NurseTips

Recruit Qualified People

2009-12-08T00:02:00.000-05:00

I added a “Recent Jobs” section to the sidebar on the left side of this blog. If you want to advertise a position in this jobs board, it’s only $99 for thirty days.

I have a highly-qualified readership with medical backgrounds that should appeal to companies.

Health Headlines - December 8

2009-12-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

FDA Issues CT Scan Safety Guidelines

Interim recommendations to address concerns about patients receiving excess radiation exposure during CT perfusion imaging were released Monday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In October, the agency learned of 206 brain scan patients exposed to excess radiation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles over an 18-month period. Follow-up investigation revealed at least 50 more patients exposed to levels of radiation up to eight times higher than expected during CT perfusion scans. The cases involved CT machines made by more than one manufacturer.

Some patients exposed to excess radiation suffered hair loss or skin redness. High doses of radiation can cause cataracts and increase the risk of some types of cancer, the FDA said.

The agency's interim recommendations for imaging centers, radiologists and radiologic technologists are meant to help prevent more cases of excess patient exposure. The recommendations apply to all CT perfusion images, including brain and heart, because they use similar procedures and protocols.

The FDA recommends that:

Facilities assess whether patients who underwent CT perfusion scans received excess radiation.
Facilities review their radiation dosing protocols for all CT perfusion studies to ensure that the correct dosing is planned for each study.
Facilities implement quality control procedures to ensure that dosing protocols are followed every time and that the planned amount of radiation is administered.
Radiologic technologists check the CT scanner display panel before performing a study to make sure the amount of radiation to be delivered is at the appropriate level for the individual patient.
If more than one study is performed on a patient during one imaging session, practitioners should adjust the dose of radiation so it is appropriate for each study.

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Missing DNA Linked to Childhood Obesity: Study

Missing DNA may be linked to obesity in some children, according to British researchers.

They analyzed the DNA of 300 extremely obese children (220 pounds by age 10) and pinpointed a deletion on chromosome 16 that occurs in less than 1 percent of about 1,200 severely obese children, the Associated Press reported.

This deletion means the children lack a gene that the brain needs to respond to the appetite-controlling hormone leptin, said study co-leader Dr. Sadaf Farooqi of Cambridge University.

Children with this deletion "have a very strong drive to eat," and they're "very, very hungry, they always want to eat," Farooqi said, the AP reported.

The study appears online in the journal Nature.

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Robotic Hamster Toy May Be Unsafe: Consumer Group

Popular robotic hamster toys contain higher-than-permitted levels of the chemical antimony, which can pose a health threat, says the San Francisco-based consumer group Good Guide.

The group found antimony on the hair (93 parts per million) and nose (106 ppm) of a Zhu Zhu Pets hamster called Mr. Squiggles, the Associated Press reported. The allowable level is 60 ppm.

Zhu Zhu Pets, one of this holiday season's must-have toys, are aimed at 3- to 10-year-olds. The products are safe and have passed rigorous testing, said toy maker Cepia LLC of St. Louis.

"I have been in the toy industry for more than 35 years, and being a father of children myself, I would never allow any substandard or unsafe product to hit the shelves," Cepia CEO Russ Hornsby said in a news release, the AP reported.

On Monday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said it had opened an investigation into Zhu Zhu Pets.

"CPSC is looking into the Zhu Zhu pet toy and we will complete our review swiftly. With new safety measures in place for children and toy recalls down from previous years, consumers can have greater confidence when shopping this year and in the CPSC," the agency said in a statement.

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10 Million Slim-Fast Drinks Recalled

Possible bacterial contamination has prompted a recall of 10 million cans of Slim-Fast ready-to-drink meal replacements in the United States and Canada.

The products may be contaminated with Bacilus cereus, which can cause vomiting or diarrhea. But the likelihood of a serious reaction to the bacteria in the Slim-Fast drinks is remote, CBS News reported.

The recall includes cans sold individually or in cartons containing four, six or 12 cans that are 11 ounces each.

No other Slim-Fast products, such as meal and snack bars or powdered shakes, are involved in the recall, CBS News reported.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Rita Chappelle said the recall affects 10 million cans distributed in the United States. Unilever, the maker of Slim-Fast, said Friday that it is still in the process of identifying and correcting the production problem that led to the possible contamination at the company's production facility in Covington, Tenn., CNN reported.

For more on the recall, visit the FDA.

Health Tips for December 8

2009-12-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Health Tip: Managing Your Child's Asthma

It's difficult to prevent your child's asthma symptoms entirely, but you can help control them so they don't interfere with your youngster's daily life.

The American Lung Association offers this advice about controlling asthma:

Avoid any triggers, which commonly include allergens, cigarette smoke and strenuous exercise.
Talk to your child's pediatrician about asthma-controlling medications.
Consider allergy shots. Although research is still being done on their effectiveness against asthma, they are proven in preventing allergic reactions that can be associated with asthma symptoms.
Both you and your child should be well-educated about ways to manage asthma, including the use of an asthma inhaler and how to evaluate breathing with a peak flow monitor.

Health Tip: Checking Your Peak Flow

Measuring peak flow is important for asthmatics, as it monitors how well you can blow air from your lungs and may even help predict a pending asthma attack. Peak flow is measured with a specially designed meter.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says some asthmatics should keep a peak flow diary. Here are the agency's suggestions for what to record:

The number of each peak flow reading.
Any symptoms or possible triggers that preceded an asthma attack.
Any recent changes affecting your asthma medications.

Health Headlines - December 7

2009-12-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

10 Million Slim-Fast Drinks Recalled

Possible bacterial contamination has prompted a recall of 10 million cans of Slim-Fast ready-to-drink meal replacements in the United States and Canada.

The recall includes cans sold individually or in cartons containing four, six or 12 cans that are 11 ounces each.

No other Slim-Fast products, such as meal and snack bars or powdered shakes, are involved in the recall, CBS News reported.

For more on the recall, visit the FDA.

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Cattle Vaccines May Reduce E. coli Outbreaks in Humans

Vaccinating cattle against E. coli bacteria could significantly improve the safety of beef and reduce the number of people who become sick and die from tainted beef, according to scientists.

It's believed that E. coli vaccines for cattle could reduce the number of animals carrying the dangerous bacteria by 65 to 75 percent, The New York Times reported.

Two vaccines have been developed commercially, including one made by Minnesota-based Epitopix that received preliminary approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in March. The approval means the vaccine can be sold while research continues. About 300,000 head of cattle will be given the vaccine in the coming months as part of a series of studies, said Epitopix general manager James. D. Sandstrom.

The second vaccine, made by a Canadian company, was approved for use in Canada last year and is awaiting approval in the United States, the Timesreported.

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U.S. Needs More Minority Doctors: Surgeon General

More needs to be done to increase the number of minority physicians in the United States, Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin said Thursday in a speech at a health disparities conference in Atlanta.

She noted that minorities account for only 6 percent of U.S. physicians, the same percentage as a century ago, even though minorities make up 34 percent of the population, the Associated Press reported.

"There's something wrong with that," Benjamin said in her speech.

She said health leaders need to encourage young members of minorities to pursue careers in medicine, the AP reported.

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Toxic Chemicals Found in Many Popular Toys: Report

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and other harmful chemicals were found in a third of the most popular children's toys in the United States, says a new study by the Ecology Center consumer organization.

Of the 700 toys tested by the Michigan-based group, 32 percent contained one or more toxic chemicals, Agence France Presse reported.

Seven percent of the toys contained more than 40 parts per million (ppm) of lead, the highest level recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2007. Lead levels in 3 percent of the toys exceeded 300 ppm, the U.S.-mandated limit.

Toys with detectable lead levels included the Barbie Bike Flair Accessory Kit, the Dora the Explorer Activity Tote and the Kid's Poncho sold by Wal-Mart, AFP reported.

Health Tips for December 7

2009-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Health Tip: Managing Your Child's Asthma

It's difficult to prevent your child's asthma symptoms entirely, but you can help control them so they don't interfere with your youngster's daily life.

The American Lung Association offers this advice about controlling asthma:

Avoid any triggers, which commonly include allergens, cigarette smoke and strenuous exercise.
Talk to your child's pediatrician about asthma-controlling medications.
Consider allergy shots. Although research is still being done on their effectiveness against asthma, they are proven in preventing allergic reactions that can be associated with asthma symptoms.
Both you and your child should be well-educated about ways to manage asthma, including the use of an asthma inhaler and how to evaluate breathing with a peak flow monitor.

Health Tip: Checking Your Peak Flow

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says some asthmatics should keep a peak flow diary. Here are the agency's suggestions for what to record:

The number of each peak flow reading.
Any symptoms or possible triggers that preceded an asthma attack.
Any recent changes affecting your asthma medications.

Health Headlines - December 6

2009-12-06T00:01:00.001-05:00

10 Million Slim-Fast Drinks Recalled

Possible bacterial contamination has prompted a recall of 10 million cans of Slim-Fast ready-to-drink meal replacements in the United States and Canada.

The recall includes cans sold individually or in cartons containing four, six or 12 cans that are 11 ounces each.

No other Slim-Fast products, such as meal and snack bars or powdered shakes, are involved in the recall, CBS News reported.

For more on the recall, visit the FDA.

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Cattle Vaccines May Reduce E. coli Outbreaks in Humans

Vaccinating cattle against E. coli bacteria could significantly improve the safety of beef and reduce the number of people who become sick and die from tainted beef, according to scientists.

It's believed that E. coli vaccines for cattle could reduce the number of animals carrying the dangerous bacteria by 65 to 75 percent, The New York Times reported.

The second vaccine, made by a Canadian company, was approved for use in Canada last year and is awaiting approval in the United States, the Timesreported.

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U.S. Needs More Minority Doctors: Surgeon General

More needs to be done to increase the number of minority physicians in the United States, Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin said Thursday in a speech at a health disparities conference in Atlanta.

"There's something wrong with that," Benjamin said in her speech.

She said health leaders need to encourage young members of minorities to pursue careers in medicine, the AP reported.

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Toxic Chemicals Found in Many Popular Toys: Report

Of the 700 toys tested by the Michigan-based group, 32 percent contained one or more toxic chemicals, Agence France Presse reported.

Toys with detectable lead levels included the Barbie Bike Flair Accessory Kit, the Dora the Explorer Activity Tote and the Kid's Poncho sold by Wal-Mart, AFP reported.

Health Tips for December 6

2009-12-06T00:00:00.001-05:00

Health Tip: Managing Your Child's Asthma

It's difficult to prevent your child's asthma symptoms entirely, but you can help control them so they don't interfere with your youngster's daily life.

The American Lung Association offers this advice about controlling asthma:

Avoid any triggers, which commonly include allergens, cigarette smoke and strenuous exercise.
Talk to your child's pediatrician about asthma-controlling medications.
Consider allergy shots. Although research is still being done on their effectiveness against asthma, they are proven in preventing allergic reactions that can be associated with asthma symptoms.
Both you and your child should be well-educated about ways to manage asthma, including the use of an asthma inhaler and how to evaluate breathing with a peak flow monitor.

Health Tip: Checking Your Peak Flow

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says some asthmatics should keep a peak flow diary. Here are the agency's suggestions for what to record:

The number of each peak flow reading.
Any symptoms or possible triggers that preceded an asthma attack.
Any recent changes affecting your asthma medications.

Health Headlines - December 5

2009-12-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Cattle Vaccines May Reduce E. coli Outbreaks in Humans

Vaccinating cattle against E. coli bacteria could significantly improve the safety of beef and reduce the number of people who become sick and die from tainted beef, according to scientists.

It's believed that E. coli vaccines for cattle could reduce the number of animals carrying the dangerous bacteria by 65 to 75 percent, The New York Times reported.

The second vaccine, made by a Canadian company, was approved for use in Canada last year and is awaiting approval in the United States, the Times reported.

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U.S. Needs More Minority Doctors: Surgeon General

More needs to be done to increase the number of minority physicians in the United States, Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin said Thursday in a speech at a health disparities conference in Atlanta.

"There's something wrong with that," Benjamin said in her speech.

She said health leaders need to encourage young members of minorities to pursue careers in medicine, the AP reported.

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Toxic Chemicals Found in Many Popular Toys: Report

Of the 700 toys tested by the Michigan-based group, 32 percent contained one or more toxic chemicals, Agence France Presse reported.

Toys with detectable lead levels included the Barbie Bike Flair Accesory Kit, the Dora the Explorer Activity Tote and the Kid's Poncho sold by Wal-Mart, AFP reported.

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Cluster of Rare Breast Disease in Indiana: Report

Seven young Hispanic women in Indiana were diagnosed with a rare breast disease called idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) between 2006 and 2009, making it the largest cluster of the disease ever reported in the United States, says a report released Thursday.

IGM features symptoms similar to breast cancer. The cause is unknown.

The cluster of cases among Hispanic women in Indiana is the first time in the United States that a higher prevalence of IGM has been identified in a particular ethnic group, researchers said.

All of the patients experienced delays in receiving care, with an average of five months between symptom onset and diagnostic biopsy. The women had a number of significant risk factors, including low education levels, positive tuberculin skin test results and medication allergies.

The researchers suggested that identifying barriers to prompt health care access may lead to earlier diagnosis of IGM.

The article appears in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health Tips for December 5

2009-12-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

Health Tip: Help Control IBS Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) occurs when the intestines squeeze too hard -- or not hard enough -- as food passes through. Symptoms may include diarrhea or constipation, bloating, and a feeling that you still need to pass a stool, despite having recently passed one.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help control IBS symptoms:

Limit fats in your diet, and stick to a variety of healthy foods.
Boost dietary fiber or take a fiber supplement.
Avoid foods that seem to trigger your IBS symptoms.
Drink lots of water each day.
Break your meals into six smaller ones, instead of three big meals.
Don't use laxatives to treat constipation. Their use can weaken the intestines and make your body dependent on them.
Learn and adopt stress management techniques.

Health Tip: Foods To Avoid if You Have IBS

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have symptoms including abdominal bloating and cramping, constipation or frequent diarrhea. While the cause of IBS often is unknown, some people seem to have a sensitivity to certain foods.

The National Women's Health Information Center lists these foods or ingredients that can cause IBS symptoms in some people:

Caffeine (found in sodas, coffee and tea).
Carbonated beverages.
The artificial sweetener sorbitol (often found in chewing gum).
Beans and vegetables that cause excessive gas.
Alcoholic drinks.
Chocolate.
Dairy products such as milk, ice cream and cheese.

Health Headlines - December 4

2009-12-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Cluster of Rare Breast Disease in Indiana: Report

IGM features symptoms similar to breast cancer. The cause is unknown.

The cluster of cases among Hispanic women in Indiana is the first time in the United States that a higher prevalence of IGM has been identified in a particular ethnic group, researchers said.

The researchers suggested that identifying barriers to prompt health care access may lead to earlier diagnosis of IGM.

The article appears in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Screening Reveals Heart Conditions in Grade 6 Students

Doctors who performed heart screenings on 94 Grade 6 students in Houston found that seven had heart conditions, including two who needed surgery. The results surprised the researchers, who want mandatory heart screenings for all sixth graders in the United States.

"Usually, the first time these kids have symptoms is during cardiac arrest," study leader Dr. John Higgins told the Houston Chronicle, CBS News reported. "We had at least two cases in Houston last year where it was the first episode and they died," the cardiologist said.

Most of the students screened by Higgins and colleagues were black and Hispanic, and nearly half of them were overweight. Three students were diagnosed with stage 2 hypertension, while early onset of high blood pressure was found in others.

As part of the study, Higgins plans to conduct heart screenings on 1,500 middle schoolers in the Houston area. The screenings include an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, a physical exam and a health history.

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Obesity Increases Kids' Risk of Spinal Problems: Study

Along with an increased risk for high cholesterol and diabetes, overweight and obese children also may be more prone to spinal problems and back pain, according to U.S. researchers.

They examined MRIs of 188 young people, ages 12 to 20, who had back pain and found that 56 percent of them had some lumbar spine abnormalities, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The researchers then calculated the age-adjusted BMI (body-mass index) for 106 of the study participants and found that 54 had a BMI greater than the 75th percentile for their age. Of those, 37 (68.5 percent) had abnormal findings on their spinal MRIs. All the children at or below a healthy weight had normal MRI results.

The study was presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Radiological Society.

"These results demonstrate a strong relationship between increased BMI in the pediatric population and the incidence of lumbar disc disease," study lead author Dr. Judah Burns, a fellow in neuroradiology at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in New York City, said in a news release, the Times reported.

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Mammogram Task Force Defends Recommendations

While they concede they "communicated very poorly," members of a U.S. government-appointed task force are holding firm on a controversial new recommendation that most women shouldn't get regular mammograms until age 50.

Appearing before Congress Wednesday, the task force leaders explained their guidelines have mistakenly been taken to mean that women under 50 should forgo mammograms altogether. But their true message is that women under 50 should discuss the issue with their doctor in order to make the choice that's best for them, CBS News reported.

Some doctors are ignoring that advice and still recommending annual mammograms for their female patients.

The lead doctors on the task force also faced questions about another contentious recommendation regarding breast self-exams.

"The task force recommended against clinicians teaching women breast self-examination. They did not recommend that women not pay attention to their bodies," task force report co-author Dr. Diana Petitti told lawmakers, CBS News reported.

"Well, how are women to get that knowledge?" asked Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, asked. "They can't just get it by intuition!"

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USADA Targets Easy Availability of Steroids

In an effort to stop "rogue" manufacturers from selling steroids under the guise of legal nutritional supplements, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency this week launched a new program called Supplement Safety Now.

These steroids are easily available to anyone, noted Travis Tygart, USADA chief executive officer. Earlier this week, he went to Amazon.com and found he could buy "P-Plex," a muscle-building product that contains a designer steroid called Madol, the Associated Press reported.

"When you can go onto a popular site like Amazon, and without ID, you can buy a product like this, it's an obvious problem, not just for athletes,'' Tygart said. "It undermines the legitimacy of the legitimate supplement industry. Until these problems are adequately addressed, even the most informed customer cannot have confidence in their choice.''

The new initiative, designed to increase awareness of the issue and develop solutions, has the support of a number of major athletic organizations, including the NFL, Major League Baseball and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Dietary supplement makers are mostly supportive of the USADA's new program. But instead of new laws, the industry wants better enforcement of existing laws.

"I do find that disturbing, if you're able to buy these kind of products off a Web site like Amazon and those kind of products are clearly illegal in a number of regards,'' Steve Mister, president of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, told the AP. "But that means someone's not doing their job if they're not enforcing the law."

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NFL Issues Tougher Rules on Handling of Head Injuries

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday sent a memo to the league's 32 professional football teams outlining the toughest rules yet for when players with head injuries can return to games or practices.

In the latest development in what has become a heated controversy, the new rules state that a player who gets a concussion should not return to action on the same day if he shows certain signs or symptoms. Those include an inability to remember assignments or plays, a gap in memory, persistent dizziness and persistent headaches, the Associated Press reported.

The previous rule, which was enacted two years ago, only stipulated that a player could not go back on the field if he lost consciousness.

The memo also stressed that players "are to be encouraged to be candid with team medical staffs and fully disclose any signs or symptoms that may be associated with a concussion."

Nearly one-fifth of 160 NFL players surveyed by the AP in early November admitted that they have tried to downplay effects of a concussion. The league said on Wednesday that its concussion committee, team doctors, outside medical experts and the NFL Players Association developed the new standards.

This month, all NFL teams were told they must have an outside neurologist who can be consulted on concussions, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Wednesday all of those independent doctors have been approved and are in place.

Since last month's congressional hearing on NFL head injuries, momentum has been building for changes in league policy.

Health Tips for December 4

2009-12-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Health Tip: Managing Lupus Symptoms

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause symptoms including pain and stiffness in the joints, body aches, fever, a rash on the skin and impaired cognitive function.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers these suggestions to help control lupus symptoms:

See your doctor regularly.
Establish priorities and goals to better balance your life.
Minimize your exposure to sunlight and light from halogen and fluorescent bulbs.
Learn how to reduce and manage stress.
Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep and exercise when your doctor approves.
Create or join a network of support people.

Health Tip: Does Your Child Grind the Teeth?

Bruxism is used to describe grinding the teeth or clenching the jaws, especially while asleep or under stress.

In many cases, the teeth aren't damaged, although some kids who grind may have headaches or earaches.

The Nemours Foundation offers this list of bruxism's possible warning signs:

Your child makes a grinding sound while asleep.
Your child's jaw or face is sore in the morning.
Your child sucks the thumb.
Your child bites the fingernails.
Your child has signs of biting on the inside of the cheek.
Your child frequently chews on items such as toys or pencils.

Health Headlines - December 3

2009-12-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

NFL Issues Tougher Rules on Handling of Head Injuries

The previous rule, which was enacted two years ago, only stipulated that a player could not go back on the field if he lost consciousness.

The memo also stressed that players "are to be encouraged to be candid with team medical staffs and fully disclose any signs or symptoms that may be associated with a concussion."

Since last month's congressional hearing on NFL head injuries, momentum has been building for changes in league policy.

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Label to Warn of Heart Risks From Antidepressant: FDA

The antidepressant Norpramin should be used with "extreme caution" by patients with a history of certain heart problems, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.

The agency said the label for Norpramin (desipramine hydrochloride) will now warn of potential risks to patients who have a family history of sudden death, cardiac dysrhythmias, and cardiac conduction disturbances; and that seizures precede cardiac dysrhythmias and death in some patients.

Norpramin is made by French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis SA.

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Costs of Many Hospital Procedures Rise Sharply: Report

Costs for 10 common hospital procedures increased rapidly between 2004 and 2007, says a U.S. government report released Wednesday.

Increases in the number of patients undergoing the procedures accounted for about 75 percent of the rise, while the remaining 25 percent was related to higher costs per patient, said the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The 10 procedures that showed the most rapid increases in hospital costs were:

Bone marrow transplants. Up 85 percent from $694 million to $1.3 billion.
Open surgery for non-cancerous enlarged prostate. Up 69 percent to $1 billion.
Aortic valve resection or replacement. Up 38.5 percent to $1.9 billion.
Cancer chemotherapy. Up 33 percent to $2.6 billion.
Spinal fusion. Up 29.5 percent to $8.9 billion.
A type of lung cancer surgery called lobectomy. Up 29 percent to $1 billion.
Incision and drainage of skin and other tissues. Up 29 percent to $1 billion.
Knee surgery. Up 27.5 percent to $9.2 billion.
Nephrostomy (surgery to allow urine to pass through the kidneys). Up 25 percent to $683 million.
Mastectomy (breast removal because of cancer). Up 24 percent to $660 million.

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Tyson Foods Warned About Seafood Storage

Inspectors found unsanitary conditions at a Tyson Foods plant in Forth Worth, Tex., that makes seafood soups, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning letter sent to the company and posted on the agency's Web site.

The FDA said fish and crab at the plant were stored at dangerously high temperatures -- between 40 and 55 degrees F for about 18 hours -- but should be stored below 40 degrees F to prevent the growth of bacteria and toxins, the Associated Press reported.

"Pathogen growth and potential toxin formulation is a hazard reasonably likely to occur in the absence of (temperature) control, consequently, the hazard needs to be addressed," said the FDA warning letter.

Since the inspection, Tyson has updated its temperature control plan, the AP reported.

The fish and crab noted by FDA inspectors wasn't used in company products, according to Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson. "Our Forth Worth plant is clean and sanitary, and the products produced there are safe to eat," he said in a statement.

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Patient Uses Mind to Control Robotic Hand

A man fitted with a robotic hand was able to control it with his thoughts and to feel sensations through the device, say European scientists.

At a news conference Wednesday, the Italian-led team said this is the first time an amputee has demonstrated the ability to use thoughts to control a biomechanic hand attached to the nervous system, the Associated Press reported.

Electrodes were implanted into the arm of the patient, who had lost his left hand and forearm in a car accident. During the month-long experiment, the man learned to wiggle the robotic hand's fingers and to make other hand movements.

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No New Tamiflu-Resistant H1N1 Cases at Duke

No additional cases of Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 flu have been found at Duke University Hospital, according to preliminary results of extensive testing and screening, officials announced Tuesday.

On Nov. 20, the hospital reported that four patients in a single, isolated unit were confirmed as having Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 swine flu. The unit is for patients with seriously impaired immune systems and multiple other complex medical conditions.

Over the past 10 days, all patients in the unit were tested several times by the hospital, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North Carolina Division of Public Health. No new cases of Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 were found.

The hospital is working with the CDC and state health officials to review the initial four reported cases. It's expected the assessment will continue for several more weeks.

Health Tips for December 3

2009-12-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Health Tip: Smokeless Tobacco Can Cause Its Own Problems

Using a smokeless tobacco product doesn't absolve you of possible risks, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

Smokeless tobacco still contains addictive nicotine, which can affect your thinking and behavior, the academy says. In fact, smokeless tobacco puts more nicotine in your blood than cigarettes.

In addition, the academy warns, smokeless tobacco can:

Damage your teeth, including staining them and wearing them down.
Cause receding gums.
Produce sores in the mouth.
Lead to cancer of the mouth.
Raise your risk of heart attack.
Raise cholesterol and blood pressure.

Health Tip: If You Smoke While Pregnant

If you smoke while pregnant, you're exposing the baby to a host of dangerous chemicals, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says. And the nicotine in tobacco causes less oxygen and nutrients to reach the baby.

The ACOG says these problems are more likely to affect pregnant women who smoke:

Ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg begins to develop outside the uterus.
Vaginal bleeding.
Abnormalities in how the placenta attaches to the uterus.
A stillbirth.
A low-birthweight infant, born weighing less than 5.5 pounds.

Health Headlines - December 2

2009-12-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

No New Tamiflu-Resistant H1N1 Cases at Duke

No additional cases of Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 flu have been found at Duke University Hospital, according to preliminary results of extensive testing and screening, officials announced Tuesday.

The hospital is working with the CDC and state health officials to review the initial four reported cases. It's expected the assessment will continue for several more weeks.

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Thiamine Deficiency Spurs Cat Food Recall

After 21 confirmed reports of sick cats, Diamond Pet Foods has recalled select bags of dry cat food because they contain too little thiamine, an essential ingredient for cats.

The company recalled bags of Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball distributed in 18 states, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Cats fed these foods without any other sources of nutrition could develop thiamine deficiency, a disorder that can result in gastrointestinal or neurological problems or even death, if untreated.

States where the recalled bags were distributed are: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, the AP said.

Twenty-one cases of thiamine deficiency were confirmed in New York and Pennsylvania.

Signs of thiamine deficiency include decreased appetite, weight loss, salivation and vomiting. As the condition progresses, later symptoms can include wobbly walking or circling, seizures, droopy neck and falling.

Consumers can return the recalled cat food to the store where it was purchased and obtain a full refund. For more information, call 800-977-8797.

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Genes Linked to Gray Hair in Women

Genes, not lifestyle factors such as stress and diet, are most likely to cause gray hair in women, according to a study that included more than 200 identical and non-identical Danish twin sisters, ages 59 to 81.

There was little difference in gray hair among the identical twins -- who share the same genes -- and more difference among non-identical twins, whose genes differ, BBC News reported.

"This study offers us a fascinating insight into the reason why women go gray, and it certainly suggests that environmental factors are not as important as we once thought," said lead researcher Dr. David Gunn. "The research indicates that irrespective of how stressful a woman's life is, there are greater forces at play which are more likely to cause her hair to gray."

He and his colleagues also found that genes may play a strong role in receding hair, while hair thinning on top of the head is associated with lifestyle and environmental factors, BBC News reported.

The study was published in the journal PLoS One.

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International AIDS Conference Returns to U.S.

The 19th International AIDS Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. in July 2012, the International AIDS Society announced Monday.

The decision to hold AIDS 2012 in the U.S. capital was made after President Barack Obama's October announcement that the nation would lift entry restrictions on people with HIV, effective Jan. 4, 2010.

The biennial conference was last held in the United States in 1990 in San Francisco.

"The return of the conference to the United States is the result of years of dedicated advocacy to end a misguided policy based on fear, rather than science, and represents a significant victory for public health and human rights," IAS President-Elect Dr. Elly Katabira, professor of medicine at Makerere University in Uganda, said in an IAS news release.

"AIDS 2012 will be a tremendous opportunity for researchers from around the world to share the latest scientific advances in the field, learn from one anothers expertise, and develop strategies for advancing all facets of our collective efforts to treat and prevent HIV," said Katabira, who will serve as the international chair of AIDS 2012.

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South Africa Will Do More to Fight HIV/AIDS: President

All HIV-positive babies in South Africa will receive treatment, and testing for HIV will be expanded, President Jacob Zuma said Tuesday in a speech that marks a major shift in a nation where the previous government distrusted HIV/AIDS drugs.

Of the 50 million people in South Africa, about 5.7 million are infected with HIV, more than any other country, the Associated Press reported.

The new policy changes that will take effect in April 2010 will help HIV patients "live longer and more fulfilling lives," Zuma said in the speech on World AIDS Day.

He compared South Africa's fight against HIV/AIDS to the decades-long struggle against apartheid, the AP reported.

"At another moment in our history, in another context, the liberation movement observed that the time comes in the life of any nation when there remain only two choices: submit or fight," Zuma said. "That time has now come in our struggle to overcome AIDS. Let us declare now, as we declared then, that we shall not submit."

Health Tips for December 2

2009-12-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Health Tip: Opt for Weight-Bearing Exercises

Weight-bearing exercises are important, especially for girls and women who want to build bone strength and prevent osteoporosis later.

Weight-bearing exercises are done standing up and make the bones and muscles work against gravity.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these examples of good weight-bearing exercises:

Fast-paced walking, running or jogging, or going for a hike.
Gardening or cutting the grass with a push mower.
Team sports, such as basketball, soccer and baseball.
Racquet sports, such as tennis.
Aerobics or dance classes.
Bowling, karate or judo, skating or skiing.
Lifting weights or climbing stairs.

Health Tip: What's Behind Hip Bursitis?

Bursitis of the hip is a painful condition that occurs when the bursa -- a small, cushiony sac overlying the hip -- becomes inflamed.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, these are the common causes of hip bursitis:

Overuse of the hip, often from activities such as biking, running, climbing stairs or standing up for long periods
Having an injury to the hip, such as from a fall, bump or too much pressure
Having had surgery on the hip
Having calcium deposits or bone spurs
Having diseases of the spine, including arthritis or scoliosis
Having one leg that's shorter than the other
Having rheumatoid arthritis

Health Headlines - December 1

2009-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

WHO Issues New HIV Treatment Recommendations

Drug treatment for people with HIV should begin a year or two sooner than currently recommended, says a new guidance issued Monday by the World Health Organization. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

Doctors should start HIV patients on AIDS drugs when their level of CD4 cells is about 350, instead of waiting until the level is around 200, the WHO now advises, the Associated Press reported.

The new recommendation could add 3 million to 5 million people to the 5 million patients worldwide already waiting to receive AIDS drugs.

WHO also recommended that pregnant women with HIV should take AIDS drugs earlier and while breast-feeding, and that countries should phase out the widely used AIDS drug stavudine because of its toxic side effects, the AP reported.

In countries with large HIV/AIDS outbreaks, adoption of the new guidance could help patients live longer, healthier lives, WHO official Hiroki Nakatani said in a news release.

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Kangaroo Enzyme May Hold Clues to Skin Cancer Prevention

A DNA repair enzyme found in kangaroos may help scientists develop a treatment to prevent skin cancer in humans.

This repair enzyme doesn't prevent skin cancer in kangaroos, but does give their skin additional sun protection that humans lack.

"Other research teams have proposed a 'dream cream' containing the DNA repair enzyme which you could slap on your skin after a day in the sun," said Linda Feketeova of Melbourne University in Australia, Agence France Presse reported. "We are now examining whether this would be feasible by looking at the chemistry behind the DNA repair system."

Feketeova and her colleagues have been studying the impact that the kangaroo enzyme has on sun-damaged human DNA.

"We were quite surprised that the DNA's repair process also resulted in a number of chemical byproducts, which have never been seen before," said fellow Melbourne University researcher Uta Willie, AFP reported. "Our plan is to study these products to understand if the DNA repair enzyme could be incorporated into a safe and effective method for skin cancer prevention."

-----

Magnetized Discs Kill Cancer Cells: Study

Minute magnetized discs can disrupt the membranes of cancer cells and cause them to self-destruct, a new study says.

The discs, which are one-millionth of a meter in diameter and about 60 billionths of a meter thick, are made from an iron-nickel alloy and move when exposed to a magnetic field. This movement damages cancer cells, Agence France Presse reported.

In laboratory tests, researchers found that subjecting the discs to a low magnetic field for about 10 minutes was sufficient to destroy 90 percent of cancer cells.

The findings appear in the current issue of the journal Nature Materials.

"This provides an elegant and rapid technique for targeting tumour destruction without the side effects associated with systemic treatments such as chemotherapy," Jon Dobson, of Keele University in Great Britain, wrote in an accompanying commentary on the study, AFP reported.

Health Tips for December 1

2009-12-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

Health Tip: Opt for Weight-Bearing Exercises

Weight-bearing exercises are important, especially for girls and women who want to build bone strength and prevent osteoporosis later.

Weight-bearing exercises are done standing up and make the bones and muscles work against gravity.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these examples of good weight-bearing exercises:

Fast-paced walking, running or jogging, or going for a hike.
Gardening or cutting the grass with a push mower.
Team sports, such as basketball, soccer and baseball.
Racquet sports, such as tennis.
Aerobics or dance classes.
Bowling, karate or judo, skating or skiing.
Lifting weights or climbing stairs.

Health Tip: What's Behind Hip Bursitis?

Bursitis of the hip is a painful condition that occurs when the bursa -- a small, cushiony sac overlying the hip -- becomes inflamed.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, these are the common causes of hip bursitis:

Overuse of the hip, often from activities such as biking, running, climbing stairs or standing up for long periods
Having an injury to the hip, such as from a fall, bump or too much pressure
Having had surgery on the hip
Having calcium deposits or bone spurs
Having diseases of the spine, including arthritis or scoliosis
Having one leg that's shorter than the other
Having rheumatoid arthritis

Health Headlines - November 30

2009-11-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Many Type 2 Diabetes Patients Morbidly Obese: U.S. Study

Twenty percent of Americans with type 2 diabetes are more than 100 pounds overweight (morbidly obese), according to a Loyola University Health System study.

"The rate of morbid obesity among people with diabetes is increasing at a very alarming rate, and this has substantial public health implications," lead author Dr. Holly Kramer said in a news release, United Press International reported.

An analysis of national data showed that 62.4 percent of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes are obese and 20.7 are morbidly obese, or have a body mass index of more than 40.

Kramer and colleagues also found that morbid obesity among type 2 diabetes patients increased 141 percent from 1976 to 1980 and 2005 to 2006, UPI reported.

The study appears online in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications.

-----

Injection Drug Users at High Risk for HIV

Injection drug users continue to account for a large proportion of newly diagnosed HIV cases in the United States, says a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study.

Researchers analyzed data collected in 34 states between 2004 and 2007 and found that injection drug users (IDUs) accounted for 13 percent of all new HIV diagnoses.

Among the injection drug users diagnosed with HIV, most were male (62 percent), black (58 percent) and lived in an urban area (75 percent). One-third were people ages 33 to 44.

Black IDUs had a 12-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate than whites (11 per 100,000 population vs. 0.9/100,000), while the rate for Hispanic IDUs was 4.9/100,000.

The CDC researchers called for comprehensive HIV prevention programs for injection drug users, including HIV testing, substance abuse treatment and access to sterile syringes, condoms and other health services.

The study appears in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the CDC.

Another study in the same issue found that the number of acute HIV infection (AHI) cases identified in New York has increased since 2008, when the city started routine RNA screening for AHI among patients with negative rapid HIV test results at four sexually transmitted disease clinics.

-----

Santa Volunteers Seek Swine Flu Shots

A group of volunteer Santas wants the same swine flu vaccination priority as health care workers and teachers.

The 200 members of "Santa America" visit sick and traumatized children during the holiday season and need to be protected against kids who may be carrying the H1N1 virus, group leader Ernest Berger told National Public Radio, according to Agence France Presse.

The group's Web site lists precautions that the volunteer Santas can take.

"As wonderful as it is, be cautious of children burying their faces in your beard for a hug. If this happens, use sanitizer in your beard," says the Web site, AFP reported.

Among the other instructions:

"Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, or mouth. Do not touch children's faces. If you do, immediately sanitize your hands."
"Santa should be taking needed vitamins and other doctor approved boosters to keep his immune system at peak performance."

-----

Coma Patient Was Lonely and Frustrated

A Belgian man who was conscious during the 23 years he appeared to be in a coma says he felt lonely and frustrated during those decades.

Rom Houben typed out the message with the help of a speech therapist who moved his finger letter by letter along a touch-screen keyboard, the Associated Press reported.

Houben was diagnosed as being in a vegetative state after an auto accident in the 1980s. Recently, an expert using a specialized type of brain scan determined that Houben was conscious but paralyzed.

"It was especially frustrating when my family needed me. I could not share in their sorrow. We could not give each other support," Houben wrote during an interview with AP Television News at the 't Weyerke institute in eastern Belgium. "Just imagine. You hear, see, feel and think but no one can see that. You undergo things. You cannot participate in life."

Speech therapist Linda Wouters said Houben uses gentle pressure to guide her hand to place his finger on the correct letters on the keyboard.

But one expert who saw a video of Houben's hand being moved on the keyboard expressed doubts.

"That's called 'facilitated communication,'" Arthur Caplan, a bioethics professor at the University of Pennsylvania, told the AP. "That is ouija board stuff. It's been discredited time and time again. When people look at it, it's usually the person doing the pointing who's doing the messages, not the person they claim they are helping."

-----

U.S. Nursing Homes Face Seasonal Flu Vaccine Shortage

In an effort to remedy a shortage of seasonal flu vaccine in nursing homes, U.S. health officials are trying to shift vaccine supplies away from chain pharmacies and supermarkets.

Seniors are highly vulnerable to seasonal flu, and a shortage of flu shots could lead to a wave of deaths in nursing homes this winter, The New York Times reported.

Exact figures aren't available, but the vaccine shortage in nursing homes is "a very big problem," said Janice Zalen, director of special programs for the American Health Care Association, which represents 11,000 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

"It's a problem, and it's all over the country," agreed Dr. Carol Friedman, head of adult immunization at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Times reported.

People 65 and older account for more than 90 percent of the 36,000 Americans who die of seasonal flu in an average year. Flu outbreaks in nursing homes are particularly deadly.

Health Tips for November 30

2009-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Health Tip: Determining Migraines in Children

Migraines are common in kids, affecting up to 5 percent of grade-school children, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

So how do you know if your little one has another type of headache, or is suffering from a migraine?

Children with migraines may complain of the sensation of their heart pounding in their head, or the feeling that they need to vomit, the academy says. Or they may want to rest in a dark, quiet room.

Other symptoms may include pain surrounding the eyes, just across the forehead or on the side of the head, and pain that worsens with activity.

If your child complains of these symptoms, let the child lie down in a quiet, cool and dark room with a damp, cool rag across the head. Then talk to your child's doctor about what can be done to alleviate symptoms.

Health Tip: Things That Trigger Migraines

While migraines and their causes vary from person to person, researchers have identified some common triggers.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers this list:

Too much sleep, or not enough shut-eye.
Missing meals.
Overstimulated senses, including noises that are too loud, scents that are too strong, or lights that are too bright.
Hormonal changes.
Stress.
Changes in the weather.
Drinking red wine or changes in caffeine intake.
Aspartame, an artificial sweetener.
Food additives such as tyramine, monosodium glutamate (MSG) or nitrates.

Health Headlines - November 29

2009-11-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

Health Tips for November 29

2009-11-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

Health Tip: Determining Migraines in Children

Migraines are common in kids, affecting up to 5 percent of grade-school children, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

So how do you know if your little one has another type of headache, or is suffering from a migraine?

Children with migraines may complain of the sensation of their heart pounding in their head, or the feeling that they need to vomit, the academy says. Or they may want to rest in a dark, quiet room.

Other symptoms may include pain surrounding the eyes, just across the forehead or on the side of the head, and pain that worsens with activity.

Health Tip: Things That Trigger Migraines

While migraines and their causes vary from person to person, researchers have identified some common triggers.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers this list:

Too much sleep, or not enough shut-eye.
Missing meals.
Overstimulated senses, including noises that are too loud, scents that are too strong, or lights that are too bright.
Hormonal changes.
Stress.
Changes in the weather.
Drinking red wine or changes in caffeine intake.
Aspartame, an artificial sweetener.
Food additives such as tyramine, monosodium glutamate (MSG) or nitrates.

Health Headlines - November 28

2009-11-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

Health Tips for November 28

2009-11-28T00:00:00.002-05:00

Health Tip: Caring for Baby's Umbilical Cord

Newborns still have a little stump of what's left of the umbilical cord. Though it should fall off on its own by the end of the third week, some doctors recommend that parents take additional steps to prevent infection. Other doctors recommend leaving the area alone.

If the pediatrician approves, the Nemours Foundation says, here are suggestions to help parents care for a newborn's umbilical cord:

* Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to gently dab the area.
* Don't submerge the baby's navel in water until the cord has fallen off. Keep the area dry, and give sponge baths instead.
* Look for any potential signs of infection, such like a reddening of the area, discharge or an unpleasant odor.

---

Health Tip: Bonding With Your New Baby

Caring for a tiny new being can be daunting at first, but new parents should concentrate immediately after birth on creating a strong bond between parent and child.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions:

* Each parent should spend time holding baby directly against the skin.
* Gently rub or stroke baby's skin in various motions.
* Try some gentle infant massage techniques. You can learn how from a book, or from your pediatrician.
* Talk, sing, coo or babble to your baby, so the infant gets used to the sound of your voice.
* Listen to relaxing music together.

Health Headlines - November 27

2009-11-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Many Type 2 Diabetes Patients Morbidly Obese: U.S. Study

Twenty percent of Americans with type 2 diabetes are more than 100 pounds overweight (morbidly obese), according to a Loyola University Health System study.

"The rate of morbid obesity among people with diabetes is increasing at a very alarming rate, and this has substantial public health implications," lead author Dr. Holly Kramer said in a news release, United Press International reported.

An analysis of national data showed that 62.4 percent of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes are obese and 20.7 are morbidly obese, or have a body mass index of more than 40.

Kramer and colleagues also found that morbid obesity among type 2 diabetes patients increased 141 percent from 1976 to 1980 and 2005 to 2006, UPI reported.

The study appears online in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications.

-----

Injection Drug Users at High Risk for HIV

Injection drug users continue to account for a large proportion of newly diagnosed HIV cases in the United States, says a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study.

Researchers analyzed data collected in 34 states between 2004 and 2007 and found that injection drug users (IDUs) accounted for 13 percent of all new HIV diagnoses.

Among the injection drug users diagnosed with HIV, most were male (62 percent), black (58 percent) and lived in an urban area (75 percent). One-third were people ages 33 to 44.

Black IDUs had a 12-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate than whites (11 per 100,000 population vs. 0.9/100,000), while the rate for Hispanic IDUs was 4.9/100,000.

The CDC researchers called for comprehensive HIV prevention programs for injection drug users, including HIV testing, substance abuse treatment and access to sterile syringes, condoms and other health services.

The study appears in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the CDC.

Another study in the same issue found that the number of acute HIV infection (AHI) cases identified in New York has increased since 2008, when the city started routine RNA screening for AHI among patients with negative rapid HIV test results at four sexually transmitted disease clinics.

-----

Santa Volunteers Seek Swine Flu Shots

A group of volunteer Santas wants the same swine flu vaccination priority as health care workers and teachers.

The 200 members of "Santa America" visit sick and traumatized children during the holiday season and need to be protected against kids who may be carrying the H1N1 virus, group leader Ernest Berger told National Public Radio, according to Agence France Presse.

The group's Web site lists precautions that the volunteer Santas can take.

"As wonderful as it is, be cautious of children burying their faces in your beard for a hug. If this happens, use sanitizer in your beard," says the Web site, AFP reported.

Among the other instructions:

"Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, or mouth. Do not touch children's faces. If you do, immediately sanitize your hands."
"Santa should be taking needed vitamins and other doctor approved boosters to keep his immune system at peak performance."

-----

Coma Patient Was Lonely and Frustrated

A Belgian man who was conscious during the 23 years he appeared to be in a coma says he felt lonely and frustrated during those decades.

Rom Houben typed out the message with the help of a speech therapist who moved his finger letter by letter along a touch-screen keyboard, the Associated Press reported.

Houben was diagnosed as being in a vegetative state after an auto accident in the 1980s. Recently, an expert using a specialized type of brain scan determined that Houben was conscious but paralyzed.

"It was especially frustrating when my family needed me. I could not share in their sorrow. We could not give each other support," Houben wrote during an interview with AP Television News at the 't Weyerke institute in eastern Belgium. "Just imagine. You hear, see, feel and think but no one can see that. You undergo things. You cannot participate in life."

Speech therapist Linda Wouters said Houben uses gentle pressure to guide her hand to place his finger on the correct letters on the keyboard.

But one expert who saw a video of Houben's hand being moved on the keyboard expressed doubts.

"That's called 'facilitated communication,'" Arthur Caplan, a bioethics professor at the University of Pennsylvania, told the AP. "That is ouija board stuff. It's been discredited time and time again. When people look at it, it's usually the person doing the pointing who's doing the messages, not the person they claim they are helping."

-----

U.S. Nursing Homes Face Seasonal Flu Vaccine Shortage

In an effort to remedy a shortage of seasonal flu vaccine in nursing homes, U.S. health officials are trying to shift vaccine supplies away from chain pharmacies and supermarkets.

Seniors are highly vulnerable to seasonal flu, and a shortage of flu shots could lead to a wave of deaths in nursing homes this winter, The New York Times reported.

Exact figures aren't available, but the vaccine shortage in nursing homes is "a very big problem," said Janice Zalen, director of special programs for the American Health Care Association, which represents 11,000 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

"It's a problem, and it's all over the country," agreed Dr. Carol Friedman, head of adult immunization at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Times reported.

People 65 and older account for more than 90 percent of the 36,000 Americans who die of seasonal flu in an average year. Flu outbreaks in nursing homes are particularly deadly.

Health Tips for November 27

2009-11-27T00:00:00.001-05:00

Health Tip: Managing Herniated Disk Pain

A herniated disk occurs when the nucleus of a disk in the back or neck pushes out of the disk toward the spinal canal, putting pressure on surrounding nerves.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this list of potential non-surgical treatment options:

Rest your back, taking care to avoid any strain of the spine and surrounding muscles.
Take an anti-inflammatory medication -- over-the-counter or prescription -- to ease pain and inflammation.
A few times each day, apply ice or a cold compress to the area. But don't leave it on for longer than 20 minutes each time.
Once the spasms have stopped, apply heat to the area.
Perform exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles.
Talk to your doctor about cortisone injections to help ease inflammation.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Low Back Pain

It's not always possible to prevent low back pain. But the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says there are things you can do to help keep it away:

Get plenty of regular exercise, including aerobics and exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.
When carrying heavy objects, lift with your legs, not your back. Always bend at the knees with a straight back; don't bend over.
If you're overweight, lose those extra pounds to reduce stress on the lower back muscles.
Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to degeneration of the spine.
Maintain good posture, especially while sitting, lifting objects and standing.