Monthly News Archives



		New York City Setting A Good Example To Help Prevent Disease March 31, 2009 New York City was the first to introduce calorie labeling for restaurants that have 10 or more locations. Then they added the trans-fat ban. But that's not all they're doing to prevent disease and combat the obesity crisis. New Yorkers are now being exposed to several other healthy programs that may have positive long term health implications. Fragrance Ingredients In Shampoos Are Frequent Causes of Eczema March 31, 2009 Considerably more people than previously believed are allergic to the most common fragrance ingredient used in shampoos, conditioners and soap. Keep Your Pets Healthy and Prevent Disease March 31, 2009 Chances are, the pets you care for fall into one of these three categories, carnivores, omnivores and herbivores...and each type of pet has distinct nutritional needs. The Medical Establishment Feels It's Time To Test All Teenagers For Depression March 30, 2009 An influential government-appointed medical panel is urging doctors to routinely screen all American teens for depression — a bold step that acknowledges that nearly 2 million teens are affected by this debilitating condition. Investigators Find Source of Many Foods Untraceable March 30, 2009 Most food manufacturers and distributors cannot identify the suppliers or recipients of their products despite federal rules that require them to do so, federal health investigators have found. Morbidly Obese Are Sedentary 99 Percent of the Time March 30, 2009 A new study appearing in Clinical Cardiology examined the average fitness level of the morbidly obese and found that the tested population was sedentary for more than 99 percent of the day and, on average, walked less than 2,500 steps per day. Carotenoids Linked To Fewer Hip Fractures March 30, 2009 Increased intakes of antioxidant pigments from plants may lower the risk of hip fracture in older men and women, according to a 17-year study from the US. How Metals In Food Impact Children's Behaviour March 27, 2009 The contamination of food with certain metals needs to be urgently addressed in light of growing evidence linking trace elements to negative human behaviour, according to a lead researcher in the field. Indonesia Wants To End Vaccinating Children Citing Mistrust of Drug Companies March 27, 2009 Indonesia's controversial health minister says she wants to end vaccinating children against meningitis, mumps and some other diseases because she fears foreign drug companies are using the country as a testing ground. New Measurement Standard For Vitamin D May Prevent Osteoporosis March 27, 2009 In a development that could help improve the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, rickets, and other bone diseases, government chemists are reporting an advance in developing an accurate, reliable set of standards for measuring vitamin D levels in blood. Replace Wheat With Spelt For Improved Health March 27, 2009 Triticum speltum, known as spelt, has a nutty flavor and can be used the same as wheat with one notable benefit - spelt usually does not cause allergic reactions like wheat. Splenda Damages Your Healthy Bacteria and Boosts Weight Gain March 26, 2009 Consumption of the sweetener Splenda at doses within the US FDA’s Acceptable Daily Intake may suppress beneficial bacteria in the gut, and cause weight gain. Sunshine Crucial for Pregnant Women and Health of Newborns March 26, 2009 Children whose mothers receive more vitamin D during pregnancy are taller and have thicker bones than children whose mothers receive less, according to a new study conducted by researchers from Bristol University. Vitamin B and Folic Acid Supplements Prevent Migraines March 26, 2009 Increased intake of folic acid and other B vitamins may reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Genomics Research Center at Australia's Griffith University. Teen Brains Clear Out Childhood Thoughts March 26, 2009 The mysterious goings-on inside teen brains have befuddled countless parents over the years. Now some insights are being provided by recent neuroscience research. Fish Oil Supplements Can Contain Mercury March 25, 2009 Fish oil supplements are increasingly popular with people who don·t like seafood but are attracted by claims of cardiac benefits. But could they also expose you to the harmful pollutants found in some species of fish? Why Toddlers Don't Do What They're Told March 25, 2009 Toddlers listen, they just store the information for later use, a new study finds. Sunshine Will Prevent The Spread of TB March 25, 2009 Ultraviolet light could reduce the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in hospital wards and waiting rooms by 70%, research suggests. Exercise Improves Young Men's Heart Regulation March 24, 2009 Offering yet more reason to get regular exercise, a new study shows that running and other aerobic activities improve nervous-system control of the heart in young men. Vitamin D Supplements Reduce Fracture Risk In Older Adults March 24, 2009 Oral vitamin D supplements at a dose of at least 400 international units per day are associated with a reduced risk of bone fractures in older adults. Can Mulberry Leaf Help Treat Diabetes? March 24, 2009 Mulberry leaf has been traditionally used to treat diabetes by numerous cultures around the world and that evidence from human studies show that it significantly reduces the rise in blood sugar that occurs after a meal. Can Cherries Relieve The Pain Of Osteoarthritis? March 23, 2009 For the millions who suffer from osteoarthritis, pain relief may come with a cherry on top. According to researchers with the Baylor Research Institute, tart cherries, in pill form, may be a promising pain-reliever for this common and debilitating form of arthritis. The Economic Cost of Global Deforestation Outweighs Cost of Current Financial Crisis March 23, 2009 The economic cost of global deforestation far outstrips the money being lost from the current financial crisis, according to the findings of a study commissioned by the European Union. Red Meat Increases Mortality Risk March 23, 2009 The largest study of its kind finds that those who eat large amounts of red meat and processed meats face a greater risk of death from heart disease and cancer. Body Clock Regulates Metabolism, Study Shows March 20, 2009 UC Irvine researchers have discovered that circadian rhythms, our own body clock, regulate energy levels in cells. The findings have far-reaching implications, from providing greater insights into the bond between the body's day-night patterns and metabolism to creating new ways to treat cancer, diabetes, obesity and a host of related diseases. Herbs That Prevent Heart Disease March 19, 2009 It's been debated for the last few years, but most experts agree that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death. The shocking part is that most heart attacks can be prevented by simple changes in your lifestyle. Besides the obvious eating healthy food and exercising, herbs have been scientifically proven to keep your hearth health. Trans Fatty Acids Boost Risk of Colon Cancer by 86 Percent March 19, 2009 Higher consumption of trans fatty acids can increase a person's risk of precancerous colorectal tumors by 86 percent, researchers have found. Eating Mushrooms Daily Prevents Breast Cancer March 19, 2009 Scientists found that women consuming at least a third of an ounce of fresh mushrooms every day were 64 per cent less likely to develop a tumour. The Stress You Experienced As A Teenager Has A Physical Toll On Your Adult Health March 18, 2009 UCLA researchers stated that even stressful times from the teenage years exact a physical toll that could have implications for health during adulthood. Vegetarians Get Fewer Cancers March 18, 2009 A vegetarian diet may help to protect against cancer, a UK study suggests. A Pace for Fitness: 100 Steps a Minute March 18, 2009 A journey of a thousand miles may begin with a single step, but even if you take just 2,999 more within half an hour, you may be on the road to fitness. Even Mild Obesity Takes Years Off Your Life March 18, 2009 If you are moderately overweight, you will probably live two to four years less than if you stick to your ideal weight, according to a major new study of obesity and mortality. Check the Neck for Heart Risk March 17, 2009 When a doctor determines your risk for heart disease, he or she might look at your weight, cholesterol level and blood pressure. But soon, they may also look at your neck. Daily Dose of Peanuts May Ward Off Allergies In Kids March 17, 2009 Some children may be freed of their peanut allergies if they eat a tiny crumb of peanut every day for weeks, U.S. doctors reported. Anti-Depressants, Shooting Rampages and Suicide March 17, 2009 Is there a pattern here? Tim Kretschmer, the baby-faced killer who went on a murderous rampage at the Albertville Secondary in Winnenden, near Stuttgart, Germany, was on medication for depression, the Scotsman has revealed. It emerged that Kretschmer had been suffering from depression, even attending a clinic and receiving medication for the condition, the newspaper reports. Six Natural Strategies to Stop Glaucoma From Robbing You Blind March 17, 2009 Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in the world, is a group of eye diseases that damage your optic nerve, leading to vision loss. In its early stages, glaucoma may produce no symptoms at all, and it’s estimated that half of the more than 4 million Americans with glaucoma do not even realize they have it. Baby Shampoo and Toiletries Filled With Toxins and Carcinogens March 16, 2009 More than half the baby shampoo, lotion and other infant care products analyzed by a health advocacy group were found to contain trace amounts of two chemicals that are believed to cause cancer, the organization said. Calcium Helps With Weight Loss March 16, 2009 Boosting calcium consumption spurs weight loss, according to a study published in the most recent issue of the British Journal of Nutrition, but only in people whose diets are calcium deficient. Maximize Your Sleep To Prevent Diabetes March 16, 2009 People who get fewer than six hours of sleep at night are prone to abnormal blood sugar levels, possibly putting them at risk for diabetes, U.S. researchers said. Music Lessons Provide A Workout For The Brain March 16, 2009 Scans of the brains of child musicians before and after musical training have yielded compelling evidence that proficiency and skill relies on hard graft, not innate genius. Simple Filter Delivers Clean, Safe Drinking Water, Potentially To Millions March 16, 2009 As an efficient, inexpensive, low-tech way to treat water, Dr. James Amburgey’s research could bring clean, safe drinking water to potentially millions upon millions of people. Does Old Age Start At 27? March 16, 2009 Getting old already? 27-year-old singer Beyonce Knowles is already past her mental peak according to new research. Humans Respond to Scent of Fear March 13, 2009 Moviegoers might want to scoff a bit less when characters talk about the scent of fear. Women exposed to fear chemicals in male sweat tended to see ambiguous faces as being more fearful, according to a new study. Eating Less Salt To Increase Health March 13, 2009 Over the years, people have become inured to salt. Most have no idea how much salt they consume - on average, about 9 to 12 g (or 3,600 to 4,800 mg of sodium) per person per day, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). That's twice the amount recommended by the government. 21 Fabricated Drug Studies At The Detriment of Our Health In The Name of Profits March 13, 2009 A prominent Massachusetts anesthesiologist allegedly fabricated 21 medical studies that claimed to show benefits from painkillers like Vioxx and Celebrex, according to the hospital where he worked. Broccoli Sprouts Help Allergy and Asthma Sufferers March 12, 2009 People with nasal allergies or asthma may want to add broccoli sprouts to their diets, if early research findings pan out. Garlic Boosts Overall Antioxidant Levels and Blocks Cancer March 12, 2009 One of the most interesting of the recent findings is that garlic increases the overall antioxidant levels of the body. Health-Compromising Behaviors Persist If They Preserve A Vital Relationship March 11, 2009 A new study in the journal Family Process reveals that smoking can promote emotional connection for couples when both partners smoke. Health-compromising behaviors, such as smoking or weight gain, may sometimes persist because they preserve stability in a vital close relationship. Baxter Caught Shipping Vaccines With Live Avian Flu Virus To 18 Countries Worldwide March 11, 2009 Czech newspapers are questioning if the shocking discovery of vaccines contaminated with the deadly avian flu virus which were distributed to 18 countries by the American company Baxter were part of a conspiracy to provoke a pandemic. The Healing Powers of Tumeric March 11, 2009 Revered in India as "holy powder," the marigold-colored spice known as turmeric has been used for centuries to treat wounds, infections and other health problems. In recent years, research into the healing powers of turmeric's main ingredient, curcumin, has burgeoned, as its astonishing array of antioxidant, anti-cancer, antibiotic, antiviral and other properties has been revealed. How Cranberry Products Prevent Urinary Tract Infections March 11, 2009 Chemicals present in cranberries and not the acidity of cranberry juice, as previously thought prevent infection-causing bacteria from attaching to the cells that line the urinary tract, as documented in a report published in Journal of Medicinal Food. Red Wine Vs. White? Both Are Equal Offenders In Cancer Risk March 10, 2009 The largest study of its kind to evaluate the effect of red versus white wine on breast-cancer risk concludes that both are equal offenders when it comes to increasing breast-cancer risk. The results of the study, led by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, were published in the March issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. Quick Reactions May Be a Sign of Intelligence and Longer Life March 10, 2009 People with quick reactions are likely to live longer than those less quick off the mark, a study suggests. 1300 Girls Experience Adverse Effects Such As Paralysis and Epilepsy with HPV Vaccine March 10, 2009 Doctors found 1,300 of the 700,000 girls who received the cervical cancer vaccine last year experienced adverse reactions. Green Tea Promotes Healthy Teeth and Gums March 9, 2009 Besides the myriad of other benefits, researchers found that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums. Does TV for Babies Help or Hurt? March 9, 2009 A new study published in the current issue of Pediatrics confirms earlier studies that TV exposure has no direct effect or improvement on babies' learning. Optimistic Women Live Longer March 6, 2009 It's getting tougher these days to think of the glass as half full rather than half empty, but if you're going to survive this economic crisis - literally - you might as well try. How Medical Imaging Such As CT Scans and Mammograms Threaten Human Health March 6, 2009 A new report released by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement reveals that our exposure to radiation has increased more than 600 percent over the last three decades. Most of that increase has come from patients' exposure to radiation through medical imaging scans such as CT scans and mammograms. Excess Weight Around The Waist Decreases Lung Function March 6, 2009 There's more bad news for people who carry excess weight around their waists: Not only is abdominal obesity associated with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and a host of other health problems collectively known as "metabolic syndrome," a new study has found that a high waist circumference is strongly associated with decreased lung function--independent of smoking history, sex, body mass index (BMI) and other complicating factors. High-Fructose Corn Syrup Causes Insulin Resistance March 6, 2009 A new study in mice sheds light on the insulin resistance that can come from diets loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener found in most sodas and many other processed foods. Depression Increases Risk For Heart Disease More Than Either Genetics or Environment March 5, 2009 A history of major depression increases the risk of heart disease over and above any genetic risks common to depression and heart disease, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the VA. Seaweed Supplement Helps Knee Arthritis March 5, 2009 A mineral supplement derived from seaweed may help people with knee arthritis cut down on painkillers, a preliminary study suggests. Running May Exceed Resistance Training In Building Bone March 4, 2009 Resistance training often is recommended to increase and prevent loss of bone mineral density (BMD), although previous studies that examined the effects of resistance training in men produced varied results. Now, in a new study, University of Missouri researchers have found that high-impact activities, such as running, might have a greater positive effect on BMD than resistance training. Breastfeeding Reduces Risk of SIDS March 4, 2009 Women who breastfeed evidently lower the chances that their baby might die of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS, according to a German study. Two Popular Food Additives Have Mimic Estrogen In The Human Body March 4, 2009 Scientists in Italy are reporting development and successful use of a fast new method to identify food additives that act as so-called "xenoestrogens"; substances with estrogen-like effects that are stirring international health concerns. Probiotics May Help With Chronic Fatigue March 4, 2009 Supplements containing "good" bacteria can help some people with chronic fatigue syndrome feel better, but they may make others feel worse, report Swedish researchers who conducted a small study. Children Eat Their Veggies When Parents Do March 4, 2009 Parents can increase the amount of fruits and vegetables that their children eat simply by eating more plant foods themselves, according to a study conducted by researchers from the St. Louis University School of Public Health and published in the journal Preventive Medicine. Blood Poison Found In Vaccines March 3, 2009 Health officials have been forced to withdraw 21,000 doses of the meningitis C vaccine from GP clinics around the UK after it emerged that some doses may have been contaminated with a blood-poisoning bacterium. 1 in 3 Common Cancers Preventable March 2, 2009 About a third of common adult cancers may be preventable in the U.S. -- and that doesn't even count cancers that could be prevented by not smoking.