Head Injuries Raise the Frequency of HeadachesPeople who have had a head injury have persistent and more frequent headaches, prompting calls for a new diagnosis.
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The Price of a High Deductible Health insurance plans with high deductibles cost less each month, but may end up costing more overall.
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The FDA's Premature Pronouncement on BPAThe FDA declared BPA to be safe, based on a yet-to-be-completed study. Scientists disagree.
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A Cheeseburger with a Side of PhthalatesEating out in fast food places raises the level of these chemicals, found in plastics, in your body. The consequences aren't good.
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Low-Tech Protection from NorovirusIt's behind most of the outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea around the world. Protecting yourself from it is, actually, pretty easy.
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Flu FliersWorried about catching airborne viruses when you fly? You can probably relax.
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The Bottom of the Healthcare HeapHealthcare in the U.S. costs way more than it does anywhere else, and it delivers less.
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One Way to Reduce Healthcare InequalityA New York City program that enabled families to earn money to pay for health and dental care could serve as a model nationwide.
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What a Difference a Dollar MakesRaising the minimum wage by just $1 an hour can reduce absenteeism by almost 10 percent.
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Red Wine For Oral Health?The bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease could be reduced by the polyphenols in red wine and other foods.
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Training Better DoctorsMed schools' emphasis on science needs to shift, a piece in JAMA argues. Students' EQ is at least as important as their IQ.
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A Local Global Warming Success StoryThe waters of the Chesapeake Bay were an oxygen-deprived dead zone. Now they are rebounding.
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Holidays, Dogs, and ChocolateChocolate and dogs don't mix. It can cause vomiting, seizures and even death. Keep your pup safe over the holidays.
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Air Pollution Shortens LivesAir pollution does its damage behind the scenes. As it goes up, so does mortality.
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Become a Life SaverIf you know how to stop bleeding or give CPR, you become the bystander who can make a difference.
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More Guns, More Gun DeathsTwo studies examine the idea that gun ownership and concealed carry laws protect us from gun violence.
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The Bar for High Blood Pressure Just Got LowerThe idea is to prevent cardiovascular damage before it occurs.
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Check Your Holiday DrinkwarePainted mugs and glassware can contain dangerous levels of two chemicals. What matters is where the paint is.
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Oral ExposureThis endocrine disruptor accumulates on your toothbrush. Changing toothpaste may not help.
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The High Cost of PollutionThe death toll from pollution is far greater than that from war. And the young are those most affected.
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Reduce Hospital Tests, Reduce CostsUnnecessary tests harm patients and hospitals' bottom lines.
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Life-Saving MosquitoesA strain of genetically-modified mosquitoes appears to prevent the spread of malaria.
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Movies, Guns and Kids What happens when kids who have seen a film clip featuring guns find one in a drawer?
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What It Really Costs to Develop New Cancer DrugsBringing a new drug to market is expensive, but it costs far less than we have supposed.
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Patients As Works of ArtDoctors trained to look at art tend to be better observers of the humans in their examining rooms.
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Gun Laws Make a DifferenceA nationwide study in the U.S. finds that stricter gun laws reduce ER admissions and deaths.
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Flame Retardants and FertilityThe chemicals commonly used to make furniture and baby products fire-proof can in vitro fertilization difficult to achieve.
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A GM Controversy in South FloridaThe threat of dengue fever has inspired a move to genetically modify mosquitoes. But is the protection worth the risk?
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Preserving Food, Triggering ObesityThe chemicals that keep foods fresh and crunchy disrupt metabolism and can lead us to become overweight.
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Bargain-Basement Body ScansComparison shopping is fine for electronics or groceries, but what about healthcare?
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Something Fine Is in the AirAir pollution is down, but fine particles remain a major health threat.
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Health Insurance Saves LivesEven skeptics who suggest that insurance doesn't improve outcomes sign up for insurance if they can get it.
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Tooth Decay, Canadian StyleIn Canada the costs of healthcare means limits to dental coverage. It also inspires comparisons.
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It's a Not-So-Small World After AllAbout a third of all the people on the planet are overweight or obese. These countries have the highest average BMIs.
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An Expensive Trip to the Emergency RoomPeople who lack health insurance and use the ER as their doctor's office often pay a huge price.
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Swapping Beans for BeefWorried about climate change? Simply eating beans instead of beef could reduce global greenhouse gases up to 75 percent.
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The Affordable Care Act's ImpactWhen Harvard researchers looked at how the ACA has affected the health of low-income adults, this is what they found.
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Hearing Aids Inspire a Rare Bipartisan BillSenators Warren and Grassley want to see some hearing aids sold over the counter -- much the way reading glasses are.
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Noise in NatureNoise is increasingly polluting the peace and quiet of protected areas, disturbing plant and animal life.
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Smoke ScreenBigger, more graphic, warnings on cigarette packs reduce smoking. But the U.S. tobacco industry is blocking them. The public is not pleased.
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"Your" Medical RecordsWhy is getting a copy of your medical records so expensive?
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Bye Bye BedbugsBedbugs' resistance to eradication is legendary. A promising new approach uses mold to stop them in their tracks.
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Bad News, BoomersBaby boomers are supposed to have a one-time screening for hep C. So why aren't they getting it?
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Changing the World, One Hamburger at a TimeReducing the amount of red meat you eat isn't just good for your health, it's good for the environment, too.
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Patient Surveys Change Doctors' Bedside MannersDoctors took note when patients gave them mediocre ratings, taking steps to improve communication. Things got better.
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A Cure for Glaucoma?A study done in mice finds that niacin — vitamin B3 — not only prevents destruction of the optic nerve, it reverses it.
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Pop Tarts, Froot Loops, and Red Bull The hundreds of ads for junk food kids see every week shows in their diets and their health. Canada wants to do something about it.
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Paper TigerChemicals in fast food wrappers can remain in your body for up to 10 years.
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Don't Know Much about ObesityObesity's effects on health cut across medical areas, so doctors tend not to be trained or tested about it.
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The Medical Bill You Weren't ExpectingWhen an out-of network doctor puts you out, the bill can knock you out all over again.
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The Carrot or the Steak?The best way to get people on subsidies to buy nutritious food.
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A Direct Line to Your DoctorWhen patients can tell their doctors about symptoms as they happen, ER visits go down and survival rates go up.
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Smartphone-Assisted HealthFitness apps are getting better at tracking our health and activity. It's like having an MD by your side.
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Ice CapadesIcy conditions can be treacherous. Some boot treads help keep you upright better than others.
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Childcare's Dirty SecretThere's too little handwashing going on at many daycare sites, and kids pay the price.
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A New Benefit of Sun ExposureTime in the sun during childhood and adolescence seems to bring better eyesight later in life. Just don't forget the sunblock.
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Cell Phones Can't Keep a SecretEven when it's locked and off, your cell phone reveals a lot about you — like what you ate, the places you've been.
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Why Environmental Regulations Are a BargainThe health costs of toxic chemicals like pesticides and flame retardants can exceed $340 billion a year.
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Medicaid Expansion Can Help Hospitals' Bottom LinesThe Affordable Care Act — Obamacare — appears to have increased payments to hospitals.
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Economic Uncertainty and Mental DeclineFinancial hardship doesn't just affect physical health; cognitive health suffers, too.
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Doctor vs. AppOnline diagnosis is growing, but how good is it? A new study pits MDs against symptom checkers and comes up with an answer.
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The Soda Lobby's Unhealthy InfluenceA new report shows how Coca Cola and Pepsi spend millions lobbying to keep soda consumption high.
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Mall-Walking, Anyone?There are lots of reasons too many people over 50 are inactive, but it's easy to build activity into your life.
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Toxic DustA study finds carcinogens and endocrine disruptors in household dust -- all over the country.
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Hidden Hearing LossHearing problems like tinnitus now appear to reflect subtle noise damage routine exams often miss. Are you guilty of ear abuse?
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FDA Bans Antibacterial SoapsThere's a good reason the antibacterial soaps and body washes on drugstore shelves will have to be reformulated or removed within a year.
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Houseplants Clear Indoor Air PollutionHouseplants can play an important role in air quality — as filters for common household chemicals.
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Out-of-Wedlock Births Rise, Driven by the EconomyAmong millennials with poor job prospects, marriage may be out of the question, but having children isn't.
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Government-Subsidized ObesityThe U.S. government gives farmers subsidies to grow the crops that make us fat.
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The Rich Get Richer, The Poor Get Less HealthcareA Harvard study finds the rich are buying more care; the poor, less.
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Drinking and Doctor VisitsAlcohol consumption is a topic that often doesn't come up at doctor's visits, and it should.
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How Australia Ended Mass ShootingsThere hasn't been a mass shooting in Australia since it enacted new gun laws in 1996. Not one.
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Walk with A DocWe all know we should walk more, but many find it hard to do. What if your cardiologist joined you?
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The Yuck FactorHospital-acquired infections can be kept under control if more workers wash their hands. That's where the Yuck Factor comes in.
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In Hand or Hands-Free, Cell Phones DistractDon't think hands-free will make you safer behind the wheel. Your brain has just so much bandwidth.
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Can You Trust That Online Diagnosis?It's easy to send a selfie of that mole or skin tag to a telehealth site, but it may not be smart.
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Everybody In the Pool!The water may be fine, but pools, spas and water parks can also be havens for water-borne pathogens.
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Would You Like a Perforated Intestine with That Burger?Wire bristles from the brushes used to clean grills can land people in the hospital.
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Time for Medicare for All?Over 2,200 doctors sign a proposal for a single-payer healthcare plan.
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Bedbugs Prefer RedBelieve it or not, bedbugs have color preferences. So you may want to reconsider those red sheets.
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Patients Turn to Social MediaSocial networking sites like Yelp can help you pick a hospital as well as a restaurant.
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The Road to Fewer Ear InfectionsEar infections are down in the U.S. thanks to less smoking, more breastfeeding and some precautions all parents can take.
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GMO Labeling Moves Ahead, For Now At LeastMany countries around the world require labeling of GMO foods. Now Vermont has a law on the books.
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Enemies of the AtmosphereThe responsibility for most global warming doesn't rest with China or industry or even automobiles.
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The Next Wave of OverdosesOverdoses and deaths from anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax and Valium are way up. Here's why.
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Distinctive Deaths, State-by-StateWhere to go to find the most unintentional gun deaths, fatal police encounters and traffic fatalities.
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Assaults Plague Emergency Medical WorkersWho knew it was so dangerous to answer a call for help? Assaults on paramedics are too common.
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How To Become A Former SmokerNicotine patches, nicotine gum and varenicline, better known as Chantix, are tested head-to-head.
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HIV Screening Falls ShortPatient confidentiality is a a big reason many teens and young adults avoid going for HIV testing.
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When You Don't — and Do — Need AntibioticsWhy do people go to the doctor hoping to make cold symptoms disappear when it doesn't work and can be dangerous?
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Water and Weight LossSomething as simple as putting electronic water dispensers in city schools can help reduce obesity and improve health.
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Diets Tailored to Our GenesThey're coming — diets that take into account your body's particular way of using food and exercise.
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The Holidays Are Hard on PetsThe holidays pose dangerous opportunity for cats and dogs.
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The Politics of Food ScienceYou probably don't want to believe everything you read when it comes to claims about foods.
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Scared To HealthPublic health campaigns that use fear to spark change are controversial. But they may actually work.
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The Unfulfilled Promise of Healthcare ConsolidationHospitals’ purchase of doctors’ practices should save money. So why isn't it working?
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Caramel Apples’ Bad PressIt's not hard to protect your family from the bacteria that can lurk in caramel apples.
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The Angelina EffectWhen celebrities come forward about health concerns, the public gets informed.
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DUI: Punish Drunks, Or Safeguard The Public?In many states a first-time DUI will land you in class with a suspended license. But this doesn't safeguard the public. There's a better way.
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Antibacterial Soap Flunks Another TestYou'd think antibacterial soaps would at least kill germs. Nope. Not unless you wash for hours.
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Do It For GrandmaGetting a flu vaccine does more than protect you — it prevents the virus from endangering seniors in your community, too.
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As Gun Laws Go, So Go SuicidesWhen gun licensing is enacted, suicides drop by as much as 40 percent. It's the opposite when such laws are repealed.
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A Folk Remedy To Disarm Deadly MRSAChestnut leaf extract shows promise as a treatment for dangerous methicillin-resistant staph infections.
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The Case of The Disappearing BeesBee colonies are collapsing worldwide. Now we may finally know why.
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Overcoming the Fear of VaccinesParents who refuse vaccines do it to protect their kids. When they see the damage not vaccinating can do, they often reconsider.
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Abundance Tips The ScaleObesity is a growing worldwide phenomenon. Here's one of the reasons why.
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Logging In for A DiagnosisSymptom checkers help patients decide whether a trip to the ER or doctor is necessary. So how good are they?
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Life in the Texting LaneThe texting lane one university installed on its stairs was all in fun, but not everyone sees it that way.
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The Health Toll Air Pollution Takes — Even in Rural AreasThe EPA's air pollution standards aren't good enough to protect the health of those over 65, a Harvard study finds.
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FDA Bans Trans FatsThe FDA has banned partially hydrogenated oils starting in 2018. What to look for until then.
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Your Viral History in A Drop of BloodWhat if you doctor could see every virus your body has ever encountered in one drop of blood?
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Astronomical Hospital Mark-UpsSome hospitals have extreme mark-ups of over 1000%. Many are in Florida; all are for-profit.
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A Plan of Action for Desk Jockeys, Couch PotatoesGuidelines for workers and employers to help get more people off their seats and on their feet.
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What Noise Is Doing to Your WaistlineThe more noise from trains, planes and automobiles you hear daily, the bigger your waist, and the more belly fat you are likely to have.
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Bad Air Days Are Bad for the BrainIf you live in an area with the kind of air pollution cars and factories bring, your brain is likely shrinking faster than it should.
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Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies: A New Approach to HIV TreatmentThe broadly neutralizing antibody 3BNC117 is active against over 80% of HIV strains and is well-tolerated.
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Doctors Weigh In on Recording Office VisitsShould you record your visit to the doctor? It's complicated.
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Successful Offensives in the Battle of The BulgeCities have banned super-sized sodas and built bike lanes. What works?
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Food Safety: Home Chefs Flunk the TestVideos of home cooks found bacteria were spread from meat to veggies by a surprising source.
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Study Pinpoints the Chief Source of Gun ViolenceBetter screening for mental stability is not the solution to gun violence, a new study finds.
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Chasing the Money: The High Cost of Billing and Insurance-Related ActivitiesBilling and insurance — chasing the money — is a huge and largely unnecessary portion of healthcare costs in the U.S.
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CPR Phone Coaching Saves LivesBystanders can save lives when 911 operators give them CPR instruction over the phone.
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The Green Way to Get to WorkA network of bicycle and pedestrian paths in Minneapolis is making a big difference in the number of active commuters.
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Immersion Blenders May Leak Toxic Chemicals into FoodSome brands of hand blenders contain toxic chemicals that may be transferred to food. Not good for kids.
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Penicillin Allergies May Fade with TimeHaving a rash or hives as the result of penicillin treatment does not necessarily mean you are allergic. Get tested.
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Health is a Partnership, Not Solely Physicians' ResponsibilityWhen a doctor tells a patient to exercise or take a medication and the patient doesn't, who is responsible?
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BPA Exposure Linked to Handling Register, Gas, and ATM ReceiptsThermal papers like register and ATM receipts can transfer the endocrine disruptor BPA to the skin, especially if skin lotions are used.
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Choking on Chia SeedsChia seeds are nutritious, but they can also be dangerous if consumed dry. Who knew?
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How Far You Have to Walk to Work Off a Soda It takes 50 minutes of running or five miles of walking to work off the 250 calories in a can of soda.
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Patients Find Psychiatric Appointments Are Hard to Come ByGetting an appointment with a psychiatrist in some states is nearly impossible.
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Preventing Racial Disparities in Health Status and Access to Health Care African-American patients find it easier to deal with physicians whose racism is obvious. At least then they know where they stand.
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Experts Recommend Getting the Flu Shot as Early as PossibleGet the flu shot as early in the fall as possible. There are a few exceptions.
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Many in Long-Term Care Receive Medications of Questionable BenefitToo many nursing home residents with advanced dementia are given medications that offer little benefit.
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The Health Benefits of Reducing Carbon Emissions Outweighs Their Cost The healthcare savings connected to clean air go a long way toward paying the costs of reducing carbon emissions.
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Enlisting Community Pharmacies to Improve Healthcare Delivery and SavingsYour local pharmacist just may be one of the best healthcare cost-containment strategies around.
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Are Electronic Cigarettes A Threat to Public Health?Electronic cigarettes may help some smokers go smokeless. But kids are picking them up like they're harmless consumer products.
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Generic Drugs Can Create Problems for PatientsGeneric meds can confuse patients because the same drug comes in different shapes and sizes.
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Air Pollution Policies Lower Respiratory Disease Deaths in North CarolinaWhen states improve air quality, death rates from asthma, emphysema, and pneumonia drop significantly.
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Closing the Gap in Alcohol TreatmentPhysicians don't offer counseling and AA-type programs can't offer drug therapies. The ACA may help.
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Preparing for A Flu PandemicVaccinating for the flu earlier can curb a pandemic. So can washing your hands.
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Physicians Take on Gun ViolenceBecause of their special understanding of family issues, doctors can play a big role when it comes to preventing gun violence, according to a new ACP policy statement.
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Growing Stem Cells May Be Child's PlayA well-known toy, one in the Toy Hall of Fame, may provide the medium for growing stem cells that help the spinal cord regenerate.
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Certain Food Environments Seem to Promote the Risk of ObesityIs a fast food stop part of your daily commute? Count on serious weight gain.
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First-Time Prescriptions Often Go UnfilledAlmost a third of all first-time prescriptions go unfilled. Cost is the reason. There are alternatives.
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The Seeds of Obesity on View in Developing EconomiesEconomic development in poor countries offers a picture of how our obesity epidemic began. It starts with owning TVs, computers and cars.
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Access to Guns Linked to Homicide, Suicide Risk A gun in the home means a huge increase in the likelihood of suicide and homicide.
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Fever-Reducing Medicines Can Spread the FluFever-reducing medication may actually spread the flu.
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Tips for Avoiding Screen-Related Eye Fatigue You can ease the strain of hours in front of a screen. Start by giving your monitor a high-five...and blinking.
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A Cure for the Common Cold: Chicken Soup and PatienceWorried about that persistent cough? Consider patience, not medicine.
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Potentially Dangerous Fracking Chemicals Found in Ground WaterFracking increases the levels of hormone disrupting chemicals in the water supplies near sites.
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FDA Begins Inquiry into The Effects of Antibacterial SoapsThe active ingredient has been found in breast milk. FDA investigates.
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Another Study Links Pesticides to Parkinson’s DiseaseIn the lab, exposure to pesticides caused Parkinson's. Genes matter, too.
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Meningitis Outbreaks Ongoing on East and West CoastBicoastal meningitis outbreaks at Princeton and UCSB.
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Reader Beware: Study Results May Be OverstatedScientists often overstate their findings. It's about attention.
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Too Much of a Good Thing: Antibiotics Overprescribed For Sore Throats Your throat is sore. Sure, it's terrible; but if you're an adult, it is unlikely you need an antibiotic.
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Experts Urge Doctors to Treat Unhealthy Lifestyles Just Like a DiseasePreventive medicine means treating unhealthy lifestyles just as you would treat disease.
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The Future of Medicare: The Great Divide Medicare is running out of money. Is it misuse of benefits, or too few doctors offering services?
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Mining Bacterial Vulnerabilities to Reduce Antibiotic ResistanceThe vulnerability of resistant bacteria to other drugs presents new possibilities for improving the treatment of bacterial infection.
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State Bans on Harmful Chemicals Appear to HelpBrain-damaging compounds from flame retardants have dropped significantly since PBDEs were banned.
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Obamacare: Health Insurance Policy Costs Begin to EmergeA running start on what's happening and what's available for individuals and families.
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Many Americans Still Don't Understand The Affordable Care Act Americans know more about the political turmoil around the ACA than about the act itself.
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Alcohol Changes Awareness of Drunk DrivingPeople need to decide before they drink that they won't drive. It's too late after they've had a few.
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The World Happiness Report: People Do Not Live by GDP AloneThe World Happiness Report may surprise those who think all they need is a palm tree by the sea.
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Poverty's Mental Toll Being poor robs you of mental bandwidth. The toll money worries take is roughly equal to losing 13 points off your IQ score.
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A Sign that Doctor-Patient Continuity Still MattersFollow-up with a doctor is important as heart patients recover, and a familiar one can make even more of a difference.
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Could Your Sweet Tooth Be Killing You?Our ideas about the "right" amount of sugar in the diet may need adjusting. Weight is not the issue.
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BPA and the Chlorine in Tap Water, A Bad CombinationBPA meets chlorine as water flows through plastic or PVC pipes. The combo disrupts cell signals.
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Letting Hospital Patients SleepIs waking patients during the night to take vital signs more important than letting them sleep?
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The Rising Threat of West Nile VirusKnow the symptoms. And please, use insect repellent when mosquitoes are active.
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Antibiotics Harm Bacteria...and The Machinery of Our Cells Antibiotics can kill bacteria, but they also cause serious stress to our own cells.
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Accidents on the Rise for Pedestrians on Cell PhonesA pedestrian walks into a lamppost. Drivers distracted by cell phones aren't the only ones in the ER
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Methane Gas Abundant in Wells Near Fracking SitesWater from wells near the Marcellus formation has six times the methane of those farther away.
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AMA Diagnosis: Obesity Is A DiseaseAre the obese sick? The AMA thinks so, but what do the obese think?
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Liposuction, A Possible Source of Stem CellsA lab catastrophe leads to a discovery that may give "fat farm" new meaning — stem cells from fat cells.
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When Good Hikes Go BadOver half of all hikers are seriously under-prepared. Here are 10 items you need to bring with you — even for a short hike.
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Soda Bans Appear to Find Their Target So-called “soda bans” may actually help those who need it most.
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iPods in the ICUListening to music — or noise-canceling headphones — can ease patients' anxiety.
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Biases May Prompt Overweight Patients to Switch DoctorsSome doctors have conscious and unconscious biases against patients who are overweight.
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Using the Threat of Higher Insurance Premiums to Encourage ExerciseThere’s one way to get people exercising: Threaten to charge them higher insurance premiums.
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Distracted Driving: Now It's the Family DogDriving with your dog is a pleasure...and a dangerous distraction, especially for the elderly.
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Amusement Ride Injuries Rise in Summer Months Summertime means vacation and trips to the amusement park. But before you strap yourself and your kids in, consider the safety issues.
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The Best Route to Improved Health: Change Diet and Exercise Habits TogetherCouch potatoes, here's the strategy you need.
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Tweaking a Balkan Bed Bug Remedy The fuzzy leaves of bean plants have been used to trap bedbugs for centuries.
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Making Doctors More Cost-ConsciousDoctors who see what tests they order cost often cut back on them, saving money.
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Medical Breakthrough: A Better Hospital Gown!Finally, a hospital gown that doesn't leave you exposed. Why did it take so long?
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Research Focuses on Treatment Ahead of PreventionResearchers tend to study treatments far more frequently than prevention. Is this backwards?
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A Shift Away from Fast FoodAmericans are eating less fast food. You can guess what group eats the most.
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Bacteria Offer New Hope for Acne PronePeople with acne have a different mix of bacteria on their skin than those who don't.
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Mississippi Passes An "Anti-Bloomberg" BillGood job Mississippi, no soda bans for you! The state with the highest obesity rate passes a law to protect its standing.
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Lasting Brain Damage from Even A Single Concussion Even a single concussion can result in reduced brain volume and impaired emotional and executive functioning. Take time to recover.
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The Patient Survival Guide: 8 Simple Solutions to Prevent Hospital and Healthcare-Associated Infections
The Bitter Truth about SugarThe World Health Organization reviews the global effects of sugar on obesity. Guess what they found.
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Elderly Found to Respond Differently To Flu VaccineElderly adults, with their years of exposure and aging immune systems, respond differently to the flu vaccine.
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Homeland Security Meets Medical EducationOne quarter of medical students get their degree outside the US. They could be the answer to doctor shortages and runaway costs.
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FDA to Weigh in on Genetically Modified MosquitoesThere were 27 cases of dengue in 2009. Genetic modification may stop mosquitoes' transmission of this deadly virus. What else will it do?
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Reframing the Debate: Gun Violence As a Public Health IssueSuccessful public health campaigns are models for how to make guns safer and reduce their allure.
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Why Did the Distracted Pedestrians Cross the Road? It's really not possible to cross a busy intersection safely while multitasking. You need to pay attention.
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Survey Says Dietitians Can Help Physicians Treat ObesityWhat happens when physicians, nutritionists, dietitians, and other professionals work together to curb obesity? Progress.
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Surgical Malpractice Occurs Too Often, Costs BillionsLeaving instruments in patients or operating on the wrong body part happens too often.
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Health Tips to Carry Forward into 2013New years are for fresh starts and self improvement. Here are some findings to take with you into 2013.
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Cigarettes Make Hangovers Even Worse
Doctors Often Misdiagnose Patient PreferencesPatients often surprise their doctors by choosing different treatments than their doctors expect. Knowing all the options helps.
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Unaccountable: What Hospitals Won't Tell You and How Transparency Can Revolutionize Health Care
Tick-Borne Diseases Are Rising Sharply in Number and VarietyTick-borne diseases are rising steadily. And it's not just Lyme disease anymore.
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Inexperienced Doctors Are More Expensive Young doctors cost patients far more than experienced physicians. What does this tell us about...
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Smoke-Free Laws Lead to Fewer HospitalizationsWhen cities or states prohibit smoking, the health benefits are immediate, enormous and not restricted to smokers.
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Quick-Release Medical Tape Kinder to SkinA new quick-release adhesive tape doesn't pull or damage skin. Where was this stuff when we were young?
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A New Weapon in the War on ListeriosisThe leaves of the carob tree offer some encouraging news in the war on treatment-resistant bacteria.
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New Spray Finds Poison Ivy, Even When It's HidingNew spray makes the toxic oil on poisonous plants glow, offering lovers of the outdoors a way to...
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New Research Points to Viral Acne TreatmentDespite what the infomercials say, a cure for acne remains elusive. But scientists may have found...
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Dioxin's Harmful Effects Span GenerationsDioxin persists in the environment, and the body, for a very long time. It appears its effects can..
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Giving Patients Access to Their Doctor's Notes Is A Win-Win for EveryoneWhat happens when patients have full access to their medical records? The OpenNotes study finds...
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Genetically Modified Food: An Overview and HistoryIn the U.S. genetically modified foods are patented and immune from scientific investigation. No wonder some feel there's a danger.
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Sugary Drinks, the Obesity Epidemic, and New York City's "Soda Ban"For people predisposed obesity, drinking lots of sugary beverages "amplifies" the effects of one's genes.
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Too Many Children Swallowing Laundry Detergent, MagnetsToddlers have been swallowing small packets of dishwasher and laundry detergent. Magnets, too. Parents need to keep them out of reach.
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Ratcheting up Herbicide Use Encourages Resistant WeedsGenetically modified crops help potent herbicides succeed. But now super weeds are taking over.
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Cat Ownership Not Linked To Increased Brain Tumor RiskYou can pick up the T. gondii parasite simply through contact with contaminated soil or vegetables; direct exposure to cat feces is not...
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Another Black Mark Against Antibacterial Soaps and CleansersTriclosan, found in many antibacterial products, may weaken muscle function in addition to other...
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The Health Care Handbook
Skipping the Antibiotics Could Help Address the Resistance ProblemAntibiotics may not always be necessary for fighting infection. Reducing their use could help fight antibiotic resistance.
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Online Infant Sleep Safety Information May Be InaccurateIt is unwise, and sometimes even dangerous, to trust all the health information you find through search engines.
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Concern over UV from Compact Fluorescent BulbsPlace lamps with CFL bulbs at a distance, or put the bulbs behind glass to avoid exposure to UV radiation that can damage skin.
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Eating Out May Be A Little Healthier After Menu LawThe Affordable Care Act will require that more restaurants put calorie and fat information on menus.
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Many Patients Look to the Internet for a Medical EducationMany people use medical websites to help them learn about their conditions, but not as a substitute for an office visit.
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Why Is Patient-Doctor Communication So Difficult?Do you find it difficult to discuss medical issues or concerns with your doctor? You are not alone..
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Us or Them: Who's to Blame for Our Sugar Problem? In the "war" against obesity, it seems that the soda industry wants to shift the blame to consumers.
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Big Beverage vs. A Big Health ProblemIs the move to restrict serving sizes of soda in NYC a bad idea or a bold way to begin tackling obesity?
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Bedbug Foggers: Save Your MoneyOver-the-counter foggers are no match for most strains of bedbugs, according to new study....
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What's Waiting for You in Your Hotel Room?If you're staying in a hotel or motel this summer, some unwelcome "guests" may precede you.
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Significant Cost Savings Linked To Keeping Obesity Rate In CheckThe cost savings of better health are as astronomical as those of medical care...
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Text Messaging Increases Flu VaccinationsText messaging is proving useful to promoting public health - as long as it isn't done while you are
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Alternative Medicine: Does the Research Support the Movement? Part 1: AcupunctureIt's hard to know what to believe when it comes to alternative medical practices.
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Positive Changes Are Coming for Healthcare CoverageHealthcare coverage in the U.S. today is a two-tiered system. Luckily, changes are on the way.
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Salmonella Outbreak from Raw TunaNakaochi Scrape is the source of a recent salmonella outbreak. It's used in spicy tuna rolls...
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Patients' Opinion of Medical Care May Differ from Reality Your opinions - both good and bad - about the medical care you receive may not be reality-based...
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Longer Commutes, Poorer HealthLonger commutes are associated with poorer health. Prolonged sitting is partly to blame, but traffic also takes a toll.
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Concerns Raised Over Air Pollution from Gas WellsHydrofracking releases potentially toxic into the air as well as into water...
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Harmful Chemicals, Unlisted on Labels, Can Lurk in Everyday ProductsWorrisome compounds can appear in even the most "natural" household products...
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More Evidence that Antibiotics in Animal Feed Threaten Human HealthST398 started out as an antibiotic-sensitive bacterium in humans, then it spread to livestock...
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Rosemary Oil May Boost Brain FunctionPeople performed better on certain math tasks when they had inhaled a little whiff of rosemary...
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Bad News for Red Meat LoversEating red meat, particularly processed meats like bacon and hot dogs, is associated with a greater risk of early death.
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Urinary Tract Infections May Be Caused By Bacteria in FoodThe bacteria that cause some UTIs may come from contaminated foods. Careful food practices are essential.
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A Sign to Take the StairsSimple reminders can improve health behavior in important ways, whether it's washing one's hands more often or taking the stairs.
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Headphones: More Powerful than a LocomotiveHeadphone use can turn deadly when shutting out the world means being unaware of approaching traffic... or trains.
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Government Panel Issues New Vaccination RecommendationsThere are new vaccination recommendations target young men and boys, pregnant women, and diabetics.
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From Sepsis to Shock: What Happens When Bacteria Invade the BodySevere sepsis is a raging infection that shuts down organs. It is important to find it fast, but that can be tricky.
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Tablet Computers' Ergonomic IssuesTablet computers are popular and convenient and really bad for your back and neck, unless you know..
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The FDA Tackles Antibiotic Resistance, Targets Farm AnimalsThe government plans to curb antibiotic use in food animals, hoping to reduce antibiotic-resistance.
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Maggots May Clean Wounds Better Than ScalpelsMaggots not only appear to clean wounds more effectively than modern methods, they may offer...
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2011: A Health News QuizTest your knowledge of the health and medical discoveries making news in 2011 and learn something...
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It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (If You Keep Your Head about You)Why are the holidays responsible for so many accidents and ER visits? We count the ways and offer help.
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Oh No! Not the Cookie Dough!Eating raw cookie dough is a bad idea. Unbaked flour can contain bacteria that may cause foodborne illness.
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Has Tooth Decay Met Its Match?Call it a smartbomb against tooth decay, a new mouthwash targets the bacterial causing cavities...
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Better Doctors Pay Attention to MistakesMuch of medicine involves trial and error. For doctors, focusing on successes is less helpful...
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Eating Canned Soup Raises BPA Levels in Your BodySoup cans may contain BPA, a known toxin. People who ate canned soup had higher levels of this toxin in their bodies.
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A Sign that Doctors Care about Their Patients Doctors asked to take this simple precaution for their own protection ignored the request...
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Navigating the Road to HealthDon't confuse real health science with sound-bytes, or healthy lifestyles with a health obsession.
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The Hidden Costs of Not Taking a Sick DayPeople who decide to come to work when they feel sick spread disease.
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Evaluating Healthcare in AmericaA score of 64 out of 100 is not a good grade. It's also not good healthcare.
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Fall Back and Change the BatteriesBurning anything in a closed space puts you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent killer. Get a CO detector.
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Teaching Doctors EmpathyCan listening to their own encounters with patients help doctors become more responsive...
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Poverty and Mental Illness: Can the Vicious Cycle be Broken?The economic benefits of offering mental health help to those living in poverty are enormous.
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Publication Bias May Hinder ResearchJournals are increasingly biased toward presenting positive results. This can have a chilling effect
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Treatment for Prion Diseases May Soon Be on the WayThe brain-wasting prion diseases are slow-growing. Two drugs seem to bring them almost to a...
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Online Gamers Help Solve Mystery of Critical AIDS Virus Enzyme A team of online gamers helps researchers solve a critical piece of the AIDS puzzle...
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Hormonal Contraceptives Double Risk of HIVAn African study has found that hormonal contraception doubles the risk of HIV infection and...
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Ticks and Blood Transfusions Spread Potentially Dangerous ParasiteBlood transfusions are the cause of many cases of the parasite Babesia, which is normally spread by ticks.
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Listeria Outbreak Likely Has Not PeakedThe bacterium Listeria has killed 13 people. Given its slow incubation period, this may be just the
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National Drug Shortages: The Story No One's FollowingDrug shortages have more than tripled. Patients in smaller hospitals suffer as less profitable...
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Experts Urge People to Get Flu Shot to Boost Immunity for the 2011-12 Flu SeasonGet a flu vaccination this year, even if you were vaccinated last year.
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Antibiotic Resistance and The Case for Organic Meat and PoultryOrganic meat and poultry could help combat much of the antibiotic resistance we see today.
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The Longevity Project
Serial Salmonella Outbreaks Raise QuestionsThe best protection against Salmonella and other food-borne pathogens is proper handling, storage and cooking of meat and poultry.
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Sprained Ankles and Strained Emergency RoomsSprained ankles and minor injuries clog emergency rooms, endangering people with serious problems.
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Fuzzy Logic: How Healthy Behavior Can Encourage Health RisksToo often people believe that taking vitamins will protect you from the damage from bad habits like smoking. This is not true.
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More Public Health Spending Means Fewer DeathsA study of public health spending between, found spending a little more saves money and lives...
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Medicine in Translation, Journeys with My Patients
Smartphones: Dialing Down the Eye StrainRaise the size of the type displayed on your smartphone. Your eyes will thank you for it.
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How Everyday Products Make People Sick, Toxins at Home and in the Workplace
Unsung Medical Heroes: A Roll of Tape and a Cotton SwabTwo very-low tech solutions to common medical problems show how easy it can be to reduce costs...
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Social Causes Kill as Many as Heart Attack, Stroke and Lung CancerProof that public health must be seen in a broader light than it currently is...
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Black Yeast: Is Your Dishwasher Trying to Kill You?They're not exactly killers, but most dishwashers do harbor pathogens - fungi, yeast, and molds...
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A Strategic Plan for a Healthier AmericaA new Health Promotion Strategy aims to make citizens healthier nationwide and address disparities..
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Cell Phones in the Hospital May Cause InfectionsCell phones are a surprising source of disease-causing bacteria in hospitals.
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Emergency Rooms: Longer Waits Lead to Poorer OutcomesThere is evidence that long waits in the emergency room are themselves a medical emergency.
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Probiotic Products and Other Dietary Supplements: Consumers BewareFDA directs US Marshals to seize several probiotics because their labels made false treatment claims
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USDA Lowers Recommended Cooking Temperature for Pork: Pink is OKNew USDA guidelines mean that beef, lamb, veal and now pork have the same recommended cooking temp..
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The "Best" Hospitals May Be No Better Than the One around the CornerHospitals rated the best by big publications may not be any better than others.
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Some Long-Held Links between Genes and Diseases Called Into QuestionSome of the connections between genes and disease that we accept as fact may not be so strong after all.
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Strong Social Support Systems at Work May Lengthen LifeGetting along well with the coworkers may lengthen your life. Getting along with the boss... not...
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Acne Antibiotics Not Linked to More Drug-Resistant InfectionsLong-term use of antibiotics to treat acne does not make "staph" bacteria drug-resistant.
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"Health Literacy" Might Predict Hospitalization, Death RiskThe more you know about your own health, the less likely you are to be hospitalized.
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FTC Urges Courts to Shut Down Fake Health Sites, Reimburse ConsumersThe FTC urges courts to crack down on fake news sites' phony claims about acai berry and weight loss
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Evidence that Honey is an Effective Wound TreatmentA particular kind of honey weakens bacteria's ability to attach to tissues, providing a new line of
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Doctors Would Often Choose Different Treatments for Themselves than for Their PatientsDoctors would often choose different treatments for themselves than those they would recommend...
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Antibiotics in Meat Once Again Linked to Drug-Resistant BacteriaMeat and poultry in five U.S. cities were contaminated with bacteria. Contamination is not...
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Health Care Reform: Restaurants to Post CaloriesNutrition labeling, including calories, is now the law for big restaurant chains...
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Are Airport Scanners Safe?Are the full-body scanners at the airport safe? Well, it all depends.
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High Disease Rate May Not Mean Poor HealthWe tend to think a low disease rate means that doctors are doing a good job...
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Can a Computer Diagnose Disease? Researchers Say We're Getting CloseA supercomputer is turning its talents to diagnosing disease...
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You Can Learn CPR in 60 SecondsLearning the basics of CPR - call 911, perform 100 chest compressions a minute until EMTs arrive - can save a life.
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US Unhealthier Than UK, But Cause Is UnclearAmericans' health is worse than their British counterparts' in everything from asthma to angina.
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Parks: A Bigger Bang for the Healthcare BuckA study has found, before cutting park budgets, legislators might want to factor in health costs...
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FDA Removes Hundreds of Unapproved Cough, Cold and Allergy MedicinesCold, allergy and cough medicines that were never submitted for FDA approval are being recalled...
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Zinc May Shorten the Common Cold Taking zinc at the first sign of a cold can reduce its duration.
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Exercise May Be Best Bet for IBS SufferersExercise significantly reduces the severity of IBS symptoms.
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Long-Term Cell Phone Use May Increase Risk of Brain TumorsA large-scale analysis of cell phone use finds a connection between usage and brain cancer...
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Guidelines for Treating Infectious Diseases Need Better EvidenceWhen it comes to treating infectious diseases, doctors rely on guidelines based on little evidence.
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New Antibiotics Brings Relief to IBS SufferersA new antibiotic may bring significant relief to IBS sufferers; but will it work over the long-term?
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Anti-Smoking Laws Clean Up the AirWisconsin passed a law banning smoking in bars and restaurants. Now the air in them is not dangerous
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Keeping an Eye on Contact Lenses Fit matters and is harder to achieve than you might think. Infections can happen. They're your eyes. Read on.
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Echinacea: Not All It's Cracked Up To Be, Say ResearchersA small study finds this ancient herbal remedy doesn't cut the length or severity of a cold by much.
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More Evidence that XMRV Does Not Cause Chronic Fatigue SyndromeThe supposed link between CFS and the XMRV virus may simply be lab contamination...
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The Best of 2010: Health Tips to Take With Us Into 2011Planning for a healthier 2011? We pull together some of the top health news stories of this past year.
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Researchers Determine Why Staph Prefers HumansScientists discover why staph bacteria prefer humans over other animals: it's all in the blood.
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Foodborne Illness Hits Nearly 1 in 6 AmericansMuch of protecting against foodborne illness is common sense: cleaniness, proper refrigeration, cooking food thoroughly.
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Antimicrobials and the EnvironmentAntimicrobial soaps are useful in hospitals, but their value in homes is less clear, and their effect on the environment is not good.
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New HIV/AIDS Pill Offers Big Protection When Used As DirectedTruvada offers good protection from HIV infection. Will the CDC approve it?
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How Big a Problem is Prescription Abandonment?How many people go to the doctor, get a prescription and either don't fill it or never pick it up?
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Scented Products Give Off Toxic ChemicalsMany of those scented products you love actually give off toxic chemicals. Some are even "green."
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FDA Gives Thumbs Down to New Weight Loss Drug, LorcaserinA panel of FDA experts says the risks outweigh the benefits of Lorcaserin. What's next?
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Can Your Job Improve Your Lifestyle? Employers can help employees and their families get healthy with company programs and modest cash incentives.
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Bad Habits Make Bad Employees, Study FindsPeople who smoke, overeat, or don't exercise take more sick days, while those who drink take fewer.
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Texting to DeathIt has been estimated that for every 1 million new cell phone subscribers, deaths due to distracted driving rise by 19%.
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Did Your Doctor Really Make a Mistake or Do You Just Think So?Many people think their doctors made an error. True or not, patients often switch doctors...
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How Much Does Medical Malpractice Cost the Nation? Billions, Say ResearchersResearchers calculate that medical malpractice and defensive medicine cost the nation billions...
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FDA Finds Disturbing Situation at Egg Farms Behind Salmonella RecallThe FDA says Salmonella was found in chicken feed and mounds of feces on the egg farms in the recall
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More Evidence That a Virus Plays a Role in Chronic Fatigue SyndromeNew evidence suggests (again) that chronic fatigue syndrome may be linked to a virus - but is it...
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Has MRSA Met its Match?Painting walls with a new paint killed 100% of all staph bacteria. Nanotubes helped make it possible
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Hundreds of Millions of Eggs Recalled in Salmonella OutbreakTwo Iowa farms have recalled over 380 million eggs due to possible contamination with Salmonella...
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Fewer Emergency Rooms, More PatientsERs are over-burdened with non-emergency care. Wait times are measured in hours. Why?
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Affects the Brain and Gut AlikeResearchers find that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is linked to changes in the brain as well as the gut.
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"Clinically Proven" Beauty Products: Not Guilty, but Not Proven EitherDon't accept the term, "clinically proven" at face value. Look further to find out just what kind of study was done and by whom.
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The 2010-11 Flu VaccineFall is the time to get a flu vaccine. Even if vaccines cannot protect one completely against all forms of the flu virus, they usually resu
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Snakebite! What to Do If You're Bitten and How Treatments WorkSnake bites are rare, but some bites are lethal. Know what to look for and do -- and how to avoid bites completely.
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PCBs Appear Linked to High Blood Pressure As Well As CancerPeople who have higher levels of the chemicals PCBs in their bodies also seem to have higher BP.
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Doctors Don't Understand Their PatientsDoctors are busy and may not listen well. It helps to come prepared with any questions you may have written down in advance.
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Are Doctor's Notes for Patients Too?A new study, OpenNotes, allows the patients to access their records.
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Nasal Zinc Linked to Loss of SmellOver-the-counter zinc nasal sprays may be damaging to your sense of smell and may even destroy it.
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Doctor Arrogance and Hospital Acquired InfectionsA commentary in JAMA calls out doctors who don't follow a checklist for preventing CLABSI infections
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CDC Says Salsa, Guacamole Account for Too Many Restaurant-Related IllnessesSalsa and guacamole are major sources of restaurant-related illness. Too often, they are not refrigerated adequately.
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Car Seats Should Stay in the Car to Avoid AccidentsDon't leave your baby unattended while in his or her car seat - especially outside the car. Serious injuries can happen.
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Inexpensive Injection Could Save Thousands of Trauma VictimsUsing the compound TXA, which helps prevent bleeding, could save the lives of many accident victims.
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New Site: Emerging Drug Problems, All in One PlaceThe FDA has a new website that tracks problems people have had with various prescription drugs.
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FDA Seizes $32,000 Worth of Tainted Chinese-Imported HoneyThe FDA has found a potentially fatal drug in honey from China, adding evidence to support concerns.
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New Drugs Don't Always Beat the OldNew drugs are often prescribed over the old even if they aren't better or more cost effective.
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Viagra Nation: Tracking Health Care CostsWe spend $77 billion on "medicalized" conditions like erectile dysfunction. Is this a wise use of healthcare dollars?
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New Bunion Treatment Reduces Pain and Recovery TimeA new treatment for bunions is less painful and recovery is quicker.
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New Hospital Bar-Code System Significantly Cuts Down on Medication ErrorsA new bar-code system tied to patient electronic medical record (EMR) may help cut down on errors.
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If You're Awaiting Medication, Don't Interrupt Your NurseIf a nurse is interrupted while preparing your medication, ask him or her to check it again to avoid a possible error.
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The Money Pit: Health Insurance Executives' PayHealth insurance executives are paid millions to ensure stock prices stay high. Patient care is not a concern.
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Disabilities Increasing among the Middle-AgedThe number of people over 40 who have difficulty climbing stairs or walking a quarter mile has risen. The impact on healthcare could be...
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Flea Products May be Harmful to Your PetThose apply-between-the-shoulder-blade flea remedies are harmful to some pets, especially small ones
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New Study Questions Viral Link to Chronic Fatigue Syndromeperson needs to have unexplained fatigue for at least six months plus at least four of eight other symptoms to qualify as a CFS sufferer...
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Varicella Vaccine: Will It Help After You're Exposed?The varicella vaccine for chickenpox can help reduce symptoms or even prevent infection even when given after you've been exposed.
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New HIV Drug Blocks Disease Transmission in MiceA new drug, Truvada, given to mice with "humanized" immune systems and exposed to HIV helped protect them from infection.
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The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
Researchers Harness the Power of Pomegranate to Fight Hospital InfectionsAn ointment made of pomegranate rind and metal salts successfully combated MRSA, a notoriously hard-to-treat staph infection.
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Why Does Health Care Cost So Much?Americans' health care costs more than anywhere else in the world. Why?
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Texting and Driving Don't MixYou should NEVER text while driving. You are six times more likely to crash.
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Fight Global Warming (and Get Healthier)Road traffic, by car and bus, accounts for about three-quarters of all travel-related carbon dioxide.
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Pneumonia Risk Higher Among Flu SufferersPeople who have had the flu are more susceptible to additional infections, such as pneumonia.
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A New Way to Treat Spinal InjuryAn experimental approach using micelles to prevent the spread of nerve damage shows promise.
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If the Grass is Greener... People are HealthierLiving near green space seems to make people healthier, both mentally and physically.
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If Doctors Don't Understand Our Health Care System, Who Does?We aren't talking about benefits. Just simply understanding the system is more than even new MDs feel confident about. So what are consumers supposed to do?
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Infections in Long-Term Care Facilities: Prevention, Diagnosis, and ManagementMillions of infections occur in nursing homes each year, costing billions of dollars.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked to Retrovirus, Researchers SayCFS sufferers, it is not just in your head. Researchers have discovered that a retrovirus (XMRV) is linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
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Modestly Successful AIDS Vaccine Results Give Researchers HopeResearch on a combined, "prime-boost" vaccine has yielded modest results in what was the largest study in AIDS research history. The approach...
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For This Year's Flu, Experts Say Preventative Measures BetterIt's not always possible to know for sure, but usually, a preventive flu vaccine is better than relying on anti-viral medication...
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A Call for Improved Drug LabelingThere's a natural tendency for patients to want and doctors to prescribe the newest drug, assuming that newer is better.
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Four Healthy Behaviors Make Big Impact on Disease RiskFour important lifestyle choices – never smoking, eating healthy, staying trim, and exercising – may cut the risk...
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Little Lifesavers: Children Can Learn CPRChildren as young as 9 years old have been able to learn to apply CPR effectively.
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No More Eye DropsContact lenses are an effective way to deliver drugs for a variety of conditions. And they are more cost effective, too.
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How to Turn Medicalese into Plain EnglishSomething to prescribe for your doctor: a toolkit for turning medical jargon into language a regular person (like you) can understand ...
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The Century's Biggest Health Threat Climate change is perhaps the biggest global health threat today.
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WHO Declares H1N1 PandemicIt's official: the World Health Organization has raised the status of the H1N1 or swine flu virus to the highest level.
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Nanotechnology: Faster and Better DiagnosesIt may soon be possible to diagnose many viral and bacterial infections on the spot using a portable device that reads blood or saliva samples.
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Flu Outbreak: The Early LineThe current flu outbreak is relatively mild. So what's the worry?
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Patients' Bill of Rights: All That's Missing is the Sanity Clause Twenty-three states offer patient bill of rights (PROR) statutes, yet almost no one can understand them. The documents raise incomprehensibility to...
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What's Good Health Information?Becoming an informed consumer of health information is as important to your health as any exercise, drug or health plan.
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Putting the Facts in Drug Ads How to Improve Drug Ads Direct-to-consumer advertising needs to present the benefits of drugs, as well as side effects, so consumers can make decisions with their doctors.
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Research Reveals Why Winter Is Flu Season The flu virus appears to survive longest in low humidity, which is why it is more common during the winter.
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It's Okay for Your Dog to Sleep Around You can go ahead and let your dig lick your face as much as you'd like: he won't expose you to extra bacteria.
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Salmonella in Peanut Butter: Outbreak Continues The plant in Georgia responsible for the outbreak of salmonella has been found. What the FDA has to say about finding the peanut butter on shelves...
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Medicalese Turns Patients' Perception of Common Conditions Into Serious Diseases Don't be frightened by "medicalese." Often medical terms aren't as serious as they sound.
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Salmonella Cases Tied to Dog Food What you feed your pet can have health consequences for you, as the salmonella outbreak shows...
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Gulf War Illness, UnraveledGulf War illness was originally dismissed by many as a psychosomatic illness. Then a cause was found.
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Treating the Poisoned PatientOver two million people a year are exposed to poisonous toxins.
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Major Key to Viral Latency DiscoveredResearchers have discovered the mechanism that makes the cold sore virus becomes dormant, with possible implications for other viral diseases.
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CDC to Beijing-Bound: Beware of DogsTravelers are better off worrying about more common ailments than exotic diseases.
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10 Ways to Have a Healthy VacationMake a list of important health-related items to take along on vacation, including prescription meds and OTC pain relievers.
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Working Out with a SuperbugIn recent months, the feared "super bug" methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, has got the attention of doctors, clinics and hospitals.
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Health IlliteracyOnly 12 percent of America's 228 million adults qualify as health literate — that is, they have the minimum skills to manage their own health care — according to a new report from the U.
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Surgery? Take a NumberThere already is a shortage of general surgeons.
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"Let Me Be Perfectly Vague"In previous articles, we have compared the three remaining presidential candidates' positions on dealing with the uninsured, containing drug and other costs and Medicare, Medicaid and other federal entitlements.
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Medicaid, Medicare and the Presidential CandidatesShortly after he was reelected, President Bush pushed for a reorganization of the Social Security system.
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The Presidential Candidates' Proposals for Containing Health Care CostsPresidential candidates Obama, McCain and Clinton agree on one thing: our health care system is too expensive and getting more expensive all the time.
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Healthcare Reform: Universal Coverage?There is one thing all three candidates agree on: too many Americans lack adequate health coverage.
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Price and the Placebo EffectPrice matters when it comes to what people believe will help heal them, according to a new study that has received widespread media attention.
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Infection Control and Healthcare
A Super Drug for Super Bugs Thanks to the invention of antibiotics, 20th-century medicine virtually eliminated tuberculosis, polio, leprosy and many other once-common infectious diseases.
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What You Can Do to Prevent MRSA and Other Staph InfectionsRecent news reports have made us all aware of the danger of drug-resistant staph infections, specifically, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA (pronounced "mer-suh").
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Malaria
Cure the Mosquito, Cure MalariaIn America, you would have to be at least in your 70s or 80s to remember that parts of the country once had a problem with malaria.
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Low Levels of Air Pollution Can KillEven comparatively low levels of air pollution can shorten your life, according to a new British study.
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Killing Me WarmlyAccording to a frightening new study, global warming will cause more deaths from heat in future summers, but these deaths will not be offset by fewer deaths from cold in the milder winters to come.
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New Lyme Disease GuidelineThe treatment for Lyme disease is fairly straightforward — except when it isn't.
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Rapid Response Key in 1918 Flu PandemicThe 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic may be ancient history to most of us but medical researchers are still learning valuable lessons from it.
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Vaccine Vs. Ear InfectionsAs many parents can tell you, a small child who is prone to ear infections can make the whole family miserable.
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Common Drug May Cause Brain HemorrhageThe rate of brain hemorrhages associated with blood thinning drugs quintupled during the 1990s, according to a new study.
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HIV's Effect on the Immune System Worse than ThoughtPeople with HIV have been living longer and better since the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (or HAART) in 1995.
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Facts and Fiction About Flu and ColdsDespite how common they are, colds and flu are the subject of a great many fairytales and misconceptions.
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America Gets a 'C-' in Hand CleanlinessIf not your life, then at least your health, according to the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), which issued its second Clean Hands Report Card, giving America a "C-minus" — a downgrade from 2004, when the country received a "C.
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Grounding the Flu?Researchers have long speculated that air travel plays an important role in spreading influenza and other infectious diseases.
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Neurosurgeons Back Child ATV BanA group of neurosurgeons is renewing calls for a ban on the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) by children under age 16 after a 10-year review of injuries caused by the vehicles.
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Summer Stings and BitesBees, ticks and other summertime afflictions. What to do.
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Influenza and Pandemic Influenza: A Primer
Consumer-Driven Health Care: Ethical and Legal PitfallsWith health care costs continuing to grow at a much higher rate than inflation, some policy makers have seized upon yet another technique they hope will restrain spending — "consumer-driven health care" in the form of "health savings accounts.
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Road Traffic Injuries: Can We Stop A Global Epidemic?The causes of RTIs have been established: excessive speed, consumption of drugs and alcohol, failure to use seatbelts and poor road design.
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Getting the Lead Out - The News About an Old ProblemSleep disturbances, restlessness, lethargy, memory loss and irritability can be signs of lead poisoning.
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Something Old and Something FluEach fall we hear the same arguments for taking the flu vaccine.
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Public Health and Bioterrorism: Learning the Lessons of the Anthrax Attacks
Burns: From Treatment to PreventionWater heaters should be set below 120oF (49oC) to avoid scald injuries.
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Giant Cell ArteritisAlways taper off steroid medications slowly, otherwise you risk upsetting the body's natural hormone production.
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To Sydney and BeyondIf you are short of breath in the days following a long airplane trip, see a doctor ASAP.
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Bioterrorism — Are We Prepared?For most of us, bioterrorism seems out there with alien invaders as something likely to occur on television but not in real life.
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Drowning and Near-Drowning: Prevention and TreatmentIf swimming or boating, avoid all drugs and alcohol.
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How to Handle the HeatOur skin is the radiator of the car. It is the place where most of our cooling occurs.
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The Human Genome Project: What It Means for YouA mutation can be caused by a change in a whole chromosome or involve just one base pair of a specific gene.
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