Monthly News Archives



		Tai Chi Gaining Ground as Exercise for Elderly A new take on the ancient martial art Tai Chi may offer a gentle way for even frail elderly adults to keep moving. What's So Good About Sex? Ask Yeast It's official: sex is good for you. Well, at least it's good for yeast. Child Obesity Dragging Down Overall Gains in Health Child obesity has more than tripled in three decades and the increased health risk associated with being fat has wiped out progress in other areas, according to a report issued. French Lawmaker Targets Obesity Problem All that gourmet food, coupled with those slim waistlines, has long stood as one of the wonders of France. No more. Stretching Before Exercise May Not Always Be Best Although stretching is part of the warm-up routine of athletes everywhere, the practice may actually be counterproductive in certain cases, research suggests. 'Good' Bacteria Help Irritable Bowel Syndrome A "probiotic" preparation containing the beneficial microbe Bifidobacterium infantis relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a common problem that usually involves cramping, diarrhea and constipation, new research shows. Americans Too Sleepy for Sex, Poll Finds Many Americans are so sleepy that they are having problems in their marriages, making mistakes at work and even going without sex, according to a recent report released. Poor Sugar Control Linked with Erectile Function In diabetic men with erection problems, the severity of their sexual performance problem increases as control of blood sugar levels worsens, according to the results of a new study. Exercise Key to Longevity for Type 2 Diabetics Staying active at work and during leisure time may help reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease or any other cause for men and women with type 2 diabetes, according to the findings of an international study. Special Acupuncture Lowers Blood Pressure A specialized acupuncture treatment that uses low levels of electrical stimulation can lower blood pressure dramatically in rats, U.S. researchers reported. Raw Food Vegans Thin But Healthy People on strict raw food vegetarian diets are thin but healthy, U.S. researchers reported. Great Moms Pass Parenting Skills to Daughters Mothers who provide their children with a positive, nurturing environment most likely received the same kind of upbringing from their own mothers, researchers believe. Beating Cancer May Not Mean Beating Stress Even though they've managed to conquer their disease, many cancer survivors still cope with emotional and physical effects that last for years, a new study finds. Quality, Not Quantity Important For Moms A study from researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found no differences in children's social and intellectual development during the first three years of life between those whose mothers spent a lot of time with them in infancy and those whose mothers spent less time because they worked outside the home. Bullying a Big Problem in Schools Nearly half of sixth-grade urban middle school students reported being harassed by bullies at least once within the previous two weeks, a new study finds. Researcher To Be Sacked After Reporting High Rates Of ADHD A US researcher who said that doctors and psychologists may be overdiagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children has been placed on administrative leave �with intent to terminate� her employment. The move came after charges of scientific misconduct against her, and her computers have been seized. What to Do About Menopause? Even Experts Confused Menopause does not usually cause severe symptoms apart from hot flashes, and little is known about alternatives to hormone replacement therapy with its risks of cancer and heart attack, experts said. Lose Weight, Think Positive One of the best predictors of successful weight loss may have less to do with eating than with thinking. Sleep Apnea Can Be Deadly At Night Obstructive sleep apnea, characterized by short but frequent interruptions in breathing, may raise cardiac death risk in the small hours of the night, new research suggests. Fish Oil May Keep Alzheimer's Disease at Bay Diets high in the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as mackerel, sardines and salmon might ward off Alzheimer's disease. Physical, Emotional Stress Trigger Heart Attack A sudden surge of physical activity or bout of extreme emotional distress can precipitate a heart attack in people at risk, according to a recent review of medical literature. Widening Waistlines Predict Diabetes in Men A new study supplies more proof those "love handles" and "spare tires" need to go: Researchers say a man's waist size beats his body mass index in predicting whether he'll develop type 2 diabetes. Pushy Parents 'Harm Child Health' 'Pushy parents' who demand results from doctors can unwittingly be harming their child's health, researchers warn. Mobile Phones for Kids Raise Concerns Parents should think twice before giving in to a middle-schooler's demands for a cell phone, some scientists say, because potential long-term health risks remain unclear. Shape Up With Mind Aerobics There is mounting evidence that memory lapses don't necessarily foreshadow dementia, and that doing mind aerobics can reduce the risk. Study to Test Partial Breast Radiation A new clinical trial of partial breast radiation is set to begin. Researchers hope it will answer some important questions about this alternative way of delivering radiation therapy to women who have had breast tumors removed. Pomegranate Juice Cuts Cardiovascular Risks Italian and American scientists report that pomegranate juice helped keep fatty deposits from collecting on artery walls in mice, and kept human heart cells healthier. When It Comes to Chocolate, Order Dark, Not White Dark chocolate -- but not white chocolate - may help reduce blood pressure and boost the body's ability to metabolize sugar from food, according to the results of a small study. Limiting Carbs Results in Greater Weight Loss Obese women who follow low-carbohydrate diets, such as the Atkins diet, may lose more weight in a four-month period than those who go on low-fat diets, new study findings show. The reason for the greater weight loss, however, is not clear. Test Suggests Kids More Prone to Allergies Than Their Parents Scientists have found significant differences in a blood marker for allergies between parents and their children, indicating that kids today may be more subsceptible to allergies than previous generations were. Caffeine Impairs Sugar Metabolism Caffeine intake makes insulin more resistant to changes in blood sugar levels, Canadian researchers report. This effect was observed both in patients with and those without diabetes and could not be reversed with regular exercise or weight. Cholesterol Feeds Prostate Cancer High cholesterol levels accelerate the growth of prostate tumours, research has found. Storage Time And Temperature Effects Nutrients In Spinach That seven-day-old bag of spinach in your refrigerator may not make you as strong as your grandma told you, because, according to Penn State food scientists, spinach stored for a long time loses much of its nutrient content. Anger May Drive Heart Disease High levels of anger may help drive coronary artery disease in many patients under 50 years of age, researchers say. Acupuncture Shown to Relieve Pelvic Pregnancy Pain Acupuncture and exercise can help relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy, Swedish researchers said. Moderate Drinking Appears to Cut Diabetes Risk Evidence continues to mount that moderate alcohol consumption may protect against the development of type 2 diabetes. Compound To Cut Fatty Food Risk It may be possible to add a compound to high-fat food that can cut the risk of an unhealthy diet leading to diabetes, say scientists. Oysters May Be an Aphrodisiac After All Throughout the ages, foods such as asparagus, almonds, avocado, bananas, basil, chocolate, eggs, figs, foie gras and, of course, raw oysters have been touted as aphrodisiacs. New Clues to Cause of Iron Disorder Researchers say they have identified a protein they believe is key to the iron disorder hemochromatosis. High-Dose Vitamin E Gets More Bad News A study in today's Journal of the American Medical Association is the third in four months to question the health benefits of high-dose vitamin E supplements. Leptin: A 'Missing Link' Between Obesity And Diabetes? Twin epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes are bearing down on the world's population, threatening the lives of hundreds of millions of people. But scientists are still trying to determine how the two conditions are linked, and what it takes to turn an obese person into a person with diabetes. Obesity Ups Child's Asthma Risk Obese children are more likely to suffer asthma and wheezing than other children, according to a new study. Oily Fish Helps Cut Inflammation Scientists have discovered why a diet high in oily fish like salmon and mackerel may help improve inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Obesity Higher in Some European Countries At least seven European countries now challenge the United States in size � at least around the waistline. In a group of nations from Greece to Germany, the proportion of overweight or obese men is higher than in the U.S., experts said in a major analysis of expanding girth on the European continent. AIDS Cocktails Prevent Cancer, Study Finds Drug cocktails taken to control the AIDS virus may not only keep patients healthy but may protect them against some cancers caused by the infection, say international researchers. Pregnant? Don't Forget to Exercise Today, doctors say not only is it OK to exercise, but women should stay active as a way to ensure a smoother, healthier pregnancy and delivery, while possibly reducing the risk of gestational diabetes. Anti-Cancer Compound in Green Tea Identified Spanish and British scientists have discovered how green tea helps to prevent certain types of cancer. Major Cause of Blindness Inherited Age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults, is greatly influenced by a person's genes, according to a recent study of twins. Mountain Living Good for Heart and Health If you want to live longer and lower the risk of heart disease, a move to the mountains may help. Drug Complaints Reach Record High Drug side effects and other related health problems reported to the Food and Drug Administration reached an all-time high in 2004, a government estimate shows. Even a Late Exercise Start Cuts Heart Risks Adopting a regular exercise routine for the first time late in life reduces the development of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, Canadian researchers found in a clinical study of older people. Specialist Therapy Most Effective for Panic Disorder Individuals with panic disorders may benefit more from professional cognitive behavioral therapy than simply being given drugs and counseling by their primary care doctor, researchers report. Doctors Need Better Training in Geriatric Care As the population ages, medical schools are falling short in training specialists in aspects of geriatric care, a new study warns. Kidney Disease Web Site a Resource for Patients A new directory focused on chronic kidney disease offers patients, doctors and caregivers quick access to more than 60 Web sites, including those operated by non-profit, educational and patient advocacy organizations. Soap And Water Work Best In Ridding Hands Of Disease Viruses The largest, most comprehensive study ever done comparing the effectiveness of hand hygiene products shows that nothing works better in getting rid of disease-causing viruses than simply washing one's hands with good old-fashioned soap and water. Anti-Obesity School Program Prevents Purging Too A school-based program to prevent obesity may also be effective in preventing adolescent girls from vomiting or using laxatives or diet pills to control their weight, new study findings show. The Power of Green Tea Although the health benefits of tea drinking have been described for centuries, only recently have its medicinal properties been investigated scientifically. Health Tip: Help for Teen 'Couch Potatoes' Only 25 percent of children in the United States get significant physical activity each day, and it's this lack of exercise that contributes to the nation's childhood obesity epidemic. There are ways to coax your teenage "couch potato" off the sofa. Even Mild Depression Increases Long-Term Mortality in Heart Failure Duke University Medical Center researchers have found a strong association between depression and a higher long-term risk of death for patients with chronic heart failure. Early Warning System Seen For Deadly Leg Clots An early warning system can help doctors prevent many cases of deep-vein thrombosis, the so-called "economy-class syndrome" that causes potentially fatal blood clots, researchers said. High and Low Blood Pressure Bad for Brain Function New research indicates that high and abnormally low blood pressures can have a detrimental effect on one's thinking ability or cognitive function. TV, Computers a 'Full-Time' Activity for U.S. Youth Using computers, watching television and listening to music are nearly a full-time activity for most U.S. children, with the average 8- to 18-year-old taking in 6 1/2 hours a day, a recent report published stated. More Women Fat Than Underfed Around World Many more women around the world are overweight than underfed, even in poor countries and rural areas, according to a report recently published. Sports Drinks 'Dissolving Teeth' Rehydrating sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to teeth than water, according to researchers at the University of Birmingham. Stressful Jobs Can Put Aging Boomers At Risks Many baby boomers say they'll keep working as long as possible rather than following in their parents' footsteps out the door to freedom the day they turn 65. Laughter May Be Good for the Heart A daily dose of laughter may be good for the heart because, like exercise, it makes blood vessels work more efficiently, U.S. researchers reported. A Happy Marriage Can Help Mend Physical Wounds A happy marriage apparently is good medicine, but hostile spouses may be harmful to one another's health. Joint Implants Can Weaken With Time Tiny particles released by the wear-and-tear of titanium joint implants can weaken the bonding of knee and hip replacements, researchers report. Finger Length 'Key To Aggression' The length of a man's fingers can reveal how physically aggressive he is, Canadian scientists have said. Maggots Make Move to Mainstream Medicine First came the leeches, moving from the land of medical lore to modern doctors' offices. Now another creepy crawler -- the lowly maggot -- is poised to become the next big thing in animal-assisted care. Healthy Diet May Prevent Age-Related Disability Researchers may have come up with another reason to eat well. A new study suggests diets rich in fruits, vegetables and dairy foods can prevent the disabilities that often come with age. Forearm Test Not Good for Checking Blood Sugar People with diabetes who need to monitor their blood sugar levels should not use their forearm to get a blood sample if they think their levels are low, two teams report. Diet, Exercise a Real Shortcut to Health Six short weeks is all it may take for simple changes in diet and exercise to start making dramatic reductions in risk for killer illnesses like diabetes, cancer or heart disease, researchers report. No Evidence That Echinacea Treats Colds Most of the major studies on the effectiveness of echinacea for treatment of the common cold contain major flaws, suggesting that research has not yet established that this herbal medicine is effective, according to a new report. Carnitine Supplement Helps Sperm Swim Taking carnitine supplements seems to improve sperm mobility in men with poorly active sperm, a problem known as asthenozoospermia, Italian researchers report. High Levels of Vitamin E Cut Prostate Cancer Risk High blood levels of the major vitamin E components, alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, seem to cut the risk of prostate cancer by about 50 percent each, a study shows. Schools Need A Dose of Cod-Liver Oil Children should be fed postwar rations of cod-liver oil and orange juice at school to improve their diet and concentration, a government-funded research centre said yesterday. Medication Errors Common During Hospital Admission Medication errors are common when patients are being admitted to a hospital, and some have the potential to be harmful, Canadian researchers report. School Programs Help Kids Stay Fit, Healthy Schools with programs that encourage kids to eat well and exercise tend to have a much healthier and fitter student body, new research hints. Food Trends: Will 'Low-G' Muscle Out 'Low-C'? Food companies slow to respond to the low-carb craze would love to know as they deal with new diet products that may quickly become passe and ponder a new term -- the glycemic index -- which has already made a mark elsewhere. Biological Clock May Shut Down, Long-Term Memory at Night If you crammed for tests by pulling 'all nighters' in school, ever wonder why your memory is now a bit foggy on what you learned? A University of Houston professor may have the answer with his research on the role of circadian rhythms in long-term learning and memory. Apples Could Reduce, Risk Of Breast Cancer An apple a day can help keep breast cancer away, according to a study in rats by food scientists at Cornell University. Common Procedures Do Help Injured Knees Two new studies show that the two most commonly performed cartilage-repair techniques restore mobility and reduce pain in injured knees. Restaurants Slow to Drop Fat Menu Choices For people trying to banish trans fat from their diets, dining out can be a big problem. Products free of trans fat are rapidly appearing in supermarket snack aisles, but the fried chicken and french fries ordered in restaurants usually are cooked in shortening or oil containing trans fat. Diet, Exercise Top Drugs in Preventing Diabetes Preventing diabetes with diet and exercise may be not only possible, especially among nonsmokers, but also more cost-effective than medication. Study Links Osteoporosis, Gluten Intolerance Some people develop osteoporosis, the mineral loss disease that leads to brittle bones, because their bodies cannot tolerate wheat flour, a study said. Almost One In Three Seniors Given Inappropriate Meds Almost 30 percent of prescriptions written for people over 65 in managed care plans were for medications deemed potentially inappropriate for older people, according to new research. Battle of the Sexes a Matter of Perception Are men better than women when it comes to certain intellectual tasks, such as remembering the location of objects?