Obesity can complicate teen pregnancy
Obesity has been linked to higher odds of several pregnancy complications, and a new study shows that the risks apply to teenagers as well as adults. In a study of teenage first-time mothers who gave birth at one urban hospital, researchers found that obese girls were at greater risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy or requiring a cesarean section during delivery. In the past, some of the main... Read more
Stool-Based Colon Cancer Tests Vary Widely in Accuracy
Newer versions of the stool-based colon cancer tests — recommended annually for Americans over 50 — vary widely in their ability to spot potential abnormalities, a German study finds. Doctors at 20 gastroenterology practices in Germany used the tests for what is called fecal occult blood — otherwise undetectable traces of blood that could come from a cancer or polyp in the intestine... Read more
Medicare Drug Plan ‘Doughnut Hole’ Could Impact Seniors’ Health
American seniors who reach the no-coverage “doughnut hole” in the Medicare Part D drug plan are less likely to use prescription drugs than those with an employer-based plan, a new study finds. The finding raises concerns about health consequences and increased costs from hospitalizations and doctor visits resulting from this lack of drug coverage, say researchers at the University of Pittsburgh... Read more
Insulin May Protect Against Alzheimer’s
Insulin may slow or prevent the memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease, a new study says. Laboratory research led by a team from Northwestern University found that insulin acts as a shield that deflects the toxic proteins that attack the wiring in the brain responsible for forming memories. “Therapeutics designed to increase insulin sensitivity in the brain could provide new avenues... Read more
Mouse Study Suggests ADHD Drug Might Be Addictive
Ritalin, a drug commonly used to treat children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), caused changes in the brain cells of mice similar to those seen with cocaine, a new study shows. The researchers, from The Rockefeller University in New York City, said the findings suggest that chronic exposure to Ritalin in high doses could prove addictive, and highlight the need for more research... Read more
Childhood Beach Vacations May Boost Melanoma Risk
Vacations at the shore during childhood may boost the risk of the deadly skin cancer melanoma later in life, a new study suggests. Researchers from Denver evaluated 681 children born in 1998 in Colorado, asking their parents about childhood vacation destinations and then conducting skin exams when the children were age 7 to look for nevi — commonly known as moles. These moles are a risk factor... Read more
Breast cancer mutation raises prostate risks in men
The so-called breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 can raise the risk that a man who develops prostate cancer will get an aggressive form of the disease, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday. Certain mutations in the genes indicated a man was at risk of more aggressive cancer and should be treated right away, the team at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University said. Their study... Read more
Seniors Who Exercise Help Their Health
Sedentary seniors can improve their motor function and decrease their risk for insulin resistance by starting an exercise program that includes both aerobics and resistance training, new Canadian research suggests. “For a long time, the standard recommendation for people of moderate age — those under 65 — has been 150 minutes a week of aerobic type activity,” noted study co-author... Read more
Common Chemicals May Delay Pregnancy
Chemicals known as perfluorinated chemicals, which are pervasive in food packaging, pesticides, clothing, upholstery, carpets and personal care products, may delay pregnancy, a new study suggests. These chemicals are being phased out in the United States because of their toxic effects, and are expected to be completely gone by 2010. However, they remain in the environment and in the body for decades,... Read more
Zoloft, Lexapro the Best of Newer Antidepressants
Sertraline (Zoloft) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are the best of 12 new-generation antidepressants, while reboxetine is the least effective, a new analysis shows. The Italian researchers reviewed 117 studies that included more than 25,000 patients with major depression to come to this conclusion. The drugs tested in the trials were bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban), citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta),... Read more