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Medical News Powered by Newswise.com
Arsenic
Exposure Could Increase Diabetes Risk Inorganic
arsenic, commonly found in ground water in certain areas,
may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a study
by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
JAMA, 20-Aug-2008
--Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543549/?sc=mwtn
Study
Reveals How Diet, Antioxidants Prevent Blindness in Aging Population New study
reveals how a diet rich in antioxidants can prevent the
leading cause of age-related blindness in developed countries. Age-related
macular degeneration affects more than 1.75 million people in the United
States and is predicted to affect 3 million by 2020.
J. of Biological Chemistry
--Brigham Young University
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543592/?sc=mwtn
Stress,
Anxiety Can Make Allergy Attacks Even More Miserable, Last Longer A new study
shows that even slight stress and anxiety can
substantially worsen a person's allergic reaction to some routine
allergens. Moreover, the added impact of stress and anxiety seem to
linger, causing the second day of a stressed person's allergy attack to be
much worse. American Psychological Association annual convention
--Ohio State University
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543399/?sc=mwtn
Massaging Muscles Facilitates Recovery After Exercise Researchers
testing the long-held theory that therapeutic massage can
speed recovery after a sports injury have found early scientific evidence
of the healing effects of massage.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
--Ohio State University
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543447/?sc=mwtn
Low
Vitamin D Levels Pose Large Threat to Health Researchers at
Johns Hopkins are reporting what is believed to be the
most conclusive evidence to date that inadequate levels of vitamin D,
obtained from milk, fortified cereals and exposure to sunlight, lead to
substantially increased risk of death. Archives of Internal Medicine,
11-Aug-2008
--Johns Hopkins Medicine
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543312/?sc=mwtn
Research Helps Patients Find Antidepressants That Work In spite of the
range of medications now available, major depression
remains a challenging disease to treat. Only about half of adult patients
respond to the first antidepressant they try, with only one-third
achieving remission, reports the August 2008 issue of the Harvard Mental
Health Letter. Most adults will try two or more medications before finding
one that alleviates their depression.
--Harvard Health Publications
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543309/?sc=mwtn
Triglycerides Count in Managing Heart Disease Risk Cholesterol,
both good and bad, gets plenty of attention when the
subject is reducing the risk of heart disease. Yet triglycerides, a form
of fat that circulates in the blood, merit similar attention, according to
the August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
--Mayo Clinic
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543288/?sc=mwtn
Marinating Meats Prior to Grilling May Decrease Cancer-forming Compounds New research
published in the Journal of Food Science suggests that
marinating meats may decrease the cancer-forming compounds called
heterocyclic amines (HCA), which are produced during grilling, by over 70
percent.
J. of Food Science
--Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543032/?sc=mwtn
Statins
May Protect Against Memory Loss People at high
risk for dementia who took cholesterol-lowering
statins are half as likely to develop dementia as those who do not take
statins, a new study shows. Neurology, 29-Jul-2008
--University of Michigan
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542880/?sc=mwtn
Deaths
from Combining Drugs and/or Alcohol Skyrocket Asking patients to monitor their own medications can be fatal, as
exemplified by the recent death of actor Heath Ledger.
Study
Clarifies Amount of Exercise Needed to Keep Weight Off In addition to limiting calories, overweight and obese women may need
to exercise 55 minutes a day for five days per week to sustain a weight
loss of 10 percent over two years, according to a report in the July 28
issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Archives of Internal Medicine, 28-Jul-2008
--American Medical Association (AMA)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542923/?sc=mwtn
Dietary
Factors Appear to Be Associated With Diabetes Risk Drinking more sugar-sweetened beverages or eating fewer fruits and
vegetables both may be associated with an increased risk of type 2
diabetes, whereas eating a low-fat diet does not appear to be associated
with any change in diabetes risk, according to three reports in the July
28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives
journals. Archives of Internal Medicine, 28-Jul-2008
--American Medical Association (AMA)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542924/?sc=mwtn
Study
Examines Prevalence of Hearing Loss in the U.S. Hearing loss may be more prevalent in American adults than previously
reported, according to a study in the July 28 issue of Archives of Internal
Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals
Frequent Family Meals Might Reduce Teen Substance Use Parents who
have regular meals with their adolescent children might
help lessen the chances they will start drinking or smoking later in their
teen years, according to a new study. Researchers noted benefits in
families that ate five or more meals together each week, and found that
about 60 percent of the participants did so. J. of Adolescent Health, Aug-2008
--Health Behavior News Service
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542257/?sc=mwtn
Exercise Could be the Heart's Fountain of Youth According to a
study conducted at Washington University School of
Medicine in St. Louis, older people who did endurance exercise training
for about a year ended up with metabolically much younger hearts. The
researchers also showed that by one metabolic measure, women benefited
more than men from the training.
American J. of Physiology, 20-Jun-2008
--Washington University in St. Louis
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542875/?sc=mwtn
New
Guidelines for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis Updated rules
add new anti-arthritic drugs and proven combinations to
the arsenal for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The RA guidelines,
issued by the American College of Rheumatology, are the first update since
2002. They focus on several classes of anti-arthritic drugs, including
disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and genetically engineered
biologics.
Arthritis Care & Research
--University of Alabama at Birmingham
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542824/?sc=mwtn
Iced
Tea's Hidden Risk of Painful Kidney Stones Popular summer
drink can raise raise of debilitating kidney stones,
Loyola urologist warns.
--Loyola University Health System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542808/?sc=mwtn
Most
Adults Don't Realize Activity Lowers Colon Cancer Risk Many experts
now consider colon cancer a largely preventable disease,
but a new study finds that primary care doctors might not always inform
patients about one important step they can take to reduce their risk:
becoming more physically active.
Patient Education and Counseling, Aug-2008
--Health Behavior News Service
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542713/?sc=mwtn
Obesity
Is No. 1 Health Concern for Kids in 2008 A report
released today by the U-M C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
National Poll on Children's Health finds childhood obesity is now the No.
1 health concern for kids in 2008, topping smoking and drug abuse. The
poll also reveals that bullying, Internet safety and teen pregnancy rank
among the nation's top health concerns for kids. ** Media embedded: Audio
/ Image(s) **
--University of Michigan Health System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542561/?sc=mwtn
Consumption of Nut Products During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Asthma in
Children
Expectant mothers who eat nuts or nut products like peanut butter
daily during pregnancy increase their children's risk of developing asthma
by more than 50 percent over women who rarely or never consume nut products
during pregnancy, according to new research from the Netherlands.
Exercise May Prevent Brain Shrinkage in Early Alzheimer's Disease Mild
Alzheimer's disease patients with higher physical fitness had
larger brains compared to mild Alzheimer's patients with low physical
fitness, according to a study published in the July 15, 2008, issue of
Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Neurology, 15-Jul-2008
--American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542428/?sc=mwtn
Vitamin
D -- Builds Bones and Much More Vitamin D is
essential to strong bones. Inadequate vitamin D can lead
to osteoporosis, a brittle bone disease.
--Mayo Clinic
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542591/?sc=mwtn
Why the
Squeeze on Fruit Juice? -- Separating Fact from Fiction Recently,
people have become somewhat confused about 100 percent
fruit juice--how much to drink, how much to serve their children.
According to Dr. Theresa Nicklas, with Baylor College of Medicine, parents
should be confident serving their children appropriate amounts of 100
percent fruit juice.
--Kellen Communications
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542596/?sc=mwtn
Fish Oil
and Red Yeast Rice Studied for Lowering Blood Cholesterol In the July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a group of researchers
from Pennsylvania examine whether an alternative approach to treating high
blood cholesterol may provide an effective treatment option for patients
who are unable or unwilling to take statins.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Jul-2008
--Mayo Clinic
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542426/?sc=mwtn
A Full
Life Is Still Possible with Multiple Sclerosis Approximately 400,000 people in the United States have multiple
sclerosis (MS) and 200 new patients are diagnosed every week. No one
knows what causes MS, but it is at least 2-3 times more common in women
than in men. Patients can still live a full life with MS, according to
speakers at a recent Capitol Hill briefing.
--Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542353/?sc=mwtn
Looking
for the Fountain of Youth? Cut Your Calories, Research Suggests In addition to
reducing one's risk for many common diseases, new
research found that cutting 300 to 500 calories per day may slow the aging
process.
Rejuvenation Research, Jun-2008
--Saint Louis University Medical Center
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542314/?sc=mwtn
Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Balanced Nutrition Saves Lives
Clinician-scientists from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell
Medical Center are suggesting an immediate and important change to
guidelines used in the care of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
J. of Neurosurgery, Jul-2008
--NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center/Weill Cornell
Medical College
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542281/?sc=mwtn
The
Hazards of Too Much Water We've all been
told it's important to drink plenty of fluids during
exercise. But now it seems too much water can be very dangerous. So which
is right? Both. Good hydration is important, but overhydration can be
hazardous, even lethal. Common sense and moderation can help protect you
from both extremes, reports the July 2008 issue of Harvard Men's Health
Watch.
--Harvard Health Publications
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542191/?sc=mwtn
Hard
Work While Fatigued Affects Blood Pressure Working hard
when fatigued may be admired by many Americans, but it
is a virtue that could be harmful to one's health, according to new
research by psychologists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
(UAB). The research supports a theory which suggests that exhausted
individuals' cardiovascular systems are forced to work harder when they
attempt to complete tasks, such as those encountered on the job or at
school. ** Video embedded **
International Journal of Psychophysiology
--University of Alabama at Birmingham
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542143/?sc=mwtn
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and the Heart: What is the Danger? Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used as
analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents for several decades, but these
agents may have significant gastro-intestinal adverse effects. Selective
cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors, or "coxibs," were developed in the
early 1990s as a response to the
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective
cyclooxygenase. (COX-2) inhibitors, or "coxibs," are used for a number of
disease conditions for relief of pain and inflammation.
Congestive Heart Failure
--University of Kentucky
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541882/?sc=mwtn
Insulin
Analogs No Better than the Real Deal, According to Latest Research People with
diabetes, and physicians treating them, have become
excited in recent years by insulin analogs due to their rapid window of
action but recent research from Generex Biotechnology shows that the
advantages of insulin analogs may be illusory.
Endocrine Society 90th Annual Meeting
--Generex Biotechnology
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542062/?sc=mwtn
"Natural" Trans Fat Less Harmful than Artificial Version Trans fat
lowers "good" HDL cholesterol and raises the "bad" LDL
variety. Some municipalities have responded by banning trans fat from
restaurants and many food makers have stopped using trans fat as an
ingredient. But there's some trans fat normally present in meat and dairy
products that these bans won't touch. Fortunately, this "natural" trans
fat is not a big health concern, reports the July 2008 issue of the
Harvard Health Letter.
--Harvard Health Publications
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542075/?sc=mwtn
Vitamin
D - A Surprising Champion of Back Pain Relief, Report Says An extra daily
dose of vitamin D can help to relieve chronic back
pain for many sufferers. A new peer-reviewed research report from
Pain-Topics.org tells how, by reviewing the clinical evidence and
providing helpful guidance for practitioners and their patients. **
Image(s) embedded **
--Pain Treatment Topics
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542032/?sc=mwtn
Anxiety
Linked with a Higher Risk for Certain Chronic Conditions As an everyday
emotion, anxiety can be a good thing, prompting us to
take extra precautions. But when anxiety persists, it can undermine our
physical health. Evidence suggests that people with anxiety disorders are
at greater risk for some chronic medical conditions. The July 2008 issue
of Harvard Women's Health Watch describes several conditions affected by
anxiety.
--Harvard Health Publications
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542012/?sc=mwtn
Women's
Heart Health: Fact Sheet Heart disease
is the nation's number one killer for women. But, the
well-known heart attack symptoms - acute pain, tightness, burning and a
dull ache in the chest - describe what men typically experience during an
attack. For many women the signs of a heart attack are completely
different and can go unrecognized. Women tend to ignore signs of heart
attack, thus increasing the likelihood of tragic consequences. With
heightened attention to the facts about symptoms and treatments, much of
this can be prevented.
--Methodist Hospital, Houston
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541860/?sc=sptn
A Heart
Attack Waiting to Happen? How Do You Know Your Risk? The high-profile death of Tim Russert is raising awareness that
stress tests may not be the best way to find potentially fatal heart
disease. Dr. Mushabbar Syed at the University of Kentucky says an option
to more accurately identify a patient's risk is a coronary calcium scan
performed via commuted tomography (CT) imaging, which the university is
helping to implement at rural hospitals.
--University of Kentucky
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541908/?sc=sptn
Common
Cooking Spice Shows Promise in Combating Diabetes and Obesity
Endocrinologists and researchers at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center
at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered that
turmeric-treated mice were less susceptible to developing Type 2 diabetes,
based on their blood glucose levels, and glucose and insulin tolerance
tests.
ENDO 2008, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco
--Columbia University Medical Center
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541969/?sc=mwtn
Patient's Own Infection-fighting T Cells Put Late-stage Melanoma Into
Long-term Remission Researchers
describe the first successful use of a human patient's
cloned infection-fighting T cells as the sole therapy to put an advanced
solid-tumor cancer into long-term remission.
NEJM, 19-Jun-2008
--Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541738/?sc=mwtn
Researchers Link Memory Loss to Poor Diet Loss of memory
with advanced age is a significant problem within most
societies, and appears particularly severe in advanced industrialized
nations. In a seemingly unrelated issue, high obesity rates, particularly
in the United
States, are often due to a food supply high in cholesterol and saturated
fat. Through a new study, researchers have been able to link memory loss
to a poor
diet.
J. of Alzheimer's Disease, Jun-2008
--Medical University of South Carolina
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541875/?sc=mwtn
Depression and Diabetes: Fellow Travelers, Researchers Say Researchers
have long known that type-2 diabetes and depression often
go hand in hand. However, it's been unclear which condition develops first
in patients who end up with both. Now, a new study led by Johns Hopkins
doctors suggests that this chicken-and-egg problem has a dual answer:
Patients with depression have an increased risk of developing type-2
diabetes, and patients with type-2 diabetes have an increased risk of
developing depression. JAMA, 18-Jun-2008
--Johns Hopkins Medicine
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541763/?sc=mwtn
Inherited Melanoma Risk: What You Do Know Does Help You Study shows
people obey screening recommendations better after
genetic testing--whether or not they test positive.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, Jun-2008
--University of Utah Health Sciences
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541834/?sc=mwtn
Potential New Role for Red Grape Seeds in Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Mount Sinai
researchers have discovered that polyphenolics derived
from red grape seeds may be useful agents to prevent or treat Alzheimer's
disease (AD). The new study entitled, "Grape derived polyphenolics prevent
Aβ oligomerization and attenuate cognitive deterioration in a mouse model
of Alzheimer's disease," was published in The Journal of Neuroscience.
This new study explored the possibility of developing 'wine mimetic pills'
that would replace the recommended beneficial glass of red wine a day for
AD prevention.
J. of Neuroscience
--Mount Sinai Medical Center
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541844/?sc=mwtn
Vitamin
D: New Way to Treat Heart Failure? Activated
vitamin D protects the heart against avoid overwork and
enlargement, two of the hallmarks of heart failure, a University of
Michigan study in animals shows. The results, the first to show vitamin D
can prevent the damaging effects of heart failure, add heart health to the
growing list of vitamin D's benefits. ** Media embedded: Video / Image(s)
**
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
--University of Michigan Health System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541653/?sc=mwtn
How to
Protect Yourself from MRSA in Gyms, Health Clubs Loyola
infection-control physician, nurse say simple steps can help
reduce your risk of contracting potentially deadly superbug.
--Loyola University Health System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541652/?sc=mwtn
Researchers Make Pivotal Breakthrough in Alcohol Addiction Treatment Addiction
experts led by a University of Virginia Health System team
have found that topiramate, an effective therapeutic medication, not only
decreases heavy drinking, but it also lowers all liver enzymes, plasma
cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), and systolic and diastolic blood
pressure - all of which tend to increase with heavy drinking and pose such
serious health risks as heart disease and cirrhosis. ** Video embedded **
Archives of Internal Medicine, 9-Jun-2008
--University of Virginia Health System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541486/?sc=mwtn
Midlife
Smokers May Have Worse Memory Than Non-Smokers Smoking appears
to be associated with increased risk of poor memory
among middle-age adults, according to a report in the June 9 issue of
Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Men
with Low Vitamin D May Have Increased Risk of Heart Attack Low levels of vitamin D appear to be associated with higher risk of
myocardial infarction (heart attack) in men, according to a report in the
June 9 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives
journals. Archives of Internal Medicine
--American Medical Association (AMA)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541493/?sc=mwtn
Red
Alert: Study Finds Chinese Food Good for Your Heart A clinical
study on patients who have suffered a heart attack found
that a partially purified extract of Chinese red yeast rice, Xuezhikang
(XZK), reduced the risk of repeat heart attacks by 45%, revascularization
(bypass surgery/angioplasty), cardiovascular mortality and total mortality
by one-third and cancer mortality by two-thirds.
Study
Links Vitamin D, Type 1 Diabetes Sun exposure
and vitamin D levels may play a strong role in risk of
type 1 diabetes in children, according to new findings by researchers at
the Moores Cancer Center at University of California, San Diego and the
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine. This association comes on
the heels of similar research findings by this same group regarding
vitamin D levels and several major cancers. Diabetologia
--University of California, San Diego Health Sciences
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541379/?sc=mwtn
Genetically-Caused Low HDL Cholesterol Not Linked With Higher Risk of
Heart Disease Lower levels of
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol due to a
gene mutation is not associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart
disease, according to a study in the June 4 issue of JAMA.
Agent
in Red Wine Found to Keep Hearts Young How, scientists
wonder, do the French get away with a clean bill of
heart health despite a diet loaded with saturated fats?
Vigorous Exercise Can Help Seniors Avoid Disability Healthy seniors
who are physically active and exercise for more than
60 minutes each week can lessen their chances of disability as they age,
finds a new long-term study. The researchers concluded that being
physically active, regardless of body weight, helped lessen disability.
Am. J. of Public Health
--Health Behavior News Service
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541404/?sc=mwtn
The
Traditional Mediterranean Diet Protects Against Diabetes The traditional
Mediterranean diet provides substantial protection
against type 2 diabetes, according to a study published on bmj.com today.
(Embargo expired on 29-May-2008 at 19:05 ET)
BMJ
--British Medical Journal
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541183/?sc=mwtn
Fibromyalgia Pain Linked with Central Nervous System Disorder Fibromyalgia is
a chronic pain condition that causes widespread pain
and tenderness throughout the body. A University of Michigan study,
published in The Journal of Pain, shows that fibromyalgia is associated
with central nervous system abnormalities evidenced by patients' elevated
sensitivity to auditory and pressure sensations.
J. of Pain
--American Pain Society
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541233/?sc=mwtn
Dehydrated Tomatoes Show Promise for Preventing Prostate Cancer New research
suggests that the form of tomato product one eats could
be the key to unlocking its prostate cancer-fighting potential, according
to a report in the June 1 issue of Cancer Research, a journal of the
American Association for Cancer Research. Cancer Research, 1-Jun-2008
--American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541129/?sc=mwtn
Sedentary High School Girls Are at Significant Risk for Future
Osteoporosis Significant
numbers of female high school athletes and non-athletes
suffer from one or more components of the female athlete triad, a
combination of three conditions that can lead to cardiovascular disease,
according to a new study by Medical College of Wisconsin researchers in
Milwaukee. The study results were presented today at the American College
of Sports Medicine at Indianapolis, by Anne Z. Hoch, D.O.
American College of Sports Medicine
--Medical College of Wisconsin
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541192/?sc=mwtn
5 Tips
to Increase HDL Cholesterol Thanks to
powerful cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, driving down
low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, has been the primary
approach to improving cholesterol levels. But there's more to the story of
cholesterol and cardiovascular risk than LDL alone. Another key player is
high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol.
--Harvard Women's Health Watch
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541159/?sc=mwtn
Glycemic Stability May be Important Key to Recovery from Critical Illness Widely varying
blood glucose levels may pose as great a threat, or
possibly a greater threat, to critically ill patients as high, but steady,
glycemic levels, according to researchers in Saudi Arabia, who will present
their findings at the American Thoracic Society's 2008 International
Conference in Toronto on Tuesday, May 20. ATS 2008 Toronto International
Conference
--American Thoracic Society (ATS)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540650/?sc=mwtn
Green Tea Compounds
Beat OSA-Related Brain Deficits
Chemicals found in green tea may be able to stave off the cognitive
deficits that occur with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a new
study published in the second issue for May of the American Thoracic
Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Am. J. of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, May-2008
--American Thoracic Society (ATS)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540745/?sc=mwtn
Low Cholesterol
Leader to Lower PSA
Managing your cholesterol may also help you manage your prostate-
specific antigen (PSA) level. This study explored the relationship between
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and PSA prior to beginning statin
therapy. Data collected from a study of 1,214 men prescribed
cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) between 1990 and 2006 at the Durham
Veteran Affairs Medical Center in North Carolina shows that PSA levels
were reduced after starting statin medications and that this decline was
proportional to the decline in LDL cholesterol.
2008 AUA Annual Scientific Meeting
--American Urological Association (AUA)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540807/?sc=mwtn
Mental
Disorders in Parents Linked to Autism in Children Parents of
children with autism were roughly twice as likely to have
been hospitalized for a mental disorder, such as schizophrenia, than
parents of other children, according to an analysis of Swedish birth and
hospital records by a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
researcher and colleagues in the U.S. and EuropePediatrics, 5-May-2008
--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540280/?sc=mwtn
Calm
the Heart to Stop a Stroke? Researchers
estimate that about 20 percent of all strokes are caused
by atrial fibrillation, a chaotic electrical heart rhythm that occurs in
as many as 2.2 million Americans. Fortunately, there are many treatment
options available for people with AF, including a new device under
investigation at the U-M Cardiovascular Center.
--University of Michigan Health System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540340/?sc=mwtn
Common
Drugs Linked to Impaired Physical Function in Older Adults Older adults
who take drugs designed to block the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine - including common medications for incontinence, high blood
pressure and allergies - are more likely to be dependent in one or more
activities of daily living and to walk slower, according to new findings
from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and
colleagues. American Geriatrics Society
--Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540255/?sc=mwtn
Early
Treatment of Stomach Infection May Prevent Cancer Based on
research using a new mouse model of gastritis and stomach
cancer, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
say that prompt treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
reverses damage to the lining of the stomach that can lead to cancer.
Cancer Research, 1-May-2008
--American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540217/?sc=mwtn
Tree
Lined Streets Mean Lower Rates of Childhood Asthma Children who
live in tree lined streets have lower rates of asthma,
suggests research published ahead of print in the Journal of Epidemiology
and Community Health. J. of Epidemiology and Community Health
--British Medical Journal
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540207/?sc=mwtn
Prozac May Help to Curb Disease Activity in Multiple Sclerosis The antidepressant Prozac may help to curb disease activity in the
relapsing remitting form of multiple sclerosis (MS), reveals preliminary
research published ahead of print in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery
and Psychiatry. J. of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
--British Medical Journal
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540208/?sc=mwtn
Three
Out of Four American Women Have Disordered Eating Sixty-five
percent of American women between the ages of 25 and 45
report having disordered eating behaviors, according to the results of a
SELF Magazine and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill survey. An
additional 10 percent of women report symptoms consistent with eating
disorders such as anorexia.
Disorders cut across racial and generational lines. --University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540002/?sc=mwtn
Benefits of Omega-3s Still Unclear for Bipolar Disorder Despite
intriguing findings that omega-3 fatty acid supplements could
alleviate depression symptoms, there is still not enough evidence to say
whether omega-3s are useful treatments for people with bipolar disorder,
according to a review of recent studies.
Cochrane Library
--Health Behavior News Service
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540021/?sc=mwtn
Lumbar
Supports Not Particularly Effective for Low Back Pain Lumbar or lower back supports -- those large belts that people wear
around their waists when they lift or carry heavy objects -- are not very
useful for preventing low back pain, according to a new systematic review.
Cochrane Library
--Health Behavior News Service
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540019/?sc=mwtn
A
Healthy Breakfast May Protect Against Heart Disease Breakfast is
more than just an eye-opener that helps you transition
from sleep to the day ahead. Eating breakfast, especially one that
includes whole grains, reduces your risk for heart attack, stroke, type 2
diabetes, and heart failure, reports the May 2008 issue of the Harvard
Heart Letter.
--Harvard Heart Letter
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/540035/?sc=mwtn
Diabetes: A Cardiac Condition? The
relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease is
growing ever-increasingly apparent, requiring experts to address the
growing concerns of diabetes patients. But what is the true nature of this
relationship? This issue will be examined at the American Association of
Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 17th Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress,
at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the Walt Disney World Dolphin
Resort in Orlando.
--American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539973/?sc=mwtn
High
Anxiety? Right now,
about half of all people who take medicine for an anxiety
disorder don't get much help from it. And doctors have no definitive way
to predict who will benefit from each prescription they write. But
scientists are working to bring more certainty to how anxiety is treated,
by probing the connection between brain activity, genetics and medication.
J. of Neuroscience, 5-Mar-2008
--University of Michigan Health System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539960/?sc=mwtn
The Top
10 Functional Food Trends in America Foods that may
provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition,
identified as functional foods, are becoming a key part of everyday life,
according to a new article appearing in Food Technology, a publication of
the Institute of Food Technologists.
--Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539944/?sc=mwtn
Considering Weight Loss Surgery? What You Need to Know According to
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 66
percent of all U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Faced with conditions
of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, many Americans are
shopping for bariatric surgery to help manage these conditions and, in
some cases, cure them. What should a consumer look for in a bariatric
program? Here are five tips from Nick Nicholson, M.D.
--Baylor Health Care System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539447/?sc=mwtn
New
Hybrid Hearing Device Being Tested, Combines Advantages of Hearing
Aids, Implants A new hybrid hearing aid/cochlear implant device designed for
patients who can benefit from both is being evaluated by UT Southwestern
Medical Center otolaryngologists, as part of a multisite, national study.
--UT Southwestern Medical Center
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539914/?sc=mwtn
High
Cholesterol in Your 40s Increases Risk of Alzheimer's Disease People with high cholesterol in their early 40s are more likely to
develop Alzheimer's disease than those with low cholesterol, according to
research that will be presented at the upcoming American Academy of
Neurology 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Chicago, April 12-19, 2008.
American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, April 12-19, 2008, Chicago
--American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539200/?sc=mwtn
Alzheimer's Starts Earlier for Heavy Drinkers, Smokers Heavy drinkers and heavy smokers develop Alzheimer's disease years
earlier than people with Alzheimer's who do not drink or smoke heavily,
according to research that will be presented at the American Academy of
Neurology 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Chicago, April 12-19, 2008.
American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, April 12-19, 2008, Chicago
--American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539205/?sc=mwtn
Is Bottled Water
Any Better than Tap Water? How
much do you spend on bottled water? If you buy certain brands
thinking the water is cleaner or safer, experts say you may as well be
pouring money down the drain. When it comes to some brands of bottled
water versus tap--there may not be a sip of difference.
--Baylor Health Care System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539446/?sc=mwtn
How What and How
Much We Eat (And Drink) Affects Our Risk of Cancer A
healthy diet and lifestyle protect against a wide range of
diseases, and new research presented at the AACR 2008 Annual Meeting,
April 12-16, shows that cancer is no exception. Researchers demonstrate
how excessive alcohol drinking could lead to an increased risk of breast
cancer, how consuming too many calories may increase one's risk for
melanoma, and why with folic acid, timing is everything for colon cancer
prevention. AACR Annual Meeting 2008
--American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539532/?sc=mwtn
Outsmart the Summer
Sun at Any Age
Simple Tips to Keep Skin Safe This Summer from The University of
Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
--University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539733/?sc=mwtn
Diabetes in
Mid-Life Linked to Increased Risk of Alzheimer's Disease Men
who develop diabetes in mid-life appear to significantly increase
their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a long-term
study published in the April 9, 2008, online issue of Neurology, the
medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 9-Apr-2008
--American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539278/?sc=mwtn
Experimental
Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes Patients Shows Promise New
research monitoring the effects of Islet cell transplantation
resulted in near-normal metabolic control and decreased hypoglycemia. This
research will be presented at the American Association of Clinical
Endocrinologists (AACE) 17th Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress, on
Friday, May 16th, at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 17th Annual
Meeting & Clinical Congress
--American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539604/?sc=mwtn
Adults Who Eat
Apples, Drink Apple Juice Have Lower Risk for Metabolic
Syndrome
Apple product consumers likely to have lower blood pressure, trimmer
waistlines, and more nutrient dense diets. Experimental Biology 2008
--US Apple Association
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539476/?sc=mwtn
Childhood
Maltreatment Linked to Adult Inflammation, Depression A
history of neglect or abuse in childhood appears to be associated
with depression and inflammation in adulthood, a combination that may
increase cardiovascular risk, according to a report in the April issue of
Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Archives of General Psychiatry, Apr-2008
--American Medical Association (AMA)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539443/?sc=mwtn
Study Suggests
Genetic Factors Associated With Common Fears
Genetic factors that are associated with fears appear to change as
children and adolescents age, with some familial factors declining in
importance over time while other genetic risk factors arise in adolescence
and adulthood, according to a report in the April issue of Archives of
General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. (Archives of General
Psychiatry
--American Medical Association (AMA)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539444/?sc=mwtn
New Study Finds
Anticipating a Laugh Reduces Stress Hormones In
2006, researchers investigating the interaction between the brain,
behavior, and the immune system found that simply anticipating a mirthful
laughter experience boosted health-protecting hormones. Now, two years
later, the same researchers have found that the anticipation of a positive
humorous laughter experience also reduces potentially detrimental stress
hormones. 121st annual meeting of the American Physiological Society (APS); part
of
the Experimental Biology Conference
--American Physiological Society (APS)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/538982/?sc=mwtn
Tart Cherries May
Reduce Heart/Diabetes Risk Factors
Tart cherries may have more than just good taste going for them,
according to new animal research. Rats that received whole tart cherry
powder mixed into a high-fat diet didn't gain as much weight or build up
as much body fat, and their blood showed much lower levels of indicators
of the kind of inflammation that has been linked to heart disease and
diabetes.
Experimental Biology 2008
--University of Michigan Health System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539490/?sc=mwtn
Red
Wine, Tea, May Help Regulate Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetics Food scientists
have found that certain antioxidants found in red
wine and tea may help regulate the blood sugar of people with type 2
diabetes by inhibiting the action of alpha-glucosidase that controls the
absorption of glucose from the small intestine, and protect the body from
complications such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Journal of Food Biochemistry, Feb-2008
--University of Massachusetts Amherst
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539273/?sc=mwtn
Trans
Fat: Why It's Time to Eliminate This Dietary Villain Trans fats are
a cholesterol double whammy. Also known as trans-fatty
acids, trans fats raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol
and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.
--Mayo Clinic
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539332/?sc=mwtn
Chemo-induced Anemia Ups Risk of Local Breast Cancer Recurrence Patients with
breast cancer who developed anemia during chemotherapy
had nearly three times the risk of local recurrence as those who did not,
according to a study published in the April 1 issue of Clinical Cancer
Research} a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Clinical Cancer Research, 1-Apr-2008
--American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539035/?sc=mwtn
Softer
Beds May Help Low Back Pain: Differences Are Small; Hard Mattresses
May Make Back Pain Worse For patients
with low back pain, sleeping on softer types of beds
that confirm to the body may lead to improvements in pain and sleep,
reports a study in the April 1 issue of Spine. Spine, 1-Apr-2008
--Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539178/?sc=mwtn
Statin
Can Reduce Plaques That Cause Heart Attack New research
shows that an aggressive statin regimen can reduce the
dangerous plaque that clogs arteries, causing heart attacks. Results were
presented today at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session
in Chicago and were published today in Circulation, a journal of the
American Heart Association. ACC: American College of Cardiology Scientific
Sessions
--Methodist Hospital, Houston
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/539145/?sc=mwtn
A Link Between Antidepressants and Type 2 Diabetes
University of
Alberta researcher Lauren Brown has found people with
depression are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Brown's
results discovered the risk of diabetes almost doubled for those who were
Certain
Vitamin Supplements May Increase Lung Cancer Risk, Especially in
Smokers Vitamin
supplements do not protect against lung cancer, according to
a study of more than 77,000 vitamin users. In fact, some supplements may
even increase the risk of developing it.
Low-Fat
Diets More Likely to Reduce Risk of Heart Disease Than Low-Carb
Diets Low-fat diets
are more effective in preserving and promoting a
healthy cardiovascular system than low-carbohydrate, Atkins'-like diets,
according to a new study by researchers at the Medical College of
Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
The study, is published in the February edition of the scientific journal
Hypertension.
Hypertension: J. of the Am. Heart Association, Feb-2008
--Medical College of Wisconsin
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/538239/?sc=mwtn
Broccoli Sprouts May Protect Against Bladder Cancer A concentrated
extract of freeze dried broccoli sprouts cut
development of bladder tumors in an animal model by more than half,
according to a report in the March 1 issue of Cancer Research, a journal
of the American Association for Cancer Research. Cancer Research, 1-Mar-2008
--American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/538042/?sc=mwtn
Does
Gingko Biloba Affect Memory? Taking the
supplement ginkgo biloba had no clear-cut benefit on the
risk of developing memory problems, according to a study published in the
February 27, 2008, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the
American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 27-Feb-2008
--American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/538007/?sc=mwtn
Intranasal Insulin May Lower Food Intake in Men, Improve Memory Function
in Women Insulin
administered intranasally, acutely decreases food intake in
men but not women and in contrast, the compound improves memory function
in women but not men according to a new study accepted for publication in
the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).
J. of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Apr-2008
--Endocrine Society
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537944/?sc=mwtn
Overcoming an Eating Disorder: a Glimpse Into One Woman's Journey Worrying about
weight might seem like a common occurrence in our
image-obsessed society. For some people, the worry takes over in the form
of an eating disorder, ruling almost every waking moment. Persons with
eating disorders spend up to 90 percent of their day obsessing about their
appearance, say treatment professionals with the Eating Disorders Program
at The Menninger Clinic in Houston.
--Menninger Clinic
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537850/?sc=mwtn
Too
Much Fast Food and Too Little Exercise Harm the Liver Too much fast
food and too little exercise can harm the liver,
reveals a small study published ahead of print in the journal Gut.
Gut
--British Medical Journal
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537710/?sc=mwtn
Probiotic Cuts Respiratory Illness Rates in Endurance Athletes The probiotic Lactobacillus substantially cuts the rate and length of
respiratory illness in professional long distance runners, reveals a small
study published ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
British J. of Sports Medicine
--British Medical Journal
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537711/?sc=mwtn
What's
Good for the Heart May be Good for the Prostate Men who eat a diet low in fat and red meat but high in vegetables and
lean protein and who drink alcohol in moderation may not just be doing
their hearts a favor. A new study shows that such a heart-healthy diet may
also be good for the prostate.
Am. J. of Epidemiology
--Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537733/?sc=mwtn
One
Drink of Red Wine Or Alcohol Is Relaxing to Circulation, but Two
Drinks Are Stressful One drink of
either red wine or alcohol slightly benefits the heart
and blood vessels, but the positive effects on specific biological markers
disappear with two drinks, say researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre
of the Toronto General Hospital.
Am. J. of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Feb-2008
--University Health Network (UHN)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537678/?sc=mwtn
Why So
Many Children Are on the Road to Heart Disease We teach our
children how to walk, talk and go to the bathroom, but
do we teach them how to eat right? National statistics show that many of
us do not. According to the American Obesity Association, an alarming 15.5
percent of children between the ages of six and 11 are considered obese,
putting them on a collision course with the nation's biggest killer: heart
disease.
--Baylor Health Care System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537658/?sc=mwtn
How to
be Heart Smart with Your Shopping Cart What you eat
can have huge impact on your heart health. That's why
it's important to read labels before putting food in your grocery cart. To
help, a University of Michigan nutrition expert offer tips on what to look
for on food packages to ensure you're buying heart-healthy items.
--University of Michigan Health System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537292/?sc=mwtn
Diet,
Exercise Can Put Kids on a Path to a Healthy Heart Millions of
kids today may face heart disease in the future,
especially if heart disease runs in the family. But University of Michigan
Cardiovascular Center experts say parents can act now to change their
children's diet and exercise regime to put them on a better path to a
healthy heart.
--University of Michigan Health System
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537296/?sc=mwtn
Sugary
Soft Drinks Linked to Increased Risk of Gout in Men Consumption of
sugar sweetened soft drinks and fructose is strongly
associated with an increased risk of gout in men, finds a study published
on bmj.com today. --British Medical Journal
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537341/?sc=mwtn
Bacon,
Eggs, Toast: As Many Omega-3s As A Piece of Salmon? Many of the
foods we eat every day, including eggs and bacon, used to
be full of Omega-3s and other essential nutrients -- when the animals they
came from were eating grass, insects, and other green foods. Now our
livestock eat mostly seeds and grains.
--Axel F. Bang PR & Marketing
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537348/?sc=mwtn
Intensive Education Helps Back Pain Sufferers Get Back to Work People who
suffer from short-term lower back pain might be able to
return to work sooner if given an intensive individual patient education
session from their health care provider, according to a new review from
researchers in the Netherlands.
Cochrane Library
--Health Behavior News Service
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537282/?sc=mwtn
Tips
for Dry Winter Skin What
ingredients should you look for in a moisturizer?
Well-controlled studies are few and far between. And despite the long
lists of obscure ingredients, all moisturizers help with dry skin for a
pretty simple reason: they supply water to the skin and contain a greasy
substance that holds it in, reports the February 2008 issue of the Harvard
Health Letter.
--Harvard Health Letter
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537275/?sc=mwtn
Sedentary Lifestyles Associated With Accelerated Aging Process Individuals who
are physically active during their leisure time
appear to be biologically younger than those with sedentary lifestyles,
according to a report in the January 28 issue of Archives of Internal
Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Salsalate May Help Reduce Risk for Diabetes, Heart Disease An
anti-inflammatory drug similar to aspirin may provide an
inexpensive means of treating and/or reducing the risk for diabetes in
obese young adults by reducing glycemia and lowering inflammation, a study
being published in the February issue of Diabetes Care finds.
Diabetes Care, Feb-2008
--American Diabetes Association (ADA)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537175/?sc=mwtn
Modified Atkins Diet May Cut Epileptic Seizures in Adults A modified version of a popular high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
can significantly cut the number of seizures in adults with epilepsy, a
study led by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests. The Atkins-like diet,
which has shown promise for seizure control in children, may offer a new
lifeline for patients when drugs and other treatments fail or cause
complications.
Epilepsia, 2/2008
--Johns Hopkins Medicine
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537221/?sc=mwtn
Virtual Reality Teaches Autistic Children to Cross S
