Health and Fitness News

(2 pm. – promoted by ek hornbeck)

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.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

The usual strategy for a make-ahead summer meal is a spread of salads and poached fish, which is fine in June but grows wearisome by August.

Instead I suggest taking another path entirely: fried chicken.

A longtime picnic staple, chicken is one of the few fried foods that tastes as good at room temperature as it does warm. And with a few minor tweaks to the classic recipe, this version holds up particularly well, remaining crisp and well seasoned for hours out of the fryer.

~ Melissa Clark ~

FDA Reviewing Safety of Codeine in Kids Under 18

By Megan Brooks, Medscape Medical News

July 2, 2015 — The FDA is investigating the safety of using medicines containing codeine to treat coughs and colds in children younger than 18, because of the potential for serious problems like slowed or difficult breathing.

Children, especially those who already have breathing problems, may be more prone to these effects, the FDA says in a safety communication.

The agency previously warned about the use of over-the-counter cough and cold products in children under 2.

BBQ Grill Brush Wires Causing Big Health Woes

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay

If ingested, stray wire bristles can pierce throat, intestines, public health experts warn.

July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Before you bite into that burger on Independence Day, you might want to ask the chef whether a rusty old grill brush was used to clean the barbecue.

Wire bristles from grill brushes can snap off, land on the grate and find their way into grilled meats, public health experts warn.

If ingested, these bristles can tear up a person’s throat and digestive tract, causing potentially life-threatening injuries.

Unapproved Ear Drops Targeted by FDA

By Margaret Farley Steele, HealthDay

These prescription meds have been available for years, but safety, quality are concerns

July 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The prescription drops your child is using for ear pain could be among 16 unapproved medications targeted this week by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

These drugs, prescribed and sold for years to relieve ear pain and swelling, have not been evaluated for safety, quality and effectiveness, the agency said Wednesday. The agency notified the drugs’ makers to stop marketing the drops following a few reports of local allergic reactions of the ear, eye, face, neck and mouth. The drops can also cause itching, stinging, burning and irritation of the ear, according to an FDA news release.

Young People and Antipsychotics for ADHD

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas, HealthDay

Study shows rise in prescriptions for the powerful medications, even though they’re not OK’d for this use

July 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A growing number of teens and young adults are being prescribed powerful antipsychotics, even though the medications aren’t approved to treat two disorders — ADHD and depression — they are commonly used for, a new study shows.

Researchers found that antipsychotic use rose among children aged 13 and older — from 1.1 percent in 2006 to nearly 1.2 percent in 2010. And among young adults — people aged 19 to 24 — antipsychotic use increased from 0.69 percent in 2006 to 0.84 percent in 2010.

Migraines and Link to Higher Heart Disease Risk

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas, HealthDay

Study suggests non-genetic factors may be what increases risk

July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who have migraines have a greater risk for heart disease, but their genes may not be to blame for the connection, new research suggests.

Scientists looked at two large studies that pinpointed genetic variations that can increase the risk for migraine and heart disease. The first study included almost 20,000 people with migraine and more than 55,000 people who didn’t have these severe headaches. The second study involved more than 21,000 people with heart disease and just over 63,000 people who didn’t.

Your Risk of Dying From Cancer Is Falling: CDC

By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay

But, due to aging population, actual number of cancer deaths is rising

July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The risk that any one American will die from cancer — the cancer death rate — is going down, regardless of sex or race, a new government study reports.

However, because the United States has a growing aging population, the overall number of people dying from cancer is on the rise, officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

Naps May Boost Worker Productivity

Hour of rest during the day seemed to ease impulsiveness and frustration, researchers report

July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Taking a nap while on the job might help workers be more productive, new research suggests.

A University of Michigan study found power naps or extended breaks during the day could ease frustration, help offset impulsive behavior and increase workplace safety.

Could Blue Eyes Raise Odds for Alcoholism?

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas, HealthDay

Study finds genes that determine eye color line up along ones tied to alcohol abuse

July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People with blue eyes may be more likely to become alcoholics, a new study suggests.

Genetic researchers at the University of Vermont said their findings could help doctors learn more about the roots of alcoholism, as well as other psychiatric disorders.

Those with Low-Grade Brain Tumors Living Longer

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas, HealthDay

Chemo improvements have likely played a role, researchers say

JuLY 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Survival has improved for adults with low-grade brain tumors, known as gliomas, a new study finds.

Low-grade gliomas grow slowly but are deadly. Because they’re uncommon, they are not well-studied, said the researchers from the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine. The best ways to manage these tumors are also controversial. There is little consensus on whether or when to use radiation or what type of surgery or chemotherapy patients should undergo.

Under-the-Tongue Hay Fever Pills: Little Benefit?

By Kathleen Doheny, HealthDay

For serious grass allergy, shots may be more effective, researcher says

June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Under-the-tongue pills for hay fever sufferers provide little symptom relief and often come with bothersome side effects, new research finds.

Under-the-tongue, or sublingual, therapy is widely used in Europe as an alternative to allergy shots. In the United States, two such “immunotherapy” pills have been approved recently by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for grass allergies.

White Men May Get Better Treatment for AFib

By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay

Women and minorities with atrial fibrillation less likely to receive standard of care, study says

June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women, Hispanics and blacks are less likely than white men to receive optimal treatment for atrial fibrillation in the United States, researchers say.

The study of more than a half-million Medicare patients found that women with this abnormal heart rhythm are less likely than men to get blood thinners to prevent stroke, which is a serious risk with atrial fibrillation. Women, blacks and Hispanics are also less likely to get catheter ablation, a surgical procedure that can restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

Heart Group Stroke-Guidelines Support This Device

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay

If clot-busting drugs don’t work, device can be used to pull the blockage out through the artery

June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A device that grabs and drags a blood clot out through the blood vessels should be used to treat certain stroke victims, according to new guidelines issued by the American Heart Association.

Nearly nine out of 10 strokes are caused by a blood clot that blocks one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain, the American Heart Association (AHA) said. Standard stroke treatment relies on powerful blood-thinning medications that break up the clot and restore blood flow to the brain.

Flavored Cigs Still Popular Online Despite Ban

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas, HealthDay

Continued interest surprises researchers

June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although banned in 2009 by the U.S. Food Administration, flavored cigarettes are still popular and available online, a new study finds.

Researchers from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine monitored certain online search terms related to flavored cigarettes and cigars made by the company Djarum. Only the cigars are legal.

Most U.S. Hepatitis C Infections May Be Missed

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay

In one state, only one from 183 diagnosed cases met reporting criteria for CDC

June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New cases of hepatitis C are drastically underreported to federal officials, researchers contend in a new study.

And they suggested that may be hampering public health efforts to cope with the chronic infection that can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The new study found that only one out of 183 Massachusetts residents diagnosed between 2001 and 2011 with acute hepatitis C infection was reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Menopausal Women: Lower Heart Risk Than These Men?

By Kathleen Doheny, HealthDay

Study found little difference between menopause types, but black women had less advantage than white

July 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Menopause is commonly considered a risk factor for heart disease, as the protective effect of estrogen declines. However, in a new study, researchers found that postmenopausal women had a lower risk of dying from heart attack than did men of similar ages.

Women’s Faces Are Redder During Ovulation: Study

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas, HealthDay

But these subtle changes aren’t detectable to the human eye

June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women’s faces are redder than usual during ovulation, but this subtle change isn’t detectable to the human eye, new research shows.

This change may be a possible signal of peak fertility, and it may have evolved to become less noticeable since controlling or hiding ovulation has greater benefits, the researchers suggested.

‘Watchful Waiting’ and Low-Risk Prostate Cancer

By Randy Dotinga, HealthDay

Study finds 12 percent or fewer getting active surveillance

June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A wide majority of U.S. men with low-risk prostate cancer are being treated for the disease even though “active surveillance” is an option, a new report finds.

Active surveillance — or watchful waiting — is the careful monitoring of prostate cancer for progression of the cancer that would indicate a need for treatment. Men in the Northeast and on the West Coast were especially likely to have active surveillance rather than cancer treatment, potentially sparing them from complications associated with treatment.

Kids with Autism Respond Differently to Smells

By Tara Haelle, HealthDay

Kids with ASDs didn’t change their sniff response when odors were unpleasant

July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children with autism spectrum disorders appear to respond to stinky smells differently from children without autism, a new study found.

The difference was pronounced enough that researchers could tell who had autism and who didn’t about 80 percent of the time based only on “sniff responses.”

Do Cholesterol Drugs Affect Aggression?

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay

Study finds it’s possible, but more research is suggested

July 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs might influence a person’s aggressive behaviors, increasing or decreasing their irritability and violent tendencies, a new clinical trial suggests.

Men taking statins typically become less aggressive, while women on statins tend to become more aggressive, according to findings published July 1 in the journal PLOS ONE.

Recurrent Depression May Take Toll on the Brain

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas, HealthDay

Shrinkage seen in region where new memories are made

June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The area of the brain involved in forming new memories, known as the hippocampus, seems to shrink in people with recurring depression, a new study shows.

Australian researchers say the findings highlight the need to spot and treat depression when it first develops, particularly among young people.

A Healthy Body Often Equals a Healthy Brain

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay

Experts stress that exercise, good diet help maintain memory as much as mental challenges do

June 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who want to stay sharp as they age often turn to brain teasers, puzzles and games, figuring correctly that they’ll lose it if they don’t use it.

But a healthy body is also key to maintaining a healthy brain, and that’s something many people tend to overlook, experts say.

Healthy Food, Parks, Gyms Lower Diabetes Rates

By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay

Study suggests making these resources easily accessible, affordable might cut odds of disease

June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Neighborhoods with easy access to healthy foods and safe places to exercise may help residents reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests.

The study found that the risk of developing diabetes was 12 percent lower in neighborhoods with access to healthy foods. The researchers also found a 21 percent reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in areas with greater opportunities for physical activity.

Can OJ, Grapefruit Raise Your Melanoma Risk?

By Amy Norton, HealthDay

Study authors think compounds in citrus may sensitize skin to sunlight, but further study needed

June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who enjoy a glass of orange juice or some fresh grapefruit in the morning may face a slightly increased risk of melanoma — the least common but most deadly form of skin cancer.

That’s the finding from a study of more than 100,000 U.S. adults followed for about 25 years. Researchers discovered that those who regularly consumed orange juice or whole grapefruit had a higher risk of developing melanoma, compared to people who avoided those foods.

Parents: Set Good Example to Prevent Child Obesity

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas, HealthDay

Avoid keeping sugary, high-calorie foods in the house, and encourage being active together

June 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — As rates of childhood obesity continue to climb in the United States, parents should embrace healthy eating habits and behaviors to help kids maintain a normal weight, a new report says.

In updated recommendations released Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) described how families can help combat childhood obesity by following a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise and limiting sedentary activities.