Monthly News Archives



		Smoking Losing Favor Among Teens Surveys taken two decades apart found that fewer middle and high school students smoked in 2001 compared to 1980 and that more of them now believe smoking is a bad idea. Sage Improves Memory, Study Shows British scientists have carried out the first clinical trials with healthy, young adults and found that those who had taken sage oil capsules performed significantly better in a word recall test. Back-To-School Takes Toll on Parents' Sleep One of three parents finds back-to-school time the most hectic time of the year, and one of three also reports losing sleep during September, a new survey finds. Youngest in Class Face Stress Challenges The youngest children in any school year face more stress than their older peers and are at greater risk of developing mental illness, scientists have found. Urban Sprawl Makes Us Fat U.S. researchers said on Thursday they had quantified the price of living in sprawled-out communities and weight gain leads the list -- six pounds on average, to be precise. Combating Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity can be curtailed by limiting how much junk food children eat and by increasing their activity levels, says a Wake Forest University School of Medicine nutritionist and registered dietician. Blood Pressure Drops as Weight Comes Off For people with high blood pressure that's not being treated with drugs, long-term weight loss brings a sustained reduction in blood pressure. Steady Exercise Beats Back Diabetes After 40 Frequent and regular workouts are required by people over age 40 who use aerobic exercise to prevent or control diabetes if they want to get the full benefit of that exercise. More Than One Sign of Concussion Athletes who suffer a severe concussion don't always lose consciousness but may suffer amnesia or confusion, says a University of Pittsburgh Medical Center study. More Evidence That Exercise Reduces Cancer Risk Three recently published studies find that people who exercise lower their cancer risk. But all three point out that the exercise can't be a walk in the park. It needs to be vigorous. Dark Chocolate May Have Benefit A small study suggests that eating dark chocolate can lower your blood pressure � a delicious instance in which something that tastes good might, for a change, be good for you, too. Anti-Smoking Efforts Cut Lung Cancer Deaths Lung cancer death rates among adults age 30-39 are lower and are falling in places that have strong anti-tobacco programs, according to a study published in Cancer Causes and Control Workplace Culprit in Some COPD Cases Smoking is not the only danger to your lungs. Exposure to toxins in the workplace may be responsible for 20 percent of the cases -- up to 5 million -- of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Put Kids in Back Seat of Car Safety advocates are praising smart air bags, which turn themselves off or deploy softly if they sense a driver or passenger is too small. But they say it's still a lot smarter for drivers to put small passengers in the back seat. Study Faults Docs on Diabetes Detection Most cases of diabetes would be detected early if physicians followed currently approved guidelines, a new study finds. Growing Old Shouldn't Mean Losing Sleep The sleeplessness that affects about a third of the elderly isn't a natural part of aging and can result in serious health problems, says a new report from the International Longevity Center-USA and the AARP Foundation. Ireland Mulls 'Fat Tax' to Curb Obesity Levels Ireland, noted for fried breakfasts of epic proportions, is chewing over the possibility of a special tax on fatty foods to tackle rising obesity levels. Excessive Sweating Affects Many A condition where people suffer excessive sweating is more common than previously thought, says a Saint Louis University study. Babies Can Learn by Watching When a toy falls behind the chair has it vanished forever? The answer is no, of course, and a new study indicates babies can figure that out at a few months of age simply by watching. World Facing Diabetes Catastrophe More than 300 million people worldwide are at risk of developing diabetes and the disease's economic impact in some hard-hit countries could be higher than that of the AIDS pandemic, diabetes experts warned. A Test for Migraine Sufferers A simple, three-question test can identify people with migraines with about the same degree of accuracy as widely used screening tests for other illnesses, says a study in the current issue of the journal Neurology. Prevent Volleyball Injuries Thumb and finger sprains are common acute injuries suffered by volleyball players. Those injuries often occur when players try to block the volleyball. The Monash University Accident Research Center in Australia offers some advice on how to prevent hand and finger injuries in volleyball. Depression in Teens Likelier to Recur Later Teens who suffer a major depressive episode are more likely to have adjustment problems in early adulthood. Tips For Safer Sunning It's time to shed some light on the myth of safe tanning. There is no such thing. Whether you get a tan from the sun or in a tanning salon, you're damaging your skin, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Red Wine Molecule Shown to Extend Life Researchers have known for years that cutting calories can prolong life in everything from yeast cells to mammals. But an easier way to live longer may be as simple as turning a corkscrew. Keeping the Pounds Off Sometimes, losing weight can be easier than preventing it from coming back. So, finding ways to help people keep off the pounds they've shed is the focus of a new study launched by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). First Year College Means Weight Gain The so-called Freshman 15, the mythic weight gain that entering collegians encounter, is not a myth after all, a new study contends. Carotene, Vitamin E Don't Prevent Heart Attacks Having high levels of vitamin E or beta-carotene (and compounds like it) is no guarantee that you won't have a heart attack, new research shows. In fact, high levels of one type of vitamin E -- known as gamma-tocopherol -- may actually increase the risk. Obese Going to China to Tackle Weight Problem The macho workout motto conjures images of sweat and brawn but the regime is somewhat pricklier at the Aimin Fat Reduction Hospital in northern China, where the chronically obese from Europe to Oceania come to poke away pounds with acupuncture. Preventing and Treating Kidney Stones An expert in the department of urology at the Medical College of Ohio, and the co-author of The Kidney Stone Handbook, discusses why kidney stones form and how they can be prevented and treated. Overweight Children at Higher Heart Risk Overweight and obese children tend to have higher concentrations of a protein that may indicate the presence of extremely early heart disease. Anemia and Chronic Fatigue When we work and play hard, we often pay for it with next-day fatigue. Fatigue and lethargy are also common complaints that can result from many medical conditions and sometimes their treatment. But one of the more well-known and common causes of chronic tiredness is anemia. Fish Oil May Help Treat Depression Researchers say they've found an effective antidepressant below the waves: Fish, or more specifically, fish oil containing so-called omega-3 fatty acids. Beware the Beesting A worker honeybee will typically hit between 50 and 100 flowers in single trip while collecting pollen and nectar for her hive. And if you inadvertently trap this bee, she will plunge her stinger into your skin, releasing venom that for most people will cause skin irritation, but can, in rare cases, be life threatening. Most Heart Attacks Caused by Unhealthy Lifestyle Two sweeping studies released today appear to explode the long-held myth that half of heart attacks result from bad genes or bad luck. Teen Height, Weight Tied to Ovarian Cancer Risk Women who were tall and heavy during their teenage years appear to be more likely to develop ovarian cancer later in life, Norwegian researchers have found. Hispanics Have Unique Cancer Risks Hispanics, have a unique cancer risk profile that requires a targeted approach to prevention, says an American Cancer Society report. Good Students Get the Jitters, Too Even children who shine in school may suffer back-to-school anxiety. Kids who set very high standards for themselves, and who see any mistakes or shortfalls as evidence of personal failure, may be at increased risk of emotional distress when the demands of school return. Exercise May Prolong Men's Sex Lives A new study offers an additional reason for men to exercise: It could add years to their sex lives. Men over 50 who kept physically active had a 30 percent lower risk of impotence than men who were inactive, the study found. The Low Down on Whole-Body Scans While periodic body imaging may sound like an unequivocally good thing to do for one's health, a recent study in the medical journal Radiology suggests there is a need for guidelines to help clarify the risks and benefits of such scans for healthy individuals. Teen Mood Swings Explained? It's the hope of just about every exasperated parent � to one day understand the adolescent brain. Now some scientists are doing cutting-edge research that may bring that day closer. Diabetes on the Increase but Death Rate Falling Diabetes is rising in the rich world but the death rate from it is falling due to early detection and better treatment, scientists said in a recent study published. Elderly's Mental Decline Often Missed Doctors accustomed to diagnosing physical ailments too often miss symptoms of mental decline that may be early signs of dementia in the elderly, researchers said. Exercise Burnout: Taking Fitness Too Far Sometimes exercise gurus must turn their attention to those who've taken the physical fitness gospel too far. They are the committed exercisers who overtrain to the point of burnout -- even injury. Or well-intentioned couch potatoes who embrace a workout program too aggressively, only to fall victim to injury. Britain's Pizza Hut Chain Bans Smoking Pizza Hut, one of Britain's biggest restaurant chains, on Monday banned smoking in the latest victory for the increasingly vocal anti-tobacco lobby. Stroke and Heat Stroke: Big Difference The symptoms of heat stroke -- dizziness, nausea, fatigue -- as well as the very name itself could lead you to believe the most extreme form of heat illness is a form of stroke. Most Adults Don't Get Enough Physical Activity Even though the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has broadened its definition of physical activity, most Americans are still not meeting minimum exercise recommendations, according to a new report by the public health agency. Chronic Fatigue, Pain Linked to Sinusitis Feeling worn out and achy and don't know why? You could have sinusitis. That's the conclusion of new research out of Georgetown University that appears in this week's issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Children Need Vision Check-Ups You've probably seen your pediatrician check your child's eyes, or maybe you've heard from the school nurse that your child's vision is fine. But are these quick screenings thorough enough to detect most eye disorders? Women Worry More After Heart Attack Women suffer greater anxiety after a heart attack than men do, says an international study. Breast Density Lower in African American Women Breast density, as measured by mammography, is lower in African American women than in Caucasians and Latinas, according to a report in the August 1st issue of Cancer. Friendlier Workers More Productive It may seem more professional to stay impersonal at work, but in fact friendlier employees are more productive, according to researchers at the University of Michigan. Report: Vaccines and Immune Suppression There is no more heated and vociferous debate than the topic of vaccinations. This in-depth report strengthens the anti-vaccine position that chemicals in vaccines depress our immune system and ultimately do more harm than good in their attempt to protect human health. Tight Sugar Control Protects Diabetic's Nerves Tight control of blood sugar levels seems to protect the nerves of patients with type 1 diabetes, new research suggests. Modest Exercise Reduces Blood Pressure In patients with high blood pressure who were previously sedentary, modest increases in physical activity result in meaningful decreases in blood pressure, according to a report in the August issue of the American Journal of Hypertension. Creatine Boosts Brain Power A recent study says taking creatine as a dietary supplement boosts your working memory and general intelligence. The findings appear in an upcoming issue of Proceedings B, a journal published by the Royal Society. Snoring May Be Sign of Asthma in Kids Children who snore may be much more likely to have asthma and a nighttime cough than children who do not snore, says a new study from Australia. How to Prevent, or Reverse, Childhood Obesity Most are aware of the obesity epidemic facing us, but what you may not know is that obesity is also a major concern for children. In the last two decades, the prevalence of overweight adolescents has nearly tripled, and now one out of every four children in North America are seriously overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. Health Report Card Could Help Kids Drop Weight A "health report card" that includes a student's height, weight, and fitness level may help parents address weight problems in their children, new research suggests. Boomers and Seniors Flock to Their Docs Aging boomers are taking a more aggressive role in their health, and that translates into increasing numbers of visits to doctors for preventive care and treatment of chronic conditions. Pare Back Your Portions As food portions in restaurants and homes keep growing, so do our waistlines. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other health problems. Play It Safe During Family Visits Many young children will visit their grandparents over the summer, which means seniors have to make sure their homes are poison-proof before the kids arrive. Eating Well Despite Bowel Disease Maintaining good nutrition is challenging for anyone dealing with a hectic schedule and the availability of cheap fast food, but it is particularly challenging for people living with bowel disease. Vitamins Reduce Children's Heart Risk Children and young adults who have inherited high cholesterol may reduce their risk of clogged arteries by taking vitamins C and E, researchers report. Parents Blame Selves for Children's Obesity Parents, not fast-food restaurants, are most responsible for the rise of obesity in children, a survey said. Exercise, Vitamin E Combo Can Slow Aging A combination of exercise and vitamin E may help slow the aging process. That power of that potent combination is detailed in a University of Florida (UF) study in the current issue of Biological Research for Nursing. Obesity Takes Emotional Toll on Teens Overweight teen-agers may have fewer friends than their normal-weight peers and suffer higher rates of depression and suicide if teased about being fat. High-Profile Diets Still a Mystery, Experts Warn The long-term health consequences of high-profile diets like the Atkins diet are still unknown and most diets don't work, experts warn. Copper May Play a Role in Alzheimer's How much copper you take in could worsen your risk of the brain-destroying disease Alzheimer's, U.S. researchers said on Monday. Overweight TV Characters Have Image Problem Hollywood is no haven for the plump, and it's not surprising there are a lot fewer overweight folks on television than there are in real life. But a new study suggests fat people face other kinds of discrimination when they do manage to appear on the screen. Wear Those Shades to Prevent UV Damage You wouldn't poke yourself in the eye with a sharp stick, would you? So why would you leave your eyes unprotected against the potentially serious damage they can suffer from ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunshine? When Thunder Rumbles, Clear the Swimming Pool Lightning storms are as much a part of summer as swimming. But the two can be a deadly combination. Ways to Beat Heat Exhaustion If you've been exposed to the heat for too long and haven't kept yourself hydrated, your body will probably let you know there's a serious problem with heat exhaustion. Sunshine May Protect Against MS People who receive more sun exposure during their childhood and adolescence may have a reduced risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), says a study in the British Medical Journal. Inflammation May Be Culprit in Osteoarthritis British scientists found that nearly one-third of patients ready to undergo joint replacement surgery for osteoarthritis (OA) had severe inflammation in the synovial fluid that surrounds and protects the joints. This inflammation, already known to cause rheumatoid arthritis, could be a contributing factor in osteoarthritis as well, the researchers suggest. Poor States Last Battleground in Smoking War -WHO Tobacco firms have put up strong resistance to smoking legislation in developing countries, where most smokers live, but the industry is gradually losing the battle, a senior health official said. Low-Glycemic Index Foods Help Control Diabetes People with diabetes are advised to watch the amount of carbohydrates in their diet, but that may not be enough. The so-called glycemic index of food can also have a big impact on blood sugar levels. Scans Suggest Why Education Prevents Alzheimer's Brain images show that people who are more intelligent and better educated use their brains differently, which in turn may help explain why keeping the mind active protects against Alzheimer's disease, U.S. researchers said. Future Tobacco Deaths Underestimated The number of people expected to die globally from smoking could be greater than earlier thought as more girls take up the habit than their mothers a generation ago, a new study released on Thursday showed. Studies Sow Doubt Over Hormone Therapy Benefits Two medical studies released provided more damning evidence that giving female hormones to older women does little to improve their health and may in fact harm it. Tracing the Roots of Alcoholism Research that tracks young adults as they move from being social drinkers to problem drinkers is being conducted at the University of Buffalo's Research Institute on Addiction. Staying Fit With the Help of the Internet There's a new online program that makes it easier for adults and children to get active and stay fit. Meditate Away Stress and Fatigue A daily dose of meditation may be just the mental medication you need to combat fatigue and stress. Vitamin C May Cut Second-Hand Smoke Damage: Study Vitamin C may help prevent the damage caused by second-hand tobacco smoke, offering a way for people to protect themselves from smokers in their lives, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday. The Bandage That Heals A collagen-based wound sealant developed at Texas A&M University could encourage quicker healing of human and animal wounds. Smoking Not Just Rich World Worry, Conference Told More must be done to fight smoking in the developing world, a vast and growing market for the tobacco industry, a convention in Helsinki. Stressing Out at the Start of School Parents should help their children deal with the stress they often feel during the first weeks of school. That advice comes from Lisa Boyum, a pediatric and adolescent psychologist at National Jewish Medical and Research Center. Women Unaware of Viral Link to Cervical Cancer Many women are unaware that a virus is the main cause of cervical cancer or that birth control pills offer no protection against it, according to a survey released Tuesday. Pediatricians Enlisted to Combat Childhood Obesity Pediatricians have a responsibility to identify and combat the growing incidence of childhood obesity, with nearly one in seven U.S. children afflicted, a doctor's group said on Monday. One Third of Older Men Report Erection Problems A third of older men have difficulty achieving an erection and the problem only gets more common with age, new research indicates. The good news is that there are many things men can do to reduce their risk of erection problems. Body Builders Warned of Danger of Abusing Insulin Bodybuilders who use insulin to bulk their muscles and enhance their performance could suffer from brain damage or die, British doctors said. Hate Your Hair? Blame Your Mother's Diet In a study that shows more than ever you are what you eat, U.S. scientists said on Friday they had changed the coat colors of baby mice simply by altering their mothers' diets. No Smoking in Home Only Way to Protect Babies Prohibiting smoking in the home is really the only way to prevent babies from being exposed to tobacco smoke, new research shows. Young Women Underestimate STD Risk Sexually active single women are at greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) than they may believe, says a study in the August issue of Preventive Medicine. Experts at Odds on Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments There are many treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, including medicines to reduce inflammation and hand surgery to restore dexterity. But which one is right for you?