Monthly News Archives



		Iron Imbalance in Brain May Cause Migraine Abnormalities in the way the brain's pain control center handles iron may lead to the development of migraine attacks and headaches, according to a study by Kansas researchers. Obese People May Set Unrealistic Weight Loss Goals Although obese people can gain health benefits by losing just 5% to 10% of their weight, many of them set higher goals for their weight loss, new study findings show. And in doing so, they may also be setting themselves up for a big disappointment, researchers report. Docs Don't Take Care of Themselves When Sick Doctors often advise sick patients to stay at home and rest, but most physicians do not take their own advice when they get ill, researchers in the UK report. Home Care Helps Keep Elderly Healthy, Independent In contrast to a report published last year, a new UK study shows that home visits may help the elderly live longer and reduce the odds that they will have to move to a nursing home or other institution. Low Back Pain Linked to Stress in Young Adulthood Stress in your 20s may lead to low back pain in your 30s, according to the results of a UK study. Teens' Blood Pressure Predicts Heart Disease Risk New study findings suggest that high blood pressure and overweight in adolescence are two of the most important early risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis in adulthood. UK Medical Students Untrained in Basic Skills Medical students in the UK are worried they have not been properly trained to carry out basic tasks such as inserting an intravenous drip, taking blood samples or suturing a wound, survey findings indicate. Stress and Sickness In times of crisis, our bodies' immune systems may take a beating - and that can make us vulnerable to illness. Soy-Based Products May Increase UTI Got kidney stones? Don't drink soy milk or eat tofu, soy energy bars or just about anything else containing the otherwise healthful soybean. New research shows soy-based products could increase the risk of developing this painful urinary tract condition. Day Care Quality May Predict Later Academic Skill If paying a few extra dollars will ensure that your child is enrolled in a high-quality day care center, new study findings suggest that it is worth the extra money. The quality of a child's day care may determine his or her social and academic skills through the second grade, researchers report. Common Asthma Therapy Ups Risk of Osteoporosis Young women who use inhaled steroids to control their asthma may be putting themselves at risk of developing osteoporosis and hip fracture over the long term, new study findings suggest. New Guidelines Issued on Heart Attack Prevention The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) have issued new guidelines on how doctors can help their patients with heart and blood vessel disease reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. Low Blood Sugar Shortens Attention Span Employees who forego lunch in an attempt to meet a pressing deadline may finish the task, but their work just might fall short of company standards, results of a study suggest. Response to Tragedy Highlights Human Altruism The tales of self-sacrifice that keep surfacing since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon beg the question of how such behavior can co-exist with the basic instinct to survive. Researchers say that one explanation rests in the subconscious kinship people have for one another and the satisfaction that altruism brings both the giver and receiver. Study Confirms Obesity Is in Genes New study findings confirm what many would believe to be common sense--that overweight parents are more likely to have overweight children. Exercise May Cut Older Women's Breast Cancer Risk Older women who exercise may be less likely than their inactive peers to develop breast cancer, Dutch researchers have found. Stereotypes May Affect Kids' Schoolwork Just like sticks and stones, negative stereotypes can hurt children, new research shows. Study Offers Proof of Alzheimer-Parkinson Link Results of a new study provide evidence supporting a possible link between Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Study Finds Low Alzheimer's Risk in Rural India The elderly in rural India face a much lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than older Americans do, new study findings suggest. Hair Dye Use Linked to Type of Arthritis Women who use hair dyes for more than 20 years may be nearly doubling their risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to researchers. Tai Chi Boosts Circulation in Elderly Men The Chinese conditioning exercise known as Tai Chi Chuan may help improve the circulatory function of its practitioners, researchers report. Cigarette Use Linked to Blue-Collar Occupations Although the number of Americans who smoke cigarettes has decreased in recent years, the decline has not penetrated all occupations, according to a government study that links smoking to job and sector. Anorexia, Bulimia Rates Soar in Japan Anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders are 10 times more common in Japan now than they were 20 years ago, according to a team of Japanese researchers. Breast Cancer Deaths Not Tied to HRT Use Women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are at increased risk of developing breast cancer, but they are not more likely to die from the disease, researchers report. Walking to Beat Diabetes Although there are an estimated 16 million Americans who have diabetes, only about two-thirds of them can describe their experience with the disease. Body-Wide Pain May Signal Risk of Cancer Death Having pain throughout the body even occasionally may indicate higher-than-average odds of dying from cancer, a UK study suggests. Shift Work Said to Have Health, Societal Costs A growing body of evidence suggests the modern world's move away from 9-to-5 jobs is taking a toll on workers' health--and society's pocketbook, according to a report in the September 22nd issue of The Lancet. Some Antidepressants Increase Gastro Bleeding A widely prescribed class of antidepressant drugs that act on the brain chemical serotonin increase the risk of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, a study from Canada indicates. CDC Says School Health Programs Reach Students School health programs have become more firmly established and widespread since 1994, according to a report released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kids Choose Healthy Lunches But Don't Eat Them Children whose school lunch programs allow them to choose their own entrees and side dishes may select foods with adequate amounts of essential vitamins and nutrients, but they may not actually end up consuming these nutrients, according to a new report. Instead, large amounts of the food may end up in the trash. Sunburn Early in Life May Be Harmful Baby mice that suffer sunburns are at an increased risk of developing a deadly form of skin cancer called malignant melanoma as adults, study findings suggest. Toddlers Who Throw Temper Tantrums May End Up in Prison Later in Life Kids who have temper fits and show other bad behavior when they're young may end up in prison cells when they're older, says a new British study. High-Carb Diet Best in Combination with Exercise Low-fat diets that are high in carbohydrates lower levels of harmful cholesterol, but they also can raise levels of other blood fats linked to heart disease. However, moderate exercise seems to counteract most of the potentially harmful effects of a high-carb diet, researchers in the UK report. Low-Cost Measures Can Cut Infant Mortality Basic healthcare and low-cost measures such as keeping a baby warm and breast-feeding could cut infant mortality and save the lives of millions of babies each year, according to a report published Wednesday. Snack Food Fats May Increase Risk of Eye Disease Decreasing one's intake of specific types of fat, rather than fats in general, may help to lower a person's risk of the eye disease known as age-related macular degeneration, according to recent study findings. Treatments For Chronic Fatigue Show Mixed Results Exercise therapy and a type of behavioral therapy show promise for relieving the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to a review of clinical trials of patients with the illness. Experts Doubt US Ready for Biowarfare Attack The first sign of trouble might be rather mild--people showing up at doctors' offices or hospital emergency rooms with runny noses, teary eyes, headaches and fevers. Cigarettes May Function Like Antidepressant Drugs Cigarette smoking may have effects on the human brain similar to those of antidepressant drugs, possibly explaining the high rate of smoking among depressed people and their resistance to quitting, a team of researchers reports. Exercise Can Be Fountain of Youth for Middle-Aged Middle-aged men have a shot at regaining some of their youthful vigor, the results of a small study indicate. Fibromyalgia Improves Improves Over Time; Exercise Helps Patients with fibromyalgia find that exercise is more effective in easing their symptoms than medication or alternative treatments, according to a new report. Potential Treatment for Alzheimer's Identified Researchers may have identified a new approach to treating Alzheimer's disease, which has been linked to high cholesterol levels in its victims. Blood Pressure Amid Workout Indicates Heart Health A jump in blood pressure during exercise may be a better indicator of underlying heart dysfunction than blood pressure measured at rest, the results of a small study suggest. To Sleep For Sex? Doctors have known for years that snoring is the top symptom of sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening condition that blocks airflow while a person sleeps. Now, researchers are finding that sleep apnea and snoring can also ruin your love life. Brush Up On Dental Care A dentist who helps models and beauty queens achieve their stunning smiles says that three-out-of-four of his patients don't know how to brush their teeth properly. It's a major issue, because improper brushing can cause as much damage to the teeth and gums as not brushing at all. PMS: Taking the Natural Approach For some women, each menstrual cycle comes and goes with barely a notice. For others, it's sheer devastation month after month. The reason? PMS -- premenstrual syndrome -- the cycle-related biochemical imbalance that can, at its worst, wreak havoc with a woman's life. Open Your Eyes to Yard Work Hazzards Experts want to make one thing clear to those who love to work in the yard or tend to their gardens -- don't overlook the important issue of eye safety. Emotions Determine Certain Moral Judgements In complex decisions of ``right'' and ``wrong,'' our emotions may get the last word, a new brain-imaging study reveals. Arsenic Report Says EPA Underestimates Risk A new report from the National Academy of Science (NAS) says that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has underestimated the risk of bladder and lung cancer posed by arsenic in drinking water. Intestinal Ills More Common in Diabetics People with diabetes often have gastrointestinal symptoms such as incontinence and nausea, according to a report. But the frequent stomach and intestinal troubles may be a result of poor control of blood sugar rather than a side effect of diabetes medications, researchers suggest. Study Finds Adult Diabetes 90% Preventable Nine out of 10 cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented if people exercised more, ate better, stopped smoking and adopted other healthy behaviors, according to a report in Thursday's issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Getting the Dirt on Parkinson's A bacteria commonly found in soil may trigger Parkinson's disease, says a new study. Americans are Healthier, Except for Rural Dwellers Americans are healthier than 25 years ago — as long as they don't live in the country or inner cities. A new study shows the split. US Obesity and Diabetes Continue to Rise Despite efforts to sound the alarm about obesity and diabetes in the US, rates of both conditions continue to skyrocket. Antibiotics Overprescribed for Sore Throat More than half of all adults who see a primary care doctor for a sore throat leave the office with a prescription for an antibiotic, a new survey indicates, even though most sore throats are caused by viruses, which do not respond to the drugs. Human Resistance to Antibiotics Worries WHO Humans are building up dangerous levels of resistance to modern antibiotics that could leave them vulnerable to killer diseases, the UN World Health Organization said on Tuesday. Low-Fat Diet, Exercise Slow Cancer A low-fat, high-fiber diet combined with regular exercise may slow the growth of prostate cancer cells in men by up to 30%, researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles said on Monday. Preventing Terrorism We would like to extend our sincerest sympathies and prayers to the victims' families of today's terrorist act in the United States. We offer you the following links for information related to preventing terrorism and encourage all our readers to contact all levels of goverment to inspire higher levels of prevention to prevent terrorist acts. Medical Journals Act to Limit Drug Firms' Influence Seeking to curb the growing influence of drug firms on research, the world's top medical journals announced steps on Sunday to prevent firms that fund studies from manipulating results to favor their drugs or bury studies that are unfavorable. Many Not Counseled About Childbirth Choices Although women who have had previous cesarean deliveries may subsequently have successful vaginal deliveries, a lack of counseling may prevent some women from making that choice, new study results suggest. Finding Lung Cancer Now Easier A new kind of "imaging agent" can improve the detection of lung cancer that has spread beyond the lungs, leading to better care and fewer unnecessary or inappropriate surgeries, contends new research. What Kills Preschoolers? Motor-vehicle accidents, child abuse and beatings, and pedestrian injuries are the leading causes of trauma-related deaths among preschool children, a recent study says. Program Aims To Boost Children's Sleep Time The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has launched a new initiative geared toward alerting parents and children to the importance of adequate sleep for kids. More Americans Report Higher Blood Cholesterol The number of Americans who reported having high blood cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease, increased in the 1990s, according to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Argentines Reports Advances Against Chagas Disease Argentine scientists said on Thursday they had made a breakthrough in efforts to combat a deadly parasitic infection that is believed to have killed Charles Darwin and is endemic in Latin America, affecting millions of mainly poor, rural families. Are We Overvaccinating Our Pets? You may get notices from the veterinarian every year or two suggesting you revaccinate your pet for distemper, leukemia or other diseases. But now some vets are wondering whether the repeated doses can do more harm than good. Humans a Major Evolutionary Force No longer just the product of evolution, humans have become one of the planet's major forces driving it. The impact of technology has increased so much in recent years that ``humans may be world's dominant evolutionary force,'' said Harvard biologist Stephen R. Palumbi. Drinking Can Help and Harm the Brain When it comes to alcohol's effects on older people's brains, there is good and bad news, researchers say. Chinese Herb May Have Cancer Fighting Properties A popular Chinese herb was able to ward off the development of cancerous abnormalities in laboratory animals, a team of chemists report. NIH Accelerates AIDS Vaccine Research Since 1990, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has increased HIV/AIDS vaccine research funding more than sixfold, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said here Wednesday night. Students Get Drugs at School Study Shows Millions of students are returning to schools where tobacco, drugs and alcohol are readily available and parents, teachers, administrators and communities do little to discourage use of these substances, according to the results of a 6-year study released Wednesday. Fewer Women Taking Folic Acid Less than a third of women of childbearing age are taking a daily multivitamin containing folic acid, and doctors are not advising them to do so, a new national survey shows. Timing of Mother's Chronic Depression Can Affect Newborn Women who are chronically depressed throughout their pregnancy may pass their distress along to their infants, according to research presented recently at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association. Fewer Antibiotics for Kids Suggested Educating doctors and parents about the risks of using antibiotics for common infections in children can reduce such prescriptions by up to 20 percent, a study published Tuesday found. Doctors Say a Chocolate a Day Keeps Them Away Good news for chocoholics. The treat favored by millions may also be good for you, US researchers said Monday. One Cup of Coffee May Temporarily Harden Arteries The amount of caffeine in just one cup of coffee could be enough to harden a person's arteries for several hours afterward, according to a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress here. Poor Air Quality on Planes Said to Be Health Risk Airline passengers risk picking up viruses and infections due to the poor quality of recycled cabin air, a leading academic said on Tuesday. Meditation May Improve Life of Chronically Ill A type of meditation called mindfulness-based stress reduction may improve symptoms and quality of life, as well as reduce stress, in patients with a wide variety of chronic illnesses, the results of a new study indicate. Lung Cancer Leads Global Cancer Statistics List There were 10 million new cases of cancer in the world in the year 2000, 6 million deaths and approximately 22 million people living with cancer worldwide, according to a new report on global cancer statistics. Amino Acid May Be a Confidence Booster Consuming tryptophan, the essential amino acid, may help people be more sure of themselves, according to a report. Patient Expectations May Influence Recovery Optimism may be good for your health, according to a review of scientific studies on the topic. Patients who had positive expectations about their recuperation usually had a good recovery, researchers report.