September 30, 2009

Teen Drinking Tied to Bad Choices as Adult
Abuse alcohol when you're young and you'll make unwise decisions later on in life, study suggests.

Smoking Bans Reduce Heart Attacks
Smoking bans cut heart attacks, two separate studies show. Each of the studies combined data from all previous studies of the effects of smoking bans on heart attacks.

Exercise May Prevent Prostate Cancer: Study
U.S. researchers looked at 190 men who had a prostate biopsy and found that those who were moderately active — anything equivalent to walking at a moderate pace for several hours a week — were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

September 29, 2009

Limited Willpower Can Affect Your Workout
You want to exercise. You know you should be exercising more. But even though you up wake every morning committed to hitting the gym or taking a long walk after work, your resolve is gone by the end of a long day.

Does Vitamin D Protect Against High BP?
Women who do not have enough vitamin D before menopause may have an elevated risk of developing high blood pressure years later, new research suggests.

FDA Bans Flavored Cigarettes
Sept. 22, 2009 -- As of today, it's illegal in the U.S. to buy or sell most flavored cigarettes.

September 28, 2009

Food of the Week: Collard Greens
Long a staple of the Southern United States, collard greens, unlike their cousins kale and mustard greens, have a very mild, almost smoky flavor.

Best sources of Magnesium
What can high-magnesium foods do for you?

• Relax your nerves and muscles
• Build and strengthen bones
• Keep your blood circulating smoothly

Large fat cells may increase risk of type 2 diabetes in women
Middle-aged women with large abdominal fat cells have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life compared to women with smaller fat cells.

September 25, 2009

New Research Shows Direct Link Between Soda And Obesity
While health officials have long suspected the link between obesity and soda consumption, research released provides the first scientific evidence of the potent role soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages play in fueling California's expanding girth.

Modest Vitamin/mineral Deficiencies Increase Age-related Disease
An important analysis conducted by Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute scientists suggests the importance of ensuring optimal dietary intakes of vitamin K to prevent age-related conditions such as bone fragility, arterial and kidney calcification, cardiovascular disease, and possibly cancer.

Endurance Training Benefits Postmenopausal Women As Much As Younger Women
Marilyn Graham was 56 when she signed up for a grueling hour of cycling each morning for 12 weeks, occasionally decked out in a mask, a heart monitor and a bag of intravenous fluid and subjected to needle pricks to obtain blood samples.

September 24, 2009

Heart Risk Factors on the Rise Again
The percentage of Americans without major heart disease risk factors rose during the 1980s and 1990s, but our health is declining again, a study shows.

Kids Have Strokes More Often Than Thought
Strokes in children are rare -- about 2.4 per 100,000 kids per year in the U.S. -- but that's two to four times more often than previous estimates, new data show.

Older Brains May Not Be So Small After All
Scientists have assumed that people’s brains shrink as they age, but researchers now suspect that’s not the case. [NOTE: Patricia Bragg says she keeps her brain sharp by taking 50mg of Niacin (B3) once daily on an empty stomach.]

September 23, 2009

For Healthy People Daily Aspirin May Do More Harm Than Good
A UK study presented at a conference last weekend found no evidence to support the idea that a daily dose of aspirin protects people who do not have artery or heart disease

8 Reasons to Make Time for Family Dinner
Soccer practices, dance rehearsals, playdates, and other scheduling conflicts make family mealtime seem like a thing of the past.

Heart Risk Factors Cut Life Span by 10 Years
A 50-year-old smoker who has a history of high blood pressure and high cholesterol can expect to die a decade earlier than someone of the same age with none of these heart disease risk factors.

September 22, 2009

New Role Of Vitamin C In Skin Protection Revealed By Study
Scientists have uncovered a new role played by Vitamin C in protecting the skin.

Decreasing Salt Intake Could Save US $18 Billion Annually In Health Costs, Study Finds
Reducing Americans' average intake of sodium to the amount recommended by health officials could save the nation as much as $18 billion annually in avoided health care costs...

Women Urged Not To Drink While Pregnant
Learning disabilities, mental health issues and behavior problems are just some of the issues that afflict babies exposed to alcohol in the womb, yet some doctors still tell their patients it is safe to have a drink now and then while pregnant.

September 21, 2009

Ice Cream May Target The Brain Before Your Hips
Blame your brain for sabotaging your efforts to get back on track after splurging on an extra scoop of ice cream or that second burger during Friday night's football game.

We Need To Cut Sodium Consumption
An article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) reports that reducing sodium intake is a key public health priority that must be addressed by governments and nongovernmental organizations to improve population health.

September 18, 2009

Stress Relief From Antioxidant Ingredient
A dietary ingredient derived from a melon rich in antioxidant superoxide dismutase enzymes has been shown to relieve stress.

Leading Doctors Call For Climate Change Action To Prevent 'Global Health Catastrophe'
On Wednesday, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and the Lancet simultaneously published an editorial and an accompanying letter from 18 doctor association leaders to highlight the need for action at a December U.N. conference on climate change in Copenhagen.

Pass On The Salt: Most Americans Would Benefit From Lower Sodium Intake
Most Americans consume too much salt, contributing to the risk of heart disease and stroke, reports the September issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

September 17, 2009

Work Conditions Impact Parents' Food Choices
Since most parents in the US are employed, there are competing demands on their time that can compromise food choices for themselves and their children.

Tired Doctors Make More Mistakes
A study of clinical errors made by resident physicians in a teaching hospital reveals that the more tired they are the more mistakes they make.

Hard To Build And Easy To Lose: How Aging Affects Muscle
Have you ever noticed that people have thinner arms and legs as they get older?

September 16, 2009

Chlorine in Pools Raises Kids’ Asthma, Allergy Risk
Swimming in pools disinfected with chlorine may increase the odds that a child will develop asthma or allergies, new research suggests.

Children With Emotional Difficulties At Higher Risk For Adult Obesity
Previous research has shown that low self-esteem and emotional problems are found in people who are overweight or obese – but not which influences which.

High Fruit And Vegetable Intake Linked To Antioxidant Status And Cognitive Performance
Researchers at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany, investigated the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake. Their results, published in the August issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, indicated higher cognitive performance in individuals with high daily intake of fruits and vegetables.

September 15, 2009

Home-Cooked Meals Put on the Backburner
Moms and Dads Who Work Long Hours Are More Likely to Replace Family Meals With Fast Food, Prepared Entrees

Report Stirs Debate on Cell Phone Safety
Environmental Working Group Warns of Health Risks; Other Experts Disagree

Eat Late, Put on Weight?
Study Shows Eating at the 'Wrong' Time of Day Could Lead to Weight Gain

September 14, 2009

PSA Test: More Harm Than Good?
The PSA prostate cancer screening test does more harm than good, a new study suggests.

Lifestyle Changes Cut Breast Cancer Risk
Researchers Say Exercise and Diet May Prevent Some Cases of Breast Cancer

September 11, 2009

Take the Load Off Your Child’s Back
A backpack can be a great help to school children, but it needs to fit properly to avoid a lifetime of hurt, health-care professionals say.

Stroke May Be Striking at a Younger Age
Stroke could be affecting Americans earlier in life than ever before, a new study suggests.

Cigarette Smoking Dulls Taste
Cigarette smoking not only causes cancer and cardiovascular disease, it also dulls taste, making food less palatable, a new study suggests.

September 10, 2009

Mediterranean Diet May Be Best for Type 2 Diabetes
The Mediterranean diet, long touted as a healthy eating plan, may help people with type 2 diabetes stay off blood sugar-lowering medications, as well as help them lose weight and lower cardiovascular risk factors.

Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Before Birth Affects DNA
Women who smoke while pregnant increase their unborn child’s long-term risk for health problems, including childhood asthma, cardiovascular disease and lower pulmonary function, and a new study may help experts understand why.

Adult Weight Gain Tied to Prostate Cancer Risk
Men who pack on excess pounds as young adults are at heightened risk of developing prostate cancer, although the risk varies by ethnic group, researchers from the University of Hawaii report.

September 9, 2009

Five Uses For Tofu
If you follow health and nutrition news, you are no doubt aware of the amazing health benefits of soy products.

Harm Begins With a Few Cigarettes, a Little Smog
Even a little bit of poison in the air — the smoke from a couple of cigarettes, traces of carbon monoxide from auto exhaust — can do a lot more damage to the heart and lungs than most people think, two new studies show.

Lead Levels in Many Lipsticks Higher Than Reported
A new analysis finds lead levels in many lipsticks are higher than those reported in 2007 by the consumer advocacy group Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

September 8, 2009

Get Ready for Gruesome Cigarette Warnings
Would a gruesome picture of a cancer-ravaged mouth with rotting teeth make you think twice about buying a pack of cigarettes?

Food of the Week: Fresh Tomatoes
There are few vegetables that better mark the summer months than the sweet juiciness of a vine-ripened tomato.

Why Won't Healthcare Workers Take The Swine Flu Vaccine?
According to a study released August 26, 2009 by the British Medical Journal, more than half of Hong Kong's healthcare workers surveyed said they would refuse the H1N1 shot, which is not yet available, because they are afraid of side effects and doubt how safe and effective it will be.

September 4, 2009

Expanding Debt Load May Expand Waistline
Financial belt-tightening could result in a literal belt loosening as hard times force people to adjust their dietary habits, according to a German study of indebtedness and obesity.

Chinese Herb May Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis
A new study shows that the Chinese herbal remedy Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF), also known as “lei gong teng” or "thunder god vine," helped decrease joint tenderness and pain in a small group of people treated with the medicinal plant.

DASH Diet Cuts Stone Risk
A diet that helps control blood pressure may also reduce the risk of kidney stones, data from three large cohort studies suggest.

September 3, 2009

Regular Yoga May Improve Eating Habits
Practicing yoga regularly may help your eating habits so you can maintain a healthier weight, a new study says.

Feelings of hopelessness linked to stroke risk in healthy women
Healthy middle-aged women with feelings of hopelessness appear to experience thickening of the neck arteries, which can be a precursor to stroke, according to new research out of the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Health Tip: Tame Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis can't always be prevented, but you can take steps to keep joints healthier and moving freely.

September 2, 2009

Obesity increases Alzheimer's risk
Being overweight or obese can result in brain shrinkage and an increased risk of developing, U.S. researchers said.

Learn How to Like Veggies and Satisfy Cravings
Q: I know eating fruits and veggies helps you stay slim, but I’m not a fan. Any suggestions?

How Bad Feelings Can Harm Your Health
A depressed emotional state — feelings of hopelessness and apathy — could have a direct effect on your physical health, new research indicates.

September 1, 2009

IBS Relief From Soluble Fiber
Psyllium, the soluble fiber in Metamucil and other products, can relieve abdominal pain and discomfort in some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Fruit Is Even Better For You Than Previously Thought
An international team of scientists has found that the polyphenol content of fruits has been underestimated.

High Blood Pressure Linked To Memory Problems In Middle Age
High blood pressure is linked to memory problems in people over 45, according to research published in the August 25, 2009, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

August 31, 2009

Smoking May Worsen Malnutrition In Developing Nations
A new study finds that smokers in rural Indonesia finance their habit by dipping into the family food budget—which ultimately results in poorer nutrition for their children.

Calls to tax junk food gain ground
"Sin taxes" on cigarettes have turned out to be the most effective weapon in the campaign to reduce smoking. Why not try it on Flamin' Hot Cheetos, vanilla Coke and Twinkies?

Kudzu May Help Ease Metabolic Syndrome
Kudzu, a fast-growing vine widely considered a nuisance because it covers everything in its path, may be set for a medical makeover. A new study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, shows that kudzu root extract may help curb symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

August 28, 2009

Immune System's Role In Bone Loss Uncovered
A new UCLA study sheds light on the link between high cholesterol and osteoporosis and identifies a new way that the body's immune cells play a role in bone loss.

Twitter And Health Care: Can A Tweet A Day Keep The Doctor Away?
Twitter, the increasingly popular social networking tool that was at first merely a convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family, is emerging as a potentially valuable means of real-time, on-the-go communication of healthcare information and medical alerts, as described in a feature article in the Medical Connectivity section of the latest issue of Telemedicine and e-Health.

Mild Glucose Intolerance In Pregnancy May Be Associated With Cardiovascular Risk
Mild glucose intolerance in pregnancy may be an early identifier of women who are at increased risk of heart disease in the future.

August 27, 2009

Cholesterol may cause cardiac arrhythmias
Cholesterol can affect the flow of the electrical currents that generate the heart beat, causing cardiac arrhythmias, researchers in Canada and France said.

Exposure to Mercury increasing
Inorganic mercury builds up in the body over time, U.S. researchers suggest.

Low vitamin D raises diabetic heart risk
Diabetics deficient in vitamin D can't process cholesterol so it builds in blood vessels, increasing heart attack and stroke risk, U.S. researchers said.

August 26, 2009

New Toxins Found in Smokeless Tobacco
A single pinch of snuff may expose the user to the same amount of dangerous smoke-related chemicals found in the smoke of five cigarettes, according to a new study highlighting the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco.

Popcorn, Cereal Pack Antioxidant Punch
Whole grains pack a powerful antioxidant punch along with their well-known fiber muscle, according to a new study.

Cigarette Smoking Dulls Taste
Cigarette smoking not only causes cancer and cardiovascular disease, it also dulls taste, making food less palatable, a new study suggests.

August 25, 2009

Cucumbers for optimal health
The flesh of cucumbers is primarily composed of water but also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. Cucumbers'hard skin is rich in fiber and contains a variety of beneficial minerals...

Blueberries Help Prevent Mental Decline
Blueberries are packed with tannins, anthocyanins that have been linked to prevention - and even reversal - of age related mental decline and anti-cancer effects.

Obesity Is Biggest Health Problem for Kids
U.S. adults continue to rate obesity as the biggest health problem for children, according to a 2009 poll conducted by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

August 24, 2009

Optimistic Women May Have Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Need a reason to look on the bright side? A new study suggests that optimists’ glass-half-full approach to life may actually offer some health benefits.

Worries May Worsen Peripheral Arterial Disease
Having a negative, inhibited personality may increase the risk of death among people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a Dutch study suggests.

More moms need to breast-feed
With breast-feeding rates still not at the levels health-care providers and policymakers would like, two U.S. health agencies have decided it’s time to take action.

August 21, 2009

Exercise Boosts Muscle Cell Energy in Seniors
Whether a person is 8 years old or 88, exercise helps protect against type 2 diabetes. It does this, in part, by revving up the function of small structures called mitochondria, which are found inside cells.

Sedentary lives can be deadly experts say
As many as 50 million Americans are living sedentary lives, putting them at increased risk of health problems and even early death, a leading expert in exercise science told the American Psychological Association.

Mediterranean Diet Plus Exercise Lowers Alzheimer’s Risk
Eating a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes and healthy fats, and increasing physical activity levels can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a new study shows.

August 20, 2009

A Recipe For Longevity: 33 Of The Healthiest Foods On Earth
Is it possible to live to 125 or maybe 150? It's certainly a possibility, as discussed on Oprah Winfrey's recent show on longevity. She visited me at my farm to learn how, at 86, I am enjoying the robust health, energy, and mental creativity of someone many decades younger. My secret: large quantities of fruit and vegetables, plus an hour of daily exercise.

Taking a Cue From Julie & Julia: Can More Time in the Kitchen Make You Thin?
“….You want Americans to eat less? I have the diet for you. It’s short, and it’s simple. Here’s my diet plan: Cook it yourself. That’s it. Eat anything you want—just as long as you’re willing to cook it yourself.”

Study finds links between video-game playing and health risks in adults
While video gaming is generally perceived as a pastime for children and young adults, research shows that the average age of players in the United States is 35.

August 19, 2009

Obese Account for Greatest Jump in Healthcare Costs
Healthcare spending on obese patients in the U.S. has ballooned, growing more than 80% over a five-year period, researchers have found.

Coming of Age at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) has entered its 20th year — at the crossroads between adolescence and adulthood.

I Hate My Thighs—That’s Why I’m Sticking to Short Skirts
I hate my legs. Sure, they’re toned and strong, but after a friend called them “burly,” I had a hard time baring anything above my knee. They’re the first place I gain weight, the last place I lose it, and even at my Feel Great Weight, they continue to haunt me.

August 18, 2009

Stress May Cause Asthma in Kids
Children living in high- stress homes may be more at risk for asthma associated with environmental triggers like traffic-related air pollution and exposure to cigarette smoke, new research shows.

Curcumin May Prevent Clogged Arteries
The compound that gives curry spice powder its yellowish color may protect arteries from fatty buildup, new research in mice shows.

Floral Scent Soothes Stress
Sniffing your way around the local farmer’s market may offer some of nature’s best aromatherapy to reduce stress.

August 17, 2009

Healthy Lifestyle Decreases Men's Risk of Heart Failure
Now a large study has confirmed that key lifestyle elements such as exercise, diet, not smoking, and moderate drinking have a big impact on risk of heart failure.

Daily Glass of Orange Juice Is Heart Smart
An apple a day is said to keep the doctor away, but orange juice may be good at the job, too. An antioxidant in orange juice called hesperidin improves blood vessel function and helps lower a person’s risk of heart disease, researchers report.

Cut Hypertension Drugs With Low-Salt Diet
Lowering daily salt intake may reduce the need to prescribe additional medications to control high blood pressure, according to a new study.

August 14, 2009

Food of the week: Grapes
The combination of crunchy texture and dry, sweet, tart flavor has made grapes an ever popular between meal snack as well as a refreshing addition to both fruit and vegetable salads.

Slide Into Debt Could Bring Wider Waistline
Obesity rates may increase along with rising financial debt, German researchers suggest.

Lifestyle and Diet Cause Most of Hypertension in Women
A healthy lifestyle and diet could prevent new-onset hypertension in most women, a large observational study revealed.

August 13, 2009

Pessimism, Cynicism Can Hurt Your Heart
Study: Negative Outlook Appears to Raise Risk of Heart Disease, Death. Whether you believe the metaphorical glass is half full or half empty may not only affect how you see the world, it may also affect your heart.

Stress Raises Belly Fat, Heart Risks
Study Shows Monkeys Under Long-Term Stress Put on Belly Fat, Get Heart Disease. That extra belly fat is why the stressed monkeys are much more likely to suffer blocked arteries and metabolic syndrome, a constellation of risk factors for heart disease, suggest Carol A. Shively, PhD, and colleagues at Wake Forest University.

Why willpower often fails
People who rely on sheer willpower to help them lose weight, stop smoking, or beat other addictions more often than not end up giving in to temptation, and now new research may help explain why.

August 12, 2009

Cholesterol Screening Shouldn’t Rely on Kids’ Weight
U.S. cholesterol testing guidelines for children may have to be revised, say researchers who found that measuring body fat isn’t an effective indicator of high cholesterol in kids.

Older Means Happier? For Most People It Would Seem So, Say Researchers
Researchers speaking at an international psychology conference said there was evidence that people get happier as they age, and that older people are better at controlling their emotions and avoiding things that make them unhappy.

Study Shows People Who Follow 4 Habits Sharply Reduce Risk of Serious Disease
Don't smoke. Get off the sofa and take a walk. Stay away from the junk food. Watch your waistline. You may have heard the advice before. But did you know that if you follow all four of these healthy habits together, you could decrease your chances of developing some of the most common and deadly chronic diseases by nearly 80%?

August 10, 2009

Americans Spend $34 Billion on Alternative Medicine
Americans spend almost a third as much money out-of pocket on herbal supplements and other alternative medicines as they do on prescription drugs, a new government report shows.

Growing Evidence Of Marijuana Smoke's Potential Dangers
In a finding that challenges the increasingly popular belief that smoking marijuana is less harmful to health than smoking tobacco, researchers in Canada are reporting that smoking marijuana, like smoking tobacco, has toxic effects on cells.

August 7, 2009

Tanning Beds Get Highest Carcinogen Rating
The International Agency for Research on Cancer on Tuesday moved tanning beds to its highest cancer risk category — “carcinogenic to humans,” according to a new report.

A Superfood a Day: Two Weeks Worth of Disease-Fighting Foods
Fruits and vegetables are great for you health—and even better for your waistline. But some fresh foods are more powerful than others. Superfoods have more than their fair share of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting nutrients.

Millions Of U.S. Children Low In Vitamin D
Seven out of ten U.S. children have low levels of vitamin D, raising their risk of bone and heart disease, according to a study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

August 6, 2009

Mildly High Cholesterol at Midlife Linked to Alzheimer’s
Adults who had just slightly elevated blood cholesterol when they were in their early 40s were at greater risk of developing decades later, compared with those whose cholesterol was at optimal levels, a new study has found.

Strawberries help reduce cognitive decline
Strawberries protect the heart, reduce risks of cancer, act as an anti-inflammatory and may be good for the brain, too, U.S. researchers say.

What can high-potassium foods do for you?
Potassium is found abundantly in many foods, and is especially easy to obtain in fruits and vegetables. Excellent sources of potassium include chard, crimini mushrooms, and spinach.

August 5, 2009

Exercise Is Healthy For Mom And Child During Pregnancy
Physicians should recommend low to moderate levels of exercise to their pregnant patients, even if they have not exercised prior to pregnancy, states a report published in the August 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS).

Children: Wear bright colors on walk to school
A U.S. safety expert advises parents not let a child under age 10 to cross the street alone and be sure children wear brightly colored clothing when walking. Injury prevention coordinator Susan Laurence of Trauma Services at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio also says bright colors might make a child more visible to traffic.

Nicotine may advance pancreatic cancer
Exposure to nicotine via smoking has been linked to a greater risk of aggressive pancreatic cancer, U.S. researchers say.

August 4, 2009

Salt Linked to Uncontrolled Blood Pressure
"NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People with high blood pressure that isn't controlled by multiple medications are likely eating too much salt, new findings in the journal Hypertension show."

College Freshman - Beware of Weight Gain!
"A new study shows that nearly one in four freshmen gain at least 5% of their body weight, an average of about 10 pounds, during their first semester."

August 3 , 2009

Tongue Exercises May Ease Sleep Apnea
"Doing certain tongue and facial exercises for 30 minutes daily may ease the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, a Brazilian study shows."

Vegetable Protein Lowers Blood Pressure
"A new study shows that an amino acid known as glutamic acid, which is found in greater amounts in vegetable protein, is associated with lower blood pressure."

Vinegar Aids in Weight Loss
"The latest weapon in the battle of the bulge may be as close as your kitchen pantry. Ordinary household vinegar -- used to make oil-and-vinegar salad dressings or pickles -- appears to turn on genes that help fight fat, researchers in Japan report."

July 31, 2009

US soda tax pushed
"US health sheriffs want to ride the sugary drinks that are helping to make Americans fat out of town, or at least off Americans' menu of choice, and one way they suggest going about it is by taxing sodapop." AFP

Americans spend $34B for alternative medicine
"Americans spend more than a 10th of their out-of-pocket health care dollars on alternative medicine, according to the first national estimate of such spending in more than a decade." Associated Press

House OKs food safety bill
"The U.S. House approved the biggest overhaul of food-safety laws in decades in the wake of outbreaks of food-borne illnesses that sickened, killed and left industries fighting to woo back wary consumers." Bloomberg

July 30, 2009

Strawberries boost brain health
"Strawberries protect the heart, reduce risks of cancer, act as an anti-inflammatory and may be good for the brain, too, U.S. researchers say." UPI

Severe obesity rates triple in kids
"Rates of severe childhood obesity have tripled in the last 25 years, putting many children at risk for diabetes and heart disease." Academic Pediatrics

Smoking tied to advanced cancer
"Smoking has once again been implicated in the development of advanced cancer. Exposure to nicotine by way of cigarette smoking may increase the likelihood that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma will become metastatic." Thomas Jefferson University

July 29, 2009

Lack of sun tied to depression
"A lack of sunlight is associated with reduced cognitive function among depressed people." Environmental Health

Tanning beds, cancer linked
"Ultraviolet radiation tanning beds and UV radiation were moved up to the highest cancer risk category by a World Health Organization agency, officials said." UPI

Weight loss boosts mood
"After a 6-month behavioral weight loss program, depressed patients not only lost 8% of their initial weight but also reported significant improvements in their symptoms of depression, as well as reductions in triglycerides, which are a risk factor for heart disease and stroke." University of Pennsylvania

July 28, 2009

Costs of treating obesity soar
"Medical costs linked to obesity have doubled in eight years to $147 billion per year nationwide, according to a national study released Monday." The Detroit News

Ending marriage hurts health
"Divorce and widowhood have a lingering, detrimental impact on health, even among those who remarry, U.S. researchers found." UPI

Good packs save kid's backs
"Orthopedic experts at a U.S. hospital advise parents to make sure their child's backpack is a quality one." UPI

July 27, 2009

Heart health, lifestyle link grows
"The evidence in favor of a healthy lifestyle for the prevention of cardiovascular disease grows ever stronger." European Society of Cardiology

Some injuries may start in mind
"New research shows that training your brain may be just as effective as training your muscles in preventing ACL knee injuries, and suggests a shift from performance-based to prevention-based athletic training programs." University of Michigan

New research measures mood
"In practice, for decades, social scientists have had a devilish headache in trying to measure happiness." University of Vermont

July 26, 2009

Strength training improves mobility in older adults
"Progressive resistance strength training not only helps older adults become stronger but also makes their everyday life easier." Cochrane Review

Experts offer ways to save on health-care costs
"The best thing we can do to rein in health-care costs is to invest in keeping people healthy instead of waiting for them to be sick or injured." The Washington Post

Many health workers may not respond in pandemic
" Approximately 1 in 6 public health workers said they would not report to work during a pandemic flu emergency regardless of its severity." Johns Hopkins Bloomberg

July 25, 2009

Omega-3 may prevent blindness
"Current research suggests that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent one of the leading causes of legal blindness among the elderly." American Journal of Pathology

Caffeine-fueled youth don't get enough sleep
"Fueled by caffeine teens are up late at night, and they aren't just focusing on homework." Drexel University

Denny's sued over salt content
"Doctors recommend against eating more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day. Order a Denny's double cheeseburger and you'll consume 3,880 milligrams in one sitting, almost double the suggested daily allowance of salt." The Los Angeles Times

July 24, 2009

Clean air standards questioned
"Ozone exposure, even at levels deemed safe by current clean air standards, can have a significant and negative effect on lung function." University of California Davis

Meat additives harm kidneys
"Uncooked meat products enhanced with food additives may contain high levels of phosphorous and potassium that are not discernible from inspection of food labels." American Society of Nephrology

Stroke differs by gender
"Congress is expected to take up legislation this summer aimed at improving the nation's healthcare system. Whatever the shape of the final bill, it will have at least some impact on one of the three leading causes of death in the U.S.: stroke." American Physiological Society

July 23, 2009

Eating habits can worsen stress
"The economy is stressing many, but some eating patterns people develop to cope with the mental strain only worsen it, a U.S. eating expert says." UPI

Depression, asthma linked
"Stress and depression may cause asthma in young people to worsen, U.S. researchers say." UPI

New insight on anorexia
"New imaging technology provides insight into abnormalities in the brain circuitry of patients with anorexia nervosa (commonly known as anorexia) that may contribute to the puzzling symptoms found in people with the eating disorder." UCSD

July 22, 2009

Mom's health impacts offspring before conception
"Mothers' health in the days and weeks prior to becoming pregnant may determine the health of offspring much later in life." University of Pittsburgh

Secondhand smoke a major risk for college students
"Secondhand smoke is not only a nuisance, but a potential health concern for many college students, and administrators should be taking steps to reduce students' exposure." Wake Forest University

Obese fat tissue 'malfunctions'
"Fat tissue in obesity is dysfunctional, yet, the processes that cause fat tissue to malfunction are poorly understood, specifically, it is unknown how fat cells 'translate' stresses in obesity into dysfunction." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

July 21, 2009

Green tea and cancer prevention link explored
"Lifestyle choices are pieces of the cancer prevention puzzle, but exactly which steps to take remain unclear, even to scientists. Still, more and more individuals are incorporating small changes into their daily routine, such as drinking green tea, in hopes of keeping cancer risk at bay." Center for Advancing Health

Stress can make you sick
"Whether it's getting a cold during exam time or feeling run-down after a big meeting, we've all experienced feeling sick following a particularly stressful time at work or school." Association for Psychological Science

Music may help autistic kids
"The power of music affects all of us and has long appealed to our emotions. It is for this reason that UCLA researchers are using music to help children with autism spectrum disorders, for whom understanding emotions is a very difficult task." UCLA

July 20, 2009

Popular drinks erode teeth
"Popular beverages, such as sodas and citric juices, may be causing teeth to erode." UPI

Strength training eases tennis elbow woes
"Elbow or forearm pain from tennis or other activities, tennis elbow, may be eased with a specific exercise." UPI

World seniors to number 1.3 billion by 2040
"The world's population of older people is growing at the fastest rate ever seen and the old will soon outnumber the young for the first time." Reuters

July 19, 2009

Flavonoids protect brain from dementia
"A group of chemicals found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as tea, cocoa and red wine, could protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease." British Pharmacological Society

Reckless behavior in teens explored
"Why do people engage in stupid and potentially deadly activities, and why do teens in particular have a propensity for this behavior?" Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics

Thyroid cancer rise not explained by screening
"The authors conclude that incidence rates of differentiated thyroid cancers of all sizes increased between 1988 and 2005 in both men and women, and that the increased incidence across all tumor sizes suggests that increased detection through testing is not the sole explanation." American Cancer Society

July 18, 2009

Asian spice may reduce cancer risk
"Researchers have found that curcumin, a popular Indian spice derived from the turmeric root, could reduce the cancer risk for women after exposure to hormone replacement therapy." Mayo Clinic

Brain scans suggest ignorance isn't bliss
"New research demonstrates that single neurons in the reward center of the brain process not only primitive rewards but also more abstract, cognitive rewards related to the quest for information about the future." National Institutes of Health

Higher speeds cost lives
"The repeal of the federal speed control law in 1995 has resulted in an increase in road fatalities and injuries." University of Illinois

July 17, 2009

Previous exercise helps stroke recovery
"A person who has exercised regularly prior to the onset of a stroke appears to recover more quickly." Mayo Clinic

A little baking soda slows kidney decline
"A daily dose of sodium bicarbonate, baking soda, already used for baking, cleaning, acid indigestion, sunburn, and more, slows the decline of kidney function in some patients with advanced chronic kidney disease." American Society of Nephrology

Active video games can provide moderate exercise
"Scientists have found that playing active video games can be as effective for children as moderate exercise." University of Oklahoma

July 16, 2009

Formula-fed kids are more likely to be heavy
"Many moms who bottle-feed lack important information on how to feed their infants safely, which could lead to overfeeding and heavy kids." Reuters

Health care overhaul clears hurdle
"President Barack Obama achieved a milestone Wednesday when a Senate committee approved a plan to revamp the U.S. health care system." Associated Press

Unborn form memories at 30 weeks
"They weigh less than 3 pounds, usually, and are perhaps 15 inches long. But they can remember." The Washington Times

July 15, 2009

Stroke in children costs US $42 million
"Stroke in children costs at least $42 million annually in the United States." American Heart Association

New insight into the obesity, insulin link
"Obesity very often leads to insulin resistance, and now researchers have uncovered another factor behind that ill consequence." Cell Press

Pandemic flu numbers remain fuzzy
"Many people are confused about just how many patients have been infected with the new H1N1 flu, which in turn makes it hard to tell how bad the pandemic is." Reuters

July 14, 2009

Dementia cases on the rise
"The number of people with Alzheimer's and dementia, both new cases and total numbers with the disease, continues to rise among the very oldest segments of the population in contradiction of the conventional wisdom." Alzheimer's Association

Citrus flavonoid may prevent obesity
"A flavonoid derived from citrus fruit has shown tremendous promise for preventing weight gain and other signs of metabolic syndrome which can lead to Type 2 Diabetes and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study." University of Western Ontario

Online game helps kids eat right
"Children who play an online game promoting healthy foods and beverages appear more likely to choose nutritious snacks than those who play a game promoting unhealthy products, according to a new report." Georgetown University

July 13, 2009

Micropollutants threaten water resources
"Worldwide, around 11,000 new substances are registered every day. Chemicals are an indispensable part of our daily lives: industrial chemicals, pesticides and biocides, medicines, cleaning agents, flame retardants for furniture and plastics, the list could be extended indefinitely." Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology

Athletes can keep playing after joint replacement
"Replacing a joint in any part of the body often leads to a long recovery process and the possibility of not being able to return to a sport or activity. However, a new study presents findings that even an older individual who receives a total shoulder joint replacement can return to full participation within approximately six months of surgery." American Orthopaedic Society

Youth mistaken about peer drinking habits
"Blame it on peer pressure. When college students think that other undergrads drink a lot of alcohol, they drink more themselves. However, a new systematic review suggests that when college students learn they are mistaken about the actual normal drinking habits of their peers, they sometimes imbibe less often." Center for Advancing Health

July 12, 2009

Diets that harm teeth also harm body
"Dental disease may be a wake-up call that your diet is harming your body." University of Washington

Pre-cessation patch doubles quit success
"Using a nicotine patch before quitting smoking can double success rates, according to researchers. They say their latest data suggest changes should be made to nicotine patch labeling." Duke University Medical Center

Breakthrough uses sound to help blind see
"Video from portable cameras is analyzed to calculate the distance of obstacles and predict the movements of people and cars. This information is then transformed and relayed to a blind person as a three-dimensional 'picture' of sound." University of Laguna

July 11, 2009

Fruits, veggies lower lung infection risk
"Pregnant women that consumption of at least seven servings per day of fruits and vegetables moderately reduced the risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection." Boston University

Chinese herbs may offer endometriosis relief
"Chinese herbal medicine may relieve symptoms in the treatment of endometriosis. A systematic review found some evidence that women had comparable benefits following laparoscopic surgery and suffered fewer adverse effects if they were given Chinese herbs compared with conventional drug treatments." Cochrane Researchers

Obesity boosts swine flu risk
"People who are obese but otherwise healthy may be at special risk of severe complications and death from the new H1N1 swine flu virus, U.S. researchers reported on Friday." Reuters

July 10, 2009

US to spend billions on flu vaccine
"The Obama administration said yesterday that it has billions of dollars available to help pay for a national H1N1 flu vaccine program that could be ready starting in mid-October." The Boston Globe

Fewer calories may lead to longer life
"Sharply cutting calories in the diets of rhesus monkeys was found to reduce aging-related deaths, according to a study that followed 76 monkeys for two decades." The Wall Street Journal

Dry mouth linked to medication use
"Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is caused by a decrease in salivary function. It affects approximately one in four Americans, placing more than 25 percent of people at risk for tooth decay." Academy of General Dentistry

July 9, 2009

Age no barrier for track and field couple
"O'Connor, 67, and her partner, Held, 81, were looking for property two years ago that would allow them to build a pole-vaulting pit near their home in Del Mar, not for their grandchildren, not for their children, but for themselves." USA Today

Childhood obesity hospitalizations nearly double
"The number of hospitalizations of kids and teens, ages 2 to 19, with a primary or secondary diagnosis of obesity nearly doubled between 1999 and 2005." USA Today

Plain language best for doctors and patients
"The doctor's mouth opens, and 'medicalese' pours forth: words like 'pyrosis' and 'myocardial infarction.' The patient's eyes glaze over." Group Health Cooperative Center for Health Studies

July 8, 2009

US moves forward on food safety
"The Obama administration on Tuesday ordered tougher steps to curb salmonella and E.coli contamination of U.S. food and created a post of deputy food commissioner to coordinate safety in the wake of a major salmonella outbreak." Reuters

Public believes bottled water is healthier
"A small study has shown that people tend to believe that bottled water is somehow healthier than water from the tap." University of Birmingham

Non-drug interventions best for calming kids
"Parental acupuncture, clown doctors, hypnotherapy, low sensory stimulation and hand-held video games are promising non-drug interventions that are likely to help reduce children's anxiety during the onset of their anaesthetic." Cochrane Systematic Review

July 7, 2009

Health food supplement can curb compulsions
"A common antioxidant, widely available as a health food supplement, may help stop the urges of those with trichotillomania, a disorder characterized by compulsive hair-pulling." University of Minnesota

Team sports reduce teen smoking
"Participating in team sports is associated with a reduced likelihood of youths becoming established smokers, according to a new report." National Cancer Institute

Depression predicts drop out risk
"College students with depression are twice as likely as their classmates to drop out of school, new research shows." University of Michigan

July 6, 2009

Hormone use linked to cancer
"The recent decline in invasive breast cancer in the US was significantly less pronounced in the poor and those who live in rural areas. Researchers suggest this may be due to varying reductions in the numbers of women taking hormone therapy." Northern California Cancer Center

Vitamin D deficiency on the rise
"Populations across the globe are suffering from the impact of low levels of vitamin D. The problem is widespread and on the increase, with potentially severe repercussions for overall health and fracture rates." International Osteoporosis Foundation

Placebo effect and addiction explored
"While there were no differences in outcomes between treatment groups, those who believed they had been taking active medication consumed fewer alcoholic drinks and reported less alcohol dependence and cravings." Journal of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics

July 5, 2009

Pregnancy weight affects child's obesity risk
"A mother's weight and the amount she gains during pregnancy both impact her daughter's risk of obesity decades later." University of North Carolina

Salt levels, circadian rhythm linked
"New research suggests a link between the circadian rhythm and control of sodium levels." Journal of Clinical Investigation

Blight strikes US potato, tomato plants
"The disease blamed for the Irish potato famine in the 1840s is infecting tomato and potato plants in the eastern United States, agricultural officials said." UPI

July 4, 2009

Heaviest state weighs options
"While the South is known the world over for its rich culinary fare, that cuisine comes with some serious ramifications." The Natchez Democrat

Anger boosts blood flow
"Mental stress causes carotid artery dilation and increases brain blood flow. A series of ultrasound experiments also found that this dilatory reflex was absent in people with high blood pressure." University of Southern California

Individual care helps autistic kids learn
"Since the 1970s, there has been much debate surrounding the fact that individuals with autism have difficulty in understanding speech in situations where there is background speech or noise." City College of New York

July 3, 2009

Natural compound may prevent blindness
"Researchers have found a way to use a natural compound to stop one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States." American Diabetes Association

Vegetarian diets can prevent, treat disease
"The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on vegetarian diets that concludes such diets, if well-planned, are healthful and nutritious for adults, infants, children and adolescents and can help prevent and treat chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes." American Dietetic Association

Gum health can determine heart heath
"The potential role of periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the gums, in the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly ischemic stroke, has received growing attention during the last decade." Annals of Neurology

July 2, 2009

Antibiotics take toll on good bacteria
"It's common knowledge that a protective navy of bacteria normally floats in our intestinal tracts. Antibiotics at least temporarily disturb the normal balance." University of Michigan

US obesity rates swell
"Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers." Associated Press

FDA warning issued over quit smoking drugs
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will require two smoking-cessation drugs, Chantix and Zyban, to carry the agency's strongest safety warning over side effects including depression and suicidal thoughts." Associated Press

July 1, 2009

FDA urges ban on popular painkillers
"The popular prescription painkillers Vicodin and Percocet, which combine acetaminophen with an opiate narcotic, should be banned, and the maximum dose of over-the-counter painkillers with acetaminophen, like Tylenol or Excedrin, should be lowered, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel urged Tuesday." Dayton Daily News

Stressed men more likely take risks
"Men under stress may be more likely to take risks, correlating to such real-life behavior as gambling, smoking, unsafe sex and illegal drug use." University of Southern California

Seasonal hunger remains under recognized
"Most of the world's acute hunger and undernutrition occurs not in conflicts and natural disasters but in the annual 'hunger season.'" Public Library of Science

June 30, 2009

Purple sweet potato shows anti-cancer promise
"A Kansas State University researcher is studying the potential health benefits of a specially bred purple sweet potato because its dominant purple color results in an increased amount of anti-cancer components." Kansas State University

Aerobics can keep brain youthful
"New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine finds that aerobic activity may keep the brain young." University of North Carolina

Placebo effect can help kids with ADHD
"The review suggested that when caregivers believed their ADHD patients were receiving ADHD medication, they tended to view those children more favorably and treat them more positively, whether or not medication was actually involved." University at Buffalo

June 29, 2009

Intensive support doubles quit rate for smokers
"Patients admitted to hospital with coronary artery disease are twice as likely to quit smoking after receiving intensive smoking cessation support compared to minimal support." Canadian Medical Association

Less mass builds better bones in kids
"A child with leaner body mass, or muscle, builds bigger bones than a child who weighs the same but has a greater percentage of fat." South Dakota State University

Normal weight best bet for longevity
"Underweight people and those who are extremely obese die earlier than people of normal weight, but those who are overweight actually live longer than people of normal weight. Carrying a little extra weight may give people a longevity advantage, but there are many negative health consequences associated with being overweight and obesity." Golin/Harris International

June 28, 2009

Low-calorie, longevity link explored
"Experiment after experiment confirms that a diet on the brink of starvation expands lifespan in mice and many other species. But the molecular mechanism that links nutrition and survival is still poorly understood." Salk Institute

Nicotine dependence remains high
"Despite recent declines in cigarette use in the U.S., nicotine dependence has remained steady among adults and has actually increased among some groups." Columbia University

Soy tied to improved lung function
"People who eat lots of soy products have better lung function and are less likely to develop the smoking-associated lung disease Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease." Curtin University of Technology

June 27, 2009

Carbohydrate, cardiac health link explored
"Doctors have known for decades that too much carbohydrate-laden foods like white bread and corn flakes can be detrimental to cardiac health." Tel Aviv University

Dietary fat boosts pancreatic cancer risk
"High intake of dietary fats from red meat and dairy products was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer." Journal of the National Cancer Institute

One in 25 deaths worldwide tied to alcohol
"1 in 25 deaths are directly attributable to alcohol consumption. This rise since 2000 is mainly due to increases in the number of women drinking." Center for Addiction and Mental Health

June 26, 2009

Late-life weight gain ups disability risk
"Gaining weight after age 50 increases a person's risk of becoming disabled, especially if he or she is already obese." Reuters

US cancer decline uneven
"A drop in colorectal cancer incidence seen throughout the United States has not occurred among people living in poorer communities, researchers said." UPI

Soy tied to improved lung function
"People who eat soy products have better lung function and are less likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." UPI

June 25, 2009

Weight tied to pancreatic cancer risk
"In reviewing the weight history of pancreatic cancer patients across their life spans, researchers have determined that a high body mass index in early adulthood may play a significant role in an individual developing the disease at an earlier age." University of Texas

Sleep problem linked to weight gain
"A link exists between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and weight gain. Results indicate that people with an apnea-hypopnea index of over 15 had an increase in body mass index." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Cupping therapy eases pain
"An external suction technique mainly used outside the U.S., called cupping, is effective for providing temporary relief of pain from carpal tunnel syndrome." American Pain Society

June 24, 2009

Brushing, flossing may protect memory
"Brushing teeth and flossing may not only reduce gum disease and stroke but memory loss, U.S. researchers suggest." UPI

Keeping social slows motor decline
"Loss of muscle strength, speed and dexterity is a common consequence of aging, and a well-established risk factor for death, disability and dementia. Yet little is known about how and why motor decline occurs when it is not a symptom of disease." Rush University

Many overweight youth underestimate weight
"In a study of urban-living mostly African American adolescents, nearly 40 percent were overweight or obese, and 27 percent of these youngsters underestimated their weight, researchers report." Reuters

June 23, 2009

Pesticides found on floors in many US homes
"Insecticides used in and around homes, including products voluntarily removed from the market years ago, were measured on the floors of U.S. residences, according to the first study large enough to generate national data on pesticide residues in homes." American Chemical Society

Melatonin can slow the effects of aging
"Better known as the 'time keeping' hormone, melatonin is naturally secreted by the body during the night. It is therefore a kind of biological signal for nightfall, allowing an organism to synchronize itself with the day/night rhythm." CNRS

New strategies take on childhood obesity
"The researchers reported on using wireless body networks and interactive multimedia to promote physical activity in children, and the link between childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes." University of Southern California

June 22, 2009

Obesity, diabetes link explored
"Obesity is probably the most important factor in the development of insulin resistance, but science's understanding of the chain of events is still spotty." Salk Institute

Green tea may slow cancer progress
"Men with prostate cancer who consumed the active compounds in green tea demonstrated a significant reduction in serum markers predictive of prostate cancer progression." American Association for Cancer Research

BMI may need to need to become race-specific
"The body mass index and waistline measurement overestimate obesity in African-Americans. The results suggest that conventional methods for estimating body fat may need to become race-specific." The Endocrine Society

June 21, 2009

Antioxidants may slow sight loss
"Academics have helped develop an antioxidant supplement which may slow down sight loss in elderly people." Queen's University Belfast

Nestle recall prompts food safety concerns
"Federal microbiologists and food safety investigators have descended on the Danville, Va., plant that makes Nestle's refrigerated cookie dough, trying to crack a scientific mystery surrounding a national outbreak of illness from E. coli 0157, a deadly strain of bacteria, which has been linked to the product." The Washington Post

Donate idle time for health breakthrough quest
"Not using your computer at the moment? You can now donate your computer's idle time to cutting-edge biomedical research aimed at finding a cure for HIV, Parkinson's, arthritis, and breast cancer." University of Delaware

June 20, 2009

Protect your ears on public transit
"The U.S. mass transit system, the largest in the world, provides affordable and efficient transportation to more than 33 million riders each weekday." Columbia University

Nanomaterials may impact health
"The recent explosion in the development of nanomaterials with enhanced performance characteristics for use in commercial and medical applications has increased the likelihood of people coming into direct contact with these materials." UCLA

One sixth of world is undernourished
"World hunger is projected to reach a historic high in 2009 with 1,020 million people going hungry every day, according to new estimates published by United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization." Food and Agriculture Organization

June 19, 2009

Local food environments tied to weight
"Living in an area with more fast food outlets and convenience stores than supermarkets and grocers has been associated with obesity." BMC Public Health

Naps with REM sleep boost mood
"Naps with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep refresh the brain's empathetic sensitivity for evaluating human emotions by decreasing a negative bias and amplifying recognition of positive emotions." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Good relationships linked to better rest
"Results show that women who were stably married or who had gained a partner during the eight years of the study had better sleep than women who were unmarried or who had lost a partner over the course of the study follow-up." University of Pittsburgh

June 18, 2009

'Life force' tied to body's stress response
"Our ability to withstand stress-related, inflammatory diseases may be associated, not just with our race and sex, but with our personality as well." University of Rochester

Artificial sweeteners get into rivers, drinking water
"Sewage treatment plants fail to remove artificial sweeteners completely from waste water. What's more, these pollutants contaminate waters downstream and may still be present in our drinking water." Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Higher life purpose boosts longevity
"Possessing a greater purpose in life is associated with lower mortality rates among older adults." Rush University Medical Center

June 17, 2009

Nutrient cocktail best for kids with Crohn's
"There is another path to treating IBD in children: a nutritional formula that was first developed for astronauts. This supplement puts 60-70% of children with Crohn's disease, a common IBD disorder, into remission, a success rate similar to that of traditional steroid-based drugs, but without side effects like malnutrition and growth retardation." Tel Aviv University

Tai Chi eases arthritis pains
"A new study has found Tai Chi to have positive health benefits for musculoskeletal pain. The results of the first comprehensive analysis of Tai Chi suggest that it produces positive effects for improving pain and disability among arthritis sufferers." The George Institute for International Health

Smokers' muscles tire faster
"Smokers' muscles tire much more quickly than those of non-smokers, irrespective of how many cigarettes they smoke per day or how long they have smoked." VU University

June 16, 2009

Sleep duration tied to weight gain
"Results indicate that twins who slept between 7 and 8.9 hours each night had a lower mean BMI (25.0 kg/m2) compared to those who regularly slept either more (25.2 kg/m2) or less (26.4 kg/m2) per night." University of Washington

Environmental contaminants influence newborn weight
"The investigators effectively showed a sustained decrease in birth weight differences between boys and girls, which supports the hypothesis of growing endocrine disruption related to environmental contaminants." University of Montreal

College drinking problems, deaths rise
"Alcohol-related deaths, heavy drinking episodes and drunk driving have all been on the rise on college campuses over the past decade, a new government study shows." National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

June 15, 2009

Obesity tied to depression in kids
"A new study connects abnormalities of the 'stress' hormone cortisol with symptoms of depression in obese children, and confirms that obesity and depression often occur together, even in children." The Endocrine Society

Poor sleep linked to unhappy relationships
"A bidirectional association exists between couples' sleep quality and the quality of their relationship." Associated Professional Sleep Societies

BMI gives incomplete picture of health risks
"Being overweight is a health concern, and using only body mass index (BMI) to determine weight classification may not give an accurate picture of a person's health." American Heart Association

June 14, 2009

Western lifestyle tied to world cancer rise
"A new study finds colorectal cancer incidence rates for both males and females increased in 27 of 51 countries worldwide between 1983 and 2002, and points to increasing Westernization as being a likely culprit." American Cancer Society

Dioxins in food linked to breastfeeding ills
"Exposure to dioxins during pregnancy harms the cells in rapidly-changing breast tissue, which may explain why some women have trouble breastfeeding or don't produce enough milk." University of Rochester

Work-related hypertension can linger into retirement
"Retirement from some occupations may not provide relief from the potentially devastating health effects of work-related hypertension." Loyola University

June 13, 2009

Natural hormone may halt muscle atrophy
"Researchers have found a potential new treatment for the common problem of muscle atrophy." The Endocrine Society

Proximity defines contagion risk perception
"We judge probability and make risk judgments all the time, such as when we try new products or consider which stocks to trade. It would seem that our decisions would be rational and based on concrete factors; however, we are not always so pragmatic." Association for Psychological Science

Laptop use tied to infertility
"While fatherhood might be far from the minds of most young men, behavior patterns they establish early on may impact their ability to become a dad later in life." Loyola University

June 12, 2009

Adults have more "good" fat than previously thought
"Keeping your baby fat turns out to be a good thing, as long as it is 'brown fat,' the kind that burns calories, according to a study that found adults have much more of this type of fat than previously thought." The Endocrine Society

Childhood obesity hastens heart disease
"By as early as 7 years of age, being obese may raise a child's future risk of heart disease and stroke, even without the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure." The Endocrine Society

Public knows little of human anatomy
"A study of patients and members of the public has shown that most lack even basic knowledge of human anatomy. The research found that people were generally incapable of identifying the location of major organs, even if they were currently receiving relevant treatment." BioMed Central

June 11, 2009

Too little sleep tied to high blood pressure
"Middle-aged adults who sleep fewer hours appear more likely to have high blood pressure and to experience adverse changes in blood pressure over time." Archives of Internal Medicine

Poor quality sleep increases risk of death
"Mounting evidence from a number of studies shows that poor sleep increases risk for adverse health outcomes." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

BPA exposure may be greater than safe daily dose
"People are likely being exposed to the commonly used chemical bisphenol A (BPA) at levels much higher than the recommended safe daily dose." The Endocrine Society

June 10, 2009

Film takes aim at US food industry
"Bigger-breasted chickens fattened artificially. New strains of deadly E. coli bacteria. A food supply controlled by a handful of corporations." Reuters

Type 2 diabetes found in kids as young as 7
"U.S. researchers have documented early signs of type 2 diabetes, the adult version of the disease, risk in children as young as age 7." UPI

Ignored cholesterol tied to heart attacks
"Researchers said on Tuesday they have found the strongest evidence yet that an often ignored form of cholesterol can cause heart attacks." Reuters

June 9, 2009

Computer related injuries on the rise
"While back pain, blurred vision and mouse-related injuries are now well-documented hazards of long-term computer use, the number of acute injuries connected to computers is rising rapidly." American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Sleep improves problem solving
"Research suggests that Rapid Eye Movement sleep enhances creative problem-solving. The findings may have important implications for how sleep, specifically REM sleep, fosters the formation of associative networks in the brain." University of California, San Diego

Plant-based, low-carb diet promotes weight loss
"Overweight individuals who ate a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet high in plant-based proteins for four weeks lost weight and experienced improvements in blood cholesterol levels and other heart disease risk factors." Archives of Internal Medicine

June 8, 2009

Hunger hormone tied to fatty foods
"New research suggests that the hunger hormone ghrelin is activated by fats from the foods we eat, not those made in the body, in order to optimize nutrient metabolism and promote the storage of body fat." University of Cincinnati

Hand washing kits teach valuable lessons
"We all know that coughs and sneezes spread diseases, and that we should wash our hands to prevent passing on nasty viruses and bacteria. But how many of us just flick our hands under a dribbling tap and think that will do?" Society for General Microbiology

New autoimmune treatment from Chinese medicine
"A drug derived from the hydrangea root, used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, shows promise in treating autoimmune disorders." Children's Hospital Boston

June 7, 2009

Body mass tied to sleep problems in kids
"A study found that waist circumference and body mass index are consistent, independent risk factors for all severity levels of sleep disordered breathing in children." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Smokers need persistence and strategies to quit
"The study reveals that, despite good intentions to quit smoking after college, multiple strategies, and multiple attempts, are typically necessary to be successful at smoking cessation." Journal of Consumer Affairs

Crowded emergency rooms hurt heart patients
"Patients with heart attacks and other forms of chest pain are three to five times more likely to experience serious complications after hospital admission when they are treated in a crowded emergency department." Academic Emergency Medicine

June 6, 2009

Psychiatric drugs for kids weighed
"Three blockbuster psychiatric drugs approved for adults also appear to work in adolescents, though federal health officials have concerns about exposing younger patients to the drugs' side effects." Associated Press

New health chief to target smoking
"Dr. Thomas Frieden has swung a big stick as New York City's top health official, pushing through bans on smoking and artery-clogging trans fats." Associated Press

CDC vows intense flu fight
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue to focus intensively on the new H1N1 flu virus as it prepares for the virus's possible return in full force in the fall, the agency's new director said." The Wall Street Journal

June 5, 2009

Soap-sniffing sensor encourages hand washing
"Call it a Breathalyzer for the hands. Using sensors capable of detecting drugs in breath, new technology monitors health-care workers' hand hygiene by detecting sanitizer or soap fumes given off from their hands." University of Florida

Health disparities have early childhood roots
"The origins of many adult diseases can be traced to early negative experiences associated with social class and other markers of disadvantage." Rockefeller University

FDA releases drug risks list
"U.S. regulators on Thursday listed two dozen drugs, including weight-loss medicines and sleep disorder pills, that it is at an early stage of reviewing for potential safety problems." Reuters

June 4, 2009

Medical bills underlie 60 percent of bankruptcies
"Medical bills are involved in more than 60 percent of U.S. personal bankruptcies, an increase of 50 percent in just six years, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday." Reuters

Preventative medicine returns $36 for every dollar invested
"There are many reasons why health care costs in the US are spiraling out of control: ineffective use of resources, unmanaged chronic conditions and infrequent implementations of proven prevention strategies all contribute." Harvard Medical School

Sedatives may boost suicide risk
"Sleeping tablets have been associated with a four-fold increase in suicide risk in the elderly. Researchers have shown that, even after adjusting for the presence of psychiatric conditions, sedatives and hypnotics were both associated with an increased risk of suicide." Gothenburg University

June 3, 2009

Exercise improves low back pain
"People with lower back pain are better off exercising more, not less." University of Alberta

Preventive medicine savings calculator devised
"Most in healthcare agree preventative medicine saves money, but U.S. researchers developed a 'return on investment calculator' to measure the savings." UPI

Online therapy improves sleep without drugs
" A study demonstrates that online cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia significantly improves insomnia severity, daytime fatigue, and sleep quality." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

June 2, 2009

Lower emissions boost health
"Eliminating 10 percent of current gasoline pollutant emissions would have a substantial beneficial impact on U.S. human health, researchers said." UPI

Exposure to TV impairs brain development
"In a new study, young children and their adult caregivers uttered fewer vocalizations, used fewer words and engaged in fewer conversations when in the presence of audible television." Seattle Children's Hospital

FDA warnings have 'spillover effect'
"Strong warnings by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about suicide risks linked to antidepressant use in children and young adults have had a 'spillover effect' on depression care in older adults, researchers said on Monday." Reuters

June 1, 2009

Obese women urged to watch pregnancy weight
"Obese women can safely gain a small amount of weight when pregnant, but doctors need to do more to help women stay slim before they become pregnant, US policy advisers said this week." The Mercury

Pollution linked to liver disease
"A new study is the first to show that there is a previously unrecognized role for environmental pollution in liver disease in the general U.S. adult population." The New York Times

Rejection fears drive appearance obsession
"People who feel pressure to look attractive are more fearful of being rejected because of their appearance than are their peers." University at Buffalo

May 31, 2009

Female ballerinas, athletes share risks
"Young female professional dancers face the same health risks as young female athletes when they don't eat enough to offset the energy they spend, and stop menstruating as a consequence." Medical College of Wisconsin

New warnings for hormone therapy
"Hormone replacement therapy taken by women to counter the effects of menopause can increase the risk of dying from lung cancer, researchers reported Saturday." The New York Times

Parental conflict hurts kids' health
"The research is clear: Adolescents tend to fare better, academically and behaviorally, when they live with both biological parents. But when their parents frequently argue, young adults are significantly more likely to binge drink than other teenagers." Cornell University

May 30, 2009

Low vitamin D impairs thinking
"New research suggests that low vitamin D levels in the body are associated with thinking or 'cognitive' impairments in older men, but whether vitamin D supplements can help is not yet known." Reuters

Oxidative stress can prolong life
"Oxidative stress has been linked to aging, cancer and other diseases in humans. Paradoxically, researchers have suggested that small exposure to oxidative conditions may actually offer protection from acute doses." UCSD

FDA to get new authority over tobacco
"In a historic shift in public health policy, Congress is poised to give the federal government sweeping new authority to regulate the manufacturing of cigarettes and other tobacco products." The Los Angeles Times

May 29, 2009

Unsafe neighborhoods inhibit elder mobility
"Elderly people who live below the poverty line and perceive their neighborhoods to be dangerous are more likely to have a mobility disability. Researchers suggest that even perceiving one's neighborhood as unsafe can 'get into the body' and, ultimately, prove hazardous for elder health." BMC Public Health

Daily drinks linked to binge drinking
"Sipping wine, beer or spirits three to four times per week increases the risk of binge drinking, particularly among young men." University of Montreal

Gum health tied to arthritis
"Here's one more reason to keep your teeth healthy. People, who suffer from gum disease and also have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, reduced their arthritic pain, number of swollen joints and the degree of morning stiffness when they cured their dental problems." Case Western Reserve University

May 28, 2009

Fewer Americans follow a healthy lifestyle
"Despite the well-known benefits of having a lifestyle that includes physical activity, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, moderate alcohol use and not smoking, only a small proportion of adults follow this healthy lifestyle pattern, and in fact, the numbers are declining." The American Journal of Medicine

Parents refusing vaccines put kids at risk
"Children of parents who refuse vaccines are 23 times more likely to get whooping cough compared to fully immunized children." Pediatrics

Well water can pose risk to children
"Private well water should be tested yearly, and in some cases more often." American Academy of Pediatrics

May 27, 2009

Maternal feeding not tied to child weight gain
"Strict maternal control over eating habits, such as determining how much a child should eat and coaxing them to eat certain foods, during early childhood may not lead to significant future weight gain in boys or girls. Instead, this behavior may be a response to concerns over a child's increasing weight." Lifespan

All natural dental filling developed
"Scientists are reporting development of a new dental filling material that substitutes natural ingredients from the human body for controversial ingredients in existing 'composite,' or plastic, fillings." American Chemical Society

Low vitamin D tied to two forms of dementia
"There are several risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Based on an increasing number of studies linking these risk factors with Vitamin D deficiency." Journal of Alzheimer's Disease

May 26, 2009

Whooping cough returns as parents decline vaccines
"One in 20 children whose parents do not get them vaccinated against whooping cough catch the highly contagious virus, researchers said on Tuesday." Reuters

Dizziness plagues older Americans
"A full third of American adults, 69 million men and women over age 40, are up to 12 times more likely to have a serious fall because they have some form of inner-ear dysfunction that throws them off balance and makes them dizzy." Johns Hopkins

Behavior therapy best for long-term insomnia
"For patients with persistent insomnia, a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and the medication zolpidem for 6 weeks was associated with improvement in sleep, although for a longer treatment period CBT alone was more beneficial, according to a new study." University of North Carolina

May 25, 2009

Ultraviolet light boosts lettuce antioxidants
"Salad dressing aside, a pile of spinach has more nutritional value than a wedge of iceberg lettuce. That's because darker colors in leafy vegetables are often signs of antioxidants that are thought to have a variety of health benefits." Optical Society of America

Diet helps diabetics control heart risk
"People with diabetes who maintain intensive, low blood sugar levels are significantly less likely to suffer heart attacks and coronary heart disease." The Lancet

'Eating for two' is bad for mom, baby
"Gaining too much weight is linked with complications at birth, such as pre-eclampsia or requiring a C-section, as well as higher odds that both mom and child will be obese later in life." University of North Carolina

May 24, 2009

Early abuse ups later health risks
"A history of child abuse significantly impacts the wide range of challenges facing depressed inpatients. Included are an increase in suicide attempts, prevalence of substance use disorder, and a higher incidence rate of personality disorder." Mayo Clinic

Sunblock numbers can be misleading
"SPFs range from a low of 2 to high double digits and now 100. As the SPF rises, however, the level of protection does not increase proportionally, according to the American Academy of Dermatology." The Times Free Press

Turmeric extract fights weight gain
"One well-known and often deadly consequence of alcohol intoxication is impaired driving. Yet still today, it is difficult for even trained observers to fully identify 'intoxication,' given that so many factors contribute to it. " Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research

May 23, 2009

Sleep, weight link strengthened
"There appears to be a link between sleep and weight control, with some studies indicating that sleep disruption can increase weight gain and others that diet affects sleep." Journal of Clinical Investigation

Be smart when buying organic
"Just a few short years ago, if you wanted to buy organic food, you had to make a special trip to an out-of-the-way grocery store. Today, organic products are, well, cropping up all over the place." Baylor Health Care System

Turmeric extract fights weight gain
"Curcumin, the major polyphenol found in turmeric, appears to reduce weight gain in mice and suppress the growth of fat tissue in mice and cell models." Tufts University

May 22, 2009

96,000 pounds of beef recalled
"An Illinois meat producer recalled nearly 96,000 pounds of potentially contaminated beef, the federal government announced Thursday." CNN

Study confirms plastic, toxin link
"Researchers found that participants who drank for a week from polycarbonate bottles, the popular, hard-plastic drinking bottles and baby bottles, showed a two-thirds increase in their urine of the chemical bisphenol A." Harvard School of Public Health

Amino acid proves effective ulcer fighter
"The amino acid glutamine, found in many foods as well as in dietary supplements, may prove beneficial in offsetting gastric damage caused by H. pylori infection." Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

May 21, 2009

Vitamin D boosts brain power
"Higher levels of vitamin D, synthesized in the skin after being exposed to the sun and found in oily fish, are associated with increased brain power among middle-aged men." AFP

Many breathe easier with vitamin
"Vitamin D may slow the progressive decline in the ability to breathe that can occur in people with asthma as a result of human airway smooth muscle proliferation." University of Pennsylvania

Overweight teens at higher suicide risk
"Being overweight, or simply believing they are overweight, might predispose some U.S. teens to suicide attempts, according to a new study." Center for Advancing Health

May 20, 2009

Soda tied to muscle troubles
"Doctors have issued a warning about excessive cola consumption after noticing an increase in the number of patients suffering from muscle problems." International Journal of Clinical Practice

Meditation technique improves attention, reduces stress
"Chinese researchers have unlocked the mechanism of an emerging mind-body technique that produces measurable changes in attention and stress reduction in just five days of practice." University of Oregon

Warm, sentimental area of the brain explored
"The same part of the brain that makes us crave food and sex may also help determine whether somebody is a warm and sentimental 'people' person." Reuters

May 19, 2009

Online support helps problem drinkers
"Problem drinking in Western societies contributes to disease and death as well as social and economic woes. Yet only a small number of people with alcohol problems, 10 to 20 percent, ever seek and participate in treatment." The Boston Globe

Women are more susceptible to ill effects of smoking
"Women may be more susceptible to the lung damaging effects of smoking than men. It has long been suspected that the effect of smoking on lung function may be modified by gender." American Thoracic Society

Drug-free asthma therapy shows promise
"An experimental asthma treatment that uses heat to reduce airway constriction provided some relief from severe asthma that is poorly controlled with medications." Reuters

May 18, 2009

Real and faux acupuncture proves effective
"Chronic back pain sufferers sometimes try acupuncture to find relief. Now, researchers report that two kinds of acupuncture, and even an acupuncture simulation using toothpicks, proved more helpful to patients than more traditional treatments, such as medications and visits to doctors or physical therapists." The Boston Globe

Handshakes return as flu fears wane
"The US traditions of handshakes at graduation and slapping a high five during sports competitions were banned when fears of a swine flu pandemic were at their peak, but are gingerly making a comeback." AFP

Pomegranates pack antioxidant punch
"The name means 'seeded apple,' and some scholars believe the pomegranate - not the apple - hung from the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden." The Daily Herald

May 17, 2009

Alzheimer's, heart disorder link found
"Researchers believe that they have made a breakthrough connection between atrial fibrillation, a fairly common heart rhythm disorder, and Alzheimer's disease, the leading form of dementia among Americans." Intermountain Medical Center

DHEA, vitamin D can save bones
"Taking a DHEA supplement combined with vitamin D and calcium can significantly improve spinal bone density in older women." Saint Louis University

Red Sea coral may fight skin cancer
"Scientists are exploring the mechanisms by which a substance derived ultimately from Red Sea coral could help treat skin cancer." South Dakota State University

May 16, 2009

Stress tied to childhood obesity
"Stress may indeed be a direct contributor to childhood obesity. That's according to a new study finding that increased levels of stress in adolescents are associated with a greater likelihood of them being overweight or obese." Iowa State University

High blood pressure, virus linked
"A new study suggests for the first time that cytomegalovirus, a common viral infection affecting between 60 and 99 percent of adults worldwide, is a cause of high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease." Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Many misjudge cancer risk
"Working with a population of individuals at risk for gastrointestinal cancers, researchers have learned that many people misjudge their actual degree of cancer risk and, therefore, their true need for prevention support." Fox Chase Cancer Center

May 15, 2009

Whole-grain cereal is the new sports supplement
"A bowl of whole-grain cereal is as good as a sports drink for recovery after exercise. New research has shown that the readily available and relatively inexpensive breakfast food is as effective as popular, carbohydrate-based 'sports drinks.'" Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

Low blood pressure diet may also save heart
"The DASH diet was initially developed to help patients lower their blood pressure, but a large study demonstrates that women who followed the diet also significantly reduced their risk of developing heart failure." Archives of Internal Medicine

Omega-threes reduce blindness risk
"Regularly eating fish, nuts, olive oil and other foods containing omega-three fatty acids and avoiding trans fats appears to be associated with a lower risk for the eye disease age-related macular degeneration, according to two new reports." Archives of Ophthalmology

May 14, 2009

Formaldehyde tied to blood, lymph problems
"Individuals exposed to relatively higher amounts of formaldehyde had a higher rate of death due to blood and lymph system malignancies than those exposed to lower levels of formaldehyde in a large cohort study." National Cancer Institute

Kava safe, effective treatment for anxiety
"Researchers have found a traditional extract of Kava, a medicinal plant from the South Pacific, to be safe and effective in reducing anxiety." University of Queensland

Two-thirds of child car seats used improperly
"While child booster car seat use has increased across the United States, many seats are improperly installed, leading to increased risk of serious injury for their little passengers." Indiana University

May 13, 2009

New, tough fast-food menu rules unveiled
"Massachusetts is expected to unveil the toughest restaurant menu labeling rules in the United States on Wednesday, requiring fast-food chains to list how many calories are in the food they sell in a bid to combat obesity." Reuters

Vibration plate exercise shows promise
"If used properly, vibration plate exercise machines may help people lose weight and reduce belly fat." UPI

Physicians and midwives often at odds
"Two researchers have uncovered a pattern of distrust and some outright antagonism between physicians at hospitals and midwives." UPI

May 12, 2009

Missed cues tied to obesity
"As the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States continues, researchers are examining whether early parent and child behaviors contribute to the problem." Rutgers University

Openness urged over vaccine refusal risks
"Physicians and nurses need to explain the risks of vaccine refusal while respectfully listening to parents' concerns." New England Journal of Medicine

Women have stronger immune system than men
"When it comes to immunity, men may not have been dealt an equal hand. The latest study shows that women have a more powerful immune system than men." McGill University

May 11, 2009

African tea may help diabetes
"Researchers are attempting, with the help of a special African tea, to develop a new treatment for type-2 diabetics." University of Copenhagen

Sleep trouble boosts heart risk
"Obstructive sleep apnea, or periodic interruptions in breathing throughout the night, thickens sufferers' blood vessels. Moreover, it increases the risk of several forms of heart and vascular disease." Reuters

Toxin-free pest control proves more effective
"For years, scientists have associated growing asthma rates among children with exposure to cockroach allergens, especially among inner-city children." Journal of Medical Entomology

May 10, 2009

Daily exercise improves kid's heart health
"School children as young as 11 can benefit from a daily exercise program in reducing their levels of several known risk factors for cardiovascular disease." University of Leipzig

Flu outbreak continues, but cleanliness improves
"The new H1N1 influenza virus quickened its spread across the United States, but health officials said on Friday they were encouraged that more people were washing their hands as a result of the outbreak." Reuters

Parent, child tensions carry into adulthood
"A diet that includes key nutrients and low-glycemic index foods is likely to reduce risks for age-related macular degeneration, according to the first study to analyze these factors in combination." American Academy of Ophthalmology

May 9, 2009

Undiagnosed diabetes costs US billions
"Approximately 6.3 million adults, or one fourth of the people in the U.S. with diabetes mellitus, are unaware they have the disease, and this undiagnosed population accounts for an estimated $18 billion in health care costs each year, according to a new study." Population Health Management

Late motherhood boosts family lifespan
"Women who have babies naturally in their 40s or 50s tend to live longer than other women. Now, a new study shows their brothers also live longer, but the brothers' wives do not, suggesting the same genes prolong lifespan and female fertility, and may be more important than social and environmental factors." University of Utah

Diet can lower age-related eye troubles
"A diet that includes key nutrients and low-glycemic index foods is likely to reduce risks for age-related macular degeneration, according to the first study to analyze these factors in combination." American Academy of Ophthalmology

May 8, 2009

Probiotics may fight obesity
"One year after giving birth, women were less likely to have the most dangerous kind of obesity if they had been given probiotics from the first trimester of pregnancy, found new research that suggests manipulating the balance of bacteria in the gut may help fight obesity." University of Turku

New methods sought to fight foodborne illness
"The convenience of fresh-cut produce, which includes packaged lettuces, has greatly increased sales despite multiple foodborne outbreaks associated with these products. To reduce these risks, strict hygiene programs and sanitizers are used for decontamination once the food is harvested." American Society for Horticultural Science

One in six older people face malnutrition risk
"As many as one in six people who took part in a study of older people who live at home were under-nourished and at risk of malnutrition." Journal of Clinical Nursing

May 7, 2009

Positive, focused kids make for healthy adults
"Children who can stay focused and don't sweat the small stuff have a better shot at good health in adulthood, and this is especially true for girls, according to a new study." Harvard School of Public Health

Women live longer, not better, due to obesity, arthritis
"Obesity and arthritis that take root during early and middle age significantly contribute to women's decreased quality of life during their senior years." Duke University

'Stinky' drywall raises health concerns
"Homeowners throughout the United States are complaining of stinky odors, copper pipe and wire corrosion, and respiratory problems in an ongoing crisis that officials say is linked to drywall imported from China." American Chemical Society

May 6, 2009

Alcohol drives mind to distraction
"A new study suggests that a moderate dose of alcohol increases a person's mind wandering, while at the same time reducing the likelihood of noticing that one's mind has wandered." University of Pittsburgh

ADHD linked to sleep problems in youth
"A new study shows that adolescents with a childhood diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder are more likely to have current and lifetime sleep problems and disorders, regardless of the severity of current ADHD symptoms." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Bedtime routine is good for tots and moms
"A new study demonstrates that the use of a consistent bedtime routine contributes to improvements in multiple aspects of infant and toddler sleep, bedtime behavior and maternal mood." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

May 5, 2009

New insight gained into salt, hypertension link
"High salt intake is generally linked to cardiovascular disease risk. But salt-sensitive hypertension still remains an enigma." Helmholtz Association

Texting behind the wheel can be fatal
"A new study confirms what most people already know: sending text messages and driving are a potentially lethal combination." Eastern Virginia Medical School

Thinking positive helps fight harmful stereotypes
"In a new study, cognitive scientists have shown that when aware of both a negative and positive stereotype related to performance, women will identify more closely with the positive stereotype, avoiding the harmful impact the negative stereotype unwittingly can have on their performance." Indiana University

May 4, 2009

Social class tied to diet choices, cost per calorie
"As people become more educated, studies have demonstrated that they tend to choose foods that are lower in calories but higher in nutrients. They also pay more." University of Washington

Mexico claims worst of flu outbreak is over
"Mexico announced on Sunday its swine flu epidemic had passed the worst and experts said the new H1N1 virus might be no more severe than normal flu, although it could still have an impact on world health." Reuters

Minds think faster than previously estimated
"Human beings far outpace computers in their ability to recognize faces and other objects, handling with ease variations in size, color, orientation, lighting conditions and other factors. But how our brains handle this visual processing isn't known in much detail." Children's Hospital Boston

May 3, 2009

Mercury contamination in seafood on the rise
"A new landmark study documents for the first time the process in which increased mercury emissions from human sources across the globe, and in particular from Asia, make their way into the North Pacific Ocean and as a result contaminate tuna and other seafood." United States Geological Survey

Genetic risk for anxiety does not determine outcome
"A growing body of basic animal research and studies of abused and neglected children provide a strong basis of support for the hypothesis that individuals with particular genotypes are at greater risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and problems with the abuse of alcohol and other substances." Biological Psychiatry

Chemical found in medical devices may impair heart
"Researchers have found that a chemical commonly used in the production of such medical plastic devices as intravenous bags and catheters can impair heart function." Johns Hopkins University

May 2, 2009

Folic acid may help allergies, asthma
"Folic acid, or vitamin B9, essential for red blood cell health and long known to reduce the risk of spinal birth defects, may also suppress allergic reactions and lessen the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms." BMC Public Health

Warning issued over fake flu cures
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are alerting the public to be wary of Internet sites and other promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus." U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Low vitamin D, illness linked
"A group of endocrinologists have observed that very sick patients tend to have very low levels of Vitamin D. The sicker they are, the lower the levels." Garvan Institute of Medical Research

May 1, 2009

Quick intervention can stop flu spread
"A disease spread simulation has emphasized that flu interventions must be imposed quickly, if they are to be effective." BMC Public Health

Obesity tied to higher infection risk
"The effect of the obesity epidemic in the United States transcends any one medical specialty or condition." American Urological Association

New sensor fights Listeria food poisoning
"Scientists in Indiana are reporting development of a new biosensor for use in a faster, more sensitive test for detecting the deadliest strain of Listeria food poisoning bacteria." American Chemical Society

April 30, 2009

Calm urged as flu pandemic spreads
"Thanks to the 24-hour media coverage about swine flu, we're all aware that a potential flu pandemic could be high. But before you stock up on face masks and hand sanitizer, it's important to put some things in perspective." Baylor University Medical Center

Smoking, high BP account for 1 in 5 deaths in US
"Smoking, high blood pressure and being overweight are the leading preventable risk factors for premature mortality in the United States." University of Helsinki

Working when ill boosts long term sick leave risk
"Repeatedly going to work when ill significantly boosts the chances of having to take long term sick leave later on." Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health

April 29, 2009

Being active now lowers need for care later
"A study shows that people who have been regularly physically active since middle age and have lived long, needed less hospital and institutional care during their last year of life than those people who have been only occasionally or not at all physically active." The Journals of Gerontology

Insight gained into depression, heart disease link
"Numerous studies have shown that depression is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, but exactly how has never been clear." University of Helsinki

Questions raised over antidepressant studies
"Findings from clinical studies used to gain Food and Drug Administration approval of common antidepressants are not applicable to most patients with depression." University of Pittsburgh

April 28, 2009

WHO raises flu alert level
"The World Health Organization on Monday stepped closer to declaring the spread of swine flu a global epidemic, although officials caution that worldwide contagion is not a foregone conclusion." USA Today

Poor sleep tied to ADHD
"During the recent decades, sleep duration has decreased in many countries; in the United States a third of children are estimated to suffer from inadequate sleep. It has been hypothesized that sleep deprivation may manifest in children as behavioral symptoms rather than as tiredness." University of Helsinki

Meditation improves visual memory
"Meditation has been practiced for centuries, as a way to calm the soul and bring about inner peace." Association for Psychological Science

April 27, 2009

Vitamin B1 may fight blindness
"Researchers have discovered that a form of vitamin B1 could become a new and effective treatment for one of the world's leading causes of blindness." University of Texas

US works quickly to contain flu outbreak
"The United States declared a public health emergency on Sunday because of an outbreak of swine flu that has infected 20 people across the country and is suspected of killing up to 81 people in Mexico." Northwestern University

FDA issues sprout warning
"The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told people Sunday not to eat raw alfalfa sprouts, saying they may be contaminated with salmonella." The Washington Times

April 26, 2009

Classical music boosts mood, productivity
"Baroque classical music in the reading room can help improve radiologists work lives, potentially improving diagnostic efficiency and accuracy." University of Maryland in Baltimore

Swine flu declared public health emergency
"International officials Saturday declared the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the U.S. a 'public health emergency' as new cases were reported on both sides of the border and fears grew of a possible global epidemic." Northwestern University

Time stress kills team spirit
"Many people work better under a tight deadline, but a new study suggests that it is a mistake to assume that a team can work effectively under constant time pressure and remain engaged and innovative with the work." International Journal of Innovation and Learning

April 25, 2009

Sugar is bad, but fructose is worse
"In 2005, the average American consumed 64kg of added sugar, a sizeable proportion of which came through drinking soft drinks." University of California at Davis

Positive body image helps women quit
"One in five women between the ages of 18 and 24 are smokers, and most say they keep lighting up for fear of gaining weight." Temple University

Walnuts improve motor skills in older people
"Adding a moderate, but not high, amount of walnuts to an otherwise healthy diet may help older individuals improve performance on tasks that require motor and behavioral skills." Agricultural Research Service

April 24, 2009

Economy, health get Americans gardening
"Alison Baum of San Antonio, Texas hopes to save money and eat better by getting her hands dirty." Reuters

Unusual flu outbreak hits 2 states
"An unusual strain of swine flu is circulating among people in the Southwest but is not known to have caused any deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday." The New York Times

US takes lead to end malaria
"President Barack Obama is committed to making the United States a global leader in ending the nearly 1 million deaths annually from malaria by 2015." Associated Press

April 23, 2009

Berry antioxidant saves skin
"Using a topical application of the antioxidant ellagic acid markedly prevented collagen destruction and inflammatory response, major causes of wrinkles." Hallym University

Too much or too little sleep ups diabetes risk
"Researchers have found that people who sleep too much or not enough are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance." Sleep Medicine

Grapes improve blood pressure, heart health
"Grapes may prevent heart health risks beyond the simple blood pressure-lowering impact that can come from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables." American Association for Cancer Research

April 22, 2009

Pesticides tied to Parkinson's disease
"Scientists know that in animal models and cell cultures, such pesticides trigger a neurodegenerative process that leads to Parkinson's disease. Now, researchers at UCLA provide the first evidence for a similar process in humans." UCLA

Charred meat, pancreatic cancer linked
"Meat cooked at high temperatures to the point of burning and charring may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer." American Association for Cancer Research

Walnuts reduce breast cancer risk
"Walnut consumption may provide the body with essential omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols that reduce the risk of breast cancer." American Association for Cancer Research

April 21, 2009

All smoke shifts heart into overdrive
"Secondhand tobacco smoke and smoke from cooking oil and wood smoke affected cardiovascular function of men and women who were exposed to small doses of the smoke for as little as 10 minutes." University of Kentucky

Healthy options don't make for healthy decisions
"Consumers may feel they have fulfilled a healthy eating goal even if they choose an unhealthy food, and the presence of a healthy option among food choices may draw their attention to the least-healthy choice available." Journal of Consumer Research

Small steps keep expecting moms active and healthy
"If a pregnant mother does some type of physical activity while watching TV or talking on the phone, or parks her car at the farthest point from the store each time, she will increase her daily physical activity and ultimately improve her health and the health of her baby." American Physiological Society

April 20, 2009

Cancer 'culprits' in tobacco smoke discovered
"Scientists have detected two substances in tobacco smoke that directly cause lung cancer, and they said on Sunday the finding may help one day predict which smokers will develop the disease." Reuters

Keeping trim improves health of planet
"Overweight people eat more than thin people and are more likely to travel by car, making excess body weight doubly bad for the environment." Reuters

Blueberries may help weight loss
"Eating blueberries could help you lose weight, scientists revealed yesterday. Already regarded as a 'superfood' because of their high vitamin and antioxidant content, the berries may also have the power to trim excess fat from our bodies." The Daily Mail

April 19, 2009

Culture, behavior tied to emotional health
"Scientists have long been interested in the interplay of emotions and identity, and some have recently focused on cultural identity." Association for Psychological Science

Fatty liver disease may be next epidemic
"Poor aerobic fitness is strongly associated with obesity and its consequent risks of heart disease, strokes and diabetes, now considered worldwide epidemics." The Journal of Physiology

Nanoparticle impact on health examined
"Cerium oxide is a ceramic nano-abrasive. Scientists have now examined, under conditions close to reality, what happens when it is breathed in and deposited on the lung surface." Environmental Science & Technology

April 18, 2009

Melatonin improves sleep in autistic kids
"A new study determined that over-the-counter melatonin medication can shorted the length of time it takes for children with autistic spectrum disorder, Fragile X Syndrome, or both to fall asleep at the beginning of the night." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Best diets for heart health reviewed
"A review of previously published studies suggests that vegetable and nut intake and a Mediterranean dietary pattern appear to be associated with a lower risk for heart disease." Archives of Internal Medicine

Omega-3s help cancer patients facing surgery
"A randomized controlled trial showed omega-3 fatty acids given as part of an oral nutritional supplement resulted in the preservation of muscle mass in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer, a procedure normally associated with significant weight loss and quality of life issues." Trinity College

April 17, 2009

New insights help Salmonella fight
"A single crafty protein allows the deadly bacterium Salmonella enterica to both invade cells lining the intestine and hijack cellular functions to avoid destruction." Yale University

Fear adds to mobility problems in older people
"Fear may create walking difficulties in a short period of time. Fear of moving around outdoors is very common among older people and increases the risk of developing self-reported difficulties in walking." University of Jyvaeskylae

Safe workouts for migraine suffers identified
"Many patients who suffer from migraines avoid taking aerobic exercise because they are afraid that the physical activity may bring on a serious migraine attack." University of Gothenburg

April 16, 2009

Music eases heart stress
"Listening to music may benefit patients who suffer severe stress and anxiety associated with having and undergoing treatment for coronary heart disease." Temple University

Home bleaching can hurt enamel
"New research shows that human teeth lost some enamel hardness after the application of several different products used in the home to whiten teeth." Ohio State University

Wrist acupoint may prevent nausea
"Up to 80 percent of patients who have surgery complain of nausea and vomiting afterwards, but stimulating an acupoint in their wrists can help reduce these symptoms, finds a new evidence review." Center for Advancing Health

April 15, 2009

Low glycemic breakfast boosts workout benefit
"The benefits of physical activity and a balanced diet are well documented and form the basis of many public health recommendations." American Society for Nutrition

Consumers often ignore food recalls
"Many Americans fail to check their homes for recalled food products. Only about 60 percent of the studied sample reported ever having looked for recalled food in their homes, and only 10 percent said they had ever found a recalled food product." Rutgers' Food Policy Institute

Family proves safety net for depressed youth
"Adolescents and young adults typically consider peer relationships to be all important. However, it appears that strong family support, not peer support, is protective in reducing future suicidal behavior among young adults when they have experienced depression or have attempted suicide." University of Washington

April 14, 2009

Veggies, nuts and Mediterranean diet drops heart risk
"Eating vegetables and nuts and a Mediterranean dietary pattern seem to lower the risk of heart disease, according to a review of past studies." ANI

Study rates heart-healthy foods
"What we know for sure about diet and what protects the heart is a relatively short list. That's the conclusion of new research based on an analysis of nearly 200 studies involving millions of people." Associated Press

Poor prenatal nutrition damages infant genes
"Receiving poor nutrition in the womb become genetically primed to be born into an environment lacking proper nutrition." University of Utah

April 13, 2009

New insights gained into childhood obesity, diabetes
"Factors identified early in childhood could predict obesity in the teen years and beyond, and researchers continue to assess methods to prevent and treat excess weight gain and its consequences in children and teens." Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Fat-derived inflammation may explain obesity related ills
"An inflammatory factor already linked to several diseases, including pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and arthritis, may also be responsible for the insulin resistance that comes with obesity." Cell Metabolism

Communication speed key for public health
"When the need for speed is critical, how can a public health department communicate with doctors and hospitals, sending alerts to help prevent or stop a public health crisis?" Indiana University

April 12, 2009

Sleep can be clean-up time for brain
"If you've ever been sleep-deprived, you know the feeling that your brain is full of wool." University of Wisconsin

Discovery provides insight on allergies
"One reason for the development of allergy may be malfunction of the respiratory epithelium, which allows allergens to bind to, enter and travel through the epithelium." University of Helsinki

Teaching concepts behind problems helps kids learn
"New research has found students benefit more from being taught the concepts behind math problems rather than the exact procedures to solve the problems." Vanderbilt University

April 11, 2009

Soy component promotes health during menopause
"Dietary soy supplementation may provide an alternative to hormone replacement therapy, which has been linked to the development of uterus and breast cancers." Nutrition & Metabolism

Listeria fears prompt multi-state sprout recall
"A Connecticut-based produce company has recalled certain brands of sprouts in Maine and 10 other states out of fear they may be contaminated with a foodborne pathogen, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday." The Morning Sentinel

Experts warn of herbal diet pill dangers
"Patients often fail to inform their doctors that they are taking herbal products, as they regard these as harmless." Deutsches Aerzteblatt

April 10, 2009

Niacin renewed for cholesterol management
"Deft molecular detective work suggests that scientists may soon be able to resurrect niacin as one of the best and cheapest ways to manage cholesterol." Duke University

Pre-surgery stress management improves outcomes
"Men who participated in the sessions experienced less short-term mood disturbance and better long-term quality of life, compared to patients who had the procedure but did not have any behavioral intervention." University of Texas

Blood lead levels tied to heart deaths
"Older women with high levels of lead in their blood are likely to die sooner, particularly from heart disease, than their counterparts with low lead levels, new research indicates." Reuters

April 9, 2009

Smoke residue found in half of non-smoking city dwellers
"More than half of non-smoking New Yorkers have elevated levels of cotinine in their blood, meaning that they were recently exposed to toxic second-hand smoke in concentrations high enough to leave residues in the body." New York City Health Department

High fat, protein combo tied to diabetes
"A clue about the blood chemistry of obese people who develop insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes, has been confirmed." Duke University

Soda tax sought to curb consumption
"Adding a special tax on sugared drinks like soda pop could significantly cut consumption and help reduce levels of obesity among both adults and children, say the authors of an opinion article in the New England Journal of Medicine." The Canadian Press

April 8, 2009

Family improves recovery for depressed patients
"A study suggests that single-family and multi-family therapy may benefit hospitalized patients with major depression, and may help the partners of the patients to become aware of the patient's improvement more quickly." Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics

Waist size tied to heart failure risk
"Both body mass index (BMI) and waist size influence a person's risk of being hospitalized with heart failure or dying of the condition, new research shows." Reuters

Exercise helps heart recovery
"Working out on a stationary bicycle or walking on a treadmill just 25 to 30 minutes most days of the week is enough to modestly lower risk of hospitalization or death for patients with heart failure." Duke University Medical Center

April 7, 2009

Self-control predicts weight in children
"Young children who do not display an ability to regulate their behavior or to delay gratification in exchange for a larger reward appear predisposed to gain extra weight by their pre-teen years." Pennsylvania State University

Replacing sweet drinks with water keeps kids slim
"Replacing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages with water could eliminate an average of 235 excess calories per day among children and adolescents." Columbia University

Stress chemical tied to autism
"Some of the symptoms of the autistic condition Asperger Syndrome, such as a need for routine and resistance to change, could be linked to levels of the stress hormone cortisol." University of Bath

April 6, 2009

Tea tree oil, silver combo makes strong antiseptic
"In the fight against infected skin wounds, mixing tea tree oil and silver or putting them in liposomes, greatly increases their antimicrobial activity and may minimize any side effects." Society for General Microbiology

Personality traits for healthy aging explored
"Researchers have noted specific personality traits associated with healthy aging and longevity amongst the children of centenarians." Boston University School

Parent stress impacts children's teeth
"A team of scientists has examined the stress levels of parents whose young children either had no cavities or so many cavities that the children had receive anesthesia before undergoing dental treatment." Ohio State University

April 5, 2009

Plan ahead to eat healthy for less
"As a dietitian working with cardiac rehabilitation patients, Providence Hospital's Kay MacInnis has long heard the complaint that it costs too much to prepare healthy meals." The State

Milkshake medicine heals anorexic teens
"Getting your teenager to drink a chocolate milkshake isn't something most parents need to worry about. But this is just the approach used in one treatment for anorexia nervosa." USA Today

Weightless fitness requires intensity
"A new study suggests that astronauts need to modify their workouts to avoid extensive muscle loss during missions onboard the International Space Station." The Journal of Applied Physiology

April 4, 2009

Colorful hospitals put patients at ease
"Putting hospital nurses in brightly colored, unconventional uniforms makes children more comfortable and parents more confident." Journal of Clinical Nursing

Tobacco tax has smokers swamping 'quitlines'
"Quit-smoking hotlines are being swamped, some as much as four times their usual volume, by smokers ready to kick the habit after the largest-ever increase in the federal tobacco tax." USA Today

Rocket fuel chemical found in infant formula
"Traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel were found in samples of powdered baby formula, and could exceed what's considered a safe dose for adults if mixed with water also contaminated with the ingredient, a government study has found." USA Today

April 3, 2009

Food safety reform push renewed
"Consumers could be forgiven for feeling a little weary about this week's recall of pistachios that might be contaminated with salmonella." The Los Angeles Times

FDA tobacco oversight approved
"The House on Thursday voted to give the Food and Drug Administration unprecedented powers to regulate the tobacco industry." The Los Angeles Times

Fresher is better for antioxidant benefit
"For those who swear by antioxidant-rich food and drink, two new studies show those health benefits can wane if the products are stored for too long a time." USA Today

April 2, 2009

Exercise level tied to heart recovery rate
"The level of exercise is linked with the reduction of hospitalization and death in patients with chronic heart failure." Henry Ford Hospital

Birth defects tied to seasons, pesticides
"The researchers found that this period of increased risk correlated with higher levels of pesticides found in surface water across the United States." UPI

Prevention key to US healthcare fix
"The government should broaden its efforts to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system to include steps that provide better access to good food and recreation, a panel of experts said on Thursday." Reuters

April 1, 2009

Rapid weight gain linked to childhood obesity
"A new study has found that rapid weight gain during the first six months of life may place a child at risk for obesity by age 3." Harvard Medical School

Pepper linked to salmonella outbreak
"California health officials added Uncle Chen pepper Tuesday to a list of spices from a Union City plant that may carry salmonella." UPI

Mouth health linked to heart risk
"People with the germiest mouths are the most likely to have heart attacks, U.S. researchers reported on Wednesday." Reuters

April 1, 2009

March 31, 2009

Common scent ingredients in soaps cause eczema
"Considerably more people than previously believed are allergic to the most common fragrance ingredient used in shampoos, conditioners and soap." University of Gothenburg

Natural hair lightener in the works
"Scientists today reported development of what could be the world's first 'green' hair bleach, an environmentally friendly preparation for lightening the color of hair on the head and other parts of the body without the unwanted effects of the bleaches used by millions of people each year." American Chemical Society

Handwashing best weapon in MRSA fight
"Regular handwashing by hospital staff and visitors did more to prevent the spread of the MRSA superbug than isolating infected patients." Society for General Microbiology

March 30, 2009

Vitamin D lowers fracture risk
"Oral vitamin D supplements at a dose of at least 400 international units per day are associated with a reduced risk of bone fractures in older adults, according to results of a meta-analysis." University of Zurich

Triglyceride levels soar among Americans
"High concentrations of blood fats known as triglycerides are common in the United States, according to a new report." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Infant weight predicts later obesity
"Conventional wisdom holds that a fat baby is well-loved, but pediatricians are warning parents not to go overboard." The Virginian-Pilot

March 29, 2009

Exercise program fights migraines
"While physical exercise has been shown to trigger migraine headaches among sufferers, a new study describes an exercise program that is well tolerated by patients. The findings show that the program decreased the frequency of headaches and improved quality of life. " Wiley-Blackwell

Most Americans should cut salt intake
"Seven out of 10 Americans should restrict their salt consumption, but very few of them do, according to a new government study." USA Today

Kidney stones increase in kids
"Doctors are puzzling over what seems to be an increase in the number of children with kidney stones, a condition some blame on kids' love of cheeseburgers, fries and other salty foods." USA Today

March 28, 2009

Hurricane blamed for heart ills
"Hurricane Katrina destroyed Madeline Saavedra's home in 2005. But it was 14 months later that the storm could have cost her her life." ABC News

Pea protein fights high blood pressure
"Researchers in Canada are reporting that proteins found in a common garden pea show promise as a natural food additive or new dietary supplement for fighting high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease." American Chemical Society

Very hot tea linked to throat cancer
"People are advised to wait a few minutes before drinking a cup of freshly-boiled tea today as a new study." American Chemical Society

March 27, 2009

Low vitamin D tied to drug use
"Research shows a correlation between inadequate vitamin D levels and the amount of narcotic medication taken by patients who have chronic pain. This correlation is an important finding as researchers discover new ways to treat chronic pain." Mayo Clinic

Eating soy early lowers cancer risk
" Asian-American women who ate higher amounts of soy during childhood had a 58 percent reduced risk of breast cancer." American Association for Cancer Research

New vitamin standard may improve bone health
"In a development that could help improve the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, rickets, and other bone diseases, government chemists are reporting an advance in developing an accurate, reliable set of standards for measuring vitamin D levels in blood." American Chemical Society

March 26, 2009

Fructose linked to increased food intake
"The fact that fructose metabolism by the brain increases food intake and obesity risk raises health concerns in view of the large and increasing per capita consumption of high fructose sweeteners, especially by youth." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Researchers gain insight on salmonella
"Salmonella are microscopic living creatures that can contaminate almost any food type, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever." University of Liverpool

Pharmaceuticals found in fish across the US
"Fish caught near wastewater treatment plants serving five major U.S. cities had residues of pharmaceuticals in them, including medicines used to treat high cholesterol, allergies, high blood pressure, bipolar disorder and depression." Associated Press

March 25, 2009

Music helps heal vision after stroke
"Patients who have lost part of their visual awareness following a stroke can show an improved ability to see when they are listening to music they like." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Codeine, accident risk linked
"The risk of being involved in a traffic accident with personal injury is significantly higher among codeine users than non-users." Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Omega-3s reduce prostate cancer risk
"Men who consumed the highest amount of long chain omega-3 fatty acids had a 63 percent reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer compared to men with the lowest amount of long chain omega-3 fatty acids." American Association for Cancer Research

March 24, 2009

Red meat boosts mortality risk
"Individuals who eat more red meat and processed meat appear to have a modestly increased risk of death from all causes and also from cancer or heart disease over a 10-year period." National Cancer Institute

More Americans lack vitamin D
"Average blood levels of vitamin D appear to have decreased in the United States between 1994 and 2004, according to a new report." University of Colorado

Tai chi helps balance after stroke
"Stroke survivors can improve their balance by practicing the Chinese martial art of tai chi." University of Illinois

March 23, 2009

Obesity hinders cancer survival
"Obese patients with a body mass index of more than 35 appear more likely to have cancer that has spread to their lymph nodes, lower rates of survival and higher rates of recurrence following surgery for pancreatic cancer, according to a new report." University of Texas

Exercise duration key to fitness in kids
"Children who exercise in bouts of activity lasting five minutes or longer are less likely to become obese than those whose activity levels are more sporadic and typically last less than five minutes each." Queen's University

Focus on finance deflates mood
"Those who didn't fixate on finances like retirement savings, tuition for college or simply making ends meet, reported being the happiest of the group." Princeton University

March 22, 2009

US tea consumption climbs
"Tea imports in the United States are projected to have climbed 7 percent last year compared to 2007, as people responded to the perceived health benefits of green tea." Reuters

Simple steps slash hospital infections
"Jasper Palmer didn't think he was doing anything special when he balled up his paper hospital gown and stuffed it into one of his gloves. He just knew it was tidy and would stop the gown from spreading germs." Reuters

Radiologic exams on pregnant women up sharply
"Researchers have found that over a 10-year period radiologic exams on pregnant women have more than doubled." Reuters

March 21, 2009

Body rhythm drives metabolism, aging
"All animals, including humans, have an internal 24-hour clock or circadian rhythm that creates a daily oscillation of body temperature, brain activity, hormone production and metabolism." Washington University

Green tea is good for gums
"A cup of green tea per day may help keep gum disease at bay, a new study suggests." Reuters

Heart disease sign ups cancer risk too
"A protein that signals inflammation and heart disease may also show that a person has a high risk of cancer, researchers said on Friday." Reuters

March 20, 2009

Insecticide exposure linked to obesity
"Prenatal exposure to an insecticide commonly used up until the 1970s may play a role in the obesity epidemic in women." Michigan State University

Liking sweets tied to growth in kids
"As any parent knows, children love sweet-tasting foods. Now, new research indicates that this heightened liking for sweetness has a biological basis and is related to children's high growth rate." University of Washington

Daily drink poses major liver risk
"Long-term daily drinking, rather than weekly binge drinking, is by far the biggest risk factor in serious liver disease." University of Southampton

March 19, 2009

Depression hinders positive learning
"While depression is often linked to negative thoughts and emotions, a new study suggests the real problem may be a failure to appreciate positive experiences." Ohio State University

Mother's diet strongly tied to kid's health
"A new report emphasizes the links between poor diet in mothers and ill health in their children, and calls for women of childbearing age to be made more aware of the importance of good nutrition." University of Southampton

Body clock regulates metabolism
"Researchers have discovered that circadian rhythms, our own body clock, regulate energy levels in cells." UC Irvine

March 18, 2009

Low vitamin D boosts risks for teens
"Low levels of vitamin D were associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar and metabolic syndrome in teenagers." American Heart Association

Obesity can trim years off of life
"Adults who exceed their normal weight by a third are likely to die two to four years earlier, according to a study of almost a million people published in The Lancet." Bloomberg

How low GI meals fill you up
"Eating a meal with a low GI increases gut hormone production which leads to suppression of appetite and the feeling of fullness." Society for Endocrinology

March 17, 2009

Exercise helps heart attack recovery
"Exercise helps people recover after a heart attack but the benefits vanish when the workouts stop." Reuters

Americans increasingly turn to acupuncture
"A study published in December by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that 3.1 million adults and 150,000 children used acupuncture in 2007, seeking relief from ailments including headache or back pain, insomnia and attention-deficit disorders. " The Washington Post

Peanut exposure may cure allergy
"Exposure to increasing amounts of peanut flour gradually builds up tolerance. Blood tests show that the immune system begins to ignore the peanut flour instead of attacking it." USA Today

March 16, 2009

Nice guys make for winning teams
"Ever thought the other guy was a loser for giving his all for the team even if others weren't pulling their weight?" Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

Vitamin C lowers gout risk
"Men with higher vitamin C intake appear less likely to develop gout, a painful type of arthritis." Archives of Internal Medicine

Environment influences aggression in kids
"It's a well-documented fact that children from zero to two can be spontaneously aggressive and that boys can be among the worse culprits." University of Montreal

March 15, 2009

Body image linked to suicide risk in girls
"Adolescent girls who view themselves as too fat may display more suicidal behaviors than those who are actually overweight." Reuters

FDA chief named, food safety panel launched
"President Barack Obama on Saturday chose public health and biological threat expert Dr. Margaret Hamburg to run the troubled U.S. Food and Drug Administration and announced a Cabinet-level food safety group." Reuters

Tobacco evades control policies
"The U.N. World Health Organization in Switzerland has issued a report describing tobacco industry efforts to interfere with global tobacco control policies." UPI

March 14, 2009

Fast food near schools boosts student obesity
"A fast-food restaurant within about 500 feet of a school may lead to at least a 5 percent increase in the obesity rate at that school, according to a study released on Friday." Reuters

Oxygen therapy helps autistic kids
"After 40 hours of hyperbaric treatment autistic children showed significant improvements in social interaction and eye contact compared with controls." BBC

Mushrooms, green tea lower breast cancer risk
"Women who get plenty of mushrooms and green tea in their diets may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, new study findings suggest." Reuters

March 13, 2009

Low energy may be heart warning sign
"With the help of a non-invasive method of monitoring human activity, doctors and researchers at are shedding new light on a syndrome affecting nearly 40 percent of older adults with heart failure: anergia." Columbia University Medical Center

Hospital mobile phones spread bacteria
"Mobile phone handsets belonging to hospital workers are covered in bacteria including the 'superbug', MRSA." Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Hatha yoga improves confidence, flexibility
"After a 12-week, twice weekly hatha yoga class, taught by a professional yoga therapist, study participants reported a reduced fear of falling, increased lower body flexibility and a reduction in their leisure constraints." Indiana University

March 12, 2009

Relationships can perpetuate health problems
"Human problems rarely occur in a vacuum, but persist as part of ongoing social interaction in which causes and effects are interwoven. One person's behavior can set the stage for what another does." University of Arizona

Ozone exposure linked to higher risk of death
"Long-term exposure to ground-level ozone, a major component of smog, is associated with an increased risk of death from respiratory ailments." University of California, Berkeley

Location influences berry antioxidant content
"Black raspberries have been studied for decades by scientists and medical researchers interested in the fruits' apparent ability to limit the onset or severity of degenerative diseases, including cancer." American Society for Horticultural Science

March 11, 2009

TV time doubles asthma risk in kids
"Young children who spend more than two hours glued to the TV every day double their subsequent risk of developing asthma." British Medical Journal

Salt craving linked to mood
"Most people consume far too much salt, and a University of Iowa researcher has discovered one potential reason we crave it: it might put us in a better mood." University of Iowa

Obesity hurts fertility in women
"Obese women have alterations in their ovaries which might be responsible for an egg's inability to make an embryo." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

March 10, 2009

Family meals make for good eating habits
"In general, the study found adolescents who participated in regular family meals reported more healthful diets and meal patterns compared to adolescents without regular family meals." University of Minnesota

Vitamin C protects against gout
"Men with a higher intake of vitamin C from food or supplements have a lower risk of developing gout, a form of arthritis from uric acid build-up that causes inflamed joints, researchers said on Monday." Reuters

Weight worsens osteoarthritis risk
"A new study found that increased waist circumference and body mass index were associated with the risk of both knee and hip joint replacement." Arthritis Research & Therapy

March 9, 2009

Fast-food, area walkability linked to weight
"A high-density of fast food outlets was associated with an increase of 3 pounds in weight and .8 inches in waist circumference among neighborhood residents who frequently ate at those restaurants." Oregon Research Institute

Pre-diabetics face heart risk
"Older adults who have impaired glucose tolerance but who are not considered diabetic are at elevated risk for heart disease and may benefit from preventive therapies." Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Ratings for kids' shows don't reflect violent content
"TV ratings don't accurately reflect the aggressive content found in shows popular among children -- even cartoons." Iowa State University

March 8, 2009

Daytime sleepiness may be heart disease clue
"Clinicians should be alert to patients reporting 'excessive' day time sleepiness after a study found healthy elderly people who regularly report feeling sleepy during the day have a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease." European Society of Cardiology

Gene linked to sudden athlete collapse
"When young, apparently healthy athletes suddenly collapse, it can be due to hereditary cardiac disease." Heidelberg University

Muscle protein provides obesity insight
"Research has proven that muscle in extremely obese individuals produces large amounts of a protein called myostatin, which normally inhibits muscle growth, suggesting that for Type 2 diabetics, and the very obese, the task of getting healthy may be more difficult than initially thought." University of Calgary

March 7, 2009

Many older Americans lack adequate nutrition
"Micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C play essential roles in maintaining health." Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Alcohol leads to depression, not vice versa
"A statistical modeling study suggests that problems with alcohol abuse may lead to an increased risk of depression, as opposed to the reverse model in which individuals with depression self-medicate with alcohol." Archives of General Psychiatry

Ankle exercises improve balance
"A simple series of ankle and foot flexing exercises can improve strength and balance in older people." Reuters

March 6, 2009

Healthy diet can offset 'obesity gene' influence
"Children who carry a gene strongly associated with obesity could offset its effect by eating a low energy density diet." University College London

High blood pressure leads to memory problems in kids
"Children with high blood pressure are not as good at complicated, goal-directed tasks, have more working memory problems and are not as adept at planning as their peers without hypertension, according to recent research." University of Rochester

It's never too late to benefit from exercise
"People who put off regular exercise until they hit the age of 50 can still benefit from physical activity but it appears to take 10 years for the effects to kick in." Reuters

March 5, 2009

Alcohol on TV boosts amount people drink
"New research has shown for the first time that portrayals of alcohol in films and TV advertisements have an immediate effect on the amount of alcohol that people drink." Oxford University Press

Depression ups heart disease risk
"A history of major depression increases the risk of heart disease over and above any genetic risks common to depression and heart disease." Washington University

Two food additives appear to mimic hormones
"Scientists in Italy are reporting development and successful use of a fast new method to identify food additives that act as so-called 'xenoestrogens,' substances with estrogen-like effects that are stirring international health concerns." American Chemical Society

March 4, 2009

Catchy names get kids to eat veggies
"Do you have a picky preschooler who's avoiding their vegetables? A new study shows that giving vegetables catchy new names, like X-Ray Vision Carrots and Tomato Bursts, left preschoolers asking for more." Cornell University

New test detects fake organic milk
"Scientists are reporting development of a new, more effective method to determine whether milk marketed as 'organic' is genuine or just ordinary milk mislabeled to hoodwink consumers." American Chemical Society

Broccoli helps fight respiratory illnesses
"Here's another reason to eat your broccoli: researchers report that a naturally occurring compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against respiratory inflammation that causes conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." UCLA

March 3, 2009

Exercise focused campaigns prompt some to eat more
"New research from the University of Illinois suggests that weight-loss campaigns that promote exercise may actually cause people to eat more." University of Illinois

Fitness improves spatial memory
"When it comes to the hippocampus, a brain structure vital to certain types of memory, size matters." University of Illinois

TV time linked to asthma in kids
"Children who watch television for more than two hours a day have twice the risk of developing asthma, British researchers reported Tuesday." Reuters

March 2, 2009

Underlying sleep problem linked to ADHD
"A study suggests the presence of an intrinsic sleep problem specific to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and supports the idea that children with ADHD may be chronically sleep deprived and have abnormal REM sleep." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Being overweight can be as risky as smoking
"Obese adolescents have the same risk of premature death in adulthood as people who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, while those who are overweight have the same risk as less heavy smokers." British Medical Journal

Surface water may be source of salmonella
"A new University of Georgia study suggests that health agencies investigating Salmonella illnesses should consider untreated surface water as a possible source of contamination." University of Georgia

March 1, 2009

Only exercise prevents low-back problems
"Low-back pain continues to impose a huge burden on industrialized societies, in terms of symptoms, medical costs, productivity, and work absence." University of Washington

Egg protein may help blood pressure
"Researchers are reporting evidence that eggs, often frowned upon for their high cholesterol content, may reduce another heart disease risk factor, high blood pressure." American Chemical Society

Young smokers up multiple sclerosis risk
"People who start smoking before age 17 may increase their risk for developing multiple sclerosis." American Academy of Neurology

February 28, 2009

Hostile men more prone to weight gain
"Hostile men may pack on more pounds over time than their less hostile, more laid-back peers, new research shows." Reuters

Simple protein test predicts stroke risk
"A simple test can help determine your risk for a heart attack or stroke, conditions which strike thousands of metro residents every year." MSNBC

Bible inspired diet gains favor
"A fasting movement that claims to be modeled on practices from the Bible has spread over the country, attracting thousands of men and women." Columbia News Service

February 27, 2009

Low calcium intake, cancer linked
"Women with a higher intake of calcium appear to have a lower risk of cancer overall, and both men and women with high calcium intakes suffer less colorectal cancer and other cancers of the digestive system, according to a study." Financial Times

Unhealthy lifestyle doubles stroke risk
"People who lead unhealthy lifestyles are more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke than those who eat and drink sensibly, don't smoke, and take regular exercise." British Medical Journal

Indoor air pollution ups asthma symptoms
"A study found an association between increasing levels of indoor particulate matter pollution and the severity of asthma symptoms among children." Johns Hopkins University

February 26, 2009

Mediterranean diet is good for bones
"Adherence to a dietary pattern close to the Mediterranean diet, with high consumption of fish and olive oil and low red meat intake, has a significant impact in women skeletal health." University of Athens

Another reason to skip the potato chips
"Acrylamide, found in foods such as potato chips and french fries, may increase the risk of heart disease." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

High-fat diet linked to cancer spread
"Researchers have precisely measured the impact of a high-fat diet on the spread of cancer, finding that excessive dietary fat caused a 300 percent increase in metastasizing tumor cells in laboratory animals." Purdue University

February 25, 2009

Behavior links insomnia, headaches
"Using sleep or napping to cope with chronic pain caused by tension-type headaches could lead to chronic insomnia." Rush University Medical Center

Pollen season babies at higher asthma risk
"Newborns whose first few months of life coincide with high pollen and mold seasons are at increased risk of developing early symptoms of asthma." University of California, Berkeley

Study sheds light giving behavior
"Why would women give more to the victims of Hurricane Katrina than to the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami?" Journal of Consumer Research

February 24, 2009

Calcium cuts cancer risk
"Calcium is vital for bone health, and may be important for reducing colorectal cancer risk, too, according to a U.S. study published on Monday." Reuters

Anger control is good for heart
"Anger and other strong emotions can trigger potentially deadly heart rhythms in certain vulnerable people, U.S. researchers said on Monday." Reuters

B vitamins can prevent vision loss
"Taking B vitamins could lower the risk for a leading cause of blindness in older Americans, a study reports." USA Today

February 23, 2009

Sweet drinks boost triglycerides in obese
"Obese people who drink fructose-sweetened beverages with their meals have an increased rise of triglycerides following the meal." Monell Chemical Senses Center

Herbal supplement shows promise in cancer fight
"DHEA is a natural circulating hormone and the body's production of it decreases with age." American Association for Cancer Research

New insight into risk perception
"We all have different criteria for what we consider risky. However, numerous studies have suggested that we tend to perceive familiar products and activities as being less risky and hazardous than unfamiliar ones." Association for Psychological Science

February 22, 2009

Small changes ease dentist fears for kids
"For many children, a trip to the doctor or dentist is a stressful experience." Issie Shapiro Educational Center

Health care overhaul sought
"Even if the national credit card is maxed out and partisanship remains the rule for Washington's political tribes, President Barack Obama and Congress are plunging ahead with a health care overhaul." Associated Press

Economic stress have 'chippers' lighting up
"These lighter smokers take longer breaks between cigarettes, can go days without puffing and tend to smoke to relieve stress or in social settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 9 million Americans light up this way." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

February 21, 2009

Anti-smoking effort saves health care billions
"Researchers have estimated that 'Truth', the nations' largest youth smoking prevention campaign, saved $1.9 billion or more in health care costs associated with tobacco use." Johns Hopkins University

Doctors get new obesity weapon
"A new system proposed by Canadian and US obesity researchers may provide another weapon in the battle against obesity." Northwestern University

Individual health plan costs soar
"At a time when more people are forced to buy their own health insurance because of job losses, costs for many individual policies are soaring." USA Today

February 20, 2009

Indoor plants reduce formaldehyde toxin
"The toxic gas formaldehyde is contained in building materials including carpeting, curtains, plywood, and adhesives." American Society for Horticultural Science

Fast food proximity tied to stroke risk
"People who live in neighborhoods packed with fast food restaurants are more likely to suffer strokes, U.S. researchers said on Thursday." Reuters

High-fat diets inflame blood vessel tissue
"A study shows that high-fat diets, even if consumed for a short amount of time, can inflame fat tissue surrounding blood vessels, possibly contributing to cardiovascular disease." University of Cincinnati

February 19, 2009

Harmful proteins found in stress affected meat
"Harmful proteins fragments known as amyloid fibrils associated with damage to brain cells in Alzheimer's disease and to pancreatic cells in Type II diabetes can be present in the meat of poultry and mammals." International Journal of Food Safety

Exercise improves life regardless of weight loss
"Exercise appears to improve quality of life in postmenopausal women regardless of whether they lose weight." Archives of Internal Medicine

New light shed on circadian clock
"A new paper sheds new light on circadian timing systems and focuses on a key gene that seems to regulate the response of the circadian clock to light signals." University of Notre Dame

February 18, 2009

Scans no help for low-back pain
"Physicians should not immediately order routine scans for low-back pain unless they observe features of a serious underlying condition." Oregon Health & Science University

Hot pepper nasal spray fights hay fever
"A second-generation all-natural nose spray called Sinol-M, whose main ingredient is capsaicin derived from hot peppers, safely and effectively relieves stubborn nasal allergies, according to results of a clinical study." Reuters

New diagnoses influence healthy changes
"Older adults appear more likely to quit smoking or lose weight following a recent diagnosis of heart disease, diabetes or another serious condition." Archives of Internal Medicine

February 17, 2009

Cherries help heart, may prevent diabetes
"Cherries, a super fruit, may reduce factors associated with heart disease and diabetes, a U.S. researcher suggests." UPI

Loneliness changes how brain works
"Social isolation affects how people behave as well as how their brains operate." University of Chicago

Drug fact boxes put to the test
"Those 'brief' summaries in direct-to-consumer drug ads can take up a whole magazine page, and consumers who slog through that fine print might run the other way, which isn't necessarily a good thing." USA Today

February 16, 2009

Dangerous air pollution found near US schools
"Air pollution is dangerously high around schools near some U.S. industrial plants." University of Maryland

Exercise reduces nicotine cravings
"The study shows how exercise changes the way the brain processes information among smokers, thereby reducing their cravings for nicotine." University of Exeter

Healthy blood vessels help body heal
"Healthy blood vessels play a key role in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes." Centenary Institute

February 15, 2009

Tough tasks foster responsibility in kids
"A new study suggests that it's not the fun and games of these programs, but the tough tasks, those that ask young people to make sacrifices and do difficult things for the good of the group, that are most likely to foster responsibility and self-discipline." Wake Forest University

Many preschoolers found to be inactive
"A new study finds that, contrary to conventional wisdom, preschoolers don't move around a lot, even when they're playing outside." University of South Carolina

Don't ignore heavy snoring warning
"Heavy snoring can be far from a nuisance. It can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where an individual briefly stops breathing during the night which raises the risk of heart failure and strokes." University of Michigan

February 14, 2009

Beaches may harbor staph bacteria
"Swimmers at crowded public beaches are likely to bring home more than a bit of sand in their bathing suits, according to U.S. researchers, who said as many as one in three swimmers may be exposed to contagious staph bacteria." Reuters

Despite ruling, vaccine debate continues
"For parents who believe that childhood vaccinations can cause autism, this week's ruling by a special federal court that no apparent link exists between autism and one common vaccine is hardly the end of the matter." The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peanut Corp. goes bankrupt in recall
"Peanut Corporation of America, the company at the center of the nationwide salmonella scare, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection and will begin liquidating its assets as legal claims pile up against it." The Washington Post

February 13, 2009

Vitamin supplements may help save hearing
"Many people take a vitamin each morning to maintain good nutrition, energy, bone strength, and overall health. Can popping a pill also protect our hearing against damage caused by loud noise?" NIH

Omega-3s can prevent obesity problems
"According to a recent study, diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids protect the liver from damage caused by obesity and the insulin resistance it provokes." FASEB

Produce contamination on the rise
"Raw fruits and vegetables are good for you but may also send you to the doctor." Cambridge University Press

February 12, 2009

Sleep essential to form memories
"If you ever argued with your mother when she told you to get some sleep after studying for an exam instead of pulling an all-nighter, you owe her an apology, because it turns out she's right." University of Pennsylvania

Happy hospitals make happy patients
"Imagine a hospital where morale is high, employee turnover is low and patient call buttons rarely go unanswered, and if they do, you can call the hospital's CEO." University of Michigan

Thrill-seeking may be based in the brain
"Sky diving and base jumping are not for everyone. However, for certain people, the more risk and adrenaline involved in an activity, the better." Association for Psychological Science

February 11, 2009

Obesity boosts birth defect risk
"Women who are obese when they conceive have an increased risk of delivering babies with birth defects, a report suggests today." USA Today

Celeb weight fixation alarms nutritionists
"The hullabaloo about Jessica Simpson's curvier figure has outraged some national body-image experts and nutritionists." USA Today

Salmonella closes second peanut plant
"A second peanut-processing plant owned by the company at the heart of a nationwide outbreak of salmonella-related illness has been shut down after Texas authorities discovered the bacteria in products there." The Washington Post

February 10, 2009

Traffic noise linked to heart risk
"People living in environments with high levels of road traffic noise might be more likely to suffer myocardial infarction than people in quieter areas." Epidemiology

Exercise improves arterial leg pain
"Patients with leg pain caused by arterial disease may be able to forego treatment of the affected artery by participating in hospital-supervised exercise, according to a new study." Radiological Society of North America

Prenatal smoking linked to anti-social kids
"A Cardiff University research project has for the first time studied whether smoking during pregnancy can directly make children more likely to behave anti-socially." Cardiff University

February 9, 2009

Weight loss can cure sleep apnea
"For sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea, a new study shows that losing weight is perhaps the single most effective way to reduce OSA symptoms and associated disorders." American Thoracic Society

Natural bug repellent as effective as DEET
"Isolongifolenone, a natural compound found in the Tauroniro tree of South America, has been found to effectively deter biting of mosquitoes and to repel ticks, both of which are known spreaders of diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease." Journal of Medical Entomology

Trust your gut for better decisions
"You know the feeling. You make a decision you're certain is merely a 'lucky guess.' A new study offers precise evidence that such decisions may sometimes not be guesswork after all." Northwestern University

February 8, 2009

Beach trips up future cancer risk in kids
"Vacationing at the shore led to a 5 percent increase in moles among 7-year-old children." American Association for Cancer Research

Video games drafted for youth fitness
"As they try to get children off their couches and onto their feet, schools and gyms across the country are harnessing some of the same technology often blamed for making them fat: video games." The Washington Post

Outbreak reaches deep into US food supply
"So far, the salmonella outbreak has sickened about 575 people in 43 states and might have contributed to at least eight deaths." Associated Press

February 7, 2009

Inflammation tied to sleep duration, health
"Inflammation may be the pathway linking extreme sleep durations to an increased risk for disease." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Scans don't improve back pain care
"The routine use of scans in patients with lower back pain does not improve their outcomes, US scientists say." BBC

Meth use costs US billions
"The economic cost of methamphetamine use in the United States reached $23.4 billion in 2005, including the burden of addiction, premature death, drug treatment and many other aspects of the drug." RAND Corporation

February 6, 2009

Zen meditation alleviates pain
"Zen meditation, a centuries-old practice that can provide mental, physical and emotional balance, may reduce pain." University of Montreal

Teen smoking predicts later depression
"Teenagers who smoke could be setting themselves up for depression later in life." Florida State University

Antioxidants may halt some vision loss
"Abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye can result in impaired vision." Scripps Research Institute

February 5, 2009

Vitamin D inhibits breast cancer cells
"Calcitrol, the active form of vitamin D, has been found to induce a tumor suppressing protein that can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells." New Jersey Medical School

Training keeps elderly on their feet
"Training people to avoid falls by repeatedly exposing them to unstable situations in the laboratory helped them to later maintain their balance on a slippery floor, according to new research." University of Illinois

Environment, not genes, ages face
"The study, involving identical twins, suggests that despite genetic make-up, certain environmental factors can add years to a person's perceived age." ASPS

February 4, 2009

Exercise underused for chronic pain
"Exercise is commonly used to improve physical function, decrease symptoms and minimize disability caused by chronic low back or neck pain." University of North Carolina

Plums poised to be next super-food
"There's an emerging star in the super-food world. Plums are rolling down the food fashion runway sporting newly discovered high levels of healthy nutrients." AgriLife Research

Artificial light tied to cancer
"A new study discovered that worldwide, countries with the highest levels of artificial light at night also have the highest rates of prostate cancer." University of Haifa

February 3, 2009

Early media exposure tied to depression
"Exposure to more television and other electronic media during the teenage years appears to be associated with developing depression symptoms in young adulthood." Archives of General Psychiatry

Youth pot use tied to abnormal brain development
"Adolescents and young adults who are heavy users of marijuana are more likely than non-users to have disrupted brain development." Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Vitamin use high among least in need
"Most of the healthy children and teenagers in the United States who are taking daily vitamin and mineral supplements probably don't need them." UC Davis

February 2, 2009

Omega-6 fatty acids protect heart
"Omega-6 fatty acids, found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, are a beneficial part of a heart-healthy eating plan." Journal of the American Heart Association

'Normal' bad cholesterol levels questioned
"The bottom isn't just dropping out of the stock market. It's also giving way in a critical measure of heart risk." USA Today

Consumer fresh standards differ at home
"Why is it acceptable for someone who would never purchase 'expired' milk at the store to pour 'expired' milk into a cup of coffee at breakfast?" Journal of Consumer Research

February 1, 2009

Too much TV predicts fast-food intake
"High-school kids who watch too much TV are likely to have bad eating habits five years in the future. A new study followed almost 2000 high- and middle-school children and found that TV viewing times predict a poor diet in the future." University of Minnesota

Stress can speed tumor growth
"For patients with a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, stress, including that which comes from simply hearing that diagnosis, might amplify the progression of their disease." Ohio State University

Omega-3 fatty acids ease depression
"Omega-3 fatty acids ease psychological distress and depressive symptoms often suffered by menopausal and perimenopausal women." Université Laval

January 31, 2009

Peanut recall leads to criminal investigation
"The federal government has begun a criminal investigation of the peanut company responsible for an outbreak of salmonella illness that has sickened hundreds of people, killed at least eight and prompted one of the largest food recalls in U.S. history." The Washington Post

Obese moms tied to infant mortality
"Research shows that babies born to obese mothers are at increased risk for dying, particularly in the first weeks of life, compared to babies born to normal-weight mothers." Reuters

Dogs unlikely to spread disease to owners
"People who let their dogs sleep with them or allow them to lick their faces are no more likely than other dog owners to have the same strains of E. coli bacteria as their dogs." USA Today

January 30, 2009

Fit kids get top grades
"A new study found that physically fit kids scored better on standardized math and English tests than their less fit peers." Journal of School Health

New concerns raised over plastics chemical
"A new study challenges common assumptions about the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), by showing that in some people, surprisingly high levels remain in the body even after fasting for as long as 24 hours." University of Rochester

US seniors living longer on less
"Seventy-eight percent of all senior households are financially vulnerable when it comes to their ability to meet essential expenses and cover projected costs over their lifetimes." Brandeis University

January 29, 2009

Aerobic, strength training combo helps obese
"Sedentary, obese older adults appear to improve their functional abilities and reduce insulin resistance through a combination of resistance and aerobic exercises." Archives of Internal Medicine

All peanut products recalled from Georgia plant
"In one of the largest food recalls in history, the Food and Drug Administration asked retailers, manufacturers and consumers yesterday to throw out every product made in the past two years from peanuts processed by a Georgia plant at the heart of a deadly nationwide outbreak of salmonella illness." The Washington Post

Study offers insight into empathy
"Is it possible to share a pain that you observe in another but have never actually experienced yourself? A new study uses a sophisticated brain-imaging technique to try and answer this question." Cell Press

January 28, 2009

Regular high-intensity exercise boosts metabolism
"A regular high-intensity, three-minute workout has a significant effect on the body's ability to process sugars." BMC Endocrine Disorders

US 'happiness gap' narrows
"Happiness inequality in the U.S. has decreased since the 1970s." University of Pennsylvania

Counterfeit internet drugs endanger lives
"People who buy fake internet drugs could be risking their lives and supporting terrorism." International Journal of Clinical Practice

January 27, 2009

More seniors invest in brain fitness
"Aging baby boomers have been investing heavily in brain fitness books and classes, as well as computer games and memory improvement workshops." The Washington Post

Small changes boost winter vitality
"Doctors can help when your winter energy crisis stems from a medical problem, such as a sluggish thyroid, anemia or diabetes. But for most of us, lifestyle changes are all we need." The Chicago Tribune

Calorie cut may boost memory
"Older adults who reduced calories for three months fared better in memory tests." MIT

January 26, 2009

Quitters find success in teams
"A study from the University of Bath has found that smokers are twice as likely to kick the habit if they use a support group rather than trying to give up alone." University of Bath

Good doctors need skill and compassion
"Patients and their families want physicians who are gifted in diagnosis and treatment and who are caring individuals with the interpersonal skills needed to communicate complex information in stressful circumstances." Academic Medicine

FDA traces source of salmonella outbreak
"A salmonella outbreak that has sickened nearly 500 people in 43 states and Canada and may have led to the deaths of seven was traced by Food and Drug Administration investigators to a Peanut Corp. of America processing plant on the eastern edge of Blakely, about 45 miles southwest of Albany." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

January 25, 2009

Video games linked to poor relationships
"A new study connects young adults' use of video games to poorer relationships with friends and family, and the student co-author expresses disappointment at his own findings." Brigham Young University

Process will minimize trans fat creation
"Chemists have designed a catalyst, a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction, that allows hydrogenated oils to be made while minimizing the production of trans fats." UC Riverside

Makeover shows boost body anxiety
"The shows are driving women to go under the knife to conform to a heightened definition of beauty, one that is increasingly difficult to attain." University of Southern California

January 24, 2009

Apple juice can delay cognitive decline
"A growing body of evidence demonstrates that we can take steps to delay age-related cognitive decline, including in some cases that which accompanies Alzheimer's disease." Journal of Alzheimer's Disease

Family favoritism has no long-term effect
"Researchers found that between siblings in the same family, the effects of recalled negative early experiences such as conflict with parents and levels of discipline seem to have little influence over psychological well-being in mid-life." Temple University

Low vitamin D harms mind
"Researchers have for the first time identified a relationship between Vitamin D, the 'sunshine vitamin,' and cognitive impairment in a large-scale study of older people." Peninsula College

January 23, 2009

Mediterranean diet reduces long term weight gain risk
"The researchers concluded that dietary patterns associated with a high intake of fruits and vegetables in Mediterranean populations may reduce long-term risk of subsequent weight gain and obesity among adults." University Elche-Alicante

School health programs have little effect on weight
"School-based health and exercise programs have positive outcomes despite having little effect on children's weight or the amount of exercise they do outside of school." McMaster University

Study exposes chemical dangers in infant medicines
"The study revealed that the chemicals added to medicines to improve their taste, absorption and to prolong their shelf-life could be potentially harmful to very small babies." University of Leicester

January 22, 2009

US life span grows thanks to clean air
"The average life expectancy in 51 U.S. cities increased nearly three years over recent decades, and approximately five months of that increase came thanks to cleaner air." Brigham Young University

Steroids no help for wheezing kids
"Giving steroids to children who are wheezing because of viral or other infections does not help, researchers reported on Wednesday." Reuters

Poverty stunts growth in kids
"Continuous poverty during toddler years can curb the height of children by the time they reach kindergarten, even in industrialized countries." University of Montreal

January 21, 2009

Both acupuncture and placebo stop headaches
"Headache sufferers can benefit from acupuncture, even though how and where acupuncture needles are inserted may not be important." University of Munich

Prenatal chemical exposure, high BMI linked
"A new study reveals an association between prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants and elevated body mass index (BMI) during the first three years of life." Environmental Health Perspectives

Women are less able to suppress hunger
"Faced with their favorite foods, women are less able than men to suppress their hunger, a discovery that may help explain the higher obesity rate for females, a new study suggests." Associated Press

January 20, 2009

Reducing salt protects heart
"A new study shows that salt reduction may offer cardioprotective effects beyond blood pressure reduction." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Being relaxed, social reduces dementia risk
" A new study shows that people who are socially active and not easily stressed may be less likely to develop dementia." American Academy of Neurology

Water pollution linked to fertility problems
"New research strengthens the link between water pollution and rising male fertility problems." University of Exeter

January 19, 2009

A new take on weight regulation
"A new mathematical model of the physiological regulation of body weight suggests a potential mechanism underlying the difficulty of losing weight, one that includes aspects of two competing hypotheses of weight regulation." Massachusetts General Hospital

Antibiotic giveaways are unhealthy promotions
"With an epidemic of antibiotic-resistant infections growing, experts are warning grocery-store pharmacies that antibiotics giveaways are an unhealthy promotional gimmick." IDSA

Alcohol taxes curb drinking
"With many local and national governments currently debating proposals to raise alcohol taxes, a timely new study published online today in the February edition of Addiction journal finds that the more alcoholic beverages cost, the less likely people are to drink." University of Florida

January 18, 2009

Mind key to healthy lifestyle
"The main factors influencing the amount of physical exercise people carry out are their self-perceived ability and the extent of their desire to exercise." BMC Public Health

Peanut butter probe expands
"The Food and Drug Administration says that 85 companies received peanut butter or peanut paste from a Georgia plant that has been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 453 people in 43 states and Canada, and is considered a factor in six deaths." USA Today

Camp for overweight recruits proposed
"The Army has been dismissing so many overweight applicants that its top recruiter, trying to keep troop numbers up in wartime, is considering starting a program to transform chubby trainees into svelte soldiers." Associated Press

January 17, 2009

Five deaths linked to salmonella outbreak
"Five deaths have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning linked to peanut butter, but the strain involved is not particularly virulent, U.S. health officials said on Friday." Reuters

Chemical level set for nonstick products
"The Environmental Protection Agency has issued the first national guidelines establishing safe levels for perfluorinated chemicals used to make nonstick and stain-resistant materials in the nation's drinking water." The Washington Post

Sleep may be the best cold medicine
"Even a little bit of sleep deprivation can keep your body from staving off the cold virus, a new study shows." Los Angeles Times

January 16, 2009

Infant TV exposure especially harmful
"A leading child expert is warning parents to limit the amount of television children watch before the age of two." University of Washington

Coca-Cola sued over VitaminWater health claims
"A nutrition advocacy group on Thursday sued the Coca-Cola Co., the biggest beverage maker in the world, over what it calls 'deceptive' health claims about VitaminWater." Associated Press

Free fitness programs may be model for US
"What if free exercise classes were offered in public spaces such as parks, beaches and recreation centers? " Washington University

January 15, 2009

FDA questions safety of nanotech in vitamins
"The ability of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate the safety of dietary supplements using nanomaterials is severely limited by lack of information, lack of resources and the agency's lack of statutory authority in certain critical areas." Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies

Simple checklist saves lives
"Eight hospitals reduced the number of deaths from surgery by more than 40% by using a checklist that helps doctors and nurses avoid errors, according to a report released online today in the New England Journal of Medicine." USA Today

Kellogg removes peanut butter snacks after scare
"Kellogg Co said on Wednesday it was removing its Austin and Keebler branded peanut butter snacks from store shelves and put a hold their shipments due to the current Salmonella food poisoning outbreak." Reuters

January 14, 2009

Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a link yesterday between peanut butter and a salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 400 people in 43 states." The Washington Post

Vitamin D benefits are widespread
"Vitamin D is quickly becoming the 'it' nutrient with health benefits for diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and now diabetes." Loyola University

Cold weather boosts blood pressure in elderly
"Outdoor temperature and blood pressure appear to be correlated in the elderly, with higher rates of hypertension in cooler months." Archives of Internal Medicine

January 13, 2009

Girls more likely to remain bully victims
"Girls targeted by bullies at primary school are two and a half times more likely to remain victims than boys." University of Warwick

Study sheds light on enjoying the present
"It is common knowledge that when something becomes scarce, its value goes up." Association for Psychological Science

Lead exposure can cause harm in later years
"Both the developing brain and the aging brain can suffer from lead exposure." American Psychological Association

January 12, 2009

Spirituality key to happy kids
"New study suggests spirituality, not religious practices, determine how happy children are." University of British Columbia

Cell phones do number on health research
"In our information-crazy, never-out-of-touch world, it's becoming harder and harder to find out who we are and what we do." The Washington Post

School trouble predicts health problems
"Adolescents who misbehave at school are more likely to have difficulties throughout their adult lives." British Medical Journal

January 11, 2009

Recognizing successes heads off depression
"Students' successes in the first grade can affect more than their future report cards." University of Missouri

Antioxidants offer pain relief
"Antioxidant supplementation was found to be effective in relieving pain and reducing levels of oxidative stress in patients with chronic pancreatitis." AGA Institute

Income tied to heart disease
"The research found coronary-artery disease patients living in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods are more vulnerable to death from chronic disease, particularly cancer." University of British Columbia

January 10, 2009

Salmonella outbreak tied to peanut butter
"Minnesota health officials issued a product alert for peanut butter on Friday after finding a jar that was contaminated with a strain of salmonella linked to an outbreak across the United States." Reuters

Obese outnumber overweight in US
"The number of obese American adults outweighs the number of those who are merely overweight, according to the latest statistics from the federal government." Reuters

Appetite hormone gets second look
"The discovery more than a decade ago of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone secreted by fat tissue, generated headlines and great hopes for an effective treatment for obesity." Children's Hospital Boston

January 9, 2009

Preschool sack lunches found lacking
"The researchers found more than 50 percent of lunches provided less than minimum amounts of calories, carbohydrates, vitamin A, calcium, iron and zinc, and 96 percent of lunches provided less than minimum recommended amounts of dietary fiber." American Dietetic Association

Physical activity not at core of obesity epidemic
"A recent international study fails to support the common belief that the number of calories burned in physical activity is a key factor in rising rates of obesity." Loyola University

Smoking moms linked to aggressive kids
"Women who smoke during pregnancy risk delivering aggressive kids." University of Montreal

January 8, 2009

Young adults need more time for healthy meals
"As adolescents mature into young adults, increasing time constraints due to school or work can begin to impact eating habits in a negative way." American Dietetic Association

Gender difference in physical activity found
"Females of all ages are less active than their male peers. Two studies reveal the gender difference in activity levels among school children and the over 70s." University of Exeter

Wii Fit proves promising fitness tool
"While some emerging technologies can create environments that require very little physical effort, one researcher thinks games like Nintendo's Wii Fit can help promote physical rather than sedentary activities for people of all ages." Kansas State University

January 7, 2009

Smart food combos enhance nutrition
"The next time you're preparing a spinach salad, toss in a mandarin orange. The citrus fruit won't just enhance the flavor; its vitamin C also will help your body absorb the iron found in leafy green vegetables." Chicago Tribune

Ignore TV fitness gear hype
"It's late at night, and the promises jump off the TV screen and onto the couch. Right between you and your potato chips." The Sun Sentinel

Planning, not cash, keeps kids healthy and slim
"Many parents with overweight children would be willing to break the bank to help their kids reach a healthy weight, but luckily, that's not necessary." USA Today

January 6, 2009

Early family depression has lasting effect on kids
"The country's economic crisis could have lasting effects on children from families that fall into poverty." Iowa State University

Obesity boosts cancer risk in women
"A new epidemiological study has found that among women who have never used menopausal hormone therapy, obese women are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer compared with women of normal weight." American Cancer Society

Magnets bring independence to disabled
"Coventry University has helped to develop a new bra for older and disabled women which replaces traditional fastenings with magnets." Coventry University

January 5, 2009

'Healthy Monday' is the best time for a new start
"The perfect day to start on the road to health is the first Monday of the year -- and every succeeding Monday as well, a group of researchers suggest." UPI

Tight economic belts can lead to healthy waistlines
"It's difficult to lose weight under the best of circumstances, and now many Americans' budgets are stretched so thin they may be tempted by cheaper foods that are not as healthful." USA Today

Diet marketers push hard in sour climate
"Weight-loss marketers face a hefty challenge with the advent of diet season: selling products and services to pound-conscious yet penny-pinching consumers." USA Today

January 4, 2009

Mustard proves helpful organic weed fighter
"Sinalbin, the same compound that gives white mustard its pungent flavor, could also prove useful in fighting weeds." U.S. Department Of Agriculture

Social, economic costs of insomnia soar
"A new study indicates that the indirect costs of untreated insomnia are significantly greater than the direct costs associated with its treatment." American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Vitamin combo alone can't fight cancer
"Women who took beta carotene or vitamin C or E or a combination of the supplements had a similar risk of cancer as women who did not take the supplements." Journal of the National Cancer Institute

January 3, 2009

Practicing restraint more important with age
"Lots of experts disagree over the seemingly obvious notion of keeping weight off by trying to eat less, a debate that centers on whether the practice backfires, leading to binging and weight gain." Brigham Young University

Fast food near schools means heavier kids
"Adolescents who go to school within a half-mile of a fast-food restaurant are more likely to be overweight or obese than kids whose schools are further away, new research suggests." Reuters

Disability no detriment to marital happiness
"A new study finds that the onset of physical disability boosts marital happiness more often than not." Brigham Young University

January 2, 2009

Heart recovery at home as good as hospital
"Home-based rehabilitation is no worse than hospital-based programs for helping patients get better after a heart attack or surgery to clear blocked heart arteries, and may be more accessible for patients." Reuters

Doctors miss obesity diagnosis in children
"Despite recent widespread media attention given to studies that have indicated one-third of American children have a weight problem, a new study shows just one-third of children who are overweight or obese actually receive that diagnosis by a pediatrician." Case Western Reserve University

Real-time pollen forecast could help millions
"Researchers are reporting an advance toward development of technology that could make life easier for millions of people allergic to plant pollen. It could underpin the first automated, real-time systems for identifying specific kinds of allergy-inducing plant pollen circulating in the air." American Chemical Society

January 1, 2009

Smoking ban causes heart attack drop
"A smoking ban caused heart attacks to drop by more than 40 percent in one U.S. city and the decrease lasted three years, federal health experts reported Wednesday." Reuters

Religious practice, self-control linked
"Self-control is critical for success in life, and a new study finds that religious people have more self-control than do their less religious counterparts." University of Miami

Grape-seed extract kills cancer cells
"An extract from grape seeds forces laboratory leukemia cells to commit cell suicide." American Association for Cancer Research

For older Bragg Health News archives from 2008, click here.