Monthly News Archives



		Eating Breakfast May Do a Heart Good Mom may have been right when she said breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A small study suggests that skipping that morning meal may be a bad move for the heart, and possibly the waistline. Migraine Pain Might Signal Deeper Problems Medicines for treating migraine pain or preventing migraine attacks are improving all the time. But a series of small studies has opened new debate on whether migraine may be more than just a painful experience, at least for some patients. Global Anti-Smoking Pact Goes Into Effect A global treaty aimed at dissuading children from smoking and helping adults kick the habit came into force on Sunday with the United Nations saying it could save millions of lives. Winter Weather Drying Your Skin? Frigid temperatures, dry indoor air and low humidity during winter can cause your skin to become dry and flaky, says Dr. Sarah Myers, a dermatologist at Duke University Medical Center. Quitting Smoking After Heart Attack Cuts Death Risk A new study, involving more than 16,000 smokers admitted to the hospital for heart attack, found smokers who received in-hospital counseling to kick their habit significantly reduced their chances of dying in the first 30 days, 60 days and up to one year following the attacks. Health Tip: Controlling Mold Mold can lead to allergy and respiratory problems that can prove deadly. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) offer tips for keeping mold growth in your home under control. Kids at Risk for Obesity Need Early Attention For children, obesity often begins in preschool, suggesting that pediatricians need to act early to prevent and treat excess weight in childhood, new research shows. Meditation Technique Helps Lower Blood Pressure Transcendental meditation is an effective alternative to blood pressure-lowering medication, according to the results of a study involving African Americans. Fuel Chemical Found in Mothers' Milk A toxic chemical used in rocket fuel was found in virtually every sample taken in a new study of nursing mothers' milk, but researchers said it is too early to know whether the perchlorate levels are dangerous. Plant Attacks The Roots Of Leukemia A daisy-like plant known as Feverfew or Bachelor's Button, found in gardens across North America, is the source of an agent that kills human leukemia stem cells like no other single therapy, scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center's James P. Wilmot Cancer Center have discovered. Their investigation is reported in the online edition of the journal, Blood. Study Shows How Green Tea May Fight Bladder Cancer Green tea extract may interfere with a process that helps early bladder cancer to spread throughout the body, new laboratory research suggests. Too Much Red Meat Bad for Long-Term Health When it comes to high protein diets and health, the source of the protein really does matter, new research suggests. Think Secrecy Makes Love Sweeter? Think Again Contrary to popular opinion, having a secret relationship doesn't fuel love's flames -- in fact, secrecy may do exactly the opposite, new research suggests. Soccer Tied to Risk of Motor Neuron Disease Professional soccer players have a higher risk of suffering from the incurable degenerative illness motor neuron disease, according to a study. Migraine Linked To Risky Heart Health People who live with migraine headaches show a "riskier" profile for cardiovascular disease than those without migraines, according to a new study published in the February 22 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology. When The Brain, Not The Ears, Goes Hard Of Hearing Problems with the brain � not just the ears � cause a great deal of the age-related hearing loss in older people. Researchers are finding more and more subtle problems in the way our brain processes information as we age, so much so that an older person whose ears are in fine shape may have trouble hearing because of an aging brain. A Little Meat Adds a Lot to Poor Kids' Diet Including a few bites of meat in the diets of poor children from developing countries improves both their health and their performance in mental tests, according to reports presented at this year's annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Physical Activity Linked To, Protection From Parkinson's Disease In the first comprehensive examination of strenuous physical activity and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) have found that men who exercised regularly and vigorously early in their adult life had a lower risk for developing Parkinson's disease compared to men who did not. The findings appear in the February 22, 2005 issue of the journal Neurology. Television kills, Says German Professor Television is responsible for the deaths of 20,000 Germans a year, according to a professor of psychiatry. Children 'Harmed' By Vegan Diets Putting children on strict vegan diets is "unethical" and could harm their development, a US scientist has argued. Snoring May Not Signal Breathing Problems A physical examination of the mouth and throat can't alone identify those whose snoring signals a more serious sleep-breathing problem, researchers said. Gaining Weight Increases Risk Of Dementia People who gain even just a few extra kilos/pounds when they reach middle-age increase their risk of developing dementia later in life, according results from a new Swedish study published in a Swedish newspaper. Waist Circumference Predicts Heart Disease Risk The circumference of your waist correlates more closely with several known risk factors for heart disease than does your body mass index (BMI) -- the measure of weight in relation to height -- according to a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vitamin D May Ward Off Prostate Cancer Getting a little sunshine may be one way for men to cut their risk of prostate cancer. A large study presented at a cancer conference Thursday found that men with higher levels vitamin D in their blood were half as likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease than those with lower amounts. Saliva Testing Moves Into the Mainstream Simple saliva can provide detailed information on the presence of disease, dental cavities and drug abuse. Chemical Analysis Of Mushrooms shows their Nutritional Benefits An analysis of previously uncharted chemical contents, mostly carbohydrates, in U.S.-consumed mushrooms shows that these fruity edible bodies of fungi could be tailored into dietary plans to help fill various nutritional needs. Women Laid Off Job May , Run Risk of Heart Disease Getting fired or laid off from work may not only be bad for your wallet, but also be bad for your health. Wives Who Bite Their Tongues Risk Their Lives Married women who keep quiet during conflicts with their mates greatly boost their risk of dying from any cause, a new study finds. The Pill Changes Women's Taste in Men Scientists reported a remarkable new side effect of the Pill -- it changes women's preference in men. Green Tea Extract Shows Promise As An Anti-Cancer Agent A study on bladder cancer cells lines showed that green tea extract has potential as an anti-cancer agent, proving for the first time that it is able to target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. Doctors Debate Value of Vitamin E When it comes to carbohydrates, it's not how much you eat, but which kind, that makes a difference to your bathroom scale, new research shows. When Your Biological Clock Says Time's Up More women are waiting longer to have children as they pursue college degrees and careers or simply enjoy young adulthood without kids in tow. That trend could have sharp repercussions for women and couples eventually hoping to start a family. Pain Drugs Face Review for Heart Risks Medicines used by millions to relieve aches and pains will come under intense scrutiny as scientists scour dozens of studies to determine if the drugs risk damaging the heart like Merck & Co. Inc.'s withdrawn arthritis pill Vioxx. Study Characterizes Older Doctors As Risky A new study from the Harvard Medical School suggests that older doctors generally know less, provide lower quality care and expose patients to greater risks than physicians recently out of medical school. Coffee Cuts Liver Cancer Risk Coffee drinkers may have reason to smile: Daily coffee consumption seems to reduce the risk of liver cancer, a new study finds. Herb Treats Diabetes like Drugs An herb used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes seems to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in a manner similar to prescription drugs, a new study reports. Air Pollution Damages Babies in Womb Babies' DNA can be damaged even before they are born if their mothers breathe polluted air, according to a recent study published. Low Cholesterol May Mean Poorer Mental Powers We hear plenty about the dangers of high cholesterol levels, but low levels apparently confer their own risks. Naturally low cholesterol levels are associated with poorer performance on a variety of cognitive measures, according to a new study. Flu Shots for Elderly May Not Save Lives A new study based on more than three decades of data suggests that giving flu shots to the elderly has not saved any lives. Meditation May Help Lower Blood Pressure While millions suffer from high blood pressure, the condition is most prevalent among blacks, four in 10 of whom suffer from hypertension. Obesity and an aging population are cited as factors, but stress, especially among minorities, is also noted by experts. Wine Puts Women's Hearts on Song It's official. A glass of wine a day keeps heart risk at bay -- at least for women. Herbal Remedy as Good , as Drug for Depression An extract of the herbal remedy St. John's wort is as effective as a commonly prescribed drug for people with moderate-to-severe depression, researchers reported. A Key To 'Low Metabolism' -- And A Major Factor In Obesity Wiggle, walk, tap your toes, shop, dance, clean your basement, play the guitar to boost your NEAT -- or if you're a scientist, your "non-exercise activity thermogenesis." Mayo Clinic researchers report that NEAT -- more powerful than formal exercise -- determines who is lean, and who is obese. Fat Substitute Is Pushed Out of the Kitchen An artificial fat once embraced as a cheap and seemingly healthy alternative to saturated fats like butter or tropical oils, partially hydrogenated oil has been the food industry's favorite cooking medium for decades. It makes French fries crisp and sweets creamy, and keeps packaged pastries fresh for months. Wise Health Consumer Month Whether you're caring for a loved one who's ill, coping with the loss of a job, or recovering from an abusive relationship, it's a good bet that you're experiencing some level of stress. Now might be the time to do something about it. February is Wise Health Consumer Month. Selling Wholesomeness in the Breakfast Bowl Nutritionists and researchers have reacted positively to the news that General Mills has added whole grains to breakfast cereals that did not include them before. But the praise is not without reservation: the fiber content of many of the cereals has increased very little, if at all. Happiness Persists, Despite Illness Despite what able-bodied healthy people might think, people with severe illnesses and disabilities don't wallow in misery and self-pity all the time. When Your Biological Clock Says Time's Up More women are waiting longer to have children as they pursue college degrees and careers or simply enjoy young adulthood without kids in tow. Foods Like Fish May Boost Your Mental Health In research that literally offers food for thought, scientists have found that omega-3 fatty acids and uridine -- a natural substance found in foods -- work as well as antidepressants in preventing signs of depression. Meditation Calms Blood Pressure, Too Transcendental meditation (TM) reduces hypertension and cuts down on the need for blood pressure-lowering medications, according to a study in black Americans. Love Beats Depression for Women, Not Men Love may banish the blues for women more easily than for men, according to a new study. Protein from Red Meat, Dairy Tied to Heart Risks Older women who eat a relatively large amount of protein from red meat or dairy products may have an elevated risk of dying from heart disease, the results of a large study suggest. Carrots May Cut Cancer Risk There's more good news from the garden: A compound in carrots may be a potent cancer fighter, reducing malignancies in rats by a third, a European study claims. Eating Well Staves Off Disability Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and dairy products appears to help maintain your ability to function normally as you age, a new study reports. Obesity In Childhood: What�s Activity Got To Do With It? There are multiple etiologies of obesity, and attempts to curb the rising prevalence of obesity by addressing any single etiology are notoriously unsuccessful. Addressing physical activity, or the lack of it, seems a promising approach because studies clearly indicate that we are a sedentary society. Fibromyalgia Doesn't Mean Inactivity, Study Finds Many people with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions can be active without experiencing increased pain, says a study by researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) Health System and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. Memo Warned of Mercury in Vaccines A memo from Merck & Co. shows that, nearly a decade before the first public disclosure, senior executives were concerned that infants were getting an elevated dose of mercury in vaccinations containing a widely used sterilizing agent. Diet Lowers Cholesterol as Well as Drugs A diet rich in fiber and vegetables lowered cholesterol just as much as taking a statin drug, Canadian researchers reported. Bad Teeth Equal Bad Heart People with more bacteria in their mouths also have more evidence of heart disease, researchers said on Monday in a study strengthening the evidence for a link between gum disease and heart disease. Unrequited Love Can Be A 'Killer' Lovesickness can kill and should be taken more seriously as a legitimate diagnosis, according to health experts. Sweet Drinks Linked to Preschool Obesity Sweet drinks _ whether Kool-Aid with sugar or all-natural apple juice _ seem to raise the risk of pudgy preschoolers getting fatter, new research suggests. That may come as a surprise to parents who pride themselves on seeking out fruit drinks with no added sugar. Sweet Gene Steers Kids Away From Vegetables If you couldn't get enough of sweets when you were young, chances are your child will share your palate's passion. Light Therapy Effective For SAD For millions, these shorter, colder days bring on seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition characterized by depression, social withdrawal, overeating and weight gain. Luckily, the best therapy so far for SAD may also be one of the safest -- light. Baby Weight Gain 'Over-Estimated' Growth tables used to chart a baby's development may be inaccurate, on-going research suggests. Genes May Drive Child Obesity A mother's love may be unconditional, but her genes can be a burden for some children, research suggests. Constant Worry May Increase Alzheimer's Risk People who have a tendency to worry or feel very stressed out may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life, new research reports. Positive Emotions Help People See Big Picture Positive emotions like joy and humor help people "get the big picture," virtually eliminating the own-race bias that makes many people think members of other races "all look alike," according to new University of Michigan research. Problems In The Bedroom Can Indicate Heart Problems Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often the first and earliest sign of a more significant cardiovascular condition, according to a study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. The study presents results from the Minority Health Institute (MHI) Expert Advisory Panel. Sunshine Might Stop Skin Cancers Sunshine might stop certain cancers from growing, including skin cancers, according to two new studies. Kelp Can Prevent Breast Cancer A type of vegetation that can often be found washed ashore on beaches may soon emerge as a new player in the field of cancer-fighting foods. Rheumatoid Arthritis Raises Heart Death Risk Rheumatoid arthritis seems to raise the risk of silent heart disease in patients -- even before they know they have the chronic condition, U.S. researchers reported. Alcohol, Tobacco Pose Equal Burden on Global Health Alcohol, Tobacco Pose Equal Burden on Global Health When it comes to causing death and disability, alcoholic drinks are as bad as tobacco and high blood pressure. Conflicting Evidence Found on Vitamin E After several clinical trials that have yielded disappointing or conflicting results, many have softened their endorsement of vitamin E supplements and leading some experts to doubt any real benefits of supplementation. More Aggressive Diabetes Treatment Urged While lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising and watching the diet are often recommended for people with Type 2 diabetes, new recommendations urge physicians to treat the disease aggressively early, often with two or more drugs. European Cancer Patients Using Alternative Therapy Whether it is herbs, homeopathy or vitamin and mineral supplements, more than a third of cancer patients in Europe use alternative medicine. The Secret of Getting to Sleep? Music Having trouble sleeping? Don't bother with a cup of cocoa or counting sheep -- listening to music at bedtime is the way to get a restful night, Taiwanese researchers have found. Expert Sees Obesity Hitting U.S. Life Expectancy Life expectancy in the United States is set to drop within the next 50 years due to obesity, one of the world's top experts on the subject reported recently. Breast Cancer Chemo Timing Doesn't Affect Outcome The timing of systemic chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer does not affect patient survival or disease progression, say researchers reporting in the Feb. 2 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Blood Pressure Soars On Mondays The stress of returning to work on a Monday morning can trigger a dangerous increase in blood pressure, according to a study. Cardiovascular Screening Advised for Young Athletes Young athletes in Europe should be screened before competing in events to detect heart problems and reduce sport-related deaths, health experts said. NIH to Ban Deals With Drug Firms Federal researchers will no longer be able to accept fees to consult for companies, officials say. The lucrative pacts have sparked ethics probes. Doctors Ignore Women's Heart Issues Even though heart disease is the top killer of women and men, doctors are giving women short shrift when it come to preventive care, according to recent studies published. High-Risk Women Not, Lowering Cholesterol Enough New research indicates that few high-risk women are achieving the optimal cholesterol levels set forth in recent guidelines by the American Heart Association (AHA). Viruses, X-Rays Join List of Cancer Agents Viruses, X-rays and compounds found in grilled meats joined the official list of known or suspected cancer-causing agents. Weight Gain Linked to Breast Cancer Death Women who are overweight when diagnosed with breast cancer or who become overweight after learning of their condition are more likely to die or have the disease come back, U.S. researchers reported. IQ-Related Brain Areas May Differ in Men While neither men nor women may be the more intelligent sex, their brains may take different paths to reach the same intellectual level, according to one team of researchers. Big Health Plan Suspends Use of Painkiller Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest managed care organizations, has ordered its pharmacies to stop dispensing Bextra, an arthritis and pain drug made by Pfizer that some tests have indicated may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Smoking Harms Women More Than Men Cigarette smoking is more harmful to women than to men, cutting more than a decade off female smokers' life expectancy but much less for their male peers, Dutch government research suggested. Acne Drug Memos Kept Secret Despite Suits Lawyers suing the makers of Accutane over allegations the acne drug increases the risk of suicide cannot share the company's internal memos and other documents with the public or federal regulators, a judge ruled.