Low calorie sweeteners helpful in weight control

Low-calorie sweeteners may be one piece in solving the obesity puzzle, several studies conducted in humans have shown that low-calorie sweeteners and the products that contain them can be useful tools in weight control. – A recent review of the scientific literature has concluded that low-calorie (or no-calorie) sweeteners can be helpful in resolving the obesity problem. Although they are not magic bullets, low-calorie sweeteners in beverages and foods can help people reduce their calorie (energy) intakes.

Colonoscopy fears overcome when patients support patients

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers found that patients who received telephone mentoring from a trained “peer coach” were two times more likely to keep their first colonoscopy appointment than those who received an educational brochure about the procedure in the mail or received no peer or literature support. – Patients who have had a colonoscopy can play a life-saving role by encouraging other patients to follow through with their own colorectal cancer screenings, according to new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. These peer coaches can provide important information to combat myths and fears that serve as barriers to colonoscopy ? issues patients say their doctors often fail to address.

Education programs lead to better health in heart patients

University of Michigan researchers revealed that heart patients find education programs lead to better health. – Older women heart patients benefit from educational programs as a supplement to clinical care to help significantly lower cardiac symptoms, lose weight and increase physical activity, a new study shows.

Breast cancer gene mutation common in Hispanic, young black women

The gene mutation BRCA1, which is known to increase the risk of breast cancer, is prevalent among Hispanics and young black women with breast cancer, researchers report. – A genetic mutation already known to be more common in Ashkenazi Jewish breast cancer patients is also prevalent in Hispanic and young African-American women with breast cancer, according to one of the largest, multiracial studies of the mutation to date.

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