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