Statins reduce risk of dying from prostate cancer
Reuters reports that, according to a study published online in the journal Cancer, use of statins may be linked to a lower risk of death from prostate cancer. (more…)
Coffee reduces risk of cancer in women
The Los Angeles Times "Booster Shots" blog reports that research published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention suggests that "drinking four or more cups of caffeinated coffee may protect against endometrial cancer." (more…)
Long-term statin use declared safe safe
Recent research published in The Lancet suggests that the benefits from statins, the revolutionary class of cholesterol-lowering medications, "increase the longer someone takes them with NO long-term risks such as cancer." (emphasis added) (more…)
Review: Acupuncture may be safe treatment for kids
HealthDay reports, "When done by well-trained professionals, acupuncture can be a safe treatment for children," according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics. (more…)
Canadian guidelines recommend against mammograms for women in their 40’s
The Los Angeles Times "Booster Shots" blog reports that "a Canadian task force recommends" that women in their 40s should not undergo "routine mammograms." (more…)
“Broken heart syndrome” far more common in women than men
The AP reports, "Females are seven to nine times more likely to suffer" Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as "'broken heart syndrome,' when sudden or prolonged stress like an emotional breakup or death causes overwhelming heart failure or heart attack-like symptoms," according to a study presented at the American Heart Association meeting. (more…)
Study: Few physicians inform parents of child’s obesity
The AP reports that doctors who care for children "are supposed to track if youngsters are putting on too many pounds," but a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine "found less than a quarter of parents of overweight children recall the doctor ever saying there was a problem." (more…)
Obese children not necessarily doomed to diabetes, heart disease – if they lose weight!
The Los Angeles Times "Booster Shots" blog reports, "Fat kids often turn into fat adults with a host of related health problems: diabetes, high blood pressure, clogged arteries." However, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine "finds that if those heavy kids lose weight, they may be on a par with people who were never overweight." (more…)
Abstinence programs credited with reducing teen sex rates
Abstinence education programs are being credited with the good news coming in a new report the CDC issued recently from the National Center for Health Statistics showing teen birth and sex rates dropping. (more…)
Vibration platforms do not prevent bone loss in women
The Los Angeles Times "Booster Shots" blog reports that according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, "whole-body vibration machines ... fall short in one area: a study of post-menopausal women who used the plates daily for a year showed no improvement in bone density." (more…)
The benefits of ‘bright light therapy’ for depression
The New York Times reports, "For the millions of Americans who suffer from mild to severe winter blues – a condition called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD – bright-light therapy is the treatment of choice, with response rates comparable with those of antidepressants." (more…)
Patients’ own stem cells used to reverse heart damage
A story on research involving the use of stem cells to repair damaged hearts received a significant amount of coverage, particular on all of the network news broadcasts, where it received more coverage, with regard to time, than any other story on the broadcasts the entire week.. (more…)
Do nitric oxide supplements make muscles bigger and increase endurance?
Nitric oxide supplements are widely used for bodybuilding and athletic performance, but do they really work? (more…)
A Christmas Story – Part 3
Two days ago, I began a Christmas story that came from my book Bryson City Seasons. Part 1 can be found here and Part 2 here. This is the last of three parts. I hope it's been a Christmas blessing for you and yours: (more…)
Was Jesus’ birth really predicted in the Hebrew Scriptures?
I love the writing of Randall Niles, who serves at AllAboutGod.com. http://allaboutgod.com/ He sends out emails from time-to-time entitled “Think Blast!” I thought his Christmas one was super and that you might enjoy it: (more…)
If the origin of Christmas is “pagan,” should Christians celebrate the holiday?
As we approach the Christmas holiday, Christians will often be challenged by those who note the “pagan” origin of Christmas. As a result, some Christians believe we should not celebrate the holiday at all, given the origin of its elements. Here are some thoughts on this topic from the wonderful folks at PleaseConviceMe.com: (more…)
A Christmas Story – Part 2
Yesterday, I began a Christmas story that came from my book Bryson City Seasons. Part 1 can be found here. This is the second of three parts. I hope it will be a Christmas blessing for you and yours: (more…)
Don’t let the holiday turkey make your family or friends sick
A case of food poisoning can ruin anyone's holidays. So take care with your turkey to reduce your risk of food-borne illness. The American Dietetic Association offers these suggestions for buying and cooking turkey: (more…)
A Christmas Story – Part 1
My most popular books, at least based upon sales and letters, are the Bryson City series. In the second book in this series, Bryson City Seasons, I wrote about an encounter with a patient on Christmas 1982 in Bryson City, North Carolina. This week I’ll be excerpting the story for you and hope it will be a Christmas blessing for you and yours: (more…)
Christmas trees and trappings can fan fire risk
Here are some expert tips from HealthDay News to avoid getting burned this holiday season. (more…)
Small magnets hazardous to children
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission "are warning parents that high-powered magnets marketed as desk toys and stress relievers for adults can pose a deadly hazard to kids." (more…)
Give yourself the gift of a stress-free holiday
Here are some steps you can take (if not this year, next) to protect your and your family’s health by keeping it simple during the Christmas season. This report is from HealthFinder and I hope it’s helpful: (more…)
Choosing a toy? Think “Kid-Powered”
Kid-powered toys are those that offer open-ended chances for children to explore, imagine and play. It’s a good idea and here are the details in a report from HealthDay News: (more…)
Ten ways to avoid Christmas tree and holiday allergies
Here are some nice tips about avoiding allergies during the holidays. Of course, by now, some of us have learned the hard way, right? (more…)
When buying toys, for kids’ sake, think toy safety
When buying toys for your children, there are a number of safety tips to keep in mind. Here are some good ones from a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission: (more…)
How to survive those holiday buffets
Too many holiday party buffet tables loaded with decadent treats can lead to overstuffed plates -- and overstuffed pants. So, here are some tips from HealthDay News to enjoy those holiday meals in a more highly healthy fashion? (more…)
Keep Diabetes in Check During the Holidays
For those of you who are diabetics, holiday parties, desserts and buffets can throw your meal plan way off-track. Here are some tips from HealthDay News: (more…)
How to prevent holiday depression and stress
This last week, I saw three patients in the office all suffering from holiday depression. One was a grandmother who had suffered the tragic loss of her first grandchild this summer. Two others were people who had lost dear ones over the last few months. It was a good reminder to me to keep an eye out this season for those around me to whom Christmas may not be a joy, but an emotional roller coaster. (more…)
How to prevent injuries from holiday decorating
HealthDay News reminds us that decking the halls (and elsewhere) for the holidays may be getting more dangerous, according to a new government report. How can you keep from becoming a statistic? (more…)
Christmas Season Sale – My Autographed Books
What better gift could you give a reader than an autographed book? Well, the folks at my on-line book store have just slashed the prices of many of my books for the holiday season. (more…)