Monthly News Archives



		Full Body Scans Raise Cancer Risk People who pay for whole-body X-ray scans in the hope of finding tumors at their earliest stages may, ironically, be raising their overall risk of cancer, doctors warned. Cold Weather Snaps Are Bad for Your Heart Cold weather snaps can trigger heart attacks, particularly in people suffering from high blood pressure, researchers said. Chocolate Said to Help Blood Vessels There's more good news for chocolate lovers. Scientists have found that eating dark chocolate appears to improve the function of important cells lining the wall of blood vessels for at least three hours. Most Heart Attacks Easily Predictable Virtually the entire risk of heart attack can be predicted and the impact of factors causing attacks is the same whether you live in a rich country or a poor one, a global study released showed. Abortion Levels Hit Record High in England and Wales Doctors performed a record number of abortions in England and Wales in 2003, with almost two percent of women aged 15 to 44 choosing to end a pregnancy, according to health ministry figures published in the British press. Diet With the 'Right Carbs' Seems to Boost Health Popular diets such as Atkins and South Beach recommend eating low or no carbohydrates to lose weight. But not all carbs are created equal, and now evidence suggests that using the "glycemic index" may be the way to shed pounds and boost health. Weight Loss Helps Women with Ovulation Problem Weight loss appears to improve egg release in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a disease involving enlargement of the ovaries often associated with obesity, menstrual problems, and infertility, new research shows. This could increase their chances of becoming pregnant. Revenge Really Is Sweet, Study Shows Revenge feels sweet, and Swiss researchers said they have the brain scans to prove it. Long-Distance Cyclists Face Impotence Risk Saddle pressure can cause temporary erection difficulties for men who take part in long distance cycling events, but bike adjustments may decrease the risk, a study suggests. Body Asymmetry Tied to Aggression If one of your ears is bigger than the other, it may be a sign you're more likely to be aggressive when you get angry. Cleaning Products, Solvents May Cause Asthma Exposure to fumes emitted by cleaning products in the home could cause asthma in children, a study published shows. Metabolic Syndrome Greatly Raises Risk of Death People with metabolic syndrome -- a cluster of conditions that can include problems with weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar control -- are much more likely to die from heart disease and other causes than those without the syndrome, new research shows. One Billion People Still Drink Unsafe Water More than one billion people drink unsafe water and over 2.6 billion, around 40 percent of the world's population, have no access to basic sanitation according to the UN. Grapefruit Lowers Weight, Fights Cancer A grapefruit or two a day, along with a healthy diet, could help shrink widening waistlines. It might also cut smokers' risk for cancer as it inhibits a carcinogen in tobacco smoke. Magnets May Not Really Work for Pain Natural magnets, believed by many to ease pain, may actually do little to that effect, new research reports. Blueberry Compound Fights Cholesterol, Study Finds A compound used by blueberries and grapes to fight off fungal infections could help lower cholesterol, U.S. researchers reported. Low Oxygen 'Training' May Benefit Elderly Men Breathing air with reduced levels of oxygen for brief periods of time can increase aerobic capacity and exercise performance in elderly men, whether or not they have heart disease, European researchers report. Diabetes Now Mexico's Leading Cause of Death Diabetes has overtaken poverty-related infections to become the leading cause of death in Mexico, according to a new report that adds weight to a World Health Organization warning that a devastating global diabetes epidemic is looming. Sugary Soft Drinks Raise Risk of Diabetes Rates of diabetes have soared alongside soft drink consumption, and scientists said the spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels triggered by the sugary drinks may be at least partly to blame. U.S. Releases Plan Focusing on Obesity The U.S. National Institutes of Health it was launching a systematic campaign to fight obesity, which now affects close to two-thirds of the U.S. population and threatens to overtake smoking as the leading cause of death. Obesity Raises Risk for 9 Cancer Types Heart disease and diabetes get all the attention, but expanding waistlines increase the risk for at least nine types of cancer, too. And with the obesity epidemic showing no signs of waning, specialists say they need to better understand how fat cells fuels cancer growth so they might fight back. 1 in 3 Adults Has Hypertension Nearly a third of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, putting them at greater risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and other problems, according to a new government analysis. Protein Prompts Spread of Prostate Cancer A protein called hepsin promotes the spread of prostate cancer by causing disruption of tissue organization, says a study in the August issue of Cancer Cell. New Clue to Autoimmune Diseases Found A single biological mechanism could activate a variety of autoimmune diseases, researchers report. Exercise Pays Off in Long Run The effects of behavior modification programs designed to encourage physical activity last for at least three months after completion of such programs, says a new report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Staying Active and Healthy in the Heat Exercising outdoors is part of the joy of summer, but as temperatures and humidity soar, smart exercisers are careful to take precautions so the heat doesn't get the best of them or their workout Kraft Foods Orders Up Healthier Snacks These are the times that try cookie makers' sales. A diet heavy on Oreos, macaroni and cheese, Oscar Mayer hot dogs and Philadelphia Cream Cheese, washed down by Maxwell House coffee and Kool-Aid, has fattened the bottom line for years at Kraft Foods Inc. But now the nation's largest food manufacturer is moving to cut back on some of its indulgences. Low-Carb Food Craze May Have Missed Atkins Wave Food manufacturers who have stocked store shelves with low-carbohydrate versions of everything from spaghetti sauce to ice cream may find they are eating the costs themselves, as the low-carb fad peaks, analysts and industry observers said. High Intake of Linoleic Acid May Cut Cancer Risk In a study of middle-aged men, high intake of linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid found in certain plants and vegetables, seemed to lower the risk of prostate and other cancers, Finnish researchers report. Relationship Skills Predict Marriage Success New research shows certain relationship skills -- or the lack of them -- can predict whether two people are headed for marital bliss or a painful breakup. New Genetic Link Found to Crib Deaths A collection of genes involved in early development may help explain why black babies are more at risk of sudden infant death syndrome than other U.S. groups, researchers said. Exercise May Beat Fatigue in Prostate Cancer Staying active through moderate walking may help prevent fatigue in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer, a UK study shows. Tomato Juice May Cut Clotting in Diabetics For people with type 2 diabetes, tomato juice may help stave off the heart troubles that often complicate the disease. Troubled Kids More Likely to Become Smokers First graders who misbehave in school may be more likely to be regular smokers as young adults, according to new study findings. Diet, Reduced Salt Pack Pressure-Lowering Punch A new report provides more evidence that a low-fat diet full of fruits and vegetables, but little salt, can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure. Vitamin E Wards Off Colds in Elderly Vitamin E supplements ward off colds in the elderly and may help some seniors avoid upper respiratory tract infections that can prove deadly, researchers said. Cutting Fat, Boosting Fruit May Fight Weight Gain Modifying the consumption of different food-groups may keep body weight from creeping up over time, new research suggests. High and Low Vitamin A Raise Hip Fracture Risk Women with higher or lower blood levels of vitamin A than average appear to be at increased risk of hip fracture, according to a report in the American Journal of Medicine. Protein Found to Regulate Sleep, Anxiety A brain protein that regulates sleep and anxiety may offer a target for the development of new drugs to treat conditions such as sleep and anxiety disorders and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Exercise Spurts May Improve Blood Fats Short bursts of exercise may help reduce the potentially dangerous spikes in blood fats that occur after fatty meals. Working Women Healthier Women who work are healthier than women who don't have jobs, suggests a study presented at the American Sociological Association annual meeting in San Francisco. Parents More Lax with Sun Protection After First Year Children's rate of sun damage increases by more than two-fold between the first and second summers of their lives, but periodic reminders for parents about the importance of sun protection may help, according to new research released. Symptomless Heart Disease Common Among Diabetics More than one fifth of patients with type 2 diabetes have decreased blood flow to the heart, but no symptoms to suggest there is a problem, according to a report in the medical journal Diabetes Care. Exercise -- the Real Fountain of Youth Want to age gracefully? Keep moving. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic disease -- such as heart trouble, diabetes, even cancer -- and keep you feeling and looking younger as you age. HDL Cholesterol Inversely Related to Stroke Risk Levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, are inversely associated with stroke risk in elderly men, according to a new study. Birth Month May Influence Brain Cancer Risk The time of year in which a person is born may somehow sway the risk of developing brain cancer in adulthood, new research suggests. Which Diet is Best? The One That Works for You Almost anyone who's on a diet -- or at least one that's working -- is convinced his or her plan is the best. One will swear by low-carb plans, such as Atkins; another will say low-fat is the way to go. However, the right weight-loss plan for you may be the one that works for your individual needs according to experts. Osteoarthritis Runs in Families Siblings of people with knee osteoarthritis have twice the risk of developing the problem themselves, which suggests a person's genes play a role in the condition. Antioxidant Supplements Don't Reduce Stroke Risk Vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements do not seem to have any preventive effects on stroke in middle-aged men who smoke, Finnish and US researchers report. Imagination Takes Kids' Mind Off Pain Guided imagery can reduce post-operative pain and anxiety in children, new study findings suggest. Baby's Sighs Tied to Breathing Pattern A baby's sweet sighs may do more than endear it to its parents -- they may help reset regular breathing patterns and help lungs develop, researchers reported. Pelvic Exercises Aid Childbirth Doing pelvic floor muscle exercises while pregnant seems to aid women during labor, according to new Norwegian research. Olympics Could Call Out the Couch Potatoes As the 2004 Summer Olympics officially get underway Friday with an international broadcast of the opening ceremonies, health experts expect the Athens games to inspire couch potatoes to become more active. Strong Storytelling Can Tally Up Math Skills A child's storytelling skills at a young age may predict later math ability, say researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada. Kawasaki Disease Often Missed in Kids Many pediatricians fail to diagnose Kawasaki disease in children younger than 6 months and older than 8 years, an oversight that can lead to potentially fatal coronary problems later. Hodgkin's Therapy Tied to Later Heart Problems People who undergo chest radiation therapy early in life to treat Hodgkin's disease -- a type of lymphoma -- appear to be at increased risk of "unsuspected, clinically significant cardiovascular abnormalities," researchers report. Heart Drugs Can Cause Potassium Overload Drugs used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions can cause a dangerous build-up of potassium and patients taking them need to be watched closely, U.S. researchers cautioned. Obesity Is a Big Problem in Tennessee Obesity is a big problem in Tennessee, more than in many other states. But the solution may be in small steps. Dairy Intake Tied to Lower Body Fat in Girls Girls who get enough dairy products in their diets may stay leaner than their peers, study findings suggest. Group Therapy Not Always Best Choice for Men For depressed men seeking support for severe grief, group therapy may not be the best choice, new research suggests. A study of men and women in group therapy found that men did not benefit as much as women. Desert Shrub May Help Some Cancer Patients Chaparral, an evergreen desert shrub widely discredited as a purported cancer cure, may shrink some tumors when processed and used properly, U.S. researchers recently reported. One in Five Chinese Children Depressed Fierce social pressure and excessive care have pushed about 20 percent of Chinese children into depression in the world's most populous country, experts at a psychology convention said. Doctors Miss Unusual Heart Attack Symptoms, Study Finds Heart attack patients who do not have chest pains are three times as likely to die, probably because doctors do not recognize their symptoms, researchers reported. Jobs with Little Mental Challenge May Up Alzheimer's People who spent most of their lives in jobs that involve little brain work appear more likely to eventually develop Alzheimer's disease, according to new study findings released. Fish Oil Helps Some Cancer Patients with Wasting Loss of weight and muscle mass, common among people with cancer, may be improved with fish oil supplements, according to a new report. Possible Link Between Tooth Whiteners and Oral Cancer Found New research appears to raise questions about a possible link between tooth whiteners and oral cancer. Race, Weight Play Role in Battle to Quit Smoking Determined to quit smoking? Your weight and ethnicity may be key when choosing the nicotine-replacement therapy that'll give you the best chance of kicking the habit for good. Parkinson's-Alzheimer's Link Seen Unlikely It has been thought that there might be a genetic link between Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, but that seems not to be the case. Simple Switches Can Slice Fat From Your Diet It can be hard to make wholesale changes in your diet to eat healthier and lose weight, but switching a few key ingredients in your recipes can make it easy. Family Meals Can Fortify Teens' Well-Being Family meals may fuel the health and well-being of adolescents, says a University of Minnesota study in the August issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Few Mothers Meet Breastfeeding Goals Only 14 percent of U.S. mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the minimum recommended six months, according to recent government data released. Delay in Premature Births Cuts Risk of Disability Delaying the birth of premature babies by just a few days can prevent brain damage and disability, researchers said. Inflammatory Diseases Tied to Depression Scientists are finding more evidence of a connection between inflammatory diseases and depression. Vegetarian Diet Not Daunting to Adopt Contrary to popular belief, it's easy for people to switch from a regular diet to a vegetarian diet that's good for the heart. So says a study in the summer issue of the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. Female Basketball Players at Risk for Knee Injury Basketball is now the leading cause of sports-related injuries in the U.S., due in large part to a surge in knee injuries among female athletes, according to an Illinois sports medicine specialist. Low 'Good' Cholesterol May Flag Breast Cancer Risk Among older overweight women, low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol may signal an increased risk of breast cancer risk, research suggests. Arthritis Patients Stay Strong After Training Follow-up of patients with rheumatoid arthritis shows that muscle strength gained during an earlier exercise program was maintained three years later, Finnish researchers report. For Kids, Dad Can Buffer Mom's Depression Living with a mentally stable father can help reduce the negative impact of a mothers' poor mental health on children, according to new findings released. Stress Harms Ability to Fight Stress Stress may boost levels of certain hormones that influence your ability to cope with the negative effects of stress, says a study in the August issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. Flu in Pregnancy Linked to Schizophrenia A bout of the flu during the first half of pregnancy may damage the fetal brain and raises the risk of children developing schizophrenia later in life, researchers said. Pediatricians Can Miss Obesity A study at one hospital points to a potential obstacle in the fight against childhood obesity � pediatricians failing to see it, according to a recent study released. Breast-Feeding Cuts Genetic Breast Cancer Risk The well-known risk of breast cancer for women who harbor mutations in the BRCA1 gene is significantly reduced among those who have breast-fed for a cumulative total of more than 12 months, new research shows. Chickenpox Vaccination May Not Prevent Infection During an outbreak of chickenpox in Minnesota in the fall of 2002, more than half the children who became infected had been immunized with the varicella vaccine, according to a new report. Easing the Pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis A morning T'ai Chi session, a quick afternoon nap to restore energy, an oversized "easy-grip" pen -- experts say there are dozens of quick, simple ways to help the millions afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis rise above daily pain. At Last, a Plus for Weight Gain: Healthier Babies Women who put on a small amount of weight between pregnancies and add on enough pounds while pregnant are less likely to give birth to dangerously tiny babies, according to a recent report released. Study Shows Babies Born Slightly Early Are at Risk Babies born a few weeks prematurely are at increased risk of health problems, such as jaundice and low blood sugar, so expectant mothers should not hasten delivery, researchers said. Many High School Girls Report Dating Violence Nearly one in five sexually active teenage girls in the U.S. say they have been physically abused by a date in the past year, according to a study released.