More Measles in 2008 Than Previous Decade

Between January and July of this year, 131 cases of measles have been reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One single outbreak in Illinois affected 30 individuals but people in 15 states and the District of Columbia have come down with infection from the measles virus. Europe and Asia are reporting soaring numbers of measles infection, too. Read more

New Federal Protections for Healthcare Workers Opposed to Abortion

Abortion has always been a controversial issue, with many members of the medical community opting out of performing them because of reasons moral, personal, or religious. Refusing to perform these procedures can lead to professional repercussions that leave many healthcare workers weighing the odds of their careers against their personal beliefs. To safeguard the jobs of these medical professionals, the US Health and Human Services (HHS) announced yesterday its plan to implement new regulations that will protect jobs even when members of the medical community refuse to perform these procedures. Read more

Stress Prolongs, Worsens Allergic Reactions

Researchers at Ohio State University have just released the findings of a study that suggests allergic reactions that occur during times of stress are likely to last longer and be more severe than reactions to the same allergens during times of little or no stress. The research team presented its findings on August 14 to the American Psychological Association at its annual meeting in Boston. Read more

Run to Slow Aging Process

The Stanford University School of Medicine has released the results of a long-term study that explores how a lifetime of running affects the aging process. The multitude of benefits derived from running have surprised even the research team. Read more

Two Eggs for Breakfast Speeds Weight Loss

Study participants who ate two eggs for breakfast every day for two months lost 65% more weight than participants in the same study who ate a bagel for breakfast, even though the bagel and the eggs contained an equal number of calories. The egg-eaters also lost 61% more body mass and felt more energetic than the study participants eating bagel breakfasts. Read more

FDA Announces Selection of This Season’s Flu Vaccine

The typical vaccination for influenza contains three strains of the influenza virus, carefully chosen to bring the greatest relief to the largest audience. One or two of those virus strains changes each year, based on year-round, worldwide collaboration on influenza tracking and data analysis. This year, in a highly unusual move, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has chosen three strains entirely different from last year’s flu vaccines, according to an August 5 FDA press release. Read more

93% Popular Children’s Meals Too High in Calories, Fat, Salt

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has released the alarming news that about 93% of the 1,474 possible kiddie menu choices available at 13 of the most popular fast-food chains nationwide contain more than one-third the daily caloric recommendation for children between four and eight years of age. The CSPI is a strong advocate of including calorie count on menus in fast-food establishments and, while the number of calorie-counted menus grows, so does the opposition to the practice. Read more

Calcium-Rich Diet Strengthens Kids’ Bones

Strong healthy bones, teeth, and muscles rely on calcium to get and stay strong but it’s a mineral that most American children and adolescents do not get enough of. A new study has revealed two very important findings about a calcium-rich diet during childhood and bone health. Read more

$1.5 Billion Price Tag for Surgical Errors

The US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) issued a press release that describes the financial cost of medical errors related to surgery. It seems that, in addition to these errors costing lives, they also cost about $1.5 billion every year. Read more

Energy Drinks Induce Risk-taking Behavior

Three billion dollars are spent every year on “energy drinks,” usually fruit-flavored beverages heavily laced with caffeine and a wide assortment of added nutritional supplements. In spite of the widespread popularity of the beverages, there has been little scientific study of the effects of consuming these energy-boosting beverages on a regular basis. Read more

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