Thursday, May 25

Health Tip: Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Most people know that washing their hands is a good way to keep from getting sick, but just a quick rinse won't do the trick. Here are some tips on how to wash your hands properly, courtesy of the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle:

Wash your hands frequently -- and always after using the restroom, changing a diaper, or petting an animal, and before preparing food or eating.
Rinse your hands with warm water, then apply the soap and lather.
Rub your hands together, scrubbing the tops and bottoms of hands, wrists, and even under your fingernails.
Continue scrubbing your hands for at least 15 seconds -- or about the amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" or another short song.
Rinse and dry your hands well.
If soap is not available, use an antibacterial hand sanitizer -- but soap and water is best.

"Sleeper effect" of cigarettes can last for years

Trying just one cigarette may not be so harmless for non-smokers after all.

Scientists have discovered that a single cigarette has a "sleeper effect" that can increase a person's vulnerability for three years or more to becoming a regular smoker.

"We know that progression from experimenting with one cigarette to being a smoker can take several years," said Jennifer Fidler of University College London.

"But for the first time we've shown that there may be a period of dormancy between trying cigarettes and becoming a regular smoker -- a 'sleeper effect' or vulnerability to nicotine addition," she added.

Tuesday, May 23

Health Tip: Protect Your Feet From Corns

Corns are calluses on the feet that are caused by bones and skin pressing against your shoes. They usually appear on the tops of the toes or on the sides of the small toes, and can be quite painful.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons cites ill-fitting shoes as the biggest culprit. Use of high heels and not wearing socks also can lead to corns.

You can scrub your feet with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells and reduce the size of your corns. Small protective pads can help ease discomfort and prevent corns from getting bigger.

Most Americans don't get preventive healthcare

Many Americans are failing to get the preventive medical care that could help them live longer, healthier lives, according to a new study.

Preventive measures, like a daily dose of aspirin, colon cancer screening and smoking-cessation therapy, are all effective ways to save lives and healthcare dollars, but fewer than half of Americans who need these services are getting them, the study found.

The findings, published online by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, are based on an analysis of more than 8,000 previously published studies. Researchers with the non-profit groups Partnership for Prevention and HealthPartners Research Foundation ranked 25 recommended preventive services according to their potential health benefits and medical-cost savings...more

For more info on preventive health

Monday, May 22

Health Tip: Soothing a Bee Sting

Bee stings generally only cause minor pain and discomfort, but they can sometimes cause allergic reactions.

If your child's sting becomes extremely painful, red and swollen, you may need to see a doctor immediately to rule out a reaction, says the St. Louis Children's Hospital. Other symptoms of a reaction include coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, fainting or anxiety.
If the bee sting seems mild and there are no signs of an allergic reaction, the hospital recommends that you first calm your child so that you can safely remove the stinger. To remove it, scrape a blunt item, such as a credit card, across the sting. Never pull the stinger out directly, as it could release more venom into the wound.
The area should be thoroughly washed with soap and water, then an ice pack applied to reduce swelling and discomfort. The pack should be applied at 10-minute intervals for between 30 and 60 minutes.

If the sting begins to itch after a while, you can apply a topical treatment, including a paste of baking soda and water, unseasoned meat tenderizer and water, or a wet tea bag. These should be left on the wound for 15 to 20 minutes, then washed off. You can also use an over-the-counter cream designed to treat insect stings.

Obesity raises overall risk of breast cancer: study

Women who gain weight as adults face a higher lifetime risk of all types of breast cancer, researchers reported on Monday.

The study adds to a large body of evidence showing that weight and breast cancer can be closely linked.

A study of more than 44,000 women found that the more weight a woman gained, the greater her risk for all types, stages, and grades of breast cancer.
Compared to women who gained 20 pounds (10 kg) or less during adulthood, women who gained more than 60 pounds (27 kg) were almost twice as likely to have ductal type breast tumors and more than 1.5 times more likely to have lobular type cancers...more

For more info on Breast Health

'Healthy' Foods a Pitfall for Dieters


On a mission to whip herself into shape, Kate Kowalczyk tossed out the junk food and stocked up on her idea of good-for-you staples like yogurt and low-fat cookies.

Despite her persistence, the 35 pounds she was trying to shake wouldn't budge.
It turns out those "healthy" foods were just as fattening as the chips and soda they replaced: The yogurt was filled with Reese's Pieces and the low-fat cookies were brimming with sugar that kept her hunger on razor's edge.

As concerns grow over rising obesity rates, so does confusion about the difference between what is healthy and what aids weight loss — with many believing the two are interchangeable...more

More info on weight loss

Friday, May 19

Exposing the Killer


A table covered in blue cloth and two pairs of rubber gloves can only mean one thing on The Oprah Show…Dr. Oz is back with more body parts! Last time Dr. Oz busted out the gloves, he exposed America to the dangers of liver and kidney disease, as well as a variety of other ailments. But this time Dr. Oz is out to stop a deadly killer that affects one out of every two women in the United States—cardiovascular disease...more

For more info on heart health

Thursday, May 18

Americans may take too many vitamins, experts say

Americans may be taking too many vitamin supplements in the hope of staying healthy and living longer, a panel of U.S. experts said on Wednesday.

Some people clearly need supplements, the panel said -- for instance, older women benefit from taking calcium and vitamin D to strengthen their bones, and younger women need to take folic acid to reduce birth defects in any children they may have.

But no studies show strongly that people prosper from popping multivitamin and mineral supplements and some suggest that eating healthily and exercising provide more benefit, the panel said....more

More info on Vitamins

Vioxx risk seen with short-term use: report


Merck & Co. Inc. has provided new data to U.S. regulators showing that all patients who took the arthritis medicine

Vioxx were at increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other complications, National Public Radio reported on Wednesday.

Merck, which disputed the report, withdrew Vioxx from the market in September 2004 after a study showed the drug doubled the chances of heart attacks and strokes in patients who took it for at least 18 months.

A 107-page report provided to the Food and Drug Administration by Merck last week included data from a four-year study suggesting the risk started much earlier, NPR said.

"Experts who have reviewed (the data) for NPR say it shows that patients were at higher risk of heart problems and strokes almost as soon as they started taking Vioxx," NPR said.

Wednesday, May 17

Cancer Risks Detailed for Arthritis Drugs


CHICAGO - Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the risk of developing several kinds of cancer and double the risk of getting serious infections, a study led by the Mayo Clinic found.

The analysis builds on previous reports about the risks associated with Abbott Laboratories' Humira and Centocor's Remicade. But the earlier research focused mostly on one kind of cancer — lymphoma — and infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.

The new study found an apparent link to other cancers, too, including skin, gastrointestinal, breast and lung tumors. It also quantifies the risks and says high doses appear to be the riskiest...more

More info on cancer prevention

Elephant Not Interested in Using Treadmill


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - So far, it's the trainers at the Alaska Zoo who are breaking a sweat trying to coax Maggie the elephant onto the world's first treadmill for a pachyderm.

Despite months of training using treats to entice the elephant to work out, the sometimes cantankerous African elephant is not much interested in using her treadmill to go for a brisk morning walk, or for that matter an afternoon or evening walk.
Maggie, for the most part, is chilling out.

For two months, Maggie's trainers have used her favorite treats — watermelon, apples, carrots, peanuts in the shell, banana slices and sweet potatoes — to entice the 8,000-pound elephant onto her $100,000 custom-made treadmill.

For more information on exercise

Tuesday, May 16

Health Tip: Risks Factors for Shin Splints

Shin splints occur when the thin layer of tissue covering the shin bone becomes inflamed. Often caused by exercises that stress the legs, shin splints are characterized by pain covering about three to four inches of the shin, usually about two-thirds of the way down the shin from the knee. The pain typically worsens during strenuous activity using the legs, like running.


People with flat feet, an unusually high arch, or poorly aligned knees are most at risk for shin splints, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Runners and dancers are also particularly susceptible.

Treatment for shin splints usually involves rest and avoiding the activity that caused them. Cold compresses may help alleviate pain.

To protect yourself from shin splints, the AAOS recommends maintaining a regular workout routine, without significant changes in the duration or intensity of the workout. You should also avoid running or exercising on hard surfaces like concrete and pavement.

Monday, May 15

Suicide warning issued for young Paxil users

The antidepressant Paxil may raise the risk of suicidal behavior in young adults, GlaxoSmithKline and the Food and Drug Administration warned Friday in a letter to doctors.
The warning letter was accompanied by changes to the labeling of both Paxil and Paxil CR, a controlled-release version of the drug, also called paroxetine.
A recent analysis of clinical trial data on nearly 15,000 patients treated with both Paxil and dummy pills revealed a higher frequency of suicidal behavior in young adults treated with the drug, according to the letter...more

Health Tip: Why am I Losing my Hair?

It's common for both men and women to lose hair or experience thinning hair as they near middle age. But sometimes hair loss -- either temporary or permanent -- can occur at younger ages.


According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, temporary hair loss may be caused by stress triggered by serious illness, for example. Hair loss may also be attributed to hormonal changes or imbalances, such as an over- or under-active thyroid, or pregnancy. Correcting these hormonal imbalances can restore hair growth.

Hair loss also can be triggered by certain medicines like blood thinners, drugs that treat cancer, an excess of vitamin A, medicines for gout, some birth control pills, and antidepressants. These types of hair loss are usually temporary.

Damage to the hair, caused by styling that pulls or chemically treats the hair, may cause a type of hair loss called alopecia. In these cases, hair loss may be permanent if the hair follicles are damaged.

Bausch & Lomb Pulls Lens-Solution

Bausch & Lomb Inc. said Monday it has permanently removed from the market a contact-lens solution that has been linked to an outbreak of fungal eye infections that can cause blindness.

"Bausch & Lomb's top priority is the safety of our customers, and we want them to have complete confidence in our products," the eye care company's chief executive, Ronald Zarrella, said Monday.

Federal health authorities said Friday that the number of confirmed cases of Fusarium keratitis has climbed to 122, most of them contact-lens wearers who reported using Bausch & Lomb's newest cleaner, ReNu with MoistureLoc MultiPurpose Solution...more

Friday, May 12

Infants Exposed to Smoking at Risk of Lung Cancer

New parents who smoke are putting their infants in danger because secondhand smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals, a new study found.

These carcinogens were found in urine samples from nearly half of the infants of parents who smoked, the researchers said.

"There were detectable levels of a lung carcinogen that comes from cigarette smoke in the urine of these infants," said lead author Stephen S. Hecht, a professor at the University of Minnesota, and Wallin Chair of Cancer Prevention at The Cancer Center at the school...more

Health Tip: Prevent an Asthma Attack

Asthma is a disease of the lungs that can cause wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. Asthma medications include pills and inhalers, and can be long-term or fast-acting.

Taking your asthma medication regularly as prescribed is one of the most effective ways to avoid an asthma attack. If an allergy tends to trigger your asthma, try to avoid things that make you sneeze or wheeze.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, here are some common triggers of asthma:

Secondhand smoke.
Dust mites.
Air pollution.
Cockroach droppings.
Pets.
Mold.
Strenuous exercise.
Extreme cold, extreme heat, or humid weather.

More info on asthma

Thursday, May 11

Health Tip: Keeping Pinkeye at Bay

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pinkeye, is a contagious infection that often strikes children but can also affect adults. Pinkeye occurs when the tissue lining the eyelid becomes infected, and causes redness and itching of the eye.

Pinkeye is most often caused by a virus, but may also be caused by bacteria, fungi, or in rare cases, a parasite. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says antibiotics, typically eye drops, will only treat pinkeye caused by bacteria. Viral pinkeye will usually heal on its own without treatment, the NLM says.

Frequent handwashing is recommended to prevent the spread of pinkeye. You should also avoid touching your eyes or sharing eye cosmetics or towels with another person. Frequent washing of pillow cases, and regular removal and disinfection of contact lenses may also prevent infections from spreading or recurring.

Health Tip: Getting Rid of Head Lice

Lice are small parasitic insects that are easily spread from person to person via head-to-head contact, sharing clothes, hats, hairbrushes, bed linens or towels. They are often passed to children at schools or child-care centers. Although lice do not spread disease, they bite and can cause discomfort, irritation and itching.

The Nemours Foundation recommends looking at your child's hair if you notice him scratching and complaining of itching or pain of the scalp. Lice are visible to the eye, are typically tan or beige, but may appear darker or lighter based on the color of your child's hair.
Medicated shampoos, creams and lotions are available by prescription and over-the-counter to treat head lice. These preparations, however, should not be used on children age two or younger.

All clothing, stuffed animals and bedding, including pillows, should be washed in hot water or dry cleaned, the foundation says.

Any hair accessories -- like barrettes, hair elastics, brushes, and combs -- should be soaked for one hour in alcohol or medicated shampoo, washed in hot water or just thrown away. Because lice are spread so easily from person to person, all members of the home should take precautions to kill any lice or eggs they may have picked up from the child.

Wednesday, May 10

Health Tip: Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that's often characterized by oddly shaped red blood cells. Their crescent shape, caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin, can hinder these cells as they pass through small blood vessels.

This lack of blood flow often damages bodily organs and tissues.

Early diagnosis and preventive measures -- including folic acid supplements and vaccination against a contributing bacterium -- can help treat the condition, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America says.

While blood transfusions can help prevent complications like stroke, transfusions can also lead to iron buildup in the blood, which may require its own treatment.

Health Tip: Preventing Disease From Petting Zoos

A petting zoo is a fun place for families to learn about animals, but it's important to remember that the zoo's four-legged inhabitants can transmit disease. Here are a few basic safety tips when visiting a petting zoo, courtesy of the University of Minnesota:

Children should wash hands immediately after touching the animals, particularly before eating. Antibacterial hand soaps, gels or wipes can help quash germs passed from animals to children.
The university recommends putting away children's pacifiers and sippy cups, avoiding eating while in the petting zoo area, and leaving strollers outside the petting zoo. Also, watch children around the animals to be sure the youngsters are not bitten or knocked down.

Finally, contact your doctor if your children have symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting shortly after a trip to a petting zoo.

Tuesday, May 9

Researchers Discover Why Grapefruit Juice Interacts With Drugs

Researchers say they've identified the substances in grapefruit juice that can produce unwanted side effects when the juice is taken with certain drugs.

The discovery may make it possible to offer grapefruit juice that is free of these substances, called furanocoumarins, or add them to drugs to boost their effect, the researchers say.

People are routinely told by their doctors to avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking a variety of medications because of potentially dangerous side effects...more

Monday, May 8

Health Tip: Prevent Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels, in and around the anus, that can cause bleeding and discomfort.

According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, hemorrhoids can be caused by a variety of factors, including pregnancy, chronic constipation or diarrhea, overuse of laxatives, and straining during bowel movements. Age and heredity can also contribute to the onset of hemorrhoids. Symptoms include bleeding during bowel movements, itching, and painful bumps around the anus.

Dietary changes -- adding plenty of fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables and whole grains -- are recommended by the ASCRS to help prevent or reduce hemorrhoids, as is drinking plenty of liquids. You can soothe the itching and burning by soaking in a bath of plain warm water for about 10 minutes. Ointments and other over-the-counter remedies may also help.

CDC confirms more cases of rare eye infection


The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday reported a 19 percent increase in the confirmed cases of a serious eye infection that has prompted eye care company Bausch & Lomb to recall one of its products.

The CDC said it has confirmed 102 cases of Fusarium keratitis, a potentially blinding eye infection. That is up from 86 confirmed cases as of May 2.

But the CDC added it is "too early" in its review to say whether a single product or solution is responsible for the outbreak...more

USDA says 156,235 pounds beef recalled for E. coli

The U.S.
Department of Agriculture on Friday said that an Oklahoma-based company has voluntarily recalled 156,235 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with
E. coli bacteria.

The company, Fadler, Southwest Food Distributors, LLC of Tulsa, has voluntarily recalled beef products produced on various dates between February 6 and May 3.

The problem was discovered through routine product testing on beef patty products that were distributed to retail establishments, restaurants and institutions in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, the USDA said.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that causes bloody diarrhea and dehydration, leaving the very young, seniors and those with compromised immune systems at the highest risk.

Friday, May 5

Health Tip: The Importance of Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body uses to help muscle growth, and to maintain proper function of cells and tissues.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), potassium is found in Leafy green vegetables and broccoli, peas, potatoes (including skins) and tomatoes are also good sources. Other potassium-rich foods include citrus fruits, apples, bananas and apricots.

Are you getting enough potassium? Muscle weakness, fatigue, decreased heart rate, and slow reflexes are signs that you may need to increase the potassium in your diet.

Potassium supplements aren't recommended without a doctor's approval, the NLM advises.

Research Shows Anticipating Pain Hurts


Anyone who's ever taken a preschooler to the doctor knows they often cry more before the shot than afterward. Now researchers using brain scans to unravel the biology of dread have an explanation: For some people, anticipating pain is truly as bad as experiencing it.

How bad? Among people who volunteered to receive electric shocks, almost a third opted for a stronger zap if they could just get it over with, instead of having to wait.
More importantly, the research found that how much attention the brain pays to expected pain determines whether someone is an "extreme dreader" — suggesting that simple diversions could alleviate the misery...more

Thursday, May 4

Cholesterol Drugs Slated to go Generic Soon

Two brand-name versions of the most widely prescribed medicine in the country will go generic soon, signaling a major potential cost savings for consumers and the health-care industry that could total in the billions of dollars each year.

The cholesterol-lower statin Pravachol (pravastatin) is scheduled to go generic sometime this month, and Zocor (simvastatin) is slated to follow in June. Statin drugs to treat high cholesterol are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States, and Zocor is the No. 2 best-selling drug in the nation.

Mother's Day Menu

Orange Sesame Spring SaladPolenta Vegetable CasseroleBok Choy and Bean MedleyHawaiian Pineapple Cake...more

Dr. Oz's "90-Day Live Longer, Feel Younger Plan"


Turn your health around! The five things you have to stop now—and the three-month plan you need to start today

You could save a life!

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine - had only tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (They offered to call paramedics) They got her cleaned up and a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the afternoon. Ingrid's husband called later saying that his wife had been taken to the hospital and passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ.

Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us to day. Some stroke victims don't die, they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this... A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within three hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke . . . totally. He said the trick was having a stroke recognized, diagnosed and then getting the patient medically cared for within three hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE: Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking for three simple responses:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK, to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE. (Coherently) (i.e. . . It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue . if the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.
If he or she has trouble with any one of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Diet may cut Alzheimer's risk


People who followed the diet were up to 40 percent less likely than those who largely avoided it to develop Alzheimer's during the course of the research, scientists reported.

The diet he tested includes eating lots of vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals and fish, while limiting intake of meat and dairy products, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol and emphasizing monounsaturated fats, such as in olive oil, over saturated fats. Previous research has suggested that such an approach can reduce the risk of heart disease...more

More info on Alzheimer's Disease

Scientists find secret to gas-free beans


Two strains of bacteria are the key to making beans flatulence-free, Venezuelan researchers reported on Tuesday.
They identified two bacteria, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum, which can be added to beans so they cause minimal distress to those who eat them, and to those around the bean-lovers, Marisela Granito of Simon Bolivar University in Caracas, Venezuela and colleagues reported...more

For More info on the benefits of beans

Parents Hold the Key to Child's Healthy Weight

Childhood obesity is growing at an alarming rate, but experts say parents are more powerful than they imagine at helping kids fight the problem.

About 17 percent of U.S. children and teens, aged 2 to 19, are overweight, according to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. But three studies presented at this week's Pediatric Academic Societies' annual meeting, in San Francisco, offer ways to help kids get to healthier weights.

More information to on kids health

Health Tip: Hives Signal an Allergic Reaction

Hives, medically called urticaria, are red and swollen patches of skin that can appear anywhere on the body. They are usually itchy, may sting, and typically last only a few hours. Hives vary in size and usually appear in groups.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a reaction to a drug or food is the most common cause of hives. Nuts, chocolate, fish, eggs, berries and milk are some of the foods most likely to cause hives.

The most effective way to prevent hives is to figure out what is causing the reaction, and to remove it from your diet or drug regimen. A prescription or over-the-counter antihistamine can reduce redness, swelling and itching. In more severe cases, a physician may administer stronger drugs such as epinephrine or cortisone.

Wednesday, May 3

Man weighing 1,200 pounds seeks life-saving surgery


A Mexican man who at 550 kg (1,200 lb) is possibly the heaviest person in the world hopes to travel to Italy for a life-saving operation to shed weight.

Manuel Uribe, bedridden for the past five years, cannot stand on his own and will need a special flight to take him from Monterrey, Mexico to Modena, where a surgical team has offered to perform an intestinal bypass free of charge.
"I can't walk. I'm can't leave my bed," the 40-year-old Uribe, who weighs the same as five baby elephants, said in a recent telephone interview...more

For More info on weight loss

Study Shows Americans Sicker Than English

White, middle-aged Americans — even those who are rich — are far less healthy than their peers in England, according to stunning new research that erases misconceptions and has experts scratching their heads.

Americans had higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, strokes, lung disease and cancer — findings that held true no matter what income or education level...more

Soda Distributors to End Most School Sales

The nation's largest beverage distributors have agreed to halt nearly all sales of sodas to public schools — a step that will remove the sugary, caloric drinks from vending machines and cafeterias around the country.
The agreement was announced Wednesday by the William J. Clinton Foundation and will also likely apply to many private and parochial schools.
"This is a bold step forward in the struggle to help 35 million young people lead healthier lives," former Prsident Clinton said at a news conference...more

Feds Release Pandemic Flu Plan

A flu pandemic would cause massive disruptions lasting for months, and cities, states and businesses must make plans now to keep functioning — and not count on a federal rescue, the Bush administration said Wednesday.
"Our nation will face this global threat united in purpose and united in action in order to best protect our families, our communities, our nation and our world from the threat of pandemic influenza,"...more

Tuesday, May 2

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Millions of US adolescents at risk for diabetes

Research suggests that about 2.8 million adolescents in the U.S. may have impaired fasting glucose levels, a precursor to diabetes, and another 39,000 have overt type 2, or non-insulin-dependent, diabetes...more

Info on how to reverse diabetes
Are you interested in a 6 weeks guided program?

Government Drafts Pandemic Flu Plan


The Bush administration forecasts massive disruptions if bird flu or some other super-strain of influenza arises in the United States. A response plan scheduled to be released at the White House on Wednesday warns employers that as much as 40 percent of the work force could be off the job and says every segment of society must prepare...more

Monday, May 1

Scientists use a weed to cure skin cancer in 2 days

Peplin's skin cancer gel trial a success

Early clinical trials of a new gel to treat skin cancer have returned promising results.
The gel, developed by Brisbane-based company Peplin, can be rubbed on to the skin to treat certain types of skin cancer...more

More info on skin care

Bausch & Lomb asks retailers to pull ReNu because of risk

maker of a contact lens solution linked to a potentially blinding eye infection on Thursday warned consumers not to use the product and asked retailers to pull it from their shelves.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday that public health officials in 17 states were investigating 109 cases of Fusarium keratitis, a rare fungal infection that damages the cornea...more

More info on eye health

Relaxation Gives Truer Blood Pressure Reading

Taking a few minutes to relax and get comfortable before having your blood pressure checked will yield lower readings, according to a study by University of Virginia Health System nurses.

It found that systolic blood pressure can be an average of 14 points higher when a reading is taken immediately after a patient arrives in an exam room and sits on an examination table, rather than sitting in a chair with the back supported and feet flat on the floor.

More info on managing high blood pressure

Healthy Recipes from the movie Super Size Me


Favorite recipes of Morgan Spurlock of Super Size Me.
Coconut Curry Rice, Lemon Chickpea Salad, Coconut Date Rolls, Roasted Yam Fries...more

More Healthy recipes ...here

Vein-viewing Tech Launched


After taking hundreds of backorders, Med-tech startup Luminetx said Friday it has finally started shipping a product that lets healthcare worker easily see a patient’s veins.

With the help of infrared light, Luminetx has developed an imaging device that can clearly project veins onto the surface of the skin...


See other health tools here