http://www.acsh.org/rss/healthfactsandfears.xml This is a health facts and fears RSS (Real Simple Syndication) from ACSH.org en-us (c) 2004, ACSH.Org http://feedvalidator.org/docs/rss2.html www.eResources.com (Generator) info@acsh.org support@eresources.com (webmaster) 60 http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3363/news_detail.asp We were surprised and disappointed to see this week’s issue of Nature offering us "The toxic truth about sugar." Thu, 2 Feb 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3364/news_detail.asp Omega-3 fatty acids, found mostly in oily fish and fish oil supplements, have long been touted as beneficial for cardiovascular health, with claims that the nutrient can reduce "bad" cholesterol levels and improve heart function. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3365/news_detail.asp Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics are now advising parents to vaccinate their boys against the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially before they become sexually active. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3367/news_detail.asp Though soda has received much flak for its high sugar content and alleged adverse health effects, a new study is targeting diet soda too, claiming that consuming too much can lead to vascular events. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3368/news_detail.asp Nearly a quarter of breast cancer patients who undergo a lumpectomy — also commonly referred to as a partial mastectomy — will have to return for repeat surgery, according to the results of a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3360/news_detail.asp "Soaps, makeup and other items contain deadly ingredients, say consumer advocates." We’ve seen this sort of headline before, but we’re dismayed to see it in the Health & Science section of The Washington Post. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3361/news_detail.asp The 2011 Fukushima earthquake and tsunami were devastating to the residents of Japan. However, a U.N. scientific body’s investigation adds to the evidence that radiation exposure from the series of meltdowns and explosions at the Fukushima nuclear power plant did not compromise residents’ health. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3362/news_detail.asp Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a relatively new biotech startup, has gained FDA approval for the first drug to target the underlying cause of a rare form of cystic fibrosis. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3356/news_detail.asp Although it’s long been recommended that doctors measure a patient’s blood pressure in both arms, this guideline is often ignored. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3357/news_detail.asp Thirteen pharmaceutical companies have agreed to donate 14 billion doses of medicine for neglected tropical diseases (NTD) by the end of 2020. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3358/news_detail.asp Sweet news for Type 2 diabetes patients: The FDA just announced the approval of Amylin Pharmaceuticals’ new drug, Bydureon. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3359/news_detail.asp When it comes to treating high cholesterol and its consequences, it seems that statins don’t discriminate by gender — even though men have a much higher rate of cardiovascular disease. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3353/news_detail.asp It’s an unfortunate fact that doctors all too often fail to discuss weight management with their obese patients. But to make matters worse, a new study published in the journal Obesity has found that doctors who are themselves overweight are even less likely than their normal-weight counterparts to discuss weight loss with their patients. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3354/news_detail.asp While much of the recent media surrounding cancer screening has focused on new research and guidelines suggesting that less frequent screening may be beneficial, a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that too many Americans are not getting screened at all. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3355/news_detail.asp A group of at least 12 teenage girls in upstate New York have been beset by a host of mysterious Tourrette’s-like symptoms. Multiple tests by experts have found that these bizarre symptoms, which include involuntary tics and verbal outbursts, have no apparent toxic or infectious origin, leading health experts to believe that they are most likely of psychological origin. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3350/news_detail.asp Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking. These have long been recognized as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Now, a study just published in the New England Journal of Medicine starkly demonstrates just how significantly these factors increase a person’s risk of stroke or heart attack. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3351/news_detail.asp Oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the throat, tongue, soft palate, and tonsils, has become increasingly common among men in the U.S. Because a distinct form of it is caused primarily by HPV (human papillomavirus), a recent study set out to determine the prevalence of oral HPV infection. attack. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3352/news_detail.asp This week’s Wall Street Journal has two physicians debating whether the doctor-patient relationship should be extended to email. While both of these doctors agree that email correspondence can’t substitute for an office exam, questions remain about whether this new channel of communication will create or quell confusion. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3347/news_detail.asp Kids may start seeing more fruits and veggies on their lunch plates and fewer French fries, following new standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday for school meals. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 Blogs http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsid.3348/news_detail.asp While drugs in the U.S. must undergo extensive testing and monitoring to ensure their safety and efficacy, supplements come under much weaker regulation. In a perspective article in The New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Pieter A. Cohen criticizes the current deficiencies in the regulation of the supplement industry. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 Blogs