Monthly News Archives



		Sleep Experts Call For Siestas A new global Internet survey by the U.K.-based Sleep Council, a non-profit organization that advocates more sleep, calls for implementation of the siesta. The survey, released Sunday, asked people when they felt most alert and productive. Of 12,000 respondents, mostly from the United States and Europe, 41 percent said in the morning, while 38 percent said they hit felt most alert in the evening. More Weeks on Pill Reduces Women's Periods Using birth control pills for longer than the standard 3-weeks-on, one-week-off plan can reduce the number of menstrual periods a woman has without increasing problems like unexpected bleeding, according to a report released Wednesday. Smoking Delays Pregnancy Women who continue smoking while trying to have a baby risk having to wait significantly longer to get pregnant, according to study findings released on Wednesday. Diabetes Tied to Inability to Digest Grains The incidence of celiac disease, a genetic inability to digest the gluten in grains, is much more common among persons with insulin-dependent diabetes than has been thought, a study finds. Exercise May Help Patients With Heart Failure Moderate aerobic exercise appears to lower levels of an immune system protein that may contribute to congestive heart failure (CHF), new study findings suggest. Brain Differences Detected in Bed-Wetters New research provides more evidence that bed wetting in children is a physical, not psychological, problem. Pollutants Being Drawn Out of Great Lakes Falling concentrations of air pollution in the Midwest seem to have a slight vacuum effect on the Great Lakes: the pollutants are being drawn out of the water, say researchers. Shoes Hurt? Give Them the Boot A recent online survey of 1,724 people by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that 80 percent of women said their feet hurt. And, almost 60 percent admitted wearing uncomfortable shoes at least an hour a day. Pregnancy Weight Gain May Predict Later Obesity For many women, the battle of the bulge may reach its zenith during pregnancy and after childbirth, but it may not stop there. New study findings show that if women retain the weight gained during pregnancy for even a year after childbirth, they are more likely to remain overweight or obese for at least another year, researchers report. Vitamin C Shows Promise in Heart Failure Patients Therapy with vitamin C may help heart failure patients by improving the function of their blood vessels, results from a small study suggest. Some 1,500 French Treated Preventively for Anthrax More than 1,500 people in France have received preventive antibiotic treatment for anthrax after receiving suspicious letters, Health Minister Bernard Kouchner said on Monday. Misconceptions About the Common Cold Are Common When it comes to the common cold, 'common knowledge' may be lacking, Harvard researchers reported here at the annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. It seems that many families are mistaken in their beliefs about the way colds are caught and cured. Low-Impact Exercise May Boost Women's Bone Mass Aerobic exercise can increase women's bone density, and it need not be a high-impact regimen to work, new research shows. Dry Mouth Can Cause Cavities Dry mouth, an increasingly common condition for adults taking medications, undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from auto-immune diseases, can be more than just uncomfortable. It heightens the risk of cavities, say dentists. Birth Control Pill Use Affects Smell Most women take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, but oral contraceptive use may have unwanted sexual side effects. Italy to Launch Cancer Prevention Campaign Concerned by poor cancer prevention data presented at a scientific conference this week, Italy's health minister Girolamo Sirchia has announced a cancer prevention plan that would be implemented in early 2002. Vitamin E Doesn't Prevent Osteoarthritis Pain The antioxidant vitamin E does not appear to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis (OA), according to new research findings. Obese Children Have Unhealthy Arteries French researchers have discovered that obese children already show unhealthy changes in their arteries, including a loss of elasticity and normal functioning, which increases the risk of health problems later in life. Oral Contraceptive Linked to Blood Clots Oral contraceptives that contain the synthetic hormone cyproterone carry a heightened risk of blood clots, new research confirms. Feeding the Brain Boosts Memory For anyone in need of a memory boost, breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day, according to Canadian researchers. Alzheimer's May Be Linked to Body Shape Alzheimer's disease may be more common among people with a relatively small waist but sizable hips than among people with the opposite proportions, researchers suggest. Altering the Diet May Ease Fibromyalgia The results of a small, preliminary study suggest that people with fibromyalgia may experience reductions in their symptoms if they eliminate one or more foods from their diet. Nightcap Ups Risk of Low Blood Sugar in Diabetics People with type 1 diabetes may want to forego an after-dinner nightcap or risk a dangerous drop in their blood sugar the next morning, study findings suggest. Sunscreen Alone Not Enough to Shield Kids From Sun Parents should encourage their children to avoid skin-damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays of sunlight, but should avoid relying solely on sunscreens to do so, a pediatrician reported here Wednesday at the American Academy of Pediatrics' annual meeting. What You Need to Know About Anthrax All the media-hype recently regarding Anthrax has cause many people to panic without knowing the basics of this disease. The following is a list of frequently asked questions and answers about anthrax. Parents Can Help Protect Children From Toxins Parents can do several things to reduce the amount of environmental toxins their children will encounter, pediatricians said Wednesday at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Study Gives Evidence Ecstasy Directly Harms Brain There has been much evidence that Ecstasy use has consequences for the brain, and new research now offers proof that the drug may directly inflict damage to certain brain cells. Estrogen Does Not Prevent Recurrent Strokes Despite some past evidence that hormone replacement might lower stroke risk in older women, new research shows that estrogen therapy does not protect women from recurrent strokes and may instead carry some risks. Head Size, Genes Linked to Alzheimer's Onset Having a small head along with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease may hasten the onset of the disease, researchers report. People Can Learn Without Paying Attention Students sitting at rapt attention hoping to learn something new from their teacher may be surprised to know that a lot of their learning has already taken place. New study findings show that it may be possible to learn without paying attention. Canada Tops in Cancer Research American scientists conduct more than a third of the world's research on cancer treatment, but Canada, the Netherlands, Britain and Australia are doing it better, new research suggests. Alternative Therapies Mostly Untested in Children Giving alternative medications to children may be dangerous, doctors told an audience at the annual American Academy of Pediatrics meeting here on Tuesday. Lifestyle, Diet Changes May Delay Prostate Cancer Making dietary changes and exercising on a regular basis may slow the progress of prostate cancer, according to an expert on the disease. Common Headache Relief Methods Rarely Effective Many people use techniques such as massage, heat, cold or compression to relieve headache pain, but these methods are rarely effective, Italian researchers report. Diabetics' Hearts Suffer More When Air is Poor Diabetics who also have heart disease may want to pay extra attention to air pollution warnings, researchers report. Breast-Feeding Cuts Risk of Respiratory Disease Healthy children who are breast-fed are one-third less likely to develop a lower respiratory tract infection compared with bottle-fed babies, according to a review of the medical literature presented here Monday at the American Academy of Pediatricians' annual meeting. Childhood Obesity Becoming Global Health Problem The percentage of American kids who are overweight or obese has swelled to such a level that public health officials call it an epidemic. Now, an international study reveals that the rate of obesity among children in other nations is also on the rise. Many Fourth-Graders Skip Breakfast and Lunch About a third of fourth-graders skip breakfast, lunch, or both at least three times per week, according to new study findings. UK Food Body Criticizes Cereal Bars Cereal bars marketed as ``healthy'' alternatives to a proper breakfast could be bad for you, a British food campaign group said on Tuesday. Women Who Weigh More Earn Less A new study says overweight, white women earn a slimmer paycheck compared to their skinny colleagues. Experts weigh in. Boys Who Use Computers May Be More Active The question of how computers affect people's lifestyles has fueled much debate, with some research linking heavy computer use to everything from poor self-esteem to social withdrawal to more serious psychiatric problems. Cutting Meal Size May Get Kids to Eat Veggies Reducing the portion of pizza burgers and chicken nuggets on kids' lunch plates may be one way of getting them to eat their veggies, according to a report presented here Sunday at the American Academy of Pediatrics' annual meeting. Ecstasy Use Called 'Epidemic' Among Teens Teenagers are beginning to use the club drug Ecstasy on a more widespread and regular basis, an addiction specialist reported Saturday at the American Academy of Pediatrics' annual meeting. Smoking During Pregnancy Linked to Mental Illness Women who continue to smoke after they know they are pregnant may be more likely to be mentally ill than non-smoking women, according to new preliminary findings. Speaking Up is Healthy The National Institute on Aging (NIA) wants to change the way people, specifically patients, speak to and interact with their physician. Don't Run Into Trouble Running regularly for exercise and to relieve stress is a great workout. But like any physical activity, it requires the right equipment and the right preparation to get the maximum benefit and to avoid injuries. Healthy Living Helps Breast Cancer Health experts can't say with certainty what steps women should or shouldn't take if they want to prevent breast cancer. Scientific proof that one course of action or another works best remains minimal -- at best. And theories and advice abound as the United States marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this month. Don't Amplify Bioterror Fears, Say Researchers Long-term social and psychological damage from the threat of biological or chemical terrorism may be worse than any physical illness these weapons cause if care is not taken, editorialists observe in the British Medical Journal for October 20. Conflicting Data on Asthma-Obesity Link The rising rates of asthma among children in affluent nations have perplexed scientists, who have blamed everything from declining rates of breast feeding to greater exposure to cigarette smoke and other pollutants. Birthday Linked to Crohn's Disease Scientists in Denmark report that children born during the month of August are more likely to develop Crohn's disease, a chronic bowel disorder in which patients suffer from bouts of diarrhea, severe pain, nausea and destruction of portions of the intestine. While surgery and drug therapy can ease the symptoms of Crohn's, there is currently no cure for the illness. Exercise May Improve Brainpower A preliminary study has found that exercise may rev up a person's brainpower. Fat Cells Communicate with Nerve Cells Researchers have discovered that fat cells have the ability to communicate with nerve cells outside the brain and may have more control over their own destiny than previously thought. Animal Fat Ups Risk of Stomach, Esophageal Cancer Pregnant women who suffer from nausea and vomiting may find relief through the traditional Chinese technique of acupressure, or a modern variation on the technique in which electrical stimulation is delivered to the pressure point. Playing Soccer Strengthens Young Mens' Bones Long-term participation in soccer can boost the density of bones at key skeletal sites in males, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures over the long term, study findings suggest. Early Alcohol Use Linked to Fighting in Adulthood Adults who began drinking alcohol in their teens may be more prone to alcohol-related violence, study findings suggest. Protein May Help Explain How Parkinson's Arises Researchers may have found the missing link between two proteins involved in Parkinson's disease, a finding they say lends new insight into what goes wrong in the brain as the disease develops. Marathon Running May Be Risky for the Heart Some individuals may think that because exercise--and running in particular--is known to be good for the heart, marathon running must be even more heart-healthy. But findings from two new studies suggest that marathon running may actually increase one's risk of a heart attack or other cardiac event. Short Exercise Bouts as Effective as Long Session Individuals who forego exercise for lack of time may need to find a new excuse, results of a new study suggest. According to the report, short bursts of activity are just as effective as one long session when it comes to burning calories, losing weight and improving aerobic fitness. No One Cause for Women's Higher Depression Rates Depression is twice as common among adolescent and adult females as among their male counterparts, but the reason why has not yet been fully explained. Now after reviewing various studies on the topic, a Michigan researcher reports that the gender difference is probably due to an interaction between biological, psychological and social factors. Animal Fat Ups Risk of Stomach, Esophageal Cancer Individuals who enjoy diets rich in meat, cheese and whole milk may be at increased risk of developing cancer of the esophagus and the stomach, according to the results of a recent study. Obesity a Disadvantage to Prime-Time Actors Overweight actors appearing on TV's prime-time shows have a slim shot at playing the romantic lead. Low Melatonin Raises Breast Cancer Risk Exposure to light while working at night may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. And, it seems, women in developed countries are worse off. Raising the Herbal Bar When you pop that echinacea tablet to help your cold, it's a crapshoot as to whether you're really getting that herb, thanks to the fact that supplements lie outside of the reach of regulators. Sex-Ed Should Target Elementary School Kids HIV prevention classes may be most effective if they are taught before kids become sexually active, according to a recent report. Fat Worsens Heartburn Without Raising Acid Level People who suffer from heartburn are often told to limit their intake of fat, which can exacerbate their condition. But according to new research, high-fat meals do not actually increase levels of acid in the intestine. Rather, they intensify the sensation of heartburn through another mechanism that is not yet clear. Protein Controls Tumor's Blood Supply Scientists have uncovered evidence that a naturally occurring protein suppresses the growth of cancerous tumors, most likely through its control of a molecule involved in supplying blood to tumors. Reasons Teen Girls Begin Having Sex Differ by Age Teenage girls have shifting motivations for losing their virginity as they move from their early to later teen years, researchers report. Food Supply May Not Explain Obesity in Poorer Kids Children from low-income US families may be at increased risk of obesity, studies have shown, but the reasons why are not clear. Now, researchers report that higher rates of obesity among poor children may not be a result of a limited availability of food. Senior Power Ever wonder about new treatments for Alzheimer's disease? Have you thought about training a service dog? Are you concerned that a loved one in a nursing home is being abused? Would you like to learn more about music or horticultural therapy for older people? New Technique to Attack Snoring A new technique to attack the cause of simple snoring noise may give your bedmate an easier night's sleep, says new research from North Carolina. A Drink or 2 a Day Cuts Men's Diabetes Risk Men who unwind after work with a mug of beer or a glass of wine may be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than their teetotaling peers, results of a new study suggest. Green Tea Chemical May Prevent Brain Damage Chemicals found in green tea and other plants may prevent the brain damage that occurs after strokes and other brain injuries, say researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Supplements May Prevent Age-Related Vision Loss A dietary supplement containing high levels of certain vitamins and minerals appears to lower the risk of blindness in some elderly individuals, according to a national study released Friday. Study Finds Forceps Delivery Safer Than C-Section Women with arrested labor who went on to deliver their babies by Caesarean section had a greater risk of complications than women who delivered with the aid of instruments such as forceps, a team of British researchers reports. Afghanistan Bombing Could Cause AIDS Explosion The US-led attacks on Afghanistan will eventually disrupt the flow of opium from one of the world's top suppliers and could cause heroin-injecting to surge in neighboring Pakistan, leading to a potential AIDS catastrophe, researchers said on Friday. The Miracle of Spinach An unlikely source may help restore some vision to millions of people who have macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. What's this miracle substance? It's spinach. But you don't eat it; you stick it in your eye. Mom's Depression Linked to Kid's Inactivity Preschool children whose mothers are depressed and overweight watch more TV and spend less time outdoors, and that could lead to obesity later in life, a new study suggests. Intensive Insulin Therapy Ups Obesity Risk Patients with type 1 diabetes who take multiple insulin injections each day may lower their risk of nerve damage and blindness, but such intensive therapy may also put them at increased risk of obesity, study findings show. Iron Deficiency May Raise Children's Lead Risk Iron deficiency may make children more vulnerable to the lead in their homes and environment, researchers report. They found that iron-deficient children show elevated levels of lead in their blood compared with kids with adequate iron stores. 'Environmental' Ills Often Psychosomatic As many as 60% of patients with symptoms that they attribute to environmental pollutants are in fact suffering from psychological problems, according to a recently released German study. US Schools Skimp on Physical Education States and local school districts could play a more active role in promoting physical fitness and curbing obesity among the nation's youth, a new survey concludes. Eye Contact From Comely Stranger Excites the Brain Does locking eyes with a sexy stranger send shivers down your spine? A team of British neurologists explains why, reporting that an area of the brain reacts with eager anticipation when receiving a look from a stranger deemed attractive. UK Advises Pregnant Women on Caffeine Intake Pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to the equivalent of four cups of instant coffee a day, a UK government agency advised on Wednesday. Troubled Childhood May Lead to Risky Sex Behavior Women who were physically, verbally or sexually abused as children are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual behaviors as adults, putting them at greater risk for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancies, public health officials warn. Obesity, Inactivity May Up Pancreatic Cancer Risk Obesity and physical inactivity contribute to the risk of cancer of the pancreas, researchers from Canada report. Low Birth Weight Linked to Higher Blood Pressure An infant's weight at birth appears to influence blood pressure into childhood and adolescence, study findings suggest. Interactive Video Can Replace Some Nursing Visits Home healthcare agencies can save money--and perhaps improve patient care--by substituting some home nursing visits with interactive video sessions between nurses and patients, investigators in Pennsylvania report. Docs Urged to Gauge Patients' Heart Disease Risk Physicians should divide their patients into three groups based on their risk of heart disease, which would help doctors offer appropriate screening tests and preventive treatment to those at moderate and high risk, experts advise. High Protein Diets Called Into Question High protein diets make little nutritional sense and can pose health risks, according to the American Heart Association. Black Tea May Cut Heart Disease Risk Drinking black tea may lower the risk of heart disease by preventing the blood from clumping and forming clots, the results of a preliminary study suggest. Exercise a Boon for Those with HIV Aerobic exercise offers HIV-positive people a lot more than a sweaty workout. It helps alleviate some side effects of the many drugs that allow those infected with the virus that causes AIDS to live longer, healthier lives. 'Morning-After' Cream May Prevent Skin Cancer In what some health experts are calling a potentially major advance in the fight to prevent skin cancer, researchers are working on an experimental cream that appears to fix the cellular damage caused by overexposure to the sun. Physical Therapist Gives Prescription for Fitness Patients in Sweden may soon find themselves leaving their doctor's office with an extra prescription to fill. As well as those for their regular medicines, they could be given another, for physical exercise. A Little Fat May Be Key to Long-Term Weight Loss A new study offers welcome news for the millions of Americans who are fighting the battle of the bulge. Eating a diet containing moderate levels of fat--as opposed to a strict low-fat diet--is easier on dieters' taste buds and may result in more long-term weight loss. Number of New Teen Smokers Falls Higher cigarette prices and a cultural shift away from smoking are contributing to a dramatic drop in the number of teen-agers who pick up the habit, experts say. Birth Control Shot May Weaken Bones Could your choice of birth control at age 18 come back to haunt you when you're 45? It might -- if your choice is the popular injectable contraceptive known as Depo-Provera. Men's Health: Save Your Own Neck Considering that the neck is where paramedics take pulses and guillotines take lives, it's no surprise that preserving your neck is a matter of life and death. Scientists Find Gene Linked to Blood Fat Levels A gene that influences blood levels of triglycerides has been discovered, according to a new report. Mental Ilness Affects One in Four, WHO Reports More than 450 million people worldwide suffer mental or neurological disorders but many governments are failing to tackle the problem, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday. Obesity a Growing Challenge to Indian Health While malnutrition remains a serious health concern in India, a new report underscores another growing nutritional problem: obesity. Kava, Valerian May Fight Stress-Related Insomnia People who are regularly kept awake at night, plagued by thoughts of work deadlines, relationship problems or other stressful life events might find relief in the herbs kava and valerian, results of a small study suggest. Scientists Turn Bad Fat to Better Fat in Mice By inactivating a metabolism-related gene, scientists have created a leaner, meaner mouse that can eat as much as its flabbier brethren. Knocking out the gene, researchers found, allowed some of the animals' fat stores to be converted to a more weight-friendly type of fat that promotes calorie-burning. Researchers Find Language Gene Scientists say they have discovered the first gene tied to a language and speech disorder - a find that may bring the genetics revolution closer to identifying the biological roots of conscious thought and defining what it means to be human. Report: Laughing Gas May Help Smokers Quit A dose of laughing gas on quit day may help smokers kick the habit, according to new research. Scientists: Great Lakes Are Cleansing Themselves Canadian and US scientists say they have proof the world's biggest fresh water system, the Great Lakes straddling Canada and the United States, are cleansing themselves of pollutants, and investigators are planning tests to see if the same is true in the Arctic. Obesity Ups Risk of Second Heart Attack Overweight and obese individuals who have survived a first heart attack have a higher risk of suffering a subsequent attack than their leaner peers, study findings show. Ex-Smokers Who Re-Start Show Greatest Lung Damage Smokers who kick the habit and then start up again could have a greater decline in lung function than smokers who never quit, according to Swedish researchers. MDs Assess Risk of Tylenol Overdose in Children A national medical group has released a new report recommending ways that pediatricians can lower the risk of acetaminophen overdose in children. Acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain reliever, is most commonly marketed in the US under brand names such as Tylenol and Excedrin. Lifestyle Changes Could Help Black Diabetics Some basic improvements in diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits could improve the fate of black Americans with diabetes, results of a study suggest. Self-Hypnosis May Cut Stress, Boost Immune System A number of studies have suggested stress can hinder the body's immune system defenses. Now researchers say people may be able to fight back with the stress-relieving techniques of self-hypnosis. Chromosome Abnormality Suggests How Cancer Arises Scientists have found a chromosome abnormality they believe may set off a chain of events that allows cancer to grow and thrive. Pediatricians Make ADHD Suggestions The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its first guidelines for treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, suggesting that stimulant drugs may be most effective but that behavior techniques should also be used. Got Asthma? Blame Mom New research to be published this month in Pediatrics links parenting difficulties early in a child's life with an increased risk that the child will develop asthma. In the study, children whose parents had trouble coping had more than double the risk of developing asthma by age 6 to 8. Many Doctors Fail to Promote Regular Exercise Although regular physical activity is known to help guard against obesity, diabetes and various other medical conditions, many physicians still fail to promote its benefits among their patients, new study findings show. Heart Disease Prevention Pays Off, Study Shows Efforts to reduce cholesterol levels, control blood pressure and stop smoking are paying off in the form of lower heart disease rates and fewer deaths from heart disease, according to new research. Saunas Linked to Improved Heart Health Regular saunas may improve blood flow to the heart and prevent heart disease, according to Japanese researchers. When it Comes to Cardiovascular Fitness, Either Use it or Lose it A new study confirms that when it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you either use it or lose it -- but it isn't too tough to get it back, even when you're middle-age and pudgy. Test Drug Decreases Impotency in Diabetics An experimental drug for impotency helps men with diabetes improve their erections, a new study says.