Monthly News Archives



		Losing a Few Pounds May Help the Obese For the obese, a small loss may be a big victory. Evidence is building that really heavy people may be able to greatly improve their odds of dodging weight-related illnesses while remaining very heavy. School Asthma Program Improves Health and Grades A comprehensive school-based asthma management program improved health status and school performance of children with asthma, particularly those with persistent disease, according to a new study. Many Are In Denial About Their Weight Many are in denial about their weight problems, according to an Associated Press poll, although more than half say they have been on diets at some point. Obesity/Diabetes Could Soon Reduce Life Expectancy Twin global epidemics of obesity and diabetes are out of control and could reduce life expectancy in the future, health experts said. High Blood Pressure Closely Related to Body Weight Being heavy goes hand-in-hand with having high blood pressure, especially for women, according to researchers. Weight Gain in Pregnancy Has Obesity Risk Women who gain more than 35 pounds during pregnancy have a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese, Swedish scientists said. Allergies May All Be in the Gut, Study Finds Bugs in the gut may be causing many allergy symptoms felt in the head, from runny noses to trouble breathing, researchers said. More Evidence Smoking Affects Entire Body The list of diseases linked to smoking grew longer. Add acute myeloid leukemia, cancers of the cervix, kidney, pancreas and stomach, abdominal aortic aneurysms, cataracts, periodontitis and pneumonia. Oily Fish in Pregnancy Wards Off Asthma in Baby Eating oily fish such as salmon or trout during pregnancy appears to help protect babies predisposed to asthma from developing the condition during their first years of life, according to new study findings reported this week. Women in Power, Beware Heart Problems The combination of heavy work pressure and high authority may take a toll on some women's heart health, new research suggests. Group Launches Program to Tackle Obesity Efforts to fight obesity across the world gained momentum with the launch of a professional certification program for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and fitness trainers. Obesity Battle Should Be EU Priority, Experts Say Obesity is becoming the world's biggest health problem experts said, as they called for the newly expanded European Union to make fighting the flab a top priority. Obesity: A Global Problem with Local Roots Obesity is a global problem that affects 300 million people but local policies are needed to control an epidemic which is likely to get worse before it gets better, a leading expert said. Salsa Spice Fights Bacteria, Study Finds Another reason to eat spicy foods: cilantro, a herb key to many cuisines and central to salsa, can kill food poisoning bacteria, researchers said. White Tea Kills More Germs Than Its Green Cousin White tea seems to be more effective than green tea in fighting germs, says new Pace University research. Leaked Reports Slams UK Gov't 'Failure' on Obesity A leaked report on Britain's efforts to tackle obesity condemns the government for "failing" and describes measures taken so far as inadequate, the BBC reported. Antibiotics May Be Linked to Allergies, Asthma Antibiotics cause changes in gastrointestinal tract microbes and alter immune system responses, making people more sensitive to common allergens, says a University of Michigan Health System study. Mold, Damp Can Cause Breathing Trouble Mold and dampness can cause coughing and wheezing, but there is no evidence linking so-called toxic mold to cancer, fatigue or neurological problems, U.S. health specialists said. Video Game Helps Players Lose Weight Forget the image of paunchy video gamers holed up in a dark room, surrounded by sticky Twinkie wrappers and empty soda cans � Dance Dance Revolution players burn extra pounds along with their quarters. Vigorous Exercise May Slow Women's Bone Loss Wmen who run, jump and pump iron after menopause may ward off bone loss, back pain and high cholesterol, a recent study released suggests. Green Tea Helps Keep Arteries Clear If you're going to drink green tea in hopes of preventing heart disease, you should start sipping before your arteries begin to harden. Physicians' Neckties May Harbor Bacteria A change in fashion by physicians may decrease the spread of infections, according to a presentation at the 104th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. Kid-Food Makers Weigh Obesity Woes Some of the biggest U.S. food and restaurant companies are changing the way they make kids' favorite foods as they face increased scrutiny in light of a nationwide childhood obesity epidemic. When Old Injuries Predict the Weather Sometimes you don't need a weather forecaster to tell you the barometric pressure is changing. Just ask someone with an old injury. WHO Agrees to Launch Anti-Obesity Campaign The United Nations' health agency agreed Saturday to launch a global campaign against obesity, blamed for an increase in deadly chronic diseases worldwide. What Every Diabetic Should Know About Heart Disease Most people with diabetes are keenly aware they have to worry about the threat of kidney problems, nerve damage that can lead to amputation, and blindness. But most don't know their disease also dramatically raises their risk of heart disease or stroke. Behavior at Age 10 May Predict Later Depression A child's behavior during the preteen years may predict whether he or she will experience depression, violent behavior or social phobia as a young adult, new research findings suggest. Study Examines Smoke-Free Cities Cities with indoor smoking bans have dramatically lower indoor air pollution than cities that allow patrons to light up in bars and restaurants, according to a study released. Obesity Surgery Leaves Many in Misery Life-threatening malnutrition is one example of complications from weight-loss surgery, which involves closing and shortening majority of the stomach and small intestines. Study Boosts Case for Folic Acid Supplements Scientists urged women trying to conceive to take folic acid supplements after finding that half of the population has an increased risk of having a child with a serious birth defect. Low-Cost Program Improves Employee Health Tailoring existing employee wellness programs to people at risk of cardiovascular disease appears to improve workers' health, new research reports. Compounds in Citrus Peels May Lower Cholesterol When it comes to lowering cholesterol, we may be throwing away the best part of citrus fruits, new research suggests. A study found that certain compounds in the peels of tangerines and oranges significantly lowered "bad" LDL cholesterol in hamsters that had been living on a high-cholesterol diet. Coffee Drinking May Protect the Liver from Damage Coffee and other caffeinated beverages may provide some protection from liver damage in people at risk for liver disease, according to research presented at Digestive Disease Week. Plants Altered to Produce Fish Oils As if vegetables weren't already healthy enough, UK scientists have found a way to add heart-healthy fatty acids to plants. People Would Trade Time for a Good Death Most people would trade a few months of life if it meant a more comfortable death, U.S. researchers reported. Adults Finding Exercise With Dodgeball If you were one of those kids who never got picked for the dodgeball team, you get a second chance. The grade school game is now hot among young adults. Exercise Boosts Artery Health in Obese Teens Obese teens can reverse early signs of artery disease by exercising even if they do not lose weight, new research suggests. Graphic, Violent Images Can Curb Kids' Aggression Showing children realistic and graphic images of the consequences of violence appears to quell some of their aggressive tendencies, new research reports. Advocates Fear Obesity Strategy Blockage Anti-obesity advocates said they fear that a bloc of developing countries, led by Brazil, could derail the adoption this week of a global strategy to fight obesity and other diet- or exercise-related diseases worldwide. U.S., European Food Industry Backs U.N. Diet Plan Sugar industry lobbyists may still stall a U.N. campaign against obesity, despite last-minute backing for it from two of the world's largest food business groups, health sources said. Diet, Alcohol Linked to Nearly 1/3 of Cancer Cases Diet is second only to tobacco as a leading cause of cancer and, along with alcohol, is responsible for nearly a third of cases of the disease in developed countries, a leading researcher said. Weight Worries May Start Early for Slim Women There is a range of reasons why thin women think they're too heavy, but the distorted body image may often have its roots in childhood, the results of a new study suggest. Low-Carb Diets Work Better in Short Term Low-carbohydrate diets help people lose weight in the short term but work no better than other diets after a year, researchers reported. Sodas Raise Cancer Risk Carbonated drinks may raise the risk of esophageal cancer, a usually fatal disease, researchers reported. Breast Cancer Not Linked to Stomach Fat Older women sporting a bit of a belly don't face a significantly higher risk of breast cancer. The finding, reported in a study in the current online edition of the International Journal of Cancer, should come as a relief to the many women who battle those few extra pounds as they age. Merck Publishes New Health Manual on Aging The Merck health-care manual, revered as a physician's Bible for comprehensive medical information, is launching an official "Old Testament" -- of sorts. Cannabis Use Not Linked with Psychosocial Harm Various reports indicate that young people who use cannabis tend to experience psychological and social problems. However, there is no evidence that marijuana use is directly linked with such problems, according to the results of a study published in The Lancet. Breast-Feeding Helps Cholesterol Giving support to advocates of breast-feeding, new research bolsters the theory that rapid growth in infancy, encouraged by enriched infant formulas, might increase the risk of heart disease and stroke later in life. Spending Soars for Kids' Behavior Drugs As more children pop pills for attention deficit and other behavior disorders, new figures show spending on those drugs has for the first time edged out the cost of antibiotics and asthma medications for kids. Scientists Ponder if Wine's Good for Skin The debate about whether a little wine is good for your health has gone on for years and likely will continue for many more. The new question is: Is wine � or at least wine-based products � good for your skin? Moderate Drinking May Raise Healthy Hormone Levels Moderate drinking may boost levels of a hormone that is believed to help protect against artery disease. The findings could help explain some of the cardiovascular benefits of moderate drinking. Weighlifters at Risk for Collarbone Damage Lifting weights is one of the best ways to stay in shape and feel good. However, because weightlifting can put tremendous strains on your body, injuries such as collar bone damage, can be lurking right around the corner. Exercise Lowers Employers' Health Costs Companies can save millions in health-care costs simply by encouraging their employees to exercise a little bit, researchers reported. Nonalcoholic Beer May Be Good for Heart Drinking nonalcoholic beer may provide some of the same cardiovascular benefits seen with moderate alcohol consumption in previous studies, research from Germany suggests. Low-Carb Diets Can Cause Bad Breath The Atkins diet might chase away more than just unwanted pounds -- it could lead to bad breath that chases away your friends. But there are ways to battle halitosis caused by low-carb dieting, says the Academy of General Dentistry. Breastfeeding Cuts Cardiovascular Risk Breastfeeding reduces the risk of a heart attack or stroke later in life and could prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, researchers said. Vitamins Ward Off Osteoporosis Fractures Folate and other B vitamins seem even more of a wonder drug than anyone suspected: Already known to prevent severe birth defects and heart attacks, they may also ward off broken bones from osteoporosis, two major studies suggest. Cranberry Juice Washes Away UTIs Cranberry juice may taste tangy, but it holds sweet relief for women who regularly suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs). Fish Consumption in Pregnancy Boosts Fetal Growth Eating lots of fish in the later stage of pregnancy can increase fetus growth but does not prolong the pregnancy, British scientists said. Take Action Now on Childhood Obesity Ten percent of children, or at least 155 million youngsters worldwide, are overweight or obese, a leading health expert said, citing new evidence of the extent of the problem. Echinacea Does Little to Prevent Colds Stocking your medicine cabinet with Echinacea may be a waste of time, as a new study shows the herbal medicine does not help prevent colds. Soap Can Protect Those With Peanut Allergies Good news if you're allergic to peanuts -- most soaps and household cleaners will remove enough allergen from hands and dining surfaces to prevent an attack. Involving Fathers in Their Kid's Health Fathers are an important influence in their children's lives, and more and more of them are choosing to stay at home with their children. AIDS Poses 'Unique Threat to Human Society' The world is not ready for the full social and economic impact of AIDS, which has killed more than 20 million people in the past quarter century, the World Health Organization warned. Caffeine Keeps You Going And Going... Need to stay awake and alert? Small, frequent doses of that old standby, caffeine, will do the trick, researchers report. 'Herbal' Viagra Often No Such Thing "Herbal" Viagra and other so-called natural alternatives for treating impotence advertised on the Internet and in men's magazines are often contaminated with real drugs and could kill those who take them, researchers said. Discoveries Show How Obesity Kills Research into the biology of fat is turning up some surprising new insights about how obesity kills. The weight of the evidence: It's the toxic mischief of the flesh itself. High Hormone Levels Linked to Prostate Risk Men over 50 who have higher levels of testosterone have a higher risk of prostate cancer, U.S. researchers reported. The findings may mean that men should be cautious about a new kind of treatment called testosterone replacement therapy, being tested in older men who see a decline in general health and vigor. Study Finds More Evidence Cigars Not a Safe Smoke Puffing on one cigar may be enough to harden the body's main artery for hours afterward, a small study shows. Researchers say the findings add to evidence that, far from being a "safe" alternative to cigarettes, cigars increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. U.S. Not Only Obesity Contributor In the global give and take, it seems only fair that the blame for bloating the world go to the nation that gave it rivers of Coke, mountains of Big Macs and an endless fitness-quashing entertainment feed from Hollywood. But not so fast, experts say there's plenty of blame to go around. Carb-Linked Dip in 'Good' Cholesterol OK In the pre-Atkins era, high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets were all the rage. However, proponents of low-carb, high-fat diets have pointed out that high consumption of carbohydrates can lower blood levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) -- the "good" cholesterol -- over time. The Benefits of Beer Beer drinking may lead to more than just a beer belly. According to the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, beer contains high levels of an ingredient that helps deposit calcium and other minerals into bone tissue. Lawsuits May Be Tool for Fighting Obesity Lawsuits may be the only way to force foodmakers to produce healthier foods or curb ads that encourage over-eating, speakers at an obesity conference said. Just Seeing a Food Can Make You Crave It Loosening your belt buckles a few notches, convincing yourself that buying pants with elastic waist bands are the new style or telling yourself that a Body Mass Index of 30 is really not that bad. It has become obvious, that America is losing the battle on fat. Two studies released detail how desperate the fat crisis has become. The Gas We Pass: Exercise Really Does Help People who have problems with excess intestinal gas are often advised to exercise, even though the benefit is unproven. Now research from Spain suggests that this may be good advice. Taking the Agony Out of Arthritis Overweight people with arthritis in one or both knees can improve their condition by exercising and losing weight, says a study in the May issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. Stressed Kids Can Become Depressed Adults If your children suffer high levels of stress, they are likely to be depressed and anxious as young adults. Exercise Helps Depressed Heart Attack Patients Depressed or lonely people who experience a heart attack are less likely to suffer subsequent heart attacks if they exercise regularly, new study findings report. World Faces a 'Devastating' Diabetes Epidemic-WHO The world faces a devastating diabetes epidemic, with the annual death toll already exceeding the three million killed by AIDS and set to rise, the World Health Organization warned. Selenium May Protect Against Prostate Cancer Use of supplements containing selenium may reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer, new research suggests. The fact that no effect was seen against early prostate cancer suggests that selenium works by slowing cancer progression rather than by preventing it all together. Emotional Impact of Abortion, Miscarriage Varies Although women who have an abortion may have a lesser immediate emotional reaction than those who miscarry, the long-term impact may be stronger for some, a new study suggests. Low-Fat May Not Be Best for Heart A relatively high amount of fat in the diet may be a boon to a healthy person's cholesterol levels, a small study suggests. On the other hand, limiting fat intake too much could have the opposite effect. Behavior Trouble May Follow Early Spanking Some toddlers who are often spanked appear to be more likely to have behavioral problems when they get older, researchers report. Breast Feeding Cuts Infant Death 20 Percent Breast-fed children in the United States are 20 percent less likely to die during the first year of life than whose who are not nursed, according to a study released. Effects of Caffeine Differ in Men and Women Researchers have long known that caffeine increases blood pressure. Now, new findings show that this blood pressure rise may occur for different reasons in men and women. Head Injury in Children Has Lasting Impact Children with even mild head injury may be at risk for long-term complications, including personality changes and behavioral and learning problems, according to a new study from the UK. Obese Kids Likely to Be Bullying Victims Overweight adolescents are more likely than normal-weight children to be victims of bullying, or bullies themselves, a study found, bolstering evidence that being fat endangers emotional as well as physical health.