Health News Bits for Thursday, August 27, 2009
Pregnant women and parents of young children are strongly encouraged to go out and get the swine flu vaccine. Doing so can protect the lives of children who are most susceptible to contracting the swine flu disease, studies show. It is anticipated that the swine flu will make a strong appearance this fall with the beginning of the flu season. Some parents concerned about receiving vaccines and giving their children vaccines containing the ingredient Thimerosal can rest assured that there are vaccines without this preservative.
Is Fatostatin the Obesity Cure?
A new drug, dubbed Fatostatin, which inhibits fat production in the body, is thought to fight obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Researches hope to release the drug in pill form in order to cure obesity. The drug works by converting food into energy rather than allowing it to be stored as fat. It inhibits the formation of fat in the body, has regulatory effects on blood sugar, prevents fatty liver, and lowers cholesterol in rats. This, however, does not guarantee that similar benefits will be seen by humans.
Possible Solution for Milk Allergies in Young Kids
Research has found that, in young children, milk allergies can be reduced by increased exposure to milk. Gradually increasing consumption of this dairy product may transform a child's immune system so that their bodies can learn to accept dairy. Approximately 46 percent of children studied had no symptoms of milk allergies, while the remaining 54 percent had only mild symptoms. Milk allergies rank as number one in food allergies. Symptoms of milk allergy can range from mild to severe. The aforementioned milk allergy study can be found in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Aug. 10 issue)
New Anti-Cigarette Smoking Act Regulates Tobacco Marketing
In an effort to see the numbers of cigarette smokers decline, the federal government will require that a portion of cigarette packages be covered in images depicting the side effects of smoking cigarettes. Images may include rotten or discolored teeth, gangrene of the limbs, or cancerous limbs. The regulation is expected to go into effect within three years. Several other countries across the globe regulate cigarette packaging this way in an effort to curb cigarette smoking. Canada, Brazil, and Singapore are three such countries. President Barack Obama signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act on June 22.
Racial Gap in Prostate Cancer Mortality Rates is Closing
The racial gap that placed African American men at a greater risk of dying of prostate cancer is closing. Diagnosis of men at an early stage of prostate cancer, when it has not spread, is vital to survival. Today, more black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and treated at earlier stages than they have been in years past.
Improved Ten-Year Survival Rate for Young People with Blood Cancers
Today, more American Teens and young adults are surviving longer than in decades past. The survival rate for young people with various blood cancers has jumped, with increases of 13 percent to 29 percent after ten years.
Resources
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- Help Stop the Spread of Swine FluUsing common sense and following good hygiene practices, everyone can play a part in stopping the spread of swine flu.
- Kid's Food Allergies: Most Common Food Allergies in KidsFood allergies in kids are a concern for many parents. Here are five of the most common food allergies in kids.
- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Charlotte, North CarolinaThis article is about a local non-profit in Charlotte, North Carolina offering free prostate cancer screenings in honor of Prostate Cancer Month. This article gives insight and statistics on the fastest growing cance...
- The Colon Cancer, Prostate Cancer LinkSimple connections that can help lower the incidence of colon and prostate cancer. How much is genetic and how much can be directly connected to lifestyle choices?
- No Need to Panic: Swine Flu Facts You Need to Know
- Milk Moustache: The Myths of Milk
- Tips on Choosing the Right Milk for Your Kids
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Milk Allergies
- Foods Without Milk for People with Milk Allergies
- The Video Game Industry: An Insider's Guide for Parents of Young Gamers
- Lessons of the Swine Flu "Fiasco" of 1976