OHSU Health Information Newsletters
Newsletters
3 Potential New Tactics for Preventing Diabetes
If you like to follow the latest trends, here's one you should skip: More Americans are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This serious disease already affects nearly 26 million people in the U.S. Fortunately, you can do a lot to protect yourself. Proven tactics include regular exercise and a healthy diet. Recent research also points to three other possible ways to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
4 Heart-Related Conditions You Can Work to Prevent
Here's a heart-stuttering statistic: Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from heart disease. Many of those deaths could be prevented. How? Start with being better informed about what it takes to keep your heart healthy. Below are four common heart-related conditions and tips on preventing them.
4 Nutrients for a Healthy Colon
Mom's chicken soup, cheese tamales, bread pudding - we all have our favorite foods. Unfortunately, what we like to eat isn't always good for our bodies. Consider colorectal cancer. Certain risk factors for the disease, such as being older than age 50 or having a family history, you can't avoid. But you may be able to keep your colon healthy by eating better. Try adding these four nutrients to your favorites list.
A Diet Good for Head and Heart
< Feb. 15, 2012 > -- A Mediterranean diet is good for your heart - and now it looks like it may also be good for your brain.
A Healthy Diet Still One of the Best Defenses Against Heart Attack
Suffering a heart attack is often a life-changing event. For a survivor, it may mean a lifestyle overhaul, such as exercising more and eating better. These changes can be hard to make - but are often crucial. People who have a heart attack are at a higher risk for having another one. A heart-healthy diet may be one of the best defenses against such a recurrence.
A Healthy Heart Can Help Prevent Erectile Dysfunction
Since the commercial success of drugs such as Viagra and Cialis, more men feel comfortable talking with their doctors about erectile dysfunction (ED). That's particularly good news for their hearts. Research has shown that ED may be a harbinger of future heart problems.
A Mammogram Is Still Important
Over the last decade, more Americans have been dismissing cancer screenings, including mammograms. Why? Experts suspect this drop may partly be because of the confusion surrounding screening guidelines. Despite this uncertainty, mammograms remain a valuable tool in fighting breast cancer.
AAP Issues Safety Guidelines for Cheerleading
< Oct. 24, 2012 > -- The number of injuries from cheerleading has increased steadily over the last 20 years, a trend that has prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics to urge that the activity be designated a sport.
Acupuncture Really Does Offer Pain Relief
< Sep. 12, 2012 > -- Although acupuncture is still not widely accepted among doctors in the U.S., a new analysis of previous research found that it does work to relieve chronic pain.
ADHD into Adulthood Raises Risk for Health Problems
< Dec. 12, 2012 > -- Trouble concentrating, constantly moving, often interrupting others-these are some of the common signs of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This condition may affect more than 7 percent of school-aged children. For those who suffer from ADHD into adulthood, a new study finds they may be at a higher risk for physical and mental health problems.
Aisle Seat Better for Preventing Blood Clots
< Feb. 08, 2012 > -- Next time you book a flight, you might want to pick an aisle seat instead of one next to the window.
Americans' Lifespan Has Lengthened Markedly
< Mar. 14, 2012 > -- If it seems that more people are reaching the centennial mark, you're right. Over the last 75 years in the U.S., the risk of dying at any given point in time has fallen by 60 percent.
Americans Need to Learn More about Antibiotics
Do antibiotics cure the common cold? If you answered yes, you've got good company in being wrong. A recent poll found that many Americans don't know enough about antibiotics and their proper use.
Asthma Cases on the Upswing
Asthma continues to be a major health problem in the U.S., with the rate of new asthma cases increasing by almost 15 percent between 2001 and 2010, the says in a new report.
Autism Signs Not Apparent in First Year
< Oct. 31, 2012 > -- Infants who go on to develop autism by age 3 are remarkably similar to babies without autism in the first few months of life, a new study says.
Better Communication with Doctor Improves Medication Use
< Jan. 09, 2013 > -- Medication works best when it's taken properly. But many of us sometimes have trouble doing so. Maybe you're unsure about taking a certain drug with another prescription. Or perhaps you don't know how long you should keep popping that pill. A recent study suggests part of the problem may be how well you and your doctor are communicating.
Beware: Toddlers Toting Pacifier or Bottle
Children just learning to walk (or run) can sustain an injury if they fall with a pacifier, bottle, or sippy cup in hand. According to a nationwide survey, most injuries are cuts to the mouth.
Beyond Bone Health: The Power of Vitamin D
A simple glass of milk can do a lot for your health. Thanks to the "Got Milk" campaign, many women know that it packs a healthy punch of calcium and vitamin D - two nutrients critical for strong bones. But did you know vitamin D may be beneficial beyond bone health? Ongoing research suggests it may have some truly potent powers.
Binge Drinking: A Woman’s Health Concern
Many women drink alcohol - whether it's to celebrate a special event or maybe to relax with friends. An occasional drink usually isn't a concern. Moderate amounts of alcohol may even protect against coronary heart disease. More excessive drinking, though - like binge drinking - can lead to serious health problems.
Breast Cancer May Be More Deadly for Some Women
Breast cancer doesn't discriminate. Women of all ages, races, and ethnicities - men, too - can develop it. For some women, though - in particular, African-Americans - breast cancer can be more deadly. Many factors play a role in this disparity. Fortunately, by being proactive about breast health, women can help protect themselves from this disease.
Cadmium Exposure May Boost Breast Cancer Risk
Cadmium can find its way into the diet via fruits and vegetables grown in soils fertilized with products containing the toxic metal. In the body, cadmium may mimic the effects of estrogen, raising the risk for certain breast cancers.
Calcium and Vitamin D Risky for Prostate Cancer
Even though men using hormone treatment for prostate cancer are at risk for osteoporosis, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may boost their risk for heart disease and aggressive prostate cancer.
Cancer Risk Higher with Mental Illness
People who have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder appear to have more than a two-fold higher risk for cancer.
Circumcision May Lower Risk for Prostate Cancer
In the continuing debate over the need for circumcision in infants, a new study reports that men who have prostate cancer are less likely to be circumcised.
Coffee Brews Up Skin Cancer Protection
< Jul. 04, 2012 > -- Keep slathering on the sunscreen this summer, but have a glass of iced coffee handy, as well. A new study says that caffeine may lower your risk for a certain type of skin cancer.
Colonoscopy Isn’t First Choice for Many
< Apr. 11, 2012 > -- Given the option of having a stool test or a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer, most people would go with the stool test.
Deadly 'Choking Game' Appeals to Young Teens
< Apr. 18, 2012 > -- Many more young teens take part in the "choking game," a potentially lethal activity, than experts had thought.
Death Rate from Hepatitis C on the Rise
< Feb. 22, 2012 > -- The number of deaths from hepatitis C is on the upswing in the U.S., and the trend is likely to continue because many people infected with the virus don't know they have it.
Deaths from Diabetes Make Sharp Drop
Fewer Americans with diabetes are dying from heart disease and stroke, according to a new government report. The lower death rates are the result of healthier lifestyles and better disease management.
Defeat the Pattern of Male-Pattern Baldness
Hair loss is a topic most men don't want to discuss. Yet it affects more than two-thirds of them by age 35. Nearly 85 percent of men will have thinning hair by age 50.
Depression May Raise Risk for Early Death in Stroke Survivors
< Jan. 16, 2013 > -- It's normal to feel a little blue from time to time. But when feelings of sadness take over, it may be depression, a serious mental health condition that can affect all aspects of a person's life . For people who have suffered a stroke, depression may be especially harmful. A new study suggests stroke survivors who develop depression may die sooner.
Diabetes and Depression: A Troubling Connection
How you feel physically can certainly influence how you feel mentally - and vice-versa. A prime example of that connection is diabetes and depression. Ongoing research suggests that people with either health condition are at higher risk of developing the other. By themselves, diabetes and depression can be hard to deal with. Together, they can seriously affect your overall health.
Diabetes Prevention: Aggressively Treat Prediabetes
About 70 percent of people with prediabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes. But researchers say that making lifestyle changes and/or taking medication can do a lot to stop that progression.
Diabetes Prevention: It’s All in the Family
Every family passes something down - your grandmother's wedding band, Uncle Joe's lucky tackle box, an older brother's clothes. Did you know you can even pass down a tendency to develop diabetes? Family history is one of the leading risk factors for this serious disease. And it isn't all in the genes. Lifestyle plays a decisive role, too.
Dietary Preferences Tied to Age, Race, and Location
Researchers trying to tease out dietary reasons for stroke risk have found that Americans follow one of five distinct dietary patterns, based on age, race, and where they live.
Do Larger Infants Raise Breast Cancer Risk?
Women who give birth to large infants may be 2.5 times more likely to develop breast cancer than women who give birth to the smallest babies.
Early Menopause Affects Heart Disease Risk
Women who go through menopause before age 46 may double their risk for heart disease and stroke, new research says.
Easing Your Concerns About a Prostate Exam
Visiting your doctor may not always be the most pleasant experience, especially if you need to have a digital rectal exam, or DRE. Like the Pap test for women, a DRE makes many men feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Knowing more about this common procedure can ease your concerns and help you prepare for your first - or subsequent - DRE.
Eat More Legumes for Better Diabetes Control
If you have type 2 diabetes, you probably already know that you need to keep a close eye on what you eat. Certain foods can affect how well you manage your condition. A recent study suggests people with diabetes should try adding more legumes to their diet. Researchers found that eating more of them may lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
E-Cigarettes: A Safer Source of Nicotine?
Anyone who has tried to quit smoking knows it can entail herculean efforts. Withdrawal symptoms from nicotine and constant cravings for a cigarette cause many smokers to quit on quitting. Some smokers may be tempted to try electronic cigarettes - or e-cigarettes. They may sound like a healthier option. But these devices may be no safer than traditional cigarettes.
Energy Drinks: Not a Good Choice for Children
They're labeled with compelling names, such as Monster Energy and Rockstar. X-Game athletes sport their brands on jackets and hats. Energy drinks exude an ethos that attracts many children and young adults. Although these beverages may be considered cool, they're not a healthy choice for your child.
Exercise: Good Preventive ‘Medicine’ for Diabetes
< Aug. 08, 2012 > -- Exercise should be your mantra whether you have diabetes or want to prevent it.
Experts Voice Concern Over Synthetic ‘Pot’ Use in Teens
< Mar. 21, 2012 > -- Synthetic marijuana can be much stronger than the real stuff - so much so that a growing number of teens are ending up in the emergency room.
Fast Before Cholesterol Test? Study Says No
< Nov. 14, 2012 > -- The next time you need a routine blood test to check your cholesterol, you may not need to fast beforehand.
FDA Bans Chemical from Infant Bottles and Cups
The has officially banned bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles and sippy cups, which should help ease parents' worries about the controversial chemical.
Few U.S. Moms Breastfeed as Planned
< Jun. 06, 2012 > -- Most pregnant women say they plan to breastfeed their baby, but when it comes to actually doing so, fewer than a third of them met their breastfeeding goal of three months or more.
Fewer Women Than Men Meet Exercise Goal
U.S. women are less likely than their male counterparts to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, the recommended minimum. This raises their odds for health problems like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Fighting Breast Cancer: The Latest Treatment Techniques
Women diagnosed with breast cancer today have more treatment options available to them than ever before. And scientists continue to make advancements. Coupled with better screening tests that help with diagnosis, newer treatments have helped to reduce the risk of dying from this disease over the last 30-plus years. Below are some of the latest ways doctors are bringing the fight to breast cancer.
Flame Retardants May Affect Kids’ Development
The family's well-worn couch. Grandpa's favorite old chair. Of all the things parents may worry about, these items probably don't make the list. But according to a new study, maybe they should, particularly if they contain flame retardants. Furniture, carpet, electronics, and other products that are made with such chemicals may increase a child's risk for developmental problems. Exposure to them may lead to a lower IQ, inattention, and coordination troubles.
Folic Acid Supplements Don’t Affect Your Risk for Cancer
< Jan. 30, 2013 > -- Many of us get enough folic acid - a type of B vitamin - from the foods we eat. But some people may need to take a folic acid supplement. There has been some concern that such supplements may increase a person's risk for cancer. But the findings from a new research review found no such cancer connection.
For Type 2 Diabetes, Fish Oil Offers No Heart Protection
< Jun. 13, 2012 > -- If you have type 2 diabetes and take fish oil supplements to prevent heart disease, they aren't providing much help, a new study says.
Fried Meat May Boost Prostate Cancer Risk
How a man cooks his dinner may affect his risk for prostate cancer. Pan-frying red meat at high temperatures creates cancer-causing chemicals, something that doesn't happen when meat is broiled or grilled.
Gene Raises Risk for Pancreatitis in Men Who Drink
Genetics can play a role in whether you develop certain diseases. Think heart disease. Your risk for this condition is higher if you have a family history of it. A new study suggests that genetics may also up the risk for chronic pancreatitis in some men. Those who have a specific gene face a higher risk for this disorder, particularly if they drink a lot.
Give Your Child an Academic Boost—Exercise!
Keeping your child active may not always be easy. Children may be more interested in video games, YouTube videos, or the latest episode of . But regular physical activity can help curb childhood obesity, an epidemic that affects more than 12 million U.S. kids. Urging your child to move more has other benefits, too. It may even improve academic performance.
Good News, Bad News About Americans’ Health
< Jun. 20, 2012 > -- Fewer Americans are smoking, but plenty are still overweight or obese, according to the latest survey on the nation's health.
Groups Say Sweeteners OK for Dieters
< Jul. 11, 2012 > -- You now have the official go-ahead to pick a diet soda over a regular one, or add an artificial sweetener to your coffee.
Healthy Vaginal Bacteria Unique to Each Woman
A healthy vagina depends on the right balance of microorganisms - but new research has found that this balance differs from woman to woman. This may help tailor treatment for vaginal infections.
Hearing Loss May Be Linked to Diabetes
< Nov. 21, 2012 > -- Diabetes is a disease that can affect your whole body. It raises your risk for conditions such as heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness. A new research review supports the likelihood of another complication from the disease: hearing loss.
Heart Association Severs ‘Link’ Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
A new (AHA) statement debunks a century-old belief that untreated gum disease leads to heart disease or stroke. The AHA says no convincing evidence exists proving the tie.
Hip, Knee Replacement Raises Heart Attack Risk
< Jul. 25, 2012 > -- Getting a new hip or knee is an increasingly common procedure in the U.S., but a new study warns that people who have these surgeries have a 30 times greater chance of a heart attack within two weeks afterward.
Hispanics and Type 2 Diabetes Risk
As an ethnic group, Hispanic/Latino Americans are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found one reason: Hispanic/Latino Americans are more likely to store fat in their pancreas but less able to produce more insulin to compensate for this extra fat.
Hormone Combo in Contraception Boosts Heart Risk
Women who use birth control products that contain a combination of estrogen and progestin may double their risk for heart attack and stroke.
HPV Test Better Predictor for Long-Term Cancer Risk
< Aug. 01, 2012 > -- The human papillomavirus (HPV) test may be better at helping women know their long-term risk for cervical cancer than the more traditional Pap test - but both tests are still important, new research says.
HPV Vaccine Doesn’t Change Sexual Behavior, Study Says
< Oct. 17, 2012 > -- Getting vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) doesn't encourage girls to become sexually active, a new study says.
Injuries Jump Along with Bounce House Popularity
< Nov. 28, 2012 > -- They range in design from castles to desert islands to birthday cakes, but the object of these inflatables is the same: Give kids a fun place to bounce. Researchers caution, though, that too often children end up injured.
Insomnia Exacts a High Price on the Job
< Oct. 03, 2012 > -- If you struggle with insomnia, you may not nod off at your desk at work, but sleepiness on the job might lead you to make errors you would catch if you were fully rested.
Large Jump in Imaging Scans Since 1996
Many more imaging scans are done these days, greatly boosting the amount of radiation that patients receive and raising questions about overuse of these imaging methods, a new analysis concludes.
Larger Waist Size Boosts Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death
People with a "spare tire" around their middle are at increased odds for sudden cardiac death, especially if they are obese.
Lasting Effects of Parents' Squabbles
Kindergarteners whose parents fight with each other frequently and harshly are more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and behavior issues by middle school, a new study says.
Lifetime Risk for Heart Disease Is High
< Nov. 07, 2012 > -- Even if you have no risk factors for cardiovascular disease, you may still be at increased risk for it, a new study says.
Longer Commutes Drive Up Health Risks
< May. 09, 2012 > -- How long is your daily commute? If you drive at least 10 miles to work, you may be putting yourself at risk for high blood pressure. More than 15 miles? Your risk for obesity increases.
Make Sure Your Kids’ Vaccinations Are Current
< Aug. 22, 2012 > -- With schools across the country about to reopen for the fall, one item to add to your back-to-school list is a check on your children's immunizations: Are they up-to-date?
Make Trampolines Off-Limits, AAP Says
< Sep. 26, 2012 > -- Trampolines can cause serious injuries, and parents should not encourage their children to play on them, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) confirmed this week.
Mammography Pluses Top Any Harms
For older women, the benefits of getting a mammogram every two years outweigh potential harms, researchers say.
Many Hospital Tests Ordered Don’t Get Read
< Aug. 15, 2012 > -- Doctors who order tests on patients who are about to be discharged from the hospital often fail to look at the results, either before or after the patient goes home, a new study says.
Many Kids in Cars Still Not Restrained Properly
A new study found that despite AAP guidelines on car safety, few youngsters are placed in the proper safety seats after age 1, and that many over age 6 sit in the front passenger seat.
Many People with Type 2 Diabetes Are in Pain
Nearly half of people with type 2 diabetes say they live with acute and chronic pain, and about a quarter have nerve damage, fatigue, and depression. A new study suggests that palliative care should be a normal part of diabetes management.
Medication Mix-ups Common in Heart Patients
Half of people in the hospital for a heart attack or heart failure make a mistake with their medications within a month of going home. This is true even among people who get counseling and guidance from a pharmacist.
Menopause Boosts Belly Fat, Study Says
A commonly held belief is that weight gain during menopause is inevitable. New research suggests otherwise. A recent review of available data on this life change found that menopause doesn't cause weight gain. But it may move fat to your middle.
Mixed Reviews on Alcohol Use by Women
Alcohol can be both a benefit and a danger to women, according to two recent studies. The key seems to be in knowing when it's appropriate to drink and how much alcohol is considered safe.
Moderate Drinking Linked to Heart Rhythm Problem
When it comes to your heart, you can do a lot to keep it healthy. For instance, you can stop smoking and exercise more. Past research has also shown that an occasional drink may boost heart health. But older people with cardiovascular disease or diabetes may want to reconsider how much they drink. A recent study found that even moderate drinking for these people may raise their risk for atrial fibrillation.
More Children Missing Recommend Vaccines
< Jan. 23, 2013 > -- Vaccinations have helped stem and even stop the spread of serious childhood diseases, such as measles and polio. They continue to be one of the best tools parents have to keep their children healthy. Yet, a new study suggests that too few U.S. children younger than age 2 are receiving all the shots they need.
More Eye Injuries Seen with Robotic Prostate Surgery
More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Newer treatment options are improving care. But they have risks, too. A recent study found that men who have a type of surgery called robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy may have a higher risk for eye injuries.
More Women Face Mental Illness
You may pay more attention to your physical health than how you feel mentally. Like any physical ailment, though, conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse can tax your body. More than 45 million Americans struggle with a mental health problem, and many of them are women. Knowing more about mental illness, including the warning signs, can help keep your body - and mind - healthy.
More Youths Abuse Painkillers
Talking with your child about drug abuse is important. It helps to keep him or her healthy. But did you know you should cover prescription painkillers in that chat? A new study points to why.
Moving Toward a Blood Test for Breast Cancer
Researchers are looking closer at a blood test that assesses changes in a certain gene's DNA. The test may one day be able to predict who's at risk for breast cancer years before it develops.
New Guidelines Issued on Migraine Prevention
< Apr. 25, 2012 > -- The blinding pain of a migraine headache can often be prevented, but many migraine sufferers apparently haven't gotten the message.
New Strategy May Find Heart Attacks Quickly
Millions of Americans end up in the ER each year with chest pain, and doctors need to know as soon as possible if that chest pain means a heart attack. A common blood test may be able to provide a definitive answer within an hour.
New Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Guidelines Issued
New guidelines on treating type 2 diabetes emphasize a patient-centered approach and say that treatment often requires a personalized, multi-pronged therapy. The guidelines also lower the target for A1C from 7 to between 6 and 6.5.
Obesity Epidemic Drives Dramatic Rise in Diabetes
More and more Americans are becoming obese. A wider waist increases their risk for heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. A new government report found this obesity epidemic is also tied to another troubling health trend. It's spurring a spike in type 2 diabetes.
Older Men at Higher Risk for Melanoma
Most men still think that sun exposure is good for their health and don't bother with UV protection. But that behavior puts them at risk for melanoma as they grow older.
On the Rise: More Babies Born Addicted to Painkillers
< May. 02, 2012 > -- The number of newborns addicted to opiate medications has tripled since 2000, a new study says.
On-Screen Smoking, Drinking Influence Teen Behavior
The more smoking and drinking that young teens see in movies, the more likely they are to start smoking or binge drink, according to a pair of new studies.
Organic Food Offers No Advantage in Nutrition
< Sep. 05, 2012 > -- If you buy organic food because you think it's more nutritious, you might want to save your money. New research found no consistent differences in vitamin content or health benefits between organic and conventional foods.
Pain Relievers May Raise Risk for 2nd Heart Attack
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers after a heart attack may raise your risk for a second heart attack, even several years afterward, a new study says.
Panel Confirms Risks of Hormone Therapy
< May. 30, 2012 > -- After looking at more than a decade's worth of studies on hormone therapy, an expert panel says that women shouldn't take estrogen or progestin to help prevent disease.
Panel Nixes Supplements for Bone Health
The (USPSTF) says that older women should not take low doses of calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent fractures. The panel is still weighing what to recommend on higher supplement doses.
Panel Urges Obesity Screening for All Adults
< Jun. 27, 2012 > -- If your doctor takes time to figure out your body mass index (BMI) the next time you're in for an office visit, don't be surprised. This week, a national advisory panel issued new guidelines calling for across-the-board obesity screening for adults.
Panel Withdraws Support of Prostate Cancer Test
< May. 23, 2012 > -- A blood test that screens for prostate cancer got the cold shoulder this week from a national advisory panel.
Patient Service Helps Spot Cancer Early
Early diagnosis is crucial in fighting breast cancer. It often leads to faster treatment and a better chance of survival. That's where a service called "patient navigation" may fit in. A recent study shows this service may shorten the time to diagnosis.
Pediatrics Group Confirms Benefits of Circumcision
< Aug. 29, 2012 > -- Circumcision can help prevent certain diseases and conditions, but parents should still be able to choose whether their infant boys should have the procedure.
Pick Up Your Walking Speed to Boost Your Health
< Oct. 10, 2012 > -- Which do you prefer - a casual stroll around the block or a vigorous walking workout? If you want to help prevent metabolic syndrome, often a precursor for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, you should go with choice No. 2.
Preventing Teen Dating Abuse
The teen years can be an exciting and anxious time for your child - and you. One of the more nerve-wracking moments may be your child's dating. It's natural for a parent to worry. You want to keep your child safe. Knowing about the dangers of teen dating violence can help you prevent it and, if needed, identify such abuse.
Protecting Older Family Members from Financial Abuse
It can be hard to discuss money matters with older family members. Many of us may prefer to avoid such a sticky subject entirely. This reluctance can make it easy to overlook a potentially serious problem: financial abuse. It's a type of elder abuse, which affects more than 5 million older adults each year. And experts believe it's becoming more common.
PSA Test May Help Some Men
An expert panel says that men with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should talk with their doctor about getting a PSA test for prostate cancer. This recommendation comes in response to a federal group's recent advice against PSA screening.
Radiation Treatment in Childhood Boosts Breast Cancer Risk
Girls who get radiation therapy to the chest to treat cancer are at higher risk for breast cancer by the time they turn 50, a new study says.
Respiratory Symptoms Wax and Wane with Period
You're likely familiar with the changes your body goes through each menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels rise as your body prepares for ovulation. Then they fall before your period. This flux in hormones can trigger fatigue, breast tenderness, and other symptoms. A new study suggests these hormonal changes may also affect breathing problems like coughing or shortness of breath. The findings may be especially helpful for women with asthma.
Say 'No' to Foodborne Illness
You probably wouldn't consider a fresh spinach salad bad for your health. After all, spinach is packed with nutrients like fiber and potassium. But a recent government report found that such leafy green vegetables are the most common culprits of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. Don't toss out that salad just yet, though. You can do a lot to prevent food poisoning.
Screening for Heart Disease in Women
< Mar. 28, 2012 > -- Women at risk for heart disease don't always realize it, and a new study suggests the perfect person to help assess that risk: the OB/GYN.
Shoppers Who Read Food Labels Are Slimmer
If you read food labels while you shop for groceries, you may have taken an important step toward maintainging a healthy weight. A new study found that people - especially women - who check food labels at the supermarket are thinner than people who don't.
Shred Those Slopes Safely—with a Helmet
< Dec. 05, 2012 > -- If falling snow has you yearning for the slopes, don't forget to take your helmet. A new study confirms that wearing one while skiing or snowboarding is the best way to protect yourself from a serious head injury. Such simple safety equipment may even save your life.
Side Effects Linger After Breast Cancer Treatment
In a study that followed breast cancer patients after treatment, more than 60 percent had at least one treatment-related complication up to six years after diagnosis. Thirty percent had at least two complications.
Sleep Habits May Affect Brain Function
< Jul. 18, 2012 > -- Too little or too much sleep may make your brain age more quickly, a new study says.
Sleep Problems May Affect Kids’ Behavior
< Mar. 07, 2012 > -- Snoring can disrupt sleep, and when that disruption happens in kids, they can develop behavioral problems.
Sleeping Pills Tied to Higher Risk for Death, Cancer
< Feb. 29, 2012 > -- Many people have occasional problems getting to sleep, but if you routinely take sleeping pills, you may be at higher risk for premature death or certain types of cancer.
Sleepwalking a Common Phenomenon in Adults
< May. 16, 2012 > -- Taking a late-night stroll is one thing - doing it while asleep is another thing entirely. Yet more people than researchers expected are affected by sleepwalking.
Some Signs of Aging Linked to an Unhealthy Heart
The old adage "You should never judge a book by its cover" may not hold up when it comes to your heart. Researchers recently reported that people with certain physical features related to aging, such as a receding hairline, may have unhealthier hearts.
Statins May Lower Cancer Risk, Too
If you have high cholesterol, chances are your doctor has prescribed you a type of medication called a statin. By lowering cholesterol, these pills help prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. Some research suggests statins may also play a surprising role in preventing another major health condition. They may lower your risk for cancer.
Staying Active May Lower Alzheimer’s Risk
Older adults who putter in the garden or around the house may be less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than retirees who spend their time on more sedentary activities.
Stroke Risk Much Higher in African-Americans with Hypertension
< Dec. 19, 2012 > -- Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. For African-Americans, the condition can be especially hard on the heart. A new study finds that uncontrolled high blood pressure may greatly increase this group's risk for stroke, particularly in those ages 45 to 64.
Strong Social Ties May Help Women Survive Cancer
Learning you have breast cancer can be overwhelming. Many women face hard decisions about their care. A new study indicates that having a strong social network may help women better cope with a breast cancer diagnosis. In particular, it may boost their odds of survival.
Study Finds Obesity ‘Switch’ Surgery More Effective
< Sep. 19, 2012 > -- Weight-loss surgery can help people who are severely obese shed the extra pounds, but one type of surgery seems to work better than others at keeping off the weight.
Study Suggests Change in Radiation Guidelines in Older Women
An older woman who has radiation therapy after a lumpectomy may lower her need for a mastectomy later on, a new study says. Yet current guidelines recommend that older breast cancer patients not have radiation.
Study: Better Method Needed to Assess Body Fat
< Apr. 04, 2012 > -- Women who calculate their body mass index (BMI) to figure out if they are obese may be missing the mark.
Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tied to Heart Disease
Men who drink one 12-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage a day have a 20 percent higher risk for heart disease than those who don't drink any sugar-sweetened beverages, a new study says.
The Tipping Point for Head Trauma
The greater number of head blows that boxers and other combat athletes absorb, the greater their risk for brain damage and other complications.
The Total-Body Toll of Obesity
Many Americans realize that obesity is more than a cosmetic concern. A recent poll found that 78 percent knew that obesity can raise the risk for heart disease. Seventy percent recognized a link with diabetes. But what about high blood pressure? Cancer? Arthritis? When asked about obesity’s effects on the body, fewer people mentioned such consequences.
To Your Health! A Year-End List Worth Saving
< Dec. 26, 2012 > -- Humans seem to love lists-the top 10 Caribbean beaches, the five best coffee shops in your neighborhood, the interminable weekend to-do list. Here's another one to pique your interest: Below are some of the most compelling health stories of the year. Perhaps they will inspire you to live healthier this coming year.
To Your Health! A Year-End List Worth Saving
< Jan. 02, 2013 > -- Need help deciding on a New Year's resolution? Below are six more health stories from the past year that may encourage you to make a healthy change.
Too Few Women Seek Testing for Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S., and one that can lead to infertility if it's not treated. Yet only about a third of sexually active young women are tested for it, the says.
Too Much Sitting Can Harm Your Health
If you spend a lot of time sitting every day, you may be harming your health, even if you exercise. A recent review of 18 studies with nearly 800,000 participants found a link between sedentary living and overall health.
Treating Sleep Apnea May Help Men’s Sex Life
Younger men who have sleep apnea often also have erectile dysfunction. But researchers say that treating the sleep disorder has a side benefit: It may boost sexual performance.
U.S. Kids’ Diet Too Salty for Their Health
The average child or teen in the U.S. consumes nearly 3,400 mg of sodium each day - or more than 1,000 mg above the recommended maximum. Some researchers say that high salt intake is what's driving an increase in high blood pressure among kids.
Weighing the Benefits of New Diabetes Technology
Newfangled devices make it easier than ever to monitor blood sugar, but an analysis of more than 30 studies suggests that newer isn't necessarily better in terms of blood sugar control.
White Rice May Raise Risk for Diabetes
One way to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes may be to switch from white rice to brown rice. According to a recent study, the more white rice you eat, the more you increase your chances of developing diabetes, especially if you're a woman.
Why Some People Get Cold Feet
Folk wisdom links cold hands and feet with a warm heart. But that wisdom also refers to the natural process in which the body slows or reduces circulation to the hands and feet in order to boost blood flow and warmth for the internal organs in response to cold conditions.
Women and Heart Disease: Sometimes a Difficult Diagnosis
Heart disease trumps all other diseases, including cancer, as the number one cause of death for American women. Partly, that's because women may suffer from less recognized heart attack symptoms. The condition may also affect a woman's body differently, making it harder to diagnose. Read on to learn more about the dangers of heart disease.
Working Moms Say They Are Healthier
Working full time seems to boost both mental and physical health for women who are mothers, compared with women who stay at home or work part time.
Young Teens Getting Too Many Rays
Children as young as 12 and 13 are showing signs of sun-damaged skin, say researchers who used specialized imaging technology to evaluate youngsters' UV exposure. This heavy dose of UV could raise their risk for melanoma skin cancer later in life.
