Women who have major heart attack fare worse than men

Data from 420 hospitals show women are 12% more likely to die of a major heart attack in a hospital than men. Overall survival rates for women who suffer heart attacks are about the same as men when under hospital care, but a gender gap remains for treatment of the most severe type of attack, caused by a total blockage of an artery. Researchers say women also are less likely to get the recommended aspirin within 24 hours of an attack or to receive timely treatment to restore blood flow. More...

Obese children risk thyroid damage

Obesity may cause inflammation that damages the thyroid, which secretes hormones to regulate metabolism and other important functions, Dr. Giorgio Radetti of the Regional Hospital of Bolzano in Italy and colleagues said. More...

The 20 Worst Mall Foods in America

It's that time of year again: Chances are you'll be logging some serious hours at the mall in the upcoming days. Blame stress, blame shopping fatigue, or blame the irresistible smell of food court treats slamming your senses from the minute you walk in the door—whatever the reason, you'll probably end up chowing down at the mall during your shopping trip. More...

America's Worst Breakfast Foods

According to a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity, basing your breakfast on the wrong nutrients can sabotage your weight-loss efforts. People who began their day with high-quality protein over refined carbohydrates were able to lose 65 percent more weight, and also reported higher levels of energy throughout the day. More...

How to Dispose of Unused Medication

If you've decided to clear out that museum of unused medication in your medicine cabinet, how do you get rid of all the stuff responsibly? You don't want to contaminate the water supply, nor do you want medication to fall into the wrong hands. Here are some guidelines. More...

CDC: Many Americans don't comply with exercise guidelines

CDC researchers found fewer than 65% of Americans met HHS 2008 exercise guidelines for 150 minutes a week of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Only 49% of people surveyed met the government's Healthy People 2010 recommendations that call for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous activity three days weekly. More...

Obesity, chronic disease threaten U.S. health gains

The 2008 America's Health Rankings show the nation's health improved by 18% from 1990 to 2000 but progress has stalled over the past four years. Health experts worry that obesity, tobacco addiction and an increase in chronic disease could threaten U.S. health gains. The new rankings, based on 22 health care measures, show Vermont as the healthiest state and Louisiana as the least healthy state. more...

Ground flaxseed: Better than whole?

Flaxseed is high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and phytochemicals called lignans. Flaxseed can help reduce total blood cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels — and, as a result, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Flaxseed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids, but it doesn't have the beneficial fiber that the seeds have. More...

Economy raising stress levels, putting health at risk

The 2008 Stress in America survey found finances, jobs and the economy have significantly increased stress levels in America over the past two years, which health experts say can contribute to heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses. Stress also can make people more susceptible to infections and increase inflammation that contributes to stroke, arthritis, diabetes and frailty. More...

Counseling programs help dieters keep off lost pounds

A University of Florida study of obese women who participated in a weight-loss program found those who continued to get in-person or telephone counseling were better able to keep the pounds from returning a year later, compared with those who received dieting tips from a newsletter. Researchers say the findings offer an inexpensive way to maintain weight loss, especially for people in remote areas. More...

Elderly cancer survivors do better with home diet, exercise programs

A study of 641 elderly cancer survivors found those receiving telephone counseling, a specialized workbook and newsletters on diet and exercise had half the functional decline when compared to those who didn't participate in the program. The intervention group lost more weight and increased their ability to do moderate to vigorous activity by 44.9 minutes a week compared with 29.7 minutes a week in the control group. More...

Study: Most Americans don't control blood pressure

A study stated that 70% of people with high blood pressure, or hypertension, aren't taking measures to control it. Out of those taking care of it, 71% changed their eating habits, 80% limited or eliminated their salt use, 69% exercised and 73% took medication for hypertension. More...