Monthly News Archives



		Study Finds No Link Between Diet, Colon Cancer A large new study has found no link between eating patterns and colorectal cancer risk, suggesting that keeping one's weight down with exercise may be the best way to prevent this type of cancer, the study's lead author told Reuters Health. Delaying Pushing in Labor May Help Mom, Baby Allowing a period of rest before pushing is safe and even beneficial for many women and fetuses during labor, Utah researchers report in the January issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Heavy Drinkers More Likely to Develop Disability People with a history of alcohol abuse are more likely to develop a disability that affects their ability to work or function at home as they grow older, according to researchers. Study Links Air Pollutants to Heart Birth Defects High exposure to urban smog early in pregnancy may raise a woman's odds of having a baby with certain heart defects, California researchers report. Self-Test May Prevent Drunken Driving A simple, inexpensive blood-alcohol level test could keep you from getting behind the wheel when you shouldn't. Jogging May Make You Smarter Running may give the brain a workout, too. A new study finds that individuals consistently scored higher on intellectual tests after embarking on a running program. Exercise May Sharpen Lung Disease Patients' Minds Exercise training may help some people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stay mentally fit, a small study suggests. Thumb Sucking After Age 2 Can Lead to Overbite Kids who continue to suck their fingers or use a pacifier after the age of 2 may be more likely to end up in the orthodontist's office by the time they reach adolescence, a team of dentists reports. Snoring? Blame Your Hormones There may be a biological cause for those snorts, chokes and gasps that come from the man's side of the bed in the middle of the night. And biology may explain why more men than women have the disorder called sleep apnea. New Dietary Guidelines for Diabetes Released A diet that is low in fat, rich in fruits and vegetables and includes an occasional cookie or glass of wine can be as effective as some drugs when it comes to treating and preventing type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) said Thursday. Stress Affects Fetus A woman who experiences major stressful events between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy has a dramatically increased risk of giving birth to a child with autism, new research says. Cutting Stress Helps Diabetics Control Blood Sugar Programs that help people with diabetes to manage stress can help lower blood sugar levels and may eventually reduce the risk of medical complications such as kidney disease and blindness, according to a study released Thursday. Persistence of Virus May Be Key in Cervical Cancer The persistence of infection with a virus linked to cervical cancer may help determine which women develop the disease, study findings suggest. Shift Work Link to Heart Disease A study in Antarctica has supported theories that night shift workers are at increased risk of developing heart disease. Curry Spice May Help Heal Wounds Laboratory experiments conducted in Singapore suggest that curcumin--a compound found in the curry spice turmeric--may act as an antioxidant that could possibly promote wound healing. Fatty Foods Don't Always Harm the Heart A study of nomadic tribes in Africa suggests that people who combine a diet rich in saturated fat but low in total calories with vigorous exercise may not be damaging their hearts as much as previously believed. Study Suggests Cancer Risk in Supplement Chromium picolinate, the nutritional supplement embraced by fitness fanatics and bodybuilders, is becoming popular among diabetics who believe it will keep their blood sugar under better control. But an Arizona scientist has discovered that hefty doses of the supplement cause mutations in the cells of hamsters. Women's Knee Cartilage May Wear Faster Than Men's Women's knee cartilage appears to thin faster with age compared with men, even in the absence of any joint disease, a German study suggests. Tics Provide Clues to Learning Problems While most of us think of the typical Tourette's patient as the rare eccentric who barks obscenities and jerks their arms wildly, a recent study says much more subtle symptoms of Tourette's and related tic disorders are far more common than once thought. Childhood Eating Problems May Extend to Adulthood A childhood marked by conflicts over eating and ``unpleasant'' meals may foreshadow the development of eating disorders in adolescence and adulthood, according to researchers. College Kids Fond of Dietary Supplements Dietary supplements touted to help a range of conditions from colds to sleep problems appear to be particularly popular with US college students, the results of a survey show. People Warned About Extra Weight The holidays seem to bring on gluttony. The stress of last-minute shopping, travel or a house full of guests make people munch. And temptation is everywhere: cookies, candy, parties and Grandma's high-fat favorites. The Beneficial Properties of Myrrh While exercise in general can improve a person's cholesterol levels, step aerobics may give a particular boost to the ``good'' HDL cholesterol that protects against heart disease, researchers in Turkey have found. Step Aerobics May Raise 'Good' Cholesterol Level While exercise in general can improve a person's cholesterol levels, step aerobics may give a particular boost to the ``good'' HDL cholesterol that protects against heart disease, researchers in Turkey have found. Leisure Activity May Lower Alzheimer Risk Reading, going to the movies, walking and other leisure activities may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to the results of a new study. Breathing Exercises May Improve Your Health According to a new study in the most recent issue of the British Medical Journal , activities like these that promote slow and deep breathing can positively alter many of the body's vital signs. Believing Is Seeing A rapidly growing form of meditative relaxation therapy uses the power of the mind to help the body deal with physical changes linked to stress. The Pitfalls of a Brighter Smile If you're thinking about using a do-it-yourself bleaching kit for your teeth, there's a chance your efforts to brighten your pearly whites will leave you with little to smile about. Diet Linked to Certain Cancers A diet high in meat or milk increases your risk for developing stomach or esophageal cancer, according to a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Caffeine Boosts Memory in Older Adults Researchers have found that older adults who drank a 12-ounce cup of regular coffee before taking a memory test performed better than their peers who drank decaffeinated coffee. International Study Confirms Passive Smoke's Harm Exposure to passive, or secondhand, tobacco smoke increases a person's risk for experiencing a variety of respiratory ailments, according to the results of a large international study. Cleaner Air Improves Children's Lung Function Children who move from air-polluted communities to areas with cleaner air are likely to show improvements in their lung function, according to researchers. Tai Chi Can Aid Arthritis Sufferers A study of 72 arthritis sufferers from South Korea suggests that the ancient form of martial arts known as Tai Chi can offer crucial health benefits to these patients, without the pain normally associated with other exercise. Doctors With X-Ray Vision? The new device, known as the sonic flashlight, projects ultrasound images onto a patient's skin, giving doctors a real-time, three-dimensional view inside the body. The handheld machine may make it easier for physicians to use ultrasound for such tasks as guiding a needle into a vein. Folic Acid Prevents Stomach Cancer High daily doses of folic acid may lower the risk of stomach cancer, according to a study in beagles conducted by Chinese researchers. Childhood Injury Linked to Later Tension Headache People who experience a neck or back injury before age 13 appear to be at risk of developing tension-type headaches, according to New Zealand researchers. Study Links Meat Consumption with Cancer Risk People who eat a meat-laden diet have more than triple the average risk of esophageal cancer and double the risk of stomach cancer, US researchers reported Thursday. Study Suggests Why Red Wine Does a Heart Good UK researchers have zeroed in on compounds in red wine that battle a protein linked to heart disease--a finding that provides clues to why the French have relatively low rates of heart disease despite a national diet rich in creamy cheese and buttery desserts. Birth Control Pills Have Low Risk for Heart This week's New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) contains a study that focuses on the risks of a heart attack in women who have ever taken or are currently taking oral contraceptives. Winter Depression Linked with Melatonin Cycle People with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) instinctively shift their melatonin levels with the seasons, paralleling the hibernation patterns of mammals, according to US researchers. Violence Hurts Children Emotionally, Academically Young, inner-city children who have witnessed episodes of violence are more likely to miss days of school and get poor grades, researchers report. Young Girls Start Eating Disorders Early Eating disorder experts say prepubescent girls are developing eating disorders as young as 5 and 6 years old. They may be getting their obsession from parents who are preoccupied with their own body images, and media images of skinny pop stars like Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, the experts say. Chickenpox Vaccine Fails at Day Care Center A new report reveals that, at least among one group of youngsters, chickenpox vaccine was much less effective than past research has demonstrated. Newspapers Biased on Mammography Women who look to newspapers for information about breast cancer may be getting a distorted picture about the value of routine mammograms for those in their 40s, a study released on Monday found. 'White-Coat'' Hypertension May Signal Heart Problem Blood pressure that rises only in the doctor's office--so-called ``white-coat'' hypertension--may be more serious than widely believed, according to Italian researchers. More Children Getting Cancer in UK The number of children developing cancer in Britain has increased by more than one third over the past half-century, prompting concerns that an unknown environmental factor could be to blame, researchers said on Tuesday. Low-Fat, Low-Salt Diet Cuts Blood Pressure A low-fat diet full of fruits and vegetables but little salt can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure--even in people with normal blood pressure--study findings show. There's More to Smarts Than IQ A new study supports the suspicion of those who never accepted these tests as a true mirror of intelligence. The researchers say the ability to visualize and solve problems is a very important indicator of intelligence -- probably more important than other, standard measures. The study appears in the December issue of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, published by the American Psychological Association. Apples, Selenium May Lower Asthma Risk A new UK study links intake of apples and the mineral selenium to a lower risk of asthma, suggesting that certain antioxidants may protect the lungs from disease. Study Pinpoints Vitamin C as Key to Good Health When it comes to good health, vitamin C may be the key ingredient of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, a new study concludes. Music During Surgery May Ease Patients' Recovery Hearing soothing music and encouraging words while under anesthesia may ease patients' recovery after surgery, results of a Swedish study suggest. Materialistic Parents, Materialistic Children New research has found such children expect more presents from their parents at Christmas, exert more influence on what their parents buy, are more likely to buy something they saw on TV, and are less likely to have a savings account. A Guide to Skin Treatments In 2001, members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery expect to perform almost 4 million procedures. Although treatment for skin cancer remains the most requested procedure, the following treatments are also among the most popular. Help for the Holiday Blues For most of us, the purpose of the holidays is to bring peace, love, and goodwill towards all. Yet, for many, the holiday season often means stress, fatigue, pressure, disappointment and loneliness. Study Implicates Movies in Child, Teen Smoking Watching movie stars light up on screen may increase the odds a child or young teen will try smoking, study findings suggest. Satcher: Obesity Reaching Crisis Levels A new report by the surgeon general calls on schools and communities to help prevent the growing spread of obesity. Taste Fat? For centuries, scientists figured that our taste buds were designed to detect only four flavors: salty, sour, bitter and sweet. Everything else that goes into the taste of, say, a chocolate bar was thought to be related to things like smell and texture. Low Educational Level Tied to Alzheimer's Disease Elderly people with little formal schooling are more than twice as likely as those with more education to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, according to new study findings. World's 65+ Population Triples The number of people age 65 and older more than tripled over the past half-century to a record 420 million worldwide. In general, seniors are better educated, retiring earlier and living longer. 'Imperfect' Vaccines Risk Worse Disease Experimental vaccines that would provide only some protection against disease could potentially make the public health situation worse, according to UK researchers. 'Sacrificial' Bonds Protect Bones From Breaking Bones may owe their toughness and resilience to tiny bonds embedded in collagen, US researchers report. Cancer Support Group Can Lessen Depression, Pain Joining a support group may not prolong the lives of women with breast cancer but it can help relieve their depression and anxiety, according to the results of a study. Treatments for Severe Snoring Sleep expert explains treatments available for noisy nappers. Women Need to Know About Osteoporosis Many women have undiagnosed low bone density, putting them at risk for osteoporosis. Kids Are Getting Fatter A study released Tuesday confirms what many doctors, parents and public health officials have suspected for years: more and more US kids are overweight. US Failing on Women's Health Issues The United States gets a grade of ``unsatisfactory'' when it comes to dealing with women's health issues, according to a national report card released Tuesday by the National Women's Law Center. 75 Percent of Youth Look for Health on Net More young people get health information from the Internet than use it to download music, play games, or check sports scores, a new survey finds. Youth Must Be Focus of AIDS Efforts Almost 12 million men and women under the age of 24 are currently living with HIV worldwide. With this number growing daily, public health experts are calling for a global focus on this so-called ``AIDS generation''--the young people they say are most physically and psychologically vulnerable to infection. Low Blood Pressure Tied to Cognitive Problems Having a sound mind as you get older could depend on your blood pressure, says new research. Anticipation of Humour Good For Health It's no secret that laughter is good for you and, even when indulged in liberally, is gloriously free of side effects. Now, new research suggests that humor has another benefit: The mere act of anticipation may make people feel better hours before they get around to watching a funny video. Weight-Loss Drinks Increase Gas in Milk-Intolerant As if losing weight wasn't difficult enough, researchers say that people who have difficulty digesting milk products may experience an increase in gas if they consume milk-based powder supplements designed as a meal replacement. Bodybuilding Supplements' Label Claims Often False Body-builders looking to pump up their physiques should know that many over-the-counter steroid supplements don't measure up to their label claims, according to a new study. Vegetarian Diet May Mask Eating Disorder in Teens Teenage vegetarians may be at greater risk of eating disorders and suicide than their meat-eating peers, according to researchers. More Teens Expected to Buy Cigarettes Online A growing number of Web sites selling cigarettes could challenge efforts to limit smoking among US adolescents, researchers conclude. Exercise Is Hard to Stick With For most new exercisers, it's easier to quit than to get fit. Keeping the will to stick with a program can be the hardest exercise. Preventing Wrong Site Surgery Officials say patients and health care professionals can take simple steps to prevent surgeons from operating on the wrong body parts. Hearing Loss Due to Noise Affecting Millions Leaf blowers, ear-splitting music, jet skis, factory machinery and even noisy restaurants are just parts of the daily symphony of danger that poses a serious threat to your hearing. Brain Scans Can Detect Lying In findings that could put the lie detector machine out of business, a new study has found brain scans can detect when someone is lying. Optimism May Protect Against Heart Disease People who blame themselves for bad events and believe that things will never change are more likely to develop heart disease than their more optimistic peers, study findings suggest. When It Comes to Romance, Listen to Your Friends When it comes to predicting whether or not a heterosexual romantic relationship is going to last, the female partner's friends seem to be particularly astute, according to new study findings. Shop Receipts Confirm Britons Love Fatty Foods Britons are continuing to eat too many fatty foods despite having one of the highest rates of heart disease in the world, a study of supermarket till receipts showed on Thursday. Obesity Linked to Higher Risk of Acid Indigestion Obese patients may be more vulnerable to suffering from a form of acid indigestion, according to researchers. Sidewalks, Parks Could Boost Exercise Rates Communities that build walking and bicycle trails, initiate walking programs in malls, and fund public areas such as parks and sidewalks can boost activity levels in the US, study findings suggest. Alternative Therapies Gain Favor for Kids' Cancers Three out of four children with cancer are going beyond their doctor-ordered conventional treatment and using such alternative therapies as herbs, spiritual healing and the like, says a new study. Compensation Worsens Back Pain When your foot hurts, you limp and use other muscles to avoid pain and prevent further damage. But when your back is injured, that same kind of compensation may actually increase your chances of being reinjured. Big Chains May Sell Outdated Drugs Most people wouldn't buy milk or meat without checking the expiration date - but how many of us check the dates on aspirin or condoms before getting their items rung up at the drugstore? Women Working Later Into Pregnancy Women are working later into pregnancy and returning sooner to the office after giving birth than they did years ago, a Census Bureau report suggests. Remember Your Curry New research shows this zesty staple of Indian fare, which puts the zing in curry sauces, may protect you from the memory loss and eventual mental decline of Alzheimer's disease. Taste, Not Smell, of Fatty Foods Lures Eaters It's something in the taste, not the smell, of fat that lures people to rich foods, say scientists at Purdue University. CDC: No Link Between Vaccines, Diabetes Routinely vaccinating your child doesn't mean he or she will come down with insulin-dependent diabetes, a devastating disease that tends to strike the immune systems of the young. Zinc May Cut Infection, Death Rate in Newborns Infants born weighing less than 5.5 pounds are more likely to die from infectious disease than their heavier peers. But new study findings suggest that supplementing their diet with zinc can significantly lower the risk of death caused by infection. Marijuana Abuse May Up Risk of Depression According to the report, adults who were not depressed when the study began but who abused marijuana were about four times more likely to report symptoms of depression 15 years later, compared with their non-smoking peers. Parents Can Sway Teens on Smoking Defying the stereotype of the defiant teen-ager, new research suggests teens are much less likely to smoke if they think their parents disapprove of the habit. Winded and Wondering Why? If you find yourself getting winded while playing sports, don't automatically blame it on a lack of conditioning. You may be one of millions of Americans who suffer from undiagnosed asthma that is triggered by exercise. Give Safe Toys This Holiday Season Whether it's due to the demands of commercial-addled kids or the good intentions of exuberant gift-givers, the concept of toy safety is often lost over the holidays. Anatomy of a Health-Care Teaching Tool Health-care students who must learn how blood travels through the heart, or how knees are wrenched by sprains, will soon need only to flip on their computer to see a "virtual human" spring to life.