Health and Medical News Headlines for March 25, 2010

Experts: One-third of breast cancer avoidable (AP)

AP - Experts at a scientific conference are saying that up to a third of breast cancer cases in Western countries could be avoided if women ate less and exercised more.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 25 Mar 2010 | 3:58 am

New House vote on US health bill

The House of Representatives must vote again on the US healthcare bill after Republicans find procedural "violations".
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 25 Mar 2010 | 3:53 am

China 'faces diabetes epidemic' (AFP)

AFP - China faces a diabetes epidemic, a new report warned Thursday, with rising obesity levels and an ageing population helping to trigger a major public health problem.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 25 Mar 2010 | 3:29 am

Pharmacy code keeps belief opt-out

UK pharmacists are told they can continue to refuse to prescribe items that might clash with their personal religious beliefs.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 25 Mar 2010 | 3:04 am

Sleep crime

Can you commit murder while sleepwalking?
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 25 Mar 2010 | 2:56 am

G.O.P. Forces New House Vote on Package of Health Bill Changes

Republicans early on Thursday identified parliamentary problems that will require the measure to be sent back to the House.

Source: NYT > Health | 25 Mar 2010 | 1:14 am

Safefood Reminds Consumers Of The Need For Better Food Hygiene In The Home

safefood research reveals that although seven in ten consumers believe that they prepare, cook and store food safelyÂ¹ research conducted with consumers in test kitchens and domestic homes has in fact highlighted poor food hygiene habitsÂ². Just 14% of consumers realise they need to make changesÂ¹. safefood is issuing a reminder of the risks associated with poor food safety practices with its "Don't Take Risks" campaign, which focuses on key poor food safety habits. Dr...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 25 Mar 2010 | 12:00 am

After Health Vote, Threats on Democrats

Lawmakers have received death threats and been victims of vandalism after voting for the health bill.

Source: NYT > Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 11:13 pm

Online Social Networks Bridge Gaps for Chronically Ill

Online social networks have become valuable sources of information and camaraderie for people with chronic diseases or disabilities.

Source: NYT > Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 11:08 pm

Britain Gets Bed Bug Bitten!

Figures released today show that, despite spending a third of our lives in bed, most Brits change their pillows so infrequently that 70 per cent of our bedding is filled with excrement from thousands of dust mites*. If a pillow is left uncleaned for just two years, as much as one tenth of its weight can be made up of dead skin cells, bacteria and dust mites. 65 per cent of those surveyed do not use protective cases and covers to limit the spread of germs and bacteria; they are also blissfully unaware of the harmful and unhygienic state of their duvets, pillows and mattresses...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 24 Mar 2010 | 11:00 pm

Our Towns: In Late Connecticut Doctor’s Office, Idealized Medicine

Dr. Martin F. Randolph, who ran a practice out of his home while doing groundbreaking research and teaching, personified an idealized vision of health care.

Source: NYT > Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 10:55 pm

Bullies Pick on Unpopular Kids, Study Finds (LiveScience.com)

LiveScience.com - Bullies choose their victims wisely, targeting kids who are unpopular and less likely to be defended by their peers, a new study finds.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 24 Mar 2010 | 10:15 pm

Congressional Memo: Some Democrats Still Lament Lack of a Public Insurance Option

For all the applause among Democrats, some still lament the lack of a public option in the health insurance bill.

Source: NYT > Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 10:07 pm

Genzyme Says F.D.A. Will Oversee Its Factory

Genzyme, the drug maker, is facing enforcement action, including a fine, for problems at its plant in Boston.

Source: NYT > Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 10:00 pm

10,000 Patients Say 'Yes' To Somerset's First Walk-In Health Centre

Doctors at Somerset's first NHS walk-in health centre have treated their first 10,000 patients in just seven months. The Yeovil NHS walk-in health centre opened in August 2009 after successfully tendering for the service from the county's health authority, NHS Somerset. Conveniently located in Yeovil town centre, upon the upper floor of the Boots store in Middle Street, the centre's doctors offer all the normal services you would expect from a GP surgery, as well as treatment for minor injuries. Commenting upon the popularity of the new walk-in facility, Dr...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 24 Mar 2010 | 10:00 pm

Colo. and N.M. Differ on Medical Marijuana for PTSD

Supporters want Colorado, like New Mexico, to allow medical marijuana use for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Source: NYT > Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 9:58 pm

Clinical Trials Update: March 24, 2010 (HealthDay)

HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 24 Mar 2010 | 9:49 pm

Combination Therapy Best for Co-Occurring Depression and Alcohol Dependence

Outcomes in patients with co-occurring depression and alcohol dependence may be better with a combination of FDA-approved medications that address both conditions, new research suggests.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 24 Mar 2010 | 9:17 pm

GPs Want More Nutrition Information In Order To Better Advise Patients, UK

Research has revealed that diabetes and obesity are the chronic disease areas which GPs want more information about and that, in order to better advise patients, they also wish to have much greater access to nutrition and diet resources. The survey, carried out by Doctors.net.uk, revealed that over two thirds (67 per cent) of doctors with an opinion want to receive nutritional information from food and nutraceutical manufacturers, with three in five (62 per cent) requesting online access to that information...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 24 Mar 2010 | 9:00 pm

Swine flu virus not so new, study finds

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The H1N1 swine flu virus may have been new to humanity in many ways but in one key feature its closest relative was the 1918 pandemic virus, researchers reported on...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 24 Mar 2010 | 8:46 pm

High Street Eye Check Proves Itself An 'ACE' Life Saver For Somerset Pensioner

Somerset ACES eye check scheme is improving timely access to specialist hospital treatment. A new eye service established throughout Somerset's High Street opticians has proved a potential life saver for at least one Somerset pensioner. For the last six months NHS Somerset been working with optometrists across the county developing a new and FREE eye assessment service called ACES. (Acute Community Eyecare Service)...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 24 Mar 2010 | 8:00 pm

Research Offers Clue Into How Hearts Can Regenerate in Some Species

The path injured hearts take to heal in a kind of fish may help researchers looking into human heart disease.

Source: NYT > Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 7:40 pm

Researchers Puzzled by Role of Osteoporosis Drug in Rare Thighbone Fractures

Orthopedists have reported some unusually severe thighbone fractures, including some in which the bone snaps like a twig.

Source: NYT > Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 7:20 pm

Philips Electronics Introduces Lifeline With AutoAlert, An Enhanced Medical Alert Service

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) introduced Lifeline with AutoAlert, an enhanced medical alert service. This integrated solution offers an added layer of protection by combining the industry-leading Philips Lifeline medical alert service with automatic fall detection capabilities. Lifeline with AutoAlert features the only pendant-style help button that can automatically call for help if a fall is detected and a senior is unable to push his or her help button...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 24 Mar 2010 | 7:00 pm

Study adds evidence that bone drugs work, are safe (AP)

$FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2005 file photo, the Merck & Co. product, Fosamax, is shown. A new study gives reassuring news about the safety of Fosamax and Reclast, bone-building drugs taken by millions of American women. It found that long-term use does not significantly raise the risk of a rare type of fracture near the hip. (AP Photo/Brian Branch-Price, file)$ AP - A new study gives reassuring news about the safety of Fosamax and Reclast, bone-building drugs taken by millions of American women. It found that long-term use does not significantly raise the risk of a rare type of fracture near the hip.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 24 Mar 2010 | 6:41 pm

Siemens Launches HIV Combo Test On ADVIA Centaur Immunoassay Systems

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics received CE marking approval to sell the HIV Antigen/Antibody (Ag/Ab) Combo Assay for use on the ADVIA Centaur® and ADVIA Centaur® XP Immunoassay Systems, which now offer a complete HIV screening test menu allowing clinical laboratories in Europe to further consolidate infectious disease testing with other routine immunoassays...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 24 Mar 2010 | 6:00 pm

H1N1 virus more like 1918 flu than modern cousins; explains infection patterns

TORONTO - The pandemic H1N1 virus more closely resembles the 1918 Spanish flu virus than more modern cousins in the same flu family, new research shows - a finding which helps explain the
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 24 Mar 2010 | 5:37 pm

China has world's biggest diabetes epidemic, surpassing many rich nations: study

After working overtime to catch up to life in the West, China now faces a whole new problem: the world's biggest diabetes epidemic. One in 10 Chinese adults already have the disease and
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 24 Mar 2010 | 5:27 pm

Teenagers are programmed for risk, study finds

LONDON (Reuters) - Teenagers are programed to take risks because they enjoy the thrill of dangerous situations more than others, British scientists said on Wednesday.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 24 Mar 2010 | 5:08 pm

Fitness: At-Home Personal Trainers Become More Affordable

It may sound like a luxury, but the economy is making at-home trainers more affordable.

Source: NYT > Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 5:04 pm

USDA Announces Availability Of Research, Education And Extension Grants To Address Major Societal Challenges

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of approximately $262 million in funds through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) to address five key societal challenges. Roger Beachy, USDA's chief scientist and director of USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) made the announcement on behalf of Secretary Vilsack during a webcast on AFRI. "By focusing our resources on achievable and measurable outcomes, USDA's investment in science will help address some of America's - and the world's -- most intractable problems," said Beachy...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 24 Mar 2010 | 5:00 pm

Bigger hospitals may treat some conditions better (AP)

AP - People hospitalized with a heart attack, heart failure or pneumonia fare better if they are admitted someplace that treats a lot of those problems, a large study of Medicare patients finds.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 24 Mar 2010 | 4:41 pm

Bigger hospitals may treat some conditions better

A new study found that people with heart problems and pneumonia did better if they were admitted to a hospital that treated a lot of those conditions. Larger hospitals on average tended...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 24 Mar 2010 | 4:35 pm

Bone drugs prevent far more fractures than rare breaks linked to them: study

A new study gives reassuring news about the safety of bone-building drugs like Fosamax and Reclast that millions of women take for osteoporosis. The study finds that long-term use of...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 24 Mar 2010 | 4:21 pm

Florida jury awards $26.6 million to smoker's widow (Reuters)

Reuters - A Florida jury ordered R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris on Wednesday to pay $26.6 million to the widow of a longtime smoker who died of lung cancer, the latest verdict against cigarette makers in the "Engle progeny" lawsuits.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 24 Mar 2010 | 4:06 pm

USDA To Highlight Obama Administration Efforts To Improve School Meals

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA will be holding a series of school nutrition events throughout the country to highlight the Obama Administration's efforts to improve school meals as Congress considers reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act. USDA leaders will outline a number of steps to reduce hunger and improve the health and nutrition of our nation's children. "With childhood hunger and obesity on the rise we owe it to our child to ensure our nutrition programs address these challenges," said Vilsack...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 24 Mar 2010 | 4:00 pm

Buchbinder's License Intact After "Hitting" Incident at Scripps, But Medical Board Calls for Public Reprimand

Buchbinder calls the ruling a "vindication" for himself, his patients, and his institution. Testimony cited in the ruling suggests the world-renowned physician acknowledged his behavioral shortcomings and is working to overcome them.
Heartwire
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 24 Mar 2010 | 3:48 pm

U.S. panel sees anemia drug risks in kidney patients

BALTIMORE, Maryland (Reuters) - Use of controversial anemia drugs made by Amgen Inc and Johnson & Johnson at high levels likely worsen heart problems and possibly chances for survival...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 24 Mar 2010 | 3:45 pm

U.S. panel sees anemia drug risks in kidney patients (Reuters)

Reuters - Use of controversial anemia drugs made by Amgen Inc and Johnson & Johnson at high levels likely worsen heart problems and possibly chances for survival in kidney patients, a U.S. Medicare advisory panel said on Wednesday, calling for more study.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 24 Mar 2010 | 3:45 pm

China becomes world's new diabetes capital

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - China now has more people with diabetes than any other country, a new report shows, making it clear that the nation's soaring economic growth is taking a toll on
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 24 Mar 2010 | 3:37 pm

Busy hospitals have lower death rates: study

BOSTON (Reuters) - Want to survive a heart attack, heart failure or pneumonia? Go to a busy hospital.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 24 Mar 2010 | 3:16 pm

1 in 10 Chinese adults are diabetics, study finds (AP)

AP - After working overtime to catch up to life in the West, China now faces a whole new problem: the world's biggest diabetes epidemic.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 24 Mar 2010 | 3:12 pm

Florida jury awards $26.6 million to smoker's widow

MIAMI (Reuters) - A Florida jury on Wednesday ordered R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris to pay $26.6 million to the widow of a longtime smoker who died of lung cancer, the latest verdict...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 24 Mar 2010 | 3:11 pm

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces The Availability Of Funding To Enhance Education And Health Care In Rural Areas

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that funding is available through USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program (DLT) to increase educational opportunities and expand access to health care services in rural areas. "As President Obama said in his State of the Union address, 'In this country, the success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential.'" said Vilsack...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 24 Mar 2010 | 3:00 pm

Rifaximin Effectively Prevents Recurrence of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Rifaximin, already indicated for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, also appears to be effective in preventing recurrent episodes of HE in patients with chronic liver disease.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 24 Mar 2010 | 3:00 pm

Durable Symptom Relief With MR-Guided Ultrasound Removal of Uterine Fibroids

Magnetic resonance (MR)-guided ultrasound might be superior to myomectomy or hysterectomy for uterine fibroid removal; nearly all patients reported pain relief after the procedure.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 24 Mar 2010 | 2:24 pm

Answers to your questions on health care law

With the passage of the health care reform bill, CNN has been flooded with viewer questions about specifics of the measure and how their lives may be affected. We're providing answers here, based on our reporting research.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 2:18 pm

Child psychiatrists embrace videoconferencing telepsychiatry (Time.com)

Time.com - There aren't enough child psychiatrists. That's why many of them are using videoconferencing to reach adolescent and teen patients
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 24 Mar 2010 | 1:45 pm

Medical pot users risk job loss

When a rare form of cancer invaded Joseph Casias' nasal cavity and his brain, his doctor prescribed marijuana to help alleviate the daily pain.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 1:22 pm

Yttrium-90 Microspheres May Increase Survival for Patients With Liver Cancer

Overall time to hepatocellular carcinoma disease progression after Y-90 microsphere treatment was 7.9 months, and a significant percentage of treated tumors shrank to a resectable size.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 24 Mar 2010 | 12:44 pm

Antidepressants Ease Depression in Patients With a Physical Illness

An updated Cochrane review confirms that antidepressant therapy can provide genuine benefits in depressed patients with physical illnesses.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 24 Mar 2010 | 12:38 pm

Laparoscopic Fundoplication Surgery May Be Effective for Treating GERD

A review suggests that laparoscopic fundoplication surgery is more effective than medical management for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, at least in the short to medium term.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 24 Mar 2010 | 12:29 pm

Oseltamivir-Resistant H1N1 Cluster Reported at Duke University Hospital

The first outbreak of an oseltamavir-resistant strain of H1N1 in a hospital setting has been reported by investigators at Duke University.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 24 Mar 2010 | 12:10 pm

Author searches for seizure source

Four years ago, novelist Siri Hustvedt stood at a memorial for her father and began to speak. And shake. Her arms flailed and legs buckled. She had no idea what was happening, but her mind was clear and she could talk clearly, unheard of during typical seizures.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 12:10 pm

ASPIRE: Adding Aliskiren to Post-MI Meds Won't Help Ventricular Function

In addition, it might cause hypotension or hyperkalemia, according to a randomized test of whether the direct-renin inhibitor should be given on top of an ACE inhibitor or ARB in patients with large infarcts.
Heartwire
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 24 Mar 2010 | 11:07 am

Health reform coming to burgers, tans too

The health care bill signed into law Tuesday by President Obama is the nation's most sweeping social legislation in four decades. But it also will directly affect anyone who eats at chain restaurants and those who tan indoors.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 24 Mar 2010 | 10:53 am

Dimebon Disappoints: Is There Hope for Novel Alzheimer's Agent?

The great hope for serendipitous transformation of a shelved antihistamine into an Alzheimer's treatment has been dashed by negative results in phase 3 trials. Medscape Neurology polls experts on what went wrong.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 24 Mar 2010 | 10:35 am

Blogs : Humor pages | Norkay's Blog | Kids Stories | Indian Recipes | Database Tech Blog

Sundries : World Video Clips | Songs Clips | Indian Video Clips |