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August 27, 2008
Sleep mysteries explored
"Is sleep essential? Ask that question to a sleep-deprived new parent or a student who has just pulled an 'all-nighter,' and the answer will be a grouchy, 'Of course!'." University of Wisconsin
Beware overseas herbal remedies
"Traditional herbal supplements used by thousands of Americans may contain dangerously high levels of lead and other toxins, a study shows." USA Today
Cancer misinformation common worldwide
"People in high-income countries are the least likely to believe that drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancer, officials of a Swiss non-profit say." UPI
August 26, 2008
Broccoli helps heal heart
"Researchers have discovered eating broccoli could undo the damage caused by diabetes to heart blood vessels." University of Warwick
State tobacco bans saved billions
"California's state tobacco control program saved $86 billion, in 2004 dollars, in personal healthcare costs in its first 15 years." UCSF
Incense may boost respiratory cancer risk
"Long term use of incense increases the risk of developing cancers of the respiratory tract, according to a new study." American Cancer Society
August 25, 2008
Optimism lowers breast cancer risk
"Happiness and optimism may help guard against breast cancer, while adverse life events may increase breast cancer risk." UPI
Acupuncture for pain control explored
"At least 8.2 million Americans have tried the traditional Chinese medical techniques of acupuncture, according to national surveys." Journal of Consumer Research
Most avoid portion extremes
"Janine Ottley's first visit to an acupuncturist was an act of desperation. She was on a cruise to Mexico when a killer headache struck, threatening to destroy her vacation. She figured it was worth a try." University of Chicago Press
August 24, 2008
Aging, weight gain link explored
"Fast food and soda instead of fruits and vegetables: the consequences can already be seen in children - more and more of them suffer from overweight and adiposity." Technische Universitaet Dortmund
Snack packs are not always slimming
"Tempting treats are being offered in small package sizes these days, presumably to help consumers reduce portion sizes." Journal of Consumer Research
Feeding Olympians can be a workout
"Ever wonder what makes America's gold-medal athletes tick?" The Herald-Leader
August 23, 2008
Change bed habits to beat insomnia
"Many people sleep better when they are on holiday and wish that they could sleep as well all the time." Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care
Heavy workers may face health fines
"Alabama, pushed to second in national obesity rankings by deep-fried Southern favorites, is cracking down on state workers who are too fat." USA Today
New rules for kid's medicines
"The Food and Drug Administration yesterday announced plans to revise standards for over-the-counter cough and cold medications for children, a step that could lead to removing the popular products from the market." The Washington Post
August 22, 2008
Sugar and appetite link explored
"Dr Andrews found that appetite-suppressing cells are attacked by free radicals after eating and said the degeneration is more significant following meals rich in carbohydrates and sugars. " Monash University
FDA gives go ahead for produce irradiation
"The Food and Drug Administration has approved use of irradiation on spinach and lettuce to kill dangerous bacteria, but companies may have a tough time selling the idea to consumers." USA Today
Tobacco ads, youth smoking linked
"The National Cancer Institute has released a report that reaches the government's strongest conclusion to date that tobacco marketing and depictions of smoking in movies promote youth smoking." University of Minnesota
August 21, 2008
Impact of sleepless night explored
"Just one night without sleep can increase the amount of the chemical dopamine in the human brain. " Journal of Neuroscience
Clutter can by symptom of larger problem
"U.S. psychologists say clutter may be a sign of disorganization or a symptom of compulsive hoarding." UPI
Good fat find may help obesity fight
" A study by researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center has shown that a protein known for its role in inducing bone growth can also help promote the development of brown fat, a 'good' fat that helps in the expenditure of energy and plays a role in fighting obesity." UPI
August 20, 2008
Many schools are within 'air pollution danger zones'
"Researchers have found that more than 30 percent of American public schools are within 400 meters, or a quarter mile, of major highways that consistently serve as main truck and traffic routes. " University of Cincinnati
Arsenic exposure tied to diabetes
"Even low-level exposure to arsenic in drinking water appears to be associated with increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes, researchers said in a study published Tuesday." AFP
Lead contaminated soil prevalent in US
"Chronic lead poisoning, caused in part by the ingestion of contaminated dirt, affects hundreds of thousands more children in the United States than the acute lead poisoning associated with imported toys or jewelry." Indiana University
August 19, 2008
Healthy smile tied to healthy heart
"The way to a person's heart is through his stomach, the adage goes. But researchers now think the way to a healthy heart might be through your gums and teeth. " The Washington Post
Women pay price for body image fixation
"Idealized, airbrushed beauty and body image obsession have an economic impact on U.S. women and girls." UPI
Cocoa, memory link found
"People ages 59 to 83 who drank a cocoa flavanol-rich beverage had an 8 percent increase in brain blood flow after one week, U.S. researchers said." UPI
August 18, 2008
Hospital blends native, modern medicine
"When a Navajo woman delivers a baby at Banner Page Hospital in northern Arizona, she invites her entire family, often more than 10 people, into the birthing room. " USA Today
Gluten-free gains following
"Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. It causes some people serious health problems." USA Today
Anti-depressants, impaired driving linked
"Depressed people on antidepressants appear to have trouble concentrating and reacting behind the wheel." UPI
August 17, 2008
Low density food boosts weight loss
"Preliminary research suggests increasing intake of low-energy density foods, specifically mushrooms, in place of high-energy-density foods, like lean ground beef, is a strategy for preventing or treating obesity." John Hopkins Weight Management Center
No age limit for exercise benefit
"Research continues to demonstrate the benefits of exercise, no matter your age." The Washington Post
Parent pressure can harm self-esteem
"A new study has found that students anxieties often are based on exaggerated perceptions of what parents expect." University of Central Florida
August 16, 2008
FDA releases plastics risk assessment
"A controversial chemical commonly found in can linings, baby bottles and other household products does not pose a health hazard when used in food containers, according to a draft assessment released by the Food and Drug Administration yesterday." The Washington Post
Asthma in boys may pass with time
"Boys may be more apt than girls to have childhood asthma, but, when compared to girls, they are also more likely to grow out of it in adolescence and have a decreased incidence of asthma in the post-pubertal years." American Thoracic Society
Eyes key to regulating sleep
"U.S. biologists said they've discovered the switching mechanism in the eye that helps the brain regulate activity and rest cycles in mammals." UPI
August 15, 2008
Stress, anxiety intensify allergies
"Stress and anxiety not only can intensify those allergies, but they also can prolong the suffering." The Star-Ledger
Watch out for exercise injuries
" A U.S. doctor warns baby boomers to listen to their bodies and take precautions when active because it's a lot easier to be injured at age 50 than 20." UPI
Energy drink boosts stroke risk
"Just one can of the popular stimulant energy drink Red Bull can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, even in young people, Australian medical researchers said on Friday." Reuters
August 14, 2008
MSG, obesity link found
"People who use monosodium glutamate, or MSG, as a flavor enhancer in their food are more likely than people who don't use it to be overweight or obese even though they have the same amount of physical activity and total calorie intake." University of North Carolina
Air pollution tied to heart damage
" As athletes from around the world compete in the Beijing Olympics, many are on alert for respiratory problems caused by air pollution." American College of Cardiology
Tainted produce proves hard to track
"When government investigators found a hot trail to a potential cause of the salmonella outbreak that had confounded them for weeks, it led them to the 'Pink Palace.'" USA Today
August 13, 2008
Clothes shopping ups body image stress
"This is a story for every woman who has frowned at her image in a dressing room mirror and wished for a better body." USA Today
Parents key to kid's veggie attitudes
"Providing fruits for snacks and serving vegetables at dinner can shape a preschooler's eating patterns for his or her lifetime." Washington University
Old tanks pose health, environmental risk
"The government owns hundreds of underground fuel tanks, many designed for emergencies back in the Cold War, that need to be inspected for leaks of hazardous substances that could make local water undrinkable." Savannah Morning News
August 12, 2008
Low vitamin D, mortality linked
"Studies suggest a lack of vitamin D adds to heart and cancer risk, but those with vitamin D deficiency also have a higher risk of death, U.S. researcher say." UPI
Beware brain boost claims
"Throw all the money you like at computer brainteasers.Just don't bet the popular games will protect your gray matter any better than a host of other activities, many of them free." The Washington Post
Heavy heart health possible
"Some obese people may not be at increased heart disease risk, but some normal-weight people have a cluster of heart risks, German researchers said." UPI
August 11, 2008
Floss key to keeping teeth
"In dental offices all over the world, patients are often told they are not flossing enough or instructed to floss more. As the old saying goes, you only need to floss the teeth you want to keep." American Academy of Periodontology
Groups aim to get kids outside
"From canoeing trips on the Chesapeake Bay to endangered butterfly camps in Rhode Island, outdoor and environmental educators across the country are asking Congress and state lawmakers for more money for nature learning." The Associated Press
Family diet plans grow
"When 12-year-old Austen admitted to his mother he was uncomfortable about his weight, Erica Lovett was surprised - and clueless about how to help him. She and her husband struggled with their weight, too." Savannah Morning News
August 10, 2008
Whole Foods issues big recall
"Whole Foods Market pulled fresh ground beef from all of its stores Friday." The Washington Post
Group seeks walkable cities
"A band of walkers gathered Saturday at the 100 year old Pasadena Presbyterian Church with a mission: Give pedestrians in this city their rightful place on the sidewalk." The Los Angeles Times
Cancer fighter found in sea
"University of Florida College of Pharmacy researchers have discovered a marine compound off the coast of Key Largo that inhibits cancer cell growth in laboratory tests, a finding they hope will fuel the development of new drugs to better battle the disease." University of Florida
August 9, 2008
Most want health care overhaul
"Americans are dissatisfied with the U.S. health care system and 82 percent think it should be fundamentally changed or completely rebuilt." Commonwealth Fund
Change behavior for insomnia
"Although medications are often recommended for acute insomnia, the first line of treatment for chronic insomnia is behavioral therapy" The New York Times
Beware mixing heart drugs
"U.S. health officials warned the public on Friday about the risk of a rare type of muscle injury seen when the cholesterol drug simvastatin is combined with the anti-arrhythmia medicine amiodarone." Reuters
August 8, 2008
Allergy, autism link probed
"Houston researchers are conducting a study to determine whether gluten and dairy products play a role in autistic behavior, as some parents suggest." UPI
LA may force calorie posting
"Los Angeles residents are notorious for worrying about their waistlines and if two Los Angeles County Supervisors have it their way, calorie counting while dining out in the city may get easier." Reuters
E. coli sparks mass recall
"A California food company is recalling 153,630 pounds of frozen ground beef after an E. coli outbreak shut down a Boy Scout camp in Virginia last week and sickened at least 22 people, health officials said Thursday." The Chicago Tribune
August 7, 2008
Alcohol use in decline
"Overall alcohol use, particularly the consumption of beer, is declining in the US." The American Journal of Medicine
Asthma, home cleansers linked
"Women who use a lot of household cleaning products when they are pregnant, or shortly after giving birth, are increasing their child's risk of developing asthma." Brunel University
Yawns contagious for pups too
"Yawning is contagious in humans, but British scientists say that dogs too can catch a yawn from a human -- as a a rudimentary form of empathy." UPI
August 6, 2008
Sesame seed joins E. coli fight
"A new study shows that konjac gum and sesame seed extract may offer protection against different strains of E. coli and Salmonella bacteria." Society of Chemical Industry
Kid cold remedy use common
"Researchers from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center have found that about one in ten U.S. children uses one or more cough and cold medications during a given week." Boston University
Egg helps weight loss
"Eating two eggs for breakfast helps overweight adults lose more weight and feel energetic than eating a bagel breakfast, U.S. researchers said." UPI
August 5, 2008
Time indoors boosts myopia
"Although genetic inheritance plays a role, the rapid rise of myopia suggests that environmental factors are driving the trend." American Academy of Ophthalmology
Verbal aggression impacts kids
"Parents with a propensity for being verbally aggressive also tend to try to direct and control their children during a play period, U.S. researchers said." UPI
Obesity may begin at infancy
"Over the last decade, childhood obesity has grown into an epidemic, reflected in soaring rates of type 2 diabetes and recommendations that pediatricians check toddlers for elevated cholesterol." Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters
August 4, 2008
Office design to up fitness
"A study of a real-life U.S. office re-engineered to increase daily physical activity resulted in employee weight loss and more profits, researchers said." UPI
Low-gravity activity curbs injury
"A new CU-Boulder study of a space-age, low-gravity training machine led by Associate Professor Rodger Kram, shows the machine significantly reduced impacts on muscles and joints of study subjects." University of Colorado at Boulder
Don't ignore persistent grief
"While most people grieve when someone close to them dies, the emotional intensity tends to recede with time." The Washington Post
August 3, 2008
TV tied to college pounds
"Congress this week approved a ban on a family of chemicals widely used in soft plastic toys and other baby products." University of Alberta
Age emulation offers insight
"Mrs. Ramirez is only 33, but on a recent morning she was taking part in a three-hour training program called Xtreme Aging, designed to simulate the diminished abilities associated with old age." The New York Times
US weekly diet weight up
"In 1970, the average American ate about 16.4 pounds of food a week, or 2.3 pounds daily." The New York Times
August 2, 2008
Additives banned, fears remain
"Congress this week approved a ban on a family of chemicals widely used in soft plastic toys and other baby products." The Washington Post
Wal-Mart sued over salmonella
"A Colorado man is suing Wal-Mart and an unnamed supplier, saying that he fell ill after eating jalapeño peppers bought from the company tainted with the same strain of salmonella that has infected more than 1,300 people over the past three months." The Washington Post
Firms cut food carcinogens
"Four food manufacturers have agreed to reduce levels of a cancer-causing chemical in their potato chips and french fries in a settlement with the state of California." Associated Press
August 1, 2008
Feds OK tobacco control
"The House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed legislation that for the first time would subject the tobacco industry to regulation by federal health authorities charged with promoting public well-being." Deseret News
FDA takes heat for outbreak
"Turf struggles, bad communication and weak leadership undermined the federal response to a recent salmonella outbreak that cost the tomato industry huge losses." McClatchy-Tribune
Exercise pill probed
"They should help people who are too frail to exercise and those with health problems like diabetes that are improved with exercise." The New York Times
For more news, visit the Bragg Health News Archives.
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