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Health News
for 01/27/2009

(last updated 7:30am EST 01/27/2009)

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• Peanut butter food poisoning cases top 5... Peanut butter food poisoning cases top 500
01/26/2009
Confirmed cases of salmonella infection linked to tainted peanut butter continued to grow Monday, rising to 501 in 43 states and Canada, according to federal health officials. (13 h ago)

• Octuplets born ‘screaming and kicking’ i... Octuplets born ‘screaming and kicking’ in Calif.
01/26/2009
A woman gave birth to eight babies in Southern California on Monday, the world’s second live-born set of octuplets. (13 h ago)

• No signs Canada bird flu outbreak has sp... No signs Canada bird flu outbreak has spread
01/26/2009
There is no sign an outbreak of bird flu in Canada has spread beyond the turkey farm near Vancouver where the disease was discovered last week but testing continues, officials said. (14 h ago)

• Let’s rock! Even newborns can follow a r... Let’s rock! Even newborns can follow a rhythm
01/26/2009
Newborns can follow a rhythm, a new study says, suggesting rocking out is innate. This adds to growing evidence that a baby's brain isn't the blank slate it was once thought to be. (17 h ago)

• Study may guide preventive mastectomy ch... Study may guide preventive mastectomy choice
01/26/2009
A small but growing number of women with cancer in one breast are deciding to have the other one removed to avoid the possibility that of developing cancer there in the future. (18 h ago)

• Smoking worsens PTSD symptoms, say docto... Smoking worsens PTSD symptoms, say doctors
01/26/2009
At least half of those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder smoke, but scientists says the nicotine probably makes their symptoms worse in the long run. (19 h ago)

• Starbucks pulls peanut butter products Starbucks pulls peanut butter products
01/26/2009
Starbucks Corp on Monday said it has pulled all products containing peanut butter from its stores in the United States and Canada as a safety precaution. (19 h ago)

• Plavix may be less effective in some pat... Plavix may be less effective in some patients
01/26/2009
Federal health officials are investigating whether the blockbuster blood thinner Plavix is less effective in some patients. (20 h ago)

• Official: Food safety system needs an up... Official: Food safety system needs an update
01/26/2009
The U.S. needs to first modernize its food safety system before it decides whether to reorganize agencies that inspect and regulate food, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. (20 h ago)

• Rise in infant suffocations tied to bed-... Rise in infant suffocations tied to bed-sharing
01/26/2009
Rates of sudden infant death from suffocation or strangulation have quadrupled in the past 20 years in the United States, most apparently from parents sleeping with their babies, government researchers reported on Monday. (22 h ago)

• Study adds to evidence of vaccine safety Study adds to evidence of vaccine safety
01/26/2009
A new study from Italy adds to a mountain of evidence that a mercury-based preservative once used in many vaccines doesn't hurt children, offering more reassurance to parents. (23 h ago)

• ADHD drugs tied to hallucinations in som... ADHD drugs tied to hallucinations in some kids
01/26/2009
Drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can cause children to have hallucinations even when taken as directed, U.S. government researchers said on Monday. (1 d ago)

• School kids need less work, more play School kids need less work, more play
01/26/2009
All work and no play may be a hazard for some U.S. school children. Researchers reported on Monday that a growing trend of curbing free time at school may lead to unruly classrooms and rob youngsters of needed exercise and an important chance to socialize. (1 d ago)

• Stressed over a test? Pet your pooch Stressed over a test? Pet your pooch
01/26/2009
When deadlines loom and homework piles up, a furry friend can be a source of support, companionship and stress relief for college students, a recent study shows. (1 d ago)

• Kids and cell phones: A crosswalk hazard... Kids and cell phones: A crosswalk hazard?
01/26/2009
More parents are looking to cell phones to help keep their children safe. But mom and dad should be aware: Kids who talk on a cell phone may be more likely to step into traffic, a new study shows. (1 d ago)

• Cities mull pit bull bans Cities mull pit bull bans
01/26/2009
Cities across the country are considering banning pit bulls in the wake of a slew of attacks. Others are trying to "punish the deed, not the breed," and focusing instead on dogs with violent histories. (1 d ago)

• Record high drug levels entering India s... Record high drug levels entering India stream
01/25/2009
When researchers analyzed vials of treated wastewater taken from a plant where about 90 Indian drug factories dump their residues, they were shocked. Enough of a single, powerful antibiotic was being spewed into one stream each day to treat every person in a city of 90,000. (1 d ago)

• Salmonella death in Minnesota brings tot... Salmonella death in Minnesota brings total to 7
01/25/2009
The number of deaths related to the U.S. outbreak of salmonella has risen to seven with the death of a Minnesota woman in her 80s. (1 d ago)

• China reports 4th bird flu death this ye... China reports 4th bird flu death this year
01/25/2009
A woman in China has died from the H5N1 strain of bird flu, the Health Ministry said, the country's fourth death from the virus this year as the biggest festive season approaches. (1 d ago)

• Immersed in wedding plans, and then canc... Immersed in wedding plans, and then cancer
01/25/2009
She had the groom, the cake and her perfect dress. But this bride-to-be discovered that nothing can spoil a party like a scary diagnosis. (1 d ago)

• Woman's Weight Loss Secret: Blogging Woman's Weight Loss Secret: Blogging
01/26/2009
"Dietgirl" Shauna Reid, who shed half her 351 pounds, visited The Early Show and offered advice and encouragement to fellow dieters. (16 h ago)

• Pfizer Will Pay $68B For Wyeth Pfizer Will Pay $68B For Wyeth
01/26/2009
Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drugmaker, will pay $68 billion for rival Wyeth in a move that will consolidate two of the industry's largest drug developers. (19 h ago)

• Study Casts Doubt On Vaccine-Autism Link Study Casts Doubt On Vaccine-Autism Link
01/26/2009
A new study from Italy adds to a mountain of evidence that a mercury-based preservative once used in many vaccines doesn't hurt children, offering more reassurance to parents. (21 h ago)

• Girl, 7, Gets Heart; Sister Waits For On... Girl, 7, Gets Heart; Sister Waits For One
01/26/2009
Sunday was the first day that 7-year-old Emily Smith was able to visit the hospital playroom since receiving her new heart. Now her 9-year-old sister Shayde, who has the same heart condition, must wait for hers. (1 d ago)

• Indian Stream A Cocktail Of Drugs Indian Stream A Cocktail Of Drugs
01/26/2009
When researchers analyzed vials of treated wastewater taken from a plant where about 90 Indian drug factories dump their residues, they were shocked. Enough of an antibiotic was being spewed into one stream each day to treat a city of 90,000. (1 d ago)

• Fountain Of Youth In A Wine Rx? Fountain Of Youth In A Wine Rx?
01/25/2009
Scientists have found a substance called resveratrol in red wine that slows down the aging process in mice. Will it someday lengthen the lives of humans, too? Morley Safer reports. (1 d ago)

• Salmonella Death Toll May Be Up To 7 Salmonella Death Toll May Be Up To 7
01/24/2009
Health officials say the death of a Minnesota woman has been linked to the nationwide salmonella outbreak and now the infection may have contributed to seven deaths. (3 d ago)

• Florida DOH Cautions Against CO Poisonin... Florida DOH Cautions Against CO Poisoning
01/24/2009
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) urges Floridians to take precautions to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning during the cold winter months. As temperatures drop, the potential for CO poisonings and deaths rise. read more (2 d ago)

• Maricopa County Offers Free Flu Shots Maricopa County Offers Free Flu Shots
01/24/2009
If you have not yet gotten your flu shot – it’s not too late! For the third straight year, the Arizona Partnership for Immunization (TAPI), the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) and the Arizona Department of Health Services have partnered with Phoenix Sky Harbor to offer FREE flu shots or flu mist to visitors, travelers and employees for 5 days from Jan. 26 to Jan. 30: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm or while vaccine supplies last. read more (2 d ago)

• Minnesota Child Dies from Lack of Hib Me... Minnesota Child Dies from Lack of Hib Meningitis Vaccination
01/24/2009
The death of a Minnesota child from who had not been vaccinated against Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B), has prompted health officials to remind parents that meningitis is still around, and that it can be deadly. According to Kristen Ehresmann, RN, MPH, of the Minnesota Department of Health, "We had a death from a child who was unvaccinated. We want to encourage parents who have delayed or refused vaccination to reconsider. Hib vaccine not only protects your child, but also protects babies who have not completed their primary series or those who have immune compromise. read more (2 d ago)

• Children Should Be Protected From Seriou... Children Should Be Protected From Serious Diseases
01/24/2009
In recognition of Preteen Vaccine Week, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is urging parents to make sure their children are vaccinated against potentially life-threatening diseases such as meningitis, whooping cough, and, for girls, cervical cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have declared January 18-24, 2009 as Preteen Vaccine Week to raise awareness of the importance of vaccinations. read more (2 d ago)

• Child Care Centers Urged To Practice Dis... Child Care Centers Urged To Practice Disaster Preparedness
01/24/2009
This is the second in a series of three releases to be sent pertaining to child care in Kentucky. Today’s release focuses on disaster planning at child care centers. Having disaster and emergency preparedness plans and knowing how to put them into practice are important for child care centers. read more (2 d ago)

• Iowa Prepared To Combat Pandemic Flu Iowa Prepared To Combat Pandemic Flu
01/24/2009
The U.S. Homeland Security Council today released its report entitled "Assessment of States' Operating Plans to Combat Pandemic Influenza ." read more (3 d ago)

• Babies Exposed to Harmful Toxins in Liqu... Babies Exposed to Harmful Toxins in Liquid Medicines
01/24/2009
According to new research, published in Fetal & Neonatal Edition of Archives of Disease in Childhood, premature babies and infants who must receive liquid medications may be exposed to harmful toxins that are routinely added to improve taste and absorption. The findings show that premature babies and infants may be receiving liquid medications that contain substances tested on adults, but the chemicals, called "excipients", can cause nerve damage in premature babies and infants. read more (3 d ago)

• Field Triage Guidelines of Trauma Patien... Field Triage Guidelines of Trauma Patients Revised
01/26/2009
Getting the trauma patient to the right place at the right time has been shown to save lives. Today, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the MMWR Reports and Recommendations . These guidelines are aimed at ensuring that trauma patients with more severe injuries are taken to trauma centers designed to handle such injuries. These guidelins were developed by CDC and key experts in trauma care. read more (15 h ago)

• Vaccine Ingredient Thimerosal Safe For C... Vaccine Ingredient Thimerosal Safe For Children, Study
01/26/2009
A new study offers more proof that thimerosal -- a mercury-based preservative once used in many vaccines -- poses no threat to children's brains. There has been intense debate about whether thimerosal causes autism, a link repeatedly discounted in scientific studies. The new study included 1,403 Italian children who were given vaccines in the early 1990s and underwent brain function tests 10 years later. Those tests showed no signs of problems and only one case of autism was identified, the Associated Press reported. The findings appear in the February issue of the journal Pediatrics. read more (20 h ago)

• Drugmaker Prescription: Pfizer to Buy Wy... Drugmaker Prescription: Pfizer to Buy Wyeth
01/26/2009
The world's largest pharmaceutical company, Pfizer has announced an agreement to buy one of its rivals, Wyeth, for $68 billion, the Wall Street Journal reports. Wyeth's biggest over-the-counter seller is the pain medication Advil (ibuprofen), which is the largest OTC ibuprofen brand sold in America. Its prescription drugs include the anti-depressant Effexor, acid reflux inhibitor Protonix, the pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar and the female hormone replacement drug Premarin. read more (20 h ago)

• Utah Schools Fight Big Tobacco, Win Cash Utah Schools Fight Big Tobacco, Win Cash
01/26/2009
The Utah Department of Health's (UDOH) The TRUTH campaign is honoring three student groups from across the state for their winning entries in the Real Noise competition. Real Noise is an annual contest that invites junior, middle and high school students and their friends to create and conduct an anti-tobacco activity in their communities. Fast Forward Charter High School in Logan earned first place in the competition. The winning entry consisted of 15 television ads that were written and produced by students. The ads will air on local television in Cache Valley. read more (1 d ago)

• Highest Smoking Death Rate Is In Kentuck... Highest Smoking Death Rate Is In Kentucky
01/25/2009
CDC has release the smoking rates and the deaths caused by cigarette smoking across the nation. Kentucky has the country's highest death rates from smoking, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study released this week. Smoking death rates were tallied using death certificate data from 2000 through 2004, focusing on lung cancer and 18 other diseases caused by cigarette smoking, according to the report, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Associated Press said Thursday. read more (1 d ago)

• Pennsylvania To Offer Free Nicotine Repl... Pennsylvania To Offer Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy
01/24/2009
To support Pennsylvanians who have made quitting smoking a personal goal for 2009, the Department of Health announced today that a limited number of free nicotine replacement therapy kits will be offered through Pennsylvania’s toll-free Quitline starting Feb. 2. read more (3 d ago)

• Apple Juice May Delay Onset Of Alzheimer... Apple Juice May Delay Onset Of Alzheimer's Disease
01/25/2009
Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 4742519 Drinking apple juice helped mice perform better than normal in maze trials and prevented the decline in performance that was otherwise observed as these... (2 d ago)

• Penile Fracture Is Not Just Something Ou... Penile Fracture Is Not Just Something Out Of Grey's Anatomy!
01/24/2009
Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 7312862 Yes folks, penile fracture is not just something you see on Grey's Anatomy, there is a medical fact behind it. Most probably under-reported for... (2 d ago)

• Blood clot discovery Blood clot discovery
01/26/2009
BBC News has reported that scientists have found a potential way to prevent blood clots that can cause heart attacks. It said that existing anti-clotting medicines reduce the risk of heart attack, but can also cause dangerous bleeding in some people. The BBC said the results, from a study in mice, could be used to develop better treatments. By removing a specific protein, PKCα, from the platelet blood cells involved in clotting, dangerous blood clots don’t develop. This animal study has shown that PKCα has a crucial role in clot formation. In particular, it found the absence of PKCα stops platelets sticking to each other in a mass, but doesn’t affect the responses that may be important for normal wound healing. This is early research, and it is important not to make too many assumptions as to how humans may benefit from this. While these findings will be of interest to scientists, any clinical application is still some time in the future. Where did the story come from? Dr Olga Konopatskaya and colleagues from the University of Bristol, the University of Maastricht, the University of Birmingham and other academic institutions in the US carried out this study. The research was funded by grants from the British Heart Foundation, the Medical Research Council and the NIH. The study was published in the (peer-reviewed) medical journal: The Journal of Clinical Investigation. What kind of scientific study was this? This laboratory study in mice aimed to investigate the role of different forms of the protein family PKC (protein kinase C) in the formation of blood clots, particularly how PKC affects the behaviour of platelets, which play an important role in the formation of blood clots. Platelets are irregularly shaped blood cells that clump together to block blood flow in response to injury, thereby starting off the healing process. There are several forms of PKC (α, β, δ, θ) also known as alpha, beta, delta and theta, and the researchers wanted to see what role they played in clot formation. They say that PKCα has been shown to have a role in a variety of cellular functions, including cell growth, differentiation, movement and adhesion, as well as regulation of tumour progression. The researchers genetically engineered mice to lack the gene needed for them to make PKCα. These mice were still able to make the other forms of PKC (β, δ, θ). Blood from the mice was then used in a series of laboratory experiments, investigating how the blood behaved when passed over a collagen surface (i.e. whether the platelets stuck to it) and how the platelets responded to each other (whether they clumped). The methods used were complex as the researchers were investigating the role that PKCα plays in reactions at a cellular level. The researchers confirmed their findings in live mice, some of which had been genetically engineered to lack PKCα. They induced an injury in a muscle in the animals’ abdomen and observed how the blood responded to the injury (through a type of microscopy enabling them to view the living tissue outside of the bodies of the mice). They also assessed whether normal response to injury was affected, by comparing how long it took blood to stop flowing from a tail injury in normal mice and the mice that couldn’t produce PKCα. What were the results of the study? The researchers found that blood from mice that did not produce PKCα had the same ability to adhere to a collagen or fibrinogen coated surfaces as normal mouse blood, but was less likely to aggregate together to form clumps that may ultimately lead to blood clots. The researchers explained that this seemed to be because PKCα is involved in the cellular pathways that turn on the ability of the platelets to attract each other, and its absence meant less of an attraction (one mechanism was through reducing secretions that encourage aggregation). What interpretations did the researchers draw from these results? The researchers suggest that their studies reveal that PKCα may be a good target for antithrombotic treatments (drugs to prevent blood clots). They say that targeting this particular form of PKC protein would affect the formation of dangerous blood clots, but not affect the other important adhesive functions of the platelets, which is the first step in wound healing. What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study? This animal study has investigated in more detail the role that PKC proteins play in the formation of dangerous blood clots and in normal healing of wounds. There are several points to raise: This study was in mice and the relevance of its findings to humans is not clear. It is not possible to conclude from this study that humans would respond in the same way to a lack of PKCα. If the findings are confirmed in humans, it would still be some time before drugs are developed that can selectively target the activity of PKCα and prevent dangerous thrombus formation. This study was small. The in vivo (i.e. live mice) parts seem to have only included two mice (one genetically engineered mouse and one normal mouse). Conclusions based on larger numbers of animals would be more robust. Overall, the results of this study will be of interest to scientists. More research is expected on the role of PKC proteins in clot formation in humans and whether PKCα in particular can be a target of therapies to reduce the formation of internal blood clots. (1 d ago)

• Vitamin D 'keeps you sharp' Vitamin D 'keeps you sharp'
01/26/2009
“Taking vitamin D supplements in middle age could cut the risk of Alzheimer's disease in later life,” claims the Daily Mail . The newspaper says new research has showed high levels of vitamin D were “closely linked to staying mentally sharp in old age” and that taking supplements could prove a simple and cheap way of cutting dementia risk. The study behind this story has found a link between levels of vitamin D in blood and mental awareness. It did this by comparing almost 2,000 elderly people’s blood levels of vitamin D with performance in simple mental tests. However, participants did not receive clinical diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. While scientists found a relationship between vitamin D and mental awareness, this study is early research and its design means it can’t prove that a lack of vitamin D is a cause of lowered mental ability. Other important factors, including general health and fitness, activity levels, vitamin B12 and blood pressure, may explain the difference in cognitive ability seen in this study. The findings of this research will need to be confirmed in larger studies, preferably randomised controlled trials, before the value of vitamin D in preventing cognitive decline in old age is known. If further research can confirm that low vitamin D levels can limit cognitive function, then supplements could provide a cheap way to reduce the problematic effects of dementia. Where did the story come from? This research was conducted by Dr David Llewellyn, Kenneth Langa and Iain Lang from the University of Cambridge, Peninsula Medical School in Exeter, the University of Michigan and the Veterans Affairs Centre for Practice Management and Outcomes Research in Michigan. The research used data from the Health Survey England which is funded by the Department of Health. The study was published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, a peer-reviewed medical journal. What kind of scientific study was this? This was a cross sectional study exploring the relationship between vitamin D levels and cognitive impairments in the elderly. Previous laboratory and animal studies have suggested that vitamin D may prevent cognitive decline, but the picture in humans is unclear and the results from small, human studies are conflicting. In this study researchers relied on data collected as part of the Health Survey England (HSE) in 2000. The HSE is a series of surveys about health that are carried out annually. The HSE is designed to provide a nationally representative sample of adults over the age of 16, living in private households in England. Each year the HSE features a set of core questions plus a changing selection of questions which focus on a particular condition or population group. In 2000, the special focus of the HSE was on older people and social exclusion. In addition to these surveys, physical measures are also taken, including blood samples. The HSE survey assessed cognition using the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT). This is a neurocognitive screening tool which includes 10 items assessing attention, orientation in time and space, and memory. People who gave three or more incorrect responses out of 10 were considered ‘cognitively impaired’. Participants for this publication were people aged over 65 years living in private households plus a sample of people aged over 65 years living in institutions. A total of 4,170 people or their proxies were interviewed. Serum vitamin D levels were attained from blood samples of 1,766 people (from 708 men and 1,058 women). The researchers then assessed the relationship between the vitamin D in serum (divided into quartiles) and cognitive impairment. They took into account other factors that might be responsible for this link including smoking, alcohol consumption, psychiatric disorders and self-reported medical history. The researchers also accounted for the season in which serum vitamin D was tested, as sunlight stimulates the body’s own natural production of vitamin D. They took into account impaired mobility as this may result in less time spent outdoors and therefore lower concentrations of vitamin D in the blood. Those with cognitive impairment were older than those with normal cognition so researchers adjusted for age. In those for whom BMI data was also available, 1,279 participants, the researchers examined whether BMI was contributing to differences in serum vitamin D. What were the results of the study? Overall, there were 212 cognitively impaired adults out of 1,766 people aged over 65 years. Those who were cognitively normal, were younger, more likely to have educational qualifications, consumed alcohol, had higher BMI and were less likely to have impaired mobility, stroke or low levels of albumin (a blood protein). Without accounting for these differences, those who were cognitively normal also had higher levels of serum vitamin D. When researchers took into account the other factors contributing to these outcomes, they found that people with the lowest levels of vitamin D in their blood (8-30 nmol/L) were more than twice as likely to be cognitively impaired than those with the highest levels (66-170 nmol/L). This was the only significant difference, with individuals falling into the middle two concentration bands (31-44 nmol/L and 45-65 nmol/L) no more likely than those with the highest levels to be cognitively impaired. When separating participants into men and women, this pattern was only significant for men (i.e. women’s chances of being cognitively impaired were not influenced by their serum vitamin D levels). When serum concentration of vitamin D was divided into levels of ‘severely deficient (<25 nmol/L)’, ‘deficient (≥25 nmol/L and <50 nmol/L)’ and ‘insufficient (≥50 nmol/L and <75 nmol/L)’, only those with severe deficiency were at increased risk of cognitive impairment, about 2.7 times more likely, than those with sufficient levels of serum vitamin D (>74 nmol/L). What interpretations did the researchers draw from these results? The researchers conclude that levels of serum vitamin D are generally lower in the cognitively impaired general population, (i.e. that high levels are associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment). Importantly, the researchers acknowledge that the cross sectional nature of their study means that they cannot determine whether low levels of serum vitamin D are actually a cause of cognitive impairment. They say that although it is unlikely, it’s possible that a genetic predisposition to both cognitive impairment and vitamin D status would confound the links seen in their study. What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study? This nationally representative cross-sectional study has shown that there is a relationship between vitamin D levels and cognitive impairment in people aged over 65 years. However, the cross-sectional design of the study means it cannot show causation. Also, news headlines might imply that there was some link being made in this study with Alzheimer’s disease, a clinical diagnosis of dementia. As dementia is not the same as cognitive impairment, this is not the case. In their discussion the researchers have raised the most important limitations within the study. These should be kept in mind when interpreting the results and media coverage: Diagnoses of cognitive impairment were not made clinically, (i.e. it relied on a screening test that would not have been 100% accurate). The researchers acknowledge that their study cannot prove causation. The researchers say a genetic predisposition could be behind the observed relationship, though they say this is unlikely. It is possible that other factors may be responsible for reductions in cognitive ability and vitamin D levels. These could include socio-economic status, vascular risk factors, and other aspects of diet or vitamin intake associated with dementia. Age is the strongest risk factor for cognitive decline. In their analysis the researchers were able to adjust for the fact that the average age of controls was 77.6 years compared to 83.3 years for those with cognitive impairment. While the researchers were able to adjust for the age difference between the two groups, several other measures of general health and fitness could have differed between the younger and older groups. For example, vitamin B12, activity levels or blood pressure might also be different in the older people with lower vitamin D levels. The researchers were unable to assess the effect of these or other potential risk factors. A randomised trial would be needed to eliminate this source of error. As the British elderly population is predominantly white, the results of the study may not be generally applicable to more ethnically diverse populations. This study has shown that levels of vitamin D are linked to cognitive impairment in men: the results were not significant for women when other factors were taken into account. The results of this study linking vitamin D levels and cognition should be viewed as early evidence that will need confirmation in future studies. Only a randomised control trial will determine whether the supplement will have a value when used to prevent cognitive decline. Undoubtedly, more studies that control for other known risk factors will follow. These will be particularly useful if there is any possibility that vitamin D supplements, which are cheap and easy to take, could help prevent dementia in later years. Vitamin D is also important for bone health and when taken with calcium it may protect adults from osteoporosis and reduce the risk of hip and other fractures. (1 d ago)

• Study may guide preventive mastectomy ch... Study may guide preventive mastectomy choice
01/26/2009
A small but growing number of women with cancer in one breast are deciding to have the other one removed to avoid the possibility that of developing cancer there in the future. (18 h ago)

• Immersed in wedding plans, and then canc... Immersed in wedding plans, and then cancer
01/25/2009
She had the groom, the cake and her perfect dress. But this bride-to-be discovered that nothing can spoil a party like a scary diagnosis. (1 d ago)

• Randy Jackson on Diabetes: An Old Dawg C... Randy Jackson on Diabetes: An Old Dawg Can Learn New Tricks!
01/24/2009
In an interview with Diabetes Forecast - the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association - Randy Jackson reveals his type 2 diabetes story, the hurdles and the path to treatment. This year,... (2 d ago)

• Study may guide preventive mastectomy ch... Study may guide preventive mastectomy choice
01/26/2009
A small but growing number of women with cancer in one breast are deciding to have the other one removed to avoid the possibility that of developing cancer there in the future. (18 h ago)

• Sepsis Causes The Death Of Brazilian Mod... Sepsis Causes The Death Of Brazilian Model, 20
01/24/2009
Mariana Bridi da Costa, a 20 year old Brazilian model, is reported to have died early Saturday morning. She had struggled with her health for several weeks. She is said to have first sought medical help in December when she felt unwell. It was reported that medical staff initially thought she had kidney stones, but later diagnosed her with a urinary infection, caused by a rare type of bacteria. The bacteria proved to be drug resistant and the infection spread, becoming a blood born sepsis. The bacteria is reported to be Pseudomonas aeruginosa. read more (2 d ago)

• Plavix may be less effective in some pat... Plavix may be less effective in some patients
01/26/2009
Federal health officials are investigating whether the blockbuster blood thinner Plavix is less effective in some patients. (20 h ago)

• Smoking worsens PTSD symptoms, say docto... Smoking worsens PTSD symptoms, say doctors
01/26/2009
At least half of those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder smoke, but scientists says the nicotine probably makes their symptoms worse in the long run. (19 h ago)