Health Tip: Children Who Play Sports
Scholastic sports are a great way for children to get exercise and stay healthy. But young athletes also are at greater risk of injury to their growing bodies.
Here are potential risks to keep in mind when your child is playing a sport, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
* Growing bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons are more susceptible to injury than those of adults.
* Growth plates leave weak areas exposed that can cause long-term damage.
* Children in the same age group may vary greatly in size and ability, which can lead to injuries in contact sports.
* Competitive children may try to push themselves to play longer and harder than their bodies can physically handle.
Health Tip: Why Are My Eyes Red?
Eye redness occurs when blood vessels on the surface of the eye become dilated.
Here are some common causes of red eyes, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
* Straining the eyes.
* Persistent or severe coughing.
* An eye infection.
* A cold or allergy.
* Damage to the eye.
* Acute glaucoma.
* Scratches on the cornea, commonly caused by wearing contact lenses too long, or sand or dust in the eyes.
* Bleeding problems, often caused by taking blood-thinning drugs.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Health Headlines - August 20
Medicare No Longer to Pay for Preventable Hospital Errors, Injuries or Infections
Medicare is changing its coverage so that it will no longer pay for hospital incidents that could have been prevented, according to the New York Times.
These conditions were caused by negligence or improper medical practice, the Times reports, and the Bush administration has decided that Medicare will no longer pay the additional costs for treating them. Included are conditions and infections such as bedsores (pressure ulcers), injuries caused by falls in circumstances where they could have been prevented, and infections resulting from use of catheters for long periods.
Private insurers, too, are considering following Medicare's lead, which may cause hospital officials to place emphasis on reducing staph infections and medical errors and replacing health workers who are neglectful of patients' needs.
According to the Times, figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that almost 100,000 people a year --about 270 a day -- die in U.S. hospitals from improper treatment or neglect.
Some of procedures have been termed "serious preventable events," such as leaving a sponge in a patient during surgery or giving a transfused patient the wrong blood type. Medicare says it will no longer reimburse hospitals for these mistakes, the newspaper reports.
"If a patient goes into the hospital with pneumonia, we don't want them to leave with a broken arm," Herb B. Kuhn, acting deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, told the Times.
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Nail Salon Workers' Mental Functioning May be Affected By Chemicals They Use, Studies Say
Are the 300,000 nail salon workers in the United States -- many of them Asian -- being negatively affected by the chemicals they use on their customers?
According to the New York Times, two recent studies indicate that the danger does exist and may affect mental acuity, both in those who work in nail salons and those whose mothers did.
A Wayne State University study found that prolonged work in nail salons was associated with poor performance on a variety of tests to determine a person's attention acuity, mental processing speed, memory and verbal learning, the Times reports. And another study by University of Toronto scientists found similar problems in children who were prenatally exposed.
"The intensity of exposure for salon workers is 1,200 times what it would be for the average American," Sonya Lunder, a senior analyst for the non-profit Environmental Working Group, told the newspaper. "Immigrant women often don't understand the safety information."
Three compounds long used in nail salons -- toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate -- are on the denagrous list, the Times reports. Toluene is a colorless solvent, formaldehyde helps harden nails and dibutyl phthalate makes nail polish flexible. One company that makes the chemicals, OPI Products, has said it would begin removing toluene and dibutyl phthalate from its product list, the newspaper said.
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New Mexico Medicinal Marijuana Law Put on Hold
Having no guarantee of protection against federal prosecution, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson Friday stopped short of ordering implementation of a state-run production and distribution system for marijuana to be used for medical purposes, the Associated Press reports.
But Richardson did order the state Health Department to go ahead with planning the operations of the program, which includes growing and distributing the drug.
So far, Congressional efforts to keep federal law enforcement officials from prosecuting New Mexico health workers have failed. State Attorney General Gary King warned Friday that New Mexico health department employees could face federal prosecution for implementing the law, which became effective in July, the A.P. reports.
State health officials want to make sure that the cannabis meets the standards for medical treatment. Marijuana is often used by those suffering from diseases that cause pain, and also by those whose treatment brings about nausea and depression.
The New Mexico law specifically mentions approved marijuana use for cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and HIV-AIDS, and also by some patients in hospice care. "The long-term goal is that the patients will have a safe, secure supply that doesn't mean drug dealers, that doesn't mean growing their own," Reena Szczepanski, director of Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico, told the A.P. in July.
But medicinal marijuana use is illegal under federal law, and so far, no acceptable remedy has been found to keep U.S. agents from raiding New Mexico-run marijuana farms and arresting state employees.
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FDA Cancels Plans to Close More Than Half Its Field Labs
It could have a been a response to the Bob Dylan song, "The Times They are A-Changin'."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has canceled plans to close more than half its field laboratories because its watchdog role over imported food has increased greatly in recent months.
Ironically, the lab reduction was originally planned to streamline the agency's food testing program, the Associated Press reports.
But a spate of incidents during the spring and summer involving possible contamination of imported ingestible items ranging from fish to toothpaste has caused the regulatory agency to put its reduction plans on hold.
A presidential panel is developing recommendations on how the FDA and other U.S. agencies can better guarantee the safety of imported foods and other items, The A.P. reports. A Congressional subcommittee is also looking into the impact the field laboratory closings would have, the wire service says.
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Genetic Test Spots Patients at Risk From Viral Infections
A genetic method of identifying patients most likely to develop life-threatening complications from SARS, bird flu and other dangerous viral infections has been discovered by Canadian researchers.
They analyzed blood samples from 40 people infected with SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) during the 2003 outbreak in Toronto. They found that patients with one kind of interferon gene-expression pattern recovered quickly, while those with another pattern became seriously ill or died, the Toronto Star reported.
Interferons -- proteins produced by white blood cells -- are the body's first-line defense against viruses. SARS patients with abnormal interferon patterns didn't produce enough antibodies to fight the virus, the study found. It was published Thursday in the Journal of Virology.
The findings provide new insight into how the immune system responds to SARS and could help doctors identify which patients with severe viral infections require specialized treatments, the Star reported.
-----
Depression Over-Diagnosed, Psychiatrist Says
Many people diagnosed with depression are actually just unhappy, says an Australian psychiatrist who contends that the clinical threshold for depression is too low, BBC News reported.
Professor Gordon Parker of the University of New South Wales wrote in the British Medical Journal that almost all people experience symptoms such as "feeling sad, blue or down in the dumps" at some time in their lives. However, that's not the same as clinical depression.
He conducted a 15-year study of 242 teachers and found that more than 75 percent of them met the current criteria for depression. Parker described depression as a "catch-all" diagnosis driven by clever marketing, BBC News reported.
"Over the last 30 years the formal definitions for defining clinical depression have expanded into the territory of normal depression, and the real risk is that the milder, more common experiences risk being pathologised," Parker wrote.
However, the same issue of the British Medical Journal featured an article by another psychiatrist who contradicted Parker's opinion. Increased diagnosis of depression has helped prevent suicides and reduced the stigma of mental illness, Professor Ian Hickie wrote.
Health Tips for August 20
Food Fact:
Billions and billions served.
We're not talking about Big Macs; it's the number of people around the world who eat tofu. Tofu is an excellent source of protein and health-supportive soy isoflavones. It's also an excellent starting point for culinary creativity. Tofu comes in a range of densities: silken, soft, firm and extra firm. Firm or extra-firm tofu holds its shape when sliced. Use it for stir-fries, stews and braises. Soft and silken tofu is creamier. When pureed, tofu adds richness to dips and dressings like hummus and baba ghanoush. Smoked pressed tofu is very convenient -- it can be sliced and eaten as is in salads or sandwiches, or cooked in stir-fries and braises, and it comes in several flavors. Look for plain smoked, Thai seasoning, barbecue or lemon-garlic at your supermarket or whole-foods store.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Water on the knee?
Here's a tip for anyone whose exercise routine is hindered by sore knees. A water aerobics class is a perfect way to exercise while minimizing stress on your joints. The water provides a fair amount of resistance, yet at the same time it provides a vital protective cushion for sore joints.
FAQ of the day:
What's the best breakfast cereal?
Oddly enough, not necessarily the one with the most fiber. Breakfast cereals range from 0 to 14 grams of fiber. But you'll want one that not only contains whole grains, but has little sugar; is fat-free or low in fat; and is moderate in sodium.
Billions and billions served.
We're not talking about Big Macs; it's the number of people around the world who eat tofu. Tofu is an excellent source of protein and health-supportive soy isoflavones. It's also an excellent starting point for culinary creativity. Tofu comes in a range of densities: silken, soft, firm and extra firm. Firm or extra-firm tofu holds its shape when sliced. Use it for stir-fries, stews and braises. Soft and silken tofu is creamier. When pureed, tofu adds richness to dips and dressings like hummus and baba ghanoush. Smoked pressed tofu is very convenient -- it can be sliced and eaten as is in salads or sandwiches, or cooked in stir-fries and braises, and it comes in several flavors. Look for plain smoked, Thai seasoning, barbecue or lemon-garlic at your supermarket or whole-foods store.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Water on the knee?
Here's a tip for anyone whose exercise routine is hindered by sore knees. A water aerobics class is a perfect way to exercise while minimizing stress on your joints. The water provides a fair amount of resistance, yet at the same time it provides a vital protective cushion for sore joints.
FAQ of the day:
What's the best breakfast cereal?
Oddly enough, not necessarily the one with the most fiber. Breakfast cereals range from 0 to 14 grams of fiber. But you'll want one that not only contains whole grains, but has little sugar; is fat-free or low in fat; and is moderate in sodium.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Health Headlines - August 19
New Mexico Medicinal Marijuana Law Put on Hold
Having no guarantee of protection against federal prosecution, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson Friday stopped short of ordering implementation of a state-run production and distribution system for marijuana to be used for medical purposes, the Associated Press reports.
But Richardson did order the state Health Department to go ahead with planning the operations of the program, which includes growing and distributing the drug.
So far, Congressional efforts to keep federal law enforcement officials from prosecuting New Mexico health workers have failed. State Attorney General Gary King warned Friday that New Mexico health department employees could face federal prosecution for implementing the law, which became effective in July, the A.P. reports.
State health officials want to make sure that the cannabis meets the standards for medical treatment. Marijuana is often used by those suffering from diseases that cause pain, and also by those whose treatment brings about nausea and depression.
The New Mexico law specifically mentions approved marijuana use for cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and HIV-AIDS, and also by some patients in hospice care. "The long-term goal is that the patients will have a safe, secure supply that doesn't mean drug dealers, that doesn't mean growing their own," Reena Szczepanski, director of Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico, told the A.P. in July.
But medicinal marijuana use is illegal under federal law, and so far, no acceptable remedy has been found to keep U.S. agents from raiding New Mexico-run marijuana farms and arresting state employees.
-----
FDA Cancels Plans to Close More Than Half Its Field Labs
It could have a been a response to the Bob Dylan song, "The Times They are A-Changin'."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has canceled plans to close more than half its field laboratories because its watchdog role over imported food has increased greatly in recent months.
Ironically, the lab reduction was originally planned to streamline the agency's food testing program, the Associated Press reports.
But a spate of incidents during the spring and summer involving possible contamination of imported ingestible items ranging from fish to toothpaste has caused the regulatory agency to put its reduction plans on hold.
A presidential panel is developing recommendations on how the FDA and other U.S. agencies can better guarantee the safety of imported foods and other items, The A.P. reports. A Congressional subcommittee is also looking into the impact the field laboratory closings would have, the wire service says.
-----
Genetic Test Spots Patients at Risk From Viral Infections
A genetic method of identifying patients most likely to develop life-threatening complications from SARS, bird flu and other dangerous viral infections has been discovered by Canadian researchers.
They analyzed blood samples from 40 people infected with SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) during the 2003 outbreak in Toronto. They found that patients with one kind of interferon gene-expression pattern recovered quickly, while those with another pattern became seriously ill or died, the Toronto Star reported.
Interferons -- proteins produced by white blood cells -- are the body's first-line defense against viruses. SARS patients with abnormal interferon patterns didn't produce enough antibodies to fight the virus, the study found. It was published Thursday in the Journal of Virology.
The findings provide new insight into how the immune system responds to SARS and could help doctors identify which patients with severe viral infections require specialized treatments, the Star reported.
-----
Depression Over-Diagnosed, Psychiatrist Says
Many people diagnosed with depression are actually just unhappy, says an Australian psychiatrist who contends that the clinical threshold for depression is too low, BBC News reported.
Professor Gordon Parker of the University of New South Wales wrote in the British Medical Journal that almost all people experience symptoms such as "feeling sad, blue or down in the dumps" at some time in their lives. However, that's not the same as clinical depression.
He conducted a 15-year study of 242 teachers and found that more than 75 percent of them met the current criteria for depression. Parker described depression as a "catch-all" diagnosis driven by clever marketing, BBC News reported.
"Over the last 30 years the formal definitions for defining clinical depression have expanded into the territory of normal depression, and the real risk is that the milder, more common experiences risk being pathologised," Parker wrote.
However, the same issue of the British Medical Journal featured an article by another psychiatrist who contradicted Parker's opinion. Increased diagnosis of depression has helped prevent suicides and reduced the stigma of mental illness, Professor Ian Hickie wrote.
-----
Employer-Sponsored Health Premiums Jump
Between 2000 and 2005, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health coverage increased from $6,772 to $10,728, according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
The average annual cost for single-person coverage increased from $2,655 to $3,991 during the same period.
Workers paid $971 more for family coverage in 2005 than they did in 2000 ($2,585 vs. $1,614). Single-person annual premiums increased an average of $273.
Employers paid an average of $2,985 more for each family plan, from $5,158 in 2000 to $8,143 in 2005, a 58 percent increase. Each single plan cost employers $1,063 more in 2005, a 48 percent increase.
New York City had the highest average overall cost for a family plan premium in 2005 ($11,819), while Los Angeles had the lowest premium ($10,122).
-----
Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping Better for Babies: Expert
Doctors and midwives should delay clamping the umbilical cord for three minutes after birth to reduce the risk of anemia in newborns, says an article in the British Medical Journal.
Dr. Andrew Weeks, an obstetrics lecturer at Liverpool University in the U.K., said delayed clamping of the umbilical cord sends oxygen-rich blood to the newborn's lungs until breathing is fully established, and increases iron levels, Agence France-Presse reported.
Delayed clamping would especially benefit premature babies and babies delivered by Caesarean section, Weeks said.
He noted that there is considerable evidence that early cord clamping doesn't benefit mothers or babies, AFP reported.
"Both the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics have dropped (early clamping) from their guidelines," Weeks said. "It is time for others to follow their lead and find practical ways of incorporating delayed cord clamping into delivery routines."
Health Tips for August 19
Food Fact:
Tea for tumors.
Research shows one kind of tea can be up to 100 times more potent at blocking growth of cancer cells than another. While all tea (green, oolong or black) contains antioxidant compounds called catechins that protect against cancer (especially of the lung, breast, colon, stomach and skin) by neutralizing free radicals, green tea contains about 7 times more catechins than black tea. Green tea also has unique catechins that block an enzyme involved in breast, prostate and colon cancers. Green tea is 10 to 100 times stronger than black tea in blocking the growth of cancer cells. Catechins also prevent heart disease and stroke, primarily by defending against the harmful effects of artery-clogging LDL cholesterol.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Prestretch routines.
Do you know the one thing you should always do before stretching? To prevent injury you should perform at least 10-15 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (walking, biking) prior to stretching. Never stretch a "cold muscle" -- one that does not have sufficient blood flowing through the tissue to be stretched.
FAQ of the day:
What is a "serving?"
All the nutrition information on a food label is based on one serving, the amount most typically eaten of that food. For example, a serving of salad dressing is 2 tablespoons. These serving sizes are not necessarily the amount you eat at a typical meal. Take breakfast cereal. The box may define a serving as one cup, but if you typically pour twice as much into your bowl; that's two servings, which means you'll be taking in twice the calories listed. Always consider the portion size when you read the nutrition information on the label.
Tea for tumors.
Research shows one kind of tea can be up to 100 times more potent at blocking growth of cancer cells than another. While all tea (green, oolong or black) contains antioxidant compounds called catechins that protect against cancer (especially of the lung, breast, colon, stomach and skin) by neutralizing free radicals, green tea contains about 7 times more catechins than black tea. Green tea also has unique catechins that block an enzyme involved in breast, prostate and colon cancers. Green tea is 10 to 100 times stronger than black tea in blocking the growth of cancer cells. Catechins also prevent heart disease and stroke, primarily by defending against the harmful effects of artery-clogging LDL cholesterol.
Fitness Tip of the day:
Prestretch routines.
Do you know the one thing you should always do before stretching? To prevent injury you should perform at least 10-15 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (walking, biking) prior to stretching. Never stretch a "cold muscle" -- one that does not have sufficient blood flowing through the tissue to be stretched.
FAQ of the day:
What is a "serving?"
All the nutrition information on a food label is based on one serving, the amount most typically eaten of that food. For example, a serving of salad dressing is 2 tablespoons. These serving sizes are not necessarily the amount you eat at a typical meal. Take breakfast cereal. The box may define a serving as one cup, but if you typically pour twice as much into your bowl; that's two servings, which means you'll be taking in twice the calories listed. Always consider the portion size when you read the nutrition information on the label.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Health Headlines - August 18
Genetic Test Spots Patients at Risk From Viral Infections
A genetic method of identifying patients most likely to develop life-threatening complications from SARS, bird flu and other dangerous viral infections has been discovered by Canadian researchers.
They analyzed blood samples from 40 people infected with SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) during the 2003 outbreak in Toronto. They found that patients with one kind of interferon gene-expression pattern recovered quickly, while those with another pattern became seriously ill or died, the Toronto Star reported.
Interferons -- proteins produced by white blood cells -- are the body's first-line defense against viruses. SARS patients with abnormal interferon patterns didn't produce enough antibodies to fight the virus, the study found. It was published Thursday in the Journal of Virology.
The findings provide new insight into how the immune system responds to SARS and could help doctors identify which patients with severe viral infections require specialized treatments, the Star reported.
-----
Depression Over-Diagnosed, Psychiatrist Says
Many people diagnosed with depression are actually just unhappy, says an Australian psychiatrist who contends that the clinical threshold for depression is too low, BBC News reported.
Professor Gordon Parker of the University of New South Wales wrote in the British Medical Journal that almost all people experience symptoms such as "feeling sad, blue or down in the dumps" at some time in their lives. However, that's not the same as clinical depression.
He conducted a 15-year study of 242 teachers and found that more than 75 percent of them met the current criteria for depression. Parker described depression as a "catch-all" diagnosis driven by clever marketing, BBC News reported.
"Over the last 30 years the formal definitions for defining clinical depression have expanded into the territory of normal depression, and the real risk is that the milder, more common experiences risk being pathologised," Parker wrote.
However, the same issue of the British Medical Journal featured an article by another psychiatrist who contradicted Parker's opinion. Increased diagnosis of depression has helped prevent suicides and reduced the stigma of mental illness, Professor Ian Hickie wrote.
-----
Employer-Sponsored Health Premiums Jump
Between 2000 and 2005, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health coverage increased from $6,772 to $10,728 , according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
The average annual cost for single-person coverage increased from $2,655 to $3,991 during the same period.
Workers paid $971 more for family coverage in 2005 than they did in 2000 ($2,585 vs. $1,614). Single-person annual premiums increased an average of $273.
Employers paid an average of $2,985 more for each family plan, from $5,158 in 2000 to $8,143 in 2005, a 58 percent increase. Each single plan cost employers $1,063 more in 2005, a 48 percent increase.
New York City had the highest average overall cost for a family plan premium in 2005 ($11,819), while Los Angeles had the lowest premium ($10,122).
-----
Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping Better for Babies: Expert
Doctors and midwives should delay clamping the umbilical cord for three minutes after birth to reduce the risk of anemia in newborns, says an article in the British Medical Journal.
Dr. Andrew Weeks, an obstetrics lecturer at Liverpool University in the U.K., said delayed clamping of the umbilical cord sends oxygen-rich blood to the newborn's lungs until breathing is fully established, and increases iron levels, Agence France-Presse reported.
Delayed clamping would especially benefit premature babies and babies delivered by Caesarean section, Weeks said.
He noted that there is considerable evidence that early cord clamping doesn't benefit mothers or babies, AFP reported.
"Both the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics have dropped (early clamping) from their guidelines," Weeks said. "It is time for others to follow their lead and find practical ways of incorporating delayed cord clamping into delivery routines."
-----
Hypertension Could Affect 1.56 Billion People by 2025
The number of people with high blood pressure could top 1 billion worldwide within 20 years, experts warn in The Lancet medical journal.
Currently, about one in four adults has hypertension, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and death, BBC News reported.
In 2000, there were 972 million people with high blood pressure. Unhealthy lifestyles and poor compliance with treatment could drive that number up to 1.56 billion by 2025.
An editorial in The Lancet noted that even though there are highly effective treatments, target blood pressure levels are rarely achieved, BBC News reported.
"Many patients still believe that hypertension is a disease that can be cured, and stop or reduce medication when blood pressure levels fall," the editorial said. "Physicians need to convey the message that hypertension is the first, and easily measurable, irreversible sign that many organs in the body are under attack."
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Suicide Rate for U.S. Army Soldiers Highest in 26 Years
The suicide rate among U.S. Army soldiers in 2006 was the highest in 26 years, and more than 25 percent of those who committed suicide did so while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, says an Army report to be released Thursday.
The report said there were 99 confirmed suicides among active duty soldiers in 2006, compared to 88 in 2005, according to the Associated Press. The number of suicides last year was the highest since 1991, the time of the Persian Gulf War, when there were 102 suicides.
Over the past 26 years, the suicide rate in the U.S. Army has ranged from last year's high of 17.3 per 100,000 to a low of 9.1 per 100,000 in 2001.
The 99 suicides in 2006 included 28 soldiers deployed to either Iraq and Afghanistan and 71 soldiers who weren't, the AP reported. Among women, the suicide rate was nearly twice as high for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan than for those who weren't sent to war.
Failed personal relationships, legal and financial problems and job stress were motivating factors in the suicides, according to the report. And about a one fourth of those who killed themselves had a history of at least one psychiatric disorder, including 8 percent who had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which includes post-traumatic stress.
Health Tips for August 18
Health Tip: Talking to Your Doctor About How to Lose Weight
It may seem intimidating to approach your doctor for advice about how to lose weight.
Here are some pointers to get you started, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
* Ask your doctor for any available pamphlets or brochures about weight loss, diet and exercise.
* Have your doctor measure your body mass index and waist circumference, and talk about your results and what they mean to your health.
* Talk to your doctor about your exercise regimen and diet, and what changes you can make to help you to lose weight.
* Consider how much change and effort you are willing to make before you talk to your doctor.
* Ask if there are any specialists who can help you, such as dieticians, nutritionists or physical trainers.
Health Tip: Facts About Febrile Seizures
When a child has a seizure that's related to a fever, it's called a febrile seizure.
Here are some facts for parents on febrile seizures, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
* While febrile seizures can be very frightening to watch, they are rarely harmful to children.
* Febrile seizures do not cause brain damage, and will not cause your child to swallow his or her tongue.
* Febrile seizures -- even repeated ones -- do not mean your child has epilepsy.
* These seizures typically last only a few minutes (rarely more than 10) and will subside on their own. Contact your doctor if the seizure lasts longer than 10 minutes.
* If your child has had one febrile seizure, the chances of her having another one are between 25 percent and 30 percent. Most children do not have multiple febrile seizures.
* Your child should be checked by your family doctor after a seizure to be sure that a fever was the only cause.
It may seem intimidating to approach your doctor for advice about how to lose weight.
Here are some pointers to get you started, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
* Ask your doctor for any available pamphlets or brochures about weight loss, diet and exercise.
* Have your doctor measure your body mass index and waist circumference, and talk about your results and what they mean to your health.
* Talk to your doctor about your exercise regimen and diet, and what changes you can make to help you to lose weight.
* Consider how much change and effort you are willing to make before you talk to your doctor.
* Ask if there are any specialists who can help you, such as dieticians, nutritionists or physical trainers.
Health Tip: Facts About Febrile Seizures
When a child has a seizure that's related to a fever, it's called a febrile seizure.
Here are some facts for parents on febrile seizures, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
* While febrile seizures can be very frightening to watch, they are rarely harmful to children.
* Febrile seizures do not cause brain damage, and will not cause your child to swallow his or her tongue.
* Febrile seizures -- even repeated ones -- do not mean your child has epilepsy.
* These seizures typically last only a few minutes (rarely more than 10) and will subside on their own. Contact your doctor if the seizure lasts longer than 10 minutes.
* If your child has had one febrile seizure, the chances of her having another one are between 25 percent and 30 percent. Most children do not have multiple febrile seizures.
* Your child should be checked by your family doctor after a seizure to be sure that a fever was the only cause.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Health Headlines - August 17
Suicide Rate for U.S. Army Soldiers Highest in 26 Years
The suicide rate among U.S. Army soldiers in 2006 was the highest in 26 years, and more than 25 percent of those who committed suicide did so while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, says an Army report to be released Thursday.
The report said there were 99 confirmed suicides among active duty soldiers in 2006, compared to 88 in 2005, according to the Associated Press. The number of suicides last year was the highest since 1991, the time of the Persian Gulf War, when there were 102 suicides.
Over the past 26 years, the suicide rate in the U.S. Army has ranged from last year's high of 17.3 per 100,000 to a low of 9.1 per 100,000 in 2001.
The 99 suicides in 2006 included 28 soldiers deployed to either Iraq and Afghanistan and 71 soldiers who weren't, the AP reported. Among women, the suicide rate was nearly twice as high for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan than for those who weren't sent to war.
Failed personal relationships, legal and financial problems and job stress were motivating factors in the suicides, according to the report. And about a one fourth of those who killed themselves had a history of at least one psychiatric disorder, including 8 percent who had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which includes post-traumatic stress.
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Gestational Diabetes May Increase Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
Women with a history of gestational diabetes may have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer later in life, according to an Israeli-American study that looked at more than 37,000 women who gave birth in Jerusalem between 1964 and 1976.
Researchers found that 410 of the women had gestational diabetes in at least one pregnancy. Of those, five developed pancreatic cancer 14 to 35 years later.
Overall, there were 54 cases of pancreatic cancer among the more than 37,000 women in the study. None of the women who had type 1 diabetes at the time they gave birth developed pancreatic cancer.
The findings appear in the online open access journal BMC Medicine.
The researchers noted that women with gestational diabetes often go on to develop type 2 diabetes. There is ongoing medical debate about the relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer, which is the fourth leading cause of death among women in the United States.
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AHA Program Reaches One Million Patients
The American Heart Association's Get with the Guidelines program reached the 1 million patient milestone this month.
The program, launched in 2000, is designed to encourage U.S. hospitals to use evidence-based medicine to improve treatment and outcomes of heart attack and stroke patients. Currently, 1,400 hospitals participate in at least one of the programs' three modules -- coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.
"We compile extensive research, convert it into treatment guidelines, and help hospitals adhere to those guidelines," Dr. Gregg Fonarow, chair of the program's steering committee, said in a prepared statement.
There have been marked improvements in a number of areas.
For example, more than 94 percent of heart attack patients are now receiving aspirin upon admission, compared to 76.4 percent before the start of the program. The clot-busting drug tPA is given to more than 63 percent of stroke patients who arrive at hospital less than two hours after the onset of symptoms, compared to 23.5 percent at baseline.
In addition, many more heart and stroke survivors are receiving counseling about smoking cessation.
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Drug Problems at U.S. Schools Getting Worse: Survey
Drug problems at schools are getting worse, say 1,063 American teens who took part in a 2007 survey to be released Thursday by Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.
The percentage of teens who said they attended high schools with drug problems was 61 percent, compared to 44 percent in a 2002 survey. Among middle school students, that percentage increased from 19 percent to 31 percent, the Associated Press reported.
About 80 percent of high school students said they've witnessed the use, sale or possession of illegal drugs on high school grounds, or have seen someone who was drunk or high on school grounds.
Interestingly, 24 percent of the teens in this new survey named drugs as their top concern, down from 33 percent in 1995, the AP said.
The researchers also surveyed 550 parents and found that about 60 percent of those with teens at schools with a drug problem said it was unrealistic to believe that those schools could be made drug-free.
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Groups Condemn Camel No. 9 Cigarettes
Camel No. 9 cigarettes are an attempt to get young, fashion-conscious women and girls to start smoking, say a number of U.S. women's and public health organizations that want the brand taken off the market.
The cigarettes, introduced earlier this year by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., feature stylish packaging and are promoted in ads that include florals, hints of lace, and the slogan "Light and Luscious," the Associated Press reported.
"This product is nothing more than a veiled attempt to sell more cigarettes to girls and young women, putting them at grave risk for disease and a premature death," said a letter sent to R.J. Reynolds that was signed by Cheryl Healton of the American Legacy Foundation, which was established after the 1998 settlement between the states and the tobacco industry.
In related news, a group of more than 40 U.S. Congress members said Wednesday that they've had no success in their efforts to convince major women's and fashions magazines to stop publishing ads for Camel No. 9s and other cigarettes, the AP reported.
Health Tips for August 17
Health Tip: Symptoms of Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are bone growths that build up over time and tend to affect people as they age. While bone spurs are not painful, they can cause pain by impacting areas around them -- including surrounding nerves.
Here are some common symptoms of bone spurs, courtesy of the Cedars-Sinai Health System:
* "Pins and needles" sensation in the hands or feet.
* Dull pain in the neck or lower back while standing or walking.
* Lack of coordination in a part of the body.
* Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps.
* Numbness.
* Pain that radiates through the thighs, buttocks or shoulders.
* Headaches.
Health Tip: Who's at Greater Risk for Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illness occurs when the body can't cool itself during extremely hot and humid conditions.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain people are at greater risk, including:
* Infants and young children up to 4 years of age.
* People aged 65 and older.
* People who are significantly overweight or obese.
* People who overexert themselves or don't drink enough fluids.
* People with high blood pressure, heart disease, and those who take certain medications for depression, insomnia or poor circulation.
Bone spurs are bone growths that build up over time and tend to affect people as they age. While bone spurs are not painful, they can cause pain by impacting areas around them -- including surrounding nerves.
Here are some common symptoms of bone spurs, courtesy of the Cedars-Sinai Health System:
* "Pins and needles" sensation in the hands or feet.
* Dull pain in the neck or lower back while standing or walking.
* Lack of coordination in a part of the body.
* Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps.
* Numbness.
* Pain that radiates through the thighs, buttocks or shoulders.
* Headaches.
Health Tip: Who's at Greater Risk for Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illness occurs when the body can't cool itself during extremely hot and humid conditions.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain people are at greater risk, including:
* Infants and young children up to 4 years of age.
* People aged 65 and older.
* People who are significantly overweight or obese.
* People who overexert themselves or don't drink enough fluids.
* People with high blood pressure, heart disease, and those who take certain medications for depression, insomnia or poor circulation.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Health Headlines - August 16
Baby Bibs From China May Contain Lead: Report
Some vinyl baby bibs imported from China and sold at Toys "R" Us stores appear to contain lead, according to laboratory tests cited Wednesday by The New York Times.
The bibs include drawings of baseball bats, soccer balls, and "Winnie the Poo" characters. They cost less than $5 each and are sold under brand names such as "Especially for Baby" and "Koala Baby," the newspaper said.
Tests paid for by the California-based Center for Environmental Health found lead levels in these bibs sold in the state up to three times the amount allowed in paint, the Times said. And the newspaper's separate tests on bibs bought in Maryland conducted by an independent laboratory found similar lead levels.
A Toys "R" Us spokeswoman said the company's own tests conducted as recently as May found that the bibs met lead safety standards, the Times reported. "Our uncompromising commitment to safety has been, and continues to be, our highest priority," spokeswoman Kathleen Waugh said in a statement.
Unidentified officials from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the department's tests showed that lead levels in the bibs were low enough that if a child chewed on the product, it would not expose the child to "an unhealthy dose," the newspaper reported. But the agency advised parents to discard vinyl bibs if they are ripped or deteriorated in some other way.
CPSC officials "have not pushed for a recall of lead-contaminated bibs," the Times said.
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FDA Warns Alzheimer's Drug Maker on Promotional Claims
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned Swiss drugmaker Novartis about misleading claims included in a promotion directed at doctors for the company's Alzheimer's drug, Exelon.
"The professional file card makes unsubstantiated superiority claims for Exelon, overstates the efficacy of Exelon, includes misleading risk presentations, and recommends or suggests a combination use of Exelon that has not been approved by the FDA," the agency said in a warning letter to the company, published on the FDA's Web site.
The file card promoted the drug's use with another Alzheimer's medication, Namenda, which the FDA said constituted an unapproved use as a combination therapy for Alzheimer's.
The agency urged Novartis to immediately stop publication and distribution of the information.
The company said it would review the letter and respond by Aug. 22, according to published reports.
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Circular Saws Recalled for Safety Trigger Problems
| Some 811,000 Skil-brand circular saws are being recalled by maker Robert Bosch Tool Corp. because the tool may stay on after the user releases the safety trigger, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday. The product's switch also can be turned on without the use of the safety lock-out, causing the saw to start unexpectedly, the agency said. The company has five reports of the saw staying on after the safety trigger was released, although it has no reports of injury. |  |
The recall involves model numbers 5650, 5700, 5750 and 5755. The saws were sold across the United States from January 2002 through December 2006 for $70 to $80. The model number and date code are printed on the nameplate on the front of the saw. The following date codes are affected:
- 28101 - 29231
- 38101 - 39231
- 48101 - 49231
- 58101 - 59231
- 68101 - 69231
Consumers should immediately stop using the saw and contact the company for information about obtaining a free repair. The toll-free phone number is: 866-761-5572.
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Children May Inherit Craving for Junk Food
Children born to pregnant women who eat junk food may develop the same cravings, a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition concludes.
Offspring born to pregnant rats fed crackers, potato chips, and sweets ate more unhealthy foods than offspring born to mothers who ate a more healthy diet of "rat chow," U.K. researchers at the Royal Veterinary College found.
The junk food diet fed to some rats was continued past birth as mother rats breastfed their offspring, according to a BBC Online report on the study. The sweet-eating rats tended to eat more overall, the researchers found.
The scientists suggested that "pleasure chemicals" generated by the mothers who ate junk foods may have affected the developing brains of fetal rats.
"Future mothers should be aware that pregnancy and lactation are not the time to over-indulge on fatty and sugary treats on the assumption that they are 'eating for two,'" said Professor Neil Stickland, the study's lead author.
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Re-use of Contact Lens Solution Common: Survey
More than 44 percent of contact lens wearers polled said they always or occasionally re-used contact lens solution, a practice that can increase the risk of infection, a new survey finds.
Just 46 percent of respondents said they cleaned their lens case as recommended after each use, and 49 percent said they wore their contacts longer than recommended, according to the poll conducted by the non-profit Contact Lens Council.
"Consumers still bend the rules when it comes to caring for their lenses," the Landover, Md.-based group said in a statement. "Contact lenses are FDA regulated medical devices that require proper care."
The survey, conducted in May, involved 500 men and women ages 18-65.
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Some Fluorescent Lighting May Harm Embryos
Certain types of fluorescent lighting commonly used at fertility clinics may be harmful to human embryos, scientists from Hawaii and Japan have concluded from new research.
Cool-white fluorescent lights caused the most damage among mice embryos studied, the Associated Press reported, citing the work of Dr. Ryuzo Yanagimachi, a retired University of Hawaii researcher and expert in reproductive biology.
Cool-white fluorescents, which give off a bluish-white tint and are commonly used in offices, were compared with warm-white lights, which are yellow-white in color. Exposure to the latter -- more frequently used in homes -- resulted in "far more" successful births, Yanagimachi said.
"People do not pay much attention to light as a negative environmental factor," said Yanagimachi, who added that light can stress an animal or human embryo, causing it to produce toxic radical oxygen in response.
The research appears in the Aug. 13 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Study co-authors were from the Prefectural University of Hiroshima in Japan.
Health Tips for August 16
Health Tip: Warning Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body doesn't have enough fluids, either because it's lost too many fluids, a person hasn't drunk enough fluids, or both.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these common warning signs of significant dehydration:
* Not being able to urinate, or urinating very little.
* Urine that is very concentrated and dark yellow in color.
* Not being able to produce tears.
* Sunken eyes.
* In infants, the soft spot on the head is significantly sunken.
* Lethargy, dizziness or lightheadedness.
Dehydration should not be ignored, and you should see a doctor immediately if you or your child has any of these symptoms.
Health Tip: Living With Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is characterized by extreme mood swings.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help you cope with bipolar disorder:
* Find out as much as you can about the disorder -- ask your doctor for good references and resources.
* Maintain a regular routine of sleeping and waking times, mealtimes and exercise.
* Continue to take your medications prescribed by your doctor.
* Avoid caffeine and alcohol, and don't take over-the-counter cold, allergy or cough medicines.
* Try to reduce stress.
* Monitor your moods, and tell your doctor when you start to notice significant changes.
Dehydration occurs when the body doesn't have enough fluids, either because it's lost too many fluids, a person hasn't drunk enough fluids, or both.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these common warning signs of significant dehydration:
* Not being able to urinate, or urinating very little.
* Urine that is very concentrated and dark yellow in color.
* Not being able to produce tears.
* Sunken eyes.
* In infants, the soft spot on the head is significantly sunken.
* Lethargy, dizziness or lightheadedness.
Dehydration should not be ignored, and you should see a doctor immediately if you or your child has any of these symptoms.
Health Tip: Living With Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is characterized by extreme mood swings.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help you cope with bipolar disorder:
* Find out as much as you can about the disorder -- ask your doctor for good references and resources.
* Maintain a regular routine of sleeping and waking times, mealtimes and exercise.
* Continue to take your medications prescribed by your doctor.
* Avoid caffeine and alcohol, and don't take over-the-counter cold, allergy or cough medicines.
* Try to reduce stress.
* Monitor your moods, and tell your doctor when you start to notice significant changes.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Health Headlines - August 15
Diabetes Drugs to Get Stronger Warning Label
The makers of a class of diabetes drugs known as thiazolidinediones, including GlaxoSmithKline's Avandia, have agreed to add stronger warnings labels on an increased risk of heart failure in certain patients, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.
The so-called "black box" warning also will apply to two Takeda Pharmaceuticals drugs, Actos and Duetact, and two other Glaxo medications, Avandaryl and Avandamet, the agency said. The drugs, when used in conjunction with diet and exercise, are designed to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
A review of adverse event reports found cases of excessive weight gain and swelling (edema), two warning signs of heart failure, the FDA said.
The strengthened labels will advise health professionals to monitor patients carefully for these warning signs, and to reconsider use of the drugs if heart failure is diagnosed. The labels also will recommend that the drugs should not be used by people with "serious or severe heart failure who have marked limits on their activity and who are comfortable only at rest or who are confined to bed or a chair," the agency said in a statement.
On July 30, an FDA expert advisory panel voted 22-1 to recommend keeping Avandia on the market despite recent research suggesting it could increase users' risk of heart attack and other heart problems. In doing so, the panel advised that the drug carry a stronger warning label.
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Mattel Announces Another Major Toy Recall
California-based toy maker Mattel announced Tuesday that it is issuing another major recall of toys made in China, due to "impermissible" levels of lead in the toys' paint.
This time, the company says it is recalling one toy from the "CARS" line of die-cast vehicles, the "Sarge" character. More than 436,000 such toys, including 253,000 sold domestically and 183,000 sold outside the United States, are being recalled.
In a statement, Mattel said the toy vehicle was made for Mattel by Early Light Industrial Co., Ltd, which subcontracted the painting to another Chinese company, Hong Li Da. The latter company was supposed to use paint supplied to it by Early Light, but instead obtained lead-tainted paint from a third party, Mattel said.
Mattel's senior vice president of Worldwide Quality Assurance, Jim Walter, said the company is enforcing a new three-point check system, including unannounced random factory inspections, to stop these types of incidents. "We've met with vendors to ensure they understand our tightened procedures and our absolute requirement of strict adherence to them," Walters said in a statement.
In another move, Mattel announced Tuesday that it was expanding a recall announced in November of magnetic toys that include "certain dolls, figures, play sets and accessories that may release small, powerful magnets." The majority of the 18.2 million magnetic toys subject to the recall are no longer on store shelves, the company said, and newer toys have been designed to retain their magnets.
Details on the exact toys under recall can be found at www.service.mattel.com.
Earlier this month, Mattel recalled more than one million Chinese-made toys that had excessive levels of lead paint that, if ingested, could harm children. The toys were made by Lee Der Industrial in southern China.
Following the recall, Mattel stopped accepting products made by Lee Der and the Chinese government last week revoked the company's export license, The New York Times reported. One of the owners of Lee Der committed suicide last Saturday.
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Millions of Nokia Cell Phone Batteries Could Be Defective
Up to 46 million batteries in some Nokia cell phone models could be defective and pose a risk of overheating, the company said Tuesday.
The BL-5C batteries were made by Matsushita Battery Industrial Co. Ltd. of Japan from December 2005 to November 2006, reportedly in one of their China plants. Nokia said about 100 incidents of the batteries overheating have been reported worldwide, but there have been no reports of serious injuries or property damage, the Associated Press reported.
"Consumers with a BL-5C battery subject to this advisory should note that all of the approximately 100 incidents have occurred while charging the battery," and "this issue does not affect any other use of the mobile device," Nokia said.
The company did not issue a recall of the batteries. However, concerned customers can ask for a replacement for any BL-5C battery covered by the advisory, the AP reported.
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Doctors Reminded About Safe Use of HIV Drug in Children
Doctors need to be careful when using the anti-HIV drug Kaletra in children, says an Abbott Laboratories letter posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Web site.
The drug maker wrote the letter after the accidental overdose death of an infant born with HIV, who died nine days after receiving a 6.5 millimeter dose of Kaletra, the Associated Press reported.
In the letter, Abbott reminds doctors that children should receive less than a 5 millimeter dose of Kaletra oral solution.
"Special attention must be paid to accurate calculation of the dose, transcription of the medication order, dispensing information and dosing instructions to minimize the risk of medication," the letter states.
Kaletra prevents reproduction of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
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FDA Approves 2 New Drugs for Global Fight Against AIDS
Tentative approval of two antiretroviral drugs under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was granted Monday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
PEPFAR supports treatment for people in 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
The two newly approved drugs are nevirapine tablets, indicated for use with other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV-1 infection; and the pediatric triple fixed dose combination tablet of lamivudine, stavudine and nevirapine, the first fixed dose anti-HIV product designed to treat children under age 12.
These are the 50th and 51st antiretroviral drugs tentatively approved under PEPFAR. These two new drugs and 46 other generic drugs (or drug combinations) have been evaluated by the FDA under PEPFAR, but are not available for sale in the Unites States because of patent or other kinds of marketing protections.
Three other drugs evaluated by the FDA under this program are for sale in the United States. All 51 drugs approved by the FDA under PEPFAR can be purchased outside of the United States by PEPFAR partners using U.S. taxpayer dollars.
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Medicare Drug Benefit Premium Will Average $25 in 2008
The average premium for Medicare Part D drug coverage in 2008 will be about $25, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS) said Monday.
That premium for basic coverage is nearly 40 percent lower than the $41 originally projected when the program was signed into law in 2003, Newsday reported. The average premium this year is $22.
Low-income Medicare beneficiaries can receive assistance in paying their Part D premiums.
"Competition and smart choices have been two important factors in holding down the cost of the Medicare drug benefit," Herb Kuhn, acting deputy administrator of the CMMS, said in a prepared statement. He said increased generic drug use has also been a major factor in controlling costs, Newsday reported.
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World's Oldest Person Dies at 114
The world's oldest person -- 114-year-old Yone Minagawa of Japan -- died Monday and it's believed the title now belongs to 114-year-old Edna Parker of Shelbyville, Ind., who's about four months younger than Minagawa, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Minagawa was born Jan. 4, 1893 in Fukuoka Prefecture. She was widowed at an early age and supported her five children by selling flowers and vegetables that she grew at home. She lived alone for many years but moved into a nursing home in 2005.
All but one of her five children are dead. She's survived by a daughter, seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
When she was certified earlier this year as the world's oldest person, Minagawa credited sensible eating and plenty of sleep for her longevity, the Times reported.
Health Tips for August 15
Health Tip: Heat Cramps Shouldn't Be Ignored
Heat cramps occur in people who are exerting themselves during periods of significant heat and humidity. They shouldn't be ignored, because heat cramps can be the first signs of more serious conditions, including heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
The American Red Cross suggests these steps if you get heat cramps or additional warning signs of heat-related illness:
* If you have heat cramps or more serious symptoms of heat-related illness, immediately stop all activity and rest. Go to an air-conditioned or shady place, if possible.
* Symptoms of more serious heat-related illness include: moist, pale skin; headache, dizziness, weakness, exhaustion or nausea.
* Drink cool water or a sports drink slowly and in small amounts.
* Stretch the cramped muscles, and hold the stretched position for about 20 seconds. Repeat the stretching until the cramps have stopped.
* If symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention. Resume activity only if you no longer have any symptoms. But be very careful of overexertion and overheating.
Health Tip: Treating a Blister
Blisters are sore, swollen areas on the skin where fluid has collected beneath an outer layer of skin. Blisters are caused by friction, often from poorly fitted shoes or socks that rub against the skin.
Here are suggestions on caring for a blister, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:
* Steps should be taken to avoid further irritating the problem area.
* Large blisters can be carefully drained with a sterilized needle, then covered with antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
* For extra protection, purchase a moleskin at a drugstore. Cut a hole that's larger than the blister in the moleskin, creating a moleskin "donut." Then apply the moleskin so that the hole is over the blister.
* See your doctor about any blisters that don't heal in a reasonable amount of time, or look like they may be infected.
Heat cramps occur in people who are exerting themselves during periods of significant heat and humidity. They shouldn't be ignored, because heat cramps can be the first signs of more serious conditions, including heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
The American Red Cross suggests these steps if you get heat cramps or additional warning signs of heat-related illness:
* If you have heat cramps or more serious symptoms of heat-related illness, immediately stop all activity and rest. Go to an air-conditioned or shady place, if possible.
* Symptoms of more serious heat-related illness include: moist, pale skin; headache, dizziness, weakness, exhaustion or nausea.
* Drink cool water or a sports drink slowly and in small amounts.
* Stretch the cramped muscles, and hold the stretched position for about 20 seconds. Repeat the stretching until the cramps have stopped.
* If symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention. Resume activity only if you no longer have any symptoms. But be very careful of overexertion and overheating.
Health Tip: Treating a Blister
Blisters are sore, swollen areas on the skin where fluid has collected beneath an outer layer of skin. Blisters are caused by friction, often from poorly fitted shoes or socks that rub against the skin.
Here are suggestions on caring for a blister, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:
* Steps should be taken to avoid further irritating the problem area.
* Large blisters can be carefully drained with a sterilized needle, then covered with antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
* For extra protection, purchase a moleskin at a drugstore. Cut a hole that's larger than the blister in the moleskin, creating a moleskin "donut." Then apply the moleskin so that the hole is over the blister.
* See your doctor about any blisters that don't heal in a reasonable amount of time, or look like they may be infected.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Health Headlines - August 14
Gene Prevents Tumor Formation
A gene that's able to stop cancerous cells from multiplying and forming tumors has been identified by Canadian researchers, who say the HACE 1 gene can suppress the growth of breast, lung, liver and many other types of human tumors.
The B.C. Cancer Agency scientists said that HACE 1 helps combat stress that, left unrestricted, can lead to the formation of multiple tumors, the Canadian Press reported.
Cancerous cells form tumors when HACE 1 is inactive and tumor growth is extensive due to additional stress such as radiation. But activating HACE 1 prevented the formation of tumors, the researchers said.
The findings appear in the online advance issue of the journal Nature Medicine.
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Bali Suffers First Human Bird Flu Death
Indonesian officials have confirmed the first recorded human death from bird flu on the popular resort island of Bali, the Associated Press reported.
The victim, who died Sunday, was a 29-year-old Indonesian woman who had contact with infected chickens. The woman's 5-year-old daughter died on Aug. 3 and officials are still trying to determine if she was killed by bird flu.
There are fears that news of the bird flu deaths on Bali could hurt the island's tourism industry.
Since it first appeared in 2003, bird flu has killed at least 192 people worldwide, including 82 in Indonesia, the AP reported.
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Italian Mayor Pays Overweight Residents to Shed Pounds
The mayor of the north-western Italian town of Varallo has promised to fatten the wallets and purses of overweight residents who lose weight.
Men who lose 4 kilograms (9 lbs.) in a month will receive 50 euros ($70), while women will get the same amount if they lose 3 kg (7lbs.), reported the Daily Mail in the U.K.
Mayor Gianluca Buonanno also said that people who keep the weight off for five months will receive another 200 euros ($280).
Weigh-ins began last week and a number of residents in the town of 7,500 have already signed up, the Daily Mail reported.
"Lots of people are saying, 'I really need to lose some weight but it's really tough.' So I thought, why don't we go on a group diet," said Buonanno, who admits he's lugging around about 6 kg (13 lbs.) of excess weight.
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Scientists Spot Deadly West Nile Virus Mutation
A single genetic mutation causes the West Nile virus to become far more virulent, which leads to an increased risk of death in birds and likely in humans as well, concludes a U.S. study in the journal Nature.
The researchers also found that this mutation was "positively selected," which means that it "gives the virus a fitness advantage and enhances its ability to replicate," study lead author Aaron Brault, of the University of California at Davis, told Agence France-Presse.
Brault said this makes it easier for the West Nile virus to adapt to rapidly changing environments.
The study found that the death rate among crows exposed to the more virulent strain of the virus was 94 percent, compared to 31 percent among crows exposed to a less virulent version, AFP reported.
In 2006, 4,200 people in the United States were infected with the West Nile virus and 177 died. So far this year, only about a dozen deaths have been reported, but the number of infections has increased fourfold compared to the same time last year.
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Obese People Underestimate Sugar Intake
Many obese people underestimate their sugar consumption, which means that studies based on patient self-reporting are unreliable, say researchers from the Medical Research Council and the University of Cambridge in the U.K.
They had hundreds of people report how much sugar they ate and compared that information to data from a new urine test that provides an accurate measurement of actual sugar intake, BBC News reported.
"These results show what many have suspected for some time: obese people are not able to tell us what they actually eat," said research team leader Professor Sheila Bingham. "If we are to tackle the scourge of obesity, both exercise and diet need to be taken into account."
The study appears in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.
Some previous studies that suggested no link between sugar consumption and obesity relied on patient self-reporting, BBC News reported. But the conclusions of those studies were based on inaccurate data, Bingham and her colleagues said.
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Biodegradable Patch Fixes Common Heart Defect
A method of promoting the body's natural healing power that can correct a common heart defect called patent foramen ovale (PFO) is being used by doctors at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, England.
One in four people has this valve-like hole in the heart, which is linked with an increased risk of stroke and migraine, BBC News reported. PFO can be closed surgically using a graft, but this approach can cause damage to surrounding tissue.
This new technique uses a bioabsorbable patch that acts as a temporary plug. Within about 30 days, the body replaces the patch with healthy normal tissue.
So far, the patch has been used in about 70 patients at Royal Brompton Hospital, BBC News reported.
"Traditional grafts are permanent and so can cause an inflammatory reaction, which can lead to problems," said consultant cardiologist Michael Mullen. "Instead, this (patch) treatment does the repair job and then disappears in a natural way. The healing is very similar to how the body would heal itself normally."
Health Tips for August 14
Health Tip: Reasons for Chronic Cough
Chronic cough is one that persists for longer than three weeks. The cough may be caused by an illness, a behavior such as smoking, or as a side effect of a medication.
Here are common reasons for chronic cough, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
* Smoking.
* Asthma.
* Medications, including ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, or beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure, glaucoma or migraines.
* Acid reflux (heartburn), when the acid in your stomach backs up into your throat.
* Allergies, which can trigger cough-inducing postnasal drip.
Health Tip: Problems With Your Dentures?
Dentures must be properly fitted and cared for to prevent dental problems, discomfort and the need for repair.
Here are suggestions on caring for your dentures, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
* Don't use toothpicks on your dentures.
* After eating, thoroughly clean your dentures with plain soap and lukewarm water.
* Keep your gums in good health with daily massaging, rest from your dentures, and a salt water rinse.
* For dentures that don't fit perfectly, try a denture adhesive. If you still have discomfort, see your dentist.
Chronic cough is one that persists for longer than three weeks. The cough may be caused by an illness, a behavior such as smoking, or as a side effect of a medication.
Here are common reasons for chronic cough, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
* Smoking.
* Asthma.
* Medications, including ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, or beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure, glaucoma or migraines.
* Acid reflux (heartburn), when the acid in your stomach backs up into your throat.
* Allergies, which can trigger cough-inducing postnasal drip.
Health Tip: Problems With Your Dentures?
Dentures must be properly fitted and cared for to prevent dental problems, discomfort and the need for repair.
Here are suggestions on caring for your dentures, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
* Don't use toothpicks on your dentures.
* After eating, thoroughly clean your dentures with plain soap and lukewarm water.
* Keep your gums in good health with daily massaging, rest from your dentures, and a salt water rinse.
* For dentures that don't fit perfectly, try a denture adhesive. If you still have discomfort, see your dentist.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Health Headlines - August 13
'Brain-Drain' of Dangerous Protein May Offer Method to Prevent Alzheimer's
Is it possible to "flush" away the buildup dangerous substances in the brain that cause Alzheimer's disease?
That's what researchers from the University of Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center have tried on laboratory mice, and the results have indicated that the amyloid protein linked to causing Alzheimer's can be drained away.
According to a university news release, the "brain-drain" method doesn't address the cause of Alzheimer's, which most medical reseachers believe is the buildup of a protein in the brain called amyloid-beta. This substance creates the lesions that interrupt a person's memory signals and eventually leads to irreversible dementia.
So, rather than attack the cause of the protein, the researchers found a way to increase the body's ability to absorb amyloid-beta. This causes the brain to "order" levels of the substance in the brain to decline. This was done by using a modified form of soluble low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein, which helps control the amount of amyloid-beta in the brain.
The result: The levels of amyloid-beta in the brains of the laboratory mice was reduced by 85 to 90 percent. The researchers are now working on adapting their procedure for clinical trial on humans.
The research paper was published online August 12 by the journal Nature Medicine.
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U.S. Ranks 42nd in Life Expectancy, Statistics Show
While Americans' life span continues to grow, people in the United States might be surprised to learn their longevity rate doesn't even come close to cracking the top 25.
According to a survey done by the Associated Press, the United States ranks 41st in lifespan, behind most of Europe, Japan and some countries that might surprise Americans, such as Jordan and Singapore.
Not only that, the A.P. reports, but also the United States' ranking at 42nd in life expectancy (average age of 77.9 years) is much lower than 20 years ago, when it ranked 11th.
Some of the reasons for the decline in ranking cited by the wire service were the U.S. having world's highest obesity rates and a five year disparity in lifespan between white and black Americans (black Americans' average longevity is 73.5 years), according to research proved by the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Center for Health Statistics.
"The U.S. has the resources that allow people to get fat and lazy," Paul Terry, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Emory University in Atlanta, told the A.P.. "We have the luxury of choosing a bad lifestyle as opposed to having one imposed on us by hard times."
And where do people live the longest? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the country with that distinction is Andorra, a tiny country in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, with an average life expectancy of 83.5 years.
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Obesity Cited as Elementary School Absenteeism Predictor
It's not illness that keeps elementary school children away from the classroom most often.
It's obesity, say University of Pennsylvania and Temple University researchers in a study released Aug. 10, the Associated Press reports. In fact, obesity is the best predictor of school absenteeism, the scientists say.
According to Andrew B. Geier, the study's lead author and a doctoral candidate at the University of Pennsylvania, obese elementary school children, on average, miss a couple more school days each year, and that's a prediction for possible major problems down the road. "It's clear in all the literature that the more days of school you miss, it really sets you up for such negative outcomes: drugs and AIDS and (teen) pregnancy," Geier told the wire service.
"At this early age to show that already they're missing school, and missing school is such a major setup for big-time problems, that's something school policy people have to know," Geier said. The study was confined to the schools in the poorest areas of Philadelphia in order to keep the test group as homogeneous as possible, the A.P. reports.
The study didn't examine physical health issues associated with being overweight, the wire service reports. Rather, it dealt with emotional or psychological reasons behind the absenteeism. "They're missing school because they don't want to be bullied and called names," the A.P. quotes Geier as saying.
The study can be found in the latest issue of the journal Obesity.
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Don't Eat Certain Raw Oysters From Washington State, FDA Says
Consumers should not eat raw oysters harvested from the southern tip of Hood Canal in Washington state, because they may be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Friday.
Raw oysters harvested from "growing area 6" in Hood Canal since July 3 have caused at least six people to become sick in California and in Washington state, the agency said. Records indicate the oysters were shipped to California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, New York, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria can cause an illness called vibriosis, with symptoms including watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of eating the tainted food and normally last no more than three days.
The most severe symptoms are rare and most frequently affect people with weakened immune systems, including young children, the elderly, and people with AIDS or other conditions that compromise the immune system, the FDA said.
Washington state has closed the area associated with the contaminated oysters and has asked harvesters and distributors to recall any raw oysters obtained from the area.
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L.A. Hospital Loses Federal Funding, Closes Emergency Room and Inpatient Care
A Los Angeles hospital built after the 1965 Watts riots to bring better health care to the poor has lost its federal funding and has already eliminated some of its most essential services.
Regulators who oversee Medicare payments announced at a news conference Friday that L.A. county-run Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital failed two federal inspections and would no longer be eligible for $200 million in federal funding, according to the Associated Press.
In effect, the loss of the money will cause the hospital to close, local health officials told the wire service. The hospital's emergency room, which is often the first place sick or injured people from the neighborhood go, shut down Friday night.
"We brought every resource to bear, but in the end it just wasn't enough, fast enough," Dr. Bruce Chernof told the A.P. King-Harbor will remain open as an outpatient clinic to treat people with routine illness or injury, he added.
The problem with the hospital has festered for years. Herb Kuhn, acting deputy administrator for the U.S. Centers of Medicare and Medical Services, told the A.P. that an inspection last month found "conditions at the facility have placed the health and safety of patients at great risk."
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More American Seniors Have Drug Coverage
Many more American seniors now have prescription drug coverage, according to a University of Michigan (U-M) study that also found that poor seniors are as likely to have coverage as rich seniors.
The study found that more than 90 percent of people age 65 and older had drug prescription coverage in 2006, compared with 75 percent in 2004, The Ann Arbor News reported.
The findings are based on data from interviews with a nationally representative sample of 10,175 older adults.
Some critics have said the U.S. Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is confusing. But the authors of this study said the plan, introduced in 2006, has increased drug coverage for seniors, especially for those who most needed help, The Ann Arbor News reported.
The study was presented Thursday in Washington, D.C. at a conference sponsored by the Social Security Administration and the Retirement Research Consortium.
Health Tips for August 13
Food Fact:
Boil meets grill.
If you're boiling vegetables, you're losing key nutrients. There is a better way. Turn up the oven to 425 degrees and roast 'em. High heat seals in the veggies' juices -- and the nutrients, which leech out in boiling water. The flavor is remarkably better, too -- roasting caramelizes veggies' natural sugars, and you won't need a pat of butter or a cheese sauce to dress them up. When roasting, cut the vegetable into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Spray a baking sheet with heart-healthy canola or olive oil. Spread the veggies evenly out on the sheet, and spray with the oil. Add your favorite seasoning and roast until the veggies are tender on the inside.
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:
Do I burn calories even when I''m just sitting around?
You burn calories all the time, even when you're asleep. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy (calories) your body uses for basic chores such as breathing, circulating blood, powering the nervous system and maintaining body temperature. A normal BMR for the average healthy male is around 1 calorie per kilogram (2.2 lbs) of body weight per hour; for women it is slightly lower, at around .9 calorie/kg/hr. But BMRs are very personal. Body composition helps determine BMR; a woman's BMR is generally lower than a man's because she carries more body fat. Other factors that affect BMR include age, activity level, nutrition, growth, pregnancy, body size and overall health.
Boil meets grill.
If you're boiling vegetables, you're losing key nutrients. There is a better way. Turn up the oven to 425 degrees and roast 'em. High heat seals in the veggies' juices -- and the nutrients, which leech out in boiling water. The flavor is remarkably better, too -- roasting caramelizes veggies' natural sugars, and you won't need a pat of butter or a cheese sauce to dress them up. When roasting, cut the vegetable into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Spray a baking sheet with heart-healthy canola or olive oil. Spread the veggies evenly out on the sheet, and spray with the oil. Add your favorite seasoning and roast until the veggies are tender on the inside.
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:
Do I burn calories even when I''m just sitting around?
You burn calories all the time, even when you're asleep. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy (calories) your body uses for basic chores such as breathing, circulating blood, powering the nervous system and maintaining body temperature. A normal BMR for the average healthy male is around 1 calorie per kilogram (2.2 lbs) of body weight per hour; for women it is slightly lower, at around .9 calorie/kg/hr. But BMRs are very personal. Body composition helps determine BMR; a woman's BMR is generally lower than a man's because she carries more body fat. Other factors that affect BMR include age, activity level, nutrition, growth, pregnancy, body size and overall health.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Health Headlines - August 12
Don't Eat Certain Raw Oysters From Washington State, FDA Says
Consumers should not eat raw oysters harvested from the southern tip of Hood Canal in Washington state, because they may be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Friday.
Raw oysters harvested from "growing area 6" in Hood Canal since July 3 have caused at least six people to become sick in California and in Washington state, the agency said. Records indicate the oysters were shipped to California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, New York, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria can cause an illness called vibriosis, with symptoms including watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of eating the tainted food and normally last no more than three days.
The most severe symptoms are rare and most frequently affect people with weakened immune systems, including young children, the elderly, and people with AIDS or other conditions that compromise the immune system, the FDA said.
Washington state has closed the area associated with the contaminated oysters and has asked harvesters and distributors to recall any raw oysters obtained from the area.
-----
L.A. Hospital Loses Federal Funding, Closes Emergency Room and Inpatient Care
A Los Angeles hospital built after the 1965 Watts riots to bring better health care to the poor has lost its federal funding and has already eliminated some of its most essential services.
Regulators who oversee Medicare payments announced at a news conference Friday that L.A. county-run Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital failed two federal inspections and would no longer be eligible for $200 million in federal funding, according to the Associated Press.
In effect, the loss of the money will cause the hospital to close, local health officials told the wire service. The hospital's emergency room, which is often the first place sick or injured people from the neighborhood go, shut down Friday night.
"We brought every resource to bear, but in the end it just wasn't enough, fast enough," Dr. Bruce Chernof told the A.P. King-Harbor will remain open as an outpatient clinic to treat people with routine illness or injury, he added.
The problem with the hospital has festered for years. Herb Kuhn, acting deputy administrator for the U.S. Centers of Medicare and Medical Services, told the A.P. that an inspection last month found "conditions at the facility have placed the health and safety of patients at great risk."
-----
More American Seniors Have Drug Coverage
Many more American seniors now have prescription drug coverage, according to a University of Michigan (U-M) study that also found that poor seniors are as likely to have coverage as rich seniors.
The study found that more than 90 percent of people age 65 and older had drug prescription coverage in 2006, compared with 75 percent in 2004, The Ann Arbor News reported.
The findings are based on data from interviews with a nationally representative sample of 10,175 older adults.
Some critics have said the U.S. Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is confusing. But the authors of this study said the plan, introduced in 2006, has increased drug coverage for seniors, especially for those who most needed help, The Ann Arbor News reported.
The study was presented Thursday in Washington, D.C. at a conference sponsored by the Social Security Administration and the Retirement Research Consortium.
-----
Iowa Dairy Sold Cows With High Levels of Antibiotics: FDA
An Iowa dairy faces legal action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for allegedly selling cows for meat processing even though they had excessive levels of antibiotics, the Associated Press reported.
Following an investigation, the FDA filed a complaint in federal court against Rock Valley-based Ysselstein Dairy and its owner Sjerp Ysselstein.
Animals with high levels of drugs are not allowed to be sold for human consumption, the AP reported. In order to ensure that meat is safe for humans, the FDA requires that no drugs are given to animals for a specified period of time before they're slaughtered.
Sjerp Ysselstein said he's agreed to comply with FDA requirements and that the problem has been solved, the AP reported.
-----
California Farming Town Has Most Polluted Air in U.S.
The central California farming town of Arvin has the worst air pollution in the United States, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
The town itself produces little air pollution but is surrounded by mountains that trap pollutants blown in from large cities, the Associated Press reported.
Many Arvin residents say the air in their town smells toxic and, on hot summer days, airborne particles coat homes and streets and obscure the view of the nearby Tehachapi mountain range.
Between 2004 and 2006, ozone in Arvin exceeded acceptable levels an average of 73 days a year. Ozone is the primary component of smog. By comparison, there were an average of four days per year of unacceptable ozone levels in the San Francisco Bay Area over the same period, the AP reported.
-----
FDA Warns of Red Yeast Rice Products Sold to Control Cholesterol
Consumers should not buy or eat three red yeast rice products promoted and sold on Web sites as dietary supplements for treating high cholesterol. The products may contain an unauthorized drug that could cause muscle weakness, leading to kidney damage, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.
The products are Red Yeast Rice and Red Yeast Rice/Policosonal Complex, sold by Swanson Healthcare Products Inc., and manufactured by Nature's Value Inc. and Kabco Inc., respectively; and Cholestrix, sold by Sunburst Biorganics. FDA testing revealed that the products contain lovastatin, the active ingredient in Mevacor, a prescription drug approved for treating high cholesterol, the FDA said in a prepared statement.
"This risk is even more serious because consumers may not know the side effects associated with lovastatin and the fact that it can adversely interact with other medications," said Dr. Steven Galson, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
The FDA said it has sent warning letters to Swanson and Sunburst Biorganics, asking them to stop selling the products. The letters state that the products, sold on the firms' Web sites, are unapproved drugs that are marketed in violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The FDA is advising consumers to consult their doctor if they experience problems that may be due to the products. The agency also asks consumers to report problems with the products to MedWatch, the FDA's voluntary reporting program: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm; 800-332-1088; Fax: 800-332-0178; and MedWatch, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Md., 20852-9787.
Health Tips for August 12
Food Fact:
Raspberry preserve.
Fresh raspberries are delicious -- but fragile. Here's how to treat them right. Because all fresh berries are highly perishable, they should be refrigerated (unwashed) as soon as possible after they're picked. Before refrigerating, spread the juicy, fragile berries in a single layer on a large tray or baking sheet. Wash berries gently but thoroughly before you eat them or use them in a recipe. Juicy and sweet, raspberries are jam-packed with vitamin C, folate and potassium; one cup has more than a third of your daily requirement of fiber. Raspberries are particularly powerful antioxidants. When researchers at Tufts University in Boston measured levels of antioxidants in various fruits and vegetables, berries consistently cropped up at the top of the list.
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:
How many calories do I need each day?
Fifteen calories per pound per day is a good rule of thumb for maintaining your weight. But remember, this is a rough estimate for the average, moderately active person; the actual number you need will depend on your relative amounts of lean and fat body tissue, and your fitness level. If you're very lean and active, you may burn as many as 17 calories per pound per day. Here's a rough guide to the number of calories a 125-lb. woman burns during different activities: About 1 calorie a minute sleeping or sitting quietly, 3 calories a minute doing light housework, and 14 calories a minute walking up stairs.
Raspberry preserve.
Fresh raspberries are delicious -- but fragile. Here's how to treat them right. Because all fresh berries are highly perishable, they should be refrigerated (unwashed) as soon as possible after they're picked. Before refrigerating, spread the juicy, fragile berries in a single layer on a large tray or baking sheet. Wash berries gently but thoroughly before you eat them or use them in a recipe. Juicy and sweet, raspberries are jam-packed with vitamin C, folate and potassium; one cup has more than a third of your daily requirement of fiber. Raspberries are particularly powerful antioxidants. When researchers at Tufts University in Boston measured levels of antioxidants in various fruits and vegetables, berries consistently cropped up at the top of the list.
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:
How many calories do I need each day?
Fifteen calories per pound per day is a good rule of thumb for maintaining your weight. But remember, this is a rough estimate for the average, moderately active person; the actual number you need will depend on your relative amounts of lean and fat body tissue, and your fitness level. If you're very lean and active, you may burn as many as 17 calories per pound per day. Here's a rough guide to the number of calories a 125-lb. woman burns during different activities: About 1 calorie a minute sleeping or sitting quietly, 3 calories a minute doing light housework, and 14 calories a minute walking up stairs.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Health Headlines - August 11
Don't Eat Certain Raw Oysters From Washington State, FDA Says
Consumers should not eat raw oysters harvested from the southern tip of Hood Canal in Washington state, because they may be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Friday.
Raw oysters harvested from "growing area 6" in Hood Canal since July 3 have caused at least six people to become sick in California and in Washington state, the agency said. Records indicate the oysters were shipped to California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, New York, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria can cause an illness called vibriosis, with symptoms including watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of eating the tainted food and normally last no more than three days.
The most severe symptoms are rare and most frequently affect people with weakened immune systems, including young children, the elderly, and people with AIDS or other conditions that compromise the immune system, the FDA said.
Washington state has closed the area associated with the contaminated oysters and has asked harvesters and distributors to recall any raw oysters obtained from the area.
-----
More American Seniors Have Drug Coverage
Many more American seniors now have prescription drug coverage, according to a University of Michigan (U-M) study that also found that poor seniors are as likely to have coverage as rich seniors.
The study found that more than 90 percent of people age 65 and older had drug prescription coverage in 2006, compared with 75 percent in 2004, The Ann Arbor News reported.
The findings are based on data from interviews with a nationally representative sample of 10,175 older adults.
Some critics have said the U.S. Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is confusing. But the authors of this study said the plan, introduced in 2006, has increased drug coverage for seniors, especially for those who most needed help, The Ann Arbor News reported.
The study was presented Thursday in Washington, D.C. at a conference sponsored by the Social Security Administration and the Retirement Research Consortium.
-----
Iowa Dairy Sold Cows With High Levels of Antibiotics: FDA
An Iowa dairy faces legal action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for allegedly selling cows for meat processing even though they had excessive levels of antibiotics, the Associated Press reported.
Following an investigation, the FDA filed a complaint in federal court against Rock Valley-based Ysselstein Dairy and its owner Sjerp Ysselstein.
Animals with high levels of drugs are not allowed to be sold for human consumption, the AP reported. In order to ensure that meat is safe for humans, the FDA requires that no drugs are given to animals for a specified period of time before they're slaughtered.
Sjerp Ysselstein said he's agreed to comply with FDA requirements and that the problem has been solved, the AP reported.
-----
California Farming Town Has Most Polluted Air in U.S.
The central California farming town of Arvin has the worst air pollution in the United States, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
The town itself produces little air pollution but is surrounded by mountains that trap pollutants blown in from large cities, the Associated Press reported.
Many Arvin residents say the air in their town smells toxic and, on hot summer days, airborne particles coat homes and streets and obscure the view of the nearby Tehachapi mountain range.
Between 2004 and 2006, ozone in Arvin exceeded acceptable levels an average of 73 days a year. Ozone is the primary component of smog. By comparison, there were an average of four days per year of unacceptable ozone levels in the San Francisco Bay Area over the same period, the AP reported.
-----
FDA Warns of Red Yeast Rice Products Sold to Control Cholesterol
Consumers should not buy or eat three red yeast rice products promoted and sold on Web sites as dietary supplements for treating high cholesterol. The products may contain an unauthorized drug that could cause muscle weakness, leading to kidney damage, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.
The products are Red Yeast Rice and Red Yeast Rice/Policosonal Complex, sold by Swanson Healthcare Products Inc., and manufactured by Nature's Value Inc. and Kabco Inc., respectively; and Cholestrix, sold by Sunburst Biorganics. FDA testing revealed that the products contain lovastatin, the active ingredient in Mevacor, a prescription drug approved for treating high cholesterol, the FDA said in a prepared statement.
"This risk is even more serious because consumers may not know the side effects associated with lovastatin and the fact that it can adversely interact with other medications," said Dr. Steven Galson, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
The FDA said it has sent warning letters to Swanson and Sunburst Biorganics, asking them to stop selling the products. The letters state that the products, sold on the firms' Web sites, are unapproved drugs that are marketed in violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The FDA is advising consumers to consult their doctor if they experience problems that may be due to the products. The agency also asks consumers to report problems with the products to MedWatch, the FDA's voluntary reporting program: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm; 800-332-1088; Fax: 800-332-0178; and MedWatch, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Md., 20852-9787.
-----
Study Suggests Fewer U.S. Workers Using Cocaine
There was a 15.9 percent decline in positive test results for cocaine use among American workers during the first six months of 2007 compared to 2006, according a report released Thursday by Quest Diagnostics.
The highest declines occurred in New England and in an area that includes Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
The rate of positive cocaine tests is at it lowest level since Quest, which conducts workplace drug testing, started reporting on cocaine rates a decade ago, said Barry Sample, director of science and technology for the Employer Solutions division of Quest.
"While it is too soon to point to a trend, the significant decline in positivity rates in different workforce categories and across regions may suggest that our nation's workers are choosing not to use cocaine or that they lack access to the drug," Sample said in a prepared statement.
"These data are encouraging," said John Walters, director of U.S. National Drug Control Policy.
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