CPR course with 118 people who received standard CPR instruction. After their courses, the study volunteers were tested on computerized mannequins and were graded by instructors.
The people who took the short course did as well or better than those who took the standard training and had similar CPR knowledge retention rates six months later, the AP reported.
The study's finding suggests that it may be possibly to greatly increase the number of Americans who can perform CPR and use defibrillators, which are increasingly common in U.S. airports, schools and other public places, experts said.
Older Brains Handle Memories Differently
Healthy older brains store and encode memories differently than younger brains, according to a Johns Hopkins study in rats published online by the journal Nature Neuroscience.
If this finding is found to also be true in human brains, it could lead to the development of new prevention and treatment methods for memory problems.
"We found that aged rats with preserved cognitive abilities are not biologically equivalent to young rats in some of the basic machinery that neurons use to encode and store information in the brain," study co-author Michela Gallagher, chair of the department of psychological and brain sciences at Hopkins' Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, said in a prepared statement.
He and his colleagues found that, compared to younger rats, older rats with healthy brains relied less on a synaptic receptor that's linked to a common mechanism for storing memories.
"Instead, successful agers relied more than young rats on a different mechanism for bringing about synaptic change. This 'switch' could serve the same purpose - storing memories - but through a different neurochemical device," Gallagher said.
High-Fat, Low-Carb Diet Reduces Heart Energy: Study
High-fat, low-carb diets can reduce heart energy, according to new U.K. research.
Oxford University researchers monitored 19 people for two weeks and found the amount of energy stored in heart decreased an average of 16 percent among those who ate a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet. Some of them lost as much as at third of their heart energy, BBC News reported.
But it's unclear whether this reduction in heart energy can damage a person's health, and more research is needed, the study authors said.
The hearts of the people on the high-fat, low-carb diet also became somewhat "stiffer," which meant their hearts did not relax quite as much as they did before the diet. These changes in heart energy and stiffness reversed within two weeks after the study participants went back to normal diet.
The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Dallas.
Food Fact:
Attention, Popeye!
Here's a secret for getting the most iron from spinach. Have a glass of orange juice! Our bodies are far better able to access the iron in iron-rich plant foods -- fortified grains, legumes and dark greens -- if eaten with something acidic, such as citrus juice or tomato sauce. And even though Popeye was always carrying the spinach around, it's more likely that his sweetie Olive Oyl needed the iron more -- 75% of American women under the age of 50 are iron-deficient. If you're concerned about iron deficiency, see your doctor for a blood test, the only way to properly diagnose the condition. Adult men rarely need iron supplements.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Get back on track.
Fell off the exercise wagon? It's never too late to get back on! Losing your routine may slow you down, but you can get back on track in short order if you resume regular sessions. Get motivated by setting new goals; when you start back up, reduce by half the difficulty level where you left off.
FAQ of the day:
What's the difference between an herb and a spice?
Spices are generally derived from the dried seeds, roots or bark of a plant, often a tropical one. Herbs generally come from leaves, flowers and stems.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Health Headlines - November 13
Thailand Probes Human Bird Flu Case in Bangkok
Thailand authorities were investigating the first confirmed human infection from bird flu in Bangkok.
An 18-month-old boy was diagnosed with bird flu, in the first case of the disease found in the capital according to AFX.
The house where the boy contracted the virus had two chickens and one fighting cock, which died on Oct 31 but were only reported to authorities after the boy fell sick, officials said.
The public health ministry said the boy fell ill on Nov. 1 and went to hospital on Nov. 3 with a runny nose, fever and coughing. The boy's 65-year-old grandmother has also shown symptoms of the disease, but so far has tested negative. Doctors are awaiting the results of further tests.
The boy is the 21st case of bird flu diagnosed in Thailand since the deadly H5N1 virus was first detected in the country in Jan 2004. Thirteen of those cases have been fatal.
Meanwhile, China and Vietnam reported fresh outbreaks of the lethal strain of bird flu Saturday.
The latest China outbreak, its eighth within a month, is in Jingshan county in Hubei province, indicating the virus appears to be spreading. Four suspected human cases of the virus are being investigated, but so far there have been no confirmed human infections in the country, according to wire reports.
The latest outbreak has killed 2,500 birds, and more than 30,000 birds are being culled, government authorities said Saturday.
The H5N1 strain has devastated poultry flocks across Asia since 2003, and killed at least 64 people.
In Vietnam, which has had two-thirds of the human deaths, two more provinces reported bird flu outbreaks, bringing to nine the total number of affected provinces, officials said Saturday.
Authorities have ordered the destruction of all birds in the two infected areas, about 10,000 in total. In the past month, more than 130,000 poultry have been culled throughout the country as Vietnam battles to stop the spread of the virus.
Man Beats HIV, British Papers Report
British newspapers on Sunday reported that a Scottish man may have become the first person in the world to beat HIV.
Andrew Stimpson, 25, who lives in London but comes from Largs in Ayrshire, was diagnosed as HIV-positive in August 2002. But tests taken 14 months later showed the virus had completely gone from his body, without the use of medication to combat a virus that has infected more than 40 million people in the world.
"I remember after the repeat tests my doctor came into the room saying, 'You've cured yourself. This is unbelievable.' " he told the News of the World .
A spokeswoman for Chelsea and Westminster Heathcare Trust in London confirmed that one of their patients had tested negative for HIV about 14 months after testing positive in May 2002. But she said that Stimpson has so far declined to undergo further tests with them, according to Ireland On-Line.
Cord Blood Cells Could Widen Treatment Window for Stroke
University of South Florida researchers reported Saturday that human umbilical cord blood cells could be used to treat stroke victims outside the three-hour window that is the current standard.
The experimental treatment, which was administered to rats two days following a stroke, curbed inflammatory responses in the brain, limited stroke damage, and lead to greater recovery. The researchers, who shared the results at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C., could benefit more stroke victims.
"We were very surprised," said principal investigator Alison Willing, a neuroscientist at the university's Center for Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair. "In some animals, the stroke initially damaged half the brain, but after treatment with the cord blood cells they were functioning normally."
The only drug currently approved for ischemic stroke treatment is tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which breaks up blood clots. However, it must be given within three hours of a stroke to work.
Loneliness Could Be Genetic, Researchers Say
Loneliness might be a family trait.
That's the conclusion of new research suggesting 48 percent of the variations in loneliness among people is a result of genetics. The rest is caused by life circumstances, such as leaving home or losing a spouse, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Researchers in the Netherlands and the University of Chicago examined surveys of 8,387 young adults in the Netherlands Twin Register. Fraternal and identical twins and their families responded to mailed surveys every two or three years. Twins were asked whether they agreed with such statements as "I feel lonely," "I like to be alone," "Nobody loves me," and "I try to have as little as possible to do with other people."
Thirty-five percent of the men and 50 percent of the women reported having moderate to extreme feelings of loneliness. And the researchers found less difference in loneliness ratings between identical twins.
There probably is more than one loneliness gene, although no such gene has yet been identified, said University of Chicago psychologist John Cacioppo, a co-author of the study, which is published in the journal Behavior Genetics.
Meditation Linked to Structural Changes in Brain
The regular practice of meditation seems to produce structural changes in areas of the brain associated with attention and sensory processing, a new study suggests.
The imaging study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers, found that particular areas of the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain, were thicker in participants who were experienced practitioners of a type of meditation commonly practiced in the United States and other western countries.
The findings appear in the Nov. 15 issue of NeuroReport, and are also to be presented Monday at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington, D.C.
"Our results suggest that meditation can produce experience-based structural alterations in the brain," said study author Sara Lazar, of the hospital's Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program. "We also found evidence that meditation may slow down the aging-related atrophy of certain areas of the brain."
Food Fact:
Go nuts!
Eat the right number of nuts per week, and you may cut your risk of a fatal heart attack in half! That's what studies have shown for people who eat nuts five times or more per week. Many nuts, especially walnuts, are a good source of fatty acids that work in the body to lower heart disease risk. Eating nuts can help lower blood cholesterol, and reduce the risk of sudden severe heart attacks. But when eating nuts, it's important not to go overboard, because they're loaded with calories -- a 1/2 cup contains about 350 calories and 36 grams of fat. Instead of snacking on nuts by the handful, use them as an accent in a salad, in baked goods or pilafs.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Think ahead.
Going to the gym in the a.m.? It pays to pack your gym bag the night before. You'll be less likely to find excuses not to get up and work out if you've got everything ready ahead of time -- and less likely to forget something in haste as you're rushing out the door.
FAQ of the day:
Is vitamin E good for my eyes?
Extra vitamin E may help, but eating foods rich in yellow plant pigments is probably far more important. Lutein, the pigment in spinach, kale, corn, peas and other foods, concentrates in the macula of the eye, where it filters out harmful ultraviolet light. It sounds like you're getting more than enough vitamin E, so concentrate on eating carotenoid-rich vegetables, such as carrots, to help preserve your vision.
Thailand authorities were investigating the first confirmed human infection from bird flu in Bangkok.
An 18-month-old boy was diagnosed with bird flu, in the first case of the disease found in the capital according to AFX.
The house where the boy contracted the virus had two chickens and one fighting cock, which died on Oct 31 but were only reported to authorities after the boy fell sick, officials said.
The public health ministry said the boy fell ill on Nov. 1 and went to hospital on Nov. 3 with a runny nose, fever and coughing. The boy's 65-year-old grandmother has also shown symptoms of the disease, but so far has tested negative. Doctors are awaiting the results of further tests.
The boy is the 21st case of bird flu diagnosed in Thailand since the deadly H5N1 virus was first detected in the country in Jan 2004. Thirteen of those cases have been fatal.
Meanwhile, China and Vietnam reported fresh outbreaks of the lethal strain of bird flu Saturday.
The latest China outbreak, its eighth within a month, is in Jingshan county in Hubei province, indicating the virus appears to be spreading. Four suspected human cases of the virus are being investigated, but so far there have been no confirmed human infections in the country, according to wire reports.
The latest outbreak has killed 2,500 birds, and more than 30,000 birds are being culled, government authorities said Saturday.
The H5N1 strain has devastated poultry flocks across Asia since 2003, and killed at least 64 people.
In Vietnam, which has had two-thirds of the human deaths, two more provinces reported bird flu outbreaks, bringing to nine the total number of affected provinces, officials said Saturday.
Authorities have ordered the destruction of all birds in the two infected areas, about 10,000 in total. In the past month, more than 130,000 poultry have been culled throughout the country as Vietnam battles to stop the spread of the virus.
Man Beats HIV, British Papers Report
British newspapers on Sunday reported that a Scottish man may have become the first person in the world to beat HIV.
Andrew Stimpson, 25, who lives in London but comes from Largs in Ayrshire, was diagnosed as HIV-positive in August 2002. But tests taken 14 months later showed the virus had completely gone from his body, without the use of medication to combat a virus that has infected more than 40 million people in the world.
"I remember after the repeat tests my doctor came into the room saying, 'You've cured yourself. This is unbelievable.' " he told the News of the World .
A spokeswoman for Chelsea and Westminster Heathcare Trust in London confirmed that one of their patients had tested negative for HIV about 14 months after testing positive in May 2002. But she said that Stimpson has so far declined to undergo further tests with them, according to Ireland On-Line.
Cord Blood Cells Could Widen Treatment Window for Stroke
University of South Florida researchers reported Saturday that human umbilical cord blood cells could be used to treat stroke victims outside the three-hour window that is the current standard.
The experimental treatment, which was administered to rats two days following a stroke, curbed inflammatory responses in the brain, limited stroke damage, and lead to greater recovery. The researchers, who shared the results at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C., could benefit more stroke victims.
"We were very surprised," said principal investigator Alison Willing, a neuroscientist at the university's Center for Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair. "In some animals, the stroke initially damaged half the brain, but after treatment with the cord blood cells they were functioning normally."
The only drug currently approved for ischemic stroke treatment is tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which breaks up blood clots. However, it must be given within three hours of a stroke to work.
Loneliness Could Be Genetic, Researchers Say
Loneliness might be a family trait.
That's the conclusion of new research suggesting 48 percent of the variations in loneliness among people is a result of genetics. The rest is caused by life circumstances, such as leaving home or losing a spouse, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Researchers in the Netherlands and the University of Chicago examined surveys of 8,387 young adults in the Netherlands Twin Register. Fraternal and identical twins and their families responded to mailed surveys every two or three years. Twins were asked whether they agreed with such statements as "I feel lonely," "I like to be alone," "Nobody loves me," and "I try to have as little as possible to do with other people."
Thirty-five percent of the men and 50 percent of the women reported having moderate to extreme feelings of loneliness. And the researchers found less difference in loneliness ratings between identical twins.
There probably is more than one loneliness gene, although no such gene has yet been identified, said University of Chicago psychologist John Cacioppo, a co-author of the study, which is published in the journal Behavior Genetics.
Meditation Linked to Structural Changes in Brain
The regular practice of meditation seems to produce structural changes in areas of the brain associated with attention and sensory processing, a new study suggests.
The imaging study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers, found that particular areas of the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain, were thicker in participants who were experienced practitioners of a type of meditation commonly practiced in the United States and other western countries.
The findings appear in the Nov. 15 issue of NeuroReport, and are also to be presented Monday at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington, D.C.
"Our results suggest that meditation can produce experience-based structural alterations in the brain," said study author Sara Lazar, of the hospital's Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program. "We also found evidence that meditation may slow down the aging-related atrophy of certain areas of the brain."
Food Fact:
Go nuts!
Eat the right number of nuts per week, and you may cut your risk of a fatal heart attack in half! That's what studies have shown for people who eat nuts five times or more per week. Many nuts, especially walnuts, are a good source of fatty acids that work in the body to lower heart disease risk. Eating nuts can help lower blood cholesterol, and reduce the risk of sudden severe heart attacks. But when eating nuts, it's important not to go overboard, because they're loaded with calories -- a 1/2 cup contains about 350 calories and 36 grams of fat. Instead of snacking on nuts by the handful, use them as an accent in a salad, in baked goods or pilafs.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Think ahead.
Going to the gym in the a.m.? It pays to pack your gym bag the night before. You'll be less likely to find excuses not to get up and work out if you've got everything ready ahead of time -- and less likely to forget something in haste as you're rushing out the door.
FAQ of the day:
Is vitamin E good for my eyes?
Extra vitamin E may help, but eating foods rich in yellow plant pigments is probably far more important. Lutein, the pigment in spinach, kale, corn, peas and other foods, concentrates in the macula of the eye, where it filters out harmful ultraviolet light. It sounds like you're getting more than enough vitamin E, so concentrate on eating carotenoid-rich vegetables, such as carrots, to help preserve your vision.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Health Headlines - November 12
New Bird Flu Outbreaks in China, Vietnam
China and Vietnam reported fresh outbreaks of the lethal H5N1 strain of bird flu Saturday.
The latest China outbreak, its eighth within a month, is in Jingshan county in Hubei province, indicating that the virus appears to be spreading. Four suspected human cases of the virus are being investigated, but so far there have been no confirmed human infections in the country, according to wire reports.
The latest outbreak has killed 2,500 birds, and more than 30,000 birds are being culled, government authorities said Saturday.
The H5N1 strain has devastated poultry flocks across Asia since 2003 and killed at least 64 people.
In Vietnam, which has had two-thirds of the human deaths, two more provinces reported bird flu outbreaks, bringing to nine the total number of affected provinces, officials said Saturday.
In the northern province of Hung Yen, which borders Hanoi, about 150 poultry died and more than 300 have been destroyed, the National Animal Health Department said on its Web site.
In Ninh Binh province, poultry began dying in two villages earlier this week, and tests Friday confirmed the birds had the H5N1 strain, according to a provincial animal health officer.
Authorities have ordered the destruction of all birds in the two infected areas, about 10,000 in total. In the past month, more than 130,000 poultry have been culled throughout the country as Vietnam battles to stop the spread of the virus.
Loneliness Could Be Genetic, Researchers Say
Loneliness might be a family trait.
That's the conclusion of new research suggesting 48 percent of the variations in loneliness among people is a result of genetics. The rest is caused by life circumstances like leaving home or losing a spouse, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Researchers in the Netherlands and the University of Chicago examined surveys of 8,387 young adults in the Netherlands Twin Register. Fraternal and identical twins and their families responded to mailed surveys every two or three years. Twins were asked whether they agreed with such statements as "I feel lonely," "I like to be alone," "Nobody loves me," and "I try to have as little as possible to do with other people."
Thirty-five percent of the men and 50 percent of the women reported having moderate to extreme feelings of loneliness. And the researchers found less difference in loneliness ratings between identical twins.
There probably is more than one loneliness gene, although no such gene has yet been identified, said University of Chicago psychologist John Cacioppo, a co-author of the study, which is published in the journal Behavior Genetics.
Scientists Developing Combat Chewing Gum
Scientists are working on developing a chewing gum for combat soldiers too busy to brush their teeth.
The gum, described to an American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists meeting this week in Nashville, would contain a bacteria-fighting agent to prevent plaque, cavities and gum disease.
Soldiers in the field often lack the time or the means to brush and floss, and the stress of combat can encourage bacterial growth in the mouth, Col. Dennis Runyan, commander of the Army Dental and Trauma Research Detachment in Great Lakes, Ill., told the Associated Press.
Gum was considered an ideal solution because the Army already issues gum in field rations. Dr. Patrick DeLuca, a University of Kentucky drug product developer, is trying to make the prototype taste better and ensure that it retains its bacteria-fighting ability and flavor for up to an hour.
Once the development stage is complete sometime in the next year, scientists will begin field-testing the gum, possibly with Army units, the AP reported.
Warning Added to Birth-Control Patch Label
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ordered that a strong warning be added to the label on the popular Ortho Evra birth-control patch.
The FDA said the warning was needed to alert users of the patch that they're being exposed to higher estrogen levels than was previously revealed, putting them at increased risk of blood clots and other serious side effects, the Associated Press reported.
The warning, added to the patch label on Thursday, tells women using the patch that they're be exposed to about 60 percent more estrogen than what's found in typical birth-control pills.
Previously, the FDA and patch maker Ortho McNeil said that risks associated with the patch were expected to be similar to those associated with taking birth-control pills, the AP reported.
Several lawsuits have been filed against Ortho McNeil by families of women who suffered blood clots or died while using the patch.
Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group, said in a prepared statement that there's no medical reason for women to use the "more dangerous Ortho Evra" rather than one of the "older, better understood, and equally effective oral contraceptives."
Meditation Linked to Structural Changes in Brain
The regular practice of meditation seems to produce structural changes in areas of the brain associated with attention and sensory processing, a new study suggests.
The imaging study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers, found that particular areas of the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain, were thicker in participants who were experienced practitioners of a type of meditation commonly practiced in the United States and other western countries.
The findings appear in the Nov. 15 issue of NeuroReport, and are also to be presented Monday at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington, D.C.
"Our results suggest that meditation can produce experience-based structural alterations in the brain," said Sara Lazar, of the hospital's Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program, and the study's lead author. "We also found evidence that meditation may slow down the aging-related atrophy of certain areas of the brain."
Calif. Center Shuts Liver Transplant Program
The University of California, Irvine Medical Center abruptly shut down its liver transplantation program Thursday, hours after the federal government stripped the program's certification and said the hospital was endangering patients' prospects for survival.
The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that the decision came on the same day the newspaper reported that 32 people had died awaiting liver transplants in the last two years while hospital turned down scores of donated organs.
Dr. Ralph Cygan, UCI Medical Center's chief executive, announced an investigation into the program and said the 106 patients on UCI's liver waiting list would be transferred to other hospitals for transplants and other care.
UCI's is the second liver program in Southern California to announce its closure within a week. St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles said Nov. 4 that it would shut its program, weeks after admitting its staff inappropriately gave a liver to a patient who was deep on the waiting list and then falsified records, the Times reported.
Food Fact:
Mesclun around.
Translate this peculiar French word as "easy nutrition" for folks on the run. Mesclun, a mix of baby greens, gives the health-conscious yet harried salad eater a welcome break. Mesclun, also called gourmet salad mix, usually contains oak leaf lettuce, radicchio, mache, arugula and a smattering of fresh herbs. Even if the mix varies somewhat, it's certain to include an antioxidant-rich blend. Choose mesclun with crisp, dry leaves and no signs of wilting. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2 or 3 days. Wash and spin dry just before serving.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Jump to it.
Feeling rundown? We bet an old gym-class standby can make you feel like a kid again. Skipping rope as part of your exercise routine burns a surprising number of calories and provides a great workout for your shoulders, arms and calves. It's fast-paced, varied and, best of all, you can do it anywhere!
FAQ of the day:
Are vitamin D supplements a good idea?
A daily multivitamin will provide safe amounts of vitamin D and other nutrients. Consider a calcium supplement as well, if there's no other rich source of calcium in your diet. You need both calcium and vitamin D to reduce your risk of osteoporosis and possibly colon cancer.
China and Vietnam reported fresh outbreaks of the lethal H5N1 strain of bird flu Saturday.
The latest China outbreak, its eighth within a month, is in Jingshan county in Hubei province, indicating that the virus appears to be spreading. Four suspected human cases of the virus are being investigated, but so far there have been no confirmed human infections in the country, according to wire reports.
The latest outbreak has killed 2,500 birds, and more than 30,000 birds are being culled, government authorities said Saturday.
The H5N1 strain has devastated poultry flocks across Asia since 2003 and killed at least 64 people.
In Vietnam, which has had two-thirds of the human deaths, two more provinces reported bird flu outbreaks, bringing to nine the total number of affected provinces, officials said Saturday.
In the northern province of Hung Yen, which borders Hanoi, about 150 poultry died and more than 300 have been destroyed, the National Animal Health Department said on its Web site.
In Ninh Binh province, poultry began dying in two villages earlier this week, and tests Friday confirmed the birds had the H5N1 strain, according to a provincial animal health officer.
Authorities have ordered the destruction of all birds in the two infected areas, about 10,000 in total. In the past month, more than 130,000 poultry have been culled throughout the country as Vietnam battles to stop the spread of the virus.
Loneliness Could Be Genetic, Researchers Say
Loneliness might be a family trait.
That's the conclusion of new research suggesting 48 percent of the variations in loneliness among people is a result of genetics. The rest is caused by life circumstances like leaving home or losing a spouse, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Researchers in the Netherlands and the University of Chicago examined surveys of 8,387 young adults in the Netherlands Twin Register. Fraternal and identical twins and their families responded to mailed surveys every two or three years. Twins were asked whether they agreed with such statements as "I feel lonely," "I like to be alone," "Nobody loves me," and "I try to have as little as possible to do with other people."
Thirty-five percent of the men and 50 percent of the women reported having moderate to extreme feelings of loneliness. And the researchers found less difference in loneliness ratings between identical twins.
There probably is more than one loneliness gene, although no such gene has yet been identified, said University of Chicago psychologist John Cacioppo, a co-author of the study, which is published in the journal Behavior Genetics.
Scientists Developing Combat Chewing Gum
Scientists are working on developing a chewing gum for combat soldiers too busy to brush their teeth.
The gum, described to an American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists meeting this week in Nashville, would contain a bacteria-fighting agent to prevent plaque, cavities and gum disease.
Soldiers in the field often lack the time or the means to brush and floss, and the stress of combat can encourage bacterial growth in the mouth, Col. Dennis Runyan, commander of the Army Dental and Trauma Research Detachment in Great Lakes, Ill., told the Associated Press.
Gum was considered an ideal solution because the Army already issues gum in field rations. Dr. Patrick DeLuca, a University of Kentucky drug product developer, is trying to make the prototype taste better and ensure that it retains its bacteria-fighting ability and flavor for up to an hour.
Once the development stage is complete sometime in the next year, scientists will begin field-testing the gum, possibly with Army units, the AP reported.
Warning Added to Birth-Control Patch Label
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ordered that a strong warning be added to the label on the popular Ortho Evra birth-control patch.
The FDA said the warning was needed to alert users of the patch that they're being exposed to higher estrogen levels than was previously revealed, putting them at increased risk of blood clots and other serious side effects, the Associated Press reported.
The warning, added to the patch label on Thursday, tells women using the patch that they're be exposed to about 60 percent more estrogen than what's found in typical birth-control pills.
Previously, the FDA and patch maker Ortho McNeil said that risks associated with the patch were expected to be similar to those associated with taking birth-control pills, the AP reported.
Several lawsuits have been filed against Ortho McNeil by families of women who suffered blood clots or died while using the patch.
Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group, said in a prepared statement that there's no medical reason for women to use the "more dangerous Ortho Evra" rather than one of the "older, better understood, and equally effective oral contraceptives."
Meditation Linked to Structural Changes in Brain
The regular practice of meditation seems to produce structural changes in areas of the brain associated with attention and sensory processing, a new study suggests.
The imaging study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers, found that particular areas of the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain, were thicker in participants who were experienced practitioners of a type of meditation commonly practiced in the United States and other western countries.
The findings appear in the Nov. 15 issue of NeuroReport, and are also to be presented Monday at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington, D.C.
"Our results suggest that meditation can produce experience-based structural alterations in the brain," said Sara Lazar, of the hospital's Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program, and the study's lead author. "We also found evidence that meditation may slow down the aging-related atrophy of certain areas of the brain."
Calif. Center Shuts Liver Transplant Program
The University of California, Irvine Medical Center abruptly shut down its liver transplantation program Thursday, hours after the federal government stripped the program's certification and said the hospital was endangering patients' prospects for survival.
The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that the decision came on the same day the newspaper reported that 32 people had died awaiting liver transplants in the last two years while hospital turned down scores of donated organs.
Dr. Ralph Cygan, UCI Medical Center's chief executive, announced an investigation into the program and said the 106 patients on UCI's liver waiting list would be transferred to other hospitals for transplants and other care.
UCI's is the second liver program in Southern California to announce its closure within a week. St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles said Nov. 4 that it would shut its program, weeks after admitting its staff inappropriately gave a liver to a patient who was deep on the waiting list and then falsified records, the Times reported.
Food Fact:
Mesclun around.
Translate this peculiar French word as "easy nutrition" for folks on the run. Mesclun, a mix of baby greens, gives the health-conscious yet harried salad eater a welcome break. Mesclun, also called gourmet salad mix, usually contains oak leaf lettuce, radicchio, mache, arugula and a smattering of fresh herbs. Even if the mix varies somewhat, it's certain to include an antioxidant-rich blend. Choose mesclun with crisp, dry leaves and no signs of wilting. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2 or 3 days. Wash and spin dry just before serving.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Jump to it.
Feeling rundown? We bet an old gym-class standby can make you feel like a kid again. Skipping rope as part of your exercise routine burns a surprising number of calories and provides a great workout for your shoulders, arms and calves. It's fast-paced, varied and, best of all, you can do it anywhere!
FAQ of the day:
Are vitamin D supplements a good idea?
A daily multivitamin will provide safe amounts of vitamin D and other nutrients. Consider a calcium supplement as well, if there's no other rich source of calcium in your diet. You need both calcium and vitamin D to reduce your risk of osteoporosis and possibly colon cancer.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Health Headlines - November 11
Appetite Suppressing Hormone Discovered
There's a new entry in the field of weight-controlling hormones, a finding of potential importance to the millions of Americans trying to lose weight without giving up their zest for eating.
The Stanford University researchers who discovered it have named it obestatin. It acts to suppress appetite, and its commercial possibilities are noted by sponsorship of the research by the pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson.
Obestatin joins leptin, melanocortin and ghrelin, hormones identified in the last few years as acting on appetite and weight. So far, work with those molecules has not produced the hoped-for cure for obesity.
The obestatin discovery comes with a couple of twists. One is that it's produced by the same gene that produces ghrelin, which acts to suppress appetite. Another is that major credit for the discovery is given to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
The principles of evolution led to identification of obestatin, said Aaron Hsueh, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford, in whose laboratory the work was done. He also credited the information gathered by the Human Genome Project, which produced a complete human gene map.
Hsueh and his colleges used human genome data to study small-peptide hormones, which are active throughout the body. Specifically, they looked at the receptors for those hormones -- the cellular molecules to which the hormones are attached when they go into action. There are about 300 such receptors, of which 100 had no known hormone partner.
The search for missing hormones was narrowed by focusing on receptors that have been around for hundreds of millions of years and are found in many species. One of those receptors is for ghrelin. Further studies showed that ghrelin actually had another protein tacked on to it -- obestatin.
When the researchers injected obestatin into rats, "to our surprise, we found that treatment with it suppresses food intake," Hsueh said. And so, he added, "it could have potential as an appetite-suppressing drug, by injection. Or it might be possible to deliver by nasal spray. It also allows us to screen for new drugs that might suppress appetite."
The study findings appear in the Nov. 11 issue of the journal Science.
But Matthias Tschop, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati, and co-author of an editorial in the journal on obestatin, is sounding a note of caution.
"The effect of obestatin on body weight seems to be relatively limited," Tschop said. "Also, it might cause some sort of illness or nausea that causes a decrease in food intake."
The effect of obsestatin was discovered in research with rodents, Tschop noted. "The most obvious question is, does obestatin work in obese animals?" he said.
And the business of weight regulation is complicated, Tschop added. "There are many other players involved," he said. "And obestatin may have many other functions. For example, it could regulate physical activity."
But with all those caveats taken into consideration, the discovery of obestatin is "a step in the right direction," Tschop said.
Arteries' 'Repair Crews' Key to Heart Disease
It's the job of specialized bone marrow cells to repair damage to the lining of arteries, and the failure of these cells to keep up with that deterioration may be key to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), researchers report.
Bacterium, Gene Play Roles in Elderly Vision Loss
The diseased eye tissue of some patients with "wet" age-related macular degeneration (AMD) contains a bacterium called Chlamydia pneumoniae, which can cause chronic inflammation and has been linked to heart disease, researchers report.
New Pain Control System Approved
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Medtronic Personal Therapy Manager (PTM), allowing people with chronic pain to use Medtronic's SynchroMed II drug pump to manually deliver supplemental doses of pain medication, the company said.
Warning Issued for Birth-Control Patch
The Food and Drug Administration warned users of the popular Ortho Evra birth control patch that they are being exposed to more hormones, and are therefore at higher risk of blood clots and other serious side effects, than previously disclosed.
China Reports New Bird-Flu Outbreaks
China on Friday reported its fourth bird flu outbreak in chickens in the same province in two weeks, while Vietnam -— which has suffered two-thirds of Asia's human deaths from the virus -— ordered its military and police to help fight the disease.
Kuwait Flamingo Has Deadly Bird-Flu Strain
The deadly strain of bird flu that has devastated poultry and killed more than 60 people in Asia has been detected in a bird in Kuwait, the first known outbreak of the virus in the Gulf region, an agricultural official said Friday.
Food Fact:
Sap to it!
Guess how many gallons of raw sap it takes to make 1 gallon of pure maple syrup? When the sap starts running, Vermont sugarmakers start stoking the fire under the evaporators -- there are 40 gallons of raw sap per gallon that reaches your breakfast table. The all-natural sweetener is loaded with calories -- 50 per tablespoon -- and has no significant nutritive value. But it's so flavorful a little will go a long way. Maple sugar is about twice as sweet as refined granulated sugar, and is produced when nearly all the sap has evaporated. Try it sprinkled on scones or biscuits or stirred into hot apple cider.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Write it down.
Stuck in a rut? Reached a plateau? Break the logjam with an activity log! Keeping a fitness journal to track your routine will give you insight into your performance, let you measure your progress and help you set goals.
FAQ of the day:
What is mesclun?
Mesclun is an assortment of baby lettuce leaves, usually prewashed. The mix may be expensive, but there's no waste. It's so convenient you may find yourself eating a mesclun salad with every meal.
There's a new entry in the field of weight-controlling hormones, a finding of potential importance to the millions of Americans trying to lose weight without giving up their zest for eating.
The Stanford University researchers who discovered it have named it obestatin. It acts to suppress appetite, and its commercial possibilities are noted by sponsorship of the research by the pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson.
Obestatin joins leptin, melanocortin and ghrelin, hormones identified in the last few years as acting on appetite and weight. So far, work with those molecules has not produced the hoped-for cure for obesity.
The obestatin discovery comes with a couple of twists. One is that it's produced by the same gene that produces ghrelin, which acts to suppress appetite. Another is that major credit for the discovery is given to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
The principles of evolution led to identification of obestatin, said Aaron Hsueh, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford, in whose laboratory the work was done. He also credited the information gathered by the Human Genome Project, which produced a complete human gene map.
Hsueh and his colleges used human genome data to study small-peptide hormones, which are active throughout the body. Specifically, they looked at the receptors for those hormones -- the cellular molecules to which the hormones are attached when they go into action. There are about 300 such receptors, of which 100 had no known hormone partner.
The search for missing hormones was narrowed by focusing on receptors that have been around for hundreds of millions of years and are found in many species. One of those receptors is for ghrelin. Further studies showed that ghrelin actually had another protein tacked on to it -- obestatin.
When the researchers injected obestatin into rats, "to our surprise, we found that treatment with it suppresses food intake," Hsueh said. And so, he added, "it could have potential as an appetite-suppressing drug, by injection. Or it might be possible to deliver by nasal spray. It also allows us to screen for new drugs that might suppress appetite."
The study findings appear in the Nov. 11 issue of the journal Science.
But Matthias Tschop, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati, and co-author of an editorial in the journal on obestatin, is sounding a note of caution.
"The effect of obestatin on body weight seems to be relatively limited," Tschop said. "Also, it might cause some sort of illness or nausea that causes a decrease in food intake."
The effect of obsestatin was discovered in research with rodents, Tschop noted. "The most obvious question is, does obestatin work in obese animals?" he said.
And the business of weight regulation is complicated, Tschop added. "There are many other players involved," he said. "And obestatin may have many other functions. For example, it could regulate physical activity."
But with all those caveats taken into consideration, the discovery of obestatin is "a step in the right direction," Tschop said.
Arteries' 'Repair Crews' Key to Heart Disease
It's the job of specialized bone marrow cells to repair damage to the lining of arteries, and the failure of these cells to keep up with that deterioration may be key to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), researchers report.
Bacterium, Gene Play Roles in Elderly Vision Loss
The diseased eye tissue of some patients with "wet" age-related macular degeneration (AMD) contains a bacterium called Chlamydia pneumoniae, which can cause chronic inflammation and has been linked to heart disease, researchers report.
New Pain Control System Approved
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Medtronic Personal Therapy Manager (PTM), allowing people with chronic pain to use Medtronic's SynchroMed II drug pump to manually deliver supplemental doses of pain medication, the company said.
Warning Issued for Birth-Control Patch
The Food and Drug Administration warned users of the popular Ortho Evra birth control patch that they are being exposed to more hormones, and are therefore at higher risk of blood clots and other serious side effects, than previously disclosed.
China Reports New Bird-Flu Outbreaks
China on Friday reported its fourth bird flu outbreak in chickens in the same province in two weeks, while Vietnam -— which has suffered two-thirds of Asia's human deaths from the virus -— ordered its military and police to help fight the disease.
Kuwait Flamingo Has Deadly Bird-Flu Strain
The deadly strain of bird flu that has devastated poultry and killed more than 60 people in Asia has been detected in a bird in Kuwait, the first known outbreak of the virus in the Gulf region, an agricultural official said Friday.
Food Fact:
Sap to it!
Guess how many gallons of raw sap it takes to make 1 gallon of pure maple syrup? When the sap starts running, Vermont sugarmakers start stoking the fire under the evaporators -- there are 40 gallons of raw sap per gallon that reaches your breakfast table. The all-natural sweetener is loaded with calories -- 50 per tablespoon -- and has no significant nutritive value. But it's so flavorful a little will go a long way. Maple sugar is about twice as sweet as refined granulated sugar, and is produced when nearly all the sap has evaporated. Try it sprinkled on scones or biscuits or stirred into hot apple cider.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Write it down.
Stuck in a rut? Reached a plateau? Break the logjam with an activity log! Keeping a fitness journal to track your routine will give you insight into your performance, let you measure your progress and help you set goals.
FAQ of the day:
What is mesclun?
Mesclun is an assortment of baby lettuce leaves, usually prewashed. The mix may be expensive, but there's no waste. It's so convenient you may find yourself eating a mesclun salad with every meal.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Health Headlines - November 10
Bird flu spreads further in Asia
Three Asian nations reported more outbreaks of bird flu in poultry on Thursday, a day after health experts unveiled a $1 billion global plan to halt the spread of the virus.
Kuwait Announces Bird Flu in Fowl
Kuwait has detected two cases of bird flu in fowl, a senior official said Thursday, but it was not clear if the virus strain was the deadly version that has devastated poultry in Asia and has triggered fears of a human pandemic.
UK nurses and pharmacists to prescribe drugs
Nurses and pharmacists in Britain are to be given greater powers to prescribe medicines, the Department of Health said on Thursday, prompting an angry response from leading doctors who described it as dangerous.
Nurses have been prescribing drugs for minor injuries for some time but under new rules they will be able to prescribe for more serious conditions too.
Both groups will undergo training before being allowed to prescribe drugs after health secretary Patricia Hewitt announced the change, to give doctors more time for complex care.
The powers will only be given to experienced nurses and pharmacists and will start in the first half of 2006.
"Extending prescribing responsibilities is an important part of our commitment to modernize the NHS," Hewitt said in a statement.
"By expanding traditional prescribing roles, patients can more easily access the medicines they need from an increased number of highly trained health professionals."
But the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors, has attacked the decision.
"This is an irresponsible and dangerous move," said Paul Miller, chairman of the BMA's consultants committee.
"Patients will suffer. I would not have me or my family subject to other than the highest level of care and prescribing, which is that provided by a fully trained doctor."
But the move was welcomed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society which said it would result in faster access to medicines and help take the pressure off overworked GPs.
Uncanny Canines Sense Oncoming Seizures
Four o'clock in the morning a little more than two weeks ago, Cheryl Huey of Monroe, La., felt herself being roused from sleep.
Chelsea, the new 2-year-old female golden retriever that Huey and her teenage son Taylor had just brought home the day before had run from his bedroom to hers and was now agitatedly pawing at her arm.
"I got up and went to Taylor's bedroom and said, 'Hey, looks like we got to take her outside, she needs to go to the bathroom,'" Huey recalled.
However, "About 10 minutes later we were out in the parking lot, and Taylor starts having a seizure," Huey said. Taylor, 16, has epilepsy and experiences a temporarily debilitating attack about once a month.
Because the onset of a seizure is unpredictable and injury is possible if her son falls or is otherwise hurt during an attack, Cheryl Huey decided to adopt Chelsea -- a dog specifically trained to alert epileptics to seizures before they occur -- to help protect Taylor and give him an independence he hadn't had before.
Witnessing Chelsea's ability to sense the onset of an attack even as Taylor lay sleeping was extraordinary, Huey said. "At the time, I just couldn't believe it," she said.
"Then, out in the parking lot after he had stopped the seizure, I told her 'Stay, Chelsea,' and she crawled across his body and lay on top of him as I ran inside to get help. When I came out again, she was still across his body -- part of her training is to just protect and stay with him."
Jennifer Arnold, founder and operator of nonprofit Canine Assistants, where Chelsea was born and trained, said seizure-alert dogs can also be taught to push a button to dial 911, tug open doors to run and get help, and even use their mouths to bring their human a cordless phone or any medication they might need.
"Seeing Chelsea's reaction that first time, the response she had, I now have confidence that in the event of a seizure she's going to be in charge," Huey said.
Taylor Huey's new companion is giving him new freedom and peace of mind, too. "She's going to make me more confident and independent, help me do more stuff by myself," he said.
That's not always easy for people with epilepsy, which is still a very poorly understood disorder.
"It's a chronic condition and [an attack] is literally an electric storm in the brain that can change behaviors," explained Dr. Blanca Vasquez, director of clinical research at New York University's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. While seizures can vary greatly in their intensity and outward manifestations, many are preceded by sensations known as an aura, she said.
Even from far across a room, seizure-alert dogs seem to be able to pick up on extremely subtle physiological changes -- minute alterations in odor or movement -- that may begin anywhere from 45 to five or 10 minutes before an actual attack. "More research needs to be done," Arnold said. "We don't exactly know right now what the dogs are responding to."
But their ability to sense these changes for their owners can be invaluable, since early warning of a seizure's onset helps people with epilepsy find a safe environment or take precautionary measures.
The Labradors and retrievers trained by the experts at Alpharetta, Ga.-based Canine Assistants begin their 18 months of instruction at just 2 days of age, learning over 90 standard commands. More mysteriously, some protective measures seem to come to the dogs by instinct, Arnold said. For example, when sensing an oncoming seizure, "they tend to want their person to lie on the ground," she said.
As any person with epilepsy will tell you, that's about the most sensible action an individual can take before a seizure, since falling is the leading cause of serious injury during an attack.
"It's fascinating -- dogs who have never seen anyone have a seizure will tug at their person's sleeve, they want you on the ground," Arnold said. "How do they have that instinct that lying on the ground is safer? We have no idea."
Arnold's investment in Canine Assistants is a very personal one. Stricken with multiple sclerosis at 16, she was confined for a time to a wheelchair. Seeking to help his daughter, Arnold's father, now deceased, discovered that people were training dogs to help partially immobilized patients navigate the tasks of daily living.
Fortunately for Arnold, her MS has improved so she can walk again. But her experience, combined with a love of dogs, compelled her and her mother to start Canine Assistants in 1991. The company matches dogs with owners in need, charging no fees.
Right now, the seizure-alert arm of Canine Assistants is funded by pharmaceutical company UCB Pharma, Inc. Arnold's team also trains dogs to help individuals with other disorders such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease).
And the ability of these canines to sense other, hidden health dangers is emerging, too.
"There are already dogs that have been anecdotally reported to be able to pick up on dangerously low blood sugar, including one of our own seizure-alert dogs," Arnold said. "And a service dog a few years ago alerted his owner in the middle of the night that he was having a heart attack in his sleep -- and then did it again for a stranger in a mall."
For people with epilepsy, having a four-legged, early warning system that can be taken everywhere gives them a sense of security and independence many haven't had before.
Taylor Huey said he hasn't yet decided whether he'll start taking Chelsea to school, but he certainly feels comfortable bringing her to daily outings such as church or shopping.
And Chelsea's arrival means Cheryl Huey can finally let her teenager go off on his own without worry.
"Sunday we went to the mall, and he went with me," she said. "I went to get my nails done and, as usual, I said 'Come on, Taylor.' He looked at me and said, 'No, it's OK, I've got Chelsea.' And I thought, 'Yeah, you do.' "
Hair Bleach May Trigger Asthma
Hair stylists can develop occupational asthma and rhinitis (chronic runny nose) from exposure to chemicals called persulphate salts in hair bleaching agents, researchers say.
Scientists Uncover Protein's Weight-Loss Secrets
A study of protein-munching rats shows that a low-carb diet sparks a chain of biological events that ultimately curbs hunger.
Cannabis-based Drug Eases Arthritis Pain
The first-ever study focused on a cannabis-based medicine aimed at easing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) finds it may help suppress the disease.
MRI Deemed Vital to Diagnosing MS
Newly published expert guidelines in treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) are putting a stronger focus on MRI in the diagnosis of the disease.
Reflux-Linked Esophagus Cancer On the Rise
The incidence of a deadly form of esophagus cancer associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is rising at an alarming rate, experts say.
Some kids outgrow nut allergies: study
Nine percent of children allergic to tree nuts such as almonds and pecans eventually outgrow their allergy, even those who have had severe reactions, researchers said on Wednesday.
Food Fact:
The world's No. 1 fruit?
Believe it or not, it's not the apple or banana. It's the mango! The intense orange flesh is not only meltingly sweet, soft, juicy and delicious, but reflects a high level of beta carotene, which our bodies convert to much-needed vitamin A. A whole mango provides about 130 calories along with all the vitamin C that most of us need daily. Don't go by color alone when choosing a ripe mango. The flesh should give a little to pressure, much like a ripe avocado. For smoothies, frozen treats and fruit salads, buy frozen mango pieces. The price is right and ripeness is guaranteed.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Get in-line.
Step into a pair of skates for a head-turning pair of legs and a killer derriere. In-line skating is a strength-training and cardio workout all in one. Studies find in-line skating to be more aerobic than cycling, easier on your joints than running, and a great way to shape and tone muscles. Get rolling and you can burn 570 - 900 calories an hour!
FAQ of the day:
Will eating blueberries improve my balance?
They seem to help rats keep their footing. When researchers at Tufts University in Boston fed rats antioxidant-rich extracts of blueberries, strawberries or spinach for eight months, the animals were protected from age-related declines in brain functions, including cognitive function. For some reason, those that received the blueberry extracts were also better able to keep their balance when walking over small rods.
Three Asian nations reported more outbreaks of bird flu in poultry on Thursday, a day after health experts unveiled a $1 billion global plan to halt the spread of the virus.
Kuwait Announces Bird Flu in Fowl
Kuwait has detected two cases of bird flu in fowl, a senior official said Thursday, but it was not clear if the virus strain was the deadly version that has devastated poultry in Asia and has triggered fears of a human pandemic.
UK nurses and pharmacists to prescribe drugs
Nurses and pharmacists in Britain are to be given greater powers to prescribe medicines, the Department of Health said on Thursday, prompting an angry response from leading doctors who described it as dangerous.
Nurses have been prescribing drugs for minor injuries for some time but under new rules they will be able to prescribe for more serious conditions too.
Both groups will undergo training before being allowed to prescribe drugs after health secretary Patricia Hewitt announced the change, to give doctors more time for complex care.
The powers will only be given to experienced nurses and pharmacists and will start in the first half of 2006.
"Extending prescribing responsibilities is an important part of our commitment to modernize the NHS," Hewitt said in a statement.
"By expanding traditional prescribing roles, patients can more easily access the medicines they need from an increased number of highly trained health professionals."
But the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors, has attacked the decision.
"This is an irresponsible and dangerous move," said Paul Miller, chairman of the BMA's consultants committee.
"Patients will suffer. I would not have me or my family subject to other than the highest level of care and prescribing, which is that provided by a fully trained doctor."
But the move was welcomed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society which said it would result in faster access to medicines and help take the pressure off overworked GPs.
Uncanny Canines Sense Oncoming Seizures
Four o'clock in the morning a little more than two weeks ago, Cheryl Huey of Monroe, La., felt herself being roused from sleep.
Chelsea, the new 2-year-old female golden retriever that Huey and her teenage son Taylor had just brought home the day before had run from his bedroom to hers and was now agitatedly pawing at her arm.
"I got up and went to Taylor's bedroom and said, 'Hey, looks like we got to take her outside, she needs to go to the bathroom,'" Huey recalled.
However, "About 10 minutes later we were out in the parking lot, and Taylor starts having a seizure," Huey said. Taylor, 16, has epilepsy and experiences a temporarily debilitating attack about once a month.
Because the onset of a seizure is unpredictable and injury is possible if her son falls or is otherwise hurt during an attack, Cheryl Huey decided to adopt Chelsea -- a dog specifically trained to alert epileptics to seizures before they occur -- to help protect Taylor and give him an independence he hadn't had before.
Witnessing Chelsea's ability to sense the onset of an attack even as Taylor lay sleeping was extraordinary, Huey said. "At the time, I just couldn't believe it," she said.
"Then, out in the parking lot after he had stopped the seizure, I told her 'Stay, Chelsea,' and she crawled across his body and lay on top of him as I ran inside to get help. When I came out again, she was still across his body -- part of her training is to just protect and stay with him."
Jennifer Arnold, founder and operator of nonprofit Canine Assistants, where Chelsea was born and trained, said seizure-alert dogs can also be taught to push a button to dial 911, tug open doors to run and get help, and even use their mouths to bring their human a cordless phone or any medication they might need.
"Seeing Chelsea's reaction that first time, the response she had, I now have confidence that in the event of a seizure she's going to be in charge," Huey said.
Taylor Huey's new companion is giving him new freedom and peace of mind, too. "She's going to make me more confident and independent, help me do more stuff by myself," he said.
That's not always easy for people with epilepsy, which is still a very poorly understood disorder.
"It's a chronic condition and [an attack] is literally an electric storm in the brain that can change behaviors," explained Dr. Blanca Vasquez, director of clinical research at New York University's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. While seizures can vary greatly in their intensity and outward manifestations, many are preceded by sensations known as an aura, she said.
Even from far across a room, seizure-alert dogs seem to be able to pick up on extremely subtle physiological changes -- minute alterations in odor or movement -- that may begin anywhere from 45 to five or 10 minutes before an actual attack. "More research needs to be done," Arnold said. "We don't exactly know right now what the dogs are responding to."
But their ability to sense these changes for their owners can be invaluable, since early warning of a seizure's onset helps people with epilepsy find a safe environment or take precautionary measures.
The Labradors and retrievers trained by the experts at Alpharetta, Ga.-based Canine Assistants begin their 18 months of instruction at just 2 days of age, learning over 90 standard commands. More mysteriously, some protective measures seem to come to the dogs by instinct, Arnold said. For example, when sensing an oncoming seizure, "they tend to want their person to lie on the ground," she said.
As any person with epilepsy will tell you, that's about the most sensible action an individual can take before a seizure, since falling is the leading cause of serious injury during an attack.
"It's fascinating -- dogs who have never seen anyone have a seizure will tug at their person's sleeve, they want you on the ground," Arnold said. "How do they have that instinct that lying on the ground is safer? We have no idea."
Arnold's investment in Canine Assistants is a very personal one. Stricken with multiple sclerosis at 16, she was confined for a time to a wheelchair. Seeking to help his daughter, Arnold's father, now deceased, discovered that people were training dogs to help partially immobilized patients navigate the tasks of daily living.
Fortunately for Arnold, her MS has improved so she can walk again. But her experience, combined with a love of dogs, compelled her and her mother to start Canine Assistants in 1991. The company matches dogs with owners in need, charging no fees.
Right now, the seizure-alert arm of Canine Assistants is funded by pharmaceutical company UCB Pharma, Inc. Arnold's team also trains dogs to help individuals with other disorders such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease).
And the ability of these canines to sense other, hidden health dangers is emerging, too.
"There are already dogs that have been anecdotally reported to be able to pick up on dangerously low blood sugar, including one of our own seizure-alert dogs," Arnold said. "And a service dog a few years ago alerted his owner in the middle of the night that he was having a heart attack in his sleep -- and then did it again for a stranger in a mall."
For people with epilepsy, having a four-legged, early warning system that can be taken everywhere gives them a sense of security and independence many haven't had before.
Taylor Huey said he hasn't yet decided whether he'll start taking Chelsea to school, but he certainly feels comfortable bringing her to daily outings such as church or shopping.
And Chelsea's arrival means Cheryl Huey can finally let her teenager go off on his own without worry.
"Sunday we went to the mall, and he went with me," she said. "I went to get my nails done and, as usual, I said 'Come on, Taylor.' He looked at me and said, 'No, it's OK, I've got Chelsea.' And I thought, 'Yeah, you do.' "
Hair Bleach May Trigger Asthma
Hair stylists can develop occupational asthma and rhinitis (chronic runny nose) from exposure to chemicals called persulphate salts in hair bleaching agents, researchers say.
Scientists Uncover Protein's Weight-Loss Secrets
A study of protein-munching rats shows that a low-carb diet sparks a chain of biological events that ultimately curbs hunger.
Cannabis-based Drug Eases Arthritis Pain
The first-ever study focused on a cannabis-based medicine aimed at easing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) finds it may help suppress the disease.
MRI Deemed Vital to Diagnosing MS
Newly published expert guidelines in treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) are putting a stronger focus on MRI in the diagnosis of the disease.
Reflux-Linked Esophagus Cancer On the Rise
The incidence of a deadly form of esophagus cancer associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is rising at an alarming rate, experts say.
Some kids outgrow nut allergies: study
Nine percent of children allergic to tree nuts such as almonds and pecans eventually outgrow their allergy, even those who have had severe reactions, researchers said on Wednesday.
Food Fact:
The world's No. 1 fruit?
Believe it or not, it's not the apple or banana. It's the mango! The intense orange flesh is not only meltingly sweet, soft, juicy and delicious, but reflects a high level of beta carotene, which our bodies convert to much-needed vitamin A. A whole mango provides about 130 calories along with all the vitamin C that most of us need daily. Don't go by color alone when choosing a ripe mango. The flesh should give a little to pressure, much like a ripe avocado. For smoothies, frozen treats and fruit salads, buy frozen mango pieces. The price is right and ripeness is guaranteed.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Get in-line.
Step into a pair of skates for a head-turning pair of legs and a killer derriere. In-line skating is a strength-training and cardio workout all in one. Studies find in-line skating to be more aerobic than cycling, easier on your joints than running, and a great way to shape and tone muscles. Get rolling and you can burn 570 - 900 calories an hour!
FAQ of the day:
Will eating blueberries improve my balance?
They seem to help rats keep their footing. When researchers at Tufts University in Boston fed rats antioxidant-rich extracts of blueberries, strawberries or spinach for eight months, the animals were protected from age-related declines in brain functions, including cognitive function. For some reason, those that received the blueberry extracts were also better able to keep their balance when walking over small rods.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Health Headlines - November 9
Hair Bleach May Trigger Asthma
Hair stylists can develop occupational asthma and rhinitis (chronic runny nose) from exposure to chemicals called persulphate salts in hair bleaching agents, researchers say.
Vietnam to Produce Generic Bird-Flu Drug
Vietnam has reached an agreement with the Swiss manufacturer of the antiviral drug Tamiflu to allow the country to produce a generic version starting early next year in an effort to protect its population against bird flu, a Health Ministry official said Wednesday.
Birthing Classes
If you are having a child for the first time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by questions, fears, and just not knowing what to expect. Many new parents find that birthing classes can really help calm their worries and answer many questions.
Infant Botulism
Infant botulism is an illness that can occur when a newborn ingests a specific type of bacteria that produce a toxin inside the body. The condition can be frightening because it can cause muscle weakness and breathing problems. But it is very rare: Fewer than 100 cases of infant botulism occur each year in the United States. Most of the babies who do get botulism recover fully.
Kids With Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a type of learning disability in which a child has difficulty learning to read and understand written language. Even kids with average or above-average intelligence, plenty of motivation, and ample opportunities to read can have dyslexia. Because kids with dyslexia have trouble making the basic connection between letters and their sounds, they often also have difficulty with spelling, writing, and speaking.
Report Finds Flaws in Mad Cow Test Program
Government investigators say testing is too slow at times to prevent cattle from eating feed that might be contaminated, just one flaw they cited in a program to help stop mad cow disease from spreading.
Syphilis rises in US but gonorrhea at new low - study
The number of U.S. syphilis cases rose for the fourth straight year in 2004, fueled by increases among men, while the gonorrhea disease rate reached a historic low, federal health researchers said on Tuesday.
Survey Looks at Ethics of Alzheimer's Trials
The majority of Americans approve of allowing patients with Alzheimer's disease to be enrolled in research studies -- even when they aren't able to provide their own consent, new research shows.
For Women, Laughter Is a Just Reward
The path to a good belly laugh may be strikingly different between women and men.
Pediatrician Counseling Boosts Gun Safety at Home
Pediatricians who provide brief counseling and training sessions on gun safety can greatly improve parents' gun-storage behaviors, a new study finds.
Aspirin May Help Prevent Throat Cancer
Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help prevent esophageal cancer from developing in patients with Barrett's esophagus, researchers report.
Antibiotics Still Prescribed Too Often
Despite widespread concern about the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, too many people are still receiving prescriptions for antibiotics they don't need.
Health Tip: Air Bags Can Harm Children
Although air bags are extremely effective in saving adult lives, they often do not have the same effect for children.
If it's necessary for your child to ride in the front seat of a car with a passenger air bag, follow these tips to prevent injuries, courtesy of the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania:
Secure the child in a restraint system that is correct for his size.
Move the front seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
Do not allow the child to lean forward toward the dashboard.
Never allow a rear-facing infant to ride in front of a passenger air bag.
To ensure utmost safety, however, children should be seated in the back seat of the car, protected by safety seats.
Health Tip: Acne Isn't Just for Teens and Adults Anymore
Acne doesn't just appear on teenagers and adults.
It is also common on a baby's cheeks during the first few months of life, and is known as neonatal acne.
According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, neonatal acne is caused by hormonal stimulation of glands in the cheeks, and appears between the ages of 2 and 4 weeks. It consists of red bumps or pimples.
Parents should keep the baby's cheeks clean and dry, and know that baby lotions or oils can make the condition worse. However, the acne is temporary and should disappear by the ages of 4 months to 6 months.
If the rash spreads, gets worse, or the baby experiences a fever, parents should see a pediatrician.
Hair stylists can develop occupational asthma and rhinitis (chronic runny nose) from exposure to chemicals called persulphate salts in hair bleaching agents, researchers say.
Vietnam to Produce Generic Bird-Flu Drug
Vietnam has reached an agreement with the Swiss manufacturer of the antiviral drug Tamiflu to allow the country to produce a generic version starting early next year in an effort to protect its population against bird flu, a Health Ministry official said Wednesday.
Birthing Classes
If you are having a child for the first time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by questions, fears, and just not knowing what to expect. Many new parents find that birthing classes can really help calm their worries and answer many questions.
Infant Botulism
Infant botulism is an illness that can occur when a newborn ingests a specific type of bacteria that produce a toxin inside the body. The condition can be frightening because it can cause muscle weakness and breathing problems. But it is very rare: Fewer than 100 cases of infant botulism occur each year in the United States. Most of the babies who do get botulism recover fully.
Kids With Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a type of learning disability in which a child has difficulty learning to read and understand written language. Even kids with average or above-average intelligence, plenty of motivation, and ample opportunities to read can have dyslexia. Because kids with dyslexia have trouble making the basic connection between letters and their sounds, they often also have difficulty with spelling, writing, and speaking.
Report Finds Flaws in Mad Cow Test Program
Government investigators say testing is too slow at times to prevent cattle from eating feed that might be contaminated, just one flaw they cited in a program to help stop mad cow disease from spreading.
Syphilis rises in US but gonorrhea at new low - study
The number of U.S. syphilis cases rose for the fourth straight year in 2004, fueled by increases among men, while the gonorrhea disease rate reached a historic low, federal health researchers said on Tuesday.
Survey Looks at Ethics of Alzheimer's Trials
The majority of Americans approve of allowing patients with Alzheimer's disease to be enrolled in research studies -- even when they aren't able to provide their own consent, new research shows.
For Women, Laughter Is a Just Reward
The path to a good belly laugh may be strikingly different between women and men.
Pediatrician Counseling Boosts Gun Safety at Home
Pediatricians who provide brief counseling and training sessions on gun safety can greatly improve parents' gun-storage behaviors, a new study finds.
Aspirin May Help Prevent Throat Cancer
Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help prevent esophageal cancer from developing in patients with Barrett's esophagus, researchers report.
Antibiotics Still Prescribed Too Often
Despite widespread concern about the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, too many people are still receiving prescriptions for antibiotics they don't need.
Health Tip: Air Bags Can Harm Children
Although air bags are extremely effective in saving adult lives, they often do not have the same effect for children.
If it's necessary for your child to ride in the front seat of a car with a passenger air bag, follow these tips to prevent injuries, courtesy of the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania:
Secure the child in a restraint system that is correct for his size.
Move the front seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
Do not allow the child to lean forward toward the dashboard.
Never allow a rear-facing infant to ride in front of a passenger air bag.
To ensure utmost safety, however, children should be seated in the back seat of the car, protected by safety seats.
Health Tip: Acne Isn't Just for Teens and Adults Anymore
Acne doesn't just appear on teenagers and adults.
It is also common on a baby's cheeks during the first few months of life, and is known as neonatal acne.
According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, neonatal acne is caused by hormonal stimulation of glands in the cheeks, and appears between the ages of 2 and 4 weeks. It consists of red bumps or pimples.
Parents should keep the baby's cheeks clean and dry, and know that baby lotions or oils can make the condition worse. However, the acne is temporary and should disappear by the ages of 4 months to 6 months.
If the rash spreads, gets worse, or the baby experiences a fever, parents should see a pediatrician.
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