Coping with Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

What You Need to Know
Cold sores are proof that life can be unfair -- some people get them, others don't. Besides being itchy and painful, cold sores (fever blisters) make you feel self-conscious. Certain treatments can help shorten the duration of symptoms of cold sores, when used at the first sign of an outbreak. Other treatments can relieve symptoms.


Don't Blame Your Cold
Cold sores aren't caused by the common cold. They're caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), passed on through contact with infected skin or body fluid. There are two types of HSV, type 1 and type 2. Cold sores are usually caused by type 1. HSV-1 damages the skin as it reproduces itself, creating cold sores that last about a week. Between outbreaks, HSV-1 hides out inside nerve cells, so it's never completely cured.


Who Gets Cold Sores and Why
More than half of us have been infected with the HSV-1 virus, usually from well-meaning kisses from relatives or romantic partners. So why do only an unlucky few get cold sores? The answer may be in your genes. A 2008 study identified six genes that many people who get cold sores share. Three of those genes may relate to how HSV-1 reactivates itself, causing outbreaks.


Stress Can Trigger a Cold Sore
HSV-1 spends most of its time inactive, hiding in nerves. Many people have familiar triggers that tend to bring HSV-1 out of seclusion, causing cold sores. Sunlight, fever, stress, and menstruation are common triggers. Some people get cold sores twice a year; for others, it's a frustrating, stressful, monthly ritual.

Canker Sores Aren't the Same
Cold sores usually appear on the lip; canker sores affect the inside of the mouth. Canker sores don't involve the herpes virus and aren't contagious. No one knows what causes them. Cold sores generally herald their arrival with a warning period of red, irritated skin. Blisters form, rupture, and then crust over before healing.


When You're Contagious
A cold sore is caused by skin damage as the herpes virus reproduces itself within infected cells. From the time skin turns itchy or red, HSV-1 is likely present and can be spread. Cold sores are most contagious when blisters are present and just after they rupture, until the skin is completely healed and looks normal again. However, some people can transmit the virus through their saliva at any time -- even if they never get cold sores.


How Is the Cold Sore Virus Spread?
HSV spreads through body fluids. The cold sore virus is usually present on an infected person's lip, even if there's no obvious sore. So the main way it is transmitted is by kissing. Because HSV-1 can also live in saliva, sharing kitchen utensils or drinking glasses can also allow infection. Oral sex can lead to HSV-1 infection of the partner's genitals.


How to Avoid Spreading the Virus
Use caution while a sore is present: No kissing, no sharing of toothbrushes, tableware, or glasses; and no oral sex. That will reduce most spread of HSV-1, although you may not be able to entirely reduce the possibility of spread.


Easing Cold Sore Pain
While the initial outbreak can last up to two weeks, recurrent outbreaks usually last about one week. Some people may find relief with hot or cold compresses. There is no cure for cold sores, but some over-the-counter creams and gels can provide symptomatic relief of burning and pain.


Using Antiviral Creams
Antiviral creams can reduce the time it takes a cold sore to heal if applied at the very first sign of a cold sore. Docosanol cream (Abreva) is available over the counter. Acyclovir (Zovirax) cream and penciclovir (Denavir) cream are available by prescription.


Prescription Cold Sore Medications
Oral antiviral prescription medications can also reduce the amount of healing time when taken at the first sign of a cold sore -- red or itchy skin, for example. Acyclovir (Zovirax) is begun before cold sores fully flare and taken 5 times daily. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is taken at the first sign of a cold sore and then 12 hours later. Famciclovir (Famvir) is taken as a single dose.


Is This a Cold Sore?
What about a cold sore that's not on your lip? They are not as common, but cold sores can appear anywhere on the face, including on the cheek, chin, or nose. Most people's cold sores reappear in the same area each time.


Can You Spread It on Your Body?
It's possible, though rare, to spread the cold sore virus from one part of your body to another. It can happen by touching a cold sore, then touching an area of broken skin or a mucous membrane, the moist protective lining of skin found in areas like the eyes or vagina. That can lead to a herpes skin infection. This self-spread or autoinoculation can be prevented by washing your hands and not touching the cold sore.


When Herpes Infects the Eye
Among the other areas the cold sore virus can infect are the finger (herpetic whitlow) and the eye (ocular herpes). Ocular herpes most often occurs on the cornea. It is the most common infectious cause of corneal blindness in the US. Prompt treatment is needed to prevent eye damage. Herpetic whitlow is painful. When kids get herpetic whitlow, it's usually because they've spread the virus from a cold sore by finger- or thumb-sucking.


Preventing Outbreaks
It can be tough to prevent cold sores entirely, but reducing your triggers can help. Stay out of the sun, or use sunscreen and UV-blocking lip balm. Learn and practice stress management strategies that work for you. Keep your immune system healthy by getting plenty of sleep and daily exercise.


When to See a Doctor
If you have severe or frequent cold sore outbreaks, you should see your doctor.

How to Avoid Picnic Sickness

Picnic time! It’s not usually hungry bears we have to worry about when we dine outside. It’s our food.

Foods can be the route for illness. Common bugs norovirus, Salmonella and E. coli can get around during preparation, grilling or serving. These tips will help make sure your family and friends keep coming back for more when you take it outdoors:

Keep it clean

• Always wash hands before and after handling food.
• Replace empty plates instead of adding fresh food to one that had food in it. When taking food off the grill, don't put the cooked items on the same plate that held raw meat.
• Try to find out if there will be drinking water at the picnic location. If not, bring water for cleaning or pack disposable towelettes or paper towels.

Temperature matters

• Fresh and frozen raw meat, chicken and fish should be cooked thoroughly.  Always use a meat thermometer to check proper temperatures. Grill raw chicken until the juices run clear and there is no pink. Hamburger should not be pink in the center.
• Don’t partially grill extra meat to use later. Once you begin, cook until completely done to assure bacteria are destroyed.
• Cook other foods ahead, so there will be lots of time to thoroughly chill them in shallow containers in the refrigerator.
• Have coolers with ice or freeze packs to store meat, fish, eggs and salads. 40 degrees F is the goal. Pack foods right from the refrigerator into the coolers.
• Pack raw meats, chicken, or seafood at the bottom of the cooler so they don’t drip on other foods. Pack cooler until it is full, since a full cooler will stay cold longer than one that’s partly full.
• At your picnic, keep the cooler in the shade and keep the lid closed as much as possible. Refill the ice if it melts.
• Keep foods cold outside the cooler by putting the dishes in bowls of ice.
• If you plan on getting take-out like fried chicken, eat it within an hour of pick up.
• Keep in mind that foods shouldn’t sit at room temperature for over two hours.

Transportation and Storage

• Put the cooler inside your car and not in the hot trunk.
• Use a different cooler for drinks so you won't keep opening the one with food.
• Leftover cold foods kept in a cooler with has ice may be safe to save, unless the ice inside has melted. 
• So keep it clean, cold and fully cooked - and have fun out there!

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I have a highly-qualified readership with medical backgrounds that should appeal to companies.

Health Headlines - November 23

Group Issues Annual List of Unsafe Toys

A Sesame Street Oscar doll, a plastic book for babies, and a wooden blocks set are among the toys that could harm children this holiday season, according to the U.S. Public Research Interest Group's 26th annual "Trouble in Toyland" report.

The document lists just over a dozen toys on store shelves that violate federal safety standards for lead and chemicals called phthalates, or that could pose a choking hazard for small children, the Associated Press reported.

Toys that are too loud and could damage hearing, as well as balloons, were also cited as potential dangers by PIRG. Balloons cause more choking deaths than any other children's product.

Toy recalls in the United States have declined in recent years and PIRG credits a 2008 law that set stricter standards for children's products, the AP reported.

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HIV Tests Offered At Government Offices in Washington, D.C.

An HIV-testing program offered at a Department of Motor Vehicles' office in Washington, D.C. was so successful that it has been expanded to an office where residents of the nation's capital register for food stamps, Medicaid and other government services.

Since it began last October, more than 5,000 people have had the free HIV test at the DMV office and received results while they wait. Sixty people were tested Monday during the first day of the program at the new site, the Associated Press reported.

The HIV testing isn't done by government employees, but rather by a nonprofit group called Family and Medical Counseling Services Inc.

"You have to meet people where they are," Sheila Brockington, who's in charge of HIV testing at the DMV office, told the AP.

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Medical Device Company Executives Sent to Prison

Executives of a U.S. medical devices company received prison sentences Monday for unapproved testing of bone cement that caused three deaths.

U.S. District Judge Legrome D. Davis said the desire for profits blinded executives of Pennsylvania-based Synthes North America to the "sanctity of human life," theAssociated Press reported.

In order to bypass U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval and get their bone cement to market before competitors, the executives plotted to train select surgeons in the off-label use of the bone cement and then have the surgeons publish their findings, the judge said.

Three patients died before Synthes halted the surgeon training in 2004, the AP reported.

"One adverse event should have been enough to let you know that this course was not right," Davis said. "I can't understand how there wasn't a stop sign."

He sentenced former company President Michael Huggins and former Senior Vice President Thomas B. Higgins to nine months in prison. Former director of regulatory and clinical affairs John J. Walsh was given a five-month sentence. The sentencing of former Vice President Richard Bohner was postponed after his lawyer became ill in court.

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Woman Mauled by Chimp Gets Compliments on New Face

An American woman who received a face transplant after being mauled by a chimpanzee says people are complementing her on her new face.

Charla Nash said on NBC's "Today" show that her new face has started to mold to her underlying bone structure and she's resuming more of her normal life, the Associated Press reported.

People have told her she's beautiful, something that didn't occur before, Nash said.

In the 2009 attack, the chimp tore off Nash's nose, lips, eyelids and hands and she was blinded. She had a face and double hand transplant in May, but complications forced the removal of the hands, the AP reported.

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Dog Illnesses May be Linked to Chicken Jerky Treats: FDA

Chicken jerky treats imported from China may be to blame for dog illnesses and deaths in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration warns.

So far this year, at least 70 dogs have become ill after reportedly eating the jerky products and some of the dogs have died, msnbc.com reported.

FDA officials have not been able to pinpoint a specific contaminant and did not identify a particular brand of the chicken jerky products, also sold as chicken treats, chicken strips and chicken tenders.

Reports from dog owners and vets indicate that dogs may suffer a variety of illnesses within days or hours of eating the treats, including kidney failure, msnbc.com said.

Decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and increased urination are among the symptoms. If they are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, take the dog to a veterinarian, the FDA said.

Health Tips for November 23

Health Tip: Treat Yourself Well During the Holidays

The holidays can be physically, emotionally and financially overwhelming. So take care to avoid letting the stress of the season get you down.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests how to take care of yourself during the holidays:

• Keep up with your regular exercise routine, and stick to a regular schedule of healthy, nutritious meals.
• Get plenty of sleep each night.
• Find a few minutes to do something fun each day.
• Make sure your holiday goals are realistic.
• Enjoy the season with people who are supportive.
• Take a break from your hectic schedule when you need it.

Health Tip: Keep Stress Off the Holiday Meal Menu

If you are one of the many people who have high expectations for your holiday gatherings, a few simple steps can help reduce your stress on Thanksgiving:

• Shop for perishable items well ahead of time and have a list ready for what you need to buy immediately before the holiday.
• If you're going to use the good silver and china, get it ready before Thanksgiving.
• Try to get everyone to share the chores. Also, cutting some corners, for example, purchasing a pie rather than making one from scratch, is also OK.
• Don't stress over making a meal that's both tasty and healthy. Just do what you can to cut down on fat, sugar and other unhealthy ingredients, watch serving sizes and plan to eat healthy the rest of the week.
• Limit your driving. You don't have to see every family member in one day. Alternate years that you visit relatives on Thanksgiving or celebrate with them another day.
• Take time to give thanks for what you have and encourage your children to do the same. Consider donating items to the food bank to help those who are dire straits.

Health Headlines - November 22

Woman Mauled by Chimp Gets Compliments on New Face

An American woman who received a face transplant after being mauled by a chimpanzee says people are complementing her on her new face.

Charla Nash said on NBC's "Today" show that her new face has started to mold to her underlying bone structure and she's resuming more of her normal life, the Associated Press reported.

People have told her she's beautiful, something that didn't occur before, Nash said.

In the 2009 attack, the chimp tore off Nash's nose, lips, eyelids and hands and she was blinded. She had a face and double hand transplant in May, but complications forced the removal of the hands, the AP reported.

-----

Dog Illnesses May be Linked to Chicken Jerky Treats: FDA

Chicken jerky treats imported from China may be to blame for dog illnesses and deaths in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration warns.

So far this year, at least 70 dogs have become ill after reportedly eating the jerky products and some of the dogs have died, msnbc.com reported.

FDA officials have not been able to pinpoint a specific contaminant and did not identify a particular brand of the chicken jerky products, also sold as chicken treats, chicken strips and chicken tenders.

Reports from dog owners and vets indicate that dogs may suffer a variety of illnesses within days or hours of eating the treats, including kidney failure, msnbc.com said.

Decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and increased urination are among the symptoms. If they are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, take the dog to a veterinarian, the FDA said.

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HIV/AIDS Epidemic May be Leveling Off: UNAIDS

The 2.7 million new HIV infections reported worldwide last year is about the same number as in the previous three years, which suggests that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is leveling off, according to a UNAIDS report released Monday.

The number of people with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, was about 34 million at the end of last year. That's slightly more than in previous years but UNAIDS said it is because people with HIV/AIDS are surviving longer, the Associated Press reported.

There were 1.8 million AIDS-related deaths in 2010, down from 1.9 million in 2009.

"It's looking promising, but the numbers are still at a scary level," Sophie Harman, a global health expert at City University in London, told the AP.

Harman, who was not connected to the UNAIDS report, also expressed doubt about UNAIDS' strategy for the next few years to work toward eliminating new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.

"Maybe they need to aim high but if their main goal is eradication, it's highly unlikely that will ever happen," she told the AP.

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Antipsychotic Drugs Given to Foster Children: Study

Foster children in the United States are more likely than mentally-ill children to receive a cocktail of powerful antipsychotic drugs, according to a new study.

Researchers examined the 2003 Medicaid records of 637,924 children in a mid-Atlantic state who were either in foster care, receiving disability benefits for a diagnosis such as severe autism or bipolar disorder, or in a program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, The New York Times reported.

About 3 percent of all the children (16,969) had received at least one prescription for an antipsychotic drug. At least 2 percent of foster children took at least one such drug, despite the fact that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, for which the drugs are approved, are extremely rare in young children.

The researchers also found that 9.2 percent of foster children received prescriptions for more than one antipsychotic drug at the same time, compared with 6.8 children on disability and 2.5 percent of those in the needy families program, The Times reported.

The study was published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

"The kids in foster care may come from bad homes, but they do not have the sort of complex medical issues that those in the disabled population do," said lead author Susan dosReis, an associate professor in the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, The Times reported.

The findings suggest that doctors are treating foster children's behavioral problems with the same powerful antipsychotic drugs given to patients with schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder.

"We simply don't have evidence to support this kind of use, especially in young children," dosReis said.

Health Tips for November 22

Health Tip: Eating Healthy for Vegetarians

Vegetarians are no less susceptible than others to malnutrition. The key, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to eat a variety of foods that ensure enough calories and proper nutrition.

The agency offers these suggestions for a healthy vegetarian diet:

• Choose plant-based protein sources such as soy, nuts, peas and beans.
• Get plenty of calcium through leafy, dark-green vegetables, calcium-fortified foods and dairy products.
• Make peas and beans important staples of your diet, and make nuts a regular snack food.
• Get plenty of vitamin B12 -- found naturally only in animal products -- by choosing fortified foods, such as cereals or soy products.

Health Tip: Watch for Lactose in Foods

Lactose intolerant people may be primed to avoid milk, sparing themselves uncomfortable symptoms of bloating, gas or stomach cramps.

But lactose may be an ingredient in many foods, in addition to milk. The womenshealth.gov website offers this list of possible examples:

• Ice cream, sherbet, cream, butter, some cheeses and yogurt.
• Baked goods, such as breads and cereals.
• Cake, cookie, pancake and biscuit mixes.
• Prepared soups, breakfast drinks and instant mashed potatoes.
• Margarine.
• Salad dressings.
• Lunch meats, and prepared and frozen meals.

Health Headlines - November 21

Paterno Has Lung Cancer, Son Reveals

Recently fired Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has lung cancer, his son wrote Friday in a statement provided to the Associated Press.

Joe Paterno, 84, is being treated and "his doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery," his son, Scott, wrote.

"As everyone can appreciate, this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment," Scott Paterno's statement said.

The diagnosis, according to the statement, was made at a doctor's visit last weekend -- originally a follow-up appointment for a bronchial illness, the AP reported.

Joe Paterno was fired last week amid allegations about former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who has been charged with sexually assaulting eight boys during a 15-year period.

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Romaine Lettuce Salad Products Recalled

Ready Pac Food Inc. bagged salad products containing romaine lettuce have been recalled because they might be contaminated with E. coli, the California Department of Health said Thursday.

The recalled products are in 9 oz., 9.25 oz., 10 oz., 10.25 oz. and 16 oz. bags and have Ready Pac, Trader Joe's, Safeway, and Dining In Classic labels. They have a Use by Date of Nov. 18, 2011, CBS News reported.

The products were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. No cases of illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported.

The recall was announced after tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture detected some E. coli contamination in the product, CBS News reported.

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Former NFL Players Taking Part in Brain Disease Study

Researchers have started testing retired professional football players in an attempt to learn how to diagnose a degenerative brain disease in former athletes while they are still alive.

Currently, the only way to confirm Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is by examining brains after death, the Associated Press reported.

The researchers at Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy plan to compare 100 retired NFL players with 50 retired elite athletes from non-contact sports.

Participants undergo two days of examinations that includes brain scans, a spinal tap, neurological and cognitive tests, blood work and a psychiatric interview, the AP reported.

Until CTE can be diagnosed while athletes are still alive, it's impossible to develop treatments or learn how to prevent it, said center co-director Robert Stern.

-----

Smucker's Peanut Butter Recalled

Possible salmonella contamination has led to the recall of some 16-ounce jars of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky sold in nearly two dozen states.

Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co. said the recalled jars have "Best if Used By" dates of Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 2012, and carry the production codes 1307004 and 1308004, theAssociated Press reported.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the peanut butter, according to the company.

The recalled product was distributed in: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Health Tips for November 21

Health Tip: Focus on Preconception Health

Taking steps to better your health before you or your partner becomes pregnant can help ensure a healthier pregnancy.

The womenshealth.gov website offers this preconception advice:

• Take a daily supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms to 800 micrograms of folic acid.
• Quit drinking alcohol and smoking.
• Make sure any chronic health condition, such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy or obesity, is well-controlled.
• Get any necessary vaccinations.
• Discuss any over-the-counter or prescription medications that you're taking with your doctor.
• Stay away from toxic substances.
• Avoid animal feces that could lead to infection.

Health Tip: Coping With Nasal Problems During Pregnancy

Nasal stuffiness and nosebleeds are common during pregnancy, due to inflamed nasal tissues triggered by hormonal changes and an increase in your body's production of blood.

The womenshealth.gov website suggests how to ease nasal problems during pregnancy:

• Gently blow your nose.
• Run a cool mist humidifier.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Gently squeeze your nose between your thumb and forefinger for several minutes to help stop a nosebleed.
• Call your doctor if nosebleeds persist and bleeding continues for longer than a few minutes.

Health Headlines - November 20

Paterno Has Lung Cancer, Son Reveals

Recently fired Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has lung cancer, his son wrote Friday in a statement provided to the Associated Press.

Joe Paterno, 84, is being treated and "his doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery," his son, Scott, wrote.

"As everyone can appreciate, this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment," Scott Paterno's statement said.

The diagnosis, according to the statement, was made at a doctor's visit last weekend -- originally a follow-up appointment for a bronchial illness, the AP reported.

Joe Paterno was fired last week amid allegations about former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who has been charged with sexually assaulting eight boys during a 15-year period.

-----

Romaine Lettuce Salad Products Recalled

Ready Pac Food Inc. bagged salad products containing romaine lettuce have been recalled because they might be contaminated with E. coli, the California Department of Health said Thursday.

The recalled products are in 9 oz., 9.25 oz., 10 oz., 10.25 oz. and 16 oz. bags and have Ready Pac, Trader Joe's, Safeway, and Dining In Classic labels. They have a Use by Date of Nov. 18, 2011, CBS News reported.

The products were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. No cases of illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported.

The recall was announced after tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture detected some E. coli contamination in the product, CBS News reported.

-----

Former NFL Players Taking Part in Brain Disease Study

Researchers have started testing retired professional football players in an attempt to learn how to diagnose a degenerative brain disease in former athletes while they are still alive.

Currently, the only way to confirm Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is by examining brains after death, the Associated Press reported.

The researchers at Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy plan to compare 100 retired NFL players with 50 retired elite athletes from non-contact sports.

Participants undergo two days of examinations that includes brain scans, a spinal tap, neurological and cognitive tests, blood work and a psychiatric interview, the AP reported.

Until CTE can be diagnosed while athletes are still alive, it's impossible to develop treatments or learn how to prevent it, said center co-director Robert Stern.

-----

Smucker's Peanut Butter Recalled

Possible salmonella contamination has led to the recall of some 16-ounce jars of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky sold in nearly two dozen states.

Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co. said the recalled jars have "Best if Used By" dates of Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 2012, and carry the production codes 1307004 and 1308004, theAssociated Press reported.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the peanut butter, according to the company.

The recalled product was distributed in: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Health Tips for November 20

Health Tip: Help Keep Kids Safe on the Internet

The Internet holds vast amounts of information that can help kids with school projects and allow them to play interactive games.

But it's important for parents to carefully monitor which sites their kids are visiting.

The Nemours Foundation offers these guidelines for parents:

• Learn how to use a computer and how to invoke parental controls, such as blocking certain websites.
• Keep the family computer in a shared area where you can watch your kids online.
• Maintain access to your child's email account, and surf the web together to teach your child safe and appropriate behavior.
• Keep favorite safe sites bookmarked.
• Check your phone and credit card bills regularly for any unusual activity.
• Make sure your child knows that chat rooms and other unsafe areas are off-limits.
• Report to law enforcement any inappropriate messages that your child receives online.

Health Tip: Help Your Child Create a Healthy Body Image

A healthy body image can help a child grow into a healthy, confident adult. And parents play a big role in fostering their child's self-esteem.

The womenshealth.gov website offers these suggestions for boosting your child's self-image:

• Discuss with your child the fact that weight gain, especially during puberty, can be a normal and healthy part of development.
• Don't speak negatively about weight, food, body shape and size.
• Encourage your child to make personal decisions about food, but offer a variety of healthy options.
• Praise and compliment your child for things he or she has accomplished.
• Limit your child's television time, and when it is on, watch together to encourage discussion about images in the media.
• Be active in your child's school, promoting policies that protect against discrimination, bullying and a healthy approach toward weight.
• Communicate openly with your child.

Health Headlines - November 19

Paterno Has Lung Cancer, Son Reveals

Recently fired Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has lung cancer, his son wrote Friday in a statement provided to the Associated Press.

Joe Paterno, 84, is being treated and "his doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery," his son, Scott, wrote.

"As everyone can appreciate, this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment," Scott Paterno's statement said.

The diagnosis, according to the statement, was made at a doctor's visit last weekend -- originally a follow-up appointment for a bronchial illness, the AP reported.

Joe Paterno was fired last week amid allegations about former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who has been charged with sexually assaulting eight boys during a 15-year period.

-----

Romaine Lettuce Salad Products Recalled

Ready Pac Food Inc. bagged salad products containing romaine lettuce have been recalled because they might be contaminated with E. coli, the California Department of Health said Thursday.

The recalled products are in 9 oz., 9.25 oz., 10 oz., 10.25 oz. and 16 oz. bags and have Ready Pac, Trader Joe's, Safeway, and Dining In Classic labels. They have a Use by Date of Nov. 18, 2011, CBS News reported.

The products were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. No cases of illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported.

The recall was announced after tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture detected some E. coli contamination in the product, CBS News reported.

-----

Former NFL Players Taking Part in Brain Disease Study

Researchers have started testing retired professional football players in an attempt to learn how to diagnose a degenerative brain disease in former athletes while they are still alive.

Currently, the only way to confirm Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is by examining brains after death, the Associated Press reported.

The researchers at Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy plan to compare 100 retired NFL players with 50 retired elite athletes from non-contact sports.

Participants undergo two days of examinations that includes brain scans, a spinal tap, neurological and cognitive tests, blood work and a psychiatric interview, the AP reported.

Until CTE can be diagnosed while athletes are still alive, it's impossible to develop treatments or learn how to prevent it, said center co-director Robert Stern.

-----

Smucker's Peanut Butter Recalled

Possible salmonella contamination has led to the recall of some 16-ounce jars of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky sold in nearly two dozen states.

Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co. said the recalled jars have "Best if Used By" dates of Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 2012, and carry the production codes 1307004 and 1308004, theAssociated Press reported.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the peanut butter, according to the company.

The recalled product was distributed in: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Health Tips for November 19

Health Tip: Treat Yourself Well During the Holidays

The holidays can be physically, emotionally and financially overwhelming. So take care to avoid letting the stress of the season get you down.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests how to take care of yourself during the holidays:

• Keep up with your regular exercise routine, and stick to a regular schedule of healthy, nutritious meals.
• Get plenty of sleep each night.
• Find a few minutes to do something fun each day.
• Make sure your holiday goals are realistic.
• Enjoy the season with people who are supportive.
• Take a break from your hectic schedule when you need it.

Health Tip: Stress May Cause Physical Symptoms

Significant stress can lead to health problems or exacerbate those you already have, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

Do you always realize when you're under stress? The academy notes these possible warning signs:

• Anxiety.
• Back pain or headache.
• Stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation.
• Feeling tired much of the time.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Feeling short of breath.
• High blood pressure.
• Stiffness in the jaw or neck.
• Weight loss or gain.

Health Headlines - November 18

Smucker's Peanut Butter Recalled

Possible salmonella contamination has led to the recall of some 16-ounce jars of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky sold in nearly two dozen states.

Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co. said the recalled jars have "Best if Used By" dates of Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 2012, and carry the production codes 1307004 and 1308004, theAssociated Press reported.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the peanut butter, according to the company.

The recalled product was distributed in: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

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More U.S. Companies Penalizing Workers for Bad Health Habits

A growing number of American companies are forcing workers with unhealthy lifestyles to pay a larger share of their health insurance premiums.

In the last two years, policies that financially penalize workers for things such as smoking, being overweight or having high cholesterol have doubled to 19 percent of 248 major U.S. employers, according to benefits consultant Towers Watson.

The firm said it expects the practice to double again next year among companies with at least 1,000 workers, The New York Times reported.

Another survey released Wednesday found that about a third of companies with 500 or more workers were using financial incentives to encourage employees into wellness programs.

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J&J Working to Remove Chemicals From Baby Products

Efforts to remove traces of two potentially cancer-causing chemicals from its baby products worldwide are continuing, Johnson & Johnson said Wednesday.

Since May 2009, the company has been under pressure from an international coalition of consumer and environmental groups to remove 1,4-dioxane and quaternium-15 from a wide range of products, including Johnson's Baby Shampoo, the Associated Pressreported.

It was revealed two weeks ago that the company had removed the chemicals from products in the U.K., Scandinavia, South Africa and several other countries. That prompted a boycott campaign to force J&J to remove the chemicals from products sold in the United States, China and elsewhere.

Over the past two years, J&J has announced more than two dozen product recalls for problems ranging from defective hip implants to glass and metal fragments in liquid medicines, the AP reported.

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1 in 5 U.S. Adults Now Use Psychiatric Meds: Report

In 2010, more than 1 in 5 adults and more than 1 in 4 women in the United States took at least one drug for psychiatric and behavioral disorders, according to a report released Wednesday by pharmacy benefits manager Medco Health Solutions Inc.

The use of drugs to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety rose 22 percent since 2001, according to data from 2.5 million patients with 24 months of continuous prescription drug insurance and eligibility, the Associated Press reported.

Women aged 45 and older are most likely to be prescribed these drugs, but their use by men and younger adults has increased significantly.

Medco also said that the use of antipsychotic drugs and medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adults 20 to 44 has more than tripled, and the use of anti-anxiety drugs has risen 30 percent since 2001, the AP reported.

More women are now taking ADHD medications than men, a reversal of uptake of these drugs in children, where boys outnumber girls, according to MSNBC.com. The number of U.S. women aged 20 to 44 who took a drug for ADHD soared 250 percent between 2001 and 2010, the Medco report found.

Women are also twice as likely as men to use anxiety medications and are also more likely to take antipsychotic drugs, which treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

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Obama Criticizes Big Tobacco Over Label Opposition

Tobacco companies fighting new cigarette warning labels in the United States are doing so because "they don't want to be honest about the consequences," of smoking, President Barack Obama says in a new White House video to mark the "Great American Smokeout" on Thursday.

Some of the new labels feature graphic images, such as the corpse of dead smoker, diseased lungs, and a man exhaling cigarette smoke through a tracheotomy hole in his throat, the Associated Press reported.

In August, a group of tobacco companies sued the Food and Drug Administration in an attempt to block the labels.

"Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable early deaths in this country," Obama says in the video. "We also know that the best way to prevent the health problems that come with smoking is to keep young people from starting in the first place."

The tobacco companies' attempts to block the new warning labels aren't surprising, said Obama, a former smoker who was declared tobacco-free at his last medical report issued Oct. 31.

"We've always known that the fight to stop smoking in this country won't be easy," he says in the video.

Health Tips for November 18

Health Tip: Help Your Child Create a Healthy Body Image

A healthy body image can help a child grow into a healthy, confident adult. And parents play a big role in fostering their child's self-esteem.

The womenshealth.gov website offers these suggestions for boosting your child's self-image:

• Discuss with your child the fact that weight gain, especially during puberty, can be a normal and healthy part of development.
• Don't speak negatively about weight, food, body shape and size.
• Encourage your child to make personal decisions about food, but offer a variety of healthy options.
• Praise and compliment your child for things he or she has accomplished.
• Limit your child's television time, and when it is on, watch together to encourage discussion about images in the media.
• Be active in your child's school, promoting policies that protect against discrimination, bullying and a healthy approach toward weight.
• Communicate openly with your child.

Health Tip: Dealing With a Picky Eater

It may be difficult to ensure that a finicky toddler is getting all necessary nutrients. Experts say parents should be persistent in offering a variety of healthy foods.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions for parents of picky eaters:

• Add nonfat dry milk to soup, or sneak grated veggies into homemade muffins, breads or lasagna.
• Serve your child's favorite foods along with things that have been refused before.
• Let your child help prepare meals.
• Make sure food is visually appealing with unique shapes.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods yourself to set a good example for your child.
• Schedule regular family meals together.

Health Headlines - November 17

Brain Reward Area Larger in Video Gamers

An area of the brain associated with addiction is larger than normal in teens who regularly play video games, a new study finds.

But it's not clear if playing video games changes the brain or if preexisting brain differences make teens more likely to play video games, BBC News reported.

The study of 154 14-year-olds found that those who played more than nine hours a week had a larger ventral striatum, the hub of the brain's reward system.

This part of the brain is typically activated "when people anticipate positive environmental effects or experience pleasure such as winning money, good food, sex," said researcher Dr. Simone Kuhn, from Ghent University in Belgium, BBC News reported.

Previous research has also linked this part of the brain to drug addiction.

The study appears in the journal Translational Psychiatry.

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Britain Should Ban Smoking in Cars, Medical Group Says

Smoking in cars should be banned, says the British Medical Association.

The influential group released research Wednesday showing that smoking in cars exposes drivers and passengers to 23 times more toxins than smoky bars. Children are especially at risk because their bodies absorb more pollutants, CBS News and the Associated Pressreported.

The British government should take the "bold and courageous step" of implementing a ban on smoking in cars, said the BMA's Dr. Vivienne Nathanson.

The U.K. has no law against smoking in private cars. In parts of Australia, Canada and the United States, smoking is banned in cars when children are in the vehicles, BBC News reported.

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Drug Slows Prostate Cancer Spread to Bones: Study

A new drug called denosumab delays the spread (metastasis) of prostate cancer to the bones, according to a new study funded by drug maker Amgen.

The study of more than 1,400 patients found that the drug seemed to increase bone-metastasis-free survival by an average of four months, compared to a placebo. But it did not increase overall survival, ABC News reported.

The findings were published in The Lancet.

"Prostate cancer patients who develop bone metastases usually have poor outcomes, so preventing the development of metastasis has been a major unmet clinical need," study author Dr. Matthew Smith, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who serves as a consultant for Amgen, said in a news release, ABC News reported.

Denosumab has U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of fractures in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors.

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Healthier School Lunches Challenged by Congress

Nutritionists and other health experts are outraged that the U.S. Congress is fighting the Obama administration's efforts to make school lunches healthier.

The final version of a spending bill released by Congress Monday would block or delay Department of Agriculture efforts to remove pizza and french fries from school lunches, the Associated Press reported.

For example, the bill would allow tomato paste on a pizza to be considered a vegetable, as it is now. It's expected that the House and Senate will vote on the bill this week and send it to President Obama for signing.

Despite the bill, the USDA says it will continue its efforts to make school lunches healthier.

"While it's unfortunate that some members of Congress continue to put special interests ahead of the health of America's children, USDA remains committed to practical, science-based standards for school meals," spokeswoman Courtney Rowe said in a statement, the AP reported.

"We are outraged that Congress is seriously considering language that would effectively categorize pizza as a vegetable in the school lunch program," Amy Dawson Taggart, director of a group called Mission: Readiness, said in a letter to lawmakers before the final bill was released. "It doesn't take an advanced degree in nutrition to call this a national disgrace."

Mission: Readiness is a group of retired generals who have been advocating for healthier school lunches. They believe poor nutrition in school lunches is a national security issue because obesity is the leading reason for medical disqualification for military service, theAP reported.

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Few Baby Boomers Have End-of-Life Legal Documents

A new survey finds that 64 percent of American baby boomers don't have end-of-life legal documents such as a living will or health care proxy.

A living will outlines a person's wishes for medical care if he or she is unable to communicate with doctors. A health care proxy, also called a health care power of attorney, appoints a trusted person to make decisions about medical care if a patient becomes incapacitated, the Associated Press reported.

The AP-LifeGoesStrong.com poll involved online interviews with 1,416 adults, including 1,078 baby boomers -- those born between 1946 and 1964.

One reason why so few baby boomers have end-of-life legal documents is because they feel healthy and young, the AP reported.

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Nearly 5 Million More Contact Lenses Recalled by CooperVision

An expanded recall of nearly 5 million contact lenses was announced Tuesday by CooperVision Inc. of California.

Avaira Sphere contact lenses have been added to an August recall of nearly 780,000 Avaira Toric lenses. The products may be contaminated with silicone oil residue and linked to blurred vision, eye injuries and severe pain, msnbc.com reported.

The company produced 6.6 million Avaira Sphere lenses affected by the recall but only 4.9 million were actually shipped to consumers, according to CooperVision spokeswoman Denise Powell.

The recall of the Avaira Sphere and Toric lenses followed a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Class 1 warning, which is the most serious type and is issued when there is a reasonable chance of serious adverse health consequences or death, msnbc.comreported.

For more information, consumers can contact the company at 1-855-526-6737.

Health Tips for November 17

Health Tip: Kid-Proof Your Bathroom

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

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

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

Health Tip: Help Keep Kids Safe on the Internet

The Internet holds vast amounts of information that can help kids with school projects and allow them to play interactive games.

But it's important for parents to carefully monitor which sites their kids are visiting.

The Nemours Foundation offers these guidelines for parents:

• Learn how to use a computer and how to invoke parental controls, such as blocking certain websites.
• Keep the family computer in a shared area where you can watch your kids online.
• Maintain access to your child's email account, and surf the web together to teach your child safe and appropriate behavior.
• Keep favorite safe sites bookmarked.
• Check your phone and credit card bills regularly for any unusual activity.
• Make sure your child knows that chat rooms and other unsafe areas are off-limits.
• Report to law enforcement any inappropriate messages that your child receives online.

Health Headlines - November 16

First Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy Trial Halted

The world's first clinical trial of a therapy using human embryonic stem cells has been halted and the company conducting the trial is abandoning stem cell research.

California-based Geron said Monday that the decision was not made because embryonic stem cell research lacks promise. Rather, money is scarce and the company decided to concentrate resources on its experimental cancer treatments, which are at a more advanced stage of development, The New York Times reported.

Geron's clinical trial involved the use of embryonic stem cell-based therapy in patients with spinal cord injuries. The trial was approved in 2010 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"I deeply believe in the promise of stem cells," John A. Scarlett, the company's chief executive, told The Times. "I don't think that promise is in any way, shape or form changed by what we're doing."

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Prevnar Effective in Adults: FDA

The pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar 13 is at least as effective in adults as a rival vaccine, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration review posted online Monday.

Currently, vaccination with Prevnar is recommended for all infants and young children. But pneumococcal disease -- which causes ear infections, meningitis and pneumonia -- also affects 36,000 older adults each year in the United States and kills 5,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CBS News and the Associated Pressreported.

Pfizer makes Prevnar and has asked the FDA to expand the vaccine's approval for adults age 50 and older. The only pneumococcal vaccine currently approved for adults is Merck's Pneumovax, which is recommended for all adults 65 and older.

For their review, FDA scientists looked at six studies involving more than 6,000 adults and concluded that Prevnar is at least as effective as Pneumovax, CBS/AP reported.

On Wednesday, an FDA panel of outside experts will discuss the safety and effectiveness of Prevnar in adults and vote on whether it should receive expanded approval. The FDA generally follows the advice of its expert panels.

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Kotex Tampons Recalled

About 1,400 cases of Kotex tampons are being recalled due to concerns about a bacteria that can cause dangerous infections, Kimberly-Clark announced Monday.

The company said the tampons' plastic tubing may be contaminated with Enterobacter sakazakii, which can cause vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease or other potentially life-threatening infections, msnbc.com reported.

A company spokesman said Kimberly-Clark has not received any reports of illness associated with the products.

The recall covers certain lots of Kotex Natural Balance Security Unscented Tampons Regular Absorbency that were shipped to Walmart, Fry's and Smith's stores in eight states. The 18- and 36-count boxes have SKU numbers of 15063 and 15068,msnbc.com reported.