Diet Soda Habit as Bad for Teeth as Meth Addiction, Study Claims
Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.
NIH scientists discover molecule triggers sensation of itch
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health report they have discovered in mouse studies that a small molecule released in the spinal cord triggers a process that is later experienced in the brain as the sensation of itch.
Study of “screen time” on mood, memory, and cognition wins top NIH Addiction Science Award
An exploration of electronic "screen time" and sleep on mood, memory and learning was given the top Addiction Science Award at the 2013 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)-the world's largest science competition for high school students. Projects on "bath salts" and the link between fetal alcohol exposure and diabetes take other honors.
Diagnosing heart attacks: There’s an app for that
An experimental, inexpensive iPhone application transmitted diagnostic heart images faster and more reliably than emailing photo images, according to a research study presented at the American Heart Association’s Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Scientific Sessions 2013.
Losing Weight May Ease Chronic Heartburn
Obese and overweight men and women who suffer from heartburn often report relief when they lose weight, a new study shows.
Flu in pregnancy may quadruple child’s risk for bipolar disorder
Pregnant mothers' exposure to the flu was associated with a nearly fourfold increased risk that their child would develop bipolar disorder in adulthood, in a study funded by the National Institutes of Health.
One in five adults meet overall physical activity guidelines
About 20 percent of U.S. adults are meeting both the aerobic and muscle strengthening components of the federal government's physical activity recommendations, according to a report published in today's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a journal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Living Near Heavy Traffic May Harm Kidney Function
Living near a major road may result in reduced kidney function, which could, in turn, increase people's risk for heart attack and stroke, according to a new study.
The Benefits of Slumber - Why You Need a Good Night's Sleep
We have so many demands on our time—jobs, family, errands—not to mention finding some time to relax. To fit everything in, we often sacrifice sleep. But sleep affects both mental and physical health. It’s vital to your well-being.
Hopeful Signs on a Long Road to a Better Health System
If you've ever thought that your experience with the health care system–good or bad–is very different from someone else's, you're not alone.
Women’s, men’s brains respond differently to hungry infant’s cries
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have uncovered firm evidence for what many mothers have long suspected: women's brains appear to be hard-wired to respond to the cries of a hungry infant.
Study suggests only half of Americans with hepatitis C receive complete testing for the virus
Only half of Americans identified as ever having had hepatitis C received follow-up testing showing that they were still infected, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis of data from a multi-area study published today in the CDC report "Vital Signs."
Administration Offers Consumers an Unprecendented Look at Hospital Charges
Today, as part of the Obama administration's work to make our health care system more affordable and accountable, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced a three-part initiative that for the first time gives consumers information on what hospitals charge. New data released today show significant variation across the country and within communities in what hospitals charge for common inpatient services.
FDA issues proposal to increase consumer awareness of tanning bed risks
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a proposed order that, if finalized, would reclassify sunlamp products and require labeling to include a recommendation designed to warn young people not to use these devices.
Increases in heart disease risk factors may decrease brain function
Brain function in adults as young as 35 may decline as their heart disease risk factors increase, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal "Stroke."
Poison lips? Troubling levels of toxic metals found in cosmetics
A new analysis of the contents of lipstick and lip gloss may cause you to pause before puckering.
NIH study uses Botox to find new wrinkle in brain communication
National Institutes of Health researchers used the popular anti-wrinkle agent Botox to discover a new and important role for a group of molecules that nerve cells use to quickly send messages.
Brain patterns may help predict relapse risk for alcoholism
Distinct patterns of brain activity are linked to greater rates of relapse among alcohol dependent patients in early recovery, a study has found. The research, supported by the National Institutes of Health, may give clues about which people in recovery from alcoholism are most likely to return to drinking.
Your kidneys aren’t very big—each is about the size of your fist—but they do important work. They keep you healthy by maintaining just the right balance of water and other substances inside your body.
Blind Cords Pose Danger to Toddlers, Doctors Warn
Young children are at high risk for accidentally strangling themselves with window blind cords and parents need to be aware of this threat, doctors report.
“Off-the-shelf” artificial blood vessels may reduce dialysis complications
Scientists bioengineered an artificial blood vessel by seeding human aorta cells onto a biodegradable mesh tube. In the process, a tubular vein develops in two months as the growing cells secrete proteins and the mesh support structure dissolves. "Off-the-shelf" blood vessels could one day reduce some complications of dialysis treatment...
Alternative therapies may help lower blood pressure
Alternative therapies such as aerobic exercise, resistance or strength training, and isometric hand grip exercises may help reduce your blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
Prescription Drug Abuse Up Among U.S. Teens: Survey
The United States appears to be in the throes of a prescription drug abuse crisis among teens, with a new survey showing that 24 percent of high school students -- more than 5 million kids -- have abused these medications.
We’ve all had sore throats around this time of year. Your throat feels scratchy and may hurt when you swallow. What can you do to soothe a sore throat?
NIH study sheds light on how to reset the addicted brain
Could drug addiction treatment of the future be as simple as an on/off switch in the brain? A study in rats has found that stimulating a key part of the brain reduces compulsive cocaine-seeking and suggests the possibility of changing addictive behavior generally.
Vitamin D may reduce risk of uterine fibroids, according to NIH study
Women who had sufficient amounts of vitamin D were 32 percent less likely to develop fibroids than women with insufficient vitamin D, according to a study from researchers at the National Institutes of Health.
Drinking cup of beetroot juice daily may help lower blood pressure
A cup of beetroot juice a day may help reduce your blood pressure, according to a small study in the American Heart Association journal "Hypertension."
American College of Physicians and Federation of State Medical Boards encourage doctors to always ‘pause before posting’ and not ‘friend’ patients in new policy paper.
Technique Directs Immune Cells to Target Leukemia
A type of targeted immunotherapy induced remission in adults with an aggressive form of leukemia that had relapsed in 5 patients. The early results of this ongoing trial highlight the potential of the approach.
Chelation Therapy May Help Reduce Cardiovascular Events
In a new study, chelation therapy-an unproven alternative treatment for heart disease-modestly reduced cardiovascular events in older adults who'd suffered a prior heart attack. The findings weren't conclusive but provide guidance for future research.
Same-Sex Spouses Can Face Barriers On Health Care Under Federal Law
Mike Bosia and Steven Obranovich, of Hardwick, Vt., were married three years ago after Vermont legalized same-sex marriage. As Bosia's spouse, Obranovich is entitled to health insurance through Bosia's employer, Saint Michael's College in Colchester.
Health Law at Three Years Highlights Coverage, Cost, and Quality Improvements
When the Affordable Care Act was signed into law 3 years ago, many Americans paid attention to popular features like letting young adults stay on their parents' health insurance until age 26 or closing the "donut hole" gap for Medicare prescription drugs.
FDA approves Diclegis for pregnant women experiencing nausea and vomiting
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Diclegis (doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride) to treat pregnant women experiencing nausea and vomiting.
How Resveratrol May Fight Aging
A new study gives insight into how resveratrol-a compound found in grapes, red wine and nuts-may ward off several age-related diseases. The findings could help in the development of drugs to curtail some of the health problems that arise as we get older.
Shaking Out Clues to Autoimmune Disease
Researchers gained new insight into how an immune cell involved in several autoimmune disorders is regulated. Among their findings was a potential link with salt consumption.
Breath Test Might Predict Obesity Risk
A simple breath test may be able to tell if you are overweight or will be in the future, a new study suggests.
Energy drinks may increase blood pressure, disturb heart rhythm
Energy drinks may increase blood pressure and disturb your heart’s natural rhythm, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism 2013 Scientific Sessions.
Norovirus is now the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in US children
Norovirus is now the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis among children less than 5 years of age who seek medical care, according to a new study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine."
Heart-healthy lifestyle also reduces cancer risk
Following the American Heart Association’s Life's Simple 7 steps to reduce your risk for heart disease can also help prevent cancer, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal "Circulation."
Common Genetic Factors Found in 5 Mental Disorders
Major mental disorders traditionally thought to be distinct share certain genetic glitches, according to a new study. The finding may point to better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
The Genetics of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
An international group of researchers discovered 7 regions of the human genome associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. The findings may eventually lead to new treatment and prevention approaches to AMD.
Green tea, coffee may help lower stroke risk
Green tea and coffee may help lower your risks of having a stroke, especially when both are a regular part of your diet. People who drank either green tea or coffee daily had about approximately 20~30 percent lower risk for one type of stroke, compared to those who seldom drank them.
Action needed now to halt spread of deadly bacteria
A family of bacteria has become increasingly resistant to last-resort antibiotics during the past decade, and more hospitalized patients are getting lethal infections that, in some cases, are impossible to cure.
A new study revealed the patterns of brain activity that produce human speech. The findings may one day lead to new approaches for treating speech disorders.
Sweet Drinks Tied to Higher Calorie Consumption in Kids
Children who drink sugar-sweetened beverages consume more calories than other children and the beverages are the main reason for that higher calorie intake, a new study reveals.
New Primary Care Focus Helps Patients Take Better Care of Themselves
Starting new behaviors to improve our health can be a challenge. Too often, our health care system doesn't help us learn the skills we need to stay healthy.
Toddler 'functionally cured' of HIV infection, NIH-supported investigators report
A two-year-old child born with HIV infection and treated with antiretroviral drugs beginning in the first days of life no longer has detectable levels of virus using conventional testing despite not taking HIV medication for 10 months, according to findings presented today at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Atlanta.
Targeting CPR education in high-risk neighborhoods could save more lives
Targeting CPR education in high-risk neighborhoods could increase the number of bystanders giving CPR and decrease deaths from cardiac arrest, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published in its journal "Circulation."
'Worried Well' Often Ignore Negative Test Results: Study
One in six people worries that they're sick even though their symptoms don't signal disease, and often these patients aren't swayed by tests that show they're fine, Scottish researchers report.
Major Doctor Group Coalition Expands List Of Overused Tests, Treatments
The American Board of Internal Medicine, as part of its "Choosing Wisely" campaign, expanded the number of medical societies recommending caution before certain tests and procedures are ordered.
Too Much Coffee in Pregnancy Tied to Smaller, Later Newborns, Study Says
The coffee or other caffeinated beverages a woman drinks during her pregnancy might up the odds for a low birth weight newborn or an extended pregnancy, a new study says.
There’s room for improvement in women’s heart disease awareness
The number of women aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death has nearly doubled in the last 15 years, but that knowledge still lags in minorities and younger women, according to a new study in the American Heart Association journal "Circulation."
Sleep and Memory in the Aging Brain
New findings reveal a connection between sleep and memory, and shed light on why forgetfulness is common in the elderly.
High blood pressure during pregnancy may signal later heart disease risk
High blood pressure - even once or twice during routine medical care - can signal substantially higher risks of heart and kidney disease and diabetes, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal "Circulation."
Praising Kids for Efforts, Not Qualities, May Help Them Succeed
Telling your young children that they are smart may not be all that wise. A new study found that it's probably not helpful for parents to shower their young daughters or sons with commentary meant to boost self-esteem.
Reducing sodium in U.S. may save hundreds of thousands of lives over 10 years
Less sodium in the U.S. diet could save 280,000 to 500,000 lives over 10 years, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal "Hypertension."
Intensive Care Units for Newborns in Nine States See Sharp Drop in Bloodstream Infections
Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in newborns were reduced by 58 percent in less than a year in hospital neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) participating in an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality patient safety program.
New Children's Electronic Health Record Format Announced
The benefits of electronic health records (EHRs) may become more widely available to children through an EHR format for children's health care announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
New Tools Help Health Providers Reduce Patients' Risk of Falls
For older adults, falls are serious, whether they take place in the home or in a health care setting.
As the days get shorter, many people find themselves feeling sad. You might feel blue around the winter holidays, or get into a slump after the fun and festivities have ended.
NIH urges women to protect their heart health and to encourage others to do the same
During American Heart Month in February 2013, The Heart Truth campaign of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) will celebrate the stories of women taking action to protect their hearts and who are inspiring and motivating others to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
Next-generation CT scanner provides better images with minimal radiation
A new computed tomography (CT) scanner substantially reduces potentially harmful radiation while still improving overall image quality. National Institutes of Health researchers, along with engineers at Toshiba Medical Systems, worked on the scanner.
Researchers gained new insight into how genetics may influence obesity by studying how the mouse equivalent of a fast-food diet affects different mouse strains. The findings may help explain why some people gain weight more easily than others.
Brain Changes as Trust Rises With Age
Older adults are more likely than younger ones to perceive dishonest faces as trustworthy, according to a new study of social judgments and brain activity.
Many hospitalized children who require prolonged CPR survive
Many hospitalized children can survive cardiac arrest after prolonged CPR, according to new research in "Circulation," an American Heart Association journal.
Utah Doctor Develops Glasses To Get Rid Of Migraines
Utah Super Doctors® 2013 honoree Bradley J. Katz, MD offers new hope to migraine sufferers
Standard Written Checklists Can Improve Patient Safety During Surgical Crises
When doctors, nurses and other hospital operating room staff follow a written safety checklist to respond when a patient experiences cardiac arrest, severe allergic reaction, bleeding followed by an irregular heart beat or other crisis during surgery, they are nearly 75 percent less likely to miss a critical clinical step, according to a new study funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Binge drinking is an under-recognized problem among women and girls
Binge drinking is a dangerous behavior that can lead to tragic circumstances. It's not often recognized as a women's health problem but nearly 14 million U.S. women binge drink about three times a month, and consume an average of six drinks per binge, according to a Vital Signs report released today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Therapy Shows Promise for Peanut Allergy
A liquid therapy placed underneath the tongues of people with peanut allergy can reduce their sensitivity to peanuts, a new study found.
Strawberries, blueberries may cut heart attack risk in women
Eating three or more servings of blueberries and strawberries per week may help women reduce their risk of a heart attack by as much as one-third, researchers reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Millions of Americans newly eligible for quality, affordable health coverage in 2014
Because of the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans will be newly eligible to receive quality, affordable health care through Medicaid and the new health insurance marketplaces (also known as the Exchanges) in 2014.
FDA requiring lower recommended dose for certain sleep drugs containing zolpidem
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it is requiring the manufacturers of Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar and Zolpimist, widely used sleep drugs that contain the active ingredient zolpidem, to lower current recommended doses.
NIH study uncovers details of early stages in muscle formation and regeneration
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified proteins that allow muscle cells in mice to form from the fusion of the early stage cells that give rise to the muscle cells. The findings have implications for understanding how to repair and rehabilitate muscle tissue and to understanding other processes involving cell fusion.
Americans’ heart health varies significantly from state to state
"Americans reported having on average more than four of the seven risk factors for heart disease. We also found large disparities by age, sex, race/ethnicity and levels of education,"said Jing Fang, M.D., M.S., an epidemiologist with the CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention in Atlanta, Ga.
Make Good on Your Resolution To Quit Smoking
For people who smoke cigarettes, the New Year is a popular time to try to quit. And it's no wonder why.
Change your salty ways in only 21 days
Sodium – the everyday meal offender that might make your face feel puffy and your jeans look, and feel, tighter. Did you know that by reducing your sodium intake during a three week period you can change your sodium palate and start enjoying foods with less sodium?
Flu Activity Picks Up Nationwide
Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States and most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness (ILI), according to CDC's latest FluView report.
Genomic Technology Detects Fetal Problems
Two new studies show the potential of a genomic technique to help spot abnormalities in fetuses that conventional methods can't. One research team used the technology in prenatal testing.
More children surviving in-hospital cardiac arrest
Hospitalized children who suffer cardiac arrest are nearly three times more likely to survive than they were about a decade ago, and no more likely to suffer brain impairment, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal "Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality & Outcomes."
Resources to Help You Stay Healthy in the New Year
As the New Year gets closer, it's a good time to think about how to stay healthy in 2013.
As doctors grow older, hospitals begin requiring them to prove they’re still fit
About 42 percent of the nation's 1 million physicians are older than 55 and 21 percent are older than 65, according to the American Medical Association, up from 35 percent and 18 percent, respectively, in 2006.
TOP HOSPITALS NAMED BY LEAPFROG GROUP
The Leapfrog Group announced its annual list of Top Hospitals at its Annual Meeting. The Top Hospital designation, which is the most competitive national hospital quality award in the country, recognizes hospitals that deliver the highest quality care by preventing medical errors, reducing mortality for high-risk procedures like heart bypass surgery, and reducing hospital readmissions for patients being treated for conditions like pneumonia and heart attack.
Scientists were able to forecast seasonal flu outbreaks using an approach common to weather prediction. The accomplishment lays the groundwork for systems to help public officials better predict and prepare for outbreaks.
Many people associate massage with vacations or spas and consider them something of a luxury. But research is beginning to suggest this ancient form of hands-on healing may be more than an indulgence—may help improve your health.
New Bath Salts Resource Available from NIDA
Reports of severe intoxication and dangerous health effects associated with use of bath salts have made these drugs a serious and growing public health and safety issue.
More than half of young HIV-infected Americans are not aware of their status
Young people between the ages of 13 and 24 represent more than a quarter of new HIV infections each year (26 percent) and most of these youth living with HIV (60 percent) are unaware they are infected.
Social media may help fight childhood obesity
Social media may be an effective tool to help children overcome obesity, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement.
A Little Exercise Might Lengthen Life
A little physical activity can go a long way toward extending your life, regardless of your weight, a new study found. People who walked briskly or did other activity at only half the recommended amount gained nearly 2 years in life expectancy compared to inactive people.
High blood pressure in young adults likely to go undiagnosed
Adults 18-24 years old with high blood pressure were 28 percent less likely to be diagnosed during doctor visits than those 60 and older, according to findings presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2012.
Brain Wave Synchronization Key to Working Visual Memory
Short-term memories are stored as synchronized signals between 2 key brain hubs, according to a new study in monkeys. The findings show for the first time how the brain stores visual information for working memory tasks.
Can’t Curb the Urge to Move? Living With Restless Legs Syndrome
Staying active is usually a good thing. But the motivation to move goes to unwelcome extremes for people with restless legs syndrome.
60 percent of America's biggest cities are now smoke-free
Thirty of America’s 50 largest cities are now covered by laws that prohibit smoking in all indoor areas of private workplaces, restaurants, and bars, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the American Heart Association (AHA) today announced an ambitious collaboration to reverse the nation's childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.
Healthy Diet May Fend Off Type 2 Diabetes After Gestational Diabetes
By keeping a healthy diet in the years after pregnancy, women who develop diabetes during pregnancy can greatly reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes, a new study found. About 5% of pregnant women nationwide develop high blood sugar levels even though they didn't have diabetes before pregnancy.
Migraine-associated brain changes not related to impaired cognition
Women with migraines did not appear to experience a decline in cognitive ability over time compared to those who didn't have them, according to a nine-year follow up study funded by the National Institutes of Health.
HHS Launches BeTobaccoFree.gov
Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the launch of BeTobaccoFree.gov, a comprehensive website providing one-stop access to the best and most up-to-date tobacco-related information from across its agencies. This consolidated resource includes general information on tobacco, federal and state laws and policies, health statistics, and evidence-based methods on how to quit.
How much salt are you eating? Beware the sodium in these “Salty Six” foods
Eating too many salty foods can create all sorts of health problems, including high blood pressure. But did you know a lot of common foods are packed with excess sodium? It's not just the french fries and potato chips you need to be careful with.
Total hip replacement surgery may increase risk of stroke
Risk of ischemic stroke increases by nearly 4.7-fold and hemorrhagic stroke 4.4-fold during the first two weeks after total hip replacement surgery, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal "Stroke."
Cardiac stem cells may help treat heart failure
Cardiac stem cells may one day be an effective treatment for heart failure caused by muscle scarring after a heart attack, according to late-breaking clinical trial results presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2012.
First gene therapy study in human salivary gland shows promise
This finding comes from the first-ever safety, or Phase I, clinical study of gene therapy in a human salivary gland. Its results, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also show that the transferred gene, Aquaporin-1, has great potential to help head and neck cancer survivors who battle with chronic dry mouth.
A new technique can distinguish between different types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and track disease progression. The method could allow for more accurate diagnoses and lead to more effective treatments for COPD.
Regular physical activity reduces risk of dementia in older people
Regular physical activity may help older people reduce their chances of getting dementia.
Smoke-free laws led quickly to fewer hospitalizations
Smoke-free legistlation was associated with substantially fewer hospitalizations and deaths from heart and respiratory diseases, according to research in the American Heart Association journal Circulation<em>.</em>
CDC Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices Recommends Tdap Immunization for Pregnant Women
The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices voted October 24th, 14 to 0, with one abstention, to recommend that providers of prenatal care implement a Tdap immunization program for all pregnant women.
NIH videos demonstrate behavior's role in personal health
The National Institutes of Health's Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), today released four videos highlighting outstanding behavioral and social science research on mindless eating, risk-taking, diabetes management, and the evolution of skin pigmentation.
Blood Infections in ICU Cut With Simple Measures: Study
The use of antibacterial soap and ointment on all intensive care patients led to a significant reduction in bloodstream infections, a new study shows. The findings suggest that a major change in health care practice could help save lives, according to the researchers.
"Biggest Loser" study finds modest diet and exercise can sustain weight loss
Exercise and healthy eating reduce body fat and preserve muscle in adults better than diet alone, according to a study funded and conducted by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The study was recently published online in Obesity and will be in a future print edition.
Hospital uses ‘lean’ manufacturing techniques to speed stroke care
A hospital stroke team used auto industry "lean" manufacturing principles to accelerate treatment times, according to new research in the American Heart Association's journal <em>Stroke. </em>In a prospective observational study, the average time between patients arriving at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., and receiving the clot-busting agent tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), decreased 21 minutes using process improvement techniques adapted from auto manufacturing.
NIH launches free database of drugs associated with liver injury
A free source of evidence-based information for health care professionals and for researchers studying liver injury associated with prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbals, and dietary supplements is now available from the National Institutes of Health. Researchers and health care professionals can use the LiverTox database to identify basic and clinical research questions to be answered and to chart optimal ways to diagnose and control drug-induced liver injury.
Language Barrier Blocks Epidural Use in Childbirth: Study
Language barriers may help explain why Hispanic women in the United States are less likely than white women to receive an epidural for pain relief during childbirth, a new study finds.
CDC study shows 54 percent decrease in teen drinking and driving since 1991
The percentage of teens in high school (aged 16 and older) who drove when they had been drinking alcohol decreased by 54 percent between 1991 and 2011, according to a Vital Signs study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nine out of 10 high school teens (aged 16 and older) did not drink and drive during 2011.
After diabetes during pregnancy, healthy diet linked to reduced type 2 diabetes risk
By sticking to a healthy diet in the years after pregnancy, women who develop diabetes during pregnancy can greatly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a study supported by the National Institutes of Health has found.
Teamwork a Key Feature of Patient Safety Improvement Program
Doctors, nurses, and other staff have always depended on each other to provide high-quality care to patients. Now they're learning how to apply specific teamwork principles to produce better and safer care.
Therapy Repairs Ravaged Immune System
Gene therapy can safely restore immune function in children with severe combined immunodeficiency and allow some to stop taking painful weekly injections. The finding, from a small clinical trial, offers hope for children born with this deadly condition.
Seniors' Creativity Can Thrive Despite Dementia
"[Humans] have this enormous capacity to learn, and the arts are so intrinsic within us that even with dementia we still retain that ability for imagination and creativity," added Gay Hanna, executive director of the National Center for Creative Aging, in Washington, D.C.
Stress, a 'Type A' Personality May Boost Stroke Risk
Stressed-out, type A personalities may be more likely to suffer a stroke than their mellow counterparts, a new Spanish study suggests.
Sesame and rice bran oil lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol
People who cooked with a blend of sesame and rice bran oils saw a significant drop in blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels, according to new research presented at the American Heart Association's High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions.
Relation of poor sleep quality to resistant hypertension
For people who already have high blood pressure, insomnia can have serious consequences, according to a new study presented at the American Heart Association's High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions.
Too Much Salt is Putting Our Children's Health at Risk
The American Heart Association says a new study examining the connection between sodium intake and the blood pressure in U.S. children and teens points to the urgent need to limit salt in foods consumed by young people.
Silent heart attacks are common and predict risk of death, MRI diagnosis shows
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more effective than electrocardiography (ECG) at identifying "silent" heart attacks, also known as unrecognized myocardial infarctions, according to a study performed by National Institutes of Health researchers and international colleagues.
New resources help older Americans and people with disabilities maintain their independence
"Whether someone is in the hospital and ready to be discharged, or living at home but needing additional care, an options counselor can help them evaluate their needs and sift through the options available in their community to create a plan that meets their needs," says Secretary Sebelius.
High blood pressure is out of control for too many Americans
The majority of people with high blood pressure are being treated with medicine and have seen a doctor at least twice in the past year, yet their condition is still not under control, according to a new Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Vitamin D supplement fails to lower cholesterol in short term
Taking vitamin D supplements to compensate for vitamin D deficiency didn't improve cholesterol - at least in the short term, according to new research in "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology," an American Heart Association journal.
Genetic Switch Involved in Depression
The activity of a single gene sets in motion some of the brain changes seen in depression, according to a new study. The finding suggests a promising target for potential therapies.
Brain Bleeds More Common in Smokers, Research Shows
Smoking greatly increases the risk of potentially fatal brain bleeding caused by a burst aneurysm, a new study warns.
Lengthier resuscitation attempts improve survival rates
More patients are revived and survive cardiac arrest when treated in hospitals that generally perform resuscitation efforts for a longer amount of time, according to a new study published in Lancet.
Breast Cancer Drug May Harm the Heart More Than Thought
Women with breast cancer who are treated with the cancer drug Herceptin may have more long-term cardiac problems than experts have thought, new research suggests.
Children with neurologic disorders at high risk of death from flu
A disproportionately high number of children with neurologic disorders died from influenza-related complications during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to a study by scientists with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Stresses of poverty may impair learning ability in young children
The stresses of poverty - such as crowded conditions, financial worry, and lack of adequate child care - lead to impaired learning ability in children from impoverished backgrounds, according to a theory by a researcher funded by the National Institutes of Health. The theory is based on several years of studies matching stress hormone levels to behavioral and school readiness test results in young children from impoverished backgrounds.
Popular Characters Can Help Kids Eat Healthy Foods Too
Superheroes and other popular kids' characters have been used to sell junk food, candy and other sugary treats to children for decades, but new research shows they also can be used to promote healthier eating habits.
Teens Benefit by Spending More Time With Parents
Parents often assume that time spent with their kids will dwindle in adolescence. But a new study suggests that while teens try to avoid spending a lot of time with their parents and friends together, private parent-child encounters may actually increase during these critical years.
Household Molds Linked to Childhood Asthma
Three specific species of mold were more common in the homes of babies who later developed asthma. The finding highlights the importance of preventing water damage and mold growth in households with infants.
Gut Microbes Influence Metabolism During Pregnancy
A new study shows that pregnancy alters microbe populations in the gut. The interactions with these microbes cause metabolic changes that likely help the pregnant mother and developing baby.
CDC Now Recommends All Baby Boomers Receive One-Time Hepatitis C Test
All U.S. baby boomers should get a one-time test for the hepatitis C virus, according to final recommendations published today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One in 30 baby boomers - the generation born from 1945 through 1965 - has been infected with hepatitis C, and most don't know it.
Blood type may influence heart disease risk
People with blood type A, B, or AB had a higher risk for coronary heart disease when compared to those with blood type O, according to new research published in "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology," an American Heart Association journal.
Bacteria on Skin Boost Immune Cell Function
The harmless bacteria that thrive on the skin can help immune cells fight disease-causing microbes, according to a new study in mice. The finding gives new insight into skin health.
Baby's Healthy Diet Feeds IQ, Study Finds
Babies and toddlers fed a healthy diet may have slightly higher IQs by the time they are 8 years old than children fed less healthy foods at a young age, according to a new study.
Violent TV Shows Keep Young Kids Awake: Study
There's more evidence that watching violent or age-inappropriate images on TV, in movies or on computers can significantly disrupt children's sleep.
Six in 10 adults now get physically active by walking
Sixty-two percent of adults say they walked for at least once for 10 minutes or more in the previous week in 2010, compared to 56 percent in 2005, according to a new Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
West Nile virus disease cases up this year
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging people to take steps to prevent West Nile virus infections. Outbreaks of West Nile virus disease occur each summer in the United States. This year, some areas of the country are experiencing earlier and greater activity.
Get Up-to-Date on Shots Before Summer Ends
For many children, August marks the end of summer vacation and the return to school. For parents, it's a good time to make sure their children are up to date on vaccines-or shots-that prevent serious diseases.
Post-cardiac arrest care system improved survivors’ neurological status
Fewer sudden cardiac arrest survivors had neurologic impairment after a novel regional system of care was implemented, according to research published in "Circulation," an American Heart Association journal.
Yoga may help stroke survivors improve balance
Group yoga can improve balance in stroke survivors who no longer receive rehabilitative care, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal "Stroke." In a small pilot study, researchers tested the potential benefits of yoga among chronic stroke survivors - those whose stroke occurred more than six months earlier.
First study of heart “maps” for kids could help correct rapid rhythms
The first study of a procedure to make three-dimensional "maps" of electrical signals in children's hearts could help cardiologists correct rapid heart rhythms in young patients, according to new research presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2012 Scientific Sessions.
Federal Report Shows Drops In Infant Mortality, Preterm Birth Rates
The infant mortality rate, the preterm birth rate, and the adolescent birth rate all continued to decline, average mathematics scores increased for 4th and 8th grade students, the violent crime victimization rate among youth fell, as did the percentage of young children living in a home where someone smoked, according to the federal government's annual statistical report on the well-being of the nation's children and youth.
Aging heart cells rejuvenated by modified stem cells
Damaged and aged heart tissue of older heart failure patients was rejuvenated by stem cells modified by scientists, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2012 Scientific Sessions. The research could one day lead to new treatments for heart failure patients, researchers said.
Cognitive changes may be only sign of fetal alcohol exposure
Most children exposed to high levels of alcohol in the womb do not develop the distinct facial features seen in fetal alcohol syndrome, but instead show signs of abnormal intellectual or behavioral development, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and researchers in Chile.
Exercise Can Shield the Aging Brain, Studies Show
Evidence is mounting that exercise provides some protection from memory loss and Alzheimer's disease, with three new studies showing that a variety of physical activities are associated with healthier brains in older adults. One study found that normally sedentary older adults who walked at a moderate pace three times a week for a year boosted the size of the brain region involved with memory.
Oral immunotherapy shows promise as treatment for egg allergy
Giving children and adolescents with egg allergy small but increasing daily doses of egg white powder holds the possibility of developing into a way to enable some of them to eat egg-containing foods without having allergic reactions, according to a study supported by the National Institutes of Health.
NIH study shows the deaf brain processes touch differently
People who are born deaf process the sense of touch differently than people who are born with normal hearing, according to research funding by the National Institutes of Health. The finding reveals how the early loss of a sense - in this case hearing - affects brain development. It adds to a growing list of discoveries that confirm the impact of experiences and outside influences in molding the developing brain.
Food Choice May Affect Ability to Keep Weight Off
The mix of carbohydrate, fat and protein in your diet may be a critical factor in maintaining weight loss, a new study reports. The finding suggests that, to the body, not all calories are created equal.
NIH-funded study finds more precise way to estimate kidney function
Measuring creatinine and cystatin C - two markers for chronic kidney disease (CKD) - more precisely estimates kidney function than either marker alone, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Results appear in the July 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Despite benefit, hospitals not always alerted of incoming stroke patients
Stroke patients receive faster treatment when emergency medical services (EMS) personnel notify hospitals a possible stroke patient is en route. However, emergency personnel fail to alert hospitals of incoming stroke patients in nearly one-third of cases.
Revealing Medical Errors Helps Chicago Hospitals Build a Safer Health System
A preventable medical error happened when Michelle Malizzo Ballog had surgery in 2008. Worse, it was followed by tragedy-her death at age 39. Officials at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago didn't dodge questions or have the family talk to the hospital's lawyers. Instead, the officials looked into their hunch that a fatal error occurred during Ms. Ballog's surgery... The hospital changed its process for giving anesthesia so the same error wouldn't happen again.
Severe Food Allergy Reactions in Kids
Young children with allergies to milk or eggs had allergic reactions to these and other foods more often than expected, a new study reports. The researchers also found that less than a third of the children with severe allergic reactions were given epinephrine, a drug that reverses symptoms and can save lives.
Hyperthermia: too hot for your health
Hot summer weather can pose special health risks to older adults. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has some advice for helping older people avoid heat-related illnesses, known as hyperthermia.
Patient-derived stem cells could improve drug research for Parkinson's
Researchers have taken a step toward personalized medicine for Parkinson's disease, by investigating signs of the disease in patient-derived cells and testing how the cells respond to drug treatments. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Some Crash-Avoidance Systems May Work Better Than Others
Certain new crash-avoidance systems are effective in preventing car accidents, while others may do more harm than good, researchers say.
Heavy Coffee Intake May Affect Fertility Treatments: Study
Drinking five or more cups of coffee a day may cut in half a woman's chance of successful in vitro fertilization treatment, a new study contends.
Asthma Rates Higher Near Busy Highway
Residents of homes that are located near congested highways have higher rates of asthma, new research finds.
Exercise Program Boosts Health After Lung Transplant: Study
A structured exercise program boosted the overall health of lung transplant patients and reduced their risk of cardiovascular problems, a new study reports.
As Heat Builds, Take Steps to Protect Yourself
As the first major heat wave of the summer engulfs the continental United States, health experts are urging people to take special precautions when dealing with scorching temperatures and oppressive humidity.
Diabetes Can Make a Comeback After Weight-Loss Surgery: Study
Gastric bypass surgery reverses diabetes in many obese patients, but the disease returns in about one-fifth of them within three to five years, a new study finds.
For young children with autism, directing attention boosts language
An intervention in which adults actively engaged the attention of preschool children with autism by pointing to toys and using other gestures to focus their attention results in a long term increase in language skills, according to researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Study Ties Kids' Allergy Risks to Antibacterials, Preservatives
Antibacterials and preservatives in products such as soap, toothpaste and mouthwash may be linked to an increased risk of allergies in children, according to a new study.
Questions About HDL Cholesterol
The effect of "good" cholesterol on cardiovascular disease may be more complicated than previously thought, according to a new analysis. The finding raises questions about how best to lower heart disease risk.
Cooling Therapy for Birth Disorder Boosts Later Survival
A treatment that cools the bodies of infants who lack sufficient oxygen at birth brings benefits that last for years, a new study confirms.
CDC study finds universal motorcycle helmet laws increase helmet use, save money
Annual cost savings in states with universal motorcycle helmet laws were nearly four times greater (per registered motorcycle) than in states without these comprehensive laws, according to a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Universal helmet laws require that motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet every time they ride.
NIH-funded research shows genetics can predict success of smoking cessation and need for medications
Genetics can help determine whether a person is likely to quit smoking on his or her own or need medication to improve the chances of success, according to research published in today's American Journal of Psychiatry. Researchers say the study moves health care providers a step closer to one day providing more individualized treatment plans to help patients quit smoking.
NIH study finds childhood CT scans linked to leukemia and brain cancer later in life
Children and young adults scanned multiple times by computed tomography (CT), a commonly used diagnostic tool, have a small increased risk of leukemia and brain tumors in the decade following their first scan. These findings are from a study of more than 175,000 children and young adults that was led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and at the Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, England.
Knee Injections for Arthritis? Save Your Money, Study Says
It's not good news for baby boomers with arthritic knees: Injections of hyaluronic acid have little effect on pain and no effect on function, according to a new analysis. Worse, the injections may cause serious harm, Swiss researchers found.
Researchers may have discovered a mechanism behind the largest known genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The finding suggests possible strategies for prevention as well as a potential new drug target.
U.S. High School Students Improve Motor Vehicle-related Health Behaviors
U.S. high school students have shown significant progress over the past two decades in improving many health-risk behaviors associated with the leading cause of death among youth-motor vehicle crashes-according to the 2011 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, youth are engaging in other dangerous practices such as texting and emailing while driving.
Avoid Broken Bones: Learn About Low Bone Density
Until you or a loved one has broken a wrist or hip, it's easy to downplay the risks that come with low bone density. But these risks are serious, and the consequences can cause big life changes.Low bone density occurs when our bodies lose bone tissue faster than it can be replaced. It is a major cause of broken bones, especially at the spine, hip, and wrist. People with low bone density have either osteopenia, a mild form of this condition, or osteoporosis, a more severe type.
Odds of quitting smoking affected by genetics
Genetics can help determine whether a person is likely to quit smoking on his or her own or need medication to improve the chances of success, according to research published in today's American Journal of Psychiatry. Researchers say the study moves health care providers a step closer to one day providing more individualized treatment plans to help patients quit smoking.
Physical fitness may reduce hypertension risk in people with family history
If your parents have high blood pressure, you can significantly lower your risk of developing the disease with moderate exercise and increased cardiovascular fitness. People with low fitness levels and hypertensive parents have a significantly higher risk for developing the disease.
Benefits of hypothermia for infants continue through early childhood
A treatment to reduce the body temperatures of infants who experience oxygen deficiency at birth has benefits into early childhood, according to a follow-up study by a National Institutes of Health research network.
Technique Aims to Restore Vision
In a proof-of-principle study, researchers developed retinal implants that can potentially deliver images to surviving neurons in the eye and restore vision.
Thought-Control Gives Paralyzed People Helping Hand
Paralyzed patients were able to reach and grasp objects by controlling a robotic arm with their thoughts, a new study reports. This advance may help restore some independence and improve quality of life for people who've lost the use of their limbs.
Men More Likely To Be Readmitted to Hospital after Discharge
Men are more likely than women to be readmitted to the hospital within a month after being discharged, according to a new AHRQ-funded study. The risk for returning to the hospital within 30 days is higher among men who are retired, unmarried, screen positive for depression or don't visit a primary care physician for follow-up after their hospitalization, according to the study from researchers at Boston University School of Medicine.
Heart disease and stroke deaths drop significantly for people with diabetes
Death rates for people with diabetes dropped substantially from 1997 to 2006, especially deaths related to heart disease and stroke, according to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.
NIH study shows poor quality malaria drugs pose threat
Poor quality antimalarial drugs lead to drug resistance and inadequate treatment that pose an urgent threat to vulnerable populations, according to a National Institutes of Health study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseasesjournal. Emergence of malaria strains that are resistant to artemisinin drugs on the Thailand-Cambodia border make it imperative to improve the drug supply, stressed the authors.
Mental Replay in Learning and Memory
A study in rats suggests that the mental replay of an experience is essential for making informed decisions. The work brings researchers closer to understanding how memories are represented in the brain and used to guide future behavior. This knowledge may eventually lead to new approaches for treating memory disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Chromosome Quirks Linked to Aging and Cancer
Large structural abnormalities in chromosomes become more common with age and may be linked to increased risk for cancer, according to 2 large-scale analyses. The findings offer insights into how cancer and other disorders might emerge as people get older.
Alleviation of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder May Improve Addiction Treatment
In a recent NIDA-funded study, women responded better to substance abuse treatment after their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms improved, but reductions in substance abuse did not ease PTSD severity.
Exercise slows muscle wasting from age and heart failure
A four-week exercise program for heart-failure patients slowed muscle-wasting and improved their exercise capacity, regardless of age. The study confirms that exercise can reduce inflammation in skeletal muscle. Findings offer a possible avenue for future drug therapy to treat muscle-wasting in heart failure patients.
Bilingual Effects in the Brain
A new study found certain brain functions that are enhanced in teens who are fluent in more than one language. The finding gives new insight into how our senses help shape our brains.
NIH encourages Americans to make healthy vision last a lifetime
Vision changes as people get older, but vision loss is not a normal part of aging. Common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) threaten millions of Americans, potentially robbing them of vision, mobility, and independence.
Two drugs better than one to treat youth with type 2 diabetes
A combination of two diabetes drugs, metformin and rosiglitazone, was more effective in treating youth with recent-onset type 2 diabetes than metformin alone, a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found. Adding an intensive lifestyle intervention to metformin provided no more benefit than metformin therapy alone.
One Step Forward on Quality Improvement, One Step Back on Access
You may already know that heart disease is the top cause of death for both men and women and is responsible for one in four deaths in the United States. It also costs more than $400 billion each year in health care services, drugs, and other expenses.
Biodegradable stent safe for long-term treatment of coronary artery disease
The first fully biodegradable stent inserted into humans proved safe in a 10-year study.Major cardiac complication rates were similar to rates of non-biodegradable stents and survival rates were 98 percent.Biodegradable stents could potentially eliminate many problems associated with metal stents, such as in-stent blood clots.
Stroke risk high when anti-clotting drugs stopped
Study Highlights: Patients with irregular heartbeats who take anti-clotting medications are at high risk of stroke or blood clot whenever the drugs are stopped.The risks are similar whether patients are taking warfarin or a newer anti-clotting drug rivaroxaban.
A new study linked 32 novel genetic regions to bone mineral density. The findings may help researchers understand why some people are more
'Ice Cream Headaches' Might Offer Clues to Migraines
That "brain freeze" headache you experience when eating ice cream or other cold foods may be caused by a sudden change in brain blood flow, researchers report.What's more, the new research might point to targets to treat other, more troubling forms of headache such as migraine, the U.S. team said.
American Heart Association develops program to increase cardiac arrest survival
The American Heart Association has developed a program to help more people survive cardiac arrest. During a cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating, and unless it is restarted within minutes, the person usually dies.
Test links strains of common parasite to severe illness in U.S. newborns
Scientists have identified which strains of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, the cause of toxoplasmosis, are most strongly associated with premature births and severe birth defects in the United States.
Muscle Training Effective in Treating Urinary Incontinence for Women
A type of exercise called pelvic floor muscle training is effective for treating adult women with urinary incontinence (the involuntary loss of urine) without risk of side effects, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Consumers Learning To Recognize High-Value Health Care Providers
As a savvy consumer, you shop around and compare prices before you make a big purchase. Thanks to the Internet, information about price, quality, and opinions from others takes just a few clicks of your mouse.
A new study adds to the evidence that eating red meat on a regular basis may shorten your lifespan. The findings suggest that meat eaters might help improve their health by substituting other healthy protein sources for some of the red meat they eat.
NIH study finds women spend longer in labor now than 50 years ago
Women take longer to give birth today than did women 50 years ago, according to an analysis of nearly 140,000 deliveries conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health.
Diabetes Prevention A Good Investment
A new study found that programs to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes make sound economic sense.
Nanocomplexes Label Cells for MRI Tracking
Nanocomplexes can be used to label transplanted cells so they can be tracked by MRI, according to a new study. In the future, the technique might be used to monitor whether transplanted immune or stem cells reach their targets.
Gorilla Genome Yields Surprises
Researchers have completed a draft sequence of the gorilla genome. Their analysis reveals that people may be more closely related to gorillas than we realized.
Pain-it's something we've all experienced. From our first skinned knee to the headaches, back pain and creaky joints as we age, pain is something we encounter many times.
If your eyes and mouth feel as dry as a desert, there are many possible causes, such as bad air quality and certain medications.
Early Epigenetic Effects in Alzheimer's Disease
Repression of certain gene activity in the brain appears to be an early event affecting people with Alzheimer's disease, a new study found. In mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, this blockade and its effects on memory were treatable.
Researchers have finally found out how sulfa drugs-the first class of antibiotics ever discovered-work at the molecular level. The finding offers insights into designing more robust antibiotic therapies.
Diesel Exhaust and Lung Cancer Deaths in Miners
In a study of miners, scientists found that heavy exposure to diesel exhaust increased the risk of death from lung cancer. The risk may also extend to other workers exposed to diesel exhaust, as well as people living in urban areas with higher diesel exhaust levels.
Egg-Producing Stem Cells Found in Women
Researchers have isolated egg-producing stem cells from the ovaries of women and observed these cells giving rise to young egg cells, or oocytes.
When asked to choose a health care provider based only on cost, consumers choose the more expensive option, according to a new study funded by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) that appears in the March issue of <em>Health Affairs</em>.
Colonoscopies Prevent Colon Cancer Deaths
Removing polyps during colonoscopy can not only prevent colorectal cancer, but also reduce deaths from the disease for years, according to a new study.
New Processes Can Help Hospitals Spot—and Stop—Drug Errors
You might think that your doctor would know if a new drug would cause bad side effects in combination with one you already take. Or that your pharmacist could tell if a prescription you thought was for Darvon, (a painkiller), really should be for Diovan (a blood pressure drug).
Bacteria’s Contracting Syringe Machine
Some bacteria, such as those that cause cholera, use a special system to inject toxins into the cells of host organisms and other bacteria. A new
Using Autoinjectors to Treat Seizures
Drug delivery into muscle using an autoinjector-akin to the EpiPen used to treat serious allergic reactions-can be a fast, effective way to stop prolonged epileptic seizures.
Drug Improves Alzheimer's-like Condition in Mice
Scientists report that a decade-old cancer drug quickly clears proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease from the brains of mice. The drug restores
Tai Chi Increases Balance in Parkinson’s Patients
People with Parkinson's disease often have problems with balance and can suffer life-threatening falls. For patients with mild to moderate cases, a
Blood levels of trans–fatty acids (TFAs) in white adults in the U.S. population decreased
Blood levels of trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in white adults in the U.S. population decreased by 58 percent from 2000 to 2009 according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study
Nine in 10 U.S. adults get too much sodium every day
Nearly all Americans consume much more sodium than they should, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of the sodium comes from common restaurant
Fending Off Cardiovascular Disease
A study of data from over a quarter of a million people confirmed that traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as high blood
Scientists Find Target for Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a compound found most famously in grapes and red wine, seems to ward off several age-related diseases. However, its mechanism
Ancient Roots of Social Networks
Modern social networks, from small networks of friends and family to entire countries, are based on cooperation. Individuals donate to the group
Researchers have developed a way to direct the body's own stem cells to the outer bone to build new, strong bone tissue. The method, developed in
Genes Affect Sex Differences in Behavior
Men and women can seem like they're from different planets sometimes. Hormones help drive those differences. A new study shows how genes pass on the message.
Restricted Diet Affects Surgery Risk
A new study in mice suggests that several days on a restricted diet may help the body better cope with the stress of surgery. The findings point the
Million Hearts Campaign Aims to Lower Risk, Improve Care
With Valentine's Day around the corner, hearts shapes are everywhere - on cards, candy, and clothing. But every day of the year, your heart plays a
February is American Heart Month-a time to reflect on the sobering fact that heart disease remains the number one killer of
Most of us feel some discomfort in our guts from time to time. It may be because we're nervous about something, or perhaps we ate something that didn't agree with
How Often Should Women Have Bone Tests?
Experts recommend that older women have regular bone density tests to screen for osteoporosis. But it's been unclear how often to repeat the
Since the discovery of the microscope, scientists have tried to visualize smaller and smaller structures to provide insights into the inner workings of
Manganese May Prevent Toxin Damage
A new study suggests that manganese, an essential nutrient, may prevent the deadly effects of Shiga toxin. The finding may lead to cheap, effective
Body Produces “Industrial” Lubricant for Metal Hip Implants
A lubricating layer made of graphitic carbon naturally forms in the joints of metal-on-metal hip implants, a new study shows. This solid layer, produced
New Insights Into Old Anti-Fungal Drug
For more than 50 years, doctors have used the drug Amphotericin B (AmB) to treat systemic fungal infections. In a new study, researchers revealed a
Researchers Find Cause of Rare Immune Disease
NIH scientists have identified a genetic mutation that causes cold temperatures to trigger allergic reactions-a condition called cold urticaria.
If you know something's bad for you, why can't you just stop? About 70% of smokers say they would like to quit. Drug and alcohol
At some point in your life, someone probably told you: "Enjoy every moment. Life is short." Maybe you've smiled and rolled your eyes at this well-intentioned relative or co-worker.
Less Invasive Surgery Just as Effective for Some Breast Cancer Patients
When breast cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, many doctors believe that removing several more nodes provides better treatment.
Saliva Testing Catches CMV Infection in Newborns
A saliva sample from a newborn can be used to quickly and effectively detect cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, a major cause of hearing loss in
Baby Boomers Trigger Major Increase in Knee Replacement Surgeries
Whether it's music, lifestyles, or a refuse-to-age outlook, Baby Boomers think of themselves as trailblazers. Now, that generation born between 1946 and 1964 can claim credit for another "first"-a dramatic increase in knee
Many Young Children Overdosing from Medicines at Home
Each year, one of every 150 two-year-olds visits an emergency department in the United States for an unintentional medication overdose, most often after finding and eating or drinking medicines
With the winter holidays upon us, you'll likely be surrounded by family, friends and plenty of good food. Many of these foods,
Most Stillbirths Caused by Placental, Pregnancy Conditions
Half of all stillbirths result from pregnancy disorders and conditions that affect the placenta, according to a new report. Risk factors already known
A new study shows that empathy may drive rats to help each other. The finding gives insight into the biological roots of our urge to assist others in
Gene Therapy Helps Patients with Hemophilia
A single dose of an experimental gene therapy boosted production of a missing blood-clotting factor in people with hemophilia, a new study
Less Medication Effective for Wheezing Preschoolers
Children with recurrent wheezing who are in danger of developing asthma fared no better taking daily low doses of inhaled corticosteroid than taking
Antibodies Protect Against HIV in Mice
Researchers have devised a gene transfer technique in mice that, with a single injection, protects the immune cells that HIV targets. With further
Prenatal Steroids Reduce Brain Injury in Preemies
Some of the tiniest premature babies are more likely to survive and have less brain injury if their mothers receive prenatal steroids. The finding
Tools Help You Choose a Good Nursing Home
Finding a high-quality nursing home for a family member is a daunting task.
Wood Cooking Stoves Combat Pneumonia
A new study found that wood-burning cooking stoves with chimneys lowered exposure to wood smoke from open cooking fires and reduced the rate of severe pneumonia by 30% in children less than 18 months of age.
Key Hearing Proteins Identified
Researchers have found what appear to be 2 key components of the long-sought-after mechanotransduction channel in the inner ear-the place
Targeted Light Therapy Destroys Cancer Cells
Scientists have developed a noninvasive technique that uses light to selectively wipe out cancerous cells in mice without harming surrounding tissue.
Elderly at risk of hospitalizations from key medications
Each year, there are nearly 100,000 emergency hospitalizations for adverse drug events in U.S. adults aged 65 years or older, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study published today
New Study Finds E-prescribing Is Safe and Efficient, but Barriers Remain
Physician practices and pharmacies generally view electronic prescribing as an important tool to improve patient safety and save time, but both groups face barriers to realizing the technology's full benefit, according to a study funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Organ Transplants and Cancer Risk
Organ transplant recipients have a high risk of developing 32 different types of cancer, according to a new study. Future research to understand why may
Stroke Risk Factors Linked to Cognitive Problems
A new study found that high blood pressure and other known risk factors for stroke may also raise the risk of developing cognitive problems. The finding
Anxiety is an uneasy feeling that something may harm you or a loved one. This feeling can be normal and sometimes even helpful. If you're starting a new job
Why Nicotine is a Gateway Drug
A new study in mice shows how tobacco products could act as gateway drugs, opening the door to use of illicit drugs. Nicotine, the researchers
CDC Now Tracking Antibiotic Use in Hospitals
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is launching a new antibiotic tracking system allowing hospitals to monitor
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is partnering with Hispanic-serving organizations to promote the Agency's Spanish-language resources and to encourage consumers to become more active partners in their health care.
Two related studies revealed gene activity in the brains of people of different genders and ethnicities, from fetal development to old age.
Switching Neighborhoods May Improve Health
Women encouraged to move with their families from a poor neighborhood to a more affluent one had lower rates of extreme obesity and diabetes 10 to 15 years later, a new study found.
Annual Chest X-rays Don’t Cut Lung Cancer Deaths
A large multi-center study reports that annual chest X-ray screening offers no benefits over standard medical care in reducing deaths from lung cancer.
Yoga or Stretching Eases Low Back Pain
A new study reports that weekly classes of yoga or intensive stretching are equally effective at reducing low back pain and improving back movement.
Perinatal Antidepressant May Affect Brain Development
Rats exposed to an antidepressant just before and after birth had altered behaviors and substantial brain abnormalities. The findings raise questions
How to Get a Good Value When Choosing a Health Plan
Welcome to November-with its shorter days, cooler weather, and, for many, decisions about choosing a health insurance plan for the coming year. Whether you're covered by an employer's plan, by Medicare, or you are self-employed or unemployed, doing homework
Report Finds Parent Training Effective for Treating Young Children With ADHD
Formal training in parenting strategies is a low-risk, effective method for improving behavior in preschool-age children at risk for developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while there is less evidence supporting the use of medications for children younger than 6 years old, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
CDC recommends ways to reduce the threat of strokes
In the time needed to read out loud the headline on this story, someone has died from a stroke. Every 6 seconds, someone in the world dies from stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in
CDC Launches Effort to Protect Cancer Patients from Infections
Each year more than one million patients receive cancer treatment in an outpatient oncology clinic. Despite advances in oncology care, infections from both community and health care settings remain a
Protein Creates Partition Between Bacteria and the Gut
Scientists have identified a microbe-fighting protein that helps create a buffer zone between the inner walls of the intestines and the bacteria within.
Study Points to Potential Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease
Scientists corrected sickle cell disease in adult laboratory mice by activating production of a special blood protein normally produced only before birth.
Prostate Cancer Risk from Vitamin E Supplements
A new study found that vitamin E, once thought to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, may actually increase the risk.
Birth Defects May Be Linked to High Blood Pressure, Not Use of ACE Inhibitors in Early Pregnancy
Women who take angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to treat high blood pressure in the first trimester of their pregnancies are at no greater risk of having babies with birth defects than are women who take other types of high blood pressure medication or who take no blood pressure drugs, according to a new
DNA Primer Boosts Antibodies Against Avian Flu
Production of avian flu-fighting antibodies rose significantly when healthy adults were given a DNA "primer" vaccine 6 months before receiving an avian
Doctors Miss Alcohol Screening Opportunities
Physicians often fail to counsel their young adult patients about excessive alcohol use, a new study found.
New Initiative Urges Better Communication between Clinicians and Patients
Even with heart disease and diabetes, Bill Lee didn't see the point in asking questions about his medical care. After all, his doctors had the expertise, not him. And if the medicines they prescribed for his conditions didn't make him feel better, what could he do?
Gene Variant Affects Response to Asthma Drugs
A genetic variant may explain why some people with asthma don't respond well to inhaled corticosteroids, the most widely prescribed medicine for
No Effect of Saw Palmetto on Urinary Symptoms
In a new study, a widely used herbal dietary supplement called saw palmetto was no better than placebo in reducing urinary problems caused by prostate enlargement.
Insulin Nasal Spray Shows Promise for Alzheimer’s Disease
A small clinical trial has found that daily doses of an insulin nasal spray can slow memory loss and preserve thinking skills in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Kids face a lot of challenges as they grow up: Learning how to make and keep friends, get homework done and have fun while staying
"Off-label" Use of Antipsychotic Drugs for Some Conditions Not Supported by Evidence
There is little evidence to support the use of atypical antipsychotic drugs for some treatments other than their officially approved purposes, even though many clinicians continue to commonly prescribe these drugs for so-called "off label"
Genes that Influence Blood Pressure
In one of the largest genomic studies ever, an international research consortium identified 29 genetic variations that influence blood pressure.
Gene Linked to Optimism and Self-Esteem
Why can some people make it through difficult times with little trouble while others crumble under the same circumstances? A new study suggests
Report Finds DMARDs Effective in Treating Juvenile Arthritis
Medications known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, appear to be more effective than other treatments for children with arthritis, but there is not enough evidence to support one kind of DMARD over another, according to a new report from HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
New Guides Compare Benefits and Risks of GERD Treatments
New plain-language publications from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) compare the benefits and risks of treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive condition that affects millions of Americans and can be treated with medications or surgery.
Insights Into Tumor-Associated Epilepsy
Glioma, one of the most deadly and common types of brain tumor, is often associated with seizures, but the origins of these seizures and effective
Five Lifestyle Factors Lower Diabetes Risk
A new analysis has found that a combination of 5 healthy lifestyle factors may help reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, even if family
Predicting How Diet and Exercise Affect Weight
Researchers have created a mathematical model-along with an accompanying online weight simulation tool-of what happens when people
Adolescence can be a bewildering time-for both teens and their parents. Yet it can also be thrilling to watch kids grow and
When a Bundle of Joy Brings Sorrow
A baby's birth is usually a time of joy and celebration. For parents, though, the delight might be tempered with worries about the baby's safety, family finances and
Current cigarette smokers have a higher risk of bladder cancer than previously reported, according to new research. The study also found that
Research on Women's Health Issues Informs Treatment Choices
As individuals, we want choices that reflect who we are and what's right for our situation. Getting the right health care is no different.
Tinnitus is commonly described as a ringing in the ears, but some people also hear it as a roaring, clicking, hissing or buzzing. It may be soft or loud, and it might
Gene Defect Linked to Disfiguring Disorder
Scientists have identified the faulty gene responsible for Proteus syndrome, a rare disorder marked by uncontrolled growth of certain body
Nighttime-breathing Treatments Backed by Strongest Evidence among Options To Treat Sleep Apnea
Among the treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, the effectiveness of a nighttime-breathing machine called a "CPAP" was backed by the strongest evidence, and a mouthpiece worn at night was also shown to be effective, according to a new report funded by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
New Spanish-Language Guides Inform Decisions about Heart Disease and Other Illnesses
A free, illustrated easy-to-read pamphlet that compares drugs for preventing heart attacks, heart failure or strokes in people with stable coronary heart disease is one of six new Spanish-language publications from HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that help patients compare treatments for common illnesses.
Many of us would love to believe that chocolate is a health food. Maybe you've heard or read about its potential benefits. Eating chocolate may have
Serotonin Helps Control Body Temperature and Breathing
Serotonin-producing cells in the mouse brain play an essential role in maintaining a healthy balance in body temperature and breathing. The
Placebo Improves Asthma Symptoms, But Not Lung Function
Placebo treatment may make asthma patients feel better but not actually lessen disease, according to a new study. The finding helps clarify the
Why You Need to Explore Your Treatment Options
Hearing that you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or some other serious condition can be a life-changing moment. Finding the best treatment option to manage it takes a bit longer, but it can make a
Updates to Family History May Improve Cancer Screening
Family histories of cancer can change significantly between ages 30 and 50 and may warrant earlier or more intense cancer screening. The new
Mechanism of Fast-Acting Antidepressant Revealed
A new study in mice has identified the molecular players involved in the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine, a common anesthetic. The
Using Light and Sound to Detect Artery Blockage
Scientists have developed a 3-D imaging method that uses both light and sound waves to spot fatty deposits within tissues. The technique holds
Certain Foods Linked to Long-term Weight Gain
Munching more unprocessed plant foods may help keep the middle-aged bulge away, a new study suggests. On the other hand, meat, french fries
Insights into Math Learning Difficulties
The innate ability to estimate quantities is impaired in children who have a math learning disability, according to a new report. The study also found that
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited illness that ravages the lungs and many other organs in the body. Fifty years ago, children with CF
What is Pink Eye, and How is it Treated?
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, involves inflammation of the outer layer of the eye and inside of the eyelid. It is most commonly caused by viruses,
Resources to Help You Be a Better Caregiver
Many of us are-or will become-a caregiver to a parent, spouse, child, or other loved one. When that happens, you will need to find out a lot about a disease or condition, ask good questions about treatment options, and make the
Maybe you're counting down the days until your summer vacation. Or just got word your next business meeting will be in Boise or Bangkok.
Brain Pathway Links Nicotine and Weight Loss
Smokers often gain weight when they quit. A new study in mice may help explain why. Scientists have pinpointed a brain receptor that seems to
New videos, website offer important resources for people affected by diabetes
New videos to help people make lifestyle changes and cope with the demands of diabetes were announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP). The series of three- to five-minute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Sleep Apnea
Experiencing daytime sleepiness, depression, forgetfulness, anxiety? You may have sleep apnea.
Autism Blurs Distinctions Between Brain Regions
A new analysis of gene expression in the brain suggests that autism blurs the molecular differences that normally distinguish different brain regions. This and other insights provide a new framework for understanding what causes autism and related disorders.
New Public Service Campaign Urges Hispanics To Talk With Their Doctor
Hispanics are less likely to see a doctor or other health professionals regularly than other ethnics groups. The data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is startling. Half (47 percent) of adult Hispanics reported that they did not see a doctor in 2008, compared with 29 percent of adults in other ethnic groups.
Safety Culture Creates Better Care for Patients
The more we know about safety, the better.That's why a landmark report on medical errors from the Institute of Medicine remains as important today as it did when it came out 10 years ago. Called "To Err is Human," the report urged hospitals to develop a "culture of safety" to reduce risks and improve care for patients.
Health IT Tools Help with Care and Costs
More hospitals and doctors' offices are using health information technology (health IT). And that's good news for patients.
What You Can Do To Prevent A Fall
When kids fall down, they can usually get up and return to play quickly. But for older adults, falls can be serious.
February is a time when love is in the air. It is also American Heart Month. While you're thinking of hearts this Valentine's Day, do yourself—and your loved ones—a favor: focus on your own heart.
Your Options for Treating Rotator Cuff Tears
It's a fact of life: as we get older, we're more likely to get hurt when we exercise or take on certain everyday tasks. Routine activities like playing tennis or placing items on shelves can result in a common problem—the rotator cuff injury.
Don't Let Medicines Cause Harm
We take more medicines than ever to maintain or improve our health. But over the last decade, many baby boomers and seniors have ended up in the hospital because the medications they expected to help them actually hurt them.
Quitting Smoking: You Can Do It
If you've ever smoked cigarettes and tried to quit, you know it's not easy to kick the habit.
Today, 72 million Americans are obese. As you probably know, obese people are more likely to suffer from diabetes, heart disease and other chronic health problems. But did you also know obesity can be bad for your budget?
Improving Your Health Literacy
There is a truism in health care: When you don't fully understand or can't act on information about your health care, you are more likely to be in poorer health. Nearly all of us, about 9 of every 10 American adults, have some problems with health literary.
If you're older than 45, there's a good chance that you or someone you know has high cholesterol. It's so common that treating high cholesterol led to 44 million doctor visits in 2006.
Why It's Wise to Use a Health Advocate
Imagine that your doctor just gave you a serious diagnosis or told you she was concerned about the results of your medical test. You might understandably become scared.
How to Avoid the Round-Trip Visit to the Hospital
When patients get out of the hospital, it's usually a sign that their health is getting better and they're ready to recover at home. Unfortunately, millions of patients each year end up back in the hospital. In fact, 1 in 5 Medicare patients go back within 1 month of being released. Even more people face unexpected medical problems within weeks of leaving the hospital.
Healthcare-Associated Infections: They Can Happen to You
You shouldn't have to worry about getting sick because of an infection you may pick up when you're getting treated in a hospital or other health care setting. Unfortunately, you have reason to be concerned.
Same-Day Surgery: What You Should Know
If you need surgery, there's a better-than-average chance that you'll have it and go home the same day. That's good news for several reasons, but same-day surgery does require some planning on your part.
Comparing Blood Pressure Medicines
Today, it may seem easier to get information about a new oven or drill before you buy one than finding clear information about the medicine or treatment that's best for you. That shouldn't be the case, especially for common health conditions like high blood pressure.
We all like having choices. But sometimes, choices can be overwhelming. Marketing research shows that when faced with many choices, people can become frustrated or indecisive.
Comparing Medical Treatments for Antidepressants
About one in every six adults experiences depression at some point in his or her life. The good news is that depression can be treated to give you a better quality of life. But finding the right treatment that fits your needs can sometimes be tricky.
Depression linked to greater risk of peripheral artery disease
Depression may be associated with an increased risk of arterial narrowing in the legs and pelvis, a condition known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 2012 Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
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