The Internet as MatchmakerAlice G. Walton
Internet dating is one of the top methods for finding love, whether the pros outweigh the cons...
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Tablet Computers' Ergonomic IssuesNeil Wagner
Tablet computers are popular and convenient and really bad for your back and neck, unless you know..
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Gossip Can Be Good Alice G. Walton
Some kinds of gossip may actually benefit your health.
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When Safe Playgrounds Become Boring, Kids' Health SuffersAlice G. Walton
Out on the playground, there's a fine line between safe and boring.
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Study Links PFCs to Poor Vaccination ResponseNeil Wagner
Children's immune response to vaccines was greatly reduced if they had been exposed to a common...
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The FDA Tackles Antibiotic Resistance, Targets Farm AnimalsAlice G. Walton
The government plans to curb antibiotic use in food animals, hoping to reduce antibiotic-resistance.
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Figuring The Cost-Benefit Ratio of VaccinesAlice G. Walton
Parents in some communities have decided that the risks of vaccines are greater than the benefits. Not true.
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Shift Work: An Occupational Health Hazard?Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Shift workers are at risk for type 2 diabetes, the longer you work rotating shifts, the worse it...
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Lead Poisoning: Proposed New Guidelines for Identification, Prevention, and TreatmentEsther Entin, M.D.
Because many of the effects of lead on young children are irreversible, they have troubling implications for the potential children...
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The Connection Between Good Nutrition and Good Cognition Becomes ClearerAlice G. Walton
Good nutrition and brain health go hand in hand; changing your diet can help protect your brain.
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Adrenal Hormone DHEA For Menopause Symptoms Alice G. Walton
The hormone DHEA sounds like a miracle: it may ease menopause symptoms and boost sexual interest.
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Maggots May Clean Wounds Better Than ScalpelsAlice G. Walton
Maggots not only appear to clean wounds more effectively than modern methods, they may offer...
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2011: A Health News QuizLeslie Carr
Test your knowledge of the health and medical discoveries making news in 2011 and learn something...
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Understanding the Roots of Social Prejudice Could Help Us Counteract It Alice G. Walton
A new look at prejudice finds it may mostly exist just because we're afraid of germs.
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Important Link in the Stress Response Could Mean Better TreatmentAlice G. Walton
Researchers discover an important step in the stress response, which, if blocked, could stop...
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Long Distance Running Is Hard on the HeartAlice G. Walton
Long distance runners can develop temporary damage to the heart, but it doesn't mean you should quit.
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A Better Way to Reduce PrejudiceAlice G. Walton
When people are told to be less prejudiced, they are often more so. There's a better way.
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It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (If You Keep Your Head about You)Alice G. Walton
Why are the holidays responsible for so many accidents and ER visits? We count the ways and offer help.
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Researchers Gain Insight into How BRCA Mutations Increase Breast Cancer RiskAlice G. Walton
Researchers discover exactly what makes BRCA mutations so dangerous for breast cancer risk...
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Oh No! Not the Cookie Dough!Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
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?Neil Wagner
Call it a smartbomb against tooth decay, a new mouthwash targets the bacterial causing cavities...
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Traffic Pollution May Increase Diabetes Risk Alice G. Walton
A new study links traffic pollution to type 2 diabetes risk - especially in people who are healthier
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Better Doctors Pay Attention to MistakesNeil Wagner
Much of medicine involves trial and error. For doctors, focusing on successes is less helpful...
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Procedure Helps Babies Who Have Trouble BreastfeedingAlice G. Walton
"Tongue-tie" or tether tongue makes it hard for babies to latch on to the breast. It can be easily diagnosed and corrected.
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Eating Canned Soup Raises BPA Levels in Your BodyAlice G. Walton
Soup 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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Women with PID May Be at Risk of InfertilityAlice G. Walton
Pelvic inflammatory disease can threaten a woman’s fertility, so it is important to have a checkup.
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A Sign that Doctors Care about Their Patients Neil Wagner
Doctors asked to take this simple precaution for their own protection ignored the request...
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Navigating the Road to HealthAlice G. Walton
Don't confuse real health science with sound-bytes, or healthy lifestyles with a health obsession.
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Good Nutrition Matters to SpermAlice G. Walton
Good nutrition and lifestyle choices improve sperm counts.
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Nitroglycerin Poses Risks to the Heart... But There's a FixAlice G. Walton
Nitroglycerin is a century-old treatment for heart attacks, but it can make future cardiovascular events more severe.
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The Hidden Costs of Not Taking a Sick DayLeslie Carr
People who decide to come to work when they feel sick spread disease.
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A Chicken Pox on Thee: Parents Get Caught for Infecting Kids with VirusAlice G. Walton
The chicken pox vaccine is the best way of protecting your child from the virus...
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Text Messaging Doubles Smokers' Quit RateNeil Wagner
A British study had double the quit rate thanks to support and tips delivered by cell phone...
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Evaluating Healthcare in AmericaAlice G. Walton
A score of 64 out of 100 is not a good grade. It's also not good healthcare.
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Preschoolers Learn Language From Each OtherNeil Wagner
Other children are often the best teachers when it comes to language skills.
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New Research Broadens Our Understanding of Alzheimer'sAlice G. Walton
A new study uncovers a major surprise in the Alzheimer's puzzle.
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The "Rich Clubs" Make up an Elite Network in the BrainAlice G. Walton
"Rich Club" clusters of highly influential regions of brain cells do serious collaboration.
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Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Risks As Well As BenefitsNeil Wagner
Some studies of supplements actually found they increase the risk of death. But it may depend on how you crunch the numbers.
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Gestational BPA Linked to Developmental Problems in Girls, Not BoysAlice G. Walton
Higher BPA levels during pregnancy are linked to cognitive and emotional problems in children.
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Fall Back and Change the BatteriesNeil Wagner
Burning anything in a closed space puts you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent killer. Get a CO detector.
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Measuring Happiness Now Could Predict Death Risk Years LaterAlice G. Walton
Happiness measured at one point in time was linked to lower mortality five years later.
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Are You Really Reading the Nutrition Facts?Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
If we read road signs as poorly as we do nutritional labels, ten car pile-ups would be commonplace.
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Poverty and Mental Illness: Can the Vicious Cycle be Broken?Esther Entin, M.D.
The economic benefits of offering mental health help to those living in poverty are enormous.
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New Ways to Protect the Brain from StrokeAlice G. Walton
Drugs to reduce the brain's immense energy needs may serve to help preserve it when its blood supply
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A False Positive for MiscarriageAlice G. Walton
When ultrasounds to diagnose miscarriage are inaccurate, healthy pregnancies may be terminated.
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Publication Bias May Hinder ResearchNeil Wagner
Journals are increasingly biased toward presenting positive results. This can have a chilling effect
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All Work and No PlayEsther Entin, M.D.
The time kids spend just playing is declining. Well-meaning parents are partly to blame.
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Can Parents Complete with Clever Marketing to Kids?Alice G. Walton
It's hard to compete with clever marketing, but you can help your kids make better food choices with consistent encouragement.
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Treatment for Prion Diseases May Soon Be on the WayNeil Wagner
The 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 Alice G. Walton
A team of online gamers helps researchers solve a critical piece of the AIDS puzzle...
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Ticks and Blood Transfusions Spread Potentially Dangerous ParasiteAlice G. Walton
Blood 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 PeakedNeil Wagner
The 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 FollowingNeil Wagner
Drug shortages have more than tripled. Patients in smaller hospitals suffer as less profitable...
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Breastfeeding May Help Brain DevelopmentAlice G. Walton
Infants, particularly preemies, who were breastfed scored higher on reasoning and language tests at age 5.
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Experts Urge People to Get Flu Shot to Boost Immunity for the 2011-12 Flu SeasonAlice G. Walton
Get 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 PoultryNeil Wagner
Organic meat and poultry could help combat much of the antibiotic resistance we see today.
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Storing Medications in High Temperatures Can Decrease EffectivenessAlice G. Walton
When you're traveling with medications, keep them in the climate-controlled interior of the car, rather than in the hot trunk.
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Serial Salmonella Outbreaks Raise QuestionsNeil Wagner
The best protection against Salmonella and other food-borne pathogens is proper handling, storage and cooking of meat and poultry.
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Venus Williams Shares Her Battle with Sjogren's SyndromeAlice G. Walton
The Grand Slam tennis player tells the world about her battle with Sjogren's syndrome
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Sprained Ankles and Strained Emergency RoomsNeil Wagner
Sprained ankles and minor injuries clog emergency rooms, endangering people with serious problems.
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Fuzzy Logic: How Healthy Behavior Can Encourage Health RisksNeil Wagner
Too 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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Where There's Smoke, There Are Developmental ProblemsEsther Entin, M.D.
Secondhand smoke sharply increases the risk of a child's having neurodevelopmental disorders like learning disabilities and ADHD.
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More Public Health Spending Means Fewer DeathsNeil Wagner
A study of public health spending between, found spending a little more save money and lives...
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Researchers Pin down Significant Genetic Predictor of Ovarian CancerAlice G. Walton
Having a faulty RAD51D gene means a 1 in 11 chance of ovarian cancer. Knowing your status can help..
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Doctor-Patient Confidentiality: How Do We Define it and When Should We Waive It?Jessica Wilen Berg, J.D., M.P.H.
When is your health information confidential and when isn't it?
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Smartphones: Dialing Down the Eye StrainNeil Wagner
Raise the size of the type displayed on your smartphone. Your eyes will thank you for it.
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Generalized Anxiety and Interpersonal Relationship Problems Deeply IntertwinedAlice G. Walton
People with anxiety often have problematic social relationships, partly as a result of their worries
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Colon Cleanses Can Pose Serious Health RisksAlice G. Walton
Though they sound healthy, colon cleanses pose serious health risks.
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Overeating Explained by Three Neurological Processes, Not LazinessAlice G. Walton
Overeating involves neurological processes involving impulse control and reward, not laziness.
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BPA-Free Water Bottles Pass the Test, Some Aluminum Bottles Don'tNeil Wagner
It pays to do a little research to be sure that water bottle is BPA-free, especially if you plan to drink hot liquids from it.
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Learning to Be Positive May Help Beat DepressionAlice G. Walton
Positive activity intervention (PAI) such as writing letters of gratitude or performing acts of kindness, may help mild depression.
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Speech Processing May Be at the Heart of DyslexiaAlice G. Walton
The root of dyslexia may be in speech processing, a surprise to researchers...
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Certain Personality Traits Linked to More Weight GainAlice G. Walton
People who have certain personality traits, like impulsivity and cynicism, are more likely to gain weight over time.
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Too Much Salt, Too Little Potassium Linked to Heart RiskBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Eating too much salt and too little potassium is an especially dangerous combination. It doubles your risk of a heart attack.
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Training in Positive Thinking Helps Teens Interpret Life in Healthier WaysAlice G. Walton
A simple computer program seems to help teens avoid negative thinking, which may help with anxiety..
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How Everyday Products Make People Sick, Toxins at Home and in the WorkplacePaul D. Blanc, M.D.
Unsung Medical Heroes: A Roll of Tape and a Cotton SwabNeil Wagner
Two very-low tech solutions to common medical problems show how easy it can be to reduce costs...
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Asthma Linked to Cockroach ExposureNeil Wagner
A study of middle-income kids with and without asthma found that cockroaches are a factor in asthma
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"Late Talkers" Turn Out Just FineAlice G. Walton
Children with language delays have no more behavioral or emotional problems as adolescents than other kids.
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Social Causes Kill as Many as Heart Attack, Stroke and Lung CancerNeil Wagner
Proof that public health must be seen in a broader light than it currently is...
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CDC Calls for More Americans to Get Colon ScreeningStephen Davis, M.D., MPH
Colon cancer is almost entirely preventable. You just need to get screened starting around age 50.
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Healthy Lifestyle Reduces the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in WomenBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
SCD is sudden cardiac death. It is the largest cause of natural death in the United States and is responsible for half of all cardiac deaths
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The Latest Cell Phone - Cancer Study Finds No LinkAlice G. Walton
A new review study finds no good evidence of a cell phone-brain tumor connection...
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Black Yeast: Is Your Dishwasher Trying to Kill You?Neil Wagner
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 AmericaBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
A new Health Promotion Strategy aims to make citizens healthier nationwide and address disparities..
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Untreated Celiac Women Go Through Menopause EarlierAlice G. Walton
Women with undiagnosed celiac disease go through menopause earlier than celiac women who follow a gluten-free diet.
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New Clues to Turning Off Cancer Growth Alice G. Walton
From a chance discovery, scientists develop a new way to shut down cancer growth.
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Cell Phones in the Hospital May Cause InfectionsNeil Wagner
Cell phones are a surprising source of disease-causing bacteria in hospitals.
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Emergency Rooms: Longer Waits Lead to Poorer OutcomesNeil Wagner
There is evidence that long waits in the emergency room are themselves a medical emergency.
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Apples May Protect Muscles Against AtrophyAlice G. Walton
Apples contain ursolic acid, which helps preserve muscle tissue and prevent the wasting that comes with age.
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Coffee May Reduce the Risk of Cancer - But It Depends on the CancerAlice G. Walton
Coffee reduces the risk for cancers — some cancers, anyway. But is coffee always good for you?
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Kids' Brains Change as They Learn New Math SkillsAlice G. Walton
Children's brains change as they learn math skills. Adults' too, hopefully.
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Probiotic Products and Other Dietary Supplements: Consumers BewareBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
FDA 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 OKNeil Wagner
New 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 CornerAlice G. Walton
Hospitals 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 QuestionAlice G. Walton
Some 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 LifeAlice G. Walton
Getting along well with the coworkers may lengthen your life. Getting along with the boss... not...
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Swimmer's Ear Costs Too Much, May Be PreventedAlice G. Walton
To prevent swimmers' ear, tilt your head and gently pull the earlobe in a few directions to help water escape, then dry your ears.
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Third-Line Diabetes Drugs May Be NeededAlice G. Walton
A third-line diabetes medication may help manage blood sugar when other treatments aren't enough.
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FDA Panel Urges New Instructions and Dosing on Infant Pain RelieversAlice G. Walton
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, does not appear to reduce kids' pain, just their fever.
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Cutting Out Gluten May Work for Even Asymptomatic Celiac PatientsAlice G. Walton
People with celiac disease showing few or no symptoms may still benefit by going gluten-free.
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Diabetes is On the Rise in Obese Dogs and CatsAlice G. Walton
Diabetes epidemic not only in humans, but cats and dogs are developing it in record numbers.
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Kids May Be Exposed to Too Much Radiation with Unnecessary CT ScansAlice G. Walton
Kids may get unnecessary CT scans for minor head injuries, exposing them to unnecessary radiation.
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Children and Environmental Chemicals: A Call for Better RegulationEsther Entin, M.D.
Children are small and low to the ground, leaving them more exposed to environmental toxins.
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Reducing Stress May Boost Success Rate with IVFAlice G. Walton
Reducing stress can improve the odds of becoming pregnant through in vitro fertilization.
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Pesticide Exposure May Affect Kids' Cognitive FunctionAlice G. Walton
A banned residential pesticide is linked to lower IQ in kids.
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Acne Antibiotics Not Linked to More Drug-Resistant InfectionsAlice G. Walton
Long-term use of antibiotics to treat acne does not make "staph" bacteria drug-resistant.
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Taste, Price Are Bigger Influences in Food Choice than CaloriesAlice G. Walton
Taste and price drive food most people's food choices. Many don't even know how many calories...
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"Health Literacy" Might Predict Hospitalization, Death RiskAlice G. Walton
The 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 ConsumersAlice G. Walton
The FTC urges courts to crack down on fake news sites' phony claims about acai berry and weight loss
Read more >
Evidence that Honey is an Effective Wound TreatmentNeil Wagner
A 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 PatientsAlice G. Walton
Doctors would often choose different treatments for themselves than those they would recommend...
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More Americans Using Dietary SupplementsBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Dietary supplements can be helpful, but they cannot make up for an unhealthy diet.
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Antibiotics in Meat Once Again Linked to Drug-Resistant BacteriaNeil Wagner
Meat and poultry in five U.S. cities were contaminated with bacteria. Contamination is not...
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Lasers Detect Skin Cancer More Accurately than Current TechniquesAlice G. Walton
A laser probe finds deadly melanomas better than current methods, potentially saving time, lives...
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Long Workdays May Raise Heart RiskNeil Wagner
Working over 11 hours a day regularly can raise your risk of heart disease significantly.
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Health Care Reform: Restaurants to Post CaloriesBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Nutrition labeling, including calories, is now the law for big restaurant chains...
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FDA Panel Votes to Reject Warning Labels on Artificially Colored Foods: Good Move? Alice G. Walton
Some studies show a link between artificial dyes and ADHD. So why did the FDA reject warning labels?
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Fitness May Predict Heart Risk Better than WeightAlice G. Walton
For people with heart trouble, their fitness level may be a better predictor of mortality than their weight.
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Are Airport Scanners Safe?Neil Wagner
Are the full-body scanners at the airport safe? Well, it all depends.
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Omega-3 Supplements May Ease PMSAlice G. Walton
Omega-3 fatty acids supplements may help ease symptoms in women who suffer from PMS.
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Stem Cells Heal Hearts Years After Damage OccursAlice G. Walton
Injecting stem cells into hearts reduces enlargement and scar tissue, and boosts heart function...
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Chocolate: The Good, the Bad, and the... Tasty!Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Cocoa contains flavanols that have health benefits, but they may be lost or reduced in the commercial processing of chocolate.
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High Disease Rate May Not Mean Poor HealthNeil Wagner
We 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 CloseAlice G. Walton
A supercomputer is turning its talents to diagnosing disease...
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Oral Contraceptives: One-Year Supply Cuts PregnanciesNeil Wagner
Oral contraceptives a one-year supply helps cut pregnancies...
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Regular Exercise May Foil Salt's Effect on Blood PressureAlice G. Walton
Regular exercise can reduce the effect that salt has on blood pressure.
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Is It Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity?Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
It is entirely possible that you may be sensitive to gluten even if your doctor has ruled out celiac
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Seniors Missing Out on Preventive CareNeil Wagner
If you are over 65 and on Medicare, you should take advantage of the all the free preventive health care services it provides.
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Ibuprofen May Stave off Parkinson's DiseaseAlice G. Walton
Ibuprofen appears to offer protection against Parkinson's disease. Brain inflammation may be the...
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US Unhealthier Than UK, But Cause Is UnclearAlice G. Walton
Americans' health is worse than their British counterparts' in everything from asthma to angina.
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Belly Fat May Not Predict Heart Disease As Once BelievedAlice G. Walton
Belly fat may not be as big a predictor of heart disease as once thought.
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Parks: A Bigger Bang for the Healthcare BuckNeil Wagner
A 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 MedicinesNeil Wagner
Cold, allergy and cough medicines that were never submitted for FDA approval are being recalled...
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Wound Cleaning May Be More Important than AntibioticsNeil Wagner
One of the surest ways to beat infection is to clean a wound well and keep it covered.
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Cancer Patients on Opioid Drugs Have More Cognitive DeficitsAlice G. Walton
Cancer patients on opioid painkillers often experience confusion, disorientation and forgetfulness.
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Vitamin D: How Much Is Enough? How Much Is Too Much?Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
There's more evidence that at high doses vitamin D greatly reduces cancer risk. But what about...
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Obesity Alone Raises Death Risk from Heart AttackAlice G. Walton
Obesity alone dramatically raises the risk of dying from a heart attack.
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Zinc May Shorten the Common Cold Alice G. Walton
Taking zinc at the first sign of a cold can reduce its duration.
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Starting Baby on Solids Too Soon May Pose Obesity Risk LaterAlice G. Walton
Introducing solid foods too early raises the risk of obesity...
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Vegans, What's Missing from Your DietNeil Wagner
Vegans should be aware that their diet may mean they need to boost their B12 and omega-3 consumption.
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Experts Expand Guidelines for Osteoporosis Screening in WomenAlice G. Walton
Drinking alcohol daily, smoking and a low body mass index all raise your risk of osteoporosis considerably.
Read more >
Exercise May Be Best Bet for IBS SufferersAlice G. Walton
Exercise significantly reduces the severity of IBS symptoms.
Read more >
Waiting Longer to Begin HRT May Reduce Your Risk of Breast CancerAlice G. Walton
Waiting longer than five years to begin hormones after menopause may reduce the risk of breast cancer associated with HRT.
Read more >
Nature and Nurture: Social Environments Influence Genetic Blueprints Esther Entin, M.D.
A study of children two and under shows just how much being poor restricts kids' genetic potential.
Read more >
Too Much Screen Time Takes Toll on HeartAlice G. Walton
Too much screen time is linked not only to greater risk of heart disease, but also risk of death from any cause.
Read more >
Menopause Symptoms Are Linked to Reduced Breast Cancer Risk, Say ResearchersAlice G. Walton
Hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause may actually have a protective effect when it comes to certain cancers.
Read more >
Long-Term Cell Phone Use May Increase Risk of Brain TumorsNeil Wagner
A large-scale analysis of cell phone use finds a connection between usage and brain cancer...
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Breast Cancer Success Rate May Depend on the Doctor Treating ItAlice G. Walton
Success rate in treatment is linked to the surgical skill and radiation strategy of your oncologist.
Read more >
Guidelines for Treating Infectious Diseases Need Better EvidenceNeil Wagner
When it comes to treating infectious diseases, doctors rely on guidelines based on little evidence.
Read more >
Women without Family History of Breast Cancer Are Still at RiskAlice G. Walton
Women without a family history of breast cancer are still at risk: so talk to your doctor about the right time to screen.
Read more >
New Antibiotics Brings Relief to IBS SufferersAlice G. Walton
A new antibiotic may bring significant relief to IBS sufferers; but will it work over the long-term?
Read more >
Olive Oil and Leafy Greens Help Women's HeartsAlice G. Walton
Leafy greens and olive oil help protect women from heart disease.
Read more >
Researchers Are Figuring Out How to Turn Cancer Cells OffAlice G. Walton
In certain conditions, cancer cells signal the immune system to "eat" them, leading to powerful...
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Men and Medicine Neil Wagner
Men tend not to go to the doctor, leaving high blood pressure and cancer untreated until they become more serious.
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Mediterranean Diet May Keep the Brain YoungAlice G. Walton
Eating a Mediterranean-style diet significantly slows cognitive decline in seniors.
Read more >
Anti-Smoking Laws Clean Up the AirNeil Wagner
Wisconsin passed a law banning smoking in bars and restaurants. Now the air in them is not dangerous
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Anesthesia-Related Deaths During Childbirth Drop, But Still Present RiskAlice G. Walton
The number of women who die from general anesthesia during childbirth has dropped, but epidurals...
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Echinacea: Not All It's Cracked Up To Be, Say ResearchersAlice G. Walton
A small study finds this ancient herbal remedy doesn't cut the length or severity of a cold by much.
Read more >
Beneficial Bacterial in the Gut May Prevent Autoimmune DiseasesAlice G. Walton
Beneficial bacteria stimulates the immune system, suggesting a new way to treat colitis.
Read more >
Tobacco: Out of Sight, Out of MindNeil Wagner
In Ireland, a ban on displaying tobacco products changed attitudes and didn't hurt shopkeepers'...
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The Happiness of the Unemployed Rises AgainAlice G. Walton
If you've been laid off, take heart: new research shows that within one year, you'll be about as happy as you were before the layoff.
Read more >
New Drinks for the New YearNeil Wagner
Think before you drink. Not only is alcohol a risk factor for cancer and injury, it contains quite a few empty calories.
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Can "Good" Cholesterol Help the Brain, Like the Heart, Stay Fit?Alice G. Walton
In addition to helping your heart, higher levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol may reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Read more >
BPA Lowers Women's Fertility in StudyNeil Wagner
Women having trouble conceiving may want to consider their exposure to BPA and learn how to limit it
Read more >
The Best of 2010: Health Tips to Take With Us Into 2011Alice G. Walton
Planning for a healthier 2011? We pull together some of the top health news stories of this past year.
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Cytomegalovirus May Affect Newborn HealthAlice G. Walton
Many of us haven't heard cytomegalovirus, but babies can develop disabilities because of the disease
Read more >
Researchers Determine Why Staph Prefers HumansAlice G. Walton
Scientists discover why staph bacteria prefer humans over other animals: it's all in the blood.
Read more >
Foodborne Illness Hits Nearly 1 in 6 AmericansNeil Wagner
Much of protecting against foodborne illness is common sense: cleaniness, proper refrigeration, cooking food thoroughly.
Read more >
Scientists Make Big Strides in Understanding the Cause of Alzheimer'sAlice G. Walton
It is not that Alzheimer's brains overproduce dangerous plaques; they have trouble getting rid of...
Read more >
Probiotics May Help Treat Diarrhea Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Probiotics may help shorten a bout of diarrhea.
Read more >
Even A Little Smoke Poses "Immediate" Risk to the BodyAlice G. Walton
According to the Surgeon General, there is no safe level of cigarette smoke, even if it is secondhand.
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Antidepressant Use Climbs as Talk Therapy Rates Drop - But Is Mindfulness the Key?Alice G. Walton
More people are seeking treatment for depression. But the type of treatment they choose may not be..
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Too Clean? Chemical in Antibacterial Soap Linked to Allergies in KidsAlice G. Walton
A chemical in antibacterial soap is linked to more allergies in kids, suggesting that a little moderation may be good.
Read more >
New Recommendations for Vitamin D and CalciumBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
The daily requirements for calcium and vitamin D have been changed to avoid certain problems, but controversy remains.
Read more >
Antimicrobials and the EnvironmentNeil Wagner
Antimicrobial soaps are useful in hospitals, but their value in homes is less clear, and their effect on the environment is not good.
Read more >
Antibiotics for Children's Ear Infections? Neil Wagner
It is often unnecessary to treat ear infections with antibiotics. They can increase bacterial resistance and cause side effects
Read more >
Retirement Reverses Job-Related Fatigue, DepressionAlice G. Walton
Workers with exhaustion and depression felt significantly better after they retired...
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FDA Verdict on Patient Radiation Overdoses: Operator Error Neil Wagner
CT scans are a boon to diagnosis, but some may expose patients to way too much radiation.
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New HIV/AIDS Pill Offers Big Protection When Used As DirectedAlice G. Walton
Truvada offers good protection from HIV infection. Will the CDC approve it?
Read more >
Gaining a Few Pounds Significantly Ups Heart Disease RiskAlice G. Walton
Gaining just a few pounds can up your risk for heart disease by as much as 50%.
Read more >
How Big a Problem is Prescription Abandonment?Neil Wagner
How many people go to the doctor, get a prescription and either don't fill it or never pick it up?
Read more >
Cell Phones May Help Keep BP in CheckAlice G. Walton
"Telemonitoring" blood pressure via cell phone seems to help because it requires an active partnership between doctor and patient.
Read more >
More Evidence That Mammograms Under 50 May Reduce RiskAlice G. Walton
Just in: Another new study finds that early mammograms may bring big benefits to women under 50.
Read more >
How Low Fat Diets Increase Heart Disease RiskBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Having some fat in your diet is actually good for your heart. What matters is what kind of fat you eat.
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Energy Drinks Linked to Alcohol Consumption in College KidsAlice G. Walton
College kids who drink more energy drinks also consume more alcohol: coincidence or cause?
Read more >
Drug Thought to Protect Kidneys During Imaging Is IneffectiveAlice G. Walton
The dye used in heart imaging can harm the kidneys. Doctors thought acetylcysteine could protect us.
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Unmet Needs of the Elderly: EMS Can HelpNeil Wagner
A new program helps tighten the safety net for rural elders.
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Fat Build-Up in the Eye May Signal More Than Just Eye ProblemsAlice G. Walton
What can a common eye condition reveal more about our overall health?
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Synthetic Marijuana Worse Than the Real StuffAlice G. Walton
Synthetic marijuana, often legal and sold at convenience stores, can be more deadly than the real thing.
Read more >
When One Half of the Brain Is Damaged, the Other Half CompensatesAlice G. Walton
When part of the brain is damaged, it often gets an assist from undamaged areas to pick up the slack
Read more >
Secondhand Smoke: Worse for ChildrenNeil Wagner
Don't smoke at home. Secondhand smoke appears to affect children even more than it does adults.
Read more >
Study Predicts Obesity Rates Will Continue to RiseAmy Hendel
Having obese friends raises your chances of becoming obese considerably.
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Parkinson's May Be Linked to Energy GenesAlice G. Walton
Parkinson's disease appears linked to problems in the brain's energy stores...
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Scented Products Give Off Toxic ChemicalsNeil Wagner
Many of those scented products you love actually give off toxic chemicals. Some are even "green."
Read more >
Age Like a Fine WineNeil Wagner
Aging well has been linked to three factors: faith in your ability to exert control over your life, social support and exercise.
Read more >
CDC Panel Recommends Meningitis Booster for TeenagersNeil Wagner
The meningococcal vaccine MSV4 doesn't last as long as anticipated. Is a booster needed to protect.
Read more >
More Teens Are Reporting Hearing LossAlice G. Walton
Teens' hearing has gotten worse. It may be from having the iPod or MP3 up too loud.
Read more >
Close Friends "Light Up" The BrainAlice G. Walton
Close friends activate "social" areas of your brain more than strangers do.
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Low-Dose Aspirin May Reduce Risk for Colon CancerAlice G. Walton
Low doses of aspirin may be quite effective in fighting off colon cancer in those at high risk — but how it works is still a mystery.
Read more >
Paying with Cash Curbs Junk Food SpendingAlice G. Walton
Research shows that if you pay with cash instead of credit, you'll be less likely to buy junk food
Read more >
AAP: Infants Should Be Screened for Iron Deficiency at 12 MonthsAlice G. Walton
Breastfed babies should have iron supplements beginning at four months old. All babies should be checked for iron at 12 months.
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Hormones Raise Cancer RiskAlice G. Walton
Hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of developing breast cancer and of dying from it.
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FDA Gives Thumbs Down to New Weight Loss Drug, LorcaserinAlice G. Walton
A panel of FDA experts says the risks outweigh the benefits of Lorcaserin. What's next?
Read more >
How to Deal with Food LabelsNeil Wagner
Don't be misled by health claims on food labels. Read the nutrition information on packages to get the full picture.
Read more >
Is Morning Sickness a Good Thing? Alice G. Walton
Women who experience morning sickness are less likely to miscarry than women who do not...
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Doctors Aren't Following Colon Cancer Screening GuidelinesNeil Wagner
Doctors are over-prescribing some colon cancer screening, and ignoring other tests. Healthcare...
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A Hard-Knock Life May Do You Good Down the RoadAlice G. Walton
Facing some adversity in your life may help you better cope with stress and be happier later on.
Read more >
Too Much Screen Time Bad for Kids' Psychology Alice G. Walton
Limiting kids' TV and computer time can improve their ability to pay attention and reduce the risk of psychological problems.
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The Body Can Increase Number, Not Just Size, of Fat CellsAlice G. Walton
In contrast to conventional beliefs, the body can actually grow new fat cells, rather than just enlarge those it already has.
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Bringing Recess to the WorkplaceNeil Wagner
Two quick exercise programs aim to get office workers moving, no matter what their fitness level.
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Can Tooth Health Reduce Preterm Births?Alice G. Walton
Taking care of gum disease while you're pregnant may reduce the risk the risk of preterm birth.
Read more >
To Screen or Not to Screen? That is the QuestionAlice G. Walton
Two new studies add to the debate about whether mammograms should be standard for women in their 40s
Read more >
Can Your Job Improve Your Lifestyle? Alice G. Walton
Employers can help employees and their families get healthy with company programs and modest cash incentives.
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Metabolic Syndrome Seriously Raises Heart RiskAlice G. Walton
Metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, high blood pressure, blood fats and sugar) doubles the risk for heart attack and stroke.
Read more >
Bad Habits Make Bad Employees, Study FindsAlice G. Walton
People who smoke, overeat, or don't exercise take more sick days, while those who drink take fewer.
Read more >
Texting to DeathNeil Wagner
It has been estimated that for every 1 million new cell phone subscribers, deaths due to distracted driving rise by 19%.
Read more >
FDA Restricts Diabetes Drug Alice G. Walton
The FDA has issued restrictions on who can be prescribed the type 2 diabetes drug Avandia®...
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Common Cold Virus Linked to Obesity in YoungstersAlice G. Walton
New research finds a link between childhood obesity and the common cold virus. But how?
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B Vitamins Help Reduce Brain Shrinkage in the ElderlyAlice G. Walton
People taking high doses of B vitamins had less brain shrinkage than those who didn't...
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Contagious Yawning Teaches Researchers About Social Development Alice G. Walton
Contagious yawning is familiar to most. But did you know it is a form of normal social bonding...
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Eye Injuries from Laser PointersNeil Wagner
Laser pointers can damage eyesight. Parents should teach kids the risks and know the power of any pointer their child uses.
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Did Your Doctor Really Make a Mistake or Do You Just Think So?Alice G. Walton
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 ResearchersAlice G. Walton
Researchers calculate that medical malpractice and defensive medicine cost the nation billions...
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Hormone Replacement Therapy Makes Mammograms Hard to ReadAlice G. Walton
HRT may affect how doctors interpret the tests, leading to diagnoses diagnoses of breast cancer...
Read more >
FDA Finds Disturbing Situation at Egg Farms Behind Salmonella RecallAlice G. Walton
The FDA says Salmonella was found in chicken feed and mounds of feces on the egg farms in the recall
Read more >
More Evidence That a Virus Plays a Role in Chronic Fatigue SyndromeAlice G. Walton
New evidence suggests (again) that chronic fatigue syndrome may be linked to a virus - but is it...
Read more >
Acetaminophen Use and Asthma: Is There a Connection?Esther Entin, M.D.
Does taking this common painkiller disrupt the body's inflammatory response and provoke asthma?
Read more >
Metabolic Syndrome May Be Reversible by Tweaking the DietAlice G. Walton
You may be able to reverse metabolic syndrome completely by making some important changes to your diet.
Read more >
Luckily, Cancer Risk Does Not Depend on Personality, Researchers FindAlice G. Walton
The idea that one's personality can contribute to cancer has not been found to be true.
Read more >
Worrying About Falling May Make It Happen - So Relax!Alice G. Walton
Seniors who worry about falling actually fall more than those who don't.
Read more >
Has MRSA Met its Match?Neil Wagner
Painting walls with a new paint killed 100% of all staph bacteria. Nanotubes helped make it possible
Read more >
Think You're Safe with Just a Cigarette a Day? Think AgainAlice G. Walton
Smoking just one cigarette a day, or being around smokers, can lead to damage to your airways.
Read more >
Reduce Your Anger, Reduce Your Heart RiskAlice G. Walton
Relax. Being angry may cause your arteries to thicken and increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Read more >
Proteins Other Than Red Meat Are Better for Women's HeartsAlice G. Walton
Women who get their protein from sources other than red meats have healthier hearts.
Read more >
Hundreds of Millions of Eggs Recalled in Salmonella OutbreakNeil Wagner
Two Iowa farms have recalled over 380 million eggs due to possible contamination with Salmonella...
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Tax Credits and Healthy BabiesNeil Wagner
Babies born to mothers who received Earned Income Tax Credits weigh more, a sign of greater health.
Read more >
Women's Cholesterol Levels Affected by Time of the Month, Study SaysAlice G. Walton
Doctors testing a woman's cholesterol may want to ask when her last period was, since estrogen level
Read more >
Fewer Emergency Rooms, More PatientsNeil Wagner
ERs are over-burdened with non-emergency care. Wait times are measured in hours. Why?
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Cancer Cells Use Fructose to MultiplyAlice G. Walton
Cancer cells actually prefer fructose over glucose to fuel themselves and multiply.
Read more >
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Affects the Brain and Gut AlikeAlice G. Walton
Researchers find that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is linked to changes in the brain as well as the gut.
Read more >
New Method May Replace Hysterectomy for Fibroid SufferersAlice G. Walton
A procedure that stops blood flow to uterine fibroids may be an alternative to hysterectomy.
Read more >
Stem Cells May Help Repair Hearts After AttackAlice G. Walton
"Clinically Proven" Beauty Products: Not Guilty, but Not Proven EitherNeil Wagner
Don'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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Calcium May Help the Bones, but Does It Hurt the Heart?Alice G. Walton
Calcium supplements may strengthen the bones, but they may also raise the risk of heart attack...
Read more >
Snakebite! What to Do If You're Bitten and How Treatments WorkThomas C. Arnold, M.D., and Robert A. Barish, M.D., M.B.A.
Snake 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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The 2010-11 Flu VaccineNeil Wagner
Fall 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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CPR Good Enough Without Mouth-to-Mouth, Studies FindAlice G. Walton
Chest compressions alone are just effective as CPR with mouth-to-mouth in a heart attack emergency.
Read more >
PCBs Appear Linked to High Blood Pressure As Well As CancerAlice G. Walton
People who have higher levels of the chemicals PCBs in their bodies also seem to have higher BP.
Read more >
Doctors Don't Understand Their PatientsNeil Wagner
Doctors are busy and may not listen well. It helps to come prepared with any questions you may have written down in advance.
Read more >
Why Some Public Health Weight Loss Campaigns FailAlice G. Walton
Even well-meaning weight loss campaigns may end up turning off the people they are meant to inspire.
Read more >
Fish for the EyesAlice G. Walton
Eating fish rich in healthy fats may help protect the eyes.
Read more >
Sitting May Lead to Earlier DeathAlice G. Walton
Researchers find that the longer you sit, the shorter your lifespan.
Read more >
Are Doctor's Notes for Patients Too?Neil Wagner
A new study, OpenNotes, allows the patients to access their records.
Read more >
A Sniff of Insulin May Help Alzheimer's PatientsAlice G. Walton
Not just for diabetics: A sniff of the hormone insulin may help recover memory in Alzheimer's...
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Nasal Zinc Linked to Loss of SmellNeil Wagner
Over-the-counter zinc nasal sprays may be damaging to your sense of smell and may even destroy it.
Read more >
Don't Throw Out the Rabbit's Foot: Good Luck Charms May Just WorkAlice G. Walton
Have a good luck charm? It may actually help performance by boosting confidence
Read more >
Biggest Losers Do BetterAlice G. Walton
Slower may not always better when it comes to weight loss. Losing a fair amount of weight quickly tends to lead to better results.
Read more >
Doctor Arrogance and Hospital Acquired InfectionsNeil Wagner
A commentary in JAMA calls out doctors who don't follow a checklist for preventing CLABSI infections
Read more >
New Weight Loss Drugs Seems Promising, But FDA Still to RuleAlice G. Walton
Lorcaserin seems to help people slim down with fewer side-effects than past drugs. Will FDA approve?
Read more >
Study Says PSA Test Saves LivesNeil Wagner
Screening for prostate cancer may pick up small cancers that really shouldn't be treated.
Read more >
The American Heart Association Reviews the Best Ways to Get Healthy, Stay MotivatedAlice G. Walton
Heart disease hits 1 in 3 people. The first step to heart health is to set realistic behavioral rather than physiological goals.
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CDC Says Salsa, Guacamole Account for Too Many Restaurant-Related IllnessesAlice G. Walton
Salsa and guacamole are major sources of restaurant-related illness. Too often, they are not refrigerated adequately.
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Hospital Rounds Get a Face-LiftAlice G. Walton
More hospitals are using the new family-centered rounds, which help keep parents in the loop.
Read more >
Car Seats Should Stay in the Car to Avoid AccidentsAlice G. Walton
Don't leave your baby unattended while in his or her car seat - especially outside the car. Serious injuries can happen.
Read more >
Antibiotic May Lead to Dangerously High Potassium Levels in SeniorsAlice G. Walton
An antibiotic often prescribed for urinary tract infections can raise potassium levels dangerously..
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Exceptional Human LongevityRobert J. Pignolo, M.D., Ph.D.
Who are the oldest old – those 100 years of age and older? And what can these centenarians tell us about aging?
Read more >
TV and Video Games Can Harm Kids' Attention Spans Alice G. Walton
Limiting your child’s TV or video game time to less than two hours per day may help his or her attention.
Read more >
Ditch The Car and Hop on The Train If You Want to Shed PoundsAlice G. Walton
Leaving the car at home and taking the train can help you be more active and lose some weight.
Read more >
Only 10% of Americans Are Eating the Right Amount of Salt, Reports CDCAlice G. Walton
Most Americans are getting too much salt, and most of it comes from processed foods.
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High Tea Consumption Linked to Heart HealthAlice G. Walton
A study of 37,000 people over 13 years found that drinking 3 to 6 cups of tea a day reduced the risk of heart disease by over 40%.
Read more >
Why We Favor Fatty Over Healthy FoodsAlice G. Walton
The "hunger hormone" ghrelin not only makes you hungry, it also appears to make you crave.
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Age at Menopause May Predict Cardiovascular RiskAlice G. Walton
Women who go through early menopause – before age 46 – may be at double the risk for cardio events.
Read more >
Obesity Takes Toll on Sex Life, Sexual HealthAlice G. Walton
Obese individuals report reduced sex life, more STDs, sexual dysfunction, and unwanted pregnancies.
Read more >
HDL or "Good" Cholesterol May Reduce Cancer RiskAlice G. Walton
HDL, the “Good” cholesterol, has been linked to lower cancer risk in addition to its contribution to heart health.
Read more >
Fructose May Increase Fat Cells in KidsAlice G. Walton
If fructose didn't already have a bad enough rap, now it seems to help kids' fat cells proliferate.
Read more >
Inexpensive Injection Could Save Thousands of Trauma VictimsNeil Wagner
Using 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 PlaceNeil Wagner
The FDA has a new website that tracks problems people have had with various prescription drugs.
Read more >
Cartoon Characters May Sway Kids to Make Poor Food ChoicesAlice G. Walton
Kids say foods taste better when cartoon characters are on the label...
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FDA Issues Warning for Parents to Measure Carefully When Giving Babies Vitamin DAlice G. Walton
Make sure your baby gets the proper amount of vitamin D
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Just 20 Minutes Outdoors Can Work WondersNeil Wagner
Just 20 minutes out in nature - even a small garden - can help re-energize you.
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Parents Should Be Cautious with Autism Sites, Researchers SayAlice G. Walton
Be cautious about what websites you use for research
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Heart Attacks in California Are Way DownNeil Wagner
A recent study among members of a California HMO shows a huge decrease in serious heart attacks.
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FDA Seizes $32,000 Worth of Tainted Chinese-Imported HoneyAlice G. Walton
The FDA has found a potentially fatal drug in honey from China, adding evidence to support concerns.
Read more >
Mediterranean Diet Helps Hearts That Have Already Had TroubleAlice G. Walton
Eating a Mediterranean-style diet helps protect the heart from a second attack.
Read more >
Immediate Removal of Inflamed Gallbladder Improves Outcome in ElderlyAlice G. Walton
It is often a good idea to remove an inflamed gallbladder sooner rather than later.
Read more >
New Drugs Don't Always Beat the OldNeil Wagner
New drugs are often prescribed over the old even if they aren't better or more cost effective.
Read more >
Viagra Nation: Tracking Health Care CostsNeil Wagner
We spend $77 billion on "medicalized" conditions like erectile dysfunction. Is this a wise use of healthcare dollars?
Read more >
New Bunion Treatment Reduces Pain and Recovery TimeAlice G. Walton
A new treatment for bunions is less painful and recovery is quicker.
Read more >
Don't Forget to Brush Your Teeth - It Might Save Your LifeAlice G. Walton
One very simple way to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 70% is to brush your teeth twice a day.
Read more >
Overtime Ups Risk of Death from Heart DiseaseAlice G. Walton
People who work a great deal of overtime are at greater risk of heart-related death. Type A behavior may be partly to blame.
Read more >
Food for Thought: Pesticide Exposure and ADHD Risk in ChildrenEsther Entin, M.D.
Pesticide exposure may play a role in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Read more >
Get to a Doctor Soon after a Mini-Stroke to Avoid Having a Real OneAlice G. Walton
A TIA or transient ischemic attack is a mini-stroke, but with no lasting damage. It is often a warning sign and should be treated.
Read more >
Warfarin and Supplements Don't MixNeil Wagner
Be sure to let your doctor know of the various supplements you may be taking. They can interfere with the action of many different drugs.
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New Hospital Bar-Code System Significantly Cuts Down on Medication ErrorsAlice G. Walton
A new bar-code system tied to patient electronic medical record (EMR) may help cut down on errors.
Read more >
Depression in Children and Adolescence: Making Safe Medication DecisionsEsther Entin, M.D.
It is important to treat child and adolescent depression. Kids on medication should be monitored closely.
Read more >
The Pill May Increase Women's Risk for Sexual DysfunctionAlice G. Walton
Women on the pill may suffer from lower libido than women on other forms of birth control.
Read more >
If You're Awaiting Medication, Don't Interrupt Your NurseAlice G. Walton
If a nurse is interrupted while preparing your medication, ask him or her to check it again to avoid a possible error.
Read more >
The Money Pit: Health Insurance Executives' PayNeil Wagner
Health insurance executives are paid millions to ensure stock prices stay high. Patient care is not a concern.
Read more >
Complex Spinal Operations Rise Without Evidence of BenefitNeil Wagner
Spinal fusion is not always the only or best way to ease the pain associated with spinal stenosis and disc problems.
Read more >
Disabilities Increasing among the Middle-AgedAlice G. Walton
The 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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Asthma Medications: New Guidelines Improve SafetyEsther Entin, M.D.
Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) act by helping the muscles in the air passages of the lungs to relax and re-expand.
Read more >
Pain Medications May Increase Hearing LossNeil Wagner
Taking over-the-counter pain medication like aspirin or ibuprofen may raise the risk of hearing loss, particularly in men.
Read more >
Elderly Hip Fracture Patients Are Not Getting the Care They NeedNeil Wagner
A hip fracture in an elderly patient is a life-altering event. Often they receive inadequate care during the first three months.
Read more >
Flea Products May be Harmful to Your PetNeil Wagner
Those apply-between-the-shoulder-blade flea remedies are harmful to some pets, especially small ones
Read more >
New Study Questions Viral Link to Chronic Fatigue SyndromeNeil Wagner
person 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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Controversial Autism-MMR Vaccine Study Retracted by Journal: Why Did This Happen - and Can We Forget?Alice G. Walton
Retractions don't happen often in science, but they are part of the process. Changing the public's perceptions is another matter.
Read more >
Varicella Vaccine: Will It Help After You're Exposed?Esther Entin, M.D.
The varicella vaccine for chickenpox can help reduce symptoms or even prevent infection even when given after you've been exposed.
Read more >
Heavier Patients Need Longer NeedlesNeil Wagner
People who are obese may not receive the same level of protection from a vaccine because the standard needle used may not reach the muscle.
Read more >
Children Left On the Home Front When Moms and Dads Go to WarEsther Entin, M.D.
Kids and caregivers left behind during deployment have to shoulder a heavy burden. A study looks at what can help.
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Heart Attack Survival Rate Unchanged in 30 YearsNeil Wagner
Heart attack survival rates will only improve if more bystanders know CPR and the use of devices to shock the heart increases.
Read more >
The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right Atul Gawande
Autism Clusters Around the Highly Educated, Study FindsAlice G. Walton
Autism appears to be more common among the children of the well-educated. But is this just the result of more frequent diagnosis?
Read more >
Researchers Harness the Power of Pomegranate to Fight Hospital InfectionsAlice G. Walton
An ointment made of pomegranate rind and metal salts successfully combated MRSA, a notoriously hard-to-treat staph infection.
Read more >
Prescribing Medication Safely for ChildrenEsther Entin, M.D.
Warnings about the effects of prescription drugs on children are often not reported accurately...
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Watching TV May Shorten Your LifeNeil Wagner
Spending too much time sitting in front of the TV or computer, rather than moving, raises the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Read more >
Nanosensors May Detect Cancers Sooner, Finds StudyAlice G. Walton
The search is on to develop nanosensors that would detect biomarkers in blood or sputum to catch cancers early.
Read more >
Unnecessary CT Scans and Excessive Radiation Raise Cancer RiskNeil Wagner
CT scans have benefits, but they also have some very real cancer risks.
Read more >
Why Does Health Care Cost So Much?Maxwell J. Mehlman, J.D.
Americans' health care costs more than anywhere else in the world. Why?
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Texting and Driving Don't MixNeil Wagner
You should NEVER text while driving. You are six times more likely to crash.
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Fight Global Warming (and Get Healthier)Neil Wagner
Road traffic, by car and bus, accounts for about three-quarters of all travel-related carbon dioxide.
Read more >
A Reminder for New Year's Eve: Coffee Does Not Sober You UpNeil Wagner
Coffee does not sober you up. In fact, it may impair judgment further.
Read more >
Pneumonia Risk Higher Among Flu SufferersNeil Wagner
People who have had the flu are more susceptible to additional infections, such as pneumonia.
Read more >
High Blood Sugar During Pregnancy: When and Why Should It Be Treated?Esther Entin, M.D.
High blood sugar during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, is a major health risk for mother and babies.
Read more >
Where There's Smoke, There's IllnessEsther Entin, M.D.
Secondhand smoke remains a danger to children exposed to it in the home.
Read more >
Acetaminophen Reduces Vaccines' EffectivenessEsther Entin, M.D.
Using acetaminophen to prevent a fever after your child has had a vaccine may end up reducing the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Read more >
Research Suggests Link between Autoimmune Disorders and PesticidesAlice G. Walton
Extended contact with household pesticides such as roach or termite sprays, appears to raise the risk of autoimmune diseases.
Read more >
If the Grass is Greener... People are HealthierEsther Entin, M.D.
Living near green space seems to make people healthier, both mentally and physically.
Read more >
If Doctors Don't Understand Our Health Care System, Who Does?Neil Wagner
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?
Read more >
MRI Scan No Cure for Lower Back PainNeil Wagner
About 90% of all cases of lower back pain show spontaneous improvement within four weeks.
Read more >
Infections in Long-Term Care Facilities: Prevention, Diagnosis, and ManagementLona Mody, M.D., M.Sc.
Millions of infections occur in nursing homes each year, costing billions of dollars.
Read more >
High Quality Day Care: An Escape Route for Children of PovertyEsther Entin, M.D.
Daycare that offers children living in poverty a chance to learn school-readiness skills and exposure to role models helps them keep pace...
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Modestly Successful AIDS Vaccine Results Give Researchers HopeAlice G. Walton
Research 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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Treating Ear Infections: Antibiotics Aren't Always the Best First ChoiceEsther Entin, M.D.
All middle ear infections should be treated immediately with antibiotics.
Read more >
Doctor-Patient Communication: Race MattersNeil Wagner
African American patients tend to have less informative communication with their healthcare providers than do whites. The good news is that patients..
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For This Year's Flu, Experts Say Preventative Measures BetterAlice G. Walton
It'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 LabelingNeil Wagner
There's a natural tendency for patients to want and doctors to prescribe the newest drug, assuming that newer is better.
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"Neither a Borrower Nor a Lender Be:" Medication Sharing Among AdolescentsEsther Entin, M.D.
It is dangerous to share prescription medication. Side effects are common.
Read more >
Four Healthy Behaviors Make Big Impact on Disease RiskAlice G. Walton
Four important lifestyle choices – never smoking, eating healthy, staying trim, and exercising – may cut the risk...
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Antidepressant Nation: A Good Thing?Neil Wagner
Antidepressant use has doubled over the last decade according to a recent study. Is this a good thing or a sign that the drugs are being.
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No Place Like Home: Premature Infants, Socioeconomic Status, and DevelopmentEsther Entin, M.D.
As important as medical intervention is for premature infants, the home environment is just as important.
Read more >
How to Turn Medicalese into Plain EnglishNeil Wagner
Something 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 Neil Wagner
Climate change is perhaps the biggest global health threat today.
Read more >
Revenge of the Cell Phones: Cell Phone ElbowNeil Wagner
Cubital tunnel syndrome, or cell phone elbow, results from the compression of the ulnar nerve.
Read more >
WHO Declares H1N1 PandemicAlice G. Walton
It's official: the World Health Organization has raised the status of the H1N1 or swine flu virus to the highest level.
Read more >
Happiness Doesn't Come from Material, "American Dream"-Type Goals, New Study Finds Alice G. Walton
Being beautiful, rich, and famous doesn't actually equate with being happy. More important are personal growth and social relationships.
Read more >
Nanotechnology: Faster and Better DiagnosesNeil Wagner
It may soon be possible to diagnose many viral and bacterial infections on the spot using a portable device that reads blood or saliva samples.
Read more >
Juices, Soda, Sports Drinks and Tooth Erosion Neil Wagner
Dental erosion initially gives the enamel a smooth and shiny appearance. But there is only so much enamel coating a tooth.
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Drinking Alcohol May Lengthen Life, Ward off Dementia Alice G. Walton
Moderate alcohol consumption, particularly wine, can lengthen life and reduce the risk of dementia.
Read more >
Vaccines: Protecting Individuals, Communities and the World Esther Entin, M.D.
Always check with your child's physician before delaying an immunization.
Read more >
Flu Outbreak: The Early LineNeil Wagner
The current flu outbreak is relatively mild. So what's the worry?
Read more >
Patients' Bill of Rights: All That's Missing is the Sanity Clause Neil Wagner
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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Many Americans Lack Quick Access to Top-Quality Emergency Care Alice G. Walton
Since time is often critical in an emergency, it is important to know whether the ER you are going to is capable of handling...
Read more >
What's Good Health Information?Leslie Carr and Tom Gilbert
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 Neil Wagner
Direct-to-consumer advertising needs to present the benefits of drugs, as well as side effects, so consumers can make decisions with their doctors.
Read more >
Research Reveals Why Winter Is Flu Season Kelli Dunham, RN, BSN
The flu virus appears to survive longest in low humidity, which is why it is more common during the winter.
Read more >
It's Okay for Your Dog to Sleep Around Neil Wagner
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 Neil Wagner
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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Sexually Transmitted Diseases on the Rise, Says CDC Alice G. Walton
Chlamydia can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and lead to female infertility.
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Antibiotics in Vegetables Neil Wagner
The European Union banned the use of antibiotics as a food additive for livestock in 2006, citing health concerns.
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Medicalese Turns Patients' Perception of Common Conditions Into Serious Diseases Neil Wagner
Don't be frightened by "medicalese." Often medical terms aren't as serious as they sound.
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Secondhand Smoke Decreases Fertility in Women, New Study Reports Alice G. Walton
Women who are exposed to secondhand smoke may have more trouble getting pregnant or, once pregnant, have increased chances of miscarriage.
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Risks for Metabolic Syndrome Neil Wagner
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of factors that increases the chance of contracting heart disease, diabetes or stroke.
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Bad Managers Raise Risk of Heart Disease Neil Wagner
Stress at work from a bad boss can increase your risk of heart disease.
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Salmonella Cases Tied to Dog Food Kelli Dunham, RN, BSN
What you feed your pet can have health consequences for you, as the salmonella outbreak shows...
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Gulf War Illness, UnraveledNeil Wagner
Gulf War illness was originally dismissed by many as a psychosomatic illness. Then a cause was found.
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Patients Often Misunderstand Medical Questionnaires, Study FindsAlice G. Walton
Patients often misinterpret or completely misunderstand the medical questionnaires given to them at doctors' offices.
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Diabetes is Real; "Jaws" Is Just a MovieNeil Wagner
Diabetes affects almost every organ in the body, causes severe circulatory problems and greatly increases the risk of heart attack.
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It's a Noisy Planet: Protect Their HearingEsther Entin, M.D.
Loud sounds damage the ear's hair cells, turning a lush "pasture" of these cells into a burned-out wasteland.
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Can Aspirin Help Prevent a First Heart Attack?Neil Wagner
People who have diabetes are two to five times more likely to suffer from heart disease than the general population.
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ER Patients Not Clear On Diagnosis, Treatment or After-CareNeil Wagner
When discharged from the hospital, remember to ask questions.
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Television's Effects on Children's Attention and Play Esther Entin, M.D.
Television distracts children from their own play, interfering with cognitive development.
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Another Reason to Avoid Beef?Neil Wagner
Prions, the proteins that cause mad cow disease, can be transmitted by feces, a new study has found, raising questions about safe disposal..
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Major Key to Viral Latency DiscoveredNeil Wagner
Researchers 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 DogsJordana Bieze Foster
Travelers are better off worrying about more common ailments than exotic diseases.
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10 Ways to Have a Healthy VacationTom Gilbert
Make a list of important health-related items to take along on vacation, including prescription meds and OTC pain relievers.
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Pedometers: Small Changes Make a Big Health DifferenceTish Davidson
Pedometers that unobtrusively clip on a belt can vastly increased the amount of exercise you get in a day.
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Working Out with a SuperbugTom Gilbert
In 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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Virtual Reality Therapy as a Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress DisorderNeil Wagner
A new study of has found a surprising use for virtual reality technology — as a therapeutic method for helping people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
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What Parents Should Know About CoxsackievirusEsther Entin, M.D.
It's summertime and children are gathering on playgrounds and in sandboxes and pools.
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Health IlliteracyTom Gilbert
Only 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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Urban Exercise? Take It InsideTom Gilbert
We have all seen urban runners, skating and bicyclists dodging traffic or paralleling busy roads and highways, and wondered: do the benefits of being in shape outweigh the dangers of breathing all that polluted air? According to medical experts, the answer may well be no.
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The Water's Not So FineTom Gilbert
Next time you decide to take the family to the beach or the local swimming hole — even if your local health department has not issued a health warning — you might want to leave the younger kids at home.
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Greening Cities May Reduce Childhood AsthmaTom Gilbert
The lack of trees in urban areas may be behind the rising rates of asthma there.
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Surgery? Take a NumberTom Gilbert
There already is a shortage of general surgeons.
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U.S. Kids Under-VaccinatedTom Gilbert
From 2003 and 2004, a time when a toddler up to 18 months old should have received about 14 shots of several different vaccines. Today, even more shots are recommended.
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More Autism or More Diagnoses?Tom Gilbert
This is a question that researchers have been struggling with for decades, as developed nations such as the United States have seen an alarming rise in the number of children diagnosed as autistic.
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"Let Me Be Perfectly Vague"Tom Gilbert
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 CandidatesTom Gilbert
Shortly 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 CostsTom Gilbert
Presidential 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?Tom Gilbert
There is one thing all three candidates agree on: too many Americans lack adequate health coverage.
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Cleaning Products and Your Child's LungsTom Gilbert
Using strong cleaning products while pregnant may put your child at risk for breathing problems.
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Seeing It ComingTom Gilbert
Many of us know one or two of the warning signs of heart attack, but few know all the symptoms or have a clear idea of what them.
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Price and the Placebo EffectTom Gilbert
Price 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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U.S. Leads Europe in StrokesTom Gilbert
Mediterranean countries have a lower rate of stroke compared to the US, which may reflect the influence of the "Mediterranean diet."
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Understanding Scientific StudiesTom Gilbert
It is important to know if the information you are gathering on the Web is from a credible source.
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Triglycerides: the New Cholesterol?Tom Gilbert
Triglycerides are a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease and should be routinely monitored.
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Childhood Vaccine Not Linked to AutismTom Gilbert
Do vaccines given to infants and very young children somehow promote autism? This is the idea that researchers have been investigating and parents have been debating since a 1988 study of 12 children suggested such a link, provoking a wave of concern.
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A Super Drug for Super Bugs Tom Gilbert
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 InfectionsLeslie Carr
Recent 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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Cure the Mosquito, Cure MalariaTom Gilbert
In 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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Cars & Childhood Asthma
Some children are genetically predisposed to develop breathing problems when exposed to environmental toxins.
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Low Levels of Air Pollution Can KillTom Gilbert
Even comparatively low levels of air pollution can shorten your life, according to a new British study.
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Carbon Monoxide PoisoningStephen R. Thom, M.D., Ph.D.
Killing Me WarmlyTom Gilbert
According 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 Ideas on Allergies and AsthmaTom Gilbert
Well-intentioned efforts to protect us from our environment may, in fact, have contributed to a modern epidemic of allergies and asthma.
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Rapid Response Key in 1918 Flu PandemicTom Gilbert
The 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 InfectionsTom Gilbert
As many parents can tell you, a small child who is prone to ear infections can make the whole family miserable.
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U.S. Child Health System a Failure?Tom Gilbert
St. Valentine's Gift from MedicareTom Gilbert
Routine screenings can make a big difference in the early detection of aneurysms.
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USA #1 — in Treating HypertensionTom Gilbert
Treating hypertension early may actually save healthcare dollars by avoiding expensive procedures later.
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Heart Failure: Fatter Is Better?Tom Gilbert
There is an obesity paradox in cardiovascular health. Heavier people tend to survive health crises better, but are more at risk.
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Common Drug May Cause Brain Hemorrhage
The rate of brain hemorrhages associated with blood thinning drugs quintupled during the 1990s, according to a new study.
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Echinacea: Can it Make You Sick?Tom Gilbert
When they feel a cold coming on, many people reach for what they believe will be a safe preventative — a tea or capsule containing the herb echinacea.
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A Molecular "Condom" Against AIDSTom Gilbert
While they are certainly better than nothing, traditional latex condoms do an imperfect job of preventing both pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDS.
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HIV's Effect on the Immune System Worse than ThoughtTom Gilbert
People 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 ColdsTom Gilbert
Despite how common they are, colds and flu are the subject of a great many fairytales and misconceptions.
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Vaccine Gives Hay Fever ReliefTom Gilbert
Researchers have successfully used an experimental DNA-based vaccine to protect against ragweed allergies, commonly known as hay fever, after just six injections.
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Preventing Skin Cancer with — a TanTom Gilbert
A recently released study has produced an improved understanding of the process of skin tanning, a breakthrough that may lead to a new way of protecting fair-skinned people from skin cancer.
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America Gets a 'C-' in Hand CleanlinessTom Gilbert
If 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?Tom Gilbert
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 BanTom Gilbert
A 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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Marry — or Die?Tom Gilbert
Contrary to some popular wisdom — and quite a few ancient one-liners — people who never marry appear destined to die younger than married persons.
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No Particulate Place to GoTom Gilbert
Tips to help urban athletes breathe easier.
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Summer Stings and BitesTom Gilbert
Bees, ticks and other summertime afflictions. What to do.
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The Fight Against DiabetesSheryl Merkin, M.S., F.N.P., C.D.E., Sharon Movsas, M.S., R.D., C.D.E. and Joel Zonszein, M.D., C.D.E.
A lack of insulin or an inability to respond to insulin is known as "insulin resistance."
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Influenza and Pandemic Influenza: A PrimerWalter A. Orenstein, M.D.
Consumer-Driven Health Care: Ethical and Legal Pitfalls
With 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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Suicide Assessment, Intervention and PreventionMorton M. Silverman, M.D.
Road Traffic Injuries: Can We Stop A Global Epidemic?Lauren P. Giles, B.A.; Elisabeth S. Hayes, M.B.A.; and Mark L. Rosenberg, M.D., M.P.P.
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 ProblemSassan Farjami, M.D., Ogleh Nesheiwat, M.D., Carol Karmen, M.D., and Robert G. Lerner, M.D.
Sleep disturbances, restlessness, lethargy, memory loss and irritability can be signs of lead poisoning.
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Something Old and Something FluTom Gilbert
Each fall we hear the same arguments for taking the flu vaccine.
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The Best Weapon vs. Diabetes — PreventionTom Gilbert
If you understand your risk for diabetes, you have the motivation you need to change your lifestyle.
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Sepsis and Its ComplicationsTom Gilbert
Every minute of every day, two people die from sepsis in the United States.
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Killer Showers?Tom Gilbert
Researchers find a link between showers and cancer, clear evidence shows the transfer of THM's from shower water into the blood.
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Public Health and Bioterrorism: Learning the Lessons of the Anthrax AttacksRichard E. Dixon, M.D., and David J. Sencer, M.D., M.P.H.
Burns: From Treatment to PreventionMartin J. Carey, M.D.
Water heaters should be set below 120oF (49oC) to avoid scald injuries.
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Giant Cell ArteritisPeter Barland, M.D.
Always taper off steroid medications slowly, otherwise you risk upsetting the body's natural hormone production.
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To Sydney and BeyondMartin J. Carey, M.D.
If 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?Martin J. Carey, M.D.
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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Violence and Inner-City Kids
Think of how rattled you might be if you lived in constant fear of a gun going off.
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Drowning and Near-Drowning: Prevention and TreatmentDipak Chandy, M.D.
If swimming or boating, avoid all drugs and alcohol.
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Low Cholesterol and Heart ProblemsTom Gilbert
You cannot depend on your cholesterol level alone to indicate heart disease.
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Asthma in the Inner City: An Unnecessary Epidemic?Tom Gilbert
Asthma is under-diagnosed among inner city middle school children and may require rethinking our social priorities.
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The Human Genome Project: What It Means for YouJames R. Lupski, M.D., Ph.D.
A 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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