Health Initiatives Blog

Obesity Linked to Heart Failure Risk

2009-04-13T16:16:00.000-04:00

Swedish studies add heart failure to the list of cardiac problems linked to overweight and obesity. That report gave results of two studies, one of 36,873 Swedish women and one of 43,487 Swedish men, who were followed for six years and tracked for body-mass index (BMI) and the incidence of heart failure. Overweight is defined as a BMI between 25 and 30, and obesity as a BMI of 30 or higher. By that definition, 34 percent of the women in the study were overweight and 11 percent were obese, while 46 percent of the men were overweight and 10 percent were obese. More...

Study: Nearly 20% of American children are obese

2009-04-13T16:13:00.000-04:00

Almost one in five of all American 4-year-olds are obese, and some 31% of American Indian children and more than 20% of black and Hispanic children are obese, a study found. Researchers said the high rate of obesity was a concern for such a young population. More...

Obesity Boosts Gum Disease Risk

2009-04-13T16:10:00.002-04:00

Data from a study that followed some 37,000 men for 16 years showed obese adults had a 29% higher risk of periodontal disease than those at normal weight. The researchers also said men with a waist of 40 inches or more had a 19% higher risk of gum disease. A second study by the team found men and women with an elevated waist-to-hip ratio were almost six more likely to have gum disease than those without an elevated waist-to-hip ratio. More....

Multivitamin tests show varying levels of ingredients

2009-04-13T16:06:00.000-04:00

A report from ConsumerLab.com found that more than 30% of multivitamins tested had significantly more or less of an ingredient than claimed. Some had ingredient levels that exceeded tolerable upper limits for health safety, the report found. The tests also found that some of the multivitamins were contaminated with lead. More...

Study: Children get too few fruits, veggies

2009-04-06T10:56:00.000-04:00

Researchers found that children consume an average of two cups of fruits, vegetables or juices per day, which is at the bottom of the recommended range. French fries account for about 25% of vegetable consumption, while juices make up 40% of fruit intake. More...

Study: Obesity can take 10 years off a person's life

2009-04-06T10:54:00.000-04:00

British researchers analyzed 57 studies that followed almost 1 million people for an average of 10 to 15 years and found death rates were lowest for those with a body-mass index of 23 to 24. Those with a BMI of 30 to 35 lost about three years of life, and people with a BMI above 40 lost about 10 years from their expected life spans. More...

Studies question risks, benefits of PSA screening

2009-04-06T10:42:00.000-04:00

A 10-year U.S. study of 77,000 men found a higher number of deaths among men assigned to annual prostate-specific antigen screening compared to controls, though researchers said more work was needed to determine if the difference was due to chance. A second study in Europe of 182,000 men found PSA screening reduced the risk of death by 20%. One U.S. researcher said the aggressive treatment of prostate tumors that often grow very slowly can be of little benefit but could harm men by causing impotence, incontinence and even death. More...

Red meat consumption tied to shorter life span

2009-04-06T10:39:00.000-04:00

A U.S. National Cancer Institute study found men and women who ate the highest amount of red meat had an increased risk of dying from any cause -- 31% and 36%, respectively -- compared with people who ate the least amount of red meat. Researchers also found that 11% of men's lives and 16% of women's lives could be saved by reducing meat consumption to the amount eaten by the bottom 20% in the study. More...

Study: Americans fear diabetes, but don't fight it

2009-04-06T10:38:00.000-04:00

The majority of Americans fear developing diabetes, a survey found. But many don't talk to their doctors or change unhealthy behaviors that could lead to the disease. More...

CDC: American salt consumption dangerously high

2009-04-03T15:45:00.000-04:00

Americans are at greater risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes because they consume twice the recommended amount of salt, according to CDC researchers. The study found that almost 70% of adults are in high-risk groups that would benefit from reduced salt intake. More...

Physicians see major rise in kidney stones in children

2009-04-03T15:42:00.000-04:00

U.S. physicians are seeing more pediatric patients with painful kidney stones, usually an adult problem. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is seeing almost five children a week with kidney stones, up from about 10 a year in 2005. Doctors say the increase may be linked to children's love of salty foods. More...

Task force calls for teens to be screened for depression

2009-04-03T15:41:00.000-04:00

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is recommending routine screening of all American teenagers for depression. The panel says nearly 2 million teens suffer from depression and most are undiagnosed and untreated. More...

Study finds one-third of EMS stethoscopes infected with MRSA

2009-04-03T15:39:00.000-04:00

A new study found that 16 of the 50 stethoscopes used by emergency medical service providers who visited a New Jersey hospital over a 24-hour period were contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The finding shows that MRSA can be acquired even before patients reach the hospital, the study author said. More....

Sweetened beverages linked to increased heart risks in women

2009-04-03T15:37:00.001-04:00

Data on 88,520 women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study showed those who drank two or more sugar-sweetened beverages a day increased their heart disease risk by about 35%. Artificially sweetened drinks did not appear to increase heart disease risk, the study found. More....

Survey finds preventive health care for teens lacking

2009-04-03T15:27:00.000-04:00

A U.S. survey that included almost 8,500 youngsters ages 10 to 17 found only 38% had seen a health care provider for a preventive health visit in the past year. The data also showed only 10% of youngsters were counseled by health care professionals on all six preventive health issues included in the survey: dental care, healthy eating, regular exercise, wearing a seat belt, wearing a bicycle helmet and exposure to secondhand smoke. More...

Screening often fails to find early ovarian cancer

2009-04-03T15:15:00.001-04:00

Yearly ultrasound and CA 125 blood tests fail to diagnose most early cases of ovarian cancer, researchers reported. Their study of nearly 35,000 women found the screening identified 60 of 89 diagnosed cancers but 72% of those detected were already at an advanced stage. The data, which is consistent with other study results, showed the screenings also led to unnecessary biopsies and other surgical procedures. More...

NIH study: Calories, not content, determine weight loss

2009-02-27T10:19:00.000-05:00

A two-year NIH study found that cutting calories, through diet and exercise, is the key to achieving weight loss, rather than any particular diet approach, such as low-fat or low-carb. The lead researcher said restricting calories can allow for more food choices and less monotony in a diet, but the trick is finding a healthy balance of foods and sticking with the plan. More...

Study: Early menopause doubles risk of stroke

2009-02-24T09:46:00.000-05:00

Women who go through menopause before age 42 have a doubled risk of ischemic stroke, researchers reported. They said between 4% and 5% of all strokes in women could be attributed to early menopause. The link between early menopause and stroke is not clear but may be due to lower estrogen levels associated with menopause, the lead researcher said. More...

About 25% of Americans get food poisoning every year

2009-02-24T09:45:00.000-05:00

Up to 1 in 4 people in the U.S. suffer from food poisoning each year, although few of these cases are linked to major outbreaks such as the recent salmonella-peanut scare, according to the CDC. More...

"Silent strokes" more common than thought in middle-age adults

2009-02-24T09:43:00.000-05:00

A five-year study found so-called silent strokes, which often have no symptoms, may be at least five times more common than regular strokes for people under age 65. The research, part of the Framingham Heart Study, also showed silent strokes were not uncommon in people younger than 50. More...

Young adults not getting healthier, federal report shows

2009-02-24T09:41:00.000-05:00

By most measures, young adults are no healthier than they were 15 years ago, and in the case of obesity, they are less healthy. A National Center for Health Statistics report shows that about one-third of adults 18 to 29 are obese, one-third are overweight, 30% don't have health insurance, and among men almost one-third smoke and a quarter binge-drink. More...

Newborn screening now mandated across the U.S.

2009-02-24T09:39:00.000-05:00

A March of Dimes report said all 50 states and the District of Columbia now have laws or regulations requiring newborns be screened for at least 21 disorders. That is an improvement over just four years ago, the report said, when only one in three U.S. infants were born in states that mandated testing. More...

Majority of patients hospitalized with CAD at guideline-recommended LDL targets

2009-02-18T15:27:00.000-05:00

"There have been modest improvements in LDL-cholesterol levels over time," lead investigator Dr Gregg Fonarow (University of California Los Angeles Medical Center) told heartwire. "One of the major findings of this study that should serve as a wake-up call for anyone interested in reducing death and disability due to cardiovascular disease is that nearly 75% of patients having first ACS events had LDL levels below 130 mg/dL, and nearly 50% had LDL levels below 100 mg/dL." More...

2 cans of soda daily raise kidney disease risk in women

2009-02-18T15:25:00.000-05:00

A study of more than 9,000 U.S. adults found women who drank two or more cans of soda per day were 1.86 times more likely to have excess levels of the protein albumin in their urine, indicating early kidney damage. The study found no increased risk for men or for anyone who opted for diet soda. Researchers said they were not sure why women had a higher risk of albuminuria. More...

Physicians worry free antibiotics will boost demand

2009-02-04T09:31:00.001-05:00

Physicians worry that supermarket pharmacy programs offering free antibiotics could result in more pressure from patients to prescribe the medications even if they are not necessary. Store executives say it is a way to entice customers in a down economy. Overuse of antibiotics is believed to result in more cases of resistant bacteria. More...

Data show 13% of U.S. adults 20 or older have diabetes

2009-02-04T09:28:00.001-05:00

The most recent analysis of U.S. diabetes data found nearly 13% of adults age 20 and older have the disease, and 40% of them are not diagnosed. Rates of diagnosed diabetes jumped from 5.1% in the period between 1988 and 1994 to 7.7% from 2005 to 2006, with notable increases found among blacks. More...

Economy takes its toll on Americans' mental health

2009-02-04T09:27:00.000-05:00

Mental health experts say requests for therapy have soared, more Americans are reporting high levels of stress, and domestic-violence and suicide hotlines are getting more calls, all due in part to job layoffs and financial worries tied to the economy. More...

Study Finds High-Fructose Corn Syrup Contains Mercury

2009-02-04T09:25:00.000-05:00

MONDAY, Jan. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Almost half of tested samples of commercial high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contained mercury, which was also found in nearly a third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products where HFCS is the first- or second-highest labeled ingredient, according to two new U.S. studies. More...

Eating Right Can Save The Planet

2009-02-04T09:24:00.000-05:00

In his new book, Food Matters, The New York Times food columnist writes about the environmental impact of industrial farming — and how individuals can make a difference by cutting down on the amount of animal products they consume. More...

Study: Ritalin causes brain changes similar to cocaine's effects

2009-02-04T09:22:00.001-05:00

U.S. scientists working on mice reported that Novartis AG's Ritalin, a medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, produced changes in the brain's reward center that resembled the effects of cocaine dependence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse funded the research, which comes after several human studies showed that stimulant drugs such as Ritalin are safe when used to treat ADHD. Nonmedical applications may result in addiction, the institute's director said. More..

Study: Most children who take vitamins don't need to

2009-02-04T09:19:00.000-05:00

A survey of parents showed one-third of U.S. adolescents take vitamins even though most don't need to. The study also found that children in poor health, who could most benefit from vitamins, were least likely to get them. Health experts said that taking vitamins will not make up for having a poor diet but said that a vitamin D supplement may be beneficial for children who don't drink enough milk. More...

Study ties sodium and potassium to heart health

2009-01-28T09:39:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-28T09:38:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-28T09:36:00.000-05:00

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.

2009-01-28T09:34:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-28T09:33:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-28T09:32:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-28T09:30:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-28T09:29:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-19T14:19:00.001-05:00

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

2009-01-19T14:16:00.000-05:00

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"?

2009-01-19T14:14:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-19T14:12:00.001-05:00

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

2009-01-19T14:04:00.000-05:00

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...

Women who have major heart attack fare worse than men

2008-12-17T10:26:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-17T10:23:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-17T09:54:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-17T09:53:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-08T15:44:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-05T14:27:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-05T13:36:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-12-03T14:50:00.001-05:00

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

2008-12-02T15:55:00.001-05:00

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

2008-12-02T15:17:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-02T14:08:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-02T11:10:00.000-05:00

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...

Study: Banning fast food ads could slash obesity rate

2008-11-25T15:05:00.000-05:00

A study funded in part by the federal government found a ban on fast-food ads aimed at children could slash the national obesity rate by 18%. "We have known for some time that childhood obesity has gripped our culture, but little empirical research has been done that identifies television advertising as a possible cause," said a study author. More...

U.S. adults have lower LDL cholesterol, higher triglycerides

2008-11-25T15:03:00.000-05:00

Researchers say that while U.S. adults have reduced their levels of bad LDL cholesterol since 1980, their levels of harmful triglycerides have almost quintupled. The gains may be due to increased awareness about heart disease, healthier diets and the use of statins, while the elevated triglyceride levels may be attributed to the growing obesity epidemic, researchers said. More..

Family history carries breast cancer risk without gene mutations

2008-11-25T15:01:00.000-05:00

A study of 1,500 women with a family history of breast cancer who tested negative for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations found the women still had a fourfold increased risk of developing breast cancer. The women did not have an increased risk for ovarian cancer, the study found. More...

Group therapy improves survival for breast cancer patients

2008-11-25T15:00:00.000-05:00

A study including 227 women with breast cancer found that those who took part in one year of psychological group therapy were 56% less likely to die of breast cancer and 45% less likely to experience recurrence than patients who did not undergo therapy. Researchers said stress reduction may have boosted the women's immune function and contributed to the improved survival. More...

Too little sleep linked to higher risk of heart disease

2008-11-25T14:58:00.000-05:00

Researchers studied 1,225 seniors with a history of hypertension and found a 33% higher incidence of cardiovascular events among people who got less than seven and a half hours of sleep each night and had elevated overnight blood pressure, compared with those who slept longer. More...

The 20 Unhealthiest Drinks in America

2008-11-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

A study from the University of North Carolina found that we consume 450 calories a day from beverages, nearly twice as many as 30 years ago! This increase amounts to an extra 23 pounds a year that we're forced to work off—or carry around with us. More...

Google tool provides early warning for flu outbreaks

2008-11-12T15:08:00.000-05:00

Google's philanthropic arm, Google.org, has developed a Web tool that can detect regional flu outbreaks seven to 10 days ahead of CDC reports. Google Flu Trends works by monitoring trends in flu-related search terms on its search engine. Google plans to expand the service, which currently only covers the U.S., to track influenza and other diseases globally. More...

Heart-failure patients can exercise

2008-11-12T14:55:00.000-05:00

Heart failure patients can safely work out at the gym, ride bikes and do other exercises once deemed too strenuous, although the activity was not linked to a reduction in hospitalizations or death, according to new research from Duke University. The findings could spark an effort to change public policy on treating heart failure and prompt Medicare and private insurers to cover physician-guided exercise programs for these patients. More..

The 10 healthiest grocery stores in the U.S.

2008-11-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

Whole Foods, Safeway and Harris Teeter top the list of the freshest and healthiest grocers in the U.S., according to Health magazine. The stores offer wide selections of produce and organic products, as well as clear nutritional labeling and healthful prepared meals. More..

Lack of Potassium Linked to High Blood Pressure

2008-11-12T13:33:00.000-05:00

Consuming too little potassium may pose as much of a risk for high blood pressure as too much sodium, particularly for blacks, new research says. The link between high blood pressure and low potassium was strong even when age, race and other cardiovascular risk factors were taken into account. More..

Aspirin Doesn't Guard Diabetics Against Heart Disease

2008-11-12T13:29:00.000-05:00

Two studies show low-dose aspirin and vitamins E and C don't significantly protect certain patients from cardiac events. A study of more than 2,500 Japanese diabetics shows a daily aspirin regimen resulted in only a slight reduction in risk but did reduce combined fatal coronary and cerebrovascular events. A separate, eight-year study of more than 14,000 U.S. male physicians found vitamins E and C had no affect on the incidence of major cardiovascular events or death. more...

CDC: Too many Americans unaware of pre-diabetes

2008-11-12T11:39:00.000-05:00

A CDC analysis of data on 24,000 U.S. adults found that more than 25% of Americans have pre-diabetes but only 4% were aware of their condition. Researchers said more awareness about pre-diabetes could help people make healthier lifestyle choices and reduce their risk of developing diabetes. More...

Research shows no cancer risk reduction with vitamin B

2008-11-12T11:07:00.000-05:00

U.S. researchers say women who took vitamin B supplements for more than seven years were no more or less likely to develop or die from cancer than were women who took a placebo. The study included 5,442 women who were health care professionals and who had cardiovascular disease or risk factors, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels. More..

Poll shows few people concerned about diabetes risk

2008-11-12T11:05:00.000-05:00

An online Harris Interactive poll of more than 2,400 adults found getting cancer is the biggest health fear for 49% of respondents, while only 3% said they worry about getting diabetes. Each disease has about the same number of expected new cases each year. The CDC commissioned the poll to try to find out why people don't take diabetes as seriously as they should. More...

CDC: Diabetes rate doubled in last 10 years; obesity to blame

2008-11-12T11:04:00.000-05:00

The rate of new diabetes cases nearly doubled in the U.S. in the past 10 years, and roughly 90% are Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to obesity, CDC researchers say. Nationally, the rate of new cases climbed from about five per 1,000 in the mid-1990s to 9 per 1,000 in the middle of this decade, with the highest rates in the South. More..

Tough economic times could lead to more obesity

2008-11-12T11:02:00.000-05:00

Public health officials fear the economic downturn could mean an upswing in obesity, as people turn to cheaper packaged and high-fat fast food instead of healthy fresh fare. University of Washington professor Adam Drewnowski says people spend less money but eat more with inexpensive calorie-rich and nutrient-poor foods. More..

Vigorous exercise protects against breast cancer

2008-11-12T11:01:00.000-05:00

A study of more than 30,000 postmenopausal women found those who were at normal weight and exercised vigorously reduced their breast cancer risk by 30%. Overall, the women who exercised the most were 13% less likely to develop breast cancer. More...

Maintaining Weight Loss

2008-10-27T15:45:00.000-04:00

One of the challenges in weight loss is weight regain during the next 1-2 years. Research has found that regular physical activity is one good way to maintain weight loss over time but the question remains, how much activity is needed? Current exercise recommendations encourage about 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity or 150 minutes per week. But it this adequate for maintaining weight loss? More...

Exercise Helps Resolve Depression Long Term

2008-10-27T15:42:00.000-04:00

Depression is a very common and serious health problem in the United States. This is verified by the fact that the medication that is most prescribed in the U.S. is an anti-depressant. The National Institutes of Health sponsored a study by Duke University to study the effects of regular exercise on depression. Their first study was on a group of people with clinical depression. Half were randomly assigned to normal medical therapy and medication for depression. The other half were assigned to a regular physical activity program. After 16 weeks, both groups were evaluated. The exercisers improved just as much as those receiving medication. In addition, the exercisers saw improvements in mental function that those on medication didn’t experience. More...

Fruits and Vegetables Decrease the Risk of Getting Diabetes

2008-10-27T15:37:00.000-04:00

Would you like to decrease your risk of getting type 2 diabetes? A new study from Europe (EPIC-Norfolk Study) looked at eating habits in a large group of people (21,831 healthy men and women with no diabetes). Researchers found that those who ate the most fruits and vegetables had a 74% decreased risk of getting diabetes during the 12-year study compared to those eating the least. That is a remarkable difference and gives good evidence of the value of healthy eating in preventing one or our nation’s most serious and costly health problems. More...

What Should Your Blood Sugar Level Be?

2008-10-27T15:34:00.000-04:00

Are you at risk for diabetes? Even if your doctor told you your blood glucose is “normal” you may still be at risk. New research indicates that the upper limit of “normal” blood sugar has a greater influence on risk of developing diabetes than realized before. A few years ago, the blood sugar level for pre-diabetes was lowered to 100 mg/dL. This gives the impression that blood sugar levels less than 100 are “normal” with little risk. More...

Western diet increases heart attack risk

2008-10-27T15:21:00.000-04:00

Researchers looked at dietary habits in 52 countries and found that people who ate a typically Western diet of meats, fried foods and salty snacks were 35% more likely to have heart attacks compared with people who ate little meat or fried foods. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables was tied to a 30% lower risk of heart attacks, and an Oriental diet -- rich in tofu, soy and other sauces -- neither increased or decreased risk, the study found. More...

Online tools help patients manage health

2008-10-27T15:16:00.000-04:00

New Web-connected tools are in development that patients will use as reminders to take pills, to keep track of disease information, and to chart data from heart rate and glucose tests. Many applications allow patients to share health data with physicians and nurses through programs like HealthVault, which uploads information from a variety of devices to an online account. More...

More Americans have high blood pressure

2008-10-27T15:11:00.001-04:00

The number of Americans with hypertension and prehypertension has increased significantly in recent years, mainly due to the rise in obesity, researchers from the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute said. They urged a focus on preventing obesity and improving diagnosis and treatment for patients who have hypertension. More...

Obesity tied to early heart attack

2008-10-16T16:00:00.003-04:00

Obesity raises the risk of having a heart attack at a younger age -- up to 12 years before a normal-weight person, according to Michigan researchers who reviewed records of more than 111,000 patients who had experienced a heart attack. They found the leanest patients had a first heart attack at the average age of 74.6 years, compared to 58.7 years for the most obese. Women were at the greatest risk at both weight endpoints...more

20 Worst Food in America

2008-03-20T09:33:00.001-04:00

Link to see photos

U.S. obesity rates level off: government study

2007-12-03T08:55:00.000-05:00

CHICAGO (Reuters) - After 25 years of successive increases, obesity rates in the United States are holding steady, government health officials said on Wednesday.

But Americans are still plenty fat, with more than a third of U.S. adults found to be obese in 2005-2006, according to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That amounts to about 72 million people in the United States, about the same as a 2003-2004 report.

"What we can be optimistic about is we haven't seen a giant increase in the last couple of years," said Cynthia Ogden, an epidemiologist for the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. "But we aren't seeing any decrease, that's for sure."
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You Call That Health Food?

2007-11-19T16:05:00.000-05:00

Take a moment and consider this logic: 1. Fat-free foods are healthy. 2. Skittles are fat-free. 3. Therefore, Skittles are healthy. Make sense? Of course not. But it's exactly the type of reasoning that food manufacturers want you to use.

You see, in our example, we started with a false premise. That's because the term "fat-free" is often code for "high-sugar" -- an attribute that makes a product the opposite of healthy. Case in point: Johns Hopkins University researchers recently determined that high blood sugar is an independent risk factor for heart disease. So high-glycemic foods -- those such as sugars and starches that raise your blood sugar dramatically -- are inherently unhealthy. (See Skittles, above.)

Unfortunately, faulty food logic is far less obvious when you're shopping outside the candy aisle. Why? Because making healthy choices isn't as simple as knowing that beans are packed with fiber, or that fruits are loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants. After all, manufacturers often add ingredients, such as sugar, that can instantly turn a good snack bad. As a result, many of the products that you think are wholesome are anything but. And that's why we've created our list of the dirty dozen: 12 "healthy" foods that you can -- and should -- live without.

Yogurt with Fruit at the Bottom
The upside: Yogurt and fruit are two of the healthiest foods known to man.

The downside: Corn syrup is not. But that's exactly what's used to make these products supersweet. For example, a cup of Colombo blueberry yogurt contains 36 grams (g) of sugar, only about half of which is found naturally in the yogurt and fruit. The rest comes in the form of "added" sugar -- or what we prefer to call "unnecessary."
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The Sandwich Generation: Cancer Diagnoses for Young Adults Overlooked

2007-11-01T13:58:00.000-04:00

For Young Adults, Cancer Can Often Go Undiagnosed and Untreated
Katherine Miller (right) inspired 'Nightline's' story on the Sandwich Generation, young adults who remained undiagnosed and untreated for cancer. At the age of 26, Miller died of colorectal cancer after being diagnosed only six months prior. Frank O'Day (left) is currently battling Stage Four Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 29.

He has not expressed an ounce of self-pity or a hint of anger, though for Frank O'Day it is easy to be angry. He is 29 years old and he has cancer. But according to O'Day, when it comes to cancer, anger is just a wasted emotion.

O'Day has been battling stage four Hodgkin's lymphoma with optimism, humor and dignity. He fights the way anyone would want to fight after a doctor delivers such tragic news. And even at 29, O'Day knows that hope is his only weapon.

Katherine Miller was also filled with hope when she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 25, just as she was beginning medical school at Des Moines University.

She too believed in her ability to conquer the disease. Miller, however, did not win that fight. With barely a hint of illness before her diagnosis, six months later she died at the age of 26.
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U.S. Medical Schools, Drug Makers Share Strong Ties

2007-11-01T13:55:00.000-04:00

TUESDAY, Oct. 16 (HealthDay News) -- More than half of department chairs at U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals have financial ties with the drug industry, a new study finds.

These institutional relationships seemed to be just as widespread as those of individual physicians or scientists with industry.

"There is not a single aspect of medicine in which the drug companies do not have substantial and deep relationships, affecting not only doctors-in-training, resident physicians, researchers, physicians-in-practice, the people who review drugs for the federal government and the people who review studies," said lead researcher Eric Campbell, associate professor at the Institute for Health Policy at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

"Drug companies have relationships with everyone," he continued. "They're involved in every aspect of medicine. Someone has to decide which of these is OK."

The study, the first to examine the extent of these institutional relationships, is published in the Oct. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Although Campbell himself reported no financial conflicts, one co-author did report having served as a consultant for drug makers Genentech and GlaxoSmithKline. ...more

Eat More Veggies!

2007-09-11T09:12:00.000-04:00

Eat More Veggies!!

Beet-and-Apple Soup
Simmer 6 peeled and cut-up medium beets, 1 onion, cut up, and 1 garlic clove in 4 cups unsweetened apple juice 25 minutes; puree in a blender. Add 3 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Swirl each serving with 1 Tablespoon sour cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Shredded Beets with Orange Zest
Peel and shred 6 medium beets in a food processor. Sauté in 1 Tablespoon butter with 1 grated garlic clove and 1 teaspoon grated orange zest, partially covered, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Lemon-Basil Beet Salad (pictured)
Peel and slice 6 medium cooked beets; fan on a serving platter. Top with 3 Tablespoon olive oil and 2 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Add 2 large fresh basil leaves, julienned, plus more for garnish, and 2 slices red onion, separated into rings. Add curls of Parmesan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. ...more

Air Fresheners: Something Rotten in the Air?

2007-09-11T09:10:00.000-04:00

In recent years, sales of air fresheners—especially plug-in air fresheners—have soared. But while sales are up, so are complaints from people who are exposed to the scents at home, at work, in public places, and in the homes of family and friends.

Not-So-Pleasant Scents

Curiosity about anecdotal reports of negative responses to synthetic scents prompted University of Washington professor Anne Steinemann to conduct two epidemiological studies about air fresheners. Each time, she asked more than 1,000 people if they suffered from any adverse health effects, such as respiratory problems and headaches, after breathing in air fresheners.

The results were striking: In the first study, more than 17 percent of the general population and 29 percent of asthmatics said they experienced health problems following exposure to an air freshener. In the second study, reports of problems were 20 percent and 37 percent respectively. ...more

8 Foods You Should Eat Every Day

2007-09-06T10:10:00.000-04:00

It sometimes seems as if the internal politics of Baghdad are easier to sort through than the latest thinking on nutrition. So here's the simple answer: Just eat these eight foods--along with a little protein such as salmon, turkey, or lean steak--every day. And relax. Let our all-star panel of doctors, scientists, nutritionists, and chefs tell you why and show you how.
By Ben Hewitt, Best Life

1. Spinach

Sexual enhancement, Muscle growth, Heart healthy, Bone builder, Enhances eyesight

It may be green and leafy, but spinach is also the ultimate man food. This noted biceps builder is a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Bonus: Folate also increases blood flow to the penis. And spinach is packed with lutein, a compound that fights age-related macular degeneration. Aim for 1 cup fresh spinach or 1/2 cup cooked per day.

SUBSTITUTES: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce

FIT IT IN: Make your salads with spinach; add spinach to scrambled eggs; drape it over pizza; mix it with marinara sauce and then microwave for an instant dip.

PINCH HITTER: Sesame Stir-Braised Kale Heat 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger, and 1 tsp. sesame oil in a skillet. Add 2 Tbsp. water and 1 bunch kale (stemmed and chopped). Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Drain. Add 1 tsp. soy sauce and 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds. ...more

Red Meat, Dairy Nutrient May Raise Colon Cancer Risk

2007-08-31T11:17:00.000-04:00

TUESDAY, Aug. 7 (HealthDay News) -- New research suggests that a nutrient in red meat, poultry and dairy products may contribute to the development of intestinal polyps, which can lead to colon cancer.

The study, which involved women only, was preliminary, and no one is yet suggesting a change in diet as a result.

However, the research into the nutrient, called choline, could ultimately lead to new dietary recommendations, said Eunyoung Cho, an epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

"There may be some impact," Cho said. "But this is one study, and it's hard to make any conclusion based on this study."

The role played by choline, a nutrient required by the body, has been unclear. Some researchers had thought it might provide protection against colon cancer, which kills an estimated 52,000 people in the United States each year, according to the American Cancer Society. The disease is the second biggest cancer killer in the United States after lung cancer. ...more

Fitness plays a key role in battling cancer

2007-08-31T11:13:00.000-04:00

So. You get the worst news of your life: cancer.

You dutifully sign on for chemo, surgery, radiation. You also vow to eat better. More fruits and veggies, less saturated fat -- all that good stuff should tip the odds in your favor, right?

There's actually surprisingly little evidence that such dietary changes prolong survival -- except perhaps for colon cancer.

What is crystal clear, though, is the importance of exercise and weight control. Gone is the folklore that people with cancer should avoid getting too thin. The real threat, say cancer nutritionists, is becoming or remaining overweight. At a basic metabolic level, excess weight and lack of exercise may not only add diabetes and heart disease to your cancer troubles, but can impair immune function and even boost levels of hormones, including insulin and estrogen, that may drive some tumors. ...more

Experts issue new physical exercise guidelines

2007-08-30T10:53:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Adults should engage in moderately intense exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week or vigorous exercise at least 20 minutes three days each week, experts recommended on Wednesday.

Two leading health groups issued new guidelines on physical activity, updating influential recommendations issued in 1995 while also crafting advice tailored specifically for those 65 and older.

The guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend weight lifting and vigorous aerobic exercise while also being more specific on how many days a week people should work out.

The advice comes amid rising health problems stemming from sedentary lifestyles and obesity among Americans, as well as people in many other nations.

"I think physical inactivity is the biggest public health problem we face. I think it actually accounts for more morbidity and mortality than anything except maybe cigarette smoking," said Steven Blair of the University of South Carolina, one of the experts who crafted the recommendations.
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UPDATE 1-Common vitamins no help for women's hearts - study

2007-08-30T10:50:00.000-04:00

CHICAGO, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Middle-aged women at risk for heart disease received little benefit from taking vitamins C, E or beta carotene, researchers said on Monday.

Though vitamin supplements provided no heart benefit, eating a diet rich in those vitamins does make for healthier heart, their study noted.

Experts believe a nutritious diet rich in these vitamins protect the body's cardiovascular system by counteracting compounds known as "free radicals." These harmful compounds build up in the body and can damage artery linings, encourage blood clots and alter the function of blood vessels.

"Single antioxidants (vitamins) may not reflect the complex vitamins and nutrients found in foods, which may explain the discrepancies between most intervention trials and studies of fruits and vegetables," wrote study author Nancy Cook of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. ...more

Pot Bellies Point to Heart Risk

2007-08-30T10:47:00.000-04:00

MONDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Banish the belly, not just the pounds: That's the heart-healthy advice from a new study that finds that "pot" bellies may be a big indicator of future heart disease.
"What we're seeing is a quite strong association between the pot-belly, apple shape among a relatively young group of people and the build-up of plaque in the arteries," said study co-author Dr. James A. de Lemos, an associate professor of medicine and director of the Coronary Care Unit at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

"Ten to 15 years down the road, this can lead to major cardiac problems, such as a heart attack," he said.

The findings are published in the Aug. 21 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 870,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, making it the leading killer of both men and women. ...more

Red meat diet linked to colon cancer recurrence

2007-08-20T10:58:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Colon cancer survivors with diets heavy in red meat and fatty foods are more than three times as likely to suffer a recurrence of their disease or die from it than those who avoid such foods, a study found.

Previous studies had shown that a high-fat diet, especially one with lots of red meat, may increase a person's risk of developing colon cancer, a leading cancer killer.

This study, published on Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was the first to show how diet affects whether colon cancer returns in people previously treated for it, the researchers said.

The study tracked 1,009 people treated with both surgery and chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer -- cancer that had spread from the large bowel area to the lymph nodes but not other organs. They were followed on average for five years. ...more

Health Tip: Warning Signs of Dehydration

2007-08-20T10:56:00.000-04:00

(HealthDay News) -- Dehydration occurs when the body doesn't have enough fluids, either because it's lost too many fluids, a person hasn't drunk enough fluids, or both.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these common warning signs of significant dehydration:

Not being able to urinate, or urinating very little.
Urine that is very concentrated and dark yellow in color.
Not being able to produce tears.
Sunken eyes.
In infants, the soft spot on the head is significantly sunken.
Lethargy, dizziness or lightheadedness.

Dehydration should not be ignored, and you should see a doctor immediately if you or your child has any of these symptoms....more

8 Ways Soda Fizzles Your Health

2007-08-08T10:06:00.000-04:00

We would wager money that many of you are “doing the dew” or “doing what tastes right” this very moment. Before you take another gulp from your soft drink can, here are 8 facts about soda to consider that may drastically affect the quality of your health.

pH of Soda = pH of Vinegar
For one, soda, no matter who makes it, is the most acidic beverage you can buy, with a pH of about 2.5, about the same as vinegar. Why does that matter? Acid oxidizes whatever it comes in contact with. If you put soda or vinegar on metal, it will rust it quickly. Check out this table of acid levels of your favorite sodas.

Drink Soda, Leach Calcium
If you drink soda, which also contains high levels of phosphorous, you will leach calcium from your bones. Dr. Michael Murray from the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine concluded, “It appears that increased soft drink consumption is a major factor that contributes to osteoporosis.” Furthermore, Dr. Elson Haas, author of The Detox Diet states, “Tooth loss, periodontal disease, and gingivitis can be problems, especially with a high phosphorus intake, particularly from soft drinks.”
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8 Ways Soda Fizzles Your Health

2007-08-08T10:05:00.000-04:00

9 Reasons why An Apple a Day Really Keeps the Doctor away

2007-08-08T10:03:00.000-04:00

An apple a day keeps the doctor away”…but why? Do you really know what makes an apple so special? Why is it that we never hear an orange or a banana a day keeps the doctor away?
Apples have properties that no other fruits have and its benefits have been proven overtime. You will be able to get the benefits of these properties individually with other fruits, but an apple combines everything and makes it simpler. It has been shown over and over that if it’s not simple, easy and fast, people won’t take care of their health.

1-Apple contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps greatly your immune system. A lot of people who lack Vitamin C in their diet have poor healing, bruise easily and have bleeding gums.

2-Prevent Heart Diseases. The reason it can prevent both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease is because apples are rich in flavonoid. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant effects.

3-Low in calories. A regular size apple has between 70-100 calories. Eating an apple when craving for candy or chocolate can make the desire disappear since apple in itself contains sugar, but gives you only ¼ of the calories.
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Meatless Meals Benefit Your Health

2007-08-08T10:01:00.000-04:00

"What do you eat?!” may be the question most often heard by vegetarians, as if meat is the only food group available. Obviously, as the five million thriving vegetarians in America have shown, there’s a lot to eat, without choosing meat—and they’re healthier as a result.

According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, vegetarians have lower rates of cancer, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. While simple recipes abound for tasty meatless fare, vegetarianism is a leap that many aren’t prepared to take. But you can still have many of the health benefits of a vegetarian diet without trading your turkey for Tofurkey by trying "flexitarianism" on for size. Flexitarians, or semi-vegetarians, are “sometimes" vegetarians, meaning people who reduce some of their meat consumption and fill the gap with other plant-based food groups—eating a mostly vegetarian diet, yet remaining flexible.
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