Study ties sodium and potassium to heart health

Ingesting too much sodium and not enough potassium might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study based on a long-term analysis by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The findings also suggest increasing potassium intake and lowering salt consumption could reverse the risk. More...

Doctors explain side effects to avoid giving antibiotics

Physicians are explaining potential side effects to patients as an effective argument against prescribing antibiotics for ailments that most likely won't respond to the drugs. Recent research, including a CDC study that found 1 in 1,000 people taking antibiotics ended up in the emergency room, is giving doctors the data they need to educate patients. More...

Counseling, support help prevent postnatal depression

Professional counseling can reduce postnatal depression rates in women by 40%, and support from other mothers can reduce a woman's risk of postnatal depression by half, study results show. Researchers say the barriers to care remain high, including a lack of awareness about the condition, a tendency to minimize symptoms or a fear or being labeled mentally ill. More...

Severity of first heart attacks decreasing in U.S.

U.S. researchers say better prevention efforts and therapies are making first heart attacks less severe and less fatal for men and women across racial groups. The lead author said patients and providers must work to maintain the gains, especially in light of increasing rates of obesity. More...

Some experts say nutrition improves during recession

As more people save money by eating at home, they are cutting back on sodium and upping their intake of produce and whole grains, nutrition experts say. They also note that restaurant chefs are improving the nutrition profile of many of their offerings. More...

Mass. gives companies incentives for wellness programs

Massachusetts is giving seed money to employers for programs that help workers watch their diet and exercise more. Some employees say company initiatives, such as nutrition training and pilates classes, help provide the time and accountability necessary to make real changes. More...

Omega-6 fatty acids can protect heart

Omega-6 fatty acids, found in some vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, can lead to a lower incidence of heart disease, a science advisory from the American Heart Association says. People should get 5% to 10% of their calories from omega-6 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated. More...

Cutting calories may boost memory in older adults

A study of older, overweight German adults found that cutting calories by 30% helped boost memory and thinking skills. Researchers say reducing calories lowers insulin resistance and inflammation, which may be linked to age-related cognitive decline. The study found people who lost the most weight by cutting calories also had the biggest boost in cognitive ability. More...

FDA warns of heart risks tied to "natural" dietary pills

The FDA warned that some dietary supplements claiming to be "natural" weight-loss pills illegally contain harmful ingredients or prescription drugs that do not have U.S. approval. The agency cautioned consumers that the supplements may cause hypertension, seizures, strokes or heart attacks and said it is working to withdraw such products from the market. More...

More Americans living with multiple chronic medical conditions

The latest U.S. health data show 44% of Americans had at least one chronic medical condition in 2005, up from 41% in 1996. The percentage of those with three or more chronic conditions jumped from 13% to 22% for people ages 45 to 64 and up to 45% for those 65 to 79, during that time period. Increases in obesity and sedentary lifestyles may have led to more people developing two major chronic conditions -- diabetes and high blood pressure. More...

Will Americans put on "recession pounds"?

With numerous studies linking obesity and unhealthy eating habits to low incomes, health professionals worry that the current recession will spur weight gain. Experts are concerned people will cut back on healthy but relatively expensive items, such as fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and instead purchase cheaper foods high in sugar and saturated fats. More...

Memphis hospital, churches join to promote healthy living

Memphis churches are increasing access to health care by partnering with Baptist Memorial Health Care to put on health fairs. Baptist also holds an annual Healthy Church Challenge, in which teams compete to have the largest total weight loss. More...

Shining the Spotlight on Trans Fats

For years, only true diet detectives knew whether a particular food contained trans fat. This phantom fat—the worst fat for the heart, blood vessels, and rest of the body—was found in thousands of foods. But only people who knew that the code phrases "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" and "vegetable shortening" meant that trans fat lurked in the food were aware of its presence. More...