Monthly News Archives



		Vitamins: More May Be Too Many A growing number of medical experts are concerned that Americans are overdoing their vitamin consumption. As many as 70 percent of the population is taking supplements, mostly vitamins, convinced that the pills will make them healthier. Chinese Turn to Herbs to Prevent SARS Millions of Chinese believe a traditional herbal remedy — "Ba Wei," or "Eight Ingredients" — offers some of the best protection against the SARS virus, which has no cure and has infected thousands and killed at least 148 in China. Medicare Urged to Cover Preventive Health Services To improve the health of older and disabled Americans, Medicare should cover services that prevent disease, such as cholesterol, vision and hearing screenings, instead of focusing almost exclusively on treating people once they get sick, according to a report released Tuesday by the Partnership for Prevention. The Pill Doesn't Pack on the Pounds Many women never use or stop using oral contraceptives because they're concerned about potential weight gain. However, this study reviewed 39 clinical trials of women using oral contraceptives and found no scientific proof they cause weight increase. Car Exhaust Chokes Sperm Traffic pollution damages sperm quality in young and middle-age men, says an Italian study of highway tollgate attendants. Breast Cancer Screening Found Effective Breast cancer deaths in women ages 55 to 74 dropped by about 20 percent after a mammography program to screen for early signs of the disease was started in The Netherlands, says a report in the April 26 issue of The Lancet by physicians at the Erasmus Medical Center. WHO Lifts SARS Travel Ban to Toronto Following pressure from the Canadian government, the World Health Organization on Tuesday lifted its warning against nonessential travel to Toronto, saying it was satisfied with local measures to stop the spread of the deadly SARS virus. Circumcision Does Not Dull Sensitivity: Study Circumcised men appear to have the same degree of penis sensitivity as men who are uncircumcised, a new study suggests -- in a finding that will probably just add fuel to the fire of a controversial subject debated for years. U.S. Says Preventable Injuries Serious Health Threat Deaths and injuries due to accidents and violent crime have reached epidemic levels in the United States and pose a threat to the nation's economic and social well-being, federal health officials said on Monday. Skipping Meals May Help, Not Hurt, Health: Study A report released Monday found that a diet in which mice ate only every other day appeared to protect them more from diabetes and the memory-robbing Alzheimer's disease than either a low-calorie diet or eating as much food as they wanted every day. Exercising During Pregnancy Although you may not feel like running a marathon - especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy - most women benefit greatly from exercising throughout their pregnancy. But during that time you'll need to make a few adjustments to your normal exercise routine. Building a Better Smile With demand for a whiter smile growing, there is a wide field of products that promise to brighten teeth and bring dull or stained choppers back to pearly white. But which ones are worth the money? German Osteoporosis Rates Up 30 Percent Osteoporosis is reaching epidemic levels in Germany, according to a leading expert, who said on Monday that doctors and the general public need to pay more attention to the fragile bone disease. Seniors Should Stay Healthy While on the Road If you're a senior who loves to travel, the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) has some travel tips for you. If You Feel a Migraine Coming On . . . If you sense your migraines seem to get worse with changes in barometric pressure, experts say it's probably not just in your head. Study Suggests Western Diet Tied to Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is 10 times more common in the United States than Japan and preliminary research suggests that differences in diet may be a reason why. Flexibility Lowers Arthritis Risk in Older Women Older women who are "double-jointed" -- or those who have super-flexible joints -- are less likely to have arthritic knees than their peers, according to a study of British women. Carpal Tunnel Strikes Slowly and Steadily Beware of that tingling or numbness in your wrist or hand. It could be the start of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Hysterectomy: A Surgery Many Women May Not Need Hysterectomies are the second most common surgery for American women, after Caesarean births. But they shouldn't be the preferred treatment for women with uterine problems, particularly fibroids, a Cleveland Clinic gynecologist says. Understanding Autism The signs often show up early in a baby's life: He doesn't babble or coo like other infants. Later, he may fail to gesture, point or make eye contact. When these symptoms prevail, the diagnosis could be autism Don't Let Mold Put Your Life on Hold Rainy days may get some people down, but if you're among the many who are allergic to mold, wet or humid weather can compound your misery. Japanese Discover First New Vitamin in 55 Years Japanese scientists have discovered a new vitamin that plays an important role in fertility in mice and may have a similar function in humans, the research leader said on Thursday. Don't Panic About SARS, UK Doctors Say Britain's doctors have urged people to stay calm in the face of the growing SARS crisis, saying on Thursday that authorities were doing all that was needed to tackle the potentially deadly disease. Declining Motor Abilities Linked with Alzheimer's Rapid worsening of symptoms long associated with Parkinson's disease -- tremor, muscle rigidity and movement problems -- may be linked to a heightened risk of the memory-robbing disease Alzheimer's, a new study suggests. Obesity Behind 90,000 Cancer Deaths Each Year A significant proportion of deaths from cancer may be due to excess body weight and obesity, according to an American Cancer Society report. Getting By on Little Sleep While some can function on little sleep, others feel exhausted if they don't get a full night of slumber. The U.S. Department of Defense is supporting two University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine studies to research the phenomenon. Online Tobacco a Growing Hazard Many smokers are fighting back the government by going online to find bargain prices for cigarettes, a practice that is angering states, health campaigners, traditional retailers and the big tobacco companies themselves. A Rundown on Shin Splints Vows to exercise spring eternal this time of year, as many people set out to shed the extra pounds they gained during winter. But if jogging is your workout of choice and you overdo it, your attempt to get fit could end in pain and frustration when you contract a nasty case of shin splints. Moderate Lifestyle Changes Control Hypertension A change of heart about your diet and exercise habits can help you keep a lid on your blood pressure -- but you have to be committed to the conversion. Taking the Itch Out of Eczema Long-term management that combines new and old kinds of therapy is the recommended approach for treating eczema. Having a Baby is Good for Your Bones Having a baby is good for your health -- or at least the health of your bones, says a new study of nearly 10,000 women. Few States or Countries Ban Tanning Beds Although indoor tanning can more than double your risk of skin cancer, few states or countries bar young people from using them, new research finds. Simple Exercise Can Bring Seniors Back in Balance A simple, inexpensive exercise program can help seniors achieve significant strength and balance improvements in just a few weeks and help protect them from falls. U.N. Sticks to Advice to Limit Sugar Intake The World Health Organization says it stands by scientific findings advising consumers to limit sugar intake, shrugging off pressure from sugar and soft drinks industry lobbyists to ease off. Common Bug May Up Risk of Age-Related Vision Loss New findings suggest that a frequent cause of age-related vision impairment may be linked to a common bacterial infection. Drink Tea to Stay Germ-Free: Report Drinking tea appears to boost the immune system, perhaps helping people fight off or blunt the effect of infections, researchers said Monday. Snoring Linked to Chronic Daily Headache People who suffer from chronic daily headaches appear to be nearly three times as likely to be habitual snorers as those who only get headaches once in a while, a new study suggests. Marathon Dilemma: How Much Water Is Too Much? Scales are part of a new push to protect runners from hyponatremia, a rare condition that claimed the life of a healthy 28-year-old woman who collapsed during last year's Boston Marathon. Heat Can Be Hard on Feet Summer's heat is usually associated with afflictions ranging from sunburn to heat exhaustion, but foot pain? That's right. Heat causes the entire body to swell and retain fluid, and the feet are no exception. Highly Educated May Have Poorer Mental Health Contrary to what they expected, a team of California researchers has found that highly educated workers may be more, not less, likely to have mental health problems in comparison to the general public. Sugar Intake Not Tied to Diabetes Risk in Women A large new study of middle-aged women suggests that when it comes to diabetes, sugar is not a major player. Instead, the amount of calories consumed and a sedentary lifestyle may be more important in terms of diabetes risk, according to Harvard researchers. Study Supports Eight Glasses of Water a Day Advice Drinking only half of the recommended eight glasses of water a day may result in mild dehydration, a small study of college students has found. Being Overweight Isn't Just in Our Genes Are genes the main reason why so many people are overweight? Of course not! After all, 40 years ago, less than 13 percent of people in Canada and the U.S. were obese. Now it's more than 30 percent. Our genes didn't change in 40 years. What has changed is that we eat more, and move less. Barometric Pressure Causes Physical Pain Decreases in barometric pressure typically signal an approaching storm, but for many such changes can also be a forecast for physical pain. Play It Safe As playgrounds, ball fields and courts start to fill up with kids this spring, safety is increasingly on parents' minds -- a concern that's well-founded, considering the recent record of athletic injuries. Melanoma Gene Discovered Researchers at Rutgers University think they've discovered a gene that contributes to melanoma, a form of skin cancer that kills some thousands every year. Working Out to Stop Heart Failure A $37 million study to determine if a tailored exercise program can help heart failure patients live longer is being led by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists. It's Spring, and Allergies Are Booming Millions suffer from allergies in the spring, when airborne pollens are most plentiful. While these allergies mirror the symptoms of a simple cold -- including sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes -- they also cause itchy eyes, which colds don't. Preventing SARS As SARS continues to slowly spread around the globe, parents want to know what they can do to reduce the risk of their kids getting it. Children's Obesity Rates May Be Worse Than Thought The prevalence of obesity may be even higher than the 10 percent previously reported among children in the U.S., according to a team of Alabama and Texas researchers. Study Finds Insomnia May Affect Immune System People with chronic sleep deprivation may be more susceptible to illness than those who regularly get a good night's sleep, according to researchers in Canada. Teens in Abusive Relationships Take Health Risks Teens in abusive relationships take bigger risks with their health than their peers, and the problem appears as common among males as females, a U.S. study suggests. After Menopause, Sugar Doesn't Taste as Sweet It's another bitter consequence of aging. Turkish researchers have found that some postmenopausal women lose their ability to taste sweet foods. World Officials Ponder Success of War on Drugs The United Nations held a cautiously optimistic review of its campaign against drugs on Wednesday in Vienna, while civil experts meeting next door called for more flexibility to enable signatory states to reduce drug demand. Suicide Rates Highest in Spring, Summer Months Despite reports of "winter blues" that appear to lift with the first signs of spring, new findings show that people tend to commit suicide more often during warmer months. West Nile Virus Expected to Spread Across Canada The potentially deadly West Nile virus is likely to spread to most areas of Canada this year despite a new campaign to curb its impact, medical experts conceded on Wednesday. Alcohol Damage Continues After Drinking Stops Even after alcoholics stop drinking, they continue to experience motor problems. A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study also found the brains of abstinent alcoholics seem to compensate for alcohol-caused brain damage by using other brain regions. Targeting Heart Disease, Stroke Federal U.S. health officials on Tuesday unveiled a national plan aimed at cutting the risk of cardiovascular disease as a preventable cause of death. When Heartburn Means Trouble Millions suffer from heartburn. The vast majority of these people can find relief in over-the-counter medications from their local drugstore and by making adjustments in when and what they eat. But for some, the burning pain is actually a symptom pointing to a more serious problem. Caffeine and Ephedra Before Workout Tax Heart People who consume ephedra and caffeine before they exercise alter their cardiovascular system, placing greater demands on their heart, says a South Dakota State University study. Run, Don't Walk to Stave Off Heart Death A brisk half-hour walk five days a week might make you healthier, but may not be enough to avoid a premature death from heart disease, British researchers reported on Tuesday. Turnips Touted as SARS Cure in Beijing A turnip a day keeps the SARS virus away, or so many in China's capital believe. Turnip prices have jumped in Beijing after the vegetable was touted as a key ingredient in a potion to fight the deadly virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, peddlers said. Winning World Cup Lowers Heart Attack Deaths-Study Winning soccer's World Cup not only lifts a nation's spirits, it lowers the death rate from heart attacks, doctors said on Tuesday. Sudden Heart Death Strikes Women, Too Doctors should pay the same attention to preventing sudden cardiac death in women as they do for men, a new Harvard study urges. Aluminum in Drinking Water Tied to Alzheimer's Adding support to a controversial theory linking aluminum with Alzheimer's disease, new research indicates the disease is more common in regions of northwest Italy where levels of aluminum in drinking water are highest. Strong Thigh Muscle May Hasten Knee Arthritis Strengthening the thigh muscle is generally thought to help arthritic knees, but a new study suggests that strong thigh muscles may hasten arthritis in those with certain joint or leg characteristics. Smoking Lowers Vitamin B-6 Levels Too few people get enough vitamin B-6 and smokers are even more likely to have low levels of the vitamin, which is believed to offer protection against the DNA damage that can lead to cancers. Obesity Surgery May Lead to Weakened Bones People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery to lose large amounts of weight may also lose bone mass, even if they're taking recommended calcium supplements to help keep their bones strong, new findings suggest. Bad Memories Block Out New Memories Fear-provoking memories cause rats to forget newly learned information. So says a study by researchers at the University of South Florida and James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital. Calcium Helps Girls Keep the Weight Off Whether calcium comes from dairy products or supplements, girls who consume the highest levels weigh less than girls who consume lower levels, a new study says. Supersized Meals Shortchange Your Health Supersized meals are no bargain when it comes to your health, say two Penn State University studies. The first study found bigger restaurant portions result in people consuming more calories. More Children Getting Adult Diabetes Once a true medical oddity, children with adult diabetes are becoming commonplace. Doctors blame the twin evils of too much food and too little exercise and fear a tragic upswing in disastrous diabetic complications as this overweight generation reaches adulthood. Nicotine May Have Link to SIDS Newborn rats exposed to nicotine in the womb have an increased risk of apnea, a condition where breathing simply stops. In Some, Throat Clearing First Sign of Asthma New findings suggest that the first sign of asthma in a child may be simple throat-clearing. Are Organic Foods Better for You? Are you wondering whether you should include organic foods in your grocery cart? University of Michigan Health System registered dietician Terrie A. Holewinski offers some information about organic foods. Human Cloning May Be Impossible Cloning humans, or any other primates, may be impossible with today's techniques because of a fundamental molecular obstacle, say scientists trying to understand why attempts to clone monkeys have failed. UK Doctors Advise Against Tanning Beds People should stop using sun beds because of the dangers of ultra-violet radiation, the British Medical Association (BMA) said on Friday. Why Blacks May Be More Prone to Diabetes A group of key genetic markers responsible for increased insulin resistance are much more common in black children than white children and may account for the greater incidence of diabetes in blacks. Got Syndrome X? Many people are familiar with the risk factors for vascular disease — high-blood pressure, high cholesterol, glucose intolerance and an expansive waistband are but a few. Each alone can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. But cluster them together, they may pose significantly higher risk. Link on Hard Arteries, Vein Clots Found A study has found a link between hardening of the arteries and blood clots in veins, a discovery that could spur new research on ways to prevent the life-threatening blockages. Yoga, Exercise Beats Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis Despite anecdotal evidence that people with multiple sclerosis should avoid exerting themselves, new research suggests that some exercise, including yoga, may combat their fatigue. Study Shows Why Aspirin, Fiber Prevent Cancer Painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen may help prevent colon cancer by preventing tumor cells from becoming immortal, and eating fiber may work in a similar way, U.S. scientists reported on Wednesday. Free Asthma Screenings Underway The seventh annual Nationwide Asthma Screening Program is being held at more than 300 locations across the United States as part of the National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May. Obese Kids Have Quality of Life on Par with Cancer Some obese children and teenagers have a health-related quality of life as low as that reported by young cancer patients, researchers reported Tuesday. Girls' Body Fat at Age 5 Linked to Earlier Puberty Girls who have more body fat at age 5 tend to be closer to puberty at age 9 than other 9-year-olds who had less body fat, researchers report. And girls showing large increases in body fat between the ages of 5 and 9 also tend to show more signs of puberty at age 9 compared with other youngsters. After the Chemo -- Do You Remember? Countless cancer patients suffer from "chemobrain," a set of changes affecting memory, attention and concentration that seem to result after chemotherapy. Form of Iron Raised in Alzheimer's Disease High levels of a magnetic form of iron known as magnetite have been found in brain-tissue samples from Alzheimer's patients -- raising the possibility of developing a test to detect the disease before the onset of symptoms, British researchers said on Wednesday. Study Looks at Pounds Shed with Weight Watchers Although following Weight Watchers appears to help people shed more pounds than they would on their own, people who followed the program for two years lost an average of only six pounds, researchers said Tuesday. Healthy Lifestyle Can Halt Prostate Cancer Frequent exercise, maintaining a normal body mass index and having routine prostate screenings seem to be significant factors in keeping prostate cancer from progressing. Too Much TV Ups Obesity, Diabetes Risk in Women Women who are glued to the boob-tube are also likely to watch their waistlines expand, Harvard researchers reported Tuesday. Divorce Damages Infants, Too Babies who spend nights at the different homes of separated or divorced parents have problems making secure attachments to their parents. Circumcision Advantages? According to Stanford University Medical Center, research by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found potential health advantages of newborn circumcision, but not enough to recommend it as a routine procedure. Childhood Obesity Linked to Depression Children who are chronically obese may carry the weight of the world on their shoulders -- or at least feel as if they do. Babies Should Get Vitamin D Supplement All infants, particularly those who are breastfed, should be given vitamin D to help prevent rickets, a potentially crippling condition in which the bones fail to grow straight and strong, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announced Monday. Underactive Thyroid May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk Having an underactive thyroid gland may reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, according to a new study. Breast cancer may also grow more slowly in women with a history of the thyroid condition, known as hypothyroidism, researchers report. Toilet Training Goes Faster If Time is Right Starting to toilet train your children before the age of 27 months probably isn't a good idea because it takes longer and offers no real benefit, a new study says. WHO Wants Action to Stop Millions of Child Deaths The World Health Organization (WHO) called on Monday for urgent international action to remove environmental hazards which kill five million children every year, mainly in poor countries. Doctors Confess to Accepting Drug Company Gifts A survey of British general practitioners (GPs) suggests that some accept gifts, hospitality and free holidays from drug companies. Want to Live to Age 90? Watch Your Weight at 21 Maintaining a healthy weight during the young adult years and staying physically active later in life may be the secret to longer life, a team of California researchers reported. Exercise May Lower Protein Tied to Heart Disease Regular exercise may help cut blood levels of a protein linked to inflammation and increased heart disease risk, researchers reported here Wednesday at a meeting of the American College of Cardiology. Vitamin D Improves Calcium Intake Normal levels of vitamin D aren't enough to achieve optimal absorption of calcium. That's the suggestion of two studies in the April issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. SARS Hurts Toronto Tourism, but City Said Safe The mysterious respiratory infection SARS has killed a seventh person in Toronto, Canada's biggest city, but health officials insisted on Thursday the city is safe to visit even though a convention of medical specialists set to start here this week has been canceled. Pill Use May Raise Cervical Cancer Risk Women who take the birth control pill could be increasing their risk of cervical cancer, scientists warned on Friday. Report: Cancer Rates Could Rise 50 Percent by 2020 Global rates of cancer could rise 50 percent to 15 million new cases a year by 2020, but one-third can be cured and another third prevented by curbing infections and through lifestyle changes, experts said on Thursday. Traffic Noise Linked to High Blood Pressure People living with high levels of noise from traffic may be more likely than those in more quiet environs to have high blood pressure, German researchers said Thursday. SARS Scary, but Not as Bad as Flu It jumped from ducks to farmers in the densely populated southern provinces of China, spreading via jet to the whole world within a year and killing half a million people. SARS? No -- just ordinary influenza. When a Headache May be Something More Just about everyone has had a headache at some point in their lives. Most headaches are innocuous, but occasionally a throbbing forehead may be a warning sign that requires immediate medical attention. Type 1 Diabetes Shrinks the Brain Type 1 diabetes causes a decrease in brain tissue, a loss that might explain why diabetics seem to have higher rates of cognitive impairment throughout life, a new study says. Smoking Ban Reduces Heart Attacks A new study supports theories that cleaning up the air in bars and restaurants quickly improves health for everyone. Brain Can Regroup After Injury Your brain can reorganize after it's injured to help your body regain normal motor function, says a University of Illinois at Chicago study. Cereal Fiber May Lower Heart Risks in Elderly People over 65 appear less likely to develop cardiovascular disease if they eat fiber-rich cereals or dark breads such as wheat, rye or pumpernickel, researchers said Tuesday. Same Genes May Influence Breast Density, Cancer Genetic factors that determine a woman's breast density may also influence her risk of breast cancer, researchers reported Tuesday. Officials: Men Should Discuss Depression In a society that emphasizes men being rugged and strong, it's tough for a guy to admit to being depressed, but the National Institute of Mental Health wants that to change. Support Your Employees, It's Good for the Heart New research suggests that workers who feel supported by their supervisors have lower blood pressure during work hours than others, particularly during periods of stress. Many Seniors have Sleep Problems Two-thirds of seniors say they have problems sleeping, but doctors have only diagnosed a tiny percentage of them, says a new survey. Eating Fish Helps Heart of Diabetics, Too Women with diabetes also appear to receive the heart-healthy benefits of a diet rich in fish, researchers said Monday.