Health News
Miscarriage and Age
July 31, 2006
A recent study suggests that as the age of the father increases, so too does a couples risk of a pregnancy ending in a miscarriage. This finding appears to be true regardless of the mother's age.
The data gathered in the study shows that a couple's risk of a miscarriage can rise 60% when a father is over the age of 40.
Sugary Breakfast Cereals
July 20, 2006
Today's buzz in health news is that breakfast cereals contain high levels of sugar and fat. Although this may be surprising to some, this has been the fact for decades.
When purchasing a breakfast cereal, all you need to do is look at the ingredients. If sugar is listed as the first for second ingredient on the list, then you probably should not buy that cereal, unless you are looking to enjoy a breakfast full of sugar.
High levels of fat have also been found in several popular breakfast cereals. These finding have instigated the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to require cereal manufacturers to label the cereal boxes with color coded symbols to help consumers easily identify those cereals that are higher or lower in sugar and fat.
Implanon - Birth Control Implant
July 19, 2006
On Tuesday, July 18th, the FDA approved a new form of birth control for women.
The new product called Implanon is a progestin-only contraceptive that is implanted into the inside of a woman's upper arm. The implanted birth control device is effective for three years after it is set in. The birth control devise is a small plastic rod close to the size of a toothpick.
It is believed that Implanon will be more effective than traditional oral contraceptives because the women will not have to remember to take a pill. Poor adherence to the daily dose of oral contraceptives is usually the most likely reason for failure.
Exercise and Your Heart
July 18, 2006
It is never too late to start exercising to cut your risk of developing heart disease. People who start exercising regularly, even in their forties, can still reduce their risk of developing heart disease by up to ninety percent.
People are most likely to develop heart disease if they do not get regular exercise. Of course diet is also an important contributing factor towards heart health and good overall health.
Alzheimers, Diet and Exercise
July 18, 2006
Studies on Alzheimers and related dementia conditions are leading researchers to look as diet and exercise. These life style choices may help prevent Alzheimers.
The sooner you get started the better. Eating healthy and regular exercise may be the key to prevention of dementia.
Erectile Dysfunction and Your Health
July 17, 2006
It is widely understood that regular excersize, not smoking, a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight is good for your heart. This "heart healthy" behavior is also good for a man's sex life.
According to research finding published today in The Journal of Urology, taking steps to maintain a healthy heart could also help prevent erectile dysfunction (ED). The study followed more than 22,000 men in the U.S. for 14 years.
Men who were obese were 90 times more liekley to develop ED compared to men of a healthy weight, and smokers were 50 times more liekly to develop RD than non-smokers. In contrast, regualr excersize helped prevent the erectile problems.
Smoking and Social Status
July 14, 2006
A recent study has shed some light on smoking, social status and death rates among men. The findings suggest that death rates among male smokers of a lower social/economic status are twice as high as men of a higher social/economic status.
This is an interesting article, that makes a correlation, but does not explore much deeper than that.
New HIV/AIDS Medication
July 13, 2006
The United States government has approved the first ever combination therapy (3 in 1) pill for HIV/AIDS patients.
The new 3 in 1 pill will allow patients to take one pill once a day, rather than multiple does of multiple pills. The most positive benefit if the combination treatment is that patients will be less likely to forget to take their medication. Medication non-compliance is often the most common reason for treatment failure.
The new product combines an anti-viral drug called Sustiva, made by Bristo-Myers Squibb, with another two-drug pill called Truvada, produced by Gilead Sciences. All three drugs inhibit the replication of HIV in the body.
Nearly 40 million persons are currently living with HIV and AIDS, the majority of them in poor nations in Africa and Asia. Nearly 3 million died of the disease last year, according to UNAIDS. Approximately 40,000 Americans are infected with HIV each year, and 1 million are estimated to be living with the disease.
Eric Miller, a spokesperson for Sustiva maker Bristol-Myers Squibb, said the new product would sell for a wholesale price of $1,150.88 for a 30-day supply.
Morning Sickness
July 12, 2006
Morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy may not be due to hormones, and instead the result of the mother's diet.
A new study has shown the link between nausea and diet, which may be the body's way of protecting mother and baby from poisons, toxins or bugs in food.
Research for the study was gathered from 21 countries. Countries with diets high in certain foods, such as stimulant, had higher levels of reported sickness during pregnancy than other countries.
Magic Mushrooms and Depression
July 11, 2006
"Magic mushrooms" may be a magical treatment for people who suffer from depression. A new study looking into a chemical in magic mushrooms may lead to new treatment options.
Psilocybin, a compound present in magic mushrooms, has been shown to cause positive changes in mood and behavior among depressed subjects. This compound is also associated with creating hallucinogenic experiences among those who consume the compound.
The problem with magic mushrooms is that they are considered a Class A drug among other drugs such as cocaine and heroine.
Questions About Avain Flu
July 10, 2006
If you have questions about Avain flu this article may help you get some answers to those questions.
Poor Eating Habits among Canadians
July 7, 2006
According to recent statistics made available by Canada, the Canadians are not eating very healthy. Poor health habits include no breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and fast food for dinner. Hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, fries and sub sandwiches seem to top the list of food loved by Canadians. The survey also found that adults and children do not consume the suggested amount of fruits and vegetables.
Pain Relief
July 6, 2007
Ever wonder why that heating pad can bring so much relief when suffering from internal pain? It is true that a heat source can help relieve internal pain, and now scientists are able to explain why.
A hot compress physically shuts down the normal pain response and instead switches on heat receptors. The result is the same relief that one could get from a pain killer. Specifically the hot compress has been found to be effective for menstrual cramps, stomach aches and colic.
The research was spurred on by a chance conversation Dr King had several years ago with colleagues about why hot water bottles seem to relieve pain. Dr King hopes his discovery will lead to new pain-relief drugs that could reduce the need for opiates such as morphine.
Tylenol and Liver Damage
July 5, 2006
Tylenol may no longer be "doctor recommended" after new research suggests that Tylenol may in fact cause liver damage. These new findings were extracted from research conducted by the University of North Carolina.
Tylenol has been on the market for 20 years and although there was some evidence that Tylenol in combination with hydrocodone caused liver damage, hydrocodone was thought to be the culprit. The new evidence is suggesting that the Tylenol is in fact causing liver damage rather than the hydrocodone. Taken as directed for four days, Tylenol (acetaminophen) poses a risk.
Tylenol is a popular painkiller taken by millions of people all over the world. It is an alternative to aspirin for people who are concerned about its gastrointestinal side-effects. The scientists said that patients who really need Tylenol should not stop taking it. If they are concerned they should discuss their medication with their doctor before considering switching.
You can read about this trial in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 5 July issue.