Sunday, December 14, 2008

Experimental Weight-Loss Pill Passes Early Test
Researchers are hoping that an experimental new weight-loss drug will prove to be a valuable new weapon in the crusade against obesity.
Combo Therapy Helps Multiple Myeloma Patients
A new combination of medicines designed to boost immune function can help some multiple myeloma patients.
Fruits and Veggies May Strengthen Bones
Eating lots of protein and cereal grains causes excess acid production in the body, experts say, which could increase calcium excretion and result in weakened bones.
Good Warm-Ups Could Halve Sports Injuries
A good warm-up program may dramatically reduce sports injuries.
Health Tip: Be Cautious at Christmas
Holiday decorations, including trees and lights, should be properly set up and maintained to keep your home merry and safe.
Panic Disorder Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Disease
Adults who have panic disorder or panic attacks have an increased risk of heart attacks and heart disease, but not heart-related deaths.
Research Explains Benefit of 'Mini Heart Attack'
Doctors have long known that the creation of a "mini heart attack" -- by cutting off and then restoring blood flow to arteries -- can actually reduce the damage from a subsequent major heart attack.
Crowded Households Raise Women's Heart Risk
Too much togetherness can raise women's heart risks.
Defect in Gene Tied to Atrial Fibrillation
A gene linked with the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation has been identified by U.S. researchers.
Fast Heart Rate Warns of Obesity, Diabetes
A too-fast heartbeat in early adulthood is a warning sign for increased risk of cardiovascular problems decades later on.
Health Tip: Alcohol Safety
Before you raise your glass for a holiday toast, remember that alcohol is best consumed in moderation.
Health Tip: When a Loved One Has Cancer
If you have a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be puzzled about how you can help.
Pilots May Face Greater Cancer Risk
Highly experienced pilots may be at risk of DNA damage from prolonged exposure to cosmic ionizing radiation, according to a study that compared 83 airline pilots to 50 university faculty members from the same U.S. city.
Playing Video Games May Boost Older Brains
Older people who want to stay sharp should reconsider the notion that video games are only for lazy children and pick up a joystick themselves.
2 Diabetes Drugs Double Fracture Risk in Women
Two widely prescribed diabetes drugs, Avandia and Actos, double the risk of fractures in women but not in men.
Gene May Make Kids Crave Junk Food
Some people may be genetically driven to seek out more calorie-dense foods,
Health Tip: Having Sex Despite Illness
People who have a chronic illness -- which may include heart disease, diabetes or asthma -- may have ongoing pain or fatigue that can hinder a healthy sex life.
Health Tip: Sciatica Pain During Pregnancy
As the developing baby inside you grows, it can begin to press on a sciatic nerve. This can cause pain that can extend from your lower back to your foot.
Obese Kids More Prone to Limb Injuries in Car Crashes
During a car crash, American children who are overweight or obese face twice the risk of injury to their arms, legs and feet that normal-weight children do.
Possible AIDS Treatment Shows Promise in Monkeys
Researchers report that a treatment under development appears to stop the equivalent of the AIDS virus in monkeys.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Aggressive Therapy May Stem CF Progression in Infants
It may be possible to control the progression of cystic fibrosis through early detection and aggressive treatment of the disease in infants.
Being Happy Affects Even Those You Don't Know
Happy friends can make you happy -- and so can happy friends of your friends.
Flu Shots Worthwhile for College Students
Flu vaccinations reduce college students' risk of illness, related health-care visits and school interruptions.
Health Tip: Warning Signs for Ovarian Cancer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer -- a form of cancer that's often life-threatening -- can mimic symptoms of other conditions.
Lung Disease Tied to Increased Risk for Cardiac Events
People with the deadly lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are three times more likely than people without the disease to suffer severe cardiac events such as a heart attack.
New Criteria Could Expand Number of Liver Transplant Candidates
Many patients with liver cancer who don't meet criteria used to select transplant patients could actually be good candidates for liver transplantation.
New Statistical Model Could Cut Needless Breast Biopsies
A new statistical model may help radiologists better determine whether a breast lesion detected by MRI is malignant or benign, something that could help prevent unnecessary biopsies.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Breathing Exercises Can Help Ease Asthma
While asthma breathing exercises can improve a patient's quality of life, they don't reduce the need for inhalers.
Exercise Eases Obesity and Anger in Kids
Overweight kids may be able to work out their anger with exercise.
Depression Linked to Increase in Abdominal Fat
There may be a link between depression and abdominal obesity in older people, according to researchers in Holland who studied almost 2,100 adults in their seventies.
Zimbabwe declares national health emergency
Zimbabwe has declared a national emergency because of a cholera epidemic and the collapse of its health system

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Drug Effective for Temporary Sleep Disruptions
The experimental drug tasimelteon helps treat temporary insomnia caused by jet lag or night shifts.
Folate in Early Pregnancy May Boost Wheezing in Baby
Infants whose mothers take folic acid (folate) during early pregnancy may have an increased risk for respiratory illness
TV, Internet Causing Kids Harm: Report
There's a strong link between media exposure and childhood obesity, smoking and sexual activity.
Conjoined twin dies after separation surgery
A week-old baby has died after surgery to separate her from her twin sister.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Dry Skin? Don't Let Winter Win
Dry winter air can cause your skin to crack, chafe, itch and develop dry patches, but there are a number of things you can do to protect your skin, says Jeff Moore, an instructor of pharmaceutics at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Alberta Health warns cocaine may be laced with chemical that harms immune system
cocaine being sold in Alberta could be laced with a dangerous substance that harms an individual's immune system.
Doctor says hopes of separating conjoined girls have been dashed
Twin girls born joined at the head have overcome long odds, but the doctor who brought them to the United States to be evaluated for surgery now says there's no chance they'll ever have separate lives.
Beware of Toxic Toys This Holiday Season
Plastic fish squirt guns and plastic ponies containing the controversial compounds called phthalates.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Women Smokers Lose 14.5 Years Off Life Span
During Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, female smokers should take advantage of available resources, pick a quit day, and start taking steps toward kicking the habit, urges The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Cranberries May Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Make sure to put plenty of cranberry sauce on your plate this Thanksgiving, because it may help protect you against urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to the American Urological Association.
Contact Lens Cases Often Contaminated
Contamination is common in contact lens storage cases, say Israeli researchers who found at least one pathogen in two-thirds of 30 storage cases used by 16 people.
Indiana woman listed as the world's oldest person dies at age 115
An Indiana woman recognized as the world's oldest person more than a year ago has died at age 115.
Keeping a Healthy Holiday Balance
On Thanksgiving Day, the average American will consume 3,000 calories and 229 grams of fat at the average holiday feast, according to a tally provided by the American Council on Exercise.