Reuters: Health

U.S. obesity rates alarmingly high

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:24:15 +0530

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - New research shows "alarming levels" of obesity in most ethnic groups in the United States, principal investigator Dr. Gregory L. Burke, of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina told Reuters Health. The study also confirms the potentially deadly toll obesity exacts on the heart and blood vessels.

Doctors miss chances to give flu vaccines

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:33:19 +0530

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Doctors are missing plenty of opportunities to vaccinate people against influenza every year, flu shot maker Sanofi-Pasteur said on Monday.

Mental impairment common in children with MS

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:27:11 +0530

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Low IQ scores and cognitive problems (problems related to thinking and reasoning) are common in children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to an Italian study reported in the journal Neurology.

Viagra may help heart in muscular dystrophy-study

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:39:23 +0530

WASHINGTON, May 12 (Reuters) - A Canadian study involving mice shows that anti-impotence pills might protect the hearts of people with a common form of muscular dystrophy, researchers said on Monday.

Study links air pollution to blood clots in veins

Tue, 13 May 2008 01:41:22 +0530

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Air pollution heavy in small particles may cause blood clots in the legs, the same condition air travelers call "economy class syndrome" from immobility during flight, researchers said on Monday.

Study finds risks for beta blockers with surgery

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:14:19 +0530

CHICAGO (Reuters) - People given a blood pressure drug known as a beta blocker to reduce heart risks before surgery were one-third more likely to die within a month and had double the risk of stroke compared with those given a dummy pill, Canadian researchers said on Monday.

Adjusting electrodes may help Parkinson's patients

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:28:05 +0530

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Patients with Parkinson's disease who have a poor response to brain stimulation therapy may improve if the electrodes are repositioned, even by just a few millimeters.

Moderate drinking may lower hip fracture risk

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:23:18 +0530

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A drink or two a day may make for stronger bones, according to a new review of the published literature, but more than two drinks each day appears to increase the fracture risk.

Melatonin helps critically ill patients sleep

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:29:29 +0530

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Treatment with melatonin, a brain hormone that helps control the body's sleep and wake cycle, can help critically ill patients get a better night's sleep, according to a report in the journal Critical Care. Melatonin is also known to be a powerful antioxidant.

DVDs help caregivers of eating disorder patients

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:22:39 +0530

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Caregivers of eating disorder patients who used a skills training DVD along with telephone coaching to help them cope with their loved one's illness were highly satisfied with the program, saying it helped reduce their stress levels, UK researchers report.