Pregnant women are often warned to limit medications. For those that suffer from nasal allergies, this can lead to an uncomfortable nine months. During pregnancy allergy symptoms may become worse and combined with what's called stuffy nose of pregnancy women can be miserable.
Date Posted:8/26/2004 2:00:00 PM

Late summer and early fall are prime time for allergies and a new survey of 500 allergy sufferers reveals the personal impact of indoor and outdoor allergies. The Pfizer Inc and UCB Pharma-sponsored survey found 40% of respondents in romantic relationships feel their symptoms at least occasionally get in the way of romance and nearly half of allergy sufferers who work feel their symptoms reduce their productivity on the job.
Date Posted:8/24/2004 1:29:00 PM

Severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis can be life threatening and can happen to anyone, even those who have never had a history of allergies. It is believed that one in 25 Americans is affected by food allergies.
Date Posted:7/8/2004 1:13:00 PM

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and more than 40 million Americans suffer from the discomfort of allergies. Many sufferers try to protect themselves and their families by staying indoors to avoid exposure from the usual suspects, ragweed and pollen, but this could be causing more harm than good.
Date Posted:4/29/2004 1:59:00 PM

There's encouraging news for some of the two million Americans who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. The FDA has just approved Remicade in combination with methotrexate as a first-line regimen to treat patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Date Posted:9/30/2004 2:29:00 PM

Osteoarthritis can be a major pain in the...knee. The condition affects millions of Americans, and patients frequently experience pain when trying to stand or walk, making everyday activities difficult.
Date Posted:3/10/2004 12:58:00 PM

More than 17 million people in the U.S. will be affected by two serious respiratory infections, community-acquired pneumonia and acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Of those 17 million, 45,000 will die. Those at greatest risk are older Americans. According to the American Lung Association, pneumonia and flu are the seventh leading cause of death and the leading cause of death by infectious disease in the U.S.
Date Posted:9/9/2004 1:00:00 PM

For lung cancer patients and their families the statistics about lung cancer can be frightening. A new nationwide outreach campaign hopes to ease some of the fear through a program designed to educate and empower those affected by the disease.
Date Posted:10/12/2004 1:28:00 PM

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is devastating, but the treatment doesn't have to be. Treatments have evolved over the years in a dramatic way - one of the most remarkable developments has been the use of multi-catheter interstitial breast brachytherapy.
Date Posted:10/5/2004 1:59:00 PM

In the time it takes to play a round of golf, 18 men will lose their lives to prostate cancer. In an effort to change this statistic, legendary golfer and prostate cancer survivor Arnold Palmer has teamed up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to launch a national educational campaign that aims to make men aware of the importance of seeking advice from a team of health care professionals - a medical oncologist, in addition to a urologist and a radiation oncologist - who can help them make vital treatment decisions and increase their chance of survival.
Date Posted:9/22/2004 1:14:00 PM

Parabens, a group of chemicals found in thousands of cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products are the most widely used preservatives in the United States. But a new study released by the Journal of Applied Toxicology found parabens have been linked to cancer.
Date Posted:6/24/2004 1:29:00 PM

Despite advances in treatment, women whose breast cancer doesn't respond to the most promising therapies are still faced with few options. Data from a new study reveals an investigational drug is showing promise, and researchers say it may be more effective and cause fewer side effects than common cancer drugs. The data show the drug Abraxane shrunk the tumors in 15% of the patients and produced fewer side effects. After four months, the disease did not progress in nearly 40% of the 106 participants taking part in the study.
Date Posted:6/15/2004 1:44:00 PM

More than 300,000 Americans have Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, or NHL, a cancer of the lymphatic or immune system. According to the American Cancer Society, about 20,000 of these patients will die this year alone. About half of all NHL patients have an incurable type called indolent lymphoma, which involves ongoing treatment marked by multiple relapses.
Date Posted:6/8/2004 11:59:00 AM

For some teens, getting a tan is a top priority. While dermatologists have warned teens about the dangers of the sun and indoor tanning for many years, studies show that most turn a deaf ear in search of a bronzed look, leading to the current epidemic of skin cancer in the U.S.
Date Posted:5/27/2004 1:28:00 PM

Baseball season is in full swing and now a former all-star is driving home an important health message. Baseball great and cancer survivor Brett Butler is sharing his personal experience with head and neck cancer to encourage those at risk to get screened for this potentially deadly disease.
Date Posted:4/15/2004 2:28:00 PM

Genentech, Inc. (NYSE: DNA) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Avastin™ (bevacizumab) to be used in combination with intravenous 5-Fluorouracil-based chemotherapy as a treatment for patients with first-line-or previously untreated-metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum. Avastin is the first FDA-approved therapy designed to inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels develop, which is necessary to support tumor growth and metastasis. Genentech will begin shipping Avastin within three calendar days.
Date Posted:2/27/2004 10:45:00 AM

Mary Tyler Moore, International Chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), led 150 children with type 1 diabetes from across the nation to Washington D.C. for JDRF's Children's Congress 2005.
Date Posted:6/21/2005 2:45:00 PM

While most people are out running errands next weekend, the nation?s largest retail chain will be offering free diabetes screenings across the country. At Wal-Marts and Sam?s Clubs nationwide, as part of their Diabetes Awareness Month this September, shoppers will have a chance to get educated and informed about diabetes, and the medicines that are available to control the disease.
Date Posted:9/15/2004 1:29:00 PM

As the nation faces an epidemic of obesity and related illnesses, many Americans are looking for the latest scientific developments to support a weight loss program. Earlier this year, the FDA officially banned Ephedra, an ingredient that was very popular in weight loss products. There are now new, Ephedra-free products reaching the market backed by clinical research.
Date Posted:7/7/2004 12:58:00 PM

With mounting evidence that the low-carb craze is leading many Americans to make unwise decisions about the amount and types of foods they eat, a new coalition of consumer, nutrition and public health groups is taking aim at the safety of extreme low-carbohydrate diets and at the proliferation of competing food and beverage products now labeled as "low carb" without government oversight.
Date Posted:6/22/2004 2:29:00 PM

This week, at the Robert Wood Johnson Anti-Obesity Summit in Williamsburg, VA, Ruby Tuesday Founder and CEO, Sandy Beall is addressing business and government leaders, on how the restaurant industry and Washington could take action against the rising rates of obesity in America. Beall is being recognized at the summit as a "hero" for his development of Smart Eating, an innovative program that promotes healthy living by providing consumers with tools to make smarter choices at Ruby Tuesday.
Date Posted:6/3/2004 2:58:00 PM

According to the American Medical Association, nine million children, or 15 percent of those between the ages of six and 19, are considered seriously overweight - an amount that has tripled since 1980. According to a recent national survey from KRC Research, currently half of children ages six to 17 are eating out with their families at least once a week and consuming restaurant meals with 55 percent more calories and more total fat than the average home meal.
Date Posted:5/27/2004 2:28:00 PM

Millions of Americans are doing it... in fact the low-carb craze is driving businesses to respond with everything from low-carb menus in restaurants to labels on any food that even comes close to low-carb. But as people stay on the diets long-term, experts are warning that dieters should keep close tabs on their nutritional needs.
Date Posted:5/13/2004 1:29:00 PM

In January, Science magazine reported on a study that concluded farm raised salmon contain higher levels of PCB's than wild salmon, but this study has since come under fire. Many food safety experts question the conclusions and remind us that the benefits of eating farmed salmon far outweigh any risks. Internationally known culinary expert and television personality Graham Kerr and nutritionist Kathleen Zelman offer their perspectives on the issue of salmon safety and urge consumers to consider the tremendous health benefits of salmon.
Date Posted:4/8/2004 1:28:00 PM

The American Podiatric Medical Association claims women have four times the number of foot problems as men, and experts agree a lifelong pattern of heel-wearing is often the culprit. But whether they're pumps, sling-backs or sandals, most women say they'll sacrifice comfort when it comes to foot fashion.
Date Posted:7/21/2004 1:28:00 PM

According to an American Heart Association survey, 79% of American adults incorrectly believe heart failure is synonymous with heart attack. To help combat this serious misperception, three leading national health organizations have joined forces to educate Americans about heart failure, a dangerous condition affecting nearly 5 million Americans and killing over 52,000 every year. Additionally, millions of people are living with heart failure, yet have not been diagnosed. Heart failure stems from a weakened or damaged heart that lacks the strength to pump enough blood to meet the body?s needs. Heart failure is NOT a heart attack and does not mean the heart has stopped working, it is a chronic and progressive condition that, if detected and treated earlier in the disease process, can be effectively managed.
Date Posted:2/24/2005 1:59:00 PM

According to the American Heart Association, more than 13 million people in the U.S. have coronary heart disease - a condition that often leads to a heart attack. With the help of new medical imaging software from Philips Medical Systems, cardiologists are now able to obtain detailed three-dimensional images of the coronary arteries enabling faster, more confident diagnoses and better treatment methods, including more accurate stent placement. The Allura 3D-CA was created in collaboration with scientists at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and is being presented at the Cardiovascular Research Foundation's upcoming Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics symposium in Washington, DC (September 27-October 1, 2004.)
Date Posted:9/28/2004 10:29:00 AM

Despite optimal medical therapy, 500,000 patients die per year in the United States of congestive heart failure. While heart transplants are an acceptable standard of therapy, there are only twenty-four hundred available to donors annually. The Arizona Heart Institute and Hospital (www.azheart.com) will conduct a medical first this fall - researchers expect to grow new heart muscle by transplanting a patient's own skeletal muscle cells from the leg, directly into damaged hearts via catheter using a 3D guidance technology.
Date Posted:9/22/2004 2:59:00 PM

If you're a stroke survivor, the American Heart Association has a simple but important message for you: Move. At least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, three to seven times a week, can help reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, according to an American Heart Association statement published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. The document is the first major attempt to provide exercise guidance to stroke survivors.
Date Posted:4/27/2004 10:29:00 AM

A revolutionary tiny corkscrew that captures blood clots from vessels deep inside the brain can almost instantly reverse damage caused by ischemic stroke, according to the first report on the safety and efficacy of the device presented today at the American Stroke Association's 29th International Stroke Conference. Ischemic strokes are caused by a blood clot that blocks blood supply to the brain. Each year, about 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke and 88 percent of those strokes are ischemic, according to the American Stroke Association. Blood clots causing stroke can be dissolved using the FDA-approved clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) as standard therapy. But, it must be initiated intravenously within three hours (the earlier the better) of stroke onset to be effective.
Date Posted:2/5/2004 11:58:00 AM

The American Heart Association announced new guidelines for preventing heart disease and stroke in women based on a woman's individual cardiovascular health. The guidelines are published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. It kills nearly 500,000 women each year. The guidelines are based on the highest-quality evidence from all the available research related to CVD prevention.
Date Posted:2/4/2004 11:58:00 AM

A recent survey by the Sutter Health network of physicians and hospitals reveals that while heart disease may be a significant health issue for eight out of ten Northern California women, many of these women continue to overlook it as their greatest health threat.
Date Posted:1/29/2004 2:28:00 PM

The cough and cold season is almost upon us. New research reveals the cities that are buying the most cough and cold medicines and it seems that it may not be where you live, but the stresses you live with, that make you more likely to come down with a cold.
Date Posted:10/6/2004 1:44:00 PM

A disease thought nearly eradicated due to immunization - whooping cough, also known as pertussis - is on the rise. Recent outbreaks in states such as New York and Colorado (where most of the patients were teenagers) have health experts re-evaluating the current vaccination schedule.
Date Posted:7/7/2004 1:28:00 PM

It is estimated that only 14 percent of children receive eye exams before heading back to school, and experts warn that vision problems can have a severe impact on a child's learning and development. Many students do have cursory eye screenings in the classroom, but many say these screenings are not enough. According to Andrea Thau, O.D., vice president of the New York Childrens Vision Coalition and spokesperson from the American Optometric Association, 'Eye exams are as important as immunizations before a child starts school.' To ensure that schoolchildren are prepared for the year ahead, the Vision Council of America and the American Optometric Association have teamed up to encourage parents and educators to make sure children's eyes receive proper attention. Two public schools are at the forefront of a growing trend by administering eye exams to the children of New York City and Framingham, Mass. (a suburb of Boston). PS 180 in New York City has seen a 45 percent gain in reading scores and a 70 percent increase in math scores, which Principal Peter McFarlane attributes in part to the increase in eye examinations.
Date Posted:9/8/2004 1:59:00 PM

As parents gather supplies and schedule physicals, experts say healthy nutrition should also be a regular part of a child's back-to-school routine. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have joined forces to help parents with some advice about good nutrition.
Date Posted:8/11/2004 1:29:00 PM

The US Food and Drug Administration just approved a chewable version of a popular antihistamine for indoor and outdoor allergies and chronic hives in children aged two and up. Zyrtec® (zur'-tek) (cetirizine HCl) chewable tablets are a new option for allergy relief for kids at the in-between stage - they've outgrown the syrup formulation, but they still aren't ready to swallow a pill.
Date Posted:4/28/2004 12:59:00 PM

An estimated 35,000 dental professionals are mobilizing to provide underserved children with the nation's largest, free dental education, screening and care event on Feb. 6, known as Give Kids A Smile/National Children's Dental Access Day (GKAS).
Date Posted:1/26/2004 7:28:00 AM

As 70 million Americans complain of sleep problems and the impact they have on their mental and emotional health, a new survey shows that when it comes to the link between shut-eye and mental health, sleeplessness may be the symptom, not the problem.
Date Posted:6/15/2004 2:28:00 PM

RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, and uncomfortable or sometimes painful sensations in the legs that are described as creeping or twitching that occur exclusively during rest; such as sitting, lying or sleeping, and are relieved temporarily through movement.
Date Posted:5/25/2004 1:28:00 PM

"These preliminary findings should shape the standard of care for bipolar disorder going forward," says Joseph Calabrese, MD, co-Director of the National Institute of Mental Health Bipolar Research Center at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University.
Date Posted:5/5/2004 3:00:00 PM

For the more than 2 million Americans suffering from schizophrenia, the medications they take can be associated with serious side effects. These side effects can often lead patients to stop taking their medication.
Date Posted:5/5/2004 4:59:00 AM

Scientific research has demonstrated that not only can dietary supplements be effective in decreasing incidence of illness and increasing health, but for certain conditions, selected supplements can reduce health care costs by billions of dollars. As the country faces a looming crisis in health care, it is more important than ever before to recognize the health benefits of supplements and potential health care cost savings through the use of these products.
Date Posted:9/22/2004 2:29:00 PM

A top concern for many adult children who care for an elderly loved one is that an accident or illness could leave them without help for hours.
Date Posted:3/29/2005 2:29:00 PM

The first Surgeon General's report on osteoporosis and bone health, just released, finds lack of simple preventive measures puts an increasingly aging population at risk. The report details that half of all older Americans will have osteoporosis or be at high risk of getting it by 2020 - unless they start strengthening their bones now with a boost of calcium, vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise.
Date Posted:10/14/2004 5:59:00 PM

Approximately 45 million people in the US today devote a large portion of their lives caring for an aging or disabled relative. 'Caregiver University: Learning to Help someone you love,' an online resource, launches Oct. 4, 2004. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the four-part curriculum provides caregivers with knowledge and resources to gain control of their lives and allows them to more effectively care for their loved ones. Caregiver University was developed by WebMD Health, the leading provider of online health information for consumers and physicians, and is sponsored by VistaCare, one of the nation's leading hospice providers. The site provides reliable information on all aspects of care giving: from safety to medical records, communication and finances. Each lesson includes practical checklists and action plans designed to make a caregivers life easier.
Date Posted:9/29/2004 1:59:00 PM

Every day in the U.S., more than 6,000 people turn 65. As our nation's elderly population continues to grow, the question remains: Is the nation's healthcare system adequately prepared to meet their needs? Where do older Americans turn for comprehensive healthcare information? The plight of older Americans and caregivers is top-of-mind in light of the passing of former President Ronald Reagan. Reliable information and support from caregivers including his wife were critical during the former President's long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Date Posted:6/9/2004 1:44:00 PM

As the most common skin disease in the United States, acne accounts for 46 percent of all visits to a dermatologist. Approximately 90 million Americans suffer from pimples and spend more than $2 billion a year on acne treatments. Most therapies, however, have limited results and significant side effects.
Date Posted:6/28/2005 1:14:00 PM

A new survey confirms psoriasis, a debilitating skin disease can often lead to a reclusive lifestyle, creating significant problems with social and personal relationships. The survey was conducted on behalf of a program called 'Beyond Psoriasis: The Person Behind The Patient,' which provides education, hope and empowerment to individuals to help them take better control of their disease and their lives. The study found that social and relationship issues dominate the worries of people living with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Date Posted:7/22/2004 1:43:00 PM

Prom season and final exams mean that school's almost out, but for millions of teens the excitement of summer also means anxiety over appearance, especially an outbreak of acne. In fact, the effects of acne go beyond skin deep, impacting a teen's self-esteem, causing self-consciousness, embarrassment and even depression. Now, a popular teen celebrity and the American Counseling Association (ACA) are urging teens to talk with their parents about seeking treatment if acne is affecting their self-image and confidence.
Date Posted:6/17/2004 1:13:00 PM

Nutrigenomics is a relatively new science that explores the relationship between genetic make up and nutrients found in certain foods that may assist in the prevention of specific diseases. Its application may also allow scientists to gain a better understanding of genetic disease.
Date Posted:7/21/2005 12:59:00 PM

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) says it is encouraged by the results of a new study involving nearly 40,000 healthy women --- the longest and largest trial ever conducted on vitamin E. The study, published in the July 6 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), shows vitamin E significantly reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and also confirmed that vitamin E is safe, reporting that taking 600 IU of vitamin E supplements every other day did not increase total mortality in healthy women.
Date Posted:7/5/2005 10:30:00 AM

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) says it is encouraged by the results of a new study involving nearly 40,000 healthy women --- the longest and largest trial ever conducted on vitamin E. The study, published in the July 6 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), shows vitamin E significantly reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and also confirmed that vitamin E is safe, reporting that taking 600 IU of vitamin E supplements every other day did not increase total mortality in healthy women.
Date Posted:7/1/2005 2:30:00 PM

The discovery is part of USDA's very aggressive animal surveillance and BSE testing program, which tests cattle in the U.S. at a level 100 times greater than required by international standards. Since June 2004, more than 388,000 cattle have been tested under this program.
Date Posted:6/24/2005 6:00:00 PM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xeloda® (capecitabine) -- an innovative oral chemotherapy -- for the adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment of patients with Dukes' C colon cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment approach for Dukes' C colon cancer (cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes), where chemotherapy is given after the tumor has been surgically removed.
Date Posted:6/15/2005 1:59:00 PM

At the American Dental Association's national media conference - held on Wednesday, June 8th - dental researchers revealed they are investigating new non-invasive ways to detect cancer and other diseases through human saliva. Also, researchers are learning how to grow human tissue and use gene therapy to form new bone - which could dramatically help patients affected by oral cancer.
Date Posted:6/9/2005 2:00:00 PM

Public health experts recommend that parents bring young children to visit an eye care professional during the first year of his/her life. According to the American Optometric Association, 1 in 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems, yet only 14 percent of children under age 6 have had a comprehensive eye assessment. If left undetected, vision problems can lead to permanent vision impairment and in rare cases, life-threatening health risks.
Date Posted:6/9/2005 1:14:00 PM

According to the American Diabetes Association, 18.2 million Americans have diabetes and another 41 million are at risk?and most don't even realize it. That's why the ADA, through its Doing Better: Tools For Diabetes Care initiative, has launched 'DIABETES PHD,' a free, online, interactive tool that not only assesses individual risk for developing diabetes, heart disease or stroke, but also allows users to modify their health variables to see how changes they make can reduce their risk for diabetes and its complications.
Date Posted:6/1/2005 1:15:00 PM

Talk show host Tony Danza marks the conclusion of Olive Garden's 2005 Pasta For Pennies, a national fundraising campaign benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Date Posted:5/27/2005 2:30:00 PM

According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 20 million Americans - that's one in nine adults - have chronic kidney disease or CKD. Millions more are at risk, creating what the National Institutes Of Health is calling a 'growing epidemic.' A major complication associated with chronic kidney disease is a condition called secondary hyperparathyroidism or SHPT. For many patients, SHPT can detrimentally impact bones and other vital organs, including the heart, muscles and nerves. Until now, doctors have had limited treatment options to manage SHPT in earlier-stage CKD patients.
Date Posted:5/27/2005 10:45:00 AM

The FDA has just approved FOCALIN XR? for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults, adolescents and children. The treatment provides patients with a treatment that starts working quickly to alleviate symptoms with the advantage of a once-daily dose.
Date Posted:5/27/2005 10:29:00 AM

Access to medical care is a major national issue, and a new study - published in the new issue of the Journal of Pain - reveals that racial and ethnic differences influence access to care for chronic pain patients. The study evaluated access to care among Caucasians, African Americans and Latinos. Chronic pain is estimated to affect more than 50 million Americans.
Date Posted:5/25/2005 12:59:00 PM

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men in North America. It is often treated with surgery or various forms of radiation, but these procedures pose a risk of side effects that can seriously impact a man's quality of life. Even though more than 40,000 men die from prostate cancer every year many feel the existing treatments are worse than the disease.
Date Posted:5/18/2005 1:44:00 PM

There's encouraging news for the approximately one million women and men who suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Remicade to reduce the signs and symptoms of active arthritis in patients with psoriatic arthritis.
Date Posted:5/17/2005 9:59:00 AM

Every year, thousands of Americans volunteer to participate in clinical trials. While these trials help advance medical science, they're not without risks. That's why the Partnership for Human Research Protection, Inc., has launched a national campaign to educate people who are considering enrolling in a clinical research trial.
Date Posted:5/12/2005 2:00:00 PM

A startling new survey exposes what health experts have thought all along: teen behavior may be to blame for the high incidence of adult skin cancer. When it comes to playing it safe in the sun, teenagers are the hardest demographic to reach with health warnings and a startling survey by the American Academy of Dermatology sheds new light on teens? carefree attitudes towards sun exposure.
Date Posted:5/4/2005 1:44:00 PM

Epilepsy is a disorder that causes seizures and affects approximately 2.5 million Americans. It is often frightening and confusing to people with the condition and to those around them. Actress Neve Campbell witnessed first hand the impact epilepsy can have as she watched her cousin Coleen struggle with managing the condition. Today, Neve joins with other advocates and leaders in the epilepsy community to launch The Bill of Rights for People Living with Epilepsy, a first-of-its-kind national campaign to inform and empower those touched by epilepsy and to increase understanding of epilepsy in the general public. The core of the program is The Bill of Rights, a guide to managing life with epilepsy that was created by the epilepsy community for the epilepsy community. A team of adults with epilepsy, parents of children with epilepsy, epileptologists, neurologists, nurse practitioners and social workers came together with Novartis Pharmaceuticals and the Epilepsy Foundation - New York City to develop the Bill of Rights. For more information about epilepsy and to order a free resource kit, including the 'Bill of Rights', visit EpilepsyBillofRights.com or call 1-877-6ERIGHTS.
Date Posted:4/27/2005 1:30:00 PM

The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled its new food pyramid on Tuesday April 19, 2005. Instead of the traditional singular pyramid, the USDA revealed twelve separate triangles that can work with an individual's particular nutritional needs. One way to start eating healthier is by working seafood into your diet. In fact, The American Heart Association suggests eating seafood at least twice a week
Date Posted:4/19/2005 1:14:00 PM

Mentor Corporation, a leading supplier of medical products in the United States and internationally, today announced that an advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the company?s silicone gel-filled breast implants are safe for use in breast reconstruction and augmentation patients. The recommendation for approval with a series of conditions by the General and Plastic Surgery Advisory Panel represents a significant step towards full approval of silicone gel-filled breast implants in the United States.
Date Posted:4/13/2005 8:29:00 PM

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that affects a growing number of Americans each year. In fact, asthma is considered one of the leading public health problems in the U.S: as 20 million people suffer from asthma and 5,000 people die from the condition each year. Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest are the most common asthma symptoms. For people with mild-to-moderate asthma, maintenance therapy is an important part of controlling these symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of ASMANEX® TWISTHALER® for the maintenance treatment of asthma as preventive therapy in patients 12 years of age and older. ASMANEX® is a once daily initiating asthma controller therapy for daytime and nighttime symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing. In clinical trials, ASMANEX® showed substantial improvement in lung function and nighttime awakenings and decreased rescue medication.
Date Posted:3/31/2005 11:57:00 AM

Hospitals in the not-for-profit Sutter Health network are the first in the Western United States to open two remote monitoring centers that combine advanced video and electronic monitoring with physician specialists to keep a closer eye on critically ill patients around-the-clock.
Date Posted:3/24/2005 2:00:00 PM

Children?s Medical Center Dallas has announced it will receive Trauma Level I designation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in February. Children?s Medical Center is the first pediatric hospital in Texas and the Southwest to receive this important designation. This designation is important to Southwestern U.S. and to Texas as Children?s serves as a regional pediatric facility.
Date Posted:2/21/2005 2:59:00 PM

On February 23, 2005, Rotary clubs in cities around the United States and the world will celebrate 100 years of helping others by dedicating thousands of community projects, holding fundraisers, and other special events. Rotary was formed in Chicago, IL on Feb. 23, 1905 by Paul P. Harris, an attorney who wished to recapture in the business world the same friendly spirit he experienced in the small towns of his youth. Harris and three business acquaintances convened the first meeting, and the club quickly adopted volunteer service as its primary purpose. The Rotary ideal spread rapidly, and by 1921, Rotary clubs were operating on six continents. Today, 1.2 million business and community leaders belong to some 31,000 Rotary clubs in 166 countries and membership includes men and women of virtually every ethnic, cultural, and religious background.
Date Posted:2/17/2005 2:29:00 PM

The winter is in full swing. Before shoveling snow or participating in other strenuous wintertime activities, heart attack survivors should be aware of the hidden heart health risks involved. According to the American Heart Association, within six years of a first heart attack, approximately one in five men and one in three women will have a second one.
Date Posted:1/18/2005 1:59:00 PM

Around the age of 40, most people start to have difficulty focusing at close range or reading fine print. This condition is known as presbyopia, an age-related vision condition that weakens the eye?s elasticity and ability to focus up close.
Date Posted:1/17/2005 2:29:00 PM

Based on the latest nutritional research, the federal government has changed their dietary recommendations. So what?s different? Low-fat milk and milk products are changing to two to three servings a day depending on calorie intake. Fruit and vegetables are being bumped to anywhere between five to13 servings a day depending on calorie intake.
Date Posted:1/12/2005 3:29:00 PM

According to the new 2005 Dietary Guidelines released today by the USDA, Americans will need to change the way they approach their meals, particularly vegetable quantities and serving sizes. The Guidelines recommend servings for the average adult is 2-1/2 to 6-1/2 cups (5 to 13 servings) for fruits and vegetables each day, an increase from the previously recommended five to nine servings.
Date Posted:1/12/2005 2:59:00 PM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration just approved an exciting new treatment option which may offer hope to the millions of Americans who have trouble sleeping. Insomnia, or trouble sleeping, is the most common sleep condition in the U.S., affecting the physical and mental well-being of more than 100 million Americans.
Date Posted:12/16/2004 10:59:00 AM

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive disease of the nervous system that affects up to 1.5 million Americans. And as many as 40 percent of those who suffer from Parkinson's also experience some degree of dementia. Now, for the first time, results of a large-scale study published in the New England Journal of Medicine show a medication called Exelon® (rivastigmine tartate) provided important benefits in symptoms of dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed 541 Parkinson's patients with dementia and found that over the 24-week period, the patients treated with Exelon had better overall functioning, and showed improvements in cognition and behavior.
Date Posted:12/9/2004 3:00:00 AM

You knew speed skater Bonnie Blair as the fastest woman on ice. What you may not know is that after she had her first child, she was slowed down by stress urinary incontinence or SUI. For many women, SUI can be a consequence of childbirth, but they often suffer in silence rather than seeking treatment. Now Bonnie Blair breaks the ice and talks about her experience with this embarrassing condition and how she beat it.
Date Posted:12/3/2004 3:29:00 PM

Botswana faces one of the highest adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. Approximately 260,000 of the country's population of 1.7 million have the AIDS virus, including at least 35 percent of people between the ages of 15-49.
Date Posted:12/1/2004 2:59:00 PM

There is new hope for the 400,000 Americans who suffer from the debilitating nervous system disease, multiple sclerosis, or MS. MS is characterized by relapses that often include symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, blurred vision, numbness and poor coordination.
Date Posted:11/23/2004 8:29:00 PM

More than 300,000 total knee replacements are performed in the US each year to replace painful and stiff knees. In a normal, healthy knee, the bone surfaces that come together at the joint are smooth and hard. But years of wear and tear and various types of arthritis can cause the knee's cushioning layer - or cartilage - to become damaged or worn away, resulting in friction, pain, and eventually deterioration of the knee.
Date Posted:11/22/2004 3:00:00 PM

As the national debate continues to wage over how best to take health care delivery to the next level in this country, Sutter Health has made a commitment to deploy an electronic health record (EHR) system network wide by the end of 2006. The inpatient-outpatient system, which will be one of the first in the United States to include secure patient access to EHR data, will be completed years ahead of the national EHR deadline set by the White House. Sutter Health also expects to be the first regional health care provider in Northern California to implement a comprehensive EHR system. Sutter's aggressive online system will electronically connect more than 5,000 physicians, 27 hospitals and millions of patients across its not-for-profit Northern California network. It can put each patient's most up-to-date health history at their caregivers' fingertips -- no matter where the patient receives care.
Date Posted:10/29/2004 1:59:00 PM

Controlling phosphorus levels is a challenge for the more than 300,000 Americans with end-stage renal disease. Most of these patients develop hyperphosphatemia, a condition that may lead to bone pain, skeletal deformities, fractures and cardiovascular disease.
Date Posted:10/27/2004 1:59:00 PM

For years, red wine and grape juice have been touted as the drinks that protect against heart disease. But scientists are discovering cranberry juice may be just as heart-healthy as red wine. New findings reveal cranberries boost good cholesterol and shield the heart with their unique antioxidant muscle.
Date Posted:10/25/2004 1:00:00 PM

A slight majority of Americans favors embryonic stem cell research, while an increasing number oppose human cloning, according to a national survey released Wednesday October 13, 2004 by Virginia Commonwealth University. Overall, a majority of Americans -53 percent- now strongly or somewhat strongly favors stem cell research, up from 47 percent in the 2003 poll, according to the fourth annual VCU Life Sciences Survey. 36 percent strongly or somewhat opposes stem cell research, down from 44 percent the previous year. The survey also showed that Americans are increasingly opposed to human cloning, even under limited conditions. In addition, the survey found that Americans continue to see clear benefits to society from new developments in science and medicine, but at the same time are concerned about the privacy of their health information. The VCU Life Sciences Survey was conducted by telephone with 1004 adults nationwide, Sept. 7 through Sept. 17, 2004. The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 3 percentage points. The survey was conducted by the VCU Center for Public Policy.
Date Posted:10/13/2004 2:29:00 PM

Reducing trans and saturated fats is a major public health concern in the U.S. today. Obesity and chronic diseases have reached epidemic proportions in this country and scientists say one area of concern is trans and saturated fats in our diets.
Date Posted:10/4/2004 12:59:00 PM

The FDA has just approved Abilify® (aripiprazole), for the treatment of acute bipolar mania, including manic and mixed episodes in patients with bipolar disorder.
Date Posted:10/1/2004 3:00:00 PM

In an election year, healthcare is a big issue. For emergency room patients with life threatening injuries, a new study by the American College of Emergency Physicians finds there is a nationwide shortage of emergency room specialists. The study reveals two thirds of emergency departments are having trouble with on-call specialist coverage. That's nearly 1,000 hospitals in the country. Experts say shortages can cause delays in treatment, which can lead to serious complications.
Date Posted:9/28/2004 1:00:00 PM

Although cardiovascular disease has long been considered a 'male' disease, it is the number one cause of death in women. One of the first warning signs of cardiovascular disease may be peripheral vascular disease, also called PVD or PAD. PVD can be a warning sign of impending stroke, heart attack or abdominal aortic aneurysms, also known as Triple A (AAA). One recent study found that 1 in 4 women who have PVD reported they felt no symptoms at all - alarming since women with PVD are at 4 times the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It is estimated that at least 10 million Americans have PVD, which is caused by clogged blood vessels in the legs.
Date Posted:9/3/2004 12:59:00 PM

While more than 28 million Americans suffer from migraines, a debilitating condition that means severe, throbbing headaches that can last anywhere from several hours to a week, 12 million remain undiagnosed.
Date Posted:8/9/2004 1:59:00 PM

Following induction into the football Hall of Fame, Elway reflects on some of his toughest opponents - including acid reflux disease. He shares his story as part of Road to Relief, a national educational campaign about the potential seriousness of frequent heartburn. Like many people, Elway suffered from frequent and persistent heartburn that kept him up at night, and he also had trouble swallowing. Yet he was unaware that these symptoms could be a sign of a more serious condition called acid reflux disease, a condition in which stomach contents, including acid, repeatedly flow backward into the esophagus. Now with his condition diagnosed and under control, Elway is helping other sufferers shorten their own road to relief by encouraging them to see a physician for a proper diagnosis and to discuss a treatment plan.
Date Posted:8/6/2004 2:29:00 PM

Venous thromboembolism or VTE is the formation of a blood clot in a person's veins. Each year, approximately 240,000 people die in the United States from blood clots. The clot can break off and travel to the lungs where it can potentially kill you.
Date Posted:8/3/2004 1:59:00 PM

Heart disease is America's number one public health threat but the FDA has just approved a new use for a popular drug to reduce the risk of a heart attack. Lipitor is the world's most prescribed medicine to lower cholesterol. Now the Food and Drug Administration says that Lipitor can also be used to reduce the risk of heart attack in people who have fairly normal cholesterol levels but other risk factors for heart disease. The FDA's decision was based on a landmark trial of over 10,000 patients that found that patients taking the lowest dose of Lipitor had significantly fewer heart attacks than those taking placebo. To find out if Lipitor can help you reduce your risk of a heart attack, speak to your doctor. For important information about Lipitor, visit www.lipitor.com or call 1-888-Lipitor.
Date Posted:8/2/2004 10:59:00 AM

Fresh out of the National Press Club conference in Washington D.C. is news that of 4,579 accredited hospitals in the United States, Americans can now log on to www.qualitycheck.org and find out how their local hospitals are performing in four key areas. Today, Quality Check, from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, provides a new generation of on-line information about the quality and safety of care provided at health care organizations nationwide. This website makes it easy for people to compare hospitals in the care of: heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, pregnancy and related conditions.
Date Posted:7/15/2004 1:29:00 PM

New clinical research, presented at the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Thailand show that more than half the patients treated with Fuzeon® (enfuvirtide) continued to show positive results after almost two years of use. Fuzeon is the first and only fusion inhibitor for the treatment of HIV.
Date Posted:7/12/2004 3:59:00 AM

Thousands of young performers dream of singing the Star Spangled Banner before a major league baseball game. That dream has come true for eighteen-year-old Sara Pyszka (pish-kah) who has had cerebral palsy since birth.
Date Posted:7/9/2004 1:29:00 PM

Each year, more than 4 million patients present to U.S. emergency rooms citing shortness of breath or labored breathing as the principle reasons for their visit. The recently clearedTriage® Profiler Shortness of Breath Panel aids in the diagnosis of shortness of breath and breathing difficulty, two symptoms that rank among the top reasons for emergency department visits.
Date Posted:6/30/2004 10:28:00 AM

According to a new nationwide survey co-developed by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) approximately 1 in 2 Americans misuse common over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, which may include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, potentially putting them at risk for various complications.
Date Posted:6/23/2004 1:59:00 PM

An estimated thirty million Americans have both high blood pressure and high cholesterol. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two of the major risk factors for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Each condition alone is cause for concern, but these diseases frequently occur together and in combination pose a much greater risk for heart attack and stroke.
Date Posted:6/23/2004 1:28:00 PM

Each year nearly five million patients are admitted to intensive care units because of car accidents, heart failure and other life-threatening injuries or illnesses. According to the Society for Critical Care Medicine, at least one in ten patients who die in ICUs each day would survive if specially trained, critical care doctors - or intensivists - were present in the ICU.
Date Posted:6/22/2004 1:13:00 PM

Three of the nation's leading not-for-profit health agencies will announce a joint initiative on June 15, 2004 to empower Americans to help lower their risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke by following a single set of recommendations. Combined, the four chronic diseases account for nearly two out of every three deaths in the United States.
Date Posted:6/15/2004 9:59:00 AM

The epidemic rise of obesity, hypertension and diabetes in this country is leading to an increased need for organ transplants. Ethnic and racial minority populations are the hardest hit. While they represent 25% of the U.S. population, ethnic and racial groups make up 50% of the people waiting for kidney transplants. This is a result of their predisposition for these diseases.
Date Posted:6/14/2004 1:29:00 PM

Despite advances in treatment, women whose breast cancer doesn't respond to the most promising therapies are still faced with few options. Data from a new study reveals an investigational drug is showing promise, and researchers say it may be more effective and cause fewer side effects than common cancer drugs. The data show the drug Abraxane shrunk the tumors in 15% of the patients and produced fewer side effects. After four months, the disease did not progress in nearly 40% of the 106 participants taking part in the study.
Date Posted:6/14/2004 10:41:00 AM

As part of Stress Urinary Incontinence Awareness Week, speed skating champion Bonnie Blair is speaking out about a common medical condition most women are too embarrassed to discuss.
Date Posted:6/9/2004 2:28:00 PM

Wishing you had a more beautiful smile? You are in good company--according to a recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD): Nine out of every ten adults in America consider an attractive smile to be an important social asset and nearly half said they would like to make some improvement in the appearance of their smile. The AACD says tooth whitening alone has increased by more than 300% in the past five years.
Date Posted:6/7/2004 1:28:00 PM

Medicare's new prescription discount cards, scheduled to go into effect on June 1, are creating confusion among the 40 million Americans covered by Medicare. Fees, coverage and discounts can vary by card, and many Americans aren't aware and educated about which card is best for them.
Date Posted:5/20/2004 1:29:00 PM

Each year, osteoporosis causes more than 1.5 million fractures in the U.S. Spinal fractures are the most common type of fracture, and can cause a debilitating downward spiral of negative consequences to health and well being. Until recently, the only options for these fractures were bed rest and a brace, or invasive surgery. Now, a minimally invasive treatment option, called Balloon Kyphoplasty, can give patients relief from pain and correct deformity: good news for the many people in this country with osteoporosis at risk for developing painful spinal fractures.
Date Posted:5/17/2004 1:28:00 PM

Approximately 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer?s disease, but fewer than 1.5 million are diagnosed. Actress Linda Dano is speaking out about a free new resource kit available that can help educate and inform Americans about Alzheimer?s and how to identify it.
Date Posted:5/7/2004 1:58:00 PM

In 1997, Judy Pickett, a 33-year old mother of three, was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. The diagnosis came as a complete shock, but instead of succumbing to fear, Judy vowed to fight the disease head-on. An avid runner, she decided to use her running as a way to communicate the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Judy then made a pledge: to run in 100 cancer benefit races nationwide to prove there is life after breast cancer diagnosis. To date, she has won 75 races in the survivor category while, including while undergoing chemotherapy, and has logged over 8,600 training miles and has raced 297.6 miles.
Date Posted:5/7/2004 1:58:00 PM

During National Women's Check-Up Day, women should discuss with their health care professionals which of the tests are right for them, when they should have them, and how often. Women can start by inquiring about the following screening tests and guidelines:
Date Posted:5/7/2004 1:43:00 PM

Nail fungus affects about 35 million Americans, and springtime activities like running, increase the risk of developing this progressive and potentially serious infection. However, nail fungus is preventable and treatable.
Date Posted:4/19/2004 1:28:00 PM

Each year, more than 50 million Americans are affected by respiratory tract infections such as acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, or community-acquired pneumonia. Now the FDA has approved KETEK to treat these conditions.
Date Posted:4/2/2004 2:28:00 PM

For the 35 million Americans who have high cholesterol, doctors usually advise patients to first try to control their cholesterol with diet and exercise. But for many, diet and exercise are not always enough and now patients have a new treatment option on the horizon. Doctors at the 53rd annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in New Orleans are announcing results from 2 studies of an investigational medicine called VYTORIN™ (ezetimibe/simvastatin). These studies show a reduction in LDL or bad cholesterol from 46 to 61 percent. VYTORIN targets the 2 sources of cholesterol - cholesterol production in the liver, and cholesterol absorption in the intestine. One study showed that after a 6-week treatment period, patients taking 10 milligrams of ezetimibe with 10 milligrams of simvastatin experienced a 46 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol compared to 37 percent reduction seen in patients taking 10 milligrams of Lipitor® (atorvastatin) alone. In addition, when patients were given ezetimibe 10 milligrams with simvastatin 20 milligrams, the LDL reduction seen in these patients increased to 50 percent compared to 37 percent for Lipitor® (atorvastatin)10 milligram alone. Ezetimibe, known as ZETIA™, and simvastatin, known as Zocor®, are the 2 active ingredients in VYTORIN. A new drug application for VYTORIN, from Merck/Schering-Plough pharmaceuticals, was filed on September 17, 2003 and is currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration.
Date Posted:3/8/2004 2:59:00 PM

The FDA has just approved the TAXUS Express Stent System, a breakthrough for patients suffering from coronary artery disease. Stents are tiny wire mesh tubes used to prop open arteries after angioplasty treatment for clearing out blockages. 20 to 30 percent of angioplasty patients experience scar tissue growth, which is also called restenosis. This scar tissue can cover the stent, hinder blood flow and make repeat procedures necessary.
Date Posted:3/5/2004 10:59:00 AM

A new study found that 55 percent of people with moderate-to-severe psoriasis have low self-confidence that affects everything from their sex life to their job performance. Others feel like social outcasts or guilty that they may pass the disease on to their children.
Date Posted:2/11/2004 2:28:00 PM

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and American Dental Association dentists across the country are joining together to offer free oral health care services to low-income children.
Date Posted:2/4/2004 2:28:00 PM

New study results show one at-home pregnancy test is so sensitive, it can detect if a woman is pregnant earlier than any other at-home pregnancy test.
Date Posted:2/2/2004 2:28:00 PM

The FDA just approved the first and only medication - Provigil® (pro·vi·jill) - to improve wakefulness in patients who suffer from excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder. The clinical trials showed Provigil to be very effective in increasing wakefulness in patients with sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder, while still allowing them to sleep normally.
Date Posted:1/27/2004 7:58:00 PM

Leading women's health expert, author of several bestselling women's health books, and television personality, Dr. Judith Reichman, aims to dispel the social stigma of midlife sexual dysfunction by encouraging women to speak to their doctors to find out how they can enjoy comfortable and pleasurable sex during menopause.
Date Posted:10/21/2004 10:29:00 AM

An estimated twenty million people suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - or COPD - yet a new survey by the National Women's Health Resource Center suggests that half of Americans have never even heard of it.
Date Posted:5/19/2004 1:29:00 PM

A recent American Heart Association survey showed an increase in the number of women who consider heart disease their greatest health threat (13 percent in 2003, compared to 8 percent in 2000), but the majority of women are still not aware that heart disease is their number one killer. One mother, Denise Benmoshe recognized her risk factors for heart disease and the threat that meant for both her and potentially her daughter. Now they've teamed up to help each other live a heart healthy lifestyle and it's working, the daughter has lost 85 pounds!
Date Posted:5/4/2004 9:59:00 AM

Thousands of women in the U.S reach menopause each day, many suffering from vasomotor symptoms that can cause great discomfort, sleep disturbance and disruption of daily life. While it's not appropriate for every woman, estrogen therapy remains the most effective means of relieving these symptoms. Leading authorities including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend that women taking hormone therapy use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to meet therapy goals.
Date Posted:2/10/2004 2:28:00 PM