Monthly News Archives



		Put on a Happy Face Harvard University researchers found that an optimistic outlook can cut your risk of heart disease almost 50 percent. More Evolved Brain Region Controls Sex Urges As most teen-age boys know, it's not easy to keep hormones in check. While humans can control their level of sexual excitation with some effort, a new study suggests that skill is a fairly recent gift from evolution. Exposure to Violence May Harm Teens' Mental Health Adolescents who are exposed to violence may develop symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), putting them at risk for serious mental health problems, study findings suggest. Poor Blood Pressure Control Seen Across N. America Canada may be faring slightly worse than America in controlling the high blood pressure of its population, but both countries need improvement, according to researchers who compared data from the two countries. Once-a-Month Contact Lenses Millions of Americans may be able to see more clearly longer with the approval of new continuous monthly-wear contact lenses - but some doctors advise they blink twice before using them. Most Say Work Is Bad for Their Health Most patients seeking medical attention for a range of concerns feel their work environment is either the direct cause of their health problems or is aggravating pre-existing conditions, study findings show. Cutting Back on Booze May Lower Blood Pressure People may be able to bring down their blood pressure by drinking less alcohol, according to a report in the November issue of Hypertension. Caffeine Increases Risk of Rhematoid Arthritis Before you take another swig of what you think is guilt-free decaf, there's something you should know: New research shows this otherwise mild-mannered beverage may increase your risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a painful auto-immune disorder that attacks the joints. Breast Cancer Detection A promising new procedure detects breast cancer at its earliest stages, helping high risk women decide which preventative options are best for them. Type 1 Diabetes Ups Gum Disease Risk in Pregnancy Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes may be at risk of developing a severe bacterial gum infection that can make blood sugar more difficult to control and raise the risk of preterm labor, study findings indicate. Common Beliefs on Low Self-Esteem Are Myths Many of the most commonly held beliefs about low self-esteem are myths without reliable evidence to support them, says a study published on Wednesday. Light Cigarettes as Deadly as Regulars `Light'' and ``low-tar'' cigarettes have done nothing to reduce the rates of smoking-related deaths since their introduction in the 1970s, and may have even contributed to a rise in illness rates among smokers, according to a US government report released Tuesday. Japanese Centenarians Give Gene Clues to Long Life Some people who reach 100 years of age have particularly healthy levels of cholesterol in their blood, and genetic makeup may be responsible, according to the results of a study of Japanese centenarians. Study May Explain Gene's Link to Childhood Cancer Scientists may have found out why a specific mutation in the tumor-suppressing p53 gene is linked solely to childhood cases of a cancer of the adrenal gland. Canada Says It Will Eventually Ban Human Cloning Prime Minister Jean Chretien declared Canada's opposition to human cloning on Monday and said Parliament would eventually ban it. Hormones Linked to Migraines Irregularities in hormones produced by the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that regulates such basic functions as hunger and body temperature, may underlie chronic migraines, researchers report. Low Birth Weight May Be Marker of Type 2 Diabetes Babies weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) at birth may be more likely to develop insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, researchers report. Omega-3 Supplements May Fall Short of Label Claims Some fish oil supplements contain less omega-3 fatty acids than their labels claim, a new study shows. Flick of the Wrist May Be Key to Acupuncture Effect Acupuncture's therapeutic effect may originate from the way in which the acupuncture needle is manipulated as it is pulled out of the skin, according to researchers. 'Rational' Decisions Clouded by Emotions Decisions that we make every day, such as whether to take a hot bath or use a seat belt, have an emotional component, researchers at the University of Washington say. Their findings may explain why it's difficult for people with certain types of brain injury to make so-called rational personal decisions, they add. Smoking Ups Risk of Death for Women with Diabetes Heavy smoking doubles the risk of death among women with type 2 diabetes, according to the results of a new study. Needling Away at Lower Back Pain New research shows that the Chinese treatment known as acupuncture may help control lower back pain without the added side effects of many pain control medications. Germ Fighters Are Right Under Your Nose As you read this, streptococcal bacteria may be trying to invade your body. They're the nasty germs that can cause everything from severe sore throats and skin infections to flesh-eating disease and toxic shock syndrome. But you probably won't get sick, and new research suggests you can thank an army of tiny soldiers that guard your skin, lungs and nasal passages. Many Elderly Americans Have Undiagnosed Diabetes Up to one third of cases of diabetes in elderly Americans may go undiagnosed, researchers report. Euro Coins Could Cause Skin Disease Two of the eight euro coins due to come into circulation in January release so much nickel that people allergic to the metal could develop hand eczema, according to a study obtained by Reuters on Friday. Parenting, an Evolutionary Idea Don't ever take parenting lightly. It may be one of the most important things you'll do for the human race. Coffee May Boost Estrogen Levels in Women Drinking more than two cups of coffee daily may boost estrogen levels in women and could exacerbate conditions such as endometriosis and breast pain, study findings suggest. Breastfeeding May Help Prevent Asthma in Children Adding more weight to the nutritionist's axiom that ``breast is best,'' researchers say mother's milk may help protect newborns and young children from developing asthma. Walking 2 Extra Miles a Day Lowers Blood Pressure Increasing daily walking by just 1 or 2 miles a day may be as effective as traditional exercise programs in lowering high blood pressure in postmenopausal women, according to new study findings. Oregano Fights Bacteria The herb that gives your pizza its kick also may have what it takes to zap the toughest disease-causing bacteria, suggests new research. Leg Length Defines Heart Disease Risk For every 1� inch less of leg length, a man's chances of heart disease increase 10 percent, says a report by British doctors in the December Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Maternal Obesity Raises Pregnancy Risks Obese women experience more pregnancy and childbirth complications than normal-weight women do, and the rising tide of obesity in the US could stall progress in improving outcomes for mothers and newborns, Alabama researchers report. Researchers Preach Prevention to Thwart Explosion of Diabetes After decades of injections and amputations and a constellation of life-limiting complications, the quest to shackle diabetes has shifted dramatically to the realm of prevention. Many Kids with Cancer Use Alternative Medicine Nearly three quarters of children with cancer use at least one form of alternative medicine to treat their disease or cope with the side effects of conventional medicine, results of a survey reveal. Your Own RDA One day you may have your own tailor-made Recommended Daily Allowance for various nutrients based on your body's chemical "thermostats," instead of relying on the government's generalized list, suggests new research. Is Play Behavior Sign of Sexual Orientation? Experts say there's little reason to believe that feminine play is a precursor to homosexuality in boys. Moreover, they say, sexual orientation is not really what concerns them. What does concern them are issues of gender confusion that may surface due to deeper psychological problems in the child. Nitric Oxide Helps Humans Adapt to High Altitudes People living at extremely high altitudes produce higher concentrations of a compound that facilitates oxygen flow throughout the body, researchers report. Pre-Made Glasses Could Fix Vision Cheaply for Many Ready-made reading glasses can help many adults with impaired vision to see better, a new study demonstrates. These glasses could provide a cost-effective way to treat vision problems in the developing world, where eye-care resources are scarce, the researchers suggest. Natural Antibiotics Exist in Mammals' Skin Particular infection-fighting proteins act as natural antibiotics in the skin of mice, according to US scientists. It is the first evidence in mammals that such proteins, known as antimicrobial peptides, can perform like antibiotic drugs. Report Links Consumer Drug Ads to Jump in Spending A handful of prescription drugs that were widely advertised directly to consumers accounted for almost half the overall increase in pharmaceutical spending between 1999 and 2000, according to a study released by the National Institute for Health Care Management Research and Education (NIHCM) Foundation on Wednesday. Study Links Long Menstrual Cycle to Diabetes Risk Young women who have long or irregular menstrual cycles may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes by middle age, study findings suggest. FDA Warns Against Use of Dietary Weight Loss Aid The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers and healthcare professionals on Tuesday to immediately stop the use of a weight loss aid marketed under the name Lipokinetix by Cape Girardeau, Missouri-based Syntrax Innovations Inc. Flex Your Mind If you want to strengthen your muscles, you exercise. But what if you want to boost your creativity, improve your memory and generally keep your brain crackling with new thoughts and ideas? New Options for Treating Sinusitis Sinusitis is one of the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood of all common medical problems, affecting an estimated 30 million people in the United States today. Acupuncture May Help Relieve Fibromyalgia Symptoms Acupuncture helped relieve symptoms such as pain and depression in women with the chronic pain disorder fibromyalgia, according to research presented here Monday at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. Humour Improves Health New research from the University of California's Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Irvine concludes that merely anticipating a funny event improved people's mood. Stress Stamina Can Help Predict Health Risk A person's ability to cope with stress may help doctors predict their risk of heart and blood vessel disease, a Finnish study found. Polluted Drinking Water Linked to Low Birth Weight Certain groups of women may be at risk for having a smaller-than-average size baby if their tap water is contaminated with organic chemicals, researchers report. Children's Immune System May Be Influenced in Womb The rigor of a child's immune system could be established before birth, say investigators who believe that the prenatal environment may play a role in whether or not an infant becomes more or less susceptible to asthma and allergies later in childhood. Lower Income at Birth Linked to Schizophrenia Risk Being born into a lower-income family may raise a person's risk of developing schizophrenia later in life, UK researchers report. Diabetes: The Silent Killer The disease: Diabetes, which can cause blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes. More than 16 million Americans have diabetes, but more than five million of them aren't aware of their condition. Workplace Can Cause Asthma in Adults According to a panel of respiratory specialists who convened this week at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., as many as 5 percent of all adult asthma cases can be linked to workplace allergens and irritants such as latex, mites, detergents, ammonia, chlorine, and a variety of substances used in the manufacture of plastics. Keep Your Eye On Your Kid's Vision To children with vision problems, the world is simply a blurry place. And because these children aren't aware of how things should appear, their parents may be oblivious to the problem, too. Targeting Asthma Triggers Ridding your home of dust mites, tobacco smoke, pet dander, molds and other asthma triggers may be a significant way to help asthmatics breathe a bit easier, say experts. Most Women Would Not Choose C-Section Extremely high rates of Cesarean section delivery in Brazil may reflect doctors' misperceptions and not women's preferences, according to researchers. Some Docs Feel Time Pressure Compromises Care UK doctors feel they are being penalised for spending time with patients that is necessary for good patient care, according to a survey by the British Medical Association's magazine, BMA News. Test Can Screen for Down Syndrome in 1st Trimester A new screening test could help diagnose Down syndrome in fetuses as young as 11 weeks, British researchers report. Too Much Caffeine May Weaken Bones While another cup of morning java may give grandma the jolt of energy she needs, the benefits may not be worth the risks. A new study shows too much caffeine can weaken bones in older women. Most Americans Not Having Risky Sex Most US adults do not engage in sexual behaviors that could put them at high risk of contracting HIV, and those who do are more likely to use a condom, federal researchers report. Caution Needed Around Treadmills Every year, more than 25,000 children are injured on home exercise equipment, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And a close look at a dozen kids seriously injured by home treadmills shows all occurred when the machines were running, and most occurred when adults were using the machines. Brain Scans Show Pain Sensitivity in Fibromyalgia Brain scans have revealed that women with the chronic condition fibromyalgia differ from women with depression in their sensitivity to pain, researchers reported here Wednesday at the American College of Rheumatology's annual meeting. Low-Fat Diets Can Cut Children's Nutrient Intake Well-intentioned parents who limit their child's dietary fat in the name of good health may be depriving their growing son or daughter of essential nutrients, researchers report. Booze 'Benders' May Hamper Brain Cell Growth Hammered, tanked, wasted: by any name, all-night drinking binges are no party for the brain, researchers say. Lab Tests Find Garlic Potent Against Malaria, Cancer Compounds that help give garlic its smell can battle malaria infection in the lab, and may use a similar mechanism to attack certain cancer cells, according to the results of a new study. Study Shows Milk Does Not Increase Heart Risk Men who consume milk daily have no greater risk of dying from heart disease than those who drink little or no milk, researchers report. Study Explains Ex-Smokers' Ever-Burning Desire As many people are about to learn during the 25th annual Great American Smokeout, giving up cigarettes isn't easy. But staying off them is much tougher, and a new study may shed some light on why smokers so easily return to the habit even years after they quit. Scientists Watch Breast Cancer Gene at Work Shedding new light on gene-related cases of breast and ovarian cancer, scientists have discovered that a gene linked to both diseases may play a crucial role in repairing genetic damage in body cells. Researchers Urge Action to Cut Diabetes Heart Risk British researchers on Wednesday called on the government to take action to make sure people with diabetes are diagnosed more quickly to avoid the risk of heart disease and other complications. Implantable Contact Lens Found Safe, Effective A contact lens that is implanted permanently in the eye is safe and effective for treating nearsightedness, according to data presented Tuesday at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dyslexia More Common in Boys New research suggests that boys may be more likely than girls to suffer from dyslexia. Sodium Bad for the Bones Ladies, listen up. Before you grab that bag of salty, crunchy chips and head for the couch, there's something you should know: Not only can all that sodium leave you bloated, a new study shows it also may be eating away your bones' strength. Decaf Coffee Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk Decaffeinated coffee may raise women's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to the findings of two studies presented here Tuesday at the American College of Rheumatology's annual meeting. Study Suggests New Way to Prevent Type 1 Diabetes In a discovery that could lay the groundwork for a preventive therapy for type 1 diabetes, a team of scientists was able to prevent the disorder in a group of at-risk mice by manipulating certain immune system cells. Study Links Short Legs to Heart Disease, Diabetes Having short legs may be a risk factor for developing diabetes or heart disease, according to British researchers. Antidepressants, Nicotine Help Women Quit Smoking Women who smoke--the single biggest risk factor for heart disease--are likely to need help from drugs and nicotine replacement therapy to kick the habit, researchers said the American Heart Association's meeting in Anaheim, California. Insulin Altered to Lie Dormant Until Needed Scientists in California have developed a way to modify insulin that may allow diabetics to store the sugar-processing hormone in their bodies until it is needed. Babies' Rapid Weight Gain Linked to Obesity Babies who gain weight more rapidly than their peers in the first four months of life are more likely to be obese at age 7, a University of Pennsylvania researcher told attendees at a meeting of the American Heart Association Monday morning. One in Four Seniors Has a Thinking Problem Nearly a quarter of Americans over age 65 has a loss of mental function and memory problems that could be a forerunner of Alzheimer's disease, a study finds. Stem Cell Research May Lead to Parkinson's Therapy Stem cells might someday be used as ``seeds'' for the harvest of transplantable brain cells that could slow or reverse Parkinson's disease, according to researchers in Sweden. Study Suggests Way to Replace Diseased Eye Cells Scientists in Japan have found a potential way to replace damaged cells in the eye's retina. Their animal research suggests the technique could someday prevent blindness from degenerative diseases of the retina such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Dental X-Rays Can Detect Stroke Risk According to new research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, X-ray technology that's being used by an increasing number of dentists allows for the detection of neck arteries blocked by hardened fatty tissues, or atheromas. Cholesterol Drugs Work Better in Labs Two-thirds of people taking widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering medicines drugs do not get as much benefit as drug company statements suggest they should, a study found. Experts Say Hypochondria Is Real The recent anthrax scares have made nearly everyone a little more worried about those sniffles and coughs, leading many people to joke about hypochondria. But experts say hypochondriasis is a real disorder that puts a strain on the medical system and is no laughing matter. Beeswax May Prevent Cavities A substance made by honeybees to protect their hives soon could become the greatest weapon in fighting cavities since fluoride, researchers claim. Soy Lovers Need High Consumption Though foods high in plant-based estrogens, like soy, are believed to reduce the risk of breast cancer, a new study says you probably won't get that protection unless you're prepared to load your plate and dig in. Cholesterol Helps Brain Cells Communicate It may cause trouble in the blood, but in the brain cholesterol is key to the cell connections needed for memory and learning, scientists have found. Birth Control Pills Linked to Thinner Bones Women who are taking birth control pills have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than women who have never used oral contraceptives, according to Canadian researchers. Antioxidant May Help Alzheimer's Disease Patients Patients with Alzheimer's disease may benefit by taking an antioxidant called N-acetylcysteine (NAC), according to results of a small preliminary study. Obese Middle-Aged Women Older Than Their Years For women in their 40s and 50s, obesity, poverty and medical problems can add years to their chronological age, study findings suggest. Early Abuse, Later Depression Women who were abused as children are more than twice as likely to get depressed as adults than women who reported no abuse, a new study shows. Don't Forget Breakfast Loading the breakfast table and going easy on lunch and dinner helps Alzheimer's patients eat better, says a new study. The problem: Most long-term facilities serve light breakfasts and heavier lunch and dinner meals. Shape of Sperm May Indicate Fertility Shapely sperm is the best indicator of a man's fertility, according to a study that rewrites the standards for analyzing semen samples. Beautiful Faces Trigger Reward Center of Brain Money, drugs and beautiful women appear to have something in common when it comes to young men: The sight of a beautiful woman triggers virtually the same brain response in men as cocaine and cash do. Cigarette Tax Hike May Reduce Maternal Smoking Raising taxes on cigarettes may reduce smoking among pregnant women, according to the results of a new study. Vaccine Prevents Day-Care Respiratory Infections A vaccine that protects against bacteria that are a major source of respiratory infections can help reduce the number of these infections in children in day-care centers, according to a study from Israel. Exercise Messages May Hurt Women's Body Images Although well-intentioned, exercise promotion may have the unintended side effect of making women more dissatisfied with their bodies--possibly raising their risk of eating disorders, researchers suggest. Raspberries May Protect Against Throat Cancer Black raspberries may contain compounds that prevent esophageal cancer and keep precancerous growths from becoming malignant, preliminary study findings suggest. New Help for Pediatric Cancer Patients When combined with modern medicine, complementary treatments may make kids with cancer feel better. Many children with cancer are being treated with both traditional and nontraditional forms of medicine, cancer experts report. Technique May Spot Early Signs of Breast Cancer An investigational technique for gathering and analyzing cells from the breast's milk ducts could spot the earliest signs of cancer in women at high risk of the disease, study findings suggest. Talk of Marital Problems May Raise Blood Pressure Discussing marital problems with a spouse may be an expected part of the relationship for many people, but in some cases, their partners may wish to avoid such talks, considering them to be a heart-pounding, stressful experience, according to recent study findings. Brain Scans Accurately Predict Alzheimer's Measuring the brain's metabolism through brain scans known as PET may catch many cases of Alzheimer's disease, even before significant symptoms emerge, US researchers report. Parents Need Help Screening TV, Movies for Kids A new, simplified ratings system for television, video and computer games, music and movies can more effectively help parents choose healthy media content for their children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). British Children's Diet Lacks Fruit and Vegetables As many as 200,000 children in England and Wales have eaten either no fruit or no vegetables in the past week, a survey released on Tuesday suggests. Treadmill May Help Down Syndrome Kids Walk Sooner A specially designed treadmill could help parents of Down syndrome babies teach their children to walk earlier, new study results suggest. Breaking a Sweat Produces Germ Fighter While some people spend a lifetime trying to hide the fact that they produce sweat, new study findings suggest that the bodily excretion may be a lifesaver. It seems that sweat contains a potent germ-fighting agent that may lend a hand in fighting off infections, according to a report released on Sunday. HRT Doesn't Raise Risk of Post-Heart Attack Stroke Women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are no more likely to have a stroke following a heart attack than women who do not take supplemental estrogen, researchers report. Diet in Adolescence Linked to Ovarian Cancer Risk Adolescent girls who consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to findings from a large US study. But the researchers found that adult women's consumption of fruits and vegetables had no relationship to their ovarian cancer risk. Breast Cancer Overtakes Lung Cancer in the UK Breast cancer has overtaken lung cancer and is now the most common life-threatening malignancy in the UK, two research charities said on Monday. Health Site Seeks to Monitor Others As health-oriented Web sites on the Internet increase exponentially, the lines between legitimate and not-so can often be obscured. Natural Relief As the medical community strives to combat antibiotic resistance and the emergence of "super germs," natural remedies -- from tea with honey to Echinacea -- are gaining acceptance as the treatment of choice during the season of sniffles. Abstain from Antibiotics if Possible Sneezing? Freezing? Or maybe you've got a sore throat coupled with a hacking cough? Well, don't call your doctor -- if your only goal is to get an antibiotic prescription for that nasty cold or flu. Improvements Needed in Men's Health The United Nations has named November 3 ``World Male Day.'' On that day, the International Society for Men's Health and the European Men's Health Forum will be launched, and the First World Congress on Men's Health will begin in Vienna, Austria. Vitamin D May Cut Risk of Type 1 Diabetes Infants who receive the recommended daily dose of vitamin D may have a lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes, researchers report. Tobacco Use Among Teens is Dangerously High Despite laws designed to keep cigarettes away from kids, 34 percent of U.S. high school students and 15 percent of middle school students use tobacco products, government health officials say. Drop in Men's Testosterone Might Lead to Alzheimer's A new study by New York University researchers holds promise for identifying the role of sex hormones in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Walk to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer If you want to lower your risk of breast cancer, get off the couch and go for a long walk every day. Exercise Maintains Elders' Helpful Angina Response Physical activity may help elderly patients retain a preconditioning response produced prior to a heart attack that seems to offer some protection against death, Italian researchers report. Shakes, Bars Can Help Obese People Lose Weight In findings that could help millions of Americans who are obese to shed excess pounds, researchers report that a very low-calorie diet that includes shakes, energy bars and low-calorie entrees may be the key to long-term weight loss. Real Risks of Alzheimer's The top two risk factors of Alzheimer's, the disease that affects nearly 4 million Americans, are age and genetics. These are beyond people's control, but experts say you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer's despite these risk factors. WHO Urges Action Against Tobacco Advertising The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday called on governments to implement tough controls on tobacco advertising and ignore a plan for voluntary regulation proposed by cigarette manufacturers. UK Study Highlights Over-The-Counter Drug Misuse Pharmacists in the UK need more guidance and better training to deal with people who misuse over-the-counter medicines, according to Glasgow researchers. ''Obesity Hormone'' Gene Mutation Found in Some Obese UK researchers said on Wednesday that they have discovered certain obese people do have a genetic mutation that leads to low levels of the ''obesity hormone'' leptin. The finding suggests that boosting leptin levels with injections of the hormone may lead to weight loss in at least some people, the researchers say. Even Slightly High Blood Pressure Poses Health Risk People with blood pressure levels that tend to be slightly elevated but still considered to be within normal ranges--called high-normal--are at increased risk for suffering from heart disease, according to a new study.