Health Archives

Food allergies rate higher in young children

Severe reactions to food more common than thought in young children — Study identifies causes for high rates of allergic reactions in children with food allergies – Young children with allergies to milk and egg experience reactions to these and other foods more often than researchers had expected. A new study found that severe and potentially life-threatening reactions in a significant number of these children occur and that some caregivers are hesitant to give such children epinephrine, a medication that reverses the symptoms of such reactions and can save lives.

Health benefits of starting each day with cereal

Kellogg Company Unveils Updated Research Compendium Illustrating The Health Benefits Of Starting Each Day With Cereal – When it comes to breakfasts that give people a strong start to the day, cereal is near the top of the list ? and Kellogg Company wants to give people the facts on this nutritious breakfast food.

Most contaminated surfaces in hotel rooms – TV remote and bedside lamp switch

The most contaminated surfaces in hotel rooms – – TV remote and bedside lamp switch – An experiment of surfaces in hotel rooms finds television remotes to be among the most heavily contaminated with bacteria and items on housekeeping carts carry the potential to cross-contaminate rooms, revealed by researchers from the University of Houston.

Cholesterol lowering statin drugs may cause fatigue

Statins shown to cause fatigue-with-exertion or impaired energy – Researchers found that individuals taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are more likely than non-users to experience decreased energy, fatigue upon exertion, or both. The researchers suggest that these findings should be taken into account by doctors when weighing risk versus benefit in prescribing statins.

Omega 3 fish oil supplements not reducing cognitive decline in older

Role of omega-3 in preventing cognitive decline in older people questioned — Elderly warned that taking fish oil pills ‘does not prevent brain decline’ – Older people who take omega-3 fish oil supplements are probably not reducing their chances of losing cognitive function. Based on the available data from studies lasting up to 3.5 years, the researchers concluded that the supplements offered no benefits for cognitive health over placebo capsules or margarines, but that longer term effects are worth investigating.

Largest human cancer genome data released in US

World’s largest release of comprehensive human cancer genome data helps speed discoveries — Whole genome data from hundreds of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patients exceeds volume of all other sources combined – A comprehensive human cancer genome data is released in US for free access by the global scientific community. The amount of information released more than doubles the volume of high-coverage, whole genome data currently available from all human genome sources combined.

Hormone therapy recommendations to be updated

Task Force Examines Evidence to Update Hormone Therapy Recommendations – Evidence of significant adverse events led the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to issue recommendations against using estrogen plus progestin in 2002 and estrogen alone in 2005 to prevent chronic conditions.

A new type of male contraceptive possible now

Male fertility genes discovered — Gene study could pave way for non-hormonal male contraceptive – A new type of male contraceptive could be created thanks to the discovery of a key gene essential for sperm development. The finding could lead to alternatives to conventional male contraceptives that rely on disrupting the production of hormones, such as testosterone and can cause side-effects such as irritability, mood swings and acne.

IUDs amd implants are most effective birth control methods

IUDs, implants most effective birth control – Women who used birth control pills, the patch or vaginal ring were 20 times more likely to have an unintended pregnancy than those who used longer-acting forms such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or implant.

Vigorous physical activity reduced psoriasis in women

Vigorous physical activity associated with reduced risk of psoriasis – A study of U.S. women suggests that vigorous physical activity may be associated with a reduced risk of psoriasis. Psoriasis is an immunologic disorder characterized by systemic inflammation and scaling of the skin.

Sleep apnea treatment reduces hypertension and heart disease risk

Studies examine CPAP treatment and cardiovascular outcomes in adults with obstructive sleep apnea — Treatment of Obstructed Sleep Apnea With CPAP Therapy Associated With A Lower Risk Of Hypertension – Two studies that included adults with obstructive sleep apnea examined the effectiveness of reducing the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, including high blood pressure, by treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Acupuncture improved dyspnea in patients with COPD

Acupuncture appears linked with improvement in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – Acupuncture appears to be associated with improvement of dyspnea (labored breathing) on exertion, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) revealed by researchers in a new study. The management of dyspnea is an important target in the treatment of COPD, a common respiratory disease characterized by irreversible airflow limitation. COPD is predicted to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020.