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August 19, 2009
“Nanobees” destroy cancer cell by delivering synthesized bee venom to tumors
They’re ready to sting, and they know where they’re going. They’re called “nanobees,“ and they’re not insects—they’re tiny particles designed to destroy cancer cells with less damage to nearby tissue
HPV shot found safe, but some experts question its benefits
Many adolescent health specialists and epidemiologists continue to question the benefit of vaccinating all girls against HPV, a c that causes genital warts and some cases of cervical cancer.
Facebook helps man beat smoking addiction
When Michael Cover decided to quit at age 47, he knew he would need support from his friends, and a lot of it…Try about 500 friends.
August 18, 2009
Packing on pounds recently? It could be your medication
Almost everyone you know probably takes some type of prescription, they can be life savers. But one of the most frustrating side effects can be weight gain. And some of the most common prescriptions are the worst for your figure.
The NFL, the U.S. Marines, and several other organizations are cracking down on “tweets”
Twitter has made its impact as the latest talking tool of the social networking scene, and now the website is struggling to corporate. Many corporations and businesses are using Twitter as a communication and advertising engine.
August 17, 2009
Medical:Woman says she is pregnant with 12 babies
A woman in Tunisia claims she is pregnant with 12 babies. Her husband says the babies were conceived following fertility treatments. The woman, who will need constant medical monitoring, reportedly told doctors she was “feeling fine and looking forward to hugging her six boys and six girls.“
Companies use video games to build bridges between employees and bosses
It’s no fiction that companies are turning more and more to video games as a way of building bridges between employees, or even between employees and management.
Pregnant women urged not to overdo diet and exercise
Diet and exercise are staples in many women’s lives, but some women take it to an extreme. It’s an even more dangerous scenario when it happens during pregnancy, a the growing problem some are calling “pregorexia”.
The truth about “reduced fat” food labels
Grocery stores are filled with products targeting people trying to watch their weight, but when a food is labeled 99% fat free or 1% lowfat - is there any truth to the claims?
August 14, 2009
Weight lifting benefits breast cancer survivors
A new study contradicts long-held doctors’ advice for breast cancer patients not to lift heavy weights.
Psychologists debate the nature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder sufferers do strange things. Psychologists are debating where OCD belongs in relation to other psychiatric disorders and whether certain symptoms are actually part of other conditions.
Should your daughter get Gardasil, the vaccine against HPV?
As parents prepare to send kids back to school, vaccinations are high on the to-do list. In this week’s Empowered Patient, we explain why some parents are questioning one of the recommendations.
Texas is home to high-tech hospital prototype
The company Nortel has developed a high-tech system that hospitals can use to easily track doctors, nurses, and medical equipment.
New “cell farming” procedure could replace need for embryonic stem cell research
New experiments with mice could lead to break-through treatments for human disease—while avoiding the ethical problem of embryonic stem cell research.
August 13, 2009
Adult stem cells may offer promise for damaged hearts
In a field largely still in its infancy, scientists are making headway toward using stem cells to treat heart ailments. Here’s a look at what’s in the pipeline.
Millions of Americans suffer from “SAD” in the summer
It’s estimated that some 18 million Americans suffer from a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. While it’s typically associated with the winter months, new findings show that there are some people vulnerable to the condition during the summer.
August 12, 2009
Optimistic women may have lower risk of heart disease
Need a reason to look on the bright side? A new study suggests that optimists’ glass-half-full approach to life may actually offer some health benefits.
Aspirin fights heart attacks, but daily doses aren’t for everyone
More than 50 million people take aspirin to prevent heart disease, and in some cases its blood-thinning properties can save a life. But the century-old drug is a double-edged sword.
Student diet 101: Don’t eat mold
College students aren’t generally known for healthy eating. Busy schedules and tight budgets—and sometimes a lack of knowledge about food—can result in not-the-greatest choices. Here are some tips.
The revolutionary Impella 2.5 heart pump is the smallest in the world
The newly FDA approved device is about the size of a number two pencil eraser and has expanded the borders of what doctors can do.
August 11, 2009
Medical:Treating canine cancer
Melanoma can occur in animals and accounts for 7 percent of malignant tumors in dogs.
The median survival time for dogs with advanced oral melanoma is less than 5 months.
A new animal vaccine incorporates human DNA to fight oral melanoma in dogs.
By studying melanoma treatments in animals, scientists may one day gain a better understanding of cancer in people and come up with better ways to detect or treat human cancers.
Weight gain after birth-control shot may be long-term
Women who quickly put on pounds after starting birth-control injections seem to be at risk of significant long-term weight gain, a new study suggests.
Machismo may cut men’s lives short
A new study suggests that macho-man persona a roadblock in seeking preventive care and the new finding, based on survey data, reveals that such manly beliefs could help to explain the lower life expectancy of men compared with women.
Foster kids face loss of health coverage at age 18
Foster children are provided with health care coverage by the state, but only until they turn 18 and “age out” of the public system but there are some programs that help kids keep coverage to age 21
Breast-feeding may protect at-risk women from breast cancer
Women with a family history of breast cancer may have a new weapon against the disease: breast-feeding.
America’s un-healthiest foods revealed
Whether it’s the supermarket, the drive-thru, or a neighborhood chain, you’re never far from a quick, easy breakfast, lunch or dinner. But you might want to think before you eat. Here is a list of the 30 worst foods in America.
August 10, 2009
Medical: Diagnosing balance problems
Balance is maintained through a complex, interactive system that involves several parts of the body:
Inner ear. The inner ear has a small structure, called the labyrinth, containing three fluid-filled semicircular canals. The fluid flows in response to the position of the body (similar to the bubble on a level), sending signals to the brain that convey position and movement.
The eyes. The eyes provide visual cues to the brain, giving information on where the body is located in space, the sense of direction and the position of other objects in the environment.
Muscles and joints. The muscles and joints contain receptors that tell the brain how the legs and arms are moving and the speed of the motion. Sensory impulses from the neck provide additional information on which way the head is turned.
The skin. The skin contains touch receptors that tell the brain about the location of certain areas of the body (like a foot hitting the ground or the back resting on a bed).
The spinal cord and brain. The spinal cord contains the network of nerves, or wiring, through which communication signals are sent to and from the brain and the rest of the body. The brain is the central processing area, taking all the sensory information, processing it and telling the body if adjustments are needed to maintain balance.
Medical:How clean is that public bathroom?
Does the thought of using a public restroom make you sick? This interactive guide will show you why your intuition is leading you in the right direction.
August 07, 2009
Medical:French drugmaker testing H1N1 vaccine
A French drugmaker began clinical trials Thursday to test the vaccine’s safety and determine how many doses are needed to protect people from swine flu.
August 06, 2009
Medical: Back To School: The risks of hovering over children
A recent National Survey of Student Engagement found 70 percent of college students have frequent contact with at least one parent/guardian during the school year. 75 percent of the students reportedly followed parents’ advice regarding academic or personal issues. 25 percent of students said a parent sometimes intervened on behalf of the student to solve a problem
