Health Archives

Elderly must start tai chi to prevent falls

New guidelines for preventing falls in the elderly include: start tai chi, cut-back on meds – In the first update of the American Geriatrics Society and the British Geriatric Society’s guidelines on preventing falls in older persons since 2001, they now recommend that all interventions for preventing falls should include an exercise component and that a number of new assessments should be used, including; feet and footwear, fear of falling, and ability to carry out daily living activities.

Healthy habits in youth linked to better cholesterol levels

Adopting Healthy Habits in Youth Associated With More Favorable Cholesterol Levels in Early Adulthood – Lifestyle changes between childhood and adulthood appear associated with whether an individual will maintain, improve or develop high-risk cholesterol levels.

Clostridium infection increasing hospitalized children

Clostridium Bacteria Infecting Increasing Numbers of Hospitalized Children – Hospitalized children in the United States are more frequently becoming infected with the bacteria Clostridium difficile. A report about this study will appear in the May print issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

Private room intensive care units associated with lower infection rates

Private room intensive care units associated with lower infection rates – Converting hospital intensive care units (ICUs) to private rooms is associated with a reduction in the rate at which patients acquire infections, according to a report in the January 10 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Protein may improve muscle function of muscular dystrophy

Human protein improves muscle function of muscular dystrophy mice – A novel potential therapy based on a natural human protein significantly slows muscle damage and improves function in mice who have the same genetic mutation as boys with the most common form of muscular dystrophy, according to a paper published online Dec._27 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

New therapy for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring

A new therapy for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring – Snoring may be an irritating phenomenon depriving you of good sleep. It can signal sleep apnea and may lead to even a heart attack.

Tiny Greens Brand Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts may contain Salmonella

FDA: Don?t Eat Tiny Greens Brand Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts – US FDA is advising consumers not to eat Alfalfa Sprouts and Spicy Sprouts (which contain alfalfa sprouts mixed with radish and clover sprouts) from Tiny Greens Organic Farm of Urbana, Ill.

Protein hydrolysate based infant formulas found better

Not all infant formulas are alike: Differential effects on weight gain – New findings from the Monell Center reveal that weight gain of formula-fed infants is influenced by the type of formula the infant is consuming. Commonly available infant formulas are cow’s milk-based, soy-based and protein hydrolysate-based.

Placebo works even without deception

Placebos work — even without deception – For most of us, the “placebo effect” is synonymous with the power of positive thinking; it works because you believe you’re taking a real drug. But a new study rattles this assumption.

Electronic medical records not always linked to better care in hospitals

Electronic medical records not always linked to better care in hospitals, study finds – Use of electronic health records by hospitals across the United States has had only a limited effect on improving the quality of medical care, according to a new RAND Corporation study.

Metabolic syndrome common in psoriasis patients

Features of the metabolic syndrome common in persons with psoriasis – Individuals with psoriasis have a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, according to a report that will appear in the April_2011 print issue of Archives of Dermatology.

Good grades in high school lead to better health

Good grades in high school lead to better health, study finds – The “A” grades that high schoolers earn aren’t just good for making the honor roll – they also make them healthier as adults, too.