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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Study Shines Light on Harmless Bacteria on Fruits, Veggies

Farming methods and plant species play role in what germs cling to the surface of your produce. The types of harmless bacteria on the surfaces of fresh fruits and vegetables vary according to the type of produce and farming practices, a new study reveals. Previous research has shown that these so-called "non-pathogenic" bacteria don't cause disease, but may interact with -- and perhaps reduce the growth of -- disease-causing bacteria. http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=674811

Obesity May Be Linked to Microorganisms Living in the Gut

How much a person eats may be only one of many factors that determines weight gain. A recent Cedars-Sinai study suggests that a breath test profile of microorganisms inhabiting the gut may be able to tell doctors how susceptible a person is to developing obesity. The study, published online in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, shows that people whose breath has high concentrations of both hydrogen and methane gasses are more likely to have a higher body mass index and higher percentage of body fat. http://www.todaysdietitian.com/news/032713_news.shtml

Saturday, March 30, 2013

More Dietary Fiber Might Help Thwart Stroke: Study

Eating more fiber-rich foods appears to lower stroke risk, according to a new British study. For every 7-gram bump in daily fiber consumption, an individual's risk for experiencing an initial stroke appears to plummet 7 percent, the investigators concluded after analyzing 20-plus years of research. "This is important because most people in the U.S. do not eat enough fiber-rich foods," said study co-author Victoria Burley, from the Center for Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the University of Leeds in England. "Total dietary fiber intake should be 25 to 30 grams a day from food, but on average people in the U.S. are getting only half this amount," Burley said. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135377.html

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Vitamin D Important During Pregnancy, Study Suggests

Low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of complications in mothers-to-be and low birth weight in their newborns, a new study finds. The research shows an association but doesn't prove that insufficient vitamin D causes complications. Still, taking vitamin D supplements may help reduce these risks, the researchers noted. Researchers examined data from 31 studies published between 1980 and 2012. The studies had between 95 and 1,100 participants. The analysis revealed that pregnant women with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to develop gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) and preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine). They were also more likely to have a low birth weight baby. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135294.html

The Kids Are Alright: snack smart before practice

Students need a substantial snack before sports practice to fuel their workouts. The lunch line is the perfect place to get healthy snacks to hold onto for later in the day. Top picks include whole-wheat bagels, hummus with whole grain tortilla rounds, or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. http://www.eatright.org/kids/tip.aspx?id=6442475503

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Family Meals Nourish Teens' Mental Health: Study

Having regular family suppers is good for teens' mental health, according to a new study. This is true whether or not youngsters feel they can easily talk to their parents. For their study, the researchers examined data from about 26,000 adolescents, aged 11 to 15, who took part in a 2010 study on health behaviors in school-aged children in Canada. "More frequent family dinners related to fewer emotional and behavioral problems, greater emotional well-being, more trusting and helpful behaviors towards others and higher life satisfaction," study co-author Frank Elgar, of McGill University in Montreal, said in a university news release. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135246.html

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. Researchers analyzed data from seven previously published observational and interventional studies to determine how consuming energy drinks might impact heart health. “The correlation between energy drinks and increased systolic blood pressure is convincing and concerning, and more studies are needed to assess the impact on the heart rhythm.” said Sachin A. Shah, Pharm.D., lead author and assistant professor at University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif. The pooled studies included healthy, young patients 18-45 years old. “People with health concerns or those who are older might have more heart-related side effects from energy drinks”, said Shah. http://newsroom.heart.org/news/energy-drinks-may-increase-blood-pressure-disturb-heart-rhythm.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Antibiotics not worth risk in most chest colds: study

Doctors need to give antibiotics to more than 12,000 people with acute respiratory infections to prevent just one of them from being hospitalized with pneumonia, according to a new study. And that small benefit is outweighed by the very real risks that go along with antibiotics - both from serious side effects and the promotion of resistant "superbugs," researchers say. "This study is actually reassuring to both doctors and patients. What we said all along (is) that antibiotics are not helpful or not needed for the upper respiratory infections - I think this supports that," said Dr. Sharon Meropol, the study's lead author, from Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland. The problem of microbial resistance to drugs is growing, and research shows that overuse of antibiotics is a major contributor. One recent study found, for example, that resistant superbugs proliferated after cold-and-flu season, suggesting they had been fed by seasonal antibiotic use. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135177.html.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Millions on Verge of Diabetes Don't Know It: CDC

Only 11 percent of the estimated 79 million Americans who are at risk for diabetes know they are at risk, federal health officials reported Thursday. The condition, known as prediabetes, describes higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that put people in danger of developing diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We have a huge issue with the small number of people who know they have it. It's up a bit from when we measured it last, but it's still abysmally low," said report author Ann Albright, director of the CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation. "We need people to understand their risk and take action if they are at risk for diabetes," Albright said. "We know how to prevent type 2 diabetes, or at least delay it, so there are things people can do, but the first step is knowing what your risk is -- to know if you have prediabetes." Things that put people at risk for prediabetes include being overweight or obese, being physically inactive and not eating a healthy diet, Albright said. These people should see their doctor and have their blood sugar levels checked, she said. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135161.html

Friday, March 22, 2013

B vitamins might help some with schizophrenia

Possessing one or another version of a gene key to metabolizing the B vitamin folate may make a big difference in who responds to vitamin supplements intended to treat negative symptoms of schizophrenia, according to a new study. Researchers tracked 140 people with schizophrenia for 16 weeks and found that those with the so-called high-functioning FOLH1 gene variant had a greater response to folic acid and B12 supplements, compared to those with the low-functioning FOLH1 variant. "That's a gene that actually controls the digestion of folate (or folic acid) into the bloodstream," said Dr. Joshua Roffman, the study's lead author from Massachusetts General Hospital in Charlestown. Folate, one of the B vitamins, is used in the manufacturing of neurotransmitters, which send signals throughout the brain and body, and it's found in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans and fortified grain products. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_134764.html

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Dermatologist warns consumers about complications linked to newer tattoo inks

Tattooing as a form of body art is increasing in popularity, especially among young adults. In fact, the Pew Research Center found that 36 percent of Americans ages 18-25 report getting a tattoo. As a result, dermatologists are seeing increased complications such as allergic reactions, serious infections, and reactions to tattoo ink that can mimic skin cancer. The composition of tattoo ink has changed dramatically over the years. In the past, metal salts, lead, cobalt, and carbon were used in inks. Today, many modern tattoo inks (especially intense reds and yellows) contain organic azo dyes with plastic-based pigments that also have industrial uses in printing, textiles, and car paint. As a result, Dr. Shinohara explained that there are many unknowns about how these inks interact with the skin and within the body and if they are responsible for an increasing number of complications. http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/dermatologist-warns-consumers-about-complications-linked-to-newer-tattoo-inks-

Health Tip: Avoid Too Much Activity Before Bedtime

(HealthDay News) -- Your behavior and activities before bedtime can affect how well you're sleeping at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers suggestions for better sleep: Don't drink alcohol within at least four hours of bedtime. Cut out all caffeine at least four hours before bedtime. Stop eating spicy, heavy foods at least four hours before bedtime. Don't exercise heavily at least two hours before bedtime. In the hour before bedtime, avoid activities such as watching TV, playing video games or having in an argument. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135061.html

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Skin can show first signs of some internal diseases

Dermatologists find that the skin offers a window to what is going on inside the body, and changes to the skin may signal a more serious health problem. The key is knowing how to spot these early warning signs so the internal disease can be successfully treated and before it becomes a bigger problem. In some cases, the skin can show signs of an internal disease before the disease advances and becomes more serious; in other cases, a symptom is noticeable on the skin long after the disease begins causing damage internally. There are hundreds of nuances of the skin that could spell trouble, but a handful of general skin changes commonly signal an internal disease. http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/skin-can-show-first-signs-of-some-internal-diseases--

Distracted eaters likely to take in more calories

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who eat meals or snacks while watching TV, playing games or reading tend to consume more calories in a sitting, and especially later in the day, according to a review of two dozen past studies. "Some studies have individually shown this before, but the evidence has never been put together," said lead author Eric Robinson from the University of Liverpool, UK. According to Robinson, distracted eating could increase the amount of food consumed by up to 50 percent. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_134995.html

Gene Mutations Appear Key to Childhood Leukemia Risk, Study Says

TUESDAY, March 19 (HealthDay News) -- Children who inherit certain variations in four particular genes have an increased risk of developing childhood leukemia, a new study says. The researchers also found that Hispanic children are more likely than white or black children to inherit high-risk versions of two of the genes that can lead to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Rates of ALL are higher in Hispanic children than in white or black children, and these findings point to at least one reason for that difference, according to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-led study. Children inherit two copies of each gene, one from each parent. That means that children could inherit up to eight high-risk versions of the four genes linked to an increased risk of ALL, the researchers said. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135074.html

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

allergies? wash your hands!

From kidseatright.org: You already teach your kids to wash their hands before eating because it’s a first line of defense against nasty germs. But do you also tell them to wash after eating? Washing prevents spreading food particles to someone who may be allergic to that food. Keep others safe – and furniture tidy - with clean hands. http://www.eatright.org/kids/tip.aspx?id=6442475373

Shopper cards may save your life, food safety sleuths say

If you have a warehouse membership card in your wallet or a supermarket shopper tag on your key chain, you might regard it as a good way to save money. But public health officials say it may be an even better way to save lives. More local health departments -- along with state and federal investigators -- are relying on the detailed information about what went in consumers’ shopping carts to track down outbreaks of foodborne illness, experts say. Identifying exactly which products were purchased by victims of food poisoning has become a standard tool for public health investigators, said officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We are definitely supportive of the use of shopper cards during these outbreak investigations,” said Casey Barton Behravesh, deputy chief of the CDC’s outbreak and prevention branch of the division of foodborne, waterborne and environmental diseases. “The product, the flavor, the lot code, the best by date: That is all tracked with these purchases.” The CDC estimates that 48 million Americans get foodborne illnesses every year, 128,000 of them are hospitalized and 3,000 die. http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/13/17273535-shopper-cards-may-save-your-life-food-safety-sleuths-say?lite

Monday, March 18, 2013

Brominated vegetable oil in Gatorade?

When PepsiCo Inc. announced it would stop putting an obscure vegetable oil in its Gatorade right before the Super Bowl, one of the loudest cheers came from a high school student who had made it her mission to get rid of the ingredient. "I was like, 'Whoa,'" said Sarah Kavanagh, a 16-year-old from Hattiesburg, Miss., who wanted to know how an oil that contains a chemical also found in flame retardants got into her favorite sports drink. After she posted a petition on Change.org asking Pepsi to remove it, more than 200,000 people signed. "I just wanted to make sure it was something that I could drink," said the teen. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews and approves most additives to food or drinks before they hit the marketplace. But others can bypass that process if they are deemed "generally recognized as safe" by the government or food companies and the experts they hire. If FDA suspects an ingredient deemed "safe" is actually harmful, the government can take action after a product hits the market, but it does not track how often that has happened. In one case, in 2010, the agency issued warning letters to four makers of popular caffeinated alcoholic drinks, declaring caffeine unsafe in alcoholic beverages. Under threat of product seizure, the companies stopped making the drinks. http://news.yahoo.com/brominated-vegetable-oil-gatorade-075517827--finance.html

FDA probes new pancreas risks with diabetes drugs

The Food and Drug Administration is looking into new evidence that a group of recently approved diabetes drugs can increase the risk of pancreatitis and other problems. The agency said Thursday samples of pancreas tissue taken from a small number of patients showed inflammation and cellular changes that often precede cancer. Academic researchers took the samples from diabetes patients who were taking the new medications, after they died from various causes. "FDA has not concluded these drugs may cause or contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer," the agency said in an online statement. "At this time, patients should continue to take their medicine as directed until they talk to their health care professional." The drugs under review come from a wave of recently approved diabetes medications, including Merck's Januvia and Janumet, Novo Nordisk's Victoza and Bristol-Myers Squibb's Byetta and Bydureon, among others. All the drugs mimic natural hormones that the body usually produces to spur insulin production after a meal. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/14/pancreas-risks-diabetes-drugs/1987465/

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Broil Fish for a Healthy Dinner

HealthDay News) -- Broiling is a healthy way to cook fish that also provides great flavor. If you haven't broiled before, a few basic tips can help you broil your fish to perfection. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics lists these tips for broiling delicious, healthy fish. Understand how the technique works -- broiling is basically like grilling food upside down, since the heat comes from above the food instead of below it. Use aluminum foil to line a baking dish, and spray it with cooking spray. Place the fish in the dish, skin side down. Slide the baking dish into the oven about 5 inches away from the broiler. Fish should appear flaky and opaque when done; test it with a food thermometer to make sure it has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_134920.html

More Evidence That Smoking Raises Breast Cancer Risk

Cigarette smoking appears to increase the risk of breast cancer, especially when women start smoking early in life, new research indicates. The timing of the smoking appears to affect the degree of risk, she said. "It seems that women who start smoking before their first birth are at greatest risk of breast cancer," Gaudet said. The researchers looked at data from women enrolled in a large, long-term cancer society study involving lifestyle factors and prevention. Over the follow-up of nearly 14 years, more than 3,700 cases of invasive breast cancer were found. When the women entered the study in 1992, they were aged 50 to 74. They supplied information on smoking habits, past and present. At the start, about 8 percent smoked, about 36 percent had quit and about 56 percent never smoked. The incidence of invasive breast cancer was 24 percent higher in current smokers and 13 percent higher in former smokers, compared to never smokers, the researchers found. http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=673935

Friday, March 15, 2013

High-Fat Dairy Foods Linked to Worse Survival After Breast Cancer

THURSDAY, March 14 (HealthDay News) -- Eating high-fat dairy products may raise the risk of death years later for breast cancer survivors, according to a new study that followed almost 1,900 women for up to nearly 15 years. High-fat dairy includes foods such as whole milk, cream for coffee and butter. Low-fat dairy includes skim milk, nonfat milk, low-fat yogurt or nonfat yogurt. Women "who ate one or more servings of high-fat dairy a day had a 49 percent higher risk of breast cancer death compared to those who ate up to half a serving a day," said study author Candyce Kroenke, a staff scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. The women in the higher-intake group -- eating one serving or more a of high-fat dairy per day -- had a 64 percent higher risk of dying from any cause compared to those who consumed little or none, she added. The link was much weaker for high-fat dairy and a recurrence of the breast cancer, she said, and was not strong enough to be significant statistically. The study, supported by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, is published March 14 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_134933.html