Monthly News Archives



		Prevent Cancer With Veggies Broccoli sprouts, cabbage, ginkgo biloba and garlic appear to have a role in preventing a variety of cancers, researchers report. Weight Loss Lowers Hormone Levels In Obese Kids A condition involving abnormally high levels of androgens (steroid hormones) known in medical circles as "hyperandrogenemia" starts early in obese children, possibly placing them at increased risk for a cluster of conditions such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels that raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Simple Steps For Halloween Safety You can keep your little ghouls and goblins safe, happy and healthy during their trick-or-treating by following some simple steps this Halloween, say Duke University Medical Center experts. Abortion Doesn't Raise Depression Risk Among women with an unwanted pregnancy, those who carry the pregnancy to term are more likely to experience later depression than those who terminate the pregnancy with an abortion, new study findings suggest. Prevent Osteoporosis: Exercise Doctors used to think a good, calcium-rich diet was enough to avoid the crippling bone disease known as osteoporosis, but it is now clear that regular exercise is just as important, a new report released stated. Air Pollution Tied To Increased Risk Of Strokes Increases in particles polluting the air are associated with an increase in the number of strokes caused by a blood clot in the brain -- but not the type caused by an artery rupture in the brain -- new research shows. Chronic Stress Linked To Repeat Yeast Infections Women who suffer from frequent vaginal yeast infections show biochemical signs of being under chronic stress, a Swedish study has found. Fish Oil Helps Dry Eyes Dry eye syndrome in women may be linked to their intake of dietary fat. But consuming foods rich in omega-3 -- such as tuna -- may reduce dry eye risk by 68 percent, according to a new U.S. study. Circumcision May Protect Against HIV Circumcision reduced the rate of HIV infection among heterosexual men in South Africa by 60 percent, according to a study that provides the first published data about the effects of male circumcision on HIV infection. Chewing Gum Speeds Surgery Recovery New research has given doctors and their patients something to chew on: Patients who use chewing gum have shorter hospital stays after laparoscopic colon surgery than those who don't. Altering Test Policies On Psychiatric Drugs The US government will back down from a plan to require long-term studies of new psychiatric drugs before allowing them on the market, regulators said yesterday. How Many Americans Have Diabetes? Nearly 21 million Americans have diabetes, most of them the type-2 variety associated with poor diet, too little exercise and being overweight, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported. Weekend TV Watchers Grow Up Obese People who watched more weekend TV as kids are more likely to be obese as grownups, a new study from the UK shows. Don't Panic Over The Bird Flu People should not panic about a possible influenza pandemic, despite media hype, leading health officials and politicians stated. Obese Workers Passed Over In Hiring, Promotions Overweight workers in Britain are discriminated against when applying for positions, passed over for promotions, and more likely to lose their jobs, a report stated. McDonald's To Put Nutrition Facts On Packaging McDonald's Corp. customers will soon know that the Big Mac they bought contains almost half their recommended daily fat intake just by looking at the wrapper. Biodiversity May Help Slow Disease Spread Better protection for the diversity of the planet's creatures and plants could help shield humans from diseases like AIDS, Ebola or bird flu and save billions of dollars in health care costs, researchers said. Experts Refute Anti-Bacterial Soap Claims Antibacterial soaps and washes aren't any better than plain, old soap and water for fighting illness in the household, says a panel of federal health advisers. Parents Blame Kids' Inactivity for Obesity Kids don't run outside and play like they used to, and parents say being a couch potato is a major culprit in the growing problem of childhood obesity. Unfair Boss Could Shorten Your Life That crummy boss in the window office could be slowly killing you, according to a study of British workers recently published. Walking Briskly Keeps The Weight Off Overweight people who lost and kept off 25 to 30 pounds walked briskly for about 50 minutes a day five days a week, according to the longest clinical study ever done on exercise's effect on weight loss and maintenance. Smoking Can Lessen IQ, Thinking Ability The poorer mental function seen among alcoholics, many of whom also regularly smoke cigarettes, may be partially due to the long-term effects of nicotine, new research suggests. Do Soft Drinks Really Impact Kids' Obesity? Contradicting widely held views, a new study has found that consumption of carbonated soft drinks from school vending machines has a negligible impact on adolescent weight problems. Asthma Needs to Be Individualized Every time an asthma patient sees a doctor, his asthma should be assessed to determine if it's being properly controlled, says a new practice parameter in the November issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Experts Refute Anti-Bacterial Soap Claims Antibacterial soaps and washes aren't any better than plain, old soap and water for fighting illness in the household, says a panel of health advisers. Is Aspartame Safe For My Child? Almost everyone has a sweet tooth, and kids are certainly no exception. Because excess sugar consumption has been linked to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health problems, many people reach for foods, drinks, and candy that contain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, which offer lots of flavor with fewer calories. Don't Retire Early If You Want To Live Longer In what looks like a jolt to the dream of retiring early, epidemiologists have found that workers who quit at age 55 face a significantly higher risk of dying in the following decade. Which is Healthier: McDonalds or Subway? McDonald's diners may gobble down a lot more calories with their burgers and fries than do their counterparts at Subway sandwich shops. Blackberry Users Learning Painful Lesson Repetitive motion injuries, which have long afflicted desktop and laptop computer users, are invading the mobile handheld world. Daily Dog Walks Work Off The Pounds Dogs may be more than man's best friend; they may also be a tool for losing weight, according to a new study that shows making a commitment to walk a dog -- your own or someone else's -- leads to increased exercise and weight loss. New Diabetes Drug Deemed Dangerous A new diabetes pill that was headed for government approval has been linked to deaths, heart attacks and strokes, a medical journal reported in an analysis it said was rushed online to head off a Vioxx-like fiasco. Dementia Drugs Increase Death Risks Drugs often used to treat elderly patients with dementia-related aggression and delusions can raise their risk of death, according to a study that reinforces new warning labels required on the medications. Large Food Portions Deadly If you eat too much fattening food one day, don't count on yourself to be good the next day and eat less. Children Are Not Sleeping Enough A survey released shows what millions of groggy parents already know: Many babies and toddlers do not get enough sleep. Pain Affects Black Women More Intensely The far-reaching effects of chronic pain may be worse for black women than they are for white women. Cancer Patients Hide Use Of Alternative Treatments From Their Doctors Although almost half (48 percent) of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation are using at least one type of complementary and alternative medical therapy (CAM) treatment, a majority of them (75 percent) don't tell their doctor. Phytoestrogens Decrease Lung Cancer Risk A research team from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has reported new evidence showing that phytoestrogens are associated with a decrease in risk of lung cancer, in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).� Tired Of The Bird or Avian Flu Yet? Some Experts Claim It's A Hoax For Profit If you have been viewing the media you must have heard or seen the scare recently orchestrated on the bird or avian flu to the public. According to a draft of the US government's plan to fight a potentially cataclysmic pandemic this new avian super-flu could kill millions. However, some experts are stating it is nothing more than a hoax. Alcohol Thins Your Blood Moderate drinkers have lower rates of heart disease, as research has shown, but they may have a price to pay: Alcohol can thin the blood, perhaps increasing the risk of bleeding strokes. Abused Boys Become Abusive Men Physically abused boys may be more likely than other boys to become men who commit domestic violence, a new study found. Obesity Surgery May Be Risky The chances of dying within a year after obesity surgery are much higher than previously thought, even among people in their 30s and 40s, a study of more than 16,000 Medicare patients found. Lose Weight, Enjoy A Better Sex Life Obese women who start to lose weight will also see an improvement in the quality of their sex lives, according to a U.S. study recently released. High-Fat, Low-Carb Diet Could Curb Alzheimer's A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet appeared to improve the condition of mice with a rodent form of Alzheimer's disease, researchers report. Chinese Herbal Medicine May Help Treat Asthma A plant-based compound using extracts of three herbs, dubbed the anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention (ASHMI), significantly improves lung function in patients with moderate to severe asthma. CLA Linked To Lower Bowel Cancer Risk High intake of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat found naturally in cow�s milk, is associated with a significantly lower risk of bowel cancer, shows a new Swedish study. Back Exercises Not The Answer To Lower Back Pain Exercise may help ease lower back pain -- just as long as the exercise is not specifically targeting the back, a new study suggests. More Vitamin D May Mean Healthier Gums People with higher blood levels of vitamin D may be less likely to develop gum disease, a new study suggests. Natural Beef Sales Outpace Other Kinds With red meat becoming a dirty word for more health-conscious consumers, a group of cattle ranchers found a new market for their beef by targeting natural food stores, where they could get a premium price. Existence Of Toxic Mold Syndrome Questioned Mold and dampness can cause coughing and wheezing, but there is little evidence to support the existence of the so-called toxic mold syndrome, according to a report by researchers at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. Expert Tips Make Raking Up Safer Raking the leaves can provide good exercise and a chance to enjoy the autumn weather, but it can also result in back strain and sore muscles. Obesity Linked To Fat Gain In Muscles The skeletal muscle of severely obese people is specially programmed to amass fat, researchers report. The finding suggests the muscle has a metabolic "memory" of obesity, and it may explain why obese people have such a hard time losing weight, even when they cut calories. Hormone May Be Key To Fat Digestion Researchers say they've identified a hormone that plays an important role in the digestion of fat, cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, E and D. Big, Fast-Growing Babies Face Later Obesity Risk Big babies and infants who gain weight very quickly early in life have a higher risk of suffering from obesity. Your Child's Growth From the moment parents bring their new baby home from the hospital, they watch the baby's progress eagerly, anticipating every inch of growth and each new developmental milestone along the way. But what exactly are they watching for and how do parents know if their child is growing properly? Hep B Booster Shot Unnecessary A booster shot against hepatitis B may not be necessary because infants and teens who are vaccinated against hepatitis B are protected for 10 years after the vaccination, according to Italian researchers. Does Smoking Lower Your IQ? Smokers often say that smoking a cigarette helps them concentrate and feel more alert. But years of tobacco use may have the opposite effect, dimming the speed and accuracy of a person's thinking ability and bringing down their IQ, according to a new study led by University of Michigan researchers. KidsPoll: How Kids Cope with Stress Compared�with what adults face, it might seem like kids don't have that much to stress about. But kids have their own concerns - and sometimes feel stress, just as adults do. And kids' stresses can be just as overwhelming, particularly if they don't have effective coping strategies. Sound Sleeper? Thank Your Genes! Swiss researchers have identified a gene variation that might explain why some of us are sound sleepers, and some are not. Family Meals, Stories Boost Child Confidence Research by two Emory University psychology professors shows that families who regularly share meals together have children who know more about their family history and tend to have higher self-esteem, interact better with their peers and show higher resilience in the face of adversity. Chromium Supplements May Aid Some With Depression Supplements containing the mineral chromium may be useful in treating some cases of depression -- particularly when carbohydrate craving is a prominent symptom, a new study suggests. Study Finds Surprising Links Between Depression, Suicide, And Epilepsy Researchers have found provocative evidence that the brain dysfunction that underlies epilepsy may also determine whether people are at risk for suicide. Exercise Can Reduce Deep Abdominal Fat Couch potatoes may quickly accumulate a type of deep abdominal fat that contributes to diabetes and other metabolic problems -- but regular exercise can prevent or even reverse the process, according to researchers. Dark Chocolate Helps Diarrhea A new study conducted by researchers at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland is the first to discover that a chemical in cocoa beans can limit the development of fluids that cause diarrhea. Fish May Aid Fetal Brain Development New research suggests that fish may indeed be brain food, at least those varieties that have low levels of mercury. Seniors Who Expect Health To Fail Are Inactive Seniors who expect their health to decline as they grow older are less likely to participate in regular physical activity, research suggests. Study Suggests Fish Good For The Brain Eating fish at least once a week is good for the brain, slowing age-related mental decline by the equivalent of three to four years, a study suggests. Exercise Amount More Important Than Intensity How much you exercise may be more important than how hard you exercise in terms of heart health, according to a study of sedentary overweight men and women. And, many will be happy to hear, exhaustive amounts of exercise are not needed for heart health. Cancer Misdiagnosed in 12% of Cases Upwards of 12 percent of U.S. cancer patients are initially misdiagnosed, a new study suggests, leading to repeat testing, treatment delays, increased health-care costs and patient anxiety. Pacifier Use May Help Prevent SIDS Letting your baby suck on a pacifier before bed may help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Childhood Amnesia Found At Around Age 10 The first study to systematically mark the onset of "childhood amnesia" found that by the time children are 10, their preschool memories have already faded away. Magnetic Insoles Fail to Relieve Foot Pain An array of "magnet therapy" products with claims of relieving various aches and pains reap millions in sales every year. However, a new study finds no evidence to support the notion that one of these products -- magnetic shoe insoles -- can ease foot discomfort. Cranberry And Oregano Make Antibacterial Agent In culinary terms they are poles apart: one is a staple of Italian cuisine, the other an essential accompaniment to roast turkey. But put oregano and cranberries together and you have a potent antibacterial agent that could cut the risk of food poisoning from infected seafood. Increasing Number Of Overweight Toddlers As toddlers begin eating "grown-up" food, they may also develop grown-up eating habits � like too much junk food and too few vegetables, warn doctors who want parents to change their ways. Soy Intake May Increase Risk Of Breast Cancer At least one third of women at high risk for breast cancer regularly consume soy-based foods -- but this may not be a good idea, researchers say. Breast Cancer Patients Turn To Reflexology Researchers at Michigan State University are finding that many women who are receiving chemotherapy while in the late stages of breast cancer are turning to a complementary therapy known as reflexology to help them cope. Meeting Aims For Coordinated Influenza Response Delegates from 80 nations and international agencies are meeting to formulate the best way to fight the growing outbreak of avian influenza before it can cause a human pandemic that could kill millions. Mental Illness Behind Self- Harm Often Undiagnosed U.S. hospital emergency departments often under-diagnose mental disorders in children and young adults being treated for deliberate self-harm, researchers report. Fitness-Oriented Gym Class Helps Overweight Kids Lose Body Fat A fitness-oriented gym class helps overweight kids lose body fat and build cardiovascular fitness, a new study shows. High-Priced Fruits, Veggies Linked to Weight Gain in Kids Higher prices for fruits and vegetables may lead to increased weight gain in school-age children, particularly those who live in low-income areas. Can Medical Journals Be Trusted Can the medical journals be trusted to provide accurate, unbiased information about medicine even as they are almost entirely funded by drug companies? WHO 'Global Epidemic' Of Chronic Disease Preventable Developing countries can tackle a "global epidemic" of chronic disease by adopting cheap measures that have helped cut heart disease deaths in some rich nations by up to 70 percent, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. Obesity Rates In Ontario Children Double Children in the Canadian province of Ontario may be the first generation to die younger than their parents, doctors said. Processed Meats, Red Meat and Pork Boost Pancreatic Cancer Risk Eating lots of processed meats, red meat and pork can increase pancreatic cancer risk, according to a U.S. study in the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Learning Music 'Good For Heart' Learning a musical instrument could be good for the heart, a study suggests. Italian and British researchers compared the effect of a range of pieces, from Beethoven to techno, on musicians and non-musicians. Lack Of Physical Activity Worsens GI Symptoms In Obese People In a study published in the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, researchers found that a high body mass index (BMI) and lack of physical activity were associated with an increase in GI symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Exercise Cuts Alzheimer's Risk Exercising in middle age not only keeps the weight down and the heart healthy but can also cut the risk of suffering from Alzheimer's disease, particularly in high risk people, Swedish researchers said. Study Warns That Majority In US Could Become Overweight, Obese US researchers said that the country's obesity problem may be more serious than previously believed and that a vast majority of adults in the United States are at risk of becoming overweight or obese. Most Teen Smokers Do Want to Quit Countering the notion that teen smokers are a stubborn, tough-to-reach population, a new study finds many do want to quit and will utilize Web sites designed to help them escape nicotine's grip. TV Viewing Disrupts Sleep in Infants and Children Yet another reason parents might want to think twice about how much television their children watch: TV viewing by infants and children is associated with irregular sleep schedules, researchers have found. Pomegranates Show Promise in Combating Prostate Cancer The juice of the pomegranate, say researchers at the UW Medical School, shows major promise to combat prostate cancer - the most common invasive cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. Giving Obese Kids Cooking Lessons Britain is giving all school pupils lessons in cooking healthy meals as part of attempts to tackle an epidemic of obesity in young people.