Health Discoveries
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Asthma pills and inhaled medicine may have same effect
May 5, 2011
The use of asthma pills and inhaled steroids are about equally effective in managing the respiratory condition, according to a UK study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Infant sleep patterns related to growth spurts
May 5, 2011
Growth spurts in infants may be related to periods of increased sleep time, according to pediatrics research published in the May issue of the journal Sleep.
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Location of excess fat may predict stiff arteries in women
May 5, 2011
A research team at Emory University in Atlanta found that fat distribution, which differs in black and white women, may be a predictor of stiff arteries that are related to heart disease.
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Skin cancer warnings haven't deterred tanning
May 4, 2011
Young women in their teens and early 20's regularly visit tanning salons and frequently tan outdoors in spite of strong warnings that they risk developing skin cancer, according to a survey taken by the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Structured exercise regimen helps diabetes patients
May 4, 2011
Researchers have found that when people with type 2 diabetes have a structured exercise program they have more success in lowering their blood sugar, according to the May issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Pelvic scan not needed for finding blood clots
May 4, 2011
The pelvic area of the body can be eliminated from imaging tests for blood clots without reducing the effectiveness of the scan, according to findings presented before the American Roentgen Ray Society.
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Belly fat seen as major risk factor in heart disease deaths
May 3, 2011
A large amount of belly fat, even in people who are of normal weight, can double the risk of death in people with heart disease, according to the May issue of Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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New diabetes drug approved by the FDA
May 3, 2011
A drug that improves blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency announced.
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Sleeping six to eight hours nightly is best for brain function
May 3, 2011
Researchers at the University College London Medical School have determined that middle-aged adults who sleep six to eight hours each night will have better brain function.
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Morning heart attacks may be more severe
May 3, 2011
A Spanish study found that the body's circadian clock may influence the severity of heart attacks and what time of day they are more likely to occur.
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Breast cancer recurrence differs with use of radiation
May 3, 2011
Women with early stage breast cancer who are treated with both surgery and radiation may cut their risk of local recurrences of the disease, but the risk of invasive breast cancer later appears to be greater.
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Low vitamin D linked to child obesity
May 3, 2011
A University of Pittsburgh study found that children who are obese are likely to have a vitamin D deficiency associated with their body mass index, fat levels and reduced "good" (HDL) cholesterol.
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Peritoneal mesothelioma linked to genetic pathways
April 29, 2011
A University of Maryland researcher is attempting to develop a therapy that blocks genes known to stimulate the growth of peritoneal mesothelioma.
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Social activities may reduce cognitive loss in elderly
April 29, 2011
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that frequent social activity can delay, and sometimes prevent, cognitive impairment in the elderly.
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Drugs used for breast cancer may help colorectal cancer
April 29, 2011
PARP inhibitors, which are drugs that have helped patients with breast and ovarian cancer, may have a similar benefit for those with colorectal cancer, according to a study at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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Tai Chi improves condition of heart failure patients
April 29, 2011
A 12-week Tai Chi program for patients with chronic heart failure enhanced their quality of life, including improved mood, confidence and ability to exercise, according to the April issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
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Surprising link made between dietary fats and prostate cancer
April 29, 2011
A study on dietary fat levels' connection to prostate cancer risk came up with surprising results for researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.
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Brain rhythm may be related to disturbed sleep
April 29, 2011
People who have trouble getting to sleep, or staying asleep without tossing and turning, may benefit from neurosience research under way at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
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Government grant aims to reduce childhood obesity
April 27, 2011
A program aimed at curbing childhood obesity through changes in lifestyle, physical activity and diet is being funded by a $4.78 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture over the next five years.
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Elderly show strong link between kidney disease and heart health
April 27, 2011
The elderly have a significant prevalence of chronic kidney disease that has a strong link to heart problems, according to an online issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
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Tourette symptoms improve after behavioral therapy
April 27, 2011
A program of relaxation techniques, biofeedback and other behavioral therapy helped reduce tics and other uncontrolled movements of adults with Tourette syndrome, according to the International Journal of Cognitive Therapy.
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Parents see need for more physical activities in schools
April 27, 2011
A University of Michigan poll found that parents with young children want their youngsters to get more exercise during the school day, and about one-third of those surveyed say they don't have enough physical activity in school now.
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Blood pressure drugs have opposite effect on breast cancer
April 26, 2011
UCLA researchers have added to previous research that found ACE inhibitors commonly used as a blood pressure medication increases the risk of breast cancer.
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Late-stage kidney cancer more common in smokers
April 26, 2011
More aggressive kidney cancer appears to occur in smokers than in nonsmokers who develop the disease, according to a study at Duke University.
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Early musical training may improve cognitive skills
April 26, 2011
A new study at Emory University School of Medicine found that childhood hours spent pounding the piano keys or practicing clarinet may have a big pay-off later in life.
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