Sickle Cell Disease, Sickle Cell Trait Are Not the Same

Sickle Cell Disease, Sickle Cell Trait Are Not the Same

Posted: 29 Dec 2012 09:08 AM PST

By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter FRIDAY Dec. 28 (HealthDay News) — Both sickle cell disease and the condition known as sickle cell trait are genetic blood diseases: You’re born with one or the other because of the genes inherited from your parents. Beyond that, the two conditions vary considerably. Sickle cell disease gets its name from...

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Debate Heats Up Over Screening Athletes for Sickle Cell Trait

Debate Heats Up Over Screening Athletes for Sickle Cell Trait

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

NCAA mandates such a test, but medical group urges a different option By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter FRIDAY, Dec. 28 (HealthDay News) — Though heart problems or heatstroke generally are to blame for a young athlete’s sudden death, experts now know that carrying an aberration called the sickle cell trait also poses substantial risk. That has...

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Kids and Healthy Eating Can Go Together

Kids and Healthy Eating Can Go Together

Posted: 27 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

<img class="alignright" src="http://media.healthday.com/images/editorial/kids_vegetables.jpg" alt="Kids and Healthy Eating Can Go Together” />Initiatives from cooking classes to ‘teaching gardens’ can make it happen By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Dec. 27 (HealthDay News) — The notion that something is “easier said than done” could have been conceived for the task of getting kids to eat healthy foods. But...

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’Teaching Gardens’ Nurture Kids’ Interest in Healthy Foods

Posted: 27 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

An idea that began at the White House can take root in almost any home, one expert says By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Dec. 27 (HealthDay News) — It can be pretty tough for broccoli to compete with a bag of chips. There’s no broccoli aisle in the grocery store. And, you won’t see too...

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Tips on Coping With Grief During Holidays

Posted: 27 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Some comfort can be found for the recently bereaved, expert says THURSDAY, Dec. 27 (HealthDay News) — People who have lost a loved one in the past year can have difficulty coping during the holidays, an expert says. But it’s important for them to understand that this time of year doesn’t need to be sad...

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Health Tip: A Dirty Sponge Spreads Germs

Posted: 27 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

If it smells, throw it away (HealthDay News) — You use your sponge to clean your kitchen, but do you clean your sponge? Without careful cleaning, a sponge can soak up bacteria and spread it around. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these suggestions: Don’t reuse a sponge that has an odor, as it...

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Today’s U.S. Soldiers Fitter Than Decades Ago: Report

Today’s U.S. Soldiers Fitter Than Decades Ago: Report

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

However, study found those serving in Afghanistan, Iraq still had beginnings of heart disease By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26 (HealthDay News) — U.S. service members who died in Iraq and Afghanistan had been healthier than troops in previous wars, military researchers report. Although almost 9 percent of those autopsied had some degree of...

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Health Tip: Think Before You Eat

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Are you really hungry? (HealthDay News) — Mindless eating can cause the calories to add up quickly, and before you know it your pants are more snug than usual. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this advice to consider before you start eating: Ask yourself whether you truly are hungry or if you are...

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Health Tip: Calming a Fussy Baby

Posted: 26 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Swaddle the infant with a large, lightweight blanket (HealthDay News) — A soothing routine can help calm your fussy baby and give you some peace. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions: Swaddle the infant using a large, lightweight blanket. Snuggle your baby either lying on her left side (helps digestion) or on her...

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Holidays Spell Trouble for Folks Unaware They’re Diabetic

Holidays Spell Trouble for Folks Unaware They’re Diabetic

Posted: 25 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

High-salt, high-fat foods may put these people at risk for heart attack, stroke TUESDAY, Dec. 25 (HealthDay News) — Holiday eating and drinking could pose a risk for people who do not know that they have type 2 diabetes, an expert says. “As tempting and tasty as it might be, eating high-fat foods with excess...

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Keep Kitchen Utensils Clean While Preparing Holiday Meal

Posted: 25 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Cross-contamination can occur easily during cooking process, study says TUESDAY, Dec. 25 (HealthDay News) — As you prepare your Christmas feast for your family, know that a new study finds that kitchen utensils such as knives and graters are potential sources of cross-contamination that can lead to foodborne illnesses. Previous research has shown that meal...

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Make Holiday Meals Safe for Kids With Food Allergies

Make Holiday Meals Safe for Kids With Food Allergies

Posted: 24 Dec 2012 11:24 AM PST

Expert offers tips for changing recipes and keeping potentially harmful foods separate MONDAY, Dec. 24 (HealthDay News) — All the tasty foods available over the holidays can pose a potential risk for children with food allergies, an expert warns. “During the holidays it can be easy to be tempted by all the wonderful goodies that...

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Health Tip: Don’t Eat Raw Cookie Dough

Posted: 24 Dec 2012 11:24 AM PST

The raw eggs it contains can make you sick (HealthDay News) — Sneaking a bite of raw cookie dough poses a big risk, experts say. The raw eggs that are often used in cookie dough may contain bacteria that can make you sick. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these suggestions to make baking...

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Health Tip: Avoid Beginners’ Workout Injuries

Posted: 24 Dec 2012 11:24 AM PST

Start slow after checking with your doctor (HealthDay News) — Exercise can help you live longer and give you a better body. But you can hurt yourself if you overdo it or don’t exercise properly. The Womenshealth.gov website mentions these safe-exercise tips: Check with your doctor before you start exercising. Start out with short workout...

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Many Primary-Care Doctors Want Help Treating Obesity

Many Primary-Care Doctors Want Help Treating Obesity

Posted: 22 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Physicians say more training, practice-based changes might lead to improved care for obese patients FRIDAY, Dec. 21 (HealthDay News) — Only 44 percent of primary-care doctors say they’ve helped obese patients lose weight, and many believe that nutritionists and dietitians are the most qualified care providers for these patients, researchers have found. For the new...

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Mealworms: The Next High-Protein Food Source?

Mealworms: The Next High-Protein Food Source?

Posted: 21 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

While beetle larvae may not seem appetizing, study finds they’re more environmentally friendly than livestock FRIDAY, Dec. 21 (HealthDay News) — They’ll never replace the traditional Christmas ham, but mealworms (beetle larvae) may someday offer an environmentally friendly alternative to meat, a new study suggests. Researchers in the Netherlands used three factors — land usage,...

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Omega-3s in Formula Can Help Baby’s Eyesight: Review

Posted: 21 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Breast-fed babies already have this advantage, experts note By Lisa EspositoHealthDay Reporter FRIDAY, Dec. 21 (HealthDay News) — A new review of studies finds that supplementing infant formula with omega-3 fatty acids in an effort to strengthen babies’ eyesight does appear to benefit early vision development. However, experts note that breast-fed babies already take in...

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Health Tip: If You’ve Got Food Allergies

Posted: 21 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Be careful during the holidays (HealthDay News) — Before you visit any holiday buffet, be careful if you have a food allergy. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology mentions these important recommendations: Ask about the ingredients in any dish before you taste it. Remember that any food can be cross-contaminated while being prepared...

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States Lagging in Emergency Preparedness: Report

States Lagging in Emergency Preparedness: Report

Posted: 19 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Budget cuts, complacency threaten gains in U.S. readiness, public health experts warn WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19 (HealthDay News) — While significant progress has been made in the past 10 years, many states still fall short in their preparedness for public health emergencies such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters and bioterrorist attacks, according to a new report....

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Pricier, Intensive Whiplash Treatment May Not Pay Off: Study

Pricier, Intensive Whiplash Treatment May Not Pay Off: Study

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

British research found no improvement in recovery when ‘active management’ was used MONDAY, Dec. 17 (HealthDay News) — More costly, intensive treatment is no better than usual care at hastening recovery from whiplash, a new study finds. Researchers looked at more than 3,800 British whiplash patients to compare a more intensive approach to treatment (“active...

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Unhealthy Snacks Tied to Colon Cancer for Those at High Risk

Unhealthy Snacks Tied to Colon Cancer for Those at High Risk

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Study found higher rates of precancerous lesions in people with Lynch syndrome MONDAY, Dec. 17 (HealthDay News) — Eating unhealthy snack foods may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in people with a genetic susceptibility to certain types of cancer, according to a new study. The study included 486 people with Lynch syndrome, an inherited...

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Aerobic Exercise Seems Best for Weight, Fat Loss

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Researchers compared it to resistance training, found it more effective By Kathleen DohenyHealthDay Reporter SATURDAY, Dec. 15 (HealthDay News) — If you want to burn fat and lose weight, aerobic exercise beats resistance training, a new study says. “We not trying to discourage people from resistance training,” said study author Leslie Willis, clinical research coordinator...

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Health Tip: Balance Holiday Buffets With More Exercise

Health Tip: Balance Holiday Buffets With More Exercise

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 10:59 AM PST

Take the stairs, not the elevator (HealthDay News) — If you tend to indulge in your favorite holiday treats, you may want to schedule some extra exercise to help offset those added calories. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these holiday suggestions: Skip the elevator and take the stairs. Engage in active play with...

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Health Tip: Managing Fructose Intolerance

Posted: 14 Dec 2012 10:59 AM PST

Limit fruits and fruit juices (HealthDay News) — Fructose intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty absorbing fructose, a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables and honey. The American Gastroenterological Association offers these suggestions to help manage fructose intolerance: Restrict consumption of fruit juices and fruits. Keep a food diary to see how much fructose...

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Regular Exercise May Add Years to Life, Study Finds

Regular Exercise May Add Years to Life, Study Finds

Posted: 11 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Biggest boost was seen in black women; effect didn’t hold for Hispanics, for reasons unclear By Randy DotingaHealthDay Reporter TUESDAY, Dec. 11 (HealthDay News) — A new study suggests that physically active people are likely to live several years longer than inactive people. The findings don’t say anything about whether those extra years are good...

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Your Smartphone Might Help You Lose Weight

Your Smartphone Might Help You Lose Weight

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 03:30 PM PST

Personalized feedback and coaching along with education let patients shed pounds, study found By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter MONDAY, Dec. 10 (HealthDay News) — Using smartphones to coach people as they try to shed extra pounds may make a standard weight-loss program more effective, a new study suggests. With the technology, patients can report their progress...

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Could Kids’ Salt Intake Affect Their Weight?

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 03:30 PM PST

Study found those who consumed more sodium also drank more sugary beverages By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter MONDAY, Dec. 10 (HealthDay News) — Children who eat a lot of salty food also tend to down more sugary drinks — which, in turn, might be related to their risk of obesity, a new study suggests. The findings...

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Funding Meals on Wheels Keeps Seniors Independent: Study

Funding Meals on Wheels Keeps Seniors Independent: Study

Posted: 08 Dec 2012 08:49 PM PST

State’s support may help older Americans avoid nursing home FRIDAY, Dec. 7 (HealthDay News) – Meals delivered to older adults help them avoid costly and unnecessary nursing home care, according to a new study. Researchers from Brown University found states that invest in these programs under the Older Americans Act are successful in helping seniors...

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’Chemo Brain’ May Occur Before Treatment Even Starts

Posted: 08 Dec 2012 08:49 PM PST

Study suggests mental fog, fatigue tied to chemotherapy may be partly due to stress By Barbara Bronson GrayHealthDay Reporter FRIDAY, Dec. 7 (HealthDay News) — So-called “chemo brain” — problems with thinking, concentrating and remembering that are associated with receiving chemotherapy — may actually start to occur before the treatment is initiated, a small new...

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No Proof That ‘Doping’ With EPO Gives Athletes an Edge: Review

No Proof That ‘Doping’ With EPO Gives Athletes an Edge: Review

Posted: 07 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Using the so-called ‘performance-enhancing’ hormone can harm health, experts warn FRIDAY, Dec. 7 (HealthDay News) — Erythropoietin, more commonly known as EPO, has been banned from sports due to a belief that it provides an unfair competitive advantage to users, but new research found there is no scientific evidence the blood-cell stimulating hormone actually enhances...

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Just Lowering Fat Intake Can Shed Pounds, Study Finds

Posted: 07 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Loss not as dramatic as with dieting, but weight stays off, researchers found THURSDAY, Dec. 6 (HealthDay News) — The key to a slimmer figure is not necessarily dieting, but just cutting back on fat intake, a new British study suggests. Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that simply replacing high-fat foods with...

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Thinking You Ate a Lot May Help You Feel Full

Thinking You Ate a Lot May Help You Feel Full

Posted: 06 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Study could point to new directions in weight control THURSDAY, Dec. 6 (HealthDay News) — Believing you had a large meal can make you feel less hungry hours after the meal, a finding that could lead to new methods of weight control, researchers say. Their study included volunteers who were given what appeared to be...

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Consider Weight When Choosing Blood Pressure Meds: Study

Posted: 06 Dec 2012 09:04 AM PST

Diuretics can hurt lean patients, researchers say By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Dec. 6 (HealthDay News) — Taking a patient’s weight into account when choosing blood pressure medications might help prevent strokes, heart attacks and death, a new study suggests. Lean and obese people react differently to different blood pressure medications, said the researchers, who...

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