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• May 9, 2008

  Cycling-Argentina's Richeze out of Giro after failing dope test
  Argentina's Max Richeze has failed a dope test and will not start the Giro d'Italia, his CSF Group team manager Bruno Reverberi said on Friday.
• Flavonoids May Help Treat Alzheimer's
  Compounds found in fruits and vegetables reduced brain plaques in mouse experiments
• Drug curbs pain due to leg artery disease
  People who experience leg pain caused by narrowed arteries in their legs -- a condition called intermittent claudication -- can find some relief by taking the drug naftidrofuryl, a review of published studies indicates.
• Acrylamide Raises Kidney Cancer Risk
  Study found high intake of compound in fried foods, snacks, coffee upped chances of disease
• New health woes as China moves from famine to feast
  Evening exercise classes at the Nirvana fitness centre in Beijing are in high demand these days as young professionals whose mothers once counted ration cards seek to stay svelte despite lavish lunches.

• May 9, 2008

  Common Drug Worsens Physical Function
• Caution Over Anti-Obesity Drugs for Kids

• May 9, 2008

  Herbicide Zaps Weeds and Fertility

• May 9, 2008

  Good and bad News About Strep Infection
• Vitamins Don’t Prevent Heart Disease

• May 8, 2008

  Noise in Artery Could Warn of Heart Risk
  Carotid bruits linked to increased odds of heart attack, death, study finds
• Stroke Survivors Walk Better With Human Help
  Rehab with therapist had more benefit than those using robotic devices, study finds

• May 8, 2008

  Kids more vulnerable to swimming-related illness
  Children age 10 and younger are more likely than older kids and adults to be sickened by swimming in bacteria-contaminated water, researchers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.
• Common gene variants linked to obesity
  Researchers have identified new genetic variants that influence the risk of obesity and insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes, according to findings from two studies published online this week.

• May 8, 2008

  Weight-loss drugs may harm developing brain: study
  A drug from a new class of weight-loss treatments disrupted wiring needed for brain development in young mice, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday, raising concerns about using such medications in children.
• B vitamins fail to cut heart risk in study
  Giving B vitamins and folic acid supplements to reduce high levels of a blood protein that is a marker for heart disease did nothing to protect women from heart trouble, according to a study released on Tuesday.
• Vitamin D helps kidney patients live longer: study
  Kidney disease patients who took a prescription form of Vitamin D were 26 percent less likely to die over a two-year span than those not taking the vitamin, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday.
• Mom's high normal blood sugar risky: study
  Pregnant women who have blood sugar levels above normal but below those signaling full-blown diabetes are more likely than women with lower blood sugar levels to experience several adverse pregnancy outcomes, new research indicates.

• May 7, 2008

  Short Limbs Linked to Dementia

• May 7, 2008

  Iron Supplements Harmful to Infants?

• May 7, 2008

  Folic Acid Doesn't Help the Heart
  Long-term study, involving women, deals another blow to homocysteine theory
• Obesity-Related Inflammation Boosts Heart Risks
  Blood chemicals in overweight participants were key predictors of organ failure, study says
• Grapefruit Compound Inhibits Hepatitis C Virus
  Flavonoid called naringenin silences infection pathway, hints of new disease treatments
• Health Tip: Running Safely
  Start conditioning, prevent injury
• Suicide risk substantial with anorexia
  Suicide attempts are "not uncommon" among people with anorexia nervosa, and the risk appears to be significantly higher among those who purge rather than just restrict the amount they eat, Dr. Cynthia M. Bulik and colleagues report.
• Belly fat produces hunger hormone
  You knew that spare tire around your midsection was hard to shed, but new research suggests that it may be thwarting your diet by churning out a powerful appetite-stimulating hormone.
• Frequent weight loss may weaken men's bones
  Weight cycling in adulthood may lead to fragile bones later in life, according to a new study of 4,601 men followed for 28 years.
• Blocking brain enzyme helped mice stay slim
  Blocking a single brain enzyme helped short-circuit a key hunger signal in mice and made them eat less, lose weight and have better blood sugar control, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.
• Brittle bones linked to heart disease
  Among people checked out because of chest pain, the likelihood that the pain is due to obstructed coronary arteries is greater for those with low bone mineral density (BMD) than those with normal BMD, researcher report.

• May 6, 2008

  Ibuprofen may Reduce Dementia Risk

• May 6, 2008

  Teen Drinker Today: Heavy Drinker Later?

• May 6, 2008

  Ibuprofen Linked to Reduced Alzheimer's Risk
  Other painkillers show some benefit, but more research needed, study says
• High-fat, low-carb diet helps kids with epilepsy
  The results of a study provide strong evidence that a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates -- a so-called "ketogenic diet" -- can help control seizures in children with stubborn epilepsy that does not respond well to drug therapy.
• Shorter arms, legs tied to greater dementia risk
  People with shorter arms and legs may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, and poor nutrition in early life is the probable culprit, according to new research published in Neurology.
• Obese moms-to-be have longer pregnancies
  Pregnant women who are overweight or obese in the first trimester of pregnancy and those who have a greater change in body weight during pregnancy are more apt to have lengthier pregnancies and more complications, according to results of a new study.
• Low vitamin D boosts depression risk in seniors
  Older people with low blood levels of vitamin D and high blood levels of parathyroid hormone are more likely to be depressed, Dutch researchers report.
• Future of lucrative cholesterol drugs murky
  Doctors are waiting for new preventive heart medicines beyond popular statin therapies, but a tough regulatory climate and fierce debate over the effectiveness of some newer drugs has clouded the future of cholesterol treatments.
• On the road with allergies and asthma: coping tips
  Despite the high cost of fuel and long airline security lines, millions of summer travelers will be hitting the nation's roads and airports this summer for vacation. But for the seasonal allergy sufferer, traveling can produce unique obstacles and challenges, particularly in the summer.
• U.S. company recalls about 286,000 pounds of meat
  A New York company is voluntarily recalling about 286,000 pounds (129,700 kg) of fresh and frozen meat and poultry products that may be contaminated with bacteria, U.S. agriculture officials said on Saturday.

• May 5, 2008

  Can Women be fat and fit?
• Could an Aspirin a day Reduce Breast Cancer?
• More Peanut Butter, Please!
• Special Diet Can Ease Epileptic Seizures in Kids
  Strong support for ketogenic regimen from major randomized trial

• May 3, 2008

  HDL cholesterol linked with improved leg control
  Higher blood levels of the "good" HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) correlate with better functional performance of the leg in older, non-disabled individuals, according to a report in the April issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

• May 2, 2008

  Expert sees peanut allergy solution within 5 years
  A form of immunotherapy that could get rid of a person's allergy to peanuts is likely within five years, even as the condition appears to grow more and more common, a U.S. expert said on Thursday.
• Exercise, Counseling Benefits Depressed Heart Failure Patients
  Aerobic workouts, counseling therapy boosted physical ability, lessened melancholy
• Fear of falls may drain seniors' physical function
  Older adults who limit their activities out of fear of falling may see their physical function deteriorate more rapidly, a new study suggests.
• Gestational diabetes linked to pre-pregnancy weight
  Women planning to become pregnant may decrease their likelihood of developing gestational diabetes by not gaining weight, study findings suggest.
• Low-income women's diet quality varies by race
  While it can be hard for low-income families to afford fresh fruits and vegetables, disadvantaged Hispanic women tend to have healthier diets than their white and African-American counterparts, a study suggests.
• Obesity May Worsen Impact of Asthma
  Heaviest lose ability to inhale as deeply or exhale as fully as normal weight individuals

• May 1, 2008

  Asthma attacks worsened by obesity
  In asthma patients, dynamic hyperinflation, following a test measure airway hypersensitivity, is greater in obese individuals than in their nonobese counterparts, which helps explain why asthma is perceived to be more severe in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI), investigators in New Zealand report.
• Tree-Lined Streets Associated With Lower Childhood Asthma Rates
  Plants may help improve air quality and encourage youngsters to play more outdoors
• Food crisis unlikely to cause famine soon: U.N.
  Global food shortages and higher prices are more likely to cause malnutrition than outright famine, at least in the near term, the coordinator of a new United Nations task force said on Wednesday.
• Report Slams U.S. Food Safety System
  Overhaul of outdated inspection practices desperately needed, critics say
• WADA to join forces with Interpol to stop drug use
  Interpol and the World Anti-Doping Agency are close to signing an agreement as part of a strategy to stop drug trafficking in sport.
• Low-dose pot eases pain while keeping mind clear
  Giving carefully calibrated doses of smoked marijuana to people with neuropathic pain, which can be difficult-to-treat and extremely painful, can ease their pain without clouding their minds, California researchers report.

• April 30, 2008

  Girls in sports at record levels, but is it enough?
  Girls are participating in organized sports in record numbers -- from youth sports, to interscholastic sports and even extreme sports like skateboarding, up through Olympic competition -- according to a new report from the University of Minnesota's Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sports.
• NYC calorie-count rule effective immediately: court
  A federal appeals court said on Tuesday that a new rule requiring New York City fast food restaurants to post calorie information on menu boards is effective immediately.
• Too Few Cancer Survivors Pursue Healthy Lifestyles
  Many aren't exercising enough or getting proper nutrition, study finds
• Health Tip: Exercising in Hot Weather
  Take care to prevent a heat injury

• April 29, 2008

  Heavy people's brains may age faster
  Middle-aged people who are overweight or obese have lower levels of certain brain chemicals that signal good brain health and function, according to a new study using high-tech brain scans.
• Industrial animal farms need to be revamped -study
  Factory farms are too crowded and risk spreading disease within livestock and to humans, but should be revamped and not abolished because of the need to feed the world, according to a report from the Pew Charitable Trusts released on Tuesday.
• Birth size linked to weight gain and inflammation
  The results of a study published in the European Heart Journal indicate there is an association between lower birth weight and greater weight gain from childhood to adulthood and with low-grade inflammation in adulthood.
• Exercise Cuts Women's Risk of Heart Disease
  But without losing pounds, activity alone unlikely to reverse dangers for overweight
• Pituitary Hormone May Boost Women's Heart Risk
  Thyrotropin levels increasing even within normal range associated with dangers
• Health Tip: Exercising During Pregnancy
  Preferred activities, and those to avoid

• April 29, 2008

  Poor diet undermines health of northern Afghans
  Lunch at Gada Mohammed's single-room mud-brick house in Afghanistan's far north is the same as most other meals: dry bread washed down with tea.
• Chocolate may reduce pregnancy complication risk
  Indulging in chocolate during pregnancy could help ward off a serious complication known as preeclampsia, new research suggests.
• Biomarkers prognostic in heart failure patients
  Lower vitamin D levels and higher C-reactive protein levels are associated with poor aerobic capacity and greater frailty in elderly patients with heart failure, according to findings published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.
• Heart risks of obesity reduced with exercise
  Women who are overweight or obese can reduce their risk of heart disease by exercising more, results of a new study indicate.
• Tough job: Volunteers needed for chocolate study
  Calling all chocoholics: British researchers recruiting volunteers willing to eat a bar of chocolate daily for a year, guilt-free and all in the name of science.

• April 29, 2008

  A new Paradigm on Acid Reflux
• Gastric Bypass May Also Relieve Low Back Pain
  Discomfort appears to decline along with weight, study finds

• April 28, 2008

  Diabetes Before Pregnancy Doubles in Women, Teens

• April 28, 2008

  Helping the Body Heal Itself

• April 28, 2008

  Elderly More Likely to Battle Sleep Disorders
  Meds they take, changes in biological clock put many at risk for serious disease

• April 27, 2008

  Cola May Be Bad to the Bones
  Research suggests the beverage contributes to osteoporosis

• April 26, 2008

  Gender difference in heart risks starts early
  The lower risk of heart disease enjoyed by women compared to that for men is already evident in the teenage years, a new study shows.
• Spain warns against consuming sunflower oil
  Spain's Health Ministry has warned against consuming sunflower oil following the discovery of a contaminated batch from Ukraine, national radio said on Friday.
• Study highlights heart disease risk in India
  India, expected to account for 60 percent of the world's heart disease cases by 2010, could prevent many deaths by ensuring the poor get better access to treatment, Indian and Canadian researchers said on Friday.
• WHO recommends measles jabs for Euro 2008 soccer fans
  Soccer fans travelling to Switzerland and Austria in June need to check whether they have been vaccinated against measles, and get jabs if their immunity is unclear, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday.

• April 26, 2008

  Diluted Seawater Boosts Nutritional Content of Tomatoes
  A 12% solution increased levels of antioxidants, researchers say
• Omega-3 Benefits for Bipolar Disorder Remain Unclear
  Review finds patients had less severe depression but no change in mania symptoms
• Disordered Eating Is Widespread Among U.S. Women
  75% say they behave abnormally around food, survey finds

• April 25, 2008

  Aerobic exercise helps turn back biological clock
  Maintaining aerobic fitness through middle age and beyond could delay the aging process by more than a decade and prolong independent living, according to a new review of research on aerobic fitness and dependency in old age.
• Healthy diet cuts teens' blood pressure
  Adolescents with elevated blood pressure can lower their blood pressure and improve their nutrient intake by following a teen version of the so-called DASH diet, results of a new study suggest.
• Nalgene sports bottle maker sued over toxic claims
  A California mother sued Nalge Nunc International Corp, claiming the company knew, but downplayed risks, that a toxic substance in its popular Nalgene plastic sports bottles could leach into the bottles' contents and sicken consumers.
• FDA bans certain cattle parts from all animal feed
  U.S. makers of pet food and all other animal feed will be prevented from using certain materials from cattle at the greatest risk for spreading mad cow disease under a rule that regulators finalized on Wednesday.
• REFILE: Heavily marketed kids' cereals are least healthy
  Breakfast cereals for children are less healthy than cereals meant for adults, and those marketed the most aggressively to kids have the worst nutritional quality, according to a new analysis of 161 brands.
• More doubts about echinacea for preventing colds
  The popular herbal cold-fighter echinacea may not work as advertised, a new clinical trial shows.
• Obesity, low birthweight mar health of U.S. kids
  Rising obesity rates and a large percentage of children born with low birthweight are dragging down the overall health of American children in their first decade of life, according to a report tracking the health and well-being of young children in the United States.
• Flavored milk may be as healthy for kids as plain
  Despite its added sugar, flavored milk may be better for kids than no milk at all, and may even be as healthy as the plain variety, a study of U.S. children suggests.
• Japan to continue U.S. beef imports despite banned meat
  Japan does not plan to halt imports of U.S. beef after the discovery of a U.S. shipment that included parts banned due to the risk of mad cow disease, Japan's government spokesman told a news conference on Thursday.
• Women Risk Bone Loss After Knee Surgery
  Prevention of ligament injuries is key, experts say

• April 24, 2008

  Sleep Problems More Likely as we age

• April 24, 2008

  Exercise Plays Role in Recovery From Sports Injuries
  Expert says goal is to maintain strength, not gain it, while you mend
• Health Tip: If You Have to Take Iron Supplements
  Suggestions to make the medicine go down

• April 23, 2008

  Soy protein beneficial in type 2 diabetics: study
  A diet rich in soy protein appears to have a lasting beneficial effect on the heart, blood vessels and kidneys of people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, Iranian researchers report in the journal Diabetes Care.
• Large waist may raise death risk for women
  Women with large bellies may die earlier of heart disease and cancer than other women, regardless of their weight, a large U.S. study suggests.
• Exercise combats cancer-related fatigue: report
  Exercise appears to be beneficial for patients suffering from cancer-related fatigue, both during and after treatment, a review of published studies indicates.
• Exercise may reduce risk of preterm birth
  Women who are physically active during pregnancy may lower their chances of delivering prematurely, according to findings from a Danish study,
• EU wary on artificial food colors, no ban seen yet
  The European Union is unlikely anytime soon to ban six artificial food colorings that some scientists believe may influence children's behavior, officials said on Tuesday.

• April 23, 2008

  You are What Your Mother Eats

• April 23, 2008

  Factors in Cancer Death Rates Stay Stagnant
  Efforts that fueled recent declines have hit a plateau, report says

• April 22, 2008

  Many cancer survivors remain obese and inactive
  Cancer survivors are just as likely to be obese and sedentary as people who have never been diagnosed with the disease, a new study from Canada shows.
• Cholesterol drugs destroy esophageal cancer cells
  Drugs that are commonly used to lower cholesterol can block the proliferation and promote the destruction of esophageal cancer cells in the laboratory, according to a report in the American Journal of Gastroenterology by UK researchers.
• Traditional dress tied to girls' mental well-being
  Teenage girls who dress in their culture's traditional clothing may fare better mentally and emotionally than their peers who try to assimilate, a study suggests.
• McCartney urges vegetarianism to fight climate ills
  Former Beatle Paul McCartney is urging the world to go vegetarian in a bid to fight global warming and is surprised more green groups don't promote it.
• Debate rages over plastic bottle chemical's safety
  Canada is moving to get rid of products with a chemical commonly found in plastic baby bottles, the United States is expressing concern over the chemical's safety, and some retailers are planning to stop selling these items.
• World map of metabolism finds blood pressure clues
  Researchers creating a map of human metabolism around the world have found compounds in urine that point to some surprising differences affecting blood pressure, based not on genes but on what people eat and their gut bacteria.

• April 22, 2008

  Low Vitamin D Linked to PAD

• April 22, 2008

  Many Cancer Survivors Are Overweight and Sedentary: Study
  This, despite research that says proper diet and exercise can keep disease from recurring
• Health Tip: Warm Up Before Exercise
  It's an essential part of your workout

• April 21, 2008

  Allergies Can Dig Into Gardening's Fun
  But planting low-allergen species, avoiding high pollen hours can help

• April 20, 2008

  Most Sports-Related Eye Injuries Are Preventable
  With spring's arrival, optometrists' group urges public to treat vision like the pros do
• Extra Pounds During and Between Pregnancies Can Pose Problems
  Don't eat for 2, because complications increase with excess weight

• April 19, 2008

  Pediatricians issue new rules on strength training
  Strength training for children and adolescents can be appropriate and beneficial in some cases, but young athletes must learn proper technique and be supervised by specially qualified instructors, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
• Multivitamins are top diet supplement for teens
  A new study indicates that multivitamins and vitamin C top the list of dietary supplements used by US adolescents, which is "reassuring" given the relative lack of health risks associated with them, researchers say.
• Newer OCs may boost levels of heart-risk protein
  In young, healthy, normal-weight women, use of newer "third-generation" oral contraceptive pills may raise levels of an inflammatory protein linked to heart disease known as C-reactive protein, or CRP -- potentially placing these women at higher risk for blood clots and heart disease, researchers report.
• Eating disorders may be contagious: study
  A study in US high school students provides additional evidence that eating disorders may be contagious.
• Saffron may ease PMS symptoms
  Saffron, a spice known for flavoring Mediterranean cuisine, might also offer an antidote to premenstrual syndrome, a small study suggests.
• Older diabetics struggle with blood sugar control
  The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising in the US elderly population, and nearly half of affected individuals fail to adequately control their blood sugar, new research shows.

• April 19, 2008

  Exercise Combats Cancer Fatigue
  Review suggests it be included as basic component before and after treatments
• Muscle Mass May Not Explain High Creatinine in Black Kidney Patients
  Findings challenge belief that racial disparities were result of age, body composition
• Metabolic Syndrome Triggered by Overeating, Not Obesity
  Mouse study concludes weight gain is an early symptom, not a direct cause
• Computer Program Helps COPD Patients Monitor Breathing
  It helped to reduce air trapped in the lungs during exercise, researchers find
• Japan firm plans suit to help the disabled move
  A Japanese company is developing a robotic suit that could help people with diseases such as muscular dystrophy move their limbs again, local media reported.
• Vitamin D found to guard against artery disease
  Vitamin D may protect against an artery disease in which fatty deposits restrict blood flow to the limbs, researchers said on Wednesday.
• Mid-life high cholesterol raises Alzheimer's risk
  High cholesterol levels in your 40s may raise the chance of developing Alzheimer's disease decades later, according to a study underscoring the importance of health factors in middle age on risk for the brain ailment.
• Dad's early obesity tied to liver disease in kids
  Having a father who becomes obese at a relatively young age may increase a person's risk of developing serious liver problems, a new study shows.

• April 18, 2008

  Midlife Cholesterol Tied to Alzheimer’s
• A bad Side to low Cholesterol?

• April 18, 2008

  Gleevec Pushes Advanced Melanoma Into Remission
  Woman's case first showing the cancer may have an Achilles' heel, report suggests

• April 18, 2008

  Skin Test Spots Heart Risks in Healthy People
  No blood sample required with noninvasive cholesterol test, study shows
• Mice Can Sense Oxygen Through Their Skin
  Finding hints of new treatments for anemia, other diseases that affect red blood cells

• April 17, 2008

  France to crack down on "pro-anorexia" websites
  French politicians called on Tuesday for stiff penalties of up to three years jail and heavy fines against "pro anorexia" websites and publications that encourage girls and young women to starve themselves.
• School nutrition policy can prevent obesity
  Philadelphia schools that cut out soda, revamped snack selections and took other measures to prevent childhood obesity were able to halve the odds of students becoming overweight by sixth grade, a study has found.
• Significant others can make dieting difficult
  A spouse or partner can often help keep your new diet on track, but in some cases they just put up roadblocks, a new study shows.
• Court OKs NYC calorie-count rule for restaurants
  New York City officials can require fast-food restaurants to post signs telling customers how many calories are in their meals, a federal judge ruled on Wednesday.
• Vitamin pills can increase mortality rate
  Vitamin supplements taken by millions of people in the hope of extending their lives may actually increase the risk of premature death in some cases, researchers said on Wednesday.
• Lifestyle change key for obesity surgery success
  Anyone thinking about having weight loss surgery should be sure to do their homework beforehand, and must understand they need to dramatically change the way they eat for the surgery to be successful, advises the head of the U.S. government agency responsible for research on health care quality and patient safety.

• April 17, 2008

  Another Reason to cut Your Addictions

• April 17, 2008

  To Splint or not to Splint: Docs Disagree

• April 17, 2008

  Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Leg Artery Blockages
  But doctors are divided on whether supplements are a good option
• Exercise Could Cut Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment
  It may produce chemicals that protect the brain, study suggests
• Smoking, Drinking, Cholesterol May Be Alzheimer's Risk Factors
  Behaviors in midlife can have an impact decades later, studies suggest
• Doping - China company in Greek case 'not approved' to make drugs
  A Chinese company blamed by the Greek weightlifting team for providing tainted supplements was not approved to produce drugs, state media reported on Tuesday.
• Bush releases $200 million in emergency food aid
  President George W. Bush on Monday ordered the release of $200 million in U.S. emergency food aid to help alleviate food shortages in developing countries in Africa and elsewhere, the White House said.
• Diet, exercise changes cut diabetes risk factors
  Quite small changes in lifestyle can help reduce abdominal obesity and development of the metabolic syndrome, reports Dr. Pirjo Ilanne-Parikka, of the Finnish Diabetes Association in Tampere.
• Naltrexone implant promising for heroin dependence
  In a study of heroin-dependent patients, hospitalizations due to opioid use decreased significantly following treatment with a naltrexone implant, while a similar decrease was not observed in another group of similar patients who received traditional methadone maintenance treatment.
• Fortified breast milk may aid preemies' growth
  Adding a powdered nutrient supplement to breast milk may enhance premature infants' growth without interfering with breast-feeding, preliminary research suggests.
• Mushroom extract may stop breast cancer growth
  Extracts from a mushroom used for centuries in Eastern Asian medicine may stop breast cancer cells from growing and could become a new weapon in the fight against the killer disease, scientists said on Tuesday.
• Some athletes may abuse allowed drugs
  Organizations responsible for monitoring doping among athletes should consider tighter restrictions on the use of certain drugs now permitted for therapeutic purposes or to control pain, the authors of a new analysis of doping data from Belgium and the Netherlands conclude.
• U.S. senators: FDA funds do not meet global needs
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not have the funding it needs to adequately protect the nation's increasingly global supply of food and drugs, a bipartisan Senate panel said on Tuesday.
• Motherhood linked to fewer eating problems
  Women have fewer eating problems after having children compared with their peers who remain childless, largely because they stop drinking as much and behave less impulsively, according to new findings from Norway.

• April 16, 2008

  Alzheimer’s: Vitamin for Longer Life

• April 16, 2008

  Exercise to Beat Cancer Fatigue

• April 16, 2008

  High Doses of Vitamin E Lengthen Lives of Alzheimer's Patients
  Study found those who took 2,000 IUs a day lived 26% longer
• Prolonged Fasting Boosts Risk of Rare Stroke
  Avoiding food during religious holidays such as Ramadan increased risk almost 3-fold

• April 15, 2008

  New Benefits From Old Heart Measures
  Statins lower blood pressure, DASH diet cuts cardiovascular risk, studies find
• Girls Participating in Sports in Record Numbers
  But exercise outside organized teams has drops as adolescence approaches, study finds

• April 14, 2008

  Mid-Life Diabetes Linked to Alzheimer’s

• April 14, 2008

  Diabetic Food Shopping That Won't Break a Budget
  With prices rising, group offers tips that save dollars, make sense

• April 12, 2008

  Soy compound linked to lower breast cancer risk
  Women with high blood levels of an estrogen-like compound found in soy seem to have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, a new study suggests.
• Trans-fats linked to breast cancer risk in study
  Trans-fats, which are being phased out of food because they clog arteries, may raise the risk of getting breast cancer, European researchers reported on Friday.
• Traditional acupuncture may ease migraines
  Acupuncture, as practiced in traditional Chinese medicine, may offer some relief from migraine pain, a new study suggests.
• U.S. lawmakers cite unusual finding from Vytorin probe
  Two top Democrats investigating why Schering-Plough Corp and Merck & Co's delayed the release of data on their cholesterol drug Vytorin said their probe has uncovered "some unusual circumstances" and is far from over, according to a letter released on Friday.

• April 12, 2008

  Health Tip: Taking Folic Acid
  How much do you need?

• April 11, 2008

  Just A Minute With: Actress/health guru Marilu Henner
  Actress Marilu Henner has spent about 35 years in various TV and film roles and written eight health and fitness books but this year she has taken on a new role -- baddie.
• Painkillers help build muscle in older exercisers
  In a study of healthy older adults lifting weights regularly, for 3 months, taking recommended daily doses of ibuprofen (like that in Advil) or acetaminophen (like that in Tylenol) led to substantially greater increases over inactive placebo in quadriceps muscle mass and strength.
• Adequate protein intake important for older women
  Older women's muscle-building machinery may be less responsive to food compared with men their age -- suggesting they should be sure to get enough protein in their diets, according to researchers.
• Doping: Chinese company says sent apology letter to Greeks
  A Chinese company blamed for providing tainted dietary supplements that led to positive dope tests for 11 members of the Greek national weightlifting team has admitted to sending an apology letter to team officials, a Chinese newspaper reported.
• Little progress in preventing foodborne ills: CDC
  Efforts by U.S. states to contain foodborne infections have made no dent in reducing the number of infections, which remained flat last year after a period of decline, according to a 10-state report released on Thursday by government researchers.
• Olympics-Marion Jones's relay team mates stripped of medals
  Team mates of disgraced American Olympic champion Marion Jones's paid the price for her use of banned substances when they were stripped of the relay medals they won at the 2000 Sydney Games on Thursday.
• Olympics-Games chiefs stiffen anti-doping laws
  Olympic chiefs on Thursday stiffened laws against drug cheats for the Beijing Games, ruling that mere possession of any banned drug will now constitute a doping violation.
• Bitter melon has potent anti-diabetes effects
  Substances isolated from bitter melon, a plant eaten and used medicinally in much of Asia, could provide the basis of new drugs for treating diabetes and obesity, an international team of researchers reports.
• High cholesterol may boost survival in ALS
  Elevated lipid levels (also called hyperlipidemia) appear to significantly impact survival in patients with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, French researchers have found.
• Special Treadmill Helps Stroke Patients Regain Normal Gait
  Harness offers partial support as patients re-learn to walk
• Irradiation Almost Erases Risk of Food Poisoning
  Salmonella, E. coli bacteria dramatically reduced with this method, researchers find
• Foodborne Illnesses Remain Constant in U.S.
  More needs to be done to extend safety practices, CDC reports
• Birth Size, Early Weight Gain Tied to Boost in Heart Risks
  Finnish study says early start to healthy lifestyles can pay big dividends later
• Egg Consumption Poses Risks for Diabetic Men: Study
  Study of doctors shows 7 eggs a week raise risk of dying
• Health Tip: Weight Gain During Pregnancy
  How much is healthy
• Stand up and stretch to break up sedentary time
  Attention office workers, couch potatoes, and other sedentary people: reduce your time spent sitting by getting up and using your muscles more regularly throughout the day, says Dr. Genevieve N. Healy.
• Low-impact exercise helps obese boys burn more fat
  For obese boys, lower-intensity exercise like walking may be better at burning fat than more-vigorous workouts, a small study suggests.
• Drug regime reverses heart disease in diabetics
  Aggressive use of drugs to lower cholesterol and blood pressure helped reverse heart disease in people with diabetes, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.
• Seven or more eggs a week raises risk of death
  Middle-aged men who ate seven or more eggs a week had a higher risk of earlier death, U.S. researchers reported on Wednesday.
• World food shortages to stay, riots a risk: FAO
  Food riots which have struck several impoverished countries could spread with shortages and high prices set to continue for some time, the head of the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said.
• Cavity-fighting candy helped cut tooth decay:study
  Most children are told to stay away from chewy candies to keep their teeth cavity-free, but children in Venezuela who ate a special cavity-fighting candy had 62 percent fewer cavities than those who brushed their teeth regularly, researchers said on Tuesday.
• Olympics official warns hormone users to stay away
  Athletes who have used the banned substance human growth hormone (HGH) should stay away from the Beijing Olympics or risk getting caught, the president of the World Anti-Doping Agency said on Wednesday.
• Weight discrimination common, U.S. survey finds
  Discrimination against the overweight may be about as prevalent as racial discrimination, the results of a survey of U.S. adults suggest.
• China toughens smoking ban in schools before Games
  China has further tightened smoking restrictions -- targeting schools and day care centers -- as it extends a crackdown linked to its pledge to hold a smoke-free Olympics.

• April 10, 2008

  Whisk Those Blues Away
  Study finds 20 minutes of activity a week, including housework, is good for mental health
• Aerobic Exercise Keeps You Young
  British study found it shaved 10 to 12 years off biological age
• Caffeine May Block High Cholesterol Linked to Alzheimer's
  Its ability to stabilize blood-brain barrier may play role in neurological therapies

• April 8, 2008

  The "freshman 15" is a myth, study suggests
  The fabled "freshman 15" - the rapid weight gain that is said to afflict many new female college students -- appears to have no basis in truth, according a study released Sunday. The "freshman 5" is probably more accurate.
• Strategies needed to prevent gymnastics injuries
  The rate of injuries among young gymnasts is on a par with the high injury rates in sports considered to be much more dangerous, according to the first study to look at national rates of pediatric gymnastic injuries in the US.
• Less sleep in infancy linked with excessive weight
  Infants who sleep an average of less than 12 hours per day have twice the risk of being overweight by age 3 as babies who get at least 12 hours of sleep per day, findings from the Project Viva study indicate.
• Teens with their own TV have less healthy habits
  Teenagers who have a TV in the bedroom tend to be more sedentary and have poorer eating habits than their peers, a study suggests.
• Does Weight Loss Drug Slow Heart Disease?
• Too Little Sleep Leads to Too Much Weight for Kids
  And some parents may unsuspectingly contribute to their child's sleep problems, researchers say
• Antipsychotic Drug Boosts Risk of Heart Disease, Diabetes
  French study in rats finds olanzapine changes metabolism in weeks
• School Environment Can Curb Kids' Weight Gain
  Philadelphia-based nutrition program reduced overweight by 50%, study concludes
• TV in the Bedroom Is Not a Teen's Best Friend
  Personal sets interfere with family time, grades and nutrition, study finds
• Tight Backpack Straps Cut Blood to Shoulders, Arms
  Carrying 26 pounds for just 10 minutes can lead to fatigue, loss of motor skills

• April 6, 2008

  Lower thyroid activity tied to weight gain
  Middle-aged adults whose thyroid gland is mildly underactive, but still functioning in the normal range, may be more prone to weight gain, a new study suggests.
• Overeating to blame for insulin weight gain
  Overeating is likely the greatest contributor to the weight gain that can occur when a diabetic begins using insulin, new research suggests.
• Micronutrients, education key to ending hunger
  Governments could take a big step towards ending world hunger by spending just $1.2 billion a year in developing nations on dietary supplements and education about the food needs of babies, a study showed on Friday.
• Cardio-metabolic risk can occur at normal BMIs
  Patients with a normal body mass index (BMI) can still have a high body fat content, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, a Mayo Clinic team announced here during the American College of Cardiology's 57th Annual Scientific Session.
• Chronic illness main factor in supplement use
  Having one or more chronic illness is the primary factor associated with the use of dietary supplements. Cancer survivors also use supplements to treat chronic medical conditions, but not specifically for cancer, a new study shows.
• New Zealand school bans birthday cake
  Children have been banned from bringing cakes to share on their birthdays at a New Zealand school that is trying to clamp down on rising rates of childhood obesity.
• Blood protein linked to heart disease
  As levels of lipoprotein(a), a compound that carries fats in the blood, increase, so does the risk of heart disease, researchers report in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
• Strenuous exercise may raise clot risk in elderly
  Elderly individuals who engage in strenuous exercise, such as jogging, are at increased risk for developing blood clots, which can have serious consequences, according to the results of a new study. Still, the authors assert, the benefits of moderate or strenuous exercise in elderly individuals likely outweigh this risk.
• Weightlifting-Greek lifters fail dope tests
  Eleven members of the Greek national weightlifting team have tested positive for banned substances, the Greek Weightlifting Federation said on Friday, putting the team's participation at the Beijing Games in doubt.
• Folate may help prevent heart damage
  Pretreatment with high doses of folate, water-soluble vitamin B obtained from food, can reduce damage to the heart muscle that is caused when the blood flow is cut off, the results of an animal study suggest.

• April 5, 2008

  Yoga Program May Help Prevent Falls in Elderly
  9-week course for women over 65 showed increased flexibility, balance and stance
• Young Gymnasts Tumbling and Vaulting Their Way to the ER
  Injuries send more than 26,000 rushing in for acute care each year, study finds
• Health Tip: Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar During Exercise
  Suggestions for diabetics
• Health Tip: Calculating Your BMI
  And how to determine if you're at a healthy weight

• April 4, 2008

  Sleepless Nights Complicate Depression

• April 4, 2008

  Dads' Early-Onset Obesity Linked to Liver Disease in Kids
  Genetic ties suspected between father's, but not mother's, weight and elevated enzymes
• Eating Less May Hinder Immune System
  Study with deer mice found reducing food intake 30% decreased infection-fighting cells
• Genetic Disorder May Hold Key to Heat Stroke Cure
  Some antioxidants may protect people like athletes, soldiers from fatal temperature rise
• Health Tip: Avoiding Cellulite
  Maintain a healthy lifestyle

• April 3, 2008

  Obesity During Pregnancy Carries Bigger Price Tag
  Study finds the extra health-care costs strain the system

• April 2, 2008

  Fasting Before Chemo Protects Healthy Cells
  Two days without food primed them for chemical onslaught and exposed cancer cells, study finds
• Drug Failed to Reduce Heart Attack Risk After Bypass
  MC-1 had no benefit for postoperative stroke, atrial fibrillation or kidney function
• Obesity Drug Shows Mixed Success Against Atherosclerosis
  Hope is that Acomplia might help fight coronary disease
• Normal Weight Doesn't Always Equal Healthy Weight
  Many have high percentages of body fat, leaving them prone to heart disease, diabetes
• Health Tip: Potassium-Rich Foods
  How to get enough

• April 1, 2008

  Asian Exercise for Diabetes

• April 1, 2008

  Health Tip: Reading Food Labels
  How to interpret them

• March 31, 2008

  Cholesterol Drug Controversy Continues
  Doctors debate worth of lipid-lowering agent that combines 2 medications

• March 31, 2008

  Increased Heart Risk Seen for Retired NFL Players
  Screening should begin in high school, researchers say

• March 30, 2008

  You May Be the Key to Cancer Prevention
  Up to half of cancer deaths could be avoided with lifestyle changes, experts say

• March 29, 2008

  Premature Delivery Linked to High Cholesterol in Moms Later
  Finding may explain reasons for higher risk of heart disease in these mothers

• March 28, 2008

  Gender Wars: Staying in Shape

• March 28, 2008

  Most Older Americans Living Longer and Better
  But problems persist, such as disparities among races, report finds

• March 27, 2008

  Belly fat Linked to Dementia

• March 27, 2008

  Calcium Scans Help Predict Coronary Risk
  But the cost of such tests is a potential stumbling block, experts say
• Abdominal Fat Boosts Dementia Risk
  Potbellies in midlife may flood brain with toxic substances, researcher says
• Too Little Vitamin D May Soften Baby's Skull
  Deficiency could cause even more serious troubles later on, study suggests
• Fattening Foods May Have More Than Good Flavor in Their Corner
  In mouse study, rodents preferred sugar water even when they had no sense of taste
• Older Women Have Harder Time Preserving Muscle Than Men
  Key difference appears to be how their bodies react to protein, study says.
• Height of Pitcher's Mound Can Strain Shoulders
  Major League Baseball study found standard mound might raise risk of stress injuries

• March 26, 2008

  Neighborhood Influences Exercise Levels
  Even more than income, where people live determines who goes out to play, study finds

• March 25, 2008

  Save Your Heart With Diet and Medication

• March 25, 2008

  Obese Women Less Likely to Be Tested for Some Cancers
  Study finds they're not getting needed screenings for breast and cervical tumors
• Health Tip: Sports Safety for Kids
  Rules to live by

• March 24, 2008

  Flavonoids Help Heart Health

• March 22, 2008

  More Vitamin D in Childhood Cuts Later Diabetes Risk
  Supplements and sunlight influence development of some autoimmune disorders, study says
• Diabetes' Toll Continues to Grow
  But it's not too late to protect yourself and your family, experts say
• Health Tip: Weight-Bearing Exercises Strengthen Bones
  And help prevent osteoporosis

• March 20, 2008

  Diet Linked to Sperm Abnormalities

• March 20, 2008

  Low Folate Levels May Harm Sperm
  Prospective dads might want to up their intake of the nutrient, study suggests
• Gene Variants Can Predict Threat of Heart Disease
  Cholesterol-associated variants increase risk and may be early indication, study shows
• The Gender Divide Starts Over Dinner
  U.S. survey shows men eat the meat, women go for the veggies

• March 19, 2008

  Aggressive Breast Cancer: Watch Your BMI

• March 19, 2008

  Embolization a Nonsurgical Way to Treat Fibroids
  It works even after other therapies have failed, but many women unaware of this option, experts say
• Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes a Mixed Bag
  Study finds quality of life suffers, but mental acuity may actually improve
• Fewer Steps Per Day Send Disease Markers Up
  Insulin levels hike very fast when daily physical activity declines, Danish study found.
• Balance in Old Age Tied to Brain Changes
  Monitoring white matter levels may assist early identification of walking problems

• March 18, 2008

  Genes May Determine Obesity After Weight Surgery
  Researchers study factors in success of bariatric procedure
• Human Growth Hormone Doesn't Improve Athletic Performance
  Study found that while it increased lean body mass, it didn't boost exercise capacity
• Food-borne Illnesses From Leafy Greens on Rise in U.S.
  Increase not explained by higher consumption; more control urged from harvest to preparation

• March 17, 2008

  Eating o' the Green on St. Patrick's Day -- and Every Day
  Include healthful green fruits and vegetables, nutritionists recommend
• Therapy Could Save Limbs After Frostbite
  Angiography plus anti-clotting drug keep tissue viable, researchers say

• March 14, 2008

  Obesity Linked to Poor Prognosis for Some Breast Cancer Patients
  Study focused on locally advanced breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer
• Surgery Only Works for Some Kids with Sleep Apnea
  Study found those who gained weight rapidly, were African-American were much more likely to suffer relapses

• March 13, 2008

  Minimal Exercise Benefits Overweight Postmenopausal Women
  Just 10-30 minutes a day showed significant improvement in social functioning

• March 12, 2008

  Teens Spending Too Much Screen Time
  Girls in poor neighborhoods most likely to watch TVs or computers, study finds
• Possible Reason for Rimonabant's Side Effects Discovered
  Weight-loss drug not approved in U.S. may block brain receptor among some users
• Preschool Intervention Curbed Trend Toward Obesity
  Kids in program ate less junk food, more fruits and vegetables
• Dental Erosion on Rise in U.S.
  Tooth enamel losses, found in 30% of middle schoolers studied, blamed on acids in sweet drinks
• Health Tip: If Your Child is a Vegetarian
  Make sure the child gets the right nutrients

• March 11, 2008

  Personal Contact Helps Maintain Weight Loss
  Interactive Web sites may also help, at least for a while, study finds
• Magnesium May Lower Risk for Some Strokes in Male Smokers
  Study suggests eating foods such as whole grains cuts risk of cerebral infarction
• Health Tip: Try Cross Training
  Vary your exercise routine

• March 10, 2008

  Gulf War Illness Strongly Linked to Chemical Exposure
  Review found vets with the syndrome were more exposed to particular compounds
• New Guidelines Urged for Young Athletes' Neck Injuries
  Helmets, pads should be left on, then removed as a unit once patient is stabilized
• First-Time Shoulder Dislocations Helped by Surgery
  Arthroscopy kept function at 93% of pre-injury levels among young and active, study finds
• Health Tip: Your Diet and Sleep
  What you eat can affect your rest

• March 7, 2008

  Bacteria Mix in Guts of Babies Predicts Obesity
  Findings may explain why breast-fed infants less likely to be overweight later
• Government Assistance Linked to Better Child Development
  Cash support to poor families boosted physical, mental scores, study finds

• March 6, 2008

  ACL Tears Worth Fixing in Seniors
  Age should not be determining factor for knee repair surgery, study suggests
• Biking, Walking Best for New Knees
  Tennis, jogging and even golf are tougher on replaced joints, study finds
• Soaking Potatoes Before Frying Cuts Suspected Carcinogen
  Findings show even a simple washing reduces acrylamide levels by up to 23%

• March 5, 2008

  Weight-Loss Drug Fights Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  Surprise finding might help doctors slow, reverse damage done by drinking, researcher says

• March 3, 2008

  Restricting TV and Computer Time Helps Kids Lose Weight
  Finding offers hope for curbing pediatric obesity epidemic in U.S.
• Skip Breakfast, Pack on the Pounds
  Teens who start the day with a healthful meal tend to stay trimmer, study suggests
• Obese Children Face More Complications During Surgery
  Study says breathing-related problems more likely in the overweight

• March 2, 2008

  Surviving Daylight Saving Switch
  Night owls especially need to readjust to cope with loss of hour's sleep on March 9

• February 29, 2008

  Carb Intake, Obesity Tied to Rise in Esophageal Cancers
  Increased dietary intake of these refined compounds mirrors growth of disease, study says
• Vitamin E Supplements May Raise Lung Cancer Risk
  Study found a slight but significant association
• Health Tip: Get More Whole Grains
  What to include at mealtime

• February 28, 2008

  Broccoli Sprout Extract Hinders Bladder Cancer Development
  Rats given concentrated dose had risk of growths cut in half, study says
• Many can return to sport after hamstring surgery
  Surgical repair of a ruptured hamstring offers the most promise for individuals who want to return to high or full activity levels, researchers report.
• FBI begins perjury probe on Roger Clemens testimony
  The FBI has begun investigating whether baseball great Roger Clemens lied to the U.S. Congress when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs like steroids, law enforcement officials said on Thursday.
• Beef recall raises flags about USDA food programs
  The biggest recall of meat in U.S. history raises "red flags" about the safety of meat used in school lunch and other programs administered by the U.S. Agriculture Department, the head of the House agriculture appropriations subcommittee said on Thursday.
• Daily asthma meds keep lungs in play during exercise
  Taking asthma medication daily can help prevent the tightening of the airways or "bronchoconstriction" with physical exertion that affects many children with asthma, a new study from Poland confirms.
• China says dumplings "sabotaged", probably in Japan
  Chinese-made dumplings, which made 10 people sick in Japan, were sabotaged, most probably in Japan, China's security and quality watchdogs said on Thursday.
• Exercise after arthritis hospital stay cuts costs
  Arthritis sufferers who participate in three weeks of intensive exercise therapy after being hospitalized for their disease enjoy a better quality of life a full year after the treatment than those who don't, Dutch researchers report.
• New York using "green carts" in latest obesity fight
  New York City will issue 1,000 new permits for mobile fruit and vegetable stands in its latest drive against obesity and unhealthiness among its residents.
• Insulin resistance tied to hepatitis C infection
  Insulin resistance, a "prediabetic" abnormality of blood sugar, is a specific feature of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, independent of the severity of HCV or the presence of other metabolic factors, French investigators report.
• Ginkgo biloba may protect memory: study
  Taking the herbal supplement ginkgo biloba may help delay the onset of cognitive impairment in normal elderly adults, according to a study published online Wednesday.

• February 27, 2008

  US lawmakers seek perjury probe of Clemens
  U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday sought a federal probe into whether baseball great Roger Clemens lied to the U.S. Congress when he denied claims by his former trainer that he had used performance-enhancing drugs.
• Heads of top US sports leagues share drug concerns
  A lineup of some of the biggest names in U.S. professional, collegiate and high school sports told the U.S. Congress on Wednesday they share its concerns about illegal performance-enhancing drugs.
• Red algae extract may help arthritic knees
  A natural dietary supplement derived from seaweed could help improve pain and stiffness in people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, according to a preliminary study.
• Doping-New WADA chief seeks greater government support
  The new president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) John Fahey has urged governments to speed up the implementation of anti-doping legislation.
• Low-fat dairy may help control blood pressure
  Women who regularly consume low-fat milk or yogurt may have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, new research suggests.
• Statins may cut pneumonia deaths: study
  Statin drugs used to lower cholesterol levels and, to a lesser extent, ACE inhibitors used to lower blood pressure, may reduce mortality in older adults who are hospitalized for pneumonia, research suggests.
• Overweight Hispanic Kids Show Early Markers for Diabetes
  Blood vessel damage sets stage for insulin resistance, heart disease, study finds
• Congress asks companies to do more on food safety
  U.S. food suppliers are overhauling their own food safety rules, executives from companies involved in recent food recalls said on Tuesday, but lawmakers said the industry must do more to prevent future outbreaks.

• February 26, 2008

  Obese kids at higher respiratory risk post-surgery
  Obese children who undergo elective surgery typically have more additional medical conditions than their normal-weight peers do and are also at greater risk of developing adverse respiratory events after the procedure, U.S. researchers report.
• Rise in midlife stroke in women linked to obesity
  The rapidly rising incidence of stroke among Americans is primarily due to the increasing number of middle-aged women who are having strokes. The increasing incidence is also associated with abdominal obesity, investigators told attendees here at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2008.
• Total cholesterol tied to risk of plaque rupture
  In individuals without symptoms who have thickened walls of the carotid arteries, two major arteries located on each side of the neck that provide blood and oxygen to the brain, the total blood levels of cholesterol are strongly associated with the presence a lipid, or fat-based," core within plaque, which have a vulnerability to rupture, researchers report.
• Acupuncture may be effective for menstrual pain
  Acupuncture can help relieve menstrual pain and improve the quality of life for some women, a new study from Germany shows.
• Health Tip: Prevent Runner's Knee
  Rest as soon as knee pain starts
• China, Pakistan and Vietnam on bird flu alert
  China and Pakistan have announced bird flu outbreaks among poultry, a day after two women, one in China and one in neighboring Vietnam, died of the virus.
• Indian herb may help diabetics control blood sugar
  An extract of Coccinia indica, a perennial herb that grows abundantly in India, may help people with mild type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels, the results of a new study suggest.
• Vitamin E use may raise tuberculosis risk in heavy smokers
  The use of vitamin E supplements appears to increase the risk of tuberculosis in some middle-aged smokers, according to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition.
• Exercise may cut gallstone risk
  Exercise is good for mice and humans, but appears to be bad for gallstones, according to the findings of a study conducted with mice.
• One-legged exercise may help COPD patients get fit
  Exercising one leg at a time can improve aerobic capacity more than two-legged exercise in patients who have stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a report in the latest issue of the medical journal Chest.

• February 25, 2008

  Meatpacker to shut down permanently after recall
  Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co, which issued the biggest meat recall in U.S. history last week, will likely shut down permanently, The Wall Street Journal reported.
• Health Tip: Get Enough Vitamin C
  Signs that you may be deficient

• February 24, 2008

  How to Be Heart Smart at the Supermarket
  Dietitian offers advice on navigating nutrition claims and food labels

• February 23, 2008

  More Risk Factors, Less Access to Care Behind Higher Stroke Rates in U.S.
  Europeans less likely to have an attack, study finds

• February 22, 2008

  Veggies, alcohol may ward off prostate woes
  Men who want to avoid developing the benign but bothersome prostate enlargement that typically accompanies aging should cut their intake of fat and red meat, eat more vegetables, and have a couple of drinks a day, a new study suggests.
• Flour mill workers have fewer sons
  A new study suggests that men who work in flour mills tend to father fewer sons than average -- adding to evidence that certain toxic exposures may affect men's reproductive function or the survival of male fetuses.
• Swimming eases pain of fibromyalgia: study
  Swimming can significantly ease the debilitating pain of fibromyalgia, an ailment with no known cure, European researchers said on Friday.
• Five Indian children die after eating holy offerings
  Five children have died and 96 other people have fallen seriously ill in eastern India after eating sweets and rice offered to a goddess at a village shrine, health officials said on Friday.
• Doping - Bonds' lawyers ridicule government in court papers
  Lawyers for Barry Bonds ridiculed the federal government for sloppy work in a filing on Thursday in which the defense argued steroid perjury charges against the U.S. baseball home run king should be dropped.
• Low cholesterol linked to stomach cancer risk
  People with very low cholesterol levels seem to be at increased risk of developing stomach cancer, Japanese researchers report.
• Older diabetics at risk of physical disabilities
  Elderly people with diabetes may be at heightened risk of physical limitations that could hinder their independence, a new study suggests.

• February 22, 2008

  Aquatic Exercises May Ease Fibromyalgia
  Exercise in heated pool brought relief from chronic pain, study found

• February 21, 2008

  USDA unsure if Calif. cattle case isolated to plant
  Days after the largest meat recall in U.S. history, the head of the Agriculture Department said officials are reviewing why a California plant processed unfit cattle, and that it was too early to determine whether it was an incident specific to the facility.
• Fish Oil Flounders, But Fiber Might Lower Stroke Risk
  Pair of studies examine effect of diet on stroke prevention, outcomes
• Moderate Aerobic Fitness Levels May Cut Stroke Risk
  Findings show just 30 minutes of activity helped men, women regardless of family history
• New Stroke Treatments Reduce Brain Damage, Improve Recovery
  Caffeine-alcohol mix plus clot-busting drug proves potent resource as does body cooling with fever reducer
• Diet patterns tied to breast, ovarian cancers
  A new study suggests that women who eat diets rich in meat and dairy may have a decreased risk of breast cancer, while those who bulk up on fiber, fruits and vegetables show a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
• "Snowboarder's ankle" may be mistaken for sprain
  Snowboarders run the risk of a relatively rare but sometimes tough-to-diagnose type of ankle fracture, which has become increasingly common as the sport's popularity grows, according to a professional society of orthopedic surgeons.
• Weight training aids chronic neck pain
  New research suggests that strength training may ease chronic neck and shoulder pain, a problem that has grown increasingly common as people spend more time on computers.
• Yogurt may take the bite out of gum disease
  Regularly eating yogurt and other foods with lactic acid may be good for your mouth, Japanese researchers report.
• Olympics - China "regrets" U.S. decision on food supplies
  China expressed regret on Thursday at reports the U.S. Olympic team would bring its own meat for the Beijing Games over concerns of drug-tainted food, and said it could guarantee safe supplies.

• February 21, 2008

  Fast Food Ads Fueling Obesity Among Hispanic Kids
  Study found overload of commercials aimed at children on Spanish-language stations
• Poverty Drains Nutrition From Family Diet
  Study found adults ate worse than children did in 'food-insecure' households

• February 20, 2008

  Cutting Back on Salt Cuts Down on Sodas With Kids
  British researchers suggest reductions could lower chances of heart disease, diabetes

• February 20, 2008

  Cutting down on salt could help kids stay trim
  Gradually reducing the amount of salt in processed foods could help fight childhood obesity, UK researchers say.

• February 20, 2008

  High BMI linked to death from stroke
  Among men who've suffered a stroke, the likelihood of dying from the stroke is increased if their body mass index (BMI) puts them in the overweight range; BMI is not a factor in stroke mortality for lean men, according to a large Chinese study.

• February 20, 2008

  Middle-Aged Women Gaining Weight, Raising Their Stroke Risk
  Study finds both went up simultaneously in recent decades
• Whole grains may curb belly fat, inflammation
  Cutting calories helps people lose weight, but doing so by filling up on whole grains may be particularly heart-healthy, new research suggests.

• February 20, 2008

  Nintendo rolls out fitness product: report
  Games maker Nintendo Co is planning to launch a new physical fitness product called Wii Fit for U.S. shipping in May, according to the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.
• TV ads in Spanish may fuel kid obesity: study
  A siege of fast-food commercials on Spanish-language television channels in the United States may be helping drive an obesity epidemic among Latino youth, researchers reported on Tuesday.
• U.S., EU in talks to solve biotech crops dispute
  The United States and European Union are in talks to resolve their dispute over the EU's ban on genetically modified (GMO) crops, diplomats said on Tuesday.
• Consumers seen shrugging off big beef recall
  Consumers are expected to keep eating beef in the wake of the largest beef recall in history, just as they did when the United States reported its first case of mad cow disease in late 2003, two economists said on Tuesday.

• February 19, 2008

  Probiotics help distance runners stay healthy
  Endurance runners' strenuous training can erode their immunity and make them more vulnerable to catching colds, but a daily dose of "good" bacteria could bring their immune systems back up to speed, Australian researchers have shown.
• Teens who watch wrestling take more health risks
  Teenage fans of TV wrestling are more likely than their peers to be aggressive or take chances with their health, a study suggests.
• Yankees' Pettitte apologizes for growth hormone use
  TAMPA, Fla.(Reuters) - New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte apologized on Monday for using human growth hormone and said he had not talked to his good friend Roger Clemens since the U.S. Congress held hearings last week on drug and steroid use by baseball players.

• February 19, 2008

  Tokyo marathon runner solves mystery of sore nipples
  Choking pollution and sapping heat will be the major concerns for the world's elite marathon runners at this year's Beijing Olympics.

• February 19, 2008

  Health Tip: Zinc in Your Diet
  Make sure you're getting enough

• February 19, 2008

  Teens, parents may not see a weight problem
  Many parents of children classified as overweight or even extremely overweight do not perceive their child as being excessively heavy, with some wrongly believing that their child is "about the right weight," new research suggests.
• Portable Computer Devices Can Aid Exercise Programs
  PDAs beeped reminders to participants, and they worked out longer, study shows
• One Drink May Help Heart, But Two Is Too Many
  Extra glass negates immediate benefits to circulation, Canadian study says

• February 18, 2008

  Single pill helps controls BP, cholesterol
  In African-Americans with poorly controlled high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol, treatment with a single pill containing a blood pressure-lowering drug and a cholesterol-lowering drug may prove particularly useful, researchers say.
• Starving mothers risk addiction in offspring: study
  Children whose mothers lived through the Dutch "hunger winter" of 1944-1945 while pregnant with them were more likely to grow up to be addicted to drugs or alcohol, according to the first study to investigate the relationship between prenatal exposure to famine and addiction.
• California packer makes largest U.S. beef recall
  A California meatpacker accused of animal cruelty is making the largest U.S. meat recall on record -- 143 million pounds, the U.S. Agriculture Department said on Sunday.
• Hard-core mountain biking may injure the scrotum
  Men who are serious about mountain biking may run a serious risk of injuries to the scrotum, a new study suggests.
• Metabolic syndrome in kids likely to persist
  Children with a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors that define the so-called metabolic syndrome are very likely to have the syndrome in mid-adulthood, or even overt heart disease or diabetes, according to a new study.
• Officials probe worker illnesses at pork plants
  Government health officials are investigating the cause of a neurological illness found among employees at two U.S. pork plants where workers used compressed air to remove brain matter from pig skulls during processing.
• Women tea-drinkers have less plaque in arteries
  Women who drink tea may be protecting themselves from a build-up of artery-clogging plaque, so lowering their risk for heart disease and stroke, findings from a French study suggest.
• Salsalate cuts blood sugar levels in obese adults
  A drug approved for the treatment of arthritis may have a role in reducing the risk of diabetes and heart trouble developing in young obese individuals, Harvard researchers report.

• February 15, 2008

  Many snack foods have gone 'trans-fat free'
  Many snack foods and spreads on the market are now free of artery-clogging trans fat, but consumers still need to be savvy label-readers, according to researchers.
• Ankle braces curb sprains in volleyball players
  Ankle braces can help protect collegiate female volleyball players from sprains, a new study shows.
• Obesity Raises Cancer Risk
  British study details differences between genders, ethnic groups
• Genes that conquered cold blamed for fat
  Genes that helped early humans adapt to cold climates may be driving metabolism-related diseases such as obesity or diabetes in many countries, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.
• British researchers link obesity to more cancers
  Obesity can double the risk of several cancers, according to a study published on Friday that for the first time also links being overweight with a number of less common forms of the disease.
• Childhood weight tied to adult health problems
  When it comes to waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), children who have above average measurements appear to be at increased risk of developing the metabolic syndrome as adults.
• Madrid court orders reopening of doping probe
  A Madrid court has ordered the Operation Puerto investigation into a doping ring in cycling to be reopened because of evidence of possible offences against public health by doctors implicated in the probe.
• Fast food eaters risk liver damage, weight gain
  Too much fast food and too little exercise can wreak havoc on the liver, according to results of a small Swedish study.
• Weight loss may not harm obese teens' bones
  Although adults who lose weight may also lose some bone mass, obese adolescents seem to keep gaining bone density as they shed pounds, a study suggests.

• February 14, 2008

  Pepper may help disfiguring skin condition: study
  Black pepper could lead to better treatments for a disfiguring skin condition that affects about 1 percent of the world's population, British researchers said on Thursday.
• Probiotics may be fatal in acute pancreatitis-study
  "Good" bacteria commonly found in probiotic yoghurts and drinks may be fatal for people with severe cases of pancreatitis, Dutch researchers said on Thursday.
• GMO plantings increasingly widespread
  Plantings of genetically modified (GMO) crops are increasingly widespread, a biotech industry body said on Wednesday, despite some public opposition and warnings by environmentalists that they may be unsafe.
• Sprains top injury for elite female soccer players
  The youngest elite female soccer players are at greater risk of being injured than their older teammates, possibly because they haven't yet developed strategies to avoid getting hurt, according to a study from France.
• Lack of sleep unlikely to impact weight over time
  Regularly getting 5 hours or less of shut eye a night does not appear to have a considerable influence body weight or waist size over time, according to findings from a long-term study of British workers.

• February 13, 2008

  Tango Classes Put Parkinson's Patients a Step Ahead
  Findings suggest spins, turns of the passionate dance improve mobility, balance
• Baseball-Clemens denies he ever used steroids
  Pitching great Roger Clemens and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, clashed under oath at a U.S. congressional hearing on Wednesday over McNamee's claims he injected Clemens with illegal performance-enhancing drugs.
• Health Tip: Let Shin Splints Heal
  Rest is the best medicine

• February 12, 2008

  Surgery effective for athletes' neck syndrome
  For athletes with a condition called scalenus syndrome, which results in pain and weakness in the shoulders and arms, surgery can provide a relatively quick return to full activity, according to Greek researchers reporting in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
• Baseball - Clemens and accuser set to testify before Congress
  Baseball's saga over performance-enhancing drugs was set for a potentially explosive episode on Wednesday when Roger Clemens and his former trainer testify before Congress over allegations that the pitching great received injections of steroids.
• Muscle Fatigue Drug May Fight Heart Failure
  It seems to plug calcium leaks that cause tiring in muscles, study says
• US lawmakers examine Web postings in Vytorin probe
  Anonymous messages posted on a Web site raise questions about the handling of data on a Merck & Co Inc and Schering-Plough Corp cholesterol drug, two U.S. House of Representatives Democrats said on Monday.
• Triglycerides Linked to Coronary Disease Risk
  Should be considered along with LDL cholesterol in prevention efforts, study indicates
• Health Tip: Pack a Healthier Lunch
  How to limit fat and calories
• Attention to heart health good for the brain
  A recent survey found that two out of three African Americans worry about developing heart disease and two out of five are concerned about developing Alzheimer's disease, yet only one in 20 are aware that heart health is linked to brain health.
• Most With High Blood Pressure Don't Follow Recommended Diet
  Those who could benefit most have the poorest eating habits
• Healthy habits key to longer life for men
  Elderly men can improve their chances of having an even longer and healthier life by quitting smoking, controlling their weight, getting their blood pressure and blood glucose under control and exercising regularly, a study shows.

• February 11, 2008

  Heart disease incidence may be on the rise: study
  Decades of decline in the incidence of heart disease may have come to an end, according to results of a long-term autopsy study conducted at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota.
• Few with high blood pressure follow diet advice
  Americans with hypertension (high blood pressure) today are less likely than they were 10 years ago to follow a diet that can help them to control or even lower their blood pressure, new research suggests.
• Heart disease diagnosis rarely prompts diet change
  A one-year follow-up study of patients with heart disease found that few are meeting recommendations for fruit, vegetable and fiber intake, and they were eating a "disturbing" amount of trans fat, Dr. Yunsheng Ma and colleagues from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester found.
• Zednik stable after neck slashed by team mate's skate
  Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik was in stable condition in hospital on Monday following emergency surgery after his neck was slashed by a team mate's skate during Sunday's defeat by the Buffalo Sabres.
• Sugar Substitutes May Contribute to Weight Gain
  Saccharin tricked body, slowed down metabolism in rats
• Americans Abandoning National Parks
  Researchers find 25% decrease in usage of parks and forests, point to sedentary society
• Key U.S. baseball steroid dealer avoids jail
  A former Major League Baseball clubhouse attendant who sold steroids to many players and later shared key information with investigators received a sentence of five years probation but no jail time from a federal judge on Friday.
• Starting HIV treatment earlier may prolong life
  Initiating antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection earlier than is currently recommended by guidelines could prolong survival by more than 2 years among patients in their 30s, new research hints.
• Heart Attack Seldom Leads to Healthier Diet
  Most patients were still eating poorly one year later, study found
• Body fat determines need for weight loss: study
  Measuring body fat, rather than body mass index, appears to more accurately identify people who need lifestyle interventions to lose weight, study findings suggest.
• Cycling-UCI ask for disciplinary action against Rasmussen
  Danish rider Michael Rasmussen, expelled from last year's Tour de France, faces a two-year ban after the International Cycling Union (UCI) called for disciplinary proceedings to be brought against him.
• Docs can help diabetics make lifestyle changes
  Brief one-on-one lifestyle counseling by doctors during routine office visits appears to help some people with diabetes boost their physical activity levels and lose weight, according to a new study.
• Herbal remedy helps heart failure symptoms
  Hawthorn extract has "significant benefit" for patients with chronic heart failure, and seems to be safe, researchers conclude based on a literature review they conducted.
• Horse racing-Fallon loses appeal against 18-month ban
  Six-time champion jockey Kieren Fallon's appeal against an 18-month doping ban has been rejected, a French horse racing official said on Friday.
• Staying Dry at Beach May Spare Your Stomach
  Longer exposure to water, wet sand boosts gastrointestinal illness risk, study says

• February 8, 2008

  Olympic athletes may risk health for trim physique
  Olympic athletes in sports that value thinness may put their health at risk in a quest to stay lean, research suggests.
• Mexican city mulls paying police to lose weight
  The central Mexican city of Aguascalientes is considering paying a cash bonus to local police who slim down, amid the increasingly common sight of overweight officers in Mexico.
• Nature tops nurture in childhood obesity: study
  Diet and lifestyle play a far smaller role than genetic factors in determining whether a child becomes overweight, according to a British study of twins published on Thursday.
• Harnessing Human Energy for Medical Good
  Device could use act of walking to power artificial limbs, insulin pumps, pacemakers

• February 7, 2008

  Intimate partner violence takes a toll on health
  New research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the prevalence of chronic health conditions is increased among victims of intimate partner violence.
• Clemens' ex-trainer testifies in US steroids probe
  A spokesman for baseball pitching great Roger Clemens rejected on Thursday new claims of evidence that Clemens used performance-enhancing drugs.
• Low-Carb Diets Better Than Low-Fat Diets at Preventing Diabetes
  Even if coupled with high animal fat and protein, risk did not increase, study claims
• Intensive intervention benefits type 2 diabetics
  Among high-risk type 2 diabetics, an intensive intervention with multiple drug combinations and behavioral modification has sustained benefits, a Danish study shows.
• Obesity drug effective for binge eating disorder
  "Out of control" binge eaters may benefit from the appetite-suppressant drug sibutramine, based on a study showing that the drug reduces the number of binge eating episodes, along with weight and associated psychological illness.

• February 6, 2008

  Avandia not to blame for deaths in trial, U.S. says
  GlaxoSmithKline's diabetes drug Avandia was not to blame for heart deaths in a trial to see if treating diabetes would reduce heart disease, U.S. government-funded researchers said on Wednesday.
• Supplement shows promise for mild knee arthritis
  A dietary supplement derived from chickens may bring some pain relief to people with mild knee arthritis, preliminary research suggests.
• Yoga helps survivors of natural disasters
  A 1-week yoga program reduced stress and anxiety among survivors of the tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean islands of Andaman and Nicobar in December 2004, researchers from India report.
• FEATURE-Wading though rivers to count dead bodies
  To count the dead they ride motorbikes, charter planes and wade through snake-infested rivers.
• China dumpling plant "very clean", investigators say
  An investigation has found nothing amiss at a Chinese food factory, the source of dumplings believed to have made 10 people sick in Japan, state media quoted the joint Chinese-Japanese team as saying on Wednesday.
• Lung disease common in rheumatoid arthritis
  Interstitial lung disease -- a large group of disorders that involve inflammation of the lower respiratory tract and breakdown of the structures that transfer oxygen to the bloodstream -- is prevalent and progressive in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study utilizing high-resolution computed tomography lung scans.
• GPS Devices Measure Severity of Peripheral Artery Disease
  Same technology used in cars determined walking abilities of patients, study suggests
• Clemens testifies in probe of drugs in baseball
  Pitching great Roger Clemens, who has denied claims he used performance-enhancing drugs, appeared on Tuesday before U.S. congressional lawyers investigating use of banned substances in baseball.

• February 5, 2008

  Bush seeks increase in funding for FDA food safety
  The Bush administration on Monday proposed boosting funding to better protect the food supply, including opening an office in China.
• Born to Be Obese?
  New research suggests brains of heavy individuals may be wired differently
• Health Tip: Before Giving Yoga a Try
  Take precautions to help prevent injury

• February 4, 2008

  Bush's Budget Proposal Would Cut Medicare Spending
  But FDA budget would rise by almost 6 percent, much of it to oversee food safety
• Fewer people enjoying the great outdoors
  Nature-based recreation is losing it's appeal for the general population, judging by the continuing decline in the number of people visiting national parks, research published today shows.
• Pettitte testifies in US baseball steroids probe
  New York Yankee pitcher Andy Pettitte met on Monday with lawyers for a U.S. congressional panel investigating steroid use in baseball -- focused largely on Pettitte's former teammate, pitching great Roger Clemens.
• Very high 'good' cholesterol might be bad
  Although HDL cholesterol is typically thought of as 'good' cholesterol, a new of data from a large study suggests that at very high levels, it may actually increase the risk of coronary artery disease.
• New Guideline Urges Screening for Fall Risk
  Those with poor balance, dementia, vision loss most in peril, group says
• A spoonful of sugar eases babies' vaccination pain
  Giving infants a small dose of a sugar solution just before they get injections seems to make the pain more tolerable, a study shows.
• Japan to check China factory over poison dumplings
  Japanese officials will travel to China later on Monday to try to find out how dumplings made at a factory there were contaminated with pesticide, sickening 10 Japanese and sparking a nationwide food scare.
• Bird flu spreads in Bangladesh, compensation to rise
  Bird flu has spread to two more districts in Bangladesh, taking the number of affected districts to 36, a livestock official said on Monday, as the government pledged to raise compensation to farmers for culled poultry.
• CORRECTION: Epsom salt can prevent cerebral palsy: U.S.
  Giving a woman an infusion of Epsom salts when she goes into premature labor can help protect her baby from cerebral palsy, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday.
• Many skaters, snowboarders shun protective gear
  Nearly half of adolescent inline skaters, skateboarders and snowboarders say nothing would convince them to wear personal protective equipment, according to a new survey of Wisconsin teens.

• February 3, 2008

  Toll-Free Hotline to Help Seniors Avoid Falls
  National outreach to stress importance of physical activities to improve balance

• February 1, 2008

  Knoblauch testifies in steroid probe
  Retired baseball player Chuck Knoblauch testified privately on Friday before congressional staffers preparing for a February 13 hearing on steroid use in baseball certain to focus on pitching great Roger Clemens.
• Vitamin D deficiency tied to higher blood pressure
  Low blood concentrations of vitamin D may be associated with higher blood pressure in whites, indicating a risk of developing hypertension, or high blood that requires medical treatment, researchers report. However, this relationship was not noted among blacks.
• Folate in 2nd trimester helps prevent preeclampsia
  Taking multivitamins that contain folate, also referred to as folic acid, early in the second trimester of pregnancy may help reduce the risk of preeclampsia, the results of a study conducted in Canada indicate.
• Obese patients wait longer for kidney transplants
  Extremely obese adults in need of a kidney transplant appear to wait longer for a donor organ than their thinner counterparts do, a study has found.
• Sugary drinks raise risk of gout in men
  Sugar-sweetened soft drinks and fructose are strongly tied to an increased risk of gout in men, according to a report in the February 1st Online First issue of the British Medical Journal. Drinking diet soft drinks, by contrast, did not increase the risk.
• Nourishing toddlers boosts future earnings
  Better nutrition not only helps small boys grow up taller and stronger but can boost earning power, a long-term study in Guatemala showed on Friday, with the researchers saying childhood feeding would help reduce poverty.

• February 1, 2008

  Health Tip: Exercise Routines for Arthritis Patients
  Relieve symptoms with exercise
• Sugary Soft Drinks Boost Gout Risk in Men
  Just 2 or more beverages a day increased chances by 85%, study finds
• Weight loss drug safely used in high-risk patients
  Sibutramine, which is marketed under the trade names Meridia and Reductil, appears safe and possibly effective for weight management in patients at a high risk for heart attack and stroke -- for whom the drug is usually not recommended -- according to a report in the European Heart Journal.

• January 31, 2008

  CORRECTION: Antioxidants show little anti-cancer benefit
  Taking antioxidant supplements won't reduce cancer risk, according to a new analysis of a dozen studies including more than 100,000 patients. In fact, the researchers found, smokers who take beta carotene supplements could be increasing their risk of smoking-related cancer and death.
• Obesity drug prescriptions soar in Britain
  Doctors in England are writing over a million obesity drug prescriptions a year, eight times more than in 1999, health data showed on Thursday.
• Atkins-Like Diet Cuts Epileptic Seizures
  High-fat, low-carb plan may work when other treatments fail, study says
• Folate 1 year before conception cuts early birth risk
  Women who take folic acid supplements for at least 1 year before they become pregnant can dramatically reduce their risk of delivering prematurely, according to a new study.
• China dumplings spark food scare in Japan
  Dozens more people in Japan said on Thursday they fell sick after eating Chinese-made food, a day after Japanese food companies recalled pesticide-contaminated dumplings from China that made 10 people sick.
• Kidney injuries in football rare, can be serious
  Professional football players run a small risk of suffering a kidney injury, but when they occur, they