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Newsline
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Anxiety May Worsen Physical Limitations
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Anxiety puts women over 65 who suffer from various physical limitations, including walking, at a greater chance of disabilities worsening, according to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Researchers found that women complaining of nervousness, shakiness and fear had a 44 percent higher risk of worsening symptoms in daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating and getting out of bed. (2-15-05)
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Learn More About Investing With CDs
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A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a low-risk way of investing that can help you and your family save for the future.
Learn more about CDs with "Certificates of Deposit: Tips For Investors" from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Find out how CDs work, how to purchase them and questions to ask before buying.
For your free copy, call toll-free 1 (888) 8-PUEBLO and ask for Item 606M. Or send your name and address to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 606 M, Pueblo, CO 81009. (2-15-05)
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Fruits and Vegetables Not a Factor in Breast Cancer Risk
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A diet rich in fruits and vegetables does not protect women from breast cancer, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Results from the study showed that produce consumption did not affect risk, nor did alcohol consumption, tobacco use, oral contraceptives, physical activity or age. The study did show, however, that fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk in those with a history of the disease. (2-8-05)
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New Medicare Benefits for Better Health
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The new emphasis of Medicare is early detection and prevention.
Beginning January, 1, 2005, people with Medicare have three new benefits, which include a one-time "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam, and diabetes and cardiovascular screenings, according to Tommy G. Thompson, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Prescription drug coverage should follow next year.
Medicare has also announced intention to cover smoking counseling for people who suffer from smoking-related diseases. (2-1-05)
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Romanian Mom, 66, Becomes Oldest Women to Give Birth
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Adriana Iliescu, 66, has become the oldest woman to give birth, according to her doctors. Pregnant with twins, Iliescu gave birth to a baby girl in her 33rd week via C-section at the Giulesti Maternity Hospital in Bucharest. The other twin was stillborn. Iliescu had undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) by an anonymous donor. (2-1-05)
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2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Released
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The sixth edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans has been released, and emphasizes calorie reduction and increased physical activity.
The report has 41 key recommendations – 23 for the general public and 18 for special populations – which include calories, weight management, physical activity, food groups, fats, carbohydrates, sodium and potassium, alcoholic beverages and food safety.
A brochure can be downloaded with the entire 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines. (2-1-05)
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Knowing Risk Factors Helps Detect Prostate Cancer
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Knowing the high-risk conditions for prostate cancer can help prevent the disease or detect it early. The main risk factors are increasing age, family history, high-fat diets and African-American ethnicity, say doctors from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Early detection improves treatment options and success rates. Symptoms to look for are:
- Weak urine flow.
- Frequent or painful urination.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs.
Additionally, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center recommends men have an annual physical – including a rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test – beginning at age 45, or earlier if they are high-risk for the disease. (1-25-05)
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Exercise Helps Seniors Physically and Mentally
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Staying physically active as you age keeps your mind sharp, say scientists from Europe. Their 10-year research, published in the journal Neurology, finds that exercise helps elderly men maintain their cognitive skills.
The study evaluated almost 300 men between the ages of 70 and 90. During the evaluation, mental capabilities declined in men who reduced their level of physical activity. Scientists speculate that exercise improves the blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of several cognitive impairments. (1-18-05)
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Calcium Is a Factor for Kidney Stones
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Too much calcium may be harmful for men and women with kidney stones, say Texas researchers. Previous studies show that extra calcium may benefit people suffering from calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate kidney stones, but doctors from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas reveal in the Journal of Urology that extra calcium may be dangerous for some individuals with these conditions.
For their study, they examined data from over 2,200 patients with kidney stones. The researchers found that calcium intake and absorption are important factors in kidney stone formation, and calcium recommendations cannot be generalized since each patient's situation is different. The study's authors are cautious about advising calcium restriction and suggest that each patient discuss the risk with a physician. (1-11-05)
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Losing Your Temper May Trigger a Stroke
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Losing your temper may trigger a stroke, says recent research from Israel. The study finds that anger or negative emotions and sudden body movement due to a startling event may be factors in ischemic strokes – which are caused by lack of blood flow to the brain.
Scientists from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Center for Disease Control evaluated 200 people who had suffered ischemic strokes. Approximately 30 percent of the participants had strong negative emotions or changed their body position suddenly up to two hours prior to the stroke. Researchers also tested other factors – positive emotions, heavy lifting, temperature changes and large meals – but found no significant links. These findings are published in the journal Neurology. (01-04-05)
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Migraines and Oral Contraceptives Linked to Strokes
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Migraines and the Pill don't mix, say researchers from around the globe. Scientists from Canada, Spain and the United States explored the link between migraines and ischemic strokes – common strokes caused when an artery to the brain is blocked.
Researchers examined data from 14 studies and found that migraine sufferers are twice as likely to have a stroke than individuals who do not experience the severe headaches. In addition, the study found that taking oral contraceptives increased the risk significantly – up to eight times – in women who have migraines.
The risk of migraines and oral contraceptives must be further investigated, say the study's authors. The research and results are published in the British Medical Journal. (12-28-04)
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Smoking May Be Harmful to Your Mental Health
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Smoking is harmful not only to your physical health, but recent Scottish research finds it's also damaging to your mental well-being. Their findings reveal that the damage caused by smoking may contribute to early onset of mental illnesses, such as dementia or Alzheimer's.
For the study, over 450 participants completed intelligence tests as children, then again in their mid-60s. The results, published in New Scientist magazine, show that nonsmokers score higher on the second round of tests than their peers who smoke or have previously smoked. In addition, those who have been smoking for 40 years reduce their IQ scores by 2 percent, say the study's authors. (12-28-04)
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Staying Awake May Be Hurting Your Waistline
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Are you getting enough sleep? If not, you may be feeling the effects in your waistline. New studies show a link between appetite-controlling hormones and lack of sleep.
For the study, which is published in the online journal Public Library of Science, researchers evaluated sleep pattern information from over 1,000 participants in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study. The scientists found that people who sleep five hours or less have 15 percent more ghrelin (which increases the sensation of hunger) and 15 percent less leptin (which suppresses appetite) than those who sleep eight hours a night.
This change in hormone production may account for the inverse relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sleep – less sleep usually means a higher BMI. Good sleep habits along with healthy eating and exercise help fight obesity, say the study's authors. (12-21-04)
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Red Meat Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis
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When it comes to beef, bigger portions are not better. In fact, new British studies show a link between eating large amounts of red meat every day and developing rheumatoid arthritis – a painful condition caused by inflammation and swelling in the joints.
The results published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism reveal that consuming too much red meat and not enough vitamin C increases the risk of this condition. People who eat more than 58 grams a day of red meat are twice as likely to develop this type of arthritis compared to those who eat less than 26 grams a day. Previous research has also linked high intakes of red meat to cancer and heart diseases, say the study's authors. (12-21-04)
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Men May Benefit From Taking Antioxidants
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Low doses of antioxidants may lower men's risk of cancer, say French researchers in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.
The study evaluated over 13,000 adults – both men and women – for more than seven years. Some participants received a daily supplement containing ascorbic acid, vitamin E, beta carotene, selenium and zinc, while others received a placebo pill.
Men taking the supplement significantly lowered their cancer incidence and mortality rate compared to their peers who were given sugar pills. No differences were found in the women participants. (12-14-04)
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Apples Really Do Keep the Doctor Away
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Can you keep the doctor away with an apple a day? Yes, say researchers from Cornell University in New York.
The study tested how certain antioxidants – quercetin and vitamin C – affect brain cells from rats. These cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide, which causes a reaction similar to the cell damage that occurs with Alzheimer's disease. The results published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reveal that cells treated with quercetin have significantly less damage than those treated with vitamin C or that are left untreated.
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables containing quercetin may reduce the risks of developing certain brain diseases, say researchers. Other quercetin-rich foods to include in your diet are onions, blueberries and cranberries. (12-7-04)
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Flying May Pose Risks for Passengers With Lung Disease
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Commercial flights may present risks to passengers with lung conditions, say Australian researchers. Previous studies have shown oxygen levels fall below recommended guidelines for travelers flying with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent research from Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Sydney reveals that the same risks apply to passengers with interstitial lung disease (ILD) – also referred to as pulmonary fibrosis.
The study evaluated 25 participants – 15 with ILD and 10 with COPD. The results, published in the journal Thorax, show that patients with both ILD and COPD fall below suggested levels of oxygenation in simulated flight scenarios. (11-30-04)
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High Doses of Vitamin E May Cause Health Risks
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Vitamin E should not be taken in high doses, say researchers from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore. A recent review of 19 previous clinical trials reveals that taking more than 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E per day significantly increases mortality rates.
Researchers evaluated information from over 130,000 participants. The results, which are published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reveal that high doses of vitamin E increase the chance of dying by 4 percent. Additional studies are needed to determine risks and benefits of lower doses of the vitamin, say the study's authors.
Vitamin E is often used to delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other chronic illnesses. (11-30-04)
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Decorating for the Holidays: Tips for Allergy Sufferers
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Ready to deck the halls? Before you take out the decorations and set up the tree, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) has a few tips for children and adults who suffer from allergies:
- When purchasing a live Christmas tree, ask the retailer if they have a "shaking machine," which will remove some allergens before you bring the tree home. Allow the tree to dry out in the garage or on the porch before bringing inside.
- An artificial Christmas tree should be cleaned to remove dust before decorating.
- Fabric decorations should be washed in hot water before displaying.
- Plastic, metal or glass decorations are recommended because they can not trap dust mites.
- Inform hosts of holiday parties about any food allergies you or your family members may have.
- Self-injectable epinephrine should be carried with you at all times.
For more allergy-related or asthma-related holiday tips, visit www.aaaai.org.com. (11-30-04)
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Drug May Help Quit Smoking and Lose Weight
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Want to quit smoking but worried about gaining weight? Testing of the experimental drug Acomplia shows it helps smokers kick their habit while losing weight and improving cholesterol.
Researchers from Columbia University in New York evaluated over 3,000 obese people from the United States and Canada. Participants were placed in one of three groups: 5 milligrams of Acomplia, 20 milligrams of Acomplia or placebo. The group taking the higher dose lost an average of 19 pounds compared to the placebo group, who lost approximately 5 pounds each.
In addition, Acomplia increases HDL or "good" cholesterol while lowering triglycerides. The drug's manufacturer is seeking approval in the United States next year. (11-23-04)
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Forgetfulness Linked to Low Testosterone
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Researchers have found a link between forgetfulness and low testosterone levels – a condition often brought about during prostate cancer therapy.
Scientists from Oregon Health and Science University examined 30 men – 14 being treated for cancer with testosterone deprivation and 16 of their healthy peers. At first, all participants did well on tests of learning and identifying words. But, after only two minutes, word retention dropped significantly for the group of testosterone-deficient men. (11-16-04)
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Combination of Drugs May Prolong Life in Men With Prostate Cancer
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Canadian doctors have found a combination of drugs that give men with advanced prostate cancer a chance to extend their life expectancy while improving their quality of life. Researchers from the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto compared the combination of drugs docetaxel and prednisone to the more standard treatment of mitoxantrone and steroids.
Men from 24 countries participated in the study. The results, which are published in the New England Journal of Medicine, find that docetaxel taken every three weeks with daily doses of prednisone lowers the level of prostate-specific antigens (PSAs), reduces pain, improves quality of life and increases the patient's survival for an average of three months. (11-9-04)
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Women Can Reduce Risk of High Blood Pressure With Folate
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The glass of orange juice you drank this morning may help prevent high blood pressure in the future. New research shows that younger women who consume more than 800 micrograms (ug) per day of folate have a reduced risk of high blood pressure compared to peers who receive less than 200 ug a day.
Scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston separated participants of the study into two age groups: 26 to 46 years old and 43 to 70. Though researchers found positive results from both groups increasing their folate consumption, the most significant difference was found in the younger age group. The results were presented at the 2004 American Heart Association's Annual High Blood Pressure Research Conference. (11-2-04)
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HHS Makes Recommendations Regarding Flu Vaccinations
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The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says in a recent press release that the United States will only receive half of the influenza vaccine supply expected for the 2004-2005 flu season. The shortage is due to a license suspension of Chiron Corporation – a facility in Liverpool, England, scheduled to distribute 46 to 48 million doses of the vaccine to the United States.
The HHS recommends the following groups receive priority in receiving the flu vaccine:
- All children 6 months to 23 months.
- Adults 65 years and older.
- Persons 2 to 64 with underlying chronic medical conditions.
- All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
- Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
- Children 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy.
- Health-care workers involved in direct patient care.
- Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children less than 6 months.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or contact the National Immunization Hotline at (800) 232-2522. (10-26-04)
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Travel Package Designed Specifically for Women
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Need a break from the boys? Cherry Valley Lodge offers get-away packages designed exclusively for women – including The Cherry Valley Lodge Menopause Escape. This vacation contains all of the extras needed to ward off hot flashes and bring about leisure and relaxation.
The Cherry Valley Lodge is located east of Columbus, Ohio, and offers all of the luxurious features found at most resorts – as well as an official Arboretum and Botanical Garden. For more information, visit www.cherryvalleylodge.com. (10-26-04)
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Climb to the Top of Sears Tower for Cancer Research
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Lace up your hiking boots and head to Chicago. Not an outdoor person? No problem. This climb is indoors – straight to the top of the Sears Tower. On November 14, 2004, more than 1,000 people will ascend the 2,109 steps to the Skydeck of the tallest building in North America.
"Go Vertical Chicago 2004" not only challenges participants, it raises money for a great cause. One hundred percent of the funds will go to the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which provides grants to promising cancer researchers.
To find out more about this year's third annual climb, visit www.cancerresearchfund.org or call (877) 7-CANCER. (10-26-04)
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Merck Pulls Popular Arthritis Medication, VIOXX
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Merck & Co., Inc. has voluntarily withdrawn the popular arthritis and pain medication, Vioxx, because a clinical trial reveals that the drug raises the risk of heart problems. According to the company's Web site, the study – which was intended to show that Vioxx prevents the occurrence of colon polyps – finds that taking the drug for over 18 months increases a patient's chance of heart attacks and stroke.
"We are taking this action because we believe it best serves the interests of patients," says Raymond V. Gilmartin, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck in a company news release. Vioxx was launched in the United States in 1999 and had worldwide sales in 2003 of $2.5 billion.
To find out more information about the medication or the withdrawal of the product, visit www.vioxx.com or call (888) 36-VIOXX. (10-19-04)
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Incontinence Drug May Help Patients Avoid Surgery
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Surgery may not be necessary for women with severe incontinence, say scientists from Eli Lilly Research Laboratories in Indianapolis. Their study reveals that the drug Cymbalta, also known as duloxetine, reduces the frequency of incontinence episodes, decreases use of continence pads and improves scores on a survey regarding quality of life relating to incontinence.
More than 100 women ages 33 to 75 participated in the study, which appears in Obstetrics and Gynecology. All volunteers had at least 14 incontinence episodes a week and were scheduled for surgery to correct the condition. Of the women receiving duloxetine, 20 percent experienced positive responses and were no longer interested in surgery, say the study's authors. (10-12-04)
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Beer Boosts Antioxidant Levels
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Can happy hour be healthy? Yes – if you drink a beer, says a new study from Canada. Researchers at the University of Western Ontario say that beer boosts antioxidants, which help prevent cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
But don't grab a six-pack just yet. The key to positive results is moderation, say the study's authors. Drinking one beer creates beneficial levels of antioxidants, but three beers have the opposite effect. (10-5-04)
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Common Antibiotic May Cause Heart Problems
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Erythromycin – a popular antibiotic used to treat conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and ear infections – may trigger heart attacks if combined with certain drugs, says recent research from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Problems occur when prescriptions used to treat high blood pressure and infections cause slow breakdown of erythromycin, which leads to irregular heart rhythm.
The study, which is published in the New England Journal of Medicine, reveals that other antibiotics – such as amoxicillin – can be taken as an alternative to erythromycin without cardiac risk. (10-5-04)
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Driving With Mild Alzheimer's Leads to Errors
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Drivers with mild Alzheimer's disease may be more of a road risk than older seniors who are mentally fit, say researchers from the University of Iowa. During a driving test of more than 160 people, over 70 percent of Alzheimer's drivers made at least one wrong turn and two or more safety errors, while only 20 percent of the non-Alzheimer's participants made the same errors.
Researchers found that drivers with Alzheimer's disease performed better on the driving test when they were in familiar neighborhoods, but got lost or took wrong turns when driving on unfamiliar routes. The mental demands of following instructions and navigating new routes can impair the driving abilities of people with Alzheimer's, say the study's authors in the journal Neurology. (10-5-04))
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Women Are Not Returning for Additional Mammograms
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Good news and bad news about mammograms: The good news is that most women are getting their first mammogram at 40 – the age recommended by the American Cancer Society to start yearly mammograms. The bad news occurs a year later, when most women do not return for their annual screening.
Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston evaluated over 70,000 women and found only 16 percent had five mammograms over five years. Approximately 35 percent of the participants had one or two screenings during the same time frame. Doctors hope to get the word out about the benefits of annual mammograms by providing public service announcements and information on mammography in various languages. (9-28-04)
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Women Should Ask for HPV Detection Test
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September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month – the perfect time to make an appointment for an annual Pap test. While visiting your doctor, be sure to inquire about testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the primary cause of cervical cancer.
In 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an HPV detection test to be used in annual screenings for women over 30, along with the Pap test and a complete medical history. Doctors may not perform this test automatically, but requesting it may save your life. According to the FDA, proper screening helps cervical cancer become avoidable and, when caught in the early stages, treatable. (9-21-04)
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Short Bouts of Exercise May Prove Beneficial
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You don't have 30 minutes to exercise? Try splitting up your routine. New research shows that dividing moderate exercise into 10-minute intervals helps reduce the surge of blood fats that occur after a high-fat meal.
Research published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise evaluated 18 people who are not regular exercisers. On three different occasions, the participants were asked to eat a high-fat meal several hours after the following: exercising for 30 minutes, exercising for three 10-minute sessions or not exercising at all.
The researchers found that triglycerides did not increase as much after eating a heavy meal when the participants exercised in short intervals compared to when they did not exercise at all. More research is needed to determine if regular exercisers experience the same benefits of intermittent exercise, say the study's authors. (9-14-04)
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Exercise Beats Fatigue in Prostate Cancer Patients
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Many men are told to take it easy while undergoing radiation therapy for prostrate cancer. But new research now shows that staying physically active keeps patients from feeling fatigued while undergoing treatment.
The Scottish study evaluated over 60 men to determine if aerobic exercise would reduce fatigue while being treated for prostrate cancer. Some of the men were told to continue their daily activities, but to rest if they became tired. The other men exercised by walking at a moderate pace for 30 minutes three times a week.
The results, which are published in the journal Cancer, reveal that the exercise group had no significant increase in fatigue during radiation treatment, but the non-exercisers were considerably more tired at the end of the therapy – and continued to be weary one month after treatment.
More research is expected to determine the effects of exercise on patients being treated for other types of cancer. (9-07-04)
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Seniors Save While Traveling This September
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With kids back in school and warm weather turning cooler, September entices seniors to load up their luggage and set off for favorite vacation spots. BedandBreakfast.com makes traveling even more tempting this month by providing great packages for seniors and offering the following travel tips:
- Request a room with good lighting.
- Ask if rooms are available with grab bars in the tub and shower.
- If stairs are difficult to climb, request a room on the ground floor.
- Make sure e-mail or cell phone access is available if you are relying on these methods to communicate with loved ones.
For more information about travel packages, visit www.BedandBreakfast.com (9-7-04).
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Men May Not Benefit From Group Therapy
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Men suffering from severe grief may not find much support in group therapy sessions, say researchers. A new study by the University of Alberta in Edmonton compared how men and women respond differently to short-term group psychotherapy.
After 12 weeks of sessions, women improved their symptoms of avoidance, anxiety, depression and distress, but the men's symptoms did not change significantly. The results, which are published in Psychotherapy Research, also reveal that men seem less committed to their therapy groups and are not as compatible with their group peers as women.
The study focused only on short-term sessions and may not apply to men participating in longer-term therapy, say researchers. (8-31-04)
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Smoking Linked to Low Bone Density
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Need another reason to stop smoking? A recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General reveals that in addition to cancer, heart disease and lung disease, smoking is also connected to low bone density – a condition particularly concerning for postmenopausal women.
The report shows that bone density in postmenopausal women who smoke is lower than the bone density of their non-smoking peers. Hip fractures, which can cause serious health problems in senior women, are also more likely to occur in women who smoke. (8-31-04)
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Certain Fruits and Vegetables Prevent Forgetfulness
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Don't forget to eat your fruits and vegetables every day – they have been shown to help with age-related memory problems. Recent animal studies, conducted by the University of Houston in Clear Lake, found that certain fruits and vegetables – especially those that are particularly colorful – contain antioxidants that counteract damaging compounds contributing to memory problems.
The results, which appear in Nutritional Neur JRun Server Name: nutch1 pageload time: 78ms |
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