Health Archives

Low body fat may not lower risk for heart disease and diabetes

Genetic study shows that low body fat may not lower risk for heart disease and diabetes – Researchers revealed that some people with a specific form of the gene are more likely to have lower percent body fat, but also more likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes, because the gene lowers only the “subcutaneous” fat under the skin, but not the more harmful “visceral” fat that surrounds organs. People with this gene variant are less able to store fat safely under the skin and may, therefore, store fat elsewhere in the body, where it may interfere with normal organ function.

Healthy eating, physical activity and good sleep needed to curb obesity

Policies that promote healthy eating, activity and sleep are needed to curb obesity in infants, toddlers and preschoolers – Limiting television and other media use, encouraging infants and young children in preschool and child care to spend more time in physically active play, and requiring child care providers to promote healthy sleeping practices are some of the actions needed to curb high rates of obesity among America’s youngest children.

Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis medications lowers diabetes risk

Certain drugs lower risk of diabetes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis – Certain rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis medications are associated with reduced diabetes risk, revealed by researchers. 2 disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, TNF inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine, are associated with a reduced risk for the development of diabetes in psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis patients

2 types of botulinum toxin compared for cosmetic use

Study compares 2 types of botulinum toxin for cosmetic use – Botulinum toxin, a protein long considered harmful, is now known as a neuromodulator (a chemical that affects nerve impulses) that has cosmetic and medical uses. Not all varieties of botulinum toxin seem to be equally effective in reducing crow’s feet wrinkles, according to a report published by Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Intensive statin therapy increases risk of diabetes

Intensive-Dose Statin Therapy Associated With Increased Risk of Diabetes – Use of intensive-dose statin therapy compared with moderate-dose statin therapy was associated with a higher incidence of new-onset diabetes. An analysis of data from previously published studies indicates that intensive-dose statin therapy is associated with an increased risk of new-onset diabetes compared with moderate-dose therapy, according to a study in the recent issue of JAMA.

RISPERDAL and Risperidone Tablets recalled due to odor of TBA

Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of RISPERDAL? Tablets and One Lot of Risperidone Tablets – Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of one lot of RISPERDAL? (risperidone) 3mg Tablets, marketed by Janssen Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and one lot of risperidone 2mg Tablets, marketed by Patriot Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Better inform consumers about sunscreen to help reduce skin cancer risk, early aging

FDA Announces Changes to Better Inform Consumers About Sunscreen — New Rules Give Consumers More Information to Help Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer, Early Aging – Sunscreen products meeting modern standards for effectiveness may be labeled with new information to help consumers find products that, when used with other sun protection measures, reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, as well as help prevent sunburn. The final regulation allows sunscreen products that pass the FDA’s test for protection against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to be labeled as “Broad Spectrum.”

New safety recommendations for high dose 80 mg simvastatin

FDA announces new safety recommendations for high-dose simvastatin — Increased risk of muscle injury cited – Patients taking simvastatin 80 mg daily had an increased risk of muscle injury. The risk of muscle injury is highest during the first year of treatment with the 80 mg dose of simvastatin, and is frequently associated with a genetic predisposition for simvastatin-related muscle injury or myopathy.

New strain of MRSA discovered, found in both humans and dairy cows

New strain of MRSA discovered — Antibiotic resistant bacteria found in both humans and dairy cows – Scientists have identified a new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which occurs both in human and dairy cow populations. The study, led by Dr Mark Holmes at the University of Cambridge, identified the new strain in milk from dairy cows while researching mastitis (a bacterial infection which occurs in the cows’ udders).

Blast related injuries detected in brains of US military personnel

Blast-related injuries detected in the brains of US military personnel – An advanced imaging technique has revealed that some U.S. military personnel with mild blast-related traumatic brain injuries have abnormalities in the brain that have not been seen with other types of imaging. The abnormalities were found in the brain’s white matter, the wiring system that nerve cells in the brain use to communicate with each other.

New form of cholesterol revealed in people at high risk of heart disease

Super-sticky ‘ultra-bad’ cholesterol revealed in people at high risk of heart disease – Scientists from the University of Warwick have discovered why a newly found form of cholesterol seems to be ‘ultra-bad’, leading to increased risk of heart disease. The discovery could lead to new treatments to prevent heart disease particularly in people with type 2 diabetes and the elderly.

Incivek for hepatitis C infection is approved in US

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves Incivek for hepatitis C – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Incivek (telaprevir) to treat certain adults with chronic hepatitis C infection. Incivek is used for patients who have either not received interferon-based drug therapy for their infection or who have not responded adequately to prior therapies.