Monthly News Archives



		Mesotherapy Not Proven as Weight-Loss Method Mesotherapy, touted as a nonsurgical method of losing weight, has not been proven to be a safe alternative to lipsuction, and patients should be wary until the procedure is found to be safe and effective. Steady Diet of Soy Cuts Breast Cancer Risk Regular consumption of soy protein may reduce breast cancer risk by as much as 22 percent, claims a study in The International Journal of Cancer Prevention. U.S. Recommends More Repellents to Fight West Nile U.S. health officials recommend two more mosquito repellent ingredients, one of them a plant oil, to fight the West Nile virus after years of favoring the chemical DEET. Scientists Say Everyone Can Read Minds How we generate empathy remains a subject of intense debate in cognitive science. Some scientists now believe they may have finally discovered its root. We're all essentially mind readers, they say. The idea has been slow to gain acceptance, but evidence is mounting. How The Way You Sleep Affects What You Eat Changing work and sleep patterns are having a big effect on when and what we eat. An ongoing shift in our sleep patterns is making the old "three squares a day" very much a thing of the past. Doctors Influenced By Mention Of Drug Ads Actors pretending to be patients with symptoms of stress and fatigue were five times as likely to walk out of doctors' offices with a prescription when they mentioned seeing an ad for the heavily promoted antidepressant Paxil, according an unusual study being published. Zinc Improves Memory of 7th-Graders Zinc improved the memory of seventh-graders who took part in the research, a study found. A total of 209 of them were involved in a study at the federal Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks from 2002 through 2004. Exercise as Good as Surgery for Shoulder Injury Surgery is not superior to graded exercise training for treatment of rotator cuff injury, according to results of a comparative trial conducted in Denmark. Best to Eat Like The Greeks After Heart Disease People with heart disease who stick to a so-called Mediterranean diet -- heavy on fish and vegetables, and low on saturated fats -- tend to live longer than those who follow different diets, new research suggests. Mind-Reading Machine Knows What You See It is possible to read someone�s mind by remotely measuring their brain activity, researchers have shown. The technique can even extract information from subjects that they are not aware of themselves. Exercise May Slow Alzheimer's Exercise may prevent damaging changes in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer's, thereby lowering the risk of developing the disease, a new study involving mice suggests. Study Shows Chocolate's Anti-Cancer Properties Researchers from the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University have shown how an ingredient found in chocolate seems to exert its anti-cancer properties - findings that might be used one day to design novel cancer treatments. Kids' Eating Habits Unaffected by Mom's Job Contrary to what some might think, children of mothers who work outside the home tend to have healthier eating habits than those whose mothers are full-time homemakers, new study findings suggest. Sleep Patterns Linked to Diabetes Risk Sleeping for less than six hours or for more than nine hours each night is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and impaired blood sugar (glucose) tolerance, researchers report in this week's issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Few U.S. Adults Lead Healthy Lives A paltry number of Americans follow four basic rules of health living -- don't smoke, eat well, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight, according to new study findings released. Red Chili Pepper And Vegetables Linked To Cancer Prevention Two new studies suggest that vegetables such as broccoli and spices like red chili pepper, may provide a cancer-fighting benefit by slowing or preventing the growth of cancerous tumor cells. Radical Diets Can Lead to Obesity Adolescent girls who are depressed or try radical dieting like vomiting are more likely to become obese than those who eat high-fat foods or sometimes gorge themselves, a four-year study suggests. Vitamin E May Help Ease Menstrual Cramps Women may find some relief from menstrual cramps by taking vitamin E a few days a month, new research suggests. Sleepless Elderly Prone to Falls Elderly nursing home residents with insomnia have an increased risk of falling, researchers report. Green Tea Prevents Prostate Cancer After a year's oral administration of green tea catechins (GTCs), only one man in a group of 32 at high risk for prostate cancer developed the disease, compared to nine out of 30 in a control, according to a team of Italian researchers. Processed Meats Linked To Cancer Heavy consumption of hot dogs, sausages and luncheon meats, along with other forms of processed meat, was associated with the greatest risk of pancreatic cancer in a large multiethnic study reported today at the 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. Mom's Diet May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk in Daughters Mothers who eat fish and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and while nursing may reduce the risk of breast cancer in their daughters by as much as 40 percent, a new study of mice found. Midnight Snacker? Blame Your Genes Is midnight snacking keeping you up late at night and keeping you off your diet? A faulty gene may be to blame, researchers said. Study Shows Hot Dogs Raise Risk of Pancreatic Cancer A diet containing lots of processed meats, like hot dogs and sausages, raises the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a large multiethnic study. Study: Radical Diets Can Lead to Obesity Adolescent girls who are depressed or try radical dieting like vomiting are more likely to become obese than those who eat high-fat foods or sometimes gorge themselves, a four-year study suggests. Mom-to-Be's Diet Protects Daughters From Breast Cancer Women who eat fish and nuts during pregnancy may protect their daughters against breast cancer years down the road. Eating these foods during childhood also helps. If You're Fat, It Doesn't Matter if You're Fit Just because an overweight man can run around a baseball field or otherwise demonstrate aerobic fitness, it doesn't mean he need not worry about the risk of cardiovascular disease, new study findings suggest. Happy People Make for Healthy People A happy camper is a healthy camper, say British researchers who have unearthed evidence of a biological connection between a positive sense of well-being and reduced risk for disease among middle-aged men and women. Chili, Broccoli Help Prevent Cancer Broccoli and red chili peppers may help fight cancer by slowing the growth of cancerous tumor cells, U.S. researchers reported. Diet, Exercise Best For Preventing Pre-Diabetes Lifestyle changes are more effective than drug treatment in preventing metabolic syndrome, the cluster of disorders that can lead to diabetes and heart disease, according to a new study. Wine or Beer? Both Equal Higher Blood Pressure Red wine might be considered good for overall health, but it raises blood pressure nearly as much as beer does, Australian researchers reported. Happy Moments 'Protect The Heart' Every moment of happiness counts when it comes to protecting your heart, researchers have said. First Week Critical in Childhood Obesity What you feed a newborn baby during the first week of life could be critical in deciding whether that baby grows up to be obese, U.S. researchers said. Dairy May Not Help Weight Loss Much After All Downing lots of dairy food appears to do little in the short term for young women's waistlines, despite earlier reports that eating dairy products can help people lose weight, new study findings show. Vigorous Activity May Lessen Arthritis Disability Older people with arthritis are more likely to hang on to good physical function if they exercise on a regular basis, a new study suggests. Big Cookie Makers See Sales Drop Cookies used to be a good thing. Now it looks as though they've become a bad thing � mostly linked to folks who don't watch their carbs, their sugar or their thighs. Exercise Variety Reduces Alzheimer's Risk The variety of leisure and physical activity one engages in -- and not its intensity in terms of calories expended - may reduce dementia risk in older people, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins. The Clock That Wakes You When You Are Ready Are you a real grump in the mornings? Do you wake up every day feeling tired, embittered, aggrieved, and all too ready to hit the snooze button? If so, then a new alarm clock could be just for you. Obesity Causes Headaches Widening waistlines may increase the chances of frequent, painful headaches, new research findings suggest. Pessimism Raises Dementia Risk Pessimistic, anxious and depressed people may have a higher risk of dementia, U.S. researchers reported. Being Too Clean Hazardous To Health Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered that the use of antimicrobial soaps and other products may unnecessarily be directly exposing consumers to significant quantities of chloroform. Obesity And Insomnia Linked To Brain A possible link between lack of sleep (insomnia) and obesity has been traced to hypocretin/orexin cells in the hypothalamus region of the brain that are easily excited and sensitive to stress, Yale School of Medicine researchers report in the April issue of Cell Metabolism. Many Marathon Runners Drink Too Much Water As many as one in eight marathon runners may risk falling ill by drinking too much water during races, researchers said in a study released days before the Boston Marathon. About 70 Percent of Older Adults Use Alternative Medicine Nearly three out of every four adults over age 50 use some kind of alternative medicine, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, according to a new study. Cold Bug Tied to Heart Attack in Younger Men A common cold bug could cause heart attacks in younger men, U.S. researchers reported. Antibodies May Help Alzheimer's, Study Finds Antibodies that attack the protein believed responsible for Alzheimer's disease may offer a new way to treat the brain-destroying illness, U.S. researchers reported. Chiropractic Influence on Oxidative Stress and DNA Repair There is a growing body of evidence that wellness care provided by doctors of chiropractic may reduce health care costs, improve health behaviors, and enhance patient perceived quality of life. Onion Compound May Help Fight Osteoporosis Besides adding flavor to food, onions also may be good for your bones. Researchers at the University of Bern in Switzerland have identified a compound in the popular vegetable that appears to decrease bone loss in laboratory studies using rat bone cells. Computer Keyboards Spread More Than Words Harmful bacteria can linger on computer keyboards in hospitals, making it easy for the germs to spread to patients, a new study finds. Exercise Isn't Always Enough to Lower Blood Pressure Moderate exercise is not enough to control mildly elevated blood pressure in men and women over 55, Johns Hopkins University researchers report. Your Eyes, Not Your Stomach, Count Calories It seems your eyes really can be bigger than your stomach. A University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign study found that visual clues can play an important role in food intake. High Carb Diets May Raise Breast Cancer Risk Diets that have a high "glycemic index" -- that is, they produce high blood sugar levels -- may increase the risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women who've used hormone replacement therapy (HRT), study results suggest. Exercise Keeps Arthritis Disability At Bay Staying independent with age may hinge on staying fit. According to a new study, individuals with arthritis who avoid exercise double their risk of being unable to perform such everyday tasks as dressing, bathing and cooking in their "golden years." Mediterranean Diet Linked with Longer Life Eating a Mediterranean diet not only helps people stay healthy, it also seems to prolong life, Greek researchers said. Drinking Milk May Raise Parkinson's Risk in Men Middle-aged men who drink a glass or two of milk each day may be increasing their risk of developing Parkinson's disease later in life, new research suggests. The ingredient or possible contaminant in milk responsible for this effect is unclear, but the current findings suggest it's not the calcium. Beef Feeding Research Studies Pasture Vs. Grain Early research results at Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences indicate that pasture-fed beef has less fat and higher conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), indicating that it may be a healthier choice. CLA is a combination of different types of fatty acids.. Animals change the chemical structure of these acids that are found in plants, in their digestive system. Studies are continuing on the value of CLA in human health. Arthritis Drug Link To Infections A common family of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis have been linked with skin problems. Light Therapy Treats Mood Disorders A study commissioned by the American Psychiatric Association and led by a psychiatrist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine has found that light therapy effectively treats mood disorders, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other depressive disorders. Nutritional Supplement Treats Colitis According to a study published in the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, a nutritionally complete oral supplement enriched with fish oil, soluble fiber and antioxidants reduces reliance on traditional therapies for people with ulcerative colitis. A New Blood Test for Heart Risk? A test that measures blood levels of a molecule produced by heart muscle appears to be a strong indicator of future cardiac problems among healthy older people, Danish researchers report. Symptoms Often Felt Long Before Lung Cancer Found The belief that lung cancer develops stealthily until it's too late for treatment may be inaccurate. Many patients recall having symptoms several months before their diagnosis, recent study findings suggest. Weight Gain Worsens Breast Cancer Survival Women who gain weight after a diagnosis of breast cancer face a higher risk of dying from the disease, according to a new report. Low Iron May Be Barrier to Mom-Baby Bonding New mothers who don't get enough iron are more likely to have a difficult time bonding with their babies than women who take their vitamins, according to a study released. Vitamin E Temporarily Raises Cancer Risk In a study of patients with head and neck cancer, use of vitamin E supplements was associated with an increased risk that their cancer would return or that they'd develop a new cancer. Cognitive Therapy Successful Against Depression When provided by experienced psychotherapists, cognitive therapy may be as effective as antidepressant drugs in initial treatment of moderate to severe depression, a new study suggests. Zinc Hones Teens' Thinking Skills Zinc may give your teenager a mental edge. Researchers found that adding the mineral to the diets of middle schoolers led to improvements in their memories and attention spans. They reported the results on April 4 at the Experimental Biology 2005 meeting in San Diego. Health Benefits Help Peanuts Shed Stigma Peanuts, a dietary outcast during the fat-phobic 1990s, have made a comeback, with consumption soaring to its highest level in nearly two decades and more doctors recommending nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet. Children Who Watch TV More Likely to Bully The more television 4-year-old children watch the more likely they are to become bullies later on in school, a U.S. study said. MTV Generation Not Attuned to Hearing Loss While the high-decibel entertainment young Americans enjoy at rock concerts and clubs may be wrecking their hearing, most music fans say preventing hearing loss remains a low priority, a new survey finds. Fruit, Veggies Tied to Lower Pancreatic Cancer Risk New research from Canada suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help prevent pancreatic cancer, a particularly deadly type of tumor. Pain Relievers Raise Risk of Kidney Failure The risk of developing kidney failure is increased among patients who use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Motrin (ibuprofen) or aspirin, according to report from Spain. The risk is heightened in patients with high blood pressure or heart failure. Girls Follow Mom's Lead When Eating Fruits, Veggies When mothers add more fruits and vegetables to their plates, their daughters do as well, new research reports. Computer Helps Detect Small Breast Cancers A computer-aided detection system can help radiologists spot small breast tumors that may otherwise be missed, results of a study show. The system detected 92 percent of cancers that were 5 millimeters in size or smaller. Half of All Cancer Deaths Preventable More than 60 percent of all cancer deaths could be prevented if Americans stopped smoking, exercised more, ate healthier food and underwent recommended cancer screenings, the American Cancer Society reported. Belly Fat Good Predictor of Diabetes in Men Overall obesity, measured by high body mass index (BMI) -- the height-to-weight ratio, and abdominal obesity, measured by a large waist circumference, each strongly and independently predict the risk of type 2 diabetes in men, but abdominal obesity appears to be the better predictor, new research shows. 'Baby Talk' May Help Infants Learn Language That special tone of voice adults use with babies may be an important part of how infants learn language, a new study suggests.