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OTHER - NEWS CENTER |
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 There May Be Bugs in Your Bacon
June 24, 2008
Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that an antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been found in pigs, pork products, and even veterinarians. This report raises concerns that these 'superbugs' might eventually infect farm workers or people who eat pork.
Smoking May Put Your Memory at Risk
June 17, 2008
Cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smokers are two to three times more likely to die from coronary heart ...
This is Your Brain on Marijuana
June 12, 2008
Cannabis, or marijuana, is the most widely used illicit drug in the developed world. There is perception that cannabis does not have toxic effects on the brain, but research on the long-term effect of cannabis on the brain is scarce.
How Critical is Critical Care?
June 10, 2008
It is thought that extremely sick patients who are admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) gain a survival benefit if they are managed by critical care physicians.
Gum Disease Linked to Risk of Cancer
June 2, 2008
How many times has your dentist reminded you of the importance of flossing? Well, here's additional incentive for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Smoking and Your Social Network
May 27, 2008
Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of smoking in the United States has decreased substantially. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, quitting smoking is heavily influenced by spouses and friends
Your Other Circadian Rhythm
May 26, 2008
The natural circadian clock located in the hypothalamus of the brain provides signals to the body on when to wake up, eat, and sleep based on responses to light
More Reasons to Quit Smoking Now
May 15, 2008
The adverse effects associated with cigarette smoking have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and even death.
Improving the Safety of Imported Food and Drugs
May 2, 2008
If you've been watching the news, you've probably heard reports about the adverse reactions and deaths linked to the use of heparin, a blood thinner, manufactured by Chinese drug suppliers.
What is the Impact of Medicare Part D? (Part 2)
May 1, 2008
As a follow-up to yesterday's news about the need for better education about the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, another study in the same issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
What is the Impact of Medicare Part D? (Part 1)
April 30, 2008
Many Medicare beneficiaries are still unaware of, or confused by, the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act.
Is Smog Deadly?
April 28, 2008
Do you know what's in the air you breathe? According to a recent analysis by a committee of the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council, exposure to the ozone in smog is clearly linked to premature deaths.
Free Drug Samples Are Not So Free After All
April 9, 2008
Many pharmaceutical companies use free drug samples as a marketing tool. And, doctors may provide free samples as a way to encourage their patients to take their medications or to help them reduce their prescription costs.
Cloning to Treat Parkinson's Disease?
April 2, 2008
Therapeutic cloning involves removing the nucleus from a donor egg and replacing it with a different person's nucleus in order to yield embryonic stem cells that have the capacity to develop into different types of cells which can then be used to treat disease.
FDA Investigating Behavior Changes with Asthma Medication
March 31, 2008
On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement about their ongoing investigation of a possible association between use of the asthma and allergy drug, montelukast (marketed as Singulair®), and the development of behavior or mood changes, including suicidal thoughts and suicide.
Excuse Me - There's a Bug in My Salad!
March 25, 2008
Last week, researchers at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases
in Atlanta reported that food borne outbreaks of infection linked to lettuce and other leafy green vegetables are on the rise, and not just because Americans are eating more salad than ever before.
Drugs in Drinking Water
March 24, 2008
Earlier this month, the Associated Press released information about a five-month inquiry conducted by their National Investigative Team documenting the presence
of pharmaceutical drugs in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans.
Do You Know Your Lung Age?
March 20, 2008
According to the World Health Organization, smoking kills about 4 million people every year. The physical and psychological addiction associated with tobacco makes quitting a challenge for many smokers, despite the availability of nicotine patches, gums, and other cessation aids or services.
No Age Discrimination for Knee Surgery
March 12, 2008
Is that old knee injury keeping you from living your active lifestyle? Age is often considered a relative contraindication for knee ligament surgery, specifically reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.
Hamburger Hazards
March 7, 2008
The largest-ever recall of 143 millions pounds of beef in February 2008 draws attention to problems in the enforcement of federal food safety regulations -- not only with regard to animal cruelty, but also with regard to public health.
Cats Beat Dogs At Protecting Their Owners against an MI
March 2, 2008
Dr Adnan Qureshi, speaking at the American Stroke Association's Conference 2008, spoke of an important benefit of cat ownership on health. An analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES II) identified over 4,400 patients between 35 and 70 who had no signs of coronary heart disease; 55% of them owned cats.
Could Cell-Phones Affect Male Fertility?
March 1, 2008
Cell phones are used by at least 700 million people worldwide, and, of course, there has been speculation about their possible effects on health. Brain cancer has been investigated and the verdict is conflicting - in a small study in Sweden there seems to be a positive risk, while other studies are negative, though doubt persists.
Two New Approaches for Fibromyalgia
February 27, 2008
Two drugs, which are approved for other indiciations, have recently shown promise in controlled studies in treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The first is a marijuana derivative, nabilone (Cesamet®), as reported in the Journal of Pain. Nabilone is GDA-approved for tresting nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy.
It's Harder to Quit Smoking When You're Depressed
February 8, 2008
Quite a lot of smokers don't quit smoking after hospitalization for cardiovascular disease, even though they've received every encouragement to do so. As depression is not uncommon during such hospitalization, Boston researchers decided to see whether it played a role in the failure of smokers to quit under such circumstances. They've published their results in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Have You Ever Seen A Mirror Walking?
February 6, 2008
If you watch "E.R." or "House" regularly, sooner or later you'll learn what situs inversus is. It's been known to the medical profession since 1643, and is sometimes the focus of professional 'in-house' pranks, when an X-ray is presented to a newbie the wrong way round. In fact, the explosion in cardiac imaging has made reports of subjects with the disorder much more common.
People Prefer Healthy Eating over Dieting
January 25, 2008
In the same context as our blog a few days ago ("Eating is Automatic"), the New York-based market research organization NPD reports that dieting is out, and healthy eating is in.
Saturday Quack - Not Guilty Verdict for Mercury and Autism
January 19, 2008
In July 2006 I posted a summary of findings which, to my mind, refuted the concept that thimerosal - the mercury-based preservative once used in children's vaccines - causes autism.
Bird Flu Still on the Back Burner?
January 13, 2008
You might think that one or other of our numerous candidates for President would have found time to express their views on bird flu and the country's preparations for combating it. However, even if aspiring politicians and the public have been resting the topic, the scientists have been busy. There have been several news items about it in the last 6 months - here's a summary.
Similar Risks of High Glycemic Diets in Chinese and Blacks
January 11, 2008
Two studies have reported on the effects of glycemic load in non-white women, to see if cultural differences in diet might play a relevant role in the causation of diabetes.
Less Than a TIA, but Also Dangerous
January 4, 2008
The risk of subsequent stroke after a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke) is well known. As many as one person in 20 who has had a TIA will go on to have a full-blown stroke in the next 7 days. But there's another acronym - TNA - that also carries a warning.
Genentech Relents
December 31, 2007
For some months ophthalmologists have been tempted to prescribe a drug that hasn't been approved for eye disease. They've been using Avastin® (bevacizumab) to treat age-related macular degeneration ( AMD ), instead of the same company's Lucentis® (ranibizumab). An injection of Lucentis costs about $2000, whereas Avastin is about $40.
Modern Medical Myths
December 30, 2007
We talk of Old Wives Tales, but many of the health-related ones persist today - along with some new ones.
Another Older Drug with a New Use
December 24, 2007
Baclofen (also known as Lioresal®) is a derivative of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and is used as a muscle relaxant in such conditions as spinal cord injury, trigeminal neuralgia, and multiple sclerosis (MS). It's also found to be helpful in treating hiccups.
Can't Find a Wii When You Need One?
December 21, 2007
Maybe all the Wii's have been diverted to your local physical therapy department.
Take PAD Seriously!
December 14, 2007
I wrote a piece on peripheral arterial disease (PAD) last year, drawing attention to "the most dangerous disease you've never heard of". A new article in the Archives of Internal Medicine brings the risk into closer focus. The simple diagnostic measure is to determine the difference in blood pressure between that at the usual position (the brachial artery in the arm) and that in the ankle (the posterior tibial artery).
Broccoli by Any Other Route Would Taste As Good...
December 5, 2007
Most kids and a few adults dislike broccoli, although it's a very healthy vegetable. Is it the taste, or the mouth-feel, or both, that causes the problem? A team at Johns Hopkins has been researching broccoli for years, and has just published some interesting results in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Older Men and Their Hormones ...
November 30, 2007
As men get older there's a gradual decline in their levels of 'anabolic' hormones. Anabolic means 'tissue building', and generally refers to a trio of hormones: testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S). A recent study from Italy, reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine, has examined the blood levels of these hormones in older men, relation to their mortality rate.
Look What Vaccines Have Done for Us
November 26, 2007
The introduction of national recommendations for vaccinations has led to a dramatic reduction in the designated diseases in the USA, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Long-term Beta Carotene May Help Aging Brains
November 23, 2007
The use of antioxidants to prevent various conditions associated with aging, like coronary heart disease and Alzheimer's, has been an on-again, off-again thing. Now the results of a very long study are available, and it may be that the length of treatment is the significant factor. Results are published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Saturday Quack - 'Statins No Good for Heart Failure'?
November 17, 2007
I've been spouting for months and months about how statins can treat just about anything cardiovascular, and a good many non-cardiovascular diseases, too. Now a study has shown up this view as being over the top - and I deserve a Saturday Quack myself.
Saturday Quack - Individualized Herbal Recipes
October 20, 2007
European, Chinese, and Ayurvedic herbal medicine emphasizes an individualistic approach to prescribing treatment - the practitioner determines the composition of an herbal medicine that's specifically designed for an individual patient.
Anticoagulation Without Monitoring? - Nearly Here!
October 19, 2007
People are willing to have their prothrombin time (PT) measured when they take their anticoagulants (such a Warfarin) for a short period, but after a while the constant monitoring becomes a nuisance, and there's a real risk that they'll drop the drug to avoid the monitoring!
Sharpen Your Thinking about Risks
October 18, 2007
Most Americans spend far too much time worrying about things that are unlikely to happen to them, and ignoring things that put them at real risk.
Does a High White Blood Cell Count Mean Cancer?
October 17, 2007
Inflammatory changes in the body, sometimes shown by "inflammatory markers" in the blood such as CRP (C-reactive protein), have been linked with a number of diseases, including cancer. Researchers have now used data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study to see if there's a relationship between the white blood cell (WBC) count and the occurrence of 4 specific cancers. Their findings are published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Genentech Hits AMD Patients Hard - in the Wallet
October 16, 2007
The pharmaceutical industry is nobody's favorite, and it often does things that blacken its image even further. Genetech's move regarding their monoclonal antibody Avastin® is a case in point. Ophthalmologists have been using Avastin (bevacizumab) to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), instead of the same company's Lucentis® (ranibizumab).
Strength Training Supplements for Seniors?
October 15, 2007
Traditional physicians tend to cast scorn on supplements taken by weight lifters - or at least show great skepticism. (And we're not talking about anabolic steroids here). Now a study funded entirely by the Canadian institute of Health Research has produced results indicating that a combination of creatine and linoleic acid can boost the effects of resistance training in older adults. It's posted in the online journal PloS ONE.
The Effectiveness of Flu Shots
October 14, 2007
Sporadic reports have suggested that a flu shot largely doesn't prevent flu or its complications in seniors. Now an important study has evaluated the effectiveness of flu shots in people over 65 in the long-term. It's published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Saturday Quest - We're Fatter Than Ever!
October 13, 2007
Obesity rates are up in most states of the USA ; and, fewer people are exercising. The non-profit Trust for America's Health has reported that obesity rates now range from 17% in Colorado to over 30% in Mississippi .
Which Diet is Best for the Heart?
October 12, 2007
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts have analyzed the nutritional qualities of 10 popular diets, using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index, a Harvard system that concentrates on dietary components most strongly linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Panic Attacks and Heart Attacks in Women
October 11, 2007
Panic attacks are not uncommon; as many as 10% of postmenopausal women have reported them in one collective. The researchers making this observation decided to see if there was a risk of cardiovascular problems in these women. Their findings are published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.
How Well the FDA Works (or Doesn't)
September 30, 2007
Americans are unsure about drug safety and the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) record in protecting them. Recent controversies about the long-term safety of Vioxx®, drug-coated stents, and the glitazone antidiabetic drugs Actos® and Avandia®, have increased the doubts. A survey has shown that while 82% of those polled trust the FDA when it comes to overseeing prescription drugs, 47% rated its performance as fair or poor. People are concerned about the increasing number of drug-related adverse effects; as many as 3 out of 4 believe that drug safety is more important than speedy new drug approval.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - a Cause?
September 26, 2007
The chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an incapacitating disease characterized by profound fatigue, which is not improved by bed rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity.
Saturday Quirk - Non-Participative Management
September 22, 2007
In a former life I worked in an organization that placed great value on a management technique called "Participative Management". In a nutshell, the concept involved the boss collecting informed input from all his immediate underlings, and then making a well-informed decision, after hearing all sides of the argument. I was reminded of this when I read a report in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
Elder Abuse: More Common Than You Might Think
September 15, 2007
A study from Israel, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, reminds us to be on the watch for physical or mental abuse in elderly people in particular situations. The study, which was done in 2 major medical centers, involved 730 men and women aged 70 and older.
Cutting Hospital Doctors Hours Doesn't Affect Mortality
September 13, 2007
In the last decade there has been widespread concern about the large number of medical errors in US hospitals. In an effort to reduce these, limits were imposed on hospital residents' hours in 2003. The limits set were no more than 80 hours a week, one day in 7 free of all duties, no more than 24 continuous hours (with an additional 6 hours for education), on-call at night no more often that every third night, and at least 10 hours of rest between duty periods. It was hoped that if doctors were less tired, they would make fewer errors.
Are You an Avid Reader?
August 28, 2007
'Cognitive reserve' is the expression used for the maintenance of mental performance in spite of underlying brain disease. Obviously, anything that can boost or preserve cognitive reserve is a good thing. Well, a report in the medial journal Neurology suggests that avid reading may be just such a method. The underlying brain damage was produced by lead poisoning.
Are You Allergic to Cats?
August 26, 2007
Cats are often blamed for an allergic collection of symptoms, without necessarily being the cause. Doctors are often willing to point the finger. But after getting rid of the cat, many people find that they are allergic to house-dust mites, or chemicals from a new carpet.
Managing Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation
August 22, 2007
The main risk associated with atrial fibrillation is for a stroke, due to a clot forming in the heart, breaking off, and blocking a vessel in the brain. Consequently, patients are encouraged to take medication to prevent clot formation; this can be an anticoagulant or an antiplatelet drug. The Cochrane database has published a review of the protection offered by these two approaches, based on a meta-analysis of published studies.
Eating More Words About Cold Cures
August 17, 2007
Only a short time ago we had to admit that Echinacea seems to help the common cold - prevents it, or shortens it. This was shown in a meta-analysis of 14 well-conducted published studies. Now another meta-analysis has been published - but this time for vitamin C, long scorned as being little better than a placebo.
If You Can Read This...
August 15, 2007
. . . .you'll live longer than some Medicare patients, according to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine. A shortened version of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults was used to determine if someone's health literacy was adequate, marginal, or inadequate. Health literacy is basic reading and numerical skills that allow a person to function in the health care environment.
Serum Uric Acid and Parkinson's Disease
August 10, 2007
Here's another 're-discovery'. In 1996 Honolulu scientists reported that, in a population of 8000 men, those with above average serum uric acid levels had a 40% reduction in their likelihood of later contracting Parkinson's disease.
Think Before You Sue the Doctor
August 9, 2007
A lawyer writing in the Michigan Law Review has assessed the outcomes of medical malpractice suits, with some interesting conclusions.
Saturday Quack - Childhood Vaccines and Autism?
August 4, 2007
Without venturing into the still-active controversy as to the relationship (or lack of one) between autism and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination, I bring up the story of a central figure in the issue - Andrew Wakefield. Wakefield and two colleagues face professional misconduct charges in front of the British General medical Council (GMC) over their controversial research that was published in the medical journal Lancet.
End-of-life Preferences Can Change
August 3, 2007
One tends to assume that the wishes of patients with advanced chronic illness concerning life-sustaining treatment will remain unchanged over time.
Will You Walk a Little Faster?
July 20, 2007
Fast walking is better than slow strolling for older folk, according to a report in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Probiotics Again
July 16, 2007
Some time ago I posted a report of two trials of probiotics, in IBS and IBD, showing their effectiveness in relieving symptoms of these irritable and inflammatory bowel conditions. Other research has now appeared. A report in the British Medical Journal describes a double-blind placebo-controlled study of a probiotic drink containing lactobacillus for preventing diarrhea associated with antibiotic use, including that caused by Clostridium difficile. The subjects (135 hospitalized patients, average age 74, and taking antibiotics for various reasons) entered the study when they were diarrhea-free. Half of them were given a twice-daily probiotic drink that contained Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. There was a 34% incidence of diarrhea among the participants in the control group, compared with 12% in those taking the probiotics. This translates into a Numbers Needed to Treat (NNT) of 5, i.e. 5 patients would require treatment to prevent one extra case of antibiotic-related diarrhea.
"The Numbers Needed to Treat"
July 11, 2007
When the doctor advises you to take a particular form of treatment you may want to ask him or her: "Will this cure me, doctor?", or "Will this stop me getting XYZ, doctor?" Chances are the doctor doesn't know the answer to this. But a new tool to improve such communications between patient and doctor exists, and is being examined in use. It's termed "the numbers needed to treat", or NNT, and it's commonly reported along with the results of large clinical trials.
An Effective Drug for Fibromyalgia, at Last
July 9, 2007
There are probably 6 million sufferers from fibromyalgia in the USA . It affects mostly women in early adulthood to middle-age, the main symptoms being pain and tenderness in the muscles, joints and tendons, multiple tender points in the body, extreme fatigue, and insomnia. Until now, there has been no medication that's been approved for treating fibromyalgia. But the FDA has just approved pregabalin (Lyrica®) for this condition. Pregabalin is already approved for treating seizures, pain after shingles, and diabetic neuropathy.
Treating Peripheral Neuropathy
July 6, 2007
People with type 2 diabetes are liable to develop peripheral neuropathy, as one of the complications of their diabetes. The effect on nerves - often those in the legs and feet - can be temporary numbness, tingling, and pricking sensations, sensitivity to touch, or muscle weakness; more extreme symptoms include burning pain, especially at night.
Echinacea Is Not Dead!
July 5, 2007
No sooner do the experts produce a report that echinacea - everybody's favorite cold cure - doesn't work, than out comes a study showing that it does! The pundits (and I) have to eat our words. A report in the Lancet Infectious Diseases describes the results of a meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials of the herb, aka the purple coneflower. The incidence of the common cold was reported as the odds ratio compared to people in the studies who were not taking echinacea.
Tai Chi Boosts Immunity towards Shingles
July 3, 2007
Tai Chi is a good low-impact exercise for older people, based on ancient Chinese martial art practice. Its use should receive a boost from the report that it can raise cell-mediated immunity in the user. The relevant UCLA study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Care is Better If You Have Several Illnesses
June 29, 2007
You might think, with all the recent criticism of health care in the USA, that having more than one serious condition would put you at greater risk for poor treatment and nursing; with too much to take care of, one or other of your health problems could be neglected.
Does Your Doctor Shake Your Hand?
June 21, 2007
A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine has examined what patients expect when they first meet a physician. They used a telephone survey of 415 adults across the USA to find out what might be done right to get the doctor-patient relationship off on the right foot.
Viagra, Hamsters, and Jet-Lag
June 7, 2007
Hamsters are commonly used to study circadian rhythm - the changes in the body that occur at different times of the day - as they have quite exact daily rhythms; for instance, they run on their exercise wheels at the same time every night. This makes them ideal for modeling jet-lag, the phenomenon that is well-know to international travelers. A person traveling east has difficulty falling asleep and wakening for a few days, while someone traveling west falls asleep and wakes earlier.
Pot Plus Tobacco Is Worse than Tobacco Alone
June 1, 2007
Society is trying to have tobacco banned, but to have marihuana legalized (though not the same members of society in each case, I imagine). It seems that there's an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among smokers who also take marijuana. This was the theme of a report at the American Thoracic Society meeting last week.
Bird Flu Update
May 14, 2007
Though things appear to have quietened down, occasional outbreaks of H5Ni avian flu have occurred in birds in almost all continents of the world except the Americas. The feared mutation into a form that passes easily from person to person has not occurred (yet). Human cases have been rare - about 290 reported, with 172 of them being fatal.
Wheat, Barley, or Oats? Which is Best for Health?
April 26, 2007
Whole-grain foods are at the bottom of the healthy food pyramid - meaning that they should figure largely in your diet. Eating whole-grains has been reported to improve the risk factors for coronary heart disease, so a natural question is, 'which whole-grain?'
Screening for Aortic Aneurism
April 25, 2007
In more affluent areas of the USA , mobile units are offering to screen older people for a number of diseases (and for considerable sums of money!). One of these screens is usually an ultrasound exam for abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA). Should you have such a screen? Or should your health provider provide free screening? AAA occurs in 5% to 10% of men aged 65 to 79. The major complication is rupture, which presents as a surgical emergency, and carries an 80% mortality (50% if they reach the operating room). Diagnosis before rupture, therefore, would appear to be a good idea.
Tai Chi Helps Fight Shingles
April 24, 2007
All people over 60 are recommended to have a vaccination against shingles - it doesn't really matter if they had childhood chickenpox or not, as virtually all adults of this age have had chickenpox or a subclinical infection with the herpes zoster virus. Shingles is an extremely unpleasant condition, and steps to prevent it are worth-while. Recently, a study has been reported in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society that describes the benefits of Tai Chi in enhancing the body's response to the virus.
Restless Legs Syndrome and Blood Pressure Peaks
April 22, 2007
The availability of an effective treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS) has led to widespread advertising of the product (ropinerole or Requip®), which has been followed by a growth in the number of patients reporting their leg problems. Most people with RLS have twitching or flexing leg movements during sleep, recurring at intervals of 20 to 40 seconds. Canadian researchers recently reported in the journal Neurology the results of a study they conducted in blood pressure changes in 10 patients with RLS during a night in the sleep lab.
Where You Live Affects How Long You Live
April 21, 2007
Of course, like so many things in this modern life, it depends how rich (or poor) you are. Being poor in a rich neighborhood may be a health risk according to a recent report in the American Journal of Public Health. San Francisco researchers examined the influence of neighborhood-level socioeconomic status on mortality, in comparison to the individuals' socioeconomic status. They studied mortality in over 8,000 men and women from 82 neighborhoods in 4 Californian cities.
As alcohol dependence decreases, spirituality increases
March 27, 2007
Spirituality increases during recovery from alcoholism, according to a new study.
Think about quitting smoking if you are scheduled for surgery
March 26, 2007
It is important to quit smoking before surgery so as to reduce the risk of complications.
Childhood mental illness has a stigma
March 21, 2007
American parents want their kids to keep away from others who have mental illness, says a new study.
Use of complementary medicine is greater in middle age
March 19, 2007
Middle-aged adults are more likely than older people to turn to complementary medicine, according to a new survey.
Stem cells can benefit mice with neurodegenerative disease
March 12, 2007
New experiments with human embryonic stem cells show that they can repair neurodegenerative disease in an animal model.
It may be safe to use cell phones in hospital
March 12, 2007
Cell phones do not have an adverse impact upon hospital medical devices, according to a new study.
Study takes a new look at the stage theory of grief
February 26, 2007
Negative emotions after bereavement tend to decline after six months.
Study reveals two genes which could be involved in autism
February 21, 2007
A DNA scan sheds new insights on the genetics underlying autism.
Biomarker helps predict peritonitis outcome
February 20, 2007
Levels of the biomarker procalcitonin in the blood act as an indicator of prognosis in peritonitis.
Surgeons who like video games are good at their job
February 20, 2007
Video games can help surgeons perform better, according to study.
Survey shows that older patients are missing out on specialist healthcare
February 14, 2007
Doctors are still denying both tests and treatment to older patients.
Primary care consults are more complex than you might think
February 1, 2007
A videotape study reveals that primary care physicians often deal with many topics during one patient visit.
Prior information on normal diagnostic test results can provide reassurance
January 26, 2007
Giving patients more information on normal diagnostic test results can stop them worrying about their health.
Wrong site surgery is avoidable with pre-op meeting
January 26, 2007
There is a simple way of avoiding wrong site surgery, say doctors at Johns Hopkins.
Analysis reveals tobacco getting is more addictive
January 24, 2007
Nicotine content of cigarettes has gone up, which increases the risk to smokers.
Researchers have found a new kind of stem cell
January 10, 2007
A new type of stem cell, with the potential to treat many diseases, has been isolated from amniotic fluid.
Echinacea might have unwanted side effects
December 20, 2006
Echinacea may affect intestinal bacteria, according to a clinical trial.
Hospitals are missing patient safety problems
December 18, 2006
Patient safety incidents are being under-reported in hospitals because of weaknesses in the reporting system.
New research sheds light on hysteria
December 12, 2006
An imaging study reveals that women with sensory conversion disorder have unusual brain activity.
Flu risk status is not recognized by younger people
December 11, 2006
Many of those who are at high risk of flu don't realize it and so don't get their vaccination.
Vaccinating care home staff against flu protects residents too
December 8, 2006
If care home staff have flu jabs, it reduces illness and death among residents, according to a new study.
Study reveals the value of phone based care for the elderly
December 5, 2006
A phone based care system has been shown to reduce mortality among older adults by linking them to services.
Regular gambling is linked to poor health
November 30, 2006
People who gamble also have an increased risk of health problems such as angina and liver disease.
Smoking may be an attempt to soothe the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
November 27, 2006
A new study is to explore the link between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and smoking, combining therapies to treat both conditions.
Study looks at reimbursing living donors to help transplantation resources
November 20, 2006
Financial help for living donors may help boost the supply for organ donation.
Study presents new insights into health risks of rheumatoid arthritis
November 16, 2006
Researchers have used a new mathematical model to show that people with rheumatoid arthritis age more rapidly than expected.
Complementary medicine is popular, and may be effective, in the treatment of allergy
November 15, 2006
Traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics may play a useful role in treating allergy, according to new research.
Google can help with a tricky diagnosis
November 10, 2006
Doctors can benefit from searching on Google to help in the diagnosis of difficult cases.
Link between childhood trauma and chronic fatigue syndrome uncovered
November 7, 2006
Trauma in childhood may lead to chronic fatigue syndrome in later life, according to a new study.
New treatment can help patients with hepatitis C
October 31, 2006
A new drug combo can help people with hepatitis C who have not responded to previous treatment.
Nursing home mistakes need more attention
October 30, 2006
Medication errors may go undetected in nursing homes, according to a new survey.
How to prevent bedsores from becoming a serious issue
October 27, 2006
Bedsores can be fatal, but there are ways of avoiding them.
Transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria linked to previous intensive care occupants
October 18, 2006
Staying in an intensive care room that was previously occupied by a patient with antibiotic-resistant bacteria increases the risk of infection.
Treatment success at one year reduces death rate from alcohol problems
October 13, 2006
Early treatment spells lower death rates for people with alcohol problems.
HIV measurements may not signal likely progression to AIDS
October 11, 2006
Initial HIV level might not be the best indicator of the loss of CD4 cells, according to a new study.
Hand hygiene report finds much room for improvement
October 9, 2006
Americans need to learn to proper handwashing if they want to avoid flu and other infections.
Vaccines will provide shingles and whooping cough immunity
October 6, 2006
Two new vaccines are now available to protect against shingles and whooping cough.
Eight hundred billion dollar US healthcare bill is announced
October 6, 2006
The United States spends nearly 800 billion dollars a year on hospital-based healthcare.
Intravascular devices all pose a risk of bloodstream infection
October 5, 2006
A new study from the Mayo Clinic shows that all kinds of intravascular devices pose a risk to the patient of bloodstream infection.
Smokers could be at greater risk of HIV infection
October 4, 2006
Smoking tobacco could be a risk factor for HIV infection, according to a new study.
Physicians falling down on communication over prescriptions
September 28, 2006
Doctors do not tell patients what they need to know about their medication, concludes a new study.
A study shows that an experimental drug can help muscular dystrophy
September 19, 2006
Cancer drug can improve muscle deterioration in muscular dystrophy.
Willpower alone may not be enough when it comes to smoking cessation
September 8, 2006
A new study suggests that people need help like nicotine replacement when they decide on smoking cessation.
Decrease in eczema and hayfever noted
September 7, 2006
After increasing over the past several years, it looks as if eczema and hayfever may be finally on the decline.
Pediatricians must do more to persuade parents not to smoke
September 4, 2006
Parental smoking ought to be a key concern for pediatricians.
Poverty increases have serious implications for public health
August 31, 2006
The increase in severe poverty among Americans has a profound impact upon public health, according to a new study.
Hospice care reduces end-of-life hospitalizations
August 30, 2006
Nursing home residents in hospices are less likely to be admitted to hospital for terminal care.
Surgeon's age is not necessarily important in patient outcome
August 29, 2006
Surgical volume is more important than the surgeon's age when it comes to the outcome of an operation for a patient.
Allergen levels can be reduced by getting rid of old mattresses
August 24, 2006
Replacing old mattresses and improving ventilation can reduce dust mite levels and so help improve allergies.
Experts advise on burning mouth syndrome
August 15, 2006
Burning mouth syndrome may have many causes but it is usually treatable following careful investigation.
Coping with jet lag
August 15, 2006
A few simple tips may help you to get the better of jet lag.
Link between genes and autism is described
August 14, 2006
Different genes may influence the risk of autism in boys and girls.
The factors helping or hindering disclosure of medical errors are examined in a new study
August 9, 2006
University of Iowa experts look at why it can be difficult for doctors to disclose medical errors.
Drug errors might arise from database problems
August 7, 2006
Experts suspect database deficiencies linked to drug errors.
Genetics link to obsessive compulsive disorder has been discovered
August 2, 2006
A gene responsible for glutamate transport plays a role in obessive compulsive disorder, according to two new studies.
Johns Hopkins doctors are using a domino-paired scheme to carry out more kidney transplants
July 31, 2006
More patients in need of a kidney transplant can benefit under a new scheme using domino-paired donors.
Study says alcohol addiction responds to the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program
July 25, 2006
It seems that 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous work for believer and skeptics alike.
First steps towards facial rejuvenation by cell therapy revealed
July 24, 2006
A British company reports encouraging data on a new treatment for facial wrinkles
Workplace wellness schemes can encourage healthy lifestyles
July 19, 2006
Much can be done in the occupational context to get people to improve their health.
TB must be dealt with among the socially excluded
July 18, 2006
Prisoners, drug users and the homeless are at risk of tuberculosis and need to be targeted for diagnosis and treatment.
Depressed, anxious older people turn more often to alternative medicine
July 18, 2006
Mental state seems to be a factor in the popularity of complementary and alternative medicine, say researchers.
Smoking is more deadly for women
July 12, 2006
A study shows that women smokers are twice as likely to develop lung cancer compared to their male counterparts.
New smoking cessation drug looks promising
July 12, 2006
Varenicline helps smokers quit, according to recent clinical trials.
Embryonic stem cells may lead to AIDS cure
July 7, 2006
Laboratory studies reveal how human embryonic stem cells can turn into T helper cells, which are destroyed in HIV/AIDS.
Choosing the right sunscreen
July 7, 2006
Some reminders about sunscreen come from experts at the Mayo Clinic.
Mobile phones can be dangerous in storms
June 26, 2006
Doctors say you could be struck by lightning if you use your mobile phone outside in stormy weather.
Wrinkled smokers face higher risk of lung disease
June 26, 2006
A study shows that smokers who are heavily wrinkled are more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia
June 23, 2006
Use of an antiseptic paste may help those suffering from potentially deadly pneumonia.
Secondhand smoke harms people with allergies
June 22, 2006
Exposure to smoke makes ragweed allergy worse.
Danger decreases for peanut allergy sufferers
June 19, 2006
A survey shows that accidental ingestion of peanuts for those with an allergy is on the decrease.
Are antibiotics used for too long?
June 15, 2006
Making health decisions
June 6, 2006
New study looks at the factors influences the decisions we make about our health.
Ireland leads Europe in tobacco control policies
June 1, 2006
According to a new assessment, the Irish are doing most to promote tobacco control and Luxembourg is doing the least.
Latest hepatitis C trial results reported
June 1, 2006
The largest study on hepatitis C treatment reveals some factors affecting the outcome.
Just one cigarette triggers smoking compulsion
May 31, 2006
The best way to stop smoking is never to start, according to a new study on teenage smokers.
Older adults account for a third of hospital admissions
May 30, 2006
Although only 12 per cent of the US population are over 65, this group accounts for one in three hospitalizations.
Hide that chocolate!
May 30, 2006
A study shows that the visibility of food affects the amount people consume.
Stress hormone levels linked to socioeconomic status
May 26, 2006
It turns out that lower, not higher, socioeconomic status is associated with higher levels of stress hormones.
Prince of Wales calls for integrated medicine
May 24, 2006
Addressing the World Health Assembly, the heir to the British throne called for patients to be offered the best of conventional and complementary medicine.
Reason for shortage of organ donation
May 22, 2006
The biggest obstacle to organ donation in Britain is the number of relatives refusing consent.
Varicose vein treatments are a good investment
May 19, 2006
An analysis of varicose vein treatments carried out in the United Kingdom suggests they are worthwhile.
The benefits of oral cancer screening at dental checkup
May 19, 2006
Screening high risk patients for oral cancer during routine checks is a cost-effective approach.
Obesity increase risk of chronic kidney failure
May 18, 2006
A survey of patients with chronic kidney failure reveals that excess weight is a risk factor.
Off-label prescribing is common
May 17, 2006
As many as one in five of prescriptions are for an off-label use, even though most of these uses are not backed by scientific evidence.
Some ethnic groups more susceptible to drug reactions
May 11, 2006
According to a new study, response to certain drugs may depend on ethnic origins.
Medication and counseling can beat alcohol dependence
May 9, 2006
A review shows that medication can play an important role in treating alcohol problems.
Some kidney transplant recipients not taking necessary medication
May 3, 2006
A new study shows that one in four of those who have received a kidney transplant do not adhere to their medication schedule.
Measures of health inequity may be misleading
May 2, 2006
UK targets to reduce health inequities may, in fact, favor the rich.
Smoking a bigger problem than previously realized
April 26, 2006
A new study highlights smoking-related deaths among Asian Americans.
Explaining near death experiences
April 21, 2006
A study suggests that those who have near death experiences may have differences in their sleep-wake cycles.
Helping families consider organ donation
April 13, 2006
A new program focuses on helping doctors explain the concept of the brain death of potential organ donors to their families.
Second-hand smoke increases diabetes risk
April 12, 2006
For the first time, it has been shown that exposure to second-hand smoke increases glucose intolerance.
Tanning can be addictive
April 3, 2006
New experiments suggest that some people get more than a suntan out of using a sunbed.
New therapy helps in graft-versus-host disease
March 30, 2006
Rituximab reduces the symptoms of graft-versus-host disease among patients with stem cell transplants for cancer.
The state of preparedness for bird flu
March 28, 2006
Spanish experts comment on the current status of our readiness for a bird flu pandemic.
Patients agree on desirable physician behavior
March 17, 2006
A new study sheds light on what people want from their doctor.
Makeup does not help women with facial blemishes
March 16, 2006
Using makeup to conceal a severe facial blemish does not improve a woman's quality of life.
Top ten allergens named
March 8, 2006
A survey of patch tests reveals the most common triggers for contact dermatitis.
Folk remedies used widely
March 6, 2006
Older adults in rural North Carolina often use folk or home remedies.
Therapy for spinal cord injury
March 3, 2006
A comparison study suggests that both body weight supported treadmill therapy and conventional mobility rehab are effective in spinal cord injury.
Treatments based on behavior could reduce prescribing
February 28, 2006
A study suggests that treatments based on modifying behavior could cut down on the drugs bill.
Containment would delay but not prevent flu pandemic
February 27, 2006
Mathematical modeling reveals that containing flu outbreaks is a way of buying time, although it will not stop a pandemic from happening
Smoking down in Europe over last decade
February 23, 2006
Europeans are smoking less and their exposure to passive smoking has also decreased, according to a large study.
Potential of non-heart beating liver donors
February 22, 2006
Liver transplants from non-heart beating donors may increase the supply of organs.
Comparison of hay fever drugs
February 21, 2006
Two drugs for hay fever, one over-the-counter the other prescription only, have similar benefits in hay fever.
Take medication regularly to reduce healthcare costs
February 14, 2006
Patients who take their medication as prescribed save thousands of dollars on their healthcare bill.
Smoking ban will disadvantage worse off
February 10, 2006
Black people may have lower survival rates for lung cancer because their access to care is more limited.
Alcohol labels may not help sensible drinking
February 6, 2006
Labels showing the amounts of units on a bottle of wine do not always inform people in the way intended.
Could religion help Muslims quit smoking?
February 6, 2006
Rates of smoking are high among Muslims, but it may be against their religion.
Intelligence is a factor in health inequalities
February 3, 2006
A new study suggests that intelligence has an impact upon people's health.
Echinacea does not prevent colds
February 2, 2006
While the herbal remedy echinacea may shorten the duration of a cold, it will not prevent your getting one.
Sudden attempts to quit smoking more likely to succeed
February 1, 2006
Planning to stop smoking may not be the only approach.
Genetic influence on smoking
January 30, 2006
A new study reveals that variants in a gene controlling nicotine breakdown are linked to the number of cigarettes smoked.
A few common sense measures can help protect you from a flu pandemic
January 30, 2006
Handwashing, vaccines and anti-viral drugs are your main weapons against all types of flu.
Black elderberry extract may help against avian flu
January 25, 2006
Lab tests suggest that a herbal remedy is active against the bird flu virus.
Rush to get make bird flu vaccine
January 20, 2006
US scientists are pushing forward with tests of a vaccine for avian flu.
Substantial gains are possible if the number of nursing staff is increased
January 17, 2006
Fewer deaths, shorter hospital stays and a reduced complication rate could result from having more nurses in hospital.
Update on avian flu
January 12, 2006
A new study shows that transmission of avian flu to humans could be easier than previously believed.
Plan ahead for independent living
January 10, 2006
Experts from the Mayo Clinic advise on how to keep your independence as you get older.
Short glasses increase alcohol consumption
January 10, 2006
People pour more alcohol into a short wide glass than they do into a long thin one.
Dealing with leftover medication
January 9, 2006
Take care with how you dispose of your unwanted drugs
Cultural differences may account for variation in home remedy use
January 5, 2006
A study suggests that black people and native Americans prefer home remedies for reasons that are largely cultural.
Soap operas paint too positive a picture of coma
January 4, 2006
People are less likely to survive a coma than you might think from TV medical dramas.
You're never too old to make money
December 30, 2005
Ageism does not apply in business as it does in politics or regular employment.
How to keep your 2006 resolutions!
December 30, 2005
Couple your New Year health resolutions with a little psychology and you are more likely to succeed.
Visualization helps smokers quit
December 22, 2005
A new study shows that visual imagery helps smokers who want to give up.
Psoriasis drug has wide ranging benefit
December 20, 2005
A drug used to treat the clinical symptoms of psoriasis may also relieve the depression and fatigue that often accompany the condition.
Palliative care growing rapidly in U.S. hospitals
December 15, 2005
A new survey reveals that palliative care for those with advanced disease is growing rapidly in many hospitals.
Choosing the best kidney for transplantation
December 9, 2005
A study shows that some patients are better off accepting a sub-optimal donor kidney than remaining on the waiting list.
Stress impairs body's healing ability
December 9, 2005
The stress generated by an argument is enough to impair the body's healing ability through the next day.
Pneumonia hospitalization on the increase for elderly
December 7, 2005
There has been a 20 per cent increase in the rates of hospitalization for pneumonia among those aged 65 to 84.
Intranasal flu vaccine is safe
December 7, 2005
A new study has found there are no serious risks associated with the widespread use of intranasal flu vaccine.
Pets are good for your health
December 2, 2005
Owning a pet improves health and wellbeing, especially for older people.
Increase in infectious disease hospitalization among older adults
December 1, 2005
A comparison shows that there has been a 13 per cent increase in hospital admission for infectious disease in the last decade.
Connecting with nature is good for your health
November 30, 2005
Researchers recommend ecotherapy for improving health and wellbeing.
Emerging infectious diseases likely to increase
November 30, 2005
The problem of new infectious diseases is set to get worse, with both humans and animals being infected.
Stress takes a physical toll
November 28, 2005
Stressful events accumulate through life and contribute to earlier ill health and death.
Effects of a smoking ban
November 15, 2005
After a smoking ban in New Zealand, more people have sought help with quitting.
Vaccinate all healthcare workers, says flu expert
November 10, 2005
It is time to toughen up on flu vaccination and make health workers have a jab to stop infection spreading.
Oxygen during surgery reduces risk of wound infection
November 3, 2005
If a patient is given supplemental oxygen during surgery for colorectal cancer, they are less likely to develop a wound infection.
Exposure to second-hand smoke continues to trouble Asian Americans
November 3, 2005
A study finds that around 40 per cent of a sample of Asian Americans are exposed to second-hand smoke.
Pillows are a hot bed of fungal spores
October 21, 2005
A pillow can be a source of millions of allergy-inducing fungal spores, says a new study
New drug for psoriasis?
October 17, 2005
A clinical trial shows that a drug for rheumatoid arthritis shows some promise in the treatment of psoriasis as well.
Acne antibiotics increase risk of upper respiratory tract infection
September 29, 2005
People on long-term antibiotics for acne have twice the risk of upper respiratory tract infection.
Acupressure reduces sleepiness
September 29, 2005
If acupressure is used on stimulation points, it increases students' attention and reduces sleepiness in class.
Results from Irish smoking ban
September 27, 2005
Banning smoking in pubs in Ireland has improved the health of staff and also made for cleaner air inside the establishments.
Trends in the US death rate
September 21, 2005
The death rate from all causes decreased by 32 per cent among US citizens between 1970 and 2002 but there have been increases in deaths from diabetes and chronic lung disease.
A quarter of antibiotic-resistant infections occur in recently admitted patients
September 16, 2005
A new survey shows how one in four cases of MRSA occur among patients who have just arrived from the community.
Smoking damages lung enzyme
September 14, 2005
Some of smoking's effects may be understood by the effect it has upon a key enzyme in the lungs.
Study looks at how health care workers coped with SARS
September 14, 2005
Health care workers involved in the 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto continued to work, even when they themselves experienced some of the symptoms of the disease.
Smokers less likely to visit the dentist
September 13, 2005
People who smoke are less likely to visit the dentist, even though they run a greater risk of oral health problems.
Preventive antibiotics important for heart patients having dental treatment
September 13, 2005
People who have heart disease should make sure they tell their dentist about it, so they can be offered antibiotics before a dental procedure.
Infection risk doubles if patients have glucose in airways
September 6, 2005
Critically ill patients run twice the risk of hospital infection if they have glucose in their airways.
Homeopathy may be no better than placebo
September 2, 2005
A new analysis shows that homeopathy seems to have no obvious clinical effect.
Cell phones shown to impair driving ability
September 1, 2005
New research reveals that people on a cell phone find it harder to drive in a safe way.
Butterbur extract works for hay fever
August 31, 2005
The largest trial to date suggests that butterbur extract is as good as a standard antihistamine for treating hay fever.
British public supports smoking ban
August 30, 2005
A new survey suggests that three quarters of the UK population would like a more comprehensive smoking ban than the one the Government proposes.
Writing benefits health
August 26, 2005
A new report suggests that various kinds of writing can be helpful to health.
Smoking ban may not impact poorest areas
August 25, 2005
Pubs in the poorest areas of England are likely to become havens for smokers, which will worsen health inequalities.
Long working hours are bad for your health
August 24, 2005
A study shows that working long hours increases the risk of injury and illness, no matter what the job is.
High protection sunscreen does not increase sun exposure times
August 19, 2005
Those wearing high protection sunscreen did not spend longer in the sun than those wearing basic level sunscreen, says a new study.
Additional drug should be part of emergency plan for flu pandemic
August 16, 2005
Experts in Hong Kong say that the drug zanamivir should be stockpiled in an attempt to ward off a pandemic of bird flu.
Why some patients don't take their medicine
August 12, 2005
Trusting your doctor is a big factor in whether you take prescribed medication, says a new study.
How best to treat patients with multiple conditions
August 10, 2005
If doctors follow current clinical guidelines when caring for patients with many different conditions, they may not be doing them any favors.
The burden of infection in hospitals
August 10, 2005
A study shows that Staphylococcus aureus infection causes a great burden to hospitals in terms of increased cost, length of patient stay and mortality.
Overdiagnosis of melanoma?
August 9, 2005
New research suggests that there might be an issue with over diagnosing melanoma in the USA.
Vitamin pills don't prevent infections
August 5, 2005
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