Welcome to the Stars Hollow Gazette‘s Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.
Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.
You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.
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Cauliflower is a vegetable that I have no qualms about buying on impulse. It keeps very well in the refrigerator – I have made perfectly good meals using florets I found lingering in my produce drawer that had been there for more than a week. Not that I recommend this approach, but it is good to know that you need not use it up right away, especially when you find large heads weighing anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 pounds.
~ Martha Rose Shulman ~
An aromatic pilaf with a nice mix of colors and textures.
Marinated Cauliflower and Carrots With Mint
A simple dish that makes an excellent addition to a buffet.
Cauliflower and Tomato Frittata With Feta
A delicious frittata that works in winter or summer.
Tuna, Cauliflower and White Bean Salad
A delicious, sustaining Mediterranean salad, using a marinade with a kick.
Cauliflower, Potato and Quinoa Patties
A vegan burger seasoned with Indian spices, with Sriracha standing in for ketchup.
Lyme Disease More Serious, Costly Than Believed
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
Prolonged illness in infected Americans costs up to $1.3 billion a year in treatments, researchers find
Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Prolonged illness in Americans with Lyme disease is more widespread, serious and costly than previously believed, a new study suggests.
The study authors — from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore — found that Lyme disease has a much greater impact on patients and the health system, costing up to $1.3 billion a year to treat.
Type 1 Diabetes More Deadly for Women Than Men
By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay
Experts aren’t sure why, but say better treatment and support needed for both sexes
Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women with type 1 diabetes have a nearly 40 percent greater risk of dying from any cause and more than double the risk of dying from heart disease than men with type 1 diabetes, Australian researchers report.
In an analysis of 26 studies that included more than 200,000 people, researchers found that women with type 1 diabetes had a 37 percent higher risk of dying from stroke compared to men with type 1 diabetes. The researchers also found that women with type 1 diabetes had a 44 percent greater risk of dying from kidney disease than men with type 1 diabetes.
Certain Infections Linked to Reduced RA Risk
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
Gut, urinary tract and genital conditions may offer some protection, study suggests
Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People with recent gut, urinary tract or genital infections may be less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, new research says.
The findings are “particularly interesting” in light of recent research suggesting that digestive system bacteria may play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis, researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, said.
Less Commonly Used Obesity Surgery
By Alan Mozes, HealthDay
But study finds so-called ‘duodenal switch’ procedure also linked to more complications
Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A less-popular type of weight loss surgery might actually lead to more weight loss than gastric bypass — the currently favored form of obesity surgery. But, the trade-off seems to be more complications, new research suggests.
A small comparative analysis found that a procedure called biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (or simply “duodenal switch”) seems to lead to greater weight loss than traditional gastric bypass surgery. In addition, duodenal switch patients had a bigger drop in cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels.
Smartphone Device Detects HIV, Syphilis
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
Low-cost accessory replicates laboratory-based blood test, researchers report
Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A smartphone accessory that can detect HIV and syphilis has been developed by Columbia University researchers.
The low-cost device can spot markers of the infectious diseases from a finger prick of blood in 15 minutes. It’s the first smartphone accessory that replicates all the functions of a laboratory-based blood test, according to the researchers.
Americans Confused About Cancer Risks
By Amy Norton, HealthDay
Survey finds many worry about unproven factors like food additives, and less about exercise and obesity
Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fewer than half of Americans are aware that some major lifestyle factors can affect their cancer risk, a new survey suggests.
Instead, many people worry about cancer-causing claims that aren’t back by scientific evidence — such as stress or hormones in foods, according to the survey done by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR).
Infection Likely Cause of Post-Surgery Readmission
By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay
Knowing why readmissions happen is first step in reducing them, researcher says
Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Infections are the most likely reason people end up back in the hospital after surgery, a new study finds.
Of nearly 500,000 operations studied, 6 percent of the patients were readmitted for surgical complications within a month after their surgery, researchers found.
A Pill a Day? No Way, Survey Says
By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay
1 of 3 respondents rejected the idea even if it meant a shorter life
Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — One out of three adults would sooner face a shorter life span than take a daily pill to prevent heart disease, a new Internet survey found.
And about one in five would be willing to pay $1,000 or more to avoid taking that daily pill, the survey also found.
Bacteria May Help Battle Cancer, Study Suggests
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
Weakened germ injected into tumor killed malignant cells, researchers report
Jan. 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Bacteria may offer a new way to treat cancer, a small, preliminary study suggests.
Researchers injected a weakened strain of Clostridium novyi-NT bacteria spores into tumors in six patients. The bacteria grew in the tumors and killed cancer cells, the investigators reported.
C. novyi-NT, which lives in soil, is a close relative of the bacteria that causes botulism. Before injecting C. novyi-NT into the patients, the researchers weakened it by removing its dangerous toxin.
Many States Still in Flu’s Grip; Some Decline Seen
By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay
CDC expects to see high activity for several more weeks
Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — While levels of flu remain high throughout parts of the United States, some areas are reporting declines, government health officials reported Friday.
“We have seen a national peak in influenza, but we are still seeing some increases in activity, specifically on the West Coast, and the Northeast and New England,” said Dr. Lyn Finelli, chief of surveillance and outbreak response in the influenza division of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
5 Babies at IL Day Care Diagnosed With Measles
By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay
Health officials don’t know if infections are related to outbreak tied to Disney theme parks in California
Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of measles cases in the United States continues to climb, with Illinois health officials saying five babies who attend a suburban Chicago day care center have come down with the highly infectious childhood disease.
Laboratory tests confirmed a measles diagnosis for two of the infants, all of whom are under 1 year old. Test results for the three other babies are pending, but a measles diagnosis was made based on their symptoms, according to a joint press release from Illinois and Cook County health officials.
Coffee May Lower Endometrial Cancer Risk
By Kathleen Doheny, HealthDay
Women benefited from drinking about 4 cups daily, study suggests
Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Ladies, a heavy coffee habit might do more than perk you up. New research suggests it may also reduce your risk of endometrial cancer.
Using data on more than 456,000 women from two large ongoing studies, researchers evaluated the dietary habits of more than 2,800 women diagnosed with cancer of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. Compared to women who drank less than a cup a day, those who drank about four cups daily had an 18 percent lower risk of getting this cancer, they found.
IUDs, Birth Control Implants: How Long They Work
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
Ongoing study shows they prevent pregnancy at least one year beyond their approved use
Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants appear to prevent pregnancy one year beyond their approved length of use, according to early results from an ongoing study.
Researchers are assessing whether these long-acting forms of birth control may be effective up to three years after their approved length of use.
Hormonal IUDs are currently approved for five years and contraceptive implants — small rods inserted into the arm — are currently approved for three years. Both types of contraception were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Sexual Pain Common After Childbirth, Study Finds
By Maureen Salamon, HealthDay
C-section and certain assisted vaginal births linked to more long-term problems
Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Sexual pain is common after childbirth, a new study indicates.
Nearly nine in 10 women experience pain the first time they have sexual intercourse after childbirth. What’s more, almost one-quarter still report painful sex 18 months later, the Australian http://www.ianwelsh.net/resear… found.
The study also revealed that women who had given birth via cesarean section or vaginally with vacuum extraction were about twice as likely to experience painful intercourse at 18 months postpartum compared to women who had spontaneous vaginal deliveries.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked to Early Menopause
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
Disorder also associated with other menstrual problems and pelvic pain, study finds
Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There’s a link between early menopause and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a new study suggests.
The findings may help explain why women are two to four times more likely to have CFS than men, and why the condition is most common among women in their 40s, the researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
2 Genetic Variants for Breast Cancer Identified
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
London scientists say variants most strongly linked to estrogen receptor-positive disease
Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Scientists say they have identified two new genetic variants that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
The two variants apparently affect the KLF4 gene, which is believed to help control the way cells grow and divide, and they are most strongly linked with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, the most common form of the disease.
Top Cancer Killer of Women in Wealthy Nations
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
It has been the leading cancer killer of American women for many years
Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the leading cancer killer of women in developed countries, reflecting changing smoking patterns among females worldwide, a new report shows.
Legions of women began smoking four decades ago, and the dire consequences are just being seen now in wealthy countries, the researchers explained. Lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer deaths among men in developed countries for decades, and the leading cause of cancer death for U.S. women for some years.
Contraceptive Knowledge and Safe Use of Acne Drug
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
Effective birth control key in using the medication, which is linked to birth defects
Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say giving birth control information to women visiting dermatology clinics can help promote the safe use of the drug isotretinoin, an acne medication known to cause birth defects.
Isotretinion was originally sold under the brand name Accutane. That particular brand has been discontinued, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the drug is still available under other brand names, including Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Sotret and Zanatane.
FDA Approves New Breast Cancer Drug
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
Ibrance is targeted for postmenopausal women with advanced disease
Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new drug to treat postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Pfizer’s Ibrance (palbociclib) inhibits molecules that play a role in the growth of cancer cells. It is intended for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer who have not yet received endocrine-based therapy, the FDA said.
Gut Bacteria Change and Kids’ Type 1 Diabetes
By Amy Norton, HealthDay
Small study offers hope for a diagnostic test some day, researchers say
Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In some young children who develop type 1 diabetes, a change in normal stomach bacteria can precede the disease by a year, a small study has found.
The findings, published Feb. 5 in the journal Cell, Host & Microbe, are based on just 33 children at increased genetic risk of type 1 diabetes. And experts stressed that it’s too early to tell what it all could mean.
But one hope is that the results will lead to an early diagnostic test for type 1 diabetes, said researcher Aleksandar Kostic, a postdoctoral fellow at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
1 in 5 Younger Diabetics Lacks Good Medical Care ]
By EJ Mundell HealthDay
CDC team found 19 percent hadn’t seen a doctor within last 6 months
Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — One in every five young American adults with diabetes hasn’t seen a doctor in the past 6 months, a new government report indicates.
The study, from researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also found that those aged 18 to 39 with diabetes were much less likely than older patients to have gotten their blood pressure or cholesterol checked in the previous year.
Electronic Devices May Disrupt Teen Sleep: Study
By Robert Preidt, HealthDay
Kids using computers and phones take longer to drift off at night
Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Spending too much time using electronic devices during the day harms teens’ sleep, a new study suggests.
The research included nearly 10,000 Norwegian teens, aged 16 to 19, who were asked how much screen time (computer, smartphone, tablet, video game console, television, MP3 player) they got during the day outside of school, and about the amount and quality of their sleep.
Medication Problems May Spur Many Child ER Trips
By Amy Norton, HealthDay
Bad reactions, misuse are the common culprits, researchers say
Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medication-related problems — from side effects to improper use — may be the cause of many kids’ trips to the emergency room, a new study suggests.
Researchers found that at one Canadian children’s hospital, medication-related problems accounted for one in 12 ER visits over a year. And about two-thirds of those incidents were preventable, the researchers concluded.
The findings, published online Feb. 2 in Pediatrics, do not mean that parents should be afraid to give their children needed medications, the researchers noted.
Some Kids Use Tobacco, E-Cigs Together: Study
By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay
Additional products may increase addiction to nicotine, expert says
Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — American children and teens who smoke may also use a variety of other nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookahs and pipes, a new study finds.
“We are concerned about this because of the potential for increased harms associated with the use of multiple products, such as exposing young people to nicotine during a time when their brains are still developing or risk for nicotine addiction,” said lead researcher Youn Ok Lee, a research public health analyst at RTI International in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Seniors Need 2 Pneumonia Vaccines, CDC Panel Says
By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay
Vaccinations need to be given a year apart, expert recommends
Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults 65 and older need two vaccines to better protect them from bacterial infection in the blood (called sepsis), meningitis and pneumonia, according to a revised vaccination schedule from the 2015 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
The ACIP is the vaccine advisory panel for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Such infections are caused by pneumococcal bacteria, and older people have an increased risk of life-threatening infection from these bacteria.
Money Tops Americans’ List of Stressors
By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay
Women, parents and younger adults most troubled, survey finds
Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Money continues to be the leading cause of stress for Americans, a new survey finds.
Overall, stress in the United States is at a seven-year low, and average stress levels are declining, the American Psychological Association poll found.
But money worries continue to nag at the American psyche, despite the ongoing economic recovery, the association says in its report released Feb. 4, titled Stress in America: Paying With Our Health.
New Binge Eating Disorder Drug Vyvanse: FAQ
By Kathleen Doheny, WebMD Health News
Feb. 3, 2015 — The FDA has approved the first drug in the U.S. to treat binge eating disorder, Vyvanse. The agency says it might lessen the number of food binges for people with the condition.
Vyvanse is already approved to treat ADHD.
Binge eating disorder affects 1% to 5% of Americans, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. It can lead to or contribute to obesity.
Healthy Diet May Lower Lung Disease Risk
By Alan Mozes, HealthDay
Consuming less red meat, soda and alcohol tied to lower COPD threat in study
Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A healthy diet low in red meat and rich in whole grains might reduce the risk of developing the crippling chronic lung disease known as COPD, new research suggests.
Researchers tracked more than 120,000 men and women and found healthy eaters were one-third less likely to develop COPD compared to big consumers of red meat, refined grains, sugary drinks and alcohol.
Toddler Snacks, Meals Have Lots of Salt and Sugar
By Tara Haelle, HealthDay
Most toddler dinners were high in sodium, and infant snacks had added sugar
Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many prepackaged dinners for toddlers contain high amounts of salt, and many toddler and infant snacks, desserts and juices contain added sugar, a new study found.
“It was surprising that more than seven of 10 packaged toddler meals contained too much sodium (salt),” said study leader Mary Cogswell, a researcher at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “In addition, a substantial proportion of toddler food, and infant and toddler snacks — even those we don’t think of as sweet, like toddler meals and salty snacks — contained at least one added sugar.”
When It Comes to Jogging, Easy Does It: Study
By Kathleen Doheny, HealthDay
Just an hour or two a week confers life-extension benefits, researcher contends
Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A little jogging is good for your health, researchers say, but too much might not be.
“In this study, the dose of running that was most favorable for reducing mortality was jogging 1 to 2.4 hours per week, with no more than three running days per week,” said study researcher Jacob Marott of the Frederiksberg Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark. The best pace was slow or average — about 5 miles per hour, he added.
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