Monthly News Archives



		Smoking, Obesity Ups Woman's Hot Flashes Cigarette smoking and obesity may predispose a woman to hot flashes during menopause, findings from a recent study suggest. Peek Inside Cells May Foretell Future Death Risk Buried deep within our cells lies a "molecular clock" that seems to hold at least some clue to the risk of dying, researchers announced Friday. For the first time, they have found that the "clock" predicted how likely people over 60 were to die from certain diseases linked to old age. Death of Child Raises Parents' Risk of Dying Early Parents who experience the tragic death of a child are more likely to die earlier than other adults because of the stress and grief caused by their loss, according to a study. Impotence Affects Older Men Worldwide An international study of middle-aged and older men shows that erectile dysfunction (ED) becomes more common as men age, no matter where they live. Parents Tend to Doubt Girls' Math, Science Ability Parents tend to believe that science is less compelling and more challenging for daughters than for sons, and even appear to use different language when discussing science with girls than with boys, according to new research. Babies' Mental Delay Tied to Moms' Vegan Diet The breast-fed infants of two mothers who did not eat any animal products, including milk and eggs, developed brain abnormalities as a result of a vitamin-B12 deficiency, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Thursday. Turning Off TV Shows Won't Deter Teens A new American study says teenagers who say their parents restrict them from watching certain television programs are likely to watch that forbidden show at a friend's home. Those same teens also reported less positive attitudes towards their parents. Premature Births on the Rise Too many babies are being born too soon, say doctors and health officials who report a jump of 27 percent in premature births over the last 20 years. Helping Your Body Fight Stress Your body is naturally equipped to deal with a certain amount of stress. But if stress increases and your reserves are low, stress can have a bigger impact. Check out these tips. Counting Calories Can Protect Your Brain A University of Florida study is the first to look at the effects of lifelong calorie-restricted diets on brain cells. It found that certain proteins linked to cell death that naturally increase with age were greatly reduced in the brains of rats with limited calorie intake. Keeping Your Mind Fit A new study, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, says three areas of the brain that are adversely affected by aging stay in better shape when a person keeps their body physically fit. The study appears in the February issue of the Journal of Gerontology. You Really Are Only as Old as You Feel Expressions like "You're only as old as you feel" may be cliches, but according to a new study they can have a positive effect on a person's mental and physical wellbeing. Skiers at Risk for Skin Cancer Skiers beware: you may be soaking up as much sun on some slopes as you would at a midsummer beach, according to a new study by New York dermatologists. Glucosamine Supplement May Ease Knee Pain Glucosamine supplements may provide some degree of relief to chronic knee-pain sufferers, a small Australian study suggests. Drug Companies Greatly Influence Doctors� Prescribing Habits Drug representatives from pharmaceutical companies greatly influence general practitioners� (GPs) decisions of whether to prescribe new drugs. Chronic Pain Undertreated in Children Nearly every German child suffering from chronic or recurrent pain is being inadequately treated, according to an expert in child pain management. Computer Users Warned of Clot Risk Sitting in front of the computer for hours on end could increase the risk for the type of blood clots that cause "economy class syndrome" in long-haul airplane passengers, researchers said on Tuesday. Athletes Prone to Joint, Bone Problems Athletes may be in top shape but the grueling physical activity and competition to which they subject themselves increases their risk of suffering bone and joint problems, researchers said on Monday. Study Links Sleep Imbalance to Heart Attacks Women who do not get enough sleep as well as those who sleep more than average may run a greater risk of getting heart disease compared with those who log 8 hours of sleep a day, study findings suggest. Diabetics Need Better High Blood Pressure Control Many people with diabetes do not meet national recommendations for keeping their blood pressure under control, and new research may help explain why. Doctors may not be aggressive enough in treating high blood pressure, or hypertension, in people with diabetes, the results of a new study suggest. New Guidelines for Cervical Cancer Screening While regular screening for cervical cancer is strongly recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 65, some women can safely discontinue regular screening or be screened less often, says the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Forgetfulness Can Run in the Family Forgetfulness may run in the family, according to new research showing that a variation of a gene involved in memory is linked to poorer recall of past events. Cervical Cancer: A Very Preventable Disease Every year, 15,000 American women are told they have cervical cancer. Worldwide, it's the second leading cancer killer of women. Yet most of these cases are preventable. Older, Colder a Bad Combination Hypothermia is a serious, life-threatening condition marked by an abnormally low internal body temperature, one that develops when body heat is lost to the environment faster than the body can replace it. Study Looks at Benefits of Underwater Birth Giving birth in water is safe for women with an uncomplicated delivery, and may shorten the first stage of labor, according to Italian scientists who studied more than 1,500 births. Exercise Like a Drug in Heart Disease Exercise can act like a drug on the blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart disease by literally getting the blood flowing, US researchers said on Thursday. Strength Training Can Build Postmenopausal Bone New findings add weight to the idea that postmenopausal women can boost their bone density with strength training. Brain to Blame When You Can't Match Face with Name People who have trouble putting a name to a familiar face may now know which part of their brain to blame. Cutting Calories Via Any Diet Regulates Hormones Women with a hormonal problem that can lead to irregular periods and infertility experience an improvement in their symptoms after a few months of dieting, regardless of whether they opt for a low or high protein diet, researchers reported Thursday. Canada's Premiers Fight Ottawa Over Health Funding Canada's provincial leaders demanded C$12.5 billion in new federal money on Thursday to improve the cash-strapped public health system over the next few years in a proposal at odds with Ottawa's plan. Our Brain Sees Screen Flickers, Even if We Don't Television and computer screens update images many times a second. While we may not be conscious of this "screen flicker," new research suggests that certain regions of our brains register these tiny image alterations. Need a Lot of Sleep? Blame It on Body Clock If you feel like you need a lot more sleep than your peers, you may find the results of a new study comforting. The study suggests that the body's internal clock programs some people to sleep longer than others, researchers report. Medical Research Conflicts Found About one-fourth of university-based medical researchers receive funding from drug companies - ties that sometimes distort study results, according to a review done by two researchers with industry connections of their own. TV Soothes Low Self-Esteem Turning on your television could be one way to tune out static about your self-image. Too Much Vitamin A Boosts Risk of Broken Bones Men in their 40s and 50s who have the highest blood levels of vitamin A are more likely to break a bone in their old age than their peers with lower levels, according to a Swedish study released Wednesday. Antioxidant-Amino Acid Mix Shields Blood Vessels A cocktail of antioxidants mixed with an amino acid may protect blood vessels from inflammation and the buildup of plaque, a preliminary study suggests. Canada Plans Major Expansion of Health Care System Canadian Health Minister Anne McLellan proposed on Tuesday a major expansion of the publicly funded but creaking medicare system to include home care and catastrophic drug coverage. Junk Food Diet Brings Vitamin C Deficiency to Modern Age A diet completely lacking in fruits and vegetables caused a young college student to develop a condition linked to a low intake of vitamin C, US researchers reported Tuesday. Feedback Technique May Boost Memory British scientists may have enhanced the working memory of medical students by using "neurofeedback," a technique researchers think might also help some people with hyperactivity, epilepsy and alcoholism. Italian Scientists Discover Migraine Gene Two Italian scientists have discovered a gene linked to severe migraines, a finding they say could pave the way to banishing not only migraines but everyday headaches as well. Yes, Your Baby Really Is Watching That TV Babies are not just passing idle time when they stare goggle-eyed at the television--they are actually learning about the world, US researchers said on Tuesday. Help Prevent Colic Attacks No one knows for sure why some babies get colic, but parents definitely know when their infant is having a colic attack. The wailing is incessant and nothing seems to soothe a colicky child. Premiers in Canada Meet on Health-Care Canada's premiers are about to show the nation how they really feel about Roy Romanow's prescription for health-care reform. Athletes Can Benefit From Water Training Aquatic exercise programs are not just for grandmas riding foam floats. Water is good for athletic training, too, and experts say more athletes are making use of it. Think You're a Pro? You May Overestimate Ability New study findings show that if you think you're a pro at math, chances are you'll guess you aced your math test--even if you bombed it. 'Reading Circuit' in Brain by Age 7 The networks the brain relies on to read may be in place earlier than expected in children, new study findings suggest. Scientists Study Why the Elderly Fall Scientists study an elderly man stepping onto an elevated track to measure his gait, muscle use and the force of each step. Suddenly he slipped � and cameras filmed his limbs flailing as he fought to stay upright. Weighing In on Diet Plans If you've finally decided to lose that weight, you'll probably find yourself immersed in the Great Diet Debate. Living Well in the Golden Years Having friends you can confide in and being able to make choices about working or not working are two of the most important factors influencing quality of life in early old age, says a United Kingdom study. Staying Safe Outdoors Even minor falls in can be serious, causing broken bones or even worse. Every year, more than 16,000 people -- most of them elderly -- die from falls, according to the National Safety Council. Winter Allergies: They're Real Allergies don't just make people miserable in the fall, spring and summer. Winter is a time for suffering, too. Watch Out for PI Thousands of doctors have received a letter about a frequently overlooked, life-threatening disease that affects more children than leukemia and lymphoma combined. Exercise Reduces Dangerous Intra-Abdominal Fat Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that overweight post-menopausal women who do light exercise for 45 minutes three to four times per week can lose three pounds per year. Antibiotics Could Up Intestinal Risk in Children Infants and young children who take antibiotics may have an increased risk of developing a rare type of intestinal blockage, according to a new study. One in Five German Kids, Teens Now Overweight Two of Germany's top consumer organizations warned of an "alarming increase" in the number of overweight children, and called on politicians and the food industry to take action to fight it. Blame the Beergut on Your Genes Beer lovers around the world raise your glasses--it might not only be how much you drink that determines the size of your beer belly, it could be your genes. Stiff Fingers Are Windows Into Heart Disease Got arthritis in your finger? You've got trouble beyond just a stiff digit. Finnish researchers have discovered an association between osteoarthritis in even a single finger joint in men and the likelihood they will die of cardiovascular disease. Cell Cultures May Get Too Much Oxygen In Labs Cell biologists may be exposing cell cultures used in laboratory research to too much oxygen. Low-Fat Diet Cuts Sex Hormones in Girls Reducing dietary fat even modestly during puberty lowers the levels of certain sex hormones in preteen girls, a new study has found. The Brain at Work A new imaging device can measure the electrochemical signals produced by thoughts and reaction inside the brain. Scientists call it M.E.G. � short for Magnetoencephalography � a scanner capable, unlike any before it, of showing activity in the brain as it happens. Best Drug Info on Non- Commercial Web Sites People surfing the Internet in search of quality information on medicines may be more successful if they visit purely informational Web sites, rather than commercial Web sites trying to peddle medicines, according to German researchers. Stress in Pregnancy Tied to Premature Delivery While studies on the effects of stress during pregnancy have yielded conflicting results, the latest report finds that it may raise a woman's risk of premature delivery. World Health Boss Sees Deal on Anti-Smoking Pact The UN's top health official on Wednesday backed a proposed new text for an international pact against smoking, saying it should win wide support and lead to a treaty with "muscle." More Companies Pass On New Insurance Costs to Employees Feeling sick from paying more for insurance? You're not alone. Only 61 percent of companies pay for their workers' health care. New Moms Should Avoid Fries, Chips Pregnant women and nursing mothers should sharply limit--or even cease--eating French fries, potato chips or other foods that contain the chemical acrylamide, according to study released Tuesday by German researchers. Are Your Headaches Triggered by Your Medicine? Billions are spent every year on over-the-counter headache remedies. But many experts believe some headaches � so-called rebound headaches � are actually caused by the very same medicines people are taking to stop them. Link Between Depression and Bone Loss Someone suffering from depression might experience bouts of insomnia, loss of appetite, and overall lethargy. It can also trigger less obvious problems such as bone loss. Study Shows Oscillating Power Toothbrushes Superior Use of a certain kind of power toothbrush each day could keep the dental hygienist at bay. Overweight and Obese Have Higher Medical Costs People who are overweight and obese rack up as much as $1,500 more in medical costs each year than people with healthy weights. FDA Taking Aim at Trans Fatty Acids Just as most are finally digesting the nutrition labels appearing on all processed foods, the Food and Drug Administration sits poised to add another term on the back of your favorite box of cookies or package of lunch meat. Winter Full of Risks for Seniors Now that winter has rolled into town, senior citizens should be on their guard. When a Bump on the Head Is Serious As many as one third of all children will have a concussion before they finish high school. Young Kids May Miss Joke in Sarcasm When parents use sarcasm to playfully tease their young children, do the kids see the humor? Eyes Aren't Only for Seeing, Two New Studies Show New research adds to increasing evidence that our eyes are good for more than just seeing. Meat, Eggs Not Linked to Breast Cancer Risk New research shows that women who consume animal proteins such as red meat are no more likely to develop breast cancer than women who choose to eschew such foods, Boston researchers report. Disordered? Dysfunctional? or Plain Delusional? Women: Turned off by your partner's eating habits, dirty clothes, beer-swilling football buddies? You're probably sexually dysfunctional. More Evidence Light Drinking Cuts Heart Risks A study of almost 40,000 men adds to the growing body of evidence that drinking alcohol of any kind a few times each week can reduce the risk of heart disease. This new study demonstrates that whether your tastes lie in wine, beer, or liquor, any form of alcoholic drink confers the same advantages. Study Looks at Cod Liver Oil, Babies' IQs Pregnant and breast-feeding women who supplement their diets with cod liver oil may help boost their children's intelligence, according to new study findings. But a leading US consumer advocate and physician argues that the study was too flawed for any conclusions to be drawn about the effects of cod-liver oil. High Blood Pressure May Start in the Womb New research supports the theory that some cases of high blood pressure may have roots that go back to fetal development. Little Help for Boozers and Smokers Millions of smokers and binge drinkers aren't getting advice from their doctors on quitting smoking or controlling their drinking. A Nutritional Menu Dietary recommendations from self-proclaimed health gurus abound, but what do nutrition experts from the highly regarded Mayo Clinic choose when preparing lunches or dinners? Here are a few of the experts' picks for favorite foods and why they recommend them. Toddlers' Pacifier Type Won't Halt Dental Problems Pacifiers sold as "orthodontic" are no better than traditional pacifiers when it comes to warding off dental problems in children who continue a sucking habit beyond the age of three, say researchers in Brazil. Study Downplays Kids' Backpack Injuries Children are more likely to be hurt tripping over backpacks or being hit with them than they are using the bags to lug around heavy school supplies, a new study suggests. High-Grain Diet May Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Disease When humans consume more carbohydrates than can be stored, the excess carbohydrate energy is converted to fat by the liver. This process may maintain blood sugar control and prevent diabetes in the short-term, however it may also increase triglyceride concentrations, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Obesity Cuts Life Span for Young Adults Being obese at age 20 can cut up to 20 years off a person's life, with the biggest impact on black men, according to yet another study that underscores the long-term dangers of being overweight. Secondhand Smoke Strikes Kids' Lungs Many children hospitalized with respiratory illnesses suffer from secondhand smoke exposure caused by their parents' smoking. Caffeine May Be Keeping Kids Awake at Night Caffeine may keep adolescents perky through their early morning classes but according to a recent survey, it cuts into their nighttime sleep. Obesity in Middle Age Cuts Years Off Life People who are overweight at 40 are likely to die at least three years sooner than those who are slim, meaning that in terms of life expectancy, being fat during middle age is just as bad as smoking, researchers say. Study Links Teen Binge Eating to Suicide Attempt Adolescents who go on eating binges and feel out of control and distressed by their behavior may be more likely to attempt suicide than other teens, new study findings suggest. The Formula for Happiness? A pair of British researchers said Monday they had worked out a simple equation to quantify happiness that could put an exact figure on the emotional state. Teenage Obesity on the Rise Twenty years ago, approximately 6 percent of children and teenagers in Canada and the U.S. were considered overweight. Today, the rate is over 15 percent. Researchers Develop Robots That React to Human Emotions The line between man and machine is becoming less distinct as technology evolves. Researchers at the Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., are working to develop a robot that can respond to human emotions. Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body Your eyes may be the window to your soul, but your mouth can often tell your dentist what's going on with the rest of your body. Frostbite Prevention Skiing and skating are two activities that make winter a great season for outdoor recreation. Just make sure frostbite doesn't gnaw away at your enjoyment. Smokers Mistakenly Deem 'Light' Cigarettes Safer The word "light" on cigarette labels should not be interpreted as "safer," but a sizable number of smokers seem to read it that way, according to a Swiss survey. Patients Less Likely to Heed Advice if Doctor Obese One of the most important ways that doctors can treat and prevent obesity in their overweight patients is by counseling them to make healthier lifestyle choices. Yet patients of obese doctors are less likely to readily accept everything their doctor says, according to new study findings. Secondhand Smoke May Cut Kids' Vitamin C Level Children whose parents smoke may have lower levels of the vital antioxidant vitamin C than children of nonsmokers, new research suggests. Canada Sets Tough New Guidelines for Food Labels Canadian firms must start this year to provide detailed lists of fat, calories and 13 nutrients on all prepackaged foods, in a government effort to boost fitness and give people more information about what they eat. Female Sexual Problems Being 'Medicalized' The drug industry is attempting to "medicalize" female sexual problems under the umbrella term "female sexual dysfunction," creating a disorder to build a market for new drugs, according to some experts. Breastfeeding May Reduce Infant Pain Breastfeeding can help minimize the pain an infant suffers while getting a blood sample drawn or undergoing other minor medical procedures, new study findings suggest. Dad's Diabetes May Affect Newborn's Birth Weight New research links a father's type 2 diabetes with lower birth weight in his child, supporting the theory that genetic factors underlie both fetal growth and diabetes risk. Achieve Your New Year�s Weight Resolutions Millions make New Year�s resolutions to lose weight, but most will give up a few days, weeks or months later. Despite good intentions, few will have lost weight and, of those who did, few will keep the weight off. Nevertheless, 15 percent to 35 percent of us are battling our weight at any given time during the year. Task Force Recommends Diet Help for Disease-Prone Men and women with known heart disease risk factors such as high cholesterol can benefit from moderate to intensive dietary counseling, a US Preventive Services Task Force announced this week. Smoking May Exacerbate Muscle, Joint Pain On top of its other ill effects, smoking may also be a literal pain in the neck--and back, knees and other joints, researchers report.