Monthly News Archives



		Pollutants Link To Diabetes Risk Exposure to high levels of a class of environmental pollutants may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, research suggests. Environmental Protection Agency Settles Case On Chemical Disclosure Federal officials and the DuPont Co. have reached a settlement on charges that the chemical giant concealed possible harmful health effects associated with perfluorooctanoic acid, a chemical compound used to produce Teflon. Sweet Snacks Could Be Best Medicine For Stress Researchers from the University of Cincinnati (UC) have found that eating or drinking sweets may decrease the production of the stress-related hormone glucocorticoid--which has been linked to obesity and decreased immune response. Stress May Raise Cholesterol For some people, the body's reaction to stress may raise the odds of developing high cholesterol, the results of a new study suggest. Sweat Is Good Indicator Heart Attack May Be Coming Sweating during physical activity or in hot weather is healthy. But when individuals begin perspiring while experiencing discomfort in their chest, arm, neck or jaw -- with little or no exertion -- it could be the onset of a heart attack, according to a new study at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Correct Your Acid / Alkaline Balance With The Water You Drink A healthy body requires a pH-balanced environment to allow for normal body function and resistance to disease. A topic of growing concern is acid / alkaline imbalance and the implications on our health. Some experts clarify and make recommendations on how we can correct this imbalance. Herbal Extract May Treat Prostate Cancer An olive-oil based herbal extract preparation called Zyflamend suppresses the growth of prostate cancer cells and induces prostate cancer cells to self-destruct, according to a new study. Hospital Noise Levels On the Rise One of the biggest complaints from both hospital patients and staff: noise. But a new study finds little is being done to keep decibel levels down. School Programs Promote Fitness for Life There is currently a trend by school districts to improve fitness centers and steer students away from competitive team sports and more on helping youngsters develop the competence that leads to confidence and enjoyment of a lifetime of physical activity. Mediterranean Diet Good For The Heart Eating a Mediterranean-style diet for three months can reduce the risk of heart disease by 15 percent, a new study shows. Swimming With Dolphins Treats Depression Swimming with dolphins appears to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression, according to new U.K. research. Vitamin D May Reduce Risk Of Falls In The Elderly Taking vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of falls in elderly people in residential care facilities, results of a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggest. Pet Ownership And Human Health Research into the association between pet ownership and human health has produced intriguing, although frequently contradictory, results often raising uncertainty as to whether pet ownership is advisable on health grounds. Cold Prevention Is The Key Billions suffer from colds every year, and because so many colds occur in the winter time, there has always been a sense that cold weather causes colds. Fact or fiction? Cranberries May Prevent Cavities Cranberries, known for their ability to help thwart urinary tract infections, may also help prevent tooth decay and cavities, new research shows. Eating Microwave Popcorn May Expose You To Carcinogens Preliminary FDA data suggest that eating microwave pop corn may expose people to chemicals that break down to produce PFOA, a suspected carcinogen. Osteoporosis Linked To Heart Disease People with the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis are at increased risk for having coronary artery disease (CAD), in which plaque build-up starves the heart of its blood supply, investigators in Michigan report. In fact, osteoporosis is a stronger factor than some traditional risk markers for CAD. Breastfeeding Reduces Diabetes Risk Women who breastfeed for more than six months might reduce their risk of developing the more common type of diabetes, says a new study thought to be the first to make such a connection. Stay Away From Great Tasting Foods If Your Dieting or Stressed The holidays are fast approaching. You're stressed, trying to diet and tempting foods abound. It's a recipe for overeating, according to researchers who found that when rats are stressed, deprived of food and then exposed to chocolate -- they overeat. High Cholesterol Tied To High Blood Pressure The long-term follow-up of more than 16,000 women shows that high levels of cholesterol are associated with the development of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, researchers report in the Archives of Internal Medicine. High-Fat Dairy Food May Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk People who have high levels of high-fat dairy foods and conjugated linoleic acid, a component of dairy foods, in their diet may have a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, according to a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Breast-Feeding May Lower Mom's Risk Of Diabetes Breast-feeding your baby can cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research shows. Heavy Antibiotic Use May Raise Lymphoma Risk Using antibiotics more than 10 times in childhood increases the likelihood of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), a cancer that affects the body's lymphatic system, new research suggests. Study Challenges View on Aging Research Deleting the �anti-aging� gene from yeast greatly lengthens life span, say USC molecular scientists. Trigger for Obesity Identified Gaining weight from overeating is a problem faced by many adults, and now scientists have apparently discovered one reason why. Study Finds More Pregnant Women Need To Get Moving Ideally, pregnant women who do not have any medical or obstetric complications should participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week, the same level recommended for all individuals, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Overweight Kids At Risk For Broken Bones Children who are overweight face more than future health problems. They appear to have broken bones and joint problems more often during childhood than kids of normal weight, research suggests. Restricting Diet May Reverse Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease A new Oregon Health & Science University and Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center study suggests that early-stage Parkinson's disease patients who lower their calorie intake may boost levels of an essential brain chemical lost from the neurodegenerative disorder. Breast-Feeding May Ward Off Celiac Disease Mothers who breast-feed their children may help to protect them from developing celiac disease, an intolerance to a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, scientists said. A Daily Workout Could Add 4 Years to Life Sorry, couch potatoes -- the verdict is in: People who exercise regularly really do live longer. Decaf May Be Worse For Your Heart Decaffeinated coffee may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease more than regular coffee does, Atlanta investigators announced at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2005 that are underway here. Anti-Cancer Compound In Beer Gaining Interest A compound found only in hops and the main product they are used in - beer - has rapidly gained interest as a micronutrient that might help prevent many types of cancer. One Third Of Cancer Deaths Preventable If people avoided major risk factors for cancer, more than a third of the 7 million annual deaths from the disease could be prevented, scientists said. The Food You Eat May Change Your Genes For Life It sounds like science fiction: simply swallowing a pill, or eating a specific food supplement, could permanently change your behaviour for the better, or reverse diseases such as schizophrenia, Huntington's or cancer. Lack Of Time, Energy Keep Women From Exercise Time pressures and lack of motivation may be keeping many women from getting regular exercise and making other heart-healthy lifestyle changes, a new study suggests. 30 Minutes Of Brisk Walking Pumps Up Heart Health Thirty minutes of brisk walking each day can really pump up heart health, a new study finds. Daily Dose Of Good Bacteria Cuts Sick Leave Workers who took a daily dose of beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics, were much less likely to call in sick than their colleagues given a placebo, a new study from Sweden shows. Higher Placental Weight Ups Breast Cancer Risk For women who have given birth, the risk of breast cancer is directly associated with the weight of the placenta in two consecutive pregnancies, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association this week. New Study Shows Chiropractic Is Cost-Effective In Treating Chronic Back Pain A new study finds that chiropractic and medical care have comparable costs for treating chronic low-back pain, with chiropractic care producing significantly better outcomes. Research Helps Identify Precursors To Foot Disease In Diabetes Patients A new study led by researchers at the Joslin-Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center and Microcirculation Laboratory finds that early changes in the oxygenation of the skin could help foretell the development of ulcerations and enable doctors to treat diabetic patients at an earlier stage, before the onset of serious complications. Sweet Snacks May Help Fight Anxiety Find yourself breaking out a bag of cookies when times get stressful? A new study may help explain why. Patting A Dog Can Relieve Heart Disease Just a few minutes spent patting a dog can relieve a heart patient's anxiety and perhaps even help recovery during a visit to the hospital, U.S. researchers said. Even Moderate Levels Of Physical Exercise Prevent Heart Disease Even moderate levels of physical exercise prevent heart disease and prolong life, and the degree of benefit increases as the level of physical activity rises, according to a recent report released. Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis Raise Pregnancy Risks Pregnant women with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may experience more pregnancy complications and longer hospitalizations than other women, a new study finds. Lifelong Exercise Decreases Cellular Aging People don't have to run marathons to keep their brain cells in shape -- regular, light activity may do the trick. Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Increases In The Winter For the majority of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, the period between fall to spring will give rise to more problems whereas symptoms will ease between the spring and fall. Ginkgo Herb May Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk Studies conducted in women and in the laboratory strongly suggest that the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba may help lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Heart Disease, Diabetes Are Preventable Better lifestyle habits -- think less junk food, more fish and more exercise -- can help prevent 80 percent of coronary heart disease and 90 percent of type 2 diabetes. Anger Healthier Than Fear A small study has found that those who responded to stressful situations with angry facial expressions were less likely to suffer stress-related ill effects. Psychological Distress Tied To Bullying Elementary school children who are psychologically distressed -- they feel sad most days and feel as if they do not belong at school -- are more likely to be involved in some form of bullying, investigators have found. Warning Issued For Birth-Control Patch The makers of a popular birth-control patch warned millions of women Thursday that the patch exposes them to significantly higher doses of hormones and may put them at greater risk for blood clots and other serious side effects than previously disclosed. Light Therapy Helps Jet Lag By using light box therapy and the over-the-counter drug melatonin, people can reset their circadian "body clocks" before a journey, according to a U.S. study in the current issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. House Plants Clean The Air Want a great, green way to clean the air in your house? A new study by a California teenager suggests that a not-so-usual suspect -- the English ivy plant -- might be just the ticket. Some Kids Outgrow Nut Allergies: Study Nine percent of children allergic to tree nuts such as almonds and pecans eventually outgrow their allergy, even those who have had severe reactions, researchers say. Marketers Use Disease To Sell Food Overweight? Diabetic? Cholesterol out of control? Have we got a deal on a meal for you! If that sales pitch sounds a little sick, that's the point. Aging baby boomers and rising rates of obesity, diabetes and other health conditions have marketers looking to chronic illness as the new must-reach demographic. Sleep Apnea Doubles Risk Of Stroke, Death: Study The common form of sleep apnea, in which the throat closes off throughout the night, at least doubles the risk of stroke or death, a recent study showed. Body Image Causes Lack Of Desire Women who lose their sexual desire as they age may not be the victims of hormonal changes but may be reacting to their own body image, U.S. researchers reported. Group Exercise Class Improves Older Adults' Balance Group exercise classes given at local community centers can help older adults improve their balance -- which could translate into fewer falls and injuries, according to researchers. Low-Carb Diets Ultimately Curb Hunger A study of protein-munching rats shows that a low-carb diet sparks a chain of biological events that ultimately curbs hunger. Colas, Not Coffee, Linked To Hypertension In Women Women do not develop high blood pressure from a coffee drinking habit but there is a link between hypertension and drinking colas that may have nothing to do with caffeine, a recent study said. Antibiotics Given Too Often For Sore Throat-Study Doctors often improperly prescribe antibiotics to children complaining of sore throats but could avoid that mistake by administering a simple test for strep throat, a recent study said. Women Process Humor Differently Than Men New research has found that men's and women's brains process humor in different ways, and that personality types may also play a distinctive role in how people perceive things as funny or not. A Nanotech Cure for Cancer? Cancer nanotechnology, where miniscule molecules are designed with literally atomic precision to combat a disease that kills millions every year, is gaining credibility as the next cure for cancer. Gory Burger Posters Target Young Gory images of burger rolls filled with bones and gristle are to appear across the UK to shock children into improving their diets and help fight obesity. Compound In Wine May Reduce Alzheimer's Disease A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry shows that resveratrol, a compound found in grapes and red wine, lowers the levels of the amyloid-beta peptides which cause the telltale senile plaques of Alzheimer's disease. Teens Start Smoking Primarily Because Of Movies Nearly 40 percent of adolescents who give cigarette smoking a try do so because they saw it in movies according to a new study. Shortness Of Breath Alone Can Mean A High Of Risk Heart Disease While most people know that chest pain can signify the presence of heart disease, it is less well known that shortness of breath can also be a serious cardiac symptom. Waist-Hip Ratio: A Better Obesity Measure For Measuring Heart Attack Over BMI Checking a person's hip-to-waist ratio, not their body mass index (BMI), is the best obesity measure for assessing heart attack risk, according to an international study in this week's issue of The Lancet medical journal. Caffeine Withdrawal Recognized as a Disorder If you missed your morning coffee and now you have a headache and difficulty concentrating, you might be able to blame it on caffeine withdrawal.� Doubt A Man's Masculinity And He'll Get Macho Tell a man that he's not man enough and he may exhibit extremely macho behavior to compensate, new study findings suggest. Organic Baby food Booming Over Fears Of Pesticides Sales of organic baby food have jumped nearly 18% since last year � double the overall growth of organic food sales, according to the marketing information company ACNielsen. Blame Puberty for Teen Sleep Patterns What turns early-to-bed children into nocturnal teenagers who often don't hit the pillow until close to midnight? New evidence supports the idea that adolescent sleep patterns are a natural part of growing up, not a matter of laziness. Why Do Viruses Thrive During The Winter? The question is why influenza peaks between October and March every year? Scientists suggest a plethora of likely explanations, from viruses surviving better in cooler and wetter environments to people crowding together in the festive season, creating the perfect setting for viruses to proliferate. Restless Leg Syndrome Tied To Psychiatric Disorders People who suffer from restless leg syndrome (RLS) often have debilitating psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, investigators reported today at big medical convention in Montreal. Chronic Cough More Than An Annoyance People with chronic cough -- a cough lasting more than three weeks -- often suffer a serious decline in quality of life, a new study finds. US Leads The Way In Medical Errors Patients in the United States reported higher rates of medical errors and more disorganized doctor visits and out-of-pocket costs than people in Canada, Britain and three other developed countries, according to a recent survey. Stomach 'Can Reveal Who Is Lying' US scientists believe they may be able to develop a more reliable lie-detector test - by listening to liars' stomachs. Diabetes Raises Colon Cancer Risk People with diabetes -- long known to be at higher risk for heart disease, kidney failure and eye and foot trouble -- now have one more thing to be concerned about: A new study finds they are also more vulnerable to colon cancer. Tongue Has Built-In Taste For Fatty Food The tongue may indeed have a taste for cheesecake, french fries and butter cookies, according to recent study published. High Number Of Cancers Due To Obesity In the United States, roughly 10 percent of all cancers -- more than 100,000 cases a year -- could be avoided if overweight and obesity did not exist, according to updated statistics on the proportion of cancer due to obesity recently released. Turning Off TV Helps Keep Pounds Off Here's a few more reasons to turn off the tube: Limiting television time is a key to losing weight and keeping it off, and children who watch a lot of TV aren't nearly active enough. Misperceptions Make Quitting Hard For Smokers Many smokers think that nicotine causes cancer, and they are therefore very reluctant to use nicotine replacement in the form of patches or gum to help them quit smoking, according to surprise findings of a survey reported here at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians. Study Explores Who Lives To Be 100 Centenarians are different from the rest of us, and it's not just that they are a lot older. They are a select group, having persisted through wars, diseases, disasters and accidents that kill tens of millions of ordinary mortals every year. So what makes them so special? Study Tracks Lead Level In Chocolate As Halloween treats smother supermarket shelves, a new study echoes a lingering pediatric concern: Chocolate can be contaminated with worrisome amounts of lead.