Health Archives

Lasting lung damage in rescue workers from 9/11 WTC dust

FDNY rescue workers show lasting lung damage from 9/11 World Trade Center dust — 7-year follow-up shows persistent lung function decline with no meaningful recovery – A study of nearly 13,000 rescue workers from the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) shows that the significant proportion who suffered acute lung damage after exposure to World Trade Center (WTC) dust have not recovered normal lung function in the years since the September_11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Teen birth rate fell 2 percent in US

Teen Birth Rates Drop in 2008 Following a Two-Year Increase – a new report by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – The teen birth rate in the United States fell 2 percent between 2007 and 2008, after rising the previous two years, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

Comprehensive approach reduces MRSA in french hospitals

Comprehensive Approach Associated With Reduced MRSA in French Hospitals – An intensive program of surveillance, precautions, training and feedback in a large multihospital institution appears to be associated with reductions in rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) over a 15-year period.

Curcumin in turmeric may delay liver damage, cirrhosis

Indian spice may delay liver damage and cirrhosis — Curcumin improves sclerosing cholangitis in Mdr2 -/- mice by inhibition of cholangiocyte inflammatory response and portal myofibroblast proliferation – Curcumin, one of the principal components of the Indian spice turmeric, seems to delay the liver damage that eventually causes cirrhosis, suggests preliminary experimental research in the journal Gut.

Review policies for childhood obesity, US

In the battle against childhood obesity, review effectiveness before implementing policies – Before developing specific anti-obesity strategies, lawmakers and advocates should review the evidence on program effectiveness and costs in order to avoid policies that either won’t work or will waste money.

Soluble fiber boosts immune system and immunity

An apple a day? Study shows soluble fiber boosts immune system – Soluble fiber – found in oats, apples, and nuts, for starters reduces the inflammation associated with obesity-related diseases and strengthens the immune system, revealed by researchers.

Sepsis and pneumonia cost $ 8.1 billion to treat

New study shows sepsis and pneumonia caused by hospital-acquired infections kill 48,000 patients — Cost $8.1 billion to treat – Two common conditions caused by hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) killed 48,000 people and ramped up health care costs by $8.1 billion in 2006 alone, according to a study released in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

New policy on choking prevention in young children

New AAP policy on choking prevention in young children – Choking is a leading cause of injury and death among children, especially children 3 years of age or younger. Food, toys and coins account for most of the choking-related events in young children, who put objects in their mouths as they explore new environments.

Acupuncture lessens depression symptoms during pregnancy

Acupuncture lessens depression symptoms during pregnancy, Stanford study shows – Acupuncture appears to be an effective way to reduce depression symptoms during pregnancy, according to a first-of-its-kind study from Stanford University School of Medicine researchers.

Dust from distant lands may affect climate and health in US, Europe

Dust from distant lands may affect climate and health in the Americas and Europe — University of Miami Professor Joe Prospero to share findings at AAAS – Residents of the southern United States and the Caribbean have seen it many times during the summer months-a whitish haze in the sky that seems to hang around for days.

Progesterone for traumatic brain injury tested

Progesterone for traumatic brain injury tested in phase III clinical trial – Researchers at 17 medical centers across the US soon will begin using the hormone progesterone to treat patients who experience traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Urgent need to prepare developing countries for surge in e-wastes

Urgent need to prepare developing countries for surge in e-wastes: UN — Rocketing sales of cell phones, gadgets, appliances forecast in China, India, elsewhere. – Sales of electronic products in countries like China and India and across continents such as Africa and Latin America are set to rise sharply in the next 10 years.