Zimbabwe dampens cholera fears

Zimbabwe rejects calls for it to declare a state of emergency over a deadly cholera outbreak.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 26 Nov 2008 | 1:09 pm

FDA finds traces of melamine in top-selling U.S. infant formula (AP)

AP - Traces of the industrial chemical melamine have been detected in samples of top-selling U.S. infant formula, but federal regulators insist the products are safe. The Food and Drug Administration said last month it was unable to identify any melamine exposure level as safe for infants, but a top official said it would be a "dangerous overreaction" for parents to stop feeding infant formula to babies who depend on it.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 26 Nov 2008 | 12:49 pm

Encouraging dip in rate of new cancers, deaths (AP)

AP - The rate of new cancer cases finally may be inching down — cautiously optimistic news but a gain that specialists worry could be derailed by economic turmoil.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 26 Nov 2008 | 12:43 pm

Teething drug kills 25 children in Nigeria (AFP)

AFP - Nigeria's food and drug control agency NAFDAC said 25 children have died in the last fortnight after taking a teething mixture discovered to contain a harmful susbstance, local media said Wednesday.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 26 Nov 2008 | 12:07 pm

Distractions 'hit old-age memory'

Mental slowing down in old age can be blamed partly on being more easily distracted, research suggests.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 26 Nov 2008 | 11:19 am

Gazprom says will do best to maintain Ukraine gas

MOSCOW, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom said on Wednesday it will try its best not to switch off gas supplies to Ukraine over gas debts, its spokesman told a conference call.
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsHealth | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:46 am

PKN to pay 50 pct of free cashflow in dividend-CFO

WARSAW, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Poland's oil company PKN Orlen wants to pay at least half of its free cashflow in dividends, its Chief Financial Officer Slawomir Jedrzejczyk told a news conference on its 2009-2013...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsHealth | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:29 am

Indonesia says big market should spur drug makers to invest more

JAKARTA, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Indonesia's huge market for prescription drugs should encourage foreign pharmaceutical firms to set up production plants in the country and comply with a new government decree,...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsHealth | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:21 am

Roche unit files for Avastin extension in Japan

ZURICH, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Chugai Pharmaceutical, a unit of Roche Holding AG , said on Wednesday that it had filed for an extension for the group's block-buster drug Avastin.
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsHealth | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:13 am

Malaysia backs down from yoga ban amid backlash

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's prime minister said Wednesday Muslims should still take up yoga, reversing an outright ban that has drawn widespread protests amid concerns over growing...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsHealth | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:08 am

PKN Orlen sees $1.4 bln in 2009 capex-CFO

WARSAW, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Poland's oil company PKN Orlen plans around 4 billion zlotys ($1.37 billion) in capital expenditure in 2009, its Chief Financial Officer Slawomir Jedrzejczyk said on Wednesday...
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsHealth | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:08 am

UPDATE 2-Naspers H1 dips, eyes expansion

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Africa's biggest media company Naspers Ltd reported a 3.8 percent drop in underlying profits and said it was looking for acquisitions given depressed asset prices
Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsHealth | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:04 am

'Bodyguard' Turned Into Killer In Cancer Cells

If you're a cancer cell, you want a protein called Bcl-2 on your side because it decides if you live or die. It's usually a trusted bodyguard, protecting cancer cells from programmed death and allowing them to grow and form tumors. But sometimes it turns into their assassin. Scientists knew it happened, but they didn't know how to actually cause such a betrayal. Now they do.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

New Research Aims To Better Protect Against Improvised Explosive Devices

Of all the threats facing U.S. soldiers in combat, among the most dangerous are roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IED's). At the 61st Meeting of the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics this week in San Antonio, Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) scientist David Mott presented research aimed at predicting the risk of traumatic brain injury for U.S.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

Shasta Regional Medical Center Awarded Full Accreditation from the Joint Commission

Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsHealth | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

Heart Pumps: High Cost, High Mortality In An Emerging Technology

Ventricular assist devices, or VADs - surgically-placed mechanical pumps that can support failing hearts or buy time to transplant - are associated with high hospital costs and high rates of early death among Medicare recipients, say researchers at Duke University Medical Center.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

AARP Reacts To Reported Barack Obama's Nomination Of Peter Orszag To Head The Office Of Management And Budget

In reaction to reports that President-elect Barack Obama will nominate Congressional Budget Office Director Peter Orszag to head the Office of Management and Budget, AARP spokesperson Jim Dau released the following: "President-elect Obama's selection of Peter Orszag is great news for anyone who cares about fixing our broken health care system.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

Racial Disparities In Breast Cancer Care May Be Reduced By The Implementation Of A Tracking And Feedback Registry

Alerting surgeons when their breast cancer patients did not attend a follow-up consultation with a medical oncologist was associated with a reduction in racial disparities in adjuvant therapy, according to a non-randomized study published in the November 25 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

China Nepstar Chain Drugstore Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results

Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsHealth | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

New Colorectal Module From Simbionix Advances Laparoscopic Cancer Treatment

Source: Infocious RSS raw feed - channel BNewsHealth | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

FDA Approves New Drug To Alleviate Moderate To Severe Pain

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Tapentadol hydrochloride, an immediate-release oral tablet for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain. Tapentadol is a centrally-acting synthetic analgesic that is available in doses of 50 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

Understanding How Oxidative Stress Impairs Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function May Lead To Antioxidant Therapy To Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

Although its been over a decade since endothelial progenitor cells or EPCs, cells that circulate in the blood repairing and replacing the cells that line blood vessels, were identified, the field is still evolving. EPCs are now being studied as biomarkers to assess the risk of future cardiovascular disease and as potential agents for vascular regeneration.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

Sofja Kovalevskaja Award For Dr. Jan-Erik Siemens - Investigating How Mammals Maintain Constant Body Temperature

The biochemist and neurobiologist Dr. Jan-Erik Siemens is one of eight junior researchers to receive this year's Sofja Kovalevskaja Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH).
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

News From The Journal Of The National Cancer Institute, Nov. 25

No Association Between Fat, Protein, and Meat Consumption and Kidney Cancer There is no association between consumption of fat, protein, or meat and kidney cancer, according to a pooled analysis of prospective studies. The incidence of renal cell cancer is increasing worldwide, but the cause of the increase remains obscure.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance Honors Government, Individual, Industry Leaders In Chronic Disease Care

In presentations here today, DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance recognized achievements in chronic disease prevention and care with Population Health Improvement Leadership Awards to corporate, government and individual leaders.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 26 Nov 2008 | 10:00 am

Cancer Rates Drop in the U.S. (Time.com)

Time.com - For the first time in a decade, researchers say cancer rates are falling in the U.S. - at the same time that cancer death rates are also on the decline
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 26 Nov 2008 | 9:15 am

Separation planned for Oklahoma conjoined twins (AP)

AP - A set of 1-month-old girls believed to be the first known American Indian conjoined twins are doing well and will be separated, doctors say.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 26 Nov 2008 | 9:14 am

Young unaware of junk food impact

Most young people in the UK are unaware of the serious damage junk food can do to their health, a survey suggests.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 26 Nov 2008 | 8:37 am

Study Cites Toll of AIDS Policy in South Africa

President Thabo Mbeki’s denial of the scientific consensus about AIDS may have led to the premature deaths of 365,000 people, a new study suggests.


Source: NYT > Health | 26 Nov 2008 | 8:35 am

Researchers Find Poor Use of Pumps for Ailing Hearts

A new study finds high death rates, repeat hospital stays and soaring medical bills in Medicare patients who receive mechanical pumps.


Source: NYT > Health | 26 Nov 2008 | 7:55 am

New Cases of Cancer Decline in the United States

Cancer diagnosis rates have been falling in the U.S., the first time such an extended decline has been documented.


Source: NYT > Health | 26 Nov 2008 | 7:46 am

R u there Dr?

Texts and emails could play a big role in the future NHS
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 26 Nov 2008 | 7:29 am

Vital Statistics: Americans Are Sicker Than They Think, C.D.C. Finds

Americans are not very good at taking care of themselves, a new telephone survey suggests.


Source: NYT > Health | 26 Nov 2008 | 6:59 am

Universal test 'would slash Aids'

Universal testing for HIV, followed by immediate treatment could cut full-blown Aids cases by up to 95%, a study says.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 26 Nov 2008 | 5:12 am

Health Tip: Hide or Get Rid of Excess Hair (HealthDay)

HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- In women, factors such as hormonal changes, diet, illness, or use of certain medications can trigger the growth of excess or unwanted hair.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 26 Nov 2008 | 4:48 am

A Third of Medicare Clients Unfamiliar With Benefits (HealthDay)

HealthDay - TUESDAY, Nov. 25 (HealthDay News) -- How well a person on Medicare understands the program's benefits affects their access to health care, a new study says.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 26 Nov 2008 | 4:48 am

Obesity, lack of exercise reported in asthmatics (Reuters)

Reuters - Study findings suggest less than one quarter of asthmatic adults meet national exercise guidelines and, among this group, obesity may be a greater exercise deterrent actual asthma symptoms.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 26 Nov 2008 | 3:31 am

Trace of melamine found in 1 formula sample

A single sample of infant formula has tested positive for trace amounts of the toxic contaminant melamine, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.
Source: CNN.com - Health | 26 Nov 2008 | 2:56 am

Author heading dementia campaign

Author Terry Pratchett will hand a petition to 10 Downing Street calling for an urgent increase in funding into dementia research.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 26 Nov 2008 | 2:05 am

Stop using 'dearie', nurses told

UK nurses get guidelines warning them that calling older patients "dearie" or "love" is offensive and should stop.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 26 Nov 2008 | 12:58 am

Stop smoking drug concerns raised

Concerns are raised about the safety of a "wonder drug" which is used to help people quit smoking.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 26 Nov 2008 | 12:52 am

Care 'failing the terminally ill'

Terminally ill people and their families are being let down by failings in end of life care, a watchdog says.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 26 Nov 2008 | 12:16 am

Small Differences in Efficacy Among Second-Generation Antipsychotics for Schizophrenia

A meta-analysis examining the efficacy of second-generation antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia shows there are small differences, suggesting other factors, including adverse effects and cost, should be considered in treatment choice.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 25 Nov 2008 | 11:16 pm

Research Center Tied to Drug Company

Documents reveal that a renowned child psychiatrist pushed Johnson & Johnson to finance a research center whose goal was “to move forward the commercial goals of J&J.”


Source: NYT > Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 11:03 pm

Germ alert: Steer clear of flatbed chicken trucks (AP)

AP - You've heard about the chicken that crossed the road. But have you heard the one about the chickens traveling down the road? It's no laughing matter. Crates of chickens being trucked along the highway in the back of an open truck can shoot a bunch of nasty bacteria into the cars behind them, researchers have found.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 25 Nov 2008 | 10:30 pm

Lack of Exercise and Other Bad Behaviors Explain the Link Between Depression and CVD, Study Suggests

Physical inactivity, smoking, and poor adherence to medication probably explain why people with depression are at higher risk of CV events, and not "fancy physiological mediators," investigators for the Heart and Soul Study say.
Heartwire
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 25 Nov 2008 | 10:05 pm

Microsoft Examines Causes of ‘Cyberchondria’

A Microsoft study suggests that self-diagnosis by search engine leads Web searchers to conclude the worst about what ails them.


Source: NYT > Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 10:03 pm

The Evidence Gap: New Arena for Testing of Drugs: Real World

There is a growing movement to gather evidence to explore what treatment is best for typical patients with complex symptoms.


Source: NYT > Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 10:00 pm

Acute Kidney Injury in Elderly May Increase Risk for End-Stage Renal Disease

A cohort study shows that elderly patients with acute kidney injury have an increased risk for end-stage renal disease.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 25 Nov 2008 | 10:00 pm

Inhaled Corticosteroids May Not Reduce Mortality in COPD

A systematic review and meta-analysis show that inhaled corticosteroid therapy does not help reduce all-cause mortality rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 25 Nov 2008 | 10:00 pm

Sepsis Risk Increased in Chronic Kidney Disease Without Dialysis Treatment

Chronic kidney disease not treated with dialysis is associated with an increased risk for bloodstream infection and mortality after community-onset bloodstream infection in older adults.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 25 Nov 2008 | 10:00 pm

Motivational Enhancement Therapy May Be Helpful in Type 1 Diabetes

A randomized controlled trial shows that motivational enhancement therapy added to cognitive behavioral therapy modestly improves control of type 1 diabetes.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 25 Nov 2008 | 10:00 pm

More Research Urgently Needed on Off-Label Use of 14 Drugs

A quantitative analysis identified particular concerns regarding safety of off-label use of antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 25 Nov 2008 | 9:21 pm

Overall Cancer Incidence and Death Rates Fall Significantly in the United States

The latest comprehensive statistics show that the incidence and death rates for all cancers combined are decreasing for both men and women.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 25 Nov 2008 | 9:11 pm

Cancer rates fall, but lung cancer still a problem

Rates of new cancer diagnoses and deaths for U.S. men and women have fallen for the first time, according to a new report from leading cancer and medical research organizations.
Source: CNN.com - Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 9:07 pm

Livers go to sickest, access for blacks improves (AP)

AP - Blacks waiting for a liver transplant used to be more likely to die compared to whites. Now they have the same chance of getting a life-saving organ under a nationwide system that puts the sickest patients first, a new study found.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 25 Nov 2008 | 9:05 pm

Pelvic Lymphadenectomy Does Not Improve Outcomes in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer

Systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy did not improve disease-free or overall survival in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer, but it did improve surgical staging.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 25 Nov 2008 | 9:00 pm

Gefitinib as Effective as Docetaxel in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

A large phase 3 trial shows noninferiority and fewer adverse effects for gefitinib when used as second-line therapy, and prompts a paradigm shift in the treatment of this disease, say researchers.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 25 Nov 2008 | 8:32 pm

Pain is Partly in Your Mind

Pain may not be all in your mind, but some of it seems to be.
Source: Livescience.com - Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 7:39 pm

Controversial study: Breast tumors may regress

Do more frequent mammograms pick up some breast cancer tumors that might have gone away without treatment? Possibly, according to a controversial study published this week in Archives of Internal Medicine. However, experts caution that the research raises an interesting question, but can't definitively answer it.
Source: CNN.com - Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 7:28 pm

Books: Magnificent Medical Miracles, and Everyday Ones, Too

Two new health books go a long way toward explicating medical miracles pursued and those that unfold against all expectations.


Source: NYT > Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 5:54 pm

Vitamins C and E Get an F

Vitamin pills don't ward off cancer and heart disease, and in some cases they make things much worse.
Source: Livescience.com - Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 5:37 pm

Life imitates art: the 'Truman syndrome'

One man showed up at a federal building, asking for release from the reality show he was sure was being made of his life.
Source: CNN.com - Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 3:15 pm

Well: A New Face for A.D.H.D., and a Debate

Attention deficit gets a famous face in Michael Phelps. Is that a good thing?


Source: NYT > Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 2:40 pm

Morning Rounds: Credit Crunch, Online Prescriptions and MSG

Health news from around the Web.


Source: NYT > Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 2:36 pm

What to do when mom doesn't recognize you

On Thanksgiving, millions of Americans will see the changes a year makes in their family: how the children have grown, how relatives have aged. Some will encounter elderly relatives who have Alzheimer's disease, and who may not remember them. Here are some do's and don'ts for how to deal with less-than-ideal family reunions.
Source: CNN.com - Health | 25 Nov 2008 | 2:13 pm

Men guilty over fake penis scam

The makers of a prosthetic penis to help men cheat drugs tests plead guilty to two charges of conspiracy in the US.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 25 Nov 2008 | 12:40 pm