WebMD Health News is reporting that mMore Americans are getting flu shots – but still far too few, the CDC reports. So, when are you planning to get yours? And, if not, why not?

My Take?

Reuters News is reporting that doctors who perform colonoscopies should not be worried that they may lose business to so-called virtual colonoscopies, despite reports that both approaches work equally well at detecting colon cancer.

My Take?

USA Today is reporting on the confusion that consumers, in general, and parents, in particular, are having about the safety of chemicals in plastic. Even federal government agencies don’t agree about the hazards posed by bisphenol A, or BPA, an estrogen-like chemical used in plastic that has been detected in the bodies of 93% of Americans tested. The FDA says it’s safe, but new studies question its safety.

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ABC News is reporting, that with flu season less than a month away, it isn’t too soon to take steps to protect yourself from influenza. And, since the flu can knock you out for a couple of weeks, catching it can be a setback. Simply watching out for co-workers who have it probably won’t be enough, as they can contract the flu and pass it along well before symptoms show up.

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The better your spiritual health, the more likely you are to experience improved physical, mental, emotional, and relational health outcomes. Therefore, finding a healthcare professional that shares your spiritual foundation and practice can be critical. But, how can you do this? 

My Take?

A recent study found that many Americans believe in divine intervention in a medical crisis. Other research shows that religious faith is important to a majority of Americans. So, if religious faith is important to you, is it okay to ask for a doctor with similar convictions? Or, if you believe in miracles, should you make sure your health providers know it?

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HealthDay News is reporting that although you might expect the eye doctor’s office to be the last place you would have a discussion about spirituality, recent research suggests that most people would appreciate such a conversation.

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Lots of youngsters on your street? Watch out: Flu may strike your community sooner and harder than it hits the hip singles neighborhood down the road. Flu-shot season begins this month, and for the first time vaccination is being pushed for virtually all children — not just those under 5.

My Take?

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. This year, there are two types of vaccines, and one is NOT a shot.

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Even though there were many parents who, in the past, did not have their children vaccinated for the now disproven theory that vaccines cause autism, Reuters is reporting that U.S. toddlers got the recommended vaccinations against childhood diseases at record levels in 2007.

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Reuters Health is reporting research from Japan showing that people who don’t think life is worth living are more likely to die within the next few years. In other words, joyful people live longer.

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Reuters is reporting that experts are clashing over the safety of the cholesterol drug Vytorin as full results from a controversial study were presented at Europe’s biggest medical congress. Researchers involved in the so-called SEAS study – highlights of which were first released in July – said there was no credible evidence linking Vytorin to cancer and that the higher number of cases seen in the trial was simply a fluke.

My Take?